Another Dark Star

Chapter 9

As things seemed to be quiet in the Auror office, they had all been allowed to spend the Christmas holiday at home and on call, instead of having to come in and wait for something to happen. Sadira was delighted to spend the holidays surrounded by family for the first time since she was small. Sirius’ time was divided between her and Harry who, while still wary of her, was polite and actually a nice kid when he wasn’t being so angsty.

The Weasley twins were up to no good as usual but Sadira’s close bond with them ensured they were not as obnoxious to her as they were to anyone else. She was happy to see Bill again too as they hadn’t kept in touch much since he left school to work in Egypt. Ginny and Hermione were glad of her company. Ginny considered Sadira a sister as it had been hard growing up with only brothers, and was used to her being someone to talk to who wouldn’t laugh but would keep her confidences. Hermione was beginning to see her that way too. She hadn’t realised how she’d missed out by being an only child, and Hermione respected the older woman’s intelligence and determination.

As for Sadira, she was finding it odd that her best friend and verbal sparring partner, Tonks, was also her cousin. She felt happier than she had in years surrounded by all such familial affection. They spent the day after Boxing Day in the Music room with a wireless and a record player. They spent the whole day laughing and dancing around the place.

When a song from Tonks and Sadie’s schooldays came on, they dragged each other to the middle of the room like a dance floor and sang and danced along, sometimes to specific dance routines like they were teens again. Sirius found the whole thing amusing, watching his daughter and little cousin dancing along together. He noticed how Sadira had a good voice like her late mother and began to wonder again what things would have been like had he been allowed to marry Delilah. Perhaps he wouldn’t have gone after Peter and not gone to Azkaban. He was woken from his reverie by a pair of small soft hands taking his and pulling him to his feet.

“Come on Dad, you have to dance this one with me,” she said. He swayed and spun her to the poppy song with a smile.

“I never thought you’d like this sort of stuff,” he remarked as she sang along.

“Usually I do prefer Rock and Classical, but the Beach Boys are a guilty pleasure of mine; cheesy I know.” she admitted. “You were a bit of a rocker in your day weren’t you? That’s what Remus told me.”

“Oh yes, I was into Queen, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Mötorhead, Blue Oyster Cult and Black Sabbath. Used to annoy the hell out of my parents by playing it full blast in my room.” He chuckled at the memory.

“Well let’s play this one, Ozzy sang it with his daughter.” Sadira suggested, sitting at the piano and conjuring some sheets of music and handing to her father.

As Sirius and Sadira sang ‘Changes’ the whole room went quiet and subdued. Molly started to cry quietly at the emotional lyrics and the tenderness between them as Sirius laid an arm round her. Even Tonks and Remus had moist eyes with happiness for their best friends. Sadira had been nudging them together all week. Remus leaned over gently to offer Tonks his handkerchief and she blushed at the gesture. Sirius almost choked himself at the line; ’Now all my days are filled with fears, wish I could go back and change the years.’ The applause at the end was riotous. She put the radio back onto Christmas tunes and the twins started bopping along to ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ by Slade. They didn’t know many Muggle songs but even in the wizarding world, everyone knows that cheesy classic.


Severus arrived at Grimmauld Place with Sadira’s belated Christmas present and was irritated to be met by only Kreacher. ‘So much for security.’ He thought to himself. He followed the sound of laughter and music upstairs and waited in the shadowy hall to see what they were up to. He saw Sadira sing a touching ballad and marvelled at the girl’s inability to hold a grudge. No matter what they fell out over, she and her father seemed determined to make up for lost time and forge a bond. He surmised that were she not so forgiving, he would not have her in his life himself.

He entered the room when the red headed troublemakers started yelling along to some Muggle racket that barely passed for music and saw her bouncing up and down with Tonks. She stopped jumping when she saw him and looked a bit embarrassed at being caught in such a juvenile display. She made her way over to him as other people in the room exchanged grins and winks.

“May I have a word with you in private?” he asked, glaring at the nosy busybodies.

“Of course, Library?” she suggested, shutting the door behind her and following him down the hall.


“Firstly I would like to correct my appalling lack of manners on Christmas Eve and present you with a belated gift.” He began, withdrawing a box from his pocket.

“Oh! You didn’t have to, honestly. Your gift was as much for me as it was for you.” She protested.

“Nevertheless, I wanted you to have this.” He said, sitting on ‘their’ sofa and pulling her down to sit beside him. She opened it and inside was a small, slightly tarnished silver trinket box with ornate filigree work of leaves and flowers, and a burgundy flock lining.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She said, tearing up.

“It was my mother’s, one of the few things she had left from her side of the family. I think she’d have liked you.” He said quietly, with a pained smile. She didn’t say another word but kissed him lightly in appreciation of the sentiment.

“The other reason I came to see you was to invite you to accompany me to a New Year’s Eve party at Malfoy Manor. These things are usually tedious affairs, however Lucius is throwing his weight around and has all but ordered me to be there and it would be much more enjoyable if you were there. It is of course completely your choice and I will not be offended if you do not wish to go.”

“Severus I would love to go with you. It will be nice to go out in public at your side, instead of hiding.” She gushed.

“I’m not sure we should declare our intimacy so publicly yet.” He warned. “Best we appear just friends to prying eyes.”

“If you say so,” she said, a little dejected. “Hey I suppose I’m just returning the favour. You helped me with my mission, so I help you with yours.” she added jokily.

“I should warn you there will likely be a number of Death Eaters among the illustrious guests.” He said forebodingly.

“Don’t worry, I’m an experienced Auror remember. I can look after myself.” She replied, unconcerned.

“I am confident in your abilities, I am merely warning you to have your wits about you and not blow our cover.” He replied tetchily.

“Like last time eh? I wonder if this mission will have the same pleasurable conclusion?” she hinted, playing with his coat buttons.

“Perhaps, who can say?” he replied mysteriously, smirking as he leaned over and kissed her.

He firmly pressed her against the sofa as his hands ran down the rough fabric of her Weasley jumper, (royal purple) to the silky flesh beneath. She shifted a leg either side of him and made as if to pull off the offending article when he pulled away from her.

“I have to get back to the school; I’m not supposed to be here.” He told her.
She was crestfallen.

“And you say I’m a tease!! Bastard.” She whined.

He chuckled and offered her his hand to help her up and she followed him downstairs to see him off with another kiss.


As soon as he was gone, she bolted back upstairs to find her cousin.

“Tonks, you have to come with me, it’s an emergency.” She said, nearly wrenching the poor woman’s arm out of its socket as she pulled her along.

“Why, what’s up? Where are we going?” she asked bewildered.

“Shopping! I’ve been invited to a posh party and I have nothing to wear.” Sadira moaned.

“Ok, so Diagon Alley then?” Tonks suggested.

“Hell No! It’s at Malfoy Manor. I need Couture, darling! Let’s Apparate to Paris for the day.”

“Do you think we should bring the girls too?” Tonks asked.

“I dunno, let’s ask Molly” Sadira said.


Twenty minutes and much wheedling later Sadira, Tonks, Molly, Ginny and Hermione were enjoying the sights in Paris. They wandered around, taking in the tourist sights for a while, then Sadira took them to a designer boutique she was fond of on the Rue de Laverne de Montmorency in the Wizarding part of the city.

Only Hermione and Sadira had been to Paris before and Sadie was the only one to have set foot in a designer store before. Molly was mortified when she saw how expensive the gowns were. Sadira was in such a good mood at the thought of her ‘date’ she decided to treat everyone to a little something as an extra Xmas present. She knew Molly made most of her own clothes and felt the kind, motherly witch deserved to have something special.
She helped her try on a few things and eventually bought her a simple but elegant and well cut navy blue dress that would suit almost any occasion.

For Ginny she bought a pale green silk blouse to offset her colouring beautifully. It was a completely frivolous item, but when you’re the only girl among three brothers at home it’s nice to have something a bit girly.

Hermione tried to refuse to accept anything so Sadira chose a nice cashmere jumper, “For practicality, it’s freezing in Scotland this time of year.”

She bought Tonks a pair of cashmere gloves, to keep her hands warm on, “that death trap you call a broom.” Molly couldn’t believe how much Sadie was spending. Sadie assured her she could comfortably afford it.

Sadie tried on a series of dresses for her companions but wasn’t happy with any. She finally chose two as she couldn’t make her mind; one a deep emerald green velvet corset and skirt with gold embroidery and beading, the other she wouldn’t show anyone but Tonks and by the looks on their faces it was certain to cause a stir. She then spent an awful lot of time and money in the lingerie section, snapping up flimsy silk, satin and lace garments and hosiery like they were going out of fashion.

“I thought you were shopping for a dress?” Tonks admonished.

“I know. I can’t help it, they’re gorgeous.” she wailed. “Besides, it’s Severus’ birthday soon.” She added in a whisper.

“Urgh, Sadie T.M.I.” Tonks groaned as her friend chuckled dirtily.


After they finished shopping, they retired to a little cafe for patisserie and coffee as they watched the sunset over the romantic city.

“It really is beautiful here.” Ginny remarked.

“I know. You should see it in the spring. it’s breathtaking.” Sadira told her.

“I’ve been meaning to ask all day, when did you come to Paris?” Tonks asked.

Sadira blushed a little. “Severus brought me here for a weekend over Easter holidays when we started Auror Training.” She confessed.

“Well I never! Who’d have believed the frosty old Potions professor had such a soft side?” Tonks giggled. “We’ll have to make these girly trips a regular thing. This was fun, only not so expensive next time.” she added.

The teenagers voiced their enthusiasm and Molly agreed it was nice to get away from their troubles for the day.

“Right, one more trip to the Tour Eiffel, and L’Arc de Triomphe, then home.” Sadira suggested.


Come New Years Eve, Sadira was on the verge of throwing up with nerves. ‘Stupid sod, it’s just a party.’ She admonished herself, packing myriad items into her handbag, a little black beaded purse with an Undetectable Extension Charm on it. Hermione had been fascinated when she showed her that, and insisted Sadira promise to teach her it when she had the time.

She had just got out of the bath and was sat at her dressing table in her black satin robe, trying to decide what to do with her hair. She put her black ballerina slippers on and went to look for Molly.

“After spending all that cash, you’re going out like that?” teased Tonks.

“I can’t decide what to do with my hair!” she wailed. “Auntie Mol-Mol, do my hair.”
Molly and Ginny came to the rescue. Molly was wearing her new dress and was wearing subtle make-up for a change. Ginny was also wearing her new blouse with a smart pair of black pants.

“Molly, you look lovely, and Ginny, so grown up.” Sadira gushed. Molly blushed and Ginny looked pleased. “You deserve to look this lovely; you work so hard for all of us. It’s nice to see you spend time on yourself.” She whispered and her dear aunt had to blink back tears.

“Come now Sadie, let’s get your hair done and get you into that dress.” Molly chivvied her.

She was very good with Sadie’s hair, having inherited the Prewett frizz herself, and in no time had the wayward ringlets piled elegantly on her head, with a few coils dangling down, brushing her shoulders and neck. She shooed everyone out while she dressed and they waited expectantly downstairs as they were very curious about the secret dress.

Molly was very proud when Sadira descended. The dress was black silk, floor length with a small slit to the knee to aid movement as the gown was very clingy. On a skinnier girl it might be considered a modest style, but Sadira’s curves made it look almost indecent.

It was not low cut, but showed her collarbone and left her shoulders bare. The back was covered by her cloak already, which was black velvet with a silver satin lining. On her feet were strappy silver sandals and her make-up was classic; black eyeliner and mascara and red lips, starlet style. She also wore the cross that connected her to Severus and a very expensive looking pair of diamond earrings, which Severus had bought her years before.

“If you weren’t my daughter, I’d marry you myself,” Sirius teased fondly.

She waited in the sitting room for Severus to arrive. It seemed the Order was having a bit of a do themselves, as there were a few bottles of wine and spirits out. When Remus went to answer the door, Molly collected her.

Severus was stunned when he saw her. She was breathtaking, even the men who would normally pass her over in favour of a skinnier model would have difficulty taking their eyes off her tonight. The dress, hair and make-up made her look older, more mature than usual. Then he noticed her companion and did a double take.

“Molly Weasley? I almost didn’t recognise you.” He remarked. Sadie laughed.

“From him, that’s a compliment. You’ve outdone yourself Moll.” She assured her aunt, who blushed again and shuffled off looking pleased with herself. Sadira stepped closer to him.

“I W...” she began, but he stopped her with a raised finger.

He pointed to the stairs where Ginny and Hermione were eavesdropping; looking to see what their friend and their teacher might wear to a fancy party. Snape was dressed in something similar to his usual frock coat and trousers only with an Oriental look. The coat was heavy black damask with brocade and ‘frog’ style buttons and a mandarin collar.

“On ne doit pas parle plus devant les enfants.” He warned her.

“Non, tu as raison.” she agreed. He took her hand and bent to kiss it.

“T’es très belle ce soir, ma petite. Cette robe est vraiment jolie.” He told her.

“Si c’est que tu penses, tu devrais voir l’arrière!” she said cheekily. “T’es très beau toi aussi, mon cher.” She added breathily.

Sirius appeared and spoiled their moment.

“Right Snape, if you’re going to take my daughter out, I want to set some ground rules,” he began but Sadira nudged him.

“Very funny Dad, I’m sure you’ve been waiting for ages to say that but we haven’t the time.” She interrupted, hoping to avoid another scene between the two men dearest to her and led Severus out the door.

“I assume you haven’t been to the Malfoy’s before so I will Apparate us there.” He said, offering her his arm. Instead of taking it, she slipped beneath it and wrapped her arms around him tightly. He smiled down at her and wrapped his arms around her also before Apparating them both to Wiltshire.


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A/N: Translation; “We shouldn’t speak much/more in front of the kids.” “No, you are right.” “You’re very beautiful tonight my little one. (Term of endearment as opposed to remark on height) That dress is very pretty.” “If you think that, you should see the back!” and “You are very handsome too my dear.” I believed this would be a good way of them being able to have private conversations in public situations.