Disclaimer: As always, anything that you happen to recognize regrettably does not belong to me but to the most divine, J. K. Rowling.
Chapter 6: Return to Hogwarts
Dorinda hurried around her room as she haphazardly threw clothes into her trunk, she didn't want to forget anything. Annabelle lay lazily on the overly large bed, opening an eye every once an awhile when Dorinda would sigh impatiently. She couldn't believe that she would be returning to Hogwarts today. She was excited to say the least, impending danger or not. She felt truly at home at Hogwarts. Throwing her last pair of robes in the trunk, she looked up as a knock came at her door.
"Come in." Dorinda answered lightly as she fiddled with the lock on her trunk. She smiled softly as the ever elegant Madam Malfoy walked in.
"Remembered everything have you?" Narcissa said lightly as she entered and shut the door gently behind herself.
"I think so." Dorinda replied glancing around the room for good measure.
"If you've forgotten anything, it can be sent to you." Narcissa assured her. "Come sit."
"It must be nearly time to go?" Dorinda wondered as she took a seat on the bed next to Narcissa.
"Yes but I need to talk to you first." Narcissa explained. "You will write to me yes?"
"If that is what you wish." Dorinda said slowly, her eyes confused.
"Draco writes but he is always very short, much like his father." Narcissa went on. "I tend to have too much time on my hands once Draco is away for school."
"Oh." Dorinda said in realization. Narcissa got lonely, only she would never admit to or say it aloud. "Yes of course I will."
"One more thing dear." Narcissa said as Dorinda anxiously stood up once more. She slowly retook her seat. "I've gotten you something."
"Oh Madam Malfoy I couldn't." Dorinda instantly began to protest but stopped at the look on Narcissa's face. "You've already gotten me too much, how could I dare?"
"You will." Narcissa said simply and with confidence. "It's not much but every girl should have at least one piece of decent jewelery."
Narcissa reached into her inside robes pocket and pulled out a long rectangular box. She stared at it for a moment before she slowly offered it to Dorinda. Taking in a deep silent breath, she took the light box from her with a small anxious smile. With an encouraging nod from Narcissa, she opened it promptly. Her eyes went wide as they took in the beautiful necklace before her. Set on a shining silver chain was a large raindrop crystal, filled with what appeared to be actual water. It sparkled in the light of the room, the lightest blue she had ever seen.
"Madam Malfoy." Dorinda said breathlessly. "It's amazing, you shouldn't have."
"Come let me see." Narcissa said. Dorinda handed it back over, her mouth agape in wonder. "Stand up and turn around."
Dorinda did as she was told and instinctively pulled back her long black hair. She smiled as wide as her face would let her as Narcissa's delicate hands placed the necklace around her neck and fixed the clasp. It was refreshingly cold against her skin. Dorinda slowly turned around and went over to the mirror and stared in awe. It lay flat against her chest, beautiful and sparkling.
"I don't know what to say." Dorinda said honestly as she fingered the pendant. Narcissa had been so very kind to her. She wasn't use to the almost motherly attention, it was a bit overwhelming.
"You don't have to say anything." Narcissa assured her. "Dorinda, you are a special girl."
"I am?" Dorinda said surprised, her eyes doubtful.
"Yes." Narcissa insisted. "You represent you're family well."
"I do?" Dorinda said even more doubtful.
"I always wanted a daughter, you know." Narcissa said emotionless as she turned away. "But Lucius only wanted Draco, an heir."
Dorinda grimaced slightly as she bit her lip. It was the first time she ever felt like Narcissa was revealing some sort of emotion. So, it surprised her when Narcissa took a fleeting glance back at her and for the first time, Dorinda could clearly make out the emotion in the older woman's eyes, even though she instantly regretted doing so. Regret swam there.
It was bittersweet.
Mornings at The Burrow were always sure to be loud and chaotic. People were being tripped over, milk was be spilled and everyone was yelling. Mrs. Weasley went around throwing things to people like a star rugby player while Mr. Weasley stood looking confusingly around. Perhaps even calm as he sipped his morning coffee. Harry and Rose sat in the middle of the living room, their trunks packed and ready to go the night before.
"I like it here." Rose commented as she took a seat next to her brother on his trunk. "It actually feels like a home should. I mean I think this is how it should feel?"
"No you're right Rose. Its comforting." Harry agreed smiling as Ron nose dived for the last biscuit, leaving a scowling George in his wake.
"Trunks in the car!" Molly screeched as she finished cleaning the morning breakfast mess from the table. "We're going to be late!"
"Calm down Mum we have plenty of time!" Fred yelled back as he started out the door with his own trunk.
"I will get yours Rose." Harry told her as he pushed her small hand away. Rose smiled gratefully, her trunk was quite heavy with her new books and robes. She followed as her brother left The Burrow and went over to the old muggle car.
"Not a word to Molly." Mr. Weasley said as Harry looked inside the old Ford Anglia trunk. Rose curiously went over and inspected it for herself. She couldn't help the giggle that tumbled out of her mouth and she instantly stifled it with her hand.
"Come on we better get a good seat." Harry told her honestly as he opened the door for her to clamor in.
When they were all in the car, six of them in the backseat comfortably, Mrs. Weasley peered back with a smile. Harry wondered if she knew that Mr. Weasley had put enlargement charms on the car but by the happy expression on her face, he highly doubted it.
"Muggles do know more than we give them credit for don't they?" Mrs. Weasley said as she adjusted to the slightly torn seat. She sat spaciously in the front with Mr. Weasley and a very excited Ginny. "I mean you would never know from the outside that it has this much room in it, would you?"
Harry and Rose shared knowing smiles and they took a fleeting glance back at The Burrow. It wasn't long before they returned, much earlier than they ever expected too. George had forgotten his box of Filibuster Fireworks. Then again just moments after they took off, Fred realized that he had forgotten his broomstick. They had almost reached the highway before Ginny screeched about leaving behind her diary. By that time it was already getting quite late and everyone was wearing stressed expressions.
"We'll make it won't we Harry?" Rose asked doubtfully as she looked up at her brother through a curtain of her red hair. Harry just grabbed her hand soothingly and listened in to Mr. Weasley.
"Come on Molly, no one will notice. This button here is a little invisibility booster that I installed. We can get up in the air and above the clouds and no one would be the wiser." Arthur argued weakly but Molly was already shaking her head before he even finished.
"I already said no, Arthur, not in broad daylight."
They reached King's Cross at a quarter to eleven. Everyone was quiet and hurried as Mr. Weasley dashed across the road to get trolleys for the trunks. They all hurried into the station as Hedwig and Lily hooted away in their cages.
After catching the Hogwarts Express their first year, the barrier didn't seem as scary this time. They would have to run straight through the seemingly solid brick wall to reach Platform Nine and Three Quarters, which wasn't visible to the muggle eye. It didn't hurt to run through it but it had to be done skillfully otherwise muggles would notice a person vanishing.
"Percy first," said Mrs. Weasley as she fidgeted nervously with the hem of her sleeve. Mr. Weasley was steeling glances at the ticking clock, which showed that they only had five minutes left to catch the train.
Percy strode briskly through with no problems and Rose let out a relieved sigh, she had still been a bit worried. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley quickly followed with Ginny and then Fred and George. That left Harry and Rose with Ron in tow.
"Let's go together, we've only got a minute." Ron said to Harry. They both nodded reassuringly to the red-headed girl, who took in a deep breath.
They took a second to make sure all the animal's cages were securely in place and with exchanged glances, they took off toward the barrier confidently. Just a few feet away, they broke into a run.
Boom!
They hit a solid wall and the trolleys went crashing sideways to the floor. Both the owls screeched loudly as their trunks rolled onto the platform floor. Harry was knocked off his feet by the impact and Rose lay awkwardly on the top of her tipped trolley. Ron was sprawled out with Scabber's cage atop of him. People were staring and a guard was yelling at them.
"Lost, lost control of the trolley!" Harry gasped out as he tried to regain his breath. Ron hurried to pick up Hedwig and Lily, who together were causing a scene. Muggles were shooting them disapproving glares. Harry, clutching his ribs, helped a dazed Rose up and they turned back to a red faced Ron. "Why can't we get through?"
"I dunno!" Ron said honestly as he looked around. People were still watching them curiously but Ron didn't seem to care as he banged on the still solid barrier.
"Ron quit it!" Rose hissed indignantly, she attempted to smile at the staring muggles. Harry ignored them as he stared longingly at the clock.
They had missed the train.
"I don't understand why the gateway has sealed itself!" Ron roared in anger. Rose closed her eyes in embarrassment.
"What about your parents? What if they can't get back through?" Rose asked softly. Ron pressed his ear to the cold barrier.
"Can't hear a thing." Ron spoke bitterly. "What are we going to do! Who knows how long it will take for Mum and Dad to get back to us!"
"Ron calm down." Rose insisted, she didn't enjoy being stared at. While Lily had calmed down, Hedwig was continuing to screech.
"We better go wait by the car, I think we might be attracting too much attention-" Harry started to insist but Ron cut him off with an incredulous look.
"Harry the car!" Ron exclaimed excitedly.
"What about it?" Harry asked confusedly as horror entered Rose's emerald eyes.
"We can fly it to Hogwarts!"
"Are you bloody mad!" It was Rose this time screeching. Harry's eyebrows shot up at her language, she sounded like Dorinda. "Your parents would kill us!"
"We're stuck right? And we've got to get to school, haven't we? And even underage wizards are allowed to use magic if it's a real emergency, section nineteen or something of the Restriction of Thingy-"
"But your Mum and Dad, how will they get back?" Harry asked worriedly as he gave the barrier another shove. It didn't budge. He looked up at Rose, resigned.
"You can't honestly believe that we should fly that thing?" Rose whispered in horror. Her eyes were wide with fright.
"They don't need the car!" Ron interrupted impatiently. "They know how to apparate! You know, just vanish and reappear at home. They only bother with Floo powder and the car because we're all underage and not allowed to apparate yet!"
"Can you fly it?" Harry asked suddenly as his panic suddenly turned to excitement. Rose's mouth dropped open.
"No problem." Ron waved off his best friend's worry. "Come on let's go. If we hurry we'll be able to follow the Hogwarts Express!"
"Rose." Harry urged her as he grabbed her arm but the smaller girl didn't budge. "Don't you want to return to Hogwarts?"
"Of course I do." Rose chewed her lip indecisively. "But Harry the muggles!"
"Don't worry there is the Invisibility Booster, remember?" Harry said with a smile as he started pushing his trolley after a hurried Ron. Rose reluctantly began to follow, if only to escape the curious eyes of all the strangers.
"But Harry?" Rose said feebly. She didn't like heights and she didn't like the feeling of being unsupported in the air. That was why she hated flying on a broomstick and why she sat still and quiet after their escape from the Dursley's.
"Look Rose I know how you feel about flying but it's the only way." Harry insisted with a grim look. "No come on we've got to hurry."
Once outside, the three headed over to the car that was still parked on a side street. Quickly, trunks were thrown in and Hedwig, Lily and Scabbers were tucked away in the backseat, calm once more. They all scooted in to the front and Rose took a deep breath as she closed her eyes. She didn't want to watch the ascend.
"Check that no one is watching Harry." Ron said as he started the ignition. Harry looked around and out the window but he didn't see a single person.
Ron pushed the silver button on the dashboard and the car disappeared. Looking down, Harry noticed that he too disappeared and it was a odd feeling. He was glad that Rose's eyes were still firmly shut, otherwise he knew she might began to cry fearfully. He could still feel the seat beneath his bottom and the glasses atop his nose but his eyes told him that none of those things were there. His temple gave a little pulse as his mind attempted to understand the magic.
"Let's go." Ron said as he let out a small breath. The ground and the old buildings on either side fell away, dropping out of sight as the car rose and in seconds, the whole of London lay below them.
The excitement didn't last long though. Seconds later there was a popping noise and everyone suddenly reappeared.
"Uh, Ron?" Harry said nervously, not sure if they were seeing the same thing. Ron began to jab the silver button.
"It's faulty!" Ron yelled causing Rose to open her eyes. She screamed loudly and Harry hurried to cover his ears.
Both he and Ron pummeled the little button and the car vanished once more, which issued another blood curling scream from Rose. But the car quickly flickered back into sight.
"Shut her up!" Ron yelled as he slammed his foot onto the accelerator. They shot straight into the low, woolly clouds and everything turned dull and foggy.
"Now what?" said Harry, blinking at the solid mass of clouds pressing in on the from all sides.
"We need to see the train to know what direction to go in." Ron said honestly.
"Dip back down real quick then." Harry said as he rubbed the arm of a hyperventilating Rose. "Do those breathing exercises Rose, the ones Dorinda showed us."
"There it is!" Ron yelled happily. Harry peered out the window and couldn't help but smile.
"Look Rose, it's the train." Harry urged his sister, who peeked open one eye at the Hogwarts Express that was streaking along below them like a scarlet snake.
"Due North." Ron said confidently as he inspected the compass on the dashboard. "We will just have to check in on it every half hour of so. Hold on."
Ron plummeted the car back through the thick clouds and into the blinding sky above them. It was a beautiful sight to see, the hot sun beating relentlessly down on the old car and the sky the brightest blue he had ever seen. The clouds beneath them skimming the tires. This was surely the way to travel.
Rose sat ridged in the middle of the laughing boys as they passed toffee back and forth. She tried to concentrate on meditating but fear kept invading her thoughts. Not to mention she was sure Dorinda and Julian would be wondering where they were by now. They would be sick with worry. All she could was repeat that they were okay, that they were going to be okay. They would all be back at Hogwarts soon enough.
They were okay.
Dorinda sat up a little straighter as a stray thought entered her head. Her eyebrows cinched together as she tried to hold onto the random thought that had invaded her mind. She had previously been thinking about where Rose and Harry could possibly be. George and Fred had said that they never made it through the barrier and that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had went back after them.
But that thought. They were okay. She hadn't been very optimistic in her head, that was Julian. Was that even her thought?
"I can't find them anywhere!" Julian opened the door to her compartment that she was sharing with Padma Patil and a few other Ravenclaw's in her year.
"I told you that you wouldn't." Dorinda said but her usual bite wasn't there.
"What's the matter?" Julian asked as he took in Dorinda's puzzled expression. She looked up at her brother and tilted her head to the side.
"They're okay."
An hour ago, the car had began to give off a loud whining noise as if it no longer wanted to continue the long arduous journey. Thankfully, Rose had fallen into either a deep meditation or had passed out from fear. As they continued on Harry and Ron exchanged many worried looks as they pretended not to notice the noise getting louder. When they flew back down below the clouds once more, they were met with a much darker sky and a encouraging sight.
"There!" Harry yelled loudly. "Straight ahead!"
Rose woke up with a jolt and as her eyes took in the sky around her she nearly screamed. Harry covered her mouth just in time and pointed towards the many turrets and towers of Hogwarts castle. He slowly released her mouth from his hold and they shared in a glorious smile.
They had made it.
But the car had begun to shudder and was losing speed.
"Come on, we're nearly there now come on." Ron rubbed the dashboard a bit and gave the steering wheel a little shake.
The engine gave off a loud groan. Small jets of steam were issuing from under the hood. Rose hurried to grip onto Harry's arm as he took to digging his nails into the seat. They were nearing the lake when the car gave a nasty wobble. Rose's breath hitched as she held it. Harry glanced out of his window and could see the smooth, black and glassy surface of the water a mile below. Ron's knuckles were white on the steering wheel. The car wobbled once more.
"Come on." Ron muttered, his blue eyes darting around. They were over the lake, the castle was right ahead and Ron put his foot down determinedly.
There was a loud clunk, a splutter and the engine died completely. Rose removed her face from her brother's neck and looked at him directly.
"Harry was that-" Rose stopped abruptly as Ron began yelling fearfully. "-the engine?"
Harry didn't answer as he tore his eyes away from his sister's wide ones and watched as the nose of the car tilted down. They were headed straight for the castle wall. Ron was yelling for the car to stop but it wasn't listening and at the last second he turned the wheel. They made a sharp turn and barely missed the stone wall by inches. They were flying over the greenhouses and soon over the grand lawns.
"Stop!" Ron was yelling over and over as he now tapped the steering wheel with his wand desperately.
"Harry the tree!" Rose yelled suddenly as she threw her arm out.
"Ron watch out for the tree!" Harry yelled as he caught sight of it, he closed his eyes in anticipation of the impact.
But it never came.
Harry opened his eyes in confusion as he felt the car slowly and softly touch down on the green grass beneath the large intimidating tree. He looked at Rose who had her eyes covered with one of her arms while the other was still out straight in terror. He then looked at Ron who was moaning in despair as he held his now obviously broken wand.
"My wand." Ron moaned. "Look at my wand." It had snapped, almost in two and one half was dangling by mere splinters.
"Harry?" Rose's soft voice said. Harry slowly lifted her arms down and he hugged his sister tightly.
"Are you okay?" He asked gently. She nodded and Harry could feel the wet tears sliding down his neck.
Rose was about to answer when suddenly something rammed into his side of the car, throwing him into Rose. He didn't have time to readjust himself before the car was again hit brutally on the top, smashing it in dangerously close to their heads.
"What's happening!" Rose yelled fearfully as she clung to her brother.
Harry just barely shoved her head down in time when a branch from the tree they were under came barreling through the windshield, glass spraying everywhere. The car was being hit from every side by the angry tree. Ron was yelling once more as his door was hit viciously leaving a very large indent. The top of the car was hit again and they all had to dunk down in their seats as the roof threatened to close in.
"We're done for!" Ron shouted in fear. However, suddenly the car was vibrating once more. The engine had restarted.
"Reverse!" Harry yelled desperately as the column sized branch threatened to finally collapse the roof in on them. The car shot backwards quickly as it raced out of the tree's reach. It was still trying to impale them with it's thick unrelenting branches.
"That was bloody close!" Ron yelled as they came to a stop. They were all breathing heavily. "Well done car."
The car however, had seemed to have reached the end of it's tether. With a loud burst of noise, the car doors were thrown open and it's occupants were thrown out onto the slightly wet grounds. Hedwig, Lily and Scabber's cages were thrown from the backseat and landed roughly next to their owners before rolling away. Hedwig's cage managed to open and the screeching owl went flying off towards the castle. Their luggage was thrown from the car trunk with a resounding boom and then the car was off. It was headed towards the forbidden forest.
"Come back" Ron yelled angrily as he got up off the ground. "Dad is going to kill me!"
Rose pushed her protesting body off the ground as well and let out Lily, who was again screeching her disapproval in the way she was being treated. She too flew off towards the castle.
"You all right?" Harry asked once more as he brushed the dirt off his robes. They had changed into their school uniform in the car. Rose nodded as she held her arms tightly around her.
"Could you believe our luck?" Ron muttered shaking his head. "Of all the trees we could have hit, we have to get one that hits back."
"Come on, we better head up to the school." Harry sighed as he grabbed his trunk in one hand and Hedwig's cage in another. Rose and Ron followed suit and they began the ten minute trudge up the hill to the castle.
It wasn't at all the triumphant arrival that they had originally imagined it would be. Harry was glad no one was outside to see their rather pathetic attempt at a glorious arrival.
"I think the feast has already started." Ron said as they dropped their trunks by the foot of the front steps. "Hey look, its the Sorting!"
They all peered into the grandly lit window as a mousy haired boy took a seat and had the Sorting Hat placed upon his head. Every year new students were sorted into houses, usually family members went to the same house. Weasley's mostly went to Gryffindor while the Malfoy's always went to Slytherin. However, each of the Potter four was in a different house which last year, was quite a thing to see.
Hundreds of candles were floating around the Great Hall over four long and crowded tables. The light from them made the golden plates and goblets sparkle. Overhead, the bewitched ceiling, which always mirrored the sky outside, sparkled with stars. Scared looking First Years were lined up to be sorted, Ginny Weasley among them, and Professor McGonagall was standing at the front of the line in order to place the Sorting Hat upon the next child's head.
Headmaster Dumbledore was seated at the table that sat slightly higher than the house tables. It was horizontal to the vertical tables and overlooked them in intimidation. He looked every bit a wizard should be, with his long silver beard and half-moon glasses shining brightly in the candlelight. He was watching the Sorting avidly. Harry spotted the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Gilderoy Lockhart down a few more seats. And there at the end was Hagrid, huge and hairy, drinking deeply from his goblet.
Hagrid was a friend of the Potter's. He often invited them down for tea and some of his homemade rock cakes. The tea was a bit watery and the rock cakes, as hard as their namesake. But Hagrid was good company and more than willing to always help, whether he knew he was being helpful or not.
"Where is Professor Snape?" Rose wondered as she caught sight of the empty seat next to Professor Dumbledore.
Professor Snape was the most disliked of all the Professor's that taught at Hogwarts. He was cruel, sarcastic and always favored those from his own house. Well except for maybe Julian. Snape taught Potions.
"Maybe he is ill!" Ron said hopefully.
"Maybe he's left!" Harry put in. "Because he missed out on the Defense Against the Dark Arts job again!"
"Or he might have been sacked!" Ron added enthusiastically. "I mean everyone hates him-"
"Ron that's an awful thing to say." Rose interrupted. "I don't hate Professor Snape."
"Or maybe." A familiar and cold voice cut into the conversation behind them. "He is waiting to hear why you three didn't arrive on the school train?"
All three of them spun around quickly. There he was, Professor Snape, in his black robes that were rippling dangerously in a cold breeze. He was a thin man with sallow skin, a hooked nose and greasy, shoulder length black hair. At the moment he had a menacing smile on his face that told them that they were in a lot of trouble.
"Follow me." Snape commanded.
They all stared straight ahead, not even daring to look at one another as they followed Snape up the steps into the echoing entrance hall, which was lit up with flaming torches. A delicious smell of food was wafting from the Great Hall but Snape led them away from the warmth and light, down a narrow stone staircase that led into the dungeons.
"In." He barked, opening a door halfway down the cold passageway and pointing.
They entered Snape's office, shivering in their thin robes. The shadowy walls were lined with shelves of large glass jars, in which floated all manner of revolting things that Rose didn't really want to know the name of at the moment. The fireplace was dark and empty. Snape closed the door and turned to look down at them.
"So the train isn't good enough for half of the famous Potters and the faithful sidekick Weasley? Wanted to arrive with a bang, did we?" Snape whispered softly.
"No sir, it was the barrier at King's Cross-" But Snape wasn't going to allow Ron to finish.
"Silence!" said Snape coldly. "What have you done with the car?"
Ron gulped audibly as Harry and Rose exchanged grim looks. This wasn't the first time Snape have given off the impression of being able to read minds. But a moment later, Harry understood, as Snape unrolled today's issue of the Evening Prophet.
"You were seen!" He hissed, showing them the headline: FLYING FORD ANGLIA MYSTIFIES MUGGLES! He began to read aloud: "Two muggles in London, convinced they saw an old car flying over the Post Office tower...at Noon in Norfolk, Mrs. Hetty Bayliss, while hanging out her washing...Mr. Angus Fleet, of Pebbles, reported to police...Six or seven muggles in all. I believe your father works in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office?" Snape stopped and looked at Ron with a nasty smile. "Dear, dear his own son."
"Professor please." Rose began. Snape sent her an unidentified look. He obviously hadn't expected her to speak at all. "The barrier wouldn't let us through it sealed itself. There was no other way."
"I assure you little girl that there was plenty of ways." Snape glared at her as he turned his dark eyes back at the boys. "I noticed, in my search of the park, that considerable damage seems to have been done to a very valuable Whomping Willow."
"That tree did more damage to us than we-" Ron blurted out but Snape didn't want to listen.
"Silence!" Snape snapped again. "Most unfortunately, you are not in my House and the decision to expel you does rest with me. Rest assured if your brother had been with you Potter, he would be out of Hogwarts by now. I shall go and fetch the people who do have that happy power. You will wait here."
Harry and Ron stared at each other in horror. Professor McGonagall was no better than Snape when it came to breaking the rules. They were done for. Rose didn't feel hungry any more as she thought about what Professor Sprout might do to her. She kept her head down and her eyes closed in silence. She didn't want to be expelled from Hogwarts, that meant going back to the Dursleys!
Ten long minutes later, Snape returned and sure enough it was Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout that accompanied him. Harry had seen his Head of House angry on several occasions but either he had forgotten just how thin her mouth could go or he had never seen her this angry before. Professor Sprout looked nervous and kept shooting Rose inquisitive looks like she didn't understand how her prized student had gotten caught up in this mess. McGonagall raised her wand the moment she entered and all three of the young students flinched but she merely pointed it at the empty fireplace. It instantly came to life.
"Sit." She barked and instantly their bottoms found chairs by the fire. "Explain."
Ron immediately launched into the story, starting with their inability to get through the barrier at the station. McGonagall stood still and thin mouthed the whole time while Sprout shifted around a lot.
"We had no choice Professor, we couldn't get on the train." Ron finished lamely looking down at his hands in his lap.
"Why didn't you send us a letter by owl? I believe both of you have owls, yes?" She gave a pointed look to two guilty faces.
"I didn't think-" Harry started to mutter.
"That is rather obvious Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall interrupted with a raised eyebrow.
There was a knock on the office door and Snape, now looking happier than they had ever seen him before, opened it. There stood the Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore. Harry's whole body went numb while Rose fearfully closed her eyes in shame. Dumbledore was looking unusually grave. He was staring down his very crooked nose at them and suddenly they found themselves wishing that the Whomping Willow was still having a go at them. There was a long dreaded silence before he spoke.
"Please explain why you did this." Dumbledore said in disappointed voice.
Rose visibly flinched at his tone, it would have been better if he just shouted. Harry spoke to his knees as he retold the story of their day with a solemn voice. He didn't speak of Mr. Weasley's ownership of the said flying car but he somehow knew that Dumbledore was aware of this fact. But he never asked any questions. Harry finished in a sigh and Dumbledore stayed silent as he peered at them through his half-moon spectacles.
"We'll go and get our stuff then." Ron said hopelessly as he began to rise from his chair.
"What are you talking about Weasley?" McGonagall barked at him.
"Well you're expelling us aren't you?" Ron said seriously.
"Not today, Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore finally spoke. "But I must impress upon both of you the seriousness of what you have done. I will be writing to both your families tonight. I must also warn you that if you do anything like this again, I will have no choice but to expel you."
"Thank you Professor." Rose muttered, her eyes filling to the brim with tears. Snape however looked as though Christmas had been canceled.
"Professor Dumbledore." Snape cleared his throat. "These children have flouted the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry and caused serious damage to an old and valuable tree. Surely acts of this nature-"
"It will be for Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout to decide on their punishments Severus." Dumbledore answered calmly. "They do not belong in your House and therefore are not your responsibility. Now, I must go back to the feast Minerva, I've got to give out a few notices. Come, Severus, there's a delicious looking custard tart I want to sample."
Snape shot the group a look of pure venom as he allowed himself to be swept out of his own office, leaving them alone with the two female Professors. McGonagall was watching them like an eagle while Sprout seemed relieved that Snape had finally left.
"Are you alright deary, you look a bit beaten up I daresay." Professor Sprout commented as she hurried over to her student. She recited a cleaning spell at Rose, that cleaned her dirt marred robes quickly.
"I'm fine I promise." Rose said honestly. " I'm truly sorry Professor Sprout, honestly I was just so anxious to get back to school I wasn't thinking clearly."
"Oh never your mind deary, I'm sure it wasn't your idea." The older woman smiled as she comforted her student.
"You'd better get along to the hospital wing, Weasley, you're bleeding." McGonagall said as she continued to glower at the boys.
"Not much." Ron argued as he hastily wiped the cut over his eye with his sleeve. "Professor I wanted to watch my sister being sorted."
"The Sorting Ceremony is over." Professor McGonagall clipped. "Your sister is also in Gryffindor."
"Oh, good."
"And speaking of Gryffindor-" Professor McGonagall began sharply but Harry cut in.
"Professor, when we took the car, term hadn't technically started, so Gryffindor shouldn't really have points taken from it, should it?" Harry spoke quickly, anxious for her response.
"I will not take any points from Gryffindor Mr. Potter," she said as she gave him a piercing look. "But you will both get detention." Harry's heart lightened considerably.
"Yes, I must do that for you as well dear." Professor Sprout shook her head sadly, she obviously did not want to give Rose a detention. "You must be punished too."
"I understand Professor." Rose smiled at her conflicted Head of House.
It was better than they could have hoped for. As for Dumbledore's writing to the Dursley's. That was nothing. They would surely be disappointed that the bloody tree didn't just off them. Harry stole a fleeting smile with his much more relaxed looking sister.
They were home again.