Your Side, Their Side and The Truth

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your Side, Their Side and the Truth by Mizzy

Part IV - ~Natural Assumptions~ (4.13)

Disclaimer: Harry Potter doesn't belong to me, this is a fan fiction, by a fan for the fans. No money has exchanged hands during its production.

-----

Lay down with me and tell me no lies

Just hold me close, don't patronise, don't patronise me

And I can't make you love me, if you don't

And you can't make your heart feel something it won't

Here in the darkness in these final hours

I will lay down my heart and I'll feel the power

But you won't, no you won't

'Cause I can't make you love me if you don't

“I Can't Make You Love Me”- Savage Garden

-----

Sirius checked his watch, frowning as he realised that Mercury was well past the fifth house and that it was really time to get some food, maybe a drink. He'd only been chasing after Remus for the last week but it was almost as if the werewolf had disappeared off the face of the earth.

“Perhaps I'm not trying hard enough,” he said bitterly, passing one hand through his unruly mess of dark black hair. Then he stopped and sighed. Twisting around he saw his trail of boot prints leading away through the snow. The falling snowflakes were already covering up his trail.

“Perhaps I never did,” he added softly. The words echoed morosely through the air. Shaking his head, the animagi folded his arms and sighed again, his breath frosty on the winter air.

He'd tried at first at Azkaban. Everything seemed to be going quite well. Apart from a bit of a rumpus with some of the younger giants last week they'd adapted to their new task. Sirius smiled wanly, remembering Remus' quick tactics of employing the giants to their aid; he knew that once the war was over and the people realised that the giants had been saving them they'd have no choice but to accept them again.

Thinking of Remus again made his stomach tightened and he paused, dizzy. Perhaps the food was a good idea after all, he reflected. Bringing out his wand, he tapped the whippy length of eleven inches of beech containing one single hair against his leg before muttering a few words and disapparating.

He reappeared somewhere not twenty miles south of where he searched outside a friendly Wizarding pub. This was one of the only few Wizarding places in the world and now the fact of his innocence had been steadily proven the inhabitants more than warmed to him, especially considering his connections with Harry Potter. Sirius definitely didn't want to take any kind of advantage from being Harry's godfather, but quite often it was beyond his control.

Trying to shake the majority of the snow off his sodden clothes, he pushed the door of the pub open and strode over to the bar. The barkeep recognized him and smiled.

“Hullo Sirius. Usual, I presume?”

Sirius nodded, his cheeks rosy from the sudden impact of the warmth.

“Yes, thanks David,” Sirius said; grinning. For the last three days he'd had his dinner at this pub and it had always been the same; chicken, potato, vegetables, gravy and a pint of some kind of alcoholic substance. Sirius wasn't exactly sure of what it was, except that it warmed him up and for just a few moments let him forget everything. That kind of feeling didn't have a price in the Wizarding world. As David brought over his dinner and drink, and Sirius paid him with a healthy tip, he reflected on that.

“Strange,” he said out loud, “how our kind can be so against Muggles but really we owe them a lot too.”

“Isn't it just?”

Sirius blinked and looked upwards; relief flooding his face when he realised who had spoken.

“Fleur! Fleur Delacour!”

Fleur smiled warmly; tossing her silver hair back over her shoulder and looking pointedly at the empty space. Sirius got it rather quickly and nodded.

“No-one's with me,” he said softly. Fleur nodded her thanks and dropped down in the seat opposite; balancing her plate of food and a pile of books in one arm as she sat down. Sirius raised his eyebrows and looked at the titles of the books. “The life and habits of the silver Himalayan/Hebridean wolves” and “Stags: Life and times.”

She noticed his gaze and laughed; a laugh which held not much of trace of humour.

“Network business,” she said almost regretfully. Sirius sighed and looked down; gripping his glass with his hand.

“So they're employing as young as you now?” He asked, his voice low. Fleur nodded.

“We need all the people we can get,” she said, her voice still with the distinct French timbre to it.

Sirius studied her for a second before his gaze moving down to the books. “And they're employing even younger than you,” he said softly, closing his eyes in almost disgust. Her eyes lifted up questioningly. “Prongs made a good stag. His son will too.”

Fleur gasped quickly. “How did you-“

Sirius lifted up one hand to interrupt her. “Fleur, when you've been in the business shall we say as long as I have you get to know how to read the signs, you get to learn how to read the stars like the centaurs do... And those four are our only hope.”

Fleur nodded, her eyes downcast. “It always seems so unfair,” she said.

“It always is. That's how the other half play I'm afraid,” Sirius said, leaning on his hands his eyes distant and food forgotten.

“Have you heard of the recent attacks?” Fleur asked softly, her food also forgotten.

Sirius shook his head dumbly.

“They're sabotaging all our efforts to keep everything on track so everything will end properly,” Fleur said, with a shake of her silver head. “Wizards all over the world have been reporting attacks of these creatures but no-one's been able to get a good glance of them yet at all.”

Sirius sighed. “I figured they'd try something like that... They don't want the circle to end, because the circle is exactly what gives them power and everything they want! They have no advantages if the circle broke. Unfortunately Harry's encounter with you-kn...” Sirius bit his lip. “With Mr. Riddle didn't completely finish the cycle like we'd hoped... It did go some considerable way to it, though, which is why they are considerably annoyed at my godson.” He grinned rakishly. “I've never been more proud of him,” he added; smiling softly.

“You must love Harry very much,” Fleur said softly. Sirius nodded, his eyes going distant again. Fleur suspected he was finding it hard not to cry at the mention of Harry's name. Sirius sat there softly before casting his gaze back down to his dinner and without another word to the delicate part-Veela French girl he steadfastly concentrated on devouring his lunch. Fleur watched him silently for a second; noting the pain in his tightened features before returning her attention to her own meal and the books.

Out in the kitchens two thoughtful eyes grazed across the scene before turning away.

“He doesn't want to see me,” Remus said dejectedly, leaning against the cupboard sighing. David, the barkeeper, frowned and poked him in the shoulder.

“No cousin of mine is acting like that,” David Lupin said firmly. Remus frowned and glared. “If you notice I think the girl is an acquaintance and I bet she's involved in the Network too.”

Remus frowned softly. “I... I...” He slumped his shoulders again.

“I have to go back out there,” David said, jerking his head back towards the main area of the pub. “Think about it, ok?”

Remus stiffened and turned away. “Yeah...” He said gently. “But he doesn't want to see me.”

“Are you putting a bet on that Moony?”

Remus gasped and whirled around abruptly to see Sirius lounging against the doorway. He stepped backwards reflexively.

“Sirius,” Remus said tentatively. David looked at the two, noticing the sudden tension in the room and he coughed uncomfortably.

“I'll be leaving you to it,” he said; moving backwards. As he caught up with Sirius at the door he leaned into the black-haired man. “You hurt my cousin and I will kill you,” he hissed before moving away and letting the door slide shut.

“I... I didn't expect to see you here,” Remus said almost fearfully.

Sirius rolled his eyes. “You would have been expecting someone at least.” He stared at Remus for a long second, noticing with dismay the ragged figure beneath the shabby robes. He rummaged in his robes pockets and withdrew a large flask. “The potion. Snape sent some up for you.” Sirius held it up and cautiously Remus stepped forwards to retrieve it. Looking up to say thank you, Remus was shocked and surprised to see tears in Sirius' eyes. Remus took the flask and set it to the side before impulsively engulfing the taller man in a crushing hug. Sirius stayed in the embrace perhaps a moment too long... Or maybe not even long enough. He pulled back long enough to wipe his face on his sleeves.

“Why did you come Sirius?” Remus asked sharply.

Sirius blinked. “To give you the potion.”

Remus walked away and leaned his forehead against the cool surface of the silver-metallic fridge David kept in his kitchen.

“That's not the only reason,” Remus said closely, his eyes screwing up.

“I didn't say it was,” Sirius said mildly.

“Anyone could have done it. Heck it could have even been transported to me by owl post,” Remus said flatly; turning around and folding his arms. “Why did you come here?” He repeated.

“I had to see you again,” Sirius' words came out in a rush. “The whole thing with the giants was all business, we had no time to talk and it was the kids who convinced me not to let something like this go from small petty arguments. But I know that if it wasn't for my stupid idea that Peter should be the secret-keeper, then James and Lily would.. would be alive, so I guess... I guess I came to apologise and ask if you could ever forgive me...” Sirius' gaze dropped to the floor and he was so absorbed in his thoughts that he almost didn't notice Remus crossing the floor and putting his thin arms around Sirius' lanky frame again.

“You daft coot,” Remus whispered wonderingly. “If anything you should hate me I didn't believe that you hadn't done it...”

“It was a natural assumption,” Sirius said glumly. “If I was in your place I would have believed I'd done it. And if --“

“Shut the hell up, Sirius.”

The words slipped out and Sirius stopped in shock. Remus pulled back and held Sirius at arm's length, studying him carefully before smiling.

“We couldn't have done anything to stop what has happened. And we like hell can't change it. All we can do now is cherish the good times and remember them in a good way. And help sort out this whole sorry mess without feeling sorry for ourselves all the time!”

Sirius started to look ashamed.

“I --“ Sirius started.

“—talk too much, yes I know,” Remus finished. “We're both square, right?”

Sirius met Remus' eyes, shocked and befuddled. “I...” He smiled reluctantly. “Square,” he agreed softly.

“Good,” Remus noted before pulling the startled Sirius into a kiss. Sirius' eyes widened for a fraction of a second as he realised what was going on and closed his eyes as he melted into the kiss; memories of past moments like that flooding back in the simple, warm touch of his beloved and they both knew -- all past discretions were forgiven, all broken barriers were mended, all old ties were immediately as strong as before if not stronger.

Remus pulled back eventually as the need for oxygen came quite urgent; a twinkle replacing his old saddened expression.

“I shut you up,” Remus said with a slightly dazed expression.

“I'll give you shut up,” Sirius returned; the only hint as to what he was going to do was betrayed by a slightly roguish expression as Sirius entangled his hands in his beloved's hair and yanked the other closer. Remus let out a startled: “Oomph!” as their lips met forcefully together. Nothing much was said in the next few minutes as the two melded together almost as if they'd never been apart.

“Ahem.”

A slightly exaggerated cough from the doorway made the two men realise that they weren't exactly alone and they leapt apart almost as if they were electrocuted; blushing like hormonal teenage boys caught in the act by a teacher. Fleur was leaning against the doorpost looking highly amused.

“I just came to say goodbye...” she said softly; her lilting French accent filling the kitchen. Remus was flushing a brilliant crimson and Sirius looked entirely ruffled but still quite cool. “And to wish you well in your continued life together.”

Remus smiled. “Thank you, Miss. Delacour.”

Fleur frowned; the creases looking out of place on her normally smooth brow. “It's Fleur. I will see you again, I feel.”

Sirius nodded. “I feel that too. Until then.”

“Until then,” Fleur said softly; bowing slightly and leaving with a roguish grin inhabiting her normally neutral features.

“Is she working for them then?” Remus asked, knowing the answer.

Sirius nodded, his heart heavy. “Yes,” he admitted.

“She's young,” Remus breathed.

“Not as young as the newest recruits,” Sirius said, frowning. Remus nodded.

“If it's what needs to happen then I hope to the heavens that they haven't made the wrong choice for their champions,” Remus said; then paused. “Ah. Whoops.”

“What's that whoops for?” Sirius asked suspiciously.

Remus pulled a face. “I was supposed to owl Harding yesterday. Announce that we'd be dropping four surprises on him and Charlie Weasley tomorrow.”

“Remus!” Sirius gasped, shocked.

“Better do it now, I suppose,” Remus said; laughing as he moved to the doorway. “Coming?”

Sirius mumbled something and started to follow Remus. Remus frowned and just grabbed hold of Sirius' hand and pulled him out into the main pub. He caught David's glance and grinned.

“I see he did want to see you then,” David said, winking. “You keep him well, Black, or I'll hunt you down and...”

“You'll kick my ass, yada, yada, yada,” Sirius said dismissively.

“Thanks, cousin,” Remus added. “We have to go owl someone now. Catch you later.” Sirius felt Remus tug his hand sharply and grinned as they began to leave the pub. They were mostly at the door when David cottoned on to what was going on.

“Remus please tell me you've owled Harding already?”

Remus turned back and grinned impishly at his cousin. “I could but it would be a lie,” he quipped softly before leaving the pub; leaving David sighing in acceptance.

-----

“This is nice,” Sirius commented.

There was no need for Remus to ask what exactly was nice as it was fairly obvious. The two had traipsed back from the owlery slowly, hand in hand without either of them realising it. Remus suddenly stopped in the middle of the snowy path and Sirius slowed next to him concern evident in his deep brown eyes.

“Wha—“ Sirius started, but Remus placed two of his fingers on Sirius' lips. Sirius stared at him, mystified.

“Do you think --“ Remus looked almost shy. “Do you think that things between us can ever go back to the way they were?”

Sirius stood there softly, resembling a snowman more and more every passing moment as he was covered in snowflakes. “No,” he whispered softly.

“Oh,” Remus said, his voice catching on the simple word.

“Too much has happened, too many things have changed,” Sirius said bluntly before pausing. He could see the hurt in Remus' eyes and didn't like it one bit. “But I think we could be stronger than before.”

Remus blinked and thought over those words and it took a while for it to sink in properly.

“I thought—“ Remus started.

“What?” Sirius looked almost amused. “You thought I'd stop loving you just because a few things happened that we didn't plan? Get this right, Mr. Lupin, that when I said I would love you forever, I meant it. I do. I love you. Deal.”

Remus looked completely startled. “I love you too. I'd love you less as Mr. Frosty.”

Sirius looked completely bemused until he realised what Remus meant.

“We'd better get inside somewhere,” Sirius said softly. “But before you go.. I want to ask you something.”

“What?” Remus asked; not asking what kind of question it would be rather immediately trusting his beloved.

“When the summer holidays begin I'll be returning to Hogwarts to pick up Harry. I'd like it if you came and lived with us, and I know he would too. He thinks very highly of you,” Sirius said rapidly, chewing on his bottom lip self-consciously. He was answered seconds later when Remus leapt at him, knocking them both over in the snow while Remus kissed Sirius thoroughly.

“Is that a yes?” Sirius asked cheekily, smiling up at his lover.

Remus cocked his head to one side. “I think --“ he kissed Sirius softly --“that” -- another kiss- “the answer” -- another kiss -- “is yes.”

Sirius whooped and then frowned.

“What?” Remus asked; worried he'd said something wrong.

“I'm all soggy and wet,” Sirius said, frowning. Remus quickly leapt to his feet and dragged the other man up with him.

“Let's get back to where I'm staying,” Remus said quickly. “Before we stay out here too long and I get an abominable snowman as a boyfriend.”

-----

They were back at where Remus had been staying for the last few days; in a cosy small apartment half a block away from David's. They were both now dry, warm and dressed in clean albeit shabby robes and were snuggled up together on the sofa. Both of them were smiling like cats the got the cream. Maybe it was from just being together. Or perhaps it was from the way Sirius had complained that he there was only enough water for one shower and they both needed one. Maybe it was from the way they'd gotten *ahem* around that problem.

Whatever the reason they were both in a very good mood.

“I missed this,” Sirius admitted frankly.

Remus raised an eyebrow and looked across at their drying robes over in the corner.

“What the this where we are together, or the this where our madcap adventures leave us in a horrible tangle?” Remus asked slowly.

Sirius laughed before leaning over and moving his hand downwards. Remus didn't have to look where it was going, the sharp pain in his backside immediately telling him that Sirius had pinched him and exactly where he'd pinched him.

“Don't do that,” Remus advised languidly. “Unless you have enough energy for another go.”

“Might,” Sirius said teasingly. Remus rolled his eyes.

“You're not the one who's going to be sore for days,” he complained.

Sirius grinned evilly. “You weren't complaining before.”

Remus rolled his eyes to the ceiling again. “I suppose I wasn't. So you really, really want me to come and live with you and Harry? Are you sure he won't mind?”

Sirius leant backwards; head resting against the pine headboard. “I'm sure. You know, you're almost as bad as Harry.”

Remus laughed lightly. “Guess it's been a dream for both of us.” At Sirius' questioning gaze he explained it further. “I guess, in both mine and Harry's case, when you're around.. Everything seems like it's going to be all right.”

Sirius looked surprised. Remus smiled at his lover's expression before resting his head on his shoulder.

“I'm tired,” Remus said quietly. Sirius laughed.

“Well go to sleep,” he reasoned softly. Remus nodded and pulled up the covers, covering up both of them as he wrapped his arms around Sirius gingerly -- as if he were afraid the other would leave if he didn't hold on. Remus waved his wand sleepily at the light and it went off. He put his wand back on the bedside table and snuggled closer to Sirius; closing his eyes and surrendering himself to the familiar warmth and smells.

“I'm not going to disappear in the morning,” Sirius whispered roughly to Remus, breathing in the other's scent. “I love you.”

Sirius was almost afraid that Remus hadn't heard him as it appeared the other was in a light sleep. He sighed and snuggled down next to the man he loved, tightening his arms around the other's waist. He was astonished to hear the mumbled: “I love you too, Sirius” from his partner and it was with a smile on his face that he finally surrendered to the first dreamless sleep he'd had in years.

-----

Remus awoke with a start, breathing heavily. He'd dreamt that Sirius had come back to him, and everything was forgiven, and then he'd disappeared. Turning around, he blinked furiously trying to get his normal vision back. As soon as he could see properly he started. The other side of the bed was completely empty. Remus felt something inside slam into his chest and everything seemed to go grey. It was all a dream... Sirius hadn't been here at all...

His line of thought was cut short when the door banged open and someone walked through; covered in a heavy coat and snow. Remus blinked fuzzily and watched in shock as Sirius heaved off the coat and shut the door. The memories of the night before hit Remus and he smiled lopsidedly as Sirius dropped a bag on the table.

“Thought you'd like some breakfast in bed,” Sirius said softly, picking up the beg and climbing back under the covers.

“Hey, you're cold!” Remus complained instinctively as Sirius' skin touched his own.

“I've just been out in the bloomin' snow, what do you expect?” Sirius said grouchily. “We got coffee, we got doughnuts. What do you want first?”

“Coffee and doughnuts for breakfast?” Remus shook his head in mirth; pushing one hand through his hair while using the other to rub the grunge out of his eyes.

Sirius stuck his tongue out and opened the bag. “Suit yourself, I'll just have yours as well as mine,” he said; smiling as Remus snatched the bag off him.

“I didn't say I wouldn't eat it,” Remus said defensively, narrowing his eyes as Sirius laughed at him. Remus rolled his eyes and picked up the sugary sweet doughnut, depositing his coffee on the table before passing the bag back to Sirius. Sirius pulled out his own breakfast and nibbled on the doughnut; making sure he didn't spill coffee all over the floor.

“That's one thing I'll say about the Americans,” Remus commented, polishing off his doughnut and sipping on the hot coffee. “They do know how to make good food.”

Sirius nodded; gulping his coffee down regardless of the fact that it was still steaming hot.

“I—“

No-one discovered what Remus was about to say as there was a lot of noise from outside.

“I'll go and see what the fuss is about,” Sirius said grudgingly. He slipped out of the bed and padded out of the room. Remus quickly slid out of bed and put on his robe which turned out to be a good thing. Sirius rushed back in moments later.

“There's another attack...” he breathed. “At the pub. No-one's seen what's attacking either.”

Remus grabbed his wand and pelt out of the door, Sirius following moments later. A full twenty seconds later almost all of the wizarding population of the village had gathered outside the pub. The entire building was on fire.

“DAVID!” Remus yelled; pushing to the front of the crowd. “David?”

“He's ok.” Remus recognized one of the chefs from the pub and he turned on him. “Where is he?”

“I'm right here,” David said; staggering forwards. Remus breathed out in relief, hugging his cousin abruptly.

“I... I thought you...” Remus started.

“It's all right,” David affirmed. Sirius rushed up too and David nodding his greeting. “Not every thing is all right,” he added. “The pub isn't... And that isn't.”

At David's words, almost all of them gathered looked up in the air.

Hanging above the smoking remains of the building, its colours standing out darkly in the sky was the morbid symbol that all wizards feared.

The Dark Mark.

-----

Big and bigger, biggest dreamer!

Shinjirarenakya

mabataki shiteru setsuna ni kieru yo

Kokoro no hyouteki sorasazu hashire

subete no asu wo tsuranuite

( Big and bigger, biggest dreamer!

We've gotta believe,

disappear into the twinkling sky, instead

I'll run, not turning away from my heart's target,

through all the tomorrows)

“The Biggest Dreamer”- Wada Kouji

-----

“Remy, what do you think we'll be like when we... you know...”

Remus arched a lazy eyebrow; stretching his hands behind his head as he looked across at his best friends.

“Grow up?” Sirius prompted from James' right hand-side.

“I'll probably have been killed by the Unit for Dangerous Magical Creatures,” Remus remarked morosely. He was still tired from last night; the last of his three-day stint as a werewolf had come and gone leaving him scarred and tired and breathless for most of the time.

“Hey,” Sirius warned. James scrambled upright; hands covered in green stains from the grass.

“What he said,” James warned softly; blue eyes narrowing. “Remus Lupin, don't you ever think like that. When we're wrinkly and old, we'll still all be together. All of us. Marauders forever, eh?”

“Marauders forever,” Sirius echoed. Remus fidgeted for a moment before gently smiling as James squeezed his shoulder.

“Marauders forever.”

Grinning satisfaction, James returned to lying on the ground and Remus returned his gaze upwards to the sky; its deep blue colour echoing the blue in James' eyes... Clear and unembellished apart from the dark spot swirling in the middle; a black hole of nothingness that descended into oblivion, that grew larger and larger until it was like a skull; a large skull that could swallow him whole and destroy them all until there was nothing left at all...

-----

“Remus?”

Blinking violently, Remus got shaken back into awareness by a sharp jab in his side. His vision coming back into focus, he looked at Sirius; his eyes wide with shock.

“It's really the Dark Mark, isn't it,” Remus said; his gaze flitting back to the morbid mark scarring the sky.

Sirius nodded slowly. “I'm sorry.”

Remus shook himself physically; his brain fogged up. The sight had triggered memories in him; painful memories that were perfect, bittersweet and mournful all at the same time. The sight that made him want to cry, scream, laugh and die all at once. The sight that made his mouth turn to ashes and his legs to jelly. The surroundings started to swirl around and Remus felt strong arms encircle his waist; Sirius was supporting him. David was holding his elbows too; whispering something. Remus saw his mouth moving; felt the air rush on his face. Words were obviously spilling out but he couldn't understand any of them. His gaze was transfixed on the horror hanging in the sky. That was what was hanging above Lily and James' house when he... When they...

The memory brought back too many strong memories and too many strong physical reactions. Breaking away from the two, he retched violently; spilling out the remnants of his breakfast onto snow-covered ground. Feeling weakened and dizzy, he wiped at his mouth and pushed away the offered water. He'd been part of the Auror team that had seen the debris at Godric's Hollow; that had seen the twisted and mangled corpses of his best friends. He'd immediately blamed Sirius and more than that; blamed himself for ever trusting Sirius and -- worst of all -- for still loving him when he wanted to kill him.

That had all been a cruel lie too.

“Remus?” Sirius was at his side again. He'd been innocent and Remus had let his distrust colour his view on things. He hadn't trusted the one person he should have done. Remus felt warm arms encircle him; breath warm on his neck; hands mussed in his silvery-brown hair. “It's going to be fine,” Sirius soothed gently.

“How?” Remus asked; his question muffled into Sirius' shoulder.

“Because it has to be,” Sirius replied frankly; his hold on his lover tight. “Because, because, because.”

“James used to use that reason a lot.”

Remus felt Sirius smile into his hair rather than see it. “I remember,” Sirius replied gently.

“He wouldn't have wanted me to react like this, but I can't...” Remus struggled to get the words out. Hot tears burned at his eyes; threatening to burn him from inside out and leave him a hollow shell again like he was for years after James and Lily... his throat burned too and he couldn't get the words out.

“Just cry, Moony,” Sirius said softly; his tone gentle but commanding. “James wouldn't have wanted you to suffer in silence like this and I...” A small choking sound from Sirius jerked Remus back into reality again. Sirius was having the same problems as well... “I... Dammit...”

Words were no longer needed. For the next half an hour they just stood there and cried. Cried for the loss of everything they ever knew and perhaps for the start of something new that promised to be just as uncertain as the times before had been; but this time they had each other and this time, this time that might just be enough.

----------

David sank into the armchair opposite them; forehead creased and drenched in sweat; dirt encrusting his clothes. Sirius was about to open his mouth to comment on the state of Remus' fatigued cousin but was stopped by a sharp elbow in his gut. Letting out a startled “oomph” Sirius stared at Remus flatly.

“I wasn't going to say anything,” Sirius protested; his face a picture of innocence.

“No, you were going to say something,” Remus teased back; equally as tired as his cousin. They'd spent the rest of the day clearing away the debris and rescuing various personal items from the fire and everyone was knackered. A twittering at the window drew their attention and distracted Sirius from making any more of his 'comments'. David jumped; grey eyes widening in recognition. Running to the window, he threw it open and a large, fluffy looking eagle owl landed on the edge of the bed to Sirius' amusement.

“Spirit!” Ruffling the owls' head affectionately, David unhooked the roll of paper from under his owl's feet. “I forgot I'd sent him out to get the paper,” he explained softly at Remus' questioning glance. Stroking Spirit's head gently he nuzzled the owl. “Spirit, go the Towns' owlery. Stefan will look after you there, ok?”

Spirit made a little 'who-whooo' sound and took off; navigating out the narrow window with ease. Sadly, David closed the window and remained standing there; staring out into the night.

“It's the night before the night before the full moon,” David commented softly; resting his head on his arms as he gazed out of the window. Sirius and Remus exchanged a glance and Remus slipped off the bed; giving his cousin a warm hug.

“C'mon, Davy-boy, cheer up,” Remus said softly; squeezing David's shoulder. David smiled whimsically and turned round; leaning his head on his cousin's shoulder.

“I'll try,” David promised softly.

“And in no time the pub will be back to normal, and you'll be able to continue serving those really tacky dinners,” Sirius added; from his position lounging on the bed. Remus disentangled himself from the cousin, strode over and hit Sirius around the head with a pillow.

“On that note, I think I'll take my leave,” David said; laughing in mirth as Sirius started to retaliate with another pillow which burst -- white feathers filling the room -- and Remus yelled goodbye to his cousin through a mouthful of the soft, downy feathers.

Moments later, after the quick pillow fight had turned into a little groping match with a couple of snatched kisses, they lay on the bed; Remus' silvery-brown hair spilling over Sirius' chest.

“Well, I'm screwed,” Remus reflected thoughtfully; stifling a sudden snigger from underneath him by jabbing Sirius in the side sharply with his elbow. “My potion for the full moon was in the pub.”

Sirius arched an eyebrow. “Indeed.”

At the cryptic response, Remus twisted; propping himself up on one elbow and fixing his lover with a steely gaze. “And, pray tell, what does indeed mean?”

“Indeed means I'm not so dumb, I moved it across here yesterday,” Sirius said softly. “Good thing I did and all...”

Remus smiled reflectively. “What would I do without you?”

“Die,” Sirius responded instantly. “Wither away into nothing, be desolate, pine away for me for all of your years...” The suggestions trailed off with a snigger and Remus grinned.

“You always were a dumbass,” Remus responded sleepily; his eyes sliding shut of their own accord. Sirius grunted in reply; shuffling so that Remus was lying against him again.

“So were you,” Sirius protested; no real force behind his words.

Remus laughed; a muffled sound. “You know, I'm glad it was my pillow that burst in that fight,” he said suddenly. “Because now I get to use you as a pillow!”

Sirius stared at Remus. “Ha, ha,” he responded finally; his voice filled with dry humour. “You know I'd rather --“

But what Sirius would rather, no-one apart from him ever knew. His voice trailed off as he realised Remus had fallen asleep, and it wasn't long before Sirius joined his lover in the realm of dreams where all our myriad worlds lie whole in that from which they proceeded, where time meant nothing and nothing meant everything and where they would be together but apart all at the same moment for eternity.

------

“Don't be so bloody naïve, Riddle.”

Nervously, the boy twisted his arms; his hollow gaze lurching up to see the smirking glance of Lucius Malfoy. He'd asked to be a different cell to them all, pleaded, begged with the judges, screamed; really, tried everything he possibly could have. The truth was, Azkaban was getting fuller every day, and the space was getting cramped.

“I -“

A stunning blow smacked him against the wall and stars danced across the horizon. His vision swimming, Tom looked up to see the blurred images of the fallen Deatheaters who had been with him during his redemption.

“You what?” The voice was cold, lower pitched. Crabbe? Goyle? Tom couldn't tell.

Another blow, this time to his ribs, leaving him gasping against the wall.

“It's in Pettigrew, it's not right. It's.. evil, it'll take over everything!”

That was all Tom managed to blurt out before blow after blow reigned down; on his stomach, between his legs, against his ribs, on his face.

“Oh dear boy, you do have it all wrong.” Through the haze of the pain and humiliation, Tom strained to hear the thin reedy voice. Flicking one eye open, Tom tried to glare.

“You took away my life,” Tom ground out; stars dancing across his blurred vision.

“Quite,” Peter, whatever it was, admitted candidly. “You were a nothing to me, half-blood.” A foot lashed out, catching Tom in his stomach; winding him. “And soon we will have our leader, and he shall be great. He will be victorious. He will reign the world by my side and we will paint the sky red with the blood of our victims!”

Tom felt the burning. Lifting up his gaze again, he slammed a burning gaze at Peter.

Peter's face twisted into a smirk; the corner of his mouth twisting. “You know, I don't really like that glare of yours.” He jerked suddenly, pointing at Avery Nott with the silver, gleaming hand. The deadly destructive power. “Bring him to me.”

Avery grunted, nodded, and leant forwards. Easily lifting up the battered and bruised figure of Tom Riddle, Avery lifted him close to Peter. Peter's arm jerked upwards; led by the silver hand. The fingers clicked once, then spread out; pointing at Tom's eyes. Tom barely had time to process in his mind what was going on as two of the clawed fingers dug into his eye sockets. Tom's scream as Peter removed his eyes with the metal claw was heard all down the corridor, but none came to his rescue, and Tom slumped in Avery's grasp as he passed out from the pain.

Peter snorted; reaching out to grab Tom - crushing the bones in Tom's forearm as he grabbed the unconscious man and flung him against the wall. He looked up at the slightly wary faces looking at him.

“You know what I hate? People who are too blind to see what's going on in front of their noses,” Peter said lightly; his metal hand squeezing shut of its own accord. No-one said anything as blood and an indefinable white substance squeezing out from the hand, and no-one moved at all. All eyes were fixed on the eerie sight of the small wiry rat-faced man, who was so much more than he appeared.

-----

Remus was awoken by the sound of a crash. One eye snapping open, he felt the familiar dizziness of the Werewolf Suppressing potion working and he took a deep breath to ignore the dizzying pain. Levering himself up, Remus blinked sleepily as he saw Sirius leaning against the door; his face pale and brow furrowed.

“Sirius?”

Sirius looked up from the piece of parchment he was holding onto. The lanky mean looked like he was about to throw up. Ignoring the twisting feeling in his gut, pounding into his stomach and making him feel like his insides were on fire, Remus slipped out of the bed to join his lover by the door. He placed one hand on Sirius' shoulder and stared at Sirius ashen and drawn face; silvery eyes laced with concern.

“What is it?”

Sirius lowered the parchment; his eyes darkened and his face clouded. His legs seemed to just crumble beneath him and Remus held Sirius as they collapsed against the door; landing in a jumbled heap against the door.

“It's a letter from Dumbledore,” Sirius whispered; staring off into space. Remus squeezed Sirius' hand.

“What does... I mean...” Remus trailed off.

“He started with saying he wants us to not worry, and to concentrate on finding out about the beasts and the Dark Mark occurrences...” Sirius trembled slightly; dark eyes dull and unfocussed.

A stab of worry hit Remus; twisting in his belly, leaving him breathless and winded. “Not to worry about what?”

Sirius looked up at Remus; eyes sunken deep into his face and for a moment Sirius was that tired, broken person he'd been when he'd first escaped from Azkaban. “It's Harry. He's broken up with Draco, and...”

The words Sirius had said shocked Remus, but it was the unspoken words hanging in the air that made his head pound; made him feel light-headed and dizzy. Harry and Draco breaking up, that was a shock, there had to be a reason, and the reason - from Sirius' expression - couldn't be a good one.

“The Ministry of Magic arrested Harry yesterday, for using the Cruciatus curse on you-know-who,” Sirius said dully. “He's being moved to Azkaban this afternoon.”

Remus stared at Sirius; hoping he'd heard that wrong. Hoping with every ounce, every fibre of his being, that he'd heard it wrong. “Oh gods...” was all he could manage; pulling Sirius to him. Sirius collapsed against him, shaking and trembling. “I guess all we can be glad for at this point is that the Dementors are away from Azkaban... And Harry's a fighter, and so are his friends. They won't give up on him.”

Sirius nodded dumbly. “No Dementors... But there... There's the...” Sirius seemed unable to come up with the right words.

“All the deatheaters that he defeated,” Remus finished. A thought struck Remus. Grey eyes widened in sudden astonishment. “You don't think...”

“That this was a set up? That they pretended to be defeated so they could destroy Harry?” Sirius' eyes were wild. “Voldemort, yes, he was defeated that day, but the being that corrupted him... That's still out there, and in Pettigrew, and... Harry's there right with him...”

“I thought Pete-- Pettigrew escaped,” Remus said; his voice troubled. Sirius smiled thinly; no amount of humour in that smile.

“They caught him a week ago, apparently,” Sirius said; his voice dry and cracked. “How can he ask me not to worry, huh? The thought of Harry being safe, that's all that saved me during Azkaban, and now... Now it's all useless!”

Remus couldn't say anything. He just leant forwards, and wrapped his arms around Sirius, and just like yesterday but with their positions reversed, Sirius broke down and cried.

-----

They were disturbed more than an hour later. Sirius had fallen asleep in Remus' lap; propped as they were against the door. The parchment containing Dumbledore's letter was crumpled in Sirius' grasps, and Sirius was awoken abruptly by the banging on the door.

Brain kicking into action, Sirius slowly got to his feet and helped Remus up. The werewolf was shaken by the news, and weakened by the trauma from the potion, and could barely stand up. This seemed to distract Sirius a little, as he focused on keeping Remus upright and stationary. The door flew open as soon as Sirius unlocked it, and Sirius stared as David ran in; covered in snow. The brunet shook himself; snow dampening the carpet beneath them, but no-one was paying any attention to it.

David waved a newspaper in Sirius' face after casting a concerned glance at his cousin. “This came this morning.”

Sirius stared at the newspaper; blankly reading the headline. “The Boy Who Screwed Up.”

“I know,” Sirius said blankly; clutching onto the piece of parchment in his hand harder.

David shook his head in anger. “This isn't right! This just doesn't seem right! It can't be... I mean, Harry Potter? Even if he did use an unforgivable curse, I doubt it worked properly and it was for the greater good. Stupid fricking ministry!”

“You're right,” Remus said slowly; weakly. “It doesn't sound right. My instincts are trying to tell me that --“ Remus coughed violently; shaking his already weakened body. David and Sirius helped him backwards, and the werewolf dropped onto the bed; grey eyes clouded over in pain and confusion. “That it's some kind of plan... But...”

“But it's exactly what those half-cocked morons at the ministry would do!” Sirius slammed his fist into the table. The table cracked, and splintered, but Sirius ignored the burning pain that lanced across his fingers and the blood which slid from his hand onto the sheets. He spat out a couple more of adjectives describing the Ministry which made even David blush slightly. He'd heard worse than that in his time at the pub from drunks, but the venom in Sirius' tone made the words seem all that much venomous.

“Some kind of plan,” Remus whispered. “Siri, you said Harry and Draco had broken up. Was this before or after he was arrested?”

Sirius frowned; opening the crumpled the parchment and staring at it. “It doesn't say.”

“Right.” His hand squeezing Sirius' shoulder painfully as another tremor shook his body, Remus looked at his cousin, then at Sirius. “This is what we'll do. Sirius, David, I'm going to have to rely on you two to go out, investigate the Dark Mark, investigate the creatures.” Remus held up one hand to cut off Sirius' suddenly strangled exclamation. “Sirius, as much as I'd like to, love, I can't come out with you.”

David nodded. “I wouldn't let you even if you tried,” Remus' cousin said firmly.

Sirius sighed eventually. “Me either.” He reached over and squeezed Remus' other hand gently.

Remus smiled grimly. “David, can I borrow Spirit for today?” David looked at Remus curiously.

“Of course,” David agreed gently; running one hand through his short brown hair and watching his cousin attentively.

“Siri, I'm going to write to Hermione, Draco, Ron, Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, anyone and everyone. I'll try and find out what's been going on, when the break-up happened, anything strange and unusual they've found out.” Remus coughed again; his body wracked from the pain. “Oh, and I'll see what I can find out about Azkaban, how Harry is, what's being done to get him out of there, et cetera, et cetera...”

Sirius stared at Remus wordlessly; communicating his appreciation for Remus' thorough trains of thought and his dedication. He leaned into the werewolf; pressing a kiss into Remus' mass of brown and silver hair.

“Don't exert yourself too much,” Sirius whispered. David turned delicately away as Sirius embraced Remus; pressing a few butterfly kisses against Remus' mouth and cheek.

Remus smiled weakly. “You go kick some demon butt, Siri, and bring me back a leg,” he said firmly. Sirius laughed; pushing himself up and slipping on his coat. David opened the door; turning back to regard Remus and Sirius softly.

“We'll get this sorted out,” Remus said firmly.

“I hope so,” Sirius replied before turning and sweeping out of the room; followed by David. Remus watched the door for a few moments after they'd left, his thoughts following the same track. I hope so too.

-----

“Reeeeeeemus!”

A shriek, it sounded like a young boy... Harry! Picking himself up, Remus ran and ran in the direction of the sound.

“Please, Remus, someone, anyone!”

Thundering into a clearing, Remus noticed the young boy stood up on a tree trunk; a black cloaked figure standing near him. Harry was scared; wide-eyed, only five year old but black hair scruffy and lightning scar pronounced in the glow of the moonlight

At the sound of Remus thundering into the clearing, the black figure turned around. Seeing Remus, it hissed and slid off into the undergrowth of the twisted forest surrounding them.

“Uncle Remus!” Remus turned at the voice; winced as the boy rammed into him, hugging him, chubby arms encircling his neck. Remus knelt down, smiling at Harry, his nephew. The green-eyes boy smiled up at him, arms still around his neck. Suddenly, the arms tightened, the green-eyes narrowed to dangerous slits and Remus couldn't breathe. He struggled, but somehow Harry was strong. Too strong. As he slammed to the ground, his breathing ragged, his vision swimming, Harry shimmered in front of him; turning into the wretched form of Peter Pettigrew; holding him aloft with a silver hand and laughing...

-----

“Remus! Wake up!”

Startled, Remus shot upwards; eyes wide and drenched in sweat. He was twisted in the sheets, a smudge of ink across his cheek and snow blowing in from the opened window. Blinking rapidly, Remus looked up as Sirius closed the open window and immediately rejoined him on the bed.

“We were just passing and I heard you scream,” Sirius whispered; pressing one hand desperately to Remus' forehead, stroking the werewolf's hair possessively.

Remus blinked blurredly. “I... Did you find anything?”

Sirius shrugged. “A couple of possible leads. The storm's picked up, it's too bad to do anything, you can barely see out there.”

Remus sighed in disappointment. “I... I sent Spirit off a few hours ago with the letters.. But if the storm's this bad...” Grey eyes lurched up to see the hail pounding against the window rhythmically. “We won't get a very quick reply.” His head dropped slightly, until it was forced up; two fingers pressed into his chin firmly. Sirius was staring at him; dark eyes smouldering.

“You've done more than enough,” Sirius said tightly; his expression pained. He lifted up a flask to Remus' mouth and Remus swallowed some of the burning liquid gratefully. The potion might taste disgusting, but it saved him from being destructive. “David said I could stay over with him tonight if you want to be alone...”

Sirius blinked abruptly as Remus grabbed his leg; firm fingers enclosing him tightly. “I need you tonight, Sirius.” Sirius nodded gently. A wave of pain racked Remus' body, and the change began slowly; hair grew longer, teeth extended, eyes widening. Sirius didn't break eye contact the entire time. Soon, a weak and tired silver wolf lay entangled in the blankets; grey eyes sliding shut as it fell asleep. A small smile graced Sirius' lips as he gently changed into his namesake; Padfoot. Jumping up onto the bed, he curled himself into a ball, and they slept an undisturbed, dreamless sleep as wolf and dog.

-------------

I won't pretend that I'm

someone else for all time

When will my reflection show

Who I am inside?

“Reflection” - Christine Agularia

-------------

When Remus awoke that morning, entangled in a mess of sweaty limbs and covered in damp sheets, he was momentarily disconcerted. The dreams had been getting more and more frequent recently, and last night's uninterrupted sleep did nothing to dispel the vivid images and the heady sensations of the previous dreams.

Extricating himself out from the tangled mess, Remus slipped out of the bed; heading over to the window. His thin, bony feet made hardly a sound on the floor, but what sound was made must have alerted Sirius. Within seconds, Remus felt Sirius' body, pressed against his back. He leant into the reassuring warmth.

Never leave me.

Sirius seemed to hear the unspoken thought as he squeezed Remus' shoulder.

“You're worried.”

Sirius nodded at Remus' quiet statement, finding himself unable to speak.

“You want to go see Harry, see if he's okay?”

Again, a nod. Remus felt rather than saw Sirius' gesture. He glanced through the window, seeing the shock of black in the reflection behind him.

“Then we'll go. I'm sure David and Fleur can deal with the investigations into the... attackers... for a few days without us.”

Sirius rested his head against Remus' cheek.

“They'll never let us in to see him, Remus... You know the regulations as well as I do. No visitors unless they're blood related.”

“They will,” Remus said, his voice guarded.

“Uncle Remus!” Remus turned at the voice; winced as the boy rammed into him, hugging him, chubby arms encircling his neck. Remus knelt down, smiling at Harry, his nephew.

“It's not a problem.”

Sirius was about to say something when he felt Remus tense up in his embrace.

“Remus, you know you can tell me anything, you have to know that. Not talking is what got us into that mess in the first place.”

“I know.”

Even Remus didn't know what part of Sirius' statement he was agreeing to. Sirius took a step back, dark eyes sweeping over his lover. Remus suddenly looked so alone, his eyes reflected in the window looked so empty, his poise so suddenly limp and weary.

Sirius once again felt that chill in his gut which he felt all those years ago, and that singular thought again... That he really didn't know Remus at all.

-----

“What are you going to do about it, werewolf?”

The wizard, brutal, large, scruffy blond hair and a cold sneer, standing above him. Dominating. Controlling.

“You have to --“

“What? Let you live?”

A gun was lifted up, a glint of silver shining through the cold tunnel of fear.

“Tell them the truth.”

---------

“Remus?”

Lurching up, Remus blinked violently. The whole place was moving, and Sirius had his hand on his shoulder.

”You fell asleep, we're almost at the right station,” Sirius said softly, his voice neutral.

Remus nodded slowly. “I'm sorry.”

Sirius smiled thinly. “Don't be. You know, I --“

“You...” Remus trailed off, arching one eyebrow in confusion.

”Never mind,” Sirius muttered.

“No, what were you going to say?”

Sirius smiled warmly. “I was just thinking about how little --“

“--you know me at all.”

Sirius blinked, and stared incredulously at Remus who was just staring out the window of the train they were in.

“I think,” Remus said softly, “if you can learn to forgive, I think you know enough about me. Besides, we're starting to finish off each other's sentences. That's always a good sign.”

Sirius nodded and swallowed hard. “What kind of thing would I have to forgive?”

“Everything.”

Sirius' expression was guarded for a second, then he laid a hand on Remus' cheek. His eyes were darker than usual, a maelstrom of deep confusion, love and need. “Then whatever it is, I forgive you. I can't lose you again.” His last word was hitched, his tone low and desperate. “I need you too much.”

Never hate me.

Remus nodded, not trusting his voice to say something, and he returned to look through the window; lost in thoughts and memories and broken feelings.

-----

It was close on eight hours later when they pulled up at the final station. They'd switched three trains along the way. Remus had suggested that they should have apparated to their final destination so they could take the boat to Azkaban, but Sirius had refused. Remus was too weak to make the full journey.

They'd spent the last two stretches looking through some databases and books, searching for details on the mysterious creatures but they didn't find anything.

Holding Remus' arm, Sirius supported the weak brunet as they stumbled onto the platform with their books and one bag of jumbled belongings. Sirius remembered this place, all too well. You couldn't apparate to Azkaban, they brought you here. To the end of the world.

Sirius was glad Remus was there. If he didn't have his love to think of, he was sure, too damn sure, that he wouldn't have made it this far. He could see the dull grey building off in the distance, in the haze of the waters and felt sick. Too many dark, bad memories choked up inside him. Although he was returning as a free man, the memories of his incarceration were fresh. Raw.

They checked in at the office with an old man in shabby green robes, and were led to a boat by a younger man who recognised Sirius and let them through without any further questioning.

As they sat in the boat, huddled together, Sirius felt Remus' hand on his waist; firm, encircling, warm.

“Are you all right?”

Trust Remus to be concerned with him when he himself was still weary and worn out.

Sirius glanced at Remus, the trusting silver eyes locked on his own.

Never lie to me.

“I'm fine.”

Remus frowned at him, disbelieving. Sirius pulled a small face, brought his knees up to his body and rested his head against them.

“I'm not fine at all.”

“No small wonder,” Remus whispered. “I... I'm sorry I couldn't trust you when they... I was just so angry...”

“Hey, I don't blame you at all,” Sirius protested. “I didn't trust you either, and I should have done. It was a pretty distrusting time for everyone.”

His words were reassuring, but his poise and expression told a different story. He was pale, shivering, becoming more and more the withdrawn person he was after Azkaban.

“Come on,” Remus whispered soothingly. “It's nothing like it used to be. There are no Dementors. Harry won't have to suffer like you did for the few days he's mistakenly in there for.”

“Look, you're not his godfather, you're not so worried about him, but I am. I promised James I'd look after him as my own and look how useless I am,” Sirius snapped. The boat lurched a little, and he grabbed onto the side. His expression softened quickly at Remus' hurt expression. “Look, I'm sorry, it's just...”

“I know.” Remus shuffled, folded his arms and looked at Sirius. “I know exactly how you feel.”

The moment was broken by the young man coughing delicately and informing them that they'd arrived. Silently climbing out of the boat, Remus squeezed Sirius' arm reassuringly as they were led into the formidable dark building.

There was a smaller door next to a larger door , and they entered through the smaller one. The larger one had been put there with instruction by Remus. When the two had gone off to recruit the giants, Sirius hadn't been able to find the strength to return to Azkaban, so Remus knew more what to expect.

The inside room was high, and a dull grey. All the life seemed to have been sapped out of the room, more than likely an after-effect of the Dementors' presence. The presence of the embodiment of fear is not forgotten easily by anyone.

The young man leading them indicated that they should go up to the main desk, where a short, wiry old man was sat, before informing them that he'd wait from them outside. Sirius and Remus watched the youngster literally run out of the room. Sirius didn't blame him. If he had the option he would be the one running.

“Hello, we're here to visit Harry Potter.”

The short, wiry man coughed and blinked at Remus over the rims of his large glasses.

“Only a blood relation to the criminal can visit,” the man drawled, the words obviously practiced and routine. He shuffled under the desk, and brought out a folder, the name “Potter, Harry” stencilled onto the top. Flicking open the folder, he pulled out a piece of parchment. “If you would prick your finger and put some blood on the parchment for me, it will turn blue if you and your guest are allowed to visit the criminal.”

Sirius frowned. The word criminal used on Harry like that made it all feel so terrible. His thoughts weren't allowed to wander for very long, as Remus pricked his finger and a few drops of blood fell on the parchment. The parchment turned blue. What?

The wiry old man seemed satisfied and got out a clipboard. “Name on birth certificate?”

Remus shuffled, staunchly looking away from Sirius. “Ryan Evans.”

“Relation to criminal?”

“Uncle.”

“I see,” the old man said. “Any Ministry registration?”

“I'm on the werewolf registry, network registry and teacher registry.”

The old man nodded. “And your companion's name?”

Sirius blinked, and wandered forwards blindly. “Black. Sirius Black. I'm on the network registry.” The old man stared at the dark-haired man. “And I am innocent, Englin, don't look at me like that.”

Englin actually chuckled. “What was I supposed to think? They all say that.” Taking a look down at his clipboard, he scratched his nose absent-mindedly and smiled up at them both. “Right, Mr. Evans, Mr. Black, he's in the Juvenile section, cell 5A. Just follow the signs. If you're lost, there are guards at every corner. Visiting hours are over by six, and I'll have to ask you to leave your wands here.”

Blushing slightly, Remus dropped his wand into the box and Sirius followed suit and they walked through the doors leading to the juveniles' section.

“Evans? As in Lily Evans?”

As soon as they were out of earshot of Englin, Sirius confronted Remus; ignoring the giants posted as guards nearby.

“As in,” Remus replied shortly, keeping his gaze fixed forwards.

”Then why... How...?”

“Why couldn't I take care of Harry? Be reasonable, Sirius, I'm a werewolf. It was untrusting times back then. They were hardly going to let a werewolf take care of the Boy Who Lived, were they?”

Sirius got the impression that Remus had been wanting to tell him, to say these words, for a very long time. Remus'... no, Ryan's voice was bitter. Sharp. Self-loathing.

“It's not your fault.”

Remus turned to Sirius, silvery eyes large and questioning. “Isn't it? If I hadn't been bitten...”

“It wasn't like you could have prevented it.”

Remus was silent for a second. “I suppose not, but...”

Sirius stopped in the hallway and it took Remus a few seconds to realise that he had. The brunet turned, fixing Sirius with a tired and weary glance.

“Look, Sirius, I told you that you wouldn't like this.” Remus turned and began to walk again, nodding a quick greeting to the eleven-foot giantess guarding the entrance to the Juvenile section.

“And I told you I'd forgive you anything.”

“Even this?”

Remus met his gaze and Sirius swallowed again.

“Thought so,” Remus muttered despondently, turning on his heel and stalking through the entrance.

-----

Harry lurched up at the sound of feet and a rattling sound. Through the bars in the door, he could see one of the giants fiddling with keys. The sound of a key turning in the lock made him and his cellmate look up reflexively.

What in the world?

The door was pushed open by a large, gnarled hand long enough for two human figures to slip through before it clanked shut with an ominous crash. Rubbing at his eyes briefly, Harry blinked and scrambled to his feet.

“Sirius! Professor Lupin! How did you -- I mean...”

Sirius smirked once, briefly. “You can thank your uncle for getting us in here.”

Harry's eyes widened slightly, as he took in Remus' withdrawn expression and his godfather's manner. The dark, messy-haired animagus was looking like he was going to throw up. Harry didn't blame him. He couldn't imagine the torture of what Sirius had been through. Harry's mind ran through what Sirius had said. Seriously, he had to have misheard him...

“Uncle Vernon?”

Sirius shook his head. “So, how are you holding up?”

Harry gave a small shrug, running one hand through his shock of midnight-hair that looked as if it hadn't been washed for a week. “So-so. It's not too bad. We get food, exercise, pretty good health care when...” Harry looked across at his cellmate, curled up in the corner. Scars criss-crossed across the face of the shivering brunet on the narrow bed. “When necessary. It's no Hogwarts, but I've been to worst places.”

The image of a cupboard under stairs floated unbidden in Sirius' mind and he blinked. “I suppose you have. I wouldn't wish the Dursleys on anyone.”

“Not even on Snape?” Harry's face twisted into a half-smile, and Sirius inclined his head slightly.

“Well, maybe on Severus. Although, I think he may even be able to drive them insane within half an hour.”

Harry actually laughed. “Yeah.” He looked around, and indicated the bed. “Do you two want to sit down, you look exhausted!”

Sirius nodded at Harry, then looked across at Remus. “Come on, you, you're about to faint.”

Remus looked away before gingerly crossing the floor and sitting on the end of the bed. Sirius sighed and immediately sat next to Remus, sliding one hand around Remus' elbow.

Harry frowned at the actions of the two adults. It looked like the two had had some kind of argument... From Remus' deep blush at Sirius' actions, it looked like the dark-haired ex-convict was attempting some kind of apology.

Harry rolled his eyes, and sat on the end of his cellmate's bed. He put out one hand gingerly, and the brunet swung his legs around, and sat upright.

“Tom, these two are my friends. Sirius Black and Remus Lupin.”

“Pleased to meet you.” The brunet nodded across at them, and Sirius blanched involuntarily at the sight of Tom's face.

“Oh my... Bloody hell... Tom Riddle?” Remus gaped.

“Talk about ironic,” Tom murmured in response, scratching the back of his head. Harry laughed a little, squeezing Tom's shoulder.

“Tom's just a victim like me,” Harry said, his voice deep and serious as he levelled a burning green glance at Sirius. “He's ok, really. It's Pettigrew that's the menace, that did this to Tom.” Harry couldn't keep the venom out of his tone as he talked about the traitorous rat. “It's really incredibly ironic.”

“And proves that whatever it is that got me is in him,” Tom added. Sirius arched one eyebrow as he looked at Tom, taking in the young man as a whole. His voice was nice, clean, not with that scratchy quality of before.

“At least he's under supervision,” Sirius growled. “And as soon as he's not goddess protect me I will kill him.”

“If I don't get there first.”

Harry blinked at the origin of that low growl, and was surprised to see it was Remus, eyes narrowed to slits and hands clenched so tightly they were white.

“Well, he did betray your sister,” Sirius said lightly, his expression guarded. Remus' mouth dropped open slightly and he seemed to be having trouble speaking. “Don't gape like that, it is rude.”

Harry looked from one to the other. “There's something you're not telling me,” he said simply.

“There's something that you're not telling us,” Remus said, just as matter-of-factly.

Harry shrugged. “Like what?”

“Like why you broke up with Draco? Ring a bell? Short, blond, ex-Slytherin-now-a-Gryffindor, the boy you're head over heels for?” Sirius stared flatly at Harry.

“Oh. That.” Harry shifted, looking uncomfortable. “Well, it just wouldn't have worked out. You know, it happened too abruptly...”

Sirius narrowed his eyes. “Hmm.”

“Anyway, great way to change the subject,” Harry said abruptly. “What is going on? The rules are clear, only a blood relative of mine can give permission to let me have visitors, and Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, Dudley for that matter, none of them would do it. Uncle Vernon isn't even blood-related, come to think of it...” Harry trailed off. Folding his arms in his lap, he looked across at Sirius and Remus. “So what's going on?”

“Your mother had two siblings, Harry,” Remus said eventually, looking at the floor. “A brother and a sister.”

“A.. a brother?” Harry's mouth dropped open. “What? Who is he? Is he still alive? Why, I mean... What? What was his name?”

Remus smiled self-deprecatingly. “His name was Ryan, Ryan Evans. He was bitten by something when he was six, became very ill and was segregated from everything because of it. The Evans were told he was very ill, and then they were told he'd died because.. Because it was too dangerous for him to go back. Because it was too dangerous for him to be around other people. The Evans never knew that their son was actually alive, being brought up in a colony of others like him until he could be rehabilitated into some kind of normal society.”

Sirius squeezed Remus' shoulder in support.

“So, he's here? In Azkaban? Is he outside? Why didn't he come in? “ Harry's head was in a complete whirl, and he couldn't think. Bitten... Harry's mouth dropped open and his gaze landed abruptly on Remus.

“You?”

Remus' kept his gaze fixed firmly on the ground.

Never hate me.

“Why didn't you tell me?” Harry sounded lost, betrayed. Spinning into eternity. Oh gods...

Remus' gaze lurched up, silver eyes filled with angry tears, his face twisted from self-loathing and anger at the world, at himself, at creation. “What was I supposed to say? Huh? Hi, Harry, I'm your mother's brother, the one who was so stupidly careless to get himself bitten by a werewolf and now had to abandon you to the clutches of his bitter sister because of his own stupidity?” Remus got to his feet, eyes blazing. “What could I have done?”

”You could have been there!”

Similarly on his feet, eyes dancing, Harry faced Remus, Ryan, his uncle, whatever he was...

“You could have told me,” Harry finished, voice dropping to a whisper.

“Harry -- I wanted to be there, I did, I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't...” Wretched, Remus looked away; wringing his hands nervously. “Werewolves are forbidden... by the ministry.. To be in the position to do any damage to a child, whether voluntarily or not...”

Speechless, Harry looked away. “I guess you've been blaming yourself for those laws old wizards put together while in a drunken stupor.”

Remus looked up just in time to see Harry step closer.

“I don't blame you,” Harry whispered gently. Remus' eyes widened and he let out a startled grunt as he was pulled into a hug. “You're here now. That's what matters.” Overwhelmed they clung onto each other, Sirius joining them in a group hug moments later with a grin. Harry laughed and squeezed his godfather's arm good-naturedly. When they finally pulled apart, smiling goofily, Harry cocked his head at Sirius. “Sirius, if you have any revelations, if you're really by great-grandmother, tell me now.”

Sirius laughed. “No, no, I'm just your godfather. Oh, and Batman at random intervals.”

“Sure you are,” Harry laughed, before stopping and composing himself. He grasped Remus' hand with his own, and Sirius' arm with his other hand. “Thank you for coming... and...” He smiled at Remus. “Thank you for telling me.”

Remus' met his nephew's -goddess, his *nephew*- gaze and smiled softly. “I think it was the least I owed you.”

Harry nodded slowly. A bell sounded sharply and his face fell. “I... That means you've got five more minutes... Have you made any progress with the thing that attacked Hermione? Is she ok?”

Sirius sighed. “I'm sorry, we haven't made much progress at all. We will find them, though. And kill them.”

“And prove your innocence,” Remus added firmly.

Harry turned away at those words, shrugging. “What innocence? I did what they said. I broke one of the most sacred wizardry laws...”

There was silence for a few moments.

“Look, I'll be fine,” Harry said eventually, dropping back down onto his bed. “Just... go. I'll be fine. Find out what you can about what attacked Hermione, and get that info back to me somehow.”

“We can come back again tomorrow if you want,” Sirius offered, eyes dark and expression determined.

“I'd rather you found out what was attacking people. We have to stop innocents from getting hurt. We can get mail on Thursdays and write back then. Keep in touch, ok?”

Remus and Sirius nodded gently, and turned to leave.

“Thank you,” Harry repeated firmly.

“No,” Remus responded, brown eyes warm again and filled with emotion. “Thank you, Harry. For giving me a second chance.”

“Anytime.”

“Take care, Harry,” Sirius added gruffly. “We'll keep you updated as often as we can.”

“Thanks.”

An awkward pause followed.

Never hate me.

The door clanged open again, and Sirius and Remus reluctantly left.

Never lie to me.

The door swung shut.

Never leave me alone...

-------

Lying close to you feeling your heart beating

And I'm wondering what you're dreaming

Wondering if it's me you're seeing

Then I kiss your eyes and thank god we're together

I just want to stay with you in this moment forever

“I Don't Want To Miss A Thing” - Aerosmith

-------------

The journey back to the mainland was silent but for the sound of the water splashing against the sides of the boat, and it was almost calming on its weary inhabitants. As they landed ashore, Remus tipped the lad that had guided them while Sirius folded his arms across his chest and stared across at the black foreboding monster of Azkaban. A warm hand on his shoulder made him turn to see Remus looking up at him with gently silvery eyes that spoke of hidden knowledge and regret.

“Harry will be fine, Sirius,” Remus comforted gently. Sirius didn't reply. He slid his arms around Remus' slim waist and rested his head on the werewolf's shoulder. They stayed like that for a long while before turning and heading up in silence to the station.

In silence they remained for much of the journey, until the last leg of it back up to where they'd departed from the day before.

“Are you... upset with me for not... you know, telling you?”

Surprised, Sirius twisted to face Remus. A perplexed expression flitted across his face like a midnight shadow before he shook his head. “No... It explains a lot... Hey, did I ever tell you who has the Defence Against the Dark Arts job now I'm off here with you?”

Remus shook his head, aware that Sirius was trying to take his mind off his guilt but feeling more relaxed than in a long time. The fact that Sirius cared enough to understand, forgive and move on rather overwhelmed him, and spoke volumes about Sirius' character.

“No, I don't think you did.”

“Arabella Figg.”

Remus' mouth dropped open. “You're not serious?”

Sirius nodded. “Deadly serious. I met up with her over the summer, Albus ordered me to contact all us 'old ones', and she said then that Albus had offered her the position of back up Defence Against the Dark Arts if it were necessary.”

Remus stared at Sirius, his mouth open. “Well, they're in for a ride and a half at Hogwarts with her as the teacher! Do you remember when we deliberately hexed Lucius Malfoy and left him hanging from the ceiling for an hour?”

“Yeah.” Sirius grinned impishly, and for a second they were fifteen years old again in their minds. “When she found him, and found out it was us, she gave us ten points each for it.”

Remus smiled softly in remembrance, “Didn't make much of a difference, really. I still wish we could have all been in the same house....”

Sirius pulled a face. “You would say that. Hufflepuff duffer.”

“Ravenclaw smarty-pants,” Remus retorted without even having to think of what to say.

“I guess we shouldn't have been surprised that it was Peter who betrayed Lily and James.” Sirius paused thoughtfully and his hollow words hung in the emptiness. “There's not a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin.”

Remus sighed and it hung in the thick atmosphere like a stagnant smell. “It wasn't supposed to be like this. We made a vow, to be loyal to each other over the House differences...”

Sirius was quiet for a moment. He leant forwards and squeezed Remus' shoulder firmly.

“I know.” Sirius' voice was soft but pained. “I know.”

-----

When they pulled up at the final station, David Lupin was waiting there; eyebrows raised and arms folded across his chest. Quickly getting out of the carriage, Sirius and Remus approached the pub owner.

“We need to talk,” David said simply, inclining his head and moving away. They walked in muted silence up to the town square, which was quite busy considering it was five in the morning. David led them into an early morning bakery-come-café and they settled down to a hot cup of tea and a pastry each before David finally spoke again.

“Have either of you ever heard of astral projection?”

Remus and Sirius exchanged an amused glance. “Yes, of course we have,” Sirius broke in quickly. “Wha--“

“Have you heard of what happens when a ghost astral projects?” David's quiet question interrupted Sirius mid-question.

“That's very rare, isn't it?” Sirius scratched his nose and furrowed his brow in thought. “Can't be controlled. Very dangerous.”

“We think that somewhere in this world there's a ghost that needs exorcising. When a ghost gets violent, it, well...” David spread his hands. “Its violent emotions spread around the world, and when it comes into contact with a high-magic intense place, then it's a deadly combination. The astral collides with the spectral, and it's a bit like annihilation... When two particles collide, are destroyed, and then photons are released, in this case the astral collides with the spectral, both are destroyed and those... black things... are released.”

“But it doesn't explain the Dark Mark,” Remus countered. “You-know-who can't have done anything on this level to the astral plane, could he?”

“Unless it's just a supporter, taking advantage of it,” Sirius said, clenching his fists tightly. “Just think - it causes wide-spread terror without the person actually having to do anything at all.”

David blinked. “I didn't actually think of that. Perhaps we'd better get in contact with Albus Dumbledore. Oh, and a message from the Network. You two are officially on active duty.”

“Fantastic,” Sirius said dryly.

David cracked a smile at the black-haired man. “Seeing as you guys are seniors too, you're just in the right place and the right time...”

“Don't say we have to train another recruit,” Remus complained, his shoulders slumping. Sirius blinked.

“Is this bad?” Sirius was confused. Remus rubbed his shoulder comfortingly.

“It really depends who it is on errantry,” David said, shrugging philosophically. “I've met her. She's nice. Much nicer than Zoë Goyle.”

“Goyle? As in Gregory Goyle? I thought that family were all on their side.”

“That's why it was necessary to get one of theirs on our side,” Remus explained gently. “So, who is it?”

David sipped at his tea, before arching an eyebrow. “I know Sirius has recently been into contact with her.”

Remus almost spat out the bit of pastry he was eating. “Sirius?”

Sirius frowned, idly stirring sugar into his cup. “Fleur? Fleur Delacour?”

“Wasn't she one of the Triwizard Tournament competitors last year?” Remus cocked his head to one side. Sirius and David nodded in unison. “I thought her name sounded familiar.”

“Well, I suppose we'd better get going,” David said regretfully. “Us active agents have to work.” The brunet reluctantly got to his feet and crossed over to the counter. Curiously, Sirius and Remus followed him. One of the bakers from the back hurried over, flour across his forehead.

“Can I help you?”

David nodded slowly. “We'd like to cancel a child's party, please.”

“Right,” the man said, lifting up the counter and letting the three men through.

Exchanging a glance, Sirius and Remus hurried after David, as the younger man led them through into a backroom. Passing through some kind of weird blue light, David led them down a narrow corridor and rapped three times on a silvery door on the right-hand side. After seven seconds, David pushed open the door and let Sirius and Remus go through it first. Behind them, David closed the door and the lights in the room they were in brightened. Crossing the floor without a second thoughts, David stood at the large window, beckoning for Sirius and Remus to follow. Through the window, they could see a large, starch-white facility, and several doors leading away.

“The BN headquarters?” Sirius raised his eyebrows. “Nice.”

”It's just the regional headquarters,” David explaining, waving his hand as if to dismiss Sirius' statement. “It's impressive, though, don't you think?”

“Very impressive,” Remus said flatly. “You were the same when I was ten. Always excited about showing me your new things.”

“You knew each other before Hogwarts?” Sirius blinked.

David laughed. “Ah, you know our Ryan's secret now, then... Well, yes. All werewolves are put into foster homes at that age, to learn to be able to deal with the trauma while still being able to mingle with ordinary folk. I may not be his cousin in blood, but I we are, in everything but the strictest sense, cousins.” David smiled fondly at Remus. “So, you two going to come down and have a look around?”

Sirius and Remus exchanged a look, before nodding firmly.

“I've never been in a Headquarters building before,” Sirius said conversationally as David led them through a door and down some stairs into the main facility.

“The main headquarters are actually in London,” David said, sounding surprised. “You've never been?”

Both Sirius and Remus shook their heads.

“Pity. It's nice. Brilliant view of the Thames.” Looking up sharply, David smiled. “Ah, there's the guy we want.” Sirius looked up to see David heading over to a balding man with a hawkish stare and a confidant smile.

“David! This is Sirius and Ryan, I presume,” the man said, extending his hand. Sirius shook it.

“I go by Remus now,” Remus offered to the man almost shyly. The man shook his hand firmly.

”I suppose it is your werewolf registered name. My name's Ethaniel, Ethaniel Jackson, but my friends call me Ethan. But that's neither here nor there. Has Mr. Lupin here briefed you?”

Remus nodded. “Astral-spectral annihilation,” he muttered sourly. Ethaniel laughed at Remus' expression, clapping the startled brunet on the back.

“We, that is Sirius, thinks that the Dark Mark could have been sent up by a possible supporter, just to cause terror,” David offered quickly. Ethaniel's eyes narrowed, and he passed a clipboard a woman in a white coat hurrying by.

“Makes sense, taking advantage of a supernatural phenomena.” Ethaniel coughed, and he frowned. “I need you to draw up a list of possible supporters, in all areas where there's been a hit, see if we can crack down on some friendlies before they go from being supporters to activists.”

“Yes sir.” David nodded. Turning to Sirius and Remus he winked. “I'll be finished by the time you leave, so I'll see you then!” David turned, stalking away and heading off down one of the multiple corridors.

Remus turned to Sirius, feeling abruptly alone, and the raven-haired man squeezed his hand supportively.

“You two, I have a job for you. I've read your records, extensive travellers, wide cultural based knowledge, extensive covert operations...” Ethaniel tilted his head slightly. “Impressive. For the last few months I've had my people creating history, back story, muggle identification for you two.” Remus jumped slightly and Ethaniel shrugged. “Don't be so surprised. You've impressed a lot of people, especially with some of your operations during the Dark Period and you-know-who's attacks. We've had people working on this, and we know this spectral invasion is somewhere in India. A couple of the mythologists are saying it could even be Acheri, an old Indian legend of a vengeful ghost. Appears as a little girl and brings sickness to children in human habitations. That could be our ghost. Now as you will no doubt be wondering, I shall only be wanting you three in there for three weeks max. You find it, you exorcise it, and you get out. Tension is high between us and the Indian Ministry of Magic, they would consider this espionage and use it as an excuse to hit us and hit us hard.”

Sirius nodded. “It's a problem when we should be uniting against the common enemy when we're fighting amongst ourselves.”

“Exactly,” Ethaniel agreed. “As David will have told you, you have a new recruit, Fleur Delacour. She's actually had six months training by an Unspeakable, she's good, men. You can make her the best. Now if you come with me, we'll get her and brief you on your new identities.”

Sirius and Remus exchanged a wry grin and followed the authoritative man across the floor, and down one of the hallways. Strange bangs were emanating from some of the locked doors, and once or twice spectacular light displays crackled across the ceiling, a by-effect of all the experiments and investigations going on behind the locked doors of the Black Network.

It had been sixteen years since Remus had last stepped out on active with Sirius on a mission, and twenty-two years since his first ever mission as a full recruit. The six-month training had been intense, and they'd been split up on the training period, but brought together to work; mostly in the covert observations. The Network liked using 'involved' officers, it created a layer of believability when you needed two agents which you couldn't fake. Exorcisions weren't the usual order of the day, but the recent civil struggles between the Ministry of Magic and India had been majorly down-played but increasingly devastating.

Fleur Delacour was waiting for them in one of the small offices, silvery hair tied back abruptly, clad in soft black leggings, casual brown boots and a navy t-shirt that off-set her violet eyes. She was all business, and obviously nervous for her first mission.

“Hi, Fleur, this is Sirius Black and Ryan Evans. They'll be your mentors for the next few months,” Ethaniel introduced, backing away. “I'll leave you three to bond and completely make sure your new back stories meld and mesh. You'll be getting a TC10 test in an hour, then I'll test you on your new identities.” Ethaniel nodded once, abruptly, before turning on his heel and exiting the room.

“Hi Fleur,” Sirius said with a small smile. The pretty part-Veela blushed slightly, and bent down to the pile of papers on her desk.

“Hello Sirius, Remus,” Fleur said warmly.

“Trained by Unspeakables,” Remus said wonderingly. “Nice.”

Fleur smiled. “Of course, it is the organisation that even the normal population knows about, but the training is as good as the Network's training,” she defended quickly.

Sirius smiled. ”And thorough. Your English accent is superb.”

“Thanks.” Fleur pushed a pile of papers over to Remus, and another to Sirius.

Sirius picked up his and scanned through it. All the usual muggle documents were there, and his photo and details were on every one. “Right. My name is Ellison Macarthur. I'm an author, researching the supernatural for my new book.”

Remus chuckled. “My name is Ryan,” Remus laughed. “Ryan Greene. I'm your partner of twelve years, and I'm also your translator.”

“I'm Emily Macarthur, Ellison's niece of his brother Gavin Macarthur who died in one of the civil skirmishes. He was an activist for the Indian cause,” Fleur said softly. “I'm also the photographer for my uncle's book, I collect photo evidence of the supernatural.”

“Interesting,” Sirius said, frowning. “I suppose we're supposed to use a Glamour to change our appearance to match the photos.”

Fleur nodded. “A four week Glamour should do it. We're also supposed to be posing as muggles, meaning no wands.”

Remus winced. “Wandless magic. Well, it's enough in an emergency. Unfocussed, but enough.”

Sirius rubbed his hands together. “Let's get started, people!”

Remus raised on eyebrow inquisitively. “People?”

Sirius shrugged apologetically while Fleur laughed.

-----

An hour later, and having passed the TC10, Ethaniel was leading them to the surface and explaining the last points of the plan.

“Your travel documents list you as have coming from Belgium to Luton airport. I have an operative waiting for you there, name of Sandy. She will hide your Apparation, and give you the proper travel documentation. In your luggage, there is hidden the standard equipment, with a Charm to prevent the muggle security detecting it. Good luck, Ellison, Ryan, Emily.”

Sirius nodded, looking at ease in the jeans and sweatshirt of Ellison Macarthur. Fleur, or 'Emily', was behind him, in slightly less-than-functional sandals, a loose white top and jeans as well. Remus, or 'Ryan Greene', was clad in dark blue slacks and a forest green sweatshirt. All three looked like muggles, with rucksacks that carried their 'identification' and with their back story more than clear in their minds.

“Hey, cousin!”

As they approached the stairs to leave the facility, a familiar voice made them turn. Remus flushed slightly under his new guise - that of a dark-eyed brunet (with none of the familiar grey hair) and smiled when he saw David.

“How did you --“

“Recognise you?” David laughed. “I didn't, Ry. There were three of you with Ethan so I just figured you had to be here. Nice hair, by the way.”

Remus shrugged. “We're away for three weeks. Would you mind owling Harry, give him our love and tell him we're going to be away for a while but we'll find out what happened to Hermione?”

“Of course,” David said, leaning forwards and hugging his cousin. He flickered a glance up to Fleur and Sirius. The Glamours had made them look sort of alike. Sirius now had deep, ice-blue eyes with black shoulder-length hair, and was almost an inch taller. Fleur had the same hair and eyes colour, but was her usual height.

“Are we ready, then?” Ethaniel regarded them with a fond glance. “Ad Vitam Aut Culpam.” The Black Network motto was that short Latin phrase, and it was a counter-signature between operatives - the other would say the translation.

“To lifetime or fault,” Sirius, Remus and Fleur intoned with a brief, hard smile.

“Ryan, are you strong enough now to Apparate?” David looked concerned. Remus nodded.

“I got enough rest on the train.”

“Good luck,” Ethaniel broke in with a nod. Sirius, Remus and Fleur exchanged a glance and silently Apparated out of the room. Ethaniel and David were knocked slightly by their displacement, all the more intense because of the distance they were aiming for.

“I hope it goes to plan,” David said worriedly.

“I know it will,” Ethaniel said firmly, wishing to instill confidence into the agents under his command, but wishing that he could be so sure.

-----

Idly taking a sip out of her bottle of mineral water, Sandy Fehr scratched her bottom surreptitiously while waiting for her contacts to arrive. Folding her arms and leaning against the wall, she was about to give up when there was a small pop! behind her. Turning around with a smile, she blinked up at the new arrivals.

The shorter of the two men approached her with a smile. “Hi, my name is Ryan. This is Ellison, and his niece Emily.”

Sandy inclined her head politely, and handed over three slips of paper. “Here's your package. Good luck on your mission.”

“Thanks,” Ellison said with a cursory nod. Grinning Sandy picked up her bottle of Evian again, slung a red satchel over her shoulder and walked out of the small back office. Pulling out the rest of their travel documents, Emily squinted at the tickets and handed them out.

“I suppose we have to go through Customs,” Ryan said with a scowl. “Oh well.”

Ellison shrugged, moved forwards and opened the door; letting in the bustling noise from outside as he did so. “Well,” he said slowly, “welcome to Hell.”

“You mean Luton Airport,” Ryan corrected.

“Oh no, I mean hell,” Ellison said with a laugh. Ryan and Emily exchanged an amused glance and frogmarched the protesting Ellison out of the room.

-----

“Oh I do like to be beside the seasiiiide, oh I do like to be beside the seaaa...”

“I'd almost forgotten how much you hate waiting rooms at airports,” Ryan commented to Ellison softly. Ellison closed his mouth and stopped singing while Emily laughed. “I hope Gary will be okay... Justin will mail him, right?”

“He said he would,” Emily said with a shrug. “He promised, so that's enough.”

Gary was the codeword for Harry and Justin was David. Ryan felt himself slipping into the role as all the Black Networkers who did Covert did. It wasn't exactly going native it was more like becoming the person you're supposed to be in your head to perfect being that person in life. There was a very thin line between reality and the reality of your alias, and he felt himself slipping back into the routine as he remembered. Making sure you kept the distinction firm in your head and not losing track of either. It had been so long really. For the last few years he'd mostly been doing research, and he found he actually missed the covert work.

“Earth to Ry-an.”

Ryan blinked at the sing-song voice, and saw Emily tugging at his sleeve. “Huh?”

“Ah, the perfect epitome of being out there,” Ellison said, vaguely waving his hands to indicate wherever out there was. “Move your rump Ryan, it's time to move.”

“Ah,” Ryan said delicately, picking up his bag and documents and following Ellison and Emily to where the stewardess was waiting for their boarding passes.

Twenty minutes and they were settled into the 'plane. Ryan and Ellison were sat next to each other, and Emily was across the aisle from them, sat next to an old woman who was already asleep.

“This is Flight 475, bound for Delhi, India. The flight will be approximately seven hours. In case of emergencies, the exits are here, here and here....”

Tapping her fingers against her knee, Emily tuned out to the air stewardess. She'd researched muggle aircraft enough to know the security aspects off by heart, and she took the time to think about things. The Unspeakables had approached her in the summer after the Triwizard Tournament. Still reeling over Cedric's tragic death, and Voldemort's return, she'd been quite upset and their offer had helped her focus on something else apart from herself. The six month training course had been intense, difficult and well worth the effort. Now she was on her very first mission. She had to admit she was scared, but she knew that the Network would not send such a Junior officer if her skills weren't needed. She was good. She knew she was good, but she couldn't become overly arrogant. Arrogance in a job like hers would cost lives.

Casting a glance over, Emily watched Ellison and Ryan, and felt a small pang of jealousy at their intimacy which she abruptly covered up. Their job was one of secrecy. No-one would ever find out about the mission, and that kind of obscurity was appealing to her. To know in yourself that you have helped people was enough, she would leave the fame to other people. She'd seen the way Harry Potter (aka “Gary” for the mission) dealt with it, and had been initially surprised to see how he hated it. Now she understood him better, and knew in her heart that she was thankful for her anonymity. The job had its own rewards, of course. Now all they had to do was hope that everything turned out all right. To lifetime or fault, if they had any say in it, it would.