Chapter three: Going Weasley
The next morning she awoke and had to think hard for a moment to remember what had happened. She has no alarm so she didn't know what time it was. Light came in through the window, but it was summer so it could be 6 in the morning or later. She got up
and walked towards the other door in her bedroom, assuming it was a bathroom. She was right so she went in and freshened up. When she came back into her bedroom she saw her clothes lying ready, washed and all. She put them on and went to the living
room. She looked around and suddenly heard a small pop behind her. She turned around and there stood a house elf, Poddy probably. 'I is being Poddy miss. Professor Dumbledore told me to be making food for you and clean up here. Poddy is being most
pleased with doing that. Poddy gets sometimes a little bored miss, when the students are away. What would you be liking for breakfast miss?' he said with a high squeaky voice. Alice just stood there for a moment, staring at the elf. She had seen dobby
in the movies of course, but seeing a house elf in real life was pretty strange. 'Uh', she started, 'some sandwiches and juice is fine.' And with another pop Poddy disappeared, for only to appear again seconds later with her breakfast. He places her
breakfast on the table, made a little bow to her and disappeared again. Alice looked at her breakfast. She hadn't noticed how hungry she was until she started eating. After breakfast she decided to explore the castle a bit. She only knew so much from
the books, she was sure the castle was much bigger than the books had made her believe. And she was right, the castle was huge. She walked through the different hallways on different floors. She saw a lot of paintings but she found it very uncomfortable
when they started talking to her. After a while she was getting used to it and greeted some paintings who seemed to notice her. The castle was pretty much the same as it was in the books. She even found the painting that led to the kitchens. She just
ate so she would look into the kitchen some other time. She knew the Hufflepuff common room had to be close. A bit further down the same hal she found the stack of barrels. She had read about them being the entrance on pottermore. She didn't have
a wand yet so she couldn't enter. A while later she came across the great hall. She peeked inside but it was empty and quiet. They weren't using it during the summer. She also came across a way downstairs. That must be the way to the dungeons and
the Slytherin common room. She didn't dare to go down, afraid she might bump into professor Snape, if he was even alive in this world. Dumbledore seemed pretty much the same as in the books. But then again, that could be a coincidence. A lot of other
things and people could be different. She found the door outside and she wandered on the school's ground. She went to the lake and sat in the grass for awhile, enjoying the nice weather. Her mind couldn't seem to stop thinking. Had Lily and James
responded already? Would they take her? Or would she end up somewhere else? Was she really going to have to stay in this world forever? She would go to school here probably and she had to act like an eleven year old, even though she was 24. That was
going to be weird. And what about the sorting ceremony? In what house would she end up? She thought about it for a moment but she had no idea. She didn't have a really clear preference either. As long as she ended up with people she felt at ease with.
She decided to go back inside as she thought she was probably out for a while already. The clocktower of the castle told her it was almost six. She went inside and almost bumped into professor Dumbledore. 'Ah Alice, good to find you here. I actually
got an reply from the Potters. They haven't told me if they wanted to take you yet, but they are here and would like to meet you. How about we go have some dinner in the great hall with them? Some of the teachers will be there as well if you don't
mind. Don't worry they know about you. I've told them about your situation because it would be a little bit strange to stumble upon you and not knowing who you are or where you come from, wouldn't it?' Alice got a bit annoyed that he did all this
without her consent. Then again, it was probably a weird situation for him to. If this Dumbledore was like the man from the books, he probably chose the path that was the best option for the greater good. So Alice swallowed her annoyance away and
nodded, 'That's alright professor. Although I would appreciate it if you would ask me for my opinion before you make decisions that concern me.'
The headmaster nodded, 'I understand, forgive me. It is hard to remember that you are in fact 24 and not eleven.' Alice smiled at his response and together they walked into the great hall. They went up to the front of the hall and she noticed there was
a large square table so they all fitted at one table. She immediately saw some familiar faces who all seemed to be looking at her. She recognized Lily and James, even though they looked older now. She saw McGonagall, Sprout, Flitwick, Hagrid and even
Snape. Professor Snape seemed different though. He looked worry free and less greasy. Perhaps his life had taken another turn in this world. She also saw some faces she didn't recognize but for some reason, everybody was staring at her, some with
their mouth slightly open. It was dead silent so Alice decided to speak: 'Hello everybody, I'm Alice Potter. Thanks you all for letting me stay here.' Everybody just kept staring at her, except for Dumbledore who seemed to enjoy the situation very
much. 'Is there something wrong?' Alice asked. 'I think they are just surprised', the headmaster answered. 'I can see that', Alice said, 'but why?' It was professor McGonagall who spoke this time: 'Merlin's beard miss Potter, you look so much like
Lily and James here.' Alice was a bit surprised by her answer. Was she really so much alike them and she took another good look at the Potters. 'I'm sorry', she said, 'due to my journey here, my appearance has changed. I'm not really used to how I
look like now yet so I didn't notice. But I can see what you are talking about. Mister Potter I must say you look so much like my brother, Harry.' Lily and James couldn't speak a word. Dumbledore mentioned it might be a good idea to start eating before
it got cold. Alice hadn't even noticed the food had appeared. She started eating and she got asked all kind of questions. A lot of them weren't so much about her, but about the story from her books. So she explained quickly what the books about Harry
Potter were about. Alice decided to also ask some questions in return, to find out how different this world was from the books. She found out Peter Pettigrew still betrayed the Potters, but he was in Azkaban now. Sirius Black never tried to kill him
so he wasn't accused of the betrayal. The marauders also existed in this world. Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and James Potter were still close friends. Remus Lupin was still a werewolf in this world, but werewolves had much more rights here, so he was
doing well. He has his own bookstore in Hogsmade. Sirius Black sounded pretty much the same, except for the twelve-years-in-Azkaban part. He was also Harry's godfather in this world. The Potters never had any more children. They didn't even try for
it because they missed their Harry too much. Alice wondered if she had been their daughter if she had lived in this world. She sure looked a lot like them. She noticed how her hair was the same as Lily's, but with a different colour. Alice saw that
she had a perfect mix of the couples eye's. She had the same mouth as James and she seemed to share some facial expressions with both of them. Both were still not talking but just staring. So Alice talked some more with the other professors. She was
absolutely sure professor Snape was different here, she even heard him laugh. She couldn't contain her curiosity: 'Professor Snape, you are the potions master right?' He just nodded. 'And forgive me for asking, but did you ever played any part in
the Voldemort-Potter situation?' The professor's look was now a serious one. Alice was afraid she had made him angry at her for asking, but then he spoke: 'No, apart from that I know the Potters, I wasn't involved. Why are you asking?' Alice searched
for the right words. 'Just curious. So you were never part of one Tom Riddle's group of so called friends?' Snape frowned. 'Are you asking me if I ever was a death eater? Because I certainly wasn't. I might be Slytherin's head of house, but I never
went down the dark road. Why? What did I do in those books of yours?' Alice saw the tense looks around the table, 'Maybe it's better if I didn't tell.' Snape wanted to comment but Dumbledore interrupted: 'So, Lily and James, care to share your thoughts?
You haven't said much.' Lily and James both looked up, but it was James who spoke:'We're sorry. This is all very overwhelming and Alice, you look a lot like us, as if you could have been our daughter if the situation was different. We do regret you
were taken from your own world.' Alice just smiled, 'That's okay mister Potter, I think I will manage in this world.' James smiled, but in a sad way. 'Call me James. We do understand you need a place to stay, but we are not sure if we would be the
best option. We think about Harry regularly and I think it will be hard for us to take you in. Harry would have been your age right now, well not your mental age... It feels like we would replace him with you.' Alice smile dropped. It wasn't a nice
thing to hear that they didn't want her, but she could understand. It was nothing personal probably. 'I understand', she said. Then Lily looked up as she could hear the disappointment in Alice' voice. 'We would like to be in contact with you however.
It's not like we don't care. But it's just….. 'Hard', Alice finished, 'I get it. I don't even really need parents. I'm 24, I can look after myself.' There went Alice's hope for a second chance at parents. Dumbledore was quietly watching the conversation,
'What do you want Alice?'
'Well', Alice started, 'as I said, I don't really need parents because I'm 24. But I was hoping I could go to school here, and an eleven year old living on her own must seem strange to the outside world. So I'll probably need a family I can stay with.
We could pretend that family adopted me or something… I don't know.' Dumbledore smiled, 'We don't have to pretend. We don't have to tell the family where you came from or who you really are. They could actually adopt you. That is, if you're up for
it?' Alice thought about this for a while. She would have to pretend to be eleven. She wasn't sure if she could, but she could try. She also had to hide her true identity, or at least tell her story differently. 'I think that might work', she decided.
'Do you have another family in mind?' she asked. 'Well', Dumbledore started, 'as you know of some families here, I wondered if you had any preferences?' he asked. Alice had thought about this before actually. She wanted a family that could appreciate
her and where she could have fun. Preferably with other children. So she decided to ask what she wanted to know: 'how is the Weasley family in this world?' She hoped they could be a good fit, a bit richer one as well.' Dumbledore thought about the
Weasleys for a moment and came to the realisation that they were a quite family for Alice to live in. 'Good suggestion', he said, 'the Weasleys are a nice family. Molly and Arthur already have six sons but I'm sure they would like to add a daughter
to their family. Molly always wanted a girl when they were in the order eleven years ago, but that dream never came true. Arthur has a fine job so I think they can manage financially as well. Very open minded people I can say, especially with their
boys in all different houses. Very lovely people indeed. Do they sound the same as in your world?' the headmaster asked. Alice noticed a few differences. For one, there was no Ginny. Would she be able to happily live with brothers only? It was worth
a try, and she could always see if she could become friends with Luna, she lives close by. Ginny never seemed unhappy without a sister. The Weasleys sounded more open, especially with the different houses Dumbledore mentioned. Alice wondered shortly
which son would be in what house. 'It sounds a bit different, but still okay.' The headmaster stood up from the table. 'Let's arrange this then. I'll write them right away. But what should I tell them about where you came from?' Alice thought of the
story Harry's aunt from the books told him how his parents had died in a car crash. 'How about we tell them that my muggle parents died in a car crash and that they and my brother died. A witch in the muggle hospital found out I am a witch and that's
how I ended up here?' Alice suggested. 'Great plan', Dumbledore said, 'Arthur loves muggles and everything about them so he would probably get very excited to meet you!' Dumbledore was right, Molly and Arthur would love to welcome her in their home.
And so it happened that Alice was on her way to the burrow two days later. She and Dumbledore walked out of the gates of Hogwarts. She grabbed his arm and together they apperated. She was very dizzy for a moment but luckily that was soon over. The
first thing she saw was the countryside she was oh so familiar with. They started walking down the path to the burrow, but the house she saw wasn't like she remembered it. This house was bigger, better put together and looked more strong. It wasn't
a mansion but is was a nice looking countryside house. All wood with a big garden. A few things had stayed the same though. There were boots and kettles next to the door and Alice could see the shed in which Arthur probably still kept his muggle stuff.
It all looked very familiar but just with a more solid house. This relieved Alice because now she didn't have to worry about the money she would cost the Weasley's. 'Just that it's clear', the headmaster started, 'I told them you lost your parents
and your brother in a car crash. You have only recently found out you're a witch. I have 'introduced' you to the magical world so magic won't surprise you that much anymore. oh, and I told Arthur and Molly that your last name is Peters, so they don't
get suspicious. You may, of course, tell them about your true background when you feel like it and when the time is right. Please notify me when you want to, so we can explain it all together.' Alice nodded in understanding. Together with Dumbledore
she walked up to the house and the headmaster knocked on the front door. She heard the familiar voice of Molly shout 'Come in!' and so they did. Alice found herself in the kitchen upon entering. The kitchen was slightly bigger than she remembered.
It had a large table with benches so everyone could sit at it for meals. All in all the kitchen looked quite the same as she could remember from the film's an books but just a bit bigger and the kitchen was of a bit better quality. Molly came in all
smiling. 'Welcome professor Dumbledore. And welcome to you!', she said to Alice. 'You must be Alice? I'm Molly.' Alice nodded and shook Molly's hand. She felt a little ridiculous. Here she was, being 24 and meeting people she already knew and yet
she couldn't help feeling a bit nervous about the situation. 'Sit down', Molly said, 'would you like some tea? Arthur will be here in a minute.' And indeed, just as Molly put the tea on the table Arthur came in. They all sat down, took a cup of tea
and suddenly they all didn't know what to say. So it was professor Dumbledore who spoke: 'So we all know why we're here. First, Molly, Arthur, do you have any questions for me or young Alice here?' They shared a few looks and it was Molly who then
asked: 'Well, we were wondering why you asked us to adopt her Albus. I mean we are happy to take the girl in, but doesn't she have any family? Aunts or uncles?' The headmaster wanted to answer but it was Alice who spoke: 'I don't have any family left.
My father was an only child and my mother's brother left the country. I don't know where he is. My grandparents have all died already, so no I don't have any family left. Thanks for asking.' Molly was a bit shocked by the answer and Arthur just seemed
to enjoy Alice's cheekiness. He asked: 'Do you want to live with us Alice? I'm sure it must be hard to decide because you don't know us, but I can tell you we would love to take you in.' Alice smiled at his question. 'It's very kind of you to consider
my feelings Mr. Weasley, but professor Dumbledore told me great things about the both of you and this family. I'm sure I will be alright here.' Dumbledore clapped his hands at her answer. 'That settles it then! I have the adoption papers right here,
so soon you will be a Weasley, Alice!' Molly and Arthur signed the papers so Dumbledore could take them to the ministry. Alice never thought of that her name was going to change. She was actually kind fond of her Potter name. And who would ever believe
she was a weasley with her dark brown hair. People probably would think mrs. Weasley had cheated on her husband. 'How does this work?'Alice asked. 'People will never believe that I'm a Weasley! I don't look like you at all!' Dumbledore and Mr. and
Mrs. Weasley smiled at her. 'Alice, this is not an adoption as you might know it from the muggle world. This is a magical adoption. It will make you a true Weasley, even if you don't look like one. These kind of adoptions are totally acceptable. You
can tell people you are adopted and they wouldn't mind. Or were you planning on not telling anyone? If that is the case we could change your appearance?' Dumbledore asked her with a wink and a smile. 'NO!' Alice almost shouted. Arthur and Molly were
a little shocked by her reaction. 'I mean, no I'm fine with how I look. I'll just tell people, then it's alright. So what now?' she asked.'Well, I'm going to bring these papers to the ministry and I think with a weak or so it'll all be arranged.'
Dumbledore explained. 'Do you have any more questions Alice?' Alice did have one question actually. It was nagging in the back of her mind ever since she knew she was going to live with the Weasleys. 'Well yes, ehh I can see you aren't very poor Mr.
and Mrs. Weasley but I can imagine an extra child costs money and I don't want to be a burden in that area for you. I don't have any money and I don't want you to work more just to pay for me, and..'
'Alice stop. You're rambling.' Mr. Weasley said. 'We are fine. If we couldn't have paid for you we wouldn't adopt you. It's not like we have more children than we can afford. We're also not the richest family but we're doing fine. I have a good job at
the ministry and I'm happy to be able to take care of my family like that. And that includes you too now.' Alice smiled at his answer and felt very special for a moment. How could he be so nice to her when he doesn't even know her? She nodded in understanding.
'I'll be going then' Dumbledore said. 'Oh, before I forget..' he said as he gave Alice a letter. 'See you on September first Alice' he said with his twinkling blue eyes behind his half moon spectacles as he gave Alice a letter. He thanked Molly for
the tea and left. Alice opened her letter and immediately saw what it was about. It was her very own Hogwarts acceptance letter. She couldn't believe her luck for a moment. She was a witch, ended up with a nice family and she was going to Hogwarts!
She looked at the included list of books but a note fell out between the two letters. 'What's that?' Mrs. Weasley asked. 'I don't know', Alice said as she opened the note.
Dear Alice,
How are you? I hope you are doing well. I heard you can stay with the Weasleys. That's great news, they're a very nice family. I must admit, since I've met you, I can't stop thinking about you. I feel slightly guilty for not being able to give you a home,
but it would have been too hard for us. I hope you understand. Still I want to do something for you, I want to help you. So feel free to write if you need anything.
Apart from writing I would like to help you in another way. When Harry was born, we put aside a sum of money for his school career. Unfortunately, he doesn't need it. Since we don't have any other children, I would like you to have it because you seem
to be our daughter from another world. It will pay for your seven years at Hogwarts and all your other items you'll need. I hope in this way your stay in this world will become a bit more easy. We will send you the specifics on the vault with your
money along with the key later this week.
I hope you'll be able to settle in with the Weasleys and be happy there. They are very open people, especially Molly and Arthur, you can talk to them about anything, I'm sure. Still, if you feel the need to talk to either of us, feel free to write.
Good luck!
Lily
(and James)
Alice couldn't believe what she was reading. They were paying for her going to Hogwarts! 'what is it Alice?' Mrs. Weasley asked. Alice was speechless for a moment and just stared at her letter. She looked up to her 'new' parents. 'It's a … it's a note.
That says I inherited some money. I ehh… it's enough for the seven years at Hogwarts and extra stuff. But they have to transfer it to Wizarding money and arrange a vault for me so they will send me the details later.' Alice quickly made up. Molly
gave her a sad smile. 'i'm so sorry dear, that you have to go through this. I mean, it's nice you got the money but I'm sure it must be hard for you without your own parents here', Molly said and she gave Alice a nice warm hug. Alice felt slightly
uncomfortable because it had been so long since she got a hug like that, but at the same time, it felt quite nice. 'Thank you Mrs Weasley', Alice said. 'Oh no, none of that dear. Call us Molly and Arthur, or mum and dad if you want to.' Alice nodded.
'Let me show you your room so you can get used to it. Of course you can change it if you like, it's very neutral now.' Molly said to Alice. Together they walked upstairs and stopped at the first landing in front of a light wooden door. There was a
big white 'A' on the door. Molly opened the door and they stepped inside. It was a nice bright room, not very small but also not too big. There were double windows on the right side looking out on the garden and the countryside. The walls and the
ceiling were all white. The floor was made from light wood also and had a large dark red rug on it. Right under the window was a comfy looking bed. Across from the door stood a desk. The other door in the room was a closet. The closet wasn't even
empty, Molly had set her skills to use and had made Alice some clothes. They looked much better than the clothes she could remember from the books and movies. 'These clothes are just so you have something to wear dear. We'll go shopping soon so you
can get a proper wardrobe. We can also get you some other stuff for your own.' Alice blushed at the kindness. 'Thank you', she said softly. 'No need to thank me', Molly said, 'a girl needs her clothes and personal items. So I'll leave you alone to
get used to the house. Feel free to roam the house and outside, but don't go too far. Arthur took the boys out so you wouldn't be overwhelmed. You can see everybody tonight at dinner. If you need anything just come find me.' she said with a
warm smile. And with that she left Alice in her room. It all felt so surreal to Alice. Here she was in her own room with the Weasley's. This room was probably going to be Ginny's but Ginny wasn't here. Alice did find the room a bit boring, but she
could decorate it so that was going to be fine. She got out of her room and explored the house for a bit. She noticed there were two more rooms on her floor and there was a bathroom. On the second floor were another three bedrooms and there was one
at the attic. No ghoul in there. Downstairs was one bedroom, probably Molly and Arthur's. There was a nice large space downstairs with a lot of comfy chairs and couches in front of a fireplace. There were some bookcases and between the kitchen and
the living room were two big double doors that led her out to the garden. She loved the garden. It was full with plants and bright flowers and there was a big lawn she could lie on in the sun. At the end were a few large trees with wooden tables and
benches underneath it. It was all very lovely to see. Alice sought out a nice space in the grass and lay down. She let the sun sink in and thought about so many things. She thought about meeting her new 'brothers', about the money she got from the
Potters, about what she wanted her room to look like, about if she would be a good witch, about how Hogwarts was going to be as a school. She was so lost in her thoughts she hadn't noticed how much time had past. 'Alice! Here you are!' she suddenly
heard Molly say. 'Arthur's back with the boy's and dinner is ready. Are you ready to meet everyone?' Alice got up from the grass and took a deep breath. 'Yes, I'm ready', she said. Together they walked back inside to the kitchen where everyone was
already sitting at the large table. Alice took her seat between Molly and Ron. It was dead silent and all the boys were just staring at her, they even forgot about the meal. 'Hi', Alice said softly, 'I'm Alice.' They all kept staring at her until
one of them spoke: 'Nice to meet you Alice, my name is Percy.' This seemed to break the tension. All the boys introduced themselves. She thought it was rather funny because she already sort of knew them, except for Charlie who never came forward in
the movies. Molly was sitting at the end of the table, Alice was sitting next to her, then came Ron and Percy. Arthur was sitting at the other end, with Fred and George next to him and next to them was Bill, who sat across from Alice. They started
eating and the boys had tons of questions for her especially the twins. It was a good thing she was actually 24 and could deal with this easily. She would have been rather overwhelmed and even scared if she had been truly eleven. The boys asked her
for her age (eleven? So you're going to be in the same year as Ron), her favourite quidditch team (you don't have a favourite?!) and in which house she thought she was going to be (what do you mean you don't know?). Molly saw the confusion at the
table and explained to her sons: 'Boys, Alice her parents were muggles. She has been raised in the muggle world. She knows only a little of the magical world from professor Dumbledore who explained a few things to her.' The boys at the table dropped
silent at this news, and for a moment Alice thought they would like her less for being muggleborn. But then they exploded and they all tried to explain her things about the houses, quidditch, famous people and so on. Alice couldn't help but laugh
at the sight so she decided to ask the questions. 'What are all your houses then?' Dumbledore wasn't joking, indeed all the houses were represented by the Weasley's. Bill, who was the eldest was already working for two years but was in Ravenclaw.
Charlie, who had just finished Hogwarts was a Hufflepuff. Then came Percy, who is going to be a fifth year (prefect!) student and is a Slytherin. The twins start their third year after the summer and are Gryffindors. Ron is going to start at Hogwarts
after the summer just like Alice. Ron told her he would be happy being a Gryffindor. They all told her about the houses, but she still couldn't tell which house would fit her the best. 'Sorry guys, but I really don't know which house would fit me
best. They all have their pros and cons. What if I end up somewhere I don't feel comfortable?' Alice asked, slightly panicked. She couldn't imagine having to spend seven years with people she doesn't like. All the boys started talking at the same
time, explaining why their house is the best, but Arthur interrupted: 'Alice all houses are great. It doesn't matter where you end up, as long as you do your best at school, we will be proud of you.' Alice couldn't help it, even though she is a grown
24 year old women, she felt immensely reassured by Arthur. 'I'll let the hat decide then', Alice said. Ron looked confused at this, everyone else was satisfied with her answer. Bill looked strangely at Alice: 'How do you know you get sorted by a hat?
It's sort of a school secret and never gets told to the young children.' Alice had realised she had said to much. 'I… uh… Dumbledore told me.' Nobody asked any more questions but Bill still looked a bit strange at her. Dinner was finished by now and
Alice was full from the lovely cherry pie Molly had made. Alice was quite content. She was in the wizarding world for only a few days now but she was easily getting used to it. Of course knowing a lot through the books and films might have something
to do with that. Plus she had the rest of the summer before she had to prove herself at Hogwarts. She still couldn't believe she was a witch. But that would soon be over