Book II: Age of the Pheonix

Chapter XXI: Family Sacrifices

Music Theme: Changes - David Bowie

The Black Estate - 1961... (Sensitivity Warning)

Bellatrix sat, stone-faced, at the vanity in her room. She gazed out the window at the stars flickering in the night sky that hung over her father's English home. Sometimes she felt that if she stared long and hard enough, the flame that burned the stars would intensify and create a meteor shower. Sometimes, she'd attempt it for the enjoyment of her sisters, but now she tried to will the stars to fall on their home and burn it to the ground as she sat up that night, waiting for her father to fetch her.

"Bella?" a soft voice called from the doorway.

Bellatrix leapt from her seat and faced her little sister, looking angelic in her nightgown with her soft blonde hair and fair skin. "Cissy. What are you doing out of bed?"

"Mummy's crying woke me up."

Bellatrix said nothing as she waived her sister into the room and closed the door.

Narcissa examined her sister's dress. Instead of being in her nightgown, she was in frills and black lace, a slim green ribbon tied around her neck in a bow, a matching one intertwining through her black hair, and her mother's makeup on her face. "Why are you all dressed up? You look older."

"Get in bed." She motioned to her own bed and pulled back the grey chiffon canopy, hoisting her little sister into the bed. "Someone's just coming to see father and he wanted me to meet him."

"Who?"

"They aren't your concern. You just must promise me you'll stay in here."

"Why?"

"I don't want him to see you."

"Why?"

"I'm not playing twenty questions with you, Cissy!" She snapped but took a deep breath as Narcissa shrunk under the covers. "Mr. Lestrange is coming. He has a son that I'm to marry one day."

"Oh, Bella, how romantic! It's like sleeping beauty."

Bellatrix just brushed her sister's locks from her innocent face as she tucked her into bed. "I guess... not as lucky as her. She got to sleep through half her story."

"Why is mummy so sad?"

"She doesn't like Mr. Lestrange very much, and would prefer I properly come out at the right age and allow boys to court me the usual way, but father thinks this is best to cement our place in history amongst the great wizards."

"I want to come out one day, all in white like a princess. I see pictures of the girls in Mummy's society paper and they are so elegant. It's like a fairy tale."

"I promise, you'll have that fairy-tale, sister. I'll ensure your safe, no matter what it takes."

Just then there was a knock and Bellatrix raced to answer and enter the hall, keeping Narcissa concealed in her room. Cygnus Black stood there, his wand illuminating the dark hallway, and examined his daughter. "Well?"

"I'm ready, father."

He lifted her chin with the tip of his finger and examined her makeup. "Hmmm. It'll do. Come downstairs. I want Mr. Lestrange to see you."

"No need, Black," came the voice of Bastien Lestrange. He was as pale as a ghost. His long black hair was pulled back to reveal his harsh features on his face where dark eyes gazed so hauntingly at Bellatrix, she swore she wouldn't soon forget them. "I couldn't spend one more second down there with your insipid wife."

"Druella will come around regarding the betrothal. She thinks the girl is too young, but you're very mature for your age aren't you, daughter?"

"Yes, father," she replied with a stone-cold tone.

"Is that so?" Bastien smiled cruelly and now even Cygnus stiffened in discomfort. Lestrange folded his hands behind his back and strode up to Bellatrix, examining her face. He "hmmmed" a few times as he grabbed her hands and examined her fingers and nails, then stroked her cheek, her hair, even grabbed her by the jaw to force her mouth open and inspected her teeth as if he was buying a horse for his carriage. "So plain. She won't raise a fuss in the society papers. Rudolphus needs a bride that will make a name for herself at school. Someone so common could never turn a head." Bellatrix jerked out of the man's grasp and rubbed her jaw as he added. "Don't you have a younger one? The blonde one? How old is she?"

"Only six."

"Hmmm. Not too terrible of an age difference once they've graduated school. Still, perhaps I should see your middle one. The brunette."

"Shall you speak about me as if I'm not even here?" Bellatrix finally snapped. "Leave my sisters alone! And what makes you think your stupid son is going to make a name for himself anyway? Maybe I don't want to marry some lazy rich boy who probably looks worse than you do!"

Cygnus turned, struck his daughter on the mouth and harshly whispered, "Do not interrupt."

Bastien Lestrange chuckled as Bellatrix stood proudly, her lip quivering only slightly, "Perhaps I spoke too soon. She's got spunk. Still, you understand that securing our line is of the utmost importance. I was the only son born after five sisters so all Lestrange inheritance will fall to me. I must make sure she knows what to do to continue the family line."

"Bellatrix will make a fine mother one day," Cygnus replied as he composed himself.

"But how can you be sure she understands how to become a mother?"

"She's... only ten, Bastien. The time will come for all that," Cygnus said with a lowered voice.

Lestrange didn't seem certain. "I want her to be prepared. I want my son to have the best."

"She... will be," Cygnus said, his stomach turning as he considered what his words actually suggested regarding his child.

"Is that her bedroom?" The dark featured man asked, pointing a boney finger at the door.

"Bastien... you're not suggesting..."

"You can reduce the dowry as payment for allowing me to test drive," he sighed with a roll of his eyes as he shoved the door open, "But I won't have her lack of experience rid my son of pleasure he's owed one day."

"You can't go in there!" Bellatrix shouted and ran to the door, blocking him from it. The innocent child had no idea the situation she was actually in. All she knew was that she wanted this man a world or two away from Narcissa.

"Lestrange," Cygnus said. "She's a child!"

"And when the time comes for her to marry my son, she won't be. I'll see to that. But I won't have her gaining experience by whoring around with other bloodlines. She's a Lestrange once the Dowry has been paid. I want to ensure I know what my son's getting."

"Why you sick, demented-" Cygnus drew his wand from his breastcoat pocket as Bellatrix blocked the door best she could.

"I'll ensure your family has a place beside the Dark Lord," Bastien said coolly. He recognized Cygnus hesitation and went on. "It's true, Black. He's coming and he will choose his acolytes. Everyone is talking about your family's failings in the society papers. Your sister seems to have married the cursed side of your family. Rumors are old Regulus was a blood-traitor and that his great-nephews could take after him. There's still time for one of yours to go down that path, unless they can secure their place in a bloodline that is certain of what is right and not easily swayed by the blood equality nonsense going about at every afternoon tea these days."

Cygnus lowered his wand and gazed at Bellatrix a long moment before muttering, "I'll keep Druella downstairs."

Bellatrix's survival instincts kicked in as her father abandoned her in the hallway with Mr. Lestrange. She fled, running into her bedroom and slamming the door behind her.

"Bella?" Narcissa whimpered at her older sisters' expression.

"Hide!" She waived Narcissa under the bed who scrambled to obey. "Stay down there. Don't come out for anything, no matter what!"

Narcissa nodded and Bellatrix helped her under the bed before the door flew open and Bastien Lestrange stepped in, removing his gloves.

"Now then," he said casually. "Running away isn't an option, ever. If you're to marry into my family then you must be resolute. You will not show any sign of fear. You will allow my son to do what he damn well pleases. You'll stay one step behind him at all times, head held high. You'll make a name for yourself as a strong woman of no fear, understood? No more running."

"Fine.."

"What?" He barked.

"I mean, yes sir."

"Good. Now." He let out a sign, "Let's see what exactly I'm paying for."

Malfoy Manor - March 16, 1980...

"Come now..." That's all Narcissa had written on the owl's note and Bellatrix waisted no time in abandoning her husband and brother-in-law at the dinner table and rush to her younger sister's aid. There wasn't any sign of Lucious as she shoved through the doors of Malfoy Manor, nearly knocking over the house-elf, Dobby, as he attempted to let her in. Instantly, Bellatrix heard crying in the main hall. She ripped off her cloak and threw it on Dobby then rushed in to Narcissa who sat in tears at her seat beside an empty fireplace and not a single candle lit.

"Cissy..." Bellatrix whispered. Narcissa had never cried, not since she was very young, indicating to Bellatrix the worst scenario had occurred. "No." She crouched in front of her sister and took her hand. "The child? You've lost the child?"

Narissa shook her head, her face in a blank stair as she sniffled.

"The Dark Lord hasn't cast you out has he? Surely he can't suspect you of bearing a treacherous child that will turn against him. You've proven time and again your loyalty. I'll go to him, and fix this for you. I'll-"

"Oh this isn't about the Dark Lord or the prophecy!" Narcissa said as she violently ripped her hands from her eldest sister. "It's Regulus..."

"What about him?"

"He's..."

"What?" Bellatrix stood, grabbing her sister by the shoulders and giving her a shake, "What's he done?! Tell me!"

"He's dead!" Narcissa shouted.

Bellatrix released the young woman, took a step back, and noticeably relaxed. After a few deep breaths, she calmly and casually asked, "Is that all?" Narcissa's angry and shocked stare forced Bellatrix to add, "All that you know?"

Narcissa had collected herself a bit. She reclined into the cushions of the seat, embracing herself and gripping her black jumper as she recalled the events. "I hadn't heard from him in weeks. Not a single owl since Uncle Orion's death. I also stopped seeing Kreecher around. He'd been doing some errands for the Dark Lord, then vanished. Lucious said at the last meeting with Voldemort, he asked for the elf again. I went to Uncle's home... I searched everywhere, Bella. Regulus wasn't there. The elf was hiding from me in the kitchen pantry. He said he'd been hiding because he was instructed not to tell-"

"To tell..."

"To tell me why Regulus had died." Her face now turned from sadness to malice as she hissed, "Had to use every hex I had on the little beast but he wouldn't tell me what happened."

Bellatrix slunk into the seat opposite her sister and pondered, not an ounce of emotion on her face. "We'll have to come up with a story so Voldemort doesn't think our family is full of cowards."

"What?"

"Oh, come now, Cissy. You had Regulus hidden away in that house for a reason. You think I didn't notice Snape changing the subject at meetings every time Reuglus was mentioned. You and the little potion boy locked Regulus in an ivory tower and covered for him because you knew he couldn't handle this job."

"You're the one who pressured him to put that Dark Mark on when he wasn't even done with school, Bellatrix! Why would you do that if you didn't think he could handle it?"

"I needed someone within Hogwarts to recruit for us. Regulus would have done anything I told him. Rudy tried to toughen him up, but you and Lucious coddled him. You made him soft and weak and he ran off like a coward."

"You don't know that!"

"What else then? The only other option is-" Bellatrix haulted at the realization, her eyes shifting to carefully watch her sister who averted her eyes. "No. Nonono, Cissy, tell me I'm wrong. Voluntary Defection? He couldn't have, not after witnessing Sirius turn his back on family and seeing what it cost him. Surely he wouldn't abandon the cause for the sake of some blood-traitors." Bellatrix noticed a flicker of anxiety across her sister's expression and she shot out of her chair. "You've known?! All along you've known he had wavering loyalties and said nothing to me?"

"All I know is that our cousin is dead and you're standing here concerned about how it affects our rank in the Dark Lord's plans," Narcissa scolded in a cold tone.

"I told you before, Cissy. I know what's best for you. Weakness will not be tolerated. One whiff of Regulus' actions to the Dark Lord, especially considering our family history with his namesake and then Sirius' treason," she shuttered, "He'll give up on every Black in his ranks. He can't risk traitors on the inside. He will murder you and I!"

Although Bellatrix's lecture spoke of fear for her sister's safety, the tone in her voice and the look upon her face didn't reflect anything other than fascination. Narcissa felt disgusted that this infatuation her sister had for Voldemort had now grown into an obsession that commanded her mind and soul. Finally, she realized she must ask the question she'd long feared...

"If the Dark Lord deemed I be killed, Bella... would you allow it?"

Bellatrix stared blankly at her sister, clearly not contemplating an answer, rather just stalling before saying, "Yes, I would." Narcissa clicked her tonque and looked away as her sister rushed back to her, crouching beside her as she added, "Which is why I beg you not to let it come to that, Narcissa. You're so stubborn, always doing what you want. But you have to help me help you-"

"Would you let him kill you?" Narcissa interrupted.

"What?"

"You heard me. I remember what Rudolphus' father did to you every Summer for years. I remember his visits to the house and how father allowed him to... 'train you for marriage to his son' as he called it and you didn't fight back because you always feared he'd just pick myself or Andromeda as the next betrothed for Rudolphus and start 'training' us. When the old man died, you told me you'd never allow yourself to be controlled by a man again. You said you'd never let fear rule you and yet not only is fear of Voldemort's wrath controlling you, but you seem almost lustful for it. Now answer me!"

Bellatrix' expression turned cold and she rose to her feet, towering over her sister, "Yes. If Voldemort wished to kill me I would allow it. In fact, I would take joy in knowing that I was part of his great plan through my death. I know he thinks my survival instincts are too strong, and that I would defend myself before allowing him to kill me, but that's only because Rudolphus opened his big mouth and told him what I did..."

"What did you do?"

A gleeful yet sinister smirk cross her face, her dark eyes widening as she said, "Bastien Lestrange didn't just die... I killed him. We sat at dinner and I hexed his food to make it the worst last meal of his life, watching his face scowl as every bite turned to ash on his tongue. His port was bitter and dry and nerely suffocated him with every gulp. I bewitched his mind and muscles so that his ascent to his bedroom would feel more difficult than climbing the steepest mountain. By the time that old fool reached the sanctity of his bed, his sheets pressed down on him like dried cement, pinning him there. Then I went to him, as he had come to me every opportunity he got, even after marrying his idiotic son. I climbed atop him, starred down at his fearful face with a scowl," she smiled as she added, "And I plunged a dagger into his heart and twisted it until the light left his eyes."

Narcissa didn't respond, but just sat somehwhat shocked but not in disbelief.

"So don't you dare sit there and tell me I allow some man to rule me. Everything I've ever done is for the protection of this family. I trust The Dark Lord's intentions because he wants to make a better world our family will thrive in, and yes I pledge my loyalty to him because he is no mere man. He's a god, Cissy. In this war we can choose to live with him as his prophets or fall like angels with broken wings that he's cast out of his kingdom. I will be a god's acolyte in this war and it will be because I said so - me! Lord Voldemort is giving us the choice to follow him, he isn't pinning us down to the bed and forcing himself on us. That alone is proof he cares. Follow him. Forget Regulus. He made his choice and he's gone now." She took her sister's hand and held it tightly, but before she could continue she felt a scar on Narcissa' palm that she'd not noticed initially in her haste. "What's this?" She asked as she turned over her sister's hand in hers.

"I've also made a choice in this war, Bella. I've chosen to protect my child and taken measures to ensure my family's safety."

"What measures? Tell me?"

"I'm sorry, Bella," she pulled her hand away and stood. "You once sacrificed a great deal to protect me. I must do the same for my child now."

"Cissy, I-"

"You should go," she called over her shoulder as she exited the room. "The Dark Lord likely needs you for something..."

Meanwhile at the Safehouse...

"I Bloody hate this," James said as he scratched his pencil hard across the pages of parchment that rested in his lap. He was sitting against the window as Lily finished copying druid charms from a book onto her notepad from her seat at the small desk in the sitting room. "It's a bloody blue moon this month and he's going to be surrounded by a bunch of strangers at the damn werewolf colony."

"The blue moon isn't until the end of the month, James."

"But he's over 20 now," James finished his sketch and looked up at Lily.

"James, you can't fret about Remus like a mother. This is an important mission he's on. If werewolves are being gathered for Voldemort's cause, someone who beleives in blood purity, then they are in danger too. They'll be used for their strength then murdered or turned over to Greyback as an army when Voldemort's don't with them. Remus has a real opportunity to save them."

"We do things together, Lils," He mumbled more to himself than to Lily.

"Do you?" She finally looked at him. "Or did you used to? Haven't you noticed Dumbledore has been forcing all of us to split into smaller groups lately? He never wants you and I going on missions together because we're each other's weakness. The same goes for you and Sirius. If all four of you went on a mission together you'd be too blinded by watching each other's backs that you'd never protect yourself."

"I thought Dumbledore told us last year that we have to work together because teamwork is one thing Death Eaters will never understand."

"Teamwork yes... but teaming up with someone you'll go to extreme lengths to protect is how Marvin ended up captured and look at him now. Safe, yes, but with no recollection of what they did to him in that bloody basement."

"Ok, who are you? What have you done with my wife? This talk isn't like you. You're the one who always said to stay together."

"And you're the one who told Remus to go take some time away!"

"Well I'm allowed to be contradictory. It's what makes my so mysterious," he gave her a wink.

"Dumbledore's encouraged me to emotionally disengage," she said sadly. "The pregnancy changes things, James."

"And he wants to make sure we protect our family first," James finished for her and gave a sad nod as he knew one day their found-family would have to take second priority to his own child. He had simply been avoiding that truth, but now he gazed on his wife's sad expression as he realized her wisdom was so beyond her years that she chose to face reality rather than run from it. "So what do you suggest we do? Team up with someone who pisses me off?"

"Maybe team up with Longbottom," Lily joked in an attempt to raise their spirits.

James just smacked his pencil onto his pad and crossed his arms, "The Longbottom rivalry has been passed down in my family for three generations and I'll not have your red-headed know-it-all butt ruining that lovely tradition."

"I thought you liked my butt?" she smirked at him with a twinkle in her eye that James' instantly matched.

"Oh... I know that look." He jumped from the windowsill and leapt across the room to her, scooping his bride form her seat as she laughed and protested playfully and set her on the couch before flopping on top of her and nuzzling her neck.

"You'll squash little Henry or Henrietta!" she chuckled as James kissed her neck, cheek forehead and lips, yes her chuckles still persisted. They settled into their embrace as James gave his wife a proper snog when suddenly a loud slurp came from the entryway.

The Potters sat up quickly and James adjusted his glasses, "Padfoot!" He yelped as he spotted Sirius across the way in the kitchen, slurping his coffee mug.

"Do you two ever give it a rest?" Sirius sighed.

"Sirius," Lily said and shoved James off of her who now scowled at Sirius for interrupting, but his friend just gleefully winked at him. "How long have you been there? I thought you were on an errand for Dumbledore."

"I was. I'm done now. Walked in about the time I heard you talking about some basement and then about Evan's ass? You two going to do the dirty in a cellar or something kinky like that?"

"We were talking about the Lestrange basement," she said.

"Oh, right. Any word on Madeye's findings there?" Sirius asked.

"Just that he and his Aurors tried to take the house by force but the wards around it were too strong."

"And McKinnon is sure he heard other prisoners there?"

"He thinks so. Madeye thinks he can create a counter charm to weaken the anti-aparition spell if he has someone's help who has been on the inside."

"Marvin's the only Order member who has seen the inside, but his memory has been tampered with, likely for that reason," James added.

"Poor bloke. I could have told him getting mixed up with the Lestranges never ends well," Sirius said and sipped his coffee once more.

"Little late in the day for caffeine isn't it Padfoot?"

"It's fire-whiskey. I swear it's like you don't know me at all, somtimes." Sirius glanced at the ceiling as he heard a creak of someone walking over them. "You two were going to do "it" down here with Moony and Wormtail upstairs?"

"Um, Sirius," Lily said and James finished, "You know Remus was supposed to leave today."

"Yea. I thought he'd be gone. Maybe it's fate he's still here. McKinnon told me to make amends before it was too late."

"Well he-"

"I think you should go upstairs, Sirius." Lily cut James off. "Follow Marleen's advice."

Meanwhile at McKinnon Castle...

Angus rifled through the library of old McKinnon Castle and organized what was left of the texts there. It was a side project he'd begun years prior when he discovered the truth about his father, but now it was something to pass the time as they awaited the next task of The Order.

"I need a beer," came an exhausted groan from Gideon Prewett as he entered. "I'm sick of being bloody cooped up."

"Are you asking me to take you on a date in the midst of a war?" Angus asked without lifting his eyes from some pages he'd selvaged.

"Don't be daft," Gideon replied as he plopped himself in a dusty armchair and crossed his legs. "I was going to take you out."

Angus grinned at him, finally peeking from the pages to meet his eyeline."

"There's my, McKinnon. You've been pouty all day."

"Can you blame me? I feel like my kid sister's run away."

"She was right to go stay with the Longbottoms, Ang. She needs some time away from our drama."

"We aren't dramatic," Angus sighed then looked unsure. "Are we?"

"Well you are. I'm the emotionally stable one."

Angus finally began to relax and crept carefully across the room to not disturb the pages he'd arranged across the floor. He sat in front of Gideon's chair and leaned against it. "Maybe I'd feel better if Marvin wasn't gone too."

"We have to know what happened inside the Lestrange house, Angus. That's the only way Moody's going to get in and try to rescue whoever is there. The shield is too strong."

"I bet Marlene could mutilate that charm with her magic," Angus replied. "She better keep practicing while she's gone."

"Marvin will get the answers he needs at the Bones house. Marlene will get the space she needs at the Longbottoms. You and I can finally enjoy some quiet for about an hour." Gideon mussed Angus' hair which usually spurred a reaction, but when none came he gently rest a hand on his shoulder. "Ang?"

"Sorry. Just thinking. Do you think I only protect myself? Or do you think everything I've done has been to protect my family?"

"Your family's always come first, Ang. That's clear to anyone."

"Sometimes I wonder if Dad thought he was putting the family first with his radical actions. Maybe I inherited that from him - making all the wrong choices for all the right reasons."

"Your Dad died for you-"

"Because I disobeyed him and stayed back instead of running when he told me, all in the name of not wanting to leave family behind." He spoke through gritted teeth. "It's today, you know?"

"I've not forgotten. Significant dates to you are significant to the ones who love you as well."

"Two years today I killed my father-"

"You did not kill anyone."

"I shouldn't have even been here that night. I was so plagued by guilt I couldn't wait anymore. I thought I was doing the right, selfless thing to keep trust with my old man but I just put my own feelings ahead of his safety."

"So you're suggesting there's no such thing as a selfless deed?"

"I don't see how there can be."

Gideon paused a while and pondered, his hand stroking Angus' hair to fix it once more. Finally he said, "You remember when my Mum died?"

"Aye. Your third-year wasn't it?"

"Mhmm. Molly and Arthur were expecting Bill. It wrecked her realizing our Mum would never meet her first grandchild. We knew for that reason, Molly was grieving most of all of us. She put her grief aside though. Fabe and I had school to finish and Dad had work to do. Every permission form, she signed. Every Christmas dinner, she cooked. That saint of a woman raised her brothers alongside having her own family. She didn't have to do that. She did it out of love.

"So then why did I lie to Marlene? Was that out of love too?"

"Out of protection for your family."

"Marlene has proven she can protect herself."

"Then maybe it hasn't been Marlene you've been protecting, Ang. Maybe there's something else you haven't realized. Why else would you pour over your Dad's research like this? Because you won't give up on him. Maybe every decision you've made hasn't been about Marlene, maybe it's been about him. Maybe the same reason you refused to abandon him that night is the same reason you hold up in this library for hours each night. You refuse to abandon him now. You protect him because-"

"Because I don't believe he's guilty." Angus finished through mashed teeth as the truth came out. "I don't. My father wasn't a warm man but he was a moral one. You're right, Gid. I won't give up on my family, including him. There's a reason he went to that werewolf camp that night." Angus looked at the pages in his lap with resolve, "And I'm going to find it."

Back at The Safe House...

Sirius approached the bedroom door and heard the smacking of dresser drawers opening and closing and the ruffle of a duffle bag. He leaned against the wall just outside the door, too embarrassed to show his face. He cleared his throat and said, "I um... James told me you were up here."

He heard no answer the sounds of packing had stopped but still no response came and Sirius stayed in the hall, too nervous to face Remus' angry glare.

"I won't anger you more by insisting again that I felt what I did was right. You may think it was selfish, but it honestly was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do - which is saying a lot considering all we've faced together. I couldn't be selfish though so yea, I threw myself in the middle of things... something I know I constantly tell other people not to do. I just couldn't stop thinking of all we have already lost... all you had lost."

Sirius waited a moment for any sign of response but none came so he went on...

"I... just care about you. I don't think I've ever had a bond with anyone like the one we share. Maybe I'm the only one that feels that way, but it's true. I felt like that was slipping. I felt like you didn't trust me anymore. Now I feel as if you'll never trust me again, but I'm not the only one who's been losing myself - ya know? You've changed too. You let yourself fall too easily, I know you don't want to hear it, but it's true. Love like that is nice in the films but it doesn't do shit in a duel for your life. I just thought you needed some help realizing that. If I was wrong then I'm..." he cleared his throat, "I'm sorry. Damn, that's only the second time I've every genuinely said those words and both times have been to you. But I got some good advice to come say it to you before it's too late."

He finally heard steps approaching and held his breath, not sure if he was in for a hug or a thrashing. His shoulders slumped and his face turned bright red when Marlene McKinnon emerged from the bedroom.

"McKinnon?"

"Sirius... I..."

He peered into the bedroom and saw her bag on the bed, the drawers open with half her clothes inside them and no sign of Remus, "Where's Remus?"

"He's gone, Sirius," She said softly. "He left."

Sirius shoved by as if he didn't believe her and inspected the room, running his hands through his hair.

"Is that who you thought you were talking to?"

"Well who else would I bloody well say all that nonsense to?"

"It wasn't nonsense." Was her only response.

"Where did you come from?" He asked sharply.

Marlene just crossed her arms, frustrated at his tone as if this was somehow her fault, "Well depends on who you ask. I'd just say 'Ireland' but the country is sort of in an uproar right now as to what our nation should be called."

"I mean what are you doing here," He grumbled, annoyed at her sarcasm.

"I took your advice. I needed space from the boys to try to find myself, so here I am."

"I told you to go to Longbottoms'," Sirius snapped and moved swiftly towards her until they were nose to nose.

"I was going there but, Dumbledore wanted me here instead."

"Why?"

"I don't know. He said he wants more eyes on this house right now. I see why. It's a bloody soap opera in here."

Sirius, overcome with embarrasement and panic at the knowledge that Marlene heard his confessions intended for Remus, grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her closely to him. She could feel his breath as he said, "If you tell anyone what you heard-"

"You'll what?" She clapped back. "You know, Sirius, for a moment I thought you were talking to-"

Sirius waited for her to finish but when she declined he became hyper aware of how tightly he held her and let go, stepping back. "Didn't mean to grab you like that."

"It's ok." She waited for some whitty crack about how he used to grab her like that all the time, but none came.

Sirius loosened a single button on his his navy blue velvet shirt as if he was suffocating in it, then ran his fingers through his hair before saying, "Are you doing ok today? All things considered?"

Marlene blinked in shock at Sirius' recognition of the date and the significance it had on her family. "Um, yea. Two years ago today and it still feels like yesterday, but I'll be alright."

"Good, well... It's good to have you back, McKinnon." He then left her standing alone in the room.

Later at Malfoy Manor...

Narcissa stared at her palm, carefully whispering latin words over it with so much concentration she didn't hear her husband enter. He was lost in thought as he collapsed onto their bed, kicking of his shoes and exhaling a loud sign. Finally when Narcissa was done he said, "New skin routing?"

She shot from her chair and aimed her wand to the bed where he casually gazed at her. "When did you get home?"

"Two seconds ago."

"How was your meeting with Goyle?" She asked as tossed her wand casually back onto the vanity and approached Lucious. She hugged the bedpost and leaned her head against it as if her charm had taken all her strength.

"I swear that man's vocabulary digresses every time he speaks. I felt my own intellect dropping with every word. Still, we have our group assembled. We'll go after the Bones' family as discussed at our last meeting. I'm just here for a bit of rest before it's time." He sat up and smiled as he stared at her. "Come here." He held out his hand. She raised her scarred palm only to quickly pull it away and grant him her other hand which he pulled gently and brought her toward him. "The stupid elf said Bellatrix called."

"She did. I told my findings of Regulus."

"Don't think on that anymore." He stroked her hair out of her face. "You'll upset yourself and the baby needs you right now."

"She thinks Regulus defected and that Lord Voldemort will strike us all down to avoid any more liabilities."

"Would The Dark Lord be sending me on missions to find Bones if he didn't trust us?"

"I suppose not."

"Darling your sister has always been extremely fearful of The Dark Lord. She means well but don't let her anxiety burden you."

"You're wrong." Narcissa said as she sat beside him on the bed. "She's not afraid. I didn't realize until today how fearless she really was. Still, I used to think she'd always put family before anything else and now I'm learning that's not true anymore. She once went to great lengths for my happiness, but now...Voldemort will always come first to her. When our child comes, if he wants it, she'll give it to him willingly."

Lucious nashed his teeth. "I will not allow that."

"Of course you won't."

"I'm your protector, darling."

Narcissa forced a smile at that. "Anyway it doesn't matter. We are going to find the child Voldemort seeks before ours is born. Of that, I'm sure."

Back at the Safehouse...

Peter was carefully wrapping a box on the bed with silver paper and ribbon he'd found in town when Sirius entered, talking to himself. "Doesn't even say goodbye to me. You think you know a guy and then one Irish witch manages to rip you two apart. Worst off he leaves an empty room for my ex to fill? Brilliant."

"I assume you're talking about Moony?" Peter said as he tossed a blanket over the package.

"Did you know he already left?" Sirius faced Peter and tapped his leather boot on the floor.

"Of course. He said goodbye after lunch."

"So he doesn't even trust me to... what... say goodbye properly?!"

"Well, Padfoot, you haven't exactly done much to win back his favor." Peter chuckled as he sat on the trunk on the edge of his bed.

"Oh don't you take his side now," Sirius snapped and turned to face Peter but tilted his head to investigate the lump on the bed. "What's that?"

"Um... Nothing." Peter scooted over further to hide the lump under the blanket.

"Pete. You're hiding something. I doubt your bed is that excited to see you..."

Peter let out a defeated sigh as he pulled the blanket back and revealed the parcel.

"Going on a delivery are you?"

"I, um..."

"Wormtail, spit it out." Sirius said impatiently after the day he'd had. "Don't think about it, just answer. Where are you going?"

"To see my mum!" He squeaked.

"That's it?" Sirius asked confused.

"Y-yes..." He said, "It's her birthday."

"Well, why do you have to sneak around to do that?"

"Because, I was afraid you lot would want to meet her."

"Ohhhh..." Sirius nodded. "That ugly, huh?"

"What?! No!" Peter said then covered his mouth as he realized how loud that had been. "S-she just..." Peter listened carefully for any sign that the others could hear. Finally he looked back to Sirius, eyebrow raised. "You can't tell anyone, Padfoot."

"We've been over this, Wormtail," Sirius grunted. "No secrets."

"It's not my secret, Padfoot. It's my Mum's business, that's all. I don't want her bothered. But... I think I need to earn some of your trust back and based on how things have been lately, I feel you may need someone to trust in you a bit more." Sirius stiffened at the attack on his character, but knew Peter likely meant for the best as the small boy continued, "So to prove I have nothing to hide form you, I'll take you with me. Ok?"

Sirius nodded, "Alright then. Where does your Mum live?"

"Saint Mungos," Peter mumbled sadly. "In Ward 49..."

Please Review! Who is your favorite character? What plotline are you enjoying following? What do you want to read more about? I would love to know if people are reading. :)