A Delicate Conversation
The air was crisp and biting as Marlene, Sirius, James, and Lily made their way down the winding path toward the Tonks’ residence. The small, unassuming cottage was nestled away from prying eyes, surrounded by wildflowers and the protective enchantments cast by Ted and Andromeda Tonks. Remus had stayed back at the Potter Cottage to comb through more books, claiming he’d be more useful there. The truth was, he preferred research over the high-risk confrontation that this meeting could potentially become.
“Alright, Padfoot. You’re sure Andy won’t hex us on sight?” James asked, glancing over his shoulder as they walked.
“She’s my cousin, not a Death Eater,” Sirius replied, though his voice was taut with worry. “But… well, if this goes wrong, she might try to hex me on principle.”
Lily rolled her eyes. “Let’s just hope she’s willing to listen.”
They reached the door, and Sirius knocked firmly. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, they heard a shuffle of feet and the sound of at least three different locks being unlatched.
The door creaked open to reveal Andromeda Tonks. She looked older than the last time Sirius had seen her, her features sharp and tired, though her eyes still gleamed with intelligence.
“Sirius.” Her voice was cool, assessing. Her gaze flickered to the others. “Marlene. James. Lily. It’s been a long time.”
“Too long,” Sirius said, attempting a smile that fell flat. “We need to talk, Andy.”
Andromeda raised an eyebrow. “You mean you need a favor. I could hear the nerves in your voice from the moment you knocked.”
Sirius chuckled darkly. “You always could read me like a book.”
Andromeda stepped aside. “Come in, then. Just don’t break anything.”
They entered the small, cozy living room, where warm, welcoming scents of herbs and parchment mingled. Ted’s influence was everywhere—bright colors, muggle trinkets, photographs of a small girl with bubblegum-pink hair grinning and making faces. Their daughter, Nymphadora Tonks.
“Sit,” Andromeda said, gesturing to the mismatched couches and chairs. “Ted’s out with Dora for the day, so we won’t be interrupted.”
Sirus sighs, “Awe, you got a cute kid, that I have yet to meet. Black family outcasts have to stick together Andy.”
Andromeda rolls her eyes and smiles, “Yes, she is cute until she gets in trouble. Also, I was going to invite you over but I also have to keep my family safe. Wonder why you were able to see the house? I added you into the wards.”
Sirus smirks and the whole group follows them through the hallway into the living room.
Once they were settled, Andromeda’s eyes bore into Sirius’s. “Now, what in Merlin’s name could have you standing at my doorstep?”
Sirius sighed, leaning forward. “I need you to get a message to Narcissa.”
Andromeda’s expression froze, her gaze becoming icy. “Why?”
Marlene quickly jumped in. “We need to speak with her and Lucius. It’s… well, we believe they have information that could change the tide of the war. And there’s more. The future of the wizarding world is at stake.”
Andromeda’s eyes flickered between them; skepticism etched into every line of her face. “I haven’t spoken to Cissy face-to-face in years. Not since I was burned off the Black family tree. But we exchange letters. Quietly. Very carefully. Why should I risk more than that for you?”
Sirius’s voice was uncharacteristically calm. “Because whatever loyalty Narcissa has to Voldemort, it’s been outweighed by her desire to stay alive. Also, you know how calculated she gets. She knows how the risks outweigh the benefits of following that monster. And if we’re right, what we’re working on might be the only chance to save her from a life she doesn’t want.”
Andromeda’s eyes narrowed. “She has always been calculated in her choices, but she can also be swayed. You think she’s not loyal to him?”
“I think she’s loyal to her survival, first and foremost,” Sirius replied. “And I think she’s smart enough to know she’s standing on the wrong side of a war that will destroy her.”
Marlene leaned in. “Please, Andromeda. Just send her a message. Ask her to meet us. Two days from now. Noon. At the Potters’ cottage.”
Andromeda’s expression remained stony. “And if she says no?”
“Then we’ll find another way,” James said. “But we need to try.”
Andromeda studied their faces, her gaze lingering on Sirius’s. “You’re desperate.”
“You have no idea,” Sirius replied. His voice cracked slightly.
Andromeda let out a long, resigned breath. “Fine. I’ll send her a letter tonight. But if you think I’m endangering my family for your harebrained schemes, you’re dead wrong.”
“We’re not asking you to put your family at risk,” Lily said gently. “Just… ask her to come. If she agrees, we’ll handle the rest.”
Andromeda glanced at Lily. “Two days, then. I’ll get your answer by tomorrow.”
As the group prepared to leave, Andromeda said, “Wait. Before you go, I have something.” She went over to a small chest and withdrew a letter. “Narcissa mentioned something odd a few weeks ago. A rumor. She said Regulus had been seen, alive. Possibly hiding somewhere in Wales. It may be important.”
Sirius’s eyes widened. “Wales? Are you sure?”
Andromeda handed him the letter. “I don’t know if it’s true. But she seemed to think it was worth mentioning.”
Sirius’s hands trembled slightly as he took the letter. “Thank you, Andy.”
Andromeda nodded, her expression softer now. “Just… be careful. Whatever you’re doing, be sure it’s worth the cost.”
Potter Cottage – Later That Night
The group returned to the Potter Cottage to rest before the big meeting with Narcissa and Lucius. Remus retreated to his room, too drained to participate in any more planning. Marlene and Sirius decide to stay the night instead of going home.
Marlene lay on her back in the guest room, staring at the ceiling. Sirius lay beside her, his arm draped over his eyes.
“You’re quiet,” Marlene murmured.
“Just thinking,” Sirius replied. “About how mad this all is. And how I dragged you into it.”
“You didn’t drag me anywhere. I chose this and am involved anyway if that girl we met truly is our future daughter,” Marlene said, her voice gentle but firm. “And I would choose it again. Because I’m choosing you.”
Sirius dropped his arm and looked at her, his gray eyes softening. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”
“I try,” Marlene whispered. “We’ve made it this far. We’ll keep going.”
Sirius leaned over, brushing a kiss against her forehead. “You make me believe that’s true.”
Upstairs, James and Lily were curled up together.
“I’m scared,” Lily admitted, her voice small.
“So am I,” James whispered. “But you’re here. We’re here. And we’re fighting together.”
Lily’s eyes shimmered with tears. “I love you, James Potter.”
“And I love you, Lily Potter. Always.”
They held each other in the quiet, each knowing that the battle ahead would test them more than anything before.