Disclaimer - Obviously I didn't make up the characters that are in J. K.
Rowling's books but this is just a fanfic with the plot totally and
completely original. It makes references to characters and situations from
the books and the descriptions are similar to those in the book but they
are original as well.
Chapter Two: Practical Potions
Hermione explained the reasons for the odd assortment of guests and the state of the house. The house was formerly owned by evil wizards, the Black family, but had been abandoned for a few years until one of the Black family came back to it. The Black family was known for being Death Eaters, followers of Voldemort, so the house was full of dark objects.
Voldemort, or Lord Voldemort, is a wizard who is as powerful and as evil as a wizard can be. About fifteen years ago Voldemort was at large but lost all his powers when he tried to kill Harry Potter, a baby, and something caused him to become weak and powerless. But about a year ago he regained power and three months ago was revealed to the witch and wizard community as being returned.
The member of the Black family who returned to Grimmauld Place was one of the few in the family who wasn't evil. He was Harry's Godfather and good friend of Remus Lupin. However, Sirius Black was killed in a battle with Death Eaters in the fight three months ago that revealed Voldemort.
The house of Sirius Black is used as the headquarters of a special group formed to fight against Voldemort, The Order of the Phoenix. The house is hidden from view by enchantments that cause the house to not appear on a map or on the street that it is on, making it the safest location for headquarters.
Hermione explained that she came to the headquarters last summer and had returned this summer to be able to keep updated on the latest with Voldemort and to try and protect her parents by being away from them since Voldemort would be targeting wizards and witches. She also explained that another family, the Weasleys, often stayed here but were out of town for a while.
Oscie sat for a while silently. It was too much to comprehend all at once and she had just landed in the midst of all the turmoil. Hermione could tell she was thinking and sat quietly for a while to let Oscie sort out the information in her head.
"Did you know this about Lupin? I mean that he's a part of The Order?" Hermione finally asked. Oscie's eyes came back to focus.
"I had no idea but then again this is only the second time I've ever met my uncle. My parents work too much to take trips. They're Muggles," Oscie replied.
"Mine are too. They've really embraced the aspect of me being a witch though," she replied. Oscie snorted.
"It must be nice. Mine still ask why I have to go to Transylvania to buy my supplies and why I can't buy them online. They don't trust this world as far as they can throw it. Plus, their careers come first, family second," Oscie said and shook her head slightly to keep herself from getting angry, but it didn't help. Hermione looked at her sympathetically but what she noticed made her gasp. Oscie looked up and met Hermione's wide eyes and intent stare.
"Your eyes.they're.black!" Hermione exclaimed. Oscie smiled, filled with amusement. Before Oscie could say anything Hermione's eyes widened and she exclaimed, "Now they're gray?!"
"My eye color is gray, or it is now, but when I get angry my eyes turn pitch black. It's not a great quality since I can't hide my anger ever unless I close my eyes," Oscie said laughing.
"But, I've never heard of anything like this. Were you born like this?" Hermione questioned, still astounded.
"Oh no, I once had blue eyes but that didn't last long. When I was born my grandpa, a wizard, got into an argument with my dad and it got pretty ugly. Well my grandpa was so furious he tried to permanently curse my dad but my dad ducked and my mom was behind him holding me. The curse hit my face and I got the curse but since I was an infant it couldn't do what it was intended to do and the anger behind the curse was transferred to me. It's changed my eyes forever since the curse was permanent," Oscie chuckled. "Whenever I go anywhere in the Muggle community with my parents I have to drink a potion that changes my eye color so nobody will see my black eyes."
"Wow," Hermione said after the story was relayed to her. "But I do think you have a potion for everything," she laughed and Oscie joined in.
"I must say it is my forte," she replied.
"Well hopefully our Potions teacher will like you," Hermione rolled her eyes. "Snape is a rather sly teacher and prefers to harass the students about their potions rather than teach them. Hopefully for your sake your skills will impress him."
"Sounds like my old Transfiguration teacher. While we're on the subject of Hogwarts, I read a book called Hogwarts, A History." Oscie began.
"Oh! I love that book! I've been trying to get Harry and Ron to read it for ages! I never thought I'd meet someone else who has actually read that," Hermione interrupted, smiling. Oscie laughed.
"It was interesting, but the book said that there are different houses at Hogwarts that students get placed in by a sorting hat and stay with that group all seven years. How am I going to be placed and what house are you in?" Oscie questioned.
"I'm in Gryffindor. I don't know how Dumbledore, the Headmaster, Is going to place you since we get placed as first years or maybe you won't be placed at all," she replied with a shrug.
There was a light knock at the door that Oscie automatically knew was her uncle since he was so gentle. The door opened and Oscie's suspicions were confirmed. He walked into the room.
"How're you two doing?" he asked, sitting on a chest.
"We're fine. Hermione explained a whole lot to me so I'm not quite as confused as earlier," Oscie replied with a grin.
"Oh, good, I'm glad. Thank you Hermione, the meeting kept me from doing so myself. We're taking a five minute break right now so I thought I'd see how you were adjusting to the strange house and new faces," Lupin said. He paused and then continued more apprehensively, "I'm happy to see you again but this is the worst time for you to come. Voldemort is wreaking havoc here in England. It's not safe here except at Hogwarts or with Dumbledore since he's the only wizard Voldemort fears."
"I wish the circumstances were different but my parents don't know anything about Voldemort and even if they did I don't think they could grasp the concept. They don't even know the first thing about you and they sent me to live with you. They don't even know that you're a.er.you're what you are," Oscie replied, glancing cautiously at Hermione and trying to keep the thought of her parents from angering her.
"Hermione knows I'm a werewolf but how do you?" Lupin asked, frowning.
"Grandpa told me when he found out I'm a witch," Oscie replied. "Last year I came across Wolfsbane Potion and Grandpa was explaining the use for it and your name was mentioned. It's a fun potion, I must say," Oscie commented.
"Are you sure it was Wolfsbane Potion? That is difficult even for some full grown wizards," Lupin said, squinting in deep thought as he looked at his niece.
"She's very talented with potions," Hermione cut in. "She's brought some that she made over the summer break with her."
"Well then, next full moon could I have a draught of Wolfsbane from your cauldron?" Lupin questioned with a tone that didn't seem doubtful but of one that could recognize a talent.
"My cauldron will begin the potion a week before the full moon," Oscie replied, smiling. Lupin stood up.
"Well our break is most likely over. We'll see you two for dinner then after we're done. Someone will give you a call to come down," Lupin said as he went to the door and started to leave.
"Uncle Remus," he turned around. "Thanks for letting me come here to stay with you." Lupin smiled and walked out.
The table was large and long but was completely full of people and food. Five people were seated at the table and none of them looked any bit like the other except for one man and woman who both had red hair. Lupin was helping the red-haired lady set the food on the table while the others chatted. Hermione and Oscie had just come into the room unnoticed except by one wizard who had one eye, which appeared to move in any direction separately from the other, on Oscie. Lupin saw them and cleared his throat to get the room's attention. The talking ceased and all eyes (except for the one of that wizard's) were on Lupin.
"I'd like for you all to meet my niece from the United States, Oscie Whitmore," he said. Everyone turned towards the girls in the stairwell. "These are.Alastor Moody, Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Hetia Jones, Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, and that's about it for those who stayed for dinner." Hermione led Oscie to the end of the table while the witches and wizards welcomed her.
She was sitting between Hermione and Tonks with Moody, the man with the odd eye, across from them. Tonks had short, spiky hair that was a violent shade of pink and deep plum colored robes. Moody had long grey and black hair that was unkempt and a very scarred face with a chunk missing from his nose. His skin looked like old leather and his robes were in the same state, very worn out and old with a few tears in the fabric.
"So how are the Salem witches doing? Last I heard they were going to reenact the witch hunts for visitors," Tonks said to Oscie.
"Oh, um.they decided only to do it on Halloween and to charge Muggles money to see it," Oscie replied. Tonks shook her head.
"They should do it more often. Poor Muggles don't realize they really caught some witches so long ago. Of course they didn't burn but they think it's all bologna now! Ha!" Tonks laughed.
Oscie helped herself to a good sized portion of the meal and began to eat while listening to the conversations around her and talking mostly just to Hermione since she felt comfortable with her.
"Your hair looks just like Sirius'," Moody commented in a rough voice that fit his appearance. The other conversations died down at the table. Oscie looked up to find both of Moody's eyes on her. He appeared to be studying her and she felt an almost piercing sensation by the eye that could go in any direction.
"Now, now Alastor.let's have some light dinner conversation," Mrs. Weasley said, trying to divert the conversation. Moody shrugged.
"It was a mere observation, Molly, and Sirius would have loved to know someone else out there has his hair," Moody replied in a low growl.
"Yes he would have," Tonks replied, "but let's talk of subjects Oscie here can converse with us about."
"There is nothing wrong with talk of old friends," Lupin stated in his quiet demeanor. Mrs. Weasley glanced nervously at him and shot another glance at her husband as if asking him to do something.
"No, no," said Mr. Weasley taking his wife's queue. "And Sirius was definitely a close friend to us all but on our guest's first night here maybe some lighter conversations would be best."
"Arthur, you know as well as I that in the days ahead there won't be many light conversations," Moody growled.
"Then let's take the opportunity to do them now," Mr. Weasley replied with a meek smile.
Oscie and Hermione woke early the next morning to the smell of breakfast being cooked. The two hurriedly changed into their robes and went downstairs to the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley was the only one there.
"Good morning, dears," she said cheerfully.
"Good morning," the girls replied.
"Everyone has gone off to work today so it will be us three for breakfast unless Arthur comes back early. He has to pick up Ron from his brother's in Romania," Mrs. Weasley explained.
"Ron's our age," Hermione added. Oscie nodded in acknowledgement.
The other Weasleys didn't show up before breakfast so the three in the house ate together. After breakfast and washing the dishes (with a little help from Mrs. Weasley's wand) Mrs. Weasley went about the house cleaning while Hermione and Oscie sat together at the dinner table with a few books, looking up spells, incantations, and potions that would help then in the upcoming year.
"This might interest you, in our third year at Hogwarts I made Polyjuice Potion," Hermione said as she looked through a potions book and was reminded of the experience.
"How did it turn out?" Oscie asked, eagerly.
"The potion was fine and worked great except for me. I accidentally had a cat hair and it doesn't work with animal transformations," Hermione replied with a slight grimace as she remembered the week she had spent in the hospital wing getting the tail, ears, and fur removed. Oscie laughed.
"Despite the hair mix-up it seems that you're good at potions as well," Oscie complimented.
The two continued their book talk for at least two hours when some commotion in the front of the house disturbed them. A few voices could be heard although their words weren't clear enough to understand.
"I think Ron's here," Hermione said. No sooner has she spoken than a tall red-haired boy walked into the room. His maturing face was sprinkled with freckles and his physique led Oscie to believe he could hold his own in a fight.
"Hermione!" he exclaimed, noticing her first. The two had a very short, awkward hug and then Ron noticed Oscie. He stared for a moment as if in a trance and then blushed.
"Ron, this is Oscie, Oscie - Ron," Hermione said, introducing the two as Ron took a seat.
"Hello," they said at the same time.
"What've you been doing? Studying?" Ron questioned with a disgusted look on his face as he surveyed the books.
"Yes we have. Something you should try," Hermione retorted.
Ron began to argue but stopped himself. "Mum says she's taking us to Diagon Alley this weekend to get our school stuff."
"Oh, good!" Oscie exclaimed. "I'm running low on dragon scales, pixie hair, toad warts, and bats teeth."
"Who are you? Snape's daughter?" Ron asked after Oscie had listed ingredients for potions. Hermione rolled her eyes at Ron's lack of tact.
"Does she look like Snape's daughter?" Hermione asked rhetorically although she might have been because of her black hair and pale complexion. "She's Lupin's niece and will be with us at Hogwarts this year," Hermione finished impatiently as Ron shrugged.
"Is Harry coming?" Hermione asked.
"No, Dumbledore wants him inside the Dursley's house and he's not to leave. Poor mate, it must be awful there. But Dad even said that Dumbledore himself might accompany Harry to Platform 9¾ and Diagon Alley," Ron replied.
"Are you talking about the Harry Potter?" Oscie asked.
"Yup. The one and only," Ron replied with a smile. "He's my best mate."
"And to think I thought the US was interesting," Oscie sighed.
"Would you like a drink Ron? There are plenty in the kitchen," Hermione questioned, remembering the long trip Ron and Mr. Weasley must have had. Ron looked at the table and saw a glass in front of him.
"Is this anyone's?" he questioned.
"No, but." Oscie started to say but it was too late. Ron had already taken a big gulp. Hermione and Oscie glanced at each other nervously and then back at Ron. He had set the glass back down with half of the liquid gone.
"That tasted putrid. What was it?" he asked, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. As he did so his red hair was turning a vivid blue.
"I'd look in the mirror if I were you," Hermione replied. "That was a potion Oscie and I made this morning." Ron's face dropped and he ran to a mirror in the hall. No sound came from any part of the house as they awaited Ron's return. He walked back into the room with a quizzical look upon his face.
"Now then, is this permanent or will it fade?" he asked. Oscie smiled seeing he took the results of the potion well.
"It'll fade. We made it special for your brothers' joke shop. Hermione told me they had one and I figured a nice little hair dying drink could be amusing. We made up the potion this morning," Oscie explained.
"It's bloody brilliant," Ron said returning to his seat. "But next time stop me before I drink it, eh?"
The trip to Diagon Alley was brief and none of the three enjoyed it as much as they normally would have since they were urged to hurry. Hermione and Oscie had picked out a few books besides the required ones for their grade level while Ron roamed around Quidditch Supplies & More. The three refilled their potion supplies, Oscie spent the most money purchasing extra of everything and even a few odd items that she said were a necessity. Finally when they had finished they were granted a little leisure time so they headed straight to the joke shop. Oscie held a piece of parchment in her robes that contained the potion for the hair dying drink.
"Mum and Dad aren't too happy with what they did, you know the whole quitting school and opening a joke shop, so don't tell them we went here," Ron said as they reached the doors of the shop.
The shop was smaller than most on the street but it was perfect for the two brothers. The walls were painted bright colors and there were displays of odd looking bottles and bags that were setup in an appealing fashion. Posters on the walls showed the results of different items in the typical movie-like style of wizard photographs. About five kids were in there looking at merchandise and a few were talking excitedly about an item. Two boys taller than Ron but with the same red hair were standing behind the counter. They were identical twins without freckles and looked definitely more mature in the face than Ron.
"Ron, old chap!" one of them exclaimed.
"Hermione, always a pleasure, even if you're reprimanding us," the other replied in a mock bow. Oscie smiled at their antics as the three approached the counter.
"And who is this lovely witch and why haven't I met her before?" the first twin to speak asked, talking about Oscie.
"I'm Oscie and I'm staying with my uncle who lives where Hermione is staying," Oscie replied, making sure to keep from giving away information about the secret headquarters to anyone who might be listening in.
"Ah! Well I'm Fred and this is George," he replied. "Shopping for supplies to go back to Hogwarts with?"
"Yes, that is the original plan for the trip but Oscie and I have a surprise for you," Hermione replied. Oscie reached into her robes and found the parchment with the potion on it.
"I'm partial to potions so Hermione and I decided to help you two start out by doing our own contribution to the shop. These are the instructions to a potion to put in people's drinks to turn their hair bright blue. You should have seen Ron's hair this morning, it was quite stunning," Oscie said handing them the parchment.
"I like your style," George said to Oscie as he took the parchment and Fred scanned over it. "And Hermione, we're going to make a jokester of you yet." Hermione snorted.
"Oh, here. We made some last night and if you'd like to see for yourself here is a little of the potion left," Hermione said handing them a vile of the clear liquid. Fred smiled.
"Much obliged my dears," he said with another mock bow.
"We should be going," Ron said. "Mum will be wondering what's taking so long and I don't want to have to explain myself."
"Make sure you come back sometime soon," George said as the three walked to the door of the shop.
"And if you ever feel like making another contribution, don't hesitate!" Fred added.
"Nice to meet you!" Oscie called from the door.
"Bye!" everyone else exclaimed.
Chapter Two: Practical Potions
Hermione explained the reasons for the odd assortment of guests and the state of the house. The house was formerly owned by evil wizards, the Black family, but had been abandoned for a few years until one of the Black family came back to it. The Black family was known for being Death Eaters, followers of Voldemort, so the house was full of dark objects.
Voldemort, or Lord Voldemort, is a wizard who is as powerful and as evil as a wizard can be. About fifteen years ago Voldemort was at large but lost all his powers when he tried to kill Harry Potter, a baby, and something caused him to become weak and powerless. But about a year ago he regained power and three months ago was revealed to the witch and wizard community as being returned.
The member of the Black family who returned to Grimmauld Place was one of the few in the family who wasn't evil. He was Harry's Godfather and good friend of Remus Lupin. However, Sirius Black was killed in a battle with Death Eaters in the fight three months ago that revealed Voldemort.
The house of Sirius Black is used as the headquarters of a special group formed to fight against Voldemort, The Order of the Phoenix. The house is hidden from view by enchantments that cause the house to not appear on a map or on the street that it is on, making it the safest location for headquarters.
Hermione explained that she came to the headquarters last summer and had returned this summer to be able to keep updated on the latest with Voldemort and to try and protect her parents by being away from them since Voldemort would be targeting wizards and witches. She also explained that another family, the Weasleys, often stayed here but were out of town for a while.
Oscie sat for a while silently. It was too much to comprehend all at once and she had just landed in the midst of all the turmoil. Hermione could tell she was thinking and sat quietly for a while to let Oscie sort out the information in her head.
"Did you know this about Lupin? I mean that he's a part of The Order?" Hermione finally asked. Oscie's eyes came back to focus.
"I had no idea but then again this is only the second time I've ever met my uncle. My parents work too much to take trips. They're Muggles," Oscie replied.
"Mine are too. They've really embraced the aspect of me being a witch though," she replied. Oscie snorted.
"It must be nice. Mine still ask why I have to go to Transylvania to buy my supplies and why I can't buy them online. They don't trust this world as far as they can throw it. Plus, their careers come first, family second," Oscie said and shook her head slightly to keep herself from getting angry, but it didn't help. Hermione looked at her sympathetically but what she noticed made her gasp. Oscie looked up and met Hermione's wide eyes and intent stare.
"Your eyes.they're.black!" Hermione exclaimed. Oscie smiled, filled with amusement. Before Oscie could say anything Hermione's eyes widened and she exclaimed, "Now they're gray?!"
"My eye color is gray, or it is now, but when I get angry my eyes turn pitch black. It's not a great quality since I can't hide my anger ever unless I close my eyes," Oscie said laughing.
"But, I've never heard of anything like this. Were you born like this?" Hermione questioned, still astounded.
"Oh no, I once had blue eyes but that didn't last long. When I was born my grandpa, a wizard, got into an argument with my dad and it got pretty ugly. Well my grandpa was so furious he tried to permanently curse my dad but my dad ducked and my mom was behind him holding me. The curse hit my face and I got the curse but since I was an infant it couldn't do what it was intended to do and the anger behind the curse was transferred to me. It's changed my eyes forever since the curse was permanent," Oscie chuckled. "Whenever I go anywhere in the Muggle community with my parents I have to drink a potion that changes my eye color so nobody will see my black eyes."
"Wow," Hermione said after the story was relayed to her. "But I do think you have a potion for everything," she laughed and Oscie joined in.
"I must say it is my forte," she replied.
"Well hopefully our Potions teacher will like you," Hermione rolled her eyes. "Snape is a rather sly teacher and prefers to harass the students about their potions rather than teach them. Hopefully for your sake your skills will impress him."
"Sounds like my old Transfiguration teacher. While we're on the subject of Hogwarts, I read a book called Hogwarts, A History." Oscie began.
"Oh! I love that book! I've been trying to get Harry and Ron to read it for ages! I never thought I'd meet someone else who has actually read that," Hermione interrupted, smiling. Oscie laughed.
"It was interesting, but the book said that there are different houses at Hogwarts that students get placed in by a sorting hat and stay with that group all seven years. How am I going to be placed and what house are you in?" Oscie questioned.
"I'm in Gryffindor. I don't know how Dumbledore, the Headmaster, Is going to place you since we get placed as first years or maybe you won't be placed at all," she replied with a shrug.
There was a light knock at the door that Oscie automatically knew was her uncle since he was so gentle. The door opened and Oscie's suspicions were confirmed. He walked into the room.
"How're you two doing?" he asked, sitting on a chest.
"We're fine. Hermione explained a whole lot to me so I'm not quite as confused as earlier," Oscie replied with a grin.
"Oh, good, I'm glad. Thank you Hermione, the meeting kept me from doing so myself. We're taking a five minute break right now so I thought I'd see how you were adjusting to the strange house and new faces," Lupin said. He paused and then continued more apprehensively, "I'm happy to see you again but this is the worst time for you to come. Voldemort is wreaking havoc here in England. It's not safe here except at Hogwarts or with Dumbledore since he's the only wizard Voldemort fears."
"I wish the circumstances were different but my parents don't know anything about Voldemort and even if they did I don't think they could grasp the concept. They don't even know the first thing about you and they sent me to live with you. They don't even know that you're a.er.you're what you are," Oscie replied, glancing cautiously at Hermione and trying to keep the thought of her parents from angering her.
"Hermione knows I'm a werewolf but how do you?" Lupin asked, frowning.
"Grandpa told me when he found out I'm a witch," Oscie replied. "Last year I came across Wolfsbane Potion and Grandpa was explaining the use for it and your name was mentioned. It's a fun potion, I must say," Oscie commented.
"Are you sure it was Wolfsbane Potion? That is difficult even for some full grown wizards," Lupin said, squinting in deep thought as he looked at his niece.
"She's very talented with potions," Hermione cut in. "She's brought some that she made over the summer break with her."
"Well then, next full moon could I have a draught of Wolfsbane from your cauldron?" Lupin questioned with a tone that didn't seem doubtful but of one that could recognize a talent.
"My cauldron will begin the potion a week before the full moon," Oscie replied, smiling. Lupin stood up.
"Well our break is most likely over. We'll see you two for dinner then after we're done. Someone will give you a call to come down," Lupin said as he went to the door and started to leave.
"Uncle Remus," he turned around. "Thanks for letting me come here to stay with you." Lupin smiled and walked out.
The table was large and long but was completely full of people and food. Five people were seated at the table and none of them looked any bit like the other except for one man and woman who both had red hair. Lupin was helping the red-haired lady set the food on the table while the others chatted. Hermione and Oscie had just come into the room unnoticed except by one wizard who had one eye, which appeared to move in any direction separately from the other, on Oscie. Lupin saw them and cleared his throat to get the room's attention. The talking ceased and all eyes (except for the one of that wizard's) were on Lupin.
"I'd like for you all to meet my niece from the United States, Oscie Whitmore," he said. Everyone turned towards the girls in the stairwell. "These are.Alastor Moody, Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Hetia Jones, Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, and that's about it for those who stayed for dinner." Hermione led Oscie to the end of the table while the witches and wizards welcomed her.
She was sitting between Hermione and Tonks with Moody, the man with the odd eye, across from them. Tonks had short, spiky hair that was a violent shade of pink and deep plum colored robes. Moody had long grey and black hair that was unkempt and a very scarred face with a chunk missing from his nose. His skin looked like old leather and his robes were in the same state, very worn out and old with a few tears in the fabric.
"So how are the Salem witches doing? Last I heard they were going to reenact the witch hunts for visitors," Tonks said to Oscie.
"Oh, um.they decided only to do it on Halloween and to charge Muggles money to see it," Oscie replied. Tonks shook her head.
"They should do it more often. Poor Muggles don't realize they really caught some witches so long ago. Of course they didn't burn but they think it's all bologna now! Ha!" Tonks laughed.
Oscie helped herself to a good sized portion of the meal and began to eat while listening to the conversations around her and talking mostly just to Hermione since she felt comfortable with her.
"Your hair looks just like Sirius'," Moody commented in a rough voice that fit his appearance. The other conversations died down at the table. Oscie looked up to find both of Moody's eyes on her. He appeared to be studying her and she felt an almost piercing sensation by the eye that could go in any direction.
"Now, now Alastor.let's have some light dinner conversation," Mrs. Weasley said, trying to divert the conversation. Moody shrugged.
"It was a mere observation, Molly, and Sirius would have loved to know someone else out there has his hair," Moody replied in a low growl.
"Yes he would have," Tonks replied, "but let's talk of subjects Oscie here can converse with us about."
"There is nothing wrong with talk of old friends," Lupin stated in his quiet demeanor. Mrs. Weasley glanced nervously at him and shot another glance at her husband as if asking him to do something.
"No, no," said Mr. Weasley taking his wife's queue. "And Sirius was definitely a close friend to us all but on our guest's first night here maybe some lighter conversations would be best."
"Arthur, you know as well as I that in the days ahead there won't be many light conversations," Moody growled.
"Then let's take the opportunity to do them now," Mr. Weasley replied with a meek smile.
Oscie and Hermione woke early the next morning to the smell of breakfast being cooked. The two hurriedly changed into their robes and went downstairs to the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley was the only one there.
"Good morning, dears," she said cheerfully.
"Good morning," the girls replied.
"Everyone has gone off to work today so it will be us three for breakfast unless Arthur comes back early. He has to pick up Ron from his brother's in Romania," Mrs. Weasley explained.
"Ron's our age," Hermione added. Oscie nodded in acknowledgement.
The other Weasleys didn't show up before breakfast so the three in the house ate together. After breakfast and washing the dishes (with a little help from Mrs. Weasley's wand) Mrs. Weasley went about the house cleaning while Hermione and Oscie sat together at the dinner table with a few books, looking up spells, incantations, and potions that would help then in the upcoming year.
"This might interest you, in our third year at Hogwarts I made Polyjuice Potion," Hermione said as she looked through a potions book and was reminded of the experience.
"How did it turn out?" Oscie asked, eagerly.
"The potion was fine and worked great except for me. I accidentally had a cat hair and it doesn't work with animal transformations," Hermione replied with a slight grimace as she remembered the week she had spent in the hospital wing getting the tail, ears, and fur removed. Oscie laughed.
"Despite the hair mix-up it seems that you're good at potions as well," Oscie complimented.
The two continued their book talk for at least two hours when some commotion in the front of the house disturbed them. A few voices could be heard although their words weren't clear enough to understand.
"I think Ron's here," Hermione said. No sooner has she spoken than a tall red-haired boy walked into the room. His maturing face was sprinkled with freckles and his physique led Oscie to believe he could hold his own in a fight.
"Hermione!" he exclaimed, noticing her first. The two had a very short, awkward hug and then Ron noticed Oscie. He stared for a moment as if in a trance and then blushed.
"Ron, this is Oscie, Oscie - Ron," Hermione said, introducing the two as Ron took a seat.
"Hello," they said at the same time.
"What've you been doing? Studying?" Ron questioned with a disgusted look on his face as he surveyed the books.
"Yes we have. Something you should try," Hermione retorted.
Ron began to argue but stopped himself. "Mum says she's taking us to Diagon Alley this weekend to get our school stuff."
"Oh, good!" Oscie exclaimed. "I'm running low on dragon scales, pixie hair, toad warts, and bats teeth."
"Who are you? Snape's daughter?" Ron asked after Oscie had listed ingredients for potions. Hermione rolled her eyes at Ron's lack of tact.
"Does she look like Snape's daughter?" Hermione asked rhetorically although she might have been because of her black hair and pale complexion. "She's Lupin's niece and will be with us at Hogwarts this year," Hermione finished impatiently as Ron shrugged.
"Is Harry coming?" Hermione asked.
"No, Dumbledore wants him inside the Dursley's house and he's not to leave. Poor mate, it must be awful there. But Dad even said that Dumbledore himself might accompany Harry to Platform 9¾ and Diagon Alley," Ron replied.
"Are you talking about the Harry Potter?" Oscie asked.
"Yup. The one and only," Ron replied with a smile. "He's my best mate."
"And to think I thought the US was interesting," Oscie sighed.
"Would you like a drink Ron? There are plenty in the kitchen," Hermione questioned, remembering the long trip Ron and Mr. Weasley must have had. Ron looked at the table and saw a glass in front of him.
"Is this anyone's?" he questioned.
"No, but." Oscie started to say but it was too late. Ron had already taken a big gulp. Hermione and Oscie glanced at each other nervously and then back at Ron. He had set the glass back down with half of the liquid gone.
"That tasted putrid. What was it?" he asked, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. As he did so his red hair was turning a vivid blue.
"I'd look in the mirror if I were you," Hermione replied. "That was a potion Oscie and I made this morning." Ron's face dropped and he ran to a mirror in the hall. No sound came from any part of the house as they awaited Ron's return. He walked back into the room with a quizzical look upon his face.
"Now then, is this permanent or will it fade?" he asked. Oscie smiled seeing he took the results of the potion well.
"It'll fade. We made it special for your brothers' joke shop. Hermione told me they had one and I figured a nice little hair dying drink could be amusing. We made up the potion this morning," Oscie explained.
"It's bloody brilliant," Ron said returning to his seat. "But next time stop me before I drink it, eh?"
The trip to Diagon Alley was brief and none of the three enjoyed it as much as they normally would have since they were urged to hurry. Hermione and Oscie had picked out a few books besides the required ones for their grade level while Ron roamed around Quidditch Supplies & More. The three refilled their potion supplies, Oscie spent the most money purchasing extra of everything and even a few odd items that she said were a necessity. Finally when they had finished they were granted a little leisure time so they headed straight to the joke shop. Oscie held a piece of parchment in her robes that contained the potion for the hair dying drink.
"Mum and Dad aren't too happy with what they did, you know the whole quitting school and opening a joke shop, so don't tell them we went here," Ron said as they reached the doors of the shop.
The shop was smaller than most on the street but it was perfect for the two brothers. The walls were painted bright colors and there were displays of odd looking bottles and bags that were setup in an appealing fashion. Posters on the walls showed the results of different items in the typical movie-like style of wizard photographs. About five kids were in there looking at merchandise and a few were talking excitedly about an item. Two boys taller than Ron but with the same red hair were standing behind the counter. They were identical twins without freckles and looked definitely more mature in the face than Ron.
"Ron, old chap!" one of them exclaimed.
"Hermione, always a pleasure, even if you're reprimanding us," the other replied in a mock bow. Oscie smiled at their antics as the three approached the counter.
"And who is this lovely witch and why haven't I met her before?" the first twin to speak asked, talking about Oscie.
"I'm Oscie and I'm staying with my uncle who lives where Hermione is staying," Oscie replied, making sure to keep from giving away information about the secret headquarters to anyone who might be listening in.
"Ah! Well I'm Fred and this is George," he replied. "Shopping for supplies to go back to Hogwarts with?"
"Yes, that is the original plan for the trip but Oscie and I have a surprise for you," Hermione replied. Oscie reached into her robes and found the parchment with the potion on it.
"I'm partial to potions so Hermione and I decided to help you two start out by doing our own contribution to the shop. These are the instructions to a potion to put in people's drinks to turn their hair bright blue. You should have seen Ron's hair this morning, it was quite stunning," Oscie said handing them the parchment.
"I like your style," George said to Oscie as he took the parchment and Fred scanned over it. "And Hermione, we're going to make a jokester of you yet." Hermione snorted.
"Oh, here. We made some last night and if you'd like to see for yourself here is a little of the potion left," Hermione said handing them a vile of the clear liquid. Fred smiled.
"Much obliged my dears," he said with another mock bow.
"We should be going," Ron said. "Mum will be wondering what's taking so long and I don't want to have to explain myself."
"Make sure you come back sometime soon," George said as the three walked to the door of the shop.
"And if you ever feel like making another contribution, don't hesitate!" Fred added.
"Nice to meet you!" Oscie called from the door.
"Bye!" everyone else exclaimed.