The Leaky Cauldron.

The old and dusty tavern never failed to remind her of when she was eleven years old. A little girl who had taken up the identity of Roxanne King, living a life of isolation and fear with a new found hope of the future. She smiled sadly at the thought of her first trip to Diagon Alley, it was the first and last trip her mother had accompanied her on and it was magical. The crowded street pumped her with adrenaline, the flying brooms excited her and the many text books fueled her young and eager mind.

Roxy was suddenly jerked out of her train of thought as somebody hurled into her back, throwing her off balance and propelling her to the floor. She winced in anticipation of impact as her face flew towards the hard wood floor, her arms doing their best to protect her. Suddenly a pair of strong hands took a firm hold of her waist, thrusting her back. In a moment she was flush against a warm chest, muscles felt through the fabric of the sweater he wore.

"You're generally supposed to move out of the way, to prevent this sort of thing." Sirius Black breathed in her ear. Roxy felt a shiver go down her spine as his warm breath caressed her neck. His hands held her waist firmly, bringing her mind back to the intimate moment that had passed in her room. "We should probably go before James finds us in another compromising position." She founds herself nodding, before she grudgingly slips out of his hold. Refusing to indulge her need to look at him, Roxy hurried forward in search of James.

Suddenly the boy in question bound forward, a curious bounce in his step. "We seem to be early. I propose we head to muggle London, I need to buy Lily a gift."

"You made us leave early on purpose, didn't you?" Roxy narrowed her eyes. James merely grinned. Spinning around he led them out the door into a deserted alley. Following behind James, with Sirius walking surprisingly close next to her as he slipped on his jacket, she assumed he knew exactly where he was headed as they arrived outside a clothing boutique.

"Lily mentioned this place before, said it was her favourite." Roxy let the name of the shop roll off her tongue a couple times, the memory of Lily gushing about the place came to mind. She couldn't help but smile over at James, bouncing with excitement.

"You're honestly amazing, you know that James." The boy next to her shrugged, suddenly timid. Turning to face Sirius, she was pleasantly surprised to find him void of jealousy. Instead she found him smiling, looking proudly towards his best mate.

"Catch." Roxy squealed as James tossed a bag of coins at her.

"Oi!' Was this boy ever testing her patience.

"Mom wants you to buy a dress for New Year eve." He chuckled, leading them into the shop.

Roxy buried the groan that crawled up her throat. The Potter's had done so much for her since she had come into their lives, putting aside her dislike of shopping for a day was the least she could do. Leaving James in Sirius' capable hands she headed deeper into the store.

'Very capable.' she thought, stealing a glance at the shaggy haired boy.

Walking passed displays of beautifully crafted jewelry and scarves with intricate patterns, Roxy headed towards the back to the rows of gorgeous gowns in a multitude of colours. Sighing, she felt an overwhelming irritation come over her.

"They couldn't just have a neon sign saying 'Hey, you! Pick this dress!'"

"Not neon, but I'm sure I can help you." Roxy spun around, coming face to face with an attractive blonde, not much older then herself. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, realizing he had overheard her talking to herself.

"Why, hello there... Mike." Her eyes flashed down to his name tag, reading it off slowly. He grinned at her, clearly amused as her blush deepened.

"Here, try this one." He handed her a gold, sequent dress. Allowing herself to smile back at the boy, she snatched the dress out of her his hands. Walking off towards the change room, she rolled her eyes at the boys next comment.

"I'll be right here if you need any assistance." Roxy snorted. Pulling on the dress, she came to the realization that Mike had chosen one of the most snug dresses that had ever been created by mankind. Barely reaching mid thigh, she was positive Mrs. Potter wouldn't appreciate her money going towards so little material.

"Rox? Did you pick a dress?" James called from the other side of the door.

"Err... Well - " She grimaced.

"Come on, don't be modest!" Cocking her head to the side, she couldn't help herself at chuckling at his choice of words.

"If you say so.. " Mumbling under her breath, she opened the door to find three boys standing before her. The very helpful employee, *snort*, Mike assaulted her with his eyes while Sirius stood, wide eyed and mouth agape, unable to speak. As quick as lightning, James stood in front of her, pushing her back into the changing room.

"Nope. No. Not happening!" Roxy giggled.

"You told me to - "

"Well I didn't tell you to buy a second skin!" Breaking out into a fit a laughter, she pulled off the dress and threw it over the change room door.

"Well, grab me another or I'm coming out naked." James growled.

"Sirius, grab Roxy a dress." He ordered, shaking his friend out of Roxy's spell. "Something appropriate!" As Sirius hurried off, James rounded on the other boy.

"Who are you?"

"Sorry mate! Just doing my job, didn't realize she had a boyfriend - " James grimaced.

"I'm not - I'm her ... Brother." Listening from her side of the door, she swelled with pride and happiness. 'He's such a peach.' She thought to herself.

Roxy squeaked at the sudden sharp knock on the opposite side of the door. Standing in her knickers, hands on her hips she panted. "Seriously!"

"Sorry!" Sirius chuckled. She spotted his hand at the top of the door, sparkly blue fabric hanging across the door.

"Er, thanks." Roxy mumbled. Avoiding his hand, she grabbed the dress. Pulling it on, she shivered as the silky fabric made contact with her skin. Shocked at Sirius' excellent taste in women's clothing, she promised herself to tease him about it later.

She turned in front of the full length mirror that hung at the back of the changing room. The dress was an enticing deep midnight blue that lightened to a pale purple as it reached the bottom. Falling gracefully passed her hips, it stopped just before reaching the tiled foor, the fabric flared as she turned slowly. The strapless bodice hugged her chest, while the cut out sweetheart neckline added a hint of sexy without going over board.

When she walked out of the change room she wore her regular clothes once again. Grinning at Sirius, she walked over to Mike and made her purchases, thanking him for all the help. She grinned as James mimicked her, sarcastically thanking the blonde boy.

As the trio exited the boutique, Roxy let the laughter roll off her tongue, her body unable to contain it any longer. Sirius grinned as her sudden hysterics while James simply rolled his eyes.

"Your face!" She giggled, finding great pleasure in the fact that their roles were reversed. James had been laughing at her awkward interactions with Sirius and now she could enjoy his embarrassment, even if it was over him protecting her. As her laughter subsided, she rounded on the spectacled boy. Hands on his shoulders, she grinned.

"Seriously, though. Thank you, James. Or should I say big brother?" With a brilliant smile he grabbed one of her arms and wrapped it around his own, leading her back down the street towards the Leaky Cauldron.

"Well, it's basically what we are, isn't it?" Roxy returned his genuine smile, a bounce in her step.

"Most definitely!"

Reaching out, Roxy wrapped her arm in Sirius', ignoring the tension in his muscles that occurred at her touch. For a moment, she tightened her arm around his, not wanting to give him a moment to slip free. The scene a top the Quidditch stands replayed in her mind, Sirius and the weather were both colder that night. Did he still feel the same? What if he did? Roxy knew she couldn't force him to be near her, nor could she force him to be her friend or anything else.

The smile slipping from her lips, she loosened her hold on him. Her arm feeling heavy all of a sudden, she went to pull away when his strong hand wrapped around hers. Firm yet gentle, he held her hand in place, not allowing her to slip away from him. Slightly shocked, Roxy looked up at him. Grey eyes met brown, a gentle, almost secret, smile passed between them as James led them back towards the pub.

The trio was barely a minute away from the Leaky Cauldron when Sirius came to a sudden stop. Like a domino effect, Sirius pulled Roxy to a stop, and in turn she pulled James.

"Ow." James mumbled, a disgruntled look crossing his face as he turned to the other boy. "What was that about?" Sirius, a broad grin across his lips, nodded towards the building they had almost walked passed.

"Are you serious?" James asked, his eyes open wide but his mouth held his trademark smirk as they flicked back and forth between Sirius and the tattoo parlour. His best mate nodded eagerly at him, sparkling white teeth against his wide smile.

"Seriously?" Roxy asked, brow raised. Not that she was against tattoos, in fact she had always wanted one herself, but she wanted to make sure her companions were genuine before proposing the idea that had bounced within her skull at the sight of the parlour. "Like actually, honest to Merlin, serious?" After exchanging glances, in which Roxy was convinced they somehow were communicating telepathically, they both began to nod enthusiastically.

"Good, then I have a brilliant idea!" A mischievous look of her own, she tightened her grip on the boys arms before half running towards the nearest alley. A sign swung noisily with age, 'The Leaky Cauldron' written in beautiful, faded script. Hurrying into the pub, warmth washed over them, winter behind them.

Roxy continued on, rushing across the floor, weaving passed costumers and waitressed. Her brown eyes glowed as they narrowed on the exit. Adrenaline bubble in her chest and she didn't want to risk losing her nerve before they arrived at their destination.

"Sirius! James! Roxy!" Until that moment, Roxy had been quite sure she had been pulling the boys along with her immense strength. But upon hearing their names, the boys stopped dead in their tracks causing Roxy's feet to slide against the old hard wood but coming no closer to the door. Apparently the boys had just been willingly going along with her.

"Remus!" James and Sirius echoed happily. Roxy kept her tight hold on the boys as she felt them loosen their grip on her.

"Nope!" She half shouted. "James grab Remus, no stopping - "

"Roxy -" Sirius tried to reason, amused at the girl antics.

"Oi! Lets pretend I'm super strong and allow me to drag you lot to my idea! Please!" Amused, the boys willingly followed their female friend. Not only because they were genuinely happy to see her in such a wonderful mood, but because they were rather curious at what she was up to. She dragged them back out into the bitter cold, weaving through the busy streets of Diagon alley until she suddenly brought them to a halt in front of a street sign that read 'Knockturn Alley'.

"We are definitely not going down there." James ordered, his voice stern. Roxy grinned, she felt warmth in her belly. James reminded her of a younger version of his father. It made her giddy with excitement, knowing one day he'd have children of his own and he would be just as amazing as his own father.

"No. We are not. You know I wouldn't.. Especially after.." Her face serious, she looked him deep in the eyes. A silent promise being made. "But we are going in here." Twisting her body to the left, now facing an old shop that was smack in between Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley.

"A magical tattoo shop?" Remus asked, looking slightly worried.

"I came here once with Chase - my brother. It looks rough, but the blokes were really kind. They fed me chocolate frogs while my brother received his tattoo. We're magical, it would only be appropriate if we received magical tattoos." She shook with energy. Remus' face lightened at the sound of chocolate.

"Roxy.. Am I getting the impression that you want to get a tattoo?" James asked, he looked nervous and uneasy.

"That doesn't exactly seem like 'your thing'. " Remus said. Roxy could read the concern on his face as if someone had written it with a permanent quill. She sighed.

"I've honestly always wanted one. Ever since Chase... Well I've been curious . After everything that's happen I think it fits. "

"Ergh, that's hot." Sirius groaned. His three companions broke out into grins and chuckles as his face flamed red.

"I guess... That's another good point?" Roxy raised an amused brow towards James and Remus who simply shrugged. "Well... Allons-y!"

Skipping into the shop, the boys couldn't help but be amused at the fact that Roxy looked like a bright, blossoming flower in the center of a dark, goth designed room. The wizard at the counter was large, hairless, he had a dozen piercings and his tattoos tripled that amount. He neck and top of his head covered in magical ink, along with his arms and the little amount of chest she could see. His expression was grave, eyes narrowed at the bubbly young woman who stood before.

"Hello." She greeted brightly. " Three.. er.. " As she turned around, the wizard spotted her three male companions. "Remus, you two right?" Before he could fully answer she turned back towards the large man, her brilliant smile never wavering. "Four tattoos. All of age. Would that be possible?"

Narrowing his eyes at the girl, he noted how young the group looked. It was indeed possible they were of age, but also possible they weren't. The girls smile, was contagious though, the wizard found himself fighting with his dark and threatening demeanor. His eyes travelled to the boys behind her, waiting for one of them to crack under his intense glare. But with a reassuring glance from the beautiful brunette, they all kept still.

"Follow me." He growled passed his thick beard. Shock overcame the three teenage wizard as the large man's scary demeanor cracked. His eyes meeting Roxy's, his lips twitched upwards and he smiled a large smile.

He led them to a back room, where a handful of similar tattooed and pierced witches and wizards sat. Some worked, hunched over men and women, their wands inking tattoos into their skin.

"Girl, you're with me. Four eyes, with Clark. Pretty boy, Star, and 6foot, Darnel with take care of you." Wary, the boys spread out towards their designated artists. Each sending Roxy concerned glances, as if they were worried for her safety. Rolling her eyes, she skipped behind the large wizard.

Taking the seat on the leather chair offered to her, she grinned giddily. Roxy didn't completely understand where the feeling originated. Her life had twisted into her own personal hell this passed week but sitting in the uncomfortable, cracked leather chair, she was overcome with a sense of rebellion. This would be the moment, she realized. It was unusual to pin point the moment your life changed, but Roxy knew this was hers. This was the day, the moment, that she would turn her own life around. She wasn't going to cower behind her mother's fear or her brothers orders.

Eye wide with glee, a large smile filled with true happiness, she cast her gaze across the room falling upon each boy as she went.

Remus Lupin, shaggy brown hair falling into his wide, kind eyes. Face slightly pale, causing the many scars, that had always made her wonder, glow a deep red. His cheeks were flushed a dark red as he spoke to 'Darnel', a thin man who rivalled him in height, every inch of skin decorated in black ink.

James Potter, looking almost as giddy as Roxy. Watching his blue eyes sparkle, she felt a feeling close to pride. He babbled excitedly to the tattoo artist, his mouth and hands moving at record speed. The tattoo artist by the name of Clark looked slightly apprehensive.

Then there was Sirius Black. He looked oddly timid as he talked to the witch, her white blonde hair braided down her back. Roxy felt a sting of jealousy as the womans smile grew. Roxy didn't let the feeling ruin her mood as Sirius eyes shifted towards her and for a moment his brilliant smile was focused on her.

"So, little lady - "

"Roxy." She cut him, her brown orb wide with innocence. A kind smile appeared on his large face. Oddly enough it fit comfortable, though he looked like he could throw someone through a brick wall, kindness fit him like a glove.

"Odrick." He replied simply. "Roxy, what are we creating today?" If possible, her grin grew larger as she leaned forward and whispered so only he could hear.

"Seems symbolic." She nodded, mouth closed firmly. Odrick grinned. "Well lets get started."

Hopping out of the chair, unknowingly gaining the attention of her three companions, she unzipped her jacket and dropped it to the floor next to her chair. Ignoring the ball of nerves that grew in the pit of her stomach, she watched Odrick prepare his station. Turning her chair around, he used his wand to move the back of the chair into a laying position. Gesturing for Roxy to take a seat, she threw one leg over the chair, straddling it.

A loud 'Oi' went through the parlour as she gripped the hem of her long sleeve, pulling it over her head and discarding it on the floor next to her jacket. Rolling her eyes at James narrowed stare, she bent forward and wrapped her arms around the back of the chair.

"Boyfriend?" Odrick asked gleefully as he eyed James. Roxy snorted.

"More like Brother of no actual relation." The large tattooist nodded, as if he knew exactly what she meant. For all Roxy knew, he could also have a bond with another that was more like siblings instead of friends.

"How about pretty boy over there?" Roxy could feel the tip of his wand touch the spot between her shoulder blades, a tingling sensation began to prickle the beginning of her spine. Pushing the odd sensation from her mind, she looked up towards Sirius and was shocked to find his eyes locked onto her face. The shock was almost enough to distract her from the fact that he was shirtless. Almost.

"Definitely not my brother." She swallowed, her mouth feeling dry as her eyes scanned every inche of her chest, toned and cut to utter perfection in her opinion. Another stab of jealous shot through her chest as 'Star' laid a perfectly manicured hand on his stomach. Clearing her throat, she averted her eyes. Twisting her head around so she could look back at Odrick as he worked on her back.

"How long have you worked here?"

"Since before I graduated Hogwarts... Going on ten years now I'd say." The man responded, his eyes never leaving his work. A shiver went through her at the feeling of strange hands touching her bare skin.

"Would you remember a young man who came in and got a tattoo of a double headed eagle, on his chest?" Odrick stopped what he was doing and looked at her, his eyes narrowed as if he was searching for something. Suddenly he smiled and leaned forward but didn't continue his work.

"The Durmstrang fellow... I remember him and the little girl... That was you wasn't it?" Roxy grinned, nodding.

"Me and my big brother, Chase."

"Yes, I remember you. Weren't we stuffing you with candy?"

"Chocolate frogs." She grinned with excitement. "I also got to keep all the cards, that's where half my collection came from." Her smile split her face in half as he chuckled.

An hour later Roxy found herself pulling her long sleeve back on, followed by her heavy jacket. She ignored the ghost pain between her shoulder blades as she her face split in half, beaming brightly as she thanked Odrick for the fifth time.

"Alright lil Rox, make sure to take care of yourself." Odrick placed a large hand on the top of her head, ruffling her dark hair. She rolled her eyes.

"Always do! Plus I have these idiots to watch my back." Roxy waved behind her at the boys who were paying for their own tattoos, while always keeping a watchful eye on her. "I'll be back."

"Is that right?"

"Wont stop till I've got more tattoos then you do." She grinned and with a wink she turned around and headed back towards her friends.

"Do you think Lily likes tattoos?" Roxy giggled at James' question, Remus sent him a disgruntled look while Sirius chuckled.

"Girls think tattoos are hot too, James." Roxy winked, grinning as her friend beamed. "Wait a moment, I still haven't paid - "

"There's no need." Sirius mumbled, his cheeks flushing as he steered her out of the parlour by her elbow. James and Remus close behind, the latter ignoring his friends questions about girls thinking tattoos are sexy.

"What do you mean, Sirius?"

"I paid" He held up a hand as Roxy opened her mouth to speak. "Don't worry about it. I figured it could count as your Christmas gift." He offered her a small smile, his gray orbs held a slight sadness that she couldn't understand. She sighed, how on earth was she supposed to top that gift?

"I guess I'll accept it. Just know you'll be receiving the most amazing gift on the planet... Once I figure out what that is." Sirius chuckled, looking slightly less flushed and pulled her further down Diagon alley in search of the rest of their group.

It didn't take long for the Quartet to find the rest of their Gryffindor group. Perched outside of the Quidditch supplies shop, Lily explained that it was the best place to find James. Her explanation had left said boy beaming with happiness and without much thought he wrapped her in a tight squeeze, quickly letting her go before she could hex him. Looking slightly dishevelled, flushed and unsure of how to react, she picked up the bags she had dropped and suggested they get to their Christmas shopping.

An hour later found the teenagers separating in small groups, hoping this would make their shopping trip progress quicker and facilitate purchasing for one another. Roxy had just thanked the shop keeper in Flourish & Blotts when she was suddenly spun around with familiar hands, grey eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Have you got my gift yet? Come on, what is it?" Roxy snorted, placing a hand on Sirius chest, all the while ignoring the shiver that passed down her back, she pushed him away. The arms that had tangled around her waist fell to his sides causing his brilliant smile to falter slightly.

"Not yet, and if I did you would definitely not be seeing it." She flashed him her own brilliant smile, eyes dancing with laughter. Sirius took a hold of her hands and led her to a more secluded area of the shop. Hands still intertwined he dropped his chin, his eyes looking straight into her own.

"You look really happy, Roxy." He observed.

"I feel very happy, Sirius." Heat spread across her cheeks as she blushed. "With everything that's been happening lately, I know I should be a mess but... After letting everything out, telling the girls everything... or mostly everything. I feel - lighter. Like a weight has been lifted or the shadows have retreated." Sirius looked pleased with her explanation.

"Tell me how happy you feel. Exactly."

"Exactly, eh?" She smile, her teeth grazing her bottom lip. Sirius took a sharp intake of breath, closing his eyes momentarily as she spoke.

"I feel 'propelling Sirius Black across the common room' happy." Her grin widened as he opened his eyes, shocked and confused.

" 'Hexing James Potter to look like a pig' happy." They chuckled at the memory as Sirius slowly swung his hands back bring Roxy's hand, along with her body, close to himself.

" 'Binding you and Severus in the library for your fan club to find you' happy." She laughed breathlessly as she became aware of the distance closing between their chests.

"Happier then I felt when the mischievous Marauders allowed me to accompany them to the Kitchens, or when you snuck me into Hogsmeads. Happier then I felt when I discovered it was you who surprised me with a Halloween outfit." Bodies almost flush against one another, Sirius untangled his long fingers from her own before he ran them up the back of her arms and resting them on the back of her shoulders.

"As happy as I felt during those seconds of bliss in the Quidditch stands." Her blush deepened at the memory. He had denied her that night and here she was taking another leap into the unknown. 'Gryffindor bravery' her mind grumbled. Her body tensed slightly as his hands continued their journey, one stopping in the crook of her neck while the other cradled her cheek.

"Its a happiness that didn't exist in my life before you." She admited.

Time seemed to stop and go on endlessly. Her mind shouted at him to 'get on with it', unable to breath she felt as if she was about to faint. The look in his eyes made her heart stop, dark and filled with lust. This was the moment that she had hoped for in the hallway and on the Quidditch pitch, where he would mold his lips against hers and she be over come with uncontrollable happiness.

But of course her mouth got in the way, and not in the way either of them had been hoping for.

"You've broken up with that Ravenclaw, right?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper and his lips only inches away. A deep groan passed through his lips. The most perfect lips in her opinion. A flash of irritation passed through his eyes, but Roxy was pleased to see himself hold it together.

"Of course, Roxy." He sighed. "Now, please, shut up!" She gasped as the hand in nape of her neck tightened slightly, his lips descending upon her own.

"There they are!" As if James' voice had cast a Flipendo jinx the pair sprung apart, making sure there was an agreeable amount of space between them.

Blush reaching new levels, Roxy sent Sirius an apologetic smile before hurrying towards her friend. "James, just the bloke I was looking for. We've got things to discuss." James, sporting a look between confusion and curiosity, allowed the springy brunette to drag him out of the shop, away from their friends and into the busy street.

Sirius let out the oxygen he hadn't realized had been trapped in his lungs. Disappointement and misery prodded at his chest as his heart weighed deep within him, heavy as stone. With another deep breath he placed a mask of indifferent upon his face. He wouldn't admit how easy it was to do such a thing, or how much that fact truly scared him. For so long he wore one mask or another, hiding behind like a scared little boy and then the arrival of one girl brings his entire facade tumbling down. Rubble and dust.

Roxy was a harsh bright light on his life, thrusting his true reflection before his eyes. He wasn't sure if this strange, sarcastic and beautiful girl was his saviour or his downfall and he found himself without care. Sirius had finally pulled himself out of the worry that plagued him in the Quidditch stands. Now, all he wanted to do was throw himself head first into the feelings he had for the girl, completely submerging himself in her heart.

But of course his best mate had to show up in all his oblivious glory and whisk his girl away. Sirius wondered when he started thinking of Roxy King as 'his girl'.

A pale hand placed gently on his shoulder brought him out of his train of thought. Emerald eyes sparkled with a certain recognition, as if the girl next to him knew exactly what he was going through in that moment. Offering Lily a small smile, he didn't doubt that she had experienced a similar tornado of emotions. Was it possible that she wanted his best mate just as much as he wanted hers?

He followed the group, minus Roxy and James, into the busy frosted street of Diagon alley. Last minute christmas shoppers pushing passed them in their hurry. After grumbling about the hectic crowd and their many bags, Lily shrunk everyones purchases small enough to fit in the purse that hung across her body.

Half an hour passed before they came across their two friends who has escaped them without so much as a word. Sirius watched as they stood amongst the traffic, faces beaming and split with large goofy smiles. He felt his breath hitch as her honey brown eyes snapped in his direction, their orbs clicking as they found one another. All he wanted to do was run through the crowd, push pass the shoppers and anything else that dared get into his way. He wanted to wrap his arms around her waist and finally take the kiss that he had missed out on the in book store.

He watched in confusion as the affection in her warm eyes slipped away, instead they widened in what he could only guess was shock. Her hand grasped James bicep, fingers clawing into his skin as he looked down at his companion with as much confusion as Sirius felt. But as James' stare turned in the direction of their friends his own eyes became wide, his face pale. Within seconds James bound forward, Roxy on his heel, as he rude and roughly pushed passed everyone that got in his way.

"Mate" Sirius prodded Remus' shoulder. "What's -" All of a sudden he was cut off by the startling crack of a storefront window exploding. Dust and stone rained down on them as another explosion came from their left, a little closer then the first. Down the street, coming from the direction of Knockturn Alley were masked men clad in billowing black robes.

"Death Eaters!" Mary gasped. Sirius' attention snapped to the group who had frozen in the middle of the alley next to him, they're eyes unable to leave the dark wizards that had suddenly appeared.

It was pandemonium. Time slowed and chaos danced around them as the crowd twisted into an uproar of fear and panic. Witches and Wizard, men, women and children were all running, screaming and crying. Praying that if they moved just a little bit fast they would be able to escape back home to the safety and love of their families. They prayed that by days end life still pumped through their veins.

"Let's go! Now" James ordered, his voice loud and strong. They had each been petrified by fear only moments ago, but with shout of action and authority they felt themselves pick up their feet. His grip wrapping tightly around Lily's arm, James beconned his friend to follow him as he turned back towards the direction he had come. They were all getting bumped and bruised as they ran, pushing passed the rest of the panicked shoppers. Blast and sickening thuds could be heard from behind them but no one dared to peek.

Roxy had stopped as they reached their friends, her eyes looking passed them at the wizards brandishing their wands dangerously. Eyes clouding as she watched people getting struck down by a rainbow of spells and curses. A burst of green light smacking into a middle aged man, his body slinking to the floor within seconds where people trampled over him. A sizzling yellow envelopped another man, she pictured a tortured and caged animal as he dropped to his knees, an unhuman shriek ripped his vocal cords to shreds as he clawed at his chest. A red one flew passed her, an arms length away, it hit a young woman causing her to spring back, he spine bending unnaturally.

A warm arm snacked around her waist, dragging her down the road away from the Death eaters. The alley was in such a panic that they found their attempts futile. People fell, people died all around her and she ran.

Gryffindor bravery was nowhere to be found.

Deciding that the street was too dangerous and that the Death eaters were much to close, James led them into an abandoned stationary shop. Pushing a shaken Lily in first, he held open the door watching as each of his friends entered before himself. Once he was positive that each of them were within the safety of its walls, he closed the door behind him. Adreneline pumping through his body.

"Remus, the back door!"

Remus snapped to attention, Mary and Dorcas following close behind, he ran towards the half open door in the back corner of the room. Peter followed close behind, tripping over his own feet in his rush to safety. The four of them had passed through the threshold into the back room before the front door was blown off its hinges, sprinkling them with bits of stone and glass. Marlene pushed Peter deeper into the store room, gesturing them all to drop to the ground. Out of sight from the Death eater. If he didn't notice the group of teenagers hidden amongst its shelves, perhaps he would leave the shop to create havoc some place else.

James and Lily crawled behind a large shelf in the second row, his hand on her shoulder as he crouched in front of her. It was as if he was trying to use his body to protect her, her very own human shield. Across from them kneeled Sirius and Roxy, wands at the ready.

The singular Death Eater whistles, glass from the recently destroyed front door crunching underfoot as he entered. The atmosphere still, they barely breathed in fear that if they allowed their bodies to suck in the much needed oxygen that their pathetic hiding spots would be discovered by the masked man.

All Lily wanted to do was shake and cry, the fear she felt was like no other. It grew in her chest and threaten to burst across her entire being. Her skin crawled and hands became uncontrollable, her wand almost clattering to the floor as her grip shook violently. Suddenly an arm wrapped itself around her waist, pulling her into James' chest. She was shocked to feel his own hand shaking against her skin as he held onto her like she was the last thing on the planet. He had been their rock, each and every one of them. The moment the Death Eaters had arrived and started shooting curses, bodies dropping, James had jumped into action making sure that not a single one of them was left behind.

It was this moment that Lily realized; James Potter was her hero, and she loved him dearly.

He held them all together. The glue that kept them all from falling apart. He gave her strength as he held her during the most frightening and dangerous moment of her life and she felt her grip tighten, as if new life sprung within her soul.

"Ready or not, here I am!"

James pulled Lily deeper into the shop as the Death eater stepped away from the entrance and walked towards the first set of shelves. Sirius, placing his hands on Roxy's hips, tried to do the same but found the girl frozen in place. Frozen cold from the inside out, her body unable to move no matter how much the boy behind her insisted.

"Come out, come out Baby Roo.." Wide, honey brown eyes flooded as they flicked up to meet emeralds. Roxy choked back a sob, all the strength in her body seemed to disappear and it took all she had not to collapse to the floor.

"Rox?" Lily whispered, her eyes locked onto her best friends. A slight nod of the brunettes head told her everything she needed to know, that her assumptions were correct. "No. No, Roxy." She shook her head, becoming frantic as red locks stuck to her sweat slick face. With one last sad frown, Roxy slipped out of Sirius' grasp, moving as quick as lightning.

There he was standing before her in all his grandeur, as if he was the most important person to walk the earth. Black, soulless orbs bore into her, prodding at her mind and soul. His lips lifting into a smirk, looking much too please for her comfort.

"Ma belle fille."

There he stood, on the opposite side of the destroyed shop. Looking exactly the same as the last time she laid eyes on him and he was just as terrifying.

Pierre DeBleu. Her father.

"Your mother always said you would grow to be my spitting image, how right she was. Bless her soul."

"Is this where you kill me now too?"

Sirius heart leaped into his throat. How could he just let her slip away one again, but this time worse then ever before. He felt pathetic and useless, and couldn't think straight. Across from his Lily's eyes bore into his own, accusing or begging he wasn't entirely sure.

"I would never dare to kill you, my dear girl." His voice made her skin crawl, as if a thousand creepy crawlers had dug their way under her skin. The slight accent mixed with the tone of satisfaction. He stood in front of her, like an animal catching its prey, he had found her and he was completely satisfied with himself. It disgusted her.

"Are you kidding me? Why not?" She gasped for breath as if there was a sudden lack of oxygen. A burst of anger burying the fear she had felt only moment ago. "You seemed quite keen on doing just that when you lit my house on fire!"

"Scare tactics, darling. Just a ploy to scare you into compliance."

"Well it didn't work. It will never work. You will just have to kill me."

"Oh, my dear. It worked. Anyway, I would never hurt my heir... Unless they were in need of a lesson." A bitter laugh ripped through her chest and cut across the silence in the shop. Outside screams of terror and sounds of destructions continued to play but it was as if they were in their own world, separated from the street outside.

"Heir?! That would be Chase as you clearly implied."

"Yes, he learned where his loyalties lie. That does not make him my Heir. Chase is weak, a mere follower. You, my beautiful Riley, are just like your father. " Her hands curled into first as smirk slides onto his face. " Its always been you, you were the one I wanted. You were the reason I never stopped searching."

"I am Roxanne King and I would rather die." Her voice shook but held so much power, so much emotion. The long forgotten wand in her hand sparked.

"Maybe you need one of those lessons now." He sneered, wand raised. "Obviously these mudbloods, blood traitors and half breed have caused you to spoil."