"No way that that is me! You've got to be joking." Laughed Harry. It was later in the Gryffindor common room that night and we were flipping through some photo albums, currently looking at a picture of him hanging off my toy broom with a goofy smile on his baby face.
"It most definitely is. You wouldn't get your hands off my toy broom until you got your own. You were so adorable and chubby." I giggled pinching his cheeks before he swatted my hand away. He turned the page. There was a picture of the four of us. I was perched giggling on my father's shoulders. His arm was around my mum's waist as she carried Harry in her arms. The past was looking up at us smiling, not knowing that a birght future would be lost soon after. We both grew quiet and just looked at them. I knew the sad, hollow feeling in my chest very well. It was another thing Harry and I shared.
"We were a good looking family." He smiled. I leaned my head on his shoulder, giving off a large exhale.
"We really were."
"At least we have each other. I can't tell you how great it is not to be alone anymore." He said hugging me.
"You'll never be alone again, alright?" I said giving him a serious look.
"Thanks, Rin. It's really great having you around. Where were you earlier tonight?" he asked putting the book down. The goofy grin spread across my face before I could stop it.
"Oh, well Fred was just showing me around the castle, and…well we got kind of lost." I trailed off. He gave a snort.
"I know Fred doesn't get lost in this castle. I get it," He said chuckling, "I'm gonna head up to bed. Long day tomorrow."
"Harry, just one more thing. I was wondering if maybe," I lowered my voice, "maybe you could help me get in touch with Sirius."
"Yeah. Of course. As soon as I get a letter back from him I'll have him write you." My roommates were all passed out by the time I'd gone up to bed. It had truly been a wonderful night and I could not wait until the following day.
I woke to someone softly prodding my shoulder.
"Catherine? Umm, excuse me, Catherine?" I opened my eyes, turning over to see a very pretty girl with long black hair, blue eyes, and light olive skin already dressed in her school robes. "Sorry to wake you. It's just that it's almost time for breakfast and Vicky's almost done with the bathroom."
"Oh, yeah thanks for waking me. If you hadn't I probably would have slept through classes." I smiled.
"No problem. I'm Patricia Stimpson. Most people call me Patty." She said smiling.
"Catherine Potter. Just Rin though," I looked around the room noticing it was just us, "Have everyone else gone down already?"
"You mean Alicia and that cow? Yes. I swear by Merlin I will kill Angelina Johnson if she even thinks about messing with me this year." She said shaking her head.
"Rub you the wrong way too, did she?" I laughed sitting up.
"I've tolerated her all these years for Alicia's sake. Alicia's my cousin, you see. And well after Angelina pulled her little stunt last year I just have no mercy for the girl." She said shaking her head.
"What did she do?" I asked.
"Well, you're Fred's girlfriend. I'm sure he told you about her little vengeance there. Get back together with her or suffer humiliation across his face. Well, I'm the one who helped Fred and George find the spell to get that nasty display off of his forehead. She heard about it and slipped me a sleeping potion. I was two hours late to my three of my OWLs and had a little breakdown when they told me I couldn't take them." She replied.
"Are you serious?" I said, disgusted even more by Angelina's tactics.
"Yeah. And well, Alicia didn't believe her friend would do a thing like that. 'She's a Gryffindor, Patty. She wouldn't do that.' How that girl ever made it into Gryffindor I'll never know." She muttered shaking her head.
"What a bitch. Did you still get to take your exams?" I asked.
"Over the summer. Passed all three." She said smiling.
"You weren't telling someone else about that again, were you?" said Vicky as she walked in the room. Vicky was a very pretty blonde girl with soft brown eyes and a kind smile, even when she wasn't smiling. She was slightly shorter than me and Patty, which seemed to only add on to her bubbly demeanor.
"She should know what to expect. Johnson is going to be a lot nastier to her considering she's dating Fred," said Patty nonchalantly, "But don't worry. Vick and I have your back. If she gives you any trouble just let us know."
"Thanks. I was a little worried about making friends. Considering most people simply gawk, point, and refer to me as 'Potter's sister'." I got up and collected my things to head to the bathroom.
"We understand it's a little nerve wracking being the new kid," said Vicky, "But then again there were a lot more new kids along with us."
"What Vick is trying to say is that as long as you don't turn into the next Angelina Johnson, this is the beginning of a rather lovely friendship." Smiled Patty.
After I was done showering and getting ready, the three of us went downstairs for breakfast, book bags in tow. The more I got to know them the more I liked Patty and Vicky. Vicky was a bit on the reserved side. She was a lovely girl, very kind and friendly with a knack for Charms. She was dating a fellow Gryffindor in our year named Kenneth Towler, and had been since that April. Patty, on the other hand, though just as friendly, kept true to the stereotype of a bold Gryffindor. She was talkative, sarcastic, cheeky, tough, and quite the flirt. Despite focusing much of her attention on boys, she managed to squeeze in enough study time to be top of our class.
"Your brothers doing that attractive brooding in silence bit again," she said referring to Harry as we entered the hall, "Are there any older guys in your family? Say around our age that does that brooding in silence bit?" I couldn't control my laughter as an image of Claudius doing the exact same thing popped into my head.
"I have a cousin. Claudius. He just turned 16 actually. I've certainly known him to be a fan of brooding." I replied as approached the Gryffindor table. There was room for us by Fred, George, Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Don't encourage her, Rin. She's bound to get your cousin into trouble. I'll see you two in class. I'm going to go sit with Kenneth." Said Vick as she went down the other end of the table. I sat down between Patty and Fred, getting a good morning kiss from the latter.
"Sorry I didn't wait, love. George practically dragged me down here against my will." Said Fred as he had a bit of toast.
"Oh yes, it was quite darling. Had to pry him off a pillar, I did." Smirked George from across the table.
"Now that's not an exaggeration at all." Replied Fred.
"It's alright. Gave me some time to get to know Patty and Vicky." I said as I put some waffles onto my plate.
"I can see that. Morning Stimpson, where's your other half?" said George.
"With her other half. I swear ever since she started dating that tosspot I can barely get a word in edgewise with her." Replied Patty.
"What's wrong with Towler?" I asked
"What isn't wrong with Towler? He's a git and a crybaby. The sap sprouted boils the week before we were supposed to take exams last year. Said it was from stress." Said Lee.
"Though I reckon it had more to do with the bullbadox powder I put in his pajamas." Laughed Fred. George, however, I noticed stared wistfully down the table at where Vicky was sitting with her boyfriend. I lifted an eyebrow as he caught my gaze, giving me an "I Don't Know What You Mean" look, and got back to his breakfast.
"Morning, young ones. Looking forward to classes?" I said to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Looking forward to them?" muttered Ron, "If I have to endure another year of Divinations and Potions I'll fling myself off the Astronomy tower."
"Oh, Ronald, you should've left that dreadful class when I did. I do agree about Potions though. Snape seems to be getting nastier with each passing year." Said Hermione. Professor McGonagall came by a moment later handing all of us our schedules.
"Miss Potter, might I say I am quite impressed that you are taking Muggle studies even though it isn't required for your intended field." She said brightly.
"Thank you, Professor. It looks as if I'll be seeing you this afternoon then." I replied as she walked back to the head table.
"Why on earth are you taking that bloody class?" asked Lee.
"Well, Professor Dumbledore made it sound interesting. They didn't have a class like that at my old school. And I like Muggle stuff." I replied looking at the rest of my schedule.
"That's fantastic, Rin! We'll be in the same class." Beamed Hermione, earning an annoyed look from Ron.
"What else have you got?" asked Patty.
"Charms this morning with Ravenclaw. Transfiguration later with Hufflepuff. Then study hall. Tomorrow I've got double Defense Against the Dark Arts with Slytherin. Next day, Potions and Muggle Studies." I replied looking it over.
"Same as us. Except the Muggle Studies bit." Said Fred. Owls started to swarm the hall as we were finishing breakfast. A familiar boreal owl landed in front of me.
"Hi, Jupiter." I cooed as I took the letter that I knew was from Claudius.
Dear Rin,
Sorry I haven't replied. I'm missing you too, obviously. As are Lena and Angelo. We've just gotten word about joining you lot up in Britain. I'm anxious to meet Harry. It seems like you two are getting on alright. As for the contest, it sounds like a keen one, don't you think? Awful shame you can't enter. Don't worry though; I'll compete for the both of us.
Anyways, as to why I didn't reply, well, things went a bit wonky after you left. Angelo and Lena are fine. It's got nothing to do with them. Odette and I broke up though. I was getting fed up with her attitude and she started saying loads of stuff she shouldn't have. She's kind of out to get you though, after what happened with Septimus. Don't think much of it though. Odette's full of empty threats. Septimus on the other hand, I'd look out for. Lena let slip around him that you had found yourself a new bloke and he just about went mental. Stay clear of him when we head up there, alright? Nothing stupid and proud. Congratulations on being bumped up to my year! Angelo said he'd expect nothing less and that you were always bound to catch up to us. Lena however was a bit put off that now she's the baby. But whatever, that's her bit to tell you.
Things at home at weird, Rin. Mum and Dad are at odds end with each other and Dad's been acting kind of shifty. I don't think it's just me noticing these things. But, well, missing your annoyingly snotty comments more than ever.
Affectionately,
Claudius
I smiled as I folded the letter up and put it in my bag.
"Letter from home?" asked Fred
"Yeah, from my cousin. It's good to hear from him. I really can't wait for you and Harry to meet him and my friends." I smiled.
"Do I get to meet the older brooding cousin, too?" asked Patty as we got up from the table with the twins and Lee.
"Well of course. He'll be here in October, and apparently he is recently single." I replied smirking at her.
"You don't say. Hmm. Dangerous information for me to have." She laughed as the five of us made our way to Charms.
The day passed by with ridiculous speed. Charms was an interesting class. Professor Flitwick certainly was a trip, though he made me stand up and introduce myself, making the twins snicker the entire time. Vicky, as it turns out was indeed very gifted at Charms, more so than she led on. George nearly wet himself as he applauded her after Professor Flitwick had made her demonstrate how to successfully create legs on an entire tea set and make it tap dance. Apparently she was president of the Charms club and one of Professor Flitwick's favorite students. The rest of us had less luck with the same charm on our first tries.
Transfiguration had not been as eventful as Charms had been, but all in all it was a good class. Based off of the lecture and Professor McGonagall's homework I could tell this was a class I would have to dedicate a lot of time to. I was a natural at transfiguration, though I'd never known why until my talks with Harry led me to believe it was because of my father being an animagus. It was definitely a useful class as aurors had to be masters of disguises. I'd also decided to look into the process of becoming an animagus. I would have to ask Sirius about this once Harry got me in touch with him.
There was a lot of talk about the upcoming tournament. Most of it was people talking about the visiting schools and complaining about the age requirement. Fred, George, and Lee were among the latter as we sat in the common room that night.
"Well, what about if we modify the impartial judge's memory?" asked George.
"It's not technically illegal." Reasoned Fred.
"No. And it's not technically ethical either." I interjected.
"Seems we have a conscience now, lads." Said Lee.
"Well, be reasonable. Even if you could get through to the judge, it's probably a powerful witch or wizard. Not likely to be taken down by either of you. Especially not in a public forum." I shot back.
"Point taken." Replied George.
"My head hurts from thinking about this too much!" groaned Lee rubbing his temples.
"Awww let's get you tucked in, little fellow." Joked Fred.
"Ha! Very funny. But yeah I will be going up to bed. Based on what the Slytherins have been saying we'll need rest for Moody's class tomorrow." He said before disappearing up the staircase. Patty came over a bit later and plopped down on the couch.
"He doesn't even treat her the way she deserves to be treated, and all I ever hear about is how great Kenneth is." She muttered, quite plainly annoyed.
"Undeserving prick." I thought I heard George say under his breath. Just then a hawk owl flew through the window and landed on the arm of the couch. "Someone's popular with the post."
"It's from Septimus." I said as I recognized the owl and the wax seal on the envelope. The seal of the Di Luca's- a sword flanked by two intertwined serpents.
"What's he doing contacting you? I thought he knew you had a new boyfriend?" asked Patty as I felt Fred tense up beside me.
"Guess he isn't getting the message." Muttered Fred. I gave him a knowing look before opening the letter and looking at familiar handwriting.
Catherine,
I must admit, when we went our separate ways this summer I was quite upset at the situation. Even more so because of your long term deceptions. After a long time of being angry at you I decided that what you'd done by keeping your secret had not been selfish at all. However, I did become quite angry and disillusioned I must admit when I overheard Lena talking about your new relationship. This is quite obviously a ploy of yours to get my attention and get me back. Well, love, you have it, and I do want you back. After all these years and time you can't possibly carry deeper feelings for this "Fred" than you do for me. The fact that I'll be joining you at your school soon is a clear sign that you and I will always find a way to be together. I'm anxious to see you and be with you. I feel this is a way for our group to get back to normal, as I'm sure you know Lena, Angelo, and Claudius are no longer on speaking terms with me or Odette. Please write back soon. I'm anxious to hear from you and that you miss me as well. So, let's call it even, you leave that head case of yours and we'll pick up where we left off.
Forever your love,
Septimus Di Luca
"Well that wasn't pretentious at all." Said George when I'd finally finished reading them the letter.
"I'm a head case, am I? Well if I'm a head case then he's a cracked nutter who ought to be living in a tree with squirrels." said Fred who was clearly fuming.
"Calm down. You know I don't care what he says, and that he's delusional if he thinks I'd choose him over you." I said giving him a sweet kiss.
"Are you going to write back?" asked Patty.
"No. I think not sending a response is more effective than sending one and having him react to that." I said as I got up and chucked it in the fire. The owl, taking that as my answer, flew off.
"Besides, when ol' Septimus gets here next month it'll be quite clear who Rin wants to be with." Beamed Fred as he walked over and put his arm around my waist.
"That's the spirit, brother," said George getting up with a yawn, "Now, let's head up to bed before we grow identical dark circles under our eyes."
"We should head on up, too. You heard what Lee said. And Vick's probably done gushing over 'Twitchy Towler' by now." Said Patty.
"Hmm. 'Twitchy Towler'. I like the sound of that." Replied George with another yawn.