A/N: Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter world. I only own Alisia Esperanza Potter (Pronounced: Ah- li (like lick the i sound) sea - ah Ess- per- ahn - za Potter)
Rating: M
Word Count:8, 506
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Chapter Ten
Previously on: A Future Found
Now on: A Future Found:
~A-Future-Found~
My startled gaze shot to Remus and then to Sirius and then bounced back around.
If there was one thing he could have said to shock us enough that we would just stop, that has to be it. Harry half-turned, keeping the stranger in his line of sight.
"What?" Harry asked and I rolled my eyes.
"Wrong question, bro." I said flippantly, still tense despite my light words. "I think the question you are looking for is 'how.'" Jareth snorted into his bowl and I shot him a conspiratorial wink, a playful grin reaching my face and startling me. Despite still being very much aware of the stranger- Phoenix, I found myself instinctively seeking to comfort my other-siblings. Weird.
I blinked and turned my attention to James, the only one who seemed like he could rationally speak.
"Phoenix is their son through blood adoption." James clarified and I nodded.
"I thought you guys were straight though?" I said mildly, having nothing wrong with them being gay but just being genuinely curious.
"As a board." Sirius confirmed, slowly moving around the table and forward while we tracked his movements. He swallowed deeply but kept moving. I knew Harry and I made disturbing imagine, the two of us watching as he walked, like two panthers tracking prey.
"They adopted me when I was a little kid because my parents were murdered by Death Eaters and I was the only survivor." Phoenix said, startling me with the rumbling purr of his voice. His dark eyes were careful as he shifted forward. I tensed up, my wands snapping back up as I rose to the balls of my feet, pulling my shoulders back and raising my head in a threatening manner.
Phoenix didn't pause for a moment, pulling his shirt up. I was momentarily distracted by the rippling, golden six-pack and the deep v that led down into his pants. I snapped my gaze up, the second thing distracting me: the line of coarse dark hair leading down into his pants. Harry sharply nudged my back, breaking my concentration. I shot him a dirty look before focusing on what Phoenix was really showing us.
There was a thick, ropey scar about six inches long on his side, stretching down from just under his breastbone. There was a swirling tattoo with thick, bold lines around it but not covering it and just before he lowered his shirt, I caught a few words hidden in it.
Bravery. Courage. Fear. Strength. Family. Loyalty.
And then he pulled his shirt down and I couldn't see the tattoo that spanned the side of his body and covered over onto his right pec before tapering off.
"The Death Eaters tried to kill him." Sirius said, an old rage festering in his voice. "But they missed the heart and left him there to bleed out with his dead family all around him. Remus and I were the ones who found him and took him to the hospital when he was five years old. We stuck around, concerned about whether he would live or die. We both got attached and we both wanted him for our son so we both adopted him and we never looked back." Sirius said, coming to a stop in a protective stance in front of Phoenix.
"We won't let you hurt him." Remus said, the barest edge of a guttural growl in his voice. I wavered, glancing up at Harry beseechingly, searching for some indication of what we should do. He had an almost betrayed look in his eyes and I winced. Harry loved Sirius and looked at him as a father figure. So to have Sirius stand against him like this to save a boy that was actually his son? It was hurting him deeply.
I could feel the inner conflict Harry was going through so I edged forward, suddenly not caring about anything else around us. I carefully rested my fingers on Harry's hand and gently applied pressure, helping him lower it. Harry shot me a look and I held his gaze, a calm, supportive understanding look in my eyes.
We held each other's eyes, exchanging a full length silent conversation before Harry gave a curt nod and pulled away. He silently moved back over to the counter and dropped his wand on the counter, chopping up the fruit with quick, violent strokes. I furrowed my brow, nibbling on my lower lip as I watched him; feeling his pain but- for the first time in our lives- unable to do anything about it.
"We should have told you before but none of us really thought about it. Phoenix may not have started out this way but he is our family too." Lily said softly and I nodded curtly, finally lowering my wand.
"We understand." I said, skirting around them and tucking myself into Harry's side. He relaxed the slightest bit, allowing himself to lean into me before moving away.
"Alisia?" Rachel asked and I reluctantly moved away from Harry, looking at her. "Are we still going to do my room?" She asked and my eyes widened.
"Of course!" I exclaimed, leaping up, my but briefly warming the countertop as I skidded across before hopping down and circling the table. "I should have told you yesterday before I left. We have all today to do your room and then tomorrow if we need to." I told her, my cheerful grin returning. "Then you can invite your friends over…including Gavin." I teased slyly and she flushed red, shooting me a panicked glare.
"Allie!" She hissed and Lily started, dropping her plate. Rae flinched, shooting her a guilty look and slinking down in her chair. Lily had gone pale and I connected the dots. When we first got here, Lily had referred to other-me as her baby Allie. It must have hit a nerve to hear Rae call me that.
I pulled my wand out, flicking it at the plate and fixing it before silently levitating it into her limp hands, holding her gaze.
"Call me Lisi." I said softly and Lily smiled at me, some color returning to her.
"That's my name for you though." Harry protested and I rolled my eyes.
"BFD." I muttered under my breath and Rae looked at me curiously.
"What does that mean?" She asked curiously and I choked, startled. Harry started snickering and I shot him a dirty look, flinging a spoon at him. He expertly dodged, grinning at me.
"Don't worry about it." I said. "And don't repeat it." I added hastily. I don't want her going around muttering BFD under her breath. It means Big Fucking Deal.
"I am old enough to swear, you know." She informed me with narrowed eyes.
"You are?" Her mother asked, sounding disapproving but Rae continued as though she hadn't heard her mother.
"I have sworn before." Rae informed me, raising her chin in a way that hinted at arrogance. A delighted grin crossed my face. I recognize the look; it is one that I wear frequently.
"You have?" James asked, sounding far too delighted. Lily shot him a look and he coughed before trying again. "You are?" He asked but there was still a hint of glee and Lily huffed, shaking her head at him. It felt as though the tension had finally broken and Remus went over, pulling Phoenix into a hug.
"It doesn't matter, just call me Lisia." I told her before shooting a look at Harry.
"Better?" I asked snarkily and he smirked.
"Exponentially." He said smoothly and I grinned at him.
"Now, eat up so we can start on your room." I prompted Rae and she shoveled her eggs in her mouth as the door swung open. I half expected it to be Moody again, with some warning about a battle about to go down but it was just Marauder.
The large regius lupus was yawning as he entered the kitchen, revealing his long, gleaming fangs.
"Holy shit!" I shot to my feet as Phoenix cursed and pulled his wand out.
"Don't!" I snapped, collected power in my voice as I cast a protective charm over Marauder. Harry tensed up and it struck me as funny that this is the reversed situation from before. Just replace Phoenix with Marauder and the scene is pretty much the same.
I started laughing and Rae giggled, leaning into my side.
"Don't Phee!" Rae protested protectively, having grown fond of my friend. Marauder has clicked with my younger other-sister and can usually be found following her around when he isn't with me. "That's Marauder, he's a friend." Rae said.
Marauder scanned the kitchen before trotting over to me, his large form graceful. He settled down, dropping down and resting on his haunches between Rae and I's chair, allowing his red tongue to loll out of his mouth like some sort of wolf dog. There was a playful gleam in his eyes and I rolled mine, dropping my hand down to stroke through his thick, soft fur.
"Is this some sort of sick joke, Dad?" Phoenix asked, staring as I stroked my wolf. Rae rolled her eyes, patting Marauder on the head and pressing a kiss to his muzzle. I kept note of how Phoenix tensed up protectively when Marauder opened his jaws to lick her face. Astonishment was glinting in his dark eyes and he shook his head at my sharp grin, sauntering over to the table and dropping in the seat across from me.
I tensed up and shot Harry a look. He lowered his wand with a scowling pout and I bit my lip to hold back the laughter.
"Jare, will you do me a favor?" I asked, turning big, emerald eyes on him. He groaned, covering his face before peeking out. "Take Marauder out and run around with him today while Rae and I do her room? He gets restless locked up in the house." I said and he sighed, acting as though it were some sort of big thing I was dropping on his shoulders.
"Fine." He grumbled and I grinned, accepting the sibling response. Harry does that to me and I think Jareth is taking his cues from him on how to handle me. I think it can be adorable how Jareth follows Harry around with something akin to hero-worship in his eyes.
Sometimes, I wonder if Jareth already knows about us but he has never hinted or acted any differently around us so I doubt it. I still keep a careful eye on him though. He can be a sneaky little shit but what can I expect? He is my little brother. Other-brother….god damn it.
"What do I get to do?" Sophie pouted and I hesitated, not as forward with her, considering how little contact I've had with the littlest Potter.
"You can watch Nyx." I offered and she beamed, in love with my large serpent.
"Can I go get her?" She asked eagerly and I nodded, smiling as she squealed with joy and took off out of the kitchen.
"Is Nyx another wolf?" Phoenix asked and I shook my head, silently glancing over at him. "Come on, beautiful." Phoenix teased, flashing a charming grin. "Don't clam up now! I saw how fierce you were before; you don't strike me as the shy type." Phoenix said boldly, flirtily holding my gaze.
Behind his back, Harry pantomimed stabbing him and I muffled my snickers, nudging Rae's shoulder when she burst into giggles. Harry rolled his eyes before shooting me a serious look. James, Remus and Sirius looked torn. Should they encourage their son/nephew/protégé? Or scold him and shoot him down for daring to flirt with me?
Harry was quite clear with what he wanted to do and I couldn't stop the little snicker from slipping out. Phoenix narrowed his dark eyes, turning in his chair just as Harry turned to stir the bacon. He turned back around and Harry turned, pretending to strangle him.
I burst into laughter, leaning into Rae's side as we collapsed, our eyes bright with mirth as we laughed.
Phoenix shot a confused look at his fathers and uncle figure, clearly not used to being laughed at by not one but two girls while he was flirting.
The slightly encouraging but mostly warning gaze the three of them gave him only made me laugh harder and Jareth snorted, shaking his head at us.
"You girls are bloody crazy." Jareth muttered and James automatically slapped the back of his head lightly in warning. Jareth rubbed his head, sticking his tongue out to his father, only to receive another slap from Sirius.
"Respect your father, young man." Sirius said mock sternly and I burst into laughter again, struggling (and failing) to muffle my laughter behind my hands. James shot me a wounded look and I laughed harder, my shoulders hunched in and my hands clapped over my mouth as my emerald eyes gleamed with laughter.
"That's not funny." James muttered, just setting Rae and I off again. "Bloody wankers." He muttered and Lily slapped the back of his head. "Ow!" He protested while Jareth straightened with a smug look on his face.
"Ha!" He crowed, pointing at his father, who just shot him a dirty look.
"Go clean your room." James muttered.
"Already did!" Jareth shot back and his father's mouth hung open.
"Disgrace." James said playfully and Jareth grinned.
"You're just saying that 'cause you're jealous of my mad cleaning skills." He boasted and Rae and I burst into laughter again.
"What is with you two this morning?" Lily asked, looking at the two of us with amused fondness. I cut my laughter off, shrugging and poking Rae in the shoulder, rising from my seat and circling around the table, skirting Phoenix and slipping across the counter.
"Hurry up, Harry!" I ordered and he shot me a dirty look, chewing on a piece of bacon and shoving a plate my way. "Thank you, twin." I said sweetly, accepting the plate and turning, folding my legs in a pretzel as I ate on the counter.
"We don't eat on the counter." Sophie announced, entering the kitchen with Nyx draped around her shoulders. The large serpent was coiled over her, her head swaying as she gently hissed at the little blonde.
:Yesss, that'sss a good human. Ssscratching me in the good ssspotsss. We musssst keep her, Alissia.: Nyx hissed in a content way and I muffled my laughter, wishing I could hiss back that Sophie wasn't a pet to keep. I don't dare though, not with how bad off this world is and the stigma attached to all Dark abilities.
"A giant wolf…and a giant snake. Any other pets I should be worried about?" Phoenix asked and I ignored him in favor of scarfing down my food and setting my plate down and tossing the spoon into the sink.
"Score!" I cheered and Harry shook his head, muttering about 'Chasers' under his breath. "Suck it up, buttercup. You're just jealous 'cause I'm better at Quidditch than you are." I teased and Harry's head shot up as he narrowed his eyes competitively at me.
"Yeah fucking right!" Harry exclaimed and Lily reached out to slap the back of his head. I tensed, half-expecting him to snatch her wrist like he would with anyone else. When he allows her to gently bat the back of his head, I relax, torn between being disapproving and relieved. Harry caught my eye, silently telling me to relax. "Besides, you're a Chaser and I'm a Seeker. They aren't even the same position so they can't be compared." Harry said.
"You're a Chaser?" Phoenix asked, turning around and draping his arm over the back of the chair. I tightened my jaw and stabbed at a piece of bacon. "Don't ignore me, baby." Phoenix teased and James shook his head, dropping his cup.
"Not her!" James protested and Sirius shushed him, anticipation in his eyes. I didn't let him down.
"Baby?" I drawled in my best Malfoy impersonation, suddenly imperious as I looked at Phoenix from narrowed eyes and a raised chin. "Right." I sneered, this time using my best Professor Snape impersonation. From the look of anger that flashed through his dark eyes, I could tell it worked.
"I never figured you for the Pureblood type." Phoenix said dismissively. Clearly Sirius passed his disregard for Pureblood behavior to his son.
"Right, because you've known me for so long." Disdain dripped from my voice and Phoenix straightened in his chair, shooting me a dark look that I smirked at. Unfolding my legs, I allowed my fingers to rest on the naked skin, ignoring the way Phoenix's eyes instantly dropped down to caress my legs as I gestured to Rae. "Come on, little cuz. We've got a bedroom to do." I said and Rae hopped up, carrying her plate over to the sink. "Leave it, Harry will wash it." I said dismissively, pretending not to notice Phoenix watching my fingers as I dragged them up my thigh before I hopped down from the counter, turning my back dismissively to him.
"What are we going to do first?" Rae asked happily, bouncing at my side and I shrugged, intensely aware that my Pureblood actions might have pissed him off but my dismissive flirting had hooked Phoenix far better than out-right flirting would have done.
I couldn't figure myself out though.
Did I want him to be interested…or not?
~A-Future-Found~
Hanging out today with Rae has been interesting. Shrieking with laughter, she dodged me, brandishing her paintbrush with pale purple paint dripping from it in a threatening manner. I smirked wickedly, flicking my own paintbrush and laughing when it splatters over her face.
"This means war." She said solemnly and I grinned, mock bowing to her. Rae narrowed her eyes before charging at me with a battle cry, swiping at me with her paintbrush. I shouted, dodging her as the giggles burst out of me. Grinning I circled around her, swiping the paint brush across her back and she froze.
"Whoops?" I shrugged, grinning wickedly with the paintbrush poised in my hand. I tilted my head to the side, like an artist admiring their latest masterpiece. "I told you to wear paint clothes!" I tease and Rae growls, stomping her foot and pouting.
"What's going on in here!" James and Lily burst through the door, wands raised. I whirled around, yelping and dropping to the ground. "Wha-" James's eyes scanned the room before finally settling on where I am on the ground. "I- we heard screams." He said sheepishly and I opened my mouth to scold him before cringing as thick, goopy paint started running down my back.
"Oh, crap!" Harry laughed, peering over their shoulders in time to see Rae pour the paint over my head. I slowly turned and got up, looking at her with an evil grin.
"I avoided the hair on purpose before but now- you're gonna get it!" I shouted, lunging at her. Shrieking happily, Race dodged and I chased her, shouting about 'brats' as I did so. I caught her around the waist and spun her around, grinning wildly as she began shouting and thrashing in my arms. Too late. I rubbed our heads together before stumbling and toppling down.
Groaning, I rolled over before sticking my tongue out at Rae. She snickered and we both got up with playful grins.
"You guys wanna help?" Rae asked hopefully and Harry backed away, shaking his head.
"Sure!" Sophie chirped, wiggling through the crowd in the doorway and gently setting Nyx down. I crossed the room, pulling a large, hideous orange shirt from the closet and slipping it on over her head before stepping back to look.
"That shirt- is the ugliest thing I have ever seen!" Rae burst out and we collapsed into laughter, clutching our stomachs and folding over. I nudged her shoulder, my green eyes gleaming with a secret and we burst into laughter all over again.
"Hey! I think I manage to pull the look off pretty well, but then again, I look good in most things." Sophie said imperiously, tossing her hair and propping her hands on her lips. Harry and I just stopped and I stared at her.
"Oh shite, it's a mini Alisia!" Harry exclaimed as a proud grin spread across my face. I scrambled over to my little other-sister, resting my hands gently on her tiny shoulders.
"I have never been prouder to be related to you, little si-cuz." I said proudly before tugging her into a hug- and testing something- I ruffled her hair.
"Don't!" Sophie squealed, squirming in my arms. "You're going to ruin my hair!" She exclaimed and I beamed.
"Yes!" I cheered. "I have a little mini-me!" I exclaimed and Harry groaned, shaking his head.
"It's bad enough with just you and your vanity but I get the feeling now it's going to be so much worse with Sophie doing the same things you do." Harry muttered and I grinned, releasing the little blonde from my hold. She immediately went over to the mirror, combing her blonde hair back with her fingers.
"Fuck yeah, little cuz!" I said proudly before jerking forward as a hand collided with my head. "Rae!" I exclaimed, whipping my head around to glare at her and she smiled innocently.
"What? We aren't allowed to swear." She pointed out and I shot her an amused look, climbing to my feet.
"Right." I drawled with a wink and she grinned, nudging my side with hers.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Lily asked protectively.
"Nothing!" We chimed before snickering.
"Now shoo!" I ordered. "We have work to do." I said, handing Sophie a paintbrush and vanishing most of the paint from my hair. "With our collective awesomeness-" Here I tossed my head and ruffled my hair with an arrogant tilt to my chin that Sophie was quick to imitate. "-we will have these walls painted in no time." I finished, exchanging high-fives with my two other-sisters.
"Oh Merlin, here we go." Harry grumbled and Lily laughed while James just looked delighted.
"I'll help." He was quick to offer but Lily snagged the collar of his shirt, shaking her head as he pretended to choke violently. We began laughing and he paused long enough to crack one eye open, flash a grin and wink before going back to his play acting.
"You have to do some chores I've been needing done for a while now first. First, you need to check the oven and see if you can fix that clicking noise it makes, then you have to go work on the car: refill the oil, fill the anti-freeze and change the brakes like you've been promising forever." Lily reeled off and I watched with amazement as a Honey Do list was unfolded right in front of me.
"I could help with that afterwards." I offered and Harry shot me a smug grin that I ignored. "I already know what is wrong with the oven, it happened to Harry and I a long time ago and I love tinkering with cars. Brakes are easy to replace." I shrugged and James smiled.
"And meanwhile, I can help you girls finish painting!" He exclaimed, shooting a superior look to Lily, his round brass wire frames glinting mischievously. "Sorry, Lily-flower but you heard her. I've been conscripted into service!" He said dramatically and I snorted, rolling my eyes.
So that's where I get it from.
"Hurry up and get changed." I ordered and they shuffled out of the room while I opened a new can of paint. "And you-" I turned to Rae, holding the paintbrush out threateningly. "Are so lucky that I didn't dump two paint cans on your head." I huffed and she shot me a playful grin, never having acted more Gryffindor than when she is hanging out with me; which is funny considering I am the ultimate Slytherin.
"Sorry!" She said sweetly and I rolled my eyes, a grin tugging at my mouth.
"Brat." I muttered fondly under my breath as we continued to paint. The task actually passed by quicker than I expected once James joined us. We filled the time with jokes and laughter so that when the others passed by the room, we were always giggling about something or another. James was right there in the thick of it with us, grinning and joking wildly, setting us off into laughter again.
"Wow, looks awesome!" Sophie said as we stood back and looked at the painted walls. The pale purple color contrasted nicely with the single black wall and Rae nodded in agreement, looking pleased.
"While we wait for the paint to dry, can you help me drag the old furniture out?" Rae asked and James grinned, whipping out his wand.
"No!" I shook my head.
"Why not?" He whined and I didn't bother to hold back my smile.
"It can be more fun to do it physically." I said matter of factly before waving at the wall. "Look, we could have just charmed the walls a certain color but then we would have missed out on all the fun." I said and he sighed but nodded and tucked his wand away. "First, we start with the bed!" I said and there was a collective groan.
~Lily Potter POV~
The laughter spilling through the house warmed Lily as she hummed and did the dishes. There was an almost permanent smile on her face and she kept glancing up at the ceiling, a happy glow to her warm emerald eyes.
Another burst of laughter made a small giggle burst out of her and Lily grinned.
She hadn't laughed like that in too long.
There was a period of silence and Lily shut off the water, a concerned frown marring her face. She turned, hearing a loud thumping sound and then the stream of curses that her husband was spewing. Lily narrowed her eyes and started marching through the kitchen, prepared to whack her husband for swearing in front of the children.
Swinging the kitchen door open, Lily started to walk out before freezing, seeing the three girls and her husband gathered at the top of the stairs, Rae's old bed teetering on the stairs. The four of them froze and stared guiltily at her but it was too late. The bed slowly began tilting in front of their horrified eyes and then…with a crash, it began to slide down the stairs, gathering speed.
Lily shrieked and jumped to the side, letting go of the door just in time for the bed to barrel into it, ripping it from the hinges. That was the only thing that slowed down the bed enough that when it skidded into the kitchen, it slid to a stop just before crashing into the little island.
Lily stared at the wreck for a moment before straightening and marching to the door, emerald eyes flashing and fiery red hair swinging behind her.
"James Charlus Potter!" She shouted but the sight of Rae, Sophie, James and Alisia gathered at the top of the stairs; frozen, made a small laugh bubble out. Their eyes were wide and their hands were all out in identical grabbing motions with shock and horror in their eyes.
Another laugh slipped out and Lily clapped a hand over her mouth but to no avail. Doubling over, she gave into the peals of laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks. Sirius, Remus, Phoenix, Harry and Jareth came barreling in through the back door, covered in sweat and dirt and looking stunned.
"What happened?" Remus asked, curiosity flaring in his blue eyes as he glanced at the stairs. Harry shook his head, resigned.
"Alisia." He said and the girl in question straightened, folding her arms indignantly.
"Hey!" She protested. "It was James's idea!" She shot out and James turned to her.
"Was not!" He protested and she nodded.
"Was too!"
"Yeah!" Sophie and Rae chimed, causing him to look at them with betrayal.
"Girls! I'm your father, side with me!" He exclaimed and they exchanged a look before the both of them slid over to Alisia's side in a clear display of allegiance. "What?" He protested, flinging his arms out wide and causing Lily to collapse in laughter and tears again.
"While you are here, you might as well help us out." Alisia said smugly and trotted down the stairs and into the kitchen with Rae and Sophie right on her heels.
"That was so awesome!" Rae exclaimed and Sophie chimed in her agreement.
"I know, little lion." Alisia teased Rae and Sophie snickered. Lily calmed herself and peered around the corner to see the three of them lounging on the bed, looking so similar and comfortable around each other that her heart filled with love and joy. "Boys! Get in here!" Alisia barked with that commanding edge. James jumped and immediately began moving down the stairs, joined by Remus, Sirius, Harry and Jareth.
Lily watched, bemused as her oldest daughter effortlessly commanded her siblings and father into picking up the bed with the three girls still on it as they began maneuvering out of the kitchen.
"This was probably your plan the entire time!" Harry grunted, working side by side with his father as Sirius and Remus lifted the other side.
"Of course it was, I'm just awesome like that!" Alisia said arrogantly, sounding so much like her father that Lily had to restrain the urge to whack the back of her head. Lily might be able to do it with her oldest son but she knows she isn't close enough with her daughter yet to do something like that.
"Shut up and do your job, boys." Rae ordered, shooting a glance at Alisia and beaming when she got an approving nod. Not to be outdone, Sophie was quick to jump in.
"Yeah, I'm hungry so you guys are going to have to make us a snack when you are done." Sophie declared and Alisia laughed out loud, high-fiving her littlest sister.
"Hell yeah!" She exclaimed. Lily followed behind the seven of them as they made it out of the house and dropped the bed at the end of the driveway.
"Now carry us!" Alisia demanded. Harry snorted and crossed his arms.
"We just carried the bed!" He protested and Alisia shrugged, smiling charmingly and lunging at her brother. He automatically caught her and she cheered smugly so Rae and Sophie followed her example, choosing James and Remus respectively.
Laughing and chattering they headed back to the house and Lily stood out of their way, never feeling more content.
~Alisia POV~
Finishing moving the last item in place, I looked around the room.
"This looks awesome!" I said and Rae nodded, tears welling in her eyes as she looked around. The room was chic and modern in light purple with black and white accents. The bed was a full size, better fitting for Rae and it was already made in the new sheets and purple striped comforter she chose yesterday while we were shopping.
She has two white dressers that she painted some roaring lions in purple on and they are in two corners of the room, both with a mirror attached. A large white rug stretched out in the room with four purple cushion chairs at each corner, a little square table/bookcase in the middle. It has a glass top, allowing Rae to see all the books she has inside.
There is another large bookcase in the corner, half filled with books and knick knacks and pictures of Rae and her friends and family. Her walls have a few posters of the Hollyhead Harpies and other wizarding celebrities. There was a poster of a rearing Pegasus with a backdrop of a setting sun that Rae declared was her favorite animal.
The room was entirely Wizarding, except for the TV I had in the corner. It wasn't quite ready yet because I hadn't tinkered and drawn my magic resisting runes yet but once I did, Rae would be able to use it freely. She also had a phone, a stereo with surround sound and a laptop that I set on her desk. Rae's room was the perfect mix of Wizarding World and Muggle.
Her closet was enlarged and is stuffed full of all the new clothes she got.
Rae slowly turns, looking at her new room. It looks amazing, especially with the black and white curtains pulled back and allowing the natural sunlight to filter into the room.
"Thank you so much!" She exclaimed, barreling into me with a hug. Startled, I tensed up, my hands hovering over her back. I brought them down and carefully hugged her back, a warm glow in my chest. I felt an answering surge from Harry and a smile spread across my face.
"It was fun, I wanted to do it." I said softly and Rae sniffled, avoiding my eyes. I raised her chin, tapping her forehead with my knuckle and smiling down at her. "Now, what do you say we go rinse this paint off and then go swimming?" I ask and Rae beams at me.
"When can we do my room?" Sophie demands and I laugh, slinging my arm over Rae's shoulders and turning to the demanding little blonde.
"Tomorrow." I promised and Sophie squealed happily.
"Yay!" She exclaimed before bouncing over to her father. "Daddy, can you please grill hot dogs and hamburgers? Please, please, please?" She begged and he sighed dramatically but nodded with a grin on his face.
"Of course, darling. Now go get your bathing suits on and get downstairs so we can rinse you paint monsters off." James teased and we glanced at each other before racing from the room. Rae darted over to her closet and pulled out her first bathing suit before turning to her father pointedly.
"Right." He got up and scooted out the room. I grinned at Rae, hanging back for a moment.
"You're learning how to handle him, good for you!" I teased, winking before I shut the door and escaped into my room.
I hurried over to my trunk, activating my pop-out closet feature. The clothes whirled around in a blur and I pressed my thumb to the plate, picturing my bathing suits. The bathing suits slowly stopped revolving and I furrowed my brow, tilting my head to the side and debating on what I should choose. Some of my bathing suits are really not…appropriate for family swimming, so I skip right over them.
I finally settle on a sporty but chic black bikini bathing suit. I slip the bottoms on. Unlike with some of my other bathing suits, this one has a wide band, about three fingers across and the material has two silver circles that I can lace and tie up the sides. The top has all the support I need without any extra padding and it is like a sports bra with the sexy factor of being able to lace up the front.
When I laced it up, my cleavage was a bit more prominent but not bad enough that I would feel promiscuous around my other-siblings. I grinned at the image I made. My skin is lightly tanned; my stomach is sleek and toned with just a hint of muscles. My legs are long and toned and my butt and boobs are perky.
My dark curls are loose and a little messy and I grimace when I see some paint still there. I shrug after a moment. Actually, the pale purple looks kind of striking against my darker hair color. I might have to go get my hair done with streaks in them tomorrow when I go shopping with Sophie. I keep my bracelets, necklace and anklet on, casting a waterproof charm over them and then grabbing my towel and leaving my room with Hope cradled in my arms.
As I walk outside, my anklet jingles merrily and announces my presence.
"Have I mentioned how glad I am you finally put bell on?" Harry asked, stealing Hope away from me. The little traitor just purred at my twin, her eyes slitting shut under his scratching fingers. I stuck my tongue out at Harry and turned, almost bumping into Phoenix.
"Whoa." His eyes slowly traveled over my mostly bare form and heated up approvingly. I tossed my hair and brushed past him, heading over to my other-siblings and trying to ignore the way my body heated up when he looked at me so hungrily.
"Are you ready?" Rae asked and I opened my mouth to ask her what she meant when the little shit whipped the hose out and sprayed me with freezing cold water. Shrieking, I covered my face and lunged at her.
"You are so dead!" I shouted, chasing her around. Laughing happily, Rae dodged and turned the hose on me again. Turning, I ran for the pool and smoothly dove in, my body slicing neatly through the surface of the pool with only a single ripple before I rose to the surface. "Come into the pool; let's see how well you do then!" I taunted and she tossed the hose aside, cannon-balling into the deep end with a happy shout.
I swam for her and she shrieked happily.
"Sophie!" She cried and the little blonde jumped in the pool, making me pause just long enough to cover my face.
"Got you!" I cried, catching Sophie's ankle and dragging her to me. My nimble fingers found her sides and she squirmed, squealing with laughter as I tickled her sides.
"Uncle, uncle!" She cried and I paused, grinning.
"Yeah, come on Uncle Remus, Uncle Sirius!" I shouted, swimming to the side of the pool and propping my arms up, my head bobbing out of the water, glistening sleekly like the head of a seal that has come up to see what the fuss is all about. "Harry, Jareth, get in here! The water feels awesome!" I shouted and Jareth grinned, running towards us and pulling his shirt off. He jumped in, creating a huge splash. "Get him!" I cried and the three of us lunged at our brother, shoving his head under the water again and laughing as he spluttered.
"Not fair!" He shouted, bobbing back up and flicking his head to keep his hair out of his eyes.
"Too bad!" Rae shouted, splashing water at him with a large grin.
"Don't worry cousin-" I stiffened and turned when I heard Phoenix behind me. "I've got your back!" He said to Jareth before diving in. His golden skin glistened as he broke the surface of the water, his dark eyes gleaming with laughter.
"Ladies, I think it's time to bring it on! Girls versus boys!" I shouted and we lunged at the two of them. Rae and Sophie went for Phoenix and I went for Jareth. The two of them went under and we cheered, high fiving…until a hand wrapped around my ankle, tugging me under the water. I went under, kicking at the hand and opening my eyes.
Phoenix's face was right in front of mine and he smirked, dark eyes glinting at me before he pushed powerfully off the bottom of the pool and shot up. I followed after him, chasing after the challenge in his eyes. I lunged at him, bracing myself on his brawny shoulders and shoving but he shook his head and laughed. Dropping his head back so it was cradled against my breasts, he shot me a rakish wink before whipping around, grabbing me around the waist and tossing me across the pool.
I hit the water and went under, swimming back over to them.
"Ladies, I think we need some backup." I said, a wicked smirk curling on my lips. Rae giggled, guessing what I am planning. I put my fingers to my mouth and let out a piercing whistle, causing Harry to wince and start swearing.
"Someone smack him!" Sophie shouted, giggling when Sirius reached over and smacked the back of Harry's head as Marauder lunged out of the house and began racing over to the pool. His powerful strides ripped into the grass as he raced over and then lunged, suspended in the air for a split second before he hit the water.
Growling playfully, Marauder swam over to my side and I laughed, getting his fur wet as I hugged him.
"Good boy!" I cooed playfully, knowing he may protest later but that the regius lupus loves being coddled. He is the size of a large mini pony but in regius lupus years, he is only a preteen around twelve years old.
"Get on!" He growled playfully and I swam around, straddling his back. I fit comfortably on him in the water and Marauder began swimming towards Phoenix and Jareth, nipping playfully at them. Laughing, I splashed at then as I passed by with Sophie following and asking eagerly if she can go next.
I slipped off the side and lifted her on, directing her to grab the scruff of his neck.
"It doesn't hurt him?" She asked curiously and I shook my head.
"It's like when a cat picks up a baby kitten, they have enough scruff on their neck that when you grab it, it won't choke them." I answered and she nodded, squealing happily as Marauder began to swim around, his large paws churning powerfully at the surface of the pool.
"Out of the way, peasants!" Sirius shouted, cannon-balling into the pool. Laughing, we covered our faces as Remus dove in after him.
"Who's up for a game of tag?" Sirius asked playfully and I grinned.
"I'm game!" I said eagerly, swimming over to him. Sophie, Rae and Jareth circled around as Remus and Phoenix joined us. His body radiated heat beside me and I flicked my gaze over at him from under my lashes, watching as the water trailed down his tattooed side.
He was rippling with muscles and there was an easy grace about him as he swam.
"You're it!" Sirius shouted, lunging at me and slapping my shoulder. I tried to twist away but I was distracted and he got me anyway. Grinning, I turned on Jareth and slapped the back of his head.
"Now Jareth's it!" I shouted.
"Hey!" He protested and I laughed as I dove under the water to escape him.
We spent hours in the pool as the day started cooling off. I don't think I have ever had so much fun, laughing, shrieking and squealing as we played tag and Marco Polo. It was too much fun to race around the pool and flip off the diving board. We played diving games and chasing games and then just swam around lazily.
After a little while, Harry joined us in the pool, bringing Hope in. The kneazle purred as she swam through the water, chasing after Marauder with fake yowls. We busted out laughing the first time she did that and the large canine yelped. The scent of cooking hot dogs and hamburgers and corn drifted through the air and I perked up, glancing over at the grill as Lily got in the pool.
"It will be done soon." She said and I nodded, smiling politely at her. Out of the entire Potter family, the only ones I really feel comfortable with are my three other-siblings and James. I can't get close to Remus, the wounds of my other-Remus still fresh and Sirius is Harry's godfather. I'd feel bad joking around with him now more than ever since the shocking discovery that Sirius had a son.
Speaking of Phoenix, he chased after me with a wicked grin, his dark eyes gleaming at me. Laughing, I dove down into the water but he caught me around the waist, tugging me up. I grinned, spinning around and wrapping my legs automatically around his waist, holding onto his broad shoulders.
Registering our position, I froze, my eyes wide.
Phoenix's grin grew flirty and he tilted his head towards me, nipping my shoulder sharply before breaking away and laughing. A bolt of heat shot through me and my breath shortened as my mouth parted.
Then with a wicked grin, the chase was on.
Laughing, I lunged after him and Phoenix dodged, barking laughter as he used Remus as a shield. I froze, not wanting to really interact with him but at the same time, wanting to so badly it hurt. Remus smiled gently at me before sliding out of the way of his son.
Immediately, a sunny grin spread across my face and I gave a little toss of my head before deliberately turning my back to Phoenix. I caught a glimpse of his jaw dropping and grinned to myself, scooping Sophie up out of the water and swinging her around.
Laughing happily, she clung to me as we went under.
James closed the top of the grill and took a running start before leaping into the pool with us, grabbing Sophie and I up and tossing us. Shouting as we flew through the air, I wrapped myself around Sophie and twisted so that I hit the water first with her cradled in my arms.
We rose to the surface and I released Sophie into the water, missing the looks the adults exchanged. They saw the way I wrapped myself protectively around Sophie and they all approved, warming up to me even more in that moment.
A little bewildered as James scooped me up and twirled me around before tossing me over to Sirius, I just went with it, grinning as Sirius flung me over at Remus, who then tossed me over to Harry.
"I am not a ball!" I shouted and James grinned.
"Yes, you are. You are our little Lisi-ball!" He teased and I scowled, shaking my head and ducking behind my laughing twin.
"You'll never take me alive!" I shouted and Harry whirled around, scooping me up and tossing me in the air. I shrieked with laughter as another pair of arms caught me.
"I know you have the hots for me but you don't have to fling yourself at me like that." Phoenix teased, winking a dark eye at me. I stared at him for a moment before darting forward and nipping his lower lip and then sliding out of his arms. He stared after me, dark eyes wide before he grinned and resumed playing, glad that I was now playing along with him.
"Food time!" James shouted and there was a rush for the side of the pool as we all scrambled out and ran for the table, laughing, joking and playfully shoving each other as we slid into the two picnic tables that were pulled together.
There was a grab for the food and while it was chaotic, it was familiar. There have been countless times that Harry and I have played outside with the Weasleys for hours only to come inside and scramble to eat.
My smile faltered as I glanced automatically to the side, where a grinning George should be sitting and then to my other side, where Fred hadn't sat in a long time. There was no Teddy sitting across from me, beaming and babbling about the latest prank he managed to pull of either.
My heart twisted in my chest and I met Harry's understanding eyes, feeling a little better to know that he knew what I was going through.
The rest of the day passed by in a blur of pool time and racing around in the yard, laughing and having fun together. The games of tag had us switching sides at unpredictable sides and when Harry brought out a soccer ball, it only got crazier.
I was the most fun I'd had in years, screaming and laughing and dodging as I teamed up with Sophie and Rae. I hadn't thought younger sisters could be so much fun.
Despite everything though, the best part was at the end of the day when it was dark out. Sirius started a fire in the fire pit in the back while Remus brought some wood over. The wood warmed us perfectly and I laughed with Rae about Sophie tackling Jareth in the pool while he pretended not to hear us.
The Lily and James got the s'mores ingredients.
Harry and I sat huddled side by side, leaning into each other while everyone around us continued laughing and chattering, reaching freely for the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. This was making the both of us feel a little out of it. This was a family time thing and neither of us really felt right intruding on it.
We'd had family dinners with the Weasleys but had never actually done anything like have s'mores as a family and so both of us were feeling a little awkward.
"What's the matter?" Rae asked, turning away from the fire and looking at Harry and I curiously. Harry and I glanced uncertainly at each other, not knowing how to respond.
"Nothing. I'm feeling a little tired, I'm gonna go to bed." I said and Harry nodded, getting up beside me. I slipped my hand in his, pressing into his side as tears swelled in my throat.
"Good night." Harry said softly and they watched silently as we turned and walked into the house, uncertain and unsure how to have an actual family.
MessiM- Thank you so much for your kind review! I'm glad you like the plot twist, you seriously had me laughing out loud with your review. I love it and I hope you enjoyed the preview!
kitsune sakisage- Thank you so much for your awesome review! I'm glad the cliffhanger hand you want to read more, I hope you liked your preview!
