A/N: Hello! I'm back. I hope the length would be satisfactory enough for you not to pelt me with stones. Do review.


''I've not read so many books at one go since i left school,'' Remus commented as he saw Regulus with pile of books floating behind him.

Regulus gently lowered the books on the table before answering Remus. ''Nothing would have been so complicated.''

Remus nodded. ''True.''

''What's the progress on the potion? Please tell me Severus's as nowhere as i'm.''

Remus smiled at Regulus' tone. It has been a month and Remus was regularly seen with Severus and Regulus, assisting them in research. James would assist Regulus and Sirius helped Severus whenever they could find time. Sirius wasn't much happy with the company but then the other choice was his own brother. Somehow that was worse. Every weekend they would meet Dumbledore and discuss their week's worth of research.

''Na,'' Remus answered Regulus, ''He's at a dead-end which he can't seem to solve.''

There was quiet for some time. Remus leafed through the books Regulus had just checked out from Ministry library and Regulus seemed lost in his own thoughts.

''How's Sirius?'' Regulus asked quietly.

Sirius hadn't attended last two weekly meetings because of some official work.

''He's all right,'' Remus answered. ''Got a bit injured on his last mission but he's good now.''

Remus observed the younger brother closely. Regulus was more closed and controlled in his emotions than Sirius, though it was impossible to get anything out of Sirius if he didn't want to share.

Regulus simply nodded in response and started leafing through the books. The brothers had fallen apart mainly due to their family's inclination to Dark Arts. Sirius wanted nothing to do with it, whereas Regulus never went against his family's wishes. Sirius left his family in fifth year and wanted Regulus to leave the family too. Instead, Regulus was regularly seen in the company of Death Eaters in making.

They never got to know whether he joined Death Eaters or not. Not that Sirius actually ever tried.

''Why don't you come over to our house tomorrow night? Severus's coming too.''

''For what?'' Regulus asked casually, eyes never leaving the text in front of him.

''He misses Devil,'' Remus answered cheekily.

And it was worth it as Regulus' quiet laughter filled the library.


"Here is your 'iy ceem', Devil."

"IY CEEM!"

Sirius watched as Hermione took her ice-cream cone from him and started lapping it up. She might be clumsy in holding everything else but boy! she wouldn't let even a drop of ice-cream drip from the cone. Sirius smiled at the little girl who had become such an important part of their lives.

"You do know Remus'll kill me if he comes to know that I bought you an ice-cream, right, girl?"

Hermione was totally immersed in her ice-cream to pay him any attention. He had just picked her up from her day-care centre. They didn't need one in the beginning but with Remus involved in researches with Severus and Regulus, it became a necessity. Sirius didn't like it at all, but they really didn't have an option. He had taken it up to him to drop her off and pick her up to compensate for the lost time with her.

"Pafoo!" Hermione called Sirius, as she held her ice-cream to him. She would share her ice-cream only with him. Probably she understood he was going against 'rules' to get her one.

Sirius handed her ice-cream back after taking a bite. "I should've taken fire-whiskey for myself. I'd need one today."

Silence.

"You know, Devil, Mother always said that I'd spoil my kids seeing the way I cared for Regulus." Sirius chuckled quietly. "You know, when she brought Regulus home... he was, he was so small… smaller than my unicorn. I thought he was a toy, a new toy for me… so life-like and so cute. He was all red. She placed him on the bed. I climbed up and looked at him. Everything about him was tiny… his eyes, his nose, his lips, even his fists. I… I touched him on his nose first and he smiled. I... I liked that. So, I touched him again. He again smiled. Then I poked him in the stomach and he laughed... he was beautiful. He became my best friend that day."

There was quiet and Sirius rubbed his eyes.

"That's my best memory, you know, though it's not mine. Father planted it in me. I cannot feel what I feel in that memory but it's so obvious… it's written all over my face. I've been preserving all your memories, Devil. I'll show them to you when you grow up. I'll also plant them in your head."

"That's illegal, Black," a silky voice drawled from nearby.

Sirius was startled but, thanks to Auror training, he didn't let it show. But damn Severus for being here at his worst!

"What are you doing here, Snape?"

"Hello, Hermione," Severus greeted the little girl, who thrust his hand forward in perfect mimicry of Severus.

"Ni' oo mee' u," Hermione said giving a perfect toothy smile.

Severus straightened himself, slightly embarrassed and shocked. The girl was way too intelligent. He looked at Black shrewdly; who is to say he isn't using some dark magic on the girl?

Sirius, however, missed the look as he was observing Hermione. Now, he understood why Remus was laughing his head off. So, Devil was mimicking Severus, huh.

Smiling, he turned to Severus. "It was you? He he. Nice one."

"Shut it, Black."

"Alright, alright. But what are you doing here?"

"According to the schedule we're following, you're supposed to be with me today. And that way, we should be going to your home together. I thought we should keep up the appearances."

Well, that's very thoughtful of him, Sirius thought. Sirius had agreed to partner with Severus for the research. Five meetings and they both realised it wasn't going to work. They both couldn't let go of their history together. So, Severus came up with a rather clever plan. They would do their research individually and discuss it over owls. Also, Sirius would provide the ingredients and Severus would do the hard work. Sure, Severus had gotten the rougher part of the deal but the peace was worth it. The only glitch was no one else knew about it.

"Well, um-yeah. How did you know I'm here?"

Their conversations were always either awkward or full of insults and sometimes there were no conversations just duels. This one was odd.

"I... I just checked with your office. You weren't there. Remus babbles a lot about this day-care centre of Hermione, so thought of checking in there."

"Oh."

"Well, let's get going."

"Oh... um-yeah." Hermione had finished her ice-cream and was licking her fingers now. "Time to get home, girl." Sirius got up and picked up the girl.

"Is she used to apparition? Or this is her first time?"

Sirius looked sheepish as he answered. "She has side-apparated four times before. But she's perfectly fine with it. No side-effects, nothing. She, in fact, likes it. See"

He turned to the brunette in his arms. "We're going to whoosh, Devil. You ready?"

Severus smiled inwardly as the girl nodded and clapped in enthusiasm. She bobbed her head in circular motions to mimic the movement.

Sirius smiled at the girl and got ready for apparition. "Two blocks away from my house. See you there." And he apparated.

Severus shook his head at the unlikely parent and followed him. When he apparated, he found Devil laughing and asking for more in Sirius' arms. She really was one of her kind.

Severus straightened his robes and walked ahead of Sirius.

"Just so you know, Remus knows you have side-apparated Hermione at least once."

"Damn!" Sirius muttered as he followed the bat-like figure walking ahead of him, with a laughing Devil in his arms.


"Why did you invite them home, Remus?"

"You know why, Padfoot."

"Oh do I? Let me guess. Because our life is too calm and peaceful these days and you wanted to spice it up? Or because you love Severus and his company. Probably you like Regulus' death-eater stories. What exactly was it?"

"Both of you calm down. You are scaring, Devil," James yelled at his best friends, silencing both of them. Though that didn't stop the hostile stares.

Hermione was crying at the top of her voice.

"I'm taking her out. And I want things settled when I come back. Alright?"

Not waiting for an answer, James walked out of the house with a crying girl in his arms.

The night had started awkward and gone down the hill with time. Since they were not making much progress, Remus had thought they would all sit together and brainstorm on what was going wrong. He had not anticipated that the discussion would turn heated and into full blown argument. The argument started between Sirius and Regulus first and James and Severus got involved soon when they took their friends' sides. Only Remus remained neutral. James calmed out the moment he heard Hermione's cries from her room. But Sirius didn't. As soon as Severus and Regulus left, he took his anger out on Remus.

"You know, Remus, this was never a good idea. I don't like to be with Severus or Regulus. You know that and yet you bring them home. Why? You know I have nothing but bad memories associated with them."

"Look, Siri-"

"No, Remus. Get it into your head. Don't try to make us friends. We aren't going to be friends. Don't invite them home. Ever. Do you understand?"

With that, Sirius stormed out of the room.


"Where is Sirius?" James asked the moment he entered the house, a sleeping baby in his arms.

"Upstairs," Remus answered quietly and sullenly.

"I've never seen Hermione cry so much before. I even went to see a Healer when she didn't quiet down. Whatever we do, we're never going to yell in her presence. Not at each other and never at her."

Remus nodded. "Sorry."

"No, I'm sorry, Remus," James said as he collapsed beside his friend. "You are doing this for me, for Harry and I go and destroy it all. I'll try and make Sirius see sense."

"Don't."

"Bu-"

"James," Remus cut in, staring at the ceiling. "It's slightly complicated. It's not about Regulus only. It's about him too. He feels he failed Regulus and that he has lost him forever. He's scared of trying to mend things between them. He's scared of losing him again. He's scared of the pain."

"I can see why you're a writer," James commented rolling his eyes. "But, seriously, how do you wish to help him when he doesn't even want to talk about it? When Regulus' presence provokes such strong reactions from him? When he chose to work with Severus over Regulus? Though, I doubt he would be working with Severus after today."

"Merlin!" Remus sighed collapsing against the head rest.

James patted Remus' head in sympathy. If there was anyone who could deal with emotions, it was Remus. That's why he was such a good friend to all of them, even Lily. Who would think werewolves could be so soft-hearted?

"I have some plan," Remus said after a long time. "Let's see if it works."

"All I can say to that is," James answered as he got up, "good luck."

"Yeah, I would need a lot of it," Remus muttered as he watched his friend go.


Another month passed by and there was no progress. The lack of progress was making everyone frustrated. Only Dumbledore was optimistic and cheerful, but then he was always like that. Severus was more annoying, Regulus restless, Sirius hyper, James bored and Remus less patient. The fact that Hermione was living in day-care centre for nothing made matters worse and was a regular topic for arguments among the friends.

Something seemed off with Hermione these days though. She remained quiet and latent. Her mimicking had also reduced. Everyone had noticed it, even Severus and Regulus, though no one had any answer for this behaviour. Dumbledore had neither commented on it nor provided any solution to it. This recent observation had led to renewed arguments among the friends.

"I think we should stop this research," James announced to his friends. They had argued on the same topic for an hour now.

"James," Sirius started carefully. "We have to find Harry. We know he's alive. We... we can't let go of this now."

"Says who?" Remus stated calmly. "Sirius. Who hasn't talked to his research partner for the last one month and who's lagging behind in his research."

"Now, Moon-"

"Listen, James," Remus cut in and turned to his bespectacled friend. "I understand lack of results is making all of us frustrated with this research, but, it would all be worth it when we'll find Harry."

"When?" James asked sceptically. "More like if, Moony."

"When we started," Sirius started, standing up, "We all knew it wasn't going to be an easy task. Dumbledore warned us. Severus and Regulus explained the enormosity of the work. Yet we agreed. Why? For Harry, James. All of us are doing it for him... that little one whom we all love... for whom Lily died. We-we can't let her sacrifice go in vain. We have to find him... till our last drop of blood... we-we just have to find harry. There is no other option."

Remus and James were staring at Sirius in surprise, their mouths open in perfect 'o'.

"You give nice speeches, Sirius," Remus commented drily, "You are yet to follow it, though."

James started before Sirius could retaliate and start an argument. "I just know I took a responsibility four months back and I'm failing her now. I've lost Harry and I'm not going to lose Hermione. This research might prove fruitful if we keep pursuing it, but it'll not be worthwhile if I lose Hermione in the process. She has withdrawn from everything. She doesn't talk, she doesn't laugh, she doesn't play. All she does is stay quiet. And read books, which, I assume, is her mimicking us. I don't want that. I want my Hermione back."

"What do you suggest, James?" Remus asked finally. "We've been going on and on about this. We need to find a solution. We shouldn't forget Regulus and Severus are also involved here."

"I have found a solution," James said resolutely. "I'll resign from my job. For as long as... for as long as this takes. A-"

"I'm already here, James," Remus cut in. "Wha-"

"I know Dumbledore has offered you a job as Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor for the next term, Moony," James said, smiling mischievously. "And we all know how much you love teaching. And I also know you refused Dumbledore because of Hermione and Harry."

Sirius was staring at Remus, all indignant.

"Look, Remus," James continued. "Yes, we all have to make adjustments in our life for Hermione, but I'll feel bad if you guys have to sacrifice your dreams for her. She'll feel bad. We'll sit together and decide where to go on from here, but you're accepting that job, Mr. Lupin or Hermione and I'll kick your ass."

"Me too, Mr Remus John Lupin," Sirius butted in. "You've some serious explanations and a huge party to give."

However, Sirius couldn't maintain his angry self for long and ended up hugging, first, Remus and then James. Sitting around the fireplace, sipping hot chocolates and teasing Remus about his new job... well, together, they could handle everything.


A day at Hogwarts is a lot of hard work. To makes dunderheads sit through your class and ensure they retain at least ten percent of what is being taught while all they want to do is to sleep, play or eat is no easy task. Multiply this process with four, add the torture of sitting through staff meetings, subtract the joy of peaceful solitudes and well... that's just a day's work for Severus. And these last days he had the added joy of being in Marauders' company. Really a joy.

It was a weekend and Severus was sitting in Hogsmeade? Enjoying his well deserved break from well, everything. He hadn't seen Black for a month, just a couple of owls; Remus was a regular presence but he couldn't make it this week. But Remus deserved a break; he was stretching himself to his limit. Severus was enjoying the break too. Oddly enough he was missing the little girl who had become a part of his routine.

"Hello, Severus," Regulus' deep voice interrupted Severus' musings.

"Hello, Regulus," Severus greeted his fellow Slytherin.

They exchanged usual pleasantries and discussion returned to Marauders and Hermione.

"Perhaps they needed a break," Regulus mused. "The research was getting tiring and frustrating."

"You really don't believe this, do you?" Severus asked, an eyebrow raised.

Regulus shrugged casually. "It's their personal matter. I'm not as concerned about this research as you all are."

"Let's not pretend here, Regulus," Severus commented lightly.

Regulus remained quiet. It really was difficult to pretend around Severus. Though pouring your heart out to him wasn't an option either.

"Do you have any word on the little girl?" Regulus changed the topic. "I met her last Wednesday for the last time and she was very quiet for a baby and her usual self."

Severus thought over Regulus' observation. "You're right. These last days all she would do was read. I have my doubts regarding that, but she was good at pretending she could understand what those words meant."

"Do you think she might be the reason they took this week off?"

"Perhaps."

There was quiet for some time. They had already discussed the project so many times there was nothing left to talk about there.

"Remus joining as DADA professor should help with the research," Regulus commented.

"He has declined the post."

"He loves teaching! Why did he refuse?"

Severus raised an eyebrow at the obvious concern in Regulus' voice. Regulus, in turn, became interested in his drink. Severus didn't pursue the matter further.

"Probably for the little girl. Black and Potter have regular jobs whereas Lupin is a writer and stays at home."

"He always seemed the type," Regulus noted with a wink.

Severus thought of the irony. He might always maintain a grudge against Black and Potter, but it was difficult to hold one against Lupin, even if he was a werewolf. He might never get over the image of a werewolf baring his fangs and ready to pounce at him; he might never get over that fear in Lupin's company but he could let go of the school grudges.

"A writer type or a home-maker type?" Severus joked as he shook himself out of his past.

Regulus had no answer other than a laugh to that.


"Where are Elvis and Presley, Blush?"

"Mistress," the elf answered. "Elvis is in the gardens and Presley is gone to the market."

The lady spent next half an hour going through household accounts book. Blush was her elf-in-charge and she had trained her well enough to maintain these accounts.

"You do your job very well, Blush," the lady smiled as she closed the accounts book. The elf gave her a broad smile as she straightened herself.

"Where are Dante and Blaise? It is too quiet in the house."

"They is sleeping, Mistress."

They heard cries from the kids' room.

"Or not," the mistress said as she stood up. "You bring in some hot chocolate for the kids while i go and check on them."

Blush nodded and disappeared with a loud crack. The lady smiled; the way she treated her elves wasn't exactly favoured by her pureblood society, but it didn't matter much to her. In any case, what goes on in her house is her problem and no one else's. She was sure they would have something to say about her fair kid as well.

She scoffed as she turned to her children's room and was pleasantly surprised.

Dante and Blaise were sleeping on low bed that had been expanded to accommodate both of them; it was impossible to make them sleep on different beds. It was Dante who was crying. His cries had woken up Blaise too, who was trying to quiet Dante by petting him softly on the chest as he had seen his mother do to them. The good thing was it was helping Dante. His cries had subsided.

Blush appeared beside her quietly but remained at the door like her mistress. Soon, Dante had quieted down and was hugging Blaise. He was talking about something too but it was too hurried and too low to hear it. The lady decided to announce her presence.

"Hello, boys!"

Blaise looked up at his mother as he continued rubbing his brother's back. Dante didn't respond. The lady sat beside the boys and made Dante face him. His eyes were still red.

"What's wrong, dear?"

Dante, in answer, remained quiet and kept his hold on his brother.

"Tell 'im, Dan," Blaise urged him. "Mama 'ill 'elp."

"Yes, Dante. Please tell me."

"Bad d'eam," Dante finally answered looking down.

The mother took both her sons in her lap. Blush had climbed on the bed too and was handing them their cups of hot chocolate.

"What was the dream about, Dante?"

"I don't know," Dante looked at her with his wide bright green eyes. There was fear lurking in his eyes. He must have forgotten the dream but the fear it brought was still there.

"It's okay, Dante, it's okay. Nothing is going to happen to you. Nothing. You are fine here," she said as she rocked him slightly.

"Yes," Blaise said. "I 'ill protect you too."

The lady and Blush shared a smile before turning their attention to the young boys. Soon, they were laughing and Dante had forgotten all about the dream. Once Elvis and Presley were back, Blush took them out to the garden to play. It was relaxing to watch them all play. And satisfying. It was her family; strange but hers.

"And you are as much my son as my own son is, Dante."