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.

Warnings: None for this chapter.

Chapter 38 – Covert Assignments

When Sirius awoke in the morning, he was alone. He ran his hand over Kate's side of the bed and found the sheets cold to the touch. He sat up and looked toward the bathroom door, but it was open and the room beyond it dark. Sirius sighed and swung his legs to the floor, stretching his muscles and producing a huge yawn. Rising, he headed into the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, after taking a quick shower and throwing on some jeans and the sweater Kate had given him, Sirius strolled into the kitchen.

"Good morning, Padfoot," Remus greeted his friend. "Coffee or tea this morning?"

Sirius looked around the kitchen before settling his gaze back on the werewolf. "I missed her, didn't I?"

Remus smiled sadly. "Just. She was down here before I arrived but said she didn't want to wake you. She expects to be home 'at a reasonable hour' this evening, she told me."

Sirius sat down and gestured toward the coffee pot. "I'll have coffee this morning, Mooney, if you wouldn't mind pouring." He yawned and scrubbed his face with his hands then added sugar and milk to the mug he found before him. Lifting the cup, he inhaled the aroma appreciatively. "Thanks, mate."

Remus raised his own cup in salute and both men sat immersed in their own thoughts for awhile before Remus spoke. "You look tired, Pads. Did you sleep badly?"

Sirius shook his head. "No, I slept alright. Wish I'd been awake when Kate left this morning, though," he added ruefully. "I'm not sure how well she slept."

Remus nodded. "She looked alright this morning; perhaps a bit tired. Trouble at the Ministry?"

Sirius repeated the conversation from the night before regarding his potential involvement in the Azkaban breakout and Kate's reaction to the junior Auror. "It's painful to see her cry like that, Mooney. Broke my heart." Sirius sighed. "I hate it when anything to do with me upsets her."

Remus nodded. "I understand, Sirius, but you can't control what happens at the Ministry. She's a strong woman, but even the strongest person has their limit. Maybe releasing some of the emotion last night was a good thing."

Sirius nodded, then snorted. "You sound like a woman, Mooney," he said, wiggling his eyebrows at his friend.

Remus laughed out loud. "Yes, I suppose I did for a moment!"

The two friends chuckled for a moment longer, then Sirius asked, "What do you make of the breakout?"

Remus raised his eyebrows. "Only a matter of time, really. Kate's of the opinion that Bode's death was one factor in the timing of their escape. Seems to make sense, really. Remember our conversation the other night. The Prophesy is kept in the Department of Mysteries. The Order has the Department under surveillance after-hours to try to prevent a break-in and Kingsley does what he can to ensure the corridor is watched during the day as he can. If Malfoy was, in fact, using Imperius on Bode, it would be simple enough for him to slip down to the Department during Ministry hours. We'll be able to get Dumbledore's opinion tonight when he arrives."

Sirius nodded, then drew a sharp breath, "Damn! Did you mention Dumbledore to Kate before she left?"

Remus smiled. "I did, Padfoot. Hence, her promise to arrive home at a decent hour this evening. Apparently, you didn't have the chance to discuss matters with Kate last night."

"Never you mind what I had the chance to discuss with Kate last night, Mooney," Sirius huffed. As Remus chuckled, Sirius added, "Is Kingsley coming over tonight, as well?"

"Yes, he is," came a deep voice from the doorway that made both wizards jump.

"Merlin, Kingsley," Sirius exclaimed, his hand over his heart. "You have got to stop sneaking up on people like that! You'll kill us long before Voldemort gets the chance!"

Kingsley's deep chuckle filled the room. "Remus, could I have some of that brew?" he asked, sitting down in one of the chairs and summoning a mug from the cupboard. Remus poured coffee for the Auror, refilling Sirius' mug and his own, as well.

"What brings you to the Black House of Horrors?" Sirius asked, resuming his position at the table.

Kingsley smiled. "Your better half, actually."

"Kate?" Sirius asked, his expression a bit anxious. "What's happened?"

"Calm, Sirius," Kingsley said. "Kate's fine. She just wanted the two of you to start doing some research into Invisibility options – particularly any that involve plants or herbs."

"Why?" Remus asked, curiosity aroused.

"Not entirely certain," Kingsley replied. "But it might have something to do with her current assignment."

"Which is…?" Sirius prompted, sliding his chair closer to Kingsley and narrowing his eyes as he waited for an answer.

"…not for me to disclose," Kingsley finished his coffee and rose to his feet. "Dumbledore will be here at 6:30 and I'll see you both here then."

"Kingsley," Sirius began, rising to follow the Auror to the door.

"Talk to Kate yourself, Black," and with a smile, Kingsley left.

With Kingsley gone, Sirius turned to Remus. "Ok, Mooney, out with it. What's her new assignment?"

Remus shook his head. "No idea. Ask Kate when she gets here later. Come on, Padfoot, she wants us to do some research for her, so let's eat some breakfast and head up to the library and see what we can do to help her, yes?"

Sirius looked at him appraisingly for a moment then answered. "You're cooking."

Remus smiled. "I'm cooking."

XXXXXXXX

Hours later, Sirius and Remus were in the library, all manner of reference materials and thick spell and Herbology books scattered around them.

"Plants or herbs, she said, yeah?" Sirius questioned.

"Yes," Remus responded as he turned the thin pages of an ancient book. "Ah – here's what I wanted: hellebore."

Sirius came around the table to peer over Remus' shoulder. "Hellebore?"

Remus looked over at him and smiled, amused. "In powdered form, it can be used to achieve invisibility, Padfoot. Do you not remember anything from Potions class?"

Sirius snorted. "I remember Snivellus. No surprise that the Dementors left me with those memories, is it?"

"There are better ways to achieve invisibility. Why would Kate want to use powdered Hellebore?" Remus wondered aloud.

"Perhaps because it could be dissolved in water and kept in a bottle for repeated ingestion," Kate's voice sounded from the doorway. "It's also herb-based and less disruptive to the system, as well."

"Katie-girl!" Sirius exclaimed, crossing the room to meet her. After a tender kiss, Sirius said, "Alright, come sit over here with our dear friend, Remus and put us both out of our misery."

Kate laughed. "Curiosity killed the cat, you'll remember," she told them.

Sirius gave her a withering look. "I'm a dog, Katie. I could care less about the fate of the common house cat! Now, tell old Padfoot what's going on with this assignment."

Kate shook her head at him. "There are two teams of Aurors involved in the investigation into the Azkaban situation. The first is working to track and arrest the escaped Death Eaters."

"Good luck there," Sirius muttered.

"The second team is investigating Lucius Malfoy and his possible connection to Bode's death and potential link to the break out," Kate continued. "I've been asked to take the lead with the second team," she added.

Sirius' brows drew together and he frowned. "I don't like it, Kate. Malfoy's a Death Eater. He's dangerous and unpredictable and has a nasty cruel streak. If he's involved, you know it's at the direction of Voldemort. He was his lap dog once and lied his way clear. Now that the Dark Lord's come back, Malfoy will have oozed his way back into his good graces. He'll do anything – anything - to make certain his position is secure. If your team gets close…" he trailed off.

Kate reached over and took his hand. "If my team gets close, we could learn something that will help Harry defeat Voldemort once and for all. At worst, we might learn something that helps the other team locate and re-capture the escaped Death Eaters. Sirius, I can't tell you not to worry because it will do no good. I would ask that you remember, though, that I don't have a death wish. I won't be foolish."

"Invisibility potions?" Sirius countered. "That's a bit foolish, isn't it?"

"Foolish? No. Risky? Of course. But, Sirius, everything we're doing carries some degree of risk. It's the reward that makes the risk worthwhile! Having the invisibility potion will work much better than Harry's cloak or a Disillusionment charm. You know that! Cloaks can slip. Disillusionment charms camouflage, they do not provide invisibility. A well-rendered potion will enhance the safety of the team," Kate reasoned.

Sirius shook his head. "Your safety isn't guaranteed."

"Whose is, Sirius? The reality of our world is that until Voldemort is vanquished – once and for all – none of us is safe. You attend the same Order meetings I do and we hear the same reports. Muggles, witches, wizards are disappearing or dying every single day and the Ministry is either ignoring it or explaining it away," Kate said.

"So, how is it that Kingsley got the Ministry to agree to allow split teams on the Azkaban break out?" Remus asked. He had his suspicions, but was hopeful that his instincts were wrong.

Kate recognized the look, but knew she couldn't lie to him. "He didn't exactly get them to agree," Kate conceded. "Team two is flying a bit under the Ministry's radar. While Dawlish is taking lead with team one and the tracking and recapture of the escapees, Kingsley and I are sort of following up on the Malfoy bit. We're hopeful that we can expose him and, in so doing, locate the escaped Death Eaters and assist Dawlish as well."

Sirius' eyebrows shot up almost to his hairline. "No! I won't allow you to do it, Kate!"

"You won't allow me?" Kate's temper drove her to her feet but before she could draw another breath, the room began to sway dangerously and darkness crept around the edges of her vision. She reached out to Sirius to steady herself and he caught her by the shoulders and sat her down on the sofa. Remus conjured a glass of cold water while Kate leaned forward, letting her head fall forward to her knees in hopes that the dizziness would abate. When she finally felt a bit better, she picked up her head and gratefully accepted the ice water from Remus. Drinking it slowly, Kate felt her heart rate and vision return to normal and, after a few moments, she handed the empty glass back to Remus.

"Katie, what is it?" Sirius asked. "Are you ill?"

Kate shook her head. "I don't believe so. I can't imagine what it could…wait, I know. I had a light breakfast before I left this morning but I was in meetings and missed lunch. Happens every time."

Sirius exhaled in relief. "I thought for sure I'd done it to you."

"Don't sell yourself short, Padfoot – you damn near did!" Kate responded. "Listen, I know you want to protect me, but you can't do it all the time. I'm an Auror. It's my job. You have to trust me – and the members of the team. I'm not going to do anything stupid."

Sirius pulled her into his arms. "I know, Katie. I know. It's just that things can happen even when you're doing everything the right way. I can't help that I worry, but I'll try to remember to hold my temper, ok?"

"Ok," Kate said, kissing his cheek softly.

A slight cough brought their attention back to the fact that they were not alone. Remus was studying his shoes while giving Sirius and Kate a moment. Kate winked at Sirius and rose – slowly – from her seat. When everything stayed reasonably steady, she walked over to the werewolf, wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek, as well. "Poor Mooney," Kate said smiling. "Feeling a bit left out of the loop, are we?"

Remus chuckled and hugged her briefly before letting her go. "Thank you, ma'am. Always nice to be remembered."

Kate turned and paused for a moment, feeling a bit lightheaded once again. Sirius immediately rose and took her arm. "Come on, Katie girl. You've got some time to lie down for awhile before dinner."

As the two made their way toward the door, neither saw the look of concern on Remus' face.

Once he had her settled on top of her bed, Sirius hurried to the kitchen to put together a snack for Kate to nibble before dinner. Placing cheese, crackers and some grapes on a plate, he added a conjured glass of iced tea and made his way back upstairs. When he arrived, Kate was propped up on pillows, looking through a file.

Sirius walked over, placed plate and glass on the bed stand and gently removed the file from her hands. "That's enough of that for now, love. Eat," he commanded, handing her the plate and sitting on the edge of the bed, watching every bite of food as it traveled to her mouth.

Kate swallowed a grape and smiled at him. "Sirius, really. It's a little difficult to eat under such scrutiny! I'm fine. Actually, this really is hitting the spot. I just have to remember not to skip lunch anymore."

Sirius nodded. "I'm going to have a little chat with Kingsley to make sure you don't. You're a little pale and I don't like the circles under your eyes."

Kate rolled her eyes then gave him a cheeky grin. "Well, since you're part of the reason I have them, perhaps I'll have to sleep in my own room, by myself for a few nights until I build up my strength. All that…nocturnal exercise…is wearing me out!"

Sirius raised his eyebrows and took the now empty plate from her lap. Putting it on the floor, he gently crawled up over Kate's body. "Put your arms around my neck," he whispered and, when she complied, he flipped them over so Kate was lying on top of him. "Now, Ms. Morgan, there will be no more talk of separate bedrooms, are we clear on that point?"

Kate nodded, giggling and brushed his nose with hers. "Clear, Mr. Black."

"We will sleep in the same room, in the same bed and you will fall asleep in my arms, got it?" he persisted gazing into her eyes.

"Got it," she agreed.

"I might not be able to protect you when you're at work, but I can and will take care of you while you're here. Understood?" Sirius finished.

"Understood," Kate answered, kissing him gently.

"Good," Sirius said. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

"We've got three hours before Dumbledore and Kingsley get here. Nap?" Sirius asked her.

"Mmm, I'd love one. I'm exhausted," she said, sliding to the mattress and resting her head on his chest. "If you're awake before I am, make sure I'm up for the meeting, ok?"

But Sirius was already asleep. Kate smiled, closed her eyes and was asleep a moment later.

XXXXXXXX

A soft knock at her door roused Kate from her nap and she extricated herself from Sirius' arm and made her way over to open it. Remus was standing there, parchment and quill in hand. "The meeting's going to start in 20 minutes, Kate. Thought I'd let you know."

"Thanks, Remus. We'll be right down," she whispered.

Making her way into the bathroom, Kate splashed water on her face and ran a brush through her hair. As she headed for the bedroom to awaken Sirius, her stomach gave a loud rumble. Damn. Still hungry and I'll bet we've missed dinner. Maybe I can convince Remus to rustle up some eggs after the meeting. With that thought, Kate walked over to the bed and gently kissed Sirius' lips. "Darling, wake up," she said quietly. "The meeting is about to start."

Sirius opened his eyes, blinking rapidly as he came fully awake. "Kiss me again," he demanded, his voice rough with sleep.

Kate complied, kissing him tenderly. "Enough?" she asked.

"Never," Sirius replied. "But I suppose it will have to do – for now."

That said, he rolled off the bed, ran his hands through his hair and walked over to the door. Turning, he extended his hand to her. "Coming?" he asked.

Kate shook her head and smiled, catching his hand and walking with him into the hallway.