Chapter 17
Telling the Family
The seven friends sat together eating Breakfast when the mail came. Hundreds of owls swooped overhead, dropping letters to certain students. Ron almost choked on his porridge when a letter made a splash as it landed partially in his pumpkin juice.
Ron removed the dripping letter from his drink and saw that the return address was the Burrow.
"Who's it from love?" asked Hermione as she buttered her toast.
"From Mum and Dad," said Ron, and he began to tear open the letter.
"What do you suppose they want?" asked Ginny looking up at her brother from across the table.
"Just checking up on us I suppose," said Ron, "we haven't made much contact with them."
Then Ron began to read the letter aloud.
Dear Son and Daughter,
How are you dearests! Oh! How we've missed you. Fred and George are so far very successful in their business. They have just bought themselves a flat in Hogsmeade and have just moved in. We are going over to their house for a house warming party and we are also coming to your school for a day. We have checked with Dumbledore and Fred, George, Bill, Charlie are going to be following you around for a school day. Still no word from Percy* (A/N: Check down at the bottom after you have read the chapter to here a little side story about what happened with Percy in sixth year). I suspect that he is still busy with work and all. Your father is very excited for he has just received the present that Fred and George bought him for Christmas, a rubber duck. Your father and I will not stay around for the whole school day but we will be able to spend lunch with you. See you soon dears!
Love your mother.
"Ron!" said Hermione taking his hand in hers, "this is the perfect opportunity to tell your family! About us!"
"Yeah," said Ron smiling, "I guess it is."
"And Ron," said Harry, "I guess it's a good time to tell you about something else too."
Ginny (who was sitting next to Harry) stiffened and reassuringly put her foot over his.
"What is it mate?" asked Ron.
Raya smiled down at her plate.
"Ginny," started Harry, "Well.I.we.Ginny.no.um."
"Harry what is it?" asked Ron, "please speak English I don't speak Blabber."
"Me and Ginny," started Harry.
"Ginny and I," interrupted Hermione.
Harry glowered at her.
"Ginny and I!" said Harry, "well, we kinda wanted to let you know, because I am your friend and all."
Ron gave Harry an expression of pure boredom.
"Harry. Mate. Chum," said Ron (Harry got scared. What was Ron going to do to him. Crucius? Avada? Numbing Spell Number 2?), "I already know."
Harry stared blankly. Ginny was just staring at her bother.
"I know," repeated Ron, "Harry you love Ginny, Ginny you love Harry and you finally got around to telling each other."
"Ron," said Harry, "this is the part where you start screaming at me and Ginny (Hermione opened her mouth) Ginny and I!!!!! (Hermione shut her mouth). And start ranting and raving about how she is young and innocent and can't have a boyfriend."
"Harry," said Ron laughing slightly and shaking his head. "Raya came in the night we were out taking a walk. She came in after I finished my essay and talked to me about it. But Harry, don't worry, you can be sure that I did rant and rave its just I did it to Raya rather than you. You must realize the only reason I am acting this calm is because I have had a couple days to stay calm about it. And the fact that I know what a tedious task it will be to get my brothers to remain this calm."
Harry gulped. Ron had just confused him. Was he mad at him or not?
"Harry," said Raya, "I talked to Ron and I made him see things that normally in his raging tempers he wouldn't be able to think clearly enough to think about."
"What do you mean?" asked Harry still very confused.
"Like the fact that I am going to have to get used to some bloke's arm around my sister and I should be thankful that its not some stranger and its my best friend," said Ron. "Someone that I know won't hurt her."
Harry smiled. He wasn't confused anymore. He looked over at Ginny to see she was beaming and a little blush was creeping into her cheeks.
"So your parents are coming," said Raya. "Looks like everyone has a lot to tell them."
"Yeah," said Neville, "like about you."
"Oh yes," said Raya, "I forgot yet another family that doesn't know that I am in existence. I hate being thought dead."
"It doesn't matter," said Ginny reassuringly, "once my family is introduced to you, and they get over the fact that your Harry's sister, they are going to fall completely in love with you."
Another letter was then dropped into the plate of Raya Potter.
"Who would send me a letter?" asked Raya and then another letter fell right into her lap.
She opened the first one. She read it quickly. She was murmuring something about wondering how that was going.
"How is what going?" asked Harry trying to get a peek at the letter.
"A ceremony about the Mark," said Raya, "you know the Mark of the Potters. The one Draco has."
Everybody nodded in agreement that they remembered.
"Well, Draco is not the only one that has pledged his life to me and Harry," explained Raya, "there are many others. Hardly any in this world, but there are those in other worlds that have never even meet you Harry and have pledged their life to you."
"They probably pledged it to you, forgetting about me," said Harry.
"Ah yes," said Raya, "but now you know how I feel in this world."
Harry realized she was right; it wasn't a good feeling.
"Any way," said Raya, "it's a huge ceremony you have to go through in order to obtain the Mark. They are having a new recruit of twenty people."
"That's a lot!" said Ron.
"Not compared to what we hope for," said Raya, "the Death Eaters have succeeded our numbers by so much I am embarrassed to say."
"So," said Luna, "how would one become part of a recruit?"
"You need to speak with Dumbledore about that," said Raya, "I only go to some of the ceremonies."
"So you mean you don't know some of the people that wear the Mark?" asked Ginny.
"I know most and the others don't mind if I do not know them," said Raya, "the ones that are the strongest I call into battle and those that may be weaker or maybe ill help by making weapons for acting as a watch guard. There are tests to see which you would be."
"I see," said Ron thoughtfully.
"Open the other one," said Neville with his mouth full of toast.
Raya opened the letter with the Draco's leaf seal on it. She read this one aloud however.
Dear Raya,
I have just received the ground rules of my mission. I am to go under cover as a boy that is looking to check into the Death Eater clan and am reporting to father to see how to join. What about my face you may ask? No jokes, I mean for undercover reasons. I have been given a spell so that my face morphs into the face of another. And mine looks like a scary combination of Crabbe and Goyle. I was appalled at my reflection in the mirror and I greatly pity that Crabbe and Goyle have to have the same nauseating feeling everyday when they look in their mirrors. Then I am to have a "meeting" with him in his private (and I know from living there, soundproof) office room. There as we discuss the rules for being a Death Eater I will slowly press him for bits and pieces of information about who the current Death Eaters are and where I might find them. I only press a little mind you so that he doesn't become suspicious. They said if I find it too risky to ask any information of the sort at all not to ask. Better to get one Death Eater down and not know where the others are then to have one fine member of the Mark (A/N: That's what they call Raya's group of followers; the good equivalent to Death Eaters they are called Marquats called Markees for short for those you don't speak the Novian tongue. Marquats means followers), as the Head of the Ministry for International Magical Missions called me. So wish me luck I leave tomorrow evening to begin. I will write you once more before I leave. I was happy to receive you letter so soon after I wrote you and was relieved to find that everyone is well. Tell everyone that I said hi and I wish you the most of luck on the Potions quiz today. I heard about the new recruits. I am happy to find that people are still joining. I must go for another meeting has been called to go over the safety procedures. This may seem like a good thing but keep this in mind for it is the reason I speak of the extra safety meeting in distaste (this is the seventh meeting we've had just to go over the safety procedures, I think I know them better than my own name). Love you lots and I look forward to returning. Be safe and be weary. Don't be off your guard for I fear for you. There was a bombing here just this morning and the Death Eaters wrote profanity about you and Harry. That kept me in my room for a while not wanting to go out and look at the terrible message. I must be away now. Good-b See you soon.
Your friend that knows the song of your heart, Draco.
P.S. If you have forgotten your song please tell me so in your return letter so I can sing you the words on paper my next letter.
"I hope he returns soon," said Raya more to herself than to the others.
"Wait," said Ron, still looking through his own letter, "my parents didn't say the exact day their coming. When are they going to come?"
As if on cue the doors opened and four redheaded boys appeared in the doorway.
"Oh no!" said Ron and he slapped his forehead. And the brothers all saw him and came to the table.
"Hello everyone," said Charlie happily. "How are you?"
"Fine," they all answered back in unison.
After a few moments Mr. and Mrs. Weasley appeared in the doorway. The spotted the group and made their way over. After everyone had taken their seats everyone looked around at everyone else.
"So what have you been doing so far this year?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"This year has been quite interesting lets just say for starts," said Ginny, trying to find a way to sum up everything that had happened that year.
"A memorable one," said Neville nodding his head.
"Where should we start?" asked Harry.
Harry caught Hermione's eye and he saw Hermione tilt her head towards Raya who was silently eating her food and quietly sipping her drink.
"Oh!" gasped Harry, in sudden realization, he hadn't introduced them to Raya.
"What is it Harry?" asked Mrs. Weasley, after hearing him gasp.
"There is someone I want you all to me," said Harry and Raya's eyes locked with his.
All the Weasleys leaned in to get a better view of Harry.
"This is Raya," said Harry.
Everyone nodded towards her pleasantly.
"She's my sister," said Harry.
Everyone froze.
"Harry," said Mr. Weasley, "but you don't have a sister. Do you?"
"He does," said Raya, "it's a pleasure to meet you all. Ron and Ginny have said so many wonderful things about you. I figured if Ron and Ginny are so delightful the whole family must be wonderful."
"Well thank you Raya," said Bill, "this. Wow! It's just kind of a surprise. I hope we are not offending you in any way."
"Not at all," said Raya, "I've been getting it a lot lately."
"When did you and Harry meet?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Well," started Raya, "I haven't been coming to Hogwarts. This is my first year. I was required to come this year because it was essential that I take my N.E.W.T tests. Harry did know anything about me really until Dumbledore told him and the Halloween ball."
"You see," said Harry, "as embarrassing as this is to say. I was thinking about asking Raya to the dance. (Raya's eyes widened. She had never heard this). And when Dumbledore heard this he told me. It was just so easy to love her. I think that since I didn't know about her being my sister I mistook family love to lovey love; if you get my meaning."
"Yes," said Raya stammering a little, "I would have had a really hard time getting through those first months; without anybody knowing who I was. Well except Draco of course."
The Weasleys stiffened.
"That reminds me," said Fred, "where is the little ferret?"
"Yeah," said George, "I think we need another heart to heart with him, eh, brother dear."
As he said heart to heart he pounded his fist into his other hand. Raya flashed a look towards Harry that said, "What the hell are they talking about hurting Draco for?"
"You guys," said Ron, "Draco's alright."
"What?" asked Fred and he pretended to clean out his ears, "beg your pardon."
"I said Draco's alright," said Ron, "he isn't bad. Not like you guys think. He's on our side."
"He's a Death Eaters son," said George, "even if he was on our side I wouldn't want him. He's said too many things too many times."
Raya's cheeks were starting to get flushed with anger.
"He isn't really mean," explained Ginny, "he was just pretending!"
"Why?" asked Charlie, "so Daddy would be proud of him."
"No," said Raya sharply and sternly, "so his father wouldn't kill him."
Everyone grew quiet.
"What do you mean?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"Draco never wanted to be a Death Eater but his father was going to make him," said Raya, "he was his father's pride and joy, he wanted, no demanded that Draco followed in his footsteps and become a servant of the Dark Lord."
"Yeah so," said Fred.
"Draco had to be mean to save his life," said Raya, "and to save the world. Draco couldn't make his father suspect that he didn't want to do what he wanted him to do. He had to act like a hard core Death Eater to be. He had to be mean to Harry so no one would suspect him of helping and being friends with me. He has helped capture many Death Eaters with me. In fact, he's off on a mission right now about bringing his father into Azkaban."
"I don't know," said Mrs. Weasley, "this will take some getting used to."
"It took us some time too," said Ginny, "to get used to not hating Draco. But trust me, once you get passed all that, Draco is a real friend."
"Well, why has he started being nice to everyone now?" asked George.
"His cover was blown the first night here at Hogwarts," said Hermione, "the school was attacked. Raya came in a started killing the Death Eaters but when Mr. Malfoy grabbed Ginny and I to use as bait she stopped and gave herself up. Then when Mr. Malfoy was going to take her away Draco stopped him. It was the first time that Draco had ever confronted his father without a mask hiding his face. Together he and Raya killed every single Death Eater except his father. So after his father knew who Draco was there was no reason to continue with the charade."
"I see," said Bill thoughtfully.
"Well," said Mrs. Weasley trying to brighten the mood, "this certainly has been a day of surprises."
"Really?" said Ron, uneasily. "Want another?"
The Weasleys looked at Ron curiously.
"Me and Hermione," started Ron.
"Hermione and I," whispered Hermione and Ron rolled his eyes.
"Hermione and I," repeated Ron, "well, we're getting married."
The eyes of the Weasleys grew wide.
"You and Hermione?" asked Mrs. Weasley already knowing the answer.
"Yes," said Hermione holding Ron's hand, "we were engaged before winter holiday."
Hermione held out her hand to Mrs. Weasley and showed her the beautiful ring Ron had proposed to her with. Mrs. Weasley gasped.
"My son," said Mrs. Weasley, "my youngest son, the first to marry!
"We want to get married this summer," said Ron, "and both me and Hermione."
"Hermione and I," whispered Hermione.
Ron groaned.
"Both Hermione and I would like to have the wedding at the Burrow," said Ron.
"I want an outdoor wedding," said Hermione, "I was hoping I would get your permission to have it in your backyard."
"Yes Hermione dear!" said Mrs. Weasley, "and what about catering?"
"Well," said Hermione, "actually. Since you're the best cook I know (Mrs. Weasley beamed) so I was hoping you would be our caterer."
"You really mean it?" asked Mrs. Weasley looking delighted.
"No mum she doesn't," said Fred pretending to be serious.
"She says nasty things about your cooking behind your back all the time!" said George going along with his brother's joke.
"I do not you.you.twins!" said Hermione in a lame attempt the call them a bad name.
"My dear brother did she just call us twins?" asked George feigning disbelieve.
"I believe she did," said Fred also pretending to be in disbelief, "my, my our little Hermione's vocabulary has become very dirty, don't you agree brother dear?"
"Just scandalous!" said George.
"Oh stuff it you two," said Mrs. Weasley giving them the evil mother stare.
"Mum?" started Ginny tentatively, "while we are on the subject of Weasleys' in love."
"You're not engaged are you dear?" asked Mrs. Weasley half hoping half dreading.
"No Mum!" said Ginny, "I'm sixteen! I'm not going to get engaged yet!"
A sigh of relieve crossed over both parents faces (though it was more apparent in the father's face).
"But I have a boyfriend," said Ginny.
All the Weasley brothers, save Ron, shot into attention making Harry tremble with fear.
"Who?" asked George, really serious this time.
"I wouldn't tell you until you promise not to hurt him," said Ginny, "he treats me perfectly and is nice, handsome, funny, witty, smart (most of the time), and brave."
"We wouldn't hurt him," said Bill reassuringly, "we just want to meet him, to see if he passes our standards."
"So who is he?" asked Charlie gently.
"Harry," said Ginny.
The look on Mrs. Weasley's face could not be mistaken for any other emotion except pure joy.
"Oh! Harry!" said Mrs. Weasley clasping her hands together in front of her mouth, "this is just too wonderful. Two of the greatest people outside of my family are going to become part of my family!"
"Mum," said Ginny, "we aren't engaged."
Harry took a deep breath.
"No, Ginny we're not," said Harry.
Ginny looked over to him.
"I wanted to wait to get your families permission before I did," said Harry and he pulled a box out of his pocket.
"Ginny Weasley," started Harry, "you're one of the greatest women I've ever meet. You're perfect for me. I know you are. I love you so much. Will you spend the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me? It can be whenever you want. I'll wait forever if I have to. I just need to know if you ever will. Will you?"
"Yes Harry!" said Ginny, "of course I will."
They embraced. The whole family seemed happy. This confused Harry. As Ginny let go Harry looked over at the four older Weasley brothers.
"Aren't you going to kill me or run me out of here with threats of tearing me limb from limb?" asked Harry seriously.
"Harry," said Bill, "you've passed out inspection. Besides I think all of us secret was rooting for you to be with Ginny. We wouldn't want anyone else."
Harry smiled.
"Oh my," said Mrs. Weasley, "you're father and I have to go. Have fun today everyone. We'll see you at lunch."
And with that the two Weasley parents aparated.
"Time for class," said Hermione at her muggle watch she had bought over the holidays.
They stood up and walked over to Potions.
"Oh no," said Raya, "I forgot my books in my room. How much time until class starts?"
"About ten minutes," said Hermione, "I always go ten minutes early so you have plenty of time."
"Thanks," said Raya and she began to walk towards Gryffindor Tower.
"I'll go with her," said Bill.
And he ran quickly to catch up with her brisk steps.
"Raya wait!" called Bill and she stopped and turned so that her long silver blonde hair swung around with her.
"Yes?" she asked in her regularly silvery voice.
"I'm here to accompany you," said Bill and Raya smiled as they walked up the stairs together.
"So you're are Harry's brother," said Bill, "Raya Potter. And I suppose since Harry took his father's name for his middle name you took your mother's so it would be Raya Lily Potter."
"That is correct," said Raya.
"Then I am in your service," said Bill.
"What?" asked Raya turning towards him.
"I was recruited," said Bill, "one of the twenty that just found out about the group and immediately signed up to join."
"Really?" said Raya quite pleased, "this is great news. Are any other brothers joined?"
"Charlie is going to be," said Bill, "he signed up late to be in the same welcoming ceremony as me."
"So Draco is on our side?" asked Bill as Raya said the password and the portrait hole opened.
"Yes," said Raya and she walked quickly through the common room towards the staircase, "he also bears the Mark."
They walked up the staircase and into the girls' dormitory (A/N: I know Bill is a boy but since he is not a Hogwarts student he is able to go up to the girls' dormitory).
"You have a nicer dormitory than the boys do," commented Bill looking around.
Raya ran to her bed and picked up her books.
"Got them," said Raya, and she checked her watch, "we had better be getting back."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hey! Hope you liked the chapter. Please review. And I am sorry spiffinglycorking for spelling your name incorrectly, slip of the fingers on the keyboard. You of all people should know that I slip a lot. Again, please review. I love your comments!
Telling the Family
The seven friends sat together eating Breakfast when the mail came. Hundreds of owls swooped overhead, dropping letters to certain students. Ron almost choked on his porridge when a letter made a splash as it landed partially in his pumpkin juice.
Ron removed the dripping letter from his drink and saw that the return address was the Burrow.
"Who's it from love?" asked Hermione as she buttered her toast.
"From Mum and Dad," said Ron, and he began to tear open the letter.
"What do you suppose they want?" asked Ginny looking up at her brother from across the table.
"Just checking up on us I suppose," said Ron, "we haven't made much contact with them."
Then Ron began to read the letter aloud.
Dear Son and Daughter,
How are you dearests! Oh! How we've missed you. Fred and George are so far very successful in their business. They have just bought themselves a flat in Hogsmeade and have just moved in. We are going over to their house for a house warming party and we are also coming to your school for a day. We have checked with Dumbledore and Fred, George, Bill, Charlie are going to be following you around for a school day. Still no word from Percy* (A/N: Check down at the bottom after you have read the chapter to here a little side story about what happened with Percy in sixth year). I suspect that he is still busy with work and all. Your father is very excited for he has just received the present that Fred and George bought him for Christmas, a rubber duck. Your father and I will not stay around for the whole school day but we will be able to spend lunch with you. See you soon dears!
Love your mother.
"Ron!" said Hermione taking his hand in hers, "this is the perfect opportunity to tell your family! About us!"
"Yeah," said Ron smiling, "I guess it is."
"And Ron," said Harry, "I guess it's a good time to tell you about something else too."
Ginny (who was sitting next to Harry) stiffened and reassuringly put her foot over his.
"What is it mate?" asked Ron.
Raya smiled down at her plate.
"Ginny," started Harry, "Well.I.we.Ginny.no.um."
"Harry what is it?" asked Ron, "please speak English I don't speak Blabber."
"Me and Ginny," started Harry.
"Ginny and I," interrupted Hermione.
Harry glowered at her.
"Ginny and I!" said Harry, "well, we kinda wanted to let you know, because I am your friend and all."
Ron gave Harry an expression of pure boredom.
"Harry. Mate. Chum," said Ron (Harry got scared. What was Ron going to do to him. Crucius? Avada? Numbing Spell Number 2?), "I already know."
Harry stared blankly. Ginny was just staring at her bother.
"I know," repeated Ron, "Harry you love Ginny, Ginny you love Harry and you finally got around to telling each other."
"Ron," said Harry, "this is the part where you start screaming at me and Ginny (Hermione opened her mouth) Ginny and I!!!!! (Hermione shut her mouth). And start ranting and raving about how she is young and innocent and can't have a boyfriend."
"Harry," said Ron laughing slightly and shaking his head. "Raya came in the night we were out taking a walk. She came in after I finished my essay and talked to me about it. But Harry, don't worry, you can be sure that I did rant and rave its just I did it to Raya rather than you. You must realize the only reason I am acting this calm is because I have had a couple days to stay calm about it. And the fact that I know what a tedious task it will be to get my brothers to remain this calm."
Harry gulped. Ron had just confused him. Was he mad at him or not?
"Harry," said Raya, "I talked to Ron and I made him see things that normally in his raging tempers he wouldn't be able to think clearly enough to think about."
"What do you mean?" asked Harry still very confused.
"Like the fact that I am going to have to get used to some bloke's arm around my sister and I should be thankful that its not some stranger and its my best friend," said Ron. "Someone that I know won't hurt her."
Harry smiled. He wasn't confused anymore. He looked over at Ginny to see she was beaming and a little blush was creeping into her cheeks.
"So your parents are coming," said Raya. "Looks like everyone has a lot to tell them."
"Yeah," said Neville, "like about you."
"Oh yes," said Raya, "I forgot yet another family that doesn't know that I am in existence. I hate being thought dead."
"It doesn't matter," said Ginny reassuringly, "once my family is introduced to you, and they get over the fact that your Harry's sister, they are going to fall completely in love with you."
Another letter was then dropped into the plate of Raya Potter.
"Who would send me a letter?" asked Raya and then another letter fell right into her lap.
She opened the first one. She read it quickly. She was murmuring something about wondering how that was going.
"How is what going?" asked Harry trying to get a peek at the letter.
"A ceremony about the Mark," said Raya, "you know the Mark of the Potters. The one Draco has."
Everybody nodded in agreement that they remembered.
"Well, Draco is not the only one that has pledged his life to me and Harry," explained Raya, "there are many others. Hardly any in this world, but there are those in other worlds that have never even meet you Harry and have pledged their life to you."
"They probably pledged it to you, forgetting about me," said Harry.
"Ah yes," said Raya, "but now you know how I feel in this world."
Harry realized she was right; it wasn't a good feeling.
"Any way," said Raya, "it's a huge ceremony you have to go through in order to obtain the Mark. They are having a new recruit of twenty people."
"That's a lot!" said Ron.
"Not compared to what we hope for," said Raya, "the Death Eaters have succeeded our numbers by so much I am embarrassed to say."
"So," said Luna, "how would one become part of a recruit?"
"You need to speak with Dumbledore about that," said Raya, "I only go to some of the ceremonies."
"So you mean you don't know some of the people that wear the Mark?" asked Ginny.
"I know most and the others don't mind if I do not know them," said Raya, "the ones that are the strongest I call into battle and those that may be weaker or maybe ill help by making weapons for acting as a watch guard. There are tests to see which you would be."
"I see," said Ron thoughtfully.
"Open the other one," said Neville with his mouth full of toast.
Raya opened the letter with the Draco's leaf seal on it. She read this one aloud however.
Dear Raya,
I have just received the ground rules of my mission. I am to go under cover as a boy that is looking to check into the Death Eater clan and am reporting to father to see how to join. What about my face you may ask? No jokes, I mean for undercover reasons. I have been given a spell so that my face morphs into the face of another. And mine looks like a scary combination of Crabbe and Goyle. I was appalled at my reflection in the mirror and I greatly pity that Crabbe and Goyle have to have the same nauseating feeling everyday when they look in their mirrors. Then I am to have a "meeting" with him in his private (and I know from living there, soundproof) office room. There as we discuss the rules for being a Death Eater I will slowly press him for bits and pieces of information about who the current Death Eaters are and where I might find them. I only press a little mind you so that he doesn't become suspicious. They said if I find it too risky to ask any information of the sort at all not to ask. Better to get one Death Eater down and not know where the others are then to have one fine member of the Mark (A/N: That's what they call Raya's group of followers; the good equivalent to Death Eaters they are called Marquats called Markees for short for those you don't speak the Novian tongue. Marquats means followers), as the Head of the Ministry for International Magical Missions called me. So wish me luck I leave tomorrow evening to begin. I will write you once more before I leave. I was happy to receive you letter so soon after I wrote you and was relieved to find that everyone is well. Tell everyone that I said hi and I wish you the most of luck on the Potions quiz today. I heard about the new recruits. I am happy to find that people are still joining. I must go for another meeting has been called to go over the safety procedures. This may seem like a good thing but keep this in mind for it is the reason I speak of the extra safety meeting in distaste (this is the seventh meeting we've had just to go over the safety procedures, I think I know them better than my own name). Love you lots and I look forward to returning. Be safe and be weary. Don't be off your guard for I fear for you. There was a bombing here just this morning and the Death Eaters wrote profanity about you and Harry. That kept me in my room for a while not wanting to go out and look at the terrible message. I must be away now. Good-b See you soon.
Your friend that knows the song of your heart, Draco.
P.S. If you have forgotten your song please tell me so in your return letter so I can sing you the words on paper my next letter.
"I hope he returns soon," said Raya more to herself than to the others.
"Wait," said Ron, still looking through his own letter, "my parents didn't say the exact day their coming. When are they going to come?"
As if on cue the doors opened and four redheaded boys appeared in the doorway.
"Oh no!" said Ron and he slapped his forehead. And the brothers all saw him and came to the table.
"Hello everyone," said Charlie happily. "How are you?"
"Fine," they all answered back in unison.
After a few moments Mr. and Mrs. Weasley appeared in the doorway. The spotted the group and made their way over. After everyone had taken their seats everyone looked around at everyone else.
"So what have you been doing so far this year?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"This year has been quite interesting lets just say for starts," said Ginny, trying to find a way to sum up everything that had happened that year.
"A memorable one," said Neville nodding his head.
"Where should we start?" asked Harry.
Harry caught Hermione's eye and he saw Hermione tilt her head towards Raya who was silently eating her food and quietly sipping her drink.
"Oh!" gasped Harry, in sudden realization, he hadn't introduced them to Raya.
"What is it Harry?" asked Mrs. Weasley, after hearing him gasp.
"There is someone I want you all to me," said Harry and Raya's eyes locked with his.
All the Weasleys leaned in to get a better view of Harry.
"This is Raya," said Harry.
Everyone nodded towards her pleasantly.
"She's my sister," said Harry.
Everyone froze.
"Harry," said Mr. Weasley, "but you don't have a sister. Do you?"
"He does," said Raya, "it's a pleasure to meet you all. Ron and Ginny have said so many wonderful things about you. I figured if Ron and Ginny are so delightful the whole family must be wonderful."
"Well thank you Raya," said Bill, "this. Wow! It's just kind of a surprise. I hope we are not offending you in any way."
"Not at all," said Raya, "I've been getting it a lot lately."
"When did you and Harry meet?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Well," started Raya, "I haven't been coming to Hogwarts. This is my first year. I was required to come this year because it was essential that I take my N.E.W.T tests. Harry did know anything about me really until Dumbledore told him and the Halloween ball."
"You see," said Harry, "as embarrassing as this is to say. I was thinking about asking Raya to the dance. (Raya's eyes widened. She had never heard this). And when Dumbledore heard this he told me. It was just so easy to love her. I think that since I didn't know about her being my sister I mistook family love to lovey love; if you get my meaning."
"Yes," said Raya stammering a little, "I would have had a really hard time getting through those first months; without anybody knowing who I was. Well except Draco of course."
The Weasleys stiffened.
"That reminds me," said Fred, "where is the little ferret?"
"Yeah," said George, "I think we need another heart to heart with him, eh, brother dear."
As he said heart to heart he pounded his fist into his other hand. Raya flashed a look towards Harry that said, "What the hell are they talking about hurting Draco for?"
"You guys," said Ron, "Draco's alright."
"What?" asked Fred and he pretended to clean out his ears, "beg your pardon."
"I said Draco's alright," said Ron, "he isn't bad. Not like you guys think. He's on our side."
"He's a Death Eaters son," said George, "even if he was on our side I wouldn't want him. He's said too many things too many times."
Raya's cheeks were starting to get flushed with anger.
"He isn't really mean," explained Ginny, "he was just pretending!"
"Why?" asked Charlie, "so Daddy would be proud of him."
"No," said Raya sharply and sternly, "so his father wouldn't kill him."
Everyone grew quiet.
"What do you mean?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"Draco never wanted to be a Death Eater but his father was going to make him," said Raya, "he was his father's pride and joy, he wanted, no demanded that Draco followed in his footsteps and become a servant of the Dark Lord."
"Yeah so," said Fred.
"Draco had to be mean to save his life," said Raya, "and to save the world. Draco couldn't make his father suspect that he didn't want to do what he wanted him to do. He had to act like a hard core Death Eater to be. He had to be mean to Harry so no one would suspect him of helping and being friends with me. He has helped capture many Death Eaters with me. In fact, he's off on a mission right now about bringing his father into Azkaban."
"I don't know," said Mrs. Weasley, "this will take some getting used to."
"It took us some time too," said Ginny, "to get used to not hating Draco. But trust me, once you get passed all that, Draco is a real friend."
"Well, why has he started being nice to everyone now?" asked George.
"His cover was blown the first night here at Hogwarts," said Hermione, "the school was attacked. Raya came in a started killing the Death Eaters but when Mr. Malfoy grabbed Ginny and I to use as bait she stopped and gave herself up. Then when Mr. Malfoy was going to take her away Draco stopped him. It was the first time that Draco had ever confronted his father without a mask hiding his face. Together he and Raya killed every single Death Eater except his father. So after his father knew who Draco was there was no reason to continue with the charade."
"I see," said Bill thoughtfully.
"Well," said Mrs. Weasley trying to brighten the mood, "this certainly has been a day of surprises."
"Really?" said Ron, uneasily. "Want another?"
The Weasleys looked at Ron curiously.
"Me and Hermione," started Ron.
"Hermione and I," whispered Hermione and Ron rolled his eyes.
"Hermione and I," repeated Ron, "well, we're getting married."
The eyes of the Weasleys grew wide.
"You and Hermione?" asked Mrs. Weasley already knowing the answer.
"Yes," said Hermione holding Ron's hand, "we were engaged before winter holiday."
Hermione held out her hand to Mrs. Weasley and showed her the beautiful ring Ron had proposed to her with. Mrs. Weasley gasped.
"My son," said Mrs. Weasley, "my youngest son, the first to marry!
"We want to get married this summer," said Ron, "and both me and Hermione."
"Hermione and I," whispered Hermione.
Ron groaned.
"Both Hermione and I would like to have the wedding at the Burrow," said Ron.
"I want an outdoor wedding," said Hermione, "I was hoping I would get your permission to have it in your backyard."
"Yes Hermione dear!" said Mrs. Weasley, "and what about catering?"
"Well," said Hermione, "actually. Since you're the best cook I know (Mrs. Weasley beamed) so I was hoping you would be our caterer."
"You really mean it?" asked Mrs. Weasley looking delighted.
"No mum she doesn't," said Fred pretending to be serious.
"She says nasty things about your cooking behind your back all the time!" said George going along with his brother's joke.
"I do not you.you.twins!" said Hermione in a lame attempt the call them a bad name.
"My dear brother did she just call us twins?" asked George feigning disbelieve.
"I believe she did," said Fred also pretending to be in disbelief, "my, my our little Hermione's vocabulary has become very dirty, don't you agree brother dear?"
"Just scandalous!" said George.
"Oh stuff it you two," said Mrs. Weasley giving them the evil mother stare.
"Mum?" started Ginny tentatively, "while we are on the subject of Weasleys' in love."
"You're not engaged are you dear?" asked Mrs. Weasley half hoping half dreading.
"No Mum!" said Ginny, "I'm sixteen! I'm not going to get engaged yet!"
A sigh of relieve crossed over both parents faces (though it was more apparent in the father's face).
"But I have a boyfriend," said Ginny.
All the Weasley brothers, save Ron, shot into attention making Harry tremble with fear.
"Who?" asked George, really serious this time.
"I wouldn't tell you until you promise not to hurt him," said Ginny, "he treats me perfectly and is nice, handsome, funny, witty, smart (most of the time), and brave."
"We wouldn't hurt him," said Bill reassuringly, "we just want to meet him, to see if he passes our standards."
"So who is he?" asked Charlie gently.
"Harry," said Ginny.
The look on Mrs. Weasley's face could not be mistaken for any other emotion except pure joy.
"Oh! Harry!" said Mrs. Weasley clasping her hands together in front of her mouth, "this is just too wonderful. Two of the greatest people outside of my family are going to become part of my family!"
"Mum," said Ginny, "we aren't engaged."
Harry took a deep breath.
"No, Ginny we're not," said Harry.
Ginny looked over to him.
"I wanted to wait to get your families permission before I did," said Harry and he pulled a box out of his pocket.
"Ginny Weasley," started Harry, "you're one of the greatest women I've ever meet. You're perfect for me. I know you are. I love you so much. Will you spend the rest of your life with me? Will you marry me? It can be whenever you want. I'll wait forever if I have to. I just need to know if you ever will. Will you?"
"Yes Harry!" said Ginny, "of course I will."
They embraced. The whole family seemed happy. This confused Harry. As Ginny let go Harry looked over at the four older Weasley brothers.
"Aren't you going to kill me or run me out of here with threats of tearing me limb from limb?" asked Harry seriously.
"Harry," said Bill, "you've passed out inspection. Besides I think all of us secret was rooting for you to be with Ginny. We wouldn't want anyone else."
Harry smiled.
"Oh my," said Mrs. Weasley, "you're father and I have to go. Have fun today everyone. We'll see you at lunch."
And with that the two Weasley parents aparated.
"Time for class," said Hermione at her muggle watch she had bought over the holidays.
They stood up and walked over to Potions.
"Oh no," said Raya, "I forgot my books in my room. How much time until class starts?"
"About ten minutes," said Hermione, "I always go ten minutes early so you have plenty of time."
"Thanks," said Raya and she began to walk towards Gryffindor Tower.
"I'll go with her," said Bill.
And he ran quickly to catch up with her brisk steps.
"Raya wait!" called Bill and she stopped and turned so that her long silver blonde hair swung around with her.
"Yes?" she asked in her regularly silvery voice.
"I'm here to accompany you," said Bill and Raya smiled as they walked up the stairs together.
"So you're are Harry's brother," said Bill, "Raya Potter. And I suppose since Harry took his father's name for his middle name you took your mother's so it would be Raya Lily Potter."
"That is correct," said Raya.
"Then I am in your service," said Bill.
"What?" asked Raya turning towards him.
"I was recruited," said Bill, "one of the twenty that just found out about the group and immediately signed up to join."
"Really?" said Raya quite pleased, "this is great news. Are any other brothers joined?"
"Charlie is going to be," said Bill, "he signed up late to be in the same welcoming ceremony as me."
"So Draco is on our side?" asked Bill as Raya said the password and the portrait hole opened.
"Yes," said Raya and she walked quickly through the common room towards the staircase, "he also bears the Mark."
They walked up the staircase and into the girls' dormitory (A/N: I know Bill is a boy but since he is not a Hogwarts student he is able to go up to the girls' dormitory).
"You have a nicer dormitory than the boys do," commented Bill looking around.
Raya ran to her bed and picked up her books.
"Got them," said Raya, and she checked her watch, "we had better be getting back."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hey! Hope you liked the chapter. Please review. And I am sorry spiffinglycorking for spelling your name incorrectly, slip of the fingers on the keyboard. You of all people should know that I slip a lot. Again, please review. I love your comments!