Chapter Thirteen: The Truth

All the Heads of houses were sent to the Ministry of Magic for trial. Drexel Barns and Nathaniel Wicker were both dead. Those who lived couldn't remember most of the school year, only nightmares, proving that they're dreams had been corrupted. Victorie Weasley was released before the end of term much to her Father's and Teddy's delight.

However, no one mentioned that Albany had actually made an appearance, not even Al, Hope, SS, and Rose. On the last day of term, though, they were all called to the Charms classroom. Professor Venus and Professor Higglebottom stood before them as they looked at each other curiously. Finally, Professor Venus spoke.

"I know that you are planning on not speaking of Albany but I feel that I must warn you," she said sadly. All four of them jumped.

"How do you know about Albany?" Al wondered.

"I bet I know," Rose said, looking at Professor Higglebottom.

"The Inner Eye knows all and it seems to be very interested in you four," she retorted.

"What do you need to warn us about?" Hope asked.

"Albany will come back for you," Venus said sadly. "She is determined to kill all of you."

"Why?" SS demanded.

"Because you four have ancient blood which gives you great power. And you four are somehow connected," Higglebottom explained. Rose bit her lip. She had yet to tell anyone about what Albany had said about her ancestors. She was nervous of what it meant.

"We would like it if you four wrote to us during the summer. Telling us if anything is happening," Venus explained. All four of the children agreed then left to board the Hogwarts Express home.

They passed the hours by playing Gobstones and Wizarding Chess. Rose beat everyone. Finally, they arrived at Platform 9 ¾. All four of them happily got off, laughing as they went. Then they saw their parents, huddled together, watching for their children. They had already been informed of the attacks and were desperate to make sure they were okay. As soon as Hope saw her Mother she rushed forward and hugged her.

"I missed you so much," Hope gasped out.

"I'm glad. So, do you want to go back to Hogwarts next year?" Valentina asked hopefully.

"Yes. It's my second home. I don't think I'll ever be able to truly leave it," Hope said, much to the disappointment of her Mother. Harry clapped Al on his shoulder.

"I'm proud of you son. Are you alright?" Harry asked worriedly.

"I'm fine. Do you think maybe we can take SS to the Quidditch World Cup this summer?" Al asked happily.

"I told you, it's only fun when you're playing! Watching's no fun!" SS gasped in exasperation. Draco laughed and Astoria embraced her son.

"Maybe we can make it a two family trip," Draco suggested warily.

"Great idea!" Harry cried and stuck out his hand. Draco shook it gratefully.

Then Ron Weasley let out a strangled gasp. He had finally seen his daughter through the crowd and the Ravenclaw crest on her robes. Her bronze and sapphire studded eagle necklace sparkled on her chest.

"Rosie. What happened?" he asked in a shocked whisper. Rose bit her lip.

"I'm sorry, Daddy. I didn't want to disappoint you. I wasn't sorted into Gryffindor. I was sorted into Ravenclaw," Rose explained hesitantly. Ron suddenly burst out laughing.

"Oh, Rosie, we already knew that!" he roared. "Neville told us ages ago!" His wife was nodding along.

"We wanted to see how long it would take you to tell us," Hermione explained. Rose could only gape. SS watched carefully, in case she started crying or cursing everything in sight. Then she too burst out laughing. It was a very happy group leaving King's Cross Station as they made their summer plans and were already thinking about the next time they would ride the train back to the castle where they belonged.He Hh