Black Aeon

Prologue

October 31, 1981

The werewolf knew instinctively that something was wrong as he hurried toward the house in Godric's Hollow. As he ran on, cold claws clenched at his heart as he saw a Dark mark hovering over the house.

"No no no, it's not them, it's some one else. It has to be!" But as he reached the place, he knew with out a doubt that there was only one possible house that it could be; Lily and James's. "Oh God Sirius, what have you done?" Tears streamed down his face as he walked through the ruins of the building. Something red caught his eye. "Lily!" He sprang forward, grabbed the rock that was covering her, and hauled it off. One glance told her that there was no hope. Her brilliant green eyes were glazed over, and her skin was chalk white; she was dead. A lump choked his throat as he stumbled back. "James?! James, are you there?!" Some thing crunched under his foot, and he slowly looked down. A broken pair of glasses glimmered mournfully at him in the moon light. He knew then that his best friend too, was gone. "Oh god... Padfoot, what have you done?! Why?" A whimper made him spin around. A soft crying was coming from close to where Lily's body lay. He hurried over, and began throwing the rocks aside. There, lying on a dusty blanket and holding her cuddly wolf tightly, was his Goddaughter. "Morgan? Oh thank god!" He swept her up into his arms, and then froze; cutting through her left eyebrow was a white scar, the exact replica of her mothers, if it seemed bigger on the one year old girl's face. He traced his fingertip over it. "If it hadn't been for whom your mother's ancestor was, this wouldn't have happened. We won't have any thing more to do with her, sweet heart. Don't worry," He whispered soothingly to the dozing baby girl as he walked away from the ruined building that had been her home, "I'll take care you. As though you were my own daughter." He sighed unhappily as he Apparated back to his home. "I only wish that your brother had lived."

~

Sirius Black landed his motor bike clumsy, and scrambled off it. "Oh god, what happened here?! James?! Lily?! JAMES?!" He staggered into the ruin, and fell to his knees beside his best friends body. "James? Come on mate, wake up! You have to wake up, what will Lily do with out you? Prongs, please, stop fooling around!" He shook James by the shoulder desperately, his heart throbbing painfully. He knew that his friend was gone. Sobbing brokenly, he stumbled up and tore into the buildings remains. "Lily?! Are you there?! Please answer me!!" He tripped over something, and turned to look, then recoiled in horror. He had tripped over Lily. A faint scream left his throat as he scrabbled away, and ran out of the building. He ran into a huge figure. "Ha- Hagrid?" The huge man turned to look at him, a bundle of blankets in his arms. Sirius peered through a gap, and saw his god son's sleeping face peeping out from between the folds. A thin red scar traced over his fore head. His heart leapt; at least one of them was alive!

"Give Harry to me Hagrid; I'm his Godfather, I'll take care of him." He held his arms out eagerly, waiting to receive the babe. But Hagrid shook his head.

"I got me orders Sirius. Dumbledore wants 'Arry to go t' his Aunt n' Uncle." As far as Sirius's heart had leapt, it now fell. He wasn't going to get Harry. He wasn't going to be able to keep the one part of James and Lily he could have had, now that he, she and little Morgan were gone. But surely Dumbledore knew what was best? But he could do some thing; he would get that little rat peter, if it was the last thing he did. He took a deep breath, and nodded.

"Take my bike Hagrid; I won't be needing it any more." The giant man blinked at him, then rested his hand on Sirius's shoulder.

"Thank yeh lad. I'm sorry 'bout Lily an' James. An' Morgan. But the' wouldn' want yeh to be miserable." Sirius tried to smile, but failed miserably.

"Could I...? Please?" He held out his arms. Hagrid, evidently, pitying him, handed him the baby. Sirius hugged Harry tightly, sniffling unhappily. He parted the folds in the material, and kissed him tenderly on the forehead. "This is only a goodbye Harry; we'll see each other again. I promise. I don't know when, but we will. Love you. But..." He sighed sadly, and whispered so that only the sleeping baby could hear, "I only wish your sister had lived.

~

When he arrived at his empty flat, Remus sighed, and turned on the light in the kitchen. Moving about as quietly as he could, he set about making a cup of tea.

"Mussy?" He turned, and looked at the six year old in the door way, in her white nightie, clutching her toy wolf in her arms.

"I thought I told you I wanted you to be asleep by the time I came home. It's after midnight."

"I couldn't sleep. Could I have some milk?" Remus stood, looking at her with raised eyebrows. She smiled, showing her missing front tooth, and batted the thick dark lashes around her big green wolf's eyes. "Please?"

"Oh, could those eyes get any bigger? Come here Ulvli, and we'll see what we can do for you. Milk and apple slices?"

"Yes please." She flicked her hand at the fruit bowl. An apple rolled to Remus's hand, and he raised his eyebrows, a grin spreading over his face. The little raven haired girl looked at him quizzically.

"Mussy? What is it?"

"Ulvli... you've just shown your first sign of magic!" She stared at him.

"I'm... I'm a witch?" She laughed gleefully, clapping her hands. "I'm a witch I'm a witch! I can do magic too!" Remus picked her up and swung her around, laughing with her. After a moment, he set her down.

"Forget the milk and apple; you're having hot chocolate with marshmallows, and hot chocolate fudge cake with cream." Lily and James's daughter looked up at him, her eyes holding a greedy glint; she was only allowed this treat on very special occasions.

~

The cupboard door creaked open slowly, and the tousled head of a six year old boy appeared cautiously. Seeing that the coast was clear, he crept out of the cupboard and snuck into the kitchen. There in, he darted to the fridge, and opened it, pulling out the milk bottle and an apple. Taking a swig of the milk, and biting the apple, his missing front tooth showing, he closed his eyes happily, as he fed his hungry, thin body. The apple gone, he drank some more milk, and looked for more food. He selected some of the cheese that his aunt had bought earlier. The milk bottle slipped out of his hand. The boy gasped, and threw out his hand to the glass bottle, whispering urgently "No!" The bottle froze in mid air, and Harry grabbed it, putting it back in its compartment of the fridge, then returned to his cupboard with the cheese, praying his uncle and aunt hadn't heard anything. Without realizing it, Harry James Potter had performed his first act of magic.

~

The eleven year old glared at him through her glasses.

"What do you mean I'm not going to Hogwarts?" Remus sighed, running a hand through his greying hair. "You're going to be taught here. Ulvli, please-"

"Stop calling me that, I'm not six years old any more Remus! Why can't I go?!"

"It's too dangerous! The entire Wizarding world thinks you are dead! If the Sorting Hat suddenly called out 'Potter, Morgan', do you know what would happen?"

"But I haven't used that name ever! I'm not Morgan Potter any more Remus, you made sure of that. Come on, please let me go!"

"The Sorting Hat calls out your real name. Besides, Dumbledore knows best. Sweetheart, I'm so sorry, but we're going to have to live with it. But you can still learn every thing. We'll go and get your wand tomorrow, and all your books. I'll teach you everything I know." The girl pouted, and kicked the table leg. The glasses on the table shattered. Remus groaned; this was not going to work out as easily as he had hoped. But his Goddaughter had different ideas.

She waited until Remus had gone out, and then rushed to the fire place. Grabbing the box of matches, she lit a fire, and then threw a handful of Floo powder into it.

"Albus Dumbledore!" After a moment, the old wizards head appeared in the fire.

"Ah. I was wondering when I would be hearing from you."

"Why can't I come to Hogwarts? Just tell the Sorting hat to not call me by the name Potter!" The headmaster of the school looked at her.

"Are you sure you wish to take the risk of being discovered?"

"I just want to learn. Come on, please sir?" The man smiled.

"You are so much like your mother. Very well. Here, take your letter." She eagerly snatched the letter out of his hands, and read the address. She raised an eyebrow.

"'The fire place'? That is really, really stupid."

~

At Hogwarts, all the older years of the school were sitting looking at the first years. McGonagall looked at the next name on the list, and her eyes widened, but she read it out.

"Lupin, Wylow." At the staff table, the Potions Masters' head snapped up. The raven haired girl walked confidently over to the stool, took the hat from the person before her, sat down, and placed it on her head. After a moment, the voice rang out.

"SLYTHERIN!" Slowly, the girl took the hat off of her head, and walked numbly to the cheering Slytherin table, and then a slow smile spread over her face.

~

Amongst the first years to be sorted, Harry Potter, was looking after the girl who was now seated at the Slytherin table. He couldn't help but notice that she looked awfully like him; black hair, green eyes, glasses, and small for her age. But it was just a coincidence. He had no other relations then the Muggles at home. Finally his name was called.

"Potter, Harry." He gulped, and walked up to the stool, hearing the people whispering around him.

"Did she say 'Potter'?"

"The Harry Potter?" He looked over to the Slytherin table, to see the girl staring at him, acute horror written on her face.

*

At twelve, Wylow began to realize that soon people would realize that she and Harry Potter were more to each other then people who nodded at each other in the corridors. Worse, Harry himself would realize this.

At the end of year feast, she stirred her food sullenly around her plate with her fork, feeling lonely in the groups of laughing friends. She flicked her hair out of her eyes every few minutes. Damn the stupid stuff. The girl sitting opposite her smiled gently.

"It won't be eaten if all you do is mix it into sludge. You should eat something." Wylow glared at her viciously.

"Did I ask your opinion?" The strawberry blonde girl visibly deflated. Wylow sighed and pushed her glasses up her nose. "Look, I'm sorry. I'm just... having a bad day. It's not you... what is your name; I have no idea?!" The girl smiled, laying down her knife and fork.

"Arielle Morlock. Don't ask about the surname, I neither chose it, nor like it." Wylow smiled. "You probably know who I am Arielle, don't you?"

"Wylow Lupin. The girl Snape hates to love."

"He doesn't love me."

"Sure he does." Wylow was already beginning to like the girl, who seemed to have a smile that was stuck permanently to her face. At that moment, a boy turned to look at them, draining a goblet.

"Who does what Arielle?"

"Snape loves Wylow." The boy rolled his eyes, and grinned at Wylow. "I'm going to advise you to ignore everything she says; it's all utter bollocks any way. I'm Hunter, by the way. Hunter Carlisle. And that strange beast who is sitting next to you is Jacob Marlow." The red headed boy blinked, and looked at Wylow shyly through his eyelashes. Wylow winked.

"Hey you, is it true what they say about red heads?" Hunter and Arielle laughed as a deep blush spread over Jacobs face. Wylow grinned, and began to eat.

*

"Wylow! Hey, Wylow! Over here!" Arielle bounced up and down, waving her arms frantically. As soon as Wylow was close enough, she threw herself onto her. The black haired girl and the strawberry blonde hugged each other, giggling.

"Are you two going to stand there giggling like school girls all day, or are you going to let Wylow go and give others a go?" Wylow looked up at Hunter, and smiled. He raised an eyebrow, and winked. "Lost the glasses I see?"

"Yea. Rem- Dad bought some contact lenses for me." Slip up, slip up! But Hunter, Jacob and Arielle didn't seem to notice, she let it go. Jacob looked confused.

"What are contact lenses?" Hunter rolled his eyes, and the three of them spoke together; "Never mind Jacob." They were walking onto the train, when Wylow banged into some one. The person turned with a sneer on their face.

"Watch it Lupin." Wylow glared angrily.

"Piss off Malfoy; I'll watch it when your ass becomes a little tastier, ok?" the platinum blonde blinked, and some where behind them, a gangly red head started laughing, and that Granger girl put her hand over his mouth. Wylow turned, and stalked over to them, her friends acting as a shadow.

"Think I'm funny, do you Weasley?" she looked up at the taller thirteen year old, trying to keep her usually dangerous looking eyes innocent.

"Well, erm... yeah..." She grinned.

"Good. See you at school, Weasley, Granger, Ha... Potter." She raised an eyebrow at the bespectacled boy, and, linking arms with Jacob and Arielle went back to the train. For a moment, Hunter paused, and looked at Potter, then back to Wylow. After a second, he walked slowly after his friends, a little thoughtful frown on his forehead.

*

"Remus, you will not believe it! That bloody brother of mine is looking for you, and... oh fuck all and sundry!" Wylow stared at Potter, who sat, staring at her with horror written over his face. Remus groaned, and laid his head on the desk.

"Ulvli, it is called knocking and checking to make sure no one is in here first."

"Well how the hell was I supposed to know?! And don't call me that!" Wylow kicked the door shut behind her, and sat next to Potter. He continued to stare at her. She ignored him. "Is it true? Are you leaving? Why?" the werewolf shook his head, and didn't answer, he just rose and began to collect his things together. "You can't leave, I won't let you! This isn't fair!" to her shame, tears welled up and began to pour down her cheeks. The man who had been the closest thing she had ever had to a father looked at her sadly, before handing her a roll of parchment. Confused, Wylow flicked her glasses up and wiped her eyes.

Dear Mr. Lupin,

It has been brought to our attention that you have been concealing Morgan Wylow Potter in your care for the last twelve years. As you are well aware, Werewolves are not permitted to care for any child that is not their own. Hitherto, said Miss Potter will be removed from your care and placed with her brother.

Sincerely,

Amanda Snout, Child Care Department

The roll dropped from her numb fingers. She looked at Remus in horror, to find that he was silently crying.

"No... this isn't... it can't be..." Potter had picked up the parchment, and read it through. His green eyes flickered to Wylow, and he swallowed, tentatively taking her hand.

"Don't worry... Morgan. We'll be fine." Wylow looked at their hands for a moment, before slowly closing her fingers around his.

"It's Wylow, not Morgan. I've never been Morgan." She turned her head, and looked at Remus. But he was gone, along with all of his things. Silently, she let her brother lead her out of the office.

*

"Harry! Harry, oh my god, please let me see him! Is he alright?! Harry!" Wylow tried to shrug off the person who was holding her back, but the hand held firm. She looked desperately at the Headmasters office, willing her brother to come out and hug her, just so that she could be sure he was alright. Arielle held her hand tightly.

"Leave it Wyl'! He'll come out when Dumbledore's finished with him, just please calm down!"

"HARRY!" Hunter shook his head, and, with a murmured apology, slapped the hysterical girl sharply around her face. She stopped screaming her brother's name, but continued to stare at the door, her tanned cheek blotched with dark red now. Jacob rolled his eyes.

"That worked well. Slapping is always a good method. Now all we need to do is stop her staring at the door." But he didn't need to work out what to do. Harry stepped out of the office, his face drawn. Wylow ran to him, and threw her arms around her brother, acting more like a ten year old in need of comfort rather then the fourteen year old who she was.

She cradled his head against her shoulder, letting him soak her shirt in silent tears. "It's ok Harry. It wasn't your fault."

"I should have... I could have stopped..."

"No, you couldn't. Did you know what was going to happen? Were you being anything but noble? No, you weren't. It was not your fault, Harry Potter. Don't torture yourself over it." She buried her face in his neck, trying not to cry. "You frightened me... I thought you were going to die... why didn't you call me?"

I forgot... I've only been able to do this for a year... don't blame me.

I bloody well will blame you! Do you know how worried I was?! I've only just got you back!

I'm sorry 'Ganie. Wylow sighed mentally. I'll forgive you Harry. Just... be more careful. What happened to you? There was a short silence that worried her, and then his voice echoed in her mind, a haunted note in it. Lord Voldemort has returned.