Warning: There is a scene in this chapter, during Marlene's second PoV, which some may find upsetting to read. Please be cautious of this if you are someone who is sensitive when it comes to material dealing with any suggestion of sexual violence. It does not feature heavily and can be skipped as long as you avoid that PoV! xx


It was Valentine's Day, and a Saturday at that. Despite wanting nothing more than to spend a day in bed with his wife, Frank had been required to come into the office for a few hours in the afternoon to finish off some paperwork for Moody.

Alice had still been in her pyjamas when Frank left for work. She was breastfeeding Neville on the couch, watching with a frown as her husband departed on a day meant for lovers.

"I wish you didn't have to work on a weekend."

"Yeah, well, Moody is going easy on you because it's your first week back."

"I am exhausted." Frank's gaze moved down to the baby suckling at her breast.

"I think you're Wonder Woman."

"Wonder Woman!" Alice exclaimed. "Someone paid attention in Muggle Studies."

"Hey, I was an outstanding student."

"You were second best to me." Neville unlatched and Alice handed him over to Frank for a quick goodbye. He inhaled the warm baby smell, taking it in. He could've stayed there all day, staring down at the top of Neville's head, fair hair just sprouting.

"Happy Valentine's Day, baby," Frank said to her, Alice smiling at him as she rose from the couch.

"Happy Valentine's Day, baby," she replied, drawing Frank's face towards hers delicately. They shared a tender kiss before he passed Neville back into her arms and turned for the fireplace.

"Hey! Be ready for dinner at seven!" Alice reminded him before he left.

"Yes, ma'am." And then he threw down his Floo powder and was gone.

"LONGBOTTOM!"

Frank jolted in his chair, head popping up to find Alastor Moody standing grumpily outside his office, arms crossed.

"Bloody hell, that's the third time I've called you! Where's your head at?"

"Sorry, sir," Frank mumbled, turning back to the endless pile of paperwork before him. It was difficult for his thoughts not to wander to the family that waited for him at home, and the dinner he and Alice would have that night.

"Take a break," Moody finally barked. "Come on boy, get yourself a cup of coffee and get back to it." Frank had an itching to remind his boss that he didn't have to be here on a Saturday, but he held his tongue instead.

He flicked his wand and turned on the coffee pot in the common room before rummaging in the fridge for something to eat, settling on an apple he was fairly certain belonged to Dorcas. She'd bite his ear off about that one but Frank didn't care. He sat down, resting his eyes for just a second when the sounding of rapid footsteps caught his attention.

He stepped out of the common room to see what the commotion was, Moody, coming out as well. Both men watched as Kingsley, frantic and panting, appeared before them.

"THEY'VE BEEN TAKEN!" he cried out. "THEY'VE BEEN TAKEN!" He leaned forward, hands pressed into his thighs, as he struggled to regain his breath.

"Taken? Who?" Moody demanded, stepping forward urgently.

"Dorcas and Marlene! They were mucking about in Knockturn Alley, I got the report from a concerned shop owner while doing rounds—"

"How do you know it was them?" Frank couldn't understand for the life of him what Dorcas and Marlene were doing in Knockturn Alley. Had Dumbledore sent them out on a mission?

"If he was describing someone else, Dorcas and Marlene have doppelgangers."

"I've given Meadowes orders to track Severus Snape."

"What?" Frank and Kingsley cried in unison.

"There are three people's lives at stake," Moody stated bluntly. "I wasn't going to take any chances."

"And you didn't think to tell anyone?" Frank was shocked by the anger in Kingsley's voice. He didn't know if he'd ever heard him speak to Moody with such disdain. "She can't handle that all on her own—"

"She hasn't been," Moody corrected him. "Not recently, at least; McKinnon wanted to help her—"

"Marlene?" Kingsley bellowed. "She's not even an Auror!"

"She's been fighting the past three years, she's as good as."

"When has it not been me and Dorcas?" Frank could see now this was about more than protecting Dorcas. Kingsley was hurt Moody hadn't trusted him.

"Since you are the most valuable team members and I cannot afford to lose both of you." Frank would try and pretend he hadn't heard that.

"If they know what she's been doing…if they've got her…"

"Call everyone into the office," Moody commanded. "Members of the Order too. I'll send word to Dumbledore."

"The Potters?" Kingsley asked.

"No," Moody was turning back towards his office with a purposeful stride. "There's nothing they can do."


Four Hours Earlier

Dorcas wasn't expecting to be woken up before her alarm, but the morning was filled with surprises.

"Rise and shine," Remus spoke softly, sweetly, just by her ear. When Dorcas opened her eyes there was a whole tray of food in his hands.

"What is—"

"Happy Valentine's Day." Dorcas sat up straight so that the tray could be placed over her legs and Remus could come back to join her in bed.

"Since when have we celebrated Valentine's Day?"

"Since now."

"I hate Valentine's Day," Dorcas reminded him as if he could forget. "I do not celebrate a holiday that scams me into eating shitty chocolate—"

"Doe," Remus shut her right up, "I love you. We're celebrating that. Deal with it." Dorcas looked from her smart-ass boyfriend down to her chocolate pancakes and gave in.

"Fine," she sighed. "But if you think this means you're getting some before I have to go to work—"

"Oh, I know it means I'm getting some once you eat those pancakes."

Dorcas raised her eyebrows. "You're that sure of yourself, Lupin?" He continued smiling arrogantly, irritating her all the more. She took a bite, drenched in maple syrup, and knew she was a goner.

The past two weeks had been amazing, blissful really. It was as though a great wall between them had come tumbling down and they could be together again, as they were in the beginning, no secrets left between them. It was the best Dorcas had felt in months — she assumed Remus felt the same — and they had never been more connected.

They shagged, just as Remus had predicted, thirty minutes later, and Dorcas figured she might need to start to spend every morning as such.

"No," Remus said, tightening his grip on her when she tried to roll out of bed, "five more minutes." They were cuddling, Dorcas playing the little spoon, Remus' face nuzzled into her neck.

"So, I suppose this means you've got plans for us tonight?" Dorcas inquired.

"I don't know what you're talking about…"

"What time are the reservations?"

"Seven."

"Fine," Dorcas sighed. "Marlene will probably be begging for an early night anyway."

Remus scoffed, his warm breath tickling Dorcas' neck. "If you think you hate Valentine's Day…"

"Hey, if this is what every Valentine's Day looks like I could be perfectly happy celebrating."

"Is that so?" Remus kissed her cheek, nudging Dorcas over onto her back so that his lips found her mouth.

"Remus," Dorcas had her eyes closed, breathing heavy. "We can't, I'm meant to be at the office in thirty minutes—"

"I'll be quick," he promised, his head rising up as he travelled halfway down her stomach.

"I can't be late," she protested, "Moody will—" She didn't get another word in about Alastor Moody as Remus dipped between her legs, taking Dorcas' breath away. He was right, it didn't take long, somehow it never did with him. Dorcas was able to rush to get dressed and ready with ten minutes to spare.

"Doe!" Remus caught her before she flew out the door. He was still wearing his pyjamas, his hair messy from sleep, his eyes soft with joy. She reached out and took his face into her hands with care, their lips meeting quickly.

"I love you," he said with a smile.

"Love you too. Dinner at seven!"

"Sharp!" It was the last word he got in before she swung shut the door.


Marlene had enjoyed an unusually productive morning. Up with the sun, she'd gone on a twenty-minute run and returned home for a shower all before Sirius had even roused. It was rare for her to rise before her alarm but something about the day had done it and she slipped into the shower with a sigh of relief as the warm water hit her shivering cold body.

She had been working with Dorcas now for a few weeks after Moody had warmed up to the idea. They'd done relatively well together, managing not to hit too many bumps, and return home, each night, all in one piece.

"Good morning." Marlene was startled when the shower door opened and Sirius stepped inside.

"Merlin, I thought you were asleep."

"The shower woke me." He kissed her, nearly toppling them both over.

"You know I didn't take this shower to shag you," she giggled, his lips finding hers hungrily once more. Sirius was only half awake – his eyes barely opening – but still, he managed to land his lips all over her face like a lovesick teenager.

"Sirius!" She couldn't help but laugh. "I've got soap to rinse out of my hair!"

"It's Valentine's Day," he pouted. "Be a sport."

"You hate Valentine's Day," she reminded him, "and so do I." Marlene leaned back, rinsing out her long curls while Sirius watched, helping by running his fingers through her hair. It was only a minute before he lost all control once again, his arms coming to wrap around her waist and pull her body close to his.

"Someone's awake," Marlene looked down with arched eyebrows.

"Mm, and very happy to see you." He took her mouth and kissed her heatedly, pushing her back against the shower wall as hot water steamed up the space around them. He was quick, pushing himself inside of her as she stayed propped up, his mouth never quiet leaving hers. He bit down on Marlene's lip as she made a soft, whimpering noise, closing her eyes to embrace the moment.

She'd always imagined committed relationships to be boring and repetitive. As a teenager, she'd never understood how two people could stay together forever and not grow tired of one another. The idea of the same routine, the same lover, over and over had seemed unrealistic to a young Marlene. Now though, having a partner who knew her inside and out almost better than she did, she'd grown accustomed to the idea. Things with Sirius could never be boring when he knew just how she liked it…

By the end he had Marlene crying out in pleasure, he always did, and when her feet came back onto the shower floor she could barely stand up straight. They both got dressed after that, Sirius starting up a pot of coffee so it was ready when Marlene emerged from the bedroom.

"You know, I think there's something on the table for you…" Sirius said while Marlene was facing the counter, pouring herself a steaming mug of coffee.

"Since when did you become such a romantic? I don't think I've ever even heard you say 'Happy Valentine's Day'."

Sirius was right, there was an envelope waiting on the table with "Marls" scrolled across it. Marlene picked it up, staring tentatively from the envelope to a bemused Sirius.

"Is this going to explode in my face?" she asked as she unsealed it carefully.

"You'll have to wait and see."

Luckily, there was no explosion. Instead, Marlene opened the envelope to find two concert tickets to see Joni Mitchell perform in London in the fall.

"No fucking way!" Her hands were shaking. "TICKETS TO JONI?"

"Yes indeed."

"You got me tickets to see Joni bloody Mitchell?"

"In the flesh."

Marlene was practically jumping up and down. "This is amazing!"

"You could say I'm somewhat brilliant."

"Merlin's beard!" Marlene cried, rushing to Sirius' side to plant a sloppy kiss on his lips. "This is amazing. I'm buying an outfit for this now. We are getting drunk and crying to Joni Mitchell together." Sirius was laughing at her but she didn't care, she was too ecstatic.

"Sure," he agreed with a grin, "we can get drunk and cry to Joni Mitchell."

Marlene swooped in, hands holding her boyfriend's face affectionately, and kissed him deeply. She would've spent the rest of the day "thanking" him if she could. Instead, she had to gulp down her cup of coffee and rush out the door. She was surprised to find herself at the office before Dorcas, swivelling around in her desk chair as she waited impatiently for her partner to arrive, dreaming of the evening she would spend giving Sirius his own Valentine's gift.

The office was quiet, no one around to pry or demand answers from Marlene as to why she was working with Dorcas so often. Not even Alastor Moody had shown up yet. Marlene kicked her feet up on Dorcas' desk, making herself at home until she heard her friend's dissatisfied sigh behind her.

"This isn't your house, you know!" Dorcas shot.

"Yeah, well, I didn't know if you'd ever show up."

"I'm five minutes late." The witch rolled her eyes.

"Well, come on then," Marlene smacked her on the back. "Let's get on with it, mate."


Valentine's Day 1976, James had never seen his best friend glummer. Marlene had kept to herself all week since telling James about her unfortunate incident with Bertram Aubrey. James had barely managed to keep it together every time the two crossed paths, his right handshaking with the temptation to ram it into Aubrey's face.

James was watching Marlene down the Gryffindor table at breakfast, her head bowed over a book as her friends chatted around her. There were all kinds of owls coming in, dropping off gifts and letters of love in the laps of students. Marlene hardly looked up when her own package arrived, likely the same gift James was about to receive from his mother – she loved an excuse for prezzies.

"What's with the long face?" Sirius asked after James had gone through his box of chocolates, offering a handful to each of the boys.

"I'm feeling particularly antsy this morning, Padfoot," James said only loud enough for Sirius to hear. He knew Remus would never approve of what he was suggesting next and Peter would be too nervous…

"Some good old fashion hexing?" Sirius asked eagerly.

"I have a particularly deserving victim."

"Count me in."

The boys waited until they'd finished their food to hurry off to the "toilets" before class so that James could fill Sirius in on the plan.

"Bertram Aubrey," he announced once they were alone.

"Aubrey? Isn't he seeing McKinnon?" All James needed to do was look at his friend the right way for Sirius to get the point.

"Bastard," Sirius cursed, his lips turning up in a snarl.

"I could kill him."

"Forget hexing, I'm going to beat him to a pulp—"

"She won't want that," James cut him off. "It has to look like our idea."

"Hex him to lose all his hair?" Sirius suggested.

"I was thinking one better. Something to truly reflect the beauty within." He had Sirius hooked in seconds.

The two boys waited until peak student traffic in the hallways, after first period and between second, when the most students were moving through the corridors. They caught Bertram exiting the Transfiguration class with a few friends, James and Sirius nodding at one another before breaking away from Remus and Peter. Half their year was watching as the pair hit Bertram with a hex, both at the same time, that caused Bertram's head to begin to swell almost twice its regular size.

Everyone was laughing within seconds as Bertram began to panic, looking around frantically for the source of such a cruel prank. James and Sirius were both grinning proudly at each other, James looking over his shoulder to find Marlene, a few paces behind Remus and Peter, sandwiched in between Lily and Mary.

He could see her hiding a smile as she looked across the hall at him. The other two girls were too distracted to notice her mouth the words "thank you" in James' direction or to catch his wink in response.

"What on Earth did he do to deserve that?" Remus asked, coming up to join his friends as Bertram went running down the hall like a terrified child.

"Oh trust me, he was asking for it." Neither James nor Sirius got in another word before McGonagall emerged from the Transfiguration office, hands on her hips, and a furious expression on her face.

"Potter, Black — my office, now."

"Totally worth it," James said, looking towards his partner in crime.

"Totally."

...

"Darling?" James looked up from the couch. He had lost concentration in the book he was reading and let his mind wander to a Valentine's Day spent long ago. Part of him wished he could go back…

"Sorry," James sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Got distracted."

"Harry's asleep," Lily told him, sitting down on the couch. "We've likely got an hour or two of quiet."

"Lovely." James couldn't quite get the enthusiasm in his voice. He was exhausted and he'd done nothing in weeks except putter around the house and, if he was extra lucky, get around town. He and Lily had been on lockdown for the past few weeks, ever since the Minister's death, and he was going crazy.

"Maybe we could watch something on the telly?" Lily suggested.

"I'm not in the mood, it'll just give me a headache."

"We haven't read together in a while, I could put on a pot of tea—"

"Lil," James stopped her with a heavy exhale, "not right now."

"Okay," Lily nodded, recoiling as though James' words had scorned her, and stood up from the couch.

"I should probably just get some washing done anyway."

"Right." James hadn't the energy, or the mood, to comfort her. He hadn't been in the mood for much recently. He did his best not to be too down when Harry was around, not wanting his son to pick up on the tense energy in the house, but as the days drew on it seemed more difficult. People visited less and the Potters could barely get out of the house now. It seemed their only frequent visitor at the moment was Bathilda Bagshot, their elderly neighbour.

James watched his wife, still trying so desperately to be optimistic, strut towards the basement with hunched shoulders. Part of him still wanted to chase after her and apologize. He couldn't bear to see her upset and yet, what could he possibly say to make it better? His mood would not improve until they were free and their freedom seemed far away…

"That's no way to treat your wife on Valentine's Day," his mother's warm voice scolded him. She was sitting in the armchair, legs crossed regally. She had her hair up in its regular bun, the same streaks of grey that James remembered.

"There's nothing to celebrate today."

"Not your time together? Not your health?"

"I don't need nagging."

"Oh darling," she shook her head like the wise woman she was. "You're behaving like a child, you know."

"I don't care."

"Pity." It was the last thing she said. When James looked towards the armchair again it was empty and his mood was left sourer than it'd been five minutes before.


Marlene woke up, dizzy and disoriented, her arms and legs bound to a chair. She wiggled at first, testing the rope, but it wouldn't give. She was alone in a room too dark for her to get a good sense of, something covering her mouth so that she couldn't scream. Her heart pounded in her ears as footsteps approached and the door swung open.

"Come along now," said a dark haired, pale skinned man. "Time to get started." He undid Marlene's binds, except for the rope around her hands, and guided her – defenceless – from her dark room and into a dimly lit hallway. They moved up a short flight of stairs and into what appeared to be a rather old and poorly maintained ballroom.

It was here her captor ripped the tape off from over her mouth, Marlene gasping at the sharp pain that followed.

"What the bloody hell is going—"

Her words ran short, as across the room a second Death Eater appeared, his own captive in tow. Marlene gulped anxiously as she saw Dorcas, just as trapped as Marlene, and she realized what kind of trouble they had landed themselves in.

"So, you two thought you could lurk around, muddling in our business, and not get caught, eh?" The man holding Dorcas demanded. She was close enough now for Marlene to read her face, filled with great uncertainty and yet bravery all the same. Marlene prayed she looked as strong.

"He asked you a question," Marlene's Death Eater whispered to her, his sour breath tickling her neck as he drew her head back by the ends of her hair.

"Have you got anything else for us?" Dorcas asked impatiently. "Or just more questions we all know neither of us will answer?"

"Dorcas Meadowes," the Death Eater holding her said, licking his lips. "Oh, there will be plenty of jealous people when they hear I'm the one that got to handle you." He stepped in front of her and grabbed her face so that Marlene no longer get a clear view. She struggled, only causing the grip on her hair to grow tighter.

Marlene heard the sound of someone spitting and watched the Death Eater wiping his face before he slapped Dorcas hard across the cheek. Marlene gasped, waiting for the next move, as Dorcas had the air kicked right out of her and she went tumbling, breathless, to the ground.

"You're a feisty one, eh?" Dorcas was still gasping for air as he pulled her back up to face level. "Not bad looking either…" He pulled her face in towards his, kissing Dorcas as she struggled against him.

"STOP IT!" Marlene shrieked, desperate to avert his attention before things got any farther. He pulled away from Dorcas, turning his dark, beady eyes onto Marlene. "Leave her alone."

"Shut up, Marlene," Dorcas ordered.

"Marlene, huh?" Dorcas' Death Eater asked a devilish grin upon his pox-marked face. "McKinnon, is it?" She didn't respond as he moved in closer and closer to her face. "You're pretty, aren't ya?" He stroked her cheek, Marlene trying desperately to pull her face away. "Prettier than that one if I say so myself." He moved quickly, grabbing her by the waist and drawing her body tight against his. Marlene squirmed, turning her face away to avoid inhaling his pungent breath. "Won't be so pretty when I'm done with ya," he whispered to her, breath hot against her face. She felt nauseous.

"Leave her alone!" Dorcas hollered from across the room. "She's not who you want."

"You're right," the man agreed, "but who's to argue with getting more than they bargained for?"

There was little warning for what came next. The Death Eater holding Marlene released her, walking back across the room towards Dorcas, when the man behind Marlene gave her a rough shove, sending her tumbling to the ground. Before either girl knew what was happening they'd been placed under the Cruciatus curse, struggling and squirming in agony, desperate to break free of the burning pain that seared through their bodies. At some point, it stopped. Marlene couldn't be sure how long she'd been under the curse, only that she opened her eyes to find herself sprawled on the floor, palms aching from her digging her fingernails into them.

She looked up, finding it difficult to even raise her head, and found Dorcas across the room, stuck in the same position. Marlene was panting, her body weak from the trauma it had been put through, but she did her best not to let the fear show on her face. As Dorcas met her eye the slightest of smiles tugged at her lips. They were still alive.

Suddenly Marlene was hauled back onto her feet by the back of her arms, stuck in the uncomfortable grip of her Death Eater once more. She didn't notice the figure entering across the room, gliding in behind Dorcas. He was hooded so that Marlene couldn't see his face but it didn't take a genius to guess who could suck the life out of a room like that.

"Miss Meadowes," he hissed, his voice sending shivers down Marlene's back. "We finally meet." Dorcas was being held up now too. Marlene was certain Dorcas must've felt as weak as she did but she didn't show it, her head held high. "You've been quite a thorn in my side, haven't you?"

"I could say the same to you."

"You've been following us, I hear?" He circled her like a hawk around its prey. "Took two of our best a few weeks ago."

"You get what you give," she shrugged, as though she were speaking to a co-worker of little importance. "You've taken a few of our best as well, but by the time this war is done you won't have any good fighters left." Voldemort laughed, a cold, heartless laugh.

"You're awfully confident."

"So I've been told. Truthfully, my mother just raised me not to be scared off by a bully."

"Well." Voldemort's voice had lost its amusement. "You may not be scared of me, but I can assure you this is the end for you, Miss Meadowes." Marlene's stomach sunk as he took Dorcas' face roughly between his grimy hands. Marlene struggled in the grasp of her captive, only causing him to tighten his grip on her.

"It doesn't matter if you kill us!" she shot out, desperate to buy time. "There's more where we came from. You'll never win." Voldemort turned around now, his slit-like eyes narrowing on Marlene. It was difficult not to gasp in horror at the sight of him.

"Marlene McKinnon," he seethed. "Oh, I've heard much about you."

"Likewise," Marlene managed to get out without her voice shaking. "Can't say I've heard anything too great."

Voldemort moved towards her now, slowly, making sure that by the time they met her heart was pounding in terror. He stood dangerously close to Marlene, studying her from head to toe as though sizing up his competition.

"I had other plans for you, dear girl," he promised, "but perhaps you two shall die together tonight. It makes no difference to me." Marlene stared him down boldly, desperate not to let her fear shine through.

"I'm okay with that. Now that we know your end is fast approaching." That struck a nerve. Voldemort's upper lip drew into a snarl. He strode back towards Dorcas without another word, wand ready in his right hand.

"Any final words?"

"Dorcas!" Marlene called out, unable to hold it back any longer. Her friend's eyes darted towards her across the room. "It has been an honour." It was the only thing Marlene could think to say, with Death Eaters surrounding them, that wouldn't appear weak.

"Likewise, comrade." Dorcas was smiling.

"Quiet," Voldemort hissed.

"This isn't the end," Marlene continued, relishing in Voldemort's rage. "The one to put this all to an end is approaching."

"I said quiet, you stupid girl!" The Death Eater holding Marlene pressed his wand into her neck so that she choked on her next words.

"Kill me then," Dorcas taunted Voldemort as he stood before her, "but this war will go on."

"I will kill every one of your friends," Voldemort promised. "Until your precious cause is nothing but ashes."

"You can try." For a second Marlene had forgotten what was meant to happen next. She hadn't realized that at any moment, Dorcas' threats would be silenced and Voldemort would finally raise his wand against her. It felt as though they still had time.

"Avada Kedavra!" There was an awful, splitting sound that filled the room and then, with a thud, Dorcas' body hit the ground. Marlene was still standing, wand pressed into her throat, as Voldemort turned around to face her, hatred in his eyes.

She closed her eyes and prepared for death.


Neither Sirius nor Remus had been permitted to go on the rescue mission. Moody and rallied every member of the Auror team – and the entire Order of the Phoenix sans James and Lily – to get Marlene and Dorcas out alive. Sirius had not been warned that the emergency meeting concerned Marlene's safety. He had arrived, same as everyone else, and been blindsided when Dumbledore and Moody announced that she and Dorcas had been taken captive.

He had arrived with Peter, who nearly stumbled over when the news broke. Sirius, on the other hand, had to use every ounce of strength to fit back the urge to puke. It had only been two hours ago that she was in his arms, in the shower…

She had told him that she had a day planned with Amy and Franny. She would be back by dinner. Dinner. Would they ever have that evening together? Would they have any evening together again? Moody downplayed the seriousness – noting often this was just a precaution – but Sirius sensed something different. Having rallied such a large force, there was no way he was not expecting casualties.

"Sirius." It was Remus' voice that shook him back into reality. The room was clearing out, everyone following their orders, and Sirius realized he wasn't dreaming, this was real. Marlene could die.

"Come on, Moody wants to speak to us separately." It was the first time Remus had spoken to him in weeks. Ever since he'd shown up at Sirius' front door and rammed his fist into his face. For weeks Sirius had been working up the courage to approach him, to make things right, but suddenly none of that mattered.

Moody's office was filled with everyone who was close to Marlene and Dorcas. The Longbottoms, Emmeline, Kingsley, Peter. They all stared around the room with a dead look in their eyes, each one preparing for the worst. Moody sat behind his desk, Dumbledore standing just behind him, both men blank-faced.

"There's no question in my mind that you two will not be participating today," he said sternly towards Sirius and Remus. Sirius couldn't even protest. He just stood there, shocked. Why had Marlene been with Dorcas? Why had she lied to him?

"Sir, I can't just sit around and do nothing," Remus argued. He didn't seem to struggle with the same confusion Sirius did.

"You can and you will. Don't make me regret calling you to this meeting, Lupin."

"What Alastor is trying to say is," Dumbledore stepped in, ever the appeaser, "is that it wouldn't be wise. You two will be too emotional and, needless to say, there is the possibility it may not turn out as we'd hope." That was it. Sirius was going to be sick. His eyes skipped around the room for a garbage can.

"What the hell were they doing together?" Frank demanded irritatedly. Sirius couldn't even see straight, his eyes focused on the ground. Don't fall. Don't you bloody fall.

"That is Order business," Dumbledore stepped in once more, "and as we have a spy in our midst—"

"We've had a spy in our midst for two fucking years!" Remus snapped. "How the bloody hell have we not sniffed them out yet?" A silence came over the room, no one so much as breathing, and Sirius knew he was going to be ill. He rushed to the back corner, nearest the door, and leaned over the garbage can, losing his breakfast.

He had his eyes closed, tears prickling at the corner of them. He leaned into the wall, forgetting for a moment about the other people in the room.

"Hey." she'd been smiling, leaning against the kitchen doorway. "I love you." They said it so rarely; each too scared to reveal that vulnerability.

"I love you too." He couldn't contain the smile that had tugged at his lips as she skipped away.

"Here," Alice's voice rang through, a wet towel in front of Sirius' face as he came to. He was breathing heavily, his hand pressed into the wall in front of him the only thing keeping his body upright. Alice rubbed circles on his back until he was standing up again and he realized, slightly embarrassed, that the whole room was watching him.

"Longbottom, you and Alice will stay with these two. Make sure they don't leave your sight." Moody instructed, acting as though Sirius' interruption had never happened. "Call McDonald, have her join you in case we have injuries."

"Safe house?" Frank inquired.

"Yes," Moody nodded. "The safe house."

Sirius moved along the wall, using it for balance, and dropped into one of the chairs along the back wall, still trying to pull himself together. Nothing made sense. She was gone, and in danger, and he'd had no idea he even needed to be worried.

"Here," Alice handed him a glass of water, with a worried smile. "We won't leave until you're ready."

Remus was still across the room, arguing with Moody, desperate to change his mind. The rest of the room was beginning to disperse, everyone following their orders.

"What the hell was she doing with Dorcas?" Sirius finally found the strength to ask. Neither Alice nor Frank seemed to have the answer to that, both shrugging helplessly. "She told me she was going to see Amy, maybe there's been a mistake?" He hoped to god there'd been a mistake. They got the wrong girl, Marlene was okay, and she was simply off shopping with her sister and niece.

"It's not a mistake," Frank assured him. "They were described to a T. She was wearing a navy jacket with a grey sweater underneath." Sirius stomach turning up in knots. He was right, of course, she had been. He remembered.

They waited until Sirius' stomach settled to apparate to the safe house. Everyone gathered in the living room, Mary coming to join them shortly after they arrived. Alice made them all a pot of tea but Sirius couldn't get anything down without feeling like he might be sick again.

"I'm going out for a smoke," he announced, both Alice and Frank looking ready to tie him down to his chair.

"I'll come with you." Frank stood up like an anxious parent.

"I won't run." Sirius didn't think he had the strength even if he wanted to. "I just…need a minute." The couple shared a nervous glance, neither looking too comfortable with the idea.

"Watch me from the bloody window if that helps." With that, he grabbed his coat and stomped out the front door, too exhausted to fight them. Running wouldn't do anything. It wouldn't bring her back, it wouldn't ensure her safety. He'd only complicate matters if he tried to barge in on the rescue mission.

"Got another one?" Sirius was startled to find Remus had joined him.

"Sure." He tossed the box in Remus' direction. Smoking was the only thing that seemed to settle his nerves at a time like this.

"She didn't tell you, did she?"

"No." Sirius had no interest in the gloating he was sure Remus was dying to do.

"Doesn't feel great, does it?"

"No." Sirius wouldn't give him more than that. He didn't care to argue with Remus, not now, not ever if she didn't come back safe. He couldn't do anything but focus on the cigarette he held between his shaking fingers and pray to god that any minute now Marlene would be brought through the front door, alive and well.

"She's been helping Dorcas track Severus Snape," Remus finally informed him. "Ever since that night…" Sirius didn't have to think about what night Remus was referencing.

He didn't say anything, just stood there dragging on his cigarette, playing his last words to Marlene over and over in his head. There were so many wasted years between them, so many opportunities missed, too many times that they had fought the attraction between them rather than accepting it. Why had they done that? Why had they been such idiots?

The sound of someone apparating drew Sirius back into reality and he looked up to see two figures across the field. One was Kingsley, holding a body, the second was Emmeline; she looked over at them in horror.

"GET INSIDE!" she ordered.

"Who is it?" Remus was looking on eagerly. "Who is it?"

Frank and Alice came running out the door, Alice moving at top speed towards Kingsley and Emmeline while Frank did his best to force the men back towards the house. Remus wouldn't have it. He broke free, sprinting forth, Sirius watched on blankly as he bolted towards the body in Kingsley's arms.

"DORCAS?" he called out as he got closer. "Dorcas? Is she all right? Is she breathing?"

"Go inside, Remus," Emmeline's voice came again, less commanding this time. Sirius and Frank stood side by side, watching as Remus reached Kingsley and saw Dorcas' lifeless body in his arms.

"DORCAS?" he screamed in horror. "DORCAS?" He was trying to lift her head, to hold it in his hands. "No, no, Dorcas please, please wake up." He was crying now, sobbing, desperate for what he saw not to be real. Sirius, not an emotional person, had to swallow back a lump in his throat as he watched on, terrified his turn was next. If this was Dorcas' fate...

"Come on," Frank said, his hand coming to rest on Sirius' shoulder. "We should wait inside." His voice was trembling. Despite his suggestion, neither man moved, watching instead as Kingsley tried in vain to move towards the house while Remus cried out in pain.

Inside, Dorcas' body was taken up to one of the rooms for Mary to examine, Remus, insisting he would not leave her side, certain that by some miracle she might wake up again. The rest of them waited downstairs, in the same silence they had been in before, no one wanting so much as to move.

It was dark outside by the time they heard others arriving. Alice ran towards the window, looking out upon the vast farmland in vain. "It's her!" she suddenly shouted. "It's her!" Sirius got to his feet, moving forward slowly, prepared for the horror he would likely meet. When Alice threw open the door he waited for the call ordering him to stand back, but it never came. Instead, he looked forward and saw her leaning against Hestia for support, alive.

Sirius rushed out the front door, running down the field until he met her, their bodies colliding with a thud so hard it nearly knocked the breath right out of him.

"I thought I'd lost you." He was holding her face in his hands, his fingers running along her smooth skin, his eyes looking into hers once more. He kissed her deeply, not giving her time to say a word. "Oh god, I thought I'd lost you." His arms came around her waist, holding her so tight he lifted her right off the ground.

"I'm okay," she promised him. He took her hands, blistered and bloody, kissing them both, thankful to feel the warmth flowing through them. Sirius didn't think he'd ever loved her so much. He looked at her once more, her face tear stained and broken, and drew her against his chest.

"Come on," he said after a few more seconds just holding her, "let's get you cleaned up."


Everyone involved in the mission was gathered downstairs, sharing in the food and drink they'd been provided – though no one was in much of a mood for chat. Upstairs, Alice found Marlene asleep in Sirius' arms, the two cuddling together in bed. Mary had tended to her wounds and given her a sleeping-draught to rest.

It was the next room that broke Alice's heart. Remus, still sitting in the chair by Dorcas' bed, was unable to take his eyes off of her dead body. More than one person had tried to get him to leave, but he refused.

Alice remembered when Moody had brought her to the hospital to say goodbye to her mother. She remembered the agony as she had been forced to turn her back and accept that she would never look at her mother's face again. It was an impossible reality, one she'd had no desire to accept, and one Remus was struggling with now too.

"She was supposed to be home by seven," he said, his eyes still clinging to Dorcas. "I keep thinking I've forgotten something and then I remember, I was supposed to take her out to dinner..."

Alice stepped into the room, coming over and wrapping her arms around Remus from behind the chair. He didn't move. She had to close her eyes to avoid staring at Dorcas, the sight breaking her heart.

"We have to move her body, Remus." Alice took no pleasure in saying it. "We'll need to allow Mary to bring it into St. Mungo's..."

"I keep waiting for her to wake up," he admitted. "It doesn't feel real…" Alice listened as Remus' voice cracked and broke, his chest shaking softly with his sobs. "This morning she was telling me she loved me…"

"Let me and Frank take you home," Alice pleaded. She came around the chair to face him, blocking both of their views of Dorcas' body. "You can stay with us as long as you need. We're your family, Remus." She took his hands and squeezed them tight. "We will get through this together."

He had his eyes closed, tears spilling silently down his cheeks and dripping into his lap. Alice wanted so badly to join him. She had felt like crying non-stop since Kingsley had carried in Dorcas' body, but there'd been no time for her to grieve, not when her friend needed her most.

"Okay," Remus finally nodded. "Take me home."

Alice gathered him into her arms, squeezing Remus tight, before the pair of them exited the room, saying goodbye to Dorcas one last time. Alice held Remus' hand as she led him down the hallway, grateful for one small victory during what would be the most difficult time of his life.

They passed the room in which Sirius and Marlene lay, the door wide open. Remus paused, watching the two, and before Alice could stop him he bolted inside. She'd expected him to check on Marlene – he hadn't seen her since she'd arrived. Instead, he shook her awake, taking her roughly by the shoulders, the young witch coming to in a fit of shock.

"Remus," she gasped, staring up at him in horror. Sirius roused beside her.

"Did you do this?" he demanded like a madman. "Did he have you do this?"

"Mate, what on earth?" Sirius was rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"DID YOU KILL HER?" He shook Marlene violently, her blue eyes filling with tears. Alice watched the horror come across her face as she realized what Remus was accusing her of.

"Remus!" Sirius shouted, just as horrified as Marlene looked.

"IT SHOULD'VE BEEN YOU!" Alice rushed forward, trying desperately to pull him away. She was thankful when Frank emerged in the doorway, having heard the noise from downstairs, and helped her to yank Remus off – still hollering about Marlene and Sirius' treachery. Frank got Remus down the stairs, screaming all the way.

Marlene was sitting up, her knees drawn to her chest, breathing rapidly. "Is this real?" she asked, her blue eyes rising to look across the room at Alice. She was still drowsy from the sleeping draught she'd been given, her mind not working quite right. Neither Alice nor Sirius seemed to know what to say. She could see in Sirius' eyes he was desperate to climb out of bed and chase Remus down, to berate him for his behaviour, but one warning look from Alice sat him right back down.

"Go back to sleep," Alice instructed her friend, "we'll sort things out in the morning."

They wouldn't, of course. Nothing would be sorted, nothing would ever be the same.


A/N: Hope everyone got through this chapter okay, though I know I will be devastated for a while about the end of Dorcas' story. Let me know your thoughts, I always enjoy hearing what storylines people are enjoying the most/who they want to see more of as it helps me construct the chapters to come! xo