Located in the Borough of Islington, London, in a Muggle neighborhood, there was a house was invisible to the neighborhood residents, the local Muggles having long since accepted the mistake in numbering which landed number 13 next to number 11. But that wasn't actually accurate. Actually it was quite inaccurate. Hidden between number 13 and number 11 stood number 12 Grimmauld Place. For a while (since 1985 in fact) no one except a creature with a bulbous snout-like nose, bloodshot eyes, with many folds of skin and white hair growing out of his bat-like ears, house-elf named Kreacher, who would likely frighten the small muggle children that lived around, inhabited the home. That is until late 1990 when, a family of three, a mother and her two children, came and made residency there.

It took a little bit of convincing for Kreacher to help, but the house became a stark contrast of what it had been. The wallpaper had been changed and was no longer peeling, and had changed from green and silver, to a light beige color. The carpets had either been cleaned or changed all together, the rows of shrunken house-elf heads had been taken down along with the portrait of the previous owner who had screamed at the daughter of the family, reducing her to tears at one point, had been sent to the attic. Old furniture had either been refurbished or simply thrown out, and bedrooms on the second and third floor (minus two) had been redone so they actually had some personality. The kitchen had been cleaned and the tapestry in the drawing room had been torn down, folded and placed in the attic as well.

Now this family was far from normal, at least by some standards and even by wizarding standards. You see this was an odd family. For one, this family was a family of witches and one wizard. Their mother was friends with a werewolf, and before they moved here she was an auror for the Ministry of magic in Italy. The family was a bit mismatched, only two actually were physically related, the uncle was a best friend to the mother and the rest of their friends. But the one who mostly stood out, which he hated, was the son, who looked so much like his father except for his eyes which were his mothers. He didn't even physically look like his godmother or godsister. Harry Potter wasn't an ordinary wizard, even in comparison to his godmother Moria Black, his uncle Remus Lupin. He was Harry James Potter, who for the most part looked for all the world an ordinary boy of ten. He was a little short for his age and skinny, which caused his trips to the Weasley's Burrow to end up being fed a lot of food. However he also known as the Boy who Lived after surviving an attack from the dark wizard Voldemort. Orphaned by the attacked, he was raised in Italy by his godmother for nearly ten years before returning to London.

Which is where our story begins.

Harry currently was sleeping rather peacefully, burrowed into his blankets without a care in the world.

That is until fingers began poking his face.

"Harry. Harry…wake up, Harry…"

Harry groaned burrowing further into his covers.

"Haarrryyyyyy…."

"G'way."

There was silence and then footsteps leading away. Harry sighed and nuzzled his pillow. Then he heard footsteps running back at him.

"No wait! Don-"

He barely voiced his plea before a 62 pound girl landed on him winding him.

"HARRY, WAKE UUUUPPPPPPP!"

"OW! Max!" He yelled after he regained his breath and shoved her off the bed. "Why is it, I'm not allowed to sleep in on any of my birthdays."

"It's in my contract that as your sister, I annoy you to death…ESPECIALLY on your birthday." She stated standing up and shaking him. "Now come on, you oaf! Wake up!"

"G'way! Let me sleep Maxi-pad." He grumbled, shoving his head into his pillow. She huffed.

"Fine then, I guess I'll just have to open your Hogwarts letter by myself then!" she added. That seemed to wake him up, because he sat right up and she grinned triumphantly as he kicked off his covers, nearly kicking her off in the process and raced out of his bedroom, rushing down the stairs, followed closely by Max.

Moria looked up towards the ceiling as she set the table, hearing the distinct sound of elephants running down the halls and grinned.

"Were Sirius and his brother this loud?" she asked the house-elf who was making breakfast. He shook his head.

"No, Mistress. Only Master Sirius was this loud. Master Regulus was much quieter."

"I see." She said with a smirk and looked up as Harry and Max came rushing down.

"Where is it?" Harry stated before looking at his godmother.

"What about my good morning?" She teased. "Likewise, good morning to you too. How was my night? Fairly good." Moria teased "Also Happy birthday." She added. Harry grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Sorry," Harry apologized. "Now, can I have it? Please?"

His godmother grinned and gave him the envelope. He took a seat on one of the table's benches and opened it, removing the letter.

Mr. H. Potter

Second floor bedroom

12 Grimmauld Place

Camden, London

"Open it already, Harry!" Max said, excitedly peeking over Harry's shoulder trying to read it. Ginny was looking over Max's shoulder, bursting with curiosity. Sure, she had looked at her brother's, but still it was so cool to see Harry's.

"I'm opening it. Calm down," he told her, pulling out the letter.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minevra McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

"Nice." Harry breathed.

Max grinned happily for him. "It's so cool! Why couldn't I have been born a year earlier! That way I would get to go with you."

Moria shook her head, placing a plate in front of her daughter. "First of all, it's not like I can decide when you were born. Secondly, one year isn't that bad, you could be waiting two years if you had been born a month or so later." she said before turning to Harry. "I've already sent the reply to Professor McGonagall, Harry, so you don't need to worry about that." She said with a smile.

"When can we go buy my school supplies?" he asked.

"Well, I was thinking we could go in the afternoon." Moria told him. "Unless you have other plans…" she stated trailing off with a smile on her face

He shook his head immediately. "In the afternoon is great!"

"But where are we going to find all this things here in London?" Max asked, reading the supply list, which she snatched from Harry before he could stop her. "A cauldron? Dragon-hide protective gloves? Besides a Halloween shop…" she said, and even then she doubted they would have all of the stuff needed. Moria looked at her daughter with a raised eyebrow.

"In Diagon Alley, obviously," Moria told them. "Where else?" she asked and the two children looked at her owl eyed. They had wanted to go to Diagon Alley for ages but could never go. "So when you're ready to go we can go. But first let's have some breakfast." Moria said and grinned when the children nodded rapidly and began to chow down as though they had been starved. She smiled then glanced at the letter she had received earlier from the same school and sighed, knowing full well what would remain hidden within the walls.

"Will you look at that…?"

"Is that Harry Potter…and look. Who is that?"

"Moria Black I heard."

"Black, Sirius Black?"

"…can't believe…"

Harry and Max glanced at each other after they exited the floos at the Leaky Cauldron while Moria seemed to have either not heard, or ignored the whispers.

"Moria Black?" A loud voice called out brashly, causing the group to turn. "Is tha' you?"

"Hagrid?" Moria questioned, and then brightened. "Hagrid, it's good to see you!" She called out as Harry and Max's jaws nearly dropped, staring at what they would consider the biggest man they had ever seen. Hagrid stood leaning against the bar, so tall that he had to stoop slightly to avoid the top of his shaggy head brushing the ceiling of the pub. His black eyes glistened as he smiled.

"Bin a while since I last saw yeh," Hagrid said smiling, the corners of his dark eyes crinkling cheerfully, "I see yeh got Harry wi' yeh, blimey he looks just like his father, got his eyes though his mother."

"Yeah he does," Moria replied, who blushed slightly at the attention being paid to him.

"Rubeus Hagrid," the giant man said thrusting a dust bin lid sized hand at Harry, "Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, pleasure to meet yeh."

"Nice to meet you too," Harry said returning Hagrid's handshake.

"And this is my daughter Maxine, but call her Max." Moria commented, gesturing and smiling at the younger girl who blushed. He glanced at Max who was looking at him shyly. He smiled at her as well, to which the little girl returned the smile.

"What brings you here Hagrid?" Moria asked.

"On official Hogwarts business, me," Hagrid said proudly, he said in a slightly softer voice, "Summat I got to collect fer Dumbledore."

"Oh," Moria said nodding and something flickered in her expression that Harry didn't have time to interpret. "We're here to get Harry's school things," She said brightly, "it's his first year at Hogwarts, and we're heading up to Gringott's first I suppose."

"Well, I'm headed there meself." Hagrid said. "I'll walk wi' yeh." Hagrid stated as they walked along the cobbled street. It was crowded, so it could have been either one. The pair had hardly ever seen so many people at the same place. The long street was so crowded with witches and wizards that it was hard to walk two yards without bumping on someone.

"Keep up you two." Moria called out as they continued towards Gringotts. The pair did so, gripping each other's hands tightly. There were a lot of sights and sounds, and Max noted that Harry's eyes lingered momentarily at a gaggle of boys looking into the Quidditch shop window and staring at a broom, The Nimbus 2000, reported to be the fastest broom up to date. Max paused momentarily to let Harry drool, but upon seeing that Moria had kept walking yanked Harry away.

"We'll look at it later." She promised. "And think, since we're meeting up with Ron and Ginny, you and Ron can both look like star struck morons."

"You realize Mum probably is the same way with the broom, right?" Harry huffed.

"True, but she's a better hider of it." She replied as they walked into the vast marble hall that was Gringotts. There, they saw that there were dozens of goblins carrying out business behind their desks, weighing mounds of gold and precious stones, and helping other patrons. It was interesting in their opinion, as in Italy the tellers were Arimaspians, who easily towered over Moria and looked like they would have crushed any of them, with their hair donned in gold and griffin feathers. Moria approached the counter, Hagrid and the two children close behind.

"Morning." Moria stated to one of the goblins, currently writing logs into a book.

"I'd like to take some money out of the Potter vault...I'm Moria-"

"I know who you are," the goblin cut her off quickly, "have you got his key?"

"Yes," Moria replied dryly, pulling a small gold key out of her bag to show the goblin. He peered at it for a few seconds.

"Right, that seems to be in order." The goblin grumbled. Max glanced at Harry and noticed he wasn't even paying attention to Moria, instead listening in on the conversation Hagrid was having with another goblin. She focused in as well.

"I've got a letter here from Professor Dumbledore," Hagrid whispered, but they could hear the pride in his voice and see it in his stance, "It's about the You-Know-What in vault seven hundred and thirteen." The hushed tone in which Hagrid was speaking intrigued them, and he watched as the goblin's eyes scanned the letter.

"Very well," the goblin said, handing it back to Hagrid, "I'll call someone to take you down- Griphook!"

"Harry?" they heard Moria say. Harry turned from where he was watching Hagrid tuck the letter into his coat. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing!" They both said, straightening and Moria glanced over and sighed, knowing what they had probably heard. "…let's get going. We still need to shop…I can't believe I just said that." Moria murmured and the children laughed.

"Er, Moria," Hagrid said hesitantly as a goblin, Griphook, came around the desk, "d'yeh think we can go in one cart, I get dreadfully sick on 'em see, I hate teh go alone."

"I don't mind," Moria replied while both children shrugged and Griphook merely beckoned to them all with one long fingered hand, so she assumed he was alright with that. He led them out of the Hall and into a long twisting, dark corridor, faintly lit by the glow of flickering torches. Harry was too curious to hold his tongue.

"What's the You-Know-What in vault seven hundred and thirteen?" he asked Hagrid.

"Oh, yeh heard tha' did yeh?" Hagrid turned faintly pink. "I can't tell yeh tha' Harry, its Hogwarts business, very secret." Moria resisted the urge to roll her eyes, in both amusement and annoyance. Hagrid had in one swoop, increased Harry and Max's curiosity. However before they could ask, Griphook led them down until the floor began to slope steeply and they could see the beginnings of little railway tracks, then he stopped and whistled. Out of the dark came a small cart moving swiftly towards them. It stopped right before them and Griphook immediately climbed in, followed by Harry and Max, then Moria and finally Hagrid managed to squeeze himself in after much rearranging by the others, leaving Max sitting on Moria's lap. And then they were off.

Harry thought that the trip down to his family's vault could only be compared to a rollercoaster ride. Although he supposed that a theme park ride could not be as thrilling. Gringotts was vast and obviously went down for miles and miles underground. Many times it seemed as though the incredibly fast cart was going to fly off the rails and plummet into the darkness below, but it would always veer at the last moment causing everyone to jerk uncontrollably.

When Moria had first stepped off the cart her head was spinning like mad. She quickly collected the money she would need from the vault and almost hesitantly made her way back into the cart. Hagrid still leaning over the opposite side of it releasing soft moans.

"I think I'm gonna be sick," he groaned as the cart started back up. Vault seven hundred and thirteen appeared to be a large, black iron door. It had no locks or keyholes. It could have just been metal wall. Griphook got out of the cart with Hagrid this time and approached the door ahead of him. He used his long gnarled finger nails to stroke the door gently and it just melted away. Harry craned his neck eagerly to see beyond Hagrid's huge frame and was instantly disappointed. The room was empty...except for the small grubby package that Hagrid picked up from the corner of the room. It was so small that Harry had not seen it at first.

"What is that?" Harry asked as he and Max craned their heads to see before yelping as Moria cuffed them both on the head.

"It is something very secret, which must be kept very safe, alright?" Moria said.

"Alright," Harry muttered glancing at Max who shrugged, both wondering what was in the little package. After another roller coaster cart ride Moria, Harry, Max and Hagrid stood in the sunlight outside Gringotts Wizard Bank.

"I'm headin' fer the 'Cauldron'," Hagrid said queasily, "I need a drink after tha'."

Moria smiled and patted the huge man's hand. "Ok then," she said, "bye Hagrid, see you soon."

"I hope so," Hagrid tried to grin, but his face was far from happy. After Hagrid had begun his walk back to the 'Leaky Cauldron' Moria pulled out Harry's Hogwart's list.

"Let's see….well I think we can go get your robes fitted." She muttered and Harry grinned, the thought of the small little parcel disappearing.

"So what house do you think you'll get into Harry?" Max asked as she sat on a stool watching as Harry got his uniform fitted at Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. He pursed his lips trying to think.

"I hope Gryffindor like my parents and Mum…but anything that isn't Slytherin is fine by me." He said.

"Why? Slytherin is the best house that Hogwarts has." A voice said, causing the two children to look and saw that standing next to them was a blonde-haired boy with grey eyes.

"I think the Houses are equally fine." Max said trying to be diplomatic as she spotted Harry glaring at the boy. "By the way, who are you?" she asked.

"Draco Malfoy." The boy responded haughtily as though she was supposed to know the name already. When she didn't give the look of awe, merely a look of confusion, he glared at her and Max shifted uneasily. Harry glared. Max had just gotten over the bullying from Eligio, and he wasn't about to let this brat force her back down onto that road.

"So…you're hoping to be in Slytherin?" she offered and he snorted looking at her as though she was filth.

"Well, no one really knows until they get there, do they, but I know I'll be in Slytherin, all our family have been - imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?" he asked. Max merely shrugged.

"I don't think Hufflepuff is that bad…I mean two of my Mum's friends were Hufflepuff, and they were both really great." She said.

"And who were they? Pureblood?" Draco asked, for a second interested.

"One was a pureblood, the other was a muggleborn." She answered and he made a gagging sound. She blinked while Harry glared at him. He obviously didn't like how this Malfoy boy was treating her as though she was nothing better than a common house rat.

"I really don't think they should let the other sort in, do you? They're just not the same, they've never been brought up to know our ways. Some of them have never even heard of Hogwarts until they get the letter, imagine. I think they should keep it in the old wizarding families."

"Watch it. My mother was a muggleborn." Harry grumbled.

"Oh I'm sorry." Draco stated, though his tone clearly stated he didn't mean it. He then glanced at the pair. "Where are your parents then?"

"My parents are dead. I'm being raised by my godmum." Harry responded curtly.

"Oh…What's your surnames, anyway?" he said and she automatically curled her hands into the leg of her overalls.

"Why does it matter?" Harry spoke, trying to keep his voice calm and Draco glared at him. At that moment, Moria came in and blinked, looking at her daughter and at Harry, who looked about ready to jump over and strangle the other boy that was getting fitted.

"So…you done getting fitted, Harry?" she asked, gaining her godson's attention. He nodded, looking like he was biting the inside of his cheek. He quickly got off the podium and hurried away, Max following them without as much of a wave goodbye to Draco Malfoy. After Moria had paid for the uniform, they left. Harry glanced at Max.

"You okay?" he asked, gripping her hand as they used to do when they were younger and she would be crying because she was either scared or had scraped her knees. She returned the grip, but offered a small smile.

"I'm fine." She said but then looked directly at him. "Promise me one thing though."

"And that would be?" he asked.

"Don't be friends with that git. Or I will sneak into Hogwarts and smother you with a pillow." She said, her voice serious and he snorted and gave her a look that clearly said 'oh please'.

"Don't worry. I'd sooner send myself to an asylum before I even think about being friends with him." He said and she sighed in relief, before they both followed Moria.

It had taken them around half an hour to get the other materials of books and supplies. As they continued down the path, Max stopped in front of Eeylops Owl Emporium and glanced at her mother and brother, clutching some Galleons in her hand.

"Um, Mummy…can you and Harry go on ahead? I want to look around." She said. Moria glanced at her quizzically, but when she saw what she was looking at she smiled and figured out what she was doing. She handed Max a few more Galleons while Harry hadn't even noticed at this point and was still rereading and rereading his list.

"He'll love whatever you get him." She said softly and with that, allowed the girl to head into the apothecary as Moria followed Harry to Ollivanders. Max entered the relatively small, and dark inside building, hearing the familiar rustling of wings and creaking of boards shifting. It was like the forest at night, and in general calmed her.

"You looking for an owl miss?" A voice asked and Max turned to see an older man. She blushed and nodded shyly.

"Birthday present for my brother." She clarified, pushing her hair back and the man smiled gently.

"Well go on ahead, look around. Be careful though, some of these owls have some tempers." The man warned and she nodded and began to browse. There were screech owls, brown owls, barn owls, and tawny owls. And while as beautiful as they were…for some reason they didn't seem to fit Harry. Especially the screech owl that had took a dump on her head.

"Eww…" She grumbled using a napkin to wipe the top of her head. "An owl…why couldn't you just give him a cat, or a toad, Max? Nnnooo…it had to be a shitting owl that…" she trailed off in her mini rant when she heard a whooshing. Looking up she saw white wings that settled on a raft nearby her. She walked to the owl, who looked at her with amber eyes.

"Ah, ah! Careful with that one. She has quite the temper and doesn't really…"

"Well aren't you a pretty one." She murmured, brushing a finger gently over the owl's talon and the snowy owl side-stepped onto her hand, nipping her hair almost in an affectionate tone. Max smiled.

"I bet you don't take any lip from anyone, huh?" She cooed, petting the owl's side which she earned a soft hoot. She looked at the cashier.

"I'll take her."

"And here we are." Moria stated and Harry beamed, pulling Moria's hand towards the last shop which was narrow and shabby with peeling gold letters over the door read Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. A single wand lay on a faded purple cushion in the dusty window.

"Slow down, Harry. We'll get your wand, kiddo." She laughed as they entered the store. Harry looked around, almost remembering the library at the feel of the room, the back of his neck prickling. The very dust and silence in here seemed to tingle with some secret magic.

"Good afternoon," said a soft voice. Harry jumped. Moria snorted at his reaction and he ruffled his hair. An old man was standing before them, his wide, pale eyes shining like moons through the gloom of the shop.

"Hello." Harry replied awkwardly, his face burning.

"Ah yes," said the man. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter." It wasn't a question. "You have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work." Mr. Ollivander moved closer to Harry. "Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favored it — it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."

Mr. Ollivander had come so close that he and Harry were almost nose to nose. Harry could see himself reflected in those misty eyes. "And that's where..."

Mr. Ollivander touched the lightning scar on Harry's forehead with a long, white finger.

"I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it," he continued softly. "Thirteen-and-a- half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands...well, if I'd known what that wand was going out into the world to do..." He shook his head and then, to Harry's relief, spotted Moria.

"Moria! Moria Prescott! Actually, I believe it's Black now. How nice to see you again...Wenge, ten and quarter inches, with a dragon heartstring, rather pliable, wasn't it?"

"It was, sir, yes," Moria replied.

"Good wand, that one.

"It was…"

"May I inquire what happened to it? That craftsmen ship is certainly not mine…why, I say it was…Amadeo's work."

"Er…let's just say that your wand defended me till its last spell." Moria replied, rubbing the back of her head.

"Hmmm…" Mr. Ollivander murmured. "Well, now — Mr. Potter. Let me see." He pulled a long tape measure with silver markings out of his pocket. "Which is your wand arm?"

"Right."

"Hold out your arm. That's it." He measured Harry from shoulder to finger, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit and round his head. As he measured, he said, "Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance, Mr. Potter. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons. No two Ollivander wands are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are quite the same. And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand."

Harry suddenly realized that the tape measure, which was measuring between his nostrils, was doing this on its own. Mr. Ollivander was flitting around the shelves, taking down boxes.

"That will do," he said, and the tape measure crumpled into a heap on the floor. "Right then, Mr. Potter. Try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. just take it and give it a wave."

Harry took the wand waved it around a bit, but Mr. Ollivander snatched it out of his hand almost at once.

"Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try —"

Harry tried — but he had hardly raised the wand when it, too, was snatched back by Mr. Ollivander.

"No, no — here, ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy. Go on, go on, try it out."

Harry tried. And tried. He had no idea what Mr. Ollivander was waiting for. The pile of tried wands was mounting higher and higher on the spindly chair, but the more wands Mr. Ollivander pulled from the shelves, the happier he seemed to become.

Moria leaned against the doorframe and watched in amusement as Harry tried several more wands, causing an explosion of one lamp, several boxes of paperwork to come flying out of its' original spots. Harry turned to glare at her.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?" He grumbled to which his godmother shrugged, and crossed her eyes. Finally Ollivander went up to one of his top shelves and pulled out a single box.

With this one, no boxes flew out, nothing that could be considered a catastrophe happened. Instead a gust of wind fluttered around Harry.

"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere — I wonder, now — yes, why not — unusual combination — holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."

Harry took the wand. He felt a sudden warmth in his fingers. He raised the wand above his head, brought it swishing down through the dusty air and a stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end like a firework, throwing dancing spots of light on to the walls. Moria whooped and clapped and Mr. Ollivander cried, "Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well...how curious...how very curious..."

He put Harry's wand back into its box and wrapped it in brown paper, still muttering, "Curious...curious...

"What?" she asked. "Something wrong?"

Mr. Ollivander first looked at Moria before he fixed Harry with his pale stare.

"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather — just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother — why, its brother gave you that scar."

Harry swallowed.

Moria stiffened and moved from her spot in front of the shop. "You mean he…had the other wand?"

"Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember...I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter...After all, He- Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things — terrible, yes, but great."

Moria's gaze hardened and after paying for the wand, Moria hurried herself and Harry out of the store, trying to get away from the old man. A small part of her was angry that he made Voldemort sound like he was some great deity or conqueror. He was nothing but a murderer to her—someone who had killed her best friends leaving their son orphaned, who's followers tortured two of her other friends to insanity, and, at some point, she was sure, caused the man she loved to be in Azkaban for something he hadn't done.

"What did he mean by that? Great things?" Harry asked her nervously as they walked through the street. Moria looked at him and sighed, slowing down so she wasn't essentially dragging him.

"It is probably nothing, Harry," she told him, even though she wasn't so sure about it. Her job as a mother was to protect him. "A lot of people share wand cores. For example I shared a wand core with a brat in Slytherin who was always trying to beat me in grades for transfiguration." She joked, trying to ease his worry.

"But not with him." Harry told her, hesitating before saying the rest. "Does this mean I am going to be evil?" he whispered.

Hearing that, Moria stopped walking and turned to him, placing her hands on his shoulders, looking at him sternly as she bent down to look into eyes. "Harry, no matter what wand you might have, you are what you make yourself be, you hear me? It is not the wand that makes the wizard. There is good and evil in all of us. Light and dark. We all have it…it just depends on which path the person chooses to take. Besides, I'll be here to pull you back into the right path if you ever start doing stupid things and I'll be sure to hit you across the head if you even try to go down that path."

"Thank you," he said, surprised at how her words had worked on calming him down.

She gave him a little smile as they resumed walking. "No need to thank me. That is what I am here for." She said. He then realized they were one person short.

"Where did Max go? Did we get separated from her?!" he asked, alarmed. "How long has she not been here?!"

"Harry-"

"Harry! Mummy!" they heard seconds later and Moria looked up to see Max rushing towards them, clutching an owl's cage that had been covered with a tarp. "I finally found you two!"

"Where were you?" Harry asked hurriedly, then his brows furrowed in confusion. "What is that?" he asked, pointing to what she was carrying. Max was panting as she got up to them but then extended the cage to him with a bright smile, her face flushed with red.

"Your birthday present from me. I was really careful and I hope you like her." She said. A hoot came from the cage and Harry's eyes widened before he quickly handed the rest of his school items to Moria and pulled back the cover on the cage, revealing a snow white owl, who blinked looking at him in confusion and interest. He blinked several times as though to make sure he wasn't dreaming this and then his face broke into a wide grin of utter joy.

Moria watched as he thanked Max again and again, now the one clutching the cage, his previous fears of becoming like Voldemort forgotten with the surprise of the gift. She looked up into the sky.

It was good to be home.

"Harry?"

"Yeah."

He rolled over to see Max standing there, staring nervously. "What is it?"

"You promise you'll write to me right?" She murmured.

"Of course." He replied with a yawn. "I'd be stupid not to."

"And will you promise that you won't get into too much trouble?"

"Yes Maxi-pad." He grumbled.

"Sorry…"

He looked up at the blurry image of his kid sister before shifting and lifting up his arm. He felt his bed dip down and then the familiar body curl up to him. It was so familiar and nostalgic and in a sense calmed his own nerves that were running rampant through his system, though he didn't admit it. The warmth calmed him as Max's back rested against his stomach. The familiar scent lulled him back to sleep and the memories of the pair of them exploring the forest of Italy. Before he knew it, it was morning and Moria was helping him prepare.

"What if I get in Slytherin?"

"Hm?"

"In Hogwarts. What if I get into Slytherin?" Harry asked looking at the train, kicking some of the dust on the floor. "Or the hat just says I don't have any magic, or-"

"Or what if I grow fox ears and a tail and suddenly have an inkling for lemmings and mice." Moria teased and he flushed as she kneeled down in front of him. "You'll be just fine Harry James Potter." She promised. "And whatever house you get into, they will have a brilliant witch in their midst.

"…you'll still love me if I'm in Slytherin, right?" He asked fiddling with his hands. She smiled ruffling his hair.

"Always. Now then, you can have fun, but I'd love not to get too many visits from McGonagall complaining about your behavior this term," she told him. "You don't have to try and break your father's record of detentions in a year okay?" she asked

"You know most parental figures don't encourage misbehaving." Harry stated with a grin.

"Do you want me to?" she asked, an eyebrow raised and he shook his head before he turned to a depressed Max. "Hey, don't be like that…" he said, patting her head.

"Promise me you'll write." she pleaded. It was the fact that he had always been around since she remembered, playing the role of a brother and a friend, and they had never really been separated for long periods of time. It made her nervous and wondered how her mother could be lasting without her father. At least she wouldn't be alone as she'd be keeping Remus company and visit the Weasley's a lot. It made her feel better…but still.

"Only if you promise to write back," he told her. "Hedwig would be happy to return the letters." He said, glancing at the owl, who looked proud.

"I will." she promised with a little smile, and he grinned, giving her a hug which she returned.

"Alright, have a good term." Moria told him, kissing her godson's cheek and ruffling his hair before he entered the train "I'll see you at Hogwarts."

"Bye!" Max yelled after him. She wanted to go so badly and keep him company. What if he didn't make any friends?

No that was silly. He would make friends. He was friendly and nice and loyal and-

"Now Maxine, promise me you'll be good for Remus." Moria interrupted her train of thought. Max pouted.

"Why can't I go too? I mean Harry."

"It's Harry year, Max. You just have to wait a year, sweetheart. And I'll be teaching, so I can't really help you or be there for you if you came along. Besides, who would keep Moony company?" Moria asked gesturing to Remus who looked at her amused. The girl glanced at him and then blushed.

"I guess..."

"Now…remember no following Remus during those times, and be polite, alright?"

"I know Mum." She declared, rolling her eyes, and looking downright annoyed. Moria smiled, teasingly ruffling her hair.

"Good. Now…you do remember what I told you earlier right?" She asked. The little girl smiled brightly and almost mischievously nodded. Remus glanced at two, an eyebrow rising.

"Alright, what did you tell her?"

"You'll find out." The woman replied, and then grinned. "Now, don't worry; I'll keep an eye on Geoffrey."

"I'll be fine. Besides I have to look after George, Fred, and Lee, remember?"

"Now, you two, this year, you behave yourselves. If I get one more owl telling me you've…you've blown up a toilet or something to that nature." female, familiar to Moria, voice said, interrupting Geoffrey. She looked around to see that that voice belonged to a short plump redhead woman that was standing by one of the train's entrances surrounded by several redhead children, nearly four of them holding a trolley.

"Speak of the devils." Geoffrey murmured then grinned.

"Oye, you two redheads already getting caught? Shameful!"

The said group turned and they saw Ginny brighten.

"Max!"

"Ginny!" Max returned rushing to the girl with a bright smile. "How are you?"

"I'm wonderful…well…not really since I can't go to Hogwarts."

"Me too…" The young Black agreed. "But at least we won't be alone in our wallowing."

"True." Ginny said with a laugh, before the train whistle sounded.

"We'll see you at Christmas, GinGin!" George stated rushing away, followed by Fred. After saying goodbye to his father, Geoffrey was close behind. Moria bent down and hugged her daughter tightly.

"Right to me whenever you want to, and remember to use those mirrors okay? Your Dad would have a stroke if he found out you had one and didn't use it to try and wreak havoc."

Max laughed weakly, brushing her hands over her face and nodded. She watched as her mother climbed onto the train and several moments later the train slowly departed.

Moria sighed, cracking her back as she finally got out of the floo, her hair barely mussed up and brushed away unseen ash.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts Moria." She heard and looked up to see Dumbledore. She offered a slight smile. "I presume dropping Harry off at the train was uneventful."

"Well other than what is usual, nothing spectacular happened to-"

"Well, well if it isn't the ever acclaimed Moria Prescott." A voice drawled in a bored tone. Moria froze and slowly turned, staring at the man in black robes and had long black, greasy hair whose eyes bore into hers. "Back from the dead I see and back to taint other impressionable minds, how…delightful."

"Severus Snape?" Moria murmured in shock.

"Bright as ever." Snape returned evenly though his tone suggested boredom even annoyance. "Shall I send condolences to all of my students now or later?" He asked as Moria's eyes narrowed.

"We all know you weren't the most patient of women. Better be now rather than later why I have to explain to my students-"

Moria's wand being withdrawn and aimed at him stopped any taunt.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" She snarled angrily.

"Oh didn't you know?" Snape asked and Moria's glare darkened. "I'm the Potions professor, have been for several years now."

"Why the hell would they let you teach children after what you did in the First Wizarding War?" Moria snapped.

"I was acquitted, as you should know, due to my change in loyalties."

"Change in loyalties?! Oh give me a bre-"

"It is true Moria, Severus helped us in the War." Albus stated softly and Moria glanced at him. "I do believe that the first years will be arriving at any time, you do wish to see Harry being sorted, do you not?"

Mentioning Harry seemed to do the trick as her wand lowered, but the dangerous look didn't leave her expression as she pocketed her wand. Dumbledore smiled almost in amusement, and turned to leave.

"I fail to see why Dumbledore chose you to be the teacher for History of Magic." Snape drawled as they walked down the hall. "You certainly aren't the best of role models." He added glancing at her attire.

"If I wanted fashion advice, I don't think I would be going to you for it, Snape." Moria commented dryly noticing the look. "Unless of course I wanted to look like a dozen ink bottles were poured on me."

"I was more inferring to who you married, Moria Black. I certainly doubt parents of students would be happy if they knew that a teacher here was the wife of a murderer."

"If that was your worry then maybe you should be concerned as well Snape." She replied coldly. "You may have eventually turned to our side, but you still worked under Voldemort as one of his precious Deatheaters." She continued and watched Severus's mouth clamp shut and his mouth tighten into a thin line. Knowing she had won this fight she turned back around and continued walking, following Dumbledore. Finally they entered the Great Hall and Moria sat the farthest away from Severus, making it a point she did not like him. It seemed that this sentiment surprised no one as none questioned her. It was moments after that the first years filed in, all looking pale and terrified. Moria snorted lightly. Probably thought there was going to be a test of some sort. As the Sorting Hat came onto life and after finishing its song Moria saw the group of first years relax, slightly, as they were still nervous for the whole sorting, but were relieved with the concept of not having an actual test.

After the hat finished, McGonagall stepped forward.

"When I call your name, you put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said. "Abbott, Hannah!"

A pink-faced girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, which fell right down over her eyes, and sat down. A moment's pause —

"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat.

The table on the right cheered and clapped as Hannah went to sit down at the Hufflepuff table.

"Bones, Susan!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat again, and Susan scuttled off to sit next to Hannah.

"Boot, Terry!"

"RAVENCLAW!"

The table second from the left clapped this time; several Ravenclaws stood up to shake hands with Terry as he joined them.

"Brocklehurst, Mandy" went to Ravenclaw too.

Lavender Brown became the first new Gryffindor, and the table on the far left exploded with cheers; George and Fred catcalling.

"Bulstrode, Millicent" then became a Slytherin.

"Finch-Fletchley, Justin!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Finnigan, Seamus," the sandy-haired boy next to Harry in the line, sat on the stool for almost a whole minute before the hat declared him a Gryffindor.

"Granger, Hermione!"

Hermione almost ran to the stool and jammed the hat eagerly on her head.

"GRYFFINDOR!" shouted the hat. Moria noticed Ron's expression fall as the young girl rushed over to the Neville Longbottom was called, Moria stared at him. He definitely had Frank's face, though his hair and eyes were all Alice. She swallowed as he fell over on his way to the stool. She had sent letters to him, however rarely received one back. She wasn't sure if it was just due to Frank's mother not wishing to upset Neville further of a friend of his parents trying to contact him, or Neville himself deciding not to keep in contact. The hat took a long time to decide with Neville. When it finally shouted, "GRYFFINDOR," Neville ran off still wearing it, and had to jog back amid gales of laughter to give it to McGonagall. Moria clapped loudly at his placing, knowing that Alice and Frank would be proud.

"Malfoy, Draco."

Draco Malfoy. Lucius's son swaggered forward when his name was called. Moria rolled her eyes and wasn't surprised that he got his wish at once: the hat had barely touched his head when it screamed, "SLYTHERIN!"Malfoy went to join his friends Crabbe and Goyle, looking pleased with himself. There weren't many people left now.

"Moon"

"Nott"

"Parkinson"

Then a pair of twin girls, Patil.

"Perks, Sally-Anne"

Then, at last —

"Potter, Harry!"

As Harry stepped forward, whispers suddenly broke out like little hissing fires all over the hall.

"Potter, did she say?"

"The Harry Potter?"

Moria watched as the hat was placed onto Harry's head. For several moments it was silent, the hat mumbling to himself in thought, Harry gripping the stool tightly, muttering something himself. Moria noted that he was mumbling "Not Slytherin, not Slytherin."

"Better be…GRYFFINDOR!"

Moria grinned brightly and clapped loudly, though her joy was quickly drowned out by the rest of the school, Gryffindor's row of tables in particular. Harry walked shakily toward the Gryffindor table. The procession of more names continued with Thomas Dean coming up next and being sorted into Gryffindor, Turnpin Lisa who entered the Ravenclaw house and finally it was Ron's turn. The hat was placed onto his head, his face a pale green.

"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat yelled as Ron's posture relaxed in relief before hurrying to Harry's side. Finally Blaise Zabini was called and placed into Slytherin. Moria smiled watching Harry mingle with the other Gryffindor's and smiled when he glanced at her and gave her a grin that reminded her of James so much.

It seemed that he was a Gryffindor through and through.

BEGINNING OF PART 4! WHAT DO YOU THINK?