Scars

Chapter Two-Retail Therapy

So I tell him the whole of it. How the man who attacked me is actually my uncle, how he killed my parents, and how it's been him following me all along, and him the dementors were after, not me. He nods along to everything I say, occasionally running a wrinkled hand over his white beard. "And this mark? What did it look like?" He asks and I snatch up my notebook, sketched the cursed thing before ripping out the page and gifting it to him. His puffy brows furrow at it. "Thank you, Ms. Arell." He folds up the paper and tucks it under his robes.

"We all know what this mark means," I say firmly as he looks from me to the drawing. "This is his mark. The one who has been behind all the attacks lately. The people going missing. Why would he brand me with it?" Tears are dangerously close to choking me, but I shove them down. I need answers.

"I'm afraid brand might be a far too apt name for this. It may be the start of a forced initiation or simply a reminder of the living family you belong to. I don't quite know just yet. Rest assured I will look into this myself." He stands and I stand with him. He pauses and looks me over with a soft sigh. "I would like to encourage you to stop worrying and to enjoy your holiday, but then again a little worry is good sometimes. Do your best to not let it consume you, Ms. Arell. And know, Hogwarts is always ready to welcome you back." Albus' eyes sparkle as he nods to me and disappears into the fireplace.

Sighing, I plop back onto the couch as the little family comes back in. James and Sirius collapse next to me and I'm glad they snuggle close. "Alright then, I'm making dinner. Five minutes!" Mrs. Potter bids before floating back into the kitchen with her curious husband.

"We'll have a good time tomorrow, Mane. It's always fun to see the muggles fight in the stores." James tells me and I chuckle softly at the image.

"Or wizards. I believe last year someone tried to buy you, James."

"Could've had me too. For a couple more galleons." They both laugh softly at that before I look between both of them.

"Thank you both," I tell them and their eyes turn to me. There's no need to say for what.

"Anytime, Mane." James promises and Sirius agrees with a quick squeeze from his arm around my waist. "Now, let me think about how I can embarrass you tomorrow while we're out..."

That night I'm restless. The Potter's have plenty of spare rooms but for some reason, I just can't get to sleep. So instead, I get up and slink into James' room. A smile tempts my lips when I see Sirius is already here on a pullout. Quiet as I can, I shift after leaving my clothes behind the door and settle in front of it so if it opens it'll hit me. No one will be able to get in, so my boys are safe. I let the animal take over my mind and finally find peace breathing in the scent of the boys. Of part of my family.

* * * * *

"Mane! Unless you want me to piss on you, you've got to move!" My sleepy head lifts to find James dancing in front of me. Realization suddenly hits me and I rise and move to the side so he can whip the door open and sprint down the hall to the bathroom. I chuff a quiet laugh and look over to Sirius grinning as he sits up.

"Hey there kitty-kitty." He teases and I chuff a little deeper in disapproval. Laughter leaves his lips before he lays back down and covers his eyes as I shift and get dressed. I'm just in a tank top and shorts, but I don't have to be ashamed of my scars with Sirius. Only when I poke his toe does he pop up to his feet.

"I'm a kitty that could eat you whole, so be careful," I warn and lean into him when his arms wrap around my waist. His forehead rests against mine and my heart picks up. "We...we should talk about this," I tell him and his lips lift.

"That means there's a thing to talk about, right?" He asks and I try very hard not to smile or sigh.

"Yes, but-"