OMG. There are 200 reviews on this story?! WHAT?

This chapter is kind of, sort of, a little bit of a filler. I didn't want to skip so much time between when the last chapter left off, and the next one. I really do hope you like this chapter though!

I've been swamped with work, so whenever I get a chance to write, I jot down like maybe five sentences and then I have to get back to work. I'm going to try and post the next chapter soon though! I am really, really happy that so many people like this story, I love writing it so much, and I'm beyond ecstatic that you all like it!

Also...almost 480 followers?! I repeat, WHAT?

I love you all so, so much, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

For Anna xxx

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Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me.


Dear Mum,

I'm writing to you for two reasons today. First of all I would like to start off by saying I love you. You are such a wonderful, kind, caring woman; plus you kind of kick arse to be honest. Dorea paused in reading her letter from James with narrowed eyes. Kind of? Is that so James Harry Potter? With a slight shake of her head, she smiled as she continued to read her son's delightful, scratchy scrawl.

Either today or tomorrow, depending on how quickly this letter gets to you, you will receive a letter from Minnie (Professor McGonagall). Dorea snorted when she read the nickname the boys insisted on calling their Transfiguration teacher. It may or may not include details about how Dray, Mione and our friends may have pulled a wee prank. Of course this is completely absurd and I'm positive that the charges brought up against us will be dropped soon. Nothing as severe as suspension or expulsion of course, a little detention here or there I think. I'm almost positive however that justice will prevail. Again Mother, I would like to draw attention to how luscious your long, raven hair is, how beautiful your calm, serene grey eyes are. Your flawless, fair skin. You are the epitome of beauty and grace. I love you very much, Mother Dearest.

Your beloved son,

James Potter.

P.S. Did I mention you are looking absolutely lovely today?

"What did they do now?" Charlus smiled knowingly, walking into the drawing room; spotting his wife's silent laughter as her shoulders shook.

"Epitome of beauty and grace," she rasped out, short, breathy laughs escaping her.

"Whatever it was, it had to have been highly elaborate," Charlus chuckled softly.

"You want to read James' whilst I read the rest?" Dorea asked, humming as she held it out to him.

"Others?"

"Not one, but five of our children have written us, and I expect Minerva's letter is not too far away," Dorea tapped the side of her nose as she picked up the second letter on her table beside her.

"To imagine, two years and a bit ago we only had one," Charlus remarked, the smile lines by his eyes showing as he began to read the letter from his son.

"Well I'm not as sold on Peter yet, he hasn't been around as much, we don't know him as well," Dorea murmured, smiling as she read the first sentence in Sirius' letter.

Dear Mum,

We did it. I could say we didn't, but we both know that isn't true. I would like to add that it was spectacular, and you should be proud that we're putting our skills to practical use.

Now I can't take ALL the credit, but I played a crucial part in the entire proceedings and the litter box was all me. Dorea snorted, her free hand moving to her chest as she tried to stifle her laughter. The image of Minerva McGonagall having to stare at a litter box and trying not to laugh was far too amusing. She had to admit it was beautifully orchestrated. A litter box.

I would tell you what the others did, but then you would know too much. I hate to say it, but I love you, and if you knew too much then we would have to obliviate you or kill you. As much as it pains me, the first option would be the only one. For two reasons, I love you and you make amazing cookies, plus you and Dad have given me a real home...and that's pretty cool. Secondly, killing you would be way too messy, unkind and overall inconvienent. Again, refer to reason one. Plus how wrong would it be to literally bite the hand that feeds you?

Your FAVOURITE son,

Sirius Black.

P.S. I really do love you, tell Dad hi for me and let him read this wondrous letter.

P.S.S. You can't say it aloud that I'm your favourite in the other's presence, so next time you see me, just wink, and I'll know. Love you.

Dorea blinked away the unshed tears, filling up with emotion that Sirius felt so strongly about herself and Charlus. A small smile touched her lips as she re-read the latter half of the letter. "Killing you would be way too messy," she laughed breathily. Charlus had finished James' moments before and had moved over to the loveseat. Dorea gathered the other letters and went to join him. He didn't say anything, just shook his head, amused.

"Mipsy," Charlus called, and the house elf apparated into the room, a silver tray with a teapot, two cups, milk and a few scones piled onto a plate in her hands. "How did you kn-"

"Mipsy knows Mistress and Master much better than Master thinks," Mipsy placed the tray carefully in front of them on the coffee table, winking before she disapparated from the room with a small pop.

"I'll read Hermione's next if you don't mind," Charlus said, reaching down to pick up her letter, Sirius' already in his hand. Dorea began to ready herself and her husband a cuppa.

Dear Dad,

I know the others are going to write to Mum to insist that we had absolutely nothing to do with the prank that Professor McGonagall is accusing us of.

I'm not even sure what to tell you to be honest. I would like to tell you that I'm sorry for what we did...but I'm not. It was exhilirating, and no one was hurt. Most people laughed afterwards, and it's started a mini prank war between the houses. All in good fun that is. A Ravenclaw girl charmed Sirius' shoes to dance. His feet were very sore that evening since she also placed a temporary sticking charm on his feet so he wouldn't be able to take them off.

I will let you in on a little secret and hopefully it will be enough for you to disregard our little prank and also to help plead on our behalf with Mother. Remember the thing we talked about before school started back? Well I'm going to do it. I'm sure the boys will write in my stead and let you know how it pans out. I can't wait to see their faces!

I miss you both terribly, and I hope you are both doing well. Tell Mum that I love her and let Mipsy know that her cooking is missed as well. I do hope Mipsy is taking the breaks she needs to, she really does work too hard.

I love you very, very much Daddy,

Your daughter,

Hermione Potter.

Dorea shook her head, taking another sip of her tea. She had just finished reading through Remus' and was about to start in on Draco's.

"What did Remus have to say?" Charlus asked, Sirius' letter now open, his eyes scanning the parchment.

"Pretended to be utterly innocent, which of course means the whole thing was his idea," Dorea quirked an eyebrow knowingly. "Charlus?"

"Yes, my dear?" Charlus asked, kissing her temple gently, drawing his attention away from the letter grasped in his hands.

"Our bet is still in place, right?"

"Of course, love...why?" Charlus frowned lightly.

Dorea merely smiled at her husband, kissing his cheek before getting up and striding out of the room, hair swishing down her back as she moved, heels clicking across the floor. This is going to be fun.

...

Tuesday, October 2nd, 1973

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Great Hall

"Riley!" Hermione smiled happily when the Hufflepuff squeezed in between her and Lily.

"Good morning!" Riley responded a bit shyly, tucking her pale hair behind her ears, hazel brown eyes darting around a bit nervously.

"It's nice to finally, properly meet you," Lily greeted the younger girl, putting down her glass of pumpkin juice to shake Riley's outstretched hand.

"Oh, did you hear that it may rain today? If you need to go outside make sure to take your parasols," Riley said with wide eyes.

Hermione was about to respond, in the process of buttering her toast when the boys finally traipsed downstairs, all yawning, moving sluggishly; and in Sirius' case, leaning on Remus as he walked. Hermione's eyes met Draco's briefly and she understood instantly. They had been practicing their animagus training last night, they probably snuck out after Remus went to sleep.

"Morning," James yawned, eyes squeezed shut and his hand over his mouth. When he opened them again, they were half-lidded and he proceeded to fumble about and try and put a plate of food together.

Sirius' was face down on the table, making incoherent noises, hair covering his features. Remus looked bemused by his friend's situation and Hermione wondered momentarily why he thought they were all so tired. Draco had his cheek propped up in the palm of his hand, frowning deeply at the toast in front of him, as if trying to ascertain its' intentions. Peter's head was drooping every few seconds, only to snap back up and for him to mumble that he was awake, before his eyes were closing and the whole process repeated itself all over again.

"Morning, sunshine," Hermione smirked. "Ready for later?"

James' brow furrowed together as he tried to figure out what she meant, the cogs in his brain beginning to turn through the foggy haze of sleep and exhaustion. His eyes widened and he was wide awake when he looked at her again, a devious grin on his face. "Definitely ready, bring it on, sis."

"Am I missing something?" Lily pursed her lips, addressing Hermione, refusing to look at James; Severus and James got into a bit of a duel the other day before Minerva had come, grabbed them both by their collars and dragged them to her office. It would suffice to say that Lily was not pleased with either boy at the moment.

"Jamie is helping me out with something," Hermione responded vaguely, biting into her toast. Happy as the warm, buttery taste filled her palette.

"I suppose I'll have to wait and find out what that is?" Lily guessed astutely, mouth twisted to the side.

"You are such a remarkably bright witch, did you know that?" Hermione grinned.

"Hermione?" Riley asked in a curious tone, Hermione glanced to her left at the younger girl, and then followed her line of sight. Sirius' hair was turning bright purple right before their eyes.

"What the-?" Hermione cocked her head to the side, pushing her curls out of her face. She brushed the crumbs off of her fingers, wiped her hands in her napkin, closing her eyes and then rubbing them. When she opened her eyes once more, his hair was the same shade, her mouth moved up and down as she tried to find the words, but alas, they were failing her.

"Ahhh, so it does work," James stroked his chin thoughtfully, pulling a small brown leather bound book out of his robes, as well as a muggle pen he had nicked (borrowed) from Remus; he began to jot down notes.

"I thought you said you were going to use Peter," Draco said, poking Sirius' head as the (formerly) Raven haired boy slumbered away beside him.

"I-I-I-I said no," Peter stammered out, still half out of it.

"James!" Hermione snarled.

"Yes, Mione?" James murmured, still absorbed in writing down the results of their little experiment.

Hermione was about to throttle her brother, when Gideon Prewett walked up behind him and glanced over his shoulder at the book he was furiously scribbling away in.

"What're you trying to get done?" Gideon asked, startling James, who flinched harshly in his seat, a hand on the table as he tried to calm his racing heart.

"Trying to figure out if there's a way to change it to a specific colour based on mood or another kind of variable. So far it just turns purple," James answered, gently he lifted Sirius' head back. "Hmm, eyebrows too," James noted with interest.

"You're ridiculous," Hermione rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face as she looked at Sirius' two tone eyebrows.

Riley was peering curiously at Sirius' slumbering form as James lowered his head back down again. Hermione had noticed the second year made sure to cross paths with the third years when she could in between classes.

"Right, we have Care of Magical Creatures today," Remus said absently, Hermione smiled fondly as the boy avidly read Wuthering Heights as he spooned yoghurt and fruit into his mouth.

"Let's hope that whatever Kettleburn has us looking at isn't attracted to vibrant colours," Draco snickered as he finished off the last bits of his Breakfast; he was reading through the Daily Prophet and something seemed to catch his eye. Draco froze, smile fading away slowly, mouth now drawn into a thin line. "Hermione."

"What is it?" Hermione frowned deeply, taking the paper from him. On the third page, in bold lettering was, "Minister of Magic has said he is working on passing bill for proper Werewolf Regulation." Hermione shared a worried look with Draco. This was only the beginning. The beginning of pain and suffering; Hermione bit down on her lip as she turned her attention to Remus. He looked so happy and at ease, she couldn't bear the thought that in a few years, he wouldn't be able to get a proper job, or even have the same right as other members of Wizarding society. Treated as lesser than he was. As long as I'm around, I'm going to ensure that he doesn't think that ever. My beautiful Remus deserves better than that, Hermione promised herself silently. Remus must have felt her gaze on him, tearing his attention away from his book, when their eyes met, he smiled warmly. Hermione automatically grinned back. I promise, Remus.


Please leave a review and let me know what you think :)

I hope I was true to Hufflepuff's in Riley's character! I always have the most trouble writing them out of all of the houses and I just hope I did the Puffs justice!

Quidditch Tryouts are soon! Any guesses on who's going to make the team? ;)

Love you,

Indieblue xxx