Book II: Age of the Pheonix

Chapter XV: A Soul Reason

Music Theme: Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds - The Beatles

Hogwarts: 1973...

Narcissa Black hurried through the hallways that wrapped around the Hogwarts courtyard. It was late at night and the full moon was creating a warm glow on the lawn as the warm air blew through the trees. She leaned against the brick wall and waited a while, listening carefully for Filch so she wouldn't be found out of bed this late. She jumped slightly when she heard a sound behind her but turned and blushed seeing who had snuck out of bed to meet her.

"Marivn," She sighed at the middle McKinnon child. It had been a year of secret meetings and now they were nearing Marvin McKinnon's graduation. "I started thinking you weren't coming."

"I could never make you wait for me, Black." He jumped on the edge of the brick wall and helped her beside him.

"I thought after today you'd get tired of waiting on me. I know you saw me with Lucious."

"Yea. You two talked for a while at Slytherin table. I know Malfoy is a good linguist, but he's not half as good a kisser as I am. right?" He leaned in for a kiss but Narcissa stopped him. "Oh come on," Marvin sighed. "Bellatrix isn't here anymore to stand in our way. The setup with Malfoy was her idea."

"But a good one. It's a smart match."

"You bloody, Slytherins," he sighed, "Always wanting to do the smart and resourceful thing instead of the-"

"The stupid impulsive thing?"

"Instead of the right thing."

"But the right thing for who, Marvin?" They stared at each other a long while. The truth is that the two of them had fallen for one another before Bellatrix interceded in setting her little sister up with Malfoy. "Let's face it. We would never work. Our families hate each other."

"Not true. Andromeda likes me. I know it."

"She barely talks to you."

"Yes, but she likes me. I can tell. It's because we are both middle children. It's an unspoken bond. Plus, I'm quite lovable. But you knew that."

"Yes. I did," she smiled and looked up at the moon. "Last month together. You'll be graduating in a couple weeks."

"And you'll be staying here with, Malfoy," He grumbled. "You're going to tell me what you two talked about today, aren't you?"

"He asked me to marry him."

"Drama queen," he muttered. "Has to make everything so serious. He's a bloody kid." The middle McKinnon looked at her. "Wait. You're not going to say 'yes' are you?" When she didn't answer he stood and took a deep breath. "You already did say yes."

"I have to do the proper thing-"

"The bloody Proper thing. This is about money isn't it? Your family pushed you towards a Pureblood who would be the sole-heir of his fortune. Did it ever occur to you I can make my own damn fortune and that's nothing compared to what I could give you?"

"Mar-"

"I love you, Narcissa," he said taking her hands. "I've loved you for a long while, now. These late-night meetings haven't been enough for me. I can't eat or sleep thinking about how the moment I graduate I have to say goodbye to you. Things in the world aren't looking good right now either. Things are getting dark and you think Malfoy is going to protect you from those things? You think he will guard your soul the way I would? The way I already have?"

"I don't need his protection, Marvin. The world is just changing and I have to be with someone who wants to adopt that change, not run from it."

"Oh don't," He muttered. "Is this the part when you start to lecture me about the blood purity nonsense your new boyfriend always rants about?"

"You'd be wise to listen, Marvin. Or you're going to get hurt," she warned gently.

"Get hurt? Cissa. I am hurt. I'm hurt by you. You're crushing me right now. Can you honestly say you love him?"

Narcissa didn't answer and Marvin let go of her hands and started to pace then looked back and asked again.

"Can you admit that you love Lucious Malfoy?"

"I don't!" She snapped. "I don't love him. But love doesn't keep the roof over your head or food on the table."

Marvin carefully pulled her off the wall, pulling her into an embrace, "Love protects. Love shelters. Love last longer than money and grows stronger every day. Forfeiting love means turning your back on your soul. At the end of the day, we have to have people who remind us who we are - people who know us for our souls."

"All I've learned is that love has a way of hurting people and costing them everything in the end."

"Because your sister loves a Muggle born? I know you're scared of being cast out or rejected for following your heart, Cissa. But I will be there for you. I swear it. Come with me. Leave Hogwarts. Leave your family behind and come with me. Your sister will help you. We will get on the right side of these dark times together."

"How can you be so sure what the right side is?"

"Because I just know."

She pulled away from him and muttered, "I'm sorry, Marvin. I hope one day you can understand. One day you'll see that the world is more complicated than love and fairytales. Our souls are deceitful. All that's true is power."

"No. That's Malfoy talking. That isn't you."

"He makes sense though."

"Nothing in the world worth fighting for makes sense, Narcissa!" He shouted and it echoed.

They heard Filch in the distance as the glow from his lantern approached. "Who is out there?"

"I'm sorry," Narcissa said as she stood to go. "But I have to protect myself."

Tonks Home - Chippenham, England - February 2, 1980...

"Well this isn't a good sign," Andromeda sighed when she opened their cottage door and found Marvin McKinnon on their front steps. "Been gone less than a month and already tired of your family?"

"Andi, you don't know the start of it."

"I'm teasing. I'd figure you'd be back for your things soon enough." She nodded him into the house and heard a squeal as her daughter came running around the corner. "And I had a feeling you'd come today of all days." Andromeda smiled as her little girl, Nymphadora, raced towards Marvin.

"Uncle Marvin!" The girl had wild hair that she never managed to keep straight, dirt on her cheeks and jumper from playing in the yard and her new corduroy skirt already had a small rip on the hem from playing too rough.

"Dora! How is our little trouble maker!?" He kneeled down and wiped the dirt from her cheek.

"Are you here for the party?" She asked excitedly.

"Party?" Marvin hammed up his performance as he feigned confusion. "What party?"

"Mum's made me a cake and Dad's bringing home poppers for my birthday."

"Your birthday? It can't be your birthday! That would mean you're six years old!"

"I am!" She stamped her foot impatiently.

"You are?" He scooped her up and tossed her around the air a few times, her laughter filling the room. Marvin set the girl back down and said, "My darling girl, I'd love to stay for your party but I have to get back home."

"Oh..." Nymphadora frowned and instantly her hair turned a sad shade of blue. Marvin back away shocked and looked to Andromeda who didn't seem surprised.

"Yea. The hair thing. Started this week. Happened all the time when she was a baby. Thought she'd grown out of it, yet here we are. She's a Metamorphmagus. Used to run on my mother's side of the family."

"Blimey. Discovering our family's hidden talents lately, are we not?"

"Dora, why don't you go fetch uncle Marvin some tea, Hmm? Like we've been practicing?"

"I'll be extra careful, Mum!" She said and ran to the kitchen with a twinkle of mischief in her eye.

"I think she's broken almost every teacup in the house," Andromeda grinned at Marvin and motioned to the couch. "Well, I'll admit our efforts to relocate muggle-borns have been hard without your help, Marvin. Plus, the demand for relocation is growing more and more every day as more muggle killings happen."

"Trust me, Andi. I wish I was still here. The year I spent with you and your family was so meaningful." They both took a seat in the cozy sitting area, "Speaking of family," he nodded to the Dailey Prophet, "I saw the obituary. Your uncle, Orion."

"Another Black bites the dust," she said solemnly. "Died in his sleep it said. Regulus most likely is running the house now. Sirius sent a patronus to me the other day and told me he and Longbottom settled the estate. I need you to take a note to him if you will?" She pulled her wand from her pocket and levitated an envelope from the mantle towards Marvin, "I tried to get my Partonus talking like that but it doesn't want to take an animal form lately."

"I'll get word to him," he said as he pocketed it.

"Thanks. So, what's new with your clan since you went home?" She asked to change the subject.

"Well let's see. My brother confessed he knew all this time that our father was guilty of the crimes we'd heard in the past, he watched as our father was killed by Fenrir Greyback. My eldest brother is avoiding us. My sister is hardly speaking to anyone but me these days, including your cousin, Sirius, because she hates his guts... and my brother is in love with another one of your cousins."

She blinked and sat in silence a moment then said, "Is it me? Is there something about me that makes people feel they can trauma dump?"

"Sorry," He laughed. "But you asked."

"The complications of our families is enough to drive anyone mad. It's no wonder we seek solace in each other."

Suddenly there was a crash from the kitchen as a teacup shattered on the floor and Andromeda winced with a bit of an expectant grin, "Told you."

"She's trying and she has a mother that supports her efforts. There's at least one point for you in the fight against your generational curse."

"I wish it were as simple as that," Andromeda said quietly. "Sometimes I get these deep feelings that nothing is ever over. I look at my sweet girl as I tuck her in bed at night and wonder if she's ever to be free of my family's dark destiny. It's almost as though we live in a family that either has to embrace the darkness or be destroyed by it. I worry that by teaching her to stand up to darkness, it's only a matter of time before it hurts her." Marvin stayed silent and stared, lost in thought, at the floor. "McKinnon? This is the part where you give me good advice and say it's all going to be ok."

"Huh?" He glanced up. "Oh, yes. It's all going to be ok."

"Well that wasn't convincing."

"Sorry, it's just what you said. Do you really think a family can be cursed like that? That darkness is their destiny or their destruction?"

"Not sure," she looked at him carefully. "Why?"

"Because... because there's one more secret I'm keeping from my sister-"

Just then, Ted Tonks entered the front door, "Marvin! Good to see you." He moved towards his wife and pecked her cheek. "I hope you two are saying all sorts of cheeky things about your fascinating husband."

"Sure, darling," She smirked.

"Where's our girl?" He heard the crash in the kitchen, now a bit louder. "Blimey. That sounded like the whole teapot."

"I better go help her," Andromeda said and stood up. "You catch up with Marvin."

The enchanted coat rack by the door pulled off Ted's hat and coat and he strolled to the sitting area. "I'll keep your seat warm, my love." He plopped down and put his feet up.

"My hero," she sighed but gave him a wink as she approached the kitchen. As she got nearer, something felt off. Everything was quiet - too quiet. "Dora?" She called but no answer came.

Andromeda was horrified when she rounded the corner and saw Nymphadora on the floor motionless at the feet of Bellatrix Lestrange who poured herself some tea. When Bellatrix saw her sister enter she just chuckled and winked at her over the brim of the cup.

Andromeda inhaled a gasp and started to cry out for her child but she felt a strong had grab her from behind and cover her mouth, holding her tightly as she heard Rudolphus' voice whisper, "Hello sis. Didn't want to invite your family to the party?"

Meanwhile in the Hogwarts passages...

"Are you sure about this?" Sirius asked Remus as he and the lads moved up the secret passages towards Hogswarts. "What difference is any of it going to make?"

"Fenrir almost killed Tabitha the other day, Padfoot," Remus said. "He said things that suggested he knows more about me than I know about myself. Dad says Madeye knows more about me too and about Fenrir. It's time I found out some secrets about who I am. Otherwise, none of you are coming with me next moon."

"Nobody is going to get hurt, Moony," James said.

"You don't know that, Prongs. You almost died last time."

"Lily said she and Tabitha finally broke the code of that potion though. You've already started taking it daily right?"

"Yes," He grimaced as he recalled the taste.

"Whatever Madeye has to say, Remus," Sirius spoke up, "We are here for you."

The two of them pushed through the last doorway and peered into the main foyer of Hogwarts. "Coast is clear," Remus whispered and looked back at the lads, "It's not too late to go home, ya know. I can do this myself."

"Since when have we ever extended you the option of doing it yourself," James smirked.

The lads walked up the main steps as different portraits scolded them for being out of class and out of uniform.

"Don't these dusty old relics know we're adults?" Sirius grunted.

"It's only been a couple years since we graduated," James pointed out.

"Yea... we're still young," Peter mumbled.

"He speaks," James chuckled. "What gives, Wormtail? You've barely said three words all day.

"Just not chatty, I guess."

"Did something happen the other day on our mission?" Remus asked. "When Tabs and I found you in the alley, you acted like you'd seen a zombie."

"I said I'm fine!" Peter snapped and the boys all froze as it echoed through the halls. When the last of the echo faded Sirius punched him in the arm for shouting, "Sorry."

They walked in silence the rest of the way towards Dumbledore's office where the meeting with Moody would commence. As they ascended the steps though, they heard a discussion happening within.

"I don't suppose you'd consider sending them away?" The voice was Minvera McGonnigal's. "They could go somewhere safe."

"Then what happens after the child is born?" Came the voice of Theseus Scammander.

"Don't they have family in America? What if the child is raised there and attends Ilvermorny?"

"No," another voice came, "We agreed not to burden our allies with this war."

"Why not, Minister?" Minivera asked. "Certainly we aided them in our fight against Grindlewald."

"Becauase the problem with Grindlewald started here, under the eye of the Ministry. As Minister for Magic I swore that this war would be contained. We will not send the families away to put other nations at risk."

"If what Seer Trelawney said is true, Minister, then our options are very limited. We must find an end to this war sooner or later."

"Well... what about the Delaney family prophecy, Albus?" The Minister asked. "The one you found in the girl's history book. It fortells the end of the Dark Lord does it not?"

"There's no exact timeline as to when Voldemort's fall would occur after the Prophecy is fulfilled," Scammander snapped, "You'd kill one of my kids on a whim like that? And even if it was a sure thing, you'll have to go through me before you lay a finger on her or any other member of The Order!"

"Theseus, please-" Dumbledore urged him to calm down.

"Sometimes the hard decisions are the only decisions," The Minister said. "For example, did the families ever consider just... trying again some other time?"

The room remained silent until McGonnigal angrily snapped, "Good Godric, Harold! Terminate three pregnancies simply because you refuse to find alternative options for security?"

Outside, the boys realized what was being discussed. Dumbledore had not shared what Sybil Trelawney told him in their meeting but James knew it had to do with him and Lily or the Longbottoms and their unborn children. He clenched his fist and started forward but a rough hand clamped onto his shoulder. All four boys turned and Alastor Moody stood there, a finger to his lips and the five of them listened.

"Enough!" Theseus shouted, "For five years, I've remained silent, Minister. I agonized as I watched you drag the former Minister's name through the mud. You used the rise of Voldemort as campaign strategy and you have done nothing in office except build the security of Azkaban up while its cells remain half empty because you won't properly equip your Aurors like Alice and Frank Longbottom to do their jobs. Meanwhile a corrupt Ministry works against you and young people like them still do their best to fight this war. Now you sit here and shrug off their unborn child, the only simblance of hope in their lives right now, as a casualty of this war."

"Theseus-" Dumbledore tried to calm him.

"I still have pull at the Ministry, you know," he went on. "I'll see to it you're removed from office before I let you hurt those kids!"

"Theseus!" Dumbledore insisted.

"No, Albus," McGonnigal said, "I think Theseus' words are long overdue." They heard the scraping of chairs as she stood. "I see now that Horrace Slughorn had good sense to refuse this meeting. I suggest we find alternative solutions for the three children until they are born. There's a good chance the Malfoy, Longbottom and Potter children will be born outside the window of time predicted, but until then we will just have to come up with contingency plans. Now I'm going to take a potion for the headache you lot have caused me and get back to my class. Merlin only knows what Filch has done to those children."

"I'll walk you out, Minerva," Theseus said.

Moody pulled everyone back down the steps and shoved them behind a tapestry in the hall just in time for the two teachers to emerge.

"Madeye?" Theseus called.

When the Auror turned he faced them with a smile. "Afternoon."

"Did our meeting run that late?"

"No... no. I'm here early. Expecting Lupin anytime now," He glanced at Minvera. "All is well there, Minnie? Haven't seen you this cross since you caught Anthony Pickett levitating the Giant Squid onto the Quidditch pitch."

"I'm fine, Alastor," She grunted and took Theseus Scammander's arm. "We should get back to our classes."

Moody gave a little bow to the two who stormed away, grumbling to one another. He pulled back the tarp, smirking, half expecting to see the boys whispering about the Pickett prank and wondering why they hadn't considered ever levitating the squid themselves but his smile vanished as he remembered the burden of war on the boys. All four of them looked stunned at the words they had heard. He just sighed, "Well come on then. Let's go chat..."

Back at the Tonks' home...

Rudolphus' wand, shoved against Andromeda's neck didn't phase her as she struggled against him to break free but froze as soon as she saw Bellatrix aim her wand at the young girl on the floor. Bellatrix couldn't help but smile at the whimper of her sister, "Don't worry, Dromeda. She's alive, for now. Just couldn't have her crying for 'mummy and daddy' and warning you of our arrival too soon."

"Darling? Everything ok?" Ted ran in, having heard his wife's brief cry. His wand was ready but he froze when he saw Andromeda in his brother-in-law's clutches and his daughter crumpled on the floor.

"Oh look," Bellatrix moaned, "The Mudblood is home."

"Get your filthy hands off my wife," Ted shouted to Rudolphus as he moved the wand between the Lestranges. Ted heard Andromeda say his name, though muffled and it made his blood boil, "Let her speak, you creep!"

"Drop your wand, Mudblood."

Ted looked between his wife and child before finally tossing his wand to the side. On the other side of the wall, Marvin was waiting, his wand drawn. He pressed as close as he could to the entryway, waiting for the moment to surprise their visitors, but knew he had to be cautious with Nymphadora in there.

Rudolphus just glanced towards Bellatrix who nodded and he removed his hand from Andromeda's face but kept his sister-in-law in a tight chokehold. "What do you want, Bella?" She panted.

"Answers." Bellatrix circled the room. "You and McKinnon were seen in Hogsmede. Why?"

"Not allowed to go to the pub? Never pegged you as a square."

"What were you doing with Marvin McKinnon?" Rudolphus hissed.

"Ran into him at the Owlery. Thought we would catch up."

"Let's not do this the hard way," Rudolphus sighed then gave Bellatrix a nod who stepped closer to Nymphadora.

"No!" Ted dove towards his daughter but halted mid-air as he felt the hold of a levitation spell grab him. Bellatrix cackled as the spell had come from her wand. She raised Ted in the air, his limbs paralyzed, and approached him to stand face-to-face. "Such a good daddy," she pinched his cheek. "Too bad your blood is no better than sewage and your spawn is a half-breed." Ted growled in defiance as he fought the charm but Bellatrix ducked underneath him and walked towards her sister. She sized her up and chuckled, "Since when do you wear paisley, sister? Trying to be a hippy now? Or are you making a statement, refusing to wear black as we mourn poor old Uncle Orion?"

"Leave my family alone, Bellatrix," Andromeda said through gritted teeth.

Something triggered Bellatrix and she backhanding her sister across the face, "WE were your family, you ungrateful little-"

"Bellatrix," Rudolphus warned her calmly. "We're here for a reason."

Bellatrix combed back her curls with her fingers and raised her voice an octive to sounds more appealing, "Right." She took a breath then leaned into her sister's face. "You're one of dumbledore's little army members, aren't you?"

"No," Andromeda said but Bellatrix's temper returned and she stormed over to Ted and shoved her wand into the suspended man's cheek. "Have you forgotten what happened to your pet cat when we were kids, Andromeda? The one that decided to meow all day and all night then suddenly when missing? Well lets try the reverse of that today. Let's see what happens to Teddy here unless you start meowing... now! Or will you stay silent and see what happens?"

"Andi and I have nothing to say," Ted grumbled.

"We aren't part of anything Dumbledore is doing."

"Come now, Andromeda. I knew you liked your secrets but I never pegged you as a liar," Rudolphus said. "Fess up, or Edward here gets a lesson from Bellatrix in some unforgivable curses."

"Oh! And when he's had enough, I'll start on the little tyke," Bellatrix cheered.

"Over my dead body," Ted scowled.

"Fine... the kid's leverage enough without you here," Bellatrix aimed at her brother-in-law only for her wand to suddenly fly away at the sound of "Expelliarmus" in a thick Irish accent. Marvin emerged and caught her wand, causing the spell holding Ted to drop him on the floor. He recovered quickly though and caught his wand as Marvin picked it up off the floor and tossed it to him. He then pressed it into Bellatrix's spine as Marvin raced across the kitchen floor, wrapped little Nymphadora into his arms, then stood protecting the sleeping child and aimed his wand at Rudolphus. "Well, I think this is been a great family reunion, but I think the Lestrange's have overstayed their welcome."

"Don't be so sure, McKinnon," came the voice of Lucious Malfoy. Marvin froze when he felt the tip of Lucious' wand on his neck and heard his voice behind him. "We just got here. Drop the wands."

Marvin held onto Nymphadora tightly but relinquished his wand and Bellatrix's. "Lucious. How's the wife?"

"Drop your wand, Tonks,' Lucious said, ignoring Marvin's question.

"Never thought you'd be the one to threaten children, Lucy," Ted grumbled as he did what he was told.

"I may be a father soon, but I don't have to sympathize about children yet."

"Does Narcissa know about this?" Marvin grunted.

"No. We didn't want to bother a woman in her condition with the burden of knowing we were paying her traitor sister a visit," Rudolphus said. "Now then, why don't we all have a nice sitdown and hear what you have to say about your meeting in Hogsmede. Or are you still wanting us to go the route of hexing your family?"

Andromeda looked at Nyphadora, uncontious in Marvin's arms, then looked over her shoulder at her brother-in-law. "What is it you want?"

Meanwhile in Dumbledore's Office...

"Why wouldn't you share this with me, professor?!" James shouted after Dumbledore shared the secret of the Prophecy. "What else is being hidden from us? Do you know who the Guardian really is too and you're keeping that from us?"

Peter shrunk a bit at that question and anxiously watched Dumbledore who said, "I don't. My attempts to locate them keep being blocked."

"So there is some traitor out there and now a Prophecy that could peg my family as a threat to Voldemort."

"What if-" Peter squeaked. "What if James pledged his loyalty to Voldemort?"

All eyes whipped around and starred at him. The silence that followed made Peter want to crawl into a whole.

"Have you lost your senses, Pettigrew?" Moody asked.

"Not for real!" Peter defended. "As a spy. Then Voldemort won't see you as someone who defies him and your kid will be safe."

"It's a thought," Sirius shrugged, "A shitty one, but a thought."

"Are you mental?" Remus shouted. "Whose side are you on?"

"My godchild's!" Sirius shouted back to him. "And right now the priority is getting them here safely."

"Peter," Dumbledore calmed the room with his tone. "Your idea for James and Frank to pose as loyalists to Voldemort would never work. For one, Voldemort can peer into the minds of his members and tell when they are truly loyal or not. In addition, both families are leaders of factions of The Order. For them to stand beside Voldemort would ruin hope for everyone, even if they knew it was a ruse. Hope is our strongest weapon right now. We cannot give it up." He turned to the others, "As for the secrets you wish to know, they do not involve you."

"But they affect us," Remus grunted.

"I fail to see how that entitles you to knowing things that you can't change nor have any business knowing-"

"What harm is it to know what Madeye's Patronus is," James snapped, "Or what caused my father to leave his post at the Ministry or about the McKinnon's dad or what Greyback knows about Moony? Isn't that why we are here? For answers about that?"

"If you must know," Madeye sighed, "My patronus is a falcon." Everyone stopped and stared at him as he went on. "They represent someone who has turned away from dark deeds and now flies the straight and narrow. Some say it's a patronus to be proud of, but I don't see it that way. What some see as a redemptive creature, I only see as a reminder of the man I once was."

"A monster hunter," Remus grunted. "My father told me."

"Yes. I hunted werewolves of all ages and arrested them, sometimes more if the situation called for it." He looked directly at Remus and said, "You also should know it was you who put me on the right path."

"Me?"

"Atticus and I were right by your father's side the day Greyback was brought in for trial. I was the auror that got the beast of man red-handed after he murdered those kids and yet somehow he talked his way out of conviction. What your father said about were-wolves that day, we all were thinking. Back then we only knew them as full grown monsters that hunted and killed the innocent. But then... you did something we never thought possible. You survived, Remus. Not many children become a werewolf at your age. Ogden's office kept it under wraps because we didn't know how the Minsitry would react if they found out about you. I enlisted the help of Fleamont to get your father an early retirement. It was the only thing that wouldn't raise questions. He didn't feel right continuing in his work and neither did I. I tried to quit too. I considered taking your Dad's old job or moving to the position of a records keeper. Fleamont convinced me to stay though. Wise old codger knew I loved my job. Only now I know the real meaning of the job. It's to keep the beasts that live within men away from those who are innocent. Instead of killing werewolves I tried to find a way to save the people whose souls were trapped by the beast."

"Is it even possible? To save us?" Remus whispered to himself.

"Aye. The young ones. When someone passes into adulthood, just past 20-years-old, it gets harder. Their minds start to become more stubborn and their souls less moldable. It's why most men who survive the attack of a werewolf become such a violent creature once a month and such worse men. But youth... youth is hope, Remus. A wolf bonds with a child, sort of the way wolves imprint on each other in the wild. They wish to protect their owner. But as the child grows, the wolf gets more threatened by the man the child is becoming and has to fight to remain the alpha. A man's soul starts to fade with each moon as the wolf tries to stay one step ahead in the path of maturity. After you survived, Greyback got an idea. He decided to find young kids and teenagers and turn them in their youth so that he could train both the man and the beast to remain in control so that when they became adults, his werewolves would become unstoppable soldiers each month, fully in control of their attacks and allowing their wolves to be the alphas of their souls."

"That's the camp Atticus McKinnon attacked, isn't it? Children. Teens. Just like me?"

"Aye... it is."

"Why would he do it... they were just kids!"

"Not all men have to be bit by a werewolf to have conflict within their soul, Remus. This world is full of monsters and demons. Each of us lives with a monster within ourselves needing to be tamed. Sometimes I think the worst type of monster is the one that doesn't have fur. For now, we keep fighting for the souls of everyone. It's a two way street though, Lupin. You can't let everyone fight for you only to give up hope and..."

"...and push people away," Remus finished for him.

"Sometimes," Dumbledore said, "When we lose our way in life, we have to turn to those who always saw our hearts first. They're the reminders of what makes us who we are. They're the ones who bring us back to our purpose and our strength."

Remus smiled and nodded as he thought of everyone in his life you stood by him no matter what. "Thank you, sir..."

The Tonks' Home...

The Tonks family had been forced to sit at their kitchen table while Marvin was held back by Lucious, who didn't dare let him out of his sight. He still held tightly to Nypmhadora who had woken up and seemed bewildered at the sight before her. Andromeda shared bits of truth to avoid the persecution of their child, admitting they helped muggle-borns relocate but refusing to share anyone's whereabouts. She played dumb when it came to Dumbledore's Order, but the Lestrange's grew impatient.

"How can we be in two places at once?" Marvin insisted. "We can't be doing our work here and be helping Dumbledore with some club at the same time. She told you we are here helping muggle-borns out of their homes. We give them wands that can't be traced, so how are we expected to know where they go or how to find them after they've gone?"

"Where do you get these so-called un-traceable wands?" Rudolphus requested.

"They grow on trees next to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow," Ted grunted. His mockery was met with a forceful shove from Bellatrix who slammed his head against the table.

Ted groaned and mumbled, "It's a shame Hogwarts didn't have a wrestling club, Bella. You would have been champion."

"I'm growing impatient," she hissed. "Get their brat."

"No!" Ted and Andromeda shouted. Andromeda jumped up but Rudolphus just flicked his wand towards her to cement her to her seat which she used all her strength to fight against. Marvin clung to Nymphadora who shouted and clutched his vest as Lucious ripped her away. The letter in his front pocket was yanked out in Nymphadora's grasp and Lucious tore it from her tiny hand. "What's this?" He kept Nymphadora held around the waist and she kicked and punched him best she could as he skimmed the note then passed it to Bellatrix. "You may find this interesting."

Bellatrix released Ted and snatched the note. Her face turned red and her eyes darkened. "Longbottom get's my family fortune? Mine?!"

Ted used her distraction to spring towards his child but Bellatrix focused all of her anger into a single punch that sent him sprawling. The blow was so impressive that even Lucious and Rudolphus looked startled.

"Dora dear?" Andromeda said quietly. "You remember the game we've been practicing lately with all the animals?"

Dora nodded but kept fighting Lucious.

"Why don't you show everyone?"

"What this?" Bellatrix groaned and looked at her sister. "What are you talking about?"

"Since when do you need clarity? I thought you knew everything?" Andromeda quipped.

"Kill the brat," Bellatrix demanded anxiously.

"K-kill her? She's a child," Malfoy replied.

"Weak idiot," Rudolphus grunted, "I'll do it."

"No!" Andromeda attempted to stand again but Bellatrix just knocked her back across the room with a simple flick of her wand. She crashed against the china cabinet and dishes shattered around her.

"Now, Dora!" Ted shouted as he pushed himself up and Nymphadora shape-shifted into a small jackrabbit with blue fur and slid out of Lucious' grasp.

Everyone was stunned for a moment and Ted took the opportunity to tackle Rudolphus to the ground and fight him for his wand while yelling, "You will not come into my home and threaten my family you pathetic, inbred, creep!"

Andromeda shoved the broken dishes away and located Marvin's wand from where he'd dropped it on the floor. Bellatrix sent her favorite devil's snare spell forward. The vine caught Andromeda around the neck and began to choke her but she was able to force out, "Incendio." And the flames broke the hex, freeing her.

"You want to play with fire?" Bellatrix shouted, now furious. "Fine."

"Wait-" Rudolphus warned as he scuffled with Ted but it was too late. Belaltrix sent rapid fire blasts after the swift jackrabbit but was unable to hit it. The flames ignited the room and smoke fill the space.

Ted caught his daughter who morphed back into herself. "Well done, my brave girl. Now hang onto daddy." She wrapped her arms around his neck tightly but stuck her tongue out at Bellatrix. "Get to the floo!"

Andromeda stood, her hands bleeding from the broken china, grabbed the floo power from the mantle and waited until Ted was beside her then covered them with Marvin's wand as all three entered. "Marvin!"

"Go!" he shouted as he held Bellatrix back to stop her, pinning her arms back as Lucious grabbed him from behind and attempted to wrench him away.

"We aren't leaving you!"

Bellatrix got an evil glared fixed in her eye at the sight of the Tonks family getting away. "Stop them!"

"I said go! You're the muggleborn, Ted. Not me! Please, for Dora!" He managed to hold them off a bit longer. "GO!" He shouted again and Ted grabbed the powder from his wife and dropped it.

"No!" Bellatrix groaned and Marvin stopped fighting back, knowing it was senseless with three against one in a burning home. "Where did they go?!"

"The hell if I know," He grumbled as Rudolphus and Malfoy held his arms back. "Away from you."

"Maybe. But you won't be so lucky," She hissed into his face.

Back at the Safe House...

Lily and Tabitha finished prepping the next batch of Wolfsbane. Tabitha was over the cauldron, turning green from the potion's odor when Lily pat her on the back, "Why don't you get some air. I can take a turn stirring."

"But the smell can't be good for the baby."

"It's been about two months. I think I'm safely outside the nausea phase," she took the spoon from Tabitha to stir and examined her face. "You ok?"

"Yes... it's just something Greyback said the other day."

"Don't give it another thought, Tabitha."

"No, it's as if he knew something about me I didn't know myself."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Maybe nothing. These days I feel like we know everything about each other but nothing about ourselves."

"Maybe it's better that way in a War. It helps us keep an eye out for each other and not be as self-focused."

"I suppose."

They heard a pop outside and Lily instantly relaxed noticeably. "They're back."

"I'll go warn them we've eaten all of Kip's dinner and they're stuck with leftovers."

"Good luck," she chuckled as Tabitha went to the front door. The boys barreled in and Peter instantly said, "Food."

"In the pantry." He ran past and Sirius and James were next to enter. "Your wife's by the cauldron, Potter. You ok? You seem cross."

"Let's just say I hate politics," he grunted still thinking of the words of the Minister of Magic.

As Sirius followed after James, Tabitha turned and called after him. "Black?" When he stopped and faced her though she felt unsure what else she wanted to say.

"Well?"

"I'm... not sure..." She thought further, "You ok?"

Sirius glanced down at himself, "Um. Fine."

"Heard from Andromeda lately?"

"Just sent a message to her the other day. No bad news back yet."

"Oh... probably nothing then." When Sirius followed James into the kitchen, Tabitha turned back to welcome Remus in. "Hey, so I thought of adding some vanilla to the potion. It's not your favorite flavor, I know, but it's the only thing that won't dilute the affects. Lilly also suggested just putting a bit of chocolate in your mouth before you take a swig and-" She stopped when she felt Remus take her and and pull her into his chest. "R-Remus?"

"I'm so sorry," He rest his head against hers. "I've been so afraid to touch you or look at you. I've lost myself, Tabitha. But I'm coming back now. I promise."

Tabitha whispers to herself, "Oh thank Merlin..."

"You've never given up on my soul, none of you have. I just kept pushing away the people that loved me the most and I'm so sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing, but abandoning one's soul is never the right path. I know that now."

"Remus... We've been here before. I can't explain the pain of watching you stray from who you are. Promise me you won't push us away again."

"I promise, Tabitha. It's you and me. Whatever happens with the potion this week, I'm entrusting my soul to you for safekeeping. As long as I know you have it, I'll always find my way back." He lifted her chin and planted a hesitant kiss on her.

When she pulled back she looked up at him. "I'll guard it with my life, Rem. Because I... I love..." Neither of them had been able to say it before to anyone, not even a friend. Remus even felt guilty when he said it to his parents. Still now, they felt unable to speak it aloud for fear of burdening the other person, yet they knew the truth. They did love each other. But as Narcissa Malfoy had observed years before at Hogwarts... love has a way of hurting people and costing them everything in the end.

Buckle up, all. We've reached the mid-point and we are about to lose a friend...