After Dumbledore had sent me home, I immediately began packing the few things I had acquired over the years. It wasn't much, as with every foster home I ended up having to leave at least a few things behind, but it was enough that it required me to put an extension charm on my bag to fit it all.
After that was finished though, there wasn't a lot to be done, so I decided to walk around Diagon Alley and look around at all of the shops it held. I had done it a million times before, but it still felt magical... and saddened me as I had always had to experience it by myself. I shook that thought off as I headed towards the candy shop that was popular among the younger children. I maneuvered my way around the smaller bodies and was thankfully able to get my candies and take them to the counter to buy them, but I wasn't so lucky while exiting the shop. Before I could even pop the first candy into my mouth, I found myself on the ground. The person I ran into seemed somewhat familiar and looked several years older than me. However, for the life of me, I could not remember how I knew him. He had what looked like burn marks on his arms, and he was extremely well built. Built enough to remain standing while I tumbled to the ground.
"Are you alright?" He asked holding out his hand towards me. He had dull orange hair that was kept relatively short, but still long enough that it was able to look slightly unkempt. I took his offered hand and he easily pulled me up. He was built broader than he was tall, though he still stood almost a foot above me, emphasizing my small frame.
"Charlie Weasley," He said, shaking my hand. "And I am really sorry about that." He offered a slight smile as he eyed me, still holding my hand in his.
"It was my bad, I wasn't looking where I was going," I laughed awkwardly, letting my hand go limp so I could slide from his grasp.
He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Well no harm done either way, right?" I nodded, holding my bag of candy in both of my hands and looking around the crowded street. "I'm sorry, I don't believe you gave your name," He added, trying to get my attention back.
"Yeah..." I said, then feeling bad seeing how his face fell, I offered a smile. "It's Artemis, Artemis Black." The change of name came readily.
The smile returned to his face as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. My eyes were wandering again, but this time I caught something of interest. From the spot where I stood, I could clearly see a figure standing at the window of my bedroom at the Leaky Cauldron. "Well," Charlie started, pulling my attention. "I hope that I can see you again, Artemis..." Charlie said sincerely. I nodded, giving a preoccupied smile, and allowed him to pass and proceed into the candy store.
Briskly, I made my way back to the inn and up to my room, keeping my head down to avoid any more unwanted conversations.
"Hello Albus," I said as I walked into the room, placing my bag of candy in my packed bag. He was sitting patiently on my bed, skimming through one of the books I had decided wasn't worth the hassle to pack.
"Hello, Artemis... I assume you are ready?" I nodded as he stood up, allowing me to take his arm. I held my breath as we disapparated and reappeared on a seemingly normal street in front of a few run-down-looking homes. Strangely enough, the numbers eleven and thirteen were right next to each other.
Dumbledore handed a sheet of paper to me, and in his neat little scrawl, I read 'Number Twelve Grimmauld Place'. Suddenly, it seemed like the ground was shaking and I looked up just in time to see the missing building magically appear. Dumbledore led me to the door and then handed me my bags.
"This is where I leave you," he said, giving a soft smile. "They may be having a meeting but you'll be able to find your way around the building."
I opened my mouth to protest, but he continued talking. "Oh and do be careful, one of the paintings does not tend to like visitors." His eyes twinkled mischievously as he turned away. I rolled my eyes, turning to push open the door with my free hand. It took a minute for my eyes to adjust, as the first stretch of the house was very poorly lit. Down the hallway and around the corner, however, there was a yellowish glow. Taking a deep breath, my uneasiness growing quickly, I made my way towards it, hearing the talking becoming more clear. It sounded rather joyful, almost out of place in the presence of peeling wallpaper and squeaky floors.
Making it to the source of the light, I stood, stunned at the number of gingers I saw in the small hallway. They were obviously all of the same family. It made the two people at the end of the hallway embracing stand out even more. Both had black hair, but the farther one's hair was much longer. Though older and clearly worn, he was still unmistakably my godfather. As they pulled apart, smiling at one another, another realization hit me, hard enough to rip a gasp ripped from my lungs. Harry and Sirius, the only family I had... My hand was to my mouth as everyone turned to look at me.
"Hi," I finally said after they stared at me in silence for a few moments. "Dumbledore sent me... I'm -"
"Artemis?" Sirus whispered, squinting as if he didn't want to believe what he was seeing. I could only nod, surprised he would recognize me after all these years.
"Sirius?" Harry asked as Sirius moved away from him to pull me into a crushing hug.
"Who is your friend Sirius?" An older lady, also with ginger hair, asked, coming forward to place an arm around Harry.
"This," He started, keeping his arm around my shoulder as he turned to show me off to the room. I gave him a quick shake of my head, hoping he would understand "Is Artemis..." He continued slowly, though still beaming. "I've known her since she was a baby," Sirius added, rubbing my head as he did so. I laughed, feeling relieved knowing he'd keep my secret. My eyes wandered from him to look around the room, feeling my cheeks flame up seeing how everyone continued to focus on me.

As the room shifted slightly, I noticed there were even more people in the room behind our gathering, and then one more non-ginger girl, standing on the stairs. I reached up to brush a strand of hair behind my ear as the silence stretched on.
"Welcome," The ginger woman said, giving Harry a squeeze as she smiled down at him fondly. "You made it just in time for dinner!"