Harry Potter and the Starship Enterprise

Of course, Spock and Christine naturally made sure to tell each other they would keep in touch while apart before the Enterprise departed; all the same, Spock had an unshakable feeling of dread which told him that Christine was leaning more and more toward resuming her former romance with her one-time fiancé from the Wizarding world. He wouldn't blame her if she did; Sirius Black definitely seemed to have more to offer her than he did, even after all that he had experienced. And it wasn't as if he, Spock, would be unable to find someone to replace her ...

Even as he thought it, though, the Vulcan knew he would not. Christine wasn't that easily replaced. No matter what he told himself to the contrary, that would always be an undeniable fact. But he couldn't stand in her way; after all she had been through, she deserved peace of mind and happiness with someone who truly loved her, even if that someone wasn't him--and he sensed that Sirius still loved her, however he tried to hide it. There wasn't very much that could be hidden from a telepath, after all.

Sirius was even there, waiting for her as she said goodbye to the Vulcan before he beamed back up to the ship. "Take care of yourself, Spock. Keep in touch."

"You too, Christine," he murmured back as they embraced. "And if you ever need us, just say the word and we will be happy to assist you in any way possible." After a final fierce embrace, the couple separated and Spock flipped open his communicator to speak into it. "Live long and prosper, Christine. Energise, Mr. Scott."

"Peace and long life, Spock." With that, the transporter was energised, and moments later he was gone.

As she and Sirius left the room, he gave her a long, level look ... a look which said volumes. She finally said, "Don't look at me like that, Sirius. Yes, I have feelings for Spock. I have for a long time and believe I always will, but I have even deeper feelings for you."

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" He could scarcely believe his ears. "He has so much to offer you. Whereas, I, on the other hand--"

'You were unjustly accused, even framed, for something you didn't commit, and I intend to do all I can to see that you're exonerated," Christine declared. "It's the least I can do after the way I've doubted you."

"You've made me the happiest, luckiest wizard on Earth, Chris, and I promise to do everything I can to make you as happy as you deserve," Sirius declared, raising her hand to his lips and kissing it.

"No, I'm the lucky one," Christine responded. "How many men would forgive such terrible treatment as I put you through? And can you imagine how Harry's going to react when he hears?"

"I think I can guess," Sirius returned with a smile, releasing her hand and pulling her close with one arm. "But we can't make any concrete plans until and if we can get Old Moldy-Shorts and his cohorts out of the way once and for all."

Christine smiled at the joking reference, then her smile faded as she said solemnly, "I really wish you hadn't decided to join the Battle. After all, we just got you back. We don't want to lose you again--this time for good."

"I have to. I can't sit by and watch you and Harry and Remus--among others--fight without trying to help. Don't worry, love. We'll make it just fine."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because we're on the side of Right, that's why."

"That doesn't make us invulnerable to harm, unfortunately," Christine pointed out. She laughed in spite of herself, prompting Sirius to ask her what was so funny. "And can you imagine the look that's going to be on Bellatrix's face when she finds out you're alive after all? It's going to be priceless!"

At the mention of his Death Eater cousin's name, Sirius made a mental note to pay her back, big-time, for trying to kill him at the first opportunity. He owed her one, and then some! This time he would return the favour, and enjoy doing it--and maybe even take down a few others while he was at it. Meanwhile, though, he would simply enjoy what time there was left for him and Christine to be together between now and the beginning of the Battle.

When they rejoined Harry and company, they told them what they planned to do, infiltrate the Ministry of Magic and see if they could retrieve another of the Horcruxes, reportedly taken as a bribe by Harry's fifth-year nemesis Dolores Umbridge. Sirius intensely disliked the idea of his godson risking his life, but he also knew that Harry was virtually immovable once he had made up his mind. It was fortunate that the reconnaissance trips they had been making and their interrogation of Mundungus Fletcher had netted the whereabouts of Slytherin's locket, the next Horcrux. Of course, it didn't make what they were planning to do any less dangerous and Sirius wished with all his being that he could accompany them, if only to watch their backs. In the absence of that, however, he intended to advise them as best he could.

They had gone back to Grimmauld Place to make plans, and it was there that Remus found them, informing them that his son had been born ... and to offer his services to the Trio. Harry questioned his leaving his wife and child, knowing how much Tonks would want to be in the thick of things, being an Auror and all. But what really set Harry off was when Remus said that he believed James would want him to stick with him. "I would think he would question why you weren't staying with your wife and child, personally," he shot back. "Parents shouldn't leave their kids unless they absolutely have to." The argument had escalated from there into a screaming match which ended up with a furious Remus shooting Harry across the room with his wand. His friends and Sirius were stunned and furious themselves, but no more than Harry was.

"He deserved it. He was acting like a coward."

Even at that, Sirius intended to have his say. "Perhaps, but that was not for you to judge, Harry. I know Remus better than you do; I'm sure that what he did was the best thing for Tonks and little Teddy, to keep them out of harm's way."

"With all due respect, Padfoot, I don't think you really listened to him. He all but said he regretted ever marrying her and having the child and basically intends to desert them!"

"There is nothing wrong with my hearing, Harry," Sirius returned coldly. "And didn't you try to do the same thing with Ginny in the guise of trying to protect her?" That stopped the young man in his tracks, rendering him at least momentarily speechless. "And from what you've said, Dumbledore did basically the same thing, distancing himself from you in order to protect you during your fifth year! Don't try to deny it. And don't tell me that you weren't subconsciously trying to keep him from horning in on what you considered your personal vendetta. I think you were frankly afraid that he would accomplish your objective before you did and take all the credit away from you, the bloody 'Chosen One.' That's likely to be the main reason why you didn't want him with you; it wasn't simply a magnanimous gesture on your part, designed to get him to stay with Tonks and little Teddy. You simply didn't want him cramping your style or telling you what to do ... but that's often the problem with ones your age. You think you bloody well know all the answers, and the opinions of your elders and betters be damned, even as you claim to respect and value them!"

Harry's eyes blazed with green fire as they met the equally blazing eyes of his godfather but he knew everything Sirius said was true even as they stood facing each other, holding their wands on each other. "Okay, maybe I was out of line, but it'll be worth it if it makes him go back to them." Harry's gaze hardened as he dared Sirius to contradict him.

"That still didn't give you the right to stand in judgment on him," Sirius retorted. "After all, you have no idea of the difficulties of living life as a werewolf. Tell me, young Mr. Know-It-All, what would you have done in his place in order to protect your wife and child? Would you--could you--have done any differently?" After a time, Harry's anger cooled and he lowered his wand; it was several long moments later before Sirius lowered his. "That's more like it. Now let's get back to planning the infiltration of the Ministry. Here's what I suggest you do ..."