Equal Nemesis

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The moment a barn owl swooped in, Lilac launched herself from the windowsill in the attempt to catch it. Remus, alarmed, immediately stood up to control the cat, but, instead, Lilac landed heavily on his shoulder, missing the owl by mere inches. At the same time, Remus was surprised he managed to catch the letter the owl dropped and he smiled at Brian. The baby squealed in laughter as he sat on the floor playing with his toys, having enjoyed the entire display between the man, the cat and the owl, while the owl hooted in indignation, shook its ruffled feathers, and made sure its wing clipped Lilac's ear as it flew off again.

"LILAC!" Remus shouted when the cat endeavoured to jump off for the owl again. "If you're bored, why don't you go play outside and leave the owls alone?" he scolded. Lilac hissed, and Remus didn't need to translator to understand she didn't want to go outside.

After the frolicsome cat had released Remus' finger, he sat down with the letter crumpled in his hand. Remus sighed in exasperation and took a look at Lilac's purple eyes as she began licking her nose. The Persian reminded him of an incident in Diagon Alley, where he had sat enjoying a cup of coffee in a small cafe, when a calico kitten carrying a salmon in it's mouth had shot out of a fish monger's shop next to the cafe. The kitten had jumped on top of Remus' table and knocked the hot coffee all over him. To make the situation even worse, when the wizard fisherman had caught the calico, the cat and the wizard had both vanished into thin air. Remus silently laughed, remembering the incident. He was beginning to hate all animals with magical abilities.

His mind quickly wandered back to the situation at hand, and he stared at the envelope in his hand like it was a Howler.

***

Harry walked into the room where Remus sat, eating his toast, wondering what the noise was about. Hermione was still sleeping, while Ron and Ginny had been in the woods looking for magical ingredients since six in the morning - no doubt an errand for the twins, that they didn't want Hermione to catch them at.

"Something the matter?" Harry asked Remus with a furrowed brow, seeing the man blinking at the letter.

"No, everything is fine. This is just Mrs. Figg's weekly report on Florence's welfare."

Harry's heart almost stopped at the mention of his baby cousin. "Er, everything's ok ... isn't it?" he breathed, not feeling hungry anymore. He took a seat next to Remus, his eyes darting to baby Brian as he rocked back and forth on the ground, his little striped socks halfway off his feet.

Remus perused the letter and nodded. "Yes, everything is fine," he gently smiled. "There's nothing to be concerned about, Harry. Her parents still don't know. Florence is still safe and sound at the Dursleys'."

Harry nodded silently, but he still felt guilty, almost as though he wasn't doing enough when it came to his little cousin. He wanted to do more to protect Florence from the nasty experiences of his own childhood.

Perhaps, as Hermione had said back in fifth year, he was taking the whole hero thing too seriously. But the letter gave him a fresh desire to see the little girl. He wanted to see what Florence was like and how his aunt behaved around her.

"Remus ... is there any way I could pay them a visit? I- I just want to see her," Harry asked, eyeing Brian gingerly.

Remus stared thoughtfully at him without uttering a word. Harry had to look away from his stare because it was unnerving.

"Problems could arise, Harry, if you see her," Remus answered slowly, taking Harry's request very seriously.

"I won't have to say anything about Florence being a witch or anything,' Harry replied hurriedly. "I can make up a story, and tell them that something was left in the house when you and Sirius got my stuff last summer."

Sirius cringed when he entered, having heard the conversation. "Fat chance Petunia would believe you, Harry. She'd know that something was up." Sirius turned to Remus with a searching expression.

"But if we just plan it right, it should work out," Harry responded, determined not to give up so easily.

Suddenly determined to see his little cousin, and without support if necessary, Harry rose from his chair, intending to immediately Apparate to the Dursleys. Sirius rapidly intervened, clapping him on the shoulder and steering him away from getting his travelling cloak.

"Where do you think you're going? You can't go alone!" Sirius spat as his godson shrugged his grip off. Remus stood up and followed Harry as well.

Harry sighed impatiently. "Please, let me go there," he pleaded. Privet Drive was pretty much protected, as long his aunt was there.

Sirius hesitated and grimaced as Remus maintained his blank expression, completely withdrawing from the situation. "Oh bloody hell, come on, let's go." Sirius finally said.

Remus frowned, clearly disappointed in Sirius' decision despite his lack of intervention. "Sirius,

"Remus, those creatures only attack at night!"

"Depends on what Voldemort orders," Remus shot back.

"They haven't joined yet, and you know it," Sirius said, trying to keep his voice low.

Harry wondered what they were talking about. It was definitely looking like Voldemort was creating alliances with new and more dangerous evils.

"This is Privet Drive we are talking about," Harry announced, silencing the both of them. "We'll Apparate within the street, where it's safe."

"Yes ... and," Sirius raised his hands, his vision trailing the floor. "Remus, nothing will happen to Florence. The child's secret is safe with us. Just like Harry said, we'll pop by to look for something we'd forgotten."

"Yeah, there's a good chance they'll let me in to get rid of the offending magical object," Harry smiled at the thought of his uncle's face.

Remus frowned disapprovingly, unmoved by their arguments. Harry looked on, frustrated, watching Remus inhale deeply. "Dumbledore will not approve of this, Sirius!" Remus whispered, pointing his finger at Sirius' chest.

Harry felt his heart constrict slightly at the mention of the Headmaster.

Sirius ran his fingers through his long black hair. "Dumbledore doesn't need to know! And don't tell Molly where we are- she might skin us alive," Sirius added, taking a peek at his watch as an excuse to break eye contact with his best friend. "Let's go, Harry."

Remus sat back down, watching as Harry and Sirius donned their cloaks. Harry knew Remus was unable to say anything more, because once Sirius' mind was made up, there was no way of knocking any sense into him.

"Moony, where did your sense of adventure escape to? We'll be careful!" Sirius tried to reassure him.

"My sense of adventure died the moment Voldemort stole our friends from us!" Remus replied through gritted teeth. Sirius and Remus locked eyes once more, making Harry regret ever mentioning the trip.

"Look, maybe Remus is--"

"Come on, Harry," Sirius spoke, interrupting him. He pulled the hood over his head and turned to his godson.

Harry sighed and nodded. He was too far in the mess he had created to back out now.

With two pops, the two hooded figures landed behind a thick shrub in Mrs. Figg's front yard.

Harry imagined this would be a shock to an unsuspecting Muggle - people don't just materialise like that - but they were sure no one was watching, except for the cats below.

Mrs. Figg raised her curtain, and instantly recognised the two figures on her lawn. Harry spotted her and waved. She smiled back before disappearing from view.

"Hello, hello," Mrs. Figg said brightly, rushing out to meet them. She was wearing a yellow raincoat over her dressing gown, while her lurid pink slippers snuggled her feet, catching the dew on the grass as she walked.

"Good morning, Mrs. Figg. How are things today?" Sirius beamed, looking down at her. Sirius was much taller than she, and the older lady had to crane her neck up, like she was trying to view the uppermost story of a skyscraper.

"Everything is well, lad. I've finished my weekly report and have fed my cats, so now I'm just waiting for the first of my daily line up of Soaps! I really do hope Mr. Abbeywick doesn't elope with that nasty woman, Carmen Falls. It would be such a tragedy." Mrs. Figg shook her head, despairing at the fate of her favourite television characters.

Harry coughed out a small laugh, watching Sirius blink, completely lost. "Now, now, Mrs. Figg., don't get worked up on those shows. They'll rot your brain."

Mrs. Figg chuckled. "Oh hush you! That's what Mr. Forshaw says to his wife next door every time we talk about our favourite shows. You should try watching them one day... oh, that's if you have a television."

"And thank goodness we don't!" Sirius grinned.

"Now," Mrs. Figg started, focusing on Harry, "is there a particular matter why you are both here?"

"Er, yes, Mrs. Figg," Harry answered. "I want to see my cousin."

Mrs. Figg furrowed her brow. The wrinkles on her face became more pronounced as her cheerful outlook turned into concern. "Are you sure that is wise? The Dursleys don't know that their little girl is a witch. Not yet, anyway."

"Oh, we're not going to say anything about that,' Sirius replied breezily. "Harry just wants to see her."

Mrs. Figg gazed at Sirius and sighed, flopping her hands at her sides. "Well, if you need me - I know I can't do much, but if you need me, I'll be here. And be careful."

"Thank you," Harry replied.

With a heavy grip on Harry's arm, Sirius led the way to Privet Drive in as much of a rush as they could safely do, stopping behind a large skip when they saw a Muggle watering his garden, and then hiding behind a couple of trees when they spotted some children riding bicycles and playing cricket or football in the streets. However, the darkening clouds were already threatening rain and people began to scatter into the shelter of their homes, making it safer for them to walk to number four.

"Uh, Sirius?" Harry began, as they reached the Dursleys' porch. Harry was sure that Uncle Vernon was nowhere in sight, since his car was not in the driveway.

Sirius smiled understandingly. "Don't worry, I know. I'll be a deviance toward them. I'll wait outside and have a chat with Fig's cats," he smirked.

Harry turned around, wondering what on earth Sirius was talking about, when he saw several cats of different colours trailing behind them. Harry shook his head and rolled his eyes at the sight.

"No, that's not what I meant. I wanted to say that I'm sorry I made you and Remus fight."

Sirius waved his hand airily. "Not to worry, Harry. Remus can be an old grouch sometimes, believe me," he said. "There were a few times in the past where he tried to stop us from doing something very dangerous. Unfortunately James and I were too thick-headed for advice to penetrate our brains. And more unfortunately, as you can see," he added with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, "I haven't changed."

"Actually I think you are a little different, Sirius. You're more mature than when you were at Hogwarts," Harry said, and Sirius smiled, backing away a little way from the door.

Harry took a deep breath and turned to the door, staring at the doorknocker.

A light drizzle began to fall as he contemplated his next move. Trembling, he mustered the courage to knock it. He felt tense, but he had to push himself on. For a moment Harry thought no one was home, then he heard a baby cry within.

"Coming," he heard Aunt Petunia say from inside the house.

Harry turned his head, saw Sirius standing on the porch with crossed arms and an eyebrow raised. The door opened, startling Harry and he turned his attention back to the house.

A pregnant pause followed. In that time, Aunt Petunia's eyes darkened and she pursed her lips tightly. "What do you want?" she finally snapped after she was sure no one was watching.

Harry winced slightly at her reaction. "Ah- um." The situation made him lose his train of thought, and he forgot the excuse that he'd been practicing.

"Do you need more of my blood?" she whispered quickly toward Sirius. Harry furrowed his brow, he had no idea what she was on about and turned to Sirius.

"No, Mrs. Dorsally, Harry is still very well protected at his happy ho--"

But Harry felt his aunt's fingers grasp onto his upper arm, and he was then pulled forward.

"What do you think you're doing?" Sirius yelled in protest, reaching out hands to stop Harry from disappearing into the house in such an abrupt manner.

"I'm trying to get my nephew in the house without the neighbours talking, you twit," she whispered. However, after seeing Sirius' angry reaction, Petunia quickly released Harry in dread.

The baby's crying continued within, and Petunia turned back in fear for her child.

Harry's heart fluttered at the sound of the baby crying. "Are Uncle Vernon and Dudley home?" Harry asked, trying to calm them down.

Petunia glared at Harry as her fingers fumbled on the door handle. After a moment, though, she reluctantly let go and moved aside to let Harry enter. "No, Vernon is out on business and Dudley is with his friends. It's just me," she said with a searing glance at Sirius.

"And whose baby is that?" Sirius sarcastically blurted. Petunia didn't answer, and Harry could see she was biting her tongue, containing her urge to reply. Harry was never supposed to know that the Dursleys had had another baby, and they hoped it would've stayed that way since they were never going to see Harry again. But Remus had accidentally found out about Florence whilst reading the babies born section of a Muggle newspaper, last December.

"Get inside," Petunia said.

Harry entered the hallway obediently, although Sirius stood rooted on the spot, glaring at Petunia.

"Are you going to come in?" Petunia asked him. Sirius shook his head. "Well, I certainly will not tolerate a complete stranger dressed like a freak in my front yard."

"Can't see why this neighbourhood should tolerate you--"

"Sirius!" Harry started loudly, but Aunt Petunia slammed the door in his godfather's face before Sirius could finish his retort.

Petunia led the way in silence while the baby continued to cry. Harry followed, his heart beating in fury as he caught sight of the cupboard under the stairs.

"In - in the kitchen." Petunia pointed to where a baby sat in a high chair, a bottle of milk and a bowl of mash on the table. Harry froze by the doorway upon seeing the eight-month-old baby gargle. A cheeky smile spread on her face at seeing that her mother was back and tears slowly began to dry on her cheeks. Her eyes were green, just like Harry's in fact, and hair like his mother's. Harry gaped as the little girl plunged her hand into a bowl of mashed peas and squelched it within her chubby fingers.

Harry managed to regain his composure and walked slowly into the kitchen, staring at the baby curiously. "Hello there," he said softly, slowly extending his hand to touch the baby's hair when his aunt grabbed his wrist in panic.

"Sit down," Petunia said abruptly, pulling a chair out for Harry and he looked away from the child. "You're very lucky Vernon and Dudley aren't here."

Harry nodded, turning to stare at Florence, who began smudging the sludge of green peas on the table of her high chair.

"Are you going to introduce us?" Harry spoke, lifting his hand towards the girl - he knew who she was but wanted his aunt to tell him.

Petunia sat down next to the girl, wiping the goo from her hands with a tea towel. "Food is to eat, not to play with," she said reprovingly to her baby. "Her name is Florence. She is my ... daughter," she replied, rather smugly. "I only realised I was with child after those Grangers paid us

Harry raised an eyebrow, knowing exactly what had occurred. In the summer before sixth year, an accident which had rendered him unable to speak and in a defenceless state, without magic to protect himself with, gave Voldemort the perfect chance to kill him. However, Voldemort's minion had been thwarted by Professor Snape, both of whom had been killed in the incident, leaving Harry alone and still in danger. Harry had escaped to the safety of Hermione's home, but Death Eaters soon found out, and he and Hermione had been forced into hiding.

When Mrs. and Mr. Granger had ensured that they were safe, they had gone to the Dursleys with the news that Harry was fine, and with their daughter. It was then that Mr. Granger had accused Harry's aunt and uncle of neglecting and abusing their nephew for nearly his entire life. It was also the time when the Grangers experienced firsthand the Dursleys' offensive nature towards anything magical. Obviously, whatever they had said, had touched a nerve with the Dursleys.

Florence laughed suddenly, gurgling delightedly as her mother continued to wipe the mashed peas from her outspread fingers and the highchair. Harry watched as his aunt released Florence's hands and folded the tea towel once more.

"So ... I suppose you could use magic now since you've turned seventeen?" Petunia said in a whisper, abruptly stretching her neck to see if anyone was outside the window and within hearing distance.

"Yeah, I--" Harry gasped - he had just heard his aunt say the word 'magic.'

"Just like your mother," his aunt replied stiffly.

Florence rocked naughtily in her seat. Bubbles of saliva exploded out of her mouth, while her green eyes attentively focused on this new person. Petunia observed her daughter and sighed, dispiritedly. "She has Lily's eyes ... she looks exactly like she did when she was a baby."

Harry nodded, butterflies fluttering in his stomach - he didn't know how to best describe what he wanted to say to her. And how she would react was probably beyond his capabilities to imagine, but Harry was prepared for the outburst, or as best he could be, and Sirius was outside if he needed help. He knew he wasn't supposed to tell her ... but something in his heart told him that she needed to know.

He inhaled deeply. "Aunt Petunia--"

"My baby girl is abnormal as you are."

Harry closed his mouth and opened it again, dumbstruck at the declaration. "What?"

Petunia bent down towards the baby and tapped her spoon at the bowl, lifting another unappealing spoonful of mush to the child's mouth.

"Of course I knew,' Petunia said matter-of-factly. "I could sense that she was not ... normal after the first couple of months. And I knew the worst was confirmed when a teddy bear she held onto vanished in front of my very eyes when she was upset," Petunia explained, avoiding looking at Harry.

Petunia lifted her daughter's chin a little, mouth pursed in concentration as she slid the spoonful into Florence's mouth. A moment later she pulled it gently out, making sure none of the mash had escaped the tiny mouth.

Florence smacked her lips as she swallowed the food. "There. Mummy's cooking isn't so bad is it? Peas are good for you," Petunia cooed, dipping the spoon in the bowl again while attempting to brush away her daughter's rust set fringe from her eyes.

Harry watched silently, completely staggered by the revelation. "I- I don't understand ... you really knew?"

Petunia nodded slowly. "I denied it at first. I really did. I didn't want her to be a...a freak, like you and Lily. I didn't know what to do. I kept wondering what I should do. What would Vernon say? Vernon!" She shook her head vigorously. "I couldn't tell him ... I can't tell him!"

"He doesn't know?" Harry asked, surprised. It was too much information to digest. He'd gone in there with the idea of at least having a glimpse of Florence and ensuring she was indeed all right, but this was certainly not the response

"And it's going to stay that way," Petunia said firmly, finally looking at Harry.

Harry felt as though someone had knocked him over the head with a cauldron - had he just heard correctly? In any case, he couldn't help but smile - his aunt was reacting totally differently from what he had expected or hoped. "Um, so does that mean ...I mean to say, she won't be living in the cupboard under the stairs?"

"No ..." she replied, avoiding Harry's eyes once more. She sighed, closing her eyes for a little while, obviously thinking.

Harry ran his fingers through his hair and took several deep breaths to relieve the shock of the words she'd spoken.

"However," she began, taking in a deep breath. Harry's heart suddenly dropped a notch at her tone.

"I want you to stay in Florence's life," she said quickly, as if she couldn't believe what she was saying. "I want her to understand what she is before that ghastly letter arrives when she turns eleven. And I want someone of her own kind to try and teach her to control her magic when she is at home and at Primary school ... do you understand?" she asked, desperation leaking into her voice. "I want to keep this a secret as long as possible. Vernon will be devastated. But I want to love my little girl, without her freak stuff wreaking havoc in our lives."

"So - so you're basically going to deny that she is magical?" Harry frowned. "You're going to believe she is a Muggle so you could love her?" Harry cringed at the idea of such self-deception, but deep in his mind, he was happy that at least she was not going to be treated like he had been.

Petunia stood up hastily and turned her back on Harry, getting herself a glass of water.

"Aunt Petunia ... ?"

"I've always wanted a little girl," she said softly. "But when you left, I thought it'll be the end of...of all that. Good riddance too! None of that protection thing weighting me down anymore. My family was freed from you and your freak nature," she added nastily, "but now...now, it's started all over again. Why?"

Harry was certainly not expecting this either. Florence, seeing her mother distressed, had stopped being playful and now had a frown on her little face, fingers grasping her short deep red curls.

Harry merely stared between his aunt and his cousin for a moment, utterly speechless.

"Aunt Petunia?" he croaked when he could speak again. He wanted to say something comforting, yet something which was not dangerous. "Maybe it's- it's just a second chance," he said in a small voice.

"A second chance to bloody what, boy?" She hissed, turning around to reveal her tear-stricken face. "I don't want a second chance to love a freak like you. I'm scared at what she could do - I already hate what she's to become. Yet, I loved her the moment I laid my eyes on her, when I didn't know what she was, and now I can't let go of her," she said, almost pleading. "Every atom in my body wants to rip her abnormality from her! Why did she have to be that way?"

Harry recoiled slightly at his aunt's tirade. Florence furrowed her brow, her eyes becoming suddenly watery.

"I don't know." Harry responded. "But look at her ... she's a human being. She needs a mother," something I never had growing up, he added silently.

Petunia shut her mouth, and turned to Florence, who begun to cry, and she forced herself to calm down. She fiddled with the collar of her top, thinking for a minute.

"I'll -- I'll try to look past her magical ability," she finally said slowly.

Florence's cries softened, as her mother scooped her into her arms.

Petunia made soft cooing noises to calm her child, meeting Harry's gaze. "I will try to not fail with her."

The infant contentedly laid her head on her mother's shoulder, obliviously sucking her thumb.

***

Harry opened the front door weakly, his heart pounding, feeling unnaturally light. He walked out to find Sirius talking to a black cat he had befriended. "Sirius?"

"What happened? Is everything ok?" he questioned, turning around as the cat leapt up the steps.

Harry nodded with a smile. "Everything's fine. In fact, she knew a long time ago that Florence was a witch, and my aunt actually wants me to be in Florence's life."

"You've got to be joking?" Sirius gaped.

Harry bowed his head slightly. "I'll tell you everything when we get home."

Sirius looked surprised, but he was calmed by Harry's smile.

Harry was not at all troubled by the Dursleys, and was in fact already keen to take on the role of big cousin.

"Let's get out of here then. Mrs. Weasley might kill us if she's figured it out," Sirius said. Harry laughed, taking a good look at Sirius' relaxed expression.

Harry felt a heavy burden lifting from his shoulders, and it freed him from one worry - he felt positively cheerful. He turned back to the house where he had spent fifteen horrible years and summers, and hoped with all his heart that, for Florence, her childhood would be much happier than his had ever been.

They walked silently through the drizzle to Mrs. Figg's house, ignoring the coldness of the water as it soaked into their clothes. Harry hung his head, watching the dark grey, wet paths absent-mindedly, thinking about Florence, but also how Sirius had helped by allowing him to visit his cousin, when something made him realise...

Harry grinned suddenly at his godfather. "By the way, congratulations..."

Sirius looked vaguely puzzled. "What for, Harry?"

"For becoming the first Defence teacher in five years to last longer than one year," Harry said, still beaming.

Sirius chuckled lightly. "See, I always knew that all that Hogwarts needed was for Sirius Black - proud Marauder Mischief Maker -- to lift the jinx." Sirius grinned as Harry shook his head. "Besides, Morganna will be happy I'll last another year--"

Harry skidded to a halt. "Sirius, before we go - what exactly is happening with you two?"

"Well, we're not getting married, if that's what you think. I haven't even thought of that. I know it's kind of awkward that I am dating a Snape, but we're still in the early stages, and our second date is all set on Monday, when I go to Diagon Alley to get your stuff. I've made a reservation at a small pub in Knockturn Alley," he smiled roguishly. "Should be completely risky ... but definitely exciting."

Harry laughed, rubbing the ridge of his nose and preparing to Apparate.

Harry turned to speak to Sirius when he spotted a raven circling the dark skies before gliding down to sit on the post box at number twenty-seven. The bird croaked for Sirius' attention, and Harry noticed a scroll tied to its leg. Sirius' gaze darted up and down the street, clearly alarmed at the sight of the bird and its letter, but hesitantly relieved the raven of its burden.

It was sealed with green wax, which, to Harry's horror, was stamped with a coat of arms which prominently featured a skull. Sirius quickly opened the letter and read it with his brow knitted in worry. He sighed before pocketing the letter. Harry wanted to know what it was. Sirius' eyes wondered once more around the street, when his fingers latched onto Harry's shoulder protectively.

"What ... what is it?"

Sirius took his wand out and twirled it above their heads until a fine purple light cascaded over them. Harry knew Sirius had just cast the Fuzzle Charm and wondered what sort of important business would warrant it.

Sirius spoke hurriedly. "It's a letter for the Order. Seems like a follower of Voldemort has strayed from his path, and wishes to speak to..." Sirius darted a quick look over his shoulder once more, "Morganna!"

Harry flicked up an eyebrow, surprised that Sirius had explained the details. "You told me!"

Sirius sighed. "I think it's about time you start to know what we go on about," he said quietly.

Harry nodded, quite pleased, but a little numb at Sirius' announcement. Still staring, Sirius suddenly had a brooding look about him. Harry knew why - after all, why would a Death Eater want to speak with Snape's sister?

"Well, lets go home," Sirius declared. With a flick of their cloaks, the two strangers vanished.