Chapter 3 – A Short Stay and a Long Trip

If Liz thought Michael's house was big on the outside, it was nothing compared to the inside. Liz, Rachel, and each twin got their own room. The twins were ecstatic, having never owned their own rooms before. Each of the hallways led to the remotest corners of the house, and the vast, empty field they had been in earlier had transformed into a large yard with lush green grass. "Dad insisted on having the tightest security," Michael said when asked to explain the disappearing manor. "Probably because Grandpa used to be the Minister of Magic."

"Really?" said Liz.

"Yeah, for a little while, after Cornelius Fudge and before the one they have now: Uncle Percy."

"Your uncle is Minister of Magic?" Liz exclaimed.

"I thought you knew," said Rachel. "Everyone knows about Percy Weasley."

"Dad doesn't like him much," said Michael. "He hates having an older brother for a boss. And Uncle Percy takes power seriously. Grandmother says it was a matter of time after he became Junior Assistant to the Minister when Fudge was in office."

"I can't believe I've never read about that," said Liz, still surprised.

Rachel laughed. "Me too."

Since they had approximately a week to kill before the train ride to Hogwarts, they spent their time finishing summer assignments. The only one Liz had to do was Ancient Runes because of the whole Emma ordeal, but Michael and Rachel had barely started. Liz ended up helping them for much of the time, even though she had solemnly sworn on numerous occasions never to use her academic skills for the benefit of her friends' grades. She began reading her new Ancient Runes book also, which turned out to be very interesting.

At last, the day came when Liz and the Yateses had to pack up and leave Weasley Manor for the school year, along with Michael and Jessica. They took the flying car again, still on loan from Mr. Weasley's father, to King's Cross Station.

"I'm going to Apparate later, so I'll see you there," said Mrs. Weasley as she climbed back into the car.

"But you can't Apparate on the Hogwarts grounds," said Liz.

"I know. I'm going to the other end of the forest and flying my broom the rest of the way. I'll be there in time for the Sorting."

"All right. Bye, Mum!" Michael said. The car disappeared and flew off. The six Hogwarts pupils hurried toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten, where they slipped through and found themselves in Platform 9 ¾. The twins and Jessica hurried off with some friends, leaving Liz, Michael, and Rachel to load their luggage into the train, board, and find a compartment for themselves.

"I can't believe how time has flown," said Liz, taking her Defense Against the Dark Arts book out of the bag she had brought with her. "We're already in our fourth-year."

"Next year they'll name the prefects," said Rachel.

"Wonder who that'll be," said Michael, staring pointedly at Liz.

"But I'm serious! After this year, we'll only have three more years left here. Then it's out in the world, to find our own jobs and fend for ourselves!"

"You're too philosophical," said Michael, biting into a chocolate frog from his pocket. Liz ignored him and began to read.

Half an hour later, when she had read the whole textbook, she began to take out another book when David passed by their compartment. Liz summoned up all the courage she could muster and got up, saying, "Hi, David!"

He turned to look at her. "Hi, Liz. How was your summer?" he asked, flashing a grin.

"Pretty rotten," Liz answered truthfully, thinking of Emma. "How about yours?" The next words popped out of her mouth before she could even think about them. "How has Bettie been?"

His face darkened. "We broke up," he said shortly. "But I got over it." He cast his eyes around, seemingly searching for a different conversation topic. Liz felt horrible. What had made her say that? "I guess I better go," he said, turning away. "See you at school."

Liz turned to go back into her compartment, but a moving figure down the passage caught her eye. It was Winnie Chen, her long ebony hair flying behind her as she ran. She had really changed over the summer, but nothing could change the disgusted expression she used when she looked upon Liz. "Oh, hi, Liz," she said coldly. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Oh, yes. Why would I be on the Hogwarts train when I go to Hogwarts? Unheard of." The two eyed each other maliciously. Finally Winnie tried to sidestep Liz to follow David's path. "Where are you going?" Liz asked.

"Where you think you should be going," Winnie answered icily.

This took Liz aback. "What do you mean?"

"What do you think I mean? Like you don't know. You like David Hannigan." Mercifully, she lowered her voice at this, so David didn't hear her. "But you better stay away from him. He likes me."

Stunned, Liz stepped back, allowing Winnie to pass. Winnie shot one more glare at Liz before following David down the hall. "David, wait!"

Liz silently stepped back into her compartment and shut the door. "Did you talk to David?" said Rachel.

"Yes."

"And you saw Winnie?" said Michael.

Liz sighed. "Yes."

"What did she say?" said Rachel.

"Stay away from David, because he's hers," said Liz, her voice echoing in a hollow sort of way.

Rachel raised an eyebrow. "And what did you say to that?"

Liz stayed silent. "You didn't say anything?" Rachel cried in disbelief.

"She knows," said Liz. "She knows I like David. She told me, and I froze. Is it really that obvious?"

Rachel and Michael looked at each other, then away, both fighting to keep a straight face. Liz glared at them, her eyes narrowed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," said Michael, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

"But I told you two! I've never told her! How can she know?"

"Easy! She uses her eyes," said Rachel. "It really isn't that hard to figure out. But don't worry, you're a lot more likable than—" (here she pulled a face) "—Winnie Chen."

Liz had to admit that was true. She spent the rest of the ride trying to calm herself and re-reading her new Ancient Runes book while Rachel played a Solitaire version of Exploding Snap and Michael finished up his History of Magic summer essay. He tried to pester Liz into helping him, but no such luck. She wouldn't spare a speck of attention for anyone or anything until she had finished re-reading her book cover to cover. Then she told him that the essay was indeed on the goblin rebellion of 1612 and moved on to another book.

When the train neared its destination, they got changed into their robes. The train jerked to a halt, and there was a stampede of black-clad students to get out. Liz, Michael, and Rachel tried to reach the exit before anyone else, but that didn't work. Winnie and her friend Patsy had ran by, stepping on Liz's foot as they went. Liz clenched her teeth and followed, with Rachel and Michael behind her.

"Chris!" she called out. Her friend's head turned toward the sound of her voice, and he spotted them. He yelled back, got permission from Hagrid (who was nearby) first, and ran over to them.

"How are you?" he asked.

"Good," said Rachel. "How are you?"

"Pretty good. The summer was really busy. Hagrid's been working really hard for the Care of Magical Creatures classes."

"Sounds like you've been working really hard too," said Michael.

"Yeah," Chris said, grinning. "Hagrid needs more help now, because he's not exactly young anymore, and I'm getting older too. You know, old enough to be of some real help."

"Look, the last carriage is for us," said Liz. "Well, bye, Chris. We'll see you later."

"C'mon, Chris!" Hagrid yelled from shore. Chris ran toward him while Liz, Rachel, and Michael piled into the carriage and sped off toward the castle.