Love Always, Sirius

~*Sirius Black*~

(Placed During the Year of 1976)

I had never noticed her until our sixth year. When she caught my eye during our first class back from the summer (Transfiguration with McGonagall), my heart nearly stopped. I wasn't really into the idea of 'love' at the time, and chose to just amuse myself with girls. But this girl was stunning. Her hair was a deep, rich ebony that flowed softly down her back in gentle curls. She had smooth, creamy skin, pink cheeks, rosy lips, and striking green eyes. I saw her and I stared. It wasn't until James nudged me irritably in the ribs that I finally tore my eyes away.

"Hey, Prongs," I whispered while McGonagall turned away to continue her lecture. "Who's that?"

He looked to where I was pointing to and replied casually, "Oh her? Sirius, that's Bella, y'know, Bella Adair. Lily's best mate."

"Really? Wait..." Comprehension washed over my puzzled face. "You mean...that Bella? The one with the braces, glasses, and all that? But..."

James chuckled silently, "Yeah, so?" He paused. "Why?"

I waved his question off. "Oh, I dunno. She looks, er, different."

James sniggered a little louder. "Well her braces came off and she got contacts. At least, that's what Lily told me. Why do you care so much?"

"Never mind."

James shrugged and continued doodling on his parchment. 'LE' was written all over it, and smothered in hearts and snitches.

I stole one more glance behind me. She was writing intently, stray curls lightly hitting the parchment as she took notes. She was sitting next to Lily, who was listening attentively to the lecture. How come I never noticed her before?

***

For weeks I couldn't stop staring. She was in Gryffindor, so she wasn't hard to find. Finally, one day, the Marauders decided to take action. Not on her, but on me.

"Sirius, you haven't been acting like your usual self lately," Remus declared nonchalantly during a break in our breakfast conversation, where I had stolen another glimpse of Bella.

"Yeah, well, I'm not feeling like myself," I responded gloomily, now glaring at my plate.

"Hahaha. Not feeling like yourself, Padfoot? I wonder why that is?" James elbowed the other Marauders, beaming brightly. "Could it be...oh, I dunno...that our little Pad's in love? What do you think, Moony my man?"

"Well, I'd have to agree with Prongs on this one, Padfoot. You do seem to be acting odd enough to be in love," Remus chuckled. "Who is then?"

"What? You're saying I'm in love? Blurgh. Gross. You guys are disgusting," I muttered angrily.

"Sirius, it wouldn't hurt to tell us what's wrong, would it?" Peter sniffled. "After all, we are your friends."

"Well? Wormtail's got a point. Aren't you going to share your little secret with us Pads?" James exclaimed, shoving me into Remus.

"All right, all right, don't get your overlarge knickers tied up in a knot, Prongs," I replied, feeling a bit more like myself. "You're right. It's a girl. I've never felt this way about a girl before. Y'know, I'm so used to them coming to me."

"Who is it, Sirius?" Remus asked anxiously.

"I know who it is!" cried James. "It's that Bella Adair isn't it?! You won't stop staring at her during our bloody Transfiguration classes with McGoogly..."

I nodded.

"I KNEW IT!" James bellowed, "I BLOODY WELL KNEW IT!"

"Excuse me, Mr. Potter, "stated a stern voice from behind James.

"Although you seem thoroughly excited, I suggest you keep your voice down and refrain from using such inappropriate language."

James turned in his seat to face McGonagall, smiling slyly. "Oh Professor! I'm so sorry! I was just screaming in delight because it seems Sirius Black no longer fancies you!"

I smiled widely up at her and winked. McGonagall cheeks glowed pink, "Well, I guess that's good news, Black. Thank you for sparing me." She turned on her heel and strolled back to the staff table.

After the chuckles died down, Remus stuttered, "But, B-B...Bella? You mean, the girl I, er..."

"Dated, yes," I answered quickly. "But that was last year Moony. Surely you're not still interested in her? Are you? Is it okay if I go out with her? I mean, I remember laughing when you went out with her, but now...I dunno, she's amazing." I looked at her again.

"Well, I don't care," Remus blushed. "But she's...well...she's..."

"Feisty," joked James, "I mean, she's quite bold and assertive. And, luckily, she loved our Moony!" He pinched Remus' cheek. "Hahaha...now that was entertainment...watching them..."

He sniggered, making embarrassing kissing faces, hugging himself, and running his hands up and down his back.

Remus' face reddened and he turned to me. "Sirius, I could help you with her, y'know. We're still friends and we see each other in the library, but James is right, she's a bit hard to deal with."

I looked back at Bella who was chatting animatedly with Lily and her friends, smiling, her pearl-white teeth glinting. I pulled my eyes away and looked around at Moony, Wormtail, and an anxious Prongsie wriggling in his seat about to piss himself. I nodded. With the state I'm in, I need all the help I can get.

***

It was nearing Hallowe'en when the plan was finally set: Lily (whom James obviously told my secret to...the little bugger) was supposed to drag Bella with her to the Three Broomsticks on our first Hogsmeade trip of the term. There I would coolly 'knock' into her and snag her with my famous Sirius charm. It was a shaky plan, but Lily and the Marauders were there for aid.

"Sirius, will you please stop shaking so much, you look like a dim-witted prat," snorted James as we followed our classmates on the dirt path toward Hogsmeade and clutched our robes against the cold autumn wind. "And Moony, just let go of him. He can't use your support now, although I admit he needs it, otherwise he'll look gay."

Remus let go of me, and I swayed dangerously.

"Padfoot, come on, now you look like a bloody drunk," he whispered, "Act like yourself and strut or something."

"I don't strut, I just sort of...swagger," I muttered nervously and tripped over my feet.

As we sat down at a table at the Three Broomsticks and began warming our cold hands with our tankards of Butterbeer, I caught sight of Lily and Bella searching for a vacant table. Remus nudged me, and I spilled my tankard as I stood up abruptly.

"Good luck," Remus whispered.

"Act like the Sirius we know," Peter chimed in.

And James slapped my butt.

Now with my arse stinging and my limbs still thawing, I found the place where Bella and Lily were sitting. Lily saw me and winked.

Without taking my eyes off Bella's dark curls streaming down her back, I felt myself regain confidence.

"Be yourself, Sirius. Show her that Black charm you have," I murmured to myself. As I began my signature swagger, I felt my old self come back. I smiled.

"Hello girls," I said coolly. "Lily, Bella. May I?"

I indicated toward an empty chair I'm sure Lily purposely placed near Bella.

Lily smiled, "Of course, Sirius! You don't mind do you, Belle?"

"Not at all," she replied, turning her face away, looking toward the other students milling around the pub. "Why are you here, Black?"

I felt crestfallen at the sound of my surname, but responded casually nonetheless.

"Oh, thought I'd chat with my mate's girlfriend and my other mate's ex. You're not declining are you?"

She shot an annoyed face at me. "Nope. Keep talking then, Black."

This is going to be difficult.

"Well, Lily how was your summer?" I asked, thinking of nothing else to say.

"Wonderful! James visited me as you know, for the first few weeks. I'm sure you heard all about that from him." She blushed deeply. "But I stayed with Bella for most of the summer and we, er, convinced her dad to, er, let her make some changes." Her face reddened even more.

Bella stared at her friend while I asked her quickly, "Oh really? What changes?"

Bella continued to glare at Lily and Lily tried to press her to answer. I just tried to sustain my usual character by leaning my chair back, crossing my arms over my chest, and allowing my jet-black hair to fall in my eyes. James liked to tease me about this position, calling it my 'mating call.' The wonky prat must be laughing hysterically by now.

Finally, Bella grumbled, "Well, my braces came off and I got contacts, and Lily decided it was time to give me some sort of makeover."

This was it. "Well you look really nice."

Her defiant emerald eyes widened and she stared at me. Her silky lips were parted slightly and her cleanly curled locks framed her oval face. I snickered. Lily beamed.

"What?" I asked calmly.

"You said I looked nice?" she stuttered.

"Yeah, so?"

She glanced down at her hands, her face gleaming pink. I quickly looked at Lily. She was smiling and mouthing the words, "Nice job."

My heart skipped a beat.

When she looked up, she caught my eye, and looked at me. I mean, she really looked at me. Her beautiful eyes locked with mine and I felt her feelings pour forth through her eyes. Lily coughed to break our trance. We relaxed.

I asked simply: "Erm, Bella, will you go out with me?"

She looked at me again, paused, smiled, and replied, "Of course, Sirius."

~*Bella Black*~

(Five years later)

What an incredible year! First Lily and James! Then Sirius and I! Oh, what a lovely feeling it is to be married to a man I love, rash and reckless, yes, but adorable nonetheless.

Lily and James were the first to get married of course; their love was obvious since the end of our fifth year. After hearing everything about James from Lily during our time at school, I knew he was going to be her husband someday.

Sirius and I married soon after, and it wasn't a surprise either. Apparently, Lily, Sirius, James, Remus, and Peter all knew about Sirius' liking for me before I did, but after our five years together, our wedding was expected.

Just months after our marriage, Lily and James invited the 'old crowd' to their home in Godric's Hollow for a sudden gathering.

It was a frosty evening in mid-March as we all sat around their crackling fireplace, huddling close and clutching our warm teas.

After a slight period of silence and slurping of tea, James declared: "Well, I'd best go get Lily's tea cakes." And made to stand.

Lily tugged him back into his seat. "Oh no, I'm quite capable of getting them myself, my dear James. Sit yourself down."

As she cautiously lifted herself from her armchair, James grabbed her arm and helped her toward the doorway. I suddenly understood why we were all there. "Lily...no, it can't be. Lily? Are you, are you...?"

She smiled tiredly. God, men are so daft, I thought.

"Lily, you mean to say that you're..." Remus began, eyes wide with excitement.

Well, Remus has always been an exception.

"What? What is it? Did I miss something?" Sirius stammered, his beautifully perplexed face looking from me, to Lily, to Remus, and to James, who was looking at the floor, red in the face.

"Stop it Sirius, you're embarrassing me." I kissed his cheek softly. "Lily's pregnant."

Peter, who was clustered closest to the fire, rocked too close, and jumped up. "WHAT? Lily? James? That's great!"

Slightly taken aback by this sudden outburst, Lily swayed, and James caught her again. As comprehension flooded the room, we all began to chatter excitedly.

"James? Is this true?" Sirius had gotten up when Lily decided to skip the cakes and sit back down. "I mean, you're going to be a father?"

When James nodded shyly, Sirius went wild. "OH MY LITTLE PRONGSIE'S PREGNANT! That's abso-bloody-lutely BRILLIANT!"

After watching my husband hug James and jump madly up and down, I smiled and wandered over to where Lily was sitting. "Lily, that's so wonderful! I'm so happy for you! And James!"

We glanced at James and Sirius as Remus and Peter joined them in their hysterical riot. They were all now hugging and jumping together like young boys. We giggled.

"Well, anyway, when is the baby due?"

"The end of July," she replied, glowing happily.

At this, Peter looked our way and came over. "What did you say?"

"What?" Lily asked, surprised at Peter's sudden appearance. "Oh, my baby's dues at the end of July. Why?"

Peter muttered something to himself. I heard a bit of it that sounded like: "When the seventh months dies...yes, but is it..."

Noticing us looking at him, Peter quickly responded, "Oh, just excited, y'know. Do you know if it's a girl or a, er, boy?"

"Well, James seemed so interested to know that I offered to perform a certain spell from a mothering book I had gotten so I could find out. I tried and after a few failed attempts..."

I gasped.

"Don't worry; I just ended up with blue and pink milk spurting from my nose! But after awhile, when I conducted the spell correctly, my wand tip glowed blue. That means my baby's a boy!" She smiled.

"Oh Lily, that's magnificent!" I declared, hugging her kindly.

Peter looked extremely nervous and turned to sit down.

***

Oh, the birth of the little Harry James Potter was beautiful! He was a precise portrait of James except for his gorgeous prominent eyes of deep jade, which of course, came from Lily. Born July 31^st, he became the jewel of James and Lily's lives, and Sirius and I were kindly named his godparents.

One day, in late October, the Potter's invited us once again to their house. This time, without knowing, being our last.

Again we cuddled close to their dying fire. Sirius and I embraced to keep ourselves warm, and I held Remus' hand to comfort him (the full moon had just past). Just as I began to wonder where Peter was, James and Lily entered carrying their beloved son. I jumped up in surprise: Lily was sobbing, holding Harry close, and James had his arm around her, his brow furrowed.

It was James who spoke before I could say anything.

"Bella, please sit down. Now Peter, who is terribly sorry he couldn't make it, said he's busy helping the Ministry with the recent attacks on Frank and Alice Longbottom. Bless their kind souls." I couldn't bring myself to sit, so Sirius tugged at my hand. Before I could try to speak again, James took Lily and Harry to an armchair. "Please, I will explain."

I had never cried as much as I did that night, hugging Lily continuously, telling her everything will be all right. That Dumbledore will of course think of some way to hide James, Harry, and her from Voldemort. I sobbed, and hugged James, Lily, Remus, and Sirius over and over, knowing that things were about to become very difficult and frightening for all of us. I kissed my little godson, Harry, who just smiled calmly back.

***

Not a day went by when I hadn't cried for James, Lily, and Harry, who were now in hiding. Remus stayed with us frequently, which was a comfort for both Sirius and I. But one day, when Remus arrived and I welcomed him warmly into our home, Sirius came gambolling down the stairs, red faced and furious.

"GET OUT! GET OUT!" he cried hysterically.

I tried hard to hold him off from Remus, who didn't flinch at Sirius' sudden outburst.

"SIRIUS! Sirius! Calm down! Calm down, my love!"

But he didn't relax.

"SPY! SPY! YOU'RE HIS SPY, REMUS! YOU TRAITOR, GET OUT!" he screamed, his stormy blue eyes widening with anger.

"I am not," Remus replied calmly, a frightened look in his warm amber eyes. "You are, Sirius, and I no longer trust you."

Sirius glared at him, fury in his face. I began to cry.

Remus looked at me with concern. "I'm so sorry Bella, but I must go. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful friend." He hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek. I sobbed on his shoulder.

"GET OFF HER, YOU TRAITOR! GET AWAY FROM MY HOUSE!"

Sirius' eyes began to redden, and tears streamed down his cheeks. He whispered, "Please Moony, you have to leave."

I let go of Remus, and he replied, "Bye Sirius, Bella. I love you both."

He turned to leave, tears streaking his face.

I watched him drift toward the middle of our lawn. He turned, and smiled sadly while the rain drenched his clothes, hair, and face. I looked into those beautiful amber eyes for a long time before he spun once to Apparate.

I stared at the now empty patch of wet grass and cried. I felt Sirius' hands on my waist, and I pulled away.

"WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO HIM, SIRIUS BLACK?!" I screamed violently through my sobs.

"Dumbledore said that the reason why he sent James and Lily into hiding is because someone close to the Potters told Voldemort information that is extremely important." He looked at my perplexed face. "No, I don't know what it concerns, but this information is a danger to James, Lily, and Harry."

"But why did you send Remus..."

"Well, he could be the spy, Belle." His saddened eyes longed for my soothing touch.

"Oh, Sirius." I relaxed and turned to hug him. "These are such horrible times..." I glanced up toward his face. "How can you be so sure that Lily, James, and Harry will not be found?"

At this, he smiled through his tears. "Bella, I promise they won't be found."

~*Sirius Black*~

Oh god, how could this have happened?? James, oh James, and Lily! How could this have happened to them? When I found their house crumbled in pieces, I bent down and sobbed. I cried, screamed, and yelled. This was entirely my fault!! If only I hadn't suggested that Peter be their Secret Keeper! Peter, the bloody menace! He will DIE for this!!

"YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS PETTEGREW!" I roared through the thick blanket of black death that robbed me of air.

Just as I began to pull myself together, my face pale, drenched in tears, and covered in scratches (I tore at my own face and hair in absolute anger), I caught sight of a dark mass tripping through the wreckage. I withdrew my wand, ready for anything, anyone, even Voldemort.

"Sirius? Tha' 'ou?" a deep, bellowing voice grumbled.

I recognized it. "Hagrid?"

He bounded over and picked me up in a bone-crunching embrace. I felt his thick, heavy tears hit my head. "Sirius!! I'm...so...so'ry!" he cried between sobs.

For minutes we embraced. Hagrid, the half-giant I knew as the gamekeeper of Hogwarts, and I, the Potter's once most trusted and loyal friend. But not anymore.

"Oh! I a'most fergot!" And from beneath his thick moleskin overcoat he extracted the young infant Harry.

I screamed, took him to my chest, and hugged him, crying. Oh god, I was so happy James and Lily's one beloved son had survived! But before I could cuddle him any longer, Hagrid ripped him from my grip. I stared at him in disbelief.

"Hagrid, I'm Harry's godfather. And Bella...we're his godparents. We promised James and Lily..." I started.

"No, I can' give 'im to yer. Dumbledore's or'ers. So'ry." Hagrid looked down at me with concern.

Since it was Dumbledore's orders and I was in no mood to argue, I just nodded. Maybe he can live with me someday soon.

As Hagrid turned to leave, I stopped him and said, "Hagrid, why don't you have my flying motorcycle? I no longer...have a...a...a need for it." I looked downward.

"Rea'ly? Thanks Sirius. 'Nd I'm real so'ry 'bout this." He patted my back, and I took one last look at the infant Harry, noticing a mysterious lightning bolt slash etched on his forehead. I can't even promise James and Lily that I'll take care of their son.

I watched as Hagrid took off into the night sky with the one last thing that connected me now to James and Lily Potter.

~*Bella Black*~

All this sadness engulfed me. I cried uncontrollably when Sirius returned home without the young Harry Potter. Lily? James? Oh, how horrible these times truly were. I missed them so much!

***

A day later as I was preparing supper, I heard the door crash open. As my wand hand faltered, the potatoes I was scrubbing magically tumbled to the floor. There was Sirius in the hallway, livid and terribly frightened. I made to comfort him, when shadows appeared behind him: Ministry officials.

"Sirius? Sirius, what happened? Please, love, tell me what..." I whispered helplessly.

"He is convicted of murder, Ms. Black," interrupted a Ministry official. "He has viciously murdered Mr. Peter Pettigrew."

I looked, stunned, from Sirius' distraught and embarrassed face to the Ministry officials. "Is this true, Sirius? Did you, did you...k-kill...P-Peter?"

He looked into my eyes, and I saw innocence. He looked angry, yet confused and scared. I wanted to ask him why he was blame for a crime he did not commit, but he simply shook his head and answered, "No, I didn't kill him."

"HA! That's what you say! We have over fifty witnesses! Some of them Muggles, Mr. Black! HA! Not guilty you say? HA!" A large boisterous official chuckled rudely.

I stood there is awe, and looked into Sirius' eyes: He was innocent! "W-What will h-happen n-n-now?" I stuttered through fresh tears.

"Well, he may stay one last night with you before he is sent to Azkaban. For life," another official stated.

My jaw dropped. "WHAT?!"

I wasn't the only one who had shouted. Sirius suddenly turned to the officials, rage in his fiery eyes. "NO TRIAL?! THAT'S NOT FAIR!!" He made to grab an official, but being bound, he was unable to.

"Sorry, but those are Mr. Barty Crouch's orders, sir," the large official said. He turned to me and bowed politely, removing his cap. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Bella Black."

They shoved Sirius in the house, enveloped our house in shielding charms, and left.

I looked at Sirius for a long time, his beautiful blue eyes glazed with terror. I walked toward him, hugged him, and sobbed. I felt his tears drip onto my head, and his shuddering breathing frightened me. I gazed up toward his face and stared at him intently.

He reached down and swept me from my feet, our eyes still locked, and carried me to our room. As he let me down slowly, I hugged him tight again, not wanting to let go.

"Sirius, I...I can't live without you."

"Don't worry, you'll be...all right...Remus will take care of you."

"Remus? B-but...I thought..."

"Shhh," he whispered, placing a finger to my lips. "Not now. This is my...my...my last time with...with you."

I looked down and nodded. He held my chin upwards and bent low to kiss me. Warmth flowed through my body, a pool of love resting within my heart

I broke the kiss softly and pulled my sweater over my head. Sirius unbuttoned his shirt. I stared at his glistening bare chest, and grasped onto his shoulders once more, kissing him hard. He undid my skirt and I his pants, but soon enough we released one another again. My heart was beating fast as I removed my underwear and he his boxers. We watched each other for a moment, crying silently. He held my waist and we kissed softly this time. He wound his arms around my back, unclasped my bra, and tossed it to floor. I signed deeply. I quietly wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me to our bed.

As he fell backward onto the covers, my body relaxed, and I began to bawl, my tears running onto his naked chest. He held me close, and rubbed my back. When his soft hand ran through my damp and tangled mane, I looked at him again.

"I'm s-s-sorry, Sirius," I whimpered, my eyes red and watery. "I c-can't h-hold b-back my t-tears. I'm s-so s-sorry."

"Don't be." And he smiled. That beautiful, warm, and playful smile I had always remembered from when we were at school: young, innocent, and safe.

He turned onto his side and I shifted to face him. He played with my drenched face and hair. Still smiling softly, he whispered, "I will always love you, Bella Adair, always and forever."

"I will never leave you, Sirius. I will wait for you to return...even if that means I must face death without you."

I kissed him passionately; our bodies entwined and our hearts joined forever.

***

I awoke early the next morning, rain still pouring outside the windows. I was lying there silently, content against the touch of my love. I closed my eyes and relaxed against his body. His tender hands grasping my warm breasts, his bare chest gently rising and falling rhythmically against my back, and his beautiful face snuggled into the gentle curve of my neck. I wept softly and watched the rain fog the windows. I whispered to the darkness surrounding me:

"I'm going to miss you, Sirius Black, my love. And I will wait for you. I promise."

~*Sirius Black*~

Just before the officials from the Ministry arrived before midday, a gust of wind came from our living room. Frightened and pale as a ghost, I went to examine the room. Bella shuddered against my embrace, and I told her to stay. Before I even left the dining room, a tall shadow appeared in the doorway. Bella screamed.

The figure took a step into the light, and my frantic heart instantly relaxed. It was a tall, thin, old wizard with glistening long white hair and a beard tucked neatly into his belt. His robes were an elegant plum and emerald, and his magnificent pointed hat tickled the ceiling. He glanced from me to Bella through half-moon spectacles with warm blue eyes. He smiled sadly.

"Dumbledore!" I exclaimed in utter surprise. "I thought...excuse me sir, but I had mistaken you for a...a..."

"Dementor? Yes, well, I seem to be giving many people quite a fright these days," he answered softly. "I'm sorry to disturb you Sirius, Bella," he acknowledged us with a slight bow of his head, "But the Ministry allowed me to come to your house before your departure, Sirius." He paused staring off, as if recollecting a memory. "They warned me of your 'dangerous capabilities,' but I merely declared that I was more than able to face such a harmful criminal." He smiled serenely.

Bella began to cry against my chest. "Sir, he is not a criminal."

He gazed at Bella with kind eyes and replied, "I know."

I stared at him. "You believe me? But..."

"Yes, I believe that you did not murder Mr. Pettigrew," he stated. "Now, before the Ministry officials arrive, I want Bella to understand that Remus has welcomed her to stay with him. Is this all right with you, Bella? Sirius?"

"As long he doesn't hurt her," I grumbled.

"Don't worry." Dumbledore smiled benevolently again. "I'll be sure to care for her too, Sirius."

My grip on Bella relaxed. I strolled over to the ancient wizard and said, "Thank you Dumbledore, thank you." I hugged him.

Bella joined us, and continued to weep quietly.

The doors suddenly burst open, and I released my grasp, but Dumbledore held Bella close. Ministry officials dressed in black robes entered the dining room and seized me painfully. Bella began to wail.

"SIRIUS! NO! SIRIUS! PLEASE! DON'T TAKE HIM! I LOVE YOU!"

I glanced at Bella, her arms trying to grab at me, but Dumbledore held her firmly.

"Remus will take care of you, Bella," I muttered, as the Ministry officials continued to shout. "Everything will be fine...don't worry, you'll be safe, my love."

Tears began to stream down my face as I forced myself to stare at Bella's beautifully sad face. "I love you Bella. I will return to you. I promise," I added quietly, remembering the first time I noticed her striking face in my sixth year. The officials grabbed me hard and we vanished.

~*Bella Black*~

A month and half had passed and I cried every day. I was in Remus' care now, and stayed in his house. I could not face staying in my home without Sirius. I felt safe with Remus, for he never left my side, in fear of losing me. We comforted each other and spoke of our losses and the horrible times. Dumbledore visited sometimes, always arriving with a sad smile upon his face.

One day, nearing Christmas, I realized something I should have noticed before. I was helping Remus brew his Wolfsbane Potion for the upcoming full moon, when I read a glass bottle labelled 'baby lacewing flies.'

Oh god! That's it!

"Remus?" I whispered uncertainly as I continued to stare at the label. "Remus, I think...uh..."

"Bella?" He looked up from the bubbling cauldron, and looked at me from across the table, concerned. "Are you all right? Do you need to rest? I understand this potion's tedious. I can do it on my own if you can't..."

"No, no," I shook my head slightly, glanced up, and smiled. "Remus, I think I'm...I'm pregnant."

"What?" he murmured, stunned, "Oh god, I swear, Bella, I didn't touch you..." Sweat began to sprinkle his brow.

I laughed, the first time I had laughed for months. "No! Remus! Oh Moony, no!"

I put the glass bottle down and hugged Remus hard. A bit startled, he hugged me back.

"Thank you for making me laugh, Remus." I giggled softly. "But no, it's Sirius' child."

"But, how? I mean, he's been gone..." he wondered, confused.

"I've been feeling sick for weeks, and it just never crossed my mind!" I answered excitedly. "Oh Remus, I'm thrilled!"

"Wow, that's brilliant!" he cried joyfully. "But Sirius..."

I thought for a moment. "Well, you'll have to help care for the baby, won't you? Unless...unless, you don't want to...?"

He took a minute to reply. "Of course I will help you, Belle." He smiled.

"Thank you Remus." I kissed him kindly on the cheek. "How will I tell Sirius?"

He looked me miserably in the face. "I'll talk with Dumbledore...there has to be some way."

***

But the closest I could get to Azkaban Prison was by looking at it from a grassy knoll with the raging sea separating my love from me. I sat there shivering in the cold northerly wind for hours some days, sometimes alone, sometimes with Remus or Dumbledore, but always holding my swelling belly whispering:

'Sirius, thank you for this gift. Thank you, my love. I miss you and love you." I cried softly.

~*Sirius Black*~

The dungeons were reserved for only the most heavily guarded prisoners, and of course, that's where I was placed. After all, I had brutally murdered my friend. A sin that was not my own, but the victim's himself.

I was constantly cold, and had recently taken to shivering quietly in the corner of my cell. I was also always sad and depressed, as the dementors robbed me of all my good memories. But I was innocent! This one thought helped to maintain my sanity and wholeness.

Every time I thought about Bella, I cried. James, Lily, Remus, and even Peter sometimes. The incredible memories we shared. Dumbledore, how kind and understanding he was. I even missed the innocent face of the young Harry Potter.

***

After eight or so months passed, I decided to try to find a way out. It seemed ridiculous, but I gave it a constant push.

One day, as I was longingly watching a hoard of crows pass by my tiny barred prison window, I noticed one crow was injured. Its body flopped in the air, and I continued to watch it intently. I saw it plummet from the sky and fall toward my window. And then it just dropped through the bars. I stood there staring at the now dead bird, stunned. That was it! How could I be so thick!

I contemplated my plan for days before I had the confidence to escape. After all, the faster I escaped the sooner I could reach my love, my friends, and finally kill Peter Pettigrew!

~*Bella Black*~

I forgave the pain of childbirth for the gift of my beautiful daughter, Rose Marie. Her eyes were a vivid mysterious blue, her hair ebony, and her skin as pale as milk. She gurgled constantly and rarely cried.

Remus adored her, and was a wonderful godfather. He learned to avoid her dangerous grip after she had harshly pulled at his tawny locks. He had also adopted the name 'Rosy Posey' for her; a name that suited the adorable, yet mischievous infant well.

Dumbledore proved to be an amazing guardian for the young Rose as well. Usually she just stared at him in wonder with her big blue eyes and her delicate lips parted slightly. Whether there was an understanding between the ancient wizard and young child or just admiration, Rose always acted most politely with Dumbledore.

I was overjoyed when I received the baby, her innocent happiness illuminating the hearts of those around her, but I deeply missed my first love, and the father of my child.

~*Sirius Black*~

I transformed into my canine form and waited calmly for no sound to come from the corridor outside my cell. Silence. It was time.

I was thin enough to slip myself through the iron gate and escape soundlessly. I made it. I'm almost free.

I quietly trod down the corridor shuddering hard as dementors paused near me and then continued onward. I began to sweat nervously, my bladder bulging with anxiety. I heard the screams and cries of other prisoners in their cells throughout the prison. Silent tears drenched my dark fur. I could see the door to the prison: it was closed, locked. I waited fearfully in a shadowed corner for what seemed like hours. Finally, a dementor pushed it open to reveal a new prisoner who was shaking and sweating profusely. I quickly passed through unnoticed. I sighed a quivering breath. I'm almost free.

The sky was frightening dark riddled with thick grey clouds. There was a large pale full moon beaming in the sky. Poor Moony. I felt the thick, wet grass curl beneath my paws as I stumbled toward a rocky cliff, and watched the dark blue water raging below. This is my only way out.

I jumped from crag to crag, tripping and faltering. The rocks became slippery from the water. Finally I decided to jump in. I felt myself drowning in the icy depths as I paddled with my canine limbs. By forcing my body upwards, I was able to keep myself alive. I'm almost free.

My muscles were weak and burning, but I compelled myself to continue. I swam for miles, tired and exhausted. When I reached the cliff protruding from the shore, I crashed constantly into the rocks. I'm going to die trying. I drove myself onward, Bella's face stuck fast in my mind. I hobbled and leaped from rock to rock. And suddenly, I felt soft damp grass beneath my paws. I'm free! I turned around and looked back at the island. I stared at the eerie image before my eyes and cried. Tears of happiness poured forth down my snout. I unexpectedly changed back into my human form, and passed out.

***

I awoke rapidly, the sky still black. I was too weak to Apparate, so I crawled toward the thick forest behind me. Just as I reached the edge, a slender figure carrying a small form wrapped in thick, ragged blankets emerged from the thin air nearby. I froze.

~*Bella Black*~

It was the night of the full moon in June, so I left Remus to himself under the care of the Wolfsbane Potion. These were the nights when I was most free to visit my beloved husband.

It was only around ten o'clock, but dangerous to be where I was going. There was, after all, a dense black forest near the hillock and mysterious creatures lurked there in the dark of night, especially during the full moon.

This was my first visit since Rose's birth, but I couldn't part from her, so I warily brought her along. Covered in a thick black cloak and hood with Rose concealed in tattered blankets, I arrived at the hill and crept to the cliff edge. CRACK!

I spun around, covered my lower face, and withdrew my wand dangerously. I listened carefully for the source of the snapping twigs. Oh god. This is not safe.

"Hello?" I whispered timidly. "Who's there?"

Pause. There was a slight rustling of branches and a light evening breeze. No answer. I turned to the patch of grass I had Apparated from.

"No," A husky voice muttered from the roots of the dark trees. "Don't go."

I halted frightened. Another quivering pause before:

"Bella? Is that you?"

My heart stopped. I wanted to scream. "Y-y-yesss..." I trembled.

I saw a dark figure rise from the ground near the edge of the forest. Shoulder-length dark hair hung down across the man's face, a thick threadbare cloak draped over his slim form, and a small, black, unkempt beard covered his lower face. And then I saw his eyes. Bright, deep blue pools full of...what was it...love? A scream couldn't even escape my lips, I was speechless.

He stumbled toward me and I embraced his trembling body. I cried and cried. Tears of joy and utmost delight...I began to laugh softly.

"Bella," he whispered. "Oh, Bella...I missed you so much. I love you, I love you, I love you."

"Sirius," I moaned in his ear. "Oh god, Sirius, I could barely live."

I kissed him hard on the mouth, ignoring the prickle of his beard. We kissed feverishly until we heard a whimper from the bundle of swaddling blankets. Sirius staggered back, bewildered.

"Sirius," I smiled warmly. "I have someone I'd like you to meet."

"WHAT?" he whispered, outraged. "Did Moony..." His eyes bulged with rage.

"NO!" I murmured angrily. "She's yours. It's obvious anyway. She looks like you." I smiled demurely.

He relaxed, and smiled slightly. I uncovered Rose's face from beneath the blankets. She looked up toward her father, blue eyes bright, milky skin soft in the moonlight, pink little cheeks, and her lips widened into a smiled. She reached up toward him and giggled. Sirius smiled as tears rolled down his tired and dirty face.

"Da," she gurgled sweetly. "Da."

"My god," Sirius stared in disbelief. "Bella...she's gorgeous."

I smiled, watching the baby grasp onto his finger. "She's yours, my love...Miss Rose Marie Black." I broke out of my trance and looked around. "Sirius, we have to leave...we can't talk here...now."

I lead him swiftly to the small patch of grass I had Apparated from, and whispered seductively in his ear, "I will always love you, Sirius Black, always and forever." And we turned on the spot and vanished.