Poppy's third year started out as quite unremarkable. She was delighted to see her friends again and happy to finally be old enough to qualify for Hogsmeade visits.

The only hiccup was Ron as he was very annoyed that she didn't return Scabbers. Poppy spent the train ride apologising over and over to her ginger friend, explaining that his rat had finally died of old age and gave him a small box of ashes over. It was deceptive of her but in the end, she didn't know how she could explain the truth to him. It would also be quite traumatising. Ron looked only marginally sad before Poppy presented him with a lovely miniature and excitable owl as a gift. It cheered him right up and he quickly forgot about his recently deceased 'pet'. If only he was really dead.

At the sorting feast, Poppy attached herself to Harry as usual but watched Albus Dumbledore curiously. The man looked older, not in years but in conscious. He stood giving his speech in a more tired and listless manner than the year before though it was barely noticeable to the eye. She wondered if this was because the rat she had sent him a month prior. The headmaster smiled and introduced the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor; Dedalus Diggle.

Professor Diggle stood up with a smile and wave. He was a small man that had a top hat placed upon the table and smiled impishly towards the student body who clapped politely. Poppy was not impressed though did not dislike him.

The four third year Gryffindors caught up with tales of their summer, Ron showing off his new owl and telling everyone about his trip to Egypt. Poppy only listened half-heartedly as she watched Albus Dumbledore out of the corner of her eye.

She wondered what his game was. The orphan girl had been keeping an eye on the Daily Prophet and nothing had been published about a Death Eater being discovered. What was the old man up to? Perhaps it was idiotic of her to trust him and she should have left the rat on the ministry door step. Would Poppy need to take things into her own hands?

"What did you get up to this summer Poppy?" Ron asked kindly as he then filled his mouth up with potatoes. She smiled and started talking.

The next morning the headlines read, 'MINISTRY FAILURE: DEATH EATER DISCOVERED YEARS AFTER BEING PRONOUNCED DEAD AND AWARDED ORDER OF MERLIN FIRST CLASS'

Poppy smiled into her porridge.


It was during Poppy's third year that she began taking her appearance more seriously and how attractive she looked. Before the beginning of term, Poppy bought a whole new wardrobe of both Muggle and Wizarding clothes. She had made quite a bit of gold from selling her illegal Potions and decided to do something practical with it.

Last year, Lockheart was an irritation. Though she had learned something very useful from him. Appearance counted for a lot. More so than she had originally believed. Those that were attracted to the man seemed completely oblivious to his so many flaws. Including Hermione, who was pretty sharp.

Therefore, she began learning beauty spells to remove unwanted hair, sculpt eyebrows, soften skin and make hair shine. It seemed rather vain of her but to be truthful she just wanted people to not notice her flaws. Or to notice how broken she was on the inside. Humans admired and were naturally drawn to people that were more attractive, it was a sad fact but also true. If she looked good on the outside then most people wouldn't notice anything deeper. Much like Lockheart and his legions of fans.

It worked. Her only popularity grew.

Early Sunday morning Poppy sat alone at the Gryffindor table. Harry left already for Quidditch practice, Ron was sleeping in late and Hermione had retreated to the library as they had two tests in Transfiguration and Ancient Runes the next day.

Poppy sat quite contentedly eating her breakfast and planning on practising her wandless magic that day when a voice cleared their throat from behind her.

"Hey, Poppy? We were going to sit by the lake and work on our Herbology homework, wanna come?" A hopeful voice spoke up. Poppy blinked and turned around to see Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones standing side by side. They looked a little uncertain and shy. What were the girls up to? The animagus touched her wand in reassurance.

The striped haired girl blinked but then smiled winningly, "Sounds great. I really need some help" She lied and stood up happily, wanting to know what this was all about. The girls looked a little relieved. Houses didn't usually mix too much so it was a little strange. Not unwelcome but still strange.

The two Hufflepuff girls and Poppy reached the black lake no bother. It was late September and the day was bright and sunny though the air was chilled. It was great weather considering the time of year.

Poppy flopped down in an exaggerated casual manner and grinned at the girls who looked a little shy. Why did they ask her here? They had to have a reason. Poppy was determined to make them feel at ease and immediately began talking about Herbology.

Twenty minutes later, the trio of girls was laughing together. Poppy's impression of McGonagall getting into a verbal sparring match with Snape was spot on. Susan was now laying on her back, stretched out languidly and Hannah was seated on her knee's comfortably beside her friend. The striped haired girl sat back in a relaxed pose though she was quite alert and watching the girls closely.

Poppy then decided to bring up her suspicions, "So, not that I don't like hanging out with you guys, but is there a particular reason you invited me out today?" She leant back and smiled in a welcoming way when the girls exchanged unsure looks.

Susan was the brave one and cleared her throat, "Well, it's just-we talk a lot in class and you seem to do really well without even trying, so we just wanted to see what your secret was" She grinned. It was true, Poppy did talk to the girls quite a bit. Especially in Herbology but to be fair, she talked with everyone and anyone excluding Slytherins who liked to keep to their own House and away from 'Mudbloods'. It was necessary for it would seem strange for her to only speak with Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Poppy scoffed back but was admittedly a little flattered but also alarmed that people were noticing her intelligence, "It's no secret, sweetie, just a swotty best friend making you study" Her voice was dry but also filled with undeniable fondness.

The girls giggled at her.

Susan then sat up seriously and bit her lip, "And well... to be honest, we just wanted to know what kind of spells you use on your hair" She confessed sheepishly. Realisation hit Poppy like a Lumos. They were drawn to her because she started taking more care of her appearance. Satisfaction filled her about her correct assumptions that people would like her better if she was more attractive.

Hannah looked appalled and embarrassed and hit her friend lightly on the arm, "Susan, that's so rude! We did not just want to know that"

Susan rolled her eyes at her sheepish friend, "Come on Hannah, you want to know as well as me. Maybe then we would have the boys drooling all over us too" She wiggled her eyebrows then.

Poppy blinked, "Come again?"

The two Hufflepuff girls stopped their bickering to look at her. It was Hannah that answered with a kind smile, "Come on, you must notice boys watching you all the time. Your smart, funny and they all look at you like lost Puppies. I wish I was that lucky" She sighed.

It took Poppy only three seconds to process what she said and it made her very uncomfortable. Perhaps this was the flip side to it all. Were boys attracted to her? She was bloody thirteen! Had they even reached puberty yet? She tried not to sigh. It was all so shallow really, none of them really liked her for who she was. Then again, if anyone saw what was on her inside they would run away screaming or try to hex her. As long as they were looking at her outside and did not pry on her inside, she was fine.

She had her friends.

Poppy scoffed and then lay back, "Ugh I did not notice and who cares really? I mean boys are idiots and if there staring at me then it's obviously because they don't see how sweet you are Hannah" She said kindly, trying to flatter the girl.

Hannah blushed and dipped her head bashfully. Susan smirked at her friends embarrassment. Poppy sat up again, "Who needs boys right? I am awesome on my own without caring how attractive boys find me and you shouldn't care either Hannah"

Hannah lifted her head and nodded in agreement happily. Poppy continued, "Now, I'll show you the spells but only because you girls will look brilliant with them" She beamed.

The Hufflepuff students giggled and the three third year girls spent the day swapping beauty spells and tips. Poppy felt almost like a normal girl that day.


Poppy's biggest issue in her third year was her nightmares. It could have been the stress and emotionally tense situation that occurred during the summer or just her usual fears rearing their head but either way she found sleep difficult to come by. Her nightmares increased to once every two days. She would wake up panting, swearing and drenched in sweat.

She would often spend those night roaming the Forbidden Forest on four legs and relishing in the sense of freedom and joy it brought her. Other times she would sit quietly in the common room alone until other students began trickling down for breakfast and then she would go and get ready in her dorm, expertly removing all evidence of her sleepless nights.

Two months into the year, Harry began to notice her constantly tired state and on one night - around midnight - crept down to the common room to sit with her. Poppy could not see him approach but could smell him. Her best friends scent was very recognisable to her by this point.

He pulled the invisibility cloak from his shoulders and sat down gently beside her on the sofa. Poppy stared desolately at the empty fireplace. Her bespeckled friend allowed her a few moments before hesitantly speaking up,

"I get nightmare too, you know" He confessed quietly in the darkness of the common room.

The striped haired girl looked up slowly and observed him with her lifeless green eyes, "What about?" She whispered back. Harry just sighed then and shook his head, "I don't know. Most of the time I don't remember"

Poppy nodded her head in acknowledgement but frowned when Harry itched his scar.

He then spoke up again, "You can talk to me about it, if you like" His voice calm and matter of fact, it was not trying to sway her either way. She sighed heavily and rubbed her stinging and heavy feeling eyes.

"It's not that I don't trust you, I just don't want you to look at me any differently" She admitted. Harry nudged closer to her and Poppy grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly and enjoying the feeling of his warm palm against hers.

"I don't care what you've done in your past. You're my best friend and the bravest person I know. That's not going to change" Again, Harry's voice was matter-of-fact and it made her heart ache and soften.

Poppy sighed again, "I don't think I can talk about it-its just-too much" She replied hoarsely.

Harry began rubbing his thumb across her knuckles soothingly, "I understand. If you ever need me, I will be here" He promised seriously.

Poppy felt pain and relief ripple through her. It was like she was no longer alone and had an anchor, someone to keep her grounded. She wanted to tell Harry then. Wanted it more than anything but didn't think she could speak the words. Speaking just made it all real. Her past was something like a horrible nightmare to her now. It was years ago and she tried her best to pretend it never happened.

Poppy made a decision then and stood up. Harry watched her silently, "I-I can't talk about it" She began and then started unbuttoning her pyjama top, "But I can show you" She whispered. Poppy wore a long checkered shirt to bed with a white vest underneath. Harry looked confused and a little uncomfortable as she removed her top layer.

When it was finally off, his green eyes immediately darted to the large brand on her upper left arm. He stood silently and approached her, hand raised as if to touch it. Her friend paused and looked to her for permission. She nodded. Harry then used to fingers to trace the strange pattern and feel the charred flesh. It was an old one and had sunken into her skin in a dark pink colour. The skin was fleshy and numb. Poppy didn't feel his fingers tracing the pattern. He frowned as he studied it.

"What is it?" He muttered.

Poppy just let out a bitter laugh, "You don't want to know, trust me" The girl then slowly turned around to let him look at her back. She heard a sharp hiss of breath. Fingers again traced the scars on her back, this time winding down like snakes and twisting this way and that. The scars on her back were not as deep as her brand but they were more distinctive and obvious.

"Is-is this..." Harry trailed off and barely breathed out the word, "Whip lashes?"

Poppy turned back around, feeling warmth race down her face. Harry tucked her into his arms. Poppy shook and tears continued to fall endlessly though she didn't make a sound. Her breath came out shaky and in quick little pants but she still did not make a sound.

It was a long time after she had calmed down. The animagus took deep breathes to comfort herself with Harry's scent, "Why would he do such a thing" Harry's voice croaked. He being her papa, of course. Poppy pulled back to see tears falling down Harry's cheeks as well. She reached up to clear them off, feeling a sharp stab of guilt for making him cry.

"Punishment?" She said bitterly with a dark twist to her mouth, "It encourages resilience and strength. It makes me more stoic in the face of-"

Harry interrupted her, "It is nothing but sick and twisted" He snarled, his voice dripping with venom. Although he sounded furious and even a little scary this only comforted her even more. He would protect her. Just like she would always protect him. It didn't matter what happened to her before. She had something to fight for now, to be a person that her friends would be proud of. She had Harry. Her best friend.


Poppy yawned and stretched as she stood from the table. The library was quiet as it was only an hour away from closing. Technically, animagus didn't really need to be there. It wasn't as if she needed to study for Arithmancy but she wanted to spend some time with the others. Normal people socialised with others.

"Is that you off?" Padma asked her as she straightened her own back from it's no doubt uncomfortable position in being slouched over an old tome.

Poppy sighed and continued stretching, "Yeah, I'm beat. You guys all staying until closing?" She asked the table.

Terry Boot looked up, his eyes a little bleary, "Yeah, go ahead" He muttered then put his head back down.

Mandy Brockhurst only hummed in agreement and Anthony Goldstein merely grunted.

Poppy giggled as she collected her belongings.

"Ravenclaws" She sighed dramatically as she left.

Padma threw a wadded up piece of parchment at her as she left.

Poppy laughed as she walked out the library being glared at by Madam Pince.


On the day of her first ever Hogsmeade visit, Poppy was not in a good mood as she sat poking her breakfast with a spoon. This was because Harry had not had his permission slip signed and therefore couldn't go. It was all so ridiculous and petty and yet he was still not allowed to visit the small village. Harry also seemed a little -upset? pensive? - Poppy had asked him what was wrong, he opened his mouth looking conflicted but then Ron came barging over ruined the moment. Was Harry alright? What was going on with him?

Poppy thundered down the snowy and beautiful path towards the village with Hermione and Ron scrambling behind her. Ron and Hermione marvelled at the snowy little village and wandered about quite happily, Poppy following moodily behind them.

Eventually, the trio of Gryffindors split up when Ron wanted to hang about Zonko's joke shop and Hermione sequestered herself in the book shop. Poppy explored the village herself. She wanted a drink. The three broomsticks was bustling, overheated and too busy so Poppy looked for somewhere else to sit and sulk in quiet.

Madam Puddifoots tea shop looked promising until Poppy saw all of the 'couples' of teenagers attempting to have a romantic day together. She groaned and stomped around. After a while, she found a quiet and run down looking pub named Hogs Head and decided to make her way inside. The inside looked dirty and there were only two patrons on either far side of the dingy pub. One man was hooded and nursing a drink and the other was slouched on a table appearing to be asleep.

Poppy made her way to the bar where an old man with long grey hair was wiping a glass with his back to her, "Hey, can I get a firewhisky?" She asked.

The old man paused and turned around only to take his time to eye her up and down.

Poppy frowned, "Yes, I do exist, now can I get that drink?" She asked expectantly.

The man let out a mocking laugh and then slammed his glass down on the bar. He was old with a long beard and grey shabby looking robes. His hair was mostly white but streaked with dark grey.

"Ain't you a bit young to go about ordering firewhisky?" He scoffed and sent her a scowl. Poppy merely raised her eyebrows in response as if questioning if she was supposed to be intimidated.

He scowled deeper and then turned back around, "Run along now before I report you to your Headmaster" He warned.

Poppy tilted her head back and let out a laugh. Yeah right! As if Dumbledore would do anything to her. She was Harry's best friend and clearly knew that she was therefore entitled to better treatment. He had his favourites and through her proximity to the boy-who-lived, she was definitely one.

The old man glared at her this time and moved forward threateningly, "Find something funny, missy?"

Poppy got comfortable in her little bar stool and sent the strange old man a charming smile, "Why yes I do, be sure to tell Dumbledore, I'm curious to see what would happen" The amusement was ringing loud and clear in her voice and it made the man pause and frown at her.

He drifted closer and although he still did not look happy, he appeared intrigued, "Don't think you'd get into trouble, little girl?" He grumbled, eyes taking her in.

Poppy shook her head with a confident smile, "Nah, don't you know who I am? If you report me being up to no good, all I'll get is a slap on the wrist, nice little chat about 'responsibility' all the while Dumbledore's trying to fight off a smile"

The old man was now watching her with a frown, "Who exactly are you then?" He asked, less disgruntled than before.

"Poppy Stark" She explained with a smile.

The man paused noticeably and furrowed his brows. He then took her in again properly, blue eyes lingering on her own greens and looked like he was trying to figure out a puzzle for a moment or two.

"Stark, you say?" He inquired quite casually but he did not fool Poppy, something about her intrigued him.

Poppy smirked, "Yes, it isn't a Wizarding name. You going to kick me out?" She asked calmly while drawing small imaginary patterns on the dusty bar table.

The man snorted, "Think I can afford to be kicking out paying customers 'cos ah there blood status?" He snorted with a pointed look around his humble establishment.

Poppy looked back to the two men and hummed in agreement. She then turned around with a big grin towards the old man, "Great so can I get my drink now?"

The barkeep let out kind of an exasperated laugh, "I still don't see what's so special about you, missy" He asked, still watching her.

Poppy explained patiently, "Well I'm best friends with the wonderful and oh so famous boy-who-lived. Dumbledore isn't going to punish me too harshly" She laughed at the mere thought.

The man slammed another glass harshly onto the bar table with a growl. It did not startle her and she just tilted her head to the side,

"Think you're entitled to special treatment then, eh, girly?" He grumbled at her. Poppy shook her head and began bouncing her legs.

"Nope but that doesn't mean I'm not given it" She explained. His anger seemed to deflate then he watched her again with a frown. She continued, "By the headmaster at least" She added as an afterthought thinking of Snape.

The old man didn't appear happy by what she said. He stomped away and began clunking his glasses about and whipping an old rag on the dirty bar table angrily. Poppy watched him for a couple moments before speaking up,

"I know it's not fair but I mean after how many times me and my friends have almost died because he was an incompetent headmaster, it is kind of fair"

The man paused here and then threw his head back and laughed loudly, "Never heard anyone call him incompetent before" He sent her a smirk.

She smiled back, "Well he is" Poppy lifted her hand to begin counting off fingers, "Rampant bullying, incompetent Professors, mountain trolls roaming the school, a Basilisk, children getting petrified, mudblood being tossed around like a quaffle" She paused and then thought hard for a moment and snapped her fingers, "The worst part is everyone worships the ground he walks on, I mean, seriously?" She sent him a look.

The old man smirked again and shook her head, "You'll need to explain all of that to me, 'cept the whole Mudblood thing, two guesses it's Slytherins"

Poppy hummed, "You would not need those two guesses" She acknowledged with a head tilt. The man came back over and continued watching her,

"But first, your muggleborn, aye?" He asked looking very skeptical and even suspicious.

His sudden interest in her was a little strange and should be alarming but Poppy at this point felt a little happy finally being able to release her frustrations about Albus Dumbledore, even if it was to an old barkeep.

"Yep" Poppy acknowledged, "Well-I mean kind of"

The old man raised an eyebrow but waited for her to continue with a frown, "I'm an orphan and I don't know who my parents are so that basically means I'm muggleborn. To be fair, muggleborns are a bit of a step up from me, they at least have families" She sighed.

The old man looked angry again and hummed in a tense manner. She watched him, it didn't appear as if he was angry at her this time.

"Right, where'd the Stark name come from then?" He questioned her further as if she was this mysterious puzzle.

Poppy shrugged her shoulders, "I made it up" She laughed.

The old man shook his head at her and then walked away only to come back with a butterbeer. Her eyes lit up immediately. He sat it down in front of her and warned, "Now don't be telling your headmaster about this or I'll be telling him about your badmouthing" He smirked as if the whole situation was very funny to him.

"Thanks" She beamed and then took a long sip. The man then moved to disappear into the back of the building, "Hey wait, what was your name again?" She asked idly, taking another sip of beer.

The old man paused and turned to look at her with a devilish expression and smirking, "Aberforth..." He began and she nodded, "Aberforth... Dumbledore" Poppy paused and her eyes went wide. The man then walked into the back of the store, leaving her dumbfounded.

Poppy sat in the quiet, dingy old pub feeling the silence was a little oppressive, "Well that was awkward"


It was a week later when Poppy finally cornered Harry in the common room. He had been moody all week and at first, the girl simply thought he was upset at missing the Hogsmeade visit but when his dark, pensive mood remained she decided to take action.

Harry sighed and his eyes darted about the busy common room uneasily, "It's nothing Poppy-I'm fine" Her best friend spoke quietly through the dark shadows under his eyes and pale face was very telling.

Poppy folded her arms across her chest in an exasperated manner, "You are not. Your not sleeping, you've been quiet and subdued all week Harry. Please just let me know what's wrong" Poppy whispered, true worry seeping into her voice then.

Harry sighed again and ruffled his hand through his hair nervously, "It's nothing bad really-" He began again but Poppy cut him off.

"Don't you trust me?" Poppy whispered, feeling devastated. She had revealed so much of herself and parts of her past that she was so ashamed of. Maybe their friendship isn't what she thought it was.

Seeing the forlorn expression on her face made Harry pause and grab her hand. He dragged her to a secluded table in the corner of the room where no one could hear. Harry sat down and rubbed his face tiredly. Poppy waited patiently for him to begin.

"I-I got this letter" He began and pulled out a very crumpled piece of parchment from his robes. It looked like it had been opened and refolded many times.

Poppy nodded.

Harry's green eyes looked around the common room again before leaning in closer to her, "It's from a man I've never heard of before. He-he claims to be my godfather" Harry whispered with wide uncertain eyes.

Poppy's mouth dropped open.

Harry sat back and started fiddling with the small piece of parchment nervously, "He apologises over and over for not being there for me and said that he's been away for years and only now is able to contact me. He says that my mum and dad wanted him to take care of me" Harry's voice got noticeable hoarser here and she took his hand.

The messy haired teen squeezed her hand tightly and continued, keeping his eyes on the letter, "He says that he wants to get to know me and if I wanted then I could go and live with him" Harry finished talking and Poppy was very excited for her friend.

"Whats his name?" She asked casually, trying to hide a small smile.

Harry looked up for a moment before looking back down, "Sirius Black" He mumbled. Poppy held in a gasp but couldn't help the grin that spread over her face. She squeezed Harrys hand so hard that he looked up again,

"Harry that's great!" Poppy whisper yelled at him with a bright smile.

Harry frowned uncertainly, "How do I even know he is telling the truth? I've never heard that I had a godfather before, it all just seems-seems to perfect" He confessed quietly.

Poppy reached over to give him a quick hug and then pulled back with a gentle smile, "Harry, I don't know if he is your godfather or not but Sirius Black was your dads best friend in school" She explained.

Harry's confusion only deepened with his frown, "What-how did you know that?" He asked.

Poppy smacked her forehead with her hand and groaned, "I am so sorry Harry, I found your parents year book a few years ago and completely forgot to tell you. It's in the school library, come on" Poppy stood up quickly with a smile and Harry stood up equally as fast.

The striped haired girl went to leave the common room but Harry leant in to whisper, "It's getting near curfew, I'll get the cloak so we don't get caught" He said quietly and then ran up to his dormitory to fetch it. Poppy smiled as she watched him leave and made her way to the entrance.

Poppy was aware of the people around her, of course, as her heightened senses alerted her to everyone in close proximity. To her surprise, a wave of strawberry shampoo suddenly moved directly into her pathway. Poppy felt someone beat their shoulder against her.

Poppy stopped to sniff the air to identify who it was and blinked at Ginny Weasley's scowling face, "Excuse me" Poppy said and then continued walking. Was the girl dizzy or confused? She stumbled right in front of her.

"Excuse you is right" Ginny muttered snidely under her breath, Poppy only hearing it due to her animagus abilities.

Harry then rushed through the common room and the pair left swiftly hoping not to be noticed. Poppy and Harry didn't run to the library but walked at a fast pace. They didn't speak and Harry looked both determined and excited to see his parents yearbook.

The library was still open but only for another fifteen minutes. They sneaked behind Madam Pince and Poppy quickly located the correct yearbook and then sat down at a table hidden from view. Harry immediately began flipping through the pages with an eager expression.

Poppy sat next to him quietly, allowing him to absorb the information.

"Head boy and head girl" He muttered under his breath with an expression of awe and longing.

Poppy smiled slightly as he turned the page. The picture showed James Potter lounging by the black lake and tossing a snitch into the air. He had two other boys beside him.

Poppy pointed to the black curly haired handsome boy, "That's Sirius Black. He and your dad were best friends" She explained. Harry leant down to squint at the picture of the boy that looked like a sixth year in the photo.

It was quiet for another couple minutes when Poppy pointed to the next boy reading a book quietly, "That's Remus Lupin" She said quietly.

Harry jerked his head up and said, "Sirius mentioned a Remus in the letter. Think it's the same one?" He whispered.

Poppy nodded her head firmly, "Yeah, most likely" She said back quietly. Harry continued flicking through the pages quietly and Poppy looked outside the window to give him some semblance of privacy.

When Harry spoke up, he was quiet, "Why...why did he only contact me now? I don't get it. What was so bad that I didn't even know he existed until now" Harry's voice was filled with pain and confusion.

Poppy took his hand again and took an unsteady breath, "Sirius Black was in Azbakan Harry" She whispered.

Confusion washed through his features so she explained, "It's like Wizarding prison. He was accused of being a Death Eater and sentenced without a trial. He must have only been found innocent recently and been released" She explained quietly.

Harry's eyes widened and darted back to the picture of the dark haired boy laughing carelessly with his father in the photo below him, "Are you sure he's innocent. What-"

Poppy cut him off in a voice sharper than she intended, "Yes I am sure" She bit out. Harry paused and looked at her for a moment.

"What do you know?" He asked, staring at her expectantly.

Poppy sighed heavily and explained about Peter Pettigrew and her adventures that summer. She explained how the rat was believed to be killed by Sirius Black but he faked his death and framed him. She also revealed that she learned this by going through his mind.

The girl also quietly confessed that the rat was the man that killed her uncle. Harry hugged her then.

The two Gryfinndor third years walked quietly back to the common room, lost in their own thoughts. It wasn't much past curfew and neither much felt like talking though a definite lightness had settled into Harry's face.

Before they entered the common room Poppy turned to face her friend, "Hey, can I see that letter?" She asked, only out of curiosity, wondering what the letter said. Harry paused but handed the letter over easily before giving the fat lady the password and entering the common room.

Poppy unfolded the very creased parchment and read;

Dear Harry,

You don't know who I am but I would very much like to change that. My name is Sirius Black and I am your godfather.

I know you've probably never heard of me but your parents named me your godfather and asked me to take care of you if anything ever happened to them. I am so sorry that I've not been around and you've had to live with your Aunt and Uncle. I wish I could have been there for you.

I hope it's not too late and I can still be a part of your life. I would very much like it if you came to live with me and we could be a proper family but I know that might be too much to ask.

I have been away since the day you were given to your Aunt and Uncle and if I could go back and change things then I definitely would. I can't explain why in a letter but please know that it was out of my control and if I could I would have raised you like I should have done.

I know this is a lot to take in so I will stop my letter now. Right now I am staying with my old friend Remus and you are more than welcome to come live with us for the summer once I get things sorted.

Take your time to reply and know that I will always be here for you,

Sincerely yours,

Sirius Black.


Her third year was unremarkable but very safe. She spent the whole year practising wandless magic in duelling and studying on spell development and how they are created for extra reading.

She became relatively popular that year and talked with all kinds of people from different Houses and remained friendly with everyone. These 'friendships' were rather superficial but necessary and she still cherished her time with her best friends – Harry, Ron and Hermoine.

Professor Diggle was not completely incompetent as a Defence professor though Poppy always refused to actually duel in class. The man wasn't stern enough to force her so class was always rather boring for the young animagus.

Curiously, one of her favourite times of the year was her visits to Hogsmeade and subsequently her strange visits with one Aberforth Dumbledore.

"Morning Abbie" She called out with a big grin and she entered the dingy little pub she had grown very fond of.

The owner of the pub, Aberforth emerged from the back rooms scowling and quickly sent her a mild stinging hex that she only barely managed to dodge out of the way while laughing.

He moved behind the desk, waving his wand threateningly in her direction, "Don't be calling me that again missy or you'll be getting worse than a few hexes" He warned her.

Poppy gasped dramatically, "Oh no! How ever will Dumbledore react when he hears his innocent baby brother is attacking his students" She fanned herself as if it was some great scandal.

Aberforth snorted inelegantly and started pouring her a butterbeer, "I reckon he'll be understanding when he spends more than a minute in your presence" He slid over the warm beverage to her. She breathed in its wonderful aroma before taking a sip. Aberforth would only ever sell her one. Two if he was in a particularly good mood. If she asked for any more than that then he would attempt to hex her.

Poppy grinned with an upper lip covered in foam, "Oh he's spent more than a minute in my presence" She winked but then sighed in an over exaggerated sad manner, "But my little humble presence is over shadowed by the incredible boy-who-lived" Poppy let out a long suffering sigh at that moment.

Aberforth grumbled under his breath, "Humble presence my arse"

Poppy beamed again and winked at the man, "You know you love me. This is my last visit you know, don't lie and say you aren't going to miss me terribly over the summer" She smirked.

It was strange yet Poppy had come to really enjoy her visits to Hogs Head and chats with Aberforth. She didn't reveal any of her secrets but did explain about her misadventures with her friends in the castle and it was somewhat gratifying to see the anger on his face at the danger her friends got into when the issues should have been dealt with by his older brother. She didn't know what kind of family issues they had and didn't really want to know.

Aberforth grumbled and asked in a much too casual voice, "What will you be doing over the summer then, missy? Where is it that you live anyway?"

Poppy lifted her eyebrows and finished the last of her beer with a happy sighing sound, "Don't know. Here and there. Orphan remember? Trust me when I say being homeless is better than an orphanage as a witch" She shuddered then and recalled some of her experiences.

The owner of Hogs Head then paused and looked at her with a frown, "What's that supposed to mean?" He asked in a dangerous voice.

Poppy sighed and swivelled the dregs of her beer around the bottom of the mug, "Just that non-magical folk don't take too well to children doing strange things. They either want you to show them how to do it or think you're some sort of demon" Poppy rolled her eyes here and noticed the vaguely worried look in the old man's eyes and hastened to take it away, "It wouldn't be as bad now anyway since my magical isn't accidental" Poppy sent him a grin to ease his worries.

He only grunted in acknowledgement, "So you'll be what, sleeping on the streets and raiding bins for food this summer?" He scowled at her as if she was a gigantic idiot.

Poppy gaped, "Hey, it isn't exactly my choice you know and I'll probably just find a job. I don't steal my school supplies and clothes you know" The animagus rolled her eyes. Aberforth then paused for a moment before swearing foully. He poured her another butterbeer and she smiled happily.

The old man did not speak to her for the rest of her visit. He stalked and grumbled around his small pub and Poppy only watched in amusement as she finished off her beer.

"Well I'm off, I'll see you next year" She shouted as she put her coat back on. Aberforth stepped out of the back rooms with a defeated and vaguely angry expression.

"Wait-I've got an offer for you" He grumbled and stalked back over to her.


Poppy's third year at Hogwarts was actually lots of fun. The four Gryffindors sat on the Express discussing how strange it was for their life not to be in any danger for once. Harry was smiling and kept looking out the window in an unusually upbeat mood.

Poppy nudged him with her elbow, "What up with you?" She grinned and he grinned back.

"Well, it's just-I'll be meeting Sirius this summer" He relayed happily. Poppy grinned and gave him a hug in congratulations. Harry had been tentatively writing to his godfather throughout the year and found out that he was in recovery from his time in Azbakan and staying with his friend Remus. Unfortunately, the ministry was dragging their feet on announcing him to be innocent as it would only reflect atrociously on them and until Sirius was declared a free man, Harry couldn't go live with him. When her friend first found this out he had an awful tantrum and was in a foul mood for a week. Poppy eventually soothed her friend and told him to be patient. He was extremely lucky to have found a lost family member as it was. Harry was also appeased by the fact that he would be meeting the man soon.

"Sirius? Sirius who?" Hermione interjected with a frown. Harry and Poppy exchanged a look. The messy haired teen decided to tell his two other friends.

After his explanation, Ron looked happy for him but Hermione was frowning worriedly, "But Harry, how do you know he is telling the truth" She asked, biting her lower lip anxiously.

"Well I spoke to Dumbledore and he said it was true" Harry said back with a smile.

Hermione expelled a large breath of air, "That poor man spending twelve years in Azbakan for a crime he didn't commit" She raged, looking indignant on Sirius Black's behalf.

Ron turned to Harry then, ignoring Hermione's rant, "So you've been writing him all year, yeah? What you been saying?"

Poppy looked at Harry curiously. The bespeckled boy just grinned, "Just getting to know each other, really. He has a lot of good stories about my parents. He asks a lot of questions about me and my school work and Quidditch, obviously" He grinned happily.

Harry then turned to look at her, "He asks about you guys also and talks about the importance of friendship. Asks about you tonnes too Poppy" He said absently with a tiny furrowed brow.

Poppy raised her own eyebrows in surprise but answered back cheekily, "That's because he must know that I am the most awesome of your friends" She winked at him.

Harry rolled his eyes with a smile.

"What will you be doing this summer Poppy?" Hermione asked her as they boys conversation inevitably turned to Quidditch.

Poppy let out a bright grin, "Well I got a part time job" She declared proudly.