AUTHOR'S NOTES: This is a short chapter, but only because I have yet to decide how I want this story to progress. If you've read the previous stories and have an idea, please let me know.

And if you like, don't forget to review!!

Chapter 3 Growing Up

2 Years Later

Three weeks before the start of Roslyn's 3rd year at Hogwarts she and Silver headed to Austria for a long weekend at Urbach Abbey.

Arriving at the great stone monastery, Silver parked her rental car near the stables and led Roslyn to the front doors where Father Jonathan Martin was waiting for them. "Welcome back, Sister Silver. It's always a pleasure to have you with us."

"Same here," Silver replied, embracing her old friend. "And you remember my friend, Roslyn, don't you?"

"Absolutely," Father John replied, shaking Roslyn's offered hand. "Nice to see you again, my child."

"It's nice to be back," Roslyn replied, as Father John led them inside and to a small office. "Have you redone this place? I smell fresh paint."

"Yes, we have done some work here," Father John said, looking at the newly painted walls. "How have you two been?"

Silver shrugged. "Well, I've been working with the Ministry of Magic to help some of the werewolves settle into a new community we've set up. It's surrounded by magical barriers so they'll be safe during the full moon."

"And you enjoy working with your own kind?"

"My kind is witches and wizards. I'm only half werewolf but I want to make sure that full werewolves are treated fairly," Silver said, crossing her ankles.

"And you, Roslyn?" Father John asked, smiling. "How have you been since you were last here?"

"Well…" Roslyn started, fingering the rose necklace she wore. "I have officially started dating Silver's son, Alden."

"Yes, I remember you talking about him last time," Father John said, pensively. "You have overcome your belief that you did not deserve to be loved because of your blindness?"

"I think so," Roslyn replied, twiddling her cane. "Alden has been by best friend since day one. And now… I guess I've always just loved him as my best friend. Now he's more than that."

Father John stood and went to the door. "Well, rest for now and I will have someone let you know when dinner is ready."

"Thank you," Silver said, as she and Roslyn headed out into the hall. "And thank you for having us."

"Silver, my child, you and your family and friends are always welcome here at our abbey."

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The following morning, Roslyn found herself doing something she'd never imagined doing: riding one of the horses across the abbey grounds with Silver. "This is so much fun!" Roslyn said as she coaxed her horse into picking up a bit of speed so that she was at a light gallop.

Silver laughed as she caught up with Roslyn who was getting into a faster gallop.

Roslyn's horse, a brown stallion, slowed after a while and started back toward the stables, suddenly breaking into a full gallop. Silver saw Roslyn's look of nervous exhilaration and the thrill of excitement when the horse leapt easily over a fallen log in the way. Once Roslyn was side by side with Silver, the teenager said, "Did you see that jump? That was incredible!"

"The horses have been around the monks so long they've learned how act around the blind," Silver explained. "They know just how to behave and how to show off without scaring their riders."

"I was a little scared when he started running like that," Roslyn admitted. "And when he jumped, I felt… it was scary, but fun."

"I'm glad you liked it, Roslyn," Silver replied as they did a loop around the grounds.

"Is this place why you're so easy with being half-werewolf?" Roslyn asked, curiously.

"Kind of," Silver said as she turned to glance at Roslyn. "I saw these monks who live with a real disability and I realized that being a werewolf isn't as big a deal. It gave me a better perspective of my life."

"I really like this place, Aunt Silver."

"Me, too, kiddo. Me, too."

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September 1st was on a warm breezy day and as Silver, Sirius, and Alden still lived in the London loft only blocks away from King's Cross Station, they decided to walk.

Having packed everything the night before, Alden was the first up and ready to go. Shortly afterwards, Silver and Sirius finally got up and had a hasty breakfast before they all headed for the train station and the Hogwarts Express.

After loading his trunk up onto the baggage compartment and saying good-bye to his parents, Alden went in search of his girlfriend.

"Roslyn, I'm never speaking to you again!"

Roslyn looked stunned as Brooke started walking down the train to find an empty compartment.

"What was that about?" Alden asked as he and Roslyn went into an open compartment.

Roslyn looked slightly guilty as she said, "I may have mentioned that since we know about the secret entrance to Hogsmeade that technically Brooke and I didn't need signed permission forms. Brooke's a bit miffed."

"Did Uncle Harry sign the forms, though?" Alden asked, reclining in his seat.

"Yes," Roslyn replied, folding her cane and setting it beside her. "But Brooke's still mad at me."

"Sometimes I wonder if you should have gone into Slytherin," Alden said, smirking.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

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