Chapter Thirty Six: Summer Days

The first thing Emalia did when she got home was to write to all of her friends. She missed them, especially Fred. It was torturous almost not being able to keep in contact with them.

Alicia was the first to respond, instantly inviting her to visit. Emalia jumped at the opportunity, with Albus's blessing of course. She was excited to visit Alicia, the two weeks she spent with the Veela Council, although eventful, were lonely weeks.

Fred's letter to Emalia was long, he began by telling her all that had happened over the two weeks they were out of communication. Most of it involved him and George pranking and annoying Percy. Emalia had a good laugh reading their escapades, yearning to have been able to witness them.

The end of the letter though, Fred told her how much he missed her. Emalia's heart felt full. She hated not being able to communicate with him, and she vowed to come up with a way to keep in contact when sending letters was not feasible.

Fred and George had also extended an invitation to visit The Burrow, in fact it was more like an invitation to spend the rest of the holidays there. Emalia grinned as she wrote her reply to Fred, telling him that she was going to visit Alicia first, but that The Burrow was top of the list after this visit.

The very next week Emalia was up early, excited about her visit to Alicia. She had been almost bouncing off the walls the night before that she was surprised she managed to get any sleep whatsoever.

She had breakfast with Albus, and before getting ready to use the Floo to get to Alicia's she ran to check the post. She had not heard from Harry yet and she was beginning to worry. She pushed it out of her mind for now, she knew that if there was something seriously wrong that Albus would tell her, for he would have a way of knowing. He always did.

At eleven o'clock Emalia stepped into the fireplace, was engulfed by flames and arrived in the living room of the Spinnet household. She had barely stepped out of the fireplace when she was tackled by Alicia and pulled into a hug.

'Emalia!' she exclaimed 'I am so glad you were able to come!' She spun around to face her parents to introduce Emalia to them 'Mum, Dad, this is Emalia. Emalia, this is my Mum and Dad.'

Emalia smiled and extended her hand 'It's a pleasure to meet you Mr and Mrs Spinnet. Thank you for inviting me to your home.' Mrs Spinnet smiled at her warmly as she shook her hand 'It's wonderful to meet you Emalia. And please, Mrs Spinnet is my mother-in-law, call me Anita.'

Mr Spinnet took Emalia's hand next 'Wonderful to meet you, Alicia has told us all about you. Please call me Abram.'

Emalia nodded and smiled at them, but she did not get a chance to say anything further as Alicia was already pulling her out the door of the living room and up the stairs.

Alicia flung open the door and pulled Emalia inside. 'Welcome to my room!' she announced proudly. Alicia's room was bright and airy, it was painted a pale primrose colour with large windows that allowed the natural light to fill the room.

She had a double bed, that was currently overflowing with the number of cushions and teddies covering it, the sheets underneath was the unmistakable scarlet and gold of Gryffindor.

Covering the walls were various pictures of friends and family, alongside posters of Puddlemere United and the Weird Sisters. Emalia grinned at Alicia 'This is wicked!'

Alicia beamed back at her 'I am glad you like it.'

The girls spent the afternoon chatting and listening to the Weird Sisters before Mrs Spinnet called them down for lunch. 'Hello girls, I was thinking as it is such a lovely day, we could have lunch outside' she smiled as she brought a plate of food out to the patio.

All too soon though, the day was over, and Emalia had to leave to go home. Alicia pulled Emalia into a hug once more 'I'll see you in a couple of weeks, right?'

'Of course, Al, see you then' replied Emalia. She turned to Alicia's parents 'Thank you for having me Abram and Anita. I had a wonderful time.'

'Oh, it was our pleasure sweetheart' said Anita cheerily.

'Yes, we hope to see you again soon' finished Abram.

Emalia smiled at both of them and thanked them once more before walking into the fireplace and returning home.

When she got home, she saw that Fred had written to her once again, inviting her to The Burrow once again. In fact, this letter invited her to spend the remainder of the holidays there.

After much discussion with Albus, he eventually agreed to allow her to spend a substantial portion of the holidays with the Weasley's home.

Two days later Emalia arrived at The Burrow, fairly early in the morning. Albus had written to Mrs Weasley wondering if Emalia could be there early morning as he had some business to take care of at Hogwarts. Mrs Weasley, of course, agreed wholeheartedly.

It was nine in the morning when Emalia blazed into the Weasley's fireplace. She walked out, dusted herself off and was greeted cheerfully by Mrs Weasley 'Good morning Emalia, dear! It is great to see you.'

Mrs Weasley pulled her into warm embrace. 'Let me get a look at you!' she said as she pulled back, her hands either side of Emalia's shoulders. 'I am so very glad to see you looking happy and well. Now sit, let me get you some breakfast. Everyone should be waking up soon.'

Emalia grinned 'Thank you Mrs Weasley, I had breakfast before I came this morning; but I can wake everyone for you if you'd like?'

Mrs Weasley smiled as she turned back to the frying pan, she was tending to previously. 'Of course, dear, Harry and Ron are in his room up on the top floor.'

Emalia stopped. 'Harry is here?' she asked surprised.

Mrs Weasley nodded 'Yes, he arrived early last week.'

Emalia turned on her heel and made her way up to Ron's room, passing Ginny on the way. 'Morning Gin' she called as she ran past her, not waiting for her reply for she was desperate to see how Harry was and find out why he was not replying to her numerous owls.

When she reached Ron's room, she wrenched open the door and marched over to her sleeping cousin. 'Oi!' she said angrily as she flicked his forehead 'Why didn't you write to me all summer?'

'OUCH' yelped Harry, as he sat up suddenly rubbing his forehead. 'Emalia?' he said groggily as he fumbled around for his glasses. 'Er- I couldn't. The Dursley's locked Hedwig away, and a house elf was stopping my post.'

'What?' said Emalia in disbelief. Harry began to tell Emalia all about Dobby's visit and the Dursley's treatment of Hedwig. She had a troubled look on her face pondering what Harry's story could mean, when Ron sat up suddenly, pulling the covers up to his chest.

'Hi, I er- when. Why are you here?' he asked rather flustered.

'Oh, your Mum asked me to call you for breakfast. I'll see you downstairs, I have to wake your brothers' responded Emalia smiling as she got up and breezed out of the room. Ron watched her nodding dumbly before he got out of bed to get breakfast.

Emalia made a beeline for Fred and George's room. She pressed her ear to the door, listening carefully to see if the twins were awake or not. After a few moments when she heard no sound, she quietly opened their door.

The two of them were still fast asleep, George was sleeping on his back peacefully, Fred was lying on his side facing the door.

Emalia's heart skipped a beat. 'Merlin, he is so handsome when he is sleeping' she thought to herself.

A part of her wanted to let them both sleep longer, but where was the fun in that.

She took a running jump and divebombed on top of Fred. 'OOOUF' he groaned. His eyes shot open as he tried to figure out where the attack was coming from, and who was attacking him. All he could see was a head of silvery blonde hair, seconds later he saw Emalia's face, she was grinning at him, laughter lighting up her eyes.

'Hit me like a tonne of bricks' he teased as he smiled at her. Emalia rolled her eyes in response and leaned in to kiss him.

'I missed you' he murmured. Beside them George, who had woken up when he heard Emalia's feet on the floor, got to see her dive bomb on his brother, started making kissy noises at them.

'Where's my good morning kiss Em?' he teased.

Fred threw his pillow at his brother laughing when Emalia stood up and shoved George off his bed. He landed on the ground with a thunk and a very rude exclamation

'Good morning Georgie, I wouldn't let your mother hear you talking like that' she said laughing at him.

'No fair' laughed George as he stood up rubbing his backside.

'Come on your breakfast is ready' called Emalia as she ran out of the room.

Fred and George joined the rest of the household in the kitchen five minutes later. Emalia was sitting beside Ginny and the two girls were engrossed in a very animated conversation about Hogwarts.

'Don't listen to Em, Ginny. All she knows about Hogwarts is the exact shape and size of the library and how many books there are' teased George as he sat opposite the two of them.

Emalia gave him a swift kick under the table 'Ouch!' he exclaimed when her foot made contact with his shin.

Fred sat beside Emalia, and instantly took hold of her hand. She turned and smiled happily at him. George on the other hand began making kissy noises at his brother and Emalia, which elicited chuckles from Ron and Harry. This time Fred gave his twin a kick under the table, hitting his other shin.

'Ouch, why the fuc-' George stopped mid-sentence when he noticed his mother glaring at him and began to busy himself with buttering toast. Mr Weasley made his way around the table.

'Letters from school' he said as he passed around identical envelops of yellowish parchment. 'Dumbledore already knows you're here, Harry – doesn't miss a trick that man.'

Everyone turned to face Emalia. 'I didn't tell him; I didn't even know Harry was here until this morning.'

There was a few minutes silence as everyone read their letters, Emalia reading Fred's as she did not have one. Fred peered at Harry's letter when he was finished reading his own.

'You've been told to get all Lockhart's books, too! The new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher must be a fan – bet it's a witch.'

At this point Fred caught his mother's eye and quickly busied himself with the marmalade. Emalia rolled her eyes 'I'm pretty sure there are men who like Lockhart's books too.'

'Want to bet?' asked Fred his eyebrow raised in amusement.

'You're on Freddie' nodded Emalia firmly 'Winner gets to decide the loser's punishment.'

Emalia and Fred shook hands firmly cementing their bet.

'That lot won't be cheap,' said George, with a quick look at his parents. 'Lockhart's books are really expensive…'

'Well, we'll manage,' said Mrs Weasley, but she looked worried. 'I expect we'll be able to pick up a lot of Ginny's things second-hand.'

'Oh. Mrs Weasley, if you want Ginny can have my robes? I have to get new ones for this year' offered Emalia. Mrs Weasley smiled warmly at the young girl sitting in front of her 'Thank you Emalia.'

Fred and George began talking about what Fred was going to get Emalia to do when she lost the bet. 'Oh, you could get her to do our homework' said George grinning.

'I won't be doing your homework' Emalia retort 'And you won't be doing mine either. I'd sooner ask the Giant Squid!' The twins laughed.

They were distracted from that conversation when Ron announced that Errol had returned with Hermione's answer to his letter.

'Should we tell her about the car?' Harry asked Ron. Emalia did a double take 'I'm sorry the car? What car?'

She looked around the table and could see Fred and George exchanging smug looks. 'Oh right, I forgot to mention that part' said Harry turning to face Emalia. 'Fred, George and Ron came to rescue me in a flying car.'

Emalia looked at the boys gobsmacked and then started to laugh 'Funny joke Harry.'

'Oh, trust me Emalia, it is not a joke. Those three geniuses did in fact fly a car to get Harry.' Said Mrs Weasley as she glared at her sons.

'Now when did your friend Hermione say she was going to Diagon Alley?' asked Mr Weasley quickly, trying to change the subject. 'Next Wednesday' responded Ron.

'Well, that fits in nicely, we can go and get all your things then too,' said Mrs Weasley, starting to clear the table. 'What're you all up to today?'

'We're going up to the paddock Mum' said George. Mrs Weasley nodded 'Be careful not to fly too high.'

Fred, George, Harry and Ron bungled back up the stairs to get dressed. Emalia helped Mrs Weasley clean up the kitchen 'Oh there's no need dear, you can just wait for the boys' said Mrs Weasley as she tried to wave Emalia away.

Emalia however was not to be deterred and began washing up the dishes. She was done before the boys trundled back down the stairs rather noisily.

Five minutes later the five of them were marching up the hill, all of them had broomsticks over their shoulders. All the way to the hill Fred was trying to persuade Emalia to join in with their game of Quidditch. Emalia relented. 'Ok, but if I fall or hit any you in the face with any of my flailing limbs you're not allowed to laugh' she warned.

They spent most of the day playing Quidditch using apples in place of the other balls. Emalia fell off the broom numerous times when the apple came towards her, and true to their word the boys did not laugh. Fred always stopped and helped her up off the ground and back onto her broom.

'You're not a bad flier Em, you just get too worried about the apple and it distracts you' he said trying to encourage her.

'Well, it's a good thing being an international Quidditch player isn't my dream then huh?' she laughed.

Ginny joined them later in the day without a broom, so Emalia bowed out and sat down on the grass beside her. The two of them chatted idly as they watched the boys play an increasingly competitive game, with Ginny acting as keeper.

Fred eventually swapped with Ginny. 'Miss me?' he asked grinning at her.

'Oh terribly' teased Emalia laughing. When he sat beside her, he took her hand. They sat like that talking about anything and everything until the rest of the group decided it was time to head back to The Burrow.

All too soon though it was time for Emalia to head back home. 'I'll see you next Wednesday' she promised Mrs Weasley after she insisted that Emalia join them in Diagon Alley. Fred pulled her aside, away from the eyes of his family.

'So, I'm not going to see you until next week? That's not fair' he sulked.

Emalia smiled gently at him and gave him a sweet lingering kiss 'I will see you bright and early in Diagon Alley.'

She turned to walk back towards the fireplace, but Fred pulled her back to him. His lips crashed down to hers as he kissed her hungrily. His tongue probing, seeking permission, and when Emalia's lips parted, their tongues met, dancing almost as if they were fighting for dominance.

'Ahem' came a voice from behind them. Fred and Emalia jumped apart as they came face to face with Percy who looked less than impressed. Emalia turned bright red while Fred smiled sheepishly 'Alright Perce?'

Emalia quickly made her way to the fireplace saying her goodbyes to the Weasleys and her cousin, stepped into the fireplace and arrived home safe and sound.

Early on Wednesday morning Emalia said her goodbyes to Albus as she stepped into the fireplace.

'Diagon Alley' she said clearly.

Moments later she arrived at her destination, with none of the Weasley's in sight she waited patiently. Ten minutes later, Fred appeared, a bright smile lit up his face when he spotted her.

He ran towards her and picked her up swinging her round, eliciting a laugh from Emalia in the process.

'Miss me?' she asked laughter still lighting up her face as he placed her back on the ground. 'Terribly' said Fred sincerely smiling down at her.

George appeared seconds later, dusting the soot off of his trousers. 'Morning Emalia' he said cheerfully.

'Morning George' she responded with the same cheerfulness.

Ron appeared a few minutes later. He looked around and the colour drained from his face as he asked, 'Where's Harry?'

'What do you mean where is Harry?' demanded Emalia as she spun around to face the youngest Weasley boy.

'He hasn't used Floo before. Oh Merlin, he must have gotten lost' muttered Fred.

Soon they were joined by Ginny, Percy and Mr and Mrs Weasley. They all looked concerned. 'We will go look for him' said Mr Weasley 'Don't worry we will find him; he can't have gone too far.'

The group set out looking for Harry and luckily, they did not have to search for long. They spotted him with Hagrid and Hermione, and they all sprinted towards him.

'Harry,' Mr Weasley panted. 'We hoped you'd only gone one grate too far … Molly was frantic.'

'Where did you come out?' Ron asked.

'Knockturn Alley,' said Hagrid grimly.

'Brilliant!' said Fred and George together

'We've never been allowed in,' said Ron enviously.

'I should ruddey well think not,' growled Hagrid.

'Are you ok Harry?' Emalia asked worriedly. Harry nodded 'Yeah, I'm fine.'

After ensuring Harry was indeed ok, the group made their way to Gringotts. Emalia made her way to vault 688, her father and mother's vault. It happened to be beside Harry's. She pulled some money into her purse and closed it and made her way back to the group.

Back outside of Gringotts on the marble steps, they all separated. Emalia, Fred and George spotted Lee.

'We'll all meet at Flourish and Blotts in an hour to buy your schoolbooks' said Mrs Weasley 'And not one step down Knockturn Alley!' she shouted at the twins as the group of school friends made their way towards Gambol and Japes.

'Spoil sport' muttered Fred under his breath which caused Emalia to laugh.

'I swear they never seem to have enough of these in stock' moaned Fred as he waved around a box of Dr Filibuster's Fabulous Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks. Emalia bundled four boxes into her arms and marched up to pay for them.

'Planning a fireworks display Em?' teased George when he saw her return weighed down with the boxes now in bags.

'No, but I figured your Mum wouldn't be too impressed if she saw you bring a load of these back to your house. So, if I have these and they are mine she can't confiscate them from you' she responded grinning.

'Have I ever told you that you are brilliant?' said Fred as he kissed her.

'Not recently' she teased him smiling. 'Anyway, I need to go get more quills and ink, so if you hold these I will be back in a few minutes.' Emalia shoved the bags into the boys' hands and left before they could say anything.

When she was buying her items, Hermione, Harry and Ron appeared. 'Hello' she called out cheerily 'Having fun?' Hermione nodded as she ran off to pick out some new quills.

'I thought you would still be with Fred and George' said Harry as he picked up parchment and ink absentmindedly.

'Yeah, I was, but I needed more Quills and ink. They are in Gambol and Japes, so there is no way I would be able to drag them here. I was just about to head back but I'll wait until you three are ready and we can go together' she replied. Ron looked at the exit longingly before looking at Hermione impatiently.

Five minutes later the four of them arrived back at Gambol and Japes. Emalia shook her head and started laughing when she saw that her four boxes of fireworks had turned into six boxes of fireworks and a range of other items.

'What?' asked Fred grinning sheepishly 'You said Mum wouldn't take them off you.'

'Yeah Freddie, but she isn't stupid, she is going to know that some of that stuff is yours' laughed Emalia.

'But that's the beauty of it Em' said George eagerly 'She won't know what is ours and what is yours so she can't take any of it.'

Once their hour was up, they headed for Flourish and Blotts. They were by no means the only ones making their way to the bookshop. As they approached it, they saw to their surprise a large crowd jostling outside the doors, trying to get in. The reason was there was a book signing being held by none other than Gilderoy Lockhart.

'We can actually meet him!' squealed Hermione, 'I mean, he's written almost the whole booklist!' Ron and Harry looked at her, eyebrows raised as she flushed a light shade of pink.

'He seems like a bit of a prat to me' shrugged Emalia. Mrs Weasley frowned slightly at her as Fred and George collapsed into convulsions upon seeing their mother's reaction to Emalia's statement.

They all pushed inside of the bookshop which was packed full of middle-aged witches. A long queue wound right to the back of the shop, where Gilderoy Lockhart was signing his books.

Gilderoy Lockhart came slowly into view, seated at a table surrounded by large pictures of his own face, all winking and flashing dazzlingly white teeth at the crowd. The real Lockhart was wearing robes of forget-me-not blue which matched his eyes exactly; his pointed wizard's hat was set at a jaunty angle on his wavy hair.

'I still think he is a bit of a prat' whispered Emalia to Fred. The two of them snickered which earned them disapproving glares from Mrs Weasley.

When Lockhart caught sight of Harry his eyes grew wide. He pulled him forwards and quickly posed for a photo opportunity. 'Harry and his school fellows will, in fact, be getting the real magical me. Yes ladies and gentlemen, I have great pleasure in announcing that, this September, I will be taking the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts!' he announced smugly.

The crowd cheered and clapped, Emalia on the other hand turned to Fred grinning gleefully. 'Looks like I won our bet Freddie.'

Fred laughed and held his hands up in defeat. Emalia started teasing both Fred and George, naming out horrid ideas of what she would get them to do, when Mr Weasley came up behind them to usher them out of the shop.

After a brief kerfuffle between Mr Weasley and Lucius Malfoy, which Mrs Weasley berated the former for afterwards, the group made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron. It was from there that they would be going back to their respective homes.

Fred, braver than last time knowing now that everyone was well aware of his relationship with Emalia, kissed her gently on the lips before she stepped into the fire and disappeared home.

He avoided the gaze of his parents and willed the pink haze that covered his face to disappear as he too made his way back to The Burrow. He was sure that his brothers would tease him later.

Finally, the day came for Emalia to return to Hogwarts and with it her first time travelling on the Hogwarts Express. Albus had taken most of her belongings to Hogwarts the night before but left her with a small bag with her robes, food and other items.

At exactly ten thirty on the dot, Albus apparated with Emalia by his side to platform nine and three quarters. The platform was already full of students and parents. Albus nodded at her 'Have a safe journey' he said smiling 'I will see you later on this evening' and with that he disapparated once more.

Emalia turned and made her way further down the platform. She passed many students and tearful parents saying their goodbyes. She walked further, seeing familiar faces along the way, saying hello to those who spoke to her, but had yet to spot any of her friends.

She did spot Roger Davies and she ducked behind a rather tall sixth year and his family to avoid being spotted by him. When the coast was clear she continued searching for her friends when she heard her name being roared 'EMALIA!'

She spun around and was almost knocked down by Alicia. 'Merlin Alicia don't mow her down' came a voice behind her.

'Oh, shush Angelina, she's fine! Aren't you Em?' said Alicia reproachfully.

Emalia laughed 'I'm fine' she affirmed 'Hey Angelina, how was your summer?'

'Oh, it was ok, I spent most of it with my grandmother up near Edinburgh. How about you?'

'Pretty good, spent most of it at home. Had a few days at the Weasleys and at Al's.'

'I'm so happy you're going to be on the train this year!' said Alicia giddily 'The whole gang together.'

Angelina and Emalia laughed as the made their way onto the train, looking for an empty compartment. They stumbled upon Lee in one and immediately joined him. 'No Weasley twins yet?' asked Angelina as they sat down.

Lee shook his head 'I figured they would be here with Emalia.' He glanced down at his watch; it was drawing closer to eleven.

Five minutes later the two of them burst into the carriage. 'Cutting it fine lads?' said Lee.

'Well Lee, it's called making an entrance' grinned George as he sat beside him. Fred inserted himself between Emalia and Alicia.

'Oi, she's my friend and I was sitting her first Weasley' complained Alicia.

'Well, she's my girlfriend' responded Fred winking.

Emalia laughed and got out of her seat and pushed Fred over and sat between them 'Problem solved.'

The train departed and they all regaled each other with stories of their summer holidays and their hopes for this year. All was going fine until an hour into the journey, the compartment door flew open.

Hermione stood on the other side and she looked worried. 'Have you seen Harry and Ron?' she asked.

All of them shook their heads. 'I don't think they are on the train' she said worriedly.

'What?!' exclaimed Emalia as she jumped to her feet.

'Oh, they probably are somewhere Hermione, they came with us this morning' said Fred pulling at Emalia's hand to get her to sit back down.

'I'm going to look again' sighed Hermione.

'I'll come with you' said Emalia as she marched after the younger girl. Fred sighed and got up and followed Emalia.

'I'm sure they are just off discussing Quidditch or something!' he called after her.

Between the three of them they covered the entirety of the train. Fred insisted on sending Hermione into the carriage Roger Davies and his friends were occupying, muttering something along the lines of 'Should have brought my bat with me..' before scowling at him through the glass.

'You shouldn't let him get to you' said Emalia as she watched Fred scowl.

'He's just a smug prick, who thinks he is a gift to us all' he muttered back to her.

Emalia smiled at him 'I know how we can wipe the smile off his face.' Fred looked at her curiously, slightly confused about where she was going with this conversation.

That was until she launched herself at him, drawing him into a full-on snog. Vigorous and passionate, Fred pushed her up against the compartment door causing it to rattle, which got the attention of its occupants.

When they broke apart, they could see the annoyance clear on Roger's face. Emalia laughed as Fred winked at Roger, before she pulled him away. Hermione emerged from the compartment seconds later. 'They are not in there either. Not that you were much help in looking' she huffed.

'Sorry Hermione, we were otherwise occupied' grinned Fred as he winked at Emalia suggestively which drew a giggle from her.

Hermione pursed her lips together, before sighing 'We have looked everywhere.'

'Well not everywhere' said Emalia as she pointed towards the carriage the Slytherin's usually occupied. Hermione shook her head 'They would not be in there.'

'Yeah, I know but someone might have seen them' said Emalia as she walked towards the carriage 'I'll be right back.' She opened the carriage door and entered.

As soon as she did, numerous Slytherin's turned to face her. 'Who let Potter in?' spat Paisley Parkinson as Emalia walked over to Adrian.

'Hey Em' he said cheerfully when he spotted her 'What brings you here?'

'Hey Adrian' she smiled brightly at him 'Nothing much, I was just wondering if you have seen Harry and his friend Ron around?'

Adrian shook his head 'No sorry, though I highly doubt they would be in here.'

Emalia sighed 'Yeah I know, I just figured I would ask.'

'If I see them, I'll let you know,' Adrian hesitated slightly 'I wouldn't linger in here Em. Paisley is on a warpath for some reason, and I honestly think she would hex you if the opportunity arose.'

'Hah! I'd like to see her try' scoffed Emalia as she turned to leave.

'No luck?' asked Fred, though he didn't look that hopeful. Emalia shook her head in response.

Hermione sighed in defeat 'I'm going back to Neville, if I see either of them, I will let you know' and she walked off.

'Come on' said Fred as he took Emalia by the hand 'If we can't find them at the feast, I'll go to McGonagall myself.'

When they got to the Great Hall, Emalia tried her hardest to spot Harry and Ron but to no avail. Alicia pulled her down to sit with the rest of the group 'They will be fine Em, just try watch the sorting ceremony.'

Emalia sat down and watched as the new first years entered the hall walking behind Professor McGonagall, looking beyond scared. Emalia managed to catch Ginny's eye and gave her a smile and a wave for encouragement.

Minutes later, Ginny was sorted into Gryffindor. Fred and George leapt out of their seats, whooping with delight. Percy too was on his feet clapping proudly as his sister came to sit amongst the Gryffindors. Emalia reached over and gave Ginny's hand an excited squeeze and welcomed her to Gryffindor.

The feast began, everyone was eating and chatting joyfully. Even Emalia was able to push aside her worry, spending time with her friends. So much so that she did not notice Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore disappear from the head table.

It was only when the Great Hall started murmuring

'Did you hear Potter and Weasley flew a car to Hogwarts?'

'Harry Potter and Ron Weasley stole a flying car and took it to Hogwarts'

that Emalia's thoughts turned to Harry once more. Fred and George were quietly bickering between themselves.

'No George, there's no way Ron took the car' whispered Fred.

'But Fred, it would make sense' insisted George 'And look Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape are all gone from the teachers table.'

Fred started laughing 'Mum is going to murder Ron.'

George also started laughing.

When the feast ended everyone made their way to their respective houses. For the Gryffindors, most of them were gathered in the Common Room waiting for Harry and Ron to make an appearance to confirm the rumours about the flying car.

When Harry and Ron arrived, the entire Common Room erupted with whoops and shouting. Fred and George pushed to the front of the crowd surrounding the two boys.

'Why couldn't you've called us back, eh?' they said together.

Emalia pushed forward and hugged Harry and Ron 'I was extremely worried about both of you!' she scolded frowning slightly, but the smile on her face betrayed her. Ron was scarlet in the face, grinning embarrassedly. Harry on the other hand, noticed how unimpressed Percy was and nudged Ron.

The two of them made their excuses and went up to bed, to avoid any more hassle for the night. Once they had left the Common Room, others started to trickle off. Fred and Emalia were wrapped up together on the couch, chatting with their friends. Percy eventually came up and shooed them off to bed.

Fred kissed Emalia tenderly 'See you in the morning' he whispered to her.

Emalia nodded, stifling a yawn, she turned to walk up the stairs to the girls' dormitory. Fred took that opportunity, with Emalia's back turn to slap her arse.

Emalia turned around; her face red as she watched Fred skip up the stairs grinning gleefully. She giggled and turned around and continued to her bed, sunk down and fell into a deep sleep.