The room was empty. In the moonlight that fell through the open window, Sirius had a look around. The walls were decorated with sketches. He inspected one of them, a pencil drawing of a parrot. It was a piece of art, and the bird was so realistic that for a moment Sirius expected it to spread its wings and start to fly. If she really could do Wizarding Paintings then he understood, why the mysterious writer had chosen her to carry out the transfer of the casket from one painting to another. He continued his examination of the room. In the back most corner of the wardrobe, he found a ready packed travel bag. Sirius took out his wand and whispered, "Accio working contract". Out of a thick sketchbook on the desk a document soared at him. He caught it. The heading read, "Arbeidsovereenkomst". He looked at the bottom and saw the signature 'Jonathan W. Evans". A small smile played around his lips. So, the letter had been right again. Mercuria was ready to leave the nest and had forged her uncle's signature. He put the document back into place and looked out of the window.

Mercuria was sitting next to the chimney and smoked. Sirius climbed out of the window and sat beside her. She looked up in surprise and he could see a flash of appreciation in her eyes. "What are you doing on the roof?". "Smoking, drinking, taking pills, listening to music, gazing at the stars, contemplating my situation, whatever you want. For the past four years I have been spending many nights out here. Well, mostly in summer of course, but sometimes even in winter". Sirius did not know what to say. Suddenly she pointed at the stars. "Look, Sirius. Up there is your star. The brightest one in the sky". When he looked at her and realised that her enthusiasm was real, his reservations melted away and he gazed at the stars. He knew that here had been several members of his family by the name of 'Sirius', but he had never really reflected on its origin. Mercuria carried on, "Canis majoris, the great dog. Did your parents have a dog by the time you were born?". For an instant, Sirius was stunned and not sure, whether she was just pulling another surprise out of her sleeve. Then he quickly decided that it was impossible for her to have heard about his Animagus shape. Not even Lily was privy to the Marauder's secret. No, she had just drawn the connection between his name and the constellation. He guessed that his name was not in use in the Muggle world and that she had wondered about it. He said, "I don't think that my parents ever had a pet, let alone a dog. Therefore, I am pretty sure that my name comes from the star. But your name also derives from the planets". She cast him a short glance, giggled and then said, "It seems likely. But in fact, when I was born, my dad worked with a company called Mercuria. I don't tell anybody of course, because the idea that you are named after a producer of harvesters is not very exciting, don't you think?". Both burst out laughing. She carried on "Well, my second name is Hope and perhaps it is this one which has the deeper meaning". Sirius was overwhelmed by a wave of affection. This girl was so different from any other he had ever met. They fell silent. Sirius wondered. Why was it so damn difficult for him to just talk to her? To ask the questions that were burning on his mind? Because he was afraid she would think he was stupid? He wished her to see him like his friends and schoolmates did. Clever, amusing, superior, quick-witted. But everything he wanted to say suddenly seemed trite and simple-minded. He was afraid of making a fool of himself again and rather said nothing.

She looked at him. "I have to make a confession. Before you arrived, I already had some thoughts about you. After all, Lily wrote that you were two true-blood wizards". "Yes, so what?". She looked at him seriously, leaned over and whispered in his ear as if she was about to tell him an important secret, "Lily is a normal witch. She looks like a normal person. Regarding you, I was concerned that you looked like real wizards". "What do you mean by that? What does a real wizard look like?", asked Sirius perplexed. "Well, everyone knows that. Hunch-backed, limp, cross-eyed, with a crooked and long nose and a thick black wart sitting on it that grows ugly hair, the tip of the nose touches the protruding chin, hair sprouts from the ears and nostrils, the twisted mouth, the yellow teeth protrude between thin lips, knobbly hands with long fingernails, snot running down his nose and saliva from his mouth. And a wizard wears one of those silly pointed hats, a cloak and a broom under his arm". She glared convincingly at Sirius who had been listening with growing confusion. "Believe me, I was really worried about Lily. Who would want children by such a repellent and ugly guy? You just can't show your face anywhere with someone like that by your side, can you? You wouldn't believe how happy I am to see that your appearance is quite normal". Sirius was speechless. She giggled, "Man, you should see yourself right now. If dismay had a face, it would look just like you". She collapsed with laughter and rolled back and forth. Sirius was angry with himself. Why was he always making himself the target of her mockery? James would have given a fitting answer, he was sure.

"Can you conjure up a drink? Red wine if possible?". He waved his wand and summoned up a bottle and two glasses. He filled them and handed her one. She offered him a cigarette. Sirius said, "It was very generous of you to give James your ring. He has taken a great effort to pick out the engagement ring for Lily. But yours is just so much nicer. A real work of art". Mercuria smiled, "You know, Sirius, it really turns me on to create things. With my own hands. To improve mopeds or blenders, Or to craft things like this ring. I wanted to know whether I could do that. I'm not interested in the ring itself, and I got the materials for free. So why spoil their happiness? Come on, let's go inside. It's late". Sirius wondered what else she had known about him before they had first met. And to what extent she had braced herself for him.

They climbed through the window back into the room. Mercuria switched on the ceiling lamp, and a harsh light illuminated the room to the last corner. She put the bottle and the glasses on the bedside table. Sirius was prepared that she would push him on the bed and seduce him. Instead, she closed the window and sorted some papers into a pile on the desk. When she turned and wished him a good night, he blinked at her in amazement, until her words had sunken in. He had expected anything, but not being thrown out like this. He answered her greeting and slowly walked to the door. Suddenly he knew that it would all be over if he left the room. There would be no turning back then. They had gambled and he held the last card in his hand. Suddenly, a line from the letter came to his mind, "If you play your cards right, you will gain additional years of love and happiness". All at once he knew that if he went away now, he would regret having done so for the rest of his life. Resolutely, he threw his card on the table, walked up to her, took her in his arms and kissed her.

Then Sirius slowly undressed her and made her sit on the edge of the bed. While he started to take off his own clothes and glanced at her, he suddenly felt an unfamiliar sensation. Shame. He tried to remember whether he had ever stripped in front of a woman in full light. In his memory, he had always removed his clothes in dim light while sitting on the edge of the bed with his back to his partner, and had immediately slipped under the covers before she could get a good look at him. Now he stood in the glare of the Muggle lamp, feeling awkward under her interested gaze. Mercuria seemed to be scanning every inch of his body and he wondered whether he withstood a comparison to Muggle men. Uneasily, he sat down beside her, but after a moment's hesitation, took her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly. "Tell me dear, what would you like me to do? How would you have it?". He looked into her bright eyes, wide with expectation, and thought he had misheard when she replied, "I don't know. I've never done it before". Sirius blinked in disbelief. "What?". "I've read an incredible amount about it, of course". "Read?". "Well. The usual books. Lady Chatterley, Justine, Josefine Mutzenbacher, Venus in Fur, Kama Sutra, all that stuff. You know". No, Sirius didn't know. He was rather surprised to learn that there were books on the subject at all. He had never heard of any such literature in the Wizarding World. She continued, "When it happens for the first time, you don't want to behave like a complete idiot who doesn't know what's going on, don't you?".

Confused, Sirius said, "I thought that ... well, you are the queen of frog kissers after all. And what about the incident in the kitchen? That felt pretty experienced to me ..." He didn't finish the sentence. "If you're snogging a guy or fumbling a bit or doing it to him with your hand, and you find that he's a frog, why take it any further then?". Sirius could hardly escape this logic. He let himself fall back and laughed out loud. Mercuria looked at him in amazement. "What's the matter with you? Now don't you tell me that you don't choose your partners carefully". Sirius straightened up and put his arm around her, "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just so different". " Why different?". "I don't know. Only, I don't remember ever having talked so much while doing it. And it hasn't been funny so far either. Exciting. Exhausting. Sometimes even unpleasant. But funny? Never. So you don't know what pleases you yet?". "No, but I have a few suggestions if you can't think of anything. There are so many things I would like to try out. For example, we could... " . Sirius wondered. Was all this reality, or had he swallow one of those famous Muggle pills and these were just visions? He gave a loud guffaw and kissed her on the mouth. "No. Trust me. I'm sure that together we can find out something that pleases both of us. First we need dimmed lights." He got up and took his wand from the pocket of his pants to dim the harsh light. "But I want to see everything. I want to see you". "Well, you can. Still, this light is perfect for drawing, but not for making love".

Sirius took a deep breath. At last he was able to relax again. As he sat down on the bed and bent down to Mercuria, he smiled, He kissed her gently on the lips and caressed her face tenderly with his fingertips. Then he knelt between her legs and placed his hands on her thighs. He began to gently caress the insides of her thighs with his lips. Looking up, he noticed her tense expression and gave her a reassuring smile. Then he clasped her thighs and dived down again. When he had found his target, he tightened his grip and caressed her more intensely. Contractions shot through her body when she could bear it no longer. She clawed at the sheet and moaned softly.

Sirius kissed her belly. Then he slid on top of her. He intertwined his left hand with her right, propped himself up on his elbow and glanced down at her. "Look at me," and smiled as he gazed into her eyes, which were opened wide. When he lay upon her, she winced and whimpered briefly. Sirius looked at her tenderly. "Are you all right?". She nodded and beamed at him. Carefully he moved back and forth and she adopted the rhythm of his body until it culminated in one final thrust. For some time they remained closely entwined without moving. He rolled onto his side and stroked her. Sirius sat up, took the bottle on the bedside table and filled their glasses. They drank a toast to each other. Mercuria snuggled into his arm and said enthusiastically, "This was really fantastic. Much better than I always thought it would be. I have no words to describe how it felt". Sirius kissed her tenderly. She tasted of red wine, and her scent aroused him.

After a while, Mercuria straightened up and knelt beside him. "Let me do it now. Finally, I can have a go at it". Seeing her eyes sparkle with excitement, he just could not resist to hand over control to her as she carefully pushed him into the pillows and began to explore his body curiously and gently. He leaned back and was surprised to find that her theoretical knowledge, now practically applied for the first time, evoked unknown and unexpected reactions in his body. He closed his eyes and let himself go. It was already dawn by the time they were too tired to continue. Mercuria snuggled into his arm before they fell asleep, tightly embraced. In the morning, Sirius erased the traces of their night's activities from the sheets before he headed downstairs to the room he shared with James. James eyed him curiously and said, "Everything seems to have been settled between you. You do look very happy, old man. Just a little advice: be careful. I don't think the little lady has a certain reputation for nothing". Sirius smiled wryly, "A reputation that is in no way justified". "She told you that? How pathetic". Sirius just grinned. James eyed his friend. "She didn't tell you? You figured it out yourself? The proof written in blood, so to speak? Oh boy. I wouldn't have expected that. Well then, good luck". Whistling cheerfully, Sirius loped downstairs to the dining room, when he heard James, who slowly followed, murmur to himself, "I can' t believe I'm living to see this. Padfoot being hooked by a Muggle woman".

After breakfast, Sirius asked Lily, "What have you told your family about us. About true-blood wizards, that is. I think they have very peculiar ideas". Lily gave him an astonished glance. "Why is that?". He repeated Mercuria's description of how a real wizard looked like. James laughed wholeheartedly. "Funny. That's just how I always used to imagine Muggles when I was a kid. Without the hat and the broom, of course". Lily was taken aback. "I don't understand this. I sent Mercuria a picture of you, didn't I? The one of you with Peter and Remus. She must have mixed up something". Lily got up and went to the kitchen. James snorted, "Mixed up. Yeah sure. Padfoot, I'm telling you, that woman knows every trick in the book. And you were fooled by it. Too bad she's not a witch. The Marauders would have been glad to have her as a member". Sirius was briefly annoyed that he didn't see through the joke, but then joined in James' laughter. "Cheeky little devil. Well, I'll teach her. Hunch-backed. Can you believe it?".

James went after Lily and said "Poor Marlene. When she just thought, she had him nailed down, Sirius is slipping through her fingers once again". Lily looked surprised. "Why do you say so? Finally, he has shown some interest in her. Did you forget that he agreed to travel with her to France? I am sure that he made up his mind". James looked at her smiling. "Lily, dear. I know that you always hoped that Sirius and Marlene would end up together. Frankly, when he agreed to take her to France, I was surprised. I know that he does not fancy her. But now he had an experience, which might change everything for him". James told her that Mercuria and Sirius had discovered some common grounds. Lily shook her head in disbelieve. She said, "But Mercuria is just a child. And you know very well that she has a lot of problems. How can he ever fancy her?". James said "I don't know your cousin. But I know Sirius. And I swear that I never saw him as fascinated by any woman as he is now. Even if this doesn't lead any further, she will be his role model for the future. Just like she said. You must compare to find your best choice. And that is what he does right now. Unfortunately, Marlene fell behind. I am sure, he doesn't even remember that she exists. Poor girl. I suggest that you write her a letter to spare her a highly embarrassing situation". Lily nodded sadly. "I am not sure, whether it was a good idea to come here at all". James took her in his arms. "Quite the contrary, dear. It was the best idea that we had in years. I am really enjoying myself". Lily looked surprised. Then she said, "I am going to write to Marlene". It was Sunday and the family spent the day relaxing on the terrace.

Sirius woke up the next morning and found that the place next to him in bed was empty. He got up and dressed when he suddenly heard James' voice shouting, "Oblivate". Sirius sprinted down the stairs while James repeated his spell in a shriller voice. The door to the Evans' bedroom was open. He peered inside and stared in disbelief at the scene that was unfolding. James stood next to an open safe. He was nervously waving his wand at Mercuria and now incessantly cried, " Obliviate". His hair was tousled, and his face had taken on a desperate expression. Mercuria stood beside the bed. She had her hands on her hips and was watching James with an increasingly bored expression on her face. Suddenly she said, "Tell me, Potter. Does this lead somewhere in the not-too-distant future? If not, I'd like to get myself a coffee before this goes any further". Swearing loudly, James threw his head back. Then he waved his wand and shouted, "Stupefy". Mercuria was thrown backwards and fell to the ground unconscious. "Thank God it worked". James ran his hand through his hair. Sirius took advantage of his friend's confusion and stepped into the room. James winced. "Oh, it's you. You won't believe this, but the Memory Charm doesn't affect Mercuria. I was beginning to doubt my magic. Fortunately, the Stunning Spell worked". He knelt beside Mercuria and lifted the enchantment from her. She looked confused and frowned. "What happened? What did you do, James?". James smiled kindly. "I'm glad you're all right. Why don't you prepare breakfast for us and then we'll find some place where I can give you a lift on my broom?". Mercuria nodded, got up and went to the door. Before she walked out of the room, she turned and said, "Put the safe back in order. My uncle will be very angry when he finds out that you have gone through his private papers". James murmured helplessly, "Padfoot, have you ever heard of anyone who was immune to the Memory Charm?". Sirius shook his head. "No. That girl is an endless source of surprises. Straighten up in here and come down to the kitchen. We'll find out what's behind this in due time". Deep in thought, Sirius walked down the stairs. He was far less surprised that Mercuria could resist the Memory Charm than his friend. A girl who was capable of painting Wizarding Portraits could also have other abilities that no one would expect in a Muggle. He decided to find out what these were as soon as possible.

After breakfast, James asked, "Where is the best place to try the broom?". Mercuria clapped enthusiastically. "Let's go to the meadow where Lily and I flew. It's a working day and there shouldn't be anyone watching us this morning". James summoned his broom while Sirius embraced Mercuria tightly. They apparated to the meadow. Leaning against a tree, Sirius watched amused, as Mercuria enthusiastically climbed onto the broom behind James. They took off and circled the meadow. At first, James took a slow turn. When he heard Mercuria whoop with enthusiasm, he spun up and chased his broom around the field, rising high into the air, suddenly shooting down to pull the broom up at the very last moment before it crashed to the ground, and curving around the trees like slalom poles. Finally, he piloted the broom up and steered it over the edge of the meadow. Sirius quickly lost sight of them. He leaned back against the tree trunk and was about to light a cigarette when he noticed a movement at the other end of the meadow.

Sirius squinted his eyes and tried to make out who was standing there. But the distance was too great. When he apparated and came to a halt next to the furtive observer, he realised to his astonishment that it was by no means a Muggle who had happened to pass by and whom he had to obliviate now. Next to him stood Severus Snape. The man he loathed more than anyone else. They eyed each other hatefully and both reached for their wands as James landed beside them. Mercuria jumped off his broom laughing happily and fell around Severus' neck. "Sev. Sev. Did you see me fly? That was incredible. Unbelievable, I tell you. You wizards are great guys. Yes, you are". Severus surreptitiously put his wand away, as did Sirius. James exchanged a surprised look with his friend, who shrugged his shoulders. Mercuria turned and grabbed Severus' arm. "Boys, this is Severus. Severus Snape. He's a good friend. He lives nearby. These are James Potter, Lily's boyfriend and Sirius Black". Severus nodded at them and said in a strained voice, "We've met. Dear, I've got to leave. I'll see you around". Mercuria hugged him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Take care". Before he disapparated, Severus threw the two wizards one more look full of disgust and loathing.

Mercuria, in her enthusiasm, did not notice the irritation of James and Sirius were. Severus had once been a close friend of Lily. After he had insulted her deeply by calling her a mudblood, the friendship had cooled considerably. Moreover, they no longer ran in the same circles and Lily was repelled by Severus' Slytherin friends. Knowing all this, it came as a surprise to Sirius that Mercuria obviously still had a close relationship with him. But on the other hand, how was she supposed to know about all the squabbles at Hogwarts? Given her obvious affection for Severus, Sirius decided not to tell her about the open enmity that existed between them. In a few days, she would run away to Belgium, and Snape would disappear from her life forever. This brought Sirius back to a problem he had been brooding over since they had arrived in Cokeworth. How were they going to uncover Mercuria's secret? For himself, it was easy to find the employment contract seemingly by accident. After all, he spent his nights in her room. There, the drawing book with its tell-tale contents still lay on the desk. He only had to leaf through it as if by chance and then come across the contract and the tickets with feigned astonishment. But according to the letter from the future, James must be the one to reveal the secret. Sirius decided to wait and see if another favourable opportunity would arise for James to find the contract before he had to do it himself.