CHAPTER ONE: The Start of Something New
"Hermione, let me help you with that," said Roxanne, taking the younger woman's shoulder bag. "I'll take it upstairs for you. Why don't you go lie down in the sunroom for a while. I'll have Dobby bring you some tea."
Hermione nodded. They'd spent a wonderful day shopping after staying the night in Diagon Alley-a girl's weekend away while their husbands were off with the children to watch Harry play Quidditch in Spain. But now Hermione was exhausted--the added weight of a nearly full-term baby tiring her quickly despite the potions Roxanne made for her. She lay on the heavily cushioned couch and soon fell fast asleep.
Roxanne took her bags upstairs and checked the children's rooms for the first time since they'd left. They were filthy-toys, books and clothes strewn haphazardly around. The twins' room was the worst. The remainder of today would be spent cleaning them out while the children were not at home to protest when she discarded broken gadgets and scribbled-on bits of parchment that to a grown-up were junk, but to a child was some warped interpretation of a treasure.
Dobby the house elf soon appeared, coming down the hallway. He'd come tagging along with Harry after his graduation from Hogwarts School nine years before and had lived and worked there since "Welcome home Mrs. Black!" he squeaked. "Dobby is very happy to see Mrs. Black and Mrs. Weasley safely home."
"Hello, Dobby," Roxanne said cheerfully. "Any word from the boys?"
"No. But I've only just come from Hogwarts."
"I'm sure they're having too much fun to think of writing. Hermione is in the sunroom. If she's not sleeping could you take her some chamomile tea? And put a little Echinacea in it-it sounds like she's coming down with something. I don't want her sick for the birth."
"Yes, Mrs. Black. Will there be anything else?" said Dobby.
"Actually, yes. I'll need a very large dustbin brought upstairs. I'll be cleaning the children's rooms today."
Dobby nodded sadly. He knew how these cleaning tirades of their mother's upset the children. But he dared not risk Roxanne's ire by interfering. She was like a lioness when it came to matters of her children and doing what she felt was right for them, to them, or by them.
A couple of hours later, with Samantha's room done and Marielle's room begun, Dobby interrupted. "Pardon me, Mrs. Black. The Minister of Magic wishes to speak with you at the drawing room fireplace."
She crawled out from under the bed, where she'd just located a long- missing sock whose match lay in the laundry room. "The Minister?" She cocked an eyebrow with surprise. "Tell him I'll be right down."
Dobby disappeared with a faint pop and Roxanne stood, brushed off her shirt, smoothed her flyaway hair and went downstairs. There floating in the green flame was the head of Severus Snape.
"Hello Severus!" she said, smiling broadly. "It's been awhile. How have you been?"
"I'm well, Roxanne. And you?"
"Never better," she said brightly.
"Dobby said Sirius is away. When do you expect him back?"
"He and the children are in Spain watching Harry play. Assuming Harry catches the snitch before too long, I expect them home tomorrow morning."
"With the children? All of them?" said Snape with amazement.
Roxanne laughed. Severus was still a bachelor, and marveled at Sirius' ability to handle his small crowd of children with love and laughter. "Yes, all of them. I'm sure they're having a great time"
Severus shook his head in disbelief before continuing. "I need to speak to the two of you. May I come up tomorrow evening?"
"Tomorrow?" said Roxanne, frowning slightly. "The house will be a little crowded-Harry'll be coming with them, and Ron and Hermione are staying the weekend."
"It's important-it cannot wait," said Snape firmly.
Roxanne shrugged. "As long as you don't mind, will you come for dinner?"
"Dinner would be wonderful."
"Great! Shall we say 6:00?"
"No. I have a meeting and I'm not certain we'll be through by six. Seven would be better."
"Seven will be fine. I'm looking forward to seeing you again."
"As I," he said nodding. "Tomorrow then."
*****
The Black house stood just a few miles south of Hogsmeade, nestled in a stand of trees beside a high ridge that rose from the black Scottish earth like a whale cresting from the sea. The land had been a gift from Roxanne's father, received nearly a year after his death on the day of her first marriage to Remus Lupin. The marriage ended tragically, the very next day, her beloved Remus killed by a Death Eater's curse. And the land remained empty for several more years, until Lord Voldemort fell, defeated by an army of valiant wizards, led by the young Harry Potter.
Sirius had proposed to her then, waiting until the world was safe again, not wanting to risk leaving Roxanne a widow for a second time. Remus and Lorenzo, Remus' twin sons, were two years old, and already loved by Sirius as if they were his own. Construction on the house began almost immediately after their hasty wedding ceremony, standing in the alcove in Dumbledore's office as they had several years before for she and Remus' wedding.
As Roxanne wanted, the house was not overly large, but comfortable, with plenty of bedrooms upstairs for children and guests. The main floor held the master suite, a comfortable sitting room, dining room, spacious kitchen and a large sunroom attached to the back. In the basement were Roxanne's potions lab and a large playroom so the children could be nearby while she worked.
Roxanne sat at a small table across from Hermione in the plant-filled sunroom. They were just polishing off a light breakfast of fruit and toast when a voice called to them from the front of the house.
"Roxanne! Are you home?"
Both women rose, Hermione more slowly. Roxanne took Hermione's arm in hers and helped her waddle to the entry hall where they found their families. A little red-haired boy ran forward and hugged Hermione tightly around the belly. "How's baby, mama?" he said, looking at her with a chocolate smeared face.
"Baby is just fine Charlie. I see you've been at the chocolate frogs again," she said laughing. At the same time Roxanne was nearly tackled by her four, each hurrying to tell the exciting parts of their trip before the others could beat them to it. Little Samantha bounced impatiently, searching for a clear path to her mother's arms. But her seven-year-old sister and eleven-year-old brothers had gotten there first. "It's my turn!" she screamed impatiently. Roxanne kissed the boys and Marielle, then pushed them aside and picked up Samantha.
"Did you have fun with Daddy?" she asked her energetic four-year-old.
"Oh, yes! Uncle Harry caught the snitch!" she said, excitedly bouncing in her mother's arms. "And we saw Granddad Lupin there!"
"You did? How is he?"
"He's wonderful. He's got a girlfriend," she whispered conspiratorily.
Roxanne looked to Sirius. "William has a girlfriend? Really?"
"It seems so," he said coming up behind Samantha, taking her from Roxanne, placing her on the ground and scooting her out of the way. "She seems nice. They'd like to come for a visit in a week or two. But I'd rather talk about that later." He wound his arms around Roxanne's waist and kissed her warmly.
Harry groaned. "Take it upstairs, will you?" he said, feigning disgust.
"You're just jealous," said Ron, holding Hermione's hand. "We really need to find you a girl. You're a bloody menace to society."
Harry rolled his eyes and headed upstairs with his things.
"Harry," called Roxanne after him, "how long will you be home?"
"Looks like a couple of weeks, anyway," Harry answered. "Coach promised us some time off if we won this match. We'll see if he keeps it."
"Before you disappear," said Roxanne, looking around the room at everyone, "we're having a guest for dinner tonight. I want everyone bathed and beautiful by 6:00. Is that clear?"
A chorus of "Yes ma'ams" greeted her from children and adults alike.
"Second," she continued, "I spent most of yesterday afternoon cleaning children's rooms. See that they stay that way, and that nothing spills out into the rest of the house."
The twins looked horrified, not only at the thought of the damage their mother might have done to their collections, but also at the look of accusation she was throwing them now. She'd obviously discovered more than they intended her to.
"Who is it, mum?" asked Marielle.
"Minister Snape."
"Uncle Severus!" squealed Samantha. Despite Snape's dour mannerisms and sinister appearance, little Samantha had taken to him and enthusiastically threw herself into his arms every time he visited. Snape tried to pretend reluctance, but Roxanne knew he enjoyed the little girl's attention. "He wants to speak to Dad and I, so right after dinner I want you kids to make yourselves disappear."
Sirius frowned and looked at his wife quizzically.
"Would you rather we didn't stay tonight, Roxanne?" asked Ron.
"No. It's fine," she said. "Severus knows you'll be here. Dobby's taking care of dinner, and as long as everyone helps me keep the house cleaned up it'll be no problem."
After everyone had gone their own directions, Sirius took Roxanne's hand and pulled her into the drawing room.
"So what does Severus want?" he asked, concern in his eyes.
"He didn't say."
"Did he seem worried, or upset?"
"No. He seemed fine. He said it was important. Why? Is there something wrong that I haven't heard about?"
Sirius sighed. "Just rumors really. I kept hearing whispers at the match that the Malfoy's have been spotted somewhere. You haven't heard from Arthur?"
Roxanne shook her head. "There was nothing in the Daily Prophet this morning either. I wouldn't pay it any mind. You know how these rumors go. Soon the entire wizarding world will be tunneling underground because they heard some rumor that earthworms can cure warts."
Sirius smiled and nodded. "I suppose you're right. Still, I wonder what he could want with us?"
"We won't find out until tonight, so why don't we try to figure out some way to keep ourselves busy until then," she said, smiling and pulling him close.
*****
"Severus, welcome," said Sirius, taking his hand firmly as the Minister of Magic stepped into the front hall. "It's been a long time."
"Yes, it has. How are the children?"
"They're very well. The boys will be starting at Hogwarts this fall, you know. I can't believe it's been eleven years already."
"And Roxanne?"
"I wouldn't know at the moment. She's liable to be a bit short right now. She's upstairs giving Samantha another bath. She and Charlie decided it might be fun to make mud pies for you. Roxanne nearly blew the roof off the house when she saw them-not to mention the kitchen floor."
Severus chuckled quietly, still after all these years uncomfortable with expressions of humor, not to mention pleasant conversation with his former enemy.
Sirius led him into the drawing room where he exchanged greetings with Harry, Hermione and Ron (who had just come down from giving little Charlie his second bath), as well as the twins and Marielle.
"You'll forgive me if I don't stand, Minister," said Hermione, a hand on her round belly.
"Of course Professor. How much longer?" Snape asked.
"Just a couple more weeks. I'm happy school's over for the summer. I just don't have the energy right now to take anymore botched first-year transfigurations."
At last Roxanne entered, carrying a wet-haired Samantha who wriggled out of her arms the moment she spotted the Minister.
"Uncle Severus!" she called, running to him and jumping into his arms.
Severus picked her up and held her high so her face was level with his. "I understand you're in a bit of trouble, young lady," he scowled.
"Mummy wouldn't let me bring you my present. She said you wouldn't like mud pies. She said I made a mess and that you don't like messes."
"She said that, did she?" said Severus gravely. "Well, she is your mother, and I suppose she may be right." Then he pressed his mouth close to her ear and whispered quietly. Samantha's face brightened and she wrapped her arms around Severus' neck, hugged him tightly and kissed his pale cheek.
Roxanne looked at him with raised eyebrow. "What did you promise her, Severus?"
"I didn't promise her anything. I simply told her the kind of gift I'd prefer-and she gave it to me."
Dobby stepped into the doorway. "Dinner is served, Mrs. Black."
"Thank you, Dobby," she said, and herded her brood into the dining room, the others following close behind.
*****
"May we be excused, Mum?" asked Remus after cleaning the spicy spare ribs and baked potato from his plate, and nudging his twin in the side.
Roxanne surveyed their plates and nodded. "I want you two to keep an eye on the other children while we talk, please," she said firmly enough that the boys knew not to protest. Besides, they were still waiting for her to say something about what she must have found in their rooms, for which she was obviously very unhappy. They decided it best not to do anything to make her more upset. From Sirius' stern looks since lunchtime, she'd apparently discussed it with their stepfather as well. And while he did not pose as large a threat to their eleven-year-old eyes as their mother, it still felt uncomfortable to have him angry with them.
Severus noticed this silent exchange of glares and humble obedience between the boys and their parents, but said nothing about it. Now that the children were gone, he cleared his throat. "There are a couple of things I wish to discuss with you," he began.
"Would it be best if we left," said Harry, indicating himself, Ron and Hermione.
"No. At least not for this first bit. I think it best if you stay and hear this." He sighed heavily before continuing. "Draco Malfoy has been spotted-"
"Draco? Where?" interrupted Sirius hotly.
"In London two days ago."
Roxanne gasped, clutching her arms.
"Roxanne?" said Hermione, a worried look on her face. Roxanne had gone very pale.
"I have goosebumps," she whispered, looking at her arms. "Hermione and I were in London two days ago. We stayed at the Leaky Cauldron. I-I dreamed about Draco that night."
Sirius bolted upright. "You dreamed-Tell me about it."
"I don't really remember much. Just that he was there, not in London though. All I really remember is feeling helpless."
"Are you sure it was only a dream?" asked Severus, concerned.
"What else could it be?"
Severus and Sirius said nothing, but their looks were grave.
"Come on!" she said, exasperated. "If Draco had gotten hold of me I'd be dead! Or at the very least bloodied up a fair bit. You'd be scraping my body off the sidewalk right now."
Sirius relaxed a little. "I suppose you're right. Why didn't you tell me?"
"It was only a dream, Sirius. I still dream about Remus--that doesn't make him real," she said, smiling slightly and patting his hand. "And that doesn't mean I'm going to tell you every time I have one of those dreams."
"Are you asking us to help look for Draco," asked Harry, leaning forward eagerly.
"I'd be grateful-especially if it were done as quietly as possible," Snape answered. "Arthur and Bill Weasley, to name a few, are on the alert already."
"Consider it done," said Ron. "Harry and I'll go now, if you'd prefer."
"No, thank you, Ron," Severus said. "It can wait until morning. But, I do have a matter I need to discuss privately with Roxanne and Sirius, if the three of you don't mind."
They nodded and followed the children outside into the last few minutes of late-June sunshine.
Sirius rose and fetched glasses and a tall, slender bottle of wine from a sideboard, offering it to Severus. Severus nodded and waited silently as two tall-stemmed glasses were filled. He took his glass and held it, contemplating, in front of him.
"Do you remember, Roxanne," he began, "when you snuck into my storeroom and stole some gin?"
Roxanne laughed. "I don't think I'll ever forget it. I still get queasy thinking about it."
"And you came to me and apologized for it?"
"Yes." She looked at him suspiciously. "What are you getting at, Severus?"
"Your illness, it was all a ruse. Dumbledore allowed me to make a potion-"
Roxanne held up her hand. "I won't make you apologize. I've known about that for years. I'm a potions master, remember? I figured that little puzzle out when I was doing research for a potions assignment a couple of years later."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"What would be the point? I'd learned my lesson and I figured I was better off without the booze anyway. I haven't touched the stuff since." Sirius poured her a tall glass of cranberry juice and sat back down. "Is that what you came to talk to us about?"
"No. Just clearing my conscience first. I want us to be completely up front with each other-from now on, anyway." Severus stood and paced the floor thoughtfully for a moment. "Have you heard that Headmistress McGonagall has submitted her retirement request?"
Roxanne and Sirius shook their heads, unsure if this was more small talk or if Severus meant something by it.
"She'll not be returning to Hogwart's next year. I've had her request on my desk for a week now. The School Board has since been debating who to hire as her replacement. But the debate ended yesterday. A letter came from Albus. It was a letter of recommendation-for you, Sirius."
Sirius nearly fell out of his chair. Roxanne's face froze in shock.
"As Minister of Magic, I'd like to offer you the job of Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." At Sirius' stunned silence, Severus continued. "It's a big decision, I know-certainly one for you to make together. You'd have to start immediately, and move your family to the castle. I need an answer as soon as possible."
Sirius stared at him, unable to speak.
"I think Sirius needs a little time to think about it," whispered Roxanne. "How much can you spare us?"
"I need to know by tomorrow morning. You can sleep on it, anyway," Severus answered.
"I don't know how much sleep we'll get tonight, but we'll come to your office first thing in the morning and give you our decision," she said, a little worried at Sirius' silence. But finally, he snapped out of his reverie and nodded numbly.
"Good," said Severus. "Now, I think I'd better be on my way. I'll say goodbye to the children and see myself out." And he slipped quietly out of the room, leaving the Blacks staring at each other.
*****
As Roxanne had predicted, they slept little that night. They'd securely tucked the children in bed and gone to their own room, slipping off their dressing gowns and slippers and sitting on the side of the bed holding hands.
"I don't know about this," said Sirius, shaking his head. "Me? Headmaster?"
"You don't think you can do it?"
"I'm awfully young, and, well, I do know the castle inside and out, but there's so much to the job. I won't have a lot of spare time. And the children-"
"You're not that young." He punched her shoulder. She was forever reminding him of the twelve years difference in their ages. "The children will love living at Hogwarts," she soothed.
"Yes, but what about the boys," he said. "I'm not sure it'll be wise to have the sons of the Headmaster attending school there."
Roxanne nodded. "I worried about having them there with Minerva," she said. "I knew she wouldn't have given them any special treatment, but I could just see them getting into some sort of trouble with the expectation that she would. I suppose we could send them to another school. I hear Hawthorne has a great Quidditch program-they'd love that."
"That's awfully far away," said Sirius, unconvinced.
"Well, I don't think we could get them to set foot in Durmstrang or Beauxbatons. I suppose we can try to work things out here."
"Or I can refuse the job," said Sirius with a frown.
"But you don't really want to do that, do you?" asked Roxanne.
Sirius sat perfectly still, thinking over all the possibilities. How could he pass up such an honor. Who did he think he was, feeling even remotely qualified to fill Albus Dumbledore's and Minerva McGonagall's shoes? "What about the house?" he finally said, at this point looking for any small excuse that could allow him to refuse Severus in the morning.
"The house isn't going to disappear," Roxanne said. "We can let Ron and Hermione live in it. That way Harry will still have a place to stay. And it'll still be there when we're ready to retire."
"But it's our home-yours and mine. Do you really want to leave it behind?"
Sirius sighed and slumped back onto the bed. Roxanne turned, leaning over him, her hair falling around his face. He reached up and ran his fingers through it. Brought a large clump of it to his face, smelling its sweet fragrance.
"Sirius, if you don't want the job, just tell him 'no.' But apparently you're the one they want-you're the one Albus wants, for whatever reason. If you haven't learned to trust yourself by now, at least you should have learned to trust him."
Sirius pulled her down beside him, resting her head on his chest and holding her firmly. "It's always been so easy for you to trust Dumbledore," he said.
"Not really," she said softly. "I thought he'd gone off his rocker when he asked me take over for Snape that first year. But I did it anyway. And look where I am now."
"You mean married to an ex-convict, and living with a rogue house elf?" he said.
Roxanne hit him hard in the stomach. "I mean happy," she snarled.
Sirius groaned, clutching his stomach. Then kissed her hair and hugged her tightly. "I'm happy, too. I suppose that means it's time for us to start a new adventure."
"I suppose it does," Roxanne said, pulling herself up and over him, caressing his face and kissing him. "Now, Mr. Black. About your sons. . ."
Swiftly he rolled her over, pinning her beneath him. "Why is it," he snarled, but with a wry smile twinkling at the corners of his eyes, "that they're my sons when they're in trouble, and not Remus's?"
"Hermione, let me help you with that," said Roxanne, taking the younger woman's shoulder bag. "I'll take it upstairs for you. Why don't you go lie down in the sunroom for a while. I'll have Dobby bring you some tea."
Hermione nodded. They'd spent a wonderful day shopping after staying the night in Diagon Alley-a girl's weekend away while their husbands were off with the children to watch Harry play Quidditch in Spain. But now Hermione was exhausted--the added weight of a nearly full-term baby tiring her quickly despite the potions Roxanne made for her. She lay on the heavily cushioned couch and soon fell fast asleep.
Roxanne took her bags upstairs and checked the children's rooms for the first time since they'd left. They were filthy-toys, books and clothes strewn haphazardly around. The twins' room was the worst. The remainder of today would be spent cleaning them out while the children were not at home to protest when she discarded broken gadgets and scribbled-on bits of parchment that to a grown-up were junk, but to a child was some warped interpretation of a treasure.
Dobby the house elf soon appeared, coming down the hallway. He'd come tagging along with Harry after his graduation from Hogwarts School nine years before and had lived and worked there since "Welcome home Mrs. Black!" he squeaked. "Dobby is very happy to see Mrs. Black and Mrs. Weasley safely home."
"Hello, Dobby," Roxanne said cheerfully. "Any word from the boys?"
"No. But I've only just come from Hogwarts."
"I'm sure they're having too much fun to think of writing. Hermione is in the sunroom. If she's not sleeping could you take her some chamomile tea? And put a little Echinacea in it-it sounds like she's coming down with something. I don't want her sick for the birth."
"Yes, Mrs. Black. Will there be anything else?" said Dobby.
"Actually, yes. I'll need a very large dustbin brought upstairs. I'll be cleaning the children's rooms today."
Dobby nodded sadly. He knew how these cleaning tirades of their mother's upset the children. But he dared not risk Roxanne's ire by interfering. She was like a lioness when it came to matters of her children and doing what she felt was right for them, to them, or by them.
A couple of hours later, with Samantha's room done and Marielle's room begun, Dobby interrupted. "Pardon me, Mrs. Black. The Minister of Magic wishes to speak with you at the drawing room fireplace."
She crawled out from under the bed, where she'd just located a long- missing sock whose match lay in the laundry room. "The Minister?" She cocked an eyebrow with surprise. "Tell him I'll be right down."
Dobby disappeared with a faint pop and Roxanne stood, brushed off her shirt, smoothed her flyaway hair and went downstairs. There floating in the green flame was the head of Severus Snape.
"Hello Severus!" she said, smiling broadly. "It's been awhile. How have you been?"
"I'm well, Roxanne. And you?"
"Never better," she said brightly.
"Dobby said Sirius is away. When do you expect him back?"
"He and the children are in Spain watching Harry play. Assuming Harry catches the snitch before too long, I expect them home tomorrow morning."
"With the children? All of them?" said Snape with amazement.
Roxanne laughed. Severus was still a bachelor, and marveled at Sirius' ability to handle his small crowd of children with love and laughter. "Yes, all of them. I'm sure they're having a great time"
Severus shook his head in disbelief before continuing. "I need to speak to the two of you. May I come up tomorrow evening?"
"Tomorrow?" said Roxanne, frowning slightly. "The house will be a little crowded-Harry'll be coming with them, and Ron and Hermione are staying the weekend."
"It's important-it cannot wait," said Snape firmly.
Roxanne shrugged. "As long as you don't mind, will you come for dinner?"
"Dinner would be wonderful."
"Great! Shall we say 6:00?"
"No. I have a meeting and I'm not certain we'll be through by six. Seven would be better."
"Seven will be fine. I'm looking forward to seeing you again."
"As I," he said nodding. "Tomorrow then."
*****
The Black house stood just a few miles south of Hogsmeade, nestled in a stand of trees beside a high ridge that rose from the black Scottish earth like a whale cresting from the sea. The land had been a gift from Roxanne's father, received nearly a year after his death on the day of her first marriage to Remus Lupin. The marriage ended tragically, the very next day, her beloved Remus killed by a Death Eater's curse. And the land remained empty for several more years, until Lord Voldemort fell, defeated by an army of valiant wizards, led by the young Harry Potter.
Sirius had proposed to her then, waiting until the world was safe again, not wanting to risk leaving Roxanne a widow for a second time. Remus and Lorenzo, Remus' twin sons, were two years old, and already loved by Sirius as if they were his own. Construction on the house began almost immediately after their hasty wedding ceremony, standing in the alcove in Dumbledore's office as they had several years before for she and Remus' wedding.
As Roxanne wanted, the house was not overly large, but comfortable, with plenty of bedrooms upstairs for children and guests. The main floor held the master suite, a comfortable sitting room, dining room, spacious kitchen and a large sunroom attached to the back. In the basement were Roxanne's potions lab and a large playroom so the children could be nearby while she worked.
Roxanne sat at a small table across from Hermione in the plant-filled sunroom. They were just polishing off a light breakfast of fruit and toast when a voice called to them from the front of the house.
"Roxanne! Are you home?"
Both women rose, Hermione more slowly. Roxanne took Hermione's arm in hers and helped her waddle to the entry hall where they found their families. A little red-haired boy ran forward and hugged Hermione tightly around the belly. "How's baby, mama?" he said, looking at her with a chocolate smeared face.
"Baby is just fine Charlie. I see you've been at the chocolate frogs again," she said laughing. At the same time Roxanne was nearly tackled by her four, each hurrying to tell the exciting parts of their trip before the others could beat them to it. Little Samantha bounced impatiently, searching for a clear path to her mother's arms. But her seven-year-old sister and eleven-year-old brothers had gotten there first. "It's my turn!" she screamed impatiently. Roxanne kissed the boys and Marielle, then pushed them aside and picked up Samantha.
"Did you have fun with Daddy?" she asked her energetic four-year-old.
"Oh, yes! Uncle Harry caught the snitch!" she said, excitedly bouncing in her mother's arms. "And we saw Granddad Lupin there!"
"You did? How is he?"
"He's wonderful. He's got a girlfriend," she whispered conspiratorily.
Roxanne looked to Sirius. "William has a girlfriend? Really?"
"It seems so," he said coming up behind Samantha, taking her from Roxanne, placing her on the ground and scooting her out of the way. "She seems nice. They'd like to come for a visit in a week or two. But I'd rather talk about that later." He wound his arms around Roxanne's waist and kissed her warmly.
Harry groaned. "Take it upstairs, will you?" he said, feigning disgust.
"You're just jealous," said Ron, holding Hermione's hand. "We really need to find you a girl. You're a bloody menace to society."
Harry rolled his eyes and headed upstairs with his things.
"Harry," called Roxanne after him, "how long will you be home?"
"Looks like a couple of weeks, anyway," Harry answered. "Coach promised us some time off if we won this match. We'll see if he keeps it."
"Before you disappear," said Roxanne, looking around the room at everyone, "we're having a guest for dinner tonight. I want everyone bathed and beautiful by 6:00. Is that clear?"
A chorus of "Yes ma'ams" greeted her from children and adults alike.
"Second," she continued, "I spent most of yesterday afternoon cleaning children's rooms. See that they stay that way, and that nothing spills out into the rest of the house."
The twins looked horrified, not only at the thought of the damage their mother might have done to their collections, but also at the look of accusation she was throwing them now. She'd obviously discovered more than they intended her to.
"Who is it, mum?" asked Marielle.
"Minister Snape."
"Uncle Severus!" squealed Samantha. Despite Snape's dour mannerisms and sinister appearance, little Samantha had taken to him and enthusiastically threw herself into his arms every time he visited. Snape tried to pretend reluctance, but Roxanne knew he enjoyed the little girl's attention. "He wants to speak to Dad and I, so right after dinner I want you kids to make yourselves disappear."
Sirius frowned and looked at his wife quizzically.
"Would you rather we didn't stay tonight, Roxanne?" asked Ron.
"No. It's fine," she said. "Severus knows you'll be here. Dobby's taking care of dinner, and as long as everyone helps me keep the house cleaned up it'll be no problem."
After everyone had gone their own directions, Sirius took Roxanne's hand and pulled her into the drawing room.
"So what does Severus want?" he asked, concern in his eyes.
"He didn't say."
"Did he seem worried, or upset?"
"No. He seemed fine. He said it was important. Why? Is there something wrong that I haven't heard about?"
Sirius sighed. "Just rumors really. I kept hearing whispers at the match that the Malfoy's have been spotted somewhere. You haven't heard from Arthur?"
Roxanne shook her head. "There was nothing in the Daily Prophet this morning either. I wouldn't pay it any mind. You know how these rumors go. Soon the entire wizarding world will be tunneling underground because they heard some rumor that earthworms can cure warts."
Sirius smiled and nodded. "I suppose you're right. Still, I wonder what he could want with us?"
"We won't find out until tonight, so why don't we try to figure out some way to keep ourselves busy until then," she said, smiling and pulling him close.
*****
"Severus, welcome," said Sirius, taking his hand firmly as the Minister of Magic stepped into the front hall. "It's been a long time."
"Yes, it has. How are the children?"
"They're very well. The boys will be starting at Hogwarts this fall, you know. I can't believe it's been eleven years already."
"And Roxanne?"
"I wouldn't know at the moment. She's liable to be a bit short right now. She's upstairs giving Samantha another bath. She and Charlie decided it might be fun to make mud pies for you. Roxanne nearly blew the roof off the house when she saw them-not to mention the kitchen floor."
Severus chuckled quietly, still after all these years uncomfortable with expressions of humor, not to mention pleasant conversation with his former enemy.
Sirius led him into the drawing room where he exchanged greetings with Harry, Hermione and Ron (who had just come down from giving little Charlie his second bath), as well as the twins and Marielle.
"You'll forgive me if I don't stand, Minister," said Hermione, a hand on her round belly.
"Of course Professor. How much longer?" Snape asked.
"Just a couple more weeks. I'm happy school's over for the summer. I just don't have the energy right now to take anymore botched first-year transfigurations."
At last Roxanne entered, carrying a wet-haired Samantha who wriggled out of her arms the moment she spotted the Minister.
"Uncle Severus!" she called, running to him and jumping into his arms.
Severus picked her up and held her high so her face was level with his. "I understand you're in a bit of trouble, young lady," he scowled.
"Mummy wouldn't let me bring you my present. She said you wouldn't like mud pies. She said I made a mess and that you don't like messes."
"She said that, did she?" said Severus gravely. "Well, she is your mother, and I suppose she may be right." Then he pressed his mouth close to her ear and whispered quietly. Samantha's face brightened and she wrapped her arms around Severus' neck, hugged him tightly and kissed his pale cheek.
Roxanne looked at him with raised eyebrow. "What did you promise her, Severus?"
"I didn't promise her anything. I simply told her the kind of gift I'd prefer-and she gave it to me."
Dobby stepped into the doorway. "Dinner is served, Mrs. Black."
"Thank you, Dobby," she said, and herded her brood into the dining room, the others following close behind.
*****
"May we be excused, Mum?" asked Remus after cleaning the spicy spare ribs and baked potato from his plate, and nudging his twin in the side.
Roxanne surveyed their plates and nodded. "I want you two to keep an eye on the other children while we talk, please," she said firmly enough that the boys knew not to protest. Besides, they were still waiting for her to say something about what she must have found in their rooms, for which she was obviously very unhappy. They decided it best not to do anything to make her more upset. From Sirius' stern looks since lunchtime, she'd apparently discussed it with their stepfather as well. And while he did not pose as large a threat to their eleven-year-old eyes as their mother, it still felt uncomfortable to have him angry with them.
Severus noticed this silent exchange of glares and humble obedience between the boys and their parents, but said nothing about it. Now that the children were gone, he cleared his throat. "There are a couple of things I wish to discuss with you," he began.
"Would it be best if we left," said Harry, indicating himself, Ron and Hermione.
"No. At least not for this first bit. I think it best if you stay and hear this." He sighed heavily before continuing. "Draco Malfoy has been spotted-"
"Draco? Where?" interrupted Sirius hotly.
"In London two days ago."
Roxanne gasped, clutching her arms.
"Roxanne?" said Hermione, a worried look on her face. Roxanne had gone very pale.
"I have goosebumps," she whispered, looking at her arms. "Hermione and I were in London two days ago. We stayed at the Leaky Cauldron. I-I dreamed about Draco that night."
Sirius bolted upright. "You dreamed-Tell me about it."
"I don't really remember much. Just that he was there, not in London though. All I really remember is feeling helpless."
"Are you sure it was only a dream?" asked Severus, concerned.
"What else could it be?"
Severus and Sirius said nothing, but their looks were grave.
"Come on!" she said, exasperated. "If Draco had gotten hold of me I'd be dead! Or at the very least bloodied up a fair bit. You'd be scraping my body off the sidewalk right now."
Sirius relaxed a little. "I suppose you're right. Why didn't you tell me?"
"It was only a dream, Sirius. I still dream about Remus--that doesn't make him real," she said, smiling slightly and patting his hand. "And that doesn't mean I'm going to tell you every time I have one of those dreams."
"Are you asking us to help look for Draco," asked Harry, leaning forward eagerly.
"I'd be grateful-especially if it were done as quietly as possible," Snape answered. "Arthur and Bill Weasley, to name a few, are on the alert already."
"Consider it done," said Ron. "Harry and I'll go now, if you'd prefer."
"No, thank you, Ron," Severus said. "It can wait until morning. But, I do have a matter I need to discuss privately with Roxanne and Sirius, if the three of you don't mind."
They nodded and followed the children outside into the last few minutes of late-June sunshine.
Sirius rose and fetched glasses and a tall, slender bottle of wine from a sideboard, offering it to Severus. Severus nodded and waited silently as two tall-stemmed glasses were filled. He took his glass and held it, contemplating, in front of him.
"Do you remember, Roxanne," he began, "when you snuck into my storeroom and stole some gin?"
Roxanne laughed. "I don't think I'll ever forget it. I still get queasy thinking about it."
"And you came to me and apologized for it?"
"Yes." She looked at him suspiciously. "What are you getting at, Severus?"
"Your illness, it was all a ruse. Dumbledore allowed me to make a potion-"
Roxanne held up her hand. "I won't make you apologize. I've known about that for years. I'm a potions master, remember? I figured that little puzzle out when I was doing research for a potions assignment a couple of years later."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"What would be the point? I'd learned my lesson and I figured I was better off without the booze anyway. I haven't touched the stuff since." Sirius poured her a tall glass of cranberry juice and sat back down. "Is that what you came to talk to us about?"
"No. Just clearing my conscience first. I want us to be completely up front with each other-from now on, anyway." Severus stood and paced the floor thoughtfully for a moment. "Have you heard that Headmistress McGonagall has submitted her retirement request?"
Roxanne and Sirius shook their heads, unsure if this was more small talk or if Severus meant something by it.
"She'll not be returning to Hogwart's next year. I've had her request on my desk for a week now. The School Board has since been debating who to hire as her replacement. But the debate ended yesterday. A letter came from Albus. It was a letter of recommendation-for you, Sirius."
Sirius nearly fell out of his chair. Roxanne's face froze in shock.
"As Minister of Magic, I'd like to offer you the job of Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." At Sirius' stunned silence, Severus continued. "It's a big decision, I know-certainly one for you to make together. You'd have to start immediately, and move your family to the castle. I need an answer as soon as possible."
Sirius stared at him, unable to speak.
"I think Sirius needs a little time to think about it," whispered Roxanne. "How much can you spare us?"
"I need to know by tomorrow morning. You can sleep on it, anyway," Severus answered.
"I don't know how much sleep we'll get tonight, but we'll come to your office first thing in the morning and give you our decision," she said, a little worried at Sirius' silence. But finally, he snapped out of his reverie and nodded numbly.
"Good," said Severus. "Now, I think I'd better be on my way. I'll say goodbye to the children and see myself out." And he slipped quietly out of the room, leaving the Blacks staring at each other.
*****
As Roxanne had predicted, they slept little that night. They'd securely tucked the children in bed and gone to their own room, slipping off their dressing gowns and slippers and sitting on the side of the bed holding hands.
"I don't know about this," said Sirius, shaking his head. "Me? Headmaster?"
"You don't think you can do it?"
"I'm awfully young, and, well, I do know the castle inside and out, but there's so much to the job. I won't have a lot of spare time. And the children-"
"You're not that young." He punched her shoulder. She was forever reminding him of the twelve years difference in their ages. "The children will love living at Hogwarts," she soothed.
"Yes, but what about the boys," he said. "I'm not sure it'll be wise to have the sons of the Headmaster attending school there."
Roxanne nodded. "I worried about having them there with Minerva," she said. "I knew she wouldn't have given them any special treatment, but I could just see them getting into some sort of trouble with the expectation that she would. I suppose we could send them to another school. I hear Hawthorne has a great Quidditch program-they'd love that."
"That's awfully far away," said Sirius, unconvinced.
"Well, I don't think we could get them to set foot in Durmstrang or Beauxbatons. I suppose we can try to work things out here."
"Or I can refuse the job," said Sirius with a frown.
"But you don't really want to do that, do you?" asked Roxanne.
Sirius sat perfectly still, thinking over all the possibilities. How could he pass up such an honor. Who did he think he was, feeling even remotely qualified to fill Albus Dumbledore's and Minerva McGonagall's shoes? "What about the house?" he finally said, at this point looking for any small excuse that could allow him to refuse Severus in the morning.
"The house isn't going to disappear," Roxanne said. "We can let Ron and Hermione live in it. That way Harry will still have a place to stay. And it'll still be there when we're ready to retire."
"But it's our home-yours and mine. Do you really want to leave it behind?"
Sirius sighed and slumped back onto the bed. Roxanne turned, leaning over him, her hair falling around his face. He reached up and ran his fingers through it. Brought a large clump of it to his face, smelling its sweet fragrance.
"Sirius, if you don't want the job, just tell him 'no.' But apparently you're the one they want-you're the one Albus wants, for whatever reason. If you haven't learned to trust yourself by now, at least you should have learned to trust him."
Sirius pulled her down beside him, resting her head on his chest and holding her firmly. "It's always been so easy for you to trust Dumbledore," he said.
"Not really," she said softly. "I thought he'd gone off his rocker when he asked me take over for Snape that first year. But I did it anyway. And look where I am now."
"You mean married to an ex-convict, and living with a rogue house elf?" he said.
Roxanne hit him hard in the stomach. "I mean happy," she snarled.
Sirius groaned, clutching his stomach. Then kissed her hair and hugged her tightly. "I'm happy, too. I suppose that means it's time for us to start a new adventure."
"I suppose it does," Roxanne said, pulling herself up and over him, caressing his face and kissing him. "Now, Mr. Black. About your sons. . ."
Swiftly he rolled her over, pinning her beneath him. "Why is it," he snarled, but with a wry smile twinkling at the corners of his eyes, "that they're my sons when they're in trouble, and not Remus's?"