– Chapter Four –

Diagon Alley

Romi's ankle healed quickly and she was back on her feet in no time, and she spent a great deal of time hiding in the dark places of the Manor with Draco so they would not get caught.

After the first couple of days, they had enough of a conversation to agree that they were going to keep this secret. As most of the world thought they were cousins, and they didn't feel like explaining the whole thing to all of them. Which left it as the only person knowing being Neville.

Romi did tell Draco about telling Neville and although Draco was a little disgruntled, he admitted that at least she wasn't telling Draco about her dating Neville. Which, it turned out; Draco was afraid of, and part of the reason why he was so rude to Neville.

Romi got a letter from Neville a day before they were leaving for Diagon Alley, telling her that Gran was going to take Neville the same day, and so they should try to meet up briefly if they could.

The day finally dawned and they left fairly early in the morning. It was only when they got to the Leaky Cauldron did Romi suddenly feel like everyone in there was watching them apprehensively.

Hector gave a friendly wave to Tom the Innkeeper, who replied with a smile and a nod, but quickly disappeared. Hector led the way out to the back and through to the hidden street.

Once they were out onto the Alley, Romi could see that the whole atmosphere of the place had changed. Every window on the shops was showing a snarling picture of a convict, with the words 'Sirius Black' written underneath.

Romi took Draco's hand, watching the picture scream silently at them. She looked at him. He was staring at the picture also, but it was her father and Uncle Lucius' expressions that caught her eye. They seemed to exchange knowing looks after looking at the poster.

"Where to first?" Aunt Narcissa said quickly, placing a hand on Draco's shoulder.

"I have to go to the end of the Alley," said Charis, wringing her hands slightly, and glancing at Hector. "I shouldn't be too long, I'll be able to catch up with you quickly."

"I'll go with the wife," said Hector, smiling at his daughter, "we'll meet you up back here in an hour say?"

"Sure," Uncle Lucius said. "We'll drop these two off at Flourish and Blotts and then go to the quill shop, Narcissa?"

"That's sounds good, you two will wait at Flourish and Blotts, right?" Aunt Narcissa asked.

"Absolutely," Romi said enthusiastically.

"Be careful where you step, Romi," said Charis and she went off towards the end of the Alley with her husband. What business she had down there Romi couldn't fathom.

Uncle Lucius and Aunt Narcissa walked with them to the bookstore and then wandered off down the Alley.

Romi entered first and saw right away a large cage full of snarling raging books. Romi stared at them as Draco entered behind her.

"Hogwarts?" said an assistant walking up to them, but eyeing the cage of books apprehensively.

"Yes," Draco said, "I think we need two of those…"

The assistant paled, but then pushing up his sleeves up, he put on large thick, dragon hide gloves, grabbed large knobbly looking walking stick, and went to the cage of books.

He opened the door slowly, and began to smack the books with the stick, until he could grab a hold of one, shut tightly between his hands.

"Grab that belt on the counter!" he said sharply. Draco did as he was told and quickly fastened it around the large growling book. The assistant took a breather for a moment, and then dove back in getting the book for Romi.

Romi took it once it was fastened and looked it over. It said The Monster Book of Monsters on the front cover in gold letters.

"Well, this should have at least an interesting explanation to why we have it," Romi said after a moment. "I never thought Care of Magical Creatures would be so … alarming."

"That's an understatement," said the assistant, still slightly out of breath. "I've never had so much trouble with books before. We won't be getting any of these again."

The assistant took off the gloves, straightened his robes and his hair and then smiled at the two of them.

"Anything else I can help you with," he said pleasantly.

"Yes," Romi said, handing Draco her biting textbook and pulling out the book list. "We need two copies of the Standard Book of Spells, Grade 3 and Intermediate Transfiguration."

The assistant went behind the desk and pulled down the books that Romi had asked for then looked up.

"Okay, I need Unfogging the Future, by Cassandra Vablasky," Romi said, walking up to the desk. Draco put the other two books down there.

"Ahh, starting Divination?" the assistant asked.

"Yes," Romi answered, feeling silly. "Parent's request."

"Well, it's an interesting subject, you may find you have a talent for it," he said, before motioning for them to go into the back of the store. There was a large section in the back devoted to books on Divination. Romi glanced at a few titles around them and couldn't help but feel sceptical. The assistant passed the textbook down to her, and Draco told him the books he needed.

Romi looked at the cover of the book and frowning opened it to a random page. It was spread of pictures of possible things to see in a crystal ball. It didn't seem to be anything remarkable, but Romi suddenly felt cold. She had a dread feeling in her stomach, and anxiety climbing towards her heart.

She felt suddenly sure that there was something bad coming, maybe not in two minutes, or two years, but there was definitely something bad coming – something that would appear before things could get good again.

She shut the book quickly, causing it to bang, as though the noise would drive away the feeling. However, it just caused Draco to jump beside her, and put a hand on her arm.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," said Romi quickly. The assistant had returned with Draco's book, and they moved back to the front desk with the rest of their purchases.

"Is that everything?" he asked them.

"Um, no," answered Romi quickly, "I need The Human Body by Nigel Noseworthy and Brains, Bones and Appendages by Wilhelm Hart."

"Odd textbooks for young student at Hogwarts," said the assistant.

"Taking extra courses," Romi replied smoothly. The assistant nodded, disappeared and was gone for a while.

"Are you alright," Draco asked, leaning against the desk, facing her, one arm on her arm. "You looked pretty startled with that Divination textbook."

"Oh, it's nothing," Romi said, leaning slightly against him.

"Good," he said, grinning at her. A second later, he looked over towards the door and his face dropped into a scowl. The door opened with a tinkling noise.

"Please, tell me that's Neville," Romi said, still looking at Draco, conscious that she was leaning against him.

"Nope," said the voice behind him. "Definitely not Neville."

Romi turned around to see her twin brother, Harry behind them, standing with his hands in his pockets, looking quizzically at Romi.

"Hi, Harry," Romi said lightly. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Yeah," he said, "I didn't really expect to see you either. You didn't tell me you would be in Diagon Alley."

"Which begs the question – the Weasleys are in Egypt, why are you here," Romi asked. "Don't you usually go with them?"

"Yeah, they should be here anytime now, I guess," Harry replied. "It's a long story of why I'm here." He glared at Draco, who was still leaning against the desk. It was very tense moment. "I'll tell you later."

"Fair enough," Romi answered.

There was a long awkward silence, as the three of them watched each other. Thankfully the assistant came back with Romi's books soon and then they had something to talk about. Harry just waited, watching the books in the cage while Draco and Romi paid for their books.

The assistant started talking to Harry as soon as they were done, and Romi and Draco went by the door to wait for Uncle Lucius and Aunt Narcissa. Romi hoped that they would come before Harry returned from the back of the store.

They, however, did not and soon again Harry appeared from the back of the store, paid for his books and then walked towards them.

"So are you just in for the day?" Harry asked, looking directly at Romi and ignoring Draco.

"Yes, we are," replied Draco, putting an arm around Romi's shoulder. "There is no need to stay here any longer than that. I mean, we have enough money to stay in a proper home, and no need to win any."

"Draco," Romi scolded, closing her eyes, and wishing that time would just end.

"I can't imagine it would be very pleasant living in your home," Harry retorted. "Seeing as it's unpleasant just standing here near you."

"Please don't," Romi interrupted, but it didn't seem to do anything. Draco sneered at Harry;

"The feeling is mutual Potter, I can smell the stink of Muggles on you."

Romi picked Draco's arm off her shoulder, and crossed her arms.

"You're just a slimy little cockroach," Harry spat at him. Draco opened his mouth to retort when the door to the store opened again and Neville Longbottom walked in.

"Well, this looks like a pleasant encounter," he said cheerfully, looking between Harry and Draco apprehensively.

"Neville!" Romi exclaimed, so very happy to see him, left Draco's side to hug him. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear.

"Any time," Neville replied. Romi let go of him and turned to look at the other two boys.

"Good to see you, Neville," Harry said with a smile. "But, I should be off. I'll see you later on the train right, Romi?"

"Absolutely," Romi replied. "Bye!"

Harry left the store without looking behind him and disappeared into the crowd. There was silence for a moment, as all three watched him walk off. Neville turned back to Romi and smiled.

"I hope he didn't catch you two doing anything," Neville said lightly. "I don't think that would go over very well with Harry."

"Watch it, Longbottom," Draco growled slightly, sitting against the windowsill.

"He's right, it wouldn't," Romi said, taking Draco's hand, and leaning against him. "It really wouldn't."

"Well, I've already got my books," Neville said, eyeing Draco's fierce glare. "I just came by to diffuse some tension…"

"Tension sufficiently diffused," Romi said lightly, even though Draco wasn't looking pleased with Neville around. Neville looked to Romi;

"You didn't – you know – sign up for anything?" he asked, trying to be discrete, glancing at Draco. Draco just looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"No," Romi said firmly. "Nothing, I promise I won't either."

Neville sighed in relief, "good," he said.

"I can see my father," Draco said, standing up and pushing Romi away from him.

"My cue to go," Neville said quickly, glancing out of the shop window, slightly nervously. "I'll talk to you before school, Romi."

"Yup," Romi said and Neville disappeared out of the shop.

"Must we meet all of the other boys that you know," Draco grumbled.

"We haven't met Blaise Zabini," Romi teased poking him. Draco did not smile.

"Ha ha," he said sarcastically. "Maybe we'll meet Pansy today, too."

It was Romi's turn to glare, and Uncle Lucius opened the door;

"Ready?" he asked the two of them.

Draco grabbed the purchases and the two of them left the shop with Uncle Lucius. Aunt Narcissa was seen walking with Charis and Hector on their way to them.

"Got all of your books?" Hector asked as they got up.

"Yes," Romi replied, but she looked to her mother. Charis did not at all look like her normal, composed self. She had the distinct look like she had been crying not to long ago. But when she spoke it was her cheerful self.

"Anything else that we need to get?" she asked.

"Just some refills for potions, I think," Draco said.

"And you need to get a set of new robes, Draco," Aunt Narcissa said. "You've shot up over the summer."

They finished all of their shopping by noon and returned home to eat lunch. Romi thankfully did not see Harry again, but neither did she see Neville. She made a reminder to herself to send him a letter when they got home so that they could meet up again before the end of the summer.

Romi unpacked her books after they had finished dinner, with the exception of the Monster Book of Monsters, which she just left closed up in the bag. She grabbed the first book that Madam Pomfrey had set for her and eagerly started reading it.

The next two weeks went by very quickly, between reading her new textbooks and spending time with Draco. She did not manage to see Neville, as his Gran had extensive plans for visiting the family all over the country. They resolved to meet up on platform 9 ¾ on the first of September.

It was barely a few days away, and Romi was half-packed her trunk (which meant there were robes and books thrown casually in) when a very beaten up looking owl arrived at the window. It crashed head first into and then plummeted to the ground, two stories below.

Romi rushed to the window, opened it and looked straight down. The owl was lying on it's back, a letter clutched in it's beak. Romi rushed away from the window and flying down the stairs, hurried outside to where the owl lay. His eyes were open and he hooted mournfully at her when she relieved him of his letter.

She picked him up gently and brought him upstairs and placed him on the desk. He seemed to recover slightly, and managed to stand upright on his claws. Zhi sulked into the room, carrying a freshly killed mouse, half eaten. Zhi looked up to the pathetic owl, then nimbly jumped up on the desk and laid the mouse in front of him.

The owl hooted in response, and gobbled the mouse down as Zhi sat beside him, her tail occasionally flicking.

"Alright," Romi said to the owl, "now that you're not going to die on me," she said looking down to open the letter, "let's see who owns you."

Romi recognized the handwriting as soon as she opened it.

Dear Romi,

I'm glad to hear that you are doing well. I understand that you have already been to Diagon Alley to get your things, however, if you like, my family and I will be going on the thirty-first and staying overnight at the Leaky Cauldron with Harry. I am not sure if you heard of the incident, but there was something to do with Harry blowing up his aunt like a balloon. I am assured that he is not in too much trouble, however he is staying at the Leaky Cauldron until the beginning of school.

If you would like to come and visit us and stay for dinner on the thirty-first I would enjoy it immensely. If Neville is available, I am sure he would be welcome to join us. Please send your response quickly, though I am afraid Errol (our family owl) is not the most speedy or reliable. He is quite old, and I hope that he makes it to you on time.

Hoping to see you soon,

Ginny

"Well, Errol," Romi said looking up to the grey fluffy owl now leaning on her cat. Zhi did not look too pleased about it. "I think you'd better stay here and rest up. I'll use a different owl."

Romi hurried downstairs to ask her mother if she might go and visit them. She was lucky enough to find Charis alone, as Romi was certain that Uncle Lucius and Aunt Narcissa would not approve.

Charis quickly gave her permission and agreed to drop Romi off in the morning and return to pick her up after dinner. Romi hurried off to reply to Ginny and say that she would be there at nine o'clock in the morning of the thirty first, also that she would keep Errol for a little while, as he didn't look so good.

So with something very much to look forward too at the end of the summer, the next four days disappeared very quickly, and Romi found herself waking up on the thirty first of August.

Draco wasn't particularly happy this morning, but he didn't say anything when Romi and Charis got up to leave. Charis took Romi directly to the Leaky Cauldron where they entered.

There were very few people they're, most seemed like they had just woken up and they were sleepily getting breakfast. Tom, the Innkeeper, was wiping down empty tables, ready to set then again. He looked up when Charis and Romi appeared.

"Mrs Black," he said with a nod.

"Tom," Charis replied.

"Can I get you anything?" he asked, sounding slightly timid.

"Oh, no, we're alright thank you," Charis said cheerfully, with a smile. Tom returned it and then hurried away into the back room. The other people the in the Inn were now glancing up at them as they stood near the bar. "Romi," her mother said quietly, watching the room.

"Yes, mum?" Romi said looking up to her.

"You're going to have to be prepared this year for a lot of prejudice," she said softly. Romi stared at her, what on earth could she be talking about? The only thing Romi could think of was about Draco, and it wasn't exactly planning on telling any one about it.

"What do you mean?" Romi asked slowly.

"You share the same last name as an escaped prisoner," she said quietly, nodding towards the picture of Sirius Black on the far wall. Romi looked to it carefully.

"Was he really awful?" Romi asked.

"Well, not really, not in school at least," Charis replied. "He was two years below me in school, and… putting it this way… I would not have expected him to grow up to be the person he became."

Romi looked up to her mother, but Charis was still looking at the picture of Sirius Black.

"Is he related to us?" Romi asked quietly.

"He's your father's cousin," Charis replied. "Not that they were ever close… But because of that, you may have some unpleasant remarks or stares when you return to Hogwarts."

Romi nodded, trying to understand why her mother was so worried.

"I just want you to be prepared," Charis said, with a smile. Just then the door to the Leaky Cauldron and a girl with very bushy hair and buckteeth walked in the door.

"Romi!" she exclaimed delightedly.

"Hermione," Romi said, taking a step towards the girl, "I didn't know you were coming."

"Ron invited me last minute, but I hadn't got my books yet, so it worked out," Hermione said smiling. "Oh," she said remembering, "these are my parents, Jacob and Sophia Granger, mum, dad, this is Romi Black."

"Nice to meet you," Romi said, quickly, "This is my mum, Charis."

"It's a pleasure," Charis said, smiling and shaking both of Hermione's parent's hands. Just then the fire to the left of them sparked and popped, flared bright green and a tall figure emerged. He stepped out onto the hearth and brushed his fingers through his hair, shaking out of the soot and turning it a bright red. He looked up and around, and then grinned.

"Hello, you lot," said Ron, walking over to them. Then, in quick succession, Mr Weasley, Percy, Fred, George, Mrs Weasley and Ginny were through the fireplace and dusting soot everywhere. There was a jumbled introduction of the Weasleys to Charis before she extracted herself, saying that she would be picking up Romi and nine o'clock.

In a great kafuffle they all seemed to make it out to the back and into the Alley itself.

"Alright, we're all meeting back here for dinner time," said Mrs Weasley, calling out to all of them, "and keep an eye out for Harry."

Ron and Hermione disappeared down towards the Ollivander's wand shop at the end of the street, while the twins, Fred and George, went off in search of the joke shop, Percy went towards Flourish and Blotts and Mr and Mrs Weasley took a stroll, arm in arm towards the far in the of the Alley.

"Well," Romi said to Ginny, as they were the only ones left, "what should we go to first?"

"Do you need anything?" Ginny asked.

"No, I got all my stuff two weeks ago," replied Romi. "So whatever you need to get."

"I need replacements for potions, and a set of scales – mine broke from last year," Ginny said, looking up as she thought. "I think that's all I really need."

"To the Apothecary, then," Romi said and they headed off down the street. They were silent for a moment, and then Romi asked, "How are you doing?"

"I'm alright," Ginny replied, "still have nightmares sometimes…"

"I do too," Romi answered, "about my first year."

"What happened in your first year?" Ginny asked, looking up to her, "I know what happened last year…"

Romi thought for a moment and then explained what she and Neville had got up to in their first year, and all about Elena, the spirit of the lake and the Sword that Romi now had control over whenever she wanted.

After Romi was finished, Ginny nodded understandable. "I'd have nightmares about that too."

"Its alright, though, cause you can just wake up from nightmares," Romi said. "Tell me about Egypt!"

Ginny smiled and then went into great detail about their life in Egypt. Her favourite part was the market on Fridays; everything was so different it was remarkable. They had stayed in a hotel, not the best on the block, but it was very nice. They had gone to see the Nile and Fred and George tried to sneak away to wrestle a crocodile. They had visited the pyramids in their second week, and Bill had taken them to see all the tombs. There had been all sorts of skeletons of cursed Muggles and things, and Ginny stated with regret that her mother wouldn't let her go in the last one.

They talked all the way to the Apothecary, where Romi helped Ginny pick out the best, and cheapest, supplies. They headed to the Magical Warehouse after that, where if you looked hard enough you could find everything you needed at a reduced price.

Romi and Ginny spent ages searching through the piles of merchandise until they found a suitable set of scales for Ginny. It was nearly lunchtime when they made it outside again. They went and bought something to eat at a little stand selling chips, which Romi insisted she pay for, and then slowly made their way up to the bookstore. Ginny said that she only needed one book, as the rest she could just get from Ron, seeing as he would never use them again.

They past the cage of Monster Book of Monsters and browsed through the stacks for an hour before paying for Ginny's book and heading outside again. The sun was sinking down now, and they both agreed that they should start to head towards the Leaky Cauldron. They were just passing Magical Menagerie when the door burst open and two bodies went rushing out.

Startled, Ginny and Romi stopped in their tracks, and looked out after the two running people.

"Is that-?" Romi started.

"It certainly looked like them," Ginny said, looking out after them.

"I wonder what they were running from," Romi said and the door to the Menagerie opened again.

"They weren't running from anything," Hermione said, coming to stand beside them. "They were running after Scabbers. Isn't that right?" she purred to the very large, very ugly, orange cat she had clamped in her arms.

"And who's this?" Romi asked, pointing to the orange feline.

"This is Crookshanks, isn't he a beauty?" Hermione cooed.

"If you say so," Romi replied, as the cat stared at her with his flat face, Romi couldn't help but feel unnerved.

"Come on, let's go find Ron and Harry," Hermione said. She didn't get too far because seconds later, Ron and Harry appeared, both slightly out of breath.

"You bought that monster!" Ron said with his mouth hanging open.

"He's gorgeous, isn't he?" said Hermione glowed.

"Hermione, that thing nearly scalped me!" said Ron angrily.

"He didn't mean to, did you Crookshanks," said Hermione almost purring back to the cat.

"What about Scabbers?" said Ron, pointing at the lump in his chest pocket, "he needs rest and relaxation! How's he going to get it with that thing around?"

"That reminds me, you forgot your Rat Tonic," said Hermione, slapping the bottle into Ron's hand. "And stop worrying, Crookshanks will be sleeping in my dormitory and Scabbers in yours. What's the problem? Poor Crookshanks, that witch said he'd been in the for ages: no one wanted him."

"I wonder why," Ron muttered darkly.

"Hi, Harry!" Romi said quickly, as Hermione was about to retort.

"Hey," Harry replied, looking at her slightly confused. "I did see you two weeks ago here, didn't I?"

"Yes, yes you did," Romi said, feeling herself go red, "I came to visit this time."

"Didn't bring anyone annoying with you, did you?" Harry asked, eyebrows raised.

"Yes, because I'm going to bring Draco when meeting up with you lot," Romi said sarcastically. Harry just rolled his eyes, and they started to walk back to the Leaky Cauldron.

They found Mr Weasley sitting in the bar, reading the Daily Prophet when they got there.

"Harry!" he said, smiling as he looked up, "good to see you! How are you?"

"Fine, thanks," replied Harry, and they joined him with all their shopping. Mr Weasley put down his paper, and Romi caught the sight of Sirius Black staring up at them.

"They still haven't caught him then," Harry asked.

"No," said Mr Weasley looking extremely grave and glancing to Romi, "they've pulled us all off our regular jobs at the Ministry to try and find him, but no luck so far."

"Would we get a reward if we caught him?" asked Ron, "it'd be good to get some more money-"

"Don't be ridiculous Ron," interrupted Mr Weasley, who looked very strained, "Black's not going to be caught by a thirteen year old wizard. It's the Azkaban guards who'll get him back, mark my words."

Tom scuttled over to them for a moment.

"Anything I can get you?" he asked looking at the four of them, "Miss Black?"

"No, I'm fine," said Romi swiftly.

"Very well," Tom said and shifted away again. Romi looked to Harry, Ron and Hermione.

"People have been doing that a lot lately," Romi said to them, "acting strange."

"Well, it's because of your last name," Mr Weasley replied wiping his glasses.

"Yeah, I guess it is," Romi agreed.

"You mean you never realised that you shared the same last name as a great mass murderer?" Ron asked laughing slightly.

"Of course I did," Romi replied. "But it's not like I've actually met him."

"You're actually related?" asked Ron, his smile dropping.

"He's my father's cousin," Romi explained, "but it's not like a share blood with him – I am adopted."

"You are?" Hermione said curiously.

"Yes," Romi said, looking at her startled. "Didn't you know that?"

"No, I didn't," said Hermione.

"Not a huge deal," replied Romi. She couldn't help but catch Harry's eye though. At that moment Mrs Weasley entered the bar, laden with shopping and followed by the twins, Fred and George, and Percy.

Percy, who was wearing something pinned on his shirt, that Romi could just make out the 'H' and 'B', strode up to them all and held out his hand solemnly as though he and Harry had never met and said, "Harry. How nice to see you."

"Hello, Percy," said Harry, visible trying not to laugh.

"I hope you're well?" said Percy pompously, still shaking his hand.

"Very well, thanks-"

"Harry!" said, Fred elbowing Percy out of the way and bowing deeply, "simply splendid to see you old boy-"

"Marvellous," said George, pushing Fred aside and seizing Harry's hand in turn, "absolutely spiffing."

It was here that Harry lost his battle against laughing. Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Romi laughing with him. Percy scowled.

"That's enough, now," said Mrs Weasley.

"Mum!" said Fred as though he'd only just spotted her, and seized her hand too. "How really corking to see you-"

"I said, that's enough," interrupted Mrs Weasley, depositing her shopping in an empty chair. "Hello, Harry, dear. I suppose you've heard our exciting news?" she pointed at the brand new silver badge on Percy's chest. "Second Head Boy in the family!" she said, swelling with pride.

"And last," Fred muttered under his breath.

"I don't doubt that," said Mrs Weasley catching it, and frowning suddenly, "I notice they haven't made you two prefects."

"What do we want to be prefects for?" asked George, looking revolted at the very idea, "I'd take all the fun out of life."

Ginny giggled loudly.

"You want to set a better example to your sister!" snapped Mrs Weasley.

"Ginny's got other brothers to set her an example, Mother," said Percy loftily, "I'm going up to change for dinner…"

Romi and Ginny exchanged a glance and Ginny rolled her eyes. Percy disappeared and George heaved a sigh.

"We tried to shut him in a pyramid," he told them, "but mum spotted us."

Dinner that night was a very enjoyable affair. Tom put three tables together in the parlour so that the seven Weasleys, Harry, Hermione and Romi could work their way through five delicious courses.

"How're we getting to King's Cross tomorrow, Dad?" asked Fred as they tucked into a splendid chocolate desert.

"The Ministry's providing a couple of cars," replied Mr Weasley lightly. Everyone stopped to look at him.

"Why?" asked Percy, curiously.

"It's because of you, Perce," said George seriously, "and there will be little flags on the bonnet, with HB on them-"

"For Humungous Bighead," interrupted Fred.

Everyone expect Percy and Mrs Weasley snorted into their pudding.

"Why are the Ministry providing cars, Father?" Percy asked again, in a dignified voice.

"Well, as we haven't got one any more," said Mr Weasley, "and as I work there, they're doing me a favour…"

His voice was causal but Romi noticed that Mr Weasley's ears had gone red, just like Ron's did when he was under pressure.

"Good job, too," said Mrs Weasley briskly, "do you realise how much luggage you have all got between you? A nice sight you'd be on the Muggle Underground. Romi are you staying too?" she added.

"No," Romi answered looking up at the clock, "my mum should be here at nine to pick me up."

"You're going back to the Malfoys?" Mrs Weasley said, looking thoroughly disappointed and slightly annoyed, "I'd feel better if you were here."

"Don't worry," Romi said grinning, "my parents are there too."

"Hmm," said Mrs Weasley, "still… you're all packed, aren't you?"

"Ron hasn't put all his new things in his trunk, yet," said Percy in a longsuffering voice; "he's dumped them on my bed,"

"You'd better go and pack properly, Ron, because we won't have much time in the morning," Mrs Weasley called down the table, and Ron scowled at Percy.

Nine o'clock came too quickly for Romi's liking, and soon enough her mother appeared in through the front door. Romi said goodbye to her friends and followed Charis out onto the Muggle street.

"Did you have a good time?" Charis asked, clasping Romi's hand as they went down a back alleyway.

"Yes," Romi replied, "it was lovely."