Mason squealed and made a grab for the slimy creature in the river behind his house. It was dark green in colour with small stubby toes and a long tail. It croaked as it tried to escape the ten-year-old's hands.
"Teddie, Teddie. I caught something!" Mason called, excitedly.
"Alright, I'm coming!" Teddie said, wandering over with Theo and another boy in tow. This boy was John Kyle. He was a boy who lived three doors away from Teddie. He too went to a boarding school and had returned home for the summer three days ago.
Mason carefully opened his hands to reveal the creature to Teddie. "What is it?" he asked.
"I think its a newt," John said, peering closely at the creature. "Maybe a Salamander."
"I thought Salamander's lived in fire?" Mason asked.
"You can get water salamanders, too," said John. "They aren't common in Britain, though."
Teddie held her hands out to Mason, taking the amphibian into her palm. Now that it was closer she could see the distinctive colouring on its underbelly and the spots all over it's back. "It's a Palmate Newt," she said.
"How do you know?" Theo asked.
"Whitethroat and a dark stripe through its eye," said Teddie, pointing to each section. "Plus, it was found near a boggy riverbed at the bottom of a garden. Palmate Newts are usually found in these places towards the end of the summer."
"But we've still got a week and a half left!" Mason protested.
"Summer is drawing to a close," said John.
Teddie nodded and knelt beside the river. "There you go, buddy," she said, releasing the newt back into the waters. She stood and turned to her friends.
"What are we going to do now?" Mason asked.
"We could go down to the lake," John suggested. "The others should be down there. Maybe play a game of football, Do you play, Theo?"
Theo shook his head. He had heard about football from Teddie and knew that there were three teams at Spinner's End that played. But he had never participated in a game that didn't involve broomsticks or a Quaffle.
"Hey, wait, how about skateboarding?" Teddie asked. "Theo's never seen or ridden a skateboard before. We could go over to the park and teach him."
John grinned. "That's not a bad idea," he said. "I'll run home and get my board. Meet you at the corner in ten?"
Teddie nodded and John hopped the fence, disappearing through the garden next door. Looking to her best friend and brother, Teddie smiled and climbed the small hill to stand beside them.
"I have no idea what a skateboard is," Theo said.
"That's okay," said Teddie. "We'll teach you. Mason is still learning, aren't you?"
Mason nodded and run up the garden path to his back door. He disappeared inside as Teddie and Theo followed him.
"What if I make a fool of myself?"
"So? I used to make a fool of myself all the time," said Teddie. "I broke my elbow and my wrist when I was learning. I also knocked out a few teeth when I made it to learning tricks."
Theo looked nervous.
Teddie grabbed his hand. "You won't be learning any tricks for a while," she said. "Let's get you through the basics first, and then we'll worry about tricks at a later date, alright?"
"Alright," Theo said, heaving a sigh. He followed Teddie into her house, the door closing with a snap behind him.
~X~
Later that night, Teddie sat on her bed composing a letter to Daphne when the door opened and Theo walked inside. He was dressed in the hand-me-down pyjamas that Teddie had loaned him, and his hair was a dark shade of blonde.
"Are you alright?" Teddie asked.
"A little sore."
Teddie grinned in amusement. "I told you it was all about balance," she said. "I also told you not to try any tricks until you had learned the basics."
"You also encouraged me."
"Well you weren't listening to me telling you not too," Teddie said. "Mum always says, if you're not going to listen to the word no, then you may as well find out the consequences for yourself."
Theo shook his and sat beside Teddie. "Is that to Daphne?" he asked.
"Yep. I'm just letting her know that you're alright."
"Have you told her everything?"
Teddie shook her head. "Not unless you wanted me too," she said.
"No, I'd rather do that myself."
Teddie nodded and looked up at Theo. "Are you going to tell them?" she asked. "I wouldn't be surprised if it'll be in the Daily Prophet that your dad was arrested by Muggle Policemen. The whole of Hogwarts will know by the time we go back."
"I know," Theo said. "But, I think I'd rather just our friends knowing for now. I don't want the whole school to know what he did to me."
"We can tell them on the train. Do you want Marcus, Adrian and Derrick to know too?"
Theo shrugged. "I suppose they could," he said. "They are our friends, after all."
Teddie smiled. "That's good," she said. "Because Marcus is worried about you. He wrote to me again, asking why I hadn't written him back. I just finished his letter," she pointed at the envelope on the windowsill, "telling him that I've heard and seen you. I haven't told him exactly what happened, just that you're safe."
"I don't know if I can ever thank you for all that you've done."
"You don't need to thank me," said Teddie. "I've done what I've done because I wanted too. You're my best friend, Theo. I'm not going to let anything or anyone hurt you, or take you away from me. I'd do the same for Daphne, Blaise, and the others, too."
"What about you, though?" Theo asked. "Who looks after you?"
Teddie shrugged. "Hopefully, you'd do the same for me," she said.
"You know I'd do anything for you."
Teddie smiled and scooted closer, resting her head on his shoulder. "We should get some sleep," she said.
"What about Mason?" Theo asked.
"He's probably asleep on the couch," said Teddie. "My dad will bring him up once he's ready."
Theo nodded and stood up. He stopped as Teddie caught his hand. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Stay," Teddie said, patting the space beside her. Ever since Robert and Rose had allowed Theo to stay with them, the space was usually occupied by Mason, but Teddie wanted to be closer to Theo tonight.
"But your parents."
Teddie shook her head. "It'll be okay," she said.
"Alright," said Theo. He lay beside her, burrowing down under the heavy blanket and turning on his side, facing Teddie.
Teddie smiled as she met his gaze. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too."
~X~
The rest of the summer past without incident. After the interaction with Mr Nott, Teddie's parents rarely left their children alone without supervision. Their neighbour, Caroline was a registered babysitter and often spent her days watching the three children as they played in the streets outside her home. She noted how close Teddie and Theo were, even commenting to Rose one evening on how she predicted their future would be.
"There is definitely more than friendship brewing between them, Rose," Caroline said. "You may not see it yet, but you will one day soon. I won't be surprised if Teddie comes home one summer and say that she and Theo are official."
"Don't be silly, Caroline," Rose said, laughing. "Teddie's only a child, so is Theo. I highly doubt they're interested in anything other than being friends."
"They're children now, yes," said Caroline. "But they aren't going to be children forever. One day soon, your innocent daughter will be interested in boys."
Rose looked out at her children, smiling as they laughing chased one another around the street. She knew Caroline was telling the truth, but she couldn't bring herself to imagine an adult Teddie and Theo holding hands and kissing. She closed her eyes and shook the image into her subconscious.
Caroline smiled and placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "I'll admit, that they would make a cute couple," she said. "But I always thought Teddie and John would've ended up together. He's always had a soft spot for her."
"Thank you, Caroline," said Rose.
Taking that as her cue to leave, Caroline made the short walk down to her house. She paused and turned back to the playing children. "Five minutes, John," she called. "You return to school in two days, we need to be sure you have everything ready."
"Got it, Mum!" John called back. He stumbled as Mason collided with him.
"Tag!" the ten-year-old exclaimed, running away.
John scoffed and run after him, diverting at the last second and tagging Teddie instead.
"No fair!" Teddie whined.
John shrugged and runoff. Teddie raced after him.
~X~
On August 31st, the day before Teddie and Theo were set to return to Hogwarts, the pair received their school letters. The owl arrived in the middle of breakfast. It flew in through the open window and perched itself on the back of Mason's chair.
For a few minutes, there was silence as the two Slytherins read through their letters. Teddie's reminded her to board the train at Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station in London. There was also a new set of school books that they would need for the year ahead.
"Do you think Daphne and Blaise have had their letters?" Theo asked.
Teddie nodded. "Aren't all letters sent out on the same day?" she asked. "Maybe she's wrote back and Zuni went straight home. Which would mean Professor Snape has my letter."
As she spoke, the doorbell rang. Rose got up to answer it, she returned minutes later with Severus in tow.
"Do you have bat hearing or something?" Teddie asked.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I was just talking about you," said Teddie.
Snape held up two letters. "Zuni tried to deliver these last night, but you must've already been asleep," he said.
"They'll be from Daphne and Marcus," said Teddie. She took letters, handed one to Theo, and ripped into the second. "Yep. It's from Marcus. He says that he's going to Diagon Alley this afternoon, he wants us to meet him there, if possible."
"Daphne says the same," said Theo, reading the letter in his hands. "She also says that Blaise will be meeting her at Flourish and Blotts."
Teddie looked up at her parents. "Can we go?" she asked.
"I don't see why not," said Rose. "Unfortunately, I have to work."
"As do I," Robert said.
Mason looked at his parents and sister. "Does that mean I can go to Diagon Alley?" he asked, looking excited.
"If Teddie doesn't mind taking you," said Rose.
Teddie grinned at her brother. "Go get dressed," she said. "We'll leave as soon as you're ready."
"Yes!" Mason cheered. He jumped from his seat and rushed upstairs.
Teddie giggled and looked at Professor Snape. "Could we use your Floo?" she asked.
"I suppose so," said Snape. "Come around when you're ready to leave. Also, Mr Nott, the Auror's have brought your trunk and wand from your home, and Miss Green, I secured this from Gringotts for you at the beginning of the week." He handed her a small pouch of coins.
Teddie took the pouch and looked up at Snape. "Is this from the vault that you can't tell me about?" she asked.
"Yes," said Snape. He left the house without a backward glance.
Rose stared at her daughter. "What vault that he can't tell you about?" she asked.
"I don't know," said Teddie. "He said there is a vault at Gringotts, the Wizard bank, that has money in it. He said I can use this money for as long as I need school supplies. He won't tell me much else, only that it's not stealing. He also gets mad when I ask him about it." She shrugged and reached for another piece of toast.
"Is everything alright, Theo?" Rose asked, noticing the young boys face.
Theo jumped and forced a smile. "Yes, sorry, I guess I'm just nervous about going back to the Wizarding World," he said. "Everyone is sure to know what happened with my father, by now, and I'm not sure I'm ready to face it all yet."
Swallowing her toast, Teddie took Theo's hand and squeezed it. "We'll face it together," she said. "Besides, it was me that attacked your father, not you. People need not know what he did, only that I felt threatened and reacted defensively."
Theo smiled and nodded.
Teddie lay her head on his shoulder.
Looking at them, Rose paused as Caroline's words echoed inside her head. They aren't going to be children for long. She shook her head as Mason returned.
"Ready!" the ten-year-old declared, happily.
~X~
The trio travelled to Diagon Alley together. Since Mason had never travelled via Floo Powder before he was wedged between the two 12-year-olds. He spun so fast that he was sure he was going to be sick, then his feet slammed into the solid ground and he stumbled forward.
"Gotcha!" Teddie said, grabbing Mason around the shoulders. She helped him out of the grate and into a run-down pub in the centre of London.
Opening his eyes, Mason coughed. "Is it always like that?" he asked.
"Apparently, this is my second time and I still don't like it," said Teddie.
"Shall we get going?" Theo asked.
"Can we wait until my organs catch up?" Mason asked.
Teddie smiled and Theo chuckled.
"Diagon Alley is just through the back door," Theo said.
Mason perked up and sprinted ahead. He burst out into the dank alleyway and paused, looking around. "This doesn't look magical at all," he complained.
"If you'd slow down for two seconds," said Teddie. She reached for her wand and stepped up to the wall.
Mason watched, fascinated, as Teddie tapped a few selective bricks. After she tapped the last brick, the wall opened up to reveal a brightly lit cobblestone path. "Wow," he breathed, stepping through.
Teddie and Theo exchanged smiles and followed him.
Mason took both their hands and walked between them down the path. He tried to take in as much as he could of the scenery, but they were jostled by other magical folk that he didn't have a chance to see everything.
"Where are we going first," Mason asked.
"I've got to visit Gringotts," said Theo.
"Okay," Teddie nodded. The group set off at a fast pace towards the end of the street where a giant gleaming white building sat. Mason's jaw dropped as he looked up at the bank, his eyes bulging as he tried to take it all in.
"Careful, Mason," said Teddie.
Mason stumbled as his toe stubbed the front step and he stumbled forward. The only reason he didn't fall was that Teddie and Theo were holding his hands. He looked down as he climbed the steps, his eyes darting between the Goblins on either side of the doors.
"Are they -?" Mason asked.
"Don't stare," said Theo. "They're very proud creatures."
"Oh," said Mason, nodding. He quickly averted his gaze and stepped through the gold doors into the foyer. Silver doors opened up ahead of him and he was then standing in a grand hall where hundreds of Goblins lined the walls. Each one counting strange coins, diamonds and jewels.
The trio walked up to an empty podium. The goblin behind it looked up. "Yes?" He asked.
"I need to enter my vault," said Theo. He handed over the small gold key Professor Snape had given him that morning.
The Goblin nodded and then called for another Goblin to come help.
"Follow me, please," the second Goblin said. He led them through the crowd towards a door at the back of the hall. Beyond it lay a rickety track and a small cart. It was no bigger than the boats that took first years to Hogwarts.
Teddie climbed into the cart with Mason and held him tightly as it shot off at lightning speed. Mason screamed in delight as they raced through the underground tunnels.
A flash of light caught Teddie's eye, but before she could get a better look, it was gone. "What was that?" she called.
"What was what?" Theo asked.
"Never mind," Teddie said, shaking her head. She'd ask again once they were back outside.
Soon the reached a vault which had the name 'Nott' etched over the top. The Goblin used Theo's key to open it, and Theo grabbed as much money as he needed for the year ahead.
~X~
One wild cart ride later, the trio stood on the steps overlooking Diagon Alley. Mason was still giddy from the cart ride and was grinning from ear to ear. "Can we go again?" he asked.
"If I go again, I'll be sick," said Teddie.
Mason sighed and then shrugged. "Alright, where to now?" he asked.
"I only need to get books," Teddie said. "I don't know about you," she added to Theo.
"I need new robes. My last lot are too short for me," said Theo.
"That's because you're turning into a giant!" teased a familiar voice.
Mason whipped around and squealed. "Daphne!" he said, running down the steps and hugging the blonde.
Daphne laughed and hugged him back. "Hey, Mason, have a good summer?" she asked.
Mason nodded and led Daphne back to Teddie and Theo. The friends reunited.
"Where's Blaise?" Theo asked, pulling out a hug.
"He said he would meet us at Flourish and Blotts," Daphne answered.
"Are you here alone?" Teddie asked.
Daphne shook her head. "Mum is with me. She's over in Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment getting me some ink, parchment and quills," she explained. "We're going to Madam Malkin's next. We could all go together."
"Okay," Teddie agreed. "Also, thinking about it, I could use some more parchment, ink, and quills. Why don't you two head over to Madam Malkins, while Mason and I go to Wiseacre's, we'll meet you once I've got what I need?"
Theo and Daphne exchange looks and nod.
"Alright," Daphne said. "See you in a bit."
"I won't be long," Teddie said. She smiled at Theo and turned to Mason. "Come on, this way." The brother and sister run down the stone steps and into the crowd, weaving their way through to the equipment shop.
~X~
No sooner has she bought her supplies, were Mason and Teddie making their way through the crowded streets towards Madam Malkin's. They had just reached the door when it opened and Draco Malfoy stepped out. He caught sight of Teddie and a grin spread across his face.
"Oh great," Teddie grumbled.
"Hello, Green," Malfoy said, stepping up close to his housemate. "Surprised to see you here. Especially after the results came back. Didn't think you'd show your face at Hogwarts again, not after a humiliating defeat."
Teddie rolled her eyes. "Last I checked, Draco, you weren't exactly in the Best Top Five, either," she retorted. "Hermione Granger, Terry Boot, Susan Bones, Daphne, and Theo have outsmarted you."
Draco's eyes narrowed. "Shut your mouth, Mudblood!" he sneered.
"Like that insult isn't losing its punch," Teddie said with a heavy sigh. "Now, please excuse us, we have shopping to finish." She seized her brother's hand and tried to push past Draco.
"Who's this?" Malfoy asked, grabbing Mason's arm.
Teddie whirled around and pointed her wand in Malfoy's face. "Unhand him!" she demanded.
"Is this your brother?" Malfoy asked. He let go of Mason and Teddie pushed the little boy behind her. "Is he like you? Does he start Hogwarts this year? Or is he just another stupid Muggle?"
"Shut your mouth!" Teddie hissed.
Malfoy grinned. His amusement shone in his stormy grey eyes, and Teddie suddenly had the urge to punch him straight in the mouth. Her hand had already balled into a fist, but before she could swing it a cane landed on Malfoy's shoulder, and he stiffened.
"Now, now, Draco, play nicely."
Teddie looked up into the face of an unfamiliar man with long platinum blonde hair. Although she didn't know his name, she knew that he had to be a relation of Malfoy's. The resemblance was striking.
"Sorry, Father," Malfoy apologised.
"I believe introductions are in order, don't you?" Mr Malfoy said, staring down at Teddie. He hefted his cane into the crook of his arm and held out his hand. "Lucius Malfoy."
"Teddie Green," Teddie introduced. She shook Mr Malfoy's hand.
"Ah, yes, the infamous Muggleborn Slytherin," Mr Malfoy said, almost snidely. "Draco's told me all about you. The Weasley's of the Muggle World I believe he called your family. My dear child, you must realise by now that he only speaks the truth."
Teddie snorted and withdrew her hand from Mr Malfoy's grasp. "The truth?" she repeated. "Is that how you justify his bullying."
"Well think about it, child," Mr Malfoy continued. "A Muggleborn in Slytherin? It's obviously a mistake. Muggleborns don't belong at Hogwarts, much less in a pureblood house. Surely, you see that?"
"Oh, I see something alright," said Teddie, nodding. "I now see where your son gets the outrageous idea that he is better than me and my kind. I see that Pureblood Supremacy starts, not with our generation, but the generations that have come before. I see that your son isn't going to accept change because his father refuses to accept it, too. I also see a bigot old man who thinks he knows better just because he is older."
Mr Malfoy sneered. "I'd watch the way you speak to your elders, child," he said, leaning forward. He cupped her chin and stared directly into her eyes. "That mouth of yours will one day get you into big trouble."
Teddie pulled herself free of his grasp and stepped back. "If you and your son are free to speak your truths, then I should be free to speak mine," she said. "If you don't like it, then leave us to our shopping. I didn't stop to talk to your son, he stopped to badger me."
Before Mr Malfoy could retort, the door to Madam Malkin's opened and Theo, Daphne, and Darla stepped out. The trio stopped short, taking in the scene before them.
"Does there seem to be a problem here?" Darla asked.
Theo and Daphne hurried to Teddie's side. She was stiff as a board and glaring heavily up at Mr Malfoy.
"We were just leaving," Mr Malfoy said. "Come, Draco." He nodded his head at Darla and walked away.
Draco sneered at Teddie. "See you at school," and followed his father into the crowd.
Once they were out of earshot, Darla looked to Teddie. "What was that all about?" she asked.
"Mr Malfoy was just throwing his weight around," Teddie said. She shook her head and turned to her friends. "Did you get your robes?"
Daphne nodded.
"Did you get your parchment?" Theo asked.
Teddie nodded and pointed to the cauldron that Mason was carrying.
"Great," said Darla. "I'm assuming all that is left now are your books?"
The three friends nodded.
"To Flourish and Blotts, then."
Teddie, Mason, Theo, and Daphne followed behind Darla as she led the way down the crowded streets towards the bookshop. They passed Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour on the way, and Theo bought a round of ice cream cones which he and his friends slurped up happily.
Outside Flourish and Blotts, the quartet paused to finish their ice cream, but also found their way blocked due to a large swarm of women and teenage girls'. Even Darla seemed to be primping herself as she stood in line.
"Mum, what's going on?" Daphne asked.
Darla pointed at the sign hanging over the front door.
GILDEROY LOCKHART
will be signing copies of his autobiography
MAGICAL ME
today 12:30 - 4:30pm.
Daphne gagged and peered up at her mother. "Is this why you agreed to accompany me?" she asked. "Just so you can meet this pompous old windbag?"
Teddie and Theo snickered.
"Daphne!" Darla shrieked.
"Well, he is!" Daphne defended.
Darla shook her head. "You know very well that I accompanied you so that I could get a proper introduction to your friends," she said. "If meeting Gilderoy happens to fall on the same day, then why not?"
Daphne huffed and shook her head. She finished her ice cream cone and shoved her way into the bookshop. Teddie, Theo, and Mason followed her.
A long queue wound right to the back of the shop where Gilderoy Lockhart was already signing books.
"Oi, Teddie."
Teddie looked up at her name and spotted Marcus and his friends overhead. Marcus was waving her to join him. "Come on," she said to her friends. "Let's head upstairs."
"Have a nice summer?" Marcus asked, wrapping Teddie in a hug as she reached the first-floor landing.
"It wasn't all bad," Teddie said, pulling away. She moved on to hug Derrick and Adrian next. "You?"
"It was alright," Marcus shrugged. "Disappointing that you didn't come visit."
Teddie offered him a sad smile. "Yeah, sorry about that," she apologised. "Trust me, it wasn't from the lack of trying. After a specific incident that freaked my parents out, they rarely let me or Mason out of their sight. We had a babysitter for most of the holidays."
Marcus nodded in understanding. "Maybe next year, then?" he offered. "Or maybe you could come over for New Year, this year?"
"We'll see," Teddie said. She leaned over the side, peering down into the masses below. "So what's the deal with this guy?" she asked.
"Gilderoy Lockhart," Daphne sniffed. "He's supposed to be a Defence Master extraordinaire. He's written a bunch of books about his adventures with certain magical creatures, and suddenly he's the most loved man in Britain."
Teddie considered the man in forget-me-not robes. "I don't see anything particularly fancy about him," she said.
"He's a celebrity," said Derrick. "Of course, women are going to be into him. Don't you have celebrities in the Muggle world, Ted?"
"Yeah, and most of them are better looking than him," said Teddie.
"Name one?"
"You wouldn't know them even if I did."
"I know. I just wanted to know who Teddie Green pines after."
Teddie rolled her eyes. "I don't pine after anyone," she said. "But if I had to choose it would probably be Luke Perry. He's on this show my mum watches, and he is to die for."
Derrick snickered.
"Hey, look, there's Blaise!" Daphne said suddenly. She leaned over the railing and waved towards the back of the store. Their dark-skinned friend beamed and climbed the stairs to the first-floor landing.
Teddie and Daphne rushed forwards, each one throwing their arms around Blaise and hugging him tightly.
"You made it!" Daphne said. "I didn't think you would. You were supposed to meet us here."
"I know, I'm sorry," Blaise apologised. "Mum wouldn't let me leave France alone, and she didn't leave until really late. I honestly thought I was going to miss you guys."
"Well, you're here now," said Teddie. "That's all that matters."
Blaise nodded and hugged them again. Over their shoulders, he spotted Mason and smiled. "Hello, Mason," he greeted.
"Hi," Mason said, waving.
"How are you finding the books from last year?"
"I've finished them," Mason answered. "They were fascinating. All of them," he added, turning to Daphne.
Daphne smiled and leaned against a bookshelf. "Looks like I'll need to find you some more reading material this year," she said.
"Oh, you don't have too," Mason said, shaking his head.
"Nonsense," Blaise said, waving his hand. "We want too."
Daphne nodded in agreement. "And we won't take no for an answer," she added to Teddie. "Let us spoil you."
"We don't need to be spoiled," Teddie said, flushing.
"You may not think you need to be," said Blaise. "But I enjoy spoiling my friends. Won't you agree, Daphne?"
Daphne nodded again.
Teddie rolled her eyes and returned to Marcus. Down below a man from the Daily Prophet was snapping pictures of Lockhart and Harry Potter, who seemed to be trying to escape. After a while, Lockhart let him go and Potter and friends made their way to the back of the store.
They were stopped as Draco Malfoy entered.
"Not him again," Teddie groaned.
"Again?" Adrian asked.
"Yeah, I just had a run in with him and his father," Teddie said. "The same old stuff," she added, seeing the burning question on her friend's faces. "How a Muggleborn doesn't belong at Hogwarts, much less in Slytherin. You know, he's starting to sound like a broken record."
Mason leaned his head against Teddie's arm. "He called us a Mudblood, too," he said. "What does that even mean, Ted?"
"It's a crude name for what we are," Teddie said. "But you don't have to worry about that."
"Do you think what he said is true?" Mason asked. "About me being just a Muggle? Do you think I could ever be like you?"
Teddie wrapped her arm around Mason's shoulders and hugged him to her. "What have I told you, Mason? You can be anything you want to be," she said.
"Yeah, but that's great thinking for when I say I want to be an astronaut or a best seller," said Mason. "But it's hardly practical for wanting to be a wizard. I mean, I can wish to be famous, but I can't wish for magic, can I?"
"Fair point," Teddie said.
"So, do you really think I could be like you next year?"
"Anything's possible," said Teddie, nodding. "But I really hope you are."
"Me too," Daphne agreed.
Theo and Blaise nodded.
"Yeah, you'd make a great addition to Hogwarts," Adrian said.
"I don't know about Slytherin, though," Derrick said. "Any house, in particular, you'd want to join?"
Mason looked thoughtful. As well as finishing reading the books Daphne and Blaise had got him last year for Christmas, he'd also read and reread Hogwarts: A History numerous times. "There are two houses I identify with the most," he said.
"Let me guess," said Derrick. "From what Teddie has told us already, you'd make an excellent Ravenclaw. You're very studious and you love to read."
Teddie winked at Mason as he glanced up at her.
"Maybe Gryffindor for the second," said Derrick. "You're very loyal to your sister."
"Loyalty isn't necessarily a lion's trait," Mason laughed. "A badger can be loyal too."
The group laughed.
Derrick nodded, looking amused. "So, you're going for Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff?" he asked.
Mason nodded. "I think I'd get along in either of those. What do you think, Ted?" he asked his sister.
"I think your biggest trait would be that you love to read," said Teddie. "Personally, I think you'd make a perfect Ravenclaw."
Mason grinned excitedly. He hoped that he had the chance to go to Hogwarts. Not just because he wanted to be special like Teddie, but because he wanted to experience her world for himself.
There was only so much he could learn from books, and stories of his sisters adventures.