Haley was enjoying her time with the professor. Haley was having fun with her metamorphagus abilities. She still had the scar on her head from the killing curse but now she could cover it up if she wanted to go out without being noticed. She learned that she could give herself tattoos. She startled Minerva one day when she gave herself a skull tattoo on her right arm. Haley was able to get control of her powers very quickly. She accidently set her hand on fire once but that was about the only thing that had gone wrong.
She sent letters to her friends letting them know everything was fine. She didn't tell them about the whole might have been kidnapped thing. She didn't want to worry them yet.
888
At the Burrow everyone was around the dinner table when a Ginny saw a beautiful white snowy owl pecking at the window. She got up and opened the window to let the bird in.
"Hedwig!" Ron, Percy, Fred, and George yelled happily.
"Hedwig?" Arthur asked.
"It's Haley's owl. Hagrid gave it to her," Percy explained.
"Haley? Haley who?" Molly asked.
"Haley Potter of course," Fred said.
"We're good friends with her," George continued.
"You're good friends with Haley Potter?" Ginny asked skeptically.
"Yes!" they shouted.
"She plays Quiddich with us!" Fred announced.
"Youngest female seeker ever!" George said proudly.
"She helped me study for our exams," Ron added.
"I yelled at Dumbledore and had her removed from her abusive home," Percy said sheepishly.
"We took her on adventures," Fred said happily.
"She helped us pull a few pranks," George said chuckling at the memories.
"Haley stood up to Snape for me," Ron continued.
"We ate several meals together. She is very bright for a witch of her age. Even more so when you consider she was raised by muggles," Percy informed them.
Molly, Arthur, and Ginny were stunned at this information. "Well, open the letter," Ginny said.
Percy opened it and read it aloud.
"Dear Percy, Fred, George, and Ron
Hey guys! How's your summer going? Minerva (Professor McGonagall insisted I call her that while I live here) has been great. I took all the potions I told you about and guess what! I'm a metamorphagus. I think Minerva's slightly annoyed because I look different every time she sees me. I think its fun. I've been doing a lot of studying. Yes I know, I'm a bookworm but I'm living with a teacher what did you expect? Percy thank you again for what you did. This is the best summer I've ever had. Fred and George don't worry. There is lots of room to fly so I get a lot of practice in. Minerva wants us to win another cup for her. Ron I found a book that I believe you would find interesting. It's about all the most popular Quiddich games in history. If you want I'll send it to you when I'm done it. Soon Minerva and Professor Dumbledore are taking me to Diagon Alley for a while. It's kinda weird hanging out with teachers outside of school but I'm having a good time. (Hopefully he won't make me call him Albus. That would be weird.) Say hello to your family for me. They sounded like such nice people. I would like to meet them some day. Your sister is starting school this year right? If she is tell her she can join Hermione, Neville, and myself study any time. We love to help anyone. Minerva told me that I have the top grades in our year in Potions, Transfiguration, and Defense. I'm pretty proud of myself for once. Hope to see you all soon!
Love Your Friend,
Haley J. Potter"
Now Molly, Arthur, and Ginny completely believed them. "Oh my god! Will you introduce me?!" Ginny squealed.
Ron rolled his eyes, "She did say that she wanted to meet you didn't she."
"She sounds like a sweet girl," Arthur said, "I would very much enjoy meeting her someday."
"Why is she living with Minerva?" Molly asked.
"Percy learned that her aunt and uncle were abusing her and had words with Dumbledore about him leaving her with them. After Percy confronted him he asked McGonagall if she could stay with her this summer. She doesn't have plans for next summer yet though. If they can't think of anything she may need to stay there again. But Haley doesn't seem to mind. She sounds happy," Ron explained.
"Abused?" Molly asked quietly.
"They locked her in a cupboard and starved her," Percy growled.
"Oh, that poor girl. She seems so nice," Molly fussed.
"She's one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She's shy at first but when she is comfortable you can meet the real her. Whenever we got bored we would find an empty private room so she could sing and play guitar for us. She's very talented but too shy to play in front of to many people. The only people that have seen her really play are Neville, Hermione, and ourselves," George told her.
"Well invite her over sometime. And if she is having a problem finding somewhere to stay she is very welcome to come here next summer," Molly told them.
888
Morning came too quickly for Haley. Of course she wanted to know who she was but what if didn't like what she learned. What if she was like related to Voldemort or Malfoy or something? She shivered at the thought. She got dressed and decided to go with her original ginger features today. Her hair covered her scar so she didn't need to worry about that too much.
When she arrived in the dining room for breakfast she found Dumbledore and Minerva waiting for her at the table. "Good morning, Headmaster, Minerva," Haley said politely.
"Good morning, my dear. How is your stay going?" Albus asked.
"Awesome. Minerva has a large library that I find fascinating. She also has me doing a lot of flying. I think that she just wants me to win her another cup this year."
Albus chuckled, "I don't doubt that. Have you heard from your friends lately?"
Haley took her seat at the table and said, "I have heard back from Neville and Hermione already but I just sent Hedwig to the Weasleys yesterday and she hasn't returned yet."
"You have a good taste in friends, Ms. Potter. They are all very nice people. I was surprised at you being so close to the Weasleys though. Ron and the twins are very energetic people."
"Well when we spent Christmas together we got very close. They seemed very protective of me for some reason. I don't know. We just clicked. Percy's very smart. I like talking to him. Ron is such a nice person. He may be tactless but he is loyal and kind. The twins seem to have made it their life's mission to make sure I have fun," Haley tried to explain.
Albus chuckled and said, "Yes they have taken a specific liking to you. I don't think Percy would have confronted me like that for many people."
Haley just shrugged. Minerva loaded Haley a plate of breakfast. She did that a lot. Minerva didn't believe Haley was eating enough. She passed her the plate and they all began to eat.
After they were done they a house elf took the dishes away. They were making small talk when Hedwig flew through the window.
"Oh the Weasleys must have written back!" Haley said happily. She took the letter and read it to herself.
Dear Haley,
Hey Girl! Guess what! Our family didn't believe us when we said the letter was from you. Apparently you're too famous and awesome to be our friend. They believe us now. We just had to show them the letter.
Hey Percy here! I told you Haley it was no problem. I was happy to yell at Dumbledore on your behalf. I'm glad you're having fun now. The family really wants to meet you. We spent hours telling them about you. Now that they believe us they want us to invite you over sometime. I know you're not good with lots of people but I think you'll like them.
Hey! It's Ron! That book actually sounds awesome. I would love to read it when you're done. It may give my parents a heart attack through. I don't think they have ever seen me read a book. I did pretty well in all my classes to thanks to your help. Next year I may join you guys more often if that's alright. Write soon!
Now it's Gred and Forge again. Mum said you're welcome to come here whenever you want and if you are having problems finding a place to live to tell Dumbledore to contact her. Since Bill and Charlie are both gone we have a spare room that you are welcome to whenever you want. She would do anything for our friends. Keep practicing. McGonagall's not the only one that wants another cup. Forget about the studying. GO GRYFFINDOR! Write soon.
Love Ya Like A Sister,
Gred Weasley
Forge Weasley
Ron Weasley
Percy Weasley
Haley didn't realize that she had a large smile on her face. "What does it say?" Minerva asked.
"Huh? Oh! Um… They said if I wanted to I could stay with them next summer," Haley informed them. "And if we want to take them up on their offer all Professor Dumbledore needs to do is let them know."
"Well I think that we should see how things go today before we come up with living arrangements," Albus told her. "However, it is good to know."
Soon they were standing in Gringotts. Haley was just standing nervously. She let Dumbledore do all the talking. Eventually they were taken into a private room. The room only contained a table with a piece of parchment and a dagger.
"Ms. Potter, all you must do is cut your finger and let five drops of blood drip onto the parchment. Once you do that I will seal it. Once the seal turns from yellow to red it is complete and you can open it. It usually takes about four hours so you can just take it with you," the goblin informed her.
She picked up the dagger and sliced her finger without batting an eye and squeezed five drops of blood on the parchments. When she was done Minerva insisted on healing the cut and the goblins sealed the paper and handed it to Albus.
Albus turned to Haley and said, "We have some time to kill. Would you like to do some shopping before we head back to Minerva's?"
Haley nodded quickly, "I need a new book and some more ink."
"Very well, how about you meet us in the Leaky Cauldron at one o'clock? We can get lunch there before heading back."
Haley nodded that this was acceptable. It was only ten so she would have more than enough time. Haley got some gold from her fault and headed off. She was on her way to the book store when she heard a familiar voice. She turned around to see the twin standing outside a joke shop. She quickly walked over to them, "Hey guys!"
"Um, hello…" Fred said confused.
"I'm sorry do we know you?" George asked.
"Huh? Oh bloody hell! I forgot!" Haley said. She quickly transformed into the form they knew.
"Haley!" They yelled and pulled her into a big hug.
"Oh my god!"
"That was so cool!"
"Oh our family's here!"
"You should come meet them!"
"Ron and Percy would kill us if they didn't see you!"
"Come with us to the Leaky Cauldron?!"
They both spoke quickly because they were excited.
"Boys! I only have one more thing to buy. Then I am free until one. I can get my books and then I'm all yours," Haley said giggling.
"Okay!"
"We'll come with you!"
Haley originally only planned to buy one book but ended up getting six. Fred and George insisted on carrying them to the Leaky Cauldron for her even though she told them she was completely capable of doing it herself. When they arrived they made Haley sit at a table and went off to find their family.
Haley sat quietly when she heard someone say, "Why do you think Fred and George told us we needed to come here?" Haley saw a plump woman talking to a balding man. She was holding a young girls hand. This must be Molly, Arthur, and Ginerva. Not long after they entered Fred and George came back and were followed by Percy and Ron.
"Fred, what's so important?" Percy asked.
Haley stood up and gave a small wave and said, "Um… Hey guys."
Percy and Ron rushed over pulled her into a hug. Fred and George joined them and they all started laughing.
When they finally let her go they noticed that there sister and parents looked completely confused. This just made the five laugh more. Percy was the first recover. He put an arm around Haley's shoulders and guided her towards their family. "Mum, Dad, I would like to introduce you to our good friend Haley Potter."
Haley gave a shy grin and small wave, "It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."
The three were stunned. Mr. Weasley was the first to pull out of his stupor and said, "Well, Haley, we certainly have heard a lot about you recently. It's nice to finally put a face with the name."
Fred chuckled, "That won't help much. We didn't recognize her at first because she was in a different body."
Haley decide to demonstrate and she turned her hair bright green.
"Wicked!" Ron gasped.
Molly held out her hand and said, "It's very nice to meet you Haley. You are welcome to come to the Burrow any time." Haley accepted her hand. "Oh and this is our daughter Ginny."
"Hello," the girl whispered quietly.
"Hi, Ginny. You're starting at Hogwarts this year?" Haley asked in an attempt to calm the girl. 'Starstruck,' Haley thought to herself.
Ginny nodded.
"Well if you need anything just let me know. I have a study group. You are welcome to join us if you would like. I know Hermione and Neville would be happy with it."
Ginny smiled widely and said, "I'd like that."
"How about we sit down?" Arthur suggested.
Haley nodded but quickly excused herself for a moment to get a butter beer. They were quite surprised when Haley and Tom brought one for everyone.
"Um… Tom we didn't order these," Arthur said.
"I know but any friend of Ms. Potter's is a friend of mine. The drinks are on the house," Tom said before turning back to Haley and shaking her hand again. "It was very nice to meet you Ms. Potter. Come back soon."
Once he was gone she said, "Being famous is weird." She changed her hair to blonde and gave herself blue eyes to disguise herself as she sat down.
The boys chuckled at her.
Percy explained to his parents, "Haley doesn't like special attention but she gets it everywhere."
"Don't worry. I realized how to get my guilt under control when people give me things."
"Oh yeah? How?" Ron asked.
"I leave very big tips," They chuckled at her.
"So Haley, what are you doing here alone?" Arthur asked.
"I'm not alone. I'm with Minerva and Albus. I had some shopping to do though and they let me go on my own as long as I promised to meet them here at one. I was just finishing my shopping when I ran into Fred and George."
"What did you buy?" Ron asked.
"Just some ink, a new quill, and I wanted a new book."
"Yes she wanted a new book so she bought six of them," George chuckled.
"Heavy ones too," Fred added.
"I told you that you didn't need to carry them," Haley stated.
"You carried her books?" Arthur asked.
"They were huge! We wouldn't let her carry them on her own," Fred defended.
"And as I tried to tell them it wouldn't have been that bad considering I could have levitated them," Haley said grinning.
"You can't levitate them, Haley. You're underage," Percy said shaking his head.
Haley reached into her pocket and passed him a card that she pulled out. "No way!" Percy nearly shouted. "How did you get it? No one ever gets them!"
"Gets what?" Fred asked.
Percy passed him the card and he stared at it. "Oh Merlin! You have an underage magic license! You need a really good reason and amazing grades to get one of these. The last person that got one was like a hundred years ago!"
Everyone stared at her and she shrugged, "Dumbledore got it for me. Something about needing to practice after taking all my potions."
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Weasleys," a voice from behind her said. She turned around to see a tall man with long blond hair.
"Lucius Malfoy," Mr. Weasley growled.
'Shit a Malfoy,' Haley thought.
"Arthur, would you please give Amelia Bones this? It's an invite to our annual summer ball. Fudge thought it would be a good idea to invite her," Malfoy said sneering.
Haley immediately understood that he was trying to make fun of the fact that the Weasleys weren't invited. Mr. Weasley didn't seem fazed though. "Wouldn't it be better if you gave it to her? I don't work anywhere near her."
"Maybe you're right. She would be more likely to read it if I gave it to her myself anyways. It's going to be a big event this year. I have been trying to invite Haley Potter but my owl can't seem to find her."
Haley got an evil grin and transformed into her normal self, "Well, Mr. Malfoy, you could just ask me politely considering I'm sitting right here."
He gasped and quickly held out his hand, "Oh Ms. Potter! It is such an honor to meet you!"
Haley politely shook his hand.
"Here," he said quickly pulling out an invitation to Haley, "I would be honored if you would come to the annual Malfoy Manor Summer Ball."
"Um… I don't know, Mr. Malfoy. It may get awkward. I wouldn't know anyone there and I feel weird in dresses. Plus I don't dance."
"We have a large guest list. Surely you would know someone."
"I'm a very isolated person. My best friends are the Weasleys though."
Malfoy looked at Arthur sharply. Arthur just raised his bottle in his direction with a cocky smile. Lucius was turning very red, "Well Ms. Potter, if you change your mind you are very welcome to come." Then he walked off.
When he had left they all burst into laughter. "I'm guessing we don't like him," Haley said when they calmed down.
"The man is a git," Percy said firmly.
"He used to be a death eater but told everyone that he was under the imperious curse," Mr. Weasley explained.
"Death eater? Weren't they the ones that followed Voldemort?" Haley said causing everyone to flinch.
"You say the name?" Ginny gasped.
"Well I killed the guy didn't I? I think I of all people should be able to say his name."
"Yep, she's even got us saying it. But we still flinch occasionally at hearing it," Percy told them.
"Ah Haley! There you are!" Haley turned to see Minerva behind her. "I was looking for your red headed self. I saw red hair but it turns out that it was Ms. Weasley's."
"Oh I'm sorry Minerva! I changed it about ten times already. It's helpful when people don't recognize you but I used my fame to piss a rude man off. That's why I look like this." She turned herself into a blond again.
"Ah, well, at least I know you were in good hands. Hello Molly, Arthur."
"Hello Minerva. Is Albus with you?" Molly asked.
"He'll be along in a minute. We told Haley we would meet here to have lunch before heading back to McGonagall Manor. May I sit?"
"Oh of course!" Arthur said and she pulled up a chair.
Almost immediately Tom ran over and handed her a butter beer she tried to tell him that she didn't order it but he ran off as quickly as he came.
"He knows who I am and won't take no for answer. I'll be leaving a large tip," Haley tried to explain. Minerva just nodded.
"Well hello Weasley family!" Albus said happily. He looked at the blond, "Haley?"
"Hey Albus! How was your morning?"
"Good! It's been a while since I was able to stroll down Diagon Alley. How has your day been?"
"Awesome. I got some new books, met the rest of the Weasleys, and made a Malfoy's face turn red," Haley said happily.
"Malfoy? Draco was here?"
"No his father wanted the famous Haley Potter at his ball," Haley explained.
"Oh! I get invited every year," Albus said as he pulled up a seat. Tom rushed over and handed him a butter beer.
"Do you go to them?" Haley asked.
"Yes, actually, but they are very dull. I only go because one is supposed to keep his friends close but their enemies closer. What did you tell Lucius?"
"I said I probably wouldn't go because I'm a very isolated person and don't know anyone that would be there. Then I told him that my best friends are the Weasleys. He gave Mr. Weasley a death glare for that."
"Ah, yes he would get jealous of that. You are very famous. Maybe you should go though," Albus said.
"What? Why would I do that?"
"I'll explain later. For now let's eat. Lunch is on me everyone! Arthur don't argue, I insist!" Albus said happily.
"Fine but I get the tip!" Haley said.
"Deal," Albus said knowing it was because of the butter beer.
They all ate a nice meal and kept the conversation light. Haley sat beside Ginny for a while to try to make her more comfortable.
Ginny whispered to Haley, "I don't know if Luna will believe me when I tell her I had lunch with Albus Dumbledore and Haley Potter."
Haley laughed, "If she doesn't just introduce her to me. Is she your best friend?"
"Yeah, but I don't think we will be in the same Hogwarts house. I want to be in Gryffindor and she wants to be a Ravenclaw."
"Well I would still like to meet her," Haley told her.
After a while Albus said, "Well unfortunately we should probably get going." He faced Haley, "It's been five hours. It only needed four if I remember correctly."
Haley felt slightly sick. She had forgotten all about it. "Of course, Albus. You are right. We must be getting along. I hope to see you all again soon." Haley gave each of the boys a large hug. Then she pulled Ginny into a slightly awkward hug. Clearly she was slightly starstruck again. She shook Mr. and Mrs. Weasleys hands and they went back to Minerva's.
888
After the others left the Weasley's decided to go home as well. They all sat in the living room. "She was a sweet girl," Molly said fondly.
"She hugged me," Ginny whispered.
The boys chuckled and Ron said, "Yeah she kinda hugged us too."
"I think she should come over to dinner some time," Molly said. "Or we could do something for her birthday. Those muggles probably didn't do anything for her birthdays."
"I think she would feel guilty if we did too much for her," Percy said thinking out loud. "I mean the tip she left Tom was double of what the butter beers would have cost."
"Well money isn't a factor to her. Her parents left her quite a bit of it," Ron explained.
