Unraveled

Chapter One: Too Late

            She sat awake at night in their flat waiting for him to return.  It was a dark time for all of humankind as far as she was concerned.  Things were never easy for Thalia.  She never felt completely safe unless she was with her husband.  Thing were worst when she was alone because she spent much of her time fighting demons within her.  She felt like she was struggling against her true nature.

            The sound of a motorcycle coming herald not only her husband, but also the return of her safety.  She opened the window to find him walking up to door.  He craned his neck upwards to see look at her ivory pale skin and black hair whipping in the night breeze.  Her eyes were clear amber, and she was grateful that they were.  "You shouldn't be standing there like that," said her husband.  "What are you waiting for?" he asked her.

            "Someone to take me away from here," said Thalia with a laugh.  Her husband looked around him as if he was looking for someone.  His black hair was shining under the moonlight.  His eyes looked back at her with amusement.  "There's no one else here, so I guess it's me," he said as he unlocked the door with the unlocking spell.  He must have apparated upstairs because as soon as Thalia turned around he was standing in their bedroom.

            "I've missed you," he whispered softly as he took her into his arms.  "You shouldn't be waiting in the balcony like that.  It's too cold."

            "I only did because I knew I would be hot later on," said Thalia with a smile.  He kissed her lips.  He pressed up against her and gently pushed her onto the bed.  She peeled off his leather jacket as he pulled the straps of her nightgown down.

            Thalia wanted nothing more, but to give a child to her husband.  He said it was not the right time with the Dark Lord sweeping through the wizarding world.  Thalia knew more than any one what kind of evil the Dark Lord was capable of.  She could feel it in her.  However, she knew that her child would have a better chance.  Her child would not be in danger of falling.

            She closed her eyes and allowed herself to feel his warmth.  He loved her.  He always did.  He loved her from the first moment he saw her.  She lied to him from the beginning because she was afraid of what he would think of her.  She was afraid that he would not love her. 

            Sirius Black was haunted by those memories.  Worst yet, they were played over and over again when he was in Azkaban.  He could not help, but think of her.  Most people did not know that he had a wife.  Thalia Renard.  That was the name she gave him when she first introduced herself.  They were married during the time of darkness.  Sirius was working as an Auror and he did not want many people knowing about his wife.  There were only a handful of people who knew that he was married.

            Only Remus Lupin and Severus Snape knew what caused Sirius Black to walk out on her.  Lupin was told fourteen years after the fact.  Snape knew about Thalia from the beginning, but gave no warning to Sirius.  The part of Sirius that was damaged the most was his trust in people.  How could he trust people if his own wife lied to him?

            Sirius Black felt a hollow space inside him.  It was his decision to walk out on his wife, and he had to live with that.  Sirius was a stubborn man, and he wasn't about to try and look for her.  He expected her to go into hiding after the fall of Voldemort at the hands of one-year-old Harry Potter.  Sirius hated her for her deception and lies.  She betrayed his trust. 

            He had no idea that he left his wife with child.

*

            Fiona Black walked down the street to her house.  She was dressed in her school uniform and walking very slowly home.  Her mother would be at home waiting for her, but Fiona wasn't looking forward to seeing her.  She got another note from school for starting a small riot in chemistry class.  She did not mean to do it, but some days she just couldn't control herself.  She got blamed for throwing papers all around the classroom.  In fact, she made the papers float, but it was an accident.  Fiona was lucky that she had her martial arts class that day, so she was able to put off going home for two more hours after school let up.

            Fiona was short for her age.  She had jet-black hair, but it wasn't the same thickness as her mothers.  Her mother was a dance teacher who also taught music.  Fiona wasn't tall enough or graceful enough to be a ballerina like her mother, but she was very talented in music.  Her eyes were an odd color.  They were red like rubies.  Her skin was the same ivory pale like her mother's.  Most kids at the school thought that she looked goth.  She looked like a little China, goth doll.  Her hair was short, but long in the front.  It was straight, not wavy like her mother's.

            Fiona was a very smart girl who was one year ahead of her other counterparts.  She was picked on for being so smart.  Some even went as far as to call her a "witch."  She wished that she was as tall and graceful as her mother.  Her mother had an accent that Fiona was positive was English.  For as long as Fiona could remember, her mother always hid her accent.  Fiona had no idea why.

            There were a lot of things Fiona did not know about her mother.  She knew virtually nothing about her mother's up bring.  Thalia always told Fiona that her mother died when she was born, and that her father was a stern man.  Fiona could tell that Thalia was afraid of something.  Furthermore, Fiona knew that her mother was hiding some kind of sadness. 

            Thalia never talked about Fiona's father.  She said that he was a good man.  Thalia told Fiona that no matter what anyone said about her father that he was a good man.  Thalia still wore her wedding band.  She never told her daughter who her father was, not even his name.  Fiona didn't know if her father was dead or alive, only that his absence caused a void that only a father could fill. 

            There were many secrets that Fiona didn't know about.  The most important information was kept from Fiona: she was a full blood witch.  Her mother chose not to tell her anything.  Fiona had no idea that her mother and godmother, Nell, argued about it.  Fiona vaguely remembered getting a cookie when she was four by making it float towards her.  Fiona couldn't understand why her mother was so upset with her, so she cried when her mother scolded her. 

            Every once in a while, Fiona could hear her mother say something that sounded like, "Just like your father."  Thalia usually said it when Fiona did something especially mischievous.  Fiona also had a startling temper, and her mother also said that she got that from her father.  Fiona would say something when she was angry that she would later apologize for.  It was one thing that Fiona's father could never do.

            Nell Lawson was Fiona's godmother, but Fiona had two godfathers that she did not know about.  She had a "godbrother" through her father.  His name was Harry Potter.  She had no idea that all those people were English.

            Fiona was raised American.  Her godmother was American, and her mother spoke with a near perfect American accent.  She didn't even know what part of England her mother was from.  Fiona got the feeling that her mother ran from something awful. 

            There were many words used to describe Fiona Black: intelligent, deceptive, empathetic, sympathetic, and loving.  Some how, despite all the challenges, Thalia managed to raise a very loving child.  She kept her daughter away from the wizarding world because she doubted that Fiona would be accepted and loved as much.  Thalia doubted that Fiona's father would love her.  Much to Thalia's relief, Fiona did not have any dark impulses she had to fight.  She was free of the struggle that Thalia was confronted with almost everyday. 

            Thalia never felt safe, so she was on constant alert.  Nell was always nearby as their neighbor, and she was a witch.  They both created a spell that protected Fiona from the dark forces.  Nell always thought that Thalia handled the Fiona's magic wrong.  She thought it was wrong to deny Fiona's heritage as a witch.  Thalia was always quick to remind Nell that Fiona had dark magic in her veins as well.  Thalia said that Fiona's bloodlines would get her ostracized in good wizarding society.  There was also the stigma of the Black name.  Thalia refused to deny Fiona her father's name. 

            Nell always thought of Thalia as a paradox.  Her husband abandoned Thalia, but she still loved him.  He was sent to prison, yet Thalia never believed that he killed all those Muggles and Peter Pettigrew.  Nell found it a little hard to believe, but Thalia insisted that her husband was impulsive and that he would never hurt anyone on purpose.  Nell didn't like Thalia lying to Fiona, but she could not go against her friend and tell her goddaughter the truth.

            The day was going to be the first of many bad days for Fiona Black.  There were so many things that she did not know about herself.  She got to the door of her house and searched for the keys.  She found them and unlocked the door.  The house was strangely quiet.  She walked forward and took off her shoes.  The living room had papers all over the place, leaves from the houseplants were on the floor, and there were broken pieces of ceramic from the vases. 

            Fiona walked further into the living room.  A moment later, there was a scream from a child.

*

            Severus Snape was in his dungeon getting ready to tell his report to Dumbledore about his latest mission into the Death Eaters.  There was a plan that Voldemort had that he did not have access to.  The only thing Snape knew was Voldemort had dispatched two Death Eaters to the United States to look into some thing and come back with a report.  Voldemort disappeared after the report came back. 

            Suddenly, Snape stopped in his tracks.  He only knew one person who went to America to go into hiding.  It was Thalia Renard.  Or rather, Thalia Black.  He shook his head.  Surely, even Voldemort would not go as far.  Snape shook his head again because he knew that Voldemort would go that far.  He walked as fast as he could to Professor Dumbledore's office.

            "Licorice spiders," said Snape at the gargoyle.  The door opened and he found that Dumbledore was waiting for him.

            "What do you have Severus?" he asked after some pleasantries.

            "Voldemort has planned some kind of attack in America," said Snape.

            "Really?  I thought that he was going to take things slower this time and just try for Europe first," said Dumbledore thoughtfully.

            "I don't think he's raising an army there," said Snape as he looked at Fawkes.

            "What do you think he did?" asked Dumbledore.  He knew everything that Snape knew. 

            "Thalia," whispered Snape.

            Dumbledore had a grave look on his face as he settled back into his chair.  "How old would her child be?" he asked.

            "The child is almost fourteen.  I don't know if she had a boy or girl.  She never maintained contact with anyone from here," said Snape.

            "We must find them and protect them.  It might be already too late," said Dumbledore.

            "What about Black?" spat Snape bitterly.  It was one thing to accuse Snape of being evil, but how could Sirius Black suspect Thalia of being evil?

            Dumbledore leaned forward in his chair.  "I think it's time we inform him.  He's still on the run, but he needs to know about his wife.  And his child," said Dumbledore.

            Snape sat there and held his tongue.  As far as he was concerned, Sirius Black was a fool for abandoning Thalia.  He did not deserve to have a wonderful wife like her.  Snape believed that Black forfeited all his rights as a husband and father when he walked out to face off with Pettigrew.  He was also an escaped convict.  What kind of father would he make to the child? 

            "You will have to find them first.  I will break the news to Sirius," said Professor Dumbledore.

            "Whatever you think is best, Professor Dumbledore," said Snape as he stood up to go back to the dungeons.  How was he supposed to them if they were living in the Muggle world? 

            "Hello Severus," said a mild voice.

            "Lupin," snapped back Snape.

            "What were you doing there?" asked Remus Lupin.  He returned to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.

            "I had to meet with Professor Dumbledore.  Do you remember Thalia?" he asked.  Severus knew the answer.  Of course, Remus would know about Thalia.  He would know because Remus was the best man at Black's wedding.  James Potter was not because he thought that the position should go to a bachelor.  At the time, Lily Potter was already expecting Harry Potter.  However, Thalia did not have many friends, so Lily was her maid-of-honor.  Severus remembered because Thalia had invited him to the wedding.  He declined the invitation, but attended anyway by using an invisibility cloak. 

            "Yes, I remember Thalia.  She left England after Sirius was arrested and sent to Azkaban," said Remus sadly.  "What about her?"

            "She went into hiding in America.  Did Black tell you anything else he may have found out about his wife?" asked Snape.

            "No.  He only joked around once saying that he knew where her birthmark was, but she stopped him before he said anything," said Remus with a smile.  "Do you think we should contact her?  She would know about Sirius escape from Azkaban.  She's in no danger.  Sirius wouldn't hurt her."

            "Are you so sure of that, Lupin?" snapped Snape. 

            "He loves her.  I'm sure that he still does.  He hasn't talked about her because of what happened.  Sirius doesn't want to Thalia to get into trouble for associating with her," said Lupin evenly.  Why was Snape so angry?  It sounded like Snape was defending Thalia's honor.  "Is she in any real danger?" he asked.

            "I am not sure.  I have to locate her in America.  It won't be easy because she's been living in the Muggle world since Black's arrest," said Snape.  He knew for a fact that Thalia took nothing from Sirius.  She only took her wedding band, and even went as far as to leave her engagement ring.  Of course, Black would probably argue that Thalia left with the most valuable thing: their child. 

            "Hmm…what could possibly be after her?" asked Remus, sounding as if he was wondering out loud.  He really wanted Severus to answer his question.

            "Voldemort," answered Snape.

            Remus' calm face paled a little bit.  "Why?" he asked Snape.

            "I suggest you ask Black why.  I would not want to break my word to Thalia," said Snape as he swept passed Remus with his robes bellowing behind him. 

            Remus was going to go see Professor Dumbledore, but he went back to his office instead.  He had to get in touch with Sirius.  Snape just brought up some interesting points.  Sirius hadn't discussed Thalia at all.  Thalia left so suddenly after the Ministry arrested Sirius.

            Thalia Black was always a woman of mystery to Remus.  He always wondered about her past, which she was careful to keep quiet.  At first, she refused to marry Sirius, but she did anyway.  Sirius used to say that he proved to her that he was capable of being a good husband.  He was always happy when he was with her.  Sirius married Thalia, so quickly.  He didn't like to waste time and he was impulsive.  Remus admired that quality in Sirius as long as he used it in moderation. 

            "Sirius," said Remus as he talked to him through the fire.

            "Why are you contacting me?  You know you shouldn't," said Sirius.  He did not want Remus to get into any trouble.

            "Thalia.  Do you know where she is?" asked Remus quietly.  Sirius turned his head away from Remus.

            "I don't care," said Sirius as he tried to close the connection.

            "Snape has been sent to go and look for her.  Sirius, he thinks that she's in danger," said Remus quickly.

            Sirius stopped.  He was staying at Remus' cottage.  He paused as he looked the other way again.  Thalia.  "Whatever it is.  I am sure she can handle it," whispered Sirius. 

            "You can't be sure about it.  If Snape is concerned, you should be, too," said Remus.

            Sirius froze in his place.  Remus never saw him looking so torn  "Where did she go?" he whispered.

            "America, but Snape said the strangest thing.  She's been living in the Muggle world," said Remus.  Sirius had a surprised look on his face.  Considering Thalia's past, he did not think that she would take her chances in the Muggle world. 

            "I'm coming to Hogwarts," decided Sirius as the fire flickered out.

            Remus sat there more puzzled than he was before.  He sensed that Sirius was hiding something.  Thalia was more of a mystery than she was before.  He always thought that Sirius and Snape's rivalry increased when Thalia married Sirius.  It was not until Thalia left the country did Remus find out that Snape knew Thalia.  Now that Remus thought about it, Severus Snape acted like Thalia's older, overprotective brother.  Perhaps, she kept her friendship with Snape quiet, so that Sirius would not be angry.  Remus hypothesized that Thalia and Severus knew each other long before Thalia knew Sirius.  Past lovers?  No, that did not make sense to Remus. 

            During Remus' days in Hogwarts as a student, he was an observer.  He knew that Severus Snape had a crush on Lily Evans.  He would talk to her, and he did not seem to care that she was Muggle born.  Remus, Sirius, and Peter were instrumental in bring James and Lily together.  Sirius hated Snape, but Snape hated James more.  Lily thought that Severus was nice enough, but he wasn't her type.  She fell in love with James Potter.

 Also, there were rumors about Snape practicing dark magic.  Remus' sharp ears even heard some gossip from other Slytherin students about arranged marriages.  The Slytherins were all pure bloods, and so the marriages were arranged to keep the bloodlines pure.  The last Slytherin who was not a pure blood to come through the doors of Hogwarts was Tom Marvolo Riddle.  Remus knew that Lucius Malfoy was engaged to marry Narcissa Beaumount.  He also heard another rumor: Snape couldn't be interested in Lily Evans because he was engaged to marry another girl.  

            Remus sighed.  The rumor was unconfirmed because everyone outside of Slytherin thought that no girl would marry Snape.  He was a greasy haired git.  The Slytherin did not talk about the arranged marriages openly.  Remus remembered when Snape got in trouble for kissing some other girl named Florence.  That was about the only incident Remus could remember that involved Snape and a girl. 

            However, Remus was no closer to finding out the real connection to Thalia and Severus.  He did not know what happened that made Sirius so mad at Thalia that he would be so harsh at the mere mention of her.  And Remus still did not know anything about Thalia Renard.

*

            Nell Lawson sat on the front porch with a protective arm over her goddaughter's shoulders.  The neighbors were gathering around.  The police were putting up tape to keep them back.  The police investigators went in and out of the house with cameras and kits to collect evidence. 

            Fiona was quiet.  She hadn't uttered a single word from her lips since that scream in the afternoon that jolted the entire neighbor.  Her face was paler than Nell thought possible.  She ruby colored eyes were glazed over like her soul was gone.  Her body was cold.  Nell supported her small body. 

            Fiona's eyes focused on the body bag that the men from the coroner's office were carrying out with extra care.  She opened her mouth for a moment, but no words came to her lips.  She looked as if she was going to cry at any moment, but the tears never came down.  Nell held her closer. Fiona did not so much as sob.  There was nothing Nell could say that could make Fiona feel better.  She lost the only parent she had ever known. 

            The police questioned Fiona, but she had lost the ability speak.  They were less than kind when she wouldn't answer their questions until Nell arrived from her work as a doctor in a Muggle hospital.  Nell immediately took over and protected her goddaughter from the barrage of questions from the police.  Social Services came, but Nell told them that she was Fiona's legal guardian and godmother.  Seeing the obvious trauma Fiona was in, Social Services allowed her to stay with Nell.

            Nell ventured back into the house and gathered things up for Fiona to get her through the night.  She was also in the house to do something else.  She had her wand in her pocket.  She did a spell in a soft whisper.  She saw the room glow green and diminish again.  She stepped back in sheer horror.  Her breathing quickened as she looked around.  The house had the afterglow that could only come after the Killing Curse was preformed, but the living room was wrecked in the process.  Nell knew that Thalia put up a fight.

            Nell knew more than anyone that Thalia did not have a chance if she were attacked by someone much more powerful than her.  The only person who could kill Thalia was Voldemort.  She felt a chill run through her spine.  She looked around.  On the floor there were papers.  There was a single hair on the floor.  It was white.  Nell saw bits of wood.  Thalia's wand was destroyed in the attack.

            It was now up to Nell to protect Fiona, so she quickly snapped out of her trance and ran to throw Fiona's things together.  Just enough things to get Fiona through the night.  In the morning, a funeral would be arranged and more talks with the police.  After the funeral, Nell already planned to move herself and Fiona out of the city. 

            Fiona was like a doll.  A real one.  She would move almost mechanically.  She had a dazed look on her face.  Nell took Fiona to her house, which was just across the street.  Fiona said nothing as her godmother tried to get her to at least drink some water.  She felt numb and empty inside.  Her heart was ripped clear out of her chest.

            All her eyes could see was her mother lying on the floor.  She had bruises on her delicate pale skin.  There were no other marks on her.  No bullet wounds.  No stab wounds.   Nothing that Fiona's eyes could see.  It looked like her mother just dropped dead.

            Nell took her to the guest room and tucked Fiona to bed.  Fiona curled up into a fetal position.  Both her parents were now gone.  She felt abandoned.

AN: Whew.  A lot of stuff going on here.  I was inspired by Japanese fanart of Harry Potter.  Some people really know how to draw Sirius Black so well.  And Remus Lupin is my favorite DADA professor.  He is so cool.  And I even like Snape.  So, sue me.  Looks like another drama for me.  Oh, the humanity.  Will I ever stop this torture?  I wasn't even looking for inspiration I just wanted to add more pictures to my growing Harry Potter gallery.  For private viewing only.  Any good theories on Thalia and Snape?  Or Sirius and Thalia? 

For further updates on the fics, go to my web log.  I've decided to open one up because I have so many on-line activities.  It's just a good way of keeping track of things.  Plus, I can tell you when to expect the next part of this fic along with other things.  Please sign my lonely tag board.  ^_^  Feel free to complain there, if the waits too long for you, http://remy.yoll.net. 

Disclaimer: I don't own most of the characters.  I own Thalia Black, Fiona Black, and Nell Lawson.  Three fantastic females.  ^_^