On account of all we'd experienced together, I spoke more often to the famous trio. We became closer friends, which was a nice feeling, especially considering Harry and I were practically related. It felt good to bond, more so than before, now that we knew exactly how we were related. When the final term ended and we were on the train home, I stopped in their carriage for a while after finishing up my prefect duties in order to sit with them. I arrived just as Ron was telling Hermione and Harry about the Quidditch World Cup this summer. "How about it Harry? Come and stay, and we'll go and see it! Dad can usually get tickets from work."
"Blimey, I forgot all about the World Cup." I said as I let myself in, though Harry didn't look as enthralled as I expected, saying he doubted the Dursleys would allow him to go after the Aunt Marge incident. "Trivialities, Harry. I'll bust you out of there myself if I have to. You're coming to the Cup, and if that whale of an uncle of yours tries to stop you, just tell him your godfather is a mass murderer who'll be checking in on you from time to time." Well, I might as well joke about it mightn't I? "And besides, if all else fails, I'm sure we can find another flying car."
This time they laughed and Harry looked much happier and excited about the Cup. I joined them in a game of Exploding Snap, bought some snacks off the food trolley, then was about to leave to head back to Fred and George's compartment when Hermione spoke up. "Harry, what's that thing outside your window?" All of us looking up, we saw a small shape fluttering in and out of view, struggling to keep up with the moving train. An owl, by the looks of things. Jumping up, Harry opened the window then groped around outside before he managed to catch it, bring it inside.
It was tiny and rather ruffled, but looked eager and excited to have managed to keep up at all. It had two letters clamped into its beak, one of which he dropped onto Harry's lap before he managed to break free and fly, hooting chirpily before he suddenly let go of the second later and it smacked me in the face, making Ron snort. "Charming little thing, isn't it?" I mused, frowning as I picked up the letter after it had fallen, Harry having already opened his. "Who's it from?"
"It's from Sirius!" Alarmed, I quickly closed the door again in order to sit back down, reading over his shoulder and completely forgetting about my own in my excitement. It said he and Buckbeak were in hiding. Good, at least we know they're both safe and I'm sure dad would appreciate the company. He also planned to let some muggles to see him far away from Hogwarts in order to lift the dementor security from the castle. Also, it was dad who sent us the Firebolts, which made Harry and I both grin as Hermione crowed that she had been right. I read the rest before then tearing open my own letter where I immediately began to read.
My dearest Mia,
I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me that I was able to see you, and that you believe that I was telling the truth back at the Shack. You have grown up wonderfully, though it saddens me to know I've missed so much. I hope you'll forgive me, as I fully intend to make it up to you one day. There is so much I want to tell you, and not enough parchment or ink in the world to be able to write it all down.
Without a doubt, I am the proudest father alive. I've heard of some of the things you've accomplished, and you have completely outshone this old man of yours. Dumbledore came to speak to me whilst I was locked in the tower and told me all about your adventurous school life. You truly are my child. I promise one day I will be there to answer all your questions, and it is my greatest hope that you will want me to be part of your life from now on.
If you ever have need of me, write to me. I will come no matter what.
All my love,
Dad.
Reading the letter through several times, I held the first written proof of my father's existence in my hand, making me smile and almost cry though I held back the tears. Still, I looked at Harry, and he looked at me, then without a word I put my arm around him and we hugged one another. "You've got me now, Harry. Our parents wanted us to grow up together, so that's what we'll do. Hope you don't mind a half-crazy sister, because that's the best you're going to get." When I pulled back, I was gratified to see Harry grinning.
"Are you kidding me? It's perfect! Better than Dudley for a cousin, anyway." Laughing, I ruffled his already messy hair as Harry then noted the additional note at the end, telling Ron that he could keep the owl as a replacement for his rat. Keen on the idea, Ron looked at the owl before frowning slightly, then after a few seconds of consideration, held it out for Crookshanks to confirm that it really was an owl. I laughed as I got up, saying goodbye to them all before hurrying to find Fred and George, tucking my letter into my shirt so that it rested over my heart, already deliberating on exactly how I was going to confront my mother about all this. Either way, nothing could stop me from feeling the fullness of this moment, and as I opened the compartment door to where my own friends sat, they looked up and saw my stupid, wide grin.
"She's finally lost it Fred."
"Gone completely barmy, George. Should have known this would happen."
"Better send her off to the nuthouse. There's no hope for her anymore." They said teasingly, but I just smiled all the more.
