Chapter 10 - Countless Meetings and Pitied Looks

Solaine

Have you ever been so anxious in your life? So...scared? Kind of like getting your grades for your OWLS or NEWTS, anticipating to just open up the piece of parchment to see how well you've done. Anxiousness is building up, your figure's gone all rigid and stiff, and the butterflies in your stomach are fluttering so hard that you feel like it's shifting everything in your life.

Well that's how I was feeling.

I wasn't concerned about grades, since I am a pretty good student. We were taught the same lessons over in Beauxbatons, so I didn't feel left behind. Luna and the girls had gone over what to know about Hogwarts. Where to go, who was okay, what to avoid, and who to avoid.

Draco and his cronies, in particular according to Hermione.

But nonetheless, as long as I kept out of the way, she said that I would be fine. Lu, Gin, and 'Mione had told me about the people in Hogwarts. Gin's twin brothers were one of the one's that I particularly wanted to meet. But the one person I was every so looking forward to speak to was Harry, my brother. There was so much to talk about, to ask and say. I think meeting my brother would be one of the biggest reasons why I'm so anxious. I mean, what if he doesn't accept me?

Then what?

I didn't try and dare myself to think how our meeting would go.

"Do you have everything you need?" Mr. Lovegood asked Luna and I as we pulled through to the station. Quick memories of my last visit to this place had been a few months ago. I had remembered coming through the barrier with Draco to meet with Narcissa. I remembered meeting the the Weasley family...and Harry.

"Of course, father." Luna replied as she readjusted the stack of magazines that she held in her arms. It was her father's magazine, The Quibbler.

"And Solaine?"

"What- oh, yes. Yes, sir." I answered, collecting myself.

"Very good. If the two of you need anything, I'm an owl away. Dot will be working in the kitchens at school so she's there as well. Solaine, I trust you have Padgette?"

I held up the cage that held Padgette, the owl I had gotten while I was in Diagon Alley. In my opinion, I thought that Padgette was rather adorable. His feathers were snow white. However, the feathers that outlined the shaped of his head were a slight shade of sand. He was rather behave, which I was thankful for. The last thing I needed was an owl that hooted endlessly. "Present." I replied, glancing at Padge.

Thankfully, the platform was still rather deserted. From what I assumed, there was at least 10 families here. Probably more, or maybe even less.

But I didn't really care since all I hoped was that the Malfoys wasn't one of them.

Despite my problems with the Malfoy family, I was scared of the future and everything in it. I was troubled with the anxiety of breaking the news to Harry, the cryptic and mysterious history behind my wand, fitting in the new social scene, adjusting to the new school, possible confrontations with Draco and the Death Eaters, and everything else in my new life.

This was simply a life that a typical 16 year old shouldn't be going through; magical or not.

This wasn't Beauxbatons anymore. This wasn't being a Malfoy anymore. More or less, this whole new situation brought on more stress and released me from others. But then again, this new life brought me to a place where I'd make new friends, meet my brother, and be free from any expectations (Just like when I was with the Malfoys).

Although it was normal being nervous, I knew that I didn't have anything to worry about.

After all, I did have Luna, Ginny, and Hermione. And possibly, my brother too.

That is, If he does accept me.

Although I haven't had the privilege to meet Ginny's family, I've heard that they were amazing people. Although Ginny sometimes thinks otherwise, she admits that they're good company.

Apparently, there's never a boring day at the Weasleys.

After Luna and I said our goodbyes to Mr. Lovegood, we hopped onto the train to search for a compartment. "Here's an empty place." I said, sliding the door open. Making my way in, I noticed Luna walking off. "Wait, where're you going?" poking my head out of the compartment.

"To pass out the new editions of the Quibbler, of course." she said, stalking off.

"Let me help you!" I called out, but then was ignored.

Thanks, Luna.

I sat there in my seat, staring out the window that faced the platform. More families were starting to pile in as the time rolled on. Each one carrying out a loving scene of departure.

Admittedly, I was jealous of all the families. These kids…They have parents, if not, any sort of family at all. Me? All I had was Harry. Although It wasn't so much of a problem that he was all I had, I felt content with at least having him near me. I just simply missed our parents.

I can barely even remember the memories.

Ignoring the sadness that pang in my heart I continued to look out the glass window. But froze as I saw my former 'family' a distance away. I quickly ducked to ground, my head popping up a little to take a glimpse at the purebred family.

Moth- Narcissa fussed with Draco, straightening his collar. Draco batted her hands away, and spoke, calming her down. Presumably, assuring her of his well being. As the mother and son struggled with their goodbyes, Lucius stood next to them on guard. He stood there curtly with his chest puffed out and head held high. Wand tucked in, he scanned the platform and his surroundings. Making me duck as he looked in my direction.

I quickly crawled my way out of my compartment, leaving my stuff along with it knowing that I'd return. Taking a quick look back in the compartment and through to window, I then turned in intention to dash away.

But only to end up smacking into someone.

"-Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't watch where I was…going." I trailed off as soon as I saw who I bumped into.

Readjusting his glasses, "Don't worry about about-" He stopped as he saw who I was, a look of recognition flashing upon his face. "Hi.."

"Hi.."

My brother and I stood there staring at each other, wondering if it was all surreal. Despite the amount of people that shoved by, Harry and I continued to stare at one another. Compared to what I saw back at the platform months ago, I was now allowed to get a good look at him.

He really had grown up since I last saw him.

But granted, the last time I saw him was when he was one, and I two.

Harry was about my height, his dark hair starting to grow long as well. His round glasses were perched on top of his nose. On his shoulder sat his owl, who looked at lot similar to mine.

He looked like Dad, I noticed. Even got the same eyes as me and Mum.

"Hi." He repeated, pursing his lips as he was unsure of what to say next. But then it hit me. Why was he acting so odd? After a few moments of silence, and a few people telling us to move out of the way, he spoke. "Solaine…Right?" He asked, sounding hesitant. Though I was surprised at his knowledge of my name, I nodded in response.

"Yes?" Still watching his expression, wondering what was going on through his mind.

Then he said, "We need to talk." A nervous tone in his voice.

Taken aback by his words, I nodded in confusion and lead him back in my compartment which was less than two steps away. I sat next Padgette's cage while Harry took a seat on the opposing bench. The door was shut, I noticed, closing off some noise that came from the open compartments and the hall.

A silence settled between us for a period of time. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, still wondering what through Harry's mind. I felt his stare burning against my face, making me look back at him to return it.

It was if he was studying me… As if he was trying to look back at something. As if he wanted to s-" You look like Mum." He suddenly said.

My eyes widening, as I came to the sudden and surprising understanding that Harry knew.

He knows I'm his sister.

My previous problem about breaking the news to him finally faded away. But does he know that I know? He looked at me, gauging my reaction.

But then judging by the look he's giving me, it looks like he doesn't.

"You look like Dad." I finally returned, revealing to him that I knew as well. Harry exhaled, as if he's been holding in his breath. "Cept for the eyes, of course. You've got-"

"Mum's eyes." We both finished.

I gave a small smile, feeling a warm familiar feeling within me. "I get that a lot." he said.

We both sat there, saying nothing. Not knowing what else to say. But eventually, the silence wore me out. "She yours?" I asked, gesturing to the owl.

He looked at the owl perched on his shoulder and nodded, "Yeah. Her names Hedwig. You?" pointing at the caged owl next to me.

"His names Padgette. Got him recently." He didn't say anything, but nodded instead. We fell in another long silence, so I decided to stop beating 'round the bush and said, "So you know."

Shifting in his seat, he nodded. "Yeah," he smiled, giving me some hope that he'd accept me.

"How'd you find out?" I asked.

"Dumbledore, Remus, and Sirius told me."

My eyes lit up in recognition, "Uncle Sirius? As in, Sirius Black?"

He nodded, "Did you meet him recently?"

Shaking my head, "I remember him. From when I was little, I mean. After getting all my memories back, you tend to remember and think about. My memories…Aren't very vivid, but I do have have enough."

"You're lucky." He spoke softly. "You remember him, an-and.. our parents."

I sighed, sympathizing for my brother. I stood up and seated myself next to him. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I said, "I'm sorry…Even though you may not remember them, just remember that they're here," putting a finger on his head, "And here." putting a finger where his heart would be. "But now, we have each other to remind us of them. After all we do look like them. That is, if you don't resent me…" I gazed away.

"What?" A surprised tone in his voice, "Of course I wouldn't resent you! You're my sister."

I looked at him, a bit lost for words. Feeling touched and warm about his acceptance towards me, "i-I tho-thought that you would be angry…Or even hate me."

He shook his head, a smile on his face, "I couldn't ever be mad you, or hate you. Sure, I was surprised when I found out that I had a sister. A bit betrayed and upset that I wasn't told sooner. But I suppose it's-"

"-better late than never." I finished, making the both of us smile.

"We might a well be twins at this rate." Harry said, making me laugh.

"I would've come for you sooner...If I had known back then. I knew for about a couple weeks at the most..About me being a Potter." I replied, a gentle tone in my voice. It felt weird calling myself a Potter, but heart-warming at the same time. Granted, I had in fact been a Malfoy most of my life.

He gave a half smile, "It's fine..You and I have been kept in the dark long enough."

"So how long have you known?"

"About two weeks, almost."

My jaw slackened, "And you didn't visit!?" I exclaimed incredulously, smacking him on the arm.

"Hey!" He jumped, clutching his arm. "I wanted to, really. But Dumbledore told me to keep away for a bit."

"Why?"

His face fell, "W-Well after what happened…You needed time, Solaine. I didn't want you feeling more than you needed. You needed to relax your mind...That's why Hermione and Ginny were the only ones who visited you. We didn't want you feeling anymore overwhelmed." He trailed. I inwardly smiled at the care that was given to me by Harry.

I titled my head with a kind smile on my face, admiring my brother and thought about how much I had missed a person like him. I smoothed my hand over the side of his head affectionately. "How've you been, Harry?" asking gently.

He gave me half a smile, "Most days…It's been great. Then there are others where it's..It's rubbish."

Wondering how he was feeling about the situation, I asked, "How about today then?"

"It's good." He smiled, making me smile. But then his smile faded, "How about you?" Harry asked seriously.

I knew that Harry was aware of my previous situation, "It's getting better." I croaked, trying hard not to remember the memories of my imprisonment and torture.

He took ahold of the hand that was smoothing over his head and held it, "I'm sorry this happened to you…" Harry whispered.

"It couldn't have been your fault." I whispered back.

It had only been about 20 minutes until the train started to move, leaving the platform behind.

"Fine! Shun your own sister out of the room! See if I care!" I heard familiar red-head yelled out before opening the door to our compartment. "Mind if I si- Solaine! You're here! Gl- Harry?" Gin cut off as soon as she sighted the boy, confused towards his presence. She shook her thoughts away and said, "Ron and Hermione's been tearing this place apart. They've been searching for you everywhere!" She gestured towards the door. Harry glanced at me, not really wanting to part. I gave him a reassuring smile and nodded towards the door. "Well go on."

He glanced back and forth between me and the open door, "Uhm, y-yeah sure. I'll be back." he said, hesitantly exiting the compartment.

Ginny turned to me and said, "Friends with Harry now are you?"

"More or less."

The red-headed girl shrugged and excitedly said, "It's good to see you, Sol."

I looked at her strangely and said, "You just saw me yesterday, Gin."

"Oh, details." She scoffed, waving her hand off. "it's gonna be your first night as a Hogwarts student. We're gonna see where you'll be sorted!"

I grinned, "True."

"And I'm so glad you got an empty compartment." She said, plopping onto the seat in front of me after tucking her stuff away. "My brothers didn't bother to save you and I a seat. Absolute gits, the both of them. I'm their sister for Merlin's sake!" I held back a giggle. I always found Ginny's ranting amusing.

10 minutes later, I heard an aged voice yell, "Annnything from the trolley!?" the voice getting louder as the old lady neared.

"What's that?" I turned to Gin, who was poking her finger through Padgette's cage.

"Sweets. The old woman sells them off the trolley here on the train. Mostly the usuals. Bertie boxes, chocolate frogs, licorice wands…Anything really." I nodded, waiting for the lady to come by.

"Are you getting anything?"

She shook her head, "No, I don't really have much money to buy."

"i'll pay, what do you want?" Ginny shook her head frantically.

"No, no. I couldn't."

I nodded, "I insist. I owe you so much. You've really helped me out this summer."

Looking at her earnestly, Ginny finally gave in. "Fine." She grumbled.

"Great." I beamed, "What do you want? Name it."

"..Licorice wand, and maybe a few droobles." She replied hesitantly.

Although I found her selection for one of the black licorice wands odd (they taste awful), I didn't judge. Everyone had their own sort of taste.

Not even a minute later, "Anything from the trolley, dears?" A sweet old woman asked, as she appeared by the open door.

I stood up and neared the doorway, poking my head out to look at the top of the cart before ducking down a bit to look at the rest of the candy filled cart. "Hmm…A licorice wand, droobles, pumpkin pasties, a few chocoballs, and a couple of pepper imps." I've always loved the fun effect of the pepper imps. Breathing fire with them were really fun.

"Licorice wands, eh?" A voice said. Looking to my left, it was unmistakably a Weasley. One of the twins, if I remember correctly. He was in front of the trolley, leaning against the wall of a compartment that was presumably his. "It doesn't really seem to be your type of candy."

He was cute, I'll admit.

Oh, alright. Very cute.

"And what is my type of candy?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Sweet, like your face." I resisted a blush, "Not a…unappealing type or sort."

I rolled my eyes, "Well they're not mine."

"And the pepper imps?" He asked, gesturing to the black round small candy in my hand.

"Mine." I shrugged, looking at the handful of candy that the lady handed me.

He looked surprised for a moment, "You know it makes you breathe fire. Don't want to hurt yourself now and burn that pretty face of yours" he teased.

"I think I'll take my chances." I chuckled, handing my payment to the lady. As I turned back into my compartment, I threw in a sly quick wink at the boy. Leaving the Weasley twin looking surprised, and maybe just a bit impressed.

"Here you go," I said, handing Ginny's candy as I sat down. She eagerly took it and began to start munching on her licorice wand.

I giggled at her lit up face.

I decided not to tell her about my moment with one of the twins. It would have been slightly awkward to tell your friend that you've been somewhat flirting with her brother.

A male voice then started out loudly, "Okay, fine! You can sit with us, Ginny. Mariel Windslow lef-" But then instantly stopped as he came into view at the doorway.

It was a another Weasley twin. But something told me that it wasn't the same one I had encountered moments ago. But then again I could be wrong.

"Found a better seat." Ginny remarked, a full smirk on her face, "You can leave now, Fred."

He smirked and sauntered his way in the compartment, collapsing into the seat next to me. "Nahh, I think I'll stay here, Ginny. I think you should introduce your new friend to me. I don't think we've met before. I'm Fred. Fred Weasle-" He stopped, looking like he was remembering something, "Wait, I remember you. We all met you at the platform weeks ago, or maybe a month." I nodded, "You're Malfoy's sister." I refrained from cringing. "I thought you didn't go to Hogwarts?"

"Uhm, yeah. I was. And, now I do." He gave a confused look.

Ginny shot him a glare, "What?" he asked, looking at his sister.

Shaking their exchange off, "I'm Solaine." I introduced, shaking hands with him.

"Solaine," He murmured, furrowing his eyebrows. His eyes suddenly widened in realization, "Y-You're that girl that's staying with the L-Lovegoods." He stumbled.

So he knows.

I nodded, giving him a small painful smile which he returned.

"It's alright." I mumbled, not really wanting to talk about it.

"Oi, Fred! Where are you, mate? I can't live with my other half! Where you go off leaving me with Lee." A familiar tone shouted from out in the hall. "Oh there you are!" appearing in the doorway was the other Weasley twin, presumably the one I had talked to by the trolley. "Been looking almost every-" He stopped as he noticed me, a look of surprise and recognition on his face. "Hi."

Tone..Face..Expression..

This definitely was the one I had spoken to earlier. From what Ginny told me, and if this was Fred I was sitting next to then the one at the door had to be George.

"Hi." I replied, throwing him a small wave.

His eyes flashed towards his sister, who was still munching on the licorice wand. "I see the licorice wands really weren't for you." He gestured.

I grinned, "Now why would I lie?" I said teasingly.

George laughed at my reply and said, "And the pepper imps?"

"I guess you'll have to stick around and see for yourself." I grinned.

"I suppose I will." He answered, a coy smile on his face.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ginny looking at the both of us in question. "I'm not even gonna ask." She mumbled to herself.

A look of realization came across George's face, "-Hey, aren't you-"

"Malfoy's sister?" His brother finished. George looked astonished.

"George, meet the beautiful Solaine. Sol, meet my charmer of a brother." Ginny introduced.

"Solaine?" He said, repeating my name in question. A serious look on his face. I tried not to hang my head.

So he knows too.

For a moment I wondered how many people knew. But at this rate, probably enough people to get sick of the whole I-am-Solaine explanation/pitied/sympathy/you're-a-victim-looks.

I nodded.

"It's fine…" I said softly, flashing him a smile so small that it was hardly unrecognizable. We all shared a moment of silence, as grave as my wording might've sounded. Everyone was setting their thoughts in. But trying to change the topic, I asked them how I could tell the twins apart.

"Well," Fred began from my right. George was seated on my left after I released Padgette out to make his way to Hogwarts. "to tell us apart, there's the foremost and outstanding factor between George and I."

"And what would that be?" Ginny asked, a look of incredulity on her face.

Fred smiled proudly and said, "That is a very good question. dear sister. You see, I'm the handsome one and Gred here is the funny looking one!"

"Funny looking!?" George exclaims in disbelief.

At one point during our conversation, Ginny left the room in search of Hermione. She wanted her to come and see me. "You two keep her company!" She yelled as she walked out.

As soon as she left, the boys exchanged similar looks and asked, "Would you like some candy?" They both held out an outstretched hand that had a piece of candy on both of their palms.

It looked suspicious, needless to say. It didn't look like any other sort of candy I've seen or eaten -and I've had every candy in my day. I've even seen muggle candy as well and they absolutely don't look like this.

Besides, I do seem to recall Ginny telling me that the twins brewed up some of their own wheezes. Maybe this was one of them, "What do they do?" I asked, eyeing them suspiciously.

Their face lit up, "Smart girl." they both said in unison.

"This one," George said, gesturing to the candy on his palm, "makes your tongue swell up at un-determined size."

"-And this one," spoke Fred, gesturing to his candy, "makes you grow out boils. Nasty mess when it all starts popping on its own. It's good when you want to get someone whose an utter pain."

"They're both a new batch. After testing the candy out on Harry's cousin, we made some modifications." Cousin?...I have a cousin...

"I think I'll take both." grabbing both candies and shoving them down in my pocket.

Looking surprised, the boys beamed, "Looks like we've got a fun one on our hands. Happy to make your acquaintance."

"Solaine!" I heard Hermione greet happily as she entered the compartment with Ginny, Ron and Harry in tow. "When Harry said he was busy talking to someone, he forgot to mention who it was with: You!"

"Yeah, Harry and I were just discussing something after running into each other." I said a bit nervously, not really wanting to explain the whole I'm-A-Potter thing.

"Literally." Harry piped.

"Been keeping Solaine company, have you boys?" Ginny asked her brothers, "You haven't been making her puke or have her tongue swell up?"

"You've got a smart cookie right here, Gin." They both replied, "She's real fun. We like her." I grinned.

"Hold on, what. You're Solaine?" Ron asked incredulously, "Malfoy's sister is Solaine? The one that Luna found half-dead?" Hermione and Ginny smacked the back of his head. "What- oh, sorry..."

Although it was cringing on talking about the past, I instead held back a snicker at Ron's lack of tack.

"Oh, Ronald." Hermione sighed.

AN: That was rather long. Please review, my mates! Sorry for the delay. I wasn't sure how to write the scene between Harry and Solaine. But don't worry, this won't get too boring.