Said and Unsaid

Albus and Minerva immediately got up to leave. Spinning back into the Headmaster's office, they got out of the fire but Minerva remained by the hearth staring at her superior and friend who was placidly sorting papers on his desk. "Albus…"

"My dear Minerva it is the natural course of life to die. Do not mourn what is meant for us all."

"But Albus your last efforts were wasted, your life was wasted for a fake Hocrux. That alone is horrible enough but you are also a prominent figure in the war effort! You've given us all hope, the will to fight Voldemort. With you gone -"

"Others will take my place. It only takes one person willing to set an example for others to follow. And Minerva I did not die in vain even if the Horcrux was a fake. I was able to start Harry on the journey, teach him everything I could, and, if I know myself, I would try to leave him more help behind in case he needed it. Besides if others had discovered his secret that means there are cracks in Voldemort's scheme that can be exploited."

"Even when discussing your death, you provide clarity and fortitude." McGonagall boldly strode forward to stand beside him. "What are we to do without you Albus?"

"Your best Minerva, you are to do your best in whatever way you can," Albus replied calmly.

Back at the Potter home Sirius left the others to sit in his room by himself for a few moments. Part of his mind was on Snape and the fact the bastard had murdered Dumbledore in cold blood. But a greater piece focused on the mysterious R.A.B. Did he really do it? Did his little brother really try to bring down Voldemort. When he had gotten word a couple years ago that Reg had died, that was it. They couldn't give him any details about why or how. What were his final moments like? Did he die in that cave? Was he taken by the Inferi? His gut lurched and his eyes stung just thinking about it. Maybe the rat knew what happened; they'd have to interrogate him before handing him over to Azkaban. Maybe Mya knows… That was a definite possibility, after all she did have to find out who R.A.B. was and track them and the Horcrux down. Thoughts of Mya and Reg made his stomach feel strangely hollow for different reasons though it was hard to explain why.

Lily stood by the bay window, hugging herself. He was her best friend, he introduced her into the world of magic. Even after they fell apart, they were cordial to one another though that ended after she started up with James. Little by little she'd been building hope that maybe, just maybe, her old friend would still be there but then they find everything he did. He relayed the information that set Voldemort after her family, claims to be reformed then kill Albus Dumbledore. Perhaps one could make the argument that he didn't know she would be targeted but then why kill Dumbledore? It was Draco's mission to kill Dumbledore and they knew Snape had made the vow to help Draco but did that include actually committing the deed? They'd actually seen each other, at the last scrimmage between the Death Eaters and the Order. They were fighting in the woods outside a popular muggle town when Snape tripped, revealing himself in the process, and she turned to Stun him not knowing who it was. For one single moment they just looked at each other. It was like an awful recreation of their childhood; being in the woods, waving sticks like wands. Sometimes they'd even pretend to duel too. Then a near-miss jinx broke the reverie and she took off, refusing to look back. She put her head against the cool glass, willing her emotions to wait until the end of the story.

James and Remus were sitting with Mya and Harry. They were supposed to be playing with the infant but Remus noticed Hermione's eyes kept darting to the stairs. "Everything alright Mya?"

"Sirius just left, is he ok?"

"I'm sure he's fine," James assured her. "He probably needed a break after everything he's heard."

"I suppose you're right." Hermione nodded though she still looked unconvinced. Remus watched her out of the corner of his eye to see her still staring at the stairs until Sirius reappeared. Only then did she focus on the baby, how interesting… Remus mused.

"Hello all," Sirius said cheerfully. "Jamesie boy I think we need to have a word with Remy don't you?"

"Now boys," Lily turned to them. "Be nice."

"Oh yes, I had almost forgotten about that." James and Sirius hauled Remus to the kitchen and cornered him against the island. "So," James clucked his tongue. "What's this 'too poor, too old, too dangerous' nonsense?"

"I didn't said that…yet" Remus finished lamely.

"No but you agree with yourself," Sirius crossed his arms. "Don't you dare deny it."

Remus rolled his eyes, "Well I can understand why I would say that. I AM quite a bit older than Tonks, I probably am too poor if what we've heard of my employment record is anything to go by, and yes being with a werewolf is dangerous."

James snorted, "Mate she's an AUROR. That's makes her intelligent and brave just like someone else I know despite the age difference. She probably makes enough money on her own and who better to handle a werewolf than a more than fully trained witch?"

"She could still do better," Remus said slightly bitterly.

"See that right there is going earn you another slap," Sirius warned. "Screw society and its stupid prejudices. They don't care about you, why should you care about them? Tonks clearly doesn't. She loved you so much that it was affecting her mate. Her patronus changed for you."

Remus shuffled awkwardly, "We still have plenty of time. When it comes to that, if it comes to that, perhaps things will be different and even if they aren't, you can still kick my ass then."

"Fine we'll let it go," James relented and left.

"For now," Sirius added with a look in his eye.

"Are you alright Padfoot?" Remus asked abruptly. "You took off by yourself."

Sirius was confused by this turn in the talk, "I'm fine. Just wanted some time to process everything."

"Oh good," Remus said mildly. "You might want to tell Mya."

Sirius narrowed his eyes, "Why?"

Remus grinned wickedly and went for the kill, "She was worried about you." He quickly exited the kitchen, leaving the dog to think about that.

A/N: Oooh devious move there Remus! I just love writing for him especially in Marauder-mode. Anyway a very merry Christmas to all my lovely readers, your support and reviews are my favourite gifts. Until next time, ENJOY R&R PLZ!