Chapter 6: First Meeting

Dear Harry,

You do not know who I am and for that I am sorry. My name is Cassiopeia Potter and I was your father's younger sister and your godmother.

Again, I am sorry that we have not met previously. Your darling Aunt Petunia adamantly refused me from writing you letters and when I attempted to call, your dear Uncle Vernon yelled at me over the phone.

As for why I have not written to you at Hogwarts, I must admit I was frightened. I suppose I could say that I was trying to protect you. This however would be a lie. I was simply scared. I was afraid that you would hate me for not rescuing you from the Dursley's. I was afraid that you would not want anything to do with me and that you would resent me.

I suppose that was quite stupid of me. Again, I am sorry. I am at Hogwarts, visiting with Professor Lupin for the Christmas holidays and if you would like to speak with me, I am available at your convenience. However, if you would not like to speak with me, I will understand and I will not attempt to contact you again.

Thank you for reading this letter. I have much I would like to share with you about your father if you are willing to listen. He was a great man and would be very proud of what you have accomplished thus far. You make me very proud to be your aunt and you would have made your parents very happy.

Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience if you wish.

Sincerely your aunt and godmother

Cassiopeia Potter

Cassie stared at the finished letter in front of her. She reread it several times, trying to decide if she thought it was worthy to be sent. I'll have Remus look it over. He'll make corrections if need be. Cassie put the letter on the table and lay back in bed.

What seemed to Cassie to only be seconds later, the door to the room opened and Remus Lupin entered.

"Cassie" Remus called softly. "Cassie, wake up."

"Hmm? Sirius?" Cassie said, slowly waking up.

"No. It's me, Remus. Sirius isn't here." Remus said abruptly. I bet he has been to visit her and she won't tell me. Remus sighed sadly.

"Oh, hello Remus. Classes all over?" Cassie sat up on the cot.

"Yes, it's the end of the term. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Come. Let's go and get supper, it's nearly time."

"I'd rather stay here, if you don't mind. I don't know if I'd like to see anyone else in the castle."

"Cassie, if you're worried about Harry…"

"Yes, I am. Here, I wrote him a letter, please, tell me what you think." Cassie handed him the letter and watched as he read it. She quickly regretted it once she saw his face.

"He doesn't know that James and I were friends. This will probably raise some questions." Remus said after he finished.

"Do you think I should rewrite it?" "Of course not! I think it's very well written. I would be very surprised if he does not seek you out to speak with you, accompanied by his two best friends of course.

"Alright. I'll go down to supper and bring you some food back. Would you like me to bring the letter?"

"Yes please. I'd like to be rid of it as soon as possible. The sooner Harry has it, the better."

"I'll be back soon. Relax; read a book, Merlin knows there are plenty here." Remus smiled at her as he shut the door.

Cassie smiled as she looked at the bookshelf. "The Once and Future King" Cassie murmured. "Ah, King Arthur. This might be interesting." Cassie took the book off the shelf and sat down to read. Lost in the story, she didn't hear Remus come back in with her supper.

"Ah, that's a very good book; one of my favorites. Here's some food from the Great Hall." He smiled as she began to eat. "I gave Harry the letter. He seemed confused, but that's to be expected. It's not everyday a professor gives a student a letter not from that said professor. Oh, and this came for you while I was in the Great Hall. The owl gave it to me, although I'm not sure who it's from. Peculiar, the owl seemed to know that you were with me." Remus handed her a small, rolled up piece of parchment.

Cassie took the parchment and opened it.

Cassie

I am sorry it has taken me this long to write you. Please know that I am doing well and that I still miss you deeply. Do not believe what you may hear about me. I am not trying to hurt Harry. I am simply trying to catch the scum I was imprisoned for killing. I hope I may be able to explain more later.

Until then,

All my love,

Sirius

Cassie glanced at Remus.

"Who was it from?" He asked curiously. Cassie saw him watching her and avoided looking him in the eyes, knowing she couldn't lie if she did.

"Oh, no one. Junk mail." She hastily put away the letter and turned to look at Remus. "You don't believe me, do you?"

"No. But I am still not going to press the issue. I will respect your privacy, but please know you can talk to me."

"I know. And I will, soon." Cassie smiled. "So, please tell me, what have you been doing all this time back at school? Reminiscing about the good ol' times?"

"Alas, it's hard to walk these halls and not have many memories come flooding back. We all caused a lot of havoc around here. Well, James and Sirius more so than me but…" he trailed off as a knock came on the door.

"Who could this be?" Remus said, standing up to answer the door.

"Ah, Harry. What can I do for you?" Cassie glanced at the young man standing at the door. He does look so much like James.

"I'd like to speak with… with my aunt, if that's alright" Harry said nervously.