For Every Action...

"Remus. Remus, wake up. Remus!" Dumbledore looked down on Remus.

"Gah! All right. What time is it?" He stretched and yawned.

"Half past one. It's time to get ready." Time to say a formal goodbye to Lily and James. "I see you've dressed already, but I've brought robes for Sirius when he wakes." Sirius was still sleeping, with Harry sitting on his chest, poking his short fingers at Sirius's face. Harry grew bored with prodding and bit down on Sirius's nose.

"What- oh. Cor, it's you, Harry. Does my nose look like a potato? Oh, hullo, Professor."

"Good afternoon, Sirius. Would you care to change?" He held out the black robes.

"Yes, thank you." He turned to Remus. "Could you watch Harry?" Remus nodded, as Harry was already at his feet, toying with Remus's shoelaces. Sirius left the room. At this, Dumbledore turned to Remus.

"How is he?"

"As well as anyone could be right now, I suppose. It's awkward, of course. We both suspected each other of being the leak, but we're dealing with it."

"Do you think he can handle Harry?"

"Yes. I mean, he's grieving, but aren't we all? All he cares about is making sure Harry's all right. Trust me, he'd die before putting Harry in harm's way." Remus paused. It was true; Sirius would, like Harry's parents, place himself between Harry and a murderer. Remus didn't want to think about that. "Anyway, yes, he's perfectly capable of fulfilling his position. Do you feel any differently?"

"Remus, it's not that I doubt Sirius's intentions, noble as they may be, but we must be realistic. We cannot afford to lose this boy, as I have a feeling he will play a vital role in our world."

"You won't lose him. He'll be with Sirius, who loves him and will look out for him no matter what. Harry will be as safe as possible." Remus took a breath and prepared to speak when Sirius slid into the room, his face set in a frown.

"As I was saying, Remus, I'm sure in the upcoming days officials will be in contact with you. I don't see any reason why they would have to take you to the Ministry, so if they have any questioning to do, it should be conducted here." Dumbledore turned his attention to Sirius. Are you ready, Sirius? I believe Poppy has procured Harry a set of robes for the occasion, if you would like to dress him." He motioned to the black bundle on Harry's changing table. Sirius quietly took Harry from Remus and proceeded to change him into the robes and pair of trousers, along with little formal shoes. As Sirius smoothed out the wrinkles, he made a face.

"Not the only thing that needs changing." He reached below the table for a new diaper and various powders and wipes. "That's just great, Harry." He muttered darkly through the entire process, looking slightly awkward.

"Shall I fetch Madam Pomfrey?"

"No! I'm fine, it's under control." Sirius was furious with himself that he had appeared incompetent in front of Dumbledore. Hastily readjusting Harry's outfit, he spoke quietly to the boy. "I'm sorry, just humor me, okay? Was a sodding bachelor 'til you came along, not that I'm upset with you; we'll just have to figure this out." Now he straightened his own robes and swung Harry onto his hip. "Is it time?"

"I've arranged for us to travel by Portkey to the location of the memorial. It should activate in a few minutes, but let's be safe and take our places now." Dumbledore led them out of the nursery into the main room of the wing. There, he continued to a table upon which was an old and dusty book, On Hermes's Heels, by Autolycus Turms. He placed a single finger along its binding and waited for the rest to follow. Remus reached forward and Sirius touched an edge, careful that Harry's entire palm was in contact with the Portkey. Within a minute, the room spiraled away, hurtling the group into a swirl of colors.

Seconds later they stumbled on solid ground. The secluded forest was carpeted with fallen leaves, the trees almost barren of foliage.

"This is it?" Sirius asked, taking in his new surroundings.

"Yes," Dumbledore responded. "The Forest of Dagodevas. This should be an intimate gathering; we're not expecting many, although there are certainly many public celebrations in regard to the disappearance." No sooner had he spoken than a couple appeared out of thin air. Frank and Amelia Longbottom momentarily lost their balance, but corrected and stood. They turned to their company, visibly saddened.

"Oh, Harry!" Amelia cried, and rushed towards him, surprising Sirius but not Harry. "He knows me, I've taken Frank and Neville to see them before. Harry, I'm so sorry," she soothed, touching his cut. "Poor boy, it's just not fair..." She positioned herself as close to Harry as she could without alarming Sirius. She continued to whisper to Harry, while Frank stayed farther off, stoically surveying the trees with his hands clasped behind his back. Remus and Dumbledore moved closer to him, and Sirius tried to adopt a more social demeanor, which, as it was, was horribly stiff.

"How are you, Frank? I'm sure you're quite busy," Dumbledore said with a look of concern.

"Work, as always, is not very pleasant. Very hectic. Now we may have less to worry about, but I wouldn't bet on it. Death Eaters still at large, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's whereabouts unknown, much to do, yes. And yourself?"

"Yes, Frank, I agree. Let the public rejoice, but we must keep an eye out."

Remus cleared his throat. "Thank you for coming, Frank. It's nice to see friends here."

"Not a problem. Amelia found a sitter for Neville. First time she's left him, so her reaction to Harry is expected. And you, Remus, work turn up?"

"Oh, a few inquiries," he fibbed.

"Good news. Ah, Lorna, you're here. Excuse me," he said, as he walked over to a new arrival.

Lorna Prewett looked dazed; whether it was a result of her journey or her own tragedy, no one was certain. Months ago, she lost her husband, daughter, and in-laws during a bold Death Eater attack. Her brown eyes were lined unnaturally for her age and permanently tinged red. Frank moved toward her, politely kissing her cheek and giving her a hug that she limply accepted.

"Frank," she said simply. "Good to see you. I haven't seen you and Amelia since the wake. Now Lily and James...this is too much."

"I know, I know. Come, let's go talk to Amelia." He led her away as another group arrived.

Hagrid, Minerva McGonagall, and Filius Flitwick appeared and immediately moved towards Dumbledore and Remus.

"Good afternoon, Dumbledore, Mr. Lupin," said Minerva. "Are we expecting anyone else?" Dumbledore opened his mouth when Mundungus Fletcher and Arabella Figg materialized, followed closely by Harper and Novia Boot.

"We were, but now everyone is here." He greeted them and instructed the crowd to follow him. After a short walk through the thick forest, they arrived at a clearing. A faintly shimmering circle snaked over the leaves, which Dumbledore motioned for them to stand about. He took his place between Sirius and Minerva and waited for the attendants to settle.

"Today we gather to remember James and Lily Evans Potter," he began. "Two outstanding individuals who gained strength in their union. They were fine parents to their son, Harry, and deeply involved in our cause. Perhaps they were too good to be true, and were therefore taken from us prematurely. I am not alone in wishing I could see them grow old, see them watch over Harry and dote on him when he finished Hogwarts. They fell prey to Lord Voldemort, but we will never forget them.

"Remember always, James truly content as he flew over the Quidditch pitch. Remember him holding Harry proudly in his arms, or stealing glances at Lily when he believed no one to be looking. Remember Lily, absorbed in her music, rocking Harry, exchanging vows with James. Remember that they died for you and me, and let it not be in vain. We must cherish these memories and share their spirit, whether by stories or pictures or simply by love. Recall the love that they had for each other, their son, and all of us, and never ever forget it. Plant that seed in your hearts and watch it flourish. Never let hate overshadow it or conflict uproot it. Let love flourish."

As he spoke, something peculiar had begun to happen in the center of the circle. The leaves had rustled and shifted, setting forth two quickly maturing plants, a lily of the valley and a red amaryllis. Ivy and phlox spread in time with the prominent plants. They had risen and slowly descended back into the ground, never withering, simply sinking into nothing, where only the Ivy and Phlox remained untouched. Hagrid was shaking violently with suppressed sobs, and Minerva's head was bowed. All of the attendants' eyes were watering. Harry observed the crowd with confusion and roughly patted Sirius's face as though to reassure him. His hands grew damp as they interrupted the trail of silent tears. Next to them, Remus rocked himself slowly from side to side, unable to look at the flowers. His tears hit the dead leaves, and were joined by the infrequent patter of light rain.

"Let their memory be an eternal light that will never extinguish as long as we remember. The flame defies tears, the rain. Like a phoenix, may they one day rise again from their ashes, born anew, to meet us. Embrace life. Keep the flame alive." With his words, a fireball rose erupted from the center of the circle and flew steadily upwards, until is appeared to be a distant star.

"Lily and James," he said, raising his wand. Twelve wands followed suit, Sirius taking Harry's hand in his own as he pointed his wand to the center.

"Lily and James," they repeated. A silver light left the tips of their wands and met, shooting straight down into the center of the circle. The remaining plants disappeared, along with the line. The ceremony was completed. Sirius let out a deep breath and adjusted Harry. Moving into the crowd, Dumbledore greeted the attendants. Sirius began to leave the group when he heard Remus behind him.

"You can't go." Sirius's footsteps didn't cease. "Sirius, stop."

"I really can't be here right now. I just can't."

"Then leave, and I'll take Harry. He has to be there, they'll understand if you want to leave, but they need to see him." Sirius stopped and weighed his options. Harry really should be there, but Sirius couldn't give him up, not now.

"Fine, I'll stay, but not for too long."

"Fine." Remus approached the group, but hung back. Novia Boot and Amelia Longbottom accosted Sirius as soon as he came near them. Amelia pried Harry from Sirius's arms and took to fussing over him with Novia. Lorna kept her distance, sadly observing the two mothers and Harry.

"You know, you never really see the value of people until you lose them, and then it's too late." Remus looked over, not sure if Lorna was speaking to him. "I held back. Then they're gone and you want to give them everything, but you can't. We're all so foolish in that way. So busy with the past to see what's right in front of us, and then we lose the future." She met Remus's eyes and barely nodded before turning and walking back to the starting point.

Sirius watched as Amelia held Harry some distance away.

"Yes, so very sad. James was such an excellent Transfiguration student; none since he left have even come close. And Lily, yes, she was brilliant in her own right. Better at Professor Flitwick's field than mine, but such excellent Gryffindors, the two of them. The house is in disarray, there are still students that knew them."

"Professor McGonagall? Could you excuse me?" He ducked away before she could respond. Just feet from Harry, a hand stopped him. Spinning around, he saw it was Frank Longbottom.

"You're his godfather?"

"Yes." Sirius's gaze darted between Harry and Frank.

"It's not easy being a father, especially under these circumstances."

"I'm not going to be his father, just his godfather. They're very different." He would have said more, but at that instant Harry was shoved into his arms by Amelia, who was now dragging Frank back to the Portkey site.

"I need to see Neville. I need to see him right now! Goodbye, Harry, Sirius." Frank was pulled away before Sirius could say goodbye. Feeling he had spent as much time as he needed with the group, Sirius followed Longbottom's trail, relieved to have his godson back in his arms. When he reached the clearing, he found that Lorna, Amelia, and Frank had departed. He found a wide tree and sat, leaning against its trunk. He was content to hold Harry in silence, until Dumbledore and Remus returned and they could leave at last.

*****

Sirius was so engrossed in his godson that he scarcely heard Remus and Dumbledore enter the clearing, let alone the rest of the attendants. They looked at him pityingly and he diverted his eyes. He struggled to stand without disturbing Harry, who was minutes from sleep. Seeing this, Remus hurried over and extended his hand to Sirius. He stared at is for a moment before taking it and pulling himself to his full height. Harry murmured sleepily, bringing smiles to their faces.

"Have you been sitting here this whole time?"

Sirius nodded.

"I wish I was. I came back with them, and of course they just couldn't be quiet. Had to talk about them, kept correcting themselves for using present tense and then commenting about it. And the looks they gave me- I don't need to be pitied, if anyone does it's Harry. Hagrid tried to pat me on my back, nearly knocked the wind out of me, he did. This isn't to say that we're any better about it- 'normal'- if there is such a thing."

"Remus, Sirius, are you prepared to leave?" questioned Dumbledore, flanked by the remaining group.

"Yes," Remus answered. They exchanged good-byes as Dumbledore studied several rocks.

"Ah, here it is! If you would kindly come here, this is our Portkey home." When they were close to the rock, Dumbledore began to count. "One, two," their hands moved in, "three." Jerking forward, they left the forest behind.

As soon as the journey began it was over, and they were back in the hospital wing.