The Great Hall was filled with activity and the red and gold clad Gryffindor table cheered for their newcomer. James Sirius Potter had been sorted into Gryffindor. Darby watched as worry gripped her.
James hadn't quietly accepted the Sorting Hat's decision. "I want to be with my sister! Mum and Dad clearly told me to help her out!" James had protested, but the Sorting Hat had told him, "There are other ways of helping her, young man. I see courage and determination in you. You'd make a fine Gryffindor."
'Fawcett, Jean!' was sorted into Slytherin. Jean had sat next to Darby and she held Darby's hand.
The sorting continued, followed by the food. Professor McGonagall instructed the students to go to sleep and attend classes with a fresh mind from the following day onwards.
Darby and Jean bid good night to James and Andrew Waters (Gryffindor). Just then, they encountered Peeves!
"Oh, Potty wee Naughty with Dursley Curse-ly and some other ickle firsties! This year's gonna be fun!"
But before Peeves dropped bottles of ink on them, the four of them scattered away. James and Darby had been warned about Peeves even when they were children. Darby, however, felt reassured as she went with Jean to the Slytherin Common Room. She had family at Hogwarts and was already making friends. Even if some of them weren't from her own houses. That night, she sent an owl home.
"Slytherin?" Dudley said. "Cool!"
He looked at Harry with joy.
Harry smiled at his cousin. If things had been different, maybe he and Dudley would've attended Hogwarts together! Or maybe his mother and aunt! He was just glad his and Dudley's children were attending Hogwarts together.
"James wrote as well. He was feeling bad that he and Darby weren't in the same house. He had promised to keep an eye out for her at Hogwarts, and now he's upset because they're not in the same house." Harry told Dudley.
"Oh, no. Please tell Jamie not to feel bad or anything. I mean, Darby will have to learn to be independent. I don't want James to feel upset or obligated for anything." Dudley said.
"Will you write to him, Dudley? Maybe that's what he wants?" Harry asked, and Dudley nodded.
"Anyways, Harry, Ginny. I need to tell you something. I'm finally going to start my own fast-food chain." Dudley said.
"That's amazing! Glad you came to this decision!" Harry said, grinning.
"Now that I don't play Quidditch professionally, I can and would love to be your first customer!" Ginny, the Quidditch Correspondent for the Daily Prophet exclaimed.
"I've always wanted to be my own individual than follow others." Dudley said, and then looked downcast. "I've only been a pampered kid who grew up bulling his cousin and weaker children, who grew up to work in a boring and dull job, married to a girl who doesn't care about him. A loser who can't be a good son, husband, and father!"
"No!" Harry said, shocked. "You're being too hard on yourself, Big D."
"No, that's not being hard on myself. That's me!"
"You aren't a loser, Dudley. And you are definitely becoming a better person over the years. That's cool!" Harry said. "I told you. That's all in the past and I don't dwell on it."
"Besides, you're starting a fast food joint. That way, you're carving your own way instead of following others. Isn't that wonderful?" Ginny said.
Dudley gave them a grateful smile. "Yeah, really thanks to you both."
Just then, the clock chimed half past midnight, so Dudley led the way for the Potters to disapparate and went to write a letter to James right away.
When sunlight hit Darby's face, she initially covered her eyes with her palm, "Oh, this light!"
"Morning, Darby!" The voice sounded familiar yet strange. And then Darby remembered where she was, HOGWARTS!
She jumped up, startling the other two roommates, while Jean gasped, "Easy, girl."
"G-Good morning!" Darby said.
"Good morning to you too." Jean and the other two girls said.
A little while later, Darby went with Jean for breakfast at the Great Hall. The ceiling at the Great Hall reflected the cloudy weather outside.
"Bacon?" Darby asked Jean.
"Nah, this beef casserole looks good. I'll take this." Jean said.
"Okay, bacon and black pudding for me," Darby said, piling up her plate.
Just as they began munching on potatoes after their first helping, James and Andrew came up to the Slytherin table. It was now different from the 90's. Now, people from different Houses could easily make friends with other Houses and interact with them.
"Jamie! Potatoes?" Darby asked.
"No, thanks, Darby. I just had them with toast and am full." James said. "Darby, how's everything?" He asked.
"I'm starting to figure out things, I guess." Darby said. "How about you, Jamie?"
"I'm good. And you, Fawcett?" James asked.
"Thanks, Potter. I'm good!" Jean said.
Darby kindly asked, "Waters, how's everything?"
"Good going, Dursley. Thanks!" Andrew smiled.
"Listen, if anyone bullies you…." James Sirius now looked true to his name.
"Tell us soon! We'll make quick work of them!" Fred came out of nowhere.
"There's a whole bunch of Weasleys here!" Louis winked at Darby from behind Fred.
Victorie, a prefect, coughed to gain their attention and told Darby, "You needn't worry, Darby. You'll be fine!"
"Thanks, you all." Darby said gratefully. She had thought James alone would be watching out for her. She hadn't expected that all the Weasleys would watch out for her too.
"So, first period?" James asked.
"Herbology! Professor Longbottom!" Jean said excitedly. Darby's spirits rose. She had immense respect for Professors Longbottom, Flitwick, Sprout, McGonagall, Slughorn, and many others who had fought in the Battle of Hogwarts.
"And yours?" Darby asked. Andrew replied, this time, a little worried, "P-Potions. Severus Snape's subject. Wasn't he a greasy git who would turn you into an emergency kit?"
"Look, I understand you're afraid of Potions. Professor Snape no longer teaches Potions. It's Professor Slughorn!" James told him, "Who told you about Professor Snape turning people into kits anyway?"
Andrew glared at Fred who began laughing out loud. "Sorry, I couldn't resist that one."
Neville pleasantly welcomed the class and gave an introduction - a simple one. However, everybody knew he was downplaying his achievements. People adored him! He was the one who had killed Voldemort's snake looking Voldemort straight in the eye. If not anything else, this memory was etched into the minds of scores of people forever. He, Luna, Ginny, Ron, Harry, and Hermione, were living legends at Hogwarts, as Darby found out the same day. Uncles George and Fred flying away from Hogwarts in style together was the second in legacy!
Professor Binns was as boring as ever. You could learn more history from talking to fellow students and other professors than you could from attending an entire day of Binn's droning lecture!
Professor Slughorn would ask you to open your textbooks and then instruct you on how to work with potions. He would calmly explain the concept and refrained from mocking or insulting or threatening students.
Professor McGonagall was every bit the legend Darby had heard she was. She was strict, but also a very good mentor. She would be one of your best well-wishers and still look you in the eye to tell you that you have messed up. She was unbiased. Now, the Headmistress, she wasn't teaching. But she did teach a few classes which had lots of impact on students. The transfiguration teacher was Parvati Patil and Darby was excited to know that Parvati happened to be a friend of Uncle Harry, Uncle Ron, and Aunt Hermione!
As the weekend came, all the Weasleys, James, and Darby paid a visit to Hagrid, who was delighted to see them all. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna would always talk about Hagrid. Even Teddy would, once he had begun going to Hogwarts. So, the kids were excited to visit Hagrid.
"Come in here and make yourselves comfortable." He said kindly, offering them rock cakes and tea. "I have met your parents and grandparents and could tell you stories about them!"
"Sure, Hagrid!" and "Surely, Professor!" was heard from outside Hagrid's cabin as they enjoyed.
First-year was actually a fresh breath of air for Darby. There wasn't any Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone hidden in the castle, but it was no muggle school either. Jean and Darby became close friends as did Andrew and James. During Christmas break, Darby and James were quick to introduce Jean and Andrew to Darby's and James' parents. James' and Darby's parents were excited to meet Andrew and Jean. James and Darby promised to keep writing during the holidays. Beryl Dursley could see that even though she personally didn't approve, her daughter loved her time at Hogwarts. Besides, in every letter that Darby sent, she made it a point to mention her love for Hogwarts and how she doesn't want to go elsewhere instead.
All the Weasleys, Potters, Teddy, Andromeda, Darby, and Dudley celebrated Christmas at the Burrow. Grandma Molly had knitted a special Weasley sweater (or jumper, whichever term you prefer) for Darby as a gift for starting at Hogwarts. But Darby had been getting Weasley sweaters every Christmas ever since she visited the Weasleys for the first time. All the Weasley cousins and Darby played for a long time until past midnight.
"Okay, bedtime." Ginny called out. "Lily Flower, it's more than four hours past your bedtime!"
"It's bedtime, Cauliflower!" James commented in a mock tone and everybody laughed.
"James!" Ginny and Lily admonished him but he blew a raspberry and ran upstairs. "Go to bed, James! You're more than three hours past your bedtime! And you too, Albus!"
"Jeez, okay, Mum!" Albus said as he took off after his brother.
After New Year, Darby went to Hogwarts again with James where they met Jean and Andrew. Andrew and Jean wanted to attend Weasley parties now because they had read so much about them over letters during the summer.
"Invite us next time, won't you?" Jean said.
"Sure, Jean!" Darby said with a laugh.
"No kidding, mate! Christmas at my place wasn't even quarter as fun as what your letters about the Christmas at Burrow described!" Andrew said and James laughed, "I'll call you over next time, mate!"
By Easter, the professors were upon them with extra homework, assignments, and most of all, exam preparations. Darby let out a sigh of relief after her last exam (History of Magic). She, Jean, James, and Andrew spent lots of time by the lake before going to pack their trunks for the summer holidays.
As the three Dursleys made their way with the five Potters, Beryl hesitated, and then asked, "Darby, have you considered Dunke...?"
"No, mum!" Darby said. "I'm not leaving Jean and going anywhere. I love Hogwarts!"
"Right!" Beryl said. She seemed to have finally accepted defeat and decided it was best that Darby attends Hogwarts instead of Dunkel if that's what she wanted. Darby vaguely wondered what made her mother give in so easily. Maybe it was the letters she sent home during the last year? She was just glad her mother wasn't insisting on that sorry excuse of a school in Kahlstadt. The Potters smiled encouragingly at Darby, nodded with a smile at Dudley, and left.
Dudley took on, "How's school, Darry-bear (Dudley's nickname for Darby that sounds like Teddy bear)? And how was your term?" Dudley asked.
Harry always found this funny, because it reminded him of Petunia calling Dudley, 'Dudders', and 'Diddikins'. That particular Dursley trait still shone out in Dudley.
"AWESOME!" Darby said, and Beryl buried her last hope of Darby ever attending Dunkel or even revisiting Kahlstadt. "I've made loads of friends with students, professors, and even Hagrid! Dad, he sends you his warmest regards!" She said. Dudley wasn't going to forget the pig's tail Hagrid had given him. But Hagrid, like George, had come clean, and just like in the case of the latter, Dudley had also apologized for the way he and his family treated Harry (which was what had prompted Hagrid to give Dudley the tail).
"That's wonderful, Deddy-bear (another variant of Teddy bear)! I'm glad you love your time there!" Dudley said.
"Yes, and James always looks out for me! In return, I too look out for him. People are always after him. You know, for being "HARRY POTTER'S SON". They corner him everywhere he goes. So, Andrew, Jean, and I join Louis and Fred in forming a barricade around James whenever possible." Darby said.
"Oh, boy." Dudley grinned. Beryl couldn't help but smile. She was now understanding her husband and child better. They loved the wizarding world and Hogwarts. Trying and separating them from it was going to do no good to either of them. If anything, she should try and be part of that world. Hadn't Petunia once wanted to be part of that world? From then on, Beryl vowed never to pester or hurt Darby or Dudley. She decided she would support Dudley in his therapy, and in his fast-food business (which was now gathering a decent number of customers and Dudley had finally resigned from his job at Grunnings at the end of July).
Darby's summer wasn't very eventful, but it wasn't boring either. First, she went to the top of a decent-looking fast food store where her parents now lived. Her old house had been sold off. She only had to endure both sets of grandparents for two days during which they had some important conversations.
First, of all, they pampered her with gifts as usual and tried bribing her, "Dunkel has much better stuff, Darby dear!"
"Grandpa, Grandma! Grandpa and Grandma Dursley! I'm enjoying my time at Hogwarts! I feel like I belong there. I love being at Hogwarts. I don't want to attend any other place instead." Darby insisted with a smile on her face, her tone serious.
With Dudley on her side, and now Beryl too taking her daughter's side - although not as vocally - both sets of grandparents had to accept that Darby's place was at Hogwarts, not Dunkel, Kahlstadt.
"H-How's - you know - that school?" Petunia asked. Darby smiled, "Grandma, I don't blame you in the slightest. It's as good as you envisioned it in childhood. It's understandable why you wanted to go there. It's just that good!"
"Where did I go, or more specifically, what did I do wrong?" Petunia lamented.
"Mistreating Harry - locking him in the cupboard under the staircase his entire childhood for more than a decade, forcing him to do household chores, blaming him for everything going wrong, endlessly bullying and encouraging bullying him. giving him barely enough to eat - these are just some of the things you, Dad, and Aunt Marge did, Mum. And you taught me to do that as well. That impact has stayed with me." Dudley said. There was silence. The Dursleys became awkward and left. Beryl's parents followed them soon after. Dudley watched them leave and then, he might have missed it if not for the complete silence.
"W-Why do you attend therapy? Is this - is this the...?" Beryl couldn't complete the question nor look into his eyes.
"Yes," Dudley said, shifting his gaze from the door to the floor. Darby looked on with a worried expression, hoping that her parents wouldn't start fighting or get violent. "I have always been ridden with self-loathing, guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression for this reason. Of course, I'm coping with it and am at a better stage than I was many years back. But there's still a long way to go."
Dudley was still looking down. The silence made him quite sure Beryl was considering him insane. The worst-case scenario would probably be a divorce and his separation from his daughter, but he was prepared to fight for the right to keep in touch with his daughter. He didn't want to think of it anyway. He could hear a sniff and felt sorry that Darby had to witness her parents being like this. Then, his head suddenly jerked upwards. A sob had erupted, and not from Darby. Beryl burst into tears.
"I-I'm so sorry, Dudley! I've been so horrible to you and Darby! I'm a monster!" She began slapping herself. Darby sat in wide-eyed shock. Startled, Dudley ran up to her and took her hands in his.
"Mum, please don't!" Darby said.
"It's alright, Dear!" Dudley tried to flash a reassuring smile at Darby but it probably looked like a painful grimace. Dudley turned to Beryl and said. "Don't hit yourself for that."
Beryl was really violent. Whether she hit others or herself, she hit hard. To stop her, Dudley had to take both her hands into one of his hands.
"You'll probably never forgive me, and I deserve every bit of it!" Beryl sobbed.
"That's not true. We don't hate you." Dudley reassured her.
"I assure you. I don't hate witches and wizards, nor do I hate Darby going to Hogwarts! I was following what my parents and your parents have been telling me. From childhood, I've been raised to blindly follow what I've been told to and not ask questions. That is why I..." Beryl wept.
"I'm glad we cleared that up. I was also raised like that, Beryl, but I began changing for the better. Once you know something's not right or you don't agree with something, you have to stop taking orders blindly. Look around yourself and take your own decisions."
"I-I may not have loved you when we got married, Dudley. But I love you! And I love Darby! I only want the best for you both!" Beryl sobbed.
"I love you too, Beryl." Dudley pulled her close to his chest and Beryl buried herself into his shirt. Their daughter came up to them a while later and they hugged her together, silently forgiving each other and vowing to understand one another better.
"D-Darby, I'm so sorry, my child! Yes, you can attend Hogwarts! I'll no longer stop you!" Beryl kissed her daughter on her forehead, cheeks, and the top of her head before hugging her to her bosom. Darby happily cried for she knew that her mother wasn't sending her anywhere now. She could happily go to Hogwarts.
After that, Darby spent the rest of the summer with Teddy, the Potters, and the Weasleys! She had a wonderful summer! The children played together, laughed, ate, slept, and pulled pranks together. It was bliss for multiple reasons. Not only did Beryl visit the Burrow for the first time (this time around, she volunteered to accompany her husband and child) but Victorie Weasley and Teddy Lupin had made their relationship official to the family! To celebrate Teddy Lupin and Victorie Weasley's relationship, Bill and Fleur joined Andromeda Tonks in organizing a large get-together at the Burrow. It was huge, and the Longbottoms and Scamanders also attended the event. Dudley looked so radiant that Harry wondered for a minute if the Dudley Dursley from 1996 had suddenly traveled forth in time.
"Big D! You've met Neville! Now, you should meet Luna!" Harry said.
A woman with dirty blonde hair beamed at Harry, "Harry, long time no see! How are you? And Ginny? And the kids? Oh, you must be so proud (talking about Teddy)!"
"Yes, Luna!" Harry beamed. "So, this is my cousin, Dudley Dursley. His wife, Beryl Dursley, and daughter, Darby Diva Dursley."
Luna had a careful expression on her face. She never openly displayed her emotions but at this point, she did find it hard to suppress all the rage she felt. Neville looked at her with an expression that screamed, "I know!"
Harry quickly informed Luna that the Dursleys weren't the same old people from long back. Besides, Darby was now one of Neville's students too. So, Luna put up a genuine smile and greeted the Dursleys.
"And here are our angels!" Harry and Ginny took Luna's sons in their arms. Lorcan and Lysander were cute seven-year-old boys who resembled their father by looks and mother by actions. Since Rolf Scamander and family weren't always in the U.K., every time they were in the country, a visit to extended family and old friends was mandatory.
"Why don't you stay till September, Luna?" Ginny asked. "Al starts his first year at Hogwarts!"
"Oh, I wish we could!" Luna said, "Unfortunately, my father-in-law wants an extended family reunion by August-end, and after that, Rolf and I need to go and do research on Bluebell Butterflies."
"B-Bluebell butterflies?" Dudley interjected, curious. "What are they?"
"They don't ex... Oh, never mind!" Hermione Weasley shook her head stifling her laughter. Luna didn't hear her.
"Bluebell butterflies are blue butterflies that sound like bells. Ever since we found an actual butterfly that was blue, we've been looking for more." Luna explained.
"And how do you know they ring like bells?" Beryl joined the conversation.
"Simple! It was the sound that attracted Rolf and me to that dying butterfly! And it was naturally blue in color!" Luna shrugged.
"Aunt Luna. I can call you 'Aunt', right?" Darby asked, and when Luna nodded with a kind smile, Darby continued, "So, you're looking for more to show them to the world, right?"
"Well, Rolf disagrees that we should tell the world about them and only sticks to this because he loves exploring," Luna said. "And honestly, I can't blame him. What if humans start encroaching upon them and hunt them down?"
Luna looked at Hermione with a grin, "But I'm sure lots of people would be fascinated to see such an amazing creature and I don't want them to miss this chance. That's why I insisted on this."
"What about Lysander and Lorcan?" Ron, who had silently been listening, finally joined in.
"They stay with their grandparents. Anyway, we'll be going there for the get-together. When alive, their great grandparents, Newt and Porpentina Scamanderstarted this tradition of having extended family get together every once in a while. My father-in-law continued it." came the reply.
Just then, supper was announced and Ginny led Luna and her family toward the garden. Just then, Dudley sat back and smiled. He told Harry and Ron that his therapy sessions were going on well.
"My therapist is pleased with my improvement!" He said, "Just one little worry, though. He says I should see a dentist. I've too much of a sweet tooth, you see!"
"My parents can help." Hermione joined in.
"Sure! When will I get an appointment?" Dudley asked as Hermione cuddled against Ron's side.
After the war in 1998, Hermione and Ron had traveled to Australia. It had taken three days to locate them. When Hermione found her parents, her first reaction was sobs. She sobbed harder than ever. "There, Ron! There they are! Finally! They're safe too!"
She had wept for a while before she gathered herself and the duo could talk to the Welkins/Grangers. Mrs. Granger had been upset while Mr. Granger was outright furious. Hermione apologized over and over again but Mrs. Granger realized there was no use crying over spilled milk. Their old clients and patients would've gone looking for other dentists. At a time when they should've been saving for retirement, they'd be spending to re-establish their dental clinic. It felt futile doing so. Not to mention the extended family and friends of the Grangers who had NO idea for the last one year what happened to Mr. or Mrs. or Hermione Granger! They had lost all contact and were going to have to start from scratch.
Ron had come up with a proposal. Mr. and Mrs. Granger could practice dentistry. Ron volunteered to send them clients. Since then, scores of witches and wizards visit the Grangers for dental appointments and dental needs. Just like with therapy, the witches and wizards were glad they could find dental help! Plus the Grangers earned more than the money they had accumulated for retirement. Now, they lived a comfortable life.
The following term, not only was Albus Severus Potter attending Hogwarts but Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione's eldest daughter, Rose Granger Weasley also was!
Albus Severus Potter made friends with Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco and Astoria Malfoy. Darby screamed herself hoarse in joy when Albus was sorted into Slytherin! Finally a cousin in Slytherin! Albus was elated to find his best mate, Scorpius in Slytherin too!
Darby's second year was like her first year - completely magical, but now with her mother and father having her back. She and Jean were like James and Andrew - inseparable. And they often reminded some professors and older students of Teddy, Jasmine, and Calvin. Teddy, Calvin, and Jasmine were what Uncle Harry, Uncle, Ron, and Aunt Hermione had been.
James Sirius Potter won his mother's position in the Gryffindor Quidditch team. He made an amazing Chaser! Darby Diva Dursley too joined as Chaser to the Slytherin Quidditch team for the sole reason that James would teach her how to play. During Gryffindor-Slytherin matches, James and Darby would compete fiercely and would often get brutal. But outside the game (practice or match) Darby and James were inseparable.
Andrew was a talented singer, and he joined the Hogwarts choir. Jean was an amazing artist who reminded those who knew him about Dean Thomas. Not only that, Albus Potter was in Slytherin, and Darby was excited although Albus preferred spending his time with Scorpius. Darby understood it - she too preferred spending time with Jean. After all, she had seen James prefer spending all his time with Andrew.
She knew Scorpius Malfoy was the son of Draco Malfoy and was informed about the Malfoys. She didn't think much of Scorpius and didn't pay attention to him. Nor did he, as far as she was concerned.
Her parents were proud and her aunt and uncle were pleased with her marks. Beryl was happy her daughter was doing well at Hogwarts School. The start of Darby's third year did several things. First of all, it brought back memories of Harry inflating Marjorie Dursley like a balloon ("That was accidental magic!" Harry insisted while everyone laughed.) Secondly, Dudley read (and signed) Darby's permission form to Hogsmeade.
"If only my father had signed your permission slip to this village without making a fuss!" Dudley told Harry, shaking his head. Harry grinned, "Yeah!"
"So, Jamie also got his form?" Dudley asked.
"I asked for the slip and signed it the day he returned from his second year at Hogwarts!" Harry grinned.
The Dursleys joined the Potters in preparing for Teddy's wedding to Victorie during the summer. The ceremony hadn't even started and Harry, Ginny, Bill, Fleur, Arthur, and Molly were all in happy tears as they watched Victorie place her hands in Teddy's. Dudley kept patting Harry's shoulder and Beryl did the same for Ginny. Arthur and Bill were seated together as were Molly and Fleur, all patting one another's shoulders. They could hear Andromeda loudly sniffing and blessing her grandson and granddaughter-in-law.
Soon, the newlyweds went off on their honeymoon as the parents and children began readying for the following term at Hogwarts. While at Diagon Alley looking for Potion ingredients for herself and James, Darby came across Albus who was scowling.
"Al, why are you pouting?" Darby asked.
"I also wanna go to Hogsmeade!" Albus whined.
"Next year, cry-baby." James laughed.
"Jamie!" Darby admonished him. She said kindly to Albus, "Al, next year it will be your turn."
"Why can't I go to Hogwarts?" Lily sniffed for possibly the zillionth time. Her mother promised her that she will get a big gift next year when she finally gets to go. Lily sniffed and her father carried her in his arms as her mother laughed.
The third-year had James and Darby stuffing their mouths with Honeydukes sweets. They had a big fight with Rose Weasley because she had informed her mother about this. Hermione had told Harry and Dudley, and now the two men became stern about how many sweets they ate. But they made it up with Rose later when they realized that she had their best interests at heart after all.
Albus Severus Potter joined the Slytherin team as one of the Beaters. He wasn't as much into Quidditch as his brother but wanted to give it a shot. Going forward, he would teach Darby how to play as Beater (James taught Darby how to play as Chaser). Darby loved spending time with the two Potters as much as she loved spending time with Jean, and Andrew who had also become hers and Jean's friend. Even James and Albus were friends with Jean. Albus even introduced Scorpius into this group.
Rose Granger Weasley was a popular girl with her own group of friends. She, however, was also a part of the aforementioned gang. This gave their groups popularity as well. Everyone knew the Potters and the Weasleys. They knew the Dursley girl. They knew the friends of the Potters, Weasleys, and the Dursley girl. This gave Darby a good idea of what it meant to be popular (and no, it wasn't as enjoyable as it seems.) She often wrote to Dudley about it, and Dudley would introspect what Harry's regular life at Hogwarts must have been like.
With the third-year exams upon her, Darby found herself having to revise more and more. Thankfully, you could always rely upon Aunt Hermione who would always provide you with study timetables, guidance, and the like. It had been the case for a long time. Just as when Hogwarts was finally the safe haven everyone claimed it was, just when the after-effects of the Voldemort wars were becoming a thing of the past, something wasn't quite right. This period may well have been the calm before the storm.
Coming up next:
"HE IS AT HOGWARTS! STOP HIM FROM GETTING THE KIDS IF YOU CAN, POTTER! HAIL LORD VOLDEMORT!"
Darby's fourth year would be the year to watch out for! There's a Death Eater on the loose. Worse, this Death Eater is at HOGWARTS!
