~:Ministry Of Magic:~

Breakfast was earlier that morning, Molly insisting eating with everyone would help to calm Harry's nerves a bit. The household of wizards shuffled into the dining room, their minds still bogged down with the hazy fog of sleep as they murmured their 'good mornings' while taking up residence in their selected chairs. As always, Veleena found herself between her father and Remus, and this morning, across from Harry. Between stifled yawns, they all began to fill their plates with the delicious food Molly had made. With a fork full of eggs, Veleena finally noticed the intent stare Harry had placed on her shoulders, glancing up to offer him a quizzical expression before continuing to eat. "Sorry, it's just. The two of you really do look a lot alike. It's kind of weird, to watch." With a lopsided smile, he then in turn began to eat as well.

The similarities would really only worsen as the pair simultaneously winked with a knowing smile before lifting a glass to their lips, Sirius' goblet filled with orange juice while Veleena's held pumpkin. It was uncanny really how much they mimicked one another, or rather, Veleena mimicked her father. They moved much the same, with a fluid aristocratic grace that seemed to be embedded in their very blood. The clatter of forks and spoons easily began to fill the room as the large lot of mixed families began to eat. It really was a blessing Molly was such an amazing cook, but with years of experience keeping the vociferous appetites of six boys pacified, it was hardly a wonder. Breakfast was nearly over and Veleena was busying herself cutting a very carefully placed hole within a fluffy round biscuit before she filled it with honey. Smiling to herself she raised it toward her lips only to have her father pluck it from her hand.

Lips still parted, her hand remained in mid-air as he looked over at him, allowing her eyes to do the speaking for her. But Sirius merely rose his brows, keeping the roll in hand "Aren't you worried about your figure?" And that parted lip expression only widened as she gave him an appalled look at his teasing insinuation that she was getting fat. She could hear Remus cough next to her in a pour attempt to hide the chuckle that vibrated through his throat. But there would be no use in arguing as her father devoured nearly half of it in a single bite. The younger Black shifted stiffly in her chair, subconsciously scooting closer to Remus, all the while silently glaring at her father. Purse lipped, she finally looked away, allowing the ruffled feathers to be soothed by the laughter of the room.

Once breakfast was nearly over, Arthur placed a hand on Harry's shoulders, telling him it was time to go. Once out into the hallway, Veleena pulled open a small closet, fetching out a jacket she'd mended for him before helping Harry into it. "You really did a brilliant job, I mean they actually-" "Fit?" "Heh..Yeah." "Well, I'm no seamstress. Took a few go's but it's not so bad.." She adjusted the front of the blazer against his shoulders as he shyly shifted his weight from foot to foot. But it was only moments before the young wizard found his hair assaulted by her fingers as she stubbornly attempted to tame the wild black locks while he made a few disgruntled noises. "Veleena, you're wasting your time." "Stand still!" "Really, its not going to work-" "It's just this one piece here!" She stared at him with pursed lips as he managed to catch both her wrists, stopping the motherly onslaught. "Come on you two! We don't need to be late." Using the sudden distraction, she took one last go at his hair before he dodged around her hands, practically running out the front door as she exhaled an exasperated sigh, following after.

The trio made their way into muggle London, heading down toward the subways. Harry had to reassure Veleena that the escalator was entirely safe, though she still looked ridiculous clinging to the railing as she watched it carry her downward distrustfully. "Underground trains! Ingenious these muggles." Though the process of actually getting TO the subway was a bit more complicated. Arthur watched muggle after muggle proceed through the small plastic gates, attempting to do the same but the flap of plastic simply wouldn't budge. Looking back at the adolescent pair, Veleena merely stood with the same confused expression as his own before Harry took the lead, feeding the the box their tickets before they were allowed passage. Without Harry, they'd probably have been standing there for hours. While Veleena had shown a mild curiosity toward the muggle world, she'd never actually been IN it. Reading about it was one thing, but this was utterly foreign. Yet they made it look so easy, making due living without magic...

Making their way back up, they passed through several blocks before coming to a large red telephone booth disguised as an entrance "I've never used a visitor's entrance before. Should be fun!" "I...I don't know that...we'll all...-fit-." Veleena voiced her concern, tipping her head to the side as she examined the object. It looked like a bit of a tight squeeze for three nearly full grown persons. "Come on now, we'll make due! I've only enough muggle money for one trip." Harry and Veleena shifted uncomfortably inside the booth, trying to get into a position that allowed all three of them space, the poor boy getting knocked in the nose by her elbow in the process as she murmured apology after apology. Finally, she'd settled with her back pressed to the right-hand wall, Harry's back resting against her chest as she placed her hands lightly on his shoulders. Arthur squeezed in, digging out his muggle money and placing in the proper code while Harry awkwardly looked over his shoulder toward the girl who was even in height with him, not sure how to react at the close proximity. But Veleena merely smiled as the booth began to shift below ground "Hi Harry." With a sheepish grin, he turned his head back forward, glancing upwards a single time as they disappeared from sight.

The door finally swung back open as the trio shifted out onto the entry floor of the Ministry, falling in line with the bustling crowd that filled the large room. It was really an impressive sight, and even a bit overwhelming as the two teenagers stuck close to Arthur. It was of particular interest to Veleena as she inwardly thought that this was something she would see daily if she managed to pass her Auror exams "What level are the Auror offices on?" "That would be the second. This here is the atrium, level eight. We'll be heading off to ten though, where the Wizagamot courtroom is. Come on then, keep up." They squeezed into an elevator, shifting around as they glanced up toward a few charmed notes hovering over head "Used to use owls. The mess was astounding." Just before the caged box shifted into motion, Shacklebot slipped inside, standing at the back before informing Mr. Weasley of some rather taxing news "Merlin's beard. Thank you, Kingsly. Seems they've changed the time of your hearing." "...When is it?" "In five minutes..."

They finally arrived on the proper floor, heading onto into the eerily lit corridors, the dark green marble giving it a bit of a cold and empty effect. They were nearly to the stairs when hushed voices pulled at Harry's attention, his feet halting to a stop as he looked over toward Lucius Malfoy who seemed to be in a bit of a private discussion. The elder blonde stiffened, straightening up as he angled his head into its infamous haughty position. At first, Veleena's gaze had rested questioningly on Harry's shoulders before she glanced over, finding herself frozen under the seething stare of Lucius. She'd not seen him in well over a year. Not once since ...that night. She must have looked like a cornered rabbit as she watched the muscles along the blonde's jaw tighten. The sudden unexpected shock of coming face to face with him had been so profound she'd not noticed Arthur nudge Harry gently forward until his voice sharply broken the air "Veleena!" A single blink snapped her attention back toward Arthur who was glancing over his shoulder, heeding her to join them as he continued to urge Harry toward the stairs. One last incredulous glace was placed toward Lucius before she hastily complied.

Stopping in front of the stairwell, Arthur offered Harry a few more encouraging words for the boy who looked downright wracked with nerves. "We're not allowed in, I'm afraid. Good luck Harry." The young wizard glanced over toward his god-sister as she offered him a weak smile "I'll be right here once you're finished." He nodded a bit numbly before slowly ascending up the stairs and disappearing into the courtroom. "You don't think they'll actually suspend him, do you?" "Well it seems they're bent on trying. Fudge knows what kind of sway Harry can have over our world, and with the backing of someone like Dumbledore, it'd only be a matter of time before his word as Minister came second at best. Which, with the reality of things, is a bit of an inevitability anyhow." "Yes but they can't possibly find a legal way to do this? Harry had even said that some elderly woman...oh...Figg? She'd seen them as well?" "Ah yes, Arabella Figg. She should be showing up as a witness in Harry's defense. As is Dumbledore." Arthur nodded toward the bearded Professor as he made his sudden arrival, shifting past them in a flurry of silvery gray robes as he offered them a grim smile coupled with a reassuring nod before he too disappeared up the stairs. "There's no sense in fretting over it now, we'll know soon enough what they decide."

The hearing was barely a half hour long before Harry came back down the stairs with a weary smile "They cleared me of all charges." "Oh, Harry! That's wonderful!" "Brilliant! I knew Dumbledore would be able to have this mess cleaned up. Come on then, lets get you both back to the entrance. I've got to stay a bit longer for some things for work. You'll tell Molly I'll be home before dinner?" "Of course." "Mr. Weasley, about Dumbledore. I tried to talk to him after the hearing but he just...ignored me. I don't understand." "Ah, Harry. I'm sure he was just in a hurry." "Yes but-" "Don't think on it! I'm sure he'll make time to speak with you once you're back at Hogwarts. Just be happy you're still able to go, hm?" "...Right...Yeah." Sending the pair back up the way they came, Veleena glanced around as they stepped back out into muggle London. "We passed a muggle ice cream parlor on the way, fancy having a bit of a celebration?" "Erm...Veleena we'd have to have muggle money-" "Oh I know! I got a bit extra when you were explaining to Arthur what each coin was. Though...you'll...have to explain it to me now." She dug into the pockets of her jacket, pulling out a small wade of bills "They don't explain to you at all how much you're getting-" "That's fifty pounds, Veleena." "Is that a lot?" "Heh its way more than we'd need for a few ice cream cones."

"Here, you hold onto it." "Veleena its your money." "I know! But I don't want them to look at me like I'm some sort of daft lunatic if I try to pay incorrectly. Please, Harry, this is the first time I've ever been to muggle London, you've grown up with them, you already know what to do." "Alright, alright." Beaming triumphantly, that smile would only last so long as the pair wandered into the ice cream parlor. Veleena was quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Some of which were just as oddly labeled as those in the wizarding world. "And...they all taste...different?" "Well, no, I mean a lot of them taste similar." "Well then why don't they just choose the best one of all the ones that taste the same?" "Because people like to have more options I suppose." "That seems wasteful..." "Yeah, maybe a bit..." "I'm sorry, Harry. This must be boring for you... I only suggested it because I can't take you anywhere in ...well...you know. I'm supposed to take you straight home. You really don't have to humor me, I'm sure you're anxious to get back and tell everyone-" "No, I don't mind. I mean, yeah, they'll be relieved but it's not like they're expecting us right away, right?" "True...But-" "This is better. It's kind of hard to have a conversation at Grimmauld Place. Well, one on one anyway..."

Thoroughly reassured, Veleena went back to attempting to sort through the volumes of flavors "Does that one taste like blueberries?" "Um...no..." "...Then why is it blue?" Harry only smiled, ruffling the hair on the back of his head "How about you just tell me what your favorite flavors are and I'll pick for us?" "But I don't want to get something I could try any other time! Oh! Orange Tiger? Does it-" "No, whatever you're going to ask, just ...no." The older girl grinned widely before finally allowing Harry to choose for them both. Handing her the small cone of lemon sorbet, they took a seat near the window. "So...this will be your first time at Hogwarts?" "Attending yes, going, no. I've been a couple of times. Narcissa would force Lucius to take me with him to a few of Draco's Quidditch matches. So I've never actually been inside or anything, just to the pitch." "What was it like...living with the Malfoys? I don't mean to pry, honestly, if you don't want to talk about it its alright." "No, its alright Harry. I expect everyone to ask me sooner or later. Everything has been so chaotic they've not had much of a chance to. It...well... Haha, it was nothing like being with my father. I suppose the best way to describe it, was that it was very lonely." She forced a smile toward her god-brother when it looked as though her words struck him deeper than he was able to convey.

While Veleena had hoped for a more light-hearted conversation with Harry, she was still happy to listen to him as he tried to ease his own mind over the happenings. "I just don't understand why Fudge would all of the sudden dislike me-" "Harry it isn't about disliking you. You remember what Remus said? He's just afraid. To the point that he's really going to start putting everyone in danger. But what we're doing now really is all we can do. As it stands, he's still got the loudest voice among us. Until there is absolutely indisputable evidence, people will continue to listen to him because its what they -want- to hear. Harry no one wants to relive the terror You-Know-Who caused the first time he tried to take power." "Well what about Dumbledore! Hermione said that he made them promise not to tell me anything. Why would he want to keep me in the dark?" "I... I don't know Harry, he... Maybe he's just trying to protect you. I can't begin to understand how that man's mind works, but I do know that everything he does, he does for good reason. I know it must be frustrating for you-" "No, you DON'T know! You've not be shut out in the dark!-" "Harry calm down-" "I don't WANT to calm down! I'm tired of everyone just skirting around my questions! Sirius is the only one who cares if I know anything-" "He is NOT. Now lower your voice! People are staring!" Harry's glaring gaze shifted uncomfortably toward the muggle parents with their children as they shot the pair wary looks. "Come on, we should go." "Sorry..." "It's alright. But none of us are against you Harry, but we have to trust Dumbledore's judgement. I assure it, it's very much frustrating for us as well, to not even be given a reason why we can't tell you anything."


And the next morning didn't seem to be any less at ease as the day before. The air within the ancient home was -anything- but peaceful. "You're NOT going." "Veleena I am your father-" "You're also a FUGITIVE. Why don't you just saunter into the Ministry while you're at it and shout 'OH HELLO EVERYONE! JUST THOUGHT I'D HAND MYSELF OVER.'!" "That's enough. No daughter of mine is going to set the rules in my own home." "You bloody hate this house!" "That isn't the sodding point, Veleena!" "YOU'RE NOT GOING!" Veleena was determined to put her foot down about the matter and the short tempered wizard took it anything but well. "Veleena, quit being so hardheaded!" "Oh! Well isn't that the pot calling the kettle BLACK." "I can't deal with you when you get like this. Remus talk to your goddaughter." "OH! DON'T you shove me off on Remus just because you have no valid argument!" Though when it looked like the fight would only worsen, Remus did in fact step in to play referee, separating the two hotheaded Blacks. And since then, they had hardly spoken a word to one another. And everyone simply ignored the feuding stares of the cross father and daughter duo, as the pair continued to be pleasant to everyone -else-. Sirius instead used the rest of the morning to talk with Harry, much to the young Potter's elation. And that was perfectly fine. Veleena figured they both just needed some time to collect themselves and put away that vicious Black temper. Breakfast went more decently than expected, Veleena sitting at the opposite end of the table from her usual seat next to her father and the pair having a death-staring match over the last pancake. Which of course, Ron ended up taking anyway, oblivious to the silent battle raging over it.

It was really quite childish of both of them, but the younger Black had not taken kindly to the idea of her father getting caught and the elder was anything but pleased at the idea of being held up in a home he hated any longer. Once breakfast was completed, Veleena excused herself to her bedroom to collect her things while Alastor and Tonks rounded everyone up to take leave for the train station. And like always, it didn't matter a word anyone said, Sirius was going to do exactly as he pleased. So all of them found themselves accompanied by the large black dog that was Sirius Black as they wove in and out of the thin crowds on platform nine and three quarters. Moody was only wasting his breath as well as he whispered a harsh chastising comment toward the dog that only seemed to bark in mocking laughter. Only once he was safely out of public eye did he transform back into the smiling man who looked far too pleased with himself. Abandoning her trunk next to Tonks, Veleena followed her father inside the abandoned room, irritation practically dripping off her figure while Moody took up standing guard outside the door. "You said you weren't coming!"

"Do you plan to be cross with me forever?" "-Maybe-. It certainly doesn't help lying to me just to get me to stop yelling!" "I didn't want to miss seeing you off on your first day." "I'm not ten!" "No, but you -are- my daughter. I trust the order, but I want to keep you safe as well, Veleena. You -and- Harry. And is it really such a crime for a father to want to see off his only child?" Her resolve was quickly crumbling as she allowed him to kiss the top of her head. She knew some part of her wanted him there as well and it was that part of her that only fueled her previous anger about it. It WAS upsetting that her own father wasn't technically allowed to be there for her. But she knew if she'd told him the truth he'd have only been encouraged to go, which now, was an entirely moot point since there he was regardless. "Yes, fine, I forgive you. But ONLY if you get home without any incidents at all. Not one! I wont forgive you if you wind up back in Azkaban because you felt the need to chase muggle cars pretending to be an overgrown dog."

He dismissed her worries with the wave of his hand and soft chuckle before hugging her goodbye. "You'll be sure to write?" "...As often as I can." "Then I'll see you at Christmas." Frowning, she felt a sudden hot sting fill her eyes as her father patted her shoulders "There's no need for tears, Veleena" "I'm not crying! I..just...oh ..shut up." And it proved to be increasingly difficult not to do just that as he kissed her temple, reminding her that he loved her. She hadn't anticipated the sudden bout of irrational homesickness when she'd not even left yet. Perhaps this was why she'd been so willing to pick a fight with him today. If she left angry with him, she'd not be so quick to miss him... "You'll be home before you know it, I promise." "...Maybe I am ten." With a soft chuckle, he gave her another lingering hug before she left the small station room and boarded the train. Fred and George had tried to convince her to ride in their compartment, but Veleena insisted she wanted to ride with Harry. Which, of course meant Ron and Hermione as well, who she was currently awkwardly sitting next to in silence as they waited for Harry to join them as Harry said his goodbyes to Sirius.

Harry finally joined them, mumbling an apology in some awkward moment of thinking he'd kept them waiting. Which was probably spurred on but the sheer maladroit air about the cabin. "I figured you'd be riding with Fred and George? ..Not that...you know, you have to, I don't mind if you ride with us, right guys?" "Oh-yeah, sure." "Of course not." Despite the trio not entirely knowing how to react to a sudden addition, Veleena merely shrugged it off. "Those ginger bookends have done enough to drive me crazy. I'm quite happy to spend a bit of time away from them." She grinned widely, her crimson curls shaking gently with the movement of her head. Her hair was not quite the vivid orangey red of the trademark Weasley tresses, but more of a toned down auburn that lit up like scarlet fire when the sun danced across her features. She loved Fred and George, but even she could only handle small dosages of their antics at a time. "Besides, we've only got about oh...say...fourteen years to catch up on? Grimmauld Place isn't exactly the easiest place in the world to have a proper conversation as I'm sure you've noticed. Of course, I've heard a few bits and pieces here and there about all of you over the years. But I thought this would be a good opportunity to actually speak to all of you about -you- and not all this Order business." After all, she'd only gotten a few moments to herself with Harry and none at all with Ron or Hermione.

The train let out a long-winded whistle before jerking into motion, Veleena's head tipping toward the window once they passed the remaining station walls. "Yeah, Fred was telling me you grew up with Malfoy. Sure you got a load of information on us." The older girl seemed unphased by the bitter sarcasm in the young Weasley's voice as Hermione hissed his name in reprimand. That much hadn't honestly been openly discussed, not with Ron and Hermione at least. It had merely been stated in passing introductions weeks ago. Fred and George had talked with her about it of course, but this was the first Ron had spoken of it. "No, its alright. I understand the concern. It's true, I was raised by the Malfoys. Given...the circumstances, they thought that was the best placement for me." Veleena's mother was also deceased. "But I promise I've gotten all my information from quite valid sources. I hear you're quite the fab flyer, Harry!"

After a bit of talking amongst themselves about the trios previous adventures through the years, Veleena's attention was caught by the elderly woman shouting out 'Anything from the trolly!' as she passed cabin after cabin of students. "Oh!" Hopping up to her feet, she slid the door aside, staring down at the trolly with as much excitement as a first year. 'Anything from the trolly, dear?' "Um...yes actually. Everything!" After paying, she struggled back into the cabin with a wide-set grin, her arms overflowing with items. "Merlin's beard... You act like you haven't ever tried any of those things before. You cant possibly eat all that on your own!" Ron exclaimed with a lopsided smile as a few pumpkin pasties fell into Hermione's lap "Hahaha that's because I haven't! And of course I cant, I'd positively burst if I tried. Here! Take what you like! Harry?"

Crookshanks batted at the end of a licorice wand Ron took up as Hermione sheepishly reached for a chocolate frog. Veleena had opened a cauldron cake, taking a small bite before her eyes widened. Lifting a hand to cover her full mouth, she couldn't help but speak through the chocolate coating her tongue " 'his is ealy ood!" She finished the remaining tiny cake before letting out a startled sound of surprised as a tiny chocolate frog landed on her thigh. "Oh! They are quite...lively, aren't they!" She scooped up awkwardly before placing it back into Ron's hands. Veleena was of course, accustomed to magic and magical items, though when it came to food, she couldn't say she'd ever had anything editable leap out at her before. "If you're impressed by these, wait till you see the joke shop in Hogsmeade." "I'm sure I'll find myself amazed by quite a number of things." Veleena hadn't had much in the ways of a childhood. Draco would bring a few gag items home from time to time, but nothing anything like even the things she'd helped Fred and George test out. She could honestly say growing up her life had lacked a certain flare of childish fun.

The train ride was exceedingly long, longer than even she'd anticipated as the cabin fell quiet with nothing but the sound of the soft rattling of the train and Hermione flipping through the pages of a book. She silently watched the scenery change little by little as they traveled deeper into Scotland, her attention caught for a moment as she felt a weight against her shoulder. Craning her head, she noticed Harry's leaning heavily against her, having fallen asleep. She was gently reminded in the back of her mind of her father's words to look after him. The instinctual need to do just that only seemed to deepen the more time she spent with him. With a faint smile, she leaned her head back against the window, allowing herself to drift off to sleep as well for a good remainder of the ride.