'Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warning: None for this chapter

Chapter 57 – A Gathering Darkness

July passed into August and soon there were only two weeks remaining until the commencement of the new school term. Hogwarts letters were duly sent and Lily and Remus were both stunned to find that their respective missives included Prefect badges. After the good-natured teasing had been exhausted, the pair was left to quietly ponder how either of them could hope to control the pranks and hi-jinks of James, Sirius and – less pervasively, Peter. After everything the group had endured over the past months, Remus hoped that he would not be fulfilling his responsibilities at the cost of his friendships. After one visit to Diagon Alley revealed that students were beginning to travel to London to purchase books and other school necessities, the five friends restricted their off-campus excursions to Hogsmeade Village – or Muggle London. "Bloody ickle firsties," James had muttered after the second awestruck eleven year-old had walked right into him, having chosen to focus on the sights of Diagon Alley instead of where he was going. Between his shin – sore from the accidental kick of the boy – and his arm, sore from Lily's pinch at his 'unkind comment', James' patience was truly at an end. Deciding that they all needed rescue from the congestion of the wizard merchant area, Remus suggested a quick detour to Muggle London – and the cinema, a diversion with which he and Lily were particularly familiar. Everyone heartily agreed, good humor was restored and the friends soon found themselves sitting in the cool darkness of a theater otherwise empty in the early weekday afternoon. Munching popcorn and sipping fizzy drinks, the five magical people soon found themselves lost in the altogether amazing "magic" of Muggle movies – specifically, "Murder by Death", a comedy by American playwright Neil Simon. As they were the only patrons at this particular showing, their raucous laughter, loud commentary and guess-work about the plot disturbed no one and all were sorely disappointed when the end credits appeared.

Stepping out into the street, they squinted as the bright sunlight flooded their eyes. "Fancy a snack?" Sirius asked the others as he looked up and down the street for a likely spot. Kate slipped her arm through his. "I would love an ice cream. Do you think enough time has passed for the new first years to have gotten their supplies and left the Alley?"

Lily nodded and smiled, grabbing James' hand. "Pity you three didn't wear your medals today!"

Still chuckling over favorite lines from the movie – and with the boys loudly contemplating taking another run at the massive ice cream treat – the group reached The Leaky Cauldron in record time. James tapped the bricks in the wall leading to Diagon Alley and the group stepped through the resulting archway.

"Stop it!"

"Get away!"

"Leave him alone!"

The five friends turned in the direction of the voices and saw a ring of students – most of them apparent first years – gathered at the edge of the wall. James and Sirius moved quickly and were soon pushing through the group of spectators to find Bellatrix Black standing over an obviously terrified boy with her wand aimed directly at his chest.

"Expelliarmus!" Sirius said quietly, raising his hand and deftly catching Bellatrix' wand as it flew toward him. The young boy took advantage of the distraction and leapt to his feet, running full tilt down the alley and away from the scene, followed by most of the watching crowd.

The witch spun around, her eyes widening as she identified the wizard who had disarmed her. Glaring at her cousin, Bellatrix approached him slowly. "I'll have that back, if you please." When Sirius merely stood silently, she narrowed her gaze and thrust out her hand. "Now!"

Sirius shook his head slightly. "I think not – at least until I'm certain you won't be picking on any more 11 year olds. Really, Bella, is there no one for you to play with but the first-years?"

Bella's eyes narrowed. "The little Mudblood had a wand …"

"And no conscious idea of what to do with it," Kate interjected.

"Maybe they shouldn't have given it to him," Bella sneered, looking the young witch up and down. "Maybe he shouldn't be attending a wizarding school!"

Sirius stepped between Kate and his cousin. "Enough. Why don't you run along and find the rest of your friends, Bella? I'm sure they're down Knockturn Alley where you undoubtedly left them."

"Awfully cocky for someone who hasn't a home or a family any longer," Bella smirked, her gaze still fixed on Kate, "someone who's consorting with blood traitors."

Sirius' hand started toward his wand but the feel of Kate's hand on his back made him stop. Bellatrix didn't miss his intent and she laughed derisively. "Good decision, that; you'd never best me in a duel, boy!"

"Awfully cocky for someone who hasn't a wand," Sirius shot back, twirling hers between his fingers. "We'll leave your challenge for another day, then, shall we? In the meantime, I'll just hang onto this until all the little ones have got clear of Diagon Alley. Oh, don't worry; I'll send it home to you all nice and clean." He maintained a cool smirk in the face of his cousin's dark fury, finally turning to his friends. "Come on, you lot. Let's get that ice cream."

"You'd do well to watch your back, cousin," Bellatrix spat as the group started to walk away.

Sirius turned and again displayed Bellatrix' wand. "And why might that be, Bella? You're still forgetting the fact that you're unarmed at the moment, after all – and I'm really not very much afraid of you – wand or no wand – or Malfoy, or, for that matter, the LeStranges."

"Perhaps you should be afraid, Sirius – very afraid." The dark-haired witch shifted her glance toward Kate. "Particularly given your choice in … lovers, is it?" As Sirius drew a sharp breath to respond, Bellatrix beat him to it. "No matter. The Daily Prophet is a deplorable rag, but sometimes it gets things right. You'd do well to pay attention to recent headlines. History does have a way of repeating itself, after all." She looked over at Kate, adding, "Just ask her."

Sirius looked sharply at Kate, whose face had gone quite pale. She glanced at him and shook her head. I've put off this conversation for the better part of a year. I'm not even certain how or where to begin with it now…now that all of the drama of the past year has finally been resolved between us.

"Blather on to someone who cares, Bella," Sirius advised, glancing down at her wand in his hand and grinning suddenly. Walking toward the now-solid, hidden entrance to the alley, Sirius drew his own wand and tapped the familiar pattern on the bricks, looking briefly toward Bellatrix as the opening again appeared. Without hesitation, he reeled back and threw her wand with all his might, listening as it skittered along the grimy alleyway that ran behind the Leaky Cauldron. Sirius tapped each side of the entrance briefly and watched the wall re-seal itself before turning back toward the open street and his friends.

"You should probably go and look for your wand before some Muggle finds it and carts it away," the dark-haired wizard remarked casually as he passed his cousin.

Bellatrix, frozen by fury, recovered herself only after the group of friends had begun to cross the alley toward Fortescue's. "You'll pay for that, you ingrate! You have no idea who you've provoked; no idea of what we can do!"

A movement to their left caught Sirius' attention and he recognized the LeStrange brothers, Lucius and Narcissa exiting Knockturn Alley at the sound of the other witch's ranting. Moving swiftly, they joined Bellatrix and were soon passing through the hidden entrance in search of the missing wand.

XXXXXXXX

"That might not turn out to be one of your brighter moves," Lily admonished when the group had settled down at a table to enjoy their ice cream. "She's not apt to forget that you sent her wand scuttling along a dark alley."

Sirius swallowed a large spoonful of ice cream before replying, "Dark magic. Dark alley. Seemed a good idea at the time." He shrugged. "Besides, I'm never going back to that house and Dumbledore won't let her do anything to me at school, so it doesn't seem like I'll suffer too badly for it." Childish laughter from further along the street interrupted them and Sirius looked over to see a small knot of first-years coming round a corner with their parents. He nodded grimly when he noted that the young boy Bella had cornered was among them. He looked back at his friends. "What was I supposed to do? Let her hex him?"

Lily shook her head. "Of course not; that's not what I meant. I just…"

"Sorry to interrupt, Lils; we're about to have visitors," Remus said quietly.

The others looked up to see the young boy approaching their table, his parents in tow. They all came to a stop next to Sirius' chair.

"Excuse me," the man said, extending his hand toward Sirius. "I'm Edgar Bones, this is my wife, Diana and I believe you've already met our son, Ted."

Sirius shook hands with Mr. and Mrs. Bones and smiled at the young boy. "All right there, Ted?"

The boy nodded, shyly, seeming to have lost a bit of his bravado during the walk over.

"Ted told us about what happened earlier and when he pointed you out to us I wanted to come over and thank you for intervening on his behalf," Mr. Bones' voice was quiet, but sincere. As he spoke, he glanced round the table and his gaze fell on James. "You're Hal Potter's boy, James - aren't you?" he asked, smiling.

"Yes, sir," James replied, standing as he reached across the table to shake the man's hand. "We've met a few times when I've gone to Dad's office."

Mr. Bones nodded, motioning him to sit down. "Indeed. My investigation firm often has business with the MLE division and, of course, my sister Amelia works for your father so our paths cross quite frequently." He paused, looking down at his son, who was gazing longingly at the interior of Fortescue's. "Teddy, if you lean any further toward that front door, you're going to pitch forward and land on your nose! Diana, I don't think it will spoil anything if he has some ice cream, do you?"

Mrs. Bones shook her head then smiled at the young people gathered round the table. "Not a bit. It was lovely meeting all of you and Sirius, thank you once again. Come along, Ted!" Shy no longer when faced with the prospect of Fortescue's ice cream, Ted needed no further urging and the two moved swiftly toward the shop.

"If I may?" Mr. Bones gestured toward a space next to Sirius and at his nod, dragged a chair over from an adjoining table and sat down. "I wonder if you might be able to tell me anything about the witch who accosted Ted. Perhaps you know her from school?"

Sirius glanced around at his friends before meeting Mr. Bones' gaze. "Her name is Bellatrix Black. And before you ask, sir, I will tell you that technically, we are related."

Mr. Bones raised one eyebrow. "'Technically'", he repeated.

"She's my cousin, but I have cut ties with my family," Sirius' tone and gaze were frank as he looked at the older man.

"You've…"

"Let's just say that we don't share the same philosophies," Sirius sat back in his chair and folded his arms.

"The Blacks are well known; they are a very ancient family," Edgar observed quietly.

"With very ancient views," Sirius added. "Look, the family motto of Toujours Pur isn't taken lightly. They don't believe Muggle-born belong in our world. Bellatrix has embraced the family motto with enthusiasm – as she displayed today with your son. He was lucky we happened along. Bellatrix isn't known for her compassion."

"Are her friends?"

Sirius looked at him sharply and Edgar returned the stare. "You are aware of the violence against Muggles and Muggle-born, are you not?" This time, the investigator turned his eye toward the rest of the group. "My firm has been approached by some of the families of Muggle-born who have been victims. They are frightened, but not all of them are willing to walk away without trying to learn more."

The students exchanged glances. "The Ministry isn't able to tell them what they want to know?" Kate asked.

Edgar shook his head. "No, things are being held rather close to the vest at the moment."

"This has something to do with those 'dark wizard' rumors going round, doesn't it?" James saw an opportunity to learn more about what his father and Dumbledore had been referring to that day in London.

"How much have you heard?"

"Enough to know it's more than just a rumor," Sirius responded. "We read the Prophet - and a Muggle-born girl from our year – and her family – have disappeared."

"The Rivers family, yes; the Ministry hasn't made much progress in that particular disappearance," Edgar's face reflected his sadness.

"And you think Sirius' cousin and her friends are somehow involved in the Rivers' disappearance?" Lily asked.

"They have been … seen in the company of some questionable individuals…yes," Edgar spoke carefully. "I really can't say anything about the Ministry's suspicions in this, but my own unofficial investigations seem to indicate that their families have – at a minimum – begun to keep company with those who may be taking the Pureblood beliefs to a new level. Today, when my son was attacked, he heard the word 'Mudblood' for the first time. I'm not naïve enough to think that this is the last time he'll hear it, with all the disappearances and the attacks happening in our world. I was hopeful that having him at Hogwarts might extend him some degree of protection."

"Dumbledore won't stand for students being attacked at school. I'm sure the Head Boy and Girl as well as the Prefects from all Houses will be on the alert for anyone causing harm to any student," Lily reasoned. "We can certainly tell him about what happened to Ted so he's aware of the need to keep a particular eye on Bellatrix and her crowd."

Edgar gave her a small smile, but shook his head. "Thank you, but I shall be sending him an owl later today. Perhaps I could mention that you were all witnesses to what occurred in the event he has particular questions?"

All five students nodded in agreement and Edgar looked at them somberly for a moment. "Thank you again for helping Ted. He has two younger sisters who will receive their letters in the next few years. I hope that all of this unpleasantness is well behind us by that time." He rose and returned the chair to its previous location, just in time to see his wife and son emerge from the ice cream shop. "I must be going. I hope to see you all again."

After the older man had moved away from their table, Sirius pushed his bowl of now-melted ice cream to one side and leaned toward his friends. "What do you know about that bloke, Jamie?"

James smiled. "My dad thinks quite a lot of him; says he's damned good at what he does. Of course, Dad also says that it's easier to move around and conduct a 'proper investigation' without the Ministry breathing down your neck at every turn. He told me that most people tend to clam up whenever a Ministry person starts asking questions."

"So Mr. Bones and his group help your father out from time to time?" Remus asked.

"I guess in a sort of unofficial capacity," James nodded. "Interesting that the Blacks have popped up in front of him, isn't it?"

Sirius shrugged. "My family has always had pretty decent connections inside the Ministry. I think the only way Bellatrix and company have stayed out of trouble this long is because the Ministry will turn a blind eye to them for fear of offending my father and his brother. Bones doesn't have the pressure on him to do that, so he'll investigate them fairly."

"Yes, but even if he finds that they're guilty of something, it doesn't sound like the Ministry would follow up," Kate reasoned.

"Unless Bones went directly to Dad and the two of them built the case," James said grimly. "Maybe if they made it strong enough, the Ministry wouldn't be able to turn that 'blind eye'."

Sirius rose and collected the bowls to return them inside. "I wouldn't count on it, Jamie," he said. "I think you'll find Edgar Bones and his staff on the wrong side of a Ministry investigation if they push too hard. The Blacks, Malfoys and LeStranges have very deep pockets and they donate a lot of money to Ministry causes. In case you haven't looked at a Ministry dictionary lately, 'donate' is code for 'buying political favors'. I hope your Dad and Bones realize it."

"It would seem that Mr. Potter does, anyway," Remus fell in step with the others as they walked toward the door with Sirius. "Otherwise, why would Dumbledore be dealing directly with him and not with the Minister, himself?"

XXXXXXXX

The walk back to the castle was rather subdued, with the students lost in their own thoughts. As they neared the gates, however, Sirius slowed his pace and squeezed Kate's hand a bit tighter.

"Remember earlier in the alley? When Bellatrix was nattering on about my choice in friends?"

Kate nodded. "I do. Why?"

Sirius stopped, forcing Kate to do the same. "What did she mean when she called you a 'traitor'?"

Kate looked at their clasped hands for a moment before answering. "It doesn't have as much to do with me as it does my father." She looked up when she felt him squeeze her hand again. "I suspect."

"You've never spoken much about your father," Sirius' voice was soft, but his gaze was direct.

"No, I guess I haven't," Kate said, turning as if to resume her walk to the castle.

"Why is that?" Sirius' grip on her hand prevented Kate from getting too far ahead of him. "And why would my cousin know about him?"

She turned. "I don't talk about my father because the subject hasn't come up, I suppose. And as far as your cousin is concerned, I can only guess that she's heard his name mentioned before. Your family isn't shy about voicing its opinion of those who don't fall in line with their beliefs, are they? I'm surprised that this is the first time you've heard a comment like that made about my family. After all, your parents certainly weren't happy when you became involved with me, were they?"

Sirius felt a rush of heat to his face and he gently let go of Kate's hand.

"I thought as much," Kate said quietly. "Yet you said nothing to me about it at the time; asked me no questions since. Why now?"

"To be honest with you, I forgot about it until today, when Bellatrix threw her little barb in your direction." Sirius glanced ahead of them and saw that the rest of the group had continued onward and was well out of earshot now. "Can't we talk about this? If not here and now, then later?"

"I don't see why it's so important to you," Kate said, a bit more sharply than she perhaps intended. "My father is dead; he's not a part of anything that's happening in our world today. So what if Bellatrix Black thinks she knows something about my family? What difference can it possibly make to us?"

Sirius took a step toward Kate and his mouth was set in a grim line. "It's important to me because you are important to me. The Black family and those they run with have come under the scrutiny of a very well-respected investigator with ties to the head of the MLE. People are disappearing every single day in our world; I think what Bellatrix might have meant could easily make a difference to us. To you – and I want to be prepared for anything that might happen."

In her heart, Kate knew that what Sirius was saying was true. She remembered the story her mother had told her over the Christmas holiday, however, and she wondered how she could ever share it with him. And, if she did, what his reaction might be. There were still so many questions…so many things that weren't known.

"Don't you trust me?" His voice was quiet, uncertain. It was as if he was reading her mind.

"It isn't about trust, Sirius."

"Everything is about trust, Katie; especially now," Sirius shook his head. "We have to trust each other – all of us – or we'll be no better than the Blacks of this world."

"Alright," Kate replied, putting her hands up in surrender. "We'll talk."

"When?"

"Tonight. We'll go … somewhere - and I'll tell you everything that I know," Kate turned away and started back up the path, torn between her desire not to create a fresh set of problems and the knowledge that she could not put him off any longer. He's right; it really does all come down to trust.

Kate heard the crunch of boots on the dirt path and felt Sirius' hand capture hers as he fell back into step beside her. "And I will tell you everything that I heard," he said firmly. "But I should warn you that it isn't much. Maybe, though, we can see something that fits in with all that's happening now."

Kate remained silent, but didn't move away from him. Why is it that the moment we recover from one crisis, the next pops right up to take its place?

XXXXXXXX

"I understand that you met Edgar Bones and his family in Diagon Alley this afternoon," Dumbledore said quietly when the group had gathered for dinner that evening. Although he spoke softly, his gaze was sharp as he looked round the table from one student to the next. "I had an owl from him late this afternoon."

James was the first to speak. "Yes, Headmaster; he and his wife had brought their son to Diagon Alley to get his school supplies. He's a first-year."

Dumbledore nodded. "Ted. A very nice young man, as I recall. Mrs. Bones is Muggle-born; attended the academy in Salem as a girl." This last was said with a smile in Kate's direction.

"Well, that would explain the welcome committee that met him," Sirius said dryly. "Bellatrix had the poor kid at wand-point when we wandered by."

"That was good of you to intercede on young Ted's behalf, Sirius; but I daresay that your actions – no matter how brave - will not endear you to your cousins and their friends," the Headmaster said.

"Well, I can't think of the last time I did anything to endear myself to that lot," Sirius replied, "unless, of course, you count my departure from the family ranks!"

While his friends chuckled appreciatively in response to Sirius' comment, they all knew that there was truth in what Dumbledore had said. With Sirius so firmly out of his mother's reach, episodes like today's would undoubtedly encourage Walburga to step up her attempts to get to him and, of course, there was Regulus to consider. If turned – either through kindness or force – could he be the instrument through which Walburga Black exacted her revenge on her disinherited son?

"It seems that those who would prefer to restrict our world to Purebloods are growing more daring each day," Dumbledore was speaking again. "After this afternoon's unpleasantness, our Prefects will need to be mindful of returning students who might be tempted to bring those outdated beliefs onto school grounds."

Lily and Remus nodded resolutely. Hogwarts needed to remain a safe place for students – of all descents; it appeared that there was a new dimension to the Prefects' duties in the coming year.

The meal continued and although the conversation moved on to other topics, the somberness created by the events of the afternoon lingered. When they were finished the Headmaster stopped the students before they were able to quit the Hall. "If I could speak with you all for a moment?" When McGonagall paused to wait for him, Dumbledore smiled and turned to her. "Go on ahead, Minerva; I'll join you in the staff room in a few moments." With a suspicious glance at the Gryffindor students, the Deputy Headmistress did as she was asked.

"An owl arrived while you were in London today," he advised them, eyes twinkling as he pulled a roll of parchment from his robes. "I believe this is news that you will all find most agreeable." He extended the parchment to Sirius. "Mr. Black."

Sirius took the scroll from him with a puzzled look – that vanished almost as soon as he unrolled it and quickly scanned the page. With a very wide smile, he looked up at his friends. "It's from Ofelia," he said. "Mademoiselle Hélène Lóra Marie Delacour was born day before yesterday in Paris. Ofelia and the baby are fine." A small cheer arose from the group.

"Headmaster, could we possibly Floo to Paris to see her?" Kate asked. "We've still the better part of two weeks before term begins and, really, with everything going on, we may not have an opportunity for quite some time."

"And … we have gifts for the baby," Lily added lamely, slapping James lightly on the arm when he snorted a laugh.

Dumbledore looked at them all for several long moments before answering. "In light of all the unfortunate happenings of late, I am reluctant to allow you to travel that far from the safety of our grounds – however," this last said as the group took a collective breath to protest, "I will speak with Mr. Potter's father this evening and, if he can spare someone to accompany you, I will gladly permit such a happy trip. I'll get word to you as soon as we've made the arrangements so that you can communicate with Miss Bullstrode and make your own plans."

Later, as the group of friends was relaxing in the Common room, Dumbledore climbed through the portrait hole to confirm that Hal and Margaret Potter had agreed to accompany them to Paris on Wednesday. James' mother welcomed the opportunity to meander through some of the decorating shops and small art galleries in the Wizarding section of the city in pursuit of items for their summer home. The chance to see James and his friends once again was also a powerful draw, the Headmaster assured them with a smile. "Although your father seemed to think that, while true, your mother was well and truly motivated by the lure of French interior design!" Once Wednesday's plans were finalized, Dumbledore bade the group a good night and left them to their own devices.

"Come on," Sirius whispered to Kate, taking her hand as he rose from the sofa. She allowed herself to be pulled to her feet.

"Where are you off to?" James took his eyes off the chessboard between him and Lily to look suspiciously at his friend.

"We have a date," Sirius said. "Don't wait up."

XXXXXXXX

As the portrait swung closed behind them, Sirius turned to Kate. "Where to? And don't suggest the Room of Requirement thinking it will distract me; it won't work."

She sighed. "Fine; it's a nice evening. Why don't we go up to the Astronomy Tower, then?"

Indeed, as the couple stepped onto the flagstone floor of the Astronomy Tower they were greeted by an uncharacteristically warm evening breeze. Kate walked over to the stone wall and stepped up on the low bench, taking in the view of the grounds leading down to the Black Lake. She folded her arms on top of the ancient wall, still warm with the absorbed heat of the late summer sun. Leaning against the sturdy battlement, Kate rested her chin on her arms, waiting for Sirius to begin the conversation that had brought them here – one that, given the choice, she would not be having. She didn't have long to wait, as Sirius stepped up to stand next to her, his warm shoulder pressing against hers as he adopted a similar position.

"My father was an American – I don't think I ever told you that," Kate began, her voice soft, her gaze still fixed on the castle grounds, "His family had originated in Britain centuries ago, relocating to Salem in the days of the Puritans. He came to England on holiday after he finished university, met my mother and they were married – after quite a bit of protest from her side of the family."

"Purebloods, were they?"

"As was my father," Kate replied. "But my mother's family was more … traditionally Pureblooded, I suppose. And very, very British. The fact that my father's equally Pureblooded family chose to pull up stakes and travel to America didn't sit well with the Needhams – despite his own very, very British heritage. He worked for the Ministry – as an Unspeakable. Things went along just fine for awhile, then more and more mixed blood witches and wizards began to pop up. Purebloods became very nervous; their way of life was potentially being threatened. Perhaps these talented upstarts would vie for the same positions of influence that had so traditionally been held by the Purebloods of their world. A groundswell of support began to build for preserving the magical world for only those of Pureblood status. It was fueled, of course, by rumors and outright lies Purebloods circulated about their less pure counterparts. That didn't get things moving quite as quickly as they might have hoped, so they embarked on 'Plan B'."

"Which was…"

"Members of the more aristocratic Pureblood families brought pressure to bear on the next level down – particularly if that 'next level' had family members inside the Ministry. The whispering campaign must have been staggering. At that time, those who worked for the Ministry were largely Purebloods. They had ambition and a thirst for power. The upper echelons of Ministry rule had been static for a very long time. It was relatively easy to convince these ambitious fools that perhaps mixed-blood witches and wizards were being considered for promotion while they continued to languish. The success rate soared – particularly amongst those who also longed for social position. A suggestion that Muggles and half-bloods were holding them back – carefully dropped into casual conversation – worked wonders. Some, who had the ear of the Wizengamot, began to add to the lies and expand the rumors in that area. My grandfather was approached by a Pureblood who wanted access to my father. You know that Unspeakables are forbidden to divulge anything about their positions." Kate half turned to look at Sirius, who was watching her intently. At his nod, she continued. "Imagine what the Purebloods could do if they managed to turn one. Despite my grandfather's rather duplicitous efforts – and the strong-arm tactics of the wizard who attempted it, my father was not turned."

"Who was the wizard?" Sirius wanted to know.

"Your father," Kate said quietly.

Sirius turned his attention back to the lake. "I'm guessing there's more."

"My grandfather came to visit the next day – after Father had left for the Ministry. He lectured my mother about our social status and how quickly we could lose that status if we turned our backs on our responsibilities to our class. My mother thought that Grandfather was still upset about my parents' marriage and that he was being melodramatic as a result. My father was being stubborn, etc. which certainly underscored his lack of allegiance to his birthright. I'm sure you can imagine."

"What happened?"

"For a very long time, nothing. The whole thing seemed to die down. Then, my mother became pregnant with me and she and my father began planning for a new baby and stopped worrying about when the whole campaign might rear its ugly head again. Oh, there were periodic reports of Muggle baiting and the like, but nothing like there had been before. When I turned seven, I started school and Mother would collect me every afternoon. One day, she stopped coming and my father took her place. She told me over Christmas that this was because she had seen a man standing at the edge of the school yard, watching me as I played with my friends. She told Father about it and that was his solution. Several months later, the man showed up again – twice and the last time, my father got a look at him and recognized the face. It was your uncle, Cygnus. Turned out Father had not been completely truthful with us about the scale of Muggle attacks over the past few years. The 'purification of our world' was gaining strength again and had found supporters even in the MLE. People who were arrested for Muggle attacks weren't prosecuted in a very timely manner. Within the year, my father had finalized all the arrangements for our move to America. He resigned his position, withdrew me from school and, without telling anyone where we were going, moved us all to Salem. I was eleven by then and enrolled at the Academy. Father became Head of Special Investigations for the MLE, working with the Muggle FBI in Boston. Things went along quite well for a bit, then the violent attacks and disappearances began happening in America and Father recognized them as being the same type of violence that had been happening over here. They initiated an investigation and found out that two British wizards were involved: someone from the Rosier family and Cygnus Black," Kate paused and stepped down from her perch, turning and sitting on one of the stone benches in the middle of the tower floor.

Sirius stayed where he was.

"When they arrested Black, he remained silent until they brought in the Veritaserum. Then, he gave them Rosier, who confessed to using the attacks to impress this new Dark wizard. They let Black go as he hadn't actually done anything wrong. They prosecuted Rosier – but not before he threw a punch at your uncle."

Sirius turned to face Kate, leaning back against the tower wall. "That couldn't have been very well received here. Purebloods don't care for traitors in their own ranks."

"It wasn't. The FBI followed him around for awhile, just in case there were others he'd managed to convert to this Dark wizard. One night, he just disappeared. My father sent a team out looking, but they returned without making any progress." Kate paused, her emotions getting the better of her as she approached the end of her tale. "Quite late that night, the FBI office in Boston received word of two men injured in an alleyway on the outskirts of the city. One of the men was Cygnus Black who was barely alive after having been hexed repeatedly. He died shortly after the FBI arrived in the alleyway."

"The other man was your father," it wasn't a question.

"Yes. Someone had cast the Killing Curse on him. The MLE said that my father and Black had dueled. My father probably thought he'd finished Black and turned away. When he did, Black cast the Killing Curse," Kate finished.

As had happened when Kate's mother had related the tale to her, there was a long period of silence during which neither Kate nor Sirius moved. Eventually, Kate heard the scrape of boots along the floor and then Sirius was kneeling in front of her.

"I'm sorry, Kate," he said.

She shook her head. "You've nothing to be sorry for; you weren't there. You had nothing to do with any of it. We can't help who our families are." She leant forward and kissed him. "Besides, you're not a Black, remember?"

Sirius rose and sat next to her on the bench. "Well, not in the ways that count, anyway." Sirius reached for her hand. "Well, I understand why it took you so long to tell me about this."

"When Mother first told me, I didn't know what to think. When we came back for the new term, there was the Ofelia situation and that certainly wasn't the time to say anything. And, I'll be honest with you, Sirius, I just couldn't deal with it; for myself or for what it might have done to you or to us," Kate sighed. "I still don't know what to think. Knowing what happened doesn't change anything; it doesn't bring my father back."

"No, it doesn't. Kate," Sirius paused for a moment, "have you thought about what your mother said about the MLE's investigation?"

"In what way?"

"That whole 'duel in the alley' bit; do you honestly think it could have happened that way?"

"When she told me the story and I had the chance to digest it all, I told her that it didn't make sense that a dying wizard could have summoned the strength and magic to have cast the Killing Curse," Kate replied. "My mother didn't think my argument had much merit."

Sirius nodded. "I can imagine. I don't remember much about my uncle Cygnus. My father never mentions him. I wonder…"

"What?"

"If the MLE was involved in all of that, perhaps James' father would know something."

"I don't know," Kate mused standing and walking back toward the wall. "I mean, what good would it do to open all of this up again?"

Sirius came up behind Kate and wrapped his arms around her waist. "If you don't want to know any more than you already do, then we don't have to ask any questions," he said softly. "But if you don't think the story that was given to your mother is the truth, then this is an opportunity to prove that theory. And, selfishly speaking, since a relative of mine was involved in this mess, I'd like to find out more about it, too. Katie…" Sirius took a step back and coaxed her to turn around in his arms. "… the same things that happened back then are starting to happen again. Muggles and Muggle-born are being attacked, some are disappearing altogether. Somehow, my cousins know something about your father – enough to call you a 'traitor'. I don't know enough about Cygnus Black to guess about what his involvement might mean – but I know someone who might. If you want to drop this, just say the word and I will. Otherwise, there might be some good in pursuing it."

Kate nodded. "I'm willing to do a little investigating. But who can you talk to about Cygnus Black?"

Sirius smiled down at her. "My Great-uncle Alphard - who just happens to be living in Paris at the moment. Come on, let's go back inside. I've got an owl to send."

A/N: Thank you to all who have been so patient during this very long gap between updates. Severe writer's block plus a huge project at work were to blame. The block is gone and the project is becoming a bit more manageable. It won't be this long between postings again. Meanwhile, enjoy and thank you again for taking the time to read!