Lockhart, unexpected visitor, September 1st again; Chapter 15

It wasn't long after Ginny's birthday when their Hogwarts letters finally came out. As always, they received their summons to be at platform 9 ¾ by 11 a.m. on September 1st, and a long list of school supplies and required books for their perspective grades. On the Friday after Ginny's birthday, the Weasleys and Potters and by extension Evans (And one Sirius Black), travelled by floo into Diagon Alley to collect their required school materials. There was no stopping by Ollivander's this trip, as Rose already had her mother's wand to use and as much as Rose and Harry tried to convince the Weasleys, Ginny would be given her Grandmothers wand rather than a brand-new wand for herself. Ginny was devastated that she wouldn't receive a new wand, and spent most of the day in a hump, even brushing off Harry and Rose, much to their distress. And so, they went from store to store, buying robes at Madam Malkins, apothecary goods at the apothecary, and even owl treats at Eeylops Owl Emporium. Finally, the group descended on Flourish and Blotts, where they ran into the Grangers.

"Harry!"

Having no time to brace, Harry almost fell straight onto his arse as Hermione ploughed into him with an almighty bear hug. Righting himself, Harry awkwardly patted Hermione's back as he returned the embrace, a little unsure what to do. "Hello Hermione, how've your holidays been?"

Pulling back, Hermione broke out into a toothy grin. "They've been alright, I've been worried I haven't done enough holiday revision. I've written down 3 feet of revision and completed a number of practice essays and…"

"Hermione, relax, I've think you've done enough."

Hermione gave Harry a glare and was about to retort when Ron made his way over. "Hey Hermione, when'd you get 'ere."

"Hello Ron, I was just telling Harry…"

Ron put his hand up to stop her. "How worried you are over holiday revision, don't worry I heard you half a store away."

Hermione huffed as Harry chuckled. "Relax Hermione, you do enough as it is." Harry insisted.

"Far more than Sirius use to at the very least." Rose added as she came over to join the group with Ginny in tow.

"Hello Rose, Ginny, looking forward to your first year?" Hermione asked.

Rose gave the bushy haired witch a wide smile. "Haven't been this excited ever."

"Sure you have, you just got a horse over the holidays and a puppy." Harry snorted.

"Shut it you, you know exactly what I mean."

"Lets hope You-Know-Who doesn't make another appearance whilst we're there." Ginny joked, shooting Harry a grin, although the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

Harry rubbed the back of his neck, and was about to retort when various Witches began to squeal at the top of their lungs. "What on earth is going on?" Ron asked as Hermione started to drag Ginny and Rose to the front of a growing crowd.

At the back of a store, a large gathering of witches began to converge as reporters from the Daily Prophet and photographers pushed their way forward. Their attention was directed onto a middle-aged man with blonde hair and a dazzling smile.

"Alright everyone, settle down, settle down, I'll get to you all very soon." The man called out to the group of fanatical witches.

"Who on Earth is that?" Harry asked Ron as they pushed their way through the crowd to get to the girls.

"Gilderoy Lockhart, he's some sort of wizarding playboy, goes on adventures everywhere and 'dazzles' all the pretty witches with his smile." Ron sneered.

Harry and Ron eventually made it to the front of the group where the girls were currently being subjected to Hermione's incoherent babbling about how dazzling and intelligent Lockhart was. "I read that he once saved an entire village in Transylvania from a vampire, and then went off to fight a dragon in Georgia!"

"Next time, can you ask my permission before you go dragging me off through crowds." Rose glared at the elder girl, who was completely oblivious to everything but Lockhart. Looking over her shoulder, Rose spotted her brother and Ron nudging their way through the crowd. "Took your time you lot, have to elbow a few witches to get through?"

Harry rolled his eyes as he gave his sister a playful shove. "You lot are crazy, I don't know how we're going to get out books, bad enough that our defence books were written by that bloke."

"That bloke, as you put it, is Gilderoy Lockhart, wizarding hero and member of the dark defen…" Hermione gushed before being promptly knocked into by a photographer.

"Outta the way! Daily Prophet!"

"How rude!"

Her outburst unfortunately brought the attention of Lockhart onto the two Potter siblings. "Oh my! Harry Potter! And his little sister." Lockhart exclaimed as he strode over and promptly grabbed the two of them, wrapping his arms around them for the Daily Prophet photographer, "Now, smile you two. That's right ladies and gentlemen! Mr Harry Potter and his sister…uh..."

"Rose Potter." Rose huffed.

"Rose Potter! Are going to receive my full written booklist today, free of charge!"

Handing Harry and Rose two stacks of books each, the wizard celebrity shoved the two Potters off as witches squealed in delight. Making their way back over to their friends, Harry and Rose gave their books over to Ron and Ginny. "Here, keep them, we'll get our own." Harry told his best mate.

Ron was about to protest, before Molly came over and gushed over the books. "I'll go get these signed for you two."

Ron and Ginny gave each other a shrug as they made their way back to the front of the store.

"Bloody hell, witches, you're bloody mental." Ron exclaimed, earning him a glare from the three witches present.

Hermione was about to scold him before she was interrupted by the all too familiar drawl of Draco Malfoy. "Bet you loved that Potter, getting all that attention."

Harry and Rose turned to him. "Which Potter?"

Ron let out a snort before Draco shot him a withering look. "And who's this then, got yourself a little girlfriend Potter."

"No, that's my sister, as you would have known if you had been paying attention to that so called 'attention' we both received before." Harry said calmly, "And besides, Ginny's my girlfriend."

Ginny, who had made her way next to Harry, blushed furiously and ducked her head down whilst Ron left his mouth open in a gape. Hermione was too busy letting the information float around in her head, processing, to show a display of emotion and Rose just had a knowing smirk on her face.

Draco was about to retort when another white-blonde haired individual made their way over. "Now, now Draco, that's no way to treat people. Ah, Harry Potter, and little Madeline-Rose Potter."

Harry and Rose only Quirked an eyebrow up at the gentleman. "Oh but of course, where are my manners, Lucius Malfoy." Lucius said, as he stuck his hand out to shake Harry's hand, ignoring Rose.

Harry hesitantly shook Lucius' hand, only realising his mistake as Lucius pulled him forward and pushed his hair up with his cane. "Forgive me…your scar is…legendary, and of course so it the wizard that gave it to you."

Harry forcibly pulled back away from Lucius' grip, earning him a smirk from the man as he directed his attention to the others around him. "Ah, and you must be Ms Granger, my son has told me…much, about yourself."

Lastly, he drew his attention to Ginny and Ron. "Let me guess, tattered second hand books…" Lucius said, picking up one of Ginny's books from her cauldron, "Tattered second-hand robes, ghastly red-hair, you two must be Weasleys."

Ginny and Ron glared at the older Malfoy as Draco smirked at his father's comments. They were about to retort when Arthur came over to hurry the children along. "Alright you lot, time to get going, your mothers gotten your books…ah… Lucius."

"Arthur, a pleasure to see you as always." Lucius sneered,

"I wish the same could be said about yourself Malfoy."

"As always, you Weasleys bring disgrace to the wizard world, consorting with muggles." Lucius shot back, as he made a pointed look over to the Grangers and Evans who Molly was helping.

Arthur was seeing red by now as he squeezed his hands into fists. "Oh, we have a very different meaning to what brings disgrace to wizards Malfoy."

"Is that so, is that why you associate yourself with half-bloods, and filthy mud-blo…"

Lucius didn't have a chance to finish his sentence as Arthur lunged forward to land a fist on the smarmy purebloods cheek. Blows were exchanged as Ron and Harry took the opportunity to pounce on the younger Malfoy, Ron getting him into a headlock as Harry slammed his foot into the boy's shin. Arms quickly sprung forward as Rose and Ginny took a hold of their much larger brothers to bring them back under control. Alex and Sirius had done the same to Arthur, pulling them apart.

"What the hell is the matter with you two!" Alex admonished the younger men, holding Lucius back with his beefy arm. The pureblood jumped away immediately as he realised who was touching him. "Get your hands off me! You filthy muggle!"

Paying Lucius no attention, Alex just pushed him away as he turned back to a now advancing Sirius. "Ah, Sirius…I heard you managed to get free. How much did you pay hm?"

By now, Alex had to hold back a furious Sirius as he glared with his steel grey eyes. "Unlike some of us, I earned my freedom!"

"Watch your tone Black!"

"You watch yours Malfoy, otherwise I'll strip that little shit you call a son of all his Black inheritance."

Sneering, Lucius could see that he was losing the battle. Instead of continuing to fight, he opted to take Draco by the shoulder and roughly shove him out of the store as best he could whilst hobbling.

By now, Juniper had rounded on Sirius, waggling her finger in his face as Sirius flushed with embarrassment. "Honestly Sirius, you just got out of prison, I didn't realise you wanted to go back!"

"Arthur! You should know by now that there's no point in engaging with that slug of a man!" Molly was busy chastising her own husband before rounding on Ron, "And Ronald! There was no need for you to intervene in that situation!"

Harry certainly didn't escape the wrath of the mothers and sisters though Rose and Ginny quickly rounded on him as Rose gave him a slap across the cheek. "You don't think sometimes do you? Did I somehow end up with all the brains? Think before you act Harry…you dingus!"

Expecting some support from Ginny, Harry was only met with a disapproving frown, but the glint in her eyes told Harry that Ginny was far from angry with him. "Maybe next time…just don't get caught."

"Ginny! Don't encourage him!"

"Oh come on Rose, you know the Malfoys deserve everything that comes to them."

Huffing to herself, Rose just crossed her arms before she looked over at Hermione who had a surprisingly large blush across her face as she stared over at Ron. "That girl has it bad. I almost feel sorry for her."

"Tell me about it, Ron's certainly not the most…emotional." Ginny quipped.

"Hey! Ron's not that bad. Besides, him and Hermione? No way." Although Harry had an inkling his best friends fancied each other, he pushed the thought to the back of his mind, a little concerned at the implications.

"Come on kids, let's go check out the Quidditch store before we all lose our heads." Sirius, now thoroughly chastised, began to round the kids up and lead them out the door as Molly continued to rally on Arthur with an increasing amount of hand gestures and finger waggling.

The day was much more subdued from then on, as the group finished up their shopping and headed back home. The Potters and Evans spent the evening at the Burrow that night, enjoying a scratch match of Quidditch as Molly and Juni prepared dinner inside. Percy was still stuck up in his room, supposedly working on school assignments, so the twins took it within themselves to fly as fast as possible past his window in order to create as much noise as possible, leading to Percy sticking his head out the window.

"Would you two please keep it down!"

His reaction only caused a ruckus of laughter from the group below, as the kids continued to fly around the Burrow at Percy's expense. At some point, Harry and Ginny ended up floating up high above the rest of the group, allowing for them to have some well needed privacy.

"Harry?"

The daydream that Harry was currently enjoying was broken up as he heard the soft voice of Ginny beckon for his attention. "Hm? What's up Gin?"

Ginny looked at him abashedly as she twirled a lock of her red hair between her fingers, chewing on her lip in the process. "Did you mean what you said today…at the bookstore?"

"Which part?" Harry teased lightly.

"You know which part." Ginny glared back.

All thoughts of teasing slipped from Harrys mind as he saw Ginny's emotions laid out in front of him. "Of course I did, as far as I'm concerned you're my girlfriend…if that's okay of course!"

"Yes! I mean…yes…I just…we haven't really talked about this since last Christmas."

"I thought I made myself pretty clear on your birthday."

Ginny shrugged a bit. "It's just that you're young…I'm young…how do we know what we're feeling is real? Not just some silly little crush."

"Hey, look at me Gin." Harry beckoned Ginny to look at him as she ducked her head in embarrassment, "Where's that fiery, confident girl I know…the one that took what she wanted."

"She's in there…I just…Harry I'm confused!" Tears were starting to shimmer in Ginny's eyes as she swiped at them furiously.

"Why are you confused?"

"Because…part of me is completely and utterly embarrassed about my c-crush on you…and…"

Harry smiled gently as he reached over to take Ginny's hand. "And?"

"And the other half." Ginny gulped, "Is telling me that what we're doing…is right."

"It is right!" Harry insisted, "I don't feel embarrassment or fear when I think about what we are. I…I care about you Gin."

A sob ripped through Ginny as her lips wavered into a smile. "Merlin…I…I care about you too Harry."

Slowly, Harry brought Ginny's hand up to his chest, making her raise an eyebrow. "Harry what…"

"Can you feel that." Harry smiled softly, "Can you feel my heart beating for you."

"Yes…"

"Ever since we met, I have had nothing but this incredible…amazing, emotion about you. It made me lightheaded when I thought about it." Bringing Ginny even closer to him, Harry wrapped an arm around her middle as their legs bumped in mid-air, "I Don't know what to think about this Gin, honestly. The only interaction I've had with a girl is Rose and you know what a ray of sunshine she can be."

Ginny couldn't help but giggle as she nodded in agreement. "But don't you think it's odd?"

"Of course, I do." Harry said, "I think it's incredibly odd. But just because it's odd doesn't mean it's a bad thing."

"Harry?"

"Yes Gin?"

A cheeky smirk replaced Ginny's unsure lips as she made a come-hither motion with her finger. "Kiss me."

Harry didn't get to respond, as Ginny quickly grabbed him by the collar and brought him down so she could crash her lips into his. A moan elicited from both their throats, only adding to a rising heat that was making Harry flush. Unaware to the pair, a faint glow began to radiate from them both as their kiss continued on. Finally, needing air, the two split apart with goofy grins on their faces.

"Now that was a kiss." Ginny teased.

A little dazed, Harry could only nod his head in agreement, his eyes ensnared by the glittering rays of sunlight bouncing off Ginny's fiery, golden hair. "Mmhm…pretty…"

"Oh come on Harry, snap out of it." A couple of finger snaps to the face did the trick as Harry seemed to break out of the majority of his daze.

"Hm? Oh…Guinev…Gin…what happened?"

A funny look crossed Ginny's face before a smile spread out. "I kissed you silly."

"Guess you got over that shyness huh?"

"Doesn't help when the cute boy in front of me gives me confidence."

With a cheeky grin, Harry just rolled his eyes. "Cute huh? Not handsome."

"Don't get cocky." Ginny grinned back, "Thank you though…for reassuring me."

"It's my pleasure, don't worry." Harry began to lean in for another kiss when the shrill call of Molly Weasley broke them apart.

Blushing furiously, their shyness returned to them as they avoided eye contact. Making their way down to the ground and back into the house, they spied Rose landing next to them as she shot them both a smirk as she came into step next to them.

"Have a good chat you lot." she smirked.

Harry gave a shrug and a smile as Ginny reddened. "You could say that."

Rose smiled up at her big brother and at her best friend as they sat down at the table in the kitchen. It made her happy to see Harry happy, always. But part of her couldn't help but be a little jealous, partly out of wishing she had someone to kiss as well. The other half found herself trying to push down the angry thoughts of Ginny stealing her brother away, surprising her since she hadn't thought about it since they first met. Perhaps it was seeing them being so happy together since Harry had gotten back that triggered the emotion for Rose. Whatever it was, it made her feel extremely displeased with herself.

As always, dinner was spectacular and desserts only ended up stuffing them with more food, threatening to explode the lot of them. Baying the Weasleys goodnight, the Evans household made their way back home, hoping that the floo wouldn't pop them open. Sirius was the first to bed that night, as Arthur and Alex had engaged him in a small drinking competition, sampling a bottle of Scotch that Alex had acquired earlier from Diagon Alley.

Rose and Harry weren't far behind, however as they were dragging themselves up the stairs and to their rooms, they stopped at the sound of a bed squeaking coming from Harry's room. Little Jeanne was scratching to be let into Harry's room, yipping quietly as she tried to force her way in.

"What's the matter girl?" Rose approached cautiously until Harry pulled her behind him.

"You just stay behind me now okay?"

Giving her brother a small nod, Rose stayed behind Harry as he took out his wand from his waistband, holding it in front of him as he began to open the door. Upon opening it, they both let out a squeak as a small humanoid creature stopped bouncing up and down on Harry's bed, and turned to face the two Potters.

"Harry Potter! What an honour!" the creature bowed down in a reverent manner.

Jeanne let out a bark and growled as she stood her ground by her master's feet. Harry meanwhile, turned to his sister with a raised eyebrow. "What the hell?"

"Can we help you?" Rose asked impatiently, crossing her arms in annoyance as she stepped in front of her brother.

The creature's eyes widened before it broke out in tears. "Miss Potter, is asking if she could help! Oh, you truly are a great witch!"

"I wasn't…"

"Who are you?" Harry interrupted his sister.

"Oh my! Harry Potter! My name is Dobby, Harry Potter, humble house elf." Dobby introduced himself.

"Um…no offence Dobby, but why are you here?" Harry asked.

Dobby paced the room anxiously as he looked at the two Potters. "Dobby has come to warn the young Potters that you cannot return to Hogwarts this year."

A strangled noise came out of Rose's throat as Harry furrowed his brow. "Why not! This is Rose's first year, and I'm not going to be missing a year of school."

"No no! you must not return to Hogwarts! There is great danger awaiting you there this year!"

Rose snorted. "So why didn't you come last year, Harry here had to face Voldemort all over again."

Dobby flinched and yelped at the mention of the dark lord's name. "You do not understand, Dobby's owners are planning to do much harm to the school this year! Harry and Miss Potter are in much danger!"

"Look Dobby, as much as I'm touched by your concern, I don't think Dumbledore is going to let My sister or myself be harmed whilst we're there." Harry said.

"Besides, haven't you heard; my big brother is a wizarding hero." Harry rolled his eyes at his sister's declaration as Rose just sent him a playful smirk.

"Oh, Dobby knows how legendary Mr Potter is, but Dobby must do his duty to protect Mr and Miss Potter!"

Shaking their heads, Rose and Harry gave each other a look. "Look Dobby, we'll do our best to stay out of trouble and be safe, but I'm not about to miss my first year, and Harry can't just miss his second year."

Dobby's large eyes widened in a mixture of fear and disappointment as he realised the Potters were stubbornly refusing his request. "NO! You's cannot return to Hogwarts this year! Dobby's master will hurt the Potters!"

"Who're your masters Dobby?" Harry asked, bending down to Dobby's level.

The little elf shook his head violently. "Dobby's owners are very bad wizards, very, very bad wizards and witches."

At realising what he had just said, Dobby ran around the room, before bashing his head into Harry's cupboard door. "Dobby stop! What are you doing!" Harry shouted.

By this point, Sirius was awake and making his way into the room. "Bloody hell, let the bloody Hippogryph out would you…oh for merlins sake."

Dobby stopped and stared up at Sirius for a bit. "Master Black! Dobby did not realise you lived with Harry Potter."

Sirius cocked his eyebrow as he looked at Rose and Harry who just gave him a shrug. "What the f…bloody hell is going on. I'm the Potters godfather, but why I'm here doesn't matter. Explain yourself elf."

"Dobby' here, has just told us that Rose and I can't go back to Hogwarts due to some unknown terror that is going to happen at the school." Harry answered for Dobby.

Sirius let out a snort as he eyed the little house elf. "And let me guess, you can't tell them why?"

Dobby nodded his head up and down as Sirius let out a sigh. "Listen Dobby, Harry and Rose will be perfectly fine at Hogwarts, Dumbledore will make sure of that, as will the rest of the staff, and if not, my Friends and I will be there to guard them if need be."

Once more, Dobby shook his head violently as he refused to give in. "If Harry and Miss Potter refuse Dobby's warning, then Dobby has no choice." with a click of his fingers, Dobby vanished into thin air, leaving the others baffled.

"What on earth was all that about." Rose asked.

Harry gave a shrug as he entered further into his room and sat on the bed. "No bloody idea, but are all house elves that manic?"

Sirius let out a snort as he leaned against the doorframe. "No, most are quite timid, however some are either extremely hyper, extremely submissive, or extremely grumpy…I remember the Black family house elf Kreacher, he was a piece of work."

Rose giggled as she made her way over to her brother, helping little Jeanne up onto the bed. "Well, I think that's enough excitement for tonight, night Harry."

Harry hugged and kissed his sister's brow. "Night Rose, see you in the morning."

"Night you two, let me know if any crazy house elves come back." Sirius called out as he left for his room, grumbling about house elves underneath his breath.

"Night Sirius!"

The bed dipped as Rose took a seat next to her brother, a worried look on her face as she chewed her lip. "Do you think what Dobby said is true?"

A silence filled the room as Harry thought about what Rose had said. "I don't know Rose, but what I do know…is that no matter what, I will protect you with my entire soul and being. I won't let anyone or anything hurt you, they'll have to kill me first."

"Don't say that…" Rose whispered as tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

"I love you Rose; you are the most important thing in my life, and I would gladly give my life to protect you…besides, last time I tried that it kinda backfired." Harry said, pointing to his scar.

Rose couldn't help but snort at her brothers' words. "Is it okay if I stay here tonight?"

Harrys only response was to lift his sister up and plop her on 'her' side of the bed. "You're welcome to stay with me anytime you want before we head off to Hogwarts."

Rose nodded as she laid her head down onto the pillows. "I love you Harry."

Harry smiled at his sister as he plopped into bed with her, laying a kiss to her forehead. "I love you to Rosie, now get some sleep, don't let the house elves bite."

"Do you think they bite?!"

The last thing Rose heard from her brother was a sharp snort as he flicked off the light.

'They better not bloody bite…'

OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP

September 1st rolled round quicker than any of the Hogwarts students cared to admit, and before they knew it, they were being shouted at from down the stairs to hurry along lest they be late. Harry and Rose ended up being two of those students, as they both lugged their trunks down the stairs where Juni, Alex and Sirius were waiting. Luckily for Rose and Harry, they would be taking the floo to Kings Cross today, as the Ministry had just hooked up brand new floo fireplaces in the wizarding part of the train station. The venture hadn't been cheap, but after a number of families located outside of London complain about how difficult it was to get their children there on time, the ministry finally caved.

Rose was the first one down the stairs, her trunk banging and clanging down the stairs as an uneasy feeling of nerves settled in her stomach. As Rose turned the corner into the sitting room, Juniper spotted her, dashing forward to wrap her arms around her granddaughter. "My little girls heading off to Hogwarts, gosh…you look just like your mother when we took her that day."

Alex joined her soon as he too wrapped his arms around his granddaughter. "We're so proud of you sweetheart…and your mum and dad would be too."

Nerves were replaced with pride as Rose snuggled her head into her grandfather's chest, the touch of cologne relaxing her mind. "Thanks Grandpa."

Harry was next to receive the hugs as Sirius hurried up and claimed Rose next. "You have fun okay pup, and remember, I'm always a floo call away if you need to talk alright." Sirius reassured Rose as he brushed a lock of auburn hair behind her ear.

Rose nodded as she tucked herself into Sirius. "Thanks, Padfoot, I'll miss you."

"The same goes to you too Harry, call anytime you need alright." Sirius said as he wrapped him up into a tight hug.

As they made their way over to the fireplace, they threw in their floo powder and turned around to face their family. "We'll see you all later then" Rose said as she took her brothers hand with her free one.

"We love you both so very much." Juni gushed as she waved to them, "Stay safe, and have fun."

Harry and Rose grinned. "We love you to Grandma, you to Gramps, Padfoot, we'll see you at Christmas."

And with that, the two siblings stepped into the fireplace and called for Kings Cross. A moment later they were spat out at the bustling Wizarding section of Kings Cross. Harry quickly dragged Rose away from the fireplace, as to avoid being hit behind from any incoming people. Walking onto the Hogwarts express, the two ran into a couple of familiar faces.

"Harry! Rose! How are you!" The familiar voice of Hermione called out as she popped her head out from a compartment. Alec was quick to follow her as he made his way over to them.

"Look what the cat dragged in, how are you Harry, Rose."

Harry gave a shrug as he shook his friends hand. "Not bad, how was Australia?"

Alec gave them a chuckle as he went over to hug Rose lightly, causing the youngest Potter to blush. "It was good, bloody cold though, it's winter down under, and now we're getting back to winter here so joy." Alec said sarcastically.

"It can't be that bad can it, I mean anything's better than the heat, Right?" Rose asked.

"My sweet summerchild, you haven't experienced heat until you've experienced an Australian Christmas."

"Come on you lot, let's get your trunks put away anyway." Hermione was quick to interrupt, getting impatient.

"Alright, alright, don't get your knickers in a twist luv." Alec shot back smirking.

Hermione only shot him a dirt look as Rose thumped him on the back. "Watch it you, or else I'll be having to use this wand and the hexes Harry's taught me on your backside."

Alec threw his hands up in surrender as he made his way into the compartment and helped the two Potters put their trunks into the luggage compartments. Finishing up, they made their way back out onto the platform in order to await the Weasleys, who, although now could use the floo, would inevitably still be late. They sat themselves down at one of the hastily constructed cafés that had sprung up with the fireplaces, and waited for any sign of the Weasleys whilst sipping on some poorly made café tea.

"Bloody hell, I thought the English knew how to make a proper brew." Alec grimaced as he managed to take another sip of the sickly bitter tea.

Eventually a sea of red hair appeared from one of the fireplaces as the Weasley clan hurried to make their way over to the train. In true Weasley fashion it was 10 to 11 by the time they arrived. The group of friends hurried over to catch their attention before they stepped onto the train.

Sensing that the redheads were about to pass them, Harry bellowed out for his other best friend in an effort to catch Ron's attention. "OI! RON! Over here mate!"

Hearing his name called, Ron snapped around to see where the noise came from, spotting Harry as he broke out into a toothy grin. Walking over, Ron pointed a thumb back towards the fireplaces. "Hey you lot, here early I see, this new floo network is wicked, got to sleep in until 10 this morning!"

Harry and Alec snorted as they greeted their mate with a handshake, and a hug from Hermione. "We've already got a compartment set up if you wanna follow us." Rose said as she sprung forward to greet Ginny with a hug.

"Sounds alright to me, lead on McDuff." Ginny answered with a wave of her hand.

The Weasleys bayed their mother goodbye as Molly kissed their cheeks and wrapped them all into bear hugs, including the Potters, Hermione and Alec, before wishing them best wishes and waving them off onto the train. The twins disappeared with a goodbye to find their own friends as they hopped onto the train and made their way to the compartment. Sitting down, Harry was flanked by Rose and Ginny on either side as Hermione, Alec and Ron took the bench opposite them. Before the train took off however, they were interrupted by the airy voice of Luna Lovegood.

"Hello everyone, mind if I join you in here? Every other compartment is full of nargles I'm afraid."

"Luna! Of course, come in!" Ginny cried as she moved over for her long-time friend.

"How was Australia Luna?" Rose leaned forward to see around her brother and best friend.

Sitting down next to Ginny, Luna flashed Harry a relaxed smile as he helped shoved her trunk in the upper compartment. "It was very nice, a bit cold but that was perfect weather to find Bunyips. Thank you, Harry."

Flashing Luna a smile, Harry sat back down just as Alec threw his hands up into the air. "See, what did I tell you, cold!"

Rose rolled her eyes and scoffed before she looked back over at Luna. "Did you catch any Bunyips?"

Luna shook her head. "I'm afraid not, we heard them at night but they were too afraid to approach."

A snort came from Hermione. "Or it could be that they don't exist."

"Of course, they exist, you don't think we make this stuff up do you?" Alec chided.

Hermione gaped her mouth a bit before retreating further into her seat. Ron and Harry chuckled as Alec continued. "Bunyips, Yowies, Drop Bears, they'll all tear you a new one if you're not careful… and don't even get me started on Kangawalladingos."

"Oh, I don't know, Drop Bears are quite cuddly you know." Luna chimed.

"You try saying that after you've seen them gut a big red." A grimace went across Alec's face as he shuddered.

The train trip to Hogwarts continued in similar fashion, with the friends catching up and talking about their holidays since the last time they saw each other. As usual, Draco Malfoy and his goons stopped by to pay a visit, however their usual bullying was met with some rather unique and frankly hilarious commentary from Luna.

"Is this because of your inferiority complex?"

Draco looked at Luna, taken aback by her comment. "What did you say?"

Repeating the question, Luna just shrugged nonplussed. "I asked if you act like this because of your inferiority complex, or is it because of your daddy issues?"

"How dare you suggest such a thing!"

"Well if its neither of those is it because of your desire to be famous and popular like Harry?"

"POTTER IS NEITHER POPULAR OR FAMOUS!" Draco shouted back, his face now bright red.

Ron and Alec were about to put an end to this with some quick wand work when Luna delivered the final blow. "Is it because your mother doesn't love you? I don't have a mother anymore so I know how you feel, but at least I knew she loved me, do you want to talk about it?"

Draco just stared at Luna, opened mouthed before he quickly left the compartment muttering. 'Mummy' quietly to himself.

"Bloody hell Luna, what was that." Ron finally asked, his mouth no longer hanging open.

Luna turned around to look at her friends. "What? I was just trying to understand him, who is he by the way?"

Everybody broke out into laughter as Luna just sat there smiling airily to herself. Before long, the train was pulling into Hogsmeade station, as the sun dipped below the horizon. The Girls had stepped out to allow the boys to change before the boys did the same for the girls. Rose noticed the new locket around her best friend's neck as they were changing.

"Hey Ginny, where'd you get that locket?"

Ginny blushed as she picked up the locket and brushed a thumb over it. "Um…Harry gave it to me…on my birthday."

By this stage both other girls had noticed the locket too. "Oh my, it is rather lovely isn't it." Hermione gushed as she examined it closely.

"He must care very deeply about you to give you such a lovely piece of metal." Luna remarked in her usual airy tone.

Blushing at all the attention, Ginny quickly slipped on her robes in order to hide it again. Rose just smiled at her friend as she wrapped an arm around her friend's waist. Although both girls grew during the holidays, Rose was still a good 5 inches shorter than Ginny, who was herself a number of inches shorter than Harry, her brother and Alec, making Rose the right size to slot herself underneath her friend's arm as she gave her a one-armed hug.

As they disembarked the train, the familiar call of Hagrid came over the station platform, calling for the first years. Turning to her brother, Rose gave Harry a smile as she hugged him and waved him off as she went and joined Ginny and Luna in taking the boats across the lake. "I'll see you at the feast alright, have fun, and don't worry okay?" Harry called to her.

Nodding her head, Rose bit her lip as a wave of nausea hit her. "See you then Harry."

Following her friends, she stepped into one of the rickety boats as Hagrid came around the corner. "Alright there Rosie."

"Just dandy Hagrid, how were your holidays?"

Hagrid cleared his throat a bit as he stepped into his own boat. "T'was alright, the gardens got a flubberworm infestation at the mo', gotta get rid of 'em so I've been at it all summer."

Acknowledging Hagrid with a nod, Rose smiled as she felt the boat start to move just as Hagrid beckoned his own on. Another first-year boy had joined Luna and Ginny in their boat, who quickly introduced himself. "Hello! I'm Colin Creevy!" Rather exuberantly, Colin stuck his hand out for the girls to shake.

"Hello Colin, it's very nice to meet you, you seem to have a few nargles around your head though, you might want to get checked out." Luna informed him.

"Don't worry about her, she's Luna Lovegood and I'm Ginny Weasley." Ginny answered as Colin gave Luna a look as if she had grown a second head.

"And I'm Rose Potter, it's nice to meet you Colin." Rose introduced herself as she took Colin's hand.

"Potter! As in Harry Potter!"

Rose let out a sigh, she knew this was coming at some stage. "He's my brother."

Colin's eyes went wide as a big open-mouthed smile came over him. "Oh, this is fantastic! Can I take your photo?!"

"Uh…sure…"

Before she could ready herself, a sharp flash of light blinded Rose as Colin's old Muggle Camera snapped off a shot of the young Potter. "Bloody hell, you want to blind someone with that!" Someone called from another boat as Colin gave them a sheepish smile and apologetic wave.

"I have to agree, I'm going to be seeing stars for a while I think." Rose shook her head to try and rid herself of the bright stars flashing behind her eyes.

Drifting over the lake, the friends chatted with the excitable Colin before they were all silenced as Hogwarts came into view from around the corner. Rose had never seen anything as beautiful or grand in her life, and simply stared at it, open mouthed, as the boats drifted closer and closer to the castle. Eventually, the boats drew up into the cave underneath the castle, and the first years disembarked and followed Hagrid up the flight of stairs that led into the castle. Awaiting them at the top of the stairs was Professor McGonagall, someone Harry had spoken of fondly over the holidays.

"Welcome first years, you are about to enter the Great Hall, where you will be sorted into houses which you shall share classes with, meals, and dormitories with. While you are here, your house is your family, however, do not let that stop you from mixing with the other houses. Now, if you would all follow me." The stern old professor turned sharply on her heals and entered the Great Hall where at the end of the hall sat the sorting hat.

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After saying goodbye to his sister, Harry followed his friends to the carriages that would be awaiting to take them up to the school. Finding one that was empty, they all climbed aboard, settling themselves in.

They were interrupted from their conversation as Neville came around and asked to join them. "Hey guys, sorry…everywhere else is full, is it okay if I squish in here?"

Shoving Ron over a tad, Harry made room for the shy boy as he petted the space now freed up. "Of course, come on in Neville, how were your holidays?"

"It was alright, my Gram took me to London to see the royal flower show, other than that nothing really special." Neville shrugged.

Harry gave his friend a sad smile as he wrapped an arm around his shoulder. "Well, let's hope this year will be better than the holidays, no more Voldemort or trouble, just a normal year."

Neville flashed Harry a smile as he nodded in agreement. Soon enough, the carriages were pulling up to the entryway of the Castle, streams of students emptying out of the carriages as they quickly headed up to the entrance. Entering the Great Hall, the students quickly went about sitting at their house tables, waiting for the House sorting by catching up with their friends. Harry and his friends caught up with their other friends, including Seamus, Dean, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil. They all spoke of their holidays and what they had gotten up to. Lavender was quite interested in Alec's excursion to Australia, or at least she was pretending to be as she ran a hand over his wrist, squeezing when Alec dramatized being chased by a Kangaroo which he claimed as over 6ft tall.

Conversations across the hall were interrupted as the doors to the Great Hall flew open and McGonagall waltzed in with the first years in tow. Ducking his head up, Harry scanned the group of first years for the auburn hair of his sister. Once he found her, he flashed Rose a brilliant smile as their eyes made contact. As always, Harry found his eyes drifting towards Ginny, their eyes locking for a moment as both of their faces became flushed. Now waiting patiently, the First Years all lined up and waited as McGonagall fetched the First-Year roster, eventually calling out their names one by one. Harry was only half paying attention as the rest of it was focused on his sister who was fidgeting nervously. He was shaken out of his trance when a bright flash of light blinded him.

"HI HARRY!"

"Uh…Hello?" Turning around, Harry was met by an excitable looking mousy brown-haired boy.

"I'm Colin Creevy! I just met your sister on the boat, she's rather cute isn't she!" Colin managed to squeeze in the words in a matter of seconds.

Harry's eyebrow rose as he examined the boy in front of him, not noticing the glare Alec was giving him across the table. "Nice to meet you Colin, I guess I don't need an introduction then."

"Oh no of course not! I'm in Gryffindor by the way! Just got sorted then, can I have your photo?"

"Didn't you just get my photo?" Harry asked.

Colin looked at him sheepishly as he raised his camera and pleaded with his eyes. "Oh, go on then, make it quick." Harry said, putting up with the blinding light once more.

"Thanks Harry!" and with that Colin was off,

Next to Harry, Ron shook his head and snorted. "What a nutter."

Harry was about to respond when he heard Luna's name being called up. Watching intently, Harry watched as the sorting hat took a full minute to decide to finally put her in Gryffindor, much to her surprise by the look on her face. Walking over to the table, Hermione made room for her as she sat down opposite Harry and Ron.

"I didn't think I would end up in Gryffindor, daddy said I would most likely be in Ravenclaw like mummy." Luna's normal airy tone was replaced by one that sounded wise beyond her years.

"Sorry Luna." Reaching out with his hand, Harry gave Luna a sympathetic touch and smile.

Returning Harry's smile, Luna just shook her head. "Oh no I'm not upset, just surprised, I'm quite glad to be here in fact, as I'm sure Ginny and Rose will be here."

Harry nodded his head as he drew his attention back to the front. Eventually Rose was called up, causing a small burst of whispering to spring up. Apparently not everybody was aware that Harry had a younger sister. Harry crossed his fingers as the sorting hat was placed on his sister's head, praying to anyone that would listen that his sister would join him.

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Rose was beyond nervous as the sorting hat was placed on her head. Luna had been sorted into Gryffindor, much to her surprise as she had expressed the idea that she would most likely be in Ravenclaw like her parents. As the hat snuggled onto her head, the brim going over her eyes, a voice popped into her head.

"Ah, another Potter, hopefully you don't end up like the Weasleys, they might as well own the school."

Rose snorted. "Careful you, those are my friends you're talking about."

"My apologies, now, down to the matter at hand. You Potters certainly don't make things easy; you are so much like your brother its troublesome."

"You know us Potters."

"Indeed, your father was hard to place as it was. Now, I don't see any real reason to place you anywhere but where you deserve…where you belong."

"And where is that oh glorious talking hat."

"Why it has to be GRYFFINDOR!"

Without thinking, Rose tore the hat off her head and ran over to her brother, who apparently had the same idea, as he was already standing, arms outstretched, waiting for his sister. Colliding into her brother, who swung her around in the air, she could faintly hear the sounds of the Weasley twins shouting out. "WE GOT THE POTTERS! WE GOT THE POTTERS!"

Taking a seat next to her brother, Ron moved over so that Rose could fit. Letting out a content sigh, Rose laid her head on Harry's shoulder as his arm snaked around her back.

"Welcome to Gryffindor Rose." Harry kissed his sister's brow.

"Good to be here, so, what I miss?"

The group of friends welcomed her into their conversation as they sat around waiting for the last Weasley to come and join them. As predicted, Ginny was sorted into Gryffindor, barely having the hat on her head for a few seconds before she was called into her family's house. She made her way over to where Rose and Harry were sitting as the Twins ran around to hoist her up onto their shoulders, causing her to squeal.

"Welcome to Gryffindor Ickle Ginnikins."

"Yeah, welcome to the club Short Stack."

Setting her down next to Harry, the twins mussed up her hair as they re-joined their friends.

"Didn't have a doubt in my mind that you wouldn't be here." Harry leaned in to whisper in her ear.

She gave him an impish grin in return as Harry slipped his hand into hers underneath the table. Their attention was soon drawn to the headmaster, as Dumbledore stood up to deliver his usual beginning of year speech. As usual, he reminded students not to go into the forbidden forest, of the rules put in place by Filch, and of Quidditch tryouts. Lastly, he introduced the only new member of staff, one Gilderoy Lockhart, much to the dismay of Harry and his friends, minus Hermione.

"I can't believe they hired Lockhart to be our DADA teacher." Ron complained as he began to shovel food onto his plate.

"Honestly Ronald, I think you're blowing this much to out of proportion, I'm sure Professor Lockhart is an extremely competent teacher." Hermione chided.

Ron gave Harry a look that they both understood all too well, Harry rolling his eyes in agreement. "Well, I'm sure he's better than Quirrell at the very least."

A snort came from Rose's nose. "Well that can't be hard, after all, Quirrell was possessed by Voldemort."

A number of students at the table flinched at hearing the name, but Rose and Harry just gave each other a cheeky smirk at their handiwork. Harry looked back to the head table, letting his eyes wander over the staff members. Besides Lockhart there were no other new staff members. His eyes locked on Dumbledore's for a moment, who graced Harry with a smile and a nod of his head as Harry smiled and nodded back. Rose looked at her brother for a moment before following his gaze to the head table, waving her hand at Dumbledore who appeared to chuckle back. Eventually their eyes were drawn to Snape's, as the potions professor nodded at Harry who returned the greeting. However, when he laid his eyes on Rose, the professor couldn't help but let his mouth hang open for a moment before he tugged his eyes violently away. Rose turned back to look at her brother, who only shrugged in response, and turned back to his plate. She stared at the professor for a moment longer before returning to her own food, missing the look that the professor gave after their eyes were off of him.

As the night dragged on the stomachs of students and staff expanded and eventually the signal for everyone to depart was given. Rose, Ginny and Luna followed the Prefects as they led the first years up to Gryffindor tower. Harry and his friends followed soon after, enjoying the walk back to the tower, chatting to each other. When they entered the common room, the first-year girls were already waiting for them on one of the couches by the fireplace, chatting amongst themselves.

"So, what do you think of your new home girls?" Harry asked as he took a seat next to his sister.

Turning to face her brother, Rose's lips split into a beaming smile. "It's fantastic! It's better than I ever thought! And I haven't even had a class yet."

"Just wait till you have homework, then you'll change your mind." Ron joked, earning him a glare from Hermione.

"You'll enjoy yourself here Rose, you too Ginny, Luna, as long as you study hard like Harry and not Ron and Alec." Hermione shot a victorious look over to the two boys in question. Said boys shot their hands up in the air in surrender, "Honestly you lot, you're only to find school harder as you go along."

"That's why we've got you 'mione, what would we do without you." Ron said as he shot Hermione a gushy look, eliciting a vibrant blush from Hermione's traitorous cheeks.

"Alright love birds, I think I'm gonna turn in for the night, night you lot." Alec called as he headed off for the boy's dorm.

Ron and Hermione spluttered a bit as the others let out a laugh. "I think I might follow Alec's lead and turn in, night Rosey, night everyone." Harry said as he gave his sister a light kiss to her cheek.

Harry's movements were followed as Ginny kept her eyes on him, only stopping once he disappeared up the boys dormitory stairs. Turning back to her friends and brother, Ginny stretched out her arms and let out a yawn. "I think Harry and Alec have the right idea, time for bed I say."

Everybody nodded at the idea and said their various goodbyes before they headed up to their respective dorms. Ginny, Luna and Rose headed up to the first-year girl's dorm, and immediately made themselves comfortable, laying down on their beds to chat away as the other first year girls piled in. Rose perked up when Ginny pulled out a thin black book from her trunk.

"What you got there Ginny?" Rose asked.

Ginny looked up at her best friend and gave a shrug. "It's a diary mum and dad got me…I think. It kinda ended up in my book pile so I just thought it was a gift from them."

"Not Harry then." Rose smirked.

Ginny blushed as she shut her trunk with a thump. "Shush you, Harry wouldn't have gotten me such a raggedy diary if it was him."

"More than likely, that book looks like it's about to fall apart at any moment."

Luna in the meantime was eyeing the book with a dirty look that neither Rose or Ginny had ever seen before. "What's the matter Luna?" Ginny asked as she sat down on her bed.

Snapping out of her trance, Luna gave her friends an airy smile. "Oh, nothing, just noticing how…dirty that book looks."

"It is rather filthy isn't it, oh well, it's mine now that's all that matters." Ginny gave a shrug, "And it doesn't talk back like other listeners I know."

A chuckle came from Rose's lips, abruptly cut off as she realised it was her Ginny was referring too. "What! I don't talk back…do I?"

"Goodnight Rose."

"Ginny!"

Letting out a huff, Rose collapsed into bed as the other girls turned in for the night as well. Tucked into her bed, Luna couldn't help but have an uneasy feeling about Ginny's diary. However she pushed it to the back of her mind, labelling it as her imagination, not something that she often did. Rose in the meantime couldn't sleep for a different reason that night, she was too excited for her first class the next day, and then her birthday the day after, where she would be spending it with her brother once again. She had missed him at her birthday last year, however much she enjoyed having her friends there with her. However, as she listened to the sounds of snoring and girls rustling in their sleep, she couldn't help but feel content as she realised, she was about to start learning magic, alongside her big brother and her best friends. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was the Potter siblings, and for the first time in her life, Rose truly felt at peace as she drifted off to sleep for the first time at Hogwarts.