A quick note, while I was typing along, working dutifully at this chapter, I received eight or so emails from Fanfiction telling me I had a new follower to my stories. I laughed as the emails came in every hour or so when the reader finished each book in the series. It made my day knowing someone other than me finds a series and reads straight through it in one sitting. Thanks Sarah1994 for making my day!
Anyway, Enjoy!
4 Chapter 7: Back at the Burrow
Morning came far too quickly for anyone's liking. Mr. Diggory woke them all up early to avoid the crowd before the seven of them all took their portkey back to the outskirts of Ottery St. Catchpole. There, Alexis and company said goodbye to the Diggorys and began trekking back to the Burrow before the sun had even made itself visible over the treetops. They passed back through Ottery St. Catchpole talking very little because they were all so exhausted, and thinking longingly about breakfast. When the Burrow finally came into view they were greeted by a very loud cry.
"Oh thank goodness, thank goodness!"
Mrs. Weasley, who had evidently been waiting for them in the front yard along with her husband, oldest sons, and Sirius in dog form along with Remus Lupin, came running towards them, her face pale and stained from crying, a rolled up copy of the Daily Prophet clutched in her hand.
"I've been so worried - so worried -"
She seized Fred and George and pulled them both into such a tight hug that their heads banged together, her copy of the Daily Prophet falling out of her limp hand onto the ground. Looking down, Alexis saw the headline: SCENES OF TERROR AT THE QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP, complete with a twinkling black-and-white photograph of the Dark Mark over the treetops.
"Ouch! Mum - you're strangling us -"
"I shouted at you before you left!" Mrs. Weasley said, starting to sob. "It's all I've been thinking about? What if You-Know-Who had got you, and the last thing I ever said to you was that you didn't get enough O.W.L.s? Oh Fred... George... if I had lost another son, I... I..."
"It's okay, Molly," said Mr. Weasley soothingly. He, Bill, and Charlie joined her in their family hug, unintentionally, or intentionally knowing Mrs. Weasley, pulling Hermione into the hug.
Remus and Sirius at least waited until Alexis and Harry had made it into the house before bombarding them with their worries.
"Are you two okay?" asked Sirius, turning into his human form the moment the door closed behind them. He pulled his niece and godson into a tight embrace.
"We're fine, Sirius," said Harry.
"Yeah, there's no need to worry," said Alexis.
"No need to worry?" snapped Sirius. "No need to worry! Deatheaters attack the Quidditch World Cup when the two of you are there and there's no need to worry? I feel like a bloody mother hen, having to stay cooped up in here while Moony, Arthur, and his boys go and see if my chicks are safe! I've never felt more useless in my entire life!"
"He's been like this since Arthur told him you attacked Crouch," said Remus, hugging his unofficial niece and nephew. "I've only ever seen him like this once and it was when you were born, Harry."
The Weasleys and Hermione's entrance was announced by Fred's voice filling the air.
"Did Percy stop by to check on you?" he asked.
"No," said Mr. Weasley, clearing his thought. "He, he had a lot of work to do, but I saw him while we were fixing the mess the riot caused."
"We saw him earlier too. He was with Mr. Crouch playing lap dog," grumbled George.
"Your brother is very busy with his new job, boys," said Mrs. Weasley, though Alexis didn't find her convincing. "He'll visit soon once everything calms down."
"Yeah, right," said Fred and George sarcastically.
"Now boys," said Mr. Weasley. "Please don't start."
"They're right, dad," said Bill. "Fred and George could have gotten hurt, or worse, and Percy doesn't even check in with mum? He knew she'd be in a fit of worry!"
"Bill," said Charlie softly. "Perce handles things differently than you. He doesn't-"
"He didn't even cry, Charlie!" shouted Bill, tears now threatening to flow from the oldest Weasley son's eyes. "He just stood there like a statue!"
Alexis didn't fight as Sirius led her and Harry up the stairs and away from the Weasleys. Remus followed behind them with Hermione, none of them feeling like they should get involved.
"They need this," Hermione said after she closed the bedroom door. "They haven't had a proper time to grieve over Ron, not with all of us here. I suppose nearly losing Fred and George triggered... that."
"Spot on, Ms. Granger," smiled Remus. He took a stance by the window to pear out at the orchard. "You three all alright, yes?"
"Yes," said Harry.
"Fine," said Hermione.
"Only a few scraps from the crowd," said Alexis.
"Good," said Sirius, clapping his hands together.
Alexis's stomach suddenly dropped. He wasn't going to ask her about-
"Mind telling us why you were kissing a Quidditch player on the Telly?"
'And, of course he is,' sighed Alexis. She ignored the laughing McPherson in her head and spared a look at Harry and Hermione. They both seemed to have been hoping that this conversation wasn't about to happen but weren't stupid enough not to expect it. Worst yet, they both sent Alexis apologetic looks.
"Don't you-"
"Hermione, want to come with me to put away my souvenirs?" said Harry over Alexis's threat.
"Sure, Harry," said Hermione, not hesitating to head out the door. "Sorry, Hex," she called over her shoulder.
Alexis glared as they disappeared from view.
"Real Gryffindors..."
.
The last week of the holidays went by a lot faster than Alexis wanted it to. It wasn't very long until Alexis was waking up early in the morning to prepare for the trip to Hogwarts. Rain was pouring down outside and flashes of lightning were all Alexis could see out the window as she stumbled down the stairs with a loud yawn.
"Tired?" asked Harry with a chuckle when he caught up to her.
"A little," said Alexis with a smirk. She was about to ask Harry how he had slept when they heard shouting coming from the kitchen.
"I said, I'll handle it, woman!" shouted Sirius.
"Oh, really?" sneered Mrs. Weasley. "And how exactly will you 'handle it'? She was supposed to have already gotten them! Not only that, but you're a wanted criminal! You can't just walk into Madam Malkin's and ask to see her wears!"
"Good morning, kids," said Mr. Weasley, walking out of the kitchen with a sigh. He was still in his sleepwear and was holding a coffee and the newspaper in one hand. Alexis looked down at the paper to see it was another article by Rita Skeeter. She had been seeing a lot of those lately, and none of them were very kind towards the Ministry's image.
"Morning Mr. Weasley."
"Sleep well, I hope?" he asked, stifling a yawn.
"Yes," said Alexis. "What are Sirius and Mrs. Weasley arguing about?"
Mr. Weasley chuckled softly, highly amused.
"Your dress robes, actually. Molly isn't happy that Sirius hasn't ordered you any but Sirius is determined to get you a set of Black family robes."
"Where would he get that?"
"That's what Molly is going off about," sighed Mr. Weasley. "Sirius knows what he's doing, I'm sure of it, but Molly has always been one to want to make sure everything is going smoothly. Don't worry though, things will work out as always."
And with that, Mr. Weasley climbed the stairs, leaving Alexis and Harry alone in the living room. The kitchen had grown quiet, which only made the two fourth years nervous to enter it. When they did, they found Mrs. Weasley humming to herself while she cooked and Sirius scowling at a plate of eggs.
"Morning, dears," said Mrs. Weasley. She kissed both Alexis and Harry on the cheek. "Want something to eat before you leave?"
"That would-" but whatever Harry was about to say was cut off by Sirius immediately becoming his Animagus before a yelp escaped the fireplace.
"Good gracious, me," said the familiar voice of Amos Diggory. His face had suddenly appeared in the fire. "Your dog scared the Floo powder out of me."
"Morning, Amos," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Morning, Molly. Morning Alexis and Harry," said Mr. Diggory cheerfully. "Sorry to intrude, but it's very important I speak to Arthur. Ministry business."
"Of course," said Mrs. Weasley, running off.
Mr. Diggory watched her go for a fraction of a second before turning his attention to Alexis.
"How are you, Alexis? Ready for school?"
"I suppose so," said Alexis with a shrug.
"Cedric sure is," said Mr. Diggory with a beaming smile through the flames. "Did he tell you he made Head Boy this year? My son! And he didn't tell me until this morning when I found his badge! He did this when he found out he was Quiddicth Captain too, though. Shy boy, Ced. I suppose he didn't want me bragging on him too much but I can't help myself! You know, he wants to be an Auror? My son! He'll be amazing, he will-"
"I'm here, Amos," said Mr. Weasley, slipping into the kitchen with his robes on backwards and his hair a mess.
"Right," said Mr. Diggory. "Nice talking to you, Alexis."
"Yes, nice talking to you," said Alexis. She grabbed a slice of toast before joining Harry at the table.
'He talks a lot about, Cedric,' thought Harry.
'Well, he is his son,' thought Alexis.
"...Muggle neighbors heard bangs and shouting, so they went and called those what-d'you-call-'ems - please-men. Arthur, you've got to get over there -"
"Here!" said Mrs. Weasley breathlessly, pushing a piece of parchment, a bottle of ink, and a crumpled quill into Mr. Weasley's hands.
"- it's a real stroke of luck I heard about it," said Mr. Diggory. "I had to come into the office early to send a couple of owls, and I found the Improper Use of Magic lot all setting off - if Rita Skeeter gets hold of this one, Arthur -"
"What does Mad-Eye say happened?" asked Mr. Weasley, unscrewing the ink bottle, loading up his quill, and preparing to take notes. Alexis's ears immediately perked up at her offical legal guardian's name.
Mr. Diggory rolled his eyes. "Says he heard an intruder in his yard. Says he was creeping toward the house, but was ambushed by his dustbins."
"What did the dustbins do?" asked Mr. Weasley, scribbling frantically.
"Made one hell of a noise and fired rubbish everywhere, as far as I can tell," said Mr. Diggory. "Apparently one of them was still rocketing around when the please-men turned up -"
Mr. Weasley groaned.
"And what about the intruder?"
"Arthur, you know Mad-Eye," said Mr. Diggory, rolling his eyes again. "Someone creeping into his yard in the dead of night? More likely there's a very shell-shocked cat wandering around somewhere, covered in potato peelings. But if the Improper Use of Magic lot get their hands on Mad-Eye, he's had it - think of his record - we've got to get him off on a minor charge, something in your department - what are exploding dustbins worth?"
"Might be a caution," said Mr. Weasley, still writing very fast, his brow furrowed. "Mad-Eye didn't use his wand? He didn't actually attack anyone?"
"I'll bet he leapt out of bed and started jinxing everything he could reach through the window," said Mr. Diggory, Alexis fell out of her chair stifling her laughter at the truth behind that statement, "but they'll have a job proving it, there aren't any casualties."
"All right, I'm off," Mr. Weasley said, and he stuffed the parchment with his notes on it into his pocket and dashed out of the kitchen again.
Mr. Diggory looked around at Mrs. Weasley.
"Sorry about this, Molly," he said, more calmly, "bothering you so early and everything...but Arthur's the only one who can get Mad-Eye off, and Mad-Eye's supposed to be starting his new job today. Why he had to choose last night..."
"Never mind, Amos," said Mrs. Weasley. "Sure you won't have a bit of toast or anything before you go?"
"Oh go on, then," said Mr. Diggory.
Mrs. Weasley took a piece of buttered toast from a stack on the kitchen table, put it into the fire tongs, and transferred it into Mr. Diggory's mouth.
"Fanks," he said in a muffled voice, and then, with a small pop, vanished.
"What's gotten dad in such a rush?" asked George, sluggishly making his way into the kitchen.
"You're father received an emergency firecall from the Ministry," said Mrs. Weasley with a sigh as Fred, Hermione, and Charlie entered the kitchen for breakfast. Bill, who had been sleeping a great deal more recently, stumbled into the room after his father.
Mr. Weasley had fixed his robes and was running a comb through his hair with one hand while hugging his family with the other.
"I better hurry," he said dropping his comb into his pocket before fastening on his cloak. "I love you all. Have a good term, kids-"
"Is Moody alright?" asked Alexis, anxiously.
"Oh, I'm sure he's fine," said Mr. Weasley. He kissed Mrs. Weasley's cheek. "Molly, are you going to be all right taking the kids to King's Cross?"
"Of course I will," she said. "You just look after Mad-Eye, and we'll be fine."
"Take care of your mother, you two," said Mr. Weasley before stuffing two pieces of toast in his mouth. He tossed another towards Grim, who caught in his mouth, before apparating away with a crack.
Sirius immediately changed back to his human form.
"Now that was dehumanizing," he muttered after finishing his toast. "Not even a scratch behind the ears. What kind of pet owners are you people?"
Charlie reached across the table and scratched Sirius's ears.
"Sorry boy," he said playfully. "I'll get you a treat to make up for it. Would you like that, Sirius? Would you?"
Sirius gave him the stink eye while everyone else laughed.
"I think I liked it better when you were afraid of me," Sirius grumbled, causing more laughter to fill the room.
"Aw, poor Sirius," said Alexis. "Make sure it's a squeaky toy, Charlie."
"Oi!"
.
Mrs. Weasley, after learning from her husband's mistake when it came to renting Muggle cars, had called in a favor from Mr. Loovegood to get them to the King's Cross. It wasn't very long before a very hippy-looking van with a small chimney and weird, but colorful, creatures covering it, pulled into the Weasley's front yard. Luna Loovegood climbed out of the driver side of the van with her usual dreamy smile. Behind her stood a tall, eccentric-looking wizard, who looked slightly cross-eyed and had shoulder length hair the color of normal candle wax. Without a shadow of a doubt, he was Luna's father.
"Good morning, Weasleys," said Luna dreamily. "Hello, Alexis, Harry, and Hermione."
"Morning!"
"Good morning, Lovegoods."
"Morning, Luna," said Charlie as he carried Hermione and Alexis's trunks for them. "Catch any Crumple-Horned Snorkacks on the way here?"
"Daddy thought he saw some hidden behind the post office but it was only a gremlin," replied Luna with a shrug. "I had to remind him they were only located in Sweden."
"Silly, dad," teased Charlie, shaking Mr. Lovegood's hand. "Morning Mr. Lovegood."
"Morning Arthur," said Mr. Lovegood with an even dreamier voice than Luna's. "My have you grown. I dear say, you might be aging backwards."
"Daddy, that's Charlie," corrected Luna.
"Oh, dear," said Mr. Lovegood. "I would hope so with all the Nargles flying around him."
"The what?" said Fred and George while heaving their trunks towards the odd little van.
"Nargles," said Alexis as if the twins were stupid. "What? It's a Magizoologist thing, I suppose. They're these tiny little fairylike creatures that are commonly found in mistletoe or around people falling in-"
Bill coughed loudly, drawing everyones attention.
"What?" he said. "Oh sorry, had a tickle."
But Alexis caught Bill winking at Charlie who rolled his eyes.
"Shall we go?" said Mrs. Weasley. She was the last to head out the Burrow door but just as she was about to close it, Sirius, or rather Grim, pushed his way out. He immediately ran up to Alexis and Harry. Both hugged him tightly goodbye.
"He wouldn't let you two leave without a goodbye, now would he?" said Hermione.
"That's Grim for you," laughed Harry. Grim licked his face happily. "Bye, Grim."
"Yeah, bye, Grim," said Alexis, squeezing the massive dog one last time. "Watch after the Weasleys and Remus for me, okay?"
Grim barked before running back inside so Mr. Weasley could close the front door.
"Honestly," said Mrs. Weasley, shaking her head. "Alright everyone! Let's get going, come on!"
"Come along," said Luna. She climbed into the van once more, waving her hand in a trance inducing way for them to follow. "It's a little small inside though."
One by one, Alexis, Harry, Hermione, and the Weasleys climbed into the van after her. Alexis was only half listening to Mrs. Weasley greet Mr. Lovegood when she saw the inside of the van and blinked. She hadn't been surprised by the van being bigger on the inside but the sixties meet wizards design had thrown her a little bit. Everything was either earth colors, tie-dye or covered in stringed beads. There was a spiral stair case leading off to somewhere, a retro looking fireplace, and a low table with pillows to sit on instead of chairs. It was very...
"Is your dad a Beatles fan, Luna?" Alexis asked, taking in her surroundings.
"I suppose," said Luna, "though he prefers cooked moon frogs."
"Noted," Alexis muttered before opening up her cage to let Guy, her pet owl, out. The moment Little Guy was flying around the room, zipping by like the fuzzy Snitch he looked like, Harry let Hedwig out of her cage and Hermione let Crookshanks of his basket.
'I love magic,' Alexis thought.
'Well, at least I did something right,' chuckled McPherson.
Alexis couldn't help but to smile.
.
Despite the fact that the ride to King's Cross was fun and entertaining, everyone was happy to discover that they had arrived. Alexis was practically skipping to platform nine and three quarters. They, of course, were late as usual, so goodbyes were shortened to quick hugs and promises to write.
Mrs. Weasley was the last to say her goodbyes and made sure to hug and kiss everyone of them before letting them board the train.
"Thanks for having us to stay, Mrs. Weasley," said Hermione as they climbed on board, closed the door, and leaned out of the window to talk to her.
"Yeah, thanks for everything, Mrs. Weasley," said Harry.
"It as a lot of fun, thanks," said Alexis.
"Oh it was my pleasure, dears," said Mrs. Weasley. "I'd invite you for Christmas, but...well, I expect you're all going to want to stay at Hogwarts, what with...one thing and another."
"Mum!" said Fred irritably. "What d'you three know that we don't?"
"Yeah, come on, mum," said George. "Bill and Charlie have been teasing us about something happening at Hogwarts."
"What is it?" finished the twins together.
"You'll find out this evening, I expect," said Mrs. Weasley, smiling. "It's going to be very exciting - mind you, I'm very glad they've changed the rules -"
"What rules?" said Alexis, Harry, Fred, and George together.
"I'm sure Professor Dumbledore will tell you...Now, behave, won't you? Won't you, Fred? And you, George?"
The pistons hissed loudly and the train began to move.
"Tell us what's happening at Hogwarts!" Fred bellowed out of the window as Mrs. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie sped away from them. "What rules are they changing?"
But Mrs. Weasley only smiled and waved. Before the train had rounded the corner, she, Bill, and Charlie had Disapparated.
"You don't suppose they'll be adding moon frog to the menu?" asked Luna. "That would need the rules to be changed. After all, moon frogs, just like ficklesnacks, are very dangerous if cooked wrong."
"I don't think the kitchen menu has anything to do with it, Luna," said Alexis. "But I'm very curious to try moon frog now."
Luna hummed softly, before dancing down the corridor like an imp. The others watched as she went.
"She's a little bonkers, isn't she?" asked Fred.
"I like the description, high on life," said Alexis.
"So crazy?" snickered George. He dragged Fred off somewhere while Alexis, Harry, and Hermione found a compartment of their own.
Guy was causing a racket until Alexis had the genius idea to make him share a cage with Hedwig. Almost immediately, Guy calmed down under Hedwig's glare, reminding Alexis of Mrs. Weasley and her children.
"I can't believe the summer is over," sighed Alexis, falling dramatically onto row Harry was about to sit on. "I miss Grim and Remus already."
"Grim and who?" said the familiar aristocratic voice of Draco Malfoy.
Alexis jumped to her feet and, forgetting all pride a Black and Lestrange heiress should carry, hugged her blonde hair cousin standing just inside her compartment. Draco stiffened slightly before relaxing enough to hug Alexis back. He wasn't one to put his pride on the line, but Alexis was family. Besides that, it wasn't as if he was in a public place where his title could be effected by him showing emotions.
"Where are the goons, Malfoy?" asked Harry but less spiteful than expected. Since last year, he and Draco had entered an unofficial and uneasy truce for Alexis sake.
"Crabbe and Goyle are sitting with Marcus, Potter," said Draco in a halfhearted sneer. "Thought I'd visit my cousin and see how the Weasleys treated her before making a few more stops."
'You mean visit Pansy?' thought Alexis with a Cheshire grin. Draco narrowed his eyes at her.
'Wait, Malfoy has a girlfriend!' exclaimed Ron rather than asked.
McPherson sighed, 'Please try to keep up. We don't have time for a recap.'
'Bugger off,' grumbled Ron.
'Where?'
"Play nice," said Alexis aloud. Thankfully, Harry and Draco had been goading each other enough so that no one thought anything of it.
"Always," said Draco with a soft smile. "Talk to you again soon, Alexis."
"Bye," Alexis called after him. Closing the compartment door behind her, Alexis turned around to find Harry sitting on her row. Not missing a beat, Alexis laid down across the row, sitting her head in Harry's lap.
"Comfy?" asked Harry bemused, as Alexis swatted at his unruly hair that hung in front of his face.
"Sorta," said Alexis, not once taking her attention away from Harry's dancing hair. "You're kinda boney."
Harry leaned forward and blew raspberries in her face just as two familiar clicks and a flash filed the air. Snapping their heads up, Alexis and Harry found Hermione sitting across from them with a smug look as she shook the photo she had just taken and Colin Cleevey, a third year Gryffindor, standing in the compartment doorway with his own camera.
"I can't wait to develop this picture!" exclaimed Colin, Harry's number one fan, as Alexis and Harry both sat up. "Thanks Harry!" He ran down the corridor without as much as a glance back.
"What's gotten him so happy?" asked Alexis. "Well, not including seeing his hero Harry Potter again."
Hermione giggled.
"You two have no idea how adorable you are."
Alexis grinned despite the fact Harry was blushing.
"We are pretty adorable aren't we?" Alexis said pinching Harry's cheeks. "Harry and his unruly hair and me and my - well just me in general."
Harry snorted. Hermione giggled uncontrollably.
"Merlin, you are so related to Sirius," chuckled Harry. Hermione was holding her side because she was laughing so hard at what was pure Alexisness.
The next few hours of the train ride were spent talking about the Quidditch World Cup. Seamus, Dean, and Neville Longbottom, Harry's shy and very clumsy roommate who had a horrible luck, joined them shortly into the trip. The rain began pouring down harder as the Hogwarts Express continued on its way. The compartment was filled with laughter as Alexis and Seamus attempted to see who could copy Krum's scowl the best.
Neville sighed.
"Gran didn't want to go," he said miserably. "Wouldn't buy tickets. But we watched it on a Tell-E. It looked amazing though."
"It was," said Dean. "Look at this, Neville..."
He handed Neville a walking action figure of Viktor Krum. It scowled up at Neville while it paced in his hand.
"We saw him right up close," said Hermione proudly. "We were in the Top Box. Hex embarrassed him I think."
"We saw," chuckled Seamus. Neville and Dean were laughing as well.
"Yeah, Mrs. Finnigan was ecstatic about," said Dean. "Kept getting the Drumstrang students all rallied up."
"So Durmstrang is another wizarding school?" asked Harry.
"Yes," said Hermione sniffily, "and it's got a horrible reputation. According to An Appraisal of Magical Education in Europe, it puts a lot of emphasis on the Dark Arts."
"Tons of emphasis," said Seamus. "Mum kept giving them all sharp looks whenever they tried to bother Dean and me."
"Where is Drumstrang?" asked Neville, absentmindedly spinning the Krum doll around. It was turning green.
"Well, nobody knows, do they?" said Hermione, raising her eyebrows.
"Er - why not?" said Harry.
"There's traditionally been a lot of rivalry between all the magic schools. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons like to conceal their whereabouts so nobody can steal their secrets," said Hermione matter-of-factly.
"Come off it," said Dean, starting to laugh. "Durmstrang's got to be about the same size as Hogwarts - how are you going to hide a great big castle?"
"But Hogwarts is hidden," said Hermione, in surprise. "Everyone knows that...well, everyone who's read Hogwarts, A History, anyway."
Alexis grinned.
"So just you and me?" she said giggling softly.
"How d'you hide a place like Hogwarts?" asked Harry.
"It's bewitched," said Hermione. "If a Muggle looks at it, all they see is a moldering old ruin with a sign over the entrance saying DANGER, DO NOT ENTER, UNSAFE."
"So Durmstrang'll just look like a ruin to an outsider too?"
"Maybe," said Hermione, shrugging, "or it might have Muggle-repelling charms on it, like the World Cup stadium. And to keep foreign wizards from finding it, they'll have made it Unplottable -"
"Come again?"
"Well, you can enchant a building so it's impossible to plot on a map, can't you?"
"Er...if you say so," said Harry.
"But I think Durmstrang must be somewhere in the far north," said Hermione thoughtfully. "Somewhere very cold, because they've got fur capes as part of their uniforms."
"Wish I had a fur cap," sighed Alexis. Five eyebrows raised towards her. "What? It would be cool to have! You never know when you might end up sleeping in the woods with only the clothes you have on your back. If you have a fur cape, you'll at least be warm!"
"But you can apperate," said Neville. "You wouldn't need to sleep in the woods."
Now Alexis lifted her eyebrow.
"I never told you I could apperate, Neville."
Neville blushed.
"I over heard Harry and... I over heard Harry talking about it. Sorry. I didn't know it was a secret."
"It's not," said Alexis, ignoring the surprised looks on Seamus and Dean's faces. "I just didn't know you knew, but now you do know, you know?"
Neville blinked.
"N-no?"
"Oh, stop teasing him, Hex," said Harry with a smile.
Alexis couldn't help but to grin at Neville. He had been very skittish around her ever since her name was changed to Lestrange. She didn't know why that bother him, she wasn't about to invade the privacy of his mind to find out unless she had to, but Alexis was glad to see him warming up to her again.
The conversation between the six Gryffindors for the remainder of the trip was focused on the Quidditch World Cup until they had almost reached Hogwarts.
"Who do you think will be the Defense professor this year?"
"Dunno," said Dean as he fixed his robes with one hand and ate a Caldron Cake with the other. "Vampire?"
"Maybe," said Seamus. Neville gulped in fear.
"Well the first one was a killer," said Alexis. "The second one was a fake and the third on was a werewolf. All three of them were dangerous and deceptive. I mean, Quirrell fooled everyone but Dumblerdore and Snape that he was just a stuttering newb instead of a Voldemort-" Seamus winced while Neville let out a yelp, both of which Alexis ignored, "- supporter. He also nearly killed Harry -"
"Hey!"
"Quiet, Harry. Hex is talking still," said Hermione motherly.
"But-"
"Wait your turn," said Hermione firmly. Harry scowled in his seat, crossed his arms, but said nothing else.
"Then there's Goldilocks," said Alexis.
"Gilderoy Lockhart-"
"Quiet Hermione. Hex is talking still," grumbled Harry.
"But-"
"Wait your turn," teased Seamus and Dean. Hermione huffed but everyone else smiled.
"Goldilocks was hired by Dumbledore to be proved as a fraud that stole the work of other wizards. He wasn't dangerous in a life threatening way but he was a complete idiot. I mean, remember when he 'healed' Harry's arm after it was shattered? So he was dangerous. Lastly there's Remus."
"Professor Lupin," mumbled Hermione.
"Remus," Alexis emphasised, "who was by far the best teacher we've ever had, also was dangerous and deceptive. He's a werewolf, which are dangerous but only during full moons. He didn't tell any of us because of, well, how would you have reacted if on the first day he said, 'hi! I'm your new professor and I'm a werewolf!'? So this year's Defense professor, if he follows the same pattern as the last three years is going to be dangerous and deceptive."
"And?" said Neville.
Alexis lifted an eyebrow.
"And what?"
Neville shifted nervously. He looked back and forth between his classmates.
"You... You said the first was a k-killer, the second was a fraud, and the third was a werewolf. What is this year's?"
"Oh, this year's will be-"
"No guessing!" shouted Harry. "No! Every time you guess it turns out to be true. No Hex, no."
Alexis rolled her eyes.
"Fine," said Alexis. Harry smiled thankfully. "I bet he'll be insane though."
Harry glared at her. The others laughed as the train slowed to a stop.
As the train doors opened, there was a rumble of thunder overhead. Seamus and Dean said their goodbyes as they left the train, heads bent and eyes narrowed against the downpour. The rain was now coming down so thick and fast that it was as though buckets of ice-cold water were being emptied repeatedly over their heads.
"Hi, Hagrid!" Harry yelled, seeing a gigantic silhouette at the far end of the platform.
"All righ', Harry?" Hagrid bellowed back, waving. "See yeh at the feast if we don' drown!"
First years traditionally reached Hogwarts Castle by sailing across the lake with Hagrid.
"Oooh, I wouldn't fancy crossing the lake in this weather," said Hermione fervently, shivering as they inched slowly along the dark platform with the rest of the crowd.
Suddenly two familiar gingers surrounded Alexis, Harry, Hermione, and Neville. Fred and George grabbed Harry and Hermione, covered their eyes, and dragged them off.
"Sorry, Hex!" called Fred.
"Important, Harry-Hermione questions!" called George as he and his twin dragged the two fourth years away blinded.
Alexis smiled knowingly.
"I knew I wasn't the only one who wanted those two together," she said to Neville. He lifted his eyebrow high at Alexis and stiffened when she threw her arm over his shoulder in a friendly manner. "Care to share a carriage with me?"
"O-okay," said Neville nervously. He smiled awkwardly at Alexis in return for her own smile as the two made their way to the carriages. That's where Alexis stopped dead in her tracks.
"What the heck?"
So I really thought a section on how the Weasleys were cooping was necessary plus Sirius had to go all protective uncle or I would have been a complete failure. Bill is depressed. Why wouldn't he be? He lost his little brother and he can't help but to feel responsible because he is the oldest and sees it as his responsibility to keep his brothers safe. I don't know if I'm showing that really well but it's important to know. I couldn't stop myself from making Mr. Lovegood hippy-like. It was just too easy to see for me. Neville and Luna will hopefully play more important roles in this series starting now and so shall Seamus and Dean (though not as much) if I go as I have originally planned. Hope we enjoyed the McPherson teasing Ron bits. Expect more.
Review Responses:
rhs2324: glad you like the story and enjoy the Doctor Who references!
caring16: Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
mwinter1: I try to update as soon as I can. The goal was to reach eight chapters before the break ended but I had some technical difficulties. Sorry for the later update then last time! I want to update at least once a week though and I think I can get ten chapters done during my Christmas break so fingers crossed!
phoenixfelicis07: First and foremost, Rumples... You brought up my favorite OUAT character when I least expected it. My mind was blown thinking about that. But I always saw Barty as a dearie (a word I take great shame in having misspelled last chapter) kind of guy instead of lass or kid. It just fits his personality and Rumples had no influence on that decision. Moving on, I agree that Hex would say the thick insult so I used it. It was so her. I'm happy to know Swine is becoming an interest. I can't say much on S.P.E.W. Right now because it's a working progress. I never really liked it though and found it very useless to the thick of things. Finally, glad everything was cleared up in the last chapter and as always, thanks for reviewing!
91: wait no more! (For this chapter at least :P)
kaylee13133: (I numbered it like you're review) 1. Troy's character is going to be odd for me but nonetheless fun! He'll be back but I'm not sure how many times exactly. 2. I love the saying too and I don't doubt you for a second. 3. That be really cool to see your friend's story but I'd rather wait until I'm finished with mind before I read it. I don't want any chances of me stealing her ideas. I wouldn't, I just don't want the temptation. After I finished this story I would love to read it though. 4. I think I'm going to give Troy a little extra light just for you, for I am a merciful lord... 5. Swine... Twelawny... I want to tell you so much but the spoilers... 6. He was always one to plan everything out just like his uncle Moody. 7. She already does know she's a 'Lestrange'. She found out when they saved Sirius. The father part however is confusing. 8. What question! And I don't live anywhere near a metro!
Xendiya Black: glad to hear it! Here's some more!
crossMIRAGE19: Awesome to hear!
Ingrid: A Fantastic thing to say!
Guest: thank you! I fixed it up!
aandm20: I'm glad!
Mythology216: glad you like the series and thank you for giving me your guess on who is asking Hex to the ball. And yes, Krum will be getting a new date...
annoontje: As you wish!
Thanks again guys! I love the reviews so please keep them up! Enjoy your Wednesday! I just spent the first hour of mine posting a chapter instead of sleeping!
Please review!
DCF
