Chapter 4 - Introductions
Harry aroused Mari to let her get a good look at the castle before flying up to the Gryffindor dormitories.
"WOW, Harry! It's BEAUTIFUL," breathed Mari as they flew closer to the many turrets and towers of Hogwarts. Didn't Hermione say something about magical guards around the castle? thought Harry as he started to panic. And isn't Hogwarts supposed to be invisible to the Muggle eye? He quickly shoved the thought out of his mind. Harry didn't want to ruin Mari's time here with thoughts like that. Harry winced as he flew into the grounds, anticipating a crash with an invisible barrier -- but it never came. He breathed out a sigh of relief. Mari must have heard it, because she asked, "Aren't there Muggle barriers guarding Hogwarts?"
"Er..." Harry began, not knowing how to answer this. "There's supposed to be, maybe the barriers can't sense us because we are invisible."
"Yeah, that must be it."
There's something to ask Hermione about when we get there, thought Harry. It WAS strange, how he could have gotten a Muggle across a powerful magical barrier? Harry stopped wondering about such things as he reached his dormitory window, the topmost one on a high tower.
"Stay here, okay Mari? I need to see if the coast is clear," Harry whispered. Marielle nodded. Harry quietly slipped into the dormitory, and saw that everyone was gone, probably down to breakfast already. "It's safe," he said as he helped her through the window, pulling the Firebolt in as well. Both of them sat on Harry's bed. Mari looked around, taking everything around her in, breathing things like, 'Nothing like I've ever imagined' ... or 'AMAZING' ...
"Do you mind sitting here for a bit? I'll get us a bit to eat, them bring Hermione and Ron up to meet you."
"That's fine." Harry walked out of the dormitory. Mari's eyes fell on a leather book at the foot of Harry's bed, and she knew exactly what it was. It was a photo album featuring James and Lily Potter, Harry's deceased parents. She hesitated, then gingerly pulled the cover open, scattering dust into the warm rays of sun trickling in through the window. There were wizard photos of a young couple -- a beautiful young woman with sparkling green eyes and red hair in the arms of a tall, slim young man who was the splitting image of Harry himself, save a scar or green eyes. Both of them smiled pleasantly up at her, and looked content and peaceful. Mari blinked, and a salty drop of sorrow dropped onto the already tear-stained page. Harry... Marielle sat, looking at the pictures of the couple that he didn't remember.
The door to the dormitory creaked open. Mari, caught in surprise, flipped the photo book shut and quickly wiped the tear from her eye with one hand. When she looked up, she saw a smiling girl with lots of thick brown hair pulled back from her face in a half-ponytail extending a hand towards her. This must be none other than Hermione Granger. Next to her was a tall gangly boy of fifteen, like Harry, but with unmistakable fiery red hair and freckles, Ron Weasley. Mari took Hermione's hand and shook it gratefully, glad that Hermione was being friendly. Ron shook her hand as well, silently, taking the situation in. His somber brown eyes looked over Marielle, brow furrowed. Harry's voice broke the silence.
"Mari, you know Hermione and Ron?"
"Yes, I'm really pleased to meet you! My friend Adelaide really LOVES you, Ron." The tips of Ron's ears started turning red. "Hermione, I can't believe I'm meeting you, top of the 5th-year class!" said Marielle with a smile. Hermione smiled and flushed pink at the compliment.
"So tell me," Hermione said to Mari and Harry, "what happened last night?"
"Yeah," added Ron in a somewhat peeved voice, "I was wondering where you were, Harry, you know today starts a Hogsmeade weekend." Mari had a feeling Ron wasn't yet very comfortable with the thought of a Muggle girl up in the boys dormitory of Hogwarts.
Both Harry and Mari told of last night's events. Hermione took everything in with a nod, sitting chin in hand, obviously thinking very hard. Ron roared with laughter at Draco's idiocy. ("That stupid bloke! Hahahaa, I can imagine it now, Y-yes, master, whatever you say, master....hahahaha!"). After nearly an hour, all four teenagers were talking and laughing as though they had known each other for ages. Even Ron looked more comfortable with Mari.
( A/N - How are you liking the story so far? Thanks to my (rather small) audience! I hope you keep reading. I think *everyone* wants to be Mari...I know I do! Keep reading! Ja! )