As I stepped off the train with the twins following close behind, I tried not to get sucked in by the crowd. Students were rushing around with their heavy trunks trying to locate their parents, while parents in return bustled around; several with younger children in tow.
"Look there's mum," George pointed straight ahead, looking past several other families.
Seeing our target, I followed the twins closely before I eventually saw three red heads standing in a bunch along with my father. When we got close enough I ran up to him and gave him a big hug while he planted a kiss on my forehead.
"How's my girl?" dad asked as I smiled up at him.
"I was actually hoping you could meet my friend and her family?" I asked.
I had already told my father about Angelina's invitation which he had tentatively agreed to.
"Of course I'll meet your friends Marnie," he replied with a smile.
"Marnie, let me have a look at you," I heard Mrs. Weasley call from behind me.
I turned around as the older woman was already making her way to pull me into an embrace.
"It's good to see you Mrs. Weasley," I answered as she pulled me in.
"Always so skinny," she replied as she sized me up.
"Mum, she eats more than we do," George answered while I stuck my tongue out at him.
"I do believe that," my father added with a grin.
Before I could respond I heard my name being called out. I turned around to see Angelina and who I assumed were her parents approaching us.
"Ah, you must be Angelina's parents," my dad said as he watched the family approaching. "I'm Joss O'Hara, Marnie's father. It's nice to finally meet you, I've heard so much about your daughter through Marnie's letters," my father greeted as he shook hands with both of Ange's parents.
"It's so wonderful to meet you as well, I'm Pauline Johnson and this is my husband Heath. Our Angelina has also told us so much about Marnie," Angelina's mum introduced herself.
"It's good to meet you Joss," Mr. Johnson said as he shook my father's hand.
"As I'm sure Marnie has already told you, we would love to invite your daughter over during the summer, possibly for a stay-over? We understand you live farther out in the countryside, but my husband and I would be more than happy to come collect Marnie and drop her off via apparition. Or have her come via the floo network, whichever is better suited for you," Mrs. Johnson finished as they both looked at my dad.
"I would consent to having our fireplace connect to the floo for a night while Marnie is over at your place. We've had it connected before," my father responded.
"That settles it then," Mr. Johnson said with a smile. "Why don't we have Marnie over next Thursday if that works with your schedule? It's the end of our holiday from work that week and we don't yet have anything planned. We definitely wouldn't mind spending it touring Marnie around London."
"Yea I suppose next Thursday would be fine with us. I'll make sure to have the floo set up for that day and send you and owl to confirm," my dad answered while Ange and I beamed at each other.
I gave her a hug before our families parted ways. We then headed out of King's Cross with the Weasley's before heading to my uncle's car.
"We'll be seeing you shortly dear!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed while we bid the red-headed family good-bye.
XXX
Over the following week I waited in anticipation for going to visit Angelina. I knew my father was nervous about it, especially since he remained silent on the topic, but I was too excited to want to back out.
On Thursday afternoon I was slinging an overnight bag over my shoulder while my dad guided me down the stairs.
"Now remember, the floo network will be open all night if you need to return," my dad reminded me for the tenth time.
"Yes, I remember," I replied.
"And Mr. Johnson has told me you are free to use their owl Maximillian if you need to contact me for anything," my father continued.
"Yes, I'm aware," I answered.
"And do not go anywhere in London unaccompanied by Mr. or Mrs. Johnson," my father added sternly.
We were in front of the fireplace and I looked up at my dad.
"I know dad, I promise to be safe and not venture off," I assured.
"I know I don't make this easy," my dad sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"You're allowed to worry, you're my dad," I answered before giving him a hug.
I then stepped into the hearth and grabbed some powder from the cup my dad was holding out.
"Now, very clearly," my dad ordered.
"156 Patmos Road!" I yelled as I threw the powder down causing a flurry of ash.
All of a sudden, I was sliding down and catching glimpses of other exits, but never long enough to make out what I had seen. Moments later I shot out in an unfamiliar house to see Angelina sitting on the couch.
"You made it!" she exclaimed as she came over to help me out.
"That was brilliant!" I said as I looked back at the fireplace I had just exited from.
"Was that your first time?" Ange asked inquisitively.
"Yea, dad can't travel in the floo network," I answered as Ange nodded in understanding.
"Marnie, so glad you made it!" Mrs. Johnson stated as she walked into the room followed by her husband.
"Why don't you help Marnie up to your room to drop off her things before we head out?" Mr. Johnson asked as Ange took my hand and led me out of the room. At the end of the hallway, near the front door was a staircase which we started to climb. Once we reached the top, Ange's room was the second door on the left. There was a cot already set up beside the bed which is where I set down my bag.
"Ready to go?" Ange asked excitedly.
"Of course!" I exclaimed as we returned downstairs.
We left the house and side-apparated to the Thames River where we walked up to the Westminster Bridge. Angelina and I followed her parents as we gazed out along the river and across to the other side which featured the heart of London. As we followed Ange's parents, I noticed they walked while amicably chatting and holding hands. The sight made me sad as I had never seen a married couple outside of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and although I knew they loved each other, they didn't typically show their affection outright like this.
We eventually crossed over the Thames where I was able to see Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. I appreciated the Johnson's taking me to the tourist spots since I had never seen London like this before, even though I'm sure they had seen it hundreds of times.
We then headed away from Westminster up towards Mayfair where the Johnson's took me to one of their favourite restaurants. I ordered the roast dinner along with Mrs. Johnson while Angelina and her father ordered the shepherd's pie. We were even allowed to order dessert which ended up being the trifle since it came as a house recommendation.
Before heading back to Ange's house, we walked through Trafalgar Square and up along the streets of the theater district before heading back towards the Thames. Once we came to the water again, we stopped to see the city lights reflect off its surface. The nighttime air buzzed with excitement along with the constant bustling which could only be referred to as the pulse of the city.
"Ready to head back girls?" Mrs. Johnson asked as we nodded.
Ange held onto her father while I grabbed Mrs. Johnson's outstretched hand. Moments later we were in front of their home and walked up the footpath. It was later in the evening so Ange and I decided to go up to her room to partake in sleepover-like activities. Once upstairs, we changed into our sleep clothes before we sat on Ange's bed.
"Crazy to be done our second year isn't it?" Ange asked as I looked over her small book collection on the shelf above her bed.
"Seems like I waited for so long to go there only for it to fly by," I commented as I turned my attention back to her.
"Are you going to see the twins this summer?" she asked.
"Yea, I think we're going there next week for dinner," I answered with a smile.
"That sounds nice, I would love it if one day I could go there," she smiled.
"I'm sure they would love to have you Ange, just ask. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are very friendly and would more than likely extend an invitation to you," I responded.
"I don't know how you keep up with them," Ange responded earnestly.
"What do you mean?" I asked not understanding her comment.
"I love the twins, and I love that we are all friends, but they are so high energy and you just match them tit for tat. Some days I just retreat to our dorm because they just keep going and I'm already tired. But you always follow them, scheme with them, venture off with them. Sometimes I wish I could just keep up," she explained while I mulled over what she was saying.
"Yea well someone has to reel us in," I answered with a smile. "Lee definitely won't do it and Leesh and Katie aren't always there so that leaves you to be the voice of reason."
"That is true," she responded. "But I just wish I was a little more adventurous."
"Ange you're a Gryffindor! You are made for adventure. Plus, you're a great chaser who made the team second year, and you never back down from a challenge," I went on.
"You still don't believe you're meant for Gryffindor do you Marn?" she asked.
"I don't know, it just seems so obvious for the rest of you while I'm being locked in closets, thrown down staircases and never have enough bravery to stand up for myself," I responded quietly.
"Marnie, you are brave. I honestly don't know what I would do if Flint was always targeting me. And you do stand up to him, that's why he brings his cronies along. Plus, like I said before, bravery isn't always so blatant. You're the one who told us about You Know Who when I hadn't ever heard anyone talk as candid as you did, even my parents. You're not afraid to state your beliefs or do what you think is best and for that you may be the bravest out of all of us," she went on as I stayed silent.
"I just don't see what you and the twins see. Plus, the Sorting Hat went on about something similar after deciding I shouldn't be sorted into Hufflepuff," I answered.
"The hat talked to you?" Ange asked.
"Yea, that's why it took so long," I replied.
"It honestly was just a few moments, probably less than a minute," she explained.
It had seemed a lot longer than less than a minute.
"What did it say?" she asked curiously.
"It talked about honing my bravery and that I will need it to survive in the future," I replied.
"Well isn't that ominous," Ange responded with her brow furrowed. "But seriously Marnie, you are brave and I'm sure in time you will come to see that," she finished with a smile.
"Want to go through the new Broomz magazine I just got, they're featuring the Nimbus 2000!" she exclaimed excitedly after it seemed we needed a subject change from all the serious talk.
I just shook my head while moving closer to her so we could both read the magazine more easily.
XXX
Two weeks after my visit with Ange the two of us were headed over to The Burrow to spend the day with the twins. On my previous visit I had asked the twins' about inviting Angelina over and they had instantly agreed.
It was a scorching July day and we had both come prepared with our bathing suits. Mr. Johnson apparated both of us to The Burrow and promised to return after dinner. As we approached the front door, we were greeted by Ginny who had obviously been awaiting our arrival.
"Oo you're even prettier than George described," were the first things out of the younger girl's mouth which made Ange's face turn bright red.
"Honestly Ginevra, I don't know where you get your loose tongue," Mrs. Weasley came into the doorway as she ushered both of us inside.
"It's lovely to meet you Angelina, the twins have told me so much about you," she smiled as Ange continued to blush.
"It's nice to meet you as well Mrs. Weasley," Ange responded as we entered the kitchen. "The boys are already by the pond if you want to head out," Mrs. Weasley said as she opened the back door for us.
Ange and I then followed Ginny down the back hill towards the pond where we could see five boys swimming about in the pond.
"Hey Hare! Hey Ange!" Fred called out as we approached the dock.
We took off our covers and jumped straight into the water. We had expertly come ready to go swimming and had instead brought a change of clothes for later. I could see the twins look at Angelina in her two-piece bathing suit while I self-consciously looked down at my one-piece. It was odd to see the boys look at Ange like they were and even worse to compare it to how they always looked at me. These were my friends and I never wanted them to look at me like anything else anyways.
Ginny soon joined us as we all swam around.
"Want to see who can swim to the other end and back the quickest?" Fred asked with a grin.
"Pretty sure it won't be you mate," George responded which made Fred scowl.
"Alright, you're on," Ange responded confidently.
Six of us lined up as Ginny stayed to judge and Percy decided to bask in the sun a while.
"On your mark, get set, GO!" Ginny shouted as we all took off.
We were all pretty even in the beginning but soon Ange and Charlie were taking over the twins who struggled to keep up. I, unfortunately being small and un-athletic, soon fell to the end. Charlie easily ended up surpassing the group and made it back first, closely followed by Ange. The twins fought to catch up but were passed by Ron who finished for third. When the twins finally finished, they took their defeat in stride and started splashing the others. I decided to forfeit the race altogether and stay on the other side away from the brutal attack.
Ginny, who had smartly gotten out of the pond, walked over to the other side. She sat down and put her feet in while I waded in the shallows.
"Did you hear Charlie is moving away to Romania?" Ginny asked.
"Yea, the twins wrote to me about it," I responded while gauging the girl's reaction. "It must be tough seeing another one of your brother's leave."
"Yea, it's strange to think that I haven't even started at Hogwarts but Bill and Charlie have already gone through it and are now going out and moving away," she said sadly.
"Yea, I was just talking about something similar with Angelina the other day. It's like we all agonizingly await to attend Hogwarts but now two years have already gone by," I replied.
"Mum's not too happy with Charlie that he's off working with dragons," Ginny added.
"Yea, I'm not that surprised. I don't think my father would ever allow me to do that," I replied.
"Well, it's not like you really need permission though do you? I mean mum would have revoked it with both Bill and Charlie if she could have. It's ultimately up to us what we do in the end," I paused at Ginny's words as I had never contemplated any dangerous or unconventional jobs like the two older Weasley's had.
But before I could give it much more thought Ange swam over and joined us.
"Fred and George are idiots," was all she said while Ginny and I grinned.
"I would have hoped you would have learned that by now Ange," I replied with a smirk as she stuck her tongue out at me.
Just then Mrs. Weasley called us into the house to wash up and change for supper.
When we all came downstairs from changing Ginny sat between Ange and I while Ron sat on my other side and George sat beside Ange.
"Looking forward to school Ron?" I asked after not having had much opportunity earlier in the day to ask.
"Yea, I can't believe it's finally my turn to go. I should be receiving my letter any day now," he finished with a proud smile.
"But Ronniekins, what if that letter never comes? Maybe they've met their redhead quota for the school," Fred jabbed while I glared back at him.
"Yea well, I guess I can take Charlie's place then can't I?" Ron responded indignantly.
"Don't worry yourself with them Ron, they're just being idiots," I responded as Ron turned back and smiled at me.
"I don't know how the twins ever convinced you to be friends with them Marnie, you're too good to be with the likes of them," Ron said as Fred and George outwardly objected from across the table.
"Pipe down you two," Mrs. Weasley chastised as the twins both glared at their younger brother.
"Oh, well I'm the only one who can keep them in check you see," I said while grinning at the twins.
"You'd like to think so Hare," was all Fred said in return.
I then leaned down to whisper to Ron.
"I'll try to keep them out of your hair," I told him while he returned a sheepish grin.
"Thanks Marnie," Ron replied before we both returned to eating.
No one besides Ron had more on their plate than I did and we both successfully finished our fill.
After dinner there was a rap at the door.
"Hope I'm not interrupting, you must be Arthur Weasley," I heard Mr. Johnson say from the front door.
Ange and I collected our things and met her dad out on the landing.
"Time to go Marnie?" Mr. Johnson asked as I nodded.
"I'll be back for my daughter in a moment," Mr. Johnson added as Mr. Weasley nodded.
I waved at everyone who were all congregated out the front door. However, in a moment I was no longer looking at The Burrow and was instead looking at my cottage. I walked towards the door as I waved Mr. Johnson good-bye. He smiled before he disappeared with a pop back to The Burrow to collect Angelina.
XXX
July 31st posed to be a strange day in my house. It was Harry Potter's birthday and as a sort of tradition dad, Remus and I would all head out to Godric's Hollow to pay our respects to James and Lily. We knew Harry was being raised by Lily's sister Petunia who had nothing to do with the magical world, and by extension, us.
Although my father hadn't attended Hogwarts or been a part of Remus and James' tight knit childhood group of friends, the men had grown very close when they all joined the Order. As well, as boys, Remus and the others had known my mother quite well and my mum by extension had been Harry's god-mum. Lily chose her best friend while James had chosen his, this unfortunately left Harry unable to be raised by my father and Remus like I had. Very few people knew of Harry's godparents and both of their ill-fates, and I often wondered where this left little Harry.
Of course, I didn't really have any memories of the black-haired baby, save for one. I remember the summer before that fateful Halloween where it had been too hot to even think. Lily and James were over at our cottage and we were all huddled by the pond. I remember the Potter's along with Remus and my parents all being there as Harry and I both went around in the water with our parents. Harry had a little turtle floaty while I remember sitting on a giraffe.
The memory is hazy, and I don't know if I remember everyone who was there but I do remember Lily taking me on a ride while my mum swapped to take Harry.
"I'll tell you a secret Little Badger," I can hear Lily whispering to me. "We want to have a little girl, just like you," she finished as I beamed up at her.
"Just like me Aunt Lily," I repeated back at her while she smiled warmly.
Just then there's a flurry of splashing on my back which makes me squeal. I turn around to see one-year-old Harry fluttering his arms around since mum has brought him to see me.
"Arry!" I yell playfully at him.
I bend over once he has stopped flailing while he flashes a wide grin at me. I bend down very close to his little ear.
"We're going to have a little sister, you and me," I say before the memory cuts out.
Remus and dad talk of Harry often, but I have never brought up my precious memory.
We had just come back from visiting my aunt and uncle's graves and I had the same hollow feeling I felt every year. I know I didn't remember much of them, but I know they had loved me like their own and I was angry that I never got any more memories with them or had been able to grow up with Harry. I didn't even know my own god-brother.
We were sitting around the coffee table back at the cottage while dad made some tea. The three of us were quiet as I saw the same pained looks my dad and uncle always got.
"So, I guess our Harry will be starting at Hogwarts this year," Remus started.
"You'll look for him won't you Marnie?" dad asked while I tried to give him a reassuring look.
"Of course I'll find him," I answered. "But honestly, I don't think it'll be difficult locating The Boy Who Lived," I said as I grimaced at the name the wizarding world had bestowed onto him.
"He must look like James with that mop of black hair he had," Remus mused as I smiled.
"But those big green eyes of his, those were Lily's" my father added.
I had heard them ruminate about Harry before, having never been able to get in touch with Petunia. We had no pictures or status reports about how he had faired throughout his childhood without parents. Plus, to hold so much on his shoulders already must have made it difficult for him to adjust to a normal life.
I was nervously excited to see the boy who had once been raised to be practically my brother, but I didn't know what to expect. I had spent my childhood hearing his praises from Remus and dad while he probably hadn't heard anything about me. Plus, he wouldn't remember me after being so young. I didn't know how I should approach the situation or if he would even want to know about the family he had who hadn't been able to ever reach him.
Dad and Remus had tried many times but since Petunia and her husband were muggles, the owl post hadn't been an option. Dad was privy to the ways of the muggle post but the hundreds of letters we sent always went unanswered and apparently Professor Dumbledore had deemed it unauthorized to actually visit the muggle house.
I was only a month away from meeting Harry and had already deemed it necessary to introduce myself to the boy and explain as much as I could to him while at least being his friend, if he'd have me.
The three of us then all sat around in a sad quiet sipping our tea and thinking of Harry.