Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.

By the way, I use the word, "fajza" a lot, but it dies away...just so you know if it annoys you, but I was in a BIG Austin Powers, Goldmember phase...sorry if it annoys you! But this is still a good story and it goes away so just grin and bear it!

Chapter Nine

An American Witch

Harry seemed more himself the next morning. "Sorry, guys. I guess I freaked out."

"It's to be expected, Harry," comforted Hermione. "We all freaked out when we heard too. We've just had more time to get used to the idea. Harry, if you didn't know about this..."

"What, H?"

"Well, it's just- we can't figure out who the fajza may be. Did you and Ginny quarrel over anyone? I mean, do you know who it is?"

"No, Hermione- and Ron. That's what I've been replaying in my mind all night. How could I have not known? Ron, she's your sister. Did you know something was going on and didn't tell me? Has Ginny been seeing someone all along- on the side, I mean?"

"No, of course not, Harry. Well, at least I didn't think so. But now..."

Hermione tried to change the subject- a bit- since the speculation about who the fajza could be was going nowhere. "Well, we've just got to try to be supportive of Ginny now. When can we visit, Ron?"

"Mum says Ginny's morning sickness is actually morning, noon and night sickness. Best we don't visit for a few days. Hopefully, she'll be able to have visitors then," Ron reported to his friends.

"Hermione, did you say that George memorized all of Hogwarts; a History?" Harry asked.

To which Ron interjected, "Harry, can you stay on topic? We were talking about visiting my sister- and the fact that she's not feeling well!"

"Sorry, Ron. That's too bad. Hope she's feeling better soon. Anyway, Hermione- the whole blessed book?"

Hermione looked at Harry as perplexed as Ron was. "Well, oh, yes, I believe she did say that, Harry. You weren't very impressed when I did it."

"Oh, Hermione- you know I was- didn't I say so? Besides, Parvati tells me that's she's American- you left that important piece of information out! Imagine, an American witch. That's really special. Parvati says that George always knew she was special, but didn't know that others like herself actually existed. When she got her letter, she was thrilled. Unfortunately, it took her parents three years to finally give in and let her come. Dumbledore started teaching her magic via the Muggle post- sort of a wizarding correspondence school. McGonagall's been sending the Hogwart's letter every year, hoping her parents would finally relent."

"How fascinating," Ron said dryly.

"Actually, Ronald, it really is," Hermione countered. "Apparently, she is ready to take her OWL's even though she's never attended a formal class in her life. Even Snape's a big admirer. She's devised all sorts of creative potions for things that could never have been brewed before. Until she found out about wizarding schools, she had started collecting them and writing her own manuals. Snape's helping her sort them out and get them organized, and then they are going to get them published by Daily Prophet Publishing. Apparently, Snape's quite pleased with his new protege."

"Imagine that- and I happen to need a Potions tutor," Harry said. "We better get going down to breakfast before the house elves stop serving- and I need to find my new tutor." Hermione and Ron stood with their mouths agape as they watched Harry literally bound out of the common room, heading to the Great Hall. Quite a change from last night!