A/N: Time for another chapter, this one isn't going to be as long as the last. I'm saving that for the last chapter in this arc. Sorry, this one took so long, I was struck with the deadly writer's block for this duration of this, and also had no clue as to where I wanted to go with this chapter. I had to restart about 2 sections multiple times because I just had no idea as to what I wanted to do. So, my apologies for having such a long break in between chapters. Hope you enjoy this one, a lot of thought went into it's writing.

Disclaimer: I am merely playing in the sandbox, I don't own Harry Potter or anything associated with it.

Chapter 10 – Christmas Break

December 23rd, 1991

"Dreki! Dreki wake up!" I shake Dreki violently, trying to get his sleepy arse out of bed. It's the beginning of Christmas Break, and this prat is on the way to make us miss the train.

"Bugger off..." He mutters, his face buried in the pillow of his bed. "I'm trying to sleep."

"You can sleep on the train. And I'm getting on that train if you are up or not by the time it leaves. So finish packing, it leaves in two hours." I march out of his room and re-enter my own.

I finish up what little packing I have to do, and by that, I mean stuffing my luggage full of my clothes for them to be washed at home. For only being gone two weeks, it sure does seem like it would be more productive to not take this much, but at the same time, I really don't want to miss this train ride home. I'm supposed to be meeting Via two days from now, and there is no way I'm going to be passing on that opportunity. She could end up being my sister, and I've always wanted one. Mum said she had difficulties with her pregnancy with me. Dad explained that those "difficulties" were a mixture of both himself and Padfoot freaking out about her having a child, and did not want to go through another nine months of torture just to say she is the one that birthed the child.

My gods, am I ever excited. It feels like it has been years since I've been home, yet in reality, it has only been four months. Time flies when you are having a good time, eh? I grab my case, and descend the stairs to come to the hall we will use for departures back to the station. Dreki catches up, and we walk to the train. Hermione, Ron, and Neville join us eventually. I board the train, taking up our compartment on the train, with my families initials.

I sit at the door and Hermione takes the spot to my left, resting her head on my lap to catch up on sleep. Dreki leans against the window and promptly falling asleep, Neville ends up passing out against the wall that separates the cabin from the hall, Ron ends up on the floor, and goes to bed resting against the seat, which leaves me to my thoughts.

I think back to what Hagrid said. The day after finding the three-headed dog, I went down to his hut to talk with him.

"Hagrid, why is there a three-headed dog on the third floor?" I ask the big man, who is busy poring the tea. He comes to an abrupt stop upon hearing my question.

"'Ow do you know about Fluffy?" He stares at me, his face being that of an exasperated mom.

"So that is her name. Sweet dog. I came across her when I went to go find Dreki. You know, because of the howler he received at the beginning of the day."

"'Ow did you get out wit'out any scratches? She is supposed to be 'ighly defensive of t'at room..."

"Honestly, after I told her of my intentions and let her smell my hand, she dropped any view of being a vicious dog that could easily rip my body to pieces and turned into a giant ball of fluff. Not much of a threat after that. She lifted one of her heads, and allowed me to get to the back of the room, where Dreki was crying."

"Did she let anyone else in? Or move 'er paw from the door?"

"Hagrid, what is Fluffy guarding? Is it that ting bag you took from Gringotts?"

"T'at's none of yer business 'Arry. W'at Fluffy is guarding is strictly between Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel." He points a massive finger at me. "Don't you go looking for t'at object now, ye 'ear?"

"Alright, Hagrid. I won't go searching for whatever it is Fluffy is guarding."

I'm going to look in the library at home, see if I can get any information on this Nicolas Flamel. Surely Mum and Dad will have something of the sort in the library. If that doesn't provide any information, then I will simply coerce the answer out of them. How hard could it be to trick them, or Uncle Moony? All I have to do is provide enough information that is the truth, fill in the holes that might exist with some fallacies that could very well be the truth, and bang! I've got the answer. I told my friends about it, and they decided that we should do research at school. We never got around to it, unfortunately.

I stare at the people sleeping in the compartment, and I think of how thankful I am for these people. Neville joined later in the group than the others, but I'm really glad I decided to make him a permanent part of this group. He has been nothing short of a valuable friend, sticking up to us when he can, making us feel truly wanted, and has been seeing to it that we do not deviate from our schoolwork. At first glance, he would seem to be a bad student, with how much he forgets things on the surface of it all. But when you get to know him, he is really amazing. So many times he shows off a intelligence that is hidden behind a wall of anxiety and shyness. He works extremely hard, he is loyal beyond measure, and has never told a lie in his life.

After spending so much time thinking of Neville, I think it is right to think of everyone's talents and personality. So I think to my first friend, Ron. Some may mock him due to his hand-me-down clothes, or his tendency to be covered in dirt, but those that know him know that you couldn't ask for a more better friend. He is loyal to the bone, he stands up to the bullies and will never back down from a challenge. He seeps bravery with each step he takes. He tells jokes constantly, never giving your ribs a break from laughing so hard, that is if he can finish a joke without bursting into laughter himself. He just has one of those contagious laughs that even if you don't know what is so funny, you just have to laugh along. Yeah, he may love his food, but he loves his friends and family so much more.

Dreki. The man who was raised to be evil stands above it to be almost the most compassionate person in the group. If you think to insult one of us, make sure that it can in no way get back to him, otherwise he will be the one with the most creative punishments or humiliations available. If there is one thing to say about him, is do not cross his path when he has his sights set on something. He devises plans to play the system, all the while making sure he doesn't break any rules at the same time. If there is a way that is better in any shape or form, he is hellbent on finding that way and perfecting it. Quite frankly, I'm a bit surprised that he wasn't put into Slytherin. He is through and through one, with only one exception. His actions are always for what is right. He doesn't care if people are looking or not, if it will result in a more efficient way to solve the problem at hand, then expect for him to do it.

Hermione. My best friend. Brave, caring, ruthless. I remember that one time someone made her angry, she cast a Full-Body Bind curse on him and left him stuck in the hospital wing for a week. She is always there with a solution to everything. If you need help, the first person you go to is Hermione. She will always fight for the truth of things. A crusader, if you will. Always fighting for justice, and what matters the most to her.

All of them have been in my life for no more than four months and all of them I have come to respect and love as a family. Sure, myself and Hermione are frequently seen touching in some way. Like now, as she has her head resting in my lap. Or other times, where walking down the arm it's in a one-armed hug, or just simply having our arms lightly touch. Many people have asked if we are dating, but we are just close friends. Many people give us weird looks, but who doesn't receive weird looks at some point in their life.

"Anything from the trolley, dear?" The lady from the cart interrupts my thoughts, directing me to the cart piled with little packages of donuts and other oddities associated with breakfast.

"Um yeah, could I get five packages of donuts. For when the others wake." I hand her the required amount of wizarding currency, and she hands me the snacks. "Thank you, ma'am."

"You're welcome, dear." With that, she leaves, and I close the door to the compartment, locking us off from the world.

I sit back once more, very slowly opening my food. I'm normally able to eat a lot for breakfast, but today I can deal with just a little amount of food in my system. We'll get more anyway. The train doesn't arrive in London until late. I gobble them up, and proceed to initiate a conversation with my familiar.

"Aventance, why do I feel so different? I never got this angry before. Is what happened on Hallowe'en a coincidence, or was that only the beginning of my power? I blew up a wall, and knocked out someone from it. I used the spell that I recalled Godric and Salazar practicing from the memory, and caused Blaise to fly back so hard that it left a crater in the wall"

I would say that it is only the beginning of your power. You see, Harry, emotions are a powerful thing. They can, quite literally, affect your spell work. If you are feeling angry, and you haven't got a proper leash on your magic, which for your age is quite extensive, you will be much more prone to bouts of accidental magic. But if you learn to harness your magic, that anger can be used to fuel your spell and turn it into something that even a modifier cannot even begin to reach. Say if you attached a Maxima modifier to a Bombarda spell. Without emotion being ciphered into it, it is capable of taking out a wall. But add fuel to those flames by use of intense emotions, and you can level a building. And because emotions are limitless, and can be increased indefinitely, you could even possibly level all of Hogwarts.

"Could you teach me, Aventance? I know we are focusing on being able to recall Merlin's memories, but I really need to be able to control this. I need to be able to fully utilize the extent of this power you and others so frequently speak of."

Very well. I will begin teaching you. But later. You need to master control of your mind. You've already done well by learning Occlumency at such a young age. Not many sorcerer's could manage such a feat at your age. But that is only the beginning. By being able to control your emotions, and not let them reveal your intentions, that could be a great skill in fights. If you learn to be able to pull memories from the back of your mind, that could further your prowess in life even further.

"Alright. So, what are all the secrets of Hogwarts? You said I could access them whenever I want, but so far the only secret I've found is Fluffy on the third floor."

Where is the fun in telling you? I want you to be able to discover them for yourself. So you won't get any information from me. And I doubt that anyone has the full information about Hogwarts. I mean, how many will know the whole story of the castle, but one of the original founder's themselves or their familiars.

"Git."

You love me, don't deny it.

"Fine. I love you. Happy now?"

Yes, quite so. I'll leave you to your thoughts. No need to disturb you any further. You will be able to discover more of Nicolas Flamel when you arrive at your home. Have fun meeting Via, and don't mess it up.

Bloody bird. Well, at least Aventance confirmed that I can find information about this Flamel when I get back home. I stare at the girl in my lap, before falling back against the seat, falling asleep running my hand through her hair.

"Harry, wake up. We've arrived at King's Cross." Hermione shakes me awake. Everyone is grabbing their things from the top rack already. "You slept through lunch. We thought you wouldn't want to be disturbed. I'm going to be leaving with my parents for the break. I'll see you when school starts up again." With a tight squeeze, she leaves the compartment. Ron claps me on the back, and leaves following Neville.

"Don't forget we are coming over for the last week!" He shouts, already having entered the hallway.

"You ready to meet my family, Dreki?" I get up and grab my bag, which holds a book or two I was going to read over the ride.

"Yeah, I guess so. Are you sure they won't try to hex me, because of my family?" He has his hands clenched together, rubbing his skin. With that, I can see his nervousness in meeting them.

"Come on." I lead him out of the train, wanting so badly to get the break on the move. "I'm sure of it. My godfather, Sirius Black, was apart of a similar family to your own. He was supposed to be in Slytherin, but was placed in Gryffindor. This made him be disowned as well. So if they don't accept you for whatever reason, I'll lay claim to them having double standards."

I spot my uncle, and sprint over to him. "Moony!" I tackle him with a hug, before switching to the others, giving them a very similar embrace. "Padfoot! Mum! Dad! I missed you guys so much! Now, where is he..." I turn around, and see him shuffling his way over. I go, and drag his arse over to my family. "Guys, this is Dreki. My friend." I smile at them.

The first one to step forward is Dad. "Welcome to the family, son." He extends his hand, which Dreki grasps enthusiastically. He is practically beaming at being so openly accepted. Mum gives him a hug, and I can see a tear forming in his eye. I hide a smirk, because this is what I knew my family would do. They accept the outcasts. Padfoot, the Black to not be in Slytherin. Uncle Moony, the werewolf who pretended to not want friends. And now the disowned Malfoy. God it's good to be home.

December 31st, 1991

I'm eating breakfast when Padfoot, as a dog, comes bounding into the room and jumps up into the chair. Switching into his human form, he is grinning like a buffoon. Mum glances over from the stove, and smirks. Crashes and bangs sound from above, and a shout ricochets throughout the house. "PADFOOT, YOU ARE SO DEAD!"

"What did you do?" I shrivel up a little. I've heard that before, and it was not a fun time. I managed to get stuck in the middle of their chaos, and ended up with Dad's shoes, and Sirius's pants stuck on my head. That was not a fun experience, to say the least. It was even more horrifying to see his underwear. I would never have thought it possible for a grown man to like She-Ra: Princess of Power.

"I may or may not have chewed up his shoe while he was showering." He chuckles, turning around to see a fuming deer in our living room.

Oh no. Not again. I duck under the counter and hide behind Mum. She is the only person both of them are afraid of, and for good reason. The infamous Evans temper is truly something to be afraid of. So, should they end up getting her into the fight, I'm sure to be safe.

"Would you two boys knock it off! You can fight later, outside the house! We have a get together with Via today, and I don't think Harry wants to be late to that!" She shouts at the two, who have now both returned to their human form.

I perk up at the mention of the Via. I completely forgot that this was today. I dash out up into my room, leaving the grumbling of the two men behind me. I leap into the shower, washing every inch of myself three times over. I attempt to fix my hair, but it just refuses to stay down. I abandon the effort, and pick my clothes. I go with a black dress shirt and a grey cardigan. I stick on a simple pair of jeans, and put on some black dress boots. I check myself in the mirror, and am pleased with my result. It was Mum's idea to get me the scarf and cap, so I'm not going to disappoint her. Plus I really like the look it gives me, so it's an added bonus. I spritz some cologne on, and head back downstairs.

"When are we going? When are we going?" I am practically bouncing up and down with excitement.

"Would you calm down, Harry? You sound like a kid that just heard he's going to get ice cream." Dreki scowls at me, sipping a cup of coffee.

"Well I'm sorry, but I could very well be meeting my future sister today. I don't know about you, but I've always wanted a sibling, a sister in particular, so this could very well be the day I have that dream fulfilled." I give him a shove, light enough that I don't spill his coffee on him, but with enough force to cause him to move.

"Wait, you've always wanted a sister?" Mum sets down the plate she was washing, and turns to me. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"

"Because I didn't want you to feel like I was ungrateful of the life you had given me. I wanted you to know that I truly do appreciate all that you have done for me. I felt like if I said that I wanted a sister, you would have thought you were awful parents. That was the last thing I wanted you to feel. So I just kept that to myself, so when Dad said he had met a girl that he was wanting to adopt and that everyone did as well, I felt like my wish came true." I stare at her, a smile creeping onto my face. My very own sister. The thought induces a high.

Mum grabs me and pulls me into a hug. "You're such a good kid. I'm so, so proud of you."

I whisper into her ear. "Could you do the same for Dreki? I don't want him left out. You don't have to adopt him, but just make him know he's still got family."

She walks over and gives him a hug like I asked. "I'm proud of you as well. You must be strong in order to handle this situation so gracefully."

"Time to go, family!" Dad strides into the room. He is wearing a suit, which causes me to feel under-dressed. "I know that look you're giving me, Harry. If you two get along, I hope to adopt her tonight."

I run over and give him a hug. "Thanks, Dad."

He ruffles my hair, before pushing me in the direction of the fireplace. "We are going to Diagon Alley. We will walk to the adopt facility there in Diagon Alley."

I walk into the fireplace, grab my floo powder, and toss it to the ground. "Diagon Alley!" I've whisked away, the floor beneath me vanishing as the magic drags me through the fire, to the place I specified. I get tossed out, and land with a thud on the floor of the Leaky Cauldron. The rest of my family enters the pub, as well as Dreki. He gives me a hand up, and we begin our trek to Madam Soin's Center for Adoption.

"Hi, we are here to see Via." Dad informs the lady at the front desk of our names and the arranged meeting that he had set up the last time he came here.

"If you would follow me, I will take you to see Via." She leads us to a room in the back of the hall. She knocks twice on the door. Inside, I hear a faint response. The lady opens the door a crack. "Via, James and his family are here to see you. Would you like the use of the big room for when we have family visits?" She doesn't say anything, but the nurse begins to walk away, beckoning us to follow. "She needs to finish getting ready, and then she will be out with you all." She opens up a door to a room, where there is plenty of space for a family visit. She departs, leaving us to do as we wish.

I begin pacing in the back of the room. What if she doesn't like me? What if she doesn't want to be my sister? What if she thinks I'm weird? No matter what I do, I can't seem to stop having these doubts. They flow and flow, and I begin to panic. I don't want her to dislike me. I want her to see me as if a brother she's never had before. I hear a knock on the door, and the smile that plasters her face makes all my doubts wash away.

She has raven black hair like myself, but her hair is smooth and clings together, where mine is a rat's nest. And where my hair is short and doesn't drop to my shoulders, hers drops to her waist. Her eyes are a deep shade of red, something like that of garnet. Her face is fairly normal, with high cheekbones and a jawline that could knock you out cold. She is slim, with a lanky kind of appearance. She is wearing a black leather jacket, a t-shirt that I know used to belong to Mum, as she would frequently talk about the band she is wearing. She has a pair of ripped jeans, and is wearing combat boots. But that smile. At first glance, you would say that she is someone you should run from and avoid at all costs. But how she looks now, with that smile, shows that she is one of the most loving people in the world.

Love radiates from her, especially as she runs to my parents and hugs them tightly. She goes to Padfoot and Uncle Moony, and also gives them a tight hug. She surprises me by running to me and giving me a hug maybe even harder than the others received. For Dreki, she just shakes his hand. She runs back over, and comes to a halt in front of me, pelting me with another hug.

"It's so good to finally meet you! I've heard so much from your family, but I need to know about you from your own perspective!" Standing in front of me, I can now see she also has a single red strand of hair. I make a note to ask her about that later.

"Alright, well, what do you want to know?" I feel a smile come across my face, and I can't help but realize that I have met her for a total of one minute and I already want to protect her from harm, and love her as a brother.

She stares into my eyes, and then I knew that today is going to be a long one. "Everything."

So I tell her what I can. I tell her there is more to speak of, but I'd rather do it in a more private environment. I want her to know everything, but I don't know if now is the time to let my parents know that I know the truth. By the end of it, we are like best friends. I couldn't ask for a cooler sister.

"Well, if you two are done talking, I do believe that makes our job easier. Via, if it is okay with you, we wish to adopt you today." Dad pulls out the papers, already filled out. The only thing left to do is the signatures. I feel a sudden intense pressure on my elbow, and I look to see that Via has grabbed a hold of my arm. I see a tear fall down her cheek, and she glances at me to see if this is reality. I nob at her, and give her a shove in the right direction. "All you need to do is sign your name here, and you will officially be Via Potter." He hands her a quill, and shows her where to sign. She does so quickly, and gives him a hug.

"Thank you, all, so much... I don't know what to say, this means the world to me that you actually want me.

The week continues, and the Weasleys show up to our house as promised. Via has made herself at home, taking the spare bedroom that is usually used for guests. The Weasleys to show were Ron, Fred and George, Ginny, and Arthur. Percy went with his mum to visit Charlie in Romania. In order to get it work this large amount of people in properly, I volunteered to let the boys sleep in my room. Ginny is going to stay with Via, and Arthur is taking the couch.

I sit down at the main table for the feast beside Ginny, and Ron has taken up a spot to my other side. She stays awfully quiet, mainly eating her food or stealing glances in my direction. It's like just my close presence is enough to make her awkward. We eat, all talking about random things. It's one of the best nights of my life, having so many people nearby that I can call family. Sure, about half the people at the table aren't related to me, but I can genuinely say that they are as good as.

We say our good nights, and head to our individual rooms. I talk to the boys for a while, before choosing to head to Via's room. I really want to tell her the full story, and I've yet to get that chance. It would also be a good excuse to see Ginny.

(Via's P.O.V)

"Um, Via, can I talk to you for a bit?" The red-headed girl timidly asks me. She is shuffling on her feet nervously, and I can't say I blame her. I've been told I have that effect of people. Although something tells me that this is not because of my 'intimidating nature.'

"Yeah, sure thing Ginny. What's going through that head of yours?" I rest up against the dresser that was here before me. I cross my arms, and give her my full attention.

"Do you think Harry likes me?" She blurts it out, not giving herself a chance to change her mind. "I mean, do you think he tolerates me?"

"Ginny. He definitely likes you. Have you seen the way he looks at you? I swear, if he wasn't currently talking to Dreki or Ron, you were the only one he looked at. He barely looked at his food, he barely looked anywhere but at you. Something tells me that he has absolutely taken a liking to you, and I mean that in the same way you mean like. You like my brother, don't you?" I have never been a master of being smooth with my words, or at making them more subtle. All I've ever known is bluntness, and in this world, it's a dangerous thing to be. You make enemies quickly, and you have no chance at deceiving people. I think it's better, but society says otherwise.

"Of course I like him, he is the Boy-Who-Lived! I've loved him since I was six. He is my hero. I would never have imagined meeting him. And here I am staying in the same house as him!" She glances up at me. There is a fear in those eyes. I can see it dancing, playing around in a dance meant to distract from the truth.

I lessen my hardened gaze, adopting a look more suiting for the situation. I look at her as if I have always been Harry's sister, and have grown to be protective of him. "So that is how you feel, truly?" She simply nods her head at me. I can see her glancing at the door repeatedly, as if judging how quickly it would take for her to run for it. "Well, if that is the case, it's really cute. Although, if I were you, I would lessen up on the panicked fan. You didn't speak during dinner, unless you were answering a question directed at you by my parents. Just try speaking to him as if he were one of your brothers. I think that could really be good for you. Being able to talk to him as if he is just some passerby on the street, and not a celebrity." I kick off the dresser, and turn to the door. "Come in!"

Harry opens the door slowly, a very quizzical look on his face. "How did you-"

"I heard your footsteps. So, I believe you wanted to speak with the two of us girls?"

"Um, yeah. I did. Hey Ginny. Why didn't you talk during dinner? I was hoping to get to know you." He turns to the girl who looks like a badly-transfigured tomato.

"Why would you want to get to know Ron's sister?" She is keeping her face downward, as if not seeing him will make it easier to talk. I can tell she wants to bolt for the door, so I go and close it, stepping in front. I want to see this play out. Too bad I don't have popcorn.

"I don't want to get to know Ron's sister." I raise my eyebrow at this proclamation. I thought I was right in saying that he liked her. There is no way I could be wrong. "I want to get to know Ginny Weasley." I smirk. Sounds like Harry alright. You can hear the Sirius in him. Like a little drama queen.

"Wait, what? I'm confused. You said you wanted to get to know me, but also said you didn't." She still looks down, a hopeful tone at the back of her throat, mixed with disappointment and confusion.

"Gin, do you mind if I call you Gin?" She shakes her head no. "Gin, there is a difference between the two. You may be his sister, but that doesn't define who you are. You are not 'Ron's sister.' You are Ginny Weasley, with your own likes and dislikes. You have your own interests and hobbies, and you own relationships. When I say I want to get to know Ginny Weasley, it means I want to get to know you because I find you interesting." I stifle a chuckle. For the Boy-Who-Lived, he certainly knows how to use words when he wants. Even I was also moved by that. "Would you please look at me?"

She slowly lifts her head, tears in her eyes. I don't think she was expecting anything like this. I certainly wasn't. It seems this held the same amount as shock factor as if he had barged in here claiming he loved her. He brushes them away with his thumb, and smiles at her. "Gin, if you would be okay with it, would you have me as a friend? I know I want to be yours."

I can practically hear her heart do a simultaneous leap across a place called the Grand Canyon and a plummet from the peak of Everest. "I'd love to be your friend. If you would be okay with it." He simply beams at her, and gives her a hug. "So, Harry, why did you want to speak to Via?"

"Well, I wanted to finish telling her my story. I couldn't do it in front of Mum, Dad, and the others. Gin, I want you to know that Ron said I shouldn't say these things in front of you, as if would break your heart, but I think you deserve to know the truth. As does my new sister. So, here goes nothing."

With that, Harry tells us his full story. I can see her heart break more and more with each truth he lays out, about how he didn't do those things the story tells. I feel heartbroken as well. I also grew up on stories of the great Harry Potter. He is the reason I'm still here today. Those stories were what gave me courage. But I also realize that it was ridiculous to believe those things. No child could do the things that the stories spread. By the end of his story, he is comforting Ginny. She just crawled over to him and began crying profusely. And he accepted it, and began comforting her as if they were a married couple. I feel the beginnings of a bond form. This one is not the fabled soul bond. This one is something more. They are definitely soul mates. It's a shame they won't realize it.

A/N: And done. That's the end for this chapter. I know this is kind of a hodgepodge of stories all twisted into a chapter, but I felt like I needed something to make it interesting. I also really wanted a P.O.V from Via, in order to introduce her properly. To get a hint as to her past, and how different she is from others. See you next chapter! Hate will be ignored, criticism welcome.