Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters, and some of the storyline, from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. (I may use some of the author's descriptions/ wording from the books, but I have no intention of stealing anything! It's definitely clear for me that J. owns the rights for the Harry Potter books. )

I am grateful to Ms. Rowling for her wonderful stories about Hogwarts, for without her books, my story would not exist.

**I would like to thank my Beta- Sprinkles888 for editing my chapters.**

Chapter #2- Joining the Weasleys

It was a week after their trip in London, and August had begun. Sophie received her Hogwarts second year book list, and was busy with thinking about why she would be followed. She thought about it again and again- why would a young boy like Tyson would follow her? She also thought, that if Emily was right, he'd had a wand too, which meant that he was a wizard. So why hadn't she met him at Hogwarts? Did he attend school somewhere else? Are there other magic schools just like Hogwarts, hidden all around the world? Well, there must be, Sophie thought. Hogwarts couldn't teach the entire magical community around the world.

As Beatrice was hidden somewhere, and Sophie could not contact with her, she decided to ask Haley in a letter. Her mother was a witch too, she would probably know.

Sophie didn't had to wait very long to receive an answer. Spots landed on the window making a noise, while Sophie was lying on her bed doing nothing. Sophie took the letter from him.

"Sophie,

Actually, there are other magic schools beside Hogwarts. I don't know very much about them, but there are a few that I have heard of. There is one somewhere in France called Beauxbatons, and my mother told me of Durmstrang. It didn't sound like a very nice school at all. She says that they are into dark magic there. I also know that there is an institution for witches in Salem. I'm sure there are more, I just don't know where and what their names are. Other schools are also very secretive. It's hard to find out things about them, especially about their location.

By the way, when are you going to buy stuff for school? We could meet and shop together, I'm eager to meet your family and Beatrice.

Hope that this letter helps you in your search.

Haley."

Sophie was nervous. Tyson could be from that Durmstrang place and be gathering information about her for Voldemort. Oh no, she shouldn't have talked to him. And that man with him, who was he? She didn't see him around.

Sophie took a pen and wrote back to Haley:

"I don't know yet when I'm going to buy stuff for Hogwarts. Beatrice is travelling and won't join me this year, but I'm joining the Weasleys. They're going to contact me about it. Probably soon because August starts tomorrow, and we need to get lots of things done before the end of the summer. When I know, I'll tell you. It would be great to meet your mother too."

The next day, Sophie was happy to receive a letter from Molly Weasley:

"Dear Sophie,

I hope your summer vacation has been going well.

Miss Hanley asked for a favour, so you will be joining us on our shopping trip to Diagon Alley.We are planning on going next Wednesday, and hope it will be alright with your aunt and uncle, for you to stay Tuesday night with us, so we could go early. If it's okay, Arthur would come and pick you up at 7:30 pm.

Waiting for your owl,

Molly Weasly."

Sophie jumped from the sofa which she sat on in the living room, and ran to the kitchen. "Matilda, Matilda!" She called with excitement.

"Yes, dear?" Matilda asked while cooking their dinner.

"I received a letter from Molly Weasley. They are planning to go get their books next Wednesday, and they asked if it's okay with you for me to stay Tuesday night at their house. Could I, please?" Matilda lowered the fire on the gas, and washed her hands.

"May I see the letter?" She asked. Sophie gave it to her and watched as Matilda read it. "So, I believe we won't join you, then." Matilda said. "Actually, that works out well. Nathan and I could go and buy Emily's stuff- that's okay. You can tell Molly yes." Matilda smiled.

"Great!" Sophie called with joy, and hurried to answer the letter. She also wrote to Haley about the time and date..

An hour after she sent Haley the letter, Sophie received her response.

"Sophie,

Great, Mother and I are going to join you too. I can't wait to see you again.

Haley."

The next days passed quickly. On Tuesday, Emily was upset about Sophie going.

"Em, don't worry, I'll let you look at my my books still." Sophie comforted her. "That's not the point, I wanted to see all the cool stuff again." Emily said with sadness. "Then maybe next year." Sophie suggested. Emily thought for a moment.

"Okay." She was a bit more satisfied.

Sophie packed stuff for the night with the Weasley's, and clothes for the next day. She was ready at 7:15, and waited in the living room with the rest of the family.

At 7:30 a large crack was heard, followed by the sound of the doorbell.

"I'll get it!" Emily jumped up quickly and opened the door. Sophie got off the couch, and went after Emily. Mr. Weasley looked quite excited to be led inside the house, and examined the surrounding.

"Hello!" He smiled to Emily, who was as just as excited as he was. Matilda showed up, right next to her was Nathan.

"Mr. Weasly, Hello, I'm Matilda, this is my husband, Nathan, and Emily is our daughter. You probably already know Sophie." Matilda shook Mr. Weasley's hand. "Nice to meet you, Matilda, Nathan, Emily, and of course Sophie!" He was still smiling. "You have a nice place!" He kept looking around.

"Thank you!" Nathan smiled.

"Would you like a glass of water?" Matilda offered.

"Ah, I'd love one." He said.

Mr. Weasly was led into the kitchen. Matilda gave him a glass of water. "I'm really fascinated by muggle's way of living." He said. "Is this an eclectic kettle? I've never seen one before, only heard about it." He carefully examined the electric kettle. Nathan and Emily surprised. Sophie held back a laugh, so did Matilda. "Well," came back to himself. "I came to pick up Sophie, Molly wouldn't like me to be late." He said. "Thank you for your glass of water, Matilda." He thanked Matilda and gave her back his empty cup. "I guess it's goodbye for now!" He said.

They all said goodbye to Sophie.

Mr. Weasley and Sophie left the house. "Please hold my hand Sophie." Mr. Weasly asked. Sophie grabbed his hand, and without a warning, she saw only black, she was pressed very hard from all directions, she couldn't breathe. All of her body parts were all stuffed inside her.

Then, they landed somewhere and she could breathe again. It was hard for Sophie to breath normally,and she wasn't able to see her surroundings well.

Sophie fainted.

"Is she okay?" Sophie heard an echo of a man's voice.

"She's never apparated before, how couldn't you warn her, it's dangerous!" She heard female's now. Sophie opened her eyes slowly, looking around.

Sophie was confused. One second she was in her house, and on the other she was lying down on a couch, in a strange house. Three figures were hovering over her. There was one of the Weasley twins, Fred or George, she had no idea who it was. Then there was Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Weasley looking at her with worry.

"She is okay!" Mr. Weasley said defensivly to Mrs. Weasley.

"Still, it's dangerous!" Mrs. Weasley replied. Sophie still couldn't recognize which one of the twins was the one staring on her. "Sophie, how are you feeling?" Mrs. Weasley asked with worry. Sophie couldn't speak.

"Let me try, mum." The twin asked. "Do you know who I am?" He asked with a crooked smile.

"Oh, Fred, C'mon!" Mrs. Weasley said and pushed him. "You go to bed!" She ordered him. Sophie smiled back to Fred.

"See, she smiles. There is no better way to see if a person is feeling well, than seeing them smile!" Fred said leaving with one big smile on his face. Sophie slowly moved and changed her lying position, to a sitting one. Mrs. Weasley made a glass of water appear in her hand and gave it to Sophie.

"Here, drink the water, you'll feel better." She said. Sophie drank the whole glass of water and looked around.

It was a warm and welcoming place. The living room she was in was not that small but not that large either. She could feel the warm flames of the fireplace.

"I'm sorry Sophie, I should have warned you before apparating." Mr. Weasley said. "That's okay." Sophie said starting to feel like herself again.

"Give me your hand dear, I'll show you where you're sleeping tonight!" Mrs. Weasley said.

When Sophie was led to her room for the night, she thought she would meet someone, but they all were in bed. Fred and George peaked through their room's door and called goodnight. Sophie replied in kind. She was led to an empty room, with walls colored dark blue.

"It is Charlie's room, and he is in Romania, so tonight you'll sleep here." Mrs. Weasley said.

Sophie settled herself in the room. She pulled on her pajamas and got under the blanket, looking around. There were lots of dragon pictures on the walls, which spit fire to the frames of the pictures. She could understand from them that it was probably a field of interest for Charlie. Then, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Mrs. Weasley woke Sophie up early the next morning. When Sophie went to the kitchen for breakfast, Ron and Harry looked suprised.

"When did you came here?" Ron asked.

"Last night." Fred answered for her. Sophie had no idea that Harry was here too. "Hi Ron, Hi Harry!" She smiled at them. Their sister was also there, her name was Ginny. She sat next to her and they chatted as they ate.

"Did you really faint when you came?" Ginny asked Sophie, eying Fred. Sophie blushed,

"I'm just not used to apparating from place to place." Sophie said, her cheeks getting redder, as Harry and Ron changed looks.

After breakfast, they pulled on their coats and Mrs. Weasley took a flowerpot off the kitchen mantelpiece and peered inside.

"We're running low, Arthur," She sighed. "We'll have to buy some more today… ah well, guests first! After you Harry dear!" And she offered him the flowerpot. Harry stared at them all watching him.

"W-what am I supposed to do?" He stammered.

"He's never travelled by Floo powder," Said Ron suddenly. "Sorry, Harry, I forgot."

"And you, Sophie?" Mrs. Weasley asked, moving the flowerpot in front of her.

"I saw Beatrice and Matilda use it, but I have no idea what I need to do." She said giving Harry a commiserative look.

"Never?" Mr. Weasley asked suddenly.

"Harry, but how did you get to Diagon Alley to buy your school things last year?"

"I went on the underground-"Harry spoke. Sophie was about to answer him too when Mr. Weasley interrupted.

"Really?" said Mr. Weasley eagerly. "Were there escapators? How exactly-?"

"Not now, Arthur," said Mrs. Weasley. "Floo powder's a lot quicker, dear, but goodness me, if you've never used it before-"

"They'll be all right, mum," Said Fred. "Harry, Sophie, watch us first." He took a pinch of glittering powder out of the flowerpot, stepped up to the fire and threw the powder out of the flowerpot. With a roar, the fire turned emerald green and rose higher than Fred, who stepped right into it, shouted, "Diagon Alley!" and vanished. Sophie looked at an empty fireplace.

"You must speak clearly, dears," Mrs. Weasley told Harry and Sophie as George dipped his hand into the flowerpot. Sophie felt dizzy for a moment. She didn't think it would be easy enough to land in the right place. After George and Arthur disappeared, Mrs. Weasley placed the flowerpot in front of Sophie again. Sophie took a bunch of the powder and threw it to the fire. She took a deep breath before stepping into it. Then she called clearly- "Diagon Alley!"

It wasn't hard for Sophie to get to Diagon Alley. She showed up a few moments later in the fire place of the leaky cauldron. Fred, George and Arthur waited there for her. Then they all waited for Harry, Ginny, Percy and Mrs. Weasley. Everyone got there very quickly, except Harry. Mrs. Weasley was quite worried. Sophie was too. Where could a person get into when not saying right the place he wanted? She thought to herself.

Meanwhile, all of them met Hermione by the Gringotts bank stairs.

"Where is Harry?" Hermione asked Ron and Sophie.

"Got the wrong fire place, we guess." Ron answered. It was then when Sophie noticed Hagrid, and right next to him was Harry looking like a mess. They all were happy to see Harry was fine. He said he fell in Knockturn Alley, making the Weasley twins interested.

After Hagrid left, and after taking some money from the vaults, they all split up. "We'll all meet at Flourish and Blotts in an hour to buy your school books," Said Mrs. Weasley, setting off with Ginny. "And not one step down to Knockturn Alley!" she shouted at the twins' retreating backs.

On their way strolling, they met Haley Bloom, and her mother- Sandra. They were just buying ice cream. Sophie was holiding a lemon flavered one.

"Well, hello to you too, golden head!" Sophie heard Haley's voice. She turned around with a wide smile.

"Haley!" Sophie jumped with happiness and hugged her tightly. "Meet my mother, Sandra Bloom." Haley presented her mother. Sandra who, unlike Haley, was quite tall. She had chocolate brown eyes, and straight black hair to her shoulders. She wore dark pink robes and smiled at Sophie. Hermione, Ron and Harry examined Sandra with interest.

"Hello Sophie, nice to finally meet you." She said. Her voice was like gentle bells, to Sophie's ears. "Are these friends too?" Sandra asked, giving the others an interested look.

"Yes, this is Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and Harry Potter." Haley presented the others.

"So you are Hermione Granger, Haley talkes of you often. And you, Ron Weasley, I work in the ministry, from time to time I catch a glimpse of your father. Harry Potter, did you say? Glad to meet you!" Sandra said to each of them nicely. "Well then, Haley, sweetheart, enjoy. I'm going to meet someone, so buy what you need. I'll meet you in Flourish and Blotts, in an hour." Sandra said and left.

They all enjoyed their ice cream, while looking in the windows. Sophie, Hermione, and Haley all bought parchment and ink. They met Fred and George in Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop.

An hour later they headed to Flourish and Blotts. As they approached it, they saw to their surprise a large crowd jostling outside the doors, trying to get in. The reason for this was proclaimed by a large banner stretched across the upper windows:

GILDEROY LOCKHART

will be signing copies of his autobiography

MAGICAL ME

today 12:30P. 4:30P.M.

"We can actually meet him!" Hermione squealed. "I mean, he's written almost the whole booklist!" Sophie thought the same thing.

"Oh, I saw him… he is so handsome!" Haley said, her eyes sparkling.

"Really?" Sophie asked.

"Yes…" Haley blushed with excitement.

They all, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Haley and Sophie, squeezed in through the crowd. A long line wound right to the back of the shop, where Gilderoy Lockhart was signing his books. They each grabbed a copy of The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 and sneaked up the line to where the rest of the Weasleys were standing with Mr. and Mrs. Granger.

"Oh, there you are, good," said Mrs. Weasley. She sounded breathless and kept patting her hair. "We'll be able to see him in a minute…"

Sophie could finally see Gilderoy Lockhart. He was wearing dark blue robes, that matched his eyes. He was surrounded by his own photographs, and looked quite happy about himself. After a photographer irritated Ron, Lockhart spotted Harry, and dragged him to be next to him. After a struggle, they both were photographed. Sophie started to dislike that Lockhart, as she saw Harry's annoyed look.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said loudly, waving for quiet. "What an extraordinary moment this is! The perfect moment for me to make a little announcement I've been sitting on for some time!"

"When young Harry here stepped into Flourish and Blotts today, he only wanted to buy my autobiography – which I shall be happy to present him now, free of charge –" The crowd applauded again. "He had no idea," Lockhart continued, giving Harry a little shake that made his glasses slip to the end of his nose, "that he would shortly be getting much, much more than my book, Magical Me. He and his schoolmates will, in fact, be getting the real magical me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have great pleasure and pride in announcing that this September, I will be taking up the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"

Sophie suddenly had a bad feeling in her throat. Was he joking? Pretty as he was, she didn't think something smart could come out of his mouth. It looked to her as if he enjoyed the attention given to him. What kind of a person hangs so many pictures of him around? She decided to go away from the crowd and went to stand by Ginny at the edge of the room with her new cauldron. Harry succeeded in his attempt to get through the crowd and stood also next to them.

"You have these," Harry mumbled to Ginny, tipping the books into the cauldron. "I'll buy my own – " Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter?" said a voice Sophie had no trouble to recognizing. Both Harry and her straightened up and found themselves face-to-face with Draco Malfoy, who was wearing his usual sneer. "Famous Harry Potter, " Said Malfoy. "Can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page."

"Leave him alone, he didn't want all that!" said Ginny. She glared at Malfoy. Sophie was surprised at her act of talking to him, she couldn't say what she wanted to. "Potter. You've got yourself a girlfriend!" drawled Malfoy.

"Shut up, Malfoy!" Sophie said. Haley with Hermione and Ron fought their way over, all three of them clutching stacks of Lockhart's books.

"Oh, it's you," said Ron, looking at Malfoy as if he were something unpleasant on the sole of his shoe. "Bet you're surprised to see Harry here, eh?"

"Not as surprised as I am to see you in a shop, Weasley," retorted Malfoy. "I suppose your parents will go hungry for a month to pay for all those."

Ron went red, and dropped his books into Ginny's new cauldron too, started toward Malfoy. Harry and Hermione grabbed the back of his jacket.

"Ron!" said Mr. Weasley, struggling over with Fred and George. "What are you doing? It's too crowded in here, let's go outside."

"Well, – Arthur Weasley." It was Mr. Malfoy. He stood with his hand on Draco's shoulder, sneering in just the same way.

"Lucius," said Mr. Weasley, nodding coldly.

"Busy time at the Ministry, I hear," Mr. Malfoy said . "All those raids… I hope they're paying you overtime?"

Sophie was disgusted. No wonder his son was talking the way he did. Just like his father. She thought. Same hair, same smirk.

Mr. Malfoy reached into Ginny's cauldron and extracted, from amid the glossy Lockhart books, a very old, very battered copy of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration.

"Obviously not," said. "Dear me, what's the use of being a disgrace to the name of wizard if they don't even pay you well for it?" Mr. Wesley flushed darker than either Ron or Ginny.

"We have a very different idea of what disgraces the name of wizard, Malfoy," he said.

"Clearly," said , his pale eyes straying to Mr. and Mrs. Granger, who were watching apprehensively, then lingered on Sophie's face with a slight of interest. "The company you keep, Weasley… and I thought your family could sink no lower."

Suddenly a fight was starting, as threw himself on Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Malfoy was saying something about Ginny's books and placed them back into her cauldron with a bit effort. After all, Mr Weasley was on him. Fred and George threw encouraging words to their father. Sophie jumped with surprise, and tried to stay away. Then from nowhere Sandra Bloom came by Hagrid's side. Hagrid separated Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley. As Mr. Malfoy left the store, and there was order again, Sophie felt bad vibes coming from Ginny's cauldron. She came closer to try and see if there is something wrong, and she thought she found something. Somekind of notebook hidden between another book's papers. Sophie reached to it with her hand, but couldn't take it. For a second she thought she heard a whisper of her name, but she couldn't be sure. When she touched the papers of the notebook, Sophie felt her tips of her fingers burn. Quickly, she backed and gave a look to her fingers. They got burned, and a stinging feeling followed. Whatever that notebook was, Sophie had to stay away from it.

"Everything okay?" Ginny asked Sophie.

Sophie put her hand quickly into her pocket.

"Yes, I'm okay."

Ginny reached her hand to the cauldron to take a book out. Sophie could notice that Ginny was about to touch the notebook. She opened her mouth to warn her, but, she was surprised to see, Ginny's hands didn't burn when she touched it. She took it out, and it was fine. Ginny examined the notebook and placed it quickly back into the cauldron.