AN: Realized I've been misspelling Alastor Moody's name and the Prewett's last name so I've made that correction moving forward.

Book II: Age of the Pheonix

Chapter XVIII: 'Hope' is Lost

Music Theme: Yesterday - The Beetles

Hogwarts - January 1975...

James and Sirius raced their brooms across Hogwarts' grounds when they spotted their comrades, Remus and Peter, deep in discussion with Lily Evans and some of her roommates. "What's Moony and Wormtail doing talking with her?" James grumbled.

"Worried they'll catch cooties from the girls, Potter?" Sirius teased.

"More worried they'll befriend them. Come on," He zoomed ahead and Sirius followed. They landed in the center of the circled group of girls who stood in the courtyard.

"What's all the gossip out here?" He asked. "It better be good for you to kidnap Remus and Peter like this."

"The Beetles broke up over Christmas break - the band." Remus said as Sirius dismounted his broom and stood beside him.

"Didn't they break up already a few years ago?" Sirius asked. "Band's not the same without McCartney's lyrics anyway."

"That's what I said," Tabitha muttered.

"Ick," Sirius scowled. "Never agree with me again, Delaney. It's weird."

"Well," James sighed as he snatched the paper out of Lily's hands and read the headline. "It's legal now. My long lost brother has strayed too far off the path. Damn that Yoko."

"Potter, will you give me my paper back?" Lily grumbled. "And you don't look like John Lennon, for Merlin's sake."

"Another brilliant example that you know nothing, Evans."

Marlene laughed, "Well I suppose we'll have to stop calling you four the Beatles of Hogwarts. Nothing will break you lot up. Not even a Yoko."

"It's wasn't her fault. All she did was start dating one of them," Peter defended.

"Yea... the married one."

"Good thing none of us are married," Remus chuckled.

"Don't be daft, Moony. You're married to me." Sirius smirked.

"Say that one more time and people are going to start believing it."

"Oh, I do hope so." He snickered and tossed an arm lovingly around Remus only for the taller teen to shove him off with a bashful smirk. "But you're right, McKinnon. Nothing's breaking this lot up. No girls allowed. No defections allowed."

"You four really think you're going to defy nature and be together forever. None of you moving on with your life?"

"What life is there outside of band, McKinnon?" James asked. "Mates for life. If it comes down to picking between some dame and the band, I'll always pick you lot."

"Same," Sirius said then gave Remus a nudge.

"Huh? Right. Me too. Lads first," Remus said but glanced up at Tabitha who quickly looked away as soon as their eyes met.

The Safe House - February 1980...

"She should have sent a Patronus by now," Gideon worried as he paced. "Anything she told you about her dream that could help us deduce where they are, Pettigrew?"

Paper rubbed his head trying to think. "Just foggy windows."

"Windows?" Fabian thought, "Max Forrestor's apartment had filthy windows. Did she say anything about him?"

"No, just Greyback."

"We saw Greyback leave Forrestor's flat when we were spying on Knockturn," Gideon said.

"That's got to be where they are."

"Are you sure?"

"I've seen the inside of the place. I'm sure."

"Peter, get word to the others and let them know what's happened. Fabian and I will go to Knockturn."

"I thought Frank said he already searched there," Peter asked nervously.

"Aye, but he didn't know about Forrestor's flat. I'm kicking myself for not starting there," Fabian grumbled.

"It's not your fault. We didn't know Lestrange would pass off Marvin to someone else. Now can you quit bickering with me long enough to get our friend back?"

"Let's go," Fabian said as he grabbed his coat from the hook.

"Peter, send out the message. If anything happens to us..." Gideon paused as he picked up his coat, not really sure what else there was to say, "Well... let's just take it one step at a time."

Meanwhile in Hogsmede...

Greyback ripped Tabitha from the public floo and grimmaced at Hogwarts on the hill before shoving her ahead of him into the snow, now turned to slush, on the ground. "Get up, Tabitha. Get up and run to the safety of your pathetic school before I change my mind and have my way with you." She stood up and stared at him, feeling powerless without her wand or any magic. "What? Surprised I'm letting you go?"

"Of course I'm not... I know he has my wand."

"Ah," Greyback smirked, "You catch on quick. That's right. Wherever we go. We'll find you." He took a step towards her but when she backed up he let out a loud, bellowing laugh, "You came storming into that pathetic farmhouse with such confidence. Look at you now, as weak and defenseless as my last victim. She didn't have magic either, her true love nowhere to protect her. You'll be my next one if you don't do what Max says."

"I don't have a choice."

"No, you don't. Be out of here by sunset or pay the consequences." Tabitha backed up towards the gates of Hogwarts just as the wind blew against her back. Greyback inhaled deeply and breathed in every ounce of her scent. He opened his eyes narrowly and gazed at her. "Then again... one more romp in the snow wouldn't hurt."

He moved faster than a poltergeist and Tabitha stumbled back, running towards Hogwarts gates. The school was a sanctuary on the hill and was just out of reach as the nearly full moon shone down on it. Tabitha grabbed the locked gates and her heart sunk at the realization that any use of the password to enter would be using magic. She heard the monster of a man laugh as he realized as well and advanced closer. Tabitha hugged the gates to hold on for dear life when she heard a zap followed by a thud. She winced when a firm hand grabbed her shoulder, but could instantly sense it wasn't Greyback's.

"You ok, kid?" It was the voice of Aberforth Dumbledore.

Tabitha just nodded, unable to speak. She looked over her shoulder and saw Greyback stunned in the snow, the rain pelting his uncontious face.

"What the hell are you doing out here? And without a wand?" When she didn't answer, Aberforth just sighed and unlocked the Hogwarts gates to usher her in. "Come one. Let's get you out of the rain."

Meanwhile in Dumbledore's office...

Dumbledore, Madeye Moody and Theseus Scammander had gathered. All were buried deep in a discussion when the fireplace crackled beside them with green flame. Madeye shot from his chair and drew his wand, aiming towards it but Dumbledore raised his hand to stop him before even seeing the intruder. "Stand down, Alastor."

Peter Pettigrew emerged with his normal, anxious countenance. "P-Professor..."

"Pettigrew, what news do you have?"

"Tabitha sir... she got a dream about McKinnon. They think he's in Knockturn Alley. She went after him but he hasn't returned yet. I think it's a trap."

Theseus, stood and swiftly approached his coat on the hook.

"Theseus..." Dumbledore warned.

"That's two of my kids these bastards have taken, Albus," he replied. "I won't allow it to continue. Not after what happened to Lupin."

Peter started to panic as his thoughts began to spiral. "What's happened to Remus?"

"He's perfectly fine, Peter," Dumbledore calmed him. "Professor Scammander wasn't referring to him. Now tell me, why do you think this is a trap for Tabitha?"

"W-well, they sent her the dream and told her to come alone. Maybe they found out about her family prophecy... somehow. Maybe they found out about her and Remus?"

"What about them?" Madeye barked.

"Well they're getting close. And when we found out about her family prophecy I did joke that maybe they should just marry to keep her safe, but it was just a joke..."

"He can't do that," Madeye said urgently. "Greyback will kill her. This wasn't just about Lyall, Albus, it was a warning to Remus too!"

"Lyall? Remus' father?" Peter's confusion grew.

As Madeye turned to face Peter, Dumbledore attempted once more to stop him, but the younger man said, "Peter, Hope is gone."

"I thought you said hope is all we have at a time like this."

"Listen to me boy!" Madeye grabbed Peter by the shoulders and shook him. "Hope Lupin, Remus' mother, is dead! She was killed yesterday while Lyall was with Theseus and I at the Ministry."

Peter backed away and whispered, "Greyback?"

"Aye," Madeye nodded. "I know his work too well. After our business at the Ministry I went back to the Lupin home with Lyall. We found what was left of her together. Lyall was likely the target, but Greyback never rejected an opportunity to attack someone with no magic to defend themselves."

Peter's mind was spinning, the events of the week weighed on him as the lack of sleep and the preverbal sword that seemed to hang over his friends grew more and more by the second. "Remus doesn't know?"

"We were going to go tell him, but Tonks showed up here and told us about McKinnon. That took priority."

"And now finding both him and Tabitha takes priority," Theseus said, but as he ripped open the door he gasped. "Tabitha!"

She stood there, her fist raised to knock, soaking wet from the rain. When she saw her professor she just fell forward into his safe embrace.

"There there, Tabitha. We've got you," Theseus pat her back.

"It's me," she whispered to him. "This whole time, it's been me. I'm the Guardian."

Dumbledore couldn't help but glance to Peter to examine the small boy's reaction. No expression was present though. Peter didn't seem alarmed, nervous or concerned. He just stood there, deep in thought, and watched the girl rest on the shoulder of her old Professor.

Knockturn Alley...

Marvin let out a shout in pain as his broken ribs crashed against the crooked, wooden steps outside Max's flat. "What are you going to do with her..."

"She's not your concern anymore.." Max said. "I swore to let you go, now I have. Run along to your home... what's left of it."

"You'll find there's a great deal left of it." The voice of Gideon came from behind Max who turned and ducked to miss the swing of the boy's fist.

"That's my cue," Max laughed and apparated away in front of the Prewett boy.

"No!" Marvin cried then grabbed his ribs. "Gideon, he has Delaney's wand!"

Gideon shushed Marvin to keep him quiet. "It's ok, mate. We'll get it back. Where is she?"

"I don't know! I think they said it was her old house but I don't know if she's still there."

"Ok, easy. Let's first get you somewhere safe," He carefully wrapped Marvin's arm over his shoulder and lifted him up. "Just lean on me."

"As long as you don't get any ideas. I know how you Prewett like to flirt with my family."

"Well at least your sense of humor is in tact," Gideon smiled.

Around the corner, Fabian was searching high and low for Max. This section of Knockturn Alley was growing busy as the storm began to separate and the hazey dawn peeked through. Fabian was about to give up hope on finding the sly Death Eater when he saw a hooded figure approaching Borgin and Burkes. He listened patiently, each step nearing more and more, then lunged forward, shoving the small figure across the alley and against the damp stone wall under one of the dim streetlamp.

The hood flew off, the face revealed, and Fabian could only manage to say one word, "Why..."

Mary MacDonald, wide-eyed with shock, stood before him. "Fabian..."

"I can't believe it," he whispered back to her with a pain-filled expression, the tip of his wand pressed against her neck. "You're one of them? Spying on us this entire time?"

"Fabe, please-"

"This is why you told us to stop spying on this street, isn't it? To protect yourself?"

"I can explain."

"No Mary. No, you're going to have to do a lot more than explain."

"Fabian," she said calmly, "I"m not spying on you. I'm spying on the Death Eaters."

"Spin it for Columbo, Mary. Let's go."

"I'm not spinning anything, Fabian please! If you take me away, my absence will prove I'm a spy and cost people their lives."

"People like Marvin?"

"Marvin? What's he got to do with this?"

"He's was taken prisoner, Mary, by your new friends," He sneered.

"Fabe, I swear I had no knowledge of this. Is anyone else with you?"

"Oh yea... Agent 99 and Maxwell Smart are about join us," he rolled his eyes.

"You like your Muggle telly don't you?" she smirked but her grin just hurt him more.

"Gideon's around the corner and about discover the truth!" He snapped.

"Shhh! The truth isn't what you think. Fabian you have to let me go. If I'm missing from the eyes of Mulciber or Barty for too long they'll get suspicious and jeopardize everything. I'm so close to discovering who the Guardian is. Please!"

"So you're suggesting it isn't you?!"

"Of course it isn't me!"

"Fabian?" Gideon's whisper came around the corner followed by shuffled footsteps.

"You can't let him see me," Mary pleaded.

Fabian took some steady breaths and said, "Answer one question."

"Anything..."

"Has Mulciber hurt you?"

Mary blinked. All the questions in his mind, all the anger he must be feeling, and yet he chooses to still ensure she's safe. "He... um..."

"Answer me, Mary." Fabian insisted, still pressing her against the wall and aiming at her. "I saw him with you going in and out of meetings. Has he hurt you?"

"Fabian if you don't let me go, I won't be the only one who is hurt. Now please, go. I'll explain later."

Fabian heard Gideon getting closer and stepped away from her. He prayed he wasn't doing wrong in allowing her to leave, but Marvin was the priority now. Mary put her hood back over her face and ran the opposite direction, vanishing into the darkness.

"Fabian?" Gideon called again when he spotted him, just missing the sight of Mary. "What are you doing in the streetlight?!"

Fabian just kept his back to his brother as he stared at the dark street. "Any luck?"

"Well," Marvin's voice came, "See for yourself."

"Marv!" Fabian sighed in relief upon seeing his friend behind him. He ran to embrace him but quickly pulled away when he groaned in pain. "Blimey you look ghastly."

"I've been used as a hexing dummy. What's you're excuse?" He grinned weakly.

"Forrestor got away," Gideon said, "With Delaney's wand."

"He can trace her then."

"Maybe we can set a trap and give him a taste of his own medicine, but we can't talk about it here." He took a few steps up the street with Gideon and realized Fabian seemed elsewhere. "You ok?"

"Huh?" His eyes had watched where Mary departed when Gideon brought him back to focus. "Yea. Let's go."

Shortly After at Hogwarts...

The McKinnons didn't care if they woke every student in the school as they hurried through the Hogwarts halls, being shushed by every portrait. Dumbledore had sent his patronus to alert everyone that Marvin and Tabitha were safely back at his office and time was of the essence. Angus and Marlene had not spoken a word to each other since getting the news. Even though they knew Marvin was safe, they still held their breath until they were reunited. A nearby passage door opened and Remus, Lily and James emerged.

"Where's Sirius?" Marlene asked.

"He should already be here," Lily said.

"He better be," James added.

"Why did Dumbledore's message specify that Tabitha was back safely?" Remus asked with a tremor in his voice. "What was wrong with her?"

"I'm not sure, mate," Angus said as the other joined them in their sprint.

Everyone barged through the door of Dumbledore's office and crowded in. Sure enough, the others were already there. Marvin sat in Dumbledore's chair where Alice and Fabian were cleaning his wounds and applying some ice. Tabitha was seated beside Scammander. Peter had pulled Sirius into the corner and was whispering softly to him. Sirius heard the others enter but didn't have the strength to turn and face him, knowing his face would reveal everything Peter and Tabitha had shared.

"Lily," Alice motioned her over. "May need your magic here."

Before she could near him though, Marlene and Angus moved ahead and crowded their older brother. Marlene rest her hand on her brother's cheek, now free of blood, but still bruised. "Hey Marley-lass," he smiled with his broken grin.

"You bloody eejit," she sniffled and kissed the top of his head.

Marvin looked to Angus and said, "Gideon brought me back. Good bloke."

"Takes one to know one, brother," Angus said softly and took his brother's hand, but glanced over his shoulder to look for Gideon.

"Gideon, Frank and Tonks are still out with Alastor looking for Max Forrestor," Marvin specified. "They're sticking together so they'll be ok."

"What role does he play in all of this?" James asked.

"Tabs?" Remus called softly. He'd spotted her instantly when they entered but froze in his steps when she refused to look up from her seat against the wall where Theseus stood beside her, a comforting hand on her shoulder. "What happened?"

When she didn't answer, Remus noticed the rest of the room was quiet. He knew he and the other's had just missed an important discussion and felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Padfoot?" Remus looked over his shoulder at his friend. He could tell something was burdening him, but only Peter knew exactly how much. Tabitha had shared with them her ordeal about the vow, but only Peter and Sirius knew the truth about Hope Lupin. Remus was in for a brutal discussion, and Sirius knew he'd have to be the one to navigate it.

"You better sit down mate."

"This is wrong!" Remus protested after hearing the news about Tabitha's vow. "She's not the bloody Guardian! They can't have her!"

"Remus, calm down," Lily said.

"Sir," James said to Dumbledore, "The Guardian Prophecy refers to a traitor. Tabitha being forced out like this and saving Marvin's life hardly seems like treason to me."

"Forrestor suggested that the treason was to the Ministry. We all are vigilantes after all," Marvin groaned as Lily continued to assist him.

"So was my father," Tabitha mutters. "The order of Caomhnóir was banshee hunters."

"So?"

"So..." Mavin muttered, "Caomhnóir means Guardian."

"That's just a coincidence!" Remus barked.

"Yes, but without Mr. Pettigrew remembering all of the prophecy verbatim can make it very hard to be sure, can't it?" Dumbledore insisted.

"Wormtail, is there anything else you can remember?" Remus asked. "Please?"

"I... no... I'm sorry."

"Guardian or not, Tabitha has a vow enforced on her," James said trying to calm the room. "She has to get out of here."

"You can take her to my place, Moony." Sirius said and reached into his pocket and pulled his keys out. "Take my bike."

"That will take the better half of the morning."

"Well she can't exactly apparate there, can she? We can set a trap for Max at my flat."

"I'd wager Max won't come today," Dumbledore said. "Were I a betting man, I'd think he'd make his move tomorrow night."

"The full moon..." Angus whispered.

"I'll go alone," Remus insisted after a pregnant pause. "To the shack. Sirius, James and Peter can guard her."

"We still don't know if James' injuries will turn him tomorrow, Moony," Sirius said.

"Then I'll go," Alice insisted. "Frank and I or the Prewetts can guard her."

"Making her bait," James whispered and everyone looked to him. "She's bloody bait now. They want the Longbottoms, The Prewetts, Me... Snape said so at the Ministry. He said one day the offer to join their ranks would run out, meaning they're still wanting us on their side."

"And every time you risk coming face to face with Voldemort... you risk defying him and strengthening that prophecy about your children," Tabitha whispered.

"Tabs, no... I know what you're thinking-" Remus, who had been holding her hand tightly, looked at her and tried to stop her.

"That's what'll make me a traitor - if I insist on saving myself over someone else's child."

"You're not the Guardian!" he snapped and Theseus stood.

"Albus, if we find the wand then Max won't be able to find her. There still could be a way she could hide somewhere until we find a way to break this vow."

"Theseus, you know as well as I those vows cannot be broken until one of the parties is dead."

"Then I'll kill him," Remus grumbled, his hand tightening on Tabitha's. "I'll find the asshole and make him sorry." He pulled her up and escorted her to the door, taking Sirius' keys from him.

"You need to calm down, mate," Sirius whispered as he passed. "There's more we haven't told you."

Dumbledore cleared his throat and shook his head at Sirius who just stepped out of the way and let Remus and Tabitha pass.

"I think giving him time to cool off is best," James said once Remus and Tabitha had exited. "Whatever news still needs to be shared, maybe it's best to save it for a better time."

"There's no better time for this kind of news, Prongs," Sirius said as he thought of the news Peter shared of Remus' mother.

"Then go with him," he pat his friend on the shoulder. "Make sure they get somewhere safe. You've got your mirror?"

"Yea. I'll call you if anything changes."

As Sirius started to leave, he paused at the door and looked back at the reunited McKinnons. He hand't even had the chance to speak with Marlene. She'd barely looked at him. He had much he wanted to say... but Remus was hurting now and, to Sirius, the lads always came first.

After Sirius left the McKinnon's helped their brother into the floo with Fabian's assistance and took him home. Alice walked with Theseus to his office to wait a bit longer for Frank's return and the Potters would wait patiently at the Safe House with Peter for whatever decision Tabitha came to regarding her fate.

As everyone departed, Peter lingered slightly back then turned to face Dumbledore when the headmaster called him. "Peter, about The Guardian Prophecy..."

"Sir?"

"There is only one thing that keeps me from truly believing this about Tabitha. I wondered if you could explain it."

Peter gulped noticebly as Dumbledore went on.

"If Tabitha is the Guardian... then what role do you play in her fate?"

"My role, sir?"

"You pulled the sphere from the Hall of Prophecy, Peter. That means it applies to you in some way."

"I... I told you already sir. It's my job to defeat the Guardian."

"And did you?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "Did you play a part in Tabitha's defeat." When Peter refused to answer he added, "I'll remind you your friend's happiness and the future of a young women depend on the truth. Did you play a part in Max's capture of Tabitha Delaney, regardless of intention?"

Peter felt the same way he did, cowering under Max's gaze in Hogsmede alley. He felt weak, forced to speak with Dumbledore's knowing glare, manipulating him to submit to the truth. Well he wouldn't submit any more. He was in control. He stood tall and said, "The part I played no longer matters, Sir. Tabitha Delaney is the Guardian... and she needs to go." He slammed the door behind him and rejoined the others.

Sirius Black's Flat - Crouch Hill, London...

Tabitha somberly explored Sirius' flat, she'd barely spoken since they arrived. Remus frantically raced about, closing blinds and searching each room. Sirius stood stationary in the middle of the room watching Tabitha carefully while Remus buzzed about. When the gangly young man tried to pass him, he just grabbed his arm, "Slow down, mate..."

"We don't have time to slow down. Max could be coming now. He has her wand."

"You heard Dumbledore. He won't be coming tonight."

"Did you install a floo network here?" Remus asked ignoring Sirius' concern.

Sirius just gave him a defeated look, "It's upstairs."

"I'll go jam it."

"No," Sirius pulled on his arm. "I'll do it. You two should talk." He let go of him and then quietly left the room before ascending the steps to the top floor bedroom.

Remus approached Tabitha and set his arms on her shoulders. "I never should have repaired that bloody wand for you."

"This isn't your fault, Remus."

"Last we spoke I promised you'd never have to face anything alone again, and you've already done just that. I shouldn't have left you."

"We had a job to do. We still have a job to do-"

His tone finally calmed and he said, "It's no use is it?"

"Don't say that." It was Tabitha's turn to sound desperate as she faced him "You don't know that. There's got to be something we haven't thought of."

"There is a trace on you. James is right. They'll use you as bait and I won't be able to defend you if they come during the moon."

"The potion still may work, Remus." When he didn't answer she asked, "Do you want me to go?"

"Of course I don't, but that life you had before... that muggle life... may be safer."

"What life?! Remus I had nothing. I was so alone."

"And if you stay here you'll die. Tabitha, I can't live with that. You have a chance to live, we have to take it."

"There is no living when I'm only half of myself, Remus. I am you now." She grabbed his hand and interlocked her fingers as her tears started. "I've got no strength without you. Without you, I don't exist. But-"

"But..."

"But there's something you don't know."

"What I do know is how I feel about you. I want a bloody life with you." He lifted her hand and kissed it. "But we can't have that if you're dead. And if you died… I'll die inside." He wrapped her in his arms and swayed as if trying to rock a child to soothe it. "I'm so sorry, Tabitha… I'm sorry you're in love with a coward who can't kill to save you."

"What do you mean?"

"I thought I meant what I said about Max. In that moment I wanted to make him sorry. The moon's fury was so strong. If I kill him you'll be free of the vow but in my soul... I don't know if I have what it takes. A bloody coward."

"No, Remus. No. You must not ever apologize for valuing a life, even it's Max's. We aren't murderers. That's the only thing that separates us from darkness. I won't be the reason you loose the fight for your soul."

"What other option is there..."

Tabitha stayed quiet a long while completely wrapped in his embrace when she whispered, "We could get married." Remus didn't say anything, but stopped rocking. She slunk out of his embrace and looked him in the eye. He didn't seem shocked. He appeared to even be contemplating the possibility. "Peter always joked about marrying me off to force the prophecy. The only reason for this vow is because they want me gone is because of it. Maybe if we end the Delaney name it will bring about Voldemort's end."

"Angus warned us that horrible things happen to wizards who manipulate prophecies though, Tabitha."

"Moony..." They heard Sirius who stood in the doorframe having listened to their conversation. "Can I have a word."

Remus just nodded to him then looked at Tabitha. "We've got time. Sun has barely come up. We will find a way before the day's over, I swear." He kissed the top of her head but she grabbed his hand one more time before letting him depart.

"Rem?" She felt, no matter what, he had to know about Greyback's suspicions of her pregnancy even if it ended up being false. She knew it meant he'd likely push her away for her own safety, but she had to tell him the truth.

"What is it, love?" His own eyes widened at the words as he realized he'd said it and Tabitha trembled. They'd come so far for it all to come crashing down now. All she manged to say was, "I love you..."

Remus forgot Sirius was there a moment, hurried back to her and pulled Tabitha close one more time to tenderly kiss her. He was unable to speak, always fearful of returning those words to anyone but his actions showed her that the feelings were mutual. When he pulled back he whispered, "Tabs, I-"

"Moony... now," Sirius, who had looked away, called over his shoulder.

Tabitha now let Remus' hand slip from her fingers and watched him walk away from her and close the door behind him.

"You can't marry her, mate," Sirius said once he'd pulled Remus into the backyard.

"Of course I can't," Remus sighed, "The Ministry doesn't consider it legal for Werewolves to marry yet. I'm not documented though, so we may be able to get away with it."

"Regardless of the werewolf, you can't marry her. It's not safe for her or you. Andromeda's whole family was almost killed because of her blood treason. You think Greyback is any better than Bellatrix?"

"We can keep it hidden, just to bring the prophecy about and maybe even end Voldemort's tyrany."

"You can't force a Prophecy, Remus. These things have to come about naturally."

"This is natural, Padfoot!"

"Is it? Do you really care about her, Remus? Or do you care about how she makes you feel?"

"Don't project on me, Padfoot," He said in a warning tone, "I'm sorry about what happened between you and Marlene but you made your choice. If you were uncertain of how you felt and wanted to protect her then I commend you, but I know how I feel."

"Well let me tell you what I felt, Remus. I felt part of my heart torn away when I lost Euphemia Potter. I felt my damn soul die as I stared at her slipping away in a hospital bed. Grief does something to you Remus, and everyone else you welcome into your life is just one more person to be taken away. You're already in a battle for your soul, you can't afford to risk losing is just because you want a girlfriend."

"She's more than that."

Sirius thought a long while. He knew Hope Lupin was dead. He knew how Remus would react. Would that be all it took to push him to the dark? He didn't know. But he knew that loss plus losing Tabitha would certainly do it. Sirius tucked his hands in his back pocket and slipped his fingers around his wand. "I just want you to be sure and do what's best for you both. Can you honestly tell me she is someone you love and not just-"

"What is it I'm supposed to do, Padfoot?" Remus cuts him off, "Lie to her? Say I don't love her? That I just love the way she makes me feel. It's true that is she makes me feel more like a man and less like a monster, and I like that feeling, but it's nothing compared to how I feel about her. I'm trying to tell myself that she doesn't need me and I don't need her, but it's not true. I never did let myself fall for someone because I was afraid of codependence. Hell I only went out on dates with some girls in school because I just wanted to feel good about myself, but when I started falling for Tabitha it felt different. I knew the moment I gave into those feelings, I'd never be the same. I know she needs to go, Padfoot. But I won't force her away by lying and telling her I have no need for her. To do that would be betraying my soul and her trust." He took a breath. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"Aye, mate..." He shook his wand to stop the charm he'd been using. "That will do."

"I don't know what I'm going to tell her about her... proposal. But," he hesitated.

"But?"

"I keep thinking of something Dad told me about Mum." As Remus said it, Sirius stiffened. "He said he pushed her away once because he thought he was being valiant, but realized it was actually selfish of him. He said he realized it hurt her to run and encouraged me not to do the same again. All my parents have been through together, Mum with no magic and Dad with a target on his back form Greyback and now Voldemort and yet they've managed just fine."

"Moony..."

"Tabitha and I will be fine too. We will fine a way."

"Moony, listen..."

"We can make this work. Maybe if I-"

"You're Mum is dead, Moony." Sirius snapped, his eyes fixed on the ground and his heart breaking. "She's dead."

"W-what? No," Remus softly replied, "You're lying..."

"You know I don't lie, Remus. She's dead. Greyback killed her. Alastor told me," he pulled a cigarette from his pocket to compose himself only for Remus to rip it out of his fingers and toss it to the ground.

"Look at me!" He shouted. When Sirius didn't, Remus took his friends face in his trembling hands and forced him to look up eye-to-eye. "Tell me the truth."

"He went after your father and she was there instead... no magic... no way to defend herself. Sound familiar?" Every inch of Sirius' body ached at the sight of Remus' watering and panicked eyes. "I wasn't supposed to tell you but I can't let you go through with the same mistake. It's for your own good. It's for Tabitha's good-" He stopped as Remus shoved him away. "Go ask Dumbledore if you won't believe me!"

Remus looked to the upper window of the house where Tabitha hid, his whole body shivering and the tears suppressed.

"Go on, Moony. Go ask him. I'll wait with her."

Remus lifted his finger as if to say something more, some threat or scolding to Sirius but not a sound came form his mouth as he was overcome with emotion. He just stepped back and appareled away.

Sirius wanted nothing more than to turn to Euphemia Potter and seek advice, so he closed his eyes and muttered, "Let this be the right thing... please."

Sirius then made his way upstairs, he rested his hand on the door to his sitting room and thought for a moment if he should continue. All he knew was the incredible pain he was feeling right now, the loss of the only parents he loved, eating away at him and the possible loss of a brother. It was a feeling he wouldn't wish on anyone. And now, he had the chance to save Remus from that pain, to save Tabitha's life, and to help everyone by staying one step ahead of the Death Eaters. Yes. He had to do this.

Sirius didn't realize his hand had slipped a bit, causing the door to creak open.

"Remus?" Tabitha called.

"No..." He gulped as he pushed the door open and saw Tabitha standing there waiting, eyes eager.

"Oh, Padfoot..." She sighed in relief.

Sirius froze when she said his nickname. She'd never used it. They barely called each other by their first names. Here was a former rival, now turned friend, and he was about to ruin it.

"Where is Remus?"

"He's not coming, Tabs," Sirius says bluntly.

"W-what?"

"Do you think you can resist using magic if Remus comes in harms way? One tiny spell from you and you're toast."

"It'll be worth it. To protect my friends. And to be with the man I love." She sighed. "There, I said it again. I love him. Godric, I've always loved him. And this stupid vow isn't going to change that. Remus and I-"

"Remus doesn't love you, Tabitha." Sirius finally spit out the words and Tabitha stood stunned and confused. Sirius just continued, "That's why I'm here. I've got to prevent you from making a mistake and getting yourself killed over him. You're just... you're just a fling to him. He doesn't want you dead for the sake of that and neither do I. I'm just man enough to tell you."

"Sirius," She shook her head. "I don't believe that for one second."

"Hear it yourself then," He drew his wand and lifted it. "Repetto."

The wand illuminated and Remus' voice emerged from it, "I don't love her. I just love the way she makes me feel... She makes me feel more like a man and less like a monster, and I like that feeling... I don't need her... I never did... I just wanted to feel good about myself... she needs to go... I have no need for her." When the fragments of his words were done, Sirius lowered the wand and Remus' voice vanished.

Sirius kept his eyes to the floor, afraid to face Tabitha. He said, "So there you go. It would be wise for you to just forget him. Stay in the muggle world and find a safe place to hide. I think-"

"What the hell are you doing?" Tabitha interrupted in a cold tone.

Sirius looked up to face her. Her eyes were red and welled up with tears, many of which had already made their way down her cheeks, but her expression was crosser than scorned hippogriff.

"Who do you think you're bloody talking to?" She said as she took a step towards him. "I watched you use that damn trick with your father's words to get out of assignments in school. Do you think I'd forget that?"

"Tabs, Remus really said all those things-"

"Don't 'Tabs' me, Black. You're a dreadful liar and always have been," She stepped up to him and said, "Why the hell are you doing this?"

"I'm trying to protect you! Protect both of you!"

"Being together is what's going to keep me and Remus safe, not this" she said as she snatched his wand and tossed it to the ground. "Godric, if I could make you eat slugs right now I would! Why would you do this, Sirius?"

"Because you'll die!" He shouted back to her.

"What have you done with, Remus? Tell me you didn't construct similar lies to send him away." She grabbed him by the shoulders, a plea in her voice, "Black, please tell me you didn't. If he thinks I've cast him out, if you've made him think I don't love him, I'll never forgive you. What did you tell him?"

Sirius looked in her eyes, they were pain-filled and hopeless. The emotions he'd hope to spare his friends from, was the cause of after all. At least they were alive, he thought. "I told him you didn't love him either. You just wanted his protection because he's a feared werewolf." He kept his head tall and tried to keep his composure. "He left right after that. He didn't say where he was going."

"Then I'll wait for him to come back."

"He's not coming back."

Tabitha's hands slunk off Sirius' shoulders. She turned away from him and walked to the door. She opened it and listened for any sign of Remus. When no sound came she just leaned against the doorframe and held back tears. "What have you done?" She whispered.

"I had to keep you both alive, Tabs."

"We are dead without one another, don't you get that? You've just killed me!"

"And don't you get that you can actually be killed for real when you have no way to defend yourself against Death Eaters?" He raised his voice, "Or what about the moon? Huh? You'll just sit there and do nothing as you hear Remus agonizing in pain in the distance? No! You'll run to help and he'll awaken to your dead, mutilated body with his blood on your hands-"

"Stop it..."

"-because you couldn't use magic to protect him from becoming the moster he fears!"

"I said stop!"

"You think they wont use you against him? They'll be able to capture you when you can't defend yourself and use you as bait." He just stared at her in the doorframe, her back to him. "Tabitha," he said as he softened his tone. "I did what I had to do to protect you."

"To protect me? Or to protect you? I'm sorry your world is changing Sirius, I am. I'm sorry that everyone keeps leaving you, but that is bloody life." She sighed and glanced back to him, "and now you've gone too far to protect your precious status quo."

"That's not what this is about."

"I'm just glad Marleen got away from your spoiled ass."

Sirius stiffened at the comment and locked his jaw to keep a calm face as she continued.

"Well congrats, Black." Tabitha grabbed her coat from the hook and tossed it on her shoulder. "You got what you wanted. Your precious Mauraders are all still together. You got Yoko out of the way. Mission accomplished. Mischief Managed," she snapped sternly and turned to leave.

"Tabitha-" Sirius picked up his wand and tried to follow her out but she turned quickly so they were face-to-face.

She looked him dead in the eye and says coldly. "You claim to always put your friends first but all you've ever don't is protect yourself from pain at the expense of others. For a moment I thought that had changed, I thought I really knew you. But I don't know you anymore, Sirius Black. And I never want to see you again."

She slammed the door and Sirius leaned against it to ensure a moment of privacy. Her words burned on his mind as he thought through everything they'd overcome to become friends and now had returned to rivals. No, it was more than rivals now. Sirius had ruined every ounce of trust and friendship. Her words echoed in his mind as he hoped he'd done the right thing.

Sirius didn't know it at the time, but true to Tabitha's prophetic abilities... that would be the last time the two of them ever saw one another.

AN: It's time-jump time... Next chapter will be the last of the winter months and then we get into springtime 1980!

The real question is, is Tabitha gone for good? Do you want to hear more from her? She's played her role in the breaking of trust between Sirius and Remus, but what role does she play in the muggle world? Is she really pregnant with Remus' child? Let me know in the reviews or PM me!

With one Order Member gone though, it's time to meet more!