10th of July 1995

Remus was the first one who entered the room which belonged to the Sirius' younger, and now late, brother Regulus. He was even a bit surprised by the wave of energy flowing through his body. The full moon was in two days, and usually he wasn't that agile. It must've been the adrenaline. He pulled the sheeted duvet from the bed, making a place for Gwen in there. He waved his hand, not saying a single word. The room was now free of dust, and was looking cleaner and cosier than before. He could do that better with his wand, but this was easier. Remus knew a lot of useful household spells because of his transformations.

He heard steps from the stairway, and right when he turned he saw Sirius entering the room, carrying Gwen's limp body. Sirius told him the story about being attacked, and Gwen saving him. By the colour of Gwen's hair, he assumed that must be her. Remus removed himself from Sirius' way, and Sirius gently put Gwen on the bed. Right then, another person entered the room. Snape. Without a look at Remus, Snape got to Gwen, pushing Sirius aside.

"Excuse me, Snivellus, but you can at least show some respect. This is my house," Sirius said through his gritted teeth.

"I don't have time for your complexes, Black," Snape said, trying to find Gwen's pulse.

"And what are you doing? If you don't have some potion to make her feel better, then you're pretty much useless, as always. She needs a healer, not a bloody potion pillock," Sirius was fuming.

"Sirius, calm down…" Remus tried to intervene, but Snape interrupted him.

"Oh, and you will help her how? We can't take her to St Mungo's… I guess you really don't know anything about her," Snape was now scoffing at Sirius, and Sirius was looking like he will punch Snape right in the face. Remus grabbed Sirius by his upper arm. Precaution.

"Don't lose your temper, Sirius," Remus strengthened his grip.

"Then get Molly, she is the best healer out of all of us in the Order," Sirius said, thinking fast. He was not a fool, as Kingsley once said, but his rashness often got the best of him.

"I will go, and get Dumbledore," Snape said. "He must be informed about everything happening here."

"Right," Remus said, and started walking towards the door. "One more question, Severus. How did you bring her in? Dumbledore told her about the house?"

Snape now looked at Remus surprised.

"I was right, even though you are a werewolf you are the smartest one. No, he didn't. But, he gave me this," Snape pulled out the paper out of his pocket. "In a case of an emergency. And I consider this an emergency."

"For once, I agree with Snivellus, for fuck's sake…" Sirius muttered mostly to himself.

"Riiight," Remus said, and left.

Snape and Sirius now stared at each other with hatred, but decided to put that away in this situation.

"Even though I don't trust you one bit, Black, she apparently does. I can't even imagine why, or how, because I know she's not mental. She asked to be brought to you," Snape said, trying to humiliate Sirius. "And this house is the safest place for now." Snape said, looked at Gwen once again, and pulled out an ebony wand. Sirius knew that wasn't Snape's wand.

"This is hers," he placed it on the nightstand, and left leaving Sirius alone with her.

Sirius was now by her bedside, and he removed Snape's robes from her gently. He didn't like anything Snape's, so he made a grimace, like it was a natural reaction. He threw the robes on the floor on purpose, and looked at Gwen. Her summer dress was damaged, and she looked so frail. Her hair was a mess, and she had a few little cuts on her face. But she was breathing. And Sirius thanked to whoever-the-fuck controls that kind of things.

Remus came downstairs to find Tonks still standing in the hallway.

"I would say something to you, Tonks, but I really don't know what happened," he wanted to apologise, but realised he has nothing to apologise for.

"It's alright, Snape told me her name is Gwen, and that she lives in Hogsmeade," Tonks said, crossing her arms on her chest.

"I thought so, Sirius told me about her…" he didn't even managed to finish his sentence when he heard Snape.

"I don't see Molly Weasley here, so I advise you to stop your chit-chat, and get her," he said, opened the front door, and left.

"Right, I must get Molly," Remus said.

"Want me to tag along? I don't have nothing else to do anyway…" Tonks asked. She wanted to help, and to prove herself as useful to Remus. Not really sure why.

"If you want to," Remus said, and opened the front door, letting Tonks out before himself.

"Thank you," she said when Remus joined her on the first step at the entrance of Grimmauld Place. He smiled at her, and lifted his arm waiting for her to hold him, so he could apparate them together.

"I know how to apparate, Lupin," Tonks said annoyed by his movement.

"Of course you do, but I think it's easier this way. You can lead, if you want to, it's fine with me," he lowered his hand, and put it on her shoulder. "And please, don't call me Lupin, Nymphadora."

Tonks flinched, looked at him eyes wide open, her hair morphing agressively red. He was shocked at the sight of her morphing.

"Don't. Call me. Nymphadora!" Tonks said looking really, really annoyed.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Remus said. "No Lupin, and no Nymphadora then. Lead the way, Tonks." She smiled at him, morphed her hair pink again, and apparated them near the Burrow.

"How did you do that? The hair thing…" Remus asked, while they were walking from the apparating spot. He was kind of impressed with her doing that.

"Sirius never told you?" Tonks was surprised, she always thought that Sirius told everyone about her abilities. "Look."

She stopped, and he turned to look at her. She morphed her hair to look exactly like his. His eyes were wide open, staring at her. He didn't like to look at himself in the mirror, so why on Earth would he enjoy seeing her with his hair?

"Metamorphmagus," Tonks said, shaking her head, morphing her hair in magenta pink. "It's cool, but it can be a burden, too."

"Wow! That was… Brilliant, but don't ever do that again," he was still amazed, so she smiled at him.

"It's funny how everyone have a different reaction when I do that," Tonks said. "Kingsley was impressed, and wanted me to morph into Mad-Eye just for the laughter."

"That must've been a scene to see," Remus smiled widely now. He was quite surprised by his own behaviour around Tonks, but decided to convince that it's all just a coincidence. Nothing to worry about, he is just friendly to someone who just joined the Order.

When they reached the Burrow, they told Molly what they knew. It wasn't much, but she didn't really need any convincing. In a matter of minutes, they were back at Grimmauld Place, and Molly was tending Gwen while Sirius joined Remus, and Tonks in the Black's drawing room. Sirius filled Tonks in about what he knew about Gwen, and how she saved his life. When Tonks heard her surname, she instantly remembered why was she so interesting to her. She knew her from Hogwarts. Gwen Doherty, the one that transferred from Durmstrang. They turned to some lighter topics, like making fun of Snape, which Remus' still didn't approve, but he smiled at Tonks' and Sirius' impressions.

They heard someone entering the house, and all of them rushed to the ground floor. They found Dumbledore, and Snape in the hallway.

"Ah, there you are," Dumbledore said calmly. "Severus informed me about the misfortune that happened to Miss Doherty. And I would like to have a few words with her, if she is awake."

"We don't really know. Molly is with her now," Sirius said, trying to control himself. He didn't know what happened, and it became clear that neither Snape, or Dumbledore will tell him. "They're in the Regulus' room." Sirius removed himself from Dumbledore's way, so that he could go upstairs.

"Thank you, Sirius," he said while passing by him, and Snape followed him. "Severus, I would like to have a word with Miss Doherty alone, if you don't mind. It won't take long, so if you may, wait for me here. We still have some things to discuss."

Dumbledore went upstairs, and Snape said nothing. Still, his face expression revealed his thoughts. He looked at Sirius, Tonks, and Remus, rolled his eyes, and went to wait in the dining room. The trio walked upstairs again, and they met Molly in the first floor hallway.

"She's alright, and awake," Molly informed them. "And quite charming, even though she cursed much in Bulgarian, I think."

Even though all of them were glad to hear that, Sirius was looking most relieved by hearing the news.

"Thank you Molly," he said, and squeezed her hands in gratitude.

"Don't even mention it. Is Snape somewhere here? Gwen asked me to tell him she's alright, and I guess he will want to know what to brew for her recovery."

"He's in the dining room, waiting for Dumbledore," Tonks said, standing there still confused about all what happened. She decided that she will definitely stay a bit longer to find out what happened.

"Thank you, Tonks, I will talk to Snape, and then I will be going home. Arthur is waiting for me," Molly said with emphasis on saying her last name. "It was nice to see you today. " She smiled at Tonks, hugged her, and went downstairs. The trio decided to settle in the drawing room again. Sirius' room was on the fourth floor, just like Regulus'. Remus took one of the rooms on the third floor, which had another more bedroom, and a library. Sirius mocked Remus because he chose the room right next to it.

"So, Nymphie…" Sirius tried to finish his sentence, but was interrupted.

"Don't call me anything that even resembles my horrible first name. Tonks is fine. Anything, but my first name is fine!" her hair turned red again.

"Alright, alright," he said, lifting his arms in surrender. He and Remus sat on the same couch, while Tonks was sitting across them alone. Remus smiled at Tonks' reaction amused.

"Now when I warned both of you about it, you may continue," Tonks lounged into the couch, and Sirius looked at Remus confused.

"Just ask her what you wanted to, Padfoot," Remus shook his head, still grinning.

"Right. How did you obtain my wand again?" Sirius asked, now focused on Tonks, who started laughing.

"Kingsley helped. I never heard him cursing the Ministry so much! I think he said "Fuck that plonker Fudge" at least fifty times. It was hilarious!" she lounged even more, laughing. "You see, it was well kept. With all the other wands from the Death Eaters. I morphed into a cleaning witch, who usually cleans that floor. Kingsley confunded her, and later convinced her she's already cleaned there. It doesn't need to be cleaned every day, anyway. So, I went in, grabbed it, and went out. Just when we thought we've done a perfect crime, we noticed Scrimgeour looking at us suspiciously. But Kingsley managed to get rid of him, and I got away, pretending to be that cleaning witch. When we told Moody what we did, he laughed for about half an hour, and said that we didn't need to do all of that, that both of us are nutters. But you know him, constant vigilance, and all of that." Tonks did her funny hand movement, as she did always when she said that. She didn't do it in front of Mad-Eye, though.

"I can't believe it! An Auror who leads my investigation, and my baby cousin breaking at least ten laws!" Sirius laughed hard, and Remus was silently chuckling.

"Thirteen, I checked!" Tonks said, bursting into laughter with both Sirius and Remus.

When Dumbledore entered the room, Gwen was surprised, but she somehow expected Snape to do that. He often said that it would be wise for her to talk to Dumbledore, but she didn't really want to. Not because she didn't like him, but because she didn't want anyone to know anything about her. Snape appreciated her wishes, but warned her that he will tell him if anything serious happens. And well, someone's trying to get her. With Snape, she didn't have a choice. He knew much by himself, and she fainted in front of him, giving him the prophecy about the chamber of secrets. Unfortunately, Snape realised it too late, when Harry, Ron and Lockhart already went in there. Dumbledore asked Molly something quietly, and she left the room.

"Good evening, Miss Doherty. I must say I hoped we will meet again in far more fortunate circumstances,"

"Professor Dumbledore," she said, and straighten herself up, leaning on the bed's back board.

"No, don't get up, hold your strength. I don't have much time. Severus told me what happened today. He also told me quite the interesting tale about you," Dumbledore was calm as always, and he was now looking above his spectacles, straight at Gwen.

"Well, knowing him, everything he told you is the truth. And I don't know who attacked me today, but I guess they were the Death Eaters," Gwen's voice was cracking, but she wasn't afraid.

"I see. You know, when your mother asked me to accept you at Hogwarts once more, I didn't think even for a minute. Even though you've never told me, I am aware of your talents. I am, I must admit, a bit sad you haven't come to me earlier," Dumbledore sat on the end of the bed. Gwen fell silent, thinking about all the times Snape told her to speak to Dumbledore. Her mother trusted him, and Snape did too. And those two were two most cautious people about their trust.

"Your mother visited me a month before her tragic disappearance. She asked me to keep an eye on you. You see, she believed you were in danger because of your father's activities after he became one of the Unspeakables."

"You mean Death Eaters. I'm not a student anymore, professor. I know what my father was. Don't even bother sugar coating it."

"Ah, Miss Doherty, I never doubted you knew the truth. However, I told your mother that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it, so I asked Severus to look out for you. And I must admit, I admired your influence on him."

Gwen was silent again. She didn't want to discuss Snape with Dumbledore. Even though she knew he did what he thought it was best, she was a bit angry at him for telling Dumbledore. But that'll have to wait for now. She will deal with Snape later.

"Don't misunderstand me, please. I advise you to stay here for a while. It is the safest place I can provide for you, and I think both Sirius and Remus will enjoy having you around. You can leave if you want to, but I would be much happier with you staying here. Your mother did a lot of things to protect you. Even though you know many things, there are always more to it. And I guess that you, as a true Hogwarts Ravenclaw, understand that too."

Dumbledore lifted himself from her bed.

"What about my house? And my things?" Gwen asked, admitting Dumbledore and Snape both are right. She is not safe on her own in Hogsmeade.

"Your house is very well protected, as Severus explained to me. I myself can't even see it, or visit it. I guess that charm you put was one of the protective spells they use in Durmstrang," he said curiously, giving her a light smile. Gwen smiled back, and nodded. He was right, she learned the spell in Durmstrang. No one can see or visit her house if she doesn't lead them to it, if she doesn't want them to, or if she's forced to reveal it. It's been quite similar to the Fidelius charm, only she didn't need a secret keeper.

"I will talk to Remus to escort you to Hogsmeade. Knowing Molly, you will be as good as new until morning. I think you two will get along nicely," Dumbledore smiled again at Gwen. "Take your time to heal, Miss Doherty. I will speak to you again soon, I hope."

"Thank you, professor. Can I ask you a favour? Please ask Sirius to come here? I owe him an explanation…"

"Ah yes, Sirius… Of course I will."

"And don't call me Miss Doherty, Gwen is fine."

"I'm afraid I cannot agree with that. You see, I don't like calling people by nicknames. And Gwendolyn is such a beautiful name." Dumbledore said, turned, and left Gwen alone. She had to talk to Sirius, but she was nervous about it. More nervous than she usually got in this kind of situations.

Dumbledore found the trio in the drawing room easily since Tonks' morphing made Sirius roll in his bark laughter. When Dumbledore entered the room, all of them tried to suppress their laughter.

"I appreciate a good laugh, don't suppress it. And I'm delighted to see both of you," he pointed at Sirius and Remus, "laughing like that. However, I came to tell you three things. Firstly, someone will need to accompany Miss Doherty to Hogsmeade tomorrow, or the day after that. She will gather her belongings, and she will stay here, if you, Sirius, don't mind." Dumbledore said calmly, and Sirius nodded in agreement. "Remus, can I count on you?"

"I'm sorry, Albus, but I can't," Remus said quietly. Tonks still didn't know about his lycanthropy, and he didn't want her to find out that way. Snape did start a rumour when he was teaching at Hogwarts, but the rumour stayed in the circles of Slytherin students' parents. Not really Tonks' circle of friends, or people. Dumbledore looked at him, and understood the hint.

"Pardon me, I forgot to check… Nymphadora, can I count on you then?" Dumbledore switched his look at Tonks now, who was a bit distracted with Remus' refusing to do something for Dumbledore. She didn't think that was possible in the Order.

"Yes, of course," she said with a smile on her face. Her first Order task. Her wish to find out more about Gwen grew larger. Who is she if she needed to be escorted?

"Thank you very much. Knowing your mentor so well, I don't need to give you any instructions." Dumbledore winked at Tonks, and she was amused to see the old man so relaxed, but still authoritative. "Secondly, Sirius, I assume Severus told you how he brought Gwen here. I made this for you because it's proven useful," he handed Sirius a few pieces of paper, all of them with the same writing. The same as Tonks got from Mad-Eye. "I advise you to think twice before using it, and to be very careful."

"I will put it in my room, I have my hiding places there that not even Kreacher knows of," Sirius said, and nodded at Dumbledore.

"Ah, yes. You may go do that right now, and after that please go and visit Miss Doherty. She asked to speak with you, and that's the third thing I must say to you. Severus and myself will see ourselves out. Take care." Dumbledore said, turned, and left. Sirius immediately charged towards his bedroom, leaving Tonks and Remus alone in the drawing room.

"Well… I guess we're not invited to that rendezvous," Tonks said looking at Sirius running.

"I guess not," Remus said with his hands in his pockets. "Fancy a cup of tea? I would really like some after all of this…"

"Yes, but only if you have fruit tea. I hate herbal ones," Tonks said, frowning. She was glad to be invited to stay longer than expected. This way she will maybe find out what happened here. And she will definitely have a chance to talk with this Gwen woman while escorting her.

"Hm, I myself fancy the herbal ones, but I think I will find something for you too," Remus smiled at Tonks, pulled his hand out of his pockets, and gestured towards the doors. "After you then."

Tonks was a bit amused to be treated like that. He was a true gentleman no doubt. They descended into the kitchen, and waited for Sirius to come back. They talked about her work as an Auror, and his time teaching at Hogwarts. Small talk, but it was a pleasant conversation. Meanwhile, Sirius secured the paper stack Dumbledore gave him, and was now standing in front of the door of Regulus' room. He opened it slowly, and saw Gwen still leaned with her back on the bed's backboard.

"Hey," she said quietly.

"Are you alright?" he closed the door, and sat on the bed right next to her legs. She was clean now, Molly really did her best. But she was still in her summer dress, pale, and frail.

"I've been better, but Molly is a lovely woman. She is really nice, and warm," Gwen smiled.

"She is, yes," Sirius was glad to see her awake, but he still was confused and wanted answers. He didn't want to pry, though.

"I owe you an explanation, and I really am sorry about what happened tonight," she started to fidget her with her fingers, lowering her look, escaping his.

"You don't have to apologise. I heard you asked Snape to bring you to me. How did you know where I was? Why would you even mention me to Snape"

"Well… I know Severus is tight with Dumbledore, and that Dumbledore protects you. If you're in hiding, with You-Know-Who coming back… I guessed, and I was right," Gwen lifted her look.

"Is it because I owe you? Because I would help you either way."

"No… Nothing like that. Look… What I am about to tell you is not easy for me. I haven't done it a while now. I hope you will understand things about me a bit better after it, and you were always honest with me. You deserve the same from me, too."

Sirius nodded, without a word.

"My full name is Gwendolyn Lysenkova Doherty. My father was Cyril Doherty, and my mother was Anastasya Lysenkova. She is Bulgarian, but she was born and raised here in Britain. I was born here, too. Both of them are pureblood. My father's family is one of the oldest Irish pureblood families, just like yours is here. My mother got pregnant with me during my father's seventh year at Hogwarts. She was then in her fifth year, so she managed to take her O.W.L.s, and she left Hogwarts after that. I think she's a first Ravenclaw to do so, at least she joked like that. I was born in the summer of 1968. My father worked with Goblins most of my childhood, so we travelled a lot. Until my seventh year of life, we lived in New York, Moscow and Paris. That's how I got to Woodstock in 1969, my mother was quite a hippie."

"Wow, this seems so much. You were concieved at Hogwarts? Nice," Sirius commented, and Gwen smiled.

"I'm afraid that's only the beginning. My father met the Lestrange brothers in Paris. You know them, of course, since one of them is married to your cousin Bellatrix. They introduced him to You-Know-Who's ideas… In a matter of months, he switched, changed. He wanted my mother, and him to join… That. My parents argued about it a lot, until one day my father came home telling that he is leaving us, and that he will work for the Ministry as the Unspeakable. Of course, that wasn't entirely true. He joined the Death Eaters, and you know the connections they had. They needed him there, so he got a job. When my mother refused, he was furious, but he left. He left us. That was the last time I saw him… He traded my mother, and me for… that!" Gwen's eyes were now filling with tears, and Sirius moved closer to her, tapping her leg in a sign of comfort. It was a bit awkward, but he still wasn't sure how to act around people.

"I didn't know that then. I assume my mother did, but we didn't talk about him much after that. She changed. You see, they loved each other like two nutters. Both of them were… different before. When my father left… She just changed, grew colder. We packed and moved to Sofia the next day, at my grandparents. They died when I was nine, don't really remember that period. When I got my Hogwarts letter, my mother was so reluctant, but Dumbledore assured her that I will be safe at Hogwarts. She bought that Hogsmeade house to be close to me all the time. She spent all of her inheritance on that house… You see, she was a magizoologist, so she could work from anywhere after she did her research. We did that over the school breaks… I've had a friend at Hogwarts, Polly. She was in Hufflepuff, muggleborn. I'm not much of a people person, but Polly understood that, and I was so glad to have her," One tear fell down Gwen's cheek, and she removed it with her hand, and lowered her head.

"Gwen, you don't have to tell me this if it's too much for you…" Sirius was uncomfortable, and didn't know how to react, or what to do. He tried to find her eyes, but her head was so low that he only saw two tears falling from her cheeks.

"No, no, I'm fine… It's just… emotions," Gwen lifted her head, sighed loud, and was looking straight at Sirius now. "Everything was great, until 1981 came. Yes, that year hasn't only change your life. It changed mine as well… My mother and I decided to stay at Hogsmeade for the summer, and on the day of my 13th birthday she came home so distressed. She was speaking so incoherently, about You-Know-Who, prophecies… I even think I heard her saying my father's name, something she never did… I was shocked, but my mother wasn't someone who accepted no for an answer. Anyway, we moved to Bulgaria again. In one day, I had to pack, and leave everything behind. It was hard, and I didn't want to, but I knew I can't go against my mother. She even transferred me to Durmstrang. I hated it there. Everything is so cold, so distant. Like living with…" She stopped herself before saying what she meant to say, realising it who is she speaking to.

"The Dementors? Highly doubt that, but go on," Sirius placed one of his legs on her bed, and the other one was dangling in the air. His hand was still placed on Gwen's leg, giving her small rubs when her voice cracked, or when she took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, but it was awful. Really awful. Cold, filled with dark magic. Everything opposite of Hogwarts. But I decided to learn everything I could there. It's different than Hogwarts, you see. If you want to prove yourself, you have to work hard, and learn something others don't know. But my mother was becoming more, and more paranoid with every day. When Harry survived, and the Potters got killed, she was out of her mind. You see, my father was mental for Voldemort. Something like Bellatrix… I didn't understand that then, but I know it now. And my mother was afraid for me… My father knew I'm a seer, and since Trelawney gave that prophecy… You see where I'm going?" She asked, trying to make it easier for her. Sirius once again nodded in agreement. "So I stayed at Durmstrang. My mother thought it's safer because of the secrecy around its location. She lived in Sofia, doing her researches all over Romania, Bulgaria, Greece... She really went anywhere she could, never staying long in one place." Gwen smiled at the memory of her mother sending her trinkets from her travels. Sirius smiled lightly too.

"However, my father was arrested, and he died in Azkaban in 1983…"

"He was in Azkaban? I remember one Death Eater screaming for his wife Ana once…"

"Maybe it was him, but I don't care. I didn't care then, I don't care now, and I won't care for that man ever again. I wasn't sad when he died. Never shed a one single tear for him. He doesn't deserve it. He left me, Sirius, left me and my mother alone in a middle of a war, joining something so horrible. He was so rich, but he left us with almost nothing. But he left me everything he owned in his will; three houses which I never visit, and two Gringotts vaults. I spent half of my inheritance on charities, and helping others. Gringotts' Goblins still hate me for that… My father would be so pissed about that, and that's why I liked it." Gwen was then interrupted with Sirius laughing.

"This is great. I never thought about doing something like that. You're brilliant," Sirius was still laughing.

"Yeah well… I didn't claim my inheritance until my 17th birthday, though. In the beginning of 1984, my mother and I were back at Hogsmeade, and I was back at Hogwarts. Don't tell him I told you that, but that was the first time I left Severus Snape speechless. You see, I had to take some tests to see what I learned at Durmstrang, and to make sure I'm ready for O.W.L.s since I was supposed to be in the second half of the fifth year. Of course, he wanted to make things harder for me, so he gave me a task to brew a Draught of Peace. And I did… You should see old McGonagall's face when she figured Sev has nothing to say, but a silent "Bravo!". It was hilarious, even Dumbledore chuckled. Flitwick was really proud, and happy to have me back, so I was back at Hogwarts, happy and relieved."

Sirius laughed harder now, and Gwen just looked at him with a light, mischevious smile on her face.

"You will have to tell me how to shut Snape's mouth," Sirius laughed, trying to catch his breath.

"Don't mock him, Sirius. If he wasn't there tonight, I would probably be dead." Gwen frowned at Sirius now.

"Sorry, sorry. Go on."

"I finished my seventh year in 1986, like I never left. My mother threw herself into some research in Albania, so I was free to do whatever I wanted to. You see, since my father died, she wasn't so paranoid anymore. And you know, most of the Death Eaters were in Azkaban, and there was no sight of You-Know-Who… Anyway, Polly and me travelled all summer. It was mental, we went to South Africa, Brasil, USA… It was more of Muggle fun than wizarding one. But then Polly got pregnant with some bloke she met in the bar…"

"Whoa, that's a real plot twist!" Sirius commented again, and smiled, gesturing her to continue.

"Yes, well… Anyway, he didn't want nothing to do with it, so we came back in the UK. She decided to keep the baby, and I respected that, you know? She was always there for me, and at least I could do is support her in that mess… Her parents were furious, but they calmed in a week, or so. When Brianna was born, I convinced Polly to stay with me in Hogsmeade for a while. My mother was doing her researches, and Polly needed help. I just want you to understand that in that point of my life, I had no clue about anything my father did, or who he was… Sometimes, I wish it stayed that way."

"Gwen… If you don't want to talk about this it's fine. We can talk tomorrow," Sirius moved himself closer to her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"No, I have to do this. Maybe even for myself, so you better listen to me because I highly doubt I will tell this story again in a near future…" she said, determined to give him answers. Answers she knew he wanted from the moment he woke up in her house. "Watching Polly with Brianna… It made me feel things I've never felt before. I wanted to know who my father is, what he's done. So I went to find the answers. I knew some people who could help me, and they did. It didn't take long, and I found out everything. About him joining the Death Eaters, threatening my mother to take me away because of my visions, planning to marry me to some pureblood prick… He was even threatening to kill her. My father… And then he broke my heart again. Just like he did when he walked out on us…" Gwen gasped, but she didn't cry. Just like she said before, she doesn't cry because of her father. He doesn't deserve it. Sirius was quite surprised with how she can manage her emotions like that. Control them like she has an on/off switch in her brain.

"That year, 1988… It was the worst year I could ever imagine. After I found out what he did, and went back home…" she gasped one more time, but this time tears started rolling down her cheeks. Sirius was confused, and wasn't sure what happened, or what to do. "I went to see Polly. You see, she moved out while I was away, and rented a flat in Camden. And I will never forgive myself that… I went to see her, only to find both her and Brianna… The Death Eaters. Or at least what was left of them, tried to get me... It was all my father's fault. They murdered Brianna… A baby. An innocent baby, Sirius… And she couldn't handle that, so she took her own life…" she was now sobbing, gasping, and trying to catch a proper breath.

"Gwen… I didn't know… I'm sorry," Sirius hugged her, trying to comfort her, but he knew that there are no words of comfort. He knew what he felt when he found James, Lily, and Harry. Only in his case, Harry was alive, and well. She cried on his shoulder, her hair choking him in the process, but he didn't mind. "Maybe you don't know, but I understand the feeling… I found James, and Lily. I will never forget that…" Gwen didn't know that. She knew that Harry was taken, and sent off to the Dursleys, and that Sirius was arrested shortly after what happened. She didn't know he saw the horror in the once happy family house.

"I'm sorry, Sirius, I didn't know," she lifted her head, but lowered her look. He took out his wand, and summoned a handkerchief to wipe out her tears.

"Well, that's the first. You know everything about me," he said, looking at the corner of her lips twitching in kind of a smile. "You don't have to do this… We will talk later."

"Stop saying that. I'm fine…" she took the handkerchief from his hand, and wiped her own tears. "Polly was my James. But you at least have Lupin…"

"Ah, Moony… No, didn't have him, and that was my fault too."

"You're too rash, Sirius," Gwen knew the story about Sirius not trusting Remus. And from the moment she heard it, she wanted just a ten minute conversation with Remus. Just to see if Sirius was right to doubt him. Of course, she didn't know Remus' secret.

"Moony says that too, in fact, he was saying that on a daily basis in Hogwarts. It was like living with the broken record," he tried to make a joke to make her at laugh. The smiles she gave him weren't happy smiles.

"No surprise, he is the smart one after all. Anyway, I found out what happened there shortly after that… Don't ask me how. I did things I'm not proud of, but I acted in pure rage, and devastation. I risked my life, my mother's life… I was foolish, but I needed to know the truth. After I did that, I decided I want out. So I got out. Out of the wizarding world."

"I don't understand…" Sirius was now confused, lifting his left eyebrow in surprise.

"I lived as a Muggle. I tried living without magic… I didn't even use it. Didn't make potions, nothing. Except my visions. Can't quite control them. A lot of things happened in those two years…"

"I'm sorry, what?" Sirius started to laugh in amazement. "You're brilliant. Genius. How didn't I ever think of that? Living as a Muggle? My parents would eat themselves alive!"

Sirius laughed, and Gwen looked at him with no reaction on his laughing. She didn't quite understand what was funny.

"Well… I can tell you more about Muggle life later, if you're interested."

"Definitely am, but I guess not today," Sirius managed to control his laugh to let Gwen continue her story.

"Some things happened during those two years, but I came back in 1991. My mother went missing in Albania. Her body was never found. I don't know much about that… Not because I didn't try to find out, but because I didn't really know where she went. Just today I found out that she saw Dumbledore before leaving, and that she asked him for help. I guess she knew something will happen, and if it wasn't an accident, I bet it's because of my father… She was never found, and I tried, but without success. I couldn't deny who I was anymore. I couldn't pretend not to be a witch, so I moved to Hogsmeade again. And I stayed there since, well… tonight."

"If I'm following right, that was four or five years ago?" Sirius asked. Gwen looked mischievously at him.

"Wow, for someone hyperactive as you are, you're quite a good listener." Gwen said, and Sirius just smiled at her.

"I met Severus a few times in Hogsmeade. We talked, and he offered me to teach me more about potion making. He was still impressed with my skill," Gwen smiled when she said that. "He would kill me if he knew I told you this, but he even admitted I'm better at potion making than him. You know why? Because he uses magic for ingredients. I don't. Ever. All hand made."

"You're definitely better than him. In anything," Sirius scoffed. His dislike of Snape was huge as it was, and he just wanted him as away as possible.

"Don't be like that. Severus helped me a lot. I don't approve his teaching methods, though. But just be civil with him, please."

"I'll behave if he behaves. But if he insults Remus, or anyone else, I can't be held responsible." Sirius was now the one with the mischievous look on his face.

"You're too old for behaving like that, Sirius. Anyway, I worked with Severus for a while. One night I had a vision in front of him. It was about Harry, and the Chamber of Secrets. Harry really is one remarkable boy," Gwen smiled at Sirius, who was grinning with proud. He was proud of Harry, even though they didn't spend much time together.

"Severus helped me with the visions ever since. He taught me legilimency, and occlumency because he thought I will understand my mind better. He wasn't wrong though. I was laying low in Hogsmeade for a while… And then you came."

"Why is it always my fault?" Sirius said jokingly. Gwen shook her head.

"It's not. It's mine." Gwen smiled at him now, and her eyes sparkled for a second.

"But what happened tonight?" Sirius was still confused, and wanted to finish this talk so they could talk about anything else, maybe share a laugh.

"My father's friends. I guess they wanted to recruit me… Yaxley was the one who stunned me. That son of a bitch! When I get him…"

"Death Eaters attacked you? Where were you? In your house?" Sirius didn't want to pry, but he was curious.

"No, they can't see it. No one can, except you and Severus now. It was close, though. Three of them, I took down two, but Yaxley caught me off guard. I'm lucky Severus came at the right time…"

"At least one good thing about his lurking and snooping…" Sirius scoffed with disgust.

"Dumbledore thinks I should stay here, but I understand if you don't want me to after knowing all this. I'm a Death Eater's daughter, targeted by them, a seer… a whole lot of trouble. It is risky, and…" Gwen started to fidget her fingers again.

"And I'm an Azkaban escapee, convicted murderer, with a lot of Death Eater relatives. You're staying here, alright? And don't ever thank me for it, hm?" Sirius wanted her to agree, and she did by nodding.

"Now, I really think you should change… That dress was pretty before, but now..."

"I don't have anything else. I don't even have my wand…" Gwen was now saddened. She lost her wand. What kind of a witch does that?

"Well, you can thank Snivellus," Sirius said, but was stricken with Gwen's look. "Sorry, Snape. He managed to get it." Sirius was now pointing at her wand on the nightstand. Gwen turned and was relieved to see it.

"And, I will find something for you to change, wait a second…" he said, and jumped from the bed. "Oh, and I guess you got to meet Moony. He lives here too."

Gwen was speechless, as she looked at Sirius walking out of the room. She was relieved, and this wasn't a reaction she expected. However, she did censored some parts. Some things are too much for now, and she decided to keep them hidden. She managed to get up, and she looked at herself in the mirror. Sirius was right, she needed another clothes. Suddenly, she was a bit ashamed of talking with him dressed like that. But, she was thankful for the duvet that covered her the whole time. Her hair was a mess, and the small cuts on her face were barely visible. But, the place on her stomach where the stunning spell hit her held a big purple bruise. Sirius broke her train of thoughts walking in the room again, with a small pile of clothes in his hands.

"Here," he handed it to her. "It's not Ravenclaw, since it's mine, but I guess it'll fit you. And it will match your hair." Sirius noticed Gwen's sad look, so he took out his wand, waved it, and pointed it at her hair. Suddenly, her hair was clean, and not messy at all. Her burgundy locks were now free-falling from the top of her head. She looked at herself in the mirror, and was feeling a bit better now.

"Thank you. For everything," she put the clothes he gave her on the dresser, walked towards Sirius, and wiggled herself in his hug. He didn't hug her at first, but eventually he did.

"I told you not to thank me," he broke the hug as soon as he could, still not comfortable with people touching him. Or feeling someone's warmth. "You change, and I'll get Moony."

Sirius walked out of the room again, closing the door. Gwen looked at herself again, satisfied with her new hairstyle. She undressed herself, and put on Sirius' old Gryffindor shirt, and a pair of training trousers. She looked silly because it didn't fit her at all, and it was too much red. But she couldn't deny it was comfortable. She walked to the window, looking through it. It was night for a while now, but she wasn't sure what time it was. But she felt safe. And that was all that was important. Her thoughts were interrupted by Sirius' knocking on the door.

"You decent? I have someone here who is dying to meet you… ouch!"

"Yes, come in," Gwen said nervously. Who would want to meet her?

Sirius was the first one to come in the room, followed by Tonks, and Remus.

"Wait I know you!" Gwen said, and pointed at Tonks. "You're that metamorphmagus girl from Hufflepuff. I remember you from Hogwarts!"

"Wotcher! That's me, Tonks," she offered her hand for a handshake, and Gwen stepped forward to accept it.

"Gwen. I always liked that mental hair of yours," Gwen was amused by Tonks' eyes that now sparkled. "And then you must be Remus Lupin." Gwen turned to Remus, and he nodded as their hands shook.

"I guess you will accompany me tomorrow? Dumbledore said…" Gwen was now looking at Remus, who suddenly looked so uncomfortable, and shy.

"No, I won't, but Tonks will," he smiled lightly at Gwen. "I'll be occupied with something…"

"Oh… I looked forward in meeting my new roommate. I know this one," her head tilted in Sirius' way.

"Not this time, I'm sorry. And excuse me, roommate?" Remus was confused, and he was now more nervous than before. Of course Sirius didn't tell him that on their way up. But he said how she lived in the Muggle world. Because that was more important, obviously.

"Yes… I hope you don't mind," Gwen was now feeling awkward, not really understanding Remus' behaviour. Tonks' looked in a surprise at him as well.

"I don't. I would appreciate if this prick just told me that… I guess I will go tomorrow night then." Remus said with a calm, hoarse voice.

"Go where?" Tonks was now the one asking. She stayed here for some answers, and she will get them. Gwen was confused, but didn't want to say anything. She felt bad with him wanting to leave because of her.

"For Merlin's sake Remus, just tell them already…" Sirius rolled his eyes, trying to encourage his friend, annoyed with him tiptoeing around the subject.

"Well, it's the fu…" Remus started a sentence, but Gwen's shriek stopped him.

"Don't tell me it was you!" Gwen was stricken, now looking at him, her eyes wide open, and hand on her mouth.

"I'm sorry, but I don't really follow," Remus was now the one confused. Tonks' eyes were flowing like a tennis ball from Remus to Gwen. Sirius sat on the bed, trying to suppress his laughter.

"The full moon… Your scars… I saw you in a vision last year. As soon as I told Severus about a werewolf…"

"I'm sorry, what?" Tonks was now the one interrupting, and Sirius burst into laughter. All of them looked at him at once. Remus was petrified, and he wasn't in a mood for laughing at all.

"I'm sorry, but this is the best furry little secret revelation ever," Sirius was still laughing, and Remus cheeks became red from blushing.

"If you saw a werewolf in Hogwarts last year, then yes, it probably was me," he said flatly, looking at Gwen. "Sorry, Tonks, I would tell you eventually…"

"I'm sorry, WHAT? You? And what do you do during the full moon? Lend books in the werewolf library?" Tonks looked at Remus in disbelief. In a matter of seconds, all of them started laughing, with Sirius' being the loudest. However, Sirius didn't notice it was actually the first time Remus took a joke on his werewolf behalf without a sarcastic comment. In fact, Remus laughed for real. Something Sirius didn't hear in a while.

"I'm glad this amuses all of you, but unfortunately no. And that's why I'll leave tomorrow. With only Sirius here it's fine, because well… He became an animagi to keep me company," Remus said, and all looks were now pointed at Sirius who was waving from the bed, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

"I know, I'm the coolest," he said jokingly.

"But I can't risk it if you'll be here too," Remus finished his thought.

"I'm sorry to put you out of place…" Gwen was suddenly feeling a bit embarrased.

"Nonsense, I'm used to all of it. Just one thing, don't be too loud the morning after. It drives me nuts, loudness," Remus flinched with discomfort.

"How did you manage to live with him, then?" Tonks pointed at Sirius, who truth be told, was always loud. "I guess it's girl power tomorrow then, Gwen. I'll pick you up after work, I get off at 3 p.m. usually. I must go now, it's quite late, and this was one hell of a night." Tonks said, her eyes zooming around the room. She will again be too tired at her work, but she didn't care. It was way better than coming to work hungover.

"I'll wait you here, Tonks. And thank you."

"Hey, you're my first Order task. And I would love to kick some Death Eater's arse! Let them come for you now! Not on my fucking watch!" she winked at Gwen, who smiled at her. "Just don't let them drive you too mental. I guess it's a plus that it's almost 2 in the morning, so they will sleep some time. Take care! Nice to meet… well, all of you? Cheers!" Tonks waved at them, and walked outside of the room, and the house.

This night was everything but expected. Tonks was so impressed by the Order, but she fell asleep immediately. Remus for once fell asleep quite easily, still amused by the young pink haired witch. Even Gwen after everything that happened to her slept quietly, without any dreams. And Sirius… He slept peacefully too. And this night, he didn't dream about the coldness of the Dementors, or the Azkaban.

This came out longer than expected, but I guess it's how it will be from now :D

I really hope that some things about Gwen are more clear now. I like writing her in the story, and she will definitely stick around.

AND NOW...

What will happen in the night of the full moon?

Will Tonks and Gwen safely visit her house?

Is Gwen still hiding something? And what's up with Snape?

And who will be joining us in the next chapter?

All of that, and lots more will be coming so stay tuned!

P.S. don't forget to let me know what you think!

xx