I practice the new move with my sword again, being sure to keep my balance and make a smooth transition into a blocking position. A few more times and I have one of the animated dummies step forward and spar with me for a few moments so I can practice the move against someone who is, somewhat, able to work on impulse. It doesn't take long for me to best the dummy and I bring forth another one, also beating it relatively easily.
"You're getting better," Father says. "Now go get changed. Your aunt is coming for a visit and you do not need to be improperly dressed."
"Yes father," I say. I sheath my sword and bow to him before leaving. Once I'm in my room, I grin in excitement at the thought of seeing my aunt. Aunt Peggiola, or Aunt Peg for short, is one of my favorite relatives. She's always been really nice to me, and luckily mother and father don't mind me being around her. After freshening up, I put on the appropriate clothing and head for the parlor room. Before I walk in though, I hear voices and, on impulse, listen to the conversation.
"Peg, are you sure that you're keeping a good eye on her?" Mother asks.
Aunt Peg laughs, "Of course, dear. Merlin knows that your daughter gets into enough trouble as it is. I always keep her busy when she's visiting."
I smile, thinking of all the fun that we've had when I've stayed at Aunt Peg's house.
"Yes we are aware. And you've done a marvelous job engraining yourself with Annalisa. We just hope that you will be able to use that to usher her toward the correct path that she needs to take," Mother says, "she's been rather…adverse to anything that Gerladim or I try to teach her."
"Well, it helps that little Annalisa is entirely too trusting. She's exceedingly easy to manipulate, so I have no worries. She will soon be the perfect pureblood daughter," Aunt Peg says, "Even if she is a Gryffindor."
I feel my heart drop at that. Aunt Peg has been manipulating me? Did she mean anything that she's said? I feel like curling up in a ball and crying, but soon decide on a better way of getting back at her. I smile as I go into the kitchen, and when I see the tea tray, I tell the house elf that I'll bring in and that mother wanted dinner to be extra special tonight because of Aunt Peg being here. I bring the tea tray with me to the parlor and open the door. Mother's eyes narrow and I hold back a grin.
"Why is Ophie not bringing in the tea?" Mother asks.
"She is currently busy preparing dinner. I asked her to make something special because Aunt Peg is here and I haven't seen her for a while," I smile at my Aunt, "I am hoping that we'll be able to talk for a bit."
Aunt Peg smiles and nods, "I'm sure we'll be able to."
"Excellent. Shall I serve?" I ask. At mother's nod, I pour the tea and serve mother first. As I hand the cup to Aunt Peg, my hand tips just enough and she can't grab the cup, spilling it all over herself.
"Oh! Ow, ow, ow, ow!" Aunt Peg jumps from her chair, pulling her clothing away from her skin.
My eyes widen and I put a hand to my mouth, "Merlin, I am so sorry! I should have been sure that you had the cup before letting go!"
Aunt Peg tries to smile and nods, "Quite alright. May I have a change of robes though?"
"Yes, just give me a moment to retrieve them. You could change in the bathroom just across the hall," I say before bowing out of the room and going to one of the spare rooms. Inside the wardrobe, I find a very garish set of robes and smile. I put a temporary concealing charm on them so that they look like plain black robes and bring them to the bathroom that Aunt Peg is waiting in. I knock on the door before opening it long enough for me to pass the robes through before returning to the parlor.
"Did you give your Aunt appropriate robes?" mother asks.
"Yes mother," I say.
A few moments later and Aunt Peg walks in. I'm glad that the spell hasn't worn off yet, because hopefully that will take a bit of suspicion off of me. I sit and listen to mother and Aunt Peg talk, planning different things that I could do to take off my frustration and disappointment at Aunt Peg being a liar. Finally the spell wears off and Aunt Peg looks gob smacked at the sight of the bright orange, blue, green, and violet paisley patterned robes with sequins on the hems of the sleeves, neck, and bottom.
Mother blinks and frowns at Aunt Peg, "Peggiola, what in Salazar have you done to those robes?"
While they try to figure out what happened with the robes, I just sit back and munch on a biscuit. Merlin, I love causing a little bit of chaos.
)o(Remus Lupin's House)o(
Remus finishes setting the table for dinner and ducks as a stuffed animal goes flying overhead. Pep and Helen have begun fighting over something or another. Remus chuckles and splits the girls up, getting them to help in finishing making dinner. Their dad should be home shortly and their mother is off visiting her sister for the weekend.
"Helen, be careful with that bread," Remus says, watching his youngest sister toddle off with a bread bowl that's nearly as big as she is. He then gives Pep a bowl of salad and he brings over the chicken. Remus glances at the clock and sighs. Dad is late again. Just as Remus is about to tell his sisters to sit down and that they'll just save their dad a plate, the door opens and their dad walks in.
"Daddy!" both girls run toward the man and hug his legs.
"Woah, hello girls. I hope you behaved for your brother today," dad says.
"Yes daddy, we did," Pep says, nodding fast enough that her curly brown hair bounces back and forth.
Dad smiles, "Good, good. Hey Rem, dinner smells amazing."
Remus smiles, "Thanks dad. We were getting ready to sit down and eat when you walked in."
"Ah, good timing as always then," dad says, "Well, let's eat!"
Remus looks around as his family is eating and smiles. He loves that their family sits down to eat together every night. Even with his father almost being late, or actually being late, every night they've gotten used to him walking in just before dinner is going to be served. It's when Helen is talking about some fairy that her and Pep were chasing by the creek that Remus hears it. A light crack from outside, as though a stick was broken as someone stepped on it. Remus stops and tilts his head, listening to see if it was an animal or something else. He can feel the wolf pacing just below the surface, feeling just as weary as he is.
"Rem, what's the matter?" dad asks, picking up on Remus's weariness.
"I think someone's outside," Remus mutters. A moment later Remus also smells smoke and his eyes widen, "Da, I smell smoke!"
His dad's eyes widen and he stands back from the table. Before he can take a step, the glass from the front room is blown in, causing the girls to scream and Remus pulls them toward himself, hoping to block some of the glass from getting in their eyes.
"Remus, take the girls and run!" dad yells, "Go Remus, now!"
Remus nods, picking up both girls and sprinting for the back door. Both girls have managed to quit yelling and are keeping quiet, even though tears are running down their faces. The night is cool, and is perfect. The moon, in waning crescent, is fighting with the sun for dominance of the sky. However since they both are low on the horizon, it's still rather dark. Of course, Remus can see a little better than other people because of the wolf, but he ignores that thought and runs right up to the forest that surrounds their home.
"Helen, Pep, keep your heads down, all right. I don't want you to get hit with a branch," Remus says.
They both nod and put their heads down, hiding in the crooks of his neck. Before running into the forest though, Remus pauses and looks back. There's a fire at the front of the house, and there are black robed people surrounding the area. That's when Remus sees his dad in the middle of the figures, firing off spells to try and ward them off. Remus swallows and then runs into the woods, not going back to help his dad, even though he and the wolf want to. Remus runs through the paths that he knows so well and it isn't long until he arrives at a cave that he discovered a few years ago.
"All right girls, ok," Remus says, setting them down, "I know this isn't the most comfortable spot, but we'll be ok here."
Helen frowns, "Is daddy going to be ok?"
"I don't know. We'll just have to wait and see," Remus says.
"But I don't want to wait, I want daddy," Helen whines.
Remus takes in a deep breath before saying, "I know, but daddy can't be here right now. Come on, let's go inside and wait. You two can get some sleep while we wait."
Luckily, Pep takes Helen's hand and leads her into the cave. They both curl up against the back wall and huddle together. Remus pulls his wand from the holster on his arm and holds it in front of himself, sitting closer to the opening of the cave so that if any of those robed people come by, he can stop them.
'And how will you stop them? You just finished your first year while they're adults. Plus, they probably know a bunch of dark magic. The best you can do is stick your wand in their eye,' Remus thinks before shaking his head. He can't start thinking negatively. He has to watch out for his sisters and doesn't have time for thinking negatively. Remus settles against the wall of the cave, listening for anyone coming near and watching his sisters. They've fallen asleep and Remus sends out a little prayer, hoping that his dad is all right.
Remus is starting to drift off when a snap from a branch and the sound of rocks knocking together alerts him to someone being nearby. Remus sneaks closer to Pep and Helen. Pep opens her eyes and they widen when she hears voices. Remus motions for her to be quiet and lays in front of them, blocking both girls from view.
"I'm telling you, those little twerps won't be hanging around in the forest. Not with so many things that could eat them," a woman's voice says.
"Forgive me for not believing you, but you're not exactly known for your mothering instincts," another woman says.
Remus recognizes the voices, but doesn't know where from.
A man cuts in, "Just hurry up and check that cave. We need to report back soon."
Remus shuts his eyes and tries to calm down his heart rate. He can hear one of the people walking closer and he just hopes that the person somehow misses them. Remus opens his eyes and they instantly widen. There's one of the robed people standing not three feet from him and his sisters. He can see their bone white mask clearly and can smell the smoke and blood coming off of them. They also have this odd smell that reminds him of Sirius for some reason.
"Any wittle kiddies about here?" the woman mutters, looking around, her wand in front of her and glowing an eerie green, "Come out, come out wherever you are."
Remus swallows and looks at his sister. Pep's eyes are really wide and she seems to be breathing rapidly. Remus can tell that the woman seems to be staying in the cave for some reason and he tries to figure out a way to get her out. Being exceedingly careful to not move too much, Remus gives his wand a swish and flick, whispering wingardium leviosa as softly as possible. A rock just outside the mouth of the cave lifts up. Remus moves it a little before dropping it down. The rock bounces along a couple of rocks, startling the woman. She then leaves the cave, excitedly whispering to herself. Remus waits until he cannot hear her or anyone else any longer before relaxing. He immediately has an armful of Pep and he runs a hand along her back.
"It's ok. We're ok. I've got you, Pep," Remus mutters, "I've got you."
Remus then decides that they cannot wait here any longer and picks up Helen, who is just now waking up. He carries both of them from the cave and into the night, hoping he can make it to the village without running into anymore of those robed people.
~+~Sirius Black's House~+~
Sirius takes a drink of water and sighs. He hates it when he can't fall asleep. Sirius is about to go up to the roof to look at the stars when he hears footsteps on the stairs leading down to the kitchen. Sirius looks around before ducking into the pantry. He keeps the door open just a bit and frowns when he sees Bellatrix walk in with Tessa Grimwood and the Lestrange brothers.
"Merlin, I didn't think that would be so hard," one of the brothers says.
Tessa rolls her eyes and glares at the man, "It is only difficult because you are inept with a wand."
"I can't believe that we lost those kids," Bellatrix grumbles.
"Well believe it. At least we got the adult male. It's too bad his wife wasn't around. Then we could've taken care of the whole family at once," Lestrange two says.
"What was their name again? That older man looked familiar," Bellatrix says.
"Lupin," Tessa says, "The man was John Lupin. He worked for the Ministry and had three kids….Now he resembles something that a dragon chewed up and spit out."
Sirius feels his heart race and hopes that they can't hear it. After a few moments they leave and Sirius counts to a hundred before getting out of the pantry. He takes a few breaths and stares at the door, wondering what happened to Remus and his sisters, and hoping that they are all right.
~*~AG~*~
I wake up and tap a knob on my side table. The time appears in the air above the table and I groan at the thought of being up so early. However, I know better than to try going to sleep again and just get out and shower and dress. When I get upstairs, father has already left for some meeting or another and no one else is up for the day. I smile and make a cup of coffee. Father has it imported and no one else is allowed to drink it. So, naturally, when he was gone one day and mother, Tessa, and Rowan were somewhere else, I made a cup. And fell in love with the drink. Which means now I try to drink it as much as I can, whenever I can. I bring my coffee to the table and pull the newspaper close. When I see the headline on the newspaper, any thought of delicious coffee goes out the window.
Lupin cottage attacked!
John Lupin, aged thirty eight, died last night defending his home from an attack by unknown persons. Elizabeth Lupin was away at her sisters for the weekend and the Lupins' three children are at an unknown location at this time. The names of their children are not being released until the Daily Prophet has permission from Mrs. Lupin. The Lupin cottage was destroyed in a fire that occurred either before the fight or as a cause of the fight. John Lupin was a Ministry employee for the Department of Mysteries and worked with the Wizengamot as a court scribe. The Auror office was unable to be reached for any information on the case, though a messenger passing through the Ministry stated that the Auror department is doing everything it can to figure out who is the perpetrator in this case as well as searching for the missing Lupin children. For more information on John Lupin, turn to page six. For a history on the Noble family Lupin, turn to page 7.
I set down the paper and close my eyes. 'Dear Merlin, poor Remus.' I open my eyes, chug the coffee, and then bring the newspaper with me to my room. Father and I are the only ones who read it, so it's not like mother or Tessa will miss it. When I get to my room I just pause for a moment and plan what I'm going to do. Once I've figured it out, I grab some parchment and scribble a quick note to Sirius, James, and Peter. Sirius and Peter because I don't know if they'll know about what happened, and to James because I know his father is an Auror and will probably have more information about the case than what will be printed in the newspaper. Those are finished relatively quickly and I climb to the top of the house and send off the letters before going to the library to find a book to read.
I spend the entire day reading in the library. Oddly enough, mother doesn't come looking for me and neither does Tessa. Rowan walks into the library, but stays away from me. That's perfectly fine, though I admit a little company would have been nice. But since around my eighth birthday, Rowan has wanted nothing to do with me. Which is odd considering how close we were when we were kids. Still, he leaves at around three and it's just me and Legally and Morally Grey Spells, Hexes, and Curses in the room.
"Annalisa."
I look up and frown when I see father standing at the door. He shouldn't be home until around five in the evening. I look at the clock and want to shove my head in my book. It's a quarter to six and I didn't even realise that the time had passed so quickly.
"Yes father?" I ask, standing.
"You need to dress in formal clothing. All of the families are meeting tonight and the presence of the family heirs is mandatory," father says.
I feel my heart stop for a moment, but nod, "Yes father."
He leaves the room and I sigh. I really don't feel like being in formal robes. They're so stuffy. And of course, I'm going to get a lot of weird looks because I'm going to be the only female heir in the Noble and Ancient families, and one of the few female heirs out of all of the families. The only thing that is somewhat exciting is that I'll be able to see Sirius and James. If only Remus would be there for sure.
Shaking my head, I quickly take one of the old servant's halls to the back staircase and that all the way down to the basement. Though Grimwood Residence is not as old as the main Manor, it is still old enough that there were muggle and squib servants that worked in place and alongside the house elves. When that practice was outlawed, the muggles and squibs were obliviated but the halls and staircases that they used stayed. They're very useful for getting around Grimwood Residence without being seen.
I reach my room and quickly change, brushing lint off of my apparel and pulling my hair into a pony tail. A quick twist of the heir's ring on my finger and I look the part that I am supposed to play. I pause for a moment before placing my sword on my hip. If we're going where I think we are, then I will need it just in case. Another quick glance at my appearance to be sure that everything is in place and then I leave for the main entrance. Father arrives a moment after me and nods his approval.
"We will be apparating to Mountall's. Remember everything that you have been taught and that you are representing this family," father says. A moment later he grabs my arm, squeezes, and disapparates.
When we apparate onto Mountall's front stoop and walk in. It's quieter in the restaurant than I have ever seen it. Mountall's is set up so that the further back in the restaurant you go, the higher you are. Each level is set on platforms, one above the last, raising in height by about two feet. As such, there are four levels. The first level, equal with the ground when patrons walk in, is completely empty. The second level has several of the Noble families seated already, some of them speaking with each other in hushed tones. There's a rather conspicuous space where the Lupin family should be. The third level has all of the Noble families, which includes the Prince and Lestrange families. The final level is where the Noble and Ancient families are located. The only family not currently present from this level is the Most Noble and Ancient house of Black. However, since the meeting does not begin until the Blacks are here, they could arrive in three days and be considered on time.
"Lord Grimwood," Miguel Mountall, the owner of the restauraunt, gives a short bow, "I ask that you please give your wands to Jacques, as there are no wands allowed into the restaurant."
Father and I both hand over our wands. I feel almost naked without it, but am glad that I brought my sword with me. Often, if the Lords are discussing something and an argument breaks out, then the heir will act as a body guard to the Lord. I keep a hand on my sword and hope that I won't have to draw it.
Miguel Mountall nods, "Please follow me. We have had your usual chair brought in."
"Very good. As always it is a pleasure Miguel, though I wish I was here under better circumstances than current," father says.
We follow Mountall to the top level and father sits in his chair, leaving the middle chair, Lord Black's chair, the only open spot on this level. I stand behind him and to his right. The rest of the Noble and of the Ancient families arrive, excepting the Lupins, and now we're all just waiting on the Blacks. It does not take long for the door to open again and Lord Black walks in with Sirius following behind him. I don't see a scabbard on Sirius's hip, but know that does not mean anything. Sirius is excellent with throwing knives and that he probably has quite a few on him.
After they surrender their wands, they both ascend to the fourth level. Everyone in the restaurant who is sitting stands and waits for Lord Black to take his seat before they resume their seats. Sirius catches my eye and a twitch of his lip works as a greeting. I quirk an eyebrow before turning my attention back to what is at hand.
"I thank you all for coming with such short notice," Lord Black says, "For those of you who have not taken notice of the Daily Prophet or any other news source, an attack has been made on the Noble house of Lupin. The current location of the heir or the proxy of the family is unknown at this current time-"
The door opens again and two hooded figures walk into the restaurant. Mountall rushes over from a back room to intercept the two people. I grip my sword, wondering what's going on and if these people are here on accident, or if they have some ulterior motive. Before Mountall can reach the figures, the smaller one lowers their hood and I feel my heart rate pick up.
"I apologize for our tardiness. However, due to the events of the last twenty four hours, I beg for leniency," Remus says, removing his outer cloak. He nods to Mountall before turning back to the gathered crowd.
Lord Black nods, "Of course Mister Lupin. Might I ask who is with you?"
"Certainly, Lord Black. This is my mother, Elizabeth Lupin. She is acting as proxy until I reach my majority, though I do share many of the responsibilities that she has in the position," Remus says, "May we take our positions, Lord Black?"
Lord Black motions to where the Lupins are to be and Remus and his mother quickly take their positions, her seated with Remus behind her.
"Well, I believe the information about the missing Lupins that I just gave should be discarded," Lord Black says, "Now, if someone knows anything about the attack on the Noble house of Lupin, step forward at this time."
No one moves. Lord Black's eyes narrow.
"Very well," he whispers. In a louder voice he says, "There is a possibility that whoever is the cause of this catastrophe may attempt further attacks on any one of the families gathered here. As such, I caution each and every one of you to check your wards and to be extra alert. If you see, hear, or know anything, you may address any concerns that you have to Lord Potter, the Bones family, the Levvette family, or the McKinnon family. They all either are Aurors, or have Aurors within their families. If you do not feel comfortable speaking with one of them, you may come to myself and I shall pass on your message."
There are nods all around and I wonder if anyone knows anything.
The meeting continues for a while longer, with various things being discussed. I keep my eyes open for anyone who may be acting out of line, but so far, there's nothing. Lord Black finally ends the meeting and a lot of the Lords and various families gather into different groups and discuss politics, the Lupins, or deals that they wish to make. I wait a moment before clearing my throat to catch my father's attention.
"Father, I was wondering if I may go and give my condolences to Remus Lupin on behalf of our family?" I ask.
Father pauses, watching me for a moment before nodding, "Very well."
I bow and then make my way to Remus, who is apparently trying to get away from a group of people that have cornered him. I almost smile as I walk up to him and everyone who is gathered around stops talking or trying to get closer to him or his mother. I stand in front of the Lupins, Remus giving a quick bow and a wink, and wait for a moment. When none of the people who are around move, I raise an eyebrow.
"If you do not mind, I would appreciate a moment to speak with the Lupins alone. You may pester him with your petty questions at a later time," I say, keeping my voice level. All of the gathered leeches then leave and I feel slightly smug.
Remus smiles, "Thank you Ann, they were getting rather tiresome."
I nod, "Of course. Anything for a friend."
"Oh! I should probably introduce you," Remus steps aside, "Mum, this is Annalisa Grimwood, Ann, this is my mother, Elizabeth Lupin."
I bow to her, "It is a pleasure to meet you madam, though I wish it were under better circumstances. Also, I give you my condolences for the loss of your husband. From stories that I have heard from Remus, he sounded like a remarkable man."
Mrs. Lupin smiles, "Thank you. I have to admit, I was shocked when I found out that Remus was friends with members of the Noble and Ancient families. I also should apologize as I thought that you might have been using him."
"No madam. Remus is truly a wonderful friend," I say. I notice that Remus is blushing and smirk, "And I'm sure that if James and Sirius were here, they would admit the same thing."
"Indeed we would."
I turn and then take a step to the right, deferring Sirius to the lead position. James is standing just to Sirius's left and he smiles at me. I nod and relax a bit, feeling slightly less out of place now that all of us, excepting Peter, are here. We talk for a while until the door opens again.
"Am I missing anyone from the count?" I ask Sirius. When he shakes his head, I put my hand on my sword and go on edge. Five black robed figures walk into the room. Four out of the five are wearing bone white masks while the fifth is wearing a silver one. I notice Remus tense up and step in front of his mother.
"Remus, what's wrong?" James asks.
"It's them," Remus whispers, "They're the ones who attacked us last night."
Hearing that, I nearly draw my blade, but hold back and wait to see what they want.
"Who are you to disturb us?" Lord Black asks, his voice deeper and darker. He does not sound pleased at all.
The person in the middle steps forward, "We are an envoy from our Lord. We ask that we be granted a hearing with this mighty gathering for a mere moment before being on our way."
"And just whom is your Lord?" Lord Black asks.
"We are of Lord Voldemort. At current, we only request that the members of the Noble house of Lupin be handed over to us, as we have unfinished business with them," silver mask says.
My eyes narrow and I step in front of Remus. I notice from the corner of my eye that Sirius and James have done the same thing.
"That request cannot be fulfilled," Lord Black says, "As it is, you are lucky that the Aurors present in our company do not have their wands, or else you would be in jail."
Silver mask nods, "Of course. However, I am afraid that my request was less of an actual request, and more of a politely termed demand. Give us the Lupin children and their mother or else we shall set this entire establishment ablaze with all of you in it."
"Your idle threats are worthless. Anyone who is remotely intelligent knows that the wards that are on this building would stop any such attempt," father says, stepping in to assist Lord Black, "Be gone from here, or you will be locked in until Aurors arrive."
Silver mask looks to his four accomplices and nods once. All four of them rush toward where we are standing. I wait until they are about ten feet away and draw my sword. I see Sirius next to me, his knives in hand, while James is next to him with a metal flail. Sirius nods and I step forward.
"You are not welcome here. Leave now and you may live. Stay any longer and you shall be treated as a threat, not only to a Noble family, but also to every single family that is within this building. An act which would validate any countermeasure taken to eliminate said threat, including killing you. Unless you desire to see this outcome, leave," I say.
When the person on my right moves their hand inside their robe, I make a shallow cut on their upper arm. The person screams, declaring themselves female in gender, and steps away. The other three watch her leave before turning back to us. I raise an eyebrow and frown. "Was I not articulate enough for you?"
Silver mask claps their hands twice, bringing the three white masks to him. He turns and watches as Sirius, James, and I do not move or relax. For a moment, I swear that if you were to look under his mask, that he'd be smiling.
"We shall have to keep tabs on you, Sirius Black, Annalisa Grimwood, and James Potter," Silver mask says, then bows, "Fare thee well."
They then leave and I keep watch for a moment longer before wiping my blade off and sheathing it. Whatever is going on, just became more interesting. And, most likely, more dangerous.