Fragments of Us
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 2 - A Return to the Order
Kate looked up as the door closed quietly behind Remus. He slipped into the last available seat at the back of the room and gave her a small smile before focusing his attention on Dumbledore, who was speaking to those gathered. Kate looked back at the door for a moment then looked away. Although she had no expectation that Sirius would come downstairs and join them, she had hoped. She closed her eyes briefly. Thirteen years. Twelve of them in the most unspeakable hell any wizard or witch could imagine. And he had survived. Kate thought about all that had happened over the past 2 weeks, beginning with Dumbledore's unexpected Floo call to her home. When she had agreed to return to London and meet with Dumbledore in person, she had assumed they would speak alone. She had been surprised to find Remus Lupin sitting in the Headmaster's office as well.
"Remus," Kate returned his embrace warmly. "I am so glad to see you again."
Remus smiled at her. "Thank you, Kate. It's good to see you, too. It's been awhile."
Dumbledore gestured toward the chair next to Remus and invited her to be seated. He leaned forward in his chair, his hands folded on top of his desk and quietly began to speak. "Kate, I have asked Remus to join us today because he is critical to what you are about to hear. He will be able to share his own experience in this matter and will, undoubtedly, add credibility to a story that you may well find difficult to hear and to believe."
Kate looked from Dumbledore to Remus and back again before saying, "Please go on."
"When Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban prison," Dumbledore paused, glancing at Remus. "We had reason to suspect that his escape was due to his desire to finish what he started the night James and Lily died. Given our thought at the time, we felt young Harry was in grave danger, indeed. Remus graciously agreed to come to Hogwarts to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts…and to assist us in protecting Harry."
"But surely, Headmaster, Sirius wouldn't be foolish enough to attempt to reach Harry here," Kate protested.
It was Remus who answered. "Kate, remember our own time at Hogwarts. Sirius did many foolish and reckless things. And, in fact, he did try to reach Harry – and finally succeeded."
Kate recalled her shock at hearing the story of the reunion in the Shrieking Shack, the confrontation with and subsequent escape of Pettigrew, the true traitor and murderer and the ultimate flight to freedom of Sirius Black – on the back of an equally fugitive Hippogriff. Shock was immediately followed by guilt. She had believed he'd betrayed them all. Watching from behind the barriers that day, it hadn't been difficult to do so. She could see again the wild look in his eyes, and, as she had retreated, heard the barking, almost manic laughter that had come from him.
"…and, of course, we are delighted that Kate Morgan has transferred back to London from the US Ministry in Washington. Kate will be resuming her membership in the Order. Welcome back, Kate," Dumbledore finished.
She blinked, brought out of her reverie by the sound of Dumbledore's voice. Looking around, she smiled at the other Order members. "It's good to be back." As she spoke, Kate fervently hoped that no one had noticed her lack of attention during Dumbledore's comments but as people began milling around the room, Kate looked up and caught Remus' eye. "Nice save," he mouthed, as Kate put out her tongue and walked over to him. As she approached Remus, Kate thought she saw a quick movement near the kitchen doorway. She paused and turned toward the door, only to be intercepted by Molly Weasley, anxious to extend her own welcome to the order's returning member. As she smiled and listened to Molly's chatter, Kate was almost certain she heard the "pop" of Disapparition from just outside the doorway.