Chapter Two: Georgia The House Elf

The walk felt like ages, she wasn't used to traveling without magic. Katherine's feet carried her thru the streets, a few shops were open allowing the locals inside to purchase items. Katherine was seconding guessing the idea she had with trying to find Lily's sister. Not knowing the muggle world well enough, not even knowing how to return to Snape's house. She couldn't return to his house, Katherine thought. Katherine held her chin up as she searched, for the woman she knew as Petunia.

Allowing her back to lean against the white faded bricks of the Britain post office, she wanted to give up hope. Trying to think of something or someone that could help her with this plan. Knowing that even Charity would second guess the idea. Taking a baby and trying to flee Europe would not be easy. It was the homeless man who caught her attention. He was walking thru the dark ally that was in between the post office and the other same toned brick building. If she could hide from the sight of muggles, she could try to call upon someone that would find her. With a simple command.

"Georgia, I command you to come here" Katherine whispered once she was out of sight and in the darkness of the ally. With a pop, her house elf appeared. Georgia's large tennis ball eyes stared at her, a soft loving expression. The small elf, with many wrinkles on her peach skin, allowed her bony knees to give Katherine a deep curtsy. Elves were one of the most magical creatures. Their magic was beyond what any wizard or witch could hope for.

"Lady Potter" Georgia whispered as her long nose touched Katherine's hand before the elf was able to kiss it. Katherine wanted to pick her elf up and hug her, she was always supportive when Katherine needed her as a child. Most elves lived a dark ungrateful life, but Katherine's father and mother made sure she and James was respectful toward Georgia. Georgia was family and not just a servant.

"I need your help; do think you are up for the task Georgia" Katherine allowed her body to squat down to level herself with Georgia. She watched as the elf nodded, waiting for her next command. Georgia's large eyes danced with glee as Katherine continued speaking. "I'm looking for a woman named Petunia Evans, well I don't know if she's an Evans now, but I want you to find her…She has James's son and take me to her once you do. Do you think you can do this?"

"Yes, my lady!" Georgia said with a squeaky voice, trying to control her excitement. Katherine couldn't help but giggle, the little elf reminded her of something, of home. A place that she longed for. Katherine leaned forward pressing her lips on Georgia's forehead. With snap of Georgia's long skinny fingers she was gone. Katherine sat on the dirty ground.

Katherine thought of the boy. She imagined him with red hair like his mothers, silly like his father. Closing her eyes, she thought of a life with Harry. Away from Europe and beyond the ocean, in a home that he would grow up with her. She knew she would give him the love that both his parents wanted for him. A pure life. America seemed the only possible choice, if Dumbledore's words were true that he, the Dark Lord, would return then she needed to take Harry and run. America had a school; it wasn't as popular has Hogwarts. Yet the students were well rounded, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. If she remembered correctly from history class, Ilvermorny was like a sister school to Hogwarts. The Journey would not be easy, having no wand meant that she would have to go the muggle route. Probably safer, she thought. The ideas of, what ifs, stopped when the familiar pop sound filled her ears. Georgia's grin was beaming bright as a star.

She didn't need to ask, with a smile like that, Katherine knew that Georgia found the woman. Katherine rose from the ground and gently gripped Georgia's bony frail hand. The elf transported them to Petunia Dursley's location. The Park.

Normally Katherine would enjoy the beauty of nature, nature was peaceful. Ignoring the green leaves on the trees that swayed with the wet wind. Wet from the rain earlier in the day, she noticed most children were playing. Muggles were taking full advantage of the weather before it would turn dim and wet. She had given Georgia the advice to hide from the muggles, muggles would not know what kind of creature the elf was. Causing hysteria and attention to them. Without a wand it would be impossible to Obliviate memories. Many mothers played with their children, but it was as if Katherine's mind knew whom to look for. A tall skinny woman stood alone next to a tree, her neck like a giraffe, she was next to a plump baby boy. Katherine made her way toward the woman that held a cautious look, knowing she was not in her best shape. Katherine had cuts still upon her face and a large bruise surrounding her right eye. If her face didn't cause the woman to be cautious, she knew her attire was not normal. A white cloak was out of season.

Katherine was surprised Petunia spoke first. "I wondered when you would arrive, I'm assuming you are Katherine" Petunia's voice was firm. Katherine turned to look at the plump baby that held a bright blue ball. He looked nothing like James or even Lily. Scrunching her nose, trying to understand.

"He's not the boy you are looking for, that precious scout is my baby." Petunia sad. Her lips turned upward as Katherine watched the mother beam with joy.

"How do you know my name?" Katherine questioned. She didn't remember meeting Lily's sister before.

Petunia's happy gaze from her son's presence, vanished. Crossing her arms, the woman answered. "The letter that came with Harry, I was told James had a sister named Katherine and not to be surprised if you showed up. But I'll answer your question. No, you cannot have him."

Katherine had assumed the muggle would just give her the boy, she never planned to be denied. This muggle should not have her brother's child, Katherine kept reminding herself. She didn't have a hate toward muggles, she knew what Lily would say about her sister. How her sister disapproved of magic.

Katherine crossed her arms against her chest. "Where is he?" she tried to keep her voice steady and not harsh. She wanted to command for the boy, but Petunia had stepped in between her own son and Katherine. Making herself a shield. Petunia pointed to the boy a few feet away. He was small but seemed happy playing with the dirt and a few leaves. Harry's black hair stuck up reminding Katherine of her brother and how he always tried to achieve the look of unruly hair.

"Before you go to him, know that he is not allowed to leave with you. I will not allow you take him and then put my family at risk, you take him, then a freak of your kind will barge down my door looking for him. Putting my child in danger." Petunia's words were firm. Her lips were pressed together making a firm white line across her horse length face.

Katherine shook her head in disbelief "No one will knock your door down, I am his family, He is one like myself." Wanting Lily's sister to understand. That Harry and herself belonged together.

"I know you are a freak, but the one thing I will try and do is take the freakish nature out of him." Petunia spat.

"You can not squash magic out of someone" Katherine stammered. Immediately her thoughts went to an obscurial. Horror stories that her father would tell her and James. Obsucrial was a young wizard who grew up to fear and be ashamed of their magic, by emotional or physical abuse. Katherine turned to look at her brother's sweet boy, no child could survive the dark parasitical magical force. Even the boy who survived the Dark Lord, would have no chance.

"Are you a mother, Katherine" Petunia asked. Katherine slowly shook her head. She was not a mum, and never gave the idea a thought.

Petunia's eyes narrowed, nostrils flaring. "Then do not underestimate a mother, I will do the best I can to squash it out and protect my puddin Dudley. I will not risk my son, husband or myself getting blown up like your brother and my sister."

"They died trying to protect him!" Katherine added. She was in disbelief that a sister could be so cold toward her own flesh and blood.

"Yes, and I will do everything to protect mine."

Both women stood across from one another. Petunia using her body as a shield keeping Katherine at a good distance from her son. A mother's love, something Katherine knew was warm to the child, but deadly if a foolish person crossed a protective mum. Harry was not her son, but Katherine had love for him. It was her right, no, her duty to protect him, Katherine thought.

"Can I at least see him?" Katherine mumbled. Taking her attention off the woman, turning to look at the mini version of her brother.

"Yes, you cannot take him. Or I will report you and our law is not like yours."

Katherine had given her word she would not take him. Even though Harry did not belong with these muggles. Making her way to dark hair little boy, she kneeled, not wanting to scare him she started to play near him. She drew shapes in the dirt using a stick, talking about the sides and corners. Finally, she felt a soft small hand upon hers. Katherine gazed into Harry's green eyes, eyes like his mothers, they were filled with happiness. The boy only knew happy, something she wanted to make sure that the emotion of joy, would always stay. He didn't need more pain and sadness in his little life. Pulling him closer, she picked up the small toddler and held him close to her. Harry's head laid down upon her chest as she ran her fingers thru his jet-black hair. Her eyes stung from holding back her tears.

"Oh Harry, you are a perfect, sweet boy. I'm so sorry my little love, I wish I could run with you now. I will be back. I will take you away, we will find a home to call our own. I'll give you the life that your father and mother would want. I'll find a way my sweet darling. "Katherine whispered into the boy's ear. Her face wet, with trembling lip. She finally had him but had to give him back. Taking one last smell, the smell of innocent baby, before he was taken from her arms. Katherine didn't care once Petunia was gone that she still was kneeling upon the ground. She didn't turn as Georgia called her. Her arms were empty yet the weight of them seemed heavy. Sitting in silence. The ground seemed like it was spinning, she knew she wasn't moving, closing her eyes. She remembered.

"James! I cannot believe you; he looks just like you. But with Lily's eyes." Katherine chimed as she held a bundled newborn baby. Holding him close making sure he felt safe in her arms. Happiness of seeing her brother's child, a new Potter in her family.

James and Sirius stood across from her in the kitchen, both beaming like proud men. Even though only James did the work, Sirius was just as excited. A proud Godfather.

"I know, I'm happy you came Kat, I was worried that you wouldn't show up." Her brother said as he took his glasses off cleaning the frame. War was aging the young twenty-year-old man, he looked like their father with bags under his brown eyes.

Katherine felt her cheeks heat, hearing that he didn't think she would show up was a slap to her face, she would never miss this moment. Not even the darkness could keep her from seeing this little joy of light, Katherine thought. The three chatted among each other about Harry, Lily, and when Sirius would find a lady to have a baby of his own. Georgia made her way to grab a sleeping Harry from Katherine. She had allowed her brother and Lily to borrow the elf. After their father died, the wealth was split between both siblings, but Katherine received the family elf as James received the house.

The pleasant conversation ended.

"I have a matter to discuss with you." James announced. Sirius and James warm expression both became firm. Katherine knew she was standing in front of two auror, two great wizards that belonged to the Order.

"James, I came for Harry, not to discuss war and politics. Please. Not now. Let's enjoy this moment." Katherine uttered. It was not the time for a sibling rival argument. She ran her fingers thru her dark brown hair nervously, getting her finger tangled with a strand.

"We can enjoy life when this war is over, when you know who is completely gone. Tell me Katherine, are you with that group, also where were you? You were gone for two whole years, as if you vanished from Earth." James shook his head. Disappointment radiated from his body.

"So many questions, James please. I can not say much. Look" Katherine lifted the black cloak to show her left forearm "I have no mark. Trust me." She assured him. Even though her own words left her mouth, she doubted herself. She did not think she would be able to convince anyone, no one knew who was good or evil anymore.

"I always know when you lie…but I also know when you are scared."

She was scared, her old habit of biting her nails had returned.

"I'm fine James, I have you to protect me, right?" Katherine teased. She gently punched her older brother's bicep; he was firmer than she remembered. Trying to make light of the situation. She heard his whisper as clear as day.

"Always."

Giving him a quick goodbye, knowing the longer she stayed the more questions he would ask, questions she would have to ignore. The young girl dashed out the kitchen, out of her childhood home. She feared the matter before her, all her dreams had died, she was alone. The cold air kissed her skin, turning back to look at the house, the house that no longer felt like home. Running away, it felt like her only option.

The door behind her opened, it wasn't James. Sirius Black looked at her, his handsome face held a white hue from the full moon before them. She watched as he took a step toward her, still having time to run, she did not move.

"We know you are lying Kat; you are Harry's Godmother as I am his Godfather. You need to pick the right side; you need to be safe." Black's stern voice didn't match his eyes. His dark eyes were soft. Feeling safe around him, she slowly allowed herself to be pulled into a hug. Resting her head upon his hard chest, listening to his heartbeat. Each thump calmed her down.

"I'm terrified Sirius, I fear of the wrong I have done. I've done terrible things." Katherine said truthfully.

"You will be ok, stay here with us." He tried to assure her.

She couldn't. It would not be safe, for her or them.

"Tell my family I love them very much, Sirius, please. Tell them that I didn't want to do it, that I don't want to do this. James will be devastated. But it's not my choice, I just don't want to die." Katherine pulled herself away. Fear. Voldemort had sent the message to her, using Bellatrix, she would marry one of his Death Eaters, bonding her to the darkness.

"Katherine, what are you talking about." Black asked. His brows furrowed.

Katherine needed to leave. "Tell him to keep his family safe, when he hears the news not to be my hero. I'll be fine." She never turned back to look at Black, using her wand she disappeared.

Katherine's eyes opened.

It felt like a movie playing in her head. She didn't understand everything, but she felt the emotions. She had felt the fear in the memory, she was scared. Scared to break the order that was given to her, to marry. Snape was right, things did trigger the memories to return. Harry's scent, she knew she had smelled it before, when she first met the boy. She kept replaying the memory in her mind. It confused her even more. James would have been devastated finding out who she married.

Feeling a sharp bite on her index finger. Katherine turned her attention to the rodent that was nibbling on her finger. It was missing a toe and seemed rather large for a wild rat. Wrapping her fingers around its stomach, she slowly picked up the creature that was alone, she felt it tremble within her hands. Placing it into her cloak, she felt the only place for the creature would be, Magical Menagerie. A creature shop in the North side, of Diagon Alley. Thinking of Diagon Alley, Katherine knew she needed to head toward London. The Leaky Cauldron would be her only way to Diagon Ally with no wand or porkey available. Living life like a minor once again, not allowed to use magic during summer break, except her price was much longer.

The walk went faster as her mind raced. Entering the pub establishment, she recognized a woman's voice. Turning to look toward the sound she watched as a large, short, pregnant woman, with light red hair argue with the man before her. The man stood tall with a large coat, patches covering the holes. He nearly blended in with the muggles she saw earlier during the day. A small red head toddler sat in a highchair, he seemed around Harry's age, two twins ran around the circle table hitting the chairs as they giggled, while two older boys were reading letters. Letters with the Hogwarts crescent symbol.

"Author, I am tired, but I told you many times we are, NOT, buying Percy an animal. We simply cannot afford it." Molly argued. Her tone traveled thru the pub as Katherine headed toward the back where the brick opening was. As she realized she had no wand to tap and open the door, she turned around to ask a bloke for help. The rat had settled and no longer was trembling.

A small thin boy stood in front of her. His trousers were short showing his ankles, vivid red hair and a face full of freckles. She knew he was a Weasley.

"Hello Ma'am, why do you have a rat in your cloak?" The boy asked with a curious eye. Katherine allowed her cloak to fall showing him the creature that showed interest in the kid. She explained how she found him at the park but not giving much detail, the creature was acting more like a dog then a rat, as if it was trying to impress the boy.

"Katherine…Molly it's Katherine Potter. I mean Snape" Author Weasley called out.

In a flash, Molly stood behind the boy. Her belly round with life inside. Assuming the woman would have another boy, she didn't say anything but try to offer the woman a smile. Molly was a bit hesitant, trying to usher her boy away from her as if she was the plague. Author was smiling.

"My dear, it's so nice to see you" he said.

Katherine knew he was trying to make small talk, something Molly didn't seem to want. Katherine felt like she stood near another mother who didn't want her near her family.

"Can I keep him…. please mom can I have the rat. He's like a little scrapper." Percy whined. Katherine nearly forgot about the kid, from the awkward silence.

After, convincing both parents that she was fine if he had the rat and didn't want money for it, she was free of the rodent. The only good thing she did today, she thought. At least she found the rat a home to live in, better than the streets. She was caught up in her own dismay and emotions that she forgot to even call upon Georgia at the park, assuming she made her way to Snape's home. Katherine sat at a small round table in the corner of the room with a glass of wine. Enjoying the sweet bitter taste upon her tongue.

The entrance of the establishment kept opening and closing, but it was the golden hair woman that caught her attention. Even after three years, Charity Burbage was youthful. The witch walked toward Katherine, smiling. Katherine stood to fully embrace her friend. The warm hug the girls gave each other lasted longer than normal. Katherine noticed the old paint on Charity's blouse as they pulled apart, still holding hands staring at one another.

"Albus asked me to come." Charity stated, she sat at the table. "Snape said you would make a scene in the establishment if he came, so here I am."

Katherine wiped her cheeks, not wanting the glow of her tears to be present.

"Yet he never said to be in a rush." Charity called over the server and ordered two glasses of wine.

The girls chatted, but Katherine had so much to explain. The court room, how the toad lady in pink was a git. That she couldn't remember the last three years, she skipped over the part of meeting Harry. Keeping that part and the part of Albus and Snape wanting to go thru her memories a secret. She explained how Molly Weasley was behaving around her, Charity's expression was full of disapproval.

"I'll be honest, Kat" Charity leaned closer, Katherine could smell the wine on her breath. "For the war, we didn't know. We didn't know who was good or on You Know Who's side. We feared that our own family could turn against us, James was so worried you were one of them."

"You don't think I was?" Katherine asked.

Charity's green eyes looked down at her wine not looking at Katherine.

"Some may believe that you were, Others really do think you worked for Albus. Like I said, we didn't know who all the Death Eaters were, but you did. Great knowledge comes with a price, probably best to let those days stay in the past, for your safety. Especially with the way your wedding ended." Charity shook her head before taking a sip.

Katherine was confused. She went to take a sip of her own wine but stopped as the glass touched her lips. What happened at her wedding, she questioned herself? How could she forget to even ask Snape about the wedding, she just assumed it was a garden event, nothing major.

Charity cleared her throat. "Of course, you don't remember. Let's just say it was an event that even I won't speak of. We all have our own demons from that time." She touched her shoulder, rubbing it as if it was hurt.

Katherine couldn't help but stare at her friend. What was she hiding?

A few days and nights passed. Katherine was laying in the bed of the room that she kept herself locked away from sight. Exiting the room to go across the corridor for the loo, only. The knock on the door came as a surprise.

"Open the door, Katherine!" Snape called out. She wanted to scream at him to go away but his words traveled to her side of the room again. "You open it, or I will."

She never moved.

"Alohomora." The click of her door unlocking made Katherine groan out of annoyance. There he stood, no expression, emotionless.

Katherine knew that she couldn't live her life in the room, but mourning her brother and Lily was hard. Even after losing both parents, a sibling's death was different. Between the mourning, she was planning. Planning an escape. She kept tabs on when Snape would wake, his daily movement she heard underneath her floor, when he would return to his bedroom. If she waited till, he left for Hogwarts, she wasn't sure if she would have free access to the outside world, for her to take Harry and flee. She needed to figure out where and how she would even make the idea possible. Almost forgetting the man stood in her doorway, she heard him clear his throat.

"Are you ready to discuss our rules?"

"Rules?" Katherine felt her lip rise in disgust. Did this man really think she would follow rules? It was very clear with that statement this house was not her home.

"Yes, I let you grieve but we have important matters to speak about." Snape looked at his wand then back at her.

It was as if he was bored standing at the door, waiting for her. Wanting to make him wait longer, Katherine debated on getting out of her bed. Once out, she noticed he kept glaring at her unmade sheets, with him not moving out of her way, Katherine turned to make her bed before exiting her room. He led the way downstairs; his house still had the smell of neglect that she was hoping her nose would come accustomed too. In the den she noticed he had a tray set out for tea, biscuits and scones; his saucers did not match the cups. The daily prophet was on the small wooden table, with crinkles from being flipped over and over.

Reading the headline: Millicent Bagnold has stopped all parties but kept Harold Minchum amount of Dementors around Azkaban. "Security is tight, unbreakable" Bagnold claims.

Felling thankful that Albus and Snape spoke at her trial, she couldn't imagine being in Azkaban with dementors. The creatures that sucked happiness out of people. Neither Snape or Katherine touched the tea or treats.

Snape broke the silence, his voice calm "When we are here for break, breakfast is served at six am sharp. If you are up great, join me and eat. If you are not, it is not my job to feed you. Figure it out and cook the muggle way."

Harsh, she thought. Katherine had no idea how to cook the muggle way, unless he wanted her to burn his house down, he could at least save her some food.

"Second, your elf does not live here, she works for Albus now."

That information did not sit well, she quickly stated "you cannot dismiss my elf."

"I'm not but she is not allowed here, I do not want extra ears around my home. Third, in public you will listen and not make a scene, like I've stated before, do not embarrass me. We must play the part of husband and wife in public. Privately I don't care what you do, just stay out of my way." Snape continued.

"Lastly, with your charges, you have to do charity work. Leaky Cauldron, Tom…must have taken a liking to you when he saw you and that girl. You will assist him with any duty he has, while I'm away teaching, do not touch my things. Stay in your area." He cautioned.

Katherine didn't like his tone. Taking a deep breath, dismissing it. She questioned. "How will I get to the Cauldron; the bus requires you to wave a wand."

Snape shrugged his shoulders, swatting his hand as if a fly was present, "walk, run, I do not care. Tomorrow we will go see Albus. We will begin Legilimency."

Katherine tried to cram everything he was saying, on top of planning her next move. The stress was making her chest hurt, trying to catch her breath from every emotion running through her blood. Katherine couldn't help the tears from flowing from her eyes. Covering her face with her hands.

"Are you really crying again, Katherine. If you keep this up, I'm going to give you a potion that will give you a reason to cry." Snape hissed.

Katherine looked up beyond her hands, the tears still flowed from her eyes. Using the back of her hand to wipe her nose, she tried to breath and stop herself from sobbing. Of course, she needed to stop being emotional. It was hard, easier said then done. This wasn't the life she planned to have; she wanted her family back. Looking at Snape's cold face she noticed not once, in her presence, did he grieve. For her, Lily Evans Potter.

"Do you miss her, you have not spoken about Lily, you can not deny it. We were once all friends, even if it didn't last long because of your choice of words." Katherine mummered. She wasn't trying to pick a fight, but to talk. If they had to live together, the batter needed to subside at times. They needed to communicate, she thought.

"Every" Snape whispered; his expression softened. As quick as the softness appeared it was wiped away, Snape continued with a growl. "Every time you open your mouth, all I hear is poor pity me. Is that a Potter trait? And remember Katherine," He stood next to Katherine. His large hand gripped her chin as he lowered himself to her seating level. His face crept closer to hers, she could smell peppermint as his lips slid to her ear. "We were never friends." His words smooth as his breath made the hair on her neck rise. Katherine felt him release her chin, leaving her alone in the den. She hated him, everything about him made her sick. Katherine rubbed her chin, trying to wipe where his fingers had a hold on her. She hated how she cried, how she looked weak. Making a vow to herself, Katherine refused to show him her vulnerable side.

Author Notes: Thank you for reading, alerts, favorites….Reviews are a writers muse and all the support! Thank you xx

Next Chapter: Slytherins-3/24/2022