The sun was bright streaming through the open window. A light breeze blew the curtains in and lightly played with my dark auburn hair, which was spread across the dark green silk pillowcase. Bursts of bird song wafted through the open window. I heard it faintly when I felt the slight breeze ripple through my hair. Smiling lazily, I stretched. Mmm. I didn't want to leave the bed. Rolling over I came face to face with my clock. Slowly, the white numbers came into focus. Seven forty-five ! And the train left at eleven. I groaned. Finally, I rose from the dark green-draped bed. Grabbing my dark green satin floor-length wrapper from the chaise at the end, I went over to my vanity and the clothes that I laid out the night before. I sank down onto the dark green velvet-padded bench. I applied flawless foundation turning my skin porcelain. I set it with baby powder. On my eyes I settled on a pale green for the lids, a dark blue in the crease, and a vanilla on the browbone. I finished my eyes with a dark brown liquid liner and black mascara. On my lips I used my usual light peach and finished them off with some peach - flavoured lip gloss. Then, I plaited the fiery auburn down my back. Rising from the bench, I went over to the chair which my clothes for the day were laid out. I pulled on a vanilla satin camisole edged with vanilla lace and the matching vanilla lace thong. Then pulled on the pair of soft, worn blue jeans and the dark green silk shirt that were draped over the chair. I went and sat down at my vanity. I slipped on my usual copper Celtic cross and the earrings I usually wore with it. I was finally dressed for the day. Going back over to the bed, I picked up the latest romance I was reading and my glasses atop it. I took them over to my vanity where my black leather purse awaited. I slipped my glasses on, then, slipped the book into my purse. Magickally, I packed the rest of my room. I double checked my closet, wardrobe, and chest of drawers to make sure nothing had been left behind. I checked the bookcase as well. I didn't want to leave anything behind.
I slipped into black pumps. Levitating my trunks, I made my way downstairs.
" There you are ! " Aunt Melanie exclaimed. " I was about ready to send Quin to see if you were up. " My Uncle Tarquin had his head buried behind the morning paper. I just smiled at the mothering. Sitting down I allowed Aunt Melanie to serve me. Then, she took a seat next to Uncle Tarquin.
" Abbi, honey, " Uncle Tarquin said, looking down at his watch. I looked over at him.
" It's after ten. We need to get you to Kings' Cross. After all your train leaves at eleven. " I nodded my head rising from the table. Uncle Tarquin rose to his feet and hurried me into the parlour where all my trunks were piled. " Lily ! " I called. An all black cat with light yellow - green eyes came running into the room. She stopped at my feet, staring up at me expectantly. I held out my arms and she jumped up into them. I cuddled her close, then, draped her over my shoulder, her favourite perch.
" Ready ? " Uncle Tarquin asked, smiling.
" Ready, " I smiled back. Then, he pulled me close for a hug. " Know that we luve you. Always will. "
Thanks, " I said. My uncle helped me pile the trunks and Lily's cage into the fireplace. He passed me the flue powder. Grabbing a handful I dropped it at my feet, exclaiming,
" Kings' Cross Station ! "
Luckily, I appeared right by the cart station. It took me two carts to load all my trunks and the cage. Lily was content on her perch, watching the crowds of people. We made our way through the crowded bustle towards platforms nine and ten. So I wouldn't jostle Lily, I approached the wall slowly. We were greeted by the sights of students and the large red and gold express bound for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I looked down at my watch. It was actually before eleven. I left my luggage with the baggage man. Making my way to the front I boarded the train.I could see that almost all the compartments were full.
Someone was exiting a compartment and I ran right into them, knocking them down.
" Ohmilord ! I'm so sorry. Here, let me help you up. " My eyes collided with a pair of icy blue ones.
" Care to join me ? " A naughty smile played over his full sensual lips. Looking him over, I could see that the guy was gorgeous. Shaking my head, I turned my back on him. I could hear him getting to his feet behind me.
" Look at me when I'm talking to you, " He demanded. I stayed where I was. " What did I say ? " He twirled me around in his arms facing him.
" Let go of me, " I said quietly.
" And if I don't ? " I could see a gleam in his eye.
" You won't like the consequences, " I said.
" What do you think you can do to me ? " He sneered. I let him have it. Hauling my hand back I slapped the smirk right off his face. In response Draco Malfoy hauled me closer into him and his lips closed over mine in a harsh demanding kiss. His hands tangled within my braided hair, undoing the plait. I tried pushing against his chest, but, to no avail. I formed the thought in my mind. And Draco Malfoy was no longer kissing me. He was back on his arse looking up at me stunned. Without a thought I pulled my wand out. A look of horror crossed Draco Malfoy's face. With a flick, the thought in my mind became reality. Before me, sprawled Draco Malfoy with red horns and a red forked tail. Everyone behind me stopped and burst out laughing. Tentatively, the Slytherin raised a hand to his head. A look of horror filled his eyes. I smirked down at him. Then pushed past the waste of a handsome blonde and continued searching for a compartment. It was all over the train that a new girl had given Malfoy red horns and a red forked tail.
" Hey ! " Someone yelled. Backing up I peeked into the compartment I had just passed.
The bushy light brunette answered. " Anyway, I heard from Seamus that Malfoy has red horns and a forked tail and that you gave them to him. Is that true ? " Hermione Granger looked up at me, expectantly.
" Guilty, "I grinned.
" What happened ? " She asked.
" May I sit down ? " I asked. " I'll tell you what happened if you tell me your name. "
" Hermione. Hermione Granger. And you are ? "
Absynthia Lily Blackwood. But, call me Abbi. That blonde devil is named Malfoy ? " I laughed. Hermione laughed with me.
" Draco Malfoy, actually. He thinks he's all that and a bag of chips. "
" Well . . . " I bit my lip. Then continued. " He is phat. "
" Fat ?! There isn't a trace of it on his frame. " I laughed softly.
" No, " I smiled. " Phat. Pretty Hot and All That, " I explained. " Well, if it wasn't for his attitude, he would be quite a catch.
" Anyway, Malfoy tried to tell me what to do. So, I slapped him, then, thought that he would look better as what he really is. A devil. " Hermione burst out laughing and I joined in. That's when Harry and Ron ran into the compartment.
" Guess what, Mione ? " Ron exclaimed.
" Someone's changed Malfoy into a devil. He looks hilarious. "
" I know, Ronald, " She said, gesturing at me.
" You ?! " Harry exclaimed, taking a really hard look at me. " My God ! " Then, promptly passed out at my feet.
" Was it something I said ? " I quipped.
" Seriously, will green eyes be okay ? " Hermione laughed at the nickname.
" He should be alright. I don't know what made him pass out like that. "
" Um, Mione, I think I know, " Ron offered hesitantly. The redhead peered at me intently. Then, slipped his hand into his friend's knapsack, pulling out a photo album. " Here, first page. " Hermione took the offered book and flipped to the first page. Then, she stared, too.
" What ? " I asked. " Did I grow a pair of horns ? "
" Umm, Abbi, Maybe you should take a look at this, " Hermione finally said. She turned the book around and I was greeted with a picture of me with an attractive black-haired wizard and a black-haired baby. Tentatively, a finger reached out, tracing over the witch's features.
" Lily, " I whispered. Then, it hit me who the boy on the floor was, Harry Potter, my second cousin, Lily's son.
" Do you know her, Abbi ? " Hermione asked.
" Aye, " I answered, tearing my eyes away from the page. " Lily was my mother's cousin. I was named for her, in honour of her. Not to mention my father's wicked sense of humour. She died just after I was born. I wish I could have known her and Harry. Harry ! " I exclaimed. A moan could be heard from the floor. " All right down there ? " I asked, extending my hand. His warm, strong hand grasped the proffered hand. Warmth spread through me at the contact. Stop it ! He's family. I helped Harry up off the floor.
" Thanks, " Harry murmured. Then louder he asked, " What did you say your name was ? Please don't tell me it's Lily. "
" Well, " I bit my bottom lip. " That's my middle name in honour of your mother. My mother and yours were cousins. My full name is Absynthia Lily Blackwood. But, please, call me Abbi. "
" That's a mouthful, " Harry smiled. It lit up his gorgeous green eyes.
" Absynthia ? What kind of name is that ? " Ron demanded.
" Ronald ! " Hermione exclaimed. I just shook my head, grinning.
" It's okay, Hermione. That was my father's idea. It seems that Absynthe was my one of my father's favourite flowers. Hence the name Absynthia. "
" Was ? " Hermione caught the past tense as we all settled into seats. Harry sat down beside me as Ron wouldn't leave Hermione's side. " What happened ? "
" Hermione ! " Ron exclaimed. " And you said I was rude. "
" It's all right. I don't really know. I was told that he was in prison for something that he didn't do. For all I know, he's still there. I'm staying with his cousin in America. " Harry turned those emerald eyes towards me.
" America ?! Where in America ? " He wanted to know. " My godfather had family in America. "
" I didn't know Sirius had family outside of England, Harry, " Hermione interrupted.
" Yeah, it was in the will. "
" Anyway, " I said, looking at Harry, " We live in Louisiana. My uncle has a sort of mansion in the bayou country, Blackwood . . . "
" Farm, " Harry finished, looking at me.
" How did you know ? " I asked.
" This is a small world, " He muttered. Then, " Um, Abbi, your father isn't in jail. "
" How do you know ? No offense, Harry, but, if I don't really know much about my father, I don't see how you know him at all. " Hermione had been watching us the entire conversation.
" Abbi, the reason he knows is because his godfather is dead. And the only reason he knows about Blackwood Farm is because it was mentioned in his will. " Hermione caught Harry's eye. The look that passed between the two spoke volumes. Harry sighed, looking away.
" This convo is getting a bit gloomy. Who's the bf, Hermione ? " I asked, changing the subject.
" Oh, sorry, Abbi. This is Ronald Weasley. "
" Ron, " He interjected. " No one calls me Ronald. "
" Except Hermione, " I giggled, leaning back against the window. Hermione noticed dark clouds beginning to form in the sky.
" Looks like we're in for a storm, guys, " She pointed out. We all looked outside.
" Hopefully, it won't start until we get to the school, " I suggested.
" I doubt it, " Hermione disagreed. I sighed. Then, pulled my book out of my purse.
" Across A Star Swept Sea, " Harry read over my arm.
" I didn't know you read garbage like that, Abbi, " Hermione butted in.
" Some of us happen to like romance and fantasy, " I reminded Hermione.
With the squeak of wheels the treats' trolley rolled to a stop outside our compartment. Poking her head inside the trolley maid asked,
" Anything off the trolley, dears ? " Harry got a little of everything which Ron helped him eat. All I got was chocolate. I got enough so that I would have some until the first Hogsmeade trip, that Hermione and the guys told me about. With some of the chocolate I snuggled next to my cousin as I opened the romance.
The rain thickened as the train sped yet further north, the windows, now a solidly shimmering gray, gradually darkened until lanterns flickered to life overhead and outside in the corridors. The train rattling, the wind roared, battering around the slowing car as rain hammered down.
Harry, who was nearest the door, got up and poked his head out the door. All along the length of the train heads could be seen peeking out various compartments. The train stopped with a jolt. Harry went flying back, nearly landing in my lap. I grunted as Harry's back hit my legs.
" All right down there ? " I asked, extending my hand. His warm, strong hand grasped the proffered hand. Warmth spread through me at the contact. Stop it ! He's family. I helped Harry up off the floor.
" Thanks, Abbi, " Harry said.
" Any time, " I said. The lamps flickered once, twice. Then, an unseen entity seemed to just blow them out. Darkness engulfed our compartment completely and crept along down the corridor, stealing into the other compartments and robbing the lanterns of their precious flames.
" Well, so much for reading, " I sighed. " Hopefully, this isn't a precursor to how the book will end. " Everyone laughed.
" What's going on ? " Ron asked.
" I wish I knew, " I admitted. " Maybe the lights just went out and they're fixing them. "
" Ouch ! " Hermione gasped. " Ron, that was my foot. "
" Sorry, " The redhead muttered. Harry felt his way back to his seat. His hands accidently grazed the tips of my breasts. Then they cupped the mounds, lightly squeezing.
" Umm, Harry, " This was not happening. Even though warm fluttery sensations began throughout my body, this was wrong. We were family. " That's not the back of the seat, " I pointed out.
" Sorry, Abbi. " Even in the dark I could tell that Harry was blushing.
" Do you think we've broken down ? " Hermione asked.
" Dunno," Harry replied. There was a squeaking noise. We watched Ron wipe part of the glass clean and peer out into the stormy night.
" I'm going to go ask the driver what's going on, " Hermione announced, picking up her cat Crookshanks.
" I'll come with you, Mione, " Ron said. " Malfoy would be one to take advantage of this situation. "
" Thanks. Ronald. " Lily and I watched the two leave the compartment. Then, I turned back to Harry.
" Alone in a dark compartment. Now, what do we do ? " I could see the lightening glinting off his glasses every now and then.
" Oh, " Harry said, dropping his gaze to my lips in the dark, " I'm sure we can think of something. " Then, somehow, his lips were upon mine. His tongue flicked against my bottom lip, wanting entrance.I shivered in his embrace, parting my lips. His tongue slipped inside stroking mine. Liquid fire raced through my veins as I melted into him. Fire exploded inside me. His arms tightened around me as his hands moved in my hair. Undoing the barrette that secured my hair he pocketed it. His hands tangled themselves within my long hair, angling my head back further for a better possession of my mouth. I moaned in the back of my throat. Tentatively, I brushed my tongue against his. This time he moaned. His hands left my hair to travel down my back. His hands settled on my waist. Without warning he grabbed me settling me on his lap. I gasped against his lips. I could feel his desire pressing up into me. I could hardly breathe. He pressed me down into him as he thrust against me. Oh, my ! The fire that exploded began to consume me. I ground myself against him as our lips mated.Something pooled low in my belly. Sweet Heaven, I wanted him then and there. His hands guided my hips atop him. If he wanted to take me right then and there I wouldn't mind.
" Har,ryy ! " I moaned in the back of my throat. I was one big explosion created by him. I was a firecracker exploding up in the sky. We broke apart gasping for breath. Opening our eyes, we smiled at each other. And the lights flickered back to life.
" Hermione ! " I gasped. " She and Ron will probably be back any second. " Harry just looked at me.
" I really hope you're sorted into Gryffindor, " He said softly. Then, the door opened.
The train ride was nice and boring from that point. The lulling motions of the train started to rock me to sleep. I fell asleep, my head pillowed on Harry's shoulder.
Through the haze of sleep I heard, " Abbi, time to wake up. "
" No, " I stated, still asleep. Muffled giggles registered barely.
" Come on, Abbi. You need to wake up. "
" Five minutes, Daddy, " I murmured sleepily. I heard laughter as my eyes opened slowly. Looking around I saw Ron and Hermione exploding with hysteria. Then, I looked up into a pair of warm emerald green eyes twinkling with laughter.
" What ? " I yawned. Then, I realized I was still on the express to Hogwarts.
" Daddy, huh ? " Harry asked. " Having fantasies about Daddy, are we, Abbi, dear ? "
Ron and Hermione interrupted with laughter. I proceeded to turn a bright pink.
" I didn't know you blushed all over like that, " Harry whispered in my ear. I followed his eyes down. He could see all the way down my blouse. That blush turned to a bright red. In my haste to sit up I hit Harry on the chin.
" Ow ! " We exclaimed at the same time.
" You could have just asked me to move, Abbi, " He quipped, sending everyone into fits of giggles.
" I didn't know you were going to help yourself to the view," I snapped.
" Guess I'll just have to figure out another way to wake you up, Abbi, " Harry drawled lazily, while those emerald green eyes devoured mine. Oh, Lord have mercy ! He was starting to make my knees weak. As to what that other way may be I could only guess. Shivers raced down my spine at the thought. I leapt up. I had to get out of there. Grabbing my robes as well as my purse, I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I made my way to the changing rooms in the back. Thank God, one was empty. I couldn'tbelieve it. Was Harry just flirting with me ? And especially after that kiss. Not to mention we were cousins, second cousins. I left my clothes on and just pulled on house robes over them. I touched up my lipstick and mascara. I got Knowing out of my purse and spritzed it down my shirt, in my elbows, and on the sides of my neck. Knowing was a perfume that I made magickally. It blended sweet honey with rich Vanilla and three drops of Amortentia, an illegal luve potion. I gave myself one last look in the mirror. It would have to do. I grabbed my stuff and raced out of there. I burst in the compartment completely out of breath.
" It took you long enough ! " Harry exclaimed.
I dropped to the seat reaching for my purse. Finding it, I grabbed my inhaler. With a couple of puffs my breathing went back to normal. " Abbi, are you okay ? " He asked.
" Uh, huh, " I breathed. " I ran back. You know how girls take forever. " The train groaned to a halt.
" Are you sure you're all right ? " Hermione asked. That's when I realized that everyone was in robes.
" Since it seems that I was the last one to get dressed I take it you were waiting on me, " I said.
" Yeah, now that you've finally joined us, we can grab a couple of carriages, " Ron replied.
" Gee, thanks, " I said, bounding out of the Compartment.