Disclaimer: I own nothing, all of it belong to J.K Rowling, I am just playing in her sandbox for a while.

Authors Note: AU: Its not my first fanfic but its my first Harry Potter, so I hope you enjoy it. The story starts at the end of the 5th Book.

For those who knew about Harry Potter's disappearance from Privet Drive, almost everyone had a different opinion. A few felt the young man had been an ungrateful child leaving without telling anyone. They were obviously looking out for his best interests. Others were apprehensive of where he apparently was now spending the summer, even with Nymphadora's assurance to the contrary, due to the long tradition of House of Black being very dark. Some even understood the need for a teenager to get away from everything and expected the young man to simply show up for school in September. The feelings in the Burrow were no different.

"You look lovely, Hermione." The matriarch of the Weasley family had been beside herself with worry when the news of Harry's disappearance reached the Burrow.

Everyone was well aware of her feelings towards the Black Head of House for in her opinion kidnaping Harry. The young woman had obviously taken advantage of the poor boy during his time of grief.

"Thank you." Hermione gave a nervous smile, surprised to have received an invitation to dine with the Head of House Black. She didn't think about refusing, especially as the owl who delivered was none other than Hedwig. However, with her thoughts only on seeing her best friend, she was surprised at the crash course on etiquette the next day.

The Blacks were an old family and although Sirius might not have been your typical pureblood, from what they could tell, his daughter was a traditionalist. Although Hermione thought it all rather silly in this day in age, she still found it fascinating.

At least the invitation was for an afternoon Tea as opposed to a Dinner party where she would have to remember which fork to use and when. Still, even in this afternoon's informal setting, there were things she needed to remember.

"Don't forget the book, dear." Molly said warmly.

Hermione nodded. As she was being formally introduced to a Head of House, it was proper to give Alya a gift. If she were older, wine or some sort of spirits would be acceptable however; a more personal gift would be valued a great deal more.

Already the booksellers in Diagon Alley knew of the new Head of House Black's interest in older books. According to one Hermione spoke to, the young woman had spent many an afternoon perusing the bookshelves.

As much as Hermione didn't like it that Alya Black had absconded with her best friend, she had to admit the young woman might be someone she would enjoy spending time with.

"Your book is on the table over in the corner, Hermione." Ron said without looking up from his Transformation Essay. Informed he could either degnome the garden or do schoolwork, he selected the lesser of the two evils.

"Thanks."

Bill Weasley had actually ended up selecting a book. One of the cure-breakers he worked with in Egypt wrote a book on his experiences in the Valley of the Kings.

Hermione had been surprised to see it written in Arabic, even more so when she found out that Alya Black was fluent in that language.

"Wow, you look great." Ron finally looked up admiring how good Hermione looked in the light blue dress. "Still, don't you think it's a bit much? I mean, aren't you just seeing Harry and his girlfriend."

"And that's why you weren't invited, Ron." Ginny couldn't help but grumble as she walked down the stairs. The thought of Harry being with the beautiful head of House Black made her head hurt. "Plus we don't know if she is his girlfriend; anyway these earrings will look better with that outfit."

"Thanks." Hermione smiled as she quickly replaced the earrings with the new pair. "Ron, there are rules for proper attire. The letter was a formal invitation and an introduction. "

The redheaded boy just shrugged, like most pureblood children he had been schooled properly, however, he had already forgotten most of it. The rest, he just didn't care about.

"Don't know why you even bothered to learn any of it, really. Although with Harry's luck, he's been spending his summer discovering the twelve proper uses of an oyster fork."

Hermione smiled. "Probably, but learning a little bit of etiquette won't hurt him."

"Well, tell Harry to come over when he can. Haven't had any decent Quidditch games."

"You're not concerned for your best mate, Ron?" Ginny asked incredulously. "Who knows what's happening over there."

Ron snorted. He might have an emotional range of a teaspoon but he knew why Ginny was upset. "Tonks said he's fine, plus George spoke to Alya the other day in the shop. I'm sure if anything bad happened to Harry, we would have been told."

"Speaking out of class again, Ronkins."

Everyone jumped as George entered the room, in his hand a large envelope.

"Did you speak to Alya Black the other day?" Ginny asked.

"She came into the store, if that's what you're asking." George passed the envelope to Hermione. "I'm glad I caught you before you left. I was about to owl this but since you're going over anyway."

"What is it?"

"Just something that Harry needs to sign and return to our solicitor. Everything is in the envelope."

"When did you get a solicitor?" Molly asked upon entering the room.

"It's something Milady Black suggested. She overheard us speaking about some Ministry paperwork that we have missed. She was quite helpful." He said with a grin.

"So why is Harry signing what's in the envelope." Ron asked.

"None of your business, little brother, anyway I have to go back and train Verity some more on some of our newer products."

"Ron said you spoke with Alya Black."

"I thought we already went over this." George sighed. "Yes, she came into the store and yes we spoke to her. She even picked up a box of Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder."

"Did you ask about Harry?"

"Fred did, Ginny. She said he was having a good summer." George raised both his eyebrows suggestively a couple of times, annoying his sister.

He was actually happy for Harry, remembering when he and his brother had to pull the bars off Harry's bedroom window so they could get him away from Privet Drive.

"Anyway, Hermione should be seeing him tonight, right. I have to go."

"That boy." Molly said as he watched George disappear. "Hermione, although I don't exactly understand what's going on, will you please tell Harry how much we all miss him. And, even if he doesn't spend the rest of the summer at the Burrow, we would all like to see him."

Hermione nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Weasley."

"Thank you." Turning, she looked out the window. "Nymphadora appears to be running late."

Admittedly, Alya knew that Hermione was mostly likely going spare with worry especially as she had not received any letters from Harry. Of course, none of it was on purpose, as the events of the summer so far had mostly been out of her control.

Throughout the morning and afternoon, Tonks had run Alya ragged inside the dueling room. Although her mind wandered, causing the Pink haired Auror to take away all of the pointy weapons from her, it had kept Alya from wallowing in her own angst. However, as Tonks had gone to retrieve Hermione, it had all come back full force.

"Nervous?" Andromeda Tonks smiled at her young niece who had been pacing the floor in the main hall.

"She's probably going to hate me?" Alya sighed; actually terrified that her best friend was going to turn her away from her. That had had been one of the reasons why she hadn't contacted her.

For those who grew up in a pureblood household, life was in many ways the same as their Victorian counterparts a century before. Day to day interaction with their parents was almost unheard of with many actually looking to their nannies as a substitute parent.

In the home of Cygnus and Druella Black, that substitute parental affection had surprisingly came from their older sister Bellatrix. However, even that was stunted.

Andromeda knew that Edward Tonks saved her. His passion and affection slowly wore down those walls she had built around her heart. She was not the same person that had walked out of her father's home years ago.

When Nymphadora took her first breath, she loved her unconditionally. Although it was impossible to remove the pureblood woman from her personality, Andromeda never strayed away from showing affection to her child.

Wrapping her arms around Alya, she couldn't help but feel angry when the child stiffened at the touch, but soon Alya slipped into the warm embrace. Andromeda had learned a little of Alya's life before her transformation and what she had learned did not make her happy, not happy at all.

"She's your best friend, right?"

"Yes." Alya whispered.

"Then everything will be fine."

The burst of green fire from the fireplace made both women smile as Ted Tonks walked into the room.

"Hi, Uncle Ted." Alya greeted her uncle without leaving the warm embrace of her aunt. Even with all of the insanity that had plagued her life since the start of the summer, she didn't know who to thank for bringing people such as Ted and Andromeda into her life.

Looking around, Ted smiled. "Good, I'm not late. How is everyone?" Kissing his wife in greeting and another one on the surprised Ayla's cheek, he went into the kitchen to return moments later without the stack of papers he had brought from the office.

"Nymphadora knows where the Wesley's live, correct? She couldn't have gotten lost?"

Alya couldn't help but giggle. "I think it's more like Mrs. Weasley ambushing her to explain what a bad influence I must be on the poor innocent Harry Potter."

Making a face, she continued. "Mrs. Weasley, as much as I really like her, can be a bit intense."

She often reminded her of an over protective mother bear. Although Alya could appreciate it, it was a bit too much at times. Aunt Andromeda the other hand was different, nurturing but not smothering.

As the front door opened, she could help but smile as she heard Hermione's spew of questions ranging from how nice the house looked to how a sixth year had cast a Fidelius Charm. Alya thought it no more difficult than casting a Patronus as a third year or driving off a hundred Dementors but she didn't say anything.

Giving her Aunt and Uncle a grim smile, she whispered. "It's ShowTime."

Stepping forward, Alya smiled as Tonks and Hermione approached.

"Milady Black, let me introduce Hermione Granger." Nymphadora spoke formally although Alya could see the amusement in her eyes. "Hermione, this is Milady Alya Black."

"Ahh…Hello, it's nice to finally meet you, Milady." The bushy haired girl stammered before giving a half curtsy, which was not quite appropriate for the more informal setting of an afternoon Tea. "Please call me Hermione and thank you for inviting me into your home. Bill Weasley recommended this book once I learned that you were interested in the ancient world. I thought you would like it."

"The curse breaker?" Alya looked at the cover before opening it. "What a thoughtful gift, thank you and please call me Alya." She said with a warm smile before motioning to the two adults standing off to the right. "And let me also introduce you to my Aunt and Uncle, Andromeda and Edwards Tonks. You, of course, already know my cousin Nymphadora."

Ignoring the death threats in Dora's eyes, Alya escorted her best friend into the front parlor. Inside a few small tables were laden with food from small bite sized sandwiches to all manners of pastries and other desserts.

Hermione looked about the room in wonder. She couldn't believe how different the house looked compared to last summer. "This is lovely, Alya. It reminds me a little of one of my great-aunt's home."

"Thank you; it's one of my favorite rooms as well." Leaning forward Alya gave a conspiratorial whisper. "I recommend the Salmon or the Cheese with Chutney sandwiches, although you can't go wrong with fruit scones. But you better be quick before Dora eats them all."

"Not funny, Alya." Dora began then blushed realizing she had already placed three of the fruit scones on her plate.

As the four sat down, Andromeda immediately began to question Hermione about school asking questions about her favorite subjects and teachers. Hermione surprised to find that Alya's uncle was a Muggleborn like herself, happily answered questions about her parents. The entire time Alya noticed her best friend kept looking towards the door as if expecting someone else to enter.

Taking one last sip of her tea, she sat down the cup. "Hermione, can you answer a question for me that I was meaning to ask."

Covering her mouth as she finished one of the smaller cheese pastries, she said. "Of course, please."

"Why did you abandon Harry Potter again this year?"

The soon became silent, as the atmosphere suddenly chilled in the room. Although the Tonks knew Alya had prepared to tell her friend about the transformation, they didn't expect a confrontation first.

"Excuse me?" Hermione almost dropped her plate after hearing the question. This was not something she expected, especially after the warm welcome.

"I'm sorry if I wasn't understood. Why did you abandon Harry like you did last summer?" Reaching for her tea, she took a sip as she allowed the stunned young woman to reply.

"We didn't, I mean I didn't."

"No? If I remember correctly, you haven't bothered to contact him. After the death of someone he considered a father; he was left alone in his grief. No phone calls, no letters; why is that?"

"But we couldn't." Looking around the room in understanding, Hermione explained. "The Headmaster said…"

"Dumbledore." Andromeda almost growled.

"Yes, he was afraid that our letters would be intercepted." The bushy haired girl pleaded.

Nodding in understanding, Alya continued. "So no one thought of using Muggle mail or even a phone call. Did you know, Hermione, that Dumbledore expressly forbid those watching Privet Drive from contacting Harry? No condolences, no kind words not even a simple we are there for you if you need us."

Hermione turned to Tonks who simply nodded. "It's true. I'm ashamed that I didn't press the issue when I wanted to take Harry to my mother's house over the summer."

Andromeda answered the confused young woman. "Isn't it proper for family to come together at such sad times, Hermione? Sirius was my cousin but also Harry's grandmother was my great-aunt Dorea."

"Wait, I thought that Harry didn't have any other relatives but the Dursleys?"

"According to who?" Alya asked knowing exactly where the information came from.

"The Headmaster." Hermione murmured.

"Who is he? What relationship does Dumbledore have with Harry Potter?" The others in the room knew the question as Alya had said it before.

"I don't understand."

"He's not Harry's father? Nor his grandfather, In fact, Albus Wulfric Dumbledore is no way related to Harry at all. Oh sure, he is the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. All very fancy names but by what right does he have to tell Harry that he has to spend his summers in the hellhole known as Privet Drive. "

"Alya!" Tonks called out as the dishes started to rattle as anger fueled magic swirled around the room.

"By what right did he have to take him out of the hands of his father, only to have him die in front of him thirteen years later because Dumbledore has to keep his fucking secrets?" Alya started to sob angrily, causing several plates in the room to shatter.

Immediately, Andromeda stood up and knelt by the sobbing young girl holding her close.

"His father?" Hermione looked shocked and dismayed, not understanding what was going on. "Tonks?"

Ted looked over at Alya with concerned. "Administer the oath, Dora, or I am afraid the conversation is over."

Nodding, Nymphadora stood up straightening her green robe before she approached. "Hermione, before we go any further we need you to take a Wizards Oath."

Calming down in her Aunt's arms, Alya said. "Just the information Tonks…not her magic or life. I really need to put this thing under a Fidelius." With a sad smile, she turned to her Aunt. "Sorry, I think I ruined your nice new robes."

"It's fine, sweet heart, no need to apologize" Andromeda replied while wiping the tears from her nieces face.

"Merlin's beard, I must look frightful."

"Gods you're becoming such a girl." Tonks couldn't help but laugh.

"Looks like a duck, walks like a duck."

Hermione just sat there wondering if she had stepped into a mad house. "Sorry, I'm really confused. This Oath; it's about Harry, right?" With no hesitation, she took the Oath.

Alya sighed as she closed her eyes, calming down. "Thank you and I'm sorry, Hermione. You didn't deserve me ambushing you like that. I've had a lot to deal with this summer and it seems I am still dealing with it. Your presence just suddenly brought it all back."

Although she still didn't understand exactly what happened, in truth every word was true. She really has been a fool. "Don't worry, it's fine. What does this have to do with Harry?"

"Right where to start." Alya grinned. "Now first thing, Hermione, try not to interrupt. I know it's going to be almost physically impossible but you're going to have to try."

Hermione harrumphed. "You're spending too much time around him, fine. I'm not that bad."

"Good, so let us go back to the fight in the Department of Mysteries."

Slowly Alya began to tell of her fight in the halls and how the group split up and she ended up in the relic room.

"Wait, you mean he has no memory of leaving the room?"

"None, now hush." Alya continued realizing she hadn't really spoken to her best friend at all. Being wounded herself, she really had no idea what happened afterwards.

"You're telling me six school children faced twelve Death Eaters?" Ted asked in surprise. He had read some of what happened in the Daily Prophet but Alya was giving details that only the participants knew.

Hermione gave a proud smile. "Harry trained all of us well."

"Didn't stop you from taking a Dark Cutting Curse to the chest though." Alya said sadly.

"Wasn't his fault, anyway Luna figured that because I managed to silence Dolohov the curse wasn't as bad as it could have been. Anyway, Harry hit him with a Petrificus Totalus immediately afterwards."

"Yea, that was about the same time I got knocked on my ass by Aunt Bella." Tonks said sadly.

Hermione was then surprised when Andromeda held Alya's hand while she talked about the death of Sirius. Then it hit her. "Your father was Sirius Black? I'm so sorry for you loss. I want you to know, I really liked him and I thought he was really good for Harry."

"Thank you, Hermione, and I agree." Alya then continued with the aftermath of the fight and the return to Hogwarts.

As she continued, Hermione was amazed how much Alya Black knew of the fight. She began to feel jealous of the relationship between this young woman and her best friend. From what she learned, Alya Black had wealth, brains and beauty, why would Harry need her anymore. She wondered at this point would she even get to see Harry.

"Wait what?" Hermione sat up. "Strange dreams?"

"Not like the ones from before, just different but not horrifying although they still kept disturbing Harry's sleep." Alya then stopped and looked at the others in the room.

"Go ahead, Alya, you wanted her to know." Dora said.

With a nod she continued. Hermione could only sit and stare open mouthed as the young woman began to explain that she was actually her best friend. How she transformed from male to female. She ended the story with her trip to Diagon Alley, Gringotts, and the fight at Florean Fortescue's Shop before Hermione couldn't take it anymore.

Sitting forward, she looked into the young woman's green eyes. "Harry?"

With that, Alya tilted her head and gave Harry Potter's patented lopsided grin. "Hi Mia."

Upon hearing the nickname only the two of them knew, Hermione screeched 'Harry', before throwing herself across the room.

Authors Notes: A special thanks to djkauf for a little elvish editing. If you like the story please leave a Kudos, if you have the time I would love to hear from you. My Muse mugged me with this one, pretty much forced me to write it at pen-point :) Thanks to all for reading! - Elsbeth