New Year's Party -- Grimmauld Place -- 31 December 1996/1 January 1997

I chuckled and nodded. "I'll make sure he behaves," I assured her, squeezing her shoulder and I went outside. I saw that the two of them were just sort of eyeballing each other... I was proud that George seemed to handle Sirius's gaze decently. "How are we doing out here?" I asked, feeling like a professor at that moment to monitor adolescent -- well, those who acted like them -- boys.

I clapped Remus' back in a hug. " Thanks... I'll be right back.." I said as I went to find my mother in the house. Seeing her rather quick she was speaking with Addison.." I'm sorry to interrupt..but mum can I please borrow you?...Dad and George are outside with Remus..." I told her. I just wanted my mum with me because will make sure dad behaves. Not that Remus won't but she can take things away that Remus can't.

I seperated myself from Addison and said to Elena, "Let's get back out there. I'm not sure how well Remus will make your father behave. I at least have a few things to hold over his head." Not that my daughter needed to know what I could withhold from her father or not... seeings as a lot of it was sexual. But I had my weapons. "I'm sure that George will win him over, though, sweetie... so don't worry too much," I said to her following her outside.

I smiled, to George and to Mooney. " We're okay. Right George? " I asked him. He didn't seem so bad, I looked over to Mooney who looked as though he wanted me to do something. I shrugged to him, " That's good..." I said to him referring to us being the same age when we got together. I know exactly what I wanted, I have to see about him. I know what I wanted..and I didn't want to read George's mind. I looked over when the door opened. I smiled to the girls when they came back. " Hi honey.." I said to my wife as my daughter came out looking more relieved.

I was relieved when the girls came out. I really wasn't sure what elena had thought I'd do. I understood where Sirius was being so protective. I mean, I was of Lucy. "Anyone need a refill?" I offered, figuring that we all could probably use a drink.

I was relieved when everyone came back out and joined us. I mean, it didn't go bad... but I knew that he would probably have a few good rounds with me if he had the chance. I was dating his daughter after all. "this is a lovely party," I said, looking at Ember. It felt weird that she wanted to be called Ember not mrs. black. I was raised to have respect and being that informal to my girlfriend's parents just seemed odd to me. But now I felt awkward and on the spot.

I moved to stand behind my husband and put my hands on his shoulders. I looked up at Remus and said, "Oh, sure, thanks Remus." When I heard George's comment I also thanked him. I figured being behind Sirius would be a good way to make sure he behaved. Just a subtle squeeze of his shoulders would hopefully be enough for him to realize he was beign overbearing.

I raised my hand at Remus' question. " I do.." I smiled, " Thank you.." I squeezed George's hand. " You know Dad...George has helped me a lot...with the fighting...and he cares about me.." I know this may put George on the spot. But my dad needed to know he was the reason I am so happy. Like he and mum were. I have no idea why he is being this way.

I went go get drinks. And despite the fact George and Sirius didn't say anything, I was going to bring them something anyways. It would loosen them both up a little bit. I knew I wanted a drink when I first met Chloe's parents... but then again, is an argument at a cemetery really meeting them? Anyways, I grabbed three firewhiskeys and two mixed drinks and passed them around to everyone outside.

" Thanks Remus," I said taking a sip of the drink. Passing one to George who seemed to be a stone statue. This will loosen him and dad up, GOOD. I was happier that everyone is out here rather than leave him alone again.

I took the firewhiskey from Remus. " Thank you Mooney." I said as I took a swig. " So, you guys enjoying yourselves? " I asked not really sure of what to say. I knew I had to be nice though, Ember had her nails ready to make sure I do behave.

I had my arm around Jada, her parents didn't seem so bad. Thank Merlin! " I play Beater...my brother and I have since second year." I told Michael. He was super easy to talk to and it was about Quidditch I could do that. " It's actually where I met Jada.." I said remembering the summer before we had started writing to one another. She had come to quite a few games of Gryffindors.

"You know you guys gave me and Fred quite a bit of wisdom without really realizing it," I told them, thanking Professor Lupin for the drink. It was really kind of weird to be hanging with a teacher.

I raised my eyebrows at the boy, " Really enlighten us."

I raised my eyebrows. "Oh really? I didn't know you had been on the team that long," I said. "And how long then before you started dating?" I was just curious.