"Brumous"

"Chapter Thirty-Two: The Attack on Hogsmeade"

Sirius stood with his arms crossed in the entryway of his Hogsmeade house, watching as Bill and Fleur chatted with their heads pressed close together. Bill hadn't asked why Sirius wanted to dismantle the blood wards completely, nor did he seem bothered when he took them all down. But the real question was, what did they put in place of the blood wards?

For the first time in his life, Sirius wished he had paid attention to Orion and Arcturus' long and boring conversations about wards and took an interest in learning more about them. He had only learned enough to pass their little pop quiz they would give him. But, as a child, he had been bored and confused and just wanted to get away from his grandfather. But now, Sirius couldn't rely on the blood wards any longer and his knowledge was lacking in a way it shouldn't be. It was a miracle that Voldemort hadn't attacked them in France because the wards were the weakest there when Sirius had thought they were the strongest.

Laughter and chatter rang in the distance. The kids had probably just arrived in the village for the day. Sirius wouldn't be able to see the commotion from his door, but he could certainly hear them as they passed his street.

"We can curse the doors and windows," Bill spoke up his palm pressing against the wood. "Make a wand motion or a verbal password to enter."

"Is 'I wish the Blacks eternal fucking misery' too long of a password?" Sirius asked.

Fleur laughed. "Oui, I think so."

Bill grinned. "I would do a combination of two random words together that make no sense, plus a wand motion. Something like platypus watermelon or something completely unhinged."

Sirius tugged his eyebrows down. "Platypus watermelon?"

"Even better, say it in French so no one knows what you're even saying," Bill suggested.

"Oh, so Harry can be eaten by my door or something if he tries to enter?" Sirius asked lazily as his eyes trailed up and down the door.

"That would be where the blood wards would have helped, non?" Fleur asked.

"No blood wards," Sirius said in a sure tone. "They're useless now."

Bill nodded, sucking in a breath. "If you're worried about Bellatrix Lestrange, we could build in defenses against her specifically if Andromeda was willing to never visit you."

His anger against Andromeda had dispelled after their row. She would have suspected Sirius wasn't Orion's as a teenager. He hadn't been ready to hear the truth at that age anyway. It had only taken Sirius thinking of Harry suspecting some secret and not knowing what to do with that information to make him not so bloody irate any longer.

"It's not that," Sirius replied, his thumb and forefinger pinching the bridge of his nose. "Do the password and wand motion, I suppose. I don't know what else to do."

"Look, Sirius, mate, if you tell me what the issue is, I can solve it a hell of a lot faster," Bill reasoned, a frown tugging on his features. "You were very adamant that blood wards were the way to go. Now, you're vehemently against them. You not saying why doesn't help Fleur and me understand what exactly you need or want."

Sirius dropped his hand at his side. "I don't know what I need or want."

Bill glanced over at Fleur for a brief moment. "Just not blood wards anymore."

Sirius bit his tongue from snapping. "Yeah," he said through gritted teeth instead.

"What if we add magical signatures to the wards?" Fleur suggested.

Bill shrugged. "We could do that, but it only takes a stolen wand to bypass the wards easily."

Sirius squinted at them. "What if someone had a twin wand?"

Bill's face pulled. "Yeah, well, that may make the signatures too close. Who has the twin wands?"

"Harry and Voldemort," Sirius replied, his nail scratching his brow.

"Oh, well, that's ruddy problematic," Bill said, a long huff of air escaping his lips. "Not surprising though. I'm assuming it's prophecy related?"

"Who the fuck knows?" Sirius mumbled.

That was the truth. He had no idea why they shared twin wands, but it freaked Sirius the fuck out. He hated it more than he was willing to admit to anyone, even Remus.

Bill shoved his hands into his jacket pockets as he stared at the door. "Does Harry have a spare wand he could use? One that doesn't have the twin core?"

Sirius nodded. "He has James' old wand."

Bill turned around, brooms clearly flying above his head. "If that wand responds decently well to him, we can build that into the wards instead of his main wand. Although, if the wand resists him, it may backfire when he tries to use it to enter."

Sirius sighed, his weight shifting. "I don't think Harry's even attempted to use it."

"Have him bring it to his dueling lessons tomorrow and test it out," Bill suggested. "If it does respond well to him, I can come by tomorrow night and do the signature wards. They're not the best option out there, but they're decent. Just make sure you have the wand on you."

Sirius agreed to that plan. In the meantime, Bill and Fleur worked on strengthening the more run-of-the-mill protections around the house and adding a few more that had interfered with the blood wards. Sirius paid close attention to what they were doing, wanting to be able to maintain them himself a tad better than he had been.

Bill was extremely knowledgeable and patient. He reminded Sirius of Arthur, especially in the way he enthusiastically talked about the different layers of enchantments and how each one responded when breaking down. Defensive magic had never been Sirius' favorite, but he tried his hardest to incorporate it more and more. Sirius was more of a run-head-in-and-blast-the-shit-out-of-everything sort of wizard. But he understood that he needed to evolve and utilize more passive magic in order to protect his godson.

The wards took all morning to perfect and test. Sirius wasn't completely satisfied but that wasn't because of Bill and Fleur. He had felt oddly secure with the blood wards before. Now, well now, he just felt defeated. Wards had only come so far since James and Lily had tried protecting their home. Sirius' options were limited in a major village like Hogsmeade. There was no possible way he'd feel comfortable having Harry spend any length of time in the house so unprotected.

Harry had never been on a double date before. Nor had he really been on a date date before, unless you counted the disastrous Madam Puddifoot experience he had with Cho the previous year. He had been uncomfortable and nervous. There was nothing he could even look back on fondly. He had wanted it over as soon as it began. The kiss… Merlin, he didn't know kissing a girl could be so awful. Who cried when they were kissing a bloke? What was wrong with him?

While he had been dating Ginny for several months now, they had never officially gone out on a date before. That was a fact that had sparked in his mind as he stared at his best mate across the table. Maybe he should have suggested something other than the Three Broomsticks. Perhaps Ron shouldn't even be there either. Except Ginny hadn't seemed bothered by the quality of the date as she imitated Ron during breakfast that morning.

Harry chewed on his bottom lip, wondering why he was nervous. It wasn't like Ginny was going to break up with him if he couldn't plan a decent date. Right? Harry took a sip of his butterbeer for something to do and tried not to think of the impending doom of his relationship.

"I do not sound like that!" Ron protested. "I'm starting to rethink my whole best mate and sister dating thing. I mean, I can't even enjoy a nice double date without my sister mocking me!"

Ginny laughed, flicking her hair behind her shoulder. "Too late. What's done is done. Get over it."

Ron rolled his eyes.

"You don't see me complaining that you're dating my friend," Ginny challenged.

"It's different!" Ron protested.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "It's really not."

"Sorry, Ron, I agree with Ginny," Niamh spoke up, leaning into Ron's side. "Besides, they're adorable together."

"Yeah, real adorable," Ron grumbled. "Harry looks like he's going to be sick."

Harry scowled at Ron as Ginny turned her attention to him. Her hand slipped into his underneath the table and she gave it a squeeze. Relief washed over Harry.

"I'm fine," Harry insisted, though he suspected he didn't sound too convincing.

"Will you grab some butterbeers with me, Ron?" Niamh asked. "Harry paid for the first round. I'll pay for the second!"

"We're not even halfway finished with our first!" Ron protested.

Niamh stood up, grabbing his arm and hauling him up from the table. "Then we won't have to wait for more when we're finished! Win win!"

The two of them disappeared, albeit Ron reluctantly. Harry turned fully towards Ginny, searching her eyes for any hint that she may be upset with the lackluster first date.

Ginny leaned in close to Harry, resting her chin on his shoulder. "What's wrong?"

Harry swallowed. "I'm terrible at this."

Ginny raised her eyebrows. "At what exactly?"

"This! Dating!" Harry protested, his face pulling down. "Our first official date is a double date with your brother. We're at the Three Broomsticks. I didn't even plan anything."

Ginny laughed, leaning forward and pecking him on the chin. "I think this is very on brand for us."

Harry cocked his head to the side. "Yeah?"

Ginny beamed. "Casual and fun. I don't need a fancy lunch or a disgustingly romantic place. I am having good food with good company with you by my side. It's perfect."

Harry smiled easily at her, feeling rather silly all of a sudden. He bent down to press his lips against hers. Of course, Ginny didn't care about fancy romantic dinners. Obviously, she wouldn't mind a double date as long as they were all having fun. Cho had felt like work while Ginny felt like a warm breeze.

Lunch went better after he knew Ginny hadn't been expecting some grandiose romantic date with him. He laughed easily at Ron's jokes, felt a jolt when Ginny placed a hand on his thigh while they ate, and smiled at Niamh's enthusiasm.

"Are you lot ready for the game next Saturday?" Niamh asked as she shared dessert with Ron, who looked less than thrilled that they hadn't ordered separately.

Harry nodded. "I think so."

Ginny laughed. "You think so? Merlin, Harry, our team is tight."

"It's Slytherin though," Ron added, looking a tad nervous. "I mean, they have a tight team too. With their top-of-the-line brooms, they're faster than us."

Ginny rolled her eyes, scooping up a bite of ice cream from the bowl she shared with Harry. "Speed is nothing compared to skill. The only speed broom that matters is the Seeker's and Harry is set."

"Well, it certainly doesn't hinder anything!" Ron protested.

Ginny sighed. "Most professional Chasers favor the Moonbeams for how sharp they turn as well as their smooth hovering capabilities. Professional Seekers obviously prefer the Firebolt for its speed. Professional Keepers, do you know what they use, Ron?"

Ron stared at her, his face pulling. "Oh, I'm sure you'll tell me."

"Cleansweeps," Ginny said. "Which you have. The Cleansweeps have a longer handle and Keepers like that because it gives them another limb to hit a Quaffle out of the way."

Niamh looked between the Weasley siblings before her gaze rested on Harry. "Do you know all of this as well?"

Harry chuckled. "Not even the slightest. I just play just for fun."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Well, yeah, it's easy to play just for fun when you were born to ride a bloody broom! The first time he sees a broom and it's in his ruddy hand before he can even say 'up!'"

"That's not true," Harry protested.

Ron snorted, leaning into Niamh's side. "He's lying. He was a natural and it was so fucking annoying."

"Jealous much?" Ginny challenged.

"Exceedingly!" Ron exclaimed. "And Harry bloody well knows it!"

After lunch, Harry walked hand in hand with Ginny while they waved at Ron and Niamh. They were parting for the second half of the village visit, which was fine by Harry. He felt Ginny press up against him, her fingers wrapping around his elbow. Harry tugged his wand out of his pocket and placed Warming Charms on both of their jackets before they walked down the cobblestones and window shopped.

"Look at that!" Ginny exclaimed, pointing at the bright orange Canons Quidditch pads set. "Ron would bloody well die!"

"Should I or should I not kill my best mate on Christmas?" Harry contemplated.

Ginny laughed. "Do it. Kill him. Then I don't have to hear him chewing Christmas dinner with his mouth open."

Harry gave Ginny's hand a squeeze. "You'll be an accomplice."

Ginny grinned up at him. "Only if we're caught, Potter."

Harry couldn't help but chuckle, the two continuing down High Street. He kept stealing glances down at her, savoring the way her nose wrinkled when she laughed and how her smile always caused her eyes to sparkle. Harry was completely, one hundred percent enchanted by her every movement and every word.

Harry couldn't help but contemplate how drastically his life had changed in the past six months. He had gone from feeling so alone and angry all the time to being surrounded by people who cared about him with a compassionate girlfriend who just got him. The Dursleys were a distant nightmare now that he was living with Sirius. Ron and him seemed closer than ever, the tension of last year definitely gone between them. He had Quidditch back, his studies were going well, and Voldemort wasn't in his head every single night.

Harry was just happy. To be honest, Harry couldn't remember a time he had been so happy before in his life. They were in the middle of a war and Harry was more content than he had ever been before. Something about that seemed impossibly wrong, but Harry couldn't help it.

That feeling wouldn't last forever. The war and the heartbreak had a way of smacking Harry in the face, never allowing him to be happy for too long.

Harry and Ginny were just about ready to enter Honeydukes when a resounding bang sounded somewhere behind them. Harry whipped around, his hand slipping from Ginny's. His eyes immediately zeroed in on a billowing puff of smoke in the sky. Harry reached into his pocket, tugging out his wand as he took a step away from Ginny, his eyes narrowing as the smoke shifted and contorted until a skull emerged. The mouth opened and a snake slithered from between the lips.

"Harry…" Ginny whispered, her hand groping for his wrist.

He turned to Ginny at his side, her wide eyes staring at the snake in the sky. Screams sounded all around the village, people pushing their way through the crowd of people. Harry was shoved, his body colliding with Ginny's side.

"Go," Harry commanded, his voice leaving no room for discussion. "Go through the Honeydukes passageway and get to the castle."

Ginny's brows furrowed, her attention snapping towards him. "What?"

"Just go!" Harry shouted, because he didn't really have time to argue with her. "I'm going to–"

"To what? Rush in to fight but send me away to sit at the castle and worry about you?" Ginny demanded, her face reddening. "Worry about Ron and Niamh? Gemma and Demelza? Are you bloody mental right now?"

Harry's jaw tightened. "I've been training for this. You haven't."

Ginny scoffed, her arms crossing over her chest. "No."

"No? No? What… Gin!" Harry hissed, wanting to pull his hair out. "I can't worry about you and do what I need to do!"

"You can't expect me to just, just run!" Ginny protested, her arms waving sharply.

Another bang cracked in the air, causing Harry to flinch and turn around again. He could see a row of Death Eaters approaching in the distance. They were moving in slow motion, scanning the crowd. It was almost as though they were looking for someone specific. Harry swallowed as he turned back to Ginny, his hands gripping her shoulders.

"Please, Gin, just go," Harry whispered.

Ginny gave him a steely look. "Don't ask that of me."

Harry didn't know how to respond to that without shouting at her to just go. His heart hammered in his chest. He didn't have time to argue with her. Apparently, Ginny decided she wasn't going to listen to him because she just rolled her eyes and ran in the opposite direction of the impending Death Eater's march into the village. Her name died in his throat as he watched her rush towards a group of trembling younger girls hiding. She pointed towards Honeydukes, her hand rubbing the back of one of the girls.

Harry tore his gaze away from them, his eyes focusing on the Death Eaters fast approaching them. One of the masked wizards grabbed Katie Bell who had been hiding with one of her friends, Leanne perhaps, behind a bench. The Death Eater whipped her around to stare at her. Katie screamed, kicking and punching furiously. Harry jerked into action, rushing towards them. The Death Eater pushed Katie down to the ground and she scampered away from him as fast as she could.

Harry's mind rapid fired to all of the advice that Gawain Robards and Tegan Robins had given him for the past several weeks. He twisted his wrist into position before he cast his shield in front of him. It was bright and brilliant. Harry knew he had a strong one. The Death Eaters didn't move as they stared at him. Then, the Death Eaters parted and Bellatrix Lestrange strolled forward. She hadn't bothered with a mask, nor did she dress like her fellow Death Eaters. Instead, she opted for fitted black robes.

"Aww, look who it is," Bellatrix greeted, a twisted smile working its way on her face. "Wittle baby Potter with his wittle pretty shield."

Harry swallowed, snapping his wrist to disarm her, but she deflected it with a lazy swish of her wand. Bellatrix didn't bother to even cast a shield so either she thought he wasn't a worthy opponent or, as Robards often said, she was an arrogant dueler.

"How precious," Bellatrix cooed. "Did Sirius teach you that? I heard he adopted you. I guess that makes you my wittle nephew. Auntie Bella says behave."

Harry didn't wait to cast his next hex, going down through Robards' list of the most effective duel starters when there was more than one opponent. A nice Bombarda to startle them, and then he had to take them out one by one. Harry's wand felt slick in his hand, as he snapped his wrist to start.

The explosion happened right in front of Bellatrix. She was the only one who seemed to anticipate the move as a pale blue light engulfed her while pieces of cobblestone rained upon the masked Death Eaters. Bellatrix merely laughed at his attempt, but he didn't wait for her to do anything. He pointed his wand at one of the masked figures to disarm them, layering his spells as smoothly as he could.

It was all in the rhythm and finding his center. Which he did, taking a leaf out of Kingsley's book and staying rooted behind of his shield. Death Eaters tried to dismantle his shield, but he made sure to keep strengthening between spells. What struck Harry as odd was the way Bellatrix merely stood there. She didn't try to duel him. She only deflected his spells with ease whenever he tried to shoot one her way.

It was eerie in the way she observed him. Was she gathering information for Voldemort or just sizing up her opponent? Did she want him to tire out before she took a stab at him? Was she demented enough to want to wait for Sirius to show before she turned her wand on him? Because from what he had heard about Bellatrix, she was sick enough to do something like that.

A spell shot past Harry from behind, a dark blood red curse. It hit one of the Death Eaters square in the chest and he went flying backward, landing on the ground with a sickening thump. Harry didn't dare to turn around to see who had come to help him, not wanting to slip up in his layering. Bellatrix laughed so cruelly at the newcomer that Harry was convinced it was Sirius.

"McKinnon," Bellatrix greeted, a sneer working its way on her face. "Or should I call you Bella?"

Harry's chest heaved, his sweaty locks falling in his eyes as he successfully disarmed a Death Eater who had been distracted by Marlene's arrival. A spark of victory shot through his chest, tingling all the way up his spine.

The moment of jubilation was short-lived as Bellatrix moved faster than Harry could even comprehend. Her wrist snapped and a loud crack sounded.

"Harry! Move!" Marlene shouted.

Harry jumped back, catching sight of movement to his left, his shield falling. The streetlamp ripped from the ground. Harry felt the rush of air hit him as the streetlamp landed right in front of him, just barely missing him. Harry's chest heaved, his limbs trembling at the near miss.

A beat passed and screams rang in Harry's ears. He turned to see Marlene thrashing on the ground. Bellatrix had her wand pointed at her as she inched closer to her. Harry trained his wand on her, not bothering with a shield this time, and tried to stun her. The Cruciatus Curse lifted off Marlene as Bellatrix deflected the spell before snapping her wand. Harry felt the spell hit him, knocking him off his feet. He slammed into the cobblestone, his left wrist twisting as he tried to catch himself as he fell. Pain blossomed in his wrist. He gritted his teeth. He could move it, so it wasn't broken, but it did hurt. A lot.

"I'll deal with you in a moment, baby," Bellatrix cooed as she crouched down in front of Marlene, her nails digging into Marlene's cheeks as she pushed her head against the cobblestone. "Marly and I need to have a little chat about how naughty she's been lately."

Harry scrambled to his feet, his wand pointing at Bellatrix once more. Before he could do anything, he felt a tip of a wand dig into his neck while a hand grabbed his wrist to stop him from casting a spell. Harry swallowed as Bellatrix laughed at his predicament.

"Drop the wand, Potter," a familiar male voice hissed.

Harry's brows furrowed, trying to place the voice. "No," he replied, trying to get him to speak once more.

A face pressed against his. Harry leaned away, recoiling from the touch. His gaze drifted down and he could see a bit of blonde hair sticking out from beneath the hood. It was Lucius Malfoy. Harry was sure of it.

"If you think your godfather will come to save you, you are mistaken," Malfoy whispered. "He'll be detained before he makes it this far into the village."

Harry didn't believe that for one moment. Sirius was probably ripping his way through the village, incapacitating anyone who would even so much as attempt to stop him on his mission to find Harry. The battle had started a while ago, so Sirius should be popping up at any moment.

"Drop. The. Wand," Malfoy hissed in his ear.

Harry weighed his options as he stared at Bellatrix. She had her wand pressed underneath Marlene's chin. Bellatrix was saying something to her that Harry couldn't hear, but tears were pouring out of the corners of Marlene's eyes.

Without thinking, without even really having a plan, and taking a leaf out of his godfather's playbook, he heaved his left elbow back to shove it into Malfoy's chest and tried not to cry out in pain as his wrist jostled. At the same time, Harry stomped on Malfoy's foot. Harry whipped around so quickly, bracing his hands on Malfoy's shoulders as he drove his knee as hard as he could in his most vulnerable area. Malfoy keeled over and Harry pushed him with everything he had to the ground.

Harry shuddered, the pain radiating up his left arm. But the adrenaline pumped through his veins with a fervor. Whipping around, his wand tight in his right hand, he dashed towards Bellatrix and Marlene. Whatever Bellatrix had done to Marlene, Harry didn't know. Except Marlene wasn't moving and her eyes were closed. Bellatrix rose from the ground, turning her attention to Harry. There was a glint in her eye that Harry didn't like. His trembling arm raised, pointing his wand directly at Bellatrix's heart.

Harry didn't even know which one of them uttered the first curse. The spells started flying and Harry felt himself stumbling about to avoid being hit. His stomach cramped, hating himself for not putting up a shield right away. Now it was too late, he wouldn't be able to get a good strength shield that could withstand her impossibly powerful spells. Harry had never faced someone quite as powerful as she was. While Harry had felt good with his lessons the past month and a half, feeling proud of how far he had come, he realized he was still leagues behind fighting a worthy opponent.

Harry didn't even see the spell so he couldn't dodge it. The pain knocked him off his feet, his limbs tensing up as his body writhed on the ground. His teeth clenched so tight that his entire face began to hurt. Tears blurred his vision until he couldn't even see and he could focus on nothing except for the intense and terrible pain that seized every single inch of him.

Ginny hadn't listened to Harry. There was no way she was running from a fight, no way that she'd be a good little girl and hide away in the castle while her loved ones fought. The Order would be showing up and that meant all of her family would be arriving any moment. She understood Harry's bloody noble hero complex meant he would feel the innate need to keep her safe. The last thing she wanted to do was distract him from fighting in the way he was being trained, but she needed to do something as well. That's why she thought helping students escape back to the castle was the perfect task for her.

She helped groups of third and fourth years through the tunnel at Honeydukes, her heart pounding when she'd steal a glance further down at the Death Eaters Harry was holding off by himself. Biting her lip, she tried to ignore him and focus on the task at hand.

While looking for more students to help, she ran into Gemma and Demelza. Both girls looked breathless, their eyes darting around the village. There was a gash on Demelza's temple, but she seemed unbothered by the blood that poured down her face.

"What happened?" Ginny demanded.

Demelza brushed her off. "Fucking Urqhart thought he could hex me. Good fucking luck you wanking piece of shit," she grumbled as she wiped at the blood seeping into her eye.

Gemma just stared at Demelza. "It was scary the way she ripped him to shreds. Remind me never to get on her bad side."

Ginny huffed, frowning. "Wanker."

"What are you doing?" Demelza asked, her eyes snapping around as though she was looking for another fight.

"Getting the students back to the castle," Ginny replied, tucking a strand of hair that had fallen out of her ponytail behind her ear. "Harry's fighting Death Eaters."

Demelza stared at her. "Where? I'll help him."

"For fuck's sake, D!" Gemma shouted. "Taking on Urqhart is one thing but you just think you can fight Death Eaters?"

Demelza shrugged. "It's not like I won't be doing that as an Auror."

"Yeah, if you live to be a bloody Auror," Gemma snapped before turning her attention to Ginny. "Where's Niamh? She's probably petrified and shaking like a Bowtruckle."

"With Ron," Ginny replied. "We separated after lunch. I have no idea where they went."

"GINNY!" a voice shouted.

Ginny turned around to see Fred and George rushing towards her. George pulled her into a tight embrace while Fred turned towards Gemma and Demelza and asked them if they were all right. Demelza tried to swat away Fred's hand as he gripped her chin so he could get a better angle of the cut on her temple.

"Stay still, Robins," Fred snapped as he pressed the wand to the tip of the cut.

George pulled away and his eyes soaked in Ginny's appearance. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Ginny replied, her chin jutting up. "I was helping students get back to the castle through the Honeydukes tunnel."

George frowned.

"It's blocked," Fred supplied. "Sirius, Remus, Georgie, and I all sat down with Dumbledore to go over all the secret passageways into the castle. They won't be able to get through."

Ginny deflated. "What?"

George twirled his wrist and a silvery magpie escaped the tip. It rose higher and higher in the sky, soaring towards the castle.

"It'll be fine as long as they stay put. Someone will let them in," George assured her. "Now, you lot have to go back to the castle yourself. I suggest breaking into the Shrieking Shack and finding a tunnel that leads you to the grounds."

Fred leaned in close, his voice dropping. "The password is Romulus to open the door to the grounds. Dumbledore thought that would be a good passage to keep open but just secure it a bit better."

"Tell Demelza and Gemma," Ginny said. "I'm staying."

George frowned. "Yeah, that's not going to happen. You're fifteen, Ginny."

Ginny's eyes flashed. "You two of all people are going to tell me to run?"

Fred smiled. "Yes, us of all people are telling you to get the fuck out of here because we love you and we're not losing our favorite sister. The Aurors and Order are arriving. Sirius and Bill alerted everyone. The place is swarming. It'll be over with soon. Now, get along."

"Ron's still out there," Ginny whispered, tears burning her eyes. "So is Harry."

George pressed a hand to the back of her head. "We got our brothers, all right? Let Freddie and I take care of them."

"Come on, Gins," Demelza said, her fingers wrapping around her wrist. "I'll go with you."

Gemma nodded. "They're right. The Aurors are already here and, well, whoever else they mentioned," she said before turning towards the twins and narrowing her eyes at them. "Wait, why are you two here?"

"Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies, Gemma!" Fred said in a cheerful tone. "Now, run along, you three."

Ginny watched as her two brothers rushed towards where the bulk of the fighting was occurring. Her limbs trembled as Gemma wrapped an arm around her shoulders, steering her towards the Shrieking Shack.

Demelza pressed herself to Ginny's other side. "Let the Order take care of it."

"Are either one of you going to tell me what the ruddy Order is?" Gemma huffed.

Demelza glanced briefly at Ginny.

Ginny swallowed. "A secret organization fighting against Voldemort."

Gemma winced, her grip tightening around Ginny's shoulder. "That's… well, I mean, I'm assuming Dumbledore's involved somehow? He seems to always be involved in shit."

Before Ginny could deny or confirm, Ron and Niamh were rushing towards the group. Niamh had blood in her blonde hair and Ron's jacket was ripped but they looked fine otherwise. Ginny broke away from her friends, making a beeline for Ron. She threw himself at him. Ron caught her, her feet lifting off the ground as he hugged her tight.

"You're okay," Ginny breathed.

"I'm fine," Ron confirmed, setting her down on her feet and holding her at arm's length. "Where's Harry?"

Ginny felt her heart sink. "We separated. Harry went to fight and I was trying to get students to safety."

Ron looked displeased but didn't say anything. Ginny glanced over at her three friends huddled together. Niamh was beaming.

"I hexed someone!" Niamh gasped, her eyes wide with wonderment. "It was Draco Malfoy! I hexed him! I really, really did! It was, it was marvelous! I mean, I mean, you should have seen his face! I have to thank Harry! The D.A. was wonderful!"

Ginny turned to Ron with a question clear on her face.

"She did," Ron confirmed, his eyebrows raising. "She was bloody brilliant."

"Fred and George said we should go back to the castle through the, err, the Shrieking Shack," Ginny explained.

"Yeah, good luck with that," Ron said, his head shaking. "I'm going to go find Harry. I can't believe you left him."

Ginny's throat clogged. "He told me to! He said he couldn't concentrate with me around!"

Ron appraised her for a few moments, his face softening. "Yeah, that sounds like Harry. Oi, just listen to him. Head back to the castle. I'll make sure he's all right."

With a quick smile, he dashed off towards the other end of the village.

"Ron!" Ginny shouted after him, moving to go after him.

Demelza grabbed her arm. "Come on."

Ginny felt torn as Demelza tugged her back towards the Shrieking Shack. Maybe she made the wrong choice by not sticking by Harry. If anything happened to him, it would be her fault for separating. But she really had thought she was doing the best thing by both of them. She didn't want Harry to play her savior, protecting her while trying to duel Death Eaters. Ginny truly thought she would be a hindrance to him.

Upon hearing the bang, Sirius had snapped into action. Bill and Fleur were right behind him, seeing the large mass of Death Eaters all congregating near the main entrance of Hogsmeade with their matching black robes and face masks. All three of them immediately sent out Patronuses to the Aurors, the Order, and the castle.

Sirius only had a one-track mind as he separated from Bill and Fleur. While they jumped right into dueling the large group, Sirius dashed deeper into the village to find Harry. There was no doubt in his mind that they were there for him. Voldemort hadn't been successful in his attempts at possession. Now with Harry's mind more solid than ever, there was no hope of manipulating him. No, they would take Harry by sheer brute force. Sirius would be fucking damned if they did.

The fact that Voldemort may make an appearance in the village was something that Sirius couldn't even think about. Sirius attempted to swallow the fear that gripped him, because he really couldn't face Voldemort right now after learning what he had merely a week ago. The thought made him want to vomit, especially if he encountered Voldemort around Harry.

Andromeda had been right. He needed to tell Harry the truth before someone else did. There was no doubt in his mind that Bellatrix and Narcissa knew, and by extension Malfoy as well. The thought only made him run faster, his lungs burning and his side aching.

A blast to his right knocked him off his feet, his hand clutching his wand tightly as he hit the ground. His ears rang, a pain erupting across his cheek. He pushed himself up on shaky arms, his head snapping around to see who his opponent was.

"Fuck," Sirius whispered.

Wyatt Macnair stood in front of him, a sneer working its way across his face. He wore Death Eater robes but he had taken off his mask. Apparently, he wanted Sirius to know exactly who he was. Wyatt had been a few years above him in school, obviously a Slytherin, and he also hated the Blacks as much as his father did.

"Where. Is. My. Sister?" Wyatt hissed, his jaw tight and teeth clenched.

Sirius licked the corner of his lip, a metallic taste flooding his tastebuds. "Probably dead like my fool of a brother," he lied with ease as he sneered.

Wyatt slashed his wand in the air, but Sirius expected the attack. He dodged out of the way. Sirius really didn't have fucking time for this, not when Harry was somewhere in the village. With no regard for Wyatt's life, Sirius snapped his wand at the wizard's throat. He yanked his arm back, and Wyatt began to choke. His wand dropped to the ground, his fingers clawing at the invisible ties that wound tighter and tighter around his throat. Sirius stared as his lips began to tint a nice shade of blue.

Sirius could kill him. It would be so fucking easy. His wrist jerked down a tad more, the bonds tightening further until Wyatt fell to his knees. The Order really needed to stop fucking around and start killing the Death Eaters. Why shouldn't they die too? They had no qualms killing any Order member they could get their fucking hands on.

"Sirius!"

The spell broke, Sirius snapping out of his trance as Dora appeared by his side, her wide eyes staring at him like she was almost scared of him.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Dora snapped.

"I need to find Harry," Sirius replied, brushing past her.

Dora grabbed his arm. "We detain. We don't stoop to their level."

Sirius only wrenched his arm out from her grasp, his jaw tightening as he stared her down. He dashed away from her. He touched his cheek as he walked, wincing at the pain. Looking at his fingertips, he saw they were coated in red. He put that out of his mind, passing by Kingsley dueling a Death Eater. Gawain was a bit ahead of him, pushing a Death Eater against Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop as Tegan waved her wand to take off the mask to reveal a young wizard that Sirius didn't recognize, one who looked like he was just a couple of years out of Hogwarts. Sirius passed them as well, making his way deeper into the village. Suddenly, living on the outskirts seemed just plain stupid.

A scream ripped through the air, causing Sirius' heart to skip a beat. He would know his godson's voice anywhere. Harry was in immense pain. Sirius bolted, nearly colliding with Sutton but he didn't even fucking care.

Rounding the corner, Sirius saw the two bodies of Death Eaters on the floor before his eyes focused on the writhing body of his godson on the ground. Sirius didn't stop running, his eyes moving to see Bellatrix with her wand pointed at him. His mind could only think of the worst curses he knew. Slicing his wand through the air, he carved gashes into Bellatrix's chest and stomach. The spell lifted off Harry as Bellatrix staggered back, blood dripping from her hunched-over form onto the cobblestone. Her head snapped up, crimson pouring from the corner of her mouth, and she shot him a bloody smile when she saw him. Her body swayed but a Death Eater rushed forward to grab her before she fell. Sirius snapped his wand at the figure but they Apparated before he could even utter a curse.

Sirius' chest heaved as he closed the space between him and Harry. He collapsed down on his knees, his hand reaching out to brush Harry's sweaty locks off his face. Harry shuddered under the touch, a gasp escaping his lips as he tried to move away from Sirius.

"Hey, hey, it's me," Sirius said, cupping Harry's face and forcing him to look up. "It's Sirius."

"Sirius?" Harry croaked. "Mar… Marlene."

Furrowing his brow, Sirius looked around them. Marlene was a little way away. She wasn't moving. Squinting, he could faintly make out the rise and fall of her chest. A sigh escaped his lips as he turned his attention back to his godson.

"Are you all right?" Sirius asked.

Harry reached his right hand out, gripping Sirius' arm and pulling himself up into a seated position. Sirius helped him, keeping him steady.

"I'm 'kay," Harry slurred before he cleared his throat, his left arm cradled close to his chest. "I'm okay."

Sirius bent down to look Harry in the eyes. "Just tell me what hurts."

Harry licked his lips, his normally brilliant eyes a dull and muddy green. "Everything," he replied in a miserable tone.

Sirius nodded. Stupid question.

"You're nursing your arm," Sirius commented. "Is it broken?"

Harry shook his head. "My wrist is sprained, I think. I fell."

Sirius frowned, wrapping an arm around Harry's shoulders. "Let me know how long you need, all right? Then we're going back to the castle."

"Ginny and, and Ron," Harry said, his attention snapping up. "I don't know where they are."

Sirius searched his godson's face. "They're probably already at the castle and waiting for you."

Harry didn't look convinced, but he didn't argue with Sirius either. Sirius cupped Harry's clammy face, feeling his body twitching under the touch. If he hadn't wanted to torture Bellatrix to death before, he certainly did now. Nobody… nobody touched his godson.

"Can you walk back to the castle with me?" Sirius asked.

Harry hesitated for a brief moment before he nodded.

"HARRY!" Ron shouted.

His godson turned, his face relaxing when he caught sight of Ron. The two boys embraced while Ron told him Ginny and her friends had gone back to the castle through the Shrieking Shack. Sirius backed away from the pair as he made his way over to Marlene. Sirius crouched down beside her, his fingers pressing into the artery on her neck. A sigh of relief escaped his lips when he felt her steady pulse beneath his fingertips.

"Is she okay?" Harry asked, his voice wavering as he loomed over them with Ron by his side.

Sirius nodded, one hand sliding beneath her knees and the other beneath her shoulders. He rose to his full height, her arms and head lulling downward. Sirius attempted to hike her up himself but failed.

"Harry, put her head against my shoulder," Sirius commanded.

Harry reached out with his right hand and gently adjusted her head until she was resting against Sirius' shoulder.

"Come on," Sirius said in a gruff voice. "We're taking the long way. Stay close and keep your wands out."

They made their way towards the back of the village, cutting through a portion of the Forbidden Forest to arrive back at Hogwarts. It took a lot longer, but it was safer than going through the village.

When they entered Hogwarts, Harry pulled out the Marauder's Map and handed it to Ron with clear instructions to find Ginny. Ron unfolded the map, his eyes scouring the castle for his sister's dot as they made their way towards the infirmary. Ron commented he saw Ginny near the One-Eyed Witch statue before dashing off to meet with her. Harry stayed with Sirius and Marlene, not saying anything as he walked with his head bowed.

Once they entered the hospital wing, Sirius laid Marlene gently down onto one of the beds and Madam Pomfrey started to fuss over her instantly. Sirius wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders, steering him away from the bed to let the matron work. Harry chewed on the skin of his thumb.

"All right, kid?" Sirius pressed.

Harry only frowned. "I don't know what Marlene was hit with. But it was Bellatrix. Malfoy was there too."

Sirius' face hardened. "Malfoy was there? Did he touch you?"

Harry paused for a few moments, his green eyes searching Sirius' face. "He pressed a wand to my neck and tried to keep me from interfering with whatever Bellatrix was doing to Marlene," he explained. "I attacked him and tried to help Marlene but she was already unconscious."

"I don't know who I want to murder more: Malfoy or Bella," Sirius said through clenched teeth.

Harry sighed. "I'm fine. Can you… not?"

Sirius didn't say anything. "Look, you need to stay away from them. They're dangerous."

Harry's brow furrowed. "It's not like I sought them out, Sirius."

Sirius sucked in a breath, pressing his hands on Harry's shoulders. "There's something you should know about the Black family, all right? Something that I learned in France."

Harry perked up at this, any irritation instantly gone from his features. "What was it?"

Sirius swallowed, his grip tightening on Harry's shoulders. "I just… I need a little bit to process it and then I'll tell you, all right? But for now, can you promise you don't go anywhere near the Malfoy kid?"

Harry deflated in an instant. "So you're not telling me?"

"I will tell you, but can you just give me a bit to figure it out myself?" Sirius asked, a heavy weight settling on his chest. "I just need a bit of time."

Harry frowned. "It can't be worse than anything else that I know about the Black family," he reasoned, his body tensing. "I don't know why you can't just trust me."

"It's not about trust, Harry," Sirius replied, his eyebrows raising. "It's about me coming to terms with what I learned before I feel comfortable talking about it with anyone."

Harry just stared at him, not saying anything.

Sirius sighed, his eyes screwing shut. "I trust you. I love you," he croaked, his eyes snapping open. "I don't know if the Malfoys or the Lestranges know about this. I don't fancy them telling you over me. But I just need a bit, that's all. It's… it's big. And I don't want you to…"

Sirius stopped himself from finishing his thought. He didn't want Harry to think he doubted him, it wasn't that. Sirius just had his own abandonment fears to work through as Andromeda said.

"You don't want me to what?" Harry asked.

"Judge me too harshly," Sirius replied in a soft voice, his hand carding through his hair in frustration. "I know that's…. that's ridiculous, but I, I don't… you mean everything to me, Harry, all right?"

Harry searched Sirius' eyes as his head slowly nodded. "I get it. I… I worry about that too."

Sirius smiled tightly. "Look at us. We're both fucking morons."

Harry gave a small strangled chuckle. Sirius pulled Harry into a side hug, careful not to hurt his wrist any further. Looking over Harry's head, Sirius watched as Madam Pomfrey finished up with Marlene before she made her way over to them.

Sirius gestured his head towards Marlene. "How is she?"

Madam Pomfrey sighed. "Stable. Seems to have been a Sleeping Spell."

Sirius' brows furrowed. "Why?"

Madam Pomfrey shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine, Mr Black. It'll wear off in a few hours."

Sirius' jaw tightened, not being able to help but wonder what Bellatrix had planned. Maybe they hadn't been after Harry in Hogsmeade. Or, perhaps, the kid would have been an added bonus. What if the target had been Marlene? Pushing those thoughts out of his mind, Sirius cleared his throat.

"Can you look at his wrist?" Sirius asked and Harry scowled at him.

"I'm fine," Harry insisted.

But Sirius didn't listen. He steered Harry to the bed across from Marlene and told him to sit. Harry did, even if he didn't look happy about it. Madam Pomfrey gestured for his arm and Harry held it out, wincing as the matron looked at it. Sirius shoved his hands into his pockets, his gaze flickering over to where Marlene slept peacefully.

"Just sprained, I suspect," Madam Pomfrey announced. "I'll wrap it and give him a pain potion. You will live to see another day, Mr Potter."

Harry snorted. "Thanks."

The door to the infirmary opened. Tegan walked in with a small girl who had to have been only thirteen. The girl sobbed as Tegan held pressure to a wound on her arm. Tegan sat the girl down onto one of the beds and crouched down in front of her. Sirius watched as Tegan brushed a piece of hair behind the girl's ear, a brilliant soft smile gracing her features.

"I'll be back for you in a second with your pain potion, Mr Potter," Madam Pomfrey said before she rushed over towards the girl.

Sirius looked down at Harry to see his wrist wrapped and laying in his lap. He gripped his godson's shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

"Hey, I'm going to go talk to Tegan for a moment," Sirius explained as he gestured his head towards Marlene. "Why don't you sit with your godmother for a few? I'll be right back."

Harry nodded as he rose from the bed and made his way over to the vacant chair next to Marlene's bedside. Sirius closed the space between him and Tegan. She didn't look hurt although her Auror robes were torn at the very bottom. A smile flittered across her face as he approached her.

"Are you all right?" Sirius asked in a low voice, touching her elbow.

"Yeah, I'm good," Tegan replied, reaching a hand up to brush her thumb along Sirius' cut cheek and causing him to wince. "Want me to heal you?"

"Nah, I thought I'd just let it go and hopefully get a nice scar on my cheek to make me look even more rugged," Sirius replied.

Tegan laughed, her thumb leaving his face so she could tug her wand out of her pocket. "Bend down. You're a bloody giant."

Sirius bent down so that Tegan didn't have to go on her tiptoes. She licked her thumb and brushed it along his cut.

"That's real sanitary," Sirius commented, his lips twitching.

"Shush, I can't actually see where the cut starts and end with all the caked blood," Tegan commented, squinting at his face. "I don't think it's that deep," she said as she pulled at the skin around the cut. "It looks like it was already clotting."

"I fell. Cut it on a jagged piece of stone," Sirius supplied.

Sirius stayed perfectly still as Tegan inspected the wound. She conjured a bowl of water and a cloth. Sirius rolled his eyes up to the ceiling as she cleaned the blood off his cheek.

"Did you catch anyone?" Sirius asked.

"Two arrests were made," Tegan explained. "Nobody worthwhile. Low levels who don't know anything worthwhile."

Sirius nodded. "Figures."

"Wyatt Macnair was detained. He was taken to St. Mungo's," Tegan said in a nonchalant voice.

Sirius said nothing as Tegan pressed the tip of her wand to the top of the cut and slid the wand downward. A warmness tickled the wound. She pulled back, her fingers brushing against his cheek to inspect her handiwork.

Tegan's eyes flickered to his. "Crushed windpipe. Needed a procedure to repair the damage."

Sirius' face remained stoic. "Unlucky sod."

Tegan cleared her throat. "It makes it very hard for us to prosecute when things like that happen."

Sirius shot her a rueful smile. "I'm sure the Ministry will manage to make charges stick. They didn't have any problem doing that fifteen years ago."

"Times have changed," Tegan insisted, crossing her arms over her chest. "Minister Bones is ensuring everyone gets a trial."

"Minister Bones is just as corrupt as all the other Ministers," Sirius insisted. "She tried to strong-arm me into spreading her propaganda and tried to drag a sixteen-year-old kid into it as well."

"From what I hear, Amelia Bones no longer wishes to work with you," Tegan said, squaring her shoulders. "Something about you being difficult."

Sirius scoffed, his fingers rubbing the stubble on his chin. "Right, I'm the difficult one."

"She did right a wrong," Tegan reasoned, her head shaking. "It's more than most do."

"So I'm supposed to kiss her boots and roll over like a good little pup when she commands me to?" Sirius snapped, his jaw tightening. "Look, I was more than willing to show my gratitude for her in a very public space, but she wanted me out of the Order and to distance myself from Dumbledore. Despite how much I would love to tell the world what a fucking wanker Dumbledore is, I know he's the only reason Harry is even able to get an education at Hogwarts right now. The man is powerful and he's the only one Voldemort is afraid of. He's the only one who even has an idea of what is really going on. While I may not personally like Dumbledore, I sure as hell respect him. Any given day, I'm aligning myself with him over Bones, because it's the best thing I can do for Harry."

Tegan grasped his wrist, her thumb brushing along the inside. She smiled up at him, her head cocking to the side.

"I agree with everything you said, but sometimes you have to be savvy enough to play both sides," Tegan whispered.

"What you see with me is what you get," Sirius replied. "I've never been good at being anyone but myself."

Tegan's lips quirked. "I know. It's one of the uniquely Sirius quirks that I like so much."

Sirius chuckled as the door to the infirmary burst open. Ginny and Ron came barreling in, making a beeline towards Harry. Sirius flickered his gaze back to Tegan.

"I should go," Tegan said, giving his wrist a squeeze. "I have a mountain of paperwork and a patrol at the castle tonight and…"

"Let me take the patrol," Sirius insisted. "I'm not sleeping tonight after what happened anyway."

Tegan shot him a look of gratitude. He had no doubt that if they were alone that she would have kissed him.

"Thank you," she whispered. "Bring Harry by my place for his lesson. I'm sure Gawain will be busy tomorrow after the attack, but I'll make sure he gets his lesson in."

Sirius bent down, pulling her into an embrace. His lips danced around her ear.

"I really appreciate that, Tee," Sirius whispered.

They pulled apart. He watched as she rushed out of the infirmary. Turning his attention to the three teenagers sitting next to Marlene, Sirius noticed Harry giving him an odd look. Whether or not he suspected anything between Sirius and Tegan, it didn't really matter because Sirius wouldn't say there was. It wasn't serious enough to tell Harry about. Besides, he had no plans on being with anyone in any meaningful way. Because if he did, he'd have to tell them the awful truth about myself. He certainly wasn't going to do that.

Remus gathered his things around Nymphadora's flat so he could go see Marlene in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. She was to be released and he had wanted to talk to her about what Bellatrix Lestrange had done to her during the Hogsmeade attack. Remus shoved his wallet and wand into his back pocket.

A knock sounded at the front door. He debated whether or not he should even answer it. Nymphadora was off helping Harry with his dueling lessons after pulling an all-nighter at the Auror Department. Perhaps, it was Andromeda and Ted making sure their daughter was all right. The knock sounded again and Remus crossed the room towards the door.

Remus opened the door to reveal his father standing there with a newspaper tucked underneath his arm. There was a moment where Remus wondered if he was dreaming because he never said where Nymphadora lived. Not even the city. If he was truly at her flat, that meant he had looked her up. What? Did he want to talk to her alone? Try to break them up?

"Are you going to invite me in?" his father asked.

Remus blinked and stepped aside. He wondered if he should have because it technically wasn't his house. Although, he was fairly certain that Nymphadora wouldn't care. She'd just be upset that she had missed the elusive Lyall Lupin.

"Nice neighborhood," his father commented, making his way towards the mantle where a bunch of photos sat as though he was perfectly content in making himself at home.

Remus closed the door, his jaw tightening. He watched his father closely as he inspected the photos. One of him and Nymphadora on the beach in Agde, his arms around her as they beamed with the sun behind them. One with Harry squished between Sirius and Remus, the three of them laughing. Another one with Nymphadora cuddling into the side of a very annoyed looking Sirius. One with Nymphadora squishing Harry's face with her hand until he made a fish face, his eyes sparkling with laughter. One where Nymphadora had her legs over Remus' thighs as she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. One of Nymphadora, Remus, Andromeda, and Ted out to dinner.

Remus looked happy in every single photo. Happy to have his best friend back. Happy to have whatever Harry was to him back in his life. Happy to have a girlfriend who loved him for who he was. Even in the midst of a fucking war, Remus was happier than he had ever been in his life. He was at ease with the man he had become.

"So this is the Black that has you asking for your mother's ring?" his father asked, not bothering to turn around and look at him.

Remus shoved his hands into his pockets, his brows lowering on his face. "Yes."

"Pink hair?" his father asked, finally turning around, his eyebrows raised.

"She's a Metamorphmagus," Remus supplied. "And pink is her preferred color."

His father nodded, tugging the newspaper out from under his arm and tossing it onto the coffee table. A smoky Dark Mark shone in the sky above Hogsmeade. In the corner of the photo stood Remus talking with Nymphadora, Gawain, and Sutton. He had shown up late to the battle, when the Aurors had surrounded the area and the Death Eaters had started to Apparate.

"Remus…" his father trailed off, heaving a sigh. "I wish you wouldn't."

Remus nodded, his arms crossing over his chest. "Wouldn't what exactly? Socialize?"

His father shot him a look. "Fight in Dumbledore's vigilante group."

"All three of them are Aurors," Remus explained. "How did you find out Nymphadora's address?"

"You think you're the only one with Ministry connections?" his father asked, his head shaking. "It was rather easy information to come by."

Remus nodded. "Is there something you needed other than to tell me to stop my vigilantism or is there something you actually need to say to me? I have someone I need to see."

"Sirius Black?" his father inquired, his eyebrows raising.

Remus sighed. "No, but it wouldn't matter even if it was."

"I wanted to give you your mother's ring," his father said, pulling a velvet box from the inside of his jacket and holding it out. "Hope would have wanted you to have it."

Remus accepted the box with trembling fingers before he pushed the lid open. A singular diamond ring on a gold band shone up at him. It was plain, simple. Nothing at all like Nymphadora's larger-than-life personality and style. But it was sentimental. Maybe he could ask a jeweler to add two pink stones on either side of the main diamond or something that would fit her personality a bit better.

"Thank you," Remus whispered.

"Are you going to propose to her then?" his father pressed.

Remus looked up at his father. "I love her," he replied shrugging.

His father nodded. "I trust I'll get an invite to the wedding?"

"Sirius will be best man," Remus explained, placing the ring into his pocket for safe keeping. "Harry will be standing right beside him. You can't… you can't say anything to them. Especially not Harry. I won't have you saying anything horrible about Fleamont or James in front of him. If you insult Sirius anywhere near him, Harry won't let that slide."

"You assume I can't be civil?" his father asked.

"Harry is young and he's lived a hard life," Remus explained. "Sirius has tried too hard to allow him to be normal for once for you to come around and, and be all judgmental."

His father raised his hands up in the air. "You're right. He's just a child."

Remus nodded curtly. "I really do have to go. A friend was hurt yesterday and I was going to stop by to see her today to ensure she's all right."

"I'd like to meet her, for what it's worth," his father said as he made his way towards the front door.

Remus followed his father out of the flat, making sure to lock up behind him. "As long as you don't insult the Black family, I suppose I could… ask her."

Though Remus knew damn well that Nymphadora would say yes in a heartbeat. She had been dying to meet Remus' only surviving family member for ages. Surely, she wouldn't judge him based upon his father. He had never once judged her for her unsavory family members. They respected each other, and Remus had to stop being so scared to let everything out in the open with her. Sirius knew Lyall Lupin hated him and he didn't give two flying fucks.

"I'll await your owl, Remus," his father said.

The two Lupins parted without any warm parting, which was rather on brand for the pair of them. His father had never been big on affection. Honestly, Remus didn't care for it much anyway.

Making his way to Hogwarts, Remus found out that Marlene had already been discharged from the hospital wing. He made his way down to the dungeons where her private room was located. He knocked several times but nobody answered. Tugging his wand from his pocket, he unlocked the door and pushed it open.

"Marlene?" Remus called. "It's me. Remus."

Closing the door, he peered around the small parlor. It was neat and tidy, nothing out of place. She wasn't in the small kitchenette and the loo door was wide open. He paused outside of the bedroom, but he decided to check to see if she was having a lie-in.

"Marlene? Are you all right?" Remus called, seeing a lump laying underneath the duvet on the bed.

Remus crossed the room, taking a seat at the edge of the bed. Pressing a hand to her trembling shoulder, he peered down at her. She stared straight ahead, her eyes filled with tears. It was almost as though she hadn't even registered he was there.

"Marlene…" Remus' voice cracked.

Marlene didn't look at him, but her eyes slid closed and a tear slid down her cheek. "They're dead," she croaked.

Remus blinked down at her, his face tugging down. "Marlene?"

Marlene rolled her head, her dull hazel eyes staring up at him. Her hand fumbled for his. "Lily and James are dead…" she whispered. "They're dead, Remus."

Remus stilled at the words, his grip tightening around her hand.

"Where's Sirius?" she asked, the tears pouring down her cheeks fast.

"Do you, do you remember?" Remus whispered.

Marlene licked her bottom lip, a shudder running down her spine. "Some of… some of it. Things are more, they're clearer now than they've ever been."

"What do you remember?" Remus asked.

"I remember my family," Marlene said, a sob escaping her lips. "I remember Matthew dying. I remember James and all the holidays we spent together. I remember meeting Lily at eleven after the Sorting. I remember you running around with James and Sirius. I remember Peter there that night. He, he was there, Remus. He was there."

Remus swallowed at the lump forming in his throat. "He betrayed James and Lily."

Marlene squeezed his hand. "Remus, I also remember Sirius hurting me. Those memories, I can't… I have two versions of him now."

Remus searched Marlene's eyes. "He didn't… Sirius would never hurt someone he loves. He loved you so much, Marlene."

Before Marlene could reply, she let out a shriek as her body writhed on the bed. Remus gripped both of her shoulders, trying to keep her from hurting herself. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head, every single limb tensing.

"Marlene!" Remus shouted.

He eased one hand off her so he could grab his wand. Twisting his wrist, he sent a Patronus to Dumbledore. The silvery wolf didn't even linger as it barreled through the ceiling to find the headmaster.

Marlene's body sagged, her eyes fluttering open. "Harry," she gasped. "Harry, I remember… I remember Harry."

Remus cupped her face. "You remember everything?"

Marlene shook her head. "N-no," she gasped. "I remember the day, the day he was born. We were in the waiting room with Fleamont and Euphemia. Sirius and, and Fleamont were telling jokes and placing bets. He came early. He had so much hair."

Marlene's shoulders shook, the sobs overcoming her. Her fingers clawed at Remus' shirt, pulling herself up into a seated position. Remus held her close to his chest, his head bending down to place a kiss on top of her head.

"It's all right," Remus murmured. "It'll be all right. You-you're remembering."

Marlene sniffed as she pushed herself closer to him.

"It hurts," Marlene said in such a quiet voice that Remus wasn't quite sure he heard her correctly. "It hurts so much."

"I got you," Remus choked out. "I'm not leaving you, all right? I'm right here."

Remus tightened his grip around her. His vision blurred, a few stray tears escaping his lashes. He was very acutely aware that he shouldn't be the one comforting her in this moment, but he was the only one who would.

Hope you enjoyed the latest chapter! Don't forget to drop a review. They really motivate me to keep writing and stick to my schedule. A little appreciation goes a long way since we write for free.

Special thanks to Bell for being awesome like always and editing this for me!