Eunoia | Sirius Black

105

Godric's Hollow, 1981
October 3rd, cuddly cold

The sweet Frank Longbottom, something of a pushover was lost. He'd become more like a stone after he'd gotten to know about his son's impending doom. 

Alice said he refused to let anyone in their house, even his own mother. Polyjuice was always a terrifying possibility and if Augusta ever had to meet her family, Frank went himself but never took Alice or Neville out. 

It was the first time she'd left the confines of her home and only because Lily's house was just as safe if not more with James there. 

Neville happily pulled loose threads out of Lily's sweater without her knowing. Although their newborn scrunches were gone, Neville's fist was just as strong if not more. 

Harry sat in my lap as I made little figures through my fingers. When the dog came, he squealed "Padfoo!" 

"He really loves Sirius, doesn't he?" I smiled. 

"More than you can imagine," Lily laughed, still unaware of Neville slowly disintegrating her jumper.  "He asks for him nearly every day. James is worried he's gotten attached." She frowned. "Once we pass through these six months, it won't be a bad thing at all. . .but right now. . ."

I understood, of course I did. I couldn't begin to imagine how my life would be if I had a child during a war. 

"Alice, did you get me the contraceptive potions?" The phrase left my mouth in a hurry. 

Alice beamed, "Oh, yes. I got enough to last you the next three months."

She left knitting the tiny red and yellow socks for Harry and got a cardboard box clinking with glass from the adjacent couch. "One every week and you'll be fine. It won't mess with your periods."

I smiled at her in gratitude, "I don't know what I'd do without you, Merlin. Both of you." I looked at Lily. "You've been better than family to me."

"Oh, Ellie." Lily furrowed her brows. "You'll always have me."

"And me," Alice promised, placing her hand on mine. "You're like family to us, too."

"As soon as this is over, we'll have our much-needed vacations. Together. No boys allowed." Lily grinned. 

I felt my eyes prickle with warmth. "I haven't gotten drunk on cheap wine with you both in ages."

Alice and Lily both chuckled, sitting on either side of me. "And horrible firewhiskey from the Three Broomsticks."

"Don't remind me," I winced before laughing. "I threw up so much."

"Marlene did, too. She basically - "

We went quiet. The reminder of our fallen friends was too much to bear. "We're the only ones left."

"We won't leave each other's side," Alice said and I felt her tear graze my neck as she put her head on my shoulder. 

"We're a family, El. Families don't abandon each other." Lily did the same and I leant my temple against her cherry hair. 

"We'll be fine."

***

When I get to the next order meeting, leaving straight from Lily's house, Sirius is already there. He's leaning against the corner wall and when our eyes meet, I feel more than see him sigh in relief. 

James and Frank as always aren't here but Remus stands near Dumbledore, a new scar on the side of his face. I feel horrible realising it must be from one of the werewolf missions he's forced to go on for the sake of money.