CW: Trauma

So maybe the prank is a bit irrational. It could be the most ingenious mix of perfect and chaotic though.

Why Halloween when Remus would be out? I do not know why. Well, actually, yes, I do know. It's because we are Blacks, and we are overdramatic.

"I know it hurts to see him go through another full moon, but we have to wait for proof to show up that Peter is still alive."

"It's just... I know."

"Hey, you know Snivellus has been awful lately. I don't understand why, but for some reason, I feel like it's from how many ingredients I've stolen."

"He's always had a stick up his ass."

"Fuck, it's five already. The sun will come up, and I have to sneak into Remus' office soon if I want warm clothes for Hogsmeade."

"Reminder that I can't go there before Remus comes here. Thank you. Oi, why don't you try out for quidditch?"

"Tryouts are over this season, and in general, I fucking hate getting hurt. Last thing I need is some fucking beater hitting me while I attempt a Wronski feint."

"I was a beater."

"Which proves my point."

"Haha, but Regulus always nailed his Wronski feints."

"Oh, yeah. He was a seeker. I forgot."

"Yeah, he was bloody brilliant too. I never got to tell him."

"Well, one day, no matter how melancholic it is, you will get to tell him."

"You assume there's an afterlife?"

"Of course. I think it'd be rather... callous... if there wasn't. I'd want to meet Regulus, James, Lily, Marlene, and the others eventually."

"Marlene McKinnon. That's a name I haven't heard in years. Thought about, but I haven't bothered saying it out loud and haven't been around anyone who knew her."

"Remus told me about her. Said I kinda remind him of her."

I was very strongly hinting, but unfortunately, my father has also created a blocked gaydar, apparently, while in Azkaban.

"I mean, personality wise, I guess. She was very gay. Gayer than all of us and that's saying something."

I snort at him.

"Interesting. I almost took the Marauders as a little less progressive on that side."

"Please, do not ever think that. God, I would hate to not be considered even a little bit gay."

"Is Mum some form of gay?"

"Oh, yeah! She went crazy at Beauxbatons. It's part of the reason she ended up here. I mean I didn't even know she was a pure blood until she told me. She didn't like telling people her blood status in fear of some people turning away. That goes for much of her. She's only open with people who have gained her trust."

"Mum's always been open with me, but I never knew any of that. Maybe it's because I never asked."

"I kept you an extra half hour so please leave. I don't want Snivellus to break his hip looking for you."

"Bye, Daddy. Come on, Crookshanks. Just walk me to the Hogwarts entrance. Then you can help Father with his bizarre yet elaborate plan to capture Peter and also help me get revenge."

I walk through the tunnel, ginger cat next to me. The cat ran ahead to the end, hitting the notch on the tree.

"You know Crookshanks, this mandrake leaf is driving me nuts but hey just a little longer. One more day to be exact. I'm so excited. What if I'm a dog like Sirius? It doesn't really fit me though. Oh, do you think everyone is gonna like the haircut I let Sirius give me?"

I hear a meow from the cat, taking that as a yes.

"He pierced my ears and nose pretty well too. I do believe thirteen is too young for all of this, but hey, skin grows back. Tattoos are technically not permanent unless you purposefully do that. Mum might kill me though. Nah, she'll probably be cool with it."

The cat just prances next to me. I walk to the castle, Crookshanks turning around once I'm inside. I walk through the halls, the early birds turning to look at me. The fresh new vanilla amber scent radiating off my body. I always pretend I'm hot, and then somehow I am.

Right now, I'm in a raggedy, ripped up authentic 1978 Bowie t shirt that cut off mid thigh with Dad's leather jacket and black jeans. Sunglasses sat on the bridge of my nose: big ass Kurt Cobain glasses.

I walk through the halls in my Doc Martens, empty halls booming with the clunking sound. I open Remus' door to find Snivellus leaving a potion on the desk.

"That some Wolfsbane shit?" I ask, pulling my glasses through my hair. Thank Merlin for wizards and prescriptions.

The man jumps a bit, almost knocking over the potion.

"It is Wolfsbane. What are you up to?" he asks, skeptically.

"Well, now I'm making sure my Moony takes his potion, but technically, I'm here to grab clothes."

"I'm technically supposed to report children out of bed. Why did you butcher yourself?" His eyes point at my new appearance.

"Like it? Scissor and needles are a girl's best friend, but I'll take diamonds too. Also report me. So what?"

"I'm not reporting you. I understand your circumstance, but I could place you in the older Slytherin girls room. They have an extra bed."

"Please."

"Ok, take the potion to him."

Snape leaves leisurely. I don't know why he took his time. Maybe he was contemplating our talk.

"Moony, Moony! It's time to drink your potion!" I yell at the lifeless body on the couch.

"Dear God, what did I ever do to you?" the man groans, rubbing his eyes and face.

"It's full moon night, meaning it is time for your scrumptious no bad wolf potion."

"That potion is anything but scrumptious. Plus it's only one dose. I need another later."

"You take two?"

"Yeah because I'm fucking tall. Potions like that are potent, but not in a body like mine. Merlin, you look like your father."

"Thank you. I think."

"How'd you do your hair like that?"

"Did you know you can bewitch things to do what your heart desires. Charmed the scissors to do what I pictured. I love magic."

"It looks like the time your father promised me a free haircut, and it was so butchered. It was... a tragedy."

"Funny. Maybe I have my father's hand. I take that statement back. That sounds gross."

"Well, I'll see you later when I do not feel like shit and neither when you look like an appetizer."

"Would I be mozzarella sticks?"

"Leave."

"That's a yes. Bye, Moony."

I grab a folded pair of clothes on top of my trunk I moved out of my room.

The Runaways shirt clings to my body like a second skin, sleeves cut off. I pull a red flannel over that, then put Sirius' jacket over the flannel. I wear black jeans and Doc Martens again. I apply the dark red new YSL lipstick and thick eyeliner that I always meticulously put with a light smokey eye. Today, it happened to be a red smokey eye.

"Hey, Nevi," I say, kissing Neville's cheek then sitting down with him. A nice red stain peppers his cheek.

"Uh, hi?" Neville answers in more of a question, wiping his cheek with his sweater.

"What do my Gryffindors have planned for Hogsmeade?"

"Just stay in a group: Honeydukes and Zonkos... I'm sorry, but happened to your face and hair?"

"I got bored of it. Needed a reset to my whole style and outer personality."

"If I didn't know you, I sure would piss myself right now."

"Now don't flatter me right now. Might make my ego burst."

"I can only tolerate one Slytherin, and that is you because you're nice."

"Theo and Daphne are pretty nice. That's it for our year though. Sometimes I can tolerate Blaise, but it's mostly because his mum is hot."

Neville blinks violently in surprise and disgust, putting down his crumpet.

"Avalon?" Harry asks, sitting next to me.

"Welcome to your house table. It seems I have infiltrated it."

"What are you wearing?" Ron asks, "And what did you do to your face?"

"Beat me to it,"Hermione sighs in concern, eyebrows furrowed.

"I got bored."

"So you stuck needles in your face and ears?" Ron asks.

"Yeah."

"Doesn't explain the style change," Hermione points out.

"I just needed something refreshing. It also gets me through the corridors faster. It's like I'm Jesus or something, parting the Red Sea."

"I'm just glad you kept the red hair," Ginny inserts herself.

"You're up early for a Saturday," I tell her nose scrunch a bit.

"I have a study session with Demelza Robins."

"I could stay and help you too, if you'd like."

It would make me eager to make sure everything about the plan is perfect. It's already a fairly perfect plan. That's only if Sirius doesn't make a show like the attention whore he is.

"No, I assure you I'm ok. I don't want you missing out on your trip anyway."

"Hopefully your father doesn't disturb it,"Seamus says, causing me to choke on my crumpet and whip my head to him.

"What the fuck did you say to me?" I ask standing up.

"Just saying. It would really be awful if your father, a murderer, was spotted in Hogsmeade again."

My whole body was shaking. I'm not sure what was even going through my head, but I managed to take a deep breath and sit back down.

"My father and I are not the same people," I whisper just loud enough for everyone to hear. I see a head of short black hair stand next to me.

"Sure you're not. Posh accent you downplay all the time, the cockiness, and the deep rooted incestual and generational family trauma you joke about. You are just like Sirius Black."

"Stay the fuck away from me."

"I think you should maybe join your little boyfriend, Pansy. He's waiting for you," Harry stands up for me.

She scoffs eyeing me up and down before running to Draco.

"Woah, what happened between you two? You were practically on top of each other a month ago. I notice the distancing but- Is she the reason you ran down the hall?" Ginny asks.

"Not that anything matters, but she chose Draco over our friendship. She did it in a cruel way that I would really not want to talk about."

The group went a bit silent, staring at my slight broken expression before the walls were back up.

"So, who wants to try my new potion? It's a twist on dreamless sleep being that it is dreamful sleep," I say.

"I'll try it!" Neville offers.

"Babes, I know you get scared around potions. You really don't have to be the one."

"If I'm going to try a potion it's going to be from you."

"Alright, Merlin. No need to get serious. Bad joke, very bad joke. Give me a minute," I start laughing but cough to cover it up, "Two drops in tea before bed, and it should be enough."

"I'll let you know tomorrow."

"If you have a reaction, instantly go to the infirmary and blame me."

"I'm not going to do that!"

"You will if you want me to buy you a Venus Flytrap..."

"A Venus Flytrap? That's a muggle plant!"

"I always find a way to get it. I also have plenty of connections to get one."

"You like plants?"

"Of course I do. I can keep them alive at home but never here. It's so odd."

"I can only really keep them alive here."

"Hermione tell me what you are writing your divination paper on?"

"I simply do not want to do it, but since you are asking, I'm writing it on which tea leaves or grounds are better to use for Tassomancy. I believe it's stupid though."

"I'm writing mine on how the shape of the cup can affect the accuracy of the reading. For example, I have found that using a cup that is flat at the bottom may predict a less accurate reading than what a rounded bottom might."

"That's actually a really good topic. So can I-"

"No, Ron you cannot copy my idea. Do something about boiling point or something."

"Harry's doing that."

"Then, I don't know. Do the clarity of one's mind. If negative energy is blocking your mind, you are less likely to get a positive result."

"How do you know all of that?" Dean asks.

"I simply hate not knowing things and not being able to do things. That's the ambition in me. It's like how I can sing, play guitar, and play piano you lot would have never know."

"Huh? You do all that?" Ginny asks.

"Plenty. They used to call Mum the siren. Also the piano playing must come from Father. Mum told me Walburga used to torture him by making him play until his fingers bled," I look up to see wide eyes, "What did I say?"

"Sirius Black, the murderer, can play piano?" Dean asks.

"Dean. She just said he was tortured," Hermione whispers.

I see Neville get uncomfortable.

"Ok, let's change the subject! Hashing over it is going to make this worst for more than one of us."

"Right. Well, Harry maybe you can get McGonagall to sign the paper," Ron offers.

"Oh, the dreadful Dursley's wouldn't sign it," I eat at a breakfast sausage.

"He blew up his Aunt Marge," Ron says, mouth full.

"Ew, Ron! Swallow before you speak!" Hermione yells.

"Hey wait. Did the bitch deserve it at least?"

"I'd say so," Harry whispers.

I get up walking slowly before pulling Harry into a hug.

"That's my boy!" I yell, kissing his cheek, lipstick not leaving a print.

He blushes with a smile before thanking me.

"You truly are astounding. No wonder you're the boy who lived!"

"You know you're not fooling me, Avalon," Hermione whispers as we walk down the corridor

"What?"

"I saw what was on your face. I'm sorry she wrote that."

"Please, don't tell anyone. I hate feeling weak."

"I doesn't think it's weak."

"Yeah, well, she called you a mudblood. I don't think I want to be friends with someone who calls my other friends cruel words."

She looks at me thoughtfully, almost gratefully.

"I'll catch up with you lot later. Snape has to check me off."

I make my way to the a separate side of the Great Hall courtyard.

"Miss Black, nice of you to stop flirting with the Gryffindors," Snape sneers, the others laughing.

"Oh please, don't stop there, Snivellus. Lay it on me. We are like twins in this situation."

He scowls before letting us run free to the bridge for us to continue to Hogsmeade. I pulled aside before leaving to the bridge, hiding behind a pillar. I see a defeated Harry turn back to the castle.

"Couldn't work it out?" I ask Hermione.

"Unfortunately not."

"I believe it's bloody bullshit," Ron groans.

"I agree. Oh, damn! Honeyduke's is so bright," I say, dropping sun glasses over my eyes.

"The sun's not even out," Neville inputs.

"No, but that thing you call a building is horribly bright."

"I cannot believe your wand core is unicorn," Ron adds into the conversation.

"Believe it, love. I feel hung over without drinking anything. Might be the Wideye Potions."

"You make them regularly? I do not think that's healthy," Hermione says.

"I'm fine. It's fine. I'll sleep when I'm dead."

"Well that's an awful joke to make in this climate."

"Do you think they have some empty gift baskets I can fill up? I want to make something for Harry."

I watched Hermione and Ron smirk at each other.

"What?" I ask.

"You totally fancy him!" Hermione giggles.

"No, I don't! I just have money to spend, and I will spend it on him! I'm buying things for Remus too."

"Damn, ok," Ron snickers.

I grab gummy wands, chocolate frogs, and one of every sweet my eye can see. This one is a shout out to Walburga who put basically everything in her will to Sirius Black once he gets his get out of jail free card. Somehow it passes down to the women and children.

"That's going to be a lot of money," Hermione says, looking at the pile I have.

"I know. I don't really care. Nobody gets to send Harry these sweets, ever, and I have an opportunity to give him a good amount."

"She fancies him," Ron whispers.

"No, I don't."

No, I don't because I'm still getting over the heartbreak of my first love; although, I'm now realizing was more infatuation than love because it wasn't like she ever did anything but fight with me.

I snap back into reality, pursed lips relaxing as I make the purchase.

"I'll meet you two at the Three Broomsticks, yeah? There's something I have to do."

"You ok? By yourself, I mean?" Mione asks.

"'Course. Just a quick excursion."

I head off to Dervish and Banges, in search of something wizardy that Harry may not have. I enter the shop, seeing the owner.

"We don't want your business. I can recognize a face like that even twenty years ago," the old man says.

His hair shot up everywhere, and his beard was quite interesting it was just cut straight across. No layering or anything.

"Well, that's just too bad. I'm actually here for Harry Potter."

I start heading for the door when I hear my favorite word in this situation.

"Wait, Harry Potter?"

"Why yes, sir? Quite a friend of mine. Astounding boy. I'm looking for a gift for him. Preferably, quidditch related."

"I have something he might like here I have limited edition, stallion hide, imprinted quidditch positions."

"Oh animal cruelty. He's not a fan. I was thinking more a threaded bracelet or even a chunky ring."

"You are just in luck. One size fits all silver and gold rings with engraved quidditch positions."

"Real silver and gold?"

"Especially for that boy."

"I'll take the gold."

I stroll down the street with my now free picnic basket, ring, and sweets. I figure Ron would know better what to get from Zonko's since I really don't have time for any- what's it called? Parlor tricks.

I head into the Three Broomsticks, slamming down into the seat next to Neville.

"What took you so long?" Neville asks.

"Eh, was denied service till I said it was for Harry. Apparently, the boy who lived will make anyone fold."

"What does fold mean?"

"Well, Nevi, it's a muggle term for when you play poker and you have to forfeit because you were dealt a bad hand or didn't handle the cards you drew well."

"You really do know everything."

"Eh, not everything."

"Rosmerta. Do you happen to have bottle butterbeers?" I ask the lady.

"Of course, Love. How many you want?"

"Just two and one regular for now. Thank you!"

"How do you know her?" Ron asks.

"She wrote my mum all the time. Apparently, the group was close with her while they went to school here."

"Interesting. She doesn't look too old."

"So, everyone's favorite class so far?"

"Defense against the Dark Arts of course!" Ron says.

"I really like study of ancient runes, honestly. Transfiguration hasn't been awful either."

"I actually like Transfiguration, but my favorite has to be my Lupin's class. He's such a good teacher."

"I love Herbology. Always do though," Neville says.

"I love Herbology too, Neville. It's just not my favorite this year. I'm partially biased since Lupin is my godfather."

"Really? How did that happen?"

"Sirius was friends with him through every year. Same with James and the other guy."

"Did you just call Peter Pettigrew the other guy?"

"Yeah. Forgot his name for a second. Anyways, it's like how Sirius is Harry's godfather."

Ron spits some of his butterbeer on the table.

"Gross!" I yell as the liquid on the uneven table moves towards me, cleaning it up with my wand.

"He's what?" Ron asks, quite loudly.

"You didn't know. Sirius is Harry's godfather. He went to prison for being the Secret Keeper and getting Tommy past the wards. I guess he killed Peter Pettigrew too."

"Guess? Grandmother told me he mutilated him," Neville adds.

"At least, that's the story. Anyways, the day trip seems to be coming to an end, aye? I might start heading back now. I'm quite exhausted."

"Bye, Avalon!" everyone at the table bids farewell.

I set up my basket for Harry as I walk, hoping if I don't come across him, he's with Remus or something.

No Great Hall.

Ok, off to Remus' office since I cannot find him. I open the door without knocking seeing both of them jump to see me.

"Oh, you are both here."

"Avalon, so nice of you to barge in on us," Remus calmly jokes.

"Well, technically I was looking for both of you just not at the same time, but I guess this is more convenient. This is for you, and this is for you."

I pass the basket to Harry, and I pass some chocolate to Remus. He's going to need it tomorrow.

"Avalon, how much money did you spend?" Remus asks.

"Don't worry about it. It's Walburga's money," I laugh.

"Who's-" Harry starts.

"You don't want to know," Remus and I both say.

"Ok. Well, thank you for all of this, but I really don't need it."

"Please take it, Harry. It's the least I can do. Snape came by?"

I inspect the interesting goblet. No label. Definitely Severus.

"Yes, he did. I'll see you two later at the feast. I've got some work to finish."

Harry and I both walk out, making our way to our separate common rooms, but I'm really just going to the dungeon because I have a potion brewing that will be making money. The birth control potion.

"Hey, again, thank you for the basket. It's really too much."

I grab his hands in mine slightly cradling them.

"Harry, please understand I want to do this. Most of us can get shit like this all the time. I know you can't, and no, please don't assume it's a pity present. It's something you should be getting year round."

"Thank you."

I let go of his hands, cheeks obviously blushing on both of us.

Dear Merlin, I think I do fancy Harry Potter a little bit. Guess I can get lumped in with every other girl in our year that isn't a Slytherin.

I make my way to the dungeon, sneaking into the empty classroom to see Snape standing there. I scream in shock before realizing I can get in so much trouble.

"I used my own ingredients for that potion. I have more ingredients for you as well. I bought them today."

I hold out a bunch of glass vials full of the different ingredients I had been borrowing.

"I will accept them if you tell me what potion this is. Surprisingly, this is not one I'm aware of," his curiosity drips from every word.

"It's a potion for menstrual cramps. You would never need it."

I'm so glad I am quick witted.

"Never mind, carry on."

The figure starts walking out.

"But if I figure out you are up to no good, I won't hesitate to dock you 100 points."

"Yes, sir."

100 points? That's suicide.

I bottle the potion up in rather tinier bottles, but I know they will last a month. I make my way into the Slytherin common room for the first time in a while.

"Look who's decide to join the party. The mudblood lover!" Pansy laughs with Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle.

Theo just scratches the back of his head, turning away. I know he hates this, yet, he never stands up to them.

"I do not care," I sing, sticking my middle finger up as I made my way to the older Slytherin girls room.

"Hey, look, it's Avalon. 10 sickles per girl, right?" Rachel Chen asks.

"Yes. A drop a day in your drink. It doesn't matter what time luckily, but do not take more than a drop. Also, do not forget about it because it won't be as effective."

"Brilliant!" Fiona O'Brien laughs.

I end up with 60 sickles and a high reputation with the older girls. Definitely my own sugar daddy... sugar mommy?

I head out when everyone else is heading to the Great Hall. I see a shaggy black dog enter the empty potions classroom, causing me to diverge from the big group.

"I'll see you later, Pads, ok? I can't be suspicious," I say, petting the dog.

The dog barks loudly at me as I leave.

I head over to the Slytherin table, seeing Daphne and Theo sitting away from the others. I go and sit with them, not really saying anything.

"Your godfather seems cheerful," Theo says.

I glance up at the table, seeing his cheerful smile. My eyes gaze across the table, seeing Snape nervously glance over at Lupin. Aw... Snivellus is nervous the wolf is gonna get him. He's acting like he doesn't have a fair warning and didn't make his potion.

I shove a forkful of shepherd's pie in my mouth, watching around the room. My eyes catch Cedric Diggory smirking at me. I turn around, eyes widen with a slight smile. I shake my head to remind myself boys and girls are stupid.

I look back over to the Gryffindor table, instantly making eye contact with Harry. My breath hitches a bit, smile grazing my lips to hide my blushing.

I start anticipating the absolute terror that will strike Pansy as we make our way to the dungeons.

"What's that smirk for, cherry?" Theo asks.

"No reason. I'm just in a good mood," I reply.

The hurd of Slytherins make their way into the common room and up to their rooms.

"What the fuck!" I hear Pansy scream.

So, Dad and I learned how to make a dust that would turn all of her clothes Gryffindor red and another that would make her bed levitate more and more each time pressure is added to the bed.

I lay on the couch, head in Theo's lap as I watch her tomato red face.

"One of those stupid fucking Gryffindors got into my shit!"

I snort, laughing into Theo's stomach.

"You bloody did this!" she screams at me.

I practically sob laughing at her beet red face.

"How?" I ask, breathlessly.

"I- I don't know. I just know you did this!"

"I didn't do such thing. I've been really everywhere but here except when I went to older girls room. I really couldn't care less about you."

"I-"

"Everyone come here!" Snape yells, "We have to go to the Great Hall this instant!"

"Damn, that's the loudest I've ever heard him speak," I snicker.

"Miss Black, please, stay back as your house mates go ahead," Snape adds, causing noises to erupt, such as "ooo"s.

"What did I do?"

"Don't act so innocent. If I figure out you had to do with this situation, I won't hesitate to tell Dumbledore to expel you."

"Oh, how dreadful! Why would I ever be a suspect?"

"I'm warning you."

"Sirius Black got in. I saw the claw marks," I overhear the Patil sisters conversing.

I roll my eyes over the dramatic response to a couple little claw marks that could have easily been from chasing Peter.

Well, fuck. I'm laying in a sleeping bag on the floor when I have to leave in about two hours to start collecting dew in a vial with my mandrake spit wad. I am too determined to restart this entire process again.

I get up slowly, wondering if Harry has his invisibility cloak. What if I just jump out the window? Maybe I can make a really good excuse.

I see Professor Dumbledore awake. Ok, for some reason, this man does not seem at all intimidated that a prisoner just broke into a high security wizarding school.

I get up slowly, making my way over to him. He almost seemed like he was waiting for me.

"So, I would like to check on Professor Lupin, sir. I know he's sick, and I help him when I can normally," I say, pacing in place.

"Why, yes. I believe Professor Snape had told me you would be asking about him. Well, I trust you will go straight to where he is and not drift elsewhere. You may go, Miss Black."

"Thank you so much, Professor," I whisper excitedly.

That was so easy. Too easy, but I'm not complaining. Filch gives me a squint as I leave, which makes me make a pouty face at him.

I make my way through the school, running in yesterday's clothes. I make my way through the school, out to the forbidden forest. I make it to the brook, seeing the sleeping dog.

I take a heart shaped iridescent vial from the leather jacket pocket, putting my mandrake leaf in the vial.

"That is vile," I say, looking at the leaf.

I grab what looks like a silver drug spoon, gathering dew in a shady spot until it fill the spoon. I hear a groan behind me once I've poured the dew into the vial.

I turn to see Father slowly waking up.

"It's five in the morning. Go back to bed," I say.

"You didn't come last night," he says.

"Yeah. The Fat Lady was screaming and hollering over Sirius Black trying to kill her even when she's a painting."

"It was Peter's fault," he says in a mocking tone.

"Did she see you as a dog?"

"No, she didn't. Probably the reason I'm still not arrested."

"Well, I think there's a very bright girl who saves your ass every time you get yourself into trouble."

"Fine, thank you. I know you've done a lot."

"Thank you. Thank Crookshanks though. He'll be pissed if you don't thank him for everything he's done."

"Speaking of, Crookshanks and Mum ordered your present from me," he sings with a dog like grin.

"Let me guess!"

"No."

"Please? Please?"

"No."

"Ok. Is it a new Chanel lipstick? That's a no, but now, you're thinking about it. Moony's moving in with us? Dammit! I was hoping for that one. You've got me this time, Pads."

"You gave up easily that time."

"Yup, I'm clueless this time."

"So, how did Parkinson react?"

"Oh she was absolutely livid! She kept saying that she knew I did it, but she didn't know how. It was incredible."

"Harry?"

"He's good. I spent a shit load of Walburga's money, but not to worry. I have a job."

"Job? Since when do you want to work?"

"See it's a very top secret job. I have no boss, and I don't have to pay taxes."

"Who are you robbing?"

"I'm not robbing! Maybe a little, but it's just a potion I sell. It only works for women, not in the way you would think, but it's a hit with the older Slytherin girls."

"You little rascal. You're terminating their children, aren't you?"

"Before they are created, yes."

"Regulus would love to hear your trickery."

"It's not trickery. More 'I-love-to-piss-off-Snivellus' antics."

"Do not get in trouble."

"I won't. I swear. I get myself out of trouble easily. I also think Dumbledore actually likes me."

Sirius goes over to the water, changing back into a dog to run in and bathe. Well, kind of bathe.

"I have a wand, you know."

"Let me keep my natural stench," the man returns to his original form as he comes out soaking wet.

"Oh, here's your leather jacket, and here's a blanket I crocheted just for you. The temperature is dropping significantly now."

"You couldn't have made me something cool like lion heads? This blanket has daisies all over it."

"Next time, I'll make you one that says 'number one Slytherin lover'!"

"Oh, Merlin! The horror!"

"I'm going to kill you. Anyways, I'm working on a sweater for you. It's red and gold. No need to worry. I have a pair of joggers that will be delivered... Now!"

Cepheus swoops down with a brown paper wrapped package. I pass the package to Padfoot, who rips it open. I give Cepheus his pick in the spider bowl as I watch the man rip the package open with excitement.

"I hope a small fits. If not, well, I'm a wizard."

"I am also a wizard. Without a wand."

"No way. I just assumed you had one."

"Moony?"

"Haven't seen him. He doesn't know I know about the Shrieking Shack. Also, everyone keeps saying you're trying to kill Harry. I heard a couple younger years whispering about it last night. People were fighting for sleeping bags that were not near me, except Fred and George. They slept on either side of me in case 'someone attempted anything.'"

"I'm not trying to kill him though. Where'd they get that from?"

"That's an excellent question. I will answer you once I have the answer. See you tonight if I can. I'm procrastinating four papers right now."

"That's my girl!"