"Moony, you've had your serious thinking expression ever since we came back from Hogsmeade. What's wrong? You're making me nervous."

Remus' eyes widened slightly as he shook his head to stare at his friend, who was sitting across from him in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. It has been exactly an hour since they returned from Hogsmeade to retrieve the much needed mixture to hinder the complications with Harry's revitalization. Sirius was very restless ever since Kreacher told him that there was still no change with the reaction of the toxin and the acid. Kreacher also told Sirius that Andromeda wasn't too thrilled with his every twenty minute checkups either. The thing that made Sirius ever more fretful was Remus' sudden stillness. Ron and Hermione retreated to the higher levels of Grimmauld Place. They waited for news of Harry's condition with Remus and Sirius in the kitchen, until Remus suggested to Ron's displeasure that they should call it a night. Remus gave Sirius a meaningful look before rubbing his eyes gently,

"It's nothing, Padfoot. I'm just a little tired that's all...it's a week till the full moon."

Sirius however wasn't convinced, "Moony, what..."

"It's Snape," Remus said quietly. Sirius eyes widened,

"Snape, what about him?"

Sirius surveyed Remus up and down and then sprung onto his feet in a second. "He hurt you before, didn't he? You said you were fine...where does it hurt?" He was immediately at his friend's side.

"Padfoot, I'm fine...I'm not hurt." Remus said as he too stood up to face Sirius' perplexed expression. Sirius raised his eyebrow,

"What about him then? I swear Moony, I wanted to beat that no good piece of rubbish like..."

"Sirius," Remus said sternly, "that's enough."

Sirius frowned, "What's wrong with you, Remus? What is it about Snivellus that's gotten you all rigid?"

Remus sighed as he lowered himself down upon the chair, "I don't know what's wrong with me. I thought that...well didn't you notice the way he responded when he found out that the mixture was for Harry?"

"The way he responded?"

"Yes Sirius," Remus said as Sirius too sat down upon his chair, "his face expression, his voice...it's as if he was..."

"As if he was what, Remus?"

Remus sighed, "As if he was worried." Sirius who was staring at him intently eased up with a slight chuckle, "Don't be ridiculous, Moony. When has Snivellus ever cared for anyone..."

"He cared deeply for Lily, Sirius...you know that, and Lily cared for him in return."

Sirius gave him a profound look, "Until he called her a Mudblood and she got to her senses...it doesn't matter anyways. I never did understand what it was about him that Lily deemed worthy for friendship. What does this have to do with Harry?"

Remus shook his head, "Nothing, I suppose. I just couldn't help notice his apprehension when we mentioned Harry."

"That's probably because he was looking for a chance in discovering his whereabouts to deliver Harry to his beloved Master...don't contemplate on it anymore Remus, there's no point." He exhaled loudly looking at the ceiling, "It's been a while...I'm going to check up on Harry."

Remus looked displeased, "Sirius, just wait. They would let us know if something dire has happened. Think of it this way," he said casting a look at Sirius who seemed dubious, "the less they inform us, the better. It means that Harry's vitals are mounting."

Sirius exhaled loudly while giving the ceiling another glance. "I'm just..."

"I know, Padfoot."

Sirius looked fixedly at Remus and took notice of his cheerless eyes. Sirius knew that Remus cared greatly for Harry and was just as worried as he was.

"He's reliving his worst memories, Remus."

Remus bit his bottom lip, "I know, Sirius...you out of all people would know what that's like and I know you'd never want Harry to go through what you did. I'm so sorry my old friend."

Sirius shut his eyes firmly, "I can't imagine what he's reliving...his memories." He opened his eyes and looked apprehensively at Remus, "You don't suppose he remembers..."

"The night James and Lily were killed?"

Sirius held his breath as Remus nodded, "He hears them. Their voices...I'm not sure if he sees anything though. He hears Voldemort killing Lily and...He hears James telling Lily to run and that he'd fight him off."

Sirius could feel his nerves become rigid as his hands began shaking lightly. Images of James sprawled dead on the floor filled his mind.

"James NO!"

"When I was teaching Harry the Patronus Charm," Remus continued, "I remember telling him to focus on a good, thrilling memory if he could. He thought about riding a broom for the first time, and then the Boggart that was acting as a Dementor affected him. It was after that time when he revived that he decided to use that memory as a good memory against the Dementor. It entered his body like a flame, and he was able to push it back."

"What memory?" Sirius looked lost.

"He used the memory of James and Lily's voices when Voldemort attacked them as his memory to fight off the Dementor, because...he was so happy when he heard them, it was the first time he could actually put meaning in their voices...it was his first time hearing them." Sirius looked away from Remus' gloomy smile. His insides ached with a different kind of sentiment. It was different then anguish or resentment...it ached with sorrowfulness mixed with remorse.

"It's my fault."

Remus, who was looking at his lap immediately, gave Sirius a questioning glance. Before he uttered words of query, Sirius spoke again softly while shaking his head,

"James and Lily...Harry could have been raised with two loving parents and spared from this unjust torment. Some Godfather I turned out to be..."

"Sirius," Remus' eyes narrowed lividly, "don't you dare blame yourself for James and Lily, that's not your fault...you're not being fair with yourself." To Remus' surprise, Sirius softly laughed at him,

"It doesn't matter what you say, Remus. I know I killed them, and you know what's worst? I could have spared Harry a lot of grief if I didn't lose it and run after Peter. But I guess me losing it played its part after all, I'm a reckless Godfather as it is...would have raised him all rotten anyways. Look at him; he's fighting for his life because of me."

"Sirius stop!"

Remus jumped to his feet, his hands were clenched into tiny fists as he glared at Sirius who was startled at his friend's reaction. The inner wolf was escalating. "I don't want to hear you say these empty words ever again, Sirius. Do you understand me? It's rubbish, pure nonsense! Don't you dare blame yourself for James and Lily's death! Peter betrayed us! It is because of Peter that Harry had to grow up without his parents, not you! As for not raising Harry that wasn't your fault either. Anyone would have lost it knowing they've been betrayed by their friend and having to find the body of their best friends. If you weren't wrongfully accused you would have raised Harry, and done a great job at it Padfoot. Harry loves you...he nearly died when he thought you were dead."

Sirius slowly got up and walked towards Remus who was still shaking in fury. He made a motion to squeeze his shoulder when Remus took a sudden step back.

"Don't touch me."

Sirius froze at his tone, "I'm sorry, Moony...I just..."

"Stop apologising, Sirius! I should be the one apologising! If you want to blame somebody blame me!"

Sirius had not expected that. He gave Remus a baffled expression as he took a step back in prudence. What would Remus have to apologies for? How could he blame himself, he hasn't done anything wrong except perhaps lose his temper at his nonsense and even for that it was still Sirius' fault for uttering such nonsense that resulted in Remus' sudden reaction. Sirius shook his head,

"Remus, why would I ever blame you? You haven't done anything wrong." Remus huffed a laugh,

"Wrong again. If I were a true friend I would have stuck behind you when you needed me, Sirius. Instead I hated you; I blamed you for James and Lily. I immediately, without a second thought pointed fingers at you as the traitor."

"Remus," Sirius said warily, "we've already been through this. Don't feel bad about that, I thought you were the traitor too remember? That's why you were out of the loop. James of course was furious with me, but we lived in bad times and everyone was on the edge."

"That doesn't matter. I still could have done something when you were sent to Azkaban. If I didn't hate you as much as I did I could have implored with the Wizengamot to give you a trial. And what about Harry? I could have been there for him."

Sirius stared at Remus in disbelief, "Remus, Dumbledore wouldn't have allowed it anyways. You can't blame yourself for those things. You're being..."

"Stupid."

Sirius was taken aback at Remus splendidly grinning back at him. Sirius' eyes narrowed in aggravation, "You prat, you misled me." Remus half raised his shoulders, still smiling. "Well, yes and no. I did and still feel rotten for misleadingly thinking you were the traitor for thirteen years. I know you don't blame me, but I still feel awful about it."

"Am I not entitled to feel bad about my misfortunes?" Sirius asked quietly. He was still somewhat frowning in irritation. Remus sighed,

"You are, Sirius...you hit the limit though. You were blaming yourself. What you said was pure nonsense. I know you were acting on your worries for Harry's wellbeing and sorrow at the thought of his worst memories. I just...I don't want you to ever say those things ever again."

Sirius noted the rosy earnestness in his eyes as he nodded briskly, "I won't, only if you stop feeling bad about what you just confessed to."

"Ah," Remus said with a small smile, "that my friend is impossible. Can you honestly tell me you'll stop feeling bad about your hardships?" Sirius scornfully glared at him. Remus chuckled at his expression as he took a step towards him and embraced firmly. At the sound of creaking thuds coming from the staircase they both let go of each other and gaped with wide eyes as Tonks' made her appearance in the kitchen. Sirius rushed to his cousin's side,

"How's..."

"Harry," she said with a faint smile, "is going to be fine."

Sirius felt the tension throughout his body loosen as he heaved a loud sigh in liberation. Remus chuckled lightly as he gave his wife a one arm embrace, and then roughly patted Sirius on the back. "Well now, that's a load off our minds."

Sirius smiled faltered as he looked at Tonks, "How is he though?"

"Well," She cast a look at Remus who frowned at her poignant expression, "he's going to live, but he has been through a lot, Sirius. Imagine being stuck, helpless with a Dementor for an entire day."

Sirius coughed uncomfortably as Tonks flinched as realization dawned upon her, "Sorry Sirius. He's going to be very sore for a short while. We mended all the broken bones and everything. He's going to have to take a domestic remedy that will ease the minor smouldering in his intestines. He should be in fine health in no less than a week thanks to this remedy my mother made. Otherwise...apart from some emotional distress and aches, he should be fine."

Remus put his arm around Tonks' waist, pulling her close to him. "You must be exhausted. How about I make you some tea?" She smiled to him as she leaned her head under his chin, and looked up,

"You'd be the best werewolf husband ever."

Remus scowled at her before he kissed her forehead. As he headed towards the stove, Tonks smiled at her cousin who was anxiously looking at the ceiling as if it was transparent and he could see the figure he most wanted to see. "He should wake soon." Sirius' eyes snapped down and went broad in direction of Tonks. "Mum gave a stirring potion so she could ask him about his internal pain. She wants to make sure the remedy is thriving before she goes back home. Oh," she gave him a solemn look, "I didn't tell her anything about Albus leaving Harry with a mission and you lot helping him...not that I know any specific details anyways." She grimaced at Sirius who shrugged his shoulders innocuously as he quickly glanced at the ceiling. Tonks laughed,

"Go on ahead upstairs, Sirius."

"Thank you so much for everything, Nymphadora." He smiled at her before climbing the stairs upstairs hurriedly. The relief that swept through his body was like a flame. Almost instantaneously pressure that would throb against his heart relaxed as the nerves untangled effortlessly. The heaviness in his chest is now even with bliss. Sirius could feel his heart beat as he reached the door to his bedroom. Andromeda looked up from Harry's side as Sirius entered the room and closed the door behind him. She smiled nonchalantly at him as he crossed the room and sat at the foot of the bed, never taking his eyes off of Harry.

"How is he doing?" Sirius asked deftly.

"He's good, his vitals are strong. We'll know more as soon as he wakes, which should be any minute now." She gave her cousin a significant look, "Would you like to be alone with him when he wakes?" Sirius gave her appreciative smile as he nodded firmly. Andromeda smiled back in return with a glimmer in her eyes as she stood up and headed towards the door. She paused briefly and turned to look at her cousin who returned his gaze upon his Godson. "I'll be back in a little while. If you need me, I'll be downstairs."

"Thanks for everything Dromeda."

Andromeda nodded, "Of course, anything for my favourite cousin."

Sirius snorted, "Not difficult to be the favourite with our background." Sirius could hear her chuckles echo across the stairwell as she descended upon them. He returned his gaze upon his Godson and recoiled at his pallid face. He gently grasped Harry's hand and immediately drew it back at its glacial touch. If it wasn't for his chest raising and falling weakly every ten seconds, Sirius would have been convinced that Harry was dead. He shivered at the thought. Sirius sighed loudly trying to fathom Harry's worst memories. Through Remus he knew that memories of the night the Potters were murdered was one of them. Tonks mentioned earlier Harry was muttering Cedric's name, "So the third task of the Triwizard Tournament must be another one." Sirius said aloud. Tonks also did mention him calling out his own name; Sirius cringed in gloom. He knew that his disappearance haunted Harry; he couldn't help but recoil at the grief Harry had to go through.

A rasping cough pulled Sirius out of his thoughts and gape in incredulity at Harry who slowly began stirring. Sirius immediately moved from the foot of the bed to Harry's side, looking anxious not knowing what to expect from his revival. He could feel his heart ramming against his ears as his breaths came up deep in a quickened pace.

"Harry, can you hear me? It's me, Sirius." Sirius said uncertainly as Harry's eye lids began fluttering. Harry's recognized emerald coloured eyes have to Sirius' relief been restored. He stared blankly at the ceiling before his eyes shifted in Sirius' direction and then locked eyes with his Godfather's. Harry closed his eyes as his eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"Harry, are you in pain? Here," Sirius grabbed the vial that was set on the table at Harry's bedside, "drink this, it'll help. It's a remedy to ease the pain." Sirius held the vial against Harry's lips with one hand, and with the other gently slipped it underneath Harry's head, raising it gently as he dipped the vial to release the contents of it inside Harry's mouth. Sirius listened intently as the contents of the vial went further down Harry's throat, before placing the vial back upon the table.

"Better?"

Sirius breathed smoothly as Harry nodded briefly in response. Sirius gently seized Harry's hand and grimaced but ignored the coldness as he smiled feebly at him.

"Harry, are you all right? Do you remember anything at all?" Sirius asked quietly. Harry stared expressionlessly at his Godfather before clearing his throat,

"Erm...Umbridge." Harry shifted to his side and coughed starkly. At the sight of blood coming from Harry's mouth made Sirius jump up onto his feet and run to the door.

"Dromeda, come quick!" Sirius called down the staircase before rushing back to Harry's side. Andromeda was there within seconds closely followed by Remus and Tonks. She immediately approached the bed and exhaled loudly,

"It's to be expected Sirius, his organs endured a lot of strain. There's nothing to worry."

Harry looked up at Andromeda tentatively as she placed her hand on his forehand. "Hello Harry," She said amiably as she surveyed him, "How are you feeling? You gave us quite a scare."

"Fine," croaked Harry. Remus and Sirius exchanged troubled expressions to each other, taking note to Harry's strained voice.

"Good, glad to hear it." She turned to look at Sirius, "Did you give him the remedy, Sirius?" Andromeda looked at the empty vial on the table beside Harry to Sirius who nodded firmly. She seemed pleased and looked down upon Harry,

"Any pain?"

Harry shook his head, "Just a little sore."

"That's to be expected, you've been through quite an ordeal Harry." Harry averted his eyes to Sirius who grinned back reluctantly. Remus stepped into prospect and smiled widely at Harry,

"It's so good to see you awake, Harry. I know it's only been a day realistically but I am so relieved. We've all been so worried."

Harry just simply starred at Remus blankly and then looked up at the ceiling. Remus looked at Sirius and half raised his shoulders. He exchanged a look with Tonks and Andromeda before nodding and clearing his throat,

"So, I think we'll just give you two a moment then." Remus nodded to Sirius who smiled faintly in return.

"Thanks Moony." He said so quietly that only Remus could hear.

"If you need us, we'll be downstairs." Andromeda said directly to Harry. Sirius moved around the bed as Tonks, Remus and Andromeda vacated the room, until he sat down beside Harry who was ignoring his look. As Sirius clutched Harry's hand gently, Harry sighed loudly before turning to his worried filled Godfather who waited anxiously for Harry to say something.

"It's okay, I'm fine...really." Harry said weakly.

"No, Harry. It's not fine."

"Leave it, Sirius. I don't want to talk about it." Harry said roughly.

Sirius squeezed his hand, "Listen Harry, I know what it feels like to relive your worst memories. It can really play a toll with one's mind. I'm here for you if you want to talk about it."

"Its fine, Sirius," Harry said softly, "it wasn't real...just..."

"I know," Sirius said as if he was in agony, "It's like you were living in a never ending nightmare. You feel defenceless as the memories consume everything around you...that acid was a torture mechanism. I'm so sorry, Harry. It's my fault."

Harry's eyes narrowed, "What are you talking about? Umbridge..."

"You were nearly killed, Harry. I almost lost you. I should have been more careful." Sirius tightened his hold on Harry's hand. Harry cringed slightly.

"What's wrong? Are you in pain?"

Harry smiled feebly at him, "Just sore, I'm fine Sirius." Sirius grimaced,

"Harry, Umbridge put you under the Cruciatus Curse for who knows how long and inserted an acid that tortured you and nearly killed you! Stop saying you're fine, because you're not!"

"Sirius, please just calm down." Sirius closed his eyes tightly in frustration, letting out a loud sigh,

"I'm sorry, Harry. I've just been so worried..."

Harry gave him a significant look, "I know, but I'm fine...really." Harry said to his Godfather's raised eyebrow. Before Sirius could say anything else, Harry spoke again strongly but still shakily.

"Erm, Sirius...I was wondering if..."

"If..." Sirius said at his Godson's pause.

"If we could go to Godric's Hollow." Sirius stared at him impassively with broad eyes. He felt a chill go down his spine as Harry cleared his throat,

"I've been wanting to go there for a while, and well..."

"So the Gryffindor sword in Hogwarts is a fake?" Sirius and Harry both looked at the door as the voices of Remus and Tonks drew closer from the distant hallway.

"Yes, according to Dad...I told you, he's on the run. All the safe houses have been comprised, Remus. Dad and mum were tor-tortured for information about Harry..."

Sirius and Harry exchanged looks of horror before turning their heads to the door. "Like many other families," Tonks continued, "with connections to Order members."

"Ah Dora, I'm so sorry. No wonder your mother seems slightly shaken." Remus said softly. Sirius tried to recall his first glance at his cousin Andromeda. She did seem slightly perturbed but Sirius thought it was only because of the situation with Harry. But now that he thought about it, there was something about her eyes. They were touched by some vice that gave it a certain gloom. Why hadn't he thought about it earlier? To ask Andromeda how she had been? Of course, Harry nearly dying played a role in that.

"It's okay; they were shaken obviously but otherwise okay." Sirius shook his head away from his thoughts as Tonks spoke again. The brief silence between husband and wife must have been interrupted by an embrace. "Anyways," Tonks said firmly, "when the Ministry began its damned and vile persecution of Muggleborns, Dad refused to register with the Muggle-Born Registration Commission. He was forced to leave to avoid Death Eaters operating near our home. Mum is okay; her pure-blood status keeps her safe. Dad came to visit us last week..."

"That was a very dangerous move on his part." Remus said genuinely.

"I know, but he missed us..."

"I don't blame him," Remus said with a tender voice. Tonks giggled resulting to Sirius to roll his eyes in a slight glee. Sirius exchanged another look with Harry but one of rather hilarity. Sirius was not use to the idea of Remus and his cousin being married. Remus' romance use to bring out pure laughter from Sirius and James when they were back in Hogwarts. Remus was dating Emmeline Vance casually at the time, and was in Sirius' point of view outlandish with romance. Sirius made a mental note to tell Harry all the hard times he and James gave to their poor werewolf friend.

"Dad told us that he was in the area and wanted to sneak a visit. He met up with fellow fugitives Muggle-borns Dirk Cresswell and some kid named Dean Thomas,"

"Dean?" Harry said in disbelief.

"As well as goblins Griphook and Gomuk," Tonks said pulling Harry away from his unexpected uncertainties, "they've been on the move throughout the countryside." Tonks and Remus finally made their appearance at the open door and looked in and found Sirius and Harry looking in their direction.

"Ted's on the run I hear?" Sirius said in a relaxed tone. Tonks looked surprised but then nodded at him. Sirius noticed her hand in Remus' and smiled at his friend who returned it with a broad grin.

"How are things in here? Harry, how are you feeling?"

Harry nodded in appreciation to his concern about his wellbeing, "A little sore but really there's nothing to worry about." He said dimly. Remus quickly looked at Sirius as he frowned slightly at his Godson and then back to Harry.

"Harry, you've been through a lot...what you saw..."

"Were memories of my past that I've seen before and in all accuracy experienced them. The only difference is that I couldn't stop seeing them. I couldn't muster a glimmer of happiness and good thoughts to stop them."

Sirius cringed at Harry's words and gave him a sad smile, "I'm so sorry, Harry. I never wanted you to go through that."

Harry looked up at him and gave him an eloquent smile, "I know, Sirius. I know that you're the only one that knows what it feels like...and for that, I'm sorry too. But, I'm okay."

"How can you be okay? I'm still haunted by my past sufferances in Azkaban." Sirius said cynically. Remus walked up behind him, and squeezed his shoulder steadily.

"My pain could not possibly equate the amount of torture you went through, Sirius. Let's drop this here. I'm fine and in all honesty have nothing to discuss." Harry said rather harshly, only increasing Sirius' doubts. Sirius knew Harry was in agony, he didn't want that experience to haunt him like Azkaban did to him. Remus could feel the tension in his friend and spoke before he could do any damages.

"If you don't mind me intruding, Harry. Can you tell us the last thing you remember from our mission to the Ministry? Sirius told us all the details leading up to your separation from him." Harry gave him a thoughtful look before speaking,

"It wasn't intentional. As soon as Umbridge told Sirius to go to the room at the end of the hall where the Dementors were," Sirius shivered as Harry continued, "Umbridge blocked my way."

"What do you mean? She couldn't possibly have seen you..."

"She saw my feet, Sirius." Harry said indifferently, "in the lift. I guess I wasn't careful with my crouching." Sirius began to overwrought with apprehension, his nerves stiffened with tautness. Remus squeezed his shoulder again before speaking up again before his friend had a simple attempt.

"Go on, Harry."

"Well," Harry said imperceptibly, "she hexed me and I couldn't move. She dragged me to another room on the same floor and demanded to know what I was doing there and why I was following her. So, naturally I didn't tell her anything and that's when she..."

"Tortured you," Tonks said inaudibly in aversion as Harry nodded.

"When she realized that I wasn't going to talk, she grabbed a vial and thrust it into my mouth. It was something called Acide Feu or Feu Acide, whatever and then that's when I was somewhere in my nightmares. The last thing I remember her saying was that it had the same affects of being within close proximity of a Dementor, and at the moment I couldn't see her anymore..."

"You were temporally blind, so that you wouldn't recover from the memories. It's a torture mechanism, Harry, a very rare one. It's quite old and unique if I might add." Tonks said resolutely, "You were in pretty bad shape when I first saw you. The broken bones we mended in a blink of an eye but when I realized that something was inserted inside of your body, that's when I knew I needed my mum."

Harry smiled at her faintly, "That was really nice of her...is she okay? I erm, overheard about the Death Eaters giving her and your dad a rough time." Tonks grimaced and exchanged a look with Remus before answering,

"She's fine, and little shaken of course but fine."

"Is it true about the sword of Gryffindor?" Harry said as soon as that thought re-entered his mind.

"According to my dad...why?"

"Dumbledore left the sword of Gryffindor for me in his will, and also I thought it would be extremely useful for us." He said looking at Remus and Sirius. Remus looked at Sirius in query but was disappointed as Sirius shrugged at him in confusion to Harry's words. Sirius was about to say aloud his amazement and query remarks about Dumbledore's will when Tonks broke the brief pause.

"Well, I'd best be going then," Tonks said looking directly at her husband. "Mum and I should be heading back."

"Of course," Remus said at once resulting in Tonks to scowl at him,

"Want to get rid of me, do you?"

"Dora, I'm only concerned for your wellbeing. Yours and the baby's." Tonks was about to retort back but the last remark from her husband silenced her in a surprised glee at the mention of their unborn child. She smiled broadly at him as he wrapped his arm around her waist. Sirius stood up from Harry's side to face the couple,

"I'll walk you to the door, I need to bid farewell to your mother and thank her again..."

"No need, Siri." Andromeda stood at the doorframe, holding a large flask containing a mauve coloured fluid with a wide smirk upon her face. "Here's an extra flask of my domestic remedy, Siri." Sirius noted his cousin's usage of the word "extra" as he glanced at the table at the foot of Harry's bed, atop it was a similar flask containing the same distinguished mauve coloured fluid. The vial he had grabbed by Harry's bedside table earlier was placed there and filled with the remedy by Andromeda. Andromeda strode in the room and placed the flask in her hands beside the other one. She turned to face Sirius who gave her a sombre expression.

"I heard about the safe houses being compromised, Dromeda." Sirius said softly. Andromeda recoiled, knowing what her cousin was suggestive of. She grinned at him aversely,

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

Sirius took a step forward, "Dromeda, how can I ever thank you. It is because of you Harry is alive. I am indebted to both of you," he said side glancing to Tonks, "forever. Thank you." Andromeda met him halfway and embraced him fiercely. They held each other for a long time, until Sirius gave her one final squeeze. After they released hold of one another Sirius stepped forward and hugged Tonks.

"Take care," Sirius said letting Tonks go, "of the both of you." He said looking down at her stomach. Tonks grinned extensively at Sirius before turning to Harry.

"Be sure to get loads of rest there, Harry. I would hug you, but I'm afraid that you'll fall apart." Harry nodded with a half smile,

"I will, don't worry. Thank you so much, both of you," He said looking up at Andromeda, "thank you." Andromeda smiled broadly back at him before turning her daughter. "Ready?" Tonks despondently looked at Remus who gave her a compassionate smile.

"Let's go, I'll walk you two to the door." With Remus' words, the three of them departed the room, both Tonks and Andromeda glancing back one final time to get another look of Sirius sitting beside his Godson, Harry. Sirius raised his hand and waved them farewell with a slight smile. As soon as they disappeared from his view he turned to look at Harry who was awaiting his gaze. Sirius sighed, remembering what they were talking about before getting interrupted with Remus and Tonks' conversation.

"Godric's Hollow...it's possible." Sirius closed his eyes trying to remember what it was that he was going to enquire about to Harry earlier before another subject matter was brought up. As soon as the image of a sword entered his mind Sirius jumped slightly with a trivial "Oh right," comment. "Dumbledore left you the sword of Gryffindor?" Harry nodded momentarily,

"It makes sense. I was thinking about it before we went to the Ministry. Remember I told you about the ring of Gaunt? Well, Dumbledore destroyed it with the sword of Gryffindor. He wanted me to use it to destroy the other horcruxes. It makes sense. Scrimgeour told me that I couldn't get it because I wasn't the rightful owner. The sword belonged to Godric Gryffindor, he said that Dumbledore didn't have the right to give it to me because it never belonged to him...but obviously he had other things in mind. If the sword's not at Hogwarts then where is it? How are we going to find it?" Sirius didn't speak right away but considered what Harry said. Had Dumbledore foreseen Scrimgeour not releasing the sword to Harry and contrived another way for Harry to obtain it? Where then is the real sword? They need it to destroy the other horcruxes. Sirius exhaled loudly before giving Harry a significant look,

"We'll figure out something. I think we should discuss this in the morning, Harry. You need your rest."

"Sirius," Harry said heatedly before Sirius raised his hand shaking his head,

"Harry, please just do this for me." Harry took notice of the swift glint in his Godfather's eyes before nodding his head in setback. Sirius gently grasped his hand,

"I love you, kiddo."

"I love you too, Sirius." Sirius squeezed his hand. There was a slight knock at the door. Sirius turned his head as Remus walked in with a poignant expression. Sirius gave him a consoling smile as Remus assembled himself upon the foot of the bed where Harry laid.

"Everything good?" Sirius asked with care. Remus smirked back in response,

"Yes, everything is fine. How about in here?"

"Everything is okay, except for Sirius' over protectiveness elevating again." Remus sneered softly at Harry's note.

"I'm afraid I can't help you there, Harry. He's entitled to it this time." Harry glared at him,

"Thanks for the support."

"Anytime," Remus said enjoyably. Harry made motion to say something before his Godfather beat him to it,

"Moony, we were thinking about giving Godric's Hollow a visit." Remus' eyes widened in shock, starring at his friend.

"God-Godric's Hollow...I haven't been there since the funeral." Remus said sorrowfully.

"I haven't been there since that-that night..." Sirius couldn't say aloud the images that were haunting his mind, even his very soul. Finding the lifeless bodies of both James and Lily Potter. Remus flinched at the sight of his darkened face. His eyes reflected pure misery. Finally Remus nodded,

"We'd have to find a way ensuring everyone's safety but, okay...let's go to Godric's Hollow. After a certain someone is on the mend, of course." Remus said casting a look at Harry who still seemed distressed at the previous mention about the night his parent's were murdered and then their funeral.

"Yes, of course." Sirius said briskly, "We'll discuss all of this in the morning, this along with the sword of Gryffindor."

"Sword of Gryffindor?" Remus said in bewilderment. Harry immediately filled him in on his view of the sword, Dumbledore and the remaining horcruxes. Remus looked at Sirius warily before returning his gaze back upon Harry.

"This is very peculiar indeed." He said guardedly, "Are there other ways of destroying horcruxes other than using the sword, Harry?" Harry took in consideration what his former Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher just asked before clearing his throat,

"Well, when I destroyed Riddle's diary I used a fang from a Basilisk, down in the Chamber of Secrets."

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Sirius said appallingly. "Fang from a Basilisk...what in Merlin's sake are you talking about Harry?"

Harry held his breath as he quickly looked at Remus, "Erm...Sirius doesn't know about the events in the Chamber of Secrets?"

"Now that I think about it Harry, I don't think Sirius knows much about your first and second year at Hogwarts. I myself know vaguely some details..." Harry gulped stridently,

"Erm, well like you said Sirius, I should get some rest...it must be late...where are Ron and Hermione by the way?" Sirius eyed Harry sceptically before speaking,

"Ron and Hermione are asleep, yes it is late and yes you should get some rest after you recount the events of your first two years in Hogwarts." Harry heaved a loud sigh,

"Where should I start?" Harry asked ingenuously.

"Why don't you start when you got your Hogwarts letter, Harry?" Remus said steadily. Harry tried to hold back his smile. Sirius raised his eyebrow at Harry's expression.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing...it'll be interesting to see your reaction, that's all." Harry said with smirk.

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Hey guys!

Next chapter – Godric Hollow, Dumbledore details, the sword of Gryffindor, conflicts between Ron, Hermione and Harry...and Grimmauld Place being compromised????

A big thanks to all those who take their time to review.

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Lots of love, always

Opaque Nights.