Severus Apparates from his house in Cokeworth to just outside of the Malfoys' mansion. He walks up the path to the door and knocks. Almost instantly, the door opens, and Severus is greeted by a very hyperactive, very blonde five-year-old boy with bright gray eyes that are glimmering with mischief.

"Uncle Sevvy!" He exclaims as he throws his tiny arms around Severus's legs.

"Hello, Draco."

Severus leans down and ruffles the young boy's hair. He then picks up the boy and carries him into the house.

"Why are you here?" Draco asks, tilting his head to the side so that his blonde curls fall into his eyes.

"To speak with your parents."

As though he summoned her, Narcissa walks down the stairs, a bright smile on her face. She takes Draco from Severus's arms and places the little boy down on the ground. "Go find your daddy, Draco, and tell him to meet us in the study."

"Okay, Mummy!" He goes running out of the room, his blonde curls bouncing as he goes.

Narcissa turns to face Severus, the smile falling from her face when she sees his gloomy expression. "I'm assuming this isn't a social call?"

"That would be correct. I need to talk to you and Lucius about the Dark Lord."

Narcissa's face pales. "Let's go sit down in the study, and I'll have one of the elves fetch us some tea."

~3~

Severus clears his throat as he sets his teacup and saucer down on the study's desk. "It has come to my attention that a student at Hogwarts has been threatened by some of the other Death Eaters. Do you or Lucius know anything about this?"

"I am not sure, Severus. Who is the student?"

Severus debates for a second whether or not to use his Legilimency on her, but he decides against it because it's too risky.

"Her name is Elena Davies, and she is a mudblood." The word tastes bitter on his tongue, but he knows he must use it when he's in the presence of the Dark Lord's followers.

"Ah, yes. I've heard she's another one of your mudblood pets?"

"Who is spreading that ridiculous rumor?" Severus forces himself to laugh. "If I had my way, I would not even have her as one of my students. Or any other mudblood, for that matter."

Narcissa looks at Severus over the edge of her cup. She's about to respond, but Lucius comes in, interrupting her.

"Severus, how good to see you, old friend. Is everything alright?" He takes a seat next to Narcissa on the couch.

"Hello, Lucius. I was just asking Narcissa if either of you know anything about the recent attack on Elena Davies at Hogwarts."

Lucius smiles maliciously. "Albus has you investigating us, doesn't he?"

"Yes, unfortunately. And seeing as I am supposed to be his spy, I have to pretend I am doing his dirty work."

Lucius reclines back into the couch and takes a long sip of his tea. "Well, you can tell that old kook that we have no clue about the goings-on at Hogwarts."

Severus quickly glances at Narcissa, but then looks back at Lucius. "I will be sure to pass on the message."

"Since you are here, Severus, I suppose it's a perfect time to ask if you're willing to babysit Draco this weekend?" Narcissa asks after a moment of silence.

"I would be more than willing to babysit my godson. Just tell me when you need me to come pick him, and he can spend the entire weekend with me at my house."

"He will absolutely love that!" Narcissa says ecstatically, their past conversation all but forgotten.

~3~

Elena is so excited on the morning of August thirty-first that she ends up waking up forty-five minutes before her alarm. She, Tonks, and Fifi have kept in touch over the summer months, exchanging owls back and forth to each other, and they have plans to meet up today and buy their school supplies together. Elena's mother has given her enough money to get all of her school books, some new robes, and a decent new broom since Elena's planning on trying out for the Ravenclaw quidditch team this year.

After they're finished with their shopping, the girls are planning on heading to an empty field near Diagon Alley to help Elena practice her Quidditch skills, and also Tonks and Phoenix because they are also planning on trying out for their House teams this year. They already know Elena's a natural flyer, if their lessons with Madam Hooch are anything to go by, and she has experience playing goalie in football.

Elena dresses in jean shorts, a loose mint-green tank-top, and white high-top Converse for the day- the perfect mix of cute and sporty.

Walking up behind her, Riley wraps her arms around Elena's waist in a tight hug. "I can't believe you're leaving again so soon. I miss having you around the house, you know that?"

Elena sighs and leans into her sister's embrace. "I know, Riles, but Hogwarts is where I'm meant to be."

Riley spins her around and places her hands on Elena's shoulders in order to force her to look into her eyes. "I know, and I support your decision and wouldn't want it any other way. Joanna agrees, too. Just… make sure to write to us a lot, okay? We get lonely without our littlest sis, and you know how we worry about you."

Elena hugs Riley. "I will be sure to send you lots of owls this year, I promise- especially when you two are staying at Father's."

Riley smiles. "Thank you. Oh, and send us more of those interesting sweets that you sent us last year. Especially those chocolate frogs!"

Elena laughs and lets go of her sister. "I will make sure to do that."

"Good. Now, let's do something with your hair. I love how you look with it down, but it's good to switch things up now and then."

Riley sits down on the edge of the bed, with Elena sitting on the floor just in front of her. After contemplating for a few moments, Riley decides to do pigtail French braids.

Joanna comes in right after Elena's finished getting ready, and the two wish her a good term before Elena heads off.

~3~

Elena arrives at the Leaky Cauldron at a quarter past eight, which is fifteen minutes before their arranged meeting time. She sees Fifi waiting at a table the moment she enters, and Elena heads over to where Fifi's sitting and sits down at the table with her. They chat as they wait for Tonks and Andromeda, who is to be their chaperone while they're in Diagon Alley, to arrive.

Tonks walks in, flustered, ten minutes after eight-thirty, and joins her two friends. "Sorry, I'm late."

Rolling her eyes, Elena asks, "What's your excuse this time?"

"Mum was being a pain in the arse and wouldn't let me leave the house until I had everything packed neatly in my trunk. She didn't even help me!"

Andromeda, her hands on her hips, steps up behind Tonks. "Darling, what have I told you about cursing?"

Tonks rolls her eyes and turns to face her mother. In a nearly perfect impression of her mother, she says, "'Proper young ladies do not curse, Nymphadora.'"

"Yes, my dear, and yet, you still do."

"That's because I'm not a proper young lady."

"Much to my dismay," Andromeda mutters under her breath, but Tonks catches it anyway. "I want the three of you back here by no later than nine tonight. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, ma'am," the girls reply in unison.

Fifi, Elena, and Tonks all grab their things and practically bolt out of the Leaky Cauldron into Diagon Alley.

"What kind of broom should I get? I have absolutely no idea what kind to get since I've only ever used the school brooms," Elena says as the group makes their way to the robe shop. "Surely there are some that are better than others."

"Well, there's the newest model of the Cleansweep and a new Comet, but the one I would suggest, if you can afford it, is the new Nimbus 2000. It's the best there is," Tonks says matter-of-factly.

The three walk into the shop together, and it takes over an hour for them all to be fitted for new house robes since they've all grown so much over the past year, which was the last time they got their last sets of robes. Elena also buys a few new Ravenclaw ties, headbands, and a scarf.

~3~

The next store the three girls stop in is the Magical Menagerie to get a new pet for Tonks (Lord help them all).

"Tonks," Phoenix groans. "You cannot be trusted with a pet."

Tonks glares at her. "I can, too."

"Really? How many pets have you had in your life?" Phoenix asks, raising an eyebrow.

"A single goldfish."

"How long did it live for?"

"A… week."

Before Phoenix gets the chance to give her retort, Elena throws her arm around Tonks's shoulders and says, "If she wants to get a pet, Fifi, we can't stop her."

"Thank you, Elena."

Phoenix closes her mouth, and she looks as though she's just eaten the sourest lemon in the world.

"So," Elena says, trying her hardest to break the terse silence, "what animal are you thinking of getting?"

Tonks looks around at the cages lining the walls, just like Elena did a year ago. "I would get an owl because they can be damn useful, but the school has owls I can use to deliver letters, so I want something that's cute, cuddly, and fuzzy."

"So pretty much an animal with the same personality as you?" Elena teases as she bumps Tonks's hip with her own.

"Precisely!"

"Funny, I have her pegged more like a hedgehog- prickly on the outside, cuddly on the inside," Phoenix comments.

Tonks laughs. "I think you're thinking of your own personality, Fifs."

And that's how Tonks ends up adopting a baby bunny named Snuffles.

~3~

As soon as they're finished with the rest of their shopping, they rush over to Quality Quidditch Supplies to help Elena pick out her new broomstick.

"There's the new Nimbus 2000!" Tonks squeals. The other customers in the store look over at their little group with annoyance. "I only wish my parents gave me enough money to buy it."

"Tonks, can't you ever be quiet?" Fifi asks.

"Nope."

"That's what I thought."

"What's that supposed- whoops!" Tonks suddenly runs into a display, knocking down five broomsticks. The shop owner walks over to them, quite peeved, and escorts Tonks outside. The two Ravenclaws help the shop owner pick up the fallen brooms, mumbling their apologies for their friend's clumsiness.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Tonks is a walking hazard to us all," Fifi sighs.

"No kidding. I wish she hadn't gotten kicked out, though. I need all the help I can get picking out a broom."

Fifi smiles reassuringly at her. "I'm sure you'll find one that suits you just fine. Come on, I'll help you."

Fifi's idea of helping Elena is listing all of the merits of each broom, something Elena both appreciates and hates at the same time.

Elena decides on the new Nimbus 2000 after contemplating for a little while, and, dropping their things off in their rooms and picking up their brooms at the Leaky Cauldron, the three friends walk to the empty field together as they discuss which position they each want to try out for. It's decided quite quickly that Tonks should be a Seeker because she would cause the least damage in that role, Elena a Keeper because she's a quick thinker, and Fifi a Chaser because she does well working as a team with others.

"I'm not sure I feel comfortable with balls flying at my face," Elena deadpans.

Tonks cringes. "Wrong choice of words, Elena."

Realizing what she said, Elena cringes as well. "Right. Wasn't thinking."

Fifi chuckles. "That's obvious."

~3~

"You make a fair Keeper, El," Tonks compliments once they're finished practicing later that day.

The three girls are sitting at Florean Fortescue's ice cream parlor, eating from large bowls of ice cream sundaes.

"Tonks! You're dripping ice cream all over yourself!" Fifi exclaims.

Elena hands several napkins to Tonks, who immediately takes them and starts wiping the mess off of herself. "Whoops."

Elena chuckles and shakes her head at her. "You really are a walking misfortune, aren't you? I guess it's a good thing you now have four rabbit's feet."

Tonks's nose scrunches in confusion. "What does Snuffles have anything to do with my clumsiness?"

"It's a muggle superstition. They believe that having a rabbit's foot will bring you good luck."

"That's stupid," Tonks and Fifi say in unison.

"I didn't say it makes any sense, I just said that it's one of their superstitions."

A few minutes later, Tonks asks, a slight nervous edge to her voice, "Do you guys think we'll make our teams?"

Fifi nods. "I think we have a fair chance. We all have a fair amount of talent on the field from what I could tell."

"As long as we play as well as we did today during tryouts, I think we'll all make the teams."

They continue speaking about Quidditch until well after their sundaes are finished. Eventually, sometime after the sun goes down and they're all yawning, they make their way back to the Leaky Cauldron and retire to their shared room. Before going to bed, however, Elena packs a parcel of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, chocolate frogs, and other Wizarding treats that she's picked up that day for her sisters. She writes a note to them as well and ties both items to Snow's legs, sending the owl on her way.

~3~

Elena startles awake early the next morning when her two best friends barge in and jump on her bed.

"Rise and shine, pumpkin pie!" Tonks, who Elena notices has yellow and black hair today, says.

Elena sits up slowly and rubs the sleep from her tired eyes. The other two sit down on the side of the bed, smiling widely down at her.

"What is with you two being awake before me? I'm the early bird," Elena grumbles.

Tonks smirks at her. "We wanted to wake you up the same way you wake us up."

"No. You wanted to. You woke me up to get me to help you against my will."

Tonks shrugs. "That's what friends are for."

"Anyway, I see you're going full Hufflepuff today, Tonks," Elena mumbles.

Tonks smiles even wider. "Yup! I've been waiting all summer to try it out, and I thought today would be the perfect day. I'm so excited to go back to school!" The other two cover their ears at her high pitched squeal.

"So are we, Tonks, but that's no reason for you to blow out our eardrums," Fifi admonishes lightly, smiling as she does so.

~3~

Andromeda drives the three girls to Kings Cross once they've eaten breakfast and gathered all of their things. She says a quick goodbye to the girls, then heads to the Ministry of Magic, where she works as an Auror.

"What's an Auror?" Elena asks once Andromeda's out of sight.

"An Auror is someone who catches dark wizards," Tonks answers.

"So they're pretty much the police of the Wizarding World?"

Tonks shrugs. "I guess you could put it that way."

"I never would have pegged your mother as an Auror, Tonks. I would think she would be an official or a judge on the Wizengamot," Phoenix says.

"After she was disowned by her family, she wanted to get back at them, and she did that by becoming an Auror and catching dark wizards. Actually, she was the one who caught Bellatrix Lestrange."

Phoenix's face pales, and her knuckles turn white from her tight grasp on her trunk.

"Is everything alright, Fifi?" Elena asks as she places a comforting hand on Phoenix's shoulder.

"Yeah. It's just that…." She trails off, unsure how to voice her worst memory.

"You can tell us anything, Fifi," Elena says softly.

Phoenix clasps the locket around her neck and looks down at the ground. "Bellatrix killed my parents. I was in the house when it happened, but she spared me. I still don't understand why."

Elena wraps her arms around Phoenix. "I don't know why either, Fifi, but I'm glad she didn't kill you. I can't imagine my life without you. I'm sorry you had to go through all of that."

Phoenix wipes her tears away. "I've come to terms with it, but it still hurts when I'm reminded of that night."

At that moment, Charlie spots the three girls and walks over to them, a huge grin on his face. "Hello, ladies. How was your guys' summer?"

Phoenix hides her face- partially because she was just crying, and partially because she's blushing.

"Mine was pretty good. What about yours, Weasley?" Tonks says.

"The twins decided that the gnomes in our garden make perfect targets for their practical jokes. Dad found it hilarious, but Mum gave them their biggest telling off yet when she found out."

All three girls burst out laughing.

"Why am I not surprised?" Elena says, shaking her head with amusement. "Anywho, my summer was great. Riley and Jojo spent every waking moment with me because they missed me last year, and we all went to Paris together for a weekend. It was a lot of fun, but I'm really going to miss them while I'm at Hogwarts this year. They've already told me that they hate seeing me leave for Hogwarts, but they still love me and are happy I've found a place where I belong."

"Just send them some chocolate frogs and all will be well with your sisters," Tonks states as she throws an arm around Elena's shoulders.

Elena snorts. "Very true. Riley really adores the Wizarding treats I send her."

Charlie turns to Phoenix, who is now her usual composed self. "How about you, Fifi?"

"My parents took me to St. Petersburg, and it was fascinating. The wizards there have played such an important role in the political climate of Russia. Did you know that Tsar Nicholas the third was a wizard himself?"

"Only you would travel to learn more about what we study in school. Well, you and Elena," Tonks comments.

Phoenix rolls her eyes. "At least I won't have a fear of encountering werewolves my entire life. I met one in St. Petersburg, and he was absolutely delightful. Did you know there's a program in Russia that gives Wolfsbane to those who can't afford to buy it themselves? Not to mention the fact that werewolves there are treated equally."

Tonks's eyes widen, and her body shudders visibly. "How could they let those dangerous creatures roam amongst them as equals?"

"Werewolves are only dangerous during full moons, Tonks. Other than that, they are just normal humans and decide which path they want to take- to be what people fear of werewolves, or to be an upstanding citizen. Not every werewolf is like Fenrir Greyback. You shouldn't be so discriminative towards werewolves," Elena admonishes lightly.

"They're still dangerous," Tonks mutters.

Elena sighs. "Why are you so afraid of werewolves anyway?"

"I...I had a dream about a werewolf when I was about five. In my dream, the werewolf was chasing me through a dark forest."

"It was only a nightmare, Tonks. Chances are you will never see a werewolf during a full moon," Elena soothes.

Mrs. Weasley comes bustling over a moment later and starts fussing with Charlie's hair.

"Mum," Charlie whines, trying to get out of his mother's grasp. "You're embarrassing me."

"I hardly doubt your friends find you embarrassing," Mrs. Weasley states.

Tonks, who is choking back a laugh, says, "Definitely not, Mrs. Weasley."

Charlie glares at her. "Yeah, right, Tonks."

Mrs. Weasley turns around quickly and looks at the three girls with a bright, dazzling smile. "You three must be Nymphadora, Elena, and Phoenix! It's so wonderful to finally meet the three of you. Charlie has told me so much about you all."

"It's nice to meet you as well," Phoenix says, always the diplomat.

"You look quite familiar, dear," Mrs. Weasley says to Phoenix. "Perhaps I know your parents?"

Charlie clears his throat and awkwardly states, "Mum, I told you that Fifi's parents were killed during the war, didn't I?"

Mrs. Weasley blushes a shade of red that is only rivaled in color by her hair. "I am so sorry, dear."

"It's alright. Anyway, I think it's time for us to get onto the train." Phoenix smiles at Mrs. Weasley. "It has been such a pleasure meeting you. I hope to see you again soon."

"I hope so as well, dear."

~3~

On the train, James and Ryan, second-year Slytherins, sit in the compartment with Tonks, Fifi, Charlie, and Elena. Elena had a couple of classes with the two Slytherins last year and has talked with them a little bit. From what she can tell, they're not like other Slytherins- they're polite and are always willing to lend a helping hand to those who need it.

The train ride passes quickly with a lively conversation between the six occupants of the compartment, and before any of them realize it, they're arriving at Hogsmeade Station, ready to begin their second year at Hogwarts.

A/N Hello, my lovelies! I'm so sorry this update took a little longer than expected, but I should have the next chapter ready really soon! I hope y'all have a safe and fun Halloween!

As always, I would love to hear y'all's comments and theories! Until next time, my lovelies!