Serena was hanging out in the common room with other Gryffindors when she noticed that Ginny wasn't around.
"Hey, Diana. Have you seen Ginny?"
"I think I saw her upstairs."
Serena walked to their dorm room to look for Ginny but she was already coming right out of the door. "There you are. I've been wondering where you've been staying at."
Serena noticed something odd with Ginny's expression. Ginny did not respond which made Serena suspicious. "Gin, what's wrong?"
Ginny just walked past her without a word. Serena quite offended with Ginny ignoring her, pulled her gently by her hand.
"Ginevra Weasley, are you ignoring me—", she stopped when she saw Ginny's diary fall.
Serena didn't mind the diary much and looked straight at Ginny. Her face looked blank and pale. "Ginny?!" Serena held her face and anxiously shake her.
The girl blinked hard and looked at Serena with a confused look. "Are you alright?" Serena asked again.
"What?" she asked still confused.
Serena breathed with exasperation. "Are you mental? You're walking with a blank expression and ignoring me."
Ginny looked disturbed by the information but smiled unsurely at Serena.
"Never heard of sleepwalking?" she muttered.
Serena thought about it and frowned. "You mean that's what was happening?" Serena wasn't convinced but that's the only possible conclusion. Ginny nodded and caught a glimpse at her diary which she snatched quickly at their feet.
Serena was still suspicious but invited her friend to the common room.
It was a cold Saturday morning when Serena woke up very early. She thought she heard Colin's voice outside calling out to Harry. She looked around and found Ginny writing on her diary again.
"Wow, you really are serious with that thing."
Ginny looked surprised and slammed the notebook shut then hid it under her blanket. Her reaction made Serena's eyebrows raise instantly.
"Why're you so secretive, I am not going to read it." she pouted and folded her arms.
Ginny bit her lip and looked at Serena and at her diary. "It's just that—" she looked at Serena again and shook her head. "Never mind."
Serena at once pulled her pillow and threw it at Ginny's face. She acted furious and half shouted and half whispered dramatically, "How dare you give me false hope. It should be illegal to make cliffhangers!" she pouted again and glimpsed at the other girls' bed to make sure they weren't disturbed from their sleep.
Ginny giggled and placed her diary inside her drawer which had a sealing enchantment which only the owner can open.
"I agree, but it's nothing important so just forget about it."
Serena sighed and rolled her eyes at Ginny. Her friend was secretive she thought. She couldn't blame her. Serena also have her own secrets.
"Harry and the Quidditch team have practice today." informed Ginny.
Serena stood up and ran to Ginny's bed. "What are you waiting for? Come on. Let's watch!!"
Ginny looked like she was also eager to see the team practice but looked at the window. "Rena, it's the crack of dawn. It's cold outside."
"Let's go to Hagrid's then."
Serena insisted until Ginny agreed. They dressed up in casual attire because it was only Saturday but made sure they were wearing sweaters that are thick enough to prevent the coldness from biting them.
"Are we allowed to go out this early?" Serena whispered.
"I don't know."
Serena giggled. "Either way, we're still going." she was the one on the lead and looked back and forth from Ginny to make sure she was still behind her. The corridors were still empty and only the portraits can be heard talking quietly with each other.
When they were already outside, they felt the cold breeze and Ginny laughed when Serena sneezed like a cat.
"Looks empty." whispered Serena when she peered at the window of Hagrid's hut. The hut was empty and Hagrid was nowhere inside. "Where could Hagrid go this early?" Serena looked at Ginny.
"He's the gamekeeper and keeper of keys, Rena." Ginny rolled her eyes. "He must be doing his job."
"What're you two doing out here?" Hagrid appeared from behind them and the two hurriedly ran to him. "Hi Hagrid." Serena greeted while grinning.
"Hello, but isn't it too early for little kids to go outside?"
"The Gryffindor Quidditch team have a practice. We were just passing by."
"Did you just come out from the Forbidden Forest?" Serena asked curiously.
Hagrid made a coughing noise and looked sideways. "Yes, well I've been feeding the unicorns, hippogriffs and all."
Serena and Ginny looked at each other and was sure that it wasn't just unicorns and hippogriffs he was feeding. They bombarded Hagrid with questions and followed him around, feeding the games and tending the large pumpkins for the Halloween feast. Ginny suggested he could use an engorgement charm to make it larger. Hagrid put that in mind and thanked Ginny. He jokingly muttered about kids bothering and following him around but they knew he was enjoying company even with them.
They said goodbye later and walked to the Quidditch field. It was Serena's first time there and she excitedly shook Ginny. "I can't believe this field is so huge and beautiful!!" she exclaimed even though she already have gone in Quidditch games with her mom. Ginny laughed and pointed at the team who were in the middle of the field.
"There's the team. Looks like Wood's teaching them new strategies."
Ginny only looked interested with the boy on the broom who was soaring near Fred and George. Harry really looked like an amazing flyer. The Gryffindor Quidditch robes and his Nimbus 2000 suited him perfectly.
"Look this way, Harry! This way!"
Serena looked at the stands where the small voice came from. She laughed when she saw Colin with his camera with an excited look on his face.
Serena also caught a sight of Ron and Hermione so she pointed them out to Ginny.
"Let's go there, Gin."
Ginny looked hesitant and blushed. She was actually looking at the Seeker. "Aren't you hungry?"
Serena was but she was more excited to watch the practice. "Nope."
"You go, I would like to have food in my stomach first, you know." said Ginny.
Serena pouted but did not insist. She knew Ginny was just shy for others to see her watching Harry play. Ron would be teasing her about it. They separated and Serena ran to Ron and Hermione. "Hi guys!" Serena greeted and sat down beside Hermione.
"Wasn't that Ginny with you?" Ron asked. "Yes, but she said she's hungry."
Ron snickered and looked at the flying players. "I knew it. She couldn't stand being around Harry. She fancies him too much." Ron laughed and Hermione rolled her eyes.
Serena laughed along and was amused by Ron's reaction. He looked like he was having a good time pairing his sister with Harry.
"What on Merlin's— Come on guys, nasty Slytherins approaching." Hermione told and while looking at the Slytherins in their Quidditch robes.
The three of them stood up and sprinted across the grass to see what's going on.
"Is that Malfoy?" Serena frowned at the sight of the pale faced blonde boy.
"He looks like a pale faced troll so I assume that's him." Ron answered.
The players saw them approaching and they confirmed the boy was Malfoy who smirked at the three of them.
"Oh, look. A field invasion," said one of the older Slytherins.
"What's happening?" Ron turned to Harry, "Why aren't you playing? And what's he doing here?" he asked gesturing at Malfoy.
Draco Malfoy smirked and walked to him while brandishing his new robes. "I'm the new Slytherin Seeker, Weasley."
"Everyone's just been admiring the new brooms my father bought our team."
The three new comers looked at the seven brooms each Slytherin members were holding. Ron even gaped after seeing them.
"Good aren't they?" Malfoy boasted. "But perhaps the Gryffindor team will be able to raise some gold and get new brooms, too. You could raffle off those Cleensweep Fives. I expect a museum would bid for them."
The Slytherin team all howled with laughter. Serena whispered to Hermione, "Briber." Hermione agreed and turned to the Malfoy.
"At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in." she said sharply. "They got in on pure talent."
Serena pursed her lips to prevent herself from laughing and the Gryffindors smiled at Hermione, but Malfoy's smug look on the face flickered.
"No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood," he spat which caused everyone except Harry and Hermione in an uproar. Serena looked like she could kick Malfoy again and now straight to his face.
Fred and George almost attacked Malfoy if Flint hadn't intervened. The girls shrieked "How dare you!"
Ron didn't let Flint stand on the way and pointed his wand to Malfoy under Flint's arm. "You'll pay for that one, Malfoy!"
There was a loud bang that echoed around the stadium and a green light had backfired from Ron's wand. He was sent flying backward into the grass.
"Ron! Ron! Are you alright?" Hermione worriedly asked.
Ron was about to speak but no words came out of his mouth. Instead, several slimy and disgusting slugs fell on his lap.
The Slytherins roared with laughter.
Serena glared at them and assisted Harry and Hermione in helping Ron to stand.
"We'd better get him to Hagrid's, it's nearest." said Harry and the two girls nodded.
"What happened, Harry? What happened? Is he ill? But you can cure him, can you?" Colin asked in a quick voice as he danced along side with them.
Ron gave another belch and slugs came pouring out of his mouth.
"Ooohh. Can you hold him still, Harry?" Serena quite annoyed pulled Colin to stop him.
"Get out of the way Colin!" said Harry angrily.
"I'll hold him off." Serena told Harry while still clinging to Colin's robes. Harry looked at Serena and thanked her none verbally.
"What happened? Is Ron alright? Those slugs are sure disgusting." Colin said but looked fascinated. "Ouch!"
Serena smacked Colin on the head. "You don't know when to stop do you?" she rolled her eyes.
"What's that for?" he asked while rubbing the part Serena hit. He looked really innocent and confused.
Serena gave a sigh and shook her head at her classmate. "Stop taking pictures of Harry alright. He's not enjoying it."
"But it was Ron I'm taking pictures of." he reasoned.
"I mean— i was just— uggh, seriously?" Serena exclaimed impatiently. "Forget it, come on. I haven't eaten breakfast yet."
"Serena!"
"Bloody— not now." Serena grimaced.
"Oh, Mr. Creevey. Not here for another picture, are you?" Lockhart said while smiling his usual smile.
Lockhart looked at Serena again, "May I have a private word, Serena?" Even for a professor, Serena didn't like it that the man was already calling her by her first name. "Sorry professor, I haven't had breakfast yet. We should—"
"Just a moment." Lockhart insisted. Serena sighed as Colin left them hesitantly because of Serena's expression.
"I expect your mom had already told you a lot of things about me." he said charmingly which had no effect on Serena.
"Yes." Serena answered blankly before adding, "Sir."
"Lovely! But to be straight to the point. Your mother has always been an extraordinary witch who I always admired even at school. I want to inform you that I really do have and still have feelings for you mother, Selena."
Serena gaped at the professor with horror and looked disgusted. Lockhart did not notice that and continued, "That is why I'm telling her daughter first before—"
"Sorry sir. I don't want to be rude, but you have no chance with my Mom." Serena exclaimed firmly.
Lockhart looked affronted. "Why not? She's not married and your father is not—"
"Are you just talking to me about my dad casually? Haven't you noticed you're being too insensitive?" Serena have forgotten that it was her Professor she's speaking to.
Lockhart was startled with her reaction and realized what he's done. "Forgive me if I offended—"
"Please, forget about whatever you want to tell me. Because I have a hunch on what it is. For your information, sir," she gave an emphasis on the word sir, "My mom loves my dad very much and wouldn't just let anyone other than him to be her man. And to be honest, both of us doesn't like you very much."
Lockhart was obviously not expecting that
He gave Serena a cold look and cleared his throat. "Very well. Do not think that I don't have an guess on who your father is. Ten points from Gryffindor for your rude attitude, young lady."
Serena gritted her teeth with anger but did not react. It was worth it. Even if Lockhart guessed right, Serena didn't care. She would proudly confirm who her dad is. The professor walked briskly to the castle with his colorful robes flying along.
Serena's mood remained that way that she forgotten to have her breakfast. She walked straight to the common room and was greeted by Felix and Desmond.
"Oi, Serena." Felix called. Serena tried to compose herself and looked at the two.
"Where were you? Your owl came and brought this letter." Felix showed her the letter. It was from her mom. What a timing.
"Where's my owl?" she asked. She said calmly.
"Must be up in the Owlery."
Serena thanked them and went to the Owlery where she found Wago sleeping soundly along with hundreds of owls.
"Hey there, boy." the owl woke up and was happily hooting to see his owner.
Serena sat down on the floor not minding that it could be dirty. Her owl flew beside her and nipped her fingers gently. "You must be exhausted." she said.
Serena opened the letter and read it aloud like Wago was interested.
Dear Serena,
I am very proud and pleased to know you're a Gyffindor. And yes, you have always been a brave girl. Even if you were sorted in any house, I would have been proud just the same.
I am nothing but glad that you have made great friends. Before I departed, I met Arthur Weasley again, the man that helped us with your trunk. He is a nice wizard and I assume that the Weasleys you've made friends with are his children.
I am also glad that you and Harry are now friends. I hope I could meet him too and if its possible maybe we could visit him during our vacations. I discovered Harry stayed at the Weasleys' house for the rest of August and Molly Weasley, Mr. Weasley's wife had mentioned me that Harry was being starved at his home. I don't want to believe it but I think its time for me to check on your dad's godson. I know I have no responsibility but he is also the son of my best friend. I would want to see him being treated properly.
Me and your Grandma are perfectly fine. We miss you too, so much. Your Grandma even asked me if you're doing great at school but since you haven't even started yet, we only hope you're having fun learning magic.
And about that Severus Snape, I don't want you to judge him. He is one of the students your dad and most of our friends including me, didn't like very much, but I hope he would be a good teacher.
Let Wago rest before you send him off again. Or you can send letters to the Ministry and they'll be the one to send it overseas.
I miss you so much, Rena. Please take care of yourself and don't wander at night too much. Stay out of trouble!
Say the same to Harry. I've heard about him flying Mr. Weasley's car. I almost had a heart attack but it actually reminded me of Sirius and James flying your dad's muggle motorcycle which Remus and I helped at enchanting. Lily wouldn't have approved. But I am not encouraging you to do the same, if that's what you think!
I am about to write a novel if I continue, just know that I miss you and I love you.
Love,
Mom
P.S. Remus wrote to me. He bet that you'll be in Gryffindor. I said Hufflepuff but looks like I owe him.
Serena was laughing a lot while reading the last parts of her mom's letter. She couldn't believe her mom could show different emotions through a single letter.
She smirked when she remembered what Lockhart tried to do but her mood was immediately ruined that moment because she wondered if she was being selfish by hindering Lockhart on courting her mom.
She never pictured her mom marrying again. She was always hoping for a day her dad's name would be cleared and they could be together. Was she being selfish? But then she could still feel her mom's love for her dad.
Serena mood shifted again and was now feeling way worse. She felt hurt at the reminder that her dad haven't even met her. She hugged her knees and released the tears that was trying to break free from her eyes.
She stayed there for a long while. Her stomach was now making noises but she didn't payed attention to it. She still hadn't stopped crying when she heard footsteps.
"Serena?" the owner of the voice ran to her, "Are you alright? Is there anything wrong?"
Serena looked up with red and wet eyes to see a horror-struck Harry.
"You look awful! What happened?" he was kneeling down to Serena's level.
Serena composed herself and sat down properly with her legs crossed.
"What are you doing here?" she asked casually.
Harry was disappointed with her answer but just breathed a sigh. He copied Serena and sat down in front of her. Serena noticed Harry was holding a sandwich.
"I've come to see Hedwig, but I guess he's flying around." Harry answered but was still looking worried at Serena.
Serena nodded and the two stayed quiet.
Wago who was sleeping beside Serena woke up, hooted as a goodbye and flew off.
"Is that you're owl?" Harry asked to break the silence and Serena nodded. "That's Wago. My mom bought him for my birthday last June."
The silence wasn't awkward but it did bother Harry. He was worried and didn't know how to help. Girls aren't the same as boys.
"Serena, tell me. Are you alright?" he asked again. He looked hopefully at Serena and Serena shook her head.
"Not really."
"Is there something I can do?" Harry asked.
"You can give me that sandwich if it's okay."
Harry looked surprised and laughed. He must have remembered that Serena was also in the Quidditch field early in the morning.
"Here you go, I was actually giving that to Hedwig but she isn't here."
Serena grinned and accepted the sandwich. She must have looked funny right at the moment but she really was hungry. She took a bite while Harry looked at the letter she was holding.
"Were you sending a letter?"
"No, I was reading one." she said after swallowing her food.
"Does the letter have anything to do with it?" Harry asked.
"Not entirely." she said while lowering the sandwich. She lifted the letter and looked at it again.
"My mom told me to stay out of trouble. And she also told me to say the same to you."
Harry looked surprised and confused. "Why would she say that?"
"I told you she's your mom's close friend. And she want to know if your doing alright after that car incident."
Harry was touched by Serena's mom. He wasn't expecting that.
"Then why were you crying?" he insisted.
"It's something to do with— my dad."
Harry did not speak and waited for Serena to continue. He didn't know what to ask without offending Serena. Serena haven't mentioned anything about her dad the last time they had a serious conversation.
"I never met him." Serena blurted out while closing her eyes. "I never met him but I had grown up with the fact that my mom loves him and that my dad was just— is just in this situation that he can't go to us. He does not know he has a daughter."
Harry was speechless and didn't know what to say. He too, never met his parents.
"I just can't understand how I can miss someone I never met." Serena was crying again but was a lot calmer than before.
Harry was dumbfounded. He had always felt the same towards his parents.
Harry stretched his hand and patted Serena on the head gently. "I know how you feel. Just like you, I never knew how I am missing my parents without even knowing them. But one thing I'm sure of is that I have my friends around me that I can call my family. They are the people I lean on when feeling sad at times like this."
Serena finally smiled and wiped her tears. "I guess you're right." she sniffed and smiled.
"I just needed a moment to release this heavy feeling. Thank you, Harry."
Harry returned the smile and stood up. "Come on, you should eat breakfast. A sandwich won't do. Ginny must be worried."
Serena followed and their later conversation while walking to the Great Hall was mainly about Quidditch. When she went to Ginny, she was bombarded with questions and she really was worried like Harry said.
"You're really unfair." Ginny pouted.
"What did I do?" Serena asked.
"You had another heart to heart talk with Harry didn't you. You came in together."
Serena laughed at her. "So you're openly telling me that you're jealous?"
Ginny's face went red, "That's not what I meant."
"Oh really?"
"I mean I feel like Harry knows more about you than how much I do!"
Serena was surprised and she felt like crying again. She didn't though, because it was really exhausting. She was deeply moved that Ginny wants to know more about her.
She decided that if she'll be telling anyone who her dad is, the first to know would be Ginny and Harry.