Disclaimer: I don't own HP, only Sophia.
The remainder of the week passed by slowly and every few hours or so Sirius would walk in and check on Sophia. Finding her on the floor had troubled him deeply, and what was worse to him was that he had the sinking feeling that that scene would occur more and more. Seeing Sophia hurt him deeply. Every image of Lily flashed through his mind like a muggle picture in Technicolor, and Lily was his family. As the images progressed, James entered them as well, and by night each day, he relived the moments of finding James and Lily murdered on the floor and baby Harry sitting silently, waiting for mum or dad to pick him up and dance around the rooms as they once had. His dreams were filled of the years he missed of Harry's life, of Azkaban, of the few years before the Department of Mysteries, and of a few opaque visions of what happened to him thereafter. He did not remember much after his fall through the veil, everything just sort of paused for him. There was no light at the end of the tunnel; everyone believed he had died but he felt so alive, so free. That was all he remembered, emotions, feelings, nothing substantial, nothing he could explain to the others. When he had returned he explained that it was all a mistake, he had not fallen through anything. Those there did not believe the lie, but after a few days they accepted it, perhaps because they wanted to. No one wanted to believe Sirius died, so he did not. Sirius knew he would one day have to reveal the truth; he only wanted to find it for himself first.
The day to return to Diagon Ally finally arrived and the house was bustling with excitement. Harry was returning home, Ron was finally graduating, and Sophia was about to take her position as Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. The only two to feel a melancholy bout were Hermione and Ginny. Hermione seriously wanted to hold on to Hogwarts for as long as possible, she believed she would never be ready for the adult magical world, and Ginny knew she would be completely alone when the year ended. Her feelings for Harry had intensified, but she believed she would be known as Ron's silly little sister with a silly little crash on her big brother's best friend. She sighed as they stood around the fire place to floo to Diagon Ally; this year was going to be pure torture. She really had no idea.
Sophia had changed her appearance into a homelier woman with brown hair to fit into the crowd; Dumbledore had explained that the world need not know of Sophia just yet. She reluctantly agreed. Beside her walked Molly and Remus and in front Harry, Hermione, and Ron, Sophia made a mental count and turned to find Ginny walking behind. She slowed down and walked with Ginny.
"You know, no one will ever see how absolutely gorgeous you are if you don't smile once in a while."
"No one noticed it before."
"Ah, I would not believe that so quickly. Harry noticed."
"Don't play; he notices little outside of that group." Ginny replied pointing to the trio in front.
"How can you be so sure?"
"I've done everything for six years, he just doesn't notice it, or want it."
Sophia paused and put a hand on her arm, "Then perhaps its time you moved on? You can't put your life on hold hoping he'll come to reason."
Ginny smiled bitterly, "Perhaps you took your own advice?"
Sophia smiled, "Perhaps I did. Wait, how did…"
Ginny shrugged, "A girl's intuition?"
Sophia nodded, "Fair enough, but don't tell anyone."
"I won't."
"Thank you. Now come on, it's your last day before school begins you-" Sophia paused as she saw Ginny's eyes narrow. Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"
"Malfoy." She spat. Sophia looked up at the name and took a step back at the resemblance between the elder Malfoy and his son. She thought Malfoy would take notice of her and leave Ginny be, but he did not.
"Well if it isn't little Weasley, tired of tagging along behind Potty?"
"Shove off Malfoy."
Malfoy smirked, "Not nice today are we? Did he reject you…again?"
Ginny sighed and kneaded her fingers into her temples, "What do you want Draco."
Malfoy seemed surprised that she used his first name; he however quickly recovered, "So you've grown up enough to use first names then?"
Ginny looked thoroughly annoyed at this point and was about to say something very blunt when Sophia stepped in, "Ginny, I need to pick up a few robes, care to join?" Ginny smiled gratefully.
"Running away little Weasley?" Malfoy snickered.
"Nope, just taking a way out, I could punch you if you would rather that occur."
"You don't scare me."
Ginny looked up into his cool grey eyes, "Likewise." And at that, Sophia and Ginny walked over to Madam Malkins.
After two and a half hours, Sophia had finally chosen ten robes, most in black, but three were dress robes in a turquoise/aqua blue, a navy blue, and an emerald green. She then asked Ginny to pick out a robe. Ginny stuttered at first, but Sophia pushed her over to Madam Malkin and refused to leave the store until she had chosen a dress robe especially made for her. When Ginny questioned her kindness, Sophia only winked as she responded, "Every witch deserves a robe that she can be proud of."
After the books had been bought, potion ingredients ordered, the entire clan met up at Kingscross Platform 9 ¾. Molly kissed Ron and Ginny goodbye first, then Hermione, Sophia, and finally when she reached Harry, she smiled fondly and kissed Harry's forehead. She then whispered into his ear, "You have been a son to us Harry, come back to us and make sure Ron and Ginny do the same." Harry blushed as he nodded. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had already loaded the train, Harry looked at Sophia questioningly but she just urged him to get on board.
She turned to Remus and Molly, "I'll be starting my teaching duties, but if either of you need to get in touch with me, you know how to do so. This should be a fun year…I hope."
Molly looked at Sophia sympathetically, "Good luck Sophia, some of those children are there with the least of honorable intentions."
Sophia smirked, "I have met Lucius's child Molly."
Remus cut in, "There are a few children there a lot worse than Draco Sophia. They don't publicize it as Draco does, but there are."
Sophia looked at Remus concernedly, "Has he gotten the mark." Remus shook his head 'no.'
"Not according to Severus, and Severus would know."
"Have any of the students?" She asked.
"A few, just be careful. I could care less if you offend them, but remember those that are graduating will gladly make you suffer if you rub them too wrongly."
Sophia stiffened at Remus's words, "I can take care of myself Remus."
"I have no doubt that you can Sophia, but there are others to remember, Voldermort is growing restless, so are his followers."
Sophia thought about that for a moment then whispered, "Well…so are we." The train gave its final whistle and Sophia jumped aboard. She waved goodbye to Molly and Remus then made her way inside the train. She returned to her normal appearance and went in search of an empty car, she found one and sat. A few minutes later she heard mocking voices and the door opened to reveal Malfoy, two ogerish boys, and an extremely handsome young man. Draco Malfoy looked at Sophia with surprise and then stated smoothly, "This is our car."
Sophia looked up at him, "I didn't realize the car had a name on it, and as I look at the door, I see that it doesn't."
"We always sit here, and it would be in your best intentions to move."
"What is your name?"
Malfoy stood a little straighter as if what he was about to say was of great importance, "Draco Malfoy."
Sophia cocked her head to the side, "Ah, well Mr. Malfoy, do you always to speak to your Professors in such a manner, or am I just lucky?"
Draco's jaw dropped immediately and the three young men behind him snickered, Draco then spoke, "I had no idea, I mean no disrespect Miss…"
Sophia cut in for him, "Miller. Sophia Miller. No harm taken. If you still wish to sit in this car, be my guest, I am just finishing up lesson plans." And Sophia leaned back into her seat.
The handsome young man spoke up, "Professor…Miller is it? If you don't mind me asking, what class are you teaching?"
Sophia smiled, "I didn't catch your name."
"Blaise Zabini."
"Well Mr. Zabini, it's Defense against the Dark Arts." She noticed that all four young men nearly choked on their tongues before laughing deeply. She raised an eyebrow. "Something the matter?"
Draco was the one to speak up, "No, nothing at all, only that I'm sure Snape will love it."
Sophia grinned, "He did."
"You know him?" Blaise asked.
"For a long time now. Hasn't changed a bit." She replied.
"I'm sure he hasn't." Draco snickered. "Well I think we'll take you up on your offer." And the boys sat down as Sophia busied herself with lesson plans.
Around the same time, Harry went in search of the car where Ron and Hermione were, he finally found it as Hermione was leaving. "Where are you going?" He asked her.
"Head Girl duties."
"Who is the Head Boy?" He asked, she shrugged and went on her way. Harry shook his head and walked in to find Ron, Dean, Seamus, and Ginny all in the car. His eyes paused on Ginny. She met his eyes for a moment and then quickly pulled her eyes back to her brother. Harry sighed and sat down at the only available seat…next to her. She seemed to tense up at first, and after a few moments, she relaxed, Harry then took the opportunity to lean over and whisper, "Can we talk?"
She looked over at him, "Later."
He smiled softly and left it at that. Dean and Seamus saw the interaction and the two nudged each other before smirking. They would have fun for the next year with those two. Twenty minutes later, Ron looked at his watch and stood up. "Got to go, Prefect duties and all."
Seamus looked up at him, "Any clue who the Head Boy is?"
"Nah, they haven't announced it I think. The teachers are probably still debating."
"But Hermione was a shoo-in?"
Ron smiled deeply, "Hermione was a shoo-in for Head Girl." He then left the compartment to attend a quick meeting and patrol the halls after. Dean and Seamus left later on to meet up with a few Ravenclaw friends, leaving Harry and Ginny alone.
Ginny had curled up against the window and Harry stared at her for a moments, she was gorgeous, he knew that, but the fact was she was Ron's little sister, he did not know if he could ever get over that. Ginny finally broke him away from his thoughts, "Are you going to talk or continue staring at me?"
"Huh? Oh…right." Harry responded stupidly. Ginny turned to face him and noticed a deep blush. She stored that image in her mind for safe keeping. "I just wanted to apologize again for the other day."
Ginny groaned, "Oh brother."
"What?"
"Harry…what will it take for you to finally wake up?"
"What?" Harry said, thoroughly confused.
"Forget it." With that, Ginny stood up and headed to the door, Harry's hand gripped her wrist, stopping her.
"What do you want me to say Ginny?"
"What is on your stupid mind?"
"You really want to know? Fine, I thoroughly enjoyed that…kiss, but Merlin Ginny, your Ron's little sister!"
"So that's the problem? Well excuse me Harry, but that is most certainly your problem, and if you can't get over that, then perhaps I have been wasting my time. Bye Harry." And she tugged her arm free.
"Ginny-"
"I said Goodbye." And she slammed the door behind her. Harry groaned and dropped into the seat.
At the Prefect meeting, Ron looked around at all the newer Prefects and was surprised to find Dennis Creevy as the new Gryffindor male Prefect. Like brother…and brother. He supposed. Hermione was leading the meeting and Ron sat back to enjoy Hermione's rants. He knew that he had completely fallen for her, but as her courage had lacked in some areas before, when it came to Hermione it was gone. So he spent his days watching her glow, and hoping that one day he would be able to do something about it, he only hoped he would not be too late.
Hermione looked out at all of the Prefects and her eyes narrowed at the sleeping form of Draco. She whispered a smile incantation and in moments he was drenched with freezing water. He yelled and sat up. No one answered his demands as to who had done such a deed, and Hermione then looked at him pointedly. "May I continue Malfoy, or are you insistent upon continuing your tantrum." He then leaned back in his seat, still soaked and raised his hand for her to continue. "Thank you."
"No problem, Mudblood." She looked at him coldly but continued. Her eyes searched the room as she spoke, and they landed on Ron's several times. She was surprised to find that their eyes continued to meet, and each time they did, her heart beat faster. She had loved Ron for quite sometime, but something always held her back, and something continued to do so. Once she had finished speaking, one of the seventh year prefects asked whom the Head Boy was to be. Hermione only shrugged.
"I suppose they'll tell us at the feast tonight. There will be another meeting tomorrow to hand out schedules once the Head Boy has been designated. For now, patrol the train. Thank you." She then turned down to her satchel to put her notebook back when Ron walked up to her…
Ron barely listened to a word from Hermione during the meeting with the exception of the last five minutes. He then walked up to Hermione once the meeting was over.
"Hey 'Mione."
"Hey Ron, what's up?" She asked as she pulled her hair back into a low pony. She had finally tamed her hair and although it was exceptionally curly, the frizz had disappeared.
"Patrol with me?"
She looked at him uncertainly and then, "Alright."
The train finally arrived at Hogwarts and Hagrid was relieved that the night was clear. For the past few years the rain had been very unfavorable for the crossing, but as it was tradition, the first years crossed in the small boats only to arrive at the castle drenched and freezing. The second years and up walked over to the horseless carriages and Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny all piled into a single carriage. Ginny still had yet to speak to Harry, which he found completely aggravating.
Sophia had gotten in the very last carriage and was glad to finally find herself alone. Blaise had respected her silence, but the two beefy boys, Crabbe and Goyle had not shut up. Leaning back into the cushioned seats, she let the Thestrals carry her to the Great Hall. Following Snape through the teacher's passages, she walked to the front of the Great Hall and sat at the Head table beside Snape and an empty seat Sophia supposed belonged to Minerva. A few moments later, after the second years and on and taken their seats, Minerva walked in with a hundred and eight kids. She then spoke in a stern voice: "Before we begin, Dumbledore would like take this opportunity to speak to all of you."
Dumbledore then stood, "First, I would like to introduce to you our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Miller." He paused for the applause to subside and then continued, "I am sure you will all make her feel at home. The list of forbidden toys is on Filch's door if you need see it, the third floor corridor and the Forbidden Forest are off limits. Finally, as all of you know, Voldermort has returned. As this year will prove to be volatile, I must ask all of you to take extra caution, we do not know who is on our side and who is on his, and betrayers will reveal themselves this year whether on purpose or not. Please do not get caught up in something you cannot escape. With that having been said, let the sorting begin!"
Minerva McGonagall then placed the stool with the ancient hat down in front and it began its infamous song:
"As the years progressed I have seen,
As the days have withered I have been.
Light will fade into dark
And all of you will embark.
On a journey that will prove itself deadly.
It is my decision where you belong,
Whether it be Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw.
It matters not where you be,
Only where your loyalties see.
Whether you are brave and true,
Perhaps cunning and swift,
You may be caring and gentle,
Or hold the intelligence of a thousand men.
IF you stand together and prove your worth,
The world will not fade into that feared scene."
The students clapped uncertainly and Professor McGonagall stood up and called the first name: Georgia Allen whom was placed in Gryffindor.
A/N: Ah another update, I probably won't update again, my Prom is this weekend as well as Championships, but you never know, if I get reviews. I may just do as such.
