Big, Happy Family
"Hailstorm, take care of your little brother. He's your responsibility now," my dad warned. His strict face melted away as I gave him a hug.
"I'll take good care of Cam, don't worry," I told him, and ruffled my brother's hair affectionately. He ran off onto the train as I consoled my mom, who promised she would "stay strong". We had moved over the summer, and I was transferred from Beauxbaton's to Hogwarts.
"Hailey!" my little brother called. I turned to see a pale, blond haired boy about my age. He had taken Cameron's wand, and was dangling it over his head. There was a cocky smile on his face as he tormented my flesh and blood.
"Give him the wand!" I snapped reaching up and trying to take it from him. He turned his arrogant face towards me, and threw the wand down. My little brother stumbled after it as it bounced along the cobblestone.
"Hally? What a hideous name. I suppose it matches your face," he spat, and marched away. The nerve. I hope everyone isn't like this. I'll be in for a rough year. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I turned around, accidentally whipping my dark, curly hair across his face.
"Oh my goodness! I am so sorry. I've never been good with first impressions," I stumbled over my words as I lifted his chin to check for any scrapes.
"That's quite alright. I just wanted to return this to you," he said gesturing towards my little brother, who scurried out from behind him. "And this." He added handing me my little brother's wand.
"I almost got run over," Cameron said, wide eyed. "But he saved me." I made sure he was okay, then finally looked at my savior, who wasn't having any trouble drinking me in.
He had messy ginger hair, warm brown eyes, and a lopsided grin. He was tall, lanky, and fair-skinned. His robes looked a bit shabby, but I barely noticed. I still held his chin with the tips of my fingers; letting go swiftly, I backed away.
"S-sorry. Thank you so much. Cam would be broken to bits without you," I said, suddenly very self-conscious.
"It was no trouble. No trouble at all. Are you in my year? I haven't seen you around," he questioned bashfully. The tips of his ears turned a bit pink.
"If your year is sixth, then yes. I just transferred this year. I was in Beauxbaton's before. We visited your school for the Triwizard Tournament. Do you remember?" I asked curiously.
"Yea. I think I remember you," he said, his ears turning a bit pinker. "But I'm in sixth year, so I could show you around, if you'd like."
"I'd like that. But on one condition," he looked taken aback. "My brother comes too. I have to watch over him." He broke into a grin, relieved.
"Of course. I'm Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley. Pureblood, prefect, and your personal tour guide," Ron finished smiling.
"Hailey Fossil. Pureblood, new girl, and a new friend of yours," I introduced, "and this is my brother, Cameron. It's his first year." Cameron stepped out from behind me, and shook hands with Ron.
"Nice to meet you both. You're going to love it here, Cam. Just watch out for guys like Malfoy," he warned jabbing his thumb towards the blond boy who had taken Cameron's wand. I loud blare emitted from the Hogwarts Express.
"Bloody 'ell! We better hurry, or we'll miss the train," Ron yelled over the noise. He grabbed my hand, shooting electric currents through my body. Shaking the feeling, I took hold of my brother's arm and we ran for the train.
Dashing through the throng of waving families, we quickly grabbed one of the last car doors and hoped in. Ron slid the door shut behind us, and we were trapped in the small, in-between compartment of the car. Panting heavily, I turned my head to create more space, bumping into Ron's forehead.
"Not again! My apologies. I was always rather clumsy. Let me see if you're hurt," I fumbled apologizing once again. I reached up with the hand he wasn't still holding, and brushing away a few strands of his silky red hair, I caught his eyes. My hand moved to his cheek. "S-sorry."
Cam pulled at the bottom of my sweater, clearing his throat. I blinked, breaking our eye contact.
"Right-er-let's go find a place to sit," Ron said clearing his throat. We walked along the corridors until we reached a compartment where two people about my age sat. There was a girl with bushy brown hair, and brown eyes pouring over a thick book. A boy with glasses, dark messy hair, and gorgeous green eyes looked up from the window.
"Hey Ron! Where have you been? We lost you in the crowd after you followed that girl," his gaze shifted to me and he smiled. "And there she is! Hi, I'm Harry. Harry Potter."
I went to shake his hand, but Cameron pushed me out of the way.
"You're Harry Potter! I-I'm Cameron Fossil. How amazing it is to meet you. Can I get a picture, or an autograph?" he begged excitedly.
"Sorry," I said laughing. "He's read about you in The Daily Prophet. Your one of his heroes, you know." Harry's smile widened, but it turned a bit plastic.
"What sort of things do they say in The Daily Prophet?" he inquired, signing a piece of wrinkled parchment.
"Things about how you're 'The Chosen One', and that you'll save us all," I said. "But he really loves hearing about how you discovered the prophecy, defeated a dragon, and still managed not to get Head Boy," I joked. Harry breathed out a sigh, and sank a bit lower in his seat.
"I'll explain later," Ron mumbled in my ear catching my puzzled expression. I nodded, and turned my attention to the brunette who still hadn't spoken.
"Hello," I said rather nervously to her. She looked up from her book startled, as if she had just noticed me. "I'm Hailey. I'm new here." Although she seemed just as nervous as I was, she shook my hand.
"I'm Hermione Granger. You aren't a first year, how are you new?" she questioned.
"I went to Beauxbaton's up until last year. My parents got a great job, so we moved over the summer," I answered, smiling. "I've heard great things about this school. I'm sure I'll love it."
"You will," Hermione stated, checking her watch. "But I'm afraid I can't stay, and chat. It's my turn to patrol the corridors. Why don't you come with me, Cameron? I know a group of first years who would be happy to have another boy join them," she finished guiding him out.
"He'll be alright, won't he?" I asked Ron. He slung his arm around my shoulder, and sat the both of us down across from Harry.
"Of course. Hermione is one of the bravest and smartest girls here. She'll take perfect care of him," he said soothingly. I sighed in relief. I looked at Harry, who was now deep in thought.
"Why did you look so nervous when I mentioned the Ministry?" I blurted, remembering his fake smile. He walked to the compartments door, looked outside quickly, and muttered, Muffliato.
"Well, I've been getting a bad rep with the Ministry lately. They didn't believe that Voldemort had risen," explained Harry, pausing when he mentioned his name. "Even when they had solid proof they didn't want to admit it. They want me to stop saying he's back, in case people start believing me, and doubting the Ministry."
"Oh," I uttered. I didn't know how else to reply. "You're not going to stop speaking out, are you?" The cold booth was warmed with both boys' laughter.
"Absolutely not," he replied, still chuckling. Feeling safe and comfortable, I nuzzled closer to Ron. He leaned forward, pressing his cheek to the top of my head. The last thing I saw was Harry's satisfied smile before I nodded off.
This story is a personal request from a Miss HermioneWeasleyx3 . Hailey is her OC and Cameron is a shout-out to my little brother. I hope you enjoy it. :) ~Des
