Hey A/all. This is chapter thirty-six of the new and improved The Black Heir: The Saga Begins. It was originally just a rewrite of my The Black Heir: First Year, but it has deviated so much from how that one used to be that it's now a new story all on its own, though the basic premise is the same. This story is once more complete! And is a whopping 48 chapters long, lots was added haha. Updates should be weekly unless something drastic happens.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, Evelyn Celeste Black is my own original character, but all other recognisable characters belong to J K Rowling, I just like to use them to do my bidding.

Summary: What happens when the mistreated daughter of Sirius Black is eligible for her first year at Hogwarts at the same time as her father's escape from Azkaban and she is reunited with Harry Potter. The summer before Harry's third year might just turn out to be just as much of an adventure as his years at Hogwarts. (Eventual HarryXGinny, NevilleXOC, and RonXLuna)

Warning: This story does contain spanking, but it is not the focus, still if you don't like it don't read it.

A huge, huge thank you to my amazing Beta who has been an amazing support in writing this. Yes, I am trying my hardest to turn her into a Harry Potter Fan. Without her support and guidance, you probably wouldn't be getting this story for a good few years.

~o~

With Ginny's birthday being the next day, they decided to forgo the usual daily routine and spend the day in Diagon Alley. Evie and Harry both seriously impressed the Goblins when they were able to speak in Goblin Tongue for the duration of their visit, Sliknok even hinted that once they became of age, they would officially be Friends of the Goblins. Sirius could not have been more proud of how they conducted themselves and made sure to tell them both. Harry decided last minute he wanted to look in the Potter Family vault for a piece of jewellery he could give to Ginny. He found a beautiful pendant with an emerald. The Goblins informed them the stone was enchanted; it would protect the wearer against mental intrusions. Harry knew instantly this was the necklace for Ginny.

They searched around the alley, looking for presents. Evie really wanted to get Ginny a Firebolt, knowing she'd love the broom. Sirius agreed but insisted on paying for most of it to make it a gift from the two of them, so Molly couldn't get angry with his daughter. Evie also got her friend a large supply of chocolate, knowing how much Ginny loved chocolate, and a crystal rabbit figurine from a set she knew Ginny collected.

Along with the necklace from the vault, Harry bought his betrothed a very stylish wand holster much like his and Evie's, the quidditch robes for her favourite quidditch team – the Holyhead Harpies, and a crystal doe figurine to join Ginny's collection.

Remus went into Scribbulus Writing Instruments and purchased some personalised stationery and letter writing parchment for Ginny, along with a new quill and multicoloured ink set, and a crystal wolf.

Sirius got Ginny a set of protective gear for playing quidditch, specifically in the chaser position to go along with her firebolt, and a crystal dog.

Birthday shopping done, the family of four walked around and Sirius bought pretty much anything that caught their eyes. He had eleven years of abuse and neglect to make up for with the kids. He even bought a bunch of crystal figurines so Evie could start her own collection, as well as a bunch of collectable quidditch player figurines so Harry could start collecting them. He let Evie loose in Flourish and Bolts and had never been so thankful he was a wizard and could make things feather-light.

They stopped for an ice cream at Florean Fortescue's and sat together at a table outside talking and laughing amicably together.

They returned to Potter Manor and Remus showed the kids the wrapping charms, helping them to wrap up the birthday presents.

Early the next day they Flooed over to the Burrow. Evie and Ginny were instantly joined at the hip and the presents were added to the pile. With the money James and Lily had left them, and Ginny's future secure with her Gringotts vault and the betrothal to Harry, Arthur and Molly were able to spoil their daughter for the first time.

Hermione descended on Harry and tried to drag him off with her and Ron.

Harry held up his hand to stop her. "One sec Hermione, I've got to at least greet Ginny," he waved her off. He walked over to his sister and Ginny, "hey Ginny, happy birthday." He gave her a smile and a hug, pulling up his courage and kissing her on the cheek.

Fred and George came over with Bill and Charlie then. "Hey Harry, Evie, meet Bill and Charlie. Bill, Charlie, meet Harry and Evie, two honorary Weasleys," the twins introduced.

Evie slid a little closer to Harry feeling slightly unsure, their colours seemed okay, but she wanted to be sure.

Harry wrapped an arm around Evie and smiled nervously at the two grown Weasleys. "Hi," he offered a little lamely.

Bill chuckled. "Don't worry Harry, we owe you far too much for saving our little Firefly to pull the protective older brother move on you," he reassured the teen.

"Besides, we're pretty sure we've taught Gin-bug well enough now that she'd kick the ass of any guy trying to hurt her all by herself," Charlie added.

"Hmm yes and that might just end up including my two biggest brothers if they don't watch out," Ginny threatened.

"Easy Firefly, we're only teasing," Bill soothed. He then smiled at Evie, "yeah it can be a little overwhelming here, but you'll get used to the Weasley chaos soon enough," he told her.

Charlie nodded his agreement, "we're a bit of a refined taste, but you'll learn to love the chaos… or it'll drive you completely insane, there's no in-between."

"You know Charlie, Evie can mind-speak to animals," Ginny put in.

"Really? What's your limitation?" Charlie asked the girl eagerly.

Evie blinked feeling a little confused. "Limitation?" She asked unsure.

"What animals can't you speak with?" Charlie clarified.

"Oh, right, um there's no animals I can't mind-speak with, at least I've been able to mind-speak to every animal I've met so far," Evie answered shrugging.

"Limitless, oh wow. You need to come to Romania, we'd kill for your talent up there," Charlie enthused.

"Charlie is a Dragon Handler," Ginny clarified for Evie.

Charlie nodded, "yup, and you wouldn't believe how useful it would be to communicate with the Dragons."

Hermione came over then, she was going to spend time with Harry. "Have you done your summer homework yet Harry? I bet you haven't, you're just like Ron, you know you only have a little over two weeks to do it now," she told him bossily.

Evie moved back towards her Dad and Uncle Moony, she liked Bill and Charlie, but there was something in Hermione's colours that just made her want to avoid the teenage witch.

Sirius rubbed his daughter's shoulders, still feeling the swell of joy when he was able to touch his child and not have her flinch. He wasn't sure what had brought her back to him, but he was happy to have the chance to make sure she was okay. "Everything alright Princess?"

Evie nodded, "yes Daddy, I'm fine," she assured him. She didn't feel like she had the right to complain about Hermione, she wasn't sure what exactly was going on and didn't want to make an unnecessary scene.

Getting bored of Hermione's bossiness Ginny and the Twins quickly collected Evie once again and distracted Hermione with Percy, dragging their eldest brothers and Harry away.

Ginny wished she could have introduced Luna to Evie, certain the two would get along well; but as he usually did over the summers, Luna's Dad had taken her on an expedition to search for the creatures he wrote about in his newspaper.

Finally, lunch was served, Molly Weasley had gone all out, cooking all of Ginny's favourites for her, and the Weasley's and Black's with one Lupin ate together outside. Ginny sat at the head of the table, Harry on one side, Evie on the other. Hermione was quick to nab the open seat next to Harry. George came over and sat on Evie's other side. Lunch was filled with playful banter, Evie not quite relaxed enough to join in herself, but comfortable enough to laugh along. Mrs Weasley's attempts to force feed her and smother her with her hugs made her distinctly uncomfortable though and part of her wanted to flee to her Daddy.

Sirius watched his daughter shy away from Molly Weasley and flinch at her every touch. He had to force himself not to jump up to try to shield his little girl, he knew she was still wary of adults touching her, but she wasn't panicking. He just had to hope that if it got too much, she would seek out Remus, Harry, or him. Sirius had never personally got on well with Molly. He knew her briefly from the order and found her too overly mothering and James spent many nights on the couch when they would mock the woman for her tendencies. Lily had felt similarly about Molly's smothering tendencies, but she disapproved of mocking more.

Remus sighed and whispered in Sirius' ear. "She's doing so well, she's still wary of adults trying to touch her, but there's no panic. Every now and then she glances at us, and I believe she still focuses heavily on people's aura and magic, but she's coming along really well" he commented seeing where Sirius' eyes were.

Sirius nodded, "she's not comfortable, but she's staying, she's not confident in her decision, but she's trying. It's hard just to sit here and not shield her, but term starts soon, and she'll be alone during the day. As much as I want to, I can't wrap her in cotton wool."

Remus was impressed with Sirius' assessment of the situation, "it's a good place here, to see how she does. She's got us here if she needs us and Harry is keeping an eye on her as well. So far, she's doing really well."

Sirius nodded in agreement, he caught Evie looking at him then and shot her a grin, hoping to relax her.

After lunch it was time for presents to be opened. Ginny was thrilled with all the brand-new clothes she got from her Mum and Dad; it was the first time that nothing she had gotten was second hand. When she opened the Firebolt from Evie and Sirius she threw herself at Evie. "Thank you, Sirius!" She hollered.

As soon as Ron caught sight of the Firebolt he stomped off in annoyance. It was bad enough his sister got a vault to herself with five hundred thousand galleons, but now a brand new Firebolt on top of that! It just wasn't fair.

Hermione watched Ron storm off. "We should go after him Harry," she whispered in his ear.

Harry frowned and turned to look at his sister, making sure she was all right.

Hermione grabbed Harry's arm. "Harry James, you owe Ron better than this," she scolded bossily. She wanted to add that he owed her even more, after all he'd likely be dead without her, but she held her tongue.

Harry sighed, "after Ginny's finished with her presents Hermione," he insisted.

Hermione frowned disappointedly at Harry, "as soon as the last present has been opened. You know you're being a pretty poor friend right now."

Harry wanted to point out that Ginny was his Betrothed and he owed her a lot more than he owed Ron, but he kept quiet.

Ginny left Harry's presents until last and opened the quidditch uniform first, immediately putting on the robes and grinning, "what do you think?" She opened the holster next and threw her arms around Harry, "thank you," she squealed. She immediately strapped the holster onto her wrist and put her wand in it, she flicked her wrist to summon her wand and returned it to her holster a couple times to get used to it. She giggled seeing the similar sized box that she'd received from Evie, Sirius, and Remus, "hmm I wonder what this would be?" She grinned. She opened up the crystal doe, "I love it, thank you Harry," she breathed. Finally, she opened the final present, looking at Harry curiously when she recognised that it was a jewellery box, with shaking fingers she opened it and gasped at the beautiful necklace nestled inside. "Oh Harry, it's beautiful," she breathed. She stroked the perfect emerald with the tip of her finger.

Harry blushed and reached over to remove the necklace from the box and unclasp it. "It's nothing compared to the one who'll be wearing it. I found it in my family Vault. The stone is enchanted and will protect the wearer from mind attacks of any kind," he informed her.

Ginny's eyes were shimmering with tears of thanks. "Thank you, Harry," she murmured thickly. She turned then so he could put the necklace on her.

Harry blushed a little deeper, embarrassed, but dutifully put the necklace on his Betrothed, on impulse kissing the spot where the clasp lay on the back of her neck.

Ginny shivered at the kiss and turned to Harry, placing an innocent kiss on his cheek.

Bill cleared his throat uncomfortably, breaking the tension that had built up.

"William Weasley!" Molly scolded her eldest son.

"She's twelve Mum, and only just at that!" Bill argued.

"They are Betrothed, William. This gives me reassurance that I did indeed make the right decision in signing the agreement," Arthur pointed out.

Hermione grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him over to Ron then, to cheer up their friend and also get him away from Ginny and Evie. She had to figure out how to get Harry out of the Betrothal, show him he didn't want Ginny.

Harry watched his sister slip close to their Dad and Uncle Moony and sighed disappointedly. He was worried about her. Once Fred, George and Ginny managed to pull Evie back with them, he brushed off Hermione and Ron and hurried to his Dad and Uncle. Snape had a well-known hate for Harry because of his biological father. Harry didn't know the full story, but he knew well enough that his Dads had been completely inseparable. He was worried how far Snape would take his hate and if he would be cruel to Evie like he was to him. "Dad, Uncle Moony, Evie is still really timid around adults and people she doesn't know. I'm worried about that as at Hogwarts Snape…" he started.

"Professor Snape, Harry," Remus corrected.

Harry rolled his eyes, "right Professor Snape… well he hates me and he's often picking on me and being cruel. He's always badmouthing Dad James, and you two were really close Dad so it's safe to assume he probably hates you too. He's often way out of line with me but I'm more worried about Evie," he explained.

Sirius and Remus exchanged a look. "We'll explain later Harry, there is quite a story. Now I believe you are neglecting the birthday girl, go enjoy the party, we'll be going home soon," Sirius instructed.

The party finished shortly after that. Ginny and Evie were reluctant to depart, before Harry teasingly reminded his sister that they did write to each other every day.

Once they got back Sirius and Remus got settled in the living room and Sirius decided now was the best time to talk to the kids about Professor Snape and their old rivalry. "Kids, come into the sitting room please. Uncle Moony and I want to talk to you," Sirius called.

Remus winced as the kids bounded down into the sitting room.

Harry ran in and threw himself down on one of the couches.

"Don't…" Sirius started panicked.

It was too late though. Nyx hissed and bit Harry's hand hard.

"Shit oww!" Harry exclaimed shaking the kneazle off his hand. "What is with that feline?" he complained.

"Language Harry," Remus corrected.

Harry winced, "sorry."

Evie danced into the room and flopped into her armchair. "Nyx, come here girl," she called. The kneazle pranced over to Evie and curled up on her lap purring loudly.

"Evil demon kneazle," Sirius and Harry grumbled together shuddering.

"You surprised her. You almost sat on her," Evie defended her familiar.

Remus shook his head. "Come on. We're not here to discuss whether or not Nyx is evil. We're here to talk about why Professor Snape hated James and Sirius," he reminded them.

Sirius nodded and straightened up in his seat. "You see kids. Back when we were kids, we had extremely big egos. No one had bigger egos than James and me. We were Quidditch stars, top of our year academically and we were legends in school already, the marauders – the greatest pranksters to ever walk the halls of Hogwarts. We also had a secret that only we knew about. Of course, we thought we were the best things to ever grace the hallowed halls of Hogwarts." He rolled his eyes at the memory of his teenaged self. "Professor Snape found out we had a secret. He knew something was off with Moony. I thought it would be a fabulous prank to send Snape into the Whomping Willow while Moony was on the other end of the secret passageway in full blown werewolf form," he explained. He still felt guilty about that and guessed that was why Remus believed him capable of betraying James and Lily.

Remus saw the guilty look and flashed Sirius an understanding and blameless look. It was the past and as Sirius said they had huge egos, individually they all thought themselves invulnerable.

"I don't really know what I was thinking. Perhaps that Snape would be so scared he'd wet himself, or something else I would have found otherwise amusing. Anyway, I let it slip to James later in the evening before we were going to sneak out and join Remus in our Animagus forms. James managed to save Professor Snape before he got all the way into the Shrieking Shack. He still saw Remus, but he was sworn to secrecy about it. We already had a terrible rivalry, and this was just the final insult for Snape, he couldn't stand that he was now beholden to James," Sirius finished.

"We're telling you this, not so you can taunt Professor Snape with it, but so you understand why he feels the way he feels. It's no excuse to take it out on a child, but your fathers' faults are not yours to carry. If he acts unfairly towards either of you, I want you to come to Aunt Minnie, or me… I mean Professor McGonagall," Remus instructed. He blushed at his slip, old habits die-hard. He was so used to calling the stern Transfiguration Professor Aunt Minnie he had to force himself to call her Minerva or Professor McGonagall.

~o~

There you go, there's chapter thirty-six. Please drop me a review and tell me what you thought, cookies for those who do!