Author's note: Well, here it is! The beginning of the story! Please enjoy and review, review, review!
As always, I don't own any but my own self made characters...
"Mr. Potter, please try and pay attention! Need I remind you of what happened last time you decided to get the urge to daydream in class?"
A strict voice yanked Nathaniel Potter from his thoughts and back to his history teacher's firm gaze. He ran a hand through his messy dark auburn hair, making it stand even more on end. "I'm sorry, Miss Hammon, it won't happen again," he said softly.
"See that it doesn't!" she snapped and went back to her monotone teaching.
Nathaniel stared at the chalkboard, his mind once again returning to his own thoughts. Hogwarts. He'd gotten the letter yesterday. His mom and dad had been so proud, seeing as they both attended the wizarding school. His father, Harry, worked as the head of the Auror office at the Ministry of Magic and was one of the most highly respected members of wizarding society, because of his childhood defeat of one of the most evil, dark wizards of all time, Voldemort. And it was only a matter of time before his only son, Nathaniel, would also be accepted to Hogwarts to begin his training. His parents had already bought him a present, a snowy owl, just like the one his father had owned while he had been at school. Nathaniel had named him Gwydion just moments after laying eyes on him, and it had only increased his excitement and enthusiasm for the coming year.
"Nathan, pay attention!" a voice whispered harshly and he felt an elbow jab into his ribs. He turned his blue-green eyes in a glare to the person next to him, who returned it with a smug, freckled grin.
Gabrielle Weasley, or Gabby, was a witch as well, and Nathaniel's cousin. His father had married Ron's sister, Ginny, and Ron and Harry had been friends since their own Hogwarts days. Like Nathaniel, Gabby had also been accepted at Hogwarts and the two would be leaving together that autumn, just like their fathers.
Gabby threw her books into her bag when the bell sounded and smiled at her best friend and cousin. "Well?"
"Off to Hogwarts and away from here!" Nathaniel returned in an excited whisper.
Gabby's smile widened, her blue eyes flashing mischievously. "Mum and Dad are taking me to Diagon Alley tonight to buy my supplies!"
Diagon Alley was the only place that young witches and wizards could get the things they needed for their education at Hogwarts. It was invisible to the muggles, so the wizarding world could trade goods freely. Nathaniel and Gabby had been there before, but it was a rare treat, even for their families.
"Already?" he cried, jealousy creeping into his voice. "You're lucky…dad says we can't go until later in the summer. He's been really busy at work…" Nathaniel trailed off, his blue-green gaze dropping to the floor.
Gabby laid a small hand on his shoulder as they walked out of the school. "We won't be getting everything now…maybe we can go together later…" she said softly. She suddenly spotted a fifteen year old boy with bright red hair and a freckled smile and ran towards him. He caught her in mid-air and swung her around in a giant hug. Nathaniel followed her and promptly got his dark hair tousled.
"Hullo, Potter, excited about you and Gabby's new school? I heard you got your letters in the post yesterday," Andrew Weasley whispered conspiratorially, his brown eyes sparkling.
"Yes, very…" Nathaniel answered, returning his smile.
Gabby threw her arms around her older brother, squealing in delight. "When did you get home?"
"Just a little bit ago," he replied, his smile making the many freckles on his face dance. "Mum and dad just collected me from King's Cross before coming here."
"I should be getting home; Mum wanted to start sorting through things tonight and Gwen should be home by now as well," Nathaniel said gently. "Have fun tonight, Gabby!" he called, waving goodbye to the two Weasley children.
"Say hello to Gwen and Aunt Ginny for us!" Gabby replied, before being pulled over to a red haired man by her brother.
Nathaniel gave a nod to his Uncle Ron and turned towards home.
"Celeste, dear, would you get the post? I think I just heard the mail slot."
"Yes, Grandmum," a young girl answered and moved to the front door. She brushed her honey brown hair off her shoulder as she picked up the stack of mail, her hazel eyes searching the addresses.
She was half way through the pile when her gaze froze on a thick parchment envelope. In bold green lettering it read:
Miss C. Granger
The Bedroom at the Top of the Stairs
7 Honeysuckle Mews
Wiltshire
She stared at it for what seemed an eternity, then flipped it over, looking for a return address. A red wax seal adorned with a lion, badger, raven, and a snake surrounding a large H was the only mark. She ripped it open quickly, her small hands trembling and heart pounding. She pulled out two pieces of parchment and unfolded them. On the top sheet, in the same green lettering was a letter.
Dear Miss Granger,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Celeste stood in the hallway, the letters dropping from her hands and her face fixed in astonishment. She shook her head after a moment, gathered up the post and walked stiffly into the kitchen, where her grandmother was talking with a slippery looking man.
"Mrs. Granger, our school is one of the finest in all England. And with Celeste's marks…well, there is no doubt of her acceptance," he spoke haughtily.
Lillian Granger nodded, looking up as her granddaughter entered the room. "Darling, what is it?" she asked suddenly, seeing the shock in Celeste's eyes.
Celeste held out the letter, her hand shaking. "Grandmum?" she asked quietly.
Lillian glanced down and drew in a sharp breath. "Mr. Simmons, I'm very sorry, but it's time for you to be going."
After much protesting, Lillian finally shut the door. Her gaze fell to the letter once more and she sighed heavily. "Follow me, darling. There is something I need to show you," she said softly, leading the way up the stairs.
Celeste followed quietly, shock still evident in her small features.
Lillian opened the door to the attic and flipped on the lights. She walked purposely through the clutter to an old steamer trunk with the letters HG engraved on the front. Celeste knelt cautiously on the floor next to her grandmother as Lillian lifted the lid.
A small gasp escaped Celeste's lips as she gaped at the contents. Inside lay some black robes, a scarlet and gold scarf, a couple of crystal vials, several books, a tarnished silver locket, and on top, a parchment letter with the same green lettering as hers; only this letter was addressed to a Miss H. Granger.
"Mum?" she asked softly, her hazel eyes widening. "My mum went to this school? She was a…a witch?"
Lillian smiled, placing a hand on her granddaughter's cheek. "She did, and she was. First in our family. She was so proud the day her letter came…as were we."
"Does that mean….am I a witch too? Do I get to go to this school?" Celeste couldn't contain the excitement in her voice.
Lillian nodded. "Of course, my darling. Both of your parents attended Hogwarts. It was only a matter of time before you received your letter."
Celeste shouted in joy at her luck. No more would kids tease her about being different…strange. She pulled out one of the black robes and put it on, turning to admire her reflection in the dusty mirror. She smiled and turned as her grandmother pulled out a small leather book from the trunk.
"You look just like your mother…" she sighed, a small smile on her lips as she opened it.
Celeste kneeled beside her. There was a picture of her mother, about her age, with two young boys…and the picture was moving! All three grinned and waved joyfully up at her. She leaned closer, studying the two who seemed to be her mother's friends and had draped their arms over the young Hermione's shoulders.
The first boy had an array of freckles and fiery red hair. His brown eyes glinted mischievously as his mouth turned up in a half smile. The second boy looked much more reserved, as if he were hiding a great secret beneath his smile. His green eyes were set off by a messy mass of black hair and she could just barely make out the shape of a lightening bolt scar on his forehead.
"Grandmum?" Celeste asked quietly. "Who are these people with her?"
Lillian smiled. "They were Hermione's best friends, Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter. They were inseparable…" she said softly, her voice trailing and her eyes gazing at some faraway thought.
"Oh," Celeste replied, her gaze returning to the three smiling faces once more.
Lillian stood after a moment. "We should start thinking about planning a trip to Diagon Alley to get your supplies."
Celeste nodded, closing the book and placing it back in the trunk, along with the black robes. She started to follow her grandmother out of the room, but turned back to glance once more at her mother's trunk. "I won't let you down, Mum….I promise…"
"Let's see…" Gabrielle Weasley murmured, looking over the list as her family and the Potter's weaved their way through the crowded streets of Diagon Alley. "It says here we need a set of school robes, a wand, a cauldron, a set of glass phials, brass scales, and a ton of books!" the last item came out in an exasperated sigh.
Drew caught her from behind and swung her around. "And don't forget, first years aren't allowed to have broomsticks!" he taunted.
Gabby took a swipe at him angrily and then held back to walk next to Nathaniel and his older sister, Gwenivere.
Andrew Weasley was a fourth year at Hogwarts and already captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, though his favorite pastime was teasing his younger sister, who hated every moment of it.
"Don't worry, Gabby," Gwen said, wrapping her arm around her cousin's shoulders. "Drew may act like he's the best thing that ever happened, but everyone knows he's just a great prat."
Andrew threw her scathingly look, which Gwen answered with a ringing laugh. Her green eyes and dark brown hair made her look like the female version of their father, Harry; though her smile reflected Ginny Potter, their mother. She was entering her fourth year at Hogwarts as well, and Nathaniel was glad of her presence as in the last couple day's apprehension had started to build in his stomach.
"Mum, could Gabby and I go and get our wands together?" Nathaniel asked.
"Yeah!" Gabby echoed, turning to her own parents. "And then could we go see Uncle George's shop?"
Ginny Potter sighed softly. "You need to get your school robes and I believe Gabrielle is picking out a pet to take with her, then we can get your wands…and maybe we can go see the rest of the family…"
The two cousins smiled at each other and agreed to meet in an hour at Ollivander's.
So while the Potter's headed for Madam Malkin's, the Weasley's turned into one of the shops menagerie of animals.
Gabby ran straight for the cats, picking up and cradling a small, black kitten. The kitten looked up at her and meowed plaintively, her yellow eyes luminous in the dark shop. Gabby turned quickly to ask her mother if she could get it when she bumped into another girl.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean too…" she said in a rush.
The other girl smiled, her hazel eyes bright. "You're getting a cat too?" she asked.
Gabby nodded, returning the smile. "I'm Gabrielle Weasley…are you a first year too?"
The other girl nodded, though her gaze seemed to turn thoughtful for a moment. "Celeste Granger, pleasure." She held out her hand and the black kitten leapt into her arms.
Gabby giggled. "Well, she sure likes you!"
"Celeste, dear, come on, we have a lot to do before the end of the day!" Lillian Granger's voice called.
Celeste handed the kitten back to Gabby. "I guess I'll see you on the train!"
Gabby waved as her father and mother appeared behind her.
"Who was that, dear?" Susannah Weasley asked.
"Another first year," Gabby replied. "Her name is Celeste Granger."
Her parents exchanged a quick, furtive glance.
"Oh, Ron…you don't suppose?" Susannah started, her voice trembling.
Ronald Weasley shook his head. "I don't know…Hermione died a long time ago…" he stopped suddenly, as if noticing that Gabby and Drew were listening. "We should speak with Harry and Ginny…"
Gabby and Drew swapped nervous looks as they left the shop, not quite sure what to make of their parents behavior.
"Who were they talking about?" Drew asked his sister, once they were out of their parent's earshot and Nathaniel and Gwen had rejoined them.
"I don't know…they got all strange when I mentioned the name of the other first year I met…her name was Celeste Granger…then they said something about a Hermione person."
Gwen's eyes widened and Drew let out a low whistle. "You mean Hermione had a daughter?"
Nathaniel and Gabby looked up at him, their eyes wide and faces confused. "What do you mean? Who's Hermione? And what does she have to do with that girl?"
Drew looked down at them, brown eyes suddenly serious. "You have to promise not to tell Mum and Dad that I told you…" At their nod, he continued. "Our dads had a good friend when they were at Hogwarts named Hermione Granger. She was really smart, muggle born…I think Dad even fancied her at one point…" he trailed off.
Gwen cleared her throat noisily and glanced at their parents as if to tell him to hurry up.
"Anyways, towards the end of their school years, Hermione got tangled up in the Malfoy family. She disappeared for awhile, then turned back up at her parent's house. A couple months later, she died…no one knows how or why." Drew suddenly stopped at Gwen's warning look.
Drew looked up, noticing the suspicious looks their parents were giving them. "Nevermind…just forget what I told you. I'm sure it has nothing to do with this girl. Besides, the last thing you need to do is go snooping around the Malfoys…its bad enough that his son is starting with you."
Nathaniel moaned. "Don't remind me…"
Gabby nodded, a disgusted look on her freckled face as they entered Ollivander's wand shop. "Ugh…in the same year as Scorpio Malfoy…"
The Hogwarts Express pulled swiftly out of Platform 9 ¾ , chugging towards Hogwarts and another school year.
Celeste Granger settled into an empty compartment, quickly stowing her luggage and then placing the basket with her silver and gray kitten in it on the seat beside her. She sighed softly, watching the countryside streak by her window.
Her silent concentration and thoughts were broken as the compartment door flew open and there stood the girl she had met in Diagon Alley, a young boy behind her.
"Hey, Celeste! I saw you get on and thought you might want some company!" Gabby smiled, her blue eyes dancing.
She stepped in, allowing the dark haired boy behind her to pull in his trunk and set down the cage containing a snowy owl.
"This is Nathaniel Potter, my best friend and cousin. Nathaniel, this is Celeste Granger," Gabby introduced.
A gasp escaped Celeste's lips as they sat down across from her. "Potter and Weasley! That's why you look so familiar!" And she dove forward and began digging through her rucksack.
Nathaniel gave Gabby a confused glance and she shrugged in response. She mouthed the word 'mental' and then turned to face Celeste as she pulled a small leather book from her bag. She laid it open and turned it for the other two to see it properly.
Nathaniel and Gabby looked down, both breaking into smiles at what they saw. "That's my dad," they cried simultaneously.
Celeste returned their smiles and pointed at the girl in the middle. "And that's my mum."
"So you really are Hermione Granger's daughter!" he gasped.
Celeste nodded. "My gran told me our parents were best friends at Hogwarts. She said they met on the train their first year…just like us!"
"Wicked," Gabby returned, her blue eyes wide.
"Well, well, well, Potter and another Weasley," a cold voice drawled from the doorway. "Isn't there a limit on how many Weasley's can attend Hogwarts, I mean, you could fill a whole house table with your family…"
Gabby turned a cold glare to the speaker, a young boy their age with brownish blonde hair and steely grey-green eyes. "Why don't you do something useful, Malfoy…like jump off the train?" she snapped.
"Fighting words, Weasley…" Malfoy's grin turned smug and the three people behind him chortled. His gaze turned to Nathaniel. "Alright there, Potter? Daddy still on the look-out for bad guys…afraid they might creep up on you while you're asleep?"
"Shove off, Malfoy…" Nathaniel growled. "Or it'll be your dad he investigates next…"
Malfoy's eyes narrowed and he made to grab something from his robes, but the girl behind him placed a hand on his shoulder, her dark eyes lighting menacingly.
"Not here, Scorpio…" she warned.
"You're right, Brigit…" His cold gaze turned to Celeste.
"And who are you, another mudblood they've let into the school?"
Nathaniel leapt forward, his blue-green eyes on fire, but Gabby grabbed his arm, struggling to hold him back. "It's not worth it, Nate…he's not worth it," she whispered.
Scorpio smirked. "Feisty, Potter…we'll see you on the dueling floor…" he laughed, and the four turned and walked down the corridor to their compartment.
Gabby released Nathaniel as he fell back into the seat. She looked over, noticing that Celeste's gaze was fixed firmly on the floor. She touched Celeste's arm lightly.
"Are you ok? Look, don't worry about what he said. Malfoy is a great bullying git…"
"Who was that?" Celeste asked, interrupting Gabby's tirade and looking up at them, an indiscernible expression on her face.
Gabby gave a strange look to Nathaniel.
"His name is Scorpio Malfoy, son of Draco Malfoy. My dad works with him at the Ministry. Rich, pure-blood, and very powerful, although everyone knows their family's been in the dark arts for generations," Nathaniel said softly, an obvious tone of hatred in his voice.
Celeste was quiet for a moment. "What was that he called me…a mudblood?" she asked.
Gabby's eyes flashed and Nathaniel looked away in revulsion.
"It's a really filthy name for someone who's muggle born…who has non-wizarding parents," she replied quietly.
Celeste's face broke into a grin, causing them to look up in surprise. "Oh, well, that's alright. I mean, my mum was muggle born…but, my parents were both wizards. My gran told me they both went to Hogwarts."
Gabby's face turned eagerly towards her. "Do you know who your dad was?"
Celeste's face fell. "No…I've never met him. And my mum died when I was really little…three or four, I think."
Silence settled on the three for a moment, until a plaintive meow sounded from Celeste's basket and was answered by another meow from beside Gabby. They broke out in laughter and Nathaniel's owl, Gwydion, hooted indignantly.
Drew and Gwen appeared a few moments later and introduced themselves to Celeste while sharing a knowing glance.
"Best get in your school robes," Gwen stated after a quick game of Exploding Snap, which Celeste watched in fascination. "We'll be arriving soon."
The two older kids left and Nathaniel, Gabby, and Celeste pulled on their school robes, swapping stories about their parents. By the time the Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade station, they had made a pact to make the names of Potter, Weasley, and Granger well known once more.
The sun was setting by the time the train finally came to a halt and they all disembarked.
A large, scruffy looking giant of a man stood at the end of the platform, holding a lantern aloft is his great hand.
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here! Don't be shy! We'll get yeh to Hogwarts by a different way!" he shouted, gathering them around him like a mother hen. "Alright there, Nathaniel, Gabby?" he asked, winking down at the two and Celeste gaped at them.
"Hagrid…" Nathaniel whispered. "He's good friends with our dads…"
"Follow me now," Hagrid called, beckoning them to follow him through the trees. He led them down to the shore of a great lake in silence, though timid and hushed whispers echoed amongst the group of first years.
Once the trees had cleared, they could see across the expanse of water to where a great castle loomed on a rocky outcropping, lights twinkling in its many windows.
Hagrid led them over to a cluster of boats and instructed them to climb in four to a group. Celeste, Nathaniel, and Gabby were joined by another boy named Jared Wood, whom Nathaniel seemed to know.
As they glided over the smooth surface of the lake, Gabby and Nathaniel whispered to each other eagerly, in which Celeste heard Gabby mutter 'wicked' several times. She looked up at her home for the next year, her hazel eyes growing wider and wider the nearer they drew to the castle.
They finally reached the other side and stepped out, still staring at the huge stone fortress before them. Hagrid swept them up towards a huge staircase that led into the grand entrance hall, where a very stern looking witch was waiting for them.
"Good evening, and welcome to Hogwarts, first years. I am Professor McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts," she said kindly as they gathered around her on the staircase. "In a few moments you will go through these doors and join your classmates. But first you must be sorted into your houses."
The group of first years looked around at each other nervously.
Gabby whispered something about an unpleasant test that her brother had mentioned, turning a shade of green as she did so.
McGonagall waited for them to quiet down before continuing. "The houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherian." She paused for a moment and the doors behind her opened. "They are ready for us now, follow me," she said turning briskly and walking through the two great wooden doors into a large hall set with four long tables. The other students were already seated and watching and pointing eagerly at the group as they walked by.
Celeste stepped cautiously behind Gabby and Nathaniel, looking around and trying to take in the vast hall and the starry ceiling above them.
They were led all the way to the front, before another long table where it seemed all the teachers were sitting. In front of them was a stool with an old, raggedy hat placed upon it. As they watched, a tear near the brim opened and the hat began to sing.
It lauded the merits of each house while warning the students not to be divided in such troubled times.
When it had finished, McGonagall pulled out a scroll from her emerald robes. "When I call your name, come up and sit. I will place the hat upon your head and it will sort you into your houses."
Gabby looked mutinously over to where her brother sat at the Gryffindor table. "I'm going to kill him…" she whispered. "He made it sound like we had to pass some awful test…"
The witch looked down through her square glasses. "Nathaniel Potter," she called.
A chorus of whispers followed Nate as he walked slowly up and sat down. It was only a small moment before the hat cried out, "Gryffindor!"
He leapt down and went to join the screaming table on the right, where Celeste could make out Drew and Gwen tousling his hair and pulling him onto the bench.
"Brigit Lestrange."
More whispers followed the dark eyed girl up to the podium. The hat barely swept her black curls before crying, "Slytherian!"
Gabby leaned over to Celeste. "Her mum and dad are Death Eaters …" she whispered as Brigit joined a group of menacing students at the far left table.
Celeste was going to ask what she meant, but was cut off by McGonagall.
"Gabrielle Weasley."
Gabby took a deep breath and Celeste gave her a reassuring smile.
It was a couple moments before the hat finally sent her to the Gryffindor table.
Ariadne Lupin, her electric blue hair standing out among the cluster of students, was next to become a Gryffindor while Adonis Zabini became the next Slytherian and Pearl Abbott was made a Hufflepuff.
"Celestine Granger."
Celeste stole a glance back at Nathaniel and Gabby, who gave her a thumbs up as she walked timidly up to the stool. The hat fell gently onto her head and she almost cried out in alarm as a voice spoke into her mind.
"Hmmm…" the gravelly voice mused. "Yes, a great thirst for learning…but also a great amount of ambition and a desire to prove yourself. Slytherian would be a good house for you…"
Celeste felt her stomach tighten as the hat spoke. She had read a lot about Slytherian house and the man who had founded it. And if stories were true, it was the last house she wanted to be placed in.
"Not Slytherian, then?" she jumped slightly at the realization it read her thoughts. "Well, so much for a long family history…it will have to be… GRYFFINDOR!" the last word was shouted out across the hall and Celeste sighed in relief as the hat was lifted from her head. She joined Nathaniel and Gabby who were cheering loudly and was patted on the back by Gwen Potter and Ariadne Lupin.
"Scorpio Malfoy."
The boy from the train gave a knowing smirk to his friends and sauntered up to the stool, sat down and placed the hat on his head.
Celeste winced as the hat's voice once again came through her thoughts. She looked around, trying to see if anyone else could suddenly hear the conversation taking place, but all through the Great Hall people were leaning forward to hear what house Scorpio would be placed in. She bit her lower lip, trying to block out the hat's voice.
"Yes, two in a row, how interesting...different names, yet…but you are different, yes, very…" the hat almost cooed.
Celeste raised her eyes, finding Scorpio's steely gaze locked on her in confusion. She ducked down, avoiding his penetrating glare.
"You belong in…SLYTHERIAN!" the hat yelled out the last word once again and Scorpio jumped down to join his friends at the far table, stealing glances over at Celeste.
After everyone had been sorted and the hall quieted, the stern witch took her seat at the Headmistress' chair and clapped her hands together to gain their attention.
"Let the feast begin!" she called, a small smile on her thin lips.
The plates and platters on the tables immediately filled with all kinds of food.
The three friends gazed round in amazement. They caught each other's eyes and then laughed and began filling their plates.
The talked merrily with the other Gryffindor's, finding out what to expect during their first week of classes as they tucked into the delicious meal.
Once everyone was full and Professor McGonagall, the Headmistress, had given out the term notices and school rules, they were dismissed to their dormitories.
Samuel McDaniels, the Gryffindor prefect, led them through the many hallways and up several flights of stairs until they reached a portrait of a very overlarge woman wearing a lacy pink dress.
"Password," she stated solemnly.
"Carpe Diem," Samuel replied and with a little nod for the Fat Lady, the portrait swung back, revealing a doorway behind.
The first years filed into the common room which was scattered with large, comfy chairs and had several large tapestries hanging from the round turret ceiling. A fire blazed merrily in the grate and already some of the older students were gathering around in small groups playing Exploding Snap or looking through books.
"Welcome to Gryffindor Tower," Gwen called when she spotted Nathaniel, Gabby, and Celeste. They exchanged large smiles and began exploring the room, easily finding the best chairs and a good spot in the second window from the door where you could sit and see the whole of the common room while being quite well hidden yourself.
After a couple hours, Gabby and Celeste bid goodnight to Nathaniel and headed up to the first year girls dormitory. The small round room was fitted with five beds, the scarlet hangings drawn back and another fire crackling in a smaller grate in the center of the room.
One of the other new Gryffindors was already there, her nose buried in their Defense against the Dark Arts book, but they could see a glimpse of shocking blue above the cover.
"Hi!" Celeste called. "You're Ariadne, right?"
The book lowered, revealing a stunning pair of blue eyes and a small turned up nose. "Ari….Lupin…" she replied quietly.
"I'm Celeste, and this is Gabby…" she introduced quickly, walking over and sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Pleased to meet you," Ari returned as Gabby came over to join them.
"Are you related to Remus Lupin?" Gabby asked, staring at her vibrant hair.
Ari's gaze dropped. "He's…was…my dad."
Silence covered them for a moment and Celeste laid a hand on her arm. "My mum is gone too…she died when I was very little. Her name was Hermione Granger…but I was lucky to meet Gabby and Nathaniel…because their dads were best mates with my mum."
Ari's eyes flickered between them. "I know Harry Potter…Nathaniel's dad…he's my brother's godfather."
"Teddy!" Gabby cried. "Of course! So your mum was Tonks, right? That's why you can do wicked stuff with your hair!"
Ari's smile widened slightly. "Yeah, my mum was a metamorphmagus…so I got the gene. Although, I've only managed my hair so far…"
The three girls talked far into the night, even after the other two Gryffindor first years, Mickela Phillips and Morgana Redding, had drawn the curtains on their four poster beds.
As the fire started to burn out, Ari, Celeste, and Gabby climbed into bed, yawning and wishing each other good night.
"No, please listen to me. We have to get out…get the children away," a women's voice pleaded.
"Go, Hermione, I'll hold off Father," a stern looking man pushed the woman towards a small cottage.
Hermione faltered for a moment, but the man grabbed her roughly by the arm and shoved her away. "GO! Before it's too late!"
She kissed him quickly, urgently, and then ran for the house where the sounds of crying children could be heard.
"Ah son…" a voice said softly as a dark robed figure appeared. "Where's the family?"
"Get away!" the younger man threatened, raising his wand, hand shaking. "Get away from my family!"
"Dear boy," the voice sounded hurt. "I wouldn't harm you…" He wiped out a black wand from underneath his robes.
"NO!" Hermione screamed.
"Avada Kedavra!" the dark figure shouted and a blinding jet of green light erupted from his wand.
"Mum!" Celeste sat up in bed, sweat or tears pouring down her face and her heart beating a rapid tattoo.
A dark shadow appeared before her and she cried out again.
"Shh…Celeste, it's just me," Gabby's blue eyes shone in the small amount of moonlight filtering through the paned window. She sat down on the edge of Celeste's bed and gently took her hand. "Are you alright? Another nightmare?"
Celeste nodded slowly, wiping the back of her hand on her cheek. "They're getting worse…" she whispered. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to recall the faces of those in her dream or what it had been about, but the details were already fading away.
Ever since arriving at Hogwarts a few weeks ago, Celeste had been plagued by disturbing dreams and nightmares. Most were fragments of thoughts or memories, but sometimes she would see the same thing over and over; the same dream she had experienced this night.
Gabby gave her a pained look. "Maybe you should talk to Professor Longbottom…or even Professor McGonagall…"
Celeste shook her head, her honey brown hair dancing over her shoulders. "No…dreams and nightmares would be a ridiculous thing to bring up to a teacher. Thank you, Gabby…but we should get back to sleep. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."
Gabby gave her a roguish grin. "Don't worry…I was awake anyways."
She crawled back into her own bed while Celeste lay back on her pillow, immediately joined by a dark, purring mass that leapt onto her blanket.
"Don't worry, Gabby, I have my fierce kitty to watch over me!" she whispered with a giggle.
A scoff came from the direction of Gabby's darkened bed. Celeste laughed again and gave a small pat to the copper and brown cat before falling back into dreamless sleep.