AN: Here you are. The next chapter exactly when I promised it. (Although it's not fully edited because I'm about to leave and I wanted to make sure it was up before then. I'll go through it again on Sunday.)

Reviews make the world turn. I know it seems improbable, but it's true.

"War is what happens when language fails."
― Margaret Atwood

Chapter Eighteen: A Break In at the Castle

Lily was angrily sweeping out her tiny house when Remus finally reached her. He didn't knock on the front door, he just walked in and hung up his cloak on the back of one of the three chairs in the room.

She looked up at him and could tell by the look on his face that James had told him everything. She went back to sweeping. "He didn't hurt you, did he?"

"No." Remus pulled the chair out and sat down. She sighed and looked up at him again.

"You look upset." She put the broom against the wall and sat down next to him.

"I thought that you didn't fancy me anymore."

Lily took a deep breath and looked down at her hands. They were cleaner than usual, and less calloused than they'd been in years. "I'm working on it."

"Why did you tell James that it was his fault that I didn't want to be with you?"

Lily looked up at him briefly and then back down at her hands. "I was angry with him and I- Well, I'd be lying if I said I don't think that it's the truth."

"I told you that it had nothing to do with James." Remus said quietly.

"I know." She started twisting her fingers now.

"Why would I lie to you about that?"

"So that I wouldn't be upset with James- I don't know." She felt her eyes start to sting and pressed her lips together.

"I'm sorry-"

"Don't apologize to me. Please don't do that." She stood up and walked over to the small fireplace. It was the only warm spot in the house. "It really has nothing to do with James?"

"I told you before that I wanted to wait for the real thing. And that you should want to wait for the real thing too. You're not in love with me, Lily. I'm actually surprised that you still want to be with me after having learned what I told you earlier. Shouldn't you be upset with me?"

"I do love you." She said, wiping angrily at an escaped tear. "You're my best friend."

"I lied to you."

"You had a good reason."

"Being with me would put you and your family in danger." Lily had no argument for that. "And we couldn't even justify it by saying that it's worth it because we're not in love, Lily. We care about each other because we're best mates, but that's it."

"Are you going to talk James up to me now?" Lily asked bitterly.

"Firstly, I didn't do that last time." Lily scoffed. "And secondly, James cares about you more than you know. I know that he's a pain in the arse, but he's grown up a lot since I've met him and he deserves a little credit."

Lily turned back towards Remus, her brow raised. "Did he apologize to you?"

"He didn't need to." Remus said.

"Then why are you still sticking up for him?"

"He's not mad at me, Lils. He's hurt that I didn't trust him. I can't fault him for that."

"You know, I'm a catch." Lily said, causing Remus to smile at her. This conversation was throwing him, but he was doing his best to remain calm and follow along. "There are lots of blokes who wouldn't think twice if I gave them the option."

"I know that." Remus said.

"Why can't you be more like them?"

"You wouldn't like me at all if I were more like them."

"Pah. I don't like you right now."

"Pah."

"I made a new friend while you were gone. I don't need you anymore." She reached for the broom again and continued sweeping the floor.

"Oh! Speaking of Mary, I need to tell someone about Lance before I-"

"No!" Lily spun on her heel and pointed a finger at him. "I don't want to know his secret!"

"I think you'll appreciate it." Remus said. "And I know you don't like secrets, but I really need to tell someone."

"I'm friends with Mary! Do you know how hard it would be for me to keep from telling her that I knew?"

"Lily-"

"No! Tell, Sirius or James or whoever."

"I can't tell Sirius or James."

"Why not?"

"If you would just let me tell you the secret, then you'd understand."

Lily chewed on her bottom lip for a moment. She was getting better at keeping secrets, was she not? She hadn't told James that she had kissed Remus, she had kept Bella's secret for as long as she needed too, she hadn't told anyone a great number of things. She looked over at Remus and he was looking at her with bright eyes and a small smile and Lily started to notice what he had been telling her all along. He was looking at her eagerly, and her stomach was as solid as ever, her palms were dry, her face wasn't flushing. She still firmly believed that she and Remus could be happy together, but maybe she should be looking for something more than just friendship. "I think I've learned enough secrets for one day, but maybe I'll let you tell me tomorrow."

Remus let out a big dramatic sigh. "Oh all right."

oOoOo

Lance wasn't in the knight's quarter, but that didn't surprise James. Lance didn't live in the knight's quarters, and didn't spend much of his free time there, or with the other knights. He spent most of his time at Hagrid's. The only reason James had checked at all was because Hagrid's was a thirty-minute walk from the castle, and it was still bloody cold out.

And since they were going to Hagrid's, they had to pass Lily's house on their way. James looked over at Sirius, who was looking at the small house.

"I think this is the first time I've been here." He said, slowing his pace before James could ask him to do so. "You think Remus is still here?"

"I don't know." James said, walking up to the door and giving it a sharp knock.

Lily answered the door, and aside from looking a bit surprised, she didn't seem unhappy to see him there. She quickly stepped aside and let them both into the house. Remus was seated at the table with a cup of tea in hand. James nodded at him, and Remus returned the nod.

"Cozy." Sirius said, taking a few steps to stand by the fire."

"Yes, it's a small house." Lily said tersely. "What are you doing here? I thought you were hiding from the guardsmen?"

"We're looking for Lance." James said. "Still hiding, but we need to find him. Well, technically we need to find Dory, but with those two, it's one in the same."

"We came to pick up Remus." Sirius said, rubbing his hands together. "For some reason, Dory actually likes him."

"It is strange isn't it. You're nothing but nice to her and she can't stand you." Remus pretended to think about it while scratching his head. "It just doesn't make any sense."

"I've known Dory my entire life. I'm allowed to pick on her." Sirius said.

"That's all well and good, but we should get moving." James said, waving his hand to try and get them to start moving.

"Right," Remus pushed himself off his chair and handed his teacup to Lily. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"You're joking, right?" Lily laughed.

"I didn't think that I was."

"I'm coming with you." Lily said. She walked across the room, setting Remus's teacup on the table as she did. She picked up a thick wool cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. "I got myself involved in this mess, I should be helping you lot pick up the pieces."

"Lily," James started, but she wasn't having it.

"I mean it. You wouldn't even know that Bella was behind any of this if it weren't for me. I'm coming with you." She wasn't asking his permission, so there really wasn't much he could do. Especially not when he was hiding from anyone who worked in the castle.

"Alright, but we're going to talk to Dory." He said. "And seeing as how you're not her favorite person-"

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm rather good at smoothing things over with people. Dory and I'll be friends in no time. Especially when she hears what we're doing." She opened the door and then turned back to them. "What is it that we're doing exactly?"

Sirius laughed and James smiled at her. "We're going to ask her to talk to Bella."

"Well that's incredibly dangerous."

"Remus is going to go with her." Sirius shrugged.

"Yes, alright." Lily bit her lip and glanced over at Remus. "But as far as I know, neither Remus nor Dory has ever tried to murder someone. Bella has."

"Yes, but Bella doesn't know that Remus has magic, so if she tries anything, than she'll be outnumbered and surprised."

"She doesn't know that Dory has magic, does she?" Remus asked.

"No." James said. "So she'll be twice as surprised."

"It's the only plan we've got." Sirius shrugged. "And we've had worse."

"That's comforting." Lily rolled her eyes and then walked out into the street.

oOoOo

Dory had agreed to their plan almost before they had finished explaining it to her. She was ecstatic that they had thought to ask her. Mary had wanted to know why they hadn't asked her, but the surprised look on James' face had answered that question.

So now Dory and Remus were walking up to Bella's quarters, Dory wearing servant garb and carrying a tray of dinner.

Luckily, they had run into Alice in the kitchens, who had been gathering Bella's dinner. She didn't seem entirely comfortable with letting someone else do her job, but Remus held weight with the rest of the servants, even if they didn't understand (or approve of) the relationship between him and the prince and she was a sweet girl anyway.

"So," Dory looked over at Remus as they walked through a corridor on the second floor. "What did Dumbledore say? Does he think you're Emrus as well?"

"What does that matter?" Remus asked. Dory rolled her eyes.

"You know that Dumbledore is- was- the most powerful sorcerer in all of Camelot before the king banned it."

Remus blanched. "I didn't know that."

"He doesn't practice anymore, but he's still a highly respected figure in our world." Remus scratched at the base of his neck. "What did he say."

"He thinks it's possible." Remus muttered.

"I knew it!" Dory smiled and skipped a bit, the glass of milk on the trey sloshing over the edge. "Oops." She balanced the trey with one hand and then waved her hand over the spilled milk. "Tergeo." She muttered. Remus watched as the spilled milk evaporated, leaving the trey as it had been before.

"Where did you learn it?" Remus asked.

"We have a school." Dory shrugged.

"Where?"

"Not too far from here."

"How has it not been discovered?"

"There are powerful protection charms around it so that, unless you have magic, you can't happen upon it accidentally. Though, most people are too afraid to send their kids to school now. There were only five people in my year. Dumbledore used to be the headmaster."

Remus shook his head and Dory could tell that she was overwhelming him. She pressed her lips together and bit her tongue to keep from saying anything else.

"Why are people so afraid of the king?" Remus asked after a moment of walking in silence. They had almost reached Bella's chambers now. "If they have magic, why are they afraid of him?"

Dory struggled with this question sometimes herself, but knew that telling him that wouldn't help him any. "We have a gift, and while it's okay to use that gift to protect ourselves, we also have to make sure that we don't abuse it. We don't want a war."

"That seems to be where we're heading." Remus said.

"It seems that way." Dory nodded. "But you'd be surprised how little the muggles have to do with it."

"I feel like you know more than you're letting on." Remus said, looking over at her.

"I do." Dory said. "But we're on a mission right now." She nodded towards Bella's door. "Can't exactly tell you everything now. Or in the castle." She smiled at one of the guards who had turned when he heard them approaching.

"I'm here to give Lady Bellatrix her dinner." Dory said, stopping in front of the guards.

"You don't look like Lady Bellatrix's maid." He said.

"Alice is sick. I normally work in the kitchens, but someone had to bring the Lady her dinner, so I volunteered."

"And you?" He turned to Remus.

"The king has asked me to relay a message to his daughter." Remus said.

"What is the message?" The guard asked.

"I'm afraid the king has told me to repeat his message to Bella and only Bella."

The guard didn't seem to like this, but he too knew of the relationship between Remus and James and knew that questioning Remus would not be good for himself. He stepped aside and pulled open the door for the both of them.

Dory took a deep breath and then walked into the room. It looked as though a tornado had ripped through and torn apart everything in its path. The drapes that had once been hung near the ceiling now lay in a heap on the floor, portraits were either crooked or on the floor as well, their frames bent or broken. It looked as though the table that Bella normally ate her meals at had been set on fire, and there was still smoke slowly drifting up from it. The chairs had been thrown around the room, and her bed was in a state of complete disarray. Her pillows had been torn apart and feathers littered everything. Her vanity was on its side, the mirror shattered, and her brushes and hair clips and pins weren't in much better condition.

"Lady Bellatrix?" Dory said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. The guardsman closed the door behind her and she jumped slightly.

"What do you want?" Bella snarled from the corner of her room. "I'm not eating. If the king insists on treating me like a prisoner in my own room, than I'm not eating."

"That's all well and good." Dory said, setting the trey onto the smoking table and brushing her hands on her skirt. "I'm not here to get you to eat."

"What are you doing here?" Bella spat, not at Dory, but at Remus. Dory looked over at him and hoped that she appeared as calm as he did. If she hadn't known better, she would have thought that Remus didn't know anything about the power Bella possessed or the plans that she had to murder the king. He looked as if he were about to talk to an old friend. Dory took another deep breath and unclenched her fists.

"I came to make sure that you didn't hurt anyone." Remus said, crossing his arms over his chest and tilting his head to the side.

Bella laughed and stood up. She looked just as deranged as her room looked chaotic. Her hair was always on the wild side, but it was everywhere now, locks of it falling down into her face as well as sticking up in all directions. "And how are you going to do that?"

"It doesn't matter." Dory said, trying to regain Bella's attention. "I've come to ask you some questions."

"I don't know who you think you are, but you have no right to-"

"The name is Meadows." She said, watching Bella's face to make sure that she recognized it. "Dorcas Meadows." Bella stepped back and looked at Dory thoughtfully.

"You're a witch." She said quietly. "I've heard of you."

"And I of you." Dory said. She looked around the room for a moment and then walked over to one of the over turned chairs. She picked it up and then took a seat. She brushed off her skirt and then crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at Bella. "Who are you working for?" She asked. Beating around the bush wasn't going to do any good with Bella. It was better to be direct.

Bella laughed, and Dory started to rethink that decision. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play thick, Bella." Dory said, leaning forward so that her elbows rested on her knees. She clasped her hands together. "Someone is telling you to kill the king, that's why Leefside was set on fire. They needed a diversion so that they could get into the castle and talk to you. Someone wants to dethrone the Potters, that was made very clear in Godric's Hollow. Who is it?"

"That's a very nice theory you've got there, but what makes you think that I've got anything to do with it." Bella asked, picking up a chair of her own and taking a seat directly across from Dory. "And what makes you think that I would ever harm the king? He's like a father to me."

"And that's why you didn't kill him." Dory said. "You tried, but you couldn't." Belle's lip turned up.

"I didn't try to kill him."

"Yes you did. James told Remus."

Bella's eyes flickered over to Remus and then back to Dory. She shrugged. "Alright, fine. I tried to kill him. But no one told me to. He murdered my entire family-"

"He murdered your father." Dory interrupted. "But your sister is alive and well. Andromeda is even married. She had run away from your wretched father years before the fire. Did you know that she has a daughter only a few years younger than you?"

"How do you-"

"Friend of a friend." Dory shrugged. "And you could be angry with the king for killing your father, but no one else is. Not Andromeda, not Narcissa, and I don't think you're upset about it either. Because your father was about as bad as they come. So, maybe you were acting on your own accord when you tried to kill the king… but maybe not."

"You're delving into things that you best leave alone." Bella said quietly. "You just wait," She stood up and took a step towards Dory, Remus did the same. "You think I'm dangerous? You think that my magic is something to fear-"

"I don't remember saying any of that. Unlike you, I've actually learned how to use my magic."

"My father did teach me a few things before he was murdered."

"I think saying he was 'put down' would be a more accurate phrase, seeing as how he was an animal."

"You're pushing me, and you're not going to like what happens when I snap."

Dory stood up quickly, the chair teetered behind her before falling back on all four legs. "You're threatening me, and you're not going to like what happens when I snap."

Bella crossed her arms over her chest and took a deep breath. "Enough of these games. I'm not going to tell you anything. You can stop wasting both of our time and leave."

"I'm not leaving until I get what I want."

"Well then you should get comfortable." Dory and Bella sat back down.

"I am comfortable." Dory said, throwing her hands back over her head and lacing them together. "Prepared to stay as long as I need."

Bella shifted in her seat and then crossed one leg over the other. Dory inspected the girl and thought back to when she had known the girl growing up. They had never been friends, had only been formally introduced once, but Bella had always seemed off.

"You act as though I care that you're here." Bella said. "But see, as soon as you leave, I'll be left locked in my room again. At least with you here, I've got things to amuse me."

Dory refrained from rolling her eyes. "Things?" She asked. Bella shrugged. "What did you mean when you said, 'just wait'?"

"What?"

"Just a moment ago, you said, 'just wait.' What is it that we should be waiting for?"

Bella took a deep breath through her nose and ran her tongue along her teeth. "I meant that if you don't stop bothering me, I'm going to set you on fire."

"It does appear that you've been practicing in that area." Remus said, inspecting the table.

"I still don't understand why you're here." She snapped.

"Well, I'll make you a deal. If you answer some of my questions, I'll answer some of yours." Dory looked at Remus with wide eyes. This wasn't part of the plan. He wasn't supposed to tell her anything unless she got violent.

"I have nothing to tell you. And I'm not interested in anything that you could possibly tell me."

"Are you sure?" Remus asked, taking a step forward, arms still crossed. "Why am I here? Why don't I seem afraid of you?"

Bella chewed her lip and tightened her arms. Dory couldn't believe it, but it seemed as if he had peeked her interest. She was tapping her foot now. "Because you're incredibly thick."

"Or…"

Bella's eye's flickered from Dory to Remus.

"So you'd like to do an exchange of information?" Bella pursed her lips. "Which would work for you, except I don't care whether you can sprout wings during the third week of every month."

"What's his plan?" Dory asked. "We know that they have a leader, we just don't know what his end game is." Bella didn't say anything. "Is James in danger?" She had a reaction to that. "Yes, James. That's why we're here. He's your brother and we both know that you care about him. So, if you're not going to tell us anything else; Is James in danger?"

"Of course he is." Bella snapped. "He's the crown prince. Everyone either loves him, or wants to kill him."

"You know what I mean." Dory had to bite her tongue to stop from saying any more. "Is the man you're working for trying to hurt your brother."

"I'm not working for anyone." Bella said, still resolute. "But if I were, don't you think James would deserve it after that stunt he pulled in Godric's Hollow? You're a witch, how can you-"

"Whoever you're working for had those people killed. James never raised his sword."

"That's not what I heard."

"I was there. I know what happened."

Bella didn't like that. She shifted in her seat before pushing herself up and walking over to the window. There were the remnants of what could have been a teacup near her feet, which Dory just realized were bare.

"These men came to meet us," Remus said gently. "They started shouting at the crowd about how they needed to stand against the 'false prince.' Lord Dolohov shouted that magic was the reason James came into this world, and that magic would take him out. Every single one of the townspeople who stood up for your brother, was slaughtered by these men. James came to talk peace with them, and they murdered people for listening to him."

Dory watched Bella's shoulder rise slowly and then fall. "That makes more sense." She allowed, with her back still to them. Dory opened her moth to say something more, but Remus put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him and he shook his head slightly. "James is a good man," Bella went on quietly. "I won't let anyone harm him."

"Who is trying though?" Dory asked, standing up from her chair and stepping away from Remus. "We need a name."

Bella turned around, a scowl back on her face. "I already told you." Her tone as hard and cold as ice. "I don't know."

oOoOo

Peter felt craven.

He would not normally consider himself to be brave, but right now, he knew that he was about as honorable and courageous as larva.

Lucy was being taken care of now by a hired nurse maid. The girl was only a few years older than Lucy and almost as sweet. She had a bed beside her, and woke with her in the night during her coughing fits to fix her a cup of tea or pound on her back to loosen the bile in her lungs.

The gold that he was getting was going to a good cause. If he hadn't been receiving the gold, his sister would still have to take daily trips across town to the cities hospital, and she would still be extremely weak.

Ever since Peter had hired the nurse, she had more energy than ever before. She smiled more, laughed more- she could even finish a complete sentence without having to pause in the middle to take a breath. She was doing so well.

His mother had asked him only once where he was getting all the money to pay for the nurse, and when Peter was reluctant to say, she pressed her lips together, gave him a smile and walked away. She was too glad that her daughter was doing well for the first time in years to press the matter any further.

Peter got the feeling that even if he did tell his mother where the gold was coming from, she wouldn't much care.

Peter had been in the stables when he saw James walk towards town from the west side of the castle. He wasn't sure what the prince had been doing over there, but he saw him walk towards town and he wished he hadn't.

"Five golds for your trouble." The older man said, a charming grin adding oil to his words. "There's another gold piece in it for you if you can tell me why he went to town."

Peter shook his head fervently. "I don't know, my lord." He stammered. "I don't know how he got outside the west castle either. There's no doors over there. Only a few balconies, but all too high to jump from."

"And you have no theories?"

Peter starting wringing his hands and looked down at the ground. "I know that he has friends in town. Not people you'd expect either."

"Do you have names for me?" The man, who had still neglected to tell Peter his name, handed him a gold piece and withdrew a second from his pocket.

"N-names?" Peter asked. He looked down at the six gold pieces and then back up at the man. Six gold pieces would keep Lucy's nurse around for almost a month. And he hadn't used all the gold from the last couple times either. He didn't have to give him Remus's name. "I hardly know anyone's name sir. The commoners don't come in here, and the Lords only shout for their horses."

The man made a sharp clicking noise with his tongue and then nodded. "Very well. You've been a great help, and I thank you for it."

"Yes, my lord."

The man spun around and started walking towards the door, his cloak billowing behind him as he went, though silent as the night. Peter quickly put the gold pieces in his pocket and started fixing up to leave. The gold weighed heavy in his pocket, burned his skin when he touched it, but his sister needed it. His mother needed it.

Peter felt craven, but he didn't feel as though he had any choice in the matter.

oOoOo

Lily had not seen her sister in what felt like a year. In truth, she had seen her sister every night, as the two of the shared a bed. But the sisters had not spoken with one another in quite some time.

So she was caught off guard when she came home around midday and found Petunia seated at the kitchen table, alone.

Lily found this strange, but she couldn't be bothered with whatever had brought Petunia home earlier, because she still hadn't seen Remus since he and Dorcas had gone to speak with Bella and she was starting to think that the worst had happened.

"Lily," Petunia said softly, tapping her fingers along her teacup while Lily hung up her cloak. The younger sister looked up briefly, already thinking of what she was going to make for dinner (while still trying to convince herself that Remus would be just fine.)

"Yes?" She asked, walking up to the counter and opening the cupboards. There was hardly anything in them. She really did need to get a new job. And soon.

"Would you like a cup of tea?"

Lily turned her head, hand still on the cupboard and gave her sister a once over. She didn't appear to be ill, or in any sort of distress, so she didn't understand why she was asking Lily to sit down with her. She was intrigued though, so she closed the cupboard, picked up a teacup and took a seat next to her sister.

Petunia smiled at her, and poured her tea for her. "I've hardly seen you these last few weeks it seems." She said, speaking to her in a tone that Lily wasn't familiar hearing. "What have you been up to?"

Lily was suspicious. Petunia had to want something if she was being nice, right? Lily didn't have anything, but she couldn't think of another reason for the sudden change of heart. She took a sip of tea and then shrugged. "I don't know. I don't feel as though I've been any busier than usual. If anything, I've had a lot more free time."

"Oh?" Petunia was still smiling. "I'd noticed that you'd made some friends."

"Yes." Lily nodded. "I mean, you've met Remus a handful of times, and Mary. I don't think you've met Sirius yet. I didn't like him at first, but Remus kept bringing him round. He sort of grew on me." She smiled a bit and gauged Petunia's reaction.

"Some people are like that. You know, I didn't like Yvvone when I first met her. Can you imagine her and I not being friends now though?" She laughed. "I don't even remember what it was about her that I didn't like." She's rich. Lily thought, You were jealous. "Anyway, I thought it was a bit strange when the prince came round a while back. I actually thought you might have gotten yourself into trouble." She smiled as though the idea was completely ridiculous now. Lily took a deep breath and sat up straighter.

"Remus was worried about me." Lily said, trying to look impassive. "He didn't know where I was-"

"I know." Petunia interrupted. "But he wasn't the only one worried about you. I asked dad about it later, and he said that the prince walked you home once too. He said that the prince tried to kiss you." She looked so excited that it made Lily squirm.

"It was a misunderstanding."

"Did he think you were someone else?" Her excitement dropped.

"No, he thought I fancied him." Lily tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Petunia blinked at her for a moment and then tilted her head forward. "Which you do." She said.

"Petunia-"

"No. How can you not fancy the prince?" She asked, her hand tightening around her teacup. "He's the prince."

"I know." Lily took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. She should have known that this is where the conversation was headed. Her relationship with the prince was the only thing that would cause Petunia to be nice to her younger sister. "And he's a really nice person, but you can't force yourself to have feelings for someone if you don't." She trailed off, thinking of Remus yet again. She really had been unfair to him. And James come to think of it.

"You can if he's the prince." Petunia said back, her tone now filled with spite. "He's the prince." She repeated, hitting the table with an open hand. "If you were to marry him, our family would be able to actually enjoy life instead of worrying about how we're going to flavor our hot water every night." Lily wanted to point out that Petunia didn't do anything to fill the cupboards, but she was mid-rant and didn't let Lily cut in. "I would be a dutchess." She started fanning herself. "A dutchess, Lily. And father wouldn't have to work nearly as much as he does. He could even get paid what he deserves for his work. He's already supplying half the Lords with their steel, but they know he needs the money and doesn't haggle. He takes whatever they give him and we end up eating potatoes four nights in a row!"

"Well I'm not going to lie to Jam- the prince, just so your life is more comfortable." Lily pushed her teacup away and stood up. "I'm sorry if it upsets you, but when I get married, it will be for love, not so you can spend your afternoons sipping wine and having someone else empty you latrine." Petunia flinched at that, her mouth pursing.

"Must you talk like that? It's a wonder the prince ever showed any interest in you." She stood up as well. "Fine. If you're going to be stupid about this…" She brushed her hands against her sides and pushed her shoulders back. "You should know that someone has asked me to marry them. He's a baron and owns a sizable amount of land. If I'm not going to be made a dutchess, then I have no reason to refuse him."

Lily blanched at this bit of information. "A baron…"

"Yes. His name is Vernon Dursley. We'll probably get married next month."

"You just decided to marry him not five minutes ago. How can you-"

"I accepted weeks ago." Petunia said. "He's the only man I've been able to find that takes pity on my situation enough to overlook the fact that I don't have a dowry. Though father has promised him that he'd craft him a sword of his own design. Vernon seemed to be quite taken with that idea. And with me for that matter." She smiled and Lily was still reeling from the whiplash that was this conversation.

"Father… why didn't you tell me that you were engaged?"

Petunia shrugged. "Why didn't you tell me that the prince was courting you?"

"He was never- you're getting married?"

"Yes." Petunia said slowly, as though she actually did think Lily was stupid. "And unless you can find yourself something suitable to wear, I'm afraid you won't be allowed to attend."

"What?"

"Well, he's been very understanding, as I've said, but his family wouldn't condone you dressing like… well, you only have three dresses and all three of them are stained and dirty."

"You're punishing me for not marrying the prince?"

"No." Petunia sighed. "I simply won't allow you to embarrass me." With that, she picked up her cloak and walked out the door.

oOoOo

Sirius at the tavern counter with Arden and Frank. Lily and James had been here earlier, until Remus showed up and shared what he had learned with them. Then all three of them had disappeared, leaving Sirius alone. That's when Frank and Arden showed up. Arden was drinking beer, Frank was eating a pile of chicken legs, and Sirius was doing both. The three men hadn't talked for the last twenty minutes that they'd been sitting together, and Sirius hadn't had time to wonder what they were thinking about. His mind was moving at a hundred miles a minute.

It shouldn't be bothering him. Having been called a squib by those men. It wasn't the first time that he had been called that, and he doubted that it would be the last. His family had magic and he did not. He had come to terms with this fact years ago. He was forced to come to terms with it.

"You needn't have been born with magic. You simply have to take it."

His head was swimming, so he took another swig from his mug.

"Those with power weren't born that way, they knew what they wanted and they took it. Do you know what you want?"

Ever since they had watched those men and women get slain down, he had an uncomfortable feeling that he knew exactly who was behind it, he had been hoping- even praying- that he was wrong, but the more they found out, the more time they waited, the more certain he became.

"You two have been unusually quiet." Frank observed, looking down the counter at Sirius and Arden. When neither one of them immediately disputed this, Frank raised a brow. "Did something happen?" Sirius wanted to scoff at the question. What did he mean by that? He had been there when they watched what those men had done, and how easily they had done it.

"Yes," Arden answered, a dopey grin spreading over his face. "It's just… it's a woman."

"Must be a special woman to have kept your attention this long."

"She's special alright." Arden sighed, dropping his head onto his fist. "A real wench, but sure, she's special as well."

"And you?" Frank asked Sirius. Why had he become a knight? He couldn't remember now. He didn't like these men. They weren't good at thinking. They were worried about women during a time like this! He ground his teeth together and then took another drink, finishing off the last of his beer.

"I need to talk to my cousin." Sirius said abruptly, jumping up from his stool and walking towards the door. He heard them call after him, but he didn't stop. It was as he was stepping onto the street that he remembered that he hadn't chosen to become a knight. James had made that decision for him.

He had been living in Camelot for nearly half a year now, and he had not spoken to his cousin once. He wasn't allowed to. She was the king's ward, and he was… well, he might have been a knight, but he was still a drunk. And an embarrassment to their family.

It wasn't hard for Sirius to get up to her room. For the first time in a long time, he was actually stationed above everyone that he came across, and even if they didn't like taking orders from him, they did. Bella was in her room, seated at a small table in front of a fireplace.

She looked taken aback by his sudden appearance.

"Sirius?" She stood and looked around the room. But Sirius had sent her guards away; they were alone. She looked more like the little girl he had grown up with now. He may not have talked to her since coming to Camelot, but he had seen her, walking through the halls, playing at being a royal. She had always looked uncomfortable, trying to appear regal and graceful, when her default state had always been a bit off-kilter and… frizzy.

And this is how she appeared to him now. She had made no attempt to reign in her hair, and her dress fitting was just slightly off, as though she had dressed herself and hadn't been sure what to do with all the ribbons and buttons. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." He said, his words clipped and harsh. He hadn't realized he was breathing heavy. "It's been a long time, cousin."

"You're not upset that I haven't come to see you," She smiled at him, amused at the thought. "Because even if that were appropriate, you have to know that I wouldn't-" But he wasn't in the mood for her folly.

"Who are you working for, Bella?" He asked, hands clenched at his sides.

"I'm not working for anyone." Bella said immediately becoming guarded while not meeting his eyes. They were family, she couldn't look in his eyes while she lied. He had her father's eyes. He watched her shift uncomfortably and though he couldn't have said how, he suddenly knew for certain.

"You're working for Voldemort?" He hissed. Her eyes flashed to his, making her confession for her. The weight of the truth hit him harder than he was prepared for, and he stumbled back a few steps. "Voldemort?" He repeated quietly. "Do you have any idea who that is?"

"It seems as though you do." Bella said quietly, standing up straighter.

"He- he…" Sirius put his hands on either side of his head and looked down at the ground. "We just have to take it, Sirius." "Does it hurt them? Taking their magic?" "No. They don't feel a thing."

"He what?" Bella drew him back to the present. She was trying to appear confident, but Sirius could tell that she was slightly anxious about what he was trying to tell her. She obviously hadn't been prepared for anyone to know Voldemort.

"He killed Regulus."

A heartbeat of silence.

"No." She said. "You killed, Regulus." Even after all these years, hearing it said allowed pained Sirius more than anything else he'd ever experienced. He started shaking his head, his stomach churning. He had known that there would come a day that he would have to face him again, the man that took his brother's life, and ended Sirius's at the same time, but he wasn't ready. This man, this monster, was coming after his friends. He was trying to destroy everything that Sirius had, again.

"He took Reg's magic. He took his magic, and it killed him."

He could see that his words were resonating with her. "He said that he was taking power-"

"He meant it literally, Belle."

"Don't call-" She didn't bother correcting him. "He took his magic? Why?"

Sirius flinched. "Because he was showing me how to do it."

"You let him kill-"

"No! I didn't know that Reg was going to get- that he was going to-"

"Die?" Bella finished. "You didn't know that stripping someone of their magic would kill them?"

"How would I have known that? No one ever-"

"Don't try and blame what you did on someone else."

"I'm not! I made a mistake, but Voldemort killed, Reg. You can't work for him."

Bella drew a deep breath and let it fill her chest. "I don't agree with everything he's done- or even everything that he's doing now," She managed to look him in the eyes. "But he's trying to help people like me, and I can't very well be picky about who I accept help from."

"He's starting a war! Innocent people are going to die-"

"No! People who wish for magic to remain a crime will die! People who would rather people like me be locked up are going to die! Innocent people will be spared."

Sirius looked over his cousin and could tell that she honestly believed that. "How many times have you met him?" He asked quietly. He had only been a child when he was swayed by Voldemort's pretty words and promises. He had fallen for Voldemort's trap because he had been promised exactly what he had wanted; somewhere that he belonged. His cousin was still searching for where she belonged, and Voldemort seemed to be preying on that desperate need. "Have you ever seen him display any sort of kindness?"

"He's agreed to spare James' life." Bella said, but she had faltered and Sirius didn't believe her. He gave her a look and she threw her hands in the air. "And I've already promised to keep James safe anyway."

"And King Charles?"

"What about him? I can't help him. He's made enemies of nearly ever witch and wizard in the realm. I doubt even the Gods could save him now."

"Why haven't you killed him yourself? I've heard that you've been trying." He didn't sound upset about this, simply curious.

Bella shook her head. "I haven't decided whether or not I'm still upset with him."

There was as sudden clash of steel on steel and both Sirius and Bella turned towards the closed doors. "What is that?" Sirius asked, looking back at Bella. "Who is that?"

"How am I supposed to know?"

"Bella?" Someone from the corridor called. Sirius looked at her with a raised brow.

"We should hide." He said, looking around the room.

"I will not hide." Bella spit.

"Right, everyone should fear you." Sirius felt like rolling his eyes, but he was certain that whoever was in the corridor would not mind killing him, and finding a hiding place was more important than expressing his discontent. Under the bed seemed to obvious, as did the drapes (which were on the floor anyhow) so he jumped inside of the wardrobe and just before he pulled it closed he locked eyes with Bella. "Are you going to let me live, or should I not bother hiding?"

Bella didn't have time to answer him, because her door was thrown open. Sirius closed the wardrobe and held his breath.

"Didn't you hear me calling you?" He'd heard that voice before. It was Rabastan Lestrange.

"I did." Bella said. "I also heard a lot of fighting. I decided that I was more comfortable in my room."

"He's here." Rabastan said quietly. "He's not happy either. Why didn't you kill the king?"

"I meant to…" Bella trailed off and Rabastan let out a sigh of frustration.

"You're a ridiculous, child."

"And you're an insufferable, fool. Voldemort is here, and you want to lecture me? What is he doing here?"

"What do you think he's doing here? He's come to do what you couldn't. He's mostly likely already found the prince-"

"What?" Sirius's blood ran cold.

"He's come for more than just the king's head." Rabastan said, calm as ever. "We need to make him sweat a bit first."

"He's not supposed to harm James." Bella seethed. "I told him that no one was to-"

"And he told you to kill the king. Neither one of you listened to the other."

"Is she coming?" A new voice entered the fray.

"How do we stand?"

"James, his servant and some girl have been taken. I don't believe that anyone knows that we're here yet, but it's only a matter of time."

"Some girl?" Bella asked. "Who's the girl?"

"Some redhead."

"Lily?" Bella nearly chocked. "Why would he take, Lily? She was my servant girl, what's she done?"

"What do you care?" Rabastan said. "You fired her, didn't you? Are you coming with us, or staying here? Keep in mind that staying now, would be declaring yourself against the Dark Lord."

"I'm not against him." She said quietly.

"Then come on." There were rushed footsteps and Sirius threw open the wardrobe to find Bella alone in the room. She looked at him, her gaze more intent than he'd ever seen it.

"Save them." She said, before disappearing from the room.