Many apologies for the late update and thank you so much for all of your patience. My sister and I are currently in the midst of college and a few other stories (A Hierarchy to Kill For) but we'll try our best to update more regularly from here on out. That said, we hope you enjoy this next installment of out story! Reviews are greatly appreciated!
Amadea mused, watching the prone form of her sister slumber. All in all Arturia had been very fortunate, suffering only minor cuts and lacerations. Amadea knew that the Forbidden Incantation was as unpredictable as it was dangerous; Arturia could have lost a limb or several limbs for that matter just as easily as she could have lost her life. The fact that she had come out nearly unscathed was almost as remarkable a feat as bringing Sirius and the others back from the dead. Nevertheless, the battle was not yet over. The first storm may have blown over, but Amadea knew that another, stronger storm was brewing.
Naturally, Arturia's little stunt had attracted the attention of the wizarding media. When word got around that a young witch had resurrected Sirius Black and several others by way of the Forbidden Incantations all of the leeches from the Daily Prophet had descended upon Amadea and Arturia's humble abode, forcing Amadea to retreat to the safety of the Burrow. Like bloodhounds on the chase, the swarm had completely surrounded St. Mungos; each vying for a glimpse of the 'animi cupitor*,' as Arturia had been recently dubbed.
Glancing out the window, Amadea scowled. Rita Skeeter's recognizable figure stood at the head of the crowd; the alpha female leading her pack of voracious wolves on the hunt. With a roll of her eyes and a flick of her wand, Amadea drew the blinds of the room shut. "Privacy at last," Amadea sighed. Sure it was ignorant bliss but at this point Amadea was more than happy to embrace ignorance.
Arturia dreamt… Basking in the comforting rays of the sun, Arturia nuzzled closer to Sirius, content to remain cradled in his arms for the rest of eternity. Some remote part of Arturia recognized that what she was experiencing was merely a fantasy dreamt up by her weary mind. And yet, another, more sentimental side of the young witch clung to this dream, clung to it with every fiber of resolve she held left within her.
Arturia held no delusions, she knew full well that she'd have to awaken from this dreamscape at some point. It wasn't so much the moment of awakening that unnerved Arturia, but what she would awaken to that she found herself dreading. She'd already lost Sirius once and Arturia didn't know if she had it in her heart to lose him once again. At least here she had some semblance of Sirius to hold onto.
"You're a foolish girl, Arturia Dumbledore." Arturia gave a start at the sound of Sirius' voice, uncharacteristically tainted with spite and anger though it was.
"Sirius?" Craning her neck upwards at Sirius' sudden outburst, where Sirius should have been Arturia's confused gaze only met air. Overhead the sunny sky had become overcast; dark storm clouds were gathering over the formerly peaceful meadow.
A strong wind hailed from the east, carrying with it the sound of Sirius' disembodied voice. "You could have had anything. Could have been a great auror given the proper training and an adequate amount of time. But instead you forsook all of that - your future, your sister, all for one man, all for me… Now you have only your own guilt and shame to wallow in. Now, you are truly alone, my Arturia!" All at once the terrestrial earth seemed to vanish from beneath Arturia's feet and the ground consumed her.
Arturia seemed to fall out of time; her body plummeting ever further into the dark chasm for what seemed like ages. With a sick sensation in her gut, Arturia both dreaded and prayed for the sensation of falling to cease. Then, all at once she was no longer falling endlessly down, but standing before the Veil once more, gazing in dread at the lifeless curtains that had taken Sirius from this world. For a moment the curtains seemed to flutter as if caught in a phantom breeze, reaching out towards her as if to carry her away to the realm beyond. The sound of pained moans and muffled sobs assaulted Arturia's senses, overwhelming her. Arturia reflexively stumbled backwards away from the Veil, unwilling to get too close and risk being dragged from this world never to return.
A voice arose from the chorus of moans and groans, sending a pang of dread throughout her being. The voice was a plea, a prayer for salvation; the voice of a condemned man. But what got to her the most was the fact that the voice was calling out to her by name. "Arturia…"
With apprehension Arturia stood rooted in place while the voice drew ever closer. "Arturia! Arturia!" The voice grew in volume until it seemed to attain a life of it's own, assuming a physical form right before her very eyes. And indeed it had, for now the figure of a man had manifested on the other side of the Veil. Hazel eyes met Arturia's green irises - the figure was Sirius Black.
With a pang of dread in her gut Arturia wondered if this was a sign, a premonition of sorts that no matter what she did, Sirius would forever be beyond her reach. Ever since he'd passed, Arturia had felt his presence, but each and every time it had been weak and fleeting, as if he was with her but always one step ahead. Fate it seemed, was determined to keep a permanent barrier between the two lovers.
"Sirius?" Arturia gazed in wonder at the solemn look on Sirius' face, the same haunted look he'd worn when he had recounted to her the death of Lily and James Potter so many years ago. But what rocked the young witch to her core the most was the utter lifelessness of his eyes; completely devoid of any soul.
"Sirius," she repeated, "are you…?"
"…" Without a word, Sirius raised a lean arm and pointed with long, boney fingers downward. Allowing her gaze to trail down the length of Sirius' arm, Arturia couldn't help but utter a startled cry. At the foot of the Veil lay the corpse of Sirius, his lifeless eyes raised towards her in supplication.
Tearing her gaze away from the body of her love, Arturia could no longer see the apparition of Sirius beyond the Veil. Only the restless fluttering curtains and moans of the deceased remained. Once again, Arturia found herself alone.
Amadea spun around to hear her sister give a blood-curdling scream. She ran over to her, afraid something was wrong. "Where is he?" Arturia looked around, her panic filled orbs scanning the room frantically. "Where am I? What happened? Amadea… What's going on?" Hysterical, Arturia starred confusedly at the beige-colored hospital walls and the hospital door just beyond her bed, half expecting, half hoping that Sirius would walk into the room at any moment and whisk her away from this place. If Sirius were alive again then surely he would be here, by her side. If Sirius wasn't here then could that mean…that the Forbidden Incantations had failed? Had the past few hours merely been the workings of a delirium induced nightmare? What in the world was going on? The last memory she could recall prior to waking up was the warmth of Sirius' hand against hers as they were thrown from the Veil and back into this world. Had something gone wrong in the transition from the realm of the dead to the land of the living? Head in a whirl, Arturia turned towards her sister. "Amadea, what happened?"
"Arturia, calm down please! You're hysterical!" Amadea tried to restrain her sister from trashing about, fearing she might do herself further harm.
"Where am I?"
"Arturia stop it. I'll tell you if you calm down." Arturia felt her heart rate slow down as she allowed Amadea to set her back onto her pillow. "You're at St. Mungos."
"Why?"
"The Forbidden Incantations." Amadea looked at her sister, giving her a keen look. "Remember? You tried to save Sirius?" Arturia looked up at the ceiling, quiet, dreading her sister's reaction. Instead however, Amadea merely sighed and said with a feigned attempt at a smile, "He's back Arturia… You brought him back."
"I did?" Arturia shot up in bed, her eyes alight.
"Yeah… But why Arturia…? I mean, out of everything you had coming for you, you could've lost it. I thought I'd lost you when Sirius brought you back to our house completely lifeless and covered in blood. You didn't even tell me you were going to try to try the Forbidden Incantations." Amadea bit her lip, clearly upset; the anger and frustration she felt written clear as day upon her countenance. "I know you love him so much, but you're my sister and if I ever lost you, to me it would be like losing a piece of the world. How would you have felt if I attempted the Forbidden Incantations for someone I loved? You would've been furious with me… Arturia… You're my sister and I love you to death. You scared me… Whatever you did when you brought Sirius back to life also caused a chain reaction of sorts…and a few others returned to life as a result." Arturia looked over, a bewildered and disbelieving look on her face. "Fred is back, so is Uncle and I think Moody is back as well as Snape, Remus and Tonks." Amadea paused to briefly gesture at the window with her shoulder. "Right now the media is outside. They're going to try to bring you down Arturia, they're going to fabricate and shape your story to their own ends. Arturia, we're going to go through a storm of insanity these next few weeks. Thankfully however, we'll be staying with the Weasley family until this all blows over. And as long as we have each other, I'm confident we can weather this storm just like we have all the others."
"I see." Was all Arturia could muster at the moment, her head struggling to soak in everything Amadea had just told her. She understood the anger that her sister held inside her. Amadea was right; Arturia would've been mortified if her little sister would have tried to bring back George using the Forbidden Incantations and even more devastated if she were to lose Amadea as a result. They were everything to each other because they knew the other as one of the only things they'd ever have in life. Amadea and Arturia had been orphaned early on in life until their Uncle had taken them under his wing, giving them a place to stay at Hogwarts as they grew up. They had befriended many others in their days at Hogwarts, but they were undoubtedly each other's closest friend and confident; they were sisters through and through. Arturia's mind wandered from memories of days past and back to the present. "Listen, Amadea… I- I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry. I know I missed Sirius but there was no reason I should have put my life on the line the way I did because in reality I was risking much more than my life. I realize this now. All those months I mourned the loss of Sirius, I cast you aside and allowed my own grief and bitterness to eat away at both of our lives. Big sisters are supposed to be the strong ones, the ones who take care of their little sisters, support them, help them grow, love them like only big sisters can… But all these years I haven't been the big sister you deserve. But I promise, from here on out, come what may that is going to change. I'm going to take care of you and not the other way around. Amadea, I love you so much. I know I can be a little headstrong sometimes but I would never willingly leave you, not now, not ever. You're my little sis and I wouldn't change that for the world."
"Arturia…" Amadea fought to keep tears from bubbling up in her eyes. "I-I love you so much, big sister!" Unable to stem the torrent of tears any longer Amadea embraced her sister in a fierce hug, afraid to let go as if this was the last chance she'd ever get to hold her sister again. It was a moment where no words were necessary and where emotions spoke plainly for what words could not possibly express. Stroking her little sister's hair in comfort, Arturia allowed a few tears of her own to join the ones Amadea had let fall onto the hospital sheets. For a few minutes the two sisters remained like this, reluctantly parting only when Amadea had regained some of her composure.
"So…" Arturia said timidly after a brief awkward silence, "I'm guessing that Sirius is going to have to go back for a trial…"
"Yeah, we're pretty sure he'll have to," Amadea snuffled. "The Ministry still believes him to be a mass-murderer and Azkaban escapee, so he'll probably have to stand trial to clear his name."
"I hope it works out alright for him."
"It will. They'll probably use Verita Serum on him this time and once they find out that he's innocent I'm sure they'll overlook the whole breaking out of Azkaban bit."
"I'm sure of it… He is, like you said, innocent after all." Amadea nodded in ascent. "I'll go get the nurse, they'll probably want to check up on you now that you're awake."
"Okay."
Amadea walked out of the room, making her way over to the nurse's station where she found a nurse catching up on some paperwork. "Excuse me," Amadea called to the nurse, "but my sister just woke up. The doctor said to notify him when she woke up."
The nurse looked up from her stack of papers, smiling. "Ah, you're Amadea Dumbledore right? I'll get the doctor to have a peek at your sister. He's a tad busy at the moment, you know…with the media."
"Understood." Amadea grimaced. It seemed the bloody media just didn't know when to call it quits.
"How is Arturia feeling? Is she in any form of pain?"
"She's awake and not in any form of pain, so yes, I'm assuming my sister is okay."
"Good. Speaking of the doctor, here he comes." Amadea looked up to see the doctor; he wiped a layer of sweat off of his brow with a worn looking handkerchief and walked up to Amadea.
"Sorry. Had to deal with the bloody press." He said by way of greeting, shaking Amadea's hand with a firm grip. "Errr…" With a bemused look on his face, the doctor took note of Amadea's shoeless foot. To his credit however, he refrained from commenting on Amadea's apparently unique fashion sense and turned his mind to more pressing matters; he had a patient to tend to after all.
"It's alright."
"Ah, yes… You're Amadea, correct? How is your sister doing? Is everything alright?"
"Not to worry. Arturia's fine. She just woke up a little while ago."
"Already? Is she coherent? Has she spoken to you at all?"
"A little, you can go in and check on her now. I'll sit in there if you don't mind."
"Not at all." The doctor smiled. "You're her sister, part of the family." Joined by the good doctor, Amadea reentered the room to find Arturia sitting up in bed, staring out the window at the crowd of reporters. "You're awake." The doctor said smiling, drawing the curtain closed with a flick of his wand. "I'm Dr. Jarvis Hanley." Arturia smiled softly and shook his hand. "Don't mind if I take a look at you?"
"Go for it Doctor." Jarvis' green eyes flashed as a bright smile lit up his handsome features. Holding his wand aloft, he went through the basic medical procedures, taking care not to jostle the young witch too much. "Well then, I must say you're one lucky witch Ms. Dumbledore. Everything seems to check out. I'm guessing you're a bit weak still and no doubt you're more than a little sore, but those can easily be remedied given the appropriate amount of time and rest. Why don't you try and get a little bit of shut eye. I know you just woke up and you might not feel like sleeping but your body desperately needs it to recover."
"I will Doctor, thank you." Jarvis smiled and shook both of their hands again before taking his leave.
"Are you hungry?" Amadea asked,.
Arturia shook her head in reply. "No, actually I'm just unbelievably tired. Funny, considering I just slept half of my life away and-why are you wearing only one shoe? Did the gnomes at the Burrow steal it again. Bloody creatures can be such pests sometimes." Arturia turned a sleepy gaze on her sister.
"Err… Well…" Amadea blushed, having almost forgotten her current shoeless state. It's a rather long story and you look awfully tired. Perhaps I'd better tell you later. You heard the doctor after all; sleep's the best medicine."
"Alright, but when I wake up I expect a full explanation Amadea." Amadea smiled softly as she watched Arturia fall back into a deep sleep, thankful that her sister had been too tired to press the matter further. "Dodged that bullet…" Heaving a content sigh Amadea sank back into the reclining chair and soon drifted off to join her sister in the land of dreams.
It was well after midnight when Amadea woke up. Rubbing her eyes, she turned her head to the right to see Arturia still sleeping peacefully. Scribbling a quick note to her sister, Amadea quietly eased her cramped and aching body out of the chair and apparated back to the Burrow. Stifling a yawn, Amadea removed her remaining shoe and both socks from her feet and walked outside, relishing the crisp grass underneath her feet. Making her way to the small stream nearby, Amadea plopped down on a flat, mossy rock and dipped her toes into the icy cold water. She sighed, tracing the outline of her reflection in the water. She was tired beyond belief, her brief nap at St. Mungos had only seemed to tire her further. Weary as Amadea was though, she wasn't quite ready to return to the Burrow. More than likely, the Weasley family were all asleep and tucked into bed right now but Amadea didn't want to risk an encounter with either of the Weasley twins at the moment. After the 'shoe incident' of earlier that day she wasn't at all prepared to see them just yet. What must George think of her now? She like to think that she had had a chance with him before but now…now Amadea wasn't so sure. She had just broken George's twin brother's nose with her shoe after all. A soft ruffling noise drew Amadea out of her reverie. The faint outline of a tall, fire-haired boy joined her reflection in the still water of the creek, causing her to practically jump out of her skin. Amadea's heart leapt into her throat. Of all the people she could have run into, why, why did it have to be him. The one person she dreaded and wanted to see the most.
"Sorry to startle you…I…just wanted to return the shoe that you threw at Fred earlier." Try as she might, Amadea couldn't conceal her blush as she turned to face George. Kneeling next to her on the ground, George slid the shoe onto her foot. "This reminds me of a muggle fairy tale…Cinderella…where the prince puts the glass slipper on her foot and it fits perfectly." He smiled, taking hold of her foot in his hand he took out his wand and tapped the front part of her shoe, turning it into a glass slipper. Amadea smiled and bit her lip nervously in anticipation. She watched his hand move from her foot to her face, his hand caressing her cheek as he kissed her softly.
The sun streamed lazily through the hospital window, casting it's glittering rays over Arturia's prone form, recalling her from slumber's tender caress. Stretching she rolled over to the side to come face to face with the bottom of a white lab coat. Following the lining of the coat up to the beaming face of it's owner, Doctor Jarvis Hanley from the day before. "Good morning Miss Dumbledore."
"Morning Doctor." Arturia gave a drowsy smile.
"I have got some good news and bad news. Want me to start in alphabetical order with the bad?"
"Sure." Arturia looked at him patiently.
"The bad news is, the media is still outside trying to kill themselves to get a peak at you."
"Oh… Well, no surprise there I guess."
"Unfortunately not… The good news however, is that you can go home today. Mr. Weasley is here to take you back. Whenever you're ready to go you may leave, but by all means take your time. There's absolutely no rush, so don't worry about leaving until you're absolutely ready. I'm glad you made a safe and well recovery. Just be careful and try to avoid any strenuous activity for a few days. You're wounds may be healed on the outside, but on the inside your body's still trying to recover."
"Thank you Doctor I'll take it easy for a while. Take care." Arturia waited for the doctor to leave the room before she dared get out of bed. Grimacing, she got up slowly, a little sore still and proceeded to don her jeans, knee-high boots and a simple black cotton t-shirt that Amadea had the foresight to leave behind for her. Butterflies danced in her stomach. It was funny and perhaps more than a little ironic that a woman of her nature could brave death and all his minions to bring back the man she loved and yet when it came down to the mere prospect of talking with the same man she couldn't help but quake in her boots. As soon as she stepped foot into the Burrow, Arturia knew that she'd have to encounter Sirius at some point, of that Arturia was certain. What she didn't know however, was the reaction Sirius would have upon seeing her? Would he be angry at her? Happy? Relieved? Overwhelmed? A little bit of everything? Arturia's mind was racing with so many thoughts that she didn't notice Mr. Weasley holding his coat over his arms, waiting patiently for her in hallway just outside her room.
"Are you ready?" Startled, Arturia whirled around towards the sound of Mr. Weasley's voice.
Embarrassed, Arturia let out a small laugh and shook her head. "Sorry, you scared me for a second there Mr. Weasley."
"It's okay, and please call me Arthur. No need to be professional, you're a part of the Weasley family now. Come, come, I'm sure Amadea, Sirius, and the rest of the gang are excited to know that you'll coming home today." Arturia smiled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and led her out of the room to her safe haven; the place she would be calling home for quite some time to come.
"Hurry, hurry!" Mrs. Weasley said, slurring the last hurry with great annunciation. She took the fresh food out of their oven with a flick of her wand, while Amadea busied herself, spreading icing on a freshly baked chocolate cake with the words, 'Welcome Back Arturia!' written in red frosting.
Outside on the lawn, free from the turmoil of the kitchen, Sirius found himself in a different sort of turmoil. Stopping near the trunk of an old and gnarled tree Sirius sighed. Pacing back and forth like some sort of caged animal was becoming a vast hobby of his. Day and night, when he became restless or burdened by worries and cares he resorted pacing back and forth. Really, it was the one thing that seemed to help clear his mind. Once again, thoughts of Arturia were one of the things first and foremost on his mind. Any minute now, Sirius knew Arturia would be returning to the Burrow with Mr. Weasley. He knew that he, of all people should be there to welcome her back from St. Mungos but damn'it he just could muster the courage to face her just yet. Truth be told, Sirius didn't know how to react; he was nervous when he shouldn't be, he was scared when he needed to be strong. He had seen her so many times before but he was so excited, so overjoyed, he couldn't contain himself. Sirius felt like they were about to go on their very first date together and perhaps they were; it would after all be the very first date of his new life.
With a loud pop, Arturia and Mr. Weasley apparated back to the Burrow. Mr. Weasley opened up the kitchen door, ushering Arturia into the room and the outstretched arms of Mrs. Weasley. "Oh! We're all so glad to have you back dear!" Mrs. Weasley smiled, pulling out of the motherly hug, only for Arturia to be tackled by Amadea in a sisterly embrace.
"Sister, I missed you!"
"So have I Amadea." Arturia smiled, giving her younger sibling a tight squeeze.
"I really was so happy when I knew you were okay."
"I'm glad we're all okay now…" Arturia returned her sister's smile.
"Come, we have food ready, I'll take you're stuff up for you." Mr. Weasley said, an affable twinkle in his eye. "This way now, I'll show you to your room." Arturia nodded, following Mr. Weasley to her bedroom on the second floor. "Here you are then. This will be your bedroom for as long as you like. Amadea's bedroom is the one across the hall from you."
"Thank you so much Mr. Wea-Arthur. I'm just going to unpack my bag really quick and then I'll be right down." Once Mr. Weasley had left her, Arturia proceeded to open up her suitcase, muttering an incantation as her clothing and belongings were packed themselves away neatly.
The neutral toned wood reflected the sunlight that shone from her window, casting a blurred reflection of her figure on the finely polished surface. On an impulse, Arturia made her way to the large window in her room that overlooked the yard and the hills and forests beyond the horizon and that's when she saw him, pacing in the shade of an old elm tree. Arturia's heart quickened, her breathing grew rapid and she froze. Arturia had to get to him, but her feet wouldn't move. It was as if she'd been hit by a stunning spell. Her mind screamed at her to move, to run to Sirius but her body had plans of it's own. Fortunately, Arturia's involuntary paralysis only lasted for a brief moment more. The next moment, Arturia was off like a light, taking the stairs two at a time.
"Artu-" Amadea was cut off at the foot of the stairs as her sister bounded past her, nearly taking her out in the process.
"Sorry Amadea!" Arturia called to her stunned sister over her shoulder, not bothering to stop until she'd cleared the door leading to the outside. True to form, she found Sirius still pacing to and fro. Upon hearing the front door slam shut, Sirius ceased his pacing and looked towards the source of the disturbance. His gaze met hers, his blue eyes with her emerald colored orbs. Needing no invitation, Arturia ran towards him, enveloping him in her arms. Underneath the elm tree, a comfortable silence grew around them. The wind blew as leaves danced around them lazily, the birds singing a song of their reunion. Arturia felt hot tears well up in her eyes as Sirius parted the hug partially to wipe a stray tear from her cheek. Her right hand grasped the cuff of his shirt, while the she ran the fingers of her other hand down the lining of his chest. She pressed her forehead against his and breathed steadily. "You smell like a dog." Arturia said quietly to him.
Sirius let out a soft chuckle and kissed her forehead. Taking her chin by the end of his left hand, he pulled her gaze up to his. "Well, considering I was dead for several years, I guess I could smell worse." He laughed again as he cupped his hands around her face and pulled her into a soft, yet passionate kiss.
"Oh Sirius!" She hugged him as he spun her around. The content and happiness had been brought back into both lover's lives by something that could've cost so much grief and sadness.
"I'm so happy to have you back my love." Sirius breathed, looking at her.
"Me too Sirius…Me too…"
"Sorry to uh…interrupt your reunion," Fred cut in, smirking, "but Mom says everything is ready."
Sirius smiled, turning to Arturia, he laced his hand into hers, leading her into the Burrow for the first time in several years. This was the first day that they'd finally be together forever.
"Sirius…" a familiar voice resounded from behind Sirius. Sirius turned to face Harry, the godson he loved as his very own son. Sirius' eyes opened wide as saucers.
"Harry, my boy!" Tears brimmed in Harry's eyes, threatening to take over as he tackled his godfather in a fierce hug. Arturia smiled, watching the tender moment play out before her eyes.
"I thought I'd lost you forever like I had mom and dad. I-I really thought I'd never see you again. Sirius…"
"Harry… You never really did truly lose me," Sirius stroked his godson's hair affectionately. "Even after I passed on to the other side I kept watch over you from up above. I could never leave you my boy. Not even in death."
"But how exactly did you come back? Mr. Weasley didn't really mention how in his letter."
"It's a…rather long story Harry. One perhaps best saved for another day. Suffice it to say that I'm back and here with you once more. Oh, and there's someone I'd like for you to meet Harry, someone very special. Harry, I'd like you to meet Arturia, Arturia Dumbledore; my love and the woman responsible for bringing me back."
Harry turned to face Arturia, hugging her closely. "Thank you," Harry said simply, "for bringing my godfather back."
"It was my honor." Arturia said, embracing him. Hand in hand with Arturia and with one arm draped protectively over Harry's shoulder, Sirius led the way back into the Burrow all smiles.
"Took you long enough!" Fred said as the trio made their way into the dining room at long last. Mrs. Weasley tapped his hand, flashing him a warning glare with her eyes. Fred smiled and let out a soft chuckle, clearly not intimidated.
Amadea smiled, watching as Sirius, Arturia and Harry took their seats at the lively dinner table. The whole family was almost together again. Soon she hoped, her Uncle, Remus, Tonks, Moody, and Snape would join them to make their family whole once more. Amadea knew that her Uncle had many things to attend to. Personal things he had to solve before Sirius went to trial. Remus and Tonks were busy settling down in their new home and getting reacquainted with their son Teddy. Lord only knew what Snape and Moody were up to, but Amadea felt certain that they would grace them with their presence soon enough. In addition to Sirius' upcoming trial, Amadea also knew that Atruria would be hearing from the Ministry very soon regarding her use of the Forbidden Incantations. She could only hope and pray that her sister wouldn't have to stand trial as well.
No one knew what was going to happen, but each and every one of them was preparing for the impact that they knew was sure to come, each unaware that a new and deadly war was brewing in their midst.
Lips pursed in concentration, Amadea sketched a nest of baby bluebirds who had taken up residence on the ledge of her windowsill. Amadea smiled contentedly at the scruffy little peeps, wondering what it must be like waking up in a brand new and exciting world. Suddenly Amadea's vision went pitch black. A pair of hands were covering her eyes. "Hmmm… From my observations, I believe that it is George." Amadea smiled, turning around to see him sitting on her bed, grinning. She smiled and sat down on the bed beside George, setting her drawing tablet and utensils aside. Amadea curled up next to George, resting her head against his chest. The butterflies grew in her stomach, until she felt as if she would burst open. George ran his fingers through her hair, kissing the top of her head contentedly. Amadea smiled to herself, for now she had an answer to her previous question. Now she knew what it was like for those baby birds, waking up to a whole new world filled with untold promises and dreams. That's how she felt every time she looked into George's eyes. Closing her eyes, Amadea allowed herself to drift off, in complete and utter bliss.
Arturia found herself sitting on the edge of the small stream on the Weasley property, bathing her feet in the cool, crisp water. Nearby, Sirius sat on a blanket with their picnic supplies, content to watch her kick the water gently. With her hand, Arturia sneakily took some water into her palm and flung it at the unsuspecting Sirius. "Hey! Wait a second!" With a mischievous grin, Sirius leapt to the creek-side and splashed Arturia relentlessly with wave after wave of water. Giggling, Arturia protectively guarded her face with her hand in an attempt to ward off the most of the waves. Sirius laughed as he wrapped his arms around Arturia and dragged her into the creek, tumbling in himself in the process.
Arturia squealed, freezing from the temperature of the water. "Not fair!" Arturia shivered as Sirius hugged her.
"How does it feel? Now you can smell like a wet dog too!" Sirius let out a laugh as Arturia grimaced.
"You're evil." She gave him a playful glare, splashing him in the face. Sirius grinned happily and Arturia couldn't help but grin along with him. This was the Sirius she knew. The young Sirius that was always the jokester, Arturia laughed and sighed. And speaking of jokesters and tricks, Arturia had a joke of her own. Kicking Sirius' legs out from under him, Arturia dunked Sirius beneath the surface of the now murky creek water.
"That's just wrong." Sirius sputtered as he resurfaced.
"Exactly." Arturia grinned, pulling herself out.
"No, not yet." Sirius grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back in, kissing her. "Okay, you can get out now." Arturia giggled and got out, helping Sirius out of the cold water. Wrapping the picnic blanket around her, Arturia took off up the hill. "Hey! Wait a minute, that's not fair!" Arturia laughed.
"Too slow, my love!" Arturia glanced over her shoulder just as Sirius morphed into his dog form and shook himself dry. Sticking her tongue out at Padfoot, Arturia raced inside the Burrow and on up to her room, leaving a trail of water in the hall and up the stairs much to the dismay of Mrs. Weasley. Drying herself off and changing into new clothes, Arturia walked downstairs to find Sirius already dry and waiting for her.
"You're lucky," she pouted, "I have to wait several hours for my hair to dry."
Sirius smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Well, I have an advantage, even if I do smell like a wet dog afterwards." Arturia grinned; giving him a small Eskimo kiss. The family owl much to the misfortune of the two lovers, chose that moment to slam into the nearby window, startling them and ruining their romantic moment.
Amadea sprinted down the stairs at the sound of the bang and opened the door, picking up the stunned owl. "It's for you Arturia," Amadea said, setting the owl on the table.
Arturia opened the letter up, knowing full well what it's contents contained before she even read a single word. "It says…" she scanned the letter quickly, skimming it over and over again. "It says…
"Ms. Arturia Dumbledore,
The Ministry of Magic has been informed of your use of the Forbidden Incantations preformed over the course of a week ago with the intention to bring back the notorious mass-murderer Sirius Black. As the Forbidden Incantations as you well know are banned by Wizarding law, we will be keeping you under surveillance by the personal recommendation of Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt. An agent from the Ministry will therefore be dispatched within the next few hours for this purpose. If the agent believes at any time that you are in violation of any Wizarding law no matter how minor, then you shall be placed under arrest and made to stand trial. Since you were successful in the carrying out of this Forbidden Spell, you will be kept under surveillance by this agent for the next year. With that said, Sirius Black will have to stand trial for his crimes, this Friday at one o' clock sharp, with the intention that if he be found guilty, he be sent back to Azkaban for life. The trial shall be conducted using Verita Serum. Hoping you are doing well, Rumilda Hopkirk."
Sirius looked at Arturia intently, hugging her tightly. "It'll be alright." He said, kissing the top of her head. "I promise." They knew that the storm was coming, and they were ready for impact.
*animi cupitor - seeker of souls