"It's a beautiful day, don't let it get away." ~ Beautiful Day by U2

Chapter 11: End Of The Year

Exams came and went. They weren't as hard as I expected them to be. I was working myself up over nothing, which seems to be becoming a habit of mine. It was the last week of our first year at Hogwarts, and I couldn't have felt more changed.

So much had happened this year, and I wouldn't change any of it for the world.

I corresponded with Andromeda and Ted, and I had a plan of what was going to happen on the holidays.

I would go to Malfoy Manor, and collect the few items that I had left there. Then, I would take the Floo Network back to Andromeda and Ted's place; my home. The word sounded strange, foreign. A home isn't just where you reside in; it's where you feel most comfortable. And even from the little time I had spent at their place, it felt more homely than anywhere did, even Hogwarts.

Now, I was going to be spending the entire holidays at my new home, but Charlie had other ideas. He invited Dora and I over to stay at his place over the summer. I thought it was a great idea, but I really did want to settle into my new home. So for the first four weeks of the holidays, I would be staying at my home, and the rest would be spent at Charlie's. He has six siblings, and I really want to meet them. Of course, I already know Bill, who is just about to end his fourth year. Everyone knows Bill. He's the most popular in his year, and one of the most popular in the school.

"I'm so nervous about the exam results," Kenzie said as we sat by the lake.

"Don't be. Our Brilliant Homework Plan hasn't failed yet, has it?"

Kenzie giggled. "True. When do we get the results?"

"During the holidays," Charlie responded.

"Can we please stop talking about exams?" Dora asked, looking uneasy.

"Oh, sorry, Miss Future Auror," I teased. She rolled her eyes.

"What are you doing on the holidays, Kenzie?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Not sure yet," she replied. "I might be visiting my grandparents. They live up in Ireland. Apart from that, nothing really."

Charlie had invited her over too, but her parents said no. I understood why. Me and Dora's parents knew the Weasleys from way back when. It's understandable that they were letting us go over.

It's hard to believe that once I move in with them, they will be my legal guardians. That means they will have control over me, they will be completely responsible for me... it sounded strange, until I remembered that Andromeda and Ted were my parents.

There are a few things I don't want to bring up yet. When will I refer to them as Mum and Dad? And will I keep my last name? I'll have time to think about those things.

I've had to make so many choices this year, and not all of them I'm happy with. It's good to now feel... at ease. As though all the crazy drama has slowly started to come to a halt, and I can get on with things.

"I'll miss you guys," Charlie said abruptly, breaking my train of reflective thoughts.

I looked up at him, seeing that he looked sort of embarrassed. I wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

"We'll miss you too, Charlie," I said, his blush starting to subside.

"But remember, Maggie and I will see you soon!" Dora chipped in.

He nodded and grinned. "Can't wait! But you all have to write in the meantime, okay?"

"Okay!" Kenzie, Dora and I chorused.

"And don't forget that it's Kenzie's birthday on the holidays," I reminded him.

"Really?" Charlie asked, and I nudged him in the ribs. "Oh right, your birthday – yeah, I totally didn't just forget."

Kenzie rolled her eyes and giggled. "Boys."

"Hey!" Charlie exclaimed. "Girls are just as bad!"

"Excuse me?!" Dora said, adopting the standoffish expression that I have seen on Andromeda's face. "Who's the one who forgot one of his best friend's birthdays?"

Charlie looked as though he didn't have a response to it, causing all three of us girls to exchange triumphant looks.

We win.

The last day was sort of sad yet happy. I was glad that the year was over, and that we had two months off, but I would miss Hogwarts, which had very much become my second home. Second to Andromeda and Ted's place, of course, not dreary old Malfoy Manor.

I felt my heart sink slightly, knowing that I was going to be collecting my bags and saying one final goodbye to my Aunt. I discovered that Uncle Lucius and Draco were staying with Draco's paternal grandparents, so I wouldn't even be able to say goodbye to my cousin. However, I have written him a letter, intended for my Aunt to read to him when he gets back. I suppose this will work out for my Aunt: she must know that I will be coming back soon to see him.

But later today, I will be home at last.

In some ways, I didn't want the train ride to end. I would not be seeing Charlie and Kenzie for a while. That sucked, but the thought of settling into a new home made me feel a lot better about it.

As with all things, the train ride stopped and we had to hop off.

"Well, seeya," Charlie said, wrapping one arm around Dora and one arm around me. "See you two in a few weeks!"

Kenzie grumbled. "Not only do you forget my birthday, you forget my existence."

Charlie grinned and took his arms off Dora and I.

"Don't be silly," he laughed, giving Kenzie a brief hug. "I'll see you back for second year."

We all grinned at each other, as sunlight poured down on the crowded train station. It was a beautiful day. A beautiful day to end the term, a beautiful day to be with friends, and a beautiful day to start afresh.