August 30th, 1995

There had yet to be an official meeting of the new Order of the Phoenix. It seemed as if everyone was busy preparing their kids to go back to school.

Regulus and I had to watch what we said around the boys, specifically Atlas, who had seen the dead body of Cedric Diggory on the night that Voldemort returned. From my understanding, Atlas idolized Cedric, all of the younger boys did. So when he died, Regulus and I got worried about how Atlas would react. It's hard to tell since he's only twelve, but he seems to be handling it.

Elio's eleventh birthday came and went, which meant that he was off to Hogwarts with his brother in two days, which was concerning as a parent. I'm nervous about them going back there after what happened last year, but Hogwarts is the safest place to be, right?

Today we're in Diagon Alley getting their things for school.

The paths are crowded with families and friends as they all run around to get their things for the upcoming school year. Atlas and Elio are walking slightly in front of Regulus and I, Atlas standing a few inches taller.

"Come on boys, we have to go to Madame Malkin's to get your new robes," I said, gesturing towards the store.

Elio needed to get robes, and Atlas needed new robes due to his growth spurt.

Regulus held the door open, and followed all of us inside the shop.

Madame Malkin's wasn't as busy as I had suspected, probably due to the fact that it was lunch time. Everyone in the store was being sized for robes or browsing the racks for new clothing.

"Ah, the Black family!"

I turned to see Madame Malkin herself walking over to us.

"It's a pleasure to see you," Regulus replied, "Both boys need new robes for school."

"Perfect, I'll do some measurements on them and have them back in a jiff," She said, her voice cheery.

The bell above the door chimed as two more people stepped into the shop.

I did a double take, my eyes landing on a familiar face.

"Jack?"

"Meredith!" He glanced past my shoulder. "And Regulus."

I gave Jack a quick hug before looking to his side. His daughter, Natalia, stood at his side, staring at Regulus and I.

"Nat, you remember Meredith?" Jack asked.

She stared at me through the blonde hair that fell into her face. She looks exactly like Jack. Natalia looks nothing like her mother, but I suppose that might be better.

"Kind of," Natalia said, her voice surprisingly confident for the hesitant look on her face.

It had been a couple years since I saw Jack, which meant it had been a couple years since I saw Natalia.

Regulus appeared at my side, extending his hand to Jack. They shook hands, but the atmosphere still felt slightly tense.

"So, what brings you here?" Regulus questioned.

Natalia answered. "I need robes for Hogwarts," She said.

"That's right, you and Elio are both going into first year," I added.

Jack nodded, "And how are the boys?"

"Mum, do you think this is too big on me?"

Regulus and I both turned around. Elio had stepped out of the fitting room wearing a uniform robe. I stepped closer to look.

"I think it's great, darling," I answered, "They're supposed to fit that way."

"I don't like wearing robes," Elio said shortly. "Why can't we wear normal clothes?"

I smiled, "Just be glad that you don't have to wear a skirt."

Elio rolled his eyes before closing the fitting room door behind him.

When I turned around, Madame Malkin was taking Natalia to be fitted, and Regulus and Jack were standing around awkwardly.

"I'm going to check on Atlas," Regulus said, giving me a reassuring smile.

I nodded, going to stand by Jack.

"How are you?" I asked.

"I'm good," Jack answered shortly.

I glanced over at him. "Did you get a letter from Dumbledore?"

Jack nodded, "I did. I never responded."

"How come?"

"I'm not going through that shit again. So many people died. There's a reason why he's trying to recruit so many new people," Jack explained. "I'm not going to do that, because if something happens to me then Natalia would have nobody."

Natalia's mother, and Jack's wife, Evelyn, died a few years back a bit after Natalia's fifth birthday. She was pregnant with their second child when she caught dragon pox, which ended up being fatal, leaving Jack alone to raise Natalia. It was scarily similar to Jack's mother.

"I get that," I said. "But if you ever change your mind, we would love to have you."

Jack exhaled, "So you rejoined then?"

"Yes, we both did."

"I thought that you, Meredith, out of everyone would want nothing to do with the Order after what happened last time," Jack said softly.

Before I could respond, Regulus reappeared with Atlas and Elio, carrying several bags filled with new uniforms.

"Dad said that we could get ice cream if we asked you first," Atlas said, not even giving Jack a second glance.

"Sure," I replied, "Let's go to Florean Fortescue's then."

Atlas and Elio high-fived each other before rushing out the door.

"See you around," I said.

"Bye, Meredith."

I intertwined my hand with Regulus's free one, and we followed our sons out into the street to go get ice cream.

"You okay?" Regulus whispered.

"Yes, I'm fine," I answered. "I know you don't like him, so thank you for not making a scene."

Regulus kissed me on the temple. "Talk about personal growth," He joked.

- - - - -

September 1st, 1995

"Be safe, okay?" I said. "And send an owl once a week, please."

Atlas hugged me. "We'll be fine, mum," He claimed.

"And write to us once you find out what house you're in," Regulus said to Elio. "We'll be proud of you no matter what house you're sorted into."

"Okay dad," Elio said, hugging Regulus.

The boys switched, and I gave Elio a hug goodbye while Regulus hugged Atlas. It was already weird last year with Atlas at school, but now that the both of them will be at Hogwarts the house will be far too quiet.

"Good luck with your classes," I told the boys.

"Bye mum, bye dad," Atlas said, waving goodbye.

Elio was more hesitant to leave. He gave both of us another hug before following Atlas, both of them carrying their trunks.

"You think they'll be okay this year?" Regulus asked, intertwining his hand through mine.

I smiled softly, "I sure hope so."

Across the platform, I spotted Xenophilius and Luna Lovegood. Their pale blonde hair stuck out in the sea of dark clothing.

"There's the Lovegoods," I told Regulus.

My husband turned to wave, giving both of them a smile. Luna waved back smiling, and Xenophilius nodded his head.

"You know, she looks just like her," Regulus muttered.

I squeezed his hand reassuringly. "She really does," I replied.

Pandora Lovegood died in March of 1990 from her own spell that backfired. Luna was nine. It was very unexpected, and it hit Regulus pretty hard. Pandora was his best friend.

"Come on, let's go get lunch," Regulus suggested.

I nodded, and the two of us left Platform 9 ¾. Kings Cross was extremely busy considering that it was a Friday. However, something across the station caught my eye.

"Is that-" My voice trailed off.

Regulus followed my gaze.

It was Alastor Moody and Tonks. They were trailing behind Harry, who happened to be walking alongside a big black dog.

"Fucking idiot," Regulus muttered.

"Should we-"

"Nope," Regulus said, "I'm not getting involved with whatever he's doing right now."

Tonks made eye contact with me, and she winked before stopping outside a door where Harry and Sirius, in his animagus form, disappeared through.

"Fair enough," I said.