The burly man standing before me looked a bit ragged for his clothes - black cloak, blue jeans, boots, and black shirt - were patched with mud and grass stains. Bits of leaf were caught in the dark brunette hair that fell to his shoulders in tight waves and covered his chin. Cuts and scrapes criss-crossed on every part of bare skin I could see. But his dark green eyes glittered with love and fear. "Hello, nephew." His lower face cracked into a familiar smile; he had lost one of his front teeth since the last time I saw him.

"Uncle! What are you doing here?" I cocked my head to the side. "Especially in the Forbidden Forest?"

His grin fell into a dark frown. "It's the one place they can't find me." That wasn't cryptic at all. "But before I tell you, may I please have a hug? It's been ages since I've seen you last." He opened his arms and waited patiently for me to fill them.

I slid into his embrace as easily as the last time I hugged him. But where was my Uncle Salo, the one who never asked for a hug but just gave one? It's like he's afraid I may hit him or something. Something wasn't right. "What happened to you, Uncle Salo?" I asked.

Salo released me but kept his hands on my shoulders to keep me at arm's length. "I'm glad you're okay, Talis," he said. "I thought. . ." He paused to clear his throat. "I thought they had gotten to you."

"Who?"

"The Death Eaters." The fear in his eyes glittered in the pale starlight that managed to seep through the thick leafy canopy. "They know about us. About our heritage." His voice was a harsh whisper. "They're seeking us out. They want us on Voldemort's side."

I stared at my uncle. "How do they know about our heritage?"

"Someone told them," he growled. "Someone close to the family." His dark eyes narrowed, and I flinched. "You didn't tell anyone about it, have you?"

I swallowed loudly. "Only one," I admitted quietly.

"Who?"

"Blue Jacobs." I winced as my uncle's eyes narrowed to slits. "I swear I didn't know he was going to go rogue!"

"He went to Voldemort's followers," Uncle Salo snarled. "You broke the code of the Crearys, Talis. You get to bounce around this fuckin' castle, and I have to hide in a damn forest! Do you think I want to be in the forest?!"

"Then come with me to the castle," I said when he paused to catch his breath. "You'll be safe there. Dumbledore will let you stay." I felt a thrum of relief when his eyes started to return to normal. "And you've got to believe me, Uncle Salo. I did not know Blue was going to do that."

Uncle Salo sighed heavily. I could smell a hint of meat on his warm breath. "I know you didn't believe he would go to the Death Eaters. But he has. We're the last Crearys with this. . . gift, and they're after us."

I looked down at the forest floor. "I'm sorry, Uncle Salo."

Another sigh came from my uncle. "Your father did the same thing, you know. When he met your mother he barely waited a year before spilling everything about our heritage to her. She thought he was insane until he showed her. They got married about two years after that. I never saw two people more in love than your parents." His dark eyes glistened with pint-up emotions. "But my brother almost dropped into an early grave when your mother announced that she was pregnant." A low chuckle escaped his throat, and he went quiet for a few moments as if he were reliving grand memories. "Let's go see your Headmaster." He released me from his grip. "Lead the way."

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The walk to the castle took longer than I expected. Even though neither of us could scent anything out of the ordinary, we were cautious as we crossed the grounds. Shadows concealed our movements from anyone looking down. For a fleeting moment I wondered if Harry was staring down at the school grounds from Gryffindor Tower, but I didn't look up to see. My uncle was getting more skittish with every moment out in the open; I could see his eyes were wide and the hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end. I wanted to comfort him, but he'd probably accidently snap at me so I crept on in silence at his side.

Uncle Salo was visibly relieved when I pulled open one of the giant oak doors. We slipped inside easily, and Uncle Salo released a heavy sigh that I never knew he was holding.

"I never thought I would be inside this castle again," he said as we mounted the stairs two at a time. "When I graduated I thought that was it."

"It's one of the safest places in the Isles." I glanced at my uncle; he was looking around with awe in his dark green eyes. "I'm glad I returned to be a teacher's assistant."

"So that's why you are here."

I nodded. "I couldn't find much work so the Ministry send me back here. I think it's because Muggles raised me after. . . after Mum and Dad died. That and to keep at eye on me."

"How are those Muggles?"

"They're okay," I answered honestly. "I visited them over the summer, and they seemed to be doing really well." The Muggles may not have been my real parents, but at least they treated me like one of their own.

"I should have raised you, Talis." There was a hint of sadness in his voice. "I could have taught you more about your heritage."

I flashed a reassuring smile at my uncle. "You were a young bloke then, Uncle Salo. You weren't ready to take care of a child, especially one like me. I don't mind that I was raised by Muggles. I think I turned out fine."

"I am proud of you for returning here," he said as we walked down the corridor that lead to the Headmaster's quarters. "You came back to the school for a job and safety." He gave me a nod of approval. "You've done well."

We fell into a comfortable silence and continued down the long hallway. Two ugly gargoyles stood at the end, whispering to each other urgently. They stopped then looked up when we approached. The one on the right started to growl and yip like a little ankle-biting dog while the left one looked on in amusement.

"What the hell are you doing?" I asked, furrowing my brow at the barking gargoyle.

The stone figure stopped making noise and smile up at me. "I thought you could understand me," it said in a false innocent voice.

I kicked one of its stone feet. "Lemon drop, you bastard."

The gargoyles snarled but sprung to the side to reveal the moving spiral staircase. My uncle and I hopped on and rode the stairs to the top where a grand door with an eagle knocker stood. I knocked a few times and waited patiently for the Headmaster to open the door. We didn't have to wait long.

"Ah! Salo Creary, it's a plesure to see you again." Dumbledore beamed at my uncle. "Have a seat." He motioned ot the comfy looking chairs before his desk then sat down in his own chair.

"Thank you, sir." My uncle and I sat down. "It's wonderful to see you as well."

"What can I do for you, Salo?" There was a look of genuine curiousity in his blue eyes.

My uncle and I exchanged a glance. I didn't know how to ask the Headmaster to allow my uncle to stay in the castle. In the forest, it seemed like such an easy idea. But now that we were actually sitting before Dumbledore I knew I was going to get tongue-tied. Luckily my uncle wasn't as nervous as I was and explained our situation.

"I see." Dumbledore peered at my uncle and me through his glasses, bright blue eyes thoughtful. He had not said a word while my uncle was telling him of our problem. "You have my permission to stay here, Salo. I will have the elves make up a room for you."

"Thank you, sir."

"It's no problem at all." Dumbledore smiled kindly. "You two are the last with your heritage, correct?"

I nodded, but my uncle hesitated. I looked at my uncle, arching an eyebrow. We were the last of the Crearys. . . right?

"There's. . . one other who shares our heritage," Uncle Salo said slowly, as if he wasn't sure I should be hearing this. "Talis's sister has inherited it as well."

What the - SISTER?!

"I have a sister!" I blurted out.

My uncle sighed heavily before muttering, "Yes."

I jumped to my feet and glared at my uncle. "You told me we were the only ones!" I snarled. "I have a damn sister, and you never told me!" I turned to the Headmaster, who didn't seem phased by my outburst. "Thank you for letting my uncle stay here, Albus," I said through gritted teeth. "Now that he is here and we have settled the him-staying-here situation, I shall bid you good-night." I turned on my heel.

I need a drink.

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The firewhisky I got from the house elves in the kitchens burned my throat as I took another swig. I winced as I swallowed. My foot caught on the hem of my cloak. I stumbled but caught myself on a suit of armor.

"S'ry," I slurred, pushing off the metal body. "You. . . You. . . You can't jush shump out like that." I walked down the hallway.

"Hello!" A light brunette, almost blonde boy about my age smiled broadly at me. "My name's Blue Jacobs. What is yours?"

I glanced behind me. I didn't see anybody so I turned back to the young man. "Me?" I asked, pointing ot myself.

"Yes, you!" His grin broadened. "What's your name?"

"Talis. Talis Creary."

I swirled the amber liquid around the bottle. My uneven footsteps echoed on the walls. A few grumbles from the paintings fell upon deaf ears. I didn't know what they were grumbling about, and I honestly didn't care.

"I'm so glad I'm in Gryffindor," Blue said as he plopped down at the foot of my new four-poster bed. "Now I can prove to my parents how brave I am." He puffed out his skinny chest. "What about you?" he asked.

I looked down at the red comforter. "My parents are not alive anymore. I was raised by Muggles, and they don't know anything about Hogwarts."

A soft hand gripped my shoulder comfortingly. "It's okay, Talis." I lifted my face to my new friend; there was a bright smile on his face. "You can tell them about our new school and how brave you are over the holidays."

"You really think so?"

"I know so," Blue said, his grin getting bigger.

A group of wizards playing a late night game of cards griped at me as I brushed against their picture frame.

"Watch where your going, you young drunk!"

"My cards!"

"You idiot!"

I spun around to fast and ended up with my face pressed against the portrait. The wizards yelled as I pushed myself away from them. I stumbled a few times, clutching the bottle close to my chest. "Shud'up!" I growled. "Tha basterd has an ashe up his sleeve." I moved away as three of the wizards lunged for the fourth. Their squabbling grew fainter with every step.

"Damn it!"

"This is your fault."

Blue and I darted down the darkened corridor. We had been in the library after hours to get some homework done. Madam Pince would have hexed us to oblivion if she had caught us. When the giant clock struck eleven, we gathered our supplies and fled the library. We thought we were in the clear until we saw Snape at the end of the corridor. Blue had twirled around and raced back the way we came with me right on his heels. I didn't know if Snape was following us or not, but I wasn't going to stop to find out.

"In here!" Blue halted in front of a broom closet. "It's the only place." He pulled open the door and shoved me inside before I could say anything. "Stay quiet." The door barely clicked shut when we heard rushed footsteps coming down the hall.

I stared at my best friend. "What is he catches us?" I whispered. "We'll get in so much trouble. Dumbledore will make us repeat the thirs year. Or worse, we'll - " I never got to finish my sentence. Blue's mouth was pressed against mine. My eyes widened, and I stared into the light blue eyes of my best friend.

"Talis? What are you doing?"

I looked up from the bottle at the sound of my name. There was no one standing in front of me, and the pictures were empty. I guess their occupants had gone to watch the fight between the four wizards two floors below. "Wha'? Whosh there?"

The air seemed to swirl in the middle of the hallway. Then a silvery cloak appeared out of nowhere. Harry Potter was suddenly standing before me with the silver cloak around his shoulders. I blinked at the teenager. Was he a hallucination? "Harry!"

"What are you doing, Talis?" he asked again, removing the cloak from his shoulders. He folded it and put it in a pocket of his main cloak. "What's tha- Are you drinking?"

An unmanly giggle escaped my lips. "Maybe," I snickered.

"Why the hell are you drinking?" he demanded, crossing his arms over his chest.

"The person - re-remember the pearson I saw in the For-For-Forb. . . in the forest?" I took another drink. "Well it was my Ooncle Silo." I shook my head. "No, no, no, no. Nosh Silo, you 'diot. It'sh Saylo."

"Your uncle was in the Forbidden Forest?"

"Yesh!" I tried to clap my hands in apporval of Harry's smarts, but the bottle was in my way. "He needed prohection from Voldymort." I blinked and stared at Harry. "He told me I had a sister! How the - Why would shomeone keep tat away from meh!"

Harry furrowed his brow. "You have a sister?"

I nodded vigorously. "Yesh! I do!" The liquid in the bottle made a bubbling sound when I shook it. "You know wha', Harry? You are sexy. Blue hash not'ing on you."

A heavy, irritated sigh escaped from Harry's beautiful pink lips. "Let's get you to your room." He moved forward and grabbed my arm gently. "Come on."

"Yes'sir."

"Give me the bottle."

I stared at his outstretched hand and shook my head.

"Now, Talis."

I whimpered pathetically but gave him the half-empty bottle of booze. "But. . . that's mine," I muttered.

Harry narrowed at his green eyes at the bottle for a few moments before turning them to me. "This isn't you, Talis." He tugged on my arm. "I know you. You don't drink." HIs grip tightened on my sleeve as he pulled me along the hallway. I stumbled after him, giggling every time I tripped over my own feet. The walk back to my room seemed longer than I remembered, and Harry's grumbling was not helping.

"What happened to him?!"

I looked up from concentrating on my feet. A large grey wolf stared at me with even larger amber eyes. "Harry. Harry!" I poked him with my forefinger. "That puppy. . . ish talking to me."

"Puppy?!"

Harry shot a glare at me. "He's drunk," he explained to the wolf. "I don't think he can remember the password."

I cocked my head ot the side as the wolf studied me from head ot toe. "Will you let me in, sweeth puppy?" I asked in my sweetest voice.

A low snarl came from the wolf, but the picture swung open just enough for Harry to pull me inside. I gaped in amazement as the painting closed behind us. "That was awshome."

"Shut up, Talis," Harry muttered, tugging me through one room to another. The nice, soft-looking bed looked so inviting. "Let's get you in bed." I giggled loudly, and Harry rolled his eyes. He set the bottle down on the dresser. "Take off your cloak, Talis."

"Yes'sir." I slid the cloak off my shoulders and down my arms, leaving me in my shirt and jeans and shoes. I quickly took off those while Harry had his back turned to me. I hopped onto the bed and positioned myself: laying on my side, head propped with my fist and legs crossed erotically. Maybe Harry will think I'm sexy. "You can turn ar'und now."

Harry spun on his heel, and I plastered the sexiest smile I could muster on my face. His eyes widened as he took in my body. The blush that burn up his neck as he took in the sight of my boxer-clad body was so adorable.

"See some'ing you like?" I asked. I glanced at the crotch of his jeans, and felt a flash of disappointment when I didn't see a bulge there. "You're no' hard."

The black-haired sighed softly. "Talis, you're drunk." He stepped over to the side of the bed and looked down at me. "I like you when you're sober," he said.

My hand slipped out from under my head, and both fell heavily onto the soft comforter. "You don' find me att'active?"

"Of course I do," Harry said. "When you're not drunk or trying to act sexy for me." He slithered out of his cloak. "I'm stay with you tonight, okay?"

"Really?" I blinked up at him.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I'll stay with you." He pulled his shirt over his head, revealing a toned chest. A small patch of curly black hair trailed from the bottom of his belly button to the top of his jeans, which he took off. He was wearing dark red boxers. A true Gryffindor. Through the haze in my mind I realized that this was the most naked I have seen Harry Potter. I've had fantasies and dreams about him naked, but I never knew what he really looked like. . . Damn! He's hot! "Scoot over, you drunken idiot."

I shuffled my body backwards to make room for Harry. With my feet, I shoved the comforter to the bottom of the bed. Harry smiled and lied down beside me. His lips parted with a soft moan as he snuggled against my body. I didn't take him for a . . . a cuddler. I slung an arm over his skinnier body and held him close to me. "Thank you for s'aying."

"You're welcome." Harry kissed my collarbone lightly. "Sweet dreams."

"Mmm."

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I will admit it. I loved writing drunken Talis. XD