For reference in this fic, I see Ana as Marlen Valderrama-Alvarez. I'm starting a Pinterest board of ideas on characters!
Disclaimer: I own nothing of this world, just the few bits and pieces that aren't recognized.
Enjoy!
Being pulled out of my reverie from the last three years, I was overwhelmed with the chaos that encompassed the Weasley household. In fact, so much was going on, I wasn't noticed at first. Taking a moment to just take it all in, I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face. The Weasley house was dysfunctional and odd, but it was actually a home, and the love shown here was palpable. Ginny was the first to notice me.
"Ana! You're here! I'd apologize for it being a bit crazy, but this isn't exactly unusual." She laughed. "You'll be rooming with Hermione and me. It'll be close quarters, but it'll make for a great girl's night!" She winked.
Ginny, although a year younger, was very much outspoken and didn't shy away from topics of boys and quidditch, and especially quidditch boys. Who she was now was a stark difference to who she was in her first year, but I loved who she was becoming. It was something about sharing the experience in the Chamber of Secrets that formed our friendship, although most people didn't realize we were close. In fact, I doubted the boys knew at all.
"Oi! Quit hogging our favorite Gryffindor!" Fred and George came barreling into view. Fred swept me up in a hug first, and George followed right after.
"You know, I think you were on to something Ana Banana." George gave me a once over.
"We didn't know it then, but we do now." Fred winked, and together they spoke, "We really are pervs." They leered and wolf whistled.
I rolled my eyes, "Honestly you two. Knock it off."
Jumping between the two of them, they responded, "No Ana."
"We're not joking!"
"You're looking fit!"
"Did you do something over the summer?"
"Do you want to do something now?"
"Double the trouble, but double the fun."
Laughing, I responded with, "Guys really, thank you, but no nothing really happened over the summer. Unless you count me giving my father the proverbial two finger salute?"
Matching grins lit up their faces, "Aha! Freedom!"
"Rebellion!"
"Both good for the soul!"
"And the body in this case." Fred winked. Unfortunately for him, his mother came into the room just in time to hear him.
"Fred Weasley! You will not be harassing this poor girl! I won't accept any more comments coming from either of you. Now get upstairs to your room and make sure you finish packing. We'll be leaving bright and early. Ana dear, maybe you should prohibit yourself from wearing such revealing clothes. There are many boys around here." With what appeared to be a condescending smile, she bustled away. The twins winked and said which room was theirs, just in case I wanted to visit, and walked away.
I turned to Ginny, "I didn't really think this was revealing." Looking down at my clothes, I shrugged. I was wearing a pair of exercise pants because they were comfortable, and an oversized zip hoodie which was unzipped, maybe just a little more than normal from my travels here. These were muggle clothes I had asked Hermione to help with.
Ginny shook her head, "It's mom. She can't fully blame the twins, so she had to come up with an excuse somewhere. Come on, let's go find Hermione!" Walking into the kitchen, I saw Mr. Weasley sitting at the head of the table, somehow being able to completely ignore everything else going on around him, but also seated were Harry and Ron.
"Hey Harry! Ron. Mr. Weasley, hope you're doing well." I acknowledged each person as Ginny drug me through. Harry looked up, and did a double take before waving, Ron looked up and his jaw dropped but then he quickly shut it and glared, and Mr. Weasley didn't look up from the paper he was reading but mumbled out a polite response. Finally, my arm thankful as it was about to get ripped off, we found Hermione coming in from the backyard.
"Ana! You're here!" Hermione smiled wide and hugged me. Looking her over, I couldn't help but notice I wasn't the only one who had a good summer.
"Ow ow Granger! Looking good! Did the twins hit on you too?" I leered, but she laughed.
"Those two are just the biggest flirts. They'll flirt with just about anyone." She waved it off like she didn't believe she looked any different.
"Yeah right. You think they'd flirt with Parkinson?" I asked. The three of us were silent for a moment before busting out laughing, and agreeing on a resolute no. For the rest of the night, we just hung out and enjoyed the craziness until it was time for bed. Ginny, Hermione, and I trudged up the stairs and got ready for bed. Once we were all changed into pajamas and settled, Ginny was the first to break the silence.
"I mean, we aren't actually going to bed right now. We've got to have our girl talk!" I could hear Hermione groan quietly and I laughed under my breath.
"Ginny, we should get to sleep soon. We have to wake up really early tomorrow." Hermione advised.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But really how often do we get to do this without the boys interrupting?"
"That is a good point." I consented. Hermione sat up and agreed.
"Perfect! So tomorrow we are meeting with Amos Diggory, and he's bringing his son along. You know Cedric, the really cute Hufflepuff that'll be in 6th year? So, we'll have something to look at even before the match! And once we're there, it'll be amazing! I mean, not only for quidditch reasons, which I know you aren't a fan of Mione, but the seekers for each team are to die for. Bulgaria has Victor Krum, and Ireland has Aiden Lynch! I'm not really sure who I prefer, because they're complete opposites! Krum is a classic case of the tall, dark, and handsome, although I guess he's average at 5"10. Lynch on the other hand definitely is tall at 6'2", but he's got blonde hair and these gorgeous blue eyes. Ugh, I can't wait to see them play."
Sharing a look with Hermione in regard to Ginny's rant, I started to smirk, "Well we know which one Hermione will be into."
Hermione was indignant, "I'm not sure how you could know that, when I don't even know it! I haven't seen either of them."
This time, I shared a look with Ginny. Ginny decided she was going to handle this one. "Please Mione. One, you've never been into any blondes, ever. You always go for the stockier guys. If you need an example, let me point out Charlie, the handsome dragon tamer brother of mine you blush at even when he's only mentioned, or how about Ron, hmm? If you need another example, what about Seamus?" Hermione's face was progressively turning red, and I couldn't help but laugh when she hurriedly said, "My crush on Seamus lasted only for a few weeks!"
Ginny wasn't done. "Pointing out your preference is just as easy as pointing out Ana's. She likes the tall, slimmer build. And blondes too actually." She finished with a shrug.
"Okay, I'll agree with the tall and slimmer build, but I like some muscle too, just not a meathead. And I can't agree on the blonde part. I don't think I have a preference either way."
"What about Goldstein?"
Raising my eyebrow in question, I said, "I pointed out he wasn't bad to look at, once. I didn't realize that made me into blondes."
"Either way!" Ginny shrugged. "Mione is going to love Krum, and you'll be ogling Lynch. Not to mention this match is going to be wicked brutal. It'll be a night to remember!"
"Wait now, Gin. Just who are you going to be ogling? I mean, besides Harry?" I smirked.
"Everyone." She grinned and proceeded to toss a pillow at me with impressive force. Makes sense for someone who wants to be a chaser really. Shaking my head, I settled into bed because I knew morning would be coming just a little too fast.
I was right. When my wand started vibrating the next morning before the sun was even up, I regretted staying up late, even if it wasn't too late. Ginny snuggled into her pillow, murmuring something unintelligible, but Hermione and I got up. I let Hermione go into the bathroom to get ready first, while I made sure all my things were packed and ready to go. After switching, we knew someone had to go wake the boys, and someone had to deal with Ginny. I let Hermione get the boys while I tried to convince Ginny to get up, as we were going to be leaving soon.
"Gin, come on! You have to get up. We'll be leaving shortly." She snuggled in even deeper. I sighed.
"Fine. If you want to wait until the last minute, that's completely up to you, but don't you complain when we meet up with the Diggory's and Cedric sees you with drool all over your face." It took a minute to sink in, but Ginny shot up in the bed and tried to smooth her hair.
"Why didn't you say that earlier? Godric, now I'm really behind!"
"Yes, you are." I laughed. "We leave in 20." Shaking my head, I met Hermione in the hallway, and we made our way down for breakfast. Mrs. Weasley had an entire spread made, and it looked delicious. That was one thing I was envious of. I couldn't remember the last family meal I had, but then again, I didn't really have much of a family anyhow. Before I knew it, the Burrow was a madhouse, with people rushing around everywhere. Mr. Weasley started yelling that we all had to leave else we were late. So, gathering everything, and everyone, we were off. Ginny, Hermione, and I stuck close and chatted, Ginny and I chimed in to Quidditch talk every once in a while. We were discussing who we were supporting, and to mess with Ginny, I said I was rooting for the Irish, throwing her a wink. She laughed and rolled her eyes, and told me to wait and see. The twins were on my side, but most of the others (who had an opinion) were hoping Bulgaria would win. Soon, we saw Mr. Diggory waiting for us, but no sign of Cedric. Mr. Weasley greeted him, and abruptly something, or rather someone, fell out of the tree. Or I supposed jumped would be the better word, and landed next to me. Eyes wide with surprise, I looked to Cedric to find he was looking at me, grinning.
"Good morning, Nott. Have a good summer?" Cedric asked.
"Uhm, yeah. It was alright I suppose. How was yours?" I asked, trying to be polite. I was very confused because I had never had a single conversation with Cedric before, but I didn't want to come off rude. Frankly, I didn't know he even knew who I was.
"Yeah, it's been great. Although it has improved." I nodded, thinking about the match ahead of us, obliviously missing his once over of me.
"Yeah, everyone is really excited for the match. It's supposed to be a brutal one."
"Sure, Ana. The match is definitely what I was referencing." He winked, and I walked back to the girls, slightly confused.
Ginny whispered excitedly, "Good Godric is he hot. I can't believe he talked to you! What did he want?"
"Not much, really. He just asked how my summer was." I shrugged.
"That's all?" Hermione chimed in. "Yeah, that can't be all. Give us a word for word recap." Gin demanded.
"No, really. There wasn't much else. He jumped down, and said good morning. He asked how my summer went, and I asked how his was. He said it was good, but it's improved. I mentioned that I understand, and that a lot of us are really excited about the match, as it's supposed to be intense, and then he just said sure, the match was definitely what he was talking about. The end. I told you. All very standard. I think he just talked to me because he literally landed right next to me, and it would have been rude not to."
"After he said the match was definitely what he was talking about, is that when he winked?" Hermione asked.
"Damn. You saw that? You two really were paying attention. Yes, he said that, winked, and we parted ways."
"Oh Ana, for someone so smart, you really are dense!" Ginny exclaimed, albeit quietly as we weren't trying to draw attention.
"Hey now, that's Hermione, not me!" Hermione let out a little indignant, "Hey!"
"Ana, let me say this plainly. Diggory was referencing you, you pillock! The anticipation of the match wasn't what made his summer improve, it was seeing you. He was hitting on you!"
I started laughing, but stopped when I realized she wasn't joking. "Wait, what? Are you being serious?"
Hermione sighed and Ginny shook her head. "This is going to be a long year."
I didn't have time to think about our conversation, because we arrived at our portkey, and in moments were swept away. I had used a portkey with my mother and Theo when I was very young, so I knew how it felt and how to smoothly land. At least smoother than the rest of my friends. Cedric floated down effortlessly, and shot me a look. "Nicely done." I nodded, but went to help the girls get back on their feet. The amount of people here was insane. We all were squished together so we didn't get lost. Following Mr. Weasley and Mr. Diggory, we made it inside the stadium and started making our way to our seats, when of course the Malfoys came into view.
"Blimey dad! How far up are we?" Ron asked, in wonder.
"Well put it this way." A haughty, sneering voice said from below. "If it rains, you'll be the first to know." Lucius Malfoy. Honestly, it's no wonder where Draco got his attitude from.
"Father and I are in the Minister's box. Personal invitation from Cornelius Fudge, himself." Draco bragged.
"Don't boast Draco. There's no need with these people."
I never liked Lucius, and I never knew how Narcissa could stand him. Lucius used to like me, but the older and more opinionated I got, the less his liking remained. So even though it wasn't planned, and I definitely didn't regret it, I couldn't stop the words from coming out of my mouth.
"Yes, Draco. No need to boast. We all know about Daddy's dirty money getting you everything. It's not like Lucy, here, knows the meaning of hard work and dedication. He knows no loyalty to anyone but himself. Just ask his previous lord." I pulled out my best pureblood attitude and smirk, the one I know Lucius, specifically, cannot stand. It seemed like my words and attitude did the trick, because Lucius' cane came striking down next to my hand on the railing, hard.
"Do enjoy yourself, while you can." With that foreboding message, the Malfoys walked away.
Turning away, and dodging the curious looks from the twins and Mr. Weasley, we made our way to our seats, and just in time. Coming from straight behind us came a flash of green, and the Irish team came flying out. Each player was announced, and begrudgingly, I could admit that Aiden Lynch was pretty fit. Ginny shot me a smug smirk. It didn't last long, however, because the Bulgarians came bursting through the dancing Leprechaun in the sky. One player did a rather impressive move and I asked who that was, already having an idea.
"That's Viktor Krum! The best seeker in the world!" The twins answered harmoniously.
Ginny and I watched Hermione, and she suddenly became quite the fan of the Bulgarian team, cheering extra loud for one, Viktor Krum. The game flew by in an intense battle. The Irish had a phenomenal defense, and while Lynch was incredibly talented, it was clear Krum was the better seeker. Krum caught the snitch, saving the reputation of the Bulgarian team, although they still lost 170-160. We made our way back to the tent, and were getting settled. Everyone is relaxing and having a good time. We heard explosions, and assumed it was the Irish celebrating the World Cup win, when Mr. Weasley stepped through the opening.
"That's not the Irish. Hurry and collect your things, we need to leave now." Sensing the urgency, we all did as he said. Ron, Harry, Hermione, and I were all supposed to stay together, but with our luck, of course that didn't happen. Hermione and I were following closely to the boys when she tripped and fell. I heard her call my name, and I turned to try and get her when my arm was grabbed, and a hand fell over my mouth. I fought as I was dragged into the woods, and I was two seconds away from blasting this person with a fit of magic when a familiar voice finally spoke.
"Would you stop moving, Ana? It's me!" Draco had whispered.
"What in the hell are you doing? Hermione fell down, and I was trying to help her! I need to go back!"
"They are going after Muggles and Muggleborns. You know that. If they find her and you are with her, they'll just hurt you too."
"I don't care. That's a risk I'm willing to take. You see, I don't just abandon the people I care about."
"That's enough!" Draco's voice actually got deep, and he grabbed me and shoved me up against a tree, pining me between his arms.
"I know I've been a shit friend, and you refuse to go back and forth, but I can't help it. You infuriate me. For Salazar's sake, I can barely stand you these days, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let you get yourself killed. Especially because your stupid new friends are the reason you're going to be killed." He snarled under his breath. "Look, I was advised to stay hidden in the woods until the sky is marked, and then it's fine. Just stay here. With me."
"They are Death Eaters, Draco! You and I both know what they are capable of. How can you be okay with this? With knowing your father is out there right now, wreaking havoc and hurting people? It's not okay. None of this is alright! And you're right. I do find myself in a lot of trouble these days, and yes it may have to do with my new friends, but I don't care. Because I know those friends will always do what's right. What our fathers, and yes, I say fathers because I know mine is out there too, what they do isn't right. Spreading terror and hatred isn't right. I don't want to be associated with that. So, I don't care if I get beaten and starved until the brink of death. If I stand up for those that can't protect themselves, and I back my friends and make sure they are okay, then it's worth it. That's all I want to do, Draco, is protect the people I love. I couldn't protect my mother, but I'll be damn sure I'm prepared for the next person. You should learn to think for yourself. How you truly think you are better than anyone because of your blood is astounding, and quite frankly, ridiculous. You're going to end up just like our fathers. Destroying, torturing, and before you know it, murdering. I don't want to watch you do that to yourself Draco. I can't. Because I do still love you, and I want to protect you, but I can't if you'd stand by and watch someone like Hermione get hurt. I just can't."
Movement caught my eye, and I noticed the dark mark floating in the sky. Feeling sick to my stomach at the sight, I knew I needed to find my friends. Shooting one last look at Draco, and ignoring his call to me, I ran. With a sigh of relief, I found the boys and Hermione, but as soon as I reached them, multiple sounds of apparition could be heard, and spells were shooting towards us. Luckily, none hit, and Mr. Weasley came running out protecting us. It was Barty Crouch leading the group, and I remembered meeting him just once as a child. He wasn't someone I had a good feeling around. Thankfully, the Aurors realized that a bunch of kids wouldn't be able to cast that the dark mark in the sky, and Harry explained how he saw someone do it. Mr. Weasley was able to escort us back to the rest of our group, and we made our way back to safety. The feeling of dread and worry was so strong, that my stomach was uneasy for the rest of the night. Knowing that nothing good could come next.
Hey all! I know this chapter isn't nearly as long, but I felt like the previous one might have been a tad overwhelming, plus we'll pick up at the start of the school year, so this was a good stopping point. Please read, review, kudos, and just let me know what you think of it! I'd love to hear opinions, both good and bad.