Excalibur Keeperoliver Chapter 4

Ginny Weasley couldn't believe what her father had just said. She left her chair and read over his shoulder, the article in the Prophet. Sure enough, what he said was true. "Dad, can I read that when you are done. I know you usually take it to work with you, but I would like to read that article and see what took place."

"I believe I can do that for my little Gin Gin. Spikes your interest does it, I mean the Boy who died is now alive."

"Stop it dad. You know how I cried every time I heard the story. Know, come to find out, it was all a hoax. I could hex the prat for all those tears I shed. I just want to see why he let us believe it for so long."

"I know Ginny. I will leave you the paper. Just don't throw it away, as I will want to finish reading it when I get off work."

"I won't dad. I better get my seat before Ron comes down and steals it like he always does when I'm running late."

She had just seated herself, when stomping was heard coming from the stairs. Ron, Fred and George appeared at the door and went to their seats. Ron grumbled due to Ginny sitting in her chair. "What's the matter Ron, upset because I beat you down stairs?"

Ron just shot her a look of disgust, "Yes, now shut up and pass the eggs before they get cold."

Ginny took two of the eggs off the plate, and then handed the plate to George. George took four eggs, and passed the plate to Fred. There were six eggs left, so he took five, and gave another one to George who thanked him. Fred then passed the empty plate to Ron, who grumbled some more. He waited as his mum cooked more eggs. The same thing happened with the bacon and the bangers. He got up, and took the finished eggs from his mum before she put them on the table, and grabbed some bacon before she brought that to the table. He placed this plate on his plate, and began eating, feeling proud of himself for his brilliant plan to get his breakfast.

Both Fred and George ate just two of their eggs, with two pieces of toast, four strips of bacon and two bangers each. Fred belched, and held his hand to his mouth, "Excuse me, must be the fresh eggs. I always like eggs from the first round, before all the butter is gone. They don't get so crisp like the second round does." George then belched.

"I think it's the bangers myself. They don't cook in the grease from their selves. The grease always makes them less flavorful."

Then Ginny belched, "Merlin, I think you both may be right." She reached across the table and took one of the eggs from Ron's plate, then a Banger, and a rash of bacon. She ate them, and repeated what she said, "Definitely both. The eggs are too crisp, and the Bacon and Bangers are not as flavorful."

Both Fred and George looked at her, and had to discover for them selves her discovery. They each grabbed an egg, two strips of bacon, and a banger off his plate. After they ate them, they agreed with Ginny, "Definitely a combination of both. Thanks for the lesson Ronniekins." the twins patted Ron on the back as they left the table, putting their dish and glass in the sink. Each grabbing another banger from Ron's plate as they passed.

Arthur had to hide his laughter from his youngest son. Between the twins and Ginny, they tortured Ron continually. He waited for the day he paid them all back. All his kids brought him joy, but the twins and Ginny brought him laughter, which always got him in trouble with Molly. Not a lot, but she would let him know that Ron didn't deserve all this harassment. He agreed, but knew in the end, if any of his kids were in trouble, the others would be there for them. That's what family is all about.

Arthur stood up and folded the paper and handed it to Ginny who thanked him and stuck it under her arm. Ron saw this, and took the paper from it's spot to see why Ginny wanted it so bad. His eyes about popped out of their socket at the headlines. He managed to read it, before Ginny stole the paper back from him. "Harry Potter is alive? Ginny, I have to read that after you."

"Sorry, promised dad I would hold it for him for when he gets off work. I don't want food and drink stains all over it before he gets to finish it."

"GINNY WEASLEY!"

"Sorry mum. OK prat you get it after me."

"GINNY!"

"What mum? I told him he could see it next."

"Not in a very lady like manner."

"I'm 10 years old mum. I don't think I qualify for a lady just yet."

"You're never too young to start."

Ginny stopped before she got the full lecture about what a lady should act like at all times. She took the paper into the den, and read the article. She couldn't believe some fool would use the Drought of Living death on a baby. All that just to protect him. Who in their right mind would try to hurt a baby. And what's this about a sister? She never heard of the Potters having a girl, adopted or not. Luna Lily Potter. She hoped she got to meet them both. She finished the article, and left the Prophet on the couch for Ron. Unfortunately the twins got to it first, and Ron had to wait even longer.

George read the story and blurted out, "That is the stupidest story I ever read. Who in their right mind would believe this crap. Drought of Living Death to a baby. Training him in muggle fighting forms. Basic Magic training. I hope we get to meet this young Harry Potter, see if he is all they are making him out to be. And his sister as well. I wish they had a picture of them in the paper so that we could know who we were looking at."

Fred interrupted his twins lecture. "George, haven't we heard mum and dad talk about this Black fellow, and his friend Lupin? And something called OOTP?"

"I believe so dear brother. Something about them breaking up after he died, who ever he was."

"Ya, I remember now. I wonder what the OOTP was?"

"The Order of the Phoenix. It was a group headed by Albus Dumbledore fighting against the Dark Lord."

They turned to see Ginny standing on the bottom step. They didn't hear her come down the steps which was weird, as they always made a noise when walked on.

"And you know this how?" asked Fred.

"I sometimes get up at night to get me a drink of water. I can hear mum and dad talking in their room. When James and Lily Potter died, and Voldemort as well, they broke up the Order. Since there was no more threat, their services were no longer required."

"What about this Black and Lupin, do you know about them?" George asked his knowledgeable sister.

"Seems they disappeared after James, Lily and Harry died. Or we thought Harry died. They must have drugged him to get him safely away. What I don't know about is this sister he has all of a sudden."

"We wondered about that as well." Fred added. "Leaving a baby on a door step does not sound like a very good idea, no matter what time of the year it is."

"Gives a person a lot to think about, doesn't it?" George finished Fred's talk.

"I hope we get to meet them."

"As do we sis. You may have to wait a year though, because they are both starting school this year, and you don't start until next year."

"You have to rub it in, don't you George."

"Why of course sis, what else are brothers for?"

"Nothing good that I can think of, that's for sure."

Both Fred and George laughed at their sisters retort. She was going to be brilliant in school, when she finally joined up with them for their pranks.

Excalibur-}

Finally the day arrived for Harry and Luna to head out for King's Cross Station and the start of their Hogwarts years. Knowing that they had two friends already, in Neville and Draco, it was already a good start to their school years.

Both Sirius and Remus took them to the station and took them through the wall between platforms 9 and 10. They both looked at the Express, and Remus heard Harry tell Luna, "Do you think that old thing will make the trip? It looks like it's on it's last legs."

Luna laughed, "It does appear unstable, doesn't it? I am sure that it is quite safe though. I don't think they would jeopardize the students safety."

"I suppose not. Still, I think I will have a look around to make sure it is safe." and Harry took off for a trip around the train. That was when the Weasleys showed up.

Percy was the first one through, and he went right to the train and loaded his trunk. Fred and George were next, and they stopped short when they saw Luna.

"Whoa Fred, the first years are getting better looking all the time, don't you think?"

"George my boy, that they are. I wonder who she is?"

Luna heard them talking, and decided to introduce herself, "Hello Fred and George, my name is Luna."

Ginny and Ron came through the wall just before Luna told the twins who she was, so she heard it all.

"Luna as in Luna Potter?" she butted in.

Luna smiled at the red haired girl, "How clever of you to figure out my name. Yes, I am Luna Lily Potter. And you are?"

"Ginny Weasley, and this is my brother Ron. He usually doesn't stand there like a fish out of water. The ones you just talked to are like you said, Fred and George, the twins."

"Thanks for announcing us Gin Gin, but I think we can talk for our selves."

"You could have fooled me. I though you talked for each other?"

Luna laughed at the three, "Oh I can see where this is going to be a fun year with you three there."

Luna saw Ginny drop her head, "I'm afraid I won't be going until next year. Stupid age restriction. I know I'm as smart as these two idiots. "

About that time, Harry made his way to Luna, "Well it looks safe enough. Who are your friends sis."

"Harry, this is Fred and George Weasley, their brother Ron, and their sister Ginny. He shook the boys hand, and Had Fred and George in tears when they tried a show of strength with Harry. Ron didn't want the same thing, so he went with a normal hand shake. However, when Harry went to Ginny, he took her hand, and kissed the back of it. Ginny about fainted. Harry caught her before she fell. "Are you alright Ginny?"

"What was that? Why did you kiss my hand? No one has ever done that to me before."

Harry backed away from Ginny, "I'm sorry Ginny. I meant no disrespect. I only did as I was taught by my godfather. Please forgive me. I will never do it again."

Ginny smiled for Harry, "Yes you most certainly will, if that is how you were brought up. It just took me by surprise. Being around six brothers who don't know how to treat a lady, you tend to lose all sight of what a gentleman is."

"Well then, let me help you on the train, as it should be leaving soon."

"I'm afraid I won't be going to school until next year, Harry."

"What a pity. The school could stand to have another beautiful face to light up the gloom of a palace."

Ginny stood there in shock for a second then turned to her mum, "Mum, I want, no need to go to school this year. They need the extra light. Ask Harry, he'll tell you."

Molly, Sirius and Remus had been laughing at the whole exchange between the kids from where Luna first joined them, until Harry swept Ginny off her feet. "Ginny, I wish I could, but there s no way."

Remus broke in, "Molly, there is a way, if Ginny really wants it." Ginny's eyes lit up at what Remus said.

Molly just shot Remus a glare, "Don't you even dare Lupin. I still pack a mean punch."

Remus laughed at her attempt to be mean. "AH Molly, still as spritely as I remember you. But you know that if a child can pass an entrance exam of 95% or better he or she may start one year early."

"Remus Lupin, don't you dare give my daughter false hope. You know as well as I do, that no one has ever passed that test before. He or she must take it within 24 hours of knowing about it. There can be no time to study for it. It hasn't been given in over 100 years."

"Molly just because it hasn't been done in a long time, doesn't mean it can't be done."

Sirius became a mediator in the argument, "Molly, there is a way to settle this, ask Ginny five questions. If she answers them correctly, then give her a chance. If she fails, she will still get to go next year."

Molly began to cry when Sirius said this. He didn't know what he said to hurt her, but went to her to calm her down. In the mean time, Harry and the rest had to board the train before it took off with out them. Ginny walked to the train with the others, leaving Molly, Sirius and Remus alone.

Molly got up the courage to tell them both, "Sirius, Arthur and I don't have the money for Ginny to go this year. Why couldn't you two just leave it alone."

Sirius laughed at Molly's confession, then took her shoulders, "Molly, if she passes the test, then the school will pay for her first year, to include books and what ever else she needs, except clothing. Besides, I have more than enough for her to try to get in one year early. Being a Lord, I can sponsor a student through school."

"Would you do that for Ginny?"

"You know I would Molly. You didn't even have to ask. Now, let's get Ginny, and take her to Hogwarts so that she can take the test. If she passes, then she will be waiting for the rest in the waiting area to surprise them all."

Excalibur-}

The ride to the school brought all kinds of visitors to their compartment. They were joined by Draco and Neville right from the start. Then they looked up to see a wild haired lonely looking girl. "OH sorry, it seems you are full up. I'll look else where." She turned to leave, when George caught her wrist.

"We're not that full up that we couldn't make room for one more. Besides, Luna looks like she could use another female for companionship."

Luna got up and led her to a seat next to her on the bench, "Hello, I'm Luna Potter."

"Nice to meet you Luna, I'm Hermione Granger."

The rest told her their name, and Hermione fit right in with the others.

After the trolly cart made it's sale to the students, they shared in the purchase made by Harry and Draco. For some reason, Harry took two chocolate frogs, and slipped them in his robes. Luna saw this and raised an eye brow. Harry wasn't known for snacks.

Harry smiled at his sister, "You're not the only one who has visions Luna. I think we may be joined by someone in the near future."

"Oh, well then, maybe a few other objects as well?"

"No, for some reason, I think this will be enough."

Finally, the train ride ended, and the students got off. Ron, Neville, Draco, Harry, Hermione and Luna headed for the boats Harry and Luna had to hold Hermiones hand as she looked scared of Hagrid. Once they got across the lake, and into the castle, they were surprised when they found someone already there, beaming at them all. Luna went running right to her. Harry walked to her, pulling Hermione with him.

"Ginny, what are you doing here? I thought you had to wait until next year?"

"Remus told mum about a test I could take. If I passed it with a score of 95% or above, I could enter school a year early. I scored 100%. Mum didn't know I have been reading Bill's school book for the past two years. All the way up to year five. The test was easy."

They talked until Professor McGonagall came and got them for the sorting.

As they gathered in front of the hat, and it sang it's song, Ginny and Hermione got to know each other better. The The names were called. Hemione's was the first name called from the group. After a few seconds it sang out, "Ravenclaw!"

She went to the table and took a seat. She saw the look of disappointment on Fred and George's faces.

The next called from the group was Neville, The hat had just settled when it sang out, "Gryffindor!"

Neville pulled the hat off and gave it to the Professor. He took a seat with the twins.

Draco was next, and he also went to Gryffindor. You could see him let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Then Harry's name was called, It took a while for Harry, finally the hat called out "Ravenclaw!"

Hermione jumped up, knowing she wouldn't be there all alone. She clapped the loudest for her new friend.

Luna was next, and right away the hat rang out, "Ravenclaw!"

Hermione was ecstatic now. She had two friends with her, and one of them a girl.

Ron and Ginny were all that was left, and Ginny went first. Ginny was torn. Her family all went to Gryffindor. It had always been. So why did she want to be different. This was her state when she felt the hat placed on her head. "Another Weasley, but a year early I see. Cunning you are, a good Slytherin characteristic. Loyal to a fault, Hufflepuff. Brave as they come, Gryffindor. But you strongest quality is your brilliance. So where to put you. No comment have you? Well then let me chose for you, "Ravenclaw!"

Ginny cried as she left the stool, only to be pulled into a hug by the twins, and Percy. Percy told her, "Ginevra, no matter what house you are in, you are still a Weasley, and will be loved regardless. Always remember that. There is no shame for being smart. I wish I had gone to Ravenclaw. I had the chance you know, but when asked, I chose Gryffindor. Now, make us all proud."

Ginny kissed Percy on the cheek, as well as Fred and George. "Thank you guys. I felt bad when I went up there. I knew about our history, but, I really wanted in Ravenclaw. The hat must have known my feelings."

Fred laughed at this, "Of course it knew your feelings, silly girl. You always were one for breaking tradition, where as George and I ware ones for breaking the rules."

Professor McGonagall broke them up so that she could finish the sorting. Ron went to Gryffindor, and Blaise Zabini went to Slytherin.

As they sat eating, Harry, Ginny, Luna, and Hermione got to talking, and Luna made comments about the wrackspurts, and nargles she knew. Both Hermione and Ginny laughed at this, but it was because Luna was telling them about some of their escapades. However, Cho Chang over heard the conversation, and laughed for a different reason. She though Luna was crazy. But she thought her brother was hot. She didn't like the two girls with the brother and sister though. They were too close to her target. She talked with her friend Marietta and began to make plans to get them separated. She didn't know what she was getting herself into.

When the four of them got to the dorm, Harry reached in his robes and pulled out the two chocolate frogs and gave them to Ginny. She looked at them, then back to Harry. "I had a feeling we were going to get a surprise. Sirius and Remus can be very persuasive."

She took them and thanked Harry with a kiss to his cheek, which brought a smile to his face.

Excalibur-}

James and Lily sat with Jamie listening in on Harry and Luna's conversation with their friends. They were proud of them getting into Ravenclaw. They liked the friends they were with, both in Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. Jamie told them that was different then when Harry went through school before. He, Hermione and Ginny were all in Gryffindor. Luna was the only one in Ravenclaw. Draco was in Slytherin. So, yes much had changed, but he didn't know what it all meant.

They all knew that Albus wished to visit the ship, and Jamie had a hard time bringing himself to allowing it. He thought that if Albus was allowed, then two more wouldn't hurt either. So when Albus was to visit, then so would Ginny and Hermione, as Harry and Luna's friends.

That wouldn't be until Christmas, so he had 3 months to prepare for the visit. That is if he was still there in three months. He had the crew scanning the area up to three light years away looking for the anomaly. He actually hoped it would not be here for at least another year. Even Data enjoyed this little visit. The Humor that James, Sirius and Remus helped program into his system was superb. The twins found it very hard to prank him any more, and felt the brunt of his on several occasions. If they made it back, and he was returned to the Enterprise the crew was in for a shock. Especially when they saw the sneaky grin that Sirius taught him.

Yes, he wanted to go back, but he was in no hurry. His crew was not in a hurry either, as they were enjoying the food they had been eating for the last 10 years. Jaime had even let them take turns for the trips to Earth for their supplies. Lily and James always went with them though in disguise. This was to keep them out of trouble.

Excalibur-}

Lucius Malfoy was beyond upset. Never had a Malfoy been sorted anywhere but Slytherin. For his son to be sorted into Gryffindor was beyond acceptable. And for him not to fight it was inconceivable. When Narcissa saw her husband's rage, she knew there was no getting to him. She actually feared for Draco's life. Draco and Lucius never did see eye to eye. Draco could not understand the concept of pure blood idealism. He saw no difference between himself, and anyone else walking the street. Maybe they were without magic, but they bled the same as him when he was cut. They cried, laughed, loved and worried the same as him.

No, Draco and Lucius would never see eye to eye, and that was why she feared for her son's life. She needed help from someone, and knew who it was that could help her. She would find a way to get in touch with him. For the life of her son, and her own, she swore she would get in touch with her cousin Sirius.