Chapter Thirty One: Moving On

There were only two weeks before term began, and Emalia busied herself by finishing off the homework she had been unable to finish over the summer. When that was done, she threw herself into researching Legilimency. The theory of it didn't look too bad, but she was sure that putting it into practice was a whole other story.

Albus was worried about her and when he went to check on her, he arrived just as she flung all her books off her desk in frustration. She looked up at him, her face contorted in a mixture of anger and grief.

'I am so angry' she said through gritted teeth 'all the time.' Albus studied her for a moment before speaking 'I understand. It is perfectly natural to be angry sometimes.' Emalia shook her head 'You don't get it. I am not just angry sometimes Albus. It is all the time. Everything I do is done in anger and sometimes I feel like it is going to swallow me whole. And if the anger doesn't to that then the sadness will.'

Emalia looked up at him, tears shining in her eyes. 'I feel like I am drowning' she whispered. Albus pulled her into a hug, mulling over what Emalia had shared with him, searching for a way to channel her emotions.

Albus had sorted out all the items that Emalia would need for her third year, her books, new robes and other supplies while she was in St. Mungo's. He had been keeping a close eye on Emalia over the past couple of days, watching her. She was being overwhelmed by her emotions, having supressed them for so long. Anger seemed to be the most dominant, which was bubbling over the brim of her emotional cup. Albus had a few ideas on how he could get Emalia to focus her anger and deal with her emotions, but they would have to wait until she got to Hogwarts.

They had both discussed how she would arrive at Hogwarts, with Albus letting her ultimately decide what was best for her. He did not want to force her into something that could impact her negatively, especially after losing her mother. 'I do not feel up to going on the Hogwarts Express Albus' she sighed 'I just-' she trailed off leaving her reason hanging in the air. Albus understood, everyone would be happy, laughing and celebrating being together again, and Emalia was not in that headspace at the moment.

'Well, all the better for me' said Albus cheerfully 'I will have you escorting me to Hogwarts and will have all this spare time to send with you before your studies and your friends take up all your time.' He smiled at her and for the first time since her mother died Emalia smiled back at him.

'Speaking of Hogwarts' continued Albus 'with everything that has been happening over the holidays it may have slipped your mind, but your cousin will be starting at Hogwarts this year.' Emalia blinked; it had indeed slipped her mind 'When will I meet him?' she asked trying to keep her voice even. She did not want to get over excited in case he did not want to get to know her.

Albus smiled 'I was thinking you could be properly introduced to him the first day of classes, in the evening time. Professor McGonagall and I will make the introduction officially, but that is not stopping you from talking to him before then, and I daresay he may have heard that there is another Potter in the school.'

Emalia nodded, but this time she could not help but smile her excitement at meeting her cousin had taken root and given her something to look forward to. Albus had informed her of her cousin when she was younger and since then she could not wait until she could meet him.

The first of September came and very early that morning, Albus and Emalia travelled to Hogwarts by floo powder. When they arrived, Emalia left to bring her belongings to her dormitory and let Grif out to hunt and stretch his wings. She watched as he flew off into the cloudy sky. Emalia sighed, her heart hurt, and she had a heavy feeling in her chest. She missed her mother beyond words, and she was not looking forward to getting sympathy from her friend group, she did not want to be pitied.

Emalia flopped down on her bed and started flipping through her schoolbooks, there did not seem to be anything overly difficult this term from first glance, but she was sure that the Professors would pile on the homework after the first week was finished.

When she arrived back at Albus's office, she saw a tray packed full of food and a mug of tea set on his table. 'Ah! Emalia, finally. I asked the kitchen to prepare us some food. I figured you would be hungry' said Albus from his chair. As if on cue, Emalia's stomach rumbled loudly which caused Albus to chuckle 'It seems I was right.'

Emalia giggled as she grabbed a hold of her stomach and walked over to the desk and picked up the closest sandwich to her and took a bite. Once she had finished the sandwich and another one after that, she looked at Albus 'I didn't realise I was that hungry' she said laughing 'Thank you for lunch.'

Albus smiled at her, he too had been famished and he was glad to see Emalia smile and laugh over the little everyday things once again. Although it would take her some time to process the last couple of months, it was progress and Albus hoped that the next few weeks around her friends and having more structure would help Emalia cope.

Albus and Emalia spent the next couple of hours talking, something that had not done much of since Aven passed. Emalia felt more connected with her godfather, and she was glad that she always had him on her side, no matter what. They both made their way down to the Great Hall, most of the students had begun to arrive.

Emalia was about to take a seat at the Gryffindor table when she was tapped on the shoulder, she turned and there stood Adrian. 'Welcome back Emalia' he said smiling. Emalia pulled him into a hug 'We are friends Adrian, and I hug my friends' she said laughing. At that moment Paisley Parkinson walked by flanked by Graham Montague and Miles Bletchley

'Ew! Pucey, you could do much better than Potter' she screeched across the hall 'Making your way through all the boys in our year Potter?' The three of them began to laugh uncontrollably.

Emalia flipped them off but unfortunately heard a snide voice say 'Miss Potter, tut tut term has not even started and already you are getting points taken from your house. Five points will be taken from Gryffindor for profane gestures.' Professor Snape walked off towards the teacher's table and Emalia had to resist the urge to flip him off as well.

'Sorry Em' muttered Adrian. Emalia shook her head 'It's not your fault Adrian, I'll talk to you later.' Adrian walked off and at the moment she heard various people calling her name. She turned and saw Alicia and Angelina run up to her. She grinned as they pulled her into a hug.

'We missed you on the train!' said Alicia as she tried to squeeze all the air out of Emalia's lungs. 'Al, let her breathe' laughed Angelina 'she is right though, we did miss you on the train, but we understand why you were not there.'

Angelina smiled at her, knowing that Emalia did not want to talk about what had happened. Emalia was glad that Angelina understood that she did not want sympathy and pity. Emalia was also willing to bet all the money in Gringotts that Angelina had warned Alicia not to say anything about it to Emalia.

The three of them sat down, Emalia's eyes darted to the entrance of the Great Hall every couple of seconds. 'They will be here in a few minutes' laughed Angelina when she noticed Emalia's attention shifting every so often.

'Lee brought giant tarantula with him this year. They are probably planning how to keep it a secret from McGonagall. I give it a week before it gets confiscated.'

Emalia laughed 'You're being generous with a week Ang; McGonagall will have the giant tarantula sniffed out within the next three days.' The three girls were laughing and chatting when the Weasley twins and Lee Jordan walked into the Great Hall. At this stage though, it was getting late and most of the seats around the middle of the Gryffindor table had been filled.

'You didn't save us a seat Angelina!' exclaimed George as they walked past the three girls to find seats further up to the front. Angelina shrugged, but did not look one bit apologetic. Fred caught Emalia's eye, no words were exchanged between them but that look conveyed a reassurance from Emalia to Fred that she was doing ok, and from Fred to Emalia that he would be there for her no matter what. The look was fleeting as no sooner had they sat down, the new first years were brought in for their sorting ceremony.

Emalia craned her neck, watching as the first years passed, hoping to catch a glimpse of her cousin. She saw a mess of black hair and a scrawny looking boy with glasses walking alongside a boy with bright red hair, who she recognised as Fred and George's younger brother Ron. She smiled brightly at the sight of Harry and hoped that he would be sorted into Gryffindor so she could be close to him.

Everyone turned their attention to the Sorting Hat, even the new first years looked at it, though most of them looked puzzled. For a few seconds there was complete and utter silence before the Hat moved and began to sing. Everyone listened to the Hat's song, and once it finished the whole Hall burst into applause as it bowed to each table and became still once more.

The whole school watched on as the first years got sorted, with Seamus Finnegan became the first to be sorted into Gryffindor. The Gryffindor table cheered loudly for their newest house member, with the twins pat him heartily on the back.

Finally, Emalia heard the name she was waiting for. 'Potter, Harry.' Whispers broke out all over the Hall, which reminded Emalia of when her name was called last year. Fred turned around and grinned at her which she returned.

Emalia watched on eagerly as they Hat took time to deliberate where to place Harry. After a few moments the Hat roared 'Gryffindor!' The whole table erupted with loud cheers and whoops. Percy Weasley got up from his seat and shook Harry's hand vigorously, pulling him down to sit next to him.

Fred and George on the other hand were yelling 'We got Potter! We got Potter!' over and over. Both of them looked down at her, Emalia was cheering the loudest out of everyone, shaking Alicia's shoulders as a way of funnelling out her excitement and delight that Harry was placed in Gryffindor.

Emalia caught Albus's eye and he too was smiling. For the first time in the last few weeks, Emalia felt positive, that things were going to get better.

Ron was soon sorted into Gryffindor and Emalia cheered as loud as his brothers did. They may tease him from time to time, but they were proud he was sorted into Gryffindor.

Soon the feast began, Alicia and Angelina were immersed in conversation with Emalia only half focused on the conversation. She was watching Harry, he looked like a carbon copy of his father from what she could tell, though she was only going off pictures she had seen of her own father and her uncle. He was talking with Percy and Ron while taking in his surroundings, like it was a dream that he would soon wake up from. A feeling Emalia was all too familiar with.

'Yeah definitely' said Emalia absentmindedly which resulted in Alicia and Angelina howling with laughter. Emalia immediately brought her attention back to her two friends. She looked at them, a confused look on her face. 'We knew you were not listening Em' said Angelina laughter lighting up her eyes.

'What?' asked Emalia tearing her attention away from her cousin and back to her two friends. 'You just agreed that Filch is the most attractive man you have ever seen' giggled Alicia. Emalia groaned and then laughed. 'Don't worry, we won't tell Fred' teased Angelina.

Emalia's face flushed bright pink and she looked up to see Fred looking at her. He raised an eyebrow questioningly. She stuck her tongue out at him and he broke out into a grin and shook his head at her.

Once the feast was finished Albus addressed the Hall, giving a few start of term notices. He specifically looked at the Weasley twins and then at Emalia when he said 'First years should note that the forest in the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well.' Emalia smiled slyly while the Weasley twins tried to portray a look of innocence.

'And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!' he finished. Emalia could see some of the teachers grimace at this, and she could understand why when Albus said 'Everyone pick your favourite tune, and off we go!'

Emalia, Alicia and Angelina all tried to co-ordinate their rendition of the school song by singing to the tune of the Weird Sister's song 'This is the Night.' Everybody finished the song at different times. At last, only the Weasley twins were left singing along to a very slow funeral march. Albus conducted their last few lines with his wand.

Emalia was laughing heartily with Alicia; Angelina was rolling her eyes at them. When they had finished, Fred looked down at Emalia and grinned at her. She clapped loudly and he took a little bow. Once Albus dismissed them, Fred, George and Lee made a beeline for the girls.

'That was quite the performance' said Emalia smiling at the twins. The two of them bowed 'Thanks, we will be signing autographs in the Common Room later on' grinned Fred. 'You watch Em, it will be worth thousands in a couple of months' said George.

Emalia laughed 'I think I will manage without' she teased.

'Oi Potter!' called a voice. The group turned to face the voice and saw Paisley Parkinson and her posse watching them. 'Try not to lose anymore points yeah? Term hasn't even officially started yet.'

Paisley laughed shrilly and turned to leave the Hall. Emalia glowered at her. 'Already had points taken from you? You're showing us up Em' teased Fred gently.

Emalia rolled her eyes smiling 'Snape caught me flipping Paisley off.' The group laughed. 'I mean she probably deserved it' agreed Alicia.

A small group of students caught Emalia's eye and she watched as Percy led the first years out towards the Common Room. She could see her cousin talking to Ron, the two of them looking over in her direction. 'Have you met him yet?' asked Fred nodding his head towards Harry.

Emalia shook her head 'No, not yet. I will officially tomorrow evening. Professor Dumbledore is setting it up.'

'Fred and George met him already' said Lee. 'Yeah' said George 'Met him on the platform. Seems quiet enough, I think he seems to get on with Ron.'

'Yeah, poor Harry, having to put up with Ron' laughed Fred. 'Ow Em, that hurt!'

Emalia had elbowed him in the ribs 'Oh shush, your brother is nice' she scolded smiling cheekily at him.

'Come on, lets go up to the Common Room' said Angelina. 'Yeah, I'll show you my giant tarantula' chimed Lee.

'Wonder how long you'll have that before McGonagall confiscates it' snorted Alicia.

'A week' said Angelina resolutely.

They all walked up to the Common Room, Angelina and Alicia leading the way, followed by George and Lee. Fred and Emalia brought up the rear. They were talking about nothing in particular, hands by their sides. Occasionally their hands would touch, sending sparks throughout Emalia's body.

'Does anyone know the password?' asked Alicia when they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady. 'Yeah, Percy made it his mission to tell us when he found out. He's prefect this year' said George.

'Hasn't shut up about it all summer' muttered Fred grinning at his twin. 'Caput Draconis' said George grinning, and the portrait swung open and they all scrambled through it.

Nerves overwhelmed Emalia as she walked into the Common Room. 'Breathe. He is family, he will love you and you will love him. Just relax' she thought to herself.

Emalia felt someone squeeze her hand. She looked up and saw Fred looking at her. 'Don't worry, he will love you' he reassured her. She smiled at him and squeezed his hand in return.

He let go when the group turned to face him.

She could see the first years just at the staircase that led to the dormitories. She walked over to them, she could see Harry, he was just in front of her.

'Not tonight Emalia. The first years are tired and need to get settled into their dorms' said Percy as he stepped in front of her. 'I am just going to say hello, Percy' she said. Percy tapped his Prefect badge 'As your prefect Emalia, I am insisting that you wait until tomorrow. Now if you will excuse us thank you.'

Rage bubbled through her and she turned back to her friends who were sitting near the fireplace. 'Get to say hello Em?' asked George cheerily but when he saw her face, he could tell that she had not. 'Eh-' he said floundering, at a complete loss of what to say.

Fred, who was chatting to Lee stopped talking and looked at Emalia wide-eyed. Concern flooded his face. 'Em? What's wrong?' he asked.

'Nothing' she snapped and stormed out of the common room. The group exchanged looked, completely bewildered at what had just happened.

Fred jumped up out of his seat 'I'll be right back' he murmured as he turned and ran after Emalia.

Emalia knew that it was no ones fault. Not even Percy's. He was right, the first years did need to get settled and she would meet Harry tomorrow, but the way he spoke to her. She was enraged. 'How dare he address me like that.' She seethed to herself.

'Em?' called out a voice. She ignored it and kept walking; she had no set destination she just needed to get out of the Common Room before she did something stupid. 'Emalia' said Fred as he ran to catch up with her 'Stop! What has happened?'

She stopped and spun round to look at him. He looked so concerned for her, and Emalia could feel the anger start to dissipate. 'I just- I don't know' she said sighing looking down at her feet. Fred stepped closer to her and put his hands either side of her face, Emalia looked into his brown eyes 'Tell me what is wrong' he asked gently, his voice almost a whisper.

'Ever since my Mum took the curse from me, I have been struggling with my emotions, how to regulate them after not really being able to feel for so long. I overreacted and I got angry that is all' she said, her eyes never moving from his.

Fred smiled gently at her 'Well, I am always here Em. So, don't run off on me, or I will just have to chase after you.' He paused and grinned 'And I am stubborn, so I won't give up.' A pink hue began to creep across Emalia's face at Fred's words.

There was a tension now between them that had not been there moments earlier. It hung heavy in the air. Slowly Fred moved his head towards Emalia's, his eyes fixated on her lips. Emalia's eyes fluttered closed slowly in anticipation for what was about to happen. Her body felt as if there was electricity flowing through her, and her heart was beating so hard in her chest she was surprised Fred could not hear it.

Their lips were mere centimetres away from each other when they heard 'OOOOOOOH KISSY KISSY POTTER AND WEASLEY' being screamed from above them. Emalia and Fred jumped apart and looked upwards to see Peeves floating above them making kissy faces.

Fred grinned at Emalia 'Hey Peeves, I hear Filch wants to get you banned from Hogwarts?' Peeves swooped suddenly at them, Fred and Emalia ducked out of the way laughing. 'Flichy always wants to get me banned' he cackled.

Emalia made a face at Peeves 'Hey Peeves, I saw Mrs Norris prowling the second-floor corridor on the way to the Common Room' she spoke. Peeves swooped down again 'Soooo Potty' he said.

Emalia grinned evily at him 'I mean, Filch is very protective of Mrs Norris isn't he?' Peeves nodded at her eagerly. 'If Filch says he is going to ban you, you could always, oh I don't know, lock Mrs Norris into a suit of armour, or an empty classroom' finished Emalia.

Peeves whooped gleefully 'Oh you're not so bad Potty' as he flew off looking for Mrs Norris. Fred looked at her taken aback.

'Oh stop Fred, you know as well as I do most of the school would love nothing more than to give Mrs Norris a good kick' laughed Emalia 'at least this way no one will get detention and Peeves will have a new pastime.'

Fred laughed and took her hand. 'You're brilliant' he said his eyes shining with pride. Emalia laughed at him and shook her head.

'Come on, let's get back to the Common Room before Prefect Percy goes out on his patrol and tries to give us detention' said Fred as he pulled her back towards the portrait of the Fat Lady.

The next morning, Emalia woke early and turned over in her bed. She was nervous, she was meeting Harry today officially. She lay in her bed staring at the roof of her four-poster bed for half an hour until she heard the other girls begin to stir, excluding Alicia who was still fast asleep and snoring lightly.

Emalia got up and quickly changed into her robes, as she was packing her bag the rest of the girls began to dress. Emalia picked up her pillow and gently threw it at Alicia who cursed loudly when it hit her. 'I don't want to get up' whined Alicia as she faked crying.

'Next step will be water Al' grinned Emalia. Alicia flipped her off and smiled at her. She sighed in defeat and five minutes later they were ready to head down to Great Hall for breakfast. When they got to the Common Room, they found Fred, George and Lee waiting for them. 'Morning' they chimed in unison.

Fred walked over to Emalia and promptly took her bag from her. 'I am not ill anymore Fred; I can carry my own bag' she protested. Fred looked at her and raised his eyebrow 'I will be carrying your bag Em' and with that he ended that discussion.

While at breakfast, Professor McGonagall was handing out the timetables to each year group. When she reached the twins she looked at them with a stern look 'I expect that the two of you will at least wait a week before any of your shenanigans disrupt the castle.'

Fred and George looked up at her, innocent looks plastered onto their faces. 'We can make no promises Professor' said George.

'We promised our sister a Hogwarts toilet seat' finished Fred. Emalia snorted into her porridge.

Professor McGonagall handed them their timetable, but before moving on she said 'And Mr. Jordan, I expect to see that giant tarantula of yours in its enclosure on my desk before dinner.'

Lee, Fred and George looked after McGonagall as she walked off, their mouths agape. 'How did she know?' whispered Lee. Emalia, Alicia and Angelina were all laughing. 'I told you she would confiscate it before the end of the week Ang' said Emalia.

Alicia turned her attention to their timetable 'Oh this is so much better than last year!' she exclaimed 'Wednesday afternoons free and we finish the week with double Herbology!' Emalia swallowed the last piece of her porridge and asked, 'What electives are you taking?'

'George and I are taking Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies. Dad was delighted with that' said Fred.

'Same as that' replied Lee.

'Care of Magical Creatures and Divination' said Angelina to which Alicia replied 'Ooooh same! My cousin said Divination is pretty straightforward. That the more gruesome your predications the happier Professor Trelawney will be. What about you Em?'

'Care of Magical Creature and Ancient Runes' replied Emalia. Fred groaned 'Does History of Magic not bore you enough Em? Bill took that and he said he couldn't tell which was worse.'

Emalia laughed 'Well I guess I will let you know when I decide.'

'We better get a move on' said Alicia as she looked at her watch 'We have McGonagall first and I don't think she would appreciate us being late!' The group finished their food and drinks and made their way to Transfiguration. Emalia kept trying to take her bag back from Fred.

He looked at her 'You do realise I am a foot taller than you Em? You're not going to be able to take it off me easily' he said pointedly.

Emalia grinned at him wickedly 'True, but I could hex you and take it off you then.' Fred raised his eyebrows as if to say he accepted her challenge. The two of them laughed as they walked into the classroom.

There sat Professor McGonagall waiting for them to take their seats. Fred and Emalia sat beside one another, with George and Lee taking their seats behind them. Two minutes later the Ravenclaws walked in. When they did, Roger Davies winked at Emalia and blew a kiss in her direction.

Fred noticed this and went stony faced. Emalia on the other hand acted as if she was going to vomit, which elicited a laugh from those who had seen the exchange. Roger scowled at her and Emalia smiled brightly at him. Fred's demeanour relaxed and he chuckled.

Two hours later and with a revision on Vera Verto and an introductory lesson on Animagi, the third years made their way down to the dungeons for potions with Snape and the Slytherins. Alicia's demeanour instantly changed, it was no secret that she hated potions and she hated Snape. This morning though, he seemed to be in fouler humour than ever.

'This morning, I expect you all to follow the instructions on the board in complete and utter silence' seethed Snape. 'Pair up. You may begin.' Fred grabbed Emalia instantly, much to Alicia's chagrin who ended up with Angelina.

'You know Alicia will be furious with you after class, she has basically booked me when we are free to pair up in potions' grinned Emalia.

'Well, I wanted to be with you today' Fred shrugged. Emalia blushed and turned her attention to the potions written up on the board, as she read through the list of ingredients, Fred began to gather the equipment they would need.

When Emalia returned, she had three more ingredients than Snape had stated in his instructions. 'What do we need all that for?' whispered Fred questioningly. Emalia put everything down on the table gently.

'Just trust me, we need it' she replied in the same whisper.

An hour and twenty minutes Snape spoke again 'By now, you should all nearly have finished your antidote to common poisons.' He passed by Lee and George's cauldron and wrinkled his nose in disgust 'Luckily for some, I will not be getting you to use your potions on one another.'

He walked over to Emalia and Fred's cauldron and paused to look inside it 'It's passable' he sneered as he turned towards the Slytherins. Emalia made a face after him, Fred saw and had to supress his laughter.

'Passable my arse' scoffed Emalia 'This is an amazing antidote' she huffed and crossed her arms.

Fred watched her, a smile on his face. He was in awe of her. She had gone through so much over the past couple of months, yet her she sat ready to argue with Professor Snape about how their potion was more than passable. She was amazing.

He put his hand on her arm and whispered 'It's not worth it Em. He is looking for an excuse to dock points off us.' Emalia nodded in response; her lips became a thin line as if she was clamping them shut so that she would not open her mouth to argue.

The rest of the day passed without incident; Emalia left the group to head to Ancient Runes. The class was small, there were no other Gryffindors only a couple of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. Much to Emalia's chagrin she saw that Roger Davies was in that class. He winked at her once more and motioned for her to come sit beside him. Emalia cringed inwardly, but was saved by Cedric Diggory, a Hufflepuff.

'I wouldn't sit beside Davies if I were you' muttered Cedric as he walked past her. Emalia followed and sat beside him. 'Why?' she asked curiously.

Cedric smiled at her 'Well rumour has it, that Davies has vowed to make you his girlfriend by Christmas.' Emalia looked horrified, the look on her face was enough to draw a laugh from Cedric.

'Don't worry, I am pretty sure you are more than a match for whatever kind of scheme he is concocting' snickered Cedric as he looked at the disappointed face of Roger Davies. 'Yeah well, he better not try anything, or I will hex him' muttered Emalia quietly.

That evening in the Great Hall, Emalia was telling Alicia all about Ancient Runes and what Cedric had told her. Unfortunately, she didn't keep her voice low enough as Fred and George heard what she said. 'Davies is doing what?!' exclaimed Fred as he stared daggers at the back of the Ravenclaw boy's head.

'Don't worry about it, as if it would happen. If he continues to bug me I will just hex him' scoffed Emalia. Fred clenched his fork in his hand and muttered something about hitting a bludger at him. George sensing the tension rolling of his brother changed the subject swiftly 'Have you talked to Harry yet?' he asked subtly pointing towards him.

Emalia shook her head 'No, I decided to wait until Dumbledore and McGonagall introduce us.' Emalia went quiet and pushed her food around her plate uninterested with it. 'Nervous?' asked Alicia. Emalia nodded mutely.

Alicia leaned over the table and grabbed her hands 'Don't worry Em. I am sure he will be delighted to know you're his cousin!' Emalia smiled back at Alicia, appreciating her words.

After dinner, Emalia left her friends outside the Great Hall. Fred turned to her 'Do you want me to come with you?' he asked. Emalia smiled back at him 'Thank you for the offer, but I will be fine.' Fred nodded and turned to leave with the rest of the group. 'See you back in the Common Room!' called Alicia cheerfully.

Emalia made her way to the Headmaster's office. She knocked twice, the door opened, and she was face to face with Professor McGonagall. 'Ah, Emalia' called Albus from behind his desk 'Come in. Harry is on his way presently.'


Back in the Common Room, Percy approached Harry who was sitting talking to Ron. 'Harry, could you come with me please?' asked Percy politely. Harry looked at him and blinked bewildered 'Err sure' he responded.

'Where are you bringing him Percy?' piped up Ron. Percy spun around to face his brother and puffed out his chest 'That is official prefect business Ron. Dumbledore asked me himself.' Ron made a face at his brother as he led Harry out of the Common Room.

'Er Percy, where are you taking me?' asked Harry curiously. Percy smiled at him 'To the Headmasters' office, Harry. Professor Dumbledore trusted me to bring you to him this evening.' Percy proudly continued to talk about how was honoured to be a prefect and how much trust Dumbledore must place in him to do personal jobs for him.

Harry wasn't listening to Percy, he was trying to figure out why he was being called to the Headmasters' office on the first day. 'Maybe it was a mistake and they are sending me back to the Dursleys' he worried to himself.

'Why does Professor Dumbledore want to see me?' he asked Percy, trying to keep his voice even. Percy stopped with his self-praise and looked at Harry, slightly miffed that he was interrupted. 'I cannot tell you Harry. Professor Dumbledore will explain everything when we arrive.'

When they reached the Headmasters' office, Professor McGonagall opened the door and ushered Harry in. 'Thank you Mr. Weasley' she said quickly before shutting the door. Harry looked around the room and noticed the blonde-haired girl he had seen at the feast yesterday. The one who responded to the name Potter. Harry looked at her curiously, she seemed nervous.

'Harry' said Dumbledore smiling 'If you would please take a seat' he gestured to the empty chair beside the girl. Professor McGonagall had taken a place, standing beside Dumbledore.

'You are probably wondering why you are here' started Albus. Harry nodded quickly his worry beginning to build. 'Well, this here' Dumbledore looked to the girl beside him 'is Emalia Potter. Your cousin.' Emalia looked at him and smiled. She even threw in an awkward wave, which she immediately regretted.

'My- My- my cousin?' stammered Harry bewildered, he stared at the girl sitting beside him. Albus smiled warmly 'Yes, your cousin. Her father is your uncle.' Harry took a second to process what he had just heard.

'I have more family?' Harry asked excitedly. Emalia looked to Albus unsure of what to say. Albus's blue eyes bore into hers and she turned to her cousin. 'No – My parents are dead. It's just me, but I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long time.'

Harry looked at her, seeing a version of himself reflected back at him. His cousin had lost her parents like he did, and he was her only family. He smiled at her, stuck out his hand to shake hers. Emalia smiled back and extended her hand.

'Nice to meet you Emalia' said Harry smiling as they shook hands.

'Nice to meet you too Harry.'

Once they had been introduced, the two of them began to talk. It was awkward at first, they were both at a loss of what to say to each other. Eventually though, they realised that they both wanted family in their life as much as each other and everything became easier.

They walked back to the Common Room talking together, Emalia sharing knowledge about Hogwarts and answered some of Harry's questions about the wizarding world. Before they stepped through the portrait into the Common Room, Emalia pulled Harry back.

'Harry, if you need anything, help with homework or how to get to class. Don't be afraid to ask me ok?' said Emalia smiling. Harry nodded and beamed back at her 'Thank you' he said 'I hope we get to spend more time together'

Emalia's smile widened, joy lighting up her face 'Definitely' she replied with a tone of certainty. When they arrived back in the Common Room, Harry joined Ron while Emalia sat down between Fred and George. 'Well?' they asked expectantly. Emalia beamed at them; no words were needed.

'Brilliant' said Fred smiling 'I told you he would love you.'


The first week flew by and surprisingly, most of the Professors gave only short revision work for homework. Professor Snape being the exception. He assigned all the third years a three-foot essay about antidotes for common poisons due the next week.

The second week of term, the talk of the school was the Quidditch trials. Gryffindor had failed to make an announcement on who would take Charlie Weasley's place as seeker. Oliver Wood, who had taken on the captain's mantle had announced Fred and George as beaters, Alicia, Angelina and Katie Bell a second year were chasers.

The following day though, Fred, George and Emalia were just leaving the Hall after dinner when they saw Ron and Harry talking animatedly. 'Well done', said George in a low voice 'Wood told us. We're on the team too – Beaters.'

Harry looked from the twins to Emalia who proceeded to laugh. 'Don't worry Harry, I have been sworn to secrecy by these two. But congratulations!' said Emalia.

'Yeah, Fred tells Emalia pretty much everything, can't keep his mouth shut' teased George shoving his brother playfully. Fred shoved him back, a grin on his face.

'I tell you; we're going to win that Quidditch Cup for sure this year,' said Fred. 'We haven't won since Charlie left, but this year's team is going to be brilliant. You must be goof, Harry, Wood was almost skipping when he told us.'

The three of them left, Emalia turned to head to the library but Fred grabbed a hold of her arm 'Come with us' he said pulling her along. Emalia shook her head 'Can't, I have to finish a translation for Ancient Runes.'

Fred and George looked at each other and exchanged a wicked grin. Suddenly they picked Emalia up and carried her off in the direction they were heading. Emalia was trying to give out to them as they ran on but was laughing too much to be able to.

They soon found Lee, who looked on astonished at the scene in front of him. Eventually the twins put Emalia down and she promptly punch both of them in the arm. 'Ow' exclaimed George. Fred rubbed his arm, feigning injury but quickly grinned at her.

'So, I found a secret passageway out of the school' began Lee proudly. He led them on down the corridor and sure enough, as the twins had predicted, Lee stopped in front of the statue of Gregory the Smarmy. Fred and George gently broke the news to Lee that they had found that passageway in first year. Lee looked disgruntled.

'Oh, come on Lee, cheer up. How about we go explore it?' suggested George looking to cheer up his friend. Lee's face lit up instantly. George and Lee climbed through the passageway, as Fred stepped through, he extended his hand out to Emalia 'Coming?' he asked.

'As tempting as that is Fred, I do have to get my runes translated for tomorrow or else I will be stuck in detention for the rest of the week' replied Emalia. Fred grinned 'See you later?'

Emalia laughed and nodded 'Of course, I can never seem to get rid of you' she teased. Fred laughed before turning to run after his brother and his friend.

When Emalia arrived at the library, she saw Roger Davies and his cronies sitting at one table. Emalia kept her head down and tried not to attract too much attention to herself. She sat down at the back of the library and sighed as she had successfully dodged his attempts to ask her out.

Or so she thought, for moments later she heard her name being called and when she turned around, she came face to face with Roger. 'Emalia, what a fortunate coincidence to run into you here, I was just thinking about you' he said.

Emalia forced a smile 'Well, the chances of you finding me in the library are usually quite high' she replied politely.

Roger sat down in the chair beside her. 'Look Emalia, I am the best-looking boy in our year – if not the whole school' Emalia tried to supress her laughter at his arrogance. 'And you are definitely the best-looking girl in the school. So, it would only make sense for us to go out. Become the power couple of Hogwarts. I know you can't resist me.' He said smugly.

Emalia didn't know whether to laugh or run to the bathroom to vomit. 'Listen Roger, I appreciate the offer and as eh – tempting as that sounds I am going to have to pass up on the opportunity.'

The smile on Roger's face slipped momentarily but he recovered quickly 'I will get you to date me soon Emalia, I promise.' Emalia rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her book. She smiled when she heard Roger huff off in a mood. She had dodged that bullet, for now.