ALICE POTTER CHESHIRE CAT

AUTHORS NOTE 1: Flashbacks will be in Italics be mentioned as a flashback, Communication between Alice and the Cheshire cat 'will be in Italics and have the dashes at the start of the sentence'.

CHAPTER THREE: Letters, Plans and Discoveries.

July 29th 1994

Alice looked over the two letters she'd received from her two best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. She'd been having such fun on the island both just enjoying being free as well as learning from the islanders and both Cheshire cat and Dobby she'd almost forgotten about her friends. The islanders had been teaching her about Caribbean culture and food, Dobby had been teaching her about house elves and the history about their service to wizards and Cheshire had been teaching her to retract the ears, fangs and tail as well as casting the illusion of normalcy around her, those who didn't care about her wouldn't see the tail, teeth and ears when the illusion was up those who did probably would care less but if she knew how to retract them it wouldn't be a problem. Today however she'd been catching up on homework it was her second to last day on the island and she had nothing else to do. Dobby was making sure both of her trunks were sorted for the trip back to the UK on the thirtieth and Cheshire cat was dosing in the back of Alice's head, her training done for the day. Turning back to the letters Alice picked up Hermione's and began to re-read it.

Dear Alice,

My parents and I are in the south of France...again, I'm getting so much history down I might include some of it in my history of magic homework, Have you started yours?, I hope the Dursleys haven't caused you any trouble this summer. Have you heard from Ron yet?, his dad's gotten Quiddich world cup tickets and we've been invited...Ron said something about having his mum ask the Dursleys for you...best run interference with that I think. I'll see you at the Weasleys.

Love Hermione

Alice chuckled at her bushy haired friend Hermione Granger was one of the smartest girls in their generation and the best witch at magical theory in their year, magical power was a toss up between Alice, daddy's boy Draco Malfoy a Slytherin in their year and surprisingly Susan Bones from Hufflepuff. Turning to Ron's letter Alice opened it and began the second read.

Hey Alice,

dads gotten tickets to the Quiddich world cup there's one here with your name on it. Now dad wants to pick you up on the Friday before hand, however mums suggested we ask the Dursleys first...but she did agree to ask you if we should send it through muggle mail or give it to you to pass on. Either way dads coming to get you regardless of the 'Propriety' he said. Have you heard from Hermione, she's invited too by the way, she's on holiday in France and as usual is doing homework...I ain't doing it until the last week of holidays.

Anyway see you soon

Ron.

Alice sat and pondered their letters a moment, both of her friends were very different people but were very similar in how they got what they wanted, often taking to different information and rattling it about like a dog with a bone until they got what they wanted. As such it was hard to write responses to them as both of them always wanted something different, pulling out some parchment and composing what she hoped was somewhat a generic response with all bases she wanted to tell them covered. Alice would write it once then she would copy with a spell. She didn't feel like writing everything out twice.

Dear Ron/Hermione,

I'm actually alright for a summer this once. I'm on an actual holiday, I received some extremely good news and it turned to my advantage. I wont tell you where I am right now the Goblins suggested this place because of the protections it has. Due to the Dursleys mistreatment of me and some inheritance the Goblins managed to arrange my Emancipation. Their doing the paperwork for an adult sponsor and I suggested the Weasleys/your parents Ron, I don't have to tack on a room to your/their house or anything its more a legal precaution...plus they'll get some money for the position I'm more than happy they get. The other two suggestions are Auror Department head Amelia Bones or headmaster Dumbledore...to be honest out of the two I'd rather Madam Bones. The headmaster has enough on his plate already with all those positions he has without dealing with me and at least the Weasleys or Madam Bones can hear me out...If I do get Madam Bones I'm totally putting in a good word for Sirius. By the way Ron tell your dad to pick me up at the Leaky Cauldron its safer that way since my new housing will be in the muggle world and I'd rather keep that under wraps for a little while longer, until its all finalised. I'll meet you then,

Gotta Bounce your friend,

Alice.

Alice placed both letters into envelopes and sent them through the Gringotts letter box. It glowed blue showing they'd been delivered before glowing red a moment later for a delivery. Pulling both out Alice saw that one was from Sirius and one was from Dumbledore, placing Dumbledore's aside Alice tore into Sirius's letter with much abandon waking Cheshire up in the back of her head... he'd been dosing, writing was such a bore to him.

'What have you gotten which excites you enough to wake me up?' he asked with a grumpy yawn

'A letter from my godfather' Alice replied jumping slightly she forgot Cheshire was around when he was quiet 'I'm sorry I woke you, I didn't mean to'

'That's quite alright, what's the old man saying anyway?' he asked quite interested in this Sirius Black character, Alice talked about

'He says he's fine, he's on an island somewhere nice and hot trying to get better enough to come back, prove his innocence and fight in my corner' Alice answered happily continuing to read the letter 'He's also saying not to worry about him it's his position to worry about me'

'Sounds fair maybe you should listen' Cheshire purred happily 'Of course you can do what you like but listening to an adult or two on occasion couldn't hurt...especially one as spirited as Sirius Black'

Alice smiled and put down the letter she'll answer that in a moment turning to the letter from Dumbledore she noticed a letter from Bloodfang wrapped around it. Carefully pulling the letters apart Alice went to read Bloodfangs first, her mind drifted to the moment Bloodfang mentioned the Letterbox.

FLASHBACK

Bloodfang's grin made Alice's skin crawl ever so slightly but made her happy at the same time as a second Goblin appeared at the office with a strange looking box in his hands

"This is a Gringotts letterbox" Bloodfang replied to the unasked question "their usually used for paperwork between the lords and ladies and their Gringotts bankers...usually they are ten Galleons per month but since you have been screwed over by the wizarding world at large I'm going to waver it until your a legitimate adult"

"Er Thank you" Alice said the look of confusion on her face "But I'm willing to come in to deal with anything money related Bloodfang...surely it'll be..."

"I'm going to program it so you can receive any and all letter and packages sent to you by the public" Bloodfang interrupted " since they'll be coming through Gringotts we can check for any and all for dangers"

"OK er thank you again Bloodfang" Alice replied sheepishly "at least let me pay something... five galleons maybe for every year especially if you're checking for curses and such"

"Ooh I'm thrilled by the concern Lady Alice" Bloodfang chuckled writing on the paper and signing it off and handing the box over "alright five galleons per year"

END FLASHBACK

Alice shook her head It didn't do her any good if her mind wandered at inopportune moments after all she had a letter from Bloodfang that needed her attention.

'It doesn't matter' Cheshire chimed in 'you just need to learn the art of listening and drifting at the same time'

Dear Alice,

I see you've gotten the hang of the letter box which is good, I'll be sending you the paperwork for your new apartment in London before you get back so best keep it with you as well as several packages and letters the public have been sending you for your birthday. I do however have some bad news to report. Albus Dumbledore your headmaster tried to take control of your account earlier today and after realising he couldn't do anything asked us to pass on a letter to you. The letter was dripping with all sorts of spells designed to take mental control over you. Luckily the goblin in charge of your post wiped it clean after he left before telling me personally how dangerous they were. I recommend having another meeting when you get back so we can arrange better legal protection for you bar the emancipation support.

May your money ever flow and our enemies quake in their boots,

Bloodfang

Postscript:

Just so you are aware Dumbledore knows about your emancipation, I've also received word he harassed your aunt Mrs Dursley and an old neighbour Mrs Figg, both as we can gather are fine and we believe Mrs Figg gave the 'Headmaster a black eye. Here's what happened at Gringotts

Alice grinned wide at Bloodfangs letter despite the concern in her eyes. Bloodfang was a good man and did the Goblin race and Gringotts bank justice. Looking at the second piece of parchment form Bloodfang Alice sighed once again, Dumbledore had tried to a stunt like he'd done before and She didn't like it one bit.

FLASHBACK

It gave several goblins on the Gringotts public floor joy to see Albus Dumbledore stride in with a flustered but determined look in his eyes, despite the hideous black eye and the attempted grandfatherly look on his face. Luckily Teller Pike had no line so Dumbledore didn't have to wait and feel his anger bubble over.

"Teller Pike" Dumbledore began "I request some time with Banker Bloodfang please Its about one of my Students Alice Potter

"Of Course Headmaster Dumbledore" Pike replied as blandly as possible. Despite his claims the goblins of Gringotts did not trust Albus Dumbledore

"Teller Fang please send this to Banker Bloodfang and call Griphook to me" Pike ordered the young teller beside handing over a piece of parchment with a message in Gobbledygook.

"Yes Master Teller" Fang replied disappearing off a side corridor quickly.

"Please wait over by the seating a moment Headmaster and I'll have teller Griphook lead you to the Banker when he arrives" Pike said turning back to the old man

"Thank you Teller Pike" Albus said "May your money ever flow"

"And your knowledge improves yours" Pike replied watching the old man turn away and walk to the seating he'd been pointed to.

Pike shuffled his parchments and called the next customer. Three customers later Pike could see Albus Dumbledore stewing in his own frustration at having to wait and the need to keep up a public facade. Pike felt a surge of petty joy before Griphook appeared at his shoulder.

"Everything is done and Banker Bloodfang is ready" Griphook with a grin

FLASHBACK END

Putting Bloodfangs letter aside still smiling at the stupidity of Dumbledore but worried about the next school year

Dear Miss Potter,

I am disappointed in you for leaving the Dursleys this summer Alice, it is not safe for you to do so and it has worried both your relatives and myself. I beg you contact me and tell me exactly where you are so I can help, if you don't want to return to the Dursleys I'm sure we can find you a safe house where I can keep a closer eye on you.

Yours worriedly,

Albus Dumbledore

Alice now stared at the letter Dumbledore had written disgust in her eyes. If Dumbledore was going to play games...then Hogwarts was going to be a dangerous place this year. Setting it aside she pondered Dumbledore's letter and an appropriate response. Realising she hadn't written a response to Sirius either, grabbing more parchment for letters Alice got to work after all she still needed to finish her History of Magic homework.

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July 30th 1994

Alice walked through Gatwick Airport trying to maintain her illusion by herself and pushing the trolley with her transfigured trunk on it at the same time. The thing about international Portkeys was the fact you had to use them at the airports giving the illusion of flying to the public when you weren't really flying at all.

"ALICE!" A voice called out making Alice flinch and panic. Her illusion flickered slightly but held

'Good control my dear' Cheshire purred 'but we'll have to work on it more here let me have control for a while'

Alice tiredly let him as she turned to find out the owner of the voice and saw Hermione rushing towards her, her parents trailing along behind her with a suitcase laden trolley.

"Hello Hermione" Alice replied with a smile letting her friend hug her closely "How was France?"

"It was brilliant" Hermione answered "How was your holiday? How come your back I'd thought you'd be gone longer with how your letter was written"

"I only took a week if I stayed there any longer I think I would have burned, besides I still have some legal things to deal with and I have to be here for it, Hello Mr and Mrs Granger" Alice replied with a smile turning to Hermione's parents as they reached them

"Hello Miss Potter I hope you are well?" Mrs Granger greeted with a polite smile before seeing her trolley "and that you've had a good holiday?"

"I am very well Mrs Granger and I did have a good holiday" Alice replied "Have you had a good holiday?"

"Yes we have" Mr Granger asked noticing the lack of adults "Are you being picked up?, or would you like a lift?"

"I have a pre-arranged taxi ma'am thank you for the offer though" Alice answered still smiling "Although once I'm settled is it alright with you if Hermione comes over for a visit?, I'd like catch up before the chaos of the Weasleys"

"Oh please say yes" Hermione pleaded sounding like the teenage girl she was for once in her life

"Let us think about it although if you wish you are welcome to come over for afternoon tea on Monday" Mrs Granger offered for she too had noticed the lack of adults with Alice

"That sounds the better option ma'am" Alice replied with a thoughtful grin "Shall we say two o'clock?"

"Perfect" Mrs Granger said with a smile "Now I think its best we move otherwise we're going to hold people up"

"Hey It's your birthday tomorrow do you have anything happening?" Hermione suddenly asked as they reached the

"I'm planning to go see a show in London" Alice replied thinking quickly "And I'll be staying in a hotel which is offering a birthday package at their spa which I've bought and will be abusing to an inch of its life"

"Sounds expensive" Mr Granger said a little too loudly earning glares from Hermione and his wife

"I've inherited a large and decent sum of money Mr Granger" Alice informed him "Since I cant touch half of it. Ive been told to invest most of what I can touch at the urge of a banker friend of mine I'm using the amount left to enjoy myself...since I'm at school most of the year the money won't run out until I'm eighteen...and by then I'm entitled to the rest anyway"

"Of...Of course" Mr Granger sputtered looking a little embarrassed "I should have realised you'll have advice on it...ignore me"

"Lady Potter!" a voice called out as the four of them as they walked through the doors to the pickup/drop off point

Alice turned to see Bloodfang under a glamour and a limo driver waiting for her she grinned manically. Stopping a moment Alice realised she could turn this to her advantage and turned back to her best friend and her family.

"Oh here's my ride" Alice said before turning specifically to the Granger's "Is it alright with you if Hermione joins me for a birthday lunch and seeing the show tomorrow instead of meeting Monday?, that way she has more time with you until we head to the Weasleys and the QWC"

"That makes perfect sense" came Mrs Granger's carefully worded reply after a glance at her husband "would you like one of us to accompany you?"

"I certainly don't mind but that is up to Hermione" Alice replied turning to her friend who looked dumbfounded

"I don't mind in the slightest" Hermione gaped after a moment "Thank you mum"

"OK" Alice said locking a surprised Hermione into a hug "I'll message you the hotel I'm staying in later and I'll see you tomorrow"

pushing her trolley to Bloodfang and the limo driver Alice didn't see Hermione's look of wanting to know more or the Granger's look of concern...and she didn't need to. She'll tell Hermione all she was a;allowed to know tomorrow and the Granger's would be told enough to quench their worries.

"So Bloodfang" Alice began as the limo took off on the drive into London "How goes the Emancipation?"

"Perfectly" Bloodfang replied with a grin pulling out some parchments for Alice to have "We had a letter from Mr Arthur Weasley...He's agreed to be your sponsor, the final meeting is Tuesday"

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AUTHORS NOTE 2:

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THANK YOU FOR READING CHAPTER THREE OF ALICE POTTER CHESHIRE CAT

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MANY THANKS TO:

Ultima-Owner

Archerongoddess

and

Kilare T'suna

FOR REVIEWING, YOU ARE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED

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ALL POLITE, RESONABLEY CONSTRUCTED AND RESPECTFUL IN CONTENT WILL BE RESPONDED TO AND WELCOMED.

ALL FLAMERS AND REVIEWERS UNABLE TO WRITE RESPECTFULLY WILL BE DELETED AND BLOCKED.

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CHAPTER FOUR IS BEING WRITAIN AS WE SPEAK AND WILL BE POSTED SOON.

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AS A FORE WARNING I HAVE A MEMORY AND LANGUAGE PROBLEM WHICH AFFECTS MY ABILITY TO RECOGNISE SPELLING AND GRAMMER MISTAKES...SINCE THIS STORY HAS NOT BETA THE MORE OBVIOUS MISTAKES WILL BE MORE PROMINENT AND FOR THAT I DO APPOLOGISE.