There will be the appearance of a much loved character in this chapter and plenty of cooking. ENJOY!

"Arty! Can you get the door?" I glanced up from where I was sat on my bedroom floor, painting Lily's toenails with colour changing polish and bellowed back: "What?" as Lily, toes now finished, flicked her wand at my wireless that was standing on a crooked dresser in the corner. It let out an indignant squawk and fell silent.

"I said," Mum appeared, panting slightly, in the open doorway, "Can you go downstairs and open the door? I would but I've only just got up here and I really can't face going back down."

"Sure." I clambered unsteadily to my feet, shaking out the cramp. Lily stood as well and clambered onto the bed where James was sprawled, reading yesterday's Daily Prophet. He, almost unconsciously, moved to wrap his arm around her, pulling her against himself and she settled into him with a contented sigh. I felt a pang of jealousy but squashed it. Man I was having serious Sirius withdrawal symptoms.

Remus caught my eye from where he was reading, sat on my window seat, and gave me a comforting smile. I grinned back and headed for the stairs.

"Hey! Arty, try this."

I had just reached the door and turned, lifting the latch behind my back as Peter emerged out of the kitchen, carrying a large baking tray full of cup cakes.

"Whoa! They look amazing!"

Peter had almost completely taken over the kitchen since my mother had found out last night how much he enjoyed cooking. Since then there had been a full English at breakfast, soup and fresh, crusty rolls, still warm from the oven at lunch and as much cake as we could eat. The waistband of my jeans had been uncomfortably tight all day.

"Have one." He held out the tray and I took one, stuffing a large bite into my mouth, closing my eyes in bliss. I think Peter was slightly embarrassed by my look of ecstasy because he scuttled back into the kitchen, a little red around the ears.

I turned, smiling slightly to walk straight into a solid wall of warm chest.

"OOF!" I said and rocketed backwards, landing with splat on my backside. Sirius burst out laughing at me. "Ooh," I rubbed my bottom like it was about to fall off.

"Hey babes." He yanked me of my feet and kissed me hello. I reached up, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

"Um, Sirius?"

"Wha-?" We broke apart, panting slightly.

"That was some welcome. Arty, this is Squirt."

"Excuse me?" I looked down to see a little girl of around five with impossibly bright blue hair and large grey hair like Sirius's. "Hey! Who are you?"

"I'm Tonks." She said firmly, sticking out her hand. I took, raising my eyebrows.

Sirius explained: "She's Nymphadora Tonks. She's my favourite cousin's little girl."

"I'm not little! And don't call me Nymphadora."

"Sorry Squirt." He leaned down to ruffle her blue locks, which promptly turned bright bubblegum pink.

"Cool trick!" I smiled, wondering if my Mum had ever done that at that age. Once I could've imagined it but now I wasn't sure, she had looked the same for almost as long as I could remember now-Blonde hair, streaked with grey and my dark brown eyes. I squatted down in front of her: "So, Tonks, how old are you?"

She puffed out her chest. "Five and eleven months."

"Wow!" I stood up. "Not that I'm not delighted to meet her, but why is she here? Just out of interest."

Sirius sighed. "I was just wondering if she could crash here for a couple of days, just 'til we head back to school. It's just, well, her Dad's Muggleborn and they're talking of going into hiding. Aunty Andre just needs a couple of days to set up the arrangements and asked if I could look after her. It doesn't matter if it's a problem, I can just-"

"Shhh." I put a finger to his lips. "Of course she can stay, it's no problem. We'll have to share rooms though."

"Is that an invitation?" He smirked at me, sliding an arm round my waist. I pushed him away, half-hearted, and let an unwilling giggle escape.

"Not you, you half-wit. Me, Lily and Tonks. You up for midnight feasts Kiddo?"

"Yeah! Sirius, go get my stuff."

"I like her." I announced.

He scowled: "I'm sure you do. You two are going to be trouble I can just tell."

"That's why you love me. Come on, I'm sure we can tear Lily and James apart long enough to say hello."

He grabbed my hand, but Tonks elbowed her way in, sliding one grubby and into my own and one into Sirius's. "Though the way they've been for the last couple of weeks I think that may be difficult."

I nodded. "Who would have imagined?"

"Remus."

"What!"

"I owe him ten galleons. He always said that they'd finally get together."

"Smart kid that Remus."

"Yeah, smart kid."

So, here you go. Another Chapter, just laying the scene for the holiday and the wedding, hope you enjoyed:)

Let me know!