A/N: Here's the next chapter. I know I have a lot of information and her thoughts, but it is from her point of view. Anyways, ENJOY!

Chapter 2- Reunions

Well, that was fun. Can't believe I just rechecked my stuff for the fifth time. Oh well.

"See ya!" I called to my mom, who merely nodded absentmindedly.

One thing about having a mother who wishes you never existed is that she never asks where you're going, who you're going with, or when you'll be back. It's great!

Now, off to do some last minute damage to this town.

Suburbia hell, that's my name for the shit little town I live in with my screwed up family. I know, I should give them the benefit of the doubt, but let's just say I've known them too long. I'm tired of giving them chances they squander away. I can't wait to get back to Hogwarts where I don't have to deal with all my family issues, just teenage drama and gossip. I don't care how much I hate the preppy little stuck ups, it's better than dealing with my mother and David.

After I grabbed a bite to eat at the local diner I decided to head down by the river. I like to hang out by the water and just think. I sat there listening to my CD player, thinking about my upcoming school year. Wondering how many people will notice I'm Black's daughter right off the bat or if someone will let it slip. Wondering who they'll get for the defense against the dark arts position this year, hopefully not another moronic git. Wondering how me, Fred, and George will drive the teachers insane this year. Ah, what a pleasant thought. I smiled, and, since the sun was about to set, decided to leave my mark.

The old bridge that crosses the river is rather small, but a great place to "decorate." I pulled a couple spray paint cans out of my backpack, and thought about what it should be this year. Last year I painted a waterfall, this year I want it to be something more...unique. After a few minutes of crossed arms, leaning from side to side, and cocking my head several times I finally decided.

As I finished, and signed my work with the usual "AB," I felt something nudge me. I turned around quickly, and saw no one. I let my gaze drift downward where I saw a very familiar shaggy black dog. My eyes widened as I knelt down in front of the rather feeble looking dog.

"Dad?" I whispered, wondering if it was even possible, let alone true.

The dog let out a bark and started wagging its tail. I squealed, hugging the dog tightly, with a huge smile plastered on my face. In all honesty it was probably the biggest smile of my life.

"Oh my God! I missed you so much! Are you okay? I mean, how did you get out? Wait, aren't they after you? How did you get here? How'd you know where I'd be? I-" My ranting was interrupted by a loud bark. "Alright, alright. Sheesh, don't get your panties in a wad," I mumbled, rubbing my ear he'd just barked into. After looking around quickly, I stood up and motioned for him to follow me. "Come on!"

I led him pretty deep into the woods by the river. Hardly anyone ever came out here this time of year so I was pretty sure we wouldn't get caught. I took us to a secluded spot surrounded by lots of trees just in case though. I looked around to make sure no one was nearby and gave him the all clear.

I turned around to look at him, as a human, for the first time in twelve very long years. He was older, thinner, and more ragged looking. His eyes were tortured, jaded, and more world-wary. I was so happy to see him. Before I got a chance to say anything he scooped me up into a tight hug, which I eagerly returned. We stood there for a few minutes, just holding each other tightly, as if we thought the other was an illusion.

"You're so beautiful. You've grown up so much," he whispered into my ear. I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes, but I blinked them away.

"I missed you so much dad!"

"I missed you too Allie!" We finally released each other, and he took a small step back. "Now, let me get a good look at you."

I rolled my eyes, but smiled and swiveled around anyway. He sighed, but smiled what seemed to be his first smile in, well, twelve years.

"You look good. You've grown into a beautiful young woman. I don't need to beat the boys off do I?"

"Ha ha. You're hilarious. But you'll stay out of my love life. Capeesh?" He chuckled.

Well, at least he can still laugh.

"There's that wit and attitude I knew you'd grow up to have."

"Really?"

Why am I so surprised? Everyone says I'm just like him.

"Yes, really. You had it even as a toddler. I suppose the teachers still love it?"

"Oh yeah! They absolutely adore it!" My voice was dripping with so much sarcasm it could have probably filled a bath tub.

Apparently he thought it was funny. He laughed and shook is head.

"James always said he could tell from the very beginning that you'd probably pick that up." I could hear the melancholy in his voice.

As I opened my mouth to say something though, we both quickly froze when we heard twigs breaking. He held one finger to his mouth as he moved closer. I leaned my head carefully around the tree as I noticed Clarence, the local deputy, making his way toward where we were. I motioned for my dad to change back to a dog, and after a quick hug and a kiss on my forehead he complied.

Clarence rounded the trees to see me sitting, legs stretched out, eyes closed, and back leaning against a tree, with a dog by my side.

"What are you doing out here?"

I opened my eyes and put on a big fake smile.

"Oh hey Clarence, out for a stroll?"

He just sighed and shook his head.

"Come on, you know you're not supposed to be out here. Sun's almost down, let's go." I stood up, begrudgingly resisting the overwhelming urge to roll my eyes, and brushed myself off. "What were you doing out here anyway?"

Huh? Uh...

"Oh, well you see I found this stray, and decided to take a walk."

Did he buy it? Oh, please tell me he bought it!

"What's his name? Or have you not named him yet?" He was giving me that look that said he thought I was lying, but he was willing to play along anyway.

"Oh, his name's Padfoot." He immediately barked, which made Clarence chuckle and shake his head.

"You and your animals," he sighed. "Alright, fine."

Yes! Hook, line, and sinker!

"Shoo!" Clarence was motioning for Padfoot to leave. When he didn't move, Clarence sighed and looked to me.

With a roll of the eyes, I gave in. "Go on Padfoot. I'll be okay."

After a reluctant bark, he trotted away.

"Well, you've certainly got a way with animals kid. Come on, let's get you home."

And just like that my little family reunion was cut short.

-----

"Ta da!" I said loudly, holding my arms up for dramatic effect, as I opened the compartment door.

Inside were my two best friends, Fed and George Weasley. We are the pranksters of the school. The twins are truly awesome in that department, they're even talking about opening up their own joke shop one day. Me? Well, I get the whole troublemaking thing honestly. My dad and his friends were probably the biggest troublemaking pranksters Hogwarts has ever seen. Funny ol world, huh?

Truth be told, Fred and I have always been attracted to each other, ever since second year. Especially since I made out with him under the mistletoe in third year. Right now though, I had both twins staring at me, jaws dropped.

Yeah, I know I'm attractive. I'm five feet eight inches tall, long jet black hair, and blue-grey eyes just like my dad's. Yeah sure I'm a little on the thin side, but I've still got some muscle, which tones my body pretty well. Today I decided to show it off a little, yes. I'm wearing a miniskirt, which is just that, mini, tall combat-style boots, and a three quarter length sleeve shirt that is short enough to show off my belly button ring and my toned abs.

Let me guess, you're wondering why I'm wearing a long sleeve shirt in the summer time? Well, let's just say that David wasn't too happy when Clarence brought me home. Again. Okay, it was the third time that week, but still. He wasn't very happy, actually, he was pretty damn pissed, not to mention drunk. Those two things are never a good combination when it comes to David. He got mad, I mouthed off, and now here we are. All I have to do is wait while the bruises on my arm and back go away. No worries though, I'm determined this is going to be a great school year.

"So what's up" I asked while I sat down next to Fred. They finally got over their shock apparently.

"Have you seen the papers?" George asked grimly.

"Yes." Their identical faces decided to get a little grimmer. "You guys come on! Lighten up. It's not a big deal. Now, come on, tell me, how was Egypt?"

They dove into their tales of Egypt, and I only half listened. I couldn't help but wonder if I was lying when I said this whole thing with my dad was no big deal. Maybe I told them that so they wouldn't worry, or maybe I just said it so that maybe I'd believe it? Who knows?

As the train ride continued we laughed, joked, and talked. It was great to be back together again after the holidays. Then all of a sudden the train came to a stop, and the windows started icing up.

"What the hell's going on?"

"Calm down Alex, we've just come to an unexplained stop-"

"-when we still have a ways to go to Hogwarts."

"OK, the whole twin finishing each others sentence thing is getting a little creepy."

Before any of us had a chance to laugh at my sarcasm the power went out.

"I think we're being boarded," George said.

"By who?" Fred wondered.

That question was answered, however, when a hooded figure came into our compartment.

Dementors. Shit!

And just my luck, it started heading for me. Guess that's what I get for being the daughter of their target.

"Expecto Patronum!" I cried, and a big silvery dog came out of my wand. It got rid of the dementor, but not before I remembered the worst memory I have.

"Nice job," George commented on my Patronus.

"You okay?" Fred asked as the lighting came back on.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just gonna go see how much further to Hogwarts."

I left the compartment quickly. As I got into the hallway I paused and took a deep breath.

Okay, deep breath. Calm. Alright, now I'm good to go.

"Oof."

Apparently not if I'm running into people.

"Sorry, I wa-"

Oh my God!

"Remus?"

"Hello Lexi. Not quite the way I imagined this little reunion, but then again you always were the creative one," he said as he gave me a smile. "How are you?"

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"Always straight to the point." I glared at him. "Right, well it seems as though I am going to be a professor. Shocking, huh?" he added after I gave a snort of disbelief. "Well, as much as I'd like to stay and chat I need to get back. You should too, we're almost there."

"Wait!" I called as he started walking away. "W-what-"

"There will be plenty of time to talk later. I promise. For now, you should get changed into your robes." I stared in disbelief as he walked away. "Oh, by the way Lexi...You grew into a beautiful young lady." I had to smile.

"I'm anything but a lady."

He chuckled at that, but nodded. I was sure as he walked away, though, that he mumbled something that sounded like, "Just like her father."

I shook my head in confusion at what had just happened, but went and changed into my robes before rejoining Fred and George.

A/N: Well, I hope you liked that chapter! I should have the next one up soon. Reviews are appreciated!