As an even further apology, here is Chapter 9, as well! I am already working on Chapter 10, so keep an eye out in the next few days! Cheers!

Grace awoke on the cool leather couch in the Black family library, a damp cloth on her forehead and Remus hovering over her anxiously. She tried to sit up, but was restrained by Remus' gentle hand on her shoulder. "Lie back," he advised her softly. "You had quite a turn."

Ignoring him, Grace looked over at Sirius, who was pacing the library, looking very much like a caged animal that wants nothing more than to tear its captor asunder. "Sirius," she whispered.

He heard her- somehow- from across the room and came quickly to her bedside. She didn't miss Remus' frown and the minute shake of his head, however, before Sirius knelt beside her and took her hand in his. "Are you alright?" he asked, his grey eyes troubled. "You fainted-"

Grace felt her eyes fill with tears, which overflowed and spilled, hot and shameful, down her cheeks. "Reg," she whispered, and Sirius suddenly looked as if he had been struck. He sat back, releasing her hand and squaring his shoulders, as if for battle. Remus looked frustrated, before turning to his friend. "Would you have Kreacher bring us the locket?" he asked Sirius, keeping his voice light. "I think we can all agree that Harry should have it."

Sirius frowned. "He's only a boy, Remus-"

"Dumbledore will help him, I'm sure of it," Remus said firmly. "That locket needs destroyed. It may be the key to finally ridding our world of that madman."

"My locket," Grace interrupted rudely. "Where is it?"

Without answering, Sirius abruptly stood and strode out of the library, his hands in his pockets. Remus met her eyes with his and smiled half-heartedly. He reached back and tugged the golden locket from his back pocket, pooling the cold chain in her palm and closing her fingers over it gently. "Before you ask," he began, reaching back into his pocket again, "Here is the note, too." When she reached out to take it, he held it just out of her reach. "Grace," he said simply, and their eyes met as her fingers closed over his around the parchment. He sighed. "I don't presume to tell you how to act, but-" He broke off before starting again. "I know you miss Regulus, but it hurts Sirius when-"

Before he could finish, Sirius walked back into the room. "It's done," he said simply. "I hope you're right about Harry's abilities, Remus. That's Dark magic, there."

Remus blinked. "Harry has James' courage and Lily's smarts," he told Sirius. "And Hermione's the brightest witch of her age, as I have told you before."

Sirius grinned sheepishly. "I suppose you are right." He glanced briefly at Grace before turning away. "I saw them off; I'll have a glass of Firewhiskey, and then I am going to bed."

Remus nodded gravely. "As you wish." He rose and smiled at Grace. "If you feel well enough, I can help you up to your room," he offered, solicitous and gallant as always.

She smiled. "No, thank you, Remus," she said softly. "I think- I think I will remain where I am for a moment."

Remus nodded knowingly and left the room. Before Sirius had a chance to follow him, Grace rose to her feet, resting a hand on the back of the couch for balance. "Sirius."

He half-turned. "Yes?"

"Why are you angry?" Her voice sounded lost, broken.

He stood frozen for a moment, then his shoulders slumped. "I'm not," he said finally. He turned to face her, and she saw grief and jealousy warring in his eyes. "I just-" He gestured feebly with his hands, unable to express his emotions. Finally, his jaw set, and he strode across the room to take her into his arms and press his lips to hers. "I just care so much," he finally whispered, before she saw an emotion that looked vaguely like fear flit across his aristocratic features. He pulled away and hurried from the room, and Grace found herself grasping only empty air.