Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

A/N:Thank you kindly for the reviews, glad to know you're all still enjoying Complexities. And thanks to my beta, of course, MissBubbles. Enjoy and don't forget to review!

Summary: Lost and sick in the middle of nowhere, Sirius falls into the hands of a woman whose secrets will tie inextricably into the fate of his godson. Sirius/OC.

The Complexities of the Heart

By katemary77

Chapter Twenty-One

And I'm not going to stand and wait
Not going to leave it until its much too late
On a platform I'm going to stand and say
That I'm nothing on my own
And I love you, please come home.

- Coldplay, A Message

"I thought I might find you here. Fuck its cold."

Anna looked up at Sirius as he handed her a glass of wine.

"That's why I have a blanket."

Sirius stuck his tongue out. They were on the balcony. It was late at night – or early morning – and Anna hadn't been able to sleep. Instead of tossing and turning and waking Sirius up, she had slipped out here, but the absence of her warmth in the bed had evidently woken him anyway.

"Of course," he said, taking his wand out, "You could always cast a Warming Charm."

Anna pouted as a wave of warm air rushed over them.

"I disabled my Warming Charm for a reason, smarty pants. Don't you ever just want to feel the wind against your face? Feel the cold?"

He sighed, "Especially when you've been cooped up in a house for months?"

"Especially."

Sirius sighed again and picked her up out of the chair with the considerable strength he had gained since escaping Azkaban, before sitting down himself and replacing her in his lap.

"Well that's one way to stay warm," she smirked.

Sirius brushed her hair away from her neck.

"What's up, Annie?"

Anna loved Sirius; loved how he always knew when something was wrong and how he always knew exactly how to comfort her. Anna's childhood had been one somewhat devoid of physical contact; although she had shared a few precious years with her mother, that was followed with an upbringing with Severus Snape, who was hardly one for cuddles and hand holding. And so, whenever she was afraid, whenever she had a nightmare or the shadows in the long halls of Hogwarts played like monsters, she had had to content herself clutching a teddy bear to her chest. Now, the warmth of someone close to her, the feeling of someone against her, gave Anna all the comfort in the world.

She pressed against him and said, "I can't sleep. I just keep feeling like something's coming."

"What do you mean?"

"It's been too quiet. Nothing's happened yet, all year. No one's died, no one's disappeared, there's been no attacks…"

"The calm before the storm," Sirius muttered.

"Exactly. I just keep thinking about what might happen."

"Have you asked Snape for some Dreamless Sleep Potion?"

When she shook her head he asked why not.

"I don't know, I guess I just don't want to bother him. Severus has enough to be going on with... I just wish I could sleep."

She did, though. Eventually Anna drifted off, Sirius' heartbeat under her ear a lullaby, and after a while he picked her up and carried her to their room, where he laid her on the bed, pulled the blankets up over her body and kissed her goodnight. She slept till dawn.

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A week later, Sirius came downstairs and dropped a package in front of Anna.

"What's this?" she asked, tossing some more vegetables into the casserole she was making and looking up at him inquisitively. He was nervous, she could see, and he didn't answer, so she opened the box herself and found it was filled with small vials of indigo. "But I haven't spoken to Severus… How did he…?"

"I wrote a letter to him," Sirius said softly, "I asked for them, for you."

"You wrote to ask a favour from Severus Snape?" He nodded and Anna laughed, engulfing him in a hug. "How many mouthfuls did it take for you to swallow your pride?" she laughed. He shoved her lightly. "Thank you, though," she said, sobering, "That means a lot to me."

"I know," he said with a smile, running his hand down her face. "Now, come on, woman, you're neglecting my dinner!"

Anna rolled her eyes and muttered, "Always thinking with your bloody stomach, aren't you?"

Sirius stepped closer to her. Anna was chopping potatoes at the counter and he pressed his chest against her back and buried his face in her neck.

"That's not the only vital organ I think with."

He couldn't see her face but he knew she was rolling her eyes again. Sirius rested his chin on her shoulder and his hands on her hips and watched her cook for a while.

"Smells good, Ann, what's for dinner?"

"Remus!"

Anna and Sirius turned to face the werewolf who was grinning sheepishly at the doorway. He'd been away for a few weeks on a mission for the Order. He embraced Anna when she rushed over to hug him and then accepted Sirius' manly pat on the back. Anna ushered him to a seat at the kitchen table and Conjured him a mug of tea.

Sirius gave a noise of disdain; "Tea for the returning hero! Not a chance," he said, and whipped out (seemingly from nowhere) a bottle of Firewhiskey.

"Men," Anna muttered under her breath, returning to her casserole, but with a smile on her face.

Half an hour later, Sirius had forced some mulled wine on Anna and the three were laughing cheerfully as their dinner cooked.

"And then," Anna was saying through her laughter, "Severus snaps, 'What are you doing in a broom closet?' with his eye twitching like crazy and McGonagall behind him pipes up and says, 'You told me to encourage her to be social!'"

They broke into peals of laughter and Sirius was smacking his hand against his knee in glee.

"Sirius?"

It was amazing. Hearing that voice, Anna, Remus and Sirius sobered instantly, turning to the fireplace. Harry's head hung there, glasses and all.

"Harry!" Sirius exclaimed, rushing over and sweeping his hair out of his face. "What is it? Are you alright, do you need help?"

"No," Harry began hesitantly, "It's nothing like that… I just wanted to ask you… about my dad."

Remus and Sirius exchanged perplexed glances.

"Okay…"

"I'll just go upstairs," Anna said, casting a quick Stasis Charm on the meal and hurrying out of the room.

"Well?"

Harry paused for a moment and then seemed to make his mind up; "Well I was doing Occlumency with Snape and he left the room for a while and he's been keeping all of his memories in a Pensieve and well… I couldn't help myself…"

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Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth,

Well, everything's quite different at Hogwarts, now that the Headmaster has gone. I'm not sure I can really say much. All mail is being checked – in and out. It seems my prediction of Hogwarts becoming Stalin's Russia was perfectly right. And we have our very own KGB; the Inquisitorial Squad. Hand picked by Professor Umbridge herself, these students are supportive of the Ministry and are allowed to dock points… the other day, Draco Malfoy docked ten points from me because I'm Muggle-born. He didn't use that word, of course.

I've never hated school before. My only saving grace is the impressive array of fireworks someone set off all around the school. Muggle fireworks are certainly nothing like this, they have a life of their own! Our poor new Headmistress is having a bit of difficulty dealing with them, though, it's all very unfortunate.

Harry was called into questioning the other day, she wanted to know where Sirius Black (of all people!) was. As if Harry would know! She probably even drugged his tea with Veritaserum. I honestly wouldn't be surprised. Well, at least she can know for sure that Harry has no idea where Black is. He says he isn't taking Remedial Potions anymore because Snape says he's able to continue on his own. I think he's lying, he doesn't seem to be getting any better. Do you know? Did you see the letter he wrote to Snuffles?

I hope things are better where you are,

Darcy.

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Mr. Darcy,

It sounds horrible at Hogwarts; I understand why you might be looking forward to the holidays. A couple of ginger-haired twins dropped in just the other day; I understand they enjoyed a grand departure from Hogwarts just last week, it sounded magnificent.

OWLs start next week. Good luck! I know you'll do brilliantly. I remember before my OWLs I was a nervous wreck but I'd studied everything I needed to know and once I got in and started the paper I was fine. Just remember, don't fuss too much over silly details. The exams might seem like the most important thing right now, but in the grand scheme of things they're not vital. Doing well is, of course, important as you'll need certain grades to get into NEWT level subjects, but as someone definitely going on to do the next two years of schooling, that's all they're important for. Trust me, a prospective employer is much more likely to look at NEWT results than OWLs!

Good luck, dear.

Lizzy.

P.S. Harry really does need those remedial lessons. Please try and ask him to go back. I'll do the same from my end.

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"Severus!"

The Potions Master turned. He had been only metres away from the front door and so Anna's call had set off the infernal Mrs. Black.

Growling, she closed the curtains with a great struggle and pulled the professor into a room off to the side. She turned to the door and cast both a locking and silencing spell on the room. She knew Severus liked his privacy. Turning to him, she let out a little breath.

"How are you?"

"Fine," he replied predictably and Anna stepped closer, a sceptical expression on her face. She reached a hand up to touch his cheek. He was paler, she noticed, and had dark smudges under each eye.

"No, you're not."

"Anna – "

"I know," she interrupted. He was going to say the same thing he said whenever she expressed concern over him. Don't worry about me, I'll handle it.

He never did, though, and he would never let her help him like she wanted to. She dropped her hand from his face. "But you'll tell me," she pressed, "If there's anything I can do?"

His stern expression softened as he said, "Of course."

"Thank you for the potions, I appreciated that."

"You're welcome. I might give you the recipe, next time there's an Order meeting."

"I'd like that." He turned to leave, but Anna stopped him with her next words; "Severus, why aren't you teaching Harry anymore?"

His shoulders stiffened.

"Why, Anna, should I teach that ungrateful brat anything?"

"Because he has to learn," Anna pressed, "You know he has to."

He turned and Anna almost retreated under his ferocious gaze.

"Do you know what he did? That complete invasion of privacy?"

"I know," she said, keeping her voice soft in hope he would lower his, "And he knows what he did was wrong."

"I can hardly believe that, Anna," Severus sneered. "He probably ran off and told all his friends how funnyit was, they probably all had a grand old laugh."

"He didn't," she told him. "He came to Remus and Sirius, Harry couldn't believe his father had been so cruel."

"Well, the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree."

Anna sighed as Severus made to storm out and decided on using her last resort, something she hated to do but knew was necessary when she had been told that Severus was no longer teaching Harry Occlumency. In quick succession, Anna thought of all the things she had done wrong in her life, things she still felt incredibly guilty about and projected the accompanying emotions to Severus.

He paused at the door and turned around. From his expression, Anna was sure he was about to apologise, about to promise he would recommence Occlumency lessons with the boy, but then he shook his head and his face cleared. He stalked towards her, using his height to intimidate as he did with his students.

"Don't you ever do that to me again," he hissed, "Don't you ever try and manipulate me like that again. Do you understand?"

Anna shook back her shoulders, intent on not letting him intimidate her.

"I'm only doing what I think is right, Severus. You need to give Harry a second chance."

"I need to give him nothing," he spat and with that parting blow, left the house.

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"Anna?"

She looked over at him, dropping her book by her side. In the dim light of the sitting room, Anna's hair glowed gold.

"Yes, Sirius?"

"C'mere?"

She nodded and scooted closer to him on the couch. Sirius opened up his arms and she nestled in against his warm chest, her head underneath his chin. Sirius breathed her scent in deeply; ground coffee, a bit of his own aftershave sealed to her skin where he had kissed her before and a faint whiff of jasmine from her shampoo. He exhaled loudly, faintly stirring her hair.

"Do you know how much I love you?"

Anna awkwardly turned her head and looked up at him with a slight grin.

"Er… lots?" she ventured.

Sirius shoved her a little bit and buried a kiss in her curls.

"I love you so much sometimes it doesn't even seem like love is the right word; like it doesn't mean enough."

"Do y'know, in Italy they don't say 'I love you' like we do," she told him. "You can't say 'Ti amo' to your favourite shoes or your favourite book or even your best friend, not like we do here. 'Ti amo' is only for your closest family and your lover. To Italians, I love you means so much more than it does to us, because they've kept it sacred."

"Thenti amo,ti amo,ti amo," he breathed.

She pushed closer to him, if that was even possible, turned her head and pressed a kiss to his Adam's apple.

"Anna, I know we haven't been together like this for very long, but I can't imagine being with anyone else," he said earnestly. "When I came out of Azkaban, I thought that Harry would be my only salvation, that even if I never managed to convince him of the truth, even if I could only protect him from the sidelines, I thought that he was all I would ever have again. And that was fine – that was better than fine, in fact, I couldn't dream of any more." She had moved away from him by now so as to look at him better and Sirius' body mourned her departure. She looked as if she was about to say something, but Sirius shook his head and she understood. It was hard enough getting these words out to her, translating what was going on inside his heart and his head so that she could understand. He knew, of course, that she could feel everything anyway, but he needed – for himself if not for her – he needed to tell her. "But you… you've taught me so much, comforted me when nothing else could. That's why I wanted to ask you – when, when this is all over, when I buy that house and when I can be a family for Harry, will you be there? Will you stay with me?"

Anna raised a hand and touched the side of his face, before moving swiftly to take his lips with hers. Her mouth was warm and sweet and she kissed him thoroughly, the hand on his face slipping into his hair and her other clutching his shirt, fingers twined in the material. She nibbled a little at his lower lip before sliding her tongue into his mouth and pulling him closer to her. When their mouths finally parted she kept her forehead resting on his and smiled with just-bitten lips.

"Ofcourse," she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world and Sirius reflected that perhaps it was. "I know this is a war and we can't – we shouldn't – make promises, but I never want to leave you."

"Never ever?"

She smiled and lowered her body onto the couch, pulling him by the collar of his shirt down with her.

"Never ever," she murmured and kissed him soundly; shutting the door and casting a silencing charm around it with her wand as she simultaneously opened the buttons of his shirt with deft fingers. "Never ever ever…"

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She was dreaming. She was sitting in a dark room and the dark was so full it seemed to tarnish even her pale skin. She was alone, so alone, that fright swelled in her belly. Where was everyone? Where was Sirius, Remus, Hermione? She didn't know, but she knew they weregone. She could feel it in her bones. She was completely, utterly alone. She clutched at her womb, but it felt empty there too, though it swelled rapidly under her hand. Where was everyone?

"Anna!"

She jerked awake. Sirius came barrelling into the room and immediately she knew something was wrong.

"What's happened?" she said urgently, standing and dressing in a sensible pair of pants and a tight-fitted top.

"It's Harry," he explained. "He and the others have gone to the Department of Mysteries. Snape just sent the message. We have to go!"

They strode out of the room together and down to the basement kitchen. Tonks was stepping out of the fire; Kingsley and Mad-Eye conversing urgently with Remus.

"We have to leave now, we can't wait for anyone else to arrive," Sirius said and Moody nodded, Summoning a cup from the pantry and turning it into a Porkey. "Anna, you can't – "

"I'm coming," Anna said sharply, cutting Sirius off, "You know I'm coming."

He nodded, resigned, knowing that it was really his own selfish desire to keep her safe for him that had made him suggest she stay.

"Where's Albus?"

"Snape is going to him now," Sirius said, fidgeting nervously. "We need to go now. Snape had to wait until Umbridge was gone before he could contact us, they could be dead!"

Anna slipped her hand into his and gave a reassuring squeeze, trying to send him a sense of calm. It seemed to work, at least a little, and she knew they would both need it.

"Right, gather round. Three… two…"

Sirius swiftly used his free hand to grasp Anna's face and fiercely pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Be careful."

"You too."

"…One!"

A/N: Little bit of a cliff hanger... Review!

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