"So, are we celebrating Ron making it onto the team?" I asked as I helped the twins bring up crates of butter beer to the common room.
"Well, Ange thought it would boost morale for having the team put together. She admitted she'd been a bit hard on Harry for missing the tryouts due to those wretched detentions," Fred frowned as we reached the common room.
"But, it is good that Ron made the team," I tried again, feeling proud that their younger brother got the keeper position.
It was obvious Ron really wanted it, but the twins still wouldn't quit going after him for the prefect position so I only hoped they wouldn't get worse over this new mantel for Ron.
"Yea, I guess. It beats having that Geoffrey Hooper on the team, he never quits whining!" Fred replied.
Once the three of us entered the room Lee ran over to help carry the supplies and disperse them to start the celebration for the start of the quidditch season.
"Well, I think it'll be a good thing," I replied firmly but both twins just gave a non-committal grunt and George shrugged his shoulders.
I grabbed two butter beers and went over to congratulate Ange on her efforts for putting together the quidditch team.
"How's it going Captain?" I asked, passing her the extra bottle.
She took it gratefully and sighed as we both sat down onto a love set opposite Alicia and Katie.
"It's a lot more work than I initially thought," she said before taking a deep swig from her bottle.
"Yea, but Gryffindor has our reputation to uphold! There's no way we're going to lose in our last year," Katie said determinedly.
"Yea, just so long as Ron puts in the effort and Harry stays out of detention!" Angelina said, looking worried over the fragility of the team.
"No wonder Oliver was always getting after the twins for landing themselves in detention all the time," Alicia said as Angelina nodded.
"I'm sure it'll be a great season," I said enthusiastically while the others smiled encouragingly at Angelina.
"Oh, there's Ron! I have to go make sure Oliver's old robes fit him," Angelina shot out of her seat as Ron entered the common room.
I tried catching Ron's eye to smile at him but he was too busy talking with Angelina and Harry. Harry looked put off for missing the tryouts and I had to admit that Harry rarely looked happy these days. It was only the beginning of term and he always looked like he had a chip on his shoulder. I knew me ignoring him during the summer might not have been the best idea and he barely made it through his trial without getting expelled. Now the Ministry was spouting lies about him and Dumbledore and it seemed that Lucius Malfoy might have recognised Sirius at King's Cross which had us all worried. And being his age and watching Cedric die must have been truly horrible. They had never been close and I knew Harry never particularly liked me dating him but it didn't mean he didn't feel loss after watching his fellow champion die during the tournament. I felt like I was failing in my responsibilities as a sister to comfort him, but I was hardly coping with the loss myself. I didn't really want to be at Hogwarts when there seemed to be much more important things to do, like preparing for an impending war. The only thing that kept me wanting to stay here was to learn all that I could to fight, but the Ministry was doing their damndest to prevent us from doing that as well.
"Want to help out?" George came up to me, carrying a list in his hands.
I looked behind him to see an assembled group of first years who were all accepting candies from Fred. I knew they were trying out the Nosebleed Nougats from their Skiving Snackbox collection.
"Yea alright. Someone has to make sure you're not poisoning the little firsties," I replied with a smirk.
"Keep your voice down will ya, don't let Hermione hear you say things like that!" George retorted before casting his gaze towards the sleeping prefect.
"I thought you weren't afraid of Hermione being a prefect," I replied smugly.
"Yea, well… she recently threatened us with a letter home to our mother," George replied with a grim look.
"Whoa, she means business," I replied more earnestly.
It was no secret between us that Mrs. Weasley was seemingly against the twins developing their products. She would rather them collect their NEWTs and go into the Ministry after school was over. To me though that seemed rather dull and Percy was a prime example to show that going into the Ministry wasn't necessarily a good idea.
I sat down beside Lee and watched as Fred finished handing out a candy to all the first years who signed up for the experiment. As one by one popped the candy into their mouths its effect was immediate and looked as if it was turning on an internal faucet. Each of the test subjects spouted a rather heavy nosebleed. Lee took down notes furiously as George passed out white looking candies to each of them in turn. Once the individual consumed the second candy, their nose bleed subsequently stopped. I beamed at the twins while Fred passed out tissues to everyone to wipe away the blood.
"I think that deserves a toast!" Lee beamed as he passed Fred and George each a butter beer.
The first years looked little worse for wear and it seemed this Snackbox was good to go on the market.
I smiled at the boys and felt proud that the project they had started in their bedroom was finally taking off. It was difficult to sometimes see how ambitious the twins actually were when school had never been their priority. But I knew developing these products had taken years of work that was finally coming into development.
The quidditch team eventually started to head off to bed so I took the opportunity to follow. I was happy that Fred and George had taken the celebration as an excuse to execute a trial without raising suspicion from Hermione and Ron. This meant that I didn't have to truly celebrate since I didn't really have the energy to be that enthusiastic for extended periods of time. It was nice though to see my friends lives returning to normal as they dove into quidditch and their seventh year routine.
XX
The next morning I followed Fred and the others into Charms class. Hermione had read the paper to us over breakfast so we knew to expect Umbridge sitting in on some of our classes. Unluckily for us, it seemed we were once again the first to experience Umbridge as she sat at the back of Flitwick's classroom.
"I wonder what she'll do?" Lee asked as we all took our usual seats.
"Flitwick is up to par though, I'm sure she won't have any issues with him," Alicia said optimistically.
I only frowned as I took out my textbook and made an effort to center myself so Umbridge could only see the back of my head. I wouldn't let her use her blatant dislike for me to disrupt her evaluation on Flitwick since he was a very excellent teacher.
"Attention class!" Flitwick called out once the final bell sounded. "As most of you might be aware, Professor Umbridge will be our guest this morning to evaluate the class. However, this does not have any bearing on your learning so we will proceed as normal."
I smiled at Flitwick's attitude towards the toad woman. As always, I didn't think Flitwick was capable of being rude to anyone but it seemed he wasn't going to give her any added attention or praise either.
"Now, in your NEWT year it is important that we advance your wand skills as much as possible. This week we are focusing on nonverbal spells. I know we learned this last year but we will be using your skills on more advanced spells. Today I want you to attempt to cast a summoning spell without speaking. So, please bring all of your textbooks to the front of the class and place them on my desk. Then, return to your own desk and try summoning it back to you," Flitwick instructed.
We all followed his directions and spent the rest of the class working up a sweat as we focused on silently willing our books to return to us. Near the end of class I managed to send my book sliding across the floor until it stopped at my feet. Flitwick came over to instruct me on the strength of my spell when I noticed Umbridge come up to Alicia to start asking her questions.
"What did she ask you?" I probed Alicia once Charms was over.
"Only how I got on in the class and if I liked how Flitwick teaches normally. Of course I answered that he is quite good," she replied with a smile.
I nodded at Alicia who looked like she hadn't just been interrogated by a devil. "I'll see you guys later then, I have Care of Magical Creatures next," I said before turning to go out to the grounds.
I could see Professor Grubbly-Plank as I headed towards the spot where she always held class.
My shoulders sank lower as I arrived at the class that I used to think of as my favourite. There were only a few students that had made it this far in Care of Magical Creatures as an elective. This class had been an awkward mess now that only Liam and I remained out of our usual trio. Liam didn't talk to me much, usually only giving me a standoffish greeting.
I sat down on one of the benches the professor had arranged before pulling out my book. The sky looked like it might rain later on but Professor Grubbly-Plank always held class outside if the weather allowed for it.
"Alright class, I assigned last week for each of you to read the chapter on Yetis. I also asked you to write three feet on their habits and Ministry categorization. I want to start class by discussing what you learned. Please pair off and explain to your partner why it is that wizards are lacking in accurate knowledge about this creature," she ordered before the class broke off into pairs.
I looked around despairingly that I would have to find a partner and surprisingly found that Liam was staring at me. He obligingly stood up and moved over to sit down beside me.
"Erm, so what did you find out about yetis?" I asked, not understanding why Liam was choosing to talk to me now.
"You know, I'm not angry with you or anything," Liam started, ignoring my question.
"Alright," I replied uneasily.
"It's just, I really miss him and you just remind me of how happy I was last year having my best mate around. You were always with him and it just hurts to know he's not here anymore," Liam explained as my expression sank into a frown.
He then turned to face me with his own despairing expression. "But, I know that's not fair and Cedric would kick my ass for treating you this way. I don't know if I can go back to how things were before, but I'm willing to work together in class at least."
His offer lingered between us as I contemplated what he was telling me. Truthfully, I hadn't been angry with Liam either at his prolonged silence towards me. But, getting through this class with an ally did sound better than going it alone.
"Alright, classmates then?" I asked, causing him to smile.
"Yea, classmates," he agreed.
We then spent the rest of class comparing notes and discussing the dangers of yetis who reportedly ate any wizard they came into contact with.
After class I headed back to the castle alone and ended up sitting down for dinner. When I arrived I didn't see any of my friends who were probably still up in the common room. So instead I sat down beside Harry who was sitting alone, sulking over his bowl of food.
"Hey Harry," I said to get his attention as I sat down and served myself a bowl of stew.
Harry didn't bother looking up and only tensed his shoulders at my arrival. I looked at him with concern before he broke the uncomfortable silence.
"So, what are you doing after school Marnie? Following in the 'Fred and George route'?" Harry asked rather darkly.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I asked sharply, knowing by his tone that it wasn't meant as a compliment.
"Percy sent Ron a letter and said he was happy Ron had gotten prefect, saves him from following in Fred and George's footsteps. Now Ron just has to ditch me as a friend and he's all geared up to be the next Ministry stooge just like his dear older brother," Harry scathed into his supper.
"Harry, is everything alright? I mean, this is nothing new that Percy is a prat and the Ministry is actively trying to make you and Dumbledore out to be frauds," I said as I dropped my spoon and looked at him evenly.
"I mean you must be in almost as bad a place if you're best friends with the twins and get stuck having me as a brother. I mean we're not even connected by blood for Merlin's sake!" Harry continued hotly.
I continued to stare at him and narrowed my eyes.
"Is that how you feel? That we're not family because we don't share the same blood?" I asked coolly.
Harry's eyes shot up at me and I saw his anger waiver into guilt.
"Well, no. You've always been my sister Marnie but I'm just so sick of everything lately," Harry exclaimed.
"Harry I know you're frustrated but don't go spouting nonsense that we're not family. And as for my best friends I couldn't have asked for better ones. They're the only ones right now not judging me as being Cedric's old girlfriend or such nonsense. I agree that this year pretty much sucks, but don't go severing the ties you still have," I replied evenly.
Harry sighed again and dunked his spoon aggressively into his bowl.
"Yea, I'm sorry," he muttered but looked up at me apologetically.
"As I figure, it's common for younger brothers to throw tantrums once in a while," I replied with a shrug.
"Yea, I guess. I'll see you later Marnie," Harry said before he stood up without touching the rest of his supper.
I frowned back at him but was delayed in following him upstairs when my friends entered the Great Hall and started talking about the struggles of their new quidditch team. By the time we reached the common room that night, most of my friends were exhausted and called it an early night. I used this rare quiet time to take out by books and work on my newly assigned paper on crups for next week. I got a good start on it and kept working until all I needed to do was revisions on it tomorrow night. When I looked up I was surprised to see that only Harry, Hermione and Ron were the only ones remaining in the common room. I surveyed the room to make sure no one else as awake and gasped when I saw a familiar face sticking out of the fire.
"Hey Marnie," Sirius greeted as I dropped my papers and ran over to the fireplace.
Harry and the others bolted over as well so we were all squatting in front of the fire.
"I'm lucky that you guys all stayed up tonight," Sirius said with a smile.
"Yea, it is rare. What are you doing here though! It's so good to see you!" I replied, feeling happier than I would have expected to see Sirius poking his head out of the fire.
I looked over at Harry and could tell that Sirius was also successful in abating some of the frustration Harry seemed to be carrying around today.
"Well, I wanted to answer Harry's letter and it didn't hurt to have an excuse to see the two of you. It's so dull now that you are all back at school," Sirius said rather gloomily.
I frowned at him but he soon erased his expression and replaced it with an easy smile.
"What did you write about?" I asked, not knowing Harry had chanced writing a letter when Moody had warned us against it.
"Well, I wanted to reassure you Harry that I don't think it's much cause for concern that your scar is hurting. I mean we know he's back to power now and it hurt you a lot last year as well," Sirius replied instead.
I turned and looked worriedly at Harry. I knew from the summer that Harry's scar was hurting but he hadn't mentioned it to me recently.
"And what about Umbridge?" Harry asked.
"I don't think it's likely she's being possessed by him either. She has quite the reputation but that also points to the fact that she most likely not a Death Eater," Sirius replied with a sour look.
"What about you Marnie? Have you had any dreams lately?" Sirius asked, changing the subject about how horrible Umbridge was.
I didn't blame Harry for thinking she was a Death Eater but I hadn't thought she was based on how she was singing the Ministry's praises.
"Erm—well I did recently have one about Frank and Alice, the night they were tortured," I replied meekly.
I hadn't really talked about my nightmare that sent me heading towards Fred's room the other night. Fred had asked me about it the next morning but I just said it was a memory back from when my mother was part of the Order.
"Hm," Sirius grunted. "I'll mention it to the Order because I do find that a little peculiar. But, I wouldn't worry either. At least we do know that Alice and Frank aren't in any danger."
Sirius' frown deepened and I could see Ron and Hermione exchange looks of confusion, presumably because they didn't know who Frank and Alice were.
"Has there been any word of Hagrid?" Harry asked, changing the subject again.
"No, but Dumbledore's not worried. Hagrid was sent on a mission with Madame Maxime and she reported that he went off on his own. I don't want you stirring up attention over Hagrid considering how difficult it is to ignore the fact that he's already been absent this long," Sirius replied.
I frowned, thinking that Care of Magical Creatures would be more bearable if Hagrid was teaching it again. I also worried that he was off alone on some Order mission and was overdue on his return date.
"So, I was thinking of stopping by on your next Hogsmeade trip…" Sirius started but Harry and Hermione cut him off.
"No, you can't!" they shouted back at him.
"Why, because of what the Prophet said? They won't discover it's me," Sirius explained non-chalantly.
"Sirius, we're sure Lucius Malfoy was the one who recognised you at King's Cross. You can't afford being spotted again," Hermione said worriedly.
"And what do you two think of all this?" Sirius said more icily as he looked between Harry and me.
Harry met my gaze furtively and I could see his blatant worry. It didn't bother me as much that Sirius might have been spotted, but then again it would be too painful if he was sent back to Azkaban and Merlin knew how much the Ministry was pinning all of Voldemort's doings on Sirius in the papers.
"Maybe it's not such a good idea," I replied uneasily as Harry nodded in earnest beside me.
"James and Lena would have been thrilled to see me," Sirius said rather harshly as I recoiled back.
Sirius continued to frown before he made up some excuse about Creature coming up the stairs. A moment later there was a popping noise and Sirius exited back out of the fireplace.
"That was the right decision wasn't it?" I asked uneasily.
"Of course it was!" Hermione said severely before she went back and collected her things from where she had been sitting.
I did the same as I collected my paper on crups from the floor and stuffed it into my rucksack. My gaze turned back towards the fire where I stared longingly at it to be pulled back with Sirius and my family. Despite how painful I had found living at Grimmauld place during the summer, I realised now that it was better being altogether as a family there than separated and miserable here.