A/N: Thank you for reading, Alerts and Favorite

Song Inspiration: To My Younger Self- Britton

The large number of witches and wizards standing in the Potter Maner barley made a dent in the great room. Katherine only recognized a few of them. Either older or from a different Hogwarts house from her own. Scanning the room again she observed them all, pressing the gold goblet to her lips. Splashing the sweet wine into her mouth. They all seemed amused with one another, no one would notice if she stood in the shadows all day. No one reached out to check in on her, lost in their own surrounding. She was alone all over again, invisible in her home, in a crowd filled room.

Home. The main place she felt like a stranger. An older man tipped his brown hat, toward her, acknowledging her presence. The first person. Lifting her glass wondering if he was a friend of her father, giving a curtsy nod, he stood out from the elaborate furniture.

Be polite. Those words instilled in her mind. Be this, be that…... Taking another sip. The unexplainable ache from her chest from yesterday still lingered. The house didn't help. James assured her it would. Smiling in James face when he spoke his advice. Be polite….. it was an over rated action. She tried but it was never the correct amount. Maybe this was why her house never felt like home.

The laughs became louder, the perfect couple had entered the den, the crowd parted. Everyone proud and complimented James on his skills. James didn't need his head to become bigger with all the compliments that Katherine didn't seem necessary to the moment. The same questions rang in the room. 'When is the wedding?' if they would all listen. Lily had told them it would be during the summer months. Rolling her eyes. Forcing a smile on her lips, she needed to be happy for them. James deserved his happy ending. Not hearing the speech that Sirius was chanting about, his hand kept slapping James back, Lily giggled with Alice Fortescue.

Swirling the liquid in her goblet. Eyeing the happy couple. The duo seemed like a strong pair. Mingling was natural for the both of them. Lily's hair looked exactly like the wine. Katherine took another sip. Wanting to wash the aching pain in her chest away.

Every strand on Lily's head seemed perfect. The headpiece complimented Lily, green, it matched her eyes. Katherine tilted her head slightly. The headpiece was one of her favorites but she offered it to Lily to borrow. Wanting to show that she could…play nice. From Lily's graceful facial features to the beige dress she wore…plain and radiant wrapped into one.

Katherine pushed forward on her toes looking over the crowd, making direct eye contact with the ring, it was grand. The beige dress, Lily's finger, just not having the correct bloodline of Shafiq were all the reasons Katherine listed, the ring didn't belong on that finger. A beautiful gold band with wings engraved on each side. The diamond was almond shape, to powerful looking for the her hand. Yet there she stood, with all her beauty. Wearing the ring. She probably didn't even understand the engravement on it.

Even angels fall

Honestly Katherine didn't understand it herself. Not understanding why James would assume the ring was his to give away. A warm sensation flooded Katherine's veins. The desire to snatch Lily's hand and just grab the ring. Claiming it. She took a step, shaking the strong tug, Katherine really didn't want to cause a scene. She promised she would behave. Looking at the wine, it had to be because of this. Taking another sip.

No one would understand. Being the only living second female from the Shafiq side, the other challenger for the ring would be Yvetta. The side of the sacred twenty-eight, Shafiq, Yvetta carried the last name. According to Lily, the men on Shafiq side were murdered a few months ago. Slaughtered like animals. The mark was missing, but everyone chalked it up to Death Eaters

. One good thing about Lily, she did inform Katheine about things. More than James. She huffed. The thought of her brother being secretive but being annoyed that she was too. Ignoring the subtle looks her way. Not wanting to be brought into crowd. She stepped away. Back into the shadows.

The sway from her step caused the blood color liquid to escape her goblet. The red drop was vibrant against the white marble floor. A small giggle escaped her mouth. Covering her lips. It did look like blood. She didn't want to think of death, raising her own cup. A toast to the engagement that felt more like a trap event trying to hide death. More eyes turned her way. James included. They returned the gesture. Whatever she just toasted to the sly grin didn't vanish. Just like the drop of wine she walked away from.

To live, marry and die, a curse that all the living must endure. Standing in the kitchen, the décor was white matching the den, it was a different group of people that mingled here. Recognizing Professor McGonigal's laugh. She gulped down her wine. Emptying the goblet. To survive being in a room with professors she needed it. The small crowd that clung together, near the long table filled with food, looked exactly the same. Professors from Hogwarts, even her own favorite. Professor Slughorn. He was head of her old house. Slytherin. The old man beamed, his cheeks were red, probably talking about how proud he was of one of his diamonds…. She never received the invitation to join his special group. But, Lily Evans did.

Not wanting the shame looks from any of the professors for not finishing school. Already she felt like a disgrace, not needing them to confirm it. Walking to the foyer, finally she was alone.

Closing her eyes, she pressed her back against the post. Inhaling a long breath.

Just breathe-she reminded herself. Breathe. Something about being told she couldn't leave. It didn't sit right with her.

POOF.

Peeping down near the ground, Katherine couldn't help but widen her smile. Georgia the house elf. The small itty-bitty creature gave a deep curtsy, her large purple eyes placed on Katherine. Her nose wasn't extremely long, but long enough that it reminded Katherine of a skinny carrot. She served the line of Shafiq for generations, bopping from her mother's home to her uncles. Sharing an elf. Katherine didn't understand the reason behind the odd agreement but didn't question it.

Yvetta was Georgia's other owner now according to James. He didn't keep Georgia around much. After leaving the cemetery last night. Katherine had called Georgia. The only request, drinks to replenished and never empty. Feeling empty inside, Katherine needed the liquor courage.

Handing the golden goblet to the elf. Georgia quickly grabbed it, mumbling about being late, the goblet was heavier. Filled to the brim. A white rag with a small red stain hung over Georgia's shoulder.

"You are to kind, Georgia" Katherine slurred.

Georgia curtsied, hesitant to leave, but the toothless grin and small hug against Katherine's leg.

"Sorry Miss, I jus-t am so-o happy yo-u are back home. A-nd that James, Master James," she corrected her innocent mistake, "James" she struggled again, "won."

Not knowing what Georgia meant by winning, maybe getting the girl was the prize. Katherine leaned down as best she could in her fitted ebony dress. Bare knees pressed against the cold floor. Georgia shook her head.

"I am happy to see you my sweet Georgia, you have made my night more bearable."

Reaching for Georgia's cheek, Katherine began to stroke the leathery skin. To free her was impossible. The sharing agreement could cause a family tiff. One day she would free Georgia. No one deserved to be caged in a home for the rest of their life.

With Georgia being dismissed, someone's cup needed to be filled again, Katherine was alone again. Taking a sip of her wine.

A large shadow casted down on her, Katherine rose, the mirror on the wall showed exactly whom was greeting her. His golden hair fixed perfectly for the occasion. Tall, the mirror barley caught his face, muscular build. It all was taking her a bit to get use to. Remus Lupin was lankier in her mind. Childhood years were gone indeed. Katheirne tried not to scan him with her eyes, but she couldn't help it. Lingering longer than she would have wanted. Bloody wine.

Taking another sip. Remus smiled at her.

"You cleaned up nice" His alluring voice barley reached her ears.

"I always do, but it's not my dress…Charity owns it…Il make sure to inform her you like her taste."

Charity was late. The girl was supposed to be here thirty minutes ago. James almost didn't invite her. Katherine wouldn't budge on that matter. H

Reaching for the wall, Katherine needed to stop drinking or she would be face down on the floor. Her face began to feel a bit numb, tension easing up from her body, it started to feel hot in the foyer.

"Maybe he was trying to say, he likes who is inside the dress, but" the man wearing a charcoal grey formal shirt, stepped forward leaning closer to her ear "I would enjoy to see you out of it" the cocky voice of Sirus Black purred, his goblet of rum empty. Remus must have heard it too, he choked on his drink.

To hear his voice, the deepness of it. Thanks to the wine she could tell why many women flaunted themselves to him. Assertiveness dripped off each word. He was the same height as Remus. Build a tad leaner. His dark hair matched the Black family gene. His bloodline. Even his eyes looked ominous.

Katherine busted out laughing. Patting his cheek, her balance gave way from letting the wall go. Remus's soft grip was the support she needed. Sirius grinned.

Pressing an almond shape black nail on Sirius's chest. Looking into his eyes, she could see her blue eye reflection in his. He was still the same boy who enjoyed her company.

"You always think you are smooth with the girls…a tough guy" Katherine ridiculed, "but we both know, you are a simple cute little puppy deep down." She tapped her finger a bit before swaying back. Remus's touch kept her balance still.

Sirius and Remus both laughed. Deep chuckles. Their body heat felt like heater in the small foyer.

"I'm not a puppy, more like a dog…" he teased before giving her his best alpha bark.

Katherine covered her mouth to shove the laugh down her throat. Unsuccessful. Drawing a few glances in their direction, Remus smiled and waved at the onlookers.

Feeling more like a delicate woman standing near them two. She didn't like how they now towered over her with larger frames.

"What bet did my brother's watchdogs lose, to come grace me with their company"

They were her brother's friends, even if she enjoyed their company. All four of those men would do anything for one another. Their loyalty belonged with James.

"There was no bet" Remus corrected her. He would fit in with the professor group in the kitchen. The matter-of-fact attitude was still the same.

"Do you think I would let Peter come bore you with useless information. When I can enjoy your exquisite drunkenness for myself." Sirius went to swig his cup, but it was empty. The smell of rum still strong against his breath. Katherine's hand still lingered on his chest. His heart beat mimicked hers. She pulled herself away from them.

"Oh, shut up," Katherine laughed. The back of her head rested on the wall. Remus and Sirius always had a special gift where they complimented one another.

"I'm about to summon treats to train you both to be well behaved" Katherine taunted.

Remus grinned coyly, the whiskey now getting to him. "Come on Kat, kitty cat, you don't like dogs do you…" his eyes screamed of secrets. The temptation to probe his mind.

Lifting her head, they both smiled the same, secrets in both of their eyes not just one. Her goblet was still full, she placed it on the inn. It vanished in a puff of smoke.

Peaking thru her long lashes, "I'm more of a feline person," she smirked.

"She's probably scared these dogs would sniff her out" the excitement on Sirius face was present, like a young lad wanting a chocolate frog.

Katherine's stomach did a small leap, the butterfly feeling of excitement was to hard to hide thanks to the wine. Hoping that they were thinking the same idea as her. She craved for a bit of excitement, something fun to do. A game to play. Innocently clasping her hands together, placing them in front of her like she was holding a bouquet of roses. A small step forward. The room was too loud that she didn't hear her heel click on the marble floor.

Standing directly in front of both of them, each shoulder nearly touching their chest. Tilting her chin high. Wanting their full attention, which she had.

"I'm not scared of anyone" she sassed "even little boys…who act like animals" looking at each one individually "like…you…two."

Remus took a deep inhale thru his nostrils, closing his eyes. Not a word came from him, like he was arguing with himself in his mind.

"Don't temp us Katherine, it's been two years…." Sirius dared her. His eyes dripped with the challenge. "You may not be as good anymore" he continued. His hand went toward her face, but back down before contact was made. Maybe he wanted her to get scared and back away. She wouldn't dare, they wanted to give her entertainment. Her game…her rules. She didn't remember being caught by either of them.

"Then let's play," she challenged.

Sirius reached to graze her arm. Stepping out of his reach, she wouldn't allow him to catch her that easy. The smirk on both of their face was confirmation that the hunt was even on their mind. The hunt, was a simple game that James made up years ago. He always made the games, but Katherine didn't like when he played with many rules. The boys were all good at hunting, but Katherine never viewed herself as the prey.

Remus shook his head, looking at Sirius giving him 'the look' Katherine held her breath. Hoping he would snap out of the adult mind, they needed to live a little. Have some type of fun. The party was a bore.

Remus mumbled to Sirius "James and Lily." All three knew that Lily would not approve of this game, even James would be hesitant. She promised not to leave the property. But who would know?

Interrupting their side conversation, "Property only…." Katherine lied.

Both men looked at one another, almost speaking without words. Remus closed his eyes and took pinching the bridge of his nose.

"You do smell nice" he added.

Sirius smirked at his friend's comment. "Like Cherries" he stated. Remus rose a brow; obviously wasn't the same thing he had smelled. Katherine's perfume didn't smell of cherries but it did smell like vanilla.

Katherine felt the heat rise to her cheeks; Sirius never once mentioned her scent like that before. Taking another step back getting herself ready for the run and to go somewhere else.

"The rules" Sirius added. It was odd to hear him even mention that word. Normally it was James to do such a task. Rules…Rules…rules…

She shook her head. Dark hair fell toward the front of her shoulders. "No rules, remember it's me playing" she purred. Taking another step back. They watched with the joy of the playful hunt on their mind. Holding up two fingers, "two-hour head start"

Sirius and Remus both chuckled. "You just said no rules…Better run Kat" Sirius taunted.

"Tik Tok" Remus added, looking at his leather watch.

Katherine didn't hesitate. Spinning on her heels she ran out the nearest door. She didn't care if anyone watched. Only caring about the thrill bursting thru her veins. The excitement led her down the path toward the opening gate of the manor. She couldn't apparition. It wasn't a rule but it would make the hunt not true to its history nature. The family land was massive but not big enough. Losing wasn't an option. She had till sunrise to hide and stay hidden. The next morning if she wasn't found and brought inside the manor, she would win. If they found her anytime at night, they would win and claim whatever prize they wanted.

Usually it was gallons as children, chocolates, anything their minds desired. To play as an adult seemed freer, like she could go anywhere her feet could take her.

The true history of the hunt was dark, barley taught by Professor Binn. A subject he would always let them know they would learn as they aged. James had come up with the idea one year, knowing it was to get her away from mandrakes they stole from the greenhouse. she enjoyed it either way. It was fun to find new hiding spots in the castle. Her mind was lost in thought that she didn't mean to run straight into a hard figure.

With a loud thud, Katherine quickly apologized. Charity's red dress was sprawled out over the ground with her bottom on the ground. Lending a hand she pulled her friend forward.

Dusting her red dress, "Why are you running away," Chairty quizzed.

Not having the time to explain. Katheirne grabbed the broom off the ground, "Do you trust me," she asked.

Hesitantly Charity nodded. They were mounted on the broom. Kicking her feet, Katherine gripped the front, and they were off in the air. Katherine zoomed over the fence, air felt thicker than normal, leaning forward Katherine's ears gave a pop.

"Does everyone you are leaving?"

Gasping for air, "No" Katherine panted, "It's the game….the hunt."

"You sure didn't waste time on playing that game," Charity's sing song voice chirped behind her. Feeling her arms wrapped around Katherine's waist.

One destination was on her mind. Yvetta had spoken about it once a few years ago. Never arriving herself. She couldn't explain knowing exactly where she was going. But, it was a small tug leading her to the correct place.

She missed Charity's question the first time.

"Who are you playing with?" Charity repeated.

Explaining every moment of the party, no secrets, unlike the locket. It was a promise to James not to tell Charity. Even if Katherine wondered if Charity could help her piece the puzzle in her head. Charity didn't want to push more on the matter with Sirus and Remus. Katherine wouldn't pressure her.

Dropping down near the bank, the oak tree stood tall, a wooden building stuck out of the tree. The roots were massive all over the ground. An antient place. Similar to Hogshead but with more restrictions. Fixing her dress, she noticed Charity was not attire ready.

"Can I cut your dress" trying to remember the spell that would help in the situation.

"Don't be silly, we both know your strength is not home-made" the light laugh Charity let escape sounded like music to Katherine's ears.

"No, sneaking around is more my thing."

Charity began to design her dress, creativity sparks flashed in the dark. Katherine admired how artistic and knew which way to manipulate the dress.

"Getting in trouble too, not following rules…." Charity looked up holding the extra material, "smart with history. You know how to find the most random things and see the beauty in it." She waved a hand at the building that stuck out from the tree. "I'm sure you think this place is safe," she teased.

"The Underground is safe" Katherine corrected, winking her eye a bit. Reaching for Charity's hand, the worry look didn't fade from the blonde, Katherine ignored it. Hoping the closer they walked to the building that Charity would relax.

They stopped.

"I don't feel safe coming here, I think we should return," it was a certain fear in Charity's face that made Katherine second guess the idea herself.

Shaking it off.

"It's a common ground. No good…no evil…. come on Carebear…. you will be safe" Katherine coaxed. Pulling Charity closer. "I won't allow anything to happen…. live a little…...live like on the edge at least once."

Making circular sympathetic motions on Charity's back, "That little voice…. drown it and tell it to shut up, push it out for one night,"

"Is that what you did when you left?"

Katherine stepped away. Charity had every right to be upset but she didn't understand. Katherine turned, facing the building. "My father and I got into an argument about the night with Severus, Avery, Gibbon and all the others in his little group. I ran that night."

"…to here?"

"No silly," she felt Charity's fingers intwine with hers, "I don't remember…. like it was wiped clean."

"A memory charm…. that's reversable I'm sure at St. Mungo Hospital."

The humid air felt thick and sticky. Katherine shook her head. "It feels different, but I will find out…. I just need to have a moment of fun. James wants me to speak with Albus." James told her not to say anything about the locket… she didn't promise about the other things. Charity knew her the best, she had to know of something that could be the key.

Charity took the first step in her white flats, "I'll walk the line of danger with you tonight, but tomorrow you owe me."

Katherine squealed in excitement. Making sure she didn't miss a step or trip over the massive roots, Katherine's heels clicked on the cobblestone. Nothing could go wrong, they were safe.