A/N: Hello all! This is my first adventure into a crossover story. I REALLY hope you like it; I have been working this for about a month. I would love your opinions, reviews, thoughts, what you like, what you didn't.
-Summary: 13 years of pain, suffering, & a wish for death is suddenly taken away when a man with slate/blue eyes gently grabs my wrist and just gives me a smirk.
-Story revolves mostly in normal London, with some mentions of the WW, maybe an 'adventure' to it later on. Fem!harry, nonromantic john/sherlock, differentish Mycroft (to a point) and Greg just being Greg.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but original characters. Duh. That is all I will say.
A/N: So many approve of her adventures in the WW; such love. Now, she will not be involved in the legal proceedings in the wizarding world, they don't need her and she has enough going on in the muggle world anyway. But, she will no longer hide come a certain meeting :-)
I wake up in the same position from earlier, held tight next to dad; who himself was also sleeping, head lolled over mine, cheek resting against my head. It's early, only eight, going by the clock on the mantelpiece; actually, this is late for dad, since the man barely slept as is. I try not to wake him as I move, but as soon as I do, I feel him stirring as well.
"Sleep ok, poppet?" His voice was rough from sleep as he stretched out, letting his arms slide back down until one rested along my shoulders and the other along the armrest.
"Yes. Hungry?" I already know the answer, seeing as he barely ate, but I wanted to fill up the silence that was permeating the cold room.
"Surprisingly, yes. Do we go to the kitchen again?"
Before I can answer, there is a knock on the door; must be the others. Opening it, I find the Twins, Draco, Neville, & Luna, all still in their pajamas. This made me look down, seeing my clothing wrinkled from the stint on the couch.
"Nice duds. Is that the new trend in Muggle London?" Draco snickered at his own words.
"Oh hush Malfoy. Not exactly prepared for a sleepover at Hogwarts, now was I?" My tone was snarky, imitating his own voice, but no heat laced my words.
"How are you dearie? We brought food from the kitchen." Luna pushed her way forward, enveloping me in a surprisingly tight hug for one so tiny.
"I'm good. Um, I think there is an eating area over…oh, here!"
After my friends file in, dad closes the door and heads toward the bedrooms, no doubt on the mission of waking da, who was not a morning person. I know Uncle Mycroft was more than likely awake already and prepared to leave after breakfast; da would take some time, as his shoulder did still cause him some strife.
As the others started laying out the food they snuck up from breakfast, I move to Uncle Mycroft's room, hearing da yell out at dad, who was snickering from behind the oak door. 'I don't even want to know what technique he used this time.' I knock quietly on my uncle's door, receive the welcome and enter, finding him dressed and sitting at the small desk by the corner window.
"Good morning my dear. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, even better knowing that the kidnapper didn't get away this time. I'll sleep a lot better knowing that Dumbledore is going to be dealt with. But, that's also what I need to talk to you about." I reply, closing the door behind me before moving to sit on his bed, knees drawn up to my chest.
"Something on your mind, Stella?" His blue/slate eyes watch me as I fidget, my fingers messing with the hem of blouse.
"I need to do an article with the Daily Prophet. I need to explain everything from my side before the public gets the Ministry's lies poured into their heads. I need to inform the wizarding world that I am not their soldier to fight their wars for them; I will not involve myself in a pointless battle. They will be unhappy and will call for my head, but they will have no say and they will come to understand that I am not their play thing. I need to get my side out before everyone thinks they can control my life. I know there will be families calling for an ancient rite that would force me to marry one of the other houses, as I am the last of the Potter line and heiress to the Black name. Besides the Malfoys, there is no other house as powerful as mine. People will want a piece of it and I'm frightened uncle, of what they will do to achieve this."
I'm shaking by this point, face buried into my knees. So many ancient pureblood rites would force me to be whom I am not and would force me into marriage when all I want in life right now is to finish school, get my degree in forensic anthropology, and solve as many cases with my dads as I can. I'm almost 17, who wants to be forced into something like that when my whole life is ahead of me?
Uncle Mycroft's arms wrap tight around me, pulling me into his chest as the panic attack takes full force. I hear the door open and shut, but pay no attention as the familiar presence of my dads join my uncles; if I ever lose these men again, I would never survive. I hear da's voice next my ear and I realize that he now has me in his arms, hands rubbing soothing circles along my back.
"Ok sweetheart, it's alright. They can't touch you and if they try, well, I do think that between Sherlock, Mycroft, & mummy, the Holmes family can take them on with no problem."
"What about you daddy?" My voice is soft, not risking loader tones that induce tears during these periods.
"I'm just solider; I don't handle surprises well. I'm might just react to someone harming you like I do for Sherlock."
That told me all I needed to know, knowing that da has ended men for almost killing dad. Old Soldier indeed; the Ministry should worry about da more than the Holmes family, that's for certain. I force my heart and brain to slow down, breathing in the combined scents of my family.
"We better get out there or they're going to be very worried." I pull out of their holds and wipe my face, hoping my eyes weren't as red as I know they are.
Dad's hand rested on my head while the other used a soft cloth to help me along. "You know you have my support in whatever you need to do here, poppet."
Smiling, I head back the dining area, finding my friends talking loudly over each other while eating. "Oi, started without us? Rude much?" If any of them noticed my bloodshot eyes, they made no mention; only offered me a cup of pumpkin juice before turning back to their conversation.
That's how the breakfast went down, the whole group, even Uncle Mycroft, popping topics off each other with varying ranges, until it fell onto what I knew it would be.
"So, Mr. Sherlock, what do you do?" Luna's voice was heavy from the amount of hotcakes she had consumed, but her lavender eyes were bright.
"Oh no, we are eating, not the place for this." Da responded instantly.
"John." Dad's voice actually sounded hurt; that is, sounded. Anyone who knows him knows that he is anything but hurt; more likely amused but da's accusations.
"Dad is the world's only consulting detective. Scotland Yard and many, many, many clients come to him with cases of the unsolvable. I think Uncle Greg, he's the detective inspector in the homicide department of Scotland Yard I told you about, said that because of the work dad does, more than 63% of the cold cases have been solved. Any weird or uncrack able cases are brought by Uncle Greg, but it's never a guarantee that dad will take it."
"No that Greg gives up."
"Detective Lestrade is just willing to see that he and others are just completely inept at their jobs."
"Dad, play nice. Not everyone is Donovan or Anderson; there are some in that department that have some skill."
"Oi, both of you."
The twins were snickering as da reprimanded dad & I, Uncle Mycroft watching with a small smile. The conversations turned back towards simple things like the latest trends, who won the last Quidditch World Cup, & then finally, the war. This wasn't discussed long, but my small group of friends were soon informed of my intention to reveal that I was in fact alive and well; a topic they fully supported. Draco offered to be my go between the Ministry once he graduated; he already had a foot hold in the Ministry from his work to clear his family's name after Lucius' death.
"That would mean you would have to work with Uncle Mycroft before you got to me, Mr. Malfoy." I teased, pleased when Draco failed to responded negatively.
"That won't be so bad, seeing as he is a powerful man…excuse me, just a 'minor government employee'."
Draco & I started snickering into our tea cups, but I could see Uncle Mycroft grinning into his hands. 'He approves. Good, because I intend to keep up with the Wizarding World this go around.'
The rest of breakfast sailes by, meaning my little group was soon in the middle of the headmaster's office, a port key waiting to take us back to Uncle Mycroft's office. I was being mobbed nearly to death by the twins, Neville, & Luna, all of the them demanding that I keep in contact.
"You need to come see the joke shop!"
"I'll find my way to your house, sweet Stella. We need to have a moon dance again."
"Don't you dare disappear again."
The very thought of leaving these people without a word again clenches at my heart; they were my first real family, how could I do that…again?
"As soon as the chaos from the article dies down, I'll come visit the shop boys. Luna, our back yard is perfect for the dance and I have no doubt you will find your way to me. Nev, never again, I swear."
Before I could start sobbing again, I turn to my dads and Uncle Mycroft, ready to leave.
"The reporter that Madam Bones cleared will meet us at your uncle's office in an hour." Draco said suddenly, looking up from a letter that had flown in with Hedwig.
The snowy owl was all over me after Draco brought her down from the window seal, the bird almost pressed against my neck; she had bit anyone, including me, when they attempted to remove her. To say my familiar was happy to have me back is an understatement; don't get me wrong, she's still pissed that I left for four years, but the dads are ok with her coming back home with us; this little tidbit had endeared my dads to her, meaning they could pet her without injury.
Nodding, I watch the small pocket watch begin glowing, meaning we have two minutes before the port key activates. I look up at Professor Snape, who had retreated to a corner once my friends had mobbed me. I open my mind and invite him in, allowing us a moment of brief moment of privacy. After a moment, he appears in my mindscape, a replica of the flat; it's the safest place to hid one's secrets with as many hiding places that dad & I have there. I'm 'sitting' in dad's chair, looking up at dour potions master.
'Thank you sir, for everything. I apologize for how I acted in my first couple years towards you. I know now you were trying to protect me because of mum, but had to do it your own way. I know now that you weren't what you projected, well mostly.'
His eyes were critiquing me, but they were soft, an unusual expression on a face that I had only ever seen scowl. 'You are welcome, Ms. Holmes. Goodness knows you did not make it easy to keep you safe. I think the best thing I ever did was help you escape those years ago.'
'You have no idea sir. I'm happier than I could ever been at the Dursleys'.
Then, Snape almost gave me a heart attack when he smiled, I mean actually smiled at me. His face looked younger than ever, his onyx eyes lit up; I could only smile back as I pulled out of my mind, closing it when he followed suit.
Acting quickly, I rush over to him and grab the dour man in a tight embrace and return to my dads before anyone can react. I can't help the smirk that stretches across my face as I see his face in a wonderstruck/horrified expression, his own reaction delayed as the port key activates, pulling my family & Draco out of Scotland, and landing in Uncle Mycroft's office; somehow, I manage not to bring up my breakfast AND stay on my feet!
Draco moves to my uncle and begins a whispered conversation while I retreat out of the office to what I know is my uncle's private rooms, the dads trailing behind. I need a shower and a change of clothes; I have my own room here in case of emergency and right now, the state of my personal self feels like an emergency. I think the dads have the same idea, as we all split off to the separate bathrooms as soon as we hit the rooms.
Half an hour later, I'm brushing out my hair, relieved to have the dirt of that castle off me; the very stones always made me feel cold and unwelcome. I find my most dignified outfit for the interview, knowing I need to look an adult for this; not a thing to be protected. I know there are going to be at least a few photos to tag along with the article; the precious people would need proof. I'm not looking forward to this, but I need to get ahead of this before that bleeding buffoon of a minister announces it.
"Stella?"
"Come in da."
He open the door and leans against the frame, looking as refreshed as I am, but his eyes match mine with apprehension. "Are you sure about this?"
All I do is nod before standing, grabbing his hand as I walk out. Dad is waiting by the door, his suit brand new; I know, because I have cleaned every one he has several times, seeing as he is a very lazy man, all be it a very busy one, at times. This is the only thing that absolutely drives me insane about my father; he has several quirks that mess and clash with mine, but this one thing is an insane one.
"Uncle Mycroft update your wardrobe again?"
Dad makes a small noise in the back of his throat, meaning he still hadn't decided how to best respond to my uncle's new attempt to make dad a 'decent looking Holmes man.'. The trip back to the office was quick and I took in the figure of Draco still talking to my uncle, his form relaxed in the plush chair. They stopped talking when we entered, but Draco stopped dead when he looked at me before averting his eyes, a blush covering his cheeks. Looking down, I couldn't understand why he was suddenly acting so weird; the dress was exquisite, yes, but to cause such a reaction? The said item was a knee length blue and silver dress that my Nan had purchased for me for formal or special occasions. I remember her saying that I looked 'more mature' in it, although to me it was just another constricting item that made it hard to breath. It was pretty, but I'm happier in a pair of jeans; much easier to move & relax in.
"Ah, feeling better my dear?" Uncle Mycroft asked, smirking at the blonde's reaction
"Yes, much better, although dad seems to have issues with the suits you replaced."
"Stella!" Dad's voice was hushed, meaning I had ruined a snarky retort that he had been obviously planning for a least the last ten minutes.
Draco chuckled, hiding his smirk behind his pale hand, his soft gray eyes watching me as I sit next to him. "The reporter will be here within the next ten minutes, are you ready?"
"Been ready for a long time to tell my side. Thanks for the help, by the way, Mr. Malfoy." I reply, setting my eyes on his.
He smiles, resting his chin on his fist. "Not a problem, Ms. Holmes."
"Oh, do stop flirting in front of your fathers, Stella Holmes." Dad's voice cuts through, causing me to look up at him quickly.
His slate/blue eyes were glued to the blonde, who is suddenly very tense as he faces a very different Holmes brother. I have the sense he would rather deal with my uncle concerning me; if only he knew how much worse it will be for him should he choose that route. If Draco plans to do what I think he's going to do, then he has several tests to go through with not just my dads and Uncle Mycroft, but my Nan and most likely Uncle Greg as well. But, for the first time, the thought does not frighten me as much as it used to.
A knock on the door bring Athena in with a brunette man in decent wizarding robes, a camera around his neck. His brown eyes scanned the room, locking on me as I stand. "Miss Potter, I cannot say how happy I am you are alive. My name is Jonathon Richards, call me Jon, please." He is overly excited as he shakes me hand, but thankfully his hands were sweat-free.
"Jon, pleasure, but as I am sure Madam Bones has informed you, my name is Holmes, I ask that you use that name in your article; of course, after you have explained who I am and that I was adopted." I've adopted dad's posture as I sit down on the lounge across from the man, but my tone is all Uncle Mycroft. I can see Da smirking behind Jon, giving me a thumbs up.
"Of course, forgive me. So, Ms. Holmes, shall we start?"
"Of course, Jon. Where do you do wish to begin?"
His brown eyes were watching me carefully, his brain in overdrive. "Let's start at the beginning, I would think. After your parent's death, were you placed somewhere safe?"
I held back the grimace, although I know it showed on my face. "Well, I was placed with my mother's sister and her…" The memories are racing around my head, the fear and panic swimming below the surface. The need to let this out finally combated with the knowledge that the world would soon know some of my dark secrets, but I pushed the fear down, finishing my sentence, " her husband, who took pleasure in trying to stomp the magic out of me. I spent eleven years there, terrified to do anything they considered 'abnormal', which in many cases could have been as simple as doing better than my cousin in my classes; granted that wasn't hard to as he was as dumb as a rock."
"Are you saying that you were abused as a child?"
"Yes, I was. I was forced to clean the whole house every day, weed the garden, cook every dinner as soon as I could reach the stove without burning myself or ruining my ex-aunt's cookware, run errands for her, and…and provide entertainment for my cousin & his friends. I was isolated from the neighborhood when she began spreading rumors that I was an unruly, violent child. The same happened at my schools, only this was because my cousin basically stated that I was not be befriended or the offender would be 'punished'."
Jon had a face of controlled anger as his quill took down my words, as his fingers were wrapped tightly in his robes.
"Can you tell me about your life at Hogwarts? What caused you to leave? Do you know why Albus Dumbledore declared you dead?"
"My life at Hogwarts is unfortunately public knowledge already as no one at that school understood privacy. My first year torment and almost death is well known, as is the incident with the snake in Lockhart's 'dueling' club, but the events leading up to me leaving in my second year are not and it's because of what happened two weeks into January that caused me to leave. I was…" my whole body is shaking as I let the memories of that resurface for the first time in years. Dad's arm wrap around my shoulders, pulling me to his side as I sit. It still hurt to think of it, even after all the therapy sessions I've had. Jon is patient as I try & collect myself, but I could still see his quill moving against the floating parchment.
Fisting my hands in the soft fabric of my dress, I sit straight again and continue. "I was sexually assaulted by three fifth years, but even with the evidence from me, Madam Pomfrey and the student who ended up saving me, Dumbledore refused to do anything. He refused to have them arrested, didn't even expel them! He had the nerve to tell me that there was 'nothing that can be done about this, my dear girl.' By this point, I'd lost track of how many times I've basically begged him to let me go somewhere else for the summer; I didn't want to return to my ex-aunt's home. But, after what must have been the 100th time, Dumbledore finally lost it; I now know what happened, but back then I just suddenly had the urge to listen to his every word. He compelled me back to Surrey, back to what he knew was an abusive home. So, I decided that I needed to leave, that if I stayed one more night in Hogwarts, I would die; at that time I felt like dying. My friends helped me escape and I made my way back to my ex-aunt's house, but her husband refused to let me stay. He drove me to London, with the intent of throwing me to the nearest orphanage or detention center. When we arrived, I managed to escape from him not that failed to notice. But, that's how I met my dads…and my uncles. I don't believe in fate, but I know that had I stayed at Hogwarts, I wouldn't have my life now. It's far from perfect, but I wouldn't want any other life; who else can say they have a literal one-of-a-kind father & uncle? My ex-aunt's husband was arrested and convicted of several charges of child abuse, as was she; I believe my former cousin went to live his father's sister, but I didn't keep up with him."
The tremors have ceased by this point, but dad still has my hand tight in his. Jon smiles before continuing his questions, the interview going on for another hour before he declares he's done.
"Although, one more question, if you don't mind? You seem very set here in Muggle London. Any plans to return to the wizarding world?"
I take a deep breath; I've been expecting this question. "No, I've a good life here, away from the war. I don't want to be part of the fighting anymore. I'm a barely of age and yet everyone else wanted me fight & die for them when I was eleven and there wasn't even another war to speak of yet; I'm sorry, but even if I was still in the wizarding world, I would be part of the Gray faction, as it failed to be my war a long time ago. I understand that some will demand me to return, but I fail to see why. I have a representative for my family seats and I have no desire to return to the wizarding world at this point or any point. I'm going to concentrate on finishing school here, go to college, & live my life as normally as I can."
Jon simply smiled before nodding, grabbing his camera. "A picture for the article of course." As I prep myself, dad stands to move when I grab his hand and catch da's eyes, asking my silent question. He nods and quickly moves to sit beside me, his arm wrapping around my shoulders while dad retakes his position, fingers lacing with my own. "Just your fathers, then?" Jon asks, eyeing the men.
"Yes, it would be best if my uncle wasn-" A hand gently griping my shoulder quickly brings my eyes into said man's, a small smile directed down at me. I can't stop the smile that stretches across my face, even as I hear the camera click.
Once I settle again, Jon takes a couple more photographs; one caught me laughing as dad whispered to me, setting me off at the joke. After the reporter leaves, I realize that dad set me off to show the public that I'm in a happy place; the laughter was real, as was the joke, but the intent was there. Dad is determined to show the wizarding public that I am not leaving him or da without a fight.
"Alright, that's it, Baker Street, now." Da says suddenly, pulling me off the couch and out the door, ignoring dad cry out behind him as we leave.
Within five minutes, the dads and I are bundled into a waiting taxi, rushing through midafternoon London traffic. The next smell I take in is Mrs. Hudson's butter biscuits; her sister must be in town again & the rest of the day was spent in relative calm, the telly tuned to BBC 1, a marathon of Doctor Who and Torchwood playing background as we recoup from our…'adventure' in Hogwarts. Dad was grilling me for information about the twins and their many pranks while da was having me explain the rule of Quidditch again. We didn't pay attention as the sun set, the orange & red tones filling the room as I demonstrated a 'Wronski Feint' to da with the mini broom that Fred had given him this morning.
The headline certainly left nothing to the imagination.
'Girl-who-lived alive!'Jonathon Richard sat down with the savior and her new family, pictured below, in an exclusive interview for the Daily Prophet. Read about how why she left the Wizarding World and why Albus Dumbledore declared her dead.
Page 4- Read about the tragic incident in her 2nd year.
Page 6- Find out about how she changed her name and her family.
Page 8- Information on the court cases of those who have wronged the girl-who-lived.
Page 15- A personal note from Lady Potter-Black to the wizarding world.
*Special Note: The author of this article would like to declare that he will not reveal any information about Stella Potter (Holmes). The author will not reveal her, nor her family' location.
"Well, Madam Bones made a good choice in the reporter. Don't know how many of them would have declared loyalty like that." Dad's voice carries from behind the London Times, while da and I read off the Special Issue of the Daily Prophet that Hedwig had delivered ten minutes before.
I don't respond as I read over the article, making sure that Richards hadn't written me out of context. Finding no flaws, I move to the stove, pouring a cuppa for da & I while he finishe the article. There was peaceful silence until both dads were suddenly in front of me, eyes set & determined.
"Uh…ok? Everything alright?"
"About this boy that will be courting you." Dad responded, watching me carefully.
"Oh, No, No! We are not having this conversation."
"The hell we aren't. Sit down, Stella Astre Holmes." Da ordered, blocking my escape from the kitchen.
Well, this is going to be awkward. Next time I see that skinny little blonde, I'm going to kill him.
A/N: Hello my lovies! This one took a bit to write and I made a decision concerning the length of the story: next chapter will be the last. I will work my little bum off to make sure it is a fitting end for an adventure that wasn't supposed to go beyond the 1st chapter. I adore each and every one of you who reviewed and favorited this story; to have my 1st crossover receive such adoration makes me eager for the next one. I may wait for the new series of Sherlock, to gain some new prospective for potential plot bunnies. Aside from Lucille and the fallout in the Wizarding World, what parts are you looking for a wrap up on?
Note: She did legally change her name, but she is still the heir to 2 houses and as such, keeps the formal title of Lady Potter-Black.