Disclaimer: all I own are my OC's and some of the plot. I am so sick of writing these.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Do you know where we have to go?" Lily asked as she tried catching up to James. He was walking ridiculously fast and he and Lily were way ahead of everyone else.

"Yes, it said Dumbledore's office, remember?" He was in such a hurry to get there that Lily had to walk twice as fast just to keep in time with his long strides.

"Will you slow down." She pleaded. She was starting to run out of breath. He stopped and waited for her to catch up. His step was slower and they were walking side by side up the pathway to their former school. They stopped at the entrance.

"Shouldn't we wait?" she asked as she saw the other four straggle up the pathway, trying to keep up. He nodded and put his hands on his hips.

"Will you lot hurry up!" he shouted, frustrated. He couldn't wait to get inside the building. It had been four years since he had last seen it, the day he proposed to Lily at graduation. The place had an aura about it, one that brought out the best in him. When they attended he was almost like a celebrity with his Quidditch glory and Head Boy status. Just standing in front of it seemed to transform him, from twenty-two to eighteen again. He was impatient and began to fidget, acting as though he would be waiting for all eternity unless they hurried up.

Lily looked at him. It was almost like wiping away years off their lives. She felt it too. She was angry before, but her bitterness faded at his childish movements and adolescent demeanor. She felt like laughing. She wanted to grab him and pull him to her forcefully, if only for a second recapture everything that had been lost. She wanted to be eighteen again, if only for a second.

Sirius, Remus, Nicole and Diana finally got to the end of the pathway. When they were finished panting they looked up at Hogwarts and smiled. Remus hugged Nicole as tightly as ever, while Sirius looked away from his wife. Lily saw this and grabbed Diana's hand. She smiled and they walked inside first. James hurriedly followed with Nicole and Remus right behind him. They never let go of each other's hands. Sirius straggled behind with his hands in his pockets.

As they walked they scanned the inside of the school in awe. They remembered exactly where to go. While they attended they spent quite a bit of time in Dumbledore's office.

They looked eagerly at all of the children running past them, none of them stopping to notice the six strangers. There were Gryffindors and Ravenclaws, Slytherins and Hufflepuffs, each one wearing the robes that defined their character. They were on their way to their respective common rooms. It was time for lunch in the great hall. Smiles crept across their faces. Even Sirius smirked at the sight of a Gryffindor boy slipping a dung bomb into another little girl's cauldron. His grin became wider as he heard it explode and a scream permeate the halls. "I'll get you for that!" he heard her say. Then he looked at Diana. She was looking behind her at the noise, laughing with Lily. She caught Sirius' eyes and tried to smile. He then looked the other way. They rounded the corridor and made there way to the teacher's wing.

"It's exactly the same." Remus said, as they approached the office of their old headmaster.

"I know. But why do I feel like I'm about to get in trouble?" James asked. He was fidgeting even more.

"Maybe because when you came here you usually were in trouble." Lily said, still clutching Diana's hand. "And will you stop that. You look as though you have to go to the bathroom or something." Lily told him.

"Sorry." He became steady. "Hey, hold on. Did the letter give a password?"

The thought just hit all of them at that moment.

"Of course, a password." Remus said, shocked at himself for forgetting such a crucial necessity. "Well now how are we going to get in there now?"

No less than five seconds later they heard hurried footsteps coming down the hall. It was Minerva McGonagal, deputy headmistress, Head of Gryffindor house and their old Transfiguration teacher. She stopped when she saw them. She simply looked at them with her usual straitlaced glare.

"You're late!" she spat. "We have been waiting at least ten minutes for you. You are the last to arrive."

"So we're not the only ones who have been called here?" James asked.

"Is that what you thought Mr. Potter? Well I'm sorry to inform you that it is indeed, not the case. He hasn't started yet so I suggest you six get up there as soon as possible."

"Um." Diana actually started to raise her hand.

"Yes, Miss Renton what is it?" McGonagal said, shaking her head.

"We don't know the password." She feebly spoke; she didn't like feeling like she was twelve again.

"Oh yes I completely forgot to write it in the letter, didn't I? Well no matter." She said. She turned around and faced the office entrance. "Fizzing Whizbees." She sighed. James and Sirius chuckled and looked at one another. Everyone else just rolled their eyes at their immaturity.

"Wait, wait!" they heard a squeaky voice behind them call. They turned around and to their astonishment saw Peter hurrying towards them, panting uncontrollably.

"Peter?" Lily asked, and the three girls looked oddly at each other.

"Ah, Mr. Pettigrew." McGonagal sighed. "I figured you would be tardy as well. No matter, hurry now, all of you."

"Nice to see you Wormtail." James said, patting Peter on the back. Peter nodded and smiled at all of them in turned.

"All the Marauders are here." Remus said, fondly and gave a smirk to each of them.

They each climbed up the stairs looking at one another. They had no idea what to expect from this sudden call back to Hogwarts.

James and Lily entered first and were startled to see sixth other individuals there. Everyone crowded into the room with Professor McGonagal being the last. She took her place next to Dumbledore.

"Ah, I see that our usual stragglers have arrived at last. It's wonderful to see you all." Dumbledore spoke, as he nodded at the lot of slightly nervous former students.

"Hello Professor." They each said, not quite all at once.

"Now, enough formalities. Let me get to the point of this rather sudden meeting. I am delighted that you all were able to attend on such short notice. I will take the liberty of introducing everyone, although I am sure you all know each other. It will make things easier." Dumbledore started pointing to the people in front of him. He paused after each name. "Mundungus Fletcher, Alastor Moody, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Frank Longbottom, Alice Ferguson, Dedalus Diggle, Marlene McKinnon, Emmeline Vance..." he took a deep breath. There were quite a lot of people that he managed to squeeze into his office. Some of them looked calmer than others to be there.

".. Benjy Fenwick, Edgar Bones, Sturgis Podmore, Caradoc Dearborn, Hagrid, Elphias Doge, Fabian and Gideon Prewett..."

Needless to say they were surprised yet comforted by the fact that Hagrid was there. He nodded and smiled at them, excited and nervous as the rest of them.

"....my brother Aberforth..." he continued. Many people stopped and gave quick glances to the man Dumbledore refered to as his 'brother'. They had no idea Dumbledore had a brother, and they all wondered how similar the two could possibly be. They were similar in appearance, both having long white beards and elegant robes, but Dumbledore had that certain twinkle in his eye that Aberforth seemed to be lacking.

"...and Dorcas Meadowes."

He made his way to the back. "Remus Lupin, Nicole Portman, Peter Pettigrew, Lily Evans Potter, James Potter, Diana Renton Black, and Sirius Black."

Everyone looked at each other. Alice was utterly relieved when she saw Lily and Diana. No one spoke out of nervousness. Everyone however, did know each other, whether it was from Hogwarts or their occupations. Some were surprised and some were uncomfortable. They all, however, were nervous. They still didn't know the purpose of this meeting.

"Now then." Dumbledore spoke. "Let us get to the reason that you are here. As you all know, there is a war going on inside our world. The Dark Arts have virtually taken over our society, although some won't admit it. We have to recognize the problem and try to repair it as soon as possible. The attempts of the Ministry are futile, and the war has become too public. Propaganda pollutes our periodicals and has made people afraid, when our goal is to remain calm in such situations. We are to fight against the powers of evil and those who desire world domination. Now this fighting is not necessarily in combat, although many of you are, in fact Aurors. At this moment I will not unmask you. That is purely coincidence, however.

"This meeting was called as a last resort. I do not choose to get involved any longer with the pain and tragedy that comes with what I am about to ask you. Instead I leave it up to all of you. In all my years here I cannot think of any others who I trust more than all of you. You have all, in the past shown me great loyalty, and in return I give you great responsibility. It is your choice whether or not you join me, I am asking a great deal. This is not an army, I will never tell you to kill others to bring peace. It can be achieved in other ways. Whether or not you kill is entirely up to you.

"What I am proposing is a chance to take part in a very secret mission, an Order if you will. Its purpose, to summarize, is to bring down the Dark Arts. That is, the symbol that seems to permanently illuminate the skies of both muggles and wizards. The symbol of Voldomort. Do you all understand?"

They were in shock. Some shuddered at the mention of Voldomort's name, while others remained unfazed. Every one of them had no idea what to think or say. Do they say yes? Do they refuse? The only person who even attempted to speak was Lily, and she was incredibly cautious in phrasing her words carefully.

"I just have a question professor." Lily stuttered.

"Yes Miss Evans?" he understandingly replied.

"Why us? I mean, surly there are other wizards, ones with more talent, more experience, who are.."

"Older?" he smiled.

"Well..yes. What I mean is, we haven't exactly been out here too long. We're not even in our mid twenties. We haven't really experienced anything this catastrophic yet. What makes us so extraordinary?" she was baffled. Never in all her years could she have ever expected something this huge to be put on a silver platter in front of her. It was a tremendous responsibility and she wanted his reasons as to why it was given to them.

"I know all to well what makes each of you extraordinary. And I think you do as well." He eyed Lily carefully. She shuddered. "So then, who will join me? I am sorry but we have limited time, and I can't give any to you to think it over."

They all just looked at each other; none of them knew what to say. If only someone would speak first.

"I will!" Everyone turned to see Lily and James quickly look at each other. They had both said it at the exact same time.

Then all of them stood up and pledged their allegiance to Dumbledore and swore to honor the Order. When they were all finished even McGonagal was smiling.

"Excellent!" Dumbledore spoke with joy. "I am incredibly relieved." Everyone was smiling now, each one jitterier than the other.

"Now, I must say to you all one thing. If, for any reason one of you, or more than one, perishes while a member of this Order, you will have to be replaced. The Order is continuous and only this number of people shall participate. When the number, if ever, reaches very few, then the Order will have to go on hiatus, until others are chosen. Eventually all of you will be replaced. Some will die in the midst of all this, and some later in life. This Order is ancient and dates back to the time of our very own Hogwarts founders. It is, for lack of a better word, a secret society, one in which the name of can never be uttered around non-members. You will each have your own duties that I will assign to you, and know that you are a member of this Order until death. Have I made myself clear?"

Everyone nodded.

"Professor?" Nicole asked. He nodded.

"What, exactly is this called? I mean how are we supposed to utter the same of a society that we don't even know?"

"Excellent question Miss Portman. The name comes from a very dear friend of mine, one whom you all know." He gets up from his chair and slowly walks over to Fawkes' perch, and lovingly rubbed his smooth feathers. "It is called none other than..The Order of the Phoenix."

"Thank you sir." She answered, not really knowing what to make of anything.

"Now onto your duties." He spoke. "Six of you are Aurors, and will remain so for the time being. It is important that we have some who are experienced in the art of battle. For those who are not, I have other duties for you. Firstly, Mr. Lupin, you are a researcher am I correct?"

"Yes sir." He responded.

"Lycanthropy yes?" Dumbledore asked.

Remus nodded.

"In addition to that I will need you to do one other thing. I need to research everything that has to do with Dark Magic. You will have to observe certain lifestyles. That is, you will need to spend quite a bit of time in Knockturn Alley. You will find that history has the tendency to repeat itself. It will be up to you to find a pattern, a certain code. You will not be working alone, however. Mrs. Weasley, will you be able to assist him?"

"Of course." She answered. It was the first time she had spoken. Molly Weasley was a mother; it would be very difficult for her to do anything that was severely in demand. Dumbledore, of course took this into consideration. She had already given birth to three sons. She was a homely, caring woman who was a great asset.

"Excellent." He said. "Mr. Weasley, are you still working in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office?"

"Yes sir, I am." He confidently spoke.

"Well Arthur, your love of Muggles certainly places you very highly on my list. There are, after all, more of them than there are us. Your job will be to assist in protecting them. This is very broad, I know. You will do whatever is possible, to make sure they are not in danger, and do not find out about our world."

"Of course. Thank you Professor." Arthur replied. He did, in fact love Muggles. He found them absolutely fascinating. He took it as an honor to protect them.

"As for you Miss Portman. Your job will be to put an end to all of the so- called, yellow journalism in our papers. You and Mr. Fletcher will infiltrate any information that seems to be suspicious, or might create a panic."

"Yes Sir." They both said.

"Oh and one more thing Miss Portman. You will, in addition to your position at Witch Weekly, will have a job at the Daily Prophet."

"Oh thank you sir!" she cried. He put up his hand to silence her.

"However, you and Mr. Fletcher will be writing under a pen name, you may choose it."

"Sure Sir. I don't mind." She was so happy. It had been her dream to work at the Daily Prophet. Now she finally had the chance to write about things that actually mattered. She was beside herself with excitement.

"Fletcher?" he asked.

"Yes, sir, of course." Mundugus Fletcher was a few years older than the rest of them, about the age of the Weasleys. They all knew him, however, he was swindler as they say, and was all too familiar in bootlegging and crime. He was a great supporter of Dumbledore because of a favor he once did for him. He knew the streets well, which would prove a great asset to the Order. He would help Nicole convey the truth.

"Fine. Now onto you six. Miss Evans, is the future Mr. Longbottom finished with her training?"

Lily looked at Alice, who was anxious. "Indeed she is sir." Lily said, with a smile across her face. She was very proud of how far Alice had come in these past few weeks.

"And when do you go back to Mr. Crouch?"

"Monday Sir." Lily said.

"Excellent. She will start then. The jobs of Mr. Potter, Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Black and Mr. Moody will remain the same. You will continue to fight against the Death Eaters, but you will now serve under my orders in addition to those of Crouch's. If they contradict, it will be up to you to choose. You all have a very clear understanding of what you're doing?"

"Yes." They all answered.

"As for you, Miss Renton. Your job will be the same as theirs; only I must ask you and Miss Evans to give a little more, if you will."

"Um, alright sir." Diana answered. She didn't know why she was being singled out.

"I believe you are the only one here who has experienced the Dark Arts first hand. Am I correct in this assumption?"

"Yes sir." She sighed. She hated discussing this. She just stared at the floor in disappointment.

"Therefore, you know more than there can ever be discovered in any book. Your experiences are valuable, although unfortunate. I need you to reveal as much as you can to us, but not at this moment. I also need you to find out more. What I am about to ask the both of you is a lot. Are you prepared?"

"Just one thing sir." Lily spoke. "Why me as well? I mean, I have never.."

"I realize that Miss Evans, but, I doubt your dear friend wants to be alone in this mission." He smiled at Diana. Diana then turned and smiled at Lily.

"You two, will have to infiltrate the meetings and gather first hand what is happening in the depths of the inner circle."

"What?! Are you mad?" Sirius spat, angry as all hell.

"Do you have any idea what you're asking?" James joined him.

"Now, now, now listen to me for a moment boys. I know precisely the amount of risk that goes into this. They will not be in public. I am not asking them to join the Death Eaters."

"Oh." James said. " We're sorry sir. We just thought.."

"I understand Mr. Potter, it is perfectly alright. I know these women we are speaking of are your wives. I do not want them in any more danger than you do. I will give them something that will make them inconspicuous. In fact, now I will present it to you all.

He nodded to McGonagal and she left his side. She came back a minute later with a medium sized trunk. She opened it. She then took out one of the items and held it in front of her. He body seemed to disappear. They all stood there in awe.

"This my friends, is an Invisibility Cloak. As you can see, upon draping it over one's body it makes a person invisible. You will all have these for your own protection. I trust you will use them wisely. Miss Renton and Miss Evans may wear these as they see fit, as may the rest of you. There are other measures, however, that I will discuss with you two privately and on a different occasion. Do any of you have any questions?"

"Sir?" Diana asked. "I..I just..don't think that I can..well, I mean.."

"Silence Miss Renton. I have absolute faith in you and Miss Evans. It is a challenge I know, but I believe in you. We all believe in you."

McGonagal nodded as well, and actually smiled at her. These people had grown up so much in the last four years, she thought. They were ladies and gentlemen. It seemed like only yesterday that they were making trouble in the common room and cramming for their O.W.L.s. She was so proud.

Diana simply nodded.

"Professor?" James asked.

"Yes Mr. Potter." He said, nodding his head.

"I.uh...I already have one, you know, of those." He said, pointing to the cloak.

"Yes I am aware of that." He simply said. "One more can't hurt can it? This will be a spare, or in case anything happens to the one your father left you."

"Right. Thank you sir." James said.

"As for the rest of you, you all know what you must do, as you were here earlier. Now, this meeting is adjourned. You will receive owls whenever there is another. If, for any reason I cannot get in touch with you, someone will contact you personally. I will be checking up soon on all of you, to see how things are going. You are to start immediately after leaving this room. I am eternally proud of you all, and I wish you luck."

Upon saying those words he retreated to the back of his office. People began to hug each other as they left, but they waited until they were outside to speak of anything. Molly Weasley approached the girls as they began to walk away, and hugged each of them warmly. Then she grabbed the hands of Diana and Lily.

"Oh my, girls. Don't worry about a thing, it will all turn out right as rain, I know it. And if anyone can do this, you two can." She was so sweet and lovely to them. She smiled and hugged them once more.

"Thank you Molly." Lily said. "How are those gorgeous sons of yours? They must be quite the handful these days." She said trying to make light conversation.

"Oh they're wonderful. Percy is a little devil these days, and this is Charlie's first year here at Hogwarts."

"Are you kidding me? Already?" Diana asked, shocked. "Time certainly flies nowadays. First year? My god I feel so old."

"I know it seems like yesterday that you two came 'round to baby-sit the little monsters."

"Oh my yes." She laughed. "How are the little twins? Do you want to put your hair out yet?" Lily joked.

"Oh, don't get me started." Molly said. "I think they are plotting my downfall as we speak." They laughed. "But, Arthur and I must be getting home. I don't think Percy can handle them. I suspect the house will be upside down when we get back."

"Of course. Bye Molly." Lily said as they all hugged. Molly then took her place next to her husband and they all waved goodbye. Lily then turned to Alice as she was leaving with Frank.

"Alice dear, are you ready?" she called out.

"Yes." She answered as they proceeded to leave. "I hope I don't disappoint you!"

"You won't! I promise!" Lily shouted. They all waved goodbye to Frank and Alice.

Sirius, who was talking with James and Fletcher, called after Moody who was walking away.

"Alastor old boy," he said. "How are you feeling, I mean is everything alright?"

"You do not need to concern yourself with me Black. I am perfectly capable of dealing with things myself, but thank you, and good day." Moody said as he was leaving.

No one could understand Moody really. He was a paranoid sort of fellow who was considered, by most to be the best Auror in the world. He was friendly to his fellow peers, even if they all were slightly younger than him. He respected them all and was deeply respected in return. They, after all, had kinship with one another through their experiences. His face alone told thousands of stories, and his mysterious blue, traveling eye had secrets of its own.

Everyone proceeded to leave Hogwarts and when they came to the entranceway they couldn't help but feel a hint of sadness. Nicole was beside herself with happiness, having received the job she finally deserved. She didn't care at all that it would be under a pen name and that she would be working with Fletcher. It was a blessing to her.

"Oh Fletcher I am so excited aren't you?" she asked as she hugged him goodbye.

"Yes of course. It is..er...an honor..really." He answered, tipping his hat to her.

"Well, I'll see you Monday." She called as he quickly left the grounds. He just waved back at her. Then she turned to Remus and gave him a long, hard kiss.

"Well, what was that for?" he asked. His face was all red.

"I just love you that's all." She said, stroking his cheek.

"I love you too, baby." He answered, and kissed her hair. "So what do you want to do now?"

"I don't know. Lets just get out of here." She whispered. The other four, who had remained silent, were listening and feeling a little bit uncomfortable.

"Ahem!" Sirius grunted.

"Oh sorry lads." Remus answered. "Um, we'll catch you guys later ok? Not to be rude or anything." They all made their way to the gates and stood on the other side of it.

"See you later." Nicole said, not taking her eyes off of Remus.

"Bye." They all feebly spoke. Then Remus and Nicole apparated out of site to their home, where they could be with each other.

"Isn't that cute?" Lily said to Diana, nudging her.

"Oh yea, real cute." She sarcastically replied.

"Seriously. So I guess Moony doesn't have time for his old friends when he wants to get laid." Sirius said.

"Oh shut up Black." Lily said, as she punched him in the shoulder, not quite playfully.

"At least one of us is getting laid around here." James said, a little too loudly. Lily just looked at him, wide-eyed and furious. Any amount of affection she had for him before was gone.

"I'm going home." She said, shaking her head in rage. She didn't know where to begin.

"Uh, Lil do you want me to come with you?" Diana said, trying to calm her down a bit.

Lily just shook her head, waved and let out a weak "I'll owl you later," and disappeared back to London.

"Uh, you idiot!" Diana said, as she slapped James upside the head. "Do you ever think, at all?"

"Ow! What I...was.just.." James tried to explain.

"You know what, save it." Sirius answered. "I have to get home, I'm tired." He put his hand on James' shoulder. "I'll see you later mate." With that Sirius apparated back home. Diana was still there.

"Well, I guess that means I should be heading out too. I guess we'll talk later." She said.

"Listen Diana. Um, maybe you should talk to Sirius when you get home. He seems a little upset." James advised.

"I don't need your advice Potter, I can handle my marriage thank you."

"Hey, you don't have to attack me, I'm just saying.."

"You have no right giving anyone advice, do you hear me? She may have accepted your apology but I see right through you. Leaving letters on the counter, honestly. You had better fix it and quick because you are both ridiculously confused. If you hurt her again I swear.."

"Alright Diana, I understand. I'm working on it I promise, it WILL work out."

"You make sure it does Potter. Now I'm sorry for being so forward but I've told you what she means to me. Now I'll talk to you soon ok? Goodbye." Then she apparated home to Sirius. When James realized no one was there he quickly disappeared to join Lily at home.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~ The Black household...

Diana apparated into the kitchen to find some food had been left out. Sirius was in the living room eating a slice of apple pie. She put the food away and proceeded to join him. She did acknowledge the fact that they had to talk. When he saw her enter he got up and made his way back to the kitchen. He loudly threw the dish in the sick and then went into the bedroom. He made sure to slam the door as he closed it. Disgusted, she got up angrily and walked over to their bedroom. She threw the door open and walked in with her hands firmly placed on her hips. She was glaring at him, infuriated that he was acting this way towards her.

Sirius was lying down with his arm wrapped around his head.

"What?" he asked with obvious attitude.

"You want to tell me why the hell you're acting this way? Because I don't have a clue."

"Oh like hell you don't." He didn't move.

"Don't give me that 'like hell you don't' crap. Why are you acting so immature? Giving me the silent treatment isn't going to solve anything."

"Works for me." He nonchalantly exclaimed.

"What did I do? This morning everything's fine, and now it's like you hate me or something. It's like night and day with you. I don't like this."

"What? You don't like me?"

"Well, right now I don't." This wasn't quite what she meant, but it was what came out, and it made him only feel worse.

"Oh yeah, why not?"

"Because you're acting like a prick, that's why. You have absolutely no right to be angry with me."

"Well that's debatable." He was still retaining his careless yet angry attitude, but he wanted her to know precisely why he was hurt.

"Ok then. Why don't you give me a reason and then we can figure out if you are allowed to be mad at me. But if you're not going to tell me anything then we have a problem because I am not going to sit here and give you permission to be an asshole!" she screamed. This was only getting worse. The fact that the true reason wasn't coming out was making her severely irritated.

He got up from the bed and looked her strait in the eye, angrily. Her yelling provoked him, and him became overpowered with frustration, grief and animosity. This anger had been bottled up the entire day.

She flinched at his anger, just a little but not enough to cripple her strength. She wasn't afraid of him, but she did feel intimidated. She was, after all, the reason for his anger.

"You really want to know why I'm upset?" he rhetorically asked, breathing heavily onto her face.

"Well it would certainly be helpful." She replied, trying to remain calm.

"Ok. You said that this morning was fine, right? Think! Think about what happened this morning." He wanted her to figure it out, maybe then she'd understand.

"Oh god, I don't know. We, uh, got up, sort of had tea, went to James and Lily's..uh, this is stupid, I don't want to play games." She was getting annoyed and really wanted this argument to get to the point already.

"Finish it." he said as he folded his arms and leaned against the wall.

She sighed. "Well, we, um, we went out to breakfast."

"And what happened at breakfast?" he condescendingly asked.

"I don't know, we ate!" she threw her arms in the air out of intense frustration. "Will you just tell me this is ridiculous!" She felt like a child, being interrogated by an angry father who wanted to make his daughter know the reason for her unnecessary punishment.

"No, I want to hear you say it. What else happened Diana?" He reached in his pockets and grabbed his cigarettes. He lit one and without offering, stuck them in his pockets.

"You want me to say it. I don't believe this. You are such a child, you know that. I have no idea what the fuck happened this morning so why don't you just stop beating around the bush and spit it the hell out!"

"No, think about it. Who did we run into this morning hmm?" Suddenly it dawned on her. The Malfoys, of course. She was beyond infuriated at him. How could he have gotten so upset? Did he know that they had spoken? She couldn't believe it. Was he really that insecure?

"Oh my god." She said, putting her hands over her face. "Are you kidding me? THAT'S what is bothering you? All they did was sit by us, that's all there was."

"You're lying!" he screamed and rushed in front of her. "You spoke to him I know it."

"Why would I speak to him? There is absolutely no reason for me to!" She knew she was lying, but she knew how upset he'd get. But by now there was not turning back.

"Please, I can see it all over your face. You were nervous and scared. You were sweating." So he did notice, she thought. She felt guilty.

"I didn't feel well, you know that!" She was avoiding it, and he knew it.

"Oh don't use that as an excuse. When you came back even Lily saw it. You can't lie to us. Now admit it!"

"Fine! Fine!" she was tired and had to tell him. I don't see why it bloody matters. It's not like I was going to run off with him!"

"Well I always have to worry about that don't I?" This topic was an incredibly difficult one for him. He secretly knew that she would never do such a thing, but he was never all that confident about it.

"Oh you're pathetic! Do you really think that? Is that how weak you are? You really don't trust me." She was taken back by his blatant distrust for her. She really had never thought about how much it hurt him until now.

"I'm weak? You're the one who shudders at the mere sight of him. Why can't you just admit that he gets to you?"

"Because he doesn't." This was only half true. There was a part of her that was still afraid. "It was years ago. Do you really think I still care about him? Damn it Sirius, YOU are my husband, only you! Listen, I can't change what happened, but you saved me from all that. I adore you for it, and this is what I get: jealousy, anger, disappointment, and mistrust. You should know better."

"Can you honestly blame me? Why don't you just admit that you only married me because I was a safe bet. You knew that I would protect you. I was your escape from that world." There is a pause. She had no idea he felt this way. She takes a seat on the bed and just stares at him. Her eyes began to water. She truly loved him, and hated the fact that he didn't think so.

"How could you say these things?" she cried. "Is that what you think of me? All this time you thought I didn't care? You think my heart is HIS?! I don't even know what to say to this. You really must not know me at all. I didn't choose you, Sirius, because you were a safe bet. I chose you because I love you. You are the only man who has ever made me happy. Malfoy? Malfoy never loved me, and the love I had for him was stupid, and foolish and blind. He deserves to rot in hell for what he's done to me. And to think, that the only thing that was truly constant, the only thing I believe in is you, and you have the audacity to doubt me. Your extensive insecurity breaks my heart."

She wept there on that bed for about ten minutes, alone, until Sirius began to cry as well. It was too much for them both. Years and years of bottled feelings made there way to the surface, and the anger drastically changed to intense despair. He made his way to her, and picked her head up. He felt horrible. He did not want to be the reason for her tears. She grabbed onto him tightly and cried harder. After a few more minutes she looked up and him, tears streaming down her face.

"I'm so sorry honey. Please don't be angry with me. We've been through so much. I don't want to lose this."

"I know, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have been so judgmental. I am such an idiot." She had told him the truth, and he felt guilty for not believing in her. It was just that he loved her so much; he didn't want to lose her, like he almost did, years ago.

"No, you had every right to be. I wasn't exactly stable when you found me. It's my own fault." She wished so hard that she could undo the past, that she could go back and do those last two years all over again. But then again, maybe they wouldn't be as close as they were at that moment.

"I can't help it if I'm a little overprotective. I just know it would kill me, if.god forbid."

"It's over. It's all over. You're my guy, even if you are a jerk sometimes." She tried to crack a smile as she ran her hand through his thick, black hair.

"Well you have your moments too. You can be quite the bitch." He said, wiping his eyes. He felt a little silly, a grown man crying in his wife's arms. It was surprisingly out of character for him.

"Would you have it any other way?" she joked. She and Sirius were the same, they both knew that, just as they each had their demons, but would only be truly complete with one another.

"I think not. But I will say one thing; I need you to talk to me, to tell me things. Even if you know I'll get upset, I need you to talk to me."

She sniffed. "Ok I promise I will. Try not to get so jealous over stupid things."

"Alright." He smiled back at her. "Are you sure you're feeling better? What is the matter with you?"

"I'm not really sure. A lot of things I expect. And it also didn't help that your darling cousin kept staring at us too."

"Who? Narcissa? Well, she wasn't staring at us." He said, not really under his breath.

"Hmm." She said. " I noticed that."

"Maybe we should take you to a healer." He said, changing the subject and reaching for a tissue on the nightstand and giving it to her. She dabbed her eyes with it.

"I don't know. I really don't think it's that big of a deal, but if you want me to I will."

"No. It was just today. Only if it continues." He took the tissue away and threw it in the wastebasket.

"So are we ok?" she questioned. They could never really stay mad at one another, not like Lily and James.

"Yes we're good. I just think we needed a fight, we don't have them too often." He joked, but it was true.

"I don't like them. I don't know how James and Lily do it. It's so exhausting."

"Yes it is." He grabbed her face in his hands and kissed her cheek lightly. " I love you, Diana Arabella Renton, so much you have no idea."

"I love you too, Sirius." She kissed him softly, but long. He grabbed her tightly and pulled her to him with a gentle force. He let go of her and began kissing her neck.

"I guess Remus isn't the only one getting laid in the middle of the afternoon." He whispered. She began to laugh as she pushed him away. That comment, to her, was so inappropriate she became totally uninterested.

"What?" he asked.

"You killed it. You just killed it." she laughed, as she pushed herself off the bed.

"No. Wait. No. Please?" he begged. He couldn't believe after all that she was actually going to leave him high and dry.

"Oh that's masculine. If you need me I'll be in the kitchen getting some food. I think it will satisfy me a little more." She left the room. Sirius just sat there, thinking that he should have never opened his stupid mouth. He was fidgeting, totally unsatisfied and restless. He needed some sort of pay off. She was being unfair. Then he got up and walked into the kitchen. Diana was getting ice cream out of the fridge.

"Hungry?" she mockingly asked him. It was funny how quickly their arguments were practically forgotten. He didn't say a word. He thought her a goddess standing there, and was incredibly intrigued. He just walked up behind her and put his hands around her waist. Then, to her surprise he lifted her up and turned her around to face him.

"Masculine? I'll show you masculine." He roared as he hoisted her into his arms and dragged her, playfully kicking and screaming back into the bedroom. He slammed the door and let out another growl. She was laughing for another five minutes until he stopped her with his own mouth, hushing her. This was, in their opinion, the best way to make up.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Back to the Potter household..

Lily is in the bedroom straitening up when James walks in with a nervous look on his face. He was very aware that he had said something profoundly stupid and really did not want to fight with her again.

"Lily I didn't mean that." He cautiously said. "Really it just came out, I wasn't thinking."

"Yes well you're never really thinking are you?" she shot back. This annoyed mood was becoming somewhat of a habit for her. She didn't like it. Lately it didn't take a lot to upset her but a comment like that put her a bit over the edge.

"I was really only joking.."

"I don't care. We are going to have to make some huge changes around here. It wasn't nice of you to say. You know, it took a lot to make me stay here James, a lot. I don't appreciate this. If you want to get laid so badly then.."

"Lily, please, I'm sorry but I am so tired of fighting with you. Can't we just be friends? I really want to be on good terms with you, please." He pleaded with her.

"You know, you think that just because you have apologized three times in less than twenty-four hours, that everything is going to be great. Well, so far it sucks. Just because we have made it clear that we really do love each other doesn't mean that I am going to just hop in the sack with you. It doesn't work that way. You have to be patient."

"I know. I want this to work. You can take as much time as you need."

"Well, gee thanks for your permission. Do you think I don't want to? Is that it?"

"Well, why else."

"I'm trying to make you suffer you idiot." She realized that she probably shouldn't have said that. '' I mean, I'm a woman, I have needs just as much as you do."

"So what, you have just been biding you time? Trying to see if I'll crack?"

"Calm down, I haven't even been here a full day." She said, lighting a cigarette. She offered him one. He refused.

"So, hold on. Do you want to.now?"

"Not particularly."

"So you're basically saying that when your finished punishing me, that then you will reward me with, well, you. Jesus Lil haven't I been punished enough?" he asked.

She started laughing. "No, I really don't think so."

"Well, when will it be enough? You've already beaten me senseless. When can I prove to you my true and undying love and devotion for you? Do you want me to castrate myself?" She continued laughing.

"You're funny James you know that. You think everything can be erased in a single day. Well it can't. This is reality. I love you, you know that, but you are also my least favorite person on the planet."

"Oh that's great. That's really really nice. You know, you're not my favorite person right now either." He said, reaching for his own cigarettes. He had to calm down. He was really frustrated.

"I'm not trying to be." She sighed. "Oh James.. you are a relationship fool." She said walking towards him. "You think a little I'm sorry is going to make it all better. It's sort of cute really." She smirked.

"I'm glad it amuses you." He sighed, staring at her. She was so tempting it made him sick.

"And you shouldn't leave letters from your mistress lying around. Someone just might pick them up." She casually stated, to unnerve him.

"So you actually read them?" he asked, shocked. He remembered seeing the bag open.

"You bet your ass I did. Fascinating woman, although a bit on the scary side." She was till retaining her casual behavior, to both their surprise. She expected herself to be a bit more nervous when this was finally discussed. "And she is absolutely nothing like me."

"I know." He added, and this made her a little jealous. "You're ten times better than she'll ever be." This did make her smile, even though it was a blatant attempt to get him on her good side. "I wasn't thinking."

"No you weren't." she said as she walked closer to him. She tried to smooth his messy black hair, with no success. Then she put her hand on his cheek and sighed. "I really can't take you sometimes, you know that. You are my bloody weakness Mr. Potter."

He covered her hand with his and pulled her hair away from her face. "And you are mine. I will never be free of you Lil, 'till the day I die."

"I do have my ways." She joked. "Some say I was a veela in my past life."

"No, you're too pretty." He said, staring into her perfect emerald eyes. Those eyes could hypnotize him. All she had to do was look at him a certain way, she knew, and he was completely and utterly aroused.

"Ah the Potter charm, I was wondering where it'd gone." She said smiling.

Then she did something she didn't expect. She pulled him to her and kissed him, savagely, ravenously. He gripped her tight as if there was no better feeling in the world than being with her at that moment. She needed to be kissed too, badly. They took deep breaths in between that even they thought they would never be able to come apart. It was a long kiss, and highly enticing. They couldn't get any closer. Well, not quite. It was when he began to feel around that she stopped him.

She stepped back a few feet and cleared her throat. Then she walked to the other side of the room and grabbed her purse. When she passed him on her way to the door he pulled her back.

"Where do you think you're going?" he suavely asked.

"Oh, to the store. We do need some food in this house after all. I'll be back later." She said patting him on the shoulder. He just stood there, dumbstruck and confused, not to mention incredibly aroused. And she just left him there like that, completely unsatisfied. He didn't understand. Then it hit him. Bitch, he thought playfully.

She had done it on purpose. She wanted to leave him wanting more but not being able to get it. She had just left him there, alone and excited. More punishment, he thought, fantastic. He was pacing back and forth around the bedroom, laughing to himself. She is downright evil, he thought. Of course they would eventually be together soon. They were married after all. The question of when tormented him so that he was restless and drunk with sexual frustration.

As Lily left her house she realized that it was exactly what she wanted to happen. She couldn't think of a more fit punishment for her dear husband, and as she began to walk down the street to the market, she couldn't stop giggling.

(Yeah I know another long one, what can I say. Just so you know I have no idea what the hell I'm writing next so bare with me. :)Thanks to all who reviewed, I really appreciate it, and PLEASE review, thanks!)