Chapter One – Living as a Potter

I let out a wistful breath. The sun was just beginning to rise, in my opinion the sun rise showed the Potter Manor at its best. The sun slowly peaked up from the rolling hills that emphasised my family's wealth. The forest was filled with lush and beautiful trees. Each Christmas, as a family, we would venture out into the woods in a magnificent horse drawn sleigh, searching relentlessly for the tree that would satisfy our Christmas hunger. The thought forced a smile on my face. I stretched my legs out along my pillowed window seat. I loved Hogwarts but Potter Manor was my home. The house itself was so large, a family heirloom. When we were younger James and I would go on adventure missions to find new rooms. I loved everything about home. The way the scent of new recipes our cook was discovering would waft through the second floor. They way the sun would beam happily into the bay windows or make the outside pool glitter with its reflections.

I spotted my brother and his friend venturing back onto the property through the impossibly tall tress. Looking closely I saw Sirius and James holding a battered and bruised Remus, helping him walk back to the grounds. 'Poor Remus' I thought sadly. Such a sweet and gentle person cursed with a viscous secret. He would fear the moon for the rest of his life. It hurt so much to know what he went through every month. People often spoke about Remus, insinuating that he wasn't as brave as Sirius or James but if they only knew the way he would fight his curse they would see who the brave one really was.

The sun had risen above the trees now. The grass looked fresh and the newly bloomed flowers looked blindingly beautiful. A soft knock interrupted my musings.

"Come in." I replied. The door opened quietly and my brother limped in. I stood up immediately and helped him sit on the window seat. He sat down with a wince.

"Would you like a drink?" I asked opening a draw underneath the seat, pulling out a bottle of Firewhisky and two glasses. We both threw back the alcohol eagerly. Silence over took us for a few minutes.

"Do you ever not want to go Hogwarts?" James asked quietly, almost as though we would be offending anyone that heard. I bit my lip carefully.

"It's not that I don't want to go it's just I love home. I love everything about it, there is so much freedom to be found. However I love Hogwarts too, it offers a freedom away from the darkness of the real world" I replied. He nodded taking in my answers. I took a deep breath before continuing.

"I saw Padfoot's family in Diagon Alley the other day. Whenever I see them it upsets me." I confessed childishly. James threw an arm around me.

"I can't feel guilty about having a good home life but when I see them it upsets me to the point of anger. I feel as though he should be living here....with us." I ventured carefully. I didn't want anyone knowing I had developed a slight caring crush on Sirius Black. James nodded and took another gulp of his Firewhisky.

"I was thinking the same thing. I saw bruises tonight that I doubt were from Moony." He answered bluntly. I nodded; once again the silence engulfed us. James seemed to be thinking about something because he face developed a frustrated look.

"Do you like Padfoot?" He asked, I passed the question off without even having to think about it.

"Of course I like Sirius he's my friend." I replied, dodging the real meaning.

"You know what I really meant Tiny." He murmured annoyed. I sent him a little smile. I had the miss-fortune to receive the nickname Tiny because compared to the boys I was tiny.

"I do James. I do like Sirius." I replied softly. He nodded at my answer.

"I'm not going to warn you off or anything, nor him. I just want you to be careful. I know Sirius can be a good lad but just be careful." He replied kissing me on the fore head gently. He bid me good night before making a silly joke about it being morning. I sat at the window for a little while longer. I saw Daddy go out for his morning jog, waiting until everyone was safely back in the house I decided it would be okay to go sleep. Times were getting dark. People were going to be scared whether they like it or not.

"Rise and shine sweetheart. The Hogwarts Express is waiting for you." My mother's gentle voice broke my dreaming. I sat up, feeling my eyes hurt and begging for me to just lie back and go sleep. My mother stroked my face gently.

"I'll fix you up a little potion sweetheart." I nodded gratefully. She stared at me for a few moments before speaking again.

"Your father saw you again this morning. I know what your thinking but you have to believe me when I say your father and I will be fine and waiting at the station when you come back at Christmas. Your right to think that times are getting darker but I promise you the good side will prevail." Her soothing words comforted me enough to get up. I padded gently into my ensuite. I looked in the mirror and cringed. My eyes were puffy and purple bags stained under my eyes. I jumped in the shower and dressed in a black dress that had a little white belt underneath the bust, followed by white knee high socks and little black Mary Janes. I smiled at my reflection, my face looked like shit but it definitely looked like i was getting ready for school. I used a white head band to detain my wild dark, almost brown red curls. Making sure the bow was on the right I left my room.

The fourth floor of our manor consisted of a right and left wing. James had the left and me the right. We each had seven rooms each, to do with what we please. I never saw the point because whatever rooms we came up with we always seemed to find them in another place in the house.

"Don't you just look precious?" A rough yet charming voice greeted me when I made it too the steps. I lifted my head to have my own azure eyes meet a stunning grey pair.

"Well good morning Sirius." I greeted him with a smile. I stood still whilst he circled me.

"You have my full approval, what a good morning you have made it." He flirted shamelessly.

"Shame she doesn't have my approval." A grouchy voice entered our conversation. James stood lazily against the Rosewood banister. He looked asleep on his feet.

"Mums made us some potion." I informed him. We all sluggishly made our way down the stairs.

"Don't you look adorable little one?" My father's jolly booming voice greeted us. I smiled largely. I was definitely a daddy's girl. I padded gently over to him and hugged him.

"I think you and I need a little talk after breakfast." He said into my ear. He handed James, Sirius and I the potion my mother had conjured for us. Drinking the dark green liquid I suddenly felt myself awake a little bit more.

I stood amongst the crowd, my little frame easily getting lost. I craned my head to try and find someone I knew. I could see the Black family clearly glowering at me. I felt myself compelled to show them the one finger salute but a hand grabbed my before i could get the chance.

"There you are my tiny companion." A familiar voice dragged me towards them. I smiled brightly at Ryan before jumping on his lean frame. Ryan Taylor was my best friend. He swung on the opposite field if you know what I mean.

"Have you found Lily yet?" I asked excitedly. The biggest reason I loved Hogwarts came running back in my mind as a red blur jumped on us.

"Lily" I screamed with laughing delight. I gave my other best friend a squashing hug and she returned it with as much vigour.

"Let's find my brother; he can get us a nice compartment." I shouted over the loud crowd. Pushing through the heavy hot bodies, two arms encircled my waist and brought me towards their body.

"I've got you sweetheart." That familiar rough yet charming voice murmured in my ear. I smiled gratefully. We stared at each other for a few seconds. He face leaned down towards mine.

"Padfoot lets get moving." James' annoyed voice interrupted us. Sirius gave an aggravated sigh.

"Just follow me pet, don't let go of my hand." He ordered, keeping a tight grip on my hand. I turned my head and caught sight of Lily and Ryan smirking at me. I bit my lip and smiled to myself grabbing on to Lily's hand to pull her with me.