November 21, 1981

Narcissa was not a coward, she just valued her own ends more than others. That is, until her son came along. After seeing Draco for the first time, her priorities changed. Those changes led her to her sister's doorstep on a cold, rainy fall day.

"Cissa? Is that you?" Andromeda asked, answering the door.

"Yes," She answered, surprised to find her eyes blurry with unshed tears.

"What? Why?" Andromeda stuttered, unable to pick a question.

"Lucius is in prison. Bellatrix is in prison. I… I can. I can be here. I'm sorry, Andy," Narcissa said, looking down as her emotions betrayed her. She didn't notice when her sister moved to hug her, but she did reciprocate.

"Just so you know," Andromeda said into her shoulder. "We have a lot to talk about. I'm not completely forgiving you yet, but I've missed you so much."

October 31, 1982

"I hate Halloween, Moony," Sirius slurred around his firewhiskey. "It's a horrible holiday. They should outlaw it."

"Least Hest took Prongslet out for the evening," Remus said, nursing his own booze, head pounding after the recent full moon.

"Harry was adorable as a puppy, though," Sirius noted with a slight smile.

"Yeah, our little pup. You think Hest did that on purpose?" Remus asked.

"I'm sure of it," Remus replied.

"Hopefully the boy will get all kinds of candy we can eat," Sirius moped, finishing his second bottle of firewhiskey for the night.

"I've got another bottle. I'll do the shots," Remus said, pouring the firewhiskey. "Happy Halloween, Padfoot. May we never see Voldemort again."

July 31, 1983

"Draco, no! Come back here, those aren't your gifts!" Narcissa scolded, chasing down her errant son.

"My! My!" He said, running faster, an evil smile on his face.

"Gotcha!" Sirius said, scooping up Draco and snatching the gifts away. "Here, Cissa, you take these and I'll take Dragon out to the other boys."

"Nev! Nev!" Draco cheered.

"Yes, yes. Nev is outside with Ron and Harry. Let's go, big seeker," Sirius 'flew' Draco to the garden by lifting him in the air over his head.

"Siri, don't you drop my son," Narcissa scolded.

"You worry too much, Cissa," Sirius laughed, taking the giggling tot outside.

October 31, 1983

Minerva couldn't find Severus Snape and the Halloween Feast was about to begin. She could handle most issues on her, especially since the Marauders had left. No, she wouldn't think like that, it was wrong to think ill of the dead. Shaking her head, she continued to search out her errant student-turned-professor.

When she found him, Minerva was suddenly, harshly, reminded that James Potter was not the only one to ever love Lily Evans. Severus had destroyed his private quarters, cursing and hexing everything in sight to take his mind off the pain of a love lost twice. She knew the remaining Marauders were not handling the holiday well; Hestia had reported already that morning the two were drunk as skunks before Harry even woke up for the day. She had not expected this from Severus. It was time to do something, that much was clear.

"Severus Snape, pull yourself together," She demanded. He turned to her, looking more an errant student than a rash professor. "I know you loved Lily more than anyone or anything on the earth. That being said, you made your choice."

"How do you know about that?" Severus asked, immediately on guard. "Dumbledore promised that no one would ever know of the heinous mistake I made."

"Albus Dumbledore is many things, dear boy, but honest has never been one of them. He trusts entirely too much on his own schemes and neglects to remember that others are human as well," She informed the poor boy. "I was, however, referring to your choice to pursue the Dark Arts, despite Lily Evan's desire to see you turn away from it all. You never once took what that girl asked of you into consideration. How can you call it love?"

Severus was a Slytherin for a reason. An abusive father and a negligent mother meant learning early in life that emotions had no place in life. When Minerva dare question his love of Lily Evans, all those years of practice were forgotten. His face turned red with rage and he bared his teeth at the older witch. "How dare you question my love for Lily. It was the only bright spot in my life!"

"Then why were you so adamant to ignore her pleas for you to turn to the light? If you loved her with the love you claim, why would you ignore such a simple request?" Minerva questioned.

"I understand, madam, that things are all sunshine and rainbows in your precious Gryffindor Tower. Politics work differently in the snake pit. I was an eleven year old boy who was an outcast in my house for my inferior blood and I was also an outcast in this school for an unfortunate tie color. Do not try to understand my feelings if you can't even understand the issue you contribute to every year!" Severus screamed the words he had been dying to say.

"Yes, you were an outcast, Severus. That doesn't mean that Lily loved you any less. She stuck up for you to those horrid boys for years, and how did you repay her? You hurled slurs at her and berated her for her efforts. You let your anger at the Marauders end your relationship with her. I know, I watched you apologize time after time, but, as usual, you never listened to what she had to say. She would have come back to you in a heartbeat, if only you turned from the dark and walked to the light. She did all she could to save you, and you, Severus, you threw it away. It wasn't James influence that kept her away, it was her desire not to watch her oldest and dearest friend fall into a pit and die," Minerva informed him, mentally resolving to check her behavior with Slytherins from now on. She knew of at least one little boy she was rapidly growing to care about that would most likely be a Slytherin in years to come. It would do her, and her students, well to practice the kindness and equality her Gryffindors preached.

"How can you be so sure that Potter wasn't the one who kept her from me?" Severus questioned, not ready to have his worldview change at 25.

"Severus Snape, that is the most disrespectful thing you have ever said about Lily Evans, including incident your fifth year. As if James Potter could keep Lily Evans from doing exactly what she wanted to do. But, that is neither here nor there. She's gone Severus, no longer to come back. It is time that you accept that fact and move on. I fear that if you don't find someone else to love, even in a platonic fashion, you will just become Albus' pawn until he sees fit to sacrifice you. Think on that, Mr. Snape, later. For now, we have a Halloween Feast to attend, no matter how much we would love to drink ourselves into a stupor. This is our sacrifice," Minerva said, exiting his rooms.

Severus stood for a few moments, absorbing the conversation. It would be a long while until he could fully understand, and implement, any of the suggestions given. For tonight, he was stuck making sure his Slytherins didn't do anything that would cause their numerous marriage contracts to become void.

April 3, 1984

"Hello!" A cheerful, chipper Harry greeted the pretty brunette across the table.

"Hmm, hello dear. What's your name, then?" She asked, unused to speaking with small children, especially over breakfast.

"Harry," Harry answered, as though this wasn't a new question for him. "Is Pa'foot still sleeping?" He added, munching on the waffles Aida made for breakfast.

"Padfoot?" She asked, confused.

"Yeah! Siri? Is he sleeping?" Harry asked, mischief in his eye. Remus rolled his eyes, knowing what came next.

"Siri? Oh, Sirius. Yes, sweet-ums, he's still sleeping," She replied, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Did you have a sleepover?" Harry asked, causing the brunette to spew her coffee.

"What?" She asked, unintelligently.

"A sleepover?" He asked again.

"Yes, in a manner of speaking, we did," She answered.

"Does that mean you'll be my new aunty?" Harry asked, seeing Hestia walk in.

"What? What kind of question is that?" Sirius asked, rolling into the kitchen.

"An excellent one, Harry. Here, have a biscuit," Hestia said, snatching a biscuit off the counter and handing it to Harry.

"You, Hestia, are why I can't have nice things," Sirius accused, looking horrified.

"Or, you could have your one-night stands at the girl's place and wander your way home. after. You already encourage Harry to sleep entirely too late. Why not take advantage?" Remus suggested, head aching.

"What would Harry learn if I did that?" Sirius asked, genuinely confused.

"You could stop with the tarts altogether," Hestia suggested, causing the unnamed brunette to huff.

"Get real, Hest," Sirius said, ending the conversation, or so he thought.

"Harry, sweetie, take Moony, get your broom, and go for a fly over at Ronnie's, yeah?" Hestia turned her attention to the 4 year old, knowing he didn't need to hear the upcoming conversation. Harry giggled and complied, grabbing Moony's hand and running for the Floo.

"Broom? Fly over? What are you talking about?" The woman questioned.

"She's a Muggle!" Hestia shouted. "You brought a Muggle here!"

"Are you two married? Oh, God. Did I just help you cheat on your wife? Was that your son?" The brunette screeched.

"Obliviate!" Hestia shouted with her wand pointed at the woman. "How you could bring a Muggle into this house, knowing Harry is the king of accidental magic?"

"I didn't think he would be up yet," Sirius glared. "You don't get a say in my personal life."

"What's a Muggle? Oh, God! Did I just help you cheat on your wife?" The brunette repeated as she came out of her daze.

"Obliviate! Get. Her. Out. NOW." Hestia screamed. "And while you're at get, get yourself neutered! Before I put you in a cage, and do it myself, Black!"

"I thought it was illegal to neuter people without their consent. Oh, God! Is she your wife? Did I just help you cheat on your wife?" The brunette asked, coming out of her daze a third time.

"Not if they turn into a dog! Obliviate! Now!" Hestia screamed, her face turning an interesting shade of red.

"How many times can you do that before she gets cancer or something?" Sirius inquired.

"I don't care! Get her out now!" Hestia said, pointing at the door.

November 1, 1984

The day was chilly, but that didn't stop Harry from opening the window, letting the red leaves into his room. He still had on his costume on, having convinced his Aunt Hest he needed to sleep in what Pads called his 'Prongs' outfit. It was something that made Pads happy and that was always a good thing. Pads was funny when he was happy. He let Harry eat sweets and play pranks when he was happy. When Pads was mad, he left, staying away for days and coming back only for full moons and Hestia's screeching.

Hestia came in about then, closed the window, and picked Harry up. "Come on, Harry, let's go get Padfoot and Moony."

"Yay! Pads! Moony!" He cheered, even though he knew it would hurt their heads. Hestia and Harry found Sirius and Remus cuddling with each other half-naked in the bathtub.

"Really boys? It's been four years. Now get up. We have to go to St. Mungo's."

"Harry?!" They both said at the same time.

Hestia groaned, dropping Harry in the tub with him. "No, Alice."

The hospital was a murky white and, even under Sirius and Remus' sunglasses, it was blinding. Hestia and Harry were singing a high pitched Weird Sisters song that had Remus and Sirius shuddering every time Harry went into the chorus. Taking the lift up to the sixth floor, Harry asked the two men to join them in singing. Remus hummed the tune quietly while Sirius banged his head against Rumus' shoulder begging for them to stop.

When the lift opened, they were greeted by Minnie holding Neville's hand.

"'Arry!" Neville screeched greetings at his friend.

"Where do we get to go play?" Harry asked Hestia with his bright green eyes.

"Over there." she pointed to the waiting area where toys had been laid out. "You two go play, I'm going to go check on your mum."

"OK!" The two screeched together.

"They're all yours, Professor." Hestia smiled, patting Sirius on the back and walking into the third room on the left.

Professor McGonagall had periodically checked into the Potter Manor, making sure everything was well in Harry's world. When she rounded on the two grown men, they stepped back in fear. This, however, didn't stop her.

"How dare you two! Your best friend may be gone, but this is not a way to live in his memory! Afterall, he isn't gone. He left his most precious gift to you and this is how you treat him? I never would have brought Harry to live with you if I knew you would act so shamelessly. Do you want to prove that Dumbledore was correct in trying to leave that boy with his aunt? Do you want me to take him somewhere where I know that he will be taken care of every day of the year? Mr. Potter would never have wanted to see you like this. He wouldn't want his memory to be remembered like this. Shame on you. Now go sober up."

Sirius and Remus stared at her as she walked away.

"We should." Sirius started.

"Yeah, we should." Sirius agreed walking over to Harry and Neville, pulling them from a game. "Come on, Let's go meet baby Marlene."

"That's my baby sister!" Neville shouted running into the hospital room. "I want to hold her, if Daddy will let me!"

"Will I get a baby sister?" Harry asked them, starting to cry. "Ron has Ginny and Neville has Marlene? Why don't I get a baby sister?" Sirius looked at Remus, who had pushed his sunglasses up on his head.

"We'll tell you when you're older." Remus said, patting down his untamable black hair.

"Why can't my mummy and daddy just come home and then we could all have a baby sister?" Harry cried. Sirius tried to calm him down, trying to get him to play with some toys but Harry didn't stop crying. He only repeated that he wanted a baby sister.

Hestia rushed out of the hospital room and scooped Harry up into her arms. "I don't have a little sister either." She cooed to the little boy.

"Did your mummy and daddy leave you too?" Harry asked, rubbing his teary face.

Hestia looked at Harry to McGonagall who had left the hospital room. She shook her head and pulled Harry closer. "No." she said with a shaky breath, while Harry put his arms around her and cried.

January 1, 1985

Light filtered through the silk curtains. Sirius looked around, wondering when New Year's meant having four little boys in his bed instead of a sexy witch. He drew the short straw the week before Christmas, meaning he got stuck babysitting while the others got date night. Currently, Harry, Ron, Draco, and Neville were in a puppy pile in his bed, while the other Weasley boys were about the house. Remus had gone out at Hestia's command the night before, leaving Sirius alone with a house full of boys. Things had been chaotic for a bit, but he had managed. Now, at half 9 in the morning, it was time to get all the children back to their houses, after a hearty breakfast, of course.

Aida outdid herself, making a veritable feast for the hungry boys. The amount of food the oldest Weasley boys alone put away caused Sirius to wonder how Molly and Arthur could afford to keep the kids in food, let alone everything else they needed. He began to ponder just how to help the Weasley's out without resorting to charity.

After breakfast, the group floo-ed to the Longbottoms to pick up Ginny. She, Alice, and baby Marlene had a girls' night, a necessity after Molly caught Ginny trying to use the bathroom standing up. Neville was excited to be home, running straight up the stairs to check on 'Marly' as he liked to call her, knowing that Frank said she was his responsibility.

Ginny took Bill's hand as they floo-ed to the Burrow. Molly was up and bustling about, getting caught up on chores with all of the kids gone for the morning. She agreed to watch Harry while Sirius floo-ed the last child home.

Sirius arrived in one of the drawing rooms of Malfoy Manor with Draco in tow, unsure of why Narcissa chose to retain the residence. Draco could have it back at 17 without him having to grow up in this veritable stronghold. The Manor was built to withstand war and wasn't exactly child friendly, which was why Narcissa rarely lost the straws game. Today was different than most drop-off days, though. Most days, Narcissa greeted them in whichever room they ended up in, asked after Draco's behavior, and reported her recent charity work or other attempts at reformation. Today, there was no one, not even a house-elf, present to take Draco.

"Come on, Dragon, let's go find Mum, shall we?" Sirius said, taking Draco's hand and leading him through the house. After checking dining rooms, sitting rooms, and a couple of favored studies, they headed to the residential wing to see if they could find her there. As they neared the room, Sirius knew she was using instead of her room with Lucius, Sirius got a sinking feeling in his gut.

"Draco, why don't you go take your things to your room while I check on your mum, yeah?" Sirius asked. Draco agreed and Sirius waited until he was out of sight before blasting the door open. What he found horrified him more than any event in his life.

"Cissa? Snivellous? My eyes! I can never unsee that! How is your arse so pasty, Sniv?" Sirius screeched, falling to the floor, covering his eyes. Narcissa and Severus Snape jumped apart and attempted, vaguely, to cover themselves.

"Sirius, what are you doing here?" Narcissa questioned.

"Trying to come up with a way for Hestia to Obliviate me without having to reveal the hell I've seen here this morning!" Sirius screeched.

"Oh, don't be dramatic. I've caught you in worse positions. Need I remind you of the brunette on the motorbike?" Narcissa queried, cocking an eyebrow.

"Don't remind Hestia of that. I don't think she liked the ride," Sirius said, momentarily forgetting his pain. "But, it wasn't some git that used to bully you in school, Cissa. You're sleeping with my bully."

"Me… I'm your bully? You are sadly mistake, Black," Severus said, enraged. "You lot bullied me, not the other way around. If I remember correctly, you tried to feed me to your pet wolf. That would make you the bully."

"I wouldn't have sent you out there if you hadn't poured bubotuber powder down my pants in potions!" Sirius shouted back, ignoring the nakedness in front of him.

"I wouldn't have done that if you hadn't-" But that was all the farther he got before Narcissa stopped him.

"This feud is ridiculous. It started as two little boys refusing to admit there are multiple points of view and has reached a point where neither of you are willing to admit you're wrong. You will never see eye to eye, but you will have to agree to disagree. I have chosen to have both of you in my life, but if you are going to continue to act like hormonal adolescents, I will cut both of you out. Draco is the most important man in my life and I will not have the two of you setting a bad example for him. Are we clear, gentlemen?" Narcissa commanded, raising herself from the bed and wrapping a nearby silk robe around her body. Both men looked sheepish. They made mumbling noise that could be interpreted as agreement.

"Good. We will discuss at length at a later time. In the meantime, Sirius, would you be so kind as to take Draco for the rest of the day and through the night. If you remember correctly, Lord Black, you arranged for my marriage to be annulled at midnight last night. This is how I am choosing to celebrate. You can see yourself out."


Kat: SO MANY EMOTIONS! I cannot contain myself!

Gabs: If you can't handle this, how will you survive our retelling of Order of the Phoenix.

Kat: Pretty well, since I'm the one who writes all the dark stuff.

Gabs: And here I thought we had an agreement to share. As always, we own nothing.

Kat: Why do I have to be the one who always has to ask for comments?!

Gabs: Because I'm a jerk. Special shout out to desireejones99 and GinnyPotter6891. Thanks for your wonderful reviews!

Kat: Love us or hate us, comment anyways.

xoxo Gabs & Kat