The sound of a baby's cry cut through the crisp night air. A grief stricken man hobbled up the cobble stone path to his home. As he heard the babies cry grow louder something unnerved him. Why hadn't it stopped? The man grew very still like a hound who caught the scent of a rabbit. Something was horribly wrong her could feel it in his bones. His blood grew ice cold. He wanted to vomit. With a small shake of his head to gather his courage he opened to the door of his small cottage. To his horror the walls were covered in scorch marks and the living room furniture was blown to bits. The young man raised his wand out in front of him illuminating the destroyed room. It took ever bit of his strength to keep walking. The damage only got worse as he got deeper into the house. How did this nightmare come to life? How could he have let it?
His panic begun to swell. His throat was growing so very tight. With each step her begged this wasn't real. It couldn't be. His grey gaze scanned the debris desperately. The cries of his young daughter seemed to be a faint squeak compared his roaring thoughts. The man felt as though the feeling of his desperate longing was enough to make him drop dead. His heart was hammering so loud he wouldn't be surprised if it burst. He could no longer bare the stillness of the room. His chest was heavy each shuttering breathe was a struggle. His panic threatened to overwhelm him.
"Cassie,Cas,Sweetheart where are you?" Sirius called in a broken whisper. He broke into full fledge sobs as he entered the kitchen. Laying on the cool tile was the body of his beautiful young wife. Sirius knelt down next to her. As he brushed away her auburn hair to uncover her marred face. Her utter terror was still frozen on her face. He took her in his violently shaking arms.
"Cassie, please Love. Don't leave me. Oh please-I'm not ready! I need you more than you'll ever know. Come back. Carina need's to know her Mum! Her beautiful,selfless,brave Mum. I can't do it with out you! This is all my fault Cas-all of it. I'm so sorry, I should have been me." Sirius sat silently as he longed for her reassurance, her guidance. He put Cassie's limp hand in his and squeezed it tightly and kissed her lightly on the fore head.
Sirius once again became aware of his daughter's cries. It took Sirius a great deal of difficulty for him to stand. His legs wildly shook under his weight. There was nothing he could do for his Cassie now. He couldn't do anything for James and Lily either. But he did have Carina and Harry. They needed him now. He had to be strong for them. He had to get his godson away from those muggles as soon a possible. Sirius climbed the stairs to Carina's nursery. Carina stuck her petite arms thought the gaps in her crib reaching for her father. Sirius gave a weak smile at the sight of his daughter. Carina was the perfect mixture of Sirius and Cassie. She had Cassie's scattered freckles and nose but most importantly her smile. Even when Carina was just a newborn she had Cassie's beautiful smile. And she had Sirius's big, grey eyes. And they shared some small facial features. It made the hole in his heart heal slightly. He still had a piece of Cassie left. Sirius took the trembling little girl in his arms. As he rocked back and forth slightly a perplexing thought crossed his mind. 'Why did they let her live? 'Sirius decided to drop the thought for now. He just wanted to enjoy her being here.
"It's alright, My little love, Dada is here." Sirius cooed. He tried his best to hide the inner turmoil in his voice. He used his thumb the brush away the glistening tears on her cheeks. Carina lifted a tiny hand to Sirius hand swiping away a few tears still clinging to his face. This sent the young father into another round of sobs. Which he quickly ceased because it was scaring the baby. "I'm never going to let anything hurt you ever again,Sweetheart. We're going to be ok-because we have each other. We'll find somewhere else to live-somewhere safer. Where you won't know pain like this. And you'll have Harry to grow up with. I'll get him away from those muggles-I promised him that! It's what your Mummy would want. She wanted you to be safe and happy. She loved you with her whole heart. As do I." Sirius squeezed the baby a little tighter to his chest. He felt the perfect rhythmic pound of the heart in her tiny chest. He was so thankful to have found one of his girls unscathed. How was he going to do any of this without his Cassie. She was the tamer of his raging sea.
Sirius thought back to that one moment that sealed the fates of three who he held dearest. He just assumed Peter was being his normal twitchy self. He had suspected nothing of him. He had even openly accused Remus of betrayal! Was he mad? Remus was just as loyal as Sirius was! He thought he had made the right chose insisting that James and Lily use Peter instead of himself. Sirius thought he was to obvious of a chose. He had taken so many precautions with the very house he stood in now. So many protective charms. He didn't want to take any risk to his Family's safety. Which obviously failed dismally. He wanted to hunt down Peter like the rat he is. But he couldn't he had to stay for Carina and Harry. In fact he wanted to stay as close as possible. Carina stifled her sniffles and feel quiet. Sirius sat Carina back in her crib.
He was still trying to rap his mind around everything. So much has happened. He has lost so much in the span of a single night. He thought back to the terror on the faces of of his wife, His best friend James and Lily who had become like his sister. Will those looks of total horror ever stop haunting his mind? He knew they couldn't stay here. The Deatheaters knew where they lived. Even though Voldemort was gone his followers were still at large. He wasn't just going to wait for his mental cousin to come knocking. Sirius grabbed a bag from the nursery closet and begun collecting Carina's essentials. Sirius didn't want to take much with not knowing where they are going. After packing the Babies belongings Sirius begun packing his own things. It was strange how empty the once warm, welcoming cottage was now. Without Cassie this was no longer home. He had also packed a couples of Cassie's things for sentimental value. Sirius returned to nursery with his few belongings.
Carina stretched out her arms to her father smiling. He returned with a broken smile of his own. As long as he had that smile in his life then he'd be ok. Even if it felt like his heart was torn Into a million rigid pieces right now. Sirius placed a gentle hand on his daughter's head. He twirled as small strand of her light brown hair with his finger. Making her giggle quietly. Sirius turned to take a final look around the nursery. The laughter that had once been within this now dreary room was ghost like. All the adults would sit on the floor and watch Harry and Carina and on occasion Neville Longbottom interact. He could imagine James sitting on the rug making funny faces at the children making them laugh hysterically. He will give everything to have another moment in this room with his Family.
The sound of pounding feet had snapped him out of his thoughts. Out of instinct he grabbed his wand and stepped in front of Carina. His eyes narrowed as he focused in on the doorway. Sirius's muscles where tensed ready to strike at the first sign of attack. Carina noticed his uneasiness. Her bottom lip trembled slightly before she let out a tiny squeak. Sirius turned to face the crib he soothed Carina in a reassuring tone letting her know everything would be fine.
"You." A voice from the doorway growled. Standing there was Remus Lupin. The man was almost unrecognizable. He shook violently on the spot. His gaze was burning as he met Sirius's eyes. For the first time in Sirius's life he felt truly afraid of Remus. The wolf was shining through the human.
"You-I can't believe it. How could you Sirius, you were their friend! I thought I knew you! And,and Cassie! You must be mad! She loved you, same as Lily and James! What would they say!? They all trusted you with their lives! And their all dead because of you. Your nothing more than a shifty, traitor! They made you Harry's god-WHERE IS HARRY,BLACK? What have you done to him? LOOK AT ME! You can't even defend yourself! You know what you've done! You've destroyed it all! I guess we were wrong even back at school. You never where different from the rest of your family. Your just as heartless as them your just good at hiding it! -Carina, where you planning for her to be your next victim?! You make me sick! MOVE Aside! I won't let you make another murder tonight!"
Sirius didn't move a muscle. He took all of Remus's furious accusations without any sort movement. Not even a twitch of the eye. It hurt badly. But he knew he deserved it in a way. Remus charge forward wand arm extended. Remus's wand was pointed directly at Sirius's throat. A mirthless smile crossed the werewolf's face. When Sirius finally locked eyes with Remus he could not find his old friend within the dark, menacing eyes glaring at him now. Carina let out a earsplitting screech. Both men took their minds off their conflict and sent the little girl a reassuring look. Then quickly retuning to the matter at hand. As Sirius opened his mouth to speak reason Remus's fist collided with the side of his jaw. Sirius staggered to the side taking shallow breathes. Remus crossed into the space in-between the baby's crib and Sirius. His fist was clenched so tightly around the wand Sirius thought the wood was going to split in two. Sirius watched as the wheels turned in his old friends mind. He could see the curse forming on Remus's lips.
"Please Remus, just hear me out." Remus looked slightly taken aback at the tone in Sirius's voice. He was pleading with the werewolf. Remus had certainly never heard it so quiet,so broken. But he still had the deep hunger in his eyes. He was going to have to chose his words carefully. He didn't want to press his old friend past the breaking point. Sirius eyed his wand that he dropped when Remus had punched him. It laid just in front of Remus's feet.
"I know what you think Remus, and you have all right to be angry. Please, let me tell you the truth! You'll regret it if I don't. -Alright thank you my old frie-Remus. Firstly, I promise I didn't betray Lily and James and most certainly did not kill my Cassie. I know Remus why should you listen to a word I say? Your just going to have to trust me like you once did. I must admit we haven't be entirely honest with you. I was scared and paranoid, Remus. I knew James and Lily had many security wards In place but It just never felt like it would be enough. When the time came for them to choose a Secret Keeper I refused. I thought I would be much to obvious of a choice. So, In my overly paranoid mind set I insisted they use Peter as Secret keeper instead of you. My fear lead my mind past thinking who you were as a person and straight to your condition. I'm so sorry. That's why we have all seemed more distinct in recent weeks and months. I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought they would be safe! Secondly, Harry is safe. He is in current custody of Lily's sister and her family. If I get my way about it he won't be there much longer. You know well as I how Petunia hated Lily she will hate him too! I'm his rightful guardian!"
Sirius watched Remus's eyes travel to Sirius's left forearm. Understanding the gesture perfectly Sirius rolled up his sleeve. Remus gave a perplexed expression at the sight of no Dark mark branded against the skin. Remus studied Sirius for a long, silent moment. His face was stone like unreadable. Sirius would much rather have Remus scream at him then deathly silent. It unnerved him. Gradually, a flickering warmth was reborn in the werewolf's eyes. A small smile that didn't reach his eyes crossed Remus's face.
"Voldemort's spy would most definitely have been branded. And there is no known way to disguise the dark mark. I am sorry Sirius, I too have jumped to unfair accusations. I guess we've both been a little to paranoid,Mate. I don't mean the those awful things I said anymore. Forget I said any of it. You are not that man. I never for a moment should have doubted your loyalty. How did the world get this messed up? If it isn't one thing it's the other. What I wouldn't give to go back to those simpler times! -Erm sorry, so do you know where I can find that rat? I want his hide!"
"So do I Moony, I wanted to go chase him down. Make him pay for what he's done. But I have a family now. -Cassie and I didn't want to take any big risks. She would have killed me if I went after him. I hated it but I had to play it safe for them. After finding t-the cottage destroyed I came back here. That's when I found Cas..."
"I'm so sorry Padfoot, you've gone through hell tonight. You've experienced more horror in one night then many do in a lifetime. I can't think of one person who could be considered being alright after tonight.-Now I think it's best if you get some rest. You look horrible,Mate. How about you and Carina come back to my place."
"No, Moony, we couldn't do that to you. Carina is going to fuss about leaving home no matter where we go. With the moon coming up you need as much rest as possible. I don't want her to keep you awake. We'll find a room at the Leaky Cauldron or something. Stop with the look, Remus-"
"Sirius, this isn't the time to be stubborn. Just accept my offer. You shouldn't be alone after tonight. If you think you'd be a burden or something get the thought out of your mind. It would be my pleasure to have guests. Besides the moon isn't for five more days! I've got plenty of time."
"Alright, fine just for the night and then we'll be out of your hair. But don't say I didn't warn you Carina sounds like a banshee when she cries. How can such a dreadful screech come out of something so wonderful? Harry on the other hand is quiet as a mouse. Speaking of Harry I am going to have a little talk with Dumbledore tomorrow. I'm getting my Godson back..."
Golden light stretched across the Hogwarts ground. Making the dew upon the grass sparkled enchantingly. A fresh,breeze wafted with the wind blowing the leaves In the trees. Even The Whomping Willow was at peace. The new day in no way reflected the events of the night. It was infuriating. Sirius and Remus climbed the hill toward's the grand castle. Both men had a look of severe exhaustion etched across their faces. Just as Sirius had predicted Carina had cried the remainder of the night. Neither man had achieved a wink of sleep. They both figured however they probably wouldn't haven't been able to caught sleep anyway. Carina was in her father's arms. Her big grey eyes were full of wonder. She chattered excitedly as a barred owl swopped past them towards the owlery tower.
The quiet grounds were almost unbearable for Sirius and Remus. It was to soon,to fresh. Without them this was no longer home. As they passed an old oak tree where The Maurders had often sat Sirius could have sworn he could have heard their ghostly laughter. The best years of his life where here. And now it seemed distant and cold as if a million dementors had made a nest here. The wizards reminded themselves that this was for Harry. And that gave them the courage to keep pushing though it. An elderly witch draped in green robes was taking a stroll around one of the paths. When she spotted the two men she veered towards them. There was a look if such pity and empathy etched on her face it was slightly shocking. She had always been known for being incredibly stoic.
"Hello, Mr.Black and Mr. Lupin." Greeted Professor McGongall,grimly. She took a sharp inhale of breath before continuing. "I fear even with the end of this war we still receive more loss. I just can't get my mind around it. James, Lily and Cassie all gone in one night. They had such a promising future. I'm so sorry for the both of you. You were closet to them. And then there is that spineless traitor. When word reached you were be to be blamed for the betrayal I told Albus you would never do such a deed. I however never expected little Peter Pettigrew to be the mole or more like rat. In case you were unawares Mr.Black when Mr.Lupin contacted to inform us of your innocence. He also had to to tell us of Peter,yourself a-and James are all animagus to help with the search..."
The Professor trailed off into silence as she eyed her two former students. Her usually sharp and stern gaze was now soft . She trembled on the spot. She seemed to be having trouble holding herself together. She exhaled shallowly and then took the two men into a embrace. Sirius felt tears threatening to flow over. He sniffled quietly doing his best to keep himself from completely breaking down himself. He pressed away from the hug feeling suddenly weaker. He reminded himself of who they were here for.
"Professor." Sirius said, he voice wavered slightly. "We are here to speak to the headmaster in regards of my godson. Will you escort us there? I think you know just as well as us who is Harry's rightful guardian. We could use your persuasion on this."
"I fear the Headmaster is asleep at the moment perhaps-" McGongall said.
"Then wake him." Sirius said boldly.
McGongall gazed into Sirius's challenging gaze. Daring her to deny him. No matter how much Sirius hated to admit it to himself he was heir of house Black. Their was no match for their stubbornness and determination. Not even McGongall. After just another moment of tense silence the Professor gave in. The Professor turned on her heel in direction of the castle. Carina grew restless and kept fighting her father's arms. Even at such as young age she shared her father's determination. Sirius eventually just sat her down in the corridor. The little girl ran ahead slightly clumsily.She caught up to the emerald draped witch. McGongall outstretched her hand to the little girl, Carina took hold of it. Sirius listened in to their conversation
"I'm Carina!" Carina said rather loudly.
"Of course I know who you are Dear,I'm Professor McGongall."
"Porfesor McGoggal."
"Pro-fess-or Mc-Gong-all."
Carina scrunched her nose up seemingly in deep concentration.
"Porfesor McGooooogall."
"You know what Carina dear, You can just call me Minnie."
"Minnie!"
Sirius had a sneaking suspicion the Professor was already starting to regret letting Carina calling her by a nickname. Carina kept repeating 'Minnie' over and over again. And then giggling after. There was no going back now. In Carina's books she would always be Minnie. They soon arrived at Dumbledore's griffin door. Sirius watched as his daughter stared up at the swiveling stairs in complete awe. Sirius lifted Carina as they climbed the stairs.
The office was relatively the same compared to when Sirius and Remus where students. Random yet impressive looking objects where scattered around the room.Past Headmasters and Headmistresses snored and snorted in there portraits. Among them was Phineas Black one of Sirius's relatives. The furniture was of the finest quality. Behind the Headmaster's desk was a thrown like chair. The giant Phoenix Fawkes was perched near the Professor's desk. The beautiful bird chirped happily at the sight of them. Carina stuck her jeans out and stroked Fawkes's back. The enchanting office was now completely covered in golden light. A variety of crystal's displayed on table mirrored the light redirecting it across the room. Carina gasped excitedly. And then pointed for Sirius and Remus to see it too.
When Professor McGongall rejoined the group she was accompanied by the Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. The Man's blue eyes glanced at them over his half moon spectacles. They lacked their usual sparkle. Instead they were quite dull. When the old man's eyes rested on Sirius there was knowing look in them. At times Sirius thought the Headmasters could simply read his mind. It was frustrating to say the least. Dumbledore himself was the first to break the tense silence.
They argued for hours. Both sides making valid arguments. Remus and Professor McGongall peeped in every once and a while. Both took to Sirius's side. All three agreeing the Headmaster had no right to make decisions on Harry's behalf. The Headmaster did not back down. Though he stayed incredibly calm he was able to make his voice known. Sirius's anger however quickly boiled over. At one point he grabbed one of the Headmaster's random yet, expensive looking objects and threw it angrily across the room.
The Headmaster had no chance of winning at this point. He heaved a great sigh seemingly at the point of realizing this. He expressed his concerns. Mostly concerning Harry's safety. Informing the group of the the protection Harry's blood family provided. Leaving them was risky. Sirius vowed he'd never let any one ever set a hand to Harry or his daughter. And Harry was safest with him.
Dumbledore still had his concerns. But had surrendered the argument. Sirius couldn't hide his satisfied smile. He was going to get to raise his godson. Like James and Lily would have wanted. As soon as they left the castle. He's be going to get his godson. Save him from those horrible Muggles. As they were exciting the beautiful office. Sirius had a thought.
"Dumbledore, One more thing." Sirius said, urgently. "Alice and Frank Long bottom. They have a young son. I don't think the boy is in danger. With the Death eaters knowing Harry was the one who defeated Voldemort. He couldn't be the one the Prophecy spoke of. But Alice and Frank are prominent Order members. They are still targets. I don't want to see another family ripped apart. Please, inform them to double defenses and go into strict hiding. Better be safe than sorry..."
Sirius trailed off. Memories of the night before clouding his mind. His throat felt restricted and dry. With a gulp Sirius turned his back on the Headmaster and made his way down the swiveling staircase. When Sirius made it down the the corridor Remus handed Sirius a restless Carina. The little girl chattered nonsense excitedly. Sirius shook his head pretending to be following along. Sirius led the group down the corridor. He didn't want to waste another moment. He was ready to bring his godson home.
"Mr. Black? Mr.Lupin." Professor McGongall said. "If you need anything. Anything at all, I will be available. I understand your loss. I've lost two of my greatest pupils. And of course Cassie. I cruelly didn't get have much time with her. But she was very dear to me. Such a wonderful young woman. I can see why you loved her."
"I still do." Sirius said. "And always will. Same with James and Lily. I didn't deserve their friendship. They kept me going through the hardest moments. And we're with me in the happiest."
Sirius felt the emotions begin to spill over once again. He looked toward the ground for a brief moment. And inhaled sharply. It was all so fresh. He wasn't sure how he should react. To any of this. I made him feel much older. Stiff as if he hadn't laughed in years. It was all so suffocating. They had won the war. But had they really? All the sacrifices. So many people had been lost. They had been betrayed by a friend had betrayed them. He wanted Peter dead. To pay for what had done. But the overwhelming grief overtook the thirst of revenge. He had to keep his head.
Sirius,Remus and Carina said there goodbyes to the Professor. They thanked her for taking their side. And for her offer of service. This had only gained more respect for the remarkable Witch In Sirius's books. Ever since their school days. She had always watched after them. No matter how mischievous or out right rude they were. When Sirius looked over his shoulder. She was standing on the peak of the hill watching as they disappeared from sight. As soon as they had made it across the protection ward they appeared off to Number four privet drive.
Sirius rapped, loudly on the door. Within moments voices could be heard on the other side. Frantic whispers. Sirius caught bits such a 'Their-their W-wizards. What are they doing here!?' Sirius grumbled darkly at this. He was in mood for their stubborn prejudice. Longer than a minute later. A very obese man answered the door. His face was a red a tomato. Sirius's attention shifted off of him almost immediately. Huddled beside him was none other than Lily's sister. Petunia Dursley. Sirius forced his anger back down. mustering a strained smile.
"Hello." Sirius said. "Do you remember me? I'm James's mate Sirius. We've met a-hand full of times. Anyways, I'm going to just get straight to it. We are here to collect my Godson. Harry, belongs with me. We'll be out of your hair as soon as we have him."
The Dursley's reluctantly allowed them to enter the house. It was suitable for this family. Completely and utterly boring and plain. Simple as that. Sitting on the living room rug. Was a baby. Well Sirius thought it was a baby. It resembled more of a pig with a small,tuft of blonde hair. They baby had a spoiled air about it. He could have sworn the baby had sent him a disapproving glare. Carina was fighting against her father to get to the other baby. Sirius thought better of forcing her to be held and set her down there. He then followed the two grown Dursley's along with Remus's out to the hallway.
Petunia unlatched a lock to the cupboard under the staircase. Sirius went red in the face. When he saw Harry sitting on a lumpy cot within the tiny closet. The little boy immediately recognized his uncles. He extend his arms and let out a weak cry. Sirius knelt down immediately and lifted the one year old out of the closet. Harry pressed himself as close to Sirius as possible. Sirius's piercing grey eyes's scanned the Dursley's. His anger building like a raging fire. All he could think to say was.
"YOU STUCK YOUR NEPHEW IN A CLOSET?! HE'S A CHILD! AN INNOCENT TODDLER!"
Sirius's raging temper didn't just intimidate the Dursley's. It had frightened Harry. The small rave-haired boy was weeping quietly. Sirius stroked his back attempting to calm him. It did the trick. They little boy soon feel completely silent. Sirius's glare never lied to the Dursley's. With a slightly shuddering breath. Sirius prepared himself to speak again.
"I'm a fair man." Sirius said, calmer this time. "I can either be your greatest ally or worst enemy. At this point you can you can consider me an enemy. I have no tolerance for this sort of thing. He is a child. The child of your sister. And you stuff him in a closet with a dirty nappy. He is neglected. While your own boy lives Lavishly. A spoiled little prince! What would Lily say!?"
"Mama?" Harry Chirped."Dada?Mama! Amd Dada!"
Sirius sighed slightly. Harry must have recognized his mother's name and associated it with her presence. This was going to be a whole new challenged. Carina would also soon realize her mother is gone. How was Sirius to explain what had happened to them? They were only a year old. They wouldn't understand. The group of adults migrated into the living area. Now that they had Harry Sirius was ready to leave. Sirius scanned the the floor for his daughter. She and the little boy were standing unsteadily watching each other. The little boy pushed Carina to the ground. Sirius crossed the room to check on his little daughter. Carina was on her feet again before he could get to her. Carina took a wobbly step towards the boy. And then pushed him to the floor. The spoiled toddler let out a very pig-like squeal. And then started wailing excessively. Both Dursley's huddled around the dramatic toddler.
"Time to go." Remus said, abruptly.
They gathered the two toddlers and assured them outside. Harry and Carina were overjoyed to see each other. They chattered nonsense to each other. Both understood perfectly. A little language all there own. It filled a small piece of the whole in Remus and Sirius's heart. To two children's friendship was so pure. They loved each other and let the other know.
"Sirius, Mate." Remus said. "I think I know a place where you can stay permanently. the Old Potter Manor was like your home away from Hogwarts. It might feel strange for you and I understand that. But you were just as much of a son to the Potter's as James was. And it's far out in the country side. With the right protection wards. It will be the perfect home for the three of you."
Sirius thought deeply on this. Remus was right. It was a home alway from school. And a much better place to stay than the alternative. Lots of room for them to grow. They can roam the woods with a certain amount of security. Sirius then felt the pang of the fact. His best friend. The one who had given him shelter to begin with. His brother in everything but blood. Was gone. Would James's death haunt him even more staying in that house? The memories of there teenagers selves. Happy and ready to to join the war after school. Might be to real. Back at the beginning It was just a great big game to them. They didn't understand what could happen. But he could tame his own anxiousness. It was the best thing for Carina and Harry. They'd be happy there. That's all that really mattered.
"Let's go home." Sirius said.
Hi!
Thanks for Clicking on my story! I have loads planned. This is merely the tip of the ice burg. Next upload will be in Carina's point of view. Around ten years later. I will get it out as soon a possible. I'm so excited for what's to come!
