Another Dark Star

Chapter 1

Sadira Prewett was sat in her office, behind a desk that was so full of parchment it was a veritable model of the Himalayas. Her feet were propped up on the desk, leather spike heeled boots tapping an impatient rhythm on the mahogany surface. She toyed with her long, dark brown curls distractedly. In her hands a sheaf of parchments made up the case file she was working on. She was thoroughly bored!

In her three years of Auror training she had been taught to keep her wits about her, expecting attack at every turn. She had excelled in stealth and concealment, blinded her instructors with her knowledge of hexes, jinxes and curses together with their counters, skill with potions and even Muggle martial arts. She had been sorely disappointed now in her first year of active service to be stuck behind a desk or given the worst assignments just for being a female rookie. Her working partner didn’t seem to mind much.

Nymphadora Tonks, consummate Hufflepuff, took every assignment with an enthusiasm Sadira thought only puppies and small children possessed. Sadira however, proud Slytherin, top of every class, was rankled to have her ambitions scuppered, or at least put on the back burner. She craved juicier work. Little did she realise that it was about to come crashing through her office door.


‘CRASH!!’

“Nymphadora! How do you expect to creep up on criminals when you cannot even enter your own office in a fitting manner?” Sadira chided.
“Sod off Sadira! And I told you not to call me that. Besides ... We have a proposition for you.” Tonks replied, as Kingsley Shacklebolt and Arthur Weasley walk in behind her.
“Mr Shacklebolt!” Sadira exclaimed, standing upright in respect of the superior officer, then noticing the other man, “Uncle Arthur? What are you doing here?”

“Remember you said you were bored of menial jobs?” Tonks queried.

“Yes,”

“And you went mental at Perkins for suggesting Dumbledore was tapped?”

“Yes, get on with it” Sadira snapped.

”We wanted to know if you believe that Dumbledore is telling the truth that You-Know-Who is back. Do you want to prevent him from gaining power?” Arthur asked.

“Yes I do. I don’t care what Fudge has to say on the matter, I believe the Potter boy.”

“Good, “ said Kingsley, “You’re one of our best young Aurors, we want to invite you to join a covert group, separate from the Ministry, secret and independent of Ministry control, devoted to bringing down You-Know-Who and bringing his followers to justice” Sadira seemed to mull the question over.

“Be aware though, there will be risks. And the Ministry must not find out.” Finished Arthur.

“Yes, I’ll do it. What do you need me to do?” Sadira said, determined.

“We must be careful how we go. We will arrange for you to see Dumbledore about your missions in secret. In the meantime, I was here to speak to Tonks about Sirius Black, who by the way is innocent and on our side, and Arthur here was visiting his favourite niece if anyone should ask.” Kingsley said as he left the office.

“Give my love to Molly and the kids, especially the Twins,” called Sadira as Arthur followed him.

“I’m glad you’re joining the Order. I know we don’t always get on but I trust you to have my back in a tight spot,” said Tonks, as she cleared files off her desk.

“Thank you, I try.” nodded Sadira respectfully. “I trust you also.” She added, almost as an afterthought.


Three days later, Tonks and Sadira apparated to a street in a dingy area of London. The street sign read ‘Grimmauld Place’. Tonks handed her a piece of parchment that read ‘The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix can be found at 12, Grimmauld Place.’ As she read, the required address appeared from nowhere, a dingy windowed house with an imposing, if peeling, black door with a silver serpent knocker.

“Nice.” Sadira commented, as Tonks led her into a dark, gothic looking hallway, serpent themes ran throughout what she could see of the house.

“I love it!” she gushed.

“You always were odd,” Tonks joked as they moved into the kitchen.

Arthur and Molly Weasley were already there with Professor Dumbledore and a friendly looking, if a bit worse for wear, wizard with sandy hair that Sadira didn’t recognise.

Everyone turned to see the new girl. She stood out from the crowd, dressed all in tight black, save for the long leather trench coat. She had an hourglass figure and long, dark brown corkscrew curls which contrasted with her too pale skin and deep, dark green eyes.

“Sadira dear, we’re so glad you’re here.” She gushed, wrapping the dark haired young woman in a bone crunching hug.

“Love you too, Molly. But I think the Professor wishes to speak with me.” She said as levelly as she could, fighting to keep a blush from her pale complexion and patting her mother’s cousin on the back.

Since Sadira’s mother died, Molly had made it her job to be the mother figure she needed. The Weasleys had always been the only family she had associated with as they hadn’t cared about the stigma that surrounds unmarried witches with children. For a forward thinking community, the Wizarding world could be very old-fashioned. Dumbledore seemed amused by the young woman’s discomfort at the affectionate gesture, smiling as he began to address her.

“Yes, Miss Prewett. Firstly, I am delighted you have chosen to join our group, and touched by the loyalty you have already shown for me. Indeed not many from your house have any great love or respect for me.” This comment caused her to battle with her blush.

“Secondly, I would like to formally welcome you to the Order of the Phoenix, our name you see. I believe you are already closely acquainted with the members already assembled here with the exception of one. May I introduce Remus Lupin, a former Hogwarts Defence Professor.”

“How do you do,” she said politely, shaking hands. “I remember my cousins speaking of you with high praise.” Her demeanour was serious despite the presence of close family.

“May I ask what tasks and skills you require of me in the course of duty?” she enquired of Dumbledore.

“My, you are business-like Miss Prewett. So unlike the rebellious student I found in my office on so many occasions.” He chuckled.

“Business for serious matters, rebellious at leisure. Besides, I wasn’t in your office nearly as often as I merited.” She replied with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“I would expect no less from an intelligent Slytherin such as yourself. For the meantime I merely wish you to be available to cover guard duty over a particular prophesy in the Department of Mysteries at times. Almost all available members are involved in this one task as I believe Voldemort desires this item greatly. However, your particular skills and connections will be used to greater effect as time progresses.

Kingsley has informed me that, despite your youth and relative inexperience, you are one of the best Aurors the Ministry has, even if they do not recognise it. Alas, often the folly of age fails to recognise the talents of the young. I will keep you informed of what is required and when but for now, I must return to Hogwarts. Farewell.”

The Order members bid him goodbye and Molly took this as an opportunity to continue fussing.


“Now dear, have you been looking after yourself? You look awfully pale and peaky.”

“Yes Mum! I am pale, that’s how I am. And no, I’m not drinking so much before you ask.” Sadira railed at her dearest aunt as Remus raised his brow at this comment.

"Sadie was a teenage tearaway at one time!" Tonks told him.

“Oh yeah! Sex, drugs and Rock n Roll.” Sadira added with a dark chuckle and the Aurors nudged each other amicably. Suddenly, Sadira jumped, wand out as a pop was heard behind her.

“Sadie, we haven’t seen you in a year!” Fred and George squashed her between them. They had grown taller than her now.

“Good to see you too, boys. I see you passed your test,” she commented drily. “Where’s Ronnikins?”

“Upstairs with his girlfriend” the twins grinned evilly.

“Ron’s got a girlfriend?” she exclaimed in disbelief.

“Now boys, don’t tease your brother. She’s a friend who is female. Her name’s Hermione and she’s a lovely girl. Top marks too, just like you.” Molly countered.

“Muggleborn too.” Added Arthur enthusiastically as Sadira rolled her eyes with a small, knowing smile.

“What’s the fuss about?” asked Ron as he shuffled into the kitchen. “Is that... Sadira?” he blinked in disbelief.

“No, it’s the Easter Bunny come early!” quipped George.

“Alright there our Sadie?” he greeted.

“No; you know you’re not allowed to be this much taller than me!” she said in a serious tone but smiling as she slid an arm round her cousin who she regarded as a little brother, as in fact all the Weasleys were like surrogate siblings.

“Oh! Hello.” came a voice at the door and Sadira saw a frizzy haired and slightly jealous looking girl eying the curvy newcomer suspiciously.

“You must be Hermione. I’m Sadira Prewett, Ron’s second cousin.” She said offering her hand.

“I remember you. You were Head Girl in our first year.” Hermione said and her glare softened.

“Yes, I remember, you two and Harry Potter stole the House Cup from us with your heroics!” she sneered.

Hermione stared at her in shock until Sadira cracked a grin and she realised she was joking.

“I’m surprised you remember me though.” Sadira said.

“I remember you and ...well...” Hermione trailed off, embarrassed.

“Yes I’m sure you also remember all the rumours and my reputation. I have put that behind me now. I hope you can also.” Sadira said stiffly, at once returning to the business like stance and mask like calm visage.

“Of course, I didn’t mean to... I’m sorry!” Hermione stuttered.

“No matter, I also remember all the stories I heard about your exploits with Ron and Potter.” She smirked at them.

“I’m sure he’d rather you call him Harry,” interjected Remus.

“I’m sure he would, however Potter and I are not yet acquainted” she replied smoothly.

“Slytherins never change,” Tonks teased.

“And Hufflepuffs never learn to hold their tongues.” She replied acidly.

“They love each other really,” Molly assured.

“Not that way!” said Tonks quickly.

“Why? Jealous of my ex-girlfriend?” taunted Sadira saucily, flicking her tongue in a suggestive manner. Molly looked aghast and Remus nearly choked on his tea.

“Sadira Prewett! Not in front of the children!” Molly reprimanded as Fred and George grinned.

“It’s ok Mum, we met Alexis ages ago.” Fred defended.

“What happened to you two? She was cool.” asked George.

Alexis was in fact very cool. Sadira had met the intern to the Greek Department of Mysteries last year when she had been sent to the UK on business. Sadira had been the one to show her about the place and their relationship had developed quickly.

“Oh, it wasn’t working. I’m back on men for good now,” she replied breezily,

“Oh come off it Molly. You know I still have my suspicions your darling Percy bats for the other team you know.” She added conspiratorially.

“Percy is persona non grata right now. Him and Dad had a fight.” George informed her.

“Ah, sorry for bringing it up then, “she said patting Molly on the shoulder, and picking up a cup of tea. “I think that’s enough revelations for one day don’t you?”

“Except for revealing who this beautiful young woman standing in my kitchen is.” came a rich voice from the doorway.

Sadira turned to see a tall elegant man with long curly dark hair. Her jaw dropped, as did the cup she was holding, shattering on the tiled floor.

“Y, You!” she stammered.

“Now Sadira, remember Kingsley said Sirius was proven innocent.” Tonks said but Sadira didn’t seem to hear her. She started rummaging in her pocket.

“She said you were dead, she swore you were dead.” She pointed at the confused wizard coming toward her. He was about to ask who when she thrust a small silver locket into his hand. In it was a photo of the young Sirius with a red haired girl, smiling.

“Delilah,” he whispered. Looking at the young woman before him he finally understood.

“They told me you died. I never saw her again.” He choked, welling with tears. She shook with the effort of holding back her own tears.

Suddenly he wrapped his arms around her, as a few silent tears rolled down his face into her dark brown curls.

“My daughter,” he whispered just loud enough for the others to overhear.

“You’re really my father?” she asked not daring to believe it.

“Yes. Yes and I didn’t know. I am so, so sorry.” He replied looking into her face.

“So! Sirius Black! You’re the reason my favourite cousin was pulled out of school before her OWL’s. You have no idea how much shame and hardship that poor woman went through as an unwed mother.” Molly roared at him. She had gone an ugly shade of red and the twins had scarpered. She was shaking with rage.

“Now Molly it was a long time ago. And they told me she miscarried; I wasn’t allowed to contact her at all. They never told me where she went.” Sirius defended.

“What were you thinking? You were fourteen!” she bellowed.

“How is she now?” he asked Sadira tentatively as she seemed to be coping with the news better than her aunt.

“Fine. She’s dead” she said flatly.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” He said honestly.

“It’s fine. We didn’t get on.” She said without remorse.

“Tell me all about you. How you grew up, Hogwarts, your job.” Sirius went on, leading her to the sitting room and away from Molly.

“Well, home was hell, Hogwarts was a breeze. I was Head Girl. Top of every class, very good NEWT marks.” She told him with a hint of pride.

“Gryffindor?” he asked hopefully.

She laughed; “No, Slytherin. Mum was horrified.” Sirius’ smile faded a little.

“My mother; your grandmother, would have been proud. Another Pureblood Slytherin to add to the wall.” He said distastefully, gesturing to the family tapestry.

“Not all us Slytherins are bad you know.” She said defensively.

“Of course not, I’m sorry,” he soothed. “What do you do now?” he asked, changing the subject.

“I’m an Auror, with Tonks. She’s my partner. We were in the same class at training.”

“Auror, eh? Top of the class indeed!” he remarked with pride.”Where do you live now?”

“I sold Mum’s old house in Manchester when she died, my last year in Hogwarts. I bought a little flat in London to be near the Ministry when I started Auror training. I’m hardly ever home so I didn’t see the point in getting anything fancy. I love this place though.” She said.

“You do?” he asked incredulously.

“Yes, I love anything dark and gothic. It matches my dark and brooding nature.” She joked.

“A true Slytherin eh?” he joked back and he began to give a tour of the house while she made appreciative noises and comments on the decor and ornaments. He found her interest in the darker side of things a little un-nerving but she was his daughter and he wanted to get to know her. Besides, as far as Slytherins go she’s practically a fluffy bunny.

“The Weasleys will be staying here for the summer but when school starts it’s just me. I’m a wanted man so I’m under orders not to leave.” He said bitterly. Sadira felt a pang of sympathy for the man who had sired her.

“I think we have a lot of lost time to make up for. If you like, I could spend my weekends here and we can get to know one another.” She suggested. His face lit up.

“That would be wonderful.” He clasped her hands in his.

“Oh, by the way. Don’t believe everything Tonks and the twins say about me. There were a lot of nasty rumours spread about me when I was in school, not all of it was true.” She warned him.

Sirius let her have a room just down the hall from his room, which was comfortable if a little dusty. They cleaned it up together. He wanted to make her feel like she could call the place home, like a proper family.

“My poor Mistress, her best rooms given up to a nasty girl. They say she’s the other Master’s child but she don’t look like a Black,” came a wheezy voice from a corner. “Bastard brat she is, shame upon my poor mistress’ house.”

“Kreacher! My daughter is a descendant of the house of Black and her blood is pure. You will address her as Mistress and show her proper courtesy.”

“Of course Master, Mistress.” He muttered, slinking away.

“Ignore him, crazy old elf,” Sirius said distastefully.

“Oh, don’t worry. It’s just like First Year all over again. I have a thick skin.” She said unfazed.

“I truly am sorry that you and your mother had to endure such hardships and slanders,” he said softly. “If I had known, I would have given you both the name of Black.” He insisted.

She looked thoughtful for a moment, “You still may,” she replied bolting out of the room.

“I need to talk to Dumbledore, I’ll be back later.” she called over her shoulder as she ran down the stairs and out the door.

She Apparated to her flat and rushed a note to Dumbledore and tied it to her owl, Xerxes. Then she sat down at her kitchen table and pondered all that had transpired over the last few hours.

Her father whom she had been raised believing was dead is really alive but a wanted mass murderer. Which was worse? Ok he wasn’t guilty but without proof he was never going to be able to be like a real father. He had welcomed her with open arms though which was more than she could have asked for.

And what had she let herself in for with this Order business? Sure she wanted to be doing something worthwhile and interesting but what exactly did Dumbledore have in store for her? He mentioned her ‘skills and connections’. What did that mean?

A few hours later, Xerxes returned. She hadn’t expected a reply so soon.


‘My dear Miss Prewett,
I was not surprised to receive your request tonight, as I assumed you would have met your father in his house. My apologies for not making you aware sooner but I believed this would have been the best way for you to discover the truth.
As for your request itself, it is not a difficult task, even with my influence diminishing under the wake of the Ministry’s vendetta. However it will take time. I shall not dismiss or forget it I assure you and will achieve it as soon as I possibly can. I look forward to seeing you again and hope you are well also.

Albus Dumbledore’

Well, a speedy response and positive too! She put it in a drawer as she moved to the cupboard for the cat food as Nightshade wound her way around her legs, yowling for her dinner.

“Great! Here I am; single twenty-one year old woman, in on a Saturday night again with no-one but my cat for company. How sad is my life?” she muttered aloud to herself. Nightshade just blinked at her.

“May as well go to bed” she grumbled.