A Sliver of Change | S. Black

Part 3: Chapter 4

Part 3:

Chapter 4 –

June 30th, 1996

Lia skipped giddily towards the old Potter Manor, her heart racing at the thought of finally being able to go home. It had taken a few days for her to convince them all that she was well enough both mentally and physically to leave Hogwarts, especially knowing that it was getting too dangerous for Sirius to continue to sneak in there. He was still seen as a fugitive, the Ministry not yet relieving him of all crimes despite Lia's insistence. She planned on going to the Ministry soon, not only to showcase that she was alive and well but to demand that her boy get freed.

It was ridiculous that anyone could think that he would betray the only family he had, especially after witnessing how he acted in his memories. Which was why she had convinced him to go back to Potter Manor with her, getting Dumbledore's word that he would keep their location safe until the time came that Sirius could be free. She knew that it would be hard for him, his wild spirit wanting nothing more than to prove his innocence, but she was thankful that she was there now to be with him.

She had much to catch up on with him and Remus, as well as try to establish a closer relationship with Harry. She had hated saying goodbye to him when she dropped him off at the Dursley house and even allowed herself a moment of recklessness when she burned the entirety of their yard, destroying Petunia's cherished flowers as Harry would say and left them with a reminder to treat Harry correctly or she would be back.

Harry had been surprised by her actions before gracing her with a hug of thanks, the smile he left behind with her being one that she would hold on to for the next few weeks until she could see him again. Lia wished more than anything that Harry could stay with them, but knew it was safer in the long run if he stayed with those vile people, even if all she wanted to do to was hex them into another century. She also didn't want to overload him with her troubles or the fact that she should've been a vital component of his life if everything didn't happen. She just wanted to be someone that he loved and could turn to when needed.

Even if she technically was only six years older than him.

"Blimey Lia," Sirius called from behind her, "could you run any faster?"

Lia turned her head as she continued ahead, sending him a devious smirk, "just because you're a few years older than me now Sirius, doesn't mean that you can't keep up!" She taunted.

She laughed as she finally reached the door, a growl leaving Sirius' lips at her teasing and slammed the door open quickly, a shocked gasp leaving her lips. The Manor was exactly how she remembered leaving it, not a speck of dust in sight. The furniture and blankets were how she left it fifteen years ago and nothing new was a miss, causing her heart to grow at the only explanation she could think of.

"Mellie!" She yelled out the house elves name, an excited smile gracing her lips.

The smaller form of Mellie suddenly appeared in front of her and Lia was surprised when she came hurdling at her legs, an excited squeal leaving her lips.

"Mistress Emilia!" she yelled out, "I have been waiting here for you to come back for years!"

Guilt gnawed at her, and she looked at Sirius with a glare, pinning him in his spot. The black-haired boy held his hands up in defense with his eyes wide.

"I was imprisoned for twelve years," he explained, "and honestly I thought that Mellie would have moved on by then."

Lia shook her head and pulled the elf back in closer when she went to pull back, the familiar embrace comforting her more than she thought it could.