Sirius paced back and forth, his mind racing with thoughts. He knew he shouldn't go. He couldn't. If anyone were to see him, he'd be thrown back into Azkaban and subjected to a fate worse than death; the dementor's kiss. And well, Sirius really didn't want to spend the rest of his second life as a human vegetable. Try as he might however, Sirius' thoughts couldn't help but flutter back and forth to the woman lying unconscious in St. Mungo's- Arturia. The image of Arturia lying in a pool of her own blood, still as a corpse on the ground continued to haunt him, like a livid, waking nightmare. He was worried, afraid, scared out of his wits for what could happen to her. The consequences of using the Forbidden Incantation were harsh. Numerous witches and wizards had survived the initial effects of the Incantation long enough to receive medical aide, only to slip into a coma and die shortly afterwards. With such dark magic, nothing was ever certain. Shaking his head as if to drive such thoughts from his mind, Sirius leaned against the wall, welcoming the support it offered.
And what of Harry, Sirius wondered. The boy had been more family to him than his own mother and brother had ever been. One of the regrets which had plagued him the most in the afterlife was the fact that given his home-imprisonment he really hadn't had the chance to be there for Harry, to be the father figure that Harry so well deserved. Well, the Ministry of Magic be damned, Sirius thought. Nothing, not even the Ministry itself would be able to keep Sirius from his godson anymore. He'd had it with hiding in the shadows, with being completely useless when Harry, Arturia and so many others needed him the most. In that moment, Sirius made a resolution. Damn the risks involved and damn Azkaban. He had to see Arturia-to make sure that she was alright. He was going to St. Mungo's.
Sirius' head snapped up when he heard the door handle click and the door creak open to reveal a haggard looking Arthur Weasley. "Arthur! Is Arturia alright? Has she woken up yet?" Sirius' voice escalated with worry.
"Sirius, Sirius… She'll be fine. She's still in a coma, but the doctors are positive that she'll make a full recovery. Just to be sure there aren't any adverse side effects from the Incantation they'll be keeping her under close observation for a day or two after she wakes up. The press is all over this as usual, so Arturia will be staying with us for a while, Amadea as well. You're welcome to stay as well, I'm sure we can find you a place to sleep. Oh, and before I forget I wanted to let you know I sent an owl to Harry telling him about everything that's happened. I'm sure he would like to know that you're back."
"Yes… I'm sure he'd like to." Sirius smiled, thanking Arthur with a brotherly pat on the shoulder. "And…well…Thank you, for everything."
"Anytime, Sirius. You're as much a member of the family as Arturia and Amadea are. There's more to family than just bloodlines and family trees, don't you forget."
"Of that I know all to well Arthur, all too well…"
Sirius made his way downstairs with Mr. Weasley at his side. From the other room Sirius could see Fred and George lounging on the couch, inseparable as always and no doubt up to their old antics. Sirius smiled to himself, everything had become so surreal, so wonderful again. It was as if the previous years had been a perpetual winter and now spring had finally arrived, bringing with it new beginnings. With a polite goodbye, Arthur excused himself with the intention of informing the elder sons in the Weasley clan of their younger brother's imminent return. The news of Fred's rebirth would no doubt come as a shock, but a pleasant one to be sure. And if Fred had come back…then was it possible that still others might return as well? Could Remus possibly return? And what about Lily and James? Sirius' heart swelled with possibilities.
Leaving the comfort of the Burrow behind, Sirius made his way outside. Before he went on his little escapade to St. Mungo's Sirius had one more matter to attend to. He had to talk to Amadea.
On a hillside by the Burrow, Amadea sat, gazing out at the countryside beyond. In the distance, she could vaguely make out a herd of deer grazing peacefully in a meadow, content and oblivious of the world around them. The sound of footsteps drew Amadea's attention from the deer and to the approaching figure of Sirius Black. "Arturia's alright," the ex-convict said, taking a seat next to her on the plush grass. "But I'm sure you already know that."
"I know. Thank you though." A moment of silence ensued. "I'm glad you're back Sirius," Amadea said after a while. "I can't speak for Arturia but I remember all too well that gleam in her eye; that sparkle that shone brighter than the North Star. It was there when she first met you, when you caught her eye. It vanished that day in the Ministry along with you into the depths of the Veil. I know that she'll be happier than ever to know that you're back. I am too, you were truly missed."
"Thank you Amadea, I really do appreciate it. But right now, I have to ask you something."
"What's that?" Amadea shifted her body slightly to face him better.
"Well," Sirius sighed, "I overheard Mr. and Mrs. Weasley talking about a vision you had. It dealt with the Great Hall in Hogwarts… What exactly did you see?"
"Well… When I first entered the Great Hall I remember being surrounded by several great orbs of light. And then, before my eyes, the orbs sort of transformed into the figures of long-lost friends and family. There was my Uncle Dumbledore, Fred, Moody, Snape, Hedwig, Tonks, and Remus… That's everyone I think. In my vision I talked with Uncle. He said that they were all coming back and that I would see them really soon."
"And in your vision, do you remember seeing anyone else? Anyone at all?"
Amadea crinkled her brow, deep in thought. "I don't think so… Except… Wait a minute, yes there were other people there too. Lily and James Potter were there. I spoke with them just before my vision ended."
A flame of hope sprung to life in Sirius' chest. Was is possible? Could Lily and James come back as well? "What did they say?" Sirius prompted, unable to contain the excitement he felt brewing fast within him. Amadea's next words were not quite was Sirius was expecting to hear.
"They said they wanted me to tell Harry that they love him and that they will see him someday, when it's his time to move on to the other side."
Just as quickly as the flame had been kindled, it had been blown out. A vast wave of sadness and anger seized Sirius at the implication behind Amadea's words. It was all too clear that Lily and James wouldn't be returning with the others. But why? If anyone deserved another chance at life it was Lily and James Potter. Ripped from a promising and bright future with their son Harry all because of some stupid prophecy. It just wasn't fair. It just didn't seem right. Sirius seethed, his had gripping his robe so hard, it began to shake.
"Anyways, that's what I remember," Amadea resumed the conversation, oblivious to the change in the man beside her. "They said they couldn't come back. I think I know why. When you sacrifice yourself, you give up the most precious gift you have-your life. Without their love, Harry would have died that night from the killing curse. When they sacrificed themselves they made a magical pact. In exchange for their souls Harry would be protected from Voldemort, which is why the killing curse backfired on him. And magical pacts like that…They can't be broken… I've also been thinking lately, about my vision. Out of everyone I saw, only Fred has returned. I'm sure they're back but where could they be? I don't know Sirius, what do you think?" Amadea turned to look at Sirius, her eyes filling with concern when she saw the pain and anger etched onto his face as plain as day. "Hey, are you okay?"
"…"
"Sirius?"
"What? Oh, no…I'm fine. Just thinking about Arturia is all." Sirius lied, attempting to quell the storm of emotions running rampant in his heart. "And don't you worry," Sirius attempted to direct Amadea's attention back to the matter at hand, "we'll find them. I've no doubt about that. By week's end I'm sure the whole gang will be reunited." Or at least most of the gang, Sirius added silently. Giving Amadea a brotherly hug, Sirius continued. "At any rate, I was thinking about paying your sister a visit."
"You're planning to do what? Sirius aren't you still a wanted man?"
"Yes, but when has that ever stopped me before?" Sirius smiled, some of his former bravado returning.
"Sirius, don't you realize how dangerous that is? What happens if you get caught and sent back to Azkaban?"
"Arturia is worth the risk."
"I'm not saying she isn't but seriously Sirius, use your head every once in a while. If you get caught, which you undoubtedly will, then everything that Arturia worked for, everything she risked life and limb to do will have been for naught. The reason Arturia brought you back was so that you both could be together again, not so you could go and get yourself locked up in Azkaban. You two have many happy years ahead of you, don't ruin that on some stupid impulse. I know you want to see her and you'll get your chance. For now you just have to be patient and be thankful that you still have each other. Things could have turned out very differently."
Much to his dismay, Sirius couldn't deny the truth in Amadea's words. His heart yearned to be at Arturia's side- to seek out his godson, Harry, and make up for all of the time they'd missed out on. Fate seemed to have a funny sense of humor, Sirius groused. Even after escaping Azkaban, Sirius still felt as if he were a prisoner.
"You're your Uncle's niece, no doubt about that," Sirius heaved a great sigh, forcing himself to his feet. "I suppose sometimes I just wish I could be there for people. Being cooped up like this all the time-it's enough to drive me mad."
"There will come a time Sirius and soon I hope, when you'll be able to romp around England again, free as you please. Uncle Dumbledore will see to it about getting your name cleared once and for all. And if anybody can pull it off, I know it will be him."
"There seems to be little that wizard can't do," Sirius agreed with a wry smile. "Hmmm… And I think I already know what my first act of freedom is going to be."
"To take Arturia out for a date on the town?"
"Well that too. I was also thinking of heading on down to the Ministry and peeing on Cornelius Fudge's leg. In my animagus form of course." Sirius added hastily, noting the horrified look on Amadea's face. With that said, the ex-convict turned to leave, some of the old Marauder shining through on his careworn face.
Honestly, Amadea would never be able to fathom that man, or why her sister loved him so. To be sure Sirius Black was a good and loyal man, but sometimes she had trouble understanding his slightly offbeat sense of humor. Kicking a small pebble as she strolled down the cobblestone roadway, Amadea looked up to see Fred and George sitting beneath an old oak tree in the distance, tinkering with some new product or other. Some things, Amadea smiled, never changed. A calm breeze danced lazily around her, caressing her body. The sight of Ginny, sitting alone on a hillside perpendicular to the road she was walking upon gave Amadea pause. The young Weasley appeared to be plucking the petals off absentmindedly from an unfortunate flower. Clearly, something was amiss.
"You alright Ginny?" Amadea approached the girl, taking a seat beside her on the cool earthen grass.
"Yeah, just a little sad I suppose," Ginny's voice came out in a somber whisper, barely audible over the gust of the wind.
"Well, what's wrong?"
"Nothing really. I just miss someone."
"Hmmm, can I guess?"
"It doesn't really matter." Ginny replied with a forlorn smile. "But go ahead anyway."
"Alright then…" Amadea furrowed her brow, pretending to be deep thought, hand on her chin. "Neville?"
"No."
"Nearly Headless Nick?"
"No." Ginny laughed.
"Okay then… Oh I know! You miss Snape don't you?"
"Ew, no!" Ginny snorted and let out a laugh, making Amadea smile. "It… It's Harry." Ginny added sheepishly, her cheeks as red as her hair.
"I understand. I know how it feels to miss someone Ginny," Amadea smiled sympathetically. "I'm sure he misses you just as much. Don't worry, he'll be here soon enough. Then you'll get to see him all you want."
"Thank you Amadea, it means a lot to me." Drawing her knees to her chest in an attempt to ward off the chill breeze, the young witch dropped the now petal-less flower to the ground. "I guess it's hard for me to open up to people sometimes. I mean, it's embarrassing to discuss things like this with my parents because, well you know… And if I went to my brothers about it, I'd never hear the end of it. Fred and George especially." Ginny rolled her eyes in overt disdain. "What I'm trying to say is, I've never really had a sister to talk to."
"Well, consider me like a sister. I am and will always be here to listen to you." Amadea gave the younger girl a sisterly tousle on the head, ruffling her already wind blown hair even more.
"I know, I'm glad of it. And now you're just up the road from me. It's exciting!"
"It is! Isn't it?"
"It is. I'm really happy."
A loud bang drew the two girls' attention to the aforementioned oak tree, which was now partially on fire. The twins had apparently been testing out the prototype for a new and improved version of their wild-fire wiz-bangs. Unfortunately as they had just found out however, the prototype, new as it was, was by no means an improved version and so had exploded in George's face; leaving both twins singed and soot-covered and portions of the tree on fire. It took all of Amadea and Ginny's resolve to stifle their giggles as they watched the twins scramble about, frantically trying to put the fire out before any significant damage was done. "Aquamenhi!" An exasperated Fred cried out, when his wand refused to produce any water. "Aquamenhi! Oh bloody hell shoot out some water already!"
"It's not Aquamenhi you dolt! It's aguamenti! Aguamenti!" George screamed back, his own jet of water doing little to douse the flaming tree.
"Aguamenti, I knew that!"
Several minutes and subsequently several spells later, Fred and George had managed to conquer the raging inferno much to the chagrin and amusement of Amadea and Ginny who had been quite content to merely watch the spectacle. Becoming aware of the sound of their laughter now that the crisis had been averted, George looked over at the distant, yet unmistakable figures of Amadea and Ginny. For a moment his and Amadea's eyes locked, each drinking in the appearance of each other; the one a blond, blue-eyed beauty, the other a handsome, albeit dirt and soot covered, young man. His blackened face and fiery red hair giving him the appearance of a piece of coal that had caught fire.
Amadea swore she could stare into those sky blue eyes for the rest of eternity. The world could crumble and decay all around her for all she cared. For her entire world lay within those eyes and those eyes alone. Then, reality setting in, Amadea looked down quickly, turning her full attention to a small beetle which was scuttling contentedly along the hillside.
Noticing the change in demeanor of her companion, Ginny inquired if anything was wrong.
"N-Nothing," Amadea managed to choke out, feigning extreme interest in the actions of the beetle. "Hey, come check out this beetle, it kind of looks Reeta Skeeter's animagus, don't you think?"
Refusing to take the bate, Ginny pressed on. "You sure?"
Amadea nodded, the blush in her cheeks betraying her.
"You like him," Ginny grinned. "You like George!"
"N-No. He's a… a friend."
"So? Just because he's your friend doesn't mean you can't like him." Ginny stared Amadea down, the young girl's perseverance eventually winning out.
Knowing when she had been beaten, Amadea sighed. If Ginny had been straight with her, then the least she could do was tell her the truth as well. Amadea owed Ginny that much at least. "Alright… I like George."
"Really?" Fred shouted as he apparated behind Amadea with a loud pop, causing both girls to nearly jump out of their skin. "Hey George, Amadea is bonkers for you!"
"FRED!!!" In a fit of rage and acute embarrassment, Amadea flung her shoe at Fred, catching him square on the nose. Giving Fred no time to retaliate and desperately wishing she could evaporate into thin air, Amadea stormed back to the Burrow to find Mrs. Weasley busily preparing supper in the kitchen.
"I'm going to visit Arturia," Amadea said matter-of-factly even as she grabbed a handful of floo-powder and made her way over to the fireplace.
"Alright dear. Dinner will be ready in an hour."
"I… I'll eat there."
Mrs. Weasley looked up from cutting vegetables, raising an eyebrow. "What did the twins do now?"
"All I'm going to say is that Fred will be coming in soon with a bloody nose and the imprint of a shoe on his face."
At that moment, Amadea saw George dash into the kitchen. Catching sight of her, George made a direct beeline for the fireplace. Still suffering from an acute sense of embarrassment Amadea threw the floo-powder to the ground and cried "St. Mungo's!" before either George could reach her or the exasperated Mrs. Weasley could formulate a reply to her odd response.
Partially shoeless, Amadea made her way through the teeming masses of doctors, patients, and visitors to the elevator that would take her to Arturia's room. Although there was the possibility that George might attempt to follow her into the hospital, Amadea sincerely doubted that he would and for this brief escape, Amadea was doubly grateful. She had always wanted to tell George of her… feelings for him but understandably under more romantic circumstances. And well… How it had all unraveled had been anything but romantic.
Another passenger in the elevator- a slightly balding man of middling stature kept staring back and forth at Amadea's shoeless foot and the elevator floor in apparent confusion. Noticing this and understandably not in any mood to deal with the opinions of a complete stranger, whatever they may have been, Amadea spoke, "Lost it when I shoved it up the ass of the last person who got on my nerves. Most unfortunate. Although I suppose I do still have the other one, yes?"
The petrified man scrambled out of the elevator on the next floor up, much to Amadea's amusement.
When at last the elevator reached Arturia's floor, Amadea disembarked. Finding her sister's room with ease, Amadea entered thinking she had strayed into the Amazon. Plants and get-well flowers of every kind imaginable littered the tiny hospital room, giving it every appearance of a jungle. Smiling, Amadea pulled out her wand and proceeded to water the plants. Glancing over towards the bed, Amadea saw Arturia still in the throes of a deep sleep. It would take a while for her to recover.