A/N: Glad to see there are a few peeps reading this. I guess I'll continue now.

Chapter Three: Diagon Alley and Marcus Flint.

It was August 18th. Just two weeks until I'd be back at Hogwarts. I couldn't wait to be back.

"Mum! Let's go!" I bellowed up the stairs of our new flat. Mum, Dad, and I had bought a small flat in London for the year, still keeping our apartment in America. I would be allowed to keep the London home for the rest of my life (yay!).

Today was the day we were going to get my new school things. Mum had gotten rid of everything when we moved, due to the memory charm I'd been put under. I was so excited to be going back into the magical world again. I'd missed the fog of London so much!

"Don't get your knickers in a twist, love, we're coming!" My mum scurried into the room, purse over her shoulder. "I don't see why we have to do this now. We've still got two weeks."

I rolled my eyes in exasperation. "I know, but I want to beat the rush. Besides, I'm so bored, trapped in the city all day. I miss school."

"Don't whine, dearie. It'll be here soon enough." My mum glanced at the clock. "Best get going, then, if we want to be home for supper."

We walked the few blocks to the small pub. We waved our hellos to old friends and smiled at strangers. Then, we went out back and stepped into my old home.

Diagon Alley was full of people shopping and shouting. I was excited to be in the magical atmosphere again. I smiled wide and grabbed my mum in a great big hug.

"I'm so glad to be back!" I said into her ear.

"Me, too, love. Me, too." She quickly returned the hug and stepped back. "Got your list, lovey?"

I nodded and pulled the piece of parchment out of my pocket.

"Well, then, let's start buying!" My mum sang this last sentence as we walked into Olivander's to begin our shopping trip.

*****

"Would you look at the time, mum? We've been gone at least four and a half hours!" I dropped my many bags on the floor of the den, staring at the big grandfather clock.

"I see, dear! Get out of the way, lovey, I've got to start supper!" My mum pushed me aside and started for the kitchen.

"Have no fear, darlings! I have taken care of our meal!" My father popped his head into the den, from the dining room. "Come on in."

We entered the room to see a huge take-out feast from the Chinese deli up the street. We laughed at Dad and each took a seat at the table.

"How was shopping?" he asked, handing a carton to Mum.

"Brilliant! I got all my books, plus some new ones to keep me busy for the next two weeks. I also got a new wand, cauldron, gloves, hat, everything!" I glanced at Mum, who nodded. "Plus, mum got me some new clothes as well, for weekends into Hogsmeade." I began to describe my new wardrobe to my father, who had stopped piling food on his plate to gape at me.

"What do you need all those garments for?!" He looked from mum to me and back again. "There are only two days a week for you to wear them!"

Mum laughed. "Dear, she can't wear the same outfits every week." Then she glanced in my direction, smiling at me shoveling food in my face. "Besides, the girl's in love. She has to look nice."

I stopped eating and gaped at her in horror. "I am not!"

"Don't you dare lie to me, Ginger Angela Bensington! I know when an adolescence is in love!"

I smirked at my mother. "Yeah, right!"

That bloody comment got me sent to my room. I took my plate with me and ate in my room in silence. Then a stupid grin crossed my face.

I got up and walked over to my desk. I opened the bottom drawer and pulled out the item on top. It was picture of Wood and I, right after we'd won the House Cup. He was grinning like a fool and I look almost as stupid. Then we looked at each other. I could have sworn I'd just seen the two of us look at each other in longing.

I opened and closed my eyes a couple of times. That must have been the light playing tricks on me.

I put the picture away and crawled into bed with one of my new books, ready to fall to sleep.

*****

"Mum! Would you quit smothering me, please! I'll miss the train!"

September first was finally here and mum wouldn't let me go. She was balling something about being so proud of her baby. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

"MUM!! Will you please?!" I pulled away from her, finally, and kissed dad. "See you in May!"

"What about Christmas?"

I pretended not to hear her as I climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express. I walked down the hall to find a seat. I opened a compartment and was met with a not-too-friendly surprise.

"Well," said a cool, sneering voice, "if it isn't Ginger Bensington."

I folded my arms across my chest and leaned against the doorframe. "Marcus Flint, how are you, you old git?"

Marcus stood up and approached me. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Bensington. I'm doing fine. How have you been?"

"Just peachy, dear." I passed him and flipped my chestnut mane into his face. "Keeping out of trouble I hope?"

"I have my younger minions do my bidding for me." He slid into the seat across from me. "You know, Wood and I began fighting because of you. You see, he wanted me to stop hitting Bludgers at you and I wanted him to get you to stop catching the Snitch."

"Yes, I know. It was always my dream to have two boys fighting over my athletic ability." I rolled my eyes at him, then looked straight ahead. "Prefect?" I raised an eyebrow. "You? I bet you stop the first-years for just looking at you."

"You would be correct. What house are you in then, mate?" He placed his hands behind his back and leaned back.

"Ravenclaw, for some damned unknown bloody reason!" I seethed.

"Settle down now. You'll see Wood enough."

"Marcus, why don't we cut the pleasantries and I leave?" I stood to go.

"What's the rush, mate? We used to have detention together all the time, remember?" He stood up and blocked my way.

"Yes, I-" That's when I realized Gypsy was still in her cage. "I'll be right back."

I raced down the hall and into the baggage compartment. I found my trunk and let my kitten out.

"There, there, love," I purred soothingly. "Mummy's here, darling."

"Well, nice to see you still have the motherly side."

I glanced up. Marcus had followed me and was now leaning against the door. "Is that Gypsy?"

"Yea, it is." I stroked her silky fur.

"I remember her. She was such a bother." Marcus stifled a yawn. "Shall we get back to our compartment now?"

I let Marcus lead me to the compartment we'd vacated. It now had three younger Slytherin boys in it, which looked at Marcus in adoration when we walked in.

"Bensington, I'd like you to meet my protégé, Draco Malfoy, and his two goons, Crabbe and Goyle. Boys, meet Ginger Bensington, the best damn Seeker Gryffindor ever had."

I went to shake the boys' hands, but when I reached them, Gypsy hissed at them. So, I stood my distance as to not upset my baby.

"Best Seeker, eh? Even better than Saint Potter?" Malfoy said the name in absolute hatred.

"Yea, she was the Seeker right before him. Wood fancies her." Marcus grinned evilly.

I shot him a death stare and returned my attention to the younger boys. "That's not at all true. Wood does not fancy me and I'm not the best Seeker Gryffindor ever had."

"Well, if you were still in Gryffindor, we could test that statement, but since you're not, you'll have to live with the compliment." Marcus grinned lazily.

"So," Malfoy said, scooting closer to me, and completely ignoring Gypsy's hissing. "You're a seventh year, then?"

"Yea, and don't even think about it." I returned my attention to my cat.

"Think about what?" Malfoy asked, incredulously, as if not comprehending.

Marcus laughed and stared out the window. "You know very well what, you slimy prat."

Malfoy recoiled and pouted next to me on the seat. Crabbe and Goyle stared at Gypsy. She stared right back, as if daring them to even breathe. I think they thought that too, because at one point, Crabbe passed out.

I sat petting my precious kitten, praying that we would arrive at Hogwarts soon. Preferably without any more of Marcus's comments or without running into Wood.

A/N: Well? How was that? I think it was okay. I would like to take a moment to say how much I hate Nevada for beating my Michigan State Spartans in the first round. No offense to you Nevada fans, it's just I'm a MSU fanatic (literally, ask my sis). Paul, it's okay that you fouled out, I still love you!! Okay, that'll do. R/R, or e-mail me with ideas. ~Nelli~ (P.S.= The reason Ginger got put in Ravenclaw is….You'll find out later. *grins evilly*)