Awakening

by Stardust3 ANNOYED WAUG.2nd

AU. For seventeen years they've been apart but now she's back and so is Black. When it all comes together it just might prove deadly. And to complicate an already twisted love story, a poem reawakens a murderous spirit. Sequel to The Last Laugh. FINISHED.

17. Awakening

Awakening

Chapter Seventeen: Awakening

Stardust

A/N:

SUMMARY: Newsflash: Sirius is NOT dead. Peter Pettigrew is dead and Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer, the head of the IAA, is mental and a crazy killer at large. Sirius disappears for a while and immediately sets to work building a life. He rents a fabulous mansion in Hogsmeade, re-opens his father's cauldron company, and donates large amounts of money to Quidditch organizations. This leaves him rather busy and Angie becomes increasingly disturbed by the lack of communication between them. Sirius throws a gigantic party where several people become smashingly drunk, Kirsten, Harry, and Hermione included, Ron kicks the Head of the Department of Mysteries ass during a late night chess match, Sirius pays Josh an extravagant amount of money, Angie refuses to come to his party and Harry is going to be a wildly successful quidditch star playing for England. Kirsten and Hermione will no doubt also be successful though much less famous for their work in the ministry of magic and the international auror association, Ron however is destined to become a bum without a job forever.

Ignoring the fact that I have over-generalized a lot of shit and stuck it into one fabulous run-on sentence that should serve to jog your memory even if it doesn't exactly put you, dear reader, in exactly the right frame of mind to start reading this chapter. At any rate, all of your concerns should be assuaged and your questions answered considering that this IS the last chapter of this story. It all ends here, no matter how much you think still has to happen. It WILL all happen, even if the ending doesn't turn out quite so happy…

Happy reading and thanks for sticking with me.

---

Hogwarts was entering its final week and Angie was busier than ever. She had O.W.L.s to deal with, as well as end of the year exams for all her students. To try and lighten her own grading load she was desperately trying to develop inventive ways to test the children orally. But there again, she ran into a time issue. There were just too many students and the subject was too broad. She decided just to focus on the magic involved in her subject. Understanding the importance of and perfecting the voice altering spells was often the key to speaking a language. As long as her students could perform these spells she was reasonably satisfied.

It was late Tuesday night when she was deep in thought over her third years when a knock on her door yanked her back into reality. "Come in," She called, waving her wand and hastily clearing away the mess of parchment before her.

She was surprised to see Kirsten slip inside, a nervous smile on her face. "Oh, hello," Angie said with a smile. She was pleased with a distraction.

"Hi," Kirsten replied, taking a seat opposite her mother who was conjuring up two drinks.

Angie watched her daughter in silence for a while until it became clear that Kirsten wasn't going to be the one to initiate conversation. "It's so good to see you," Angie said, taking a sip of her water.

"Same to you," Kirsten replied, staring distantly out of the window.

"Have you finished your resume for the Ministry yet?" Angie asked.

"Yes," Kirsten said; she had finished it Saturday night. Hermione had been very influential in that area. They had both set to work immediately both very pleased with their job offers.

"Oh good," Angie replied, feeling like she was hitting brick walls. It was obvious Kirsten had a reason for being here but she seemed to be content with sitting in silence all night.

"Dad is very happy," Kirsten said. Angie nearly flinched. She couldn't understand why Kirsten's use of the word made her uneasy. After all, Angie had had much more time to get used to the idea than Kirsten. "He wanted to give all of us gifts and throw another party. But… he felt bad about Ron." Kirsten grimaced and she suddenly became very occupied with the rim of her glass. Her finger traced the circular outline over and over again.

Angie was too lost in deep thoughts about Sirius to say anything or to pick up on Kirsten's perturbation about Ron. "I just don't know what to do with him!" Kirsten whined, suddenly bursting out, her face lined with consternation.

"Sirius?" Angie asked, thoroughly confused.

"No, Ron!" Kirsten cried, annoyed at having to clarify. "I mean, nothing makes sense. Even McGonagall is baffled. His N.E.W.T. scores were just fine. Actually, even a little better then I expected. I mean, not even Honeydukes offered him a job behind the cash register! And what am I supposed to do? He barely wants to look at me, or Harry or Hermione. I feel guilty just being around him. And it isn't as if I've done something wrong. And he hasn't done anything wrong either!"

"Oh dear," Angie mumbled. "Poor Ron. I'm sure he's feeling just awful. But it isn't his fault as his scores have proved. I'm sure something will turn up."

"I keep trying to tell him there has been some kind of mistake but he just gets angry and refuses to talk. I can't stand him being like this! I know this is selfish of me, but I'm starting to feel lonely. He's too wrapped up in his own self pity to do anything."

"Well Kirsten," Angie said. "There really isn't anything you can do. I know that makes the situation seem hopeless but you just have to stick with him and offer him some support. Don't keep reminding him about it. But don't carry on like everything is normal. Just be supportive. I know it's hard, but you can do nothing else. Nothing short of a Cheering Charm—which really wouldn't be fair to him."

Kirsten sighed. "I just feel so horrible for him."

"I know," Angie replied, her brow deeply lined.

With a mighty effort Kirsten sighed and smiled reluctantly. "Dad was asking after you at his party. I thought for sure you'd come."

Angie's face turned dark for a moment before she got her features under control. Kirsten hadn't missed the alteration. "I'm sure it was a nice gathering," Angie said, somewhat dismissively. "I had other things to attend to, however."

"Did you and Sirius have a row?" Kirsten asked, her eyes widening. "That would explain why he seemed so nervous about your absence." Angie's eyes flashed.

"No," She replied, "We certainly haven't."

"Oh…Then I don't understand why you didn't—"

"Listen Kirsten," Angie said, cutting her off. "A party just wasn't my thing, OK?"

Kirsten frowned, especially since her mother seemed to be so upset by the conversation. "Well, then…OK…" She mumbled, sorry to have brought up the subject.

"Kirsten, I'm sorry about Ron. If there is anything I can do just let me know. I'll rack my brains for an old contact somewhere who might offer him a position. It's just…I've been out of the country for so long…well…I'm sure we can think of something."

Kirsten stood, annoyed at her dismissal. She couldn't understand what might have made her mother so upset. Unless, of course, she had had a row with Sirius. But Sirius certainly hadn't let on that that was the case. Scowling, she left without saying good-bye.

Angie collapsed into her chair feeling slightly drained at her brief encounter with Kirsten. Unconsciously she rubbed her stomach. She had been doing too much extra-curricular thinking about Sirius lately. She knew she needed to act. She had to tell him. She had to confront him but the thought made her more nervous than ever.

Her eyes fell to The Daily Prophet lying nearby. Sirius was grinning and waving on the front cover. With a renewed feeling of nausea she flung the newspaper against the wall.

---

"It's getting late, Ginny," Draco said, looking into her enchanting eyes. They were standing outside under a large oak tree, the warm night air ruffling their hair.

"So?" She asked, a grin spreading across her face.

"I can't imagine how irate the Head Boy might become if he found us out of bed. Very concerned about our beauty rest, he is. He wouldn't want us to become ugly."

"Certainly not," Ginny replied, matching his sarcasm.

"And he'll certainly have applied himself more to his Head Boy job now that he realizes it will be his last."

"Oh now really, Draco," Ginny said. "That wasn't very nice." He sneered at her.

"Well, it's the truth."

"It can't possibly be right," Ginny argued. "His marks in Defense and Herbology outpaced yours," She pointed out. His face soured at this unwelcome reminder.

"Hardly," he replied, his teeth gritted. "And he wasn't even close in Potions," he added for good measure.

"Oh, face it Draco," Ginny replied. "Ron's marks were no worse than yours and yet he failed to receive any job offers. It doesn't add up."

"Well maybe everyone else knows something we don't," Draco said, not at all happy about the subject of this conversation. Ginny folded her arms and fixed him with a withering look.

"I hate it when you do that," He muttered. "Anyway, who wants to talk about your brother?"

"You are the one who brought him up," Ginny pointed out and Draco was shot down again.

"Yeah, well, I'm sorry," He snapped.

"Kiss me good-night Draco," Ginny prompted, slipping her arms around his neck, her expression softening. "I'll be taking tests all morning tomorrow. And after lunch, I'll be studying like mad so don't expect to see me."

Draco looked as if he wanted to say something. He had frowned and looked thoughtful but Ginny pressed her lips firmly to his and all thoughts were lost…

---

Late Wednesday afternoon found Angie in search of her favorite quill. She swore it had the most even strokes she'd ever written. And somewhere, she'd lost it.

"Professor?" A nervous voice asked startling Angie into knocking over a stack of parchment. "Oh dear! I'm so sorry!" Hermione cried, pulling out her wand.

"No matter," Angie said quickly, eyeing Hermione's wand suspiciously as if she might accidentally set the place on fire. "I'll clean it up later, once I find my quill…"

Reluctantly putting away her wand Hermione anxiously peered at Angie. "I was wondering if I might ask you a question."

"Ask away," Angie said, tipping back in her chair, and focusing her attention on Hermione.

"Well, you see, I was doing some research into certain legal codes…you see, I'm thinking of applying for a job with the Ministry of Magic and I've come across some interesting gobbledegook. At least, I think that's what it is. It seems to me like a different dialect. But, I didn't know that was possible."

"Well, I would be happy to take a look, Hermione," Angie replied. "Depending on the age I think I might have an idea of what you're up against. Do you have the gobbledegook in question?"

"Oh…" Hermione said, looking a little startled. "Well no," She admitted. "I didn't actually check the book out from the library."

"Ah well, why don't you just stop by with the book tomorrow afternoon then, OK?" Angie suggested.

"Sure," Hermione said, smiling brightly. "Thanks for you help Professor."

"Certainly," Angie replied following her out of her office. "I think I must have left my quill in the teacher's lounge earlier…" She said to herself as she set off.

For some reason she was surprised to find someone in the teacher's lounge though she could hardly understand why she might have felt that way. Remus Lupin was sitting near the fire, scratching away on pieces of parchment. He was no doubt grading as well.

"Evening Angie," He replied brightly when she stepped inside.

"Hello," She said, her smile a little tight. She had heard second-hand about his recent betrothal to her sister and was still reeling in shock. It had only been a few months ago when she had frequented the path to Hogsmeade for a drink with him. "You haven't seen a quill lying around, have you?"

"You mean this one?" He asked, holding up the one he had been using.

"Yes!" She said, both happy at finding her quill and slightly annoyed that someone else was using it—especially him. She was rather possessive about such things.

"Oh sorry," He said, handing it back to her. "It was just lying out, so I picked it up. It has very good strokes," He said approvingly.

"I know," Angie said, nearly beaming.

"Well, I imagine you've heard my big news," He said, nearly bursting to talk about it, Angie noted.

"Yes, quite a…surprise," Angie replied, trying not to sound negative.

"Well, not really. I know it seems sudden but we've been beating around the bush for years."

"Oh, of course," Angie replied, trying to sound comfortable. He certainly mentioned that while he had been taking her out. "Well, um, congratulations," She offered, trying to sound genuine.

"Thanks," Remus said. "I guess this makes us in-laws, now. Funny, isn't it?"

Brother-in-law? Angie nearly gagged. "Very funny indeed," She replied, escaping through the door as quickly as possible. With a shudder she quickly set off down the corridor and didn't look back.

---

Thursday night Sirius stopped by the castle and congratulated Kirsten, Hermione, and Harry on their successes. He congratulated Ron too, but Ron refused to receive the congrats. As Sirius was leaving he whispered to Kirsten. "If worse comes to worse I can always offer him a job at Black & Black." She shrugged, wondering if Ron would even consider it but was grateful her Dad was trying to do something.

Sirius hurried back across the grounds wishing he still had his motorcycle. Not only was it faster (he had a dinner date at Sierra's in Hogsmeade) he would be less aware of his surroundings. Recently, Hogwarts seemed to haunt him. He had too many old memories of Lily and James, and Remus, and Peter, and…Angie…

His new rental house was on the way to Sierra's. His house was quite large and, therefore, in the same neighborhood but it didn't have nearly the grounds that the Havairhafpvermin mansion had. Sierra had mentioned that her father was only getting worse and Vanessa was getting more controlling. Sirius wondered for the thousandth time if there was something he might be able to do that would stop her. It made him sick to think that she would inherit her husband's millions and cut Sierra and Hermione off.

As he approached his house he noticed that someone was standing on the sidewalk just staring for a few moments. After this interval, the person looked away, down at the sidewalk, and began to hurry past. Frowning, Sirius watched the person approach him at rapid speed. Of course, she didn't see him until she was nearly knocking him over as she approached from the opposite direction.

With a gasp she fell back a step and they both stopped and looked at one another for a moment. "Fancy seeing you here," Sirius said coolly, the black of night obscuring most of his features.

"Quite a place you've fixed up," Angie said, her voice strengthening with each word.

"Missed you at my housewarming party," He said, casually.

"Oh. Did you?" Even as she said them, the words cut into him. Of course he missed her! What was she playing at? He just stared. "I rather thought you were an important businessman, philanthropist, whatever you want to call yourself, these days. I mean, gosh, the Minister of Magic, the Head of the Department of Mysteries, Joshua Thompson, Nicolette Noire…my presence would have just embarrassed you."

Sirius' mouth fell open in shock. He had quite a few angry retorts for her, but mostly he was just taken aback. She didn't give him much chance for reply, however. Two seconds later she had disapparated with an angry crack.

He stood rooted to the spot for a while. She was really upset.

Finally he started off for Sierra's again. Unfortunately, when he arrived Sierra and Bill were not there to immediately receive him. Instead he was ambushed in the entrance hall by his sister.

She was screaming about money, naturally. She sounded just like all her howlers she'd been regularly sending about those chocolate frog cards. It wasn't his fault she had turned them down as rubbish. Admittedly, he hadn't known they were worth so much money when he had offered them to her, but still, it was her own fault for not taking them. And he could care less how much money she felt he owed her. Gemini definitely put him in an even fouler mood but he wasn't inclined to yell back at her. It would have been such a waste of energy.

Sierra managed to eventually get rid of her step-mother and the three were able to enjoy an intricately prepared meal. Sirius was grateful for the interruption of his thoughts. He had hoped he might talk to Sierra about Angie's behavior but quickly realized it was none of her business and it would be childish of him to bring her into the middle of things.

When he left the house that night he was feeling restless and lonely, not at all ready to go home.

---

"Up to your old habits, I see," Said the cheerful voice of Madam Rosmerta, very early the next morning.

"What are you talking about?" Sirius mumbled into his glass of fire whiskey.

"You always used to close down the place in your younger days too," She continued. Sirius glanced around the Three Broomsticks and noted for the first time that he was indeed the only person in the place.

"Old habits die hard?" He suggested, trying to ignore her. He wasn't ready to go home yet.

She shook her head. "I never expected to see you drinking alone. Not anymore, I mean," She said. "You have too much too celebrate with too many people." Sirius shrugged and joined her at the bar. She studied him for quite a while.

"Do you remember when we were young, Rosie?" He asked her. She laughed.

"We are still young," She replied, her eyes alight with amusement.

"Not so young," He replied, taking a long pull from his glass.

"Are you missing James and all the times you two used to come in here and make trouble and make 'music'?" She asked. He actually cracked a reluctant smile at the thought of their 'band'.

"No," He said slowly. "Not exactly." He leaned forward over his glass and his chain with Angie's wedding ring slid from underneath his robes. It clinked softly against his glass. Surprised, he glanced down.

Curiously, Madam Rosmerta reached toward the ring. "What is this?" She asked him, running the band lightly through her fingers.

"Do you want it?" He asked, pulling the chain from around his neck.

"Heavens no!" She cried. "Are you trying to ask me something?" She looked aghast. Sirius chuckled.

"No, no. I just know I can't wear it. But somebody should."

"Well not me," She said firmly, pushing it back toward him. "I have no use for wedding bands." He grinned at her. "I thought you had a wife anyway," She continued, pleasantly.

"Something like that," He muttered. She, understandably, looked confused. "It's all very complicated," He said dismissively, with a wave of his hand. "She got married and divorced without ever obtaining a divorce from me and there is some question about the legality of the first wedding so who really knows…"

"OK then. But why are you here?"

"Doesn't a free man have a right in a free country to sit and have a drink by himself?"

"Yes, he certainly has the right, but I want to know the reason," Madam Rosmerta pressed stubbornly.

"You always were difficult," He said enigmatically. She waited patiently, her eyes bright and unblinking. He rolled his eyes and finally said. "What is always the reason?"

"A girl."

"Exactly. You knew the answer, why did you ask the question?"

"Who is being difficult now?" She countered. "I want to know more detail than that. Something happened with "the girl". What?"

"She's mad at me. And I don't care to elaborate. I came here to get drunk and forget about it--not discuss it with you!"

"I'm sorry Sirius," She replied earnestly. "I just thought I could offer you some advice."

"Thanks, but no thanks, Rosie," Sirius said.

"Don't call me that, please," She said, sounding slightly exasperated. Sirius shrugged.

"I'll let you close up and get to bed. Sorry for keeping you," He continued, throwing some money on the counter.

"You tight wad," She teased. "You're one of the richest men in the world and you leave me a ten percent tip!"

Sirius grinned sheepishly and tossed a small bag full of gold at her. "Long live the Three Broomsticks!" He exclaimed. Then he turned on his heel, swished his cloak and disapparated.

---

Friday morning Sirius was sitting at his desk, trying to ignore his vibrant hang-over and get some work done when a little owl arrived bearing a short message.

"Sirius, I'm sorry about my outburst last night. But I'm still mad." She hadn't even signed her name.

With a heavy sigh he replied. "Come to the rental tonight and have dinner. For old times' sake. Love, Sirius."

With something to look forward to Sirius was able to work more energetically for the rest of the morning.

---

Angie had been alternating between nervous pacing and primping for at least an hour now. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been so nervous. Probably the night she had gone to see Sirius in the cave, the night James and Lily were murdered, the night she was married… These thoughts naturally did nothing to settle her stomach or lessen her pulse.

She wasn't entirely sure why she wore her best dress robes, or straightened her blonde hair, or took a good twenty minutes to apply her make-up. It wasn't as if her looking stunningly gorgeous that night would somehow change what she was about to do or make it any easier for Sirius to handle.

It was really unfair to him. He had just regained his life and his freedom and she was about to tell him he was going to be saddled with a child. She wouldn't blame him if he didn't go for being tied down with such a time-consuming aspect of life but she desperately needed him to stick with her. Admittedly, she never would have made it on her own if Josh hadn't been there last time. And last time she was young, she had some money, and she hadn't been through suicide attempts, deep depression, alcoholism…the list went on and on.

She had to stop worrying about things. This time she had a daughter who was an adult. She knew that even if Sirius cooled at the idea of immediately starting a family she could always depend on Kirsten to take care of her. She hated the idea of having to depend on someone, on her daughter, most of all, but she knew she'd need help. She wouldn't be able to last alone.

But with or without Sirius she had to face the facts. And the worst that would happen was she wouldn't have Sirius for the rest of her life and she might not exactly have a happily ever after. Big deal, she'd dealt with that prospect for the last eighteen years. She really had nothing to be afraid of.

The walk to Hogsmeade was by no means a short one and she had to keep telling herself that whatever was about to happen was about to happen. She didn't have to worry about it.

She knew what she wanted, however. She wanted Sirius. She wanted to be married and have a family and be happily ever after. She wanted to recreate some of their old magic. She wanted the love like Lily and James had had. But, what she wanted didn't matter, she repeated over and over.

She had to be realistic. She didn't live in a fairy tale and Sirius was no Prince Charming. He was a man with the rest of his life ahead of him. He was just like the young Sirius she had once known. He had just been given a taste of sweet freedom and she would spoil it with talk of babies and marriage. She was determined to not be optimistic and determined to not be heart broken.

She must have had a pretty grim look on her face when she knocked on the door. Sirius seemed slightly disarmed by her gaze. His wide grin had immediately vanished upon her entering.

She glanced around the house. What she could see nearly made her sick. It was almost like walking in at Sierra's. Except that was Sierra's and that was OK. This was Sirius' and this was not OK.

He led her to the kitchen which had a little table set for two, candles lit, very elegant. Her heart wasn't fluttering. In fact, she rather felt like gagging. Hoping her stomach was feeling queasy because of nerves she took her seat across from Sirius and fixed him with a stare over the candles.

She had decided she wouldn't ruin dinner by bringing up her condition; she would wait until they had enjoyed their meal first, but she wasn't sure, at this point that she would be able to enjoy her meal, or even stomach it.

After they began to eat their first course of lavishly prepared food and Angie sipped her water—she was ignoring the glass of wine for the time being—Sirius finally decided to say something about the way she was acting.

"Are you OK? I know you are still a little miffed because of the way I've been acting lately, but something else seems to be bothering you," He said, hoping not to start a fight.

"Sorry," She said nervously. "I…" But she had to stop there. She really couldn't think of anything to say that would come out making sense.

His eyes narrowed briefly but then he seemed to shrug and went back to eating. He had a lot on his mind but couldn't seem to think of anything to say. Talking seemed to elude them for several tense moments until the next course started to appear on the table.

Angie was debating with herself whether she should say something or not. The whole atmosphere seemed wrong to her. Maybe she was just being weird and she should let it go but this whole setup wasn't right. "You know?" She said finally, breaking the silence. "I'm not OK." Sirius looked up in surprise. "This just isn't…well…it isn't us."

Sirius expression became downright unreadable. Suddenly, he waved his hand and the candles instantly went out. Two thin trickles of smoke curled upwards in the air. He slumped back in his chair and the two contemplated each other by the light of the moon streaming in through the many windows in the cavernous kitchen. The tension was thick as fog.

"Is that why you're so dolled up?" He asked, his voice soft, but biting. "Because that's so us?" The sarcasm was bitter and Angie cursed herself for speaking up. It was something so silly for them to fight about. He had probably worked very hard to present all this to her.

"I used to take care with appearances," Angie said defensively.

"No you didn't," Sirius snapped. "And it didn't matter. You were still the best looking girl in a group…"

"I'm not young anymore, Sirius!" Angie retorted. "I don't just get up looking good."

"Fine," Sirius said. "I didn't mean to ruffle your feathers," He muttered, rising from his chair.

"What are you doing?" She asked, as he pulled his wand from his robes.

"I've an idea, since you are so duly unimpressed by this fine meal," He teased, no longer sounding upset.

He muttered something and the next moment he levitated a pizza over to the counter and set it down. "Is this more our tastes?" He asked. Angie felt her muscles relax and she started to laugh.

"It's fine," She said, standing and joining him beside the pizza. He pulled up two bar stools and they had a seat. Despite the fact that they both seemed to relax a little there was still an air of unresolved issues that hung over them like a dark cloud.

"I didn't mean to ignore you," Sirius said suddenly as if he had been in a deep train of thought and suddenly started to voice some of those thoughts. "It's just that I've been trying to make everything perfect. Well, what I mean is…" He had stopped and his brow was deeply lined with concentration. He seemed very confused by his thoughts.

"Well hang it all," He muttered more to himself than to her. "Angie, I just wanted to get settled and build up a life so that…well… so that I could bring you into it."

Angie sort of froze. She was lowering her piece of pizza and her mouth was loaded with a very large bite. Sirius, as usual, had perfect timing. Slowly she started to chew again, and then more vigorously as the need to say something became more urgent.

Sirius tossed down his pizza and wiped his fingers and mouth. "I know this seems silly," He continued.

"Silly?" She asked, finally able to say something.

"Yes," He said quickly. "But I'm sorry. What you said the other night opened my eyes. I didn't really stop to consider. But Angie, all that doesn't matter. I love you and I want you to know that. I mean, what is the matter with us? Over twenty years and we can't be honest with each other? We're still acting like teenagers."

Angie felt like her head was exploding but she knew if she tried to speak the words would get garbled up. Her eyes were wide and she just nodded. It wasn't like Sirius to be so…dead on. And so direct. And she was starting to feel stupid for shying away from him and for not being totally honest with him.

"Angie," He said, the tone of his voice becoming more intense. She could feel the goosebumps on her skin and her heart seemed to be pounding in her ears it was so loud. "Now that I have my life back; now that I can promise certain things—I want try again. I mean," He stopped briefly and shook his head as if he was trying to line up his thoughts properly. He took her hand in his and she suddenly felt very weak-kneed. "This time I can do things right. I will always be here. This time, Angie—" She saw him reaching toward a pocket and all at once she found her voice again.

"Sirius, stop! WAIT!" She commanded shrilly, pulling her hand from his. It was as if someone had abruptly pulled the needle off the record. Everything stopped for a minute and then emotion started to take over. She suddenly felt panicked and short of breath. "I know what you're going to say but there is something you must know first."

Tears quickly overwhelmed her and all her attentions focused on fighting them. Sirius' heart started to pound as thoughts raced through his mind with the force of speeding bullets. Angie tried to tell herself to get a grip. She had to remember her previous reasoning. She had to tell him--no matter what.

Hoping to comfort her in some way he gently, but firmly, took hold of each of her arms and fixed her with a look. Angie took several steadying breaths and then looked up.

"Sirius, without any introduction I'm just going to tell you because there is nothing I could say that would soften the blow. And I'm sorry that this has to be such a bombshell but there's nothing for it. So—" She had said everything up until that point very quickly and had quite suddenly run out of breath so that she had to stop and noisily take in a breath. This only added to the tension of the moment and in the next second she just blurted out. "I'm pregnant." And a ringing silence ensued.

---

A misunderstanding was in progress in the trophy room that night. The windowless room was very dark except for the tip of Draco's wand which cast eerie shadows over everything.

Ginny had requested that she and Draco meet after hours that night. Draco readily accepted thinking that they would indulge in one of their favorite past times—making fun of the people who had received all these awards. Well…that's what they always SAID they were going to do. He was sorely disappointed to find out that Ginny had brought him here to dump him. The problem was Draco refused to be dumped.

"Ginny, I love you," He protested.

"Stop it, Draco!" she cried. "Why are you doing this?" She asked, as if he was committing some horrible crime.

"I don't understand why YOU are doing THIS?" He shot back.

"Don't you see how much easier it will be if we just break things off now?" Ginny tried to rationalize. She looked at him tearfully but Draco just shook his head.

"Ginny," Draco said, reaching his hand out to her. "You are right, everything in my life is about to change. I'm about to be thrown into a different world. Don't you understand how much more important that makes you to me? You are the one thing that won't change. I can still lean on you for support. I need you Ginny."

Ginny started to cry harder than ever before and she let herself fall against him. His strong arms pulled her tighter to him. "Draco, I love you but—"

"No just stop," Draco interrupted. "Just I love you. That's all you have to say."

She shook her head stubbornly. "How can we do this long distance?" She asked. "You'll be out in the world meeting all sorts of new people and I'll be here. I won't be able to see you all term."

"What are you afraid of?" Draco murmured. "That I'll meet someone I like more than you? Don't tell me you're that naïve. I promise not to meet any girls if you promise not to develop a liking for the Creevey brothers, OK?"

"This isn't funny, Draco," She said, smiling despite herself.

"I'm not ready to call it quits, Gin," he continued, more seriously. "I want to have a future with you. And besides, we still have all summer to see each other. And after that I'll be going to law school. Everything will work out perfectly. And after next year we can start the rest of our lives together."

Ginny felt a wild chill run through her body. Her heart was suddenly pumping fast enough for three people! "I guess we can keep this up for the summer and then see what happens," She said reluctantly. It wasn't as if she didn't want everything he said but it just seemed impossible. She was only sixteen years old! And she was so afraid things would change once they were apart. Oddly though, Draco didn't seem concerned at all. His confidence had shaken her.

"It's a deal," he said. Ginny shivered. She could feel her fingertips tingling. As she wrapped her arms tightly around him she caught herself saying a silent prayer that she wasn't having a lovely dream.

---

"When? Who?" Sirius finally croaked. Angie looked at him, absolutely dumbstruck.

"You!"

"Did you really think I'd fall for that?" He asked, his voice soft and deadly. Hot tears brimmed up in her eyes again. His tone had burned into her flesh. She felt like she was trying to swallow cotton balls as she tried to get her next words out.

"I've been taking a potion so that I don't show," She tried to explain. "I'm six months pregnant, Sirius."

"I don't understand," He said, quite truthfully. "Why haven't you told me?"

"Do you remember when I had that fainting spell on Valentine's Day?" She asked, her voice slowly returning to normal. "That was the first time I even considered the possibility that I was pregnant. St. Mungo's confirmed it a week and a half later. By then, we had had that fight and then…oh God…"

"Then I came up in the newspaper as dead," He finished, a wave of guilt consumed him. He felt like he was being assaulted with a ton of bricks as she continued.

"Right and then…I was kidnapped. And I didn't have the chance to say anything when you rescued me. The castle was falling apart and then you got hit with that boulder," She continued, fighting to keep her voice steady. "And in jail…I didn't think it would be fair to tell you and then not be able to see you for so long. I didn't want to worry you or make you feel helpless. And at the trial…well…that would have been inadvisable, and these past two weeks…I've been so nervous about it. Sirius—"

"No, stop!" He said, his voice rough. He lightly brushed her cheek sending a chill down her neck. "My God…all this time…" He swallowed.

Then, he suddenly seemed to remember something and he fumbled frantically in his pocket and pulled out a little jewelry box. "Angie. I'm going to do things right this time. I'm going to be here for you and for the baby like I wasn't for you and Kirsten." With a rush he grabbed her hand and put her ring back on her finger. "Marry me again…or something…"

"Oh Sirius," Angie breathed. "Are you crying?"

They both laughed as she brushed the tears from his face. "I'm just so happy," He said, trying to imitate an emotionally overwrought woman. "Angie," He said, suddenly sobering up. "Did you really think that telling me that would change the way I felt about…everything? That I wouldn't want to marry you again if you were pregnant?"

"Well…I had hoped not…"

"Wasn't I the one who told Josh all those years ago he needed to grow up and marry you if he got you pregnant?" Sirius demanded.

"Well, yeah, but it wasn't Josh who got me pregnant," Angie pointed out.

"That's not the point anymore. I'm just sorry that I clearly haven't done a good enough job showing my feelings."

"Sirius, this isn't the time. Don't blame yourself for problems that were at least partially caused by me. And it doesn't matter anymore. Like you said; everything will be different this time."

"Not everything. I still love you." Angie's lips curved into a reluctant smile.

"And I love you."

"And that's the only thing that matters."

---

Somehow Harry had expected graduation to feel more final. But, oddly, it didn't seem to bother him. Hermione and Kirsten were rather emotional but not overly so. Ron was still moody and depressed. Probably more so now that he had graduated with distinction and was still looking forward to a life of no promise.

But Harry was astonished at not feeling any particular feeling directly after the fact. He just knew it was over and it had to happen. Earlier he had spent a lot of time thinking about how he was going to be leaving the only home he really ever knew--Hogwarts. Now that the time had come he just felt ready to do it and nothing more.

Sirius had naturally invited Harry to stay with him until Harry got situated with his quidditch team. It was here where he was heading just now. It felt sort of strange to know that he was leaving Hogwarts for good but not on the Hogwarts Express. He had no desire to go back to the Dursley's even if a few of his clothes had been left behind. What did he care? His godfather was, like, the richest person alive.

Hermione was with him. He had invited her over for a little after graduation party because she also lived in Hogsmeade. Sierra had, of course, agreed readily to this and would also be dropping by. Kirsten would be along as well after she had said her proper good-byes to Ron who was still crazily depressed.

Kirsten was the only person who could get any sort of reaction from Ron. His kisses had become more desperate, his embraces longer. All this business about not having a job was tearing them both up inside even it was bringing them closer together. Kirsten felt horrible every time she looked in his eyes and saw the pain of failure.

When Harry and Hermione arrived at Sirius' rental house they immediately realized Sirius had exaggerated when he had mentioned a 'little' after graduation party. It appeared that every person Harry had ever met and possibly a few he hadn't had been invited to this party. Most of the Hogwarts staff was in attendance, which was strange in itself, and a large number of people who had claimed to know Harry's parents.

The biggest surprise of all, perhaps, was all the Weasleys who arrived. The twins, Charlie, Bill and even Percy were already hanging about when Harry and Hermione arrived but it wasn't long before Mr. and Mrs. Weasley arrived with Ginny, Ron, and Kirsten in tow. Although the party was meant to be a surprise to Ron, he didn't seem to be very receptive. Kirsten tried to cheer him up but it was obvious that he didn't care by the way he didn't even protest to the dorky party hat she tied on his head.

Despite the fact that Sirius had repeatedly downplayed the grounds around his current home, they were large enough, even if it didn't have much of a front yard. The weather was gorgeous and everyone was spilling out into the back yard.

Somehow, Harry had managed to lose Hermione again. He couldn't blame her. All these people kept claiming to know Lily and James and even he was getting bored of the endless stream of them.

But the party was about to get very interesting for Harry Potter. As the next man approached he kept glancing side to side. This man had the absolute largest moustache Harry had ever seen. The moustache kept Harry occupied as he watched the curious little man approach. Harry never noticed the wand hidden by the man's robes, or that the man was muttering spells. His large moustache covered the fact that his lips were moving slightly.

"Ah Mr. Potter," The man squeaked. Harry was taken aback by such a voice and glanced at the people close to them. Oddly, no one seemed to hear or pay attention. "I would very much enjoy a chat with you, with your permission of course."

"Of course," Harry replied, inclining his head slightly, watching the little man play with his moustache.

"To be frank, Mr. Potter, I'm a representative for the International Auror Association. Maybe you are familiar with us?" The man asked, a grin spreading across his face.

Harry returned the grin. Even if someone had somehow managed to have never heard of the IAA before Sirius' trial they would certainly have heard by now. Elizabeth's treachery had shocked the world over.

After his little joke, the man tugged at his mustache and continued. "Of course you are familiar with us. And so, you understand what sort of dangerous position we are currently in. We are scrambling to recruit new, yet skilled and qualified agents. We must re-group and re-organize because all of our secrets are no longer safe. Our covers are blown. Despite the demise of the Dark Lord we are now facing a serious need for intelligence gathering because the extent of Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer's treachery is still unknown--as is the purpose." The man suddenly let go of his moustache and met Harry's eyes directly. "And that, Mr. Potter, is where you enter the picture."

"Me?" Harry repeated, finding nothing else intelligent to say. His mind was still trying to understand why no people around them seemed to take notice of the man with the gigantic moustache or their discussion of the IAA.

"Yes," The man replied, choosing to create a long pause in the discussion. After a time he started to speak again. "Of course, we want you to accept the offer to play quidditch for England. Not only is that a once in a lifetime opportunity—one that you wholly deserve—but it is also a perfect cover."

Harry's eyes seemed to widen in surprise as he fully understood what this man was talking about. "Are you, like, asking me to be a secret agent or something?" Harry blurted. The man's eyes flashed from side to side and his moustache bristled but he need not have worried. Everyone was oblivious.

"Yes, sir," The man replied, a certain gleam in his eye. Somehow the affirmative response further surprised him. Harry didn't really know what to say. A swarm of emotions was confusing his mind. "In two days time you will be contacted. If you agree to work for us we will discuss contract negotiations at that time. Give this some thought, Mr. Potter. You could change the world. In the meantime, let's keep this conversation between us until you've made a decision." The moustache twitched again and the man tugged at one side, an awkward smile spreading across his lips. The next moment he had disappeared with a small pop leaving Harry to whirl around and blink.

"Harry!" Hermione called, her bright face beaming as she suddenly appeared at his side. "I've been looking all over for you." And, with a playful brush of the lips Harry was sufficiently distracted.

---

"You seem tense," Sirius whispered into Angie's ear. With his closeness she grew tenser.

"Maybe that is because I am tense, genius," She snapped.

"Why are you so tense?" He asked, pulling away from her in order to look into her eyes. "I'm not worried about a thing."

Angie looked pointedly at his glass of wine. "Easy for you to say." Sirius curled his lips into a smile.

"Are you going to say a few words about your daughter's graduation?" Angie asked, changing the subject. A dark shadow passed across Sirius' face.

"I would like to…but what is there to say? I want to say something for Harry too—but I don't think I could handle it. James would be so proud…"

"Sirius…" Angie said, her face transformed into concern. Her finger traced the lines in his face and they reluctantly smoothed. "You don't have to say anything. No one expects you to."

"But it should be done," Sirius said, a note of resolve in his voice. The next moment he was gathering everyone around the table, summoning forth the graduates. When everyone's attention had been sufficiently gained and the graduates properly gathered around their massive cake, Sirius cleared his throat. "To Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Kirsten," Sirius began, raising his glass. "Never has Hogwarts seen such a promising foursome—"

"--Except the marauders," Sierra interrupted. A brief shadow crossed Sirius' face.

"Let these four live better lives than us," He replied gravely. And then, he brightened again. "Never have I been more proud in my entire life. So, everyone drink up, because these four are going out to rule the world!"

Sirius gave each one of them a hug and Kirsten gave him a kiss. Just as the crowd would have dispersed or converged upon the cake Angie spoke up. "Sirius and I have one more thing to say," She shouted, and the babble quickly subsided. Eager faces focused their attention on the couple.

Sirius had suddenly gone very red in the face as he turned back to Angie. She took his hand and gave him a reassuring smile. "Sirius and I are going to have a baby," Angie announced, calmly. Most people were shocked into silence. Holly gasped quite audibly and several others were just blinking. Kirsten was staring open-mouthed.

"And we're getting married—again," Sirius added.

"Whoo!" George Weasley shouted, breaking the silence. "We get to come back for another party!" After that the tension broke and Sirius stopped holding his breath.

With a wave of relief washing over both of them, Sirius turned and kissed Angie amid applause. Kirsten had turned to her mother, her mouth open as if she wanted to say something but didn't know the right words. Angie just laughed and hugged her daughter.

Sierra had made a beeline for the couple, dragging Bill with her. "Oh my God!" She shouted throwing her arms around both of them at once. "This is crazy! No! It's more than that—it's insane! Oh my God! I'm so happy for you guys!" Bill gave Sirius an apologetic look as Sierra kept gushing.

"So, sis," Holly said with a sneer as she sauntered toward them. "When are you due?" She eyed Angie's midsection as if the child within might suddenly pop out.

"September," Angie replied.

Taken quite aback Holly said "What?" Angie smiled in response. She liked shocking people—especially her sister.

"I've been taking a potion to hide my pregnancy," She explained. "But now that everyone knows I can stop."

"September…?" Sierra repeated. She seemed to be doing the math in her head. Then she frowned and looked at Sirius.

"I didn't know until two days ago," He said, seeming to read her mind. Sierra's eyebrows shot up in the air as she looked from Angie to Sirius.

"Oh my God!" She exclaimed, suddenly seeing Angie in a new light. "You poor thing!" Angie brushed Sierra away.

"It doesn't matter anymore," She said dismissively.

"So, when is the happy day?" Remus asked, suddenly joining the group. Angie glanced at Sirius, and he at her. They hadn't discussed the details yet, they were just thrilled to have worked out their issues.

"Halloween. On our anniversary," He said with a grin and they all laughed.

---

Early the next afternoon Harry finally dragged himself out of bed and down to the kitchen for some coffee. He had some serious things to think about and he needed to wake up and concentrate.

First of all, he was concerned about Ron and his lack of job. Secondly, he was concerned about Hermione. They really just needed to go on a real date. Thirdly, his godfather who seemed way too old to be having babies was going to be having one. And there was the small matter of the man with the moustache and his enigmatic job offer.

In his slightly hung-over haze he thought he might have dreamed that part up. But, once he considered what else had happened yesterday, he decided that him being offered a secret agent position was less of stretch than Sirius having a baby.

Yet, it did seem like a dream come true. He would have a chance to play quidditch and be counter-terrorist as well. The prospect was thrilling. He knew even before he started listing pros and cons that he'd take the job. The will to fight evil seemed to be in his blood. He had become quite accustomed to going out and looking for trouble and even more accustomed to trouble finding him.

Why shouldn't he get paid to go looking for trouble?

That matter being settled surprisingly easier than he expected, Harry moved on to more confusing issues. If Angie was due in September that would mean that she had gotten pregnant in January. Harry was trying to remember what Sirius had been doing in January. Harry, however, had no idea what HE had been doing in January, let alone Sirius.

Moving along his mind settled on Hermione as it often now did. He ought to take her out, he knew. But Harry had never had the opportunity to really explore much of the wizarding world. He had no idea where they could go other than the pubs in Hogsmeade and that didn't seem to be the setting he was hoping for.

His concentration slowly coming back to him, Harry's thoughts were interrupted by an additional body entering the kitchen. Kirsten, her hair slightly ruffled and her eyes a little droopy, yet still very beautiful, poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down heavily next to Harry.

"Ugh," She said. "I think Dad's freedom is taking a toll on our health."

Harry laughed. "Agreed."

"Oh God, Harry," She said. "A wedding? How are we going to handle it? There is going to be so much to do! And we'll have to have a baby shower. And a wedding shower! And we have to find Ron a job before he kills himself. It's just too much to handle!" She said woefully and banged her head against his shoulder.

"Fortunately, we're not the party responsible for any of those things," Harry pointed out.

"Yes we are," Kirsten said forcefully, and she moved her head in order to glare. "Who is going to plan showers for my mother? Certainly not Sirius! And Ron has proved incapable of receiving job offers on his own."

"What about Angie's sister?"

"Holly?" Kirsten laughed dryly. "They hate each other."

"Sierra?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Maybe," Kirsten replied, taking a sip of coffee. "But what about Ron? It is us who he complains to. He makes US feel bad for having jobs. And I feel bad for him but…argh!" They silently and pensively sipped their coffee for a while but Harry just couldn't make himself think about Ron just then.

"Hey Kirsten! I was thinking of taking Hermione out somewhere—what do you think?" Kirsetn squealed excitedly, though both of them regretted the noise immediately.

"That's a great idea! You guys need a good excuse to spend some quality time together. Where are you going to go?" Kirsten asked.

"That's the problem…" Harry started to explain.

"Oh, I see…Well, I've never been to any of these places but I know of tons of really fancy restaurants where my Dad—I mean Josh—likes to go. And Kerri, she's the one who was always going on about them. I'm sure they would be really romantic. Very expensive--but they would be worth the money. When we go back to the other house this afternoon to get my stuff I'll have to look around. I'm sure Dad would have some suggestions—"

"Yeah, I bet he would," Harry cut in. Sirius would be more than happy to be involved in the proceedings but Harry wanted Sirius to stay out of it—seeing as he'd already been in it so much.

"Oh Harry this is so exciting! You and Hermione are so CUTE together." To avoid having to respond to such a statement Harry took a drink. He would not have described him and Hermione as cute… "You know what?" Kirsten exclaimed. "We can double date now! Won't that be fun?"

"Loads," Harry replied, only half meaning it. Kirsten and Ron were two of his best friends but he really just wanted to go on a date with Hermione. He could always just hang out with Ron and Kirsten.

"Oh," Kirsten said. "That reminds me. I need to go to Diagon Alley to do some shopping. I've got to get new clothes and other stuff for work. I thought you might need some new robes too. Mom won't let me go alone. I would take Ron but he doesn't seem to be in the mood to do anything lately."

"Yeah," Harry replied. "We'll go, but I think we should take Ron along. It will do him good to get out."

"Do you really think so? I thought that seeing all the shops he's NOT working at might make him moodier."

"Well, too bad. We aren't going to let him spoil the afternoon. I'll owl Hermione, I'm sure she'll have a list of things she needs too."

"Great! I guess this is like our first double date!" Kirsten said, excitedly. Harry snorted, but Kirsten ignored him and continued. "I'll leave a note for Mom and tell her we'll go over to the house later and get my stuff. Did you know she and Sirius are meeting with a builder and realtor right now? He wants to buy a lot and build a massive house like this one! Hey Harry, are you going to start looking for a place to live or are you planning on staying here all summer?"

"What…" Harry asked, trying to rapidly understand Kirsten's babbling. He was still a sentence behind and it took him a second to catch up. "Oh…well, I'll have to go off for training camp at the end of July so I suppose I'll be moving closer to the pitch. I'll just rent a flat or something, I imagine."

"OK, well I'm going to go get ready. I'll see you in a couple of minutes."

"Right," Harry replied, turning back to his cup of coffee and feeling like he always did after a conversation with Kirsten: like a turtle. A very, very old and slow turtle. Nevertheless, he knew he had time to kill before Kirsten would be ready. A couple of minutes to her was like millennia to the rest of the world. Harry had figured that one out the hard way as he recalled their vivid arguments on the subject of primping versus getting to class on time.

---

Several hours later Kirsten, Ron, Hermione, and Harry were strolling casually down Diagon Alley. Harry was trying to avoid eye contact with every person he passed on the street, but otherwise, all was normal. Kirsten and Hermione were walking side by side discussing their latest purchase and Ron was keeping a moody pace a few feet behind them.

They had paused outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor and were discussing if they should sit down. Ron was slightly out of the group and the conversation. This was his own choice and suited him better. He wouldn't be buying anything, seeing as he didn't have a job and needed to save every bit of money he possibly could.

Just as he was contemplating what it would be like to sleep on that broken down bench a few paces away he felt a strong arm go around his body and a hand clap firmly over his mouth. By the time he had had the thought to strike out, scream, or pull his wand out, he was completely immobilized and the sights of Diagon Alley were quickly sliding from vision.

Harry and the girls decided to come back and have some ice cream later, after they visited the Apothecary. It wasn't until they came back and sat down for ice cream that they noticed Ron was gone. It wasn't as if he had been an active participant in the shopping and he hadn't said much all day.

Kirsten bit her lip apprehensively. "He wouldn't just leave and go home without saying something. He must have wandered off somewhere."

"You're right," Hermione agreed. "I'm sure he'll show up in a bit."

"Yeah," Harry said, feeling much less confident than Hermione had sounded. "I'll just run down to the Quality Quidditch Supplies and see if he got side-tracked. Wait here."

Harry returned without success and as they made their way up and down Diagon Alley. No one fitting his description had been seen lately. "Well…" Kirsten said in a small voice. "He must have gone home."

But when they reached the Weasley's Ron had not been seen. Ginny looked very anxious as she suggested they consult the clock. As they made their way to the kitchen Kirsten was starting to feel very guilty about her words earlier. She had only suggested that Ron might kill himself in jest. When they reached the clock she realized she hadn't been breathing and let out a puff of air.

The clock did not indicate that Ron was dead. However, the clock did not indicate anything about Ron. There was Ginny and Mrs. Weasley on home. There was Mr. Weasley at work. Charlie, Bill, Percy were all settled on their perspective places and the twins hands kept alternating between mortal peril and work--but Ron's hand was turning slowly. They all watched in silence as it made a full revolution and then another.

Harry was the first one to speak. "Has it ever done that before, Ginny?" Pale-faced Ginny shook her head. Kirsten felt like an iron fist had just clamped around her heart. She felt a wave of panic starting to grip her.

"Ginny, go get your mother," Hermione instructed and Ginny ran from the room. They had not yet alerted Ron's mother because they had all hoped that it wouldn't have to come to that. Mrs. Weasley would undoubtedly become distraught and they hoped they could find Ron before this happened.

Mrs. Weasley flew down the stairs and entered the room before Ginny. "Tell me everything that happened," She demanded shrilly. Harry was the one to speak, because Kirsten wouldn't have been able to manage it and Hermione was too deep in thought. He tried to remember every detail but it was hard. Shopping in Diagon Alley wasn't particularly eventful or vivid.

"How long has it been?" Mrs. Weasley asked fearfully, as she watched Ron's hand spin round and round.

"A couple of hours," Harry said. Mrs. Weasley took a deep breath. Everyone wanted to believe that they were over-reacting; that they had missed something. Or that Ron had mentioned he was going to go somewhere or that he had wandered off to be alone and would soon return. But at this point they were all worried.

"I must send an owl to your father," Mrs. Weasley said to Ginny who quickly brought her quill, ink and parchment and then went off in search of an owl. "Arthur will be able to file a missing person's report and he'll be able to make sure they get to work investigating right away."

"Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, "We were all over Diagon Alley asking people if they had seen someone answering to his description and no one had."

Mrs. Weasley ignored him and scribbled furiously. The moment Ginny returned with the owl Mrs. Weasley grabbed one of its legs and started tying. "Look!" Hermione shouted suddenly, pointing at the clock.

Ron's hand--which had been rotating counterclockwise--suddenly reversed directions and pointed to traveling. All six of them stared at it. Just as Harry was about to look away to say something it moved again. In the blink of an eye Ron's hand snapped to home.

Everyone looked wildly around the room and suddenly the back door burst open. "RON!" Six people shouted and started moving at him as one.

"Aaahh!" He screamed backing up into the door he had just closed and throwing his hands in front of him. Harry stopped immediately and held out his arm to block Hermione too.

Mrs. Weasley rushed forward and enveloped him in a hug. Over her shoulder Ron was blushing scarlet. She let him go a little reluctantly, her eyes wet, and he quickly moved away from her. Kirsten was ready for him though and threw her arms around his body in much the same fashion. This time Ron rolled his eyes.

"Here you guys are!" Ron exclaimed, pushing Kirsten and holding her out at arm's length. "I was looking all over for you."

Harry and Hermione exchanged looks. "But Ron," Hermione protested. "We looked EVERYWHERE! We even asked people if they had seen you."

"Uh…yeah…" He said, his eyes darting back and forth. "I know. One of them told me you guys were looking for me. I was looking for you too. But yeah…I figured maybe you would come here." Harry thought he heard a little bit of strained note in his voice.

Harry narrowed his eyes and studied his friend's face. Ron caught the look and suddenly busied himself hugging Kirsten. Mrs. Weasley was busy shredding the letter she had hastily written to Mr. Weasley. Harry thought something was up. He knew they had searched the whole alley too well to have missed Ron. And what was with the clock?

Everyone else seemed to accept the story however, and Harry didn't get a chance to ask any questions. Hermione and Kirsten were just so happy he was OK they didn't seem to question Ron at all.

By the end of the night Harry decided Ron had enjoyed the attention far too much. He was smiling a lot more now and he seemed to encourage Kirsten's mushiness too. Harry was glad to escape that night.

---

Angie and Sirius were deep in conversation about the wedding when he arrived home. Harry, not wishing to be a part of the planning, barricaded himself in his room with a quidditch magazine.

"James should be my best man," Sirius said.

"I know, honey, and Lily should be my maid of honor but we can't really have that now, can we?"

"Have you ever thought about what might have happened if we would have went to their house that night and made them come with us when we were married?"

"Sirius, they wouldn't have dropped everything in the middle of the night and woken up Harry just so that we could be married immediately. They would have talked us out of getting married on the spot."

"You're right. Lily and James were way more sensible. They had a real wedding."

"After Lily got pregnant."

"True. And you remember how long it took James to propose?"

"Yeah. Forever."

"What are we doing, Angie? This is now, not then."

"You're right. That's why Remus should be your best man."

"Or Harry. I mean, in honor of James."

"Don't you think Remus might be a little miffed?"

"Miffed?" Sirius shouted. "I wasn't best man at his wedding! Talk about miffed!"

"That's not fair and you know it," Angie said, slightly amused. "We ran off and got married once too."

"Well, you're right, of course," Sirius said. "I would be honored to have Remus as my best man." Angie screwed up her face. She was still a little put off about his whole three-timing thing and the fact that he was a werewolf. "And Harry and Ron and Bill have to be in the wedding."

"OK, well, I'm going to ask Sierra to be my maid of honor. I mean, she was the only person at the first wedding. And then, of course, Kirsten and Hermione will be in the wedding too."

"And Holly. That will be perfect."

"Holly?" Angie questioned. "Who said anything about her?"

"Angie!" Sirius said, exasperated. "She's your sister."

"So what? I didn't hear you mentioning your sister."

"That's different," Sirius said. "Your sister isn't an evil bitch."

"No, she's just a bitch."

"Angie!" Sirius scolded. "Holly is friend; I will never understand your estrangement. I mean, what has she done to you?"

"It's complicated," Angie said, folding her arms and pursing her lips.

"Look, I understand—well, I sort of understand—that she was pissed at her father and maybe she resented you a little bit but aren't you guys a little old for a grudge like that? I mean, what has she done to you recently?"

"She's just Holly and I don't want her in my wedding."

"That's just ridiculous. She's a good friend of mine and I want my friends in my wedding." Angie turned to him and glared. "She is your sister, Angie. Plus, her husband is going to be my best man. She has to be in the wedding. Think of the further conflicts you'll be creating if she isn't in the wedding."

"Oh, so I'm supposed to put her in my wedding just so she won't get mad because she's not?"

"No, you're supposed to put her in your wedding because she is your sister and she is my friend," Sirius corrected. "Angie, I don't see what the big deal is. She doesn't have to be your maid of honor, just a bridesmaid. It won't kill either of you. And besides, you're going to have to come up with another person because Remus, Ron, Harry, and Bill make four and all four have to be in the wedding."

"Oh fine, but you are going to be the one to ask her and you can make it perfectly clear that she is going to be in the wedding on your behalf."

"And yours," Sirius amended.

"Mostly yours," Angie retorted. Sirius rolled his eyes.

---

It was very late and the Weasleys were all peacefully sleeping. Well, most of them. One could only wonder what Charlie, Bill and the twins were doing. Ron was wide awake, however, on his back porch swing. Kirsten was at his side, her head resting on his shoulder.

"I was so worried about you earlier today," Kirsten said.

"I was fine," Ron replied.

"But what if you hadn't been?" Kirsten asked.

"What if? What are you talking about Kirsten? Nothing happened. Everything is fine. Well, I mean, despite the fact that I am destined to be homeless once Mum and Dad throw me out."

"Sirius will take you in," Kirsten assured him.

"Kirsten…" Ron groaned. "I don't want to depend on people forever."

"Ron, I know. But you'll be able to get a job. Just because you didn't get offered anything doesn't mean that's it. You'll find something."

"Yeah," Ron sighed. "You're right."

"I am?" Kirsten exclaimed, lifting her head to look at him. Ron smiled at her. "I mean, of course I'm right. I'm always right," She quickly amended.

Ron laughed. "Kirsten, I love you."

Kirsten was surprised by the tingling sensation shooting down her back and the quickening of her heart beat. She had heard him say it before. But she doubted if she would ever tire of hearing him say it. Her finger traced a line from his forehead done his nose and she smiled. "I know," She replied.

Ron gave her a pout and she laughed her bell-like laugh. "Turn that frown upside down," She said, trying to lift his lips into a smile. She laughed again at the result. He kissed her fingers and then her hand.

"I should take you home," He said. Kirsten gave him a disapproving look. "I don't wish to incur the wrath of Sirius."

"Don't worry about him. I can handle Daddy," She said, in a sickeningly sweet voice.

"That scares me," Ron said.

"I love you, Ron," Kirsten said.

"Ah," Ron replied happily. "Now I'm happy."

"Does that mean I don't have to go home?" Kirsten asked hopefully.

"No, you still have to go home and you know it. As it is, it's already too late and I would really," he paused to kiss her, "really, like to keep seeing you."

"Well, I'm seeing you now, and I don't want to stop."

"Maybe a few more minutes…" Ron said with a grin.

"Mmhmm," Kirsten agreed, kissing Ron. For the next several minutes they sort of lost themselves. It wasn't until they heard a very distinctive clearing of a throat behind them that they came back to reality.

Guiltily they pulled apart to see Mr. Weasley looking stern. "Are you just coming home from work?" Ron asked, trying to cool his burning cheeks and distract Mr. Weasley all at once.

"Yes," Mr. Weasley replied. "Good morning, Kirsten," He added.

"Morning?" She asked in a small voice. It was later than she thought.

"Yes," Mr. Weasley snapped, giving Ron a stern look. "Kirsten, I imagine your Mum and Dad will be expecting you."

"Right," She muttered, rising from the swing, with some difficulty. As she made a hasty departure she heard Mr. Weasley murmur to Ron.

"Lucky your mother was asleep…"

---

Kirsten apparated to her back yard and wondered what to do next. Sirius had the security settings so that no one could apparate inside the house. She couldn't ring the doorbell and she doubted she could simply "Alohomora" the back door lock without setting off some other sort of alarm.

She looked at the black façade and hoped some stroke of brilliance would come to her. Suddenly a window flew open and she nearly cried out in surprise. "Kirsten!" Harry exclaimed, looking down on her.

"Oh Harry, I'm so glad to see you," She said, trying to force her heart beat back to normal.

"Are you just getting back from Ron's?" Harry asked, his eyebrows lifted suggestively. Kirsten shrugged.

"Yeah."

Harry grinned so wide it would have been seen from the back of his head. "You owe me," he said and disappeared from the window.

She paced nervously for a few moments until Harry opened the back door and she rushed inside. She flashed him a smile. "I do owe you," She said.

"Careful," Harry warned. "Sirius is in his study. Take the stairs lightly."

"Thanks."

---

Ron waited the next morning until Percy and his father were safely at work and his mother was busy in the back garden before he disapparated to the Ministry of Magic in London. He entered a secret side entrance that led directly to the Department of Mysteries.

Armed with very specific instructions he waited until the appointed time and opened the first door. From here he waited fifteen seconds, crossed the room and opened the door on the other side.

Stepping out he waited exactly three minutes and chose the third door on the left and was greeted by the soft glow of a fire. He had just entered the office of Jack Taylor, Department of Mysteries.

"Good morning, Ron," Jack Taylor greeted him and gestured toward a comfortable looking armchair near his desk. "I am so pleased you accepted our offer."

"You were the only offer," Ron pointed out. "And how could I turn down a would-be kidnapper?"

Jack smiled. "Those were our hopes," He said. "I do apologize for the inconvenience yesterday, but we had to make sure the meeting was an absolute secret."

"Yes well, kidnapping was a little extreme," Ron said. "And I only barely convinced my family that I had just lost track of them in Diagon Alley."

"Well, all is well that ends well," Jack said distractedly shuffling papers on his desk. "I would very much like to chat and perhaps play another game of chess, however, we must start your training immediately. Ronald Weasley, meet your new trainer, Sirius Black."

Ron whirled around, his mouth hanging open in shock to see Sirius emerging from the shadows near the fireplace. "Black, I'll expect daily progress reports. He's yours until five o'clock."

And with a wave of his hand Ron and Sirius were no longer standing in Jack Taylor's office. "Ron, welcome to my office," Sirius said, indicating a broken down folding chair for Ron to sit at on the other side of a dingy desk. This place was nothing like Jack's.

"First of all Ron I want to make it clear that my employment is classified, as is yours—for the moment. Kirsten, because she is an employee of the Department, knows that I work here. She can know that you have been hired also. Angie cannot know."

Ron's eyes widened in surprise. "Angie doesn't know you work for the Department of Mysteries?" Ron asked in disbelief. He knew his parents could never keep secrets from each other—especially secrets of such magnitude. Even when they had tried in the past it had always turned out badly.

"No, Ron, and the consequences would be great if you tried to tell her that I—or you—did," Sirius explained. "The Department places a number of spells on your body without you knowing so that if you tried to reveal anything you would most likely end up petrified like Arabella Figg.

"Now, we're going to start by training your mind. If you've ever had a mild interest in Occlumency, cultivate it now. I will not be the one to teach you the finer points, however, but it is a useful skill. Now, lets see what you're thinking about," Sirius said, putting out a hand to receive a paper that was sliding out of a very complicated looking machine.

Sirius examined the paper in silence for a while and Ron wondered what in the hell what going on. Then, Sirius peered at him over the rim of the paper. "You seem to spend most of your free time focused on Kirsten," Sirius noted and Ron went scarlet.

Being trained by his girlfriend's father was going to have definite disadvantages.

---

The next morning Kirsten found Harry wandering around in the back yard. "I made a reservation for two at a quaint little restaurant in London for Friday. It's Italian and it's muggle so you'll have to change your money. But you can't beat the atmosphere." She winked at him and disappeared.

Harry grinned as she walked toward the house. He was still grinning happily when the bearded man approached from thin air. Harry's face went immediately blank and he quickly became serious.

"Well, Potter?" The man demanded, his long beard blowing slightly in the wind.

"OK, what's the offer?" Harry asked.

"Aha! I knew we could count on you!" The man exclaimed, sticking out a hand. Harry took it and shook it enthusiastically. Immediately the green surroundings dissolved and cement block walls became the replacements.

Harry let go and whirled around in surprise. The man, who had a minute ago been bearded, was now completely bald, though his eyebrows were fiery red. "The name's Anderson," He said. "When you come in here, you're automatically transformed into your IAA headquarters disguise. If you could see yourself you'd notice your hair is brown, your scar is gone and you're wearing contacts." Harry's hand flew immediately to his eyes where he discovered that indeed he was not wearing glasses.

"Weird…" Harry muttered to himself.

"Now, we've arranged with your quidditch coach. Mind you, your head coach, and him alone, for you to be an agent," Anderson said, getting right down to business. "If an emergency arises and causes you to miss practice he will let you go no questions asked. Remember Potter, the less he knows the better. And he is in agreement. That is why you will have a memory trigger. You will be the keeper of that part of his memory. When you need him to remember that you are a secret agent you can trigger his memory. When you don't want him to remember, you can turn off the trigger. Is that clear?"

"Yes," Harry replied.

"Good. Now, step into my office, please," Anderson said, sticking his arm into the solid looking wall to demonstrate. Harry walked through the wall and was followed by Anderson. The office was spacious and heavily laden with a myriad of objects and files. By the looks of his office and his brisk tone, Anderson seemed like a busy guy.

"You will need to train with us. We understand that you have more experience fighting and conquering Dark Wizards than probably any of our agents but we will be teaching you stealth. And also how to deal with our paperwork," he smiled apologetically. "You'll leave a week early. Your excuse to your family will be quidditch training camp. After a week with us, you will go to quidditch training camp. Your first assignments will be with other agents.

"Remember they don't want to know who you actually are; they just want to do their job. Mostly what we're going to want you to do is be our eyes and ears. You will be traveling the world with your quidditch team. You'll be asked to make full reports on any local news you can dig up. We'll also arrange meetings with certain individuals—sometimes sources, sometimes people who might unwillingly reveal some important information. For a while, nothing is going to be very dangerous. The danger you're facing is keeping your employment here a secret."

"Right," Harry agreed, feeling the need to stop nodding and to start saying actual words. It sounded as if the IAA was going to do a lot of bossing Harry around and he wouldn't have any choice but to accept his missions.

"We have nothing in writing here," Anderson continued. "We are bound by magic. However, you become bound to me. And I am bound to another member who is bound to another member. This way it will take someone a while to wipe out our entire force of agents. Anyway, with your permission we will perform the spell after you complete your training. Training will teach you what will be expected from you and we will also discuss payment at that time."

Anderson rose abruptly from his desk. "Hermione Granger is going to be employed by Great Britain's Ministry of Magic. You are absolutely not to discuss any IAA business with her. Nothing at all. You may simply tell her that you are going to be employed by us. Make sure she is clear that you are a secret agent and if you become a known agent you may wind up dead. Thank you, Mr. Potter. You're going to help us do great things."

Anderson stuck out his hand again, and this time Harry eyed it suspiciously. He took it anyway and immediately Anderson's offices dissolved and the greenery of Sirius' back yard snapped into focus. "Good luck to you, Potter."

"Thanks," Harry managed to say before he disappeared.

Harry's head spinning, he slowly walked back to the house.

---

Ron kept up his disappearing and re-appearing very well. He told his mother that he was busily looking for a job and having interviews and he made up elaborate stories. He felt sort of bad about lying to Mrs. Weasley but he was also anxious to test himself. Sirius was teaching him things about being undercover and he wanted to try out his tactics on someone.

When he came home he was always mentally exhausted if not physically. Sirius was working him very hard and Ron had the constant stress of letting something slip about Kirsten—even in the privacy of his own mind he was worried about such thoughts—however innocent.

Sirius was constantly scolding him for thinking about Kirsten too much. "Your enemies will use that against you," He had said.

Ron was pretty sure it had more to do with the fact that Kirsten was Sirius' daughter but he didn't say that aloud. After one such scolding Ron had suggested "Let's look at your print-out!"

Sirius had quickly moved on to disguise and had worked him for three hours straight without a break. After one particularly taxing session Sirius had asked "Are you having second thoughts about taking this job?"

"No," Ron replied immediately. "It was the only offer."

Sirius shook his head. "No, Jack just wanted to make sure that you didn't go anywhere else. He removed your name from all the lists."

"What?" Ron cried, his cheeks flushing with anger. "He let me sit in absolute misery for all that time thinking that I was worthless?"

"Well…yes…" Sirius said uneasily.

"I can't believe this!"

---

WednesdayRon met Kirsten in the Hogsmeade for dinner. He tried to keep his yawning to a minimum but he couldn't really help it. "Let's go for a walk," He suggested, hoping the fresh air would keep him more alert.

Once outside Kirsten clung to his arm and Ron marveled at how much he liked her to cling to him. "I hardly get to see you anymore," Kirsten said and Ron knew it was true. He was just too tired in the evenings to meet with her and he was gone with Sirius all day.

"I know, Kirsten, but it's for good reason," He said, taking a deep breath and stopping.

"What is it Ron?" Kirsten asked, a growing sense of nervousness starting in the pit of her stomach—or maybe it was excitement.

He took both her hands in his and his eyes roved hungrily over her face. "Kirsten, I found out why I didn't get offered any jobs. The Department of Mysteries offered me a job and I've taken it. They blocked anyone else from even offering me a job." Kirsten gasped in surprise. "I'm being trained during the day by Sirius."

"Oh my goodness!" Kirsten exclaimed. "My Dad works for the Department of Mysteries?"

"You think you're surprised..." Ron muttered, remembering how horrified he had felt when Jack announced Ron would be trained by Sirius.

"Why hasn't he told me?" Kirsten asked.

"Because he wasn't supposed to tell you or Angie. Now that you're going to be employed by the Ministry we have permission to tell you. But just you. If we try to talk to anyone else about it—well, let's just say the Ministry has safeguarded itself from any leaks," He finished wearily.

"Wow," Kirsten said, running a hand through her long blonde hair. "Both Dad and you…Ron you have a job!"

"I know!" He said excitedly, his eyes brightening.

"No wonder you're so tired…" Kirsten said, brushing a lock of his red hair off his forehead. Her forehead creased with concern, her big brown eyes looked into his.

"I'm suddenly not very sleepy anymore," He murmured, pulling her closer.

---

On Thursday Sirius decided to start speaking in code. "Just basic stuff, Ron," He said when he suggested they do this while working on dueling techniques. "For instance, let's pick words for family members. Keep the words basic so that we can have seemingly normal conversations.

"For instance, Angie can be grass, and Kirsten can be the sky, and I'll be the volcano, and you can be a small mouth bass—"

"Whoa, whoa!" Ron interrupted, dodging Sirius' last curse. "Why do you get be a volcano? If you're a volcano than I should be the ocean."

"I think small mouth bass suits you better," Sirius said sourly, firing off a hex.

"The ocean thinks the volcano is being egotistical."

"Quit changing the subject," Sirius snapped. "Let's talk about relationships. For instance, daughter can be ballerina and father can be bear. Married can be blue and boyfriend will be weasel—"

"The volcano needs to cool it," Ron snapped and Sirius grinned. He was just being annoying now.

"The sky would very much like it if the small mouth bass joined her and her bear tomorrow night for dinner," Sirius said.

"Dinner would be great, but volcano, this doesn't sound like some normal conversation, this just sounds like we're stupid."

"That is because the small mouth bass' brain is very small…"

---

"Hermione, come out," Kirsten demanded from the outside of Hermione's bathroom door. Kirsten had been pleading with her for several minutes at this point and the anticipation was killing her. It was Friday evening and Harry and Hermione would be setting off on their date soon.

Slowly—finally—the door opened. And there she was, slinky black dress and killer black shoes, purchased by Kirsten. She was looking quite like she never had before.

"Ah," Kirsten said. "There now, not so bad."

"You're right, I love it," Hermione replied. "But it's not me."

"Well no, but that's what is so great about it. It's got definite shock factor. Damn," Kirsten said circling Hermione. "How did Dad buy that without you there? I can't get things to fit me that well when I'm there to try them on! The fabric is perfect for you, the cut…everything!"

"And the shoes," Hermione said with a grin. They were her favorite part.

"Definitely."

"Hey, Kirsten?" Hermione asked turning back to the mirror. "Can you help me do something with my hair?"

Kirsten squealed excitedly. "Of course!" She had been deprived of the almost daily make-overs she used to perform happily back in America. It wasn't as if she really missed such shallow friends but she did enjoy looking good. "Harry is very excited about tonight," Kirsten told Hermione. Kirsten saw the goosebumps spring up all down Hermione's arms and giggled. "He wanted to take you on a proper date," She explained.

"Well," Hermione said. "I won't disappoint him." Kirsten giggled again.

"Now, Hermione," Kirsten said, her tone becoming very serious. "I don't want to see your picture in any tabloids."

"Oh my God," Hermione gasped. "You don't think there will be any reporters following us?"

"Well no, but if anyone spots Harry you guys are toast."

"I always knew Harry was famous but being in Hogwarts sort of hid me from the true extent of things."

"Definitely," Kirsten agreed. "You wouldn't believe all the stuff printed about Harry. I used to have boxes and boxes of stuff."

"Wow…"

"OK, finished," Kirsten said, taking a step back. "It's just perfect for you. OK, you finish getting ready and I'm going to go home and check on Harry before he leaves."

"OK, Kirsten. Thanks so much and good luck tonight!"

"Thanks, but I'm not worried about anything," Kirsten said. "Ron and my parents get along just fine. It's Mrs. Weasley who seems rather stiff with me."

"Well, have fun."

"OK. And I'll want a full report tomorrow," Kirsten reminded Hermione who nodded in agreement.

"See you soon," Hermione said and Kirsten disapparated.

---

Once home she immediately went in search of Harry. She rapped angrily on Harry's door and found Sirius busily fixing Harry. Stifling a giggle she entered. Harry looked very sharp in a black suit and tie, Kirsten decided. It was nothing compared to a good set of dress robes, but it wasn't bad.

Harry had tried very hard to control his hair, Kirsten noticed. It was shiny with hair gel and it looked very…interesting. Sighing disappointedly Kirsten walked over to Harry and ran her fingers through his hair, effectively messing it up.

"Kirsten!" Both Harry and Sirius shouted, hotly. Kirsten laughed.

"Harry," Kirsten said. "You hair is perfect the way it always is—everywhere. That's why we love you. Trust me, Hermione will appreciate this much better than whatever you were trying to do."

Harry looked uneasily at Sirius who shrugged in response. "Come to think of it, Lily was always messing up James' hair," Sirius said thoughtfully.

"See?" Kirsten said, nodding wisely.

"OK, how do I look?" Harry asked, standing back and straight. Kirsten sighed and experienced a momentary relapse into her old Harry Potter loving days.

"Perfect," She said. "But one more thing," She added quickly snapping out of her trance. She pulled a small vial from her robes and squirted a shot of cologne on Harry.

Sirius sniffed the air and so did Harry. They both smiled. "Hermione will love it," Kirsten said.

"OK, I'm going to go get her," Harry said, turning toward the door. Kirsten squealed excitedly.

"Harry, you have to tell me everything tomorrow!" She said. Harry nodded but doubted he would share much of the evening with Kirsten.

Once Harry had left Kirsten turned to Sirius. "Is dinner ready? Ron is going to be here soon! I've got to go change!" She exclaimed and ran up the stairs.

---

Training had gone well that day. (Well, expect for the fact that Sirius had grilled Ron about his print-out showing slightly less time spent thinking about Kirsten but a slightly larger part thinking about Sirius…) Training hadn't been nearly as difficult, though, and Ron felt like he was finally learning some things. He wondered how weird it would be to have dinner with Sirius tonight though. With a shrug Ron rang the doorbell.

Angie answered the door and Ron's eyes nearly bulged as he noticed she suddenly looked very pregnant. It was a startling sight, as if someone had pointed a remote control at her and pressed fast forward. Just a few days ago she had been thin and normal. Now…she was very pregnant.

Before Ron had much of a chance to think all this through she wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace. "It's so good to see you," Angie cooed, giving him a squeeze before letting go.

"Kirsten is still upstairs. I'll go see if dinner is ready," Angie said, leaving Ron in the empty entryway. Shrugging he decided to go see Kirsten. He wanted a few minutes alone with her anyway.

He knocked on her door and was immediately rewarded with it opening. "Ron!" She exclaimed excitedly, greeting him with a fervent kiss, which he returned enthusiastically. "How did training go today?" She asked, putting her make-up away.

Ron shrugged. "It wasn't bad," He said. Kirsten turned to him and smiled.

"I'm so glad you're not depressed anymore," She said, her eyes glittering.

"Me too."

"We'd better get down to dinner before someone comes looking for us," She said. Ron nodded. As she brushed past him toward the door he caught her hand and she turned to look at him. "What?" She asked.

"Just this," He said, pulling her into an impetuous embrace.

"Oh that," She said, smiling as they broke apart. Ron smiled too and slipped his hand into hers.

They entered the dining room holding hands and Ron pulled out a chair for her. Angie watched with a smile on her face. Sirius pretended to ignore it.

All was going well until the last course. Ron had spent a lot of time lately thinking about certain things and he knew now was his chance. "Sirius," He said, as Sirius took a bite of his cheesecake. "I have a legal question for you."

Frowning slightly, he replied. "Ask away."

"Can the sky be blue?" Ron asked, seemingly innocently.

"Sure Ron, why not?" Sirius said, picking up his glass of wine. It was about the time he had a mouthful of liquid that the full meaning of those words reached his brain and he began to choke violently.

Sputtering and spraying wine he suddenly shouted "NO! The sky cannot be BLUE!"

Angie and Kirsten were rather confused by this question and answer so they followed the proceedings closely. "I don't understand why not," Kirsten said, and Ron grinned and nodded at Sirius who looked pale and murderous at the same time.

"Yes Sirius," Angie agreed, playing along, though she really had no idea what was going on. "Why can't the sky be blue?"

Sirius looked thunderstruck. "Because the sky does not have my permission to be blue!" He roared.

"But—" Ron started to interject but Sirius banged his fist of the table.

"I forbid anyone to talk for the rest of dinner!"

"Sirius," Angie started to argue, not understanding why he was so angry.

"No speaking!" He insisted. Angie angrily stuffed her mouth with a bite of dessert.

Kirsten gave Ron a questioning look since it was him who had started the discussion but Ron was avoiding eye contact with her. His first attempt at garnering Sirius' permission had failed dismally.

When the plates started to disappear as everyone finished eating Sirius spoke up. "Why don't you ladies make yourselves comfortable in the living room and Ron and I will do the dishes tonight?" He had plastered an obviously fake smile on his face.

Ron was the first to object to this plan of action. The last thing he wanted was to be alone with Sirius. "No, Sirius, I respectfully decline—"

"Ron!" Angie interrupted, a harsh note to her tone. "That was a very thoughtful offer, Sirius," Angie said. "Come along, Kirsten."

Ron gave Kirsten a pleading look but all she could do was shrug as Sirius shoved him into the kitchen. Fully expecting Sirius to start breathing fire, Ron crossed the room to the sink and innocently started washing dishes.

"WHAT are you doing?" Sirius demanded.

"The dishes," Ron replied. "Obviously," He added, just to be annoying.

"That's why we have house elves," Sirius snapped.

Ron, who knew all along Sirius never had any intention of doing the dishes, widened his eyes. "But you told Angie and Kirsten that we would do the dishes."

Color warmed Sirius' cheeks. "You know perfectly well why I suggested we do the dishes. You have got a lot of explaining to do."

"Me?" Ron asked innocently, drying his hands on a towel. "I don't have to explain anything. I thought the question made my intentions rather clear. It's you who have explaining to do."

"My answer was as clear as day," Sirius argued.

"True, but I don't understand why," Ron argued. "I love Kirsten, she loves me—"

"She's eighteen!" Sirius interrupted, loudly.

"Right, thanks for pointing that one out," Ron said. "That means she is legal and so am I. So, if we want to get married, we'll do it with or without your permission," Ron informed him, hotly.

"No, you bloody well will not!" Sirius shouted, his face purpling and his hands clenching into fists.

"You can't hold me off forever," Ron pointed out, folding him arms in defiance.

"Maybe not, but I'd sure enjoy trying," Sirius said through gritted teeth.

"You know, she could do a lot worse than me." Sirius bit back the urge to say she could do a lot better. He knew that wasn't true, he just wasn't ready to take this step. He wasn't ready to let the relationship move on to the next level. Kirsten had only been his daughter for a few months and he wasn't ready to let her grow up so fast.

"Ron…think about what you are doing," Sirius pleaded.

"I have, long and hard, as you have noticed on my print-outs," Ron said. "Sirius, how old were you when you married Angie the first time?"

"Older than you," Sirius snapped. "AND, I knew Angie a lot longer than you've known Kirsten."

"BUT, you hesitated. You waited too long. She was already with Josh and was about to move away. And then, just when you finally got back together you were torn apart. I don't want to wait until it's too late."

Sirius sputtered. He hated being used against himself. He couldn't count the number of times he had cursed himself for not fighting for Angie earlier. "This is a completely different situation," Sirius said, lamely.

"No, it isn't. I know I love her and I want be with her forever. How is that different from you and Angie? What's the point of waiting?"

Sirius shook his head. He just wasn't ready to deal with this. Suddenly he remembered the scene he had encountered outside his study the night he had his party. Ron had been down on one knee…

Sirius realized he had already lost.

"Ron," He said, his tone had calmed. "How much is this wedding going to cost me? I'm already paying for my own!"

Ron had frozen. He had suddenly become absolutely speechless. Slowly, starting in his extremities, he felt a new sensation washing over him. Mostly, it was shock, but it was now becoming coupled with the unnatural urge to jump about the room whooping like an idiot.

Trying to control his breathing, Ron finally spoke. "Does this mean I can call you Dad?"

---

Harry and Hermione had never made it as far as the restaurant. As a matter of fact, they just barely made it as far as London. It seemed that several years of bottled up emotion suddenly took precedence over words or anything else. They preferred to be alone and had decided on taking a walk through St. James park. Holding hands they just enjoyed being together.

"Hermione," Harry said, heavily as if he didn't want to break their silence. "I have something very important to tell you."

"Harry, what is it?" She asked.

"I've taken a job with the IAA. I'm going to be a spy."

"A what?" Hermione asked. She had always known that there were such things as spies but she had never encountered a real life spy. She had always thought that those were the sorts of things out of action and adventure novels. To hear Harry say that he was going to be a real life spy seemed strange—almost wrong.

"I'm going to be a secret agent. I know—" He said, seeming to read her mind. "It seems so unreal. But, I've always wanted to be an auror."

"But I thought you were going to fly for England," Hermione said, confused.

"I am. I'm going to do both. Since my employment with the IAA is secret I will still be playing quidditch. But, as I travel, I'll have assignments for the IAA."

"Harry, can you do that? How will you have enough time?"

"I don't know Hermione. I just know I'll make it work," He told her. "Doing both is like a dream come true."

Hermione fell silent as they fell back into step. She knew that Harry being an undercover agent for the IAA was no laughing matter. It would be very dangerous. She squeezed his hand.

---

A week dragged by without Ron making his move. Sirius was now pestering him constantly during their training sessions. It seemed that even though Sirius was first violently opposed to the idea of Ron and Kirsten being married, he was now anxious to see it done. Ron was more interested in being cautious and taking his time.

He had seemed rather confident when he argued with Sirius about the matter but actually asking Kirsten to marry him required confidence of a whole other sort. And, he seemed to have misplaced some of that confidence.

With each passing day he began to second guess himself more and more. He had had plenty of opportunity to pop the question. He saw Kirsten nearly every day now. He told Sirius he was waiting for the perfect moment.

Sirius kept telling him to quit waiting and to create the perfect moment.

Ron didn't know what to do. It wasn't as if he had an older brother to talk to about this. And none of his friends were this crazy yet. Still, he knew he loved Kirsten and he definitely wanted to marry her.

Ron and Kirsten were out in Hogsmeade strolling around the shops trying to think of something to buy for Sirius and Angie for their wedding and also for Kirsten's soon-to-be baby brother or sister.

Ron was trying hard not to think about Sirius urging him to pop the question. Being trained by Sirius was becoming more of a disadvantage by the day. And what would happen when Ron actually became part of the family. Would Sirius start ordering him around?

Ron literally shook his head trying to force the thought from his mind. Kirsten thought he was disapproving of the baby clothes she was holding up and placed them back on the pile. "You're right," She sighed. "This is hopeless.

"What do you get for Mom and Dad?" She asked. "Dad is rich enough to have anything he could ever possibly want."

"Yes, but all he really wants is to marry your Mum and live happily ever after."

"Yeah, aren't they so cute?" Kirsten asked, fingering her KZ necklace. Since the trial everyone had stayed rather tight-lipped about Zirconia. No one wanted to talk about the events surrounding Voldemort's death and everyone avoided it, just as they avoided the topic of Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer.

"I find it hard to believe that Zirconia is still out there…somewhere," Ron said, gesturing toward the blackness. Kirsten shivered, and Ron hugged her shoulders. He wouldn't quickly forget how close Kirsten had become to dying at the hands of Zirconia.

They had tried at St. Mungo's to take her necklace off but no matter what spells they tried, it stayed firmly around Kirsten's neck. She seemed to be able to block from her mind what evil it represented but Ron never did.

Wanting to change the subject Kirsten said "Ron, have I mentioned lately how sexy your accent is?" She suddenly slipped her hand into his. Kirsten often mentioned how attractive his accent was. Even after nearly a year of living here she was still in awe.

Ron shrugged. "It's nothing special," He replied, "Just the way we annunciate over here." Kirsten popped up on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.

"It is very special to me," She said.

"You're very special to me," Ron replied, kissing her forehead.

"Oh Ron," Kirsten teased. "You really know how to make a girl's heart flutter."

And there it was. Ron suddenly knew what he had to do and he dropped to his knee right there in the street. It took Kirsten a second to realize what was happening—to comprehend what that little black box meant. But once she did her hands immediately flew to her mouth in surprise and her eyes started to water.

"Kirsten, let's spend an eternity together. Marry me?"

"Oh my God," She breathed, tears streaming from her eyes. "Of course I'll marry you!" She exclaimed.

Ron felt like his insides were exploding he was so happy. As he rose to his feet he grabbed Kirsten and lifted her off her feet for a moment. "I love you!" Ron said.

"I love you too," Kirsten replied tearfully. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed in the middle of the street, under the clear night sky.

---

It was the day before Harry would be leaving for his IAA training. Of course, to everyone but Hermione, he was leaving for Quidditch Training Camp. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Kirsten had just finished a luncheon at Hermione's and they were now reclining comfortably in the sun room.

Kirsten sat down next to Ron on the settee and Harry and Hermione took their places opposite them. "It seems so strange that we're all moving on…moving away…" Hermione said, her eyes lingering on Harry.

"He's just going away to Training Camp, Hermione," Ron said, rolling his eyes. "He'll be back in four weeks."

"Will you?" Hermione asked, turning anxious eyes to Harry.

"We'll see," He said.

"Wait, Harry!" Kirsten exclaimed. "You're moving away for good?"

"Calm down," Harry said with a grin. "It's not like I'm moving to Africa. I'm going to look for a place to stay while I'm away is all. I mean, I can't live at Sirius' forever. And anyway, the season starts soon and I'll be traveling all over the world. Look guys, it's not forever, it's just my job."

"Yeah, I suppose," Ron said, finding Kirsten's hand and taking it into his. Hermione watched Ron do this while her thoughts were still focused on Harry but something sparkly caught her eye. Was that…?

"OH MY GOD!" Hermione screamed, jumping out of her seat and pointing.

"What?" Harry shouted, pulling out his wand and jumping to his feet too.

"Is that what I think it is?" Hermione asked.

Ron grinned sheepishly and Kirsten held out her hand for Hermione to examine. Harry nearly fell over in shock. The look he gave Ron was one of pure disbelief.

"Things really are changing," Hermione said faintly as she fell back into her chair.

"Listen," Kirsten said, taking the time to look each of them in the eye. "My parents know—Ron asked my Dad permission, first--but Ron's family doesn't yet, OK?"

"We're not keeping our engagement a secret we just haven't announced it to them yet, but Kirsten is coming over for dinner on Sunday afternoon," Ron explained.

Harry shook his head in bewilderment. Somehow he just couldn't imagine Sirius ever consenting to such a thing, much less having a civil conversation with Ron about it. "Harry, you look like you're going to be sick," Ron pointed out.

"Oh, sorry," Harry said, feeling a little sick. "It's just a shock," Hermione elbowed him painfully in the ribs. "I mean, congratulations!" He said, smiling widely.

"Hey, no need for phony approval," Kirsten said frowning at Harry and Hermione.

"No, it's real," Harry assured them, his smile dulling only slightly. "I'm just recovering from the surprise of it all."

His best friend was getting married? Ron and Kirsten were making life-long commitments? Were they out of their minds? They were only eighteen years old—what could they possibly be thinking? Marriage? At their age? It wasn't that long ago he had been snogging Kirsten in deserted classrooms…

---

That night as Harry lay awake contemplating a week of IAA training he heard Ron bring Kirsten home. He could hear Angie down in the hall, gushing over Ron and Sirius laughing loudly. It was an eerie feeling for Harry.

Only a few weeks ago Sirius was being held in prison. Just a few months ago he had believed Professor Star to be a drunk. He used to think Kirsten was the shallowest person on earth and not so long ago he had dueled with Voldemort for the ring of Salazar Slytherin.

All that seemed like ages ago. Like a lifetime ago. Every little detail about his life had suddenly changed. There was no Voldemort, no Peter Pettigrew. His best friends were becoming adults and getting married. He was going to have two full time jobs. He was happily in love with Hermione—though he wasn't crazy like Ron. He wasn't at the Dursley's anymore. He wasn't at Hogwarts anymore…and he was never going back.

With the oddest sense of death and rebirth Harry set out for an entirely new life early the next morning.

---

Kirsten and Ron had wisely decided to arrive early and tell Mr. and Mrs. Weasley that they were engaged before they dropped the bomb on everyone else. Mrs. Weasley had immediately burst into tears. Mr. Weasley had the presence of mind to congratulate them and to welcome Kirsten to the family but after that he fell ominously silent.

"My youngest boy," Mrs. Weasley sobbed onto Ron's shoulder. "I just can't believe it."

Though she never questioned them openly she later grilled Ron privately. She would have liked for him to change his mind. Not because she didn't like Kirsten, per se, but, like Sirius, she thought they were much too young to be getting married. However, she had little room to make such an argument when she and Arthur had been married shortly after graduation themselves.

Dinner at the Weasleys was an interesting experience for Kirsten. She had always been in a small family and had never had siblings. And lately, she had become accustomed to being waited on and having elaborate many-coursed meals prepared for her each night.

Not that she didn't appreciate Mrs. Weasley's cooking.

Kirsten was wedged in between Ron and Fred. At least, she thought it was Fred. George was close by too and she wasn't exactly sure which one she was sitting next to. Charlie was directly across from her and Ginny was next to Charlie. The two of them had been arguing all night about Draco.

Toward one end of the table sat Bill. He had invited Sierra along who always enjoyed Mrs. Weasley's cooking. Though Mrs. Weasley loved Sierra she much preferred Kirsten over Sierra as far as girlfriends went. Sierra wasn't much younger than Mrs. Weasley and this always made her nervous about the Bill and Sierra pairing.

Since there were so many of them, they were eating in the back yard under the stars. Kirsten screamed when George suddenly jumped up and sent an evil looking jet of light into a bush near them. George, looking apologetic, said "Garden gnomes, damn nosy creatures."

Ron laughed and calmed her down. He tried to explain that random outbursts often occurred when his entire family was gathered together but this did little to prepare her for the shocks.

Every once in a while someone would yell for some sort of food to refill their plate and the bowl would come careening down the table at top speed. Kirsten could never quite get used to this. Nor could she get used to Fred and George bursting into song or some one bursting into argument.

"Is everyone ready for dessert?" Mrs. Weasley asked. Charlie groaned and patted his already very full stomach. But there seemed to be a general nod of agreement so Mrs. Weasley whisked her wand and dishes started to fly off toward the open kitchen window.

"Before I serve dessert," Mrs. Weasley said, quieting everyone around the table. "I think Ron has something to tell us."

"You got a job and didn't tell me?" Ginny hissed at him. Ron smiled and shook his head, although her statement was technically correct.

Ron stood up, and tugged Kirsten to her feet as well. "Kirsten and I are going to be married," Ron said, grinning from ear to ear. The table immediately burst into conversation as the brothers registered various degrees of shock.

Sierra was probably the person who took it the hardest at the table. She didn't want to believe that Hermione was old enough to be getting engaged too. "Congratulations," Charlie said, giving Ron a slap on shoulder. "Maybe that will get Mum off my back about settling down."

"I doubt it," Ron said with a laugh. "She'll be more anxious than ever for you to settle down now."

Fred turned to Kirsten and watched Ginny out of the corner of his eye. "You're the prettiest sister I've ever had," He said to Kirsten.

"You prat!" Ginny yelled, kicking him under the table.

"Don't mind them," Ron whispered to Kirsten.

"Ron, you know I'm bringing Draco to your wedding, don't you?" Ginny asked him.

"There's no way in hell you're bringing Malfoy to my wedding," Ron said through gritted teeth.

"So, when is doomsday?" George asked.

"Shut up!" Somebody shouted at him.

"We haven't decided yet," Ron answered. Several people offered up dates before Ron silenced them. "Whoa, we've just gotten engaged. We don't know when we're going to actually get married."

Down at the end of the table Bill seemed to visibly relax. His youngest brother getting engaged was a big deal. Especially since none of the other Weasley children had ever even had a relationship they considered that serious. He didn't want Ron to rush into disaster.

When Ron dropped Kirsten at home later that night she went straight to her mother and gave her a hug. "I'm so glad to have peace and quiet," She said and then went to her room and promptly fell asleep.

---

By late August, building the new house, especially the nursery, was coming into full swing. It seemed like Angie and Sirius were out shopping every day for something else for the baby. Angie wasn't due for almost another month but she was starting to really look pregnant.

Sirius would be glad when it was all over. Trying to handle a pregnant woman, a wedding, a newly engaged daughter, a house-in-progress, a godson, a cauldron business, and a secret agent job wasn't exactly the relaxing life he had hoped for. But, he was happy.

With any luck they would be able to move into their new house by September tenth and it would be totally completed by the end of the month. Then, just another month and he would be married and he could finally settle into a quiet family life… sort of.

The Black house was constantly being visited by various people, many of whom were reporters. Not only were they interested in Sirius but they were also interested in Harry. And when Harry was out of the house, this seemed like a good time for them to move in and attempt to interview family members about him.

Sirius had employed several human servants as well as house-elves and he was finding it increasingly difficult to keep good staff. He'd already fired two people this month for talking to reporters.

At Black & Black cauldrons operations were running smoothly. They had debuted their new line of cauldrons and Sirius had settled in a great staff. Whenever he did Ministry business he told Angie he was working at Black & Black. He hated lying to her but he knew he'd be no good to anyone petrified.

Harry had survived his week-long IAA training session--but only just barely. On the last day he had fallen off a cliff, by accident, of course, and sustained some serious injuries. This was unfortunate because he started quidditch the next day. However, they were able to repair his broken bones rather quickly and other than being a little stiff he turned out all right for his first day of practice.

To his surprise quidditch practice turned out to be harder than IAA training. His days were even longer and his face was wind-burned. He doubted he'd ever be able to totally remove the mud from his clothes and his skin. He got hit with a bludger many more times than he would have liked to, too. But he loved playing.

He loved the guys he played with too. Once they got over the fact that he was Harry Potter everything went much more smoothly. His first day had been awful. The guys had set out to humiliate him because he was celebrity. Once they realized he was just a normal guy they warmed up considerably and the late night parties weren't helping to improve his performance on the pitch.

He was dreading his first match.

---

Late Thursday September twelfth, Sirius woke Kirsten up and the two of them rushed Angie to St. Mungo's. She wasn't due for several more days but she had been seeing the doctor on a daily basis for a week now. He was concerned about her having the baby at her age and it seemed all their worse fears were coming true went she started having regular contractions.

Shortly after midnight the doctor announced that the baby's heart beat was growing fainter and they decided to rush Angie to surgery. Ron arrived just to see his soon-to-be mother-in-law off to the operating table.

The wait was agonizing and worry was etched into every detail of Sirius' face. Kirsten and Ron sat calmly side by side in the waiting room but Sirius refused to sit. There were a few heart-stopping moments when the doctor thought they might lose the baby or Angie—or both.

In the end, however, both mother and baby made it through and Kirsten had a new baby sister. In the small hours of the morning of Friday the thirteenth Harry flew in from London and got to meet Ebony Black when she was only a few hours old.

---

Zirconia had retreated to the forest and roved around for several weeks before she found a most willing soul. Kirsten hadn't worked. For one thing, she had the cursed necklace. And for another, the four heirs and their rings had united against her. But with a powerful body she could get the necklace and become invincible.

The only problem was, Zirconia knew there was only one person in the world capable of getting that necklace for her and she hated to think about having to rely on him. She had killed him once—at least, she'd been responsible for his death once.

She hated to think about resurrecting him and then having to kill him all over again. But she was out of options. She would have to have that necklace before she could gain her power.

And to do that, she would need his help.

In her current state of being she wasn't very useful and she knew even with a body she wouldn't simply be able to resurrect a dead spirit. She'd need something very powerful. She knew just the thing too. But she'd have to get it first.

Finding a person powerful enough to get the Carbonated Crystal was going to be difficult though. That's why she had latched on to Voldemort. But then other people had interfered.

Taking over Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer's body had been one of her more brilliant moves. Attempting to murder Sirius Black was not, but it had seemed like a good idea at the time. Pettigrew would have been able to help her trace the Carbonated Crystal.

Being Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer however, she was able to trace it anyway, before she became a complete fugitive. Now was the day she had been looking forward too. It was also the day she was dreading.

The moon was full and the hour was late. The cemetery in Godric's Hollow was deserted. Godric's Hollow was always deserted nowadays. Few strayed near it after the brutal murder of Lily and James Potter. James Potter, however, was an essential part in her plan.

She needed the powers of the Carbonated Crystal to resurrect Salazar's soul but she needed a direct descendent to inhabit. Harry Potter was not a good choice. James Potter, however, was conveniently dead and up for the taking.

---

Sirius' and Angie's wedding went off without a hitch. They were married on the Hogwarts quidditch pitch on Halloween in front of all their friends and family. As it turned out, Hermione was the flower girl and Ron was the ring bearer, because Angie thought it was cute.

So, at their wedding reception, during the first dance, Sierra danced with Remus, Holly was with Bill, Kirsten was with Harry, and Hermione danced with Ron. Only Angie and Sirius seemed to be correctly paired.

After a round of drinks and Remus' embarrassing best man speech everyone gathered around to watch Angie and Sirius cut the cake. Kirsten stood nearby holding little baby Ebony, whose bright green eyes had opened for the first time in several hours.

Harry and Hermione were enjoying Sirius and Angie's wedding immensely. They had been having a long distance relationship which was characterized by not seeing each other for very long stretches of time. Now, however, they had plenty of time to dance and just be with each other.

As the dancing resumed and Angie and Sirius wiped their faces the crowd dispersed. Angie held Ebony and the three posed for a picture. As Sirius looked out past the camera he suddenly felt the blood drain from his face.

At that same moment Harry crashed violently into Hermione, his own face pale. They had both seen the same thing. Though it couldn't have been.

Even though Sirius had done a lot of thinking about James lately he was understandably startled by the dead man's appearance. There he was, looking just as Sirius had remembered him, dressed in sharp looking dress robes. And Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer was standing at his side?

As if James could feel eyes on him he looked up toward Sirius and their eyes locked. Sirius dropped the piece of cake he had been holding as he felt a shockwave blast through his body. Harry stood paralyzed.

"You idiot!" Elizabeth shouted when she realized Sirius had seen them. With a violent tug at his arm, both Elizabeth and James disapparated leaving a little cloud of green smoke behind.

---

A/N: And that's that. Obviously there is another book, another story and truthfully I have a healthy start on the next book, called Zirconia. However, I don't know if I'll actually ever post it. It's a really underdeveloped plot and I haven't spent any time thinking about it. But one never knows…

So anyway, thanks for sticking with me through this story and this chapter. I realize that the middle dragged quite a bit but I had to make it through the summer. I'm sorry if the ending seemed rushed but there was nothing more to write. All the couples are finally happy so there was no more drama there…it was a most alarming sensation…

Thanks so much to my loyal readers—especially those of you who always seemed to be one step ahead of me. Some of you were really shocking with your predictions.

I'm not making any promises but everyone keep an eye out for Zirconia. I might post what I have so far just for fun if nothing else.

Lots of love!

Stardust