Take Me Back to Eden

by OhhTaylorJade

"Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love." - Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov.

16. Chapter 15: It's Been Awhile

Chapter Fifteen: It's Been Awhile

"And it's been a while
Since I've seen the way the candles light your face
And it's been a while
But I can still remember just the way you taste
And everything I can't remember
As fucked up as it all may seem to be, I know it's me
I cannot blame this on my father
He did the best he could for me"

---

"How long will you be gone?"

"An hour, maybe two. We just need to be cautious enough not to get caught when we bring him here."

"Why do you have to go? Can't the other order members bring Harry?"

I put a hand on the side of Elowyn's face before it was my turn to speak. "We fought for this. Harry deserves to have people he can trust to bring him here. Besides, Severus made sure that none of the Death Eaters knew what we were up to. We'll be back sooner than you think, my Star."

Elowyn's doe eyes looked up at me unconvinced before she dropped her expression. "Do you really have to go, too?" She looked up to the third person standing next to Aurora as I had dropped my hand.

"Someone needs to watch their backs out there wouldn't you agree?" The patient tone and smile of Remus explained. The loud and defeated sigh of the Slytherin girl was heard before she crossed her arms.

"If anything happens you'll need more than chocolate to make it up to me." Elowyn lifted her chin while closing her eyes. Her attitude and reaction were enough to warrant snickering from the three adults in front of her.

"Put more faith in Remus," Aurora said while rubbing Elowyn's shoulder. "We'll probably be the ones saving everyone anyway." Aurora looked to Remus with a teasing tongue out.

"Would this help if I gave you an important mission?" I asked her.

Elowyn seemed to perk up at whatever idea I had cooking up. "Depends, is it detrimental to our world?"

"Oh, vitally important I would say," I nodded with a sly smile. "I hereby assign you the duty to ensure that Severus and Sirius aren't at each other's necks while we're gone. Be sneaky as you can about it; divert attention, ask silly questions, or wake Mrs. Black's portrait if all else fails."

"Maeve," Remus threw me a look at my mischievous plans. No doubt the worst thing for her to do was wake the wailing of the disturbed Black woman. I winked at him but didn't bother hiding it from Elowyn.

"Whatever it is, your mission is just that. If Jethro starts siding with Sirius–again–start asking if he skipped his glamour creams to shut him up."

Elowyn gave a sly smile while nodding. "Alright, I'll make sure the two don't murder each other with my innocent charm then!"

"By the width of Merlin's great staff, what are you talking about Elly-girl?" Sirius, who had taken to picking up the nickname for the girl, came up to the group and giving Elowyn an inquisitive look. The now four of us stood within a nearly cleaned out living space that we all had diligently tried to bring back to life. Most of it was revived save for restoring the fabric to its original state on the curtains or reupholstering the chairs and couch. Just smaller things.

I scoffed while lightly backhanding his shoulder earning a smug smirk from the man. "No descriptively gross language in front of my daughter, thank you!"

"It's just a silly expression! I can see where you're mind is at, love." Sirius replied while holding up his hands, a grin of satisfaction spread across his lips regardless of the warning.

"I'm not stupid, you know," Elowyn replied while looking between the adults. This was no time for an awkward understanding that my adoptive daughter was, in fact, not stupid.

"I'm sorry to interrupt—well, I'm not, but that scary Auror with the crazed eyeball is barking orders to come and find you or else he's going, how did he put it? Oh, yes, feed me to the Hippogriff upstairs!" Jethro's rushed entry with his flamboyant exasperations were amusing along with Alastor's promises. I looked to Elowyn one last time as she flicked her gaze between me and Aurora before hugging both of us as tightly as her tiny frame could.

"You'll come back right?" She whispered before looking back up at us.

I smiled at her and smoothed her black hair while Aurora knelt, taking her worried face in Aurora's hand. "Of course we will. We'll always come back, my glittering and shining Star!" The warm summery smile of Aurora was contagious enough for me to believe it.

"C'mon, Elly-girl," Sirius was gentle enough as we let go of our child to escort her out with an arm around her shoulders. "Let's go join your friends for some sweets Molly has prepared."

Jethro stepped aside while giving a nod to Elowyn and Sirius before looking at the three of us venturing up to where he stood. "I know I said you all are more than capable of taking care of yourselves, but are you sure you want to do this? That Hestia Jones and Emmeline Vance can take over right now if you want to change your minds." He tried his best attempt at casual explanation, but even I could see the concern in his face. "I mean when was the last time you rode a broom, Selini?"

"Jethro," I said while sighing and stepping forward to pat his shoulder. "I'll be with the safest people I could possibly be with. Harry needs us after not hearing from us for so long–he needs some family to show up for him!"

Jethro contemplated this before reluctantly nodding and stepping to the side. "Besides, flying isn't so hard to pick up, you know," I added stepping out but was suddenly held in a tight embrace by Jethro before quickly letting go and clearing his throat. I blinked a few times at the gesture before Aurora snickered.

"C'mere, Jethro," Aurora offered another hug to my worried uncle before taking a moment to shake himself off his nerves and plaster a practiced smile.

"My girls are a force to be reckoned with, and with their company, they'll succeed as always!" Jethro loudly proclaimed while throwing up his hands. Possibly too loud as the sudden piercing sound of Walburga Black broke through. I heard Remus sigh as I covered my ears.

"Jethro!" I shouted as my uncle winced animatedly and went to run with a disheveled-looking Molly who came out of nowhere to silence the woman. It took a bit of time but they were able to subdue the crazed woman with Jethro mouthing out apologies to Molly.

Remus, Aurora, and I headed to the kitchen basement where the rest of the Order members were located. The room was a bit more crowded than usual with the extra bodies. Hestia Jones, Emmeline Vance, Dedalus Diggle and Elphias Doge, Sturgis Podmore, and the unfortunate presence of Mundungus Fletcher had joined previous meetings since we'd been staying at headquarters. Arthur and Bill were in deep conversation with Kingsley, while Hestia and Emmeline spoke with Dedalus in a less serious manner than the previous group mentioned. Mundungus seemed to be filtering through whatever he could find, probably to swipe and sell.

I noticed Minerva talking quickly with Dumbledore, Tonks came up to stand next to Remus with a smile that was reciprocated. I looked around for the one I needed to see, to know that he wasn't just a figment of my imagination after so long of not being able to feel him, or have an actual conversation with him. I noticed the black robes of Severus leaning against the wall near the back of the room. Our eyes met and I could see how they relaxed for a moment before flickering back to the composed expression.

I gave a small smile and with the others distracted as they were I started to slowly make my way to stand to hear him. However, Alastor Moody's gruff voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Thorne, Ramsey, Lupin we're debriefing on the ranks. I want Harry behind Tonks," Alastor pointed to the purple-haired girl who was attentively listening. "Lupin, you'll tail him," He moved his staff to point at Remus who nodded once. "I want Ramsey on his left, and Thorne on his right." Using the same motion to point to Aurora and me before his sights landed on me. "The rest of us will be circling around. Hear me now when I say no matter what happens you don't break these ranks! Stunned, cursed, or killed we have to stay in position!"

I kept my expression calm but glanced at Aurora who looked down to contemplate his words. It didn't matter how much I comforted Elowyn about how we would be okay, nor did it matter how much I assured myself there was no way the enemy would figure out our plan. The risk was real for anything to go wrong, and the idea that tonight would be the time and place for something to go completely wrong only seemed fitting. Despite my optimism, I felt the nag that I needed to feel more concerned about what I was about to do.

"Don't forget we'll only set off whenever we're given both red and green sparks in the air." Kingsley reminded us.

"Since you two don't have broomstick's hand," Emmeline spoke up bringing our attention to her. "Hestia and I agreed to let you borrow ours. A Comet two-sixty and Cleansweep seven; how do you fair those odds?"

I looked to Aurora who shrugged. "Sounds… good, I guess." She said with a chuckle.

"You'll have to forgive us," I interjected to come to Aurora's shy response. "We tend to apparate rather than fly. We'll take care of them, I promise."

"Easier to apparate a child than to fly her around, actually!" Aurora tittered.

"Just don't fall off the broom and make it someone else's problem!" Alastor barked. "Dung–your time for redemption–you'll alert us when it's all clear by sending up red sparks, and then McGonagall will send the second signal with green. Wait for seven–exactly seven–minutes before apparating back. Don't mess this up by apparting too close to headquarters!"

After Alastor explained the plan one more time I snuck a peak at Severus who had been staring at me already. Locking eyes with him I felt the shiver of worry pulling from within my mind and an irritation akin to when my students wouldn't listen to me during class. Even with the emotions being pulled to show case Severus's opinion on the matter, I gave him a small smile of reassurance. I pushed the memories of being comforted within the sheets of his bed, the peace of knowing things were safe in the moment.

A strange feeling of reluctance to accept filtered its way through just subtly before the emotion pulled back. I realized he didn't feel as confident in letting me take on this assignment. I wouldn't necessarily blame him for being apprehensive since the feeling was lingering somewhere in the back of my chest that I tried in vain to clear my throat off. I looked down just as Kinglsey spoke.

"Once we're back here then we're in the clear. Let's head out."

We started to file out of the room but before leaving I looked back behind me to see Severus push back off of the wall and hesitate to do anything else. I nodded as my send-off since it was the only thing I could do. I couldn't linger on the look in his eyes anymore before following the rest of the Advanced Guard, as they've dubbed themselves. I suppose that made me and Aurora honorary members for this specific mission.

We made our way out of the home with nothing more to say. Emmeline and Hestia handed us their broomsticks after we promised to take care of them once more, thanking them as well. Once Alastor stepped out of the threshold first to take out the street lamps with the borrowed Delumininator thanks in part to Dumbledore. Alastor created a sudden fog with the area from his wand as we advanced further into the street.

All nine of us lined up after double checking to make sure the streets were cleared. It was late within the night and there wasn't any activity around. Once we were in the clear in the sky it would be easier to fly but until then the idea of broomsticks soaring wasn't something that was concerning in the darkness we were hidden in.

"It's clear," Kingsley stated as he adjusted his broomstick. Watching as everyone was mounting theirs I took the position looking toward Aurora who gave me an apprehensive gaze. It was a strange feeling of magic that coursed through me that I hadn't felt in so long. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I actually had flown but it had to of been before we ended up taking in Elowyn. "Everyone in position?" I heard Kingsley ask. Several nods from those around us and an audible response from Tonks told us it was time.

With that, the sound of brooms kicking off the ground broke through and I followed in pursuit. The jolt of the force had me hanging onto the handle harder than I had anticipated was needed. This Comet Two-Sixty had a kick to it that made my stomach flip. A small noise of panic escaped but wasn't heard through the rush of wind that surrounded me. The wind was ferocious enough to bite regardless of the summertime heat wave experienced through the country, making our way to Number Four Privet Drive in Little Whinging. Once we were high enough over the city the lights, chimneys, and streetlamps became tiny dots to me. I watched as Tonks and Aurora flew closer to me.

"Should've dressed better for the occasion!" Aurora yelled hanging on her to her broomstick with the might of the Gods, squinting while prying a piece of her hair out of her mouth. "I don't think I like flying anymore!"

"Flyings amazing!" Tonks yelled as she ducked under us to sweep and rise up next to her. "You'll get used to it!"

"Fly higher! Muggles spotted!" Alastor yelled. The wind was harsh against my eyes, and the cold of the night was starting to get to me. I did my best to not look down at the height we were going either. One thing I didn't like about flying was getting too high in the air and seeing how far it was to drop down. I couldn't let my fear of heights get to me and instead decided to focus on anything else. Anything at all to keep me concentrated.

Weeks turned into months that had passed since the first order meeting. Between taking shifts living at Sirius's family home, and our little cottage, it was becoming exhausting trying to find a place to decompress from. Jethro had decided to take permanent residence within the cottage and threw a tantrum every time he had to sleep on our loveseat. Elowyn started complaining that she would've rather stayed at Sirius's home with her friends, and wanted to help clean the home up. All the creatures that festered within the room became a fascinating experience for her, not to mention all the time she was able to spend with George. I felt that I could trust Elowyn to not venture onto grounds of adulthood I knew she wasn't ready for, but as for the boy Aurora and I kept a close eye on. Thankfully it didn't seem like he was forcing anything perverse on our child. There seemed to be no pleasing her unless she was raising mayhem with her friends, and her little first love.

Hermione Granger was able to join the household about a week ago and Elowyn was never happier. The only person missing was Harry, and after today it proved important that we get him into safer hands. The issue became more serious when Arthur reported that Harry had almost been expelled from Hogwarts and that he would stand trial in front of the Wizengamot. The charges? Using magic in front of a Muggle, more specifically the Patronus charm. That raised the question of why would Harry risk using magic outside of school as an underage wizard, and if the possibility that the charm was used to fend off was the only thing it was meant for.

It wasn't long then during our planning to extract Harry that Sirius and I received a letter from Harry as well as Ron, Hermione, and Elowyn explaining his situation. To my horror, I couldn't fathom how dementors had wound up so far away from Azkaban that they'd be hanging around a Muggle suburb. The problem with the letters was how Harry was adamant about all of us writing back to him, and under the strict order of Dumbledore, we were forced to keep quiet.

Sirius completely disregarded the advisement and wrote back to tell Harry to stay where he was. It was short and straight to the point. Harry's three friends were not happy to hear that they weren't permitted to write to Harry, and Elowyn had as much to say as Ron did. As patient and kind as I had known Dumbledore to normally be his strick nature was enough to shut down the three from protesting anymore. Hermione's voice of reasoning only made Ron and Elowyn more disgruntled.

It was settled by Dumbledore before his departure that a group of people were to go and retrieve the boy before anything else could happen to him. This time I wouldn't give anyone a choice to not let me accompany him here, and of course, Aurora's ever-present loyalty signed herself up. Did I expect anyone to agree with this idea, absolutely not. It was a moot point where I wasn't going to be told what to do when it came to the safety of the two young ones that were entrusted into my care. It didn't matter that Jethro had complained of my hypocrisy, Sirius mentioned there were others capable of doing the same thing, Molly and Arthur asking repeatedly if we were sure. Not even the narrowed and disapproving look of Severus could stop me; it was my choice and with the understanding that I knew the risks my mind was made up. Even with Sirius berating me for twenty minutes straight after making up my mind.

I shook my head as the group veered to the left by Alastor's command and did my best to not think of the man. That egotistical, childish, irksome man who knew all the buttons to push whenever he was around. The worst part of being around him was the fact that when he wasn't acting like a bratty child, he was pleasant. He would banter with Jethro and I unfortunately found it entertaining, or considerate when helping with the cleaning chores. He even guided Elowyn through the steps to approach the hippogriff, known as Buckbeak, so she could pet it. I confirmed this setup was detrimental when Aurora started warming up to him finding him to be so comical, trying to soothe our petty fights, or even helping to transfigure some of his outfits that, in her opinion, would work better with a different color palette.

To say it was hard to be around him maybe wasn't fair, but it didn't help that I'd catch lingering gazes from those intense, steely grey eyes every now and then. The fact he'd offer a charming smile after I caught him made me feel like I was in a spotlight that I couldn't escape on a stage with no exits. The bubbling feeling of nerves that I could only akin to shyness, or needing to flee before those spotlights melted me away into exposure.

'Damn the Order and their idea of safety; how can I feel safe every time I look at him, or he stands just a little close?!' I huffed while trying to blink the tears that built up from the rushing wind.

What didn't help in this type of attention was how I craved it from the one man that I'd only see every so often and could only fantasize about our short time together in the privacy of my thoughts. The tension built any time I was able to look at him, trying to analyze his face to see how he truly was under the facade of a rigid, withdrawn agent. It was becoming harder and harder to not reach out and just take his hand let alone being denied the ability to be held by Severus. Dreams that haunted my sleep where we'd be ripped away from each other for good, or subconscious insecurities of finding this too difficult that he'd completely cut me off were enough to make me lose sleep. If I was having trouble performing with my abilities before then I was mistaken at the toll, I was able to work with. My wand hadn't seen this much usage… probably in its entire existence.

"We're lowering now!" Alastor yelled as the group descended into the little suburban neighborhood, pulling me out completely of my thoughts that I failed to avoid. The lights were coming into view better until I could make out the lampposts, the few lights that were still on around in the houses. I pulled up on the broomstick to finally reach solid ground. With the safety and stability of the ground, we were able to put our feet onto the soft, green grass of the backyard. I was not excited for the trip back after the jittering, shaky feeling I had within my body, my face and bear arms feeling frozen after all the wind that rushed over me. The humidity of the night was no help with the moisture sticking to my exposed flesh causing goosebumps to flare, and a shiver escaped me.

"Leave the brooms here," Alastor grunted as he set him just under the large tree in the backyard. Following his actions we did as we were told before I faced the back of the home. The garden was in top condition with no signs of wilting, which I found odd during a heatwave that was experienced all over the country. Walking with the rest of our group to the back of the house, I could see inside through the sunroom that the home was dark as if no one was home anyway. I felt odd knowing I was about to step inside the home of Petunia Evans–Dursley, for Goddess's sake—without her presence. Odd, but grateful, as the idea of having to speak to that woman left a bitter taste in my mouth.

No one said anything as Alastor took the lead with Kinglsey next to him to stand at the door leading into the sunroom. Aurora, Tonks, and I were behind the two as Elphias and Dedalus stood behind Remus. Kingsley took his wand out to perform the unlocking charm and pushed the door open. As the two stepped through we all followed in. I looked upon the house with a scrutinizing eye as everything was perfectly within its place. The dining room table had doilies, lacey and frilly that made my upper lip curl. The kitchen that connected to the dining room also seemed to be perfectly wiped down, the scent of fresh cleaning aroma filled my scenes in an overpowering way. The dining room with the kitchen to the left connected to the living room in front of it, and where most of the darkness overtook.

"Where is anyone?" Aurora whispered while taking her wand out to cast her own Lumos. I allowed the light to adjust to my eyes I continued to scan around the area. Standing with Aurora I noticed the few pictures that hung throughout the walls. Petunia's aged face beamed with the man she called her husband and the just as prideful-looking child between them. Most of them were filled with the little chunk of a boy.

"We covered our tracks well; sent those idiots a letter for some Muggle Suburban Lawn competition. They think they're off getting some prize." Tonks didn't bother whispering and snickered earning an approving smirk from me, and a giggle from Aurora.

"C'mon," Alastor grumbled. Tonks looked back at us as we followed the lead through the home. Walking through the house felt strange enough since we were breaking in, but for it to be so dark within the home didn't settle right to me either. I could barely make out the wand movements of Kinglsey casting something within the air that didn't make any noticeable difference around. I hardly registered the sound of a door unlocking.

"Where could the boy be you think?" Elphias wheezed as I scanned the area.

"Honestly, these Muggles have the most spotless house I've ever seen!" Dedalus exclaimed from the living room area.

"Not a picture insight of Harry," I mumbled as I stood in the living room.

"It's like he doesn't live here," Aurora pointed out with a sharp note of disapproval. Next thing I knew there was the sound of clattering of something falling to the ground and a loud curse from Alastor scolding Tonks who started apologizing profusely. If there was one quirk about the well-trained Auror that could've foiled her work, it was the clumsiness of Nymphadora Tonks. I looked to Aurora who struggled to hide her tittering and smile that she covered with her hand.

I heard the sound of steps coming from my left and upward before the movement of light caught the corner of my eye. Gearing up with my own wand I pointed up at the entry of the stairs only to be met with a body that was distorted behind the light of their own wand at the top of the stairs. My eyes adjusting, I noticed the glare of glasses first as the frame of the boy's body before his confused and frightened face came next.

"Better lower your wand, boy," Alastor gruffly, "You'll put someone's eye out!"

I pushed past the bodies of those I was with hearing Harry acknowledge Alastor's presence. As soon as I saw the panicked, baffled boy who must've grown just a few inches over the summer. His charcoal black hair was messier than normal, and his bright green eyes were wide with surprise. His clothes looked like he had slept in them with how crinkled and worn they were. He looked thinner than the last time I had seen him, too.

"Maeve!" The breathy voice of a confused and astonished Harry broke through.

"Oh, my sweet boy!" I said while delaying no more to run up the stairs to meet him halfway and embrace him. I gave him a quick peck on his cheek while pulling away to hold his face in my hands. "Are you alright?"

"Throne!" Alastor's gruff voice called me back from my reunion with my godson, making me narrow my eyes at him. "You need to be careful–for all we know that could be a Death Eater impersonating him!"

"Harry," Remus stepped forward into view from where I was on the staircase.

Harry sidestepped me taking in the curious faces of those we came with. "Professor Lupin? Is that you?"

"Blimey, even with both of your wands it's much too dark in here," Tonks spoke before lighting the tip of her wand to step forward with Aurora. Remus looks up blinking to adjust to the new addition of lighting along with Kingsley and Elphias. "Ahhh, he looks like how I imagined," Tonks mused while smiling at Aurora and back to Harry.

"What was the Patronus you produced?" Remus brought the attention back to him once more. I believed they had a right to be worried about a situation, however, a part of me wanted to dismiss it on the account that Harry hadn't done anything except light his wand and hug me. Something I doubt a Death Eater would know to do.

"A stag," Harry answered looking to me once more before looking back to the group. I followed his gaze while putting my hands on my hips to stare at Alastor, an eyebrow popped.

"It's him," Remus confirmed.

"Professor Ramsey, Professor Moody?" Harry questioned as Aurora smiled brightly and waved. "What are you all doing here?"

"Never actually got to do much teaching now did I?" Growled Alastor, "Get down here, we need to get a proper look."

Harry lowered his wand while looking at me. I could see the suspicion and hesitation with the command that was just given to him. Barty Crouch Jr. did a number on both of us trusting Alastor when finally meeting the real version of him. I patted his back and gave an encouraging smile and nodded for him to walk past me.

"It's quite alright, Harry," Remus spoke up once again also giving him an encouraging smile as Harry started to take slow steps down. "We're here to take you away."

Harry looked around to see the group that had gathered for his rescue and seemed just as confused the longer he stared. I could only imagine how demented the scene and situation looked to him, especially after the encounter with the dementors he just had.

"Oooh, he looks just like how I imagined he would," Tonks declared while smiling up at him with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Ah, I see what you mean, Remus. He looks exactly like James." Kingsley added from the hallway near the coat closet as Elphias and Dedalus looked inside the room.

"Except for his eyes," Elphias wheezed as he gave an agreeing smile at him. "Those are Lily's eyes."

I looked at Harry and wondered if he ever cared for the comparison to his parent's features. Of course, I would assume that a part of him did like it and that it was another way of reminding him that his parents were always around. On the other hand, I could only guess it becomes harder after a while. I watched as Harry looked between the others and took a few steps to walk down while putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Harry lowered his wand completely ignoring my gesture while stuffing the wand in his back pocket.

After Alastor preached the importance of wand safety and explained Tonks's crafty ways of misleading the Dursley's out of the house, then came the introductions of our group. Everyone here knew Harry, but Harry did not know everyone, and it was plain to see how out of place he felt around the group of strangers.

"We're taking you to headquarters, Harry," I said after realizing he wasn't sure what to say. He looked at me confused and I offered another smile. "We'll explain everything once we get there–let's get him packed up then, yes?"

"Tonks, Ramsey, and Thorne can handle this. We'll keep an eye out for the signal and if anything, else comes about." Alastor dictated before anything else could be said.

"We've got about fifteen minutes," Kingsley explained.

Tonks started aimlessly talking about the cleanliness of the home Aurora also joined in until Harry cut them both off.

"What's going on?" He looked at me as he spoke, "I haven't heard about anything in months, what's Vol–"

My eyes widened as I held up a hand to stop him, Dedalus and Elphias hissed their shushing noises as Alastor lurched forward to yell at Harry to be quiet. He looked so conflicted with how we were acting. Clearly, he was going to have more questions, as expected, but wanted the answers quicker by emission of his teenage hastiness. While I didn't like using his name from the mass superstitious way it had grown over the years, it was jarring to hear a teenager try to use it.

"Look," I pulled Harry to the side while putting my hands on his shoulders. "I know you've got a lot of questions, and we will answer them, but we're on a time-sensitive situation right now and it's not safe to discuss this here. Can you trust us with that?"

I looked into eyes that wanted to protest, clenching of the jaw of a teenage boy that has been left out of most of what was going on with him. I couldn't blame him for being upset enough that he wanted to fight me on this conclusion, but nonetheless he agreed with a stiff nod while looking down.

After helping Moody get a glass of water for his magical eye, muttering about how the lunatic had messed with his eye, we explained to Harry our main travel would be done by flying. Kingsley had complimented the boy on his flying, and this seemed to only subdue him enough to allow Tonks, Aurora, and I to help him pack his things.

"I don't think I've ever been in a Muggle house before, but I have to agree with you Tonks… it's just so–clean!" Aurora spoke up.

"Isn't it funny? Just a bit too clean if you ask me. Like it's unnatural–Oh, now this is better!" Tonks stated as we walked through Harry's room. Although I agreed that Petunia's home lacked the warmth that I'd been used to ever since I started traveling with Aurora, I wasn't sure if I would agree with the fact that Harry's rather messy room was better. Granted I could tell it was lived in, but even then, I was concerned by the lack of personalization if it weren't for Harry's small touches. It reminded me of a subtle touch of Sirius within the room.

Harry started throwing things within the now opened trunk, Muggle clothes with his school robes along with books. While packed I took in more of the messy room noting the owl cage that needed a proper cleaning. I decided to test my ability to see how well it was working and cast Scourgify to watch as the mess of droppings was erased from existence. Seemed to be working enough for the moment, but the strain to push the spell through was annoying. Aurora took a moment to halt Harry and started organizing his trunk a bit better for him.

"Maeve, do you think this purple makes me look peaky?" Tonks asked drawing my attention to the woman who was examining herself in the mirror of Harry's wardrobe. I shrugged a bit not really having an opinion.

"I know Elowyn likes it, but she'd do anything for the violet hair you've got," I answered as she tilted her head to the side pulling her lips to the side in contemplation.

"I think it does," She answered before concentrating on her appearance as a bright bubble-gum pink color melted through her hair. She smiled at herself before ruffling her hair up in the mirror and I gave an impressive nod.

"H-How did you do that?" Harry asked bringing our attention to him. He stared at her with a gaped-mouth expression at the morphing magic that occurred. Tonks explained her Metamorphmagus status and her ability to change her appearance at will to him, how she was born with it, and how it gave her top marks during her Auror training. As Aurora and Harry continued to pack his belongings the casual chatter of Tonks explaining her abilities drowned out behind me as I noticed a picture moving within a frame on the bedside table next to Harry's bed. I walked over to lean over the bed and grab the picture instantly recognizing those two faces. They were brightly smiling as James twirled Lily before catching her. The vibrant red hair fluttered around her with the wind. This had to of been taken not long before they were both gone as Lily looked just like how I remembered the last time I had visited her.

I smiled at the two but didn't realize that tears had found their way out until the drop hit the glass. Blinking rapidly and needing to straighten myself up before the others noticed I wiped the tears away, sniffing and reaching over the bed to put the picture down.

I looked to see Tonks and Harry and heard them discussing different types of broomsticks while noticing Aurora's eyes lingered on me. She gave a small comforting smile while motioning for me to come over.

"Think we're ready to go, guys," Aurora announced while taking her wand out and pointing to the now-loaded trunk. "Locomotor Trunk."

His trunk rose a few inches and floated within the air as Aurora influenced the direction of the trunk. We all filtered out of the room, Harry now clutching his broomstick while Tonks carried the owl cage with her. Heading to the kitchen to find our group there, Kingsley and Elphias were examining the Muggle contraption called the microwave while Dedalus was rummaging through the drawers. Remus was busy finishing sealing a letter before laying it down with the name "The Dursleys" written on it. He gave a patient smile as he noticed all four of us filtered through.

"Wonderful," Remus said. "You're just in time; we've got about a minute or so. We should perhaps get out into the garden to be ready. Harry, I've written a letter telling your aunt and uncle to not worry–"

"They won't," Harry's interruption caused me to study his face and the tone he used.

"That you're safe–"

"That'll depress them, then."

"-and you'll see them next summer." Remus went on with the same patience as before.

"Do I really have to?" Harry asked while looking at me.

I wasn't sure what to say. Dumbledore needed Harry to remain at this place regardless of how clearly depressing it was for him, yet he had the ability to stay in a much safer place at Sirius's home and probably would lift his spirits tenfold. Hell, I'd put him in my cottage or lug him around back and forth with me for however long our situation remained. I gave him a small, saddened smile while wrapping an arm around his shoulders. I felt disappointed in how I wasn't able to come up with anything else to soothe him, or how I knew it would only disappoint him just as much.

Alastor pulled Harry away to enact the Disillusionment charm explaining Harry's invisibility cloak wouldn't fare well during the flight. As we headed out through the back to the perfect, beautifully kept lawn the fog from earlier had disappeared from the surrounding areas. Alastor explained the formation once more to Harry and the team. Even Alastor Moody's strange laid-back explanation had Tonks calling him out in light of the situation. I had to admit that I found it oddly inappropriate for him to be acting like that. After Kingsley assuring the group no one was going to die contrary to Alastor's claims of never being too careful, we had gathered our brooms and took our stances. With Harry's trunk attached to Aurora's borrowed broom, and his owl cage attached to Tonks's broom we waited for our signals, the bright red sparks followed by bright green sparks. We were off within the night.

)))(((

I would be lying if I didn't say I was relieved to know that my optimism worked out with this plan. We all made it back in one piece, undetected by Death Eaters or Muggles, and most importantly besides our safety, Harry was now in the safest place he could be. The meeting had just begun when we arrived which meant Harry's reunion with Sirius would have to be postponed, and even with the glimpse of Molly taking him up to the room where no doubt the children would have congregated, I could tell it didn't ease his impatience. Maybe it was my overprotected awareness, but it almost seemed like Harry was one bad news away from lashing out, or perhaps the foul mood was contributed to the consistent attacks he's had to endure, and up until this point they were finally taking effect.

Upon entering the kitchen basement, I was met with similar relief from the Order members. Jethro dramatically sighed and praised Merlin for his guidance, Sirius collapsing a hand on Remus's shoulder and welcoming him back with a relieved smile. I could even spot the flickering relief in Severus's lax brows when we came through.

"Ha! I knew they'd come back intact!" Jethro proclaimed from his chair where Sirius came to sit back down.

"Yes, yes, Jethro you were the epitome of composed pacing around and rambling about their dangerous decisions!" Minerva's sarcastic reply earned a sly smile from me that I sent to my uncle who huffed.

Returning the broomsticks to their rightful owners we gathered in our presumed normal seats. I noticed this time that Tonks and Remus were sitting next to each other, but couldn't be too surprised by it. The two had been obviously growing closer within the last few weeks. It was about time things started to come out a bit more openly between them, no matter how minute or subtle they were about it. I took my seat and looked over as Severus casually walked up to take his seat on my left. I flashed a triumphant smile up at him as he flicked his eyes lightly at my minimal gloating. I could practically feel his relief radiating from his person, and was once again grateful that the situation had the best possible outcome.

"The boy is now safe with us," Kinglsey stated, "and now we must prepare for another hurdle. His trial is set to be in a few days from what I had heard, but we'll need to find out the specifics of what–who–he's going up against."

"No doubt this will be an already conceived verdict for the boy," Arthur added. "In recent news, I've had the displeasure of hearing through the grapevine that Fudge has appointed a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor that I'm sure Dumbledore didn't have a say in."

"Good luck to them!" Minerva scoffed.

"He sidestepped the approval of the headmaster?" Aurora asked while leaning over to look over at Arthur.

"Probably won't be the only thing they're willing to 'sidestep' in regard to Albus," Alastor spoke up.

"Any idea on who he's employing?" Emmeline Vance spoke up.

Arthur grimaced and took a breath before answering. "If it's rumored to be true then it'll be the Senior Undersecretary of The Minister of Magic, Delores Umbridge." Arthur's tone didn't seem thrilled at his answer, and I could understand why. The title and the name of the woman he spoke of only brought immediate dread to me.

"Oh, please be misunderstood–you can't possibly mean that putrid–pink–parasite!" Aurora moaned while rubbing her face.

"Not an unfamiliar name I'm afraid for me, either. How did you end up on her radar?" Remus questioned while looking at my friend.

Aurora's eyes held disappointment, and worry found their way to me and all I could do was roll mine. "Dreadful Umbridge, as I like to call her, doesn't particularly… like Aurora and I… I may have had a row with her a few years back." I rubbed the bridge of my nose before growling at the idea of having to be within her vicinity.

"Exactly, how bad of a row, darling?" Jethro asked leaning forward with a questioning eye. Even in his curious state and tone, I could see the bemusement and interest behind the story I was about to explain.

Sighing with defeat I readied myself to explain my blunder that I would no doubt pay for in the coming weeks. "She's always had issues with us. Casting her opinions about how me and Aurora are dangerous to be around. teaching to children, stating that being unsupervised by the ministry would be irresponsible on our part. Thankfully, Fudge agreed to let us travel, but we had to report to each government building within the countries to give our reports, state if anything horrid happened, and give progress updates–all boring things. Umbridge must've felt we got off too easy and took it upon herself to make random visits throughout the years. I guess her master plan was to try and catch us in something that she could report back to Fudge, and have us dismissed or–I'm not sure, arrested if it was her way.

"Anyway, when it comes to Elowyn's adoption it was…" I looked up to Aurora who grimaced and decided to take the lead.

"It was a tricky situation. Elowyn was stuck in a Muggle orphanage, and her abilities were growing at a rapid rate. Her file was filled with reports of her magic affecting the children, or terrorizing the adults. She was just a baby when she got there, so… well, there wasn't much to go on if they knew she was magical, or not. We essentially just… skipped a lot of the paperwork process." Aurora shrugged while shrinking back from the eyes of those around us as the realization started to set in.

"Are you saying you kidnapped her?" Bill Weasley spoke up with a similar look of disbelief that Remus had.

"I believe the words you're looking for are 'safely apprehended in your care'!" Jethro replied as Sirius did his best to try and hide the laughter that Tonks joined him in. I couldn't hear what Alastor was grumbling but could hear the words 'family of lunatics' somewhere in there.

"Kidnap is a strong word–Elowyn wanted to go with us," I argued looking at the faces around me. Kingsley had raised his eyebrows but otherwise didn't look bothered, Sirius looked impressed with the story while Remus was rubbing his face so as to not look at us. Hestia and Emmeline both gave thoughtful looks they shared with Minerva who uttered an "oh, my" while the look of wrestling with the ethical aspects behind her eyes played. Arthur and Molly were going back and forth on what was right if it was at all.

I found the eyes of a contemplative, and surprised, expression on Severus's face who studied me. "She had been there her whole life and already caused problems with her magic. Really, we did a favor the Statue of Secrecy! It just didn't help that Umbridge had noticed that she had never seen us with her before. No matter the excuses we threw at her she just wouldn't let up on the subject." I sighed and threw my hands up at the memory of my frustrations. "Years, and years, later I just had enough. Elowyn doesn't use a wand and Umbridge was convinced that we somehow created this so-called issue, and that the girl was—defective."

"A truly wandless witch doesn't strike me as someone defective," Hestia interjected. "Granted it's uncommon, but if anything, it's marvelous of her!"

"According to someone like Umbridge, it's a terror for her. I'm assuming most of you who've heard about her know her ideals of blood purity—just imagine her blood pressure shooting up at the idea that a child defies tradition in the magic world that challenges those ideas!" Alastor spoke.

"Exactly, and whenever she suggested we had turned her into some type of experiment to promote our work I told her to stick her asinine ideas, her prejudices, and her constant vigilance up the pinkest part of her." I finished before grabbing the closest wine bottle and glass.

"Oh!" Minerva exclaimed with a hand on her chest, but her bemusement wasn't lost on me, Molly covered her mouth while Arthur cleared his throat to cover the chuckle, I was able to hear.

"My, my, Maeve what a filthy mouth!" Sirius teased while leaning back in his seat with a cocky smile on his face.

"She gets that from our side of the family, friend," Jethro added with his Cheshire cat grin while nudging Sirius earning a few snickers between the two.

"Umbridge isn't the forgiving type either," Kingsley's calm and deep voice broke through the rambunctious behavior. "I wouldn't put it past her to still hold onto that grudge."

"I sent her flowers and an apology letter," Aurora spoke up earning an eye roll from me. "Tulips, Hyacinths, and Carnations all enchanted to be the same shade of pink! Which… Afterward, I wondered if that was the best course of action–don't laugh it's clearly that woman's favorite color!" Aurora groaned as Tonks, Jethro, Sirius, and even Remus tittered or full-on laughed. I pursed my lips at the memory of Aurora's horrified expression realizing that her kinder intentions could've only further agitated Delores Umbridge.

"I think it would be in your best interest," Minerva spoke more seriously, pulling our attention to her. "If you extended the olive branch this time, Maeve. Seeing as this is bigger than your personal qualms I find it hard to believe she would easily dismiss you as just another professor, and view you as another bird to throw the stone at."

I looked down and nodded although it would've been easier said than done.

"Delores Umbridge may be an issue to further suppress the truth, and even create a different set of issues at Hogwarts, but I do want to speak about a more pressing situation that Dumbledore made me aware of. Severus," Kingsley held a hand to the man to my left.

"The Dark Lord is resuming his search for a prophecy made about him. He only knows the beginning of this prophecy, but now wants to know the rest. He believes it to be somewhere within the Department of Mysteries, specifically the Prophecy Hall."

"No doubt he'll be trying to find his way through security then," Alastor sighed aggressively while tapping his fingers on the table.

"What exactly did this prophecy say?" Molly questioned from her place next to Arthur.

Severus clenched his jaw for a moment, looking down before answering. "He believes it'll be the key to destroying Potter and ascertaining his power. At least that's his theory, and I can't disagree that he could find something to use against the boy." Severus replied keeping the actual contents of the actual words to himself. If he knew of course, but even then I found it interesting that he wouldn't disclose the rest of it.

"Sturgis," Kingsley spoke, "Are you up for the task to watch over the Department of Mysteries, then?"

"Not a problem!" The man exclaimed before ruffling this dirty blonde hair.

"It would be good to have as many people keeping an eye on the area," Kingsley added.

"I'll do what I can as well," Arthur volunteered himself. I noticed Molly's apprehensive look at her husband's words but did not voice any of them.

"I think Harry should know what's going on with him," Sirius turned the focus onto him. "He deserves to know how this affects–"

"No." I interrupted while narrowing my eyes at the man who stared at me. "I won't subject him to that information, Sirius."

"You'll sit here at tell me he doesn't deserve to know about what's coming for him? If anyone has the right to know–it's Harry!" Sirius countered. "If It wasn't for Harry, we wouldn't know Voldemort was back!"

Hisses, quick sharp breaths, and several disgruntled or horrified expressions around the table at the mention of the name that haunted everyone here. Sirius pressed onward. "He's not a child, Maeve!"

Scoffing I leaned forward. "I would ask if you were out of your mind, but from what you're saying I already know the answer! He is fifteen years old–there's not one thing he's legally allowed to do and what? Do you want to deem him worthy of calling him an adult? Listen to yourself!"

"Maeve is right, Sirius!" Molly joined once more. "He's not an adult either! Is this really how you think raising the boy is supposed to be?"

"I don't think covering up the truth could help him in the least bit, nor do I think it'll help in the aspect that he'll be defenseless either!" Sirius countered. "I'm his Godfather–you know, the one James and Lily assigned to care for should anything happen to them, and guess what, it did, and I believe they'd want their child to know that his life is in danger!"

"The thing about that is, Sirius," I tried a different approach in how I spoke, and what I said. Calming my words down just a bit to control the narrative enough for him to hopefully listen and take what I say to heart. The strain of doing so couldn't go amiss, however. "Is that after everything Harry has been through, I can guarantee you he's out for revenge. How could he not be?" I held my hands up while looking at the faces around me. "His parents are gone, he's been hunted for most of his life, he just witnessed a boy a few years his senior murdered in front of him, and you don't think that won't give him enough incentive to do something rash, hm?"

"I'm well aware of what he's lost, Maeve, unlike some of us I was there when it all went down!" Sirius bit back. His eyes blazing with justified anger that barely softened at my lack of response.

My wide eyes narrowed at him, yet I couldn't help but let the feeling of ignominy and guilt wash over me holding my tongue in response.

"How touchingly paternal of you, Black. Perhaps Potter will aspire to grow up to be a courageous felon just like his Godfather." Severus's strong interjection caught me by surprise. I looked up at him as the sneer that accompanied his sarcastic reply twitched, his eyes focused on the man in front of me.

"You stay out of this, Snivelus!" Sirius growled, "Regardless of who agrees with me or not I know better!"

"Fine, so why don't you go tell him? Since it's clearly the only obligation a man who's stuck living in his mother's house can do—must be the only reason why you're so adamant about letting the boy go to war on your behalf!"

"Enough, you two!" Molly objected while slamming a hand on the table. "Harry doesn't need to be told anything… he's well aware his life is in danger, and if you must tell him something, tell him the value of his life is greater than the need to satiate these questions!"

There was silence within the room as everyone mulled over the words of Molly Weasley. The shame of my arguing filtered to share with the others.

Kingsley cleared his throat to carry on. "Now, Severus, what can you tell us about You-Know-Who and his recruitment," Dumbledore moved forward and it seemed like everyone else found it better to do so.

Severus explained further that the Dark Lord had been recruiting rather quickly. To my horror it wasn't just wizards and witches, but creatures as well. Werewolves, giants, even dementors. I found it disturbing that this man would call upon the aid of notoriously dark creatures or those easily influenced thanks to the way our ministry had helped hand over a lot of the legislation dealing with said creatures. A bitter part of me couldn't exactly blame them for siding with someone who promised to bring freedom, even the lie of superiority, and power to them after years of oppression.

The meeting ended with words regarding my behavior to assess the damages between me and Delores Umbridge, repair what I could, and keep my head down through the year. For Severus to let anyone know if anything interesting comes up, for Arthur and Sturgis to start their guard duty as soon as possible. Kinglsey also instructed me to keep it close to my chest about my relationship with Harry as he theorized that would only create more issues. I couldn't disagree with him at all.

I started to zone out a bit as we had been dismissed with the bodies filtering out of the room. I hated to think that Sirius was able to cut me that deeply with just a sentence, but it wouldn't be the first time his frustrations have done such a thing. Compared to how I'd cut him down I suppose it would be everyone in fifty remarks he'd get his lick back. Still, it didn't change the fact that his words were another reminder of my past failures of foresight.

"I'll bring the children down for dinner," Molly spoke as she passed me with a hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"I'll come with you," Aurora's softer voice followed as she flicked her eyes to the front of her, motioning with her head. I noticed the tails of the black robes that had left up the stairs. I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed Severus leaving. I must've been more lost in thought than I realized.

I stood up and followed behind Molly as Aurora came up the rear. I was starting to get restless from what little time I was able to be around Severus. It was starting to drive me mad with how little I had to interact with him to keep up appearances. With the lack of his touch, being in his presence, or feeling his lips on mine I could contribute that to my grumpiness, and mood swings. What else was new?

Walking through the hallway Molly was able to round the stairway and I watched as Severus stood at the door, ready to open it before I took a few quicker steps to put a hand on his shoulder. I heard Aurora ascend the stairs with Molly as Severus whipped his hardened gaze at me. Sighing at the sight of me he relaxed under my hand before I let it fall slowly down his arm, feeling the shiver and hearing his breath hitch ever so slightly.

'Looks like someone is as hyper-sensitive as I am…' I thought while looking at him, a ghost of a smile on my face. I found his fingers and started to hook them around my own, his reflex of hooking his own around mine was the subtly I hated obliging to but clung to the reassurance such a small gesture could provide.

"Do you have to go?" I whispered almost regretting how pitiful it sounded.

"I ought not to if Black keeps acting like that towards you," His low tone and protective words awakened the flutter within my chest. A light squeeze around my fingers told me the answer that felt unnecessary to ask.

"But you can't, can you?" I read between the lines of his words. I watched as he looked down pursing his lip before his fingers started to slide more through my palm to cup my hand in his.

"When term resumes, I promise to make it up to you, Selini," His tender words made me smile lightly. "This hasn't been fair to you in the least."

"It hasn't for you either, Severus," I chuckled while tilting my head to the side. "No need to take all that blame, again." I reminded him. Staring into those dark, brown eyes felt like I was emerging into an abyss of comfort. I wanted it to swallow me completely whole not giving a damn where we were. The footsteps behind me descending the steps broke me out of my concentration with disappointment as our hands slid away from each other.

"You're still here, Severus," Aurora spoke in a low tone, mindful of the horrendous portrait of Walburga Black not far, as she stepped toward us. "Dinner should be done here soon if you'd like to stay."

"I'm finding it a bit crowded at the moment," Severus replied but his usual disdainful tone wasn't present, more so just a projection of his professor persona.

"Aren't you hungry?" I hadn't noticed that Elowyn had been hiding behind Aurora, and along with her descended Hermione followed by Ron as Ginny tailed behind Harry heading toward the kitchen basement.

I could tell Severus didn't like this amount of attention on him let alone from most of his students. He raised an eyebrow at my daughter as he tried to figure out how to take the question. I couldn't help but wonder if I noticed the concern through the curiosity in Elowyn's tone.

"I'm sure he doesn't want to be anywhere near here, Elly," Ron mumbled while nudging his friend.

"Well, he deserves to still eat, Ron." She counted with a flick of her eyes. "Besides I wanted to ask you more about the book you lent me."

"You've read it already?" His eyebrows knitted together at her earning an amused smile from me and Aurora.

"Well… yeah," She shrugged while blinking. "It's pretty boring at the cottage."

"You three go back downstairs. If Severus wants to stay, he will, but if not then he'll see your smiling and attentive faces when term starts." Aurora motioned for the three to shoo them to the kitchen basement and followed behind them. I watched as they filtered through the hallway down the stairway until the sight of dark curly hair, and a dark green suit passed them. I sighed and looked back to Severus whose gaze became hardened as he realized who was heading to us.

"Can't leave fast enough can you, Snivelus?" He asked as he stood next to me with a gaze of disgust on his face. Irritated from our earlier fighting, and the fact that he felt too comfortable with that stupid name, I backhanded his lower chest causing him to grunt from the force, bending while holding the area.

"Can't you go one minute without starting another fight? Goddess help me," I hissed at him as he straightened himself up, his face screwed up with confusion and seething with annoyance.

"You can't train an old mutt new tricks, Selini, pay no mind," Severus growled back to him as he opened the door with a few taps of his wand. He looked at me once more, something akin to a parting glance, before heading out of the door closing it behind him.

"Smart of him to get out of my house–why are you acting like that?" Sirius turned to me with a scrutinizing expression in his steely eyes. "I'm surprised that you two have been acting so civil with each other, and you're sticking up for him again? I thought you hated your first name." His brows came together as his expression lightened into confusion.

I rolled my eyes and started to walk away until he grabbed my arm forcing me to turn around to look at him with a glare. "You can let go of–"

"Humor me, Maeve," He only softened his voice but the look in his eyes did not cease their confusion. "Your little outburst in the Infirmary was one thing I could write off as stress of the situation… but the way you've chosen to sit next to him at every meeting, the glancing that lingers just a little too long, and now you're following him out." He had dropped his hand to put both in his pockets as he raised an eyebrow. "I never said it but this renewed friendship of yours… as foolish as I think it is… It seems strange to be mended all from starting a teaching position."

I raised an eyebrow at him while folding my arms to stand in front of him. "A lot can change in a year, Sirius. I don't see why you're so interested in what goes on with those in my life."

"I've already told you several times to be careful with someone like him, and not to mention I don't think he's actually on our side–but what do I know?" Sirius grumbled earning another eye roll from me.

"Sirius–"

"Maybe, and most importantly, I just didn't forget how he finally showed his true colors to you…" Sirius looked at me with a softer expression, one of true concern. "... and how broken you were no matter how much you denied it."

I blinked at him, and my mouth went dry as I opened to say something, anything to prove him wrong, but nothing could come out. I didn't forget how those days affected me, but to think that Sirius had remembered them like that was a bizarre concept when all it happened.

Sirius took a step forward closing the space between us in a way I should've stepped back or even growled at him to get away, but his eyes held me in position. The gentleness of how he acted at that moment made my breath hitch. I hated it.

"You'd fight me tooth and nail to deny whatever happened between you two was just a simple falling out, and even though you treated me like a fool about it I could see the pain in your eyes that should've never been there. Dark circles under your eyes, meals skipped, random times when it was just too much, and those mesmerizing eyes would rain…" He had reached up to trace a finger light down the side of my cheek ever so softly causing me to inhale sharply and hold my breath. My chest felt like it would explode any moment longer. "... and all I could do was hold you. Vowing to never let you get hurt like that again if I could help it."

It was as if someone put a permanent sticking charm to the bottom of my shoes as his stare bore into me. I was angered by his idea that he could just touch me how he pleased, amazed at his relocation, and excited… why was I excited? Was it from the touch? I shook my head with a loss of words that needed to be said.

"C'mon," Sirius said seeming to change pace after seeing how I wasn't able to say anything to him. "Let's catch up with Harry. I'm sure he's wanting to spend time with all of us."

It was the only signal I could use to turn on my heel and head toward the kitchen basement once more with Sirius following behind before stepping forward to open the door for me. I didn't look up at him at the polite gesture as my head swirled with everything that just happened. I should've been upset and even found it easier to wave off this behavior from him. Why wasn't I more upset with this more intimate gesture of touching my face? His memory wasn't wrong no matter how much I wanted to deny the travesty of the state I was during our youth.

Not to mention if Severus had heard, or even seen, what had happened how he would've felt or acted. The guilt hit me harder as I envisioned the lividity, disgust and even hurt on his face that would've happened if he knew. This was all just another point to the idea that came up months ago that Sirius must've harbored feelings for me that weren't just friendly. It had to end before it got out of control!

'I can't let something spiral out of control. Not this time–not with Severus!' I thought to myself as I opened the door to the now crowded room full of teens that replaced most of the adults, save for Tonks, Remus, and unfortunately, Mundungus. The order had changed up just a bit, with Tonks still by Remus but Aurora joined him in what was Sirius's seat. The teen girls had sat on my side of the table with plenty of seats away fully engrossed with Tonks while Mundungus occupied the twins' attention at the end of the table with their older and younger brother and father.

"Ah, there you two are!" Jethro greeted with a bright smile. "I was just speaking to the one and only Harry Potter about his school years so far! I must say you have quite the merry band of friends at your side, young lad!"

I was thankful for Jethro's distraction as Harry looked at me from the side of his glasses which only conveyed a look of pleading for help and annoyance. I smiled and started to smooth out his hair. "Yes, Harry does have some wonderful friends by his side. Too bad he could do with better watchmen, eh, Mundungus?" I spat the name out as the pathetic man held up his hands trying to sputter out an excuse that I waved off.

"Had a good summer so far, Harry?" Sirius asked as he sat at the front of the table, and I took mine on Harry's left. Hermione, Elowyn, Ginny, and Tonks were all busy playing with Tonks's morphing ability displaying different face shapes she could pull off. This time it was a rabbit, whiskers and all, that even earned Aurora a giggle from her seat next to Remus.

"No, it's been lousy." Harry sighed while looking downward. The large, fluffy, and matted cat that was named Crookshanks had come to sit on my lap. I had grown to love this cat and praised it as a vital companion for helping uncover Sirius's truth and trying his best to go after Peter Pettigrew's rat form. I'd given the cat an award if I had it my way. Going back and forth between scratching under the cat's chin and petting his fur, Crookshanks settled nicely upon my lap.

"Personally, I don't know what you're complaining about." Sirius gave Harry a small grin that seemed forced.

I tilted my head as Harry questioned Sirius himself.

"I'd have welcomed a dementor attack, myself. A deadly struggle for my life would've broken the monotony nicely. You think you've had it rough, at least you've been able to get out and about, stretch your legs, get into a few fights even… I've been stuck inside for a month."

"Why?" Harry asked.

"Because," I interjected, "it's for his safety. With the Ministry still after him, and no doubt the Dark Lord would've been informed by Pettigrew by now about Sirius's Animagus form he's more easily spotted now. It would be wiser for him to stay out of the public eye or any fights."

"So, Dumbledore feels," Sirius's slightly flattened tone made it apparent, for the millionth time, that he wasn't happy about his situation. I could sympathize with him a bit knowing if I had to be cooped up within a home that didn't have the best memories for me while everyone could come and go as they pleased.

"It helps to know you're alive, Sirius." I offered leaving the sarcasm or discouragement out of my tone. I offered a small smile while scratching behind the cat's ears, wincing slightly as his claws lightly flexed through the fabric of my leggings. "And need I remind you, you're not the only suffering behind these walls, either."

Sirius scoffed and chuckled while raising his eyebrows as Harry looked at me.

"Elowyn said you all have been staying here," He stated.

"Yes, we've been going back and forth between our little Hogsmeade cottage and here. I have to admit that I'd rather have some peace and quiet, but at least there's something to do here with the cleaning." I explained.

"What cleaning?" Harry asked. I thought we had done a considerable job so far, but I suppose with how long this home hadn't been inhabited there was much more to do for someone to walk in and believe people actually lived here.

Sirius explained his home situation with Harry for a bit while also trying to take jabs at how it wasn't as great to be here listening to everything from the Order, hearing reports from Severus until I threw him a nasty look that made him begrudgingly stop, clear his throat and move onto other things. It wasn't until Mundungus interrupted us asking Sirius about one of the silver goblets. I rolled my eyes and held up a hand to try and take the goblet away from him with my energy, but in the middle of pulling it away from him the scarlet energy faltered and the goblet clattered to the ground as I sighed with frustration.

"What happened?" Harry asked but the attention was pulled to as chaos erupted. Crookshanks foresight made the cat leap off of me as the contents of most of the food had dropped upon the table thanks to Fred and George trying to "help" their mother by using levitation charms to serve the food. It was rather animated and could've been comical like Harry, Sirius, and Jethro found it. Watching Mundngus fall was the only thing I could find amusement with through Molly's tirade of disciplining her two twins.

A proper scolding from Molly and Arthur didn't go amiss, and neither did Molly's realization of uttering her son, Percy's name. I wasn't too clear on the details about the boy and only understood that he had become estranged from his family, and the heartbreak for the mother was clear enough to me that her cease of ranting was hard on the woman. Thanking the Gods for Bill's quick thinking to distract her enough to continue trying to serve the food, and Remus commenting on how appetizing the food looked it was clear to anyone that this was the time to move on from the incident.

Mealtime chatter carried on discussing cleaning options, Tonks entertaining the girls while Elowyn would lean and occasionally giggle with George. Remus, Bill, and Arthur were having an intense conversation about Goblins and their position with their stance in our impending war. Aurora and Jethro were speaking in hushed tones while occasionally eyeing a few people at the table, namely me and Sirius. I kept a mental note to ask them more about what they were discussing privately.

My mind wandered to the events that happened tonight. Discussing the issues of how to handle Harry's safety, fetching him after his dementor attack, the confrontation endured by Sirius and Severus, and of course my interactions with these two men. I thought of the small and secretive touch from Severus, and how I wished for nothing more than to be held by him, and then the small and unseemly touch from Sirius made my nerves stand on edge with how disturbed I was by the idea of anyone other than Severus doing so. How it had brought back this buried feeling of interest. Not in Sirius, but more so in what he wanted from me. What was he expecting after all these years, and why did he think all of a sudden acting as if he really did have my best interest in mind would somehow charm me over to him? On the other hand, I couldn't disprove that he didn't care, or that he probably was thinking he was doing something to protect my heart. It was mindboggling.

It came to a problem that I had to swallow the reality of as I ate mindlessly. If Severus and I were so comfortable sharing thoughts, images, and feelings with each other then what would happen if he happened to run across this strange flare of feelings, or image of Sirius staring intently into my eyes, and the sensation of the gentle touch?

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A/N: Things are starting to get messy for Maeve and we've barley scratched the surface of it. I, for one, will be happy when we can progress past including a ton of members to add dialogue for LOL Next chapter will introduce the next school year for Harry and interactions with our least favorite character who dresses in pink! I appreciate everyone who followed, favorited or left a review! I'd appreciate it if you let me know how I'm doing; reviews feed the muse as I've heard/read before.

Much love and thanks,

TJ