Chapter 2
Lexi stood in the midst of the dusk that darkened the late summer sky above the bustling London Borough of Islington. In front of her stood the impressive façade of Sirius Black's ancestral home, Number 12, Grimmauld Place. The formerly handsome Muggle townhouse had been vacant since the death of Sirius' mother, and had gone into disrepair. Creeping ivy snuck up the building having been left to grow at will, and moss tinted the once pristine white exterior with a sickly green hue.
Lexi lingered on the pavement opposite, feeling the nerves jangle inside her chest. Even though she felt more mentally prepared for the inevitable awkward encounters she was about to have. This was also punctured by the stabbing fear at the realisation that the War that had torn hers and countless lives apart was about to begin once again. Resigning herself to the fate that awaited her, she crossed the road.
As she drew level with the imposing front door, it was black and it's paint shabby and scratched, with large chunks peeling off at the foot. She paused and looked either side of her as though expecting an ambush then pushed open the door and stepped over the threshold. Near total darkness greeted her, as did a damp rotting smell, Lexi turned up her nose and closed the door behind her. She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dimness; dingy, Victorian gas lamps that provided little illumination adorned hallway. Lexi heard muffled voices ahead of her, and at the end of the corridor door stood slightly ajar.
Suddenly there were hurried footsteps and Remus emerged from the door. He beamed at her as he strode towards her; he looked rather well despite the newly acquired scars that marred his young face.
"Lexi, it's so good to see you!" He said happily, pulling her into a warm embrace.
"And you, Remus." She said, returning his hug gladly.
He let her go, holding her at arms length. "You're looking fantastic!" He exclaimed, examining her. "Am I to assume your travels serves you well?"
"They did indeed, Asia is a limitless Eden." Lexi said fondly, following Remus down the remainder of the hall and into a cavernous kitchen.
A large group of witches and wizards were assembled round a large wooden table that dominated the room. Lexi smiled weakly as all eyes turned to her as she closed the kitchen door behind her. She looked surreptitiously round the room and caught the eye of Sirius Black, who was regarding her intently as though taking her in required physical strength.
"Wotcha, Lex!" Cried a voice to her left, and before she could respond a pink-haired witch flung herself at Lexi enveloping her in a bone-crushing hug and almost knocking her off her feet.
"What the –"
"It's so good to see you!" Said the voice of Lexi's former trainee, Nymphadora Tonks.
"H-Hi – Tonks!" Lexi choked, her lungs restricted somewhat.
Tonks released her and bounced excitedly on the spot. "Wow, you look amazing!" She observed, looking Lexi up and down.
"Thank you," Lexi muttered, rather embarrassed.
Mercifully Lexi was spared more of Tonks' boundless enthusiasm, as other members of the Order – old and new – came over to greet her. She was particularly happy to see Alastor Moody, her former mentor and one of the more admired and formidable Auror's the Ministry had at its disposal. He greeted her with his patented curt nod of his head that took Lexi back to her days as a trainee, that nod was Lexi's only clue that she had performed well. She spent a few moments in pleasant conversation with Emmeline Vance, who had been a good friend to her and Lily during their time with the original Order.
"Lex it's so good to see you again!" Emmeline embraced her old friend warmly. "I cannot believe we've let all these years pass since we last saw each other properly!"
"It's good to see you too, Em." Lexi said, returning her hug. "The lack of contact has been mainly due to me, I am sorry."
Emmeline waved her apology away. "Do not apologise, Lex." Emmeline said lightly. "But promise me we shan't leave it so long this time!"
"Agreed!" Lexi said enthusiastically. "I think one of our legendary Hogsmead nights is in order!"
"Lily would consider it an insult to her memory if we didn't." Emmeline smiled, letting go of Lexi and studying as though looking for something she couldn't quite place. "Are you sure you're alright, Lex?"
"I'm fine, Em." Lexi reassured. "Just tired, I've not long returned from Asia. I think reacclimatizing to the English grimness will take some time."
"Ha, grimness indeed." Emmeline agreed. "Listen, let's meet up. Say, next Saturday? I know a nice little bar in Shoreditch, not far from here."
"That sounds perfect," Lexi sighed thankfully.
"Excellent! I'll Floo you later in the week with the details." Emmeline beamed.
Lexi's eyes began scanning the room for the person she was most anxious to speak with. Eventually she found Severus Snape leaning against the large, ornate fireplace at the other end of the room. He stood with his arms folded protectively across his chest, and met Lexi with an unwavering stare. His dark, emotionless eyes gave away no hint of recognition toward her. She suddenly felt rather breathless as his eyes bore deeply into her as though trying to examine her thoughts. It was penetrating and unrelenting, and it made Lexi feel a little dizzy. She almost melted under his gaze, she could get lost in those eyes. Her heart began to race, and she knew then that her feelings for Severus hadn't changed a bit. The air between them seemed as though it was electronically charged. She allowed herself to give away a small smile; Severus' expression did not change although Lexi was sure she'd seen the corners of his mouth twitch.
"Hey there, you." Came Sirius' boyish drawl.
Lexi jumped and turned to see a rather different man from the one she had been confronted with in the Shrieking Shack a year ago. His was hair was shorted, tousled in a messy style so it fell across his forehead. He was clean-shaven, and his once gaunt appearance was healthier and his pallid skin was brighter. Lexi felt as though she'd travelled back in time.
"Hi, Sirius." Lexi spluttered, ignoring the smirk on his face. "It's … good to see you."
"I'm sure it is," he said with a wink, looking her up and down. "You look good, Lex."
"I – err – thanks," she said distractedly, catching Severus' eye and saw he was fuming.
Spared from exchanging awkward pleasantries with her ex-fiancée, Professor Dumbledore made his presence known with a small cough. When everyone had taken their positions round the table, Dumbledore looked at them all in turn. His expression was resigned, as though he'd been expecting this meeting to occur for some time. A hush descended on the room and everyone met each other's eyes with a look of dreaded anticipation.
"Evening everyone, it is a shame that we should meet again under such troubling circumstances but there is no one I'd rather march to war with than all of you." He spoke quietly but they hung on his every word. "Lord Voldemort's return was inevitable and he will be more determined that ever. I look to each and every one of you to assist me in the fight for our liberty."
He paused and surveyed the room before he continued. "The first item on the agenda is the safety of Harry Potter," there were many nods of agreement at this statement. "Now, on the evening of the 6thAugust an Advance Guard will bring Harry here for the remainder of the holidays. If you wish to volunteer to assist with Mister Potter's transportation, please wait behind at the end of the meeting and we shall discuss the finer details."
Hushed excitement rippled through the room, and Lexi felt sure that there would be no shortage of volunteers. She suddenly felt a presence behind her, and she turned slowly to see Severus standing behind her gripping the back of the chair. He tips of his fingers brushed against the base of her neck and she felt a surge of electricity shoot down her spine. Lexi saw Sirius narrow his eyes in their direction from across the table, and Lexi felt as though she was territory being marked.
"As you are aware, Minister Fudge has been very public in his denial of Voldemort's return," Dumbledore continued, a hint of irritation in his voice. "I ask those of you working at the Ministry to work, as covertly as possible, to ensure that any activities you suspect of being the work of Voldemort or his Death Eaters are reported and acted on immediately. I do not wish innocent people to die as a result of the Minister's incompetence."
There were nods and murmurs of agreement filled the room, Lexi could feel Severus' breath rippling through her curls. His fingertips rested on her neck, and it took all of Lexi's resolve to remain still.
"Miss McNaughton," Lexi jumped at being addressed directly by Dumbledore.
"Oh – yes, Headmaster?" She said, leaning forward to break contact with Severus so she could focus.
"I feel sure Voldemort does not know of your identity as Harry's godmother, but I am sure that if and when he does discover this you will be in danger also," Dumbledore said seriously. "It is for this reason, and also due to your previous successful tenure at the school, I would like for you to return to Hogwarts as a Dueling Instructor. If you would accept this rather casual job offer."
Lexi felt as though she was a deer in headlights, and stared with her mouth slightly open at the Headmaster. After almost a minute Lexi found her voice. "I hadn't really considered returning to Hogwarts," she said honestly, because she hadn't thought about it. "But if you think that my presence would be the best way I could help the Order and protect Harry, then … yes, I accept."
Dumbledore smiled and clapped his hands together. "Excellent," he exclaimed. "Well, I think that just about concludes our business here this evening. Please stay behind if you wish to assist with the Advanced Guard, if not then I bid you adieu until next time."
There was the sound of several chairs scraping on the stone floor, and Lexi bade most of the Order goodnight. Several people remained behind, including Remus and Emmeline. Lexi stood only to find herself inches from Severus' chest; she looked up to find him regarding her intently.
"Hello Severus," she said, feeling quite flustered.
"Miss McNaughton," he nodded curtly. "I assume your travels were – enlightening?"
"Very," Lexi replied breathily. "How … how have you been?"
"No worse than usual, and no better." He said shortly, although the intensity of his gaze suggested otherwise.
"Oh … good," She said stupidly, cursing herself for sounding like a lovesick teenager.
Severus remained rooted to the spot for a moment, his flicked briefly behind her and she knew he was meeting Sirius' eyes. He smirked, and then looked down at her once more.
"If you'll excuse you me, I have to take my leave." He said tersely, pushing past her and exiting the kitchen.
Lexi let out the breath she had been holding, and returned to the table. Sirius quickly took the seat next to her.
"Are you –" He began, but Moody's voice cut him short.
"Right, now I gather those in front of me are foolhardy enough to want to assist in Potter's removal," he grunted, and Lexi felt a wave of affection for her former mentor. "The plan is thus – we shall lure Potter's Aunt and Uncle away. Tonks, as this was one of your more brilliant ideas, you may explain."
Tonks jumped to her feet, knocking the table with her knees and grimacing. Lexi chuckled, if it weren't for the fact her former trainee was a Metamorphmagus her clumsiness would have ensured her failure of the Auror training.
"Right, I've been reliably informed that Harry's Aunt and Uncle are right stuffy pair," she said, a forced air of importance in her voice as though she were a child giving a speech to the class. "I will fabricate a letter informing them that they were among the finalists for the All-England Best-Kept Lawn competition." The room chuckled. "This will get them out of the way long enough for us to get Potter away."
"Thank you Tonks, as professional as always." Moody muttered disapprovingly. "Now, once we retrieve Potter we will fly Potter back here."
"Fly?" Came Emmeline's voice from beside Tonks.
"Yes, using broomsticks," Moody growled sardonically, as the others snickered. "I've heard wizards and brooms go well together."
Emmeline narrowed her eyes at Moody. "I gathered we'd be using brooms Alastor," she said. "But won't it leave us a tad exposed? I doubt Muggles are daft enough not to notice a group of people flying about on cleaning equipment."
"I did train you didn't I?" Moody said, his eyebrows raised. "Or do you think me daft as a Muggle, woman?"
"Of course not, please enlighten us." Emmeline said with the mock seriousness that Lexi remembered fondly.
Moody growled, and returned his attention to the group. "We shall fly above the cloud line, so as to ensure our presence doesn't alert the Muggles," he said, ignoring Emmeline, Tonks and Lexi's giggles. "We shall fly in a diamond formation to ensure all angles are covered, and a rear guard will be set up in case the first guard is disposed of."
"Disposed of?" Emmeline gulped. "You don't expect there to be trouble, do you?"
"I always expect trouble," Moody stated calmly, ignoring Emmeline's protests. "As should you – constant vigilance!" He barked at Emmeline, causing her to jump back in her seat.
Lexi laughed, but stopped as Moody shot a look in her direction.
"We'll rendezvous at Privet Drive, Little Whinging at 6pm sharp!" He said militarily. "That is all."
Lexi suppressed a smile as the group thinned out and said their goodbyes. Lexi felt a hand on her arm tug her from the room.
"Sirius! What on earth are you doing?" Lexi protested as Sirius dragged her up the stairs.
Sirius didn't answer, instead he steered her into the drawing room on the first floor. The room had long windows that faced the Muggle street below, and a large ugly Black family tree tapestry. Sirius looked mad, his looked accusingly at Lexi as though she had something to hide.
"Sirius I do not –"
"I want to know what's going on with you, Lexi." He said sternly, a tone that Lexi hadn't expected to hear in him.
"What's – going on?" She said, utterly confused. "Will you please make some sense!"
"Oh don't take me for a fool, Lexi!" His voice raised so he was practically shouting. "I've seen the way Snivellus was sniffing round you tonight! Are you two involved?"
Lexi blinked several times. "What? Of course not." She hissed, not meeting Sirius' eyes. "And even if I was, my romantic dalliances have nothing to do with you!"
"We were engaged, Lexi!" He said, his tone a little softer. "Does that mean nothing?"
"Of course it doesn't, Sirius." Lexi sighed; she couldn't deal with this right now. "But a lot has happened since then."
"My feelings for you have not changed," he said, a pained expression had appeared on his face. "I vowed to love you forever."
Lexi opened and closed her mouth several times, and the memory of Sirius' proposal flashed in her mind.
"I know you did, and I won't ever forget it." She said, trying to remain diplomatic. "But things have changed … we have changed. I believed you to be a murderous traitor until a year ago! I – I had … moved on."
Sirius looked as though a train had hit him. But he steadied himself, and took Lexi's hand. "Look, I'd rather we talked about this when we were both prepared for it," he said. "How about you come here one night next week? I'll cook you dinner."
Lexi snorted. "Sirius, you haven't so much as boiled pasta!" She couldn't help but chuckle. "As I recall the most you have done is reheat leftovers."
"Oh yee of little faith!" Sirius protested, smirking. "Please, just let me … attempt to cook you something edible. We can talk and clear the air."
"Alright Sirius, as you wish." Lexi relinquished, although she couldn't help but think this would be a bad idea.
"Sweet!" Sirius exclaimed happily. "How does 5 o'clock next Thursday suit you?"
"That should be fine, Sirius." She sighed reluctantly. "Now, I really have to go."
"I'll see you out," Sirius said gentlemanly, holding the door open for her.
Lexi shook her head but smirked as she allowed Sirius to lead her towards the door. She bade Sirius a quick goodbye and stepped into the cool evening air. Feeling as though that could have gone much worse, Lexi disapparated.
