Waking in your own bed, after not having been in it for almost four months, feels weird, foreign, alien. The bed is softer, more comfortable. My sheets carry the familiar detergent, my mother uses; the scent of daisies and lavender floats around me. Isabelle's snoring does not ring in my ears. It's silent, lifeless. I stand from my bed, my socks hitting the hard wood ground.

After washing my face, I walk down the stairs. In the kitchen, I see my mother cooking, singing cheerfully, flipping pans.

"Good morning." I sit at the table.

"Good morning, sweetie." My mother places a plate on the table. "Did you sleep well?"

I pass on the pancakes, watching as Venice and Vesper dig into their meals. "It was great. Just different. I almost forgot how it feels to sleep somewhere else than Hogwarts."

Her back stiffens at the mention of school. I shrink into my seat, regretting my actions of bringing the matter up.

"Don't start, Vienna." She sits down.

"But why not, mum?" I whine and place my fork down. "Why can't I say what's on my mind? How I feel about leaving Hogwarts? This is my last year. How am I supposed to get used to new people, to a new school, to new standards?"

"You're a smart and powerful witch." She takes a bite of her meal. "You will manage."

I roll my eyes. Expressing my disappointment, I sigh. The appetite leaves me. I push the plate further from me. Vesper picks it up, enjoying the breakfast that I don't want to digest.

"I can't believe it." I mutter under my breath and shake my head. "Am I at least allowed to go to Diagon Alley? The girls and I wanted to spend some time together, plus I promised that we would go Christmas shopping. I still need to get some stuff."

Mother waits before answering. "As long as you take your siblings with you."

"What? You want me to take that," I point towards Venice. "That thing with me. To Diagon Alley?"

"Yes. It will be fun."

I widen my eyes and fall back against the chair. Angry, I roll my eyes. "Fine."

"Hey where's dad?" Ves questions with a mouthful.

"He had to go to work. Something came up in the Ministry and he has to take care of it. He will be back shortly."

"May I be excused?" I am already on my feat. "I lost my appetite."

"Of course. Oh and make sure to make your bed, before you sit on it."

"Yeah, sure." I ascend the stairs, passing the different pictures, mum hang on the wall. I enter my room, immediately noticing the light barn owl, pecking against my window.

I walk towards, opening the glass to let the bird inside. Hooting, she extends her leg, showing me the letter she carries. I recognize the pastel pink sheet, the neat handwriting. After giving Louis' owl a treat, I watch the bird get comfortable, next to Oleander.

I open the letter.

*loud wailing and groaning* Kill me please. I have been back for less than a day and I already want to head back to Hogwarts. Mum and dad are screaming to no end. Vicky is crying in her room, and doesn't want to tell us what's wrong. She gets on my nerves, Vienna. I am this close to punching her. Everything is too much for me. But I bet that things aren't exactly easy for you either. Did you talk to your mum about defecting? I hope that she does change her mind. Otherwise I have to kill her and run away - you will be with me, of course. I can't wait to see you and the rest of the girls again. I need some sane people around me or I will go mental. Please tell me, she at least agreed on letting you go shopping with us. If not, expect me at your window. I will kidnap you.

I'm fine, just bored. Write back as fast as you can.

xx Dominique

I throw the paper onto the desk. Picking up my own piece of parchment, I begin to reply to Dominique.

It's only been a day and you are already missing me. What does that say about you and me, Dominique? You can't live without me. You are addicted to my presence. I knew it. I always knew it. Why are they screaming? Give it time, maybe they will stop. You know Victoire better than I do. But we all know that she is a drama queen. She will find anything, to drag the attention back to herself. If you decide to punch her, make sure to let Louis film all of it." I stretch my wrist. "I tried to talk to her but she doesn't want to listen. I am sick of it. Shopping is still on but unfortunately, I have to take my siblings with me. I know. Unbelievable. But she wouldn't let me otherwise.

You whore can always write me, if you have something to tell.

xo Vee.

I fold the letter in half, enclosing the paper in an envelope. Wrapping the envelope around the owl's foot, I watch as it flies away, making me wish that I could do the same.

I wrap the scarf tighter around my neck. Pulling on my brand new boots, I twirl in front of my mirror. My music is playing loudly. I sing along, dance to the beat.

Mum enters my room. She watches me from the door. I spin around, stepping foward. I hold out the brush for her to sing in. She pushes it down and uses her magic to lower the volume.

"Mum." My brows furrow.

"I dressed Venice. Vesper should be ready. Make to sure to keep an eye on your younger siblings, especially Venice. She will be panicked, if you lose her. Always hold her hand."

"Sure. Do you want me to buy them something specific?"

"Vesper needs shoes. I already gave him the money. Venice needs a new coat. That should be it. Apart from that," she stops to think. "Don't buy them too many sweets."

"Got it." I nod and follow her downstairs.

Waiting in the living room, I begin to dance on the spot. Spinning and circling, I watch as my sister and brother run down the stairs. I stretch out my arms, wiggling my fingers for them to take. Both, Vesper and Venice stare me down.

"Keep an eye on them." Both my siblings place their hands in mine. I turn on the spot.

A second later we appear in front of the Leak Cauldron. I don't wait to enter. Inside the bistro, I see many old wizards and witches, sitting, laughing and enjoying themselves. The dark atmosphere doesn't bother me anymore. The lack of light and the stench of Fire Whiskey, I have gotten used to. 'We'll meet you at the bar' I remember Dominique's words.

"Look for Dominique, okay?" I call out behind me.

Venice steps forward, lacing her fingers with mine. "Where are we here? And why does that lady look so funny?"

"Don't stare." I pull her along. "Just keep your eyes trained forward and follow me. Come on Vesper."

We walk around the pub, searching for my friends. They are nowhere to be found. I stop to look around again.

"Weird." I look at my watch. "They told me to be here by one o'clock." I turn around once again. The dark doesn't help much. I would have taken my wand to give me some light. But remembering the last time someone did that, I drop my hand to my side.

I begin to walk towards the back. With my siblings in tow, I exit through the back door. Immediately, I feel relieved. Cold but fresh air coats the insides of my lungs. I breath in. Breathe out.

"There you are."

"There you are." Venice lets go of my hands. I wrap the girls in a hug. "I thought we were going to meet inside?"

"Yeah sorry about that." Dominique points behind her. I notice Lucy sitting against the brick wall, her breathing heavy, but even. "Lucy had an asthma attack."

"Oh," My hands reach into my bag. "Do you need your inhaler?"

Lucy shakes the one she has in her hands. I drop the emergency one, back into my purse and walk to kneel in front of her.

"Do you need water or something else?"

"I'm fine." She laughs. "Really. You all worry too much."

I help the girl stand, dusting off her pants. In front of the brick wall, we stop. Roxanne raises her gloved hand, tapping her wand two times against the stones. In awe, I notice my sister watch the moving, sliding and shifting bricks. An opening forms, which is big enough to let us through. Diagon Alley is in full swing. Wizards and witches galore, move on the cobbled street. Fairy lights, little balls of energy, swirl in the air, hang from the roofs and dangle in front of shop windows. Snow covers the street and roofs. Different wizards shout from their stands, offering some of their goods.

"I so need to get some roasted almonds, later." Vesper pushes us through the opening.

"Where to first?" Dominique tightens her ponytail and rearranges the muffs on her ears.

"I have to go shopping with these two first." I place my hands on each of their shoulders. "This one needs new shoes. And this one is in need of a new winter coat."

"Marie LeClair, is where I wanted to go anyway."

"I doubt that LeClair sells winter shoes for boys. And they only cover teenagers and above. I can't buy a coat for an eleven year old, there."

"She will grow into it." She shrugs.

I laugh at her nonsense. "I would like to see my eleven year old sister run around in a LeClair all too much. But my mum would kill me." I pull the young ones after me. "Plus, I want a new coat as well. I can't have her and me walk in the same clothes. That's not how things work. She gets to wear the clothes when I don't want to anymore."

We laugh, and begin to walk around, stopping at different windows to peek inside. I stare longingly at the boots, displayed on the shelf. My hearts tells me to buy them. Yet, my brain, the more reasonable instance, tells me that I had just gotten new boots.

"I should have waited." I kick my show against the snow.

The girls' eyes follow my action. "They look good though. Aren't those the ones, we bought together?"

"Yes." I smile. "And I finally get to wear them. And they're indescribably comfortable."

We continue, laughing and joking as magical beings pass by. We cross yet another stand. A boy, not older than us, stands in front of it.

"Hot Chocolate," he announces. "Come and buy Hot Chocolate."

"Hot Chocolate." Dominique imitates his deep voice. She laughs afterwards. I try to resist but do so as well. I hit her lightly.

"Stop. This isn't funny."

"Hot Chocolate! Good and low priced."

We giggle lightly, rushing past his stand to continue. "Stop." I laugh. "It's not funny. The poor guy. He probably can't even taste his chocolate."

"Hot Chocolate." Roxanne teases.

"You are unbelievable." We laugh again.

Taking our time, we walk towards the wanted shops. 'Heels and Leather' is the go to place to find every kind of shoe. The good thing about the store, it changes every season, and almost every other week. The choices are endless.

We walk inside, meeting the endless amounts of shoes. Boots, sandals, sneakers, heels. In H&L you will find anything that your feet need.

"How much did mum give you, anyway."

"Dad gave me about thirty Galleons."

I turn towards the other sibling. "And how much did you get?"

"Fifteen." Vesper hands me the pouch.

"Why do you have it?" I drop it in my bag.

He shrugs. "Dad gave it to me."

I roll my eyes and follow him towards the men's section of the store.

"Asshole." I mutter under my breath. "Doesn't even trust me with money."

"I take it, things are still tense between the two of you?" We sit down and let Vesper search for the his shoes.

"You think?" I cross one leg over the other. "Breakfast, lunch and dinner is hell. Scratch that! Everytime I am in a room with him, it's hell. I don't know what his problem is. From the things that mum told me, he was a womanizer back in his school days. He had one girl after another."

"You know how it is. Men get praised for conquering. We are whores when we do it."

"It was one time-"

"Three times." Roxanne interrupts me.

"What?"

"You used to snog Jason when you were still a couple. Then Harries and not to mention James."

"James and I aren't -" I look at some of the shoes. "We - it's complicated."

"Sure." Dominique pulls a hand over her ponytail. "Very complicated."

"It is." I take one of the shoes and turn it in my hands. I set it down again. "There are times when he is the sweetest, loveliest boy I have ever met." I notice the girls exchanging looks. "And then there are times, when he is a complete arse. It's like he has two different personalities. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."

"And which do you prefer?"

I stop. One side of my upper lip pulls upwards as I tilt my head. Chewing on my lip, I give a shake of my head.

"I don't even know. This caring side of him is new. I don't know if I like it or not."

Vesper emerges from behind me, carrying various types of boxes in his hands. Lucy and Roxanne move to give him space. Like the gentleman he is, he thanks the two and begins to try on the shoes.

"Do they match mum's criteria?" I pick one up, checking the inner lining.

"I guess so." He shrugs as he stands up, two different shoes covering his feet. "Which one?"

I turn away, not caring. Dom on the other hand stands up and makes my brother turn in his spot. "Why don't we look at the other pairs that you brought? Shall we?"

We finally make it out of the store. Relieved, I step into the cold winter air, its harsh temperature nibbles at my cheeks.

"Oh look, there is the rest of our cousins."

I watch the large group. Freddie is the first to notice us. He points in our direction, causing most of the red heads to turn around. I notice their smiles. The groups closes in on us.

"Hello." Freddie calls into the round. We greet him back. "What a fine day it is to see you all."

"A fine day, indeed." Potter pushes himself into the front of his many cousins. "Enna, love." He bends down to place a tender kiss on my cheeks.

I move from his reach, furrowing my brows to look at him in wonder. "Potter," I begin. "What do you think you're doing? And is that glogg, I smell on your breath. What a shame Potter, it's only three and you're already drinking." I shake my head, disapprovingly.

"With good intentions. It shall keep me warm when you are not by my side." He tries to wrap his arms around my waist. I push him away.

"Get away from me Potter." I push at his reddened cheeks again. "Stop. My siblings are here. I don't want you acting like the usual fool you are, around them."

In his slightly, half-cut state, he nods and steps away from me, never losing the silly smile on his face. I grimace in disgust. "As amazing as this little get together is." I smile at the rest of them. "I still have a lot of things to do. It was nice to see you girls." I smile at Rose and Lily.

"Enna?" I face Ves at the sound of my name. He looks at me with begging eyes. "Will you let me go with Louis and the rest?"

I raise a brow. "You want me to leave you," I point towards Potter. "With that drunken fool? Not a chance. If something happens to you, mum and dad will have my head."

"Hey," Potter protests. "I only had one cup of glogg. I'm capable of keeping an eye on your brother. Besides, don't you think he's a little too old to be babysat by his big sister?"

I open my mouth to say something but I cannot find the words. Instead I glare at a smirking Potter. "Don't worry, if something happens to him, I give you permission to rip me nuts off."

"Because you have nuts, of course Potter. You better make sure he keeps his promise." I tell Freddie, who nods. Turning to my brother, I adjust my purse. "Do you have enough money?"

He nods. "But you can always give me more." I reach into my purse, taking out my wallet to hand him another two Galleons. "Thank you."

"Bye Enna." Potter blows me a kiss.

Vesper hands me his bag and carries off. I watch the group walk further away, disappearing behind stands and people. Muttering under my breath, I turn around. "Idiot. What a wanker."

"I thought Vesper and I are the only ones allowed to call you Enna?" Venice states with big blue eyes.

I look down at her, her small hand still placed in mine. "Initially yes. But Potter is an idiot."

She nods, most likely not understanding what I mean. She scratches her head, tilting it upwards. "Is he your boyfriend?"

The girls and I laugh. "No, he's not. He's far from that, actually. Why are you asking?"

"He wanted to kiss you. Don't you have to be boyfriend and girlfriend to kiss?"

"No? -" Lucy hits Dominique in the stomach.

"Yes." I nod, solemnly. "You are only allowed to kiss your boyfriend."

"What kind of shit are we telling her? If she's anything like Vee, she will be running around naked in Hogwarts."

"You can't even be around children."

"I don't want to be around children." She shrugs. "They are like ugly moths. And I am the hot, attracting flame."

"Okay," Dominique claps her hands. "We bought shoes for your brother and a cute little coat for your sister." She winks in her direction, causing the little one to giggle.

"I sometimes have that picture of you, an older, uglier version of yourself in my head." I begin. "You have your hair wrapped in cans. Long, red fingernails adorn your wrinkly fingers. Lipstick is smudged on your teeth as you smoke a cigarette. Not to mention that you are wearing leo-print."

"You have that picture too, yes?" She asks astonished, playing along.

"And you know what the cherry on top is? You as a cougar, sleeping with much, much younger studs."

"That's the life." She nods approvingly. "Dominique Weasley, Madame Dominique, Sex Dinosaur."

Lucy changes the subject. "Where are we going next?"

"Gringotts, I am hoping. I still need to grab some money from my vault." I smile sheepishly and begin to lead us towards the large bank.

'GRINGOTTS' the large letters on top of the tower spell in golden colour. The five of us walk into the building, slowly and carefully stepping on the black marble. Scribbles, flips, clinks echo in the room. The goblins look down on us from their high position. Large, long and pointy noses, slim eyes glare in our direction.

"What are those?" I hear my sister whisper behind me.

"Goblins." I state, confidently walking towards the receptionist. "Nasty little things, if you ask me. Good day."

The old goblin in front of me, raises his head. Much like the rest of the employees, he sneers in my direction. "Good day." His squeaky but rough voice acknowledges me.

Sharp, yellow teeth hide behind his parted lips. "How may I be of your assistance?."

"I would like to withdraw money from my vault." I hand him the small, golden key. "Miss Vienna Nightingale."

He takes the key, examines it and hands it back to me. Ruffling through his papers, he then turns back to me. "The system does not show any credit in Miss Vienna Nightingale's vault."

My blood runs cold. My stomach drops. "That- that can't be. No one but me, my parents and you have access to the vault. Would you please check again?"

"I fear there is nothing I can do, Miss." I hear the smile in his greedy face. He shows me a note. "It says right here. The money of Miss Vienna Nightingale has been transferred to another vault, on the first of October."

I look back at my friends, that wait further back with my sister. "Whose vault was it transferred to?" I question in disbelief.

He looks over the paper. "To a Sir Tom Nightingale."

My eyes widen in shock. I raise my hands to my head. On the verge of breaking into tears, I breathe in to gather myself. "May you be so kind and hand me your phone?"

"Of course."

I dial the number on the magical device and wait for someone to pick up. Meanwhile, I turn around and shake my head at my friends. They jerk their heads, silently questioning the situation.

"Nightingale." I thank Merlin that it's my mother.

"Mum."

"Vienna?" She sounds surprised. "Why are you calling? Is everything alright? Did something happen to your siblings?"

"Mum." I interrupt her. "We are fine. Venice is with me. Vesper is with Louis Weasley and the majority of the Potter/Weasley clan."

"Where are you, right now?"

"In Gringotts. Look mum, there is something wrong. All of my money is gone. Apparently dad emptied it and transferred everything onto your shared vault." I am close to crying.

My mum is silent on the other line. I tap the receiver, hoping that the connection didn't die on us. "Mum? Mum, are you there?"

"Yes sweetheart." She sighs into the phone. "Why don't you give me the goblin you are talking to? I will see what I can do."

I nod, knowing that she can't see me. Turning around, I hand the phone over and listen as the two communicate.

"Good day, Mrs. Nightingale. Pardon me. Uh huh." He nods. "How much? Okay. All of them? Miss Venice Nightingale and Mr. Vesper Nightingale's vaults remain untouched." The goblin ends the call and continues with his paper work.

"Excuse me?" I step closer again, slightly frustrated.

"One second please, Miss." He types away, making notes and sends messages on their way. He rummages in his drawers, picking out a short form. Filling it out, he leaves me hanging. "Please sign here to confirm that a total amount of 50 Galleons will be handed out to you, Miss Vienna Nightingale, from Mrs. Lara Gray-Nightingale."

Confused, I sign my name on the line. Fifty, small golden coins drop into a little bowl. The goblin counts them, making sure that he gives me neither too less nor too much. He places the coins into a pouch and hands it over to me. "Have a nice day, Miss Nightingale."

Taking the money, I nod. "Thank you, you too."

The girls rush after me, as I sprint through the room. The chandelier's millions of lights blind me, heat my body temperature. Opening the heavy doors, I embrace the cold wind, the chill in my back.

"Vienna!" The girls settle around me. Venice takes my hand. "Is everything alright? Why didn't you leave for your vault?"

"That son of a-". I almost scream out. "Because my father took it all. He transferred all the money I have- HAD onto his vault."

They gasp in shock. "Why. And who did you call?"

"Probably because I, his whore of a daughter, don't deserve his money. I called my mum. She was just as surprised as I was."

"But you still received money. How?"

"From my mother's vault."

"I thought your parents share one." They ask confused.

"That's what I thought, as well."

After we finish shopping, we decide to head into a small pub to warm up. We each order something and fall back into our cushioned sears. We sit in a semi circled booth with our bags placed on the ground.

"I just don't get it." I place my elbows on the table and support my head in one of my hands. "I get that he is angry. But he took all of it."

"Don't worry. I'm sure your mum is going to do something about it."

"Enna? Will you buy me something to eat?"

"What do you want?" I watch her through the whole inbetween my head and elbow. "It's still an asshole move. He doesn't even talk to me."

"I want cake."

"You can't have the cake here, Venice. Your stomach will hurt from the milk, remember."

"Not if I take the little pills. Don't you have the little pills mum gives me?" She reaches into my bag and looks through it. "How do you find anything in here? It's so messy."

"Let me try."

I take the bag, and search for her medicine. "Have you tried to talk to him, yet? Maybe you can talk some reason into him and he will realize that you are growing up. That he won't have much control over, fir much longer."

"You can't really talk with that man, if he's mad." I place the little dragées on the table. "He is stubborn as can be."

"I know another stubborn Nightingale." Dom mumbles under her breath.

I look at her, my face void of any emotion. After ordering my sister the piece of cake, we lounge on the seats, looking into empty space. The drinks have long arrived, but barely sipped from.

I walk from the bathroom. The music has changed, the beat turning heavier. It pulsates in my veins. I walk with it, moving my hips to the drums.

"Enna."

"Potter."

James sits down next to my sister. The rest of the group is scattered around the table. I make him scoot over, before sitting down myself. I take a sip of my drink and continue to dance in my seat.

"Hey," Lily calls out and points towards the bar. "Isn't that Madame Maribelle?"

"Yeah."

"What is she doing here? And why the hell is she dressed like that?"

I look at the low cut, black dress. "Maybe she's on a date." I shrug.

"Or she's hoping for a quick shag." Potter and his friends cackle.

Under the table, I place my hand on his thigh. His breath stops. He places his hand on mine. Slowly, I dig my nails into his flesh and drag it upwards. He hisses.

"My sister is sitting right next to you, stop the cursing."

"Speaking of siblings." He drapes his arm around the back of the bench. "Ves is fine. Never been better. You underestimate me, love! If I want to, I can be responsible."

"Good for you."

"Come one, love." He moves to sit closer to me. His lips brush against my ear. The soft, short whiskers of his stubbles tickle, tingle on my skin. He nibbles on the shell, kissing the surface. "Loosen up. You're always so stressed out."

I place my hand against his chest. The soft pumps of his heart, pulsate against my fingertips. I push at the pectoral muscles. "Not today, Potter. I'm not in the mood for your games." I trace the outlines of my shoulders, slowly rubbing at the tense joints.

"Here let me." He uses his strength to push me sideways, my back facing his front. His fingers trace my neck, push my head down. "Keep it down or move your hair."

"James, I don't think you should -"

His fingers work magic on my skin. Strong but gently, he massages my tense shoulders, kneading and untying every knot. I inhale sharply, a quick and soft moan dancing past my lips. Whimpering at his touch, I begin to melt under James' fingertips. His thumbs circle around my joints, dig deliciously into my back. Suddenly, he removes his hands. I gasp yet again as I feel them under my light jumper. My mouth drops open. James' fingers burn against the little of my back. Every inch, every pore ignites with pleasure as the Gryffindor applies enough pressure to stimulate my nerves and senses.

His hands travel upwards, stopping shortly at the strap of my bra. On the right side of my back, a few millimetres from my scapula, he pushes down. The intense sensation shatters me, sending shivers along my back and hair line. I gasp, leaning forward. My back arches. James continues, working on the knots as all senses of time and place leave me.

"Aren't you the man?" Our friends around the table, watch in astonishment.

"How come?" I question, biting down on my lip.

Freddie laughs. "One girl is moaning, melting like butter in his hands. Another fell asleep against his back."

I turn around, looking behind Potter, seeing Venice's cheeks flushed against his back. Like a fish, her mouth is opened, soft puffs of air escaping. I smile into the candle lit room.

"I should take her home." I run my hands along my hair line, pushing back any stray hair. Potter's hand continues to rub soft circles into my back, his thumb pressing down occasionally. "It's getting quite late."

Gathering our clothes in my lap, I stretch my back. Loud, relieving pops of air bubbles between my bones cracking, resonate.

"Venice." I shake her awake, leaning over Potter's body. "Come on Venice, we're going home."

Disoriented, she sits up, and runs her hands over her eyes. Seconds later, she drops her head onto the table and dozes off again.

I stand on my feet, swaying from the dizziness. With my hand, I steady myself on James' shoulder. His hand shoots out to steady my waist. "Careful." The lot laughs. "I think we all are getting a little tired."

"Can you take the bags, Ves?" I hand them over anyway. "And our jackets as well."

"Why do I have to carry everything?"

"Because I'm about to carry our sleeping sister, idiot. Shut your mouth and do as I say."

"Here, let me get out first." Potter and I move from the booth, so I can walk back in. Once I have her securely in my arms, I turn around and move as slowly as I can, not wanting to wake her up.

"We'll write, okay?" I mention as I address the almost sleeping girls.

My gaze drifts towards James. I open my mouth but close it again. Instead, I smile shyly and watch him wink. With a soft smile, I bring us home.

Andromeda of Cabin 3

Thank you. I'm glad that you like it. Considering that I have written four chapters in one day. And have another four to five, planned out, I wouldn't call it writer's block. I'm just lazy and like to wait to see how people like my work ;) But I did have writer's block on other stories, for almost a year!

Strangelove9

Your review, truly made me smile. I hope you like this ;)

Annareading

I never said, I wouldn't give you the reason. It is just a matter of time, when.