(Another chapter for you. It's going to be all downhill from here. Until the last couple months before the term is over. In the section for Alyssa's journal, the Italics will be Alyssa and the bold will be HarryW. As always: I don't own it! Enjoy!)

Hogwarts, Patronuses, & Valentine's Day.

Alyssa POV

School hasn't been in session but for a few days when Prof McGonagall stopped by with my timetable. Instead of her usual strict demeanor, her face held a disdain. Handing it to me, I barely acknowledged her impatient tapping.

"Yes Professor?" I asked as nicely as I could muster.

"The Headmaster wishes to see you in his office this morning." she grumbled. I raised an eyebrow at her. Surely, she remembered what transpired between the Headmaster and I the day before the term let out. Grabbing my bag, I immediately knew that I needed to go with her. Thankfully, the day had barely started. The Great Hall was fairly empty so there wouldn't be questions. Following her out the Great Hall and up the stairs, we were soon at the Gargoyle of the Headmaster's office. Giving the password, she let me go first and I Took my step on the stone step way. We moved up till we were face to face with the door.

Prof McGonagall knocked quietly giving me a quick eye. "Enter!" came the voice of the Headmaster inside. Pushing the door open, I saw him sitting there like the benevolent grandfather he wished everyone to believe him to be.

"Ah, Miss Potter….Professor McGonagall. Please be seated." She and I took our seats and waited on him to start this meeting.

"I do hope you've enjoyed your Christmas Break…" he started giving me a questioning eye. I avoided it for the same reason that I felt another tender probe in my mind. Good thing I had practiced rebuilding my shields before I came back. They were holding steady.

"Yes, I did. It was very enjoyable." I said as vaguely as I could.

"Now, I'm going ask you something and I want the complete truth from you." he said sternly. "Where are the whereabouts of Sirius Black?"

I didn't flinch. I wasn't about to let this old fool know anything. Shrugging my shoulders, I feigned interest. "Not sure who you're talking about. Isn't the the escaped prisoner the Prophet has been writing about these past few months?"

"Indeed it has. Now my sources tell me that he was seen in Muggle London over the holidays."

"Be that as it may, Sirius goes into London, it's his deal. Not mine." I said indifferently.

"He was seen at Buckingham Palace at the Queen's Yule Ball.." Albus probed again.

"There were a lot of people there, I'm sure." I replied again. I wasn't going to let him see me sweat this.

"You were there as well as Mr Potter."

"And?"

"Where are you hiding him!?" Albus stood up banging his fist on the desk. My indifference must have finally wore on his nerves. If I had to guess, he already had this conversation with Prongs and he didn't tell him anything. This could be the reason for his short temper.

I smiled serenely at him, but kept my mouth shut. This was beginning to become fun, but one look from my Head of House reminded me that I was there as a student, not anything more.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Headmaster. If, indeed, Sirius Black was at the Queen's Yule Ball this year; neither Harry or I saw him." I told him diplomatically. "Now, if you don't mind, I do have class to get too."

I reached down to grab my bag, when he stopped me cold. "If you refuse to tell me the whereabouts of Sirius Black, I will dose you with Veritaserum!"

"Albus!" Prof McGonagall gasped.

Lowering my eyes at him, I felt a surge of anger that I hadn't felt in a long time. So long ago that it was nearly foreign to me. Never would I undergo potions unless it was to heal me. The anger rushed through me so quickly that it nearly bowled me over. Every inch of my skin hummed with magic and I beat it back. I could not...no, I would not blow up this office with Prof McGonagall in it.

I could see in his eyes the he felt triumphant. That he had finally cornered me into doing what he wanted me to do. No, he was not going to coerce me. I had enough of that with my stepfather. I didn't dare glance at Prof McGonagall, her expression would be my undoing. I didn't have to glance down at my hands, which had started to tremble, to know that sparks were cackling between my fingers.

Coming to my feet, I looked him with a deadly intention. His smirk dropped a little. "Under Hogwarts Charter Section 16 Paragraph 8, 'No Professor, nor Headmaster, shall use potions on any student for whatever reason besides healing of injuries or wounds.'"

"So, no Headmaster, I will not be telling you a damn thing. If you decide to press this further, I will take this to the Department of Magical Education. I'm sure they would love to hear about how the Headmaster threatened a student for information." I seethed keeping eye contact with him. All thoughts of succeeding against me, dropped dramatically. I did have the power, as an adult, to take this higher up.

Grabbing my bag, I turned and walked out of the office without being dismissed. I didn't care if I was being rude. I would be happy to deal with the punishment that I'm sure would be doled out to me later on. Hurrying down the corridor, once I reached, I ignored those around me and headed straight to my Defense Class. It was going to be a double class today and I hoped that Prof Lupin decided to do something mundane because if he decided to make me duel; someone was going to the infirmary.

After class was over, I grabbed my things and proceeded to head out. Keeping my head down for the two hour period class had been hard, but I managed especially when Prof Lupin realized that something was wrong and left me be. Before I could grasp the handle of the door, it swung shut and locked. I stared at the door for several long seconds before I realized it wasn't going to open for me.

Turning around to see Uncle Moony staring at me expectantly, I sighed and walked back over to him. Taking a seat on a nearby desk, I dropped my bag and glanced up at him. I felt like I was in trouble by a parent. The thought warmed me instantly.

"Mind telling me why your magic was all over the place today, hmm?"

"Not really Uncle Moony." I said quickly.

He eyed me carefully and nodded. "Has this something to do with why you were pulled from the Great Hall this morning?"

I looked up at him sharply, eyeing him as carefully as he was eyeing me. "How do you know that?"

"Harry came running to me as soon as he could. Someone told him that you were taken from the Great Hall led by Prof McGonagall. I'm assuming, you don't have to tell me, that she took you to see the Headmaster."

My silence confirmed his answer. "Want to tell me what transpired?"

"Not really."

"And I shall take your word for it. However, in the future, Alyssa you might want to talk to someone. I know you're an adult, but having a different perspective always helps." he cautioned as he waved his wand to unlock the door.

"Thanks Uncle Moony…." I gave him a pained smile and left the room. I had missed my Transfiguration class for the day because of the Headmaster's 'meeting'. I dreaded to have to find Prof McGonagall and ask her what I needed to look over. My stomach growled as I came closer to the Great Hall.

Had it been since last night that I properly ate? Must have been because as soon as I sat down, I grabbed a bowl of tomato soup and some sort of sandwich. As I took a bite of it, I realized it was my favorite sandwich. No one but Harry knows this. Sighing, I reached into my bag and searched for my journal. I know Prongs hadn't contacted him about my trip to the Headmaster's office.

"So, I'm finally sitting down to eat and surprisingly my favorite food was ready for me?"

"Not sure what you're on about." I could hear the tease in his voice. He must have slipped it to a house elf. Maybe that one called Dobby that followed Prongs around constantly.

"You sure about that?"

"Of course. How's the day going?"

"Not well. Albus pulled me into his office again…"

"What did he want?"

"To know where Sirius is. Harry, he threatened to dose me with Veritaserum."

"He. Did. What?" It's amazing how well you someone-especially being bonded to them-that I could hear him growl. I could feel his anger in the words.

"Yea, I reminded him of the rule where he's not allowed too. I swear he's after me. Being an adult is the only reason why he can't do anything to me."

"Are you alright? "

"No, I need a holiday. Like a long one."

"Alyssa, it's just January."

"Doesn't matter. I couldn't let him bully me into giving me potions. I just can't."

"Hey!" A voice startled me from my thoughts. I had taken Uncle Moony's advice and told Harry what happened. I just hadn't gotten to tell him how close I was to losing it. Looking up, I gave my brother a small smile.

"Hey Prongs, how are ya?" I asked politely.

"I'm well. Classes are the same." he said taking a seat beside me. Looking over at my lunch, he spotted my journal. "Ah, I will leave you alone for a few minutes."

"Thanks…."

"When's your next Hogsmeade trip?"

"Probably in two weeks….why?"

"I'm going to meet you. I miss you desperately Alyssa…."

Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes. I fought them back and blinked furiously. I must have failed because a drop fell on the page. I did miss him terribly. Being away from him was hurting the both of us. I kept seeing the papers where he was surrounded by females but never showed any interest. People were starting to worry about him, but he couldn't. Never could he find a different kind of love besides the one with me. Sometimes, I felt I had taken that from him. That choice.

"Hey now, don't cry love."

"Can't help it. I miss you so much.. I wish the school year was over."

"Don't say it like that. You'll miss being in school. Trust me, I know. Life was simpler when I was in school."

"As true as that may be, I still want this year over."

"I understand. I'll see you in two weeks love."

"I'll see you then…"

Sighing, I closed my journal and closed my eyes. I wasn't lying when I said I needed a long holiday. Me and Harry somewhere. Maybe while Prongs was at camp this year. Yes, that would be good. Resting my head on my brother's shoulder, I felt his head whip over and looked down at me.

"You alright, Alyssa?" concern etched in his voice

"Not really, no." I replied softly.

"What's wrong?"

"It's a lot of things Prongs. Too many things. Homework, Profs, Headmaster, Harry, my lawyer… You pick."

An arm came and wrapped around me carefully. This familial love was something new for me. I knew it was new for Prongs as well. We sat there like that, our food untouched, for several minutes. The sibling bond we shared flowed freely through us and I let my shields drop a little. Not enough to let anyone in, but enough to let a few emotions pass between us. Too soon, he released me when he saw his friends come in and sit down.

I sighed and took a breath. It was just January, like Harry said. I had a few more months to go….

ProngsPOV

Unbeknownst to Alyssa, the Headmaster pulled me into his office as soon as we got back from Christmas Hols. I wasn't prepared for the onslaught of questions that followed, but like Alyssa had said, never talk unless she or our lawyer was present.

This left the Headmaster in a foul mood when I left him.

I didn't care. After what he had done to me, I really didn't care much for him anymore. I'm sure she would be next to be called to his office. He wanted to know where Sirius Black was and frankly, even though I knew, I wasn't going to tell him. It wasn't any of his business and I was almost for certain that Alyssa was taking care of his fugitive status.

So when she was pulled from the Great Hall, whom I found out by a passing sixth year, I was prepared for the worst, but what I saw when I sat down at the table surprised me. She looked tired. Nearly defeated. Something I wasn't used too. When she pressed her head against my shoulder, I was stunned.

Yes, she embraced a semi-physical relationship with people, but mostly she preferred to be alone. With me and Harry as exceptions. The sudden strange burst of emotions must have come from her because I didn't know how to do that yet. I almost felt her lower her shields and let me in. Something she rarely did. I don't think she trusted anyone with her mind. Seeing my friends a few minutes later, I remembered the talk we had last night.

Hermione, Ron, and I were sitting around the Common Room after finally finishing the three foot scroll for Charms when I noticed it was emptier than normal. Since Alyssa had begun teaching me more advanced levels spells, I rolled my parchment up and pulled my wand out. Both Ron and Hermione looked at me with question but a slight shake of head hushed them.

Saying the Privacy Charm, Hermione's eyes lit up with the new spell I had learned. I found it was useful from keeping those from prying into your conversations. Pocketing my wand, I looked at them.

"I have something to tell you two. I'm not sure how you're going to take it…"

"You're leaving Hogwarts, aren't you?" Ron wailed.

"Not even close. I know both of you have voiced your concerns about what to do over the summer and I am here to tell you I already have plans."

"What are those, Harry?" Hermione's voice warmed me just hearing it.

"America. Alyssa got me enrolled in their Junior Auror Camp."

"That's great mate…" Ron muttered.

"That sounds fantastic Harry!" Hermione beamed with excitement. "I know you've expressed learning how to defend yourself."

"Yea, but why can't Alyssa teach you?!" Ron moaned.

"Because she's not a trainer nor a fully trained Auror, Ron." I said with a touch of exasperation.

"Is there a way for us to go?" Ron asked with less whining

"Not sure." I shrugged. "She said it's incredible hard to get into. She had to pull some strings to get me in anyway."

"So will you be gone all summer?"

"The letter said camp ends August 10th. So, I'll be back the last two weeks of summer." I assured him. Relief washed over my red-headed friend.

"Maybe you can come to the Burrow?" he asked slowly.

"Not sure there either. Maybe I'll see if you two can come by Potter Manor. It's huge...and Alyssa's already said both of you have your own rooms."

"Wicked! No sharing!" Ron finally exclaimed with excitement.

"I can ask my parents, Harry. As long as they meet Alyssa, I'm sure they won't mind." Hermione squeezed my hand assuring me.

My eyes widened at her squeeze of affection. Normally, with Ron around, she wasn't as affectionate. Ron, oblivious to everything, never noticed. Her eyes never left mine and I felt that familiar tug. Pressing into me. I wanted to take her out of the Common Room and find somewhere private to kiss her properly. Or as properly as a thirteen year old could. I watched as her lips parted. Like she knew what I was thinking.

"Hermione-I-" I started to say.

"When are you seeing Prof Lupin about that training you talked about?" Ron asked at the wrong, but yet the right moment.

Whipping my head around to look at my best mate, "Next Tuesday." I managed to sputter before turning back to Hermione. That familiar tug was there but it wasn't as strong. Her eyes avoided mine. Breaking the spell between us. I groaned inwardly and cancelled the spell.

One day I would give in to my desires….

Knocking on the door to the Defense Office, I waited for Prof Lupin. He had informed me earlier in class that we would begin the Patronus training tonight after dinner. So here I was standing alone in front of the door waiting on him.

Opening the door a minute later, Prof Lupin looked as he always did. Weary worn and tired but determined.

"Come in Harry." he said stepping aside to let me in the office. Looking around, I noticed it was fairly bare save for a desk and other office equipment. It was dark considering the illumination from candles.

"We will be going down to the classroom where I've stored the boggart." he said leading me down the flight of stairs from the office to the classroom. Even though, I was ready to do this, nerves were overwhelming my body. I could tell that Prof Lupin was calm so I focused on that as we entered the classroom.

Leading me over to a trunk, he took a stance behind it.

"Now, you already know what Dementors are. They feed on a person's happiest memories and thus cause depression and despair to anyone near them. They are amortal beings and can suck a person's soul leaving the victim in a vegetative state."

I paled at his explanation. How in Merlin's name did Alyssa scare them off?

"You've studied the boggart in class so I don't need to give an explanation but you need to concentrate on your worst fear. I'd highly suspected that it would be Lord Voldemort, but the other day in class, you surprised me. The incantation is 'Expecto Patronum'" he explained while showing me the straightforward wand movement.

Reaching for the lid, he looked over at me with caution. Summoning the image of a boggart in my mind, I pulled my wand and readied myself. Lifting it, the boggart swarmed from the trunk and turned into a Dementor. I faltered hearing someone scream in my head.

Suddenly, I was on my behind with a piece of chocolate shoved in my hands. Taking a bite of it, I shuddered from my experience. Part of me didn't want to do it again, but I was determined to get this down. I couldn't fail. Imagine what they would say if things became too much at the camp and I wanted to fail out.

"Let's go again…"

"Harry, are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes. Let's go." I stood up wand ready. Motioning for him to open the lid again, I braced myself this time knowing what to expect. The boggart swarmed out of the trunk again looming over me.

"Exp-expecto-" I gasped hearing the screams of my mother in my head. Down I went again. Prof Lupin guiding me back to a chair, he placed another piece of chocolate in my hands. Taking another bite the chocolate helped ease me.

After a few minutes of resting, I looked at him with determination. "Let's go again…."

Prof Lupin didn't fight me. Standing up, he flung the lid open and the boggart reappeared. This time I was sure I was ready. "Expecto Patronum" I shouted and a faint sliver wispy mist shot out of my wand.

Clapping his hands, Prof Lupin closed the lid of the trunk. Turning back to me, with a grin on his face, he clapped his hand on my shoulder. "You did well Harry."

"I didn't produce anything!"

"But you did. That silver mist was just the beginning. Harry, learning the Patronus Charm is advanced magic. Even Alyssa knows that and I'm sure she had her own demons to conquer when she was learning this. You have to think of a happy memory. One that is so powerful that it can produce a Patronus." he explained with pride in his voice.

I let his words sink in. A real happy memory. I didn't have many of them to begin with. The closest I could come up with was when Alyssa told me she was my sister. The joy and hope I felt surely could produce a corporeal Patronus.

"Can we try again?" I asked him with renewed determination.

"Not tonight. Curfew will be shortly and you have to get back to your Common Room. How about same time next week, hmm?"

I nodded my head and turned back to leave the room. Tomorrow would bring another day. Finding Hermione and Ron, who waited up for me, I told them everything that happened. Including the first attempt at conjuring the Patronus. They seemed happy for me, well at least Ron did. His enthusiasm only went so far. But Hermione's eyes light up and I could feel her pride pouring off her. It was intoxicating. I could do this. I was determined to do this.

By the next week, I was ready. I had told Alyssa how I nearly managed to produce on on my third attempt and her pride for me, as well, was overwhelming. She admitted that it took her several tries before she could concentrate on anything past the screams in her head. At that moment, I realized that she had probably even fewer happy memories than I did when she was learning the Charm.

The thought saddened and intensified my curiosity about her life before she met me. I had half a mind to write to Harry and glean what I could. When I voiced this to Hermione, she scolded me for even thinking it.

"You know Harry, if you want to know, ask your sister!" she berated me. I winced at her tone.

"I know that, but I don't think she will tell me!" I exclaimed getting irritated.

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Erm, well, what I meant Hermione, is that I don't think she will tell me. She's deathly afraid of me learning about what her life was like."

"And you're not?" she came closer to me on the couch. Ron, nowhere to be found. "Listen, Harry, even I don't know all your life before you came to Hogwarts. I wish you would tell me, but I will wait on you to do so." her voice was soft as she looked up at me.

Chocolate met emerald and I was girlishly swept away. Taking my hand she gave it a squeeze for reassurance. Sometimes, I think, she did this for more than reassurance. I dumbly nodded at her. I hadn't realized we had scooted closer to each other so much that she was practically sitting in my lap. I could feel the heat of her body through her jeans.

Coming to cup the side of her face with my hand, I knew this was the furthest we had gone. This. This was it. This was the moment where I would finally kiss her. Lowering my head, I acted on instinct alone, my eyes dropped to her lips and I watched her nervously lick them. Inside, I groaned at the simple thought. If I kissed her, things would change forever between us. I didn't know if I was ready for it, but my body had other ideas.

Our lips barely brushed when the portrait swung open and clanged against the wall. Jumping apart from each other, I dropped my head in frustration. I was so close! My heart thudded in my chest and I knew my face was scarlet from what should have happened. Lifting my head, I caught her eye before turning to see who interrupted us. Ron. Of course. I cared about him, but he had the worst timing. Following him was Neville and Dean.

"Hey you two." Ron greeted us. Neville and Dean nodded toward us. Both noticed they had interrupted something. "Hermione," Ron directed his attention to her, "did you finish the Charms essay?"

"I did Ronald Weasley, and no you will not copy it." she stated vehemently.

"Oh come on! At least look at mine, will ya?" he whined but threw her a smile. She returned it slowly but nodded her head.

"I'll look at yours but that's it!"

"Thanks Hermione! You're the best." He turned to Dean and Neville who was listening in. "Now which of you want to be crushed at chess?"

Dean took him up on the offer and Hermione released my hand and turned back to her Potions essay that was sitting on a nearby desk. I sighed and leaned back into the couch. Neville plopped beside me and looked at Hermione then myself.

"Did we interrupt something?" he whispered.

"Yes-no...I mean, I don't know."

"Well as long as you're sure." he teased grinning. "But seriously mate, you and Hermione?"

"Shush!" I whispered frantically looking around. Hoping no one heard us. "I don't know what's between us. I just know something is there."

"Well good luck to ya mate." he said before leaving me with my thoughts. I turned back to my Potions essay but after fifteen minutes of staring at the parchment, I couldn't concentrate. My mind kept repeating what could have happened between Hermione and I. Over and over-on repeat.

Sighing in frustration, I took a page out of Alyssa's book. Throwing my things in my bag, I hurried up the stairs to my dorm and changed into warm clothes. Running this off would tire me out. Slipping on my new trainers, I jogged down the stairs. Casting one more look at Hermione, who was watching me intensely, I gave her a pained smile and left the Common Room.

My run was better than I expected. It had tired me out enough that sleep came easy. I just hoped by tomorrow night I could finally conjure a corporeal Patronus.

Knocking again on Prof Lupin's door, I waited again. This seemed like deja vu to me now. After a minute of standing outside his office, the door opened. Today he looked far worse for wear. I simply ignored it and he let me in. No words were spoken as he led me back down to the classroom.

Standing before the boggart that rattled the trunk it was stored in, I pulled my wand out. Conjuring the happiest memory I could think of, I watched as he lifted the lid and the boggart floated out. Like last time, it appeared to me as a Dementor. This time I was better prepared.

"Expecto Patronum!" I cried holding onto that happy memory of Alyssa telling me I had family. Suddenly, before was a blinding light shield that protected me from the looming boggart. It was large enough that it kept the screams in my head down to a minimum.

Prof Lupin banished the boggart and turned back to me. "Excellent work, Harry. You've got it. Job well done." he praised heavily handing me a hunk of chocolate. I sat down warily and took it from him. A bite later and I felt warmth spread back into my body. That took a lot out of me.

Yawning, he chuckled and shook his head. "That exhausted me."

"It should. It's powerful magic. And especially at your age, it's impressive." Prof Lupin beamed at me.

"Thank you Prof Lupin." I said sincerely. "This will help tremendously."

"You know, Harry you can always call me Uncle Moony. Alyssa still does it, but in private."

"I'll remember that." I said picking myself up and heading toward the door. "Night Uncle Moony…."

The weeks flew by and soon enough it was Valentine's Day. Many of the boys in the school groaned as the girls prepared for the holiday. Since the night that Hermione and I nearly kissed we had stayed far from one another. Hoping that we could rid ourselves of these feelings. Occasionally, I would catch her staring at me. Like she was remembering that night as well. Trust me, I never forgot it. It was always on my mind. So much that Alyssa noticed a difference.

Alyssa POV

Valentine's day had arrived at Hogwarts and quite frankly, I wasn't sure how they proceeded here. At Ilvermorny, I never participated in any holiday. I stayed at the school during Christmas and Easter. Two weeks after the Headmaster threatened me, I did see Harry finally. It was something that I seriously needed.

Ever since we arrived back, I felt like my life had been going down emotionally. The days were long and the nights were too short for me. I slept but I really didn't sleep. Something was going to happen this year and I knew my brother was going to be a part of it. Albus's threat loomed over me constantly. Prongs and his friends were the only ones who kept me afloat these past few weeks.

Even the professors had upped my schoolwork citing that NEWTS were getting close. That I needed to study like the rest of the seventh year students. I could already see the stress forming around my fellow seventh year classmates. Sitting in my dorm one night, a girl, Mackenzie Bray looked up from her mountain of homework.

"Alyssa, why aren't you stressing out about the NEWTS?" I heard her ask.

"Hmm?" I looked up from my book before realizing her question. "Oh, that. I could have taken them at the beginning of the year, if I wanted too."

Her eyes widened at that. "How is that possible?"

"At Ilvermorny, we start school at ten instead of eleven. So, technically I am one year ahead of everyone here. My seventh year is a refresh course for me."

"That's insane. You are so lucky. The stress from this is intense." she complained.

That was it. I was lucky to be free from this so-called stress. Yea, I got that, but it was nothing more than it was for the OWLS. But Valentine's day was coming closer.

I was sitting at a desk buried deep in the library when Poe dropped in through the open window that I had opened despite Madam Pince's warning. Sticking his foot out, I saw the scroll attached. Raising an eyebrow, I wondered who it could be.

Poe looked at me expectantly and I untied the scroll from his outstretched leg. Caressing his dark feathers, he nipped my hand then took flight. Looking at the scroll, I waved my wand for detection charm and found nothing malice. Breaking the seal, I unrolled it and scanned the letter. It was from my lawyer. How did I not notice the seal?

Dear Lady Potter,

At your request to find a loophole to help exonerate, one, Sirius Black, we have found that it will take more than just a re-trial. An extensive Penesive will be the only way to clear his name as well as to find his wand. The 'Prior Incanto' spell should and will verify whether he did kill those Muggles and Peter Pettigrew. I'm sorry if this isn't what you expected but until we can find his wand, the Penesive is all we can do for now. Please have him meet us in Muggle London because of his fugitive status in Magical Britain. We can obtain the Penesive needed to gather the evidence.

Draven Xander

Great. Now I needed another weekend away. I wondered if I could get Harry to take him. I was on Albus's short list and I highly doubted that I could get away from the school again. Even during a Hogsmeade trip. This was becoming a headache. Or, if Sirius could behave himself, he could go alone. All he would need would be directions to Draven's office. Grabbing a sheet of parchment, I hastily scribbled a letter off to Sirius. Not bothering Poe, I called for Tippa.

"Tippa!"

A soft 'POP' got my attention as I was sealing the parchment. Pressing the Potter ring into the wax, I turned back to Tippa.

"Yous calls Miztress?"

"I did. I need you to take this to Padfoot please." Tippa nodded and took the scroll and vanished from my sight.

I turned back to my homework and realized that I needed to write my lawyer back as well. Pulling out another sheet of parchment, I dipped my quill in ink. Writing back to him, I explained that I probably wouldn't be able to meet in Muggle London because of an altercation with the Headmaster, but I had written Sirius and told him that he could go on without me. Calling for Poe silently, I pressed my ring into the wax, sealing it instantly. Perching quietly on the ledge of the window, he looked at me expectantly.

"Listen boy I need you to take this to Draven Xander. Don't worry about waiting for a reply. I've sent a letter on ahead to Padfoot." he hooted and nodded. Sticking his leg out, I tied the letter to it and he took off. Now that was done, I could relax for a few minutes.

The day before Valentine's day, every girl was in a dire mess. I heard more than half complain of no sweetheart and kisses this year than I wanted to hear. Thank Merlin for my music player, I was able to tune out the rest. I hated hearing others complain. I know Magical Britain resembled more of Victorian England, but damn, can't a girl ask a guy out for something like this? The Valentine weekend was also a Hogsmeade weekend. So the whole of Hogwarts, Year 3 and up would be mulling around Madam Puddifoot's Tea Room. I cringed when I thought of it. I had passed it several times during my in and out trips to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. The pink frilly mess that it was was tacky.

"So, Alyssa…." Daphne Acker started looking over at me from the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. I looked up, slightly annoyed to be pulled from my work. "What are you doing for Valentine's day tomorrow?"

"Not a clue, why Daphne?" I asked.

She sighed dramatically. I assume it was to be romantic. However, it made her look silly. "Oh, I thought your Prince would do something romantic with you. He seems like he's a romantic."

Hadn't crossed my mind to ask him what he wanted to do. He knew my aversion to holidays. This holiday was included. Even though, every year that we had known each other, he sent me a gift of some sorts. Just to make me feel included, I suppose. What I didn't know that his feelings, even then, ran deeper than I imagined.

"Don't know. Hadn't asked him." I remarked.

She gasped and looked at Mackenzie and Taylor Jenkins. "You mean to tell me that you're dating a Royal and haven't thought about Valentine's day with him?"

Was this holiday that important? By her remark, I suppose it was. I was, by no means, girly about things, but I did try to keep up the appearance. I wasn't a total loss, just uneducated. Looking back and forth at the girls, it appears I made a blunder. I shrugged and went to turn back to my work.

"Alyssa, you seriously need to write him. You need to make plans. This is important!" she emphasized. "Here take this…" she handed me a piece of parchment that smelled quite girly. I wrinkled my nose from the smell and handed it back to her. Her mouth dropped open in confusion.

"Err, thanks Daphne, but I have a way to communicate with him. Don't worry…." I tried to assure her.

"Don't worry!? You hear this girls? The great Alyssa Potter tells me not to worry." she mocked angrily at me. "Do you know what goes into a day like tomorrow?"

"Not really. I never celebrated." I confessed without feeling sorry for myself for once this year.

My answer took her aback. "Oh, it's your first time. How cute…."

Angrily, I stood and grabbed my things, "I surely hope you're done making fun of me." Walking off, I barely heard them snicker. Passing Prongs and his friends, I didn't stop to talk. I was angry and slightly humiliated by what occurred.

Sure, I could fight off Dementors, malice opponents, and all my trainers, but I was woefully unprepared to deal with teenage girls. For this, I blame my mother. She hadn't a care in the world for a daughter she never wanted. So I never learned. It's amazing that I learned anything about being a female. Hell the school Healer explained to me what my mother should have.

The next morning, I rolled over in my bed and sighed. Today was the big day. I didn't dread it, but I didn't look forward to it. Plus it was a Hogsmeade weekend. I could wander around and find myself something to do. Getting dressed, I donned the Potter robes and headed down to apologize to my brother.

Finding him with his friends, I intentionally stayed away. I had kept my distance knowing that he was only a third year who didn't need his reclusive sister hanging around. Surprisingly, he never complained. Fixing my robes, I took a seat close by the fire. I wasn't hungry but I knew I would need to snack on something.

Just as I was thinking it, Prong's house elf, popped in and handed me a cup of tea. I smiled at the house elf and he disappeared before anyone could notice him. The tea smelled heavenly and tasted better. Sipping it slowly, I never noticed the room had gone quiet. A soft indention in the couch stirred me from my thoughts.

Turning, I cast a small smile at my brother. "I'm sorry for yesterday."

"S'okay. What happened?"

"Just a few classmates having a go at me. Nothing new." I muttered darkly.

He shifted on the couch, leaning back into the soft cushions. "You've been teased before?"

"Yea, every Valentine's Day." I confessed. "Listen, it's no big deal, OK." I sighed and set my empty tea cup down on a nearby table. A random house elf would be by to retrieve it later.

"You sure?" he asked with uncertainty.

"Yea, I'm sure. Listen, let's get on with the Hogsmeade trip, eh?"

He gave me a smile and stood. Leading me out the Common Room, we headed down to the Great Hall where his friends were waiting on him. Giving them a nod, he took a seat beside Hermione who blushed a little and looked back to her book.

I raised my eyebrow at this. I would have to investigate this later on. Something did happened between them but I couldn't pinpoint it. I would feel out and play on their emotions, but that's rude and I would have to have them alone to read them. Everyone around me, would make it hard to concentrate on them. I didn't say anything, but I saw the look my brother passed Hermione's way and I realized something.

He fancied her.

A lot.

It was cute. Very cute, but I wouldn't tease him. A Potter being teased led to pranking and pranking led to wars that never ended. Fixing myself another cup of tea, I reached for the toast and jam. It wasn't much but I wasn't that hungry. Sipping on my tea, I was about to bite into my toast when Poe showed up. He was carrying a package.

That's odd. I didn't remember ordering anything. Prongs had his own bird. Handing Poe a piece of bacon, he snatched it from me while I removed his package. Glancing at my owl, he gave me a nod before flying away.

Ripping the package apart, it looked bigger than it actually was. Frowning, I cast a Detection Charm on it and found it clean. So it wasn't a portkey or evil gifting. Opening the box, I saw there was a smaller box inside. Chuckling, I removed the boxes until I got to the last box. Opening it, my smile widened.

Inside was a delicate necklace. Silver with decorative charms on it. The pendent simply said "When you wear this remember me". Harry. The only person I knew that would send me something for Valentine's Day.

"Whash that?" I heard Ron speak up. Glaring at him for his lack of manners, I sighed and slipped the necklace back in the box.

"Oh, Alyssa...it's beautiful. It's from Harry, isn't it?" Hermione gushed.

"I think so. He's the only one that has ever sent me anything. Normally, they're gag gifts but this year seems to be different."

"Of course it's different...you're dating him." she pointed out. Hadn't thought about that. We never completely said so, even though, we declared it at the Yule Ball for the Muggle population. Taking it from the box, I slipped it on. It fit wonderfully.

Later on, after breakfast, everyone who was allowed to go to Hogsmeade, rushed from the castle. Most in a hurry to start their day-long date with their significant other. Prongs and his friends decided to spare themselves the torture of dates this year. Breaking away from them, I let them head on ahead of me. I wandered listlessly until I caught sight of him.

Smirking, I headed to Harry. Wrapping me in his arms, he held me tightly before kissing me shortly on the mouth. "I see you received my gift…."

"I did. You didn't have to get me jewelry." I started to protest.

"Yes, I realize this Alyssa, but I wanted too. This year is different for us." he reminded me.

Burying my head into his chest, I sighed feeling his strength flow through us. Being around him, I felt whole. Better. Alive. Just one of the upsides of being bonded to him. Away from him, I was reclusive, lost, and tired. I knew he felt the same. As we touched, I could feel him coming back to life as well. A hand coming to caress in my hair and I sighed again. This time happily.

"So, are you ready to go with me?" he asked in my hair.

Leaning back, I glanced up at him, "Go where?"

"Muggle London. I figured I'd get you away from here for a few hours."

"You know I'm on Albus's short list….he's never going to let me go…"

"Ah, on the contrary, he is going to let you go. If he doesn't, then you can always turn him into the Department of Magical Education, can't you?" he grinned down at me. His blue eyes twinkling like mad.

"You sure you weren't in Slytherin?" I teased overjoyed about leaving school grounds for a few hours.

He mockingly clutched his heart and shook his head. "You wound me dear lady…."

"You're such a dork…." I laughed at his antics.

"See, made you laugh."

"First one in a few days…." I muttered.

"So, we're out of here. You need to get yourself ready for the evening." I started to protest, but he stopped me. "Before you protest, I have permission from McGonagall to have you out tonight. She really didn't give Albus an inch to complain."

Apparating us into Muggle London, he left me with several ladies who were most eager to prepare me for tonight. I was at a loss about half the things they were talking about, but I went along with it. After a few hours of being pampered, I was squeezed into a burgundy strapless dress with a black sash wrapped around my waist that ended in a bow. The ladies slipped heels on me and I wished I had better balance.

Finally, it was getting dark out when Harry arrived. Taking one glance at me, he swore I was the most beautiful woman he'd ever met. If his aim was to make me blush, he succeeded. Taking me by the hand, he led us out to a Rolls Royce Phantom in the prettiest blue imaginable. Climbing in after me, he took my hand and squeezed it gently before kissing my lips softly.

"I figure keeping the magic to a minimum tonight would be best for the both of us…" he mentioned at the car. Sitting back in the car, we talked of things that weren't related to Hogwarts, lawyers, Sirius Black or Prongs. It was nice. Coming to the St. Katharine Docks, the driver stopped the car and held the door open for us to get out. A sharp breeze surrounded us and I snuggled into my coat and latched onto Harry. Escorting me down to the docks, we came upon a lone yacht.

I looked over at Harry; my eyebrows to my hairline. "You want to go sailing in February?"

"Don't worry, the whole yacht has a Warming Charm over it. As well as a 'Notice-me-not' Charm."

"You're quite good at those, aren't you?"

"Of course I am." he said leading me onto the yacht. Once we were on the yacht, I instantly felt the Warming Charm activate. Slipping my coat off, a nearby staff took mine and Harry's and disappeared. We ate an elegant dinner, danced and just enjoyed ourselves. During our last dance before I had to return to Hogwarts, Harry held me close while we danced.

"Alyssa…" he muttered in my ear. His hands caressing circles on my hips and lower back.

"Hmm...yes Harry?" I replied sleepily.

"I need to tell you something." he whispered. My eyes shot open and I peered closely at him. "I love you."

My eyes widened at his confession. Looking up at him, I saw the intensity in his blue eyes. Those eyes I learned to love all those years ago. Then, I smiled serenely at him and opened the link between us and I felt love flow through the bond we created. I gasped at the onslaught. A tear must have slipped because I felt his thumb brush it aside. "I-I love you too, Harry."

Then he sealed it with a kiss.