Surprisingly the war for Remus to adopt the daughter of the supposed mass-murderer was fought and won relatively quickly. Within just over a month and a half the young girl was adjusting to her new home and life with 'Remmy'. And Remus, well he was adjusting too, he became an amazing guardian and was learning to believe in himself.
"As," Called her guardian cheerily from the floor below. "Could you come downstairs please?"
Silently, a petite-framed girl appeared at the top of the stairs. Pretty waves of raven hair tumbled down to her mid-back. Her hair was more tamed than her father's though she resembled him and their hair colours were identical. From her father she had also inherited her beautiful grey soul-searing eyes, which peered questioningly at the man standing staring at her from the bottom. Remus had many years before, decided not to adjust her last name when he became her guardian, for several reasons. For one, it didn't feel entirely right and he felt as if he would have been taking something important from her- part of her and he didn't want to change her. For another her identity was clear enough at first sight, without knowing her last name was that of her father Sirius Black. It was obvious, if you knew who he was and most people did, then you knew who she was too.
Growing up he had tried to protect her as much as possible from those who would seek to harm her both mentally and physically.
Shaking off thoughts of a morbid nature, Remus looked up at the girl he had brought up and allowed himself a moment to be proud of his achievements with this girl. She was beautiful and clever, partly book smart like her godfather but had the same fun-loving nature as her father.
As carefully made her way downstairs as Remus disappeared into their small kitchen. Once she slipped onto a wooden chair, Remus began to speak again.
"Are you packed? While I'm transforming the Weasleys' will take you shopping for your school supplies." Throughout the years, As had spent many days at the Burrow when Remmy couldn't look after her and the Weasleys were family; their home was her second home.
'Yep I'm ready to go. I can't wait to go shopping- and see Fred and George." An excited grin formed on her face at the thought of her favourite Weasleys. Their personalities were so much like hers that despite the age gap of only a few years they got on like a cauldron on fire. When she had received her long awaited Hogwarts letter both she and Remus had almost jumped through the roof. After celebrating a little with him, they had flooed to the Burrow so she could see Fred and George who were probably more excited about her starting Hogwarts than their own brother. Molly had been so pleased that she had baked a cake for As and Ron and cooked a hearty meal. As had been patient enough for her letter but when the older Weasley twins went off she desperately wanted to join them.
"Good, I'll get your things and we'll head over there." With a casual flick of his wand As' bags stood with them at the fireplace.
"I wish you could be there Remmy, to go shopping for Hogwarts for the first year. To see me get my wand and owl." As commented quietly, they had left the shopping to the end of August and if they left it any later they wouldn't have their supplies before they got to Hogwarts. Unfortunately the day they had set was just after the full moon and Remmy probably wouldn't have recovered from the transformation by then.
"I know," he replied in a hushed tone. "Cheer up." He said as he ushered her towards her towards the fireplace.
Moments later, As, Remus and the bags appeared slightly more dusty, in the Weasley household. Molly, beaming at the pair enfolded them into one of her famous hugs.
As if by magic the whole Weasley clan practically materialised at Molly side.
"Hello, dears. How are you Remus, As?"
"Fine, thanks, Molly. And thank you for everything."
"Nonsense, Remus dear we love having her stay despite the extra mischief."
"Right, well I'd best be off. Bye to all the Weasleys and good luck." Remus announced playfully. "As, I'll miss you and I'll see you as soon as I can." Turning, As buried herself in Remmy as he hugged her hiding his eyes tinged with pain and placed a kiss on the top of her head.
With that Remus stepped back into the fireplace and with a spoken destination and a flash of green flames he was gone.
Seconds passed and then... Chaos. As was descended on by Fred and George who yelled "ACE!" and attacked her with death hugs. Standing by arm-in-arm were Molly and Arthur, fondly watching the scene. The three who were currently tangled in a three-way hug had always been close, in fact most of As' stays at the Weasleys' had been spent in Fred and George's room. As much as the adults tried to get As' to with stay and become closer to the twin sisters, the trio would have none of it.
After the violent welcoming Molly began, "Right, well let's get you upstairs and unpacked shall we." Each of the twin boys and As shouldered a bag and trudged up to their room as their laughter rang through the Burrow.
