Disclaimer: I don't own anything except Cadance and Jen and if you want to
have them go ahead and borrow them but, I'm warning you, they're difficult
to work with! ::ducks as Cadance throws various fireballs at her:: *sigh*
Back to work.
Out of the fireplace stepped Professor Snape (A/N: You were expecting Death Eaters, weren't you? Yeah, I know you were so just admit it already!). Jen and Harry, having heard him get out of the fireplace came into the kitchen to see who it was.
"Hello, Uncle Severus!" said Cati happily.
"Excuse me, but did you just call him 'Uncle Severus'?" asked Jen.
"Uh, yeah," said Cati.
"You two are related!?!" exclaimed Jen in disbelief.
"Yeah, that's my mother's brother," said Cati.
"Oh, Cati, that su." she was cut off as Cadance clamped her had over her mouth.
Harry was completely thrown off by this little bit of knowledge. It was hard to imagine Snape being related to anybody, least of all Cadance's best friend: a Gryffindor. From now on he would look at Snape in new way. or maybe not. Anywho.
"What are you doing here?" asked Cati.
"There's been some trouble," said Snape. "Arabella Figg was attacked by Death Eaters."
"What!? Is she okay?" asked Cadance. Her eyes were full of worry over the well being of her Godmother.
"I don't know," said Snape. "Mundungus Fletcher went over to tell her about the meeting tonight and there were Death Eaters attacking her. They left as soon as he got there. He brought her to Hogwarts about 15 minutes ago. But that's not all. I was just about to leave Hogwarts to come here when two of your brothers, Weasley, came through the fireplace. It was the twins. Apparently your mother had sent them. There was some action over at their house. A demon attacked. Luckily, someone had gone against Ministry policy and taught the 7th years how to vanquish this particular demon, so Fred and George had it all under control."
"Is everyone okay?" asked Charlie as he clamped a grateful hand on Cadance's shoulder.
"I do believe they're fine," said Snape. "But to the point, Dumbledore believes that the Death Eaters are going to attack other Order Members. He wants all Order Members, and their families in some cases, at Hogwarts immediately. Yes, you too, Potter. When I left he was still trying to get a hold of Arthur Weasley, Black, and Lupin at the Ministry. He hasn't even attempted to contact anyone else yet."
"Are you serious or is this like the time you told us that you'd slipped Veritaserum into our Pumpkin Juice at lunch causing us to subconsciously tell the truth because we thought that we were under the influence of a truth potion?" asked Cadance.
"Do I look like I'm in the mood for a joke?" asked Snape.
"Do you ever?" retorted Cadance.
"Am I ever?" replied Snape.
"Good point," said Cadance. "All right, I'll go pack then. I can't believe we're leaving Godric's Hollow."
"C'mon, Harry," said Charlie. "You'd better go pack. I'll come with you. just in case." Charlie followed Harry out the back door.
"Well, I'd better go pack, too," said Cati. "I've been staying at my brother's house and living out of my suitcase so it shouldn't be hard to pack."
"I'll go with you, Catalin," said Snape. "I have something from Dumbledore for him." They went out the back door and down two blocks so they could Apparate out.
"Minerva, why don't you go back to Hogwarts and check on Arabella. Jen and I will go pack up and meet you there," said Cadance.
"Okay," said McGonagall. She traveled back to Hogwarts via Floo Powder.
Cadance and Jen went to pack up everything they'd need. "Cadance! Can I pack the Boogieman!?!"
"No!" Cadance called from her room.
"Why not?!" asked Jen.
"Because!" exclaimed Cadance.
"But I'll miss him!" argued Jen.
After fifteen minutes of unsuccessful arguing, Jen was finally ready to go. Cadance was done shortly after. They sat in the kitchen and waited for Charlie and Harry. When they arrived they traveled to Hogwarts by Floo Powder. They emerged from the fireplace in Dumbledore's office. McGonagall was waiting for them.
"Leave your stuff here," she said. "The House-Elves will take it where it needs to be."
"I still have to go pack up my stuff," said Charlie. "I was just escorting them because I know that Cadance can't stand to be away from me for too long."
"Whatever, Charlie," said Cadance.
"Charlie, go pack," said McGonagall. "Cadance, go with him so you're both out of my hair for five minutes. Harry and Jen, you're to go directly to the Gryffindor Common Room. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars."
"What?" asked Cadance.
"Muggle board game," explained Jen.
"All right, let's go," said Charlie. They traveled to Charlie's house by Floo Powder. Jen and Harry went to the Gryffindor Common Room.
In the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry found Hedwig perched on the back of a chair. Jen explained about how Hedwig had showed up. Hedwig nipped Harry's finger affectionately then held out her leg. Harry had almost forgotten that she had a letter for him. He took it off and recognized Ron's untidy handwriting. He read the letter quickly. "Hermione's spending a few weeks with Ron," he told Jen.
"Not anymore," pointed out Jen. "Now they're both spending the rest of the summer here."
"You're right," said Harry. "It'll work out better this way. I think we need to supervise those two."
* * * A few hours later, all of the Weasleys came into the Gryffindor Common Room followed by Cadance, Cati, and Snape. Dumbledore arrived a few seconds later with Mundungus Fletcher, Moody, and McGonagall. Cadance, Cati, Fred, George, Bill, and Charlie all squeezed onto the couch. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley occupied the love seat. Mundungus Fletcher, Snape, and Moody turned three chairs toward where Dumbledore and McGonagall were standing. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Jen, and Ginny sat on the floor.
"Just to give you all an update," began Dumbledore. "Arabella Figg is doing just fine and Madame Pomfrey will allow her to be visited tomorrow. I've contacted Sirius and Remus and they should be arriving here in an hour or so. Hagrid is running some errands for me and won't be reachable for another three days. I regret to announce that Nicholas and Perenelle passed away a few hours ago"
"Death Eaters?" asked Cadance. She would have jumped up but she was so squished between Cati and Charlie that she couldn't move.
"No, from Lack of Elixir of Life," said Dumbledore. "They just passed on. Now to turn our attention from the unpleasant business of death; finding a place for all of you to sleep. Arthur and Molly, you'll be sleeping in Cadance's room. Arabella will be sleeping in the other room off the same teacher Common Room that Cadance and Minerva share once she is released from the Hospital Wing. There is room available in the other teacher Common Room for Alastor, Mundungus, Sirius, and Remus. Severus and Minerva, you'll be in your own rooms. Harry and Ron, you'll be in your dormitory and Fred and George will be in there with you. Hermione, Ginny, and Jen, you'll be in another dormitory: anyone, it doesn't matter which. Now," he looked pointedly at Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie. "Can I trust you four to share a dormitory without mutilating, blowing up, or setting fire to it?"
Cadance pretended to look hurt. "I am insulted that you think that we would do something like that to a Hogwarts dormitory."
"That's behavior that they usually reserve for the Divination Tower," said Jen.
"Well, would you miss it?" asked Cati. "Would you?"
* * * Everyone was settled into their room, including Sirius, by dinnertime, at which point everyone went down to the Great Hall. There was a place set for everyone at the Head Table. There was one extra place set at the end of the table where Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie were sitting.
"There will be one more joining us for the remainder of the summer," said Dumbledore. "He should be arriving any minute now."
The words had just left his mouth when a man walked into the Great Hall. He had light strawberry red hair and was wearing an auror's uniform. "DREW NUPERSON!" exclaimed Cadance. "Look Cati! It's your brother!"
"What are you doing here?" asked Cati.
"Me? I'm here to torture you," you replied Drew.
He took the empty seat at the table, which was right next to Cati. "Hey sis," he said as he gave her hair a tug.
"Now don't start that again!" exclaimed Cati.
"I always liked him," sad Cadance. "He always knew how to get a rise out of you."
"Mmm hmm," agreed Charlie.
"There will be good behavior from that end of the table. You are not wild animals," said McGonagall.
About halfway through dinner, the behavior started to worsen slightly when Cadance and Charlie began poking each other with their forks. Then, Drew swatted Cati's arm. "Bee," he explained. He repeated this process several times. Finally, Cati swatted his nose and said, "Cockroach! Whoops, that was your face!" Dumbledore watched with amusement as McGonagall watched with disapproval.
"Uncle Severus! Cati's being mean!" exclaimed Drew.
"Tattle-tail," said Cati as she flicked his nose.
"That's it," said Drew. He hopped up and proceeded to chase Cati out of the Great Hall.
"Children," said Cadance as she rolled her eyes and poked Charlie again.
* * * Drew was put in the same dormitory as Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie. Now, putting Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie in a room together was dangerous. Adding Drew to the equation was downright deadly. The meeting for the Order of the Phoenix was scheduled for 12:00 PM, due to the fact that everyone had just settled in to Hogwarts.
The Order Members assembled in the meeting room. They were missing four members. Arabella Figg was still in the Hospital Wing. Hagrid was still on Dumbledore's errand. Nicholas and Perenelle were dead.
Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat. Cati and Cadance, who were on a sugar rush, stopped their idle chitchat immediately with the obedience of two well-trained puppies. "Finally someone shut them up!" exclaimed Charlie throwing his hands into the air. "I've been listening to nothing but girl talk for the last two hours!" Cati gave him. (pause for dramatic effect).the look and he shut up.
"I am very pleased to announce that we will have three new members joining us this evening," said Dumbledore. "We will wait a few minutes for them to arrive before we start." They sat for two minutes and waited. Charlie almost introduced Cadance and Cati to a silencing charm but Dumbledore stepped in and rescued them.
Finally the door swung open. Half the people in the room's eyes grew wide in fear for their sanity. McGonagall and Dumbledore were the only two people who were not surprised by the identity of the three new members. Inwardly, McGonagall said a prayer.
Drew Nuperson and Fred and George Weasley were the newest additions to the Order of the Phoenix.
"All right!" exclaimed Cadance. She was grinning broadly.
"Uh oh," said Arthur Weasley. "Er. Albus? Are you aware that you have Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, Cadance, Drew, and Cati in this very small room with only one exit in the event of a fire?"
"Yes, Arthur," said Dumbledore. "I am quite aware. Fred, George, and Drew, there are seats available for you there." He pointed over to the end of the table. There chairs that weren't there a second ago stood, waiting to be sat in. "Because of a request from an Order Member who shall remain nameless." McGonagall looked at the ceiling as he said this, "You are at the opposite end of the table, as far away from Bill, Charlie, Cati, and Cadance as possible"
"Oh that's mean," said Cadance. "It's as if you don't trust us. And another thing! I think this Order is being sexually biased! There are only four girls and one isn't even here right now! I'm so distraught over this I can't speak anymore!"
"Thank you!" exclaimed Charlie looking upward. "There is a God!" Cadance stuck her tongue out at him.
Cadance and Cati's sugar rush soon wore off. About two hours later, Cadance, who had not talked the entire meeting, was nodding off over a large book she was using for research. Cati was already asleep, her head leaning on Bill's shoulder. Bill was resisting the urge to flick her in the nose to wake her up (and ignoring Drew's requests for him to do so).
Cadance tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn then said, "Uncle Albus?"
"Ah, she speaks," said Charlie.
"Yes, Cadance?" asked Dumbledore as he looked up from a book he was thumbing through.
"Can we be done here for tonight?" It's 2 o'clock and I can't even remember what I'm supposed to be looking for in this book."
"Yes, I suppose so," said Dumbledore. "There's not much more we can do here tonight. We're all tired."
"Thank you," said Cadance. "Cati, wake up!"
"Go 'way, Cadance. I don't want to get up yet. I'll just miss Divination. It doesn't matter anyway," mumbled Cati.
Cadance shook her head. "Oh no. She's going to be impossible to wake up. She was constantly sleeping through Divination." She tapped the side of her face with her index finger and thought for a few seconds. Then her face took an inspired look. "Cati! Quick! You slept through Divination and now we're late for Transfiguration!"
"AHHH!" exclaimed Cati as she jumped out of her chair. She ran out of the door.
"Where is she going?" asked Sirius.
"Transfiguration."
* * * The next morning, after breakfast, everyone went off. Mr. Weasley, Sirius, and Remus went to the Ministry. Mrs. Weasley volunteered to go down to Diagon Alley to pick up the books and supplies that Harry, Ron, Hermione, Jen, and Ginny would need for the school year. Ginny and Jen went with her. Fred and George went to Hogsmeade on some secret mission of their own. McGonagall barricaded herself in her office and told Bill, Charlie, Drew, Cati, and Cadance that if they even thought about annoying her they would be in detention until they were old enough to retire or until she died: whichever came first. When Cadance pointed out that she was more likely to die first because of Death Eaters, McGonagall threatened to turn her into a rabbit and let Fang chase her. So to avoid detention and the wrath of a Transfiguration Teacher, the five mischief-makers went into their room and thought about annoying McGonagall, just to see if she'd know they were thinking about it.
Just FYI, she did. After an hour of working on lesson plans, McGonagall couldn't take it any more. She got up from her desk and hurried down the hallway towards the Gryffindor Common Room to make sure they were behaving themselves. On the way, she ran into Dumbledore, who accompanied her.
"Minerva, I honestly don't think that they're doing anything wrong. I'll admit that they're a little mischievous but." he was cut off by McGonagall.
"Oh please, Albus. You put those five together and you have a sure recipe for disaster. Surely you remember them when they were at school? Their mischievousness is excelled only by their intelligence, and you know how good they are at hiding that. And, might I put out, Cadance and Cati are Sorceresses. I mean, they almost blew up the Common Room once when they both had the flu and were sneezing."
By this time they were in the Gryffindor Common Room. They said hello to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who were working on some homework. They went up to the dorm that Bill, Charlie, Cadance, Cati and Drew shared. They opened the door and walked in. They saw nothing. literally. There was no furniture in the room. There was a fire going in the fireplace and it was obvious that they were either making jello or a potion.
"They ran away and took the furniture?" questioned McGonagall.
"No of course not. Why would we want the furniture?" asked a voce. Dumbledore and McGonagall looked around. Then they looked up. All the furniture was stuck on the ceiling. Cadance and Cati were on one bed playing wizards chess. Bill, Charlie, and Drew were on their beds doing nothing in particular.
"You cast an upside-down charm," said McGonagall.
"But at least we didn't set anything on fire," said Cadance. As she said this, a piece of paper fell off the desk on the ceiling and onto the floor. The corner landed in the fireplace and caught on fire. McGonagall stamped it out.
"Just come down from there and put the furniture back," said Dumbledore trying not to sound halfway amused.
"Okay, okay, we're coming," said Cadance. She and Cati used their Sorceress powers to levitate to the ground. Bill, Charlie, and Drew waved their wands and floated back down.
"Why don't you go visit Arabella so Minerva can retain some sanity?" asked Dumbledore.
"Okay," said Cadance. The five bolted out the door, mainly to get away from McGonagall, who was fuming.
Later that day, Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore were walking down the hallway. "Honestly, Albus, they're completely out of control. Their antics have only gotten worse from their school days. They are completely immature."
"Now, Minerva, they're not that immature," countered Dumbledore.
But as he spoke Cadance and Charlie ran by each with a bucket filled to the brim with pieces of ice. They were pelting each other with the ice. After throwing a few pieces, Charlie took the whole bucket and dumped it on Cadance's head. She screamed and started slipping on the ice then dumped her bucket on Charlie, who began to slip as well. They crashed into each other and landed in a heap on the ground laughing.
"Ow! Charlie, you're elbow is in my. upper-body region!" exclaimed Cadance.
"Well your knee is in my side!"
"Ow! Ahhh! The ice is melting! My butt is cold!"
"Okay," said Dumbledore. "So they're a little immature." They walked over to Cadance and Charlie to help them to their feet. Cadance had a mischievous glint in her eyes as McGonagall offered her a hand up. The next second McGonagall was on the floor with Cadance and Charlie in a pile of ice.
"Don't even think about it, Charlie," said Dumbledore. "I'm old and I might not make it back up." He helped Charlie to his feet then he helped McGonagall as Charlie helped Cadance up.
Bill and Cati came walking down the hallway. "Charlie, Cadance," said Cati. "What's taking so long? And where's the ice? Drew won't be able to keep Fred and George occupied much longer."
Charlie and Cadance grinned evilly at one another then pushed Bill and Cati into the melting ice. They slipped and then fell on top of each other.
Charlie and Cadance took off down the hall. "Okay," said Dumbledore. "They are really immature." Cati and Bill got up and ran after Cadance and Charlie.
"Don't get me wrong, Albus," said McGonagall once they had turned the corner. "I am quite fond of all five of them." Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at her. "Oh, all right. I love then as if they were my own kids but I still think they're immature."
"Let them be immature while they still have time to be immature together," said Dumbledore. His eyes went dull as if he knew something he'd rather not.
McGonagall was silent for a few seconds as if she understood the message he was trying to convey and was letting it sink in. "When?" she asked once she had found her voice.
"I'm not sure," said Dumbledore. "But I see that there will be one less among us and that it will hurt those five quite a bit. I know who, I don't know when, I don't know how, but it will happen."
"The future is hard to predict," said McGonagall. "You. You could be wrong."
"Let's hope so, Minerva," said Dumbledore. "Let's hope so."
* * * Cadance and Charlie finally lost Bill and Cati and bolted into the Gryffindor Common Room. "Geez, I get less winded fighting Death Eaters," said Cadance as she collapsed panting onto her bed.
"Are you saying that two of our best friends are worse than Death Eaters?" asked Charlie collapsing next to her.
"Yes," said Cadance. "I'd rather run from those lazy, out-of-shape, old farts than Bill and Cati any day."
"You don't run from Death Eaters," pointed out Charlie. "Never have, never will."
"Okay, Charlie," said Cadance. "One day I will run from Death Eaters."
"You'll retreat in a Death Eater battle?" questioned Charlie.
"Yes."
"Promise?"
"Cross my heart and hope to die," said Cadance.
"No, you see, you'd be running because you don't want to die," said Charlie.
"You know what I meant," said Cadance.
"I know," said Charlie. "I just had to say that."
"Ah, okay," said Cadance. "So what do you want to do now?"
"Sleep," said Charlie. "I'm beat."
Cadance sat upright. "Awwww, come on. Play with me, Charlie. Pwease?"
"This is like a repeat of when you were nine and I wanted to sleep in on the weekends," said Charlie.
"Yeah, and then you'd tell me that there was a demon that needed vanquishing in the dungeons and I'd believe you and go look for it and you'd sleep in," said Cadance.
"Yeah, now shut up so I can sleep," said Charlie.
"Go sleep on your own bed," said Cadance. Charlie didn't say anything and his eyes were closed. "Charlie? Charlie?"
"Just like when I was nine," said Cadance. "I talk, he sleeps."
* * * Fred and George rushed into the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry and Ron were sitting at a table playing Wizard's chess. "Where's everyone?" asked Fred.
"Jen, Ginny, and Hermione are in their room doing girl stuff," said Ron.
"What about Cadance, and Cati and Drew, and Bill and Charlie?" asked George.
"Drew is in the library hitting on Madame Pince," said Harry. "Cati dared him."
"Cadance and Charlie came running in here about an hour ago. They went up to their room. Bill and Cati just went down into the kitchens," said Ron.
Right on cue, Bill and Cati came walking back in. "I love those house- elves," said Bill.
"Go get Charlie and Cadance down here," said Fred. "They're in their room. We have something to tell you all."
"Okay, hold your horses," said Cati. She and Bill ran up the stairs to their dormitory. Cadance and Charlie were sleeping on Cadance's bed.
"Whoa," said Cati.
"Shhh!" hissed Bill.
"Let's dump water on them to wake them up," said Cati.
"No, that's mean," said Bill. "Scream in their ears."
"Okay," said Cati. She leaned into her two sleeping friends. "CHARLIE! CADANCE! NAPTIME'S OVER!"
The both bolted upright and knocked their heads together. "Ow," said Cadance.
"What did you do that for, Cate?" asked Charlie as he rubbed his head.
"Fred and George have an announcement to make," said Cati.
"Oh, all right, we're coming, we're coming," said Charlie.
They all headed downstairs. Drew had returned and Fred and George had gone up to get Ginny, Jen, and Hermione. When they all had come down, Fred and George sat them all down.
"We have an announcement to make," said Fred.
"After many years of being trouble-makes-"
"-And we would like to thank Bill, Charlie, Cadance, Drew and Cati for that."
"Yes, yes, of course. But we, for the past few years have had an idea formulating in our brains. And that, of course, would be that of a-"
But George was interrupted when the door to the portrait hole swung open and Professor McGonagall walked in. "Cadance there's a demonic something- or-other in the dungeons and. what are you all doing?" she asked suspiciously.
"Fred and George are making an announcement," said Cadance.
"Stay awhile, Professor," said Charlie. "See what they have to say."
"Is it about their joke shop," said McGonagall. "Because I already heard it when they told their mother. By the way, she stopped fuming and has accepted the idea when Professor Dumbledore explained to her that keeping up a business will take a lot of responsibility. Apparently mothers love that word."
"You two have a joke shop?" asked Charlie.
"Oh, did I ruin the surprise?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"Yes," said Fred. "But we forgive you."
"Oh, I'm so glad," said McGonagall sarcastically.
"Old man Zonko is retiring so he sold us Zonko's Joke shop," said George.
"You bought Zonko's?" asked Cadance.
"Yep," said Fred. "We're going to sell all the usual stuff plus a few of our own creations."
"One question," said Cati. "As the people who inspired you to be the little pranksters that you are today, do you think you can give us free dung bombs every so often?"
"Sure," said Fred.
"Score! Watch out Slytherins!" exclaimed Cati.
"Catalin Marie Nuperson, you are not setting off any dung bombs in the Slytherin Common Room," said McGonagall.
"Who said anything about pranking current Slytherins. I was thinking more along the lines of former Slytherins. I don't want to name any names but his first name starts with Lucius and his last name starts with Malfoy," said Cati.
"Oooh, I'm with you on that one," said Cadance. "And this time, let's sign our names."
"No, even better," said Cati. "Let's sign someone else's name!"
"Even better, let's sign Drew, Bill, and Charlie's names!"
"Wait, wait, wait!" exclaimed Cati. "Let's sign Sirius's name."
"Yeah!" agreed Cadance. "Let's sign Sirius's name."
Cadance and Cati got up and ran off to put their plan in the works. McGonagall followed to stop them.
* * * Finally, the summer was over. The Order Members were going home. Drew was joining the Hogwarts Aurors and had moved into Hogsmeade the day before. Sirius, Remus, Arabella, Mundungus Fletcher, Moody, and Cati moved back down to Hogsmeade as well. Fred and George got an apartment together down there too to be close to their new business venture. They were, however, not involved at all with protecting the school. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley went back to their house. Bill and Charlie were going to stay for the Welcoming Feast and then leave the next day. Everyone else was back in their own rooms. Hagrid had come back as well but would not reveal where he had been on Dumbledore's orders.
Cadance, Charlie, and Minerva had left earlier that morning to ride on the school train just in case of a Death Eater attack. The Welcoming Feast was about two hours away.
In the Common Room, Harry and Ron were putting the finishing touches on their Transfiguration homework. Hermione was reading the Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6. Jen and Ginny, who had become prefects, were looking through a book of the rules to find out if they could take points off the Slytherins for simply being alive.
Meanwhile, on the school train, Cadance and Minerva were in a compartment near the front. Charlie was making a round on the train to make sure everything was okay.
Cadance got up and looked out of the compartment in each direction then turned around. "Where the heck is, Charlie?"
McGonagall was about to answer when the train gave a lurch. McGonagall was thrown out of her seat and Cadance was flung out of the compartment and onto the very person she was looking for. They both hit the floor.
"Found him!" exclaimed Cadance. Their faces were but inches apart. "Charlie?"
"Hmmm?"
"Can you move your knee?" asked Cadance.
"Sorry," said Charlie he got up and helped Cadance to her feet.
"Have we stopped?" asked McGonagall.
"We can't be there yet, can we?" asked Cadance.
"No," said Charlie.
"Something must have happened," said Cadance.
"We better check on the students," said McGonagall
No sooner had she said this than the door flung open revealing the darkness of the outside. At first they could see nothing but they then realized there was something moving. Four black-robed figures stepped onto the train with their wands outstretched.
"Oh great," said Cadance. "This is just peachy."
"Nice to see you, too," said the first one.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I forgetting my manners? Good," said Cadance.
"Listen, Ms. Dumbledore," said another Death Eater. "We're not interested in you. Just let us get Potter and then get off the train so we can get to Hogwarts and kill your uncle so we can then kill Potter and continue on with our plans for world domination."
"Oh, do you want to give those away too?" asked Charlie. "And anyways, Harry isn't on the train. Didn't you get the memo? He's at Hogwarts. And you can't lay a finger on him there."
"Damnit," said the Death Eater. "Well, I suppose we'll just have to kill everyone on the train." He snapped his fingers and two demons climbed on the train.
"Cadance, I believe this is your area of expertise," said Charlie.
Suddenly, they heard screams from the other end of the train. "Why don't you take care of that while Charlie and I take care of this," said Cadance to McGonagall.
"Deal," said McGonagall. "I don't envy you for what you're about to go through, though."
She dove out of the compartment. One demon pulled his arm back and threw a fireball at Cadance. Charlie grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the way. Cadance spilled her bag out on the floor. She dropped on her knees and shifted through the contents of her bag. She grabbed a potion bottle and smashed it on the floor in front of the demon. Smoke came up and the demons burst into flame and then were gone.
"I love it when they clean up after themselves," said Cadance as Charlie helped her to her feet.
The four Death Eaters, who were still on the train, pulled their wands back out. "Do you want to do this the hard way?" asked one. "You can fight us and die or you can come willingly and give yourselves up to the Dark Lord."
"Cadance, do you remember that one power your uncle told you never to use?" asked Charlie.
"Yes."
"I think you should use it now," said Charlie.
Cadance waved her hand slowly out in front of her. The Death Eaters dropped their wands.
Cadance waved her hand again. The Death Eaters started a round of Row, Row, Row Your Boat in four-part harmony. "That one was dedicated to Fred and George."
When McGonagall walked in five minutes later, the Death Eaters had started on a rousing chorus of I'm a Little Teapot. Cadance and Charlie were rolling around on the ground in a laughing fit.
"Oh, Cadance," said McGonagall exasperatedly. "You've been using your Jedi Mind Powers again."
"Yep."
"Do you realize how much trouble you're going to be in with your uncle?" asked McGonagall.
"Yeah, but it's worth it," answered Cadance.
"Everything okay in the back?" asked Charlie.
"Oh yeah, it was just a few Death Eaters but a couple of 7th Years and I got it under control. They Apparated out," said McGonagall. "How about if you get these guys out of here and get this train started again?"
"All right," said Cadance. She put both hands foreword, fingertips upward, and the Death Eaters flew out of the compartment. The door slammed behind them. "Let's get this sucker rollin'. I'm starving."
* * * Dumbledore paced the floor nervously. The Great Hall was empty. He had sent the teachers, Hogwarts Aurors, and Order of the Phoenix members to Hogsmeade to wait for the train. He looked at his watch. They were thirty minutes late. The Hogwarts Express was never late without sending word. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny walked inside the Great Hall.
"Still no word from the Hogwarts Express?" asked Dumbledore.
"Nothing, sir," said Harry. "Jen's upstairs digging through Cadance's things, looking for a scrying crystal and map so she can look for the train."
Just then, Jen walked in. "Why does that woman insist on hiding everything? I cannot find a single thing. If a demon attacked right now, we'd all be dead because I can't even find the Book of Light, let alone a potion bottle. And even if I miraculously find her collection of vanquishing potions she doesn't label them. Oh sure, I could just throw them all at the demon but I risk blowing up the entire castle. That's it. I'm getting her a label maker for Christmas."
"Are you finished?" asked Dumbledore.
"I'm sorry, but I babble when I'm nervous," said Jen.
"Well, sit down before you develop a nervous twitch," said Dumbledore.
Cati and Bill hurried in. "Have you heard anything yet?" asked Cati as she wrung her hands together nervously.
"Nothing," said Dumbledore.
"What if they were attacked by Death Eaters? Or demons? Or the Source of all Evil?" asked Cati.
"Catalin, the Source of all Evil does not bother with matters such as this school. It is worried about Demons trying to take control," said Dumbledore.
"Professor Trelawney has to worry about demons taking control?" asked Jen.
"Jen, that wasn't nice," said Dumbledore.
"I know. I couldn't help it," said Jen. "You set it up so perfectly."
"What if the train derailed and now they're all lying in a pit somewhere?" asked Cati, quite oblivious to what was just said.
"What if Cadance decided that she was going to play a prank that left the train temporarily immobilized so she could climb on the roof and meditated for world peace?" asked Bill.
"Like Cadance would ever meditate on world peace," said Cati.
"It could happen," said Bill.
"C'mon Bill," said Cati. "Let's go stand guard and the front doors."
"Now when you say 'stand guard'," said Jen. "Do you mean stand guard or stand guard?"
"Jennifer!" exclaimed Cati.
Jen ran out of the Great Hall with Cati and Bill chasing her. She ran out of the castle and down to Hogsmeade where she stopped dead in her tracks. The Hogwarts Express was pulled into the station and people were getting out. She ducked right before Cati could pounce on her. She ducked around Sirius and ran up along the edge of the train. Professor McGonagall was just getting off the train. Jen ducked behind her.
"What the.?" asked McGonagall.
"Jen!" screeched Cati. "I know you're back there."
Suddenly someone grabbed Jen's wrist and lifted her up onto the train. Cadance and Charlie were standing just inside the door. "Shh!" whispered Cadance. "Cati and Bill will pass by. What did you do to them anyway?"
Jen leaned in and whispered something to them. "You didn't!" exclaimed Cadance.
"Oh, they're never going to live this down," said Charlie.
"Cadance, what happened to your head?" asked Jen, who just noticed it was bleeding.
"Demons and Death Eaters," said Cadance.
"Let's get to the castle," said Charlie. "The Aurors are still getting a head count to make sure everyone's here."
"Okay, but we better sneak past Minerva or she'll make me go to the Hospital Wing," said Cadance.
They started sneaking their way through the crowd and then ran the whole way to the castle. They reached the front doors of the castle when Professor McGonagall just kind of popped in out of nowhere. "Cadance. Hospital Wing. Now," she said.
"And we were so close," said Cadance.
"Just let Madame Pomfrey clean up your cut," said McGonagall.
"Why?" asked Cadance. "It's not like it's bleeding that badly."
"Cadance, it's gushing out blood and if you're not careful you'll get it on the floor and Mr. Filch will come after you with a pickaxe."
"Oh, all right," said Cadance.
"Would you like an escort?" asked Charlie.
"I would love one," said Cadance. "But Ewan McGregor isn't here."
"Ha, ha, very funny," said Charlie. "You know what I meant."
"Yeah, I know," said Cadance. "I just had to mess with your mind a little bit. I would love for you to go to the Hospital Wing with me. We need to make sure that a certain bit of newly acquired information haunts two of our friends forever and we can plot along the way."
"Of course," said Charlie offering Cadance his arm. "Come, my lady, and I'll escort thee to the Hospital Wing."
"All right, good sir, but if thou art going to talk as if thou art in the Middle Ages, I shall have to hurt thee," said Cadance taking his arm and smiling sweetly. They walked off to the Hospital Wing.
Jen looked at Professor McGonagall who just shrugged. "They are so weird," said Jen.
"There you are!" exclaimed a voice from behind them. "Jennifer Dumbledore, you are in deep trouble."
Cati and Bill had finally caught up with Jen. "Uh oh," said Jen. She ran into the Great Hall.
Dumbledore looked up expectantly. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had taken their seats at the Gryffindor table.
"Save me save me save me!" exclaimed Jen. She jumped behind her uncle.
"Is the train here?" asked Dumbledore looking behind him at Jen.
"Wha. oh yeah. It's here," said Jen.
"And what happened?"
"Death Eaters attacked," said McGonagall walking inside.
"Where're Cadance and Charlie?" asked Cati.
"You didn't run through another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher did you?" asked Bill.
"Bill!" exclaimed Cati.
"No, she's alive. Just slightly damaged," said McGonagall.
"Slightly damaged?" questioned Dumbledore.
"There's blood gushing out of her head," said Jen as she ducked under the table and out the other side in an effort to get away from Cati who was sneaking up to grab her.
"Minerva, come with me to Hogsmeade to check on everything," said Dumbledore.
"Okay," said McGonagall. "The other Aurors are checking to make sure everyone's all right."
"Let's go," said Dumbledore. They walked out of the Great Hall.
Cadance and Charlie came in a few minutes later. "Hello, Cati. Hello, Bill," said Cadance. "Why didn't you tell us your little secret? We're your best friends and you can't even tell us you're having a relationship."
"JEN WAS LYING!" exclaimed Cati. "BILL AND I ARE NOT DATING!"
"Only the gargoyles know for sure," said Charlie.
"WE'RE NOT DATING!" repeated Cati.
"Chill out, Cate. We're just trying to get a rise out of you," said Cadance. "We don't really think you're dating Bill."
"You don't?" asked Bill. "That's a relief."
"Yeah, we think you're engaged," said Charlie. Cati looked as if steam was coming out of her ears. "I'm only joking, Cati. Only joking."
"I'm going to have to open up a can of whoop-ass on you," said Cati.
"Oh, c'mon. You know you love us," said Cadance. "Your life would be so boring without." she stopped suddenly. "What was that?"
"What was what?" asked Jen.
"Shh!" hissed Cadance. "Quiet!"
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny exchanged a glance from where they were sitting. Jen and Cati inched a little closer to one another. Bill and Charlie started reaching for their wands.
Everyone was silent for about ten seconds before Charlie spoke. "Cadance."
"Shh!" hissed Cadance. There was silence for another five seconds them "BOO!"
"AHHH!" exclaimed Cati as she and Jen clung onto each other. Ginny had almost jumped out of her seat. Everyone else was clutching their chests and taking deep, steady breaths.
Cadance was laughing so hard she was crying. "You should have seen your faces!" she exclaimed.
"Cadance. You're in big trouble," said Charlie. He grabbed her, pinning her arms to her side. "Say uncle."
"Uncle Albus!" exclaimed Cadance.
"That's not what I meant," said Charlie.
"Would you rather I call Cati's uncle? Or your crazy Uncle Sal?"
"You are so weird," said Charlie letting go of her.
"I'm an individual," corrected Cadance.
"Whatever," said Charlie.
Cadance looked around. "What the hell is taking them so long down in Hogsmeade? I'm hungry."
"Is that all you can think about right now?" asked Cati.
"Well, that and Ewan McGregor," answered Cadance.
"He's old," said Jen.
"So am I," said Cadance.
"You're not as old as him," said Jen.
"Yes I am," said Cadance.
"Cadance, do you, like, have a boyfriend that I don't know about?" asked Jen.
"No," said Cadance.
"When was the last time you had one?"
"Right before I came to teach at Hogwarts," said Cadance.
"Oh yeah, that Jonathan guy," said Cati. "What happened to him?"
"He was a demon and I had to vanquish him," answered Cadance.
"You dated another demon?!?" asked Charlie. "Cadance, that's like the sixth boyfriend you had to vanquish."
"I know, I know," said Cadance. "I blame the Book of Light."
"What do you blame for the time you almost vanquished Cati's boyfriend?" asked Charlie.
"Yeah, I'm still mad at you for that by the way," said Cati.
"I thought he was an alien from The Faculty!" exclaimed Cadance. "I mean, he did drink a lot of water!"
"You just didn't like him because he thought Quidditch was a waste of time," said Cati.
"That's not true," said Cadance. "I didn't like him because he was related to Fudge."
"Distantly."
"Why are we arguing about this?" asked Cadance. "You dumped him after you found out he didn't approve of your archery obsession."
"Oh that's right," said Cati. "I forgot. But now I have this urge to play with my bows."
"Sorry," said Cadance. "I probably shouldn't have mentioned it."
Suddenly the chattering of students who had just had a very frightening on a train on the way to school filled the Entry Hall. That's probably because the students had finally come up from Hogsmeade but knowing the author of this story it could all just be a figment of your imagination. You'd better pinch yourself to make sure. Did you hurt yourself? Then it's not a figment of your imagination.
"YES! FOOD!" exclaimed Cadance. She ran to her seat at the Head Table. Cati, Bill, and Charlie walked over and took their seats. The students poured into the Great Hall and took their seats. Behind them were the rest of the teachers, Order Members, and Hogwarts Aurors. They all sat at the Head Table.
The first years were led in, the Sorting Hat sang it's song, and the Sorting began.
Nine Gryffindors, eight Ravenclaws, ten Hufflepuffs, and Seven Slytherins later, Dumbledore stood up to make his start-of-term speech.
"Better keep it short this year, Albus," whispered McGonagall. "Cadance looks as if she'll cook and eat Charlie if she doesn't eat soon."
Dumbledore chuckled silently then started, "Another year begins! Before we eat I would like to announce that we have no new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor this year! That just goes to show you that the position is not cursed!" Dumbledore's eyes sparkled.
"Either that, or Professor Dumbledore has a rather long lucky streak. the other Professor Dumbledore I mean," called a Hufflepuff.
"You and your uncle confuse the students, Professor Dumbledore," whispered Charlie to Cadance jokingly.
"Lastly," said Professor Dumbledore. "I just wanted to inform you that the Dueling Club will start up again sometime soon. It will meet in here. Information will be given to you by the Head of your House later on this week." And ending on that note, the feast began.
"Ron," said Harry. "We've got a slight Quidditch problem."
"What?" asked Ron.
"We're the only two left," said Harry.
"Oh, geez, that's right," said Ron. "We need two beaters and three Chasers."
Up at the Head Table, Cadance was looking thoughtful. Cati waved her hand in front of Cadance's face. She didn't even flinch. "All right, she either Astral Projected and her mind really is elsewhere or she's deep in thought. Either way she's going to hurt her brain."
"I'll snap her out of it," said Fred. He picked up a roll and threw it at her. It hit her in the head.
Cadance snapped out of it. "What was that for?" asked Cadance. She picked up the roll and launched it back at Fred, who was sitting next to McGonagall three chairs away. McGonagall reached up and snatched it out of the air.
"I'm putting an end to this food fight before it even starts," said McGonagall.
"Cadance, what were you thinking about?" asked Cati.
"Your totally hot brother," said Cadance. "Drew, are you still single!" Drew winked at her.
"CADANCE!" exclaimed Cati.
"I'm only joking, Cati," said Cadance.
"Is this pick on Cati day and nobody told me?" asked Cati.
"Yes," said Bill. "What annoys you most in the world right now?"
"Two things" said Cati. "Cadance and men."
Bill suddenly got an inspired look in his eyes. He grabbed Cati's face, pulled it towards him, and kissed her.
"Ahh! Someone time it, someone time it!" exclaimed Cadance. She grabbed Charlie's wrist and looked at his watch. "Three seconds. seven seconds. ten seconds."
"Hey, hey, hey!" exclaimed Snape. "Just what do you two think you're doing?"
"Fifteen seconds," said Cadance.
Down at the Gryffindor table, Jen nudged Ginny. "Looks like your brother just put the moves on Cati, who happens to be Snape's niece."
"Ugh! Are you serious?" asked Ginny.
"Yeah, it looks like Cadance is timing it," said Jen.
"No, I mean about Cati being related to Snape?!" exclaimed Ginny.
"Thirty seconds," said Cadance. "How long do you think they can hold their breath?"
"Apparently a long time," said Charlie.
Bill and Cati finally broke off. "37 seconds!" exclaimed Cadance. "I think that that's a new world record."
Bill and Cati just went back to eating as if nothing had happened.
"Excuse me," said Professor McGonagall. "From now on, can we reserve that kind of behavior for far away from the dinner table?"
"Yeah, seriously. I almost choked on my meat loaf," said Drew.
"I almost choked Bill," said Snape.
"I know," said Cadance. "What was that inappropriate display? You know what? I don't want to know. I might be scarred for life. When I need counseling I'll have my psychiatrist send the bill to you two. I'll make sure I find the most expensive one there is."
"You do that," said Bill.
"I'm so traumatized I can't even speak right now," said Cadance.
"Okay then," said McGonagall. "You keep quiet and we can have a normal rest of the dinner."
"We can all benefit from that," said Charlie. "Man, Bill. You should but the moves on Cati more often."
"No he shouldn't," said Snape.
Sirius got up from his seat at the opposite end of the table and migrated to the other end. He put a hand on Cati and Bill's shoulders. "Remus, Arabella, Arthur and I saw that little bit of lip action down here and we were wondering if anyone happened to time it?" he asked.
"37 seconds," said Cadance.
"Yes! I win!" said Sirius. "I bet 35 seconds. Are we going to see a repeat performance?"
"No," said Bill and Cati at the same time.
"I was trying to annoy her," said Bill.
"Yeah, it worked," said Cati.
"Yeah, uh huh, sure," said Sirius. "That's what Lily and James said."
Dumbledore stood up and tapped his glass for silence. "Well, wasn't that an interesting feast as usual. But now, it's time for bed. Tomorrow's a busy day. Off you trot."
END CHAPTER
Out of the fireplace stepped Professor Snape (A/N: You were expecting Death Eaters, weren't you? Yeah, I know you were so just admit it already!). Jen and Harry, having heard him get out of the fireplace came into the kitchen to see who it was.
"Hello, Uncle Severus!" said Cati happily.
"Excuse me, but did you just call him 'Uncle Severus'?" asked Jen.
"Uh, yeah," said Cati.
"You two are related!?!" exclaimed Jen in disbelief.
"Yeah, that's my mother's brother," said Cati.
"Oh, Cati, that su." she was cut off as Cadance clamped her had over her mouth.
Harry was completely thrown off by this little bit of knowledge. It was hard to imagine Snape being related to anybody, least of all Cadance's best friend: a Gryffindor. From now on he would look at Snape in new way. or maybe not. Anywho.
"What are you doing here?" asked Cati.
"There's been some trouble," said Snape. "Arabella Figg was attacked by Death Eaters."
"What!? Is she okay?" asked Cadance. Her eyes were full of worry over the well being of her Godmother.
"I don't know," said Snape. "Mundungus Fletcher went over to tell her about the meeting tonight and there were Death Eaters attacking her. They left as soon as he got there. He brought her to Hogwarts about 15 minutes ago. But that's not all. I was just about to leave Hogwarts to come here when two of your brothers, Weasley, came through the fireplace. It was the twins. Apparently your mother had sent them. There was some action over at their house. A demon attacked. Luckily, someone had gone against Ministry policy and taught the 7th years how to vanquish this particular demon, so Fred and George had it all under control."
"Is everyone okay?" asked Charlie as he clamped a grateful hand on Cadance's shoulder.
"I do believe they're fine," said Snape. "But to the point, Dumbledore believes that the Death Eaters are going to attack other Order Members. He wants all Order Members, and their families in some cases, at Hogwarts immediately. Yes, you too, Potter. When I left he was still trying to get a hold of Arthur Weasley, Black, and Lupin at the Ministry. He hasn't even attempted to contact anyone else yet."
"Are you serious or is this like the time you told us that you'd slipped Veritaserum into our Pumpkin Juice at lunch causing us to subconsciously tell the truth because we thought that we were under the influence of a truth potion?" asked Cadance.
"Do I look like I'm in the mood for a joke?" asked Snape.
"Do you ever?" retorted Cadance.
"Am I ever?" replied Snape.
"Good point," said Cadance. "All right, I'll go pack then. I can't believe we're leaving Godric's Hollow."
"C'mon, Harry," said Charlie. "You'd better go pack. I'll come with you. just in case." Charlie followed Harry out the back door.
"Well, I'd better go pack, too," said Cati. "I've been staying at my brother's house and living out of my suitcase so it shouldn't be hard to pack."
"I'll go with you, Catalin," said Snape. "I have something from Dumbledore for him." They went out the back door and down two blocks so they could Apparate out.
"Minerva, why don't you go back to Hogwarts and check on Arabella. Jen and I will go pack up and meet you there," said Cadance.
"Okay," said McGonagall. She traveled back to Hogwarts via Floo Powder.
Cadance and Jen went to pack up everything they'd need. "Cadance! Can I pack the Boogieman!?!"
"No!" Cadance called from her room.
"Why not?!" asked Jen.
"Because!" exclaimed Cadance.
"But I'll miss him!" argued Jen.
After fifteen minutes of unsuccessful arguing, Jen was finally ready to go. Cadance was done shortly after. They sat in the kitchen and waited for Charlie and Harry. When they arrived they traveled to Hogwarts by Floo Powder. They emerged from the fireplace in Dumbledore's office. McGonagall was waiting for them.
"Leave your stuff here," she said. "The House-Elves will take it where it needs to be."
"I still have to go pack up my stuff," said Charlie. "I was just escorting them because I know that Cadance can't stand to be away from me for too long."
"Whatever, Charlie," said Cadance.
"Charlie, go pack," said McGonagall. "Cadance, go with him so you're both out of my hair for five minutes. Harry and Jen, you're to go directly to the Gryffindor Common Room. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars."
"What?" asked Cadance.
"Muggle board game," explained Jen.
"All right, let's go," said Charlie. They traveled to Charlie's house by Floo Powder. Jen and Harry went to the Gryffindor Common Room.
In the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry found Hedwig perched on the back of a chair. Jen explained about how Hedwig had showed up. Hedwig nipped Harry's finger affectionately then held out her leg. Harry had almost forgotten that she had a letter for him. He took it off and recognized Ron's untidy handwriting. He read the letter quickly. "Hermione's spending a few weeks with Ron," he told Jen.
"Not anymore," pointed out Jen. "Now they're both spending the rest of the summer here."
"You're right," said Harry. "It'll work out better this way. I think we need to supervise those two."
* * * A few hours later, all of the Weasleys came into the Gryffindor Common Room followed by Cadance, Cati, and Snape. Dumbledore arrived a few seconds later with Mundungus Fletcher, Moody, and McGonagall. Cadance, Cati, Fred, George, Bill, and Charlie all squeezed onto the couch. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley occupied the love seat. Mundungus Fletcher, Snape, and Moody turned three chairs toward where Dumbledore and McGonagall were standing. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Jen, and Ginny sat on the floor.
"Just to give you all an update," began Dumbledore. "Arabella Figg is doing just fine and Madame Pomfrey will allow her to be visited tomorrow. I've contacted Sirius and Remus and they should be arriving here in an hour or so. Hagrid is running some errands for me and won't be reachable for another three days. I regret to announce that Nicholas and Perenelle passed away a few hours ago"
"Death Eaters?" asked Cadance. She would have jumped up but she was so squished between Cati and Charlie that she couldn't move.
"No, from Lack of Elixir of Life," said Dumbledore. "They just passed on. Now to turn our attention from the unpleasant business of death; finding a place for all of you to sleep. Arthur and Molly, you'll be sleeping in Cadance's room. Arabella will be sleeping in the other room off the same teacher Common Room that Cadance and Minerva share once she is released from the Hospital Wing. There is room available in the other teacher Common Room for Alastor, Mundungus, Sirius, and Remus. Severus and Minerva, you'll be in your own rooms. Harry and Ron, you'll be in your dormitory and Fred and George will be in there with you. Hermione, Ginny, and Jen, you'll be in another dormitory: anyone, it doesn't matter which. Now," he looked pointedly at Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie. "Can I trust you four to share a dormitory without mutilating, blowing up, or setting fire to it?"
Cadance pretended to look hurt. "I am insulted that you think that we would do something like that to a Hogwarts dormitory."
"That's behavior that they usually reserve for the Divination Tower," said Jen.
"Well, would you miss it?" asked Cati. "Would you?"
* * * Everyone was settled into their room, including Sirius, by dinnertime, at which point everyone went down to the Great Hall. There was a place set for everyone at the Head Table. There was one extra place set at the end of the table where Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie were sitting.
"There will be one more joining us for the remainder of the summer," said Dumbledore. "He should be arriving any minute now."
The words had just left his mouth when a man walked into the Great Hall. He had light strawberry red hair and was wearing an auror's uniform. "DREW NUPERSON!" exclaimed Cadance. "Look Cati! It's your brother!"
"What are you doing here?" asked Cati.
"Me? I'm here to torture you," you replied Drew.
He took the empty seat at the table, which was right next to Cati. "Hey sis," he said as he gave her hair a tug.
"Now don't start that again!" exclaimed Cati.
"I always liked him," sad Cadance. "He always knew how to get a rise out of you."
"Mmm hmm," agreed Charlie.
"There will be good behavior from that end of the table. You are not wild animals," said McGonagall.
About halfway through dinner, the behavior started to worsen slightly when Cadance and Charlie began poking each other with their forks. Then, Drew swatted Cati's arm. "Bee," he explained. He repeated this process several times. Finally, Cati swatted his nose and said, "Cockroach! Whoops, that was your face!" Dumbledore watched with amusement as McGonagall watched with disapproval.
"Uncle Severus! Cati's being mean!" exclaimed Drew.
"Tattle-tail," said Cati as she flicked his nose.
"That's it," said Drew. He hopped up and proceeded to chase Cati out of the Great Hall.
"Children," said Cadance as she rolled her eyes and poked Charlie again.
* * * Drew was put in the same dormitory as Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie. Now, putting Cadance, Cati, Bill, and Charlie in a room together was dangerous. Adding Drew to the equation was downright deadly. The meeting for the Order of the Phoenix was scheduled for 12:00 PM, due to the fact that everyone had just settled in to Hogwarts.
The Order Members assembled in the meeting room. They were missing four members. Arabella Figg was still in the Hospital Wing. Hagrid was still on Dumbledore's errand. Nicholas and Perenelle were dead.
Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat. Cati and Cadance, who were on a sugar rush, stopped their idle chitchat immediately with the obedience of two well-trained puppies. "Finally someone shut them up!" exclaimed Charlie throwing his hands into the air. "I've been listening to nothing but girl talk for the last two hours!" Cati gave him. (pause for dramatic effect).the look and he shut up.
"I am very pleased to announce that we will have three new members joining us this evening," said Dumbledore. "We will wait a few minutes for them to arrive before we start." They sat for two minutes and waited. Charlie almost introduced Cadance and Cati to a silencing charm but Dumbledore stepped in and rescued them.
Finally the door swung open. Half the people in the room's eyes grew wide in fear for their sanity. McGonagall and Dumbledore were the only two people who were not surprised by the identity of the three new members. Inwardly, McGonagall said a prayer.
Drew Nuperson and Fred and George Weasley were the newest additions to the Order of the Phoenix.
"All right!" exclaimed Cadance. She was grinning broadly.
"Uh oh," said Arthur Weasley. "Er. Albus? Are you aware that you have Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, Cadance, Drew, and Cati in this very small room with only one exit in the event of a fire?"
"Yes, Arthur," said Dumbledore. "I am quite aware. Fred, George, and Drew, there are seats available for you there." He pointed over to the end of the table. There chairs that weren't there a second ago stood, waiting to be sat in. "Because of a request from an Order Member who shall remain nameless." McGonagall looked at the ceiling as he said this, "You are at the opposite end of the table, as far away from Bill, Charlie, Cati, and Cadance as possible"
"Oh that's mean," said Cadance. "It's as if you don't trust us. And another thing! I think this Order is being sexually biased! There are only four girls and one isn't even here right now! I'm so distraught over this I can't speak anymore!"
"Thank you!" exclaimed Charlie looking upward. "There is a God!" Cadance stuck her tongue out at him.
Cadance and Cati's sugar rush soon wore off. About two hours later, Cadance, who had not talked the entire meeting, was nodding off over a large book she was using for research. Cati was already asleep, her head leaning on Bill's shoulder. Bill was resisting the urge to flick her in the nose to wake her up (and ignoring Drew's requests for him to do so).
Cadance tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn then said, "Uncle Albus?"
"Ah, she speaks," said Charlie.
"Yes, Cadance?" asked Dumbledore as he looked up from a book he was thumbing through.
"Can we be done here for tonight?" It's 2 o'clock and I can't even remember what I'm supposed to be looking for in this book."
"Yes, I suppose so," said Dumbledore. "There's not much more we can do here tonight. We're all tired."
"Thank you," said Cadance. "Cati, wake up!"
"Go 'way, Cadance. I don't want to get up yet. I'll just miss Divination. It doesn't matter anyway," mumbled Cati.
Cadance shook her head. "Oh no. She's going to be impossible to wake up. She was constantly sleeping through Divination." She tapped the side of her face with her index finger and thought for a few seconds. Then her face took an inspired look. "Cati! Quick! You slept through Divination and now we're late for Transfiguration!"
"AHHH!" exclaimed Cati as she jumped out of her chair. She ran out of the door.
"Where is she going?" asked Sirius.
"Transfiguration."
* * * The next morning, after breakfast, everyone went off. Mr. Weasley, Sirius, and Remus went to the Ministry. Mrs. Weasley volunteered to go down to Diagon Alley to pick up the books and supplies that Harry, Ron, Hermione, Jen, and Ginny would need for the school year. Ginny and Jen went with her. Fred and George went to Hogsmeade on some secret mission of their own. McGonagall barricaded herself in her office and told Bill, Charlie, Drew, Cati, and Cadance that if they even thought about annoying her they would be in detention until they were old enough to retire or until she died: whichever came first. When Cadance pointed out that she was more likely to die first because of Death Eaters, McGonagall threatened to turn her into a rabbit and let Fang chase her. So to avoid detention and the wrath of a Transfiguration Teacher, the five mischief-makers went into their room and thought about annoying McGonagall, just to see if she'd know they were thinking about it.
Just FYI, she did. After an hour of working on lesson plans, McGonagall couldn't take it any more. She got up from her desk and hurried down the hallway towards the Gryffindor Common Room to make sure they were behaving themselves. On the way, she ran into Dumbledore, who accompanied her.
"Minerva, I honestly don't think that they're doing anything wrong. I'll admit that they're a little mischievous but." he was cut off by McGonagall.
"Oh please, Albus. You put those five together and you have a sure recipe for disaster. Surely you remember them when they were at school? Their mischievousness is excelled only by their intelligence, and you know how good they are at hiding that. And, might I put out, Cadance and Cati are Sorceresses. I mean, they almost blew up the Common Room once when they both had the flu and were sneezing."
By this time they were in the Gryffindor Common Room. They said hello to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who were working on some homework. They went up to the dorm that Bill, Charlie, Cadance, Cati and Drew shared. They opened the door and walked in. They saw nothing. literally. There was no furniture in the room. There was a fire going in the fireplace and it was obvious that they were either making jello or a potion.
"They ran away and took the furniture?" questioned McGonagall.
"No of course not. Why would we want the furniture?" asked a voce. Dumbledore and McGonagall looked around. Then they looked up. All the furniture was stuck on the ceiling. Cadance and Cati were on one bed playing wizards chess. Bill, Charlie, and Drew were on their beds doing nothing in particular.
"You cast an upside-down charm," said McGonagall.
"But at least we didn't set anything on fire," said Cadance. As she said this, a piece of paper fell off the desk on the ceiling and onto the floor. The corner landed in the fireplace and caught on fire. McGonagall stamped it out.
"Just come down from there and put the furniture back," said Dumbledore trying not to sound halfway amused.
"Okay, okay, we're coming," said Cadance. She and Cati used their Sorceress powers to levitate to the ground. Bill, Charlie, and Drew waved their wands and floated back down.
"Why don't you go visit Arabella so Minerva can retain some sanity?" asked Dumbledore.
"Okay," said Cadance. The five bolted out the door, mainly to get away from McGonagall, who was fuming.
Later that day, Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore were walking down the hallway. "Honestly, Albus, they're completely out of control. Their antics have only gotten worse from their school days. They are completely immature."
"Now, Minerva, they're not that immature," countered Dumbledore.
But as he spoke Cadance and Charlie ran by each with a bucket filled to the brim with pieces of ice. They were pelting each other with the ice. After throwing a few pieces, Charlie took the whole bucket and dumped it on Cadance's head. She screamed and started slipping on the ice then dumped her bucket on Charlie, who began to slip as well. They crashed into each other and landed in a heap on the ground laughing.
"Ow! Charlie, you're elbow is in my. upper-body region!" exclaimed Cadance.
"Well your knee is in my side!"
"Ow! Ahhh! The ice is melting! My butt is cold!"
"Okay," said Dumbledore. "So they're a little immature." They walked over to Cadance and Charlie to help them to their feet. Cadance had a mischievous glint in her eyes as McGonagall offered her a hand up. The next second McGonagall was on the floor with Cadance and Charlie in a pile of ice.
"Don't even think about it, Charlie," said Dumbledore. "I'm old and I might not make it back up." He helped Charlie to his feet then he helped McGonagall as Charlie helped Cadance up.
Bill and Cati came walking down the hallway. "Charlie, Cadance," said Cati. "What's taking so long? And where's the ice? Drew won't be able to keep Fred and George occupied much longer."
Charlie and Cadance grinned evilly at one another then pushed Bill and Cati into the melting ice. They slipped and then fell on top of each other.
Charlie and Cadance took off down the hall. "Okay," said Dumbledore. "They are really immature." Cati and Bill got up and ran after Cadance and Charlie.
"Don't get me wrong, Albus," said McGonagall once they had turned the corner. "I am quite fond of all five of them." Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at her. "Oh, all right. I love then as if they were my own kids but I still think they're immature."
"Let them be immature while they still have time to be immature together," said Dumbledore. His eyes went dull as if he knew something he'd rather not.
McGonagall was silent for a few seconds as if she understood the message he was trying to convey and was letting it sink in. "When?" she asked once she had found her voice.
"I'm not sure," said Dumbledore. "But I see that there will be one less among us and that it will hurt those five quite a bit. I know who, I don't know when, I don't know how, but it will happen."
"The future is hard to predict," said McGonagall. "You. You could be wrong."
"Let's hope so, Minerva," said Dumbledore. "Let's hope so."
* * * Cadance and Charlie finally lost Bill and Cati and bolted into the Gryffindor Common Room. "Geez, I get less winded fighting Death Eaters," said Cadance as she collapsed panting onto her bed.
"Are you saying that two of our best friends are worse than Death Eaters?" asked Charlie collapsing next to her.
"Yes," said Cadance. "I'd rather run from those lazy, out-of-shape, old farts than Bill and Cati any day."
"You don't run from Death Eaters," pointed out Charlie. "Never have, never will."
"Okay, Charlie," said Cadance. "One day I will run from Death Eaters."
"You'll retreat in a Death Eater battle?" questioned Charlie.
"Yes."
"Promise?"
"Cross my heart and hope to die," said Cadance.
"No, you see, you'd be running because you don't want to die," said Charlie.
"You know what I meant," said Cadance.
"I know," said Charlie. "I just had to say that."
"Ah, okay," said Cadance. "So what do you want to do now?"
"Sleep," said Charlie. "I'm beat."
Cadance sat upright. "Awwww, come on. Play with me, Charlie. Pwease?"
"This is like a repeat of when you were nine and I wanted to sleep in on the weekends," said Charlie.
"Yeah, and then you'd tell me that there was a demon that needed vanquishing in the dungeons and I'd believe you and go look for it and you'd sleep in," said Cadance.
"Yeah, now shut up so I can sleep," said Charlie.
"Go sleep on your own bed," said Cadance. Charlie didn't say anything and his eyes were closed. "Charlie? Charlie?"
"Just like when I was nine," said Cadance. "I talk, he sleeps."
* * * Fred and George rushed into the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry and Ron were sitting at a table playing Wizard's chess. "Where's everyone?" asked Fred.
"Jen, Ginny, and Hermione are in their room doing girl stuff," said Ron.
"What about Cadance, and Cati and Drew, and Bill and Charlie?" asked George.
"Drew is in the library hitting on Madame Pince," said Harry. "Cati dared him."
"Cadance and Charlie came running in here about an hour ago. They went up to their room. Bill and Cati just went down into the kitchens," said Ron.
Right on cue, Bill and Cati came walking back in. "I love those house- elves," said Bill.
"Go get Charlie and Cadance down here," said Fred. "They're in their room. We have something to tell you all."
"Okay, hold your horses," said Cati. She and Bill ran up the stairs to their dormitory. Cadance and Charlie were sleeping on Cadance's bed.
"Whoa," said Cati.
"Shhh!" hissed Bill.
"Let's dump water on them to wake them up," said Cati.
"No, that's mean," said Bill. "Scream in their ears."
"Okay," said Cati. She leaned into her two sleeping friends. "CHARLIE! CADANCE! NAPTIME'S OVER!"
The both bolted upright and knocked their heads together. "Ow," said Cadance.
"What did you do that for, Cate?" asked Charlie as he rubbed his head.
"Fred and George have an announcement to make," said Cati.
"Oh, all right, we're coming, we're coming," said Charlie.
They all headed downstairs. Drew had returned and Fred and George had gone up to get Ginny, Jen, and Hermione. When they all had come down, Fred and George sat them all down.
"We have an announcement to make," said Fred.
"After many years of being trouble-makes-"
"-And we would like to thank Bill, Charlie, Cadance, Drew and Cati for that."
"Yes, yes, of course. But we, for the past few years have had an idea formulating in our brains. And that, of course, would be that of a-"
But George was interrupted when the door to the portrait hole swung open and Professor McGonagall walked in. "Cadance there's a demonic something- or-other in the dungeons and. what are you all doing?" she asked suspiciously.
"Fred and George are making an announcement," said Cadance.
"Stay awhile, Professor," said Charlie. "See what they have to say."
"Is it about their joke shop," said McGonagall. "Because I already heard it when they told their mother. By the way, she stopped fuming and has accepted the idea when Professor Dumbledore explained to her that keeping up a business will take a lot of responsibility. Apparently mothers love that word."
"You two have a joke shop?" asked Charlie.
"Oh, did I ruin the surprise?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"Yes," said Fred. "But we forgive you."
"Oh, I'm so glad," said McGonagall sarcastically.
"Old man Zonko is retiring so he sold us Zonko's Joke shop," said George.
"You bought Zonko's?" asked Cadance.
"Yep," said Fred. "We're going to sell all the usual stuff plus a few of our own creations."
"One question," said Cati. "As the people who inspired you to be the little pranksters that you are today, do you think you can give us free dung bombs every so often?"
"Sure," said Fred.
"Score! Watch out Slytherins!" exclaimed Cati.
"Catalin Marie Nuperson, you are not setting off any dung bombs in the Slytherin Common Room," said McGonagall.
"Who said anything about pranking current Slytherins. I was thinking more along the lines of former Slytherins. I don't want to name any names but his first name starts with Lucius and his last name starts with Malfoy," said Cati.
"Oooh, I'm with you on that one," said Cadance. "And this time, let's sign our names."
"No, even better," said Cati. "Let's sign someone else's name!"
"Even better, let's sign Drew, Bill, and Charlie's names!"
"Wait, wait, wait!" exclaimed Cati. "Let's sign Sirius's name."
"Yeah!" agreed Cadance. "Let's sign Sirius's name."
Cadance and Cati got up and ran off to put their plan in the works. McGonagall followed to stop them.
* * * Finally, the summer was over. The Order Members were going home. Drew was joining the Hogwarts Aurors and had moved into Hogsmeade the day before. Sirius, Remus, Arabella, Mundungus Fletcher, Moody, and Cati moved back down to Hogsmeade as well. Fred and George got an apartment together down there too to be close to their new business venture. They were, however, not involved at all with protecting the school. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley went back to their house. Bill and Charlie were going to stay for the Welcoming Feast and then leave the next day. Everyone else was back in their own rooms. Hagrid had come back as well but would not reveal where he had been on Dumbledore's orders.
Cadance, Charlie, and Minerva had left earlier that morning to ride on the school train just in case of a Death Eater attack. The Welcoming Feast was about two hours away.
In the Common Room, Harry and Ron were putting the finishing touches on their Transfiguration homework. Hermione was reading the Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6. Jen and Ginny, who had become prefects, were looking through a book of the rules to find out if they could take points off the Slytherins for simply being alive.
Meanwhile, on the school train, Cadance and Minerva were in a compartment near the front. Charlie was making a round on the train to make sure everything was okay.
Cadance got up and looked out of the compartment in each direction then turned around. "Where the heck is, Charlie?"
McGonagall was about to answer when the train gave a lurch. McGonagall was thrown out of her seat and Cadance was flung out of the compartment and onto the very person she was looking for. They both hit the floor.
"Found him!" exclaimed Cadance. Their faces were but inches apart. "Charlie?"
"Hmmm?"
"Can you move your knee?" asked Cadance.
"Sorry," said Charlie he got up and helped Cadance to her feet.
"Have we stopped?" asked McGonagall.
"We can't be there yet, can we?" asked Cadance.
"No," said Charlie.
"Something must have happened," said Cadance.
"We better check on the students," said McGonagall
No sooner had she said this than the door flung open revealing the darkness of the outside. At first they could see nothing but they then realized there was something moving. Four black-robed figures stepped onto the train with their wands outstretched.
"Oh great," said Cadance. "This is just peachy."
"Nice to see you, too," said the first one.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I forgetting my manners? Good," said Cadance.
"Listen, Ms. Dumbledore," said another Death Eater. "We're not interested in you. Just let us get Potter and then get off the train so we can get to Hogwarts and kill your uncle so we can then kill Potter and continue on with our plans for world domination."
"Oh, do you want to give those away too?" asked Charlie. "And anyways, Harry isn't on the train. Didn't you get the memo? He's at Hogwarts. And you can't lay a finger on him there."
"Damnit," said the Death Eater. "Well, I suppose we'll just have to kill everyone on the train." He snapped his fingers and two demons climbed on the train.
"Cadance, I believe this is your area of expertise," said Charlie.
Suddenly, they heard screams from the other end of the train. "Why don't you take care of that while Charlie and I take care of this," said Cadance to McGonagall.
"Deal," said McGonagall. "I don't envy you for what you're about to go through, though."
She dove out of the compartment. One demon pulled his arm back and threw a fireball at Cadance. Charlie grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the way. Cadance spilled her bag out on the floor. She dropped on her knees and shifted through the contents of her bag. She grabbed a potion bottle and smashed it on the floor in front of the demon. Smoke came up and the demons burst into flame and then were gone.
"I love it when they clean up after themselves," said Cadance as Charlie helped her to her feet.
The four Death Eaters, who were still on the train, pulled their wands back out. "Do you want to do this the hard way?" asked one. "You can fight us and die or you can come willingly and give yourselves up to the Dark Lord."
"Cadance, do you remember that one power your uncle told you never to use?" asked Charlie.
"Yes."
"I think you should use it now," said Charlie.
Cadance waved her hand slowly out in front of her. The Death Eaters dropped their wands.
Cadance waved her hand again. The Death Eaters started a round of Row, Row, Row Your Boat in four-part harmony. "That one was dedicated to Fred and George."
When McGonagall walked in five minutes later, the Death Eaters had started on a rousing chorus of I'm a Little Teapot. Cadance and Charlie were rolling around on the ground in a laughing fit.
"Oh, Cadance," said McGonagall exasperatedly. "You've been using your Jedi Mind Powers again."
"Yep."
"Do you realize how much trouble you're going to be in with your uncle?" asked McGonagall.
"Yeah, but it's worth it," answered Cadance.
"Everything okay in the back?" asked Charlie.
"Oh yeah, it was just a few Death Eaters but a couple of 7th Years and I got it under control. They Apparated out," said McGonagall. "How about if you get these guys out of here and get this train started again?"
"All right," said Cadance. She put both hands foreword, fingertips upward, and the Death Eaters flew out of the compartment. The door slammed behind them. "Let's get this sucker rollin'. I'm starving."
* * * Dumbledore paced the floor nervously. The Great Hall was empty. He had sent the teachers, Hogwarts Aurors, and Order of the Phoenix members to Hogsmeade to wait for the train. He looked at his watch. They were thirty minutes late. The Hogwarts Express was never late without sending word. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny walked inside the Great Hall.
"Still no word from the Hogwarts Express?" asked Dumbledore.
"Nothing, sir," said Harry. "Jen's upstairs digging through Cadance's things, looking for a scrying crystal and map so she can look for the train."
Just then, Jen walked in. "Why does that woman insist on hiding everything? I cannot find a single thing. If a demon attacked right now, we'd all be dead because I can't even find the Book of Light, let alone a potion bottle. And even if I miraculously find her collection of vanquishing potions she doesn't label them. Oh sure, I could just throw them all at the demon but I risk blowing up the entire castle. That's it. I'm getting her a label maker for Christmas."
"Are you finished?" asked Dumbledore.
"I'm sorry, but I babble when I'm nervous," said Jen.
"Well, sit down before you develop a nervous twitch," said Dumbledore.
Cati and Bill hurried in. "Have you heard anything yet?" asked Cati as she wrung her hands together nervously.
"Nothing," said Dumbledore.
"What if they were attacked by Death Eaters? Or demons? Or the Source of all Evil?" asked Cati.
"Catalin, the Source of all Evil does not bother with matters such as this school. It is worried about Demons trying to take control," said Dumbledore.
"Professor Trelawney has to worry about demons taking control?" asked Jen.
"Jen, that wasn't nice," said Dumbledore.
"I know. I couldn't help it," said Jen. "You set it up so perfectly."
"What if the train derailed and now they're all lying in a pit somewhere?" asked Cati, quite oblivious to what was just said.
"What if Cadance decided that she was going to play a prank that left the train temporarily immobilized so she could climb on the roof and meditated for world peace?" asked Bill.
"Like Cadance would ever meditate on world peace," said Cati.
"It could happen," said Bill.
"C'mon Bill," said Cati. "Let's go stand guard and the front doors."
"Now when you say 'stand guard'," said Jen. "Do you mean stand guard or stand guard?"
"Jennifer!" exclaimed Cati.
Jen ran out of the Great Hall with Cati and Bill chasing her. She ran out of the castle and down to Hogsmeade where she stopped dead in her tracks. The Hogwarts Express was pulled into the station and people were getting out. She ducked right before Cati could pounce on her. She ducked around Sirius and ran up along the edge of the train. Professor McGonagall was just getting off the train. Jen ducked behind her.
"What the.?" asked McGonagall.
"Jen!" screeched Cati. "I know you're back there."
Suddenly someone grabbed Jen's wrist and lifted her up onto the train. Cadance and Charlie were standing just inside the door. "Shh!" whispered Cadance. "Cati and Bill will pass by. What did you do to them anyway?"
Jen leaned in and whispered something to them. "You didn't!" exclaimed Cadance.
"Oh, they're never going to live this down," said Charlie.
"Cadance, what happened to your head?" asked Jen, who just noticed it was bleeding.
"Demons and Death Eaters," said Cadance.
"Let's get to the castle," said Charlie. "The Aurors are still getting a head count to make sure everyone's here."
"Okay, but we better sneak past Minerva or she'll make me go to the Hospital Wing," said Cadance.
They started sneaking their way through the crowd and then ran the whole way to the castle. They reached the front doors of the castle when Professor McGonagall just kind of popped in out of nowhere. "Cadance. Hospital Wing. Now," she said.
"And we were so close," said Cadance.
"Just let Madame Pomfrey clean up your cut," said McGonagall.
"Why?" asked Cadance. "It's not like it's bleeding that badly."
"Cadance, it's gushing out blood and if you're not careful you'll get it on the floor and Mr. Filch will come after you with a pickaxe."
"Oh, all right," said Cadance.
"Would you like an escort?" asked Charlie.
"I would love one," said Cadance. "But Ewan McGregor isn't here."
"Ha, ha, very funny," said Charlie. "You know what I meant."
"Yeah, I know," said Cadance. "I just had to mess with your mind a little bit. I would love for you to go to the Hospital Wing with me. We need to make sure that a certain bit of newly acquired information haunts two of our friends forever and we can plot along the way."
"Of course," said Charlie offering Cadance his arm. "Come, my lady, and I'll escort thee to the Hospital Wing."
"All right, good sir, but if thou art going to talk as if thou art in the Middle Ages, I shall have to hurt thee," said Cadance taking his arm and smiling sweetly. They walked off to the Hospital Wing.
Jen looked at Professor McGonagall who just shrugged. "They are so weird," said Jen.
"There you are!" exclaimed a voice from behind them. "Jennifer Dumbledore, you are in deep trouble."
Cati and Bill had finally caught up with Jen. "Uh oh," said Jen. She ran into the Great Hall.
Dumbledore looked up expectantly. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had taken their seats at the Gryffindor table.
"Save me save me save me!" exclaimed Jen. She jumped behind her uncle.
"Is the train here?" asked Dumbledore looking behind him at Jen.
"Wha. oh yeah. It's here," said Jen.
"And what happened?"
"Death Eaters attacked," said McGonagall walking inside.
"Where're Cadance and Charlie?" asked Cati.
"You didn't run through another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher did you?" asked Bill.
"Bill!" exclaimed Cati.
"No, she's alive. Just slightly damaged," said McGonagall.
"Slightly damaged?" questioned Dumbledore.
"There's blood gushing out of her head," said Jen as she ducked under the table and out the other side in an effort to get away from Cati who was sneaking up to grab her.
"Minerva, come with me to Hogsmeade to check on everything," said Dumbledore.
"Okay," said McGonagall. "The other Aurors are checking to make sure everyone's all right."
"Let's go," said Dumbledore. They walked out of the Great Hall.
Cadance and Charlie came in a few minutes later. "Hello, Cati. Hello, Bill," said Cadance. "Why didn't you tell us your little secret? We're your best friends and you can't even tell us you're having a relationship."
"JEN WAS LYING!" exclaimed Cati. "BILL AND I ARE NOT DATING!"
"Only the gargoyles know for sure," said Charlie.
"WE'RE NOT DATING!" repeated Cati.
"Chill out, Cate. We're just trying to get a rise out of you," said Cadance. "We don't really think you're dating Bill."
"You don't?" asked Bill. "That's a relief."
"Yeah, we think you're engaged," said Charlie. Cati looked as if steam was coming out of her ears. "I'm only joking, Cati. Only joking."
"I'm going to have to open up a can of whoop-ass on you," said Cati.
"Oh, c'mon. You know you love us," said Cadance. "Your life would be so boring without." she stopped suddenly. "What was that?"
"What was what?" asked Jen.
"Shh!" hissed Cadance. "Quiet!"
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny exchanged a glance from where they were sitting. Jen and Cati inched a little closer to one another. Bill and Charlie started reaching for their wands.
Everyone was silent for about ten seconds before Charlie spoke. "Cadance."
"Shh!" hissed Cadance. There was silence for another five seconds them "BOO!"
"AHHH!" exclaimed Cati as she and Jen clung onto each other. Ginny had almost jumped out of her seat. Everyone else was clutching their chests and taking deep, steady breaths.
Cadance was laughing so hard she was crying. "You should have seen your faces!" she exclaimed.
"Cadance. You're in big trouble," said Charlie. He grabbed her, pinning her arms to her side. "Say uncle."
"Uncle Albus!" exclaimed Cadance.
"That's not what I meant," said Charlie.
"Would you rather I call Cati's uncle? Or your crazy Uncle Sal?"
"You are so weird," said Charlie letting go of her.
"I'm an individual," corrected Cadance.
"Whatever," said Charlie.
Cadance looked around. "What the hell is taking them so long down in Hogsmeade? I'm hungry."
"Is that all you can think about right now?" asked Cati.
"Well, that and Ewan McGregor," answered Cadance.
"He's old," said Jen.
"So am I," said Cadance.
"You're not as old as him," said Jen.
"Yes I am," said Cadance.
"Cadance, do you, like, have a boyfriend that I don't know about?" asked Jen.
"No," said Cadance.
"When was the last time you had one?"
"Right before I came to teach at Hogwarts," said Cadance.
"Oh yeah, that Jonathan guy," said Cati. "What happened to him?"
"He was a demon and I had to vanquish him," answered Cadance.
"You dated another demon?!?" asked Charlie. "Cadance, that's like the sixth boyfriend you had to vanquish."
"I know, I know," said Cadance. "I blame the Book of Light."
"What do you blame for the time you almost vanquished Cati's boyfriend?" asked Charlie.
"Yeah, I'm still mad at you for that by the way," said Cati.
"I thought he was an alien from The Faculty!" exclaimed Cadance. "I mean, he did drink a lot of water!"
"You just didn't like him because he thought Quidditch was a waste of time," said Cati.
"That's not true," said Cadance. "I didn't like him because he was related to Fudge."
"Distantly."
"Why are we arguing about this?" asked Cadance. "You dumped him after you found out he didn't approve of your archery obsession."
"Oh that's right," said Cati. "I forgot. But now I have this urge to play with my bows."
"Sorry," said Cadance. "I probably shouldn't have mentioned it."
Suddenly the chattering of students who had just had a very frightening on a train on the way to school filled the Entry Hall. That's probably because the students had finally come up from Hogsmeade but knowing the author of this story it could all just be a figment of your imagination. You'd better pinch yourself to make sure. Did you hurt yourself? Then it's not a figment of your imagination.
"YES! FOOD!" exclaimed Cadance. She ran to her seat at the Head Table. Cati, Bill, and Charlie walked over and took their seats. The students poured into the Great Hall and took their seats. Behind them were the rest of the teachers, Order Members, and Hogwarts Aurors. They all sat at the Head Table.
The first years were led in, the Sorting Hat sang it's song, and the Sorting began.
Nine Gryffindors, eight Ravenclaws, ten Hufflepuffs, and Seven Slytherins later, Dumbledore stood up to make his start-of-term speech.
"Better keep it short this year, Albus," whispered McGonagall. "Cadance looks as if she'll cook and eat Charlie if she doesn't eat soon."
Dumbledore chuckled silently then started, "Another year begins! Before we eat I would like to announce that we have no new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor this year! That just goes to show you that the position is not cursed!" Dumbledore's eyes sparkled.
"Either that, or Professor Dumbledore has a rather long lucky streak. the other Professor Dumbledore I mean," called a Hufflepuff.
"You and your uncle confuse the students, Professor Dumbledore," whispered Charlie to Cadance jokingly.
"Lastly," said Professor Dumbledore. "I just wanted to inform you that the Dueling Club will start up again sometime soon. It will meet in here. Information will be given to you by the Head of your House later on this week." And ending on that note, the feast began.
"Ron," said Harry. "We've got a slight Quidditch problem."
"What?" asked Ron.
"We're the only two left," said Harry.
"Oh, geez, that's right," said Ron. "We need two beaters and three Chasers."
Up at the Head Table, Cadance was looking thoughtful. Cati waved her hand in front of Cadance's face. She didn't even flinch. "All right, she either Astral Projected and her mind really is elsewhere or she's deep in thought. Either way she's going to hurt her brain."
"I'll snap her out of it," said Fred. He picked up a roll and threw it at her. It hit her in the head.
Cadance snapped out of it. "What was that for?" asked Cadance. She picked up the roll and launched it back at Fred, who was sitting next to McGonagall three chairs away. McGonagall reached up and snatched it out of the air.
"I'm putting an end to this food fight before it even starts," said McGonagall.
"Cadance, what were you thinking about?" asked Cati.
"Your totally hot brother," said Cadance. "Drew, are you still single!" Drew winked at her.
"CADANCE!" exclaimed Cati.
"I'm only joking, Cati," said Cadance.
"Is this pick on Cati day and nobody told me?" asked Cati.
"Yes," said Bill. "What annoys you most in the world right now?"
"Two things" said Cati. "Cadance and men."
Bill suddenly got an inspired look in his eyes. He grabbed Cati's face, pulled it towards him, and kissed her.
"Ahh! Someone time it, someone time it!" exclaimed Cadance. She grabbed Charlie's wrist and looked at his watch. "Three seconds. seven seconds. ten seconds."
"Hey, hey, hey!" exclaimed Snape. "Just what do you two think you're doing?"
"Fifteen seconds," said Cadance.
Down at the Gryffindor table, Jen nudged Ginny. "Looks like your brother just put the moves on Cati, who happens to be Snape's niece."
"Ugh! Are you serious?" asked Ginny.
"Yeah, it looks like Cadance is timing it," said Jen.
"No, I mean about Cati being related to Snape?!" exclaimed Ginny.
"Thirty seconds," said Cadance. "How long do you think they can hold their breath?"
"Apparently a long time," said Charlie.
Bill and Cati finally broke off. "37 seconds!" exclaimed Cadance. "I think that that's a new world record."
Bill and Cati just went back to eating as if nothing had happened.
"Excuse me," said Professor McGonagall. "From now on, can we reserve that kind of behavior for far away from the dinner table?"
"Yeah, seriously. I almost choked on my meat loaf," said Drew.
"I almost choked Bill," said Snape.
"I know," said Cadance. "What was that inappropriate display? You know what? I don't want to know. I might be scarred for life. When I need counseling I'll have my psychiatrist send the bill to you two. I'll make sure I find the most expensive one there is."
"You do that," said Bill.
"I'm so traumatized I can't even speak right now," said Cadance.
"Okay then," said McGonagall. "You keep quiet and we can have a normal rest of the dinner."
"We can all benefit from that," said Charlie. "Man, Bill. You should but the moves on Cati more often."
"No he shouldn't," said Snape.
Sirius got up from his seat at the opposite end of the table and migrated to the other end. He put a hand on Cati and Bill's shoulders. "Remus, Arabella, Arthur and I saw that little bit of lip action down here and we were wondering if anyone happened to time it?" he asked.
"37 seconds," said Cadance.
"Yes! I win!" said Sirius. "I bet 35 seconds. Are we going to see a repeat performance?"
"No," said Bill and Cati at the same time.
"I was trying to annoy her," said Bill.
"Yeah, it worked," said Cati.
"Yeah, uh huh, sure," said Sirius. "That's what Lily and James said."
Dumbledore stood up and tapped his glass for silence. "Well, wasn't that an interesting feast as usual. But now, it's time for bed. Tomorrow's a busy day. Off you trot."
END CHAPTER
