It was the last few weeks of summer break before school started back up. I couldn't believe it; I was going to be a Third Year with all of my British best friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Noting could ruin my mood…unless you count there bein' a criminal on the loose: the infamous murderer Sirius Black. Now, I don't exactly know what he was locked up for, but word's got it that he's the first one, ever, to break out of the wizard prison Azkaban. The shock of the news shook up the Ministry of Magic so much, that not only was his presence alerted in the Muggle news, it was also alerted to the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) in case he decided to hide overseas.
But enough hearsay about Black. I was at home with my parents and cousins Michael and Olivia, from Boston, who decided to visit. Once they saw Polaris deliver a couple of letters to my window, they were delighted and relieved that they didn't have to hide their wands from me. They were 16 and 18, respectively, and Oliva was graduating from Ilvermorny this year. I got to tell them all about my last two years at Hogwarts, save for all of the dangerous stunts we pulled, and how it was totally different from their school.
One of the letters I opened the letter, and could tell that it was from Hermione, with her neat, almost cursive-like handwriting. "Read it, Ez," Olivia said sitting on my bed while Michael stroked Polaris.
Dear Ezra,
How has your summer been? I'm in Paris right now with my mum and dad, and it is an amazing city. I wish one of you were here with me. I got a letter from Ron, and I suppose you and Harry will get one from him as well.
No sooner had I read that paragraph did Michael jump to the window and asked me, "Hey, Ezra. Are you expecting another owl or a zigzagging missile?" "No, just Polaris… Unless this owl is muddy brown, looks old as dirt, and is ready to plotz in the next five seconds," I mused. "Pretty much," Michael replied. "That's Errol! Mikey, open the window!" I cried. He wasted no time and Errol made it through, but crashed into my dresser drawer, making Polaris screech in alarm. "Shh, calm down, Pol. It's just Errol. Ezra's here," I coaxed and opened his cage to settle him down. It took a few moments until he relaxed and pecked at my ear; he tended to do that when he was being affectionate. Then I picked up Errol and made sure he was okay.
"What in the world is that?" Olivia asked, pointing at the old owl. "This, is Errol, Ron's family owl. An' speakin' o' Ron…" I started and took the letter from Ron, which was clamped in Errol's beak, and set it to the side as I continued to read Hermione's message.
Apparently, Percy has been promoted to Head Boy, I and can tell that it is driving Ronald mad. Also, Mr. Weasley entered himself into the Ministry's Grand Prize Galleon Draw, hoping to win some money for supplies and possibly a vacation. By the way, do you remember when Harry gave us his phone number on the train? Well, don't call him. Ron tried, and sort of wound up yelling into the phone, much to the ire of Harry's uncle.
I burst out laughin' at that. Michael and Olivia look at me like I lost my marbles. "My friend Harry gave us his phone number so we could call him. His aunt and uncle are No-Majs who, well, let's just say that magic ain't exactly welcome in their house." "What about his mom and dad?" Olivia asked. "…Liv, they died when Harry was a toddler, so he really doesn't remember them," I said somberly. Shock and sympathy were written across their faces until they realized who I was talking about. "Wait, so you are friends with the Harry Potter?!" Michael nearly shouted. "He's one of my best friends, yeah," I said, knowing where this was headed. That launch a boatload of questions from them, until finally, "The wizard who killed his parents, was he as bad as Grindelwald?" Michael asked in an unsure voice. "Prolly worse, if not as bad," I said.
"You said that his aunt and uncle are No-Majs, what were his parents?" Olivia asked. "His dad was a Pureblood and his mom was a No-Maj-born, making him a Half-blood." I said. "So why was his uncle upset at Ron?" Michael asked, trying to lighten the mood. "Ron comes from a pureblood family, so he doesn't exactly know how to use a phone very good," I said. "He pretty much shouted into the phone, spookin' the living daylights out of Harry's uncle and therefore warned us not to call Harry in case his uncle picks up again." Once they understood, they laughed along with me. "I guess we shoulda told 'im how to use a phone, huh?" I wondered. Mikey and Liv almost yelled at me in jest, "You think?"
Do you have any idea of what you are getting Harry for his birthday? I'm sending him a Broomstick Servicing Kit for his Nimbus 2000. Anyways, Ron invited us to meet up with his family in Diagon Alley to go shopping. I hope you can make it. If not, we'll see you on the train.
-Hermione
"So, what are you getting him?" Michael asked me. "Not sure anymore. The idea of Quidditch gear flew out the window when 'Mione said she was getting him a servicing kit," I mused. "Kids, are you ready with your beach gear? Uncle Tyler is starting the car up!" Mom called us from downstairs. "We're coming, Aunt Diana!" Olivia shouted back. That gave me an idea for a birthday gift.
After our beach vacation, I packed an enchanted framed photo of the beach that I bought from a traveling wizard peddler for 2 Dragots (America's wizard money), a small cake my mom made, and my birthday card to Harry in a medium-sized box, as I was sure he had never been to the beach before. "Now, should I wait until we go to Diagon Alley or try and find a way for Polaris to send all of this stuff?" I wondered out loud. "Why don't you try Errol again?" Michael wondered. "Not a good idea, bro. He may be rested now, but who knows if Harry will get his present on time with that owl?" Olivia objected. Our answer came with a familiar screech. Harry's owl Hedwig came soaring in through the window and landed on a hanging bird perch I set up in my room. "Hedwig!" I said in joy. "Is this Harry's owl? She's very graceful and pretty," Olivia commented. The bird swelled up in pride and squawked at her in gratitude, while Polaris turned his head away from the scene. "Looks like someone's jealous of all the attention," Michael remarked. I went over to my owl's cage, took him out and replied, "Don't be like that; you're still the bird for me, honest." Polaris slowly turned his head back and hooted back at me. I stroked his feathers in reassurance and he pecked at my ear again. "I got it! Hedwig can send my gift to Harry, and then Polaris can help guide Errol back to Ron's." Michael helped me put the finishing touches to the box and stamped a "FRAGILE" sign on the front. "Are they ready for a flight back to England?" Olivia wondered. Both owls ruffled their feathers and gave an affirmative hoot. "Pol's used to this kind o' trip, and Hedwig's never backed down from a challenge." Both owls hooted their agreement and went off to their given destinations. The second letter Polaris delivered came from Hogwarts, a bit thicker than usual and it read:
Dear Miss Redcreek,
Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross Station, platform nine and three-quarters, at eleven o' clock.
Third years are permitted to visit the village of Hogsmeade on certain weekends. Please give the enclosed permission slip for your parent or guardian to sign.
A list of books for next year is enclosed.
Yours sincerely,
Professor M. McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Two weeks later, my Uncle Lionel and Aunt Artemis (they were wizards too) came over with their 9-year-old son, Elias who showed signs of magic at a very early age, and was due to go to Ilvermorny in a couple of years. He was curious about Hogwarts as I was curious about Ilvermorny. I asked Mikey and Liv about it while we were at the beach.
We went to the local skate park when his curiosity sparked out of control and asked me all he could, "Ezra, what's Hogwarts like? Do you get sorted like Ilvermorny? How big is the castle? What are the teachers like?" "Woah, slow down. One at a time, kid," I said before answering him. "I'm not a kid! I'm almost 10," he said indignantly. "When you turn 12, I'll stop calling ya a kid, kid," I replied in jest with him huffing in response. "Okay, I'm sorry, Eli. Hogwarts is like…the biggest castle I seen in my life, and its full o' ghosts, living portraits, enchanted staircases, and secret passageways." "Really?" he said with interest at the mention of secret passageways. "Uh-huh. I can't tell ya how many Fred and George showed me." "Who are they?" Elias asked. "They're a couple o' friends of mine. They're Hogwarts best prankster twins ever. You'd like 'em." "What else is at Hogwarts? Dragons, unicorns?" he wondered. "They teach about every magical creature you can think of and its really traditional, not like Ilvermorny," I explained. "In fact me, Hermione, Harry, and Ron are taking that class when we go back." "Who's your favorite teacher?" "I couldn't tell ya for sure. We got Professor McGonagall, who can turn herself into a cat and teaches Transfiguration, and Professor Flitwick, who teaches us useful charms." "Cool!" Elias awed. "Yeah, most of the teachers there, they're cool," I agreed, but couldn't help but whisper under my breath, "'Cept for that jagoff, Snape, who always seems to have a stick up his ass, 'specially towards us Gryffindors." Unfortunately, I forgot that Eli was sitting right next to me and gasped "Oooh, you used a cuss word! I'm telling Aunt Diana!" "Oh yeah? Then I'mma tellin' Uncle Lionel that you scratched his favorite record, and took Aunt Artemis's wand and almost broke it," I shot back. That shut him up good. "Okay, I won't tell! Hey, Esa, can you tell me more about Hogwarts?" He hadn't called me "Esa" since he was little, and to hear that again felt good. "Sure Eli. Whatdya wanna know?"
About a week after Eli and his family visited, me and my parents Floo Powdered to the Leaky Cauldron where we met up with Ron's family and Hermione a couple hours later. I went with Hermione to the pet store 'cause she wanted an animal of her own. After searching what seemed to be the whole place, she finally chose a fluffy, ginger cat named Crookshanks, that no one seemed to want and had probably been holed up in the shop for years. Of course, that didn't sit well with Ron and immediately after he saw it, Crookshanks leapt from Hermione's arms and chased after Scabbers. It took a good 20 minutes of hide and seek looking for those two animals until I heard the patter of little paws scamperin' towards my feet. I saw Scabbers headed my way, so I picked him up and stashed him in my hoodie pocket. Crookshanks trailed behind me and I made my way to two of my best friends, who were in a clear heated argument with each other.
"Where is he?! Your bloody cat probably is strutting around proud that he ate Scabbers," Ron cried out. "Ron, calm down. Ez went to go and find him, and don't blame Crookshanks!" Hermione retorted. "Did someone say my name?" I called out. "Look, I see Ezra with the beast, but no Scabbers!" Ron pointed at the cat as if it were a murderer. Hermione huffed and turned away, holding Crookshanks. "Ron, as someone who ain't never had an animal until my owl, keep an eye on your pet, for everyone's sake," I groaned as I pulled Scabbers from my pocket. "Scabbers! Ezzy, you're the best!" Ron shouted in joy and hugged me. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Just keep track where he is next time, alright? And quit callin' me Ezzy! I already got the twins doin' that, stupid as it is," I responded, slightly miffed at the dumb pet name Fred and George dubbed me with.
Ron switched his gaze from me to Hermione and put an upset face on. "I'm warning you, Hermione! Keep that bloody beast away from Scabbers, or I'll turn it into a tea cozy!" He snapped at her. "It's a cat, Ronald. What do you expect? It's in his nature," Hermione defended her cat. "A cat? Is that what they told you? Looks more like a pig with hair to me," Ron asked in shock. "That's rich, coming from the owner of that smelly old shoebrush," Hermione shot back. "Ezra, explain to Ronald that it's perfectly natural for cats to chase rodents," she turned to me. "Ez, tell Hermione how that hairy beast has it out for Scabbers," Ron pleaded. Where's Harry when I need 'im? "Ron, it's a simple, known fact that cats chase after rats and other rodents; been that way since the dawn o' time. However, Crookshanks does seem to have an hankerin' for Scabbers, and no other mice. Ain't that somethin'…" I said, trying to ease the feud. "That's right Crookshanks. You just ignore the mean, little boy," Hermione said softly to her cat. "Y'all two are impossible!" I said, frustrated. "Harry!" Ron suddenly piped up, looking up at the staircase behind me. "Harry!" Hermione and I said. All of us were happy to see our other best friend and gave each other hugs.
We all sat down at one of the tables in the dining area and Ron showed us a newspaper article about his family on the front cover of the Daily Prophet. Mr. Weasley had won the Ministry Galleon Drawing and the entire family went to Egypt over the summer; and Ron got a new wand to replace his broken one from last year. "Egypt? What's it like?" Harry asked intrigued.
"Brilliant. It's got loads of old stuff like mummies and tombs. Even Scabbers enjoyed himself," Ron said. "You guys got to go inside the pyramids?" I asked with awe. "Yeah, my oldest brother Bill works as a curse breaker for Gringotts over there and gave us a tour of the capital, Cairo, and some of the pyramids" Ron explained. "Awesome, it must have been cool to see the pharaoh's burial room and all the spells written in hieroglyphics on the wall!" I mused. Hermione decided to jump in, "Speaking of the ancient Egyptians, you know they used to worship cats." "Yeah, along with the dung beetle," Ron retorted, still sore about Scabbers and Crookshanks. "Alright, you two. Calm down, no need for hostility," I stood up.
Suddenly the newspaper was snatched from Ron's hands. "Not flashing that clipping again, are you, Ron?" George asked with Fred following behind him. "I haven't shown it to anyone," Ron tried to deny. "Oh, no. Not a soul…Unless you count Tom," Fred pointed out. "The day maid," George added. "The night maid." "The cook." "That bloke who fixed the toilets." "And the wizard from Belgium." "And you say you ain't told nobody," I commented with Ron glaring at me to be quiet. "Hey! There's our favorite Yankee!" the twins grinned and hugged me. I wasn't expecting the hug, but it came. I was so glad they couldn't see my face, especially since I was blushing a bit 'cause I was being held more by Fred than George. "We missed you and your accent, right Freddie?" George asked his twin. "Hmm? Oh yeah, we did," Fred replied after a beat. I really hope no one saw that.
I saw Mr. Weasley chatting with my dad and my mom talking to Hermione about her extra classes. Mrs. Weasley came up and hugged me, "Ezra! So good to see you, dearie!" "Hello, Mrs. Weasley, ma'am," I said. "Ready for the new term?" she asked. "Uh-huh, should be interestin' this year," I replied. "Nerd," Fred and George fake coughed loud enough for me to hear. "I don' wanna hear that from either of ya, 'cause with the stunts y'all pull, it's a miracle that you two made it to 5th year, skatin' by," I retorted rollin' my eyes. "You two should take a page out of her book," Mrs. Weasley warned the twins, gave me a gentle pat on my shoulder, and walked off to find Harry. "How do you do that? Get parents to love you like you're a part of the family?" George asked me in amazement. "I have that charm, unlike y'all" I bragged, pulling on imaginary suspenders. Fred retaliated with, "Prat." "Aw c'mon, don't be like that. Please? Y'all are still my favorite twins," I conceded, slightly pouting. "For real?" they asked in unison. "Now and forever," I promised. "Well, we can't say no to our favorite Yankee, can we Georgie?" Fred asked his twin in mock pondering. George agreed, "No, I suppose not, if we are her favorites." "Y'all are the best!" I rejoiced and hugged them before I went over to talk to Ginny.
The week leading up to school went by faster than I thought because before I knew it, it was September 1st again. Dad borrowed a car provided by the Ministry and we got to King's Cross in record time. "Now Ezra, I don't want to get another letter from Hogwarts saying how you and your friends got into some major trouble. It was bad enough with the Sorcerer's stone fiasco and the incident with the Chamber of Secrets. Is that clear?" Mom stressed. "Yes, mother. I heard you the first 10 times," I replied, slightly annoyed. "Hey, don't go sass-mouthin' yer ma. Just don't do nothing dangerous and be good," Dad added. "Okay, okay," I conceded. "Good girl. And don't go talkin' to no boys, ya hear?" "Uh, Dad, you realize that includes Ron and Harry, right?" I protested. "Well they're okay, but stay away from boys two years or older. Got it?" he rephrased, although the condition wasn't that much better. "Really Tyler, she's going to be other boys her age and older. You can't just forbid her from meeting them," Mom stated. "I can when I wan' my baby to stay little for a while longer," Dad replied. "Daddy!" I protested. "What your father's trying to say is…don't do anything reckless and stay on top in class," Mom translated. "I can try," I pledged. "Good, that's all we need to hear," she finished. They gave me their last minute goodbyes and I went through the barrier to meet my friends.
On the train, Harry told us about how his Aunt Marge came for a visit and started badmouthing his parents, which ended up with him blowing her up in anger, using accidental magic. This sent me and Ron into a laughing fit with Hermione shaking her head in disbelief. "I didn't mean to blow her up, I just sort of…lost control," he said defending himself. "Y'know, if you did that back home, MACUSA would write you up a minor warning and just leave it," I commented. "What-USA?" Harry asked. "MA-CUSA: the Magical Congress of the United States of America. Think of it as the States' version of the Ministry, only less strict," I explained and he understood. "Bloody brilliant," Ron commented. "Honestly, Ron, that's not funny. Harry was lucky not to be expelled," Hermione admonished. "I think I was lucky not to be arrested, actually," Harry rephrased. "Let's try this one. Ain't no more room in the other cars," I said pointing to a nearby space. We sat down in a compartment where a man was sitting in the corner fast asleep. "Who do you reckon that is?" Ron asked and Hermione answered right away, "Professor R. J. Lupin." "You know everything! How does she know everything?" Ron objected. "Look at his suitcase, Ron. Doy!" I pointed out. "Oh." "D'you think he's asleep?" Harry asked. "Seems to be, why?" Hermione replied. "I've got to tell you something," Harry said as he closed the sliding door.