A/N Thanks to my reviewers: (to all you readers, please review)
SolaStar- sorry about the format. When I loaded the chapter I forgot to edit it on fanfiction. I was so tired by the end I couldn't be bothered. I hope this chapter will be better for you. Cheers.
Disclaimer: Nope, don't own no nothing...
Chapter 4: A Trio Plus One
As Dumbledore quietly left the room, Leia was left alone to think. This would have been the first time she had time to herself in which she was allowed to do so.
Her head had stopped throbbing but she was left the the memories of the previous days. For the past months, Leia often wished she could not remember. She could still see the flames, the intensity of their burning. How their screams were deafening, ever continuous inside her head. Memories would often lead to other memories that would lead to others. It was cycle, never stopping.
Leia shook her head to clear it. She had to remember this, for the sake of her Aunt. Leia felt a terrible aching when thinking about her lost Aunt. She had only stayed with her for a little while but her mother's sister always made her welcome and loved. After she left the burning house, several Ministry officials took her to a place. A hospital, Leia supposed, to ensure she did not suffer any injuries. The scene was chillingly familiar, the same grief surrounding her, the same empty reassurances. She was, however, grateful to have Docha with her. Docha was her uncle, her father's brother. He was comforting but he was just as shaken as she was.
Leia got out of bed and retrieved the pile of books that the Headmaster had left behind. Before leaving, he had informed her that she would continue her magical education at Hogwarts, as a transfer student. Thinking back she remembered how Dumbledore told her that-
"It is not usually in our custom to take aboard transfer students. Not many people have a liking for us," the old Headmaster said- his eyes twinkling. "But for you my dear, I think we can make an exception."
She had just finished "Hogwarts: A History" and was halfway through "Standard Book of Spells Grade 6" when she heard a ear-splitting shrieking coming from downstairs.
Leia was jolted from her reading by what sounded like a woman screaming or more exactly, screeching. She couldn't make out what exactly she was shouting about.
The banshee-like screaming was joined by someone else shouting. This new voice was also a woman's but Leia could tell it had come from somewhere closer to her room.
"Ronald Weasley! What have you done? I have you know the last time she was woken it took me a whole twenty minutes to calm her! Twenty minutes!"
Leia looked towards the door with uncertainty. As if it had known of her thoughts, it swung open and a short plump woman with a very kind face entered into the room. She had bright eyes and was smiling warmly at Leia.
"Leia dear, I'm Molly Weasley," she greeted her. "Never mind the screaming. With that crazy bat and everything else happening here, you'll eventually get used to it. Why don't you come down and get something to eat. "
Leia didn't even ask how the woman had known her name. Leia suspected that people here knew a lot more then they let on. However, the woman also seemed very kind.
"Oh, thankyou. I am a little hungry," Leia replied gratefully. She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten.
"Very good, I'll just tidy up this room and we'll go done in a jiffy," Mrs Weasley told her.
"You don't have to..." Leia started but she knew that Mrs Weasley had paid no attention. The woman continued tidying up shelves and neatening up piles of books.
"Hogwarts," she said fondly. "I 'spect you'll enjoy it. I got two there at the moment. Ron, my son, will watch out for you."
Leia said nothing. This was one more thing to worry about. She was to go to a new school, have new friends, new classes. The whole prospect was suddenly very frightening.
Mrs Weasley seemed to have sensed her unwillingness to talk about it so she led them out of the room. They walked down a few dark corridors, where the walls were decorated with numerous dark instruments, which Leia had no intention on finding out what they were used for.
"We've been trying to get rid of those for months now," muttered Mrs Weasley next to her. "They have some sort of anti-removing charm."
After what seemed like five minutes of trudging through dark corridors and stairs they arrived in the kitchen. There were three people, whom Leia suspected were her age, a thin balding man as well as a young witch with electric blue hair, sitting at a long wooden table.
As soon they entered into the kitchen it went silent. The occupants of the table just stared at them or more specifically her. Leia felt her cheeks going red. She really hated this kind of spotlight. It started after her parent's death, reporters asking annoying questions, asking for photographs and exclusive interviews.
Leia was too tired and emotionally drained to stare defiantly back at them so she just satisfied herself by not looking at them at all. She just stared at the centre of the table where there two mugs of tea.
The silence was broken by the sound of Mrs Weasley reassuring voice.
"Arthur dear, this is Leia."
She was introduced to a tall thin man who bore an expression of great excitement.
"I heard you attended a muggle school at one stage?" he asked enthusiastically.
"Ah, yes I did. When I was younger," Leia replied confused.
"I'd expect no less from the daughter of Carlos Colhen. I admired him very much, his policies on muggle relations were truly revolutionary..."
He was quickly interrupted by Mrs Weasley who continued the introductions.
"And Leia, this is my husband Arthur Weasley." she said, shooting him a warning glare.
"Meet Ron, my youngest son, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter- his best friends"
The three of them turned towards her. Ron and Harry grinned and the girl called Hermione, smiled warmly.
Leia only glanced briefly at Harry . She knew who he was. Everyone knew who he was, but she wasn't going to make him feel uncomfortable. She knew what it felt like, to be continuously watched.
"And this is Nymphadora Tonks," Mrs Weasley was pointing to the girl with the blue hair, in closer proximity, Leia noticed she had a red nose.
"Just Tonks thanks," glaring at Mrs Weasley. "Sorry, got the summer cold. Don't get to close."
After finishing her sentence she sneezed and to Leia's horror and amusement, Tonk's blue hair changed in a mass of black curls. She seemed to have noticed Leia's shocked expression.
"I'm a Metamorphmagus. I can't control anything when I'm sick," she explained sniffling.
Harry, Ron and Hermione sat at the end of the table watching the newcomer.
"She's a bit shy," Harry said quietly.
"I think there is a lot more to her than that," Hermione replied, also speaking quietly. "Did you hear what your dad said Ron? She must be the Minister's daughter. She has been through a lot."
Harry looked at the Leia. She looked around his age with dark wavy hair, olive skin and doe eyes, which had just widened when informed of Tonk's talent. She was clearly impressed.
"I wonder what's she's like, though?" asked Ron.
"Maybe we'll get to know her more," Hermione said.
After being introduced to all those present (Mr Weasley excused himself due to prior engagements) Leia sat down in an empty chair, away from the others. However, Harry Potter and the other two came to sit next to her. She could feel their eyes on her; she supposed they couldn't help it. They were probably as curious about her as she was about them.
Leia didn't kept quiet, not really knowing what to say. The others kept exchanging glances.
The bushy haired girl, Hermione, eventually broke the silence.
"Hi Leia, sorry I didn't catch you're last name?"
"Colhen," Leia replied dreading the reaction.
Hermione's eyes widened in recognition of that name. However, she did not dwell on this for very long for which Leia was very grateful.
"Have you visited England before?" Hermione asked, deciding that a impersonal question would be most appropriate.
" Yes, a long time ago. I remember it being very nice. My family and I came..." she broke off suddenly.
Hermione quickly changed the subject, noticing the pain the topic had obviously caused her.
"How old are you, Leia?" she asked quickly.
"I'll be 16 soon"
Leia found she could easily talk to Hermione, who she found was extremely intelligent. After ten minutes a red-haired girl entered into the kitchen. Her mother spotted her and introduced her to Leia.
"Hello, I'm Ginny," the girl said brightly.
"Leia," she replied.
The two girls smiled when Harry and Ron informed them they were going upstairs.
"We'll all come with you," said Hermione motioning Leia to follow.
Leia felt hesistant. She still didn't feel entirely comfortable with these unknown people but she followed. She hadn't really had the company of people her own age at home since, "that night". She swallowed these thoughts. Telling herself to make new friends and move on. Easier said than done.
The group filed into the boys' room. Harry and Ron were joking around and they sat down and began to discuss Quidditch matches.
"Now that that Umbridge woman is gone, you're ban will be lifted." Ron said happily.
Harry nodded also very excited.
The girls settled down next to them. The conversation turned serious when Harry picked up the Daily Prophet and eyed an article about possible threats and attacks.
"They think attacks will start at Hogwarts," Harry read.
"When will they ever learn?" Hermione muttered.
"What?" Ron asked. "It's possible. Deatheaters could turn up in class one day and blow the teacher's head off."
Hermione glared at him. "Ron, how many times do I have to tell you? You can't..." she broke off in annoyance at seeing Ron's confused face.
Leia decided to help her out as the frizzy haired girl seemed aggravated beyond words.
"You can't apparate or disapparate in the side the castle," Leia informed him politely.
The rest of the group looked at her in awe.
"How'd you know that?" Ron asked shocked.
"Well," Leia replied, guessing that she would tell them. "It says so in Hogwarts: A History."
Harry grinned at her. "Hermione, looks like you found yourself a new friend."
He and Ron laughed. Leia looked at Hermione who was also laughing. She thought, maybe she had found a new friend.
A/N. I know you guys will hate me. Its just that I need to do all this. The friendship sounded a bit corny but I always thought that Hermione needed a female friend who was just as smart and loved reading as much as she did. PLEASE (please) review.