The relaxed atmosphere of the Gryffindor table was the envy of all the
houses. Ryan may not have been really jealous mood, but more in a malicious
frame of mind. Every time Rebecca laughed or leaned into Charlie, he wished
something would happen that would knock her off of the cloud she was on and
bring her back to what he deemed to be reality. Ryan even reveled with the
idea something occurring that would be horrific enough that she would turn
to him for support to regain her good mood and toyed with the idea of
refusing the help that she needed.
Little did Ryan know that he would get his wish when the mail cam on Thursday morning. After all the owls left, Ryan found a letter from his uncle. He had an odd feeling about this letter, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why.
"YES!" Ryan cried after he finished reading his letter. He was standing up and unaware that he drew the attention of the students in the all houses.
As he went to sit back down he caught Rebecca looking at him curiously. His smile got bigger as he leaned over and borrowed some parchment from Harvey. Rebecca was turning back to the talk to Charlie about the up and coming potion OWL when a paper plane went sailing at her.
You're staying at my house this summer!
"What?!" Rebecca gasped. "How does he know that?" Charlie looked over to what the message said.
"Didn't you just find that out this morning?" he asked with a confused tone of voice.
"Yeah, how did he find out already? I don't know what is worse: the idea of spending the summer there or the fact that he knows already."
The horrified look on Rebecca's face was more than Charlie or any of the other fifth years could handle.
"Come on let's go for a walk," Charlie said as he got up from the table.
Rebecca jumped up and joined him as Greg, Sara, James, Jacquelyn, Colin, and Cathrine slowly moved from the table. They didn't know whether Charlie was saying that to everyone, but they wanted to help Rebecca and thought maybe they all could come up with a plan to make Rebecca feel better about the situation.
"How can I ever thank you guys," Rebecca said as the whole group walked out of the great hall after the written part of potions. "I don't think that I would have made it though that part of the test if you guys didn't promise to steal me away from the Malfoy's as often as possible."
"Not a problem, just glad we could get that look off your face," started Cathrine and Colin added, "Yeah, we only like to see that when we have a great scary prank. ... Of course, could you imagine the look on Snape's face if he thought that you had done horrible on potions?"
The group started to laugh and headed outside to relax a little before lunch. Rebecca was just glad that she didn't have to worry about putting up with Ryan by herself all summer. However, she had a feeling that Russel was going to want be over non-stop.
"So Rebecca is going to be at your house all summer?" inquired Russel intrigued about the new development as he walked outside with Ryan.
"Well at least for a month, but I don't think she know that part yet. ... It doesn't really matter though, because should be plenty of time for you to sweep her off her feet," commented Ryan sort of happy that Russel would have the chance to steal Rebecca from Charlie.
"I think it would take more than a month for your cousin to fall for me."
"You have that date. All you have to do is show her a good time and don't try to drag her off to some place for a kiss and you'll be back in her good graces."
"I think it will take more than that."
"What makes you say that?"
"Nothing." Russel didn't want to talk about everything he had done to Rebecca. She hadn't told Ryan so why should he. Ryan was protective enough of Rebecca that he might never let Russel around her again if he knew.
'Rebecca must have feelings for me, if she didn't tell. She knows Ryan just as well as I do,' Russel convienced himself as he continued to throw things into his trunk.
"Now, who is being cryptic?"
"Hmm?"
"You got on me about what I say about my uncle and you won't tell me what is up with Rebecca suddenly hating you. ... I have been around her enough to know that there is something major up for her not to get over what ever you did."
Before Russel had to answer, Cassie came up behind them and started in on how hard potions was. Her dramatics didn't stop until the end of OWLs.
All of the Slytherins were glad to have the last test over with. They all thought that meant that Cassie would stop with all her whining. Of course at the end of the year feast when Gryffindor was announced as winner of the house cup, she started back up. That night, Cassie was able to confine her hysterics to her dorm room as she packed to head home which meant that the rest of the house didn't have to deal with her.
"I am going to throw that girl in the lake if I hear one thing out of her tomorrow about how tough anything is or how unfair it is," Russel muttered as he packed up his trunk after trying to get something back from Cassie.
"You're really getting irritated by her lately, aren't you?" Ryan commented as he shut the lid to his trunk.
"Mate, I have said it before. Her overreacting is too much for me any more... She is not Rebecca. I am sure that she is one girl that is able to pack without complaining about how much she has to pack."
"Probably. I am sure she is laughing up a storm in Gryffindor," Ryan darkly replied.
He didn't like the thought of her making such memories without him when his big hopes for the memories they would have at the beginning of the year never occured.
Of course, Ryan had no idea how right he was about what Rebecca was doing. For while the Slytherins were putting up with the damper mood created by Cassie, the Gryffindors had all the dorm room doors open and were laughing about what they found while packing. They were constantly laughing and running in and out of room returning things they had borrowed and forgot to give back. Every 'oh, I was wondering where that was' type comment caused another round of giggles.
There was only one moment that was slightly on the melancholy side and that was when Rebecca found the puzzle that Wadsworth had given her for Christmas in the bottom of her trunk. She had a mix of emotions from sadness of thought of Wadsworth to the fun that she had putting the puzzle together with the other students to anger of how Russel mislead her to think he was genuinely nice.
After a few minutes of just looking at the beautiful wooded picture of the puzzle and remember what the saying said, Rebecca put it back where she had found it.
She may not have been in that great of a mood then, but when she caught sight of her Christmas sweater she started to smile as her mood started to rise. How she wished that it would be cold enough to wear tomorrow. Reluctantly, she put it on top of everything and shut her trunk.
Rebecca sat on top of her trunk and looked around her room sad to be leaving it, but ecstatic by the fact that she was coming back. After a few minutes, she got up and got changed to go to bed.
As she set out her clothes for the next day, James called in, "Becca, do you think that we could do one last dance lesson for the year?"
"Sure, why not? I'll be down in a minute."
Rebecca grabbed her gray robe with a baby blue and white feathered design that matched her baby blue pajama pants nicely. As she walked out the door and down the steps, she threw it on not bothering to close it. She was so comfortable with everyone in the house that she didn't mind if they saw her white spaghetti strap tank.
It seemed that everyone else had the same idea. There were all the guys and girls wearing their pajama. Some had robes and others didn't. The ones with robes joined Rebecca in not closing them.
James walked over in his red pin stripe pajama pants and white tee and lead Rebecca to the center of the room. After a few fancy moves, James spun Rebecca to Charlie who had on a navy blue muscle shirt with grey pajama pants. Charlie and Rebecca danced together while James sought out Jacquelyn in her royal purple tee and purple tie-dye pants to dance with.
Soon all the students came into the common room and started to dance and laugh.
Rebecca had to let Lauren, who was dressed in her light pink pajamas, dance with Charlie so she took the opportunity to go and say good bye to Anna who had been dancing, but started to take pictures of everyone.
"Hey!" Rebecca said as she approached her team mate who was standing by the fireplace. "You all packed up and ready to go?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Anna responded with a bittersweet tone in her voice.
"Well, we will miss you. You'll have to come back for a match."
The two girls hugged as Anna said, "Wouldn't miss it. I am dying to see how you, Greg, and Cathrine work together. It should be impressive. ..."
As the girls continued to talk, the noise in the room got louder with laughter and music. Charlie wanted to get another dance with Rebecca, but when he saw that she was enjoying talking with Anna, he grabbed Aisha and danced with her since she asked if he would. He glanced over a couple time so that he could get Rebecca when she was done with chatting.
Suddenly Charlie looked over to see Rebecca, who appeared to be falling, grab onto Anna's arm and then the two girls were gone. He rushed over to see if he could get the girls back, but he was too late. A.J. came over as everyone seemed to notice Anna and Rebecca went missing.
No one knew where they were, but Charlie had a strong feeling that he did and he was not happy about it.
"What happened?" Anna asked as she got up off the floor from the other side of the fire and looked around. "Okay new question: Where are we?"
"Beauxbatons," Rebecca soberly responded when she saw her surroundings.
"Your old stomping ground?"
"Yep."
Rebecca was looking at the familiar surrounding not sure what to think. She knew something had to be up for them to get pulled into this room.
"Why so glum?" came another voice behind the girls. Rebecca and Anna turned around to see Ben standing there. "I thought you might like to see what you left."
"Ben, what do you want?" Rebecca forced out through gritted teeth.
"Wow that was harsh. What no friendly hug for your best friend?"
"Where's Stacy?"
"Ugh, Stacy is in bed. She and Ty had another go around about dating. He wants her back and she said no. ... I don't see what her problem is, it is almost as though she thrives not being in the in crowd since you left."
"Good for her. ... Now why did you drag Anna and me through the fire?"
"I just wanted to talk to you."
"Well you got both of us so talk fast and then tell us how to get back!"
"It is part of the floo network you take some floo powder and throw it into the fire and say where you want to go."
Anna stood back and watched as Rebecca rolled her eyes at Ben's sarcastic explanation.
"Are you done?" Rebecca flatly responded arms crossed in front of her. Ben looked at her a moment and realized that Rebecca wasn't in the mood to put up with anything.
More sincerely, he said, "No, I wanted to ask you something."
"And what is that?"
"Are you coming back here next year?"
"No, I am not."
"Why not? Stacy said that you had a choice."
"I did, but I chose to stay where I was."
"You need to come back here."
"Why, so that I can keep you and Sydney in line? I don't want to be the one responsible for that. From what I heard, it appears you two were holy terrors this year."
Ben looked down at his feet and slowly said, "Yeah, I guess I took it out on everyone the fact that I missed you. ... After talking to you in the fire I realized that and I broke up with Sydeny. She let me be that mean nasty person that I became. I don't want to be that person."
"That's no excuse and you know it." After a harsh look from Ben, Rebecca turned to Anna and said, "You ready to go?"
Anna quickly shook her head and started towards the fire.
"Bye, Ben," Rebecca said as she started towards the fire.
"NO, I need you here with me."
"Ben after what you did to Stacy, I would rather have to go to Durmstang then be here with you. With my luck, I would be the next victim to your rage."
With that Rebecca and Anna grabbed each others hand and walked to the fire. As Anna threw some floo powder and said, "Hogwarts."
Ben said in a hurtful tone, "Durmstang?"
"Yeah, Durmstang."
Anna and Rebecca stepped into the fire as Ben called, "Becky, I would never do anything to you, you know that!"
The two girls were thrown at out on the other side of the fire into a room that had a table in front of the fireplace. Anna and Rebecca both fell over it and landed on the floor.
"Now where are we?" Rebecca asked as she and Anna picked them selves up. "You okay?"
"Yeah. ... It is so cold here." Anna pulled her soft yellow robe close. "I don't think that we are at Hogwarts."
"Hogwarts?" came a deep voice behind the girls.
Both jump and turned around to see a jet black haired boy that appeared to be between Anna and Rebecca's ages. His cold blue eyes pierce through both of them.
"Who are you?"
"I-I-I'm Rebecca and this is Anna. We are from Hogwarts."
"How did you get here?" the extremely tall guy asked as he took a step towards the girls.
"We don't know, where is here?" Rebecca and Anna both took a step back.
"Durmstrang."
"Oh," the girls said remember it was the last thing Rebecca had said back at Beauxbaton.
Rebecca relaxed a little more and said, "You wouldn't have any floo powder, would you?"
"Yeah, there is some right here, Rebecca, right?" The boy walked toward the mantle to a jar.
Rebecca took a few steps towards the fire place as she responded, "Yeah, Thank you...."
"I'm Grant."
"Hey Grant!" called a girl that came running down the steps. She had long straight black hair, but didn't get close enough for Anna and Rebecca to see much else. "Do you know where..."
"It's up on my bed, Krissy. Thanks for letting me borrow it. Make sure Emily knows that you have it back. ... My bludger bat broke and she let me borrow her spare. Emily thought that I broke that one too. ... Here have a cookie and have a seat."
Anna and Rebecca gave each other 'we really didn't need to know about the bat' and reluctantly took a cookie.
"Well, we better try to get back to Hogwarts. Bye," Rebecca said throwing the powder into the fireplace.
Grabbing Anna's hand so they wouldn't get seperated in the network, Rebecca thought, 'We can land in Slytherin for all I care as long as it is some place familiar.'
The two girl walked in to the fire and said, "Hogwarts."
Both felt the sensation of being suck along floo network.
As they flew out the next fire place, both girls closed their eyes. They couldn't help it they didn't want to see where they were at if it wasn't at Hogwarts.
"Where do you think we are?' Anna asked trying to blindly untangle her legs from Rebecca.
Slowly opening her eyes, Rebecca looked around to see a familiar sight. She finally said, "Hogwarts, but we went to Slytherin."
"How did we get sent here. ... I guess it doesn't matter since we at least can get back to the common room without falling into another room. I think I have bruises all over. What a trip."
Rebecca nodded her head in agreement as she took a bite of the cookie Grant handed her. She stopped for a moment because it tasted funny to her.
"At least the cookies are that bad, I guess."
"What?"
"What are you two doing in here?" came Calloway's voice stopping Rebecca from explaining. Both girls jumped up and faced him.
"We would love to know that too," Rebecca quickly answered.
"How did you guys get in here?"
"Um, ... we sort of had an ... incident ... where we got, um, pulled through the fire... and we were trying to get back and... don't seem to be able to get it quite right. ... At least now we can walk up to the common room." Rebecca looked around and asked, "Um, where's the exit?"
Calloway rolled his eyes and looked as though he was about to tell them when his facial expression changed making both girls uncomfortable.
"After seven years, I think it is time for some of us to get what we always wanted." He walked over to the steps and called up, "Hey Flint come down here. I got a surprise for you."
"Anna! Where is the exit? I don't remember," Rebecca whispered frantically.
"I think it is on that wall, but I don't remember." Anna softly said heading towards the wall cross from the steps.
"What is the surprise, Jason?" Russel asked as he walked down the steps. Suddenly he saw Rebecca and Anna. "What are they doing in here?!"
"They fell through the fire. They say that they are 'lost.' I think it is a sign that they are supposed to be ours. Look they are even all ready to spend the night."
Rebecca turned around to see Russel looking longingly at her. She about flipped out when both he and Calloway headed towards the girls. There was something in both of the boys' eyes that said they weren't going to take now for an answer, though Rebecca could tell Russel was torn on what he wasn't going to do that she couldn't say no too.
"Found it!" Anna exclaimed and pulled Rebecca out the door.
"Oh, no you don't," Calloway said grabbing at Rebecca's arm.
Anna grabbed Rebecca's other arm and tried to get them out of the door. Much to his surprise, Russel pulled at Calloway as Rebecca twisted out of the Slytherin's grasp. There was a point when Russel wanted to grab hold of Rebecca and give her an end of the year kiss, but Rebecca and Anna took the opportunity to run out.
"Come on," Calloway ordered as he raced out of the room. Russel followed him out to see the girls disappear up the steps.
Rebecca and Anna made it up to the Gryffindor common room without getting caught by the Slytherins who were pursuing them. Neither really knew where the guys were behind them. They just wanted the portrait to close and lock them into their common room safely.
"Anna, we got to stop landing in there by accident," Rebecca commented as she and Anna tried to catch there breathes.
"Ya think?" huffed Anna half joking half not.
"Where have you two been?" Charlie and A.J. asked in unison as they rushed to them.
The girls looked at them and the rest of the Gryffindors that were in the room. Everyone had worried looks on their face even though they were relived to see them back.
Once they caught their breath, Anna and Rebecca told everyone what happened. A.J. and Charlie wrapped their arms around here girlfriends and lead them to the couch. Most people left after the Anna and Rebecca finished their story in disbelief that the girls didn't have to go to the infirmary after their little journey.
Once alone, Charlie told the two girls that while they were at Durmstang and in the Slytherin House, Ben had been back in the fire demanding to see Rebecca not believing that she wasn't back.
"He said something about you needing to come back to Beauxbatons so he could have you and you can't escape your destiny, what ever that was supposed to mean. ... I think he would have hopped out at us if all the guys from the quidditch team weren't standing there giving him the evil eye," Charlie said at the end. As Rebecca started yawn and settle her self into his arms as she had done every time that she fell asleep in his arms, Charlie added, "Come on it is getting late and I am sure that you are tired."
He didn't want to let go of Rebecca but thought she would be safer and sleep better in her room. There was something about Ben that just left Charlie with this weird feeling and a sense that he wouldn't be deterred from getting what he wanted.
'At least he doesn't know what room she is in,' Charlie thought as he started to get up.
Rebecca went up to her room reluctantly. She would have preferred to sleep on the couch in Charlie's protective embrace even if it was right by the fire where Ben could see she was back.
'I just don't like the idea that he could come through the fire. At least in Charlie's arms I feel safe. I know Ben wouldn't dare do anything if Charlie was there," Rebecca thought as she climbed into bed.
"You okay?" Sara asked seeing that Rebecca was still looking worried.
"After everything that happened tonight, I think I need a security blanket, so I sleep tonight," Rebecca somewhat joked.
"Understandable. ... I have my old stuff bear in my trunk. You want to try that?"
"Trunk..." Rebecca whispered and then smiled when she thought of what was in her trunk. "Thank you for the offer but I think I have something that will work."
She got up and got into her trunk and as Sara looked on curiously, Rebecca pulled out her Weasley sweater. She pulled it on and instantly felt better.
"Night Rebecca," Sara said with a smile.
"Night Sara!"
Rebecca woke up the next morning and couldn't believe how well she slept. The sweater had done the trick in making her feel safe. She did notice that as she got up and started to get dressed for the last breakfast at Hogwarts for the year that she felt sore and she had a good number of bruises on her legs, arms, and back. 'I can't believe Ben did this to me, introvertedly or not, she thought as she brushed her hair.
As she walked out of the bathroom, she heard Cathrine ask, "Is it me or is it sort of cold in here?"
"I feel cold too," Jacquelyn said as she walked towards the girls open window. "It feels cold outside."
Rebecca had to admit that she felt cold in just her tee-shirt too so she threw her sweater back on as she walked out of room.
"You're cold too?" Charlie asked when he saw Rebecca in the common room.
"Freezing," responded Rebecca walking right into his arms to get some of his body heat. "I don't think I have ever felt this cold in June before."
"Me too. I think I might pull my sweater out too. Did you sleep okay?"
"Oh, yeah. I slept in the sweater for security since you made me go to my bed," Rebecca smarted off and then thought for a moment before she added, "It is so weird, because I wanted to wear this last night and today I can."
As they walked out to go to breakfast, Charlie commented, "Isn't that magical?"
"You know I have had things like this happen to me even before since I started at school. Never could figure out why."
"Do you it could be your powers could be doing it then?"
"I don't see how when we come to school to learn to control them," Rebecca quietly responded wondering if Charlie wasn't right, but after a moment she jokingly added, "And besides I don't think changing the weather was ever in my scope of powers."
"Well maybe not the weather, but chalk and chalkboards might."
"I'll buy that theory since I really wanted to have something to keep us out of trouble, but I don't think I am that powerful to get all of that writing done so fast."
The two entered the Great Hall and took a seat with the rest of their friends. The group discussed there summer plans and then went to get a carriage to get to the Hogwart's Express.
Rebecca boarded the train knowing that she only had a limited number of hours to spend with Charlie and the rest of the group. It was surreal to her the idea that they wouldn't be with each other every day.
'I am so attached to them all,' Rebecca thought as she, Charlie, Greg and Sara settled into one compartment and James, Jacquelyn, Colin, and Cathrine settled into the one across the hall. 'I don't think I ever thought about not seeing Stacy everyday when we went on holiday. Maybe it is just because I am dating Charlie.'
Rebecca looked over and smiled sweetly at Charlie who smiled right back at her.
"Who wants to play exploding Snaps?" Greg asked as the train started to pull away.
They spent most of the ride to London playing games and enjoying the last freedom they had with their magic until next school term. Lauren came in seeking protection from Harvey who had followed her into the compartment her friends had gotten. He tried to come in, but soon found out that he was no match for four fifth year students.
Ryan walked by and found out the consequences for making a snide remark about how only the best purebloods were ever welcome in his house. Rebecca couldn't help but hex him to make him leave. She always did have distaste for that fact about Ryan and his family.
Russel tried to say something about his and Rebecca's date, but left when he figured out that Rebecca wasn't in a very civil mood with him.
"She will be at Ryan's during July. You can talk to her there. Explain about just wanting to talk last night. ... Oh hell you are just going to have to explain about the whole year," he muttered to himself as he walked away to find Ryan so that he could help fix the hex.
"If I didn't want my ring back," Rebecca started, but didn't finish because she wanted to move on to a different topic that would put her in a better mood.
As the quartet of friends continued the journey conversing and laughing with their other friends across the hall, Bill appeared in the entrance, looking slightly sad, but had an air of contentment about him.
"What's up Bill?" Charlie asked noticing that Bill had something to say that couldn't really wait.
"Um, nothing much. Lennon and I just broke up," the oldest Weasley announced walking in.
"Oh, Bill, are you okay?" Rebecca questioned.
"Yeah, we were having some troubles and the fact that I wasn't going to be around next year sort of was a catalyst. I mean there is no reason for us to try to stay together when we could just end up hating each other in the end. Now we are still friends and when she is out of school maybe we will try dating again."
Charlie wrapped his arms around Rebecca as he said, "Well at least you guys can be friends. I think it would be hard to go back..."
"That's because you two were dating as soon as you met," Sara sarcastically stated.
Rebecca and Charlie looked at her funny causing Greg to add, "Oh, come on you two you know that you looked like you were dating before you were dating."
Charlie started to laugh as he drew Rebecca closer and said, "I guess I always did think of her as my girl."
"Well, bro, I was thinking that maybe we could share her for a while," Bill said as he lifted Rebecca's leg so that he could sit down and have them on her lap.
"Maybe I don't want to share her."
"What you 'fraid of losing Becca to me?" Bill was teasing, but Charlie obviously thought there was some truth to it.
"He can't lose me unless he is trying to," Rebecca answered in a teasing way, but really wanted to let Charlie know that she had no intention of trading him for someone else.
Charlie kissed Rebecca as A.J. came in with Anna and Aaron. The three settled in and the conversation automatically went to quidditch.
Sara got up and went to the other cabin with Lauren. She loved the sport but found that there was little that they would say that she hadn't already heard before. Heath came in shortly after Sara left and Cathrine ventured over to get in with the team.
"I have to go do rounds," Bill said getting up to give Cathrine a seat.
"Well for once you all aren't fighting a team meeting," Wood commented when everyone seemed to quite down.
"What do we have to meet for?" Heath questioned grabbing at the exploding snaps deck. He really just wanted to play a game.
"To talk about next year?"
"Aaron, you and I aren't going to be here and they don't have to find my replacement since Becca is coming back. The only thing that is really needed is a person to take over for you, but I am sure they can find one without our help," interjected Anna.
"Oh, yeah, they can do that by themselves," Wood start looking as though what Anna was thinking they were meeting for never really crossed his arms. "I just want to make sure that they have a captain named for next year."
"It's Charlie!" Cathrine, Heath, A.J. and Greg said together causing Rebecca started to laugh.
"What's so funny Carter?"
"Sorry Wood, but I think everyone assumed that it was already taken care of and it's funny that you are the one worried about it. I mean, I haven't been with the team that long, but the way you always asked Charlie what he thought about strategies, it sort of seemed that he was being groomed to be captain. You have to admit you acted like what he said with me joining the team was the law."
"Okay, so I always thought Charlie would make a good captain, especially after I had mono and couldn't practice. As a fourth year, he showed that he was up for the job and I want to see what he can do a few years wiser."
"So does that mean that you are going to come back and watch a match?" asked Anna.
"I want to."
"Good, we'll come back together and cheer everyone on."
Aaron nodded his head happy that Anna wanted to go back for a match.
"So everyone is cool with Charlie as the new captain?"
"YES!" Anna, Rebecca, Greg, Cathrine, Heath, and A.J. screamed as they started to laugh.
"That's settles that! Charlie congratulations you are the new captain. I know I am leaving the team in good hands."
"Um, thanks everyone," Charlie said with a funny expression on his face almost as if he didn't know whether he wanted the job anymore. He had assumed he would be in the running for it, but the expectation that the group seemed to have for him as captain was higher than he ever expected.
"You'll be fine," Anna stated confidently.
"So is the meeting over?" Cathrine asked eying what was going on in the other compartment. She couldn't tell but it appeared Colin had everyone laughing with an idea for a prank and there was no way she wanted to miss out on any prank he had thought up.
"Yep," Aaron said as his final act as Captain.
As Cathrine got up to go, Heath started a game of exploding snaps with Greg and A.J. The three started talking about the world cup and about the professional teams that might make it that far.
Charlie noticed the bittersweet tone that was present in Wood's voice so he started a conversation with the ex-captain about strategy changes for the next year after all they were not the only team that was going to have new team members and there was the matter of finding Aaron's replacement.
Anna and Rebecca just smiled at each other as Aaron started listing the things that Charlie needed to be aware of for his position.
"Would you fancy a walk?" Rebecca finally asked Anna when she felt that she couldn't keep her giggles in any longer.
Both girls popped up out of their seats and said that that they would be back which fell on deaf ears since all the guys were preoccupied with talking about quidditch.
"I swear guys have one track minds," Anna laughed as she shut the door behind them. Rebecca just laughed she couldn't help but agree after what just happened. "So, Becca, how did you sleep last night?"
"Pretty good, why?"
"You weren't tossing and turning all night?"
Rebecca looked at her funny and then noticed that around Anna's eyes were bags.
"Nope, I pulled on this sweater and it seemed to keep me calm. Weren't you able to get to sleep?" Rebecca asked really concerned.
"Not overly I started to stiffen up and wasn't able to stay in one position for very long. All of those falls out of the floo network took its toll."
"I was stiff this morning and the bruises I have..."
"I know I was kind of glad it was so cold so that I could wear long sleeves without anyone asking about them."
"I didn't even think about that. ... Anyways, I wonder why I slept so well? I mean I know I threw my sweater on so I felt secure against the thoughts of Ben coming through the fire, but the soreness is throwing me for a loop now."
"Who knows? Maybe your body just shut down. You know from the stress of last night and therefore you didn't feel anything. If Calloway could get through the fire at me, I know I would have been a lot more reluctant to go to bed last night."
Rebecca was about to respond when she saw Calloway down the hall.
"Speak of the devil," was all she could say.
Anna looked in the direction of the other and both girls without a word to one another started to look for a compartment with one or more of their friends in it.
Calloway started towards the girls determined to pull Anna aside and talk with her about what she was doing after graduation. He was curious to find out where the girl of his dreams landed herself a job.
Unfortunately, for him, the girls found the compartment where Jenna, Kurt, Lennon, Kevin, Audrey, and Adam were.
"Hey mind if we come in for a second?" Rebecca asked as she and Anna came in and shut the door.
"Sure, we need a cheerful lot in here," Adam stated looking at Lennon. She didn't look too happy and what Adam said just made her madder.
"He didn't act upset at all when I suggested that we take some time off," spit back Lennon. "How would you feel if Kalie said that to you?"
"I would tell her that was fine I will see her next summer when we get back from school."
"Haha, very funny."
"Len, I think he was thinking that with him being out of school now that it was for the best," Jenna stated. "You know he would never want to hold you back from anything."
Lennon made a face as if she was torn whether Jenna thinking about the same guy.
"Actually, Lennon, Bill was just in our compartment," interjected Rebecca. "He said something about maybe you too could start dating again when you get out of school."
"So he wasn't just using a line when he said we are still friends and I will write to you?"
"Yep."
"Oh... WHAT is he doing?"
Everyone turned to see Calloway looking into the compartment. Adam got up with Kurt and Kevin and walked past Anna and Rebecca.
As the girls sunk in the empty seats, Calloway disappeared only to return with Ryan, Russel, Hans, Dan, and Sam a little later on.
"Where are they?" Jason asked.
"Anna and Rebecca left to go back to their compartment. They just wanted to say good bye to us," Lennon piped in.
Calloway left in a huff with Hans, Dan, and Sam close behind. Russel was going to leave and go back to their compartment, but he noticed that Ryan just staring at Lennon.
"Ryan?" he asked to snap his friend back to reality.
"Oh, right," Ryan said slightly startled. "Have a good holiday everyone. Lennon."
"Ryan."
Ryan nodded at Lennon and then walked away.
"What is up with him?" Jenna asked when Ryan was out of ear shoot.
"Don't know," Lennon dreamily said trying to see if she could get another glimpse of Ryan. Jenna just giggled at her friend.
Suddenly, Rebecca and Anna appeared in the compartment.
"That was a close call," Anna whispered.
"Yep," responded Rebecca. "Thanks for the quick thinking Adam!"
"No problem," Adam responded in his deep voice and then teasingly added, "Can't believe you two didn't think of it faster."
"Anyways," Rebecca said ignoring him. "Have fun during the holidays!"
Anna and Rebecca walked out of the Ravenclaw's compartment so that they could enjoy the rest of the ride with their friends from Gryffindor.
Charlie, Rebecca, and the rest of the gang jumped off in good moods and excited to see their families. Rebecca found herself being introduced to everyone's parents.
Lauren's parents came first. They couldn't stop thanking Rebecca for watching out for their little girl while she was at Hogwart's. As her parents thanked Rebecca one more time, Lauren thanked the guys who watched out for her the last couple of weeks.
After being thanked for the millionth time, James pulled Rebecca away. His parents were excited to meet her. Apparently both James and Jacquelyn had written them telling about Rebecca and the dance lesson.
"Oh, dear, it is so nice that you could keep James up with his dancing," Jame's mother commented after giving Rebecca a hug.
"I hear that you got Jacquelyn up to speed so that we all can go out dancing," added Jame's father.
When Rebecca met Cathrine and Colin's family, Rebecca found herself in midst of a whole crew of jokesters. She swore her sides were ready to split open.
One by one everyone took off with there families, until it was down to meeting Charlie's family. Rebecca about died laughing when Charlie tried to formally introduce her to his parents and his mother flat out interrupted with, "I know this is Rebecca she is wearing the sweater I made her. ... Now dear, if you need anything at all don't hesitate to owl us. Also feel free to stop by at any time."
"Thank you very much," Rebecca sweetly responded as she thought, 'The Weasley's are so much friendlier than the Malfoy's. I am so glad I am Charlie's Girl.'
She couldn't help but smile bigger. She felt so at ease with Charlie and his family and it made her so happy to feel that way.
"Now, dear, we do expect you to spend some time with us sometime this summer," insisted Mr. Weasley.
"Of course," Rebecca sweetly responded.
After telling the Weasleys good-bye along with giving Bill a hug and then kissing Charlie, Rebecca turned to see Ryan along with his mother and father waiting for her. They didn't look like a very friendly lot compared to the Weasley.
'This ought to be an interesting summer,' was all Rebecca could think as she followed the Malfoy's off Platform 9 ¾.
Little did Ryan know that he would get his wish when the mail cam on Thursday morning. After all the owls left, Ryan found a letter from his uncle. He had an odd feeling about this letter, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why.
"YES!" Ryan cried after he finished reading his letter. He was standing up and unaware that he drew the attention of the students in the all houses.
As he went to sit back down he caught Rebecca looking at him curiously. His smile got bigger as he leaned over and borrowed some parchment from Harvey. Rebecca was turning back to the talk to Charlie about the up and coming potion OWL when a paper plane went sailing at her.
You're staying at my house this summer!
"What?!" Rebecca gasped. "How does he know that?" Charlie looked over to what the message said.
"Didn't you just find that out this morning?" he asked with a confused tone of voice.
"Yeah, how did he find out already? I don't know what is worse: the idea of spending the summer there or the fact that he knows already."
The horrified look on Rebecca's face was more than Charlie or any of the other fifth years could handle.
"Come on let's go for a walk," Charlie said as he got up from the table.
Rebecca jumped up and joined him as Greg, Sara, James, Jacquelyn, Colin, and Cathrine slowly moved from the table. They didn't know whether Charlie was saying that to everyone, but they wanted to help Rebecca and thought maybe they all could come up with a plan to make Rebecca feel better about the situation.
"How can I ever thank you guys," Rebecca said as the whole group walked out of the great hall after the written part of potions. "I don't think that I would have made it though that part of the test if you guys didn't promise to steal me away from the Malfoy's as often as possible."
"Not a problem, just glad we could get that look off your face," started Cathrine and Colin added, "Yeah, we only like to see that when we have a great scary prank. ... Of course, could you imagine the look on Snape's face if he thought that you had done horrible on potions?"
The group started to laugh and headed outside to relax a little before lunch. Rebecca was just glad that she didn't have to worry about putting up with Ryan by herself all summer. However, she had a feeling that Russel was going to want be over non-stop.
"So Rebecca is going to be at your house all summer?" inquired Russel intrigued about the new development as he walked outside with Ryan.
"Well at least for a month, but I don't think she know that part yet. ... It doesn't really matter though, because should be plenty of time for you to sweep her off her feet," commented Ryan sort of happy that Russel would have the chance to steal Rebecca from Charlie.
"I think it would take more than a month for your cousin to fall for me."
"You have that date. All you have to do is show her a good time and don't try to drag her off to some place for a kiss and you'll be back in her good graces."
"I think it will take more than that."
"What makes you say that?"
"Nothing." Russel didn't want to talk about everything he had done to Rebecca. She hadn't told Ryan so why should he. Ryan was protective enough of Rebecca that he might never let Russel around her again if he knew.
'Rebecca must have feelings for me, if she didn't tell. She knows Ryan just as well as I do,' Russel convienced himself as he continued to throw things into his trunk.
"Now, who is being cryptic?"
"Hmm?"
"You got on me about what I say about my uncle and you won't tell me what is up with Rebecca suddenly hating you. ... I have been around her enough to know that there is something major up for her not to get over what ever you did."
Before Russel had to answer, Cassie came up behind them and started in on how hard potions was. Her dramatics didn't stop until the end of OWLs.
All of the Slytherins were glad to have the last test over with. They all thought that meant that Cassie would stop with all her whining. Of course at the end of the year feast when Gryffindor was announced as winner of the house cup, she started back up. That night, Cassie was able to confine her hysterics to her dorm room as she packed to head home which meant that the rest of the house didn't have to deal with her.
"I am going to throw that girl in the lake if I hear one thing out of her tomorrow about how tough anything is or how unfair it is," Russel muttered as he packed up his trunk after trying to get something back from Cassie.
"You're really getting irritated by her lately, aren't you?" Ryan commented as he shut the lid to his trunk.
"Mate, I have said it before. Her overreacting is too much for me any more... She is not Rebecca. I am sure that she is one girl that is able to pack without complaining about how much she has to pack."
"Probably. I am sure she is laughing up a storm in Gryffindor," Ryan darkly replied.
He didn't like the thought of her making such memories without him when his big hopes for the memories they would have at the beginning of the year never occured.
Of course, Ryan had no idea how right he was about what Rebecca was doing. For while the Slytherins were putting up with the damper mood created by Cassie, the Gryffindors had all the dorm room doors open and were laughing about what they found while packing. They were constantly laughing and running in and out of room returning things they had borrowed and forgot to give back. Every 'oh, I was wondering where that was' type comment caused another round of giggles.
There was only one moment that was slightly on the melancholy side and that was when Rebecca found the puzzle that Wadsworth had given her for Christmas in the bottom of her trunk. She had a mix of emotions from sadness of thought of Wadsworth to the fun that she had putting the puzzle together with the other students to anger of how Russel mislead her to think he was genuinely nice.
After a few minutes of just looking at the beautiful wooded picture of the puzzle and remember what the saying said, Rebecca put it back where she had found it.
She may not have been in that great of a mood then, but when she caught sight of her Christmas sweater she started to smile as her mood started to rise. How she wished that it would be cold enough to wear tomorrow. Reluctantly, she put it on top of everything and shut her trunk.
Rebecca sat on top of her trunk and looked around her room sad to be leaving it, but ecstatic by the fact that she was coming back. After a few minutes, she got up and got changed to go to bed.
As she set out her clothes for the next day, James called in, "Becca, do you think that we could do one last dance lesson for the year?"
"Sure, why not? I'll be down in a minute."
Rebecca grabbed her gray robe with a baby blue and white feathered design that matched her baby blue pajama pants nicely. As she walked out the door and down the steps, she threw it on not bothering to close it. She was so comfortable with everyone in the house that she didn't mind if they saw her white spaghetti strap tank.
It seemed that everyone else had the same idea. There were all the guys and girls wearing their pajama. Some had robes and others didn't. The ones with robes joined Rebecca in not closing them.
James walked over in his red pin stripe pajama pants and white tee and lead Rebecca to the center of the room. After a few fancy moves, James spun Rebecca to Charlie who had on a navy blue muscle shirt with grey pajama pants. Charlie and Rebecca danced together while James sought out Jacquelyn in her royal purple tee and purple tie-dye pants to dance with.
Soon all the students came into the common room and started to dance and laugh.
Rebecca had to let Lauren, who was dressed in her light pink pajamas, dance with Charlie so she took the opportunity to go and say good bye to Anna who had been dancing, but started to take pictures of everyone.
"Hey!" Rebecca said as she approached her team mate who was standing by the fireplace. "You all packed up and ready to go?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Anna responded with a bittersweet tone in her voice.
"Well, we will miss you. You'll have to come back for a match."
The two girls hugged as Anna said, "Wouldn't miss it. I am dying to see how you, Greg, and Cathrine work together. It should be impressive. ..."
As the girls continued to talk, the noise in the room got louder with laughter and music. Charlie wanted to get another dance with Rebecca, but when he saw that she was enjoying talking with Anna, he grabbed Aisha and danced with her since she asked if he would. He glanced over a couple time so that he could get Rebecca when she was done with chatting.
Suddenly Charlie looked over to see Rebecca, who appeared to be falling, grab onto Anna's arm and then the two girls were gone. He rushed over to see if he could get the girls back, but he was too late. A.J. came over as everyone seemed to notice Anna and Rebecca went missing.
No one knew where they were, but Charlie had a strong feeling that he did and he was not happy about it.
"What happened?" Anna asked as she got up off the floor from the other side of the fire and looked around. "Okay new question: Where are we?"
"Beauxbatons," Rebecca soberly responded when she saw her surroundings.
"Your old stomping ground?"
"Yep."
Rebecca was looking at the familiar surrounding not sure what to think. She knew something had to be up for them to get pulled into this room.
"Why so glum?" came another voice behind the girls. Rebecca and Anna turned around to see Ben standing there. "I thought you might like to see what you left."
"Ben, what do you want?" Rebecca forced out through gritted teeth.
"Wow that was harsh. What no friendly hug for your best friend?"
"Where's Stacy?"
"Ugh, Stacy is in bed. She and Ty had another go around about dating. He wants her back and she said no. ... I don't see what her problem is, it is almost as though she thrives not being in the in crowd since you left."
"Good for her. ... Now why did you drag Anna and me through the fire?"
"I just wanted to talk to you."
"Well you got both of us so talk fast and then tell us how to get back!"
"It is part of the floo network you take some floo powder and throw it into the fire and say where you want to go."
Anna stood back and watched as Rebecca rolled her eyes at Ben's sarcastic explanation.
"Are you done?" Rebecca flatly responded arms crossed in front of her. Ben looked at her a moment and realized that Rebecca wasn't in the mood to put up with anything.
More sincerely, he said, "No, I wanted to ask you something."
"And what is that?"
"Are you coming back here next year?"
"No, I am not."
"Why not? Stacy said that you had a choice."
"I did, but I chose to stay where I was."
"You need to come back here."
"Why, so that I can keep you and Sydney in line? I don't want to be the one responsible for that. From what I heard, it appears you two were holy terrors this year."
Ben looked down at his feet and slowly said, "Yeah, I guess I took it out on everyone the fact that I missed you. ... After talking to you in the fire I realized that and I broke up with Sydeny. She let me be that mean nasty person that I became. I don't want to be that person."
"That's no excuse and you know it." After a harsh look from Ben, Rebecca turned to Anna and said, "You ready to go?"
Anna quickly shook her head and started towards the fire.
"Bye, Ben," Rebecca said as she started towards the fire.
"NO, I need you here with me."
"Ben after what you did to Stacy, I would rather have to go to Durmstang then be here with you. With my luck, I would be the next victim to your rage."
With that Rebecca and Anna grabbed each others hand and walked to the fire. As Anna threw some floo powder and said, "Hogwarts."
Ben said in a hurtful tone, "Durmstang?"
"Yeah, Durmstang."
Anna and Rebecca stepped into the fire as Ben called, "Becky, I would never do anything to you, you know that!"
The two girls were thrown at out on the other side of the fire into a room that had a table in front of the fireplace. Anna and Rebecca both fell over it and landed on the floor.
"Now where are we?" Rebecca asked as she and Anna picked them selves up. "You okay?"
"Yeah. ... It is so cold here." Anna pulled her soft yellow robe close. "I don't think that we are at Hogwarts."
"Hogwarts?" came a deep voice behind the girls.
Both jump and turned around to see a jet black haired boy that appeared to be between Anna and Rebecca's ages. His cold blue eyes pierce through both of them.
"Who are you?"
"I-I-I'm Rebecca and this is Anna. We are from Hogwarts."
"How did you get here?" the extremely tall guy asked as he took a step towards the girls.
"We don't know, where is here?" Rebecca and Anna both took a step back.
"Durmstrang."
"Oh," the girls said remember it was the last thing Rebecca had said back at Beauxbaton.
Rebecca relaxed a little more and said, "You wouldn't have any floo powder, would you?"
"Yeah, there is some right here, Rebecca, right?" The boy walked toward the mantle to a jar.
Rebecca took a few steps towards the fire place as she responded, "Yeah, Thank you...."
"I'm Grant."
"Hey Grant!" called a girl that came running down the steps. She had long straight black hair, but didn't get close enough for Anna and Rebecca to see much else. "Do you know where..."
"It's up on my bed, Krissy. Thanks for letting me borrow it. Make sure Emily knows that you have it back. ... My bludger bat broke and she let me borrow her spare. Emily thought that I broke that one too. ... Here have a cookie and have a seat."
Anna and Rebecca gave each other 'we really didn't need to know about the bat' and reluctantly took a cookie.
"Well, we better try to get back to Hogwarts. Bye," Rebecca said throwing the powder into the fireplace.
Grabbing Anna's hand so they wouldn't get seperated in the network, Rebecca thought, 'We can land in Slytherin for all I care as long as it is some place familiar.'
The two girl walked in to the fire and said, "Hogwarts."
Both felt the sensation of being suck along floo network.
As they flew out the next fire place, both girls closed their eyes. They couldn't help it they didn't want to see where they were at if it wasn't at Hogwarts.
"Where do you think we are?' Anna asked trying to blindly untangle her legs from Rebecca.
Slowly opening her eyes, Rebecca looked around to see a familiar sight. She finally said, "Hogwarts, but we went to Slytherin."
"How did we get sent here. ... I guess it doesn't matter since we at least can get back to the common room without falling into another room. I think I have bruises all over. What a trip."
Rebecca nodded her head in agreement as she took a bite of the cookie Grant handed her. She stopped for a moment because it tasted funny to her.
"At least the cookies are that bad, I guess."
"What?"
"What are you two doing in here?" came Calloway's voice stopping Rebecca from explaining. Both girls jumped up and faced him.
"We would love to know that too," Rebecca quickly answered.
"How did you guys get in here?"
"Um, ... we sort of had an ... incident ... where we got, um, pulled through the fire... and we were trying to get back and... don't seem to be able to get it quite right. ... At least now we can walk up to the common room." Rebecca looked around and asked, "Um, where's the exit?"
Calloway rolled his eyes and looked as though he was about to tell them when his facial expression changed making both girls uncomfortable.
"After seven years, I think it is time for some of us to get what we always wanted." He walked over to the steps and called up, "Hey Flint come down here. I got a surprise for you."
"Anna! Where is the exit? I don't remember," Rebecca whispered frantically.
"I think it is on that wall, but I don't remember." Anna softly said heading towards the wall cross from the steps.
"What is the surprise, Jason?" Russel asked as he walked down the steps. Suddenly he saw Rebecca and Anna. "What are they doing in here?!"
"They fell through the fire. They say that they are 'lost.' I think it is a sign that they are supposed to be ours. Look they are even all ready to spend the night."
Rebecca turned around to see Russel looking longingly at her. She about flipped out when both he and Calloway headed towards the girls. There was something in both of the boys' eyes that said they weren't going to take now for an answer, though Rebecca could tell Russel was torn on what he wasn't going to do that she couldn't say no too.
"Found it!" Anna exclaimed and pulled Rebecca out the door.
"Oh, no you don't," Calloway said grabbing at Rebecca's arm.
Anna grabbed Rebecca's other arm and tried to get them out of the door. Much to his surprise, Russel pulled at Calloway as Rebecca twisted out of the Slytherin's grasp. There was a point when Russel wanted to grab hold of Rebecca and give her an end of the year kiss, but Rebecca and Anna took the opportunity to run out.
"Come on," Calloway ordered as he raced out of the room. Russel followed him out to see the girls disappear up the steps.
Rebecca and Anna made it up to the Gryffindor common room without getting caught by the Slytherins who were pursuing them. Neither really knew where the guys were behind them. They just wanted the portrait to close and lock them into their common room safely.
"Anna, we got to stop landing in there by accident," Rebecca commented as she and Anna tried to catch there breathes.
"Ya think?" huffed Anna half joking half not.
"Where have you two been?" Charlie and A.J. asked in unison as they rushed to them.
The girls looked at them and the rest of the Gryffindors that were in the room. Everyone had worried looks on their face even though they were relived to see them back.
Once they caught their breath, Anna and Rebecca told everyone what happened. A.J. and Charlie wrapped their arms around here girlfriends and lead them to the couch. Most people left after the Anna and Rebecca finished their story in disbelief that the girls didn't have to go to the infirmary after their little journey.
Once alone, Charlie told the two girls that while they were at Durmstang and in the Slytherin House, Ben had been back in the fire demanding to see Rebecca not believing that she wasn't back.
"He said something about you needing to come back to Beauxbatons so he could have you and you can't escape your destiny, what ever that was supposed to mean. ... I think he would have hopped out at us if all the guys from the quidditch team weren't standing there giving him the evil eye," Charlie said at the end. As Rebecca started yawn and settle her self into his arms as she had done every time that she fell asleep in his arms, Charlie added, "Come on it is getting late and I am sure that you are tired."
He didn't want to let go of Rebecca but thought she would be safer and sleep better in her room. There was something about Ben that just left Charlie with this weird feeling and a sense that he wouldn't be deterred from getting what he wanted.
'At least he doesn't know what room she is in,' Charlie thought as he started to get up.
Rebecca went up to her room reluctantly. She would have preferred to sleep on the couch in Charlie's protective embrace even if it was right by the fire where Ben could see she was back.
'I just don't like the idea that he could come through the fire. At least in Charlie's arms I feel safe. I know Ben wouldn't dare do anything if Charlie was there," Rebecca thought as she climbed into bed.
"You okay?" Sara asked seeing that Rebecca was still looking worried.
"After everything that happened tonight, I think I need a security blanket, so I sleep tonight," Rebecca somewhat joked.
"Understandable. ... I have my old stuff bear in my trunk. You want to try that?"
"Trunk..." Rebecca whispered and then smiled when she thought of what was in her trunk. "Thank you for the offer but I think I have something that will work."
She got up and got into her trunk and as Sara looked on curiously, Rebecca pulled out her Weasley sweater. She pulled it on and instantly felt better.
"Night Rebecca," Sara said with a smile.
"Night Sara!"
Rebecca woke up the next morning and couldn't believe how well she slept. The sweater had done the trick in making her feel safe. She did notice that as she got up and started to get dressed for the last breakfast at Hogwarts for the year that she felt sore and she had a good number of bruises on her legs, arms, and back. 'I can't believe Ben did this to me, introvertedly or not, she thought as she brushed her hair.
As she walked out of the bathroom, she heard Cathrine ask, "Is it me or is it sort of cold in here?"
"I feel cold too," Jacquelyn said as she walked towards the girls open window. "It feels cold outside."
Rebecca had to admit that she felt cold in just her tee-shirt too so she threw her sweater back on as she walked out of room.
"You're cold too?" Charlie asked when he saw Rebecca in the common room.
"Freezing," responded Rebecca walking right into his arms to get some of his body heat. "I don't think I have ever felt this cold in June before."
"Me too. I think I might pull my sweater out too. Did you sleep okay?"
"Oh, yeah. I slept in the sweater for security since you made me go to my bed," Rebecca smarted off and then thought for a moment before she added, "It is so weird, because I wanted to wear this last night and today I can."
As they walked out to go to breakfast, Charlie commented, "Isn't that magical?"
"You know I have had things like this happen to me even before since I started at school. Never could figure out why."
"Do you it could be your powers could be doing it then?"
"I don't see how when we come to school to learn to control them," Rebecca quietly responded wondering if Charlie wasn't right, but after a moment she jokingly added, "And besides I don't think changing the weather was ever in my scope of powers."
"Well maybe not the weather, but chalk and chalkboards might."
"I'll buy that theory since I really wanted to have something to keep us out of trouble, but I don't think I am that powerful to get all of that writing done so fast."
The two entered the Great Hall and took a seat with the rest of their friends. The group discussed there summer plans and then went to get a carriage to get to the Hogwart's Express.
Rebecca boarded the train knowing that she only had a limited number of hours to spend with Charlie and the rest of the group. It was surreal to her the idea that they wouldn't be with each other every day.
'I am so attached to them all,' Rebecca thought as she, Charlie, Greg and Sara settled into one compartment and James, Jacquelyn, Colin, and Cathrine settled into the one across the hall. 'I don't think I ever thought about not seeing Stacy everyday when we went on holiday. Maybe it is just because I am dating Charlie.'
Rebecca looked over and smiled sweetly at Charlie who smiled right back at her.
"Who wants to play exploding Snaps?" Greg asked as the train started to pull away.
They spent most of the ride to London playing games and enjoying the last freedom they had with their magic until next school term. Lauren came in seeking protection from Harvey who had followed her into the compartment her friends had gotten. He tried to come in, but soon found out that he was no match for four fifth year students.
Ryan walked by and found out the consequences for making a snide remark about how only the best purebloods were ever welcome in his house. Rebecca couldn't help but hex him to make him leave. She always did have distaste for that fact about Ryan and his family.
Russel tried to say something about his and Rebecca's date, but left when he figured out that Rebecca wasn't in a very civil mood with him.
"She will be at Ryan's during July. You can talk to her there. Explain about just wanting to talk last night. ... Oh hell you are just going to have to explain about the whole year," he muttered to himself as he walked away to find Ryan so that he could help fix the hex.
"If I didn't want my ring back," Rebecca started, but didn't finish because she wanted to move on to a different topic that would put her in a better mood.
As the quartet of friends continued the journey conversing and laughing with their other friends across the hall, Bill appeared in the entrance, looking slightly sad, but had an air of contentment about him.
"What's up Bill?" Charlie asked noticing that Bill had something to say that couldn't really wait.
"Um, nothing much. Lennon and I just broke up," the oldest Weasley announced walking in.
"Oh, Bill, are you okay?" Rebecca questioned.
"Yeah, we were having some troubles and the fact that I wasn't going to be around next year sort of was a catalyst. I mean there is no reason for us to try to stay together when we could just end up hating each other in the end. Now we are still friends and when she is out of school maybe we will try dating again."
Charlie wrapped his arms around Rebecca as he said, "Well at least you guys can be friends. I think it would be hard to go back..."
"That's because you two were dating as soon as you met," Sara sarcastically stated.
Rebecca and Charlie looked at her funny causing Greg to add, "Oh, come on you two you know that you looked like you were dating before you were dating."
Charlie started to laugh as he drew Rebecca closer and said, "I guess I always did think of her as my girl."
"Well, bro, I was thinking that maybe we could share her for a while," Bill said as he lifted Rebecca's leg so that he could sit down and have them on her lap.
"Maybe I don't want to share her."
"What you 'fraid of losing Becca to me?" Bill was teasing, but Charlie obviously thought there was some truth to it.
"He can't lose me unless he is trying to," Rebecca answered in a teasing way, but really wanted to let Charlie know that she had no intention of trading him for someone else.
Charlie kissed Rebecca as A.J. came in with Anna and Aaron. The three settled in and the conversation automatically went to quidditch.
Sara got up and went to the other cabin with Lauren. She loved the sport but found that there was little that they would say that she hadn't already heard before. Heath came in shortly after Sara left and Cathrine ventured over to get in with the team.
"I have to go do rounds," Bill said getting up to give Cathrine a seat.
"Well for once you all aren't fighting a team meeting," Wood commented when everyone seemed to quite down.
"What do we have to meet for?" Heath questioned grabbing at the exploding snaps deck. He really just wanted to play a game.
"To talk about next year?"
"Aaron, you and I aren't going to be here and they don't have to find my replacement since Becca is coming back. The only thing that is really needed is a person to take over for you, but I am sure they can find one without our help," interjected Anna.
"Oh, yeah, they can do that by themselves," Wood start looking as though what Anna was thinking they were meeting for never really crossed his arms. "I just want to make sure that they have a captain named for next year."
"It's Charlie!" Cathrine, Heath, A.J. and Greg said together causing Rebecca started to laugh.
"What's so funny Carter?"
"Sorry Wood, but I think everyone assumed that it was already taken care of and it's funny that you are the one worried about it. I mean, I haven't been with the team that long, but the way you always asked Charlie what he thought about strategies, it sort of seemed that he was being groomed to be captain. You have to admit you acted like what he said with me joining the team was the law."
"Okay, so I always thought Charlie would make a good captain, especially after I had mono and couldn't practice. As a fourth year, he showed that he was up for the job and I want to see what he can do a few years wiser."
"So does that mean that you are going to come back and watch a match?" asked Anna.
"I want to."
"Good, we'll come back together and cheer everyone on."
Aaron nodded his head happy that Anna wanted to go back for a match.
"So everyone is cool with Charlie as the new captain?"
"YES!" Anna, Rebecca, Greg, Cathrine, Heath, and A.J. screamed as they started to laugh.
"That's settles that! Charlie congratulations you are the new captain. I know I am leaving the team in good hands."
"Um, thanks everyone," Charlie said with a funny expression on his face almost as if he didn't know whether he wanted the job anymore. He had assumed he would be in the running for it, but the expectation that the group seemed to have for him as captain was higher than he ever expected.
"You'll be fine," Anna stated confidently.
"So is the meeting over?" Cathrine asked eying what was going on in the other compartment. She couldn't tell but it appeared Colin had everyone laughing with an idea for a prank and there was no way she wanted to miss out on any prank he had thought up.
"Yep," Aaron said as his final act as Captain.
As Cathrine got up to go, Heath started a game of exploding snaps with Greg and A.J. The three started talking about the world cup and about the professional teams that might make it that far.
Charlie noticed the bittersweet tone that was present in Wood's voice so he started a conversation with the ex-captain about strategy changes for the next year after all they were not the only team that was going to have new team members and there was the matter of finding Aaron's replacement.
Anna and Rebecca just smiled at each other as Aaron started listing the things that Charlie needed to be aware of for his position.
"Would you fancy a walk?" Rebecca finally asked Anna when she felt that she couldn't keep her giggles in any longer.
Both girls popped up out of their seats and said that that they would be back which fell on deaf ears since all the guys were preoccupied with talking about quidditch.
"I swear guys have one track minds," Anna laughed as she shut the door behind them. Rebecca just laughed she couldn't help but agree after what just happened. "So, Becca, how did you sleep last night?"
"Pretty good, why?"
"You weren't tossing and turning all night?"
Rebecca looked at her funny and then noticed that around Anna's eyes were bags.
"Nope, I pulled on this sweater and it seemed to keep me calm. Weren't you able to get to sleep?" Rebecca asked really concerned.
"Not overly I started to stiffen up and wasn't able to stay in one position for very long. All of those falls out of the floo network took its toll."
"I was stiff this morning and the bruises I have..."
"I know I was kind of glad it was so cold so that I could wear long sleeves without anyone asking about them."
"I didn't even think about that. ... Anyways, I wonder why I slept so well? I mean I know I threw my sweater on so I felt secure against the thoughts of Ben coming through the fire, but the soreness is throwing me for a loop now."
"Who knows? Maybe your body just shut down. You know from the stress of last night and therefore you didn't feel anything. If Calloway could get through the fire at me, I know I would have been a lot more reluctant to go to bed last night."
Rebecca was about to respond when she saw Calloway down the hall.
"Speak of the devil," was all she could say.
Anna looked in the direction of the other and both girls without a word to one another started to look for a compartment with one or more of their friends in it.
Calloway started towards the girls determined to pull Anna aside and talk with her about what she was doing after graduation. He was curious to find out where the girl of his dreams landed herself a job.
Unfortunately, for him, the girls found the compartment where Jenna, Kurt, Lennon, Kevin, Audrey, and Adam were.
"Hey mind if we come in for a second?" Rebecca asked as she and Anna came in and shut the door.
"Sure, we need a cheerful lot in here," Adam stated looking at Lennon. She didn't look too happy and what Adam said just made her madder.
"He didn't act upset at all when I suggested that we take some time off," spit back Lennon. "How would you feel if Kalie said that to you?"
"I would tell her that was fine I will see her next summer when we get back from school."
"Haha, very funny."
"Len, I think he was thinking that with him being out of school now that it was for the best," Jenna stated. "You know he would never want to hold you back from anything."
Lennon made a face as if she was torn whether Jenna thinking about the same guy.
"Actually, Lennon, Bill was just in our compartment," interjected Rebecca. "He said something about maybe you too could start dating again when you get out of school."
"So he wasn't just using a line when he said we are still friends and I will write to you?"
"Yep."
"Oh... WHAT is he doing?"
Everyone turned to see Calloway looking into the compartment. Adam got up with Kurt and Kevin and walked past Anna and Rebecca.
As the girls sunk in the empty seats, Calloway disappeared only to return with Ryan, Russel, Hans, Dan, and Sam a little later on.
"Where are they?" Jason asked.
"Anna and Rebecca left to go back to their compartment. They just wanted to say good bye to us," Lennon piped in.
Calloway left in a huff with Hans, Dan, and Sam close behind. Russel was going to leave and go back to their compartment, but he noticed that Ryan just staring at Lennon.
"Ryan?" he asked to snap his friend back to reality.
"Oh, right," Ryan said slightly startled. "Have a good holiday everyone. Lennon."
"Ryan."
Ryan nodded at Lennon and then walked away.
"What is up with him?" Jenna asked when Ryan was out of ear shoot.
"Don't know," Lennon dreamily said trying to see if she could get another glimpse of Ryan. Jenna just giggled at her friend.
Suddenly, Rebecca and Anna appeared in the compartment.
"That was a close call," Anna whispered.
"Yep," responded Rebecca. "Thanks for the quick thinking Adam!"
"No problem," Adam responded in his deep voice and then teasingly added, "Can't believe you two didn't think of it faster."
"Anyways," Rebecca said ignoring him. "Have fun during the holidays!"
Anna and Rebecca walked out of the Ravenclaw's compartment so that they could enjoy the rest of the ride with their friends from Gryffindor.
Charlie, Rebecca, and the rest of the gang jumped off in good moods and excited to see their families. Rebecca found herself being introduced to everyone's parents.
Lauren's parents came first. They couldn't stop thanking Rebecca for watching out for their little girl while she was at Hogwart's. As her parents thanked Rebecca one more time, Lauren thanked the guys who watched out for her the last couple of weeks.
After being thanked for the millionth time, James pulled Rebecca away. His parents were excited to meet her. Apparently both James and Jacquelyn had written them telling about Rebecca and the dance lesson.
"Oh, dear, it is so nice that you could keep James up with his dancing," Jame's mother commented after giving Rebecca a hug.
"I hear that you got Jacquelyn up to speed so that we all can go out dancing," added Jame's father.
When Rebecca met Cathrine and Colin's family, Rebecca found herself in midst of a whole crew of jokesters. She swore her sides were ready to split open.
One by one everyone took off with there families, until it was down to meeting Charlie's family. Rebecca about died laughing when Charlie tried to formally introduce her to his parents and his mother flat out interrupted with, "I know this is Rebecca she is wearing the sweater I made her. ... Now dear, if you need anything at all don't hesitate to owl us. Also feel free to stop by at any time."
"Thank you very much," Rebecca sweetly responded as she thought, 'The Weasley's are so much friendlier than the Malfoy's. I am so glad I am Charlie's Girl.'
She couldn't help but smile bigger. She felt so at ease with Charlie and his family and it made her so happy to feel that way.
"Now, dear, we do expect you to spend some time with us sometime this summer," insisted Mr. Weasley.
"Of course," Rebecca sweetly responded.
After telling the Weasleys good-bye along with giving Bill a hug and then kissing Charlie, Rebecca turned to see Ryan along with his mother and father waiting for her. They didn't look like a very friendly lot compared to the Weasley.
'This ought to be an interesting summer,' was all Rebecca could think as she followed the Malfoy's off Platform 9 ¾.