Albus chuckled as he shook his head. "No, Arthur, that is Kitty and her twin Shane. The man standing next to me holding her brother is their father, Magnus. As you can see, I've know her and her family for a very, very long time. Magnus and I have had many an adventure and we've saved each other's life countless times. I know them as well as I know myself." He explained. "I also know how dear your family is to Harry, and therefore to Kitty. She would never allow anything to happen to any of you. And if my instincts are correct, it seems Charlie has taken a rather keen interest in Meg MacLeod; yet another reason for her to offer you protection." Albus wink, "Her family is much like yours, you see. You do not marry the person, but the family."

"Marriage, my Charlie." Arthur sighed, "Although considering the current state of affairs, none of us may live long enough to actually see it happen." He added in an accusing tone.

"I know you do not agree with what I've done, but you must realize that you are not only the best man for the job; you are the ONLY man for the job." Albus stated his voice clear and firm. "And as for Miss MacLeod's involvement in this matter? It is presumptive on my part. As I explained, I know her and her clan very well. I know she will not only agree with me, but lend you her support as well. She has many powerful allies throughout the world; Sidhe, Vampyre, Garou, Eco-mages, Glass Walkers, Gargoyles, J'nador, Darkwings… the list goes on and on." Albus's eyes twinkled with delight as he saw the look on Arthur Weasley's face. It was obvious the man was shocked over the names he had just invoked, after all, most of those races were either considered dangerous or extinct. But then again, so were the Sidhe themselves and Kitty had succinctly proven that they were neither.

"I am counting on Kitty and her clan to make Lucius Malfoy's life…shall we say, interesting. He singled her out when she came here as an exchange student, doing many cruel and humiliating things to her. She made him pay on more than one occasion and I am confidant she will have no issues doing so again." Winking he added, "In fact, I dare say she would enjoy it."

"I don't want her putting herself in harms way because of me, Albus." Arthur insisted, "She has her own family, her own worries. Besides, protecting Harry is a constant worry; as we all know from experience." Arthur sighed deeply as he looked into Albus's clear blue eyes. "There is no way to avoid this, is there?"

"No, I am afraid not."

"Albus, why don't you do this? We both know that you would win easily. People have been asking you to run for years. I am unknown at best, ridiculed at worst; who would vote for me over Malfoy?"

Raising an eyebrow, Albus smirked "Why, anyone with sense in their head, of course." Pausing, he added "And anyone interested in foreign relations with the aforementioned species."

"WHAT?!"

"As I told you, Arthur, Kitty will lend her support. And the best possible way for her to do that, is to bring other races and species into the mix. There is so much more magic and knowledge out there than even the Department of Mysteries realizes." Dumbledore explained "Did you know that Kitty was attacked by a werewolf while she was a student here? She was bit several times, we almost lost her…." He waited for the obvious question

“But,….Albus, that doesn't make sense, if she were bitten that badly; if she were bitten at all.." Arthur began, only to shake his head. "No, I've seen her during the full moon. I've had to stop in to have several 'discussions' with several of the twin's professors. I've never seen anything to make me think she was a werewolf."

"That is because she is not." Albus grinned, "Her people have known of a cure for werewolfism for centuries. They've offered to share it with us on several occasions, but the MoM refuses to even talk to them." He shook his head sadly, "I hate to think how many live could be saved, how many tormented souls could be saved if they would simply listen to others outside of our own world."

"But if they know the cure…Professor Lupin.." he became silent as he saw the sad look on the headmaster's face.

"Sadly, the window of opportunity is extremely narrow. The cure must be given during the first transformation; which is why it is so important that this knowledge be shared. And 'you' Arthur are the man to open that doorway of communication. Kitty is very fond of you and your family, she feels she can trust you. She will gladly encourage her clan's allies to come to our world and share their knowledge with us if 'you' are in charge. However, I can promise you, if Malfoy wins, she will take Mr. Potter, the Gangrel, the Garou and several others with her, never to be seen again."

"But the prophecy? Dumbledore, Harry has 'got' to stay here, without him and you, there is nothing to stop Voldemort."

"My point exactly. And before you ask; NO, I cannot prevent her from taking him, not any longer." Albus sighed, "She is far more powerful than anyone thought. As was well proven by her response to the attack on Mr. Potter and Mr. Black." A visible shudder ran up Dumbledore's back as he thought of the carnage. "I have no doubt that, barring anymore attempts on her son's life, she will return to her normal, nurturing nature."

"She already has," Arthur smirked, "you should see her with Ginny and Harry. I thought Molly was going to smack MacLeod's hands for just stepping in like that with Ginny, especially after seeing the dress she gave her for the Yule Ball."

Albus clucked his tongue as he laughed "Yes, Ginny was, …how did Remus phrase that? Beating them off with a stick, I believe."

Just then, a soft knock was heard on the door, Raul slowly poked his head into the room, relieved to see both Albus and Arthur smile at him. "Raul, dear boy, what has happened to you? You look less than 'dapper' today."

"It's been a long, long night. I wanted to let you know; Roel passed away. I've spoken with Prince Daithi, he will be sending reinforcements to replace Olia and Roel."

Arthur sighed deeply as he slumped in his chair, "Roel? I remember Fred talking about him…Merlin's beard, Albus! If they can kill a vampyre, an immortal creature, what hope do I have of keeping my children safe? Not to mention my poor Molly…"….

“But Remus, do you really have to leave ‘right’ now? Couldn’t you put it off a little, the full moon is still three days away.“ Tris asked as she saw him packing his things.

Pausing from his task, he looked up and smiled as he saw the tenderness in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Tris, I do wish I could stay, but I’ve put this off too long already. I should take the wolfsbane potion for the entire week preceding the transformation. Three days is the absolute limit as far as Severus is concerned. Not that it much matters,” he sighed, “I’m going to have to be locked up this month anyway.”

“What do you mean? Locked up?”

“Last month’s transformation was very, very bad; even with the full dose of the potion. I think Kitty is correct in assuming that it was because November was the month I was attacked and cursed. But needless to say, I cannot and will not take that chance. I want Snape or Minerva to lock me up this month, just in case it is more than my ‘anniversary’. If I’m getting worse, if the curse is progressing…..”

“Shhhh, Remus,” Tris cooed, “I’m sure you’re not getting worse. It just doesn’t happen that way.” Seeing the doubting look in his eyes, she pulled him onto his bed. “You know that my second husband, Cumhea, was a werewolf, don’t you? I was with him until the very end of his life, I know very well what happens, what to expect. Your human form will grow weaker and weaker if the curse progresses, and aside from a little premature greying, you look wonderful.”

Remus gave her a smile as his eyes darted nervously to the flask of potion sitting on his bedside table. “Yeh, well, some days are better than others, I suppose.” he replied softly, avoiding her eyes.

“This is bad, Remus. We aren’t even ’together’ and I can already tell when you’re hiding something from me.” Tris sighed. She waited a few moments in the hope that Remus would confide in her, but seeing that he had no intentions of sharing, she continued. “Do you mind if I come back with you? I don’t really have much to do here now that Kitty took the others to Dia with her.”

“Don’t you want to spend time with your clan, Tris?”

“I’d like to spend time with ‘you’.” she replied softly as she placed her hand over his. “We can stop by Dia when the moon begins to wane. I have a feeling the warmth and sunshine would do you as much good as it will Sirius.” ………

"HERE!!!! He was attacked HERE. On OUR land, our sacred land, a member of our own clan!" Mac Lir roared. "This is beyond an outrage! I want to know what happened and who did this."

"If you would stop yelling, I will gladly tell you." Orpha sighed, she smiled kindly as Leumadair came to her side, taking her arm and pulling her to a comfortable chair.

"Father, please, I am positive Aunt Orpha came here specifically to explain everything to you." Leumadair urged, the last thing any of them needed was for his father to lose his temper and do something rash.

"Then explain quickly." Mac Lir growled. "We all know how precarious her situation is, and if this is the man she has chosen to take for herself, the man who will raise the future rulers of our clan…."

"Mac Lir, be careful what you say." Orpha warned, her eyes shifting nervously from side to side. "We both know how hard it is to keep a secret, even in Armagh." She felt Leumadair's hand tighten as his eyes searched hers.

"Maharet wouldn't dare. Not to my father." He whispered, only to feel his stomach cringe as Orpha raised an eyebrow, as if to say 'you doubt she would'.

"Are they safe." Mac Lir asked, "A simple yes or no."

"Yes, for now." Orpha sighed, "That is why I am here. I need your help to keep them that way."

Mac Lir nodded as he rose from his throne. "Let us walk while we discuss the matter." He insisted, giving both Orpha and his son a meaningful look. "I believe Puneet may want to be included in this as well," he whispered as they entered the courtyard, "his ability to travel with stealth will be indispensable to us."

"But Father, can we trust him not to tell Maharet?" Leumadair asked, "His father has been an ally of the clan for centuries, they all but worship the crones."

"This is true, however they feel the same way regarding Kitty." Orpha reminded him. "But I think it would be best to give him as little information as possible. At this time the only people I 'know' I can trust are both of you, Duncan, Luke, Tristessa, Remus, Paddy and her son Harry. I think we may be able to trust others, but until I am positive I refuse to chance it. We came far too close to losing them, as it is we lost Roel, and you know about the other incident as well."

“Yes, I heard Wolf has been taken from us, but what of her brother?” Mac Lir asked.

Orpha simply shook her head, “No one knows but Wolf. And needless to say he can’t tell us much in his current state, although Tara and Emma are doing what they can to pry the whole story out of him.”

“So, exactly what did happen to Harry’s father, Aunt Orpha?” Leumadair asked as they approached the small chapel. “And is everyone else safe? Do you want me to go to her or to them?”

“Yes, Leumadair, I do, but not quite yet. Aeranna is to meet them in Greece, they should stay with Mickey until well past sunset. I would like you to keep your eye on them once they are on the water.” Orpha explained. “I would also like you to meet Sirius and evaluate him. However, I must warn you, he is little more than a shadow of his former self.” she sighed.

“So the stories are true? He would have died if not for my cousin’s will and power?”

Orpha nodded slowly, “You must understand, she did not bring him back, she simply preserved him by refusing to let him go. Although I must confess, I am not sure how long she can keep him here.” she sighed. “He is so very frail, he needs her constant care and attention….it pains him to be so dependant upon anyone, he is a proud and determined man.”

“Does she tend to him in the manner he needs?” Mac Lir questioned, “With an open and giving heart?”

“Oh yes, she and Harry barely leave the poor dear out of their sight. And our Kitty has her hands on him constantly, healing and comforting him at every opportunity.” Orpha smirked, “I dare say if he were half the man he was when he arrived our dear little girl would be with child at this very moment.” Orpha paused as she saw a strange look pass over Leumadair’s face. “Is something wrong, child? I thought you and your father had discussed this at length….or has your heart softened towards the idea?”

“NO, no…nothing like that. Father and I both agree that while she and I are well matched over all….well…I just cannot think of her as a wife.” Leuma explained as he turned red and stumbled over his words. “Its just… well…..”

“Leumadair?! What is it, my son? Is there something I should know about?” Mac Lir asked, immediately concerned over his son’s strange behaviour.

Orpha placed her hand over Mac Lir’s as she turned to face Leumadair. “She is with child, isn’t she Leuma? Did she tell you or is it a guess?”

Leumadair shrugged his shoulders as he sighed. “I don’t think she knows. I only found out when I went to heal her after the boglachs attacked her. I’m sorry Father, but how could I say anything when its so obvious she has no idea herself.”

“How far along do you think she is?”

“IF and that is a rather large if, she can only be a few weeks along, certainly under a month.” he sighed, “But we all know how quickly that can change. Don’t you women have some sort of superstition about not speaking of the child until it is passed a certain point for fear it will be reabsorbed?”

“Yes and no, Leuma. We tend to not say anything until we are certain the child has made it through the first hurdle; the first trimester is when any defect in the child would cause it to be absorbed or expelled.” Orpha explained. “But she knows how important this is to all of us….she should have said something….”

“After what happened to her last time?” Mac Lir growled. “If she is, and if I approve of this wizard of hers ‘I’ may just insist she stays on Dia until Maharet and whoever is working with her is taken care of.”

Neither Mac Lir nor Leumadair ever noticed the sly smile on Orpha’s face, they had done just as she hoped they would. The ground work was in place to both protect Kitty and her clannad as well as plant the idea within the mind of the clan that Sirius was the father of any child that may be born to Kitty. “Mac Lir, I know you want to meet Sirius, but please, allow them to get settled first. He is so weak and so pale. Let them have a few days in the sun and warmth, perhaps it will quicken his blood and expel the venom..”

“The venom is still within him?” Leuma gasped, “But that means he is still in mortal peril. He could die at any time.”

“Yet another reason I do not want you to show up unexpectedly.” Orpha sighed, “Let her heal him first, she needs to concentrate on him; WE can concentrate on keeping Maharet and ‘her’ crones away from them.” she paused as she turned to face Mac Lir, squeezing his hand tightly. “I can’t bear to lose anymore, I’ve lost her mother, her sisters, and as I recently found out, her first child, a daughter. Promise me you will do everything within your power to keep them all safe.”

“I swear to you, Orpha, nothing will happen to them on my waters. But I want to see this wizard that would be her husband and I want to see him soon.” Mac Lir insisted. “Tell her to make ready, I will evaluate this man myself, he seems to have your approval, Orpha, but before I bring Magnus back from the shadow realm ‘I’ want to see him with my own eyes.”…

Lucius drug himself into the house, cursing and mumbling under his breath as he nursed the new wounds Voldemort had given him. Something had to be done about this new role he found himself in; he had always been the one the other death eaters looked to for leadership, the Dark Lord’s second in command. But obviously ‘something’ had happened to change Voldemort’s views on the matter, and Lucius had the distinct feeling it was all tied into the new spy and of course, the Sidhe.

Well, if this is how it was to be played out, then Lucius was going to make sure he came out on top. Voldemort ‘needed’ Potter and the Sidhe alive….well then, the moment either of them stepped foot into Hogwarts they would die. Voldemort was powerful, but he wasn’t invincible. His transformation was incomplete, a fact that was becoming more and more evident every day. His once fleshy skin was quickly becoming taunt and nearly translucent, revealing the veins and arteries that lay underneath. And his face was resembling that of the vampire that had attacked them in Dumbledore’s office, the one they called Mohrg.

But how to go about assassinating them without Voldemort or the others becoming suspicious? A wicked smile spread across Lucius Malfoy’s lips as he thought of the obvious answer. Draco.

He could have his son lead him into a trap, and if the boy happened to die along with Potter that would certainly throw suspicion off of himself. Pouring himself a drink, Lucius pondered the situation a bit further…. He could easily convince Draco to lure Potter somewhere, cause a fight, kidnap one of his mud blood friends… Or better yet, get him to the door of Snape’s classroom where an unknown intruder could do any number of things to the boy.

Yes, that was it, that is what should be done. After all, Snape had become a bit too independent over the passing years, particularly so since MacLeod showed up. If Voldemort was too blind to realize that Snape ‘had’ truly fallen in love with the Sidhe and was no longer faithful to his assignment, that was his problem. But if Potter could be killed right under Snape’s rather large nose, not only would he have Voldemort to answer to, but the Sidhe b**ch as well, and her temper was well know by all……...

“Are you sure you’re well enough to go?” Cat asked softly, stroking Sirius’s hair as he rested on her lap. “I’m sure the others wouldn’t mind waiting a bit longer. And don’t forget, we’re sailing the rest of the way, I’m not sure how you’re going to do on a boat right now.”

Sirius cringed at the thought, “Thanks for reminding me, gra. That’s just what I need….I hope the water is calm.” He smiled thankfully as he felt Cat’s arms around him, helping him sit up. “I certainly hope you meant it when you told me you liked taking care of me.” He quipped as he gave her a lop-sided grin.

“Not quite as much as I like to harass you, but I’m liking it.” She teased, smiling brightly as she continued to play with his hair. “Sirius, when we get to Dia, would you mind terribly if I cut some of this off. I prefer your hair long, but these split ends have ‘got’ to go.”

“Split ends?!” he laughed, “Gra, I’m in your hands, do as you will.” He smirked as he added, “Just be gentle with me, I’m not the man I used to be.”

“And after that last comment, you should be thankful I don’t tan your hide, Mr. Black.” Cat responded, “And I think we need to talk about the ‘arrangements’ for Dia. I don’t think you’re well enough to be left alone all night, but I don’t want anyone to simply assume that… well…” she shifted uncomfortably as a blushed crept over her cheeks.

“Not that it isn’t my fondest wish, but to be honest gra, I don’t think I have the strength to even attempt it.” He sighed as he nuzzled against her. “But I have to tell you, I adore the fact that you still blush when you talk to me about it.” He smiled as he felt her place a soft kiss on his head while her arm tightened around his waist. “Maybe Harry and I can bunk together for a few days, unless of course you think people may ‘talk’ if you don’t sleep with your ‘husband’…”

“Sirius, shut up” Cat whined, “I still don’t understand why Aunt Orpha did that, she MUST know the rumours this will start.”

“I honestly think that is why she did it. She is worried about both of you, and if Deo thinks that he is your husband or consort, the father of your child…” Aeranna explained as she joined the couple. “Well, Deo is many things, but a fool is not among them. He understands what a coup this is, to be asked to protect and defend the Rion and her clannad as her ….’husband’ heals.” She smiled widely, revealing her fangs. “No one would dare challenge him after this and he knows it. If Clan MacLeod has such faith in his strength all of his enemies will think twice before raising arms against him.”

“So, politics strike again.” Cat sighed, “But that doesn’t exactly help ‘this’ particular situation, now does it?”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure Emma and Tara will have a suite ready for you, more than enough room and beds for everyone and then some.” Aeranna assured her, “I warned them ahead of time what an overprotective mother you were and that it might be best if your son staid close to you” she winked.

“Bless you, sister” Cat grinned, “all these years and you’re still watching out for me.”

“Yeh, thanks heaps” Sirius groaned, “just when I thought I’d be able to convince her.” He rolled his eyes as Aeranna laughed at his comment. “Don’t laugh, I mean it. I’ve been trying to get her to marry me for the longest time. And don’t bring up your father, gra. I’m more than willing to bring the matter to his attention.”

“Not in your current condition you aren’t” Aeranna frowned, “Kitty’s husband must be strong, powerful and ….well…”

“Sirius, do you remember the legend of Nuada of the Silver Arm? How he was made to step down as king after he lost his arm in battle? How our people were forced to accept his brother as king, even though the man had no aptitude to rule?” Cat asked, her voice soft and very low.

“Yes, according to the old laws the king had to be without physical defect to ….” He paused and swallowed loudly, “so I don’t have a prayer, do I?

“Not in your current condition, no” Aeranna said gently, “but Orpha and Kitty are both hoping a few days in Dia will help that. After all, Nuada was able to re-ascend the thrown after Lugh crafted a silver arm for him. He was made whole once again and the people rejoiced.” Aeranna stood up and stared at the sky. “The sea should be calm tonight. We’ll leave in an hour or so, I’ll come to get you if aren’t down before then.” ….

“So, gra, what sort of chance do I honestly have with you?” Sirius asked after Aeranna had left. “I can tell you still love me, it shows more and more everyday. But the clan…the laws..” He felt his confidence waning as she sighed deeply. “Gra?”

“I don’t know, Sirius, I honestly don’t. My clan adores you, you know that, and the fact that Duncan and Luke approve of you is certainly a plus. But Aeranna is right, if my father or Mac Lir saw you now…” she shook her head sadly. “I know in the end it won’t be my choice, I don’t have the luxury of marrying for love and love alone. I know Severus would easily pass any tests regarding strength and power, but there is no way I can see him bonding with my family the way you have. He just doesn’t have it in him to open up to others like that.”

“Yet you went with him. I still don’t fully understand what you hoped to accomplish. Surely there were others who you could have gone to, I mean, who wouldn’t want to father your child?” Sirius asked softly.

“Cash asked pretty near the same question.” She admitted, “But I… I just couldn’t ‘do’ it with someone for the sake of doing it. I need to feel some sort of connection, some fondness…some affection… I need, I need…”

“You needed to feel love.” Sirius finished for her, his mouth going dry as the words passed his lips. “You do truly love him, don’t you. Its not just sympathy or affection…”

Cat nodded, “I…oh Sirius, I do love him, but not enough to make him my husband.” She pulled him closer as she tried to explain. “I told you before, one of the reasons I went with him was because I knew he would never accept my clan and they would never accept him, I wouldn’t be forced into marriage…”

“As long as you became pregnant” he reminded her, “anything you’d like to share on that front?”

“Orpha checked before we left, it’s too soon to tell.” Cat replied, rather amazed at how well Sirius was handling the situation. That was until she saw him smirking. “And what is that look for?”

“What look? This look?” he asked as he pointed to his smile. “What would you say if I told you I knew without any doubt that you have a beautiful baby boy growing inside of you right now. He has your eyes, and a head full of curly black hair, and..

“You’re insane.” Cat interrupted, “What do you mean, ‘you know without any doubt’, you couldn’t possibly know anything like that….besides, I was kind of hoping for a daughter.”

“Sorry, but he’s a boy through and through.” Sirius chuckled, “Oh, and his name is Angus, just like my father.”

“Oh REALLY, and how do you know that? If I may be so bold as to ask?” She smirked as she waited to hear his response, it was bound to be a doosy.

“First I have a question for you; Have we done anything? Anything at all that would cause you to be…is there any chance at all that the baby is mine?” Heaven help him, he could feel his body trembling already. He had no intention of telling her like this, but he had to know, he had to be sure.

“Yours? Not unless you did something to me while I was unconscious. If I am with child, Severus is the only man I’ve been with in nearly two years.” She replied meekly, her heart breaking as she felt his body stiffen as he heard her answer. “Sirius? Why would you even ask me such a question? Surely you would remember if we did anything, wouldn’t you? I know I would.”

“Sometimes its hard for me to distinguish between my dreams and reality, gra. Especially were you and Harry are concerned. Do you have any idea how many times I’ve woken up expecting to be in that big bed of yours in Hogsmeade, listening to those damn doves that insist on perching in the oak outside of your room? I could have sworn I heard Harry’s feet pounding down the stairs as he ran to get breakfast so he and Ron could get to the pitch to practise more Quidditch moves before the season started. I could even feel the twins climbing into the bed with us,…

“Whoa… hang on right there, Black. I would think Fred and George climbing into the bed would be your first clue it wasn’t real.” Cat smirked, only to have her smile fade as she saw the look in his eyes.

“Not them, Catrianna, our twins, our girls.” Sirius explained. “They both have black hair, one of them has your eyes the other has mine. You named them Lily and Iris, I think.” He knit his brow as he tried to recall more details. “Harry had a grim puppy and the girls would pull on his ears and try to give him milk from their nursers.”

“I bet he loved that.” Cat commented, smiling at the thought of Siri’s dreams.

“He did, he put up with everything our girls gave him, but he was Harry’s dog through and through. He would try to jump onto his broom any chance he got, he didn’t want to leave Harry’s side. I tried to talk you into getting another pet for the girls, but you gave me one of ‘those’ looks..”

“One of ‘what’ looks?”

“The sort of look that told me to shut my mouth if I didn’t want to end up sleeping with the dog.” Siri laughed. “And your belly was so big…I could see the baby moving…poor thing, you got queasy every time he decided to take a stroll.” He added as he kissed her forehead. “But you refused to take it easy, I had to all but hex you to keep you still. I even got the girls to keep an eye on you, I told them it was their first babysitting job. They thought they were so grown up because I asked them instead of Harry.” He chuckled again as he recalled the look in his daughters’ eyes. “But I really asked them because they were such a handful I knew you wouldn’t be able to do anymore ‘projects’ when they were underfoot. And speaking of feet, you sure do love foot massages, don’t you?”

“Who doesn’t?” Cat teased as she found herself being drawn into the dream with him. “So have these dreams often, do you?”

“Constantly, I can’t even begin to tell you how it breaks my heart when I wake up and realize it was only a dream. That I was still in my cot in Albus’s office, alone with my dreams.” He hugged her as he felt her hand on his.

They sat together in silence for several minutes before Cat finally spoke. “Siri, gra, did it ever occur to you if your dreams are so vivid, that the baby you insist is inside me now may be nothing more than a dream?”

“It had crossed my mind, but then why would my father be there with him? And why would little Angus have that same golden glow around him when my father and I touched his little chest?” Sirius hesitated as he felt Cat’s body immediately tense. “Is something wrong?” he whispered.

“Sirius? Your father was there? But he’s dead, he has been for years; if he was with the baby… Are you sure it was a boy?” she couldn’t even look at him, the physical and emotional pain of losing their child, their daughter was threatening to overwhelm her. Was it possible that he had known? Had he crossed so far over to the shadow realm that he was seeing visions of the dead?

“No, honestly he’s a boy. Believe me, I was shocked too; I always imagined you would have a girl first.” He told her, trying to get her to smile. “What is it, gra? I thought you would be happier…” his heart crumbled as he saw her sad smile.

“First of all, a dream does not a baby make.” She insisted, “Although your dreams do sound very, very nice. I would love to think our lives could actually end up so simple, so content. And I have to admit that after seeing you with the other children, I think you would make a wonderful father.”

“But…” Sirius prompted

“But I don’t want to get my hopes up, Siri. My clan adores you, my brothers accept you, but neither Father nor Mac Lir have even met you. And when they finally do, if they don’t like what they see…”

“Will they force you to marry Snape? Just because he’s the father of your child?”