Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling and Warner Bros. Certainly not to me.

Rating: PG13 Sirius may occasionally curse…it would be just like him.

Pairing: Amara Vector/Sirius Black

Summary: Remus is originally thought to be the Potters' Secret-Keeper, leaving Sirius a free man and Harry's guardian after Wormtail's betrayal. He adopts Harry as his own and hopes to go on living peacefully forever. But when the Philosopher's Stone is stolen before Harry enters Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Dumbledore sends three of his most trusted members of the Order of the Phoenix: Sirius Black, Professor Amara Vector and Severus Snape to retrieve and destroy all of the Horcruxes before Voldemort can use them to return.

Author's Note: Tika's song is actually Arwen's Song from the Extended Edition of Return of the King. Its song by Liv Tyler, and is just about enough to break your heart.

Chapter 3- World That's Changed Forever

Sirius and Amara sat in silence. Four days had passed since the arrest of the man Sirius had once thought of as Moony. The pain Sirius had been forced to endure over those four, tormented days had been more than he thought humanly possible. He and Amara had planned and attended the joint funeral of Lily, James and Peter. Both had delivered heart-felt, emotional speeches at said funeral, fighting back the tears that inevitably welled up in their eyes. And now they were both sitting in a non-descriptent waiting room in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, waiting to identify and give testimony against Remus John Lupin.

And despite going through all of this together, they had said no word that did not need to be said for practicality's sake. They worked together, unwillingly on Amara's behalf, and got the job done. Neither inquired after the other's well being and for the moment, Sirius truly believed neither cared. The words exchanged angrily on the second of November still hung heavily between them. Sirius knew he had scared her several times on that fateful, awful day, but he was too furious with her for belittling his awful grief to even toy with the thought of apologizing for words said in anger. The logical part of Sirius knew that he and Amara owed it to each other to try and make this tragedy easier for each other. Out of everyone in the entire world, only Amara could even begin to fathom the pain that threatened to overwhelm Sirius at any given moment. But the much larger part of Sirius, the part of him who refused to believe that anyone else in the world woke up every night screaming from horrible nightmares, only to find that awakenings were more horrific, was far too proud to offer a hand of support in his own grief.

"Sirius," Amara suddenly spoke up. He lifted his eyes from his hands to look at her. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun and her eyes were shining with tears. Her glasses were in her hands. Clearly the moisture in those grey orbs had fogged them up. "We have to talk."

"About what?" he inquired, refusing to help her at all.

"Don't be ridiculous," she said, voice already growing heated. "Surely you must want to talk about what we're about to do. Surely you feel…something."

"I feel absolutely nothing," Sirius lied smoothly. "Unless its justification."

Amara's face fell, but they had no more time to speak. An Auror whom Sirius did not know entered the room, looking decidedly grim. "Miss. Vector, Mr. Black…they're ready for you."

Sirius and Amara stood and followed the Auror down a long, dark corridor. It sloped downwards steadily, ever heading towards a large, wooden door at the very end. A small window was cut into the top, but bars had been placed over it. Bartemius Crouch was standing outside the door, looking very solemn. "Sirius," he greeted. "Amara."

"Crouch," Sirius said roughly. Amara said nothing, still looking on the verge of tears.

"He's just in here," Crouch motioned, taking a large black key out of a pocket of his robes. "All you need to do is identify him…then he's on his way to Azkaban."

Amara let out a choking noise, but Sirius kept his face void of emotion as Crouch unlocked the door and they entered another room. They were in what was unmistakably a dungeon. Cells ran along the hallway. There was very little light, the air was dank and the smell of mould and rot was prominent. Sirius thought it very fitting. Most of the cells were empty, but one at the very back held the man…monster…they had come to see.

Lupin was curled up in the back corner of his cell, sleeping fitfully on a patch of dirty straw. Jail had not suited the werewolf. He was looking more slender and haggard after only four days. Sirius wondered idly if time in Azkaban would kill him. "Ennervate!" Crouch flicked his wand and Lupin's eyes opened immediately, falling on Sirius.

He scrambled forward, hope brimming in his pale, wolfish eyes. "Padfoot," he said hoarsely. "Sirius…you have to help me. Believe me, I had nothing to do with this. We switched."

Sirius stepped back from the cage, fighting once more the desire to either punch something or vomit. Amara stepped closer, reaching out to Lupin. "Remus…how could you?" she asked, helplessly. "Lily and James…"

"I didn't," protested Lupin. "You have to believe me."

"Has he had a proper trial?" Amara demanded, rounding on Crouch.

"No," said the wizard, unashamed. "Albus Dumbledore came forward and gave his evidence that this piece of rot was the Potters' Secret-Keeper. Most believe that is all that is needed. But I wanted you two here, just to be sure."

"I'd appreciate it if you could put him on Veritaserum," Amara begged. "It couldn't hurt."

"It also wouldn't help," Crouch disagreed. "Its well known He Who Must Not Be Named taught his closest supporters how to resist the truth serum."

"That's hearsay!" Amara protested, eyes flashing.

"Do you doubt the word of Dumbledore?" Sirius interrupted impatiently. "Of me?"

"I just want to make sure we have all the facts…"

"We do," Sirius said sharply. Amara lapsed into silence, looking pitifully at Lupin, who had resided into shadows.

"So, for the record," Crouch said heavily, withdrawing from his robes parchment and a Quick Quotes Quill. "Do you, Sirius Gary Black and Amara Diane Vector, give testimony that the accused, Remus John Lupin, is indeed the man who stands before you?"

"I do," Sirius said firmly. Amara nodded weakly.

"And do you, Sirius Gary Black, give testimony that you did see the accused accept the position of Secret-Keeper to the deceased Lily and James Potter on the twenty-third of October? And, on the second of November, you did witness this man murder Peter Pettigrew?"

Sirius felt a tightening in his throat, one he had come to expect after four days of people speaking of James, but he squeezed out an answer. "I do."

"Well, that's that then," Crouch said, sounding a good deal more cheerful. He stored the parchment in his robes again, not even looking at Lupin. "I'll have the Aurors collect him presently. The folks at Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures are devising a plan to deal with his lycanthropy during his stay. Probably have to be put in confinement once a month. Now, if you'll excuse me, my son and I are dining with Cornelius Fudge this evening. You'd like to meet my son, Sirius. Bright boy…not unlike yourself really."

"How can you be so heartless?" Amara demanded. "You have just condemned a man to prison for life!"

"Correction," Sirius unexpectedly stuck up for Crouch. "He has condemned a werewolf…a monster…to prison for life."

Lupin met Sirius' cold grey eyes and the first pale, bitter smile lit his lips. "Is it easier for you that way, Mister Padfoot? Mister Moony cannot help but wonder if its easier to believe a monster would be quicker to betray his friends than a wizard?"

Sirius felt a cold fury rise inside him and he knew it must be reflected in his eyes. "And Mister Padfoot would like to inform Mister Moony that he sincerely hopes he enjoys his time in a well deserved hell."

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Sirius darted up in bed, jarred first by his vivid flashback of the last time he had seen Remus Lupin, four months ago, and the sounds of a baby crying. Harry.

Pushing any thought of Lupin to the far recesses of his mind, Sirius went in search of his godson. He found him in the nursery, bawling at the top of his lungs. Sirius reached into the crib, attempting to sooth the poor child. Sirius could remember a time where just the sight of his face had been enough to calm Harry. But the last four months had changed Sirius.

Finally giving up when the child's cries grew louder, he laid him back down in the bed, knowing Tika would be along soon, and went to stand by the open window, waiting for his house elf. The elf had taken a liking to Harry, which was fortunate for James' son. Sirius had been too drawn in upon his own misery to have time for anything else.

He seldom resembled the handsome Auror. His hair had grown long and week-old stubble shadowed his handsome face. He looked as though he had aged ten years, and felt about fifty years old. He never went into work anymore, ignoring the pleas and demands that came almost daily by owl. He kept to himself, spending long hours at a time sitting in one place, refusing food and drink, simply living in the past. He had lost everything…his friends to Voldemort and his cheerful disposition to ravaging sorrow. Not even a visit from Albus Dumbledore, begging Sirius to step up and take his place would coax him back into the wizarding world.

Life held nothing for Sirius anymore. And yet he never cried. His sorrow went well beyond anything that could be alleviated by tears. He wanted nothing more than to lie down and die. The Daily Prophet still arrived at his house, full of tales of Aurors failing in desperate attempts to bring in wild Death Eaters. Just yesterday he had read that hid old friends and colleagues, Frank and Alice Longbottom and been captured by Bellatrix and Rudolphus Lestrange. Even the thought of a daring rescue and sending more of his family to Azkaban was not enough to tempt Sirius back into the land of the living.

Tika, drawn by Harry's continuous screams that fell on Sirius' deaf ears, came bustling in, looking worried. She didn't spare a glance for her master, but went straight to Harry's crib, jumping in and gathering him in her arms. "Hush, child, hush," she murmured. "Tika's here, Tika's here now, it'll be all right."

The sight of elf that had cared for him for four months eased Harry's sobs into cheerful giggles. Sirius looked over at them, the old elf with her knarled, dark skin and floppy ears dressed in a smart little tea towel she used for her dressing gown, cradling the small boy with messy black hair and vivid green eyes, stolen from his dead parents. They made an odd couple, but there was a strange sort of something about them, that made soft offers of a home to Sirius. Tika rocked Harry back and forth, crooning to him in her croaky elf voice.

With a sigh, you turn away

With a deepening heart, no more words to say

You will find, that the world has changed

Forever

And the trees are now turning from green to gold

And the sun is now fading.

I wish I could hold you closer.

The words were like a sweet balm Sirius had been holding out for. He looked out into the grey dawn, to the east where the very first pale rim of light indicated the rising sun. And before he fully understood it, he was crying. Crying for what had been, for the young couple in love that would never see their son grow up. Crying for the bumbling wizard everyone had doubted and ridiculed and who had proved himself at long last in honourable death. Crying for the young boy Remus Lupin had been before receiving the fateful bite that would one day lead him to such dark paths. Crying for the boy who would grow up to never know his parents, and crying for the man, himself, who had to go on living and remembering them all.

He sunk down to the floor sobbing, great heaving sobs that had waited to be let out for four long months. Sobs he had wished to silence after clutching his best friend's dead body to his chest. He covered his face with his hands, letting the tears sooth the twitching nerves that had itched for revenge for so long. Tika soon left the now slumbering babe and joined her master on the floor, patting his shoulder and letting him cry himself dry.

When there were no more tears, when they would not come even if he had wanted them to, the master and the elf exchanged shaky grins. The sun was now high in the sky and Harry was stirring again, wanting his breakfast. And for the first time in four months, Sirius Black felt free.

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A few short days later, Sirius smiled over at Harry and Tika, both playing happily together on the floor. Tika had begun neglecting her duties, eager to join in the happy games that rang through out the cheerful farmhouse. After his revelation in the early morning, Sirius had gone straight to the Ministry of Magic and requested adoption papers for Harry Potter. So shocked was the witch behind the counter at his re-entry into society, she had actually followed his orders carefully and quickly, and now…only three days later on a bright Monday morning, Sirius Black was the adoptive father of Harry James Black.

"What do you think about getting Harry a dog?" Sirius asked Tika, peering at himself in the mirror he had propped up on the kitchen table. His wand, a pair of scissors now forming the end, was cheerful clipping away at his long hair, bringing it back to the length before the fall of Voldemort.

"Tika thinks there is more than enough dog around this house," she said, smirking in her master's direction.

"I resent that remark," Sirius said, attempted to look stern. "Do you know, most wizards demand constant respect and servitude from their house elves?"

"Yes, but fortunately for you, Tika is not that stupid!" The house elf shot Sirius a reproachful look. Or at least, as reproachful as one can possibly look when a small child is determinedly pulling on their overly floppy ear. She winced after a particularly painful tug and wrenched her ear out of his grasp. "Then again, perhaps Master's idea is not so very bad."

"Thought you'd come around," Sirius winked as the wand finished up its hair job. "What do you think?"

'Much better," Tika said in an approving voice. She left Harry playing on the floor with several very magical toys and began floating the breakfast dishes towards the kitchen. "Master looks almost as dashing as when he first fought for the Ministry."

"Only almost?" Sirius raised an eyebrow, wearing a large grin.

"Perhaps it would be a better effect if Master was not wearing a towel over his shoulder?" Tika suggested downright wickedly.

Sirius blushed, whipping the towel off. "I was burping the baby."

"Tika does not think Mister Moody would take kindly to that idea."

"Oh, hush," Sirius rolled his eyes. Truth be told though, he was feeling a little apprehensive about today. It was first day back at work after a four-month leave of absence. Moody was probably going to rip his head off. "But I'd better be off!" he called after the house elf, who was now cheerfully setting the dishes to scrubbing themselves. "I don't know how late I'll be. Don't wait up."

"Best of luck!" Tika grinned over her soapy sink. Harry gurgled something unintelligible. Sirius swept him up in his arms, kissed his soft forehead and then left him playing happily with his toys. The young wizard took a deep breath and then Apparated to the Ministry of Magic.

He appeared just beside the Fountain of Magical Brethren. The golden figurines seemed to glitter at him mockingly, so he quickly averted his eyes, and tried to look unquestionably dangerous and important. He was dressed once more in his old Auror uniform, which fit him just as well as it had four months ago. Despite lack of activity, Sirius had forgone quite a bit of food, leaving him, if anything, slimmer after his long mourning period.

He strolled casually towards the lift, ignoring the whispers that followed in his wake. Four months had apparently not been enough for the now tragic, heroic Auror to be forgotten by the wizarding world. It was a relief to slip into the lift, which was quite empty. He pressed the small round button for floor number two, and gathered his wits about him as the lift took him once more back to his office. They stopped twice- on levels seven and three, but only inter-office memos joined him.

The lift stopped finally at level two. "Level Two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic office, Auror Headquarters and the Wizengamot Administration Services."

Sirius stepped off into a corridor lined with doors. Several windows let wintry sunlight mirroring the real sun outside stream in. Magical Maintenance must be in good moods. Sirius steeled his nerves once more and then turned a corner, entering into his old workplace- Auror Headquarters. He pushed open the heavy oak doors, had a quick moment to take in the old place warmly- its many cubicles, the busy air full of talking and laughter- and then the entire room fell silent. Faces peeked around walls and over the top of cubicles, jaws open and eyes disbelieving. Sirius uncomfortably ran a hand through his hair, deciding one of his charming smiles wasn't what the situation called for.

A tall, muscled, black wizard was the first to speak. "Hello, Sirius."

"Shacklebolt," Sirius greeted gruffly. "Anyone seen Moody?"

"In his office," Shacklebolt replied quickly. "S'pect he'll want to see you directly."

"That makes two of us," Sirius agreed. He glanced around bemusedly at his co-workers. "Well…carry on."

There was a great leap of surprise and then the room was buzzing once more, even more loudly as though wanting to make up for the few moments of silence. Sirius strode through the cubicles ignoring the curious glances and the whispers of many female Aurors confirming that that was indeed Sirius Black. Another large oak door waited for Sirius at the far end of the room. He kept his eyes focused on it, but couldn't help but notice the cleared out cubicles of Amara Vector and Frank and Alice Longbottom and the fact that his old cubicle, closest to Moody's door, remained just as messy as the day he had left it.

He came to the door very soon, and found himself staring a little nervously at the crooked plaque naming this the office of Alastor Moody, Head of Aurors Department. Not bothering to knock, Sirius pushed the door open and strode in.

Alastor Moody was sitting behind his desk, writing furiously away at a rather official looking document. He looked very much like the last time Sirius had seen him, save he was sporting a few more scars and a large chunk of his nose had disappeared entirely. But for Moody, these were minor changes. "I'm back," Sirius announced, when Moody didn't bother to look up.

His teacher glanced up, showing absolutely no surprise or even delight. "Congratulations," he said gruffly. "What do you want, some sort of award for finally finding the office?"

"Very funny," Sirius growled. "Don't I need to fill out some paper work for extended leave of absence?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Moody growled right back. "Do you honestly think the Ministry would let one of their workers just choose to not show up to work for four months?"

"Then…I've been fired?" Sirius asked, a little shocked. Apparently he had overestimated his worth.

"No!" Moody almost shouted. "But if you fill out paperwork for a leave of absence, you'll completely blow the fact that I and every member of this department has been covering your ass for the past four months."

Sirius grinned delightedly. "Knew I'd come around, then?"

"Course I did," Moody said gruffly. "You're not exactly the kind of man who'd be content to laze around for the rest of his days. But you are the kind of man who likes a good, attention-seeking, extended sulk."

"Ha ha ha," Sirius said dryly. "What did you do to your nose?"

"Evan Rosier," Moody informed him, the first sign of amused twinkle in his dark beedy eyes. "Didn't fancy a life's stay in Azkaban. Had to kill the stupid son of a bitch. Now, what are you still doing here? Get back to your cubicle. And see Kingsley Shacklebolt. He'll fill you in on what you've missed. And don't get too comfortable. Expecting a report on the whereabouts of Frank and Alice Longbottom any minute now. You've just volunteered to go in with me, Applegate and Shacklebolt."

"Yes, sir," Sirius grinned widely, heading for his cubicle.

"Oh, and Black!" Moody hollered, causing Sirius to turn around once more. "Find Devon Rambleton and tell him you're back. He'll be delighted to know he's won the office pool of 'When Will Black Return to Work.'"

"You had an office pool without me?" Sirius asked, feigning hurt.

"World doesn't revolve around you, sonny," Moody snapped. "Sooner you learn that the better. Now get your lazy ass down to Shacklebolt's cubicle!"

The door slammed shut rather forcefully on its own accord behind Sirius, but he shot several of his closer friends amused grins, letting them know he was still in. A few made as though to join him, but he waved them away. He wasn't entirely sure if he could take their condolences just yet. His cubicle was littered with scraps of the projects he had been working on before the fall of Voldemort, most of which he assumed was sorely outdated. An article in the Daily Prophet about the whereabouts of Antonin Dolohov, a report on the arrest of Elizabeth Markle and…his throat seized up dangerously…a memo from the cubicle of James Potter reminding him he had an interview to give on the afternoon of twenty-third October. He had just stuffed the piece of paper in his jacket pocket and swung his travelling cloak on the back of his chair when Shacklebolt and a witch Sirius didn't know entered the cubicle.

Sirius accepted Shacklebolt's handshake and grin readily. The two had been in training together with James. Shacklebolt was a year older than Sirius, who was twenty-two, but had been a Ravenclaw at Hogwarts. "How are you, mate?" he asked, managing to make it sound like a casual greeting.

Sirius shrugged. "Decent, actually. Harry's adoption papers came through this morning. He's officially a Black."

"Oh, congratulations," Shacklebolt said warmly. "That had to be a good feeling."

Sirius nodded eagerly. "It'll be good to raise him as my own."

"You'll tell him about James and Lily, of course?" Shacklebolt frowned, shooting Sirius an odd look.

Sirius gave a furtive little shrug. To be perfectly honest, he had not yet thought out his feelings on that aspect. He wanted to give Harry as normal a childhood as possible, considering the adulthood that awaited him. Was it necessary to burden him with the thought of dead parents?

Kingsley obviously sensed Sirius' reluctance to discuss the subject, and relieved him of any awkwardness, by dragging forward his companion. "This is Serena Applegate," he introduced. The witch gave him a brief smile. Her hair was long and black and she had sharp green eyes that put him in mind of Minerva McGonagall's most intrusive glare. Her face was pale and had high-cheeked bone features that put him uncomfortably in mind of his cousin, Narcissa Malfoy. "She's only worked here for four months…hired to replace Amara Vector. She's a damn good Auror, but we're all more than ready to bow back down to your rising star."

"Hello," nodded Serena, sizing him up.

"Nice to meet you," Sirius said warmly. "But could you clarify exactly why Amara needed replacing?"

Despite the gibberish Kingsley had obviously put in to distract Sirius, he immediately zoned in on the crucial bit of information. He had been so shut off from the entire wizarding world he might have missed anything regarding his old lover. Had she died? Been seriously wounded? His mind shot about, thinking up wild possibilities. "Amara resigned," Kingsley cut into Sirius' imagination. "Shortly after James and…err…after Lupin…well, you know."

"Resigned?" Sirius' eyebrows shot up. "What? Why?"

Kingsley shrugged. "Its her business, really. Said it was a protest over Lupin's ill treatment."

"Only Amara," Sirius growled. At least that explained the empty cubicle. "Where is she now?"

"Officially?" Kingsley grinned. "Unemployed. But everyone knows Dumbledore's offered her a position teaching Arithmacy up at Hogwarts."

"That was her favourite subject," Sirius commented fondly. "She got 233 percent on our final examination in sixth year."

Kingsley was about to continue, when the oak doors burst open to admit a hassled looking Rufus Scrimgeour. Sirius had worked frequently with the older Auror, and had admired his powerful attacks and ability to remain calm in all situations. An ability that looked to have completely deserted him. His lion-like mane was standing in all directions and he was noticeably limping as he tore down the hall to Moody's office. "Rufus!" shouted Kingsley, hurrying up to the large man. "What's up?"

"Longbottoms!" hollered Scrimgeour, already disappearing into Moody's office. "No time!"

"Well," Serena commented dryly as the door swung shut behind the Auror. "I guess that's our cue to get ready to leave."

----------------

Alastor Moody glanced over at his newly re-instated best Auror, Sirius Black. The man had returned seemingly out of nowhere only that morning, to be put back into active duty less than an hour later. Yet Moody couldn't worry. Sirius was the best pupil he had ever had, including James Potter. His power was unquestionable, his stealth excellent and he had a wild abandon of fear and caution that made him succeed where others would flee. And currently Moody was sure they were going to need every bit of Sirius' talent. They were both crouched high in the abandoned rafters of an old barn in Oxford. Only it was no longer abandoned. Two people were strung up, their arms and legs outstretched to their fullest. Another man, cloaked all in black was standing in front of them.

The Death Eater raised his wand at the female- Alice Longbottom. "Crucio," he said, lazily. Her body arched, her bindings holding her in place and she screamed pitifully. After a few excruciatingly long moments, the man ceased the spell. "Come now, Frank," he said conversationally. "You don't want to see that again, do you? Of course you don't. So tell me. Where is the Potter boy?" Frank Longbottom said nothing. Moody doubted he could say anything. His tongue was hanging out and his neck was lolling about, his eyes rolling wildly. Moody doubted either Frank or Alice would ever regain their sanity. Still, they could at least take vengeance on the people who had done this to them. He nodded slowly at Sirius, who winked.

"You have nothing at all to say?" questioned the Death Eater. "Surely you don't want us to rape her again?" Frank whimpered. "That's what I thought. Now tell me. Where is Potter?"

Fury flooding him, Moody nodded at Kingsley Shacklebolt and Serena Applegate. They both winked. Moody raised his index finger and thumb, and then nodded at Kingsley. The Auror nodded and slipped away, going to ensure there was no one else in the barn. Moody turned back to the Death Eater and the Longbottoms. The masked and cloaked man was now directly in front of Frank. "Where is the Potter boy?" he hollered. Frank said nothing.

"Fine," the Death Eater said, calm again. "If you won't co-operate, you'll have to watch again." He began cutting Alice Longbottom down. Moody's mouth tightened in disgust. He glanced over at Sirius and found him looking back at him. The young Auror pointed at himself then crossed his arms over his chest. I'm going in.

Moody shook his head frantically. Sirius grimaced and then looked down. The Death Eater had laid Alice on a table. He was lifting her skirts. Sirius' face was a portrait of fury. He made the signal and again Moody shook his head. They couldn't act until Kingsley got back. Sirius shook his head and before Moody could do anything, Sirius was gone.

Sirius disappeared into the shadows and then, sure he had left Moody's line of vision, adopted his Animagus form. He hadn't done so since James' died, but he could appreciate the necessity of returning to the form of Padfoot. None of his fellow Aurors knew of his secret talent, but it was worth exposing it if he saved Alice- a childhood friend of his and Amara's old partner in the field. In dog form, he easily found his way down from the rafters, leaping from bales of hay. He silently padded towards the Death Eater. He had shed his robes to make the rape easier. Sirius recognized him as Rabastan Lestrange- Bellatrix's brother-in-law, and his own dear cousin through marriage.

Sirius let his dog form go, crouched behind the Death Eater and tried not to breathe. "This is your last chance, Longbottom!" Rabastan cried. "Tell me or I do it again!"

"He can't tell you, you worthless son of a bitch," Sirius hissed. "You've driven them both mad! Botched up, haven't you?" He drove his wand into Rabastan's back. "He can't tell you where the Potter boy is, but you're not going to rape Alice Longbottom…or anyone else, ever again. Back away or I'll curse your dick off."

Rabastan backed away slowly, his hands in the air. Sirius grinned triumphantly. His victory was short-lived. Rabastan let out a yelp. "Barty!" he shouted. "Barty! Get in here immediately!"

"You stupid bastard," Sirius cursed. "Stupefy!" Rabastan fell, Stunned. Sirius grabbed him by the legs and pulled him under the table he had Alice on. Sirius just had time to pull on Rabastan's discarded robes before the barn door swung open. "I say," muttered the new Death Eater. "What are you going on about?" His voice sounded young, but malicious.

Sirius answered in a hoarse, scratching voice, similar to Rabastan. "I need your help," he said. "Humping this broad seems to get a reaction out of her husband. But I'm gettin' tired…fancy a go?"

"Oh, right," said the other Death eater, moving forward. He didn't have a button undone before Sirius attacked.

"Stupefy!" He fell, Stunned. Sirius kicked him in the groin for good measure, and then thought no more of him. He gently pulled Alice's skirts down and then lifted her. She was whimpering just like Harry did when he had a bad dream. Sirius carried her down to a bale of hay. He laid her down and gently stroked her hair. He crooned Tika's lullaby to her. When she was quieted, Sirius went to cut down Frank.

Moody soon joined him. "What the hell was that, Black?" he growled. "You're not a registered Animagus!"

Sirius grunted and lifted Frank as easily as he had Alice. Moody watched him lay the man beside his wife. "Well, I'll let you keep your secret," Moody continued when Sirius showed no sign of response. "But only because it's damn useful."

"Do Kingsley or Serena know?" asked Sirius, joining Moody. "Where are they?"

"No, they don't," Moody informed him. "I sent them after Bellatrix and Rudolphus." He had barely got the words out of his mouth when shouts from outside distracted them. Both men turned, raising their wands. The barn door crashed open and Bellatrix Lestrange entered, looking furious. Surprise filtered across her face upon recognition of Sirius, followed shortly by fury. "Conjectivis!" she screamed, her wand aimed at Moody.

The curse that, when used on dragons or giants would rarely cause enough harm to allow the caster a sure getaway, was fatal to the aging Auror. It pierced his right eye and he fell to the ground, both hands clasped over his injured eye. With his teacher's moans echoing in his head, Sirius reacted, bringing his wand up and screaming "Stupefy" before Bellatrix could react. The darkly beautiful witch fell to the ground, as Stunned as her comrades.

Sirius waited only until he saw Serena and Kingsley enter the barn, carrying the Stunned form of Rudolphus. Sirius ran to Moody, Serena on his heels. Moody had, fortunately, passed out from the pain. "Is he going to be all right?" Serena demanded.

"How the hell should I know?" Sirius asked hotly, his worry making him irritable.

"She got away from me," Serena explained, looking furious with herself. "Rudolphus went down quickly enough, but she was too strong. We went after her, but we evidently weren't quick enough."

"Apparently not," Sirius observed dryly, in no mood to show pity or understanding.

"Will he be all right?" Kingsley asked, coming to join them.

"Should be," Sirius decided. "If we get him to St. Mungo's as soon as possible."

Serena began conjuring a Portkey- a power given to Aurors if it was absolutely necessary. "See you had no trouble," Kingsley made conversation, looking around the barn. "Didn't think you would." He glanced in Bellatrix's direction. "Fighting seems to run in your family."

"No strong enough in her," Sirius said with a smirk, now that his worry for Moody was somewhat alleviated.

Kingsley's mouth dropped in horror as he caught sight of the Longbottoms. "Merlin, look at Alice and Frank." There was fury in the usually gentle man's eyes. "Who is responsible for this atrocity?"

"Well, Rabastan Lestrange," Sirius answered, gesturing to the man he had Stunned in the act of rape. "I don't know who the other bloke is."

'I'll get him," Serena volunteered, her Portkey, an old horsewhip standing ready. She dragged the unidentified Death Eater over to their group and turned him over. Sirius knelt and ripped off his hood and mask. Three identical gasps burst out of the Aurors.

"Well, fuck me," Sirius breathed. "Heads will roll for this one."

"Barty Crouch Jr." Serena hissed.

-----------------

Sirius cast himself down wearily into a large armchair. Tika hurried over, carrying a large mug of tea. "Did Master's mission go well?" she inquired hopefully.

Sirius took a large gulp of the scalding tea and immediately regretted it as the insides of his throat were burned. "As well as can be expected," he answered darkly. "We rescued the captives and captured the bad guys."

"Congratulations, Master," Tika grinned, genuinely happy for Sirius' success.

"Don't congratulate me," Sirius sighed heavily. "We weren't able to save the Longbottoms."

"Meaning the Longbottoms is dead, sir?" Tika asked, dread in her voice. She had heard Sirius praise the couple highly during his days in the recently disbanded Order of the Phoenix.

"No," Sirius disagreed. "Far worse." He took several more sips of tea before answered, choking on the hot liquid. Finally he shook his head, coming out of his dark brooding. "Where's Harry?"

"I just put him to bed before you got home," Tika answered. "I wanted to wait up for you. I remembered you loved your mug of tea after missions."

Sirius managed a broad smile for his house elf. He owed her quite a lot. "Thank you very much, Tika. It was the most excellent mug of tea I've ever had." Tika blushed in a very house elf manner as Sirius drained the last few dregs of tea. "I'm off to bed. You should get there yourself."

Tika nodded, taking his cup for him. "Good night, Master!" She disappeared with a crack!

Sirius made his way upstairs, thinking of taking a bath. He started running the water with a flick of his wand and, while waiting, went into the bedroom adjoining his to check on Harry.

He heard Harry crying before he reached the room and began to run. He crashed into the nursery, wand at the ready before he realized his godson…son…was just complaining of the late winter chill let in by the open window. He sighed in relief and brought the frame down with a satisfying bang.

He hurried over to the crib and lifted Harry out of it. His cries quickly turned into gurgles of happiness at the sight of Sirius. Sirius drank in his son, feeling fatherly pride. His green eyes already showed surprising intelligence and his shock of messy black hair was just like James'. Even the lightening bolt-shaped scar made Harry all the more precious to Sirius.

"Pa-foo!" grinned Harry.

"No, not Padfoot," Sirius corrected. "Daddy."

"Pa-foo…Dada?" Harry frowned, slightly confused.

Sirius nodded. He wanted Harry to be happy for the few short years of his innocence before he was burdened with his heavy destiny. The least Sirius could do was ensure he did not mope about for dead parents. In Sirius' head, this logic even made sense.

Harry seemed to accept his words. "Dada!" he gurgled, lifting his arms up above his head with a grin.

Sirius grinned brilliantly. "Do you want to come take a bath with Daddy?" he asked. Taking the happy giggle as a 'yes,' Sirius and Harry left the nursery, heading for the now, almost overfull tub. Sirius was so wrapped up in his love for Harry that his usually amazing Auror senses didn't notice the grey rant scurry out from under the crib.

The rat waited until Sirius had left the room and then climbed up on to the windowsill. He somehow managed to reopen the window and then fled out into the night. A young and curious Percy Weasley would find him the next day.