Disclaimer: I own Aurora, Taylor and the defective sofa bed. Yay for me.

A/N: It's been awhile! Here it is anyway, the final chapter. I hope you've enjoyed the story and a huge thank you to everyone who reviewed. It means a lot to me. Without further ado…

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Chapter 6

As soon as Taylor had skipped off to bed, Sirius and Aurora fell into an awkward silence. She examined her fingernails and he stared at the far wall.

"I feel like a shy teenager again," Sirius admitted quietly.

"You were never a shy teenager, Black."

"Good point."

Another unfamiliar silence stretched between them then Aurora smothered a yawn, albeit a fake yawn. "I better get to bed as well. I have work in the morning and my boss has this thing about being late. He already says if I have any more days off he'll fire me."

"Sounds like a friendly bloke," he commented dryly. "I guess you better get some sleep then."

She stood up and stretched her arms over her head. Sirius didn't move, he just looked up at her. "I'll sleep out here, shall I?"

Aurora nodded slightly. "It's better that way."

"I can't say I agree with you, love."

"Siri, just trust me on this."

"It's your place," he shrugged despondently.

"I'll get you a blanket and pillow."

She ducked out of the room and Sirius just sighed. Something was definitely up with her. He was going to find out what it was and fix it.

"Is this thing a sofa bed?" he asked when she returned.

"Yes, but it only unfolds halfway then gets stuck. I think it's rusty or something," she mumbled in embarrassment.

"Right. Well, no matter. I've slept on worse before."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," he said. "Really, I'll be fine."

"I'm just glad you're all right. I thought it was over when the Ministry caught you."

"So did I. If it weren't for Harry…" Sirius trailed off.

"You're safe now and that's all that matters. Good night, Sirius."

"G'night, Rory."

~~~~~~~~~~

Aurora did not have a good night at all. She tossed and turned trying to get comfortable. When she finally achieved this all she did was think about Sirius. Several times she almost went out to see if he was asleep but her sanity prevailed in the end.

Overall, she only managed about two hours of broken sleep. Even that didn't help much because she ended up having inappropriate dreams about Sirius.

At seven the next morning she practically leapt out of bed and into the shower. Sirius was still asleep and she tried not to think about him while she woke Taylor and made breakfast. When the two of them were ready to leave he was still sound asleep so Aurora sent Taylor outside to wait outside. She tiptoed into the lounge room and her breath caught in her chest when she saw Sirius sleeping peacefully.

She snapped out of her stupor when she remembered the moment he walked out of her life. Suddenly all business-like again, she scribbled a quick note for him and left it on the kitchen table. Halfway out the front door her resolve failed and she crept back in.

"I love you," she whispered and planted a kiss on his forehead.

He stirred in his sleep and she rushed out in case he woke up. Taylor gave her an odd look as she came flying out the door.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, sweetheart."

Except that she still loved Sirius with all of her being. It was a small miracle considering what she'd been through. That's why she wasn't going to let it happen again.

This time she wasn't going to get attached to him.

~~~~~~~~~~

Sirius eventually woke around eleven. His neck was decidedly stiff and his back wasn't much better but he felt refreshed. He hadn't had a very good night either. All he did was think about Aurora and why she didn't reciprocate. He'd fallen into a heavy sleep at three when recent events caught up with his body.

He had hoped to see Aurora when he woke but he sadly remembered that she had gone to work. He took a long shower and briefly contemplated going through her wardrobe to find the box of his clothes. But he quickly decided not to do so because she was sure to get angry if she knew he'd gone through her things.

Sirius put the same clothes back on and wandered into the kitchen where he found Aurora's note.

Sirius,

I didn't want to wake you this morning because you could obviously use the rest. I've gone to work and Taylor has gone to tutoring. I'll be back during my lunch break at 12.

If you find anything edible you're quite welcome to it. Just check the expiry date first. If you decide to cook, I'd appreciate it if you didn't burn my flat down.

See you later,

Rory.

See you later? Not exactly a romantic farewell, he thought.

"Bloody women," he sighed and sat down to read the Daily Prophet.

He noted that Ireland was playing Bulgaria in the final of the Quidditch World Cup. He didn't even know that Bulgaria had a national team, let alone a team capable of getting to the final! It was like he'd been living on Mars for the past twelve years.

He was reading a little article about his own escape when Aurora came home. She threw her coat over a chair and handed him a sandwich. "I thought you could use some food."

"Thanks."

"What are you reading?"

"About myself actually," he said and showed her the article. "Three paragraphs in the bottom right hand corner of page fifteen. I don't know whether to pleased or insulted."

"You don't warrant the front page anymore. The World Cup is much more important than some escaped criminal," Aurora smiled.

"A picture would have been nice at least."

"You're a media whore, Sirius."

"I resent that," he said airily.

"So who do you think will win the Cup?"

"Dunno," he shrugged. "Does Waterhouse still play Keeper for Ireland?"

"He retired like six years ago."

"I hate being so out of touch. What's your professional opinion then?"

"Ireland have arguably the best Chasers in the world but Bulgaria has Krum as Seeker."

"Krum?"

"Viktor Krum, Quidditch prodigy. He's only eighteen mind you. Taylor idolises him."

"She fancies herself as a Seeker then?"

"Not really. I don't think she really has any interest in playing. She'd never even been on a proper broom."

Sirius nearly choked on his sandwich. "My daughter doesn't know how to fly!?"

"Nope."

"I'll teach her," he said firmly.

Aurora didn't say anything. She looked at the tabletop morosely and Sirius frowned.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Sirius took a deep breath and tried to speak in his calmest voice. "Something is up and you're going to tell me."

Aurora stood up and made for the door but Sirius was on his feet just as quickly and he blocked her way. "Please move," she said shakily.

"Not till you talk to me."

She tried to dodge around him but he grabbed her arm and manhandled her into her bedroom. He slammed the door and stood in front of it.

"Sirius, get out of the damn way."

"Talk to me!" he pleaded, capturing her chin in his hand.

"Don't touch me," she stepped back quickly.

Sirius looked stunned then his eyes narrowed. "That's it, isn't it? You don't want me. Is it because I've been in prison? Does that repulse you? Am I that unattractive to you?"

She slapped a hand to her forehead. There goes her quiet lunch.

"Or maybe you're a nun. Is that it? Or am I just not good enough for you?"

"You're an idiot, Sirius Black," she shook her head.

His cheeks burned crimson. "Just come right out with it. Don't worry about my feelings or anything!"

"You're an idiot and I love you."

Sirius just snorted. "If this is how you treat someone you love I'd hate to be your enemy."

"You're the only person I've ever loved," Aurora insisted.

"Prove it then," he spread his arms. "Kiss me."

She dropped her gaze. "I can't."

"Then I'll kiss you. Any objects to that?"

"I-I don't want to kiss you."

"Ah, the truth finally comes out," he said smugly.

"You don't understand," she sighed. "I don't want to kiss you because you're just going to end up leaving me again."

"Huh?"

"You heard me. I'm not going to let myself get attached to you."

A look of confusion settled on his familiar features. "That makes no sense."

"It does, just think about it. You're on the run, Sirius. You can't stay in one place for too long. Fudge isn't completely stupid and when he realises there haven't been any sightings of you he'll know that someone must be helping you hide. Three guesses who'll be on the top of his suspect list."

Sirius nodded vaguely. "And then I'll have to leave and you'll be heartbroken again."

"Exactly. Now you understand why we can't let ourselves get carried away."

"I don't understand actually."

"Sirius-"

"No. Listen to me, Aurora." He grabbed her upper arms firmly so she couldn't break away. "Life is about risks. You know that as well as I do. Yes, I will have to leave eventually but shouldn't we make the most of it now?"

"But that will make it more painful when you go," Aurora protested.

"It will be worth it," he said softly. She still remained unconvinced so he grabbed her face and kissed her. His lips were just how she remembered them and for a moment she didn't breath. His soft warmth flooded her and she felt her wall crumbling.

"I ought to slap you," she said as he drew back, a satisfied look on his face. Instead, she threw her arms around his neck. "You had just better hope it's worth it."

"Oh, I'll make it worth your while, sweetheart. I just hope you can keep up with me." His hands fell to the front of her blouse.

~~~~~~~~~~

An hour later Aurora lay in his arms. It didn't even feel like they been apart. She still felt perfectly at home in his embrace and she knew she was right where she belonged. Sirius tightened her grip and kissed the top of her head.

"So much for not getting attached," she giggled.

"But it was worth it, right?"

"Absolutely. The first, second and third time."

"No regrets then?"

"Not one."

Suddenly there was a loud knock on the door, which jolted the pair out of their state of bliss. "Is it Taylor?"

Aurora sat up and shook her head. "It's much too early."

"Matheson! I know you're in there!"

"Oh, hell! It's my boss!" Aurora slipped out of his arms and struggled into her underwear and skirt.

"Tell him to bugger off," Sirius suggested calmly.

"I can't do that! He's probably already going to fire me!" she glanced at the clock and grimaced. Over half an hour late. She had completely forgotten about having to go back to work.

"I'll tell him to bugger of then."

"Don't you dare! He's an ignorant Muggle but I bet he knows who you are. You stay in here," she said as she frantically hunted around for her blouse. Finally she found it under the bed. Merlin knows how it got under there.

She quickly buttoned it as she ran to the door. He was still banging and yelling. She took a deep, calming breath before opening the door. "Good afternoon, Mr. Franklin," she smiled brightly.

The tall, balding man looked her up and down, taking in her disheveled state. Her skirt was twisted, she'd missed a button on her blouse and her hair had all but fallen out of its neat ponytail. He pushed past her into the flat. "I don't know what you're playing at here, Matheson, but I warned you."

"I know, sir. Something important just came up and I got sidetracked."

"What could possibly be more important than your job?"

"The love of my life," she answered promptly. No point in lying about it.

Her boss suddenly looked around warily. "You never think of anybody but your self! Do you realise how long it's going to take me to retrain someone to fill your spot?"

Aurora rolled her eyes dramatically. "I pull beers and wait on tables, it's not bloody rocket science."

He clenched his fists and called her a very nasty name. Before Aurora could react, a great big, black dog came bounding out of her bedroom. Sirius stood by Aurora's side and growled, his teeth bared.

"I suggest you get out before he gets really mad. I can't control him when he gets like this."

Mr. Franklin didn't need to be told twice. He backed slowly out of the flat, his eyes never leaving Sirius. Aurora slammed the door and turned back around to find the now human Sirius looking a little ashamed.

"Sorry I just lost you your job."

"It was a crappy job anyway," she shrugged.

He smiled. "So long till Taylor gets home?"

"Two hours or so."

"You thinking what I'm thinking?"

"You want to sit down and have a meaningful conversation about politics?" she tilted her head.

"Really cute, Rory."

~~~~~~~~~~

Taylor picked up on their happiness quickly and she began badgering them the next day. Aurora had officially been fired and Taylor was home because it was Saturday. The three of them had a nice, relaxing family day.

"I'd really like a little sister," she said wistfully as they ate dinner. "Even a brother wouldn't be that bad."

Aurora glanced at Sirius. He just smiled and shook his head.

"Can't you two have a baby?" Taylor asked him.

"It's not really all up to me. Your mother is the one who has to give birth."

"Mum?"

"You ask too many questions. You get that from your father."

"She does not!"

"Yeah, I do not!"

Aurora laughed. Sirius would love another child. So would she as a matter of fact. But it wasn't the right time. "Things are all over the place at the moment but who knows what will happen in the future?"

Taylor liked that answer enough and she began to think of baby names. "What about Emily?"

"I actually like Gertrude," Sirius said. They just stared at him. "I was only kidding!"

"You're such a prat," Aurora said tolerably. "I like Emily."

"If we had a boy we'd have to name him Sirius of course."

Taylor looked stricken. "That is sooo old fashioned!"

"I gotta agree with her, honey. It's too weird."

Sirius pouted, then his eyes lit up. "What about James then?"

"It's perfect," Aurora grinned.

There was a tap at the kitchen window and Taylor jumped up to open it. "We never get letters!"

A snowy owl swooped into the flat and wheeled around the confined space uncomfortably. Aurora watched in wonder as it landed in the middle of the kitchen table and began to preen itself.

"Hedwig," Sirius said softly, his brown eyes wide.

"Huh?"

"It's Harry's owl."

Taylor squeaked excitedly. "Harry Potter's owl is on my kitchen table! Wait till I tell Billy!"

"Taylor, you mustn't mention this," Sirius warned.

"But nothing interesting ever happens to me!"

"Taylor, do you want Sirius to be caught?"

"No," she mumbled. "Fine, I won't say a word."

Sirius picked up the letter Hedwig had dropped carefully. He read it once, twice then a third time. Aurora watched as his face paled and he looked tired and worn.

"T, stay in here and give Hedwig something to eat and drink," she grabbed Sirius by the hand and pulled him into her room. "What is it?"

"I'm not really sure yet," he answered cautiously.

"I'm a big girl, you can tell me if something's wrong."

"Harry said his scar hurt."

"And…"

"And I'm not sure, love. I'll have to go talk to Remus. He's been keeping an ear to the ground for me. If anything odd has been happening he'll no about it."

Aurora let out a long breath. "All right. When are you going to see him?"

"I should probably go right now," he said.

"I want to come too."

"No. You have to stay here with Taylor," he put his hands on her shoulders. "I'll be back."

She wrapped her arms around herself to stop shivering. "Promise?"

"You have my sworn word, Rory."

"That's good enough for me. But I think you better just go. Taylor won't understand."

Sirius just shook his head. "She deserves to know what's going on."

"I'll talk to her. I'm just worried she won't let you go. She's very fond of you."

"Just tell her I love her and I'll be back soon."

"Of course. I love you."

"I love you, too."

Then he Apparated. Aurora rubbed at her eyes and tried to gather her wits before emerging from her room. Taylor was sitting at the table stroking Hedwig soft, white feathers. She looked up. "He's gone, hasn't he?"

"He's gone to see his friend. He said to tell you he loves and you and that he'll be back soon."

"He's truly coming back?"

"He gave me his word. If he says he'll be back then he'll be back," Aurora said firmly though her knees wavered.

"Is Harry all right?"

"That's what your father's going to find out, dear."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you positive?"

"For the tenth time, yes!" Remus ran his hand through his hair.

"It's not good."

"I'm just telling you what I know."

"Do you think Harry's in any danger?" Sirius asked. They'd been talking for over an hour now. Remus had heard quite a lot of odd rumours concerning Voldemort and his supposed movements.

"I don't know but it all points to something big. And we all know how well Harry attracts trouble."

"It's not bloody fair," Sirius groaned.

"You're getting along well with Aurora?" Remus guessed.

"It took a while but now we can't get enough of each other," he looked up at his friend suddenly. "I have a daughter, you know. Rory was pregnant."

"Pregnant?!"

"Yep. Her name's Taylor. She's the most amazing kid, Remus."

"I can imagine," he smiled at the thought of their daughter then his face fell. "I yelled at Aurora. After you were caught she came to see me. She accused me of betraying James and Lily. I told her it was you. Oh, I yelled at a pregnant woman! No wonder she was so emotional."

"Don't worry about it. She doesn't hate you. Not anymore at least."

They were silent for a long time. Sirius was thinking about how he was going to tell Aurora that he had to go to Harry when Remus spoke. "Do you want me to go instead of you?"

"I wish that were possible. It's too risky with your transformations."

"Yeah, I hadn't thought of that."

"I just hate having to leave them. You should see the flat they live in. They deserve better than that," Sirius shook his head in utter frustration.

"I'll end up in a stingy flat soon too if I don't come up with the rent," Remus looked around his house. It was a modest three-bedroom place but it was a lot better then the flat.

Suddenly Sirius slapped his thigh. "I've just had a brilliant idea!"

~~~~~~~~~~

It was around eight when Sirius returned to the flat. Aurora and Taylor were waiting anxiously for him. Aurora told Taylor to go to her room.

"No. She needs to hear this as well."

"All right," Aurora took her daughters hand.

"I have to go to Harry," he explained. "I don't know how long I'll be gone."

"Is something going to happen to him if you don't go?" Taylor asked.

"Possibly. But I wouldn't be going if it weren't absolutely necessary. I have a duty to Harry and his parents."

Aurora was silent. Sirius hugged her to his chest. "It'll be different this time. I can send you letters. And as soon as I know Harry is safe I'll be back."

"I know. It's just sudden," she whispered.

"I'm not going to leave you two here."

"We can't come with you," Aurora pointed out.

"I know that," Sirius released her. "I need you both to pack your things."

"Why?"

"I'm taking you to stay with one of my friends."

"Remus?" Aurora asked incredulously.

"Yes."

"He agreed to this?"

"Of course. He gets lonely living alone and he struggles to pay the rent. You can get a new job and he can tutor Taylor."

It almost sounded too good to be true. "What about, you know, his condition?"

"Is he sick?" Taylor wondered.

"Sort of," Sirius smiled. "He's fine, Rory. He still has some Wolfsbane potion Snape gave him. He'll need your help to make more though. We'll have to go tonight."

Aurora looked thoughtful. If Remus really needed her then she'd help him. It would go a long way to making things up to him for those accusations. If she knew she'd be helping out then moving wouldn't seem too pointless. "That's sounds like a good idea. T, go pack."

"Only bother with essential things at the moment. Remus will bring you back later to get everything else."

Taylor nodded and bounced out of the room. Aurora turned to Sirius and quickly kissed him before running to pack her things.

Twenty minutes later they were all assembled in the hallway. "Do you know anyone who has a fireplace connected to the network?"

"My tutor does."

"Right, you two go there and I'll Apparate back to Remus."

The two of them ended up running down the street. Aurora knocked on the door and a middle aged wizard answered. As politely as they could they asked if they could please borrow his fireplace.

"My fireplace?"

"Yes, sir. We're going to visit my grandmother but our fireplace is out of commission at the moment," Taylor explained sweetly.

"That's lovely. Of course you can use my fireplace."

They both thanked him profusely. Taylor went first. She'd only ever traveled by Floo once before. Aurora followed her after thanking the man again. They arrived just as Sirius did. Remus came out of the kitchen and smiled.

Aurora ran into his arms. "Oh, Remus! I'm so sorry about what happened. I shouldn't have called you a traitor."

"I shouldn't have yelled at you and blamed Sirius. If I'd known you were pregnant…"

"All's forgiven. Thank you for letting us stay with you."

"It's not a problem," he assured her. Then he spotted Taylor hanging back behind Sirius. "Hello. You must be Taylor. Sirius has told me a lot about you."

She blushed and nodded. Remus showed them to the spare rooms they'd be staying in and then they all stood in the middle of the lounge room. The anticipation rendered them silent and Aurora barely repressed a sob.

"I should go get Buckbeak," Sirius said finally.

"I'll go get him ready," Remus ducked out of the room, leaving the three alone.

"I'll keep in touch," he promised.

"You'd better!" Aurora smiled through her tears.

"It'll be all right," he soothed. He turned to his daughter and was startled to see she was crying as well. "You have to look after your mother for me."

"I will."

Sirius hugged and kissed them both then they went outside to see Remus. Taylor was fascinated by Buckbeak and kept asking Remus questions. While she was occupied Aurora and Sirius had a proper kiss goodbye.

"I'll hurry back as soon as I can. Just remember I love you, ok?"

"That's all that will keep me sane. Take care of yourself, sweetheart," she kissed him again. Then again. And once more for good measure.

Remus, Aurora and Taylor stepped back and watched Sirius as he bowed to Buckbeak then carefully climbed onto his back.

"Take care of my girls, Remus!"

"I will," he put his arms around the two of them.

"See you later, Sirius," Aurora waved.

"Bye, dad."

Aurora and Sirius both stared at their daughter. Sirius smiled. "Bye, my loves."

They stood outside and peered up at the dark sky till Buckbeak and Sirius could no longer be seen amongst the stars.

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A/N: All finished! I hope that was a worthy final chapter. Like how I tastefully skimmed over the smut? Probably not. But if I had written it you'd all be scarred for life and I don't want that on my conscience. Sorry I couldn't continue the story but I knew I was running out of steam. It's hard to manage three stories at a time!

Please review anyway.