Chapter 1

Nicole was shaking, whether from rage or disgust it was hard to tell, but she had enough. She put her trunk together, gathering several weeks' worth of clothes, shoes, several of her favorite books she wanted to study over the summer along with her potion's journal.

A sneer fell on her face as she shouldn't believe the shit she had just heard, 'Ronald...A fine husband? All those lemon drops must have rotted his brain.'

She pulled out her wand and made sure the door to her room was locked and a notice-me-not charm was woven around the area of her bedroom. After that, she made to clean her room so it would be spotless when she came back before hiding all of her books and journals underneath the floor so they wouldn't be discovered.

When the light of day turned dark, she made her escape on a broom she bought for herself when she first went to Diagon Alley alone. As the Potter mansion faded out of sight, she just continued to fly just below the clouds as she pondered on where to go from here.

'I could make that potion... If it works, it will rewrite my body completely, I won't be a Potter anymore. The rebellious, unwilling stepping stone of Theodore James Potter, I can just be Nicole. I could use Slytherin's chamber to make it without being disturbed, but what if something went wrong? By estimate, it would take three days if it went perfectly and on the first try no less.'

The more she thought about it, the more she shook her head.

"No, let's save that for later."

Then the thought of Luna smiling at her sprung up to the front of her mind, cemented her choice on where to go.

She knew the Lovegoods home was close to the Weasley home, but when she entered the area, she saw a rather interesting shape in the distance. When she got closer, she knew she was in the right place.

It was unique and strange, but it had a homey welcome feel to it. If any place could be the Lovegoods home it would have to be this one.

She floated down, shrinking her broom before making her way to the front door and knocked before she realized something.

'Damn, I'm stupid. I should have come to them in the morning. They are probably asleep.'

Before she could leave, she heard a series of footsteps and the door opened to show Luna in a lavender nightdress with a pair of fuzzy slippers. She rubbed her tired eyes before they brightened when they took in her form.

"Nicole?"

She felt her lips curl upwards at the sound of her voice, "Hello Luna, I'm so sorry for knocking on your door this late-"

She shook her head, "Trust me, it's not a problem, come in, come in."

Luna practically dragged Nicole inside and shut the door behind them, involving the eldest Potter in the warmth of the Lovegood home.

"What are you doing here so late?"

She curled a piece of her hair around her finger as she sighed, "It's a bit of a story, but it relates to James and Lily."

She scoffed and crossed her arms, "What did they do this time?"

"They were discussing with Dumbledore that Ronald would be a fine husband for me."

Luna felt her stomach twist, "Ronald? As in Ronald Weasley?"

"If you know another one, please feel free to tell me," She scoffed, as she rubbed the space between her eyes.

She sighed with a slight shake of her head, "They really are stepping over a line here and I'm pretty sure you'd kill him before he even got that far."

Nicole sighed as she felt a bit sick.

"Either way, I'm sorry for disturbing you so late, but you were the first person I thought I could go too."

Luna wrapped her up in a hug, "Trust me, it's fine. Do you want to stay?"

"I don't want to impose, but yes."

Xeno cut in, "You are more than welcome to stay as long as you need, Nicole," making both her and his daughter jump.

They turned to see Xeno in his nightclothes as she asked, "Sir?"

He waved her off, "Please, call me Xeno. Now, are you hungry? I can make something for you?"

She shook her head, "No, but thank you. I'll be sure to repay you soon."

He smiled at her, "Trust me, Nicole. You have done enough by saving my daughter that year."

She flushed, "Of course, sir-I mean Xeno."

"Good. I'll show you to the guest room, follow me."

She trailed after him with Luna walking beside her as she watched him fix up the bedroom with ease before it was ready for her.

"Have a good night, you two. Breakfast will be made around nine."

She nodded, "Thank you and good night, S-Xeno."

He smiled back before kissing his daughter a good night before turning in himself.

Luna helped her unpack her trunk into several drawers with her books placed on her bedside table. When she finished, making sure everything was in its' proper place, Luna made herself comfortable in her bed.

"Wanna stay with me?"

She nodded, her eyes already drooping making Nicole smile as she settled into bed next to her. Luna tucked herself in as Nicole watched her sleep before falling into a comfortable sleep herself, something that had alluded her for the entire week she was stuck in her bedroom.

Then the sun rose with the soft chirping of birds telling the world that morning has arrived. Nicole didn't want to get up, turning away from the light and consciousness only for Luna who was curled up next to her woke up with a yawn as she sat up and stretched her limbs.

She looked beside her to see Nicole still curled up underneath her blanket. She touched her shoulder and gave her a bit of a shake, "Come on, get up."

Nicole frowned and buried herself deeper into her pillow and the blankets covering her, "No. It's soft and warm in here. Why should I? Lay back down and go to sleep."

Luna smiled and shook her again, "Don't be like that. It's not a weekend at school where you can have the elves deliver your breakfast in bed. Besides, Dad is making breakfast."

She pouted but relented as she opened her eyes, removing the covers to meet Luna's blue ones filled with mirth as she rolled out of bed.

"Fine, fine. Let's go."

Luna gave a bit of a giggle as she took her hand and led her into the kitchen where Xeno had just finished cooking with an apron on as the table was set.

"Oh, good morning, Luna, Nicole. Did you sleep well? I can tell that you both fell asleep in the same bed."

"Good morning, Xeno. And yes, we did, thank you for allowing me to use your guest room."

"Good morning, Daddy and yeah, I spent the night sleeping next to her. She makes a wonderful pillow."

"Oh, I'm a pillow now, is it?

She leaned against her, "But you are so comfortable."

"And you won't let me sleep more even though I am?" She quipped

"And miss Daddy's cooking?"

She chuckled, "Fair enough."

Xeno let out a soft laugh as he finished placing the last plate on the table.

"Take a seat, hurry along," He smiled as he put his apron on a hook.

They all took a seat around the table and dug in as the breakfast on the table was amazing. Xeno made her a plate of honey pancakes with butter and syrup while Luna had a plate of birthday cake waffles with whipped cream, butter, and syrup. Xeno, himself had a large omelet with sausage. On the side was bacon, bread with clotted cream and jam. What was last was black tea, coffee, and juice.

After breakfast was finished, Nicole softly commented, "Thank you, Xeno. It was really good."

He smiled, "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Honey pancakes were my wife's favorite and loved to make it for guests."

She smiled, "May she rest peacefully and thank you for sharing sir."

He smiled and patted her on the head, "You can spend the day as you wish. I need to go to work."

Luna squeaked, realizing the time, "Ah, that's right. Won't you be late, Dad?"

"Nope. Everyone in my Department is having a late day today and it's always fun."

Luna grinned as Nicole looked a bit confused before he kissed his daughter on her forehead, waved goodbye to Nicole before jumping, clicking his heels twice before sinking through the shadows underneath him, making her gasp.

"Woah!" She shot up, staring at the spot where Xeno just was as Luna was munching a piece of bacon.

She softly commented, "He does that a lot, but not in public though."

"That's so cool. But isn't he the Head of the Quibbler?"

"That's just his side job, he's actually an Unspeakable."

"He's one of them?"

"Yes. He loves his job very much."

"I see. How many tricks does he have up his sleeves?"

"Too many to count and list."

"Alright then. Are you finished with your plates?"

"Yes."

She then floated all of them off the table and made to wash the dishes as Luna took a seat on the couch to watch TV. When she finished washing the dishes and placing them back to their usual spots, she decided to take a shower and change.

When she came out with a towel on her head to wrap her hair as she wore a pair of shorts and an old t-shirt. She had a sheet of paper, a pot of ink and a quill as she took a seat next to Luna and started to write.

Hello Cedric.

I want to first apologize for causing you trouble as that was the last thing I wanted to do. I know that you had to write a letter to James and Lily apologizing for your 'misconduct' on the train when it was anything but that. It must have been mortifying and I can only hope that you can forgive me for getting you in trouble. Although I can understand if you do not wish me to contact you again.

I hope you still have a wonderful summer, regardless.

Take care, Nicole A. Potter

She put the letter into an envelope before making her way to Luna who turned towards her, "Yes?"

"Can I borrow your owl?"

"Sure,-" She gave a sharp whistle causing a bronze-golden owl to fly down to greet them.

"Ah, it's Hermes."

The owl gave a soft hoot before she handed the letter to the wonderful looking bird.

"Please give this to Cedric Diggory."

The owl let out a hoot that told her that he understood what she said before flying out of an open window.

Soon after watching TV for a couple of hours, she decided to help Luna with her summer homework that she already completed at the start of the summer when she was on lockdown.

Soon enough, evening arrived and Xeno came back from work with a cake that he bought.

"Welcome back, Xeno/Dad!"

"Glad to be back. I brought cake, I hope you like white chocolate."

"White chocolate is always good."

"Good to know. This is for dessert and have you decided on what you want to do?"

"Would it be too much of a hassle to house me for most of the summer?"

"It wouldn't be a problem at all."

She smiled as Luna hugged her with a grin, "Do you need any help with dinner?"

"Oh no, you can relax. Dinner will be ready soon enough."

"Alright."

He made his way into the kitchen as Luna just smiled at her as if silently telling her everything was going to be fine. Nicole didn't need to worry about her parents considering that they have their heads up Theodore's ass. They wouldn't notice her disappearance and would be grateful for her staying out of the way, they would probably spend their days with the Weasleys going on vacation out of the country on their dime.

She could only be happy that she was never forced to go with them as they showed off Theodore as if he was a first-place trophy when he was actually a participation medal.

Over the course of the summer, Xeno gave her advice and tips over multiple magical subjects. He had so many tricks up his sleeves along with the knowledge that Dumbledore would tear his nuts off to have, much to her pleasure. Being tutored by an Unspeakable had its' perks.

One day, after breakfast, he told her to walk and talk with her as they explored the backyard. It was massive and covered with barriers he placed with the goblins help around the area that prevented anyone from peeking on them. Especially Molly who was a nosy-busybody who has no concept of the word privacy or keeping her opinion to herself.

He had a large garden with various plants, flowers and a pond with multiple trees, he walked barefoot and she made to do the same, the grass tickling the soles of her feet as trailed after him.

"Nicole..."

"Yes?"

"Do you know the difference between light, gray, and dark magic?"

"Only bits and pieces sir. The textbooks I have do not really go into much detail."

He nodded, "Then allow me to tell you, but please keep an open mind."

"I will, sir."

He smiled as he made his way over to one of the trees, picking out a honey-golden apple, "Light magic is also known by white magic or natural magic. It is used for selfless purposes although you should know others can manipulate it to their own ends. This type of magic is practiced through healing, blessing, charms, prayers, songs, and incantations. It is Yang (the white counterpart) of Yin (the dark counterpart) to dark magic. You can practice this type of magic through nature."

Handing her the apple, he continued, "Gray magic is called neutral magic that is centered between both light and dark magic. Many magical topics fall under gray magic as they are not performed for completely selfless reasons while not for completely hostile practices. Gray magic-users perform both light and dark magic as they are neutral entities and practice harmony and balance."

She took a bite of her apple, "Would you classify yourself as a gray wizard, Xeno?"

He smiled, "I'm not big on categorizing myself, Nicole. But if I had to, it would have to be Gray. Light and Dark magic have their uses, although Albus wouldn't agree beliving that light magic is all a wizard or witch needs, which is simply not true. Magic is much too vast to be classified into either evil or good. Dark spells can be used to save people and end suffering just as Light spells can be used to be caused immense death and suffering. Those who believe that just using Light spells make you a good witch/wizard is just ignorant."

"I see..."

He smiled as they continued to walk, "And finally, dark magic which is called black magic. It is used for selfish purposes, although any reasonable person knows better. This magic is the dark counterpart of white magic, the Yin of Yang. Invoking demons, evil, malevolent spirits, along with multiple hexes and curses fall under dark magic for a reason. Although Albus has outlined many magical practices and rituals as dark magic, although those are mostly gray and it is important to make sure knowledge is shared. However, he doesn't see things that way. Dark magic falls under Jinx which is minor dark magic is which just an inconvenience, Hexes is moderate dark magic, before curses are the last and the worse which can cripple or cause the death of the target. Dark magic in itself is very addictive. It twists minds although you have to build up to that point. I'm sure you know how insane Bellatrix Lestrange, is correct?"

She nodded, burning his words into her mind.

"Dark magic has that effect of twisting a person, their minds, their magic, even their souls if they continue to use it up that point. Bellatrix is the prime example of that. During the first war, she was and practically still is the most feared magical user in the British isle next to Voldemort himself."

She blinked, "You said his name without shaking?"

"Having fear of a name is unbecoming. Now, as the war progressed, she started to get more and more unwounded, reckless, and sadistic. The more curses, she let out the more ecstatic she became. Let me provide an example, you know when you are angry and you need to blow off steam and when you finally do it's a relief, yes?"

"Yes."

"And when you are slighted by someone who has bad things happen to them whether or not you want them too, you feel a little bit vindicated right?"

"Well, yes."

"Take that relief from my first statement and mix it with vindication then you multiply those two with pleasure. The will of wanting those combinations of emotions will make a person go mad. That's what Dark magic does. It may not start that way at first, but it usually comes that depending on the witch and wizard in question. The addiction of being swallowed into Dark magic will start off slow, it always does, then it will consume you. By then you won't even know who you once were. Some are able to be pulled from that brink, rather kicking and screaming at first but they won't be the same as they used to be."

"That's..."

"Unnerving? Yes, it is. But let's move on."

The pair continued to walk around the backyard, Xeno picking at any fresh fruit that caught his eyes.

After a moment, he continued, "Necromancy."

She stiffened, "You know about Necromancy, Xeno?"

"Yep. You should know this type of magic falls under the gray. Considering that it is not dark magic, unless for nefarious purposes. This practice of magic is communication with the dead, either by summoning their spirits or raising their bodies from where they were buried, this is used for many reasons. Discovering hidden knowledge, sometimes used for divination to foretell future events, both good and bad. Or in the case of dark magic, to use them as a weapon against the living."

"I'm sure you are aware of the benefits of celebrating ceremonial holidays such as Yule, Midsummer Solistice, Samhain and so on, correct?"

"Yes."

"Good, so we will skip that and move on to Enochian magic."

"Eno-what?"

"Enochian magic, which relates to conjuring and commanding spirits, those being of the angelic sort."

"Angels exist..."

"Wizards, werewolves, fae, and many others exist. Why not angels?"

"The world is so big, yet so small at the same time," She groaned as she rubbed her temples.

"That's the world we live in. May as well get used to it."

"Fair enough."

"Now, Enochian magic falls under Light magic due to the terms it's based on. This type of magic can be performed through prayers and ceremonies. As such they are used for strengthening and well-being of the user, but you should be warned that they have any and all rights to refuse your call for help."

"Chaos magic is just like its name, the spells categorized under this cause chaos, anarchy, madness, you name it. It could be minor to lethal. This practice of magic falls under dark gray due to how it's a bit hard to put into words, but I'll show you variances later on."

He took a deep breath and fell back on the grass as Nicole took a spot next to him, "Now, where was I? Oh, yes. The next one is Elemental magic which falls under gray magic. You know the four main elements, right?"

"Yes, fire, water, earth, and air, right?"

"Correct, but there are many combinations of those elements that can be used. Such as Ash, Lava, Electricity, Shadows, Ice, and so on. There are so many variants that can be used. Some people are born with the natural ability to use one or a few elements unlocked along with their magic. But they can be learned like any other magic it just takes more of a toll, especially if you plan on learning more than one."

"That's...wow."

"I know. It shocked me as well when I first learned that tidbit of information."

"What elements have you learned so far?"

He remained silent for a moment before he spoke, "Wind, water, and Ice so far. But I try to learn at least two spells in all the elemental variants I can find."

"Good rule to have, Xeno."

He nodded, "Now, onto Alchemy falls under gray magic which is centered around transmuting material from one form to another. Such a simple rock to gold or even diamonds. Nicolas Flamel is the only known maker of the Philosopher's stone and the epitome of what Alchemy can do."

"Alchemy was always interesting."

"It is, now onto Imitation magic."

"Imitation magic?"

"Yep. This magic allows the user to imitate other people and their magic, it is viciously useful in battle as you are using your opponent's moves against them. With enough practice, a person can easily shift into another person without being a Metamorphmagus or through potions."

"Oh wow."

He tugged at his collar, "Sex magic is something that includes all sexual activity and this allows users to transcend an altered reality, a world between worlds they say. Along with strengthening the bond between lovers, couples, and soul mates."

"I see. Have you tried it?"

He flushed as he coughed a bit, "Yes. But I suggest you wait to do it in privacy and with someone that has your pure romantic interest and good intentions, please."

"Okay."

"Now, Emotional magic in its' barest form is gray magic, but emotional magic as you should know is connected to the emotions of the user. Negative and positive emotions will affect the users and the area or people around them. It can influence passively if you how to control them. Such a commander walking on a battlefield can inspire their allies while weakening enemy morale."

"So it's a passive or active form of magic?"

"Yes. Shadow magic varies from gray to dark gray, but it depends on the spell."

"So when you went to work yesterday..."

He nodded, "That's shadow travel. It's easy once you get the hang of it, but you need to know where to go or you can end up in any random location. It's kind of like apparition, but without splinching."

"I see."

"Rune magic is wonderful to learn, as I'm sure you are taking Ancient Runes, right?"

"Yes."

"Then you already know the basics of Runes," He quipped

"Yeah, I do. They are rather interesting."

He noticed her arms, making her hide them behind her back.

"Rune carving?"

She nodded, "I found a book in the Chamber of Secrets that showed me how to do it."

"You found the Chamber of Secrets?"

"Would you believe me if it's in a girl's bathroom?"

"With a Basilisk no less?"

"Well, used to be Basilisk."

"You killed it, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"It's in Gringotts, isn't it?"

She grinned, "Yeah, I made a bunch of goblin friends that day. Especially when I showed them how to remove their glands to magically produce more venom."

"You're sitting on the largest amount of Basilisk ingredients that would cause any potion master to go mad?"

"Pretty much?"

He snorted and patted her head, "You are full of surprises. We'll go back to that later. The final magic type I wish to tell you about is Almighty magic."

"Almighty..."

"Magic, yes. This is the top pillar of what all magic of were only a few magic-users were able to reach. Merlin and the four Founders were rumored to reach that pillar. Very little is known about Almighty magic and what it entails. This one cannot be categorized into light, neutral, or dark."

"I see...How interesting."

"It is."

The pair continued to speak the day away before they entered for dinner. As the summer continued, he helped her with various forms of dueling, practicing and perfecting multiple spells for multiple different uses or adding to her list of recommended magical books.

He loved to watch her train and practicing with her was always amusing and it made relieving stress from work so much easier. He hadn't had a good sparring partner since he started his job.

Much to her surprise, she found out that he had a motorcycle. It was different than Sirius' own. It was sleek, beautiful and a solid metal gray color. She loved to help him clean and polish it. If she wasn't with him, she was listening to Luna play on her mother's old piano that was placed in the back of the house.

Luna loved to play it and Xeno didn't mind at all, it was just hard for him to see his wife's piano every day.

However, all good things must come to an end and she knew that she had to go back, much to her dismay but she got birthday presents from both of them. Luna got her several pairs of legwarmers made from spider silk in various colors. Xeno gave her a pair of black cowboy boots that Luna told him that she had her eyes on.

She hugged both of them tightly, thanking them repeatedly as she placed her gifts in her trunk and reluctantly made her way back to the Potter mansion, waving both Lovegoods goodbye for housing her for so long.

[Potter Mansion]

Entering her bedroom filled her with a sense of loneliness and a tiny bit of dread before it disappeared.

She silently thought, 'All good things must come to an end I suppose.'

Nicole put all of her journals and books back in their proper place as she placed her dirty laundry on top of her trunk as she laid down on her bed and whistled, "Mixy!"

An elf dressed in a purple dress and black shoes popped into existence, "Nicky Potter, you returned!"

She smiled at her private house-elf, "Yes, did they question my disappearance?"

Mixy gave her a sad smile, "They did not, they said it would be better to not involve you."

She closed her eyes, "Good. Thank you."

"Do you have any dirty clothes?"

"Yes and two new gifts."

"Ah, yes. Happy Birthday, Nicky Potter. Would you like your favorite for dinner, tonight?"

She gave her a soft smile in return, "Yes, thank you, Mixy."

They smiled back before taking her dirty clothes to wash as Nicole plucked a random book about potions from her shelf and made to read it in peace as she removed the notice-me-not charm she placed around her room.

As she found herself getting lost in her reading, she heard a knock on her door, making her flinch as she hoped the person who knocked would go away. However, when she heard the doorknob turn she felt her dream for continuous peace turned to dust as she kept her eyes on the pages of her book as the door fully opened to reveal Sirius.

He stepped into her bedroom and took in her form as she still had her nose in a book.

She refused to look up as she calmly asked, "What is it?"

"Your parents want you to come down and greet everyone."

"Everyone?"

"The Weasleys."

She felt her lips twitch in irritation as she sighed, snapped the book she was reading shut before getting off her bed, made her way passed him as he followed after until she slammed her door shut behind him with a slight gesture of her fingers.

Making her way downstairs, everyone turned to her with Sirius trailed behind her. She didn't look happy at all and it was immediately noted.

Molly huffed, "Nicole, you should know better. You would think after all these years you would learn how to greet people properly."

She refused to say anything as she kept her face blank as Molly continued to scold her for not being happy to see them or even greet them with a smile. She had to bite her tongue to prevent the scowl that wanted to so desperately appear on her face.

The mere thought of smiling especially at her made her temples ache before she turned away from her and her family as she made her way into the kitchen.

Molly huffed while Sirius sat next to Theodore as they soon forgot about her and that was all Nicole wanted, but it seemed that Remus had his eye on her. She could feel his stare boring into her back but she refused to respond to it as she just made a roasted pepper sandwich, sent it up to her bedroom before making her way past him.

Before he could raise a hand or open his mouth to stop her, she nearly sprinted upstairs into the safety of her bedroom and locked it behind her.

Remus could only sigh with a shake of his head over how isolated she made herself out to be, 'If only she wasn't so stubborn, she wouldn't be missing out on so many memories with her parents and brother.'

Nicole sighed as she locked her door and jumped into her bed as she made to practice her magic the way Xeno showed her as she ate. Slowly pooling her magic into her hand, she gave it shape, switching from a sphere, a cube, a pyramid, and a cone. Concentrating on manipulating her magic was hard but it was amazing to experience.

The last days of summer passed by quickly and Nicole couldn't wait until she was out of the house. She was still in her pajamas and she already finished her breakfast that was cleaned up by Mixy.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

James pounded on her door, "Get up and get dressed, Nicole. We are going to be shopping for supplies with the Weasleys."

She closed her eyes as she waited for him to leave, once his footsteps faded away she sighed, "How revolting."

Nicole jumped out of bed and made to take a bath and changed in a pair of bootcut jeans, her black cowboy boots, with an over-sized black shoulder shirt.

She made her way downstairs to find James, Lily, Theodore, the Weasley family, Sirius, and Remus all waiting for her. Molly opened her mouth to scold her for her outfit choice, but Nicole didn't care.

She made her way past her, grabbing a handful of floo powder and announced, "Diagon Alley!"

Then she stepped into the flames, leaving everyone else behind to soothe the mother hen's fragile ego as she knew Molly would be huffing for the rest of the day.

She then found herself in the Leaky Cauldron and quickly made her leave before she could be dragged to fall into step behind Theodore and his posse of admirers. She soon found Luna making runs with Xeno and she rushed towards them.

"Luna! Xeno!"

Luna grinned and greeted her with a hug that was immediately returned before she hugged Xeno with a grin on her face.

"How are you both?"

"I'm fine. And you are wearing your gift already?" Xeno quipped

"I love them and I couldn't imagine not breaking them in yet. Today seemed like the best opportunity."

He laughed as Luna asked, "Are you shopping as well?"

"Yep, but I'd like to go off on my own. They can easily deal without me and I don't want to deal with Molly. She's all up in a huff considering how I ignored her."

Xeno couldn't help but grin, "She always did hate that. Come before the streets get crowded with your brother's admirers."

She giggled and followed after them happily chatting with them as Sirius watched from the background as Nicole melted into the crowd of people. Her smile struck a chord within him as he couldn't remember the last time he saw her with a smile directed at him or at anyone.

He then pulled himself away and made his way back inside the Leaky Cauldron as Lily dusted herself off.

"Is everyone here?"

"Yes."

"Even Nicole?"

Sirius joined them, saying, "She went ahead without us."

James scoffed, "Dammit."

He patted James on the shoulder, "Don't worry Prongs, I'll keep an eye on her. She couldn't have gotten far."

"Fine. We are all going to eat ice cream when we are finished shopping."

"Then I'll meet with you at the shop."

"Yeah."

Molly scoffed, mumbling about Nicole being a nuisance once again, while Theodore looked a bit put out that his favorite uncle wouldn't follow around to bask in his glory and mentally added another checkmark against his sister.

Sirius just smiled, saying bye to Theodore and made to trail after Nicole.

[With Nicole]

As the group continued to walk, Nicole stopped.

"Dammit."

Xeno looked at her, "Is something a matter?"

"I forgot my shopping list for the books I need this year."

"I'm sure, the bookstore knows exactly which ones you need."

"Let us hope."

"Do you know your OWL results?"

"No, but I didn't get the chance to look at them, but I hope I did well."

"Knowing you, you did just fine. Now let's get your books first."

The three stepped into Flourish and Blotts and made their way to the counter.

Nicole's set of books:

The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6

Advanced Potion-Making

Confronting the Faceless

A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration

Advanced Rune Translation

Flesh-Eating Trees of the World

Luna's set of books:

The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 3

Intermediate Transfiguration

Numerology and Grammatica

Spellman's Syllabary

The Essential Defence Against the Dark Arts

After getting everything in order, Nicole smiled, "Thank you, sir."

Xeno smiled, "Of course. Now onwards to the next shop, am sure you need supplies? I'm sure I do."

"How about Quills, I need new quills," Nicole asked

"Quills it is!"

"Then can we go to the Apothecary?"

"Why not?"

The trio continued on their merry way with Sirius trailing behind them as he watched them.

They first entered Amanuensis Quills shop before entering the Apothecary for Xeno to shop before they went to the student one for supplies for potions. Then getting new cauldrons for the year at Potage's Cauldron shop.

After that the group continued to move as Sirius trailed after them, finding her acting happy and chattering instead of disconnected like he usually saw her when she was near either him or the rest of her family. He watched her get fitted for her uniform at Madam Malkin's, the Lovegoods ran into the Malfoys.

Before he could step in, Nicole softly apologized for running into them in her haste to get to the next shop along with Xeno and Luna following suit, they accepted their apology and went their way with no more hassle other than a prolonged glance.

Then they went into Knockturn Alley where Xeno entered a non-reputable bookstore. He knew he couldn't enter without causing a scene and he could only wonder what the hell Xeno was doing taking two girls there.

Xeno made to pick up several materials he pre-ordered for himself with Luna trailing after him while Nicole made to explore the rest of the shop by herself wondering what to pick only to find herself being stared at.

She looked across from her and softly stated, "You know it's impolite to stare, especially when you are hidden. Am I really so strange to gawk at?"

A young man slowly made his way over to her as he clapped, "I'm surprised you caught me."

She took in his form, he was wearing a black suit with strange red loafers, he had a light complexion with a large grin on his face, a sharp nose with a pair of hazel red eyes. His hair was red with brown undertones, it was scruffy-looking almost as if he came out looking like he had just got out of bed. He towered over by several inches and let off a feeling of power. It was like that of a simmering cauldron but it was restrained ever so tightly.

"I know when I'm being stared at."

"Ah...True. Must be hard, being the elder sibling of such a troublesome younger brother."

She blinked at him, "What is it to you, sir?"

He raised up a gloved hand up to stop her, "Please, please, don't call me sir. Although I love your use of formality, I am only a year older than you."

"Then what should I call you if not sir?" She quipped

"Call me Alastor."

"He who does not forget, avenger, and tormentor. All rather interesting meanings to such a unique sounding name."

His grin only grew slightly bigger, "A hard-working Ravenclaw?"

She simply shrugged her shoulders, "You can never have enough knowledge."

"No, no you cannot," He laughed in agreement.

Before they could chat anymore, Xeno finished his transaction and she could feel him flaring his magic calling her, "Unfortunately, we cannot chat any longer. I have to leave."

"Well, I hope to see you again soon enough."

She nodded back, giving him a slight bow before turning away to meet Xeno and Luna at the door as Alastor stepped back into the shadows, watching her disappear from his gaze. He never felt so amused as he whispered, "It will be so nice to see you again. Very, very nice."

Then he disappeared from the shop altogether.

Sirius waited for Nicole to come out of the trice-accursed alley and once she did, he let out of a breath he was holding. He went over to her and he could see the scowl that flittered across her features before it became the emotionless mask he was accustomed to seeing.

"Nicole."

"Black, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Theodore and his posse?"

"I wanted to check on you. When I saw you entering Knockturn Alley..."

She slowly raised an eyebrow, "And what? Did you expect me to be cackling with the Hags?"

He didn't really have any words before she turned towards Xeno and Luna, "It seems we have to end our trip. My collars are calling and they'll grow agitated without their loudest enforcer."

Sirius wanted to wince at her icy tone as she hugged Luna and Xeno goodbye before she turned to him and said, "The ice cream shop, correct? Let us go, the sooner we meet them, the sooner I can sleep."

He was silent as he followed after her, his gaze never leaving her as he couldn't wrap his head around her connection with the Lovegoods. He was her godfather, yet she never looked at him like she did with Xeno or hugged him. He couldn't even recall chatting with her, all he knew that she was a Ravenclaw that always had her head in a book. He didn't even know anything about her.

'How is it possible that I know so little about my own goddaughter?'

Finally, they met up with everyone else and she made her way to the other side of the shop, ignoring the smug glares of her brother and Ronald as Sirius joined them.

She took a seat on a private table as she waited for them to finish as she pulled out a book and made to read before she heard Remus' voice call out to her, "Nicole we are leaving."

She stood up and made to follow after them, Sirius' stare boring into her as she sighed and entered the flames, as everyone was piling into the living room.

Nicole made to go upstairs only for Sirius to stop her, "Nicole why don't you take a seat?"

She raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"Don't you want to join us?" He asked, softly

"I'm sure you can handle my absence fairly well, it never stopped you before."

As she made her way passed him he commented, "But where did you go with the Lovegoods?"

Making everyone pay attention, looking between her and Sirius.

She barely stopped a snarl that threatened to rise from her throat, "What's it to you? But if you must know, Mr. Lovegood was picking up several pre-ordered books for his research, nothing of your concern. I just joined him to explore the shop at my leisure. Anything else, Black?"

His silver eyes bored into green ones as she scoffed and made to leave only to have someone grab her arm and much to her revulsion it was Ron.

Her disgust was apparent on her face as she gritted out, "Let go of me."

Revamped version: 12/16/2019

Ending the chapter here! I hope you all like it! I hate my overactive imagination sometimes as I need to update the rest of my stories, but I couldn't help myself. Especially since I find myself constantly re-writing this one chapter for the last six fucking months, meaning it won't go away until it's published. But now that it is, maybe I can finally get some damn work done.

May your next year be greater and have a lot less hassle then this year. May all of you have a wonderful holiday and make sure to say thanks for all the things you have.

~Kourtney Uzu Yato!