Chapter Eighty-Six

"Have you heard anything from him?"

Regulus glanced at Lily across the kitchen counter at her question, shaking his head.

Lily swallowed, eyes lowering, trying not to become too panicked by the fact it had been almost a week since the Battle of Hogwarts – since five of goodness knows how many more Death Eaters had been rounded up following the raid on Malfoy Manor and thrown into Azkaban – and, despite knowing Severus was not one of those five, neither had heard so much as a peep from or about him.

Other than the on-going new articles in the Prophet that continued to make reference to his treachery, at any and all available opportunity.

"Regulus –" Lily started, before he met her eyes, "Did he say anything to you? Before it happened?"

Regulus shook his head.

Lily glanced at the staircase that led upstairs – where Harry and Grace slept soundly in their beds – before she went on, quietly, despite the fact she'd cast the 'muffliato' charm.

"He came to me before the battle," she told him, uncertain if she even should, "He told me…he told me that he was going to have to do something – this – and that … that we all have to be united in this fight."

Regulus kept his eyes on her, considering the information – the tiny bit she had to share – before he nodded, opening up on what he knew.

"He orchestrated the fight we had. No doubt so that his defection would look as resounding as possible, from the Foundation as well as Hogwarts. But he said nothing of whatever it was he is planning. Certainly not that it was a premeditated event. But then, he couldn't. Not if what I think happened, happened."

"What do you think happened?"

Regulus was visibly hesitant, saying nothing for a moment, as he shifted where he stood, eyes on the countertop, before he finally went on. In one of his rare, serious tones that Lily only occasionally heard from him.

"Lily, I've known and worked with both of them for close to two decades now. Before he asked you to become involved in seeking out Slughorn – it was Dumbledore who hunted the horcruxes with me. You were never with me but you've heard –" Regulus cleared his throat, glancing away, "I've told you the various ways by which they are protected. Dumbledore was with me for the first three. The diadem. The ring…The locket," Regulus bit his bottom lip, raising his eyebrows, not looking at her when he went on, "And…there were things he asked me to do to him. Things that I…"

Lily kept her eyes on him, considering the words, the way he broke off – seeming unable to say, or even think, about what Dumbledore had asked of him and what he had seen while with him – and she nodded, slowly, when she realized he had wondered the same as she.

A thought that she hadn't been entirely convinced wasn't crazy.

"You think Albus ordered Severus to kill him."

Regulus met her eyes and she knew, when she looked into those grey haunted ones opposite, that it was exactly what he was thinking. What he seemed to think he knew.

"I think there is very few things that either of them wouldn't be willing to sacrifice to win this war. Their own lives and souls –" Regulus lifted his shoulders, " – I doubt either would consider those too high a price to pay for the ones they mean to protect and love."

Lily nodded, slowly, mulling the statement.

Regulus, himself, had just a few months ago asked her for help with the very same thing. Asked her to try and help him find a way to sever the bloodline between himself and his son so that he, too, could give his all he could, including his life, to the fight.

Dumbledore would too.

And Severus.

The creak of the stairs – soft footsteps on the carpet – drew both their attention to the far side of the room, just as Grace stepped off the bottom step, making her way towards the living room.

Lily lifted the muffliato charm; "Excuse me, young lady."

Grace jumped, spinning round to see them, where they stood in the dark in the middle of the night.

"Mummy."

Lily raised an eyebrow, unable to help a little smile that formed at her daughter's innocently, sheepish expression – one that only just concealed a little gleam of excitement that was underlying in her eyes – as she looked back at her.

"What do you think you're doing out of bed at this time of night?"

"I was looking for Father Christmas, Mummy," Grace pointed at the living room door, as if keen to go and look, "It's Christmas Eve so he might have come!"

"I don't think he's been yet, Sweetheart."

Grace frowned, crossing her arms as she approached where they stood, "How come Mr. Black is here? You'll scare Santa away if you're both not sleeping. Remember, you said we have to be in bed asleep or he won't come."

Lily smiled while Regulus chuckled, stepping towards her daughter and kneeling in front of her, "You are quite right, Sweetheart. I have far outstayed my welcome."

He reached behind Grace's ear and when he drew his hand back, he held up a coin.

Grace grinned and made to take it.

"Ah ah!" Regulus held up a finger and the coin transfigured into a sprig of holly, making Grace's grin widen as she carefully plucked it from his fingers by the stem, "Merry Christmas, Miss Grace."

Regulus pressed a kiss to Grace's forehead, before getting to his feet.

He gave Lily a smile as he passed – a reassuring squeeze of her arm – and headed back out into the night.

Lily looked at Grace, raising an eyebrow at her little girl, who was admiring her new gifted flower with a wide smile, twirling it carefully between her fingers, and Lily reached a hand out to her.

"Will we put out a bit more reindeer food and see if that makes up for keep Santa waiting?"

Grace nodded, eagerly, "Yes!"

She took her mum's hand and Lily accioed the jar of glitter and oats from the table, the two of them heading to the door.


Malachi walked quietly down the upstairs hallway of the house that – despite him having stayed there all summer – still didn't feel quite like home.

When he thought of home, he longed for Crail. The crash of the ocean coming to mind, the distant water meeting the sky on the horizon and the sirens of the boats and the bustle of the people in the center of the town.

And Emma MacLean, blue eyes sparkling as she smiled at him, sitting opposite on the rocks.

Malachi's eyes lowered, his steps coming to a stop outside his dad's bedroom.

His dad and Julia's.

Normally – in years past – he'd just march right in.

It was still a bit bizarre to him. Seeing his dad married – having a stepmum – the three of them living under the same roof.

It had always been just the two of them.

Some things were different.

Most, though, were still the same.

His dad was especially delighted and affectionate with both of them; showering Malachi with pride and love, praising his articles and his writing and his 'bravery' to the skies in the days since he'd come home and snuggling in close with Julia at every opportunity.

Seeming to be in his element as a father and husband, as if he'd been given everything he could have ever wanted.

And there was just as much laughter – more so, even, than there had been before despite the little shadow of darkness in his dad's expression when Malachi could see him become lost in thought, most likely about what had just happened at Hogwarts – and there were still smiles and jokes and his dad's annoying pranks, waiting to catch Malachi – or Julia, now, too – out.

But, as had always been the case in the past, his dad still slept at night with the bedroom door open.

Open, so that he could hear Malachi – anyone who might come for him – in the night, unable to rest whenever the door was closed.

His dad's paranoia still lingering – aware of the dangers lurking, waiting to strike.

The door wasn't open as wide as it used to be, but it was enough that Malachi could easily see inside.

Malachi peeked, curiously, from where he stood, seeing that the two of them were still sleeping, despite the fact it was Christmas morning and past nine.

That wasn't unusual either.

Malachi always woke first, in the past, and went in to waken him.

Today, though…well, any day, now that his dad had Julia in bed with him, it felt odd – intrusive – to even go into the room at all, much less when they were cuddled up close as they were, now, fast asleep.

Malachi eyed them.

His dad had Julia pulled in close, him tucked up behind her, with his arm wrapped around her; protective, even in slumber.

Malachi swallowed. Thought of Emma, again. And then Luna, who he had walked away from. Two who Malachi had no means – not in the way his dad did – of protecting.

Malachi glanced away, feeling sheepish, suddenly, for looking and made his way downstairs – noticing a little pile of presents out the corner of his eye under the tree in the far side of the room as he passed – and figured he'd just wait in the kitchen area until they decided to get up.

Malachi summoned Kreacher, asking him to make a breakfast for them – something hot and sweet – and the House Elf did so, so that something would be ready for them by the time they came down.

His dad emerged first, smiling blearily at him when he stepped into the room.

"Thought I heard you," his dad pressed a kiss to his head, "Merry Christmas, Son."

"Merry Christmas," Malachi smiled, before nodding at the freshly prepared breakfast, "Pancakes for you."

"Ah. You, my son, think of everything."

"Where's Julia?"

"Still asleep," his dad got a little smile, as he loaded up a plate of pancakes from himself, "Not sure if you've noticed. She's been a bit…worn down, the last few weeks."

"Oh. Is she okay?"

His dad's smile widened, as he nodded, "Oh. Yes. She's fine. Quite fine."

Malachi eyed him, easily picking up on the gleam in his dad's eyes, even if he wasn't looking directly at him.

Malachi rolled his eyes, knowing right away his dad was up to something.

"What?"

His dad chuckled, putting the plate down, and then he leaned on the counter beside him, meeting his eyes.

"Did you see your presents?"

"Um. Yea –" Malachi glanced at them, briefly, " – thank you. I was…just waiting for you both before opening them, though. Like always."

"Well –" his dad said, grinning like a total goon, "Well, there is something a little bit bigger we've got for you coming up that just might make those things seem a little – well – shoddy in comparison, if I do say so myself."

Malachi eyed him, a feeling of great unease coming over him at his dad's obvious delight, and he wondered if this was going to be something at his expense. Some revenge for making his dad go sky-diving that summer.

"What have you done?"

His dad laughed, lifting his chin, and smiling at him.

"You're going to be a big brother."

Malachi stared at him.

"Wha…"

Malachi frowned, peering at him, for any sign of a joke.

"Really?" Malachi whispered, brow lowering further, when all he was met with was his dad's continuing smile, at what he obviously considered to be good news.

His dad nodded.

Malachi smiled, elation coming over him suddenly, when he realized his dad was actually telling him the truth, before he laughed, "Really?"

"Big promotion coming your way, Son."

Malachi laughed again and flung his arms around his dad's neck, hugging him tight, "Why didn't you tell me right away?"

"Oh, I wanted it to be – call it a Christmas gift."

Malachi drew back, "When?"

"June. Happened pretty quickly after the wedding."

Malachi was surprised at that – knowing his dad was pretty beaten up around that time but didn't elaborate any further on that thought because that would just be grossbut Malachi nodded, smiling his approval – his own delight – at the news.

"June. Great! I'll be home from school. I'll be here for it."

His dad squeezed his shoulder, still smiling.

"That you will, Son. You'll be there to help out with all those night feedings that I was so very fond of when you were a nipper –"

Malachi snickered.

"And you can help pick out all those pretty little dresses we'll have her in, showing her off to the masses, our little Lady Black."

Malachi rolled his eyes, grinning, "It could be a boy, Dad. A brother."

His dad got a smaller smile at that, glancing away for a second, thinkingly, before meeting Malachi's eyes and nodding.

"Well. Brothers do have their moments, I suppose."

Malachi smiled.

His dad's eyes lifted from him, going over Malachi shoulder, "Aha! Sleeping Beauty awakens!"

Malachi followed his gaze, as Julia rolled her eyes, stepping into the kitchen and tying the knot of her nightrobe, with a smile that she cast between them both, "Giving someone the news, are you?"

Malachi smiled, warmly, at her and – giving her a proper look – could see that there was the tiniest hint of a bump that he hadn't noticed since he'd come home – probably still wouldn't have noticed if his dad hadn't told him – of his new baby brother or sister.

"Merry Christmas, Julia," he said, feeling shy in his elation and unsure of how to properly express how happy he was about it.

But Julia – never shy – smiled widely at him, seeming to pick up on exactly how he felt about it, and approached, pulling him into a hug and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"You too, Kid."

Before she could draw back, his dad stepped up, catching the two of them in a bear hug – "argh!" – and they laughed, the three of them, squeezed in tight together as his dad lifted his chin and smiled between the two of them.

"Let's make this a Christmas to remember, hm? Our first and last, just the three of us."

His eyebrows wiggled in the direction of Julia's stomach, before he stepped back, going back to load up the plates, as Julia climbed up onto the stool next to where Malachi sat.

The room quickly filling with conversation and smiles and laughter until, Malachi realized, that, actually, this did feel a lot like family. Even, a little bit like home.


Grace peered at the pile of presents under the Christmas tree from where she sat on the bottom stair in the living room.

She glanced impatiently back up the staircase behind her and hoped that her mummy and Harry wouldn't be so cross today as they had been all week, and she thought – hoped – they might feel better if they'd been given something nice, waiting under the tree.

She looked at the coffee table, where she knew some craft supplies were, and wondered if she had time to quickly make a picture for them. She could stuff them in their stockings and pretend Father Christmas made them. Her mummy always said made-gifts were better – more thoughtful – but she glanced heard footsteps creaking the floorboards above her and knew they wouldn't be long.

She didn't want to get a row for pretending to be Santa and getting a row for lying.

Especially on Christmas.

Grace shifted, moving agitatedly, getting more and more impatient when still neither her mum nor her brother came down the stairs.

Maybe she did have time to make something.

But Grace knew that – when she was sad – she didn't get as happy anymore or easily forget why she was upset, when her mum or Uncle Remus would try to distract her with ice creams or little toys or new books, the way she used to, and she wondered if it was because she wasn't so little anymore that it didn't work.

Old people never forgot anything.

And Harry was getting old now, too. Sometimes, when Grace looked at him, he looked way old. Taller than their mummy now and he'd spent almost the whole time since he'd came home frowning.

He never used to frown so much.

But Grace didn't really see Harry much until this year, she remembered. Usually, they only ever saw each other at the holidays.

The happiest times.

And Harry had been sad and angry almost all the time when they were both at Hogwarts together.

Lots of people were sad, now.

Even Mr. Black – who was always happy – wasn't really smiling the night before, when he'd given her the piece of holly.

He had just been pretending.

Maybe they were all pretending.

She'd heard people say all the time while she was at Hogwarts, that these were 'dark times'. They didn't look so dark – she glanced at the window – everything looked just the same.

It felt different, though, now.

Especially since Harry had come home for Christmas.

Grace sighed and got to her feet, her impatience winning out, and she turned and went back upstairs. She hesitated at her mum's door, opened a tiny crack, that she had been about to burst into, stopping when she heard a sniff.

Grace peeked through the gap, seeing her mum sitting on the edge of the bed, crying quietly.

Grace frowned, backing away, frightened.

She turned, hurrying as quietly as she could to Harry's door, not knocking in case their mum would hear her outside and pushed open the door, slipping inside.

Harry's head turned in her direction, from where he was still under the covers – not sleeping, just pretending, Grace realized – and he gave her a pretend smile.

"Hi, Grace."

Grace hurried up to him, giving him a hug, and she heard him chuckling and she buried in close, still frightened at seeing her mummy crying.

"Merry Christmas to you too," Harry murmured, pressing a kiss to her head, "Has Santa been yet?"

Grace just nodded, not pulling back, feeling a bit better with her brother's arms wrapped around her.

"Hey," Harry said after a minute, when Grace didn't want to stop cuddling him, and he dipped his chin to make her look at him, "Grace."

Grace met his eyes and he frowned – like he had been all week – looking worried, "What's the matter?"

"Are you sad again, Harry?" she asked him.

Harry shook his head, immediately, "No. I'm not sad. How could I be sad when my little Gracie's in here with me, hm?"

"Liar."

"Oi," Harry poked her side with his finger, smiling for real, now, "Watch it, cheeky."

"Mummy's sad," Grace whispered, looking back at the door, "She's crying."

Harry's smile went away, his shoulders dropping a bit, before he pushed himself to sit up in bed – "oh " – and once he was sitting he nodded at her, so that she'd climb up, so she did and cuddled back into his side.

"She's just missing someone, is all."

"Who?"

"Someone we've lost. Christmas sometimes make people think about them. The ones that aren't here with us."

"Oh," Grace frowned, eyes on the covers, before she said, "Like my dad?"

Grace felt Harry's arms tighten around her, felt the nod of his head against hers, and he said – sounding sad again; "Yeah. Yeah, like your dad."

Grace sat there, starting to feel sad, too – even if you shouldn't on Christmas – and then she asked, quietly, knowing that he wouldn't know, "Where did he go?"

Harry didn't say anything, just hugged her a little bit tighter, and Grace cuddled into him, not caring about presents or Christmas anymore. Just happy her brother was here.

There was a knock at the door before it pushed open and their mum popped her head in.

Grace and Harry looked at her from where they were cuddled on the bed, and she gave them both a smile – not looking at all like she'd been crying, back to pretending again – and said.

"I thought I heard you two in here. Never thought I'd see the day you'd be lying in bed when there's a big pile of presents waiting for you downstairs."

Neither of them moved, just smiling at her from where they were, Harry wishing her a "Merry Christmas, Mum" and when they didn't move, Grace held out a hand.

Their mum looked surprised but didn't wait, coming over right away, and took the hand Grace held out, so that she could tug their mum to sit on the bed beside them.

"Oh, well, this takes me back," her mum said with a little chuckle, as Harry and Grace shimmied across a bit so the three of them could fit, and she put her arms around both of them, pressing a kiss to each of their cheeks, and cuddled them both.

"Mummy."

"Yes?"

"It's okay to be sad. You don't have to pretend."

Grace didn't have to look up to know her mum and Harry were looking at each other – trying to come up with some old person plan that Grace wasn't allowed to know about – and then she felt her mum's lips press to the top of her head.

"You're right, Sweetheart."

Grace looked up, looking into her mum's eyes. And they still looked a little bit sad. But they looked a little bit happy, too, now and her mum gave her a smile, touching her forehead to hers, and Grace smiled back.

"Do you want to go downstairs and open your presents?"

Grace looked at her for a second.

And then she shook her head, snuggling back into her mum and Harry's arms, liking it better this way. No pretend smiles or sad frowns – just cuddles – and said, "Later, Mummy. This is better."

Grace knew they were surprised – that they were looking at one another again – but then she felt her mum and Harry move a bit, getting more comfy, and her mum's arms got a little bit tighter around them.

"Yes, it is," her mum said, quietly, nuzzling her nose into Grace's hair before giving her another kiss on the cheek.

Grace smiled.

She felt sad, now, though, like them.

And realised she was pretending, too.


"Aw, you cheated, Dad!"

"Cheated, moi?" Regulus placed a hand upon his chest in mock offence, while Julia tittered and Malachi rolled his eyes, before he pointed a playful finger at his son's chest, "You know, Son, I don't know where on Earth you get this competitive streak of yours from."

Malachi smirked and reached for the game cards and Regulus handed them over, with a smile, ruffling his hair before getting up from where the three of them were sitting around the coffee table, while his son shuffled them up getting ready for another game.

"Time for dessert, is it?" he said, heading over to the kitchen and pulling open the cooling unit.

"When is it not time for dessert with you, Black?"

Regulus grinned, pulling out the nearest of the two puddings, and headed over to the furthest counter by the sink to prepare it.

Regulus went to put it down, eyes lifting to the window, unexpectedly meeting a pair of black eyes staring straight at him through the glass.

He made a yelp of a sound as he jumped, the cake slipping from his hands and falling to the floor at his feet.

Malachi and Julia looked up, quickly.

"Regulus?"

"Aww, Dad, what are you doing?"

Regulus chuckled, nervously, pulling out and swishing his wand to clean up the mess, "Whoops! Looks like it's caramel cheesecake tonight, the strawberry's gone overboard!"

Malachi shot Julia a look – commiserating in his father's foolishness – before he started to deal the next round, while Julia met Regulus' eyes, a question in them, and Regulus waved a dismissive hand, shooting a smile her way.

He was careful to keep his eyes ahead as he went back towards the cooling unit to get the next one, eyes only glancing back in the direction of the window once he was sure Julia and Malachi were preoccupied once more, at the now-empty spot where Severus had just been.


"How's Harry doing?"

Lily glanced at Remus, noting his eyes on Harry with concern where he was in front of the fireplace with Grace, trying to get the little toy broom set up that she'd found under the tree that morning, and she sighed.

"Not great. There's only so much I can…"

She hesitated – for Remus knew nothing of the horcrux and probably very little to do with the connection he shared with Voldemort, either – and just shifted where they sat on the couch, reaching for the bottle to fill their glasses back up.

Even if they were both more than half-full already.

"And you?"

Lily bit her lip, meeting Remus' eyes, and he looked both concerned and uncertain, as if he might be crossing a line by even asking – by making nod to what Severus had done – and she just shook her head, saying nothing, lifting her glass to her lips.

"You know, must say, I was surprised you came here alone," Lily changed the subject when the silence stretched, their eyes still on the kids, "I had thought you'd bring along a guest."

Remus got a fond smile at the mention.

"Well. Dora doesn't know anything. I haven't told her. And…" his eyes were on Harry, "I wouldn't want her saying anything that might upset him. Either of you. She was more than happy to spend a little longer with her father after dinner, so I ducked out for a bit."

Lily looked at him, touched by the consideration.

"You didn't have to do that, Remus."

"No?"

"I'm sure we'll be hearing worse."

"Hm. I suppose you can't give me any indication of what's going on?"

Lily met Remus' eyes. Even if she did know anything, she doubted it was information she would be able to share. She shook her head, glancing away.

"Well. If you need anything…Even if you just wanted us to take Grace – Harry, too, if you needed it – at ours for a little while. Dora is rather fond of her."

Lily smiled.

"Thanks, Remus."

And then she turned teasing eyes on him, "Ours? Does that mean you two have finally taken the next step?"

Remus met her eyes, almost shyly, smiling and he cleared his throat, "Well. Now you mention it –" he shifted, " – just so happens that, this morning, we took a rather…larger step than that."

Lily's eyes widened, slightly, "Oh?"

Remus' shy smile became a grin then, lowering his eyes, "Um. Yes. I asked her to marry me. And – turns out – she was more than willing, so…"

Lily laughed then, head tilting back, before she put her glass aside and hugged him, "Oh, that's wonderful news, Remus."

She felt him hug her back.

"Hm. Yes. It – I … I am a bit surprised myself at it –"

"Oh, you shouldn't be," Lily shook her head, drawing back, beaming at him, lightened, herself, at the news – something good – that he'd given her, "She is lucky to have you. I'm so happy for you both."

Remus was both blushing and smiling at once, ducking his head, and then Grace pounced on him for behind, a look of glee on her face, "You're getting married, Uncle Remus?"

"That I am, Grace," he said, grinning at her over his shoulder.

"Harry, Uncle Remus is getting married to Tonks!"

"She said yes?"

"Yes, she did."

"I knew she would," Harry said, smilingly, from where he was still sat trying to connect up the broom, "That's fantastic."

"When?" Grace asked, eagerly, "Can I be a flower girl again? Like I was for Julia and Mr. Black? I was very good, Malachi said so when I asked him."

"Certainly you will, young lady," Remus chuckled her chin, making Grace giggle, "But it'll be a little while yet. Much rather wait until I've got a good length of time away from Hogwarts – wouldn't want our first few months married spent living apart, hm?"

"You're on holidays now!" Grace said, insistently, "Why not get married tomorrow? Mr. Black and Julia got married really quick after he asked her."

"So, they did. But I'm afraid one week might just be pushing that a bit."

"A week?" Harry lowered the broom, looking at Remus, uneasily, "Have you heard something? Are they wanting us to just go back as usual right after the holidays? As if nothing happened…It seems a bit soon after…"

Harry trailed off, not finishing his thought – though both she and Remus knew what it was – and Remus nodded.

"Yes, we were briefed yesterday. For the sake of the students, it was decided there should be as little disruption as possible. Hogwarts is one of the few things offering stability to a lot of children right now. Professor McGonagall is going to step into the role of acting Headmistress for the time-being and a temporary Transfiguration Professor assigned by the Ministry will be assigned to her normal duties, until a suitable replacement for –" Remus hesitated, shifting, and glancing away as if unable to say the name, " – until a suitable replacement can be decided. Assuming Minerva is not interested in the post herself permanently."

Harry's eyes were on the rug.

"Wha - what about Potions?" he asked, quietly.

"Potions?" Grace perked up, immediately, "What about Professor Snape?"

"Um – holidays. Away for work," Harry mumbled, glancing away, looking embarrassed to have asked.

Remus cleared his throat.

"Ministry-assigned replacement for him, too."

"Hurry up and fix the broom, please, Harry," Grace returned to his side, and Harry forced a smile at her, returning to the task at hand.

Lily met Remus' eyes when they were both distracted.

"I wasn't sure the school would open again, either. There must be some…concern amongst parents."

Remus nodded.

"There has been notice given in some cases of parents wishing to exercise their rights to educate their children at home next term. Some refusing to send their children back to the school for the foreseeable future."

Lily nodded, eyes going back to Harry.

"Were you thinking about doing that?" Remus asked, curiously.

Lily shook her head, meeting Remus' look, "No. Not unless Harry wants it. I imagine he'd go stir crazy stuck in the house all day while Grace and I are at the Foundation. You and I both know the manner by which the Death Eaters got into the building. I doubt that'd be happening again. And…well," Lily lifted her eyebrows, briefly, giving him a smile, "You'll be there."

Remus smiled, nodding.

"That I will. And I will certainly do my best to singlehandedly keep him out of mischief."

Lily grinned, rolling her eyes, before they went back in the direction of her kids.

"Good luck."


Severus had almost given up – prepared to just leave – by the time he heard it.

A disturbance in the undergrowth – a rustling of leaves and snaps of branches – that drew Severus' eyes to the tree line from where he was sat upon a fallen log in the shadows, some hours after he had arrived on the little island that Regulus and his family resided upon.

He could see a form up ahead – Regulus – looking searchingly, not yet able to see Severus where he waited, the welcome voice of a friend calling as he stepped further into the woods that concealed him.

"You know you could have warned me," Regulus called, voice carrying amongst the trees, as he continued to look for him, "I was in bed. Could have been doing some stretches."

Severus released a breath, hands coming up to cover his face.

He laughed. Laughed in spite of himself. In spite of the horrors. In spite of the cruel reality that had befallen them. In spite of all that was still to come.

Severus heard the footsteps rustle the leaves closer to him, coming to a stop, and he lowered his hands, meeting Regulus' eyes where he stood a few feet away from him.

Regulus smiled.

It was almost too much.

To be greeted by warmth and kindness.

Severus lowered his eyes to his hands, where they were clasped on his lap, words failing him.

Regulus came to him, handing over a plate of – what appeared to be – Christmas dinner – warmed back up – and took a seat on the fallen log beside him. He sat close enough that their thighs touched, and Severus knew that was for comfort that he would never ask for.

Severus lifted the fork and knife – doing his best not to look too famished – and tucked in, in lieu of anything he could come up with to say or explain.

The warmth and trust and unquestioning loyalty he had been met with in his friend's eyes driving it all away; far easier to come up with a response when confronted with indignation or fury or self-righteousness.

Severus had – of course – come to the wrong place for that.

And yet he was drawn there, unable to either bear or risk lingering in the shadows outside his own home.

"You know –" Regulus said, eventually, when the silence stretched on, eyes ahead rather than upon him, " – you quite left me for dead. And yet my son is entirely unwilling to believe you have turned against us."

The fork Severus had been lifting to his lips halted.

Their eyes met and Regulus gave him another smile, a slight nod.

"Yours, too."

Severus lowered his eyes, the suspended hand lowering back to his knee, at the words – the reassurance that Regulus had given him – that Harry still believed in him.

He fought down the immediate surge of emotion at the statement. Emotions that were far more welcome than the others that had toiled and knotted this past week.

But now was not the time.

That could wait until he was alone.

"How is she?" Severus asked, voice a murmur, not quite meeting Regulus' eyes.

"You know Lily. She's strong. But…I'm sure she'd appreciate seeing you for herself."

Severus nodded, slowly. Before clearing his throat.

"Three days from now. Ask her to come here, three am. If I don't make it, you find me here the next, and then the next, until I either do or you hear reason why I cannot."

Regulus looked at him, grimly at the implication, before he nodded, agreeing, and glanced back out at the trees and Severus lifted his fork, continuing to eat the food Regulus had given to him.

The two of them sat there, Severus eating and Regulus thinking, neither saying anything for a few minutes.

Until, Regulus finally made mention of the incident that had occurred at Hogwarts, in such a blasé manner, that one would never had guessed that Severus – for all intents and purposes – had just murdered a man who considered him a friend in cold blood, in the height of battle

"So, during these consultations with Albus in which he – I am assuming – somehow managed to convince you to sell your soul –"

Severus lifted his eyes skywards.

" – did he happen to leave any indication of my next steps? I have yet to receive my instructions and the war is getting on a bit."

Severus met his eyes, seeing Regulus looking at him, fondly.

Severus nodded, looking away from him and back to his food.

"You are far more astute than people give you credit for, Regulus."

He lifted his fork to his lips, eyes on nothing, as he took another bite.

"Not at all, Severus," Regulus leaned towards him, forehead pressing to his temple with a grin, "It was obvious."

Severus released a breath – a sound of amusement – for it was by no means obvious. But he simply lifted his fork, continuing to eat.

"You just keep doing what you're doing, Regulus."

"Nothing?"

Severus smiled a little into his food, shaking his head, not even deigning to dignify the statement with an answer.

Once he was finished, Regulus reached into his robes, pulling out a bottle of firewhiskey – opening it – and taking a swig, before he held it out Severus' way.

Severus did the same.

The two of them sitting there, drinking, in silence.

And Severus found that even the silence of understanding was enough to soothe. Allowing himself to linger far longer than he ought to. Until, seeing the flicker of the sun begin to rise on the horizon, he got to his feet.

Regulus stood with him.

"Come inside."

Severus glanced at the house – tempting as the offer might be – and shook his head.

"Due to the nature of the Dark Lord's connection with Harry, he must remain in ignorance of my true reasons – my true allegiance – and it would be unfair for your family, particularly Malachi, to have to maintain a lie with someone they share a trust."

Regulus looked back at him, unwaveringly.

"They can handle it."

Severus' lips twitched then. And he allowed a smile. Before he handed over the now-empty plate and passed him, hand giving the slightest pressure to Regulus' arm as he did.

Returning to his place at the Dark Lord's side


Severus did manage to make it, the night that he had told Regulus to have Lily wait for him.

Albeit somewhat later than planned, the timepiece telling him it was closer to four than three by the time he made it back to the clearing in the woods near to Regulus' Fidelius-protected home.

Neither Lily nor Regulus were waiting for him outside.

But he could see them both through the window of the lit kitchen as he approached – sticking to the shadows and the cover of darkness – making himself known by a single tap of his finger against the glass and a quick meeting of the eyes between himself and Regulus, before he ducked back against the wall.

The kitchen door opened, Regulus' head popping out the gap, and he indicated with a nod that he come in.

Severus hesitated.

"Julia and Malachi are spending the night at yours. She's taking care of the kids."

Severus didn't need any more convincing than that – that they would be entirely alone – to come into the house.

His eyes found Lily, where she stood at the edge of the counter, her eyes quickly skimming him – as if for any visible indications of injury or pain – and he had only a second to feel nervous, uneasy, at the conversation he knew was surely to come before she stepped forward, her arms wrapping around his neck and pulling him close.

Regulus, who stood a few feet behind, gave him a nod, before heading to the stairs and disappearing out of sight.

"Severus," Lily whispered, still holding him tight, "Oh my god."

Severus buried his face into her shoulder.

Into the warm, welcome comfort of her embrace, and when he closed his eyes, he could pretend this was just any other night. Their nights – any time they had – spent together was such a luxury, even before now, that this could be any one of their other reunions.

He need not be a fugitive – on the run – a murderer in the eyes of all who did not know him. Even some of those who did. For a moment, he could simply be hers.

Lily drew back only slightly, their faces close as their eyes met, and there was so much love that his breath caught as he looked at her.

"Are…are you okay?" she murmured.

It was one of the easier questions to answer. Still, he was not entirely honest when he did.

Severus nodded.

Lily raised an eyebrow – not buying it – and his lips twitched, before closing the tiny distance that had been made and he leaned his forehead to hers.

Continuing to just allow himself this moment, before the questions that would quickly follow.

They did not take long.

Lily drawing back, though her hands remained on his arms, when their eyes met again.

"Severus. What…what happened? Why did…" Lily closed her eyes, as if to compose her and gather her thoughts, "Why?"

Severus had rehearsed this so many times – thought about the exchange on numerous occasions – while he had stumbled through the world in the aftermath of what had been done.

What reason he would give to Lily when she finally asked him that very question.

Why.

Severus drew in a breath, before he finally told her.

"Dumbledore was infected – mortally so – during one of his attempts to destroy Regulus' gathered horcruxes," his response sounded as rehearsed as it actually was, his voice entirely calm, despite the erratic race of his heart and the tightness that clenched in his stomach, "It was…agreed between us that we should use his impending demise to our advantage."

Lily simply stared back at him for a moment.

Duly unimpressed at his emotionless recitation of what, exactly, had happened that night. The admittance that it had all been planned – for months – in advance of when the event occurred. Even if he had not fully committed to it, until the very night the deed had been done.

Lily drew in a breath, lifting her chin.

"So. We were right. Regulus and I…without even asking questions, he was convinced you'd done it under orders. Severus –" Lily broke off, shaking her head, as her hand came up, fingers pressed to her closed eyelids.

She stayed like that for a minute, almost entirely still, before her hand dropped and she finally ground out, meeting his eyes again, a fire in her own when she did.

"On Dumbledore's orders, no less. One of his great plans – no doubt in collaboration with his wish to sacrifice our son."

"Would you rather I had killed him of my own volition?"

"I would rather you hadn't killed him at all."

"Lily," Severus stepped closer, taking her hands in his, "Even if we are not willing to go through with Dumbledore's ultimate solution to the issue of the horcrux, it still remains essential that I secure my place at the Dark Lord's side. More so, even, should we refuse to do so. This act – by Dumbledore's wishes – ensures that place. We cannot allow the Dark Lord to learn of the truth behind his connection with Harry nor can we allow his reign to go unchecked."

"Severus, as far as everyone is concerned, you just murdered Albus Dumbledore in cold blood. There is no coming back from that for us –"

"Maybe not," Severus conceded, knowing it was the truth, "But there is more at stake here. The Dark Lord is going to win, Lily. It is only a matter of time. And this has now become – has always been – about more than just us. It is about our children's future. Regardless of whether or not that includes me is now irrelevant; there is no future for them so long as the Dark Lord rises and Dumbledore's fall was inevitable. It was logical - essential - that every available method to eventually frustrate and stem the nature of the rule that the Dark Lord seeks to impose upon our lives be utilised. Regulus does not ask questions because he has seen it. The reality. Look at the werewolves – Lupin – and why he conceals what he is. Registrations of their existence, outcast, unemployment, no life worthy, even, of living – so long as anyone knows the truth of what they are – and that is what we are looking at for muggleborns. Only worse. It will become a crime simply to exist as a muggleborn, as the offspring of muggleborns, to dare be born with magic in their veins – in your veins – and, even then, that is not the worst of it. It is a future of darkness, of violence, of suppression for all, from which there will never be peace. We cannot allow this. Not when it is in our power to stop it."

"Our power?" Lily repeated, though her eyes were uncertain now, at his words – words, the truth of what he had known, finally spoken – and she lifted her shoulders, "And how are we two people supposed to combat that, when no one knows who you – who we – truly stand with?"

Severus nodded, squeezing her hands.

"Not only we two. We will just play our part. As will others."

Lily frowned at him, still not entirely aware of what it was he was saying, before he stepped away, calling Regulus back down into the room.

It took a minute for him to emerge, Regulus glancing between them when he eventually did, curiously, looking – for all intents and purposes, judging by his new attire – as if he had planned to simply go to bed following Severus' arrival.

Severus rolled his eyes, shooting him a look, while Regulus lifted his shoulders – looking entirely baffled that he had been summoned before them – and Severus cleared his throat, before he put voice to the plan that he and Dumbledore had finally come up with, that just may turn the tide of victory in their favour.

"We all know what is coming. With Dumbledore gone it is only a matter of time."

Regulus leaned on the counter, eyes lowering, while Lily stared back at him, waiting.

"I am going to maintain my place in the Inner Circe - I am very well received at present moment, as you can well imagine - and I am going to be feeding information –" Severus nodded at Regulus, " – to you."

Regulus straightened, looking immediately bewildered – even more so, than before – at Severus' statement.

"To me?"

"Yes," Severus said, steadily, knowing this may take some convincing, "You, Regulus, are going to mobilise and unite those who would stand against the Dark Lord and, together with the Order, we will thwart his endeavours as he makes his full ascension."

"What?" Regulus laughed, as if it were the more ridiculous suggestion in the world, "That's - Severus - I don't have that kind of influence -"

"The "People's Sweetheart" – the founder of the Aurelius Foundation and the father of the most inspirational Max E. MacLean – doesn't have the influence to unite the people?"

Regulus shook his head, sceptical as ever about his own worth, lips twisting in something that wasn't quite a smile.

"I am no Albus Dumbledore -"

"Regulus," Lily interrupted him.

And, when they both looked at her, Severus could see that she was thinking about it. Really thinking about it. And she met Regulus eyes, the fire that had previously been directed towards Severus – against what he had done – now behind what he was suggesting,

"He's right," Lily said, with a certainty in her voice, "The people, they'd follow you."

Regulus eyed her.

Lily turned more towards him, "Regulus, yours and Julia's wedding was attended by hundreds. Hundreds whom Voldemort showed up and threatened to murder if you didn't go down to those gates and you went down – without question – within minutes, even when they told you not to. Even when they would have stood with you, then. Those people – they will follow you. They'd stand with you, just as your family does –" she glanced at Severus, " – and we do."

Severus gave a slight nod at her and met Regulus' eyes.

Regulus still looked sceptical. But, after a moment, he gave him a nod, agreeing to the plan.

Severus' lips twitched, as Lily turned to him.

"Severus, what about you? You'll be –"

"I am to be instated as Headmaster at Hogwarts. Upon the fall of the Ministry."

"The fall of –"

"We can expect it within a month, if not sooner, assuming the current methods being deployed by him are successful."

Lily stared at him, horrified.

"He would place you there – at Hogwarts – after what was done - amongst those who consider you an enemy, facing their hatred over a crime you didn't -"

"I think he believes it would be a rather enjoyable show, indeed."

"Severus, you would be alone amongst those who - wrongly - despise you, every day –"

"I will not be alone," Severus said, assuredly, "I will have Lupin."

Lily stared at him, almost dumbstruck by the implication. An expression quite shared with Regulus. Though Severus rather guessed it was that he had suggested it, that stunned them, rather than the suggestion itself.

"Remus?"

"He has doubts," Severus said, without preamble, knowing it to be true for the imbecile had very nearly cast said doubt that night in front of everyone he meant to fool, "Reveal to him the truth of what I have told you tonight – ensure it is him and only him who knows of it – and if he is willing, have him report to me in the first instance while at Hogwarts."

"I'll talk to him."

"Then it's settled. Assuming he agrees, Lupin and I shall take them from the inside; he will be my eyes and ears on the grounds of Hogwarts and, together, we will protect the students while I will be your eyes and ears in the Circle and, together, you two will work with the Order to minimise as much damage and advancement that the Dark Lord attempts to make."

Lily shared a look with Regulus – who still looked less than convinced by the plan, particularly as related to himself – but both nodded.

"Severus," Lily stepped towards him, taking his hands, with a look of obvious concern, "Even with Remus with you –"

"My concern is not for myself," Severus told her, eyes glancing between them, "Under no circumstances are the boys to return to the school at the end of the holidays. Should the Ministry fall while they are there, it will be impossible to remove them before the Dark Lord can reach them. And I imagine you are both aware that the moment it happens, the roles between you all and I will reverse. All of you – the boys and our families – will become fugitives. The Ministry Aurors, if not the Death Eaters, themselves, will come for you. Yourself –" Severus nodded at Lily, before meeting Regulus' eyes, "And your wife, for being muggleborn. And you and our sons for your crimes against him. You need to be ready."

Neither of them argued it – most likely they would have come to the conclusion themselves, but there was no time to waste – and Severus went on.

"Soon, I will be unreachable. In the meantime, it will be down to the two of you to do all you can to ensure that everything is prepared and in place so that at the point when the Ministry falls, the resistance will rise."

The two of them were silent. Digesting the direness of the circumstances that were slowing advancing upon them. The circumstances that simply could not be permitted to become their children's future.

Regulus pursed his lips together.

"Well. No pressure at all then," Regulus said lightly as he crossed his arms, lifting his eyebrows, "Where even to start, I wonder."

Severus' lips twitched at Regulus' tone.

"Where else, Regulus?"

Regulus looked back at him, knowingly, as Severus smirked, raising an eyebrow.

"The Foundation."

Regulus lifted his chin, getting a smile.