Whatever the reason — no sun, having an ugly face, a diabolical great aunt that smells like musty yarn — I really just am a mean person.

The girl is slender, average height, with deep brown eyes, and the wildest, most flawlessly curly brown hair I’ve ever laid eyes on. She is scowling at the boy, who is evidently holding a map of Hogwarts upside down, but when she sees Al, her eyes come alive. She has the air of a lioness, closing in on her prey.

I know almost instantly that I hate everything about her.

I wish all my problems would melt away.

But then I’d be like a giant mass of nothingness. I’m made of problems...and odorless air.

“What the - Fred! What were you doing?” I snap furiously. “You woke me up!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” he says sarcastically, leaning on an armchair for support.

“Apology not accepted,” I say after a moment, “I think you broke my face.”

 

“DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!” she roars, red sparks shooting out the end of her wand. 

Out of nowhere it seems, Al is behind her, his wand at her throat. “Touch her and I’ll put you in St. Mungo’s,” he says dangerously.

I curse Fred under my breath. The chances I’ll get another opportunity like that are slim, and I feel like tying Fred to the Womping Willow and just leaving him there to die wouldn’t even make me feel better.
 
 
 
 

“You’re stark, raving mad, Laney Becks,” he says, pulling me closer to him.

 
 

“You sure you’re okay with this?” Al asks me after a while. “I mean, getting involved with James’ love-life probably won’t end well.”

I pat his cheek. “Al, since when does anything end well these days? We’ll be fine.”

Smitty looks close madness. “If I’m still alive by the end of your stay then I deserve a serious raise!” She huffs and, after a moment, she conjures a goblet and shoves it down my throat. “Sleeping Draught!” she shrieks, disappearing from behind the curtains.