Chapter 25: Summer Plans

The whole school soon learned of the events that had transpired after the unusual appearance of a blue police box and a not-so-dead Pettigrew. The Daily Prophet seemed to report heavily on the incident saying that Black was more than likely never the murderer and in fact it was Pettigrew. Fudge made a statement saying Sirius Black was going to have a trial and was put on house arrest until the trial.

The last few weeks of term passed very quickly. Professor Lupin had indeed left causing many students to be disappointed and wonder what next year teacher would be. Dean Thomas suggested it would be a vampire.

Claire and Harry were excited for the approaching summer. Harry wouldn't have to deal with the Dursleys the whole summer and Claire was actually going to get to know her parents and uncle. When Claire told Ron's brothers and sister that she wasn't going to be coming home with them, they seemed to be disappointed.

"I'll be the only girl in the house!" Ginny exclaimed.

"There's still your mom," Claire said.

"Oh, you know what I mean," Ginny said.

Claire was then engulfed in a hug by the twins. The twins were fake sobbing and the students nearby were watching the scene.

"Who ever will we use to help with our pranks now?!" George said.

"We'll miss our little Claire-bear!" Fred said through his fake sobs.

Claire was able to get free from their hug.

"Would you stop calling me that? My name is Claire. Just Claire." Claire said a bit annoyed. "And I'm sure Ginny wouldn't mind taking over. Besides, you're acting like we'll never see each other again. Just because I'm living somewhere else doesn't mean that I'm not going to visit you."

"So, you'll be visiting this summer, right?" Ginny asked.

"Of course, I'm not going to leave you all summer to suffer with those idiots," Claire teased pointing her finger at the twins.

"That hurts Claire," Fred said putting a hand over his heart. "Right in here."

Claire rolled her eyes.

"I heard from Hermione that Harry will be staying with you, your uncle, and parents. Is it true?" Ginny asked.

Claire nodded. The twins didn't seem to thrilled by this idea.

"Why is Harry living with you?" Fred said.

"Do you not remember two summers ago when we had to rescue him because there were bars on his window? Harry only has to stay with the Dursleys for the first month of summer and then he's coming to my house for the rest." Claire explained.

"I still don't like the idea of you two living under the same roof," Fred said. "We don't need little Claires and Harrys running around."

Claire groaned. "For the last time, Harry and I are just friends! Besides, after that traumatizing talk with your mom about the birds and bees I don't think I'll ever do anything like that."

"And don't forget, Claire already has a boyfriend." Ginny said.

"Actually, Jason and I, well we sort of had a fall out, I guess," Claire said, remembering her conversation with Jason.

The twins look enraged.

"What?" George said furiously. "What did he do to you?"

Claire glared at both the twins. "It doesn't matter. Just don't even think about doing anything to him. That means you two can't do it, you can't hire anyone to do it, you can't trick someone, and anything else that could lead to you two telling someone to pull a prank on him. Got it?"

The twins crossed their arms and pouted. "Fine."

"I'm sorry, Claire," Ginny apologized. "I wouldn't have brought it up if I'd known."

"It's alright, no big deal," Claire shrugged. "It wouldn't have worked out anyway."

"You're a nice person, Claire. If he can't realize that then he wasn't the one. I'm sure you'll find someone better one day," Ginny said.

"You better not," The twins muttered.

Ginny and Claire rolled their eyes.

"Same to you, Ginny," Claire said. "Now, I better go start packing. After all, tomorrow's the last day. See you three later."

The next day at breakfast, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Claire got their exam results back.

"Oh, I do hope I didn't fail the Defense Against the Dark Arts exam," Hermione fretted as she got her letter.

"I'm sure you did fine, Hermione," Claire said.

"Shall we open them?" Hermione said.

"All together on the count of three," Claire said. "One…two….three!"

The four of them tore open the letters. Claire unfolded her exam results.

End Of Term Report

Student: Claire Smith

House: Gryffindor

Year: 3

Wand: 12 inches, Cypress, Acacia, and Ebony Wood, Dragon Heartstring, Unicorn Hair, and Phoenix Feather core

Pass Grades

Outstanding O

Exceeds Expectations E

Acceptable A

Fail Grades

Poor P

Dreadful D

Troll T

Charms O

Defense Against the Dark Arts O

Herbology O

History of Magic O

Care of Magical Creatures O

Transfiguration O

Potions O

Divination O

Muggle Studies O

Congratulations on making straight O's. You qualify for skipping a year. Talk to Professor McGonagall for more information.

"So, how'd you do?" Hermione asked.

"Pretty good," Claire said.

"Let me see," Hermione said trying to take the letter.

"No, Hermione—"

Hermione snatched Claire's letter and was shocked.

"Look at this!" Hermione thrusted the report card to Harry and Ron. "She's made straight O's!"

Harry and Ron gaped at Claire's report card. Claire tore the letter away from them.

"You're making a big deal out of nothing." Claire said, stuffing her report card in her bag.

"Claire you made straight O's! That's incredible!" Hermione said.

Claire shrugged. "Still don't think it's that big of a deal. Anyways, I'm going to talk to Professor McGonagall about next year. I'll see you three on the train."

"I'll come to. I have to talk to Professor McGonagall as well," Hermione said.

As the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station later that day, Hermione and Claire told Harry and Ron about their schedules next year.

"Professor McGonagall gave me the option of skipping a few grades next year but I turned it down." Claire said.

"Why?" Harry asked.

"I'd rather stay with you guys then skip a few grades. Besides, that means I'd have to think of a career earlier. I have no clue what I want to be yet. However, I asked her if I could take certain subjects a grade level higher and she let me. I'm taking seventh year Herbology and sixth year History of Magic." Claire said.

"How did you manage to skip four years of Herbology and two years of History of Magic?" Ron asked.

"I scored extremely high on both of the exams and Professor McGonagall said she'd place me in those classes." Claire said.

"We also told Professor McGonagall that we're going to drop Muggle Studies." Hermione said.

"But you both passed your exam with three hundred and twenty percent!" Ron said.

"I know," Hermione sighed, "but I can't stand another year like this one. Without Muggles Studies and Divination, I'll be able to have a normal schedule again."

"I agree with Hermione and I only had one extra class. I don't know how you made it through the year. We both turned in our Time-Turners." Claire said.

"I still can't believe you two didn't tell us about it," Ron said grumpily. "We're supposed to be your friends."

"We promised we wouldn't tell anyone," Hermione said severely.

Just then, the compartment door opened and the twins and Ginny came in.

"What are you doing here?" Ron questioned.

"Getting away from Percy," The three of them said in unison.

"Let me guess," Claire began, "He's been bragging about his top-grade N.E.W.T.s."

"Big-headed git," Fred muttered.

"How'd you four do on your exams?" George asked.

"Claire got straight O's," Hermione said.

"What?" Ginny said.

"Yea, she did so well that she's taking seventh year Herbology next year and sixth year History of Magic," Ron said.

"You'll be in our History of Magic class next year!" Fred said.

"Oh, great," Claire muttered.

"How many O.W.L.s did you two get?" Ron asked.

"Six," The twin said in unison.

"Is that total or each?" Hermione asked.

"Total," they said in unison.

"Wow, I'm surprised. I thought the both of you would've gotten more," Claire said. "I'm glad that I'm not going back to the Burrow with you guys. Hope you two don't value your ears because I'm pretty sure after Mrs. Weasley yells at you you're not going to be able to hear anything for the rest of the summer."

"Fred and I always thought we should get an E in everything, because we exceeded expectations for just turning up for the exams," George said.

"Is that an owl?" Ginny said pointing towards the window.

Something very small and gray was bobbing up and out of sight beyond the glass. Harry stood up for a better look and saw that Ginny was right. It was a tiny owl, carrying a letter that was much too big for it. The owl was so small, in fact, that it kept tumbling over in the air, buffeted this way and that in the train's slipstream. Harry quickly pulled down the window, stretched out his arm, and caught it. It felt like a very fluffy Snitch. He brought it carefully inside. The owl dropped the letter onto Harry's seat and began zooming around their compartment, apparently very pleased with itself for accomplishing its task. Hedwig clicked her beak with a sort of dignified disapproval. Crookshanks sat up in his seat, following the owl with his great yellow eyes. Ron, noticing this, snatched the owl safely out of harm's way.

Harry picked up the letter. It was addressed to him. He ripped open the letter, and shouted, "It's from Sirius!"

"What?" Claire, Ron, and Hermione said excitedly. "Read it aloud!"

Dear Harry,

I hope this finds you before you reach your aunt and uncle. I don't know whether they're used to owl post.

Carina, the Doctor, Buckbeak, and I are all at Grimmauld Place. We can't wait to have you over for the summer. Claire told us about the Dursleys and if they ever try anything you know who to write. Perhaps you should tell them that a mass murderer is your godfather. Even when I'm announced as innocent this will still intimidated them.

There is something I never got around to telling you during our brief meeting. It was I who sent you the Firebolt (also I sent Claire that record player and vinyl)—

"Ha!" Hermione said triumphantly. "See! I told you it was from him!"

"Yes, but he hadn't jinxed it, had he?" Ron said. "Ouch!" The tiny owl, now hooting happily in his hand, had nibbled one of his fingers in what it seemed to think was an affectionate way.

Crookshanks took the order to the Owl Office for me. I used your name but told them to take the gold from my own Gringotts vault. Please consider it as thirteen birthdays' worth of presents from your godfather.

I would also like to apologize for the fright I think I gave you that night last year when you left your uncle's house. I had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting my journey north, but I think the sight of me alarmed you.

I am enclosing something else for you, which I think will make your next year at Hogwarts more enjoyable.

If you ever need me, send word. Just send it to Grimmauld Place.

See you this summer.

Sirius

Harry looked eagerly inside the envelope. There was another piece of parchment in there. He read it through quickly and felt suddenly as warm and contented as though he'd swallowed a bottle of hot butterbeer in one gulp.

I, Sirius Black, Harry Potter's godfather, hereby give him permission to visit Hogsmeade on weekends.

"Looks like we won't have to do anymore illegal trips to Hogsmeade, Harry," Claire said.

"Hang on," Harry said looking back at the letter. "There's a P.S…."

I thought your friend Ron might like to keep this owl, as it's my fault he no longer has a rat.

Ron's eyes widened. The minute owl was still hooting excitedly.

"Keep him?" he said uncertainly. He looked closely at the owl for a moment; then, to Harry's, Claire's, and Hermione's great surprise, he held him out for Crookshanks to sniff.

"What d'you reckon?" Ron asked the cat. "Definitely an owl?"

Crookshanks purred.

"That's good enough for me," Ron said happily. "He's mine."

The train was getting closer to the platform now.

"It won't be the same at the Burrow without you, Claire," Ginny said sadly.

"I told you I'll be visiting. You can't get rid of me that easily," Claire replied.

"You know," Ron said. "The Quidditch World Cup is this summer! Dad can usually get tickets from work. Harry, Claire you two can come and maybe even your parents and uncle Claire."

"That sounds great," Harry said, as the train pulled into Platform 9 and 3/4.

They all got off the train with their belongings and went through the barrier of platform 9 and 3/4. They spotted Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Claire's mom. Mrs. Weasley started to hug each and everyone of them.

"Oh, Claire, we'll miss you very much," Mrs. Weasley practically strangled Claire in hug.

"Same with you Mrs. Weasley," Claire said.

"I'll owl you two about the World Cup," Ron said to Claire and Harry.

"What's that?" Harry's Uncle Vernon had just showed up and was staring at Sirius' letter in Harry's hand. "If it's another form for me to sign, you've got another—"

"It's not," Harry said cheerfully. "It's a letter from my godfather."

"Godfather?" Uncle Vernon sputtered. "You haven't got a godfather!"

"Yes, I have," Harry said brightly. "He was my mum and dad's best friend. He's a convicted murderer, but he's broken out of wizard prison and he's on the run. He likes to keep in touch with me, though…keep up with my news…check if I'm happy…"

"He's also my uncle." Claire said.

"And my brother." Carina had stepped forward and Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia seemed to recognize her.

"You!" Aunt Petunia said in shock.

"Hello, Petunia. Still as horrid as ever I see." Carina spat.

"That's my wife you're talking to," Uncle Vernon snapped, but you could see fear in his eyes.

"And of course, a hello to you too, Vernon," Carina glanced at the Dudley. "This must be your son. Dudley, was it?"

Dudley hid behind his mother in fear.

"C'mon along, boy," Vernon snapped at Harry.

"Actually," Carina said, smiling a sickly sweet smile at Vernon and Petunia. "I would like to have a few words with both of you before you leave. First off, that boy there has a name. His name is Harry and if you two harm him in anyway, I can assure you my brother will not be the only one coming after your sorry behinds. Second off, Harry will only be spending one month with you this summer. He'll be staying with me the rest of the summer. So as hard as it must be to treat him right for a month do try or you'll be sorry."

Carina then turned to Harry. "Harry, if they do anything to you just owl Claire, Sirius, or me and we'll take care of it. Got it?"

"Yes, thank you," Harry said smiling brightly at his aunt and uncle's fearful expressions.

"C-C'mon along, boy-Harry," Petunia stuttered.

Harry couldn't help but think this was going to be a much better summer than the last.

"Where's dad?" Claire asked as she walked with her mom.

"He's at Grimmauld Place. Working on the TARDIS." Carina said.

"Where exactly is Grimmauld Place?" Claire asked.

"Not very far. Oh, here we are," Carina said, stopping. "Hold on, read this and memorize it,"

Carina handed Claire a piece of paper that read:

12 Grimmauld Place

When Claire memorized it the paper lit itself on fire and disintegrated. Claire looked up and saw that there was an 11 Grimmauld Place and a 13 Grimmauld Place but no 12.

"But where's—?" Claire asked.

"Just think about what you just read," Carina said.

Claire did just that, and no sooner had she reached the part about number twelve, Grimmauld Place, than a battered door emerged out of nowhere between eleven and thirteen, followed swiftly by dirty walls and grimy windows. It was as though an extra house had inflated, pushing those on either side out of its way.

"What was the purpose of that?" Claire asked.

"So no one can find this place. All the Pureblood families' houses have security like this," Carina said. "Now, c'mon on. Your father and Sirius are waiting to see you."

They climbed the worn stone steps. The front door was black, but the paint was shabby and scratched. The silver door knocker was in the form of a twisted serpent. There was no keyhole or letterbox.

Carina pulled out her wand and tapped the door once. Claire heard many loud, metallic clicks and what sounded like the clatter of a chain. The door creaked open.

"Welcome home!" Carina went in first, Claire following behind.

Claire could smell damp, dust, and a sweetish, rotting smell; the place had the feeling of a derelict building. Claire coughed as she inhaled a piece of dust.

"Well," Claire coughed. "This place has really let itself go."

"It hasn't been occupied for thirteen years," Sirius had just walked into the room.

"Really?" Claire said sarcastically. "Would've never guess."

"I'm not exactly thrilled that we have to stay here either," Sirius said staring grumpily at the peeling wallpaper on the walls.

Carina rolled her eyes. "You two need to stop being so depressing. Sure, this wouldn't be my first choice to live but with a little elbow grease this place will look brand-new."

"A little elbow grease?" Claire said disbelieving. "Even the dust has dust!"

BANG!

"What was that?" Claire asked.

Carina groaned. "Your father. Doctor! What the hell are you doing?"

The Doctor came into the room with his face completely black.

"I might've miscalculated something when I was rewiring the TARDIS." The Doctor said.

Carina rolled her eyes and left the room. She soon returned with a bunch of cleaning supplies.

"Well, you're taking a break from the TARDIS and your helping us clean up this place," Carina said, shoving a mop in his hand.

"Wait, what do you mean us?" Claire said.

"I meant exactly what I said," Carina said, giving Claire a broom and dustpan. "We're spending the entire summer cleaning up this place,"

"You're kidding me, right?"

And the third book is finished! Fourth year is coming with a bunch of drama, romance, family times, and adventures! I can't wait to start it! I hope you all enjoy the series so far. Continue to review, favorite, and follow. Thank you for all your support of this series it makes my day whenever I get a new follower or review! The next book should be out within a week to two weeks.

Rainpelt the Doctor: Here's the next chapter!