PROLOUGE ―
October 31st, 1981

The cold October wind tousled Sirius's hair as he approached the steps of his home. It was an ordinary day, marked only by his visit to the pub to catch up with his younger sister.

With a twist of the doorknob, Sirius stepped inside, the warmth of the house welcoming him instantly. His gaze softened as it fell on his wife, Callidora, sitting on the couch with their baby girl cradled in her arms. Her very pregnant belly was visible beneath the folds of her sweater.

"Hello, darling," Sirius greeted as he entered the living room, leaning down to plant a kiss on her head.

"Hey, you," Callidora replied with a warm smile, adjusting little Elara on her hip as she stood. "How's Lyra?"

"She wouldn't stop talking about Snivellus," Sirius replied with a smirk as he shrugged off his coat and hung it on the rack.

Callidora chuckled softly as she ascended the stairs, Elara's tiny fingers tangling in her hair, tugging just enough to make her smile.

Callidora possessed a remarkable strength, one that let her handle Sirius's boundless energy and mischievous antics with effortless grace. Petite yet commanding, she had long, flowing brown hair that framed her gentle features and warm, inviting brown eyes that seemed to glow with kindness. Her nurturing nature had always been her defining trait—an innate ability to make those around her feel loved and cared for. From the moment she met Sirius Black, her devotion to him had been unwavering, cemented by the unique bond they shared.

She had first met the Marauders during her inaugural year at Hogwarts and had been a constant presence by their side ever since. Her closest friends included Marlene McKinnon, Mary Macdonald, and Lily Evans, though she also spent time with Dorcas Meadowes and even Regulus Black, Sirius's reserved younger brother.

One of her most cherished friendships, however, was with Pandora Lestrange, who had since become Pandora Lovegood. Pandora's eccentricity and bright outlook on life had balanced Callidora's calm demeanor, creating a friendship that endured through the chaos of the wizarding world.

As the youngest in the distinguished Moonstone family, Callidora was no stranger to responsibility and heartache. Her older sister, Jupiter, had always been a guiding presence, but the loss of her younger brother, Archer, to Dragon Pox in 1979 had left an indelible mark on her heart.

Despite these trials, Callidora had always found strength in her family and friends. For her, love was a constant anchor, whether it was for her husband, her children, or the friendships she held dear.

"So, I was thinking I could take Killian and Elara to go see Harry and Maxine tomorrow," Callidora said, glancing over her shoulder at Sirius as he followed her up the stairs. The mere mention of his godchildren brought a smile to his face.

"That sounds perfect. Speaking of Harry and Maxine, how are Prongs and Evans?" Sirius asked, watching as Callidora gently laid their baby daughter into her crib.

"Lily said she and James are doing just fine," Callidora replied, her voice soft with affection as she adjusted Elara's blanket.

Sirius's grin widened, relief evident in his features. Knowing that his best friend and his wife were happy and safe brought him a sense of peace. He silently commended their decision to make Peter their Secret Keeper—it was a choice they had all agreed would keep their family protected.

"And what about Persephone and Remus?" Sirius asked, stepping closer and gazing down at their sleepy daughter, whose tiny hand twitched as she drifted into dreams.

"Moony says Peter Lupin is due any day now," Callidora said, her smile brightening as she reached down to softly stroke Elara's forehead.

One of the things Sirius loved most about Callidora was her boundless capacity to care for others. She had a natural warmth that seemed to envelop everyone she met, a trait Sirius knew she had inherited from her late mother, a woman renowned for her compassion and gentle heart.

"Come on, love. Let's get some sleep," Sirius murmured, resting his hand on her back and guiding her gently out of Elara's room.

Together, they retreated to their bedroom, exchanging soft words and smiles as they readied for bed. As they lay down, Sirius wrapped an arm protectively around Callidora, both of them content in the quiet comfort of their shared life. They drifted off to sleep, believing tomorrow would bring yet another bright and joyful day.

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The next day, October 31st, was filled with the kind of laughter and warmth that Callidora cherished most. She sat cross-legged on the floor, playing with Elara, who was happily babbling and grabbing at the toys strewn about. Sirius lounged on the couch, Killian perched on his lap, the two-year-old giggling uncontrollably as his father made exaggerated faces and noises.

Killian grabbed hold of Sirius's face with both hands, squishing his cheeks with the clumsy force only a toddler could muster, then let out a peal of laughter as Sirius pretended to be "stuck."

Suddenly, the fire roared to life, and with a burst of green flames, two familiar figures appeared in the fireplace, each holding a baby. Sirius smirked immediately, his grin widening as he locked eyes with James.

"Lily!" Callidora shrieked in delight, springing to her feet and crossing the room in a few quick strides. She enveloped her best friend in a tight hug, her heart swelling at the sight of her godchildren.

"Hello, Calli, and hello, little Elara," Lily said warmly, her voice softening as she bent down to kiss Elara on the forehead.

Callidora stepped aside to let Lily settle Harry onto the floor. The moment his little body touched the soft rug, he began crawling toward Elara, as if pulled by some invisible string. Elara, sensing his approach, giggled and babbled in response, her small hands reaching for him.

"It's like he instantly knew who she was," James said, a proud grin stretching across his face as he plopped onto the couch next to Sirius.

Sirius chuckled, his gray eyes twinkling as he watched the interaction. "Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if they start dating each other when they're older," he teased, nudging James with his elbow.

James joined in the laughter, his face lighting up at the thought—until he caught sight of their wives. Both Lily and Callidora were staring at them, arms crossed and expressions stern, though their eyes betrayed an amused sparkle.

"Not even funny," Lily said, shaking her head as she scooped up Harry and kissed his unruly mop of black hair.

"Absolutely not," Callidora added, picking up Elara and pressing her forehead gently against her daughter's. "They're babies, for Merlin's sake. Let them be best friends."

Sirius and James exchanged a look, smirking. "We were just joking," James said, raising his hands in surrender.

"Sure you were," Lily replied, her tone dripping with playful skepticism.

As the room filled with more laughter, the children returned to their games, Harry and Elara babbling at each other like old friends, and Killian toddling over to join in. It was moments like this—surrounded by family and friends—that made life feel truly magical.

Sirius chuckled as he set Killian down on the soft rug, watching the two-year-old bounce on his toes as he approached Elara. The little boy looked up at his uncle with wide eyes, declaring, "Pongs!" before diving into play with his sister.

James, having set down his daughter, quickly scooped Killian up once more. "Hello, Killian!" he exclaimed, a playful grin on his face. Without warning, he began to tickle the little boy, causing Killian to erupt into delighted giggles. "I got you!" James teased, his fingers dancing across Killian's sides as the boy squirmed and laughed, his tiny body shaking with joy.

After a moment, James placed Killian back down, watching as the two toddlers began to babble and engage in their own little world of sounds and expressions. It was a sweet chaos, filled with laughter and innocence.

"Has Elara said her first word yet?" Lily asked, cradling her own daughter in her lap as she leaned closer to Callidora, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. She tried to coax Harry into playing with Killian, but he seemed more interested in watching Elara.

"Yes, and you'll never believe what she said," Callidora replied, a playful tone in her voice as she adjusted Maxine in her lap.

"What did she say?" Lily inquired, her excitement palpable as she leaned forward, eager for the news.

"'Dada'—her first words were 'dada!'" Callidora declared, injecting a touch of mock sadness into her voice as she feigned disappointment.

Lily burst into laughter, shaking her head. "How disappointing! Harry's first word was 'mac,' and I think he was trying to say 'Max,'" she said, sharing a glance with James, who wore a proud smile.

James leaned over, ruffling Harry's hair affectionately. "Looks like our kids are already setting a precedent for their future relationships," he joked, nudging Lily playfully.

Callidora chuckled, watching the playful banter between the two families. "Just wait until they start talking back to us. We'll be in trouble!"

As the afternoon wore on, the living room filled with warmth and laughter, a sanctuary of joy amidst the challenges of life. The babies continued to play, their laughter echoing, while the adults reveled in the simple yet profound joy of friendship and family.

"Aw, I have a feeling Max and Harry are going to be inseparable," Callidora said with a smile so wide it felt as though it might be permanently etched on her face.

The rest of the day unfolded seamlessly. James and Sirius chatted with Severus about Lyra's newborn, their conversation peppered with good-natured jabs and teasing insults. Later, they turned their attention to playing with the babies, filling the house with laughter and warmth.

When James and Lily eventually left, Lily made a promise: she'd write to Callidora as soon as they arrived home safely.

That had been two hours ago. Now, Callidora's heart was beginning to twist with worry. She hurried over to her husband, her concern evident. "Sirius, would you please check on them? I'm worried something's wrong," she said, her voice tight with unease.

"Alright, I will," Sirius replied, his tone steady as he headed to the front door. Callidora followed him with her eyes, watching as he mounted his motorcycle and roared off into the night toward Godric's Hollow.

Left alone in the quiet house, Callidora sank onto the couch to wait for Sirius's return. Somehow, amidst the silence and her racing thoughts, sleep overtook her.

She awoke to the sound of urgent knocking. Startled, she sat up and glanced at the clock on the wall. It was 2:30 in the morning.

Rushing to the door, Callidora opened it to find her former Hogwarts professor, Minerva McGonagall, standing on the doorstep.

"Minnie, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with worry as she met the older woman's solemn gaze.

"You may want to come inside, Callidora," Minerva said softly, her voice heavy with sadness. Callidora immediately picked up on the tone, her heart sinking, but she stepped aside to let her old professor in.

Minerva entered the home, her movements brisk yet weighted, and made her way into the living area. Callidora followed closely, anxiety building with each step. The older woman sank onto the couch, and Callidora mirrored her.

"Callidora, I have news about Lily and James," Minerva began, her voice trembling as tears gathered in her eyes.

Callidora's breath hitched. "What is it, Professor?" she asked, dread curling in her chest like a cold serpent.

Minerva took a deep breath before speaking, her words slow and deliberate. "James and Lily were found dead... and Sirius Black has been arrested for collaborating with You-Know-Who." She paused to wipe a stray tear from her face.

Callidora let out a sharp gasp, her hands flying to her mouth as tears began streaming down her cheeks. "What do you mean Sirius was arrested for working with Voldemort?" she asked, panic rising in her voice.

Minerva's expression was pained, her tone calm but laden with sorrow. "Sirius was supposedly their Secret-Keeper. He must have revealed their location to Voldemort." Her voice cracked, and a tear slid down her cheek. "And it doesn't end there, I'm afraid. Sirius also..." She hesitated, as if the words themselves were too cruel to say. "Sirius also killed Peter Pettigrew, along with thirty Muggles. Poor Peter tried to confront him about the betrayal, but Sirius..." Minerva's voice faltered, her composure finally breaking. "The only thing left of Peter was his finger."

Callidora shook her head in disbelief, her sobs growing louder. "This can't be true... not Sirius," she choked out, clutching her chest as waves of grief and confusion crashed over her.

Callidora couldn't fathom the words McGonagall was telling her. It was impossible—Sirius couldn't have been the Secret Keeper. She knew for a fact that Peter had been entrusted with that role. The thought of it twisted something deep inside her, like she had been stabbed in the back. First, her older brother, and now Peter.

The overwhelming sense of betrayal crashed over her, and she couldn't hold it back anymore. Her chest heaved as sobs wracked her body, and before she knew it, she was crying uncontrollably. McGonagall, seeing the raw pain in her eyes, pulled Callidora into a tight embrace. The young woman buried her face in the older woman's arms, seeking solace in her second mother's warmth.

Callidora had lost so much that night—her husband, her two closest friends—and she didn't know how to keep moving forward. She couldn't fathom a world without them, without their love, their laughter. And she couldn't help but fear for Maxine and Harry. What would become of them now?

She pulled away from McGonagall, wiping her face, her expression a mixture of desperation and confusion. "What's going to happen to Harry and Maxine?" she asked, her voice trembling. She already knew the answer—since James and Lily were gone, they would have to stay with her, their godmother. That was what Lily and James would've wanted, wasn't it?

McGonagall hesitated, her voice softer now. "Dumbledore sent them to Lily's sister's house. He thought it would be safer for them to stay with Muggles."

Callidora's brows furrowed, a surge of disbelief flashing through her. "But I'm their godmother," she protested, standing abruptly. "Why didn't Dumbledore send them to me? That's what James and Lily would've wanted!"

Her frustration bubbled over, and her anger ignited like a spark. "Professor McGonagall, Petunia is an evil woman. She called her sister a freak just because she was a witch. She was jealous of her. Who knows what she'll do to Maxine and Harry?"

McGonagall sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly as she stood. "Dumbledore thought it was the safest choice. We must trust his decision in this matter."

But Callidora wasn't ready to accept that. Her heart was too full of fear for the children she had promised to protect.

"You will see them again, Callidora," McGonagall said gently, offering a small bit of comfort. "I promise you that." She made her way to the door, pausing as she reached it. "And Callidora, please... make sure Remus is alright. I know this news will break him."

With those final words, McGonagall left the Black family home, leaving Callidora alone in the silent house.

She stood there for a moment, staring at the door as it clicked shut behind the older woman. The weight of everything—of all that had been lost—crashed over her, and once again, she collapsed into the couch. This time, the tears came in relentless waves, soaking the pillow as she cried out her grief.

In that moment, it finally sank in. Her best friends, the love of her life—she would never see them again. The realization hollowed her out, leaving her with nothing but the aching silence of their absence.

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