The Reality of War

'It's an odd patrol path,' said Y/N, as he and Emmeline wound their way through the streets of London. 'We're just kind of circling one square.'

'Didn't Dumbledore tell you?' asked Emmeline. 'We're on guard for the muggle Prime Minister. Fudge and Rufus are visiting him as we speak.'

'Ah yes, Minister Scrimgeour,' said Y/N with a small shiver, 'I've had the pleasure already. Trying to get me to act like I care about the Ministry.'

'I'm surprised at that,' said Emmeline. 'He's only been in office for around 6 hours.'

'Did it before he even was in office. Came to see me yesterday right after Fudge stepped down. He doesn't seem bad, but I just can't abide by it after everything that happened.'

'I get that,' said Emmeline, 'I'd be much the same, but we've got to work with them somewhat now. They bring stability where it's sorely needed. If we lose the Ministry, people will start to panic.'

The two of them turned a corner and strolled slowly up one of the side streets.

Sure enough, as Y/N had already stated himself, he'd only returned from Hogwarts the week prior where he'd promptly been visited by Dumbledore and Rufus Scrimgeour, Fudge's replacement as Minister for Magic.

Fudge himself had been forced to step down following his handling of Voldemort's return and a number of incidents that had occurred since.

Scrimgeour had wanted Y/N to work with him and potentially show the Ministry favour.

'Just, if you could be seen speaking to some of our Aurors, or busying yourself around the Ministry from time to time, it could do wonders for our image,' he said in that hoarse worn voice. 'We'd be most appreciative.'

'And why's that? Because now everyone is looking to me, Harry, and Dumbledore because we told the truth where you lied through your teeth about it?' Y/N had retorted.

'Yes, well, this is a new Ministry, the one under my watch-'

'You'll forgive me if that's not reassuring until you prove what you can do, Minister,' said Y/N. 'I answer to Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix. If he tells me to work with you, I will. But if it's my decision, I refuse.'

Dumbledore had seemed quite appreciative of this, and both of them had been very amused watching Rufus stalk from the room in anger. But then Dumbledore had given Y/N his first assignment, he was to patrol the streets surrounding the Muggle Prime Ministers' office with Emmeline.

No one else was present to do it and as much as they may not wish to openly work with Scrimgeour, they did need him alive.

Back to the present and it was Emmeline's turn to speak.

'So, what's this I keep seeing about you and Potter then?' she asked, 'Rising Phoenix and The Chosen One?'

'They know Harry was in the Department of Mysteries looking for some form of prophecy about him and Voldemort,' said Y/N. 'The names picking up steam because everyone thinks the prophecy must declare that Harry is the one destined to kill Voldemort.'

'And you don't believe it?'

'I don't know what to believe, to be honest,' said Y/N. 'I just know that it said something about the two of them. I think Harry knows, but he's chosen not to say anything if he does. People are latching onto anything they can get.'

'And Rising Phoenix?'

'That stunt off the Astronomy Tower,' said Y/N. 'Eternus made a shape in the sky, just spread their wings with the ends alight. Apparently, it made an imprint of a Phoenix behind me. A bunch of first-years saw it and spread the word. When people associated that with me, the nickname sprang up among the students. One letter home to a parent and here we are.'

'And you don't like it?'

'It's a bit... much,' said Y/N honestly. 'I won't say it doesn't make me feel important because it does. But just, "Rising Phoenix"? Really?'

'Gives people hope,' said Emmeline. 'Believing you and Potter are out there fighting encourages them. The boy who's meant to be able to beat You-Know-Who. And the boy who took down trained Ministry officials after jumping off the highest point of the Astronomy Tower. You two will be front runners for the anti-You-Know-Who movement.'

'Joy,' said Y/N bitterly. 'Wish-'

But he froze, something had just made a rather loud noise behind them. He and Emmeline turned. Y/N could swear he saw a figure half-concealed in an alleyway about thirty feet behind them.

'Wands up,' whispered Emmeline and the two of them did so.

Just in time.

Four jets of red light shot out of separate areas, one from in front, one from the side, and two from behind. Emmeline dodged one, repelling the other with a shield charm, whilst Y/N blocked one and sent the other spiralling back up the alley towards its caster.

They'd been surrounded.

Three cloaked figures stepped out of the shadows towards them. Death Eaters. The one whom Y/N had repelled the spell towards did not reappear.

'Not one for a fair fight, are they?' asked Emmeline, glancing around at the three approaching figures.

'I went twelve against seven. Three against two actually isn't that bad,' said Y/N. 'You got the tall one?'

'Yeah, go on, show me what you can do, Phoenix.'

Y/N scoffed and the two of them slashed their wands through the air.

Emmeline vanished from next to Y/N, appearing behind the "tall" figure in question and launching a spell at their back. Meanwhile, Y/N shot a spell out of his wand at the hulking Death Eater whilst underhand throwing another one wandlessly at the lither shape.

The hulking Death Eater blocked his spell with ease, but that was fine, his main target had been the lithe Death Eater, who evidently had not seen the spell till it was too late.

Y/N heard him begin muttering 'Pro-'

Before the shield charm sent him flying.

'DIFFINDO!' yelled the hulking Death Eater and Y/N felt his cloak tear, a large gash forming across his chest. He let out a hiss of pain and staggered, raising his wand and launching a banishment charm at the figure, who repelled it again.

'Ferula!'

Bandages sprang up around Y/N's chest, wrapping tightly. He could immediately see the area by his chest begin to darken but he'd worry about that later.

'Stupefy!'

The Death Eater's jet of red light bounced off on Y/N's shield charm. He was surprised they were going for non-lethal blows, but this was no time to worry about that. He pointed his wand at a nearby bench.

'Piertotum Locomotor.'

The bench sprang to life and shot like a bullet towards the Death Eater, scooping out his legs from under him, before flying across the street and crashing hard into the wall of a muggle building.

Y/N pointed his wand quickly at the figure.

'Stupefy!'

Before raising his wand to the window where he could see a muggle face looking curiously out at him.

'Obliviate!'

He spun to face his companion.

'Emmeline, we've got-'

But even as he spoke, he felt his words catch. Emmeline danced around the Death Eaters' curse, fired her own retaliatory one which seemed to impact a shield charm, and then,

'Avada Kedavra!'

Emmeline seemed to freeze, the jet of green light hitting her full in the chest, her eyes widened for a split second before she was sent crashing to the floor, unmoving.

'NO!'

The Death Eater span around, their face no doubt a mask of glee, but it did not last.

'DEPULSO!'

The Death Eater was blasted so hard in the chest that their mask seemed to cartoonishly stay in place for a second as they were propelled backwards. They soared the length of the street, crashing into a door and stopped moving. Y/N hurried over.

Emmeline's eyes were wide and unseeing and already he could feel her growing cold. Another one lost already?

'Eternus!'

The phoenix burst from the end of his wand with a soft cry and circled overhead before coming to a stop in front of Y/N.

'Go get mum, bring her here.'

Eternus vanished in a soft woosh of flame and within twenty seconds they were back, another five and Minerva McGonagall materialised on the street.

'Y/N! What-?'

'Emmeline,' said Y/N.

Minerva hurried over and clasped a hand over her mouth. She glanced up at him and then around at the three visible Death Eaters.

'Which one was it?'

Y/N pointed, and she moved over, removing the mask from the guilty party.

'Selwyn,' she spat, staring down at the figure in front of her, 'always was a nasty piece of work. Not surprised to see who he's in league with now. Eternus', she added, 'Go and fetch Alastor or Tonks, would you? We need to see these incarcerated.'

The Phoenix looked to Y/N as though asking for his permission and Y/N nodded, the Phoenix vanishing in another waft of flame. Y/N looked back down at Emmeline.

Twenty minutes ago, she'd been so full of life, poking fun at his new nickname. And now...

'War is a harsh reality, Y/N,' said Minerva's voice. 'One I really wished you'd never have to see.'

'Don't think Voldemort agreed with that sentiment,' said Y/N. 'Apparently, I don't get a normal childhood according to him, but hey, what else is new.'

There was another wooshing sound and three faint popping noises, followed by two sets of footsteps and the clunk of Alastor Moody's leg as the newcomers approached them.

Y/N glanced around. Alastor, Tonks, and Remus were hurrying up the street. Alastor had already turned off, heading towards one of the defeated Death Eaters. Remus was looking at Y/N and Tonks at Emmeline.

'Oh no,' she said, stopping dead a few feet away. 'She's not-? Y/N?'

Y/N nodded.

Remus let out a low hiss.

'That... is a very devastating loss.'

'They came out of nowhere,' said Y/N 'They must have known our patrol pattern, they surrounded us almost immediately.'

'Who got her?' asked Alastor, stumping over and staring almost sadly down at the defeated Emmeline.

'Him,' said Y/N, pointing. 'Mum said it was Selwyn?'

'A new hand,' growled Alastor. 'A known sympathiser, but I suppose he's been recruiting, makes sense after we put so many away at the Ministry.'

Moody had recovered quickly from his injuries, and whilst still light on his feet and currently unfit for solo missions, he moved around much as he had before, and whilst that wasn't amazing. It was better than he'd been for the first few days.

Tonks had made a full recovery before too long, and Remus too, had recovered fast courtesy of the ministrations of Madam Pomfrey.

'We need to get her body back,' said Tonks. 'We can't leave her here.'

'I'll do it,' said Remus. 'The Ministry won't want to see me bringing Death Eaters in. They don't want a reason to like me. Better if you lot do that.'

Y/N whistled loudly and Eternus took flight from the nearby bench where they had settled themselves and soared over.

'Thanks, Y/N,' said Remus, bending down to hold Emmeline's arm as Eternus hovered above him. 'I shall see you all soon.'

A woosh and they were gone.

'I shall go and tell Albus,' said Minerva. 'I leave these to you.'

With nods all around, she too, left.

'Right, come on, let's get this filth tied off,' said Moody, stumping towards Selwyn.

Tonks moved off towards the hulking Death Eater, but Y/N hurried over to the alley where the fourth had been, checking around.

He'd been sure there had been four stunners. And he'd definitely repelled one in here, but there was no sign of anyone.

Maybe he'd missed? But then why hadn't they joined the fight?

He glanced around, checking the roof, doorways, and windows nearby but there was no sign of life.

'Come on Y/N!' called Tonks.

Y/N gave one last sweeping look, and then hurried back, binding the lithe Death Eater.

They waited a few moments until Eternus reappeared and then with Y/N grabbing a hold and Tonks and Alastor twisting on the spot, they emerged back into the Ministry of Magic atrium.

'What in the blazes-?' came a voice from behind them. The three of them turned to see Rufus Scrimgeour and Cornelius Fudge, moving towards them, the steadily moving crowd of Wizards and Witches falling still as they approached.

'A gift for you, Minister,' said Y/N, throwing his bound Death Eater forward. 'Two whom I have no idea, and one whom I believe is called Selwyn. Just attacked me and Emmeline Vance in the street whilst we were on watch courtesy of your meeting with the muggle Prime Minister.'

Alastor and Tonks followed suit, dropping their captives down.

'Do you think I'm doing enough for you yet? I put ten away for Cornelius and it didn't help him.'

Fudge glowered at him.

'Yes, quite,' said Scrimgeour, looking mildly taken aback, 'Nymphadora, see to-'

'Tonks,' growled Tonks under her breath.

'-their incarceration and imprisonment, won't you? Shacklebolt can help, he should be returning shortly.'

And as if on cue, one of the fireplaces behind the new and old Ministers ignited and Kingsley Shacklebolt stepped through.

His eyes scanned the scene quickly, his hand moving towards his wand, before he saw who was there and he hurried forward.

'You say you and Emmeline Vance were guarding us?' said Scrimgeour. 'Didn't realise she was in league with the Order. I shall be sure to thank her.'

'I'm afraid it'll need to be a memorial or memoir to her, Minister,' said Y/N. 'Selwyn killed her.'

Kingsley, who'd been stooping down to move one of the Death Eaters, stopped, staring up at Y/N as though pleading with him to say it was a joke. But Y/N shook his head slowly.

'Ah,' said Scrimgeour, somewhat lamely. 'Well, I shall of course ensure that she is properly remembered and represented in the Prophet. I shall make a comment myself, and we'd be most delighted if you would too-'

'Emmeline Vance was one of the most talented and gifted witches I knew,' said Y/N. 'She was taken from us far too soon, in a war that shouldn't even be happening.' He turned his eyes onto Fudge. 'A war that if proper Ministry action had been taken, we wouldn't be on such a backfoot already. Will that suffice, Minister?'

Scrimgeour glared at him, but Y/N turned his back to look at his fellow Order members.

'I'll go see Mum and Dumbledore, see what's going on with Emmeline, I'll send Eternus if we have any emergency updates.'

'And get that looked at as well,' said Tonks sternly, pointing at the bandages around Y/N's chest. 'Don't need to lose you as well.'

'Dare say Remus, Dumbledore, Minerva, or Hermione won't let that happen,' said Y/N. 'Eternus!'

The Phoenix came soaring down towards him.

'Thank you for your work today, Y/N,' growled Moody, 'you did well.'

Y/N nodded and for the last time, vanished in a plume of flame. His feet hit the solid floor of his kitchen.

Minerva hurried forward at once. She turned him, lowering him into a chair and with a flick of her wand, his bandages fell away.

The Death Eater's severing charm had been nasty, Y/N was lucky he hadn't hit a vital part of his body, but even still the scar ran deep and burnt as Minerva pressed her wand against the very edge of the injury.

Y/N could just about see as it began to close, she waved her wand again and a small bottle came soaring out of a nearby cabinet.

'Essence of Dittany,' she said as she pressed the bottle against a cloth and rubbed Y/N's wound lightly with it, 'should fix the scarring all together.'

And sure enough, whilst it burnt to begin with, and Y/N let out a loud hiss of pain, within a few moments the pain was retreating rapidly as was the visible injury. And after less than a minute, the skin was healed.

'I'll have to remember that for in the future,' said Y/N, rubbing the skin idly. 'Any news from Dumbledore?'

'I wasn't able to get in touch with him,' said Minerva. 'He's been absent since he left with the Minister yesterday, though he said as such. Some sort of task, I'll make sure he knows once he returns. Now come on, eat something. You need your strength back; you lost a decent amount of blood.'

Y/N nodded and turned to face the table as Minerva animated the plates, cutlery, pans, and bowls to begin serving. She took the seat opposite him and as the food drifted over, the two of them began to eat.

'You get stronger every time you go out there you know,' said Minerva idly. 'I still remember watching you try and perfect your first Transfiguration spell, and then today you took on almost four Death Eaters single-handedly.'

'I've had some good tutors,' said Y/N, smiling at her, 'and not just from those in the school either. Remus, Maria, in a weird way even the Impostor Moody and Snow taught me some tricks.'

'You're just not the little boy I knew anymore and that's just a bit strange to me,' said Minerva, she had a strange sadness behind her eyes. But Y/N could tell it was simply because the innocent times of him stealing her books to try and stealthily read them by lamplight were gone.

The times when she'd open his bedroom door and he'd dive beneath the covers as if he'd been asleep the entire time, forgetting to both close his book and turn off the lamp.

'Reminds me of lost times,' she said serenely, 'and I have lost many.'

Y/N was struck by the sudden realisation that he didn't actually know much about Minerva. He'd known that when he was younger, she'd been seeing someone, but he'd passed away before Y/N was old enough to remember. A Venomous Tentacula bite he believed. But in terms of her family, or even how close she'd been with... Elpstone? Erphinstone? He had no idea.

'Mum...' he said slowly. 'What was your life like, before me? I realise I've never really asked.'

'Nor would I have expected you to,' she said. 'I did my best to keep the two elements separated whilst you were young, you'd lost one family after all, I hardly wanted to see you potentially lose more. Especially with what did eventually happen. But I suppose now is as good a time as any.'

Minerva heaved a sigh and then continued.

'Well, I'm sure you remember Urquart?'

'Vaguely,' said Y/N

'Elphinstone Urquart. I never properly introduced the two of you as I never knew if you'd get along. He was a Senior within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The man chased me for years, hounding me with proposal after proposal but I had eyes for another. A Scottish farmer by the name of Dougal McGregor. But farming wasn't for me, and I worried that marrying him would bring my life ambitions to an end. But I could not accept Elphinstone's proposal until I was certain by feelings for Dougal had passed.'

'And did they pass?' asked Y/N.

'More, he did,' said Minerva. 'He was killed by Death Eaters back in the first wizarding war. An anti-muggle stand. I've always wondered, if I'd just gone with him, chosen to stay with him, could I have stopped it? We were engaged for a time back in 1954. But I just couldn't go through with it. Too many what-ifs, too many questions, and I hadn't told him that I was a witch.'

'I'm sorry mum,' said Y/N, but Minerva shrugged.

'Time heals all wounds, even if the scars never truly fade. I continued refusing Elphinstone for a while, but then in 1982 I felt I couldn't really say no anymore. He bought a cottage for us out in Hogsmeade for the days when I had to stay overnight at the castle and you were babysat by Poppy.'

'Madam Pomfrey used to babysit me?' asked Y/N.

'Oh yes,' said Minerva 'She knows children as well as she knows remedies, I'd have been lost without her help on those days that truly felt like grinding my head against nails.'

'I wondered why she never seemed to get that sick of seeing me in there.'

'I've never seen her rush around more than the day you got hit by the troll,' said Minerva. 'It was as if her own son had been injured. Cursing both the troll and your name, and when she found out it had been Quirrell...'

Y/N couldn't help but laugh.

'But Elphinstone and I were not to last either. He passed away in 1985 from a bite from Venomous Tentacula. Once he'd died, I sold the cottage and just moved back here with you full-time. You were five by then, mostly able to look after yourself for an hour or two and it wasn't long before you were making yourself breakfast. You were always smart.'

'Is that who the spare bedroom was for then?' asked Y/N.

But to his surprise, Minerva shook her head.

'That was for my brothers. Whichever decided to visit me.'

'You have brothers?' asked Y/N in amazement and Minerva nodded.

'Two. Malcolm and Robert Jr. I haven't seen Malcolm in so long, we fell out of touch after I took full-time care of you. It was my own fault, didn't feel as though I had enough time. Maybe once all this is over, I'll reach out to him again.'

'And Robert?' asked Y/N.

'Also killed by Death Eaters in the first wizarding war,' said Minerva. 'I lost a lot of people I care about. And I worry the same may be about to happen again.'

'I've already lost so many...' said Y/N. 'Ves, Sirius, now Emmeline. We've only just started and already it feels like we're being picked off.'

'This is exactly how it went before,' said Minerva. 'I just hope that the rumours are true. And that you and Harry may well be answers to our plight this time. Because if not... I can't lose you too.'

'You won't mum,' said Y/N, 'I promise.'

'You'll have to forgive how I've smothered you over the years,' she said after a short pause. 'I knew it was tough, you've been growing up, and "kids always know better than their parents", I'm aware. But I just never wanted to lose you too, not after everything I'd already lost. And I think I missed the point where you stopped being a child who was knocking my pots off the counter and turned into the wizard who was duelling Death Eaters.'

Y/N got up, moved around the table, and hugged her. Minerva returned the gesture happily, though didn't let it last for long and soon gestured for him to retake his seat and continue eating.

'Clearing out the room for Hermione a few years ago was oddly therapeutic,' she added. 'It felt as though I was finally letting that part go. I think I was worried that if I changed that room I'd forget about Robert. But now I'm just glad to see it getting used again. He wouldn't have wanted me to wallow. None of them would have.'

It was a slightly more subdued meal after this, Minerva seemed to realise that she'd given Y/N a decent amount to think about, and sure enough she had. Y/N returned to his room that night with his mind racing, but above all else was the prevailing knowledge.

People who'd experienced Voldemort's last reign, of which there must be so many, are watching it happen all over again, watching those they care about be put at risk again. Especially those within the Order, who'd lost two of their strongest members in such a short space of time. He understood why so many gave up when prompted with the threat.

And he knew why he'd have to fight twice as hard to ensure they lost as few as possible.

()()()()()()

The headline in the Daily Prophet the next day bore a picture of Emmeline Vance, and underneath it, the three newly imprisoned Death Eaters. The article beneath told of the capture of the Death Eaters and of Emmeline and Y/N's hand in it.

It also included the quote from Scrimgeour, a standard mess of words that meant very little, and the quote from Y/N. But it seemed to cut out quite randomly just before he'd blamed the Ministry.

Hermione, whom Y/N had told everything the night prior after his conversation with Minerva, was beside herself.

'They can't go pulling a stunt like that!' Her writing within the diary was slanted and a little bit messier than usual. Y/N could mentally picture her furiously scribbling away to him. 'That wasn't your quote! It's false advertising, acting as if you stand with them when you don't!'

'That's how the Ministry work 'Mione, you know that' he scribbled back, 'especially at the moment. Anything they can do to not act like we just lost one of our best. And again, all we've done is put them behind bars. You've already seen the news of Dementors defecting and growing in number. Give it 6 months and they won't even be in Azkaban anymore.'

'Looks like we're going to have to do more than just try and reform Elf rights if we make it into the Ministry, or I am at least. You can handle things on the Hogwarts front, I'll take care of them.'

'Don't go declaring war on the whole Ministry just yet, we've got this one to finish first. Are we still on for the day after tomorrow?'

'Yep! My parents aren't the happiest about it, especially after we just had all those enchantments put up, but they understand that it's much safer if I'm with you, especially whilst we don't have a headquarters. They can't exactly protect me against Death Eaters in the same way you and Minerva can. Have you heard any more about Ollivander or Florean?'

'Nothing on Ollivander. Still missing. They found Florean's body though. Death Eater handiwork. Moody thinks they got Karkaroff as well. Apparently, he's missed check-in once or twice.'

'It's so insane to read. The Brockdale bridge... and Amelia Bones, I mean, we met her at the Quidditch World Cup.'

'No nonsense, seemed incredibly powerful, according to Moody. They reckon Voldemort killed her himself. A personal grudge, I'm not surprised she lost against him. But yeah, I get what you mean, after Emmeline.'

'I'll be there soon, yeah? Then you can talk about all of this as much as you need to. I'll be more than happy to just lie in your arms and listen.'

'Sounds like bliss.'

'What are the other Order members up to?'

'Kingsley is in the muggle Prime Minister's office now. Took over after a Junior Minister started acting like a duck. They think it was a bad Imperius curse. Remus is vanishing for days at a time. Surprised I even saw him yesterday. He's doing work with the werewolves. Tonks got promoted and Moody reinstated, they're both seniors in the Auror office now. Dumbledore keeps leaving to do other things.'

'And have you read page six this morning?'

Y/N flipped to the page in question and skimmed the article.

Mass destruction across Somerset, buildings trampled, foundations ripped up, bodies everywhere. Apparently, the muggles were blaming it on hurricanes. But the article very heavily hinted towards something else. And Y/N could tell what from the pictures taken of the footprints.

'Of course he's got Giants as well. Should have seen this coming after how poorly Hagrid's trip went.'

'What are we supposed to do against all of this? He's only been back for two weeks and already we've lost Amelia, Emmeline, half of Somerset and a bridge full of muggles.'

'We just have to keep doing what we are. We aren't responsible for this part of the fight just yet. We need to finish our education, and then it's our turn. Until then we just need to trust the Order.'

'As much as I know you're right, it feels wrong, feels like we're just ignoring it, you know?'

'Believe me, I know, but we don't have any other choice unfortunately. Dumbledore's already said he'll call on me if he needs me though, and hopefully, you guys can help as well. We all proved ourselves at the Ministry.'

'Let's hope Dumbledore feels the same way.'

'He will, don't worry love. Anyway, I've got to go make sure everything for Emmeline is in order. And see if I can get in touch with Dumbledore. Speak soon!'

He snapped his journal closed, pushing it away from him, he felt the dull pulse that signalled Hermione's response but knew it most likely was just some variation of goodbye or stay safe.

He moved over to his wardrobe, threw on some clothes, attached his holster, replaced his army of jewellery, and then went downstairs to join his mum who was already sitting at the kitchen table, reading her own copy of the Daily Prophet.

'They really do love you, don't they?' she asked as Y/N took his seat.

'It's getting a bit annoying, to be honest,' said Y/N, 'and it's only just started. Have you seen the bit about Somerset?'

'Yes,' said Minerva gravely. 'I dare say that may well be where Albus is. He no doubt heard about it almost immediately.'

'Speaking of, any idea what the plan is?'

'If you mean with Emmeline, nothing yet,' said Minerva. 'The Order want to wait till Dumbledore is back. You have however been requested to help with the clearing out of Number 12. They're checking over Sirius' room and apparently, there are some bits left lying around. They don't know whether it was him or Kreacher.'

Y/N felt a pang but nodded.

'I'll do what I can, are they coming to get me or am I heading over?'

'Just take Eternus over once you're ready,' said Minerva. 'It's just Remus there at the moment I believe.'

The two of them ate and then as Minerva had instructed, Y/N went up to his room, scooping up Eternus off their perch and soon, he was winding slowly up the street towards Number 12.

He hadn't wanted to just appear inside, lest Remus curse him, and he wanted to sweep the area outside before he went in. They still weren't sure who headquarters actually belonged to now that Sirius had passed away.

The street outside of Grimmauld Place seemed barren, however, and Y/N's approach was uninterrupted. He moved up to the door of Number 12, tapped it with his wand, and heard all the locks begin to slide and click out of place.

Y/N pushed open the door, crossed the threshold, and closed it gently behind him.

'Homenum Revelio,' Y/N breathed.

His eyes scanned upwards as his spell moved and then he felt it wrap around something, a lone figure, all the way up in Sirius' room.

He'd used the spell for two reasons. One, to confirm that Remus was quite alone, and two, to alert Remus that someone else had entered the house. The spell gave an odd sensation as if something had just swooped over your head. Hopefully, it would give Remus some time to compose himself if he needed it.

And sure enough, as Y/N reached the top of the stairs, Remus stood there, wand raised.

'What is the name of the parchment that shows the location of all beings within Hogwarts castle?'

'The Marauders map, designed by Prongs, Padfoot, Wormtail, and yourself, Moony,' replied Y/N.

Remus lowered his wand.

'I assume that Revelio spell was you?'

'Yeah, wanted to make sure it was just us.'

'A smart move, I was not aware that you'd been taught that spell yet.'

'Since when have I been restricted by the curriculum?' said Y/N as the two of them entered Sirius' room.

The room was as messy and unkept as the man himself had been. No doubt from being cooped up for so long in a house he did not enjoy, Sirius had stopped looking after the room he slept in. The bed was practically falling apart, clothes littered the floor, and the window was almost as dirty as it had been when Sirius and Y/N had begun their cleaning.

The two of them set to work, Remus moving over to a chest of drawers that he'd been peering through before Y/N's arrival, Y/N moving over to the wardrobe and pulling out a thin box that was tucked in the bottom shelf which seemed to carry documents.

'How have you been keeping anyway, Remus?' asked Y/N, sitting down with the box and beginning to pull out the documents, dropping unimportant or expired ones to his left and ones that'd most likely need a closer read on his right. 'How are the werewolves treating you?'

'As well as can be expected with me being an outcast,' said Remus. 'They don't like Dumbledore or the Ministry, and it's hard to find any who don't know about my affiliation with both of them. Especially now that Greyback is prowling amongst them, spreading word of how we can retake the surface from Wizards and we'll be the ones in power.'

'Hard to ignore things like that when they can be phrased as coming from Voldemort himself.'

'Voldemort would never give werewolves power. He'll turn on them as quickly as he has the rest of the world.' Said Remus 'But Greyback is a useful tool, and by making promises to him and allowing him off of his leash from time to time, he can scare many families with nothing more than a name drop.'

'So why do you keep going back if it's not working out?' asked Y/N. 'It just sounds risky.'

'I have to try Y/N. They are my people, as much as I may hate it. I can't just let that bridge burn so easily. That, and it keeps me away from the others.'

'What do you mean?'

'Tonks... has formed somewhat of an attraction to me.'

'Well, that's a good thing, isn't it?' asked Y/N.

'Under normal circumstances, yes,' said Remus, 'but I bring along a whole host of problems before we even talk about relationships. The Wolfsbane potion, difficulty working, allegiance to Voldemort, prejudice and shame follow me everywhere I go.'

'Only because you let shame,' said Y/N, 'and I know it can't be easy to let something like that go, but you're a good man, Remus. A better man than most, never mind whatever blood may run in your veins.'

'By even associating with me, she puts her own job and future on the line,' said Remus. 'It's not a path I'm willing to let her walk.'

'That's not your decision though,' said Y/N, now just resting his hands on the box so he can focus on Remus. 'It's hers as much as it is yours. And whilst the relationship can't happen unless you both consent, you can't just lock out any idea of a potential future. There will be a life once Voldemort is defeated. And if I have anything to say about it, you'll have a job back at the school.'

'I would not-'

'That's non-negotiable,' said Y/N sternly. 'We'll almost definitely need a new Defence teacher at some point and I will ensure that it is you. But that's not my point. One day you're going to have to stop running, stop fighting, and accept that you are allowed to settle down.'

'I don't know that life, Y/N,' said Remus. 'All I know is running, hopping from workplace to workplace, managing a couple of weeks, getting paid, and then slipping off before I transform.'

'Exactly! So why not give things a try with Tonks? Stop avoiding her, see how you feel, and spend some time together. Maybe it'll work out, maybe it won't. But if you run, you'll never find out the answer.'

'And if it does work, then what?' asked Remus harshly. 'She'll also be subjected to a life of ridicule, a life of pressure and prejudice. And heaven forbid we ever have any children. They shall be born as I am, subject to that which I am. They will be born a monster-'

'You are not a monster!' said Y/N sternly. 'You're a human being who was dealt one of the poorest hands a person can be dealt. Remus, the fact that you see all of this the way that you do is proof enough. You know the other werewolves don't see it that way, you told me as much just a few minutes ago. You can't keep hiding or running because of what you are. It is you.'

But Remus shook his head.

'I mean no offence Y/N but you just don't understand. Your words are good, and I get the meaning, but it's just not that easy.'

'No, and I appreciate that,' said Y/N, 'but you have to start somewhere, and why not here? Who's to say, Tonks' reputation wouldn't paint you in a better light? She's gathered quite the rap sheet, especially after she "single-handedly took down the Carrows".'

'We both know-'

'What actually happened isn't important,' said Y/N 'What is, is you trying to change things. Trying to get your name and voice out there. You're the reason I'm even half as good as I am, and I'll tell anyone who asks that. But you still won't see it for what it is. Maybe I am a great wizard. Maybe I am meant to be this "Rising Phoenix" bullshit, but that doesn't change that I'd have no control over my emotions if not for you. And my emotions are what make me this powerful.'

Remus had fallen silent now, staring down at one of Sirius' shirts which he'd been in the process of folding.

'You remind me of him in a weird way you know,' said Remus after a while, still staring at the shirt. 'So headstrong, so reckless, and yet still with this undeniable wisdom despite going through the same things, seeming years ahead. It's an amazing combination of traits Y/N, and I'm glad you've chosen to nurture it.'

'He was gone before his time,' said Y/N sadly.

'He was, then he wasn't. And now he is again,' said Remus. 'James, Sirius, and even Peter to a degree. I am all that's left. The walking husk of a time long gone. But I do know that both James and Sirius would have given me that same lecture. And for the sake of both of them and you, I shall at least consider it.'

'Mum told me a story yesterday about her old sweetheart. A Scottish farmer whom she got engaged to. She broke off their engagement shortly after because she hadn't told him she was a witch. And she felt as though to marry him, she would need to give up on her future, giving up on everything she was fighting for. He was killed by Death Eaters years later. She still has a picture of him on her desk. She never knew whether she'd made the right decision, which from my experience, normally means you might not have.'

'I hardly think Tonks is my high school sweetheart, Y/N. The age gap alone-'

'Look, it's a rough time, everything is up in the air, especially for us. We don't know what tomorrow is going to bring. But don't you think you should at least try? Even if just to give Tonks her answer. Or else, a few years from now, if something were to happen, you may be left in that same "What if" position.'

The two fell into silence again, Remus still staring down at the shirt, Y/N watching him from where he sat on the bed.

After a while, when it became apparent that Remus did not intend to speak anytime soon, Y/N continued sorting through the box. He'd gone through another twelve or so documents, the sound of his rustling being the only thing filling the room when he reached one in particular.

He'd almost glanced over it in his zoned-out state, evidently too distracted with the conversation he'd just had with Remus. But as he read the words along the top, he was brought crashing back down into reality.

The Last Will and Testament of Sirius Black III

'Remus!' he said, pulling the document out, dropping the rest of the box on the bed and carrying it over to him. 'Look!'

Remus took it from him rather gingerly, but his eyes widened as he read the words at the top of the page, his eyes quickly scanning the contents.

'Dumbledore was right!' he said. 'Sirius has left practically everything to Harry. His personal belongings, Grimmauld Place, and Kreacher!'

'If this will is all fully official then that means the legal owner of this house is Harry. The Death Eaters can't get in!'

'Luckily, we haven't moved all that much out of here yet, Dumbledore wanted to wait until we'd searched Sirius' room, and now I can very much see why. Hold on, there's an extra bit down here.'

Remus paused to read the line, his eyes scanning it over and over.

'What's up?' asked Y/N.

Remus did not answer himself, instead, he held the will up towards Y/N, staring straight ahead as he did so, he looked a million miles away. Y/N took the will, glanced down at the line, and felt his heart soar.

"I also leave the contents of the Black Family vault. Vault number 711 is to be split evenly between Harry James Potter and Remus John Lupin. I hope that it will serve to further the lives of both of them and help bring them a little bit of luck and joy where they brought me so much."

'The Black family vault, they're an old Wizarding family, aren't they? There must be a fortune in there!'

Remus chuckled.

'He always did know how to surprise me and keep me on my toes. It would appear not even death can stop that part of him.'

Remus took the will again and stared down at the words printed across the page.

'Thank you, old friend.'

(A/N: First of all, welcome back! Hope you enjoyed our return. We're starting off heavy because we can.

And second of all, as we're near the season I feel like I should say something so happy holidays to all those who celebrate and I hope your time with your families, whether by blood or choice, go or have gone wonderfully! But as per usual I wanted to take a special note of those who struggle this time of year or don't celebrate for different reasons.

Life sucks. There are no two ways about it. Life is shit. Sometimes less so, sometimes more so. But when it has it's ups, they are truly ups. And no matter how long it takes. They'll be due your way soon enough. I can't provide all the answers, I can't tell you when, how or what they'll be. But believe me, I've struggled. And the fact that I'm still here and able to write for you all means so much. So I promise you, no matter how dark the tunnel may seem. There is an end. And you'll be stronger for it once you get there

My message won't mean much to many of you. And for some of you it may even seem like empty words or promises. Something to scoff at or gloss over. But know that I love each and every one of you. Those who just pass by, those who vote or give kudos. Those who follow or bookmark me. Or even those who have lurked for years. I see and love you all. You made me and this story what it is. And if you can take pride in nothing else this season. Take pride in the fact that you made me keep writing. You made me forge ahead with my tale. Every chapter that releases, every word you see, is all because of you. And whilst that may not fix many of the problems you have. I hope you can at least feel better about yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back. And acknowledge that I, at least, care that you're still out there

It always feels so empty doing things like that. Because I know I can't cure or fix your problems. But you helped me, so if my story can distract you from the things that bother you. Then I'm here to help you.I love you all, please enjoy.)