Hello all you lovely people! I'm sooo sorry I haven't put anything up in a while! I gave up fanfiction for lent, and just remembered that was just for reading them, and not for writing! Woohoo! Also, I am in no way the wonderful J.K. Rowling, and I have no intention of getting any money from this story! So please enjoy!
The next day, the two teens met up near the fireplace that was downstairs. Remus had his Hogwarts robes on, while Grace just had her skirt, stockings, skirt, and shoes on. Her hair was pulled back in a braid that went down her back. Remus smiled at her, "I went and told Tom that we were going to leave. I hope you don't mind".
Grace shook her head, "No, I don't mind at all. Thank you". She took some floo powder and looked at Remus, do you want to go first?".
Remus shook his head, "Nah, you go ahead".
Grace sighed and stepped in the fireplace and threw down the platform while yelling "Platform nine and three quarters" as clearly as she could.
A minute later, she tumbled out of the fire place onto the stone ground, landing right on top of her trunk. Realizing that Remus was coming tight after her, Grace hurriedly got up and moved out of the way. Unfortunately, Grace didn't bother to look behind her, resulting in her bumping into someone.
Turning around, Grace found herself looking into gray eyes. Embarrassed, she stepped back and mumbled a soft apology. The person she bumped into smiled lightly, "It's alright. No harm done. First time going to Hogwarts?".
Grace looked at up the speaker and nodded, the boy she bumped into looked to be a few years younger than her, not that it mattered really, "Yeah. Unique circumstances I guess you could say".
The boy nodded, "Fair enough". Pushing his black hair out of his eyes, he held out his hand to her, "Regulus Black at your service".
Upon hearing his name, Grace froze and stared at him for a good while, was it a coincidence? She couldn't remember if Sirius said he had a brother or not. Seeing that she was making him uncomfortable, she shook his hand quickly, "Grace, nice to meet you".
"Well Grace, how about I help get your trunk on the train, it's getting ready to leave soon". Regulus as he glanced at the clock on the wall.
Grace nodded silently and didn't protest when Regulus lifted up her trunk and put it in the first compartment that he found. Grace looked around the compartment and noticed that the compartments hadn't changed much at all. Stepping off the train, she thanked Regulus for helping her, and spotted Remus looking around confused. Weaving her way through the crowd, she came up behind him and tapped his shoulder, "Looking for me?" she asked with a smile on her face.
Remus spun around and smiled when he saw Grace, "Yes actually. I was getting worried".
Grace grimaced, "I'm sorry Rem. I bumped into someone accidently, and he was kind enough to help me with my trunk. Now come on, you're sitting with me, and I don't want the compartment to be full. It's almost time to leave ya know".
Remus nodded and followed her onto the train. When he got to the compartment though, he got a bad feeling when he saw Regulus Black sitting on one of the seats reading a magazine. "Um, Grace, maybe this isn't such a good idea.. I'll go find another compartment". He said quietly.
"You will do no such thing Remus!" Grace hissed as she sat down on the seat facing Regulus. "It's ok if my friend sits here, isn't it?" She asked gazing at the boy across from her.
Regulus looked up and sent a cold glance at Remus before answering, "Actually, normally I would not allow it. Mother would be furious. But since she's already gone, sure. Go ahead. Just don't cause any trouble Lupin".
Grace smiled lightly at him as he went back to reading his magazine. The she turned to Remus, who was still standing in the doorway, "You heard him, sit down Remus. Make yourself comfortable".
Remus nodded and put his trunk in the overhead compartment before sitting down next to Grace. He still had a bad feeling about sitting with a Black, but he knew there was nothing he could do. So instead he looked out the window just in time to see the 3 banes of his existence hop onto the train laughing with each other. Sighing to himself, he closed his eyes as the train began to move, and tried to ignore the throbbing headache that he was getting. The full mean was a few days away, and he could feel it.
Grace smiled at him, she would let him rest. The full moon was in a few days she knew, and he would need all the energy he got. So she let her eyes travel to Regulus. He was a cute kid she decided, Gray eyes with black hair that fell just over his shoulders. Slightly taller than she was. She was marveling at how his demeaner had changed when she asked about Remus sitting with them. Eyeing his robes, she saw that he was in Slytherin. Kind of explained his behavior, she just hoped that he wasn't another Malfoy.
"What magazine are you reading?" She asked Regulus softly.
Regulus looked up, his eyes narrowed at her a bit, "It's a potions magazine. I'm not that good at them, so I wanted to understand them better for this year".
"I wish I had thought of that. I'm rubbish at potions. Always have been". Grace said as she studied the cover of the magazine.
"Well, when I'm done you can borrow it". Regulus said before going back to reading.
Grace sighed, so much for a conversation with him. She knew that it would be a while before the food trolley came by, so she followed Remus's lead and closed her eyes, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Unknown to her, Regulus was surveying her. He was intrigued by her, from the moment she bumped into him, he knew there was something different about her. He was going to figure it. He was also intrigued by Lupin, the two of them seemed close. Something that he secretly longed for. Contrary to popular belief, Regulus was a very lonely boy. At just thirteen years old, he had a very dark aura, one that kept everyone at Hogwarts away from him, even people from his own house. It was not fully his fault of course. It was his blasted parents fault. The amount of time that they spent punishing him with the cruciatous curse was astounding. Not that he would ever let anyone know. They all thought that he was the perfect pureblood, all thought that he believed their idiotic sayings. Let them think that.
Putting his magazine in his pocket, his eyes turned to the window. The scenery was beautiful, always was. Suddenly, he heard a loud barking from outside the compartment. Standing up and opening the door slightly, he was very confused when a big black dog dodged into the compartment and promptly sat at Grace's feet. Shaking his head, he closed the door. He knew that dogs weren't allowed at Hogwarts, but maybe Grace didn't know. It wasn't his business anyway.
A few minutes after the dog entered, Grace opened her eyes to feel something warm near her feet. She sent a questioning look to Regulus who shrugged, "Just so you know, Dogs aren't at Hogwarts. But this one seemed to show up out of nowhere" he said.
Looking down, Grace gasped with tears threatening to fall. "Padfoot?" She whispered quietly. The dog looked up at her and gave her a big green while wagging his tail.
Grace just stared at the dog for a minute and then slid on the floor and hugged the dog for a good few minutes.
Regulus looked at the two for minute before sitting on the ground in front of his seat and holding out his hand for the dog to sniff. The dog growled lowly, causing him to drop his hand and look down sadly.
Grace just shook her head, "Be kind Padfoot! You don't even know him you silly dog!". To Regulus's amazement, the dog looked a little ashamed and put a paw on Regulus's lap.
Regulus looked up happily, "I love dogs. But Mother doesn't, she doesn't like any pets really. The old croon".
The dog barked and moved in front of Regulus licking his hands happily much to Grace's amusement. "I think he likes you Reg" she said with a grin. Just then, Padfoot rolled over on his back and looked expectantly at Grace and Regulus.
Regulus shook his head, "This isn't proper you know". The dog seemed to roll his eyes at him while Grace just looked at him in amusement.
Suddenly, Padfoot stood up and jumped up on the chair that Remus was currently occupying and started licking his face. Regulus and Grace looked on in amusement while Remus slowly woke up and gave a jerk in surprise to find that a dog was licking his face. Pushing the dog off him, Remus looked at Regulus and Grace who were still on the floor. Spotting their amusement, he rolled his eyes and hesitantly started petting the animal.
Grace smiled and moved back up to the seat next to Remus while Regulus moved back to his seat. "Seems the dog likes you Rem." She said happily.
Remus nodded, "Seems like it. Whose dog is it by the way?".
"He just appeared here, I don't think that he really belongs to anyone really", Grace said pretending to look thoughtful.
Regulus eyed her thoughtfully, he was beginning to doubt that. Grace clearly knew the dogs name, and clearly recognized the dog. Shaking his head, Regulus decided that he didn't want to get into anything like that. If Grace knew the dog, it was her business, she didn't have to tell him, it wasn't his business.
The compartment was filled with silence for a couple minutes except for Padfoot's panting. Then the door opened to reveal two boys, both had black hair like Grace's, except one boy's hair was short and sticking up everywhere and ones was a little under his ears.
Grace shifted as the atmosphere in the compartment changed tremendously. Remus tried to make himself as small as possible while Regulus had a sneer on his face.
The two boys were completely oblivious to it though because they were staring at Grace. Grace, in turn, was staring back at them. She knew who they were from the pictures she had of them of course, but to be face to face with her younger father and godfather was still surreal for her.
Meanwhile, Padfoot (or rather Sirius), had walked over to Remus and put his head on his lap. The younger version of his friend looked sad.
"I've never seen you before" James Potter said as he looked Grace over.
Grace nodded, "That's because this is my first time. I'm Grace by the way. Who are you?". Better to act like she doesn't know.
"James Potter, at your service. Say. What are you doing in this compartment? You better be careful, some dangerous things are in here". James shifted his eyes towards Remus after she said that, and missed the flicker of annoyance that came on Grace's face.
The boy next to him however, did not. "Name's Sirius Black. Brother to that little twat over there". He motioned to Regulus and took a slight step back as Grace's eyes turned dark.
Grace herself was trying to keep in all her rage. It wouldn't do her good if she attacked her father and godfather. Though she was really tempted to do so. "Right. Well, if you two are done being idiots, you'll have to excuse me. I was rather enjoying my company". With that, she pushed the two boys back and slammed the door shut.
Turning around, rolled her eyes and sat down next to Remus who was staring at her along with Regulus. "Are those two always like that? Gosh, I hope I'm not in their house" She huffed. Inside, her heart was breaking. How could her dad and godfather act like that? Refusing to acknowledge the dog who was sitting at her feet, she glanced at the two boys, "What? Did I do something wrong?".
Regulus shook his head, "Not at all. You just stood up to two of the biggest bullies at Hogwarts. That's all".
"You shouldn't have done that", Remus said quietly, "They'll come after you now".
Grace shook head, "No, they won't. Not if they know what's good for them anyway".
Regulus looked at her intently, "What do you mean?".
Remus looked interested as well, which made Grace smirk, "You'll just have to find out. Now, close your eyes, I want to get changed now".
Regulus blanched, "How about me and Remus go outside until your done?".
"If that's what you prefer", Grace said with a smile as she got her clothes out from her trunk. Hearing the door close, she turned around and glared at Padfoot (adult Sirius), "I can't believe you! Why didn't you tell me the truth? Also, how in the world are you here? Didn't you go through the veil? Anyway, close your eyes. I'm going to change". The dog whined softly and closed his eyes.
Two minutes later, Grace opened the door and gestured Remus and Regulus inside while stepping outside herself, "Let me know when you guys are done changing".
Closing the door behind her, she slid down the door and buried her face in her hands. Nothing hurt her more than seeing her father and godfather acting like prats. Shaking her head, she got up and looked out the window, she would just have to make the most of it, that's all.
A minute later, Remus opened the door, "You can come back in now. We're done".
Grace nodded and slid back into the compartment. Looking between Remus and Regulus, she quickly sat down on the floor between the two chairs and laid down on the ground.
Regulus raised an eyebrow at her, "You're going to get your uniform dirty before you even get there. What's the sense of laying on the floor like that?".
Grace sat up and faced him, "Well, I clearly can't lay on a seat since you two boys seem rather happy having one each to yourselves. Also, it's comfy down here".
This time Remus raised an eyebrow at her, "I highly doubt that, but okay. If you say so".
"Well, you two go ahead and doubt me. That's just fine". Grace said with a smile as she laid back down on the ground. Over her, Regulus and Remus exchanged glances and just shook their heads.
A couple hours later found Remus asleep once again, and Regulus and Grace sharing the sweets Regulus had bought from the sweet trolley a couple minutes beforehand. Grace laughed at Regulus's face as he swallowed a rather foul tasting candy. "Regulus, wasn't it your idea to buy those candies in the first place?" Grace teased with a smile.
"Yeah. I just didn't know how disgusting some would be". Regulus stated with a frown on his face.
Grace shook her head, "Serves you right though. I didn't ask you to buy any candy for me".
Regulus just stared at her, "I was being nice! That's what friends are for! Right?". After he said that, he got embarrassed, and looked down. Where they friends? Would she want to be? Why did he even care?
Grace smiled lightly at him, "Yes, that's what friends are for Reg. Though it's pretty sad that you are only thirteen, and you are four inches taller than me".
"Boys grow faster than girls in general. You're just a hobbit". Remus said as he opened his eyes again and surveyed the two.
Shaking her head at him, Grace threw a chocolate frog in his direction and giggled as it hit his head.
"You have great aim Grace. Really. First class". Regulus stated dryly.
Grace smirked at him, "Maybe I meant to do that Reg. Or else he just has bad catching skills".
Remus shook his head, "Maybe next time you should try telling me before you throw it. You caught me by surprise".
"Alright, I'll agree with that. Just this once though'. Grace said as she looked at Remus meaningfully.
Regulus looked between the two and felt a pang of jealousy. Why did he have to be two years younger than them? It wasn't fair. When they got to school they would probably ignore him anyway. Then he would be lonely again, with just his death eater friends to bait him.
Grace looked at the younger boy and smiled. She didn't know much about Regulus, but he seemed like a sweet kid. Slytherin or not, she was determined to keep him as a friend.
A few minutes later, the train stopped and the three stood up. When they stepped off the train, Grace spotted James and Sirius dragging a small boy behind them. She growled when she remembered who it was. Peter Pettigrew was with them. But she couldn't be bothered by that now. She turned to the two boys and let out a sigh, "Unfortunately, I'll be seeing you later. Dumbledore told me that I need to come over with the first years. Something about it being the tradition".
Regulus and Remus nodded, they understood that. After each giving her a hug and wishing her good luck, they watched her walk towards Hagrid the grounds-keeper for Hogwarts. She looked so tall compared to the little first years.
After the first years had disappeared, the two boys looked at each other and nodded. Finding a carriage that was still empty, both boys slipped into it and glanced at each other again before looking out the carriage windows. Rain was starting to fall, and the sky lit up with lightning.
"Listen Lupin," Regulus said quietly "We don't have to talk if you don't want to, and I don't expect to. But when we get to the castle, don't bully me, okay? Can you tell Grace that as well? I don't expect her to talk to me either".
Remus stared at him in the darkness, "Grace wouldn't do that Black. She seems to genuine for that".
"I know you think that Lupin, but I can't. No matter what. I'm a Black. Once she finds out who my parents are, who they support, she's going to want nothing to do with me. You watch". Regulus stared out the window as he said that.
Remus shook his head at the younger boy, "You're wrong. You'll see. Same applies to you though".
This time Regulus stared at him, "Lupin, if I didn't say anything on the train against you, why would I start now? I've been at the same school as you for two years, I won't start today. I promise".
Remus nodded and breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you Black. I appreciate it. I get enough grief from your brother and his friend".
"Well, those two are idiots, aren't they? Right prats sometimes". Regulus said softly.
Suddenly, the carriage jerked open. Surprised, the two boys looked out and noticed that they were in front of the castle. Shrugging, the boys stepped out of the carriage and hurried to catch up to the students that were walking up to the castle. No one gave any notice to the two boys. They were outsiders in their houses for specific reasons, and other houses didn't really mingle with each other anyway.
Silently, they walked into the great hall of the great castle trailing behind the rest of the student body. Giving a nod to each other once again, each boy went to go sit at the end of his table respectively. Remus with a resigned, sad look on his face. Regulus, with a mask of indifference and aloofness to hide the scared feeling he felt about losing his only real friend.
For a couple of seconds, the great hall was bursting with chatter, then as soon as the doors opened, the hall went silent. All the first years walked in nervously, all huddled in a big clump together. Remus noticed Grace standing at the very back and she had her hand around a small girl who looked like she had been crying. He smiled slightly to himself and focused on the song that the sorting hat was singing (Read the first books song please, I'm not creative enough to think of a new one). Finally, the sorting began.
Regulus stared at each of the new members of Slytherin. They all looked so sure of themselves, hopefully this years bunch was going to be different. One could only hope.
After all the first years were sorted, Dumbledore stood up and addressed the student body, "Hello students! Before I make any more introductions, we are doing something very different this year! We have a new student with us this year who is going to be going to be a fifth year student! Grace, if you could come up here please?".
All at once, everyone turned in their seat to stare at her. Remus and Regulus both smiled at her, one which she thankfully returned. Walking slowly, she got up to the stool and sat down on it without any further prompting. After the Deputy Headmistress had placed the sorting hat on her, the whole hall waited silently.
A few minutes had gone by, and Regulus noticed that Grace seemed to be having a conversation with it judging by the looks on her face. He watched her closely as she frowned. She seemed to not like the answer the hat was telling her.
Seconds later, the hat spoke "Due to the nature of the situation, I have decided to sort this girl into the houses of SLYTHERIN AND GRYFFINDOR!".
Then the noise started again. All around kids were talking, demanding to know how that could possibly happen. Sadly, no one had an answer for them. The Slytherins and Gryffindors were all looking murderous though. There was no way that they would allow someone from THAT house in their house.
Sensing their moods, Grace slipped off the stool quietly, and walked over to a small table that had formed in between the four tables. In an instant, both Remus and Regulus started clapping loudly. The teachers soon joined in along with the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs.
When everyone was done clapping, Dumbledore smiled at them, "Now, I would like to remind all of you to not go into the forbidden forest without permission from professor Kettleburn. Also, I would like to introduce to you your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mr. Orion Gray".
The man stood up and eyed the hall nervously. His eyes stopping at Grace. She looked at him for a minute before jumping up and fleeing from the great hall. Looking helplessly around, he sank back down in his chair and sighed. How was he going to explain this?
He looked up again when from the corner of his eyes, he saw both Remus Lupin and Regulus Black jump up from their respective seats and follow her. Looking at the headmaster, he tilted his head towards the door and gave a small sigh of relief when the old headmaster nodded. Standing up, he walked right past the marauders and quickly followed the two boys.
"Well, that sure was something. Now! Eat up everyone!" Dumbledore said calmly surveying the students.
Alright! Well, I hope you enjoyed it! As always, please review if you can! Also, please, no hating on this story. I might change things around/disregard some things.. But hey, this is my story, if you don't like it, don't read :)