The two hours I had given everyone to be ready to head to Hogwarts had been spent catching up with Remus and introducing the man to some of the crew. He didn't stray far from me, though. He kept me in his eyesight as much as possible, touching my arm, shoulder, or back often. His wolf needed to be sure that I was actually there, so I let him.

Marco had been a bit upset by it all at first. He didn't stop glaring at Remus until I explained why he did it.

"Love, it's okay. Remus is a warewolf who almost lost his whole pack. His inner wolf, as alpha, is seeking out comfort from the pack he has left," I explained after pulling the blonde to the side for a moment while Remus was getting to know Hadrian, Ace, and the twins. "It's a bit worse with me since I'm seen as his beta, so he's a bit more touchy. I'm sure it'll calm down once Sirius gets here. As his mate, the attention will be given to him instead."

Marco had calmed down after that, asking Remus questions about his lycanthropy to see how similar it was to zoan types. I was happy to see them get along.

I stood outside with Oyaji and Marco, watching the twins chase Ace while Hadrian transfigured small obstacles for them. It was how they trained the girls to be able to get away if we were attacked. Marco and Thatch had done the same thing for Hadrian at that age, the other commanders helping out when they could.

I looked over the yard briefly before my eyes wandered back towards my children. Almost everyone was here, but I was holding out hope that Sirius would show up. I was worried with him having been in Azkaban for years. 13 to be exact. Would he be okay? Would his mind be okay?

"We're leaving soon, right, yoi?"

I glanced at Marco and nodded. It was time.

"Do a head count while I go get Remus. Looks like we'll be one short."

I gave him a peck on the cheek before heading over to where Remus was reading a book. Marco had given it to him after they had talked about Devil Fruits. He had found the topic interesting, so he had asked for a book on them.

"Remmy, we'll be leaving in a few minutes," I did softly, knowing that he would hear me. The man looked up at me with a sad smile. We both had hoped that Sirius would show up. "I'm sure Siri will be along soon. Out of all the Blacks, he got all of the good qualities from that family."

"I hope you're right, Lizzie. I..." He paused, frowning as his head turned back towards the house. His senses had picked up on something. "I can't believe it..."

I blinked as he got up in a rush, all but running back into the manor like his life depended on it. I quickly followed after him with a frown.

"Remus–" A gasp fell from my lips at the sight that greeted me in the foyer: tears welled up in my eyes before I let out a strangled cry and threw myself at the two men now embracing each other.

"Siri! I'm so sorry! I should've been there! I could've helped! It...it's my fault!"

Two too thin arms held me tighter as the dark haired man shooshed me. Both wizards tried to calm me as I kept muttering apology after apology. It felt like I was to blame for his imprisonment. I had the pull to get him a trial. I could've taken them both with me. Why hadn't I? Why had I been so selfish?

"Liz, yoi?" Marco must've come in after us. He sounded worried. "Why are you crying? And who's the skinny guy?"

I heard both Remus and Sirius chuckle as I slowly calmed down, wiping my eyes and looking at said thin man. He looked terrible. And his prison clothes were soaked.

"Sorry about that, mate. The tears are my fault," Siri said with a grin. "Sirius Black, by the way. And you are?"

I cleared my throat and, after wiping my eyes again, looked back at where Marco was standing. He seemed relaxed as he came closer, though his eyes were suspicious.

"Siri, this is Marco, my soulmate." I took Marco's hand and pulled him closer to my side. "Marco, this is Sirius, my little brother in all but blood."

Marco held out his hand, which Siri shook, and then turned to look down at me. He kissed the top of my head before speaking.

"The others are ready, yoi. How are we getting back to the school?" he asked.

I looked over at Sirius and raised my eyebrow at him. "Since you just escaped prison, shift into Padfoot. You can shower and change once we get to Hogwarts, and I'll fill you in on everything. Can you do that?"

Sirius' face became serious(no pun intended) as he nodded. He gave Remus a short kiss before he shifted into a large black dog. I pulled out my wand and cast a gentle cleansing charm on him to make him look a bit more tame. I didn't like that he would have to be in his animagus form for awhile, but it would have to do until we were in the rooms set up at the school. After making sure that there were no monitoring devices in them first, of course. I wouldn't put it past the old fool to try and spy on us.

With that done, I lead them outside to where the other commanders, Oyaji, and the kids were waiting, some looking at Sirius with suspicion. No one said anything though. They trusted me and my judgement.

I pulled out a piece of rope that I had turned into a portkey to take us to Hogsmead and told everyone to grab on. It was the easiest way to take all of us there safely. Once they all did so, Hadrian and Ace holding the girls and Remus holding onto Sirius, I took a deep breath and activated the portkey.

~MotP~

Landing just outside the small village, I hid my amusement at everyone's reaction to magical travel. Half of the commanders were on their asses, Hadrian looked a little sick, and the others all seemed uneasy on their feel for a moment. Except Oyaji. He just laughed before clapping my shoulder.

"Gurararara! That's an interesting way to travel, lass!" he said with a smile.

"Not my favorite form of magical travel, but it works for large groups," I replied. "Now, we have a bit of a walk to get to the castle, so let's not dally much more."

"Damn, Liz. A bit of a warning next time, maybe?" Thatch groaned as he stood up with Izou's help.

"But where's the fun in that?" I teased before starting the treak up to Hogwarts.

I laughed as I heard more grumbles behind me from my brothers. Poor guys.

Halfway to the castle, I let my political mask slip on as I noticed McGonagall waiting for us. I had no qualms against the deputy headmistress, but I couldn't be too sure whose side she would be on just yet.

"Lady Potter, welcome back to Hogwarts. I do wish that I was seeing you again under better conditions, but I am glad that you are well," the Scotswoman said, her face as stern as ever but her eyes soft. "Albus asked that I show you to your rooms."

"Of course, professor. Please, lead the way," I replied with a slight nod.

The woman turned and led us into the castle and up to where the guest quarters were. She glanced back a few times but said nothing.

Once at a portrait of Godric Gryffindor, she stopped and turned to me.

"The password is 'Familial Bonds.' Do remember it." She subtly took my hand and leaned in close. "Come to me if you need anything. Only you, your companions, and myself can enter these rooms, Elizabeth. Hogwarts herself is cross with the headmaster at the moment due to this. My door is open if help is needed."

Before I could reply, the woman turned and left. I was a bit confused, but I decided to wait until later to go speak with her. For now, I gave the password and entered the common area of the rooms. I was pleasantly surprised by the color scheme. It was muted earth tones with cream accents. Very nicely done.

"Once everyone is settled, we can meet out here and discuss what to do," I said, letting my shoulders finally relax a bit. I felt a wet nose nudge my hand and looked down at Sirius. "Right, sorry Pads. You can shift back now. I'll introduce you to the others first though." I looked at Oyaji and the others before motioning to Sirius, who shifted back as I did so. "Everyone, this is Sirius Black, my brother in everything but blood. He's a wanted criminal at the moment, so he couldn't be seen until now."

"Yeah, the Aurors are probably looking for me by now since I'm supposed to be serving life in an inescapable prison," he joked with a grin. "Thirteen years in that hell was enough for me."

I watched as everyone seemed to take in the information. Not that any of them cared that he was a wanted man. Other than the twins and Moony, everyone in the room was a wanted criminal.

"You're my godfather?" Hadrian asked after a moment.

"That's right, Prongslet. Your dad named me as your godfather before you were even born." Sirius walked over to him and Ace, and I could see the guilt in his eyes as he placed his hands on the teen's shoulders. "Merlin, look at you. Last time...last time I saw you, you were so small. Now you're almost as tall as me."

I smiled softly as they hugged, deciding not to mention the tears that fell silently from Sirius' eyes. When they pulled apart, he looked at everyone else.

"Thank you for taking care of them," he said. He seemed to specifically look at Oyaji. "I am in your debt for what you have done for my family."

"Nonsense, brat," Oyaji said. "Once Elizabeth agreed to join my crew, she became my daughter and Hadrian my grandson, soulmate or no soulmate. They will always be under my protection."

I couldn't help it, I walked over to the old pirate and gave him a hug.

"Well, let's all get settled, yoi. We have much to discuss before we do anything else."

~MotP~

Telling Sirius my story didn't take too long. He only interrupted my once to ask if I was happy with my new life. He was satisfied when I told him that I was. Once that was done, and after he cleaned himself up, I started to go over how things would work while we were at Hogwarts. I didn't want Hadrian or the girls going anywhere on their own, and I threatened Sirius with castration if he left the rooms without being Padfoot. That had gotten a laugh out of everyone.

By the time we finished, it was time for dinner, and I led everyone down to the Great Hall. Thatch seemed excited to try the food here, which got him an affectionate look from Izou, and he seemed to leak that excitement to the others. It was nice.

As we entered, I looked over the students and felt a bit nostalgic until I looked at the head table. Minerva gave me a soft smile, along with Fillius and Padmona, but I could tell that the headmaster was not happy as he watched us sit at the extra table that had appeared for us.

I just gave him a smirk, daring him to do something.

He frowned at me before he put on his grandfatherly facade and stood, addressing the students and other guests.

"Good evening. I would like to welcome our new guests to Hogwarts. Miss Potter, could you introduce those you have brought with you to support you Harry in this tournament?"

I stood up, my back straight as I leveled a look at him. "Certainly, headmaster. However, my title is Lady Potter, and you should address me as such since I am no longer a student here at this school." I gave a polite smile before continuing. "The man with the white mustache is our captain, Edward Newgate. Next to him is my husband and soulmate, Marco. He is also the first mate of our crew. Next to him is, as most of you know, Hadrian Potter, our son." I ignored the almost unnoticeable glare that Albus sent my way at that and continued. "Next to him is his soulmate, Ace. The two girls on their laps are my daughters, Sakura and Camellia. The man with the long black hair is Izou, and next to him is his soulmate, Thatch." I continued on with the introductions until I finally got to Remus, who was sat opposite Oyaji. "Lastly is Remus Lupin. I do believer that you remember him, correct headmaster?"

I watched the man carefully with calculating eyes. I knew that the others were too. Especially Izou since he was the best at reading people. I could tell that he hadn't been expecting me to bring another magical with me, hoping that he could have the upper hand in that regard.

"Of course. I am glad to see you well, Remus my boy," Albus said, his tone masked with his usual grandfatherly concern. "You have brought quite the group with you in support of young Harry."

"Of course, headmaster. I do hope that there will be no trouble because of it. Hadrian is very close with all of them." With that, I sat back down across from Marco, smiling sweetly the whole time.

"Yes. Just like our other guests, I want all students to be respectful to them. Now, let us eat."

When the food appeared, I almost laughed as Thatcher eyed everything carefully. Ever the chef, he seemed to taste a bit of everything by the end of the meal.

I could feel multiple eyes on us throughout dinner and glanced up at the head table. I ignored Albus and locked eyes with a pair that I hadn't seen in years. I subtly raised my eyebrow and noticed him tap his cup twice. To anyone else, it would've been nothing, but I had the advantage of knowing this man quite well. Even if I hadn't been as close to him as Lucius, I had still taken him under my wing while I had been at school with him. Tapping his cup twice meant that he wanted to talk.

I raised my head slightly before turning back to my food.

"What was that, yoi?" Marco asked quietly.

"We either have another ally or Albus is desperate to catch me off guard." I took a bite of my dessert and met my husband's eyes. "You and Remus will come with me, but I'll do the talking for now."

He hummed and nodded. He then turned to the boys. "Why don't you two keep an eye on the girls and let them play outside, yoi? I'm sure Haruta or Thatch would enjoy a game or two."

I smiled softly. In other words, go scout the area without anyone getting suspicious. Clever. No one would suspect it with two five-year-olds running around the place.

"Sure dad," Hadrian said. He then looked down at the girls with a smile. "You girls wanna go explore before bed?"

"Yes!" the both exclaimed, Sakura almost jumping up and down on her brother's lap.

Everyone at our table laughed at their excitement as Ace turned to whisper to Hadrian.

I watched the two for a moment and finished eating. "Be back at the rooms in two hours. If you get lost, ask one of the portraits. They'll help."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Woo! Two chapters in a weekend! Let me know what you guys think. Also, if you have any ideas on who should be on Liz's side and who should be with Dumbledor, let me know! I already have some ideas, but I'm open to more! See y'all in the next one!
~Em