Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, it belongs and will always belong to the brilliant J.K Rowling

Sirius heaved a loud sigh, gaping at Remus with broad eyes. He was still sitting beside Harry, who was sound asleep. Ron and Hermione had retreated to the upper levels of Grimmauld Place, slumbering in their already geared up sleeping bags. Remus was still sitting on one of the chairs that he had conjured earlier, starring at his friend with a faint smile, "You know Padfoot, I don't recall the last time I've seen Harry looking this peaceful before. Look at his face..." Sirius beamed down at Harry, gently pushing his hair to the side revealing his notorious lightning bolt scar. Harry seemed like he was in utter serenity. Sirius looked apprehensive, exhaling loudly.

"I still can't believe it Remus..." Remus looked sombre. Whenever Sirius calls him Remus, he's usually in a vexed state. "How...how – I can't believe it's been two years...Albus and Alastor de-dead!"

Remus cleared his throat, "Sirius, I know it hasn't been easy for you having just learnt all of this, but we do have more pressing concerns at hand. Didn't you notice how every time I mentioned about Dumbledore leaving Harry with a mission, Ron, Hermione and even Harry at times would immediately change the subject?"

Sirius nodded, "How could I miss it? I'll confront Harry single-handedly about it once his strength returns...Merlin Remus, you should have seen him."

Remus gave him a significant look, "Think how we felt when we thought you di-died." His voice shook to some extent.

"How did things ever get this chaotic Remus?" Sirius quickly looked down at his Godson who was breathing heavily before giving a fleeting look at his friend, "I mean Merlin, at Harry's age we were planning out our graduation bash from Hogwarts...not purposely avoid the place because it was being run by Death Eaters!"

"Tomorrow we're going to have to alert the Order about your return, Sirius." Remus said softly, "You know, I'm still afraid that I'm going to wake up any minute."

"I know Moony. I'm so sorry, if I hadn't left headquarters and stayed put like you cautioned me... I would have been able to attend your wedding." Sirius said sorrowfully. Remus' faced reddened,

"Yeah well, don't beat yourself about it too much...it was a small ceremony, no massive turn out or shindig."

Sirius smirked, "Well, not to worry dearest Moony...once all is well, I'll be sure to throw you guys a memorable festivity."

Remus looked at him nervously, "But I do have worries Sirius...you see, Tonks is – well, we're expecting a baby."

"You're what!?"

"Shh, Sirius...Harry!" Remus murmured. Sirius swiftly looked down at Harry, who drew closer to his Godfather and exhaled deeply...still fast asleep. "Sorry...I just, wow...Moony! Congratulations! I don't believe it!" Remus reluctantly grinned back at Sirius' reaction.

Sirius gave him a query look, "What...already have jitters about being a father?" Remus looked disturbed, "Well, yes actually...I'm a fool. I should never have married her."

"What are you on about Moony? No offense but if you hurt her, I'll break you...she is my cousin after all." Sirius said in a stern, but sarcastic tone. "No, don't get me wrong Padfoot...I'm crazy about her. After you were gone, we found comfort in one another that helped us with our grievances. It's just; well...I'm a monster. What if my child inherits my genes...my curse? I am ruining my child's life before he or she is even born."

"If I ever hear you say something so ludicrous again Moony, I swear to you that I'll throw myself back into the veil." Sirius hissed aggressively. Remus stood up so viciously, the chair fell back abruptly; the impulsive noise resulted in Harry suddenly waking up. "What's going on?" he looked from his Godfather sitting beside him to Remus who appeared to be fuming, with a look of utter indignation.

"Sirius, how can you say something like that? You have no idea what it's been like for all of us since you suddenly disappeared from our lives. Did you even consider the torture Harry went through? What I went through, thinking I had lost my last best friend after only getting you back in both mine and Harry's lives!? Yes, I am a fool. I was too selfish not to think about passing on my curse to my unborn child for egocentric reasons! You – you have no idea! You can't even possibly begin to comprehend..." Without hesitation or second thoughts, the defeated werewolf bolted in the opposite direction.

Harry attempted to sit up straight when he winced in pain, allowing a soft hiss sound pass his lips in consequence to his aching body. "Are you in pain?" Sirius asked lightly, his hands were shaking faintly, aiding Harry in a sitting position. Sirius was still starring where Remus once stood. He was torn by running after Remus or reassuring his weak Godson. He could feel Harry's gaze searching for his comfort, and knew that no matter what, Harry was his number one priority; he would make amends with Remus later...hopefully. He turned to look at Harry, and gave him a small smile while gently squeezing his hand. "I'm sorry for waking you, Harry. God knows you need your rest." He looked miserable, "Forgive me?"

Harry nodded his head hastily, "No, its fine...is everything okay? What did you and Remus fight about? And what's this about an unborn child?" Sirius however chose to ignore the pressing questions that were being addressed to him, and remembered something Remus had said before his recent departure. "Did you even consider the torture Harry went through?" He frowned, "Harry, you know my falling into veil wasn't your fault right? I hope you're not blaming yourself..." Harry promptly looked away, refusing to stare at his Godfather's grave expression. Sirius placed his hand on Harry's shoulder gently, making sure not to trigger any additional pain. "You do blame yourself, don't you?"

Harry could feel Sirius' fierce gaze upon the side of his face. When he finally looked at Sirius, Sirius immediately took notice at Harry's shimmering eyes. Without further delay, Sirius pulled Harry in a firm embrace, rocking him back and forth ever so lightly. "Harry, Harry please...don't feel ashamed to let it out. Its okay, I told you I'm not going anywhere. I'm so sorry...Remus was right; I shouldn't have said that...I had no right. I didn't realize how much this has affected you or even Remus."

Harry burrowed his face deeper into his Godfather's chest. He was having mixed feelings but the entire thing. He was after all, a seventeen year old boy, that no longer required comfort...and yet, he did. He was denied such comfort in a great portion of his life. Having someone that cared for him, and worried about him was something he cherished significantly. When it was abruptly taken away from him, after just recently obtaining it, Harry's heart was full of anguish and uncertainty. He didn't care that he was being held by his Godfather whatsoever, it was just a true blessing having someone who genuinely cared about him. The next thing Sirius said set aflame to Harry's inside in a soothingly fashion.

"I love you Harry."

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Remus was frantically pacing back and forth in the kitchen in utter incredulity. How can Sirius be so daft? Did he not even once consider what his miraculous return meant to all of them, more or less what his sudden disappearance did to them!? "Of course not," Remus said aloud, "he was just trying to protect my honour, and said that bit about the veil because he didn't think before he spoke...like always. He always acts irrationally that's triggered by his emotions." Remus exhaled deeply before he paused and lowered his head. He felt deeply ashamed for blowing up at Sirius. He realized it was best to head back upstairs now and apologies for pulling a Sirius; acting without thought. He didn't want to wait a moment longer, for time only makes things worse.

Remus didn't know that shame felt like a big large hand squeezing his intestines firmly, making it very difficult to breathe. Sirius was dead to him yesterday, somewhere far beyond his reach. What he wouldn't have given to see him again even hear his voice for comfort. As he made way towards the staircase he halted simultaneously at the figure that stood blocking his passage. It was Sirius. He gave Remus a cheerless smile, half raising his shoulders. "Is it safe to come in?" he said subtly.

"Padfoot I'm sorry..." Sirius shook his head rapidly,

"No, no, no Moony, I'm sorry. You have every reason to be cross with me. You're right; I should have been more considerate of your feelings."

"No Sirius, what am I five years old?"

Sirius smiled, "Well, I don't know about that...you can fool me sometimes."

"Oh be quiet," he said with a grin, "No, but I was just overreacting with everything. I've just been so frustrated with everything Sirius, and it wasn't fair for me to blow up at you like that...I mean you only just came back...it was only yesterday that you were still...I would have given anything to just..."

Sirius cautiously walked toward his friend, and squeezed his shoulder briefly. "I know, Remus."

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"Ron, Ron...are you up yet?" Hermione shouted in annoyance, shaking Ron who was still half asleep with his mouth open. "Mmm Her-mi-one, when someone's eyes are close...that means they're still sleeping!" he groaned fiercely, turning his back to Hermione.

"Wake up, Ronald!"

Ron stirred, and turned around to look at her so quickly, Hermione jumped with a small smile to his expression. Ron was gaping at her with his mouth slightly open, and with his somewhat foggy eyes, having just opened them. "What is it Hermione? What time is for Merlin's sake?"

Hermione smiled, "It's early, and we're up this early for a reason."

Ron looked at her with no signs of hilarity or earnestness. He was too tired to take her as seriously as she expected him to. She rolled her eyes at him before continuing, "Well, I thought it would be a good idea to continue looking around for anything beneficial."

"And, the reason we're up so early is because..."

"It's obvious, isn't? I didn't want Sirius or Remus to be suspicious about what we're doing. I'm not sure whether Harry has any intention about telling them about what we're up to."

Ron looked solemn, "I hope he does tell them...I mean, we're not having much luck are we?"

Hermione rolled her eyes again, only this time more fervently, "Well, of course not. We haven't gotten that far yet...we've only just began searching for them three days ago!" Now Ron rolled his eyes, "Well whatever Hermione, I think we'd be better off with some of their help. It would have its uses."

"What would?" Harry had just entered the room starring with a half amused expression. Ron was still all wrapped in his sleeping bag. He had decided to use Harry's vacant sleeping bag as well as an extra mattress. Meanwhile, Hermione was hastily putting her sleeping bag back in its cover. She gasped at the sight of him,

"Harry, you shouldn't be up! It's too early for you, you need your rest. Harry shook his head,

"I feel fine Hermione. I heard voices coming from upstairs, so I just wanted to check out why you guys were up so early."

Ron snorted, "Because Hermione has gone mental, and thinks it's funny to wake up this early." Hermione glared at him, before looking directly at Harry, "Well, we thought it would be a good idea to..."

"No, you thought it would be a good idea." Hermione continued talking directly to Harry as if she didn't hear Ron's comment, "A good idea to continue searching for you know what without Remus and Sirius being suspicious...we were, and yes I mean we," she glared at Ron before speaking again, "we were wondering whether or not you were going to inform them about the horcruxes?"

Harry exhaled loudly, "I don't know. It seemed like Dumbledore didn't want anyone to know about it except for the three of us. I mean Mrs. Weasley has been trying to figure out what we're doing throughout the entire summer...we could have told her, or asked anyone for help but we didn't because we knew better."

"Yes but Harry, its different now...I mean Sirius is back and Remus went looking for us to ask us exclusively about this." Hermione said lightly

"I don't know. I have a feeling that Sirius is going to try to get information out of me when I'm alone and..." Harry stopped talking abruptly and instantly raised both of his hands to his forehead, as his body slightly bowed over in a crutch. Hermione rushed forward simultaneously as Ron fought viciously to get loose from his sleeping bags. "Harry...are you okay?"

Harry raised his hand, "Yeah, I just felt slightly lightheaded." Hermione surveyed his face, once his hands were set down by his side.

"You're deathly pale Harry. I think you should..." But before she could say anything else Harry fell forward, knocking her slightly backwards, as she attempted to catch him. He had fainted. "Ron...Ron! Help me!" Hermione cried. Ron, who was finally set loose from within his covers, immediately rushed to Hermione's side, grabbing Harry's waist. Hermione had a firm grip behind Harry's neck, trying to prevent him from any supplementary pain. They gently placed him down on the floor; Hermione grabbed a pillow and placed it underneath his neck for support. She glanced hysterically at Ron, "You stay here with him, and I'm going to fetch Sirius." Ron nodded and sighed heavily, worriedly looking down at Harry,

"It must have been too much for him. He's still weak. I'm so sorry, Harry."

Hermione was searching frantically from room to room hoping to locate one of the two Marauders rapidly. They weren't anywhere. She had thought that Sirius was with Harry is his room and perhaps Remus retreated to the room he had once inhabited when Grimmauld Place was still known as headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. She starred helplessly at Ron, breathing heavily and holding her side, "I – I can't find Sirius or Remus."

"Did you check the basement or the kitchen?" Ron asked, his hand was grasping that of his collapsed friend. "But there aren't any beds downstairs?" Hermione said frantically. Ron frowned, "What does it matter Hermione, maybe they woke up early to..." a sudden groan was heard. Harry finally began stirring. Ron and Hermione both sighed loudly in relief. Ron turned to look at Hermione, "You should still fetch Sirius." She nodded and left hurriedly. Meanwhile, Ron was surveying Harry who was lightly rubbing his forehead.

"You okay?" Ron asked vaguely.

"Yeah, I was just a bit lightheaded...nothing to worry about." He looked around the room and sighed, "I'm glad you guys didn't alert Sirius, he would have overreacted and..."

"Harry!" Sirius bolted in the room with Hermione and Remus at his heel. He bent down beside his Godson, and with Ron's assistance, raised him in a sitting position. Harry glared at Ron, who smiled back, "Sirius who would have what...overreacted and panicked I reckon."

Sirius was too focused on Harry to take in consideration what Ron said to Harry in his sarcastic tone. "Harry, what are you doing out of bed? You need your rest." He looked at Ron from Hermione, "It's far too early for a bunch of teenagers to be up at this hour. Merlin, I thought Remus was the only nut who would get up this early."

Remus laughed, "Even I wouldn't get up this early, Padfoot. I'm afraid you underestimate my capabilities." Sirius snorted, "Have you forgotten fifth year at Hogwarts when you woke up every morning at 05:30 to catch up on your readings?"

"Well, that was different Sirius."

Sirius and Ron helped Harry up to his feet, and sat him down on the chair in the corner of the room. Sirius had his hands on his hips starring at his Godson, "Care to explain perhaps why the three of you are up and about at this hour?" Harry quickly exchanged a look with Ron, hoping that Sirius hadn't noticed but he was wrong. Sirius turned to look at Ron who shrugged his shoulders. Remus looked directly at Hermione,

"Miss Granger," he said in a manner that he used to when he was their Professor, "Why don't you fill us in?" Hermione seemed alarmed. "Erm, well I think Harry is the one to be asking actually."

Harry glared at her, "I wouldn't have woken up if you two didn't wake me with your loud voices trotting around." Sirius was still looking at Harry, giving him a stern look, "This wouldn't have anything to do with this so-called mission now does it?" Harry was about to speak, when a loud noise was heard coming from the front door. Sirius immediately blocked Harry from view as Remus, Ron and Hermione were facing the door with their wands at hand. Sirius groaned loudly, "I don't have my wand! I dropped it back at the..."

"No worries Padfoot, I've got it back at my cottage." Remus led Ron and Hermione out to the hallway; he turned to look at Sirius. "You stay here with Harry, Sirius."

"Remus," said Hermione inaudibly, "Whoever it is can't have gotten inside...I didn't hear..."

"It was not I who killed you Albus."

Remus gasped at the voice that set off the alarm Moody had placed at the front door. A slow paced footstep could be heard followed by a sudden loud bang. "Ouch!" came a strident voice that echoed in the staircase. Hermione looked utterly puzzled, "Is it me, or did that voice sound awfully a lot like..."

"Nymphadora!" hissed Remus, lowering his wand at the sight of Tonks beaming face at the sight of all of them. She half raised her eyebrow, starring at Remus' hand that still clutched his wand. "Planning on hexing me?" she said in an indifferent tone.

"What are you..."

"Don't even think about it, Lupin!" Tonks cut him off, glaring violently at him as her eyes were changing colors in a frenzy. "You have no right whatsoever to lecture me about my being here! You've been gone for nearly a week and with no word. I've been worried sick!" she snapped at him. Ron and Hermione chuckled. Tonks finally saw the two of them behind Remus, and her face eased down.

"Ron, Hermione!" she stepped forward to hug them both. "Everyone has been so worried about you lot ever since the wedding." She surveyed them both up and down before smiling, "Well, everything still seems to be attached." Remus was still starring at her with livid eyes, "How did you know where to find me?" Tonks gave him a defiant stare, "I didn't. Otherwise, I would have been here two days ago. I didn't think anyone would risk coming here what with that slimy git knowing its location.

"Dora, I..."

"Where's Harry?" she asked looking from Ron to Hermione. Before any of them could answer, Sirius stepped forward into the prospect. Tonks shrieked. Her right hand went to her chest as she starred at her husband for an explanation. Sirius smiled, "Hey cousin, how are you doing?"

"Sirius...how?" she said with a slight sniffle. She looked back at Remus who nodded, "It's really him. I already made sure." Tonks cautiously took a step towards Sirius, every once in a while starring back at her husband for assurance. She raised her arm, and pinched Sirius' arm. Sirius sprung in the air, and grunted aloud, "Ouch, Tonks! What was that for..."

"Oh Sirius!" She lunged at him, and gave him a fierce embrace. Almost at once she began sobbing quietly into his chest, as Sirius patted her back. "Its okay, its okay...my arm didn't hurt that much." Remus chuckled, "Oh Padfoot, you always do know how to ruin a moment." Tonks finally released her hold, took a step back and starred at him. "I don't believe it. How is this possible? I saw you fall..."

"It's a long story Tonks, trust me." Tonks looked behind Sirius, and spotted Harry smiling extensively back at her face; her eyes were still full with tears. Harry got up, just as soon as Tonks enveloped him in a tight embrace. "Oh Harry, we've all been so worried about you!" Harry chortled as soon as Tonks released her hold on him, "I've heard that before." Tonks was starring at Sirius again, afraid that he might disappear in any moment. It seemed as though Sirius knew exactly what she was thinking. "It's okay Tonks, I'm not going anywhere."

Tonks started shaking slightly. Remus walked over to where she stood, and pulled her in a hug. She began sobbing again against his chest. "Oh Remus, I'm so happy!" Sirius laughed, "You could have fooled us." Remus looked at him with broad eyes, "She's been very emotional lately," he said quietly so Tonks wouldn't hear. Sirius let out a bark like laughter, "Yes, yes...I understand."

Harry staggered on his feet, when Sirius noticed him he abruptly placed his arm around his waist. "Whoa there Kiddo, I think you shouldn't be on your feet just yet." He helped Harry sit down. Harry groaned in annoyance, "Sirius, I'm fine honestly."

"Why not tell that to the rest of your body, hmmm." Sirius gently squeezed his shoulder. Tonks drew back from Remus and starred anxiously at Harry, "What's wrong with Harry?" Remus put an arm around her, "Like Harry said before, it's a long story." Tonks gave him an enquiry look,

"Does it have to do with Sirius' return?" Remus nodded, "You're quite the astute one, dear wife of mine." Hermione smiled at Ron, whose cheeks turned crimson and looked away.

"Well, why don't we all go down to the kitchen? I don't know about the rest of you, but I for one am starving!" Sirius bellowed. Remus shook his head with a smile, "Oh have I missed your food rampages Padfoot."

"Yeah, yeah let's go. Why don't you start explaining things to Mrs. Lupin?" he said with a grin. Ron led the way, as Hermione quickly followed along with Tonks and Remus. Sirius turned to look at Harry, as he stumbled onto his feet. "Well Harry, I think now is the time you tell me about this mission Dumbledore left you." Harry's eyes widened. He had not expected this...well at least not now anyways.

"What about your food rampage?" Harry asked uneasily. Sirius chortled,

"Are you kidding me? It's much too early; my body isn't used to food at this hour." He gave Harry a wary look "And besides," Harry tensed up, "I think this is more important, don't you?"

Harry sighed, "Listen Sirius, I think Dumbledore meant for me to do this alone...well, with Ron and Hermione's help too." Sirius grimaced, "Don't be ridiculous, Harry. I won't allow it; this is something that the Order must assist you with. It's much too dangerous. By all means I now bestow you all access to the Order but..."

"You don't even know what it is!" Harry retaliated, a little too aggressively. "I don't want the Order to be involved. If Dumbledore wanted them to be involved he would had informed the Order what we were doing together last year!"

"And what was that?" Sirius asked gravely. "Sirius, please...the Order must not be involved...if..."

"Well you better bloody believe that your Godfather is going to be involved!" Sirius said loudly. "I will not let you do something, which I'm sure is of great magnitude, by yourself!"

"Sirius, I'm seventeen...you can't tell me what to do! You haven't even been here the past two years! I've done plenty of things with or without your help... mainly without." Harry gasped; he had not intended to let that last bit out sound so harsh. He wearily looked at his Godfather's pained expression. "Sirius, I'm..."

"No, you're right. That's precisely why I won't let you do this alone, Harry." Harry looked at his Godfather's grey eyes and didn't look away. Finally, fighting with his sub conscience, knowing he shouldn't, he nodded. Sirius smiled broadly, and briefly squeezed his shoulder. After a moment he pulled up a chair in front of his Godson, who sighed heavily.

"Sirius, have you heard of a Horcrux before?"

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Hope it wasn't too choppy! Let me know what you think...

Take care –

Love Always,

Opaque Nights.