Chapter 1 - A Sister's Request

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Olivia sat on her cream couch, legs tucked under her, as she took a sip of tea, feeling it warm her up a little, as she listened to the howling wind and rain that was bouncing off the windows outside. She was never keen on the temperamental London weather; it always made her feel somber. But with her nose stuck in one of the many books she had yet to read, and Bond out of the country on his latest mission; she couldn't deny it was honestly the first time she had felt this relaxed in months.

She had always denied herself from taking any vacation time; trying to keep on top of the paperwork that seemed to increase with each passing day. She had tried not to let her exhaustion show, but it appeared her Chief of Staff was more observant than she realised.

Tanner had tried for days to get her to take some time off, but she point blank refused. So, he decided to take it upon himself to put in leave on her behalf, much to her annoyance. He had even banned her from bringing any paperwork home, which resulted in her being bored out her mind for two days straight. She had cleaned and sorted through old school books and trinkets that she had accumulated from her time as a student. No matter how much she tried, she didn't have the heart to throw any of it out. It held too many memories, so she packed it away and stored it back in the attic.

She had even tried to contact, Minerva, but it seemed even the other woman was busy with her school duties. So, here she was reduced to reading a crime thriller romance novel that left her wondering how it even got published. The plot was unrealistic, and the chemistry between the two characters seemed forced and over the top. The only reason she continued to read until the end was because she wanted to find out if she had guessed the murderer correctly.

As she was nearing the end of her current chapter, she saw her fireplace come alive in vibrant green flames, creating an eerie glow around the dimly lit room. Closing her book, she placed it down next to her just as two people appeared in front of her.

"You were the last people I expected to see here tonight." she stood up placing her cup on the table and smiled at the two new occupants.

"Do I need a reason to visit my sister?"

"I suppose not." she replied, "Although it would have been nice if you answered my letters or floo calls over the past few days."

"I'm sorry, Liv, but you know how it is at this time of year with the new term starting in four days."

"I know, but a simple, I'm busy would have sufficed."

Minerva shook her head fondly, "Same could be said about you when you don't answer my letters or calls."

"Touché," Olivia replied, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "It's good to see you, Min." She gathered the other woman in a hug, which Minerva gladly returned.

"As enlightening as this little reunion is, we still have some business to attend to," Albus told the two women, looking at them with a twinkle in his eyes.

"What sort of business?" Olivia asked pulling out of Minerva's embrace, looking over at Albus.

"Perhaps we should sit down; this may take a while, Olivia."

Olivia's eyes narrowed wondering what that meddling old fool was up to now as she retook her seat on the couch, with Minerva sitting next to her, while Albus opted for the armchair.

"So is one of you going to explain, or am I to play twenty questions?"

"Very well, as you know eleven years ago, Minerva and I dropped Mr Potter off at his aunts and uncles after his parents were killed."

"Yes, I remember. I also remember Minerva telling you countless times that it was a mistake when she discovered what the Dursley's were like on a daily basis. You disregarded her warnings. But I'm guessing from the look on your face, that your matter of business is to do with Mr Potter and his relatives. Am I right?"

"Are you sure you haven't mastered Occlumency, my dear?"

Olivia rolled her eyes, "cut the crap, Albus and tell me what's happened to, Mr Potter."

"That's just the thing, Liv. No one knows. We have tried sending his letter of acceptance, but we've received no reply. I'm starting to worry that something has happened to him."

"Do you have a copy of the letter?" Olivia asked watching as Albus pulled a thick, white envelope from his robes and handed it over to her.

Olivia took the letter, and read the emerald ink on the enevelope, seeing a standard address on the front. "Perhaps his relatives are keeping the letters from him?"

Minerva scoffed, "I wouldn't be surprised. Petunia hated magic as much as she hated her sister. She may have something to do with it, but we can't say for certain."

"I see, but that doesn't explain why you have both come to see me."

"We were just getting to that, Liv."

Olivia's eyes narrowed having a feeling she knew where this conversation was leading.

"We hoped- well I hoped you would go and check on Mr Potter, and hand him his letter directly. Albus was going to send Hagrid, but he is currently feeling under the weather and isn't in a fit state to check on the boy."

"Let me get this straight. You want me to go to Privet drive to check on Mr Potter and to give him his letter?"

"Yes, that about sums it up," Albus replied softly.

"Do I look like a bloody owl? And what am I supposed to do when I give him his letter? Take him to get his school supplies?" She asked sarcastically, seeing Albus and Minerva looking at each other in silent conversation.

"So not only do I have to be a bloody owl, you want me to be a babysitter and personal shopper?"

"I know it seems a lot to ask, Liv. But other than Hagrid there's no one else I would trust with Lily's son."

Olivia sighed knowing too well about Minerva's feelings about Lily Potter. She had considered the younger woman as a daughter, so, it was only right that she felt compelled to look after Mr Potter's welfare.

"Why can't you or Albus go? Surely you would be the better choice, Min?"

"I felt it best that Minerva should sit this one out, considering she will be Mr Potter's teacher for the next seven years. It would be impractical for her to show favouritism before the boy even steps foot in the school."

Olivia ignored Albus' blunt statement knowing her brother-in-law had an ulterior motive for his decision. "And how do you feel about Albus' decision, Min?"

"I disagreed as soon as he suggested it, but he has a valid point, Liv. I would get too attached to, Harry and that would only interfere with my teaching."

Olivia shook her head, not believing a word of it. "Albus could you give us a few moments alone. I need to speak with Minerva in private then I'll give you my answer."

"Of course, my dear. Let me know when you're done." Albus told them softly standing up and walked out of the room leaving them alone.

She waited a few moments to ensure Albus had gone before she turned her attention back to Minerva. "Alright, since when have you ever agreed to his terms without a fight? We both know you'll get attached as soon as Mr Potter arrives for the sorting ceremony. Why else would you come to me rather than one of the other professors.? And I know it's nothing to do with trust. You asked me because it would allow you to spend some time with Harry, am I right?"

"I always forget you can read me like a book."

"Well, I've had years of practice. I just hope you know what you're doing. If Albus finds out…"

Minerva smiled, "I know, and it means more to me than you know."

"I haven't agreed to anything," Olivia remarked hotly.

"You just did. Why else would you worry if Albus found out I had spent time with Harry before he set foot in the school?"

Olivia inwardly groaned wondering how she always got herself into these predicaments. So much for having a few weeks off stress-free.

"Fine, I'll do it, but you owe me big time for this, Min. I mean it."

"Thank you, Liv."

Olivia shook her head and called Albus back into the room.

"I take it we've reached an agreement."

"I'll do it. When do you need me to go?" Olivia asked seeing Albus smile down at her in amusement.

"Monday at the latest. The letter will tell him everything he needs to know, but if he is anything like his mother no doubt he will have some questions which I'm sure you'll be happy to answer."

"And if he asks about his parents?" Olivia challenged "What then?"

"I'll leave that for you to decide, Olivia. Just don't overwhelm the boy too soon."

"Very well, is there anything else?"

Albus shook his head, "No, I believe that's everything. I trust you'll be in touch later in the evening after you return Mr Potter to his relatives."

"I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer, Albus."

"Excellent." Albus clapped his hands together. "Minerva I believe it's time for us to go and let Olivia enjoy the rest of her evening."

Minerva gave Olivia one last look then stood up with Olivia mirroring her actions.

"I know it's a lot to ask of you, Liv, but It means more to me than you know. I'll be in touch." Minerva told her pulling her in for one last hug.

"I'll send you an owl on Monday after I pick up Harry. Meet us in Diagon Alley." Olivia whispered pulling back to see Minerva give a small nod.

"Goodnight my dear. I look forward to hearing about your adventure on Monday evening."

Olivia wanted nothing more than to smack Albus to wipe that infuriating smile off his face. "I can hardly wait."

Minerva pulled Albus over to the fireplace before Olivia cursed him into next week.

"Take care, Liv. Oh, as for your book, it's Detective Dempsy's love interest who is the murderer." She said smirking at seeing Olivia's look of disbelief as they disappeared in emerald flames.

"It can't be," Olivia whispered as she picked up the book from the couch and flicked to the end.

Reading over the last few pages, she quickly skimmed over them, then tossed the book across the room in anger.

She never liked crime thrillers anyway.