Chapter 26: It's Always the Quiet Ones

It took two more agonizingly slow days for Harry to wake. After Dumbledore talked to him for a while, Madame Pomfrey relented and let us in for a short visit. When Harry revealed that it was Quirrell, I couldn't help it.

"How didn't I see that?! It's always the freaking quiet ones! Stupid." I could have kicked myself.

Hermione shook her head and Ron and Harry laughed.

As Harry continued the story of Quirrell being possessed by Moldy-pants, I almost lost my lunch at the thought of that ugly mug on the back of someone's head. After he told us what Dumbledore explained about what happened, something was still bugging me.

"Something is still bugging me, though. Why were all of the defenses stuff that first years could almost easily get past. It doesn't make any sense!" I exclaimed.

"Do you think Dumbledore meant us to go after the stone?" Hermione asked in a horrified voice.

"It sure looks like it." Ron stated.

~oOo~

Harry got to leave just in time for the feast. Slytherin won, so none of us were looking forward to it. Until Dumbledore awarded us all just enough points to win at the last minute. Which seemed kinda mean to the Slytherins, but I wasn't going to complain.

All too soon, we were packing our things. I remembered something.

"Hermione, could I have your phone number and address? And could you give me an extra copy to give Harry? I don't think his relatives like owls flying about their house." I felt bad bending the truth, but it wasn't my situation to share. Plus, the assholes probably didn't like having owls around their house.

On the way to the carraiges, I passed on the info to Harry and whispered, "You call or go to Hermione if there's any trouble, mister! And give me your address!"

~oOo~

Darren joined us in our car and we played games while eating candy all the way back to London.

He dragged me over to his terribly proper looking parents and said, "This is Kayla Weasley, mum and dad."

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Ericson!" I said politely holding my hand out to shake theirs.

"You too, dear." His mom said, shaking my hand.

Mr. Ericson said nothing, but nodded.

I noticed my mom waving me over and smiled apologetically, "I've got to go, my mom wants me. See you later, Darren!"

I gave him one last hug before heading towards my family of fellow gingers.

Time to finally go home.

~oOo~

The house was all crooked and there were chickens everywhere. I love it! It screams 'barely controlled chaos.'

I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as Ginny came racing out to hug me, followed by two tall gingers that I assume are Bill and Charlie.

"It's nice to finally meet you all in person instead of letter or hi-jacked letter!" I exclaimed, my grin widening further as the one with burns started making Ginny's and my hug a group hug. I think that's Charlie. And here comes the rest of the crew. Of course, Fred and George are trying to tip us over and Percy's glasses are askew…. But this is honestly one of the best feelings in the world.

Until Fred and George succeeded. Now I can't breathe.

"Bill, Charlie, Ron! You're crushing me!" I gasped.

"Sorry, little sis, couldn't resist!" Charlie said helping me up.

I grinned, "Oh, I don't blame you. But the elder twins better not plan on sleeping any time soon."

Bill ruffled my hair and laughed.

Mom said, "All right, all right! Everyone inside and unpack! Kayla dear, you're sharing with Ginny!"

I turned to my sister, "Cool! Every night will be like a slumber party!"

She smiled and started pulling me up to her room.

~oOo~

"So how likely do you think it is that mom will let me go to the Leaky Cauldron to practice with my band?" I asked from my spot laying on her bed opposite of Ginny's.

"Less than zero." Ginny replied dully.

I thought about if for a moment and then tried again, "What if I have one of the oldest boys with me?"

Ginny sat up with a thoughtful expression and said, "Y'know, that sounds like it might work. You're still going to have to turn up the charm though. And keep next Saturday free."

I raised an eyebrow, "What's happening next Saturday?"

Ginny grinned, "You're going to meet Luna."

~oOo~

"Please, Mom! I can't let Mr. Tom down like this and don't you think a summer job would be good for me? I'll get Bill, Charlie, or Percy to go with me!" I had my puppy eyes out on their highest power level.

Mom gave me a measured look and sighed, "Oh, alright. But only if you get your brothers to agree."

I turned my eyes on Bill and Charlie, who had been watching this all with amusement. They bothe raised their hand and Charlie said, "Whoa, put those away! We'll do it!"

I beamed at them and pounced on them chanting, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Percy walked in and asked, "What's all this?"

I turned to him and pulled out the pout again, "Say Percy…."

Bill and Charlie started howling with laughter.

~oOo~