Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, just this particular story. Enjoy!

As night fell fully on the city, Deacon apparated in an alley near #12 Grimmauld Place. He was clad in black, a long robe wrapped about his body. Quickly and quietly, he slipped to the front door, then knocked and waited. Lily was there immediately. She too had a black robe on, and ushered him in cautiously. The lights were out, she knew that sometimes guards from the Ministry passed by, checking to be sure everyone was safe. And she did not need Ministry on her backside this evening. They needed secrecy. Kreacher stood mumbling something about ' filthy blood traitor coming home' as she crept back into the living room. "Ok, we can't apparate into the ministry, but I know a way in that will be virtually undetected." He grinned, loved it when she got all brainy and sneaky. Got his blood pumping. "I got ya. Just lead the way Lily sweets." He winked and she just snickered. " Remus didn't ask where you were going did he? I don't want him showing up...he might not support this." Deacon shook his head, and pushed her to get going. She led the way to the attic, where Kreacher had been hiding things he stole. Stepping over an old necklace and some photos, she pointed to a painting. "Here it is, his other portrait is on the third level of the Ministry. Once we are in, we can find the veil and get this over with. C'mon"
She approached the painting, which was seemingly empty. Tapped it once, then whispered a strange incantation he had never heard."Portus changus." And before he could say anything, she had grabbed his hand and they were sucked into the empty picture.
It felt like he was melting fromthe inside out, and almost let a cry escape before he realized they were no longer moving. They were standing in a hallway in the Ministry. A dark hallway with no guards. But at the other end there were two shadows, now moving rapidly closer. "Lily..I think we have company!" Lily moved to jump back through the painting, stopped by a familiar voice. "I don't think so. Lillian Eliza Potter, stop right there." It was Clyde, and behind him was Professor Lupin. Both looked out of breath and more than slightly upset. Especially Clyde, in addition to irritation, he held a note of jealousy in his voice.
"I..erm we had a plan. I found a spell." She gave it to Remus, who read and reread it before looking up at her with wide hopeful eyes." Can you really do it Lily? Do you think we can bring him back...?" She nodded, taking her notes back, and looked at Deacon. "We have been working on this for awhile, I wanted to bring him back for dad..but I didn't make it in time. But I have it now, I know how to do it." She paused, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. But not about the spell, rather what would be required for the spell. She had not told them everything, even Deacon was unaware of what exactly was expected by her to truly complete the spell. Only she knew what was needed at the very moment of rebirth. Deacon chimed in," Yeah we have this under control. So go home Longbottom. No need for a squib." Clyde growled,and Lily got between them. "Not the place people...and you know he isn't a squib Deac...he just had a little trouble getting the hang things..so leave him ALONE." She raised her voice as she spoke, because they were still glaring and taking swings at each other. Just like her mother, Remus though grimly as he felt an odd twinge of concern about bringing ol' Padfoot back. Nonsense he told himself...what was that all about anyway?
Lily was leading them down the hall to the room the veil was in, and standing between them to keep them civil. Remus followed quietly behind, wondering what it would be like to see his old friend once more. He had truly missed him, being the last of the Marauders had been a somber burden to bear these many years. Deacon must have said something snarky to Clyde because suddenly Lily gave him a hard smack on the back of his head and he grimaced. She really kept those boys in tow...he wondered if she knew it was just because they were both so hopelessly in love with her they'd walk on their hands and knees if it made her happy.

The room was as her father had described it so long ago. The veiled archway, with those soft whispered voices wafting out, stood in the corner, across from them now. Quickly Lily cast a locking spell on the door, and then pulled Deacon next to her. "You know your part right? And when I need you to,I want you to promise to let me finish..ok?" Deacon scowled but nodded, and she looked then to Clyde and Remus. "To be safe, I want you both to stay back as far as youcan..this may get rather...well rather rough." They did as she commanded, she had a way of making people do what she wanted. Then she and Deacon turned to face the veil, and she raised her wand first. "Incarnate rebirth" she pointed her wand at the veil and Deacon raised his, joining with his own chant. A small glow began to erupt from their wands, Lily's a bright blue and growing faster by the second. She felt a buzzing sensation go through her fingers, down her arm..like electricity but without the burning pain. Slowly the light crept over her, and suddenly she was overwhelmed with nausea, trying not to wretch as Deacon's spell wavered some. She shouted. "Now Deac, now!" And he hastily withdrew his wand. She knew this was coming, and knew he would try and stop her. She had to be quick. She darted forward, heading for the veil. She had neglected to mention she had to go in to get him. That meant the risk of her being killed too, if his guarding spell had not worked to protect her. She hoped he had done it right. Too late the three men realized what she was doing, and in unison lunged to stop her. It was too late, time froze, and Lily Potter fell into the shadow with only a soft gasp of surprise. Clyde screamed, and Deacon roared, running behind the veil to see if she had come out the other side. "Remus! She didn't tell me this..she didn't I swear!" He was irate, beside himself with anger, fear and sudden overwhelming panic. What had she done? Was it an accident, had the spell backfired? Remus just stood there in shock, as if reliving Sirius' own death. They all seemed almost frozen when suddenly that same bright blue light erupted from every corner of the room, and Lily came crashing out of the veil...her arms around a rather shaggy looking man. Barely able to move, she threw herself away from him and vomitted. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she turned quickly to look at the body of her great godfather. He was unconscious..but his eyelids fluttered and threatened to open. In the background, she heard the others move closer, talking in slightly hushed tones behind her back.

"He looks like shit"
"Shut up Malfoy"
"Make me you little prat"
"All of you, be quiet. Potter...is he...?" Remus spoke only to Lily now, looking down nervously at her. She bent down over Sirius and ran her fingers along his cheek, trying to get him to focus on her. His eyes were open now, and for a brief moment she thought she saw cold fear in them...but then he blinked and it was gonew. He was just staring up at her with these deep smoky eyes that seemed to strip her to the bone in an instant. She caught her breath..she never realized the effect he would have on her.
He still had not spoken, and now she offered him a hand, helping him to stand with ease. She kept her hand on his arm, and with a smile she spoke to him again. "Welcome back Sirius." He knew her..how though? She looked so familiar, she smelled and felt like someone he should know. But he had no clue. And he couldn't seem to find words to inquire. He saw other faces, the ones with names he knew. But these were not the kids he thought...and Remus! He knew him..but lord he looked bad. Ancient in fact. Wow...he had let himself go it seemed. The girl was holding onto his arm, but talking to the other men in the room. Well not men, not two of them..more like boys. The girl with the beautiful black hair pointed a wand at the door and it opened. She took hold of him, arm around him as she led him down a dark hall. "I will go through the picture with him...Deacon go with them and we will meet at my house." With that, Sirius did scream, he suddenly felt himself being sucked through darkness again, and thought surely he would die this time. But he merely ended up on the floor in a room he knew very well. And finally words came to him. "Who..who are you?"