Cherries

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Story: Cherries
Author: bubblybabs
Email: bubbalilly@gmail.com
Betas: Periculum, WesleyY7, Soniab
Total Word Count: 11,865
Chapter 31-1 Original Edit Date: 04/20/2009
Beta edit date: 05/03/2009
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WesleyY7 – You are pondering the wording of Kreacher... Gooooooood! I think I gave a lot away with that little conversation between him and Snape (aka Remus)! Don't you just (love/hate/love) my little offhand comments?! (evil giggle)
*
soniab – Yes, Adara... There is a reason for her death and not Persimmonie's I'm afraid... The previous chapter made you cry? I'm both sorry to hear that and glad at the same time... Updating may slow down now as I go from the easy to write mindless sex stuff (I haven't abandoned the inclusion of smut, however) and move on to the harder to write emotional stuff... But, I'll keep plugging along...
*
mrsfloyd – You're welcome!
*
apkblack – Slow, deep breaths! In-out-in-out-in-out... I was going to be a little more mysterious about the Snape/Remus-Albus/Sirius switch but the info didn't need to be hidden so I figured I'd be somewhat obvious with my writing... Uh, I'm not a fan of DD/Hr sexual interludes (but then, if I *really* think about the Kreacher/Hr aspect of it I get nauseated, especially when I view pictures of him from the movies!) so I doubt that will become part of this story (though, it does help to have him disguised at Sirius!)... Hmmm, perhaps I need to edit the chapter a bit so that it becomes more obvious as to what happened to Adara – I'm fully aware that not everyone reads the author's note area, just as they don't read the replies above the story... Hmmm....
*
abbie cee – Posted the chapters a week or so apart... Bella is beyond twisted, yes... Hopefully everyone noticed that Draco isn't completely beyond her mental abuse – I implied he was worried she'd sexually abuse him as well... Ah, this chapter will answer some of your musings! I worked hard to get the emotional issues right, that's why it took a while to upload to the site... I hope you all think it was worth the wait...
*
apkblack – Thanks for the nitpick! All fixed!
*
elphaba – I'm very relieved you thought the chapter so good... I was very worried over the reaction everyone would have...
*
Visitkarte – I am writing Hermione as I think I would react to such abuses... I feel I am strong, but I am fully aware (as many of you probably are) that everyone has a cracking point... Hermione gets close but won't come completely unglued (as in, she won't go crazy but she's going to struggle – I hope my writing of the struggle seems realistic enough for ya'll)...
*
JayFortuna – Good! I'm glad you are caught up in the Sirius controversy! That was my intent! You see many possibilities, but which will come true? *smile*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 31 Part 1 – Weltschmerz

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Story Date: May 12, 1996 (3:30am)

“But how? How could she?”

Albus' tone was mild, though he was unable to hide how tired and discouraged he felt. “Sirius, Miss Granger was in the throes of a nightmare! She didn't know what she was doing, surely you must realize this.” Albus sat back in the chair as he watched a distraught Sirius, crouching on the floor, tears running down his face, clutching his daughter to his chest. “She will be devastated when she awakens and finds out what has happened.”

“And she fucking well should be,” Sirius snarled as he glanced back at Albus before turning devastated eyes back to his daughter. “Oh, Adara, how could she do this to you?”

“Sirius, I realize you are distraught, but you must see reason. In your descriptions of Miss Granger's nightmares, you stated she never remembered what happened while she was having them. In her confused state, she was trying to protect her babies from the horrors she saw in her mind.”

Sirius ignored him as he stared down at his daughter, his hand repeatedly going through her hair and touching her tiny face. She looked to be asleep, the only hint of her true state being that one eye didn't close completely.

'She was having a nightmare? One of those fucking nightmares? She killed our baby during one of those fucking nightmares? I should have started tying her down in the bed after she had the babies! Kreacher told me to, but I refused, and look what happened! I never thought those damned nightmares would be a danger to the babies, to my Adara. How could I?' He kissed Adara's little cheek. ' No, I should have known something like this would happen! Those stupid fucking nightmares weren't going to stop! They wouldn't get any less violent! If anything, they'd escalate after the birth, I should have known that. I should of, damn it, I should have.' Shaking fingers traced Adara's jaw line. 'It's partly my fault then, isn't it? I should have anticipated something like this. Right? Right?' His fingers ran through Adara's hair. 'I should have known she'd try to save the girls from those fucking green monsters! Stupid fucking green monsters that were all in her mind! There's nothing really after her, but she would have to save the girls, wouldn't she? In her dream state, though, she didn't know it was all in her mind, did she? Of course not. She didn't know, they were real to her. But, I knew. I knew.' He wiped the tears from his face. 'I should have fucking tied her down. Just like I used to do to her before. But, how would she have cared for the girls during the night? I don't know. Kreacher, maybe? Damn, I can't think! What should I have done?' He pulled Adara up to him and hugged her. 'All that fucking drama, I should have known something bad would happen. I should have fucking known!'

“Sirius? Did you hear what I said?”

“Yeah, Albus, I fucking heard you,” Sirius snarled.

“If that were so, you wouldn't be so angry with the girl.”

'Think, Sirius, think. Try to think! Remember how afraid Hermione was during those nightmares! I don't know how she could be so terrified and not remember the next day! How can I be sure she wasn't lying about that? Could she have been lying?'

“Sirius?”

'She'd have to be awfully convincing to have been lying. She wore her heart on her sleeve, there's no possible way she was lying. She really didn't remember those nightmares, I'm sure of it. Somehow, she slept through them, never giving any sign that she remembered them.'

Sirius looked up at Albus, not hearing the man, seeing him but yet not, his pained eyes glazed over while deep in thought. 'Could those nightmares have been made up? No, surely not! Those nightmares weren't lies, were they?' He shook his head sharply. 'No, no, they weren't fake, they weren't. Her fear was palpable, the look in her eyes...'

“Sirius?”

”All fucking right, Albus! I know what you're saying, I guess, I mean, yeah, she'd, she doesn't, you're right, she doesn't remember them. She doesn't.” Sirius stroked Adara's eyebrow. “But she smothered her own baby, Albus! Hermione did this [sob] to my baby. Mine.” Sirius' control broke for a moment and he cried into Adara's neck as he clung to her little body. When he was able to get himself under some semblance of control, he continued. “But-but-but-but you're right, sh-she doesn't remember those dreams, she... she never does. I was always more upset over them than she was. I'm, uh, I don't know. I'm trying to understand, to take it all in. I just don't know how she could sleep through a fucking nightmare! How? It's almost like she's in a trance or something, I dunno. A trance? She screams and runs and kicks and bites, yet she's asleep through it all?”

Suddenly, Sirius turned his hate-filled eyes towards Albus. “If you had left her alone instead of trying to save her from me, my Adara would still be alive.”

Albus stared at Sirius as he considered the sudden change in the other man's thinking. “Sirius, we don't know that. For all we know, Persimmonie would be dead now as well.”

“If you had left us alone, and let Remus take care of her, as he has been, my Adara would still be down there - a-fucking-live.”

“Sirius, stop what you are thinking this moment and listen to me. Listen carefully!” Albus waited until Sirius clamped his mouth shut and gave a curt nod. “Severus pulled Miss Granger out of the armoire and she left the children on the floor while he struggled with her.” Albus looked intently at Sirius. “Do you understand? Let me repeat myself to ensure you do. Severus pulled Miss Granger out of the armoire as soon as he found her, and he did so without hesitation. As I said, he struggled with Miss Granger while she screamed and fought him and that was how I found them – fighting. Fighting each other while one infant was screaming on the floor. It was I who went to the aide of the twins. Adara was already dead when I found her.”

'She was already dead. My gods, my baby was dead before he got down there? Hermione killed her and still clung to her, trying to protect her? Hermione really didn't know, did she? She didn't know she had killed my Adara, did she? She didn't, she couldn't have, she just couldn't have. She's a good person, my Hermione is. I know she'd never do this to any baby, even mine. Right? Right?'

“Sirius?”

Sirius sat for a moment, staring at his child as he continued to caress her. “I, I need time, Albus. Just... just leave me alone for a while. I just need some time.” He looked up at the old wizard. “Please, just leave me with her for a while. Leave me with my little girl. Let me have time with her before she's taken from me forever.”

Albus nodded, his face grave, his sad eyes understanding. “I'll be in the kitchen. Take your time. But please, Sirius, I want you to think about this – do you truly believe that Miss Granger would cause intentional harm to anyone, let alone an infant?”

Albus stood, placing a hand on Sirius' shoulder as he walked to the heavy wooden door, an uncharacteristic droop to his shoulders, and exited without speaking further. As he stepped through the threshold, he was surprised to find an anxious Molly hovering in the hallway, just outside the library door, her hands clasped in front of her.

“Albus? What's going on?” She tried to peer past him, trying to see into the library.

Albus closed the ancient, ornately carved door with a crisp click. “My dear Molly, you are up early.”

“How could I not be after hearing that screaming? I came down to find out what was wrong, I've never heard him scream before, but I just knew it was Sirius. Is he okay? I could hear the two of you talking through the door but it was too muffled to understand. I didn't dare bother you so I stayed out here.” She motioned upstairs with her head. “Arthur, of course, slept through the scream, but I'm not as heavy a sleeper as he is.”

“Yes, well, what mother is?” He cleared his throat as he patted her on the shoulder. “All will be explained later, I promise you. Forgive me, my dear, but at this time, I must speak with Remus for a few moments.”

“Oh, yes, all right. Of course. Would you like for me to get him for you?”

“You are too kind, but no, Remus is waiting for me in the kitchen. I thank you for offering to retrieve him for me.” He smiled tiredly. “Why don't you try to get a little more sleep before your busy day truly begins?”

Molly looked from Albus to the closed library door behind him. Albus turned to look at the door as well. “Please, Molly, leave things be for now. All will be explained later, as I said.”

“Are you sure? Maybe Sirius needs someone to talk to?”

Albus looked at her kindly. He knew that if she was aware of Sirius being the father of the child her daughter aborted, she wouldn't be so keen to help him out - that was an obvious assumption on his part. In a way, he felt guilty for not giving Arthur and Molly all of the information he was aware of in regards to Sirius and their children, but he just couldn't do it. Oh, he knew the family would weather the tragedy due to how tight-knit they were, but once the youngest Weasley children's memories had been Obliviated of all that had occurred to them in recent weeks – young Mr. Weasley due to his wanting to commit suicide and Miss Weasley due to her overwhelming distress after her repeated ordeals with Sirius and then finding she was pregnant with his child – he felt there was no need for him to weigh down their parents' hearts with the additional information. At least, not for now. He sincerely hoped he never had to tell them any of this, but he wasn't sure how he'd explain Persimmonie to them without revealing what Sirius had done. He peered intently at Molly's anxious face. 'Best to just let the whole situation die a clouded death shrouded in the mysterious cobwebs of the Obliviate.' Albus smiled sadly. 'What poetic words Sir J.M. Barrie used to describe that charm. How much I miss that man's wit! I'll have to pay him another visit soon, when things calm down.'

As it was, all involved were under the impression that Miss Weasley had been unknowingly kidnapped and her memory modified to hide a rape, and he allowed them to think that. In reality, both of the Weasley children had told him everything they could without setting off their Vow clauses and then agreed to be selectively Obliviated, both readily welcoming the memory modification. For once, he felt the charm truly worked for a good cause.

“Molly, please, I know your instinct is to protect and try to smooth things over, but in this instance, I must turn you away.”

“But, Albus...”

“You are a good woman, but I cannot allow you go in there, Molly. Please, in time, all that can be will be explained. Right now, Sirius needs time to himself.”

“All right, Albus, if you say so.” Reluctantly, Molly turned and slowly went up the stairs, her mind troubled.

Albus watched her as she ascended the stairway, then charmed the library door so it could not be opened from the outside and, after careful consideration and a last glance at Molly, added a silencing charm upon it before he turned to enter the kitchen. Inside, a bleary-eyed and exhausted-looking Remus stood, deep in thought, leaning against the counter in front of the sink, a hand cupped under his chin. His eyes turned towards Albus as the man entered and added a silencing charm to the kitchen itself.

“Is Hermione safe?”

“She is.” Albus sighed. “Both she and Persimmonie are in Hogwarts' hospital wing. Severus remained behind to ensure their safety.”

“Thank goodness! Finally! Merlin, I'm so grateful to hear that!” Remus paused as he thought about what Albus had just said. “Hermione and Persimmonie are in Hogwarts? Where's Adara?” He gave Albus a sharp look before fearfully asking, “What happened to Adara?” He pointed at Kreacher, who stood silently in a dark corner of the kitchen, impassively listening to the conversation. “Did that elf do something to her?”

Albus sighed heavily. “No, no, Kreacher did not touch the infants, physically or magically. Miss Granger was having one of her nightmares and dragged the babies into the armoire you described. Adara was smothered when Miss Granger hugged her against her in her panic.” He flicked his eyes towards the wall of the adjoining library. “I brought Adara's body with me. She is with Sirius now.”

“Smothered! Smothered? Little Adara?” Shaken, Remus sat down at the table, unsure his legs would continue to hold him up. He put his head in his hands as he pictured in his mind what Severus came across when he was first brought down by that blasted elf. 'No wonder Albus wanted to talk to Sirius alone in the library when he first came, and that's the reason for Sirius' screaming. All this time I thought something happened to Hermione. Merlin, what a mess! What a bloody mess!' Suddenly, his head snapped up. “Merlin. Is Hermione all right? How is she handling Adara's death?”

“She is sleeping and is unaware of Adara's fate at the current time. She is, as you stated to Severus, sleeping as if drugged.”

“I want to go see her.”

Albus stood silently, his depthless blue eyes scrutinizing the tired young man before him. “Remus, do you truly think that wise?”

Remus sat back in his chair, a look of surprise, then confusion, spreading over his face. “What do you mean, do I think that wise? I never thought there'd be a question of my being with her once she was rescued.”

“By that question, Remus, I mean that perhaps Miss Granger needs some time to herself before you see her.”

“No, no, Albus! How can you ask that? She needs someone to comfort her, someone she trusts who will help her deal with all that's happened.”

“Her parents will be summoned. I'm sure they will more than adequately fill that role.”

Remus took in a deep breath and let it out forcefully, his face anguished. He stood up, his hands on the table as he leaned towards Albus. “I demand to be taken to see her, Albus. Don't fucking do this to me after all that's happened!”

Albus raised his eyebrows at Remus' uncharacteristic use of wording. “Remus, at this point in time, this isn't about you. Or about Sirius. We must think of Miss Granger and what is best for her.”

Remus backed up and stared open-mouthed at Albus, struggling for something to say in response. Wordlessly, he turned and put his hands on the counter. “I honestly don't know what's best for her at this point in time, Albus, now that she's free. My whole focus, since I've known her whereabouts, has been to get her safely out of that prison.” He looked up and squinted as he peered through the tiny window into the yard, his anguished eyes scanning the overgrown weeds and broken down objects that were scattered about, slowly rotting away. 'Is he really trying to deny me Hermione? Deny my rights to see her after all this? She needs me, I know she does. He'll let Sirius have her but not me, how can he do that? How?'

Remus spun around, an accusing finger pointed at the older wizard. “And what of your promise to Sirius? That you would allow her to go with him?”

“If she desires it, then it will be so. As was promised.”

Remus stared at Albus in horror. “How could you allow that? After all he's done to her? After all he's aloud to be done to her? How, Albus? Tell me, how?”

“Remus, do you seriously think she would go with him?”

“I fear she may out of some twisted loyalty towards him. She's been brainwashed, Albus! You don't know what she may decide!”

Albus considered Remus' words a moment. “While I acknowledge what you say, that Miss Granger has been 'brainwashed', I believe that if she were presented the facts, she would make the right choice.”

“Oh, fuck, Albus! Surely you don't believe that! I thought you better versed in the dynamics of the human mind!”

Albus stared at Remus. “Perhaps, Remus, you don't understand...”

“Oh, I understand all right! You didn't watch her crying over Sirius when I Stupefied him. You didn't watch her face as she struggled to grasp the concept that he was abusing her! I mean, she knew he was abusing her, and yet she didn't. You should have heard her making excuses for his treatment of her!” Remus' anguished voice had become increasingly strangled as he vented. He paused, closed his eyes, and took in a few deep breaths as he tried to calm himself. Once he felt under control, he opened his eyes and gazed pointedly at Albus. “Trying to talk sense into her was difficult at best. Don't you see? He was the lesser of two evils when you consider she was also being forced to provide entertainment for Bellatrix Lestrange, and she is now having difficulty seeing how truly horrific his treatment of her was.”

Albus looked troubled as he took in Remus' words while also remembering all Severus had told him. “Perhaps what you speak is true, Remus. However, I made that promise to Sirius in hopes he would tell me where he had hidden Miss Granger, and I cannot go back on that promise.”

“And he wouldn't tell you, would he? You had to perform Legilimency on him in order to find out what you needed to know, didn't you?”

“True, Remus, true. But, unfortunately, I did not force him to make a promise in return.” He sighed. “Let us hope Miss Granger chooses wisely.”

“And, if she doesn't? You'll let him take her? You'll simply let her go with him?”

Albus nodded silently.

“What if she wants to be with me? I think she should at least be given a chance to choose me as well.” Remus pointed towards himself with his thumb.

“Or, perhaps, Mr. Weasley, who is, after all, the father of her child.”

“I don't care, Albus, I really don't. I'll admit that I would be disappointed if she chose Ron, but that would be fine by me as long as she doesn't go with Sirius. The least you can do is to give her a choice. Maybe she'll decide to stay alone for a while and go with her parents. Would that be a wiser choice? I don't know. No matter what, I still think I'd be the better option for her, at least for right now.”

“Your reasoning?”

“I know what went on down there, Albus! She'll be able to talk to me and not be embarrassed or mortified or worried about what I think of her. You don't think she'll have difficulty discussing what happened to her with others? Merlin, I'm embarrassed to admit what I did to her! Imagine her feelings when she needs someone to talk to and she fears what the other person will think of her! Until she trusts that others won't judge her harshly, she's going to shut down, Albus. I don't want her to do that, I want her to get beyond this and heal. I want her to deal with this whole situation and move on with her life.”

Albus stepped back and leaned against the wall as his eyes and mind gently probed the young man before him. “Remus, what of Nymphadora? Were you not involved with her before Sirius took you down there? Were your feelings for her not genuine?”

Surprised by Albus' unusual probing, Remus stood tall as he angrily brushed the other man from his mind. “Of course they were! But I broke up with 'Dora because of my involvement with Hermione. I was forced to make a choice, Albus, a very hard one indeed.” Remus stared at his shoes a moment. “I couldn't cheat on 'Dora, I just couldn't.” He looked up at Albus. “My choice was Hermione, and I consider her as my partner now.”

“Your girlfriend, Remus? The two of you were forced together, were you not? You chose the girl due to your admirable need to save someone in a horrible and unjust situation. And that person is safe now, you have done your job. Think, Remus! You were forced into a relationship with Miss Granger barely a month ago. How could your feelings for her be so strong? I understand your need to comfort and protect her, but surely you don't love her. Besides which, Remus, and I want you to think hard on this, how do you know your feelings for her are true?” Albus looked at Remus imploringly. “Do you not believe that, perhaps, Kreacher's teaching affected you more than you realized? Perhaps your feelings for the girl have been twisted and exaggerated artificially.”

“Exag... No! What I feel for Hermione is true, Albus! Gods, what can I do to convince you that my feelings for her are true and not wholly manufactured by that damned elf?”

Greatly troubled, Remus looked away as he contemplated what Albus was saying. 'Oh shit. Could Albus be right? Are my feelings for Hermione due to Kreacher's midnight teachings? Is it possible I never would have felt this way for her if he hadn't intervened? Could he have affected me so strongly? Is that possible? What were my feelings for her before? Why is that so hazy? I know I was attracted to her sexually, but didn't I dismiss any notion of having her due to our age difference? I'm sure I did. I knew she was too young for me. Too young and too studious. What was it that attracted me to 'Dora over Hermione? What was it? 'Dora's sense of fun? Her relaxed demeanor? There was just something different about her that I liked, and my feelings for 'Dora began to change as my attraction for her grew.' Remus shook his head as he struggled to remember his feelings before his intermittent confinement with Hermione began. 'But then, I was with Hermione, and thoughts of her overwhelmed me. She was all I could think of. I thought it natural for me to be worried over her and want to help her. Wasn't it natural for me to worry over her? But I became obsessed with thoughts of her, didn't I? She was all I could think of.' His expression changed to one of puzzled worry. 'And my dreams of her escalated, didn't they? Merlin, yes, they did. Damn, I even worried that Kreacher was doing something to me in my sleep once I realized what was going on with Sirius. Lord in heaven, is it possible my feelings for Hermione are all because of that elf? Will those feelings go away now that he's not able to manipulate me anymore? How about Sirius? Will Sirius' infatuation for the girl change as well? What's going to happen to us all now?'

“You were with Nymphadora much longer, if you will recall, and you know your feelings for her are genuine.” Albus took a step towards Remus, his hands clasping in front of him. “Remus, Miss Granger is only sixteen, and you thirty-six. You are far too old for her, and you know you are. You had the beginnings of a relationship with another woman named Nymphadora, a woman who was much more appropriate for you. Don't throw that relationship away!” He scanned Remus' face, wanting very much to get through to the younger man with such a haunted past. “At this moment, I believe you are over-emotional and are, therefore, unable to make a rational decision due to your clouded judgment.” His voice softened. “Ultimately, we both know that the passage of time will help you explore your own emotions and ascertain what is best for the girl, and you will, eventually I am sure, find peace within yourself and do what is right.”

Remus only heard part of what Albus was telling him, his tumultuous emotions nearly overwhelming him, making it difficult for him to fully comprehend the message the older wizard was trying to get across.

“Whether my feelings for Hermione are due to that bloody elf or not, they are still there and quite strong.” Remus jabbed his fingers at Albus. “If you allow her the choice of Sirius, who, I might add, is also thirty-six, then I think she should know that I'd be willing to take her as well.” Remus took another step forward. “That's what you're doing, isn't it? Letting Sirius take her?” He pounded his fist on the table. “He's abused the hell out of her, lied to us all, and may have fucked the Order over, but you'll let him have his prized little fuck toy, is that it?”

“The Order is comprised of many people, Remus, and has not been compromised beyond repair, as it were. We will continue on with our fight against Voldemort.”

“What about what he did to the Weasley children? Can that be forgiven so readily?”

“Their minds were modified, Remus. They remember none of it. Please be careful when mentioning what happened between them and Sirius when you know Molly and Arthur are nearby.”

“Oh, yes, that's right; we'll just smooth it all over now that they don't remember what happened to them. Who cares that Ginny had to abort a child? Or that she lost her virginity and doesn't remember it? But Hermione will have to suffer the consequences of nearly a year's worth of torment and torture with her memory intact. But that's okay, isn't it, Albus?” Remus smacked the table with the flat of his hand, then backed away. “You'll give her away like the prize whore he made her into! You'll let her go with a man who is so fucked up he couldn't fight his way out of the Burrow with an army of Inferi to back him up, but yet you'll deny her to me! Why, Albus? Why would you do that?”

“Remus, please, settle down. Think about what you are saying. I don't think of Miss Granger as a whore. The child was in an unfortunate situation, as was Sirius. Please remember that Sirius isn't completely at fault for what he did.” Albus looked about the room as he gathered his thoughts. “The Weasley children agreed to have their memories modified. Neither was able to handle what had happened to them – Miss Weasley, I believe, would have eventually, but not young Mr. Weasley. Miss Granger, on the other hand, has handled everything surprisingly well. I am truly amazed by the girl.”

Remus put his hands on the table and leaned over it again. When he spoke, his voice was venomous. “She handled it because she had no choice, Albus.” He waved a hand in the air. “None, no choice at all. And, if Sirius had his way, she'd still be down in that damned room valiantly struggling to deal with the travesty her life had become.”

Albus gave Remus a shrewd look. “If Miss Granger's memory were to be modified, she would not remember her relationship with you. Would you want that?”

“If it would help her, yes, I'd be willing to lose her if that were the case. But she won't allow memory modification, not if I know her. She'd forget Adara and her love for her.”

Albus nodded slowly. “I believe you are correct, Remus. But, as I mentioned, this isn't just about you or Sirius, and we must remember about our fight against Voldemort. You know your position as a werewolf...”

“Albus, I'm not even thinking about that right now.”

“Of that, I am aware, Remus. But, sometimes we must put our personal priorities aside for the greater good.”

Remus glared at Albus, his voice shaking as much as he was from his repressed anger. “I don't think my seeing Hermione will compromise the Order, and it won't do anything to hurt the fight against Voldemort. I want to see Hermione. I want to be with her.”

Albus stepped forward, his hands out beseechingly. “Remus, see reason. Give her time so she can make decisions about her life. Allow her to decide what is best for herself. Give her a chance to choose her own destiny. The child has been powerless for so long, Remus. Don't become a part of the problem by taking away her chance to decide for herself.”

“I'm not going to force myself on her, Albus! That's something Sirius would do! He'll do his best to talk her into going with him, no matter what. He won't care what's best for her, he only cares about what he wants. Mark my words, he'll be the one trying to force his thoughts and feelings on her, making her feel guilty and trying to sway her decision. Do you honestly think I'd do something like that?”

“Remus, let me remind you that you have been romantically involved with Miss Granger for approximately one month. A romance you did not seek out on your own. Remember, before Sirius took you down to where Miss Granger was hidden, your only feelings for her were of a platonic friendship.”

Remus slammed his fist on the table while snarling, “Yes, well, things certainly have changed in that month's time, now haven't they?”

The two men stared at each other, a few creaking noises of the house settling breaking the silence and making it seem more ominous.

Albus took a step back and lowered his eyes as he sighed in resignation. “Fine, Remus, I'll let you see her. I would appreciate it if you would think about why you are so adamant about being with Miss Granger, think about what is so special about her that you are willing to forgo the harmonious relationship you had with another woman. A woman, I might add, who misses you very much and is pining away for you.” Albus noted as Remus' troubled look intensified. “At this time, as I mentioned before, Miss Granger is sleeping 'as if drugged'.”

“Regardless, I want to go to her now.”

Albus hesitated a moment, then spelled a beaten old pot into his hands. “Portus,” he whispered and the white-speckled black pot glowed blue while rattling before stilling as the glow disappeared. Without a word, he handed the pot to Remus.

“One, two, three...” Remus disappeared, the sound of air rushing in where his body had been the only indication of his having been there in the first place.

Sadly, Albus sat and looked down the table at Kreacher, who continued to stand in the corner quietly, awaiting his next command.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Severus crouched and spun around, his wand at the ready when he initially heard a voice come from behind him. He then stood and lowered his wand slightly when he recognized Remus.

“Severus.” Remus gave a nod towards Hermione's guard.

“Lupin,” came Severus' sneered reply as he stared at Remus, his black eyes hard. “I wondered how long it would be before you showed up.”

Remus saw where Hermione lay asleep, then looked around for the infant. “Where's Persimmonie?”

“Poppy has her in another room to prevent her from rousing Granger, were she to cry.”

Remus cocked an eyebrow at Severus. “Granger? My, we do become impersonal quickly after having a one night stand with a student, don't we, Snape?”

Severus' eyes narrowed dangerously. “Shut it, Lupin. You knew that that was a possibility when I went down there.”

Remus took in a deep breath as he wiped his face with his hands. “I know, damn it all to hell, I know.” He scanned Severus' face. “I apologize, that comment was uncalled for.”

Severus nodded curtly, but did not respond otherwise.

Remus knelt down next to the cot Hermione was sleeping on. “She's been asleep this whole time?”

“Since the nightmare, yes.”

“They're frightening to watch, aren't they?”

Severus nodded. “Agreed.”

Remus brushed back Hermione's hair, then kissed her forehead.

“You act as if you are quite fond of her.”

“I am, Severus.”

“Far more than an ex-Professor should.”

Remus glared at Severus before turning to look at the sleeping girl before him. “I love her, very much so. Love doesn't care what our past relationship was.”

“You liked her before, though as a friend, a mere month ago. Then you were forced to become involved with her sexually. Now you state you love her.” Severus studied Remus for a moment. “Why?”

“I've already had this conversation with Albus, and don't really feel like going rounds with you about it, if you don't mind, Severus.”

“Perhaps there was a reason for the Headmaster to question your feelings towards her.” Severus nodded towards Hermione. “Tell me, other than her intelligence, what could possibly be so special about the girl?”

“I don't know, Severus. Do feelings have to be so minutely dissected? She's intelligent, sweet, adaptable, loving, strong-willed.” Remus watched as Hermione's fingers twitched, then stilled. “Some will say she's not strong-willed, but she is. She picked her battles more than fought wars, because that was what she had to do.”

“Do you think of her as a life-partner?”

Remus sighed tiredly as he tore his eyes from Hermione to look up at the dark man. “Severus, why all the questions?”

Severus shrugged. “Mere curiosity, I suppose.”

Remus took in a deep breath, thinking. “She's got a long road ahead of her, Severus. I've watched her struggling for a while now, never sure of what was going to happen or who would be brought down to her. Never knowing how Sirius would be towards her from one moment to the next. Never knowing what that bloody elf would do to her.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “She's young, I agree, but not immature. Her struggles have only begun, and I plan to be there to help her become whole again.” He looked up at Severus. “There may be a day when we part, and I'll accept that if that is her wish, but it'll be because we grew apart as people and not because someone decided it for us.”

Severus made a noncommittal noise in his throat.

“You don't see my dedication to her as genuine, do you? Or my love.”

“Oh, your dedication is genuine, I'll attest to that. But love? All because you fucked her and were present at the birth of her children?”

“Yes, the birth was a very poignant event. Very emotional.” Remus glared at Severus. “Do you honestly think that we spent all of our time fucking, as you so eloquently put it?”

“Yes.”

“Why? Are you saying that that's what you would have done?”

Severus chuckled. “Precisely.”

“Somehow, Severus, I thought you less carnal and more intellectual.”

Severus narrowed his eyes.

“I don't mean to imply that you don't know your way around the opposite sex, I'm just saying that I would have thought you would be a little more discriminating in this instance, especially since I know how you feel about Hermione.” Remus took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as he glanced up at Severus. “And I know how you felt about Lily. The two are quite similar, I'm sure you have noticed that.”

Severus' eyes flashed at the name. “I see no reason to bring up Lily.”

“Really, Severus? As I said, they are quite similar. I often wondered if your animosity towards Hermione was because of Lily.”

“My animosity? That's ridiculous.” Severus sat forward in his chair as he put his elbows on his knees and let his hands dangle between them, his wand held loosely in his right hand. “So, if both girls are similar, then you were in love with Lily, is that what you are saying?”

“No. No, I loved her as a dear friend, but not in that way.”

“Then, tell me, what is different about this girl if you compare her to Lily.”

“I don't know, Severus. I'll be honest, I don't know. Perhaps because Lily loved James whereas Hermione's affections have been directed towards me. Other than that, I honestly don't know.”

“So, you're saying that your fucking the girl had nothing to do with your apparent strong attachment to her?”

“I... Again, I'll have to admit that I don't know. I really don't.”

“Come off it, Lupin, a fuck is a fuck.”

“Perhaps, if you think of it as a dog would. But, I feel the emotional involvement of a sexual relationship is important, Severus. A fuck may be a fuck when you look at it from an unemotional view, yes. But, there's so much more to it.” He looked at Severus critically. “I don't see you as a man who just hops into bed with any woman who is willing, Severus. Even you have standards.”

Severus glared at the hidden insult. “True. However, I fail to see how this relates to whether or not I would have eagerly and guiltlessly fucked the girl if I were in your situation. If it makes you feel any better, Lupin, I may have had a 'one night stand', as you so eloquently put it, with her, but I did hesitate before engaging in said activity – mainly because I knew I'd have the shit harassed out of me by the three of you for it. I was very aware of her student status, and I admit that I had Albus' damned voice berating me in the back of my mind for enjoying her attentions. However, I did not want to risk blowing my cover by revealing my true identity to the girl or risk doing so to that fucking elf.” Severus paused for effect before sneering, “so I had to allow nature to take its course.” Severus sat back in his chair and wiggled slightly as he made himself comfortable. “However, as I said, a fuck is a fuck, and once things got going, I enjoyed myself immensely. The girl has quite a bit of talent, if I do say so myself.”

Remus glared at Severus with narrowed eyes. “I don't believe for a minute that you just mindlessly fucked her, Severus.”

“Really?” Severus crossed his legs. “Enlighten me.”

“I just don't believe your personality would have been so base about it. Oh, I admit, I've wondered what kind of woman, other than Lily, you'd allow into your life, let alone your bed. I see you with an intelligent woman, one who is self-assured. At the very least, I see you with a woman who wants to be with you. What I don't see, Severus, is you being so salacious with a student. I'm sorry, I just don't.”

Severus said nothing at first. His body language, though, spoke volumes. “I'm a Death Eater, Lupin,” he spat. “I think that should tell you a great deal about me. And, I don't believe Lily has anything to do with Granger or the whole situation with Black, so why do you bring her up?” His tone, though barely above a whisper, had become menacing.

“Because, Severus, for one thing, I know how you felt about Lily. No matter how you may act otherwise, I know you are capable of love. I also don't believe for a moment that you would have mindlessly fucked a frightened, unwilling student who was being held captive. And that's what Hermione was when I was first taken down to her – frightened and unwilling. By the time you had her, she thought you were me, and she had learned to trust and, incredulous as it may seem to you, desire me. I have a feeling that you wouldn't have been quite so willing if you saw what I saw when I was first taken down.” Remus paused as he thought things over, thought about what to say next. “At least, I don't believe you would have, Death Eater or no.” Remus gave Severus a calculating look. “I know about your past as a young Death Eater, Severus. Or, enough of it. A young Death Eater needing to make an impression.”

Severus glared at Remus, his face screwing up as he prepared to speak. Remus held up a hand, stopping him before he could begin.

“While you are quite successful with hiding your true feelings, you forget that many of us remember what you were like as a first year. And we're all aware of how you've helped save Harry time and again. And now you've helped Hermione. You're not the friendliest person alive, but you also aren't heartless..”

“Regardless, the girl threw herself at me – relentlessly, I might add. She was obviously quite 'carnal' in her endeavors when she saw me.” He sounded impatient as well as hostile. “Getting back to the reason for our conversation, which was why you think you love the girl, it just seems to me that with that elf calling the shots and fucking Black hounding you in their little den of sin, not to mention her throwing herself at you, that all you'd be doing is fucking the shit out of her. While it's a fun past-time, I don't see that activity as a way to win over your heart.”

“Severus, you don't need to justify your actions with me. I'm not Sirius, I understand why you had to do what you did completely. But just because Hermione came on to you, thinking you were me, as you will recall, it doesn't mean that that's all we did. She was trapped down there for all those months with books to read and a few people to talk to in between bouts of abuse. I had been her Professor in the past, and it was natural for her to look to me for assistance with the books she read while down there. I helped her with her self-imposed studies. She had no wand to practice her magic with, but she did learn the theory behind many newly learned spells.” He looked at Severus from the corner of his eye. “She loved her potions books, by the way. Potions are her passion, in case you didn't know.”

Severus nodded slowly as he considered what Remus had to say. “All right. So, you fucked her and you taught her. That doesn't sound like a match made in heaven to me.”

“Maybe not. Sometimes we just sat and held each other, neither one of us feeling the need to talk, taking comfort from each other's presence.” Remus looked wistful as he let his guard down. “You know? I used to pretend we were on a beach, swinging on a hammock, watching a sunset while we listened to the crashing of the waves upon the sand. We even discussed the fact that she loved the beach and had a collection of seashells. I planned to make that a reality one day. That and my other dreams with her.” Remus ran a hand through Hermione's hair.

Severus watched Remus' hand as it coursed through Hermione's frizzy curls as he remembered how soft it was when he had done the same thing the day before, before they took their shower together. 'Gods, what a fucking way to wash up!'

“We all have our dreams, Remus. Of course, not all of us have had the luxury of elf-made dreams.” Severus smiled cruelly when Remus threw him a dirty look. “But dreams and real-life are two very different things.” It was Severus' turn to sound wistful as his eyes turned away slightly and lost focus for a moment. “We've all had beautiful dreams for the future.” His voice turned bitter. “Beautiful dreams that died long before they became reality.”

Silence pained them both, neither man wanting to break it and yet aching to do so at the same time.

“I don't know, Severus. Is there a syndrome for men who are guilt-ridden and want to take care of someone who has been so abused? Men who were forced to be the abuser as well as being abused themselves?” Remus glanced at Severus from the corner of his eyes. “You think I'll get over her in a few weeks time? Is that it?”

“I don't know. I'm merely pointing out some flaws in your professed love for the girl.”

“Maybe. Perhaps I'm merely reacting to some teaching done by Kreacher.” Remus ran his hand through his hair. “I don't know. It's a scary thought; I'll never know if my feelings for her are true or were dreamed up by a house elf.”

Severus nodded thoughtfully, intrigued by Remus' worries. “How do you think her parents will react when they find out her boyfriend is a werewolf twenty years her senior?”

“I don't know, Severus.” Remus put his head down on Hermione's. “I just don't know.”

Severus sat back down in a chair and put his feet up on a cot. “It will be most interesting to find out.”

Remus closed his eyes a moment, trying not to think of Severus' remarks. Wordlessly, he stood up, pointed at the cot Hermione was on with his wand, and the cot doubled in size almost instantly. Ignoring Severus' watchful eye, he toed off his shoes before gingerly climbing in behind her, careful to keep from waking her. Once comfortably spooned behind her, he fell asleep with an arm around her waist and the other arm acting as her pillow.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sirius watched as Albus left the library, then he turned his attention to the child cradled in his arms.

'Oh, Adara! Adara, my little girl! I'll never hear your voice! I'll never hear you call me daddy! Never see your smiling face looking at me as I come home to you!'

Sirius silently sat on the floor, holding Adara tightly, wanting to keep her warm as her body slowly cooled. He pointed his wand at the fireplace. Instantly, a fire was blazing and he turned towards it as he gazed at his daughter's face. A tear splashed onto her cheek and he quickly wiped it off, not wanting his tears of sadness on her.

'How could she? She knew how much I loved you! That's why it was you and not that Persimmonie! She always worried about her more, always wanted to feed her first, always wanted to change her first. She was doing to you what my mother did to me once Regulus was born.'

Sirius remembered his jealousy over his younger brother, remembered how his parents seemed to always give him the benefit of the doubt, how they showered love and attention on him. He snorted when he recalled watching his brother being sorted into Slytherin, dreadfully disappointed he wasn't going to be in Gryffindor with him, but trying to show he didn't care. He often wondered what would have happened if he and his brother had been sorted into the same house, would they have grown closer together, maybe even liked each other more? What would their parents have done if their prized son had been sorted into Gryffindor? It was unthinkable in their eyes.

He nuzzled Adara's face to his own as he kissed her cheek, then pulled her up to him as he if were burping her and hugged her close while slowly rocking back and forth, wailing his grief.

'Hermione! Why couldn't you love my little girl, too? She was just as much a part of you as that Persimmonie was! What a stupid name that is, Persimmonie. Nothing noble and lovely like Adara, but a name after a stupid, fucking, common color.'

Sirius ran his hands through Adara's hair as he scooted closer to the fire.

“Remus said she loved you, Adara. Was she good to you when I was away?” He brought Adara down and held her cradled in his arms in front of him as he spoke to her, her little arms slowly sliding and flopping down beside her. “Somehow, I know she was, wasn't she, baby? She isn't a bad person, your mum, I know she isn't. That's part of why I fell in love with her. Remus said your mum tried to get closer to you, that she wanted you and tried to bond with you.” He kissed her little nose. “Did she? Did the two of you bond? Please tell me your mama was good to you, my baby. Please tell me that what Remus said was true.”

He thought about when he first took notice of Hermione, how he loved her grace, her intelligence, her petiteness, and her fiery personality. He remembered how sweet she was. He smiled when he remembered the Cherry Bowl day, the day he first realized she would be his. It felt like a million years ago, and yet it felt like yesterday. He thought about their first time together, when he took her virginity, wishing with all his heart that Adara had been conceived then because Persimmonie never would have become a reality. 'If it was only Adara, I'm sure Hermione would have loved her from the moment she laid eyes on her. Maybe if Adara had been born first, and had been held by Hermione first. Would that have made a difference, I wonder?'

He shifted slightly as he became too warm from the flames and listened to the sizzling and snapping of the flaming wood while watching the uneven lighting dance upon Adara's face.

“You look peaceful, Adara. Do you know, you look a lot like your mummy? You're just as beautiful as she is.” He hugged Adara again. 'I guess Albus is right.' Sirius' brow furrowed. 'No, I know Albus is right. Hermione didn't know what she was doing when you died. I know Hermione didn't do this on purpose, I know she loved you. I remember watching her playing with you, and how she'd hug you and pat you when you fretted.' Sirius slid his fingers through Adara's silky soft hair. 'It's just going to be hard, watching her holding Ron's fucking brat, knowing she'll never hold you again. Will she be sad? Will she be sad that she'll never hold you again? I'm sure she will, she loved you, I know she did. I know because that's the type of person she was. I just didn't see that at first, when Albus told me what happened, I don't know why, but I didn't. The anger over your death, I guess. And maybe jealousy?'

“Yes, I was jealous.” Sirius jumped from the unexpected sound of his own voice, not intending to speak aloud. 'I was jealous because I knew she loved that stupid Ron. It's just me she doesn't love. Well, no, she said she did. She said she loved me. I don't know, I always worried she'd choose someone else over me. Does she love me? Does she or doesn't she?'

Sirius wiped at his tears. “She did say she loved me, remember that? I remember her telling me she loved me, I remember it like it was yesterday. We were fuc... Oh, sorry Adara, daddy didn't mean to curse. We were making love, and she said she loved me. That was the first time. No, was it the only time? I'm not sure now. Has she said she loved me since? I don't remember, Adara! Daddy doesn't remember.”

He stared at Adara, taking in her face and her little hands, her dark hair, her little mouth – he wanted to burn her beautiful little face in his memory forever, she being his first born. Somehow, he knew that she had been his only chance at being a father, and that now, sadly, he was once again the last of the Blacks.

“I love you, Adara. Daddy loves you, baby.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Story time: 6am

“Albus! You're still here! My goodness, are you hungry?”

“Not very much, Molly. Though I would like a spot of tea.”

“Oh, no, Albus. I'll make you some bacon and eggs and you'll eat every bite! You look as if you're losing weight and we can't have that.”

Albus chuckled. “My dear, Molly. You do much for a man wallowing in the uncertainties of life!”

“Pish tosh, Albus, dear! You just need some good home cooking in you instead of that elfin food they make at the school!” Molly glared at Kreacher.

“I suppose you may be right, Molly. I must say that the food at Hogwarts is far better than any I've tasted in a restaurant.”

“Of course, not that you've eaten out that much over the years. Here you go, dear.” Molly put a cup of tea in front of Albus, then turned to start making him breakfast.

Albus smiled at Molly's back, his spirits picking up a bit as she fussed over his food. “You know me too well, my dear lady.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Story time: 6:27am

“What's this?”

Severus looked up to see Poppy standing at the edge of the large folding-screen used to partition off the room, her hands on her hips. He followed her angry gaze and looked at the sleeping couple.

“Leave them be, Poppy.”

“But, he's, he's in bed with a student!” Poppy pointed her finger at Remus. “A grown man!”

“A grown man. How perceptive of you.” Poppy frowned at him as she sternly crossed her arms. Severus didn't bother to look at her, choosing to merely ignore her attempt at being imposing. “There is much you don't know at this time, Poppy.” He finally turned to look at her, his eyes unsmiling. “If I am non-plussed by their being together, then there is no reason for you to worry about it, either.”

Poppy put a hand to her chest as she sputtered. “But, Severus! This is, it's not, they shouldn't, he's a former professor!”

“He no longer fills that role, does he?”

“No, but...”

“Poppy, I can guarantee you that the Headmaster would not be overly impressed with this situation. Therefore, do not allow it to upset you.”

“Is that so? Well, we'll see about that when Albus gets back.”

Severus nodded curtly. “So we shall.” He sat back in his chair as he continued his assigned duty of watching over the girl while waiting for the Headmaster to return; his mind full of memories - both distant bittersweet ones and more recent ones that were far more pleasurable.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Story time: 9am

“How many times do I have to tell you that I want to see her, Albus!” A fist made contact with a wall.

“In due time, Sirius. First, I shall speak with her about the child and about her situation, both current and past. Then discuss as much as I can with her parents so they can make informed decisions in regards to Miss Granger.”

“Why can't I see her while you talk with her parents?”

“Sirius, I'm delighted that you were able to see reason and now hold no ill will towards Miss Granger, however, I must speak with her in reference to you. I wish to appraise myself of her feelings towards you before I allow you to see her. I'll not have you interfering with her decision of what to do before I talk with her. Is that understood?”

“No! It isn't understood! She's mine and I want to see her, damn it!”

Albus frowned. “Sirius, stop acting like a child having a temper tantrum and make an attempt to act like the adult you are. This is behavior I would expect of a first year.”

Sirius backed up and crossed his arms. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Albus? Just because I want to see Hermione? You're calling that a temper tantrum?”

“Why don't you stamp your feet, Sirius, to complete the picture?” Albus sounded serious though he had an amused look to his eye.

Both men stared at each other, Sirius tense and looking as if he were ready to jump Albus while Albus stood calmly, his eyes curiously watching the man before him. Finally, Sirius backed off and sat down on the couch.

“Fine, fine, Albus. Whatever you say.”

“I must tell you, Sirius, that Miss Granger is not 'yours', as you put it. She is not an object to be owned. I find your continued insistence upon that point disturbing. Most disturbing indeed.”

“She is mine, I made her mine.”

“Sirius, taking a girl's virginity does not make her your property.”

Sirius stared at Albus, giving the older man a look that plainly stated 'you have no idea of what you're talking about'. Albus watched Sirius warily, worry growing tenfold in his mind. 'If the girl has been continually subjected to this thinking of Sirius', Remus may have a just reason for worry. I've known Sirius for so many years and don't ever recall him talking like this – at least, not before Azkaban. How much damage has that elf inflicted upon Sirius' thinking processes? How can I help him see how flawed his thinking is? What can I do to help him? Indeed, can he be helped?'

“Just make sure you let me see her is all I ask. Please?”

“Of course, Sirius. I will make the arrangements when I feel Miss Granger is ready.” He gave Sirius a piercing look. “When the two of you meet, I will supervise the discussion, is that understood?”

Sirius looked up sharply, raised his hand with a finger pointing at Albus as if ready to argue. He paused briefly as he thought about his options, then slowly lowered his hand and nodded, his brow furrowed and a frustrated frown upon his face.

Albus nodded slightly. “Good. I must get back to Hogwarts, I can delay no longer. You will be hearing from me before the end of the day.” He leaned over and gently took Adara from Sirius' arms. Looking down at her, he thought she appeared to have been transformed into a fragile porcelain doll. “I would prefer it if you said nothing to Molly or any of the others who visit this house that Miss Granger has been rescued. I will make that information public when I feel it safe to do so.”

“Safe? What do you mean by that? What danger is Hermione in?”

“She has been in the company of very dangerous people, Sirius. People who would do nothing to keep the knowledge of their being with her in an adult nature from becoming public knowledge. Many of these people have high enough profiles that talk of their forcing themselves upon a sixteen year old would cause them ruin. I know who these people are, Sirius, only because of the information provided by Severus. You don't want these people to come after Miss Granger, not until I'm positive things are secure. Do you understand the implications of what I am saying, Sirius?”

“Merlin, yes, yes, I do. I never thought, I didn't realize...”

“I am painfully aware, Sirius, that you do not think and do not realize many things when it comes to Miss Granger.” Albus cradled Adara's swaddled body close to him as he prepared to leave.

“Come on, Albus.”

“Sirius, I'll only say this once. What you did to that child was worthy of a Death Eater. You have abused Miss Granger to the point that, judging from what Remus tells me, she no longer resembles the girl we all knew and loved. She has been forced to change in order to survive...”

“I never would have killed her, Albus!”

“Sirius, you don't need to be under direct threat of death to fear for your life. But your treatment of her, from what I saw...”

“That's another thing! You didn't need to...”

“I must respectfully disagree. I had to have a clear picture of what I was getting myself and Severus into. If I could have found the information I wanted without seeing all of the other, shall we say, less savory memories that you have within you, then I assure you that I would have only sought the ones out that I needed. It was due to your selfish refusal to use the Pensieve that forced me to use Legilimency on you and seek out the information I required to ensure the safety of Severus and myself.” Albus glared at Sirius. “I don't understand how you could allow Kreacher to do those things to Miss Granger, Sirius, I truly don't. Just as I do not understand how you could do some of the things I witnessed you doing to her, some of your actions were deplorable at best. As it is, I'm glad the child is still sane. Or so it seems. It will be months before we know the extent of the damage she has suffered psychologically.”

“She'll be okay, Albus. I know she will.” Worry tinged Sirius' voice as his eyes traveled to his daughter, his thoughts once again turning to the fact that Adara looked very much like Hermione.

“Really, Sirius? The nightmares she suffers from, do you not think they bespeak of any psychological damage she has already suffered?”

Tearing his eyes away from his daughter, he looked up at Albus and began stammering his response before Albus cut him off. “I, I, well, yes, I knew they...”

“Precisely. Things will only get worse now that she no longer has to worry about the next time she sees you or the elf. Her mind can now relax and struggle to deal with the memories of what she has endured.”

“What do you mean, 'now that she no longer has to worry about the next time she sees' me?” Sirius stood abruptly. “You promised she could stay with me!”

“My promise was, if she decides to stay with you. I will discuss everything with her, Sirius, then I'll give her the chance to decide, and I'll abide by her choice. As will you. She has several options, Sirius. She can go with you, with Remus, stay with Ron, or go back with her parents. But she needs...”

“Remus? What's Remus got to do with this? Or fucking Ron? She's going to be with me, damn it!”

Albus glowered at Sirius before finishing his sentence tersely. “As I was saying, she needs time right now, to deal with everything.”

“How much time are we talking here, Albus? A few days, a month? It had better not be a fucking month, Albus.”

“To be truthful with you, Sirius, when I state that she needs time to deal with things, I mean just that. She needs time. What I don't know is how long she will need. It all depends upon Miss Granger.” Albus backed up and prepared to turn and grab the Portkey he had made earlier. “Now, if you don't mind, I wish to take your daughter to her mother.”

Sirius' eyes misted over. “Could Adara be buried at Hogwarts, Albus? That would be a nice place for her to be, don't you think?”

“I will suggest that to Miss Granger. I don't know if her parents will agree or object. They may wish for the granddaughter that they never met to be buried in a cemetery of their own choosing.”

“Oh, right, right, I guess, yeah, I guess you're right. I, no matter where she's buried, I want to know where she is, so I can visit. You know?”

“I understand, Sirius.”

“Okay, thanks, Albus.” Sirius sat back down on the couch before pointing his wand at the fireplace.

Albus Portkeyed back to Hogwarts with Adara and Kreacher, the elf still being under the effects of the Imperius, to begin the day's lengthy affairs. His last view of Sirius was of him sitting alone, on the couch crying as he watched the roaring fire before him.

Albus' first order of business was to speak with Remus and allow him to tell Miss Granger what had happened to her daughter. He felt it would be better if she heard the terrible news from him since he had a close rapport with her and she trusted him. His second order of business was to find someplace safe to hide Miss Granger, someplace the Ministry wouldn't know to look for her if they were to find she had been freed. Then, he would speak with her parents.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Author's notes, you may freely skip:

I hope this allowed because I'm going to link to a fanfic on another fan site... It's got some good info about rape fanfics...
http://ashwinder.sycophanthex.com/viewstory.php?sid=8551

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *