A/N: OH MY GOSH! I am sooooooooo sorry for the HUMONGOUS and unbelievably long wait. I dunno why it took me so long! Busy, I suppose. And the last three weekends have been chaos, I swear!
The first part of this chapter moves a little fast, but oh well, it works.
Anyhoo, enjoy my dear readers!
New Neighbor
Chapter 11
Kira furrowed her brow in disgust at the still un-completed list of school assignments. She still had five more to do, and only a week and a half to complete them.
Kira stared at the blank parchment, except for the title, "Werewolves" at the top.
Kira let out a sigh. It was good to be home, but she couldn't wait to get back to the wizarding world. She'd received a few letters from Neville. They planned to meet at Kings Cross Station a half hour before the train leaves so they could get a compartment together.
Something soft slid across her leg. Kira looked down to see Moxie purring on the floor. She smiled and picked up her pet. Moxie sure had attracted a lot of attention on Privet Drive. Her parents had loved the feline, but the neighbors hadn't been so welcoming. Perhaps it had to do with Moxie's interesting habit of leaving dead mice on multiple neighbor's doorsteps. Kira had insisted Moxie was simply bringing them what she thought in her cat mind was a present, but the neighbors hadn't been too keen on accepting that explanation.
She set her quill down on the desk. School could wait for an hour, she needed some downtime.
"Hello honey, its so nice having you home again," Mrs. Sanden said from the dining room table once Kira had appeared in the doorway.
Kira smiled back and sat down next to her mother.
"Ready for some lunch?" asked Mrs. Sanden. Kira scanned the room. No food or dishes were out on the counter. Maybe her mother didn't plan on trying any new abnormal concoction today.
"Sure, Mum."
"Wonderful," her mother said, clapping her hands together, "because I've been dying to try this recipe…"
XXXXXXXXXX
Kira set her quill down on the desk. She smiled proudly at the finished werewolf essay.
'Finally,' she thought to herself, 'now I need a run.'
She used to run in the evenings, but now she ran in the afternoon to avoid seeing Harry. However, a part of her always seemed disappointed when she didn't see him.
She quickly changed into her exercise shorts and tennis shoes and went downstairs.
"Mum, I'm going for a run down the street. I'll be back soon."
"Okay," her mother said distractedly from the kitchen. She was still working on the recipe she had planned on serving for Kira's lunch. According to her, there was something wrong with the recipe and she was determined to modify it to perfection. Kira dreaded having to taste-test it when it was "perfected." She ended up eating a turkey sandwich for lunch anyway.
As she ran down the street, Kira let her mind wander. At first it was so strange with all the new knowledge in her head, but she had adjusted to it. She loved thinking about the different things she'd never known before like spells, potions, and such. She was optimistic about returning to school for the first time in her life. No people pointing fingers at her eyes or hair, nobody whispering "weirdo" as she passed by in the hall. And even if someone did, she could just hex them with her wand couldn't she? She laughed aloud. Oh, it would surely be a great year.
Kira rounded the corner and arrived at the park. The park where she and Harry had met weeks before. She quickly scanned the area. No Harry. She was relieved and somewhat saddened at the same time. She paused to stretch out her muscles.
She turned when she heard a muffled meow. Behind her was none other than Moxie, a dead mouse hanging from her mouth.
"Disgusting, Moxie! Put that thing down!" Kira shrieked.
Moxie's eyes danced rebelliously, but she set the mouse down on the ground nonetheless.
Kira relaxed.
"Now come here, you," she cooed, scratching the feline behind the ear.
"Nice cat. Is it yours?" asked a voice from behind her.
Kira jumped and turned around. Harry's face stared back at her own.
"Er, yeah... I bought her while I was at my aunt's…" Kira stepped back from Harry and reached up to brush the hair out of her eyes.
'Oh joy. I'm all sweaty.'
"Did you have fun while you were there?"
Kira turned away from him and picked up Moxie, whose eyes were dancing mischievously. Kira lifted an eyebrow at her but Moxie only meowed.
"Uh, yes, I had fun. Excuse me, I have to go."
"Kira wait--" he said, grabbing her shoulder.
She spun around to look at him, her eyes hard and unreadable. Harry watched her confusedly and then averted his gaze.
"Uh, we only have a week of summer holiday and… I just wanted to say…" He looked up again, studying her.
"I'll miss you when we both leave, Kira."
Kira felt her resolve starting to break so she turned away. Moxie meowed again, as if in protest.
"Well, I'll see you later than," she said uncomfortably and began walking towards the street. She felt Harry's gaze on her.
'Sod off. I don't want to see him again,' Kira lied to herself determinately.
She didn't notice the strange look Harry gave her as she rounded the corner.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Honestly, Kira!" her mother yelled up the stairs, "you're going to miss the train if you don't hurry up!"
"I know, Mum!" Kira exclaimed distractedly from her bedroom. She grabbed her new robes off the hangers in her closet and shoved them messily into her trunk.
'Wand? Check. Robes? Check. School assignments? Check. School supplies? Check. Moxie? Moxie!?!?!'
Kira bent down in search of the feline. She wasn't under the bed, or in the bureau. Frustrated, she grabbed the cat food and the rest of her belongings and put them in the trunk. She slammed it closed and hauled it downstairs.
"Finally, dear," her mother chided, "now when did Ramona say she would be here to pick you up?" her mother asked.
"She'll be here any minute, Mum. Tell me, have you seen Moxie anywhere?"
Mrs. Sanden thought for a moment.
"Well, I can't be sure, but I think I recall seeing her out on the back porch this morning."
"Thanks, Mum. I'll check," Kira said as she rushed out the back door.
Sure enough, Moxie was on the back porch, lazily batting at a plant.
"Moxie!" Kira exclaimed, scooping up her cat, "will you never be efficient? We're going to be late!" She hurried back inside and heard a muffled thump in the living room.
"Anyone home?" called the voice of her dear Aunt Ramona.
"Yes, I'm here," Kira replied, appearing in the living room. Her aunt was covered in soot and wearing a particularly odd green jumper, a wool sweater, and long, velvet gloves.
"Ah, good. Ready to go then?"
"Give me one minute," Kira answered, and rushed up the stairs. She put Moxie in her crate and latched the door. She carried Moxie downstairs and pulled both the cat crate and her trunk into the living room.
Kira's mother and father walked into the kitchen. Her mother was sniffling and held a handkerchief in her hand.
"Mum, I'll be back for Christmas, you know," Kira said kindly, hugging her mum and kissing her on the cheek.
"Oh I know dear," her mother sniffled loudly, "I just can't imagine," another sniffle, "you not coming home from school every day."
Mr. Sanden patted his wife on the back. Kira turned and hugged her dad and gave him a kiss on the cheek as well.
"I love you both," she told them before facing her aunt and scooping up handful of Floo powder.
"Oh!" her mother exclaimed, rushing toward her daughter, "I forgot. I made you lunch!" She held out a lumpy mound covered in plastic wrap.
Kira took it and smiled at her mum.
"Thanks, Mum, can't wait to try it," she lied. She stepped into the fireplace and heard her mother sniffle awfully loudly behind her.
"985 HONEY HOUSE LANE!" she yelled, and disappeared in a whirl of green smoke.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Neville!" Kira cried, hugging her friend.
Neville returned the hug briefly and then pulled away.
"C'mon, Kira. We're going to miss the train!" He hurried off into the crowd.
"Better follow him dear," Aunt Ramona said, pushing her back.
Kira and her aunt hastened off after Neville. He led them to the space between Platforms 9 and 10. Kira pulled her school letter out of her jean pocket. Scrawled on the back was where Mrs. Longbottom had told her to find the train.
"Platform 9 ¾?" she asked aloud.
"Oh yes, dear. It's right over there," Ramona said, pointing into the crowd.
Kira squinted.
'What in the world is she talking about?'
Neville saw the look on her face.
"Here Kira, I'll show you," said Neville as he grabbed his trunk and started walking towards a brick pillar. Just when Kira thought he would turn, he walked straight into the wall! And disappeared!
She turned to her aunt in confusion. Aunt Ramona didn't seem to notice.
"See that? Alright sweetie, go on. Don't be scared," she kissed Kira on the cheek, "your Uncle Griffin and I love you. Don't forget to write!" Her eyes twinkled. Ramona was starting to get weird looks from muggles passing by. Most likely because of her outfit.
Kira gulped. She grabbed the trunk and Moxie's crate. She smiled weakly at her aunt. She started to run toward the brick barrier and closed her eyes.
'Please don't let anyone walk in front of me. Or, more importantly, please don't let me break my jaw!!!'
Just when she expected to charge headfirst into a brick pillar, nothing happened. Kira opened her eyes. A shiny, red train engine stood majestically on the tracks before her, steam billowing from its smoke stake. Gleaming gold letters were welded to the side that read, "Hogwarts Express." She stood with her mouth hanging open when Neville called, "Kira, over here! Hurry up!"
Kira realized that they were the only people on the platform besides a few families waving goodbye to their children who were already on the train. She rushed to Neville and the pair hauled their trunks aboard. The train whistled, and lurched forward. Kira followed Neville down the corridor as he checked in every compartment window to see if it was empty. After what seemed like thirty minutes of dragging her trunk and the cat crate, Neville found a compartment and they settled inside.
"Ha, so much for getting here early," Kira giggled.
Neville started to laugh but then froze.
"Where's Trevor?" he asked frantically, checking his pockets.
Kira's eyes widened and she quickly checked Moxie's cage. Moxie meowed innocently. No Trevor.
Neville was patting at shirt as if to locate the toad. He patted his shirt pocket and visibly relaxed. He reached in the pocket and pulled out a belching Trevor.
Kira laughed, "honestly, Neville! Can't you keep track of a toad?"
Neville grinned.
"For a second there, I thought Moxie had eaten him!" he said.
There came a knock at the door. Neville told whoever it was to come in and a friendly, plump woman appeared in the doorway.
"Anyone for some treats?" she asked kindly.
On the small cart she was pushing was a vast assortment of snacks and candy.
"My word, Neville. I don't know what to choose!"
Neville pointed out which tasted the best and the pair soon sat alone in their compartment once again, devouring their purchases. Kira thought briefly of the lumpy sandwich is mother had given her, but quickly decided against eating it. It probably stunk.
"Careful with those Bernie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Some of them taste awful," Neville warned his friend.
A familiar face appeared in the window and a muffled Scottish voice called, "I found them!"
Seamus Finnegan's smiling face emerged inside the compartment, followed by his friend, Dean.
"We've been looking all over for ye, mate," Seamus said, addressing Neville. He turned to Kira, "and you too, Kira. How was the rest of your summer?"
Kira's cheek turned a bit pink when Seamus sat down next to her. Dean took the seat across from her, next to Neville.
"It was good…" she murmured dumbly.
"We almost missed the train though," Neville said.
"Ha, that would've been mighty funny if ye had, mate," Seamus laughed, "but I'm sure glad ye didn't," he said, eyeing Kira.
"Hey, since you're new this year, will you be sorted with the first years?" asked Dean.
"Uh, I'm not sure," Kira replied, still aware of Seamus' eyes on her. She was somewhat thankful that she wore a flattering rose sweater, which contrasted perfectly with her blonde locks.
"So ye mates want to get a carriage together when we reach Hogwarts?" Seamus suggested.
Kira looked at Neville questioningly.
"Sure," Neville answered, sending Kira an I'll-explain-later look.
Dean turned to Neville and asked something about Quidditch, while Seamus turned to Kira.
"So tell me a little about yourself, Kira," Seamus offered, eyes shining.
Kira laughed awkwardly.
"Not much to tell, I suppose… I'm excited for Hogwarts though. I didn't much like my old school in… er… New Zealand."
"Yeah, it's a pretty fab place," answered Seamus, "so where exactly did ye live in New Zealand? Had an aunt once who lived down there for a bit."
Kira's mind raced.
'Out of all my new knowledge, I don't know a single thing about New Zealand?!'
"Er…" she started intelligently, "I lived near…" she heard Trevor burp inside Neville's clenched fist, "I lived near Trev--en. Yes, Treven. Treven, New Zealand."
Seamus raised an eyebrow.
"Haven't heard much about Treven, I must say. Oh well, didn't know much about it anyway."
A girl Kira recognized as Parvati Patil opened their compartment door.
"Dean! Seamus! I've been looking all over for you two. Dean, they need to speak to you about prefect duties in the forward compartment. Hurry up!"
As Seamus and Dean stood to leave, Kira noticed for the first time the glistening badge on Dean's shirt. It read, "Prefect" in curvy print.
"I'll see you later, mates," Seamus called from the doorway. He grinned at Kira and disappeared from view.
Neville started to laugh, "looks like Seamus has got something for you."
Kira blushed and quickly changed the subject, "oh, and if anyone asks, I'm from Treven, New Zealand now."
Neville kept laughing.
"Treven?! Ha, of all the names you could've made up, Kira…"
Kira smiled.
"Shall I let Moxie out, do you think?" she asked.
"Sure, I don't think she'll run off, do you?"
Kira unlatched Moxie's cage and the feline strolled out indolently. Kira scratched behind her ears and Moxie began to purr.
Suddenly the door opened once again. An extremely tall, lanky young man walked in and said, "finally, Neville. We've been looking all over for you."
Kira noticed the boy's flaming red hair and stared. Then the young man's eyes met hers.
"And whose this, Neville?" asked the boy.
"Oh, this is Kira Sanden. She's new this year," Neville explained, "Kira, this is Ron. Ron Weasley."
Ron grinned cordially and held out his hand. Kira shook it and Ron called over his shoulder into the hall.
"Hey mates! Neville's in here!"
Kira heard voices in the hall as she dropped Ron's hand. Two figures appeared in the doorway. The first, and shortest, was a girl about Kira's age with big, bushy brown hair. She smiled at Kira and Neville with two large front teeth.
Kira's purple eyes traveled to the second, taller figure entering their compartment. He had messy black hair with bright emerald eyes.
Emerald eyes?
'Bloody hell…'
Harry Potter attended Hogwarts.
A/N: Cliff hangers are so fun, are they not? LOL!
Hopefully the next chapter will come sooner, but I'm not making any promises. Sorry!
Read and Review!!! PLEEEAAAASE!!!
