Chapter Three: The Templar Ceremony

James walked into the banquet hall in his best dress shorts and button up shirt. His shorts came down to mid shin, and were solid olive drab in color. His shirt was a dark blue with black buttons, specially make to remained untucked. He was also wearing a dark green tie, although it was loosely hung around his neck. He was wearing his usual sandal shoes and fingerless gloves, although they looked fairly new and were black in color, not like the ones he wore at the World Cup.

The Delacour's had left after an argument between Sirius and Sebastian. They hadn't heard anything until the list of dates came to them. Sirius had picked a date and refused to talk about what happened. James was confused, and the silence wasn't helping. Bellatrix had tried to help, and although the distraction had been helpful, he was back to thinking about them again.

Sirius walked in with his date, a werewolf that Moony had introduced him too. It was an honor that the stygian men enjoyed, bonding with magical creatures instead of normal witches. It was done to strengthen the bloodline. Even though Sirius had fixed his reproductive problem, he still enjoyed the act of procreation. In fact James had heard it many times from down the hall. That was one reason he started listening to music while he slept.

Sirius stopped beside James, "Sebastian asked that you find him before you join Fleur. He said he has something to ask you about the diary."

James nodded and went to Sebastian, who was talking to Minister Fudge. Sebastian smiled when he saw James, "The guest of honor. Excuse me if you would Cornelius, I have something to discuss with James here."

Fudge nodded, "Of course. Nice to see you again Harry Potter. You looking forward to receiving your Order of Merlin?"

James gave him a fake smile as he shook the man's hand, "Of course Minister Fudge. I look forward to talking more after the ceremony if I'm not too busy."

Sebastian pulled him away and to a quiet corner. He sighed as he seemed to be on edge, "The diary said the imprint could be broken if developed within the same family. It apparently had happened before. The difficult part is that two of them don't want it broken. I can't tell you which two, but you may have already guessed. To break the imprint on two of them, the third must be claimed. I have to ask, do you plan of claiming Apolline? We talked and agreed reluctantly that if you wish, I will allow it if you allow me to remain with her as well. Our bond is strong, and I fear breaking it may kill me."

James was shocked that they even thought he would do that, "NO! I don't plan of claiming Mrs Delacour. I would never do that to you and your family."

Sebastian seemed to relax a little, still looking unsure, "What about Gabrielle? She is too young to know what this imprint will do to her. She says she'll accept it, but her having it scares me. I must beg you not to claim my youngest. She is far too young."

James shook his head, "No, I'm sorry but I can't see Gabrielle like that. She is too innocent, too pure. I can't believe you would even think that of me."

Sebastian gave a great sigh of relief, "I know it was wrong to think that, but I had to ask to make sure. Fleur was sure you would pick her, and she told me to tell you that she would be honored. She is actually waiting for you at the head table. I have already told Apolline your choice, and although Gabrielle is saddened, the entire family thanks you. Now, the feast is about to begin. You will be seated at Fleur's left side."

James sighed, wondering what he could have gotten himself into this time. He found the table to see Fleur dressed much like him. She wore a simple black skirt that reached mid thigh, a button up shirt that was bleach white, and a red tie that she wore like he wore his. She wore simple black sneakers and white fingerless gloves. Her nails were painted black, to match James' natural ebony nails. Her hair was pulled back in a single braid that she let hang over her shoulder instead of down her back.

Gabrielle tried to sit in James' lap again, but Apolline kept her in her chair, leaning in and speaking in French, "Don't Gabby. She has to bond with James. She already initiated the bond, now he has to accept. You can't distract him right now. Once they bond, you will be able to see him more often."

James leaned into Fleur, "What's this about a bond? Is this something I should know before the ceremony starts?"

Fleur blushed, "I will tell you, but not now. Wait until no one can hear us and I will explain. Can you wait that long?"

James nodded, "Of course. I'll wait as long as you promise me to tell me before I have to leave tonight."

Fleur nodded, "I promise." Suddenly food appeared on their plates. James noticed his plate was piled with meat. He had a steak, a boneless pork chop, and a boneless chicken breast. A secondary plate had mashed potatoes and grilled mushrooms. Fleur smiled slightly, "It appears someone thinks that you eat like a dragon."

James shrugged, "They aren't far off. The only difference is I eat asparagus and kale as well. Most people forget that dragons eat greens as well." Suddenly a third plate of steamed kale and baked asparagus was on the other side of his plate.

Fleur giggled behind a smirk, "Looks like the elves are listening. We should eat while we can. There will be a dance after dinner followed by the awards then a meet and greet. We won't have time later to eat."

James ate quickly but politely, finishing before the others. He sat quietly, trying not to listen to conversations going on around him. He felt Fleur's hand on his arm and activated his menace, thinking that was what she wanted. She squeezed his arm slightly, "No, I just wanted the contact. We are to be bonded, shouldn't we like the contact of each other."

James deactivated his menace, placing his other hand on hers, "Sorry. I wasn't thinking properly I guess."

Fleur smiled at him, "Don't be sorry. Every other time I touched you was for the menace. I understand the confusion. I do ask that you activate it when we dance if you don't mind. I fear for myself with all these men near me. Here I'm safe, but out there is a different story."

James squeezed Fleur's hand, giving her what he hoped was a comforting smile, "Of course I'll do that for you."

James looked at Apolline and Gabrielle, and the reason he was here came back to him, "How do I accept this bond? I want to free your Mom and sister from the imprint."

Fleur chuckled, "If you are sure you want to do it now, just open your mind and heart to me. Think about the place you are safest, and once there focus your heart into an object that you feel comfortable with. When I project myself there, allow me to open you heard and place my hand inside. The contact should solidify the bond."

James closed his eyes, feeling something through the contact she had on him. Soon he stood before Grimmauld Place, bright comforting light spilling from inside. He could see his family inside, his Auntie Bella, his cousins Nymphadora and Andromeda, and Sirius. He stood staring at it for some time before he felt a presence beside him. He pointed to his home, "There it is, my safe place and my heart."

Fleur took his hand, smiling at him lovingly, "Come with me. We'll step inside together." They stepped forward together as the door opened for them. They stepped inside together, the bond growing solid. It connected them in ways they weren't expecting, their minds and hearts calling to each other. They each opened their eyes and looked at each other, emerald green meeting sapphire blue. A grin was on each of their faces. Apolline and Gabrielle felt the imprint break, Apolline comforted that she didn't have to cheat on her husband. Gabrielle frowned, but turned to her sister, speaking in French, "You must promise that I get to share him. That was our deal."

Fleur scowled at Gabrielle as she responded in French as well, "After how we've been treated, you still look at him as an abject instead of a person. I can't believe you would say such things Gabby."

James shook his head, "I'm not a prize to share. I will be a part of your family, so you will be able to see me as often as you would like. But please, don't look at me like a possession that can be traded between sisters."

Gabrielle's face fell as shame etched its way across her features, "I'm sorry James. I didn't mean anything by it. I shouldn't have said that."

James gave her a smile, as well as a way out if she wanted it, "You are young, I know you didn't fully think before you spoke. I was the same way when I was younger."

Gabrielle understood what he was doing and bowed her head slightly, "Thank you for understanding. I will try to do better in the future."

Suddenly a bell was rung and Fleur stood, "Come James, it's time for the dance. I hope you know the steps."

James followed her onto the dance floor, activating his menace to mask her allure, "I dance with Auntie Bella all the time. Remember, her psyche is not just broken, but shattered. When she wants to be happy, she tried to relive her happiest memories. She remembered the ballroom on her seventeenth birthday, and how much fun it was for her. So when she wants to be truly happy, she dances with me to relive that memory. I know she doesn't lust for me, I'm just the person she feels most safe with. We will have to assure her that you aren't trying to steal me from her. She won't understand until we do."

Fleur nodded as they started to dance, "I understand. I will talk to her. I hope to one day earn her trust as well. We are family now."

James looked at her, "Family? That bond was the equivalent to marriage? We are married now in the eyes of others?"

Fleur suddenly felt worried, "No, just the fey, and magic itself. We can still have a wedding for family and friends. I'm so sorry, I thought you knew what it meant to be bonded to me. Do you wish to break it? We can if you wish, I won't stop you."

James sighed, shaking his head, "No, I won't break it. I figure something bad happens if a bond is broken once it is solidified. I would never do that to you and your family. I just ask that from now on, we be completely honest with each other. I swear to never lie to you. I admit I may hold back from the full truth, but I would never lie to you."

Fleur nodded, "I understand. I will swear as well, to always tell the truth. I may hold back from the full truth, but I will not lie." She leaned forward, placing her head on his shoulder, "You are my husband in the eyes of the fey and magic itself. You will receive a letter soon telling you exactly what I say to you now. You will also have to meet my family, and I would like to meet yours if possible."

James nodded, "You met most of them already. The only one you haven't met is my cousin Andromeda. She's Nym's mother and Auntie Bella's sister. There is also her husband Ted, but he isn't around much, since Auntie Bella doesn't like him and we try not to upset her."

Fleur looked at her sister who looked miserable, and she smiled, "Would you please dance with Gabby? I know she would appreciate it. I must dance with my father, so you can dance with her if you don't mind."

The dance ended and Sebastian approached James, "May I cut in? It is a custom for one the father have one dance with his daughter on their wedding day."

James released her, bowing slightly, "Of course, Sir. I have been told I have another dance partner as well." He walked up to Gabrielle and held out a hand with a bow, "May I have this dance, my Lady?"

Gabrielle pouted, "I don't know how to dance. I haven't had lessons yet. I'd just embarrass myself if I tried."

James smiled, "Stand on my feet. I'll do the dancing, you just relax and try not to fight it okay?" He escorted her to the dance floor, allowing her to stand on his feet before he started moving. She smiled as she glided across the dance floor with James. He smiled at her, "See, it isn't that hard is it?"

Gabrielle laughed as they danced for two songs, pouting slightly when Apolline tapped her on the shoulder, "May the Mother of the Bride cut in?"

James started dancing with Apolline, the woman smiling, "You dance divinely James. You must have had a good teacher."

James chuckled and he nodded, "My Auntie Bella had sore feet for awhile, but I was a quick study she said." He looked at her again, "Please forgive me for the imprint, Mrs Delacour. If I had known, I would have done something to break it immediately. I didn't want to cause any trouble between you and Mr Delacour."

Apolline smiled, "I understand, and so does Sebastian. We don't hold it against you James, so don't feel bad. And I must ask that you call me Maman, or Apolline at least. You are my son now. You know the truth about the bond don't you?"

James nodded his head, "Of course, Fleur told me everything I needed to know. We are married in the eyes of the fey and magic itself. She also said that she could have a wedding for friends and family. I would like to have one so my Auntie Bella could be there, as well as some of my friends from Hogwarts. I know exactly who I want to be my Best Man, or should I say Best Woman."

Apolline laughed, "I'd like to meet them some day. You are family, and I would like to know what made you the man you are today."

James expression darkened, and Apolline backed away slightly, "I don't like to talk about my past. Only Padfoot and Auntie Bella know what I been through, and they swore not to tell anyone."

Apolline pulled herself forward once again, "Is it truly that bad? I can see the burn on your face, and the scars on your arms and legs, and we saw your chest that day in the woods."

James sighed, "If you and Mr Delacour must know, come to Grimmauld Place tomorrow and I'll have the memories ready. I won't be there, I don't want to be near them anymore, but you can see them if you want. I just ask that you don't judge me for what you see, and you don't treat me any differently than you do now."

Apolline was whisked away by her husband, and James found himself in the arms of Fleur once again. She looked conflicted before looking James in the eyes finally, "I didn't tell you how connected we are earlier, and when you felt that swell of hatred, the bond unlocked and I was able to see into your mind. I saw you talking to Maman. I know that must feel like lying to you, but I swear it would take longer for the connection to unlock that. I was going to tell you, I swear."

James nodded, looking concerned, "Did you see anything else while you were in my head? Anything I've been trying to keep secret from everyone?"

Fleur nodded, "Yes. When you anger flared I saw everything that made you angry. I know it wasn't everything you went through, but it was enough to understand why you want to keep it secret. I won't tell, but I ask that I be able to see with Maman and Papa. I know it's up to you to share when you want, which is why I'm requesting instead of doing it without permission."

James sighed heavily, "Yes, you can see as well. I just ask that you don't judge me and don't treat me any differently."

Fleur nodded, "I will show you my past to make up for it. It isn't bad like yours, but it will let you know me in a way you don't now. I know it isn't the same but…"

James pulled her into a tight hug, "That's fine. I know you are trying, and I appreciate it. I would love to see your past."

Minister Fudge and Sebastian got everyone's attention while standing on a platform. Fudge smiled at James,"Today we are here to honor Harry Potter with the Order of Merlin First Class and the Ordre des Templiers. Please, step up here and receive your rewards."

James walked onto the platform, smiling as he received an amulet that was the Order of Merlin. It was a chain of white gold, enchanted to never break. The amulet itself was a ring of a great serpent trying to eat its own tail, wrapped around a sapphire etched with bits of emerald in it, to represent the world. James was told it was Ouroboros, a symbol in ancient magic. It was a duplicate of the one worn by Merlin when he walked the Earth. Next was the Ordre des Templiers, a golden ring decorated with an opal that had a ruby cross in the middle. Sebastian placed the ring on James right middle finger. The ring resized instantly, recognizing James as the one worthy of wearing it.

Pictures were taken with James standing with both Ministers, then alone with each while shaking their hands. After the pictures, James was shown to people who wanted to met him. Fudge kept introducing him as Harry Potter to the men and women they came across. Sebastian finally pulled James into a quiet corner, "Why does Fudge still call you Harry Potter when you prefer James?"

James rolled his eyes, "He wants Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived. He doesn't care about James, the kid who doesn't like the fame. I only allow it because my life would be so much worse if I fight it. Those who are important to me know I prefer James, and that's good enough for right now."

Sebastian nodded, "Of course James. Do you want me to introduce you as James Black or Harry Potter to the others?"

James sighed, "Harry Potter is fine I guess. Just when I meet your family, can I be James Black? I would prefer that over Harry Potter."

Sebastian nodded, "Of course James. You will always be James Black to our family. I'll make sure of that." His expression changed lightly as he continued, "I also want to think for permission to see your past. It warms my heart to know you trust us with your secret."

James nodded, looking out to Fleur, who was talking to Apolline and Gabrielle, "You deserve to know. You should know who your daughter married, all of it, the good and the bad." He straightened his back and squared his shoulders, "Let's get back before Fudge starts to worry."

Line Break

Sebastian, Apolline, and Fleur walked into the study of Grimmauld Place, seeing Sirius and Bellatrix standing by the Pensieve. Fleur stepped forward and bowed to Bellatrix, "Mrs Lestrange, I want to ensure you I have no intentions of stealing James away from you. I would prefer you look at this as gaining another cousin to talk to if need be. I understand sometimes you need a female to talk to, and I would like for you to think of me as someone you can talk to if you would like."

Bellatrix studied Fleur for some time, a sudden smile on her face, "Call me Auntie Bella and we will see how this works out. I can see James trusts you, so I will see if I can trust you as well."

Sirius looked down at the Pensieve, "Bella and I have seen this already, but we are going in to make sure you can handle it. It it gets to be too much we'll force our way out. You ready?"

Sebastian and Apolline went first, followed by Sirius. Bellatrix looked at Fleur, "You are going to watch the whole thing. I'm going to make sure you know exactly James is. You won't close your eyes and you won't look away. Do you understand?" Fleur nodded and entered the Pensieve followed closely by Bellatrix. Once they were all inside Sirius started the memories. Apolline was the first to back out, followed by Sebastian after a few minutes. Bellatrix was true to her word, she kept Fleur inside to see everything. Fleur also kept her word, never closing her eyes or looking away.

By the end Fleur came out and threw up much like Apolline had done, while Sebastian was fighting the sick that threatened to come up. Sirius looked at the three Delacour's, "That is James. He is a strong young man, stronger than I can ever be. He went through that hell and came out unchanged. Can you honestly say you could have done the same?"

Apolline tried to stop her tears, "I can understand why he asked for us to not judge him for what he went through. If I didn't know the kind and gentle man he was, I could swear that would change anyone into a monster."

Sebastian nodded, "He is a better man than I'll ever be. I can see why he's so protective over those he finds dear. I feel bad for anyone who gets in his way when he feels the need to protect."

Bellatrix looked at Fleur, "What do you think? Do you regret bonding with him now? Will you leave him and find another?"

Fleur looked at Bellatrix, determination in her eyes, "NO! I have bonded with James because I thought I needed him, and I'll remain bonded to him because he needs me. He needs unconditional love, and I swear on my magic that I will give that to him."

Bellatrix smiled, "Good. I'll make sure you do. I love James more than I love myself. He is the only reason I'm here now and not dead. I love that boy with all that I am, and I will make sure you give him the love he needs."

Sirius laid a hand on Bellatrix's shoulder, "That's enough Bella. She already swore, you can calm down. Think how James would feel if you hurt her."

Bellatrix scowled, but backed away, "I'll be upstairs in my room. Tell James to come see me when he gets back." She then stormed upstairs without looking back. It was a few minutes later that James walked through the door, seeing the Delacour's still in the study. He was about to ask questions when Sirius held up a hand, "Bella's in a mood. She requested you when you came in. She said she would be in her room." James nodded and headed upstairs. Sirius looked at Fleur, "Why don't you go as well. It's on the third floor, the door with the plaque that reads Bellatrix."

Fleur made her way upstairs and stopped outside the door. She could hear Bellatrix crying and James humming to her. Fleur knocked before entering, seeing Bellatrix laying down with her head in James' lap. James was running his fingers through her hair, humming while she cried, He looked up at Fleur and nodded slightly that it was okay. She sat on the floor, holding Bellatrix's hand as they both hummed to her. Bellatrix was soon asleep, and James moved to where he could stand and Bellatrix was laying on her pillow.

He gripped Fleur's hand and led her out of the room and to one with James on a plaque. He opened the door and Fleur was surprised to find it clean. There were no clothes in the floor, no underwear out and about. There were posters on the walls of bands, some of which she hadn't heard before. She eyes one with a glass pyramid on it, light shining at it and changing to the color spectrum. She pointed at it with a raised eyebrow, "What is Metallica?"

James smirked, "It's a muggle band. Padfoot wanted me to be open to music from both worlds, and I have to admit, there is almost no difference except lyrics, and even sometimes that would surprise you. You want to hear something?"

Fleur nodded, and James pulled out a record labeled The Rolling Stones. He started his record player, and placed the record on the turntable. Music started playing, and Fleur had to admit she liked it. She listened to the lyrics, and even sang along to the chorus after hearing it once to get the words right. They continued to listen to music, unaware that the Delacour's and Sirius were standing in the doorway watching them.

Suddenly Sirius cleared his throat, "Pup, you ready for lunch? Sebastian and Apolline offered to take you out to eat. I'll stay here with Bella, so you don't have to worry about her. Have fun."

James stopped his record player and put his records away. He then grabbed the robe that could pass as a coat with a hood and pulled it on. Sebastian knew it was because of his arms and legs, and knew shorts and short sleeves were so he could stay cool instead of sweltering because of his stygian nature. He pulled his hood up and helped Fleur to her feet, "I'm almost ready, let me grab my wallet."

Fleur watched him grab a piece of folded leather from his dresser and raised an eyebrow, "Why are you bringing that?"

James unfolded it, showing a piece of plastic with his picture and address on it. There was also a plastic card with his name and a string of numbers on it. In a bigger flap was muggle money, more than she thought he should carry. He smiled at her, "It's called a wallet, and as you see it let's you carry important stuff with you safely. I'd like a picture of you all to carry in it also."

He showed them the pictures he already had in there. They weren't magical pictures, but showed James with Sirius, some with Bella, some with a girl with bushy brown hair and slightly oversized front teeth, and some with a girl with sandy blonde hair and eyes that looked slightly bulbous that gave her a permanently surprised look. Fleur couldn't help the jealousy that gripped her suddenly, "Who are the girls? They must be important if you carry their pictures."

James folded his wallet back and slipped it into his front left pocket, "They are friends from school. You don't have to worry about them, they don't see me the way you see me. I swear, they are just friends. If fact I was going to ask Hermione to be my Best Woman at the wedding."

He put on a pair of glasses that hid his slightly slitted pupils and replaced them with ordinary pupils. He also activated a glamour that hid his facial scars. Fleur frowned slightly, "Why did you do that? I liked how you were before."

James smiled, "I know, but there are no magical diners around here, just muggle ones. I don't want them to look at us like we're Freaks. It's still me, just hidden so people don't stare."

Apolline and Fleur took James' arms, his menace hiding their allure so people don't stare at them. They still caught people's eye, but it wasn't dazed and lust filled. James showed them his favorite diner, walking inside and saying hi to the man behind the counter, "Hey Mario. Can I get my normal booth in the back, or is it taken?"

The rotund man with smile lines and a giant grin laughed, "For you James, it's always free. Go sit and I'll be with you shortly." He then turned to the back and yelled through a window, "Luigi, James is here. You know the order."

James sat in a booth that remained hidden from the rest of the diner by a curtain and a wall. Apolline and Fleur sat next to James, Apolline holding his elbow while Fleur held his hand. Soon the man called Mario appeared, "You regular in cooking now James. What can I get your friends?"

Sebastian ordered the Cajun catfish with greens, Apolline ordered the grilled chicken salad with vinaigrette, and Fleur ordered a fish stew called bouillabaisse. Soon Mario came back with Apolline's salad and James' order, scrambled eggs, grits, and sausage gravy mixed together in a bowl with a side of sausage patties and sausage links as well as bacon.

Sebastian urged Apolline and James to eat while their food was still good. James ate slower than he had at the ceremony, but still quicker than the Delacour's did. They now knew why as well, Harry Potter had to eat fast or it was taken away and he was starved. They each tried to keep the sadness from their eyes as Mario returned with Sebastian's plate and Fleur's stew. The rotund man smiled, "Let me know when you are ready for round two." He turned to James, "How's your Auntie Bella? Tell her she is welcome to come back with you anytime. I think Luigi has a crush on her."

James laughed, "I'll tell her, but I don't think Padfoot is going to let her out any time soon. She's been in a mood lately." Mario walked away and James turned to the Delacour's, "Mario and Luigi are brothers, twins actually, and both are squibs. So they know about the magical world while living in the muggle world. That's why I love this place. That and you can order just about anything and they'll fix it for you."

Soon Mario was back with menus once again, "Round two. Take your time, I'll be right back." Apolline looked at the menu, surprised at the variety it showed. Sebastian ordered the blackened fish and the order to surprise him on the side. Apolline ordered the chicken parm, asking for extra cheese and light on the sauce. Fleur ordered the Zuppa Tuscana with seasoned bread sticks. James smirked and ordered his regular.

They are their second round and Mario brought out dessert menus. Both Sebastian and Apolline ordered something light, while Fleur couldn't decide between the chocolate mousse and the triple fudge brownie. James looked at Mario, "I'll have the brownie, and Fleur will have the chocolate mousse." Mario nodded and in no time he had brought dessert to them. Sebastian and Apolline thanked him for bringing them a single plate of lace cookies. James cut a large bite from his brownie and looked at Fleur, "Open up."

Fleur smiled before opening her mouth to accept the bite. Her eyes went wide and rolled back in her head as she moaned in pleasure. Apolline chuckled, "You found the way to her heart James. Chocolate soothes the savage beast. Fleur has a giant sweet tooth, and her favorite is chocolate. She loved dark chocolate the most."

Fleur blushed as she glared at her mother, "Maman, don't tell him all my secrets. I want some stuff for him to discover by himself."

James still fed her some bites of the brownie as she ate her mousse. She had been slightly upset when she noticed she had eaten most of the brownie until James told her that he ordered it for her. She tried to get him to try some of her mousse, but he confessed that he didn't like sweets very much. Fleur was surprised at this fact, thinking back to every meal she had with him, surprised that he hadn't eaten dessert, instead giving it to Fleur or Gabrielle.

They made their way back to Grimmauld Place, surprised to see Nymphadora and a woman they hadn't been introduced to. James stepped for ward, "You all know my cousin Nym, well this is her mother, my cousin Andi."

The woman extended a hand, "Andromeda Tonks. It's a pleasure. I wish this were a social visit. There is bad news I'm afraid."

James started to back away, his eyes wide with fright, "Where's Padfoot and Auntie Bella? What happened Andi?" Andromeda tried to step forward and calm him with a hug, bug he slipped out of her grip, "Where are they Andi?"

Andromeda finally let the tears fall that she had been holding back, "Bella passed. There was an undiagnosed blood clot in her brain. She didn't suffer, she passed in her sleep. Please James, I know how you feel. Don't blame yourself, there was no way of knowing."

Fleur managed to hug her bondmate, trying to send him comfort through their connection. James looked at Andromeda, "I want to see her. Please, I need to see her."

Andromeda nodded, "Of course James. Sirius said to let you through as soon as you came back. He's already preforming the ritual for a Black Burial."

James went to the catacombs and found Sirius with Bellatrix. James kissed his favorite cousin on the cheeks, pressing his forehead to hers, "I love you Auntie Bella. Please don't forget that. I didn't tell you before you fell asleep, and I should have. I'm so sorry."

Sirius sealed her away, placing an arm around James and leading him out of the catacombs. He looked at the Delacour's as James went up to his room, "There will be a funeral ceremony soon, you are welcome to come. I think that James will need all the people who care for him there, and you seem to care a lot about him."

Fleur nodded, "I'll be there for him if he let's me. Tell me what he will wear and I'll dress to match." She then left with her family, feeling sorrow for her bondmate.