Once a Potter, Always a Potter

by WarMunger98

Harry is not the only Potter left. He was lucky enough to have a little sister born just before James and Lily were murdered. Follow their journey through Hogwarts and beyond as the tackle love, mystery and a war. They will meet new friends and be reunited with lost family. M for violence, language and later sexual situations/scenes. Hinny. Slowly updating.

9. Moony

Back to school, Nicholas Flamel, Moony: Chapter 9

Christmas celebrations soon turned into New Year's parties, bringing forth another round of holiday cheer and celebration. It was a small gathering for the Evans and Potters on New Year's, celebrating with just each other, the Weasleys busy hosting their very large extended family. The Grangers and Henderson's were like wise were busy with their own private celebrations. By the time the 2nd of January arrived, Harry was thoroughly partied out, never having stuffed himself so full in all his years. He found himself longing to go back to Hogwarts, the thirst for knowledge pulling him back to the ancient school. Still, his heartstrings tugged at the knowledge that he'd be leaving Rose behind once more, alongside Ginny. The thought of his sister lamenting his departure made Harry second guess going back to Hogwarts, but he knew that with Sirius now around, Rose would likely never want for company ever again. Ginny though…Harry had to try and push the thought of the fiery redhead out of his mind. Whenever she crossed his mind, his lips would curve into a soft smile, accompanying the beating sensation in his heart.

So, as Harry walked hand in hand with Rose along platform 9¾, he found himself at peace with leaving his family behind once more, his lamenting disappearing as he spied Ron chatting with Hermione and Alec off to the side of the train. With a quick hug from Rose, Sirius and his grandparents each, Harry sprinted off towards his friends, Hedwig's cage bouncing in his hand and his trunk almost scraping along the platform floor. Reunited once more, the group of friends found themselves a compartment to themselves, and set about discussing their plans for the rest of the year.

"We need to find out who Nicholas Flamel is! We've had all of Christmas to look and we've had no luck at all." The boys grimaced as Hermione scolded them all, her finger pointing accusingly at each of them.

Harry sobered up first, nodding his head in agreement. "I think we need to go and have another look in the library, see what we can find."

"But where, it's gonna be like trying to find a needle in a haystack!" Ron exclaimed.

Before they could continue, the food trolley Witch came around offering snacks. "Anything off the trolley dears?" She asked sweetly.

"Just some chocolate frogs and Berty Bots Jelly beans for me please." Harry ordered.

Hermione shook her head. "No thank you, I'm alright."

"Could I grab some liquorice wands please?" Ron smiled brightly.

"Lemon sherbet thanks." Alec finished.

Handing out the sweets, the trolley Witch made her way along the train, leaving the foursome to their conversation again. The group ate their sweets in peace, beginning a game of exploding snap as they finished up their treats. Harry was just examining his second Dumbledore card when a name popped up at him like a slap in the face.

"GUYS! I found Nicholas Flamel!" Harry jumped up from his seat, his knee banging on the fold out table, crumbling him to the seat once again.

Hermione snapped her head towards Harry and jumped over to his side of the compartment whilst avoiding the table, grabbing the card from him. "Incredible, how did I not think of it before! Nicholas Flamel is an alchemist!"

By now, Ron and Alec had joined Hermione, peering over her shoulder as they too examined the card. Ron had placed a hand on Harry's shoulder as the younger boy winced in pain. "You alright mate?"

Harry nodded quickly as Hermione returned the card to him. "So now we know what we're looking for, we can head to the library and have a looksie." The excited voice of Alec broke everyone into a cheery mood as they realised, they'd made a major break.

The group continued their discussion all the way up to Hogwarts, where upon they were greeted by Hagrid who directed them to the horseless carriages for the first time. The foursome hopped into one, making room for Neville who had been left out of another carriage.

"Hey you guys, have a good Christmas?"

Harry gave Neville a kind smile. "Yeah not bad, turns out Sirius Black is my godfather and was innocent, so he's out of Azkaban now."

Neville's eyes widened a smidge. "Merlin, and I thought going off to the winter flower show was exciting!"

The group chuckled at the other Gryffindor as they moved into a steady chat as they made their way up to the castle. Once more they entered the Great Hall where Dumbledore and the other staff greeted them back to school before the famous Hogwarts feast appeared before them. They chatted amongst themselves as students swapped stories of the different goings on at their homes during Christmas. Dean spent time with his Muggle relatives, having to lie about where he went to school. Seamus stayed with his mother throughout Christmas, popping over to Scotland to celebrate Hogmanay.

Before long the group found themselves being ushered to bed. The foursome stayed up for a while, chatting amongst themselves before Hermione departed for the girl's dorms, and the boys for their room respectively. It didn't take long for the first years to succumb to sleep, all except Harry, who laid awake in his bed. Unable to sleep, Harry decided to break out his dad's invisibility cloak and go for a wander to clear his head. Heading out of the portrait hole, Harry began his midnight stroll along the deserted halls of Hogwarts.

He decided that maybe tonight would be a night to check out the library for anything on Nicholas Flamel. He suspected that the restricted section might have something on him, being a potion master. That's how Harry found himself wandering into the library late that night, lantern in hand. Slowly he edged his way into the restricted section, browsing the books titles, finding some of them quite gruesome. Stopping to open one of the books, a horrible screech poured out from the pages of the tome. Panic overtook Harry as he knocked over his lantern, shattering the glass.

From around the corner, the tell-tale signs of Filch began to funnel towards Harry. Making a run for it, Harry slowly moved passed the oblivious Filch, who began to search for the missing student. "We'll get them this time my sweets." He cooed as Mrs Norris circled his legs.

Making his way out of the library, Harry thought it best to lay low for a while, lest be caught making his way back to the tower at this time of night. Slipping into one of the classrooms, Harry was presented with an empty room, save for the pile of old chairs and desks in one corner…and an old mirror in the middle. Harry let curiosity get the better of him as he wandered over to read the fine script carved into the edge of the mirror.

'Erised stra ehru oy tube cafru oyt on wohsi'

Harry couldn't decipher the message, thinking it to be another language. He was about to turn on his heels and walk out of the room when his breath hitched. In front of him where three people he was very familiar with, at least, the pictures of them. Before him, in the mirror, stood himself, flanked by both his mother and father, and his baby sister to his side. Next to him, opposite the side his sister took, was Ginny, smiling brightly, her warm chocolate eyes bright with mischief. More people began to appear behind him, all sharing certain features with him and Rose. Harry knew it had to be an illusion, as Rose was back at home, sleeping soundly, the same with Ginny, who was at the Burrow with her parents. Peering behind him, Harry was greeted with darkness. His mother smiled at him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Instinctively he placed a hand on his shoulder as to grip hers, meeting only his own shoulder.

Harry stood there for a number of minutes, examining the way his mother's eyes would twinkle, or how his father's mouth would smile. He saw a different look behind Rose's eyes, one that was pure and innocent, untouched by the rough upbringing they suffered. He looked to his grandparents, recognizing his grandmother Juni and grandfather Alex, along with his father's parents who he had no memory of or name to put to the face. Behind them the line went on in both directions, as Evans and Potters stretched for miles.

Harry felt that for once in his life, he had found a piece of his family that was real, evidence that the Potters and Evans lived before this time, that they were known and profound amongst the wizarding and muggle worlds. Harry wondered if he had any cousins, excluding Dudley, even if they were just distant.

A door opening behind him out of his trance as a familiar professor stepped into the room. "Hello Harry, I see your father's cloak is coming in handy." Professor Dumbledore greeted him with a soft smile.

"Professor! I'm sorry! I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd go for a walk."

Dumbledore's smile turned warm as he walked over to stand beside Harry. "It is quite alright my dear boy; curiosity gets the better of us all. I see who have found the mirror of Erised, and I'm assuming you understand what it does by now?"

Harry nodded at his professor. "Yes sir, it shows us what we most desire, for me…it's my whole family…" Harry purposely left out the fact that Ginny was there too. He had no desire to share that for now.

A small tear escaped his eye as Harry tore his eyes away from the Mirror. Dumbledore placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "That is correct Harry, the mirror does indeed show us our deepest desires. Myself for example, I can see myself holding a pair of nice warm socks."

Harry raised an eyebrow up at the professor. "Socks? Really Sir?"

"Yes Harry, socks" Dumbledore chuckled, "Nobody ever thinks to give someone a nice warm pair of socks for Christmas, instead they give you expensive treats and books." Harry missed the long and deep look Dumbledore gave the mirror, as he returned to it. Instead, Harry chuckled along with his professor as he returned to looking at the mirror. His parents and sister smiled at him as he looked them all in the eye, before turning away one last time.

"I think it would be best if this was moved somewhere else, don't you think Harry?"

"Yes sir, that sounds like a good idea."

Before Harry could let his headmaster reply, he turned and looked at him once more. "Professor, how did you know I was here?"

The old professor gave a knowing smile. "You're not the only one that can be invisible Harry, it just so happens that I do not require that rather magical cloak of yours. And I have my means to know what happens within these walls."

Harry accepted this answer and smiled up at his headmaster. Dumbledore smiled back at the young Gryffindor before leading him out of the classroom door. He escorted the young Potter back to Gryffindor tower, baying him goodnight as Harry made his way through the portrait hole. Making his way back upstairs, Harry crashed onto his mattress, falling asleep within seconds, dreaming about what life could have been with his parents. The thoughts of running around in a garden with his sister when they were young, or going out on adventures with his father or mother, learning to ride a broom, tie his shoe laces, the list went on. Harry and Rose never had a normal upbringing, many would say they grew up too fast, that Harry and Rose were no longer children, just adults in children's bodies. Harry thought he agreed with that thought, knowing full well that neither he nor his sister had a chance to enjoy the surreal feeling of childhood.

The idea that Ginny was there alongside his family brought a funny sensation to his heart once more. His feelings for the youngest Weasley had expanded exponentially since he gave her the promise ring at Christmas. It was strange, Harry thought, that he hadn't even known Ginny for a year but the idea of not having her in his life scared him. His heart swelled and expanded as he thought about her long fiery mane of hair, or her warm chocolate eyes, so full of emotion and love. Love. It was a word he only ever used to describe his feelings for Rose and more recently his Grandparents. Maybe he did love Ginny, it was odd to think that he did, but in a way, it made sense, it even felt right. Harry didn't know what to think, all he knew was that he was exhausted from thinking too much, and needed his sleep.

The next morning found the Gryffindor's once more thrusted into the fray of the school year, as the group of students began to learn what they needed to know for their exams later on in the year. As their first transfiguration lesson of the new year began to wind down, Professor McGonagall requested for Harry to stay after class, surprising him. He'd thought he'd done a good enough job during class, perhaps he was wrong Afterall. So, as he stood in front of McGonagall's Desk, Harry couldn't help but feel his stomach flip in anxiety.

"So, Mr Potter, any luck with those new spells." McGonagall spoke up as soon as the last students had departed.

The question had thrown Harry off, who looked queerly at his head of house. "Which new spells, Professor?"

"Why the ones in the book I gifted to you on Christmas. You did read it, didn't you?"

Realisation dawned on Harry as he nodded his head. "Oh yes!" Harry broke into a toothy grin, "I had a quick read through and a little play at home."

"And how did you go?" McGonagall smiled kindly up at Harry.

"Well…I managed to change a bird into a goblet."

"That's excellent Mr Potter! We don't normally cover animal transfigurations until third year."

Harry blushed under the praise as he ducked his head, a small smile appearing on his lips. "Thank you, Professor,…that…that means more then you know."

"How so?" McGonagall's smiled dipped as it turned back into her signature thin line.

For his part, Harry found his shoes much more interesting then his head of house. "I…I wasn't really allowed to do well in school."

"Pardon Potter? It almost sounded as if you said you weren't allowed to do well in school!"

"My Uncle and aunt…they use to b-beat Rose and I if we did better then our cousin Dudley in school…so we…we did worse then we could."

A low noise sprung up from McGonagall's throat, almost catlike in sound. "I can assure you Harry, that you will neverbe asked to underperform ever again. I expect your best and will reward you for it…and so far, I'm very pleased if not downright impressed with your work." Taking a deep breath, McGonagall rubbed her temple slowly before peering back at Harry, "I suggest you hurry along now Harry. If you need to speak of these experiences again, please, come see me."

"Thank you, Professor." Spinning on his heels, Harry hightailed it out of the room before he felt himself becoming overwhelmed with emotions. He soon regretted his actions as he found himself in the dungeons for potions.

Snape seemed to be in a particularly sour mood that morning, picking on most of the Gryffindor's, deducting points as he saw fit. Snape had set them on the task of creating a portion of growth potion that would help grow whatever plants you poured it on. Harry and Hermione were doing quite well, unfortunately for the rest of the class however, the instructions seemed to be less clear. By the end of the lesson, only Hermione and Harry's groups had managed to secure a worthy enough potion to be tested. Snape showed no emotion as the two groups handed in their work.

"Mr Potter…see me after class." Snape told Harry as he handed in his potion.

Once more the sinking feeling emerged in Harry's stomach as he nodded in affirmative before going back to his desk to start packing up. As the others left the dungeon classroom, the Slytherins whispering excitedly, Harry made his way up to the professor's desk. "What would you like to see me about Sir?"

"Mr Potter, your work today was…exceptional."

"Thank you, sir, but I just followed the instructions." Harry replied sheepishly, his emotions flickering around.

Snape raised his eyebrow. "You may have done so…however…the majority of the class did likewise. You, Mr Potter, showed intuition where it was needed. Well done."

"Thank you, sir."

"You may go now Mr Potter, keep up the good work." Snape dismissed him with a single look that sent Harry scrambling for the door.

Harry met up with the rest of his friends in the Great Hall, where they were waiting for him anxiously. "All good mate?" Alec asked him.

Harry nodded slowly. "Snape complimented me…"

"What!" Ron spluttered a little as his tongue moved faster then his lips, "B-but that's impossible! Snape doesn't just give compliments…he's never done that before!"

"I know. I'm just telling you what happened."

Hermione clucked her tongue as she eyed Harry. "Still, Ron and I did our potion just as well but we didn't get any praise, or points even. There must be something about you."

"Dunno." Harry shrugged, "But like they say, never look a gift horse in the mouth."

Hermione rolled her eyes before she drew their attention back to her. "We need to go to the library after lunch and search for anything on Nicholas Flamel."

Ron nodded, his mouth full of food. "Shounds 'ike a go' 'dea."

Hermione gave him a disgusted look as she wiped some spittle from her cheek. "Ronald, don't speak with your mouth full!"

Ron scowled at Hermione as his face lit up into a blush. Seamus, Dean and Neville found themselves joining the other Gryffindor's as they began to talk amongst themselves about the potions lesson. Everyone could agree that Snape had a soft spot for Harry, who tried to brush it off as being well prepared and reading his whole textbook. Ron and Alec pointed out that Hermione did the exact same thing and did just as well if not better, and didn't receive any special attention.

"Look, I don't know why he 'likes' me, he just does. Is it really that bad if it's stopping Gryffindor from losing points, and actually gaining some?" Harry lashed out.

Most of the group nodded their head in agreement. Anything was better than losing more points for your house. Eventually the group finished their lunches and made their way to the library to do more research on Nicholas Flamel. Hermione set them about the different sections to look for anything related Nicholas Flamel. Ron, Alec and Harry gave in before long and headed back to their table in defeat.

"How the Bloody hell are we supposed to find this bloke anyway!" Banging his head on the table, Ron let out a mix between a moan and a sigh as his brain began to shut down.

Harry, who was feeling just as disheartened, shrugged his shoulders. "Beats me, I'm sure Hermione will find something though."

"Speak of the devil." Alec nodded his head towards said bushy haired witch.

Hermione made her way over with a large book in her hands, a knowing smirk plastered on her face. "I thought I'd seen the name somewhere; I took this out a few weeks ago for a bit of light reading."

"You call that light reading!" A flabbergasted Ron shot his head up as he heard the loud thump of the book on the table.

Hermione shot him a dirty look as she began to flip through the pages. As they were looking through, they were interrupted by the large figure of none other than Hagrid. "Hello Hagrid! What brings you in here?" Harry asked him with a smile as he passed by.

Hagrid looked around suspiciously as he held a book behind his back. "Ah, yeh kno', jus' some books on the wee beasties in the forest."

Harry nodded his head as the groundskeeper slowly walked away nervously, leaving without saying goodbye. "That was a bit sus, wasn't it?" Ron said.

Alec nodded. "You can say that again, wonder what he's up to."

Ron agreed, and got up to go look in the section Hagrid had just been in. Hermione continued to search through the book, eventually stopping on a page to read an extract. Ron returned soon with another book. "Dragons! He was in the section for dragons!" He exclaimed excitingly.

"Dragons? You don't think he's finally nicked one, do you?" Harry asked.

Ron shrugged. "Who knows, but whatever he's doing, it's bound to be dangerous and involve some sort of dangerous magical creature."

Suddenly, Hermione called out above the group's conversation. "I've got it! Nicholas Flamel is the only known inventor and possessor of the philosopher's stone, an item which can create the elixir of life, allowing someone to life forever, or at least to a very old age. Nicholas himself Is over 600 years old along with his wife"

Harry and the two other boys peered over Hermione's shoulder to read the page she was on, nodding and humming at the new information. "So, whoever is after the stone here is trying to live forever basically!" Alec said.

Hermione nodded. "I think that's a safe bet as to why they want it."

The group sat there in silence for a bit before Harry spoke up. "Well, we have to do what we can to protect the stone, no matter what."

"But we're just kids!" Ron argued.

"So?" Harry twisted his eyebrows into a confused look, "We're Gryffindors, we were chosen because we're brave, courageous and take risks! We have to do this!"

Hermione looked put out as she crossed her arms. "We really should tell a teacher about this."

"NO!" The boys let out, "They wouldn't believe us, to them, we're just a bunch of first years." Harry added.

"But we are just a group of first years." Hermione argued, "What can we do against whoever wants the stone."

"I don't know…but we have to try."

The group nodded in agreement to Harry's statement, even Hermione who was reluctant. Clearing their books and putting them back into their spots, the group left to enjoy the rest of their free period before their afternoon classes took off. DADA and charms went by quickly and before long the group of friends found themselves heading down to the Great Hall for dinner.

In the middle of their feast, Hagrid strode over to them. "'Ello you lot, I twas wonderin' if yeh could come down to mine tomorrow at some stage?"

Harry nodded at him. "Sure Hagrid, what for though?"

Hagrid started to look around shadily. "Nothin', nothin', just thought yeh'd like to come down tis all."

"We'd love to come see you Hagrid, we'll be there." Hermione smiled.

"Good, good. Alright then you lot, best I head back to the staff table." Hagrid awkwardly waved goodbye as he headed up to eat his own dinner.

"Tomorrow would be a good time to question what he's up to." Alec spoke up.

Ron nodded, "Agreed, if he's lookin' at dragons, blimey who knows what he's doing".

"Let's hope he doesn't stuff fluffy and a dragon together in that room, half the castle might burn down." Harry chuckled.

Ron chuckled back at his best mates' joke. "Think of it this way, they might just knock each other off and save us the work!"

Hermione wrapped Ron's knuckle with a spoon, causing him to welp and jump. "Ron! That's very cruel of you to say!"

"It was only a joke." Ron rolled his eyes and rubbed his knuckles, "Don't get too worked up."

Giving him a scathing look, Hermione returned to her dinner in peace. Before long they were finishing up and heading to bed, making sure they were ready for a long day of classes and possibly a dragon the next day.

Thus, the young Gryffindor's found themselves making their way back down to Hagrid's the next day after lunch. Trudging across the school grounds, the group couldn't spy Hagrid outside of his hut, so they assumed he would be inside. Walking up to the hut, Harry knocked on the door, only to be greeted by the door opening almost immediately.

Hagrid stood in the doorway looking proud as punch as Fang raced around at his feet. "Calm down would yeh, silly mutt, hello 'arry, 'mione, Ron, Alec, come on in, want a cuppa?"

Harry nodded as he followed Hagrid in. "Yes, please Hagrid."

Making their way into Hagrid's hut and taking a seat at the table, they helped themselves to Hagrid's rock solid…rock cakes. Hagrid brought over a pot of tea and served them out a cup each.

"So how's yeh week back at school been?" Hagrid asked the group with a smile.

"Yeah 'spose it hasn't been too bad." Ron answered.

Hermione shot him a look. "It's been fine Hagrid; Professor McGonagall is teaching us how to transfigure fruit into rocks and vice versa."

"Sounds fantastic, glad yeh lot are enjoyin' yehselves." Hagrid beamed at them.

Harry nodded as he looked around the room for anything new, noticing suddenly the large black egg sitting in the firepit. "Hagrid…what exactly is that?" Harry asked pointing to the large egg.

"That 'arry, is a dragon egg! Won it in a card game down at the Hogshead other night. Come to think of it, the bloke was quite 'appy to give the egg away."

The group of first years looked around at each other with worried looks. "Hagird…aren't dragons illegal to keep?" Hermione asked.

Hagrid's eyes started to dart around the room. "Oh, eh, I 'spose they might be."

"Hagrid mate, you can't keep a bloody dragon, your house it's made of wood!" Alec exclaimed.

Hagrid waved a hand lazily in defence. "Nah, what harm could 'appen, it'll know who it's mummy is."

"Hagrid, you never know what kind of dragon it could be." Ron said, "It could be a Hungarian horntail for all we know!"

Hagrid looked back at the egg with a bit of worry. "Could be a Welsh green too, never kno'."

The group gave up trying to reason with the half giant, and instead sat there in peace discussing their classes and everything else that had happened to them whilst over the Christmas holidays. About an hour after they arrived, they decided to head back in order to grab a bit of actual food instead of rock cakes, before they headed to the last half of the day of classes.

OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP

On the other side of the country, young Rose Potter was walking up to the feeling of a wet, slopping tongue on her cheek as a big black shaggy dog straddled her sleeping body.

"Ughh, go away Padfoot!" She lazily waved her hand to whack his nose away.

Sirius hopped off of Rose in his animagi form before turning back and sitting beside her on the bed. "Come on little Petal, time to get up, we've got places to see and people to annoy!"

Rose batted his arm lightly as she rolled over and went back to sleep. Sirius, not one to give up easily, pulled the sheets off her with force. "Get up you lazy sod, there's breakfast downstairs."

Rose turned over, fury in her eyes as she shot Sirius a scathing look. "You're an old mutt, I'll get you for this!"

Sirius chuckled as he ruffled her hair as she got up to take a shower. "That I have no doubt about, now get your arse into gear and hurry downstairs!" He called out the last part as she shut the bathroom door in his face.

Rose had been taking Harry's second departing a lot better than the first, knowing full well he'd be back soon and then she would be departing with him to Hogwarts instead of staying cooped up with her family. Although not technically a blood relative, Sirius felt more like an uncle that she never had then a family friend. Even a father figure almost, although her grandfather did a good job at that as well. Both men would be there for her to lean on, or to cry on, as she had when Harry left.

Making her way out of the shower to get changed, Rose noticed that she still hadn't dealt with her father's wand, which laid on Harry's nightstand. Grabbing it, Rose decided that she could offer it to the next best thing to a father, Sirius.

Finding him sitting down at the table, Rose took the seat next to him, turning around to face him. "Sirius, the wand you have now, is it yours?"

Taken aback by Rose's question, Sirius recovered quickly. "No, it's not, it's just a spare that the ministry gave me when they set me free. No, my wand was snapped when they imprisoned me."

Rose took out her father's wand from her pocket and laid it next to Sirius, whose eyes widened at the sight of it. "Is…is that Jamie's wand?" He asked her, knowing full well it was.

Rose nodded her head slowly, "It is, I want you to have it. Harry wanted to mount it but I think he'd agree it's much better suited to being used by its owner's best friend."

A tear slid down Sirius cheek as he picked up his dead best friend's wand. A mild warmth flowed through his hand as a sliver of red sparks shot out from the front.

"I think it likes you."

Sirius chuckled softly as he gave the wand a swoosh and summed the packet of cereal from the other end of the table. "Sirius, I think you deserve it more than anyone, I know you'll use it well." Rose told him as she placed a hand on his.

Sirius could merely smile as he studied the wand in front of him. Many a time he had been on the receiving end of a jinx by James as the two would duel and prank one another. Sirius never thought that he would one day be holding his best friend's wand and calling it his own. Snapping out of his reminiscing, Sirius turned to Rose and embraced her in a tight hug.

"Thank you, so much Rosie, I'll make sure to put it to good use." He smiled sweetly as he leaned down to lay a gentle kiss into her hair, "Now, eat up, we have a big day ahead, and I must spoil you now that you've done this."

Rose beamed at him as she grabbed a slice of toast and eggs. "Does that mean a pony?"

Sirius let out a barking laugh. "Good try little Rose, I would but I think you might need a stable first."

Juni perked her head up at the mention of stable. "Now that you mention it, we could do with some horses around here, always helpful to cross the fields when they're muddy."

Rose beamed at her grandmother as she thought about receiving a pony, every little girl's dream. Juni gave her granddaughter a warm smile. "I'll talk to your grandpa when he gets back from the fields about building one. I'm sure the boys from the village wouldn't mind giving a hand."

Sirius nodded his head. "I'm happy to lend a hand as well, and I'm sure Harry and his mates would be too."

"It sounds like a summer project then, plenty of time to plan and grab supplies." Juni said.

For the rest of the morning, all that was passed around the table was chatter of ponies and what kind they should buy. Rose was determined to buy a Shetland pony, if not to use then as a pet at the very least. Juni brushed off the idea for now, saying that they needed to be helpful in order to stay there on the farm. Sirius knew that if he let it happen, the two of them would sit there and discuss ponies until the cows came home.

So, with little subtly, Sirius ruffled Rose's hair and told her it was time to go. "Come on little Petal, let's head off, got a long way to travel first."

Rose nodded in understanding, getting up and bidding her Grandmother goodbye. Walking to the front porch, Sirius and Rose wandered up the road until they were safely out of the wards that had been placed on the house by professor Dumbledore.

"Now, I need you to take my arm Rose, and hold on tight."

Doing as she was told; Rose wrapped an arm around Sirius' and held on as tight as she could. Taking his new wand out, Sirius closed his eyes, and before long, Rose felt a tugging sensation as if she was being squeezed from both sides and darkness overtook her. Mere moments later, light returned to Rose as she opened her eyes to the scene in front of her. Lining the road, they stood by were countless rows of terraced, old industrial age workers cottages.

"How are you feeling? Not many people feel too good after their first apparition." Sirius asked as he gently held up a swaying Rose.

Regaining her senses, Rose nodded slowly before taking Sirius' arms off her. "I'm a little dizzy, but not bad overall."

"Good." Sirius smiled, "Come on, we've an old friend to visit."

Taking Rose's hand, Sirius led her up the road. The streets were coated in a black dust, most likely coal dust from a nearby coal mine. Old cars lined the street and houses looked rundown and in terrible condition. Once in a while they'd pass one which looked decent, but not many. Eventually they arrived out front of what had to be one of the better-looking cottages on the street. The fence was in good shape, the brickwork looked well kept, and all the windows were still intact. Stepping up to the door, Sirius rapt his knuckles on the door a few times, bringing hushed noises from the inside as someone shuffled to get to the door. Opening the door, Rose was met by a shaggily dressed man with mattered hair, unkept stubble, with holes in many of his clothes. The man's eyes widened first in fear, then pain and finally excitement as a broad smile spread onto his face.

"Sirius! What are you doing here!" The man twitched to dart forward to hug him.

Sirius put the man out of his misery as he walked up and embraced the man. "Hello Remus, old friend, it's been too long."

Remus returned the embrace, shutting his eyes as he let himself sag into Sirius' embrace. Finally opening his eyes again, he looked down to spy Rose, making his eyes widen. "Rose? I-is it really you? Where's your brother?"

A blush of embarrassment spread over Rose's already rosy cheeks. "He's at Hogwarts at the moment. I'm sorry…I-I don't remember you."

Sirius cleared his throat as he placed a hand on Rose's shoulder. "Rose, this is your honorary uncle Remus Lupin. He was one of your fathers and I's best friend."

"I'm not surprised you don't remember me; you were only a baby the last time I saw you." Remus' smile was kind if not a little subdued, "And Harry? Is he well?"

"He's very well. Rose and Harry are living with the Evans now."

"Now?"

Sirius' face darkened a bit as he scowled. "Yes…now. But, lets talk about it inside. I brought Rose around to meet her other uncle."

Still keeping a tight hand on Sirius' own hand, Rose followed the two adults into the house. Once inside, Rose began to study the rather scraggily old home. Bits of old beige wallpaper had started to come off the walls, and the wooden floorboards had small chips and holes in some, others had lost nails and were protruding from the floor. Not many paintings or pictures hung in the house, the only one Rose could see was a medium sized portrait which she recognized as that of the order of the Phoenix. Remus lead them into a small sitting space just off the main hallway, which was filled with a couple of old, dusty burgundy coloured couches. Taking a seat on one besides Sirius, Rose began to look around the room, which was filled with a few bookshelves which contained spell books and adventure novels.

"Now, would you two like a cup of tea?" Remus stood in the middle of the room, his hands in his pockets as he smiled nervously.

"That would be wonderful Rem', thanks!" The smile Sirius gave Remus was enough to relax him.

Dashing out the room on his task, Remus left his two guests to themselves as Rose and Sirius sat on the couch together. "So…were dad and Remus close?" Rose piped up.

"Hm? Oh yes, Remus was one of our first friends. Your dad and I knew each other from outside of school, but we both met Remus on the train to school. I suppose we kind of adopted him into our little group…the same as P-Peter."

Just as Sirius was finished explaining, Remus re-entered the room with a pot of tea and a small plate of biscuits on a tray for them all to enjoy, sitting them on an older looking coffee table which had seen better days. Pouring out a cup for each of his guests, Remus passed off the cups before taking a seat with his own on the other couch.

"I always held hope that you were innocent." Remus' lips upturned into a watery smile, "I-I lost three best friends in those couple of days…but I couldn't bring myself to believe you were guilty. You and Jamie were like peas in a pod…and the way you were with Harry and Rose…"

Sirius cut his friend off before he could start shedding tears. "It's alright Rem, we were all fooled. Peter betrayed us all, but justice has been dealt. I'm free…he's not. And now, I've got two of the most remarkable people in my life once more." Rose flushed a little as she realised Sirius was talking about her.

"Yes…they are fantastic." Remus smiled brightly at Rose, making her stomach flip a little.

"Stop it you two, you're going to make me blush." Rose yelped as Sirius tucked his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side. It took only a moment for her to unstiffen and melt into his embrace, his aftershave clouding her senses in pure bliss.

"Now, why don't you tell me all about yourself Rose. It's been…well, 10 odd years since I've seen you."

And so, the threesome chatted amongst themselves about Rose and her life. Remus was just as dismayed as Sirius when he heard that Dumbledore had placed them with their aunt and uncle. A looked passed between the two adults that sent shivers down Rose's spine, their minds obviously plotting some sort of plan. Eventually, Harry was brought up as a subject.

"So, what house did Harry get sorted into then?" Remus asked.

Rose sipped on her tea as she replied. "Gryffindor, did you expect any less."

"No, I suppose not, both of you are going to be ruling the school if James' blood got into both of you enough." Remus chuckled.

The rest of the conversation was spent talking about what Harry and Rose had been up to in the last 10 years. It was insightful to both Sirius and Remus to hear about what their best friend's children had gone through since that fateful night. Once more, the behaviour of the Dursley's was brought up, but the dense atmosphere of the room was lightened once Remus knew the Potter's were safe with Lily's parents. Remus always did have a soft spot for the Evans, Juni especially, who had Lily's bright happy attitude. Before long, Sirius was busying Rose along to get back home in time for dinner. Sirius had invited Remus to join them, saying that the Evans would be more than happy to include him. Remus accepted, although gingerly, still not use to large scale human interaction.

Flooing back to the Evans home, Remus reunited himself with the Evans, who were happy to see the old friend of their daughter again, Juni especially was quite thrilled to see Remus again, always having a soft spot for the little boy who had suffered so much but still pushed himself to succeed in school. Once reintroductions were concluded, Rose dragged Remus off to show him around the house, including her and Harry's room where she showed him pictures of Harry and his friends.

"My, he does look like James…except…"

"The eyes…I know, he gets that a lot." Rose finished for Remus.

Remus smiled down at the girl before looking around at the other photos. "And that must be the Weasley clan, Molly always did look like her brothers, such a shame they didn't see the end of the war."

Molly's brothers Fabian and Gideon had perished during the first wizarding war, but not without going down without a fight, taking a number of death eaters along with them. To this day Molly still mourned them from time to time, most likely causing her to be the over protective mother she is.

"Is that Lennox's little boy Alexander is it?" Remus asked pointing at Alec.

Rose nodded her head. "Yeah, Alec, Ron and Harry are thick as thieves along with Hermione, the bushy haired girl there."

Remus shock his head lightly. "The poor family, they went through hell after the war."

"What do you mean? What happened?" Sirius had sidled up to his friend.

Remus turned to face him. "What do you mean? Didn't Lennox tell you?"

"Tell me what?" Sirius started to get frustrated.

Remus sighed before taking a seat on Rose and Harry's bed. "About, 4 years ago…Vivian and Gabrielle were killed by a rogue wizard. Just a nobody with a grudge against society. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were just two out of five who were killed during the attack."

Sirius shock his head in disbelief, unable to believe the words that came out of his friend's mouth, "You mean, they're gone? His little girl and wife?"

Remus nodded his head solemnly. "Alec never told us any of this, that's horrible." Rose added.

"I can assume that neither of them really like talking about it, even after all these years." Remus told them.

The group chatted amongst themselves solemnly, discussing the life of these two individuals Rose never met or would ever meet. She felt a twang of sympathy go out to Alec, knowing full well how it felt to lose a parent, or in her case two. She was just lucky that she never knew the difficulty of losing a sibling. She couldn't imagine her life without Harry, all he did for her, protecting her and making her laugh, being her best friend. He was everything to her, and she couldn't even imagine what it would be like to live without him. Before long however, her thoughts were interrupted as Remus made his way back downstairs in order to floo back to his home. Sirius and Juni both offered for him to stay the night, and Rose offered him her bed, saying she'd sleep on a camper bed, but Remus politely declined, saying he had to be home so he could go out and seek work early in the morning.

Sirius was worried for his friend, knowing full well that because of his furry little problem, he'd have a hard time surviving in both the magical and muggle world. He knew then that he would have to get Remus a job somehow, and even slip him some money from his own account so that at the very least he could get a new wardrobe.

Before long, Rose found herself saying goodnight to her family and departing for her room for the night. She quickly penned a letter to her brother, telling him of her day before sending it off with her owl Zeus. Zeus hadn't seen much action delivering letters since Hedwig was always happy to stay around and wait for her reply, but Harry hadn't sent a letter along this morning so there was no Hedwig. Zeus was happy for the task however, finally departing on a long-haul journey instead of just to the Burrow where he delivered Rose's letters to Ginny.

Opening the window for her owl, Rose gave Zeus a light kiss to his head before letting him go off into the night her the letter to her brother grasped tightly in his talons. Closing the window and making her way over to her bed, Rose hopped in with a thud, barely having time to turn off the lights before sleep overcame her and sent her off to Neverland.