Prince Consort

Chapter 15

Zabini Manor

Maria felt the wards give way, allowing people onto her property, no alarms went off, so there was nothing being put up in place to trap them in the Manor. The only problem was she wasn't familiar with whoever was coming; their magic wasn't familiar to her. The knock so soon after passing through her wands did surprise her though, as she stood up and hastily made her way to her door, were they using brooms? Was it some sort of emergency? Something to do with Harry?

"Can I help you?" Maria asked, blinking at the sight of the three vampires in front of her. This most definitely must have something to do with Harry then, but they weren't due to come until tomorrow - arrangements had already been made.

"Maria Zabini?" Zarek questioned, as the others with him guarded his back on the offensive.

"Yes, I am she," Maria nodded, confirming it.

"We are here to escort you to Prince Castle immediately," Zarek informed her, "Bring everything you will need, we believe there is a threat to your life." in other words the manor might not be standing by the time all was said and done.

"Just how reliable is your source?" Maria asked, paling at the thought of being attacked.

"Very," Jackson spoke this time, "Make haste," he added when she didn't move.

Maria nodded, "I'll just be a moment," she informed them before she called for her House-Elves flicking her wand and began packing everything she could.

"Blaise! Theodore!" Maria called loudly for the boys, not pausing in her task, "Pack everything in the wings immediately, including your own quarters, we are leaving." she told the House-Elves, they had served her faithfully she wasn't going to leave them here.

"Mum, what are you doing?" Blaise asked her as he entered the living room to see everything flying around packing neatly into cardboard boxes.

"We are leaving, the House-Elves are gathering all your belongings, make sure everything you want to take is brought with you, we aren't coming back…not for a long while." Maria informed them, "We are going to Prince Castle, oh, and make sure they pack Harry's things as well!" having completed the living room she made her way to the library, she definitely wasn't leaving that behind.

"Lady Zabini, the kitchen, bedrooms, and everything have been packed," Tila informed her.

"Thank you, Tila, take these boxes and the ones in the living room and go to Prince Castle, I will call on you when I have a moment," Maria commanded, each moment she was still here made her feel decidedly more on edge. She had to her son and Theodore out of here; she didn't even want to imagine what kind of attack was on the books that the vampires had come to her and said they were to leave immediately.

Nodding after the boxes were gone, she made her way back to the entrance hall, "Boys!" she shouted loudly, she was done, they weren't staying here a moment longer.

"Coming!" yelled Blaise, both Theo and Blaise ran towards her, looking concerned but resolved.

"We will leave via Portkey," Zarek informed them once it was obvious they were ready to leave. "Please hold on." it had been created by their Lord himself, so it would lead them straight into the castle. Not for this purpose of course, but he knew that their Lord would not mind, the family they were getting to safety were close to their Lord's consort, judging by the sheer terror on his face when he realized that the people he knew were being targeted.

"Let's go," Blaise said impatiently, quickly placing his finger on the pendant, one he observed had the Prince coat of arms. He wanted to see Harry and make sure his brother was alright. Harry was the mate of a Prince Vampire, Vampire Lord, they were like royalty, were royalty, but also had a strong sense of morale, unlike other vampire clans. So he knew Harry would be treated well.

Theodore and Maria also held on, and with one last wistful look from Maria she commanded the wards to close down the manor, it wouldn't make it impenetrable, but by Merlin's Grace, anyone that wanted to step foot into her now emptied home would have a hell of a time doing so. Then the Portkey activated, whirling them away from the home Maria had lived in since she was seventeen years old, and Blaise since he was born. No, the manor didn't matter; they could settle anywhere, as long as they were alive and safe.

"Is Remus to come as well?" Maria asked once they were in Prince Castle, given the grandness of the room she would say it was the Great Hall.

"He is here," Zarek informed them, nothing giving away any cause for concern.

"Where is Harry?" Theodore questioned, having no fear of the vampires.

"Currently indisposed." said Corin.

"Why?" asked Blaise suspiciously, "I thought we were getting to see him!" he added indignantly.

"You will," said Storm soothingly.

"We better," scowled Theodore, crossing his arms petulantly.

"Indisposed you say?" Maria questioned speculatively. "What has happened?" she demanded, a sinking realization that something must have happened to Remus for Harry not to greet them, if both of them were well, they would have both been here.

A burst of respect shot from Dalton at this wouldn't shrewd nature, she was smart, and to him, there was nothing more alluring than a woman who understood how the world worked. "We, ourselves aren't privy to answers, ma'am, not yet, but we will send someone to answer any question you have later."

"But for now, follow me; we will get you settled into one of the available guest quarters," Jackson explained turning around he began to exit the Great Hall in human pace so the three could keep up. It was a long walk, and Jackson wanted to pick them up and go at his own pace - something he could very easily do. They weren't keyed into the wards so he wasn't able to Apparate with them.

Blaise and Theodore shared a look of worry, as they scrambled after the vampire. Remus was part of their little family, as hodgepodge as it was, Remus had been around ever since they were eleven, they thought of him like an Uncle, he was always there to give advice and make sure they were well. That and if anything happened to Remus, Harry would be inconsolable, he'd blame himself for not being there and then would tear everything apart to get revenge. Draco had ended up in the Hospital wing for weeks after being cursed in what they believed was an 'unknown assailant' after suggesting Blaise's mother was nothing but a typical near squib witch who poisoned her husbands for their fortune. If Remus died…they would show no pity for the fools who did it.

The rest of the silent walk was spent with Maria, Blaise, and Theodore trying to memorize the way they were going so they would be able to get back to the main Castle. It was a futile exercise, for they lost count within three turns. Just when it began to feel as though they wouldn't ever reach their destination, the vampire stopped, and opened the door, gesturing for them to enter, without doing so himself.

Just like the rest of the manor, the rooms were stunningly breathtaking, the quarters housed two bedrooms and a bathroom along with the open living room/dining area as well as a small office at the left-hand corner beside an open window, the room had been freshly aired by the smell of it. "Please thank our host for his generosity, and I hope to thank him myself at some point." after she gave him a piece of her mind for what he had done to a child she considered a second son.

"I will be sure to," Jackson said dipping his head in understanding, "Food will be brought up to you momentarily, and I'm sure you will have your answers soon enough." with that Jackson closed the door and left the family to investigate their new surroundings.

Prince Castle - Hospital Wing

"How is he?" Harry asked scrambling to his feet as Storm exited the room.

"He was hit with the silver mist curse," Storm explained, showing no emotion. "Using the extracting charm wouldn't have been quick enough; we had to remove it by sucking out the poison. He lost a lot of blood while we did it this way, but it was the only means of his survival."

"Silver?" Harry gasped, his terror igniting further, silver was lethal to werewolves, and it killed them if it prolonged contact…but the silver mist spell? How on earth was Remus going to survive that?

"Yes, he is still alive; we got it all out in time." Storm was quick to reassure him despite the fact she was informing Harry without as much as a gleam of sympathy in her gaze, being professional, a bit too professional.

"Is he going to be okay?" Harry asked he knew just because she said he was alive…he might not be out of danger yet.

"The wounds aren't healing as well as we would like…but he is stable for now." Storm explained, before turning back to the infirmary.

Harry made to follow her but Severus stopped him.

"There is nothing that can be done for him tonight, sleep, Harry. I swear on my honor as a wizard I will let you know immediately if there is any change." Severus promised, it might not be time for sleeping, but after the day Harry had…sleep was the best thing for him right now.

"I won't be able to sleep," said Harry shaking his head, "Please just let me go to him, please," begged Harry tiredly; he had to stay nearby even if he couldn't do anything. He needed Remus to know he was there, and make sure he came back to him, he had to make Remus get better.

"Very well," sighed Severus unable to deny his mate, if he wanted Harry to care for him, he would have to let Harry get his way occasionally. It was extremely difficult to allow Harry to do what he wanted instead of taking care of him, but he did it.

"Thank you," whispered Harry, following Severus to the medic wing.

Severus just shook his head, biting down on the urge to force Harry to sleep; he couldn't control Harry if he wanted a relationship with him. Harry was very independent, but he screamed for someone to look after him. He would have to take this slowly, show Harry he cared about him, and bit by bit let him get used to being taken care of.

"Who would do this to him?" said Harry horrified by the state of Remus as he got the first glimpse of his father. He was so pale, more so than he'd ever seen him before in his life. He looked as if he'd suffered through ten full moons simultaneously, Swallowing thickly, he stepped forward feeling sick to his stomach. "I'll kill them, whoever it was, I'm going to make sure they regret the day they were born," vowed Harry viciously, his voice dark and cold, his magic reacting to his threat and emotions causing a few instruments to explode.

Severus inhaled sharply; the feel of Harry's magic was powerful, thrilling and titillating it was awesome in its glory. He couldn't help but be drawn to it, wrapping his arms around Harry feeling bathed in it; of course, given that Harry was his mate, he had to be powerful. Soul mates or mates as he called it - were equals in all ways especially magically.

"Calm down," said Severus soothingly, wrapping his magic around the order as much as he liked the feel of the magic, he didn't want the medic wing to be damaged especially with Remus Lupin in it. While it wouldn't bother him, he didn't care much for the wolf, Harry did. "You may hurt Remus, you don't want that do you?" the stiff body relaxed against him.

"Who did it?" whispered Harry.

"The general public do not know that Lupin is a werewolf. Only the Death Eaters, others of his kind, and the Order know, and to have handled silver, it couldn't have been a fellow werewolf. Death Eaters would have killed him; they would not have left him alive. Given the new revelations, I would have thought it was Death Eaters, but there are no familiar magical signatures on him." said Severus massaging Harry's neck and shoulders soothingly. Feeling the teenager relax further, moaning softly, if he hadn't been a vampire he wouldn't have heard it.

Sitting on the couch, he brought Harry down with him continuing his administrations. Harry had been sitting outside the room for four hours, darkness was beginning to descend. He had begun to think Lupin wouldn't pull through with how long his people had been working on him. As much as he wished it hadn't happened, he was slightly glad it had, this was the first chance he'd had to touch Harry, show him what it was like to have a partner.

"Do you think you could eat something?" asked Severus quietly, not wanting to ruin the moment but knowing Harry needed to eat. Dinner time had come and gone, and he could hear Harry's stomach grumbling lightly, but not overwhelmingly so.

Harry shook his head.

"Remus would want you to eat, Harry, how would he react if he finds out you are starving yourself and depriving yourself of sleep?" said Severus using emotional blackmail.

"I won't care if he shouts at me, at least he will still be here." murmured Harry from where his face was buried in Severus' side. Enjoying the feel of Severus' massaging his cold aching bones, added with the calming draught he was almost drifting to sleep. He shouldn't be letting him touch him, not after the way he'd gone about getting him, but he didn't want it to stop. After all the recent upheaval, he owed Severus everything…perhaps even the chance to give this mating thing a try.

"Very well," said Severus, well so much for that he thought wryly.

Severus continued his administrations, urging his magic through his hand coaxing Harry to relax fully and with a bit of luck lull his mate to sleep. He had much to do, he was through playing around, and it was becoming glaringly obvious he couldn't sit on the sidelines any longer. Not with Voldemort after his mate.

He smirked at his success when he felt Harry's breathing even out and his heartbeat return to normal. Summoning a dreamless sleeping potion, he magicked it into Harry, waiting a few moments before he placed a pillow under his head and flung a comforter over his body. Kneeling beside him, he removed his hair from his face, sighing softly. He deeply regretted how he started things; if he could go back he'd probably do it differently.

"He will be okay, Harry, I promise, even if I have to break every law in the magical world," swore Severus, and he would do it, he would do anything for Harry. He might not know it yet, but it was true, he wouldn't find anyone else more willing to change everything for him.

Harry yawned, blinking sleepily, staring around confused, still as always amazed at how perfect his vision was. Remus had been right when he was eleven; it had been a good investment correcting his vision. Remus! Thought Harry sitting up abruptly as memories of last night slammed into him. He fell off the couch, tangled in the cover that must have been thrown over him at some point. He couldn't remember falling asleep, cursing himself silently, scrambling up, he sat on the chair beside Remus, worrying his bottom lip. He didn't look any better to him; his wounds were still open, judging by the blood oozing from the bandages covering his chest. Silver who would do such a thing? They hadn't just wanted to kill him; they wanted him to die in excruciating agony. He still might die, and that hurt Harry more than anything else he'd endured in his life. Hell, he'd rather go back to the Dursley's than see anything happen to Remus. What had Snape said? Oh yes, it wasn't public knowledge, other werewolves, the Order, and the Death Eaters were the only ones who knew.

Remus didn't have enemies, he was the gentlest man Harry knew, and a tear ran down his face. Why would the Death Eaters harm him now? He'd been in his own home, not many knew where he lived…or could get through the wards he had up without alerting him to the fact. Groaning Harry rubbed at his forehead feeling a great big headache coming on.

"Lord Consort," Storm curtseyed as she began to tend to Remus.

"How is he?" asked Harry, jumping when the vampire appeared out of nowhere, they didn't normally do that when he was around. They had a habit of remaining 'human' pace as if they didn't want to upset him. He hadn't even seen Snape do anything remotely 'vampire' like. She was tending to Remus, changing his bandages. Harry didn't look away at the sight of the injuries.

"He's recovering; the wounds have closed marginally, which is a good thing." Storm reassured her Lord Consort. If the wound hadn't even begun to heal, the wizard wouldn't have survived. They'd been giving him blood Replenish potions all night, their Lord had brewed them himself, with them being vampires, there hadn't been many blood replenishing potions around. That's to say, they had run out half way through the night, but their Lord had thankfully foreseen their need for them.

"How long will it take for them to close?" Harry asked, swallowing thickly.

"With the slowness, it's healing, it may be a week, long enough for him to have fully recovered before the full moon." Storm reassured him.

"Why isn't he healing properly?" asked Harry, wounds could be healed immediately, the silver was gone…so why was it happening? Was there a chance he could still lose Remus? He wanted to close his eyes and despair, but he was a Slytherin and wasn't about to let it happen, Remus would survive, he just had to.

"What do you know about werewolves?" Storm asked finishing her work with Remus, reassured her patient would survive. Dear Merlin, he stank like hell, but thankfully being around vampires as he was right now, the smell was dulling somewhat. Once that was done, she moved off towards their Lord's mate and took a seat, not wanting to make the human uncomfortable.

"I've read all about them," said Harry, frowning wondering what the vampire meant. "Not that it gave an impartial side to it, I learned most from Remus."

"Do you understand fully what silver does to them?" Storm nodded, well it was to be expected, and living with a werewolf was the best way to understand them.

"Poisons them, kills them," said Harry, staring at him cautiously.

"In essence, yes, but it also affects how quickly he heals, that's why silver is so dangerous to werewolves. It also breaks down their bodies natural defenses, nobody sick can be allowed near him until he's recovered." Storm explained. She left out how touch and go it was until the wound closed. The slightest infection and that's him, there would be nothing they can do for him. It's not like they could turn him, he was a werewolf, their venom was poisonous.

"I'll be back to check him in an hour." Storm told Harry, giving him some measure of privacy with Remus, giving another curtsey she disappearing without another word. Plus she sensed her Lord coming and knew she'd be asked to leave.

"I trust you slept well?" Severus asked from the doorway.

Harry turned around, finally understanding why Storm had just left the way she had. "Yes," admitted Harry quietly, which he didn't fully understand. He had been so worried…maybe the emotional upheaval he'd gone through had left him exhausted.

"Here, eat, you need sustenance," Severus told him, levitating a plate through the room, placing the tray on the couch Harry had been sleeping in.

"I'm not hungry," Harry insisted shaking his head, this was proven false when his stomach growled fiercely in hunger.

"No? That indicates otherwise." Severus stated calmly, pointing towards his mates' stomach. "You need to eat."

"I don't want to," Harry argued, feeling petulant, but he was sixteen years old, still a teenager he was entitled.

"Harry, do not make me do this," Severus warned, his voice grave and serious.

"And what would you do?" Harry goaded crossing his arms glaring at Snape angrily.

"Do you really want to find out?" enquired Severus, raising a sculptured eyebrow. "I should just put you over my knee then make you go to your room. The way you are acting, it certainly seems fitting don't you think?"

Harry flushed red, scowling at Snape before staring at the floor, his hands clenched into fists, he could go from liking him to hating him in a matter of seconds. He wasn't sure how this mate thing was supposed to go, but he sure as hell didn't like it right now.

Severus bit his tongue; the urge to do as he promised was very strong. Unfortunately, he kept forgetting how young his mate actually was, both a curse and a blessing for him. It meant he was innocent, untouched, and ripe for the picking and the vampire in him loved it. Being so young, he was determined and sullen, he would be hard work. It was really too bad he couldn't turn him into a vampire right away; it would have been less strife. Staring at the teen, he had known for years Harry was his; all good things were worth waiting for. He could do this; he just had to rein in his possessive tendencies, as if it were that easy. Even adults stopped eating when someone they loved was in danger, hurt or missing, it's just how they were.

Walking over, he sat down on the couch, placing the food on the table, as he thought how best to rectify his hasty words. Leaning over, he took hold of Harry's hands, removing the fists he'd created in his anger, and curling them together. Ignoring the fact Harry was meekly trying to yank them back.

"Do you intend to starve yourself for a week?" asked Severus, going about it logically; he had heard Storm inform Harry that it was the likely timeline.

"No," said Harry, uncomfortably, he hated being hungry, the most he went without eating was a day or two. That had only occurred after Voldemort came back. That was only because his friends had put an end to it, Blaise and Teddy had been extremely worried. It's for that reason he'd started eating again, for Remus too, he'd been so anxious, he'd got two letters a day at Hogwarts and spend nearing all his summer with him afterwards other than the full moon.

"Then please eat, you need sustenance, you need energy," said Severus, he himself had spent his childhood constantly hungry. He didn't want that for Harry, not even a single day, although admittedly it was part of his need to look after him rising to the forefront. The need to control the environment around him, which had been nurtured by the fact he was the Lord. It didn't mean he wanted nothing but the best for Harry, to keep him safe, happy, well fed and his body functioning fully. "I can give you something that will settle your stomach should you feel unwell."

Harry felt two inches tall, he wasn't used to being spoken to like a child. Remus never said anything like that, if he was in a mood Remus would just leave him alone until he came out of it. Then he would go on as if nothing had happened, it did happen often. Harry had been forced to control all his emotions during the time with the Dursley's, other than the misery of course. He hadn't been used to it, being allowed to express his anger or cry at the unfairness of life. With Remus he had been able to, sometimes he just felt moody as if he'd 'gotten up on the wrong side of the bed' as Remus would say. Would his biological father have put him over his knee if he'd misbehaved and acted immaturely? According to Remus no, he didn't take anything seriously but he'd only been twenty-one when he died, he hadn't really had time to grow up.

Realizing he hadn't even answered, Harry, nodded without saying anything further. He didn't want to risk Snape actually making him leave Remus' side. A potion was handed to him, and he reluctantly swallowed it, almost immediately his stomach settled, the sight of Remus didn't make him want to vomit nor did the smell of the food.

Severus relaxed when Harry finally began eating, slowly but surely he was getting there with him. Hopefully, a time would come when he didn't have to negotiate with him about things such as simple as eating.

"There is a meeting I'd like you to attend tomorrow afternoon, with the entire clan, are you amendable to the idea?" asked Severus, as Harry ate.

"Why?" asked Harry curiously, swallowing the last of his bacon.

"The war is inevitable, especially now the news is out about you, I'd rather take preventative measures and ensure it's fought on my own terms." said Severus.

Harry gave him a pointed look, a smirk on his face; "Like you'd have it any other way." the man seemed to strive on controlling nearly everything around him. Why would it be any other way than him making sure he started things the way he wanted them? If the vampire through he'd just mould he had another thing coming, thought Harry grinning widely, he'd give him a chance but he sure as hell wasn't going to change for anyone.

Of course, Harry underestimated the power of love and the power of the bond…even more so he underestimated the pull of freedom, without having to worry about a single thing and just let someone take care of him.

Severus just smirked in return, but it was quickly wiped off his face when Remus Lupin groaned. The first sound he'd made since he stopped screaming once the silver had been removed from his body. Harry stood up abruptly holding onto Remus' hand, breathing deeply he watched him intently praying he woke up.

Tonks' Flat

Sirius sighed sadly, all spells were coming up at a dead end, and he couldn't for the life of him find Remus. Sirius swallowed thickly, trying to gain control over himself, a tear ran down his face. He'd said so many things to Remus, dismissed him when he spoke of his fears. Remus had begged him to go and get Harry and he'd just muttered about bloody making the world safer for him. Fisting his hand he growled low in his throat, anger was better…safer than feeling this all consuming sadness. He'd missed so much, so much of Harry's life, watching him grow up and for what? Why had Dumbledore betrayed him so? To what end? Why take Remus and Harry from him? He was just so confused, hurt and angry at everything. He had around twenty vials of calming draught upon his person, the healer had said he would need to take them for mo hs, until they calmed down and his emotions settled. Sirius didn't think they ever truly would, he would never get over what that disgusting wizard had done to him.

He'd trusted him, spoke about him with reverence and intelligence and defended him against the likes of Malfoy who stated he was a manipulative old fool. How stupid had he been? Dumbledore was everything Malfoy claimed him to be and worse. Breathing in a trembling breath, reminding himself that all evidence had been collected and given to Madam Bones, the old fool was going to be arrested tonight. He would end up in Azkaban for his crimes, but it wouldn't give him all the time he had missed out on, wouldn't make him feel better about what had happened with his mate and his godson.

"No luck?" Shacklebolt questioned as he Apparated into Tonks flat. He had a lot of time on his hands, and honestly, he didn't know what to do with it. He badly wanted his job back, but he knew that wasn't going to happen. Something catastrophic would need to happen for him to be called in. A state of emergency.

"No," murmured Sirius, hastily wiping the tear away, not wanting Shacklebolt to see him emotional again.

"Have you tried searching for him through the bond?" Shacklebolt wondered curiously.

"We didn't bond," Sirius replied bitterly, and who did he have to thank for that? Oh yes, Dumbledore like he could bloody forget.

"No but you are still soul mates, if you dig into the potential bond you might have more luck finding him." Shacklebolt pointed out honestly. "Haven't you read the book?"

"What book?" Sirius asked baffled.

"Bonding and Soul Mates, and its power." Shacklebolt recited, he had read it when he was just a boy, long before he had attended Hogwarts.

"No, I was more interested in defence spells," admitted Sirius, although he wished he had now. He may have known something was wrong, but what's the point of wishing? It changed nothing.

"Of course you were," said Shacklebolt wryly.

"So the bond…are you sure it will work?" Sirius desperate to find Remus, together both of them might be able to find Harry.

"He's your mate, bonded or not there's a part of you that wants him…even if it's just your magic right now." answered the Auror seriously.

"It can't hurt, everything else I've tried has failed…he moved from our flat…there's nothing there whatsoever." Sirius confessed.

"Could he have gone to Potter Manor? Or to look for Harry?" Tonks suggested entering the room hearing their conversation and contributing.

"Why didn't I think of that?" muttered Sirius groaning in frustration, he could be in Potter manor. Well when/if Remus wasn't looking for Harry…its maybe why his spells wouldn't work. If he didn't stay in one place long enough the spell wouldn't hold, it was a logical explanation. Maybe if he looked for Harry then he would find Remus there too, but vampires and werewolves didn't mix. His heart sank…could Remus have gotten himself killed looking for Harry? Please no, thought Sirius, Merlin, no he couldn't lose him…he didn't even want to think on how Harry would be feeling if it was true. He had to find them, why was he wasting time sleeping when he could be out there? Sleep was overrated anyway! He swore to himself blindly, that he wouldn't stop looking.

"Excuse me," she said suddenly, clasping her hand over her mouth bolting for the bathroom.

"Think she's poisoned herself with her food?" grinned Shacklebolt, hiding his concern.

"We would all be sick," said Sirius, not in the mood for any jokes.

"True, I'll be right back." said Shacklebolt, moving off towards the bathroom and observing her worriedly.

"Go away!" she moaned in embarrassment.

"Are you coming down with the Flu?" asked Shacklebolt, stepping further in, doing a scan on her, if she was sick then she couldn't go to work, magic would make her sicker. Removing his wand, he cast a diagnosis, just to be sure; the wizarding flu was an awful thing to have.

"No, I don't think so I feel like…other than being sick I mean." said Tonks resting her head on the toilet, letting Shacklebolt do what he wanted.

"Oh," squeaked Shacklebolt staring wide eyed at the results, well it looked as if she wasn't going to be working anyway. At least not on active duty, she was in no fit state for that to happen.

"What's wrong with me?" asked Tonks becoming alarmed.

"Well…err…nothing…that is to say….your pregnant." said Shacklebolt.

"WHAT?!" shrieked Tonks wide eyed, before vomiting once more, in what looked to be morning sickness.

"Calm down," soothed Shacklebolt, rubbing her back trying to comfort her in a way that would be acceptable. Obviously he didn't have a chance with the witch; he hadn't even realized she was in a relationship.

"What am I going to do?" Tonks said mournfully, leaning back against the bathtub and flushing her toilet.

"What do you mean?" queried Shacklebolt.

"I can't be with the father…it was a one night thing, he's got a mate of his own." she confessed

"You don't mean who I think you mean," said the Auror quite frankly stunned, it timed out perfectly. It was the down to the day where she'd supposed to have tried to convince Remus to come back. Now with the fact he had a mate, and her reluctance to say a name it made sense.

Tonks nodded without saying a word, her hand automatically clutching at her stomach. Nobody usually aborted foetus', especially those with magic, not only did it screw with the magical core it was dangerous - they may not be able to have another child because of it. Biting her lip, realized she was in a crossroads in her own life, no man would want to raise another man's child. Especially not a wizard, who normally wanted an heir of their own and didn't want to bother raising one not their own, what was she going to do? Rubbing her eyes tiredly she knew she couldn't use the spell to get rid of the child…she would just have to accept the role she now had. Now she wasn't the only one hoping Remus was alright, he had the right to know he was going to be a father. He was already one to Harry; he loved the child as his own…and no doubt would love this one.

"You will always have people willing to help," said Shacklebolt, pausing briefly before admitting, "Even me."

Tonks stared at him across the room, a small smile worming its way onto her face, perhaps not all wizards were the same. "Thank you." she said softly.

"Although I think you should keep it quiet…at least until they can talk to each other." said Shacklebolt.

"Do you think we will ever find him?" asked Tonks tiredly.

"We have to," replied Shacklebolt desperately, he couldn't live with the guilt that he'd essentially helped Dumbledore hand Harry over to the vampires. He would do all he could to rectify that, now that he wasn't an active Auror he had all the time in the world to search for Harry and Remus and undo his stupid mistake.

"Alright, I need to get to work," said Tonks, pulling herself up spelling her mouth clean and rejoining Sirius in the living room. "Sirius, you can remain in the spare room if you need it."

"I have to focus on my family, no matter how long it takes," said Sirius his eyes going glassy. Harry and Remus probably didn't think of him as family, and he couldn't blame them, but he would spend the rest of his life making it up to them. "I'm not going to stop until I find them."

Hogwarts - Entrance Hall

"Do you know what's going on out there?" Slughorn questioned, seeing the commotion from where he had just come up from the dungeons.

"What do you mean?" Minerva asked, curious, "Out where?"

"There are Ministry workers at Hogwarts," Slughorn pointed the Deputy Headmistress in the right direction. He recognized Amelia Bones immediately. She may not have been a Slytherin but her potions work had been exemplary, he'd known she would go places; in fact, she had even been a member of his club at one point.

"Ministry workers?" Minerva questioned baffled, turning around and true to Slughorn's word, there were many Ministry officials at Hogwarts. She hadn't even felt the wards alert her to the fact there were visitors to the school, which normally happened.

"Amelia?" Minerva called, surprised to see the woman there. She was the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Why would she be here at Hogwarts? She certainly hadn't made an appearance at the school before well not on official business of course. Minerva swiftly made her way over curiosity and concern written across her face. "It isn't the students is it?"

Slughorn watched what was happening from a distance, he had a feeling something was wrong and it wasn't going to be good. He listened to the conversation, and the fact Bones was so stern and tense, she wasn't here for old time sake. It wasn't him, obviously not Minerva which left only Filius or Albus, both were unlikely, but nonetheless obviously wanted…which one he wondered to himself.

"Minerva, it is nice to see you," Amelia said curtly, much of Minerva's character was also present in Amelia; both were powerful respected witches, and both extremely professional. "And no, it's not the students." soothing the witches fears.

"What can I help you with then?" Minerva questioned, feeling a little more confused.

"I'm here on official business, I need to speak to Albus," said Amelia, not what she really wanted to call him, but she wouldn't lose her calm here.

"Of course, follow me, he's in his office at this time of night," said Minerva, a small smile gracing her lips. Amelia wasn't alone; there were over five others with her, nobody that she was familiar with.

"I see," said Amelia, trying to smile but it came out more of a grimace. It wasn't directed at Minerva, or because of her words, she was just finding it difficult to believe she was here arresting Albus Dumbledore of all people. Her and Fudge had spoken about it all night and realized they would need to do it with an open court, instead of a closed one. Otherwise, there would be constant rioting that they couldn't contain, with Voldemort on the rise, they couldn't deal with the potential mess it would create.

"Is everything alright?" Minerva asked, sensing the unease around the witch. As they climbed the stairs, she was might worried about what could have happened. Slughorn walked with them as well but stayed at a respectable distance.

"Is anything these days?" Amelia told her, sighing softly, beating around the bush - she wasn't going to tell her what was happening.

"Too true," Minerva agreed grimly.

The rest of the quick walk towards Albus Dumbledore's office was spent in silence. It didn't escape Minerva's notice that Amelia had not answered her question.

"Sugar Quills," Minerva intoned the password.

Everyone made their way up stairs, only Slughorn noticed how tense the others with Amelia were, he actually suspected they were Unspeakables.

"How can I help you, Madam Bones?" enquired Albus standing up, his eyes twinkling brightly as if he was happy to see an old student of his.

"Albus Dumbledore you are under arrest, you do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defense if you do not mention when questions something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence." droned Amelia, she could say the words in her sleep, and she was that used to them. Admittedly not so much these days, she usually just dealt with the paperwork.

"What?" cried Minerva shocked to the core, why was he being arrested? She didn't understand at all.

Slughorn pursed his lips, Albus wasn't surprised he was cautious, which meant he may have committed a crime. There was one way for him to find out; he was friendly with many Aurors who could let him know what was going on. Making a decision he slipped out of the Headmaster's and descending into the dungeons - having every intention of writing a letter to Bryce.

"Very well," said Albus gracefully, his mind whirling a mile a minute. There was utterly no evidence that he had committed any wrongdoings. Unless they'd found evidence that he'd murdered Remus Lupin? Had he left something there that indicated that it was him? Had he slipped up? No, he knew he hadn't he was always careful.

The Aurors surrounded him, their wands out but Albus didn't put up a fight, outwardly he didn't even seem perturbed. He looked the very vision of an indulgent old man who knows he'd be back home in a few hours. Amelia Bones walked in front of them, her heels clicking on the floor as she set a fast pace. She didn't know how quickly word would spread that Dumbledore was arrested, but she'd bet her fortune it wouldn't be long.

"Albus?" said Minerva slightly lost.

"Just remain here and look after the school, I'll be fine." said Albus firmly as his arms were bound together. His wand was removed from his possession which did irk him. He was Albus Dumbledore, he had more decorum than the usual idiots, he wasn't about to try and cast spells at Aurors and prove his guilt.

"Very well," agreed Minerva, watching him leave. She would have to alert the other teachers and get them to come in early.

Minerva pursed her lips in worry, how long would it take for Albus to be cleared of whatever charges they had trumped-up him up on? This wasn't a good time either, but a niggling thought in the back of her mind refused to leave. The ministry knew Dumbledore was their best defense against Voldemort…they wouldn't be arresting him if they didn't have ample evidence of his wrongdoings. She refused to believe that, she'd known him a long, long time. She would have known if he was breaking the law, he was the most honorable man she'd ever met - there was no way.

Albus has always been overconfident, I did think of using Fawkes and letting him escape only to be caught again but I decided to nix the idea :) R&R please