Title - When You're Strange
Chapter title - Letters
Author - OblivionsGarden
Genre - Romance/Friendship/Drama/Fantasy
Disclaimer - I do not own the Harry Potter, books or films, in anyway shape or form. I only own the plot points surrounding my oc's, not recognized from the books or films. For this chapter I own, Malorie, Scott, Karen and Miss Fox.
Chapter Word Count - 2083

A/n - Please leave a review, let me know what you think. I'd really appreciate it!

Remus was the first to write. He wrote before even Lily which was a shock to both girls. He'd written Malorie a letter, explaining his gratitude with how she hadn't changed how she treated him since she found out about his affliction, as he called it. He was so grateful that she was so willing to help and he spoke of how he'd never be able to thank her enough for that. He also mentioned that Sirius had come up with a plan to help too but he couldn't tell her more because Sirius had insisted on telling her this genius himself. Remus also sent along two chocolate frogs since he knew she wouldn't be getting anything like that until school started again.

Getting used to being back at home with the Carrol's had taken her a while. She very almost forgot she wasn't allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts until she was seventeen and nearly tried to levitate Karen's dinner just to scare her. She remembered just in time of course and wouldn't be getting expelled anytime soon. Although, if she got caught parading around as a werewolf next year she might.

She had been practicing her transforming everyday, which wasn't a problem since Scott and Karen never bothered her anymore for fear of what she may do and she didn't have any muggle friends to hang out with. She still practiced her lessons from McGonnogall but she spent her nights trying to become a werewolf. Of course, with her only references being pictures in her DADA books, it was quite the task. She managed to transform a leg and wrote to Remus to tell him whilst her shin was still hairy.

Lily was the second to write, telling her about how her parents were proud of her but her sister, Petunia wouldn't even look her in the eye anymore. Malorie tried to reassure her that it'd all work out well in the end, Petunia would come around and want to listen to her stories of magic. But she wasn't so sure. She tried to imagine how Petunia must feel being a muggle when her sister can do all of these amazing things.

Her third letter was from James, asking about her summer so far and wondering what muggles did in the summer. She presumed it was much the same as his summer only, her parents weren't magic. She knew this wouldn't satisfy his curious mind and so instead she told him of summer fairs and carnivals, airplanes and even the little she'd heard on TV about what an American would call Spring Break.

Peter sent a short note with a box of sugared butterfly wings. He asked how her time at home was and how she was coming along with her transformations. She told him that, by the time he wrote, she could almost turn entirely into a wolf, she was just having problems with the length of fur. She was starting to look like big foot rather than a werewolf.

Sirius' letter came last, explaining all about his ingenious plan for him, James and Peter to become Animagus. He did however make her promise not to tell anyone, even Lily, since you were supposed to register being an animagus with the Ministry Of Magic. She'd never heard of the Ministry and added that into her letter to James, knowing he'd be more than willing to amuse her with tales from the wizarding world. She let Sirius know she had no intention of telling anyone, least of all Lily. It's not that she didn't trust her friend but she knew the red head would go spare if she knew, especially if she knew the danger it all involved too.

Along with Sirius' letter was a package with a note that warned her not to open it until her birthday. Taking no heed of the red inked message, it was only two days until her birthday anyway, she tried to tear at the paper only for powder to explode in her face. She coughed and sputtered, finding the paper she'd torn still intact. It wasn't until Scott and Karen asked her what on earth she'd been up to that she realized the powder must have done something. And upon looking in the mirror, she found she had one green eyebrow and one red. She wanted to write and ask Sirius how long it took to wear off but knew he'd ever let her live it down if he knew. Instead she asked Lily, who had no idea and Remus who promised not to tell Sirius but he also couldn't say without knowing what enchantment was on the wrapping.

Her eyebrows hadn't changed back even when she could open the package on her birthday. Inside was a packet of Drooble's Best Blowing Gum and a bar of wizochoc. Beneath these was a black wad of fabric, folded rather untidily. Malorie let out an involuntary squeal when she unfolded it. It was a tee shirt, emblazoned with a hooded figure and the words, 'Dementor's Kiss' in shimmering grey letters. As she stared, however, she noticed the breath coming from the figure, like she could remember making herself on the coldest winter days. She made a mental note not to wear it in front of muggles before she sat to write her thank you note.

She also received some peppermint toads and sugar quills from James, a box full of sachets of hazelnut hot chocolate from Peter, some pepper imps and two bars of honeydukes finest from Remus and a large leather bound journal from Lily. Lily made an apology for not sending sweets since she knew how much of a sweet tooth Malorie had but she figured since she lived in a muggle town, anything she could get, Malorie could get herself. She didn't mind, given the amount she received from the boys. She was so overwhelmed to even get letters from friends, let alone actually receive gifts. Even Alice and Frank sent birthday cards.

She and James, who had both absolutely loved the flying lessons, had decided to try out for the quidditch team this year. She knew James would make it without a problem, but she had doubts in herself. She'd only been flying for a little while and there were so many others who were better than her. Like Holly, who she was certain would be trying out this year too.

James wasn't about to let her back out of try outs though, he'd made her promise through their letters that she'd try out. Even Sirius was trying out this year, hoping for beater. James wanted to be a chaser and Malorie... Well, she didn't really mind. She just wanted to be on the team.

Miss Fox came to visit during went into town together, Miss Fox buying her a few things for her birthday since she hadn't been sure what to get her. After she took Malorie for tea and asked her all about Hogwarts. She told her about being an animagus and even showed her a few things when the returned home for the evening. Miss Fox was so proud of her and promised to take her to the platform again when school rolled around.

Malorie was so excited for school to start up again, something she hadn't seen coming, she was packed and ready two weeks before hand. She made sure to pack a handful of records Miss Fox had bought her on their trip into town to show Sirius, since he had mentioned looking forward to hearing some muggle rock. She packed Alice Cooper's new 'School's Out' album, Rolling Stones 'Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out' along with their new album, 'Exile On Main Street', Led Zeppelin's 'Led Zeppelin III' and 'Led Zeppelin IV'. She couldn't wait to see his face when he heard Stairway To Heaven.
-

When the first of September rolled around, Malorie's right eyebrow was still a pale green. Luckily for her, her hair had grown and she could cover most of her eyebrow with it. She wore the tee shirt Sirius got her for her birthday, pulling a cardigan over the top to hide the dementors breath from muggles, a pair of bell bottomed jeans and her favorite trainers. She felt the happiest she had all summer and waited for Miss Fox outside the house. She didn't even say goodbye to Scott and Karen.

They arrived at the platform early and stood talking for a little while. Eventually though, Malorie spotted a familiar heard of shaggy dark hair and pointed across at it.

"That's Sirius, the one that sent me this top." Before Malorie could go to say hello however, Miss Fox stopped her.
"Sirius Black?" She frowned and Malorie nodded. "Best not to go over right now, dear."
"Why not?"
"He's with his family."

And all at once Malorie understood. Looking back she saw them. Beside Sirius was another boy, shorter than Sirius but almost identical from behind. A man stood in front of them, dark haired and eyed just like the boys, surveying everyone else on the platform. The woman stood at his side had blonde hair, a stark contrast to the three males, but her eyes were just as dark. She too was watching passers by, eventually her gaze landed on Miss Fox. Malorie watched as her ex music teacher stared straight back at the woman, eyes narrowing slightly as the woman smirked a little and turned back to her husband.

"Walburga and Orion Black." Miss Fox spoke to Malorie but her eyes didn't leave the couple. "My brother went to school with them. Nasty pieces of work, the pair of them... What's Sirius like?"
"The outcast." Miss Fox frowned and finally turned to look at her. "He's a Gryffindor that's friends with a muggle born and a half blood."
"I bet they weren't very pleased about that."
"I don't know who the other boy is though." Malorie pondered. "Perhaps Sirius has a brother. He never said."
"Regulus." James voice next to her ear, startled Malorie and she aimed a light punch to his arm before pulling him in for a hug. "Regulus is the favorite because he actually believes the rubbish his parents come out with."
"Oh."

Malorie tore her eyes away from the Black family to introduce herself to the Potters. James eventually went off to find Remus who was no doubt already on the train with Peter. Malorie waited a little longer until Lily arrived and then the two girls headed aboard to find Alice. The three Gryffindor girls caught up on their summer and Malorie thanked them for her birthday gifts but after a while, Malorie stood to leave.

"Where are you off?" Alice asked, not looking up from The Daily Prophet.
"To see the boys." She smiled at Lily's eye roll and left the compartment.

The boys were only a few compartments down and Malorie slid the door open, not bothering to knock. She greeted them all with a smile and plopped down between Remus and James.

"I see you liked your top then?" Sirius smiled, nodding at the garment in question.
"Love it. Thank you." She grinned. "I bought some records too. Not too many, but enough for now.I can always ask Miss Fox to send some over if we run out."
"Miss Fox?" Peter asked.
"My music teacher from my muggle school. She's a squib. Apparently her brother went to school with your parents Sirius." He made a small 'hmm'ing noise as his face darkened momentarily.
"If his sisters a squib I doubt he was friends with them." He smiled again, resuming his normal expression. "So, who are these amazing muggle bands you've brought along for me to listen to?"
"Alice Cooper, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin."
"Alice Cooper?" He nodded in approval. "Female singers are always so..." He gestured for a moment.
"Alice Cooper's a man." The boys all erupted into laughter as Sirius' hands hung in the air, mimicking a squeezing motion.
"Hold on one second. He leaned forward, close to Malorie's face. Reaching forward he flicked her hair to the side before a face splitting grin appeared. "You tried to open your package early.
"Crap." She tried desperately to cover up her eyebrow but it was too late, they'd all seen it. "Just tell me how to change it back."
"What do I get in return?"
"How about I don't punch you in the face."
"That works."