Disclaimer: See Chapter one
A/N: Here you go, next chappie! Still a bit slow, I know, but I'll get to the main story line soon, and then things will pick up. Thanks to every one who has read so far!
The Minstrel of Diagon Alley
Chapter 2 - But I'm Safe
Sirius flew as close to the ground as he dared, searching for the Potter Mansion. He had been there twice already - he had stayed with James for Christmas last year and the year before that. Keeping Mel safely tucked in his arms, the animaigus turned to the left, scanning the land below him. Just as he was about to turn to the right, he saw a glimmer of white. Looking closer, he recognized it as his destination and took off towards it.
The sun was sending its first glimmers of daylight across the grassy lawn as Sirius touched ground. The Potter Mansion was huge, with three stories, two wings, and at least fifty random rooms with everything anyone could think of in them. Puzzling for a moment as to how he would carry his sleeping cousin and his broomstick, he decided to forgo the later and headed straight toward the large front doors. He tapped the handle once with his wand, pocketed it again, stood back, and waited.
A few seconds later, a small house elf opened the door. It was wearing a red sheet that had been tailored, with a gold trim at the bottom. Sirius grinned despite himself.
"Hello, Tinker. Can I come in?" The elf looked up at him, than at Mel in his arms. He stepped aside.
"Of course, Mister Sirius Black. Young Master Potter has been telling Tinker all about you, and the Lady Potter has been saying that if Mister Sirius Black is to be coming, than Tinker was supposed to let Mister Sirius Black in. And Tinker has been very excited for the next time Mister Sirius Black was to come, because Mister Sirius Black is a very good man, sir." Tinker stopped in her speech to take in the small girl.
"Tinker has been wondering about the girl in Mister Sirius Black's arms. If the Sir would be willing to tell Tinker why she is hurt, then Tinker will see about trying to help Mister Sirius Black's friend." Taking Sirius' shirt in one hand, Tinker led the boy to the informal sitting room. "Mister Sirius Black can let his friend rest here until Tinker can wake up the Sir and tell him that Mister Sirius Black is here."
Gently laying Mel on a couch, Sirius turned to Tinker. "Thank you, Tink. But you can call me Sirius, if you want. I'm no Mister." He had had this conversation with the elf numerous times.
Tinker nodded, ears flapping. "Of course, Mister Sirius." Then she disappeared with a loud pop.
Sirius sighed, then turned back to Mel. Her face was no longer twisted with pain, but it still showed the signs of discomfort. He carefully pulled her hair back from her face, worry for his cousin making his hand shake. "Oh, Mel, I'm so sorry this ever happened to you…" He traced the long scar that went from her upper cheekbone to her chin. "…It'll never happen again. Not any more. You're safe."
Mel had been the light of his life, especially before he had gone to Hogwarts. Sirius still remembered the day he first saw her, just born, tiny, innocent of the evils of the world. He himself had been only nine. Then, as she grew older, he watched out for her. When he left for Hogwarts, she could talk, but only a bit. When he came back, she was having very deep conversations for her age.
They had done everything together. Braved the abuse common in their house, snuck about exploring passageways, pranking anyone who was annoying them. Always, every day, Mel insisted on going outside. They would pretend to be explorers off to hunt dragons, or wolves prowling in the forest, or they'd just sit and tell stories to each other. Sirius would tell about his new friends at Hogwarts and the adventures they had, and Mel would tell about what her wild imagination had come up with. They would talk for hours, usually ending with the three or four year old continuing a tale she had started weaving many days ago.
Life had slowly become less pleasant as Sirius, and later Mel, rebelled against their parents and their beliefs. The adults couldn't hurt Sirius too badly, for he had to go to school; the teachers would notice if he arrived black and blue. They could, however, do whatever they wanted with Mel, for no one could or would stand up for her for many years to come. Sirius would come home from summer holidays, expecting to see the radiant smile of his younger cousin. He was met with the scarred, tattered girl who was only a ghost of who she once was.
"Sirius?" The teenager jerked around quickly, startled from his thoughts. Both Mr. and Mrs. Potter were standing behind him, dressed but not quite ready for the day. Mrs. Potter came forward immediately. "Oh, Sirius, what are you doing here? Are you alright?" She knelt in front of him, examining him as only a worried mother can.
Mr. Potter came up behind his wife. "Is that your cousin you mentioned last Christmas? Menalippe?" Sirius just nodded, still mute from the surprise of seeing them.
"Oh, my…" exclaimed the woman in front of Sirius. She had just noticed Mel on the couch. Her cheeks brightened, and her eyes flashed, reminding Sirius of his best friend James Potter. "Did that Corvas do this?" Sirius nodded once more.
"Is there something you can do? I think she's blacked out; her arm's been broken since midnight, and she's been bleeding on and off for some time now, on her face." He paused, looking at the long gash on her face. It had been given to her long ago, but tended to become reopened every now and then.
Mr. Potter left the room. Sirius wondered for a second where he had gone, until his thoughts trailed across the fact that he worked as an Auror. All Aurors were trained in the art of basic healing. He must have gone to get a potion of some sort. Mrs. Potter was already tending to the girl, cleaning her face with a gentle washing spell. As she finished, she turned to Sirius.
"Are you hurt, dear?" Sirius shook his head.
"They wouldn't, even if they tried. They'd have to stun me to get close to me, and that wouldn't be very fun," he said bitterly. He scowled darkly in the general direction of a dark corner.
Mr. Potter came back into the room, a few small vials in one hand and his wand in the other. "Sirius, can you move over a bit? I need to be able to look at that scar on her face…"
Tinker grabbed Sirius' hand. "Mister Sirius is hungry, Tinker is betting. Would Mister Sirius like some eggs? Tinker can make them for Mister Sirius, over-easy like he is been wanting, like last time." Sirius nodded, then stood. The small elf led Sirius through the house and to the dining room, then disappeared to make breakfast.
Sirius sighed and let his head drop down onto the table. It had been a long night, flying for six hours straight… how many times did he have to turn around and start again? To land, and check on Mel? He was sore and tired, but he couldn't fall asleep, because his mind was just starting to get past the numbness of the cold flight.
A plate appeared on the table not too long after. Sirius stared at the eggs for a long moment, before grabbing his fork and digging in with the ferocity of a starving wolf. Soon enough, the plate was clean, and the fork was set down, and the dishes were cleared by the magic that belonged to house elves. Feeling slightly better then he had before, Sirius let his head drop down again. He was asleep a minute later, dreaming of tales woven by his cousin long ago.
A/N: Reviews? Anyone? The marauders are hungry...