Sirius was a great friend, and her time at Grimmauld Place went quickly.  Spring arrived before she knew what had happened.  As March ended, London was blessed with a break in the weather – a beautiful day dawned, clear and warm. 

           That evening, Andaxia found herself sitting on the front stoop, gazing up at the stars.  The moon was bright, three days from reaching full.  She was protected by one of her own Über-Charms – she would receive warning if anyone from outside attempted to approach her, Muggle or wizard.  But for all appearances, she was not at peace.  Confusion tore at her; the time had come to reach a decision.

           "Beautiful evening."  Andaxia was startled by Remus' voice.  Visiting for a few days, he had just joined her in sitting on the stoop.  She muttered under her breath, reminding herself to add a provision in her charm to warn her of those arriving from inside Grimmauld Place.  In spite of the surprise, though, she was pleased to see Remus. 

           "Yes it is.  Nice night for pondering great mysteries of the human heart," she replied.

           "My, you are poetic tonight.  Care to share what is bothering you?"

           She darted the question.  "How is the Wolfsbane Potion working?"

           "As well as ever."  He grinned mischievously.  "You won't dismiss me that easily."

           She shrugged.  "Well, it was worth a shot."  She smiled thoughtfully.  "Actually, I am glad to see you – I do need to talk to someone.  Care for a walk?"  She gestured toward the street.

           "As you wish."  He rose and followed her.  They walked for several blocks in silence, enjoying the warm air and the sound of the crickets.  Finally, Remus queried, "So, what's on your mind?"

           "Hmm, what's the best way to start?"  she pondered.  "Oh hell – Remus, you promise not to make fun of me?"

          "Of course I . . ."

          "I'll slap you hard if you do," she quickly added.

           He appeared shocked at the very notion.  "Of course I won't – you should know that!"

           She grabbed his hand.  "Dear Remus, I do know – I'm sorry, I'm very scatterbrained right now."  She looked around for a moment, and then plunged in.  "Okay, here goes . . ." Taking a deep breath, she began.  "I'm in love with two men, and the time has come for me to choose.  I cannot keep pursuing them both – it is too draining for me and unfair to them.  Herein lies my conundrum; I've no idea which to choose."  Remus started to interrupt, but she held her hand up towards him.  "No, please, I need to get this out."  He fell silent again, nodding in understanding.

           She sighed, and then continued.  "On the one hand, I have a man that is difficult to deal with, but one I have been attracted to for over two years, despite all my reservations.  We share many of the same interests, talents, and passions.  However, I know that he is a wounded man, and has trouble with his emotions.  But in spite of this, I feel he could be my soulmate . . ." her voice trailed off.

           "And the other?" Remus prompted.

           "Yes, sorry.  The other is Sirius, as you have probably already guessed.  With him, I had an instant connection.  The bad part to him is his rashness – he is quick in everything he does – quick to anger, quick to judge, quick to change his mind.  That would be a difficult thing for me to become accustomed."  Exasperated, she moaned, "Oh, I just don't know what to do!"  She looked at Remus in despair.

          Remus thought for a moment.  "You say you feel this first man is to be your soulmate?"  Andaxia nodded.  "What is his name?"

          "That I will not reveal.  I know you would favor Sirius – he is your friend of course, and the name of the other . . . well, I do not think that is important.  That is my little secret," she smiled devilishly.

          "I understand."  They walked on in silence for a while, both of them thinking.  Finally, Remus stopped her.  "I think the best advice I can give you is to look deep inside your heart.  Yes, the other may be your soulmate, but what if he never figures that out?  I would hate to see you spend your youth chasing someone who may never reciprocate your feelings.  I agree that Sirius can be troublesome at times," he smiled ruefully, "but I know personally that he cares deeply for you."

          Andaxia rubbed her chin, her face inscrutable.  "Whatever decision I make, I will follow it with no regrets and no reconsidering.  This decision will be final, and I will make it with a clear conscience."

          Remus grinned.  "Just like you – forge ahead and never look back."

          Andaxia returned the smile.  "Thank you, I really needed to talk about this.  You're a great friend, Remus."  She hugged him affectionately.  "Let's head back before we're missed."

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          She was very quiet the next day, keeping herself hidden in her room as she thought about her choice.  She reflected on what Remus had said, and what she felt for each man.  Finally, she made her decision.  Smiling determinedly, she joined the others for dinner.

          Sirius beamed when he saw her and motioned her to sit beside him.  She silently shook her head and mouthed "Later."  He nodded in confusion as she joined Remus at the table.  Tonks and Bill were also over this evening, discussing how things were going in the Ministry of Magic.  Andaxia listened thoughtfully, wondering when she would be allowed to play a more active role for the Order.  She felt like a racehorse being held at the gate, champing at the bit.

          Bill left shortly after dinner, with errands to run.  Tonks asked Andaxia about the situation at Hogwarts.  Andaxia hadn't really noticed anything, but reminded her that she had been away from the school for a while.

          "You really want to help out more, don't you?" Tonks said candidly.

          Andaxia stiffened.  "Am I that transparent?"

          Tonks yawned.  "Nope, but it was pretty obvious at dinner by how your eyes glazed over in longing when Bill and I talked about our 'noble exploits'."  She smiled.  "You'll get your chance, don't worry."  She yawned again.  "I really must get going."

          "As must I," stated Remus as he met Andaxia's face with a knowing look.  She gave him a slight smile and a curt nod.  As they departed, she headed for the main parlor, taking a seat on the sofa and gazing into the fire.

          She heard Sirius' footsteps as he gracefully walked into the room, coming to a stop behind her.  His warm, rough hands embraced the nape of her neck, sliding down to massage her shoulders.  She felt the tension melt away under his gentle touch.  After several minutes, she returned to her senses and pulled away, shifting her body to face him.

          "What's wrong, Daxy?" he asked, using his favorite nickname for her.

          "Sit down; I have something I need to discuss with you."

          "Sure!"  He backed up, and then sprung over the sofa, landing with a big smile, lopsided grin on his face.  She almost laughed as he sat looking at her like a lovable lost puppy.  He grabbed her hand and began covering it in kisses.  "Yes, what can I do for you, my queen, my lady, my princess," he said with exaggerated flair.  Annoyed, she jerked her hand away, crying, "This is important!  Can't you be serious?"

          He looked at her, all trace of humor having disappeared.  Deadpan, he said, "I am Sirius."  She couldn't help it – she lost all of her control in a burst of laughter.  He resumed the lopsided grin and stared at her patiently.

          Regaining her composure, she inhaled and looked him in the eye.  As she put her thoughts in order, all signs of merriment vanished from her features.  Sirius, seeing the change, turned solemn as well, eyes intense.

          "Sirius, I have something very important to discuss with you.  I have given this a lot of deep thought, and I need this time to explain my decision."  He nodded silently. She went straight to the point.  "Remus tells me you have feelings for me – that you care for me – and that these feelings run deeper than those of a mere friend."  He turned his head away, a faint blush shading his cheeks upon hearing this spoken aloud.  "Don't be ashamed.  I feel the same way about you.  I think I have since the day we first met."  He turned back to her, searching her face and finding she spoke the truth.  He moved to hold her hand again, but she pulled it away.  "Please Sirius, let me finish."  He let his hand drop on his lap.  "There is another, however, that I share these feelings with.  I believe I love this other man too."  He slumped, dejected.  Andaxia looked down, and continued.  "I have been weighing this decision for some time, and now I have made my choice.  I have known that whomever I chose would receive all of my love, and I would have no regrets.  I believe I will be truly happy with this man."

          Sirius rose, his face sad.  "Why tell me this?" he said bitterly.  "Why?"

          She also rose.  In a commanding voice, she said, "No, Sirius, you misunderstand."  He locked eyes with her again.  "I have chosen you.  I love you, Sirius."

          Shocked, he collapsed back onto the sofa.  Grinning, she sat beside him and grabbed his hand.  "What did you just say?" he asked, bewildered.

          "I love you, Sirius," she repeated, still grinning.

          "You chose me?" he clarified.  She nodded, eyes sparkling.  He finally overcame his surprise and returned her smile.  "My beautiful Daxy," he said, running his hand through her hair.  "I love you so much.  You have brought so much light into my life – into this cold dark life."

          "Oh, Sirius."  She allowed him to embrace her, melting against his warm body.  "You think I am a light?  You have been one of the most wonderful people I have ever met.  You are beautiful both inside and out, with a loyal and giving heart.  And most importantly, you make me laugh, which I know is not an easy feat."  She offered him a slight smile.  "I thank you for falling in love with me."  She stroked his haggard, thin face.  "We need to get you filled out; you are too thin," she teased.

          He moved his hand to her face, mimicking her actions.  He traced a finger down her cheek and back up to her lips.  "But you are just right."  He bent toward her, eyes closing.  She hesitated for just a second, thought to herself "No regrets", and surrendered, leaning forward to meet him.  A shock went down her spine as they kissed.  She broke away.

          "Did you feel that?" she whispered.

          "Oh yeah," he grinned.  "I say we repeat the experience," he said mischievously.

          "And I agree."

          As they embraced a second time, she realized this was the real magic, not charms, spells, and incantations.  The fact that two people from completely different backgrounds could be so compatible and feel the same way about each other was indeed a special gift.

          As Sirius lay her down on the sofa, he gently removed her clothes as she removed his.  "Are you scared?" he asked.

          "Yes, a little," she admitted.  "But I'm with you – that's all I need to overcome that fear."

          He kissed her nose.  "My sweet Daxy."  As their bodies meshed into one, she realized she was the happiest she had ever been.

          She awoke the next morning to the sound of Kreacher muttering under his breath.  "My Mistress would hate seeing her abominable son cavorting with Muggle sluts.  Oh, she would be so angry."

          "Go away Kreacher," Sirius ordered, entering the room.  "Why don't you clean something for a change?"

          'Oh, Master makes mean jokes at Kreacher's expense," he mumbled.

          "Please go away," Andaxia said.  Kreacher gave her a nasty look, and then bowed.  "Yes, Kreacher will go, for my Master's lady."  He shuffled out of the room, mumbling obscenities.

          "Wake up, my sunshine.  We have a busy day ahead of us," Sirius cajoled. 

          "Ugh, yeah," she groaned.  "The meeting is today," she remembered.

          "That's right, Daxy.  The shower is already set for you."

          She tried to blink the sleepers out of her eyes, still groggy.  "Um, yeah, shower . . ." she yawned.  ". . . wake me up."

          Sirius tweaked her nose, gave her a quick peck on the cheek, and left the room.  She stared at the wall, slowly coming to awareness.  Remembering what had occurred last night, she grinned.  She had made the right choice; she knew it in her heart.

          After her shower, she joined Sirius in the dining room, where he had prepared a large breakfast.  She raised an eyebrow.  "We are expecting guests anytime," he said in answer to her unspoken question.  As if on cue, there was a gentle knock on the door.  She went to answer it, welcoming a sleepy Tonks, a jovial Molly, and Remus, who smiled upon seeing the gleam in her eyes.  She lightly punched him on the shoulder as they headed to breakfast.

          People dropped by throughout the day.  Sirius and Molly worked in the kitchen, preparing lunch while she, Remus, and Tonks set up the meeting room.  The day passed swiftly.  Shacklebolt, Mundungus, and Dedalus came together, followed by a grim McGonagall.  Andaxia greeted everyone warmly, in a great mood.  As the time for the meeting approached, she and Sirius took their seats.  Remus sat on her other side, and she again punched him in the shoulder when he gave her another knowing look.

          Sirius started telling her lame jokes as the rest of the Order filed in.  She nodded to Dumbledore as he entered, then turned back to Sirius as he gave the punch line.  She laughed merrily and glanced back at the doorway just as Snape entered.  He stopped where he was, staring at her.  Her smile slowly faded as she also stared.  She hadn't seen him since their argument over the potion, and she hadn't realized how much she had missed him.  Snape's face was inscrutable as he glanced at her seating companions.  She searched his face, trying to decipher any emotion.  On the periphery of her vision, she was aware of people beginning to stare, and she looked down, breaking the connection.  When she had lifted her head a moment later, Snape had taken his seat somewhere in the back of the room.

          "What's wrong, Andaxia?  You're pale," asked Remus.

          "It was Snape who had you upset when you got here – I knew it," Sirius ranted.  He began to rise, but was stopped by Andaxia's hand on his knee. 

          "No," she ordered.  "You will remain seated and not embarrass me."  He noted her aggravated face and immediately sat down.  "Thank you," she said.   To herself, she mumbled, "Stupid, stupid.  Of course he would be here."

          The meeting went smoothly.  Shacklebolt had good news from the Ministry, and McGonagall reported the happenings at Hogwarts.  Dumbledore mentioned Dumbledore's Army, and Andaxia saw the pride on Sirius' face when he heard about his godson's exploits.  When Snape presented his report, she kept her head bowed, not ready to look him in the eye again. 

          The meeting adjourned, and she headed for the door, wanting to escape as quickly as possible.  However, her way was blocked by several wizards holding a discussion right in front of the exit.  From the corner of her eye, she saw Snape making his way toward her.  "Here we go," she breathed.

          "Andaxia, may I see you in private for a moment?" asked Dumbledore, who had come up behind her.

          "Certainly, Professor," she said, careful to not show the relief she felt at the timely interruption.  As Dumbledore directed her towards a small closet, she noticed Snape had stopped in place, looking upset.  However, she forgot all about Snape when Dumbledore told her his information.

          "How are you doing, Andaxia?" he asked.  "Frankly, your letter worried me some."

          She gave him a broad smile.  "I am the best I have ever been, sir!"  He looked at her over his half-moon glasses and gave her a slight smile as he saw she told the truth.  Back to business, she asked, "What did you want to talk to me about?"

          "I have a special job for you," he said without preamble.  "One of our contacts has learned of a Death Eater meeting place, about fifty miles north of here and near the Malfoy Manor.  It is in a rural area, pastures and light woods.  There is a herd of wild horses that roam throughout the area."  She could see where this was headed.

          "You need me to spy on this area.  As a horse Animagus, I would blend in with the wild horses easily."

          He smiled, "No one can accuse you of not being quick.  Yes, that is exactly what I need you to do.  You will report to me, and I will present your information at the meetings, to keep your Animagus ability secret."

          She was elated – she was finally going to be taking an active role in the Order!  She almost hugged Dumbledore in her excitement, but settled for a hearty handshake.  "Thank you so much for this chance, Professor.  I will do my best and prove that I am capable of your trust."

          He smiled, a twinkle in his eyes.  "You have already proven yourself.  You would not have this opportunity if I did not already trust you implicitly.  Congratulations, our newest spy."  He smiled again, and then left.

          She remained in the closet for a moment, digesting what Dumbledore had told her.  Could things possibly get any better?  A huge grin on her face, she bounded out to find Sirius, not even realizing Snape had already left.