Sometimes, your muse comes to you in fits and spurts over a month long period. Other times it lets you spout out 5000+ words in just 2 days.

I warn you, do NOT expect this all the time.

I'm just as surprised as you all definitely were when you saw the email saying 'New Chapter'.

Regardless, enjoy this surprising update 2 days after the previous one!

Chapter 17: To Britain we shall go

"Sirius, we've been over this five times already," Evelyn bites out, rapidly reaching her threshold for 'shits to give' with how much her godfather is going on about wanting to return to Earth with her. "You're still a bloody wanted criminal, and I'm taking absolutely no chances when it comes to your safety." She waves around the piece of parchment with his statement and signature on it. "This is more than enough help with what I'm capable of doing and am going to do right now. Even my husband is staying here for the time being, and let me tell you, he is even more displeased than you are." She doesn't let herself glance over to where Loki, Thor, and Steve are silently watching her and her godfather go at it again.

Sirius pulls a face, but all Evelyn does is scowl back. "Thought we were calling him your betrothed."

She bares her teeth at him in a wordless snarl. "Given that I'm a mite ticked off with you at the moment, I don't particularly give a flipping shit about your delicate sensibilities!"

Beside her, Remus sighs in exasperation. "Padfoot, just let it go. This isn't like last time in the slightest. We actually have a decent plan. You aren't going to be stuck here indefinitely. There's only two weeks left before Eve turns eleven and can claim her Ladyship titles. After that, she'll have numerous ways to demand that you get a proper trial, but she's right about one thing. You have to bloody well stay put because you're too hot headed for your own good right now! Fudge will be more than willing to have you Kissed on sight, in case you forgot."

Sirius seems to fold in on himself as his expression crumbles. "I'm your godfather, I'm supposed to be the one protecting you, not the other way around."

Evelyn consciously swallows the words that immediately bubble up because of her frustration. She will not use Pettigrew against her godfather. He's suffered enough on that account already. "You are protecting me, though." Again, she holds up his statement for the bank. "With this, we can get a two week head start on everything. There's not much more we can do until I turn eleven, so you'd be sitting around doing nothing anyways." She passes the statement over to Remus before throwing her arms around Sirius. "It's just for a few days. We'll be back before you know it."

Sirius ends up lifting her up off her feet as he returns her hug. "I always count the days when you're away, Prongslet. I did it then and I'll still be doing it now no matter what you tell me."

Evelyn chuckles weakly. "I'm well acquainted with a parent's prerogative, Padfoot. Drove Teddy absolutely bonkers most of the time."

"Yeah, well I'm still learning, so go easy on me?"

She squirms in his arms until she can plant a kiss on his cheek. "Just don't fuss too much and I'll do my best. Now put me down please." He does as asked, and she gives him a small smile before going over to her husband.

He meets her hug halfway. "I don't like this in the slightest," he mutters into her hair.

"I know, lovely, I know," she whispers back, "but this needs to be done. Britain and America."

He huffs out an aggravated sigh, but doesn't contradict her. They've all realized that they need to know who else will remember, and Tony is one of their top priorities. Evelyn would like all of their cobbled together family to remember, but she isn't going to pin her hopes solely on that happening. That's not even beginning to delve into any of her classmates.

But those worries are for another day.

Right now it's time for her, Remus, and Steve to leave.

So she lets go and returns to Remus' side, Steve following right behind her. Reaching into a pocket, she takes out her pendant and fastens it around her neck. She hasn't used it since they found Steve, so it's as charged as it's going to get before she uses up all her available time. And while she might be able to walk the hidden pathways connecting the Realms in her true form as a child, she still feels more comfortable attempting it this time as an adult.

"Steve, usual rules apply." She holds out a hand that he immediately takes. She trusts him to make sure to keep a hold of Remus' hand as well, having done this before even if it's usually Loki in the lead. "Moony, focus only on the pathway." Then, calling up her magic as Loki had taught her, she steps between the Realms. The darkness envelops them save for the illuminated pathway that Evelyn must continue to concentrate on or have it disappear, leaving them trapped in the darkness. Steve's hand tightens around hers, and that's the only show of discomfort she knows the man will allow himself. Remus whimpers briefly at the abrupt silence, but otherwise makes no other noise.

When England's meager sunlight shines on them again, Evelyn knows that she's not the only one relieved. She does, however, take a step back and link her arm through Steve's. This way, as they ramble around Stonehenge to look for a place that Remus can use to Apparate them to Diagon Alley, they simply look like a couple out enjoying the countryside with a friend. Much less likely to arouse suspicion than two grown men with a child that shares none of their features.

"I'd forgotten that isn't much cover here," Remus mutters in exasperation when they realize that there isn't really anything nearby that they can use.

Evelyn's a bit peeved with herself as well, but then again, the Dursleys were never much for taking her on their field trips if they could help it, and she'd been more concerned about finding Hela last time as opposed to taking in the sights. She mentally runs through what she can do. "Give me a moment." It takes a bit of concentration, as she no longer has the luxury of not having to worry if anyone sees her, but a subtle Notice-Me-Not charm slides over them. She keeps them walking until the charm has fully settled, then she says, "Moony, now."

Remus doesn't bother asking if she's certain. He just grabs hold of both of them and pulls them along. Steve inhales sharply as they land at the designated Apparition point for Diagon Alley, but Evelyn's a little too busy trying not to hurl to check on him. She'd forgotten how jarring Apparition is because Loki had taught her a spell that was essentially the same but didn't make you feel like you were getting squeezed through a too tight tube. She just hasn't mastered taking others along with yet, hence Remus Apparating them. She does end up near tearing off her pendant, the charmed chain being the only thing preventing her from actually doing so, and her stomach settles somewhat as she shrinks back down to child-size.

"Fucking hell, that was exceedingly uncomfortable," Steve spits out through clenched teeth.

Evelyn snorts out a giggle. "I feel obligated to fill in for everyone not here—"

"Please don't."

"—and say 'Language'!"

Steve lets out a frustrated groan. "One time! One time, and none of you idiots ever let it go."

Evelyn laughs for real this time. "That's because you make it too amusing to give up, Captain." He shoots her a fond, yet not amused expression. She just grins cheekily back. She knows him too well and is fully aware that he finds it just as amusing as the rest of them for all that he refuses to show it.

"You'll have to tell me that particular story sometime," Remus says, having straightened himself out, "but for now, we have business further in."

Evelyn gives a brisk nod. "Right, to Eeylops Owl Emporium first." She swallows around the rising lump in her throat. Even after nearly twenty three years, she's still not sure she's ready to see the owl that became Hedwig to her. Draco might've eventually persuaded her to get a new owl, but it hadn't been another snowy owl. The mere idea of doing that had been far too painful at the time.

"Cub, you don't have to come with for this particular task," Remus gently reminds her. They need an owl so they can send a letter to the bank forewarning them of their arrival, but as Remus is pointing out, she doesn't have to go with him. He has the money left over from Evelyn's last visit, and it should be enough to cover this first purchase.

She shakes her head. "No, I do. I want to see her, even if I can't get her."

Remus gives her a measured look, one she doesn't back down from. "Alright, but I'm going to have Steve take you away if it looks like you aren't handling it well. I can handle buying an owl by myself, you know."

"I know." She haughtily sticks her nose up in the air. "However, seeing as said owl will be used in service of my House, it is well within my rights to oversee the transaction."

Steve huffs in quiet amusement, making both Evelyn and Remus turn to look at him. "It's always entertaining whenever she brings out that specific tone," he explains, focusing mostly on Remus. "She and Tony had endless amounts of fun going at each other. They were constantly trying to one up the other."

"Sounds a bit like James and Sirius," Remus returns with a fond smile even as he starts herding them towards the Alley. "Lily eventually stopped trying to intervene once she learned it was more fun to just sit back and watch them have at it. Certainly kept them entertained when she'd sooner curse them both for constantly distracting her."

"Can we trade stories for stories?" Evelyn inquires, even though she knows both Sirius and Remus would tell her endless amounts of stories that include her parents.

"Whatever you want, cub."

And then they're hit with the wall of humanity that is Diagon Alley.

Evelyn still remembers the first she'd entered, and how largely overwhelmed she'd been for all that this new, hidden world excited her. Glancing back at Steve, she's reassured to see that while his eyes are darting around, he's taking it all in stride. It probably doesn't hurt that he has experience in walking into a brand new world.

Eeylops Owl Emporium is situated roughly halfway between the Leaky Cauldron and Gringotts. Remus immediately goes up to the counter and starts talking with the older looking wizard standing behind it. Evelyn, on the other hand, goes meandering with Steve following behind her. She lets her gaze wander, trying not to appear as though she's looking for anything in particular. She's not sure how well she succeeds at that.

An achingly familiar bark is the only warning Evelyn gets before she suddenly has an owl on her shoulder. Turning her head just slightly, she freezes at the sight of white feathers and intelligent amber eyes. She can feel her lips trembling from how tightly she's pressing them together. Her magic stirs under her skin, although not in a way she's familiar with.

"Eve?" Steve takes a step towards her.

Inhaling shakily, she waves him off. "Hey girl," she whispers hoarsely, reaching up to stroke a finger down the owl's breast feathers. She gets a chirp of approval at this as the owl who most definitely is the one Hagrid chose for her settles more firmly onto her shoulder. Even with tears welling up in her eyes, Evelyn doesn't even bother trying to stop the smile that's tugging at her lips. "You wanna come home with me, then?" That earns her another chirp, reminding her just how amazingly smart Hedwig had been. "Well then, let's go get that settled, shall we?" She sticks her tongue out at Steve when he chuckles ruefully. He just shakes his head and gestures for her to lead the way.

Remus and the wizard behind the counter are still going back and forth when she walks over. The other wizard shuts up almost instantly, eyes going wide. Remus blinks at the abrupt stop, turning to see what it was that was distracting his conversation partner.

"That owl has refused to go with anyone in the two years that I've had her," the wizard dumbfoundedly states. "She hasn't bitten you, has she?"

Evelyn immediately starts soothing Hedwig when she barks in obvious disapproval. She shoots her own look of displeasure at him that has Remus covering up an amused snort with a hasty cough.

"She just flew right over," Steve interjects, "and she's been as gentle as a lamb besides."

The wizard lets out a rather exaggerated sigh of relief. "Merlin be praised, I'd started to worry that I'd never be able to sell her. I tell you what, I'll give her to you at a reduced price." At Evelyn's continued suspicious look, he gives her a sheepish smile. "I do care for my birds, miss, and I have honestly been worried about this particular one. They usually sell much quicker than two years, you see, even the opinionated ones. Seeing how well you two like each other already, I'd feel like a right prick, if you'll pardon the language, keeping the two of you apart in any way."

"Well Prongslet?" There's a knowing look in Remus' eyes, but he still asks the question all the same.

"Of course I'm getting her, are you daft?"

He inclines his head. "No, but it's polite to check all the same." Then he turns back to the wizard behind the counter. "How much for the owl?"

Evelyn leaves him to it, making her way back to the front of the store with her heart aglow at having Hedwig again. Her snowy owl has always had a special place in her heart, first and foremost because she was the first present Evelyn could ever remember receiving. And then, as the years went by, she was the one constant companion Evelyn could count on during the summers between years at Hogwarts.

"She's beautiful," Steve comments, waiting with her just off to the side by the door.

She beams proudly up at him. "Isn't she just? She's also dead smart." She strokes a hand over Hedwig's feathers. "I can't believe I actually have her again."

"Well, it's a good thing we're going to Gringotts shortly," Remus states, joining them. "That just about cleaned us out." He pats one of his pockets. "I do have a shrunken cage and some food to start you out with. Anything else will have to be purchased another time."

"Good enough for me." They step back outside and Evelyn holds out a hand to Remus. "The first letter, please." The werewolf takes said letter out of another pocket and lets her take it. Though it's been a few years since she's had to do this, she still manages to attach the letter to Hedwig's leg single handedly. "Now my darling girl, this is a bit short for your maiden flight, but it is very much important. Take this to Gringotts just down the way and wait for a reply before returning. Can you do that for me, clever girl?" Hedwig gives herself a shake before launching up into the air. Evelyn watches her go until she disappears around the corner. "And now we wait."

"And now we wait," Remus seconds. "Would you like to walk around while we do, Captain?"

Steve shoots him an exasperated expression. "You can call me Steve. And wouldn't walking around make it hard for the owl to find us again?'

"Hedwig's a post owl. She can find me pretty much anywhere." Evelyn sucks in a sharp breath. "And now that I think about it, I think she's rather attuned to my magic in particular."

Remus claps her on the shoulder. "That wouldn't surprise me in the slightest. I always thought she was a remarkably smart bird, all things considered."

"Well, let's just wander, shall we?" Evelyn suggests, having noticed the looks they were getting for just standing in place. "Knowing the goblins, they should be rather prompt, so I don't believe we'll be waiting for too long, but we're starting to attract attention."

Remus jerks, realizing that she's right. "Yes, let's."

The last thing they need right now is for someone to somehow recognize Evelyn and have all of Wizarding Britain descend upon their heads. So they wander, stopping every once in a while to glance at what's being displayed in the various shop windows. Evelyn stares longing at the Nimbus 2000 in Quality Quidditch Supplies' window and yet still wishes for her Firebolt at the same time. Both had been exceptional brooms in their own way. Remus keeps up a quiet yet informative running commentary about their surroundings for Steve, but Evelyn just lets it wash over. She does occasionally glance skywards just to keep watch.

In the end, her estimates on how long they'll be waiting end up being correct, as Hedwig wings her way back in a very brief amount of time. Evelyn showers her with praise before taking the offered letter.

Well, piece of parchment really, given how bloody brief it is compared to their slightly wordy warning that they'd sent. Evelyn had wanted to be thorough, though.

It is blunt as goblins always tend to be, even in only three words.

We are prepared.

"We're good to go," she informs her companions.

"Then let's not keep them waiting."

They're met at the door and immediately taken back to Barchoke's office. He has three chairs waiting for them, along with a owl perch that Hedwig immediately makes for as Evelyn hadn't wanted to leave her outside with nowhere to send her to.

"Wealth and honor to you, Account Manager Barchoke," Evelyn greets as Remus and Steve settle into the two side chairs, leaving the middle one free for her. She knows what they're doing, what they're wordlessly implying, and the only reason she doesn't raise a stink about it is because goblins are very protective of their females, so the display will work in their favor. "My thanks for agreeing to see us on such short notice."

"Honor and glory to you, Warrior Potter," her account manager returns. "I presume you wish to again have our needed discussion in English?"

"It would be greatly appreciated, as Captain Rogers does not know your language anymore than my cousin did."

"I do find it strange that you would bring a Muggle man into the bank who is of no relation to you," Barchoke comments, slipping seamlessly back into English. "I assume there is a reason for this?"

Evelyn shrugs her shoulders in a seemingly careless manner. "We have multiple errands to run, and I thought it rude to leave him in Muggle London simply because he doesn't have magic. He did know of the Magical World long before I dragged him here, if that's what you're worried about."

Barchoke raises an eyebrow. "Your flaunting of the Statute of Secrecy is not my concern. I do see that you've managed to contact Remus Lupin all on your own. However, I am not sure if you've been made aware that Sirius Black was broken out of Azkaban about a week after we last spoke."

"I'm very much aware of that particular," she states a touch dryly. "It was done for me, although I didn't tell the idiots to. I had every intention of pursuing that via legal means once I was of age to take up my Ladyship titles, but some people decided to take matters into their own hands. We'll be announcing this come my birthday, but Heir Sirius Orion of House Black will be under the protection of House Potter and House Odin until such time that the British Ministry for Magic guarantees him the fair trial he should've received ten years ago."

Barchoke exhales slowly. "So King Ragnok did not lie when he mentioned you catching the eye of a Prince of Asgard."

Now it's Evelyn's turn to raise an eyebrow. "You actually thought your king lied to you?" If a wizard ever dared to suggest such a thing, they'd be dead before they could blink. That's not even getting into how bloody rare it is for a wizard or witch to even lay eyes on said goblin king.

She's treated with the sight of an affronted goblin. "I did no such thing! I simply thought he might've misheard, is all."

No, he actually thought King Ragnok had lied. Evelyn doesn't really blame him. She threw a lot of shit their way that day. Still, she's not going to drag this out over something so trivial. "Of course. It was a trying day for everyone. However, Sirius is part of why we're here." She turns to her right. "Remus?"

The werewolf takes out Sirius' statement and places it on Barchoke's desk. Her account manager eyeballs them both, but dutifully reads it over. Upon completing it, he lets out a gusty sigh. "Only you, Warrior Potter, only you."

She grins ruefully back at him. "Potter Luck is unfortunately alive and well within me." To her left, Steve snorts before hurriedly composing himself. "I trust Gringotts can make that happen?"

Barchoke scoffs. "Of course. Given the complete lack of a trial and thus the lack of criminal charges, Heir Black is well within his rights as your godfather to authorize your request." He slips out from behind his desk and walks over to one of the bookshelves in the room. The binder he pulls down is rather on the small side, but Evelyn knows the wonders of magic and also recognizes it from before. "Here is all the information you will need, Retainer Lupin." Barchoke plops it in Remus' lap before returning to his desk. "Gringotts has another self updating copy that will remain here. Should you have any questions, I am available by owl."

Remus inclines his head. "My thanks." Evelyn makes a mental note to see if she can teach him Gobbledegook, along with some of their customs if only to make sure things continue running as smoothly as possible between House Potter and Gringotts Bank. She doesn't believe he'll intentionally offer insult, but better safe than sorry.

"On the subject of House Black," Barchoke continues, producing a letter of his own, "this is something I was instructed to give to you, Heiress Black, when next you arrived. Account Manager Bogrod was most insistent."

Evelyn blinks, stumped and startled and just a little worried at both why and how House Black is contacting her, especially with her being called Heiress Black. Her being Sirius' heir is not yet a well known fact. It's not like they should even know Sirius is with her. With slightly shaky fingers, she opens it.

Heiress Evelyn Rosalie of House Potter and House Black,

This mandate is to inform you of the House Meeting that is being called on the 21st of July in the year 1991 at Black Manor. Attendance is mandatory for Heir Apparent Sirius Orion of House Black and his named Heiress. This letter will serve as a single use Portkey that will deliver the user to the parlor in Black Manor at 10:00am sharp. Failure to comply will result in disownment.

Toujours Pur

Lord Arcturus Nigel of House Black

Fucking shite, this is the last thing they need.

"When did you receive this?" she bites out around clenched teeth. She will not snap at the messenger, no matter how much quick relief it might give her.

Barchoke gives her a searching look. "A week after Heir Black was broken out of prison."

Bloody buggering fuck.

Evelyn does not like this in the slightest. However, she knows she won't get the answers she wants from Barchoke. Instead, she's going to have to wait four days for this blasted meeting and demand answers then. Also get Sirius from Asgard, because the last thing he needs right now is actual disownment.

"Evie?"

She waves off Remus's prodding. "Not now." She hates the sharp tone she uses, but her temper has been stoked and will take a while to die back down. She hopes he'll forgive her roughness later. "My thanks, Account Manager Barchoke, for the delivery of this letter. Now, there are two other things I'd like to discuss before we finish for the day. The first is since my cousin Dudley is due to start Hogwarts with me come fall, I would appreciate Gringotts' assistance in procuring the paperwork necessary to make him a ward of House Potter. Regardless, I will be covering all seven years of his Hogwarts expenses. The second is the bank's policy on international Portkeys to America."

Matthew Granger, former Captain of Her Majesty's Army, has abandoned all pretenses of eating to stare at the letter in his hand. It had, surprisingly enough, arrived with the morning paper when their mail usually gets delivered later in the day. The wax seal had immediately garnered his attention, leading him to believe that it was a relatively important letter. The crest on it, though, that he hadn't recognized. Regardless, he'd thought to scan it while finishing up his breakfast, but the contents have him speechless for all that he hasn't been talking to anyone.

Dear Captain and Mrs. Granger,

The Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter bids you good day and hopes that this letter finds you in good health. It has come to our attention that your daughter, Miss Hermione Jean Granger, is due to begin attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry come September 1. Our Heiress Apparent, Miss Evelyn Rosalie Potter, is of a similar age and has expressed an interest in meeting with Miss Granger. Her mother came from a similar situation, being the first witch in her family, and does not wish the same troubles that befell her mother to befall your daughter. If this idea is agreeable to you and yours, House Potter would be more than willing to help you better understand the world your daughter is about to become a part of.

Enclosed is an envelope that you may use to return your penned reply. Should you reply in negative, know that there will be no perceived slight and our Heiress will not make your daughter feel uncomfortable in any way come the actual school year. Should you reply in positive to such a meeting, we would have you brought to the Crowne Plaza in London on July 31 so the girls may meet before venturing into Diagon Alley. A car would arrive at 9:00am to pick you up and make it to London proper by 10:30am. Any and all expenses for the day would be covered by House Potter, as we only have a general idea of how long explanations may take. Please reply within the next few days, or we will take your silence as a sign that you do not wish to meet and will act accordingly.

Sincerely,

Remus John Lupin

Head Retainer to House Potter

"Matt dear, is everything alright?"

Matt jerks himself out of the daze he'd fallen into to find Hermione and his wife Helen both looking at him worriedly. He self-consciously clears his throat before handing the letter off to Helen. "I think you'll want to take a glance at this, love," he says by way of explanation.

Helen gives him a wondering look, but dutifully reads the letter. Her eyes grow larger the further she reads, and Matt assumes that he had sported a similar expression.

"Daddy?" Hermione prods like the inquisitive girl that she's always been. "Is everything alright?"

He sighs, but reaches out to ruffle her hair. It earns him the stink eye he expects nowadays. "Yeah, pumpkin, everything's alright. I just got a surprising letter, is all."

The thick parchment the letter's written on rustles slightly as Helen lays it down on their kitchen table. "Well then." She continues to stare at it for a moment more before looking back up. "Do you trust this?"

"Seems a bit much to be a prank, if you ask me. Not to mention, there's that."

Matt knows that Helen will catch his meaning. The letter specifically mentions both Hogwarts and another girl being the first witch in her family. And as much as Matt might hate to admit it, he has been worried about sending his little girl off into a world he knows next to nothing about. The mere idea of having someone who's been through the same thing Hermione will shortly be experiencing and is also willing to help eases his heartache somewhat.

Now it's Helen's turn to sigh. "Very well." She slides the letter over to Hermione, who's surprisingly been very patient even though Matt knows she must be bursting with questions. "What do you think of this, darling?"

Hermione devours the letter much quicker than he or Helen did, but then again she's always been a fast reader. "Evelyn Potter wants to get to know me?" she squeaks. Squeaks. She also flushes pink, further surprising Matt. He can't recall the last time Hermione was embarrassed about anything. Frustrated, yes. Flustered, though? Not so much.

"You know Miss Potter, darling?" Helen inquires while Matt desperately tries to think of when the two girls might have crossed paths before. He keeps coming up blank.

Their daughter makes an aggravated noise in the back of her throat. "This is why I wanted you to read some of those books I got in Diagon Alley! Evelyn Potter is mentioned in at least three of them! She somehow managed to defeat a Dark Lord when she was just a baby! All the books call her the Girl-Who-Lived for surviving a curse no one else has survived before!"

Matt is immediately taken aback. That sounds rather far fetched to him. The idea of a baby defeating a so-called Dark Lord. Then again, he doesn't really know what's necessary for someone to be considered a Dark Lord, but he's also fairly certain that he doesn't want to know. In any event, his daughter has managed to work herself up into a tizzy at the idea of this Evelyn Potter wanting to meet her.

"Hermione, breathe," Helen gently but firmly scolds. She waits for Hermione to obey before continuing. "Now, why don't you go get these books of yours and we can look over them together before making a decision?"

As Hermione goes thundering up the stairs to grab her books, Matt stands to get himself a writing utensil to pen out his reply. All things considered, he can't see any feasible reason that he'll end up saying no to this meeting, but it'd probably still be best to wait until his wife okays it. Just to be safe.

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