Apparently nobody loves me. Does my writing suck that much or is it just a too worn out conception to even bother with? Perhaps there are people reading it but you just don't review? If you do like this little fic you should let me know because if not I'm going to take it down. I've had a lot of fun writing it and that would just be a shame.
Anyhow, for those of you that might be reading this…uh some stuff gets cleared up and Zoë has a run in with Molly….and of course the city temper comes out a shade, Ashley is….Ashley and Skylar loses her temper! Another flashback and Skylar being stupid and heartbroken Sirius…
DISCLAIMER: I own none of the familiar characters, settings, places, you know the drill….I do own Zoë and Skylar along w/ Ashley…. Faith Hill owns the lyrics to the song Cry (unless she didn't write them)
Chapter Two: Cry Just a Little
Tonks had quietly led Zoë into the kitchen with the Chinese food in hopes to muffle the inevitable screams. Come they did, just as Zoë sat on the counter with a box of orange chicken. She winced as her mother let loose her temper, something that Zoë took all care to avoid at all times. "They are so in for it now." She muttered.
Tonks laughed and then accidentally dropped a saucepan. It made a rather loud clang and both women winced. "Nymphadora Tonks pleasure to meet you."
"Zoë Kelley." Was the reply after she swallowed. Tonks ran her fingers through her hair several times before she settled on bright orange. Zoë looked at her quite amazed. "That's incredible, you know sometimes I wish I had changed my hair color but then I remember my friend Allista had a nasty problem with the dye and we have the same hair texture so I decided not to." She said eating as she spoke. Tonks smiled and looked over at the girl who had an almost silk sheet of waist length raven hair, much like her father.
However Tonks reviewed the statement in her head and suddenly realized she had no idea what the girl was talking about. Instead of pursuing it she continued to survey Zoë. Suddenly her eyes got wide. Between those pretty manicured nails was a pretty blue jewel looped by silver. "How come I didn't see that jewel before?" She questioned.
Looking at it Zoë jumped a bit before smiling brightly. "Mom and I agree that the chain was super ugly to wear with pretty much anything so she put an invisible charm on it. I never take it off." Was the explanation. Tonks nodded and then looked longingly at the Thai noodles on the table. "They're mine, go for it." Zoë said with a laugh. "So where are we exactly? I mean what part of Chicago are we in?"
Tonks choked on her own air. Looking decidedly nervous she sighed. "You're not exactly in Chicago."
Brushing her hair away Zoë arched a careful eyebrow. This was not sounding too good to the girl who was still massively confused as she blocked out the yelling that was muffled, it having gone into another room. "Okay well where am I then?"
"Twelve Grimmauld Place in England." Zoë dropped her fork. Her eyes were wide, the black liner making them look ten times bigger. Tonks backed away slightly and tried to smile. However it was hard when the girl looked as if she had lost an arm.
Hopping off the counter, she walked dangerously to her. "I'm not in Chicago okay, much more importantly, I'm across the pond!" She shouted incredulously. Tonks closed her eyes and nodded. There was a swishing and when Tonks opened her eyes Zoë was gone out the kitchen door. Scrambling for the door she saw the girl stand on the front porch, tears running down her cheeks. "When I wished that I could meet my dad I didn't ask to be taken into another country." She said and sighed.
MEANWHILE….
Skylar felt her last bit of patience with the three people before her go. Looking at them in person for the first time she saw so much history, so much pain, so much past. But this time they had all gone too far with their ridiculous schemes and paranoia about this ridiculous Dark Lord thing. Skylar knew he was back, yes, that was why she had taken extra care to check the papers and everything. However in any of her plans did it include Ashley Kingsford, Remus Lupin and Sirius Black to break into her apartment and kidnap herself and Zoë!
All three offending members stepped back knowing she was about to let it all go. "What gave you the right? What in the hell made you think it was a smart move to break into my fucking apartment, and kidnap myself and Zoë! What the fuck were all of you thinking? My God I have a life there, Zoë has a life there. But you figure that as if fourteen years distance wasn't a good enough sign you all waltz in and fuck everything up!" She screamed. Ashley smiled sardonically. Remus quietly ushered them into the next room to prevent any listeners.
"Impressive Skylar, really, but we had to." Ashley knew it was a stupid and bold move. Nobody, not even Sirius would mess with Skylar Kelley when she was in a piss poor mood. The short woman suddenly appeared ten feet tall as she stepped forward, hands on her slim hips and eyes holding the fires of hell in them.
"Oh you had to? Does anyone have a better reason? Because I sure as hell don't see the point in dragging Zoë halfway across the damned planet to meet anyone, father included when you could just come in for a quick visit and then talk about it from here. Think about asking me to up and move my entire life back to this godforsaken place? You are all intelligent people so what are the years beginning to eat your brain cells?" Remus had to admit he was highly impressed by the way Skylar was handling herself. This side ten years ago he was positive she would have started throwing things. Seeing her explode into screams was a much more toned down version.
However that was until Sirius stepped forward. "And you would have agreed Skylar? We all know you wouldn't have. I knew you would take Zoë and run. What I didn't think is that you would stay there. But do you honestly think shouting about it is the way to do this? Alright you're here you can't change that, you can't change the past and you can't change what's going on around you." He murmured. Remus and Ashley shared a look. Padfoot was being so cool headed about it, and that was quite amazing.
Skylar did not find it so impressive. Remus and Ashley both knew that and both realized that for now they were in the clear, Sirius worked himself into a pit hole and it was now his turn to get the wrath. "Don't you DARE talk to me about changing things and about responsibility Sirius Black! If you gave one damn about responsibility and about taking care of things you would have stayed that night. Dammit Black! I had every right to leave and I had the right to stay there. Being the fiancé of a world notorious murderer gives me grounds to stay in hiding."
"He's innocent Sky." Remus muttered.
"I know that, Albus sent me an owl years ago." She snapped in reply. "Sirius please, connect with Zoë, get to know her, be her father but don't come near me. You've got too much past with me to think it will work again." Skylar murmured brushing tears from her eyes. Sirius dropped his eyes to the floor before storming out of the room.
Remus finally kneeled before Skylar. "Sky, look at me. It's Remus." He said. She looked up into his eyes and saw the warm brown irises. A sad smile graced her features before throwing her arms around his neck and hugging one of her best friends, not having seen him for fourteen years.
"Well at least we haven't pissed you off that much." Ashley said as she embraced Skylar. "You look fabulous by the way and I love what you've done with Zoë, she's a charm and a half." The women laughed before she realized how much she had missed. Remus and Ashley kissed each other lightly before leading Skylar to the kitchen.
"And just how long have you two been at it?" She asked with a sly grin. Remus turned slightly red while Ashley looked completely unembarrassed.
"About a year? Give or take?" Ashley asked Remus who merely nodded and accepted the cup of tea she handed him, draining half of it in one go. They both sighed and felt a strange silence come over them. It was most likely a good thing, giving Skylar the chance to cool off. Yet it would be weeks before she warmed back up to Sirius.
"So I take it you want Zoë to attend Hogwarts this year?" Skylar asked and earned a smile from Remus. She knew the only way to handle this situation was to suck it up and deal. In her heart she knew they were all right, Zoë carried too heavy of a gift to be protected by just her mom, with bitter regret she knew that was all her fault.
Remus nodded and shook his sandy colored hair from his eyes. "Albus thinks it wise to put Zoë under full attention, this would mean that you also will have to remain under strict protection. Just because Zoë isn't in your reach while she's at school doesn't mean a few death eaters wouldn't love to beat the hell out of you. Look I know its an odd transition. Albus will be at the next meeting and he promised he would have words with you. Also Molly said she'd have her boys and Ginny watch out for her."
The caramel head shot up with wide eyes. Skylar's voice dropped low and almost spilled her coffee everywhere. "Molly Weasley? Dammit Remus you know that woman hates me."
Laughing Ashley kicked her friend lightly under the table. "Not as much as she hasn't forgiven Sirius. It's that whole 'Zoë was born out of wedlock thing' thinks its downright improper." Rolling her eyes Skylar laughed and took a sip of her warm drink, enjoying the feel as it streamed down her throat.
"I'll never forget the day she burst into Three Broomsticks, saw you and I and then went 'You did what! With who! Skylar Kelley I thought I knew you better than to have a baby out of wedlock period, much less with Sirius Black!' Oh she went on about it for three minutes or more, I swear to God I thought I was going to melt off the barstool in a puddle from embarrassment." The woman said, her head in her hands. Zoë's laughter crossed the kitchen as she came up behind her mother and hugged her shoulders.
Ashley however was still laughing hysterically as she remembered the moment whenever Molly Weasley had almost flown into the bar, eyes ablaze and the fires of hell seemingly up in flames around her. After Skylar had helped her deal with the birth of the twins Fred and George through her job as a nurse at the hospital in Diagon Alley they'd become friends. That was until Skylar broke the cardinal rule and had a baby out of wedlock. "Embarrassing but you have to admit it was the funniest thing. I don't think I've ever seen Molly so mad, except for when the twins do something stupid again."
Remus wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and smiled as Zoë sat on the counter. Standing he and Ashley went over to her. "Zoë, I want you to meet two of my best friends from school, Remus Lupin and Ashley Kingsford."
Sirius then entered the kitchen and saw everyone there. Wordlessly he walked across the room and got a cup, pouring tea into it. "Dad come here." Zoë said quietly. Nodding he did as asked and she laughed at his awkwardness. "I'm not going to beat you or anything." He pushed his hair from his eyes and then smiled as she turned him around and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, resting her head on his shoulder. His warm hands came up to her forearms.
"Your mom, she's a hard case to crack." He muttered to her. It was unusual to him, in all of Sirius' thoughts he imagined Skylar being the easy one and Zoë being damned near impossible to reach. Not the other way around.
Shrugging Zoë leaned her head against his. "It's all good she's just pissy, it's the whole going from here to England thing. Really honestly I'm pissed off about that too but I figure there's no use in fighting it."
Sirius smiled and leaned against the counter between her legs. "There's more to it than that, your mom and I have a lot of history." Loosening her arms to look at him she sighed.
"I know, I guess I just grew up with these happy fantasies that when my parents finally did find each other you know, they'd do that whole romantic movie kiss and everything would be perfect again. I never expected them to not even be in love." Sirius pushed a strand of hair from his daughter's eyes and grinned.
"I still love your mom. I don't know about her though, I've put her through a lot, you know when I left, then she had to raise you single handedly which I'm sure wasn't easy, you have my blood and then all of the sudden she's here. But I still love her, and wouldn't take any other woman in my life." Zoë smiled and pressed a kiss to her father's cheek before looking up at her mom. The look on her face was confusing, happy, upset, angry, and jealous all at the same time. Zoë knew that her mother thought that Zoë would have a hard time adjusting to her father.
There was a knock at the front door. "That'll be Molly!" Ashley said.
"And all of her kids." Skylar added without much enthusiasm.
Zoë giggled from where she was as her father tied knots in her hair. "Mom don't be so negative, just chill for once okay? I'm sure whoever it is can't be bad."
"Well I'm glad to see your adjusting well." Was the scathing reply. Zoë sat upright and shot her a sharp look. Mother and daughter were disagreeing for the first time in their lives.
"That was uncalled for mom. Just because I'm making the best of this situation doesn't mean I'm any happier about it. I'm just glad I finally got to meet my father, because it's obvious by your screaming match that you had no intention of me ever meeting him if you could help it." Was the smart reply. Sirius tensed and felt awful. He didn't want to cause this fight, he certainly didn't want to be a part of it.
Skylar shot him a look to kill before standing up. "Zoë Kelley don't you dare speak to me in that tone of voice. And don't bring your father into this. I would have, I promised you when I told you I would." They both let out huffs before turning away and then glaring at each other. Zoë suddenly stuck her tongue out at her mother. It was a battle tactic she often used to end a fight.
The woman couldn't help it, she burst into laughter and then made her way to Zoë who hopped off the counter. They hugged each other tightly before looking over at Sirius whom was hiding his amused look. "Come on mom I don't care if your pissed, at least be civil." Zoë muttered under her breath to her mom just as the kitchen door burst open. The raven haired girl stood in stupor as an entire clan of read headed people trooped into the room. All of them fair skinned and freckled, in the lead a pleasantly plump woman wearing a multi colored jumper and a searching look.
Before Zoë knew what was happening she was caught up in a hug from this strange woman. Over the woman's shoulder she shot a distress look to both of her parents who only shrugged hopelessly and shared a similar glare before turning away. Rolling her eyes Zoë coughed, they were acting like ten year olds. Pulling back Zoë met eye with the woman's. "Heavens child does your mother not feed you?" She asked pulling a sharp look at Skylar who did not hesitate to return it.
"Mom? What the hell did you do to piss everyone off?" The woman next to her jumped.
"Now, now, under this roof we do not accept language like that miss Zoë. My the last time I saw you, you were just a baby, now your all grown up and that makeup, wash it off, wash it off right now." Zoë tried to smile but this woman just did not go over well on her.
"Zoë, this is Molly Weasley, a member of the order your mother told you about." Sirius murmured, hoping Skylar had at least told the girl that much.
"Molly," Zoë interjected, careful not to be cold. "The only people who will give Zoë orders around her will be Sirius or I, we are her parents."
Opened mouthed, Molly looked for words to counter it but found none. "Look at the child! She's wearing more black on her eyes than she is on her body." Zoë's mouth opened indignantly.
"Mrs. Weasley I don't want to get on bad terms with you, but this is how I wear my makeup and I don't change for anyone." Zoë murmured and saw her father hold in a laugh of disbelief. Molly Weasley finally sighed defeated and then smiled.
"Well at least let me cook something for you." Zoë's eyes lit up.
"That you definitely can do, mom can't cook anything for the life of her." Skylar rolled her eyes and tugged her daughters hair while Sirius laughed. Remus also held in his mirth as Skylar turned red.
Sitting down at the table Ashley rolled her eyes. "Well some things never change. You're mother never could cook for shit."
Zoë sat down across from her and smiled as Ashley hid all evidence that she had been smoking a cigarette outside, in her hand a glass of scotch. Catching the look the blonde woman slid the glass across to her and allowed Zoë to drink from it before she slid it back. "You know I think we're going to get along great. You remind me of Samantha from Sex and the City." Zoë remarked. Skylar nodded before hearing the outburst.
"Mum you did see that right? I mean Ashley let her drink scotch right from the glass!" A boy muttered in shock, he was standing next to a boy identical to him.
Zoë laughed and felt her sudden power come back. "I'm well practiced." She replied smartly him.
"Sky?" Sirius asked. "Let me take a guess."
Skylar drained her coffee before accepting the drink from Ashley. "Oh she definitely takes after you. I'd stop her but she's never been in trouble, she's never done anything stupid, and besides she'd definitely turn my Hogwarts years against me." Remus, Ashley, Skylar and Sirius all starting laughing, remembering their good escapades with the parties and the bottle.
"Well there won't be any of it under this roof. I put my foot down on that." Molly said.
Skylar was quick to agree. "Rightly so, I don't want my daughters bad habits to cross over to your children."
Molly gave an undignified noise at the sarcastic comment before finally turning away from the stove. "So who are they?" The other twin asked.
"This is Skylar Kelley, one of my best friends from school." Ashley said with a smile slinging and arm around the shorter woman's shoulder
Sirius placed his hands on Zoë's shoulders. "And this is Zoë Kelley, my daughter. Zoë, I'd like you to meet all of the Weasley offspring going in age order, Bill the eldest, then Charlie, then the twins Fred and George, Ron and Ginny is the youngest. You fall between Ron and Fred and George. Ron will be a fifth year and the twins will be seventh."
All of the Weasley children but especially Ron looked from her to Skylar to Sirius slack jawed. "Sirius you never mentioned you had a daughter." Bill said looking at him quite surprised.
Sirius shrugged and watched as Zoë looked around at the cramped kitchen. "Where's Tonks?"
"Upstairs getting your things sorted, you'll be staying here for a while. I'll show you the rooms." Remus said and Zoë was quick to get up and follow him out, once there she let out a sigh of relief. "It's cramped I know."
"Wow, so many people."
"Yes and that's not the whole flow of them either." Zoë tried to hide her surprised expression as they stopped before an open door where Tonks was, setting Zoë's things up.
"Zoë! I'll just leave you to this then, I don't know where everything goes, especially all of your clothes." She said and smiled following Remus out back downstairs.
Zoë began putting her things away, a pair headphones on playing The Starting Line. Looking up she saw her mother lean on the door frame. "I'm really sorry Zoë. I know your mad at me for not telling you, and I know your upset that you've been removed completely from your life in Chicago. Remus told me that they erased the memories of your friends and Kittyhall has been informed that you will be transferred over to Hogwarts."
"It's not all that." She said pushing a tear from her eyes. "I know you can't help that and I was quite frankly expecting it ever since dad escaped. But mom it is dad, it's just, I don't understand why you're so mad at him. I mean I'm pissed that he left us but don't you think you'd have been thrown in prison too? Maybe its for the better that he did what he did. I dunno mom we connect, I think it's because we're a lot alike. I don't get why you're so mad, I'm sure you have your reasons but please don't give up on him. He really loves you." Skylar strode across the room and pushed the raven sheets from Zoë's face. She kissed her forehead and smiled sadly.
"I can't erase or change the past Zoë, but it still stings." It was a chilly thought in Zoë's mind. "Good night Zoë." And with that Skylar shut the door. Padding down the hall she went into her own room and shut the door. Finally she was able to sit in the middle of the floor and cry, like she had wanted to do for not just the past few hours, but for the past fourteen years. Curling up in a ball in the center of her bed, wearing a pair of track shorts and a tank she fell asleep a dream from her past greeting her.
~*~
Skylar Kelley walked through the streets of Diagon Alley, enjoying the lovely weather. Oddly enough it was overcast and threatening to rain. Thunderstorms were her favorite weather she thought to herself as she walked towards her flat that she shared with Sirius. It had only been a week of living with him and already they were like an old married couple, arguing about small things and then making up a few minutes later.
All in all living with him was pleasurable, he made the every day routine much more amusing. Something new every morning, from stepping into the shower with her, resulting in her being late for work, cooking her breakfast which to her surprise was extremely good, and leaving notes on the mirror for mornings he had to get up and meet James early. The roses he left all over the flat. It was a pleasant thing to have around.
Opening the door she set her bags down and laughed as she felt a pair of hands slide across her hips. "You're home early."
"Thought we could enjoy the thunderstorm together, together." Laughing she stepped away. Handing him a bag he looked at it, shaking his hair from his face.
"Well it isn't storming yet and before you even think about shutting that bedroom door you can help me put these away." Rolling his eyes he mock saluted, setting the bag on the counter and taking out the groceries, stocking the small kitchen. She was putting a few things up in the living room, a few books she had gotten and also the dress she had picked up from having altered at the tailors. "Don't forget we have that ridiculous high and fancy congratulations graduates party tomorrow night."
Sirius rolled his eyes, the Kingsford family loved to throw huge parties and events, and there was nothing better than spoiling their daughter Ashley. So they were killing two birds with one stone and holding a huge gala for their graduating class and their friends and family as a congratulations for graduating. "We left three weeks ago but whatever." He muttered and finished putting up the bag.
"I know but just deal okay? She's one of our best friends and I promise you'll like my dress." She added coming up to him and taking off her jacket. He removed it from her hands and tossed it on the couch. Thunder rolled outside and the rain came pouring down.
His lips were dangerously close to hers as he leaned in, dipping her back. "It's officially storming Skylar." He said before kissing her softly and pulling back. "And I've done what you've asked of me."
"Alright Mr. Black you've got the whole night." She said and laughed as he slid his hands down her backside and lifted her up, letting her legs go around his waist.
"You have great legs you know." He said kissing her again, carrying her into their room.
Leaning down she let her fingers dive into his wonderfully long, silky, clean hair. "You've told me before. And several times before that." Smiling he dropped her on their bed and then shut the curtains as thunder rolled loud and clear again, lightning flashing outside.
"Have I told you I love you lately?" He muttered and saw her smile increase as his fingers worked at the buttons on her shirt.
Kissing him gently again she giggled as he ran his fingers across the lace of her bra. "Hmm, not lately enough, but it's okay I love you too."
"Good to know." He whispered and then brought his lips crashing against hers.
**
They lay together that night, a pint of ice cream between them, the radio playing softly in the background. Skylar leaned against his toned and firm chest, a sheet wrapped around her while they ate. "You know I never thought of ice cream after sex." She murmured as he chuckled and kissed the top of her head.
"Yeah me either but when I went to the kitchen it sounded really good." He muttered and then smiled as she shifted, allowing his arm to go around her shoulder, and run up and down the smooth skin of her shoulder.
Thunder cracked loud again and a fork of lightening went across the sky lighting up the dim room. A few candles were lit here and there, but mostly they lay in dim comfort. He took the ice cream and set it on the bedside table, suddenly pinning her down under him. Fingers trailed across his cheeks and gently over his closed eyes up into his hair. "Your touch, God I love it."
"Sirius." She asked as they lay looking at each other, straight in the eyes. "You're never going to leave right?"
Leaning down he kissed the tip of her nose and smiled softly. "Never Sky, I'll be there for you." Arms wound around his neck as he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her mouth.
~*~
Skylar sat upright in bed and wiped the tears from her eyes. That night, that love, that gentle touch.
If your love could be caged
Honey I would hold the key
And conceal it under
The pile of lies you handed me
Getting up she padded down the hallway and was drawn to a slightly cracked door. Opening it gently she saw his figure, asleep in his bed. She could see his still toned and firm build because he slept shirtless, always had and the blankets were pulled up to his mid waist. Gentle tears splashed on the floor in front of his doorway. Skylar choked up and felt the familiar feelings towards him come back. She would always forgive him.
Could you cry a little
Lie just a little
Pretend that your feeling a little more pain
It was hard, her heart wrenched, torn between wanting to strangle him, and wanting to crawl into bed with him and fall asleep in his arms.
So cry just a little for me.
"God Sirius, what have we done?" She murmured to herself and felt her throat constrict again. Instead of following her heart's plea to go in and apologize she turned away and walked from the doorway.
After she had left Sirius sat up and sighed, putting his head in his hands. "Skylar, please stop doing this to yourself, me, us." He stumbled out before laying back down, attempting to go back to sleep.
~Skylar…Dunno what is wrong with her, but you know she's Sky. Anyways uhm next chapter, if there will be a chapter is the insistence of living normally, Zoë has a run in with the Weasley's and Sky has a near faint at the sight of mini prongs. Sirius has the flashback and a big chunk of relative time passes before I can actually get to the good stuff. Remus flashbacks and Ashley acts more like Samantha. Sirius and Skylar fight again and then Harry gets all prima donna. I'm sure the plot will find itself, going into some excellent detail along with Umbridge…that witch. Please review it….because I swear I'm going to finish it but I won't post it unless I get a coupla reviews. So if your still with me here review!~
Anyhow, for those of you that might be reading this…uh some stuff gets cleared up and Zoë has a run in with Molly….and of course the city temper comes out a shade, Ashley is….Ashley and Skylar loses her temper! Another flashback and Skylar being stupid and heartbroken Sirius…
DISCLAIMER: I own none of the familiar characters, settings, places, you know the drill….I do own Zoë and Skylar along w/ Ashley…. Faith Hill owns the lyrics to the song Cry (unless she didn't write them)
Chapter Two: Cry Just a Little
Tonks had quietly led Zoë into the kitchen with the Chinese food in hopes to muffle the inevitable screams. Come they did, just as Zoë sat on the counter with a box of orange chicken. She winced as her mother let loose her temper, something that Zoë took all care to avoid at all times. "They are so in for it now." She muttered.
Tonks laughed and then accidentally dropped a saucepan. It made a rather loud clang and both women winced. "Nymphadora Tonks pleasure to meet you."
"Zoë Kelley." Was the reply after she swallowed. Tonks ran her fingers through her hair several times before she settled on bright orange. Zoë looked at her quite amazed. "That's incredible, you know sometimes I wish I had changed my hair color but then I remember my friend Allista had a nasty problem with the dye and we have the same hair texture so I decided not to." She said eating as she spoke. Tonks smiled and looked over at the girl who had an almost silk sheet of waist length raven hair, much like her father.
However Tonks reviewed the statement in her head and suddenly realized she had no idea what the girl was talking about. Instead of pursuing it she continued to survey Zoë. Suddenly her eyes got wide. Between those pretty manicured nails was a pretty blue jewel looped by silver. "How come I didn't see that jewel before?" She questioned.
Looking at it Zoë jumped a bit before smiling brightly. "Mom and I agree that the chain was super ugly to wear with pretty much anything so she put an invisible charm on it. I never take it off." Was the explanation. Tonks nodded and then looked longingly at the Thai noodles on the table. "They're mine, go for it." Zoë said with a laugh. "So where are we exactly? I mean what part of Chicago are we in?"
Tonks choked on her own air. Looking decidedly nervous she sighed. "You're not exactly in Chicago."
Brushing her hair away Zoë arched a careful eyebrow. This was not sounding too good to the girl who was still massively confused as she blocked out the yelling that was muffled, it having gone into another room. "Okay well where am I then?"
"Twelve Grimmauld Place in England." Zoë dropped her fork. Her eyes were wide, the black liner making them look ten times bigger. Tonks backed away slightly and tried to smile. However it was hard when the girl looked as if she had lost an arm.
Hopping off the counter, she walked dangerously to her. "I'm not in Chicago okay, much more importantly, I'm across the pond!" She shouted incredulously. Tonks closed her eyes and nodded. There was a swishing and when Tonks opened her eyes Zoë was gone out the kitchen door. Scrambling for the door she saw the girl stand on the front porch, tears running down her cheeks. "When I wished that I could meet my dad I didn't ask to be taken into another country." She said and sighed.
MEANWHILE….
Skylar felt her last bit of patience with the three people before her go. Looking at them in person for the first time she saw so much history, so much pain, so much past. But this time they had all gone too far with their ridiculous schemes and paranoia about this ridiculous Dark Lord thing. Skylar knew he was back, yes, that was why she had taken extra care to check the papers and everything. However in any of her plans did it include Ashley Kingsford, Remus Lupin and Sirius Black to break into her apartment and kidnap herself and Zoë!
All three offending members stepped back knowing she was about to let it all go. "What gave you the right? What in the hell made you think it was a smart move to break into my fucking apartment, and kidnap myself and Zoë! What the fuck were all of you thinking? My God I have a life there, Zoë has a life there. But you figure that as if fourteen years distance wasn't a good enough sign you all waltz in and fuck everything up!" She screamed. Ashley smiled sardonically. Remus quietly ushered them into the next room to prevent any listeners.
"Impressive Skylar, really, but we had to." Ashley knew it was a stupid and bold move. Nobody, not even Sirius would mess with Skylar Kelley when she was in a piss poor mood. The short woman suddenly appeared ten feet tall as she stepped forward, hands on her slim hips and eyes holding the fires of hell in them.
"Oh you had to? Does anyone have a better reason? Because I sure as hell don't see the point in dragging Zoë halfway across the damned planet to meet anyone, father included when you could just come in for a quick visit and then talk about it from here. Think about asking me to up and move my entire life back to this godforsaken place? You are all intelligent people so what are the years beginning to eat your brain cells?" Remus had to admit he was highly impressed by the way Skylar was handling herself. This side ten years ago he was positive she would have started throwing things. Seeing her explode into screams was a much more toned down version.
However that was until Sirius stepped forward. "And you would have agreed Skylar? We all know you wouldn't have. I knew you would take Zoë and run. What I didn't think is that you would stay there. But do you honestly think shouting about it is the way to do this? Alright you're here you can't change that, you can't change the past and you can't change what's going on around you." He murmured. Remus and Ashley shared a look. Padfoot was being so cool headed about it, and that was quite amazing.
Skylar did not find it so impressive. Remus and Ashley both knew that and both realized that for now they were in the clear, Sirius worked himself into a pit hole and it was now his turn to get the wrath. "Don't you DARE talk to me about changing things and about responsibility Sirius Black! If you gave one damn about responsibility and about taking care of things you would have stayed that night. Dammit Black! I had every right to leave and I had the right to stay there. Being the fiancé of a world notorious murderer gives me grounds to stay in hiding."
"He's innocent Sky." Remus muttered.
"I know that, Albus sent me an owl years ago." She snapped in reply. "Sirius please, connect with Zoë, get to know her, be her father but don't come near me. You've got too much past with me to think it will work again." Skylar murmured brushing tears from her eyes. Sirius dropped his eyes to the floor before storming out of the room.
Remus finally kneeled before Skylar. "Sky, look at me. It's Remus." He said. She looked up into his eyes and saw the warm brown irises. A sad smile graced her features before throwing her arms around his neck and hugging one of her best friends, not having seen him for fourteen years.
"Well at least we haven't pissed you off that much." Ashley said as she embraced Skylar. "You look fabulous by the way and I love what you've done with Zoë, she's a charm and a half." The women laughed before she realized how much she had missed. Remus and Ashley kissed each other lightly before leading Skylar to the kitchen.
"And just how long have you two been at it?" She asked with a sly grin. Remus turned slightly red while Ashley looked completely unembarrassed.
"About a year? Give or take?" Ashley asked Remus who merely nodded and accepted the cup of tea she handed him, draining half of it in one go. They both sighed and felt a strange silence come over them. It was most likely a good thing, giving Skylar the chance to cool off. Yet it would be weeks before she warmed back up to Sirius.
"So I take it you want Zoë to attend Hogwarts this year?" Skylar asked and earned a smile from Remus. She knew the only way to handle this situation was to suck it up and deal. In her heart she knew they were all right, Zoë carried too heavy of a gift to be protected by just her mom, with bitter regret she knew that was all her fault.
Remus nodded and shook his sandy colored hair from his eyes. "Albus thinks it wise to put Zoë under full attention, this would mean that you also will have to remain under strict protection. Just because Zoë isn't in your reach while she's at school doesn't mean a few death eaters wouldn't love to beat the hell out of you. Look I know its an odd transition. Albus will be at the next meeting and he promised he would have words with you. Also Molly said she'd have her boys and Ginny watch out for her."
The caramel head shot up with wide eyes. Skylar's voice dropped low and almost spilled her coffee everywhere. "Molly Weasley? Dammit Remus you know that woman hates me."
Laughing Ashley kicked her friend lightly under the table. "Not as much as she hasn't forgiven Sirius. It's that whole 'Zoë was born out of wedlock thing' thinks its downright improper." Rolling her eyes Skylar laughed and took a sip of her warm drink, enjoying the feel as it streamed down her throat.
"I'll never forget the day she burst into Three Broomsticks, saw you and I and then went 'You did what! With who! Skylar Kelley I thought I knew you better than to have a baby out of wedlock period, much less with Sirius Black!' Oh she went on about it for three minutes or more, I swear to God I thought I was going to melt off the barstool in a puddle from embarrassment." The woman said, her head in her hands. Zoë's laughter crossed the kitchen as she came up behind her mother and hugged her shoulders.
Ashley however was still laughing hysterically as she remembered the moment whenever Molly Weasley had almost flown into the bar, eyes ablaze and the fires of hell seemingly up in flames around her. After Skylar had helped her deal with the birth of the twins Fred and George through her job as a nurse at the hospital in Diagon Alley they'd become friends. That was until Skylar broke the cardinal rule and had a baby out of wedlock. "Embarrassing but you have to admit it was the funniest thing. I don't think I've ever seen Molly so mad, except for when the twins do something stupid again."
Remus wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and smiled as Zoë sat on the counter. Standing he and Ashley went over to her. "Zoë, I want you to meet two of my best friends from school, Remus Lupin and Ashley Kingsford."
Sirius then entered the kitchen and saw everyone there. Wordlessly he walked across the room and got a cup, pouring tea into it. "Dad come here." Zoë said quietly. Nodding he did as asked and she laughed at his awkwardness. "I'm not going to beat you or anything." He pushed his hair from his eyes and then smiled as she turned him around and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, resting her head on his shoulder. His warm hands came up to her forearms.
"Your mom, she's a hard case to crack." He muttered to her. It was unusual to him, in all of Sirius' thoughts he imagined Skylar being the easy one and Zoë being damned near impossible to reach. Not the other way around.
Shrugging Zoë leaned her head against his. "It's all good she's just pissy, it's the whole going from here to England thing. Really honestly I'm pissed off about that too but I figure there's no use in fighting it."
Sirius smiled and leaned against the counter between her legs. "There's more to it than that, your mom and I have a lot of history." Loosening her arms to look at him she sighed.
"I know, I guess I just grew up with these happy fantasies that when my parents finally did find each other you know, they'd do that whole romantic movie kiss and everything would be perfect again. I never expected them to not even be in love." Sirius pushed a strand of hair from his daughter's eyes and grinned.
"I still love your mom. I don't know about her though, I've put her through a lot, you know when I left, then she had to raise you single handedly which I'm sure wasn't easy, you have my blood and then all of the sudden she's here. But I still love her, and wouldn't take any other woman in my life." Zoë smiled and pressed a kiss to her father's cheek before looking up at her mom. The look on her face was confusing, happy, upset, angry, and jealous all at the same time. Zoë knew that her mother thought that Zoë would have a hard time adjusting to her father.
There was a knock at the front door. "That'll be Molly!" Ashley said.
"And all of her kids." Skylar added without much enthusiasm.
Zoë giggled from where she was as her father tied knots in her hair. "Mom don't be so negative, just chill for once okay? I'm sure whoever it is can't be bad."
"Well I'm glad to see your adjusting well." Was the scathing reply. Zoë sat upright and shot her a sharp look. Mother and daughter were disagreeing for the first time in their lives.
"That was uncalled for mom. Just because I'm making the best of this situation doesn't mean I'm any happier about it. I'm just glad I finally got to meet my father, because it's obvious by your screaming match that you had no intention of me ever meeting him if you could help it." Was the smart reply. Sirius tensed and felt awful. He didn't want to cause this fight, he certainly didn't want to be a part of it.
Skylar shot him a look to kill before standing up. "Zoë Kelley don't you dare speak to me in that tone of voice. And don't bring your father into this. I would have, I promised you when I told you I would." They both let out huffs before turning away and then glaring at each other. Zoë suddenly stuck her tongue out at her mother. It was a battle tactic she often used to end a fight.
The woman couldn't help it, she burst into laughter and then made her way to Zoë who hopped off the counter. They hugged each other tightly before looking over at Sirius whom was hiding his amused look. "Come on mom I don't care if your pissed, at least be civil." Zoë muttered under her breath to her mom just as the kitchen door burst open. The raven haired girl stood in stupor as an entire clan of read headed people trooped into the room. All of them fair skinned and freckled, in the lead a pleasantly plump woman wearing a multi colored jumper and a searching look.
Before Zoë knew what was happening she was caught up in a hug from this strange woman. Over the woman's shoulder she shot a distress look to both of her parents who only shrugged hopelessly and shared a similar glare before turning away. Rolling her eyes Zoë coughed, they were acting like ten year olds. Pulling back Zoë met eye with the woman's. "Heavens child does your mother not feed you?" She asked pulling a sharp look at Skylar who did not hesitate to return it.
"Mom? What the hell did you do to piss everyone off?" The woman next to her jumped.
"Now, now, under this roof we do not accept language like that miss Zoë. My the last time I saw you, you were just a baby, now your all grown up and that makeup, wash it off, wash it off right now." Zoë tried to smile but this woman just did not go over well on her.
"Zoë, this is Molly Weasley, a member of the order your mother told you about." Sirius murmured, hoping Skylar had at least told the girl that much.
"Molly," Zoë interjected, careful not to be cold. "The only people who will give Zoë orders around her will be Sirius or I, we are her parents."
Opened mouthed, Molly looked for words to counter it but found none. "Look at the child! She's wearing more black on her eyes than she is on her body." Zoë's mouth opened indignantly.
"Mrs. Weasley I don't want to get on bad terms with you, but this is how I wear my makeup and I don't change for anyone." Zoë murmured and saw her father hold in a laugh of disbelief. Molly Weasley finally sighed defeated and then smiled.
"Well at least let me cook something for you." Zoë's eyes lit up.
"That you definitely can do, mom can't cook anything for the life of her." Skylar rolled her eyes and tugged her daughters hair while Sirius laughed. Remus also held in his mirth as Skylar turned red.
Sitting down at the table Ashley rolled her eyes. "Well some things never change. You're mother never could cook for shit."
Zoë sat down across from her and smiled as Ashley hid all evidence that she had been smoking a cigarette outside, in her hand a glass of scotch. Catching the look the blonde woman slid the glass across to her and allowed Zoë to drink from it before she slid it back. "You know I think we're going to get along great. You remind me of Samantha from Sex and the City." Zoë remarked. Skylar nodded before hearing the outburst.
"Mum you did see that right? I mean Ashley let her drink scotch right from the glass!" A boy muttered in shock, he was standing next to a boy identical to him.
Zoë laughed and felt her sudden power come back. "I'm well practiced." She replied smartly him.
"Sky?" Sirius asked. "Let me take a guess."
Skylar drained her coffee before accepting the drink from Ashley. "Oh she definitely takes after you. I'd stop her but she's never been in trouble, she's never done anything stupid, and besides she'd definitely turn my Hogwarts years against me." Remus, Ashley, Skylar and Sirius all starting laughing, remembering their good escapades with the parties and the bottle.
"Well there won't be any of it under this roof. I put my foot down on that." Molly said.
Skylar was quick to agree. "Rightly so, I don't want my daughters bad habits to cross over to your children."
Molly gave an undignified noise at the sarcastic comment before finally turning away from the stove. "So who are they?" The other twin asked.
"This is Skylar Kelley, one of my best friends from school." Ashley said with a smile slinging and arm around the shorter woman's shoulder
Sirius placed his hands on Zoë's shoulders. "And this is Zoë Kelley, my daughter. Zoë, I'd like you to meet all of the Weasley offspring going in age order, Bill the eldest, then Charlie, then the twins Fred and George, Ron and Ginny is the youngest. You fall between Ron and Fred and George. Ron will be a fifth year and the twins will be seventh."
All of the Weasley children but especially Ron looked from her to Skylar to Sirius slack jawed. "Sirius you never mentioned you had a daughter." Bill said looking at him quite surprised.
Sirius shrugged and watched as Zoë looked around at the cramped kitchen. "Where's Tonks?"
"Upstairs getting your things sorted, you'll be staying here for a while. I'll show you the rooms." Remus said and Zoë was quick to get up and follow him out, once there she let out a sigh of relief. "It's cramped I know."
"Wow, so many people."
"Yes and that's not the whole flow of them either." Zoë tried to hide her surprised expression as they stopped before an open door where Tonks was, setting Zoë's things up.
"Zoë! I'll just leave you to this then, I don't know where everything goes, especially all of your clothes." She said and smiled following Remus out back downstairs.
Zoë began putting her things away, a pair headphones on playing The Starting Line. Looking up she saw her mother lean on the door frame. "I'm really sorry Zoë. I know your mad at me for not telling you, and I know your upset that you've been removed completely from your life in Chicago. Remus told me that they erased the memories of your friends and Kittyhall has been informed that you will be transferred over to Hogwarts."
"It's not all that." She said pushing a tear from her eyes. "I know you can't help that and I was quite frankly expecting it ever since dad escaped. But mom it is dad, it's just, I don't understand why you're so mad at him. I mean I'm pissed that he left us but don't you think you'd have been thrown in prison too? Maybe its for the better that he did what he did. I dunno mom we connect, I think it's because we're a lot alike. I don't get why you're so mad, I'm sure you have your reasons but please don't give up on him. He really loves you." Skylar strode across the room and pushed the raven sheets from Zoë's face. She kissed her forehead and smiled sadly.
"I can't erase or change the past Zoë, but it still stings." It was a chilly thought in Zoë's mind. "Good night Zoë." And with that Skylar shut the door. Padding down the hall she went into her own room and shut the door. Finally she was able to sit in the middle of the floor and cry, like she had wanted to do for not just the past few hours, but for the past fourteen years. Curling up in a ball in the center of her bed, wearing a pair of track shorts and a tank she fell asleep a dream from her past greeting her.
~*~
Skylar Kelley walked through the streets of Diagon Alley, enjoying the lovely weather. Oddly enough it was overcast and threatening to rain. Thunderstorms were her favorite weather she thought to herself as she walked towards her flat that she shared with Sirius. It had only been a week of living with him and already they were like an old married couple, arguing about small things and then making up a few minutes later.
All in all living with him was pleasurable, he made the every day routine much more amusing. Something new every morning, from stepping into the shower with her, resulting in her being late for work, cooking her breakfast which to her surprise was extremely good, and leaving notes on the mirror for mornings he had to get up and meet James early. The roses he left all over the flat. It was a pleasant thing to have around.
Opening the door she set her bags down and laughed as she felt a pair of hands slide across her hips. "You're home early."
"Thought we could enjoy the thunderstorm together, together." Laughing she stepped away. Handing him a bag he looked at it, shaking his hair from his face.
"Well it isn't storming yet and before you even think about shutting that bedroom door you can help me put these away." Rolling his eyes he mock saluted, setting the bag on the counter and taking out the groceries, stocking the small kitchen. She was putting a few things up in the living room, a few books she had gotten and also the dress she had picked up from having altered at the tailors. "Don't forget we have that ridiculous high and fancy congratulations graduates party tomorrow night."
Sirius rolled his eyes, the Kingsford family loved to throw huge parties and events, and there was nothing better than spoiling their daughter Ashley. So they were killing two birds with one stone and holding a huge gala for their graduating class and their friends and family as a congratulations for graduating. "We left three weeks ago but whatever." He muttered and finished putting up the bag.
"I know but just deal okay? She's one of our best friends and I promise you'll like my dress." She added coming up to him and taking off her jacket. He removed it from her hands and tossed it on the couch. Thunder rolled outside and the rain came pouring down.
His lips were dangerously close to hers as he leaned in, dipping her back. "It's officially storming Skylar." He said before kissing her softly and pulling back. "And I've done what you've asked of me."
"Alright Mr. Black you've got the whole night." She said and laughed as he slid his hands down her backside and lifted her up, letting her legs go around his waist.
"You have great legs you know." He said kissing her again, carrying her into their room.
Leaning down she let her fingers dive into his wonderfully long, silky, clean hair. "You've told me before. And several times before that." Smiling he dropped her on their bed and then shut the curtains as thunder rolled loud and clear again, lightning flashing outside.
"Have I told you I love you lately?" He muttered and saw her smile increase as his fingers worked at the buttons on her shirt.
Kissing him gently again she giggled as he ran his fingers across the lace of her bra. "Hmm, not lately enough, but it's okay I love you too."
"Good to know." He whispered and then brought his lips crashing against hers.
**
They lay together that night, a pint of ice cream between them, the radio playing softly in the background. Skylar leaned against his toned and firm chest, a sheet wrapped around her while they ate. "You know I never thought of ice cream after sex." She murmured as he chuckled and kissed the top of her head.
"Yeah me either but when I went to the kitchen it sounded really good." He muttered and then smiled as she shifted, allowing his arm to go around her shoulder, and run up and down the smooth skin of her shoulder.
Thunder cracked loud again and a fork of lightening went across the sky lighting up the dim room. A few candles were lit here and there, but mostly they lay in dim comfort. He took the ice cream and set it on the bedside table, suddenly pinning her down under him. Fingers trailed across his cheeks and gently over his closed eyes up into his hair. "Your touch, God I love it."
"Sirius." She asked as they lay looking at each other, straight in the eyes. "You're never going to leave right?"
Leaning down he kissed the tip of her nose and smiled softly. "Never Sky, I'll be there for you." Arms wound around his neck as he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her mouth.
~*~
Skylar sat upright in bed and wiped the tears from her eyes. That night, that love, that gentle touch.
If your love could be caged
Honey I would hold the key
And conceal it under
The pile of lies you handed me
Getting up she padded down the hallway and was drawn to a slightly cracked door. Opening it gently she saw his figure, asleep in his bed. She could see his still toned and firm build because he slept shirtless, always had and the blankets were pulled up to his mid waist. Gentle tears splashed on the floor in front of his doorway. Skylar choked up and felt the familiar feelings towards him come back. She would always forgive him.
Could you cry a little
Lie just a little
Pretend that your feeling a little more pain
It was hard, her heart wrenched, torn between wanting to strangle him, and wanting to crawl into bed with him and fall asleep in his arms.
So cry just a little for me.
"God Sirius, what have we done?" She murmured to herself and felt her throat constrict again. Instead of following her heart's plea to go in and apologize she turned away and walked from the doorway.
After she had left Sirius sat up and sighed, putting his head in his hands. "Skylar, please stop doing this to yourself, me, us." He stumbled out before laying back down, attempting to go back to sleep.
~Skylar…Dunno what is wrong with her, but you know she's Sky. Anyways uhm next chapter, if there will be a chapter is the insistence of living normally, Zoë has a run in with the Weasley's and Sky has a near faint at the sight of mini prongs. Sirius has the flashback and a big chunk of relative time passes before I can actually get to the good stuff. Remus flashbacks and Ashley acts more like Samantha. Sirius and Skylar fight again and then Harry gets all prima donna. I'm sure the plot will find itself, going into some excellent detail along with Umbridge…that witch. Please review it….because I swear I'm going to finish it but I won't post it unless I get a coupla reviews. So if your still with me here review!~