(Here's a chapter for the weekend. As of now, I'm close to finishing 3rd year as I type this. It's a bit of struggle because I envisioned major events in my head, but neglect the rest of the mundane school year) (As always: I don't own it! Enjoy!)

Hogwarts, Potter Manor, & New discoveries

Alyssa POV

"Alright students. Everyone who is going home today exit the Common Room and meet by the Entrance." McGonagall said before leaving us.

I turned to my brother and gave a tight smile. After having one fight with the Headmaster, I was sure to have another one concerning Harry's absence from Hogwarts for Christmas. I was damned if he was going to miss Christmas-a real Christmas. Nor was I going to miss another one with him.

"You'll write, won't you Harry?" Hermione asked him. I snickered at their closeness. Something had happened to them since the Hippogriff incident. I know that all three of them were holed in the library studying for weeks now to help Hagrid save the Creature. When they approached me over it, I couldn't do anything to help. Laws in England were different than there were in America. In America, Hagrid and the animal would be tried and a penesive used to verify the claims against the accused.

But in this world, influence, money and power held the gavel. And, unfortunately, some of those people knew the ire of the 'pureblood'. I never understood that but Hermione and even Ron explained it to me. Ron, being a Pureblood as well, held a better insight than Hermione did. Harry, being a half-blood was a grey area.

Myself, I was classified as a Pureblood, but I didn't act like one. Which was the ire to some of the Purebloods in the school. I was the only Pureblood Potter since Dad and they thought I should act like one of them. I proved them wrong.

Shrinking my trunk as well as Harry's we set out to the Entrance where we would take the carriages to Hogsmeade station. OK, well everyone else would. Harry and I would be portkeying. I woke up with a bad feeling and I had a feeling it wasn't going to go away before I left the school. Standing around the Entrance, we were waiting on students to arrive then file into the carriages.

"Mr Potter, what are you doing down here?" McGonagall said coming up to us.

"I'm going with Alyssa over the holiday. Why, is there a problem?"

"I need to speak with your sister." She said ignoring Harry's question. Seeing me, she nodded. "Miss Potter, please follow me to the Headmaster's office."

I growled and turned to Harry. "Meet me at the Three Broomsticks. Harry is waiting for us. Tell him why I'm late." I instructed my brother. Seeing the concern on his face, he climbed in with Hermione and Ron and left.

"Actually, the Headmaster wishes him to stay behind…" McGonagall quipped.

Following McGonagall back into the castle, she surprised me by speaking up. "Miss Potter, I am well aware of what happened a few days ago with the Headmaster and I don't like what he's tried to do to you and Mr Potter. You have my support in this." I whipped my head up at her.

"Professor! You can't seriously mean that!" I exclaimed at her.

"Ayy, I can Miss Potter." she declared. "Ah, here we are." We stood before the Headmaster's Gargoyle.

"Sugar Quills" I said and took my step on to the rotating gargoyle. Reaching the top, she and I stood there and McGonagall knocked.

"Enter" we heard the Headmaster call. Opening the door, Albus looked up from his desk and I could tell he wanted to frown, seeing McGonagall, but hid it well.

"Miss Potter, I assume you know why you're here?" he asked trying to sound beign.

"Not really." I drawled. "Professor McGonagall didn't mention anything to me."

Nothing worth mentioning back to you….

"Do you know what this is?" he asked holding up a scroll. I'm assuming he didn't read it. That arrogant bastard.

"I have no clue." I answered as honestly as I could muster.

The old fool didn't see what was coming to him. When I had learned about his illegal deceit on my family, I went to Gringotts as well as the Ministry.

Sitting at my desk buried deep into the library, I had cast several charms around it so I wouldn't be bothered. Instead of the looming amount of homework that was calling my name, I was furiously writing to my lawyer. Giving me all the details that I had recently learned and what we could not only gain from it, but make sure I was given custody. In lieu of Sirius's claims. I didn't' know it but I had covered four feet of parchment in the time it took me to finish it. I needed to know what he was planning to do.

"Tippa!" I called out. Arriving seconds later, he looked up at me in question.

"Yous calls Miztress?"

"I did. I need you to take this to my solicitor, Draven Xander. Tell him when he needs you call for you. I need an answer within a couple of days." I told him quickly. Handing him the scroll, he disappeared.

I, then, turned back to my homework. The days passed quickly, and the weekend arrived with swift answers. I was lounging in the Common Room buried in a random book when he arrived. Opening the scroll that Tippa handed me, I scanned it over quickly.

His advice to me was to head to Gringotts and have the Will of James and Lily Potter read to me. Stating clearly who Harry and I should have gone too. Once that was cleared with Gringotts, then I was to go to the Ministry. He knew someone from the Department of Child Services, a Tabitha Bertram, whom I needed to speak too. She would be able to help me file the paperwork to gain custody of my brother.

Contacting Harry, I begged him to stave off whatever he was doing this weekend and come with me. I told him that this meeting was of importance and I needed him. He replied an hour later saying he was free and clear for this weekend. After I talked with him, I posted a letter to Gringotts and asked to see our parents Will.

A small triumph.

Another Victory when they said I could come in.

The weekend showed itself rather quickly and I dressed for the occasion. I donned the Potter robes and styled myself as elegant as I could managed on my own. The girls in my dorm were gracious enough to give me a pointer or two.

Leaving the Common Room, I bypassed my brother, whom I kissed gently on the forehead and told him not to worry. I could tell I didn't appease him. I snuck out of the castle undetected-as well I could, that is and hurried my way toward Hogsmeade where I would portkey back to Diagon Alley.

Arriving ten minutes later, I surveyed the area looking for Harry. Finding him, he took my hand and pressed a small kiss to my mouth. Entering the bank, I asked to see Griphook. He led us to an ornate room draped in onyx columns and a mahogany conference table. Taking a seat in a high back chair, I looked around and squeezed his hand. Seconds later, Ragnok and Barfist, whom I learned handled Wills and Testimonies. When they took a seat, Barfist pulled out a scroll and looked at Ragnok before turning back to us.

"Lady Potter, this is the Will of James and Lily Potter. It was instructed that it should not be opened until you and Harry Potter become of age. However, from light of recent events, we have decided to override that decision."

I nodded and could feel Harry's hand on my bouncing thigh. This was actually making me nervous.

"With no further ado, we'll begin." he said. "In the sum of all the Potter properties, values, and assets totalling a sum of 1.2 billion galleons. Which was to be divided between Alyssa Nicole Potter and Harry James Potter upon reaching majority. All properties and estates, including Godric's Hollow and Potter Manor will be rendered back to the Head of House withstanding blood verification." he paused and looked at me. "In the case of early death of James and Lily Potter, Alyssa and Harry will go to one, Lord Sirius Orion Black until they reach of age."

This. This is what I needed to hear.

"I recently tried for custody of Harry but Albus Dumbledore said that he was the legal guardian since Sirius had been incarcerated. Who was to take us next?"

"That would be Alice Longbottom, who was your Godmother. But in light of her situation in St. Mungo's, it would have been…." he looked up at us then back at the scroll. "Minerva McGonagall."

"You're serious, aren't you?" I gasped and looked at Harry who was just as bewildered as me.

"Goblins do not lie Lady Potter."

"I can't believe this." Harry said softly. "What do we do now?"

"You will need this confirming that Sirius Orion Black or Minerva McGonagall is supposed to be your guardians. In this case, you, Lady Potter have precedent over the both of them." He explained handing a copy of the scroll to me.

Taking it gingerly in my hands, I knew that this was proof. Thanking the goblins, Harry and I set out to the Ministry. Handing over our wands, we were directed to the Child Services where we had our appointment with Tabitha Bertram. Ushered into her office, we sat there for a moment while she filed something away.

"Lady Potter, I received a letter from a Draven Xander saying you needed help fixing a claim on Albus Dumbledore about the guardianship of one, Harry James Potter, age 13. Is that correct?"

"It is Madam Bertram. I have just finished a meeting at Gringotts about my parents will and it seems that Albus Dumbledore filed for guardianship over my brother illegally." I explained noticing her eyebrows raised further.

Handing her the scroll, she opened it and took her time reading over the section she was cleared to read. Setting it down a few minutes later, she looked at me curiously. "Lady Potter, you are aware of the conditions of both Sirius Black and Alice Longbottom?"

"I am. And I am aware that Minerva McGonagall is listed as appropriate guardianship. Now, that I have come of age, I want to assume guardianship over Harry. I self-titled myself as his guardian for minor things that dealt with school, but that seems its been in vain."

"Then we can fix this. You have to fill out this paperwork and it will be processed accordingly. Being his sister has significance than an appointed guardian. This should be in your favor." Madam Bertram assured me. Handing me a large stack of papers she gave me a sympathetic look.

"Don't worry about the size of the paperwork. Press down hard enough and it will copy it several times over." Thanking her profusely, she copied the portion she needed and handed my copy back to me. Leaving, we retrieved our wands and headed to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry asked Tom for a private room.

Paying him quickly, he told us Room 3 was open. Taking the stairs, I took a seat and looked at the paperwork. Giving me a quick kiss, he leaned toward the door. "I'm going to get food. I'm starved and then check in on everyone. I'm missing a charity auction."

I gave him a pained smile feeling incredibly guilty, "I'm sorry about that."

"Hey, hey..it's alright. I promise. This is more important than anything else. You need me. This was a lot to take in." he said coming to me. Pulling me into his arms, he held me close letting me rely on his strength. It's something I was desperately needing. Lifting my head to look at him, he lowered his mouth on mine and kissed me softly. "I'll be right back, hmm?"

"Alright. I should have this done today and we'll drop it off." I said reluctantly pulling myself away from him. Watching him walk out the door, I sighed and turned back to the large stack of parchment in front of me. Taking a seat, I conjured an ink pot and several quills. Dipping the quill into the ink, I took a breath and begun.

An hour later, my stomach growled reminding me I needed to eat. Hearing the door open, Harry walked in with food. I smelled it and sighed happily. The stack of paperwork nearly finished. I had only two more sheets left before I was done.

"Already done? Alyssa, you work fast." he teased setting the bag of food down. Reaching for it, I pulled out a turkey and tomato panini. I looked at him skeptically. "Yea, I swung by Kensington. I know it's one of your favorites. I had one of the cooks make it while I checked in on Will. Things are going well, by the way."

I bit in the sandwich listening. It indeed was one of my favorites. It was quite nice that he was nice enough to remember. Smiling at him, I wiped my mouth after finishing the sandwich. "It was lovely, thank you." I looked toward the stack of papers, "Yes, I'm close. Just the last two papers. Mostly reading about what I need to turn in. Which, thanks to Gringotts, I have now. Somehow Harry's birth certificate wound up there in the Potter Vault, along with mine. So, it's going to Madam Bertram today."

"Good. Let's get going. I want to spend time you tonight." He said giving me another kiss. Rolling the parchment, we left the Leaky Cauldron and back to the Ministry where we dropped off the paperwork. Leaving there, she told me that I would know in a few days.

Yesterday, while busy with last minute homework details, I received a letter from Madam Bertram saying the guardianship had been handed over to me as of the day before. That in no way possible can anyone other than myself, Sirius Black (if ever found exonerated), or Minerva McGonagall can adopt my brother.

"This, Miss Potter is the paperwork stating that you are not allowed to take Mr. Potter off the Hogwarts grounds without express permission of the Headmaster-which is me. I do not mind that he's going somewhere for Christmas, I actually encourage it, but you will tell me where you are going." he declared.

I scoffed but still smiled at him. "I will not tell you where I am planning on taking him, that's for sure. It's no one's business…."

"He could be in grave danger if you don't tell me." he warned.

"Right. And where we are going is probably one of the safest places on the planet right now. So, no, Headmaster I will not tell you."

"Then he's not allowed to go anywhere."

I was finally done with this song and dance. Standing up, I shook my head at him. "You never even opened the scroll did you? You just assumed that you had complete control….." Accio scroll. The scroll landed in my hands, breaking the seal, I unrolled it.

"Dear Albus Dumbledore,

We regret to inform you that you have placed illegal custody of one, Harry Potter, age 13. Therefore, he has been placed with his proper and legal guardian until he becomes of age. In light of recent discovery, you had no legal rights over Mr Potter and his guardian has right to bring this action to the Ministry if need be.

Thank you for your time

Tabitha Bertram"

"Wh-what! That's impossible!" he sputtered anger lacing his voice.

"No, it's not." I countered.

"You did this?" he accused me. His eyes narrowing, the twinkling long gone.

"Little ol' me? Who else would have done this? You never even asked who Harry or I were supposed to go to after Dad and Lily died, did you?"

"That doesn't matter! I did that to protect Mr Potter." he argued

Oh, Merlin, no he didn't! Steeling myself, I felt my anger rising. My blood pressure spiked and my vision narrowed. "You did nothing to protect him. You seperated us! End of story." I seethed. "Now, if you'll excuse me Headmaster, I have a portkey to catch."

I stalked out of the office before I could blow something up. I could already hear the voice in my head that strangely sounded like Harry telling me to calm down. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I rushed down the corridor and down the Grand Staircase. I wasn't in the mood to take my time. I had been here far too long. My slow jog turned into a sprint as I raced toward Hogsmeade. I don't care what the Headmaster was planning on doing to me after this. I had full guardianship over my brother and by damned I would be bullied by him.

Reaching the Three Broomsticks, I stopped outside and leaned against the cold wall. I shivered but I was sweating like mad. Closing my eyes, my energy spent, I was glad for it. Taking a deep breath, I let it out seeing the misty fog of my breath float away. Pushing the door open, I saw my brother and Harry waiting patiently for me.

They must have been sitting for a minute because there was lunch and butterbeer sitting on the table. Taking a seat, I leaned into Harry for strength.

"We were getting worried about you. What happened?"

"Dumbledore."

"What he do?" Prongs asked.

"Tried to tell me that I wasn't allowed to take you anywhere outside Hogwarts/Hogsmeade. That he was fine if you went somewhere over Christmas, but then demanded I tell him where I was taking you." I explained watching their eyes widen, but darken at the same time. "Don't worry, he never read the scroll sent to him. So, I did it for him."

"What did it say?" Prongs asked taking a sip of his butterbeer. I snatched Harry's, earning a look from him.

"Simply stating that he proclaimed illegal guardianship over you and if I wanted to I could take this issue to the Ministry." I shrugged taking a sip of the butterbeer again and blanching. I never caught on to the taste.

"You always seem to have fun. You didn't threaten him?" Harry asked.

"Nah, didn't feel like it. I ended it before I blew up his office." I replied sheepishly. "Besides, we're done for a few weeks. He can't do anything about it until I get back. Even then, he can't file for custody for you. I'm blood and he's not."

"That's good, though, right?"

"Yea," I looked at Prongs. "I hope so. There's not much more he can do about it. He might be the Supreme Mugwump and all but yea...I'm tired and I'm ready to go home." I looked both of them. "Are you two ready?"

Both nodded enthusiastically and Harry tossed a few coins on the table. Taking my hand, he led me and Prongs out the Three Broomsticks. Walking down the street, we came to a clearing. Pulling out the portkey that would take us back to Potter Manor, everyone grabbed ahold and off we went.

ProngsPOV

When Alyssa pulled the ancient looking key from her pocket, I never assumed it was the portkey. Instructing me to put a finger on it, I did and suddenly I felt a jerk at my navel and my body flung skyward. She and Harry looked like they were used to this. I can tell because when we landed, I landed roughly on my back.

"You know, you're supposed to land on your feet." Alyssa said landing gracefully.

"First time traveling like this." I muttered. Harry offered a hand to help me up. Taking it, I nodded at him and brushed myself off. "So, where are we?"

"Northumberland. Can't you tell?" she asked me. I could see snow everywhere. It was a sight to behold. It wasn't as cold here as it was at Hogwarts either.

"So where's the house?" I asked trying to keep myself from freezing. Harry saw this and cast a Warming Charm on me. Nodding at him again, I looked expectantly at my sister who was busy looking around at the snow.

"It's about quarter mile-that way." she pointed toward the direction. "I seriously love this. All the snow." her voice sounded a bit mistified.

"You've never seen snow?" I asked incredulously. Looking around, the piles of snow were enough to make me smile. I loved snow as well. I've seen enough of it at Hogwarts to appreciate it even now. The only thing I'll be missing this year is a snowball fight.

Of course, I wouldn't put it past Alyssa to try one out with me.

We began walking down a path that Alyssa seemed to know. Following her, she twirled and played in the snow as if she were a child. I looked toward Harry and saw him smiling at her silliness. Up head, there was a stone and iron gate with the Potter Crest above it. The wrought iron gate was impressive and it looked ancient.

Beckoning me to the gate, I followed her as she pushed it opened and it allowed us through. Up ahead, was the house. I gasped aloud and looked wildly toward Alyssa who was beaming and trying her best not to bounce. I took another look at the house and could see the iron gates with impressive stone steps leading down to a paved terrace and on to the front porch with herbaceous borders tree present was decorated in Christmas lights and I could see smoke coming from the chimney. The outside area was huge. It was big enough to house a Quidditch Pitch.

"Th-this is Potter Manor?" I asked in awe.

"Yup. It's the home of your ancestors kiddo." she smiled at me and Harry.

"It's impressive." he said.

"You've never been here?"

"Not at all. Alyssa wanted to surprise me as well." he confessed squeezing her hand.

"What in Merlin's name are we doing out here freezing? I wanna get warm." she complained with excitement.

Rushing down the paved walkway that had been preserved for walking on during the winter season, we reached an impressively large porch. Grasping the handle, I tried to twist it open. I couldn't.

I tried again.

And again.

"It's not letting me in."

"Here, let me try." she said nudging me over. I watched as she grasped the handle and twisted it with ease. Looking at it, she frowned and an idea lit up over her head. "Got your wand?"

"Yea…"

"I need your blood." she said. I looked at her warily. "You might be a Potter, but the house won't recognize you unless you are verified. I had to do it."

Sighing, I held my hand out while she pulled her wand out. Using the Cutting hex, she tore a gash over my palm. "Now rub it over the door." she explained. I looked at her again, but did as she asked.

We watched as my blood disappeared into the wood. Harry performed some Healing charm on my hand while we waited. "Now, if the house accepts you, your wand is gonna do something funky."

As she said that, my wand shot out of my robes and spun like mad for a few seconds. It glowed brilliantly for a second before it lodged itself in the keyhole. "Now you have to turn your wand, like it's a key." she explained again. "Go ahead…" she urged me. Grasping my wand, I turned it and surprisingly it turned. I heard the click of the lock and slowly the door opened.

"Hey! It worked!" I exclaimed.

"Now can we go in?" she complained. I nodded and what was in store for me, I wasn't prepared for. The entrance was large and grand. I was speechless. My eyes couldn't take it all in at one time.

"There's more to it. There's a main passage that rises up to another level and gives access to the lilac room which acts as the main guest bedroom and has superb views over the surrounding countryside, an impressive marble fireplace with a tiled surround and an en suite bathroom. But I changed the color scheme for you. I didn't think you'd like lilac." She said giving me a kiss on the head. "There's eight rooms, sitting rooms, smoking room, dining room, large kitchen, wine cellar, three attic rooms with an 15th century spiral stairway. I think there are three or four extra rooms with color titles."

"This place is impressive. I almost don't want to go back to Kensington…" Harry said softly.

"Do you like?" I looked at Alyssa and saw the concern written all over her face.

"Like it? I-l love it. It's home. You did this for me?" I asked her. She nodded and suddenly I was overwhelmed with emotion. Flinging myself at her, I wrapped my arms around her and the tears came. I didn't mean to cry but damn it….this was the best thing anyone had ever done for me.

She held me until I cried myself out. Cleaning my face with a tissue she conjured, I didn't dare look at Harry. Embarrassment swept me. Here I was crying like a child because of a house. Alyssa eyed me critically like I was a bug under a microscope.

"You went from extreme awe and happiness to tearful too…..embarrassed?" she commented trying to read me.

"I really wish you wouldn't do that." I muttered.

"Ah, I think I know why." Harry quipped. Alyssa looked to him for an explanation. "I'm in the room. Trust me Prongs, there's nothing to be embarrassed about." he tried reassuring me. I nodded at him still not quite believing him.

"Well, anyway, do you want to see your room?" she asked her bouncy self coming back. "And before you ask, yes your own room."

I nodded again not trusting my voice. Leading me up to the lilac room as she called it, we passed by her room. "I get the master suite. Sorry." she poked her tongue out at me. Leading me up the stairs, we came to a door. "Well go on." she urged me again.

Pushing the door open, I stood there mouth agaped. It was Scarlet and Gold. It reminded me of the Common Room. There was a large four poster bed in the middle of the room. A fireplace in the corner that was already lit. A desk, bookshelf, and a dresser completed the room. A door to the side must lead to the lavatory as well as my closet.

"If you don't like the Scarlet & Gold scheme, you can definitely changed it." she vocalized pulling me from my gazing.

"No, it's perfect." I assured her giving her a smile. It truly and indeedly was perfect. They took their leave, I'm assuming back to their bedroom. Pulling my trunk out of my robes, I took a chance and muttered "Engorgio" . I watched as it grew back to its normal size. There was a pecking at the window. It was Hedwig waiting on me to let her in. Pushing it open, she perched herself on the owl stand, I never noticed was by the window. Running my hand over her, I gave her a quick petting and turned to leave the room. I had to explore the rest of the house.

Alyssa POV

"So do you think he likes it?" I asked looking at Harry before closing the door to our room.

"If him flinging himself at you is any indication, then yes." he said dryly. I smiled at him and sauntered up to him. His eyes watched me as I moved closer to him. Brushing my lips against his, I heard him groan as my hands teased the buckle of his belt.

"Now, that we're here we can try out that big bed…" I mummered seductively before he captured my lips and dragged me back to the bed.

An hour later, I was propped up looking down at him. Harry's eyes were closed and a smile was forming on his face. Smiling myself, I could still feel his hands on my skin. Moments like this were rare for us but we cherished them when we got them.

"You seem satisfied…." I smirked.

"I...am…" he enunciated. His happiness was infectious. Leaning in for a kiss, he rolled us over so I was on my back underneath him. The kiss was slow and agonizing. His hands roaming my lithe body, enticing me further more.

Breaking away from him, he left hot trails of kisses down my neck. "Mm..Harry we have to get up."

"No, no….we don't." his voice muffled as he nuzzled my chest. He continued his ministrations until I chuckled and kissed his mouth.

"Maybe we have time for one more round…" I muttered before I succumbed to his touch again.

Reaching for my cream color sweater dress from the closet, I snuck a peek over to Harry. He was finally getting dressed. Pulling a pair of navy blue chinos and a white button up shirt from his suitcase, he laid them across the bed. Easing into the dress, I rifled through my dresser for the black tights. I was well aware that we were in the house, but I still liked to look nice. Inspecting the black thigh highs, I was wary of wearing them.

Hands slid around my waist and a kiss was left on my neck, "You should wear the tights..that would be incredibly sexy."

I turned around looking up at my amorous boyfriend. His blue eyes were bright and flirtatious. I loved it. "Maybe I will."

"And let me run my hands up your legs before I peel them off you…" he whispered huskily. I shivered from the onslaught of lustful emotions.

"You…..are….incorrigible." I muttered as I yielded to his intense kiss. My back was pressed up against the dresser as he slid his hand down my thigh and lifting it easily. Tangling my fingers in his hair, I arched into him.

A knock yanked us from our snogging session. Separating myself from him, I took a seat on the bed and wiggled myself into the thigh-highs. Reaching for my boots, I slipped them on. Adjusting my dress, I pressed my fingers against the sides of the tights and muttered a sticking charm. Holding them in place.

"Well, how do I look?" I asked as he turned around after closing the door. It must have been a house elf.

He growled low in his throat, "If we don't leave this room right now, I'll be dragging you back to that bed."

Exactly what I wanted to hear….

Taking him by the hand, I led him out the room and down the hall to the main sitting room. "Sit." I instructed. "Tippa!" I called. The house elf appearing instantly.

"Yous calls Miztress?"

"I would like some tea brought in as well as a light snack before dinner." I instructed. He nodded his head at me, "Is our visitor and Master Harry around?"

"Oh yes! I can send them in!"

"Please do." I asked nicely. Tippa vanished and I turned back to Harry. Kissing him again, I felt the same amourous surge pass through us. My breathing hitched as I felt his hands slide down my back. The door opened letting my brother in. Pulling away from Harry, I licked my lips and gave him a smile.

"Hey you!"

"Am I interrupting something?" he asked looking at us.

"No….Yes." Harry and I said simultaneously. I shot Harry a look before looking back to Prongs. Before I could say anything, Tippa arrived with tea and biscuits.

Prongs took a seat, while everyone fixed their tea how they liked it. Taking a sip, the door opened again letting in Sirius. Giving him a big smile, much like I did Prongs, I motioned for him to sit down.

Sirius was a changed man. You could tell how Harry had taken care of him over the past few weeks. It was sincerely appreciated. He had filled out and his hair styled with respectable clothing.

ProngsPOV

Surveying my room after Alyssa left me, I began unpacking my trunk. Taking the things I deemed necessary, I went to throw my trainers in the closet. Opening it, I found a big surprise. It was full of clothes. And nice clothes, at that. Grabbing a pair of dark jeans and a green polo, I hurried out of my hand me down clothes that I had transfigured, and put the nicer ones on.

I took the old clothes and threw in the in bin before I left the room. Finding my way slowly, I took my time traveling down the stairs. My eyes on everything in this part of the house. I could see numerous paintings and decorations that adorned the walls. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I looked around seeing a hallway. Following it, I passed a room with a light on and could hear muffled sounds.

Taking a chance, I pushed the door opened to see Alyssa and Harry snogging. Blushing to my roots, I tried ducking out before Alyssa caught me.

"Hey you!" she beamed. Now I was caught. Entering the room, I took a seat trying to keep my blush from showing too badly. I knew they were dating and probably intimate but it doesn't mean I needed to catch them. A house elf appeared with a tea tray and a platter of biscuits. We all sat around fixing our tea when the door opened again. I knew it couldn't be a house elf because they would pop in.

No, it was someone else.

It was Sirius Black. Or at least what Sirius Black should look like. He was cleaned shaven, smelled nice and better dressed. He was taking in the room but sat down when motioned. I couldn't bear to scoot from him even though my danger radar said too. It didn't matter what Alyssa and Sirius proved that night, I still didn't feel comfortable about him. While everyone was chatting, I took a look around the room.

There was a grand piano in the corner and a large fireplace that sparkled with a roaring fire. The walls were cream color with a scarlet theme. Everything around me screamed posh. Looming over the fireplace was a portrait of a man.

"Who's that?" I asked setting my tea down and reaching for a biscuit. Alyssa looked toward it and raised an eyebrow.

"Not sure. Maybe an ancestor?" she stood up and walked over to the fireplace. Carefully avoiding the flames. Whenever it was looked like a Potter. If the black hair wasn't a dead giveaway. "Tippa!" she called.

The house elf appeared before us and looked at us before turning to Alyssa. "Young Master Harry is wanting to know who is in the portrait?" The house elf, named Tippa, looked at the portrait once before addressing us.

"That is the late Masters Olivers Potter." Tippa said.

"The who?" Prongs asked.

"Your, uh, grandfather." Sirius said setting his tea down as well. "I remember meeting him when James was in school. He was a strict traditional wizard, if I remember correctly."

"Hmm….well he does look like dad, doesn't he?" I asked Sirius.

"That he does. All the Potter men resemble one another. There are few females born. I think, if memory serves me correctly, Alyssa is the fifth one born since the turn of the 20th century."

"Seriously?" Harry asked looking at Sirius wildly.

"Oh yes, the breeding of females is about as rare as Royal Family having wizards and witches." he input.

"Nice to know that." Alyssa muttered taking a seat.

"So Sirius how are you liking your stay?" I asked him. I was indeed curious.

"The house elves are treating me well. So, far no flea baths." he joked and we laughed as Alyssa stuck her tongue out at him.

"If we let you run around as that dog long enough, we will come Springtime." she threatened.

"You wouldn't dare Lyssa?" he gasped in mock anger. I could tell he was laughing at her. Everyone seemed to laugh at Alyssa. Underneath that hard-arse exterior was unusually nice person. I could see why Harry fell in love with her. Although, I'm sure they've never exchanged the words.

"I hope that you'll enjoy the Christmas season." Alyssa said motioning between Sirius and I.

"Why wouldn't we?"

"Don't know, but you never know…"

"Did Alyssa tell you about the row she got in with Dumbledore?" I interjected.

Sirius looked warily at Alyssa. "Yea, well...that." she mumbled.

"What happened?" Sirius asked me knowing full well he wasn't going to get an answer from Alyssa.

"Prongs…." Alyssa warned but I brushed her off.

"Dumbledore had guardianship over me illegally. Alyssa didn't tell me who we were supposed to go in light of losing Mum and dad except for you." I explained.

"HE did what?!" Sirius roared.

"Yea..that." Alyssa mumbled again. Harry squeezed her thigh gently but she kept her eyes downcast.

"I, uh,..."

"What do you mean by this Alyssa?" Sirius asked giving a pointed look to my sister.

"OK, fine…" she huffed heavily. "I convinced the goblins at Gringotts to have our parents will read. That's how I knew. I kind of knew beforehand though. I was informed by Albus that I had no rights over Prongs, so I tried filing for full custody in September once I obtained a lawyer. Well that didn't work out in my favor so when the Will was read, Harry and I rushed to the Ministry to fix it."

"Is. it. Fixed?" Sirius voice was deadly.

"Is now. Had a huge row over it a few hours ago with Albus. You know that we were supposed to go to you ..If not you then, Alice Longbottom and if not her; then Prof McGonagall?" she asked giving new light to dark information.

"Alice or Minerva?" he asked surprised.

"Yes. I was just as surprised as you."

"You...mean Prof McGonagall could have taken us in?" I asked my anger starting to rise again.

"She could, but Albus circumvented it. I don't know why but his reasoning was "for Prong's protection"." she mocked.

I tried to keep what was on my mind in my own thoughts. I could have had a wonderful life with Prof McGonagall but sent to that hell? Getting up, I began pacing the room. Anger coursed through my blood and I begun to hate the Headmaster. I could see out the corner of my eye that Sirius begun to stand up but was waved off by Alyssa.

"He needs to learn to control himself…." I heard her whisper.

In my mind, I could see the abuse. The abuse I had endured for his "protections" to work. The days of starvation. The beatings. Everything. I didn't realize that the curtain were billowing. Several objects were floating through the room. No one got up to save me. I was on the verge of losing it.

"He'll...send me back." I managed to say in my anger.

"To Hell he won't!" Sirius cried.

"No, he won't. He can't Prongs. Love, please sit down. Or go work off the anger and come back to us." Alyssa's words vocalized through my mushed mind.

I looked around at the few people I could now call family and I couldn't stand to see them hurt but I knew that I was too much out of control. So, I left the room. Learning outside the sitting room, I looked down and saw that someone had changed my clothes to track clothes. I was meant to run it off. And boy would I run it off.

Alyssa POV

I sat there watching my little brother process this new information. I didn't want to tell him like this but Sirius had a right to know. Throwing up my shields at full force, I did my best to block his anger and distrust. I was still hit with his emotions anyway when the room started to move. The curtains were the first to start moving. He was slipping.

Sirius stood to talk him down, but I motioned him to sit still. We watched Prongs pace back and forth and all over the room. His magic hadn't matured enough to see it crackling between his fingers.

His words ate at my heart. Something must have happened while he was living at his Aunt's. Whatever it was, I couldn't process it or I'd go mad. As he left the room, I used a charm to change his clothes. Running would exhaust his anger. It did mine.

Uncle Sirius turned to look at us mournfully. "What was that?"

"That….was an extremely angry powerful wizard." I answered.

"His magic is that strong?" he asked motioning toward the room.

"He's just now begun to tap into it. First time he got this angry, he cracked a table in the Common Room. Of course, this time his anger was just slightly controlled." I mused.

Uncle Sirius' eyes widened. "You're serious, aren't you?" I nodded my head at him. "James was the same way when he got angry. Have you told him what to expect in later years?"

I shook my head, wishing I had something stronger to sip on. My wish was granted when Tippa showed up with a glass of wine. Giving thanks, I sipped it. "Not yet. He knows a bit about the empathic abilities. Just not the rest."

"When are you going to tell him?" he asked me.

"When they start occurring…."

"Alyssa, love, you sure that's a good idea?" Harry asked turning to me.

Shaking my head at him, I sighed into my glass. "Not really but I had to learn on my own. I plan to start training him soon. He's talked Uncle Mooney into teaching him the Patronus Charm. He's got a lot of learning and growing to do."

"Who taught you, if you don't mind me asking?" Uncle Sirius asked leaning back into his chair.

"Stephen Hatter and Myles Harris." I said. "Stephen trained me as a Junior Auror and Myles trained me in Occlumency."

"That's how you know how to duel like an Auror?"

I nodded my head hating the inquisition. "Yea, that's how. Prongs knows a little about it. I-I-can't tell him everything yet." I struggled to say.

"What you mean?" Uncle Sirius asked. I stood up breaking away from Harry and walked around the room. I avoided his question. "Alyssa? Answer me!" he demanded.

"Trust me, it's not an easy story…" Harry spoke up softly.

Uncle Sirius paled hearing Harry speak up. I didn't think Harry would speak up about this. But he knew what had happened to me. How I was used. I hated my stepfather with a passion and wished him dead several times over. Running my hands up and down my arms, I fought to warm myself back up. I might love the snow, but I hate the cold.

"Please, can we talk about something merrier?" I pleaded.

"Of course we can love…." Harry stood up and embraced me. Holding me close while I pulled myself together. Uncle Sirius was watching us carefully but I'm sure he could tell there was more to us than the usual boyfriend/girlfriend routine.

"Hem-hem….So I do have a question. Why call Harry Prongs?"

I chuckled at his question. "It's my way of differentiating between the two men."

"He does know who Prongs is, doesn't he?"

"Kind of. He'll connect the dots when he learns his Patronus. He's smart, you know."

"I'm learning…" he said before Tippa popped in announcing dinner.

Taking Harry's hand, I looked up at him. "You staying for dinner?"

"I guess I can. I haven't had house elf food in a while. Would be a nice change."

I eyed him carefully. Something was amiss. He was stalling about something. "Something not going in your favor at home love?"

This earned a glare from him. He normally didn't discuss things of that nature. Shaking his head at me, I knew he would eventually fess up. Leading us to the dining room we were joined by Sirius and finally Prongs who looked better.

"Hey kiddo, how ya feeling?" I asked gently as I took my seat.

"Better. I'm sorry for earlier." he apologized.

I waved him off. "No need to do that. It happens. You just learn to control yourself. The Occlumency will help out."

"When will you teach it?"

"Starting next summer if you can manage it. Or," I paused seeing his eagerness. "After fifth year when you have no summer homework and you can concentrate on it."

"It really depends on the time we have. You want to start training the summer after fourth year. That's dueling and spellcasting. That takes a lot of someone. I didn't learn Occlumency until after I was properly trained. I spent weeks learning it."

We ate in relative silence after that. Other than the causal quips of random topics, it was a rather subdue dinner. About halfway through, I sat my fork down remembering what I needed to tell Sirius.

"Oh, by the way, Uncle Sirius I'm having a special guest come by in a few days." I teased lightly.

"Is it a beautiful woman?"

I narrowed my eyes at him while Harry and Prongs snickered. "Ha," I made a face at him. "No, sorry. No dames for you. Just an old friend."

And I left it at that.

Dinner was over soon after that and we all bid each other good night. When Sirius walked out the front door, Prongs turned to me confused. "Where's he going?"

I gave a small smile. "Instead of living inside the Manor, he chose one of the cottages that are on the grounds. Said it suited him better. Well we're off to bed. Night Prongs. I love you."

"I love you too Alyssa." he whispered. Parting from my brother after I gave him a hug, Harry led me up the stairs to our room.

Closing the door, he turned to me and made for his promise of earlier.