Part V: Ghosts of the Past

Chapter 2

Isabelle shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “What are we doing here?” she asked.

“You’ll see in just a minute.” Severus wouldn’t meet her eyes.

The door in the front of the courtroom opened, and the jury walked over to the chambers, taking their seats. An elderly wizard climbed up to the judge’s bench, and a silence fell over the crowd. Professor Dumbledore walked into the room, followed by Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.

Isabelle gasped for air. She knew that he couldn’t see her, but she could plainly make out the pain etched on his face. He was sitting right in front of her, she thought, and stretched out her hand towards him. A second before her hand landed on his robe, Severus jerked her hand back to her lap.

“You know it’s no use,” he hissed.

“Why?” Isabelle quietly asked. “Why bring me here, now?”

Isabelle was cut off by a booming voice. “This Court is now in session. The Court will now hear the Ministry of Magic v. Sirius Black. Mr. Black, you have been charged with the crime of conspiracy to commit the murders of James and Lily Potter. How do you plead?”

“Not guilty,” came his reply.

“Very well, we will proceed,” the judge said. “The Ministry may present its case now.”

A tall, thin wizard approached a podium and laid out the Ministry’s case against Sirius. The wizard briefly detailed the events of the night Harry’s parents had died, and how Sirius had escaped from prison. Isabelle could see several of the jury members nodding in agreement with the wizard’s statements. Her heart sank. Finally, the wizard finished his argument, and sat down.

“Thank you,” said the judge. “The defense may proceed.”

Professor Dumbledore stood and walked to the podium. “Thank you,” he said. “The defense would like to call Hermione Granger to the stand.” A small, skinny witch walked to the front of the room, and sat down in the witness chair.

“Miss Granger, would you please tell the Court about the night that Scabbers ran away?” Professor Dumbledore asked.

She took a deep breath, and launched into the story of how she, Ron, and Harry witnessed Ron’s pet rat, Scabbers, turn into Peter Pettigrew before their eyes. And how he had confessed to being the Potters’ secret keeper before escaping into the Forbidden Forest. Isabelle listened, enraptured, until Hermione was finally finished with her testimony.

“Thank you Hermione,” Professor Dumbledore said. “You may sit down now. The defense would now like to call Ron Weasley to the stand.”

Ron Weasley was a tall, freckle-faced boy with flaming red hair. He sat down rather nervously, Isabelle noted.

Professor Dumbledore smiled reassuringly. “I only have one question for you, Ron. Is what Hermione just said the truth?”

“Yes, sir, it is,” Ron confidently stated.

“Thank you. You may sit down now,” Professor Dumbledore continued. “The defense would now like to call Harry Potter to the stand.”

Isabelle’s heart lept into her throat. The young man sitting in the witness’ chair was the living image of James Potter. Severus squeezed her arm as she blinked back tears.

“Harry, I also ask you: did Hermione tell the truth just now?”

“Yes, sir,” Harry replied. He even sounded like James.

“I have a few more questions for you, and I need for you to answer them, even if they sound odd, ok?”

“Ok.”

“Harry, who were your parents?”

“James and Lily Potter.”

“Did your mother have any siblings?”

“Yes,” Harry answered. “I have an Aunt Petunia. She is three years older than my mother.”

“Does she have any more siblings?”

“No,” said Harry.

“Did your father have any siblings?” Professor Dumbledore continued.

“No. I do not have any relatives on my father’s side,” Harry replied.

Isabelle stiffened in shocked surprise, as a loud murmur erupted in the courtroom. The judge pounded his gavel onto the desk. “Order! Order!” he shouted.

“Thank you, Harry. That is all.” Harry sat back down, as Professor Dumbledore began to speak. “Ladies and gentlemen, that line of questioning may have seemed odd, but I hope that it will make sense shortly. When Ministry officials were cleaning old, outdated records, a wizard came across this letter, and gave it to me a week ago. It is an old letter, but I think the author’s statements have particular meaning now. And, there is no way that this letter could have influenced any of today’s testimony, because no one has told Harry about the author. I will read the letter now.”

"Objection!" screamed the wizard on the opposing side.

“On what grounds?” asked the judge.

“Hearsay,” said the wizard. “How do we know that this letter writer knew what he was talking about?”

“She,” replied Dumbledore. “She is believable because she will tell you that this is her dying declaration, which makes it acceptable evidence.”

“That is the evidence rule,” the judge reminded the wizard. “Objection overruled.”

“Objection!” said the wizard again.

“Now what?” asked the judge.

“Dying declaration? You-know-who attacked the Potters suddenly. How could Lily Potter have had time to write a dying declaration?”

It was a ping-pong match. All eyes darted from the wizard, to the judge, to Dumbledore, and back again. Everyone held their breath for Dumbledore’s response.

“I remind the Court and everyone here that the Potters were not the only victims that night,” he said in a quiet voice.

“Well, this is true, but how do we know that it is authentic?” the wizard continued.

The judge banged his hand on the podium. “Enough! There is an easier way to discover this letter’s author than to debate about it all day. Professor, please perform the spell that allows a letter to speak for itself, in the author’s own voice. This spell cannot be fooled by Dark Magic. Objection overruled.”

Professor Dumbledore took an old, yellow envelope out of his robes, and carefully removed its contents. He laid the pieces of paper on the podium and muttered an incantation. The paper began to glow, and a young woman’s voice began to speak.

To whom it may concern,

Because of today’s dark times, I feel that it is necessary to write down all that has happened to my family. Our lives are in danger, so here is what happened to us, in case we are all gone and someone needs answers. Recent events may seem unbelievable to some people, so let me introduce myself and tell you about my wonderful family first, just to prove that I know what I’m talking about. If you do know about our family, please excuse the history lesson.

I am Isabelle Evans, and was a friendless orphan, pawned off on my sister Lily by my other sister Petunia eight years ago. It was the best thing that has ever happened in my life. That day, my sister arrived with the best family a girl could ever have–James Potter, his twin sister Gina, and their friends Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.

When I was nine, Lily married James. It took a great deal of scheming on my part, but I finally managed to get Gina to marry Sirius when I was twelve. Four years of endless flirtation–it about drove me batty. Now, if I could only get Remus to settle down–I sort of doubt it though–I truly believe he’s the playboy of the wizarding world.

Those were the good times. Because I was isolated in a childish bubble, I was oblivious to the Dark Lord’s rise, and was caught by surprise when the bad times came. James and Sirius worked increasingly long hours, leaving Lily and Gina awake for many sleepless nights. Holidays were increasingly tense, and I was almost a little glad to return to Hogwarts for my fourth year.

Christmas came, though, and the holidays were very bright–because we had a great deal to be happy for. Gina and Lily were both pregnant, and you would not believe the fuss that Sirius and James made over them. I was heartbroken to return to school, but Gina and Lily were both due in July, so I knew that I would be home in time for the births.

Last May 13, I received an emergency owl to come home immediately. I managed to arrive by late evening, and it was a day I’ll never forget. The day before, Gina had been walking, and felt an incredible pain. The pain turned into premature labor. The delivery went horribly wrong, and there was little the doctor could do for her, except keep her comfortable and hope for a miracle. The miracle never came, and Gina left us two days later, May 15. Little Grace fought on, though, inspiring all of us to try to muddle through, somehow.

I think everyone was overjoyed when Lily safely delivered Harry. With a heavy heart, I boarded the train for school in the fall.

The bad times grew progressively worse. The Dark Lord grew stronger, still, and rumors began to circulate that the Dark Lord had targeted James, Lily, and Harry. James, Lily, and Sirius grew increasingly concerned, and developed a plan to help ensure our safety. James, Lily, and Harry would move into a new home in Godric’s Hollow, while Sirius, Grace, and I moved to Sheffield ,permanently abandoning my childhood home in Dover. I hugged Lily goodbye at the train platform this summer, and haven’t seen her since, because it is too dangerous.

Two days ago, I woke up in the middle of the night, and was thirsty, so I began walking down the stairs. I stopped midway down, though, when I heard two voices–Sirius’ and Peter Pettigrew’s. They were so involved in their conversation that they didn’t even notice when I crept downstairs and hid in a shadow. Sirius told Peter that the Dark Lord was after James, Lily, and Harry, so they needed a secret keeper. Sirius said that it would be too obvious to make him the secret keeper, so he asked Peter to do it. Peter agreed, and they performed the spell. When Sirius turned to open the door, Peter pushed up his left sleeve slightly and grinned. The Dark Mark was on his arm.

After Peter left, I jumped out of the shadow and told Sirius what I had seen. He told me to stay put with Grace, and tore out of the door chasing Peter. He has not come home, and I am very worried.

I see a greenish glow in the distance, which I can only guess is Death Eaters, coming towards the house. The glow is from all sides. I have no hope of taking Grace and making a run for it, so I will stay and fight. Whoever gets this letter, please forgive the next few lines, because I am not sure what will happen, so there are some things that I need to say if the worst does come true.

Lily–You are my sister, mother and friend. I can never thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for me. Harry is so lucky to have you for a mother. I love you, sis.

James–I’m sorry that you never got to see me play Chaser next year on the Griffindor house Quiddich team. I’ll never forget all of the hours that you practiced with me. And buy a brush, you mop.

Harry–I know you favor your father, but you have the Evans eyes. Never forget that. Oh, and James’ right side is weak on the Quiddich pitch because he has a bit of astigmatism. Always aim a quaffle for the right side. Oh, and avoid your Aunt Petunia if possible. She’s horrible and gives bad presents.

Remus–I can never thank you enough for the Marauder’s Map, my friend. I am proud to say that it came in handy last term. I won’t tell you details, but it involves a certain Ravenclaw prefect, and was worth the month’s worth of detention I got when Filch caught me. The git couldn’t read the map, but stuck it in a file drawer named Confiscated and Highly Dangerous. Hint, hint, Harry and Grace.

Grace–I am truly sorry that you never met your mother. You do have the Potter hair, though, I’m afraid to say (I’m brushing it right now). Keep your father in line, ok? He’s an absolute pushover if you pout. Pout often, and do me proud.

Sirius–Never blame yourself for leaving me and Grace alone. Never. No matter what happens, you have to take care of yourself and do what makes you happy. If you are ever sad, or lonely, remember when I was scared to go to Hogwarts for the first time and you told me about our star. Now, I’ll be there, waiting for you, with Gina, where nothing’s sad, and no one cries. We’ll be smiling down at you, so you have to smile back. It’s only fair. And remember that just because it’s daylight doesn’t mean that the star isn’t there. We’ll always be there when you need us.

I hear something at the door, so I have to go.

All my love,
Isabelle

There was not a dry eye in the courtroom. Hermione buried her head in Viktor’s shoulder, sobbing. Professor McGonagall had to remove her spectacles, and blew her nose loudly with a lace handkerchief. Harry sat in shocked, saddened disbelief. Why hadn’t Sirius told him the truth–why hadn’t anyone told him the truth?

He looked up at his godfather. Sirius’ head was buried underneath his arms, and he was shaking uncontrollably. Beside him, Remus Lupin sat in shock, unblinking. Hearing Isabelle’s voice made the past come to life, and sometimes the past was too much to bear.

Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat, straightened up, and walked to the podium. “We all know, of course, that the worst did happen. Death eaters broke into the house, and Isabelle and Grace have not been seen since,” Dumbledore continued quietly. “Today’s testimony clearly shows that Sirius Black is not guilty of anything but trust. His friend Peter Pettigrew betrayed him. Because of that betrayal, James and Lily Potter died that horrible night. Witches and wizards of the jury, please do not send the wrong man to prison. Thank you.”

The judge wiped away his own tears, and turned to the jury. “You’ve heard the evidence, and now it is time to decide. All witches and wizards who vote to convict Sirius Black for conspiracy to commit the murders of James and Lily Potter, please raise your hands.”

The jury members looked at each other. No one raised a hand. “Alright, all witches and wizards who vote to release Sirius Black with a full pardon, and official apology for time served, please raise your hands.”

Twelve hands immediately shot up into the air. The courtroom erupted with cheers, and Ron, Harry, and Hermione jumped up, hugging each other.

“The jury has spoken. Sirius Black, this Court finds you not guilty of the crime of conspiracy to commit the murders of James and Lily Potter, and releases you with a full pardon. Mr. Black, nothing this Court can say or do can repair the events of the past, or give you back the time you served in Azkaban. All I can say is that a guardian angel helped you today, so heed her words carefully. This Court is adjourned.”

Sirius could not stop shaking. He looked up, and a pair of emerald green eyes were staring into his, begging for answers.

“I’m so sorry, Harry,” Sirius managed to say. “I just couldn’t find the right time or place to tell you. I started to, so many times, but I didn’t want to add to what you were already going through.”

Harry wrapped his arms around Sirius’ shaking frame. He had just realized something. “Wait a minute,” Harry said. He stood back and looked at Sirius. “My father had a sister, right?”

Sirius nodded.

“And you married her, right?”

Sirius nodded again.

“So, that makes you my uncle, doesn’t it?”

Another nod.

“So, this means that I actually have some living family that’s not a Dursley?” Harry exclaimed. “And I never have to go back with them?”

“Yep, that’s what it means.” Sirius thought for a second. “You know, that’s the same exact look Isabelle had on her face when she realized that she never had to live with them again, either.” His features twisted in a grin. “Have you ever seen this spot on their front stoop, that always has grime on it? That your Aunt Petunia can never get clean?”

“Yeah, actually. She’s scrubbing at it at least once or twice a week. Why?” Harry asked.

“Isabelle had to go to Petunia’s for a weekend once, so she talked me into hexing the front stoop to stay dirty. Isabelle would go the bedroom window, and watch Petunia scrub, and laugh hysterically. When I picked her up, I just conveniently forgot to un-hex it.” His face fell. “I never should have left her that night with Grace.”

“Sirius, you didn’t know,” Remus said in a low voice. He placed his hand on Sirius’ shoulder. “Maybe we can start picking up the pieces, and move on now. Speaking of moving, you’re free to stay at my place, if you want to.”

Sirius sighed and put his head in his hands. “Why, on earth, would a respectable widower like me want to live with the playboy of the wizarding world?”

Sirius and Harry cracked up laughing. Remus did not look amused, and was thinking of a comeback when Professor Dumbledore walked up to them.

“Hello, Harry. I’m sorry that you had to hear about your family this way, but keeping the letter a secret was Sirius’ only chance at freedom,” Professor Dumbledore said.

“I understand,” Harry replied, but he didn’t know if he would ever really understand his family at all. It seemed as if there was always a secret, waiting to be discovered.

“Harry, as you know, Sirius is your godfather, and now is your guardian. However, I would like for you to return with Mrs. Figg for the remainder of this week. Then, after staying with the Dursleys for as little time as necessary, the Weasleys will pick you up. Sirius will pick you up from there for the remainder of the holidays. I’m afraid I need him for a month,” Dumbledore explained.

“Yes, Professor Dumbledore,” Harry said. He hugged Sirius goodbye, and walked to the back of the courtroom where Mrs. Figg, the Weasleys, Hermione, and Viktor were waiting. “Bye!” he shouted, as he disappeared from view.

Sirius started at his retreating form, and turned to Remus. “Do you think he’s going to be ok?” he asked.

“Sometimes children are the pillars of strength for the adults,” Dumbledore replied. “If it is alright, I would like for you to come to dinner tonight at six o’clock, at Hogwarts. There is much we need to prepare for, in light of recent events.”

No one seemed to notice a tall blonde witch in blue robes being led out of the courtroom by Severus Snape, crying.

----- 

The Weasleys, followed by Harry, Hermione, Viktor, and Mrs. Figg, walked into the Leaky Cauldron for some strong tea. Putting several tables together, they sat down, stirred their tea, and sat silently. No one knew what to say. For once, even Fred and George sat quietly, their hands in their laps. After about five minutes, Harry cleared his throat, and turned to Mrs. Figg, swallowing hard. He desperately wanted to know the real truth about his family, but didn’t quite know how to ask, or even if she would know the answers. Finally, he said in a small voice, “Did you know about my aunts?”

Mrs. Figg nodded. “Would you like to hear about them?”

“Yes,” he replied.

“Well,” she began, “you know now that your father had a twin, Gina. That’s what everyone called her, but her name was Regina. Regina Victoria. She was born five minutes before your father, and never let him forget it. When they first went to Hogwarts, Gina met your mother Lily on the train, and they became inseparable. Gina was absolutely beautiful, with raven-black hair and blue eyes. The guys were all nuts for her, but your father beat up practically any guy that looked her way.”

Ginny sighed. “I feel her pain,” she mumbled.

“Your aunt Isabelle idolized Gina. Isabelle was ten years younger than Lily, so Lily and Gina were like her second mothers. Lily was the authority figure, and Gina spoiled her. Isabelle was the apple of everyone’s eye–no one could help but adore her. Sirius, especially. She could do no wrong in his eyes. James’, either, for that matter. She was one loved little girl.”

“What did she look like?” Harry asked. “Did she look like my mother, or like my Aunt Petunia?” Harry wrinkled her nose, picturing Aunt Petunia’s horse-like face.

Mrs. Figg laughed. “Neither. Isabelle had a look all her own. She, Lily, and you all have the same emerald-green eyes, but the similarities end there. Isabelle was always tall and thin, with waist-length blonde hair. She was really starting to come into her own, before...” Her voice trailed off.

Mr. Weasley stirred his tea thoughtfully. “You know what? There has always been something about that night that bothers me.”

“What’s that?” Mrs. Figg asked.

“Well,” Mr. Weasley said, “Death Eaters were ruthless, heartless killers–there is no doubt about that. But, the way they attacked the Black house–it was so odd.”

“Why?” inquired Hermione.

“Usually, when a Death Eater murdered in cold blood, he left the body and home as intact as possible. That was part of the terror–knowing that you were going to find your loved ones exactly as you left them, but dead. When the Death Eaters attacked the Black house, they blew the house sky high. The Ministry concluded that the Death Eaters did that because they knew of You-Know-Who’s demise, and were trying to dispose of any evidence that would incriminate them. But, since Sirius Black is innocent, that theory doesn’t make any sense.” Mr. Weasley paused, and shook his head vigorously. “Sorry,” he said apologetically, “I’m just thinking out loud. Well, it’s beginning to get late, and we really should head home. Harry, we’ll see you soon, ok?”

Harry nodded. He couldn’t wait to leave the Dursleys and go to the Burrow. The Weasleys all got up, threw some Floo powder in the fireplace, and disappeared.

Hermione stood. “Well, it’s almost time to meet my parents. I’m going to Bulgaria with Viktor for a couple of weeks, but I’ll be at the Burrow when you get there. Send me an owl if you need me, ok?” Hermione hugged Harry and walked out with Viktor, holding hands. Harry could only imagine the look on Ron’s face.

----- 

Isabelle walked out of the courtroom, through Diagon Alley, and into Muggle London. Tears blinded her face, as she kept walking, faster, until she was in a full run. Not caring about how odd she looked in her robes, she kept running, away from the past, and away from what she had just seen. She finally stopped on the Tower Bridge, far above the Thames River, and put her head in her hands. Ten minutes later, Severus Snape spotted her on the bridge, and walked up to her. “Isabelle,” he began.

“Don’t,” she spat. “I don’t want to hear anything you have to say.” She looked away from him, focusing on the river below.

“Do you think I wanted to bring you here? No. I didn’t. I wish I hadn’t.”

“Then why did you?”

“Because you have a choice now. From time to time, I have updated Dumbledore on how you are doing, and he knows that you have a degree in teaching, although you insisted on becoming a ballet dancer. He wants you to come to Hogwarts to teach Muggle Studies, and to teach Harry wandless magic.”

“You can do that. You taught me.”

“Harry will not listen to anything I have to say. Sirius has seen to that.”

“I am sure that your attitude towards him did more to influence his dislike of you, than anything Sirius could have said. Besides, how could wandless magic possibly benefit him? Most consider it a Dark Art, so it is pretty pointless to learn, because it is almost never used.”

“Technically, it is not a Dark Art, and there is a very good reason Harry needs to know it.”

“And what is that?”

“Voldemort.”

Isabelle’s brow furrowed. “Voldemort? He’s gone, Severus. Harry killed him.”

“No, Isabelle. Harry almost killed him, but didn’t. Voldemort has been regaining strength, and has returned to his full power.”

“So Sergei was right, this whole time.”

“Yes.”

Isabelle took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. “Ok, but I still do not understand the connection between Voldemort and a need to teach Harry wandless magic.”

“Harry’s wand and Voldemort’s share cores.”

“Like ours do. Or did, rather.” She sighed.

“Yes, and you and I are the only people Dumbledore knows who can perform wandless magic who are not Dark wizards.”

“Um, isn’t that a matter of perspective? I mean, you were a Death Eater, and I was married to one,” she reminded him.

“Well, we’re all he’s got to work with, so I guess we’ll do,” he said. “Besides, everyone has made mistakes. Even though I told you not to marry him.”

“How many times do we have to go through this?”

“Until you tell me the real truth. For two years now, you have always refused to tell me what really happened.”

“The truth? The truth is that I was sick and tired of being taken care of and bossed around. Ever since I was little, I have been passed around from person to person. I wanted some sort of stability, a normal life. So, when I joined the ballet and met Sergei, I thought he was charming and attractive. We became friends. He saw me with my wand once backstage, fixing a rip in my costume. After the show, at the cast party, he took me aside and asked me about the wand, because he said that he had never met a real witch before. So, I told him the made-up story about being a pure-blood witch who can trace her bloodlines to some of the most influential families in Virginia. Which, as we both know, is the capital of America’s wizarding world. Then, you started lecturing me about not seeing him, or trusting men that I meet. By that time, I was so sick and tired of your lectures, that when he asked me to elope with him, I did. I honestly thought he was a Muggle, and that I was saying goodbye to the wizarding world. Then, I saw a certain tattoo on his left arm our wedding night, and knew that I had been tricked. He married me because he was obsessed with two things–making money and having an heir. I was his best dancer, so if we were married, I would stay with the troupe and make him more money. And, since I was a pure-blood wizard, or so he thought, I could produce him a pure-blood heir. But, I had too much pride to come to you for help, because you warned me, so I was trapped. Well, until you found out anyway, and helped me leave him. Anyway, I betrayed my family, and all that they stood for. And died for. They would never forgive me.”

“Making a poor choice is not betrayal, Isabelle. Although neither Dumbledore nor your family knows about your marriage, I do not think they would hold it against you.”

“Ok. Let me get this straight. Dumbledore doesn’t think that Harry will take instructions from you, but he thinks that Harry will listen to the ex-wife of a Death Eater? Who he has no reason to trust?”

“No, Dumbledore believes that Harry will listen, and trust, his Aunt Isabelle.”

Isabelle paled and stared at Severus. “What?”

“Dumbledore believes that it is time for you and Grace to come out of hiding.”

“Hiding? Everyone thinks that we are dead. Dead is not hiding.”

“Yes, that is your choice.”

“That’s your idea of a birthday present? To choose whether or not to come back from the dead? Harry didn’t even know I existed until today. Did you see how traumatic the trial was for him? How can I possibly decide whether having an aunt and cousin come back from the dead would help him, or hurt him worse? And Grace–she has a life somewhere. How would finding out about her family affect her? This is not just about me, and what I want. It is about what would be best for Harry and Grace.”

“And what do you want?”

“You know what I want,” she replied softly. “I want my family back.”

“Even though Sergei would find out that you are not pure-blood Isabelle Randolph from Virginia? You embarrassed him when you left. I cannot imagine his rage when he discovers that he really married muggle-born Isabelle Evans, aunt of the boy who defeated the Dark Lord.”

“I am not ashamed of my family. I only hope that they will not be ashamed of me.”

“So, you choose to rejoin the land of the living?”

“No. As the Americans say, I choose to pass the buck.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning that I saw the pain it caused Sirius, Remus, and Harry to hear my letter. I don’t know what is best for Harry or Grace, but Sirius does. He knows Harry, and he is Grace’s father. The choice should be his, not mine.”

“I can’t believe how loyal you are to Sirius after all this time.”

“Believe it. As for Dumbledore’s request, I will help Harry with his wandless magic, no matter what Sirius chooses. I do not want my nephew facing Lord Voldemort unprepared. I will teach at Hogwarts, in disguise, if need be. I will be the former Countess Remizov for the rest of my life, if it would help Harry.”

“Alright, as you wish,” Severus said. “In that case, we need to hurry to catch the Hogwarts Express. Dinner is as six o’clock, and it will be the best time to bring this up to Sirius. I want to get it over with.”

Isabelle and Severus silently made their way to King’s Cross Station, each lost in thought. Platform 9 3/4 was empty, as they climbed into the train. So was the train, except for two wizards three cars back–Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. When the train pulled into the empty Hogsmeade station, the four stepped off the train at the same time. Severus did not want to deal with Sirius until absolutely necessary, so he steered Isabelle into the heart of the town for some shopping.

“Who on earth is Snape with?” Sirius asked.

“Oh,” Remus said, “she is the famous dancer, the Countess Remizov. She was with him at the trial, but I guess you were too preoccupied to notice.”

“To say the least.”

“I heard she is quite talented, not that it matters. Her husband runs the ballet company, so I guess she gets whatever parts that she wants.”

“Remizov...I’ve heard that name before. In Azkaban, maybe?”

“That would not surprise me. For the past few years, I’ve heard rumors that the Remizov family is allied with the Dark Lord.”

“Wonder why she’s with Snape, then?”

“Who knows.”

-----

Sirius closed his eyes and leaned against the wall of the Astronomy tower. It had been a long, painful day, and he needed to be alone before heading to dinner. Isabelle’s voice kept playing over and over in his head, reminding him of that terrible night. If only he had realized that he, too, was one of Voldemort’s targets, if only he had gotten home in time to save Isabelle and Grace, he thought. Grace would be fifteen years old now. She and Harry would have been playmates, and friends. Tears streamed down his face as he mourned his lost family. He looked up at the sky, remembering Isabelle’s last words. If you ever forget to smile, or get lonely, remember when I was scared to go to Hogwarts for the first time and you told me about our star. How could he forget? Isabelle had always been a bit of a pet, ever since the first time they met, when she was eight years old. He was the one she ran to when she had a skinned knee, or was afraid. He became her hero when he scared the boogie man in the closet away, because he was an Auror, and that’s what Aurors do–make bad things go away. He remembered finding her in her hidden fort the night before she was supposed to go to Hogwarts, crying.

“What’s wrong?” he had asked her.

“I’m scared to go to school,” she had replied. “What if I don’t like it there? What if I’m lonely? I’ll miss you so much, that I’m not sure if I can bear it!”

“Well, you know what? Look up at the sky. Do you see that star up there?” Sirius pointed.

“Yes,” Isabelle sniffled.

“You see, that star is the brightest in the sky, because it’s the closest to earth. And, I happen to be named after that star. So, whenever you get sad or lonely, look up at the sky, and remember that I’m always close to you, just like the star, even if I seem far away. And just because it’s daylight doesn’t mean that the star isn’t there. I’ll always be there when you need me,” Sirius told her.

She looked at him adoringly. Her hero.

Some hero, he thought. He couldn’t save Gina, or James, or Lily, or Isabelle, or Grace, or himself, for that matter. He was so lost in his thoughts that he barely noticed that he was no longer alone.

A woman was standing at the opposite end of the tower, gazing into the sky, as if looking for something. She looked like an angel in the moonlight, with the pale light highlighting her blonde hair like a halo, framing an exquisite face. Her dark blue robes blended perfectly into the night sky. She was the most beautiful person Sirius had ever seen.

She stood there, alone, for several minutes. Just as Sirius decided to speak to her, another figure entered the tower. Severus Snape. He was the last person Sirius wanted to speak to, so he quietly hid himself in a shadow.

“Countess, ready for dinner?” he asked her.

She groaned. “Ugh. Must you really call me that?” she drawled.

She must be the Countess Remizov that Snape was with earlier, he thought. And what kind of accent is that? Her voice was enchanting–smooth as honey, with just a hint of sassiness.

“Of course I have to call you Countess. It’s the only name you can rightfully claim, given your choices,” he said meaningfully.

She wrinkled her nose. “Fine, Professor,” she said formally.

They both laughed. “Seriously, dinner’s ready,” Snape said. “Perhaps your days as a Countess are at an end. We will see, won’t we?”

“Yes, we will,” she replied nervously. They walked out of the tower, chatting.

Sirius stepped out of the shadow. What was that all about? he puzzled.