~*~
A FEW MONTHS LATER
~*~
"Annie? Annie, sweetheart, where are you?" Sirius called, stepping into the flat one late Afternoon. The sun shining, the snow finally melted, Sirius couldn't resist taking his beloved bike out for her first springtime ride. Glancing around for Annie, retching sounds told him she was once again in the bathroom. He tossed his leather jacket, sacred to bike rides, onto the nearest chair, and rushed to her side.
"Annie!"
"I'm fine, Sirius." She replied weakly. She tried to stand, but immediately collapsed into a shivering mess next to the toilet and vomited again.
"That's it, Annabelle, off to the doctor with you."
~*~
It had been more than three months since Rhia had left Remus. Resisting the urge to move in with Simeon, simply for lack of a place to stay, she had remained with Sirius and Annie until she had gathered enough funds to get herself a small, dark flat. It wasn't much, but then again it didn't remind her of her last flat either, so it would have to do.
She had decorated it with Simeon's help, but it was much more his taste than hers. She was drifting half-heartedly through life, anyway. The only thing that anchored her to reality was Simeon. Unfortunately, she didn't really share his full sentiment...she still missed Remus with all of her heart and soul. Her Wolf instincts were fueling her towards him with more urgency each day, but she simply couldn't go back. She didn't even know if he wanted her to.
One day, while staring out into the busy streets of London listening to Simeon take a shower, she received an owl post from Annie. Rhia had been trying to distance herself from her friends. It was easier to not be around Remus if she wasn't around any of them. She still kept in contact with Sirius thought. Nothing could keep her away from her childhood best friend.
Rhia stared at the envelope for a long time before opening it. She needed some of Annie's expert cheering up right now.
Dear Rhia, Just writing to say hullo. We haven't heard from you in such a long while, I was getting worried. Sirius says hullo, and so Peter, James, Lily, and little Harry. I think he misses his godmother more than anything else. Speaking of other people, I finally saw Remus yesterday. We had a little chat at Mum's house. Rhiannon, I don't care how deep in denial Sirius says you are, that man needs you! He is completely lost without you, and due to the fact that he's my brother, I do care that he's so gone. Yesterday was the first time he left his flat since Christmas. I've taken to the shopping for him and Lily does his laundry. If he weren't so heartbroken, you can bet a few Galleons we wouldn't be doing this for him, so doesn't if tell you something??? Rhia, you need to talk to him. I can't stand it anymore. I need my best friend and my brother back together! Even Sirius wants you back, and he was always kind of wary about you two. But don't tell him I told you that he worries about you like a big brother, he'd crucify me. Please talk to him, I know it would do both of you tremendous good. Love, Annie P.S. Think of it- if you and Remus get back together, you get to be an auntie. Get it??
~*~
Lily smiled over her plate at the thin, pale-faced woman who sat across from her inside a little café in Diagon Alley.
"It's so good of you to get out and about." She said with a cheery smile. "You hardly ever leave your flat except for errands and things."
"I do get out." Rhia insisted, bouncing Harry on her knee. "I go out with Simeon on Saturdays."
"Yes, but you go right back home after." She retorted.
"My life is monotonous, it isn't my fault." Rhia replied.
"Well, we've all missed you." Lily reached across the table to touch her hand. "Especially Harry."
And especially Remus, she added in her thoughts.
"He's a precocious kiddie." Rhia smiled as Harry banged a spoon against the table.
"And he'll be a whole year old in less than two months." Lily mourned.
"And how does poor Mum feel about that?" asked Rhia.
"Poor Mum wants her boy to stay a baby forever." Lily squeezed her son's small hand.
"And James?"
"James thinks it's funny to take him for a ride on his broomstick." She scoffed.
"Sirius told me about that." Rhia smiled. "And about the motorcycle."
"Motorcycle?" Lily repeated worriedly. "What about the motorcycle?"
"Oh, dear." Rhia murmured, biting her lip.
"Did they take my baby out on that bike?" she demanded to know.
"Now, Lily, don't make a fuss about something that already happened-"
"I'll kill them!" She cried.
"Kill who"
Rhia turned around to see Annie standing over her shoulder, smiling happily.
"Rhia, it's so good to see you." Annie leaned down to hug her tightly.
"And you," Rhia answered. "Look at you, already getting bigger."
"Ugh, don't remind me." Annie glanced down at her swelling stomach. "I look like a cow."
"You look fine." Lily assured her. "So, how is...everything?"
"OH! Everything is just fine." Annie said slowly, as if trying to insinuate something without Rhia knowing. "It should all be just-"
"Annie, there you are! I was about to..."
Once again, Rhia turned around to see who spoke, but this time she wasn't exactly enthralled at who stood before her.
"Finally, Remus." Annie stood and took his hand. "I was beginning to think you had gotten lost."
She pulled him towards the table where Lily, Harry, and Rhia were.
"Erm, I- I have to go." Remus muttered. "Work, you know, I just-"
"It's Saturday, you don't have to work." Lily reminded him. "Oh, but Annie and I are scheduled to take tea with my mother and sister. She's bringing her son as well, you know. Annie?"
"Yes." Annie nodded. "I'll see you later, Remus, Rhia." She kissed her brother's cheek and hugged her friend as Lily retrieved her son and hugged them both, exiting the cafe as quick as anything, leaving Remus and Rhia sitting silently across from each other.
Rhia fidgeted nervously. She wasn't used to having Remus in such close proximity...truth be told, he hadn't been in any kind of proximity since she let. He was carefully avoiding her eyes now. She had a sudden urge to jump into his lap and bury her head into the nook of his shoulder blade, just like old times, but restrained herself.
"Hello." He remarked quietly, shaking her from her thoughts. He had spoken first...could she hope?
"Hello, Remus." It felt so good to address him again! "How are you?"
"As well as to be expected." He looked up sharply as if he hadn't meant to let that slip. Rhia had to restrain herself from smiling. Maybe Annie was right, maybe he did miss her, maybe he did need her as much as she was realizing she needed him. "You?" he asked.
"About the same," she responded, smiling shyly. He nodded, but didn't return the smile. The polite conversation halted for a time.
"I'm not apologizing." He said flat out. She shook her head.
"I'm not expecting you to. You have nothing to apologize for."
"Damn right I don't!" he exclaimed, but then looked around and got quiet. "Listen, Rhia. I think maybe we should talk. But not here. Come home around eight tonight, I'll be waiting." Remus stood up quickly and walked away without a backwards glance. Rhia just smiled.
She was happy he had addressed her by name. He had even looked her in the eye a few times. She wasn't upset that he had left so abruptly. She wasn't happy she had hardly had a chance to talk, to apologized, she wasn't even happy that this would give her an opportunity to talk to Simeon, to tell him it was over, no matter how things went with Remus tonight.
She was smiling simply because of what he had said. 'Come home around eight tonight.' He still considered it her home. THEIR home.
~*~
Remus nervously fixed the cushions on the couch for the 18th time. He couldn't help it. He wanted Rhia to think he had survived nicely without her. He wanted her to be really sorry. Of course, he knew she was. He couldn't stop thinking about how sincerely she had apologized, the look in her eyes when she had left. She was heartbroken. Well, she could quite imagine how he felt, then! Betrayed didn't even begin to describe how he had felt about the whole situation. Betrayed, hurt, angry, desperate...he just couldn't go on living like this. That was why he'd invited her over tonight. Somewhere in the back of Remus' mind, he was wishing with all his might that when she came back tonight, she would stay.
~*~
Rhia gulped down her fear before sticking her head in the fireplace and calling out to Simeon. She moved back to the couch she had been sitting on a moment ago before he stepped out of the fireplace.
"Rhiannon, darling, you called?" he smiled charmingly and Rhia's insides squirmed- or did they dance? She wasn't sure how she felt about him any more. All she knew now was...Remus.
"Yes, I've something to talk to you about." She answered.
"Sounds serious." Simeon commented as he sat next to her.
"Yes." Rhia nodded and stood, feeling vaguely uncomfortable at his side. "You see, I was at lunch today with Lily and we bumped into-"
"It's him, isn't it? The ex-lover?" Simeon muttered. "You're going back to him."
"No, just to talk, nothing more." Rhia insisted, though she wanted it with all her heart to be soething more. "It's just...if it become more..."
"So you're casting me aside for the chance he'll take you back?" Simeon scoffed.
"Please, Simeon, don't be angry." Rhia pleaded.
"Angry? Angry doesn't begin to...forget it, Rhiannon." He shook his head.
"Simeon, please, don't be unreasonable!" she murmured.
"I'm not unreasonable." He said, pulling himself into a straight, dignified stature. "I only hope you won't regret this."
Something in his golden eyes seemed to show that his words meant more than she thought they did, as if something bigger than heartache would cause regret...
But no more words were shared as Simeon stepped into the fireplace and disappeared with a flash of green flame. Rhia sighed to herself. No, she wouldn't cry over him. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Besides, he was the reason she had left Remus...Remus!
She quickly gave herself a once-over before facing the fireplace.
"Remus?" She called once she had stepped into the living room. She looked around. It was exactly as it had been when she left. It was a little neater...he must have tidied up just to impress her. Then she noticed the novel she had been reading lying open on the coffee table and a half-drunk mug of tea next to it. He hadn't moved those things since she left? It was eerie and at the same time filled her with such hope that when Remus walked into the room, her smile was brighter than it had been in months.
"Remus!" She exclaimed and it was all she could do to hold herself back from collapsing into his arms.
"Rhiannon...you're here." He sounded relieved, like he hadn't believed she would show up. How could she not?!? "Sit down, please," he said, gesturing to the couch. They sat on either ends, not really looking at each other.
"Well..." he said after a while.
"Don't 'well' me, Remus. You asked to talk." She hadn't meant to sound snide, but he smiled and she sighed in relief.
"You're right." He replied to her surprise. "I felt the need to tell you a few things." For the first time, her stomach did a flip. What if he didn't want to get back together? What if he just wanted closure, if these past months he had just been sorting his thoughts and now he was ready to let her have it?
Remus sighed. "I don't know where to begin...I've missed you, Rhia. And that isn't something easy for me to admit." Rhia perked up. How could she have doubted his intentions?
"I missed you too." She replied enthusiastically. He shook his head.
"I'm not apologizing or crawling back or anything, mind you." She nodded, deflating once again. She didn't think her emotions could handle this roller coaster much longer!
"I understand, Remus. God, you have nothing to apologize for! In fact...I should have come to you much sooner. I've just been too stubborn to think that you might want me to. I thought...well, I thought you hated me."
"Don't get me wrong. For a while, I did. Or I thought I did. But I could never hate you, Rhia. We're...we're kindred spirits, you and I. We have a bond no one else has." She saw the twinkle in his eye, but at the same time, she knew he meant much more than just their shared lycanthropy. "I have barely been able to live with myself since you left. I haven't touched most things. Our bedroom..."
There was that pronoun. Our.
"Let's just say you can definitely tell where things are supposed to go in there, because there's a layer of dust over everything. I haven't been able to do much."
"Remus I have a question." She interrupted. He glanced at her and smiled.
"Go ahead."
"Remus...do you forgive me?"
Remus thought for a long time before answering.
"Well, I accept your apologies, first. I can never really forgive what you did. It was horrible, you must agree, but I can learn to move on. I...I missed you."
Rhia sighed and shifted closer to the couch. "I still think it's unfair how our relationship wasn't going anywhere. I want to get married. I want a family."
"I know."
"So I guess the question is..." she looked Remus in the eye and grabbed his hand. It felt so good; it fit perfectly in hers and he didn't pull away. "Where do we go from here?"
~*~
"Such a lovely occasion to be having a party!" Mrs. Lupin exclaimed as James took her cloak.
"Absolutely wonderful." Mrs. Black added.
"Yes," Lily smiled, "Remus and Rhia back together, Annie and Sirius making a surprise announcement-"
"And us too, darling." James said as he swept by, holding cases of butterbeer, closely followed by Mr. Lupin.
"Us too." Lily added. "But where on earth is everyone?"
"Don't worry, Lil, they'll be here any second." Peter said as he climbed a footstool, lighting candles with his wand.
And indeed they were, for in the next few moments, Remus and Rhia arrived through the fireplace and Sirius's bike landed in the yard.
"Pads!" Harry laughed with glee when his godfather came through the door.
"Oh, it's so good to see you two together again," Annie said, hugging both Rhia and Remus at the same time. "Or at least in the same room."
"Stop that, Annabelle." Remus said in his joking brotherly way.
"Stop using my full name, Remus Javier." Annie taunted.
"Children," Mr. Lupin warned from his place on the sofa.
"Butterbeer!" James cried, trying his hardest to lighten the teasing mood.
The party was a literal smash, especially when Peter upset the bowl of crisps.
"Didn't you have some announcements?" Remus asked as the party wound down, even though he knew he would hardly be paying attention to them, not with Rhia sitting on his lap like this.
"Oh, yes." Sirius brightened. "Annie, do you want to have the honours?"
"All right." Annie smiled and stood. "Sirius and I decided that we want to be married when the baby is born...so you'll all be coming to our wedding in August."
A pleasant uproar commenced until James held up his hands for peace.
"I think that's a lovely plan, congratulations." James grinned at his best friend and then continued, "Lily and I have an announcement of our own. You see, last year we were blessed with our son, Harry, and we love him so much, we've decided to try and get him a little sister or brother."
"Oh, Lil!" Rhia cried. "Why didn't you tell us?"
"Well, it's a night of surprises, we thought we'd save it for something special." Lily replied with a sheepish smile on her face.
"This calls for a toast." Peter said, conjuring up a bottle of what seemed to be green champagne. Everyone cheered and he began pouring it into cups, handing it around to all the guests.
"No, thank you." Annie said when he reached her and pointed at her slightly- rounded stomach. "I can't."
"It's drizzleberry cider, Ann." Peter said, kissing her cheek. "Got it just for you."
"Very kind of you, Peter." Annie replied as she took the cup and sipped it.
~*~
Later that night, in secret.
~*~
"Has the deed been done?"
"Yes, Master."
"Very good, Wormtail. Since your other plan was foiled, you must hope this one works."
"I-I'm sure it will, Milord."
"How sure? Were you sly enough not to be seen?"
"I made sure the orange cup she drank from was properly coated in the potion before I gave her her drink."
"And are you sure this will work? Will this break Black and the Lupin girl?"
"Oh, yes, Milord. I just found out they plan to marry before the baby is born. Once it's gone, they'll forget about the wedding. And Siri...Black was so looking forward to a child of his own. Without it, he'll be depressed and sure to push her away."
"Perhaps. Breaking up the Potters and their little clan from the inside was only a small, temporary stroke of genius, I'm afraid, Wormtail. In a few months, we will strike true."
"How, Master?"
"Don't you fret, little Wormtail. With Dumbledore's careful planning, we'll be able to ease right in and put an end to this prophecy nonsense once and for all."
~*~
Sirius woke later that night when he felt something wet hit his side of the bed. It wasn't water, or urine, or anything he could think of. He jerked straight up into a sitting position, then leaned over to touch Annie's shoulder.
"Annie...Annie, wake up." He whispered.
"Hmmm?" She turned over, grimacing at the wet mattress as she too sat up.
"What is this?" he asked, gesturing at the mysterious stain.
"I don't know, I..." Annie got out of bed and, as she did, revealed a dark red spot where she had been. Her voice caught in her throat and she managed to strangle out a whispered, "Sirius..."
He leaned over and touched it, his fingers stained red as they pulled away involuntarily
"Blood?" he murmured shakily.
"Oh, God..." Annie held onto the wall for support as she realized what was going on.
"Annie-" he started, moving towards her. She held up a hand.
"Sirius, call the doctor."
"But Annie-"
"Sirius!" He just sighed, nodded, and left the room. Annie slid down the wall and wrapped her arms around her knees, slowly rocking back and forth. This can't be happening, she thought.
This was how she was found by not only the doctor, but Rhia and Lily as well. Sirius trailed in behind them, looking lost. "Come on Ms. Lupin, stand up," the midwitch ordered gently. Annie held up a hand half- heartedly, still staring at an inconspicuous spot on the carpet. Lily grabbed her other arm and the hoisted her up easily, escorting her to the bathroom. Rhia hung back, out of their way... but mostly because Sirius was clutching her hand like a scared little boy. She turned to him and rubbed his arm sympathetically.
"It'll be okay, Padfoot," she murmured. He nodded, but still looked worse for wear. Rhia gently withdrew her hand from Sirius' and moved over to the bed, sighing a little as she saw the deep red stain on the sheet. She stripped the bed and conjured up clean, new sheets. Then she grabbed Sirius' hand again and sat him down, stroking his hair. "What happened?" she finally asked. When he had appeared in the fireplace moments before, all he said was Annie was sick and she'd better come quickly. After seeing the midwitch and the blood stain, Rhia could only put two and two together.
"I don't know, Rhi!" he wailed softly. "She was perfectly fine when we went to sleep... but then we woke up, and there was blood everywhere... is she okay?" he asked, glancing at the bathroom door.
"She'll be fine. Allegra's an old friend, she delivered Harry. And Lily knows how to handle the situation, she read up on everything baby-related she could get her hands on before Harry was born." Sirius just sighed and nodded. Rhia couldn't quite grasp how he must be feeling... a tragedy like this would strike their circle hard, but no harder than Sirius and Annie. She gathered him in her arms and sat there, rocking his gently. To her surprise, he began to chuckle quietly.
"What's so funny?"
"Don't you remember? When we were kids and you were angry with your Mum and Dad, you'd run over to my house. You'd put up the strong face in front of everyone else, but once we got upstairs to my room you'd dissolve into tears. I'd be the one comforting you. I never thought you'd have to hold me like this."
Rhia smiled, remembering. Sirius had always acted like a big brother to her when she was sad. "Sirius, we're family, you and I. Brother and sister, always have been. I think the world of you, and you know I love Annie too. I was looking forward to being Auntie Rhia! I will always be here for you, I love you, you big oaf!"
He sat up straighter. She saw he was smiling, but only just. His cheeks looked awfully wet. "Does this mean... that, well... what does this mean?"
Rhia sighed. "I'm afraid it's more than likely that Annie lost the baby. Oh honey, I'm so sorry..."
And so she sat with him, rocking him back and forth as he whimpered, trying to believe the comforting words she whispered in his ear. Just when she thought all was going well...why was everything so quickly falling apart?
"Mr. Black," the midwitch called as she stepped out of the bathroom. Sirius got up and wiped manfully at his cheeks. Rhia watched as they conversed quietly, Sirius's face falling more and more until it grew still when Allegra handed him a small bundle then walked back into the room.
"Sirius," Rhia called out, frightened by the look on her friend's face. She had known him for almost fifteen years, yet had never seen such a look as Sirius had now. She crossed to him and put a hand on his arm, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt stiffen.
"Take it." Sirius muttered, thrusting the bundle into Rhia's arms. Her hands closed around it gently as he slid down the wall into a sitting position.
"Siri," Rhia said softly, sitting next to him with the tiny white bundle still in her arms. "Perhaps you should go talk to her."
"She doesn't even want me to touch her." He answered. "What can I do to help her now?" He sighed and buried his face in his hands. "This is all my fault. If I hadn't been open to the idea..."
"Don't you dare go blaming yourself, Sirius Black." Rhia scolded, wanting very much to put his dead child in it's father's arms and make him face reality. "Annie needs you now, more than ever, so I suggest you go in there right now and talk to her."
She watched Sirius grimace, but he stood and sullenly walked to the bathroom door.
Sirius knocked softly on the bathroom door before entering. "Annie?" he whispered? A cot had been conjured in the middle of the floor, which Annie was laying on now, her eyes closed. LIly knelt beside her on the floor, stroking her hair.
"Sirius, now isn't the best time," Lily told him.
"Lil... I don't think there's a good time for this at all. Please, let me see her!"
"Its okay Lily," Annie put in softly. Lily looked down reluctantly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah... we need to talk right now anyway." Lily stood up, giving Sirius a brief hug before shutting the door behind her. He moved over beside Annie to where Lily had been and grabbed her hand.
"Sweetheart, are you okay?" he asked, tears welling up again.
She nodded. "I will be... but Sirius, I have to tell you something... it can't wait, I wish it could, but..."
"Annie, what is it, love?" Sirius asked, his eyes wide.
"Honey... we just lost our baby. Our first baby, you know? I was so excited... and seeing you just as happy as I was made me even more so. I didn't think I could ever get so lucky! But then, well... this happened. Sirius, I've been thinking..."
"You're not leaving me, are you?" Sirius asked in a forced whisper, fearing the worst. He stood up and began pacing. "Because I can't lose you, not you too!"
Annie reached out a hand to Sirius, but his back was to her, toying around with the things on her counter. "Shhh, baby, I'm not going to leave you. But I do think... well, maybe we should put off the wedding for a time."
Sirius turned around, clutching Annie's hand mirror. "What? You want to... to cancel the wedding?"
"Not cancel it, sweetheart! Just postpone it. I don't feel quite... up to it right now."
"But... but love..."
"Sirius, please!"
Sirius turned, staring at the wall. His hands began to shake. All at once, he lifted his arm and threw the mirror across the room. It shattered instantly.
* * *
"How is she?" Rhia stood up when Lily walked out of the bathroom.
"She's fine, resting. I don't think they'll be fine in a minute though."
"Why? Oh Lil, what happened?"
Lily sighed and sat down on the bed. Rhia followed. "It was a simple miscarriage, it could happen to anyone. But Annie has herself convinced it was her fault."
"Does the doctor have any idea what might have caused it?"
"She said there was no cause, it just... happened. No cause she could see, anyway. My guess is it was probably all the excitement at the party, she probably overexerted herself."
"Oh, but how could it happen so fast?"
"I don't know... but the problem is, Annie blames herself. I don't know why... she did say that everything was going so wonderfully, it was just her bad luck. Honestly, it's probably just the emotional baggage. She should be fine in a few days."
"Well what if she does something reckless?" Rhia asked.
Lily was about to respond but was cut off. A loud crashing sound echoed from the direction of the bathroom.
They jumped off the bed and were about to hurry to find what had happened when the bathroom door flew open and Sirius burst out, stalking out and into the living room, Rhia following him while Lily went to check on Annie.
"Go home, Rhia." Sirius said through gritted teeth when he felt her presence behind him.
"I won't leave with you in such a state," Rhia cried. "Who knows what you'll do next?"
"Fine, if you won't leave, I will." He grabbed a fistful of Floo powder from it's container and, climbing inside the fireplace and muttering something Rhia couldn't hear, disappeared. Rhia made a frustrated sound in the back of her throat and ran back into the bedroom, just as Lily came out of the bathroom.
"Well?" asked Rhia.
"He broke a mirror, apparently." Lily replied. "She vomited and cried herself to sleep, poor thing. Where is he?"
"No idea." Rhia muttered. "Flooed off somewhere, couldn't hear him."
"Bet a pretty penny he's gone to get smashed." Lily sighed.
"Probably." Rhia agreed. "If he has a fault, it's that he runs from his problems."
"He feels lost, and doesn't know what to do." Lily commented, sitting on the bed.
"Lily," Rhia said, picking the white bundle up off the dresser, "what should we do with it?"
"Her." Lily corrected.
"Pardon?" she asked.
"It was a her." Lily explained. "A little girl."
"Oh...then what should we do with her?" asked Rhia.
"Here," Lily held out her arms, and Rhia handed the baby to her. Lily's motherly hand closed around her as she pulled back a section of the white cloth she was wrapped in. Rhia wanted to cry at the sweet sight of the pale, delicate face staring at them and almost did before Lily put the cloth back, carrying the tiny corpse into the room that would have been the nursery. She gently laid the baby on the changing table, dressing it in a simple and too-big gown before laying it in the bassinet and covering it with the cloth.
"There," she said quietly. "Her mother will know what to do."
"Should we stay with her?" Rhia said, looking back at the covered bassinet.
"I will," Lily offered. "You go home, get some sleep."
"All right." Rhia leaned forward and hugged her friend before taking the fireplace home.
Everything at home was just as peaceful as she had left it. Remus had returned a few hours earlier and wasn't in the living room when she walked in. She opened the door to their bedroom and found him asleep, his limbs stretched out across the bed in a messy, tangled way. Rhia smiled softly to herself as she rearranged him, changing into a nightgown and getting into bed beside him, wondering how her life could seem so perfect when terrible tragedies were going on outside the very walls of their bedroom.
~*~
Somewhere in secret.
~*~
"It has happened, Milord."
"Good...very good."
~*~
Sirius emerged in a dark room, full of smoke and grumblings from the customers. He pulled the hood of his cloak up to cover more of his face, not wanting to be seen here. The Hog's Head wasn't his first choice, but he was sure to know at least one person at the Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron, and he knew of no other pubs close enough by for him to run home from if need be. Glancing around, he headed straight for the bar.
"What'll it be, Mister?" the barkeep asked.
"Something strong, nothing deadly." Sirius took a sip of whatever concoction the man handed him, and shuddered. He much prefered butterbeer, but unfortunately butterbeer wouldn't make him forget...
How could she call off the wedding? A tragedy like this was not one you could split up over, it was supposed to bring two people closer together! Annie hadn't given him any reason, just that she wasn't comfortable getting married anytime soon. Cursed be if he wasn't a bit unstable at the moment himself, but he would rather have given up his own life in place of his baby girl's than to have lost both of them in one night.
"Damnit!" he cursed, smashing his now empty glass down on the counter. It shattered. The barkeep, who had not responded to Sirius' outburst (for truthfully, it was odd to not have a sudden outburst every once in a while when your pub drew in the sort of crowd the Hog's Head did), waved his wand and repaired the glass. "Fill 'er up," Sirius muttered, and his glass was full again.
His baby girl. A girl. He was so close to being a father. Sirius could remember his school days, full of mischief, when he would lie in bed and secretly wonder if he would ever settle down. Well, lo and behold, he finally had, and Fate seemed it funny to tear his dream away from him. How was this fair? How? He had never done anything remotely bad enough to deserve this kind of pain!
After his sixth glass of whatever, his vision had faded slightly. Sirius glanced around the room, trying to get a handle on his sight, when a group of wizards in the corner nearest to him caught his eye. Why they stood out, he wasn't sure. It was normal for dark people to gather here, with their hoods up, and bent low, talking secretly. But for some reason, Sirius listened in.
"Are you sure he said tonight?"
"For the last time, yes!"
"And the child was killed?"
"I heard Black went mad!"
"That's rubbish, I heard he took off!"
"He'd never leave."
"Murder does wonders to a man's sanity."
Sirius, eyes wide, strained to hear more, but a wirlwind of sound rushed through the door as a large, and rather rowdy, group of tourists entered. Sirius could only catch bits and pieces of the conversation now.
"... the Dark Lord's plans..."
"... next step..."
"... the Potters..."
"... that damned prophecy business..."
"... more information..."
"... the werewolf..."
"... help..."
"... the child..."
Sirius was all but standing up after what he'd heard when he felt a hand on hsi shoulder. He jumped and whirled around, ready to curse whomever had approached him, but found himself looking into the easy and faithful eyes of Albus Dumbledore, his old headmaster.
"Dumbledore!" he sputtered, putting his wand away. Dumbledore smiled.
"Its quite all right Sirius, its fine to be cautious in a place like this." He waved his hand to a table, where a group of goblins sat scarfing down something large and bloody.
"What are you doing here?" he asked the old man.
"I was just showing some new teachers and friends around the village." That explains the group of tourists, Sirius thought. Then his mind snapped immediately back to the matter at hand.
"Sir, I've got to tell you-"
Dumbledore held up a hand. "I've heard, Sirius. I'm so sorry about the loss of your baby. James contacted me some time ago. What were you to name her?"
"Mira... Mira Black," Sirius responded softly. He shook his head. "But no, sir, that's not what I've got to tell you! I've just overheard something, something terrible and urgent!"
"In this crowd, I can only wonder."
"Sir, we've got to get out of here. That group, they could... they could..." But Sirius just drifted off, for the group in the corner had vanished.
"Sirius, why don't we return to my office and you can tell me exactly what you heard."
Sirius wasn't entirely sure he wanted to repeat what he had heard, but he nodded.
"Did you take your motorbike here?" Dumbledore asked and Sirius shook his head. "All right, then, the fireplace."
Sirius nodded and, following Dumbledore's lead, was transported to the headmaster's office in a matter of moments.
The past headmasters of Hogwarts were snoozing in their paintings as Sirius sat in a chair across from Dumbledore's, accepting the cup of tea he offered but not drinking it.
"Too weak?" he asked, stirring his own cup.
"It won't agree with me." Sirius replied as he tried to force his eyes to focus.
"Drink it, I'm sure it will help." Dumbledore ordered and Sirius took a small sip, feeling his senses come back intact and his eyes resort to normal.
"Thanks." He murmured, trying to remember all that he had heard at the Hog's Head.
"Now, why don't we talk about what you heard at the pub?" Dumbledore suggested with a gentle nod of encouragement. Sirius sat back and began.
"I was in the Hog's Head, trying to...to get away, and I overheard something over my shoulder." He said quietly. "A group of people were talking, and they...they said...."
"Go on." Dumbledore prodded.
"They said someone had killed a child tonight." He murmured. "And that it's murder would...would kill me. Drive me mad."
"So you've probable reason to believe that it was your child they murdered?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes." He nodded. "And that they were Death Eaters."
Dumbledore lifted his eyebrows, wanting to hear more.
"They said something about the Dark Lord." Sirius continued. "Plans for the Potters. A prophecy. Getting information from..."
"From who?"
Sirius took another sip of his tea.
"I think...from the werewolf."
Dumbledore sighed and removed his spectacles.
"Sirius, you must understand," he said softly. "Our world is quickly changing. There is darkness, danger, spies all around us, and I'm afraid things won't be the same for long."
~*~
"Why would he call us all together, especially now?" Remus asked, anxiously looking out of the window two days after Annie and Sirius had lost the baby.
"I'm not sure, but you're not going to find Dumbledore outside." Rhia replied as she pulled him away from the window.
"He said there was something urgent to talk about." Sirius said cautiously.
"Whatever it is, it's making me nervous." Lily murmured.
"Lily, calm down." James put his hands on her shoulders, trying to ease the tension out of her. "If he's gathered us all, it's bound to be important. There's no use worrying if we know something is going to happen."
"Easy for you to say." Remus said, rolling his eyes missing the odd, suspicious look Sirius gave him.
Monotonous silence surrounded them for a moment but was broken by Harry's loud wail from upstairs.
"I'll get him." Lily offered, trooping up to the top floor of the house.
"So how is Annie, Sirius?" Peter asked casually, sitting on the sofa.
"I'm not sure." Sirius answered.
"Pardon?" Peter cocked an eyebrow.
"I haven't been home much when she's awake." He explained.
"Sirius!" Rhia cried. "It's been two days! You're supposed to be there for her."
"I don't want to talk about this, Rhiannon." Sirius muttered, turning away from them all just as Dumbledore apparated into their midst.
"Afternoon, gentlemen, Rhiannon." He said by way of greeting.
"Dumbledore." James said, suddenly all business when it came to the supposed matter of his family and friends' safety.
"I suppose you want to get right to business." Dumbledore suggested, feeling the anxiety in the room surround them all.
"Yes." Sirius nodded quickly.
"Rhiannon, do you think you could excuse us?" asked Dumbledore.
"Oh...alright." Rhia replied, unsure as to why their mentor was ushering everyone but her into the kitchen, but saying nothing nonetheless.
"Come along, gentlemen." Dumbledore encouraged, being followed into the kitchen by Remus, Peter, and Sirius, with James taking the rear.
"Has Dumbledore arrived yet?" Lily asked, coming down the stairs with Harry in her arms.
"He's in there with them now." Rhia answered.
"Shouldn't we go in?" Lily gave the closed kitchen door an odd look before sitting in the armchair across from Rhia
"I think he wants to talk to them alone." She said uncertainly.
"Alone? About what?"
"Lily, calm down!" Rhia rolled her eyes. "Honestly, James is right, you do fret too much."
"Hush," Lily commanded as an owl came swooping into the room.
"Marmar!" Harry cried. "Ow!"
"Yes, lovey, an owl." Lily nodded, smoothing her hands over Harry's black head.
"That looks like Annie and Sirius's." Rhia pointed out, taking the small scroll from it's leg.
"What does it say?" asked Lily.
"She's worried. Sirius hasn't been by and she isn't allowed out of bed until tomorrow." Rhia explained.
"Well, we're obviously not wanted here." Lily said. "Perhaps we should go visit her."
"Sounds like a plan." Rhia said with a smile.
Lily scrawled a note and left it on the table before she and Harry followed Rhia through the fireplace.
~*~
"All of the Potters?" James murmured, staring in disbelief at Dumbledore. "What do you mean, all?"
"Voldemort has received notification of a prophecy made some time before Harry's birth." Dumbledore said, his gentle blue eyes meeting with James's hazel ones. "It stated that a child born at the end of the seventh month is a great threat to him. Voldemort cannot triumph until this child and his predecessors are no more."
"So in order for You-Know-Who to take over, he has to.to.." Remus trailed off.
"To kill us." James murmured and Dumbledore nodded.
"You and Harry are the only living descendants of Godric Gryffindor." He explained. "Voldemort is Slytherin's heir. Legend says neither can triumph without the other line being defeated once and for all."
"So what the bloody hell are we going to do?" Sirius cried. "Just sit back while the Dark Lord takes them away?!"
"Sirius, please." James put a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder, even though he himself had turned a very pale shade of white. "He'll do no such thing."
"But.it is possible, isn't it?" Peter mumbled, his eyes wide with fright.
"Yes." Dumbledore nodded. "And that's why I, among others, am trying to come up with a plan."
"What can we do? How can we help?" Sirius asked.
"I'm not sure, Sirius. We need a plan first. I, and some other members of the Order, are trying to come up with something. Until then, James, I suggest that you keep Lily and Harry away from all unnecessary contact. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure who is friend or foe anymore." Dumbledore smiled sadly at James, but Sirius had turned to glare at Remus. No one saw. He thought.
* * *
"My Lord, I've... I've just come from the Potters."
"Ah, Wormtail, wonderful. More news, no doubt?"
"Yes milord. Dumbledore has knowledge of the prophecy and he knows that you are out to kill the child."
"Well, that will not do, will it? No, we will have to take security precautions if we are to be successful..."
"My lord, that isn't all. I believe that Sir... ah, Black, that is, is out of the picture."
"Why is that?"
"Well, he's been distant from the rest, and I have reason to believe he suspects Lupin to be a spy for you."
"The werewolf? A spy? Its good to know the amount of trust he places in his friends!"
"Sir, what are we to do now?"
"Now, Wormtail, we wait. We must wait until that foolish Muggle-loving headmaster has thought up a plan, and then, with your help, I will destroy it."
"Ye-yes sir..."
* * *
Meanwhile, at Annie's bedside...
* * *
"Mum came and took her away." Annie said softly after Lily inquired about Mira Black. "I hadn't the heart...not without Sirius's consent."
"Yes, well," Rhia scoffed, "he doesn't seem to be hanging around here much, does he?"
"Rhia, don't blame him." Annie pleaded. "He's hurt, we all are."
"Perhaps he just needs some time." Lily added.
"If the lily-livered thing hadn't the guts to-" Rhia cut herself off in frustration. "I'm sorry, I'm just feeling ashamed of him."
"Are you going to bury her?" Lily asked, hugging her own offspring tightly to her breast as she contemplated the thought.
"In the yard where Gran is." Annie answered. "That's why I want him to come back, so we can get it over and done with...I want to go on, I truly do, I just can't. Not until she's..."
"We know." Lily offered and Rhia nodded in agreement, resolving to go find Sirius that instant and force him to come back.
~*~
Sirius was hanging about the small room he had rented in the Hog's Head when a furious banging was heard at the door. He opened it slightly, then wider when he saw Rhia standing outside.
"Rhia?" Sirius asked incredulously. He looked around the room. "Now isn't the best-"
"Sirius Malachi Black, I don't care what time it is, I am your best friend and you will let me IN!" Rhia cried and forced herself past him. He sighed and shut the door hehind her.
"Well, go. Let me have it."
"What?" Rhia asked, sitting down.
"I know you've come here to go all out on me for not talking to Annie, so just have at it. I'm not in the mood to listen to your bicker."
"Sirius! I am surprised at you! You've never spoken to me like that before!"
"Yeah, well, you were miserable too when you split with Remus."
"But I talked to him."
"After Annie convinced you to."
Rhia sighed. "I'm not going to yell at you, Sirius. I admit, I was going to - and you need it! - but I won't. But honey, you have to tell Annie what you're feeling......... uh, Sirius? What are you feeling? I mean, why did you leave her, anyway?"
"I didn't leave her," he muttered.
"What? But Annie said-"
"I don't care what she said, I didn't leave her!" he exclaimed, jumping up. Rhia leaned back.
"Whoa, okay honey. Easy there... but if you didn't leave her, what happened? Why aren't you together now?"
"I don't know... Annie said she wanted to call off the wedding, and I just... I couldn't be around her for a while..."
Rhia gasped. "She wanted to call off the wedding?"
"She said getting married after... you know... well, it would be too painful."
"Do you agree?"
Sirius shook his head and took Rhia's hand. "Rhiannon, I love her more than I ever thought was possible for myself. I don't want to lose her. I think after this tragedy, we should be there for each other, not distance ourselves! But I don't know how to tell her that."
Rhia smiled and patted his arm. "Honey, just tell her exactly what you just said to me!"
Sirius looked off out the window. "Do you think she'll listen?"
"Of course she will... she loves you too, Sir." Rhia stood up. "Well, my job's done. I should be getting home, remus gets worried if I'm home too late. Not that I blame him..." Rhia turned towards the door.
"Wait!" Sirius stood up too, reaching out for her. "Can you stay over tonight, like we used to together? I've been so lonely without Annie, and I need some extra support if I'm going to talk to her tomorrow... you're my best friend, Rhia."
Rhia smiled, her heart melting for him. "Of course, sweetie."
"Don't worry about a thing, love. It'll all work out."
Rhia's parting words echoed in his head as Sirius landed his monstrous bike outside the building where he and Annie lived. Kicking down the stand and setting his usual safety charms, he walked inside and up the stairs to 4B, their flat, standing stupidly in the hall, debating whether to open the door himself or knock.
He finally decided what to do, and placed a hand on the doorknob, just as it was flung open and Mrs. Lupin stepped outside.
"Sirius," she said in a surprised tone of voice.
"Mother Lupin," Sirius replied, using the affectionate term he had called her for some time now. "Is Annie in?" he asked, feeling like a stupid schoolboy come-a-courting.
"I think she's taking a kip on the sofa." Mrs. Lupin replied softly. Sirius nodded. "I was just going to the store for some things."
"Thank you." He kissed her cheek in farewell and she left, leaving the door open for him. He stepped inside, taking off his shoes in the front room before walking into the living room where small strains of music were drifting out.
The Wizarding Wireless was on a classical station, playing a soft minuet, and Annie had seemingly fallen asleep on the sofa listening to it. Sirius stood above her, watching her sleep; her hair spread willy-nilly about her head, her lips moving as she breathed gently, her chest rising and falling. He leaned over and shut the wireless off with a small click that jolted her from her rest.
"Sirius," she whispered in a tone almost identical to her mother's.
"Hi," he said simply, standing sheepishly above her. Silence entombed them for a few awkward moments.
"How are you?" she asked, sitting up on the sofa.
"I'm fine." He answered shortly, and she noticed. "And you?"
"Well." Her tones were somewhat clipped, and he noticed.
"Are you in any pain?" he asked. She shook her head.
"No, not since the day after..." her voice trailed off as she looked away, but Sirius still saw the look in her eyes. How could he not? It was a look that mirrored his own: one of indescribable pain and unfathomable sorrow.
"Annie," he murmured, taking her hand in his. "I came here to tell you...how I feel."
"You want to leave, don't you?" Annie whispered, rising from the sofa and turning away from him.
"What?" Sirius said, confused.
"And I thought after all you said, how you didn't want to lose me too!" she cried, tears cracking her voice. "I've lost so much in so little a time, and it doesn't seem fair at all."
"Annie, you've got it all wrong!" Sirius took her by the shoulders and made her do an about-face. "Leaving you is the furthest thing from my mind. I thought after Mira was gone, we should be there for each other. I only needed time to realize that, you understand? I was just angry. I lost her...but I could never stand to lose you. Even if...even if we don't get married."
And even Sirius was shocked that he had said that.
Annie's lower lip trembled as tears spilled down her face and onto her shirtfront. Sirius gently wiped them away, pulling her closer and tighter and almost not hearing her next tear-wrought words.
"I think a December wedding would be nice."
Sirius had never spent a happier, or truly more enjoyable, night. Annie was by his side again, and all was right with the world. And as summer dawned into a bright and sunny September, popular opinion agreed. Rhia and Remus were together again, and one was almost never seen without the other. Peter was making advances in his Ministry job, which meant more pay, even though his hours were tough. James and Lily hadn't had a threat in weeks, and Harry was growing into a most inquisitive child. Life was simply good.
Until one morning, when reality suddenly hit like a Bludger...
Top of Form Bottom of Form
"Annie? Annie, sweetheart, where are you?" Sirius called, stepping into the flat one late Afternoon. The sun shining, the snow finally melted, Sirius couldn't resist taking his beloved bike out for her first springtime ride. Glancing around for Annie, retching sounds told him she was once again in the bathroom. He tossed his leather jacket, sacred to bike rides, onto the nearest chair, and rushed to her side.
"Annie!"
"I'm fine, Sirius." She replied weakly. She tried to stand, but immediately collapsed into a shivering mess next to the toilet and vomited again.
"That's it, Annabelle, off to the doctor with you."
~*~
It had been more than three months since Rhia had left Remus. Resisting the urge to move in with Simeon, simply for lack of a place to stay, she had remained with Sirius and Annie until she had gathered enough funds to get herself a small, dark flat. It wasn't much, but then again it didn't remind her of her last flat either, so it would have to do.
She had decorated it with Simeon's help, but it was much more his taste than hers. She was drifting half-heartedly through life, anyway. The only thing that anchored her to reality was Simeon. Unfortunately, she didn't really share his full sentiment...she still missed Remus with all of her heart and soul. Her Wolf instincts were fueling her towards him with more urgency each day, but she simply couldn't go back. She didn't even know if he wanted her to.
One day, while staring out into the busy streets of London listening to Simeon take a shower, she received an owl post from Annie. Rhia had been trying to distance herself from her friends. It was easier to not be around Remus if she wasn't around any of them. She still kept in contact with Sirius thought. Nothing could keep her away from her childhood best friend.
Rhia stared at the envelope for a long time before opening it. She needed some of Annie's expert cheering up right now.
Dear Rhia, Just writing to say hullo. We haven't heard from you in such a long while, I was getting worried. Sirius says hullo, and so Peter, James, Lily, and little Harry. I think he misses his godmother more than anything else. Speaking of other people, I finally saw Remus yesterday. We had a little chat at Mum's house. Rhiannon, I don't care how deep in denial Sirius says you are, that man needs you! He is completely lost without you, and due to the fact that he's my brother, I do care that he's so gone. Yesterday was the first time he left his flat since Christmas. I've taken to the shopping for him and Lily does his laundry. If he weren't so heartbroken, you can bet a few Galleons we wouldn't be doing this for him, so doesn't if tell you something??? Rhia, you need to talk to him. I can't stand it anymore. I need my best friend and my brother back together! Even Sirius wants you back, and he was always kind of wary about you two. But don't tell him I told you that he worries about you like a big brother, he'd crucify me. Please talk to him, I know it would do both of you tremendous good. Love, Annie P.S. Think of it- if you and Remus get back together, you get to be an auntie. Get it??
~*~
Lily smiled over her plate at the thin, pale-faced woman who sat across from her inside a little café in Diagon Alley.
"It's so good of you to get out and about." She said with a cheery smile. "You hardly ever leave your flat except for errands and things."
"I do get out." Rhia insisted, bouncing Harry on her knee. "I go out with Simeon on Saturdays."
"Yes, but you go right back home after." She retorted.
"My life is monotonous, it isn't my fault." Rhia replied.
"Well, we've all missed you." Lily reached across the table to touch her hand. "Especially Harry."
And especially Remus, she added in her thoughts.
"He's a precocious kiddie." Rhia smiled as Harry banged a spoon against the table.
"And he'll be a whole year old in less than two months." Lily mourned.
"And how does poor Mum feel about that?" asked Rhia.
"Poor Mum wants her boy to stay a baby forever." Lily squeezed her son's small hand.
"And James?"
"James thinks it's funny to take him for a ride on his broomstick." She scoffed.
"Sirius told me about that." Rhia smiled. "And about the motorcycle."
"Motorcycle?" Lily repeated worriedly. "What about the motorcycle?"
"Oh, dear." Rhia murmured, biting her lip.
"Did they take my baby out on that bike?" she demanded to know.
"Now, Lily, don't make a fuss about something that already happened-"
"I'll kill them!" She cried.
"Kill who"
Rhia turned around to see Annie standing over her shoulder, smiling happily.
"Rhia, it's so good to see you." Annie leaned down to hug her tightly.
"And you," Rhia answered. "Look at you, already getting bigger."
"Ugh, don't remind me." Annie glanced down at her swelling stomach. "I look like a cow."
"You look fine." Lily assured her. "So, how is...everything?"
"OH! Everything is just fine." Annie said slowly, as if trying to insinuate something without Rhia knowing. "It should all be just-"
"Annie, there you are! I was about to..."
Once again, Rhia turned around to see who spoke, but this time she wasn't exactly enthralled at who stood before her.
"Finally, Remus." Annie stood and took his hand. "I was beginning to think you had gotten lost."
She pulled him towards the table where Lily, Harry, and Rhia were.
"Erm, I- I have to go." Remus muttered. "Work, you know, I just-"
"It's Saturday, you don't have to work." Lily reminded him. "Oh, but Annie and I are scheduled to take tea with my mother and sister. She's bringing her son as well, you know. Annie?"
"Yes." Annie nodded. "I'll see you later, Remus, Rhia." She kissed her brother's cheek and hugged her friend as Lily retrieved her son and hugged them both, exiting the cafe as quick as anything, leaving Remus and Rhia sitting silently across from each other.
Rhia fidgeted nervously. She wasn't used to having Remus in such close proximity...truth be told, he hadn't been in any kind of proximity since she let. He was carefully avoiding her eyes now. She had a sudden urge to jump into his lap and bury her head into the nook of his shoulder blade, just like old times, but restrained herself.
"Hello." He remarked quietly, shaking her from her thoughts. He had spoken first...could she hope?
"Hello, Remus." It felt so good to address him again! "How are you?"
"As well as to be expected." He looked up sharply as if he hadn't meant to let that slip. Rhia had to restrain herself from smiling. Maybe Annie was right, maybe he did miss her, maybe he did need her as much as she was realizing she needed him. "You?" he asked.
"About the same," she responded, smiling shyly. He nodded, but didn't return the smile. The polite conversation halted for a time.
"I'm not apologizing." He said flat out. She shook her head.
"I'm not expecting you to. You have nothing to apologize for."
"Damn right I don't!" he exclaimed, but then looked around and got quiet. "Listen, Rhia. I think maybe we should talk. But not here. Come home around eight tonight, I'll be waiting." Remus stood up quickly and walked away without a backwards glance. Rhia just smiled.
She was happy he had addressed her by name. He had even looked her in the eye a few times. She wasn't upset that he had left so abruptly. She wasn't happy she had hardly had a chance to talk, to apologized, she wasn't even happy that this would give her an opportunity to talk to Simeon, to tell him it was over, no matter how things went with Remus tonight.
She was smiling simply because of what he had said. 'Come home around eight tonight.' He still considered it her home. THEIR home.
~*~
Remus nervously fixed the cushions on the couch for the 18th time. He couldn't help it. He wanted Rhia to think he had survived nicely without her. He wanted her to be really sorry. Of course, he knew she was. He couldn't stop thinking about how sincerely she had apologized, the look in her eyes when she had left. She was heartbroken. Well, she could quite imagine how he felt, then! Betrayed didn't even begin to describe how he had felt about the whole situation. Betrayed, hurt, angry, desperate...he just couldn't go on living like this. That was why he'd invited her over tonight. Somewhere in the back of Remus' mind, he was wishing with all his might that when she came back tonight, she would stay.
~*~
Rhia gulped down her fear before sticking her head in the fireplace and calling out to Simeon. She moved back to the couch she had been sitting on a moment ago before he stepped out of the fireplace.
"Rhiannon, darling, you called?" he smiled charmingly and Rhia's insides squirmed- or did they dance? She wasn't sure how she felt about him any more. All she knew now was...Remus.
"Yes, I've something to talk to you about." She answered.
"Sounds serious." Simeon commented as he sat next to her.
"Yes." Rhia nodded and stood, feeling vaguely uncomfortable at his side. "You see, I was at lunch today with Lily and we bumped into-"
"It's him, isn't it? The ex-lover?" Simeon muttered. "You're going back to him."
"No, just to talk, nothing more." Rhia insisted, though she wanted it with all her heart to be soething more. "It's just...if it become more..."
"So you're casting me aside for the chance he'll take you back?" Simeon scoffed.
"Please, Simeon, don't be angry." Rhia pleaded.
"Angry? Angry doesn't begin to...forget it, Rhiannon." He shook his head.
"Simeon, please, don't be unreasonable!" she murmured.
"I'm not unreasonable." He said, pulling himself into a straight, dignified stature. "I only hope you won't regret this."
Something in his golden eyes seemed to show that his words meant more than she thought they did, as if something bigger than heartache would cause regret...
But no more words were shared as Simeon stepped into the fireplace and disappeared with a flash of green flame. Rhia sighed to herself. No, she wouldn't cry over him. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Besides, he was the reason she had left Remus...Remus!
She quickly gave herself a once-over before facing the fireplace.
"Remus?" She called once she had stepped into the living room. She looked around. It was exactly as it had been when she left. It was a little neater...he must have tidied up just to impress her. Then she noticed the novel she had been reading lying open on the coffee table and a half-drunk mug of tea next to it. He hadn't moved those things since she left? It was eerie and at the same time filled her with such hope that when Remus walked into the room, her smile was brighter than it had been in months.
"Remus!" She exclaimed and it was all she could do to hold herself back from collapsing into his arms.
"Rhiannon...you're here." He sounded relieved, like he hadn't believed she would show up. How could she not?!? "Sit down, please," he said, gesturing to the couch. They sat on either ends, not really looking at each other.
"Well..." he said after a while.
"Don't 'well' me, Remus. You asked to talk." She hadn't meant to sound snide, but he smiled and she sighed in relief.
"You're right." He replied to her surprise. "I felt the need to tell you a few things." For the first time, her stomach did a flip. What if he didn't want to get back together? What if he just wanted closure, if these past months he had just been sorting his thoughts and now he was ready to let her have it?
Remus sighed. "I don't know where to begin...I've missed you, Rhia. And that isn't something easy for me to admit." Rhia perked up. How could she have doubted his intentions?
"I missed you too." She replied enthusiastically. He shook his head.
"I'm not apologizing or crawling back or anything, mind you." She nodded, deflating once again. She didn't think her emotions could handle this roller coaster much longer!
"I understand, Remus. God, you have nothing to apologize for! In fact...I should have come to you much sooner. I've just been too stubborn to think that you might want me to. I thought...well, I thought you hated me."
"Don't get me wrong. For a while, I did. Or I thought I did. But I could never hate you, Rhia. We're...we're kindred spirits, you and I. We have a bond no one else has." She saw the twinkle in his eye, but at the same time, she knew he meant much more than just their shared lycanthropy. "I have barely been able to live with myself since you left. I haven't touched most things. Our bedroom..."
There was that pronoun. Our.
"Let's just say you can definitely tell where things are supposed to go in there, because there's a layer of dust over everything. I haven't been able to do much."
"Remus I have a question." She interrupted. He glanced at her and smiled.
"Go ahead."
"Remus...do you forgive me?"
Remus thought for a long time before answering.
"Well, I accept your apologies, first. I can never really forgive what you did. It was horrible, you must agree, but I can learn to move on. I...I missed you."
Rhia sighed and shifted closer to the couch. "I still think it's unfair how our relationship wasn't going anywhere. I want to get married. I want a family."
"I know."
"So I guess the question is..." she looked Remus in the eye and grabbed his hand. It felt so good; it fit perfectly in hers and he didn't pull away. "Where do we go from here?"
~*~
"Such a lovely occasion to be having a party!" Mrs. Lupin exclaimed as James took her cloak.
"Absolutely wonderful." Mrs. Black added.
"Yes," Lily smiled, "Remus and Rhia back together, Annie and Sirius making a surprise announcement-"
"And us too, darling." James said as he swept by, holding cases of butterbeer, closely followed by Mr. Lupin.
"Us too." Lily added. "But where on earth is everyone?"
"Don't worry, Lil, they'll be here any second." Peter said as he climbed a footstool, lighting candles with his wand.
And indeed they were, for in the next few moments, Remus and Rhia arrived through the fireplace and Sirius's bike landed in the yard.
"Pads!" Harry laughed with glee when his godfather came through the door.
"Oh, it's so good to see you two together again," Annie said, hugging both Rhia and Remus at the same time. "Or at least in the same room."
"Stop that, Annabelle." Remus said in his joking brotherly way.
"Stop using my full name, Remus Javier." Annie taunted.
"Children," Mr. Lupin warned from his place on the sofa.
"Butterbeer!" James cried, trying his hardest to lighten the teasing mood.
The party was a literal smash, especially when Peter upset the bowl of crisps.
"Didn't you have some announcements?" Remus asked as the party wound down, even though he knew he would hardly be paying attention to them, not with Rhia sitting on his lap like this.
"Oh, yes." Sirius brightened. "Annie, do you want to have the honours?"
"All right." Annie smiled and stood. "Sirius and I decided that we want to be married when the baby is born...so you'll all be coming to our wedding in August."
A pleasant uproar commenced until James held up his hands for peace.
"I think that's a lovely plan, congratulations." James grinned at his best friend and then continued, "Lily and I have an announcement of our own. You see, last year we were blessed with our son, Harry, and we love him so much, we've decided to try and get him a little sister or brother."
"Oh, Lil!" Rhia cried. "Why didn't you tell us?"
"Well, it's a night of surprises, we thought we'd save it for something special." Lily replied with a sheepish smile on her face.
"This calls for a toast." Peter said, conjuring up a bottle of what seemed to be green champagne. Everyone cheered and he began pouring it into cups, handing it around to all the guests.
"No, thank you." Annie said when he reached her and pointed at her slightly- rounded stomach. "I can't."
"It's drizzleberry cider, Ann." Peter said, kissing her cheek. "Got it just for you."
"Very kind of you, Peter." Annie replied as she took the cup and sipped it.
~*~
Later that night, in secret.
~*~
"Has the deed been done?"
"Yes, Master."
"Very good, Wormtail. Since your other plan was foiled, you must hope this one works."
"I-I'm sure it will, Milord."
"How sure? Were you sly enough not to be seen?"
"I made sure the orange cup she drank from was properly coated in the potion before I gave her her drink."
"And are you sure this will work? Will this break Black and the Lupin girl?"
"Oh, yes, Milord. I just found out they plan to marry before the baby is born. Once it's gone, they'll forget about the wedding. And Siri...Black was so looking forward to a child of his own. Without it, he'll be depressed and sure to push her away."
"Perhaps. Breaking up the Potters and their little clan from the inside was only a small, temporary stroke of genius, I'm afraid, Wormtail. In a few months, we will strike true."
"How, Master?"
"Don't you fret, little Wormtail. With Dumbledore's careful planning, we'll be able to ease right in and put an end to this prophecy nonsense once and for all."
~*~
Sirius woke later that night when he felt something wet hit his side of the bed. It wasn't water, or urine, or anything he could think of. He jerked straight up into a sitting position, then leaned over to touch Annie's shoulder.
"Annie...Annie, wake up." He whispered.
"Hmmm?" She turned over, grimacing at the wet mattress as she too sat up.
"What is this?" he asked, gesturing at the mysterious stain.
"I don't know, I..." Annie got out of bed and, as she did, revealed a dark red spot where she had been. Her voice caught in her throat and she managed to strangle out a whispered, "Sirius..."
He leaned over and touched it, his fingers stained red as they pulled away involuntarily
"Blood?" he murmured shakily.
"Oh, God..." Annie held onto the wall for support as she realized what was going on.
"Annie-" he started, moving towards her. She held up a hand.
"Sirius, call the doctor."
"But Annie-"
"Sirius!" He just sighed, nodded, and left the room. Annie slid down the wall and wrapped her arms around her knees, slowly rocking back and forth. This can't be happening, she thought.
This was how she was found by not only the doctor, but Rhia and Lily as well. Sirius trailed in behind them, looking lost. "Come on Ms. Lupin, stand up," the midwitch ordered gently. Annie held up a hand half- heartedly, still staring at an inconspicuous spot on the carpet. Lily grabbed her other arm and the hoisted her up easily, escorting her to the bathroom. Rhia hung back, out of their way... but mostly because Sirius was clutching her hand like a scared little boy. She turned to him and rubbed his arm sympathetically.
"It'll be okay, Padfoot," she murmured. He nodded, but still looked worse for wear. Rhia gently withdrew her hand from Sirius' and moved over to the bed, sighing a little as she saw the deep red stain on the sheet. She stripped the bed and conjured up clean, new sheets. Then she grabbed Sirius' hand again and sat him down, stroking his hair. "What happened?" she finally asked. When he had appeared in the fireplace moments before, all he said was Annie was sick and she'd better come quickly. After seeing the midwitch and the blood stain, Rhia could only put two and two together.
"I don't know, Rhi!" he wailed softly. "She was perfectly fine when we went to sleep... but then we woke up, and there was blood everywhere... is she okay?" he asked, glancing at the bathroom door.
"She'll be fine. Allegra's an old friend, she delivered Harry. And Lily knows how to handle the situation, she read up on everything baby-related she could get her hands on before Harry was born." Sirius just sighed and nodded. Rhia couldn't quite grasp how he must be feeling... a tragedy like this would strike their circle hard, but no harder than Sirius and Annie. She gathered him in her arms and sat there, rocking his gently. To her surprise, he began to chuckle quietly.
"What's so funny?"
"Don't you remember? When we were kids and you were angry with your Mum and Dad, you'd run over to my house. You'd put up the strong face in front of everyone else, but once we got upstairs to my room you'd dissolve into tears. I'd be the one comforting you. I never thought you'd have to hold me like this."
Rhia smiled, remembering. Sirius had always acted like a big brother to her when she was sad. "Sirius, we're family, you and I. Brother and sister, always have been. I think the world of you, and you know I love Annie too. I was looking forward to being Auntie Rhia! I will always be here for you, I love you, you big oaf!"
He sat up straighter. She saw he was smiling, but only just. His cheeks looked awfully wet. "Does this mean... that, well... what does this mean?"
Rhia sighed. "I'm afraid it's more than likely that Annie lost the baby. Oh honey, I'm so sorry..."
And so she sat with him, rocking him back and forth as he whimpered, trying to believe the comforting words she whispered in his ear. Just when she thought all was going well...why was everything so quickly falling apart?
"Mr. Black," the midwitch called as she stepped out of the bathroom. Sirius got up and wiped manfully at his cheeks. Rhia watched as they conversed quietly, Sirius's face falling more and more until it grew still when Allegra handed him a small bundle then walked back into the room.
"Sirius," Rhia called out, frightened by the look on her friend's face. She had known him for almost fifteen years, yet had never seen such a look as Sirius had now. She crossed to him and put a hand on his arm, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt stiffen.
"Take it." Sirius muttered, thrusting the bundle into Rhia's arms. Her hands closed around it gently as he slid down the wall into a sitting position.
"Siri," Rhia said softly, sitting next to him with the tiny white bundle still in her arms. "Perhaps you should go talk to her."
"She doesn't even want me to touch her." He answered. "What can I do to help her now?" He sighed and buried his face in his hands. "This is all my fault. If I hadn't been open to the idea..."
"Don't you dare go blaming yourself, Sirius Black." Rhia scolded, wanting very much to put his dead child in it's father's arms and make him face reality. "Annie needs you now, more than ever, so I suggest you go in there right now and talk to her."
She watched Sirius grimace, but he stood and sullenly walked to the bathroom door.
Sirius knocked softly on the bathroom door before entering. "Annie?" he whispered? A cot had been conjured in the middle of the floor, which Annie was laying on now, her eyes closed. LIly knelt beside her on the floor, stroking her hair.
"Sirius, now isn't the best time," Lily told him.
"Lil... I don't think there's a good time for this at all. Please, let me see her!"
"Its okay Lily," Annie put in softly. Lily looked down reluctantly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah... we need to talk right now anyway." Lily stood up, giving Sirius a brief hug before shutting the door behind her. He moved over beside Annie to where Lily had been and grabbed her hand.
"Sweetheart, are you okay?" he asked, tears welling up again.
She nodded. "I will be... but Sirius, I have to tell you something... it can't wait, I wish it could, but..."
"Annie, what is it, love?" Sirius asked, his eyes wide.
"Honey... we just lost our baby. Our first baby, you know? I was so excited... and seeing you just as happy as I was made me even more so. I didn't think I could ever get so lucky! But then, well... this happened. Sirius, I've been thinking..."
"You're not leaving me, are you?" Sirius asked in a forced whisper, fearing the worst. He stood up and began pacing. "Because I can't lose you, not you too!"
Annie reached out a hand to Sirius, but his back was to her, toying around with the things on her counter. "Shhh, baby, I'm not going to leave you. But I do think... well, maybe we should put off the wedding for a time."
Sirius turned around, clutching Annie's hand mirror. "What? You want to... to cancel the wedding?"
"Not cancel it, sweetheart! Just postpone it. I don't feel quite... up to it right now."
"But... but love..."
"Sirius, please!"
Sirius turned, staring at the wall. His hands began to shake. All at once, he lifted his arm and threw the mirror across the room. It shattered instantly.
* * *
"How is she?" Rhia stood up when Lily walked out of the bathroom.
"She's fine, resting. I don't think they'll be fine in a minute though."
"Why? Oh Lil, what happened?"
Lily sighed and sat down on the bed. Rhia followed. "It was a simple miscarriage, it could happen to anyone. But Annie has herself convinced it was her fault."
"Does the doctor have any idea what might have caused it?"
"She said there was no cause, it just... happened. No cause she could see, anyway. My guess is it was probably all the excitement at the party, she probably overexerted herself."
"Oh, but how could it happen so fast?"
"I don't know... but the problem is, Annie blames herself. I don't know why... she did say that everything was going so wonderfully, it was just her bad luck. Honestly, it's probably just the emotional baggage. She should be fine in a few days."
"Well what if she does something reckless?" Rhia asked.
Lily was about to respond but was cut off. A loud crashing sound echoed from the direction of the bathroom.
They jumped off the bed and were about to hurry to find what had happened when the bathroom door flew open and Sirius burst out, stalking out and into the living room, Rhia following him while Lily went to check on Annie.
"Go home, Rhia." Sirius said through gritted teeth when he felt her presence behind him.
"I won't leave with you in such a state," Rhia cried. "Who knows what you'll do next?"
"Fine, if you won't leave, I will." He grabbed a fistful of Floo powder from it's container and, climbing inside the fireplace and muttering something Rhia couldn't hear, disappeared. Rhia made a frustrated sound in the back of her throat and ran back into the bedroom, just as Lily came out of the bathroom.
"Well?" asked Rhia.
"He broke a mirror, apparently." Lily replied. "She vomited and cried herself to sleep, poor thing. Where is he?"
"No idea." Rhia muttered. "Flooed off somewhere, couldn't hear him."
"Bet a pretty penny he's gone to get smashed." Lily sighed.
"Probably." Rhia agreed. "If he has a fault, it's that he runs from his problems."
"He feels lost, and doesn't know what to do." Lily commented, sitting on the bed.
"Lily," Rhia said, picking the white bundle up off the dresser, "what should we do with it?"
"Her." Lily corrected.
"Pardon?" she asked.
"It was a her." Lily explained. "A little girl."
"Oh...then what should we do with her?" asked Rhia.
"Here," Lily held out her arms, and Rhia handed the baby to her. Lily's motherly hand closed around her as she pulled back a section of the white cloth she was wrapped in. Rhia wanted to cry at the sweet sight of the pale, delicate face staring at them and almost did before Lily put the cloth back, carrying the tiny corpse into the room that would have been the nursery. She gently laid the baby on the changing table, dressing it in a simple and too-big gown before laying it in the bassinet and covering it with the cloth.
"There," she said quietly. "Her mother will know what to do."
"Should we stay with her?" Rhia said, looking back at the covered bassinet.
"I will," Lily offered. "You go home, get some sleep."
"All right." Rhia leaned forward and hugged her friend before taking the fireplace home.
Everything at home was just as peaceful as she had left it. Remus had returned a few hours earlier and wasn't in the living room when she walked in. She opened the door to their bedroom and found him asleep, his limbs stretched out across the bed in a messy, tangled way. Rhia smiled softly to herself as she rearranged him, changing into a nightgown and getting into bed beside him, wondering how her life could seem so perfect when terrible tragedies were going on outside the very walls of their bedroom.
~*~
Somewhere in secret.
~*~
"It has happened, Milord."
"Good...very good."
~*~
Sirius emerged in a dark room, full of smoke and grumblings from the customers. He pulled the hood of his cloak up to cover more of his face, not wanting to be seen here. The Hog's Head wasn't his first choice, but he was sure to know at least one person at the Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron, and he knew of no other pubs close enough by for him to run home from if need be. Glancing around, he headed straight for the bar.
"What'll it be, Mister?" the barkeep asked.
"Something strong, nothing deadly." Sirius took a sip of whatever concoction the man handed him, and shuddered. He much prefered butterbeer, but unfortunately butterbeer wouldn't make him forget...
How could she call off the wedding? A tragedy like this was not one you could split up over, it was supposed to bring two people closer together! Annie hadn't given him any reason, just that she wasn't comfortable getting married anytime soon. Cursed be if he wasn't a bit unstable at the moment himself, but he would rather have given up his own life in place of his baby girl's than to have lost both of them in one night.
"Damnit!" he cursed, smashing his now empty glass down on the counter. It shattered. The barkeep, who had not responded to Sirius' outburst (for truthfully, it was odd to not have a sudden outburst every once in a while when your pub drew in the sort of crowd the Hog's Head did), waved his wand and repaired the glass. "Fill 'er up," Sirius muttered, and his glass was full again.
His baby girl. A girl. He was so close to being a father. Sirius could remember his school days, full of mischief, when he would lie in bed and secretly wonder if he would ever settle down. Well, lo and behold, he finally had, and Fate seemed it funny to tear his dream away from him. How was this fair? How? He had never done anything remotely bad enough to deserve this kind of pain!
After his sixth glass of whatever, his vision had faded slightly. Sirius glanced around the room, trying to get a handle on his sight, when a group of wizards in the corner nearest to him caught his eye. Why they stood out, he wasn't sure. It was normal for dark people to gather here, with their hoods up, and bent low, talking secretly. But for some reason, Sirius listened in.
"Are you sure he said tonight?"
"For the last time, yes!"
"And the child was killed?"
"I heard Black went mad!"
"That's rubbish, I heard he took off!"
"He'd never leave."
"Murder does wonders to a man's sanity."
Sirius, eyes wide, strained to hear more, but a wirlwind of sound rushed through the door as a large, and rather rowdy, group of tourists entered. Sirius could only catch bits and pieces of the conversation now.
"... the Dark Lord's plans..."
"... next step..."
"... the Potters..."
"... that damned prophecy business..."
"... more information..."
"... the werewolf..."
"... help..."
"... the child..."
Sirius was all but standing up after what he'd heard when he felt a hand on hsi shoulder. He jumped and whirled around, ready to curse whomever had approached him, but found himself looking into the easy and faithful eyes of Albus Dumbledore, his old headmaster.
"Dumbledore!" he sputtered, putting his wand away. Dumbledore smiled.
"Its quite all right Sirius, its fine to be cautious in a place like this." He waved his hand to a table, where a group of goblins sat scarfing down something large and bloody.
"What are you doing here?" he asked the old man.
"I was just showing some new teachers and friends around the village." That explains the group of tourists, Sirius thought. Then his mind snapped immediately back to the matter at hand.
"Sir, I've got to tell you-"
Dumbledore held up a hand. "I've heard, Sirius. I'm so sorry about the loss of your baby. James contacted me some time ago. What were you to name her?"
"Mira... Mira Black," Sirius responded softly. He shook his head. "But no, sir, that's not what I've got to tell you! I've just overheard something, something terrible and urgent!"
"In this crowd, I can only wonder."
"Sir, we've got to get out of here. That group, they could... they could..." But Sirius just drifted off, for the group in the corner had vanished.
"Sirius, why don't we return to my office and you can tell me exactly what you heard."
Sirius wasn't entirely sure he wanted to repeat what he had heard, but he nodded.
"Did you take your motorbike here?" Dumbledore asked and Sirius shook his head. "All right, then, the fireplace."
Sirius nodded and, following Dumbledore's lead, was transported to the headmaster's office in a matter of moments.
The past headmasters of Hogwarts were snoozing in their paintings as Sirius sat in a chair across from Dumbledore's, accepting the cup of tea he offered but not drinking it.
"Too weak?" he asked, stirring his own cup.
"It won't agree with me." Sirius replied as he tried to force his eyes to focus.
"Drink it, I'm sure it will help." Dumbledore ordered and Sirius took a small sip, feeling his senses come back intact and his eyes resort to normal.
"Thanks." He murmured, trying to remember all that he had heard at the Hog's Head.
"Now, why don't we talk about what you heard at the pub?" Dumbledore suggested with a gentle nod of encouragement. Sirius sat back and began.
"I was in the Hog's Head, trying to...to get away, and I overheard something over my shoulder." He said quietly. "A group of people were talking, and they...they said...."
"Go on." Dumbledore prodded.
"They said someone had killed a child tonight." He murmured. "And that it's murder would...would kill me. Drive me mad."
"So you've probable reason to believe that it was your child they murdered?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes." He nodded. "And that they were Death Eaters."
Dumbledore lifted his eyebrows, wanting to hear more.
"They said something about the Dark Lord." Sirius continued. "Plans for the Potters. A prophecy. Getting information from..."
"From who?"
Sirius took another sip of his tea.
"I think...from the werewolf."
Dumbledore sighed and removed his spectacles.
"Sirius, you must understand," he said softly. "Our world is quickly changing. There is darkness, danger, spies all around us, and I'm afraid things won't be the same for long."
~*~
"Why would he call us all together, especially now?" Remus asked, anxiously looking out of the window two days after Annie and Sirius had lost the baby.
"I'm not sure, but you're not going to find Dumbledore outside." Rhia replied as she pulled him away from the window.
"He said there was something urgent to talk about." Sirius said cautiously.
"Whatever it is, it's making me nervous." Lily murmured.
"Lily, calm down." James put his hands on her shoulders, trying to ease the tension out of her. "If he's gathered us all, it's bound to be important. There's no use worrying if we know something is going to happen."
"Easy for you to say." Remus said, rolling his eyes missing the odd, suspicious look Sirius gave him.
Monotonous silence surrounded them for a moment but was broken by Harry's loud wail from upstairs.
"I'll get him." Lily offered, trooping up to the top floor of the house.
"So how is Annie, Sirius?" Peter asked casually, sitting on the sofa.
"I'm not sure." Sirius answered.
"Pardon?" Peter cocked an eyebrow.
"I haven't been home much when she's awake." He explained.
"Sirius!" Rhia cried. "It's been two days! You're supposed to be there for her."
"I don't want to talk about this, Rhiannon." Sirius muttered, turning away from them all just as Dumbledore apparated into their midst.
"Afternoon, gentlemen, Rhiannon." He said by way of greeting.
"Dumbledore." James said, suddenly all business when it came to the supposed matter of his family and friends' safety.
"I suppose you want to get right to business." Dumbledore suggested, feeling the anxiety in the room surround them all.
"Yes." Sirius nodded quickly.
"Rhiannon, do you think you could excuse us?" asked Dumbledore.
"Oh...alright." Rhia replied, unsure as to why their mentor was ushering everyone but her into the kitchen, but saying nothing nonetheless.
"Come along, gentlemen." Dumbledore encouraged, being followed into the kitchen by Remus, Peter, and Sirius, with James taking the rear.
"Has Dumbledore arrived yet?" Lily asked, coming down the stairs with Harry in her arms.
"He's in there with them now." Rhia answered.
"Shouldn't we go in?" Lily gave the closed kitchen door an odd look before sitting in the armchair across from Rhia
"I think he wants to talk to them alone." She said uncertainly.
"Alone? About what?"
"Lily, calm down!" Rhia rolled her eyes. "Honestly, James is right, you do fret too much."
"Hush," Lily commanded as an owl came swooping into the room.
"Marmar!" Harry cried. "Ow!"
"Yes, lovey, an owl." Lily nodded, smoothing her hands over Harry's black head.
"That looks like Annie and Sirius's." Rhia pointed out, taking the small scroll from it's leg.
"What does it say?" asked Lily.
"She's worried. Sirius hasn't been by and she isn't allowed out of bed until tomorrow." Rhia explained.
"Well, we're obviously not wanted here." Lily said. "Perhaps we should go visit her."
"Sounds like a plan." Rhia said with a smile.
Lily scrawled a note and left it on the table before she and Harry followed Rhia through the fireplace.
~*~
"All of the Potters?" James murmured, staring in disbelief at Dumbledore. "What do you mean, all?"
"Voldemort has received notification of a prophecy made some time before Harry's birth." Dumbledore said, his gentle blue eyes meeting with James's hazel ones. "It stated that a child born at the end of the seventh month is a great threat to him. Voldemort cannot triumph until this child and his predecessors are no more."
"So in order for You-Know-Who to take over, he has to.to.." Remus trailed off.
"To kill us." James murmured and Dumbledore nodded.
"You and Harry are the only living descendants of Godric Gryffindor." He explained. "Voldemort is Slytherin's heir. Legend says neither can triumph without the other line being defeated once and for all."
"So what the bloody hell are we going to do?" Sirius cried. "Just sit back while the Dark Lord takes them away?!"
"Sirius, please." James put a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder, even though he himself had turned a very pale shade of white. "He'll do no such thing."
"But.it is possible, isn't it?" Peter mumbled, his eyes wide with fright.
"Yes." Dumbledore nodded. "And that's why I, among others, am trying to come up with a plan."
"What can we do? How can we help?" Sirius asked.
"I'm not sure, Sirius. We need a plan first. I, and some other members of the Order, are trying to come up with something. Until then, James, I suggest that you keep Lily and Harry away from all unnecessary contact. Unfortunately, we cannot be sure who is friend or foe anymore." Dumbledore smiled sadly at James, but Sirius had turned to glare at Remus. No one saw. He thought.
* * *
"My Lord, I've... I've just come from the Potters."
"Ah, Wormtail, wonderful. More news, no doubt?"
"Yes milord. Dumbledore has knowledge of the prophecy and he knows that you are out to kill the child."
"Well, that will not do, will it? No, we will have to take security precautions if we are to be successful..."
"My lord, that isn't all. I believe that Sir... ah, Black, that is, is out of the picture."
"Why is that?"
"Well, he's been distant from the rest, and I have reason to believe he suspects Lupin to be a spy for you."
"The werewolf? A spy? Its good to know the amount of trust he places in his friends!"
"Sir, what are we to do now?"
"Now, Wormtail, we wait. We must wait until that foolish Muggle-loving headmaster has thought up a plan, and then, with your help, I will destroy it."
"Ye-yes sir..."
* * *
Meanwhile, at Annie's bedside...
* * *
"Mum came and took her away." Annie said softly after Lily inquired about Mira Black. "I hadn't the heart...not without Sirius's consent."
"Yes, well," Rhia scoffed, "he doesn't seem to be hanging around here much, does he?"
"Rhia, don't blame him." Annie pleaded. "He's hurt, we all are."
"Perhaps he just needs some time." Lily added.
"If the lily-livered thing hadn't the guts to-" Rhia cut herself off in frustration. "I'm sorry, I'm just feeling ashamed of him."
"Are you going to bury her?" Lily asked, hugging her own offspring tightly to her breast as she contemplated the thought.
"In the yard where Gran is." Annie answered. "That's why I want him to come back, so we can get it over and done with...I want to go on, I truly do, I just can't. Not until she's..."
"We know." Lily offered and Rhia nodded in agreement, resolving to go find Sirius that instant and force him to come back.
~*~
Sirius was hanging about the small room he had rented in the Hog's Head when a furious banging was heard at the door. He opened it slightly, then wider when he saw Rhia standing outside.
"Rhia?" Sirius asked incredulously. He looked around the room. "Now isn't the best-"
"Sirius Malachi Black, I don't care what time it is, I am your best friend and you will let me IN!" Rhia cried and forced herself past him. He sighed and shut the door hehind her.
"Well, go. Let me have it."
"What?" Rhia asked, sitting down.
"I know you've come here to go all out on me for not talking to Annie, so just have at it. I'm not in the mood to listen to your bicker."
"Sirius! I am surprised at you! You've never spoken to me like that before!"
"Yeah, well, you were miserable too when you split with Remus."
"But I talked to him."
"After Annie convinced you to."
Rhia sighed. "I'm not going to yell at you, Sirius. I admit, I was going to - and you need it! - but I won't. But honey, you have to tell Annie what you're feeling......... uh, Sirius? What are you feeling? I mean, why did you leave her, anyway?"
"I didn't leave her," he muttered.
"What? But Annie said-"
"I don't care what she said, I didn't leave her!" he exclaimed, jumping up. Rhia leaned back.
"Whoa, okay honey. Easy there... but if you didn't leave her, what happened? Why aren't you together now?"
"I don't know... Annie said she wanted to call off the wedding, and I just... I couldn't be around her for a while..."
Rhia gasped. "She wanted to call off the wedding?"
"She said getting married after... you know... well, it would be too painful."
"Do you agree?"
Sirius shook his head and took Rhia's hand. "Rhiannon, I love her more than I ever thought was possible for myself. I don't want to lose her. I think after this tragedy, we should be there for each other, not distance ourselves! But I don't know how to tell her that."
Rhia smiled and patted his arm. "Honey, just tell her exactly what you just said to me!"
Sirius looked off out the window. "Do you think she'll listen?"
"Of course she will... she loves you too, Sir." Rhia stood up. "Well, my job's done. I should be getting home, remus gets worried if I'm home too late. Not that I blame him..." Rhia turned towards the door.
"Wait!" Sirius stood up too, reaching out for her. "Can you stay over tonight, like we used to together? I've been so lonely without Annie, and I need some extra support if I'm going to talk to her tomorrow... you're my best friend, Rhia."
Rhia smiled, her heart melting for him. "Of course, sweetie."
"Don't worry about a thing, love. It'll all work out."
Rhia's parting words echoed in his head as Sirius landed his monstrous bike outside the building where he and Annie lived. Kicking down the stand and setting his usual safety charms, he walked inside and up the stairs to 4B, their flat, standing stupidly in the hall, debating whether to open the door himself or knock.
He finally decided what to do, and placed a hand on the doorknob, just as it was flung open and Mrs. Lupin stepped outside.
"Sirius," she said in a surprised tone of voice.
"Mother Lupin," Sirius replied, using the affectionate term he had called her for some time now. "Is Annie in?" he asked, feeling like a stupid schoolboy come-a-courting.
"I think she's taking a kip on the sofa." Mrs. Lupin replied softly. Sirius nodded. "I was just going to the store for some things."
"Thank you." He kissed her cheek in farewell and she left, leaving the door open for him. He stepped inside, taking off his shoes in the front room before walking into the living room where small strains of music were drifting out.
The Wizarding Wireless was on a classical station, playing a soft minuet, and Annie had seemingly fallen asleep on the sofa listening to it. Sirius stood above her, watching her sleep; her hair spread willy-nilly about her head, her lips moving as she breathed gently, her chest rising and falling. He leaned over and shut the wireless off with a small click that jolted her from her rest.
"Sirius," she whispered in a tone almost identical to her mother's.
"Hi," he said simply, standing sheepishly above her. Silence entombed them for a few awkward moments.
"How are you?" she asked, sitting up on the sofa.
"I'm fine." He answered shortly, and she noticed. "And you?"
"Well." Her tones were somewhat clipped, and he noticed.
"Are you in any pain?" he asked. She shook her head.
"No, not since the day after..." her voice trailed off as she looked away, but Sirius still saw the look in her eyes. How could he not? It was a look that mirrored his own: one of indescribable pain and unfathomable sorrow.
"Annie," he murmured, taking her hand in his. "I came here to tell you...how I feel."
"You want to leave, don't you?" Annie whispered, rising from the sofa and turning away from him.
"What?" Sirius said, confused.
"And I thought after all you said, how you didn't want to lose me too!" she cried, tears cracking her voice. "I've lost so much in so little a time, and it doesn't seem fair at all."
"Annie, you've got it all wrong!" Sirius took her by the shoulders and made her do an about-face. "Leaving you is the furthest thing from my mind. I thought after Mira was gone, we should be there for each other. I only needed time to realize that, you understand? I was just angry. I lost her...but I could never stand to lose you. Even if...even if we don't get married."
And even Sirius was shocked that he had said that.
Annie's lower lip trembled as tears spilled down her face and onto her shirtfront. Sirius gently wiped them away, pulling her closer and tighter and almost not hearing her next tear-wrought words.
"I think a December wedding would be nice."
Sirius had never spent a happier, or truly more enjoyable, night. Annie was by his side again, and all was right with the world. And as summer dawned into a bright and sunny September, popular opinion agreed. Rhia and Remus were together again, and one was almost never seen without the other. Peter was making advances in his Ministry job, which meant more pay, even though his hours were tough. James and Lily hadn't had a threat in weeks, and Harry was growing into a most inquisitive child. Life was simply good.
Until one morning, when reality suddenly hit like a Bludger...
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