When the station began rapidly disappearing Quinn moved away and hauled her luggage down farther in search of a cabin and some familiar faces. She knew Stella had probably by this point met up with her fellow Ravenclaw friends and Calvin with a boy he had met a week or two ago in Diagon Alley. Quinn passed a couple of fourth years, a few slightly flushed first years, the usual crowd of boys and girls who adorned Abigail Harris, and several other laughing students before finally reaching the right cabin.
"Is there room for one more in here?" she asked as she stepped in, smiling.
"Oh, i suppose," said Willis, meeting her smile, "I don't know about that broom, though. I might just have to chuck it out the window," Her friend had already changed into his school robes, as usual. He loved Hogwarts like no one she had ever known, being the only one who actually anticipated September 1 starting from the beginning of summer.
"You'd like that, Willis. Too bad- Quinn and her Nimbus 1707 are all Gryffindor's," Charlie Weasley remarked with a proud grin. He was still wearing a forest-green sweater and tan slacks. Quinn noticed they didn't fit quite as loosely as they used to. He'd probably grown a couple centimeters over the summer, but it was more than that; he'd put on muscle.
Willis was adjusting his yellow and black tie in a sophistcated manner with a little smirk on his naturally tan face. "Gryffindor had her last year. Remind me whose House won the Cup?"
"Off your high-horse, now, Will. Remind me which Chaser scored the most overall points?" boasted Ravenclaw Owen Steale, nudging his friend in the side.
Quinn threw back her head and laughed. "The same one who slipped off his broom right before the team's final match... and was replaced by Harney Smelt?"
The rest followed, laughing along, even Owen.
"I missed you guys," Charlie said. Quinn finally got all her luggage into the compartment above, with a little help from Charlie (who tossed up a heavy bag with ease, she could not help but notice). She sat beside Owen near the door and stretched out her long legs to rest her feet on the seat across.
"Really, though. It's Hufflepuff all the way again this year," continued Willis.
Quinn and Charlie exchanged an eye roll. "Unlikely. Who'd you get to replace the five starting seventh years, captain?" asked Charlie.
Willis sat up a little straighter hearing himself being addressed as captain for the first time and answered confidently, "All in good time, Weasley,"
Outside in the corridor, there was a clatter and some raised muffled voices. They became louder and clearer. "Charlie!" it sounded like.
Charlie sunk a little lower in the seat. "No, no, keep walking, just-" he mumbled with a look of dread.
Two heads of red hair popped in the door and greeted the group. Who else but Fred and George?
"Would you tell us what you think of this.. ah... juice?" asked one, making his way into the cabin and holding a bottle of some dull orange substance in his brother's face.
"We're sure it won't cause any physical ailment, but just to be sure, we knew you'd be a willing participant-" said the other entusiastically. Quinn was never exactly sure which twin was which; she gave up trying to figure it out after the two had pranked her (which had ended in her walking back to Gryffindor Tower from the owlry soaking wet, in January), having decided she did not care to know.
"We've barely even left and you two are already trying to poison me. Unbelievable," said an irritated Charlie, pushing away the hand. "Here's an idea- go slip it into Snape's goblet when we reach the school. That'll be a real bang to start off the year. Now go,"
The twins were hesitant, but they did leave, suggesting to each how exactly to go about executing their brother's proposal.
They chatted for a while longer and the topic of food arose.
"I am hungry. I could go for something sweet about now," Owen told them.
"How about a monster chicken sandwich? I'm starved, my mum was going completely crazy this morning trying to make sure we didnt forget anything; she completely forgot about breakfast. I guess we all did," commented Charlie, rubbing his stomach sullenly.
"I'll go track down the candy cart, shall I?" Quinn offered. As she rose to leave the cabin she heard Charlie volunteer to accompany her. The two walked down the corridor, which wasn't too crowded now that most of the students were settled.
"How's that prefect badge suit you?" he asked, pointing to it on her robes.
"Kind of soon to say, don't you think?" said Quinn. She hold only gotten the status of prefect this, her sixth year, because the previous Gryffindor girl for their year had been caught stealing from the bedroom of someone or another.
Charlie shrugged.
They reached the cart and found that the witch had plenty of goodies, as usual. Near the edge Quinn found her favorite, sugar-coated snake eyes, and bought a bag.
"Would you like anything, dear?" the woman asked Charlie.
Before he could answer, Quinn reached into her pocket, pulled out a stag, and said, "Here," she could tell her friend was about to decline, so she added, "and thanks for helping me with my luggage. It's so heavy- I always overpack,"
Charlie took the coin, a soft smile on his freckled face, and handed it to the woman, who was saying, "Yes, dear, i was the same way when i attended. I never knew what to do with all the extra shoes I would bring! Hoo! Ah, yes, here you are, dear, two chocolate frogs. Enjoy!"
The comment about excessive amounts of clothes made Quinn flush- she certainly hadnt meant it to come off that way in front of Charlie.
She truly was grateful for his helping her with the luggage., remembering how easily he had done so. "You train hard this summer?" she asked as they began walking back.
"What?" he asked, looking up from his half-unwrapped frog.
"For quidditch. I can tell you've been working really hard," she told him.
"You can?" a smile lit up his face. "Yeah, definately. That, and trying to whip the twins into shape for next year- not an easy job, i can assure you,"
"Oh, I'll take your word," she laughed. "They'll be trying out for beaters, right?"
"Yep. All the time i took putting up with their antics they had better give all they've got when the time comes,"
"I'm sure they'll be great," assured Quinn.
They were almost back when they passed a cabin occupied by a single person. The glass wasn't clear, but both could tell who it was.
Charlie sighed. "I promised Mum," he muttered as he opened the door.
Percy sat alone, contentedly reading a book.
"You alright, Perce? Where are your...ah.. friends?" asked Charlie.
His brother looked up from his book, gave a snooty sniff, and said, "I left them. They were making too much noise. Oh, and Oliver Wood is looking for you,"
"I see. Well, we'll see Wood at the feast soon, I'm sure what ever it is can wait." He knew as well as Quinn it was only to inquire about Quidditch trials. "Anyway, just checking up on you.. making sure you're all right, and all that brotherly stuff,"
Percy nodded. "I heard you're a prefect now," He looked directly at Quinn.
"I am now, yes." she answered uncertainly.
"I'm going to be next year. I'm the sure pick- after all, the only gryffindor boy contenders are all so... rowdy. I'm the most responsible boy in my whole year, too- if i don't get head boy my seventh year, why, i'll-"
"We know, Percy. I'm sure you will." Charie cut him off, not unkindly.
"As am i," Percy agreed with a wise nod.
"Well, we'll leave you to your readng, then," Quinn said politely as the two left.
Charlie rolled his eyes. "I've got to get him a girlfriend," At that moment he looked right at her with a look of sudden realization, and she promtply said, "Nope."
He laughed. "Just kidding! I wanted to see your reaction. But really, keep an eye out for a brainy fourth year or something... he really does need someone."
"That I can do," she consented with a smile.
They entered the cabin and shut the door.
"What're you two laughing about?" asked Willis. He was tapping his wand on his leg, keeping time to some silent song, looking at them, awaiting an answer. Daisy Hancer had come in was giggling shamelessly about something Owen had told her. The two didnt seem to notice Quinn and Charlie come in.
"We were just saying Daisy would be perfect for Percy to take out," teased Charlie, laughing, and Quinn followed along as they sat down.
The girl's blonde hair whipped as she turned to look at Charlie, hearing her name. She made an unpleasant expression.
"Your brother?" asked Owen. He looked at her, appearing to give it some serious thought. He laughed and said, "If we got you matching glasses..."
Daisy rose and stormed out. This was typical for Owen. Girls were always trailing after him, seeking his attention. He was handsome: neat, honey-colored hair, a defined jaw, eyes the color of creamy hot chocolate. The Ravenclaw was one of the few Quidditch players who lived up to his own boasts and had even broken a school record or two. He had dozens of good friends, boys and girls alike, but the only person he ever took a romantic interest in was Anne Werther. They had dated for a year before she left him, leaving him heartbroken. Since then he's only ever joked around with anyone, not seeming to want anything serious.
"Thank-you. I thought she'd never leave. You know, I really cannot stand her." stated Willis. "Talk about fake,"
"Sure, but i wasn't going to just kick her out, was I?" said Owen. He looked over at Charlie and asked, "Oh, who you got there?"
Charlie gave his choclate frog card a look and answered, "Salazar Slytherin,"
Each person gave a disgusted groan. Salazar was looking very displeased. "I say, boy, if you cannot appretiate me, do give me to some good Slytherin student who will,"
The door wasn't closed all the way and, as it happned, as slytherin student was passing by and overheard this. He invited himself in and said, "I'll take 'im off your hands, Weasley,"
It was John Montague, Slytherin seeker, now notorious for getting caught cheating on his O.W.L.s, writing answers on candy wrappers he snuck into his robe pockets. His exam was not confiscated, of course, because it was that slimy professor Snape who caught him. He recieved a light tap on his hand's backside, his cheat-sheets were confiscated and that was that. To the immense irritation of every single other student, he still passed.
Owen, who always recieved mediocre marks despite how much effort he put into his work, shot him a scornful look. "Want to get an early start on writing answers for the N.E.W.T.s?"
"I need him for my collection and if you don't want him, as I said, I'd be glad to take him off your hands," he replied, still looking at Charlie, who haph-hazardly tossed it at him and said, "No problem, if you'll get out of our hair,"
John caught it and said primly, "Deal." and left, shutting the door with slam.
"Well, now that we're minus two Slytherins and that Daisy ditz, I can relax for the rest of the ride," said Willis contentedly, resting his feet on the bench across from him and knitting his hands behind his head. He actually slept for the next forty-five minutes (which wasn't suprising- Willis was always tired as he stayed up all night reading or writing or drawing, or whatever it was he did) until they reached the station while the rest practiced catching candy in their mouth with Quinn's snake eyes after they returned from chainging to their school robes. The fun stopped with Charlie slamming his head against the window glass trying to position himself to catch one.
"Ow." He said, rubbing his head.
"Sorry, I threw it too far," apologized Quinn.
He shook his head. "You're-"
"We're here!" exclaimed Owen, his palms and nose stuck to the train window, getting his first look as a sixth year.
Willis awoke as the rest looked out the window, anxious to gather their things and step off. "That was quick," he said with a sleepy smile.
Charlie turned and looked at Quinn. "We should go now," As prefects it was their duty now to see that everyone got themselves and their bags safely off the train and into the caslte.
They got up and left, stepping onto the station one the train came to a stop.
Hagrid the Giant was there to greet them, an enormous smile beneath his shaggy black beard. He looked down and said happily, "Great t' see you two again! Have a good summer, then?"
They answered yes, and Charlie said it felt good being back.
"I been helpin' Professor Kettleburn with some beautiful creatures you two're gon' love- especially you, Charlie!" he said cheerfully.
"Can't wait," replied Charlie, returning the enthusiam.
Quinn nodded.
In truth, Quinn wasn't too keen on taking Care of Magical Creatures this year. In years past she had accumulated too many bruises and scars from the unpredicable beasts. Once, when she had tried to show Charlie a scar, Quinn had rolled up her shirt sleeve, and before she could tell him about it, her friend had exclaimed, "Nice! Check out mine!" and had proceeded to show her all of his. Well, this year Charlie had begged her to take it again with him to gurantee he'd have a partner for the class. So she agreed, and he agreed to take arithmancy with her. She couldn't help that it was a little dull; any class she excelled in she would take- and she did excel.
That was all the conversation which could be shared with the Groundskeeper before students began pouring from the opened doors. Quinn and Charlie came across a confused group of firsties and led them safely to the boats before directing the rest of the students to the carraiges, finally sitting in one themselves.
It had been a sunny day without a cloud in the sky. By now the sun was already setting, making the sky look like a particularly waterly painting of crimson, orange, and gold. Quinn could hear the muffled chatter and creaky rumbling of nearby carraiges as they made their way.
"So..." Charlie began slowly, "did you do the Transfiguration assignments?"
It hit Quinn like a splash of water in the face. Her palm slapped her face as she let out a groan. "I knew there was something else I forgot! Shoot, shoot! I'll have to hurry and do it. You know, I never even opened my- book! I left it at home! Please, Charlie, would it be alright if-?"
Her friend was already digging through his bag at his side. In a moment he had produced the Year Six Transfiguration textbook and a smirk. "Will you ever manage to not forget something?" he asked.
"Are you kidding, Charlie? That's why I keep you around," she replied, putting the book in her own bag. "Thanks so much,"
"No problem," he replied, a little too sullenly.
"You okay?" asked Quinn, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Oh, yeah," he answered vaguely.
"Hey, I remembered these," she said, going through her own bag, pulling out two tickets. She gave them to him and watched in a satisfied manner as he realized what they were.
"Are these...?" he started, in awe.
"Tickets to the Britain-Brazil match. It isn't until December, but, well, i just couldnt wait to give them to you! Happy very early birthday!"
"These are amazing!" he said in disbelief.
"See, if it has to do with Quidditch, I'm not going to forget," she laughed.
"That's why i keep you around, Quinn," he replied.
They were quiet for a moment before a thought suddenly crossed Charlie's mind.
"Hey, you know what was really annoying? You remember that Veronica girl that used to live near me, moved away a couple years ago?"
How could she forget? Veronica was one of the snobbiest girls Quinn had ever known- she and Charlie had practically thrown a party when she moved away. Before this summer, Quinn had spent countless summer days at the Weasley home. Charlie had been working at a cafe most of the time and she had been forced to follow her father around on business. It wouldn't be so bad- but it was nothing but sales and dry business- nothing she loved about the game itself. "Don't tell me she moved back?"
"Worse- my mum was doing some errands one day and ran into her. Well, she set up a date for us! I refused to go, and would you guess what my mother said to me?" Charlie mimicked his eccentric mother's shrill voice, "'You made a promise to that yound lady, Charlie Weasley, and you will buy her ice cream! Her parents are very kind people!' Well, I'm not going on a date with her parents, am I, Mum? There was no way out."
Quinn felt geniune pity for Charlie, that was unfair. She told him so and he laughed.
"You haven't even heard the worst part. So, the day rolls around and I apparate onto Diagon Alley, and go to the shop. I wait there for at least half an hour before she shows up, and when she does, she struts in asks why I haven't buoght her her ice cream yet. I give her the money and she buys it. She then spills it, makes me clean it up, and buy another."
Sounded like typical Veronica. On top of being a complete clutz and idiot, she would make poor Charlie pay for another cone.
Charlie continued, "But here's the weirdest part- at the end she, she," Charlie began laughing.
"What? She drop the second one? Did she get sick all over the-"
"She kissed me!" Charlie burst out in a fit of laughter. "At least, she tried. Man, the look on her face when i pushed her away was worth the stags I paid! I got a strawberry-almond swirl in the face, though, and mum wasn't too pleased."
Quinn laughed. "That is weird. I thought she hated you,"
"I thought so, too. Maybe these muscles were a little too much for her," he said, displaying them boastfully.
"Or maybe your modesty?" she mused.
They laughed together until the carraige reached the school at last. Quinn and Charlie hopped out, bags in hand, and led the school to the doors.
"I think this is going to be a good year," Charlie predicted as they walked in.
Quinn smiled. "Let's hope,"