Child of Darkness, Child of Light
By: Fyre Fairie Rated R (For mature content and violence) Summary: Harry finds out he has been lied to all his life. After GOF he travels to lands forgotten until he is ready to face the friends he abandoned, the love he will encounter, and the evil he must conquer. Just now when he has finally found his family will they all survive the war?
Chapter 3: Goodnight Kisses
Currently having the breathe out of her smothered all she could manage was "Sirius let go I can't breathe with you squishing me!"
But Sirius was unable to let go. His grip on her loosened somewhat but his ranting never stopped. "I can't Lil's its really you and I can't let you go, I'm afraid that when I do then you'll disappear."
The man had reduced himself to sobbing in her hair and stroking her back to feel the warm, live, flesh there. She may have fooled her godfather but the other occupants of the room were not as easily swayed. Remus she saw was currently sniffing the air, nostrils flaring trying to get her scent and crinkling his nose. He could no doubt smell the feline in her. While Dumbledore's blue gaze bore into her already changing cat-like eyes.
"God Lily I've missed you so much! I'm sorry I failed you; I let Peter be your secret keeper. I'm sorry I failed to be a good godfather. We can't find Harry Lils, I'm sorry I tried looking. I looked everywhere but he just vanished! Forgive me!"
The dark haired man didn't look much better off from the last time she'd seen him. Although he was no longer as thin his face was exhausted and his eyes had a haunted quality to them while he kept ranting apologies over and over again until she pried him partially off of her only to have him slide to his knees and hug her legs begging for forgiveness and pleading for her to tell him that James and Harry were both alive.
Loosening his hold on her legs she too slid down to his level and held the side of his head with her hands and brushed the stray tears leaking down his face with her thumbs. She was afraid to speak with him in this condition. The danger of driving him over the brink was high and she had to be very careful right now.
"I..." she began but faltered, if she told him she wasn't Lily then it would shatter him but if she lied then he'd be worse off when he figured the truth out. "Sirius." she whispered. "Sirius I'm afraid it is I that has to ask your forgiveness." pause, he stopped yelling and crying for a moment and listened like a small child would his mother, "I'm sorry for leaving two years ago but I had to find out the truth and I did." he was clearly confused now and cut her off.
"What? We thought you died nearly sixteen years ago?" By now Dumbledore would have caught on because she met his knowing gaze and a soft smile graced his expression among the many wrinkles.
She looked toward Remus who was curious by now; he no doubt didn't know her family history. Remus just like Sirius also wasn't by any means healthy looking. He was thinner and somewhat looked frail with his patched robes and dark circles under his eyes. He just sat there staring at her, probably in shock or denial. Denial was most likely it since people just don't go popping back to life from the dead and traveling through mirrors.
Focusing on her godfather again she looked him straight in the eye, he must have been too excited before to notice her eyes but now he gasped and stared at them. "What happened to your eyes?"
Swallowing a lump in her throat she figured it was time to face the music. "I'm sorry Padfoot but I'm not Lily.." She blinked back her own tears looking at his disappointed expression and then continued with him still latched onto her not quite believing yet. Shaking his head frantically like a frightened lamb amongst many wolves he clutched tighter to her, "What do you mean your not Lily, of course you are I see you. Its you its really you!"
Ignoring what he just said she continued hastily, she didn't want to stall their rejection of her. She couldn't just slow the pace and answer their questions; instead she mumbled a short summary explaining she was who she was.
"I'm sorry I left without warning and without writing, but I'm back now and I was hoping you'd forgive me. You see Sirius Lily was never a muggle-born she was adopted into the Evans family. Her maiden name was Le Fey, descending from Morgana herself. She had to somehow hide my identity when I was born so she did what she had to. My grandmother found me that day that I was supposed to go to the Dursley's and she turned me back to what I should have been.."
She could see it was dawning on both Dumbledore and Remus and a torrent of tears was falling down her face. Sirius looked confused, he truly didn't want to believe she wasn't his late best friend's wife. //What if he's mad at me for everything? What if he won't accept who I am now?\\ Ran through her head millions of times before she croaked in a nearly hoarse voice.
"I'm Emerald Desdemona Le Fey by birth right, Sirius and nothing can change that. I'm Sorry."
The silence in the room seemed so thick that you could slice through it with a knife and come up with chunks in your hands. Nobody seemed to move but instead watched her incredulously, processing everything she'd just told them and making sense of it.
It was then that Emma felt like plummeting into an abyss. Her godfathers face was so laden with confusion and sadness that it caused to her more pain than Kamian ever did. //What if they hate me for this? What if they hate me for not being Harry Potter but Emerald Le Fey? The same person but just a bit of a different personality combined with a new body. Will Sirius still love me or shun me instead?\\
"Sirius?" she whispered to him trying to get the blank look on his face and a few words to come out of his mouth. She'd rather he shunned her now rather than make her wait in suspense. A few fearful tears cascaded down her face as she looked at him. Her tears seemed to be his breaking point and he snapped back into focus opening and closing his mouth giving the impression of a goldfish.
But Dumbledore obviously needed answers and he asked. "Great Merlin..it's you." He whispered, his voice weathered and aged making him sound all his 153 years. She nodded acknowledging his suspicions.
"We've been searching for you ever since you disappeared, we nearly lost hope." He told her. Her lips quivered when hearing his words. They cared enough to search for her.
"I'm sorry." She apologized again. "They wouldn't let me write. I wanted to I really did but I wasn't permitted. I even tried sneaking a letter but I was caught, they did things after that." she left her answer hanging in the air, that particular experience was not fun. The Ambrosians were very strict people and once you are forbidden something then you generally don't want to disobey or you pay the consequences.
"Who is 'they' child?" he encouraged her to go on.
"The Council Of Magi, they didn't want me to communicate with anyone on the other side, for security measures. I was always trying to break rules here at Hogwarts and I barely received a slap on the wrist. They don't care who you are in Ambrosia; you serve the same sentence for violating their codes. I never learned my lesson though, I kept trying and they kept catching me." she let her words trail again insinuating what had happened. You didn't have to be a genius to figure it out.
"Harry?" her godfather whispered and looked at her finally, took the sight of her in. She nodded but corrected him on the name.
"You can call me Emma if you want or anything close for that matter." She chuckled slightly despite her quivering voice and watering eyes and let him hug her once more just as fiercely. From across the room Remus spoke more to himself as if storing information away, "What was the sentence?"
"Nothing pleasant I assure you." She said calmly but firmly asking him to let the subject go. She didn't need those memories to spoil her mood now.
He apparently received the message but Sirius did not, "It can't have been worse than Azkaban, please tell me they didn't hurt you." He begged her already knowing the answer.
"I'd tell you but I'd be lying. There are things worse than Azkaban.there's torture Padfoot, torture gets you both mentally and physically, but in my current situation I was accustomed to some pain. It was almost numb."
" It's because you're a charmer isn't it? You're used to pain, just like a werewolf would be." Remus whispered.
"You can smell it then? I knew you'd be able to, I hope that won't get in the way. The feline attributes only come out by themselves on the new moon so the rest of the month I won't be as unpleasant." She half smiled sadly and rubbed her wet face into her godfathers shoulder.
Sirius was still latched onto her desperately; more of his salty tears running down onto her chest. He rocked back and forth on his knees with her almost chanting, "You're alive" over and over again and every once in a while pausing to kiss her forehead just to show how much he loved her. "And you're safe. I promise nothing will harm you again. I promise." He continued, speaking softly to her soothing her nerves and making her melt into his embrace.
It was generally heart warming to get that kind of affection and inside of her she could feel a sort of hum. It was pleasant but after a few silent minutes of Sirius' chanting her knees were starting to hurt from the stone floor. But she couldn't complain, even if Sirius was hugging the life out of her she wouldn't ask him to let go. She missed him so much and it was such a relief to be accepted back that all the little pains and aches were numbed.
Nimbly getting out of the chair that he was sitting in Remus walked closer to the tow on the floor. Even if he didn't see Harry in some aspect he could smell him in her. Since she was a female her scent would be slightly different from before but that unique fragrance that simply was Harry filled the area around the woman.
Through blurry and tear soaked eyes Emerald could make out the Remus' figure approaching them both and stopping right in front of Sirius' back. He'd been her favorite professor and if it wasn't for him teaching her the patronus she'd be worse than dead.
Holding out her gloved hand towards him she waited until he grasped it in his own and knelt down before pulling him into their hug. Now unlike her and Sirius, Remus was never one to cry heavily and instead let soft sniffles out. Both men had their heads on either of her shoulder and she had hers on theirs. Nobody really noticed the Headmaster smile faintly and leave the room for the three occupants to catch up. He'd have questions for her later, for now though a very irritable Severus Snape would be expecting a visit from him on their no longer missing person. The potions master would be indeed both saddened and delighted to have her back.
"Where have you been all this time?" Sirius' soft voice came from his position next to her. In the few minutes since they had gotten up off the floor all three of them settled down on the large over stuffed divan in Dumbledore's office with Emerald in the middle and both men gripping her hands, afraid she'd just vanish.
It had been almost a miracle that they had believed her. Some part of her mind had insisted they would have at least asked for proof of her identity, but not once had they done so.
"With my family in Ambrosia. You have to understand that I had to leave, there was no other choice in the matter." She spoke voicing the statement she'd been trying to make herself believe for so long. Did she really have no choice? Or did she? Everything could have been different if the Dursley's had taken her to Private Drive that day.
"NO! That's the point Harry you didn't have to! You didn't have to set yourself up to torture, we would have kept you safe." the darker haired man rasped and she had once again had to remind him that that wasn't her name anymore. No matter how much she told him he could let go.
"YES I DID! Voldemort came back for Merlin's sake and I barely escaped with my life! You can't expect me to hide forever and if he got a hold of me he'd not only torture me but he wouldn't be as careful to keep me alive and flawless as the people who did it to me. The Eternals were watching my hide trying to keep me alive until the age of fifteen after that I would have been expected to defeat him myself. Everyone expected me to get rid of him somehow when even a full-grown wizard couldn't speak his name! I was only fourteen; I was still learning how to transfigure a desk into a pig. What was I supposed to do, throw a jelly legs hex at him or better yet tickle the Dark Lord to death and rid of his Death Eaters by shining a Lumos spell in their eyes!"
Exhaling and inhaling after telling him off she slouched and ran a hand through her hair. Emerald had probably never been so frustrated in her life before but the weight of her magic was starting to set it. Without the magic of the land sucking some away she was being overloaded and now she fully comprehended why Ambrosians can go mad here. In the ten years she'd been away her temper was always kept in check, even in the midst of Kamian and his fellow henchmen.
Dumfounded Sirius and Remus both stared at her until the latter spoke. "And now that you're back what you plan to do? What was so special about Ambrosia? You're still only sixteen, seventeen in July. There's still nothing you can do. You haven't even finished school." Her godfather then nodded his agreement making her want to yank at her hair. Those two were being impossible! It had been a long time since she'd been in contact with ignorant people. Not that they were exceedingly ignorant they just didn't possess any knowledge of her heritage or of her country.
"Remus." she said softly, pitying them both for what they were going to find out. "Sirius. Ambrosia is the only part of Atlantis that didn't sink. It is where the four founders were from. I have family amongst royalty. You may not like this but Ambrosia is almost like another dimension but not quite, time there passes differently from here. If I had stayed I would have been sixteen years old as of now but there ten years passes by for every two here. I'm twenty-four, I'll be twenty-five in July. You can believe it or not but the reason I went was so I can train, I finished my education and I know what I'm up against."
"Twenty-four."her godfather breathed and his face dulled over once more in disbelief. Shaking his head he put his face in his hands and rocked back and forth. For a moment there she almost thought he was having a break down.
"I've missed so much.."he said again. "I've been a horrible godfather; I was supposed to be there! I wasn't there before you went to Hogwarts and only a year after. Now you tell me I've missed ten more years of your life!" his voice got higher as he spoke incredulously.
"You weren't a horrible godfather Siri. You couldn't help not being there and when you were there you brought me great joy and hope. Did you know that? And now that I'm back I'll stay until you get sick of my guts. Despite what you think my parents would have been proud of you for being as strong as you are. You lived through the unimaginable. Escaped the inescapable. Saved my life and despite being ridiculed and hated by the light side you still fight for them instead of turning in the dark. So don't you tell me you've been a horrible godfather Sirius Black, I don't want to hear any of it."
Her little speech must have reassured him some because slowly he lifted his head and gave her a brilliant smile that could rival hers on Christmas. "Really? Because I'm never going to get sick of you. In fact I'm never letting you out of my sight." he asked. And it took her a whole lot of self- control to keep from laughing at his childishness. "Well you're going to have to let me out of your sight sometimes I can't have you watching me change or shower!" she said laughing as he turned bright red.
Beside her Remus was grinning like a Chestchire cat as well. "So now you're what only twelve years younger than us? Jeez Emm, you're getting old!" he joked earning a playful slap on the arm. Yes he was right she was getting older, and the years away from them both gave them little to no information about what she was like now.
That suddenly reminded her, she'd prepared souvenirs a while before she left and they were still in one of her trunks.
"That reminds me, I have something for the both of you, call it tokens of somewhat from back in Ambrosia. Well I made both of them but I think you'll like them." She smiled happily at their curious faces.
"You know you didn't have to get up anything." Was Remus' answer as he blushed. The lyncanthrope probably wasn't to use to getting many gifts.
"Nonsense!" she yelled over her shoulder already elbow deep in one of the trunks she engorged.
She rummaged in it for several minutes before she found Moony's gift. The two men watched curiously as she pulled out a role of parchment and a vile of dark orange liquid.
Since her studies were quite exhausting and there was nothing much to do between them Emerald often took on projects. The subjects that she learned were different in variety and all very useful. She found herself doing things she'd never expected possible before and one of them was to create a potion, more specifically an advanced Wolfsbane. The potion that she made was a mix of Wolfsbane and a transfiguration potion that took her nearly four years to complete due to its complexity.
Stopping right in front of her old DADA Professor Emma handed him the parchment that he unrolled and skimmed over. Reading every line carefully from the description of the potion to the notes and finally the finished list of ingredients and instructions his eyes widened drastically.
" A-A-And t-this has been tested already?" He stuttered, excitement and hope rising to its peak.
"Yes it has, I know another man, also a lyncanthrope and he offered to test the potion once I insured him that it was most likely safe and I'd gone over everything more than two hundred times. It's effective. You see the creator of the Wolfsbane was only looking out for the safety of others while this potion mainly focuses on not only letting you keep your mind but the transformation will be instant and painless much like an animagi transformation. The one that I have in this vile is keyed generally to your system. You must realize the Council of Magi has information on everyone and it wasn't hard finding your statistics and making it especially to fit your rare blood type."
While both of the older men's mouths were hanging wide open she gingerly handed the vile to the lighter haired man and watched him gape at it for a few minutes before whispering "Thank you so much.you have no idea what this means to me."
"It wasn't much of a problem really, I'm happy to help out a friend who also happened to be my favorite Professor, after all I considered you as a sort of second father figure." She let him embrace her and then stepped back to find her godfathers gift.
"Now for Siri's gift. I put it in here somewhere." In her hurry to pack she stuffed everything she could into her trunks hazardously and was now left to look through the whole mess at one point she was trying to yank something out from a pile of clothing and one of her bra's flew out and landed on Sirius' head at which point they both turned bright red and he discretely handed it back to her while Remus snickered to himself.
Some time after she had created the 'Lupine Potion' in Ambrosia she started on something else that she remembered her godfather had desperately needed. Ever since escaping Azkaban he never had gotten his own wand back so there started a new project.
In Ambrosia there was a special tree only native to the land. It could not be damaged physically or magically. Basically the only way to reach it was if you had the Earth Element. Once five years ago she went in search of one and asked it for a branch. Considering her pleas the tree had given up a dark ebony limb, so dark it was pitch black. The same way she found Remus' statistics she found Sirius' as well and sculpted a wand with magic. Then plucking two hairs off of her head; the hair of a Charmer was quite powerful, she used magic to imbed the hairs deep within the wood instead of making it hollow and weaving them in.
This way the wand would not only be unbreakable it would boost the users magic and center it accordingly. Since the wand was made specifically for her godfather no other person would be able to use it.
"AHA!!" she chorused finding a slim wooden case with beautiful carving of flowers and vines upon it. She held it towards the dark haired man and waited for him to take it, which he did. "Open it, I promise it doesn't bite."
Flipping the little gold latch Sirius gazed at the magnificent wand inside, the handle polished and on the side of it was carved a dog with the words "Padfoot" scrolled under it. It lay on soft red velvet that had little golden stars depicted on it.
"Eleven inches, Luxen wood, hair of a charmer as a core. It's keyed to you as well; I remember you telling me you didn't have a wand of your own so I made one for you. Go ahead give it a wave."
Astonished he picked it up and waved it in the air, grinning like an idiot as bright yellow sparks came out of the tip.
But before he was able to thank her they heard voices outside the door. Two distinctly and Emma just couldn't place them. In a way they seemed so familiar to her but different at the same time. It seemed that she had come on a busy day. Dumbledore must have had many visitors daily then.
Turning to Sirius whom had already transformed back into his dog form she gave him a questioning look as if asking for a clue. Quickly shrinking her trunk and placing it back in her pouch she watched as Remus set his potion and parchments in another wooden chest she had supplied.
There was a timid knock at the door it sounded three times before a stronger one preceded only once.
"Who do you think it is?" she whispered hoping the people on the other side wouldn't hear her and might even go away if they thought the office was empty. With a shrug from both men they sat down and waited but the voices continued until a soft creak of the doorknob being twisted was heard.
"Is he in there?" Came a sharp whisper from someone as the other person peeked with one blue eye through the crack of the door. The person's eye gazed around the office until it met hers and froze. Menacingly she raised an eyebrow and bared her sharp canines making whomever on the receiving end of the door yelp and shut the door but not before spotting Remus and Padfoot.
Outside the door she could clearly hear the two voices rose. One was a female and the other a male.
"Well?" the female asked.
"Crikey, I just saw Professor Lupin and Snuffles with some lady in there she had the weirdest eyes and fangs! Professor Dumbledore wasn't there, and strangely neither was Fawkes." The other voice answered hastily.
"What weird lady? What did she look like?"
There was a slight pause as the boy tried to recall anything other than her eyes and teeth. "Frankly she was a babe! If it wasn't for that creepy glare though I'd say she's a Veela!"
Beside her Remus laughed slightly obviously recognizing the voices now. He watched her shake her head in dismay. "If King Solomon heard that who ever that was would wish they never said that." It was true too if her 'papa' had gotten a hold of those words he would have probably hanged the man who spoke like that.
The statement caused Remus to give her a bewildered expression, he still didn't understand. She didn't really plan on telling them she was the Slytherin Princess or the fact that Voldemort and her were closely related.
The voices were speaking again and this time louder. These people were either ignorant of extremely idiotic to speak so loudly and believe that they wouldn't be heard. She pitied them.
"Well if Professor Lupin and Snuffles are there then she can't be that bad plus we haven't seen them in nearly a year and a half! We have to go in" this person seemed rather bossy and snobbish and she recognized it finally the fact that they were using the name 'Snuffles' was a dead give away. It was Ron and Hermione her old friends.
Listening to them argue outside caused her stomach to tie itself into knots she was so nervous. Unfortunately it was to dangerous to let them know who she was so pretending to be Lily Potters sister would do, after all they were nearly identical. Since it was the middle of May both her friends would be finishing their sixth year in a month and they seemed to still be up to their antics with sneaking around.
"Come on Ron just open the door and go in!" Hermione's voice sounded, she was obviously anxious to meet 'the weird lady' as Ron so delicately put it.
"If you want to go in then you open the door and walk in first." He whined childishly and was rewarded with a loud "humph! Fine then!" from his female friend.
With another creak of he doorknob the door opened softly and a rather short brunet with wavy hair falling into ringlets at the tips walked in somewhat nervously followed by an almost shaking Ron who despite being terrified of her was ogling at her.
Remus was the first to break the silence after which Sirius transformed back from his dog form. Clearing his throat first he smiled, "Hello Hermione, Ron its good to see you two after so long. How've you two been holding up?"
"Good Professor and you?" Hermione answered, her cinnamon eyes looking over all three of them before landing back on the werewolf.
"Please call me Remus I'm not your Professor any longer. By the way this is a friend of mine and Padfoot's," Remus indicated towards Emerald and she smiled. "This is Emerald Le Fey Harry's biological aunt." He must have gotten the same idea she had when passing her off as Lily's sister and she extended her gloved hand to both of them.
"Pleasure to meet you I've heard much about the both of you from my nephew." She left it unsaid that she knew him as it was obvious and she wanted to at least reassure them of their best friends safety.
Shaking her hand Hermione asked, "I thought Harry's aunt was Petunia Dursley."
"Nye, Lily was adopted by the Evans, her magical abilities weren't strong enough for her to reside in Ambrosia, the kingdom would have had problems and riots if their princess was weak in that area." She said. Nye was a word they used instead of no in Ambrosia especially amongst royalty.
"Princess?" they both chorused.
"Yes we descend from the founders, and the four kingdoms that they ruled but enough of that I'm sure you're not here to listen to a history lesson." She chuckled which immediately got Hermione to sit down in a big fluffy chair.
"Oh no go on it sounds fascinating." All thoughts of mistrust were immediately banished between the two and the red head followed his friend and sat on the floor cross-legged under her chair.
Hesitantly she sighed not wanting to get into the whole explanation that would eventually lead to her cover being blown. "I'm afraid I can't today but I may have some books you can read. I'll make sure to get them to you but for now I believe you were seeking out the Headmaster?"
"Yes, but you said that you heard a lot about us but Harry never told us about you." Hermione said accusingly.
"Eyi, he only found out about me recently."
"Then you know where he is? If he's safe?" they both spoke their voices pleading.
"He's safe and he's at home finishing his schooling. You shouldn't worry about him."
Ron sat there for a minute looking to the ground and a fire started to gather in his eyes, a jealous glint. //Not again Ron! Don't tell me you're mad\\ she thought letting out a sigh.
"So you're telling me that while You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters are on the loose here and killing people Harry is being pampered wherever he is instead of helping us here?"
It was a truly selfish statement made foolishly but non-the-less Emerald didn't think she'd ever seen Sirius get so mad at anyone before short of Pettigrew and Snape.
Sitting up with a lurch and latching a hand fiercely onto the red headed boys collar eliciting a sharp yelp from the boy, Sirius' eyes danced with fury unlike she'd ever seen directed at anyone close to them before.
"You little wretch! How dare you assume such things, you don't even know what he's doing. I thought you were his best friend! Looks I was wrong because best friends don't go carting their friends off to Voldemort like you want to. Harry is just a boy! Fully trained Aurors are afraid to speak the Dark Lords name and not even Dumbledore can stand up to him anymore. How could a teenager defeat him when he was still learning how to transfigure a desk into a pig! You should be ashamed of yourself; I know your family would be if they heard. I just hope Molly Weasly doesn't here of this she'd flail you within an inch of your life boy." Some of the things in his little accusation were the words she had said to him earlier, it seemed they had set in and made an impression on the both of them now.
Before Sirius could issue out any death threat both Emerald and Remus pulled him off the shaking teenager and sat him down in a chair.
"Enough Sirius, there was no need for that. If he wants to let anger cloud his judgment then let him be. I honestly don't know how you expect to get cleared while attacking people like that!" she yelled
The anger had melted away from him when she started yelling and he looked pitiful now. "I'm sorry Emmy, I lost it."
Inwardly smiling at the nickname she sat down next to him and let the man lay his head on her shoulder while she stroked his partially matted hair. He was still on the run since he was in such poor condition and she was guessing Wormtail was loose as well. Emerald couldn't help but notice that Sirius' ranting at Ron had referred to Pettigrew in a way that he compared the two. It made her shudder remembering the time Desdemona had done the same. In her opinion just because someone was a bit thick and jealous of the wrong things didn't mean they could turn into a Benedict Arnold.
Remus watched the two before turning back to the younger couple that stared at Sirius with wide deer eyes. "I'm sorry that happened, Sirius has been a bit stressed lately. Why don't you two come back tomorrow? The Headmaster won't be back until later."
Both sixth years scrambled out the doors as fast as their legs would carry them and ran out the passage to the office.
Running out as fast as possible both teenagers skidded to a stop when they saw Professor Mcgonagal down the hall. It was then that Hermione stood in front of Ron with her hands on her hips and her best Mcgonagal expression on.
"Well?" she asked. "What do you have to say for yourself?" She was giving him a chance to explain his earlier behavior but they both knew that she'd tell him off either way but maybe if he didn't talk it would save him some humiliation. //After all, why do I have to defend someone that abandoned me to play little prince in some other country?\\ the redhead thought giving her a shrug which only irritated the brown haired girl more.
"Why are you shrugging Ronald Arthur Weasley!?" //Uh-Oh she's using my full name, this is bad!\\ Went through his head. "I don't know" he answered, lying to her and biting his lip to look truly sorry. //I don't even understand why she defends him. After all this time she still worships Potter and wouldn't give a glance at me in anything but a friendly manner, and lately she hasn't been so friendly. What's wrong with her?\\ Ron blocked her out as she started to admonish him about not only his behavior and jealousy but also his foul manners when meeting new people.
"He's your best friend Ron, how could you." but before she went any further he cut her off rudely. "Are you done yet? I have potions homework to get to and unlike you or Harry I never did get a descent hang of the subject." And with that he pushed her out of his way and walked to Gryffindor Tower to brood, he didn't even copy down the potions assignment given in class that day.
Hermione got up off the floor with shaky legs and didn't even bother to look in the direction Ron had disappeared to. //He's becoming violent. I wish Harry were here; he was always kind to me. But he left and Ron had become distant, he's become harsh and neutral, I feel like I don't know him anymore.\\ On her way to the library she wiped stray tears off her cheeks. The library had been her only true friend since Harry's disappearance. The boy that she once felt was her brother was no longer there to give advice or drag her along into adventures. They'd always looked out for each other, shared so much together and saved each other countless times, she missed him terribly and now she knew where he was.
"Ambrosia." she whispered to herself. She'd find reference to it and go in search of her brother. Of course she could always contact Remus or Snuffles to get information on it from the woman that claimed to be Harry's aunt. It was strange though; the two older men seemed so close to her yet neither of them mentioned that Harry had a real family. Very strange indeed.
It was a slightly suspicious Hermione Granger that scavenged the library including the Restricted Section for book on the Empire of Ambrosia. Something about that woman was fishy and it irked her even with the calm that always surrounded Emerald she was still too mysterious for her own good.
Back in the Headmasters office the two men and Emerald still sat talking about her situation.
For several more hours Emerald talked to the two men about what she'd been up to for the past few years. Although it frustrated them to no end when she refused to answer some of their questions like the ones concerning her training they were content to let her talk about the land and resources, her family and the history of the Empire. When talking about her family she considered it necessary to tell them about her relation to Prince Marvolo. To say the least both men were shocked beyond words and she had feared that even if they accepted her being who she was they might reject her for being the descendant of the Dark Lord. She was wrong in that one, they did not, instead they sympathized but the truth of her training was never told. Telling them about the torture was out of the question and it would be in a desperate situation that she'd have to use her new claws. They'd never have to find out, if they did Sirius might just yet have a heart attack yelling his head off.
She yawned and her stomach grumbled with hunger. The last time she had eaten was at 6:00 in the morning and now the time was nearly 8:00 at night. She needed sleep, it had been an extremely exhausting day and she didn't wish repeating the emotional parts of it.
"Umm.do either of you know where I could stay for the night that's not too far from here?"
Giving each other affirmative glances both of them spoke in unison "You can stay with us."
"Well I wouldn't want to get in your way though." She said
"No really its no trouble Emm, I rented a house down in Hogsmeade there's plenty of room there unless you're uncomfortable with such arrangements?" Remus picked up the chest with the potion and stood up ready to leave and Sirius got his head off her lap and sat up ready to transform.
It would be quite suspicious if a woman that looked like Lily Potter exited the building in her specific attire without being seen coming in so to avoid suspicion Emerald let the cat take over and transformed into a ginger house cat before pouncing on Remus' shoulder and sitting there. The transformation was one of her more painful one's since she had to shrink her bones and regrow them in a different order. It only took a moment but the same sharp pain ran down her spine and the snaps of her bones were loud in the quiet office. In reality all the other two heard was a 'pop' that lasted less than a fraction of a second but she experienced several minutes' worth of pain.
Remus stood and carried the wooden chest with his potion in his arms, close to his chest and started walking out of the office. Nearly slipping off his shoulder while they were walking down the stairs Emma instead chose to step lightly onto the chest he was holding and curl up on it as close to his body as possible so she wouldn't fall off.
The weather was a bit chillier than she'd expected since she hadn't been in the United Kingdom for years the windy evenings and icy rains were something to get used to. Hogsmeade was just as the same as before on the inside, quaint little shops had their lights on and there were still a few people walking amongst themselves on the cobbled streets. But to the trained eye it was very different; There were no children playing silly games and filling the streets with laughter, no longer do the people greet each other merrily but instead keeping quiet and to themselves. Suspicious glances were thrown as far as the eye could see and many patrol men walked about with their wands out and ready.
Remus didn't seem so popular with anyone in the village as well. It was amazing how he passed by people pointing and whispering in what they thought was a discreet way. It bothered him deep inside, you'd have to be a fool to think otherwise but he took all those whispers and glares from them without a bat of his eyelashes.
Sirius was a different story though; if one of the villagers' comments reached his ears he would growl deep in his throat at them. And you must admit to see a dog as large and intimidating as him could scare you out of your skin when he growls. Most people most likely believed he was a Grim coming to seal all their deaths. Many of the passerby's even pointed at her. The three of them were indeed a strange combination. A Werewolf, a Grim, and a ginger cat all together striving toward the same place.
//So this is what it was like during Voldemort's first reign. Oh goody.\\ She thought sarcastically and then hissed at a man who dared shout out from down the street "Leave you monster! Your kind isn't appreciated here!"
If she didn't want to be seen she'd rip that man's throat out and feed it to the maggots within a matter of seconds. Her bad tempered godfather had almost gone off to do what she planned to if Remus hadn't grabbed him by the scruff and held him back, effectively tilting and making her jump off the box.
Once Sirius was calmed enough they began to walk up the same hill that led to the Shrieking Shack and she soon realized that is where they were staying. But if they were going to the Shrieking Shack why did Lupin lead them through Hogsmeade where there could have been trouble?
She was quite surprised when they stepped through the door. On the outside the shack was just as broken down as ever, maybe even more so but the inside was a whole different story. Inside the shack was had soft rugs on the polished wooden floor, the windows were fixed and shutters in place covered by crimson and off white curtains. The furniture seemed a bit mismatched and old but not so rickety. The whole place was remodeled to be a cozy little home that held this pleasant vibe to it.
After entering both Sirius and her transformed and in unison shouted the same thing in utter outrage. "That bastard! I would have killed him!"
Remus had effectively stored the potion away somewhere and had come back to sit in the room. He listened to them both squabble on his poor treatment and almost laughed in both amusement and self-pity. Even if Sirius wasn't there for her most of her life he was mirrored in her expressions and personality. They were so alike, both braver than one hundred Gryffindors combined and both as headstrong as a bull. Different though in their coloring, Emma had lighter skin and hair, she was a feline while he was a canine. They were wonderful people and deep inside of him he felt truly blessed to be cared for by them.
Before they could blow up the house Remus addressed them calmly. "Why don't we have something to eat, we don't have that much right now but I'll go down to the supermarket tomorrow." He offered and knew that it was the wrong thing to say as Emerald's gaze leveled on him.
"Super Market? I thought only the muggle world had those? Why don't you just go down to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley for groceries." That was one question that he wanted to avoid. Bringing it up would cause another torrent of madness from both of them again. Unfortunately Sirius had to answer in a rigid voice instead of letting him skirt the question properly.
"Because every where he goes he's identified as a dark creature by the public. They refuse to sell him anything. So we go to the muggle world. The minister made it known in the papers that all dark creatures are on Voldemort's side, he classifies werewolves in that category as well."
A moment of disbelief and anger rushed through her. Could people be so cruel as to assume such foul things? Was Fudge such a bastard that he would refuse alliance with such creatures forcing most of them to go directly to the Dark Lord? //What a FOOL!!\\ She mentally screamed.
"So they shun you and you don't do anything about it? Remus, tomorrow we are going down to Hogsmeade and if they don't serve us then I'll give them a whole load of trouble, trust me they can't refuse to sell you things especially when they need money as well."
Remus looked skeptically at her, he didn't want to cause any trouble he just wanted to be left alone in peace and help the Order Of The Phoenix save the people that shunned both him and Padfoot. Now that he thought about it they were all ungrateful whelps but what could be done?
"No," he said shaking his head. "I don't want to cause any trouble. If they report me to the Aurors then its straight to the executioner's block for both Padfoot and I, maybe even you. Lets just leave things be. You haven't been here for a day even, you don't know the situation."
"Then what is the situation? Kindly explain it to me Moony! Are these people so blind as to follow Fudge when it has probably been proven he would not heed our warnings on Voldemort before it was to late? Do they not see that Dumbledore has been trying to help all along but instead they call him mentally unstable just as they did me?"
Sighing he dropped down into an armchair while Sirius took the left side of the couch. Emerald made no move of sitting but toward over them at the height of 5'11 with her short heeled boots on.
"That's just the point, Fudge isn't the Minister anymore.her was Voldemort's first victim after you disappeared. Without you the Wizarding World lost hope, you were their hope. And just like in the 70's everyone is splitting up instead of staying together and fighting, they can't trust people anymore. The world needs a new hope, if they can have that then they will fight on the right side. They already regret ever doubting you and Albus."
"Yeah well if they had so much hope in me then why did they call me a nutcase? Why did they treat me like someone I wasn't, for something that I had almost no control over? I was still in diapers for Merlin's sake when they started worshipping me. But for what? My mother helped save me and she gave the world a second chance by giving her own life. Voldemort was delayed for 13 years but instead of preparing they celebrated, they let their guards down and now they are doomed by their own stupidity." She told them and watched them nod in agreement. It was no secret what she said, it was the cold and hard truth of the matter but nobody saw it.
"Then all we can do is wait; wait to see how it will all end." Sirius sunk into the cushions miserably and rubbed his weary eyes but she slammed her fist on the coffee table roughly in determination. She wouldn't give up or give in.
"No Siri, this is not the begging of the end we're talking about. This is merely the end of the prologue and the start of a new beginning. I came here for a reason. I'm not here to be a guardian angel to anybody but I will help while I can. This isn't over and you know it." That dangerous glint in her eyes told them both that she was no longer a child and childish games would no longer be played. This was the battle of the giants and something told them that the victor stood before them, confident and strong. Magic was wafting off of her in a strange way, frightening but soothing at once. They're savior had come at last and she was indeed the daughter of Lily and James Potter there was no mistaking it now.
Breaking the silence that now settled on the shack Emma yawned and looked around for any doors that could lead to possible sleeping areas, there didn't seem to be any.
"So where can I sleep?"
"Well when we go here we found that the top floor collapsed so we strengthened the bottom one and ever since them we've shared the extendable couch." Remus answered then added as an after thought. "We weren't really expecting company but Padfoot and I could take the floor while you take the couch." He offered and as an answer she shook her head.
"Nye, Remus I don't want to take the couch away from you. Besides there are two of you and it'd be much more appropriate if I just took the floor so that everyone doesn't suffer." But neither of the men would let go of the issue and as a result she ended up shouting at them. "Alright enough already! Why don't we just expand the mattress and share instead of bickering over who gets the floor?"
To her surprise both men gave her uneasy glances and blushed. It has probably been a long time since either of them shared a bed with a person of the opposite gender. But it was non-the-less agreed upon and settled. To Sirius' delight he got to test his new wand out by expanding the couch and the fold out mattress. 'It worked like a charm.' He said to her. By the time that was finished Emma had already changed into a large T-shirt that went down to her mid-thighs that went over her undergarments and a pair of warm tube socks. The lights were dimmed and only two candles glowed on either side of the room when she came out of the bathroom.
Both of the men had already gotten into bed leaving as much space as they could afford between them without falling off the mattress, which wasn't nearly enough space still. She ended up climbing on and crawling on al fours up the space and settled under the covers. She felt both of their bodies somewhat pressed against her. At least like this she could be warm.
As custom in Ambrosia you would often kiss a family member on the cheek when bidding them a good night. The habit was imbedded in her literally so leaning over slightly she pecked Remus on the cheek first saying "Goodnight Moony," to his astonishment.
Sirius turned his head to look at her curiously; he didn't think she'd actually do that. Harry would never do that because he was a boy and he figured she would never do that because she might have found someone in Ambrosia. He vaguely wondered if she liked the werewolf, it would be a rare couple though. Rare and bizarre because both were primarily natural enemies, the charmer and the werewolf but their human sides would block the urge to get into such petty fights.
Fully expecting Sirius to be facing the ceiling instead of watching her she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek as well but instead finding that she caught his lips.
She froze for a moment, embarrassed with herself and flustered she didn't know what to do so instead she pretended like it never happened. Removing her lips from his she whispered "Goodnight Padfoot," and snuggled into the pillows. //He probably hates me for that! Stupid, Stupid, Stupid, Stupid! You just had to ruin things like that.\\ she chorused in her head. //But his lips were so soft.No! I will not think of my godfather in that way, or Remus either.\\ She had to make it plain to herself that they were off limits; it would ruin whatever they had if something happened between them.
Sirius brought his hand up to his lips where they'd just been covered by Emerald's and stared off into space. //Did that just happen?\\ he thought. //Yes.\\ he decided with a smile. //Yes it did happen, its been such a long time since I'd been kissed, since I'd had this much contact with a woman for that matter.\\
Remus himself was also surprised. He had barely had any contact with girls or women when he was younger because he kept to himself and the Marauders to stop people from finding out his secret. After Voldemort's downfall and his friends' abandoned him either of their choice or not he kept to himself then as well. And after the world found out what he was thanks to Snape nobody would even look at him. But now a simple gesture such as a kiss goodnight was a mystery and a miracle to him.
Breaking out of their stupors both men slung an arm around her waist at the same time and whispered "Goodnight Emmy" together. Already half asleep, Emerald smiled to herself. //So I hadn't ruined things after all!\\ was her last thought before the dark enveloped her and she drifted off into a dreamless sleep. Shortly after both men at her sides did as well with content looks on their faces.
****************************AUTHOR'S NOTE****************************
I hope everyone has been enjoying this story so far I know I enjoy writing it. I honestly don't know where my wacky plot ideas come from it seems my head is so jumbled that I come up with the craziest things. I left you all with sort of a cliffhanger. You'll have to find out who Emma will chose. Will it be Sirius or Remus? Or neither? Will it be Snape? Will it be Professor Flitwick? Or will it be Voldemort that catches her heart? Yuck.lets hope not; I don't really go for incest. So stay tuned everyone and find out what happens next. By the way don't forget to review and pass on the URL to this story to others.
By: Fyre Fairie Rated R (For mature content and violence) Summary: Harry finds out he has been lied to all his life. After GOF he travels to lands forgotten until he is ready to face the friends he abandoned, the love he will encounter, and the evil he must conquer. Just now when he has finally found his family will they all survive the war?
Chapter 3: Goodnight Kisses
Currently having the breathe out of her smothered all she could manage was "Sirius let go I can't breathe with you squishing me!"
But Sirius was unable to let go. His grip on her loosened somewhat but his ranting never stopped. "I can't Lil's its really you and I can't let you go, I'm afraid that when I do then you'll disappear."
The man had reduced himself to sobbing in her hair and stroking her back to feel the warm, live, flesh there. She may have fooled her godfather but the other occupants of the room were not as easily swayed. Remus she saw was currently sniffing the air, nostrils flaring trying to get her scent and crinkling his nose. He could no doubt smell the feline in her. While Dumbledore's blue gaze bore into her already changing cat-like eyes.
"God Lily I've missed you so much! I'm sorry I failed you; I let Peter be your secret keeper. I'm sorry I failed to be a good godfather. We can't find Harry Lils, I'm sorry I tried looking. I looked everywhere but he just vanished! Forgive me!"
The dark haired man didn't look much better off from the last time she'd seen him. Although he was no longer as thin his face was exhausted and his eyes had a haunted quality to them while he kept ranting apologies over and over again until she pried him partially off of her only to have him slide to his knees and hug her legs begging for forgiveness and pleading for her to tell him that James and Harry were both alive.
Loosening his hold on her legs she too slid down to his level and held the side of his head with her hands and brushed the stray tears leaking down his face with her thumbs. She was afraid to speak with him in this condition. The danger of driving him over the brink was high and she had to be very careful right now.
"I..." she began but faltered, if she told him she wasn't Lily then it would shatter him but if she lied then he'd be worse off when he figured the truth out. "Sirius." she whispered. "Sirius I'm afraid it is I that has to ask your forgiveness." pause, he stopped yelling and crying for a moment and listened like a small child would his mother, "I'm sorry for leaving two years ago but I had to find out the truth and I did." he was clearly confused now and cut her off.
"What? We thought you died nearly sixteen years ago?" By now Dumbledore would have caught on because she met his knowing gaze and a soft smile graced his expression among the many wrinkles.
She looked toward Remus who was curious by now; he no doubt didn't know her family history. Remus just like Sirius also wasn't by any means healthy looking. He was thinner and somewhat looked frail with his patched robes and dark circles under his eyes. He just sat there staring at her, probably in shock or denial. Denial was most likely it since people just don't go popping back to life from the dead and traveling through mirrors.
Focusing on her godfather again she looked him straight in the eye, he must have been too excited before to notice her eyes but now he gasped and stared at them. "What happened to your eyes?"
Swallowing a lump in her throat she figured it was time to face the music. "I'm sorry Padfoot but I'm not Lily.." She blinked back her own tears looking at his disappointed expression and then continued with him still latched onto her not quite believing yet. Shaking his head frantically like a frightened lamb amongst many wolves he clutched tighter to her, "What do you mean your not Lily, of course you are I see you. Its you its really you!"
Ignoring what he just said she continued hastily, she didn't want to stall their rejection of her. She couldn't just slow the pace and answer their questions; instead she mumbled a short summary explaining she was who she was.
"I'm sorry I left without warning and without writing, but I'm back now and I was hoping you'd forgive me. You see Sirius Lily was never a muggle-born she was adopted into the Evans family. Her maiden name was Le Fey, descending from Morgana herself. She had to somehow hide my identity when I was born so she did what she had to. My grandmother found me that day that I was supposed to go to the Dursley's and she turned me back to what I should have been.."
She could see it was dawning on both Dumbledore and Remus and a torrent of tears was falling down her face. Sirius looked confused, he truly didn't want to believe she wasn't his late best friend's wife. //What if he's mad at me for everything? What if he won't accept who I am now?\\ Ran through her head millions of times before she croaked in a nearly hoarse voice.
"I'm Emerald Desdemona Le Fey by birth right, Sirius and nothing can change that. I'm Sorry."
The silence in the room seemed so thick that you could slice through it with a knife and come up with chunks in your hands. Nobody seemed to move but instead watched her incredulously, processing everything she'd just told them and making sense of it.
It was then that Emma felt like plummeting into an abyss. Her godfathers face was so laden with confusion and sadness that it caused to her more pain than Kamian ever did. //What if they hate me for this? What if they hate me for not being Harry Potter but Emerald Le Fey? The same person but just a bit of a different personality combined with a new body. Will Sirius still love me or shun me instead?\\
"Sirius?" she whispered to him trying to get the blank look on his face and a few words to come out of his mouth. She'd rather he shunned her now rather than make her wait in suspense. A few fearful tears cascaded down her face as she looked at him. Her tears seemed to be his breaking point and he snapped back into focus opening and closing his mouth giving the impression of a goldfish.
But Dumbledore obviously needed answers and he asked. "Great Merlin..it's you." He whispered, his voice weathered and aged making him sound all his 153 years. She nodded acknowledging his suspicions.
"We've been searching for you ever since you disappeared, we nearly lost hope." He told her. Her lips quivered when hearing his words. They cared enough to search for her.
"I'm sorry." She apologized again. "They wouldn't let me write. I wanted to I really did but I wasn't permitted. I even tried sneaking a letter but I was caught, they did things after that." she left her answer hanging in the air, that particular experience was not fun. The Ambrosians were very strict people and once you are forbidden something then you generally don't want to disobey or you pay the consequences.
"Who is 'they' child?" he encouraged her to go on.
"The Council Of Magi, they didn't want me to communicate with anyone on the other side, for security measures. I was always trying to break rules here at Hogwarts and I barely received a slap on the wrist. They don't care who you are in Ambrosia; you serve the same sentence for violating their codes. I never learned my lesson though, I kept trying and they kept catching me." she let her words trail again insinuating what had happened. You didn't have to be a genius to figure it out.
"Harry?" her godfather whispered and looked at her finally, took the sight of her in. She nodded but corrected him on the name.
"You can call me Emma if you want or anything close for that matter." She chuckled slightly despite her quivering voice and watering eyes and let him hug her once more just as fiercely. From across the room Remus spoke more to himself as if storing information away, "What was the sentence?"
"Nothing pleasant I assure you." She said calmly but firmly asking him to let the subject go. She didn't need those memories to spoil her mood now.
He apparently received the message but Sirius did not, "It can't have been worse than Azkaban, please tell me they didn't hurt you." He begged her already knowing the answer.
"I'd tell you but I'd be lying. There are things worse than Azkaban.there's torture Padfoot, torture gets you both mentally and physically, but in my current situation I was accustomed to some pain. It was almost numb."
" It's because you're a charmer isn't it? You're used to pain, just like a werewolf would be." Remus whispered.
"You can smell it then? I knew you'd be able to, I hope that won't get in the way. The feline attributes only come out by themselves on the new moon so the rest of the month I won't be as unpleasant." She half smiled sadly and rubbed her wet face into her godfathers shoulder.
Sirius was still latched onto her desperately; more of his salty tears running down onto her chest. He rocked back and forth on his knees with her almost chanting, "You're alive" over and over again and every once in a while pausing to kiss her forehead just to show how much he loved her. "And you're safe. I promise nothing will harm you again. I promise." He continued, speaking softly to her soothing her nerves and making her melt into his embrace.
It was generally heart warming to get that kind of affection and inside of her she could feel a sort of hum. It was pleasant but after a few silent minutes of Sirius' chanting her knees were starting to hurt from the stone floor. But she couldn't complain, even if Sirius was hugging the life out of her she wouldn't ask him to let go. She missed him so much and it was such a relief to be accepted back that all the little pains and aches were numbed.
Nimbly getting out of the chair that he was sitting in Remus walked closer to the tow on the floor. Even if he didn't see Harry in some aspect he could smell him in her. Since she was a female her scent would be slightly different from before but that unique fragrance that simply was Harry filled the area around the woman.
Through blurry and tear soaked eyes Emerald could make out the Remus' figure approaching them both and stopping right in front of Sirius' back. He'd been her favorite professor and if it wasn't for him teaching her the patronus she'd be worse than dead.
Holding out her gloved hand towards him she waited until he grasped it in his own and knelt down before pulling him into their hug. Now unlike her and Sirius, Remus was never one to cry heavily and instead let soft sniffles out. Both men had their heads on either of her shoulder and she had hers on theirs. Nobody really noticed the Headmaster smile faintly and leave the room for the three occupants to catch up. He'd have questions for her later, for now though a very irritable Severus Snape would be expecting a visit from him on their no longer missing person. The potions master would be indeed both saddened and delighted to have her back.
"Where have you been all this time?" Sirius' soft voice came from his position next to her. In the few minutes since they had gotten up off the floor all three of them settled down on the large over stuffed divan in Dumbledore's office with Emerald in the middle and both men gripping her hands, afraid she'd just vanish.
It had been almost a miracle that they had believed her. Some part of her mind had insisted they would have at least asked for proof of her identity, but not once had they done so.
"With my family in Ambrosia. You have to understand that I had to leave, there was no other choice in the matter." She spoke voicing the statement she'd been trying to make herself believe for so long. Did she really have no choice? Or did she? Everything could have been different if the Dursley's had taken her to Private Drive that day.
"NO! That's the point Harry you didn't have to! You didn't have to set yourself up to torture, we would have kept you safe." the darker haired man rasped and she had once again had to remind him that that wasn't her name anymore. No matter how much she told him he could let go.
"YES I DID! Voldemort came back for Merlin's sake and I barely escaped with my life! You can't expect me to hide forever and if he got a hold of me he'd not only torture me but he wouldn't be as careful to keep me alive and flawless as the people who did it to me. The Eternals were watching my hide trying to keep me alive until the age of fifteen after that I would have been expected to defeat him myself. Everyone expected me to get rid of him somehow when even a full-grown wizard couldn't speak his name! I was only fourteen; I was still learning how to transfigure a desk into a pig. What was I supposed to do, throw a jelly legs hex at him or better yet tickle the Dark Lord to death and rid of his Death Eaters by shining a Lumos spell in their eyes!"
Exhaling and inhaling after telling him off she slouched and ran a hand through her hair. Emerald had probably never been so frustrated in her life before but the weight of her magic was starting to set it. Without the magic of the land sucking some away she was being overloaded and now she fully comprehended why Ambrosians can go mad here. In the ten years she'd been away her temper was always kept in check, even in the midst of Kamian and his fellow henchmen.
Dumfounded Sirius and Remus both stared at her until the latter spoke. "And now that you're back what you plan to do? What was so special about Ambrosia? You're still only sixteen, seventeen in July. There's still nothing you can do. You haven't even finished school." Her godfather then nodded his agreement making her want to yank at her hair. Those two were being impossible! It had been a long time since she'd been in contact with ignorant people. Not that they were exceedingly ignorant they just didn't possess any knowledge of her heritage or of her country.
"Remus." she said softly, pitying them both for what they were going to find out. "Sirius. Ambrosia is the only part of Atlantis that didn't sink. It is where the four founders were from. I have family amongst royalty. You may not like this but Ambrosia is almost like another dimension but not quite, time there passes differently from here. If I had stayed I would have been sixteen years old as of now but there ten years passes by for every two here. I'm twenty-four, I'll be twenty-five in July. You can believe it or not but the reason I went was so I can train, I finished my education and I know what I'm up against."
"Twenty-four."her godfather breathed and his face dulled over once more in disbelief. Shaking his head he put his face in his hands and rocked back and forth. For a moment there she almost thought he was having a break down.
"I've missed so much.."he said again. "I've been a horrible godfather; I was supposed to be there! I wasn't there before you went to Hogwarts and only a year after. Now you tell me I've missed ten more years of your life!" his voice got higher as he spoke incredulously.
"You weren't a horrible godfather Siri. You couldn't help not being there and when you were there you brought me great joy and hope. Did you know that? And now that I'm back I'll stay until you get sick of my guts. Despite what you think my parents would have been proud of you for being as strong as you are. You lived through the unimaginable. Escaped the inescapable. Saved my life and despite being ridiculed and hated by the light side you still fight for them instead of turning in the dark. So don't you tell me you've been a horrible godfather Sirius Black, I don't want to hear any of it."
Her little speech must have reassured him some because slowly he lifted his head and gave her a brilliant smile that could rival hers on Christmas. "Really? Because I'm never going to get sick of you. In fact I'm never letting you out of my sight." he asked. And it took her a whole lot of self- control to keep from laughing at his childishness. "Well you're going to have to let me out of your sight sometimes I can't have you watching me change or shower!" she said laughing as he turned bright red.
Beside her Remus was grinning like a Chestchire cat as well. "So now you're what only twelve years younger than us? Jeez Emm, you're getting old!" he joked earning a playful slap on the arm. Yes he was right she was getting older, and the years away from them both gave them little to no information about what she was like now.
That suddenly reminded her, she'd prepared souvenirs a while before she left and they were still in one of her trunks.
"That reminds me, I have something for the both of you, call it tokens of somewhat from back in Ambrosia. Well I made both of them but I think you'll like them." She smiled happily at their curious faces.
"You know you didn't have to get up anything." Was Remus' answer as he blushed. The lyncanthrope probably wasn't to use to getting many gifts.
"Nonsense!" she yelled over her shoulder already elbow deep in one of the trunks she engorged.
She rummaged in it for several minutes before she found Moony's gift. The two men watched curiously as she pulled out a role of parchment and a vile of dark orange liquid.
Since her studies were quite exhausting and there was nothing much to do between them Emerald often took on projects. The subjects that she learned were different in variety and all very useful. She found herself doing things she'd never expected possible before and one of them was to create a potion, more specifically an advanced Wolfsbane. The potion that she made was a mix of Wolfsbane and a transfiguration potion that took her nearly four years to complete due to its complexity.
Stopping right in front of her old DADA Professor Emma handed him the parchment that he unrolled and skimmed over. Reading every line carefully from the description of the potion to the notes and finally the finished list of ingredients and instructions his eyes widened drastically.
" A-A-And t-this has been tested already?" He stuttered, excitement and hope rising to its peak.
"Yes it has, I know another man, also a lyncanthrope and he offered to test the potion once I insured him that it was most likely safe and I'd gone over everything more than two hundred times. It's effective. You see the creator of the Wolfsbane was only looking out for the safety of others while this potion mainly focuses on not only letting you keep your mind but the transformation will be instant and painless much like an animagi transformation. The one that I have in this vile is keyed generally to your system. You must realize the Council of Magi has information on everyone and it wasn't hard finding your statistics and making it especially to fit your rare blood type."
While both of the older men's mouths were hanging wide open she gingerly handed the vile to the lighter haired man and watched him gape at it for a few minutes before whispering "Thank you so much.you have no idea what this means to me."
"It wasn't much of a problem really, I'm happy to help out a friend who also happened to be my favorite Professor, after all I considered you as a sort of second father figure." She let him embrace her and then stepped back to find her godfathers gift.
"Now for Siri's gift. I put it in here somewhere." In her hurry to pack she stuffed everything she could into her trunks hazardously and was now left to look through the whole mess at one point she was trying to yank something out from a pile of clothing and one of her bra's flew out and landed on Sirius' head at which point they both turned bright red and he discretely handed it back to her while Remus snickered to himself.
Some time after she had created the 'Lupine Potion' in Ambrosia she started on something else that she remembered her godfather had desperately needed. Ever since escaping Azkaban he never had gotten his own wand back so there started a new project.
In Ambrosia there was a special tree only native to the land. It could not be damaged physically or magically. Basically the only way to reach it was if you had the Earth Element. Once five years ago she went in search of one and asked it for a branch. Considering her pleas the tree had given up a dark ebony limb, so dark it was pitch black. The same way she found Remus' statistics she found Sirius' as well and sculpted a wand with magic. Then plucking two hairs off of her head; the hair of a Charmer was quite powerful, she used magic to imbed the hairs deep within the wood instead of making it hollow and weaving them in.
This way the wand would not only be unbreakable it would boost the users magic and center it accordingly. Since the wand was made specifically for her godfather no other person would be able to use it.
"AHA!!" she chorused finding a slim wooden case with beautiful carving of flowers and vines upon it. She held it towards the dark haired man and waited for him to take it, which he did. "Open it, I promise it doesn't bite."
Flipping the little gold latch Sirius gazed at the magnificent wand inside, the handle polished and on the side of it was carved a dog with the words "Padfoot" scrolled under it. It lay on soft red velvet that had little golden stars depicted on it.
"Eleven inches, Luxen wood, hair of a charmer as a core. It's keyed to you as well; I remember you telling me you didn't have a wand of your own so I made one for you. Go ahead give it a wave."
Astonished he picked it up and waved it in the air, grinning like an idiot as bright yellow sparks came out of the tip.
But before he was able to thank her they heard voices outside the door. Two distinctly and Emma just couldn't place them. In a way they seemed so familiar to her but different at the same time. It seemed that she had come on a busy day. Dumbledore must have had many visitors daily then.
Turning to Sirius whom had already transformed back into his dog form she gave him a questioning look as if asking for a clue. Quickly shrinking her trunk and placing it back in her pouch she watched as Remus set his potion and parchments in another wooden chest she had supplied.
There was a timid knock at the door it sounded three times before a stronger one preceded only once.
"Who do you think it is?" she whispered hoping the people on the other side wouldn't hear her and might even go away if they thought the office was empty. With a shrug from both men they sat down and waited but the voices continued until a soft creak of the doorknob being twisted was heard.
"Is he in there?" Came a sharp whisper from someone as the other person peeked with one blue eye through the crack of the door. The person's eye gazed around the office until it met hers and froze. Menacingly she raised an eyebrow and bared her sharp canines making whomever on the receiving end of the door yelp and shut the door but not before spotting Remus and Padfoot.
Outside the door she could clearly hear the two voices rose. One was a female and the other a male.
"Well?" the female asked.
"Crikey, I just saw Professor Lupin and Snuffles with some lady in there she had the weirdest eyes and fangs! Professor Dumbledore wasn't there, and strangely neither was Fawkes." The other voice answered hastily.
"What weird lady? What did she look like?"
There was a slight pause as the boy tried to recall anything other than her eyes and teeth. "Frankly she was a babe! If it wasn't for that creepy glare though I'd say she's a Veela!"
Beside her Remus laughed slightly obviously recognizing the voices now. He watched her shake her head in dismay. "If King Solomon heard that who ever that was would wish they never said that." It was true too if her 'papa' had gotten a hold of those words he would have probably hanged the man who spoke like that.
The statement caused Remus to give her a bewildered expression, he still didn't understand. She didn't really plan on telling them she was the Slytherin Princess or the fact that Voldemort and her were closely related.
The voices were speaking again and this time louder. These people were either ignorant of extremely idiotic to speak so loudly and believe that they wouldn't be heard. She pitied them.
"Well if Professor Lupin and Snuffles are there then she can't be that bad plus we haven't seen them in nearly a year and a half! We have to go in" this person seemed rather bossy and snobbish and she recognized it finally the fact that they were using the name 'Snuffles' was a dead give away. It was Ron and Hermione her old friends.
Listening to them argue outside caused her stomach to tie itself into knots she was so nervous. Unfortunately it was to dangerous to let them know who she was so pretending to be Lily Potters sister would do, after all they were nearly identical. Since it was the middle of May both her friends would be finishing their sixth year in a month and they seemed to still be up to their antics with sneaking around.
"Come on Ron just open the door and go in!" Hermione's voice sounded, she was obviously anxious to meet 'the weird lady' as Ron so delicately put it.
"If you want to go in then you open the door and walk in first." He whined childishly and was rewarded with a loud "humph! Fine then!" from his female friend.
With another creak of he doorknob the door opened softly and a rather short brunet with wavy hair falling into ringlets at the tips walked in somewhat nervously followed by an almost shaking Ron who despite being terrified of her was ogling at her.
Remus was the first to break the silence after which Sirius transformed back from his dog form. Clearing his throat first he smiled, "Hello Hermione, Ron its good to see you two after so long. How've you two been holding up?"
"Good Professor and you?" Hermione answered, her cinnamon eyes looking over all three of them before landing back on the werewolf.
"Please call me Remus I'm not your Professor any longer. By the way this is a friend of mine and Padfoot's," Remus indicated towards Emerald and she smiled. "This is Emerald Le Fey Harry's biological aunt." He must have gotten the same idea she had when passing her off as Lily's sister and she extended her gloved hand to both of them.
"Pleasure to meet you I've heard much about the both of you from my nephew." She left it unsaid that she knew him as it was obvious and she wanted to at least reassure them of their best friends safety.
Shaking her hand Hermione asked, "I thought Harry's aunt was Petunia Dursley."
"Nye, Lily was adopted by the Evans, her magical abilities weren't strong enough for her to reside in Ambrosia, the kingdom would have had problems and riots if their princess was weak in that area." She said. Nye was a word they used instead of no in Ambrosia especially amongst royalty.
"Princess?" they both chorused.
"Yes we descend from the founders, and the four kingdoms that they ruled but enough of that I'm sure you're not here to listen to a history lesson." She chuckled which immediately got Hermione to sit down in a big fluffy chair.
"Oh no go on it sounds fascinating." All thoughts of mistrust were immediately banished between the two and the red head followed his friend and sat on the floor cross-legged under her chair.
Hesitantly she sighed not wanting to get into the whole explanation that would eventually lead to her cover being blown. "I'm afraid I can't today but I may have some books you can read. I'll make sure to get them to you but for now I believe you were seeking out the Headmaster?"
"Yes, but you said that you heard a lot about us but Harry never told us about you." Hermione said accusingly.
"Eyi, he only found out about me recently."
"Then you know where he is? If he's safe?" they both spoke their voices pleading.
"He's safe and he's at home finishing his schooling. You shouldn't worry about him."
Ron sat there for a minute looking to the ground and a fire started to gather in his eyes, a jealous glint. //Not again Ron! Don't tell me you're mad\\ she thought letting out a sigh.
"So you're telling me that while You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters are on the loose here and killing people Harry is being pampered wherever he is instead of helping us here?"
It was a truly selfish statement made foolishly but non-the-less Emerald didn't think she'd ever seen Sirius get so mad at anyone before short of Pettigrew and Snape.
Sitting up with a lurch and latching a hand fiercely onto the red headed boys collar eliciting a sharp yelp from the boy, Sirius' eyes danced with fury unlike she'd ever seen directed at anyone close to them before.
"You little wretch! How dare you assume such things, you don't even know what he's doing. I thought you were his best friend! Looks I was wrong because best friends don't go carting their friends off to Voldemort like you want to. Harry is just a boy! Fully trained Aurors are afraid to speak the Dark Lords name and not even Dumbledore can stand up to him anymore. How could a teenager defeat him when he was still learning how to transfigure a desk into a pig! You should be ashamed of yourself; I know your family would be if they heard. I just hope Molly Weasly doesn't here of this she'd flail you within an inch of your life boy." Some of the things in his little accusation were the words she had said to him earlier, it seemed they had set in and made an impression on the both of them now.
Before Sirius could issue out any death threat both Emerald and Remus pulled him off the shaking teenager and sat him down in a chair.
"Enough Sirius, there was no need for that. If he wants to let anger cloud his judgment then let him be. I honestly don't know how you expect to get cleared while attacking people like that!" she yelled
The anger had melted away from him when she started yelling and he looked pitiful now. "I'm sorry Emmy, I lost it."
Inwardly smiling at the nickname she sat down next to him and let the man lay his head on her shoulder while she stroked his partially matted hair. He was still on the run since he was in such poor condition and she was guessing Wormtail was loose as well. Emerald couldn't help but notice that Sirius' ranting at Ron had referred to Pettigrew in a way that he compared the two. It made her shudder remembering the time Desdemona had done the same. In her opinion just because someone was a bit thick and jealous of the wrong things didn't mean they could turn into a Benedict Arnold.
Remus watched the two before turning back to the younger couple that stared at Sirius with wide deer eyes. "I'm sorry that happened, Sirius has been a bit stressed lately. Why don't you two come back tomorrow? The Headmaster won't be back until later."
Both sixth years scrambled out the doors as fast as their legs would carry them and ran out the passage to the office.
Running out as fast as possible both teenagers skidded to a stop when they saw Professor Mcgonagal down the hall. It was then that Hermione stood in front of Ron with her hands on her hips and her best Mcgonagal expression on.
"Well?" she asked. "What do you have to say for yourself?" She was giving him a chance to explain his earlier behavior but they both knew that she'd tell him off either way but maybe if he didn't talk it would save him some humiliation. //After all, why do I have to defend someone that abandoned me to play little prince in some other country?\\ the redhead thought giving her a shrug which only irritated the brown haired girl more.
"Why are you shrugging Ronald Arthur Weasley!?" //Uh-Oh she's using my full name, this is bad!\\ Went through his head. "I don't know" he answered, lying to her and biting his lip to look truly sorry. //I don't even understand why she defends him. After all this time she still worships Potter and wouldn't give a glance at me in anything but a friendly manner, and lately she hasn't been so friendly. What's wrong with her?\\ Ron blocked her out as she started to admonish him about not only his behavior and jealousy but also his foul manners when meeting new people.
"He's your best friend Ron, how could you." but before she went any further he cut her off rudely. "Are you done yet? I have potions homework to get to and unlike you or Harry I never did get a descent hang of the subject." And with that he pushed her out of his way and walked to Gryffindor Tower to brood, he didn't even copy down the potions assignment given in class that day.
Hermione got up off the floor with shaky legs and didn't even bother to look in the direction Ron had disappeared to. //He's becoming violent. I wish Harry were here; he was always kind to me. But he left and Ron had become distant, he's become harsh and neutral, I feel like I don't know him anymore.\\ On her way to the library she wiped stray tears off her cheeks. The library had been her only true friend since Harry's disappearance. The boy that she once felt was her brother was no longer there to give advice or drag her along into adventures. They'd always looked out for each other, shared so much together and saved each other countless times, she missed him terribly and now she knew where he was.
"Ambrosia." she whispered to herself. She'd find reference to it and go in search of her brother. Of course she could always contact Remus or Snuffles to get information on it from the woman that claimed to be Harry's aunt. It was strange though; the two older men seemed so close to her yet neither of them mentioned that Harry had a real family. Very strange indeed.
It was a slightly suspicious Hermione Granger that scavenged the library including the Restricted Section for book on the Empire of Ambrosia. Something about that woman was fishy and it irked her even with the calm that always surrounded Emerald she was still too mysterious for her own good.
Back in the Headmasters office the two men and Emerald still sat talking about her situation.
For several more hours Emerald talked to the two men about what she'd been up to for the past few years. Although it frustrated them to no end when she refused to answer some of their questions like the ones concerning her training they were content to let her talk about the land and resources, her family and the history of the Empire. When talking about her family she considered it necessary to tell them about her relation to Prince Marvolo. To say the least both men were shocked beyond words and she had feared that even if they accepted her being who she was they might reject her for being the descendant of the Dark Lord. She was wrong in that one, they did not, instead they sympathized but the truth of her training was never told. Telling them about the torture was out of the question and it would be in a desperate situation that she'd have to use her new claws. They'd never have to find out, if they did Sirius might just yet have a heart attack yelling his head off.
She yawned and her stomach grumbled with hunger. The last time she had eaten was at 6:00 in the morning and now the time was nearly 8:00 at night. She needed sleep, it had been an extremely exhausting day and she didn't wish repeating the emotional parts of it.
"Umm.do either of you know where I could stay for the night that's not too far from here?"
Giving each other affirmative glances both of them spoke in unison "You can stay with us."
"Well I wouldn't want to get in your way though." She said
"No really its no trouble Emm, I rented a house down in Hogsmeade there's plenty of room there unless you're uncomfortable with such arrangements?" Remus picked up the chest with the potion and stood up ready to leave and Sirius got his head off her lap and sat up ready to transform.
It would be quite suspicious if a woman that looked like Lily Potter exited the building in her specific attire without being seen coming in so to avoid suspicion Emerald let the cat take over and transformed into a ginger house cat before pouncing on Remus' shoulder and sitting there. The transformation was one of her more painful one's since she had to shrink her bones and regrow them in a different order. It only took a moment but the same sharp pain ran down her spine and the snaps of her bones were loud in the quiet office. In reality all the other two heard was a 'pop' that lasted less than a fraction of a second but she experienced several minutes' worth of pain.
Remus stood and carried the wooden chest with his potion in his arms, close to his chest and started walking out of the office. Nearly slipping off his shoulder while they were walking down the stairs Emma instead chose to step lightly onto the chest he was holding and curl up on it as close to his body as possible so she wouldn't fall off.
The weather was a bit chillier than she'd expected since she hadn't been in the United Kingdom for years the windy evenings and icy rains were something to get used to. Hogsmeade was just as the same as before on the inside, quaint little shops had their lights on and there were still a few people walking amongst themselves on the cobbled streets. But to the trained eye it was very different; There were no children playing silly games and filling the streets with laughter, no longer do the people greet each other merrily but instead keeping quiet and to themselves. Suspicious glances were thrown as far as the eye could see and many patrol men walked about with their wands out and ready.
Remus didn't seem so popular with anyone in the village as well. It was amazing how he passed by people pointing and whispering in what they thought was a discreet way. It bothered him deep inside, you'd have to be a fool to think otherwise but he took all those whispers and glares from them without a bat of his eyelashes.
Sirius was a different story though; if one of the villagers' comments reached his ears he would growl deep in his throat at them. And you must admit to see a dog as large and intimidating as him could scare you out of your skin when he growls. Most people most likely believed he was a Grim coming to seal all their deaths. Many of the passerby's even pointed at her. The three of them were indeed a strange combination. A Werewolf, a Grim, and a ginger cat all together striving toward the same place.
//So this is what it was like during Voldemort's first reign. Oh goody.\\ She thought sarcastically and then hissed at a man who dared shout out from down the street "Leave you monster! Your kind isn't appreciated here!"
If she didn't want to be seen she'd rip that man's throat out and feed it to the maggots within a matter of seconds. Her bad tempered godfather had almost gone off to do what she planned to if Remus hadn't grabbed him by the scruff and held him back, effectively tilting and making her jump off the box.
Once Sirius was calmed enough they began to walk up the same hill that led to the Shrieking Shack and she soon realized that is where they were staying. But if they were going to the Shrieking Shack why did Lupin lead them through Hogsmeade where there could have been trouble?
She was quite surprised when they stepped through the door. On the outside the shack was just as broken down as ever, maybe even more so but the inside was a whole different story. Inside the shack was had soft rugs on the polished wooden floor, the windows were fixed and shutters in place covered by crimson and off white curtains. The furniture seemed a bit mismatched and old but not so rickety. The whole place was remodeled to be a cozy little home that held this pleasant vibe to it.
After entering both Sirius and her transformed and in unison shouted the same thing in utter outrage. "That bastard! I would have killed him!"
Remus had effectively stored the potion away somewhere and had come back to sit in the room. He listened to them both squabble on his poor treatment and almost laughed in both amusement and self-pity. Even if Sirius wasn't there for her most of her life he was mirrored in her expressions and personality. They were so alike, both braver than one hundred Gryffindors combined and both as headstrong as a bull. Different though in their coloring, Emma had lighter skin and hair, she was a feline while he was a canine. They were wonderful people and deep inside of him he felt truly blessed to be cared for by them.
Before they could blow up the house Remus addressed them calmly. "Why don't we have something to eat, we don't have that much right now but I'll go down to the supermarket tomorrow." He offered and knew that it was the wrong thing to say as Emerald's gaze leveled on him.
"Super Market? I thought only the muggle world had those? Why don't you just go down to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley for groceries." That was one question that he wanted to avoid. Bringing it up would cause another torrent of madness from both of them again. Unfortunately Sirius had to answer in a rigid voice instead of letting him skirt the question properly.
"Because every where he goes he's identified as a dark creature by the public. They refuse to sell him anything. So we go to the muggle world. The minister made it known in the papers that all dark creatures are on Voldemort's side, he classifies werewolves in that category as well."
A moment of disbelief and anger rushed through her. Could people be so cruel as to assume such foul things? Was Fudge such a bastard that he would refuse alliance with such creatures forcing most of them to go directly to the Dark Lord? //What a FOOL!!\\ She mentally screamed.
"So they shun you and you don't do anything about it? Remus, tomorrow we are going down to Hogsmeade and if they don't serve us then I'll give them a whole load of trouble, trust me they can't refuse to sell you things especially when they need money as well."
Remus looked skeptically at her, he didn't want to cause any trouble he just wanted to be left alone in peace and help the Order Of The Phoenix save the people that shunned both him and Padfoot. Now that he thought about it they were all ungrateful whelps but what could be done?
"No," he said shaking his head. "I don't want to cause any trouble. If they report me to the Aurors then its straight to the executioner's block for both Padfoot and I, maybe even you. Lets just leave things be. You haven't been here for a day even, you don't know the situation."
"Then what is the situation? Kindly explain it to me Moony! Are these people so blind as to follow Fudge when it has probably been proven he would not heed our warnings on Voldemort before it was to late? Do they not see that Dumbledore has been trying to help all along but instead they call him mentally unstable just as they did me?"
Sighing he dropped down into an armchair while Sirius took the left side of the couch. Emerald made no move of sitting but toward over them at the height of 5'11 with her short heeled boots on.
"That's just the point, Fudge isn't the Minister anymore.her was Voldemort's first victim after you disappeared. Without you the Wizarding World lost hope, you were their hope. And just like in the 70's everyone is splitting up instead of staying together and fighting, they can't trust people anymore. The world needs a new hope, if they can have that then they will fight on the right side. They already regret ever doubting you and Albus."
"Yeah well if they had so much hope in me then why did they call me a nutcase? Why did they treat me like someone I wasn't, for something that I had almost no control over? I was still in diapers for Merlin's sake when they started worshipping me. But for what? My mother helped save me and she gave the world a second chance by giving her own life. Voldemort was delayed for 13 years but instead of preparing they celebrated, they let their guards down and now they are doomed by their own stupidity." She told them and watched them nod in agreement. It was no secret what she said, it was the cold and hard truth of the matter but nobody saw it.
"Then all we can do is wait; wait to see how it will all end." Sirius sunk into the cushions miserably and rubbed his weary eyes but she slammed her fist on the coffee table roughly in determination. She wouldn't give up or give in.
"No Siri, this is not the begging of the end we're talking about. This is merely the end of the prologue and the start of a new beginning. I came here for a reason. I'm not here to be a guardian angel to anybody but I will help while I can. This isn't over and you know it." That dangerous glint in her eyes told them both that she was no longer a child and childish games would no longer be played. This was the battle of the giants and something told them that the victor stood before them, confident and strong. Magic was wafting off of her in a strange way, frightening but soothing at once. They're savior had come at last and she was indeed the daughter of Lily and James Potter there was no mistaking it now.
Breaking the silence that now settled on the shack Emma yawned and looked around for any doors that could lead to possible sleeping areas, there didn't seem to be any.
"So where can I sleep?"
"Well when we go here we found that the top floor collapsed so we strengthened the bottom one and ever since them we've shared the extendable couch." Remus answered then added as an after thought. "We weren't really expecting company but Padfoot and I could take the floor while you take the couch." He offered and as an answer she shook her head.
"Nye, Remus I don't want to take the couch away from you. Besides there are two of you and it'd be much more appropriate if I just took the floor so that everyone doesn't suffer." But neither of the men would let go of the issue and as a result she ended up shouting at them. "Alright enough already! Why don't we just expand the mattress and share instead of bickering over who gets the floor?"
To her surprise both men gave her uneasy glances and blushed. It has probably been a long time since either of them shared a bed with a person of the opposite gender. But it was non-the-less agreed upon and settled. To Sirius' delight he got to test his new wand out by expanding the couch and the fold out mattress. 'It worked like a charm.' He said to her. By the time that was finished Emma had already changed into a large T-shirt that went down to her mid-thighs that went over her undergarments and a pair of warm tube socks. The lights were dimmed and only two candles glowed on either side of the room when she came out of the bathroom.
Both of the men had already gotten into bed leaving as much space as they could afford between them without falling off the mattress, which wasn't nearly enough space still. She ended up climbing on and crawling on al fours up the space and settled under the covers. She felt both of their bodies somewhat pressed against her. At least like this she could be warm.
As custom in Ambrosia you would often kiss a family member on the cheek when bidding them a good night. The habit was imbedded in her literally so leaning over slightly she pecked Remus on the cheek first saying "Goodnight Moony," to his astonishment.
Sirius turned his head to look at her curiously; he didn't think she'd actually do that. Harry would never do that because he was a boy and he figured she would never do that because she might have found someone in Ambrosia. He vaguely wondered if she liked the werewolf, it would be a rare couple though. Rare and bizarre because both were primarily natural enemies, the charmer and the werewolf but their human sides would block the urge to get into such petty fights.
Fully expecting Sirius to be facing the ceiling instead of watching her she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek as well but instead finding that she caught his lips.
She froze for a moment, embarrassed with herself and flustered she didn't know what to do so instead she pretended like it never happened. Removing her lips from his she whispered "Goodnight Padfoot," and snuggled into the pillows. //He probably hates me for that! Stupid, Stupid, Stupid, Stupid! You just had to ruin things like that.\\ she chorused in her head. //But his lips were so soft.No! I will not think of my godfather in that way, or Remus either.\\ She had to make it plain to herself that they were off limits; it would ruin whatever they had if something happened between them.
Sirius brought his hand up to his lips where they'd just been covered by Emerald's and stared off into space. //Did that just happen?\\ he thought. //Yes.\\ he decided with a smile. //Yes it did happen, its been such a long time since I'd been kissed, since I'd had this much contact with a woman for that matter.\\
Remus himself was also surprised. He had barely had any contact with girls or women when he was younger because he kept to himself and the Marauders to stop people from finding out his secret. After Voldemort's downfall and his friends' abandoned him either of their choice or not he kept to himself then as well. And after the world found out what he was thanks to Snape nobody would even look at him. But now a simple gesture such as a kiss goodnight was a mystery and a miracle to him.
Breaking out of their stupors both men slung an arm around her waist at the same time and whispered "Goodnight Emmy" together. Already half asleep, Emerald smiled to herself. //So I hadn't ruined things after all!\\ was her last thought before the dark enveloped her and she drifted off into a dreamless sleep. Shortly after both men at her sides did as well with content looks on their faces.
****************************AUTHOR'S NOTE****************************
I hope everyone has been enjoying this story so far I know I enjoy writing it. I honestly don't know where my wacky plot ideas come from it seems my head is so jumbled that I come up with the craziest things. I left you all with sort of a cliffhanger. You'll have to find out who Emma will chose. Will it be Sirius or Remus? Or neither? Will it be Snape? Will it be Professor Flitwick? Or will it be Voldemort that catches her heart? Yuck.lets hope not; I don't really go for incest. So stay tuned everyone and find out what happens next. By the way don't forget to review and pass on the URL to this story to others.