Unofficial Portkey Archive

* * *

~ Subtle Silver-Linings ~

By: Oy! Angelina

* * *

Aside from everything Lily contributed, James was miserable in his life presently.

Sirius's eldest sister had come to claim him for a bit. Professor McGonagall explained it was only a sabbatical and Sirius would be back shortly. James didn't like it, but it was probably best that Sirius was gone. Sirius was the type to bend over backwards to get back into someone's good graces while Remus only got more annoyed when someone he was already cross with made a big show about groveling. However, that didn't change the fact his best friend was gone, leaving James to feel like he was almost completely on his own.

Remus was hard to talk with as of late.

James knew he wasn't upset with him in particular, but Remus's bad mood saturated everything. He acted guilty around James, Lily, and Peter; evidently not coping well with the possibilities of how he could have serious hurt the lot of them. Naturally, no one faulted Remus, but it invited the conversation back on Sirius if they mentioned that. Then Remus would definitely get agitated.

There was presently an elephant in the Gryffindor common room.

For the most part, Remus had gone off into his own little world with Arabella since she was the only one who didn't know how complicated everything was for him at the moment. It probably wasn't all that fair to her since no one would say why Remus wasn't speaking with Sirius or what happened New Years Eve in general. James had figured Arabella would be a lot more inquisitive about all the mystery circling about but she resigned herself to lift everyone's spirits, especially Remus.

She had only marginal success all through January 1^st and 2^nd.

Peter was acting odd too. James guessed he was just worried about Sirius but whenever prompted to talk about it, he quickly changed the subject off of himself. He had been like that since the Professors had brought him to the Hospital Wing; it was almost as if Peter felt guilty about something. James suspected that he knew more about Sirius or his prank that he had admitted, but Sirius never mentioned anyone contributing to his plan during his lengthy confessions. Of course, James wasn't naïve enough to assume this automatically cleared Peter of any connection to what had happened. Peter had a conformist personality, always going along with whoever made the best (or in the least most vocal) argument for something and it wouldn't be the first time Sirius got Peter to go along with one of his "brilliant" plans.

Since Peter was silent and Sirius was unavailable, James felt things were complicated enough in his circle of friends without throwing around accusations and decided to mention something about it to Sirius when he got back to Hogwarts.

James was beginning to feel like he was the only sane one left in the lot.

It was starting to drive him mad.

Whenever the awkwardness became too much for him to handle, James went into hiding with Lily. She listened to his concerns and offered some advice that was at times helpful, but mostly he just liked that she was there. James found his only contentment since New Years in holding and kissing Lily, which she was very happy to accommodate him with.

James was miserable, save for everything Lily.

Pity she was off for a stroll with Remus before the conference was scheduled. She was probably just making sure Remus was alright and clearing the air now that she knew his secret.

James also wagered she was also probably a little tired of listening to him whine.

Peter was teaching Arabella Wizard's chess since she had managed to attend Hogwarts for six years and never bothered to learn how to play a proper game. She found it brutal.

Hardcore Quidditch fan, but Wizard's chess, THAT was brutal.

It amused James to know that Arabella had no qualms about him being body checked off a broom so long as a couple charmed game pieces didn't suffer needlessly. It was probably good she wasn't doting on Remus and mingling with someone who didn't expect her to cheer them up. Still, Arabella's usually chipper mood was often infectious and she was drawing Peter out of his quiet disposition slowly, but noticeably.

James missed Sirius.

It wasn't the same in Gryffindor without him.

Nothing was the same without Sirius.

* * *

"James is worried about you." Lily reported to Remus as they strode the path near the lake.

"He shouldn't, I'm fine." Remus replied.

"Are you?" Lily pressed.

"I will be." Remus assured with a smile that lacked confidence. "I'm just sorting some things out for myself. It's not fair you all are getting the brunt. I'm sorry."

"You always hurt the ones you love." Lily shrugged. "They typically don't fault you either."

"That's what I'm worried about. Hurting the ones I love." Remus glanced to Lily. "I'm always worried about that."

"A measure of concern IS healthy, but you're the most composed person I know, Remus." Lily patted him on his uninjured shoulder. "More so than even Severus Snape."

"Ah yes, Gitface." Remus commented in a dark tone. "Sorry, I know you're mates but I've never met a man more fond of kicking people when they're down, unsporting wanker."

"I can see your point." Lily admitted. She was often spared Severus's crueler tendencies though Lily knew what Remus was talking about.

"I hope you won't think I'm out of turn for saying this, but I could have lost sleep over the prospects of you becoming an item with Snape." Remus confessed.

"You really think he's that much a terror?" Lily asked almost rhetorically.

"I'd tell you EXACTLY what I thought if I didn't know my Mother would weep uncontrollably in knowing I possessed such a vulgar tongue." Remus joked. "Seriously, I imagine there's a lot more to Snape than his grimy surface but I think he would have been bad news for a sweet girl like you overall. He'd never appreciate what he was lucky enough to be a part of. James, well, he's a bit of a prat but he's no fool. He knows how grand he has it and I don't reckon he'll ever forget."

"Thanks." It felt good to have one of James's closest friends give such kind approval. "You and Arabella, bit unexpected but a welcomed surprise."

"I'm happy with it." Remus smiled.

"When did you first start fancying her?" Lily smiled back.

"Oh, I imagine I always did somewhat. How could you not with a funny, pretty girl like Arabella?" Remus mused. "I just found myself thinking James was mad for overlooking such a lovely person like Arabella when she fancied him earlier on and thought I'd jump at an opportunity like that in a heartbeat. That's when I figured I wasn't so platonically inclined with our charming Miss Figg. I couldn't ask her to the ball because she was off with James and he could use the cheer and I didn't want to lead on any other girl by asking them exclusively along."

Remus threw a funny smirk her way.

"Bloody lucky for James he settled down with you that night, the mopey git. I was this close to pummeling him and leaving him underneath a table somewhere for the House Elves to find later on."

Lily had to laugh, before she became conscious of how personal this conversation might be.

"I hope I'm not prying." Lily apologized.

"Please, this is polite conversation. You should hear what I have to go through with James and Sir - the others." Lily flinched at Remus's cold expression.

"I know you don't want to talk about it. I can't blame you, Sirius was unforgivable." Lily started cautiously. "But do you think you might ever? Will you ever be able to forgive Sirius?"

Remus exhaled audibly as he looked to the sky before glancing down at Lily.

"I'm UNSPEAKABLY mad at Sirius right now; more so than I've been with another human being in all my life. What makes things worse is he's one of my best mates. If Sirius was any other person aside from the one I shared my adolescence with I'd probably go to my grave despising him." Remus explained.

"So what will you do?" Lily questioned sympathetically.

"Eventually, I'll forgive him. Just, don't ask me to do it today Lily." Remus sighed before smiling. "I hate disappointing nice, pretty girls."

Lily smiled and felt sorry for anyone deprived of Remus Lupin's friendship.

"We should hurry back to the castle." Remus suggested. "I imagine the carriages should be along if they're not here already."

"You're right."

Lily considered how weird it would be to meet the parents of most her friends under such troubling circumstances. A part of her looked forward to the introductions and a part of her dreaded it.

It was going to be a bizarre day.

* * *

At a quarter to eleven, Professor McGonagall entered the Gryffindor common room and instructed Peter and James to come along with her. After explaining that Lily and Remus were out on a walk, McGonagall nodded and informed them that their parents and guardians had arrived for the conference and she would see them along. Following behind Professor McGonagall, James and Peter found themselves being led into a section of the castle almost exclusively occupied by the faculty.

"So as not to draw any attention to the meeting, we've arranged for you all to congregate in the faculty lounge until Professor Dumbledore is able to join us." McGonagall explained. "We will all sit down in the administrative conference area at noon. Until then, our Headmaster has felt it would be a good gesture to have an early lunch and time for you to talk with your parents and those of your peers."

Stopping in front of a set of doors, Professor McGonagall opened them for the boys and motioned for them to step in.

"I shall locate Mr. Lupin and Miss Evans. Until then, remain here." McGonagall instructed.

The lounge was reasonably spacious with several charms and couches placed throughout. Its comfortable atmosphere was not unlike the homey Gryffindor commons. On the several tables occupying the room, sandwiches and arrangements of fruits and appetizers were made available along with a variety of beverages.

Snape was already present. He and Professor Heilsing were speaking with what James assumed were his parents. His Mother was a fairly attractive, willowy brunette with an expression on her face that suggested something amusing had occurred to her but she had no desire to share. His Father appeared to be where Snape earned a majority of his appearance; pale, dark, and stern looking. The only unique addition to Mr. Snape was his neatly kempt goatee.

The Lupins were present, including Remus's younger brother Romulus. Remus always appeared to take after his Mother, who was slender and placid looking. Mr. Lupin was more broad shouldered than his eldest Son but had the same prematurely sandy graying hair. Mrs. Lupin was presently coaxing her five year old child to eat his sandwich in a proper fashion while Mr. Lupin was holding a conversation with Peter's Mother, Mrs. Pettigrew.

Mrs. Pettigrew was blonde and stout like Peter; they also shared the same watering eyes. Peter's Mother was a widow for almost fourteen years whom, instead of giving thought of remarrying, decided to invest all her energy into doting on her only child. She was exceptionally overbearing and Peter usually sought safety with Sirius or James during breaks for Hogwarts.

Frank Longbottom was there on James's behalf. Still about average build, Frank looked like he had put on a few extra pounds since he had last seen his guardian which was probably the direct result of his wife Martha's home cooking and small, but successful bakery. He was presently speaking with another couple.

Although he had never met them, James guessed they must be Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Not only because they were the only people he didn't recognize but they looked like just like the pictures in his Muggle-Studies textbook. James was trying to pick out Lily's features between the two, catching a glimpse of green eyes on Mr. Evans and a fair complexion to his wife. Although not an unattractive couple, James guessed that Lily's astonishing beauty must be as recessive to her family line as her magical abilities.

None of the Black family was present from what James could see. Perplexed by this, James imagined the Blacks were beyond cross with their Son, but he hadn't assumed none of them would come to speak on his behalf in the meeting that would soon follow. Hoping that they were simply running a bit late, James said goodbye to Peter and made his way over to Frank and Lily's parents, waving to the Lupins as he passed.

James felt suddenly nervous. This was the first time he'd be meeting Lily's parents and he certainly would have preferred if it were under different circumstances. He wasn't sure if Lily had mentioned their relationship to her Mother and Father yet, after all it had only been official for just two days. Conscious that they were Muggles, James was determined to make a sincere effort not to say something too unique to the Wizarding culture; he'd hate to be seen as the odd-ball dating their daughter.

Wishing he had a hope in Hell of making his hair presentable, James threw on his most charming smile and joined Frank.

"James! There you are!" Frank greeted warmly as he put an arm around James's shoulders. "I'd like you to meet Jacob and Rose Evans, Lily's parents. This is James Potter."

Mr. Evans extended his hand, which James shook as he exchanged polite hellos with Mr. and Mrs. Evans.

"This is almost awkward." Mrs. Evans smiled. "Lily's mentioned you a few times in letters home and in Professor Dumbledore's recent letter explaining the situation; well, I'm thrilled to meet you James."

"Absolutely!" Mr. Evans agreed. "We owe a bit of thanks to both you and Severus Snape for helping Lily out a couple nights ago. She's very lucky to have gotten off as light as she did and even luckier to have the friends she does."

"Oh, well, it was nothing, Sir. Lily would have done the same for me." James fidgeted a bit, causing Frank to laugh.

"James is the modest type, you'll have to forgive him." Frank explained.

"Where is Lily?" Rose Evans peered around. "I would have thought she'd come in with the other Gryffindors."

"Right here, Mum." Lily announced as she joined the group. James smiled to her and nodded to Remus who was going over to greet his own family.

Romulus darted from his Mother, spilling his plate of food onto the floor, much to her agitation, so he could leap on his older brother in manic joy.

"Remus,wemissedyouatChristmas!Whydidn'tyoucomehome?Imadeafortinthesnowtoplayinandeverything!" Romulus squealed as Remus lifted his brother up to his eye level, nodding along. He brought the two of them over to his parents, kissing his Mum on the cheek and smiling at his Dad while Romulus flailed.

Turning back to the Evans, Lily had just finished greeting her own parents with hugs and kisses.

"This is Frank Longbottom." James gestured for Lily. "He's my guardian. Frank, Lily Evans."

"It's an outright pleasure, Lily!" Frank shook her hand enthusiastically. Lily took it all with a smile.

"Likewise." She assured, turning to her parents. "I'm assuming you met James then."

"Just, yes." Jacob Evans nodded.

"I suppose this is as good a time as any to mention this," Lily glanced hesitantly at James. "James and I are seeing one another, as more than friends I mean."

Mr. and Mrs. Evans exchanged some looks between them before turning back to their daughter. Frank patted James on the back.

"Finally asked her out, eh?" Frank beamed, causing James to blush slightly.

"Yeah, well -" James had nothing.

"I should have suspected something since at least a paragraph of every Owl you sent to us since school started was devoted to the life and times of James Potter." Mrs. Evans smiled at her daughter, causing Lily to blush more than slightly.

"Yes, well - " Lily had a whole lot of nothing.

"So how much have you been seeing of one another?" Mr. Evans asked James.

That sounded like a trick question to James.

"Well, Mr. Evans, Mrs. Evans; we've been a casual sort of friends for years, then got to know one another better these past few months. We only really started dating just after Christmas." James explained before adding. "Officially New Years."

"I would have mentioned it, but, well a lot's been going on." Lily stated apologetically.

"Oh I would much rather hear this in person than through the post." Rose Evans shook her head. "Good for you, dear; if James is half the young man Frank has talked him up to be your Father and I couldn't be happier."

Mr. Evans looked as though he could be a bit happier but smiled and nodded along with his wife's words. Understanding the man's plight, James realized he probably wouldn't wish beautiful daughters on his worst enemy since he could only imagine the amount of worry and loss that came with relinquishing them to some tall, scruffy haired boy with a dizzy grin. James couldn't take this personally since he was, after all, the deplorable, manipulative, home wrecker with only one thing constantly going though his mind whenever Lily was in his presence:

You know, Lily's boyfriend.

* * *

Professor Heilsing had just excused herself from the Snapes to go speak with the Lupins as well as the other parents present. Erinyes Snape didn't seem at all burdened with her absence and Arcanus Snape retained his usual aloof interest in what was happening about him. Severus felt himself relax ever so slightly with Heilsing no longer over his shoulder, discussing Slytherin House matters and common friends in the Ministry.

Surveying the room, Mrs. Snape's eyes stopped on Constance Pettigrew as she fussed with Peter's part and chided him about a wrinkle in the cuff of his slacks.

"Arcanus, what was the conversation we were having in the carriage ride up to the school?" Mrs. Snape upturned her nose slightly as she turned to smirk at her husband. "You know the one about how if I continue to coddle our Son as much as I do, he will mature with a crippled sense of individuality?"

"You have made your point, Erinyes." Mr. Snape replied without amusement. Severus's Father hated glaring examples of when he was incorrect.

"You know Severus, when your Father was associated with my family, he chose to court me rather than my other sisters because he found me to be the least petty of us three." Erinyes Snape said ironically.

"Makes one appreciate what the competition must have been like." Aracanus Snape offered one of his rare, brittle dry jokes.

Severus smirked.

To the untrained eye, many would assume that his parents hated one another; however, that was entirely inaccurate. They had a deep respect for one another, like long-term partners in a successfully running venture. Mother's social skills with Father's intellect. They managed to amuse one another in their own ways and were content in their passionless, comfortable arrangement.

Out of the corner of his eye, Severus noticed Lily and, presumably, her parents making their way over. Lily's expression was friendly but her eyes noted she was uncertain as to how good of an idea this was.

Silly girl.

Don't you know Mother can smell fear and Father probably wouldn't notice if your hair caught fire?

"Mr. and Mrs. Snape? I'm Jacob Evans and this is my wife, Rose." Lily's Father introduced himself. "And, of course, our daughter Lily."

"Of course she is." Arcanus Snape nodded stiffly with a probing glance of Lily.

"Charmed." Erinyes Snape responded better with a small smile. "It's always an occasion when we meet Severus's friends and their parents."

"Yes, quite an occasion." Rose Evans politely smiled. "We just wanted to extend our deepest thanks to your Son for coming to our daughter's assistance on New Years."

Mrs. Evans smiled appreciatively at Severus, he felt himself become rigid at the sincere gratitude. Although it wasn't unwarranted, Severus hadn't really expected to receive thanks for his efforts. Feeling his Mother's long fingers wrapped over his shoulder, Severus sought a response.

"Not at all." Severus replied. Lily glanced remorsefully to him, evidently aware of how this was probably making him uncomfortable.

"You certainly keep modest company, Lily." Jacob smiled as he put a hand on his own daughter's shoulder.

"I've always attempted to instill our Severus to not be dependant on the praise of others. After all, one's sense of self-esteem shouldn't be passed to them as though it were sweets for a child." Erinyes Snape informed, still smiling. Severus listened to his Mother treat the conversation with the same manner a cat would live mice.

"Well that is certainly an important lesson." Rose Evans nodded, evidently unsure of what the correct response was.

There were few with Mother.

Mr. Snape remained silent, studying Lily as though she were an elaborate enigma. He did that at times he was introduced to someone new. Severus wasn't sure if it was for purposes of intimidation or if his Father was really just that interested in a particular person near him. To her credit, Lily neither commented nor acknowledged the unusual attention openly, but a few swift glanced towards his Father told Severus she was aware. Her parents, on the other hand, appeared to be oblivious since Mother drew their attention away from her husband as she had the habit of doing.

Not exactly embarrassed by his parent's behavior to Lily's since he was more than immune to this sort of interaction by now, Severus did feel it was slightly unfair since they were, after all, just Muggles attempting to be gracious in a world they knew little of.

Severus knew his Mother had finally become bored with the Evans when she said.

"You must meet the Lupins! Lovely family, their Son is the one we're all here to discuss you know. If I recall correctly, I believe they've only been considered a Wizarding family for a few generations. Muggles like yourselves before that."

"We should probably say hello." Jacob Evans forced a smile, accepting the invitation out. "It was good to meet the both of you."

"A pleasure as well." Erinyes smile had yet to faultier. Arcanus simply nodded, finally removing his black eyes from Lily. Mrs. Snape turned her head quickly to the Evans daughter. "That goes for you also, Lily."

"Thank you, Mrs. Snape, Mr. Snape. Goodbye Severus." Lily cautiously returned as she allowed her parents to lead her off to the Lupins.

"Must you sharpen your claws on everything that wanders across your path, Mother?" Severus inquired once he was sure they were out of earshot.

"Yes it keeps me in form, darling." Erinyes eyes were like a hawk's on the Evans backs. "Are you a really friends with that girl?"

"Yes." Severus replied, ignoring his Mother's disapproving look.

While his Father's side had few prejudices of the Muggle-born in general, his Mother's branch of the family had far more antiquated opinions regarding Wizarding class structure. Arcanus Snape stared at his Son, evidently pondering something in the back of his mind that he didn't care to announce.

"Not your usual sort of company, Severus. Soft spoken, awkward, I was half confident I would get to watch her wilt right in front of me. I admit I simply do not see the appeal." Mrs. Snape's critiqued. Severus knew his Mother was just being catty since, unless blind, anyone could find a superficial draw for Lily Evans.

"Yes." Mr. Snape joined the discussion. "Why not explain it to your Mother what the young Miss Evans contributes for you to associate with her?"

Inwardly Severus groaned. The only thing worse than his Mother's pedigree mentality rearing its ugly head in his social life was his Father's silky toned inquiries that hinted he was more than aware of what the answer might be to the questions he asked. It was just his way of amusing himself by forcing his only Son to defend his every thought and gesture, as per usual.

He was, after all, the sole product of their mutually invested resources and rearing.

"Evans is the top female student of our Year, a Prefect for Gryffindor, is presently the most favorable candidate for Headgirl, and one of the most talented and popular witches in school. She's also an interesting resource for intelligent dialogue and has an accommodating personality." Severus reported, before turning to his Mother. "Is that satisfactory company for me to keep?"

Erinyes eyes narrowed, unhappy with her Son's response. She chose to stare at Lily rather than reply. Arcanus nodded in his traditionally thoughtful manner.

"Impressive, considering her lineage." Arcanus approved. "It's wise to make contacts such as that for later in life."

Mrs. Snape's smile returned.

"It would appear she's social networking rather effectively with the Potter heir." Severus's Mother nodded to Potter and Lily holding hands and smiling at one another.

"Yes they're dating." Severus confirmed to bring a little more joy to his Mother's half of the conversation.

"The Potters always did fancy their Muggle-born additions." Erinyes nodded.

"That boy should have more concerns than maintaining a girlfriend." Arcanus interjected cryptically.

"As I've said in the past." Severus agreed.

* * *

"We didn't tell Romulus you were hurt, he would have been so worried." Mrs. Lupin informed Remus as they watched Mr. Lupin introduce his younger brother to the Evans who thought he was absolutely adorable by their reaction.

"That's good, I'm fine." Remus reported to ease his Mother.

"Are you?" Silvia Lupin pressed.

"People seem to like to test this question today." Remus quipped before getting a little serious. "Some harm, some foul; I'll live."

"I don't understand what Sirius was thinking." Mrs. Lupin shook her head. "He was always the most…spirited of you four but even I wouldn't have thought he was capable of something - "

"He's not. Sirius is just an idiot. Happenstance just happened to bite him on the ass this time around along with a few other people." Remus replied quickly before offering an apologetic smile. "Sorry, shouldn't have sworn."

"I'll let you off with the circumstances being as they are." Mrs. Lupin smiled.

"Very sporting of you, Mum." Remus smiled back, before glancing at Romulus again. "Not that I'm not thrilled to see him, but what are we going to do with Romulus once the meeting's underway."

"I'm really not sure." Mrs. Lupin said apologetically. "This all happened so suddenly we couldn't arrange for anyone to take him on for a few days. We had to bring him along. Professor Dumbledore told us it would be just fine, but still, it's such an imposition."

"I think I know someone who'd love to be imposed upon for a bit." Remus commented thoughtfully. "Let me just run it by Professor McGonagall first."

"All right, dear." Silvia Lupin nodded as he Son walked off. Her husband, Aries Lupin, was currently shaking hands with Professor Heilsing for her help with Remus and caught a fragment of their conversation from where she was.

" - absolutely no trouble, Mr. Lupin. It's just a pity such a nice boy like your Son has a dreadful affliction as lycanthropy. I must commend both you and your wife for the effort you've placed in raising Remus, so many others in his position wouldn't see fit to rise above it but he's perfectly well adjusted all things considering. He's also one of the brightest students in my class."

"Mum." Remus tapped Mrs. Lupin on the shoulder. "I asked Professor McGonagall and she said it would be fine if we left him in the Gryffindor common room with Arabella and my other Housemates for the meeting."

"Arabella!" Mrs. Lupin's eyes lost their worried look for a moment. "She's the girl you've started seeing, isn't that right?"

"Yes, you'll like her." Remus assured. "Funny as Sirius, well-meaning like Peter, and outgoing like James. I probably shouldn't be comparing the reaSons I'm fond to her against my male friends should I?"

"Possibly, dear." Silvia Lupin chuckled as she glanced at her watch. "We have about half an hour before we're all supposed to sit down. Let's collect your Father and brother so we can be back in time."

Excusing themselves, the Lupins left the lounge and forced The Evans family and James to relocate themselves into new conversations. Avoiding the Snapes side of the room, Mr. and Mrs. Evans began to speak with Professor McGonagall while James and Lily joined Frank, Mrs. Pettigrew and Peter. The dialogue seemed to be mostly between Frank and Constance Pettigrew with the occasional "yes, Mum" thrown in by Peter. He looked grateful to Lily and James when they walked up.

"You're mum being you're mum?" James grinned at Peter underneath his breath.

"She's a genuine marvel." Peter muttered. "When we're alone she can't stop lecturing me about every little thing but the moment she has someone's ear she does her bloody best to convince them I walk on water when it suits my fancy."

The three snorted laughter between themselves as Frank's booming voice sliced in.

"Aurora Black!" Frank hastily excused himself from the conversation to greet Sirius's eldest sister who had just entered the lounge.

Most of the heads in the room turned at this. If it had been any other but the composed Aurora (or perhaps the flamboyant Sirius) James would have figured they'd be right embarrassed by this sudden attention. Aurora smiled broadly as she shook hands with Frank. Frank Longbottom and Aurora Black had been in the same Year of Hogwarts and were familiar friends.

"Frank, how are you? I haven't seen you since - " It occurred to Aurora that she hadn't seen Frank since the funeral for James's parents. "It's been a while. What have you been up to?"

"Got a great career going in the Ministry, fighting the good fight against You-Know-Who, and was married last spring." Frank beamed. "What about you? Last I heard you were with St. Mungos."

"Pretty much the same as you, save for the marriage part." Aurora reported.

"Now that's a trick if I ever heard one!" Frank laughed. "How does a grand witch like you manage to find herself single? I thought you'd have to hex them off you like you did back when we were at school!"

"You know us Blacks, the commitment phobic lot we are." Aurora smiled graciously. "Not a one amongst us in a steady relationship, pardoning my parents of course."

"Speaking of steady relationships." James suddenly felt he and Lily were about to be dragged into the conversation. "James here has landed himself Lily Evans."

"Is that so? Well congratulations James." Aurora turned between James and Lily before making polite introductory conversation with Lily. James found this a little awkward since he was introducing his present love with his prior infatuation.

"So are Madeline and Empyrean still delirious about one another?" Frank inquired about Aurora and Sirius's parents

Although the Black family had investments tied up in all sorts of avenues, their passion went into animal breeding. A section of their land was devoted to a menagerie of mystical creatures and their care. Mr. Black and their middle daughter, Celestine, oversaw most of the work at home while Mrs. Black was the head of the Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Madeline Black was the enthusiastic type, like Sirius, though her husband was a far cry from stale himself. James had always wondered how they produced a daughter like Aurora with such a firm head on her shoulders or Acontiae, Sirius's remaining sister, who didn't seem to have much of a sense of humor at all.

"Yes, they've found a new hobby to bring them closer together." Aurora nodded.

"Harp on Aurora until she gets married." Frank guessed.

"Precisely." Aurora grinned. "Apparently twenty-five hinges on old maid to my parents."

"They're simply restless." A pale man with long blonde hair interjected as he joined the exchange. "I'm sure they'll relax once you've settled in a suitable relationship."

James recognized the man as Lucius Malfoy, another member of Aurora and Frank's Year.

"Hello Lucius." Frank stiffly welcomed with a forced smile. "What brings you here?"

"Dr. Black." Malfoy nodded towards Aurora. "Her parents have placed their confidence in us to resolve this situation on their behalf."

"I asked Lucius to help since he's a little more familiar with Ministry bureaucracy than myself and he was gracious enough to assist." Aurora smiled.

"Not at all, Aurora. It's entirely my pleasure." Malfoy loftily replied. "After all, we have a history. My family, yours. Not to mention our own."

James missed Sirius and whatever insult he'd be throwing at Malfoy this moment. Knowing that Sirius had no love of the Malfoys and was sure that they regarded him with about as much affection, James was guessing that Malfoy was only present to keep on good terms with either Sirius's sister or his Mother.

Acknowledging James and Lily with only a glance, Malfoy took Aurora's hand and kissed the top of it.

"I see the Snapes are here." Malfoy observed. "I believe I shall say hello. Would you care to join me?"

"I'll be along in a moment." Aurora assured. Malfoy nodded to the group and walked away without a second glance.

"I'd hate to guess what Sirius would say to all that." James mumbled to Aurora.

"I would hope it would be in some way affiliated with gratitude." Aurora patted James on the shoulder as she watched Malfoy talk with the Snapes. "Lucius Malfoy has the benefit of friends and contacts that might keep Sirius out of the worst sort of trouble."

"Well as much as it may be helping you now, Aura, that was one social circle I would have liked to see you fall out of." Frank admitted with a bit of concern as he turned back to Aurora. "I know you were mates in school, but my department is investigating the Malfoys for connection to He-who-must-not-be-named. I'd hate to see you tangled up in their sordid affairs, Luv."

"Your concern is always appreciated Frank." Was all Aurora would say on the matter.

"How is Sirius?" Lily asked. He had only been gone a day but it seemed longer without his noticeable influence.

"Upset, but I think he'll be fine." Aurora stated. "What about Remus?"

"Still angry, but he's making an attempt to get past it." Lily informed.

"I'll pass that along to Sirius." Aurora nodded, before patting them each on the shoulder and walking off to the opposite side of the room. "I should say hello to the Snapes."

"Are you kidding me?" Peter muttered under his breath to James. "They look like they feed off the life of the party just to maintain their own unnatural existences."

"Severus's Mother was completely condescending to mine and his Father managed to redefine creepy for me. He just kept staring at me like some odd specimen." Lily leaned in by James, careful not to look at the subject of the conversation. "I'm glad I met them in a way, though. It gives me a new appreciation for why Severus behaves the way he does with parents like that."

"Nice to know he gets all the pointers he'll ever need on being a maladjusted prat." James commented with a frown, prompting a more than disapproving look from Lily for his lack of sensitivity. That wasn't really his concern at the moment. James brow furrowed as he dared a glance at Mr. Snape. It was bad enough having Snape staring at Lily in his usual scrutinizing manner without his Father getting in on it.

Suddenly, James turned to address Frank.

"You work in the Ministry, Frank. You know anything about Snape's dad." James demanded.

"We work in different departments, but I know enough about Arcanus Snape to not want much to do with him." Frank exhaled audibly. "Strange man all around, but he's supposedly very brilliant; he works with Mysteries. I catch a rumor now and then that he's moderately clairvoyant, but that's just talk from people who try to rationalize how he can manage to be such a shrewd and effective problem-solver."

Frank glanced to Lily with a slight amount of concern.

"I can't say what Arcanus Snape was trying to figure when he had his eye on you, but Snapes aren't known for taking interest in things lightly." Frank cautioned. It was a toss up between who appeared more startled by this comment, Lily or James. Frank cracked a smile and put a hand on each their shoulders. "Lighten up, you two! You're acting like I said he was fixing to hex you both. If anything he was just trying to intimidate you or was curious by a Muggle-born witch or how a pretty girl like Lily can tolerate his Son."

"Yeah, that's DEFINATELY a mystery worthy of his attentions!" James smirked.

"I'm certainly not having much luck with it." Frank admitted with a chuckle, causing him and James to laugh harder.

Lily made a disgruntled noise at how marvelously James Potter and Frank Longbottom fueled one another's ignorance. Unwilling to just sit and listen to them run Severus and his family in the ground (but possessing no particular desire to defend them at the moment either) Lily turned to Peter, who was smiling with Frank and James's jokes.

"Peter, why don't you introduce me to your Mother?" Lily requested curtly. Peter winced at this.

"But that will just give her an excuse to talk to us." Peter grumbled in protest but led her along with him anyway.

* * *

"Your parents are HERE?" Arabella studied Remus's face to see if he was joking with her. Satisfied that he was telling the truth, Arabella shook her head as she gestured to her herself. "No! I can't meet them like this! I'm an absolute mess!"

Remus's chestnut eyes ran Arabella over once from head to toe. She was clad in a Gryffindor House sweatshirt with loose slacks covering her legs. Her curly blond locks were bound in the ponytail bobbing from her head and only the faintest hint of make up accented her face. Remus had no idea what the hell she was prattling on about since she seemed more than fine to him. Granted, Arabella was by no means glamorous at the moment.

She looked attainable and that had its own appeal to Remus.

"You look lovely." Remus assured, Arabella appeared as though she were ready to argue before adding. "I swear I'll burn all your make-up if you utter another word on the matter, now come along."

Taking her by the hands, Remus led her through the Portrait entrance out of the common room as she desperately attempted to adjust a few stray curls lining her face. Romulus raced up to his older brother the second he caught sight of him. Remus hoisted him up and gestured to Arabella with his free hand.

"Mum, Dad; this is Arabella Figg. She's the girl I told you I had started seeing." Remus introduced.

Arabella shook hands with Silvia and Aries Lupin as they all smiled and exchanged hellos. Arabella's smile was slightly awkward while Mr. and Mrs. Lupin flashed her approving ones.

"And this is Romulus, my five year old bother." Remus nodded to the child in his arm, smiling at him. "Say hi to Arabella, why don't you Romulus."

"Hullo." Romulus mumbled, stealing a glance at Arabella before hiding against his older brother's chest.

"Oh, he's so cute!" Arabella cooed. "Is he always this shy?"

"If only he were." Silvia Lupin shook her head. "Usually we can barely keep a reign on him."

"Very active boy." Mr. Lupin chimed in. "We long since figured Remus kept all our even temperament for himself, forcing Romulus to do without."

"Is it something I did?" Arabella asked in a worried tone, causing all the Lupins to laugh a bit.

"If it was, you'll have to teach me it sometime." Remus joked as he caught Romulus peeking out at Arabella. "Hey, what's up with you, mate?"

"She's very pretty." Romulus whispered shyly as he hugged closer to Remus's neck.

Again, the Lupins laughed and Arabella blushed a bit.

"That she is." Remus agreed, flashing a smile at Arabella. "But you'd best keep your hands off, I might share a lot of things with you but this is not one of them."

Setting Romulus down, Arabella stooped by the child.

"Remus asked me to watch you for a bit. Do you want to stay with me for a while and play?" Arabella enticed with a smile. Romulus nodded shyly.

"He should be fine." Remus assured, patting Arabella on the back as she stood up. "Just don't let him get too close to the fireplace and don't let him get a hold of a wand."

"Our dog spent forever on growing all his fur back." Mr. Lupin shook his head.

"Oh one more word of warning: he's a bit of a biter." Remus informed, ruffling Romulus's hair, jerking his fingers back as the five year old snapped at him playfully.

"I suppose there are worse failings in life." Arabella observed with a smile. "Well I'll leave you to be off then. Come along, Romulus, I'll show you the Gryffindor commons."

Turning to Mr. and Mrs. Lupin, Arabella offered a polite smile and added.

"It was very nice meeting the both of you."

"You, as well, Arabella." Aries Lupin assured.

"We'll all have to get together again sometime." Silvia Lupin promised.

After their brief goodbyes had been said, Arabella led the youngest Lupin through the Fat Lady Portrait as he beamed at her.

"When I grow up, I'm going to be a werewolf like my brother. Or a vampire. I haven't decided." Romulus declared, taking Arabella's hand as he looked quizzically at her. "Any suggestions?"

Dismissing this as a child's usual fantastic babble, Arabella pretended to give the matter some deep thought.

"I'd say go with the werewolf idea." Arabella encouraged. "I reckon it would be like a big teddy bear to cuddle against and you don't have to worry about anyone giving you trouble if you're a wolf that's the size of a shed. Oh, I'd let people ride around on me too when they got tired of walking!"

As the portrait closed the entrance into Gryffindor tower, Remus turned to his parents who were giving him a quizzical look.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts isn't her best subject." Remus stated.

"Ah." Mr. and Mrs. Lupin replied in unison.

"Still; a lovely girl." Remus smiled.

"She does seem nice." Mr. Lupin nodded.

"We'll have to get to know her a bit better." Silvia Lupin offered. "When it's under different circumstances."

"So, does she like canines?" Aries Lupin thought back to Arabella's interpretation of a werewolf as the headed back to the lounge.

"Cat person." Remus laughed. "I'm in for a lot of grief with this one once I put her in the loop."

* * *

Caught up in her usual social networking, while dragging her husband along for the ride, Erinyes Snape and Aurora Black exchanged word of mouth in the Wizarding world since both were firmly embedded in the Pure-Blood vain of it.

Uninterested in this current conversation, Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape stepped off to the side to begin their own.

"I wasn't aware that you were familiar with Aurora." Lucius coolly commented.

"We only met yesterday. She represented the Ministry in an inquiry of her brother's actions and dictated my account of it." Severus offered his unimpressive explanation. Thinking back to the Memoirs book in the Library, Severus added. "But you attended the same Year with her when you were enrolled at Hogwarts, did you not?"

"Yes. She was a Ravenclaw. I, of course, was a Slytherin. Still, interhouse politics didn't prevent us from interacting on friendly terms." Lucius nodded. Severus was tempted to inquire why Aurora had been compelled to slap him nearly a decade ago, but resisted somehow.

"If I may ask, why are you in her company today?" Severus questioned. "I would have thought you'd be lending your support to my Father's family rather than the Blacks."

"I might have if Arcanus had requested it." Lucius replied. "Severus, you must understand that this isn't meant to be an affront against you or your family. The Malfoys are connected with many Wizarding families, the Blacks happen to be one of them. They asked a favor and I was content to oblige."

Pale eyes wondered the room as he talked; this was a habit of Lucius's. Severus wasn't entirely sure if this was to keep himself aware of what was happening around him or if he was method of constantly looking for a means out of a discussion.

"So you here to argue Sirius Black off the hook then?" Severus raised an eyebrow.

"Hardly anything so unreasonable." Lucius smirked a bit as he returned his attention to Severus. "Aurora will do all the talking on her brother's behalf, I'm merely present to ensure this the boy is justly dealt with."

"And I'll wager the fact Black's Mother is a Ministry head and his eldest sister is an up-and-comer helped to nudge your sense of fair-play." Severus observed in an aloof tone. Nodding slightly towards Aurora, Severus's black eyes fixed on Lucius. "Or is Dr. Black alone providing more than enough incentive for your assistance."

"One day you'll understand the merit of being on hospitable terms with well-bred Witches." A smile broadened slightly against Lucius's lips.

"I'm seventeen, Lucius. I think that day has arrived and passed." Severus smiled a bit himself. "So you two are…attached?"

"We escort each other to events and functions on occasion." Lucius clarified. "It's very casual since it suits the both of us but it remains implied enough that I don't have to worry about any serious competitors once I decide to formalize things."

"Indeed?" Severus felt his eyes drift to Aurora. "When you decide?"

Mrs. Snape caught notice of his gaze, prompting Severus to immediately correct it back onto Lucius before he roused her suspicions further.

"Well a man has to make sure he is securely established in his chosen profession before he becomes distracted with the additional responsibilities inherited with family life." Lucius explained matter-of-factly. "While I may have a considerable amount of wealth and influence based on my family name alone I don't wish to be thought of some ambitionless heir who will contribute nothing to his forbearers' legacy."

Severus noticed Lucius distinctly stare at James Potter as he made this comment. Potter seemed to take note of his stare, but only glared before turning back to his dialogue with Frank Longbottom.

"One can never have too many close contacts in a political arena and it certainly wouldn't hurt to have another strong contender in the Ministry as a spouse." Severus thought he grasped the cunning in Lucius logic until he began to chuckle, shaking his blonde mane with him.

"I'm in the market for a wife Severus, not a rival. The LAST thing I need to be concerned about is competing with my own spouse for prestige and power." Lucius responded as though Severus had just made some ironic joke. Severus failed to see the humor, though he admittedly wasn't positively archaic in all his ideologies. "You will eventually understand the necessity of making sure all your affairs are in order, such as where you can expect your wife to be and what you expect her to be doing there."

"If I was inclined to acquire one, I would prefer a spouse whom I could relate to beyond that of common day exchanges." Severus decided, thinking of the lull in dialogue between his own Parents. Catching Lucius's disapproving eye, Severus added softly so as not to make enemies of his Father's associates. "However, I'm a long ways off from considering such matters. Who can say what my taste will be refined to by then?"

Severus would have wished Lucius luck in domesticating Aurora Black but knew it would be a fools' errand. He didn't see a self-assured witch like Aurora who seemed to be managing more than fine on her own suddenly requiring a man to arrange all her affairs and every thought so it suited him better. However, seeing no fruitful outcome in pursuing this conversation, Severus changed over to a new one.

"Have you met Professor Heilsing, the current Head of Slytherin?" Severus investigated.

"Ah yes." The smile dropped slightly for Lucius's lips. "An interesting selection for Dumbledore's part. There have been…reservations about how she is presently overseeing the House."

"She behaves as though she was the warden and we were her inmates." Severus reported dispassionately.

"It's a pity someone with a disposition similar to our own didn't acquire the position." Lucius mused. "A survivor of Slytherin, someone who understands and encourages the subtle nuance that shapes the character of the leaders of the Wizarding world. Succeeding in Slytherin prepares us for success in the world outside of Hogwarts. It's what defines our formative years."

It was true. Slytherin knew nothing of Hufflepuff's nurturing or sportsmanship, Gryffindor's chivalry and bonds, or Ravenclaw's restrain and cooperativeness. To be a Slytherin meant keeping the world at arm's length. The realization that those closest to you had the most power to harm you. Allies were adversaries who had yet to exploit their opportunities against you. Concern gave way to suspicion and only your true friends would have the decency to stab you in the front. Withstanding the slings and arrows of Slytherin created the fortitude need to become an influential and intimidating wizard.

Completely Darwinian, completely fair.

"I couldn't agree more." Severus smiled faintly.

Albus Dumbledore's presence in the room drew the attention of all its remaining occupants.

"I would first like to thank all of you for arriving on such short notice and apologize for any inconvenience this may had causes any of you." Smiling graciously to welcome all his guests, Dumbledore scanned the room thoughtfully as he spoke. "Now that you have all had a chance to unwind from your long journey, I would ask all of you to join me in the conference room we have prepared to address the matter at hand. After which, I invite you to stay for dinner and spend a few more hours with your children and this business behind you."

Professors McGonagall and Heilsing helped to usher the parents and students along as they followed Professor Dumbledore to the conference room.

* * *

Arranged around a large, circular table, Professors Heilsing and McGonagall sat on either side of Dumbledore as most of the parents and guardians did the same with their child. The atmosphere hadn't been entirely light in the lounge but the looming discussion appeared to make everyone visibly tense.

"I trust you have all had a chance to become acquainted with one another and would find my introducing all of you to be redundant task?" When no one corrected him of this assumption, Professor Dumbledore decided to proceed. "Although what I am about to say, with the assistance of both Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Vigilia Heilsing, is most certainly superfluous after the lengthy Owls you have all received, I feel it is a matter worth repeating nonetheless."

Some of the parents, as well as Remus, responded with startled expression or those of disbelief. The idea that their children had been involved in such a dramatic incident was surreal and some appeared more than surprised by the actions of their child or their friends. For those who had been involved in the happenings of that night, it was almost bizarre to hear such vivid memories summarized into a single monologue. It made it seem like what they had lived through was nothing more than a scripted sequence of events.

"As you all have been informed, once again, of the details of what had occurred New Years Eve, I felt it would be wise to have us all come together, face to face, and address the concerns. I do not wish for any questions or concerns to linger when we are in a position to remedy them today." Dumbledore finished. "Would anyone care to begin?"

Erinyes Snape leaned in, whispering something to her husband as Severus sat motionless between them. After this hushed exchange, Arcanus Snape turned to Professor Dumbledore.

"And, the boy, Sirius Black. Why is he not available to speak on his own behalf? To justify his action against my Son and his peers?" Mr. Snape inquired in a soft voice.

Aurora Black addressed the question.

"Sirius Black has made several personal and written apologies to the students involved, your Son included. It was felt that little would be achieved by having him present during this meeting." Aurora explained. "Currently, my colleagues, Analysts in the Department of Magical Catastrophes, are working with Mr. Black to ensure we will not be having a repeat of this incident."

"I see." Mr. Snape nodded. "And was this a method you selected as a psychiatrist or as Black's sister?"

Lucius Malfoy folded his hands in front of him.

"Dr. Black is a fully accredited professional in her field, Arcanus. Her decision was not made lightly and was approved by several of her superiors as the most appropriate course of action." Lucius assured.

"When will Sirius Black be returning to Hogwarts?" Constance Pettigrew demanded.

"Three days after classes resume session." Aurora answered.

"I think all of us would be curious to know what disciplinary measures Mr. Black will be facing once he returns." Jacob Evans stated as he put a hand on Lily's shoulder. He was still jarred by his daughter being cursed by someone she regarded as a friend.

"The strictest we can afford, Mr. Evans, I assure you." Professor McGonagall spoke. "All extracurricular activities are prohibited to Mr. Black or will be under my personal supervision if required to attend. His time spent here is expected to be devoted to his studies and precious little else. As the Head of his House, I assure you that Sirius Black will be walking on a short leash through the halls of Hogwarts for the remainder of the year."

"I'm not entirely sure I understand why he's walking these halls at all." Erinyes Snape commented. "This sort of behavior is an indication of what Sirius Black is capable of. This is the beginning of the problems he may pose, not the end. Are you comfortable, as educators responsible for the well-being of hundreds of students, leaving such a possibility open?"

"I whole-heartedly trust Sirius Black's testimony that harming Severus Snape wasn't his intention and I do not consider him to be a deliberate threat to any of our students." Professor Dumbledore stated firmly. "This is a school filled with many young people who have yet to fully grasp sound judgment. Many magical mishaps and even everyday ones occur by virtually all our students at one point or another. I do not believe in expelling a child for an accident or a mistake."

"You call baiting my Son into the path of a vicious monster a mistake?" Erinyes Snape challenged.

"I'll thank you not to refer to MY Son as a monster, Madam." Aries Lupin glared towards Mrs. Snape. Remus patted his Father on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Dad. Don't worry about it." Remus insisted.

"She's being rude." Mr. Lupin turned his attention away from the Snapes.

"She's being observant." Severus defended his Mother.

Remus simply stared at Severus. Lily's mouth fell open and James suddenly developed a twitch. Peter was the only one who bothered to speak what everyone else was thinking.

"Yeah well maybe people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

Constance Pettigrew elbowed her Son as she stared crossly at him. Peter folded his arms in protest but said nothing further. James, Aurora, Frank, and the Lupins gave brief, appreciative smiles in his direction.

"I believe the point my wife is attempting to convey is that Sirius Black intentionally and negligently acted out in a way most other children would not be possessed to." Arcanus Snape interpreted in his detached voice. This was somewhat jarring since few have ever heard Severus's Father speak at such length. "As much as the boy would like to pass off his delinquency as a prank, such juvenile antics are typically fashioned only to frustrate or embarrass another. I think we can all recognize that the results of its success would have been much more than either of those reactions. If Mr. Black would consider such a plot nothing more devastating than a mere joke, I do not believe he is sound-minded enough to ever contribute anything other than devastation to our world and its ways."

"My brother is NOT a criminal." Aurora Black locked eyes with Arcanus Snape.

"Is that your professional assessment, Doctor?" Arcanus Snape raised an eyebrow, prompting his wife to smile slightly. Aurora was prepared to reply, but Lucius Malfoy whispered something to her that persuaded her to refrain.

"So what if it isn't?" James spoke up. "She's known Sirius his entire life and I'm his best friend. If we have the confidence that Sirius isn't some horrible menace to society that should be a strong indication in his favor."

"Why not allow your guardian to handle your position in all this?" Mrs. Snape recommended coldly.

"Because Frank doesn't know Sirius like myself or Aurora. And, more importantly, neither do you. You probably didn't even know Sirius Black existed until a couple days ago and you're off painting him as some cold-blooded murderer. Well you're wrong! I'd trust Sirius with my life, even after all this." James informed pointedly. Frank, along with many others in the room, looked surprise by this outburst but he didn't bother to restrain him either. "I don't need Frank to interpret any petty hissing for ME while I hide behind some plastered smile."

Erinyes and Severus Snape's black eyes flared. Severus leaned forward to throw some retort at James but his Mother pulled him back. Her head jerked towards Professor Dumbledore.

"With friends like these, Headmaster, you expect Black to restrain himself?" Erinyes glowered. "I DEMAND Sirius Black be expelled."

"I think you're being extreme. He's a boy who suffered a lapse in judgment that he's currently making amends for." Frank Longbottom reaSoned.

"You deal with this sort every day, Mr. Longbottom." Arcanus Snape observed. "Is sixteen not old enough to be capable of illicit behavior? Tell me then, when exactly do Wizards go bad? Would your job not be easier if the criminals you pursue were not so well versed in magic?"

"I don't deal with people like Sirius Black." Frank narrowed his eyes.

Dumbledore appeared lost in thought as the discussion rolled around him unmonitored. It was a long moment before he finally addressed the rest of the table.

"Perhaps the Snapes have a point that I have not considered." Professor Dumbledore announced in a hush voice.

The room fell silent with this as all stared at Dumbledore. Several people present, such as Lily, James, Aurora, Frank, Peter, and Professor McGonagall appeared as though they were about to leap to their feet in protest. Mrs. Pettigrew and the Evans seemed uncertain as to how to react. The Lupins remained as silent as they had most of the meeting, exchanging meaningful looks between the three of them. The Snapes had vindicated expressions flickering out beneath their aloof demeanors. Professor Heilsing and Lucius Malfoy gave away nothing in their stoic expression. As many were unwilling or unable to respond to this, Professor Dumbledore continued.

"There are many here today willing to come to the defense of Sirius Black, however, as the Snapes have so frequently pointed out there are circumstances that cannot be easily ignored. Whatever his intentions, Sirius Black willfully acted out against Severus Snape and exploited Remus Lupin in a manner we most certainly do not condone in our students to behavior. Since Severus Snape and Remus Lupin were the most grievously offended in this matter, if both deem Mr. Black is too dangerous to remain at Hogwarts then he shall be expelled." Professor Dumbledore decided.

"I fail to see how Lupin stood to suffer as much as myself." Severus interjected.

"You don't?" Frank Longbottom scoffed. "Why, his unfortunate secret would be exposed to the world. Poor boy would be a pariah for something he couldn't even help. That says nothing for how Remus might have been held accountable for anything that had happened to you even though he had nothing to do with it at all. And that's not even taking into account the personal guilt Remus would have been forced to carry around. His life could have ended just as much as yours."

Pulling Frank by the arm, closer to him, James gawked at his guardian.

"Did you think you were HELPING Sirius with that little speech?" James growled.

"I said nothing other than what is true, James." Frank corrected. "Sirius has a better chance to get this whole mess behind him if he has Remus at his side."

"Remus is furious with Sirius, Frank!" James countered. "And that says nothing for how his parents might feel."

Frank could only shake his head.

"It's a really ugly scene James, but you have to admit Sirius brought a lot of this on himself." Frank patted James on the back sympathetically. "I'm sorry, there's only so much either of us can do for him at this point."

The soft-spoken Lupins whispered between one another and were only audible to themselves. Abruptly, Mrs. Lupin turned to Professor Dumbledore.

"Would you excuse us, for a moment?" Silvia Lupin requested. "I think we should discuss this matter, as a family, in the hall."

"Of course, take as much time as you need." Dumbledore nodded. Lily, James, and Peter exchanged glances, as though questioning what there was to talk about. Silently, Remus and his parents exited the conference room and left the remaining members of the room to speculate what their decision would be.

* * *

With everyone enveloped in their own dialogues, Aurora Black turned to her supposed advisor.

"If I required a bump on a log, Lucius, I could have spared us both the trouble of having you out here and brought along some timber." Aurora Black spoke under her breath to Malfoy. "I thought you were going to help.

"I find restraining you from complicating things any more so to be an arduous task in and of itself." Lucius replied. "Keeping yourself calm and your temper in check will serve your Brother far better than making social enemies of the Snapes."

"I could absolutely care less at this moment." Aurora informed. "If I thought it would help Sirius out a fraction more, I'd ask Arcanus Snape to step outside for a duel this moment!"

"Calm down." Lucius ordered rather than requested. "The Snapes are close associates of mine; you will not embarrass us both by continuing this behavior. Your Brother will not be expelled, Aurora, even if both the Snapes and Lupins consent to such measures. I have a few favors available to me to ensure that."

"And there by gaining one with me?" Aurora observed Malfoy's Slytherin mentality as she attempted to compose herself.

"Oh, my dear, I think you'd be a little more indebted to me than that." Lucius smiled smugly. "After all, I'd be preserving your Brother's future."

Aurora said nothing in response as she waited for the Lupins to return.

* * *

"It's not fair for Professor Dumbledore to put this much pressure on Remus's decision." Mrs. Lupin shook her head to her husband. Outside the conference room, the Lupins stood in a circle facing one another. Presently, Remus had his arms folded over his chest as he kept his eyes cast to the ground.

"Silvia, the Headmaster just recognizes he's not a child and is capable of coming to a rational conclusion on his own." Mr. Lupin defended Dumbledore. Almost cautiously, both his parents turned their attention on their Son. "What do you want to do, Remus?"

"I'm not going to have Sirius expelled." Remus informed gruffly. "I didn't need to come out here to decide that."

Remus watched his parents exchange glances as though it were over his head. They always seemed to forget that he was taller than either of them in situations like this.

"Remus, we know that Sirius is your friend…" Mr. Lupin tentatively began. Remus's eyes sharply met his.

"Are you going to attempt to persuade me into going along with Snape?" Remus demanded with his voice dropping into a slight growl.

"No." Mrs. Lupin wrinkled her noise in distaste at the mention of this. "But we don't want to you to make a decision based solely on friendship, dear. You're Father and I have known Sirius for years and we're grateful he's been such a true friend to you in the past but recently…he doesn't seem like the Sirius we used to know."

"You boys are growing up." Mr. Lupin interjected. "Maybe even growing apart a bit. If you've noticed, Sirius has been going off in some direction that we should be aware of, be concerned about. If this sordid business is just the first indication of what else we might expect from Sirius later on, I don't want you to cover for him out of some sense of obligation."

"If I'm supposed to make a decision like an adult please don't talk to me like a child." Remus requested sternly. "Do you honestly think if I thought Sirius was the menace the Snapes dressed him up to be I'd overlook it? Sirius can be as thick as a boulder at times, but he never plots any farther than a punchline. He's a git, but I'm not going to have his wand broke over it."

"You're sure?" Mrs. Lupin confirmed.

In his heart, Remus knew he was right, but in the back of his mind there was a nagging suspicion of Sirius that he couldn't' shake. Rationalizing it as lingering feelings of betrayal and unresolved anger, Remus went with what his heart was advocating.

"Yeah…and in spite of the fact I'm not too fond of him at the moment, he's still my mate." Remus shrugged.

"Alright then." Aries Lupin patted his Son on the back. "Let's go see the colorful look on the Snape family's face once you break them this news."

With that, the Lupins reentered the conference room to announce their stance.

* * *

It took less than half an hour to finish the proceedings once Remus declared his intentions to support Sirius and wouldn't be persuaded or coerced otherwise. After the meeting was adjourned, Aurora Black and Lucius Malfoy said their farewells as both needed to return to London to tend to various matters. Mr. and Mrs. Snape decide to leave along with them as they had little desire to stay and dine with the other parents (in particular the Lupins).

Waiting in the Grand Hall for the carriages to arrive, Lucius Malfoy stepped off with Arcanus Snape to discuss various things with his wife Erinyes observing the conversation. Aurora approached Severus with a blank expression.

"How are things going for you, Severus?" Aurora politely inquired.

"I'm presently surprised you are willing to speak with me." Severus admitted.

"You mean after you and your parents tried your damnedest to expel my Brother?" Aurora guessed. "The world IS a funny place isn't it?"

Severus found this conversation uncomfortable. How she stood there, never wavering in tone or her eyes from his.

"I never pretended to like Black and I told you yesterday what I thought was needed to remedy the situation." Severus replied without inflection.

"No you didn't." Aurora agreed. "I wish I could say I'm sorry things didn't go well for you, but I'm not."

"Come over to gloat then?" Severus sneered.

A twitch jerked under Aurora's eyes.

"It would be simpler for you to assume that, wouldn't it? That I was petty, spiteful, and entirely out for my own interests. The world would probably be extraordinarily easy for you to maneuver if everyone was like that because it would warrant and justify your every suspicion and defense mechanism." Aurora probed.

"You're attempting to psychoanalyze me again, Doctor." Severus informed curtly.

"Attempt?" Aurora took a step forward and, to his surprise, Severus took a step back. "Severus, don't you know the more walls you throw up to block out others the clearer you come into focus? Delude yourself into believing you're elusive, that you're untouchable, but anyone who looks long and hard enough could read you like a book."

"You've known me for a day and you presume to have the slightest inkling of who I am?" Severus hissed. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"A great many people." Aurora's words came out hard. "You just happened to antagonize the wrong one of them today."

"For someone who mingles with Slytherin, you appear to be very thin-skinned and thick-headed when it comes to our methodologies." Severus noted. "Why did you allow my parents to get at you? Why did you need Malfoy here when his presence served no purpose you couldn't have seen to yourself? I might be guarded, Dr. Black, but at least I'm not so insecure that I allow strangers to provoke me or necessitate someone to hold my hand through the events of my life."

Aurora stared at Severus, as though she were chewing on his words. Severus wasn't sure if she was at a loss of how to reply or was clinging to what remaining about of professionalism she had managed to retain. It was probably fortunate that Lucius Malfoy approached the two with Aurora's winter cloak in hand.

"We should really be heading off now, Aurora." Malfoy announced as he helped her into her cloak. "Severus, it was good seeing you again. I'm sure we will run into one another sometime over spring holiday. For the time being, we'll take our leave of you so you'll have an opportunity to say farewell to your parents."

Turning to leave with Malfoy, Aurora glanced over her shoulders once more at Severus.

"You were right when you said your social skills leave something to be desired at times. Be that as it may, I still think you have a future as an Analyst." Aurora smiled in such a way that Severus was uncertain of whether she was teasing him or being sincere. "Take care of yourself, Severus Snape."

Pulling a hood over her raven head, Aurora Black departed with Malfoy into a lazy drifting snow and twilight sky.

Convinced that mystique was a collaborative conspiracy women maintain to perplex those around them, Severus walked over to his parents who were dressing into their winter cloaks themselves.

"This certainly isn't the Hogwarts your Father or I remember. I assure you when we attended in our respective years, werewolves and attempted murderers didn't just sit in class next to you. And that lecture about being tactful in regards to the Lupin boy's aberration!" Erinyes Snape glowered, bitter like a spoiled child who was just denied some indulgence.

"Be that as it may, we will be discrete as he requested." Arcanus Snape insisted softly as he extracted a ledger from his robes and began to examine his schedule for the rest of the week. "I and my career would certainly do well without Albus Dumbledore complicating our lives on account of gossip and petty grudges."

Purposefully, Mr. Snape darted his eyes between his wife and Son. Taking note that any insolence would not be tolerated in either of them, neither Severus nor Erinyes appeared particularly pleased with this reluctant agreement.

"Well, I will certainly feel a measure of relief once school is in session and all your House has returned. Winifred will be back; you'd be served well to have female companionship outside of Muggle-born witches with boyfriends and the sisters of your assailants." Mrs. Snape didn't bother with her usual cloak and dagger dialogue.

"Ease yourself, Mother, I'm not courting either." Severus muttered. His Mother retained an uncanny talent for interpreting reality in colorful manners to suit her opinions about everything and anything. Nonetheless, Erinyes Snape either didn't hear this or ignored her child's comment anyway.

"Don't you think you should say something to our Son about his eccentric taste in women?" She demanded of her husband.

"I have little interest in Severus viewing me as a hypocrite." Mr. Snape replied absently.

"Wonderful, Arcanus; more of your effective hands off parenting." His wife rolled her eyes.

"Dear woman, I think your talons are embedded deep enough in him for the both of us." Arcanus Snape replied in a distracted tone.

"So, I'll see you both in eight weeks then?" Snape deemed this should probably be the end of their visit.

With his Mother agitated, his Father becoming sarcastic and preoccupied, and the assurance that his parents would be spending the next few evenings in different wings of their home, Severus decided this should probably be the end of their visit and retreat to his room to do his favorite things in life:

Brew and brood.

* * *

Although the Snapes, Lucius Malfoy, and Aurora Black were compelled to leave early, the other parents and their students were happy to stay and share a dinner with their children and members of their faculty.

James and Frank Longbottom sat with the Evans family. What began as civil conversation quickly transformed into a match for bragging rights over Lily and James's various accomplishments. While it was all meant in pride and was intended to be flattering, Lily and James exchanged awkward smiles more than once as well as offered modest comments. With Petunia in mind for Mr. and Mrs. Evans and Frank's thoughts of his wife, Lily's parents and James's guardian were compelled to leave just after dinner with their children to see them off.

Not long after places were set for dinner, Remus returned from the Gryffindor commons with Romulus and Arabella. Seated with his parents and the Pettigrews, polite conversation was distributed all around but most of it was directed at getting to know Arabella a bit more. Initially shy under the attentions, Arabella quickly warmed up with her enthusiasm and broad dimpled smile not far behind. Romulus seemed to take a liking to her in particular as he asked her a barrage of nonsensical questions (such as if a dragon came into the school and roamed the halls would they leave tea out for it or only serve it straight meals) which she was more than happy to answer for him. It was interesting to see Arabella with children since she was so childlike herself at times. This quality made her seem all the more personable and endearing.

Once Romulus started to grow drowsy and night had long since fell, Mrs. Pettigrew and the Lupins said goodbye to their children and their friends and faculty before departing by carriages for the train station.

* * *

"Your little brother is so adorable Remus!" Arabella praised fondly.

"So how many times did he bite you?" Remus inquired, knowledgeable of Romulus's sure-fire defense against any and all opposition.

"Twice. Still adorable." Arabella reported. "Makes me wish I had some siblings to play with. What about you, Peter?"

"Only child." Peter reported. "Probably best. It would be cruel to wish my Mum's relentless love and worry on another soul."

"Why's she like that?" Arabella questioned.

"She's just overprotective." Peter decided upon. "I was really young when my dad died. He used to document various accursed items freelance for the Ministry time to time. Something came across his desk that he either didn't recognize or underestimated and it blew out his office. I guess she's just afraid something horrible will happen to me since I'm pretty much all she has. She never got along well with my dad's side and her brother went off to marry a Muggle."

"I'm sorry, Peter." Arabella frowned sympathetically. "I didn't mean to pry."

"Not a problem." Peter smiled reassuringly. "It happened 13 or so years ago so I'm well adjusted to the whole situation. It's just Mum that I can never get used to!"

Remus chuckled while Arabella simply looked relieved.

"Well, I think I'll be off to unwind with a walk." Peter announced, waving off to Arabella and Remus. "A couple of the Ravenclaws sounded interested in playing a few games of Wizard's Chess with me the other day and I'll see if they're still up for it."

"See you later, mate." Remus nodded as he strolled with Arabella down a corridor that forked off from Peter's.

"Is it odd for you to be so much older than your brother?" Arabella asked as she felt Remus put his hand into hers.

"Yes and no." Remus answered. "I can pass off most of what he does as amusing or cute since I'm too old for him to really get underneath my skin with petty things most Siblings allow themselves to be riled over. And I'm more than used to dealing with immature personalities through Sirius and James. It's good though, my parents always wanted more than one child but there were, well, circumstances that made caring for more than just myself complicated."

"Because you tend to get ill?" Arabella pressed in a concerned voice.

"I think it took a lot of pressure off my parents to have me at school most of the year." Remus somewhat agreed. "They still worry, mind you, but I have friends, professors, and Madam Pomfrey who are willing to ease their burden."

"I can't imagine you being a burden." Arabella contradicted with a sour expression. Remus squeezed her hand a bit in reply.

"Of course, you've always been the silver-lining sort. Nothing keeps you down for long, Arabella. That's something truly respectable in you." Remus observed fondly. "I was wondering, what were you planning on doing with yourself after Hogwarts?"

"I'm not really sure." Arabella paused thoughtfully. "I'm not all that talented in any specific branch of magic so it's not like I can really specialize. I reckon I would probably lean towards something with children or animals since I'm so found of both of them. What about you then, Remus?"

"I'd like to travel, I think. My condition forced me to be something of a homebody as a child so there's a whole world I haven't seen all that much of." Remus mused. "Maybe I'll have a vocation pertaining to studying the Dark Arts, research and the like."

"Really?" Arabella sounded slightly surprised.

"Oh, what did you think I'd do after graduation?" Remus asked curiously.

"I'm not entirely sure, per say." Arabella admitted. "I just figured you wouldn't be so far away and solitary."

"Well, I might not have much of a say in the matter." Remus confessed softly. "Trust me, the idea of settling somewhere with a family sounds more than grand but we don't always get what we want from life."

"Well I plan on getting everything." Arabella grinned. "Happy marriage and sweet children, once I'm tired of being the center of attention naturally."

"So never then?" Remus teased.

"Well if you ever get that far with a woman, you'd better be banking on the Mother of your children having a bloody fab sense of humor!" Arabella smirked, slapping at Remus playfully.

"Yeah, well it would probably help." Remus snatched her other hand into his before she could strike him. "I'm not entirely sure what the kids will turn out like on account of my contribution to the mix."

"Aren't you self-deprecating? Your family seemed normal enough." Arabella rolled her eyes. "Besides, all babies are cute."

"Even the hairy ones with feral overbites?" Remus muttered before smiling. "Oh well, long ways off for that sort of talk. Who knows what things might be like for me by that time?"

"That's the spirit." Arabella leaned in to kiss Remus. Closing his eyes, Remus attempted to forget about his long day, his frustrations with Sirius, the annoyances of Snape and his family, and every other trying and miserable thing he had been burdened with since the New Year came about. Remus marveled how even the dreariest of days could have a silver-lining woven in somewhere in the middle.

All in favor of a simple kiss.

* * *

* * *

AFTERWARDS

Erinyes = For lovers of Greek Myth like myself, a trio of sisters who acted as retribution for blood debts by tormenting/killing those close to the offender until they took their own lives in guilt or grief. I just thought it was a cool name and fit Snape's mommy a bit.

Empyrean = Fancy way to say sky.

Puns on the Lupin family:

Rhea Silvia and the God of War, Mars, were the parents of Remus and Romulus which were twin brothers raised by a she-wolf in Roman Mythology. I just played around with this to make things seem a little more JKR-ish.

And a special thanks to Liz Barr, the woman who brought us "gitface" and stop by www.chamberofkeys.com for some really great MWPP original art. I stumbled on this place a few days ago and thought I'd share (I'm not endorsing because I was asked to or am in anyway affiliated with the site or its operator, just a fan).

* * *

Where Do We Go From Here?

By: Filter

* * *

These half-truths you're telling me

Won't bring me to my knees

Scraped up and bruised

From your fickleness I plead

Just let me feel some ease

From creatures of your greed

Just let me feel some ease for me

I'm not so glad I met you

It makes me want to go away

So you think its over

I don't, yeah yeah yeah

Where do we go from here?

You know I'm not the only one

Where do we go from here?

You know I'm not the only Son

Where do we go from here?

You know I'm not the only one

Where do we go from here?

You know I'm not the only Son

These broken dreams are screams to me

The difference I can't see

The way you look and talk to me

You're cross at me, I freeze

The combination of lost control

The loss of soul, I wheeze

Just give some ease to me

I'm not so glad I met you

It makes me want to go away

So you think its over

I don't Yeah Yeah Yeah

Where do we go from here?

You know I'm not the guilty one

Where do we go from here?

You know I'm not your only Son

I just... yeah yeah yeah

Where do we go from here?

Stop dreaming 'bout the shiny gun

Where do we go from here?

You know I'm not the only one

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go from here?

Where do we go?