Christiana made her down to the Great Hall ,as it was now time for dinner, a thousand questions running through her mind. Why was Aunt Lexi being so secretive and what was her haunted past all about? Whatever it was Lexi seemed to be hiding it from everyone which made Christiana all the more nervous.

As she ambled through the corridors her thoughts drifted back to that night at the Black Manor when she had awoken her aunt from her tormented sleep. Whatever was going on in Lexi's mind now had to be connected to the dream she had been having that night almost 3 months ago. Had Lexi always been this secretive? Had she always kept her life hidden from her friends and family?

* * *

Hello love," said James as he walked into the kitchen and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Hello dear how was your day?" Lily asked continuing to set the table.

"Fine," answered James, "it was a pretty slow day."

At that moment a large tawny flew into the room threw the open window above the sink.

"Hmm what's this?" wondered James out loud noticing the Hogwarts seal.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Potter,
This letter is in reference to your daughter Christiana, who has begun to show signs of being an enchantress. She already knows about this but what worries me is that she may just be capable of performing a spell without her wand. This power as I'm sure you know is not supposed to come until the age of 16. I have also informed Ms. Lexi Potter/Black of this incident and asked her to attend a short conference so that precautions can be taken. I ask you both to also attend. The conference will take place tomorrow at 2:30 in my office. Please send your reply as soon as possible to confirm this.
Yours Sincerely,
Professor Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

James and Lily just looked at each other, neither knowing what to say.

"What do we do now?" asked Lily quietly breaking the silence.

"Well all we can do," answered James, "we'll have to go to this conference."

* * *

Once again Christiana found herself sitting in the headmaster's office. It was the second day in a row that she had been called out of class to speak with him. In Griffin's eyes this had to be some kind of a record. Christiana hadn't told anyone but Arianna what had happened the day before so naturally Griffin assumed she had been sent there in regards to "improving a school rule" as he referred to it as.

Christiana heard the door to the room open and was surprised to see her parents enter behind Professor Dumbledore.

"Mom, Dad what are you doing here?" asked Christiana.

"Your mother and I were asked to come because Professor Dumbledore needed to speak to us about what happened yesterday," James told his daughter.

"Please sit," said Dumbledore who presently was taking his own seat behind his grand desk, "and where is Ms. Black?"

"I'm here," said Lexi from the doorway as she pulled off her hood.

"Ah Ms. Black glad that you could make it," said Dumbledore cheerfully, "please have a seat."

Lexi sat down in the chair beside James without even making eye contact with Christiana. Something about her wasn't right, she seemed somewhat distant. Though she was physically in the room, her mind seemed to be elsewhere.

"As I'm sure you all know I have called you here under a matter of great importance," began Dumbledore in calm but grim voice. "The news of Miss Potter's newly discovered gift has brought up a problem. In order to ensure the safety of not only herself but the other students of the school as well certain precautions must be taken."

Christiana stole a glance at her aunt who was fiddling with her wedding ring and rocking back and forth.

"I hate to be so blunt about all this," said Dumbledore casting an apologetic look in Lexi's direction, "but we cannot risk another accident. Lexi ....? Lexi?"

"What . . . oh yes I completely agree," she said quietly.

"We need your help most of all Ms. Black," Dumbledore said, "you seem to be the only one with all the answers . . ."

Suddenly the door to the Headmaster's office burst open with a bang. Faster than lightening Lexi was on her feet, wand in hand.

"I knew I'd find you here Potter!" said Lucius Malfoy stepping out of the doorway.

"It's Black if you don't mind," Lexi snarled.

"Ah yes well that is a pity," Lucius sneered back, " so Dumbledore you thought you could keep this a secret forever? I have to say that it wouldn't be wise if that's what you were intending to do. The Governors wouldn't want to have to cover up another murder."

"There was no murder!" shouted Lexi.

"Of all people I would advise you not to speak!" Lucius said turning his wand on Lexi.

"Lucius I do not intend to hide this from anyone," said Dumbledore calmly standing up, with fire blazing in his eyes, " we were just discussing what precautions should be taken to prevent another incident. If you would like to sit calmly like the civilized person you are and put your own input into this meeting you are welcome to. However if you are here to threaten Ms. Black than I must ask you to leave."

But Mr. Malfoy seemed to be to angry to listen.

"I want her away from my son at all times," he said casting a pointed finger in Christiana's direction. "No doubt Lexi will use her to do her bidding!"

"What bidding do I have to do?" Lexi asked incredulously.

"If you had your own way my line would end," said Lucius angrily.

"I could say the same about you," Lexi shot back, "but I assure you I have no desire to have anything to do with your family."

"Mr. Malfoy surely there must be a way to discuss this without the risk of injury," said James stepping up to Lucius.

"JAMES STAY OUT OF THIS!" yelled Lexi.

"Well that is a first," said Lucius taking advantage of Lexi's anger, "so there is a sibling rivalry between the Potter's. I never would have guessed."

"Lucius there is no reason for this," said Dumbledore, "if you don't mind we would like to continue with this meeting."

"Of course you do I completely understand," sneered Lucius, " who would want this piece of filth in their office. Watch out Dumbledore you may be next on her list you never know."

"Lucius for the last time it was an accident I didn't intentionally kill him!"

"That's what you claim, but I know better."

"You don't know anything!"

At this remark Lucius's fist made contact with Lexi's cheek sending her flying backwards. James lunged but was restrained by Dumbledore.

"MR. MALFOY THAT IS ENOUGH," he bellowed, "I NOW ASK YOU TO LEAVE!"

"Fine , but mark my words," Lucius said before leaving, " She still hasn't paid the price, but believe me Potter you will fall!" And he slammed the door behind him.

Silence filled the room, whose occupants were all in a state of shock. They were brought back to the present by Lexi who was struggling to free herself from the pile of books that had fallen on top of her.

"Lex are you alright?" asked James helping her to her feet.

"I'M FINE!" said Lexi pulling away from him. Her cheek was red from the hit she took and her hair disheveled.

"Well then, I believe that will be all for today," said Dumbledore. "Miss Potter please return to your dormitory."

Too astonished to argue Christiana left without a word after saying goodbye to her parents.

"Thank you for coming," Dumbledore said to Lily and James, " I assure you that your daughter will be kept safe."

James nodded and took Lily's hand in his own. He nodded to Dumbledore and then turned to his sister.

"Lexi will you be alright?"

"I'll be fine James," she said gently trying to smile.

When they had left Lexi turned back to Dumbledore and sighed.

"You need to tell her Lexi."

"I know, but every time I try the words are lost in my throat and I can't for the life of me get them out."

"Lexi this isn't something you have a choice in, it's do or die, that is what it has come to. If Christiana gets herself into the same position you were in or one similar there is little hope that I would be able to help her."

"I know," said Lexi bowing her head.

"Concerning Lucius Malfoy, it seems you have found yourself quite an enemy."

"There is more to it then he lets on," sneered Lexi, " I doubt it has anything to do with his brother anymore. He was on top of the world before Voldemort was destroyed."

"Whatever the case may be, there is no longer a doubt in my mind that he plans to strike the wizarding world with what deatheaters he can find. You are in grave danger Lexi. I have said it before, if he moves to attack we cannot afford to lose you."

"I will tell her over the holiday break," said Lexi eager to change the subject. "The Lupins and Potter will be staying at the manor."

"Very well," said Dumbledore, "until our next meeting then?"

"Yes," said Lexi as she made her way to the door. "Oh and Professor please keep and eye on Christiana, she has a tendency to not know how to keep things to herself. If she had her way the entire school would know her secret, if they don't already."

And without waiting for an answer Lexi departed.