A/N: Here is the full chapter. Not the longest I have written but i hope you can understand why i split it into two parts. Honestly a 26k word chapter is just too long. I would like to mention that while you read this chapter to remember that Ginny still has a Hero crush on Harry. Please enjoy!

"That was the funniest thing I have ever seen." Merlyn said as he caught his breath. "I can't wait to see what the other one will do." He said holding up a white egg in his hand. "Unfortunately we have to wait for the feast. Sirius said we could only use that one and that this one had to be broken at the feast.

"I know. I can't wait!" Harry replied. "Well since the compartment is already the colors of the rainbow. Up for a few rounds." Merlyn gave a smile in response as he pulled out his wand.

Right smack dab in the middle of one particularly heated duel the door to the compartment opened and a with bushy brown hair walked in. Well her hair was bushy and brown now it was bushy and every color you could imagine. When the two boys saw what had happened there was a collective "Oops." Unfortunately for them before they could apologize the young girl caught a look at herself in the windows reflection and ran out of the compartment crying. Well this didn't look good. Dad's rule number one is never to make a girl cry and if you found one crying it was your job to stop it. The two still had no idea why there were a set of rules and why everyone seemed to have a different set. It was difficult to remember them all but this one was beaten into them time and again by their dad.

"We need to find her." Merlyn said as he and Harry ran out of the compartment. There was no one in the hallway, obviously she had either reached hers or an empty one. "You go to the back of the train and I'll take the front."

"Right." Harry said as he started toward the back of the train. He looked in every compartment he could find and there was no sign of her. He was about to give up and find Merlyn when he heard someone crying in the loo. He knocked on the door hoping that he finally found the girl. "Hello."

"Sorry I'll be right out." Came the voice from inside. When the girl opened the door and saw who was standing in front of it she shrieked and slammed the door shut. "Go away! Or did you come here to play another stupid joke on me!?" The door flew open and she glared daggers at Harry. "It's not like I'm not used to it! Just hurry up and get it over with and leave me alone." She stood there resolute and waiting for the barrage of hate that followed her around at every school she had attended so far. She truly had hoped that Hogwarts would be different. The tears continued down her face.

"Look I'm not here to play a joke on you." Harry said uncertainly. This girl reminded him of himself before that fateful day he met his brother. At the unbelieving look in the girls eyes he continued. "Look my brother and I have been looking for you to apologize. And I promise you we weren't having a go at you. I swear. We love a good prank but you kind of walked in on us having a little duel and well you got hit in the crossfire. I swear we were just as surprised as you. My dad's number one rule is never make a lady cry and I am so sorry. Please forgive us." Harry pleaded. He really didn't want to hurt the girl in any way. During his explanation the girl became less and less upset.

"You really weren't pranking me?" The girl asked a little hopeful.

"I promise. I would like to make this up to you. Would you like to come to our compartment I promise no more duels." Harry said as he held up his hand in a promissory gesture.

"Really? You want me to sit with you?" Harry nodded vigorously. "Well okay." She said wiping away her tears.

"Um before we go would you like me fix your uh...colour?" the girl quickly looked down and blushed not that one could tell from her half pink half purple well everything. With a nod and a sniffle she nodded. Harry quickly performed the counter charm and the girl was back to her normal colouring clothing and all. "Again I'm sorry about that. I'm Harry by the way, Harry Potter." The girl gasped at hearing his name.

"Are you really?"

"Um yes." He said questioningly. "Why?"

"It's just that I've read about you in so many books. "The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts" and...oh I'm sorry." She apologized realizing that she had never introduced herself. She quickly wiped her tear soaked hands on her skirt and introduced herself. "I'm Hermione, Hermione Granger." offering Harry her hand which he gladly shook.

"So why don't we find my brother and get back to our compartment. The snack trolley should be coming by soon." The two were now heading toward the front of the train to find Merlyn. On the way they were passing Fred and Georges compartment and noted that the door was locked. "Alright now take note this is what a prank looks like." Harry told Hermione as he took out his wand and muttered, "Alohamora." and with a click the lock opened. When Harry opened the door the two were looking at a pair of very colorful clowns. Hermione though didn't like pranks due to how many were forced on her couldn't help but let out an outrageous laugh at the happy and sad clowns standing before her. "See you two should take note not to prank a Marauder." Harry said with a smirk before closing the door and leaving the two flabbergasted clowns to their misery. "They tried to prank us not five minutes after we left the station." He told a now crying Hermione. Thankfully these tears were filled with mirth and not sadness. All of a sudden there attention was grabbed by the sound of rumbling thunder coming from the front of the train only to see a stampede coming their way. And who do you guess was leading the way. Yes the unshakable Merlyn appeared to be running for his life.

"RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Merlyn shouted at his brother and the new girl. Harry snatched Hermione's hand and ran to their compartment. . Harry had seen that kind of stamped before. One day they were clothes shopping in muggle London when they ran across a group of school girls. Merlyn who had taken an unhealthy liking to Sirius due to his playful and pranking nature had unfortunately picked up Sirius's flirtatious habits. After only a few minutes with the girls he had been running all over the store trying to fend them off. Even more unfortunate for him it always seemed to come out at the worst times, namely when there were a large group of women around. After seeing what trouble it had caused his brother he had vowed to keep a tight reign on his tongue lest he befall the same fate. Harry and Hermione got there first and the instant Merlyn crossed the threshold they slammed the door shut and locked it. Harry even pulled out his wand and added a rudimentary locking charm to the door. He would have done a stronger one but he wasn't that far yet. Truthfully Sirius said they could probably test into the third year but Mom and Dad put their foot down on that saying that they wanted us to grow up with kids our own age.

"What did you say this time?" Harry asked a little out of breath. He hadn't had to run from one of Merlyn's mobs in a while.

"They asked me what I was doing and I explained that I was looking for a crying girl so that I could make her feel better."

"And..." Harry drawled out knowing there was more.

"Well I might have mentioned how I wished I knew a spell to reveal angels so that I could see which ones of the girls were truly angels and not simply the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. And what do they do they start declaring that they are of course angels and then tell me to come in and examine them to find out the real angels." Harry lowered his head into his hands. "Well of course I was looking for the girl we charmed into a pink and blue spectacle to apologize so I told them that I was busy and that maybe later I could, but you know I don't like crowds and well I wanted to get out of there so I just told them that they were all the most beautiful angels that could ever exist and well they took it rather personally. Then they all wanted to know which of them was the prettiest angel and you're not going to believe this but one of them tried to kiss me to prove that she is the purest and well I bolted." Harry said finishing his tale. Hermione was in shock, no wonder those girls were after him. If he had said those things to her then she probably would be too.

"You are full of trouble." Harry scolded his brother. "You know you shouldn't let your mouth run like that."

"But we are supposed to make girls smile and they always do when Uncle Sirius says those things. I mean I was about to get trampled but they were smiling." At this Hermione started to clutch her sides laughing again. She could not for the life of her decide whether Harry's brother was brilliant or an idiot. "So who are you?" Merlyn asked.

"What? Am I not an angel sent from the heavens then?" Hermione spat at him. A whole train full of girls rushing him down and he couldn't give a single kind word to her. She knew she wasn't pretty nor did she really try to be but this hurt almost as much as when they coloured her pink and blue.

"Um, Hermione he doesn't like crowds and especially crowds of women and so when they look at him just starts spouting things." Harry tried to explain to the insulted girl beside him. "Look he really isn't a people person. It normally isn't a problem but when he is talking to a group of girls he kind of gets carried away. Besides those complements didn't mean anything did they?"

"No. I really didn't think any of them were pretty at all."

"Oh by the way this is Hermione Granger." Harry introducing Hermione to Merlyn. "She is the one we coloured."

A look of understanding came over Merlyn. "I Harry's brother Merlyn, Merlyn Ashwood. And I am really sorry about what happened." He said sticking out a hand for Hermione.

Hermione took his hand and shook it. "It's okay. Harry explained everything to me. I thought you two were brothers?" Hermione started right in with the questions. She had never heard that the boy-who-lived had a brother.

"We are adopted. I didn't have a last name when they found me so I took theirs. Harry chose to keep the Potter name out of respect of his parents." Merlyn explained. Funnily it was only when her questions were answered that she noticed the state of the compartment.

"What on earth happened in here?" The room was still covering in every colour imaginable thanks to a certain set of twins.

"Oh you remember those clowns that we past?" Harry continued when he received a nod. "Well this was their prank but they got us too. Luckily we know the counter charm but we left the compartment because well it is rather colourful." Hermione giggled at Harry's explanation. "So Hermione any ideas about what house you want to be in?"

"Well I have read all about them and I think I would like to be in Gryffindor. But I don't suppose Ravenclaw will be too bad. I'll probably end up there."

"Why do you think you won't make it into Gryffindor?" Merlyn asked her. God this girl reminds him of his brother when they first met.

"Well I'm not exactly brave. But I am smart."

"What are you talking about? Of course your brave!" Harry insisted. "Remember when you were crying in the loo? You opened the door and faced me even though you thought I was going to do something nasty to you. Now that is brave." Hermione's cheeks coloured at that statement. 'Maybe I could be in Gryffindor after all.' she thought to herself.

The rest of the train ride was mostly uneventful. Hermione found Merlyn to be distant but he was nice and respectful. He never did comment on her looks which stung a little bit. If he could go into a group of women that he didn't even think were pretty and call them angels couldn't he at least of said she looked nice. Harry on the other hand had to be the nicest boy she had ever met. It didn't really hurt that he was cute and actually was sitting next to her, something that no boy or girl had ever done willingly. The thought made her blush a few times during the trip. Maybe Hogwarts would be different after all. Once they had arrived at Hogsmead station a prefect told them to leave their luggage on the train and it would be taken care of. The trio, now dressed in their Hogwarts robes, got off the train and headed to the largest person that they had ever seen. Harry and Merlyn's dad was tall but this guy was gigantic.

"Firs' years. Firs' years. Over 'ere. Follow me." The giant man bellowed over the crowd. When he seemed sure that all of the first years were surrounding him he lead them over to a bunch of small boats. "Alrigh' four to a boa'" Merlyn, Harry, and Hermione immediately got into the same boat and were joined by a blonde haired boy. There wasn't any talking on the voyage across the lake as everyone was too focused on the castle right in front of them. When they arrived at the shore the giant led them up to the castle. The warm entrance hall was a welcome felling for the first years who were freezing after being on the lake for so long. It wasn't long before all the first years were standing up in front of the entire school waiting to be sorted. When they had been told to file into the great hall Harry and Merlyn were a little shocked to find their Aunt Minerva waiting for the entire group of first years.

"Now when I call your name you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted. Abbot Hannah." A blonde girl with her hair in pigtails stumbled over to the stool. The hat went right over her eyes and after a brief pause...

The hats brim split making a mouth and the hat shouted, "Hufflepuff." Hannah took off the hat and ran over to the Hufflepuff table where everyone was cheering and clapping.

"Ashwood, Merlyn." Professor McGonagall called out trying to keep her demeanor as stoic as always but if someone looked carefully one could see the edges of her mouth twitch upward.

Merlyn strode confidently to the stool. He sat down as his Aunt Minerva put the hat on his head. Just as the hat covered his eyes he heard a voice in his head. "Well, well, well, I never expected to have you under my brim again. How have you been Merlyn?"

"Um hello?" Merlyn said out loud.

"No, no, just think it and I will hear you. I am a thinking cap after all." The hat laughed as he spoke in Merlyn's head. "So where to put you? If I remember correctly you did very well in Slytherin last time but I am afraid that the house has changed much since then."

"Um, what are you talking about?" Merlyn asked tentatively.

"Oh never you mind. Get it?" The hat punned. Merlyn shook his head, he hated puns. "Now hmm let me pick your brain and we shall see where you shall go. Hmm, no certainly not Slytherin. Even if the house hadn't changed you certainly have. Hmm"

"Um I would like to go to Gryffindor. If I could I mean." Merlyn told the hat as the hat was examining him.

"Hmm are you sure you seem more like a Hufflepuff. Oh well if you're sure then so be it...Gryffindor!" The hat shouted the last word out loud. Merlyn happily took the hat off his head and set it down before turning and giving his Aunt Minerva a big hug. To everyone's shock and surprise Minerva McGonagall, the strictest professor in all of Hogwarts, returned the hug.

"Way to go Lynn. I am so proud to have you in my house. Now why don't you go and join your housemates at the Gryffindor table." Minerva said with a smile she couldn't hide. The only people who were clapping now were Harry, Hermione, and McGonagall. The rest of the Great Hall was stunned into silence. Minerva quickly began calling out the names on her list. Then it was Hermione's turn.

Hermione nervously approached the stool and the waiting hat. She turned to face the rest of the school and right before the hat covered eyes she saw Harry give her a thumbs up. She immediately felt the knots in her stomach loosen. Was this what it felt like to have a friend? Hermione almost jumped out of her seat when she heard the hat speaking in her head. "Well an almost unmatched thirst for knowledge and oh what is this? Hmm well look at that a vein of bravery well let me think. Yes, I believe you will be best suited for...Gryffindor!" Hermione quickly took off the hat and ran over to join Merlyn at the Gryffindor table not even noticing the applause she was receiving. Merlyn gave her a thumbs up before flashing her his dazzling smile. She knew right then that his flirtatious words to the girls on the train had almost nothing to do with the stampede.

McGonagall once again continued calling out names and more and more people were being sorted and then she called out "Potter, Harry." the entire hall was now buzzing with whispers. "Did she say Harry Potter?" "The Harry Potter?" the whispers didn't end until the sorting hat was placed on his head.

"Well Mr. Potter lets see. Plenty of courage yes, not a bad mind either, and a thirst to prove yourself. Hmm very difficult." Hearing this Harry started chanting 'Gryffindor, Gryffindor, Gryffindor' in his head hoping that he would be in his Aunt's house with his brother and new friend. "Well that makes it easy go and join your brother in... Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and applause. Harry practically ripped the hat off his head and gave his Aunt a quick hug before he ran to join Merlyn and Hermione at the Gryffindor table.

"Well is it ready?" Harry asked his brother ignoring the applause around him.

"Yea, I did it while everyone was watching you. I guess you're more famous than we thought." Merlyn let out with a chuckle.

"Wait what did you do?" A curious Hermione asked. The two brothers each put on an innocent look as they just said that they had no idea what she was talking about.

Under Hermione's eye Harry crumbled. "Well you remember the two clowns. That was only part one." Harry admitted with a roguish grin that he picked up from Sirius. Hermione's cheeks seemed to burn. Apparently Merlyn wasn't the only one with a dangerous smile although Harry seemed to keep his to himself. She was a little worried about what was about to happen she certainly didn't want to turn into a clown. "Don't worry we don't even know what is going to happen." Harry said trying to reassure Hermione seeing the uneasy look on his friends face. The sorting soon finished and Dumbledore stood up earning a bit of a glare from Harry and Merlyn. They still remembered when he came to the house and tried to take Harry back to those horrible Dursleys.

"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet I would like to say a few words. Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you." Dumbledore spoke loudly. This was it. Harry nodded to Merlyn. With a quick flick of his wand the second egg activated.

All of a sudden there were fireworks going off all over the Great Hall and right above the door in sparkling letters were the words "Misers Mooney, Padfoot, and Prongs wish to announce the return of the Marauders!" At this most of the hall cheered for the fireworks not understanding the message. A pair of twins were sitting gobsmacked at what they were seeing before almost getting whiplash as the spun their heads to look at the two first years that they pranked on the train. The teachers however were not so happy at this revelation. Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore seemed to chuckle while the blood drained from most of their coworkers faces. Snape's eyes immediately went to Harry Potter and a scowl formed on his face.

Hermione turned to Merlyn and asked "How did you do that?"

"I didn't. It was our welcoming present from our godfather." Merlyn said with a grin. "I simply placed the egg on the door and activated it. That's all. It was amazing wasn't it?" Hermione was now watching the fireworks in wonder. Dinner finished without any more interruptions and the trio were soon being led to their common room by their prefect Percy Weasley. Who told them that they should get a good night sleep before their classes tomorrow. It was a silent walk up to their dorm rooms and stayed that way as they changed into their night attire along with their dorm mates, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, and Seamus Finnigan. "Hey Harry do you have the film?" Harry nodded and tossed his brother a roll of film that contained the pictures they took on the train. Merlyn went over to the window and opened it before letting out a shrill whistle. It didn't take long for him to make out the form of his owl Kasper coming in for a landing. "Hey Kasper give me a minute I need you to get this to Sirius tonight and wait for the return packages okay? If he is asleep wake him up." The owl hooted his ascent. "That is why you are the best." Merlyn said as he scribbled a note to Sirius telling him to develop these pictures and send them back ASAP as he would need them tomorrow.

The next morning we find Harry and Merlyn sitting in the common room waiting for their new friend. Harry was a little surprised at his brothers attitude he usually doesn't form any kind of friendships and now he has made two new ones in a day. He really wanted to figure this out. "So Lynn, whats up? You didn't go all Sirius on Hermione yesterday."

"You know I only do that when I get uncomfortable. Truthfully I would have rather ignored those girls but they were starring at me and you remember dad told me that I should always try to make girls smile. But the girls never chase Sirius, I wonder what I'm doing wrong." Unfortunately the only times he had witnessed Sirius interacting with a woman was with Auntie Em. Harry wondered if his brother would ever understand that you were only supposed to say those things to your girlfriend not to every girl out there. Not that Harry would ever clue him in it was far to hilarious watching his brother run for his life. Harry had always tried to fit in and had noticed how people acted around one another where Merlyn on the other hand did not really care and so never really picked up on certain social customs. On top of that Merlyn really only liked being the center of attention when it was with people he knew which basically meant family only. Although being in a school again that may change.

"I don't know you seem to be doing it exactly like Uncle Sirius." Harry told his brother faking ignorance. "But you didn't tell me why you didn't get nervous around Hermione."

"I don't know." Merlyn replied shrugging his shoulders.

"Hey Hermione." Harry greeted. "We've been waiting for you."

Hermione was stunned. They waited... for her? "Oh really, you didn't have to." Hermione said a little taken aback.

"Why wouldn't we?" Harry asked a little perplexed.

"Well um, thanks" Hermione replied not at all used to this. Maybe they really would be her friends. But how long would it last. When ever she would change schools before the other kids never really liked her because of her habit of being a 'teacher's pet' or 'know it all'. Well this was her chance and she sure as hell wasn't going to screw it up. With a bright smile she bound down the steps. "Well lets get going before Ron eats everything." It had quickly become a running joke between the three that Ronald Weasley would eat anything put in front of him after they saw him demolish multiple plates of food last night. The sight was rather disturbing when you factor in his horrible table manners. He even ended up spitting food everywhere while he tried to talk to the ghost sitting near them. As they made their way into the Great Hall they found seats at one end of the table unfortunately not far enough from the young Weasley. They hadn't noticed last night with all the noise but he was a very loud eater. Eventually Hermione just couldn't take it anymore. "Will you please eat slower! It's disgusting!" She almost shouted causing both Harry and Merlyn to chuckle.

Ron, his ears going red from embarrassment, looked up from his food to see who was speaking. "Whft?" He asked his mouth still full of eggs and bacon.

Hermione looked like she might throw up. "Honestly were you raised in a barn?" Ron's response was impaired by his mouthful of food. Hermione gave a disgusted shudder and turned back to Harry and Merlyn. "How can you two not be affected by this?" She asked gesturing to the human garbage disposal.

"We simply don't think it's worth our time. If he hasn't learned manners by now he never will." Merlyn replied. Harry new that his brother was extremely picky when it came to other people. If he didn't like them he simply didn't deal with them. Harry didn't exactly have anything against the red head but he would admit he wasn't too fond of a boy who didn't seem to know basic table manners. They continued eating and discussing their classes for the day. The three were actually really looking forward to their first potions class. On the train they had told Hermione all about their homeschooling for the past few years. To say that she was a little jealous was like saying the sky was a little blue. When Merlyn saw that she was rather worried whether she would be able to keep up and put a comforting hand on her shoulder and told her she would be fine. And if by some chance she was behind he and Harry would help her. At that she started to tear up. Real friends! Well she wasn't going to let them down she would do her best. The owls soon arrived and Merlyn was looking intently for Kasper hoping that he would be able to make it in time for the morning post. Finally he found his owl clutching a small package. The moment Kasper landed in front of Merlyn he quickly untied the package and when hooted at indignantly gave Kasper a pet and some of the bacon off his plate. "Finally I was a little worried that I didn't send the film to Sirius soon enough." He quickly opened the accompanying letter.

Pup,

I don't know why you need these so badly but you woke both me and your aunt up. You better have a good reason for this.

Dogfather

P.S.: Saw the pictures. I am definitely keeping the one of you. I don't know what you plan to do with these but I hope it is worth it. Say hi to your brother for me.

"Shit. He is keeping copies of both pictures." Merlyn sighed.

"So what are these pictures?" Hermione asked as she watched Merlyn unwrap the package. Inside were two pictures. One was of the two clowns she saw on the train. The other was of a rainbow coloured Merlyn. She began to giggle when she saw that. Merlyn smiled at her glad she could see the humor. 'She isn't so bad.' he thought to himself. When Harry saw him smile he knew that Hermione had somehow wormed her way into Merlyn's good book.

"Alright I hate to send you back out but I made a promise so could you please deliver this today. Can you do it please." The eagle owl hooted his ascent and puffed out his chest as if saying "Please you think that flight to south England would tire me out." Merlyn smiled and tied his letter to Kasper's leg.

"I swear you couldn't have gotten a more perfect owl if you tried." Harry laughed that owl was almost Merlyn's double in owl form. Said owl puffed out his chest even more as he took what Harry said as a complement and to be honest it kind of was. Harry thought the world of his brother after all.

As they entered the dungeon the trio felt a cold shiver crawl up their spines. This was a really creepy place. As Harry and Merlyn normally would brew potions in the back yard this was a rather unwelcome sight. To add to their discomfort Sirius had warned them about Snivellus. They tried to warn Hermione on their way down but for some reason she just couldn't believe that a professor would be that bad. Well they would just have to see. They found seats right next to each other. They noticed that Ron had opted to sit on the opposite side of the dungeon. Something that all three were grateful for. While their fellow first years were filtering in one of their dorm mates came up to them and asked if he could sit with them. The boy was a little pudgy and Harry thought he remembered his name being Neville Longbottom. Harry told him he was welcome to join them as Neville took the seat on the other side of Hermione. He seemed like a nice bloke a little shy but nice.

"Silence." Came a cold voice from the front of the class. So it was time to see just how bad Snivellus was. "There will be no foolish wand waving in this class. If you lot are as incompetent a group as I am usually forced to teach I will be sorely disappointed. If you are able to understand the subtle art of potion brewing I can teach you to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death." He finished glancing around the room. His eyes landed right on Harry. 'Oh this can't be good.' Harry thought. "Mr. Potter, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Harry knew this one as his dad had recently brewed it before they came to Hogwarts. "That would be the Draught of Living Death."

"Very well, where would I look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?" Snape asked with a cruel grin.

"Um.." Harry was trying to think about all his lessons with his dad but nothing was coming up. They didn't exactly do a lot of reading they focused on the practical portion. "I don't know."

Snape gave a a triumphant chuckle. "Clearly fame isn't everything." Hermione was stunned the those things were only referenced in the book once. How could he expect anyone to know what they were? True Harry knew about the Draught of Living Death but really. She had met her fair share of mean teachers but they couldn't hold a candle to this man. The rest of the potions class passed without much incident. Snape simply lectured for the rest of the hour.

"So do you believe us now?" Harry asked as he and Hermione were waiting in the Great Hall for Merlyn to get back from the bathroom so they could start eating their lunch.

"Well he was rather tough but maybe he was just having a bad day." Hermione suggested. Harry did notice that she seemed a little down. And decided to find out what was going on with his friend.

"Hermione is something wrong?"

"What do you mean?" Hermione responded coming out of her thoughts. She didn't think she should have answered so many questions but she just couldn't seem to help herself.

"Well you seem a little down. What's wrong?" Harry pressed.

"Nothing."

"I can tell somethings bothering you Hermione now out with it." Harry implored.

"I was just wondering how long you and Merlyn will be my friends for." Hermione whispered shedding a tear. "My friends don't last long once they find out I am an 'i-insufferable know-it-all' and a 'bossy nagging b-bitch'." The tears were now flowing freely. She really liked Harry and Merlyn they were nice to her and even offered to help her if she needed it. But she knew they would leave her just like the rest did. And she didn't want to loose them.

"What are you talking about? Do you actually think we would stop being your friend for such a stupid reason?" Hermione looked up at Harry's sharp tone. "Hermione we like you. You're nice and fun to be around. Why would we ever want to stop being your friend? Listen Hermione I'm going to tell you something I don't normally tell people. You know I said that Merlyn isn't really a people person." With a nod from Hermione he continued. "Well how many friends do you think Merlyn has ever had." Hermione shrugged she assumed that it was a rather large number considering what happened on the train and that most of them were probably girls. "One." This made Hermione's eye's pop. "Only one. Me it isn't that he couldn't make more friends but he doesn't want to. Merlyn is very picky when he makes friends and he doesn't dump them. Now he not only has you. I could tell this morning while you were laughing at his picture that he likes you. And so do I for that matter. We aren't going to abandon you because you have some quirks. Hell Merlyn is weirder then you." Hermione was now crying harder than before. She wasn't going to be alone anymore. She had friends. Just then Merlyn took a seat next to the crying Hermione.

"What did you do?" Merlyn asked accusingly at his brother as there was no one else around before anyone could say anything he turned to Hermione. "Hey don't worry about it my brother is an idiot. Look I know this amazing spell I can teach you and then you can curse him to your hearts content. Okay? Just please cheer up Hermione. Harry apologize right now!" Merlyn demanded as he put a comforting arm around Hermione as she threw her arms around Merlyn's neck and started whispering thank you under her breath. Harry just looked as though he was clubbed over the head with a beaters bat. What the hell had just happened.

"Look Lynn nothing happened. Hermione thought we were going to ditch her for some stupid reason. She is crying because I set her straight. She is happy you dimwit." Harry said joining in on the laughter now coming from Hermione. Hermione untangled herself from Merlyn and wiped away her tears before giving both Harry and Merlyn a kiss on the cheek causing all three of them to blush. The three of them then ate in peaceful conversation. By the time they left the Great Hall for Transfiguration they were all laughing as Harry told Hermione one of Sirius's old school stories. Hermione never wanted to wake up from this dream. When they arrived in the transfiguration classroom they were met by a very stern looking Professor McGonagall who told them to take their seats. Harry and Merlyn were warned to always address her as Professor McGonagall unless they were alone before they went to Kings Cross station. The class started a lot like potions. Professor McGonagall began with a harsh lecture stating that transfiguration was one of the most dangerous magical arts and that anyone caught fooling around in her class would immediately receive detention. No one dared argue. There first class consisted of turning a matchstick into a needle. Harry and Merlyn had been able to do that since Sirius's first lesson so of course they were able to accomplish it on their first try. Professor McGonagall quickly came over and awarded them each five points. Hermione seemed to be having trouble with her matchstick she was able to get it to turn silver but she could not for the life of her figure out how to get the end pointy. Harry saw her start becoming frustrated and leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Calm down Hermione. Just make sure you have a clear image in your head when you cast the spell." Hermione visibly calmed after a few deep breaths and tried one more time making sure to keep a clear image in her head. And wouldn't you know it a perfect needle. Hermione gasped and hugged Harry.

"I did it!" Hermione said excitedly.

"I can see that! Congratulations Hermione." Harry said while struggling to breathe damn this girl had a tight hug. Professor McGonagall soon came by to see what all the commotion was about and gave Hermione five points for Gryffindor as well for her completed needle. The rest of the day passed and the trio could now be found on the grounds relaxing and watching the clouds after their classes were over.

That night at the Burrow a sad Ginny was sitting at the table playing with her food. She didn't feel like eating tonight. He promised he would write but it turned out that Merlyn, just like everyone else, forgot her. No she didn't feel good at all. Why was it no one remembered her. "Mom, I'm not hungry I think I'll just go to bed."

"Oh honey, you have barely touched your food. Don't you think you could eat just a little something?" Molly pleaded with her daughter. She normally got sad when her brothers went off to Hogwarts. But she had never seen her like this. When her daughter shook her head Molly saw tears in her eye's. Maybe she should call the Lovegoods and set up a play date for her daughter. "Well if you're sure. I'll keep your plate warm for you in case you get hungry later."

Ginny didn't even respond as she got up and went to her room closed the door and then collapsed on her bed as the tears began to fall. She couldn't stand the fact that she actually believed Merlyn would keep his word. No one did when it came to her. She was sobbing so much that she didn't even notice the owl fly in her bedroom window and land on the her desk. The hooted to get her attention but she didn't hear it. The owl huffed a little at being ignored and flapped over to the bed and tapped her head with one of his talons. Ginny let out a shriek before she jumped up to see what just happened.

Then she saw the owl. A smile began to split her face as she recognized the owl as Kasper. It was Merlyn's owl! "Kasper!" She gasped as she lunged for the owl and gave him a hug. Kasper was so startled when the girl lunged at him he didn't even move and before he knew what was going on it was too late, he was in the girls embrace. Now normally Kasper would not let anyone save Merlyn do this but she was gentle and Merlyn seemed to like her so he would take the suffering. Unfortunately his hoots that sounded an awful like purring gave him away as the girl started to pet him. 'Okay this girl was alright,' he guessed, as he let out another purring hoot. Eventually sometime later he remembered he was here to deliver a letter and package. He hooted and flapped back over to the desk and held out his leg so that she could untie the package. As she walked over to him Kasper let out a hoot and puffed out his chest in pride. "Oh you are the most handsome owl I have ever seen." Ginny told him as she gave his feathers one last stroke. Unbelievable as it was his chest puffed out far enough Ginny was surprised he didn't explode. She just had to giggle at the owls antics. She finally took the letter from Kasper and went back to her bed as she held the package gingerly. It definitely felt like more than one piece of parchment. She reached inside and found one very long piece of parchment and two photographs. She hurriedly unfolded the parchment and read.

Dear Ginny,

I hope that you are well and that this letter didn't arrive too late. Have I got a story to tell you. You will absolutely not believe what happened after the train pulled out of the station yesterday. We weren't gone for five minutes before our compartment exploded! No I swear I am not joking. When the smoke cleared both my brother and I were covered in paint. Can you believe it these two guys named Fred and George actually pranked us. And let me tell you it was hilarious both my brother and I looked ridiculous with all of that paint covering us. You should see me. No really take a look that is one of the pictures.

Ginny put the letter down on her bed and pulled out the first photo. The photo was of a paint covered Merlyn smiling from ear to ear and laughing as hard as he could. Her smile grew to split her face in two she tried to cover her mouth to keep her from laughing but it didn't help, she started laughing uncontrollably at the picture. Once she regained control of herself she propped the picture up on her desk and moved back to the letter.

I hope you got as good a laugh out of it as I did. But that isn't even the best part since they decided to prank us we thought it would only be right if we returned the favor. So we cleaned ourselves up and went to their compartment, we even passed them in the hallway but they were laughing so hard that they never even saw us. I think we did an amazing job repaying the favor. You should check out the second picture. Go on.

Ginny nearly fell over herself to get the second photo and when she saw it she fell on the floor unable to breathe she was laughing so hard. It took almost ten minutes before she was breathing easily again. Who would of believed it someone who could out prank the prankster kings. With all the pranks they pulled on her she was glad someone could do this to them. Still breathing heavily she decided to put this picture in a safe place just in case she needed some blackmail material later. She didn't dare go back to the letter until she had calmed down a bit or she might pass out from lack of air. She felt that the smile that was currently plastered on her face would last for the rest of the week. She laid back down on her stomach as she finished reading the letter.

Can you believe it! Personally I think that they make an amazing pair of clowns. Unfortunately our uncle only let us do that one on the train and the other big one would have to wait for the feast later that night. Since we didn't have anything else to do and our compartment was already coloured beyond belief Harry and I decided to have a little duel. The only spell allowed was a colour changing charm but halfway through our duel a girl came into the compartment and she unfortunately was hit by both of our charms. She was so upset that she was now pink and blue that she ran off crying. We felt horrible and went to find her. I searched the front half of the train while my brother took the back and boy did I mess up. I'm not sure how or why but let me tell you what happened. So there I was looking for a half pink half blue girl when I opened a compartment to check to see if she was in there but what I found was a bunch of girls talking and all of a sudden they just turned as one and stared at me. It was freaky all those heads turning at once and all of them started scowling at me so I did the only thing I could think of. I start talking to them like my uncle does when he wants to make my aunt smile and well it sort of worked. All of the scowls were gone and replaced by smiles. They then invited me to share their compartment but when I told them I couldn't and gave them my best smile so that they wouldn't be offended a strange look overtook them and they all got up and started chasing me through the train yelling at me to please come back! What the hell! So I did the only thing I could think of...RUN! Eventually I made it back to the safety of my own compartment with my brother and the girl and we locked the door.

Ginny had to take a brake while trying to contain her mirth. This boy was so clueless. Sweet, but clueless. She looked back at the photo now propped up on her desk. "Kasper do you know how clueless Merlyn is?" She asked the owl now standing on her bed. He gave a hoot as he tilted his head to the side. Apparently not. Ginny thought about how much Kasper and Merlyn were alike as she stroked his feathers he really was a handsome owl. She continued to stoke the now purring owl as she picked up the letter and continued reading.

Well now that we were safe and secured I apologized profusely to the girl. I know it was only an accident but I hate seeing a girl cry. And it's even worse if I was the cause. We ended up talking for the rest of the trip she really not that bad. Her name is Hermione Granger. Anyway the rest of the trip was relatively uneventful. Then when we got to the station this gigantic man named Hagrid had us all get into a bunch of boats and we sailed across this huge lake to the castle. Then of course we all got sorted into our houses. Harry, Hermione, and I all got sorted into Gryffindor! I can't believe how lucky we were to get into our Aunt Minerva's house. At the end of the sorting the headmaster, who I think has a few screws loose, stood up and shouted out "Nitwit! Oddment! Blubber! And Tweak!" See why I think he's nuts. Well that is when we set off our other prank. There were fireworks going all over the Great Hall while the words ""Misers Mooney, Padfoot, and Prongs wish to announce the return of the Marauders!" sparkled above the door. It was fantastic! After the feast one of the prefects, Percy I think his name was, showed us to our dorms. I had to send Kasper to my Uncle Sirius to get the pictures developed so that I could send them to you. Kasper didn't seem to mind but my uncle was a little upset that he woke him and my aunt up in the middle of the night. But he got me the pictures in time to send to you so I'll deal with it. And unfortunately that ends my heroic tale. I hope you enjoyed it. I hope to hear from you soon.

Your friend,

Merlyn

'Wow' Ginny thought to herself. 'He got in trouble with his uncle just so he could send me the pictures. Sweet.' Ginny thought as she felt a warm feeling in the pit of her stomach. For some reason she felt really happy that Merlyn was so clueless. She picked up the letter and took it downstairs where she could read it again while she ate her dinner.

Molly was busy cleaning the kitchen. Cleaning was always something she did when she was upset. She had almost never seen her daughter so sad and she didn't know what to do. Her boys always bounced back from being upset that she never had to worry about it but her daughter was a little more sensitive then her testosterone driven brothers. She knew that she didn't get to spend much one on one time with Ginny as she always tried to treat her children equally. She would be doing her best to rectify that now that it was only them in the house. She heard the creaking of the stairs and looked up to see, to her delight, a smiling Ginny. "Ginny! Are you alright?"

"I'm great, mom!" Ginny told her mother with that smile still plastered to her face. "I'm really hungry is my dinner still in the oven?" Molly just nodded as she witnessed this miraculous change in her daughter. She noticed the letter once she put it down on the table before she grabbed her plate from the oven. "Where did that letter come from Ginny?" As if on cue Kasper came flying down the stairs and landed on Ginny's shoulder. "Oh! What a pretty owl." Kasper hooted and puffed up in indignation.

"Mom! He is not pretty Kasper is handsome." At that Kasper instantly puffed up as proud as a peacock. Molly chuckled at the owl's change in character. "You know I bet after that long hard flight you must be hungry how would you like some of my dinner?" Kasper gave a hoot and flapped onto the table and started hopping in anticipation. Causing both of the Weasley women to giggle at his antics.

"You know I didn't think that they had any eagle owls in the school owlery. Who is that letter from dear?" Molly asked. She could not think of anyone who would write to Ginny that had an eagle owl.

"Um, it's from Merlyn" She said quietly hoping her mom wouldn't get mad. "He asked if he could write me at Kings Cross. I said that he could." Ginny said looking up still unsure of her mother's response.

"I see." Molly said unsure how she felt about a boy writing to her daughter. "Who is Merlyn I don't think I remember him?"

"Um, he is the boy who I helped." Ginny said nervously, she still remembered how angry her mother was that she went off on her own.

"I see." Molly replied trying to remember the boy. Yes he was the boy that brought Ginny to platform 9 ¾. She also remembered how that boy stood up and took full responsibility for her daughters actions even though he was in no way responsible for her leaving her side. "May I read the letter?"

"Uh, sure mom." Ginny said handing her the letter and began thinking that maybe she should have left it upstairs in her room. She didn't touch her food as her mom read her letter. She had butterflies in her stomach.

Molly read the letter and couldn't help but frown at the mention of Fred and George. It doesn't appear as though the boy is aware that they are Ginny's brothers. But there were bits that she had to chuckle at. Once she finished she looked at her daughter who was now wearing a worried expression. The boy seemed nice enough and he did stand up for Ginny on the platform. She might have been a little harsh on the boy and then he still goes and writes to her daughter. The boy had guts that was for sure. "Ginny can you bring the pictures down please."

Ginny ran upstairs to get the pictures she really didn't want to give them to her mom but maybe if she just handed over one she could hide the one of Merlyn. She put the picture of Merlyn in her pocket and took the one of the twins down to her mom. "Here it is mom."

"Where is the other?"

"He only sent me that one." Ginny answered nervously. This was a big gamble but she really wanted to keep Merlyn's photo.

"Ginevra Molly Weasley don't you dare lie to me!" Molly roared at her daughter. Ginny slowly took Merlyn's picture out of her pocket and gave it one last look trying to commit it to memory before grudgingly handing it to her mother. Molly watched her daughter gaze at the picture before handing it over. 'Oh dear lord another crush.' Molly thought. Well at least he seems to be a decent boy. Once again the memory of him standing up to her for Ginny flashed across her mind. She gave a small chuckle there were very few people that would do that. "Ginny you will not hide something like this from me again do you understand?" Ginny nodded slowly she knew what was about to happen. Tears started to flow from her eye's. "Now that we have that settled I think that this boy deserves a return letter don't you?" Molly asked her daughter with a smile. Ginny's face lit up like a Christmas tree. Ginny ran and tackled her mother.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Ginny cried as she hugged her mother before taking back the letter and photo's. 'God it's a good thing for Ginny that this boy is clueless' Molly thought as she looked down at her daughter staring at the picture of said boy. 'Come to think of it I should probably write to him and his family as well.'

The next morning the trio made their way down to breakfast talking about the classes that they would have today. They found seats as far away from the human vacuum as they could. Though it was true that none of them liked the boy that was not the reason for distancing themselves from him. The reason was that it was simply disturbing to eat near him with all the noise he made. Harry and Hermione were busy loading up their plates when Hermione noticed that Merlyn wasn't putting a single crumb on his own. "Lynn, what's wrong?" She had taken to calling him that the previous afternoon.

"Don't worry about him Hermione." Harry told her. "I'm sure he is just waiting to see if he got a letter from his girlfriend." Hermione's eye's widened at hearing this while Merlyn turned to face his brother.

"She is not my girlfriend!" Merlyn nearly shouted his cheeks reddening. He quickly turned his eyes back to the ceiling for any sign of the morning owl post. It was almost ten minutes later when the first owl entered the Great Hall. The owls were swarming the hall but Merlyn saw no sign of Kasper. With a heavy sigh he stopped searching and looked back down at his plate not feeling especially hungry.

"Lynn, I'm sure she'll write back. It might just take a few days. Remember you have been running Kasper a little ragged." Hermione said trying to boos her friends spirits. It didn't seem to work.

Breakfast was almost over when Harry let out a shout as Kasper landed right in front of them. "Lynn it's Kasper!"

"Kasper!" Merlyn shouted before grabbing his owl and bringing him into a tight hug. Kasper stretched his wings and hugged his human right back. "Do you have something for me?" Merlyn asked hopefully placing his owl back down on the table. Kasper lifted his leg as if to saw 'Well duh'. Merlyn laughed as he untied two letters. Two? He quickly opened the first one. To his surprise it was from Ginny's mother.

Dear Mr. Ashwood,

I would like to apologize to you for my treatment of you while on platform 9 ¾. I was simply worried for my daughters safety and I would like to thank you for returning her to me.

Thank you,

Molly Weasley.

Merlyn put down the letter and quick as a flash opened the next one.

Dear Merlyn,

I received your letter last night. I am sorry to say that I thought you had forgotten me until the handsome Kasper flew into my bedroom. When he did I was so happy that you hadn't forgotten me. I hope you can forgive me for doubting you but no one ever seems to remember me and I was afraid that you had forgotten me too. I loved your letter I couldn't even breathe when I saw what you did to my brothers. I'm sorry they pranked you but I think you came out the winner on that score. You really made my day with your letter. I really loved the pictures you sent me... especially the one of you. But I wish you didn't get in trouble with your uncle to do get it. Since you sent me a picture of you I thought it would only be fair if I sent you one too. I hope to hear from you soon.

Your friend,

Ginny

Merlyn reached into the envelope and pulled out a photo of Ginny wearing a golden dress as she smiled up at him. All of the knots that his gut had been twisting itself into loosened instantly. Harry and Hermione watched as a smile sprang onto Lynn's face and both of them had the exact same thought 'He is besotted.'

Merlyn quickly pulled out a piece of parchment and quickly scribbled a short note onto it before signing it and tying it to Kasper's leg. "Hey I know you have been flying almost non stop for a couple of days but do you think you can make one more? Please Kasper I promise I will make it worth your while!" Kasper hooted and rubbed his head against Merlyn's hand before taking off once again.

That night Ginny was surprised to find what looked like a very tired Kasper standing on her bed. "Kasper! What are you doing back? You look tired." Kasper puffed out his chest as if to say 'I'm good' which made Ginny giggle as she untied the letter from Kasper's leg. "Come here." She said picking up the exhausted owl. And taking him down to the kitchen to get him some food and water. Once she made sure Kasper was comfortable she opened the letter and read it. What it said made tears come to her eyes and her and her heart sing.

I will never forget you!

Merlyn

P.S. Please take care of Kasper for the next week he deserves a break and from the way he agreed to this delivery I would say he likes you. I had to make sure you knew that I could never forget you.

The rest of the week passed rather smoothly. In every class Harry and Merlyn were always the first to complete their spells before anyone else usually followed up by Hermione. At first Hermione was rather put out that she wasn't the best but calmed down when Harry reminded her that They had already learned all of this two years ago. In an effort to make her feel better Harry offered up himself and Merlyn to tutor her until she caught up to them. Hermione would never forget the day she became pink and blue. She would always look at it as a blessing because she now had the two most wonderful people as her friends. Quirks and all.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please let me know what you think about this chapter. So far I will admit that i have thoroughly enjoyed writing these last two chapters.

Please review and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear what everyone has to say about this chapter!

Until next time.