All Alone?

Chapter Three to my lovely story

(crickets chirp half-heartedly in the background) Hello? Is anyone out there? Any fans? Violet? Remus? Sirius?

Imaginary Sirius: Lemme type!

Cierra: Hey, Sirius, mate, what are you doing here?

Sirius: Thought I'd drop by to tell all those people out there reading this to REVIEW! Really, I like not being a murderer, so please don't make me one! Nobody ignores Cierra!

Cierra: Aw, that's the first time you've been protective over me. (Giant boulder crashes on top of Cierra and Sirius is picking at his fingernails absentmindedly.)

Sirius: Huh? You say something? (Sees Cierra crushed under boulder) Oh, shit... Wingardium Leviosa! (Shoves Cierra out with foot) Sorry about that, Cierra.

Cierra: Ah, it's all good. Help me drink this twenty-four pack of Mountain Dew.

Sirius: YAY! CAFFIENE!

Well, now you've entered the imaginary world of Sirius and Cierra for a few seconds. If he behaves, he'll return next chapter. Anyway, on with the annoying disclaimer.

Disclaimer: (runs from angry mob with pitchforks and torches and hoes (haha I said "hoes"!) I DO NOT OWN THE HARRY POTTER WORLD, REMMYKINS OR ANYONE ELSE BESIDES VIOLET POTTER, YOU MORONS! I own Violet! She is my property!--

Violet: Cierra, could you loosen the leash?! Plea--gasp! Choke!

--oops. Sorry, Vi. Anyway, she's my property, so stay away!

On with the show!

Chapter 3

Violet refused to talk to Remus for two days. Even though she knew that she was being irrational, she ignored him anyway.

Meanwhile, Remus was getting very frustrated with Violet's behavior. He didn't like to force anyone to talk, but this was getting rediculous.

The third day, after lunch, Remus cornered Violet in the hall, when she was on her way to Ginny's room, where she had taken to hiding out since her little temper tantrum.

Violet looked a little surprised but quietly said, "Let me by."

"No. We need to talk." He said, stretching his arm across the narrow hallway, blocking Violet's path.

"Let me by!" she said, growing steadily angrier.

"No." He said again.

"Fine. I'll go myself." She tried to push his arm aside, but he held it there rigidly. Violet sighed in disgust and tried to duck under his arm, the result being that he caught her around the collar and pulled her back. "Let go of me! I don't want to talk to you!" She struggled to get away.

Remus sighed in annoyance and held her against the wall by her upper arms until she stopped struggling, defeated. "Fine." she said angrily. "I'll talk to you, if it makes you happy."

"Thank you. Now will you please come with me to the family room." It was more of a command than a request.

"Why the family room?" She was momentarily distracted.

"Because the rest of us want to talk to you, too." Remus said, knowing full well she wasn't going to like that.

"Oh, no." She shook her head, pulling out of his slackened grasp. "NO! I am NOT talking to everyone. It's nobody's business but mine what happened in that house!"

Remus fought the anger building in his chest. "You know what?" he yelled, forgetting himself for a moment. "I made it my business the other day when I got you out of that house! And those people out there-" He indicated toward the family room. "-care about you as much as I do, so it's as much our business as yours!"

Violet was struck dumb at Remus's words. She could tell she wasn't going to win here. "Okay," she sighed. "I'll come." She must have looked as miserable about it as she felt, because Remus clapped her on the shoulder lightly.

"That's it, Vi. Come on." He led her to the living room, where the Weasley's were all waiting. Remus pointed to a chair, and Violet felt as though her knees had given way, and she dropped into the chair, not speaking for a moment. Finally, she looked up and said, "What did you want to talk to me about?"

Dumbledore spoke first. "Even though Remus told me of what happened in that house, we need to know every detail of what happened from you. You've been through so much and survived, so I must ask you to please gather up your courage again and tell us everything."

Violet drew in a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. "To tell you everything, I'd have to go back to my earliest memories. The first time I can remember ever getting hit was when I was three or four. I'd had a nightmare and went upstairs because I was too scared to stay in the cupboard. Unfortunately, Uncle Vernon had woken up when I screamed and I came across him in the hallway. He-he picked me up and threw me across the hall and kicked me. I yelled once and woke up Dudley, so he got to have a go at me too. I think someone hit me on the head or something, because I don't remember anything after that. I just woke up in my cupboard and stayed there for about a week with no meals." She looked up at everyone, who were gaping at her. "That's just when it began." She looked at Dumbledore, who nodded as if to say, "Go on."

"So until I was around seven, I wasn't beaten too badly unless I did something really bad, like the time I'd turned my English professor's wig blue. It put me in the hospital for almost two weeks." she shuddered, recalling the painful memory.

Dumbledore spoke up.

"I know this is a personal question but I need you to answer it truthfully. Did your uncle ever touch you? In that way?"

At first Violet looked confused, then disgusted. "No, thank God. He went on about how filthy I was anyway, so I was safe there." she could see the relieved looks on everyone's faces. "The fact that he didn't was the only thing that kept me from killing myself, but I was always so scared that he would..." her voice faded into nothing as she stared blankly ahead.

"Come on, Vi." Remus patted her her shoulder gently. "Just tell us a little more."

"Anyway, when I was seven, things went from bad to worse. Vernon was having problems at Grunnings, the company he worked for at the time. He started drinking. It started out as beer, which wasn't too bad, because he'd just be a bit stupid and would generally leave me alone. But when he started up with liquor and tequila, I'd have to run like hell whenever he came into the room. He'd given up on hitting me with fists and feet. Sometimes, he'd hit me with the broken bottle. That's how I got this one scar right in front of my ear and a couple on my arms. A couple of times, he'd use his belt, hitting me in the face, on the back, anywhere. He'd use Dudley's baseball bat. He used a two-by-four once. The worst was most likely the whip. He'd use it all the time. Then, he got fired. From then on, life was a pure nightmare. I was starved, worked like a slave, and beaten every day. Then, when I got accepted at Hogwarts, things changed. Whenever I'd come home, I wasn't beaten as often. Vernon had gone to rehab, and if he ever did hit me it was a simple whack around the head.

"Then, this summer, after you and Tonks and Moody, er, 'threatened' them, Vernon was madder than ever. He seemed delighted that I had no--" She swallowed. "-No godfather to threaten him with anymore, and he went to town. Every little thing I'd do, he'd beat the hell out of me. The other day, I burned the bacon and he hit me round the head with the frying pan. I wouldn't let him see me cry, so to keep myself from crying, I got cheeky with him. I said to him, 'Is that the best you've got?' and he punched me in the stomach and knocked me on the ground. Then he kicked me over and over, breaking a rib I think, until Aunt Petunia told him to stop. Then, when Dudley insulted Sirius, I... lost control, and somehow levitated him without a wand. Then, I threw Uncle Vernon across the room with my other hand, and dropped Dudley. Suddenly, I realized what I'd done and ran out, then later I met up with Remus." She stopped to take a breath.

Dumbledore spoke again. "About that incident," he said. "The Ministry of Magic has thankfully chosen to overlook it. I thought you'd like to know that. Continue, please."

"Once Remus had taken me back, I made him stay outside, because I didn't want him to know what had been going on," She looked apologetically at Remus, who squeezed her shoulder in response. "I thought I'd positively die if Vernon had made a scene in front of Remus. Anyway, once I'd shut the door, he covered my mouth and shoved me into the wall. I started sinking down to the floor, and he grabbed me by my throat and pulled me up again and slapped me in the face. I tried to scream, but naturally, as I couldn't breathe, I couldn't scream either. He punched me in the face and broke my nose so badly, it's a wonder Remus was able to fix it, as bad as his Healing is..." She grinned, trying to lighten things up. "Only joking, only joking. Then, he threw me into the china cabinet and cut me all up, and kicked me a few times. Then, I suppose he kicked me in the head because I lost conciousness. That's when Remus came in." She stared down at her hands. "And-and that's just what happened."

She was greeted by stunned silence. Even Remus was so shocked, he gripped her shoulder tighter and tighter until she visibly flinched, and he immediately jerked his hand back. Then, everyone responded. "Oh, Violet, I had no idea!" Mrs. Weasley sobbed, hugging Violet tightly. Soon, the whole family was jostling to hug her, except Mr. Weasley, who seemed numb at the fact that Muggles would be so horrible. Fred and George picked her up and squeezed the living daylights out of her, assuring her that it wasn't her fault. "Yeah, believe me, if we'd been there, we'd be in Azkaban by now," Fred assured her. Ginny clung to her, bawling. Bill and Charlie each wrapped her in huge, protective hugs. Ron was the last of the Weasleys. He stood there, awkwardly, then threw his arms around her, blubbering, "I'm so sorry, Vi. I've known about it since last year and I should have told someone." Luckily, Violet was the only one to hear this, so she shushed him and tried to assure him that she was fine. Once he'd let go, he backed away into the kitchen with embarrassment. Then, Remus seized her by the hand and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm so proud of you, Violet Potter." he said with tears in voice, but managing not to cry so far. "That must have been horrible to talk about."

Violet felt her face growing hot. "It wasn't so bad once I'd gotten started."

"I wouldn't have been able to tell everyone all that."

"Yes, you would. I didn't think I'd be able to tell everyone that, but I did."

"Just stop arguing and agree with me," Remus said good-naturedly, putting Violet in a headlock, holding her there for several seconds, until he eventually let go at her pitiful attempts to escape.

"By the way, just what all did Sirius teach you, Remus?" Violet said, curiously.

"Just about everything, I suppose." Remus shrugged. "I never figured out where he learned it all, seeing as he was a pure-blood, and his family hated everything to do with Muggles. He taught me standard fighting; he taught me how to get out of dangerous situations, like how to break out of a headlock, or successfully fight someone who's got a knife to your throat. Things like that. I also know how to swordfight, throw knives, and other various things. Why?"

"I was, er, wondering if you'd teach me," she said hesitantly, looking down at the floor.

Remus looked mildly surprised but gratified. "I'd be happy to. When would you like to start?"

"Is tomorrow morning okay?" She asked. "I know you're busy with the Order, and I--"

"Tomorrow's good." Remus interrupted. "I'm free every morning. I don't really have to do much until late afternoons. I don't really think you need much, as good as you punch."

"Oh, that." she brushed it off with a shrug. "All I really know how to do is punch. I need to know how to fight, because I'm not always going to have a wand on me."

"Relax, Violet, I've already said I'd teach you." He smiled.

"Thanks, Rem." she grinned, and followed the Weasley twins outside, where they were most likely going to stir up some mischief.

Remus gazed proudly after her. She was getting to be more like her parents everyday. More like her father than mother, actually. He watched her and the Weasley twins muttering about whatever it was they were plotting, then turned around and went in the kitchen.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, as well as Dumbledore, were sitting at the table. They looked up when Remus entered the room. "Uh, hi," he said a bit awkwardly.

"Remus, do sit down." Dumbledore pulled out the chair next to him. "I feel we need to discuss the matter of Violet."

"What's to discuss?" he said. "We know for sure she's not going back there, right?"

"I have not yet decided about that, Remus. I--"

"What do you mean you haven't yet decided?!" Remus exploded. "You've seen what's happened to her over the last month, Albus! As well as her whole life! She's being beaten half to death, and she damn sure isn't getting fed half of what she should! What's there to decide?"

"Remus, she has to go back once a year, for her own safety." Dumbledore said calmly.

"FOR HER OWN SAFETY?!!" Remus yelled in rage. "I'd sure hate to see your idea of danger, Albus, because Violet is not safe in her aunt's house! You've let this happen to her, Dumbledore, and I am not about to let it happen again. I will not let you send her back there; you'll have to kill me first."

"Remus, Violet has to be among her mother's blood at least once a year, for her own protection."

"Really, and what kind of protection can they offer her? What, so they can attack her, but no one else can?"

"You're right, on one count. No one else can attack her. Lily gave her life for Violet's, and that protection lingers in her veins, as well as Petunia's. To keep her among her mother's blood will be to protect her. So long as she returns there at least once a year, she's safe from the harm of Voldemort or any of his supporters."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley flinched, but Remus didn't bat an eyelash. "You told her what you told me about her and Voldemort, right?"

"That one must kill the other?"

"Yes, that. Has it ever occurred to you that you're just drawing it out? One of these days, she's got to face up with him again, and it'll either be life or death for her. Keeping Violet at her aunt and uncle's cannot protect her from that!"

"You are right, Remus. She has got to face up with him again. I am trying to keep her safe until then--"

"Admit it, Albus. Violet cannot go back there. You've made a huge mistake on this one, Albus. A huge one."

Dumbledore removed his half-moon glasses, and rubbed under his blue eyes, eyes that had begun to look tired and almost defeated. "Remus, once again, you are right. I have made a huge mistake, one that I don't think I'll be able to fix. But, I'd like to know this: what kind of protection can you offer her that her relatives cannot?"

"I can't protect her like her aunt's blood can. But, I can train her. I can teach her to fight, to duel. I can prepare her for what is to come. Instead of coddling her and keeping her perfectly safe while jeopardizing her as well, I can strengthen her. We all can. I care about Violet as much as you do, Albus. But, I can't ignore what's been happening. So, whether you like it or not, Violet cannot return to Privet Drive."

"Remus..." he began once again. "This is no longer in my hands. I will trust you to do what's right for Violet. I will allow you to take her in, and train her and care for her, provided that you take certain measurements and cautions. Perhaps you can protect Violet far better than I ever dreamed of." With that, Dumbledore Disapparated with a loud CRACK!

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So, how was that? I know, I know, I need to make them a bit longer, but everytime I try, I either get writer's block, or find the perfect place to stop.

Sirius: WHEEEEEEEE! I can fly! (jumps off table) CRASH!

Cierra: That's it. No more Mountain Dew for you.

Sirius: You suck. You're such a killjoy!

Cierra: If you mean I'm more responsible than you are, you're right.

Sirius: (makes rude hand gesture at Cierra, who smacks him) Bah. I'm going to go play... LA LA LA LA LA LA...

Cierra: Anyway, I'm begging someone to please, please, please REVIEW! No one likes my stowwy, huh? pout... SIRIUS, YOU GET OFF THAT CEILING FAN! You didn't pay for it, my mom did. (to audience) That's the last time I let him watch Jackass the movie. Well, uh... Cheerio!