Disclaimer: Seriously. I? Owner of Harry Potter? I am attempting to get published in literary magazines. I seriously doubt I'm a professional.

AN: Sorry for taking so long. What with school and the fact I'm slightly ill *cough, cough* posting became hard. Also, I'm pretty lazy. Enjoy the new chapter, although we aren't sending our characters off to Hogwarts yet. ;)

Chapter 4: The Minister of Magic

The Position of the Minister of Magic has existed in its current form since the signing of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy in 1689 (although the Statue wasn't formalized until 1692). The role requires complete dedication, and a willingness to improve our society, as the Minister is, effectively, our leader. While there have been a few female ministers, for the most part, we have male, pureblood wizards to lead us. The Minister's correspondent (the Prime Minister of Muggles) has little if no impact on our world. Some claim that this helps bribes flow more easily, as it is illegal to accept bribes in the Muggle World.

-The Political Prejudice (Banned in 1924 for "Inciting Rebellion")

When we got home, I confess, I did let Crookshanks out of his cage. But the kitty was giving me these adorable begging eyes, and I was looking forward to seeing Peter's reaction.

15 Minutes later, and Crookshanks is purring contentedly on Peter's lap. Traitor. He took away my source of entertainment. I have to admit, though, that Peter getting along with my cat is kind of nice, as I'd rather not have to lock my kitty away every time Peter is around (80% of the time).

"Hey Becca?" Peter asks suddenly.

"Yes Peter?"
"When are we visiting Lily? I know she'll want to hear about you going to school. She used to go on and on about what it would be like when you finally went."

"I'm sure she would love to hear about it Peter. Unfortunately, she won't."

Peter sigh. "Becca, I'm sure she hears you."

"Really? That's funny. I'm sure she doesn't."

"She loves you Becca. Hearing your voice may help bring her back." Peter says, trying to be supportive, but really just making everything worse.

"Yeah, well, as far as she's concerned, she still loves James, he still loves her. Not to mention, I'm 4 years old, my favorite color is green, and I'm going to be the Goddess of Spring when I grow up. I'm sure my voice is helping her come back" I reply sourly. I hate visiting Mum. I love her with all my heart, but I hate seeing her lie so still and cold, especially since I can remember her smile, the games we used to play, the songs we used to sing. Music was a huge part of Mum's life. Music and Life. She was a psychiatrist, but when she could, she would sing at open mic nights in the muggle world. I still remember going to a few. The air smelling of coffee. The good songs were few, the bad songs plentiful, and of course, Mum was the best. Her voice was light and sweet, her lyrics were wonderful and full of life and love, and she played the guitar beautifully. That's my earliest memory. Sitting in a café while she sang one of her songs.

I knew a man once, who loved beyond belief.

He thought the whole world needed a hug.

He'd fight against the darkness, the loneliness, the hate,

He'd try so hard to spread the love.

One day he hugged the wrong fellow,

Was found dead the next day.

I wondered why those who loved,

Were the once that always paid…

That always paid… (AN: Made up in 5 minutes. I know it sucks, move on)

I remember the people, the music, the atmosphere, the love. I was content. And when I remember my mother, I remember that feeling. And then I remember her screams.

I was in my room, I don't even remember doing what, when Mum yelled at me to stay upstairs and lock the door. So I did, and I activated the wards that were in place by locking the door. And though the wards could block out intruders, they couldn't 'lock out the screams. The pain filled screams that eventually stopped. Whenever I visit Mum, those nightmares wake me up. I fear seeing her.

Peter looks at me sadly, but doesn't press. He stopped pressing a while ago. But I know he's right. I'm going to go see Mum soon. As soon as I can.

The door opens and closes, and I hear the sound of someone stumbling through the door. It's nearly 11, I realize in shock. Peter and I have been sitting here a long time. And since it's so late, that means one thing. James is home. And he's drunk.

I send Peter out the door, because I need to take care of James. When he's like this, my father is hardly reliable, and Peter doesn't need to see how far his friend has fallen. I know that he knows, but I'd rather he didn't have to see it all the same.

I walk into the kitchen, where James it at the table crying. He's completely inebriated, and he's sitting there, sobbing over a picture of a woman with red hair and green eyes. My Mum. And any anger I may have felt at him vanishes when I see him crying. I walk up and softly put my hand on his shoulder.

"James," I say softly, and he looks up at me.

"Becca, go to bed." He says hoarsely. It's moments like these when I can't hate him. He looked so lost. So, I started singing another one of Mum's old songs. Another song I remember that sticks with me constantly.

Love of mine, some day you will die

But I'll be close behind

I'll follow you into the dark

No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white

Just our hands clasped so tight

Waiting for the hint of a spark

If Heaven and Hell decide

That they both are satisfied

Illuminate the "No"'s on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you

When your soul embarks

Then I'll follow you into the dark

In Catholic school as vicious as Roman rule

I got my knuckles bruised by a lady in black

And I held my tongue as she told me,

"Son, fear is the heart of love."

So I never went back

If Heaven and Hell decide

That they both are satisfied

Illuminate the "No"'s on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you

When your soul embarks

Then I'll follow you into the dark

You and me have seen everything to see

From Bangkok to Calgary

And the soles of your shoes are all worn down

The time for sleep is now

It's nothing to cry about

'Cause we'll hold each other soon

In the blackest of rooms

If Heaven and Hell decide

That they both are satisfied

Illuminate the "No's" on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you

When your soul embarks

Then I'll follow you into the dark

Then I'll follow you into the dark(AN: Death Cab for a Cutie)

I stop singing, and James is still crying. I look at the man who is my father with pity in my heart. I get him a glass of water and make him drink every drop. I then grab his arm and lead him up the stairs, him stumbling drunkenly after me. I pull him into his room. His room which is done in emerald green and cream. I sit him on the bed and undo his shoes. I help him get dressed for bed, and then I tuck him in.

"What's wrong?" I ask James.

"Jordan Samuels is a Death Eater Spy. We caught him today." He slurs drunkenly. I understand. Jordan is the son of one of James's friends from the Order of the Phoenix. I sigh.

"Well, a good night's sleep will help." I say, deciding not to reprimand him for drinking till tomorrow when Grandfather's awake. He's very good at reprimanding his Son-in-Law. James nods, and I kiss him on the forehead, and sing until he falls asleep.

Hush-a-by, don't you cry,

Go to sle-ep little baby.

When you wake, you shall take,

All the pretty little horses.

Blacks and Bays,

Dapples and Grays,

Coach and si-ix little horses.

Hush-a-by, don't you cry,

Go to sle-ep little Ba-by.

It's the lullaby he used to sing to me. I then turn around and turn out the light. Before I leave, I whisper, "Goodnight Dad."

When he wakes up the next morning, he finds a glass of water and a hangover potion. I deny all association with their placement.

AN: *Hides from anyone who's annoyed with the long wait.*

Ok, so sorry for not updating for so long! This chapter was not a Hogwarts chapter, nor will the next Chapter be. Chapter 6/7 should be the Sorting chapter, but things are prone to change.

This Chapter I felt was really important, because it shows why Becca has a connection to music and the healing arts, even if she will often ignore those sides of her. She gets her talents from her mother, and while she loves music, she hates it with a fiery passion because in a twisted way, she blames herself for her mother's insanity. We also see how hard it is for James and develop her relationship with Peter a bit more. We also learn that Becca truly does care for James, even if she doesn't acknowledged it most of the time. I feel like the characters are writing themselves. This chapter was going to leave James as a completely incomprehensible Ass, but Becca insisted we all know that he isn't that bad. Hopefully the few of you who have message me saying James is to untreatable will be somewhat satisfied.

Next Chapter we are going to meet Lily! Let me know if you think Becca should bring out her musical side, and let me know if you hate the songs I wrote/picked in this chapter.

In response to reviews:

Mythlover92:

Thank you very much for commenting on the effort I put into the wands. It's nice for that to be recognized. On the subject of the dynamic duos abilities, yes, I am going to explain them in more detail, and as they grow and change physically and mentally, so will their abilities and understanding of their abilities. On the subject of Peter, while I do love Traitor!Peter, there are very few pro Peter fics, so no. He won't be a traitor. Will someone else? Wait and see!

SassyDoe:

Yes, the fact Hermione doesn't get Crookshanks is sad, but I'm sure 'Mione will find someone new.

Ceti H. Black:

Thank you! Let me know if you liked this update!

As always, more detailed responses will be sent to those who message me with questions. Thank you all for the support, and thanks to all my followers and reviewers. It's you guys who inspire me to write. I will attempt to update by Next weekend.

Send me any song suggestions you'd like to pop up, and tell me what houses you want Becca and Neville in! The Winning House will have someone sorted into their house first (I don't care where Hannah Abbot goes originally, I will create and OC for the contest). The winning house will also be a major contender in the convo with the Sorting Hat, even if I've already made up my mind. If you have any convincing argument about why they should go in any specific house, go ahead and try to sway me! Just R&R!

-PerfectionJune