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Chapter 8

Runa didn't return to Potter Manor until after lunch the next day. They were sitting around talking about the previous night while Harry played with Hati and Skoll, then Padfoot once he joined in.

That was the scene that met Runa when she stepped out of the floo. Padfoot was playfully wrestling with both wolves much to the enjoyment of their audience of one. She just looked at them in amusement.

"Runa," Lily said as she rose. Runa could see the concern, concern for her etched on Lily's face, so Runa gave Lily a reassuring smile. Lily smiled back her eyes softening.

"When did this start?" Runa asked gesturing toward the tussling canines.

"Not too long ago." Lily came up to stand by her.

"One galleon that Hati and Skoll team up and pin him," Runa said out of the corner of her mouth.

"That's a sucker's bet but you're on," Lily replied, and true to form Hati and Skoll did team up and had Padfoot pinned. Once he was pinned he shifted back to human.

"Not fair," he whined, but both Hati and Skoll gave him wolfish grins before trotting over to their mistress.

"You stood no chance, they're too much like their grandfather."

The two wolves sat at her feet with expressions like they were looking for praise, which they received.

"Their grandfather?"

"He's a big prankster. You'd probably get along. I take it that nothing happened after I left?"

"Of course not," Lily said as she started making her way back to the couches. "With your barrier along with the early warning detections," Lily nodded in the direction of the wolves, "the rest of the night was quiet."

"Good."

As Runa sat down Sirius studied her and took notice of the bags under her eyes that hadn't been there the day before. She also appeared paler under her tan, and dare he say drained.

What could cause that overnight? He thought, then remembered the strange barrier and how Lily had said that it could not be used for long periods of time.

"Where are the Longbottoms?"

As if summoned by Runa's question, Frank and Alice came through the Floo.

"Finally," Alice said, when she got questioning looks she elaborated. "We couldn't get through this morning. We were concerned that something had happened."

"Sorry about that, we put up extra protection that apparently affected the Floo," Lily explained.

Alice set Neville down next to Harry and took notice of the two new wolves and watched them like a hawk before being satisfied that they were like Fen. As the adults sat both boys started using all three wolves as climbing gyms. Then they started a strange game of hide and seek, where they would try not to be caught by the other when they looked over the massive wolves, only to crawl to a different position and do it again until they were caught, then moving once again.

The adults smiled at their little game before they moved onto the events of the previous night. Lily and James explained what happened and they all discussed what it could have been but kept going around in circles knowing they were missing one piece. As the discussion started to stagnate Runa cut in.

"Have you thought about my offer from yesterday?"

Alice and Frank looked at one another and nodded.

"Yes, and we still wish to receive sanctuary in Paititi."

"Okay give me a bit," with that said Runa left.

"I know you were already pretty set on this but what solidified your decision?" James asked.

"The attack last night. Runa said that the protections on the manors were more powerful than the other options that Dumbledore gave us besides the Fidelus but with the points about its weakness… We don't want to put someone or ourselves in that position."

They switched to lighter topics trying to not think about what Runa was doing. Before too long she was reentering the room followed by a man who was dressed quite brightly. He had a strange looking cloak that seemed to only have a hole for his head to go through but it was intricately woven with bright reds and blues, over what seemed to be simple pants and shirt.

"Buenos días," he said with a bow as he took off his hat. "This one has told me of your…uh…issue. I am sorry if my English is not so good, we only started learning recently."

"How recently?"

"It's been about a couple of years now," He said musingly. "It was after we met this one." He indicated Runa who just smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

"Well I'd say you are doing beautifully," Alice offered up, smiling at the older man.

"Thank you for the complement. So if I understand correctly three of you wish to receive sanctuary within Paititi?"

"Yes, if it wouldn't inconvenience you or your people."

"Of course not, we are happy to help. This one gives so much but does not ask for things in return so we are more than happy to help her friends."

"Inti, I've told you several times it was my pleasure."

"Still, we are happy to help. How soon would we need to have their accommodations prepared?"

"As soon as possible Inti," Runa said. "Time is not on our side."

"Of course, if you would create your Doorway?"

"Doorway?" Remus asked looking to Lily confused. Lily responded with a shrug of her shoulders, equally confused.

They all watched as Runa walked over to the open door as she put her hand on the frame. She closed her eyes, speaking in hushed tones, as she did so glowing runes started appearing on the door frame that also spread to the floor. Once they were connected a swirling vortex appeared, as the swirling colors disappeared the others could see beyond the door into what was most certainly not the hall it should have been.

Beyond the doorway they saw a stone path and golden colored stone buildings that were lining it.

"What is this?" Alice asked with reverence as she approached the doorway touching the swirling vortex. When she touched it, the vortex rippled like water making her take a step back.

"This is a spell I created that I call 'Doorway'," Runa supplied. "It's a transportation spell, somewhat."

"Transportation spell… wait what?"

"The image you see on the other side is Paititi, and if you walk through, you're in Paititi."

Everyone save Inti was looking at Runa in absolute shock, scarcely believing what they had just heard. An international transportation spell like this was revolutionary.

"Is this traceable?" James asked as he and Sirius examined the runes.

"Not as far as I know."

"What are its limitations?" Sirius asked.

"The castor has to have been there before but other than that I don't think there is one. Now mind you this spell is still in its infancy, so its full extent and limitations still aren't known-" Runa was cut short when Lily gripped her arms in astonishment.

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" Lily exclaimed, completely floored about what this spell could do.

"I just completed this a couple of months ago, and I only recently fixed all the kinks. You know how I-"

"Do you have any idea what this kind of spell could do to our world?" Remus asked. "It's ramifications?"

"Yes, which is the reason I'm not going to share it with the world. I'm not stupid," Runa explained as she rolled her eyes. "I know how this could be used in the wrong way. I don't plan on making this public, at least until I find a way to counter or block it."

"You plan on teaching it to me through, right?" Lily asked expectantly.

"If you want me too."

"Yes!" They all yelled, shocking Runa making her look all around at all the expectant faces.

"You are not going to get by only teaching Lils," Sirius said. "We'll just bug her to teach us after you teach her so you might as well give in."

"You know I could Obliviate the lot of you about even seeing this, right?"

"But you won't," Lily said with a slight glare, making Runa roll her eyes.

"Of course not, but don't push me."

"And what's up with a name like 'Doorway', anyway?" Sirius said earning himself a glare in the process, which he just shrugged off.

"If you think you're so clever why don't you think of a better name?" Runa challenged.

"You could have at least given it a Latin name," Sirius offered.

"Why would I have done that? I'm Nordic," she fired back.

"Then why not a different Nordic name?"

"Fine then if you're going to be such a pain then how about 'Dyragætt'?"

"That's too complicated," Sirius retorted, trying his best to hide his satisfied smirk as he saw color rise in her cheeks. The others in the room just watched the volleying words back and forth with the two combatants not seeming to notice.

"You don't even use a spell name to activate it so why does this even matter?"

"You can't just create a spell and name it something lame like that," Sirius said, this time not being able to hide his smirk.

"Oh and 'Apparition' or 'Portkey' is so much better?"

"It's better than 'Doorway'."

"You-"

"Okay, enough of that," Lily said stopping it from escalating further, knowing Runa was about to hex Sirius again. They didn't have time for their sparring match. "We'll think about a different name later right now, what's the plan?"

"Inti needs to go back and get their accommodations prepared," Runa said turning away from Sirius. "How long do you think this will take, Inti?"

"We should have everything prepared by tomorrow."

"Does tomorrow work for the both of you?" Runa asked the Longbottom's.

"Tomorrow sounds perfect."

"Thank you, Inti, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Our pleasure milady," with a bow the man left. Runa ended the spell and turned back to the others.

"Leaving tomorrow will give us time to get our things in order and let the Order know."

"The Order?" Runa questioned.

"We can't just drop off the face of the earth," Alice said.

"What are you planning on telling them?" Runa asked seriously with the slightest threat in her tone.

"Nothing specific, I guess we are mostly telling Dumbledore thanks but no thanks," Frank said.

"I'd wait on that."

"What?

"Oh yeah, you don't know," Sirius said. "She doesn't like Dumbledore too much."

"Why?" Alice asked, scandalized. Runa looked annoyed to Sirius who just gave her a big smile which irked her.

"Personally," she started, "I don't like Dumbledore but on top of that I don't trust him to put the individual or their families before 'the greater good'. Can you honestly say any different?" Runa asked pointedly.

Frank and Alice tried to voice their defense but then stopped and they honestly could not find fault in her words if they really looked back. They didn't like their faith in the man being shaken so they just settled to glare at the younger woman. Lily decided to intercede.

"Can you tell me why you want us to wait on telling Dumbledore our decisions?"

"I would honestly prefer you tell no one outside of this room, but" she said when she saw Frank's hackles rise, "I understand that some people have to be told, like your mother, Lord Longbottom. I wouldn't dream of you just up and disappearing from Madame Longbottom, I like not having her as an opponent, thank you very much. However, the less people that know you are leaving the better. Riddle is a skilled Legilimens so better safe than sorry."

"But we can't just up and leave the Order and we also need to tell our job." Alice defended.

"Right, you're Aurors aren't you." Alice and Frank nodded and so did James and Sirius. "Hm."

"What are you thinking?" Lily inquired.

"A decoy."

"What do you mean by decoy?"

"Dumbledore said the 'Fidelius' was your best bet, well let's use that to our advantage."

"How do you mean?"

"A Fidelius is connected to the Secret Keeper so even if you aren't in the house it won't matter, and the spell should stay."

"So, what you're saying is that we leave a false trail so even if Voldie or his Death Monkeys figure out that we're hidden under a Fidelius and somehow find a way through we won't be there." James said.

"In a nutshell, yes that's what I'm thinking."

"And we still wouldn't tell Dumbledore the whole truth?" Frank asked.

"No," Runa said finitely. "Look, I know you lot trust him, but this isn't just about you all. My people within Helligdom and also the people of Paititi are also on the line. I don't like nor trust Dumbledore and Inti would probably be the same. This kind of protection is hard to come by so please understand that neither me nor Inti want to have more people know about this than is strictly necessary."

Alice, Frank, James, Sirius, and Remus all looked at each other and nodded understanding that this offer was something that was also putting people not involved in the war at risk. They had to agree the less people who knew the better, these places were sanctuaries or lost cities for a reason. Alice and Frank were especially understanding because they were strangers to the people of Paititi, at least in Helligdom Lily was known to the people, and seemingly loved by them.

"We understand."

"Thank you. I know you are all stressed about all of this but if we can iron out the specifics then you should be ready by tomorrow."

"What specifics?"

"Like whom will be Secret Keeper along with where you will be 'staying' since the manor homes are not able to be put under a Fidelius. Mind you it should be a something that stands alone so no flats."

"The Potters have a small cottage in Godric's Hollow that should work."

"Okay that works for the Potters. Do the Longbottom's have anything like that as well?"

"We have a small house on the outskirts of Bath."

"Perfect, we'll use those for the Fidelius, now who is the 'Secret Keeper'."

"I'll do it for the Potters," Sirius offered.

"That's too obvious," Runa countered.

"Well, we can't use you, now can we?" Sirius said snippily, which Runa ignored. "Who else would you suggest? I make the most sense for a 'Secret Keeper' that James would choose, well me or Moony over here. But there is no way Dumbledore will let Remus do it because of his oh so special miss- Ow! Moony what did you do that for?"

Remus just glared at him because the Longbottom's still didn't know about the mission Dumbledore had sent him on. The two old friends just glared at one another until Runa cleared her voice bringing them back into the current conversation.

"As amusing as it would be to see the two of you have a row, we have other important matters we need to figure out here and now." Both men turned back toward the others. "Now, as loath as I am to admit it, Black does have a point. James would most likely choose the person he trusts the most to be his Secret Keeper."

"And I'll be just as safe as them," Sirius added with a smirk, making Runa look at him with trepidation.

"What does that mean?"

"Do you really think I'm going to let James go to a place surrounded by monsters without me? Why does he get to have all the fun?"

"I didn't say you could come," Runa shot back.

"Just try and stop me."

"You might as well let him Ru," Lily said trying to cut off what was undoubtably about to become another argument. "He'll just figure out a way in anyway."

"What makes him different that he could get through the wards?"

"He's a Marauder."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"I'll tell you about it later." Lily said placatingly. "But Sirius, are you just going to take a sabbatical like Frank, Alice and James? I don't think Madame Bones, let alone Director Crouch will let you."

"I'll just use the 'Doorway'," he said with a roll of his eyes, specifically to annoy its creator, "to get to and from work."

"Excuse you?" Runa said. "What makes you think that will be okay or that you will even be able to get the spell down?"

"You'll just have to make it for me until I do."

"Excuse me?" Runa was exasperated with the man. How was it that this one man was able to get under her skin so much when no other had ever been able to before? She took great pride in her Pure-blood visage that she put forward with just about everyone, yet this annoyance is able to worm his way under it and provoke me like no other, she thought. Runa wanted to bang her head against something, preferably something hard.

"Or" Lily said, causing Runa to look her way and she did not like the gleam in Lily's eyes, "you could hire Sirius."

"What?" Sirius and Runa exclaimed.

"He's good with runes, wards and is a pretty competent Auror. And he has some pretty obscure knowledge."

"What would she hire me as?" Sirius asked incredulously. "A bodyguard?"

"No," Lily said. "Runa has a company that is essentially an international Auror/Curse Breaker security company."

"What does that mean?"

"In laymen's terms my father started a company that countries or communities can hire to look into obscure or strange instances or hunt down escaped criminals amongst other things."

"I say it's like the Magical World's version of Interpol."

"Inter-what?"

"Interpol. It was started in 1923. It is an international police force, made up of people from all over the world and not loyal to any one country over another. In a lot of instances, they are the go between for the different police forces all over the world. When Uncle learned about it, he saw an opportunity and considering what happened with Grindelwald decided that it might be a good thing to have. I'm guessing that's how he initially started to find those lost cities?"

"Hm-hm, of course ours is a private company so it's not exactly the same as we answer to no country."

"You have to answer to your own country, don't you?" Alice asked.

"Not really. See Helligdom is a little different, I guess you could say we are a country of our own within Scandinavia mostly because Helligdom has been there since before the Vikings when there were no boundaries within the peninsula. Part of the wards makes it impossible for Muggles to see it so even when it was ruled over by kings we were pretty much left to our own devices and had no influence from the outside, other than the people who came wanting sanctuary."

"So, in some sense you're a queen," Sirius said, to which Runa shook her head.

"More like a Duchy that has autonomy. This also allows us to do what is needed to protect our people, of course we have been called upon for our help from time to time, but other than that we are given a wide-breath."

"So that explains part of the rumors that surround your family," Frank said, and Runa just nodded. "But let's get back on topic. Does anyone besides Lily know that you own and run this company?"

"No, my father set up the company so that no one could ever figure out who the owners and operators are. Why?"

"Could you hire all four of us?" Frank asked making everyone look to him, confused as to why he was asking this. "Let me explain. I'm guessing that it's known in some circles that your company hires Aurors, Hit-Wizards, Curse-Breakers, and others like that, right?"

"Yes," Runa drew out.

"So, it wouldn't be completely out of the realm of possibilities that the 'company' would offer jobs to us."

"I see where you're going with this," Sirius said as he sat forward. "If we are all hired at the company then we would only have to give notice and not have to explain why we want to have a sabbatical. It's another layer of deceit that the other side might have to wade through if they want to try and find any of us."

They all looked to Runa expectantly as she rolled around the idea in her head seeming to come to a conclusion.

"I don't see why not, and it might add even more protection."

"Why?"

"We have a reputation for retaliation for one reason or another. It's pretty well known in certain circles like the DMLE or it's counterparts. If the DMLE has a mole they will most likely know about it."

"Wait what's your company's name?" James asked.

"Valkyrie International, or-"

"VI," Sirius said. "Really? They're well known for not following what some would call the status quo."

"Of course not, but that's because if we are brought in that usually means the 'normal' way hasn't worked. Now back to how we will make all of this work. Let's get this ironed out before we go any further. First, you lot need to give notice."

"If we are wanting to leave tomorrow how would that work?"

"Maybe we were moving too fast on that," Runa said. "Would two weeks work better getting all of your affairs in order. Your jobs, the Order and friends and family?"

"Yes, I think it would."

"Okay, I'll let Inti know of the change of plans. Now my only concern is keeping you all safe until then."

"The Fidelius," Lily said.

"What are you talking about?"

"We're already planning on using it as a decoy why not use it for the next two weeks. James, is the cottage already furnished?"

"It's ready except for a crib for Harry, why?"

"Well, we will just stay there for the next couple of weeks under the Fidelius and disappear in two weeks."

"That could work," Alice said. "Augusta can watch Neville at the house while we finish getting everything ready."

"This could work. So, Black will be the Secret Keeper for the Potters. Who will be your Secret Keeper?"

"I'm planning on asking my mother. Since she'll know the truth and may or may not end up coming with us to Paititi."

"Fair," Runa said. "The protections I placed in your minds should hold against Legilimency, but you still need to be careful."

"We will," Alice said as she stood and started making her way over to her son who was now trying to catch Skoll's tail, but he kept missing instead smacking the floor as Skoll waged it out of reach. The wolf seemed to be doing it on purpose as he was watching the small child with what appeared to be an amused yet satisfied look in his eyes. Neville protested when his mother picked him up ending his little game, Alice just smiled at his antics.

"So, reconvene in two weeks?" Frank asked.

"How about a week?" Runa said. "I need to talk to you all and figure out where you would fit best in VI and you can also see Paititi if you'd like."

"Wait you're taking the job thing seriously?" Sirius asked, Runa just gave him a smile that sent shivers down his spine. What did I just agree to? Sirius thought.

It was two weeks later before they had been able to get back together. James, Sirius and Remus had asked Runa if they could include Peter, but he had never been available for them to set him up to meet her; as she wasn't going to let anyone in on their secrets without vetting them first, leaving Peter in the dark.

The past week had been madness for the two families as they were rushing around to get everything prepared. The biggest resistance they had gotten to their announcements were surprisingly not from the DMLE but the Order. Dumbledore was concerned about Alice, Frank, James and Sirius' change of career. Having Aurors within the Order gave them information that they wouldn't normally have, but Dumbledore had to concede especially when they brought up the fact they were going to be going under the Fidelius. Their decision to use the Fidelius seemed to reassure Dumbledore and was quickly set up.

Director Crouch had been snide to Sirius ever since he gave his notice, partially disgusted that VI would head hunt Sirius Black of all people. The man had never treated Sirius with respect even though he had proven himself time and time again and it was all due to his last name, so a part of Sirius was actually relieved to be leaving. None of them had seen Runa since the day they made their plan but had gotten letters with questionnaires and lists of the different jobs that VI had.

She had even sent one to Remus with a note attached that simply said 'I'm not taking no for an answer'; when he had shared that with the others Lily had simply thrown her head back and laughed, telling him to give in. Remus had sputtered at Lily's words not wanting pity, but Lily made sure he understood that the offer was not pity and that Runa employed many affected with lycanthropy and that she solely judged someone's ability.

Now they were all back together at Potter Cottage, protected by the Fidelius, waiting for Sirius to bring Runa back. Runa had some business she needed to get done at Gringotts that day so they had decided that they would meet at the Leaky Cauldron and Sirius would bring her to Godric's Hollow.

Sirius was still waiting for Runa at the Leaky Cauldron nursing a butterbeer when he finally decided that he was done waiting on the woman and was going to drag her out of Gringotts if need be. He paid for his drink and nodding to the barkeep he made his way into the alley. It was quiet, the start of term mayhem gone as Hogwarts had begun the week before. It was eerily quiet making the hair on the back of his neck stand. He gripped his wand tighter in his grasp wanting to be prepared. When he was tapped on the shoulder he immediately whirled around and already had a curse on his lips when he came face to face with the woman he had been looking for. Her expression was one of annoyance as she rolled her eyes and pushed his wand away from her face.

"Don't do that," Sirius said as he re-holstered his wand, still a little on edge, while at the same time taking in her appearance which was mostly covered by a hooded cloak that hid her features from prying eyes.

"Didn't we agree to meet at the Cauldron? What are you doing out in the alley?"

"I got tired of waiting."

"You have zero patience."

"I've been sitting there for over an hour." He whined.

"I hardly believe it's been that long so stop getting your knickers in a twist, you overgrown child."

"You-" Sirius' retort was cut off when the entire alley was shaken by an explosion; it had come from one of the alleyways that broke off from the main alley. Sirius quickly made his way towards the sounds of firing spells.

"Wait! Where are you going?" Runa yelled after him. "Freya save me from idiot men," she said before starting to make her way after him.

Sirius was looking left and right as he made his way through the maze of alleyways before he skidded to a stop. It was the Prewitt twins, and they were surrounded by no less than 7 Death Eaters.

"Gideon, Fabian!" he yelled as he fired a spell at the back of one of the black cloaks taking them down.

"Black!" both twins yelled as each one of their spells incapacitated another Death Eater. Three of them evened out the numbers a little but then even more of the appeared out of the shadows.

"Damnit," Gideon yelled as he fired a spell at the same time dodging another. "Where are they all coming from?"

No sooner had Gideon said that before they started to hear blood curdling screams coming from the direction the Death Eaters were appearing from. They could hear people screaming 'nononononono' before an eerie silence. The Death Eaters that had the trio surrounded looked back and forth between one another, unsure of what was going on. They all turned toward the dark alley half expecting to see someone emerge, but Gideon, Fabian and Sirius saw nothing, that however, couldn't be said for the Death Eaters.

They seemed to start backing away from the mouth of the alley. They shakily pointed their wands at the entrance and started firing curse after curse at nothing before they too started screaming, 'nononononono' before each one of them collapsed.

The three men looked back and forth between one another unsure at what had just happened. Sirius had an inkling but no proof and no idea what she had done nevertheless he knew he needed to be on his way before things became more complicated.

"Well, I'll leave this lot to both of you," Sirius said making the ginger twins whip their heads in his direction. "Yesterday was my last day as an Auror, remember?"

"We still need to talk about that Black," Fabian said, annoyance coloring his tone. "When the hell did you apply to work for VI and how did you get the job?"

"Now is not the time," Sirius said. "Look don't tell Bones, or Crouch I was here, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, we know the drill," Gideon said as he waved Sirius off. "You'll explain at the meeting tonight, right?"

Sirius could see he wasn't going to be getting out of this without some fancy wordplay on his part.

"Yeah, it'll be the last one for a while, while James and I get acclimated to our new jobs."

"And the Longbottom's?"

"Actually, I don't think they're coming tonight but I could be wrong. Look I'd love to chat…"

"Oh, get on with you." Sirius didn't have to be told twice before he ducked out of the alleyway just as he heard the sound of Apparition, signaling that back-up had arrived. Sirius was winding his way through the alleys as quickly as he could. He was trying to find his way back to the main alley before he was yanked into an obscure alley. There he was met with the disapproving face of the woman who was quickly becoming an enigma.

"What was that about?" She demanded.

"I wasn't going to just do nothing," he said as his hackles rose. "And right back at you. What did you do?"

"None of your concern-"

"It bloody well is my concern if I'm going to have to lie to cover for you."

"They're not dead if that was what you're wondering but I doubt that they will ever be the same again."

"What did you do?"

"I'm not going to go into specifics with you Black so back off." They had another one of the infamous stare downs before Sirius threw his hands in the air with an 'augh' and started making his way back to Diagon. When they reached their destination, they poked their heads out trying to make sure they were in the clear. There was a large gathering of people surrounding the other alley entrance, with no one looking their way. They as inconspicuously as possible started trying to make their way around the on-lookers. They were almost to the Leaky Cauldron when they heard, "Black!" being yelled.

Sirius groaned, recognizing the voice as belonging to Barty Crouch Sr. current Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Crouch hated Sirius with a passion, not believing for one second that he wasn't like the rest of the Blacks. When they had received reports that there was something going down in Diagon Alley every member that was available was dispatched to help. The fact that the Prewitt twins had been surrounded by so many of You-Know-Who's followers and that all the followers were either unconscious or seemed that their minds were broken and were blubbering nonsense, made Crouch very suspicious. He had just come out of the alley when he noticed Black walking right by.

Sirius had begrudgingly turned and put on the best Pureblood heir expression he could muster. Might as well give him what he's expecting, he thought.

"Yes, Director Crouch?" Runa raised a brow at Sirius tone and his expression that screamed 'you are beneath me, yet you are still talking' it was an expression she had often seen on Lord Black's face.

"What are you doing here?"

"I had business in Diagon, like many other-"

"Right," he drew out. Sirius' jaw tightened catching Runa's eye and she didn't like the tone the man spoke with. "You just happened to have 'business' when two of our finest Aurors are attacked. You are just like the rest of them. You quit being an Auror because I was digging into your activities and you knew what I would find. You need to come in for questioning. Robards!"

The final straw for Runa was when the Auror moved forward, most likely to take Sirius into custody.

"Pardon me, Director Crouch." Crouch just now noticed the woman with Black and the way she spoke sent shivers down his spine almost as if the temperature had dropped below zero. His instincts which he had honed over the years were screaming at him to leave, to abort mission, however he couldn't move, frozen from her words. Crouch wasn't the only one that felt the temperature drop, but it was Runa's words, said in such a way that no one could speak, they could only gawk or tremble; it seemed that Crouch fell into the latter category. Sirius had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep a smile off his face, because he knew that Crouch was royally screwed.

Everyone within the vicinity seemed to be holding their breath, terrified of what might happen but the woman seemed to be waiting, many didn't know what for. The woman, her face still hidden by her cloak, held herself like a queen seemingly used to people bowing before her to just try and spare themselves from her ire. Finally, it seemed Crouch found his voice.

"Y-y-ye-yes?"

"What gives you the right to insinuate that Sirius is like how you say he is, and more importantly what gives you the right to insult my employee?"

"Your…your employ-hm?"

"Yes, I recently head hunted him from your Auror department, or didn't you know that?"

"Your…you're," he stuttered.

"Yes, I own Valkyrie International and his employ started today, and I don't like the tone that you speak with, Director Crouch."

"Uhm," Crouch seemed at a loss for words, a humiliating flush quickly covering his face. Madame Bones could see the direction this was quickly heading. The last time she had seen someone cross someone of VI it hadn't ended well for the other party and the person they crossed was just one of their representatives, not the owner. She also knew that Bagnold had been contemplating calling upon their services. Now Crouch had angered the owner, a person until now, no one knew anything about. Amelia knew Crouch could only make it worse, so she started to make her way over to them, however it was too late.

"And what does my tone matter to you?" he demanded seeming to have finally grow a spine. "You hired a traitor to his own people."

"Really?" she questioned cocking her head. "Where's your proof?" Crouch bristled at her words and shook off Amelia's hand when she tried to stop him.

"He's a Black."

"So?"

"That's all the proof I need."

There was a pregnant silence, and everyone was waiting for what the next move was going to be. None of them expected the tinkling laugh that came from the woman. Her hood had fallen back as she laughed revealing her long platinum blonde hair and her almost colorless blue eyes surrounded by pale lashes that gave her an almost innocent look, but you only had to look in her eyes to know that she was no innocent. Her pale eyes were cold and ancient, like the glaciers in the far north, and despite her laugh her eyes held no mirth only disdain for the man before her.

"Are you really so self-righteous that you actually believe that?" she scoffed. "So, by your logic anyone that has the surname of 'Black' is a dark wizard."

"They haven't shown me any different." Crouch spat.

"Then does that include Dorea Potter neé Black? Wife of the former Lord Potter and mother to the current one, and aren't the Potter's considered one of the most powerful 'Light' families?"

"Well-"

"Or Andromeda Tonks neé Black, who married a muggleborn and has a Metamorphmagus for a daughter."

"But-"

"Let's not forget Marius Black, he was a squib, wasn't he? What about all the Muggles with 'Black' as their last name? Are they dark wizards too?"

"Now see here-"

"I can continue this all-day Director Crouch however, I don't have the time, so I will enlighten you as to why Sirius was here to begin with," Runa said exasperatedly and talked to him as if he was a child. "I had business with Gringotts but considering the rampant attacks that keep happening I didn't want to be here without some extra protection and as my familiar terrifies people and is not a good choice for such a crowded place, I choose someone with intimate knowledge of Diagon Alley and its more… eccentric details."

"Why not Potter," he questioned. "Or the Longbottom's?"

"I do not have to explain my decisions to you," she spoke as if he was beneath her. "However, Madame Bones if you have any further questions, I believe that Minister Bagnold knows how to get in contact with me."

Runa turned and started to make her way out of the alley but just then one of the Aurors, who was still staring open mouthed at the spectacle that had just transpired, lost their hold on one of the Death Eaters, one of the few whose mind was still intact, who lunged at Runa as she passed. He had believed her to be easy prey, he would soon come to regret that decision.

When the Death Eater had lunged at Runa, Sirius was finally pulled out of his shock and started to react, in the back of his mind he knew he was too late, but he needn't have worried; just as the man was about to reach her Runa's arm turned into a blur as she grasped the man's face. Her grasp was like steel as she gripped the man who was now flailing.

She wasn't even looking when she did that, many of the Aurors thought. Runa pulled the man closer to her face and it was in that moment the man knew he had gone after the wrong person.

"I am not someone you want to trifle with," she said her voice promising pain. All the man could do was try and nod his head, then with disgust she tossed the man back to the Auror. Runa turned looking around and took notice of the dumbfounded faces. She rolled her eyes at their actions before letting her eyes roam over all of the Death Eaters that were now in custody, the corner of her lips curved upward, and Sirius took note of the mischievousness in her eyes.

"I must say I am quite impressed," Runa said as she looked the Prewitt twins up and down with what appeared as hungry eyes, causing both men to gulp as their faces flamed. "Perhaps I should recruit more of your men, Crouch. Their ability is wasted working for a fool like you."

When Crouch's face took on an alarming shade of purple, Sirius decided that it was time to relocate. Quickly he made his way to her side, putting his hand on the small of her back, he steered her toward the Leaky Cauldron, leaving the dumbfounded spectators behind. Majority of the men appeared to be dazed while Madame Bones and the other female Aurors had expressions ranging from impressed to disgust to annoyed.

"How dare she-"

"Shut up, Barty," Amelia snapped. "You know as well as I do that you do not trifle with VI or its employees. I'm going to have to inform the minister about what happened, maybe she can get us out of this."

"Amelia," he seethed, she chose to ignore him as she made her way back to the prisoners and her Aurors.

Sirius was still walking with purposeful strides as he made his way to his motorbike, still not believing what had just happened.

"Black."

How stupid can she be, he fumed.

"Black."

Is she trying to make herself a target? And what was that with Gideon and Fabian?

"Sirius!"

"What?" he finally responded, coming to a stop. He noticed she had at some point changed her clothes. Her cloak had been changed into a hoodie that helped to hide her face and her robes were changed into a tube top and jeans. Her looks had also reverted back to her actual appearance.

"Walk slower," Runa demanded, Sirius just gave her a deadpan look before he resumed walking, at a slower pace. "Okay, what's your problem now?"

"What was that about?"

"He had no right to insult you like that."

"I thought you liked my family?"

"I like your grandfather, the rest of them I can't stand, well except for maybe Andromeda but I've never really met her. And your Uncle Alphard, he's not so bad and he does a wonderful job pissing off Walburga."

Sirius just stopped and stared at her, trying his hardest to not smile at her description of his Uncle Alphard and Walburga's interactions. Finally, he just shook his head and they continued on their way. A comfortable silence surrounded them as they wove their way to their destination. When they reached Sirius' bike, Runa pulled up short.

"What's that?"

"My baby."

"What?"

"It's a motorcycle. They're-"

"Muggle transportation."

"Yup."

"What are we doing with it?"

"We're riding it."

"I'm not getting on that thing." Sirius caught the slight trepidation in her tone, and he couldn't resist poking at her.

"Yes, you are. Unless you know of another way of getting to James and Lily?"

"We can Apparate."

"I hate Apparating."

"Fine then, I'll Apparate and meet you there, just tell me their address."

"Nope." Sirius' smile just widened when he heard her whine.

"I am not getting on that Muggle death trap."

"Oh, come on, I've modified it with some magic." Of course, he wasn't going to tell her how he had modified it.

"You're sure that it's safe?" she asked still unsure about the muggle contraption.

"As safe as it can be."

"Be serious!"

"I always am," he quipped earning himself a glare; he put up his hands in a sign of surrender. "Relax, I've never crashed."

"For some reason that does not offer me any comfort."

"Come on, we're wasting time," he said as he straddled it. "Here you can have the helmet."

"You only have one helmet?"

"Lily got it for me." Runa kept looking between the helmet and the bike before she sighed, resigned. She pushed off her hood, shaking out her braided hair before securing the helmet and throwing her leg over the seat, seating herself behind Sirius.

"Okay now what?" Sirius looked behind him. He let out a snort when he noticed that she was putting as much space between them as she could.

"First you need to get closer." Runa made a face before scooting forward. "Closer." Sirius said earning himself a mutinous glare as she crossed her arms across her chest and refused to move. Sirius just rolled his eyes as he reached his arm behind him, laying his hand on her lower back he pulled her flush with his back.

"Black!" she loudly protested.

"You need to hold onto my waist and follow the movement of my body," he instructed as he revved the engine, quickly pulling out into traffic. Sirius had to bite his lips so he didn't laugh when Runa quickly clung to him and he swore he heard her cussing him out. After a while she started loosening her grip and raised her head from what she had buried it in his back. When she noticed how fast they were going she immediately re-buried her head.

I don't even like brooms, she thought as they zipped in and out of the traffic. She lost track of time as they moved onto the motor way but about an hour after they had started Runa felt a pulse of magic making her raise her head again. She couldn't tell where it had come from, but she could tell they were gaining speed, which worried her.

"Black!" she tried yelling over the sound of the wind, but he didn't seem to hear her, so she tried again. After her second attempt she swore he was choosing to ignore her especially when he revved the engine, going even faster, which in turn made Runa hold on out of self-preservation.

"Black!" she screeched as they leveled out, yet still going at an impossible speed. "What are you doing?"

Sirius half turned at her question to look at her and at the corner of his mouth she could see the smirk forming, which concerned her greatly, but what concerned her more was…

"Keep your eyes on the road," she demanded, when one of the other cars seemed to swerve into their lane almost hitting them. Didn't they see us? Runa thought as she tightened her hold again. When she re-tightened her hold, she noticed the tensing of Sirius' body as he once again started to go even faster. What is he doing? She thought worriedly. Her concern only grew when it seemed they were on a crash course with a berm.

"Black!"

Sorry for the long wait! R&R!