(Disclaimer: I own nothing.)

(Author's Note: I'm really sorry guys, but some of your email addresses aren't working for me when I send them! I have no idea why! If u didn't get the email for chapter forty-two, please email me and I'll reply and see if it works. I have no idea what's going on and I'm so sorry!)

(Author's Note # 2: Just to tell u, the italic poems are words said by Fate, kind of. They're what she's saying is happening or will happen or what she's going to make happen. :o) Most of it is that, anyway.)

Chapter Forty Three

"Avada Kedavra!"

Requillo collapsed to the floor, lifeless.

~*~

"What did you do?" yelled Requillo again. He pointed his wand at the latter. "What did you do to her? Tell me!"

"Or you'll what?" said the Dark Lord with a sneer.

Requillo forced a curse at him.

Voldemort laughed. "Is that your best?"

Requillo shot another curse, and this time, the Dark Lord did not think it amusing. He stumbled backwards, blood gouging out of a deep wound in his shoulder. "You insolent-," but another gouge cut at him.

The other Death Eaters advanced to help but Voldemort shook his head and shot a curse at Requillo.

Hallie screamed and stood up, though rather unsteadily, she raced to the circle. A Death Eater detached himself from the group and muttered a curse. She was propelled away and crashed against the wall.

"No!" Sirius yelled, fighting against his bonds. She fell into a heap on the floor.

"I'm killing your daughter. Now I'm gong to kill you," muttered Voldemort with venom. Requillo looked at him in horror. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, the other had already said, "Avada Kedavra."

He collapsed onto the floor, his eyes wide and staring.

~*~

But then there were shouts from outside.

Voldemort looked straight at Sirius. "You're next," he said quietly with a knowing sort of tone and then took off with the other Death Eaters. He muttered a soft curse and a skull showed up in the sky as a serpent protruded from its mouth. Then he and his followers disapparated.

Remus watched as Ministry people flooded into the home.

Outside, he heard someone say, "The Dark Mark!"

He closed his eyes, hearing voices swirl around him.

"Oh, God…" said a familiar voice. Remus looked up and saw Frank in the doorway, looking around.

The once perfectly tidy room was now in ruins. Requillo's body was just being covered and Sirius was yelling at Frank to release his body bind.

Once free, Remus stood and watched as Sirius pushed his way through the Ministry people to get to Hallie. Frank looked at Remus, forced a wobbly smile that ended in a grimace.

"What happened?" he asked softly.

Remus blinked at him for a few minutes before collapsing into the chair once again. "Voldemort was here." He swallowed. "He killed Requillo."

Frank turned around to look at the body being carried away and shook his head.

"Frank?" called a voice. The man turned around and his wife came over. He wrapped his arms around her.

"Hallie's being taken to the hospital. The Death Eaters put a tracking curse of some sort on her. I'm guessing they were using her as a pawn in trying to find Requillo. Every second the curse was left on her, life was drained away. The Ministry is going to look into what curse they used before she has no life in her left." She sighed and ran a hand through her hair.

Frank kissed her forehead. "It's been a long day. This has been the second attack," he said softly.

Remus stood up. "Did you want to go to the hospital?" asked Sarah.

He shook his head. "I think I have to go to Dumbledore."

Frank watched after him. "Sarah, you go home, I can finish up here."

"But-," she protested.

He put up a hand. "I think Gram needs a rest. Go take care of Neville."

She smiled up at him and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Call me if you need me?"

He nodded and cupped her cheek. "Send him my love." She nodded and left.

~*~

Sirius held her hand. It was still cold and getting colder. He looked at Frank. "What's happening?" he asked softly.

Frank shook his head. "They don't know yet."

Sirius looked at Hallie again. Her breathing was becoming slower, and slower. Dark eye bags were starting to appear under her eyes and her skin was starting to look sallower. He leaned over and kissed her cheek gently.

Just then, Peter ran in. "What happened?" he exclaimed, bending over to catch his breath.

Sirius closed his eyes and sat on the edge of his bed, leaning against the wall. "Voldemort killed Requillo."

Peter's eyes widened, but no one saw the look of relief and satisfaction pass through his face. Though these emotions flew past by, there was also a look of extreme guilt as well.

He walked over to the bed and looked at Hallie. His breaths stopped when he looked at her. "Is-is she-is she…?" he trailed off, not wanting to finish.

His heart was pounding and his insides were turning.

"No, she's fine for now," Sirius choked out. "She – they're draining the life out of her with a stupid curse they put on her so that they could track Requillo," he said bitterly.

Peter took a step back, still looking at Hallie with wide eyes. "Is she going to be okay?" he whispered.

Sirius looked away. Frank put a hand on his shoulder and said, "Yes, she's going to be fine."

Angrily, Sirius moved away and stood up. "Don't say things you don't mean, Frank," he said in a deathly quiet tone.

The other man shrugged. "Well, I mean it."

"How can you say that?" he yelled. "Look at her! She's a bloody corpse! No can look like that and live!" He closed his mouth as his own words sunk in. With a choked sob, he ran out of the hospital.

Frank watched after him and then looked at Peter. "I'd better go after him. Look after her will you?"

Peter nodded and Frank raced after Sirius.


He took a step closer to the bed. "I'm sorry, Hallie," he said quietly, a slight tremble in his voice. "You were never supposed to get hurt. Nothing was supposed to happen to you. But Requillo had to be done away with. You see that don't you?" The heart monitor beside her bed could be heard letting out soft beeps. The beats were slowly slowing down. "He was bad. The master said so. He said Requillo was a traitor. The master only wants to help the world, and your dad was pushing his plans away. This had to happen."


He looked at her for a moment and swallowed. "Nothing was supposed to happen to you, though. I'm sorry, I'm really, really sorry. You weren't supposed to get hurt. I never wanted to hurt you or Sirius. I'm sorry." After a short moment, he turned and walked out saying a soft, "Goodbye."

~*~

"Sirius, Sirius wait!" Frank yelled, but Sirius kept on running.

For how long, he didn't know. He had been running, it seemed, for forever. His legs were becoming tired, and his lungs were starting to hurt. Soon after, his legs failed what his mind wanted to do.

His mind told him to run, run as fast as he could. Run until he couldn't run anymore. You just have to get away, the voice said. Don't let the pain catch up. You don't want to hurt anymore. You don't want the pain. Run…run…

And he did, but it seemed that the rest of his body didn't agree. He collapsed onto the ground. The tears came falling down his face and his breaths were gasps.

His heart had another opinion. Stay, that voice was telling him. Go back.

But I can't, I can't go back, he thought.

She needs you…

And he buried his head in his hands, crying, crying with all the pain and sorrow deep within him. He cried and cried until he felt he would die of suffocation if he didn't stop soon.

Frank knelt down beside him and helped him sit up. "Take it easy," said the older man. "You're going to be all right. She's going to be fine."

Sirius looked at him and shook his head. "Stop saying that, Frank! Did you see her?" He swallowed. "It was as if I was already looking at her in a bloody coffin! She's dying!" The words sunk in again and he hated himself. He hated how he couldn't keep all those thoughts to himself, because when he said them, they sounded all the more real.

Frank looked at him and placed a consoling, firm hand on his shoulder. "You were right earlier, Sirius," he said softly. "I shouldn't say things I don't mean." Sirius looked at him in question. "I said she'd be all right and, well, I mean it. I never say things I don't mean. I know she's going to be all right."

Sirius shook his head. "You don't know that."

Frank grinned. "Oh yes I do. Hallie won't die just like that. You know her better than anyone else, don't you?"

"So?" said the other miserably. He felt like a child with no control. It was a feeling he did not like one bit.

"Well, you know she loves you more than anything." Sirius looked down as his vision blurred again.

"You're purposely trying to hurt me, aren't you," he said bluntly.

At this, Frank laughed. "Yeah, I'm on a secret mission to make your life a living hell." He shook his head. "No, she loves you more than anything else in the world. And, knowing Hallie, she won't give up until she gets what she wants, am I right?"

In spite of himself, Sirius smiled softly. "I guess."

Frank looked at him squarely. "Well, she wants to marry you. And she will."

~*~

Peter knew the words he had spoken to his friend were words not only for her, but for himself as well.

The master only wants to help the world, and your dad was pushing his plans away…

He shook his head. Sure, that's the way Voldemort put it, but the reality of it all was a different story.

He walked on, just for the sake of walking. It calmed in slightly, however. He was walking, walking away. How he wished he could 'walk away' in the reality of his life. But in the other half of it, he couldn't, he was trapped, caught in the net that he had lured himself into. There was no turning back.

~*~

The heart monitor suddenly broke out into quick beeps. The sound itself was one of such frightening hysteria that Sirius shot up from his seat next to Hallie's bed, no longer asleep, but wide awake. Frank did likewise and raced out to get a doctor.

"No," Sirius whispered. "No." He sat at the edge of the bed, his tears frozen in his eyes so that everything was a maze of haziness. The young man reached out his hand to touch her cheek. Like the first time, it was as cold as ice. Quickly, he withdrew his hand and stared in horror at her.

He saw her chest rising and falling with gasping breaths. "Hallie – Hallie, wake up!" he yelled. The breaths became faster and faster, gasps could be heard. It frightened him to think of what would become of him if her breathing stopped. He couldn't live without her. It was as plain as that.

He propped her sitting up and because unconscious that she was, she fell limply in his arms. Letting her lean against him, he stroked he hair. "Hallie, Hallie, please," he whispered, his voice trembling. He was beginning to shake violently. "Don't leave me, don't leave me."

Then the tears came. He didn't hold them back, he couldn't. The pain arose in his chest and his heart cried out in pain. "Please," he murmured, hugging her to him. He buried his face in her hair and took in the sweet scent. "Please don't leave me, Hallie."

And then the heart monitor let out a continuous long beep.

~*~

Remus had been called to find the cure for his friend. He didn't know what condition she was in, only that a tracking sort of curse was set upon her so that they could get Requillo. His job, as Dumbledore had asked him, was to find what curse it was, and how to treat it.

He looked through the millions of books in the Hogwarts library. Students milled in and out, some few curiously glancing at him. Some girls who passed by giggled when they saw him, but he was too intent on finding the counter curse to notice.

His concentration was suddenly broken when a boy came over. "What're you doing?" he asked. He looked about eleven or twelve.

"I'm trying to find a curse," muttered Remus.

"Oh!" the boy said. "Can I help? I like doing curses and the like. But first years aren't allowed to do Defense Against the Dark Arts yet." He sighed and took a seat in the seat across from Remus. "What curse are you looking for?"

"Tracking," murmured Remus absently. He flipped through pages. After a few moments, he ran a hand through his hair and looked up. He finally noticed the boy looking through another stack of books.

The eleven-year-old had flaming red hair and almond brown eyes that showed a life of innocence and happiness through his years.

"Er – hello," said Remus uncertainly.

The boy giggled. "Hi," he said and continued looking through the books.

"Um, please take no offense, but…who are you?"

The boy giggled once more. "My name's Bill – Bill Weasley."

Remus' eyebrows shot up. "Oh, are you Arthur and Molly's son?" Bill nodded vigorously. He smiled. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Remus Lupin."

Bill nodded again with a bright smile. He then began flipping through pages of books again. Remus looked at him for a moment and then did likewise.

After a few long moments of searching and finding nothing, Remus got up and slammed the book he was reading onto the desk.

Bill looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Urgh!" yelled the twenty-year-old man. He ran a hand through his light brown hair in irritation and finally looked up from the ground to the little boy in front of him.

"What are some of the effects of the curse?" he asked softly.

Remus blinked at him. "I don't know."

The boy laughed and grinned at him critically. "I don't know where else to look!"

"Remus!" yelled someone from the doorway. He looked up and saw Sarah. She raced to him. "Frank-Frank sent me-," she started but had to stop. She put a hand to her chest and breathed deeply for a few moments to catch her breath. "Hallie-she-she's," but she needed just a bit more time. She bent down and put her hands on her knees.

"Hallie what?" he asked in concern. He took a step closer to help her but she suddenly jerked up to tell him, hitting the young man in the face. Remus went flying backwards into a shelf with shock. A few books came loose and landed on him. One thick one in particular fell right onto the crown of his head.

"Remus! Are you all right?" Sarah said in horror. "I'm so sorry! I-I," but then she saw a red headed little boy running over. He had a bright smile on his face as he took the fat book that had hit Remus.

"Look! I've found it! You've found it!" Bill exclaimed, jumping up and down.

"Bill?" called a voice. The boy turned around and saw another boy coming.

"Charlie?"

The latter laughed. "I've been looking for you! Professor McGonagall's about to blow her top! I thought you got lost!"

Bill laughed. "I'm not lost! I was right here looking for a curse!"

Remus stood up. And took the book handed to him by Bill. "Persuasia Curses…" he said softly and smacked himself on the head.

The boy named Charlie put a hand over his mouth to try and resist the urge to laugh, but Bill broke out into loud laughter.

"I knew it! It was all the way back of my mind!" said Remus.

"Then, Remus, you must come now! Hallie's in critical-," but his eyes widened and he rushed past her.

After getting off Hogwarts grounds, he apparated to the hospital and raced in. Sarah was right behind him.

Once he was inside, he heard the long continuous beep and saw Sirius look up with a devastated and tear stained face.

He closed his eyes and leaned against the doorway.

~*~

From light to dark and dark to light

From hate to love from love to hate

Turn death to life instead of life to death

Take power; take from the will of Fate

~*~

A strange sensation went through him. His heart quickened and his breaths did as well. He opened his eyes.

He was just dreaming. That's it. That's all that happened, he fell asleep.

Quickly he shut his eyes again and hugged her close to him.

Wake up; wake up…he thought fiercely.

The tears burned in his eyes, but not only with the fiery sensation, but with a blistering one as well. He saw a bright light in the darkness of his closed eyes and when he opened them, the drops of crystal liquid fell onto her forehead.

He wiped them away and kissed the spot. "I love you," he whispered.

Suddenly, he was blinded by a dazzling light. The whole room was filled with it and he closed his eyes from its brightness.

Slowly, the light crept out of the room, slowly like water goes down a drain. It seeped through the ceiling and was soon no more.

Sirius blinked his eyes open and looked around. Remus was rubbing his eyes as was Sarah and Frank was looking thoroughly bewildered.

With a deep sorrowful sigh, he leaned against the bedpost and kissed Hallie's forehead.

The doctor, who was standing on the opposite side of the bed said, "I'm sorry, Sirius, there's nothing more you can do here." He walked over and started to help the young man off the bed, but Sirius forcefully resisted.


"Don't-touch-me," he said quietly. He swallowed angrily brushed away his tears, avoiding the eyes of his friends.

"Sirius, I'm terribly sorry, but you must go home and get some rest. Staying here will do nothing for you," the doctor said in a soft and gentle tone.

He advanced and tried to pry Sirius' arms off Hallie, but it was in vain. Sirius got comfortable on the bed and held her close. He choked on sobs and touched her face tenderly. "I love you," he said again.

"Sirius," started the doctor once more, but Frank came over and pointed.

The heart monitor screen no longer showed a straight line, but an ever so slight hint of movement going up and down.

~*~

Fate smiled. "All is well, for now," she whispered.

~*~

"How-how?" said the doctor in confusion. Frank gaped at the screen and slowly were the beeps starting to get louder and stronger.

Sirius shot up to a sitting position and stared at the heart monitor. He gave a confused look to the others and then looked down at Hallie.

His heart quickening its pace, he bent near her and put his ear over her mouth. A slight breeze touched his skin from her breath.

"She's breathing! She's breathing. Oh my God," he whispered, more tears coming to his eyes. He touched her cheek. "Hallie, Hallie, can you hear me? Oh God…oh God…" His voice was trembling and he ran a hand through his hair. "Wake up, Hallie, wake up, it's me!"

Frank came over and put a hand on his shoulder. "Sirius, it'll take a while." Sirius looked up at him with a tear stained face.

"She died, she died right in front of me, Frank. What happened?"

The latter just smiled in a strange unknowing sort of way and shrugged. Sirius looked at him for a moment, before looking at Hallie again.

He lied down next to her, and this time, the doctor didn't try to take him away.

~*~

Remus ran in with Sarah close behind. He slid into the room and jerked to a stop when he saw Sirius sleeping beside Hallie, with tears on his cheeks. He and Sarah shared a look, but Frank stood up and walked to them.

"She's fine, I don't know what happened, but she's fine now," he said.

"I wasn't worried about her, I saw the heart monitor. She's alive. It was Sirius I was worried about," said Remus with a grin.

Sarah and Frank laughed. They all gave one last look to the two on the bed and then walked out.

~*~

How long he had been looking at her, he didn't know, nor did he care. After too long, he held her close to him and kissed her forehead. He smelled the sweet scent of her hair and suddenly he felt movement.

"Sirius," came a soft voice, "don't do that, I don't remember the last time I took a shower." He immediately pulled away and gaped at her. Her eyes were lightly closed but a small smile played on her lips. "Let alone the last time I did anything at all…" Her voice was so soft, he had to strain to hear every word she said, but they were words at least.

"Hallie!" he exclaimed with a choked sob and hugged her tightly. She tried pushing him off, but found she was too weak.

"Sirius – Sirius, you're hurting me." At once, he let her go. She opened her eyes and looked at him in exhaustion. "Why am I so tired?"

He wiped away tears without shame. "Because you died."

She chuckled softly. "Sirius…"

But she stopped when she saw his eyes were filled with tears. "I saw it, I was right here," he whispered.

She weakly put her arms about his neck and sighed. He pulled her closer to him. "I'm so tired," she said softly. He kissed her forehead softly and heard her slow even breathing as she fell asleep.

~*~

"Yeah, she's doing better, still weak. They want to keep her there for just one more day, then she's coming home," Sirius explained to James and Lily with a happy smile. James held his wife tightly.

With a giggle, Harry plopped out of his seat and came crawling over. Sirius smiled and bent down to pick him up. The little boy waved his arm around with soft gurgles of glee and giggled at the man who made funny faces at him.

James grinned.

"What was it you wanted to talk about, Padfoot?" said James quietly, noticing his friend's falling face.

Sirius looked up at him, and then back at Harry. "It's about the Fidelius Charm." There was a short silence only broken by Harry's adorable laughter. With a kiss on the forehead, Sirius set him down so the youth could crawl over to his parents. Lily picked him up.

Running a hand through his hair, Sirius said, "I can't be your Secret-Keeper anymore." Lily's eyes widened. He smiled. "They know it's going to be me. I was thinking all last night on what I could do instead. It came to me later." He paused and looked at James squarely. "You should use Peter instead."

James' eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"When the manor was attacked, Voldemort looked straight at me and said that I'm next." Lily gasped and Sirius looked away. "He knows I'm keeping your secret, and if he gets me…" he trailed off and shook his head. They got the meaning.

Nodding, James said, "But what should we do?"

"That's what I meant when you should use Peter. No one will expect little Peter Pettigrew to be your secret keeper. They expect me to be it, but he's the last one they'd think of. I think it would be a great diversion so that Voldemort can come after me and you'll be safe and sound with Peter keeping your secret."

"But what about Remus? Wouldn't he be just as good a Secret-Keeper?" asked Lily quietly.

Sirius bit down his lip in guilt. "I-I thought about that too…" his voice was almost inaudible.

"And…"

Sirius looked at them with pained eyes. "And I think that he's the one passing the information."

James closed his eyes tightly and felt Lily's arms go around him.

Sirius looked down in shame. "I know – I know it's horrible of me to think it, but-but I don't know who else it could be. He and Peter were the only ones I told about bringing Requillo to the manor last week except you and – and then Voldemort showed up…" he swallowed deeply. "I just – he seemed, well, I don't know, but he seemed guilty or something." With a sigh of aggravation he said, "I don't know."

James put a hand on his shoulder. "It's all right. I know you've thought this out millions of times."

"Yes, I have. I've tried seeing everyone else spying on us instead of him. I've tried imagining a reason that he'd do it…that he was being blackmailed or something…but I can't dodge the feeling that someone in our circle is passing the information, I-I've tried," but his voice was cut off by a choked sob. He buried his head in his hands.

Lily came over and hugged him around his shoulders. "We understand, you're probably right. This must hurt you most," she said quietly.

"You have no idea," he whispered back.

James ran a hand through his hair. "I guess we should have Peter come and change to our Secret-Keeper," he said.

Sirius didn't look up. "I'll get him now." With that, he stood up and left.

James watched after him, grasping Lily's hand tightly.

~*~

With Peter, Sirius went to Godric's Hollow.

"Sirius, what's this about. Why are we going here?" Peter asked.

"Just shut up for a few minutes and you'll find out, all right?" Sirius snapped.

Peter's eyebrows shot up and he closed his mouth tightly.

After a while, Sirius looked over and saw Peter's dejected expression. He sighed and said, "Look, Peter, sorry for yelling at you, I'm just really stressed out right now."

The latter nodded. "You're worried about Hallie?"

"Part of it's that."

"Oh."

Soon they were there and Sirius knocked. Peter saw the door open on its own and felt his eyes widen.

"Sirius – but – this place is empty…" he said.

"No, it isn't, come on."

Peter watched as Sirius shook hands with an invisible person and hugged another. He bent down and picked up something and laughed. "Sirius…" Peter said uncertainly. The other young man looked at him with a solemn smile.

"Come on, Peter," said Sirius, starting to walk into the living room. He lit the candles and closed all the blinds. He then said, "And to trusted eyes, let the truth be told, let the secret be unveiled, open thy minds, seek and behold." Sirius, for a moment, seemed to glow in the dim lit room. Brightness shined down from above.

And then it was gone.

Peter blinked away the spots and looked around the room. His eyebrows shot up so far they were lost under the untidy mop of bangs atop his head. "James!" he yelled, running over. "Lily! Harry!" His arms were around them and his smile was so wide, he feared it would disappear right off the sides of his face.

Sirius stood a ways back, just watching, contemplating.

James eyes turned to him from behind Peter and he gave the simplest of nods.

"Peter," Sirius started.

With a tear stained face, the latter looked at him with a bright smile. "You knew the whole time you little git!" He laughed and ran over to hug Sirius too.

With a soft chuckle, Sirius pushed the other off him. "There's something we have to talk about, Wormtail."

At the nickname, Peter frowned slightly and his smile faded ever so slowly. His friend's tone was one not of complete happiness as he was feeling at that moment, but a grave solemnity that sank his heart.

"What is it?" he wondered softly, dreadfully.

Sirius looked to James and Lily who nodded at him for reassurance. "I-we…Peter," he said, starting again. Peter urged him to continue. "I-," but Sirius gave an aggravated sigh. "I can't do it. You do it," he told James, looking away.

Peter looked at them all in confusion. "What is it? What's wrong?"

James cleared his throat. "Well, you see, Peter…Lily, Harry and I haven't been in hiding. Well- we have, but not in the way everyone thinks we have." Peter just blinked at them. "We've been hidden under the Fidelius Charm. It's a very powerful spell that keeps those that are supposed to be kept hidden, secret." He went on to explain about the charm. "Sirius, well – he's our Secret-Keeper."

Peter's eyes widened and he looked to Sirius, but the young man was looking down at his shoes guiltily. After a short moment, he looked up. "I'm sorry, Peter, I just couldn't tell anyone."

Peter smiled. "That's all right. I understand." Sirius nodded.

"But see," James continued, "we know Voldemort knows that Sirius is going to be the Secret-Keeper. And-and it's not safe, we know, but-but we were thinking that we need to change to someone else." Peter's spirits inflated at these words. He knew what was coming. But then…that voice in the back of his mind told him it wasn't as good as it would have been if-if he wasn't what he was at the moment…

"We think you should be our Secret-Keeper," said Lily, looking at him with a desperate sort of pleading look.

Peter smiled. "You don't even have to ask," he said softly. "You know I'll do anything for you." Inside, his heart was pounding horrifically and his eyes were starting to tear.

I shouldn't though…I shouldn't be their Secret-Keeper…if only they knew…

Sirius looked at him. "It's very dangerous, Peter," he said.

Peter nodded. "But you did it. And you knew You-Know-Who would know. Now though…you're still going to keep it secret that you're changing Secret-Keepers?"

Sirius nodded. "It's better this way. Voldemort can go after me. I'll be a sort of diversion. That way, you'll be home free; and-and James, Lily, and Harry will be safe too. I'll be a decoy." His voice was softer ever minute and Peter's stomach twisted inside him.

"You're very brave, Sirius," he said.

The other looked down.

I wish you knew …how I wish you knew the whole of it…thought Peter. He shook his head and drew his conclusion.

"I'll be your Secret-Keeper," Peter said decisively.

James smiled in a tired sort of way, but nevertheless, it was the same smile filled with such heart-warming gratitude. Lily was crying now and ran over to hug him after handing Harry over to James.

Harry, who seemed to feel what was going on, smiled at Peter and giggled.

Peter, Peter…what are you doing?

That afternoon, the switch was planned and action was to take place that night.

~*~

That night, Sirius lay exhausted on the couch and looked over at Peter who ran a hand through his hair and yawned. "Why'd you pick me, Sirius?" asked the young man.

The other grinned. "'Cause there was no one else."

Peter laughed. "I mean – why not Remus? You and I both know that he's a better pick. He's braver than me, for one."

Sirius sighed with anguish and swallowed. "I-I have reason to believe that-that he," he stopped and swallowed again.

"What is it, Sirius?"

"I have reason to believe that he's the one passing the information to the Dark Side," he said in a rush.

Peter gasped and almost fell of the armchair. "W-What? What did you say?"

The other man's voice was slightly muffled by the hand covering his face. "I have reason to believe that Remus is the one passing the information to the Dark Side," but he stopped. Looking up he said, "Please, Peter, don't make me say it again. I-I can't."

Peter just gaped at him.

Inside, he was in torture. It was as if something, something so evil, so horrible, something unimaginable was eating him from inside to out.

He closed his eyes with a soft groan of complete anguish.

Two hearts tore in that room, but each for a different reason.

One of agony for a friend's betrayal, and the other…the other with agony of extreme and unbearable guilt.

Oh, God…if only I could tell you…if only you knew…

~*~

Hallie laughed and tried to hold on to Sirius as he picked her up from the wheelchair. "Sirius, don't drop me!" she said with laughter in her voice.


He smiled down at her and grinned.


Her eyes widened. "You're not going to drop me, Sirius Black!"

"Oh? And who says?"

She didn't miss a beat. "Your fiancée says so and if you know what's good for you, you'll-," but she couldn't continue because she fell into a fit of laughter. Sirius grinned sweetly and kissed her nose.

"Hush now, dear," he said quietly, "You're causing a scene." Indeed, the ruckus had drawn the attention of many people outside the hospital.

She gave him a look, trying to keep a straight face, but unable to swipe the smile from her mouth. "They're probably admiring my looks."

Sirius laughed at the familiar words. "Probably horrified at how horrible your face is."

"Sirius!"

"Just kidding."

He placed her in the back seat of the Ministry car and closed the door. Instead of going to the front seat next to the driver, he went around to the other side of the car and got in the back seat next to her. He smiled as she hugged him.

True, she was still weak and got tired easily, but she was getting better. That's what mattered to him at this point, Hallie was getting better.

~*~

She woke up the next morning and saw that the space beside her was empty. Slowly, she sat up and looked around. "Sirius?" she called softly. When there was no response, she stood up and found that her legs felt like Jell-O. She supported herself on the bedpost, but slowly made her way out into the hall.

She spotted him sitting at the top of the steps. When she took a seat beside him, he said, "You should rest more." Indeed, she was breathing somewhat heavily at only the short walk from the bed to the steps.

Hallie shrugged. "I'm fine," she told him.

He didn't look at her, but kept looking down at his shoes. "Come on, I'll help you back," he said, slowly standing. She looked up at him in confusion.

"Sirius, are you all right?" He forced a smile, but she saw that frightening fire burning in his eyes. She took his offered and stood, still looking at him. "Sirius…" she started again.

He shook his head. "Don't worry about it, I'm all right. Come on." He started down the hall again, but she held back.

"Tell me what's wrong."

Sirius froze and slowly turned to look at her. He didn't say anything at first, and for a moment, she thought he wouldn't say anything at all, but then he said, "Really, Hal, I'm fine." When he saw her disbelieving look, he came over and brought his lips over hers. When they parted, she saw as if it was a movie for her to be seen. The scorching fire that was burning in his eyes slowly became smaller and smaller until it was gone. His smile was genuine now. "I'm fine. Now let's give you some more rest, shall we?"

She grinned and shook her head. "I've already had too much. I can't sleep or read anymore. Let's go out."

"Hallie, you just got back!"

Shrugging, she told him, "I'm all right, but I'm extremely bored. I think I'll even be up to flying." His eyebrows shot up. "Okay, well, maybe not flying…"

With a happy laugh, he picked her up and swung her around. When he put her down, his eyes widened at how pale she was. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed at once, steadying her.

"Don't worry about it, Sirius," she said with a laugh. "Just give me a minute."

After about five minutes, she smiled up at him weakly. "So where are you taking me?"

He looked at her with a fatherly expression. "Back to the bedroom." He picked her up and she laughed.

"Sirius! I'm not tired!"

"That's all right."

"Sirius…" Just like he always did, he kissed her forehead gently and she rested her head on his shoulder, putting her arms around his neck. "Please?"

He sighed in defeat and put her on her own two feet. "How about a walk in Hogsmead?" She laughed happily and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

"Thank you!" He, too, laughed and put his arms about her waist, hugging her close.

Trying to be discreet, he buried his face in her hair, trying to remember its scent and kissed her neck. She smiled to herself for though it seemed as if he was just hugging her, she knew what he was doing. She said softly, "You're adorable."

He looked at her. "How so?"

Shrugging, she told him, "You just are."

~*~

James looked at his wife and cupped her cheek. "Lily, everything will be all right. We know what's going to happen, don't we?"

She nodded, a tear falling down her cheek. "But it hurts, James, it hurts so much," she whispered. He wiped away the single crystal tear with his thumb and kissed her softly.

"Don't worry," he said - his voice almost inaudible. "We-," but his voice was cut off by a giggle as Harry came crawling over. When he got to his father's feet, he held onto James' legs to try and stand. The elder man smiled over at Lily as he picked up his son. "You see, Lil? We're going to be all right."

~*~

Remus sat on the ground, only comforted by the warmth of the glowing fire before him. His heart was saying that something was not right, that something was horribly wrong. Yet…his mind was saying, don't worry, everything is taken care of.

He chuckled to himself softly. "No, it isn't."

Somewhat in dread, he looked out the window. It was a waxing crescent moon, it wasn't far from half and he dreaded when it wouldn't be far 'til full.


He exhaled the large breath he had taken and rubbed his eyes.

"Don't think of it, Remus Lupin. Feeling sorry for yourself gets you nowhere." But it was useless, those words he had said to himself for consolation, the tears still came, and he hated himself for it.

But it isn't fair! His mind screamed with agony. Why me? What have I done that is so wrong? Why do I have to be the one who's different? It would be so much easier to be normal, to not be…to not be me. To not be Remus Lupin the werewolf, but Remus Lupin the human being, completely and wholly. He shook his head and buried his head in his arms propped on his knees. And I'm just holding them back. I'm just holding James, Sirius, Peter, Lily, Hallie…I'm holding them all back. They would be so much further ahead of the wizarding world than they are now if it weren't for me…

I can't even get a job by myself…I have to have help to do it. He laughed through his tears. It wasn't joyful or in the least bit happy. It was a laugh of bitterness.

And then another voice seemed to occupy him, flow through him like a slow stream of comfort.

But you're Remus Lupin no matter what you are, and you always will be. Your friends…they wouldn't be your friends if they didn't want to be held back. They chose to be with you, and be with you they shall. Not because they feel sorry for you, but because they care for you, they love you like a brother. Without you, they'll feel empty, just like you would without them…You're not holding them back, Remus, you're holding yourself back.

He stood up and swallowed, looking around. "I'm going crazy," he whispered and walked out of his house.

~*~

Fate smiled. "Dear, dear Remus…if only you knew what is in store for you. You're going to be a hero, a lifesaver…your purpose is not a job, my dear, your purpose is to help. And help you will… If only you knew…you're going to save more than one person. You're going to save those you love, and help others prosper and become more than they can be, just because you love them so much." Her smile broadened. "You're going to be a hero…"

~*~

Voldemort summoned in Lucius with a wave of his hand. "You've made all the preparations? Both?" The latter nodded and took out the bowl. It held a swirling marble shining black liquid.

Lucius bowed. "Yes, master."

"All right, tell Evan to bring in Lynette." With a last bow, Lucius drew out and did as was told.

Evan came in with Lynette following. Her features hadn't changed, but in a way that was unexplainable, she was very different. Perhaps it was the way she held herself up: confident, defiant, strong…or maybe the way she walked: also confident and sure of herself…but whatever it was, it was a drastic change.

"Come forward, Lynette," said the Dark Lord. She dipped a graceful curtsey and strolled with a confident air. "Look into this bowl."

Without hesitation or a look of doubt, she looked in and suddenly felt a spasm run through her. Evan watched in amazement as she seemed to glow and her feet hovered over the ground, not touching anything solid. Her head rolled back, her eyes only showing the whites. Voldemort smiled and Evan noticed that he was chanting. Lucius, who was by his master's side, too was chanting, though his words seemed to be echoing around the room.

"Forge tall know ledge

Forge tall ant ecedent

Forge tall remem brances

Forget all…Forget all…Forget all…"

Slowly, Lynette floated back to the ground and had another convulsion before falling limp.

Lucius raised his arms to the air. "Remember become who you are. Remember, be who you were. From the heavens above, call on Fate to her will. Power reside, power confide. Tell tale, become who you were, from heavens above."

Lynette's eyes rolled back into focus as she looked around. "Where am I? What am I doing here?"

Voldemort smiled. "All in good time, my dear, all in good time."

~*~

Fate smiled, but it wasn't her usual peace-doing smile; it was one of cunning and mischief. "Yes, my dear Tom Marvolo Riddle. 'All in good time'…but not in the way you think." She stole a glance at the sleeping young woman on the cloud a few yards away. "Sleep, Lydia, sleep, for soon, yet no so, you will be awakened."

~*~

His arm stayed protectively around her waist, but also as a stabler. She smiled up at him and he kissed her nose.

It was a quiet afternoon during that cool autumn day. Many children littered the small town of Hogsmead because it was the first trip for Hogwarts students from years 3 to 7.

"Do you ever miss it?" Hallie asked him softly.

He hugged her closer. "Miss what?"

She smiled. "Miss Hogwarts?"

He laughed. "Ah, yes, every moment of my life. Good years, those were, weren't they?"

She too laughed. "Mm hmm…I especially liked shocking you to death that one day."

"What?"

"When Andrea, Lily, Lydia, Gwen and I blew up that armchair with you nearly on it," she said with a soft chuckle.

He frowned slightly down at her. "I was not in the least shocked." At this, she broke into her joyful one of a kind contagious laughter. He soon couldn't help but join in. "Well, perhaps only a bit, but not really."

"What beautiful colors though, don't you think?"

"Mm," he said. She smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder.

~*~

He took a sip of his butterbeer, gazing at nothing in particular for he was deep in thought.

"Did it work?" said a voice from a seemingly distance. It was concerned filled and anxious. Remus looked up and blinked at the redheaded little boy before him. "Mr. Lupin?"

The elder man shook his head to focus and said, "What? Sorry, I wasn't listening."

Bill smiled, but it was a bit eager. "The counter curse, did it work? For your friend - I mean - the one with the tracking curse? Did the counter curse work?"

Remus smiled. "I didn't need to use it. She was fine when I got there."

Bill grinned broadly again and sighed in relief. "Good."

"What're you doing here, by the way? Aren't you supposed to be in school?" asked Remus.

"Yes, but mum and dad are here to take me home for the holidays today. We're going to stay here for one night before flying to Gram's house."

Remus nodded. "Wait, your parents are here?" Bill giggled and pointed to the counter where a very redheaded man sat beside his wife, talking happily. Remus smiled and stood, motioning for Bill to follow. "Excuse me," said he in a low voice, pounding his hand down on Arthur's shoulder. The man jumped about ten feet in the air with a loud holler that drew the attention of many in the small pub. "Hello, Arthur, how are you, Molly?"

The woman laughed and swatted at the younger man. "Remus Lupin! I should have known!"

Arthur put a hand to his heart. "My goodness, you gave me quite a fright there!"

Remus shrugged and smiled smugly. "I know."

"Remus!" called a voice from the doorway. Hallie came rushing over and Sirius was right behind her.

She jumped at her friend who received her with a laugh and open arms. "Hey, Hal, are you doing all right?"

She swayed slightly on her spot and Sirius steadied her, looking at Remus with a small smile. It was different from his open, innocent yet mischievous grin. Now, it was more reserved.

"I'm just fine," said Hallie, smiling at him. "How about you, are you okay?" Her voice had taken a dive to a tone of concern at his pallor.

"Mm, I'm all right, just a bit off. I'm guessing the cold weather, don't worry about me though."

"Excuse me please," said a small voice. Hallie looked down at the small boy trying to squeeze through to his mother.

"Oh! I'm sorry!"

Bill smiled and jumped up to sit on Arthur's lap. "Hey, Hallie, Sirius. How are you two?"

Molly's eyes were wide and she grabbed Hallie's left hand. "You're engaged! With whom?"

Hallie laughed and Sirius pouted. Arthur said, "Molly, you know very well who she's getting married to!"

Molly smiled and shared a look with Arthur that Remus had to laugh at. Hallie and Sirius looked at each other.

"I don't understand," said Hallie, frowning. Even Bill giggled at her expression.

"Just smile and nod," whispered Sirius in her ear. She laughed.

Remus leaned over to Bill. "She's the one you'd have saved if we got the chance," he said quietly. The young boy looked at her and noticed how sick she looked. It could only be noticed if he looked carefully enough.

Hallie felt eyes on her and looked at Bill who smiled. She smiled back. "Hello, what's your name?"

"Bill Weasley," he said softly.

She looked up at Sirius. "He's adorable!" she whispered and then looked at the little boy. Sirius laughed inwardly. "I'm Hallie. How old are you Bill Weasley?"

He smiled again and looked to his dad who smiled back at him. "Eleven."

The rest of the night was a calm one, but Sirius couldn't help but feel that something was out of place.

~*~

Dressed in a black cloak striped with silver, a Muggle tie-dye shirt, and bright baggy red pants, the little boy ran around the house waving his wand about, sending sparks everywhere. Another little boy suddenly raced out of his room and knocked right into the other. "Joey!" he yelled.

"Billy!" yelled the other, reaching for his wand again.

"Stop it!" the boy shouted. Joey laughed and waved his wand in front of Billy's face. "Mum!" Billy exclaimed.

A young woman came running up the steps. "What is it? What's wrong?" She looked at her sons in concern. Joey jumped up and hugged her.

"I love you, mummy," he said.

She blinked at him and then smiled. "I love you too, Joey."

Billy pushed himself up and joined the big hug. "Me too!"

The woman laughed and messed their hair. "I love you too, Billy. Now play nice, I have to get your Uncle to help me with dinner."

Joey's grin broadened. "Tell him to bring the dungbombs, mum!" She rolled her eyes.

"I swear, you get more and more like your father ever minute." She immediately regretted her words.

"What was his name again?"

She nearly broke into tears at his question. "His name is…"

End of Dream.

Hallie sat up and looked around. "What was that?"

Sirius turned over and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Hal? That you?"

"Yeah," she said softly.

He took her hand in his. "Go to sleep, you need rest." She looked at him for a minute before snuggling up beside him. "Goodnight," he whispered, putting his arm around her comfortingly.

"Goodnight," she said back to him.

But she didn't sleep for quite some time.

"What was his name again?"

"His name is…"

And then she fell asleep once more.

~*~

"Please! Please, let me stay here, please," she whispered, crying softly. He held her tighter, wishing that he could stay like this forever.

"I wish you could, sweetheart, but you can't."

She pulled away to look at him with a tear stained face full of pain. "Please, please, let me stay here with you. I just want to be here with you. I don't want to leave you."

And he saw behind her, the looming figures, and closed his eyes tightly. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"No! Sirius, Sirius please!" she cried as they dragged her away. "I don't want to leave you! I want to stay here! With you!"

Her cries became softer and softer as the hooded figures took their effect on her. Another man came over and hugged her, supporting her. He took one last agonized look at the man in the cell and then turned away, looking hurt and betrayed.

The man in the cell watched them go. "I wish you could be here…I wish you could…I'm so sorry…" He curled up into a ball and cried. He cried for everything, for everything in the world…all the loss and pain…he cried for it all. "I'm so sorry…"

End of Dream.

This time Sirius sat up sweating. His breaths came out shallow and his eyes were unfocused. He closed his eyes and swallowed.

Caring arms came around him and he hugged Hallie back. "It's all right, Sirius, it was just a dream."

He nodded, but he had a strange idea that it was not.

~*~

James woke up and looked around. "What was that?" He had dreamed of two young boys, Joey and Billy, and Sirius in the cell. He took a few deep breaths and stood. Quietly, he made his way into Harry's room. He touched the forehead of his baby boy with a small smile.

Suddenly, a flaming pain shot up his arm and throughout him. Harry screamed in agony. Lily rushed in, her eyes wide to see her husband and son glowing with a bright green light. It shocked her to see that upon Harry's forehead, a scar the shape of lightning began to appear.

And just as quickly as it began, it ended.

James withdrew his hand and steadied himself against the wall. Harry closed his eyes and soon fell asleep as if nothing unordinary happened and the lightning bolt-shaped scar disappeared. Lily came over and looked at James.

"What happened?" James opened his eyes and she saw a fire burning there. He glared suddenly and pushed off the wall and walked out of the room. After staring after him for a moment, she followed. "James, where are you going?"

But like she knew, he went to the living room to scowl at the fire. He always did this when he needed to think, or to vent.

She took a seat on the couch near him.

"I don't understand," he said suddenly. It was more as if he was speaking to himself than to Lily, and she kept quiet. "I know it's going to happen, but not when." He shook his head as if pushing this aside. "All right. I know it's going to happen, but after…why am I getting these about afterwards? It doesn't matter!" He leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't understand…" he said again.

He suddenly looked around and up to the ceiling. A light streamed through the wall above and he closed his eyes.

"You will know…you will know…" came a heavenly voice.

And then it seemed as if she soared down from heaven to land before James. His eyes never opened, but he smiled.

"He who reeks disaster

Is to whom defeat will befall,

The brave, bold, and valiant

Will conquer all.

The hero will defeat him,

The Dark One will be gone,

And here ends Fate's story,

Fate's story will be done.

Upon the rising of the whole moon

Shall the evil one meet his end,

The hero and his flower will be betrayed,

By none other than he whom they called their friend.

The night will come when he will return,

A death a sorrow two hands become one,

The hero, the old, the man of grace,

Will come again to meet with his son."

"Fate," he said softly. She spread her wings wide and her soft yet brilliant light seemed to fill the whole room.

And then she was gone.

Lily opened her eyes and immediately noticed the emptiness of the room.

James was looking into the fire again, a more serious expression on his face than before, if it was possible.

Finally, he shook his head and walked over to where Lily lay asleep. He carefully picked her up and returned to the bedroom where he lied awake.

~*~

"Something isn't right," he said, putting on his cloak. She followed him down the steps, holding up the folds of her dress.

"Sirius, you can't go! We're going to be late for the ball!" Hallie told him.

He turned around to look at her as he straightened his dress robes. "They won't mind. It's you after all."

She came around so that she blocked him from the door and put her hands on her hips. "You can't go, I bet he's just fine. This ball's important to me, you know that, and you know why, yet you still insist on leaving me?"

He closed his eyes and put his hands on her shoulders gently. When he opened them, he looked at her squarely. "Yes, and I'm sorry."

She looked at him for a moment before looking down. "All right then. I won't go either. I'll wait for you here until you come back." She gave him a look. "And you had better come back."

He would have laughed at her last comment, but the beginning part of it hit him first. "You-you're not going?" She shook her head. "But-but you have to! It – this dinner's for you! This whole ball's for you!"

She shrugged. "It'll mean nothing unless you're there with me," she said simply.

He looked at her with wide eyes. "Hallie, you are going to that ball."

She shook her head. "No I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"No I'm not."

"You have to!"

"Well I'm not."

"Are you joking?"

"Nope."

He scowled. "You're trying to make me feel guilty."

She walked up to him and looked at him evenly with a serene smile. "Honey, don't glare like that, it's not at all appealing." He stopped scowling to look at her and was looking extremely adorable without trying to be. She sighed. "I said I'm not going to that ball without you. I'm going to wait right here until you come back from Peter's and when you do, if there's still time, then we'll go to the ball, if you're still willing, that is. If not, I'll call him and tell him I'm sorry. I'm sure he'll understand." She gave him a sardonic look. "I am me after all."

He ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know when I'll be back."

"Then I don't know when I'll be going to the ball."

"Hallie," he said sternly.

"Sirius, no."

He looked at her in contemplation. "I don't understand why you can't just go without me. This is a big deal."

She shrugged again and started up the steps. "I don't care if it's a big deal or not." She stopped halfway up the staircase to look at him with a smile. "I'll be here when you come back."

Sirius turned to go but stopped to run up and pick her up. He kissed her gently and hugged her tightly to him. Breathing in the sweet scent of her hair and feeling her arms around him, he said, "I love you more than anything."

She smiled and kissed his cheek. "I love you too." He put his arms around her and she put hers about his neck. And then he kissed her sweetly again.

~*~

He stood at the threshold and looked back. With a sigh and the shake of his head, he knocked on the door.

It opened slowly and a tired Peter looked back at him. A smile spread across his face and he opened the door wider. "Hey, Sirius. I'm surprised to see you here!"

The latter sighed with relief and stepped in. "It's good to see you in one piece, Peter."

He smiled. "I'm glad to hear you say it." He paused. "Is the ball over already?" Sirius swallowed and shook his head. Peter looked confused. "But – then why are you here? Aren't you Hallie's date?"

Sirius nodded and looked to the floor and then back again. "I needed to check on you first. I felt that something was wrong." He looked down once more and because of this, he missed the look of guilt pass through Peter's face.

"Oh, well, I'm fine," he said with a small smile. And then he looked away.

"Peter," Sirius said after a while. The other man looked up and saw that Sirius was looking at him gravely, but with a smile. "We wouldn't have chosen you if we didn't trust you."

Peter smiled broadly at this. "Thanks, Padfoot, that means a lot to me right now."

"Right now?"

He swallowed. "Yeah, I mean, it's a tough time to say it."

Sirius nodded knowingly. "I know what you mean. It's hard to tell who you can trust and who you can't. Someone close to you, even, could be against you." Unexpectedly, his voice cracked and he looked down again with a laugh. "I can't believe it. Your best friend could even be against you," he said, in a louder voice.

Peter looked at him with wide eyes. Sirius looked up and smiled apologetically. "I don't mean you of course, silly! Sorry if you thought I was suspecting you." He laughed. "I'm definitely not. I wouldn't trust just anyone with the lives of my best friend and his family." He shook his head, his expression falling to sorrow again. "I just can't believe it," he said again softly.

"You really think Remus would do that?" Peter whispered heavily.

Sirius shrugged. "I don't know, but who else? And – and he-," but he stopped and shook his head.

It was later that night that he suddenly realized that he should go home. "I'll see you later, all right, Peter?"

He smiled. "Yeah, I hope Hallie doesn't get too mad at you."

Sirius grinned and waved.

~*~

Hallie heard the door open and came out of her room to the steps. "Sirius? Is that you?" She started down the staircase but then saw it wasn't him, but someone else. His face was masked for the dark hood of his navy blue cloak that covered it.

She backed up slowly, as to not draw his attention, but it was up that he first looked. Knowing he saw her, she ran upstairs and heard him race after her. She rushed to her room and locked the door.

For a moment, she sat on her bed, staring at the door, wondering what to do. Then the other person started to bang on it. She picked up her wand and carefully climbed out her window, her expensive gown dragging behind. Steadying herself against the wall of the house, she closed her eyes.

"I hate heights, I hate heights," she said softly.

The door inside banged open and beside her she saw his head come out. He looked at her. A shiver ran up her spine and she tried to hurry away in fright.

But then…

"Hallie! It's me!" said a familiar voice. The hood was pulled back and she saw Remus' concerned face.

"Remus!" she exclaimed.


He nodded and motioned her to come back. "What are you doing? Running away like that!"

"I thought you were some stranger person who came here to harm me or something!"

He shook his head and held out his hand to help her back in. "I came to see you off to your ball. I thought I was rather late, but I came anyway. It was on my way here – I walked by the way – that I saw the cloud of Death Eaters coming this way. Hallie, they'll be here any moment, I'm sure they will. I don't know why, and I don't need to know, but they're after you or Sirius. I had to tell you so I came in myself." He took her hand and led her out the back door. "They were setting chaos about on their way here."

He guided her to a brush on the side of the house where they saw a man walking slowly to the manor.

"It's Sirius!" said Hallie softly.

Remus stood. "Sirius! Over here!"

Sirius looked at him in surprise. "Remus, what the-," and then he saw Hallie stand too. "What-," but the ran over and pulled him behind the brush. "What're you guys doing?" he asked in incredulity. Hallie put a finger to his lips and pointed with her other hand. Sirius looked and saw a group of five men barge into the mansion. His eyes widened. When they were all in, he said, "What are they doing?"

But he knew.

The other two shrugged, but he knew. They were after him; it was him they wanted.

~*~

A short while later, they were still hiding behind the brush when a voice carried out the door. "Why are you just telling me this now!" it was angry and loud. It made shivers of fear run through the three. There was an answer, but they couldn't hear it because it was soft. "All right then. I will not punish you because you have a purpose now, but next time you withhold information from me, expect something formidable." The group of black cloaked figures walked out and flew away.

Hallie looked at Remus' puzzled countenance to Sirius' annoyed expression. He stood up. "What time is it?"

"Near midnight," Remus answered. Hallie still looked at her fiancé. He had that frightening flame burning in his eyes and a small scowl was on his face. Sirius turned and walked into the house.

"I'm going to change," he muttered before disappearing up the steps.

Hallie looked at Remus who was watching Sirius go. "I'm sorry about him. I don't know what's wrong."

Remus looked at her with a smile. "Don't apologize. You're forgetting who lived in the same dorm with him for seven years." Hallie grinned.

"Okay, now I sympathize you."

"That's not funny!" yelled Sirius from upstairs.

Remus and Hallie laughed. "Well, I should go now," said Remus after a while of talking.

Hallie followed him to the door. "Thanks for coming though. You probably saved my life," she told him with a thankful smile.

He grinned and shook his head. "Don't mention it. What are friends for?" And then he turned and left.

She watched after him with a small laugh. "Now that is one man who leaves with great last words."

Sirius came up behind her and put his arms about waist, resting his chin on her shoulder with his cheek against hers. "What about me?" he asked in a childish tone.

She turned her head to peck his cheek with a cute kiss. "No, you're one of those men whose last words are "No, don't unplug that, I'm almost done fixing this.""

There was a short silence and then he snorted. "That's not funny either."

"Did I say it's supposed to be?"

"That was harsh."

"It was meant to be."

"Hallie!" She laughed and he kissed her cheek. "Are we too late for the ball?" he asked after a while.

She shrugged. "Probably."

He sighed and closed his eyes. "I'm so sorry."

Hallie smiled and turned around, still encircled by his arms and put her own around his neck. "Don't be. I don't feel like going anymore anyway." She looked thoughtful. "Actually, I think the best part was getting dressed." With a smile, she looked down at her dress. "Yes, it definitely was."

Sirius laughed and held her close.

~*~

"Severus said something was happening," Frank told Sarah as he quickly got dressed.

She gave him a look. "I know that, but it's Neville's birthday, Frank!"

He sighed, "I know, and at least one of us should be here."

She glared at him. "And that 'at least one of us' is me, isn't it?"

Frank put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, sweetheart, but, I'm afraid to let you go."

"Then how do you think I feel with you leaving me! And today of all days!"

"This is important."

"Isn't Neville important too?" she asked in a deathly low voice.

His eyes widened. "Of course he is, and-and I don't want to leave, but you know I have to." She still scowled at him. "You know I love Neville and you more than anything, but I really have to go. I'm sorry." He tried to kiss her cheek but she looked away. With a hurt expression, he walked out of the house.

She turned around to see little Neville peering up at her with a happy and innocent smile. He giggled as she picked him up. "I'm sorry Daddy can't be here on your special day, Neville," she said softly. His face fell somewhat, but she disregarded the thought for worry was edging into the back of her mind.

~*~

"So when's the rescheduled date?" Sirius asked, coming into the kitchen. He suddenly noticed a stream of smoke coming out of the over. Quickly, he ran to it and when he opened it, he was bombarded with a blanket of smoke. He took out his wand and extinguished the fire. Looking around, he found Hallie sitting on the counter top with a magazine in hand. "Hal?"

"Hmm?" She looked up for a moment at him with a smile, and then back down again. "Am I getting old?" She held up a picture of a young model. "I don't look anything like her, and she's 24."

Sirius rolled his eyes with a laugh and said, "You're nineteen." She shrugged and continued to flip through the pages. "Hal?" he repeated.

"Hmm?"

"How's dinner going?"

Still not looking up she said, "Just fine, it's in the oven."

He smiled. "Yeah, I know."

"That's good, Hun."

"You burned it," he told her.

"Okay."

He could tell she wasn't listening to a word he was saying. "Hal?"

"Hmm?"

"You burned our dinner."

"Okay."

"Hallie, I'm running away with Lily and we're going to elope."

"That's nice, Siri-," but her eyes widened and she looked at him slowly. "What?" He smiled sweetly. "I-I-," but he cut her off by coming up and hugging her.

"I'm just kidding you, Sweetheart. But you really did burn our dinner."

Her eyebrows shot up. "I what?" she exclaimed, jumping up. She looked in the over and groaned. "You'd think I'd have this cooking thing down by now!" She gave Sirius an extremely sorrowful look that was just adorable. "I'm so sorry," she said softly.

He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Doesn't matter, I'm not hungry," he told her. "Not for dinner anyway…" He raised his brows up and down.

She laughed and swatted at him. "Sirius!"

"Just kidding. Now, how about we go out for dinner instead?"

They walked out and went to a restaurant.

"So when's the reschedule date for your ball?" Sirius asked once they were seated.

"In tomorrow night, can you make it?"

He grinned. "Of course I can, and I'm really sorry for not going with you to the first one."

She shook her head. "I understand, it doesn't matter anyway. I am me after all." He laughed at the familiar words. "Oh, and I invited Remus to dinner tomorrow, is that okay?" He looked at her sharply but she misread it. "And don't worry, I'm not cooking, I'm getting a caterer."

"For a regular dinner?" he exclaimed. "Caterers are expensive!"

"I don't care, Remus practically saved my life last night," she said decisively. "He deserves cocktail shrimp and whatever else we want to order. Besides, I miss getting catered food."

"When did you get catered food?"

She shrugged and smiled. "All the time when I was younger. Don't ask, mum was into that sort of thing."

"So Remus is coming over tomorrow? And you're giving him catered food because he practically saved your life?" She nodded. "Well what do I get? I've saved your life before too, haven't I?"

"Yeah," she said slowly. She smiled suddenly. "But don't worry, you get much better." He looked at her to continue, but she looked down at her menu. "What should I get?"

He shook his head and sighed. "Whatever you want."

"Of course, I'm paying."


He gave her a look. "No you're not."

"Yes, I am."

"Hal, I'm the guy and I'm paying!"

She grinned. "Okay, then you're paying."

He nodded triumphantly but suddenly exclaimed, "Hey!" in indignation when he saw her smirk. "You tricked me!"

~*~

Too soon, it was Friday night, the night of Hallie's ball. She came down the steps to see Sirius waiting for her, sitting on the couch. He stood up when she approached and frowned. "That's a different dress."

She smiled. "I'm glad you noticed." Twirling around she said, "What do you think?"

He grinned, putting his hands on her waist. "You look lovely."

She kissed his lips with a smile. "Thank you very much."

"Now, why aren't you wearing a new dress?"

She pouted playfully. "You don't like it."

He chuckled. "You're right. I don't like it." Her eyebrows shot up. "I love it." She smiled again and swatted at him.

"I got this new dress because I already wore the other one. It was torn up anyway from climbing out the window and hiding in that brush up front." He nodded.

"All right then. I really do like this one." She laughed. "Okay, are you ready?" She picked up her purse and took his offered arm.

"Ready."

They soon arrived and Sirius was surprised at how formal and extravagant the ball was to be. Hallie looked at his astonished expression and laughed. "What did you think it was going to be like? These are important people, I think, and some of mother's old friends."

"You're mother was a singer, right?" She nodded. "Oh yeah, I remember, a big hit she was. So…so Hocus Pocus might be here?"

She laughed and nodded. "Yes, I think so."

His eyes widened. "Wow…"

A man standing outside the grand doors held out a hand and Hallie took out two invitations. She handed them to him and he smiled. "Right this way, Madame, Monseigneur is waiting."

Sirius gave her a look and she held back a laugh. "Why does he sound French? And who is Monseigneur?"

Hallie smiled at him. "He's French, and Monseigneur is Lord Fiere. He's an old friend of mother's, he's the one who held this ball."

"For you," said Sirius with an evil smile.

"Not only, Sirius," she told him. "I'm a nobody compared with the rest of the people here."

"So there's royalty here?" he said with a mischievous grin.

She sighed and rolled her eyes heavenward. "No, well," she caught his grin again and said quickly, "no, there's no royalty here."

He nodded. "All right, all right, I'll be a very good boy."


For a moment she closed her eyes and then gave him a pleading look. "Be very good." She added a glare when his smirk didn't come off his face. "Or else."

He laughed. "Or else what, Hallie dearest?"

She smiled at him angelically. "Periwinkle pillow," she whispered. His eyes widened and he kept quiet.

"Here we are, Madame," said the guide with a smile, he seemed to be holding back laughter. He then turned and went away.

The rest of the evening seemed to go very well. She went to meet old friends of her mother's again. The French Lord Fiere was hosting the ball for artists of music and Hallie was invited. She would sing a song along with a few others, and he might fund for her career.

By the end of the night, things were looking very good.

~*~

There was a flash of green light and a scream pierced the night. Another flash was seen and then there was a baby's wail.

A wisp flew off into the night.

And suddenly there was darkness swirling. Hallie tried to run away, but she was falling.


"I'll come back," she heard Sirius whisper.

"Promise?" It was her voice, but she had not spoken.

"Promise."

"Swear?"

"Yes, I swear it to you." The voices seemed to come from the swirling black.

And then the voices trailed off.

"No!" she suddenly yelled. Something was being pulled away from her. "No!" she yelled again. And then it was gone. Her engagement ring was soaring away and as much as she tried to reach it…it was gone. It was out of her reach, never to be seen again.

She saw Sirius' face appear, and he had tears falling from his eyes. "I love you, I'll always be with you, remember that."

And then he too, was gone.

"Sirius!" she yelled, but only heard the echo of her voice…

~*~

"Hallie?" Lord Fiere repeated.

She broke out of her reverie and blinked. "What? Oh, I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

The elder man laughed, his cheerful face a mask of merriment. "You are such a laugh, like your mother. And no dear, 'tisn't an insult, 'tis a virtue." He leaned in. "By the way, such a voice, you have, I am considering you, and you yourself should consider your future." The music of the next artist started to play. "Now dance, dear, I believe your young date is very eager."

Hallie looked at Sirius who gave her a smile. "Indeed, sir," he said. To Hallie: "May I have this dance?"

With a smile she took his hand, "I'd be delighted."

He led her to the dance floor and she put her hands around his neck and in turn, he put hers around her waist. He held her closer and she sighed and leaned against him. "Hallie, I have to talk to you."

"Hmm?" she murmured, closing her eyes. "It's funny, I'm awfully tired."

He pulled away slightly to study her face. "You look pale," he said softly.

She opened her eyes quickly to give him a look. "Don't worry, I'm fine." He looked at her for a moment and then nodded. "What was it you needed to talk to me about?" she asked.

"I'm so sorry," he said, "but I really have to go." She looked at him in question. "I'm getting that feeling again. I'm not sure what it is, but something's not right, I – I have to go."

She frowned. "But – but the night's almost over, the ball -,"

"I know," he told her, "but I really must go now."

She glared at him. "You promised, you promised that you'd be here."

He cupped her cheek with one hand. "I know, Hun, and I'm so sorry, but it's important."

"Like last time?" she said softly.

He swallowed and looked down. "Yes, like last time," he whispered. "And I'll come back."

On instinct, she said, "Promise?"

He smiled. "I promise."

"Swear?" But suddenly her insides seemed to drop into a bucket full of ice.

"Yes, I swear it to you," he said.

My dream, oh gosh…my dream, she thought in horror.

"I won't let you go," she said, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

He closed his eyes. "Hallie, I'm sorry, but I have to." He tried to pry her hands from him. "I have to go. Please let go of me."

"Sirius, I was dreaming a while ago. It was awful. I dreamt that something happened to James, Lily, and Harry and that you were going away. Sirius, and then I dreamt that someone took this ring!" she said, holding up her left hand and pointing to her finger. "I even dreamt that you were going away. That promise-swear thing…I dreamt it! I dreamt exactly what you said and what I said. It's a bad sign, you can't go, Sirius, you can't."

He shook his head. "But I have to, Hal, you know it do. If something's happened to James, Lily, and Harry, it'll be my fault, I have to go. I just need to check up on-," but he suddenly closed his mouth. "I-I mean, I-," but it was too late.

"What do you mean check up on them? They're in hiding, you told me so, a year ago. They had to leave. What are you talking about, Sirius?"

He sighed. "I'm not supposed to tell you."

She looked at him. "Then don't."

He swallowed, looking at her face and saw her eyes fill with tears before she looked down. "They're under the Fidelius Charm. I'm their Secret-Keeper," he said. He knew he was lying, but he had to. She looked up at him, the tears finally falling.

"You have to go," she said softly, looking away again. He touched her cheek but she pulled away from him. "Just go."

"I'll come back, Hallie, I swear I will," he whispered. "I promised you." But she was walking away. "I'm sorry," he said. Then he too turned and left. He apparated to Peter's home and knocked on the door. When there was no answer and no light was switched on, a feeling of panic swept through him. "Peter?" he called, knocking again. After a few more moments, he muttered, "Alohomora," and stepped inside. "Peter!" he yelled. There was no answer. Everything looked fine, but something seemed horribly wrong. There was no sign of struggle.

He suddenly rushed out of the house not bothering to close the door behind him and apparated to Godric's Hollow.

Above hovered the Dark Mark.

(Author's Note: It's not the end yet, don't worry, the next chapter'll be kind of short because that's going to be the last chapter. Okay? Hope you liked this so far, and I'm terribly sorry it came out so late. It took a long time on account of its 35 pages! I hope yawl aren't too mad at me! Anyways, here ya go. Bye!)