Second Chances
Chapter 18: Welcome back at Hogwarts!
When they arrived at Hogwarts, they still had a little more than one and a half hours left, thanks to Holly.
Albus excused himself at the stairs which led to his office, telling them that regretfully he had a desk full of paperwork to deal with after his absence in the morning, but that he really looked forward to seeing them again at lunch and left.
Severus, Lily and James decided to go down to the dungeons to store away their purchases and explore their rooms. Holly, looking worse for wear, announced tiredly that she would go with them to take a short nap before lunch and stressed her point with a huge yawn. But even so she glanced at the others and told them that she most certainly wouldn't mind it if they took Harry to the Infirmary so that he could have his eye-sight corrected as soon as possible. Her siblings complied to her request, and agreed to accompany their new brother to the Hospital Wing and then go looking for their cousins and Hermione.
Once inside Severus' chambers, Lily heaved a small sigh of relief. The dark-haired man turned to her and gathered her in his arms, smiling slightly.
"So exhausted by the morning, my love? Perhaps you should think about following the example of your niece and sleep a bit."
The beautiful witch sighed again and snuggled against him.
"I'm not tired, and I think you know that, my dear Potions Master. It's just... as much as I love our family, this private time with you has become very precious to me over the past days." She looked at him, her emerald eyes full of love. "It's been such a long time that I allowed a man into my life, and I'm only now starting to realize what I have missed all the years."
He caressed the smooth skin of her cheek tenderly, and pressed his lips briefly on hers in a featherlight kiss.
"I know what you mean. Your presence fills an emptiness in me I thought I could forget, but I know now I couldn't. You make me whole again, my bright Flame."
She answered by catching his mouth in a much firmer, more passionate kiss that left them both breathless. This time it was Severus who sighed with annoyance.
"I would love nothing more than to ravish you here and now, you know that, don't you?" he growled in his silken tones.
Lily shuddered deliciously in his embrace and slid her arms around his neck to tangle them in his soft, shiny hair, her fingertips grazing his scalp lightly.
"I would love that, too," she breathed in his ear. "But I have to admit that I enjoy to savour things. I want our first time together to be perfect. Tomorrow is Saturday, isn't it?"
Severus groaned.
"You're putting my self-restraint to a hard trial, woman." He paused. "But you are right, like so often, as much as I regret to admit it."
Green eyes glittered darkly at him. "If it makes you feel better, I can tell you that it's not any easier for me at all, love."
They kissed again, calmer this time, and then, with regret, separated a bit.
The Slytherin took a deep breath. "Now what would you like to do instead?" he asked.
Lily tilted her head to one side. "Well, you said something about a tour through your chambers yesterday... "
He smoothed an unruly curl back from her face. "Alright, then here we go."
After having made sure that his weary daughter was comfortably tucked in and fast asleep, James had returned to the living-room and examined their new home briefly before he stored away the purchases they had made in Diagon Alley. Now he could finally take the time to look at their chambers properly for the first time, just like Stardust was doing at the moment.
They were definitely larger than he had thought when he had seen them on the previous night. There was a living-room, a generous kitchen, a dining-room with a table big enough for the whole family, the three bedrooms and a luxurious bathroom. Several windows, obviously enchanted, provided beautiful views of the grounds. At the moment, they showed the sparkling white winter wonderland outside where the sun turned the frozen snow into a myriad of diamonds and as a pleasant side effect illuminated the chambers brightly. The golden sunlight brought a warm shine to the reddish wood of which the furnitures were made, cherry, he guessed. It went harmoniously with the carpets and curtains, all of them in Slytherin Green, and made the rather severe looking colours appear less tense. Other decorations, much more subtle though, were kept in either bronze and blue or black and yellow. Several portraits occupied the stone walls, one showed a book and a raven, one a badger peeking out from between the big roots of a great oak. Another was of two men on a ship, a dark-haired, slim green-clad fellow who held a staff in his left hand with a silver snake wound around the upper end, and a blond, more muscular built wizard in ruby-red robes whose right hand lay on the shoulder of a large, handsome golden lion. Both had a determined expression on their faces and stood straight even though the ship was every now and then shaken roughly by a rebellious wave. Some others showed beautiful garden scenes, so detailed that you could see the fishes swimming in the pond of one and the birds picking corn from a feeding place in another, while the ones around the fire-place captured the exotic beauty of a jungle, with orchids, vines, strange, big-leaved plants and large trees. Myriads of different animals were hiding in them, tree-frogs, lizards, snakes, monkeys, parrots, big cats, rodents, birds, and many more. James could imagine very well to sit there, watch the pictures, enjoy the fire and relax.
'Yes,' he thought, 'this is definitely a place that could become our home.'
The fire cast dancing lights on the walls which were covered with several ceiling-high bookshelves. The ebony-haired man strode over to them and let his gaze wander over the titles. Many of them were Potions books, but there were others about all the other subjects, as well as music, art, the Wizarding Society, and other things. He was pleasantly surprised to find some of the shelves filled with Muggle literature. Sighing, he returned to the Potions books and ran his fingers tenderly over some cherished titles. He liked Potions, even though his real love lay elsewhere. Lily and he had always had a passion for learning and the hunger for new knowledge had never left them. He couldn't wait to read through these books, learn their secrets and try to conquer them. They posed a challenge to him that he always enjoyed to take up, a challenge for the mind. So much to learn, so much to master and, at last, to teach. James loved to teach, the time when they had started to instruct his children had been one of the best in his life. And what use was knowledge if you couldn't share it?
Lost in his pondering his wandering fingertips suddenly caught on the spine of a slim book that protruded a bit more than the others. Curious, he took it out and examined the slim tome. It was a yearbook, not overly old and with the four House Crests on the front cover, one of many in that row of the shelf. It seemed the old Potions Master had kept the yearbooks of all classes that had graduated under him. HOGWARTS CLASS 1971-78 the title read and out of an impulse, he opened it and skipped through the pages. 'Lily and I would have started in 1974,' he mused and found himself looking down on the page of the Gryffindors who were all smiling up at him, some of them waving and cheering. His eyes widened when one of the students that were sitting in the front of the picture jumped up with a soundless yelp. The young man span around and glared at another boy behind him who had put a studied innocent expression on his face. But it was not that which clued James' gaze to the tall Gryffindor with the dark, unruly hair and the glasses. It was the fact that what he was staring down at a man who looked exactly like a younger version of himself, and the girl at his side who lay a soothing hand on his arm and shot the boy behind them a warning glance was the very image of Lily.
All of a sudden, he felt the room waver around him and the familiar surge of his gift washed through him.
"... And don't forget, Mr Potter, no flying for the next seven days! It will take a while to get used to the changes in your three-dimensional vision and I don't want you back here with some broken bones because you miscalculated a distance on your broom. Did I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Madam Pomfrey, crystal-clear," Harry replied serenely.
The Nurse gave him a suspicious look, but nodded nonetheless. "Then out with you. I'm sure you have something better to do that spend your day in the Hospital Wing, especially considering that you ought to be quite familiar with it by now, with all those times you've been here."
The raven-haired Gryffindor grinned at her words and rose from the chair he had been sitting on. "Thank you, Ma'am."
"You're welcome, Mr Potter. Just try not to end up here for a while, will you?"
The teen had come to stand next to Jamie who gave him back the jumper he had held for him. "Sure, Ma'am. Goodbye."
The others echoed his goodbye and together they left the Infirmary.
"And where do we go now?" asked Heather once they were outside and Silkswift sat once again perched on her shoulder after having had to wait for them in the corridor.
"I could show you around a bit if you like," Harry suggested.
She tilted her head to one side. "I would like that, but we have barely one hour left and I'm sure Holly wouldn't want to miss it. Perhaps we could go find the others and explore the castle and the grounds after lunch?"
"Sure, they'll probably be in the Gryffindor Common Room at this time. Just follow me. But I have to warn you, it's an awful lot of stairs to climb."
Heather just grinned at his words. "Physical exercises raise the appetite. Lead on, Sir Potter."
Harry bowed mockingly. "Your wish is my command, Lady McGonagall."
And laughing, they set off for the Gryffindor Tower, the Kite launching into the air and trailing around them.
"Oh Severus, this view is spectacular!" Lily exclaimed in joy and turned slowly around, savoring the magnificent panorama of the castle and the whole grounds beneath them.
"I know." The Potions Master stepped up to her from behind and slid his arms around her waist, gently drawing her against him to shelter her from the cold breeze.
They were on the third highest tower of Hogwarts, the North Tower, which provided the best view of the area. Both had become restless in the dungeon chambers only too soon, the sweet tension in the air finally getting too much for them, until they had decided to flee the temptation and go looking for the Slytherin's ravens. Dreamily watching the white landscape and snow-covered roofs of the castle, she thought back to what he had showed her. His quarters were far less dark than she had first thought, especially the bathroom was really breathtaking with the large crystal turning the sunlight into a myriad of colours. He even had some windows which looked over the lake, one of which she had secretly chosen to be one of her favorite spots in his rooms, the corner of a broad window sill with a nice view of the lake and the Forbidden Forrest behind. Although the windows provided enough light, he had several magic lights in tactically advantageous places and merry flames were dancing in the fireplace. The dark furnitures seemed to be made of teak wood and together with the green and silver decor they gave an expression of coolness that was fortunately belied by the warmth of the fire. Many bookshelves lined the high walls, and Lily's eyes had lit up brightly when she had briefly examined his extensive library, which in turn had made him chuckle in amusement. What she had noticed though had been a certain lack of personal things like photographs, little figures and such, but despite a strangely 'unfinished' kind of look his chambers had been warm and welcoming, and she could well imagine to live there she summarized the last hour in contentment.
A hoarse croak shook her out of her thoughts and as she looked up, she saw two large, black birds descent from the clear blue sky above them.
In a smooth, practiced motion her black-clad partner raised both arms and the ravens landed noisily. They were beautiful birds, black and glossy, their shiny feathers gleaming like black mother of pearl in the sunlight. Both were croaking and beating their wings in excitement.
"Drap deid, Capo, ye're back!" shouted the one on his right hand.
"Keep yer hair on, it sure tuik him bloody long enough!" snarled the other.
The first snorted. "Ah'm a corbie, ye scemo, Ah hae nae hair."
"Manners, featherbrains, or I will reconsider my decision about not using you as potions ingredients!" Severus growled, and the second raven who was just about to answer shut its beak with a snap.
Satisfied with the effect of his words, the wizard smirked and turned to his beloved. "The one on my right hand is Mercutio, the other Romeo. They can talk, as you have seen, even though they speak a terrible mix of Italian and Scottish, but they have their uses." He turned his gaze back to the birds and glared at them. "This is my Lady, Lily McGonagall. You will address her with respect and politeness and watch your language when talking to her. Is that understood?"
"Mechty me, Capo, ye found yerself a hen!" exclaimed Mercutio and hopped up on his shoulder to get a better view.
"I'm still waiting for an answer, my potential lab rats," he scolded with a stern expression but humor sparkled hidden deep in his eyes.
Lily bit back a giggle, but lost her fight against a warm smile. Those ravens were priceless.
"Oh, keep the heid, we got it," croaked Romeo, eying the red-haired witch up and down. "She's aye bonnie!"
This time she did chuckle, gave a mock bow and continued to smile at the two birds.
"Thank you, you're not bad-looking at all yourself." Both ravens seemed to grow a bit smug at her words and she chuckled again inwardly. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Romeo, Mercutio."
"Delighted, Donna," Mercutio practically purred.
"Aye," the other bird agreed, breached the distance between them with a few wing-beats and settled on Lily's fore-arm, "Charming. She even smells guid."
She laughed merrily and started to stroke Romeo's shiny breast feathers. "I'm honored to find your approval. I like you, too."
If Mercutio had almost been purring before, his companion now certainly did. "Mhm, dinnae let her go, Capo. Non mai."
Severus sighed softly, came over to his love and touched her lips briefly with his in a featherlight kiss. "I don't intend to do otherwise."
"Dae that mean ye got rid o the damn auld snake?" Mercutio asked hopefully.
"I am no longer a spy," was all the Potions Master replied.
Romeo croaked joyfully. "Meraviglioso! Dae ye tak us back then?"
Severus narrowed his eyes and glanced at them measuringly. "That depends."
"WHAT!" both ravens squawked indignantly.
"Well, you seem to have taken on a few bad habits. Your language is fouler than ever, your manners are near to nonexistent, and just last week the Fat Friar told me you were playing pranks on some Hufflepuff third years. You surely understand that I can't expect Lily to let your reputation fall back on her."
The birds had the grace to look properly embarrassed and fluffed their plumage until they resembled two large black feather-balls.
"Please, Capo, tak us back!" pleaded Mercutio.
"We promise we'll be guid!" added Romeo.
"An we'll behave!" promised the other.
"Oh puuuleaaaase!!!" both begged, making big puppy-dog eyes.
Lily was by now struggling very hard to keep a half-way serious expression, and even Severus' onyx eyes were sparkling openly.
"Well, perhaps... . Maybe you could show your good intentions in a time of probation?" he asked casually.
"Jings, aye!" they shouted eagerly.
The ebony-haired wizard nodded. "You will return to your nest in the dungeons then and resume your duties as both Lily's and my messenger birds. For now."
"Smashing!" Romeo croaked.
"Aye," his friend agreed.
"Then off with you, I'll expect you after lunch."
"Aye, Capo, bye."
"Cheerio, Donna."
"See you later, you two," Lily replied cheerfully, and a moment later the ravens were but black points in the sky.
Severus put an arm around her and shook his head softly while they watched them vanish.
"Are they always like that?" she asked and snuggled against him.
"No, usually they are worse. Today, they were happy to see me again, and in addition they really seem to be fond of you."
She chuckled softly. "I like them. They remind me of someone..."
"Do I know her?" he asked with feigned innocence, raising a jet-black eyebrow.
"Oh, I think you know him quite well," she retorted sweetly, lying her arms loosely around him.
He smirked. "Really? Well, now that you mention it, if you ignore the language thing their attitude does indeed bear certain resemblances to Albus'."
She laughed heartily, and planted a firm kiss on his lips. "Brat."
Hungry for more, he tangled his hands in her dark red locks when she tried to pull back and drew her into a deep kiss.
The cold breeze was soon forgotten as the sun smiled down on the pair and the heat of their passion warmed their hearts.
He is standing in a room with cold stone walls, in the dungeons he guesses. Students are working at their tables, preparing ingredients and stirring the liquid in their cauldrons. There are about twenty of them, approximately fifteen years old, a Fifth Year Potions class, he concludes. All students are wearing their black robes and old-fashioned school uniforms beneath them, and walking from workbench to workbench is a tall wizard in dark green robes. His impressive height is accentuated further by his athletic build and his bronze skin, his charismatic features emphasized by his lack of hair on his head, obviously shaven, and his piercing brown eyes seem to catch everything going on in his classroom.
Looking around, he recognizes some of the students' faces. A younger version of Lily is carefully cutting ginger roots, while her partner, a sweet-faced girl with long brown hair is stirring their potion counter-clockwise. Judging from the ingredients and the look of it, they are brewing a variation of the Wit-Sharpening Potion, and sure enough as he glances up to the board he can see the familiar recipe. Two benches apart, a young Severus is grounding scarab beetles next to a dark-haired boy with cold sapphire eyes. His eyes flicker to the red-haired girl occasionally, and hers light up when she meets his gaze. So this is Lily Evans, he thinks. Severus' eyes darken as he looks past her and upon following his gaze, he sees a boy that reminds him strongly of his best friend at the side of a smaller boy with watery eyes, an unsteady gaze and a nervous, humble air about him. The first must be Remus, Romulus' little brother and the other Peter Pettigrew, the traitor, if he recalls the letters Romy has shown him correctly. Remus has a tense expression as if he is upset about something, but then again that could be because their potion has taken on an ugly shade of yellow where it should be orange-red. He continues to look around and almost instantly his eyes are drawn to the table next to Remus' and Peter's, one row behind Lily's, and one row and two workbenches across from Severus'. His carbon copy, James Potter, is whispering something to the black-haired boy with the mischievous eyes next to him, and the boy nods and cautiously starts to warm the amardillo bile. There is something about him that fascinates him. The thick mane of ebony hair? The cerulean blue eyes sparkling with mirth? The confident motions? He doesn't know, but he has read what Remus wrote about Sirius Black and he has to admit that the man he has heard of intrigues him. In the meantime, Severus' eyes have wandered so that both of them are now gazing at the two boys. When Sirius notices Severus' glare, he just sneers at him, an expression of contempt on his face. Looking over to their teacher, he sees that the tall wizard has observed the exchange and is watching his students closely out of the corners of his eyes.
The Slytherin returns his attention to his cauldron and adds the scarab beetle powder, and after a minute of stirring in specific patterns carefully measures seven drops of the warmed amardillo bile, not without reassuring before that the two black-haired Gryffindors in the last row are nowhere near him and have no wands in sight. He relaxes slightly when the fluid sizzles and turns blue shortly after. Now it is stable and just needs to simmer for another ten minutes to preserve it. Starting to clean up their workspace, he completely misses the prod James gives Peter. The smaller boy swallows and starts to add the amardillo bile. Five, six, seven,... eight, nine. Oh no, he groans inwardly as the potion turns an angry green and boils over violently. Peter and Remus just manage to jump out of the way before the corrosive mixture begins to collect in a growing puddle on the floor, hissing and sizzling and eating away at anything that doesn't escape fast enough.
"No panic," orders the deep voice of the Potions Master calmly, "Stand back."
His students comply at once, ensured by their teacher's calmness and with quick, determined strides he approaches the boiling cauldron, puts the fire out and dusts a glittering powder over the green liquid in it and on the floor. The potion turns white and milky instantly, and stops boiling.
"Has anyone come in contact with the liquid?" the teacher asks. Shaking heads and murmured "No, sir"s meet his inquiring gaze. "Good."
He turns to the two Gryffindors. "Five points from Gryffindor for sloppy work. You will both write together a five- foot essay about what exactly caused this reaction, how you could have prevented it immediately after it happened and what I did to stop it, due on Monday. In addition, you will see me tomorrow after dinner to show me you are capable of brewing it properly. Now go and clean this mess up."
"Yes, Professor Avila," the boys mutter with downcast eyes and everyone returns to their places.
As he never left his place among the workbenches he seems to be the only one to have noticed James returning from the direction of Severus' cauldron and with a sinking feeling in his stomach he realizes that the boy must have used the distraction provided by his friends to slip something in the Slytherin's potion. And indeed as he turns to the working space, he sees an empty vial lying on the table, a few drops of a silver liquid hinting at its former content. He grows cold as he recognizes it as the Exploding Fluid from inside an Erumpent's horns. Combined with ginger roots and amardillo bile it makes a potion called Dragon's Breath, named for the famous blast flames the highly inflammable mixture produces when heated over room temperature. But he can't do anything aside from watching as disaster threatens to unfold.
Severus, coming back to his cauldron catches on the situation in record time when he sees the liquid turn a violent shade of fire-red, and he blanches as he realizes that he won't be able to do anything in time, not with his wand out of reach and the ingredient's reaction already setting in. He holds his breath upon seeing that the poor boy won't even have the time to get away from his cauldron far enough. Wincing in sympathy, he remembers the one time he had messed up with Dragon's Breath. Not deadly, but awfully painful that was. If no miracle happens to save him, Severus will be up for several weeks in the Hospital Wing.
"Tempus Consistet!" a female voice shouts from across the room and all movements in the cauldron and about one foot around it stop. Even the flames beneath it are frozen in mid-motion, and he heaves a relieved sigh. Seems the boy has a lucky streak with miracles, he thinks as he looks over to the red-haired girl who stands a few yards away, eyes wild and wand trained on Severus' cauldron, but then he most certainly deserves it.
The Potions Master is at his student's side immediately, an unstoppered vial with golden dust in his hand.
"Excellent reflexes, Miss Evans," he says calmly. "Fifteen points to Gryffindor for your quick reaction and another five points vicarious from Professor Flitwick. I'm certain he will be delighted to hear that one of his Fifth Years is capable of performing a charm even the majority of his Seventh Years are unable to accomplish. You can take it off now."
"Yes, sir. Finite Incantatem," she commands, white as a ghost now that the shock has had time to catch up with her.
Professor Avila's hand moves quick as a striking snake, and the golden powder, ground female Erumpent horn, probably the only reason the race hasn't died out yet, neutralizes the Exploding Fluid. The potion's colour returns to its deep blue, and nothing remains that reminds of the disaster that very nearly took place just moments ago. The Potions Master stoppers the vial and puts it back into a pocket inside his robes, in the same motion taking his wand out of another one.
"Revela Possessor Postremus," he orders, pointing the silver-grey piece of wood at the vial.
A misty glow grows around it and forms a delicate tendril that drifts slowly through the air until it reaches one of the two black-haired Gryffindor boys. Eyes burning, the Professor nods grimly.
"Mr Potter. I thought so." He turns his dark gaze from James to Sirius who wears a studied bored expression. "And I have no doubts who provided you with the Fluid. You two disgust me. It is unintelligible for me how you ever made it into Gryffindor with that astonishing lack of honesty, fairness and conscience. And not only do you two exhibit such a shaming behavior, but you also persuade others to follow you in your cowardly attacks."
His piercing eyes sweep from the dark-haired youths to Remus and Peter.
"I am more than disappointed with you. Especially you, Mr Lupin, should have known better. As a prefect, it is your duty to protect your fellow students from harm, not help putting them into danger. If you value partaking in devastating actions like today's higher than your other responsibilities, you should seriously consider stepping back from your post."
He turns slightly, so that he can loom down on all of them.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor. Each."
Sirius looks up at that and opens his mouth to protest, but a death-glare from his teacher shuts him up before he can utter a word.
"Since you were so willing to send Mr Snape to the Infirmary, you will go there in his stead. You will scrub bed pans, clean whatever Mme Pomfrey deems necessary and do whatever else she asks of you. Without magic. At the weekends, you will help her in the mornings and report to me in the afternoons." He pauses for a moment, then continues. "The burnings that would have resulted had Miss Evans not stepped in so quick-witted would have taken at least three weeks to heal, so your detentions will go on for six weeks."
They gasp at that, and he adds unimpressed:
"Six weeks at best. If I think you have learned your lesson by then, it may be called of. Otherwise it will continue until I am convinced you don't need it anymore. I expect to see the four of you at my office after dinner."
Addressing the class, he commands:
"Now bottle your potions and clear your workspaces. Mr Snape, Miss Evans, please stay behind, I want a word with you."
And with that, he turns and strides back to his desk.
Behind his back, James scowls at Severus, but the murderous glare that Sirius sends at him surpasses even his friend's hostility. Peter has paled, and is wringing his hands in distress, looking to be on the verge of tears. Remus is the only one of them who seems to be really shaken by what has happened. He looks deeply upset, and his whole body is tense. Lily however, has recovered a bit in the meantime, and the fire in her eyes promises pain for the boys. They are lucky that looks can't kill, he thinks and can't help but notice how much she resembles his Lily in that moment.
Now wonder that Severus had a difficult time around Harry and me...
The vision ended as abruptly as it started, and James came back to his senses with a start, kneeling on a soft carpet with the book still in his hands, and Stardust, looking up at him with concern in her silver eyes, made a questioning, mewling sound. He closed the book, smiled reassuringly and reached out to pet the black Kneazle.
"I'm alright, Star, thanks for your concern. The picture just triggered my Sight and I wasn't prepared," he explained.
She eyed him critically, but his answer seemed to satisfy her for she mewed once more, half-closed her eyes and leaned into the caress. He sighed softly as the usual weariness associated with using his gift washed through him, and he decided to make good use of the time left to lunch by resting. So he put the book back on the shelf, making a mental note to go through it another time, and sat down in one of the comfortable-looking armchairs. Stardust jumped onto his lap, curled up lazily, and started to purr as he stroked her silky fur.
And despite James' intentions to stay awake, the soothing sound soon lulled him into sleep.
Many stairs later, the three teens stood in front of the painting of the Fat Lady and tried to catch their breath before entering.
The young Gryffindor grinned merrily.
"You know, I think we never were crazy enough to make a race up here," he panted.
Heather grinned back. "It might have been crazy, but it was one hell of fun!"
Her brother nodded. "And it saved us time we can now spend otherwise," he added.
"Right," Harry agreed, his breathing slowly returning to normal, "Are we ready to go in?"
The other two nodded. "Yeah."
"Firebird," he said to the Fat Lady, who had stayed up late last night with her friend Violet and just woke from a light slumber.
"Indeed," she muttered and looked at them sleepily before she caught sight of Harry and Jamie and her eyes widened. "Sweet Merlin! Two Harry Potters! Something must be wrong with my eyes..."
The 'twins' chuckled in amusement. "There's nothing wrong with your vision. This is James McGonagall , and he really does look a lot like me."
The Fat Lady blinked in confusion, then nodded slowly. "Alright, I understand. Oh, and might that be another Weasley?"
Heather grinned up at her and tilted her head to the left. "Yes, my mother was one. I'm Heather McGonagall, Jamie's sister."
The portrait nodded again. "You have the family look," she said knowingly. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I take it you two are new to Gryffindor?"
"We haven't been sorted yet, but I for my part certainly hope so," the redhead replied with a smile.
"Well, then get in, children, and good luck with the Sorting," the Fat Lady told them and swung open to let them in.
The Gryffindor Common Room was warm and cozy and a merry fire was crackling in the fireplace. The armchairs were indeed occupied by Hermione and the Weasleys, just as Harry had predicted. Ron and Ginny were playing chess, all the while trying to ignore their older brothers who were doing their best to sabotage their game. Hermione had been reading a book -big surprise here- but was now watching the twins' antics with a badly concealed smile.
They all looked up when the entered the room, and their eyes widened upon the sight of the two ebony-haired youths.
"Blimey, mate, you really did it! I can't believe it," Ron exclaimed and eyed the two boys anxiously.
Harry chuckled. "I still can't entirely believe it myself, but I think it will turn out really useful. The Fat Lady has already been unable to tell us apart."
His best friend frowned. "I still wonder if it was such a good idea, Harry. It's already bad enough with Fred and George around, but with you two..."
The two aforementioned grinned widely. "Don't worry, little Ronniekins, we'll only teach them our best tricks."
Ron groaned. "Then I'm doomed..."
Harry, Jamie and Heather broke into laughter, but quickly run out of air because they had not completely recovered yet.
"Why are you all so out of breath? Is something wrong?" Ginny asked with a concerned look.
Jamie shook his head and smiled at her. "No, everything's fine. We just made a race up here."
Grins spread on the faces around them, and Hermione was glancing at them with one of her You've-Got-To-Be-Crazy-But-As-Long-As-You're-Okay-It's-Fine-By-Me-looks and before she could make a comment, one of the Weasley twins, Fred, cut in.
"Really? Who won?" he asked with a wide grin.
Harry shrugged. "The Kite."
Everybody's eyes centered on Silkswift at his words, and the bird glittered at them smugly.
"Great," said George fondly, "Congratulation."
"And welcome to the family," his twin added, before shooting the younger girl a questioning glance. "That is if I'm right and this is indeed your new familiar, dear cousin."
The Kite chirped and Heather raised her hand to pet her with a certain pride. "No, you're entirely right. This is Silkswift, she's a Swallow-tailed Kite."
"She's beautiful," Ginny said softly, "May I touch her?"
"If Silk doesn't mind..." the other redhead replied.
The bird fluffed her feathers briefly before slicking them down again, and climbed down to Heather's hand. Ginny took that as permission and stroked the white breast-feathers gently. Silkswift closed her eyes in contentment.
"Kites are fascinating creatures," Hermione stated, "My parents took me to a falconry last summer and it was so intriguing that I borrowed a few books from the library to learn more about birds of prey. Swallow-tailed Kites are among the most adept and acrobatic fliers of all raptors. They catch much of their prey on the wing, eat their catch while flying by bending their head and neck under their body to reach the prey held in their foot, and drink by skimming the surface of ponds and marshes. Usually, they will take lizards, frogs, snakes, large insects, and small birds. These kites live in tropical and subtropical forests with swamps, marshes, and other wet areas. Swallow-tailed Kites are found in the southeast United States and southward through Central America and tropical South America. I wonder how yours found her way to England. Where did you come about her? And how are you going to organize food for her?"
She said all this in one go, and Ron and Harry couldn't suppress a warm smile. It was most reassuring that some things would never change, their Hermione one of them.
"I think she'll go out when she wants to hunt, otherwise we'll find another solution. And how we found each other, well, she kind of knocked into me."
Puzzlement was evident on the others' faces and Heather chuckled, and then filled them in on their experiences in Diagon Alley.
Her story prompted Hermione to tell them about how she had met Crookshanks for the first time, and that in turn led to several more anecdotes.
The rest of the hour passed way too fast and before more than a few stories could be exchanged it was time to go down for lunch.
In better spirits than since the start of term, the Gryffindors and their new friends started to descend the many stairs to the Great Hall.
Lily and Severus were already seated side by side at the table with Albus and most of the other teachers when the teens entered. Severus was talking quietly to Professor Sinistra who had just returned from Italy where she had spent the holidays with her family in Padova. Stemming from a long line of witches and wizards that went back to Galileo Galilei himself, Kallisto Sinistra was, although a Slytherin to the bone, very tolerant and open-minded, due to her ancestor's history with short-sightened beliefs. Her tanned, oval face showed an expression of concern, but the longer she listened to her black-clad colleague, the more it faded, until she suddenly blinked, eyed Severus up and down, and asked something with obvious surprise. The Potions Master smirked smugly, and Harry and the McGonagalls could just imagine what it was that she had inquired. They noticed, too, that both Lily and Severus had slightly swollen lips and looked a bit flushed. Grinning, they shot each other a knowing glance. 'Thoroughly Snogged' was definitely a good look on the pair.
Inwardly, Harry shook his head at himself. 'I didn't just think that about my loathed Potions Master, did I?' He looked at the two as he and his friends took their seats. 'Something has changed. I don't know what it is, but I guess he somehow stopped being the Greasy Git this morning when he told me about his relationship with Mum. I should still hate him after all, though, especially after what he said today. Mum and him... Just last term I would have found the mere thought alone disgusting, but now that I know about his role in the Order... And there was something in his eyes when he said the part about how I should have been his son. Was it longing? Regret? Sorrow? I don't know. But when he spoke of Mum, one thing was evident. He really loved her.' The ebony-haired Gryffindor sighed. 'That is all still rather confusing. How can a few hours shatter my picture of the man so thoroughly? Well, I guess I'll just wait and see what comes.' He started to fill his plate with food, and glanced at the couple just once more before he was drawn back into a conversation about dragons by Heather and what he saw somewhat eased the confusion in his mind. Professor Sinistra had just whispered something to her fellow Slytherin, who nodded, drew his new wand and tapped it against his napkin while trying to hide what he was doing from Lily, who remained oblivious to his actions.
The red-haired witch was chatting animatedly with the Muggle-Studies teacher Professor Fry, a pretty, petite witch with short, golden-brown locks and warm, grey-green eyes. Ron and Harry had finally dropped Divination that year in face of the events of their Fourth Year, and while Harry had chosen Ancient Runes, Ron had taken Muggle Studies after a bit of tactical persuading by Hermione and his father. According to him, Professor Fry was a nice, warm-hearted, kind woman and had been in Hufflepuff during her student days. Next to her sat Harry's and Hermione's Ancient Runes teacher, Professor Thurston, a bear of a man who with his long, blond hair, blond beard and sky-blue eyes looked like a viking straight out of a history book. His students, however, soon found him to be quite friendly and jovial, and the stories he often told them made his lessons most enjoyable and were significantly more interesting than Professor Binns' dull droning. In hindsight both Gryffindor boys regretted severely that they had stuck to Divination for so long. Skimming the other seats briefly, he noticed three more missing faces. The Arithmancy teacher Professor Vector was apparently still absent and would probably return with the Hogwarts Express and the rest of the students in the afternoon. But where were James and Holly?
Moments later, the two witches made a pause to continue eating, and Lily turned back, flashing her love a tender smile. He returned her smile with a smug expression and presented her with a flower. It was a lily, its delicate petals the colour of her hair, the stem and leaves a deep emerald green. She looked down on it in admiration. It was perfect. Her eyes shone bright with joy and the love in them was so deep that together with the same expression in the onyx eyes of her partner it seemed to make the air glow around them with the feeling when she thanked him with a loving kiss.
Harry smiled. They were definitely good for each other. Very good. He could only hope he would sometime find someone who would share something like that with him. The teenager sighed again, but before his thoughts could turn dark, the ethereal cry of a phoenix filled the air and the magnificent scarlet and golden bird swooped through the open doors, followed closely by the two missing McGonagalls who rushed into the hall and sat down, looking apologetic at the other occupants.
"Sorry about our being late, but I dozed off, and as Holly was still sleeping..." James excused their delay, slipping on a chair between Kallisto Sinistra and Minerva McGonagall, while his daughter took the seat Heather had saved for her between Harry and herself. Holly smiled gratefully at the two of them and somehow, Harry felt his spirits lift again.
"You're looking better," he said, and he meant it. The weariness in her motions and the shadows under her eyes were gone, and the twinkle was back in the deep blue depths.
"Thank you," she replied, flashing him a smile that made him feel strangely warm inside, "that nap did work wonders. I feel completely refreshed. Though if it hadn't been for Jeanne, I might have slept straight until dinner."
"Jeanne? Who is Jeanne?" the emerald-eyed Gryffindor asked.
The phoenix, who had landed on Lily's hand took flight again at his words and settled on the back of Holly's chair.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you haven't met her yet. Harry, this," she gestured to the beautiful bird, "is Jeanne. Jeanne, this is Harry, and these are our friends and relatives, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Fred and George."
Ginny's eyes widened. "You have a phoenix?"
"She belonged to my grandmother. After Grandma was killed, Jeanne chose to stay with me," her cousin replied.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to remind you of your loss... ," the youngest Weasley began, but Holly interrupted her gently.
"No need to apologize, Ginny. Death, as cruel as it sounds, is a part of life, and an important one at that. It is a hard lesson, but we have made our peace with that. Grandma's sacrifice saved many lives that night, and it still does. We honor her memory by accepting the choice she made."
"That is a very mature thing to do," Hermione commented softly.
Jamie shrugged. "It's what she would have wanted. Could you please pass me the salt, Sleeping Beauty?"
The McGonagall twins grinned and Harry couldn't suppress an amused smile. 'Leave it to Jamie to lighten the mood...'
The rest of the meal passed in amiable chatter, Holly listening to the others filling her in on what they had done and talked about in her absence. The food was delicious as always, and after a bit of hesitating, the four students from the other Houses joined them in their discussion about the four Houses. Soon even some of the teachers threw in the one or other comment, and before too long, all those present were participating with more or less enthusiasm. Albus smiled fondly at his grandchildren. They would be very good for the school with their blatant disregard for House rivalries. He leaned back and enjoyed the friendly conversation between staff and students. When he decided that they all had learned enough about the different Houses and had enough to think about, he used a brief silence to gently end the discussion.
"Oh dear," he exclaimed, "look how late it is! I believe some of us have a staff meeting to attend, and further preparations before our students' return in a few hours to take care of. Holly, Heather, James, I trust your friends to show you around and tell you our rules. You will be sorted before dinner and start your classes on Monday. Your teachers have most kindly agreed to meet with you during the weekend to determine your level of knowledge, so that we can adjust your classes to the education you got at home. I will hand you the exact timetable tomorrow morning. Now I would suggest you make use of the time until the Hogwarts Express arrives and go explore a bit."
The teens beamed at him. "Sure, sir. Thanks for everything," Heather replied, and with warm smiles, they stood, politely excused themselves and left the Great Hall, Silkswift and Jeanne soaring above them.
"You know," James mused, "that is a very good idea. I would very much like to see more of Hogwarts myself."
"I can take Lily and you on a tour," Severus offered, provoking a few curious glances from several of his colleagues who had only ever known him as the snarky bastard.
The red-haired witch smiled merrily. "That would be great. I'm sure there is a lot to learn about the castle."
"Splendid," James said and rose, "Let's go then!"
Bidding their goodbyes, the three adults left the table as well and exited through the large doors.
Once out of earshot, James turned and looked at his sister and the man she loved with a sympathetic expression.
"Severus, it was kind of you to offer showing me around, but I'll understand if you want some time alone together before the students arrive."
Lily smiled warmly, and shifted closer to the black-clad Slytherin at her side who bore a small smile of his own.
"That is very considerate of you, James, but Lily and I really don't mind at all," the Potions Master replied.
His partner ginned and slipped into his arms. "What Severus wanted to say is that we agreed to wait with being alone together until we have enough time ahead to be able to make the best of it."
Her love spluttered a bit at her openness and a faint blush rose into his cheeks, but James only chuckled.
"No need to be embarrassed Severus, that frank is Lily only with me and Romy, and I can relate to you quite well. Now where do we go first?"
Shaking his head at the two, Severus gathered the remainders of his dignity about him and led the way to the Astronomy Tower.
While the adults were still exploring the interior of the school after a few hours, the teens had already left the castle and were momentary up on the Gryffindor Quidditch ranks. The boys were explaining the McGonagalls the basics, while at the same time demonstrating them on their brooms. With Fred and George, however, it didn't take long to ensue hilarity, and they finally had to stop because they were all laughing so hard. When everyone was back on the ground again, they heard the whistle of a train in the distance.
"That's the Hogwarts Express," Harry told them, "It seems the others are about to arrive."
Holly held one hand up for Jeanne to land on. "Do you want to go back and welcome them?"
Ron made a dismissive gesture. "Wasted time. It's only about one hour left before dinner, so we'll see them soon enough."
"And the Common Room will be noisy and crowded, I don't think they'll need us to add to the usual chaos," Ginny elaborated.
Hermione nodded and added: "I think it will be best to introduce you over dinner. The majority of the holiday stories will be exchanged by then and with the others staying on their seats, you will have a better chance at learning their names. Now what about a walk to the lake? We could practice a few spells with you there, to help preparing yourselves for your meetings with the teachers."
"'Mione," Ron groaned, "it's bad enough the poor chaps won't even have a free weekend before term starts. You could at least leave them in peace for these last few hours."
The McGonagalls grinned at his words.
"That's very nice from both of you," Heather replied, "and I think a compromise might be the best solution. I suggest we go down there and spend half of the remaining time practicing magic, and the other half doing whatever comes to our minds. What do you think?"
General appreciation met her question, and they were just setting off for the lake, when Jamie stopped.
"Dear me, I can't find my wand. I must have left it in the Common Room," he said, shooting Harry a pointed look that luckily only his sisters noticed.
"Oh, um, right," the raven-haired Gryffindor opted, "I will go fetch it with you."
Jamie nodded. "Thanks, Harry." Turning to the others, he added: "You can walk ahead, we will catch up with you as soon as we get back."
The rest muttered their consent and got into motion, and the two boys jogged back to the castle.
Fifteen minutes later, the McGonagall twins were chatting happily with Hermione and her cousins, when a shadow fell over Ron's face and announced the arrival of another person. The twins turned as one, not hasty, but in a calm, smooth movement, and looked at the newcomer curiously. He was tall, with white-blond hair falling in slight waves down to his shoulders and a sneer on his otherwise handsome, triangular face.
"Well, well, if that isn't a bunch of weasels and the Gryffindor know-it-all... "
His silvery-grey eyes glanced arrogantly down on them and widened slightly as his gaze fell upon the two identical red-haired girls.
"Oh dear, don't tell me those are yet another two of your lumpy family! Did your father breed so much of you for some kind of weird old-age pension scheme?" he jeered.
Ron went red in the face, while Ginny's eyes started to glitter dangerously, Hermione clenched her hands into fists and Fred and George grabbed their wands., but it was Holly who stepped forward and said in a sweet voice:
"Only two out of three, I fear, but then I believe we will grant you some more chances to improve, Mr ... Oh, it seems I missed your name somehow." She smiled her serene smile, and just as Draco opened his mouth to respond, her sister took over.
"No need to ask who you are, though," Heather replied in the way Lucius Malfoy would address a House-Elf, "Blond hair, grey eyes, ill manners and the Slytherin crest on your robes – You can only be a Malfoy. Your parents had better spent some of their tremendous amount of money on a teacher for etiquette instead of buying their little sweetheart the latest racing-broom. But then, Death Eaters probably aren't supposed to behave like a gentleman, now are they?"
Draco's cheeks got a pink tinge and his eyes flashed angrily.
"Don't you dare insult my family, you Muggle-loving scum," he snarled menacingly.
"My, Holly, one could get the impression he just threatened us," Heather told her twin in mock dismay.
Holly cocked her head to one side, and, casting a probing glance at the Slytherin, shook her head softly.
"No, Heather, I don't believe he is foolish enough to take it up against Hermione, our cousins and us, at least not alone. So, Mr Nameless, I think it will be best for all of us to call a truce for now. No bad talk about our family, no bad talk about yours, agreed?" Her dark blue eyes twinkled mysteriously.
After thinking it through quickly, Draco raised his chin defiantly and sneered proudly:
"Agreed, for the moment, considering term is only just starting on Monday. And my name is Draco. Draco Malfoy. You two had better remember that."
And with this said, he cast each of them a challenging look, threw his silky hair back over his shoulder with a jerk of his head and strode off.
"No bloody way to forget it," Heather murmured, smirking after him.
Holly smiled enigmatically. "Believe me, the Dragon will awake just soon enough."
The others stared at her uncomprehendingly, but her twin just rolled her eyes. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"
She only smiled a little brighter at the comment. "You will eventually find out, dear sis. You before all others."
Heather mock-frowned. "Hol, don't scare me. You know I have a delicate nature."
Holly snorted. "Sure."
"Hey, that was not nice," her sister sulked for a moment, but before Holly could open her mouth to answer, she changed topics. "I wonder how he's going to react to the sight of two Harry Potters in the same place..."
"It might be too late for that. There comes Jamie," the redhead replied.
Sure enough, one of the two black-haired boys was coming their way and paused when Draco almost ran into him.
"Sod off, Potter," the Slytherin sneered and shot him a glare.
The other smiled serenely and made a small mock-bow. "Only after you, Malfoy," he retorted with a twinkle in his emerald eyes.
Growling, the blond swept past him and continued his walk to the castle, while the remaining youth just shook his head and strode over to his friends.
"Sweet-tempered fellow," he commented and close up, they saw that it was really Jamie.
Ron snorted. "You can bet on that. One day, he'll go too far, and I will curse him really badly."
Heather made a dismissive gesture. "He's not worth the trouble."
Her twin smiled as though she had said something funny, but remained silent.
"How could you tell that it was Jamie when he was still so far away?" Ginny asked curiously.
Holly thought about it for a moment before she replied: "He walks differently. Harry moves as if he would carry a great weight on his shoulders, while Jamie kind of glides." She shrugged. "It's difficult to explain."
"So I glide when I walk," Jamie mused with an amused expression. "Next thing you'll say I'm the heir of Slytherin."
Heather giggled. "Sure, I can just see you doing that tongue thing, you know..." She stuck out her tongue and imitated a snake tasting the air.
It looked so ridiculous that everyone laughed and the mood lightened despite the bad memories they associated with the story.
Jamie sighed dramatically. "And here went another chance for people to see my true self."
His sister reached over and ruffled his hair affectionately. "Poor Jamie. Don't worry, we love you just the way you are."
This time it was her brother who snorted. "Now my mind's set at peace. How about going down to the lake before any more declarations of undying love are tossed at my feet?"
Again, the others chuckled, and together, they went to the shore and admired the magnificent view.
Harry was hurrying down the stairs, grateful that most students hadn't arrived yet and hoping he wasn't too far behind his adopted 'twin'. Barely taking notice of his surroundings, he skipped around a corner when he bumped into something solid and was roughly sent to the floor. Trying to catch his breath, he glanced up when he heard a voice curse.
"Damn it, can't you look where you're going, you stupid Gryffindor?"
Emerald eyes met the silver ones of Draco Malfoy which widened slightly upon realizing who had run into him.
"Potter!" the boy exclaimed, obviously surprised. "But I just saw you down near the lake! How did you..."
The wheels in Harry's brain turned swiftly, and he put on a knowing expression, rose and looked down on his Slytherin rival with a smug smile.
"Well, Malfoy, people have always known there's more to me than meets the eye. It's about time you finally realized that, too."
He nodded, inwardly chuckling at the other's puzzled face. "See you at dinner, I suppose."
And with that, he left.
Draco didn't call him back.
The group at the lake looked up when they saw their friend jog towards them, and let him sit down and catch his breath before starting to ask questions. Telling them he had been held up by the Creeveys, everyone who knew his 'fans' winced in sympathy. The story about his encounter with Malfoy, however, made them all grin, and they were quick to fill him in on their episode with the blond Slytherin.
After a good laugh, they regretted having only about fifteen minutes left, before they would have to return to the castle to change into their robes and prepare for dinner. Having already found that Heather and Holly were naturals when it came to charms, Hermione nevertheless used the time to show them some more spells, only to discover that the same went for Jamie. At the others open praise, the McGonagalls just told them modestly that they did know the theories behind those spells and that learning completely new ones would be a different thing altogether.
Discussing their approaching sorting, the Gryffindors asked their friends what House they would like to be sorted into, but unlike Heather, who hoped she would be in Gryffindor, Holly and James just shrugged and replied that it didn't really matter as long as it was the right House for them. That led to a resumption of the discussion that had started at lunch and with a lot of teasing and friendly bickering, they walked back to the school.
Parting ways at the Entrance Hall, the Gryffindor headed to their dorms, while the McGonagalls went down to the dungeons. The earned themselves several suspicious looks as they met some of the Slytherins on their way, but the students were all younger than them and didn't dare question them.
Upon entering their quarters, they were greeted warmly by their father, who was already wearing his black robe. Taking turns in telling him about their afternoon while they washed and changed, he supplemented their report with parts of his own tour and the stories Severus had provided them with. It was very interesting to compare the students' and the teachers' point of view and all four of them were fascinated by it. After a few last-minute-adjustments, James and his children were finished and ready to go upstairs and meet the rest of the school.
Before the passed the large doors, though, James beckoned them to wait for a moment.
"I just wanted to assure you that no matter which House you'll be sorted into, I love you and I am very, very proud of you. As Grandma undoubtedly is, too."
The trio smiled warmly and drew him into a big group hug.
"Thanks, Dad," they whispered, and he pulled them closer for a moment, before he let them go.
The doors opened for them and confidently, they stepped into the Great Hall.
Harry looked up from his place at the Gryffindor Table and watched James and his children walk towards the High Table. When he managed to catch his friends' attention, he flashed them an encouraging smile, noticing Ron and Hermione next to him do the same. The McGonagalls returned the smile gratefully and proceeded to the teachers' table.
Once there, James sat down next to Severus, who was already sitting besides Lily. The welcoming smile they gave each other made the students down at the tables whisper in hushed voices, the general topic appearing to be the dark Potions Master. The black-clad Slytherin, however, didn't seem offended in the least and obviously took a great deal of pleasure in smiling at some of those who were staring openly at him, causing them to either turn deadly pale or furiously red. Lily just shook her had amiably and continued to smile.
Jamie, Heather and Holly remained standing, but they didn't need to wait long, for Albus rose from his seat shortly after and all voices died down, until the Great Hall was silent.
"Welcome back at Hogwarts! I am glad to see you all arrived safe and sound. At our staff table, however, you can see two familiar faces missing, and several new instead. Rest assured that Professors Lupin and Hagrid are well, and will return to us as soon as they have completed their missions, which are unfortunately taking them longer than we assumed. Most fortunately though, temporary replacements have already been found."
He smiled his typical Headmaster-smile and his cerulean eyes twinkled with mirth.
"Oh no, that looks like he's up to something," Severus murmured to Lily, who just put her hand in his under the table and squeezed it gently.
"I have appointed Professor Snape your interim Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. Potions lessons will be taken over by Professor Lily McGonagall, and her brother, Professor James McGonagall will teach you Care of Magical Creatures. Until your original teachers have returned, I bid all of you to honor them in their absence by working hard and making their substitutes at home."
The Great Hall, though unsure whether this was good news or not, chose to stand on the optimistic side and burst into applause and cheering.
Lily and Severus looked ready to faint on their seats, while James grinned broadly. The teens had joined the other students and clapped enthusiastically.
Lily recovered first of the pair, and shot Albus one of her Are-You-Out-Of-Your-Mind?-looks, while Severus only blinked and swallowed hard.
The old wizard just smiled kindly, and twinkled brightly at all of them, before he continued his little speech.
"As you surely have noticed, three new students have arrived along with your substitute teachers, two will be in fourth year and one in fifth. I hope all of you will welcome them warmly and help them to get comfortable with our school. Before they can join our midst, however, they need to be sorted into their respective Houses. Minerva, if you would continue, please?"
Minerva McGonagall nodded, rose from her seat and went to retrieve the Sorting Hat and the stool on which the students usually sat during the Sorting Ceremony. When she had put both in the same spot where they always stood during the start-of term banquet, she took out a roll of parchment, pushed her glasses up with a move that was typical for her and almost automatically launched into her sorting-ceremony speech.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said.
"McGonagall, Heather!"
Heather left her place at the staff table and did as Professor McGonagall had said. The Hat took its time with her, before it finally exclaimed:
"GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table, having been told about the McGonagall kids by the Harry and his friends, erupted into cheers and applause. Heather smiled, winked at her brother and sister, and walked over to join the rest of her House.
Back at the staff table, Severus had regained his composition, sighed and gave Lily a lope-sided smile.
"Why do I get the feeling we are about to watch the continuation of the famous Weasley family tradition?" he asked in a soft, amused voice.
Lily just grinned at him and squeezed his hand under the table, her eyes twinkling with glee.
"McGonagall, Holly!"
Holly repeated her twin's actions almost exactly. With her, the Hat thought even longer and when it eventually opened its rim to speak, its voice sounded slightly reluctant.
"SLYTHERIN!"
The whole hall stayed silent while Holly gracefully slid off the stool, smiled sweetly and strode calmly to the Slytherin table, her dark blue eyes twinkling. The Slytherins stared at her in wonder, after what Draco had told them about his encounter with the red-haired sisters they would never have thought one of them could be sorted into their House. Holly however, continued to smile her serene smile and instead of choosing a place at the emptier end of the table, she rather took a seat in the midst of them. Someone started clapping then, and soon the rest of the students followed into a respectful applause.
James grinned at Severus. "Looks like we make it our tradition to start new traditions, eh?"
Severus just shook his head in amazement. "Will wonders ever cease? But wait! Does that mean I will have to put up with one of your trouble-makers in my own House?"
Lily snorted. "Watch and wait, love. I wouldn't be surprised if our Holly could show your cunning folk some tricks they don't know yet."
"That's exactly what I fear, my dear," he replied in a low voice.
His partner just smiled, the same serene smile her niece still displayed down at the Slytherin table.
Neither of them noticed the Transfiguration Professor looking their way, so they completely missed seeing her pale and her eyes widen behind the glasses in realization. Minerva quickly glanced over to Dumbledore, and the old wizard nodded and gave her a look that told her they would talk later, in his office. She nodded back, and, still slightly shaken by her discovery, went on to the last name on her list.
"McGonagall, James!" Professor McGonagall called.
Jamie walked to the stool, apparently untouched by the excitement around him, and put on the Sorting Hat. The Great Hall was so silent one could have heard a needle hit the floor, but the Hat let them wait for a good five minutes in anticipation before it announced its decision.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
A collective breath that no-one was aware they had been holding in was released and along with the rest of the hall, the Gryffindor table exploded into cheers and clapping, though they seemed still a bit shocked that not all of the McGonagalls had been sorted into their House.
The Headmaster, however, clapped politely along with the others, then gestured for silence once more.
"Regarding the recent developments, I have approached the Ministry of Magic with a special request and now have the official approval of offering you the opportunity to become an Animagus. Alas," he continued, kindly ignoring the hushed whispers that filled the hall at his words, "there are a few restrictions. First, this option is only open to those of you who are in fourth year or higher. Second, your Transfiguration skills must be better than average. Third, you have to be aware of the fact that becoming an Animagus is hard, time-consuming work, hence your overall achievements need to be good enough that you are able to spend the necessary amount of time on your training. If you feel that all of the aforementioned applies to you, you may contact Professor Minerva McGonagall on the matter and she will provide you with further information."
He looked around one more time, noticing all the eager faces at the respective tables and smiled in satisfaction.
"So now that we are done with that, let the meal begin."
He clapped once, and the food appeared on the tables. The students needed no further invitation and tugged in heartily.
"Poor Holly," Ginny said sympathetically at the Gryffindor table after they had introduced the McGonagalls to Sir Nicholas and their House-mates.
Heather and Jamie looked up at her, then at each other, and burst out laughing. Harry, Ron and Hermione eyed them quizzically and Ginny blushed.
"Sorry," Jamie apologized, looking at the youngest Weasley with a warm smile when he had regained his composition.
"It's just... ," Heather tried to collect her breath before she continued, "... not poor Holly, poor Slytherins!" She grinned mischievously. "They have absolutely no idea what they're in for."
Harry and Ron looked over to the Slytherin table, where Holly was clearly enjoying herself, talking calmly to the students next to her, while most of the others were still eying her uncertainly, including one Draco Malfoy who continued to cast disbelieving glances at the redhead.
"I still don't see how you can stay so calm about all of this. I mean... she's in Slytherin now! And she has a whole House against her. Doesn't that bother you?" Ron demanded genially.
"No," Jamie replied unimpressed, "we... were taught to regard the Houses from a more neutral point of view. While Slytherin is certainly the House for the cunning and the ambitious, that doesn't mean everyone in there is evil. I think it will suit my sister well, and her House-mates will surely learn much from her."
"Learn from her?" Ginny asked, brown eyes wide in disbelief. "They'll make her life living hell!"
Heather smirked and patted her cousin's arm reassuringly. "No chance! Holly will eat them alive!"
Jamie nodded and smiled friendly at the younger girl. "Don't worry Ginny, Holly has her way with people. You'll see, by the end of next week she'll have them all twisted round her little finger."
"You three are... weird,"Ron commented, shaking his head in wonder.
Both McGonagalls grinned at that.
"Why, thank you," Heather said and winked at him. "Now that this has been clarified, what do you people think about the Animagus training?"
This tactical change of topics led the conversation into a much more comfortable direction, and the rest of the meal passed in animated talking.
***************
A/N:
Yeah, I know it was way too long since the last update.
SORRY!
Mea Culpa!!!
First I had all my exams in a rather short period of time, then my
pet got injured and the cat of a friend dropped a litter of weak, ill
kittens right under our noses. *sigh*
Now I have all my results
save the psychiatry exam and I have passed everything so far. My pet
is well again and the kittens have developed into energetic little
monsters, except one, Aimee, who didn't survive. Now we're
occupied with finding new homes for them, when deep in our heart we'd
love nothing more than to keep all of them... Unfortunately we can't,
so now I have one, Frenja, and my friend took her sister, Lisa.
Frenja means 'cheeky little girl' and believe me, she is
one. But I love her.
Furthermore, I had trouble in the lab where I'm working on my thesis – in fact I have summer break but I can count the days I was able to spent at home on one hand. Don't get me wrong, I like the work and it's crucial for my graduation, but it is one of the reasons I can't write as much as I'd like to.
And last but not least, I've working on three other stories more or less simultaneously to overcome my major case of writer's block. You can find the summaries in my bio, but I don't plan to post them until I have them finished. So don't worry, Second Chances will be finished sometime, though not in the near future. If you want me to let you know about new chapters just give me your email-address and I will notify you.
The characters in this story now will have some time to catch their breath and enjoy life at Hogwarts, so if you have any suggestions about things that should happen before everything gets out of hand again, just write me a mail and I will see if I can put it in.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS!!!
YOU KEEP ME GOING!!!
Explanations for some terms I used:
Names
Avila: Spanish, means "To watch, be vigilant" or "capable, intelligent"
Fry: British surname, means "Freeborn" or "Noble, generous"
Kallisto: Professor Sinistra is named after one of the four moons of Jupiter that were discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610
Thurston: Scandinavian for "Stone of Thor"
Spells
"Revela Possessor Postremus,": Reveal your last owner!
"Tempus Consistet!": Time stand still!
Italian words
Capo: boss
Donna: lady
Meraviglioso: wonderful
Non mai: never
Scemo: idiot
Next chapter will be about life at Hogwarts, lessons with the new teachers and our students, and about the Animagus-course. (Though I already have some ideas, suggestions for animal forms are most welcome!)
Until then, have a good time!
Carpe Diem!
Greetings,
Scheckie