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It Felt Like Flying
Chapter Three
"Cecily seems to trust you, doesn't she?"
Sirius blinked. "Yes, she does." He took a large gulp of water.
"I don't understand. You betrayed your best friends. Why would she place her trust in someone who would kill her for his own life, Black? Tell me, as soon as her back is turned, will you place an Unforgivable on her?" Mary Adams pressed, scrutinizing the younger wizard's eyes. He sat back in the kitchen chair and watched her silently.
"I did not betray them. I'd die sooner than hurt James or Lily. Peter Pettigrew—"
"Don't you lie, Black. Say one thing that isn't true and I'll call the Ministry and have you locked in Azkaban for life. Understood?"
"I do, and I promise I won't. Look, I wasn't the Potters' Secret Keeper. Peter Pettigrew was, damn him. James Potter told Dumbledore that he wanted me to be Secret Keeper, and I agreed at first, but when I realized that I would only be obvious, I suggested Peter Pettigrew. Almost a week after the Fidelius Charm was performed, Pettigrew betrayed them and-and—you know the rest."
"I certainly do. Remus has told me plenty," said Mary Adams.
Sirius dropped his jaw and shook his head as if coming out of a trance. "Remus Lupin?"
"Oh yes, my nephew. In fact, I invited him for Christmas meal tonight. The past year has been very hard on him...his parents and friends dying," Mary shook her head sadly. "Very hard on all of us."
Sirius's heart thumped harshly. Remus would be here tonight? He'll curse me on sight. He'd never believe I didn't betray James. Why should he? There was evidence even before it happened. Sirius could just imagine Remus's betrayed look as he stared at his old friend, wand at the ready. Tears sprung to his eyes as he realized that their friendship was utterly doomed.
"Do you still believe I betrayed the Potters?" Sirius asked quietly.
"Not anymore," Mary said.
The young Black narrowed his eyebrows. "You were very suspicious just a moment ago. I told you my story and you just go ahead and believe me? I mean, it's true, but aren't you being a bit too trusting?"
"And you are a bit too apprehensive. My dear boy, I am not a foolish woman and I know the truth when it is told to me," Mary said. Her eyes were amused.
Sirius bit his tongue softly and glanced at Harry who was bathing his fingers in milk that had spilled only moments before. He didn't quite trust Mary Adams to believe his story so quickly. Her eyes were still hard and confused and he knew it wasn't safe for Harry and him. The foolishness of having faith in a known criminal caused Sirius to sit on the edge of his seat. What was up this woman's sleeve? He shoved his hand gently into his pocket and fingered the wand inside. Mrs. Adams certainly was not trustworthy. He had to leave.
As if on cue, Harry began to sob. Sirius and Mary both stood up abruptly, shaking the wobbly table.
"I'll take care of him," Sirius offered, snatching his godson into his arms. Mary nodded but her hands were twitching. He stared at her with fright and he edged away from the table. "I'll be right back. I'm going to take Harry to—the—washroom—excuse me—"
Sirius backed into the bathroom with his godson and sighed, locking the door as quickly as he could. The heaviness of the situation weighed on his mind as he cooed Harry quietly. Was Mary Adams a Death Eater? It was certainly plausible and yet strangely absurd. Her daughter, Cecily, was plainly not but he could not be sure about Mary. The way her hands convulsed when he retrieved his godson was unsettling as was the glare in her eyes that had been present from the moment he was introduced to her earlier that morning. She was distant and cold with an uninterested gaze, yet piercing and grave. Sirius eyed the walls and wondered subconsciously whether or not Cecily had put wards up. He glanced at the door and suddenly his eyes darted to the window. His foot stepped forward, twisting itself in the rug below and he plummeted to the cold floor. Harry giggled.
"Yeah, you think it's funny," Sirius growled softly. The baby ceased his chirps but a grin lingered on his little face. A weak knock announced itself on the bathroom door.
"Sirius, are you alright?" Mary asked from outside.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine. So is Harry."
"If you're sure—"
"I am."
Sirius heard her feet shuffle away across the floor and moaned gently. "We've got to get out of here, Harry," he said. His eyes closed as he thought deeply. The flat he had owned was out of the question as was the Ancient House of Black. Had it been two months before, he would have chosen Godric's Hollow, to Lily and James's home. But now, there was only Remus Lupin, and the 'vanished' Peter Pettigrew. It was clear now that Sirius had Harry; he had to confront Remus about what had happened in the past eight weeks. He sighed deeply and imagined the werewolf's tiny home, with the ridiculous furniture that he and his three friends had picked out.
After a long, apprehensive look at the door, not five minutes later, Sirius and a dizzied Harry stared at Remus Lupin's undersized house with a sense of familiarity. As long as they were away from Mary Adams, Sirius was content. And so, he began to trudge through the snow to the door.
"You can't be serious."
Cecily's jaw dropped as she realized (and much to her aggravation) that the mountain of letters, hate mail, and Howlers were hers for the sorting.
"The Minister said he trusts you with this important 'decision making,' you know," Margaret said, her eyes glinting evilly. "It's too bad you have to stay here all night to finish."
Anger surged through Cecily but she straightened her blouse instead of strangling her least favorite person in the Ministry of Magic. "It's not too bad," she said sweetly, plastering an incredibly fake smile upon her red face. "Besides, I'm quite sure with more work and less complaining I'll certainly get a raise."
"But don't count on it," remarked Margaret. She smiled nastily and sauntered away making sure her heeled boots clunked loudly across the worn floor. Cecily blinked and scuffed her own foot against the ground in frustration.
And behind the desk, Cecily sat staring at a menacing, red Howler. Her trembling hands picked it up slowly and broke the seal. The effect was so monstrous she fell from her chair, covering her ears desperately. Screams gushed from the Howler, scolding the Minister for the 'consistent shameful happenings.' Then, as if it were some sort of trigger, all of the Howlers upon her colossal desk exploded into a humongous cloud of black smoke, scorching most of the non-screaming letters and leaving dark burn marks upon the oak wood. Strong arms seized Cecily and pulled her away from the destruction, both of them coughing and wheezing hysterically.
"Cecily, are you alright?" breathed Remus Lupin, wiping black dust from his younger cousin's forehead.
Cecily nodded. "Yes-yes, I'm fine. But really! Howlers should be outlawed! Look what they've done to my desk!"
Remus's face was sodden with ash as he rolled his eyes. "Be thankful that's the only thing they destroyed," he said.
Cecily pulled out her wand and pointed it towards herself; under her breath she muttered a quick cleaning charm. The dark remains of the Howlers disappeared from her face and clothing and she smiled.
"Takes care of the work I almost had to really face," she shrugged, picking up a burnt letter. "This Harry Potter and Sirius Black business has gotten the Ministry in an uproar and everyone here has to deal with it!" Cecily covered a knowing smile. Her teeth gripped the inside of her cheek and the taste of blood crawled along her tongue. She was awful at keeping secrets, but this one was too important to spill, even to Remus. Instead, she coughed and asked, "What brings you to the Ministry?"
Remus rubbed his pale and tired face with a shaky hand. "Well," he began, "because I know—knew Sir—Black and my place was searched earlier today while I was put under questioning."
Cecily put a hand to her mouth. "Are you—okay?"
"I'm fine, just a little—" he slipped from his position of leaning on the desk onto the floor. "—tired."
The secretary gave a startled laugh and helped her cousin from the wet floor.
"Thanks," Remus murmured, brushing water off the backside of his shabby robes. Cecily was ashamed to admit it, but he certainly did have the scruffiest clothing and was astounded her mother tolerated such wear in her presence. The young witch blinked the look of pity from her dark eyes. He didn't want her to feel sorry for him, and she wouldn't for his sake.
"I would invite you for tea," Remus started, "but I'm sure your mother is still expecting you. After all, it is Christmas."
Cecily shrugged. "No, she won't be expecting me for a few hours. I told her it was urgent and I might be here a while." Besides, she thought, I'm sure Sirius wouldn't mind spending some more time with mother. And I can't very well say no to Remus!
A small smile crept into the werewolf's features. Cecily could see relief crawling over him and he visibly relaxed. The poor man was spending Christmas alone for the first time since the 31st of October. At least she could warm up his awful holidays with her company.
"Let me tell the Minister I'm leaving," Cecily said before poking her head into the big office. "Minister?"
The latest head of the ministry looked up startled at his secretary and replied cautiously. "Yes?"
"Is it all right if I leave? The letters I…was going to give to you caught on fire from the Howlers."
"Yes, alright, please do. Enjoy your Christmas."
"Thank you, sir."
Cecily clicked the door shut and seized her oversized coat, mittens, and scarf. She smiled smartly at Remus as the heels on her boots clunked quietly against the floor.
"Shall we leave?"
Remus returned her smile genuinely. "Of course."
Sirius Black almost silently shut the door to his last best friend's cottage. He was most surprised when he was not arrested on the spot and was even more astonished that the Ministry of Magic was not guarding Remus Lupin's home from any intruders, like himself. Harry was quiet as if he knew he should not to be heard. The small living space was empty except for the tawny owl perched upon the back of the hideous red and yellow chair. Sirius snorted in memory. The Marauders had picked out the most unattractive furniture for their member's home last summer. Gryffindor colors! Can't go wrong with that!
Oh, but you could.
The Animagus carried his godson to the sofa and rocked him gently against his chest.
"Finally somewhere we know, right Harry? We can be comfortable for a little while. Even if I go away, you can still have Moony. Besides, he's a much better godfather than I am. He'll keep you safe," murmured Sirius. He wondered faintly if he'd see Cecily Adams again. She was trusting but also cautious, and he smiled at the thought of her. Maybe she wasn't as pretty as many women, but she had a charm of her own. It was her eyes. The emotions displayed within her deep brown orbs were haunting but beautiful. And it was a great wonder why she did not have a significant other…
Sirius shook his head. He hardly knew her and already he was dreaming about her eyes. He glanced back down at Harry. His eyes were again drooping steadily. Poor kid, he thought.
Sirius lingered on the couch, watching his godson fall asleep. And when the Boy-Who-Lived had completely dozed off, the older wizard smiled gently.
Suddenly, loud voices thundered from outside.
Sirius slammed to his feet and his heart hammered painfully against his chest. Remus Lupin was home with a companion—or someone. He didn't stop to think of who it might be, but charged for the broom closet he knew was not far and quickly closed the door. A tiny spark of relief spread to his legs when Harry did not stir. But the worst was not over yet.
What had he been thinking when he decided to come to Remus Lupin's home? Would the werewolf actually be 'glad' to see him? No, most definitely not! And now, now he had someone with him!
From outside the closet, Cecily observed the interesting chair and sofa. What would possess anyone to purchase such disgusting furniture? A Gryffindor, she chided herself.
"Make yourself comfortable," Remus offered. Cecily nodded and sat delicately upon the chair.
Something felt…out of place. She had never been to her cousin's home before, but there was not a sense of unfamiliarity. No, quite the contrary. In fact, Remus stiffened visibly too.
"What is it?" Cecily inquired.
The werewolf scrunched his nose as if he was smelling the air. The witch leaned forward.
"He's here, or he has been."
She was startled by Remus's words. Did he mean—? No, why would Sirius have left? Unless he truly was a Death Eater…but that just didn't seem likely…did it? What about her mother? Was she alright?
"Who?" She asked, afraid of the answer.
"Sirius. He's here. He still is. And…Harry, he's here too," Remus said. His few movements were rigid and Cecily was instantly worried. Could werewolves trace scents so easily as the wizard before her?
Cecily darted to her feet as Remus began to search frantically through his tiny cottage for the convict and his godson.
"Remus, please calm down," she beseeched.
The werewolf stopped tearing apart his home abruptly and looked at his younger cousin sadly. "I'm sorry, Cecily. I—"
"We will look calmly, alright? It wouldn't…it wouldn't do to be worked up like this," she pleaded.
Remus murmured an agreement. In a moment, he shuffled his feet quickly but quietly towards the broom closet. The scent of Padfoot was so strong here and it overwhelmed the wolf inside him with joy and betrayal. His hand reached for the knob and he wrenched the door open.
Cecily stared motionless at Sirius Black and his godson in a strange trance. She had assumed that she would see him in the near future, but like this was so odd. The pain and fear in his eyes made her want to cry, and when she glanced at Remus who was gripping the door handle she nearly did.
Still in a kind of stupor, she walked almost silently toward the closet but before she could say anything, Remus stopped her with his hand.
"I want to know the truth, Sirius. And I deserve it."
Sirius opened his mouth to speak though no words emerged. But from his desolate eyes, a tear streaked down his face.