In the following weeks and months, Sirius commuted constantly between Godric's Hollow, London and Antwerp, where he spent as much time as possible. James had once asked him if he still kept in touch with Mercuria. When Sirius nodded, his friend seemed satisfied and did not probe further. He was highly concerned though when Sirius told him what he had learned from the Belgian wizards. After a short time, the visits to Antwerp followed a fixed rhythm, without this having been agreed upon. Sirius flew to Belgium on Friday afternoons so that he arrived just when Mercuria's working hours ended. Most of the time, she had already recognised the sound of his motorbike and was waiting for him in the open doorway. He would then stay until Monday morning when her working week started again.

They kept it that way for several months. But as time went by, Sirius found their arrangement increasingly boring and inappropriate. On the one hand, he sometimes longed for her so much, even during the week, that he was on the verge of jumping on his motorbike and flying to Antwerp. On the other hand, every now and then he didn't feel like travelling to the continent on a Friday evening. Therefore, he decided to change the framework of their meetings. On a Wednesday afternoon, he flew to Antwerp without further ado to surprise her. He opened the flat door with his wand and entered her room. There were things scattered all over the room, the bed was not made and only the things on her desk were neatly sorted. Obviously, she prepared herself meticulously for his visits because he had never seen such a mess in her flat before. He stepped up to the bed. She would be home within the next half an hour, and he wanted to hide the small present he had prepared for her in bed. When he pulled open the covers, he flinched. The marks on the sheet proved conclusively that Mercuria had not spent the night alone. Anger and disappointment made him tremble and for a moment he thought he would choke on his jealousy. The idea of someone else holding her in his arms, exploring her body, seeking out and caressing the hidden spots which he thought only he knew, in short, igniting a passion in her which he himself had never seen in another woman and which he would not permit any other man to experience, caused him physical pain. He sat down on the bed and pondered what to do now. Then he let himself fall back, threw his head into his neck, and laughed out loud. After their relationship had settled down, he had stayed in another woman's bed every now and then during the week. In the beginning, there were weeks in between. But as time went by, it happened more and more often that he woke up in the morning next to a stranger whose name he no longer remembered and who left no traces in his memory.

For as long as he could remember, the fair sex had always found him exciting. In addition to his looks and his bad-boy image, his apparent aloofness had further incited their ambitions and desire. At the beginning, it had mainly been his schoolmates who had desperately wanted to get closer to him. At first, he had responded to their flirting attempts a few times, and with one or the other he had snogged and fondled a little in a quiet corner. But when these girls misused their intimate moments as an opportunity to push themselves next to him at meals and during lessons, to disturb his activities with his friends with their presence, to pester him with caresses in public and to present him to their friends like a trophy, in short to force themselves on him at every suitable and unsuitable occasion, he soon no longer let himself get involved. From then on, he approached the girls at school in a friendly distanced manner and completely ignored their advances.

He never regretted his decision, for one Hogsmeade weekend before Christmas he had an encounter that changed everything for him. He and his friends were sitting at a table in the Three Broomsticks when he noticed that a witch, who stood at the bar, had been eying him all along and smiled right at him as he looked at her. A stranger, who had booked into the pub for the night. When he went to the bathroom, she had disappeared. He bumped into her again in the corridor. As he passed her, she murmured without looking at him, "I'm staying in the attic tonight. If you have time, my window will be left ajar". This was exactly the kind of adventure he could not resist. At dusk he used one of the secret passages he and the Marauders had discovered to sneak out of school, assumed his Animagus shape, and run to Hogsmeade. As promised, the woman was waiting for him and made him experience things that the girls at school could not or would not give him. He had long since grown tired of their clumsy kisses and unskilled caresses anyway. And their silly behaviour of first making explicit proposals to him and then suddenly giggling and playing coy had further added to his disgust.

Sirius had turned sixteen in November, and that night many things changed for him. They didn't speak, they didn't know each other's names, and yet there was this silent mutual understanding that they wanted the same. They were both aware of the conditions of their gathering even without words. And from the moment he undressed and slipped under her covers, he knew how he wanted to handle it in the future. Everything about that night was perfect for him. How they had made contact, the way they made love to each other and finally the certainty that there would be no troublesome discussions the next morning. It was out of question that they would meet again and spend more time together. Everything that connected him to the stranger Sirius left behind in the small room below the roof and it dissolved into nothingness at dawn when he ran back to the school. From then on, he perfected his tactics. He quickly mastered the whole claviature of communicating with stealthy sign language, and often a single glance was sufficient for him to arrange a meeting with a woman. And his nose for spotting genuine interest of a potential partner never let him down.

Until the day a little Muggle schoolgirl had turned the tables on him, and he had slipped into a committed relationship unawares. At home, however, he noticed that his single life began to arouse the interest of many people around him. Truly, most of his peers were already married or at least had a steady relationship. Since he had to prevent anyone from discovering his connection to Belgium at all costs, he started picking up women again for a quickie or a one-night stand. This gained him a reputation as a womaniser but prevented others from prying too intensively into his private life. Furthermore, he felt that he enjoyed making love to Mercuria even more when he had pulled some woman the days before. It was the direct comparison which considerably increased his erotic sensation. The discovery that Mercuria obviously handled it the same way had come as a shock to him.

When Sirius straightened up again, Mercuria was standing in front of him. "What are you doing here?". He smiled. "I just thought I'd drop by". "Fine. You see I wasn't expecting you. But I am thrilled. Very much to be true". "You had a visitor yesterday?". She nodded. "I have to kiss a frog occasionally. To appreciate even more what I find in you. Just like you by the way". He raised his eyebrows, "You know about that?". "Of course, I do. I'm not stupid, after all. Some weeks ago, you came and you still had the faint scent of a woman's perfume on you. You probably didn't even notice it yourself. I knew then that you were seeing other women. Since you kept coming regularly, it couldn't be serious, so I claimed the same right for myself. You know yourself how long a week can be when you crave for someone. If you re-make the bed, we can start forgetting about frogs and their likes". Sirius laughed and changed the sheets with a wave of his wand.

Then he pulled her next to him on the bed. "Actually, I wanted to surprise you and put a present into your bed. But that didn't work out. So, I'm giving it to you now". He retrieved a flat box from his pocket. Expectantly, Mercuria opened the bow and unwound the wrapping paper. Inside the box lay a mirror. The frame was old and worn. Obviously, the piece had been used quite often. She giggled. "A mirror? That's funny. Is that supposed to be a discreet hint?". An ironic smile played around the corners of his mouth. "No. This is the Wizarding version of a telephone". He pulled another mirror from his breast pocket. "James and I used these a lot. When we had to do detention work in separate rooms or wanted to otherwise communicate. I asked James to give me his mirror. He doesn't need it that badly nowadays. You don't have to be a wizard to use it. Just saying the other person's name out loud is sufficient. At the beginning of our relationship, it was ok that our meetings followed a fixed rhythm. But now I think we should be more spontaneous". She nodded. "Let's try that out for once". Sirius stood up. "Well, I'd better leave the room then". He disappeared. Mercuria held the mirror in front of her face and said aloud, "Sirius Black". Immediately his smiling face appeared. " You see, it's working". He entered the flat and sat down next to her.

"There is something else I wanted to talk to you about and why I gave you the mirror". "Does it actually work from London?". "I am pretty sure it does, but we'll check that out. Listen to me. Did Lily ever tell you about the Dark Lord Voldemort? Or about Death Eaters?". Mercuria shook her head. Sirius enlightened her about what was going on in the Wizarding World. "That means this Lord Voldemort wants to take power and he and his stooges are killing all their opponents? Then all of you are in danger too. Is there anything I can do to help? Ok, I can't do magic. But perhaps there is something I can contribute". Sirius looked at her for a long time, before he said, "I think your time is yet to come. But there is indeed something". He shared with her what the wizards in Tovenaar Straat had told him about Voldemort. "You may read. There are many archives and libraries here in Belgium. Public and private. In monasteries, townhouses, manor houses, castles, wherever. The chance of discovering a book on magic is admittedly low. Nevertheless, it is possible that some writing or other has ended up in the Muggle world. I know it's tedious and most likely unsuccessful, but if you really want to help, this is the only thing I can think of". Mercuria nodded. "Yes, perhaps you are right. I may actually find something useful". "There is something else you can do. Well, I want you to know... For one thing, you must not come back to England". "The question does not arise at all. Until I am eighteen, I will not take the risk of my uncle keeping me in Cokeworth". "Does anyone here actually know that you are still a minor?". "No one except Master van Gemsveeld. I have forged my ID, haven't I? And he doesn't care. He's a real loner. In any case, he has long forgotten my birthday". Sirius continued. "I also want you to know that I won't always have time to visit you. When there are important tasks to be done, I just can't leave. But with the mirrors, we can communicate. Cheer up".

When he saw her getting sad, he grabbed her chin and lifted her head up so that she had to look at him. "Curey, one thing I know for sure is that spending time with you will give me additional years of love and happiness". "Additional years of love and happiness? What do you mean by that?". "One day I will explain it to you. But not yet. Trust me". She nodded. "By the way, Lily and James are getting married in a fortnight. I will be James' best man. It's a shame you can't come. It would have been a pleasure to have you by my side. It's going to be a wonderful celebration. I am really looking forward to it. Your cousin Petunia has also got married". Mercuria pulled a face. "How did she ever find a husband to walk her down the aisle? Hard to believe. What did James and Lily tell you about her husband?". "James didn't get on with the man. His name is Vernon Dursley. Apparently, a typical Muggle, the kind a wizard would expect. James made a few jokes and the whole thing ended in disaster. You know him. He felt sorry for Lily. She was in tears a lot. Anyway, Petunia didn't ask Lily to be her bridesmaid. Lily was very disappointed. Since then, they've broken off contact. I don't think they're coming to the wedding. But Lily's parents will attend. They're really excited. About James, as well. And honestly, he likes them a lot. How come you didn't get on so well with them?". "Oh Sirius. My Dad was the most wonderful person there was. At least he was to me. He always said I could do and be anything I wanted. Then when he got so ill and died, my uncle felt it was his duty to keep me under constant observation. I was not allowed to do anything. That's what I told you. Just as you revolted against your parents, I revolted against them. I tell you honestly, if I hadn't had the opportunity to go to Belgium, I don't know what would have happened. When I'll finish my apprenticeship and come of age, I'll go and see them and explain everything. Tell me, will you and I be together then. Properly, I mean?". Sirius smiled, "We'll see". He lay down on the bed and pulled her close.

One day in summer they had just gone to bed when the phone rang. Mercuria picked up the receiver and Sirius saw that she looked incredulous. Without a word, she listened to the caller and ran her fingers through her hair several times. Finally, she said, "Yes," and to his utter surprise passed the receiver to Sirius. "James". Sirius listened and at the same time wondered when his friend had learned to use a phone. Finally, he said goodbye and hung up. Sirius said, "Your aunt and uncle have died, Lily is in Cokeworth to dissolve their household. He asked us to come to Godric's Hollow immediately. Get ready." They both jumped out of bed. Mercuria hurriedly packed a small travel bag. Sirius noticed that she also pocketed the small bag which he knew contained her drugs. While they were together, she hadn't taken any, and he had already wondered if she had given up that addiction.

When they arrived at the Potter's home at Godric's Hollow, James was excited to meet Mercuria. He hugged her affectionately. Still, Sirius wondered more and more as the evening wore on. On the phone, his friend had sounded so insistent that he had expected something terrible to have happened. Even when James had informed him about the death of his parents-in-law a fortnight ago, he had sounded much more composed. And now James only invited them to make themselves comfortable on the sofa. He served them drinks and explained, "The opportunity to meet you came up quite spontaneously. Lily received a letter from Petunia, who wanted to travel to Cokeworth to settle her parents' inheritance. Lily rushed off immediately and so I jumped at the chance to see my favourite little cousin again". He smiled benevolent and gently pinched Mercuria's cheek. She frowned and looked questioningly at Sirius. He shrugged but said nothing. As they sat relaxed together, James invited Mercuria to roll a joint for them. While Sirius declined, James smoked eagerly. After a while, James began to tell crazy stories and giggled goofily. Mercuria and Sirius felt increasingly uncomfortable. Finally, Sirius rose, pulled his friend off the sofa, and put him to bed. "I don't know what he's up to. But I don't like it". Before they went to sleep themselves, Sirius peeked into James' bedroom. His friend was sleeping soundly. To make up for his strange behaviour the day before, James offered Mercuria a lift on his broom the following afternoon. Sirius accompanied them to the small grove on the outskirts of the village and watched as they took off. He was quite worried, because he knew his friend well enough to fear that there must be something odd behind this whole arrangement. He racked his brains as to what they were actually doing there.

The last day of their visit dragged on. The next morning Sirius would fly Mercuria to Belgium, so she would be back for work in time. Towards evening, James offered a bottle of whisky and poured a glass for his friend, which he refilled as soon as Sirius had emptied it. After a couple of drinks, Sirius dozed off on the sofa. When he woke up, he was alone. It was dark outside, and he assumed the other two had already gone to bed. He got up and went upstairs to the bedroom, but Mercuria was not there. James' bed was also empty. Now Sirius became highly concerned. He began to suspect that his friend had deliberately made him drunk to have him out of the way. He threw on his cloak and made his way to the small grove. He calmed himself with the thought that perhaps James had offered Mercuria another ride on the broom and then they had simply lost track of time. As he reached the edge of the wood, he heard a pitiful cry. He stormed forward. Then he stopped abruptly at the sight that met his eyes. Mercuria was lying on the ground, trying to protect her head with her arms. James had assumed his Animagus shape and attacked her. Mercuria's cloak had become caught in the stag's antlers and obstructed its vision. Sirius drew his wand and with a Restoring Spell forced James to change back into a human. His friend collapsed to the ground. With one arm, Sirius grabbed James, with the other Mercuria and apparated to the house. He made them sit on the couch. James avoided his look. Sirius tended to Mercuria, who had twisted an ankle and had several bruises. Then he lifted her up and carried her to bed.

When he returned to the living room, he sat on the couch, summoned himself a coffee and asked James, "Now what the hell is going on here? Will you please tell me, what this is all about?". James buried his head in his hands. Then he guiltily looked up at Sirius and said, "Do you remember that Mercuria couldn't be obliviated? I always wondered why. I had to find out why she was resistant. There might be other spells that don't work on her. For example, the Imperious Spell". He raised his hands defensively when he saw that Sirius was turning red with anger and beginning to tremble. "Old man, relax. Of course, I haven't tried that one on her. For God's sake". Sirius could only shake his head. James continued, "I thought it was because of these Muggle drugs she takes. I wanted to try one. That's what we did tonight". "And why did you leave me behind? I could have helped you". James shook his head. "I don't know, Padfoot. I simply don't know. Perhaps I was afraid that you would stop me". "And did you find out why Curey isn't affected by the Memory Charm?". James shook his head. ""Honestly, no. Looking back, the idea seems rather stupid to me. If, and I stress again, if the pills are the cause that the Memory Charm doesn't work on Mercuria, then I guess you must take them regularly for years. Besides, I think that whatever she experiences when she pops a pill, it sure isn't the same thing that I saw. No human being would deliberately do that. Padfoot, I tell you; the effects of these pills are really horrifying. I had the most terrible visions. I swear, I will never try any of these again". Sirius was convinced that there was more to this than James was ready to admit, but as his friend said nothing more about the evening, he dropped the subject. At dawn, he left Godric's Hollow and flew Mercuria back to Belgium.