Chapter Sixteen: Young, Dumb & Broke

"We have so much in common
We argue all the time
You always say I'm wrong
I'm pretty sure I'm right
What's fun about commitment?
When we have our life to live
Yeah, we're just young, dumb and broke
But we still got love to give"


Doxies, boggarts, and a very old and demented house-elf walk into a bar.

It should've been a setup for a horrible cliche joke, but all they had in common was the ability to make things interesting and troublesome when cleaning out this home. There wasn't much else I could do within the house except to subject myself to the insurmountable tasks of cleaning and organizing things. This was much more Aurora and Molly's forte since they had the vision of how to arrange, and what to tackle first. Even with the reluctantly helpful hands of the children, Tonks, Remus, and Sirius, it was still tedious no matter the room we took on for the day.

I was able to find a different pass time and surely missed Jethro's presence to witness such entertainment. Still, with Mundungus Fletcher using the home as a hideaway for stolen cauldrons I decided to make his life a living hell by breaking anything he brought by. It was becoming well anticipated for me to display cruelty to him, and I found it more entertaining each time he tried hiding anything in places he thought I wouldn't stumble upon. The best part was denying any involvement in it and watching him slowly becoming paranoid with everyone within the home, earning a smug satisfaction that he was as stupid as he was ugly. Of course, the screaming portrait of Walburga Black had a lot to say among the ruckus around the house, but even then, I didn't mind the exchange if it meant harassing the man.

Rummaging through the house you could find so many rooms holding items, or mementos, that held a history. If I could overlook the hideous, and downright deranged, items such as the severed Troll leg used as an umbrella stand then it was still fascinating. What wasn't fascinating were the creatures like the abnormally large spiders that were discovered within a dresser that held the Black family crest. Not many people volunteered to take care of them, and I had to admit I was one of them.

With Sirius helping to restore his home's previous condition it was interesting to hear about. Interesting, if you could sort out the hardened memories of his past, his grudges against his family members, the yelling of Kreacher, and his ideals about his beloved Black family members. More specifically his total admiration for his mistress. Hermione's idea of letting the elf go sounded good in theory to save some of his sanity I was sure was already gone, but even Elowyn had to tell her friend that this specific house-elf wasn't going to fare well on the outside. The two girls still carried this idea of freeing house elves, and if life allowed them, would probably go on to fight the injustice of societal expectations in the future. However, Sirius's point of Kreacher knowing too much about the Order, the location of Sirius himself, was enough to subdue the Gryffindor girl in understanding that this battle was lost.

The one thing within the house that I found to be intriguing enough that made me halt any of my cleaning duties was the Black family tree tapestry. It was held within the drawing room and placed among the wall, basically taking up most of the wall of the large room. The lines of many family members extended throughout, with branches indicating a lot of repetitive pure-blood family names. It wasn't lost on me just how strange the idea of most pure-blood families being closely related, and upon examining the tapestry, generations before mine, I had spotted my surname among two of the spots with the woven faces of presumably my ancestors. The Thorne family had a tug-of-war ideal about blood purity and varied from each generation. If there was one thing our family was known for, other than a few unsightly rumors of relatives being interested and tangling themselves in the dark arts, it was the debate of mentioning them at all with the Sacred Twenty-Eight.

On one hand, it was simple; once my great, great, great… great Grandfather married a Muggle woman it had prevented our family from ever being "pure" again. Yet, it seemed their children didn't care for the public backlash of the family and thought they could erase our genetics enough to do what they could by marrying pure-bloods or settling for half-bloods. My father was the first in several generations to break this streak, and my grandparents made their disappointment known. A lot of inheritance had been cut, and according to my father if it weren't for my grandmother's kind heart then he would've been left with nothing.

I allowed my eyes to wander more to pull me out of my thoughts, not wanting to remember the awkwardness or pity I felt for my father during small, one-sided conversations about my grandparents. My eyes had found more current faces to think about and ponder. I found the names of Walburga and Orion Black with a black, burnt spot barely covering Sirius's name, and next to him the woven face of Regulus Black with a birth date, and death date underneath.

I stared at the name for several minutes, repeating the death date over before looking back up at the face that stared back. I remembered him from my time in Hogwarts and could only think of a few memories of passing him by from the common room, and even the Slug club parties that I attended. He was nothing like Sirius was quiet, reserved, and much more contemplative than his older brother. A few conversations involving his brother, Sirius made it apparent that he couldn't stand his younger brother, and even to this day, I found it hard to wrap my mind around. Wouldn't there be something about his younger brother that made him care, or did Sirius always despise his own brother? Even with the understanding that he chose a path that ultimately damned him, though the details were fuzzy, I couldn't help but wonder if his ultimate demise was a product of his choosing, or of the pressures I was sure his family put on him. Regulus may have had a snooty attitude, but he wasn't rude nor was he outwardly hostile, unlike his cousins. That was enough for me to suspect there was more to the boy than met the eye.

My eyes moved to look at the face of Narcissa Black–Malfoy, to be more accurate. Flashes of memories stemming from a mixture of hypocritical feelings. Very few people in my life I could say had the ability to make me jealous, and one of them just had to be the girl who had such popularity, respect, and beauty that Slytherin had coveted. It made me dislike, at times hate, for her wealth and power she was able to have without any work or effort. Simultaneously I respected how she held herself, and how she did whatever she needed in order to maintain her status. One of those power moves had to be marrying something like Lucius Malfoy, only to produce a carbon copy of the pompous man. Regardless of how I felt about the girl who grew up, her blood purity ideals, and stuck-up nature, allowed me to cherish the understanding that I'd never be someone so easily swayed over issues as trivial as the ones she valued.

Bellatrix Black turned Lestrange was someone I didn't have any mixed feelings about. I remember she had Narcissa's beauty, power, and dark eloquence, but her belligerence about the shared values of her family was comical at best. It was my mistake to make an enemy of her, even if she did seem weary of my abilities. She had taken an interest in picking on me throughout her school years but was particularly cruel to me in her last year of school when Sirius and I became a couple in our 6th year. A memory of me evading answering her directly about my blood status sent a shiver of discomfort in me that made me shake my head.

I allowed my eyes to wander over to Andromeda's scorched spot on the tree and gave a sad smile. A Slytherin I could appreciate and admire for her ability to see outside our stereotype and have pleasant conversations with. Andromeda and I shared that aspect that made her presence comforting enough to know I wasn't truly alone. It made me less of an outcast, and for that I would always silently thank her for being brave enough to walk to the beat of her own drum. I could go as far as to say we were friends, but it was nothing that ever compared to my true friendship with Lily.

"This is becoming a popular spot in the home," I didn't look at the man who spoke but simply gave a small smile as I found Sirius's burnt spot on the tree. I had overheard Harry and Sirius speaking about this tapestry earlier, catching stories about the relations between the pureblood families, and certain family members becoming Death Eaters like Regulus and Bellatrix.

"It holds a lot of history," I explained listening to the sounds of the footsteps approaching before they stopped, feeling Sirius's presence next to me I finally looked at him who stared up at the tapestry, but seemed focused on one spot. "So many stories to follow of different lives…"

"Most aren't much different, you know. Mad over blood status, traditionalists… idiots." Sirius had pointed about the tapestry to a few members, lingering a bit on Regulus's spot. I looked at the death date once more and mulled over how young Regulus was when he died. It wasn't very long ago either, just fifteen years prior. An estranged relationship that lasted well beyond the younger brother's death, and I found myself wondering if their relationship was truly as broken as Sirius acted.

"What happened to Andromeda?" I asked moving along knowing there was no point in trying to wrestle any sentiment out of him. "What did she do to earn her little singed spot?"

Sirius chuckled as he looked at me, his eyebrow popping for a moment. "You don't know?"

I tilted my head at him while giving him a tight smile. "Otherwise, I wouldn't be asking."

He shook his head before reaching up to run a hand through his hair, his shoulder pulling back. "I forget how you've easily missed so much," He chuckled, "She married a Muggle-born and had a daughter that you've actually met. The father being Ted Tonks."

My mouth dropped lightly as a grin started to grow in place of my shock. "I knew I liked that girl for a reason!" I declared.

Sirius looked over his shoulder to smile at me. "I have to admit I'm surprised you didn't take up with Andi as much as you did with Lily," He said, "I figured you'd like to have a Slytherin who finally matched your anti-stereotype."

I could feel my face falter as I looked back to the tapestry. "I liked Andromeda well… Lily just knew me better, I guess. Easier than having to retell my whole life to someone who witnessed it, you know?" I tried my best to offer a smile to him but knew it came off more saddened than intended.

Sirius stared into my eyes with an understanding that I didn't want to witness. "I'm sorry… sometimes talking about them makes me feel like they're still here, but I know it's… not the same for everyone." Sirius looked down for a moment before pursing his lips and clearing his throat.

"I know," I put a hand on his shoulder that brought his gaze back up to mine. "I should honor it like you, but it feels… like the pain is always fresh when I do." I struggled to get the rest of the words out as my hand started to slip away from his shoulder. In a quick movement, I felt Sirius grab my hand bringing my startled gaze up to him.

"You don't have to tell me what I already know," He spoke with sincerity as he turned toward me fully. "She was there for you the way James was for me."

A moment in time when Sirius Black was capable of words unfeigned with tones of sarcasm. The understanding of what was lost could be shared between us, which I hated that he could.

'Severus can too,' the unprompted thought pulled me away from the tender moment, heat rising to my cheeks as I stared at him for a moment. Of course, he could; he lost Lily as much as I did. Pulling my hand away from his warm, and regrettably comforting, hand the strange mix of emotions made me feel a nakedness that I couldn't describe. I turned away from him as I held my hand to my chest overcome by the immense emotions and tried to calm myself.

"Maeve," Sirius started. "Listen, I'm not trying to bring up the past just to hurt you or—or—make things hard on you," Sirius stepped in front of me, grabbing both of my arms as his eyes searched mine for comprehension of his intentions. "I just never got to… I never got to be there for you when it happened… and you never got a chance to be with me, either."

I couldn't deny that he was right about that. In another world where Sirius wasn't framed, and he was there through the days, weeks, or months of crazed grief I wondered what could've changed. Would've I turned into such a degenerate that terrorized the people of the night, or would I have grieved with more dignity? Could I even allow myself the vulnerability around a man like Sirius, or could I have ruined our connection even further and used him as an act of self-harm the way I did with any of the men I chose to distract me from the pain?

"A lot of the times I stuck in that cell I had many things to think about," Sirius continued shaking his head and giving a humorless chuckle. "Many people in fact. The regret of distrusting Remus so much made me cherish the friendship as best as I could… Of course, I thought of the day when I'd finally get out to clear my name and see Harry… but any time I thought of you I imagined the way I'd be able to tell you how much I…"

'Fuck! He is not doing this!' I thought myself completely stunned at what to do next, eyes widening slightly and blinking to make sure I was understanding what I was hearing.

Sirius moved to cup my face with his hands as he gazed deeply into my eyes, taking a step closer to close the space between us. It was uncomfortable, and yet a part of me felt the slight thrill of the intimate gesture. His thumb rubbed gently on my cheek as he spoke again. "I haven't forgotten how you made me feel–" His thumb started to trace its way down to brush against my lower lip. The realization of his body heat was warming me, the feel of his breath lightly touching my face, the way his thumb had tickled my lip felt like danger of temptation I wanted nothing to deal with. The intensity was too much, this had crossed a boundary that Sirius had no clue about, and I had to stop him.

"Stop, Sirius–" I pulled back from him, taking a few deep breaths and looking down as I held my hands up to create distance, and ease my rushing thoughts of guilt. "I-I can't, don't do this–"

"Maeve, don't deny it," Sirius gave a breathy reply, as he grabbed my hands once more. "I mean it's been years, but even I can tell there's still something there for me!" His disbelief mixed in with the cockiness in his tone. I shook my head as he tried to close the distance once more, but with a yank of my hands, I took a step back.

"I'm with someone!" The words spilled out with more force than I expected, narrowing my eyes slightly to show my earnestness. "I-I'm with someone… Sirius."

The silence could've killed me at the moment as the shocked expression on his face held my stern gaze. The quiet was aggressive, and suffocating, with how uncomfortable I was, and for a moment I almost felt bad for how curt I was with him if it weren't for the fact that he wasn't heeding my words. I watched him intently as he swallowed the news, gritting his teeth while pursuing his lips. I needed him to make some kind of acknowledgment of what I just told him! At this point, I'll take any fighting from him, or some rude commentary, even a sarcastic reply, just for him to understand I was no longer in the position to be his.

He lightly shook his head, the curls that framed his face bobbing back and forth as he did so. "I don't believe that," he said.

I shrank back and scoffed. It wasn't the response that I had hoped for, and if anything, the offense to his audacity was able to deter me from feeling annoyance, even a bit of anger. "It's the truth, Sirius! I'm with someone I care about—"

"Who?" He challenged. "Haven't heard of the bloke until now–" Sirius seemed to perk up as something came to mind, his eyes narrowed while his lip turned into a smirk. "You're running, aren't you?"

"What!?" I questioned, staring at him in bewilderment at his outrageous claim.

"That must be it," He started while nodding her head and licking his lips. "You've done it once before, but now you're doing it again just differently. You make up this imaginary man because you can't handle the fact that you still have feelings for me!" Sirius gave a satisfied smile at his answer, the look of utter conviction gleamed his steely eyes. "Fine, love, if that's the game you'd like to play then by all means I'm willing to have fun with you," Sirius stepped toward the exit into the hallway as he spoke, a playful and smug demeanor about him as he started to leave. "For old time's sake, that is." He winked and left me in the middle of the room completely confused at his delusions, and worried about what plan he was working on.

Had the conversation not replayed in my head for the rest of the day, by lunchtime I would've thought the whole thing never happened. I tried to wish it away, will it to be gone from my thoughts and memories, but the way his touch had unbearably lingered ignited a shame within me I thought I had dealt with already. It was like that night I spent with Severus by the Black Lake, but tenfold considering my situation. I had done the right thing, so why did I feel conflicted with how I acted? Should I have been more persistent and followed him till he was convinced?

'You know how stubborn that man is. He'll make a fool of himself before he believes you.' My thoughts didn't even seem to be on my side.

With Harry's trial coming up, it was a thankful distraction to divert my attention rather than the looming idea that Sirius was about to try some grand gesture to win me back. A thought that made my stomach swirl in an equally confusing ideal of nerves and interest that made me internally curse myself.

"Now, Selini," Jethro walked over to me as I stood at the mantle of the fireplace, as the conversation about Harry's trial and Arthur escorting him continued, "I think it would be important to pick up your little practice, wouldn't you?" He asked while raising his eyebrows, expecting compliance with me. "It's been far too long since our last lesson and I doubt that you've become as excellent as I have in such a short amount of time!"

I glanced over to make sure that the others were preoccupied with their own discussions before speaking, looking back at him and sighing. "Yes, yes, no one is as capable as you, I know. I think for the time being it would be best to try and hold our lessons at the cottage. The floo channel is too risky to take into Hogwarts, not only that, but your presence there would raise too much suspicion."

"Well, I count the student body unlucky to not know me as a professor," He added while moving his wine glass around "You remember when I was a professor, darling?"

I tried my best to refrain from rolling my eyes enough for the sake of being polite. Jethro was rather proud of his teaching days, but it was short-lived following my father's suicide. "I remember well, Jethro."

"Ah, such a splendid time it was! The little faces looking up to you for guidance, the gossip and drama ruminating around their little minds—positively elating to be around!" Jethro proclaimed as he looked up his eyes held reminiscing thoughts. A part of my passion for being able to teach did come from the stories I was told about my uncle, and to see him speak so highly of the profession made me wonder if his hiatus should've ended long ago.

"Maybe if a position opens at Hogwarts, you can try and pick that back up," I suggested as he looked down, his toothy smile only faltering slightly, but his eyes were much softer with sadness. "You wouldn't have to go out of your way to offer private lessons, or resort to more… questionable means of living."

I nodded slowly, and the emotion around him seemed to shrink back as he took a sip of his wine. "I–I have thought about that…" He looked to me and tried to keep the smile on his face, but the jade eyes told me there was still hesitance. "I don't think it's the right time… soon, but, darling—"

"Don't let it pass you by, Jethro." I put a hand on his shoulder, "Don't let it go to waste."

He said nothing as he nodded, forcing another smile before he took a gulp of his wine and cleared his throat. "I won't." That was all he said as he took another gulp before heading to join the conversation. I watched as his performance of casualty, chipper, and flamboyance was enacted as if the haunting understanding of his past choices weren't brought up.

Jethro intercepted some conversation between Aurora and Emmeline that earned him laughter from the two witches. Remus, Sirius, Arthur, and Bill seemed to have moved past the conversation of tomorrow's trial and were discussing something less critical. I watched them all interact for a moment before feeling the presence of eyes upon me. It wasn't hard to figure out who it was, looking at my ex-lover I found him staring at me. The intense eyes of Sirius looked up at me through his brow with a smirk that widened into a grin as he ran a finger along the side of his bearded chin. I couldn't decide if the strange spike of shivers was from nervousness or thrill. I looked down while licking my lips before walking over to Aurora. I needed to clear my head, have someone confront me, and help me organize this mess.

"You know what I forgot?" I asked her after putting a hand on her shoulder, bringing her full attention to me and away from a story that Jethro was explaining to the two women. "I forgot to ask for your help with packing something special. Can you help me?" I asked while widening my eyes slightly. It was a universal signal to all women confiding in their closest friend; the look of needing them away from whatever current situation they were in to talk privately, and Aurora knew it all too well.

"Sure," She agreed while letting Emmeline know she would be back. The other's didn't seem to pay mind to our departure, and I didn't look behind to verify that at the time.

After exiting through the door, heading up the short stairs before entering the entrance hall and rounding the stairs quickly, I made haste to our room.

"Maeve–"

I turned around to put my finger to my lips, not wanting to signal the deranged ramblings and wailing of Mother Black alerting the others. I turned back around to see Kreacher, muttering about the disgust of blood traitors and mudbloods alike, passing us without acknowledging me or Aurora as she caught up. I led the way to our room that was less cluttered our stay, and much more straightened up, but otherwise the same.

"What exactly where you needing help with? I didn't think we had a lot to pack up." She asked as I closed the door. Letting out a pent-up air I tried to gather myself and relax within the safety of the closed space. On the off chance of a nosey eavesdropper, I took out my wand and set up the privacy charms, giving a silent answer to her question that only further confused her. Leaning back on the door I let my head fall to rest on the wood, closing my eyes I hesitated before shaking my head. Getting the courage to open my eyes and look over at her knitted brow expression as she crossed her arms, tilting her head to the side as she observed my behavior.

"I think I fucked up somehow," I started.

"What do you mean? I don't think you can really mess up pack—"

"No, no," I waved her off before pushing off the door, "It has nothing to do with packing. I just needed you up here because… well…" I started to fiddle with my wand, avoiding her gaze.

"Maeve, it's okay, whatever it is you can tell me." Aurora comforted while taking a step further. A beat of a pause later I closed my eyes and scrunched my face.

"I think Sirius is trying to win me back." The words came tumbling out rather quickly, pursing my lips, and opened my eyes to see her reaction. I watched as her eyes widened; her mouth fell open slightly while narrowing her eyes. Closing her mouth, she squinted and looked to the side, working over the words once more in her mind. A quick inhale of breath prepared her to speak, but she paused before trying once again.

"Y-You…Well—Well, I mean… How?! When?" Blinking rapidly, her surprised expression only grew as she went on.

"It was earlier today. He basically tried to confess his feelings for me in the drawing room." I explained while walking over to sit on the bed. Aurora copied the movement by sitting down and turning to me.

"Probably the less haunting room within this house with all the cleaning we've been doing," She stated absent-mindedly, "but still I mean—how did he do it? Just out of the blue?"

Sighing I reached up to rub my temples. Somehow going over the details only added further to the frustration of my feelings; having to relive the memories of what was said and felt made me feel just as guilty as when it happened.

"We started talking of the past… that stupid tapestry was just fascinating, and well… he said he didn't get a chance to process everything that happened when he lost James, and how he understood how it was to lose me. Then he talked about how he never stopped caring about me, or something like that. I just—I just felt like I knew where it was headed, and when he said, 'Don't act like you don't still have feelings for me' I just told him I was with someone!" I threw my hands up before heading to the bed and sitting down.

"You didn't tell him that you and Severus are… well, you know." She shimmied her shoulders to the suggestive undertones. I rolled my eyes lightly and forced a small smile on my face for her.

"I didn't say it was Severus, but I told him I was with someone. Now, he's convinced I'm just making it up and running from him." I growled in frustration while rubbing my face and running my hands through my hair.

"Probably best not to tell him you're with Severus. Those two are nasty to each other as it is—I'd be afraid Sirius would try and kill Severus!"

"Not if Severus kills him first," I mumbled while looking at her. "I'm just worried Sirius is going to do something stupid… and I can't put up with all of that, you know? We've got so much more to focus on. Not to mention the fact that we're basically assigned to keep Harry alive and… this is just not the time to be worried about this man!" I sighed before falling back onto the bed.

Aurora's muffled giggling was heard before the weight of her body fell onto the bed. "It does put a damper on focusing on the big bad, doesn't it? I know it's frustrating, but I can't help but wonder why it's so frustrating for you."

I gave her an incredulous look. "Help but wonder? I'm sorry was there anything confusing about this for you? I'm finally with Severus, someone I've had this maddening back-and-forth fight with myself for decades, and my ex-boyfriend has decided now, of all times, is the best time to confess his feelings and try to win me back?" I scoffed.

Aurora repositioned herself to lay on her side, propping her hand on her face to look at me. "Yes, so then the easiest route would be to completely tell Sirius to piss off—as nicely as you can be given the situation—and not give it a second thought." She raised her eyebrows at me. "And yet… you're conflicted–"

"I'm not!... I'm…" I sighed and looked away from her. "... it's the same weird way he was able to reel me in, Aurora," I looked back at her. "He was a rude, brash, senseless, bully… and then all of a sudden he was charming and even thoughtful to me. He'd ignore Severus whenever he'd see me in the hallway, and he was… flirting… unfortunately, he was quite good at it." Rolling my eyes I earned another giggle from Aurora. "When we were good it was so amazing… Fairy tale, romantic, and exciting… then he acted like an idiot, or he'd be cruel to Severus, and it just showed this side of him that—that a little voice in my head said this was his true character. Then we'd fight about Severus, and that would lead to petty fighting about anything. He just brought this ugly side out of me…"

I didn't look at her but could feel her calculating gaze to understand what I was saying.

"It's just it felt—just as shocking, and problematic, as it felt…nice." My voice dropped losing the confidence of the confession. I looked away from her once more as the shame found its way to show through the heat of my cheeks and rolling in my stomach.

"I say this with all the love I have for you, Maeve," She started softly while resting a hand upon my shoulder, "I think this is a time in your life where you're faced with a decision that will either propel you forward or set you back." I looked up to her kind, patient eyes as she explained further. "I'm hearing that… even though it's over with Sirius it's the familiarity you see in him that… maybe is appealing?" She scrunched her face up in her assumptions, and while I felt the first instinct to dispute, or disregard it, I couldn't. "Of course, he knows how to reel you back in since he knew you. You two had your time and it didn't work for reasons I can see here, and after everything you had to go through it would not only be dumb, but a complete and utter mistake if you even entertained Sirius."

I nodded and kept my face held together. It was the obvious choice, but to hear someone who I valued her input on rationalize, and even understand that there was no use in frustrating myself, I knew her words hit a part of myself that had tried to rise from the dead.

"I also think you've been separated from Severus too long, girl. You gotta get back in the sack with him!" She snickered as she teased, earning laughter and cursing from me.

"Don't remind me—I can only hope we're able to have some time together when term starts!" I groaned earning another round of laughter from me. "And what about you? I haven't heard you talking about Sinistra in so long." I asked. I could tell the mood had shifted slightly, and I watched as she grimaced and sucked in her breath sharply.

"Well, that ship has sailed… Honestly, I think she was scared to take a leap of faith with me…" I watched as her features fell lightly.

"Oh, Aurora, I'm so sorry," I said while reaching out to rub her shoulder. "Here I am too caught up in my own bullshit when you needed me."

Aurora shook her head and gave a genuine smile. "Don't beat yourself up about it. With everything going on I think it would've been harder to try and work something out between us, not to mention it wasn't completely serious even if I did get my hopes up a bit. Besides… Emmeline and I have been getting to know each other, and what Sinistra lacked… well," Aurora giggled at my facial expression, surprised by the sudden news my friend dropped on me.

"Is that so? You sneaky seductress!" Giggling as I sat up, her own laughter joining me she followed my movements before shrugging.

"I just want love, you know? I'm sad that Sinistra couldn't try to find happiness for herself enough to be with me, but with Emmeline at least I know what she wants." She explained.

"If you don't mind me asking, usually it takes you a little while to move on… are you—well, are you okay?" I questioned while watching her movements and facial expressions carefully. Her smile was genuine, and she didn't have her usual nervous fidgeting when she avoided questions or subjects, she didn't want to talk about. If I didn't know better, I would say her words and feelings were as straightforward as they could be.

"Honestly, I am," She reassured looking me straight in my eyes, the glint of happiness and satisfaction only made her coca-colored eyes brighter. "I just… well, I think this whole war has brought into perspective that I just have to live my life to the fullest, you know? I can't get caught up in the hurt if I want to do that, right?" She offered while putting her hands up, giving another shrug in her explanation. In times when love hadn't worked out for Aurora in the past, I was used to having to be the voice of reason and offer a shoulder to cry on. Her constant questions of why things couldn't just work out, or putting all the blame on herself as tears would run down her cheeks. Aurora had a sensitive, but all-loving, heart that deserved someone who would protect it, and cherish it as well. To find her mature in this light was refreshing, but I wondered if it was a facade. Her genuine contentment told me otherwise.

"Wow, look at you looking at the brighter side of things!" I complimented.

"Stooop, I'm just being—I don't know, I'm just living!"

)))(((

The one thing I could say without a shadow of a doubt was that Harry being cleared of all his charges was the best possible outcome I could've hoped for.

Relief of seeing his face after waiting for hours for him to come back was a weight off of my chest that was shared with those around me. The praise of Ron, Hermione, Elowyn, and Jethro all in agreeance that Harry would be cleared, the singsong chanting of Fred, George, and Ginny parading around completely unaware of Arthur or Molly's protests to settle down.

Harry explained Dumbledore's presence, and how he was able to speak on his behalf. From the sound of it Dumbledore wasn't giving the Wizengamot much of a choice on the matter. The headmaster's presence was more than likely the outcome of everything, and with his ability to counter anything the Wizengamot threw at Harry, it was a triumph as well as a major hurdle that Harry overcame. When Harry mentioned Dumbledore's lack of acknowledgment, however, I felt a flare of disappointment for him that was easily reflected in his attitude. I wasn't too clear on the details of why Dumbledore felt the need to distance himself, but to see Harry take such a hit about the situation made me more defensive on his behalf enough to ponder the idea of confronting the old man.

The three Weasley siblings continued their singing, and as loud as they were, I noticed even with his relief that Harry seemed less enthused than expected, sitting to himself and speaking to his friends while rubbing his scar. I couldn't discern what was said as I was venturing into my thoughts of the situation, but even when he looked at me and quickly looked down, I knew something was wrong. I made a mental note to try and speak to the closest that Harry was around, his fellow schoolmates, to see if they knew anything about the curious lightning bolt.

The next few days passed by in a much cheerier mood. For the children, it helped to know that their friend would be returning to Hogwarts, and the adults within the occupied home also felt the relief. With Sirius, however, elated he showed himself, I found his lack of appearance to be conflicting. He seemed to be spending more time with the hippogriff than anyone else. I wasn't exactly complaining since he wasn't actively bothering me, but his inability to be around anyone was concerning. He was always sociable—Gods, he was like an attention-starved puppy! I couldn't even fathom how he'd be able to keep to himself after years locked in prison.

A few days passed and the morning before the summer holidays came to an end. Aurora and I spent time gathering our things to pack them once again to Hogwarts. We had planned to pack a few more of our things from the cottage to personalize our chambers for the next day. We agreed to have Elowyn travel with her friends under the guidance of Alastor, and a disguised Tonks, to Kings Cross. It would be a new experience for her as she's always traveled with us, but since we had spent so much time at headquarters that we ended up neglecting our free week to set our chambers up, and clean out the classroom, we had no choice but to arrive tonight. I could argue that taking care of our duties as Order members was a top priority but, in all honesty, I was more preoccupied with being able to just spend time in a home that had some semblance of familial content.

'Or you're avoiding the possibility of Severus seeing a memory out of context,' The voice inside of my head pointed out. I wasn't going to lie to myself about the fact that I could potentially have a mess on my hands. I hated the idea that I had the ability to leave if I wanted to, but the anxiety of Severus seeing something and getting hurt (or belligerently livid before finding Sirius to murder him) bubbled over my ability to make a difficult choice. I was battling with outright telling him, which might be the easier route to go and be completely clear with him or keeping it from him entirely.

'Too bad I'm a beginner at Occlumency, and that one mention of Sirius and he'll see how uncomfortable I am.' The thought mulled over my mind of different ways the argument would come up, or how embarrassed I would be for thinking I could avoid this inevitable conversation. 'Who's to say he'll even be understanding at all if I told him? What if he doesn't believe me at all?'

I had to shake my head to clear the thoughts and put more faith in Severus. I'd make him see all the memories, bite the bullet and let him feel what I felt. The problem was facing understanding of my convictions.

"Is he going to sulk up there all day? The man has exceptional conversation skills, and I shan't have him hiding away on this last day!" Jethro declared while sipping on his wine, completely taking me out of my inner monologue.

"Sirius is fine," Remus offered before pulling his shoulder, "Although I think he'd feel better if he was distracted a bit."

"If he wants to spend time by his self, then just let him be," Molly answered in a tone that didn't hide her reluctance to see him.

I looked to Aurora currently sat close to Emmeline who decided to join us for dinner. It was a night and day difference between this pairing of women compared to the secretive, and reluctant, pairing of the professors. Aurora met might gaze and raised her eyebrows as a gesture of questioning what I'd say or do. Biting my lip, I felt the conflict of deciding what the best course of action would be and said nothing.

"Selini, darling, why don't you go and bring him down?" Jethro suggested while motioning to me with his ever-present wine glass, "You tend to tame him every so often." A wicked smile formed on his face as he flicked an eyebrow up.

My annoyance was not hidden in my scowl as I rolled my eyes at his antics. If this was a part of Sirius's little schemes involving my uncle it would be a step too far for my liking, and I'd have to reprimand two men for their meddlesome ways.

"It would be a shame," Emmeline stated from her spot before throwing a look at Molly who huffed loudly. "It would be better for him if he knew he was around friends."

I glanced at Aurora who seemed eager to say something but remained quiet as her eyes widened before narrowing dramatically. A message of 'choose at your own risk' within her eyes.

With enough attention on me, I felt the pressure to oblige. It seemed easier than coming up with an excuse to not at this point. "I'll see if he's up for it," I mumbled while pushing myself from my chair and ignoring whatever look was sent to me by Aurora.

'I'm just checking to see if he wants to come down. Nothing wrong with doing so.' I reasoned with myself while taking a few deep breaths and preparing myself to simply retrieve Sirius.

Making my way out of the room and heading up the stairs I could hear the light chatter within the room that was shared between the girls, before passing the room where the boys were at. Making my way up the next floor, I went to the room I had heard all about from Elowyn, Aurora, and Ron, but didn't bother ever trying to check out. I took another deep breath and exhaled slowly to gather myself before knocking. I didn't wait for any signal or sound to let myself in and pushed my way through the door. This room could've done well with more of a proper cleaning, and with the dim lighting, I was certain that there was more to address cleanliness-wise.

The light that emitted from the small lamp helped only some but created an almost eerie tone to the room. Sirius had been sitting down next to the beast, a hand smoothing out the feathers upon its neck. He stared up at me from his spot next to the large beast, surprised to see that It was me, while the hippogriff didn't have the most welcoming expression on my face.

"I wouldn't move any further," He warned as he held up a hand causing me to halt my advances. He stood up from his spot with ease and held his other hand up to subdue the animal. A sound of acknowledgment came from the hippogriff—Buckbeak was its name—who still gave me a weary look in those large, yellow eyes reflected uncomfortably in the light as his body language had stiffened.

"Bow," Sirius instructed "And put your hand out for him to greet," He finished as he slowly moved back to allow a space for me to properly greet the animal. As much as I appreciated the idea of trying to get me to be on friendly terms with Buckbeak, I felt the idea was null and flicked my eyes upward. Regardless, I followed his instructions since I didn't want to take the chance of showing any disrespect to the powerful creature.

"I wasn't really here to meet him, you know."

"Well, better late than never, then," Sirius said with a hint of humor. I looked at him as his eyes twinkled with mischief, and a grin had spread on his lips. I looked at his willingness to show me something dangerous, and how he was in control of the situation he believed himself to be. It was an unspoken form of trust that I could count on him for. Nodding, I extended my hand as instructed, bowing as gracefully as I could, and waited for the acceptance of Buckbeak.

The creature hesitated for a moment as he stared at me, the yellow eyes flickering between me and Sirius before ultimately lowering his head. He didn't seem to care about my presence anymore.

"That was rather anti-climactic," I chuckled while raising and putting my hands on my hips. I watched as Sirius shrugged off my comment before scratching the back of his head.

"I'm here, and I suppose he's grown used to me bringing others up here by now," He theorized before pulling his sights from Buckbeak to set them on me. "Although I have to admit I'm surprised you even came in here."

"I came up here to ask if you'd bestow us your presence for lunch, actually," I tilted my head while raising an eyebrow. "People are starting to notice your sulking."

The light contrasted his features to show more of his aggravations in the clenched jaw, and hardening of his eyes. "All I'm good for is sitting around this house—may as well do it in a place where I don't have to hear about why I'm stuck here."

I looked down for a moment before speaking up. "You feel powerless," I stated.

He scoffed before looking down at me as if the idea of stating the obvious was redundant. I licked my lips to redirect the conversation. "It's not hard to figure out, but I would think you might feel more powerless if anything were to happen to you?" I tried to reason.

"What good am I to this cause if all I'm doing is hiding away, Maeve?" The worsening of his tone caused an irksome flare within me, but I waited as he geared up for another exchange of words. "Voldemort has taken so much from us, and all I'm able to do now is just—sit with my thumbs up my arse!"

I watched as he ran a hand through the curls of his hair once more, but this time I could piece together a bit more than what he let on. Watching everyone contribute, being able to go out of their free will, and preparing themselves for a fight was everything Sirius wasn't capable of doing. Of course, he had his life and needed to by his time before anything of that nature would be allowed for him to participate in. It was never in his nature to stand idly by, that I knew and understood since the beginning of the first meeting, but even then, I couldn't imagine his position of being told time, and time, again that all he could do was be here. Yet, on the other hand, this could be a moment where I could get him to see what the main purpose of his being here meant. That there was something, someone, worth concentrating on and prioritizing.

"Sirius," I said softly as I managed to ignore most of my irritated feelings. "Just because you're not actively out on the front lines doesn't mean you're not accomplishing anything. The most important thing you can do right now is make sure that boy downstairs has a family to come back to."

A frustrated sigh came from him that resembled more of a growl. "It would be more important if I could be with him when the fight–"

I stopped him by grabbing his chin making him face me. His confusion and shock were plain on his face. I had enough of his whining. "He doesn't need a friend fighting with him, Sirius. He needs a father…" My tone was as calm as could be simmering on a stern authority with a strictness that couldn't be lost. "If you could find something within you to understand that what he's lost has some restoration in your relationship, then maybe you'll see why you're needed here… Gods be with us that one day you won't even have to think about fighting alongside Harry!"

Taking my hand back I watched as his eyes followed my movement, his throat muscles moving as he swallowed before nodding slightly. "I'll… I'll try my best," he said sniffing before looking at me. I gave a single nod before folding my arms.

"And if you aren't sure how to be a parent, there are plenty of examples here, you know," I added in a much softer, more civil tone. He snickered while tilting his head.

"I'm sure that's something to be proud of," He muttered before looking back up at me, a delightful glint within those grey eyes. "You know, you haven't handled me like that in years," He stated. "Guess I could listen to your advice more if you used that type of force."

I rolled my eyes and growled. "Get your mind out of the gutter! I'm trying to get you to understand that Harry is just a boy and needs parental guidance—not stir your easily provoked loins, of all things!" I turned sharply to head toward the door completely fed up with listening to him. Sirius was able to cross the room to the door before I could grab the handle, turning slightly to me and tilting his head.

"Then forgive me for my perversions, Maeve Thorne," The deep voice had purred and held his sights on me. Disgust at the hint of amusement that I pushed away to allow my souring mood to take over. He pulled the handle and opened the door while motioning for me to lead the way out. I watched him with narrowed eyes as I walked out after the bizarre change of attitude. It wasn't until I felt the sharp smack, and quick squeeze, on my butt that I gasped and spun at him. His mischievous grin didn't falter as my mortified expression morphed into a heated glare, the sensation of such a perverse action lingering on my backside only fueled my fury, altering him to run ahead of me down the stairs.

"You fucking prick—!"

"Don't wake my mother now!" He called back completely ignoring his advice during his descent. I could hear the stirring of Mrs. Black before the shriek pierced through the whole home, mimicking my inner lividity. Ignoring the wailing of the woman from the portrait I was determined to hex the man as I pulled out my wand for such an audacious, disrespectful action that should've warranted an actual fight!

Sirius's mistake was tending to the portrait during our descent, and mine wasn't being quick enough down the stairs to get to him before several children had filtered out of the door as the wailing continued. A confused and frightened-looking Ron with his twin brothers headed down first completely avoiding the portrait as their flustered mother came around just in time to assist Sirius. Elowyn and Hermione cut in front of me stopping me in my tracks on their floor. After Sirius and Molly fumbled with the flap to hide the woman her screaming had finally ceased to mumblings before silence.

"Maeve," Elowyn realized I was behind her, taking in the flustered look I had on my face before following my heated gaze to Sirius. A satisfied grin was plastered on Sirius's face while passing by Molly to put even more space between us, turning around the staircase to wink at me. Casting any spell at the moment would only provoke the portrait one more and thinking nothing of the children around me I held my middle finger proudly at him.

Only for him to make a grabbing motion as his figure disappeared.

"Wow, Maeve," Elowyn muttered with amusement as I looked at my daughter and her friend, who currently had put a hand over her mouth at my sudden crude display. Shaking my head I tried my best to calm my racing heart and rising body heat.

"For the sake of a professional relationship, Hermione," I started while looking at her, "Don't mention this to anyone, please."

"I won't," She quickly said before looking at her smiling friend.

"I wanted to show you something," Elowyn stated before turning back to head through the door, along with Hermione, of the room they came from. Following my adoptive daughter back to the room I found Harry there looking a bit confused, but sullener as he sat on the bed where a piece of paper lay next to him.

"Our school supply list came in," Elowyn stated while retrieving the piece of paper identical to Harry's off of the dresser next to the bed Harry sat at, and something shiny and green. "They've made me a prefect!"

My mood lightened at her words while congratulating her. "That's wonderful, my Star! Look at all that hard work paying off." I said while hugging her. She pulled away and looked up at me, a beaming smile on her face.

"So this basically means I am perfect, right? I mean, I'm basically a professor in training." She proudly asked earning laughter from us.

"As perfect as you are in my eyes, please remember not to abuse this position," I advised her. "And I'd expect you to have made prefect too, Hermione." I looked to the Gryffindor girl who smiled brightly and nodded.

"I have! Although, I have to admit I was a bit shocked hearing that Ronald also made prefect…" She said while casting a look behind her at the sudden movement of Harry standing up. I watched as he started to make his way to where we stood by the doorway and noticed a sulking expression on his face prompting me to stop him.

"Hey, there," I said while stepping in front to put a hand on his shoulder. He didn't bother to look up only licking his lips and swallowing. "Everything alright?"

"I'm fine," He said while starting to walk past us once more. "Just hungry."

I watched as moved past us and headed down the stairs where the group of Weasley's were talking rapidly about something I couldn't distinguish, no doubt dealing with the news I was encountering as well. I looked back to the girls who shared a look of worry.

"What's wrong with him? I know he's been concerned about the trial, but even after that something seems to be bothering him." I asked.

Hermione bit her lip before answering. "We think it might be because Ron was made prefect and not Harry—but I don't know why he'd be upset like that. I didn't think Harry would want to be prefect."

"I think he's also upset that Dumbledore hasn't talked to him," Elowyn went on. "He seems to be missing Harry at the last minute, and with him completely ignoring him at his trial we can tell it's… bothered him."

I looked between the two girls and wondered the same thing; why would Dumbledore distance himself in such a way that was colder than I had known in the short time of seeing him?

News spread through the home of the new school supplies that were to be gathered that afternoon. Molly had volunteered to go to Diagon Alley to pick up the school supplies, and as a way to put distance between me and Sirius, I offered to go with her.

It wasn't terribly long after we arrived back at headquarters with the appropriate books and supplies for the children. Molly carried the newly wrapped broomstick for Ron as his reward for his prefect status, motioning for Ron, Hermione, and Harry to follow down into the kitchen basement after returning. Lupin and Sirius were speaking while Aurora, Emmeline, and Tonks carried on in conversation once we entered the room.

"Aurora, we'll need to leave soon," I told her while setting down the packaged supplies and swishing my wand to send them up to the rooms.

"Oh, you're not staying for dinner?" Emmeline asked looking only at Aurora. My friend gave a saddened smile.

"We need to settle in at Hogwarts before tomorrow; I'm sure that classroom needs a good cleaning." She explained while grimacing at the end, "I gotta say I'm already missing Molly's cooking."

"Well," Sirius spoke up while leaning over to look at Aurora, "Maybe one more meal from her wouldn't hurt," He looked up at me. "Couldn't possibly mess up the time frame that bad, could it?"

"Yeah, Maeve, let's celebrate! Our last full family-like dinner!" Elowyn begged while giving her best pouting face from the corner where she sat next to George and Fred.

"I think it should only be right considering we have a prefect in the family!" Jethro declared waltzing in from the storage room with his glass of wine, smiling proudly at Elowyn.

I looked between everyone and felt the same pressure from before, but this time I wasn't too upset to comply.

'Except now I wonder if I'll be able to have enough time with Severus,' the bitter thought entered as I sighed, rolling my eyes and throwing my hands up.

"I–I guess it wouldn't hurt."

"Good one, Elly-girl!" Sirius said from his spot next to her earning a mischievous smile from my daughter.

"I'll get the wine!" Jethro called already making his way back to the storage room.

Dinner time turned out to be enjoyable. The celebration of Hermione, Ron, and Elowyn making prefect was made into a whole ordeal completed with a scarlet banner made for Ron and Hermione, while an identical emerald banner with Elowyn's name on the opposite side. There were a few scarlet and emerald streams hanging from the ceiling crisscrossing each other, all in thanks to Molly and Aurora. It wasn't long till Kinglsey and Alastor had joined us all. With a toast, and everyone going around to serve themselves the feast that Molly had made, the small conversation started. Molly asked Alastor about the drawing room and its ominous boggart infiltration. Tonks with the hairstyle of long, bright red made her look like she was a part of the Weasley gang commented about how she never made prefect.

"My Head of House said I lacked some necessary qualities," Tonks explained.

"Really? Like what?" Ginny asked taking her seat next to Hermione who was next to Elowyn.

"Well, the ability to behave myself, for one," Tonks answered with a sly grin. Ginny laughed with Elowyn, but Hermione looked conflicted on how to respond and took a gulp of her butterbeer.

"What about you guys?" Ginny asked, looking between Jethro, Lupin, Sirius, Aurora, and me.

"Oh, well, I didn't go to Hogwarts," Aurora said giving a nervous chuckle. "I went to Ilvermorny School in the States—I was a Pukwudgie."

"A Pukwudgie?" Arthur asked. "That's fascinating,"

"It's most likely akin to Hufflepuffs if I had to guess, but we only had Head Boys and Head Girls. There would be an inner house nomination for a House Representative starting within the fifth year, so I guess that might be the closest thing we had, aaand I never won those." She said with a sheepish smile.

"Fellow troublemaker?" Sirius questioned.

"No," she said while giving a knowing look to him. "It was more of a popularity contest, and with my nifty little ability, it kind of made me a bit of an outcast." She shrugged. "Jokes on them—I've been around the world for it!"

I smiled before looking at Remus. "I think you're the only one who got that pretty little badge, Remus."

"You didn't get prefect, Maeve?" Harry, who up until this point had been quiet.

"No, I didn't either, and we can thank your Godfather for that!" I said while looking down at my food, raising my eyebrows, and pushing around the contents of my plate.

"Oh, it's all my fault then? If I remember correctly you put yourself in a lot of those fights!" He called back.

"Only because two-on-one is highly unfair, not to mention the so-called 'pranks' you pulled were ghastly in of themselves! No, it wasn't just your ability to start fights, but your incredible ability to attract trouble." I did my best to refrain from using a tone that was antagonizing.

Remus cleared his throat to bring our attention away from the potential fight. "Needless to say I failed miserably by keeping my best friends out of trouble," Remus looked at me as he finished. "Especially when it involved you."

A playful smile and a wave of my hand I looked away from Remus to see Harry look between the two men before looking at me and dropping his sights to his food.

"I do remember hearing about all those letters your parents would get, Selini," Jethro mused before snorting with laughter, "I remember one in particular where you had spent two weeks in detention–I think in your fourth year–and whatever was said on that letter had your father pissing himself with laughter from your antics!"

Even with the pang of surprise and pain I felt I gave a small smile to Jethro's obvious wine-induced reminiscing. "That has to be when I got the worst letter from him then-borderlining on a Howler." Even with my father's strict nature when it came to my education, the stories that Jethro told me about him only supported my father's sense of humor. It was comforting as it was hard to hear.

"Does Professor Thorne have a Filch record, then?" Fred asked from his seat further down the table.

"Can't imagine a strict teacher like yourself to be one of us!" George added while snickering with his brother. Elowyn tried her best to not laugh but failed miserably and hid herself behind George's shoulder.

Conversation flowed endlessly as the life of the celebration kept on. There was talk all around before I decided to cast Tempus to see the time. Looking over at Aurora who pulled away from her conversation with Emmeline and nodded reluctantly I dismissed myself and made my rounds to hug Harry, wishing him good luck for the next day, and prying Elowyn away from George long enough to hug her.

Thanking Molly for her hard work at cooking, and her gracious hug for spending time with her throughout the summer. Hugging Remus, complimenting Tonks's choice of hair and nudging her while implying that Remus might enjoy the hairstyle as well.

I started to leave with Aurora up the stairs while making comments about the festivities. Once we started to round the staircase, I caught the sight of movement from the door and watched as Sirius caught up to us.

"Oh, what's up, Sirius?" Aurora said.

"I, uh, actually wanted to give Maeve something," He said looking at me as he answered.

"I think I've had enough surprises from you, thank you." I folded my arms as I narrowed my eyes into slits at him. He shook his head while trying to diffuse the tension I didn't mind bringing up.

"I promise to behave," He reasoned while holding up his hands, "a proper gentleman, even."

Rolling my eyes as hard as I was capable of, I looked to Aurora who had a skeptical, and enlivened, look on her face before pointing at Sirius.

"No more fighting or you'll have to deal with me." She playfully threatened sticking her tongue out. She walked further up the stairs before rounding another corner to the staircase as was gone. I watched as Sirius winked at her before turning his sights on me.

"I have to admit if I wasn't still wrapped around your finger she'd be after my own heart." He spoke so casually of the idea that the sneer that appeared on my lips was involuntary.

"Too bad you're missing the physical parts she actually likes." I pointed out.

"I could sway her," He looked at me with a challenge in his eyes that somehow irked me. His light-hearted treatment involving my best friend made me realize how little I wanted to hear about what he wanted from me.

"What did you want, Sirius? I have to get my things and would like to get to Hogwarts before Dumbledore or Gods forbid, Filch finds us running around at night and starts hounding us." I put my hands on my hips while raising an eyebrow, letting my disinterest show plainly on my features.

Sirius went digging through his pocket while keeping one hand up before pulling out a picture. "I found a couple of pictures when I cleaned my room out," He started, "You might call me selfish for keeping the lot of them, but I figured I could depart with this one…" He pulled out the photograph and held it out for me to examine. I took a step down the stairs to get a better look at it.

I looked upon the young faces of four Gryffindor boys who smiled into the camera. The shortest one, Peter, looked nervous as if he wasn't sure the camera was working before, he took a step back to join the group. He was just in front of a thin, tall, and lanky boy who looked reluctant to take the picture but gave his best smile. Even with the distance I could see Remus's tired eyes that reflected such kindness, and patience. The boy next to him was unmistakable with that unruly, thick, black hair, his glasses reflecting the light slightly as he moved to show the bright blue, jovial eyes. A carbon copy of his son made me question if I recognized the right person. A wide smile spread on James's lips as he adjusted his scarlet and gold tie to hang loosely, putting his arms around the two boys by his side. The final one was almost as recognizable as the one before him. Perfectly fixed, black curly hair, and a broad and charismatic smile as his bright, grey eyes twinkled with a cocky air about him that never faded as he aged.

The picture moved until the flash of red hair stepped in front of the young Sirius and James paused, followed by long dark brown hair that looked nearly black bumped into Lily, and the tall, skinny figure with inky black hair that hit his shoulders, barely fitting into the frame as his hand came up to stop himself on the arm of my younger self. The short exchange between the boy with glasses pointing to the camera made young Lily look directly into the lens before turning to grab me. I remember how she apologized without much sincerity and watched as she pulled me away, and how I pushed Severus in front of me before flipping off Sirius. The image froze with Lily covering Peter almost completely, a disappointed look on Remus's face that was partially covered by Severus turned to look back with his famous sneer, James frozen in mid-insult while Sirius was frozen blowing a kiss at me while I held the disrespectful gesture. The image then started over once more.

"You have this?" I asked, watching the picture once more as I took it from his hand.

"Peter's mother wasn't particularly happy about this photo, but I convinced that rat to sneak it away over the summer and send it to me. That was the year before we got together," He chuckled as the scene replayed once more. "James told me to try a different approach with flirting with you. Clearly, teasing you the way I did wasn't working."

I snorted. "Crazy of him to have the sense to tell you," I shook my head as a wave of nostalgia washed over me as the scene repeated once more. "...I remember when Lily suggested that you were flirting with me. I told her how mad she was for even suggesting it, and that you were just trying to find a new way to work on my nerves." I smiled at the memory of Lily's all-knowing, and beautiful grin, the suggestive gaze, her playful nudge and persistence in her opinion. "Didn't actually click for me until you stood up for me against that deranged cousin of yours," I muttered.

"Ah," Sirius nodded, "I remember how thoroughly confused you both were about that. Regardless, Bella didn't have a right to be spouting off about her pure-blood ideals to you."

"What was it exactly that you said?" I feigned forgetfulness before lifting a finger. "Oh, something along the lines of 'Slytherin's reputation finally improved with her beautiful face walking around, and that's the thanks she gets?' Or something along those lines."

Sirius laughed, looking down and shaking his head, "I'm not too sure what I said, but I remember Bella losing her mind about it." He laughed once more before looking up at me. I smiled softly at the memory and his promise fulfilled. As much as I didn't want him getting ideas, or his hopes up, I didn't find it unreasonable to be able to enjoy old memories during a time in our lives when things were simple. Simple in the sense that the biggest worries we had were figuring out exams, navigating through the drama of our teenage years, and figuring out what we wanted to be when we graduated. The understanding of how things had changed the older we got had dampened my mood slightly.

"Well, thank you for taking me down memory lane," I held the picture out for him to take.

"Keep it," He held up his hand, shaking his head before looking up at me from my place on the stairs. "It has Lily and… your other friend in it. Besides, you can clearly see the amusement in your eyes." He concluded.

I wasn't sure how to process this small, but significant, change in reference to Severus. It seemed to be a struggle to even mention Severus without trying to use that horrid name he used for him. I tilted my head to the side studying him before waving a hand off, fighting to urge to roll my eyes once more by looking away.

"I think you have amusement and annoyance mixed up." I countered playfully before looking back down at the picture in my hands and then finally set my eyes on him. "Thank you… genuinely, it's sweet of you."

"I'm known to be that way with you," His thoughtful reply caused me to hold my breath for a moment as we held each other's gazes. "Maybe your imaginary bloke can try to live up to the standards I set for him."

'Aaand there it is,' I thought to myself completely deflated with his arrogant comment.

I raised an eyebrow at him, not as amused as he was. "He's very much real," I stated with a flat tone, my small smile faltered. "And he surpasses those standards." I turned on my heels to head up the stairs but didn't make it up far before he decided to have the last words.

"I'll be here when he fails, love." I threw a look of dissatisfaction at him, but it did not wipe away his smug smile up at me.


A/N: I'm sorry this took some time to get out! Life is unpredictable, and also having to work out the flow of this chapter took some time to figure out. It was originally going to be much longer, but I felt it best to split up certain parts. This chapter i as can be when it comes to the drama. Sirius is unhinged in his attempts to get Maeve, and poor baby Maeve is stuck on what to do. Although, what do you all think of her actions? Was she too harsh or not enough? I have my opinions but am curious to hear what you all think! I think I may have said in the last chapter about getting back to Hogwarts soon, and the next one we'll get a chance to see the playing field when it comes to Maeve and Delores Umbridge.

Much love, and thanks,

TJ