First Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. I only own Hayden because she is mine forever and ever.

Author's Note:

HELLO. x)

I can't even begin on where to explain myself for this new story. It literally just came out of nowhere. I SHOULD be doing other things cough cough my other two stories cough cough. But alas. I have no shame. xD (Have no fear, though, I have been working on those two frequently. I've just spent a lot of time deleting them because they weren't satisfying.)

This story will be a huge mix between the movies and the books. Just a fair warning.

Oh well. Please read on, beautiful people!

Edited as of: January 25, 2018

No Promises.

Chapter O.N.E

_"The Beginning"_

"Those who don't believe in Magic will never find it." -Roald Dahl

The Platform was less crowded this year. I had spent all morning bracing myself to fight through the onslaught of students and parents and siblings with my parents just to get to the train, but after halting on the other side of the barrier, I realized how entirely unnecessary it was. The crowd that stood before me was nothing compared to the first four years of my train ride to school. Of course, there were still plenty of people taking up space to make it seem like the Platform was busy, but I knew better. A good portion of parents had pulled their children from Hogwarts this year. Mainly because the stupid prats read the Daily Prophet and believed all the horseshit it was spouting all summer.

Idiots, all of them.

"It's so tense here," said my Mom, Katarina, quietly, surveying the area with arms criss-crossing her chest tightly. My Dad, Ezra, rubbed a hand over her bicep soothingly, mimicking Mom's concerned gaze. She readily accepted the touch, leaning a tad closer to him. "It feels like I could break the tension with a butter knife."

There was no hiding the worried gazes on the parents around us. Their children were kept close and wands were kept even closer. It's like they expected an attack any second now.

"You could be talking a pitch too loudly and everyone here will be mean bugging you until they leave," I agreed lowly, giving my trolley a small shove to get it going. "Nobody trusts anyone right now. Hardly even their friends and least of all strangers." My parents kept close to my back as I weaved through the clusters of people that littered the Platform. A few groups noticed me coming and graciously moved out of the way, only sparing me a wary glance before turning back to a previous conversation.

"That's a little much, don't you think, dear?" Asked my Dad with an arched brow. He dodged a shoulder that was supposed to hit him rather harshly. The attacker didn't falter in his steps, maintaining a steady gait out of the Platform. I glared at him, cursing my inability to use magic outside of school. Mom's lips pulled into a frown.

"I'm being honest, Dad. People are scared nowadays."

Scared was an understatement. Much of the magical community was vehemently denying the signs that were being thrown in their faces like bright neon lights and were turning their noses up at the people who said otherwise. Of course, the only credible source anyone had was a then fourteen-year-old boy and that wasn't entirely convincing to anyone. Even Dumbledore, who was rumored and talked about for his wisdom and judgement, wasn't making any progress in this area and he was a well-known, very respected wizard among the community and the Ministry.

Dad creeped closer to my ear and leaned down, at least having the common sense to lower his voice with his next words, to which I was eternally grateful for. "It's not just about that Dark Wizard you told us about, is it?"

Being a Muggle, Dad had no idea about the line he had just crossed with that comment. It was an invisible line, but it was treated as if it was a real line that actually stood at the tips of our toes. It was such a sensitive topic right now that it was almost taboo to even hint at it. The idea of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named returning after fourteen years of relative peace was something no witch or wizard wants to accept. It couldn't be possible in their minds. Ludacris. Preposterous. Impossible. Unreal.

"He's the biggest cause," I mumbled back, scowling at a pair of girls who were giving my parents distasteful looks. They quickly looked away and hurried onto the train with a suitcase and a cage in hand. Pureblood prejudice was almost ridiculous anymore. "The Ministry is being tight-lipped about it. Fudge has been discrediting the Headmaster ever since the Tournament ended and has been blaming every misfortune that's happened so far on Sirius Black." Which I honestly thought was completely stupid since what evidence was given to the public was nothing close to what Black would do. It was too barbaric, too gruesome. He may have murdered thirteen Muggles, plus Pettigrew, but those were hardly considered violent compared to what was happening around the world.

Mom let out an unlady-like snort. I halted us before an aide, handing him some bags to be passed inside while Dad grabbed my one suitcase and Mom grabbed my True Owl, Finny. He gave a hoot in greeting to her and ruffled his white-speckled brown feathers primly. "I will never understand your leader. He is taking ignorance to a whole other level." Mom's voice was louder than what she had intended, but I still rounded on her sharply.

"Mom!" I hissed. A few adults—a Pureblood bunch from their rich-looking cloaks—were looking our way, a man reaching casually into his sleeve where I had no doubt he kept his wand. The look in his eyes practically screamed the urge to fire a few hexes our way. "Please have some sort of filter when we're surrounded by wizards. Talk like that will get us in trouble."

And since my Mom was such a proud person, her sharp reply back didn't surprise me. "Ignorance is not the way to run a vast magical community. Non-witch I may be, but politics is still politics no matter what the race is." She turned her nose up stubbornly in a way that I knew I mirrored, green eyes narrowed down at me.

I managed a short laugh to appease her. "The Daily Prophet would get a kick out of your thoughts, Mom." Especially that God awful Skeeter woman. She opened her mouth, but I quickly cut her off. "I'm not disagreeing with you. In fact, I agree with you, but I hold little sway here considering I'm a Muggleborn witch." My lips twitched into a sardonic smile.

Dad thankfully came to the rescue and placed a kiss on Mom's cheek. "We didn't come here to talk politics, Kat," He reminded her kindly, smiling at her with gentle hazel eyes. "Our oldest isn't coming back home until Christmas. Do you really want her last words from us to be about politics?"

Mom's cheeks flushed bright pink as she sniffed dismissively, trying to retain some of her dignity with the action. Dad chuckled, planting a loud kiss on her cheek one more time before giving me a semi-stern look. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from giggling. "Do try and stay out of trouble this year, Hayden," Said Dad, giving me his sternest glare. It failed because my lips easily split into a wicked grin. Both of my parents gave me unimpressed looks.

"Your father is right, Hayden," Mom pressed. "We get more letters from your Head of House than we do our monthly bills!"

My grin refused to fade. "Professor McGonagall gave up on controlling me back in second year when I spent the entire winter break turning Malfoy's knees backwards for calling Granger the M-word." I shrugged carelessly. "You wouldn't be getting as many letters if Snape didn't seem to have a sixth sense for when I cause trouble and insist that McGonagall take appropriate action. The stingy bastard always manages to catch me and relishes giving me detention."

"Language," Snapped Mom, cuffing the back of my head quickly. I whined a little bit, rubbing the spot that throbbed.

"It's true, though! Professor Snape is always the first one there after a prank well done! He always looks so smug that he catches me, too." I mumbled that last part petulantly. The aide took my last bag and I thanked him as he left us alone.

Dad rubbed his nose with a hand, pinching the area. "Try to be discreet about it, then," He insisted. "Give this Malfoy boy a break and—"

"I can assure you," a silky, cold voice interrupted, "that my son doesn't need your interference about what happens at his school."

I almost didn't turn around. I about grabbed both my parents and hurried them off to avoid talking to the man who was without a doubt towering over me. They had never had to hear the words I did at school. I didn't want them to hear it now either, but Dad's eyes were already looking behind me and Mom looked just the tiniest bit appalled. Swallowing, I forced myself to face the music.

Now, I wasn't some harlot who pursued older men—I had standards, damn it—but not even the logical side could beat aside the hormones that never failed to make an appearance at inappropriate times. The female in me was very pleased at what she saw. She ogled the black suit that was tailored to fit Lucius Malfoy in all the right places, snug around his biceps and broad shoulders and comfortably loose around his wrists, waist, and lower body. The man was attractive with his long blonde hair, aristocratic face, and stormy grey eyes. What always derailed those thoughts, however, was the sneer that was perpetually on his lips and the contempt that was clearly showing in those grey eyes.

The situation got even more fantastic when Narcissa and Draco Malfoy sauntered up and flanked the man's sides. Narcissa, whose face was very beautiful and whose elegance made me endlessly envious, was perfectly poised by her husband, expression cool as she regarded us. Malfoy's sneer mirrored his father's almost perfectly, blonde hair falling naturally instead of gelled back and posture reeking of superiority.

"Walters," He greeted mockingly. "I'm surprised you decided to show your face this year."

My eyes narrowed. "Malfoy." My own lips copied his sneer. It was very easy to do. "Did you have a good summer fearing every Ferret you came across? I'm sure everyone got a real laugh watching the infamous young Malfoy running in terror from a small furry animal."

He didn't appreciate the reminder, eyebrow twitching. I would never let the cocky prat forget that embarrassing moment in his life. It would haunt him till the day he died and I'd be sure to bring it back up at his funeral. "Were you still washing out all the colors of the rainbow from your hair this summer? You did an awful job. I'm pretty sure there's some pink and yellow still there." My hand twitched, itching to reach up and confirm it. Those two colors clashed horrendously with my natural hair, but I knew it wasn't there, though. Mom had made very sure of that.

"Well, considering how you ran from Professor Moody every time you saw him during meals or in the halls, I'm surprised you're actually returning to school and gracing us with your wonderful presence after that embarrassment."

"I wouldn't willingly grace you with my presence even if you begged me for it, Walters," He retorted. He brushed back some blonde hair that fell into his eyes.

Ugh. If he wasn't such a jackass, I'd almost say that the guy was attractive. He certainly wasn't hideous to look at. If only he had a personality change, he'd be more desirable in my eyes.

"I'd be dead before I begged to a git like you, Malfoy." His eyes flashed, a hand reaching towards his pocket. I almost laughed out loud at his pitiful attempt of being discreet. Narcissa noticed his movement and made a move that almost looked like it was going to stop him. There was the sharp sound of something solid hitting flesh and Malfoy was suddenly bowed slightly, a hand rubbing his stomach from having the breath knocked out of him by Lucius' cane. Mom inhaled sharply and I didn't miss the fury in Narcissa's gaze before she covered it.

"Mind your tongue, Draco," Lucius said smoothly, giving his son a disapproving look. "Do not rise to such meaningless banter."

"Yes, Father," He grumbled, straightening himself up accordingly. He was too tense to be completely okay with the movement. That had to have hurt and I had the sudden urge to hit Lucius with his own cane to see how much he liked it.

Children were not meant to be hit like that. Ever.

"I'm sorry," Dad interjected slowly, watching the family warily, "but is that really necessary, sir? Surely your son didn't—"

"You would do well to stay out of my family business," said the Malfoy Patriarch in a chilling voice. "A lowly Muggle like yourself wouldn't understand the delicacy of handling an unruly child to a prominent family."

Mom bristled out of the corner of my eye and I realized that I was just as tense as she was after that particularly rude comment. She made to step around me. "Now hold on—" My arm shot out and Mom wheezed when she ran right into it. Dad's hands pulled her back by her shoulders, whispering into her ear as she caught her breath.

"I'd appreciate you minding your manners, Mr. Malfoy," I suggested coolly, playing off the Pureblood's need for proper etiquette. The coldness in his eyes said that he caught my subtle threat and I flashed a sweet smile at him. "Did you need anything else? If not, your son and I should really be boarding before the third whistle sounds and the train leaves without us." As if agreeing with me, the first warning whistle sounded. Students were immediately hustled onto the train, though many refused to come in the door we were by, wisely keeping their distance and not dawdling around to watch.

Lucius cocked his head just slightly to his right, maintaining eye contact with me. "Of course. We wouldn't want that at all. It'd be a shame if you weren't able to go back this year, Ms. Walters." There was a noise of displeasure from one of my parents before quiet mutterings were heard. I fought the urge to scowl at the Patriarch. The man was a Grade A asshole for sure. "Oh, but do take care to study harder this year, Draco." I blinked at the rather random topic change, but otherwise stayed silent. "It would do you some good to top of your class for once." Draco winced, brushing off Narcissa's hand when it touched his shoulder.

"Yes, Father."

I couldn't stop the silver platter of a remark that was practically handed to me. "Oh yes, you're gonna need all the study time you can get if you want to beat Granger at her own game, Ferret." Somehow, my smile grew sweeter. "It's funny how a Muggleborn witch has managed to be top of our year for four years now while a Pureblooded Malfoy has been second best for equal that time."

"Hayden!" Snapped Dad, scandalized. Malfoy's face was absolutely thunderous, his wand in hand and pointed at my throat as he invaded my personal space. My parent's protests were barely heard over the roar of my heartbeat.

"Watch your mouth, you filthy Mudbood," He snarled, the smell of spearmint wafting heavily into my nose. It almost distracted me from what was happening. "Granger is not better than—" He froze. Narcissa called his name, but he didn't respond. It amused me to no end that he hadn't even seen me draw my wand.

"You know," I whispered, pressing my wand just a bit more firmly into his throat and leaning closer, "one would think after the first twenty times I sent you to the Hospital Wing, you'd have learned how much I really hate that word, Malfoy." He tensed when I put more force on his throat. "I wonder just how many more hexes it'll take before you finally get the hint."

While I knew Malfoy could trump me any day academically, I knew I could take, if not equal, him in a duel. He was a strong wizard—anyone with a brain could see how gifted the Malfoy Heir was—and it was probably the one area where I would let his arrogance slide. He deserved to be proud of his abilities because he was strong.

However, the prat was almost purely offensive. He knew a lot of spells that could do damage and said damage would certainly put the defender in the Hospital, but if an equally powerful spell was thrown his way, he was screwed. His shields were weak and his form was never perfect, despite it being said to him multiple times by teachers to better himself defensively. And because he refused to do so, he was just asking for a well-placed Stupefy to send him flying. He'd learned that the hard way last year during breakfast once.

The detention I had gotten from Professor Snape for that little stunt was well worth the expression on the blonde's face.

The look of cold fury on Lucius Malfoy's face could make a baby cry instantly, while Narcissa looked torn between being spitting angry or worried about the fuse her husband was about to blow. I ignored the hands gripping the back of my shirt, tugging but not using enough force to move me. Malfoy had to learn eventually that I wasn't a pushover and that I would fight back just to prove a point, consequences be damned.

"Now, really!" We all tensed at the shrill voice, flashes of red moving out of the corner of my eye. A glance to my right showed Molly Weasley, her entire family minus the three older boys in tow with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger in the back with Ron, standing with hands on wide hips and looking quite angry. She didn't seem to notice the pleased expression on her children's faces at seeing Malfoy held at wand point. "This is a public area, you lot! Put those wands away and go your separate ways before someone gets hurt!"

I almost laughed at Fred and George, both of whom were making gestures at the blond in front of me and miming strangling motions. I could never tell which one was which, but I think it was Fred who gave me a thumbs up while George gave me silent approving claps behind their mother's back.

I gave Draco a freezing smile. "You heard her, Malfoy, put your wand away."

The boy snorted rudely, scowling furiously at me. "The Blood Traitor was talking to you, too, Mudblood." The pleased expressions on the kids instantly vanished, replaced by dark looks and angry frowns. Hermione cringed at the word and Harry scowled at Malfoy's back. The Twins even stepped forward, Ron and Ginny a step behind with wands drawn from the three boys. Heat flashed through my veins and before I could reign in my temper, my knee was already harshly implanted into his gut in the same area Lucius had hit him in.

"Draco!"

"Hayden!"

"You will never learn, Ferret!" I snarled, snatching his wand out of his hand before he could gasp a spell out. The wood seemed to warm uncomfortably in my fingers, but it was easily ignored. "Just how many times do we have to keep doing this before it gets through your thick skull?!"

"That's enough, Hayden!" Mr. Weasley was quick to get between us, his back to me as he forced me back. "Give the young Malfoy his wand so that he can go and you can finish boarding."

"I'd rather hex him with it instead, Arthur," I said coldly, clenching said wand tighter. The heat was almost unbearable at this point, the skin around the wood sizzling painfully. Clearly the wand didn't like me touching it. And I clearly forgot my manners, calling Mr. Weasley by his given name so callously like that.

Which hex should I use today, laws be damned? The knee-switching is getting a bit old. Maybe Jelly-Legs? A Tickle hex? What about that boils hex Lavender showed me last year? Decisions, decisions...

I wouldn't get the option. The second whistler shrilled loudly. "Put those away this instant," Narcissa finally demanded, voice terse and clipped as she glared at the Twins and Ron, all of whom had their wands still trained on Malfoy, who was standing slouched with a hand rubbing his stomach. All three cast her dirty looks, but a quick hit to their heads from Mrs. Weasley had them conceding. Nobody noticed Ginny's hand in her pocket nor how we made eye contact over her mother's shoulder, her sharp eyes never wavering from Narcissa's approaching form.

I was thankful someone was ready to jump to my defense, not that I wasn't grateful to the Twins and Ron for drawing their wands so quickly.

"If you won't give Draco his wand, then give it to me." She held a hand out that was flawlessly pale and long-fingered. "You can at least be reassured that I will be the civil one here, Ms. Walters." She silenced any noises from the two men behind her with a glare, her beautiful face contorting into something terrifying.

Realizing the Malfoy Matriarch was right, I placed the wand into her hand, careful not to touch her skin in the process. My hand gave a burning throb. I struggled not to visibly flinch. Narcissa gave a firm nod in thanks, handing the wand to her son, whom she forced onto the train with a pointed finger and a scowl, and ushering her husband away from us once Draco and his luggage was out of sight.

Mom was the first to break out of the silence with a harsh head slap. I recoiled away from her, wide-eyed and horribly confused. "What in the world was that for?!"

"Hayden Alice Walters!" I froze at my full name and yelped when she started hitting any part of my body that she could reach. "I don't know where you get off bad-mouthing someone like that, but I know I taught you better than that!"

"He deserved it," Protested one of the Twins. I think it was Fred.

"Malfoy is a git," Agreed George, sending a glare at the door as if to reinforce his point. "It's about time someone hit him, anyway." He gave a wide grin at his brother, one that was quickly mirrored. "Nice kick, by the way. You should—"

"—do that more often," Fred finished.

"Just don't let a teacher catch you," George added snarkily.

"Snape would have a field day catching you." George nodded wisely at Fred's words, looking for the world like he was hearing advice from Merlin himself. Neither of them were completely wrong.

"Fred, George! Do not encourage such behavior!" Mrs. Weasley admonished. Harry and the other Weasley siblings snickered behind their hands. Even Mr. Weasley looked hard pressed not to smile.

"I don't think Hayden needs any more encouragement," Said Harry teasingly. "She's been giving Filch and Snape runs for their money since Day One." I grinned saucily and winked at him. He knew me so well by now even though we were hardly considered close friends.

Mom threw her hand up, jostling Finny, who gave her a baleful hoot. "Wizards!" She thrust Finny into my arms, being gentle, of course, and gave me a sour look. I immediately eased his cage off my burned appendage, switching it to my left hand. "Onto the train, you little witch. And don't forget to write to us and your sister!"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, Mom." I gave her cheek a kiss and wrapped Dad in a one armed hug. "I'll see you both at Christmas. And keep reminding Sis to take care of Echo!"

"Will do," Chorused my parents.

"You lot get going, too," Mr. Weasley said. Ron and Ginny hurried in with Hermione and Harry right behind them, all of them fumbling with their luggage and animals. One of the Twins snagged my bag along with all of their bags, both giving me cheeky winks at my indignant look and disappeared.

"Those prats," I grumbled, mentally appreciating their help. I didn't have a lot of stuff in that bag, but it was still heavy considering how little muscle I had on my body. The adults all laughed behind me. A black shaggy dog sitting by Mrs. Weasley gave a bark, tail wagging and dark eyes sparkling. It was almost human-like, that sparkle.

I don't recall ever seeing this dog being with the group when they joined us ten minutes ago. I doubt it's a friendly stray, either. I eyed the dog curiously, my head tilting unconsciously. That look in its eyes was strange, too. A lesson in Transfiguration last year came to mind suddenly. I wonder...

"Hayden?" I shook my head at Mom's questioning tone.

"It's nothing." I waved them all goodbye and boarded the train just as the door slid shut and the train gave a startling lurch forward. Many students still littered the corridor, half their bodies hanging out the window and waving to parents that grew smaller and smaller. Laughing drew my attention and I looked out to see the black dog, who was loping alongside the train, yipping until we rounded a bend and it disappeared from sight. Finny hooted at the noise being made, flapping his wings in annoyance.

"I know, sweet one," I cooed to him, rubbing the smooth feathers on his neck. He preened under the affection. "We'll find somewhere quiet, I promise." I frowned at the lack of red hair in the hall. "We just have to find those blasted Twins first."

"Now that's rude." Fred's head popped out of the compartment behind me, red eyebrow arched. His grin belied his serious words. George leaned over his brother, waving energetically at me. I returned the wave more moderately. "We help you carry your luggage in and you curse us?" Fred shook his head.

"I didn't ask you to help me, ya know," I reminded him.

Fred gave a cheeky grin. "It's only polite to—"

"—help a young lady with her things. We're—"

"—perfect gentlemen, after all," Chorused both boys, looking pleased.

I snorted. "Keep telling yourselves that, you two." I was only joking and I knew they could hear it in my voice. Despite their pranks, I knew Mrs. Weasley ingrained manners into the two boys. They were angels underneath their devil disguises. "Is my suitcase in there with you?" Identical shrugs was my answer. I rolled my eyes. "Move over, you pranksters."

The compartment wasn't filled with just the Weasley brothers. A dark skinned boy with unruly curly hair sat on the lone side, digging through an impressive stash of candy. He looked up and beamed at me. "Hey, Hayden!" Lee Jordan greeted. He swatted at the wandering hands rifling through his candy, but let Fred and George have the Every Flavor Beans they had managed to snatch with no more than a mock glare.

"Hello, Lee."

Fred sniggered. "That rhymed fantastically."

"Good one, Lee," Agreed George, opening up the box and offering a white bean to Fred. I mentally guessed the white bean to be marshmellow flavored, unconsciously playing a game my sister and I constantly played whenever we got our hands on the candy.

"Hardy-har, you're so funny," I said sarcastically. I blinked when both Twins scooted out and made room for me in the middle. I took the offered spot, setting Finny's cage in front of me and letting him out. He quickly hopped into my lap and shook himself once, both of us relaxing into our seats.

Lee shrugged. "I think they're a riot."

"You're biased," I retorted. I scratched at a spot on Finny's chest that I knew he loved to have rubbed. He gave off a series of coos, eyes half-lidding. I smiled. "You're their best friend."

"That doesn't mean anything," Fred disagreed. He laughed at the disgusted look on George's face. He must've gotten something nasty. Probably fish. Ugh. "Being our best friend just means he's one of our first test dummies for a new product!"

"Not unless I bring a willing victim first. After that whole canary fiasco, you can bet that I'm gonna avoid being the test subject again."

I looked towards both Twins in disbelief. "Canary fiasco?" I questioned. Lee groaned into his hands while Fred and George laughed loudly.

"Don't ask," He pleaded. He cast the cackling hyenas a dark look. "It wasn't a good moment in my life."

Fred was the one who recovered first, though he still snickered under his breath as he reached into his pocket and held up a small wrapped present. I carefully took it, wary. A sweet aroma was coming from the simple silver wrapping. It smelled very appealing to me.

"What is this?" I asked, holding up to my face. The smell really was delicious. I felt almost compelled to open it and throw it right into my mouth.

"Eat it," Fred insisted, eyes sparkling mischievously. Lee looked a cross between saying something and just watching.

Now, I was never close with the Twins during my time at Hogwarts. They were two years older than me and mainly kept to themselves, Lee, or their siblings and I made no effort to join that particular group. However, I knew all about what the boys did in their free time and while this little present looked harmless to my eyes, I knew not to trust it at all.

"I'd rather save it for later," I said crossly, shoving it into my pocket. Finny eyed my pocket, hooting when I tapped his beak to gain his attention away from the treat.

"Scared?" George tried to goad. I didn't fall for it.

I gave him an innocent smile. "Far from it. I just don't feel like eating it right now when it could be saved for the inevitable first day of Divination."

"Merlin, I hope you have someone there to record Trelawney's reaction when you eat that!" Fred cackled, throwing an arm across my shoulders casually with an easy grin. Blood rushed to my face despite my best efforts. I could easily feel the muscles that lined his arm, likely from his many years as Beater on the Quidditch team, against my neck and shoulders.

Merlin's drawers, I'd bet he could easily have his way with me with arms like those.

Where in the ever loving hell did that come from?! My face instantly grew hotter at that thought and I scrambled for another topic to talk about.

"Oh, come on, Forge," George teased, slapping his twin's arm off me. "You're gonna scare away our potential test subject!" If it had been anyone else, I would've given them an earful for even suggesting that so easily. I knew the Twins weren't like that, though.

"I oughta hex you for that one, Weasley," I grumbled half-heartedly. "Go find some witless first year to torture with your inventions."

"It's a good thing we have our charms to get us through then!" They chorused. Lee laughed at them before launching into a one-sided debate about something he had researched over the summer. I was internally grateful when they included me in on the conversation on multiple occasions. It was a welcoming distraction from my suddenly disturbing thoughts about Quidditch arms.

The rest of the train ride flew by and before we all knew it, we were all cramming into a carriage as a group of four, me sitting by George and Fred and Lee across from us. My eyes never left the skeletal black horses that nickered and shook out their manes as they took us up to the castle. They were strange creatures, Thestrals. All three of the boys noticed that my attention wasn't on them and they did their damned best to regain it. It wasn't until Finny gave an angry hoot that I began to pay more attention to the boys.

"Would you stop messing with him?" I snipped at the Twins and Lee, who were poking and prodding Finny with gentle fingers. I would've hexed and fed them to the Giant Squid if they dared hurt him. "He obviously doesn't want your attention."

"He's such a moody owl," Lee commented, admiring my bird. I was oddly proud that he liked Finny, who had been my animal companion since my first year. "He's so temperamental and cranky."

"Have someone poke you constantly and tell me how you like it, then." Finny seemed to agree for he was quick to nip Lee's finger when it got too close to his beak. Lee jerked back with a yelp and held up his bleeding finger to me.

"He bit me!"

I arched an eyebrow, unperturbed. "You deserved it." The Twins laughed at my reply. I gave both boys a reluctant high-five when they held up their hands expectantly. I gave Lee a spare band aid from my pocket, lips twitching at the pout on his face. He gave the band aid a critical look.

"Finny's a nipper," I answered his unspoken question. "People should really learn to listen to the person who raised him instead of disregarding their words."

"Then why hasn't he bit Fred or George?!" I looked at Finny, who was eyeballing the fingers still gently rubbing his feathers and seemed to be reluctantly relaxing with the ministrations they were giving him. I hummed absently, wrapping my arms around me just a bit tighter to ward off the cold air that was suddenly making itself known. My slightly burned hand relished the cool air that was blowing over it.

"He must like them for some reason. He's normally very picky around people."

"He senses your bad intentions, Lee," Teased Fred, smirking at his friend.

"He must know you intend to use him for your evil experiments," Added George, also smirking. Lee squawked at them, mouth falling open and arms flailing.

"You two are the evil doers here! Not me!"

"I think there needs to be an intervention, Lee," I soothed, reaching across to pat his shoulder. "If you have ill intentions towards my owl, I'm afraid you'll have to be separated from him." My tone became sarcastic. "It's okay to talk about what's going on inside. There's no need to be shy."

Lee huffed and waved my hand away. He turned his nose up and pointedly ignored me. I laughed alongside the Twins the rest of the way up to the castle, pleased with myself. Lee hopped out of his seat, Fred and George following after. Both red heads held out a hand for me to take and my cheeks burned, but I gratefully took both hands and let them help me down. We left our luggage on the carriage—the house elves would take them up to the tower for us and I resolved to go visit them sometime this week—and started up the steps. I let Finny out of his cage and, with a promise to share some treats with him at breakfast tomorrow, sent him off to the Owlery for sleep after the long trip.

The Great Hall was warm and welcoming compared to the slight chill that had been outside. Hundreds upon hundreds of candles floated feet above the four House tables, illuminating the bewitched ceiling and the dark storm clouds that floated by through the sky. Many students were already seated and eating, their voices echoing all across the Hall and the smell of pumpkin and pie crust particularly strong right now. The Twins and Lee were quick to steal seats close to Harry, Fred and George once again leaving a space in the middle of them for me.

I feel like this might become a habit and I'm not quite sure how to feel about it.

It was strange that I was suddenly on speaking terms with the Twins after four years of being here and never having so much as a conversation with them. It felt like I was intruding on their dynamic with Lee, but I was pleasantly surprised at their willingness to include me in their small circle. It was...I didn't have a good enough word to describe it, but it was enjoyable, to put it inadequately.

"God, I've missed this food," Lee groaned around a mouthful of potatoes, piling his plate with a type of casserole and chicken. "I haven't had anything this amazing all summer."

"That's a harsh jab to your parents if I've ever heard one," I commented, grabbing a little bit of potatoes and what I was hoping was some version of a cranberry salad. It was slightly difficult using a fork in my left hand when I'm predominantly right-handed, but it was a bit painful to use that hand right now. I snatched a piece of pumpkin pie away from Lee's grabbing fingers, smirking at his squawk of protest. He pursed his lips at me in a mock frown and settled for grabbing a strawberry crepe instead.

"Neither of my parents can cook to save their lives," He complained. "It's a wonder we're still alive." He glared at the Twins. "You're lucky you have such a fantastic cook like Mrs. Weasley."

I could barely control my jaw from dropping at the sheer amount of food that was piled on both boys' plates. It was almost up to their chests! It was ridiculous, but I found myself just a bit jealous. Where the hell did all of that food go? I hardly believed Quidditch kept them from burning off all of those calories. I just looked at a pizza my Mom makes and I gain five pounds!

"Don't be jealous, Lee," Fred said, waving his fork at him. George nodded, copying Fred's movements.

"It's quite unbecoming of our business partner to be jealous over something so silly."

"It's not silly, you two," I objected, taking a bite of the salad. I practically shook in happiness. It was indeed a version of cranberry salad and quite possibly the best I've ever had. "Mothers make the best food in the whole world. Although the house elves here are making it difficult to stick to that mindset."

"My mother obviously doesn't fit that stereotype," Lee deadpanned, moodily eating his crepe.

The Hall quieted when the Great Hall doors were pushed open and in walked Professor McGonagall with a train of frightened first years scampering after her, a stool and an ancient-looking wizard's hat with a wide rip in her hands. The first years stopped before the staff table, McGonagall setting down the stool first and then placing the hat on it. She took a step back and waited. A moment of silence and then the hat's rip opened wide like a mouth and burst into song.

It spoke a lot of the founding of Hogwarts, speaking of Salazar, Rowena, Godric, and Helga respectively, the expectations and hopes for their individual Houses, and then it descended into the discord that began to form between the Houses. Slytherin himself left in a fury and abandoning the once band of four to a band of three. It didn't stop there, though. The Sorting Hat sang of a warning, Hogwarts being in danger and that unity is what will save us. With that final line, the hat became motionless. There was a scattered applause and whispers began circulating.

"I've never heard of the hat giving out warnings before," I commented, clapping politely with everyone else. I almost felt intimidated by the warning. Hogwarts in danger? The thought made my stomach churn anxiously and I couldn't help but feel like the salad was going to make another unfortunate appearance.

"Well, what would you expect?" George asked. "The thing lives in Dumbledore's office. It's bound to pick up some things, wouldn't you agree?"

I hesitantly answered, "I guess so, but I can't help feeling nervous. It chose an awful time to hand out that particular warning." Especially since He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was apparently running about unsupervised. Fred's hand was suddenly curling in my hair and he gave it a reassuring rub, long fingers being gentle not to pull strands of hair too harshly.

"Don't worry too much about it," He chided, giving me a grin. "Classes haven't even started yet. There's no need to freak out over an old hat's premonition."

"I'm not freaking out, Fred Weasley," I scowled at him as he retracted his hand. "I'm just concerned."

"Don't be concerned then," George chimed in. He laughed at the glare I sent him. Someone down the table shushed us and we all looked up to see McGonagall frowning severely. I shrunk back into Fred's side, using his taller and wider form as a shield. The Sorting went by quickly afterwards, the first boy, "Abercrombie, Euan", coming to our table and the last girl, "Zeller, Rose", running to the cheering Hufflepuff table. Dumbledore's magenta robes caught everyone's attention as he stood up, white beard tossed over his shoulder and his wizard's hat sagging to the side.

"To our newcomers, welcome!" He greeted, a beaming smile on his lips. "To our old hands, welcome back! There is a time for speech making, but this is not it. Tuck in!"

"Dumbledore's as barmy as ever!" Lee laughed, cheering alongside the others as even more food weighed down on the table. He was quick to grab the nearest pile of pork chops and some type of sweet smelling sauce.

"How in Merlin's blue knickers are you still hungry?!" I exclaimed in surprise and slight disgust as he started to stuff his face for the second time. His words were muffled around the mouthful of chops in his mouth. Beside him, a brunette first year gave a quiet noise of disgust and moved away from him. My eye twitched. "I'm sorry, I was distracted by the half masticated pig rolling around in your wide open trap. Care to repeat that, Jordan?"

He rolled his eyes and swallowed thickly. "I said that boys have different stomachs for other foods! I saw those delicious pork chops and knew that I was still hungry for more."

"He's not wrong," a boy on his side said. He was rather short and young, but not as young-looking as a first year. Maybe a second or third year? His teeth were beautifully white as he laughed. "There's always plenty of room for food for us growing boys!" He patted his stomach fondly.

"More like garbage disposals," I muttered, eying the way the Twins were equally still eating, but with more grace than Lee, thank God. "You guys are eating everything in sight without even looking at what you're grabbing."

"Food is food," was all that Fred said.

"If it's edible and tastes good, why not eat it?" George asked, reaching for his cup of pumpkin juice.

"There's a limit to how much I can eat in one sitting, Weasley," I said sarcastically. He glanced at my place, which still had a bit of salad and pie on it, and snorted.

"If that's all you're gonna be eating, I have to wonder how you're not dead! You've hardly eaten anything in front of you!"

"I don't need to eat a lot to be full, George," I sighed. This was a conversation I was very much used to. "I don't have a black hole for a stomach." Blue eyes connected with each other over my head, both having a silent conversation, before the redheads began grabbing bits of everything off the plates around them and putting them on mine. My hands were swatted aside when I tried to stop them. "You guys! What on earth are you doing?! Stop it!"

"You need to eat more," George insisted, putting an avocado on my plate.

"You're too skinny as is." Fred slapped my hand when I took the avocado off my plate.

"I don't even like half of this stuff, you two," I complained, hastily tossing the green monstrosity onto Lee's plate. He gave it a contemplative look before he shrugged and cut it open. "Put all of this back. I'm not eating it."

"We'll leave you alone if you eat all of it," They both pressed, looking determined. Lee was snickering into his food like the prat that he was at the attention I was getting from his best friends. I lobbed a piece of turkey at him, hitting him square in the face.

"As if something as simple as that would make you two leave me alone," I scoffed.

"We'll leave you alone about your eating habits," Fred corrected.

"We'll continue to bother you otherwise," George said cheekily. It was only Dumbledore's voice piercing through the Hall that stopped me from pushing George off the bench.

"Now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices," He announced. "First years ought to know that the forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students." Here he gave a few Gryffindors a look, specifically the smirking Twins on both sides of me. " And a few of our older students ought to know by now, too.

"Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred and sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door.

"We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons." I was disappointed at Hagrid's sudden disappearance, but didn't dwell too long on it. Grubbly-Plank had won over a lot of students, mainly girls, last year with her unicorn lesson. I was partially included in that lot despite not having the class, having snuck down with a bunch of other girls to get a peek at the magical creature. "We are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

I certainly wasn't very impressed with this particular lady. She was dressed head to toe in obnoxious pink clothes that clashed with the black robes of Professor Snape, who sat beside her, had ordinary curly brown hair that barely touched her shoulders, and shrewd looking eyes that counteracted the sweet smile on her face. And was she giggling up there?

"Tryouts for the House Quidditch teams will take place on the—"

"Hem, hem." I must've been imagining things. There's no where this new teacher had just cut off the Headmaster like that. I was prove wrong when the Headmaster abruptly stopped talking, looking inquiringly at Professor Umbridge, who I hadn't noticed get to her feet and looking for the world like she was about to give the greatest speech known to Man. Her standing hardly compensated for her lack of height. It was like she was still sitting anyway.

"Damn, that woman is short," Lee whispered. The Twins nodded in agreement.

"Look at the teachers," I pointed out lowly. "They don't look very amused." Sprout's eyebrows had disappeared completely into her flyaway hairline and McGonagall's mouth was as thin as I had ever seen it. Even Snape's eyebrow was arched in disbelief.

"That woman obviously doesn't know how Hogwarts is run here," someone to my right muttered furiously as Dumbledore stepped away from his podium to watch Umbridge alertly as she walked around the Head Table and took his place, looking as if he would love nothing more than to hear her talk as she addressed the student body at large.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Professor Umbridge simpered, "for those kind words of welcome."

Her voice was almost painfully high-pitched and sugary. I wondered if she had to work to make her voice sound that falsely sweet. I had to hold back a wince as it practically grinded my eardrums and made my head hurt.

"Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say!" She smiled, revealing teeth that, now that I could see them better, were actually a bit pointed. "And to see such happy little faces smiling up at me." I can assure you, lady, that I was not smiling at you and a quick glance around me showed that everyone else was of a similar mindset. "I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends."

"That's likely," Muttered the Twins under their breaths. I elbowed them both in the side, but there was little force behind the action.

"I'll be her friend as long as I don't have to borrow that cardigan," Parvati, who was sitting diagonally from me, whispered to Lavender. Both girls lapsed into silent giggles, their shoulders shaking. Professor Umbridge sent the three looks, her eyes barely concealing the irritation that I had no doubt that she was feeling, though her smile didn't falter.

"The Ministry of Magic," She began, "has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be a vital importance. Although each Headmaster has brought something new to his historic school," here she gave a nod to Dumbledore, who returned the gesture politely, "progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected, and prune practices that ought to be prohibited." She gave a honeyed laugh that was so obviously false, I was surprised her face wasn't pinched with tension from the effort of faking such a laugh. Dumbledore led the room to applause, most of us only clapping once or twice to be polite. The teachers were just as enthusiastic as we were, their claps even less animated than ours.

"That was a load of codswallop if you ask me," Lee said as Dumbledore continued his earlier announcements. "What's that woman's deal anyway, sprouting all of that stuff off?"

"That's not hard to figure out," I said, frowning at our new Professor. "She works for Fudge, doesn't she? We all know how much Fudge loves Dumbledore right now and this woman comes out of nowhere to teach here? That's not coincidence."

"I have a feeling she's going to cause a lot of future problems here," Predicted Fred. His brother nodded in agreement.

"She undoubtedly will," I said. "The Ministry is making a move on Hogwarts. This won't end well for anyone if this is the person Fudge sent in to watch us."

This year was going to busy. I could tell already.

Author's Note:

I'm honestly very nervous posting this, but I'm taking the chance for it! Reviews would be ever so helpful in letting me know if it's passable to you amazing people or if it's a load of shite that needs to be burned and taken down! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, but I beg that it be constructive and not flaming for the sake of flaming. That will help nobody at all except for your satisfied ego of tearing down a nervous author.

Question for this chapter: What is your opinion on Umbridge, good or bad?

See you in the next chapter!

~OQ