(As always: I don't own it. Enjoy! Note: I love detailed work but if I do that with Harry Potter, I'd be writing till my toddler graduates HS!)

Quidditch Pitch, Early November

Alyssa POV

"Manga ignis!" I shot the Great Fire spell at my brother. Thankfully, he was paying attention when the wall of flame appeared before him.

"Frigidus flamma!" he countered freezing it.

After my incident on Halloween, Prongs refused to talk to me about it. I had openly expressed my feelings toward it. Trying to make my brother understand, but he wasn't having it. He simply told me not to worry about it.

I didn't quite believe him.

They had been on eggshells for a week afterward. I know because I saw them. I returned to normal and things became better for me. I was still receiving owls from my lawyer and one from the Property Manager at Gringotts. I was determined to have a house picked out this weekend. What a great Christmas surprise.

"Good!" I exclaimed looking proudly over at him. We had been outside in the frigid November temperatures for nearly an hour dueling. Good thing I had thought ahead and protected the Quidditch Pitch and added several warming charms.

I wasn't paying attention when he shouted. "Aer crepitus!" Thrown off guard, it threw me back several feet. Landing roughly on my back, I sat up and saw him smirk. For a thirteen year old, he was holding well on his own. Shaking my head, I stumbled to my feet. Naughty Harry.

"Proiectura tenebris!" I flicked my wand with a strange round of spins. An orange shot hurdled toward him. Striking him, he stumbled around the Pitch before collapsing to his knees.

"Seriously?" he groaned. "You blinded me?"

"Well, you threw me several feet…." I teased. Casting "Finite" I ended the spell. "Ready to go again?" He nodded and took his stance.

"Brachium cincinno!" I yelled as I dodged his "Limus ulcera!" spell. Ugh..boils.

"Ligare funibus!" I cried and he ducked as black robes shot out to entrap him.

We never noticed a crowd staring at us when we left the castle, but Ron and Hermione that had followed us to the Pitch when I told my brother to wrap up. I was going to start showing him how to use some of the Potter spells. He was ready in an instant. I had been waiting for some time now to try the spells out.

From an outside observer, they could only see streaks of lights passing back and forth. I first warmed him up with the spells he already knew, then slowly progressed to the ones he didn't know. He was quite good at this. In no time at all, he would be an excellent dueler. Once I started teaching him Auror level spells.

Now that was going to prove interesting.

"OK, break time!" I cried as I dodged his latest spell.

"Fine with me." he said coming up to me while I conjured two water bottles. Tossing one to him, he unscrewed the cap. "Does dueling always wear you out?"

I nodded and took a swig of my drink, "It does, but once you're used to it, you get better."

"How did you learn to duel?" he asked as I lowered the protection charms around us. Ron and Hermione soon joined.

"That was wicked cool you two." Ron gushed. "I've never seen spells like that before."

"Of course you wouldn't Ronald!" Hermione exclaimed exasperated. "Those are secret spells."

"Well, some of them." I told them. "The first half hour wasn't. You three already know that. I added a few fourth year spells in the training before I moved on." I turned back to Harry. "What you learned were low level stuff. As your magic matures, I'll teach you the more advanced things."

"I can learn them now." he protested.

"I couldn't learn these at your age. Sorry kiddo." I shook my head at him. He looked at me warily. "Trust me, I'll teach you what I know. I'm not the expert dueler here. Professor Lupin is quite good too."

"He hasn't really taught us anything like that…." Ron begin.

"You're learning dark and sentient creatures right now. Like Hinkypunks, pixies, etc." I turned and looked at him. "Dueling doesn't really start until you're at least in fifth year. Or, it does at Ilvermorny."

"Almost makes you want to change schools." Ron grumbled quietly to no one. I couldn't have agreed more. Hogwarts might be prestigious, but Ilvermorny was more modernized. Things were taught differently there. It's why I enjoyed my time at school.

"So the first Quidditch game is coming up. Are you planning on going?" Harry asked me tentatively . It seemed like he was really wanting me to be there.

"Yea, I'll be there. I never went at Ilvermorny, but I didn't have a reason to go." I never told him that I would spend most of my time buried in books or training. Remember Alyssa, need to know basis.

"Great!" he exclaimed.

"Harry's a wonderful Seeker." Hermione said simply. She must not be a fan of the game. I had heard about her dislike of flying.

Flying.

Now that was something Harry and I did have in common. I loved it as much as he did. Had it not been for my approval of internship with Madam Pomfrey for Healer school, I would have tried out for the team. I didn't think I'd make a good player, but hey...at least I'd get to fly. I had packed my broom when I left America. I wasn't even planning on flying when I got here.

"So, you wanna fly?" I asked everyone. A smile growing on my face.

Harry's eyes bulged out of his head. "Yo-you fly?"

My smile reached my eyes and I shook my head a little. "Yea, I do. I'm supposed to be a natural."

"Wicked!" Ron exclaimed while Hermione rolled her eyes.

"If all of you are going to kill yourselves by flying-count me out." she stated. Both boys eyed her like they knew they shouldn't say something. But I had a feeling since the looming "threat" of Sirius floating around Magical Britain-killing ourselves by flying wouldn't even make the papers. I'm sure if someone found out that students were being taught to duel, it would be a cover story as well.

"Accio Firebolt." I said with a wave of my wand. Hearing a whistling sound, I ducked as it came hurtling toward me. Holding it gingerly in my hands, it was brand-new. Off the line broom. Ron and Harry were close to bowing to the broom.

"That's a new Firebolt…." Ron muttered in awe.

"Yea, it is. My birthday gift to myself." I said slowly trying not to laugh.

"OK, I want my broom…" Harry said impatiently.

"What do you fly?"

"Nimbus 2000." He said his eyes still on the Firebolt. Hermione had long forgone the awe inspiring broom and took a seat to study.

"Accio Harry's Nimbus 2000" With another wave of my wand, I could hear it coming along before they did. Ducking a little, Harry saw what I had done but poor Ronald-who was still drooling-didn't see it and was smacked with Harry's broom as it came flying across the Pitch from the Gryf dressing room.

He grabbed it and before I could asked him about it, he kicked off and shot up the air like a banshee. Chuckling, I watched him stop hundred feet up and rest. "Boys…." I muttered. Swinging my leg over my broom, I kicked off and pitched upward. Coming to his height, I rested my broom.

"You know, flying is my favorite thing to do…" he mummered.

"Yea, I know. It's one of my favorites too. Rumor has it, dad loved it too." he gave me a sidelong gaze. "Rumor…."

"You feel free, like all your worries fall around you."

"Truer words never spoken…." Giving me a mischievous look, he flew off hurtling at speeds he thought he could beat me at.

Shaking my head, I chased after him. Around the Pitch we flew. Over and under. Barrel roll after barrell roll. Up and down and side to side. Though my broom was far faster than his, he was a natural on his broom. It was like he was designed to fly. Catching a glimpse to the ground below, Ronald had returned to Hermione's side where I'm sure she was berating him about studying.

"Did dad play Quidditch?" he asked me softly.

"Yea, he did. He bought us our first brooms. I think he was a Chaser." I smiled. I could see this affected him deeply. He was connecting to our dad in ways he never thought he could. Playing Quidditch was one of them.

"Your mum and my mum didn't. I think Lily was far more approving of the sport than my mum was." I mentioned as an afterthought.

Weaving back down to the ground, I hovered before hopping off. Harry mimicked me and set his broom down close to mine.

"You're a terrific flyer, Harry. Don't forget it." I praised him. He smiled under my praise.

Before I could say anything else, I felt a shiver rush through me. Something-or someone was trying to tap me. Only those closest to me could communicate with me silently. Turning around, my eyes scanned the Pitch carefully. There were spots that were so dark that you couldn't see anything. I had half a mind to light the entire Pitch up but I knew that would cause Dumbledore to come down and investigate.

"Harry…." I cautioned slowly, "get behind me right now." He didn't ask questions but did as I ask. Which was quite helpful. I had a fear that he might fight me. Insist on helping. Looking back into the darkness of the Pitch, I felt the air change again. Something was out there. I couldn't tell if it was human or not. "Who's there?" I called out.

Nothing.

Not a damn sound.

My wand drawn, I clutched it in my left hand and waited. I was trained to handle most opponents, but until I received my British certification, I couldn't do much else but stun. I could feel Harry's emotions playing at mine, but I ignored him as best I could.

"I said who's there?!" I called out again. This time I heard a growl. Humans don't growl. However, if it was a creature, then maybe I could stun it long enough to have someone grab Hagrid. Good idea there Alyssa.

The growling continued, but it came closer with each step it took. Blocking all my surroundings I concentrated on the beast before me. It had four legs, and a tail? Pursuing my lips, I frowned. This narrowed it down tremendously. Now only if it wasn't a werewolf. Quickly, I looked toward the heavens. No moon. No werewolves.

Well thank Merlin for that….

"Lumos' I whispered. The endpoint of my wand lit up and I used it to scan the area where I heard the growling. Harry was behind me and clutching my free arm with an iron grip. His fear was palpable.

Every time I scanned an area, the growling became worse. Whatever it was I was closing in on it. Finally, it came from the shadows. It was a big black shaggy dog.

Wait….a black dog?

"Come out right now!" I called out to the dog.

"Alyssa, it's a dog. It won't understand you?"

"What do you expect me to do? My canine is rusty?" I asked incredulously.

He narrowed his eyes at me. While we were bickering, the dog had come closer to us. It stood five feet from us when I could hear it breathing. Turning around, I flicked my wand over it and thought hard. There was a spell that I could use.

Then it hit me…"Lux volans" I whispered. Out from my wand shot a floating light orb. Hovering above us, I didn't have time to appreciate my spellwork when the canine came closer to us. It was like he was looking at the orb too.

Then I looked at the dog. I mean, really looked at it. In it's eyes, I could see something that wasn't canine. It was almost human. This gave me an idea...Turning back Harry, I kept one eye on the canine.

"I need you to take your wand out," I whispered and I watched him pull his wand from his robes. "When I say it, I want you to repeat the spell. It's gonna take the both of us…" He nodded at me.

"Ostendere bestia!" I called out as Harry did the same. Twin blue lights emitted from our wands striking the dog clearly in the center.

We watched in amazement. It was like watching something grow. The head begun to stretch and the limbs begun to sprout. Soon a man stood before us. A shaggy dirty man who had seen better days. His hair was long and stringy like he hadn't showered in forever. I could smell rank from where I was standing. I had half a heart to cast a "Scourgify" on him.

Harry, behind me, gasped when a man stood before him. Before I could react he had flung himself from behind me and launched himself at our hobo. "Hey! What's…." I cried. "Harry! Let him go now!" I screamed.

He had taken our hobo to the ground and trying to fight him. The hobo wasn't having any of it, but wasn't going to fight back. "Seriously, don't make me "Stupefy" you." Harry stopped and let me grabbed him. Pushing him behind me, I wanted to throttle him. If he had been in training his ass would be in some serious trouble.

"Stand down!" I commanded sharply. My voice had a steely edge to it. He eyed me curiously but nodded. This wasn't a fight that was needed. Looking back to the man, I sighed and helped him up.

"He could hurt you…."

"Never...and I mean NEVER attack an unarmed man. Muggle or magic. Is that clear?" I berated him. He nodded feebly looking sheepish. "Now you will tell me why you jumped our hobo."

"That's Sirius Black...that traitor…"

My head whipped around and I stared at our hobo. My eyes widening and my thought process sped up to incredible proportions. Could this dilapidated man be him? The one that I've been searching for for weeks now? My heart sped up and I looked him over carefully. If it was him, it didn't look like him.

"Uncle Siriy?" I whispered. I hoped an old nickname would justify that I wasn't crazy.

"Lyssa?" he croaked. "Is it really you?"

"Oh dear sweet Merlin…." I cried. Tears were streaming down my face. No one but he and I knew about that nickname. Not even Uncle Mooney. It was our joke when I was learning to talk. Around dad and Lily I called him Padfoot. Stepping tentatively toward him, I struggled to not give way to full blown crying.

Coming up to him, I stood mere inches from him. Harry, behind me, urging me to step away kept his distance regardless. I knew his wand was pulled and I could hear footsteps pounding on the ground. It must be Hermione and Ron.

Harry POV

"What is…" I could hear Ron start when he saw Sirius. Gasping for air, I was sure he was going to pass out. My bumbling mate didn't even draw his wand.

Hermione gripped my arm tightly. Any tighter it would squeeze off and I would be useless. Her fear was racing through her tightly and I could almost taste it. There before us stood my sister face to face with the man that was said to handed our parents over to Voldemort. She wasn't frightened. Yet, she was crying. I could tell by the way her body shook. It was slight but I could tell. The floating orb provided enough light that we could all see the interaction before us.

"Lyssa?" Sirius's voice broke. I could tell he was close to crying. Suddenly, without warning, she launched herself at him. We all stood there watching in suspicion and awe. They hugged and cried for several long minutes. Like they were long lost family. Wait, they were family. He was my family.

Alyssa had made sure I knew about Sirius Black. How he was my godfather. Our godfather. Was this why she was so emotional? Her crying was out of control, but she reeled herself in quickly. Conjuring a box of tissues, she cleaned herself up and handed a few to Sirius. When they were both composed, she turned around and looked at us.

"Alyssa, you need to get away from him." Hermione said vehemently.

"Not happening Hermione." Alyssa said adamantly.

"He's going to kill us." Ron whimpered. Bloke still hadn't pulled his wand.

"With what wand? I'm completely unarmed…." Sirius shot back.

He had a point. A wizard or witch without their wand was just as defenseless as a Muggle. It was one of the first things we were taught in Defense. I stole a glance at him. He was just what the 'Wanted' posters depicted. Standing before us like a beaten man, he didn't dare to fight or kill us. This left me confused. Wasn't that what he was supposed to do?

Darkness spread over the Pitch and we stood there motionless. None of us were willing to breathe lest we attracted more attention. Tugging on my arm, it had finally gone numb from Hermione's tight grip. Letting me go reluctantly, she stood there, her wand at the ready. The only one us three that wasn't armed was Ron. He was still bumbling and scared out of his mind.

"You...betrayed my-our parents." I accused him. It was the only thing I could think of to say. What did he expect me to do but run into his arms in welcome. Even though, Alyssa had talked me into learning that Sirius was a good man; I still had my doubts. The things that the Professors talked about and what the Prophet said kept me on the fence.

"No, I didn't. Listen Harry you have to understand." Sirius said holding his arms up.

"I don't have to understand anything." I seethed.

"Harry you might want to listen to him…." Alyssa tried placating.

I rounded on her. "No, I don't have to listen to him, when YOU of all people won't tell me everything I want to know."

She narrowed her eyes at me, I could smell magic cackling around us. Looking directly at her, I realized it was coming from her. Her fingertips sparkled with magic. "Lyssa, you need to calm down…" Sirius said. She ignored him but continued to look at me.

"I haven't told you everything because I am working my ass off trying to learn and right the wrongs that have been placed against us all these years." she said with restraint. "Now if you're ready to grow up and listen then we can get past this…"

Hermione always in my ear, "Harry, you might want to listen to her. I don't think she would lie or hurt you intentionally…."

I nodded at him to continue. He sighed with a small amount of relief. Running his hands through his unkempt hair, he stole a glance at Alyssa. "I didn't betray James and Lily. Yes, at first I was their Secret-Keeper but I made them change it at the last minute."

"But why?" I interrupted.

"It's not that I wasn't trustworthy, I was and still am. Just that I knew if I was captured they would try and rip the information out of my mind and I couldn't stand to betray my only family." he paused and kept his eyes on me. "So I convinced James to change their Secret-Keeper to our friend Peter Pettigrew…"

"Yes, while this is all fascinating, everyone knows this story." Hermione snipped.

I turned and motioned for her to hush. I had to hear this. No matter what it cost me. Turning back to Alyssa and Sirius, they stood there motionless waiting for us to get done.

"What everyone didn't know about this story is that Peter is Animagus. That he is Death Eater…"

"You said 'is'. Didn't you kill him?" I asked curiously.

"I wish, but I never got the chance. Peter's Animagus form is a rat."

"Lik-like Scabbers." Ron stuttered.

"Yes, like that rodent you carry around." Sirius said slowly, hoping that his words held meaning. Alyssa sat quiet during the whole conversation. It was like she already knew this and hadn't told me.

"You never told me…."

"I didn't really know about him being a Death Eater." she shrugged her shoulders. "I knew he was Animagus. Daddy, Sirius and Peter were Animagus. I just didn't connect the dots until now."

"So he's innocent?" I asked hesitantly.

"Yea, he is."

"Yea, I am…." Sirius said.

Oh Merlin, how was I going to handle this now? The man that killed my parents was still running around. Still alive. Still watching my every move. I shuddered to think of where he was now. I didn't know who to trust anymore. Behind us there was a noise. All of us begin to panic. We were going to be found out!

Turning to Sirius, Alyssa waved her wand slowly over his face, "Specie faciem' We watched as the man called Sirius Black changed into someone else. Gone was the shaggy dirty hair and face. Replaced was a cleaner version of a regular non-descript Muggle man.

"Mutato habitu" her wand weaved through the air once again and slowly each article of clothing changed into something that resembled Muggle clothing. Gone was the broken robes and tattered pants. Replaced by jeans and a jumper. She rounded out his body a bit and he looked like was almost normal.

"Now, that is only temporary. I will have to have you out of here in an hour."

"Looks good. Nice spellwork." he commented.

"Robert is now your name. Don't complain either. You are a wizarding employee of my boyfriend sent on an errand about a lamp I am interested in." Everyone looked at me incredulously. "What? It's the first thing that came to mind."

Along in the darkness, a figure emerged. It was Dumbledore, McGonagall and Lupin. Two of the three seemed genuinely worried about us while the Headmaster looked more intrigued to catch us doing something weren't supposed to do.

"What is going on out here?" Albus inquired.

"Just a little dueling practice." Alyssa said innocently enough.

"That sort of entertainment is to be approved by the Headmaster." he replied eyeing her.

"Just teaching him some Potter spells. We were actually wrapping up." she said with a hint of acid. "Dueling isn't entertainment, it's a way of trying to defend yourself."

"Indeed it is Miss Potter, but Mr Potter here is only a third year."

"Never too early to learn to defend yourself. I started when I was fourteen by Aurors." she said. I whipped my head around to look at her. Had she indeed been trained by Aurors?

"Now Albus, maybe a small demonstration." McGonagall came to our defense.

This would be good if we had a Defense Club." Lupin. "Fifth year and up for more intense training while the younger students merely used it as extra practice."

I almost laughed. The Headmaster had been steam-rolled by two of his own colleagues. Scowling, the Headmaster knew he wasn't going to win this argument. There was a crowd forming around them and I could tell they were just as eager to see a demonstration as well.

"Fine, fine. Let's get this on. Now who are you planning on dueling?" he asked with some irritation.

"I can do it." Sirius spoke up.

Everyone turned to him and I could tell Alyssa cringed. She hadn't expected this. Her glamour wouldn't last too much longer.

"And who are you sir?"

"Robert Husky…" he replied

"You are a wizard?" Lupin asked eyeing him carefully. I wondered why he asked such a question. Had he been Muggle he would have had a conniption.

"I am."

"Well that's good!" the Headmaster clapped his hands. "Let's do this." Turning away from us, he begin adding protective charms around the Pitch and around the growing number of students. Quickly, without being seen, I slipped him my wand. Turning back to us, he motioned for them to get into position.

I stood beside Hermione, her hands squeezing my arm again and Ron who was pale as a sheet. Poor bloke was close to having a heart attack.

Alyssa POV

I cringed when SIrius volunteered for the dueling exercise. Merlin's balls, I didn't want him to fight me. I would have preferred Uncle Mooney or even Harry to stand in but he jumped at the opportunity. I saw as Harry slipped him his wand. No need to for them to know that 'Robert' was unarmed.

"We do this like Aurors...you remember most of your training?"

"Of course I do." he said eyeing me carefully. "How do you know…"

"Different story, different day. Let's survive this. And if you get caught, I'm giving you a horrendous flea bath." I threatened.

He chuckled and nodded. Taking our stances at opposite sides of the Pitch, Dumbledore erected a protective barrier around us.

"Impedimenta!" I quickly dodged his spell. He was the first one to go because I wasn't ready.

"Incarcerous!" Flicking my wand, I intended on catching him and ending this quickly. However, he dodged my spell like I had done. This was going to be fun, I figured. I knew his spell power was cut in half by using Harry's wand.

"Locomotor mortis!"

"Wingardium Leviosa!"

"Levicorpus!"

"Confringo!"

"Locomotor wibbly!"

"Mimble wimble!"

"Titillando!"

After casting the 'Tickling spell' I was tired of dancing around the Pitch. I already had one training exercise tonight and I was finally growing weary. Sirius, on the other hand, was having too much fun at my expense. He knew I was getting tired. Everyone around us was probably enraptured by what they were experiencing. I needed to end this because his glamour was about to expire.

"Expelliarmus!"

I cried out and when I disarmed him, Harry's wand came flying toward me. Catching it in my right hand, he nodded in defeat. Of course it wasn't a true defeat. Had I not been exhausted and his glamour fading we could have given them a real show.

The sounds of clapping around us was deafening. Apparently, everyone enjoyed the show. Even the few teachers that were outside watching seemed to have enjoyed it. Sirius came up to me while Harry rushed over and gave me a quick hug.

"Excellent dueling, you two." Lupin congratulated. McGonagall and Dumbledore nodded in approval.

"Thanks but I'm tired now. Two duels tonight and I'm ready to sleep." I confessed.

"Well it is close to curfew time. I suggest that everyone get back to the castle." Dumbledore said. I could tell this conversation wasn't over and I would be dragged into his office to talk about this. With an unhappy sigh, the students turned around and headed back to the castle. Leaving only the four of us, plus Sirius alone.

Once everyone was gone, I turned and watched his glamour disappear entirely. "We need to get you to a safe place." I said giving him a quick nod.

"Yea, but where?" he asked. "I can hide out for a few days close by."

"That might be best. I'm going to be busy this weekend. I should have some sort of living space arranged. I can contact Harry and see if he can set you up for a day or two. Maybe get you cleaned, fed and shaven."

"Harry's right there." Sirius said with amusement.

"Not him, that's Prongs. I mean 'My Harry'. He's Muggle-born. I'm sure he can help out. I'll owl him when we get back to the castle." I told him carefully. He was a marauder, so I wasn't in the mood to be teased about a boyfriend.

He nodded and disappeared. "Give me till tomorrow night and meet me by the Great Lake. I'll have him take you back to London." I called in the dark.

Turning back to my brother and his friends, I could tell they were intrigued but somewhat cautious. Marching past them, I made my way to the castle. I needed to get to the Owelry before curfew and owl Harry. Suddenly I heard footsteps as they ran to catch up with me.

"So, what next?" Harry asked.

"Next? We make this work out…" I said coming to the Entrance. "Listen you three head back to the Common Room, I need to head to the Owelry." They nodded and left me alone in the Entrance door. Running my hands through my hair, I sat down on a nearby stone bench. I didn't have to go to the Owlery, I just needed a moment alone. Conjuring parchment and a muggle ink pen, I scribbled a note to Harry. Of course, I could have told him in my journal but that required too many questions and a lot of writing.

Too many interruptions.

Filling the parchment quickly, I summoned Poe. His shadow appeared minutes later. Rolling the parchment, I sealed it with a charm that only Harry could read it. Poe landed beside me. Stroking his black feathers, I smiled down at my owl. Poe; shortened for Poseidon. My favorite Greek god. "Listen boy, I need you to take this to Harry Wales." I using his slightly given name. Poe nodded and let me attach it to his leg. Taking off, I watched him soar into the night sky.

"You know, you could have told me who was behind that glamour…" a voice interrupted my thoughts.

Jumping, I saw Uncle Mooney standing in the shadows. His wolfish eyes on me. "I know, but I think you already know who it was."

"You and Harry could have been hurt!" he seethed coming toward me. Coming to my feet, I promised myself I wouldn't get angry.

"No we wouldn't. You're his best friend Remus. Have you forgotten that?"

"Of course not!"

"Then act like one. He is not a danger to us. If he was, he would have tried to kill me during our duel, wouldn't he?"

He softened and looked down at his hands. "Yea, he would have. Are you sure Alyssa?"

I nodded my head at him. I was sure that things were going to be OK on this. Taking his leave, I sat there for a few minutes longer. What I didn't notice as I left my seat was a sneaky blonde Slytherin listening in.

Hogwarts, Gringotts, and Potter Manor…..

True to his word, Harry showed up the next night. No one asked us what we were doing. Since that morning that he declared his Magical existence, everyone readily agreed to leave him alone. No one wanted to face the wrath of the Squib Queen. They all knew if they angered her, she had the power to step in and change the Ministry and the way of life for thousands of wizards and witches.

Meeting me at the Viaduct Courtyard, he paced back and forth. His trainers scuffing against the stone. I didn't make my presence known but the passerbys would occasionally glance at him. Here, the magical world, he was just magical. Unlike the Muggle world. Had we been in the Muggle world, the girls would have screamed and demanded autographs. Dressed in heavy winter robes, I could see the crest of his family house gleaming from my post.

Finally, when he stopped pacing, he looked around to check if I had made it. Seeing me, relief washed over his face and he came toward me. Pulling me close to him, I could feel him breath me in. Kissing me softly on the mouth, we stood there kissing until I had to come up for air.

"Are you OK?" he mummered against my lips.

"Yea, I am."

"I thought for sure something bad had happened when I received your owl. Normally you write to me." his voice full of concern.

I smiled a little but I know it wasn't enough for him. "I'm fine love. I really am. More exhausted after last night's dueling. I know I'm due for a visit to the Headmaster's office soon about this."

"Not like you care…"

"No, not really." I finally smiled at him. His eyes lit up and I saw my old Harry back. The serious one would come and go. "So are we doing this alone or are we going to have company?" I know he was implying about Prongs.

"Not sure. If he's here, then I'm sure he's invisible." I rolled my eyes and sighed. Taking his hand, I led him out of the courtyard and we traveled hand in hand down the Viaduct that led down to the Great Lake. Making sure no one was following us, we picked up the pace and rushed down the stone steps till we touched grass.

Inhaling the scent of water, I immediately felt better. There was something therapeutic about water that always centered me. Checking my watch, I realized that we were early. Everyone else was at dinner and here we were in the middle of November, freezing to death, to deliver my godfather in safe hands.

"It doesn't look like he's here yet…." I complained. I would have to sneak down to the kitchens to find me food.

"Well, while we're waiting…." Harry mummered pulling me close to him again. Kissing my mouth with eagerness. We stood there letting hands roam gently over each other's body. Walking us back to a nearby tree, he pressed me against it. When his fingers found their way into my robes, I shivered as his fingers trailed under my skirt. Teasing the outer side of my thighs. Breaking the kiss, he led hot trails from his mouth down my neck.

I immediately gave him better access. "Merlin, we need alone time again…" he groaned when my hips bucked gently against his.

"Hogsmeade weekend is coming up in a couple of days…" I panted as he nipped my neck a bit roughly. "Harry!" I cried softly. My voice muffled as I dropped my head into his shoulder.

"We could, right now…" he offered. His lips dangerously close to mine again.

"And get caught by Sirius?" I arched an eyebrow at him. He only smiled and kissed me quickly.

"Oh, please don't stop on my account!" we heard a voice say behind us.

I screamed and pulled my wand while Harry pulled himself away from me. Hiding his face, he ran his hands over it quickly before turning around. There stood my godfather. Leaning against a far tree, he was grinning at the both of us.

"Sneaking around to snog? Never thought you'd have it in you Lyssa…." he smirked using my nickname.

"Well it doesn't help when the boyfriend doesn't attend Hogwarts anymore." I pointed out.

"True story." Harry quipped.

"Sirius Black, godfather meet Harry Wales, boyfriend." I said making the introductions. Both men nodded at each other.

"So this is the bloke I'm suppose to rush off to Muggle London with?" Sirius asked with hesitation. "Sorry to tell you 'Lyssa, he doesn't look like he'd fit in…"

"That's because I'm Muggle-born." Harry explained. "I can get you safely into London. Not sure where I'm going to put you up. Might have to be a hotel…." he trailed off looking at me. "You haven't fully accessed all the Potter properties yet, have you?"

"Not yet." I shook my head at him. "I head to Gringotts in two days to get the list of properties and find a house to live in before the weekend is up."

"Well now that you two have a plan…." Sirius said sarcastically. "Can we get going before we're caught?"

"Yea, we can." I said before turning to Harry. Kissing him softly, I looked up at him, "Make sure you give him a flea bath…."

"You're funny."

"Hilarious." I said dryly. "You know you have to trek back to Hogsmeade. You can't portkey out of here without alerting the Headmaster."

"Yea, I remember." Harry nodded at me. "I'll see you in a couple of days."

I stood back and watched them leave. Sirius was a dog again and Harry walked back up the stairs before turning off to head toward Hogsmeade. Like I said, no one would ask why he was here. Nor even ask why there was a dog following him.

Two days later, everyone was milling around waiting to leave for the Hogsmeade trip. Coming out of the Entrance door, dressed in the Potter robes, I spotted my brother talking with Harry. He wasn't supposed to be here. He was supposed to meet me at Gringotts. There we would look over the list, however big or small it was, and pick a home. I already had one in mind, but I would have to get the directions to it.

Coming up to them, Hermione was the first one to spot me. She hadn't gotten over her flustration about Harry being a Prince and continued to curtsey when she saw him. Of course, Ronald was indifferent to him except for the piles of money he figured my boyfriend was swimming in.

"Hey everyone." I said giving both my brother and Harry a look. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to meet me at Gringotts."

"I realize this but I couldn't help myself to escort you." he said politely. I shook my head at him but smiled anyway.

"So are we ready to go?"

"Bloody right we are!" Ron exclaimed loudly.

"Ronald!" we heard Hermione say with too much exasperation. Laughing, Harry took my hand we followed my brother and his friends toward Hogsmeade. Arriving a few minutes later, we crowded around the Oak tree.

"So, we're going. Don't worry about waiting around for us, please? Go have fun and relax." I told Prongs. He nodded reluctantly. I know he hated being left behind but I wasn't in the mood to fight the Headmaster over this. So, he was going to let me go and surprise him.

"You have enough coin?" I asked quickly before we left.

"Yes, Alyssa. I'm good to go." he drawled. I punched him in the arm then gave him a quick hug.

"Be careful…" he started to protest, but I was firm. "I'm serious. Be careful. I love you."

"I love you too. Now go before I force you to take me."

Leaving him and his friends, Harry and I apparated to Diagon Alley. Arriving, I blinked back against the sunlight that pierced through the town. Looking around, I made sure both of us were in one piece. Satisfied, he took my hand. "Ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be…."

Walking in, we found the nearest goblin working as diligently as he was the first time I came here. Directing us to the Property manager, we followed an armoured guard to a private room. Taking a seat beside Harry, I finally scanned the room. It was the same one they learned I was alive and dandy.

Minutes later, the Property Manager, Rotfoot arrived. Taking a seat, he pulled out a scroll and pushed it across the table to me.

"Lady Potter, this is the complete list of all the Potter properties." he said as I unrolled it. My eyes widened as I scanned the list. "As you can tell, it's quite extensive."

"You own more properties than the whole of the Royal family…." Harry said in awe.

"Means I'm cooler than you…" I smirked earning a glare from him.

We sat there for nearly half an hour scanning over the list and asking questions. Hotfoot wasn't privy to answering anything while Harry was with me, but I assured him he could discuss anything with me.

"May I have a copy of this?" Rotfoot nodded at me pleased I was at least polite. "Even though all these properties look and sound lovely like the one in Greece or the Caribbean, I'm looking for a particular property.."

"Which property would that be, Lady Potter?"

"It's Potter Manor. I don't remember visiting my grandparents there the summer after dad graduated, but I'm sure that's where dad took me. Is it still standing?"

"Truly it is still standing. It's located in Northumberland. Set with over two hundred acres of land. It was built around 1475 and has been in the Potter family since. Of course it's had numerous remodeling. I believe there are eight main rooms available but with magic there can be more added to it." Hotfoot explained.

"That's the one. I think eight rooms is enough, though I'm sure the attic rooms, blue and green rooms can be converted into bedrooms if need be." I said happily reading over the description.

"You sure you want this one, Alyssa?" Harry asked.

"It's the ancestral home...well one of them, correct?" I asked.

"Yes, it is Lady Potter. However Godric's Hollow is somewhere in West Country. It's no longer under Fidelius charm. It...stands but still destroyed." Rotfoot said apologetically.

"That's quite a ways away from Potter Manor." Harry mentioned.

"Dad and Lily were on the run. They had hoped Voldemort wouldn't find them there. As we all know our history…." I trailed off. Giving me a squeeze of my hand, he offered a thin smile.

"Do we get there by apprating or portkey?" I asked rolling the parchment up.

"By Portkey for now. Once you reclaim the property you can adjust the wards around it. It's unplottable, as prior to your grandfather Oliver Xavier Potter. He was convinced after his first three sons died that James Potter wouldn't survive either. However, Oliver Potter died before knowing that yourself or your brother were born."

"Great. Had to be Grandfather Potter to make things difficult." I chuckled humorlessly.

"Well at least we can get there, can't we?" Harry asked with trepidation. Looking toward the goblin, I begin wondering the same thing.

We watched as he pulled a brown leather bag from a box that had appeared before him. Turning to Harry, I looked at him warily. I had never seen this box. It reminded me of a jewelry box.

"Place your hand on the box, Lady Potter." Rotfoot instructed. I shrugged and placed my hand on the lid of the box.

I felt a tiny pinch on my finger and pulled back immediately. Too late already there was a drop of my blood that was beginning to spread out over the top of the box. It ran a small stream until it pooled in the middle and disappeared. We heard a clicking sound and the lid to the box opened slowly.

Rotfoot urged me to open it and when I did, I peeked in. There was a golden key lying on a bed of silk. "This is the portkey that will take you to Potter Manor. It's the master portkey but when you arrive you will instantly know the location to make more of them."

I turned to Harry who looked at me perplexed. "Yea, I know." I turned back to Rotfoot, "Can we go now?"

"You may go whenever you wish Lady Potter." Rotfoot told me.

"So when do you want to go?" I asked Harry.

"I'm sorry to inform you Lady Potter, but his Highness may not accompany you the first time. Only Potter's and their spouses are allowed to go by this portkey. Since you and his Highness are not married, nor betrothed, he is not allowed to go. Potter Manor must accept you as the next heir before you can come back." Rotfoot explained.

"Trust me, I'll be fine. I'll wait for you at the Leaky Cauldron or I can go back to Hogsmeade." Harry assured me.

"Either way is fine with me." I told him giving him a small smile. Rotfoot nodded to the both of us before leaving the room. "I guess I will be going." I groaned a little coming to my feet.

"Be careful, please." he said softly kissing me gently.

"Here goes nothing…." I said taking a breath. Grabbing the key and I instantly felt a jerk at my navel. Landing on my back, I was surrounded by a field of greenery. Looking around, I could see a large manor house before me. It was that grey slab stone that I loved so much.

It was square like most country manor houses in England, but it didn't look as old as Rotfoot had proclaimed it to be; but then I remembered that there had been extensive remodeling done. Getting to my feet, I traveled up the narrow walkway that led to the entrance. The door was of fine Oak that held many lion-like carvings. The Potter's were always known for their relation to Godric Gryffindor.

Stepping onto the magnificent porch that begged to be relaxed on. I grasped the handle of the door, I twisted it only to find it locked. Frowning, I tried again but to no avail. I would not be getting this house. Knocking, I could hear it echo through the foyer and I wondered if there were any house elves.

Just my luck, a house elf appeared. "Who be you to come here?" the house elf asked.

"I'm Alyssa Potter and you are?"

The house elf's eyes widened immensely. "I is Tippa. You is really Master Olivers heir?"

"Yes, I suppose I am." I crouched down to his level. "How do I get in?"

He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the door. "You haves to give blood. Puts your hand on the door." Again, with the blood. Shaking my head, I stood up and placed my hand on the door, I felt the same pinch as I did earlier.

"That still hurts. Now what?" I asked.

"Now we waits if your blood is trues." Tippa confirmed.

So we stood there for a long few minutes. Suddenly, my wand shot out and started to spin. It glowed brilliantly for a second before it lodged itself in the keyhole. "Now yous turn yous wand to open the door. If yous is true, it will open."

I shrugged again and took my wand. Turning it, I heard it click. Pushing the door gently, I watched as it opened slowly. I heard a clapping noise and looked down. Tippa was jumped and doing some sort of elf dance.

"Yous is the newest Mistress Potter!" Tippa exclaimed happily.

"So now all is good?"

"It is. Heres let me shows you inside." I followed him inside and Throughout the ground floor are some fine timber beamed ceilings, oak stripped flooring and high oak wall panelling. To the right is the smoke room which boasts more attractive features including a newly installed stone fireplace as well as a glass paned door leading out to the terrace.

And this was just the main floor.

We took a long tour of the house where I learned there were eight bedroom, like the property information said. A large elegant dining room, spacious kitchen and a wine cellar. I was shown the master bedroom-has beautiful panelling, an attractive fireplace and a walk in cupboard. An en suite bathroom adjoins and the dressing room adjacent offers a possible further bedroom. There was a lilac room that was beautiful, a blue room, green room, anti-room, and two more empty rooms.

Up the stairs were three children's room. There was an additional bathroom and three attic rooms accessed by a separate original sixteenth century spiral staircase leading up from the first floor passage. I smiled seeing the inside of one of the rooms. It was covered in peppermint pink decor and had a small teddy bear inside a cradle.

"This is the room Master James gave yous…." Tippa said before leading me around the rest of the Manor.

The outside held formal gardens with an exceptional lakeside walks beyond, including two island gardens, one with beach hut, four lakes and duck pond all with various bridges, walkways and small waterfalls.

"Theres is four more cottages on the property." Tippa said.

"How many house elves are here?" I asked.

"Theres is thirty of us. Fifteen inside the Manor and the rest take care of the rest of the property." Tippa proclaimed.

"That's good….Now I need to make a portkey or rather several of them as back ups." I said to him. He nodded and took me back inside. Taking a seat in a sitting room, I asked for several random objects to turn into portkeys. The location embedded into my mind, I made three more portkeys and made sure they could be reused whenever the traveler wanted to come.

I would handle the Apparition wards later. "Tippa!" I called out. In a second he was there looking up at me. "Yous calls Mistress?"

"I did. Can the house elves prepare this place to be moved into? My brother, Harry and two others will probably be staying here. I will need two of the rooms turned into guest rooms for semi-permanent guests."

He nodded vigorously. "Wills you be coming back?"

"I will. But it will be a few weeks. Christmastime will be ideal to have everyone come over for a feast." Looking around the room again, I took the key from pocket and looked it over. Weaving my wand over it, I made sure it would be able to be used again.

Making myself another portkey, I would arrive in Hogsmeade to eat finally. I was starving!