Author's Notes- Hey, all. Me again. This is chapter 29 (wow, really, I had
no idea!). In our last chap, Sarah's mom and sister showed up at the
apartment to everyone's complete surprise. I was originally going to title
this chap: Fighting in the Dark, but I changed my mind. So that's the
subtitle! Hehe! I don't think I'll say much in this Author's Note, so do
continue. READ AND REVIEW!!!
Disclaimer- I own nothing. It all belongs to the Great and Wonderful Harry Potter people. I am not one of them. And I am NOT getting paid. So don't sue me. Not that you'd get very much anyway.
Erika – The Legacy of Lily and James
"Mom?" Sarah shouted, surprised.
"Sarah, thank goodness, I'd thought we had the wrong place," the older woman said.
We all stared. Sarah jumped up, nearly knocking over the glasses we had spread out on the coffee table.
"Um, everyone, this is my mom and little sister, Becky," Sarah said, "Mom, Beck, this is Harry, Ron, and Erika."
There was a series of "pleased to meet you"s, followed by an awkward silence.
Finally, Sarah asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Well, when I heard about the attack a few days ago, I was terribly worried. So your sister and I decided it was time we come and meet everyone," Mrs. Johnson told her daughter.
Sarah hissed, "Mom, I'm fine."
"Yes, yes, I know," Mrs. Johnson replied, "Now, which one of you is Harry Potter?"
"That'd be me," my brother said.
Mrs. Johnson looked at his forehead, and said, "Ah, yes, of course. Hello, dear. And you must be Erika. You look a great deal like your brother. And that means you must be Ron."
We all nodded.
"How did you know I was over here?" Sarah asked.
"Your room-mate told us. We just got in," Mrs. Johnson replied.
"Well," Sarah said, "How long are you here for?"
"We need to be back by mid-September. Mom wants to help you plan the wedding," Becky answered.
Over a month away, I thought.
Harry, who was standing with Sarah, offered them some drinks. Ron and I gave up our seats and sat on the floor. The six of us sat down in the living room.
While Harry and Sarah got us drinks, Mrs. Johnson started talking to me.
"Erika, don't you go to Hogwarts?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"Yes, I'll be entering my third year in September," I answered.
"Albus Dumbledore is your headmaster, right?" Becky asked.
I nodded, "He's the best Headmaster Hogwarts has ever had. We really like him."
"That's what Sarah said. And this You-Know-Who figure, he's quite dangerous?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
So he hasn't quite reached America yet, I thought.
But I nodded, glumly, "Yes. He killed my parents, their friends, and my best friend's little siser. And that's not even an eight of everyone he's killed."
Mrs. Johnson went white, and shivered.
"But we're safe here, right?" Becky asked.
I shrugged, "I suppose. I'm not dead yet, am I? And I'm not far from the top on his list. Harry's higher up than I am. He really wants Harry dead. He's tried to kill us both a good many times. I've never seen him, but Harry has."
"Erika, don't scare my family," Sarah said, handing out drinks.
"It's all right," Becky protested, "I want to know. If you've never seen him, how has he tried to kill you?"
"He's sent his heir a few times, but I've managed to get away. Plus they tried to poison me last year," I said.
"Oh, dear," Mrs. Johnson whispered.
I nodded, "Yeah, it can get pretty bad."
"Mom," Sarah said, "Harry, Ron, and I have to leave soon. But you can stay here with Erika while we're gone, if you want. Where are you staying?"
"Our things are at your apartment," Mrs. Johnson said, "We'll wait here for you, though. How long will you be gone?"
Sarah shrugged, "We don't know. The Order has to take care of some things."
"No fighting tonight, I hope?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"I don't think so, Mom. But you never know. Don't worry, that's not what we're going for, though," Sarah answered.
After we finished our drinks Sarah, Ron, and Harry left. Harry made me promise not to scare Sarah's family too much before he left.
"Why not? They should know," I said.
"Erika, Sarah doesn't want them to get worried too much," Harry told me.
I frowned, "Fudge lied to the magical community for a year. We're doing the same thing by not telling him how bad he really is."
Harry sighed, "Tell them only as much as you have to, then, and only if they ask."
I still wasn't happy with that, but I promised to do as he told.
Mrs. Johnson and Becky said goodbye to Sarah, and then the three of us sat back down in the living room.
"Ginny'll be here soon," I said, off-handedly.
"Ginny? Who's she?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"Oh, Ginny's Ron's little brother. Since her mum won't let her join the Order yet (she insists she's too young), Ginny's been assigned the task to keep me company while Harry, Ron, and Sarah are doing Order business. She's really supposed to watch me, though," I said.
"Why?" Becky asked.
I grinned, "Because I have a tendency to be a bit too gulliable and fall into traps."
"What?" Mrs. Johnson asked, taken back.
I nodded, "You read the story in the Daily Prophet, I'm sure, about me being corned by Ruth Riddle. Yeah, well, that's because she sent me an owl saying she had Harry captive and was going to kill him. Naturally, I ran right out to rescue him, fell into a trap, and nearly got myself killed. Plus, I lost the protection charm Dumbledore'd put on me. So Ginny's supposed to come over whenever there's Order business that would result in my being left alone, make sure I don't do anything stupid that could get me killed."
I had said this all pretty cheerfully, but Mrs. Johnson and Becky just stared, both a little white.
I couldn't help but laugh.
"Welcome to Britian," I said, still laughing.
Ginny appeared a few minutes later, looking very exhausted. She started to say something, but stopped when she saw Mrs. Johnson and Becky.
"Ginny, this is Sarah's mum and sister, Becky," I said.
Ginny waved a little, and replied, "Hullo."
"Hi," Mrs. Johnson said while Becky smiled and repeated what her mum had said.
"They've come to visit Sarah, who had to go to the meeting," I said.
Ginny nodded, "Oh. Okay. Well, I hope Erika here hasn't been boring you. That would be dreadful."
"She hasn't, trust me," Becky whispered.
Ginny shot me a look.
"I've been telling them all about the Voldemort situation," I said.
Ginny shivered, but shook her head, "Erika, I really think we should stick to pleasanter subjects."
"Like bunnies?" I suggested.
Silence. I shrugged.
"Is this your first time in London?" Ginny asked.
"No, I came here once when I was younger. Diagon Alley hasn't changed much. But this is Becky's first time here. She just graduated from Merlin Academy in the US. She starts work in September, that's when we have to be back," Mrs. Johnson explained.
"Meg should be here soon," I announced, a slight bit off-topic.
"Meg?" Becky asked.
I nodded, "My best friend, Megan. She's supposed to join Ginny and I whenever this happens."
"Is she the Megan in the newspaper?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"Yeah," I replied.
Yet again, Mrs. Johnson went white, a fascinating sight, really. I was terribly amused.
"She's a good person. Slightly reserved and quiet at times," Ginny said.
Becky nodded, "I've read about her in the papers Mom's brought home."
"That's to be expected," Ginny said.
I laughed.
"This Megan . . . she's . . . er . . . You-Know-Who's granddaughter?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"Yes. Megan Riddle. 'Course she's been disowned for running away and passing information to Dumbledore, so he wants to kill her, too," I explained.
"Goodness," Mrs. Johnson whispered.
"Erika! You're scaring her!" Ginny hissed.
"She should know. Lying to people won't make everything better. It'll only make it worse. People should know what they're facing, else they won't be able to help themselves!" I prosted.
"I'm not saying they shouldn't, Erika. I'm just tellin gyou not to scare them!" Ginny replied.
"I'm not tryin to scare them. I'm just tryin to tell them the truth. Because we have to fight it, and you can't fight well in the dark!" I said.
Everyone was silent. I sat back and sighed.
"I'm sorry. It's just that . . . Voldemort was ruining my life from the day I was born. He killed my parents, and it's because of him I spent the first eleven years of my life in an orphanage without my brother. I get a little . . . sensative on the topic," I explained, quietly.
Mrs. Johnson smiled, and whispered, "It's all right, dear. We understand. You've had a hard life."
"What time is it?" Becky asked.
We all looked to the clock. It was ten-thirty.
"Mom, you look exhausted. Why don't you go back to Sarah's?" Becky suggested.
That was true. Mrs. Johnson didn't look to good.
"Becky can stay here, if she wants. I'd be fine," I added.
Mrs. Johnson nodded, "All right, but only for a little while. Becky, not too late."
"I promise, Mom. Good night!" Becky called.
"Good bye, Erika, Ginny. It was nice to finally meet you both," Mrs. Johnson called, and Disapparated.
"I hope I didn't upset her too much," I whispered.
"No, you're right," Becky whispered, "She should know. 'Sides, she'll get over it, though I expect she'll hope Sarah'll change her mind and come home."
I laughed.
A minute later Meg appeared on the hearth.
"Sorry I'm late. I had to finish the dishes for Anya," Meg told us.
"Meg," I said, "This is Becky, Sarah's sister. She's in London with her mum to surprise Sarah."
Meg smiled, "Pleased to meet you."
Becky nodded. Meg sat down and we were all silent.
"Do you know how long this meeting is supposed to take?" Meg asked.
"A few hours, maybe. They have to find out who's been telling the press about you guys. The Daily Prophet can be rad by anyone, and the Order can't risk the wrong, dangerous, information getting out, like who's in the Order. So they have to find whoever told the Prophet," Ginny explained.
"What do you think'll happen to them?" I asked.
Ginny shrugged, "Modify their memory and turn 'em out of the Order, I'd think. They'd have someone keep an eye on them, of course."
"That seems reasonable," Becky agreed, "Why aren't you all in the Order?"
"Meg and I are too young . . ."I started.
Ginny interuptted, "And my mum won't let me join. Our whole family's in the order, basically. And I'm the only daughter. Mum wouldn't let me. Fred and George have really been trying to get Mum to give in, but she keeps saying no. It's getting very annoying."
"So they assigned her the job of 'protecting' us," I added.
Ginny nodded.
"Well, at least they aren't hard to 'protect'," Becky replied.
I laughed, "Oh, you'd be surprised how much trouble we can get into."
At eleven Becky went back to Sarah's apartment. Ginny, Meg, and I watched some stupid TV shows until Harry and Ron came back. Meg left, and Ginny followed a second later.
"So, what happened?" I asked.
"It was a relatively new member, graduated the same year as Fred and George," Harry told me, "Admitted right away. We modified his memory."
Just like Ginny said they would.
"That's all?" I asked.
Harry nodded, "Yes. Now, I have training tomorrow, so I'm going to bed."
"Night, then," I said.
Harry and Ron went off to bed. I sat in the living room for a few minutes, and then went to bed myself.
"Erika!" Megan shouted, "Erika, come on! We still have to get our books!"
"Just for a few minutes, I promise!" I called over my shoulder.
We were in Diagon Alley to get our school supplies. Anya, Harry, Sarah, and Becky were off somewhere with Mrs. Johnson torturing them with wedding-talk.
"Erika!" Meg protested.
I stopped in front of Quality Quidditch Supplies and looked at the front window. Meg caught up with me and stood beside me.
"Fine, but only for a few minutes. We still have to get our books," Meg reminded me.
I nodded, "I know."
We walked into the store, which was crowded with people.
"What do you want to look at?" Meg asked.
I shrugged, "I dunno. I just wanted to avoid going to the Leaky Cauldron. You know, Mrs. Johnson's all upset because Sarah hasn't picked out a wedding dress yet. And don't say anything about setting a date!"
"I take it you don't like her," Meg said.
"No, no, I like her. She's really nice. She made us breakfast this morning. I think it's just because this is her first daughter's wedding and she wants everything to be perfect," I said, "It's just getting kind of annoying, but in a good way."
Meg nodded, "I get it. Mother-like annoying."
"I guess. I wouldn't really know," I replied, picking up something off the shelves and putting it back.
"Me either. I hardly ever saw my mother. I just heard it about it books and stuff," Meg whispered.
I grinned, "Ah the woes of us."
Meg nodded, "Woes. Our list of complaints never end."
We started laughing, and left the shop. We ran to get our books and met everyone at the Leaky Cauldron.
"Erika, we're going to go look a dresses tomorrow, okay?" Sarah asked.
I nodded, "Sure."
"Good. Come over to Sarah's at nine, then," Mrs. Johnson said.
"Okay," I replied.
"Did you get your supplies?" Anya asked as we sat down at the table with everyone else.
Meg and I pulled out our books in response. Harry looked down at them.
"Divination?" he asked, "Good luck. Trelawney's a nut."
"Dumbledore wants me to take it," Meg explained, "Sharpen my skills and the like. He thinks Professor Trelawney might be able to help me understand what I See."
Harry laughed, "Trelawney can't even understand what she Sees."
"I know, but she's the closest thing I've got to help," Meg said.
No one could really argue that, or they didn't want to, so that conversation ended.
The next day I woke up early and dressed in some Muggle clothes. Harry was waiting for me in the kitchen (Ron was asleep, I could hear him snoring).
"Erika, don't forget your wand," Harry aid, the first thing when I walked in.
"Oh, yeah, 'cause I'm allowed to do magic outside of school," I replied, sarcastically, and rolled my eyes.
"Really, Erika, just in case," Harry said.
I sighed, but tucked my wand into my jacket. Since I was running a little late, my breakfast consisted of some toast before I jumped into some floo-powdered flames.
Mrs. Johnson, Becky, Sarah, and Sarah's roomate, Jackie, were waiting for me.
"Come on. We'll miss our first appointment," Mrs. Johnson said.
The five of us jammed into Jackie's car and headed around London.
Although Mrs. Johnson could be a bit annoying, she and I had just about the same taste in clothes. When a saleswoman tried to get me into a horrid green and brown thing (to call it a dress would be insulting it), Mrs. Johnson had a fit So with a ll five of liking just about the same clothes, the morning went by fast.
* * *
Earlier that day
Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were enjoying their quiet apartment and temporary peace by getting some work done.
Erika had left early that morning, before Ron had even woke up. And although she wasn't too burdensome, when she was bored, she made it clear.
Harry and Ron were sitting at the kitchen table, pouring over some books and papers.
Suddenly, Megan Riddle was standing in the fireplace. She looked like she had just woken up.
"Where's Erika?" she asked, stepping away from the fireplace so Anya, who followed her, could come out.
"She went shopping with Sarah and the others," Harry told her.
Anya said something not considered polite.
"We have to find her," Meg said, "I had a vision last night. Death Eaters... in London. They're angry. They're looking for Erika."
* * *
That afternoon
As told by Erika Rose Potter
We had eaten lunch, and visited another shop. We were all having fun, watching Sarah be put through horrors as she tried on dresses, and then pushed it onto the rest of us.
We were leaving the shop when I saw Anya and Meg running down the street towards us. I grabbed Sarah's arm and pointed. The five of us were standing outside one of the shops, and everyone stopped.
"Erika!" Meg hissed when she caught up to us.
"Meg? Anya? What are you guys doing here? What's going on?" I asked.
"We have to get you out of here, all of you. Meg Saw last night. There are Death Eaters looking around London for you," Anya explained.
I gasped, "What?"
"Yeah. Come on. We can go to the Order's headquarters. You'll be safe enough there, until we can find the others. The Weasleys and Ron are all out looking for you," Anya told us.
"Where is it?" I asked.
"Not far," was all Anya would say.
We walked as fast as we could, looking around us frantically, hoping with all our lives that we wouldn't see some figures in dark robes anywhere near us.
Anya led us to a street, with a bunch of rundown houses. She took out a little piece of paper, and handed it to me.
"Read, memorize, and pass it on," she hissed.
I quickly read the note. "The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix can be found at number 12 Grimmauld Place." I passed it on, and everyone in the group read it. Anya took it back, and then lit it on fire.
"Think about what you just memorized," Anya hissed.
And, then, suddenly, between two houses was another, and on the doorway was the number 12.
"Get in, get in, hurry!" Anya hissed.
We quickly did as told, and found ourselves standing in a gloomy entrance hallway.
Ginny was waiting for us.
"They found you. Good," she said.
Anya turned to us, "I'll be back. Ginny, take them into the kitchen. Get them some tea or something."
"Where are you going?" Meg asked.
"To see Dumbledore. I have to tell him what happened," Anya said.
She left through a side door, and Ginny led us into the kitchen.
"Well," I said as we sat down at a little table, "This place is definetely... er... cheerfuly."
Ginny grinned, "You should've seen it when the Order first started using it. We've managed to clean out most of the stuff."
"What do you mean?" I asked, "What sort of stuff?"
Ginny just laughed, and offered us all tea.
A few minutes later someone opened the door and Ginny ran out into the hallway.
"Yes, they're here," she called.
Harry and Ron came into the kitchen, and saw us.
"Great. You all are okay, right?" Harry asked.
We all nodded.
Ginny explained everything to Harry and Ron, and eventually the rest of the Weasleys (who arrived soon afterwards). Meanwhile, I turned my attention to the Johnsons.
Mrs. Johnson looked pale. What I had just explained to her a few nights before was hitting reality hard. We had just run for our lives, something Mrs. Johnson was very new at.
"Well," I said, "Welcome to London."
Author's Notes- Well, that's all! Finally! Sorry about the long time lapse between updates, but I've been really busy. My season's just about over, so I'll have more time to type, promise! Thanks to all my diligent reviewers, you guys are the best! I owe you one (or maybe 2 or 3 or 4...)! I hope you enjoyed this chap. I'll see you guys later. Review!!!
Any additional comments can be received by me at StarlightEve111@aol.com
Disclaimer- I own nothing. It all belongs to the Great and Wonderful Harry Potter people. I am not one of them. And I am NOT getting paid. So don't sue me. Not that you'd get very much anyway.
Erika – The Legacy of Lily and James
"Mom?" Sarah shouted, surprised.
"Sarah, thank goodness, I'd thought we had the wrong place," the older woman said.
We all stared. Sarah jumped up, nearly knocking over the glasses we had spread out on the coffee table.
"Um, everyone, this is my mom and little sister, Becky," Sarah said, "Mom, Beck, this is Harry, Ron, and Erika."
There was a series of "pleased to meet you"s, followed by an awkward silence.
Finally, Sarah asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Well, when I heard about the attack a few days ago, I was terribly worried. So your sister and I decided it was time we come and meet everyone," Mrs. Johnson told her daughter.
Sarah hissed, "Mom, I'm fine."
"Yes, yes, I know," Mrs. Johnson replied, "Now, which one of you is Harry Potter?"
"That'd be me," my brother said.
Mrs. Johnson looked at his forehead, and said, "Ah, yes, of course. Hello, dear. And you must be Erika. You look a great deal like your brother. And that means you must be Ron."
We all nodded.
"How did you know I was over here?" Sarah asked.
"Your room-mate told us. We just got in," Mrs. Johnson replied.
"Well," Sarah said, "How long are you here for?"
"We need to be back by mid-September. Mom wants to help you plan the wedding," Becky answered.
Over a month away, I thought.
Harry, who was standing with Sarah, offered them some drinks. Ron and I gave up our seats and sat on the floor. The six of us sat down in the living room.
While Harry and Sarah got us drinks, Mrs. Johnson started talking to me.
"Erika, don't you go to Hogwarts?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"Yes, I'll be entering my third year in September," I answered.
"Albus Dumbledore is your headmaster, right?" Becky asked.
I nodded, "He's the best Headmaster Hogwarts has ever had. We really like him."
"That's what Sarah said. And this You-Know-Who figure, he's quite dangerous?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
So he hasn't quite reached America yet, I thought.
But I nodded, glumly, "Yes. He killed my parents, their friends, and my best friend's little siser. And that's not even an eight of everyone he's killed."
Mrs. Johnson went white, and shivered.
"But we're safe here, right?" Becky asked.
I shrugged, "I suppose. I'm not dead yet, am I? And I'm not far from the top on his list. Harry's higher up than I am. He really wants Harry dead. He's tried to kill us both a good many times. I've never seen him, but Harry has."
"Erika, don't scare my family," Sarah said, handing out drinks.
"It's all right," Becky protested, "I want to know. If you've never seen him, how has he tried to kill you?"
"He's sent his heir a few times, but I've managed to get away. Plus they tried to poison me last year," I said.
"Oh, dear," Mrs. Johnson whispered.
I nodded, "Yeah, it can get pretty bad."
"Mom," Sarah said, "Harry, Ron, and I have to leave soon. But you can stay here with Erika while we're gone, if you want. Where are you staying?"
"Our things are at your apartment," Mrs. Johnson said, "We'll wait here for you, though. How long will you be gone?"
Sarah shrugged, "We don't know. The Order has to take care of some things."
"No fighting tonight, I hope?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"I don't think so, Mom. But you never know. Don't worry, that's not what we're going for, though," Sarah answered.
After we finished our drinks Sarah, Ron, and Harry left. Harry made me promise not to scare Sarah's family too much before he left.
"Why not? They should know," I said.
"Erika, Sarah doesn't want them to get worried too much," Harry told me.
I frowned, "Fudge lied to the magical community for a year. We're doing the same thing by not telling him how bad he really is."
Harry sighed, "Tell them only as much as you have to, then, and only if they ask."
I still wasn't happy with that, but I promised to do as he told.
Mrs. Johnson and Becky said goodbye to Sarah, and then the three of us sat back down in the living room.
"Ginny'll be here soon," I said, off-handedly.
"Ginny? Who's she?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"Oh, Ginny's Ron's little brother. Since her mum won't let her join the Order yet (she insists she's too young), Ginny's been assigned the task to keep me company while Harry, Ron, and Sarah are doing Order business. She's really supposed to watch me, though," I said.
"Why?" Becky asked.
I grinned, "Because I have a tendency to be a bit too gulliable and fall into traps."
"What?" Mrs. Johnson asked, taken back.
I nodded, "You read the story in the Daily Prophet, I'm sure, about me being corned by Ruth Riddle. Yeah, well, that's because she sent me an owl saying she had Harry captive and was going to kill him. Naturally, I ran right out to rescue him, fell into a trap, and nearly got myself killed. Plus, I lost the protection charm Dumbledore'd put on me. So Ginny's supposed to come over whenever there's Order business that would result in my being left alone, make sure I don't do anything stupid that could get me killed."
I had said this all pretty cheerfully, but Mrs. Johnson and Becky just stared, both a little white.
I couldn't help but laugh.
"Welcome to Britian," I said, still laughing.
Ginny appeared a few minutes later, looking very exhausted. She started to say something, but stopped when she saw Mrs. Johnson and Becky.
"Ginny, this is Sarah's mum and sister, Becky," I said.
Ginny waved a little, and replied, "Hullo."
"Hi," Mrs. Johnson said while Becky smiled and repeated what her mum had said.
"They've come to visit Sarah, who had to go to the meeting," I said.
Ginny nodded, "Oh. Okay. Well, I hope Erika here hasn't been boring you. That would be dreadful."
"She hasn't, trust me," Becky whispered.
Ginny shot me a look.
"I've been telling them all about the Voldemort situation," I said.
Ginny shivered, but shook her head, "Erika, I really think we should stick to pleasanter subjects."
"Like bunnies?" I suggested.
Silence. I shrugged.
"Is this your first time in London?" Ginny asked.
"No, I came here once when I was younger. Diagon Alley hasn't changed much. But this is Becky's first time here. She just graduated from Merlin Academy in the US. She starts work in September, that's when we have to be back," Mrs. Johnson explained.
"Meg should be here soon," I announced, a slight bit off-topic.
"Meg?" Becky asked.
I nodded, "My best friend, Megan. She's supposed to join Ginny and I whenever this happens."
"Is she the Megan in the newspaper?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"Yeah," I replied.
Yet again, Mrs. Johnson went white, a fascinating sight, really. I was terribly amused.
"She's a good person. Slightly reserved and quiet at times," Ginny said.
Becky nodded, "I've read about her in the papers Mom's brought home."
"That's to be expected," Ginny said.
I laughed.
"This Megan . . . she's . . . er . . . You-Know-Who's granddaughter?" Mrs. Johnson asked.
"Yes. Megan Riddle. 'Course she's been disowned for running away and passing information to Dumbledore, so he wants to kill her, too," I explained.
"Goodness," Mrs. Johnson whispered.
"Erika! You're scaring her!" Ginny hissed.
"She should know. Lying to people won't make everything better. It'll only make it worse. People should know what they're facing, else they won't be able to help themselves!" I prosted.
"I'm not saying they shouldn't, Erika. I'm just tellin gyou not to scare them!" Ginny replied.
"I'm not tryin to scare them. I'm just tryin to tell them the truth. Because we have to fight it, and you can't fight well in the dark!" I said.
Everyone was silent. I sat back and sighed.
"I'm sorry. It's just that . . . Voldemort was ruining my life from the day I was born. He killed my parents, and it's because of him I spent the first eleven years of my life in an orphanage without my brother. I get a little . . . sensative on the topic," I explained, quietly.
Mrs. Johnson smiled, and whispered, "It's all right, dear. We understand. You've had a hard life."
"What time is it?" Becky asked.
We all looked to the clock. It was ten-thirty.
"Mom, you look exhausted. Why don't you go back to Sarah's?" Becky suggested.
That was true. Mrs. Johnson didn't look to good.
"Becky can stay here, if she wants. I'd be fine," I added.
Mrs. Johnson nodded, "All right, but only for a little while. Becky, not too late."
"I promise, Mom. Good night!" Becky called.
"Good bye, Erika, Ginny. It was nice to finally meet you both," Mrs. Johnson called, and Disapparated.
"I hope I didn't upset her too much," I whispered.
"No, you're right," Becky whispered, "She should know. 'Sides, she'll get over it, though I expect she'll hope Sarah'll change her mind and come home."
I laughed.
A minute later Meg appeared on the hearth.
"Sorry I'm late. I had to finish the dishes for Anya," Meg told us.
"Meg," I said, "This is Becky, Sarah's sister. She's in London with her mum to surprise Sarah."
Meg smiled, "Pleased to meet you."
Becky nodded. Meg sat down and we were all silent.
"Do you know how long this meeting is supposed to take?" Meg asked.
"A few hours, maybe. They have to find out who's been telling the press about you guys. The Daily Prophet can be rad by anyone, and the Order can't risk the wrong, dangerous, information getting out, like who's in the Order. So they have to find whoever told the Prophet," Ginny explained.
"What do you think'll happen to them?" I asked.
Ginny shrugged, "Modify their memory and turn 'em out of the Order, I'd think. They'd have someone keep an eye on them, of course."
"That seems reasonable," Becky agreed, "Why aren't you all in the Order?"
"Meg and I are too young . . ."I started.
Ginny interuptted, "And my mum won't let me join. Our whole family's in the order, basically. And I'm the only daughter. Mum wouldn't let me. Fred and George have really been trying to get Mum to give in, but she keeps saying no. It's getting very annoying."
"So they assigned her the job of 'protecting' us," I added.
Ginny nodded.
"Well, at least they aren't hard to 'protect'," Becky replied.
I laughed, "Oh, you'd be surprised how much trouble we can get into."
At eleven Becky went back to Sarah's apartment. Ginny, Meg, and I watched some stupid TV shows until Harry and Ron came back. Meg left, and Ginny followed a second later.
"So, what happened?" I asked.
"It was a relatively new member, graduated the same year as Fred and George," Harry told me, "Admitted right away. We modified his memory."
Just like Ginny said they would.
"That's all?" I asked.
Harry nodded, "Yes. Now, I have training tomorrow, so I'm going to bed."
"Night, then," I said.
Harry and Ron went off to bed. I sat in the living room for a few minutes, and then went to bed myself.
"Erika!" Megan shouted, "Erika, come on! We still have to get our books!"
"Just for a few minutes, I promise!" I called over my shoulder.
We were in Diagon Alley to get our school supplies. Anya, Harry, Sarah, and Becky were off somewhere with Mrs. Johnson torturing them with wedding-talk.
"Erika!" Meg protested.
I stopped in front of Quality Quidditch Supplies and looked at the front window. Meg caught up with me and stood beside me.
"Fine, but only for a few minutes. We still have to get our books," Meg reminded me.
I nodded, "I know."
We walked into the store, which was crowded with people.
"What do you want to look at?" Meg asked.
I shrugged, "I dunno. I just wanted to avoid going to the Leaky Cauldron. You know, Mrs. Johnson's all upset because Sarah hasn't picked out a wedding dress yet. And don't say anything about setting a date!"
"I take it you don't like her," Meg said.
"No, no, I like her. She's really nice. She made us breakfast this morning. I think it's just because this is her first daughter's wedding and she wants everything to be perfect," I said, "It's just getting kind of annoying, but in a good way."
Meg nodded, "I get it. Mother-like annoying."
"I guess. I wouldn't really know," I replied, picking up something off the shelves and putting it back.
"Me either. I hardly ever saw my mother. I just heard it about it books and stuff," Meg whispered.
I grinned, "Ah the woes of us."
Meg nodded, "Woes. Our list of complaints never end."
We started laughing, and left the shop. We ran to get our books and met everyone at the Leaky Cauldron.
"Erika, we're going to go look a dresses tomorrow, okay?" Sarah asked.
I nodded, "Sure."
"Good. Come over to Sarah's at nine, then," Mrs. Johnson said.
"Okay," I replied.
"Did you get your supplies?" Anya asked as we sat down at the table with everyone else.
Meg and I pulled out our books in response. Harry looked down at them.
"Divination?" he asked, "Good luck. Trelawney's a nut."
"Dumbledore wants me to take it," Meg explained, "Sharpen my skills and the like. He thinks Professor Trelawney might be able to help me understand what I See."
Harry laughed, "Trelawney can't even understand what she Sees."
"I know, but she's the closest thing I've got to help," Meg said.
No one could really argue that, or they didn't want to, so that conversation ended.
The next day I woke up early and dressed in some Muggle clothes. Harry was waiting for me in the kitchen (Ron was asleep, I could hear him snoring).
"Erika, don't forget your wand," Harry aid, the first thing when I walked in.
"Oh, yeah, 'cause I'm allowed to do magic outside of school," I replied, sarcastically, and rolled my eyes.
"Really, Erika, just in case," Harry said.
I sighed, but tucked my wand into my jacket. Since I was running a little late, my breakfast consisted of some toast before I jumped into some floo-powdered flames.
Mrs. Johnson, Becky, Sarah, and Sarah's roomate, Jackie, were waiting for me.
"Come on. We'll miss our first appointment," Mrs. Johnson said.
The five of us jammed into Jackie's car and headed around London.
Although Mrs. Johnson could be a bit annoying, she and I had just about the same taste in clothes. When a saleswoman tried to get me into a horrid green and brown thing (to call it a dress would be insulting it), Mrs. Johnson had a fit So with a ll five of liking just about the same clothes, the morning went by fast.
* * *
Earlier that day
Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were enjoying their quiet apartment and temporary peace by getting some work done.
Erika had left early that morning, before Ron had even woke up. And although she wasn't too burdensome, when she was bored, she made it clear.
Harry and Ron were sitting at the kitchen table, pouring over some books and papers.
Suddenly, Megan Riddle was standing in the fireplace. She looked like she had just woken up.
"Where's Erika?" she asked, stepping away from the fireplace so Anya, who followed her, could come out.
"She went shopping with Sarah and the others," Harry told her.
Anya said something not considered polite.
"We have to find her," Meg said, "I had a vision last night. Death Eaters... in London. They're angry. They're looking for Erika."
* * *
That afternoon
As told by Erika Rose Potter
We had eaten lunch, and visited another shop. We were all having fun, watching Sarah be put through horrors as she tried on dresses, and then pushed it onto the rest of us.
We were leaving the shop when I saw Anya and Meg running down the street towards us. I grabbed Sarah's arm and pointed. The five of us were standing outside one of the shops, and everyone stopped.
"Erika!" Meg hissed when she caught up to us.
"Meg? Anya? What are you guys doing here? What's going on?" I asked.
"We have to get you out of here, all of you. Meg Saw last night. There are Death Eaters looking around London for you," Anya explained.
I gasped, "What?"
"Yeah. Come on. We can go to the Order's headquarters. You'll be safe enough there, until we can find the others. The Weasleys and Ron are all out looking for you," Anya told us.
"Where is it?" I asked.
"Not far," was all Anya would say.
We walked as fast as we could, looking around us frantically, hoping with all our lives that we wouldn't see some figures in dark robes anywhere near us.
Anya led us to a street, with a bunch of rundown houses. She took out a little piece of paper, and handed it to me.
"Read, memorize, and pass it on," she hissed.
I quickly read the note. "The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix can be found at number 12 Grimmauld Place." I passed it on, and everyone in the group read it. Anya took it back, and then lit it on fire.
"Think about what you just memorized," Anya hissed.
And, then, suddenly, between two houses was another, and on the doorway was the number 12.
"Get in, get in, hurry!" Anya hissed.
We quickly did as told, and found ourselves standing in a gloomy entrance hallway.
Ginny was waiting for us.
"They found you. Good," she said.
Anya turned to us, "I'll be back. Ginny, take them into the kitchen. Get them some tea or something."
"Where are you going?" Meg asked.
"To see Dumbledore. I have to tell him what happened," Anya said.
She left through a side door, and Ginny led us into the kitchen.
"Well," I said as we sat down at a little table, "This place is definetely... er... cheerfuly."
Ginny grinned, "You should've seen it when the Order first started using it. We've managed to clean out most of the stuff."
"What do you mean?" I asked, "What sort of stuff?"
Ginny just laughed, and offered us all tea.
A few minutes later someone opened the door and Ginny ran out into the hallway.
"Yes, they're here," she called.
Harry and Ron came into the kitchen, and saw us.
"Great. You all are okay, right?" Harry asked.
We all nodded.
Ginny explained everything to Harry and Ron, and eventually the rest of the Weasleys (who arrived soon afterwards). Meanwhile, I turned my attention to the Johnsons.
Mrs. Johnson looked pale. What I had just explained to her a few nights before was hitting reality hard. We had just run for our lives, something Mrs. Johnson was very new at.
"Well," I said, "Welcome to London."
Author's Notes- Well, that's all! Finally! Sorry about the long time lapse between updates, but I've been really busy. My season's just about over, so I'll have more time to type, promise! Thanks to all my diligent reviewers, you guys are the best! I owe you one (or maybe 2 or 3 or 4...)! I hope you enjoyed this chap. I'll see you guys later. Review!!!
Any additional comments can be received by me at StarlightEve111@aol.com