Author's note: I had a sudden burst of creativity and imagination that fired me into completing this chapter over the past two days. I'm pleased to say we have a Sirius-fest in this chapter :-) But I can't promise any relief for our tortured hero :-(

P.S. The name of the unfortunate Order member in this chapter has again been lifted from my extensive family tree. Also, thank you to those who have followed/favourited my story since the last update :-) SA

'You led me to temptation, delivered me to pain

I walked upon your hallowed ground, my soul is yours to gain

Your passion drains my energy, fear starts running deep

I'm falling in slow motion, into eternal sleep

I'm living bad dreams, I can't run from you

I'm living bad dreams, this nightmare's coming true.'

"Living Bad Dreams" - Judas Priest

Wednesday 30th August 2000

'I've had enough Kingsley! I'm sick of waiting around here and nothing being done! Enough with these endless meetings and the incessant talking!' Sirius exhaled a breath of frustration. 'Sirius, please man! I know how worried and frustrated you are, but we have to look at the whole picture. Our main priority is to destroy Voldemort and we can't do that without more people and a serious plan of action! Voldemort will be guarding his last horcrux very closely. We can't just rush in there impulsively, we've lost too many people already and Voldemort is already making his own plans. Look at the creatures he has at his command, and the groups of followers he has sent out to track us down! They still outnumber us and he knows now that we have the Dark Amber stone...he is determined to acquire it.'

He did not want to lose his temper with Kingsley; they were friends. But it had been over a week since Kreacher's return from Voldemort's headquarters. All that had taken place since then were meeting upon meeting discussing strategies, recruitment of new members, reconnaissance missions and skirmishes with Voldemort's followers that he had sent out to hunt them down.

Two days ago, poor Garnet Goddard, having become separated from the group, had been cornered by a group of Dementors and was now reduced to a hollow and empty shell, after having his soul taken from him. Yesterday, Kingsley had the unenviable task of telling his distraught parents what had happened to their son. The Order had changed location twice in the past week to avoid the detection of Voldemort's forces. No firm plans had been put into place for Rose's rescue. Kingsley had now refused anyone to try to use the stone again to infiltrate Voldemort's manor, saying that it was now too risky.

'I know all this Kingsley! But all I can think of is the possible danger Rose is in. I have a bad feeling and I'm so worried about her. I don't care about anything else!' Sirius knew as soon as the words left his mouth how selfish he sounded. The worry and the helplessness were turning him into someone he didn't like. Kingsley, with his infinite patience, placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder, but he shrugged it off and Kingsley tried to appeal to him again. 'We are all concerned for Rose, Sirius. And we all want to get her safely away from Voldemort. But you are going to have to realise that it may not be possible to do this overnight and try to be patient.

I have faith in Rose that she has what is needed to handle the situation. She's strong, intelligent and she has the blood of Morgan Le Fay inside her! I also believe that she will be safe when she is finally carrying his child. He will not harm her then and it ensures her safety for nine months. No doubt we will have defeated him long before then and rescued her. Rose will not want us to take unnecessary risks and endanger lives to rescue her. She would be angry with us if we did.' Kingsley sensed the underlying fears troubling Sirius. 'You have to keep faith in the bond between yourself and Rose. She loves you, and Voldemort cannot destroy that.'

Sirius spun around to face Kingsley, his face displaying a haunted look and showing the lack of sleep. 'You are right Kingsley. Voldemort cannot destroy what Rose and I share. But he is poison, and he will infect her with it and try to break her. He will leave his mark upon her, and the longer she is with him, the more she will be damaged by him. The fear of it all is eating me up inside. I can't help how I feel. I never thought I'd ever love anyone as strongly again as I do her, or find anyone who made me so happy.'

Kingsley smiled at him. 'I was so glad for you when you told me about the two of you. I never thought I'd ever see you smile again after losing Harry.' Kingsley placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder again. Sirius' faint look of hope and happiness faded and was replaced by a bitter grimace. 'Yet again the fates and that bastard snatch away from me someone that I love!'

Sirius strode over to the door, wrenched it open, then walked out. Kingsley sighed as he heard Sirius run up the stairs, and moments later the door to his room slam shut. He cursed himself inwardly for mentioning Harry's name and reminding Sirius of another loved one that Voldemort had taken from him. He would have to try to keep a close eye upon Sirius now; he knew him well, and Sirius in this frame of mind meant that he would attempt something reckless and impulsive. He understood why Sirius felt this way, but his feelings for Rose meant that he could not be impartial and consider the whole picture.

Sirius paced his room, trying to release the frustration. How he wanted to have that bastard crawling in front of him and at his mercy. He would then take great pleasure in torturing him to the edge of insanity for days before he killed him! He kicked at the chest at the foot of his bed in frustration and then went over to the dressing table. He picked up the glass and poured the fire-whiskey into it, raising it to his lips and draining the glass of all its contents. He grimaced slightly as he felt the heat and burn of the liquid hit the back of his throat. He poured himself another glass and walked over to the window, looking out at the darkening sky. He had drunk far too much of this stuff in the past week. He knew he was trying to drown out the fears and thoughts that were tormenting him daily. He knew Kingsley was right, but he could not find the patience he needed.

Rose seemed to be drifting further away from him as each day slipped by. Fear was eating at him and the dark thoughts kept pervading his mind. The longer she remained in Voldemort's possession, the more time he had to infect her with his poisonous influence. He knew she was strong and fiery and had the strength to handle herself. He knew that she despised everything he stood for. But Voldemort had his ways and had broken many a strong character before now. Rose would be no exception to him, mother of his child or not.

The pain of being parted from her was so intense, and he had always felt things deeply. Being born under the sign of the Scorpion, he exhibited many of the characteristics of that house. But this was more than just his nature; the need he felt for her was sometimes overwhelming. He felt as if he taken a drug and that Rose herself was the substance. It was as if by having tasted her, he had become hooked, and could not exist without having another fix. He'd felt desire for women many times before, but not like this. And he loved her...so much. He held onto her image in his mind; the sparkle in her eyes when she looked at him. Her smile...it seemed to reach inside of him and pull him back from the abyss he'd been on the edge of for the past two years. She gave him belief that life still had some hope and was worth continuing on for.

He had tortured himself so many times with the sickening thoughts of Voldemort touching her. It disgusted him and made him physically ill. But he now also had jealousy and suspicion creeping in. He tried to convince himself that Rose would not be seduced by Voldemort. He was evil and cruel, and his appearance was repulsive. No woman would be attracted to him...well his demented cousin was...and no doubt some of his other female followers were not immune to his dubious charms. But not Rose...she wouldn't be...she couldn't be. He wished he could convince himself, but the thought that kept creeping into his head was this; whether he was a twisted creäture or not, Voldemort was still a man. And a man who was reputed to have a strong presence and charisma. He had possessed the ability to charm and influence others from adolescence.

Look at how many fellow wizards and witches he had been able to persuade to join him in his destructive plans. Sirius could not understand or fathom Voldemort's dark appeal, but he had seen countless others be swayed and corrupted by it. Sirius knew that Voldemort had tormented Rose through her dreams. And though Rose had not said anything, he remembered hearing the noises she had made that time he had gone to her room and roused her from sleep. Those had been the sounds of arousal, and it had made him sick. He had pushed that memory away, but now it had come back to torment him. Why did he have these suspicions infecting his head? He had to trust in Rose. He sighed wearily and drained the glass of its contents again. He needed to get some sleep tonight, he could not think clearly at the moment.

xox

'Come, Sirius Black,' the voice whispered to him. He tried to ignore it, but it kept on calling to him. It was a woman's voice, and it was warm and seductive. He kept his eyes closed but it would not let him be. 'Wake up Sirius...do you not want to see her? She is waiting for you. You love her, do you not? Come...open your eyes.' Sirius could not resist the lure of that voice. He opened his eyes and looked around him. This was not his room...where was he?

His eyes adjusted to the gloom and he saw the grey stone walls behind the tapestry that depicted a scene of a famous wizarding battle. He watched briefly as the figures in the tapestry aimed their wands and the magic sparked from them. He looked around and studied the simple, yet elegant furnishings of the room. His eyes rested upon the large, wooden figure of a cobra in the corner of the room. Such was the detail of the intricate carving, that for a moment he thought it was real. He knew where he was now. This was Voldemort's headquarters.

How had he got here? 'Where are you?' He shouted out to the voice. There was no-one but him in the room. 'I am here,' the voice called to him again. Sirius started as the door to the room creaked and began to open. He readied himself, expecting one of his enemies to enter. The door opened fully and revealed the empty corridor. He sighed in relief and the voice called to him again. 'Come with me, Sirius...Rose is waiting for you...she misses you.'

Sirius moved from the bed and swiftly made his way to the door. He followed the sound of the voice as he crept down the corridor, keeping his back to the wall and stealing frequent glances behind him, expecting Death Eaters to appear at any moment. They continued down the long corridor, the candles on the wall flickered invitingly. 'We are almost there,' the voice whispered softly. 'Who are you?' Sirius hissed back. The voice let out an amused laugh. 'I am a friend who merely wants to help the course of true love run smoothly...trust me.'

Sirius didn't know if he should trust in this voice, but he ignored his suspicions. He wanted to see Rose...his misgivings were not going to stop him. Please let her be safe and well, he thought to himself. The impatience to have her in his sight began to grow within him. His eyes would devour her when they finally saw her. It had been so long...too long. 'Sirius!' The voice yelled, disturbing him from his pleasant thoughts. He looked up and saw the haughty face of Lucius Malfoy swim into view. Shock flickered across Lucius' face, but it was swiftly replaced by a wicked smirk.

'Well, what a surprise to see you here, Black! Have you come to pay your respects and congratulate the Dark Lord and his blushing bride? But, I must warn you, I don't think he'll appreciate the intrusion. That slut of a wife of his has her seductive ways and knows how to keep his attention!' Lucius let out a laugh, amused by his own wit. Sirius scowled at him. 'I'll wipe that smirk off your face, Malfoy!' Lucius merely laughed again. 'We shall see,' he drawled and began to draw out his wand.

Lucius' mouth stopped smiling and formed itself into a little, round "o" of shock. He had not expected the green light of the killing curse to come from Sirius' hand and hit him in the chest. Nor had he thought that Sirius would forgo the rules of duelling. Sirius stood over the body of his cousin's husband. He bent down and picked up his wand, studying the ornate snake handle. He shook his head and stashed it inside his waistcoat. Sirius stood up again, his eyes still fixed upon Lucius. 'More fool you for thinking I'd play by the rules...you always were a flashy, smug git, Malfoy!'

The voice called his attention away from Malfoy's corpse. 'Come, Sirius...we must make haste!' Sirius strode over the body and continued after the sound of his helper. They were not confronted by anyone else and eventually came to a halt in front of a large set of dark wood doors. 'Well?' Sirius whispered to the voice. 'Go ahead,' the voice whispered back. 'Open the door and you will find her waiting for you.' Sirius took a breath and then exhaled. His hand closed around the door-handle. 'Thank you,' he said quietly, and the voice replied in hushed tones. 'Oh, do not thank me...I am pleased to help.'

Sirius slowly turned the handle and silently opened the door. He did not want to frighten Rose, it was late and she could be asleep. The glow of the candlelight flickered around the room, creating shadows on the walls. He saw the four-poster bed as he began to step into the room. It was empty, the bed covers undisturbed. Where was she? Sirius stepped further into the large room and looked to his left, towards the fireplace. He froze and it felt as if his heart had turned to stone inside his chest.

Voldemort stood looking into the fire that burned in the hearth. He was naked, and his left hand rested upon the mantelpiece. The glow from the candle light did little to bring any warmth to the chalk-white hue of his skin. His body was lean and the muscles subtly defined. Sirius felt repulsed by a view of Voldemort that he had never seen before and never wanted to see again. Sirius' horrified gaze was taken away from Voldemort by the appearance of Rose. She walked slowly up behind the man he hated more than anyone else. She too was naked and he could not look away from the vision of her glossy hair trailing down her elegant back. His eyes could not help but roam over the sight of her soft, rounded buttocks and her slender legs. He let out a soft gasp of shock and watched in disbelief as Rose's hand came to rest upon the base of Voldemort's back.

'My Lord,' she said softly and her fingers moved gently up his back. Sirius watched as the back muscles contracted at the sensation of her touch, He wanted to close his ears to the moan of pleasure that he heard Voldemort emit. Rose's hand had now reached his shoulder and she moved her body close to his. She let out a gasp of shock as Voldemort spun around and gripped her by the throat. Rose instinctively placed her hands on his. Voldemort's serpentine eyes flashed with emotion. 'You dare to touch me without my permission?'

Sirius held his breath and was about to intervene, when Rose choked out a laugh. 'Yes I dare, my Lord!' She said teasingly. 'You have such an elegant back...it invites me to touch it!' Voldemort studied her, and within seconds his expression showed amusement. He let out a laugh and loosened his hold upon her neck, drawing her to him and placing his hands on her shoulders. 'You return the compliment that I gave to you?' Sirius watched as Rose nodded and he smiled at her. 'I like your wit,' he said. His eyes travelled downwards. 'And this delicious body of yours!'

Sirius saw the desire in Voldemort's eyes and could not move or look away as he clamped his mouth on Rose's. He expected her to push him away, but his heart cracked as she responded with as much force, one hand caressing Voldemort's head and the other snaking around his waist and pulling his body even tighter against hers. She wanted him...she desired him! He tried to move his hand so that he could strike Voldemort down and bring the woman he loved back to her senses.

Voldemort pulled away from Rose, a look of distaste appearing upon his face. 'We have company, girl...and unwelcome company at that! Thank you for the warning Nagini.' Sirius could only move his eyes and they looked over to the corner of the room where the serpent was coiled, it's cold eyes fixed upon him. Sirius returned his eyes to Voldemort and Rose. She was looking at him now, her cheeks flushed and the emotions behind her eyes were impenetrable. 'Sirius...' Her voice trailed off into the air. She could see the hurt contained in his eyes. It could not compare to the agony of the betrayal that he felt inside of him.

'Take your eyes off her, Black!' Voldemort commanded his attention again. His expression was a mixture of anger, exultance and discomfort. His naked body began to be covered by a dark blue robe and Sirius was thankful to no longer be subjected to the sight of Voldemort's nakedness. 'To what do we owe this pleasure Black? I do not remember inviting you here. You do realise that is not considered polite to intrude upon a husband and wife in the middle of their marital pleasures!' Voldemort smirked at him. 'You...bastard!' Sirius forced out, 'I'm going... to kill you!' Voldemort walked up to him, his face was inches from his own. 'Really, Black? Well, go ahead then. I am most intrigued to find out how you will do so!'

Voldemort strode away from him and made his way back to Rose, Sirius tried to fight against the bind that had been placed upon his body. He watched helplessly as Voldemort placed an arm around Rose's waist and pulled her against him. She stood and looked at him, an impassive look on her face. 'Get ...your hands...off her!' Voldemort let out a laugh of derision. 'My wife has no objection to my touching her...she would have no hesitation in telling me if she did...I know her fiery nature all too well! The truth, Black, is that she enjoys my touch and my attentions...much more than she ever did yours!'

Sirius was forced to watch as Voldemort cupped her breasts with his hands and squeezed them, before they rested back upon her stomach. His mouth lowered to her neck and he kissed it. Rose arched her neck and she lifted up her hand to caress Voldemort's face. Voldemort raised his head and he and Rose looked at one another, before returning their gaze to him. 'Now, where were we, Black? Oh yes...you were going to kill me. Well, I am still waiting!' He smirked at the man's inert body and the fury and hurt in his expression. 'I could have killed you several times over by now. You are clearly incapable and full of empty threats.'

Voldemort moved away from Rose, going back to the fireplace. 'However I am in a forgiving mood tonight, Black...I will not kill you.' Nagini slithered up to her master and hissed at him. He smiled at her and responded. 'An excellent idea, my pet.' He walked back over to Rose and stroked her cheek with his hand. Rose's hand closed upon Voldemort's. 'Well, wife, I shall give you the honour this night. You can practice your newfound skills upon the blood traitor.' He touched her shoulder and her body was instantly sheathed in a nightgown of green silk. She looked at him. 'I do not want him looking upon you any longer. That pleasure is reserved for me alone.' He bent and kissed her, his hand roaming through her hair. Sirius watched as her own hand stroked Voldemort's cheek. They broke apart and she began to walk over to him. 'Rose...' Sirius forced out her name. 'You don't want...to do this...I...know...you!'

She was face to face with him now. He could feel her breath upon his skin, as she studied him. He tried to read what she was thinking in her eyes, but they remained unfathomable to him. She raised her hand and touched his face so softly that he wanted to cry. 'Oh Sirius,' she said, giving him a rueful smile, 'You really don't know me at all.' His heart fractured and finally broke as she withdrew her hand from his cheek, turning and walking away from him. Turning back around, she raised out her hand in front of her. As she balled her hand into a fist, Sirius began to cough and splutter. He felt as if something was trying to force it's way out of his body. He tried to plead with his eyes for Rose to stop. A silver mist began to make its way from his mouth and started to gather in the palm of her hand. He felt himself weaken and his vision began to blur. He felt himself falling down and drifting into nothingness. She was killing him, taking away his life. She was lost to him…

xox

'No...please..don't!' Sirius struggled to breathe...she was stealing his life force away from him. He realised after a few moments that he could now move his body again. His eyes flickered open and he saw instantly that he was in his room once more. He rubbed his eyes to clear the sleep from them. His mouth was dry, he was dehydrated from the half-bottle of fire-whisky he had consumed last night. It was still dark...what time was it? 'Lumos.' Part of the room filled with a soft, warm glow of light.

He looked at the clock and it showed that it was only 3.20am. He rested his head back on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling. It had been a dream, but a dream that would not fade from his mind. The images flickered through his mind like a horror film. Whose voice was it that had led him on to witness the sight of Rose with Voldemort? He had not recognized it.

'It was my voice that you heard, Sirius Black.' Sirius was startled from his thoughts by the voice from his dream. He sat up on the bed, his eyes drawn towards the corner of the room that the light had not reached.

The owner of the voice stepped forward from the space between the wardrobe and dresser. The semi-solid figure of a woman came into his view. Her long rich brown hair was plaited and it lay upon her left shoulder, trailing down to her waist. She wore a long dress of scarlet red, and her emerald eyes sparkled through the gloom, appraising him. 'I'm not dreaming again, am I?' The woman smiled in amusement. 'No, not this time...this is very real.' Sirius raised himself from the bed and moved to the centre of the room, his eyes never leaving the woman. 'Who are you?' he demanded of her.

The woman continued to meet his gaze, her smile had not faded. 'You know who I am, Sirius Black. My name is skirting around the peripheries of your mind.' Sirius narrowed his eyes at her. 'Morgan Le Fay,' he growled. She nodded her head in affirmation. 'We meet at last, Sirius Black. I have seen that Rose means a great deal to you. And in the memories that you took from Rose's mind, I know how much you mean to her. That was very wise of you, for it allowed her to focus on the situation she is now in. She was following my teachings and progressing well.' She paused, and sighed. 'However, she seems to have lost her way somewhat, which is a pity.'

Sirius took a step towards Morgan and felt his temper rising. 'You have been invading my mind, haven't you? You are behind that dream I've just had...I know it! What the hell was that all for? Is that your twisted idea of a joke to torment me further? I don't trust you at all...you prevented Rose from being apparated from Voldemort's headquarters...I know you did!' Sirius breathed deeply, trying to keep control of his anger. 'You have given me so many questions to answer,' she replied, calmly. 'Where would you like me to start?'

Sirius fired the stunning spell from his wand at Morgan, but it rebounded off the protective shield she'd created and he had to move quickly to avoid his own spell. She laughed at him. 'Really, Sirius...you do let that anger of yours get the better of you sometimes. Did you not think I would ensure my safety before I revealed myself to you?' Sirius let out a growl of frustration. 'It was worth a try...I have as much faith in you as I have in that bald-headed bastard! The only reason that I don't want to kill you is that you know things that I need to know, and that you are Rose's ancestor. I'd like to think that counts for something with you!' Morgan gave him her knowing smile. 'Of course it does, Sirius,' she said, her warm voice smooth like honey. 'Rose is my kin, and I want what I know is right for her. I have the best of intentions in appearing to you now. We can help one another.' Sirius' expression remained wary and distrustful. 'We'll see,' he said gruffly. 'Answer my questions and give me the information I need...then I'll know how helpful you really are!'