Escape
CHAPTER 1
It was one o'clock in the morning at 4 Privet Drive. It was so hot that Harry had difficulty to sleep. So he took his round glasses (he had broken so often) and began to think of his future. What will he do without Sirius? What will he become? How can he, Harry, be the one who will have the power to destroy the reign of the Voldemort? Then, Hedwig came back into Harry's room. It had been 3 weeks she was gone, on duty. Harry was really happy to see her because he was getting worried that she could have been intercepted by a Dark wizard and been injured. Finally, when he got near Hedwig, he perceived that he had received two letters. The first one was the one he was expecting. It said:
Dear Harry, How are you? Hope you are getting well with your family (well. you know what I mean.). Percy's back (he finally begged Mum and Dad to come back since the Ministry's our side). You should have seen that! Mum really hesitated. Of course, she was happy that he wasn't denying his family anymore, but she and dad were still angry at the way Percy treated them before he believed He who must not be named was back. Still, it's getting really boring. We cannot send owls because Errol is easy to be intercepted and he could die during the travel. Pig is on duty. Sending a letter to Hermione. She doesn't have chances of getting caught, if you know what I mean. she 's way too excited, she would zoom of the interceptor's hand. Mum's trying to contact Dumbledore. She wants you to stay with us during the last month. She's getting too worried. Mad Eye, Tonks, and the rest of the Order told her not to, but you know how she is. Ginny is still with Dean (HOW CAN HE LOVE MY SISTER!!!! THIS IS SO DISCUSTING HARRY!!) Ughhh. And to respond to your answer, we didn't receive any information about Bellatrix and You Know Who's whereabouts. Lucius and the rest of the Dark Eaters are in high security in Azkaban. More than dementors are looking after them. Imagine how miserable is Draco's life now! Ha! Ha! He got what he deserved! And for Snuffle, Harry, I know it's tough, but time will get better. I hope. Fred and George are still staying with us, but they're spending most of their time in their shop. it's really successful. Bill brought Fleur Delacour for dinner the other day. It was sooo. weird. You know the girl, she complained about 'Ogwarts so imagine what she thought about my house! Anyway, she must really love Bill for being as friendly as she was. "Eenglish food is reely good Missers Weasly! In France, it is compleetely different." Anyway, Bill's got an apartment in London, near Diagon Alley. Fleur decided to stay with him. And her Eenglish is really improoving! Charlie's still in Romania, he helps us with getting dragon for the Order. Dad is really busy at the ministry. Everyone is. So, write back soon and I really hope you'll be by our side for your birthday. Love from everybody, Ron. (July 5th)
Harry gave a little smile to Ron's letter and put it on the table. The Opened the last letter which looked a lot like the Hogwarts' one.
Dear Harry, Since last June, many events took place. Disturbing one of course, but this is only a little reason I'm writing to you. This is really confidential. To make sure anyone but you can read this letter, I put a charm on it. All you have to do is writing your name on the space below and mark your thumb fingerprints on the green square.
Harry signed his name and marked the green square. Suddenly, the letter began to enlarge, and writing was appearing. It was from Dumbledore.
Now you can read it, I will go right on the subject. You should have gotten any news since you're with your muggle family, so I decided to inform you. Harry, time is getting very wrong since June. The ministry's trying to get some clues about Voldemort's whereabouts. Hagrid and I went in France to see Madame Maxime. For your security, and the one's who's parents work for the Ministry, we decided that it would be saver if you moved in France, in Madame Maxime's castle. There are enough places for everybody. Of course, even if Hermione is muggle born, she will be with you and Ron. Everyone got their letters. As I know you, you will surely ask me why in France. And I will answer your question by telling you that Voldemort will have no clue of where you are is you are in France so you and the others can enjoy the rest of your vacations. The Order thought that you had enough things to deal with, so travel will do you good. You will be leaving this Saturday (July 9th). Tonks will be at you house at 12o 'clock in the afternoon.
With all my respect,
Albus Dumbledore. (July 6th)
Harry couldn't see how Dumbledore could know what's better for him. Like if he couldn't protect himself. But he was happy to leave the Dursleys and travel with all his mates. The only problem remaining was who will be travelling with he, Hermione and the Weasleys. At this thought, he fell asleep, ignoring the temperature and ignoring the reaction of uncle Vernon when he would tell him the new.
Next morning, Harry went downstairs at 7 because aunt Petunia wanted him to cook the bacon and the ham and cheese omelet. Sunrays went through the kitchen window, announcing another hot and beautiful day. It was July 8th and Harry would be in France the very next day. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the arrival of his uncle and his cousin in the dinning room.
"Hurry up boy, I'm starving!" said uncle Vernon with a dried voice.
"It's almost ready uncle Vernon! Just have to add salt and pepper."replied harry very politely.
He had to be very careful to every word that came out of his mouth because he had to inform the Dursleys about July 9th. When they were all sit around the table eating, Harry looked at his poor meal, and turned to talk to uncle Vernon:
-Hum.Uncle Vernon? -Can't you see I'm eating!!! -Yes, but I have something very important to tell you.
(Uncle Vernon looked at aunt Petunia for what seemed like 2 seconds, and looked back at Harry)
-Yes Harry.what do you what to tell me.that is so important? -Well, yesterday, I received a note. Someone is coming here tomorrow to take me and I won't be here for the rest of the summer.well of the year.
(Vernon almost choked at the idea of someone of Harry's kind would be coming to his house again)
-Well it won't be th--- -WHAT!!!! NO ONE IS COMING INTO THIS HOUSE AGAIN!!!!LISTEN TO ME BOY! I HAVE ENOUGH OF THESE W.THING. LIKE YOU ARE. IF ANY OTHER W. THING IS COMING HERE, I'LL, I'LL I'LL.
(But he didn't know what to say because he knew wizards were more powerful than he was.)
-.Dance the macarena uncle?
-THAT'S ENOUGH BOY. GO TO YOUR ROOM!
-All right, but Tonks will still come. and don't worry, she's not like the Weasleys. She will probably come in a NORMAL way. she knows about your kind-
-UP TO YOUR ROOM BOY!!! I CAN'T STAND ANY OTHER WORD.
CHAPTER 2
When Harry opened his bedroom door, an owl was accompanying Hedwig. Pigwidgeon was zooming all around the room. He perceived Harry and went to him. Harry unfolds the letter from Pig's leg. There were two messages.
Dear Ron! I can't believe where we are going!!!! Second time in my life!!!.You must be happy, you'll see all that Delacour's style in where were going.anyway. lucky I'm with you to supervise you!!! Sent this letter to Harry after you read it. Harry I hope everything is O.K. and we'll see each other soon. So take care and I so cannot wait to see you HARRY!!! Love, Hermione.
Harry put Hermione's letter next to him and unfolds the second one.
Hey Harry! I'll see you earlier than I expected. Hermione's a bit off her head with those Delacour's style. anyway, I see you soon!!! Ron
Harry put Ron's letter on top of Hermione's and began to pack his luggage. Half way through his packing, he saw his photo album. There were a few new pictures in it since Hagrid gave it to him in hi s first year. The Weasley (Fred and George were fooling around the pic as they do in real life), Ron and Hermione waving at the picture, Gryffindor Quidditch team, the daily prophet's photo of the Weasley in Egypt, Harry with his two best friend, Harry and Hagrid, a photo of Sirius in the muggles news' paper, the photo Mad eye gave him the previous year (the Order of the Phoenix 15 years before) and finally a picture of Sirius and Harry at Christmas. Harry looked at the picture for what seemed like hours. Anger was filling his entire body. Tears were rolling down his cheeks. That moment, before Sirius fell behind the veil, Harry dreamed of it for weeks. It was his fault. If Sirius didn't check Harry, he would have seen Bellatrix's jinx and he would still be alive.
Harry was walking. Harry was running. Harry stopped to move. He raised his head and fixed the veil. He could hear Sirius call him. "Sirius!" said Harry almost desperately. He heard his echo back. "Sirius, How can I pass through the veil?" "Sirius?" "SIRIUS!" An evil laugh came into the room. Bellatrix was laughing madly. "SIRIUSSSSSSSSSS"
Harry woke up suddenly, sweating all over his body. He took his T-shirt of his chest and wiped his face and body. He only remembered the evil laugh. It wasn't the usual laugh he was used to. It definitely wasn't Voldemort's laugh. Harry put his photo album in his luggage and got to his feet. He looked at him and said: "Woah Harry. Look how messed you are". Definitely, he was messed up, but nicely. He had changed since the end of year. Being active and older gave him nice muscles. His eyes were as green as ever and his hair never went that black. He wasn't the skinny little Harry he had been. His messed hair was still untidy, but it gave his a splendid look. Puberty fitted him perfectly. He only wished he didn't have those ugly round glasses. He would soon be 16 and he would enjoy it. They didn't call it Sweet 16 for nothing!
It was seven in the evening and Harry didn't catch a glimpse of the Dursleys. All his things were packed and he couldn't wait until tomorrow. He went to the bathroom, took some water for Hedwig (Pig went to Ron's during Harry's sleep) and let her off before the long journey tomorrow.
CHAPTER 3
POW! Harry was too excited the following morning that he stumbled over Hedwig's cage.
" Aww." he whispered painfully.
It was 11:30 in the morning. In half an hour Tonks would be at the Dursleys and liberate him from them!
He got down the steps with all his things. His trunk was closed tightly and Hedwig was in his cage. At fifteen minutes before twelve, uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia came into the entrance hall (without Dudley.he was too scared to meet another wizard). They stood right in front of the staircase where Harry was sitting. Uncle Vernon cleared his throat and said:
-When this thing is going to come, the moment it's knocking on the door, I want you to take your trunk and that bloody owl and GO. This thing isn't entering in our residence. YOU are SURE it's not entering like those FOOLS two years ago??
Harry was out of temper. He was now leaving in 10 minutes and he wouldn't let his stupid uncle call his friends like vermin.
First of ALL, this thing is called Tonks, and it's a very beautiful SHE and - YOUWILL LET ME FINISH MY SENTENCE (his uncle's face was turning scarlet)- Second of all, the WEASLEY are the most generous family on Earth so don't you dare call them FOOLS!
But before uncle Vernon could say something, Harry caught his suitcase and Hedwig's cage and swung outside 4 Privet Drive. He didn't care of how his next welcome there would be and before he closed the door, he turned around and.
"I wish you an aw.ful year."
To this, he closed the door to two emotionless people. He was so relieved. For all those years! He finally had been courageous enough to stand up and interrupt his uncle. He felt free. Free of the Dursley's until next year. And one thought caught his mind: Next year, he would no longer be an underage wizard. He would be allowed to do magic outside school. A warm feeling spread all over his body. And then, he heard someone say:
"Oy! Harry! How are you? OMG! You changed a lot! Woah! You became such an handsome teen!" Harry raised his head and Tonks was there. She was wearing nice jeans short (the muggle fashion kind) with a beautiful white top. Harry thought she was really sexy with her chocolate brown hair down her chest. She also changed her eye colour to purple. Harry looked at his watch. It was two minutes before twelve.
"Hey Tonks! Thank you and I'm great now you are rescuing me from them - he laughed - and how are you?"
-Not bad thank you, replied Tonks.
-So, Harry, got everything?
-Yup!
He took his luggage and followed Tonks.
"They put you out? They didn't want me to enter aren't they?" said Tonks.
Well, I put myself out, and no, they didn't want a wizard in their house, They always get trouble with other wizards so they didn't take a chance this time.
-Ah! O.K. -laughing- well, they told me to be as normal as I could be when I would come to take you.
They stopped in front of a deep red Mercedes. Tonks looked at Harry and told him they wouldn't be alone in the car. As she said so, Harry looked in the car and saw a really beautiful white blond girl (she looked strangely familiar) and Seamus Finnigan. He opened the door and said:
-Hey Seamus! You're coming too! That's awesome!
-Hi Harry! Yeah, me mum works at the ministry and she'll be very busy over the summer. So she accepted the offer to send my cousin and I there. Plus, it's more secure than here.
-"Harry, can you give me your trunk? I'll put it in the case." Said Tonks.
Harry gave his luggage to Tonks, sat next to Seamus and looked at Seamus' cousin.
-Hi Seamus' cousin, I'm Harry.
-Hi! I knew who you were -laughing- it isn't really hard to manage! Anyway, I'm Laeticia Moonsala. I'm in Hufflepuff. -Oh, O.K.! Your face seemed strangely familiar. And you are going in which year?
-I just finished my 6th year, so unfortunately, next year will be my last year at Hogwarts.
They were now driving in the highway. To Harry's surprise, Tonks wasn't driving. It seemed as the Mercedes had been enchanted. It was driving all by itself. There also was enough space to put a baby elephant. It surely was the same enchantment Mr. Weasley put on the old Ford Anglia. Laeticia caught a glimpse at Seamus, looking amused and returned to Harry.
-It's only a plus because I was already doing sort of magic outside school.
-What do you mean? Asked Harry puzzled.
-She's a metamorphmagus Harry. Just like Tonks. Lucky aren't they? Replied Seamus as Laeticia's hair turned red.
-Damn yeah! Are there only girls that can be metamorphmagus? It kills me! I'm so jealous of you two! Said Harry.
The girls laughed.
-No, but the majority are girls. Metamorphmagus are rare. There is about one metamorphmagus out of. two hundred wizards. So you can be sure there is at least one or two more metamorphmagus at Hogwarts.
-Yup! Laeticia's right." Said Tonks proudly.
-So that's why I didn't see you that often at Hogwarts! Well I thought I didn't. You always keep changing.
-Ah.yeah! Replied Laeticia.
-So Seamus, did you have news of Dean lately?
-Yes. he really wanted to come with us. don't forget, Ginny will be there.anyway.he cannot come: his parents are muggles.unfortunately.
-Oh. that's disappointing. Hermione's coming. and she's muggle born too.
-Well it's because even if she is muggle born Harry, she's too close to you, so she can be in danger too! Explained Tonks.
-Oh! Well.I'm happy she's too close to me. She'll spent the rest of the holiday with us!
Tonks smiled and said:
-O.K. folks, I'm coming back in five minutes. Just wait for me here.
-Like if we were going to escape!' said Seamus laughing
Tonks was leading forward a beautiful stone house. Harry wondered what she was up to.
Ten minutes after, the house's door opened. Tonks was leading, with three girls following her.Harry couldn't tell who they were yet. they were too far. until.
"Oh sh*t" whispered Seamus and Laeticia in unison.
"What? Who is it?" asked Harry who was washing his glasses.
"There is some Slytherins that are coming with us.and one of them is Alyssa Bloom.Malfoy's girlfriend!" said Seamus still surprised.
"Oh sh*t" said Harry. His travel in France would not longer be as fun as he expected.
The door opened and the three girls stepped inside.
"Ok we're back.Harry, Seamus, Laeticia, I present you Alyssa Bloom, Lara Dirge and Serena Minton. They're coming in France with us." Said Tonks happily. Lara, Alyssa and Serena didn't look disappointed when they saw the two Gryffindors and a Hufflepuff. *Maybe they're happy to be such a disappointment to us * thought Harry.
"Hi!" said the Slytherin girls as they sat in the car.
"Hi" said Laeticia gloomily.
"Hello."said Seamus still disappointed.
"Nice to see you." said Harry sarcastically.
"O.K. All of you listen to me. Even if you dislike eachother's face, we are going to have a wonderful travel and you'll have to live with everyone!" Snapped Tonks.
"I never disliked them! It's only because I'm Malfoy's girlfriend that they hate me!" retorted Alyssa.
"Everyone who's close to Malfoy hates us." said an angry Harry.
"Well, you'll learn that there is some exception." Riposted Serena. " If we hated you, we wouldn't be here. Even if our parents are really busy at the ministry and we were in danger in England, we would still prefer to stay here. that, it we hated you."
"And Malfoy doesn't even know I'm leaving.Could you imagine how deep in trouble we would be if my Malfoy knew!" said Alyssa.
"Of course.Voldemort would come in France and kill us because Malfoy would have inform any Death Eater . beginning by his father. even if his in Azkaban." Snapped Harry.
When the words Death Eater, father and prison came into Laeticia's ear, she gasped and hid her face under her hands.
"That's it.so can you three believe us? We are no bad!" said Lara.
They could hear Laeticia's sobbing louder and louder. Seamus went to her and tried to comfort her. "Yeah. how can I be sure we can trust you?" asked Harry.
"Well, give you the chance to know us better. You'll see. We aren't like all Slytherins. you only judge us because we're going out with them . but we love every Hogwarts' student. the only difference is that Slytherins respect us. even our parents weren't in Slytherin." Explained Alyssa.
"Aly's right you know Harry," said Serena " I even hate some people from my own house!"
Serena started hating Alyssa since she (Aly) became Malfoy's girlfriend. She always tried to hide it because Alyssa was her "good friend". Laeticia's sobs were louder than ever. Seamus was trying anything to comfort her.
"So what do you think of that Potter?" said Lara. "I hated you and your two friends before.influence I guess.but I told myself: 'Lari, gave them a chance, you don't even know them!' So that's what I'm doing. And why are you crying like that Laeticia? Did we say something wrong?"
"N-no, I-it' sss no-nothing. I-I'll b-be O-O.K." whispered Laeticia.
"Tysha's only sad because her boyfriend, Eric Worltim couldn't come" said Seamus to cover his cousin's cry.
"OMG!!! You're going out with Eric Worltim? He's such gorgeous" said Lara.
Lola (Laeticia) smiled and said:
"I know! Thanks! Hem."
Harry was feeling WAY better than when he saw the three girls at the beginning. *It won' t be that bad after all. They seem nice and I'll have plenty of girls by my side.They even are REALLY pretty.Harry count yourself lucky*. Alyssa looked at Harry and laughed. Harry wondered why. *Maybe it's because of Laeticia's answer. *
"O.K. we're arrived! Everyone out of the car!" said Tonks happy that everything was going perfectly well.
Harry went out of the car and recognized the place they were: King's Cross Train Station. But this time, they wouldn't travel in Hogwarts Express. They would make their way to France by train.A muggle train. Hopefully everybody wore muggle clothes. Laeticia's hair returned to white blond with black-red highlights. Her eyes were deep turquoise. Harry went to Seamus and whispered: "You've got a nice cousin mate."
"Ha! I know! But she doesn't stay long with her boyfriends.Eric's a record.4 months! Bet she'll break out after this travel.Watch this out." Whispered Seamus.
"Your tickets are already paid. You'll pay Hagrid one galleon each when you'll be in. where you're going . must be careful you know..." Tonks said looking around for spies. "O.K. now just follow me. We'll join the rest."
After ten minutes, they finally found the rest of the gang. There were many people. Harry was surprised on how many they were. The Weasleys were there with Hermione, Hina (a Ravenclaw) was talking to Xavier Lupin (Harry always wondered if he was from Remus' family), Serina Welch (oh sh*t. she's more pretty than I remembered- a Gryffindor), Tommy Miller (a Gryffindor) and someone Harry didn't know were talking together. Maeline Longses (just graduated from Hogwarts- Gryffindor), Meaghan Silversky (I know one happy man who'd be excited she's coming- a Gryffindor) and Jasmine Black (a Gryffindor) were giggling in a corner.with.(oh no!).Cho Chang. Fleur Delacour (speechless), Kingsley Shaklebolt, Mad Eye Moody, Remus Lupin and Sturgis Podmore looked in a deep conversation. * WOW. are we all going in France? * Thought Harry.
"Hey-y Harry-y!" said Hermione and Ron just behind her.
Hermione hugged Harry. "It's so good to see you Harry! I missed you a lot".
"Yeah it's good to see you too guys!" replied Harry.
"So what do you think of that Harry? It's such an adventure. we're escaping You Know Who!" said Ron excitedly.
"Yeah. but not just Voldemort! But Malfoy too. and his girlfriend's with us!" said Harry laughing.
"Huh? Her girlfriend's here? And you're happy?" said Ron as puzzled as Hermione.
"Of course! At first, I was angry but those three Slytherin girls are O.K. believe me. and Malfoy won't see his girlfriend over the summer. so that's great! He doesn't even know-of course- her Alyssa will be away for the rest of the summer. he'll be alone. without his father!"
"Harry don't think like that!" snapped Hermione.
"O.K. well we better join the rest. We're leaving in 20 minutes." Said Ron walking toward his family.
"Hello Harry dear! I've been so worried! How are you feeling?" said Mrs. Weasley while she kissed Harry's cheeks.
"Uh.I'm great! I'm really happy to see everyone, but is everyone coming with us?" said Harry.
"I'm happy you're great! And to respond to your question, all Hogwarts student are coming - the that are here of course- and some people from the Order: Tonks, Bill, Fleur Delacour.of course, Kingsley and Remus" replied Mr. Weasley. " The rest of us are staying here. working for the ministry and the Order (Mad Eye, Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Percy, and Sturgis Podmore). Dumbledore didn't come. It's too risky. Hagrid's already with your host in .France."
"Yeah well I knew Dumbledore wouldn't come."
"Hi Harry how are you?" Lupin came asking behind him. Mad Eye, Bill Weasley, Kingsley and Sturgis followed him.
"Hey you all, it's so good to see you! I'm great!"
"Ready for the trip?" asked Bill.
"Of course I am! Can't wait1" " O.K. Great! We're going to see the others before we go. See ya!"
"Yeah!" Harry looked at Bill, Sturgis, Kingsley, Lupin, Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley saying their good-byes.
"Harry." said a voice behind him.
Harry completely forgot Mad Eye was still there.
"Yeah."
"First of all, I want you to be careful there. We'll be able to contact you any time. don't ask question. you'll see.but look around you. I also have something for you."
He took something out of his pockets. It was a little gold snitch. Harry recognized it. It was his father's. Harry saw it in Snape's pensieve.
"Here, you know what that it. Your father owned it. And since Voldemort killed him, sorry Harry, Sirius kept it: as a souvenir. He wanted you to have it, I'm sure."
Harry took the snitch, thanked Mad Eye, told him bye and went off. The memory of Sirius wasn't a good thing on a happy day like this. * Well, Harry, Sirius AND your father wouldn't want to see you like this. cheer up! Use it as a lucky charm. *
" HARRY! It's so good to see you" Serina, Jasmine and Meaghan were running toward him.
"Hey girls! It's good to see you too!" replied harry in a trying-to-be- happy tone.
'It is five minutes before five o'clock. All passengers whose destination is Paris, France should be aboard. The departure will be in five minutes. Platform 7. Thank you."
" O.K. gang, we're leaving, follow me said Bill.
Everybody took their trunk, and animals, and lead off toward Platform 7. "Bye everyone, see you at the end of August!" said Harry before putting a feet on the train's step.
Almost everyone used the same dialog before the train's departure. Harry was walking in the train beside Cho. At first he didn't notice her. Cho thought he was ignoring her so she told him:
"Harry, I'm sorry about last year. I was, maybe, too emotional and I wanted you to fell the same way as I did. But I realized that you lived with more than Cedric's death. But I still think you should have told me you didn't want me to come and cry by your side.because the more you let me cry over you, the more I thought you understood me. I realized that relationship between boys and girls.in friendship, isn't the same that between girls/girls and boys/boys. Hope you aren't still angry at me."
Harry looked at her deeply. He knew what he had to do.
"You know Cho, I didn't want to tell you I disliked when you were crying over me. I loved you during 3 whole years. I wanted my chance. But I know it wasn't the best way to gain your attention so lets forget it and become friends again right?"
"Sure Harry"
She hugged Harry. It lasted forever. Harry thought this was funny.*Harry you're improving! Congrats! You are beginning to understand girls and tell them how you feel.uh.well. just a little bit.not completely.you're a man, so you'll never tell them completely but it's good! * Thought Harry.
He smiled.
"Uh.Cho.I think we should try to find a compartment.and everybody's watching us."
"Oh! Right! Sure. Come on!" said Cho.
They let off to find Hermione, Ron, Seamus and the rest of the students.
*Oh no! I don't want them together again.they're just friends Jasmine, calm down! * Thought Jasmine Black when she saw Harry and Cho. She always loved Harry and she wanted him to be her's before school starts.
"Come on Jazz, stop gazing at him, he doesn't worth it" said Meaghan Silversky giggling. "Ron's way better!"
"Oh, shut it Meag!" shouted Jasmine laughing.
"Hey guys! I'm telling you, this train isn't like Hogwarts Express at all.but it's great. and different!" said Harry as he sat between Laeticia and Tommy Miller.
"Hi Harry, Hi Cho!" they all replied.
"So Tommy.who's this girl, she looks a lot like you!" asked Harry
"Ah yeah. I forgot to present it to you. She's my twin sister, Bonnie. She's no witch. but she knows everything about us. My eldest sister is working very hard at the Ministry, so she sent us here." said Tommy.
"Hi Bonnie, it's nice to know you. I'm Harry Potter"
"Hi Harry" replied Bons.
"So how are you feeling gang?" said Ron.
"I'm really excited, you will all meet my sister: Jessica. Can't wait has been so long!" said Serena. "She wanted to study at Beauxbâtons.She's obsessed with French! Gosh! But I'm sure I f she was at Hogwarts, she'd be in Ravenclaw. She's way too studious.unlike me. I like being a Slytherin -everybody looked at her disgusted- but I love everyone. I'm an exception! Maybe the sorting hat put me there because I'm bitchy when I wake up! So WARNING! Wait until I've taken my breakfast to talk to me if you don't want to be deaf!"
They all laughed. Their vacation in France would be unforgettable.
"Serena isn't the only one who has family there! You'll also meet my cousin: Charity! You'll see, she's a party maker!" Said Alyssa grinning.
The whole compartment cheered.
" I think we should start to learn a bit of French. we've got people to seduce!" said Bonnie, Tommy's sister.
"Yeah! What a good idea Bons!" said her brother.
"Are you all guys O.K. with that? I would be awesome!" said Hermione joyfully.
They all nodded and laughed.
-Knock! Knock! -
" 'Ello people, I waz wondering if I could join you? Zey are eeting but I am no 'ungry" said Fleur Delacour.
She was exactly the person they needed. They all looked at her.
" Of course Fleur! You're the person we needed! You're going to teach us some French basics. We really want to learn! And it's a compliment coming from us!" said Fred and George together.
" O' zat's O.K.! It will be me pleesure!"
They were all happy to learn a different language. They calm down and waited for Fleur to begin.some (boys) were just hypnotize by her.
"Zo! Where do you want me to begin?" asked Fleur
"Well, what about beginning a conversation, of course!" suggested Hermione.
"O.K.!"
Fleur took her wand out, cast a spell and a black board appeared.
"We are going to begin wiz "Bonjour". It meanz "Hello".Repeat after me -BON (like on/off) JOUR (pronounce it JOOR)"
They all repeated "Bonjour". Fleur wrote on the board " Bonjour" , the grammatical way, then, the way you pronounce it: "BONJOOR"
"Perfect! Wow! Zat's great! O.K. next thing iz: "Comment allez-vous?" It meanz "How are you?" Just wait, I'll 'rite it ze two wayz. "Comment allez- vous?" "COMM-ENT (like rANk) ALLEY VOO?" .listen to me people: CommENt AllER- vOUs?.No not like this Hina- EN .you 'ave to pronounce-it like ze word rANk.see? EN.commENt."
Their French lesson lasted all the 5-hour travel (They were travelling in a French High-Speed train: a TGV). It was fifteen minutes past ten in Paris. They were all very excited.except Fleur.she was really tired. She was happy when the train announced their arrival in France. They were now able to say perfectly: "bonjour", "comment allez-vous", "je m'appelle Xavier Lupin", "je vais très bien", "merci", s'il vous plaît", "bien sûr", "Je viens de Londres" and a special one for Madame Maxime: "Merci beaucoup pour votre hospitalité Madame Maxime". (Translation: Hello, how are you ?, my name is Xavier Lupin, I'm feeling great, thank you, please, of course, I'm from London and Thank you very much for your hospitality Madame Maxime).
They all grabbed their trunks, put them in a trolley and looked for Madame Maxime.
"'Ere! ICI! Fleur! Hey! Wohoo!!" Madame Maxime shouted all over the station. They certainly didn't miss her.
"Hi Madame Maxime, I'm Remus Lupin. Nice to see you!"
"Bonjour Mr.Lupin, 'ave a nice travel?" asked Madame Maxime. "Bonjour à vous! Comment allez-vous?" said Madame Maxime when she heard thousands of "Bonjour".
"It was great. Food was good and we didn't have problem.Fleur taught them French as you can hear!" Shouted Lupin trying to speak louder than the hundreds of "Je vais très bien".
"O.K. well we better go now, everyone's there?" asked Madame Maxime.
"1-2-3-4-5.15.20.25. Yup. Everyone's here" said Bill.
"Everyone follow me" said Madame Maxime's classic voice.
They headed off toward a bright blue bus. Madame Maxime told them to enter. Inside there were splendid leather couches, five coffee tables and. a small pool. That was fantastic. The bus got under way. It was going to Troyes. They had two hours before getting there. Some ate, some swam and some drank. They all had pleasure. At the end of the trip, they were all getting very tired. They really wanted to meet their beds.
Finally, they arrived at Madame Maxime's. She lived in a BIG Old French mansion. All gasped. It really was the most beautiful "house" they've ever seen.
CHAPTER 1
It was one o'clock in the morning at 4 Privet Drive. It was so hot that Harry had difficulty to sleep. So he took his round glasses (he had broken so often) and began to think of his future. What will he do without Sirius? What will he become? How can he, Harry, be the one who will have the power to destroy the reign of the Voldemort? Then, Hedwig came back into Harry's room. It had been 3 weeks she was gone, on duty. Harry was really happy to see her because he was getting worried that she could have been intercepted by a Dark wizard and been injured. Finally, when he got near Hedwig, he perceived that he had received two letters. The first one was the one he was expecting. It said:
Dear Harry, How are you? Hope you are getting well with your family (well. you know what I mean.). Percy's back (he finally begged Mum and Dad to come back since the Ministry's our side). You should have seen that! Mum really hesitated. Of course, she was happy that he wasn't denying his family anymore, but she and dad were still angry at the way Percy treated them before he believed He who must not be named was back. Still, it's getting really boring. We cannot send owls because Errol is easy to be intercepted and he could die during the travel. Pig is on duty. Sending a letter to Hermione. She doesn't have chances of getting caught, if you know what I mean. she 's way too excited, she would zoom of the interceptor's hand. Mum's trying to contact Dumbledore. She wants you to stay with us during the last month. She's getting too worried. Mad Eye, Tonks, and the rest of the Order told her not to, but you know how she is. Ginny is still with Dean (HOW CAN HE LOVE MY SISTER!!!! THIS IS SO DISCUSTING HARRY!!) Ughhh. And to respond to your answer, we didn't receive any information about Bellatrix and You Know Who's whereabouts. Lucius and the rest of the Dark Eaters are in high security in Azkaban. More than dementors are looking after them. Imagine how miserable is Draco's life now! Ha! Ha! He got what he deserved! And for Snuffle, Harry, I know it's tough, but time will get better. I hope. Fred and George are still staying with us, but they're spending most of their time in their shop. it's really successful. Bill brought Fleur Delacour for dinner the other day. It was sooo. weird. You know the girl, she complained about 'Ogwarts so imagine what she thought about my house! Anyway, she must really love Bill for being as friendly as she was. "Eenglish food is reely good Missers Weasly! In France, it is compleetely different." Anyway, Bill's got an apartment in London, near Diagon Alley. Fleur decided to stay with him. And her Eenglish is really improoving! Charlie's still in Romania, he helps us with getting dragon for the Order. Dad is really busy at the ministry. Everyone is. So, write back soon and I really hope you'll be by our side for your birthday. Love from everybody, Ron. (July 5th)
Harry gave a little smile to Ron's letter and put it on the table. The Opened the last letter which looked a lot like the Hogwarts' one.
Dear Harry, Since last June, many events took place. Disturbing one of course, but this is only a little reason I'm writing to you. This is really confidential. To make sure anyone but you can read this letter, I put a charm on it. All you have to do is writing your name on the space below and mark your thumb fingerprints on the green square.
Harry signed his name and marked the green square. Suddenly, the letter began to enlarge, and writing was appearing. It was from Dumbledore.
Now you can read it, I will go right on the subject. You should have gotten any news since you're with your muggle family, so I decided to inform you. Harry, time is getting very wrong since June. The ministry's trying to get some clues about Voldemort's whereabouts. Hagrid and I went in France to see Madame Maxime. For your security, and the one's who's parents work for the Ministry, we decided that it would be saver if you moved in France, in Madame Maxime's castle. There are enough places for everybody. Of course, even if Hermione is muggle born, she will be with you and Ron. Everyone got their letters. As I know you, you will surely ask me why in France. And I will answer your question by telling you that Voldemort will have no clue of where you are is you are in France so you and the others can enjoy the rest of your vacations. The Order thought that you had enough things to deal with, so travel will do you good. You will be leaving this Saturday (July 9th). Tonks will be at you house at 12o 'clock in the afternoon.
With all my respect,
Albus Dumbledore. (July 6th)
Harry couldn't see how Dumbledore could know what's better for him. Like if he couldn't protect himself. But he was happy to leave the Dursleys and travel with all his mates. The only problem remaining was who will be travelling with he, Hermione and the Weasleys. At this thought, he fell asleep, ignoring the temperature and ignoring the reaction of uncle Vernon when he would tell him the new.
Next morning, Harry went downstairs at 7 because aunt Petunia wanted him to cook the bacon and the ham and cheese omelet. Sunrays went through the kitchen window, announcing another hot and beautiful day. It was July 8th and Harry would be in France the very next day. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the arrival of his uncle and his cousin in the dinning room.
"Hurry up boy, I'm starving!" said uncle Vernon with a dried voice.
"It's almost ready uncle Vernon! Just have to add salt and pepper."replied harry very politely.
He had to be very careful to every word that came out of his mouth because he had to inform the Dursleys about July 9th. When they were all sit around the table eating, Harry looked at his poor meal, and turned to talk to uncle Vernon:
-Hum.Uncle Vernon? -Can't you see I'm eating!!! -Yes, but I have something very important to tell you.
(Uncle Vernon looked at aunt Petunia for what seemed like 2 seconds, and looked back at Harry)
-Yes Harry.what do you what to tell me.that is so important? -Well, yesterday, I received a note. Someone is coming here tomorrow to take me and I won't be here for the rest of the summer.well of the year.
(Vernon almost choked at the idea of someone of Harry's kind would be coming to his house again)
-Well it won't be th--- -WHAT!!!! NO ONE IS COMING INTO THIS HOUSE AGAIN!!!!LISTEN TO ME BOY! I HAVE ENOUGH OF THESE W.THING. LIKE YOU ARE. IF ANY OTHER W. THING IS COMING HERE, I'LL, I'LL I'LL.
(But he didn't know what to say because he knew wizards were more powerful than he was.)
-.Dance the macarena uncle?
-THAT'S ENOUGH BOY. GO TO YOUR ROOM!
-All right, but Tonks will still come. and don't worry, she's not like the Weasleys. She will probably come in a NORMAL way. she knows about your kind-
-UP TO YOUR ROOM BOY!!! I CAN'T STAND ANY OTHER WORD.
CHAPTER 2
When Harry opened his bedroom door, an owl was accompanying Hedwig. Pigwidgeon was zooming all around the room. He perceived Harry and went to him. Harry unfolds the letter from Pig's leg. There were two messages.
Dear Ron! I can't believe where we are going!!!! Second time in my life!!!.You must be happy, you'll see all that Delacour's style in where were going.anyway. lucky I'm with you to supervise you!!! Sent this letter to Harry after you read it. Harry I hope everything is O.K. and we'll see each other soon. So take care and I so cannot wait to see you HARRY!!! Love, Hermione.
Harry put Hermione's letter next to him and unfolds the second one.
Hey Harry! I'll see you earlier than I expected. Hermione's a bit off her head with those Delacour's style. anyway, I see you soon!!! Ron
Harry put Ron's letter on top of Hermione's and began to pack his luggage. Half way through his packing, he saw his photo album. There were a few new pictures in it since Hagrid gave it to him in hi s first year. The Weasley (Fred and George were fooling around the pic as they do in real life), Ron and Hermione waving at the picture, Gryffindor Quidditch team, the daily prophet's photo of the Weasley in Egypt, Harry with his two best friend, Harry and Hagrid, a photo of Sirius in the muggles news' paper, the photo Mad eye gave him the previous year (the Order of the Phoenix 15 years before) and finally a picture of Sirius and Harry at Christmas. Harry looked at the picture for what seemed like hours. Anger was filling his entire body. Tears were rolling down his cheeks. That moment, before Sirius fell behind the veil, Harry dreamed of it for weeks. It was his fault. If Sirius didn't check Harry, he would have seen Bellatrix's jinx and he would still be alive.
Harry was walking. Harry was running. Harry stopped to move. He raised his head and fixed the veil. He could hear Sirius call him. "Sirius!" said Harry almost desperately. He heard his echo back. "Sirius, How can I pass through the veil?" "Sirius?" "SIRIUS!" An evil laugh came into the room. Bellatrix was laughing madly. "SIRIUSSSSSSSSSS"
Harry woke up suddenly, sweating all over his body. He took his T-shirt of his chest and wiped his face and body. He only remembered the evil laugh. It wasn't the usual laugh he was used to. It definitely wasn't Voldemort's laugh. Harry put his photo album in his luggage and got to his feet. He looked at him and said: "Woah Harry. Look how messed you are". Definitely, he was messed up, but nicely. He had changed since the end of year. Being active and older gave him nice muscles. His eyes were as green as ever and his hair never went that black. He wasn't the skinny little Harry he had been. His messed hair was still untidy, but it gave his a splendid look. Puberty fitted him perfectly. He only wished he didn't have those ugly round glasses. He would soon be 16 and he would enjoy it. They didn't call it Sweet 16 for nothing!
It was seven in the evening and Harry didn't catch a glimpse of the Dursleys. All his things were packed and he couldn't wait until tomorrow. He went to the bathroom, took some water for Hedwig (Pig went to Ron's during Harry's sleep) and let her off before the long journey tomorrow.
CHAPTER 3
POW! Harry was too excited the following morning that he stumbled over Hedwig's cage.
" Aww." he whispered painfully.
It was 11:30 in the morning. In half an hour Tonks would be at the Dursleys and liberate him from them!
He got down the steps with all his things. His trunk was closed tightly and Hedwig was in his cage. At fifteen minutes before twelve, uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia came into the entrance hall (without Dudley.he was too scared to meet another wizard). They stood right in front of the staircase where Harry was sitting. Uncle Vernon cleared his throat and said:
-When this thing is going to come, the moment it's knocking on the door, I want you to take your trunk and that bloody owl and GO. This thing isn't entering in our residence. YOU are SURE it's not entering like those FOOLS two years ago??
Harry was out of temper. He was now leaving in 10 minutes and he wouldn't let his stupid uncle call his friends like vermin.
First of ALL, this thing is called Tonks, and it's a very beautiful SHE and - YOUWILL LET ME FINISH MY SENTENCE (his uncle's face was turning scarlet)- Second of all, the WEASLEY are the most generous family on Earth so don't you dare call them FOOLS!
But before uncle Vernon could say something, Harry caught his suitcase and Hedwig's cage and swung outside 4 Privet Drive. He didn't care of how his next welcome there would be and before he closed the door, he turned around and.
"I wish you an aw.ful year."
To this, he closed the door to two emotionless people. He was so relieved. For all those years! He finally had been courageous enough to stand up and interrupt his uncle. He felt free. Free of the Dursley's until next year. And one thought caught his mind: Next year, he would no longer be an underage wizard. He would be allowed to do magic outside school. A warm feeling spread all over his body. And then, he heard someone say:
"Oy! Harry! How are you? OMG! You changed a lot! Woah! You became such an handsome teen!" Harry raised his head and Tonks was there. She was wearing nice jeans short (the muggle fashion kind) with a beautiful white top. Harry thought she was really sexy with her chocolate brown hair down her chest. She also changed her eye colour to purple. Harry looked at his watch. It was two minutes before twelve.
"Hey Tonks! Thank you and I'm great now you are rescuing me from them - he laughed - and how are you?"
-Not bad thank you, replied Tonks.
-So, Harry, got everything?
-Yup!
He took his luggage and followed Tonks.
"They put you out? They didn't want me to enter aren't they?" said Tonks.
Well, I put myself out, and no, they didn't want a wizard in their house, They always get trouble with other wizards so they didn't take a chance this time.
-Ah! O.K. -laughing- well, they told me to be as normal as I could be when I would come to take you.
They stopped in front of a deep red Mercedes. Tonks looked at Harry and told him they wouldn't be alone in the car. As she said so, Harry looked in the car and saw a really beautiful white blond girl (she looked strangely familiar) and Seamus Finnigan. He opened the door and said:
-Hey Seamus! You're coming too! That's awesome!
-Hi Harry! Yeah, me mum works at the ministry and she'll be very busy over the summer. So she accepted the offer to send my cousin and I there. Plus, it's more secure than here.
-"Harry, can you give me your trunk? I'll put it in the case." Said Tonks.
Harry gave his luggage to Tonks, sat next to Seamus and looked at Seamus' cousin.
-Hi Seamus' cousin, I'm Harry.
-Hi! I knew who you were -laughing- it isn't really hard to manage! Anyway, I'm Laeticia Moonsala. I'm in Hufflepuff. -Oh, O.K.! Your face seemed strangely familiar. And you are going in which year?
-I just finished my 6th year, so unfortunately, next year will be my last year at Hogwarts.
They were now driving in the highway. To Harry's surprise, Tonks wasn't driving. It seemed as the Mercedes had been enchanted. It was driving all by itself. There also was enough space to put a baby elephant. It surely was the same enchantment Mr. Weasley put on the old Ford Anglia. Laeticia caught a glimpse at Seamus, looking amused and returned to Harry.
-It's only a plus because I was already doing sort of magic outside school.
-What do you mean? Asked Harry puzzled.
-She's a metamorphmagus Harry. Just like Tonks. Lucky aren't they? Replied Seamus as Laeticia's hair turned red.
-Damn yeah! Are there only girls that can be metamorphmagus? It kills me! I'm so jealous of you two! Said Harry.
The girls laughed.
-No, but the majority are girls. Metamorphmagus are rare. There is about one metamorphmagus out of. two hundred wizards. So you can be sure there is at least one or two more metamorphmagus at Hogwarts.
-Yup! Laeticia's right." Said Tonks proudly.
-So that's why I didn't see you that often at Hogwarts! Well I thought I didn't. You always keep changing.
-Ah.yeah! Replied Laeticia.
-So Seamus, did you have news of Dean lately?
-Yes. he really wanted to come with us. don't forget, Ginny will be there.anyway.he cannot come: his parents are muggles.unfortunately.
-Oh. that's disappointing. Hermione's coming. and she's muggle born too.
-Well it's because even if she is muggle born Harry, she's too close to you, so she can be in danger too! Explained Tonks.
-Oh! Well.I'm happy she's too close to me. She'll spent the rest of the holiday with us!
Tonks smiled and said:
-O.K. folks, I'm coming back in five minutes. Just wait for me here.
-Like if we were going to escape!' said Seamus laughing
Tonks was leading forward a beautiful stone house. Harry wondered what she was up to.
Ten minutes after, the house's door opened. Tonks was leading, with three girls following her.Harry couldn't tell who they were yet. they were too far. until.
"Oh sh*t" whispered Seamus and Laeticia in unison.
"What? Who is it?" asked Harry who was washing his glasses.
"There is some Slytherins that are coming with us.and one of them is Alyssa Bloom.Malfoy's girlfriend!" said Seamus still surprised.
"Oh sh*t" said Harry. His travel in France would not longer be as fun as he expected.
The door opened and the three girls stepped inside.
"Ok we're back.Harry, Seamus, Laeticia, I present you Alyssa Bloom, Lara Dirge and Serena Minton. They're coming in France with us." Said Tonks happily. Lara, Alyssa and Serena didn't look disappointed when they saw the two Gryffindors and a Hufflepuff. *Maybe they're happy to be such a disappointment to us * thought Harry.
"Hi!" said the Slytherin girls as they sat in the car.
"Hi" said Laeticia gloomily.
"Hello."said Seamus still disappointed.
"Nice to see you." said Harry sarcastically.
"O.K. All of you listen to me. Even if you dislike eachother's face, we are going to have a wonderful travel and you'll have to live with everyone!" Snapped Tonks.
"I never disliked them! It's only because I'm Malfoy's girlfriend that they hate me!" retorted Alyssa.
"Everyone who's close to Malfoy hates us." said an angry Harry.
"Well, you'll learn that there is some exception." Riposted Serena. " If we hated you, we wouldn't be here. Even if our parents are really busy at the ministry and we were in danger in England, we would still prefer to stay here. that, it we hated you."
"And Malfoy doesn't even know I'm leaving.Could you imagine how deep in trouble we would be if my Malfoy knew!" said Alyssa.
"Of course.Voldemort would come in France and kill us because Malfoy would have inform any Death Eater . beginning by his father. even if his in Azkaban." Snapped Harry.
When the words Death Eater, father and prison came into Laeticia's ear, she gasped and hid her face under her hands.
"That's it.so can you three believe us? We are no bad!" said Lara.
They could hear Laeticia's sobbing louder and louder. Seamus went to her and tried to comfort her. "Yeah. how can I be sure we can trust you?" asked Harry.
"Well, give you the chance to know us better. You'll see. We aren't like all Slytherins. you only judge us because we're going out with them . but we love every Hogwarts' student. the only difference is that Slytherins respect us. even our parents weren't in Slytherin." Explained Alyssa.
"Aly's right you know Harry," said Serena " I even hate some people from my own house!"
Serena started hating Alyssa since she (Aly) became Malfoy's girlfriend. She always tried to hide it because Alyssa was her "good friend". Laeticia's sobs were louder than ever. Seamus was trying anything to comfort her.
"So what do you think of that Potter?" said Lara. "I hated you and your two friends before.influence I guess.but I told myself: 'Lari, gave them a chance, you don't even know them!' So that's what I'm doing. And why are you crying like that Laeticia? Did we say something wrong?"
"N-no, I-it' sss no-nothing. I-I'll b-be O-O.K." whispered Laeticia.
"Tysha's only sad because her boyfriend, Eric Worltim couldn't come" said Seamus to cover his cousin's cry.
"OMG!!! You're going out with Eric Worltim? He's such gorgeous" said Lara.
Lola (Laeticia) smiled and said:
"I know! Thanks! Hem."
Harry was feeling WAY better than when he saw the three girls at the beginning. *It won' t be that bad after all. They seem nice and I'll have plenty of girls by my side.They even are REALLY pretty.Harry count yourself lucky*. Alyssa looked at Harry and laughed. Harry wondered why. *Maybe it's because of Laeticia's answer. *
"O.K. we're arrived! Everyone out of the car!" said Tonks happy that everything was going perfectly well.
Harry went out of the car and recognized the place they were: King's Cross Train Station. But this time, they wouldn't travel in Hogwarts Express. They would make their way to France by train.A muggle train. Hopefully everybody wore muggle clothes. Laeticia's hair returned to white blond with black-red highlights. Her eyes were deep turquoise. Harry went to Seamus and whispered: "You've got a nice cousin mate."
"Ha! I know! But she doesn't stay long with her boyfriends.Eric's a record.4 months! Bet she'll break out after this travel.Watch this out." Whispered Seamus.
"Your tickets are already paid. You'll pay Hagrid one galleon each when you'll be in. where you're going . must be careful you know..." Tonks said looking around for spies. "O.K. now just follow me. We'll join the rest."
After ten minutes, they finally found the rest of the gang. There were many people. Harry was surprised on how many they were. The Weasleys were there with Hermione, Hina (a Ravenclaw) was talking to Xavier Lupin (Harry always wondered if he was from Remus' family), Serina Welch (oh sh*t. she's more pretty than I remembered- a Gryffindor), Tommy Miller (a Gryffindor) and someone Harry didn't know were talking together. Maeline Longses (just graduated from Hogwarts- Gryffindor), Meaghan Silversky (I know one happy man who'd be excited she's coming- a Gryffindor) and Jasmine Black (a Gryffindor) were giggling in a corner.with.(oh no!).Cho Chang. Fleur Delacour (speechless), Kingsley Shaklebolt, Mad Eye Moody, Remus Lupin and Sturgis Podmore looked in a deep conversation. * WOW. are we all going in France? * Thought Harry.
"Hey-y Harry-y!" said Hermione and Ron just behind her.
Hermione hugged Harry. "It's so good to see you Harry! I missed you a lot".
"Yeah it's good to see you too guys!" replied Harry.
"So what do you think of that Harry? It's such an adventure. we're escaping You Know Who!" said Ron excitedly.
"Yeah. but not just Voldemort! But Malfoy too. and his girlfriend's with us!" said Harry laughing.
"Huh? Her girlfriend's here? And you're happy?" said Ron as puzzled as Hermione.
"Of course! At first, I was angry but those three Slytherin girls are O.K. believe me. and Malfoy won't see his girlfriend over the summer. so that's great! He doesn't even know-of course- her Alyssa will be away for the rest of the summer. he'll be alone. without his father!"
"Harry don't think like that!" snapped Hermione.
"O.K. well we better join the rest. We're leaving in 20 minutes." Said Ron walking toward his family.
"Hello Harry dear! I've been so worried! How are you feeling?" said Mrs. Weasley while she kissed Harry's cheeks.
"Uh.I'm great! I'm really happy to see everyone, but is everyone coming with us?" said Harry.
"I'm happy you're great! And to respond to your question, all Hogwarts student are coming - the that are here of course- and some people from the Order: Tonks, Bill, Fleur Delacour.of course, Kingsley and Remus" replied Mr. Weasley. " The rest of us are staying here. working for the ministry and the Order (Mad Eye, Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Percy, and Sturgis Podmore). Dumbledore didn't come. It's too risky. Hagrid's already with your host in .France."
"Yeah well I knew Dumbledore wouldn't come."
"Hi Harry how are you?" Lupin came asking behind him. Mad Eye, Bill Weasley, Kingsley and Sturgis followed him.
"Hey you all, it's so good to see you! I'm great!"
"Ready for the trip?" asked Bill.
"Of course I am! Can't wait1" " O.K. Great! We're going to see the others before we go. See ya!"
"Yeah!" Harry looked at Bill, Sturgis, Kingsley, Lupin, Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley saying their good-byes.
"Harry." said a voice behind him.
Harry completely forgot Mad Eye was still there.
"Yeah."
"First of all, I want you to be careful there. We'll be able to contact you any time. don't ask question. you'll see.but look around you. I also have something for you."
He took something out of his pockets. It was a little gold snitch. Harry recognized it. It was his father's. Harry saw it in Snape's pensieve.
"Here, you know what that it. Your father owned it. And since Voldemort killed him, sorry Harry, Sirius kept it: as a souvenir. He wanted you to have it, I'm sure."
Harry took the snitch, thanked Mad Eye, told him bye and went off. The memory of Sirius wasn't a good thing on a happy day like this. * Well, Harry, Sirius AND your father wouldn't want to see you like this. cheer up! Use it as a lucky charm. *
" HARRY! It's so good to see you" Serina, Jasmine and Meaghan were running toward him.
"Hey girls! It's good to see you too!" replied harry in a trying-to-be- happy tone.
'It is five minutes before five o'clock. All passengers whose destination is Paris, France should be aboard. The departure will be in five minutes. Platform 7. Thank you."
" O.K. gang, we're leaving, follow me said Bill.
Everybody took their trunk, and animals, and lead off toward Platform 7. "Bye everyone, see you at the end of August!" said Harry before putting a feet on the train's step.
Almost everyone used the same dialog before the train's departure. Harry was walking in the train beside Cho. At first he didn't notice her. Cho thought he was ignoring her so she told him:
"Harry, I'm sorry about last year. I was, maybe, too emotional and I wanted you to fell the same way as I did. But I realized that you lived with more than Cedric's death. But I still think you should have told me you didn't want me to come and cry by your side.because the more you let me cry over you, the more I thought you understood me. I realized that relationship between boys and girls.in friendship, isn't the same that between girls/girls and boys/boys. Hope you aren't still angry at me."
Harry looked at her deeply. He knew what he had to do.
"You know Cho, I didn't want to tell you I disliked when you were crying over me. I loved you during 3 whole years. I wanted my chance. But I know it wasn't the best way to gain your attention so lets forget it and become friends again right?"
"Sure Harry"
She hugged Harry. It lasted forever. Harry thought this was funny.*Harry you're improving! Congrats! You are beginning to understand girls and tell them how you feel.uh.well. just a little bit.not completely.you're a man, so you'll never tell them completely but it's good! * Thought Harry.
He smiled.
"Uh.Cho.I think we should try to find a compartment.and everybody's watching us."
"Oh! Right! Sure. Come on!" said Cho.
They let off to find Hermione, Ron, Seamus and the rest of the students.
*Oh no! I don't want them together again.they're just friends Jasmine, calm down! * Thought Jasmine Black when she saw Harry and Cho. She always loved Harry and she wanted him to be her's before school starts.
"Come on Jazz, stop gazing at him, he doesn't worth it" said Meaghan Silversky giggling. "Ron's way better!"
"Oh, shut it Meag!" shouted Jasmine laughing.
"Hey guys! I'm telling you, this train isn't like Hogwarts Express at all.but it's great. and different!" said Harry as he sat between Laeticia and Tommy Miller.
"Hi Harry, Hi Cho!" they all replied.
"So Tommy.who's this girl, she looks a lot like you!" asked Harry
"Ah yeah. I forgot to present it to you. She's my twin sister, Bonnie. She's no witch. but she knows everything about us. My eldest sister is working very hard at the Ministry, so she sent us here." said Tommy.
"Hi Bonnie, it's nice to know you. I'm Harry Potter"
"Hi Harry" replied Bons.
"So how are you feeling gang?" said Ron.
"I'm really excited, you will all meet my sister: Jessica. Can't wait has been so long!" said Serena. "She wanted to study at Beauxbâtons.She's obsessed with French! Gosh! But I'm sure I f she was at Hogwarts, she'd be in Ravenclaw. She's way too studious.unlike me. I like being a Slytherin -everybody looked at her disgusted- but I love everyone. I'm an exception! Maybe the sorting hat put me there because I'm bitchy when I wake up! So WARNING! Wait until I've taken my breakfast to talk to me if you don't want to be deaf!"
They all laughed. Their vacation in France would be unforgettable.
"Serena isn't the only one who has family there! You'll also meet my cousin: Charity! You'll see, she's a party maker!" Said Alyssa grinning.
The whole compartment cheered.
" I think we should start to learn a bit of French. we've got people to seduce!" said Bonnie, Tommy's sister.
"Yeah! What a good idea Bons!" said her brother.
"Are you all guys O.K. with that? I would be awesome!" said Hermione joyfully.
They all nodded and laughed.
-Knock! Knock! -
" 'Ello people, I waz wondering if I could join you? Zey are eeting but I am no 'ungry" said Fleur Delacour.
She was exactly the person they needed. They all looked at her.
" Of course Fleur! You're the person we needed! You're going to teach us some French basics. We really want to learn! And it's a compliment coming from us!" said Fred and George together.
" O' zat's O.K.! It will be me pleesure!"
They were all happy to learn a different language. They calm down and waited for Fleur to begin.some (boys) were just hypnotize by her.
"Zo! Where do you want me to begin?" asked Fleur
"Well, what about beginning a conversation, of course!" suggested Hermione.
"O.K.!"
Fleur took her wand out, cast a spell and a black board appeared.
"We are going to begin wiz "Bonjour". It meanz "Hello".Repeat after me -BON (like on/off) JOUR (pronounce it JOOR)"
They all repeated "Bonjour". Fleur wrote on the board " Bonjour" , the grammatical way, then, the way you pronounce it: "BONJOOR"
"Perfect! Wow! Zat's great! O.K. next thing iz: "Comment allez-vous?" It meanz "How are you?" Just wait, I'll 'rite it ze two wayz. "Comment allez- vous?" "COMM-ENT (like rANk) ALLEY VOO?" .listen to me people: CommENt AllER- vOUs?.No not like this Hina- EN .you 'ave to pronounce-it like ze word rANk.see? EN.commENt."
Their French lesson lasted all the 5-hour travel (They were travelling in a French High-Speed train: a TGV). It was fifteen minutes past ten in Paris. They were all very excited.except Fleur.she was really tired. She was happy when the train announced their arrival in France. They were now able to say perfectly: "bonjour", "comment allez-vous", "je m'appelle Xavier Lupin", "je vais très bien", "merci", s'il vous plaît", "bien sûr", "Je viens de Londres" and a special one for Madame Maxime: "Merci beaucoup pour votre hospitalité Madame Maxime". (Translation: Hello, how are you ?, my name is Xavier Lupin, I'm feeling great, thank you, please, of course, I'm from London and Thank you very much for your hospitality Madame Maxime).
They all grabbed their trunks, put them in a trolley and looked for Madame Maxime.
"'Ere! ICI! Fleur! Hey! Wohoo!!" Madame Maxime shouted all over the station. They certainly didn't miss her.
"Hi Madame Maxime, I'm Remus Lupin. Nice to see you!"
"Bonjour Mr.Lupin, 'ave a nice travel?" asked Madame Maxime. "Bonjour à vous! Comment allez-vous?" said Madame Maxime when she heard thousands of "Bonjour".
"It was great. Food was good and we didn't have problem.Fleur taught them French as you can hear!" Shouted Lupin trying to speak louder than the hundreds of "Je vais très bien".
"O.K. well we better go now, everyone's there?" asked Madame Maxime.
"1-2-3-4-5.15.20.25. Yup. Everyone's here" said Bill.
"Everyone follow me" said Madame Maxime's classic voice.
They headed off toward a bright blue bus. Madame Maxime told them to enter. Inside there were splendid leather couches, five coffee tables and. a small pool. That was fantastic. The bus got under way. It was going to Troyes. They had two hours before getting there. Some ate, some swam and some drank. They all had pleasure. At the end of the trip, they were all getting very tired. They really wanted to meet their beds.
Finally, they arrived at Madame Maxime's. She lived in a BIG Old French mansion. All gasped. It really was the most beautiful "house" they've ever seen.