Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the wonderful characters created by the lovely J.K Rowling.

Whoo, chapter 2. Yah, no spiffy opening credits for you guys. Nothing of interest for me to say. That is all!

Ah, summer was finally over!

The very mention of returning to Hogwarts sent shivers up my spine, my excitement obvious to anyone who stood within a two-mile radius. I wasn't simply excited at the idea of returning to my other home, there was another reason. I would finally be able to see them again. Ever since Sirius' departure from the House of Black, my summer had been empty, less than fun. No longer was I entertained by the constant hilarities of my darling "brother," no longer could I enjoy his annoyingly infectious smile and laughter, no longer could I simply enjoy his presence. And that wasn't all. My other source of fun had also disappeared. Regulus had off and went to join the Death Eaters, no longer able to find time to spend with me or the rest of his family to my knowledge. Everyone was…leaving me. Even Severus, my best friend, even he was disappearing from my side, captivated by that Mudblood, Lily Evans. With an outlook like that, it seemed like it was going to be a bloody good year. Nevertheless, I wasn't about to let that ruin my year, my last year at Hogwarts! Once at school, I would be able to see Sirius and his curious group of friends. They're about the only Gryffindor's I can stomach, though their constant pranks on Severus are unnecessary.

The voice of my mother carried up the stairs, saying something along the lines of; "When are you going to leave? You don't have all day to get your school things! Go on, shoo!" I smiled, knowing she was right. I had only a few days until the beginning of the end of my fun years, so it would be best to get started now. Who knows, I might even see a few friends.

"Alright, alright! I'm leaving now, Mum! I'll be back in a few hours!"

My mother's voice blew up the stairs again, "Don't get lost!"

I covered my heart, feigning hurt. How could she think I'd get lost in Diagon Alley? I supposed she was just being a mother. I snatched up my small bag from my dresser, pocketing my wand in my front jeans pocket, and stood in the middle of my room. Luckily, I had passed my Apparation Test, no longer constrained by the use of Floo Powder. I would never get used to the sickening feeling it always had given me. Giving my room another look over to make sure nothing was forgotten; I disappeared with a rather loud crack, reappearing moments later in the bustling Diagon Alley.

Now, where to begin?

Madam Malkins seemed the best place to start; it would take the shortest amount of time. I nodded to myself, and made my way over towards the store, entering with the briefest of smiles to anyone I happened to pass. Unsurprisingly, I was in and out of the store before I had even realized it. Malkin's worked faster and faster every year. That lady was simply amazing. Not enough time had gone by for me to officially declare my day of shopping over, leaving me with the only choice of going for some school supplies. Flourish and Blotts seemed like the most logical choice, and I was pleased to remember that it was right next door from Madame Malkins.

Inside, I was greeted by a silence only comparable to a muggle library, a place where I always found it intriguing to visit. Muggles did have the most fascinating things at times. It was mainly empty save for a few students and adults, which I welcomed heartily. I never liked bustling places. There's always someone bumping into you. I made my way to one of the far off corners in the store and pulled out my list. There weren't many books I'd need this year. I only signed up for a few classes. Of course, The Standard Book Of Spells Grade 7, there was also Confronting the Faceless, Quintessence: A Quest, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, and Advanced Potion Making. I gathered those up in no time, but decided to get some other books for personal reading as well. Hélas, Je me suis Transfiguré mes Pieds andBlood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires. After buying those, I decided that my next shop should be QQS, short for Quality Quidditch Supplies. Oh, I forgot to mention. I'm on the Slytherin Quidditch team at Hogwarts. Chaser of course. I've had my fair share of broken bones.

QQS was two stores down from Flourish & Blotts, so I didn't have far to go. Sadly, and though it was to be expected, my second-favorite store was crowded with students and parents alike. All eager to get the latest gear for the new school year. I was happy with my Moontrimmer 1001. It was faithful and was agile enough to keep me away from the other players, especially those bloody Beaters. Yeah, it may not have gone that fast, at most seventy-eight miles per hour, but it was mine, and I had never missed a goal with it.

I managed to squeeze myself into the obviously over-capacity store, heading directly for the Quidditch supplies. Thankfully, this area was less crowded than the broomstick section, making it easy for me to get a Broomstick Servicing Kit, Tail-Twig Clippers and a tin of Fleetwood's High-Finish handle polish. I paid for my purchases and left the store, finally happy with my items. My arms were full with supplies, for both school and myself, leaving me with the option of going for a quick bite. Shopping makes a girl hungry, you know.

There were too many choices in Diagon Alley, a variety of little café's, each with their own multicolored umbrellas at their outside tables. I chose a half empty one and sat at a table with a bright orange umbrella and ordered something small. A plate of miniature mince pies and a glass of lemon syrup and soda with a side of tea, to be precise. I do enjoy my tea.

I had gotten through about half of my lunch when I saw him, or, them rather. The entire group of them was here for their school shopping, I suppose. I had never seen them outside of school together, but I guess it was to be expected. The Marauders were never apart for very long. Waving my hand in the air, I called out the name of their leader, a bright grin set on my cheeks.

"James! James!"

Oddly enough, they all looked over when I called, their faces beaming as they jogged over to my little table, taking it upon themselves to sit and grab a mince pie. Only Remus, of course, had the courtesy to politely ask.

"Miche, what brings you to Diagon Alley on such a lovely day?" The messy-headed leader asked, pushing up his glasses as he took a bite of my last mince pie.

"Yeah, how is my little sister doing these days?" Sirius inquired, grabbing a spare cup and pouring himself a cup of tea.

That's how it was with us. Best friends who could share any amount of food with each other. The only catch, they were Gryffindors, and because of the unspoken and ongoing battle between the Slytherin House and Gryffindor House, we hardly spoke in school. Yet, they were the only Gryffindors I could bear, mainly because they were friends with Sirius. No matter what House he was in, he would still be my friend and brother.

"Just doing some shopping. Shouldn't you all be doing the same? School will be starting up again soon." From what I could see, they had done no shopping, except for Remus, who had a bag from Flourish & Blotts next to him. His other belongings were most likely at the store to be sent off to school with the train. "And just where have you been, Sirius? So busy that you couldn't even send an owl with some news?"

Sirius balked, scratching his head and looking around the table at his other mates for some help. James and Remus looked away, avoiding all eye-contact with their friend. It was to be expected. He had gotten himself into this mess by not at least giving me a letter or telling me where he was. I was so worried about him! Now I finally had the chance to chew him out.

"Well?" I hissed, crossing my arms in irritation. "I tried to talk to Cissy and Bella, but they wouldn't even mention your name! I couldn't even get a hold of you!" My anger this time fell upon James, who shrunk down in his chair with a sheepish smile.

"Well…um….I don't remember getting owls from you or anything. I reckon your owl must have gotten lost?" James offered.

Remus tutted underneath his breath, taking a sip of the tea he had just recently poured himself. "Didn't you stow away all of Michela's letters, James? I'm pretty sure you sent me an owl about it. Something about no one could know that Sirius was staying with you?"

Both of the other Marauders shot a dirty look at Remus who returned it with a satisfied smile. He was the only one I could rely on sometimes. "Moony! Shut up!" James murmured, but it was too late. I had already reached the point of no return.

"So I was right! You two were staying together!" I shot up from my chair, anger pulsating from me in waves. Remus backed up from the table slightly, taking his teacup with him and watching from a distance. "Bloody hell! Why couldn't you tell me?! Do you know how badly I worried about you?" I pointed an accusing finger at Sirius, holding James put with a sharp glare. "I thought you followed Regulus and joined the Death Eaters!"

This time, it was Sirius that rose angrily. "Bollocks! I would never join slime like them!"

Silence fell around us as the two of us were breathing heavily. It seemed that we had caught the attention of just about everyone around our table; some had left to avoid the possible duel that could have broken out. Finally, after a moment, I sat down, the corners of my mouth twitching with a grin. Sirius fell to his chair with a grunt, a large grin spreading on his cheeks as well. James let out a sigh and Remus returned to the table, his brow arching.

"So. Done?" he asked.

"Yeah. But, I'm sorry, Miche. I didn't mean to make you worry, but I thought it would be better if no one knew I was staying with the Potters."

I leaned back in my chair and sighed, shaking off his apology. "Don't worry about it. At least you're ok."

"That's what you get, Padfoot. Keeping secrets from our dear Michela. How could you?" James scolded, wagging his finger admonishingly.

Both Sirius and I cast a reproving glare at James, who blanched in response. The entire table was set upon by a wave of laughter; there was always something fun going on whenever we got together.

Finally, it was time to go home. After glancing at the monstrous clock over Gringotts, I realized my mother would be worried that I hadn't come home after such a long time. Voicing my concerns to the boys, I rose from the table and said my goodbyes, capturing each of them in a bone crushing hug.

"I'll see you all at school, alright?"

Then, I was off, dragging my bags along towards Ollivander's. I had yet to see the elderly old man, and had made it my duty to visit him every year that I went supply shopping. Besides, who wouldn't want to see the man who paired you with a wand that fit you perfectly. I still remember the day he found my wand. Holly, 10 ¼ inches, pleasantly springy, with a dragon heartstring. Since then, I've never been without my reliable wand.

As I passed Gambol & Japes, the wizarding joke shop, a favorite place of Sirius and James, I saw him. Sulking as he walked by Ollivander's from the other side of Diagon Alley, Severus Snape walked purposefully in my direction, his eyes cast towards the cobbled ground. As we passed each other, I stopped in my tracks, smiling slightly.

"Can't even bother to greet a girl, huh, Sevvy?"

He stopped, his head snapping up and looking around. He turned around and saw me, a small smirk coming to his face as he walked back towards me, glancing down at my purchases.

"Forgive me for my rudeness, Ricci, but some of us are too busy to greet others."

I laughed and grabbed my friend in a hug, feeling him stiffen in my grasp. Now, Severus wasn't much of a close-contact kind of person, and I knew it, but I couldn't help buy hug my friends. It didn't take him long to get used to my embrace and awkwardly pat me on the back, signaling me to move.

"So, how was your summer, Sev?"

He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets, his long hair sliding in front of his eyes. "Uneventful. I got some studying and homework done, but that's all. Yours?"

I gave him a mocking shrug as well. "Mother and I spent the summer together. Father is still in Italy taking care of Nana. She's not feeling too well again." I gave an exasperated sigh. "He said he should be back in time for October, so he won't miss my birthday."

"I see." Severus replied, glancing over at Gringotts' clock. "Well, I still have shopping to do, and looking at you, I think you did enough to save a couple of students some money."

I smiled bashfully, looking down at my items. "It's not that much! But, go on and do your shopping, Sevvy," I teasingly reverted back to my nickname for him. "I'll see you at school!"

"Of course you will, Michey." He retorted, using his own play name for me.

I beamed and waved him away, turning and walking towards Ollivander's. I still had time to go see him before my mother would send an owl after me.

The store was just as I remembered it. A large room lined from top to bottom with shelves of narrow boxes. Other boxes were strewn about the floor, wands poking out from beneath box covers, wands laying scattered on the floor. The usual mess of Ollivander's store. In the front was a desk, also covered in wands, and little strips of paper as well. This was where Mr. Ollivander did his business. And there it was that he sat, his eerie, moon-like eyes staring at me as I entered, as if he had been waiting for me.

"Ah, Ms. Ricci. It is good to see you again." The owl-eyed man greeted me, clasping his fingers together expectingly.

"Hello, Mr. Ollivander. It's nice to see you again!"

I walked up to his desk and shook his hand as he outstretched it, reaching for my wand with my free hand and handing it to him. I did this every time I came into his store, it was a sort of…thing between us. He always liked to know how his wands were doing and how their masters were faring as well.

"Ah, I remember this wand. Made of holly and a string of a dragon's heart. Ten and a half inches. You've taken good care of your wand I see, Ms. Ricci."

I smiled with an blush of embarrassment. "Well, I do love my wand." Truthfully, I did. I cleaned and polished it almost everyday. It was like an extra part of my body, and if it was ruined, I felt the same way. I suppose it's the same with every magical being and their wand.

Mr. Ollivander handed me my wand back, watching as I stowed it away in my back pocket with an unnatural smile. Even then, though he was a wonderful man, he still seemed uncanny. It was time for me to go after that. I had been away from home for long enough. Waving goodbye to the old man, I disappeared from the store with a loud crack, Apparating back to my humble abode.

As expected, upon returning to my home, I received a swift boxing to my ears from my mother.

"Where have you been for so long? I almost sent the police after you!" my mother fumed, waving her wand in the air as she stirred a pot in the kitchen and dusted in the living room. I still have no idea how she managed to multitask like that.

"Mumma…" I whimpered meekly, still stinging over the pain in my ears. "There's no way the police would find me."

I was referring to the Muggle police, who couldn't find their way to Diagon Alley even if they were given a map. My mother couldn't help but laugh and seemingly forgot to interrogate me further, which I was glad for. My head still smarted.

That night, I decided that it would be the best time to send my father an owl. I hadn't spoken to him since our last letter a few weeks ago, and I'm sure he was probably bursting with news and questions about the end of my summer. I was bursting with my own, but, my Papá was a bit more eccentric. As I wrote, my owl, Varius, the lovely barn owl Sirius got me during my first year in Hogwarts, flittered from place to place in my room, finally landing next to my free hand and pecking at it gently. I knew what that meant. I did as he requested and began to scratch at his head, loving the feel of his soft feathers. I was going to miss this when I went back to Hogwarts, but…there was always the Owlery, right?

So, after almost a year of not posting at all, here Chapter 2 finally is! Yes, I finally got some inspiration. Sadly, I had been working on this chapter the whole time. Anywayzzzz, hope you liked. R & R! Love you guys