Emily Costella

Emily woke up with a start as Mr. Weasley's car landed on the front yard of the burrow. She looked around at the unfamiliar area. The burrow stood a couple yards away. Although the house looked like building blocks and it looked like it was going to fall over, it had a certain air of comfort around it. Emily liked it right away.

"It's not much," said Ron.

"It's wonderful," said Harry.

"I love it," Emily said.

Both Harry and Ron looked at her.

"Have a nice nap?" Harry asked.

Emily nodded. They all got out of the car. As Fred told them that they were going to pretend that nothing was going to happen and that Harry and Emily had just popped up, Emily could see a figure coming closer to them.

Apparently Ron had seen her to as he said, "Right, come on, Harry, I sleep at the—top--"

Mrs. Weasley came storming across the lawn towards her sons. She didn't even notice the two extra people that were with them. Molly Weasley was going to give her sons the verbal lashing of a lifetime. And she did. Only after that did she acknowledge her unexpected visitors.

"Harry and Emily, it's so nice to see you. Please come inside."

They walked into the house and Mrs. Weasley cooked them breakfast while she continued to rant. They ate the breakfast which consisted of eggs and bacon and toast. In the middle of breakfast a girl the same age as Emily came in. Emily watched her take a glance at Harry, squeal, and then run out.

"Ginny," said Ron in an undertone to both of them. "My sister. She's been talking about Harry all summer."

"All three of you are starting your chores, so you'd best hop to it. Harry, Emily if you're tired, I can make you some beds," Mrs. Weasley said.

"It could've been worse," Ron whispered to Emily and Harry while Molly was pulling out a book with a man winking on the cover.

"Gilderoy Lockhart is absolutely marvelous," Mrs. Weasley said.

"Mum fancies him," said Fred, in a very audible whisper.

With that she blushed and then sent her sons outside to de-gnome the garden. Harry and Emily followed wanting to help. Now to help the people who don't know what gnomes are I'll explain. Gnomes are ugly brown- looking, sack- like things. De-gnoming is the process of getting rid of these pesky creatures. You can probably imagine Emily's surprise when she saw George pick up one of the gnomes, twirl it around, and throw it over the wall. Emily cringed a bit as the gnome landed many yards away from the wall.

"Doesn't it hurt them?" she asked.

"Nah, they've got really tough skin. Do you want to feel?" George asked.

George picked up a gnome by its ankle then spun it around a few times. He then held the gnome out for her to touch. Emily felt the gnome's tough skin and was instantly reassured. George snatched it away then threw it over the fence because it had overcome its dizziness and was about to bite Emily.

"Thanks," she said.

"Try it," George encouraged.

Emily nodded then walked up behind a gnome, she picked it up by the foot and swung it around just like George did, then she let it fly.

"Very nice" Fred said.

"I think we've got ourselves a natural," George commented with a smile.

Emily flushed but felt very pleased. They finished de-gnoming the garden then they all went inside. Mr. Weasley was sitting at the table, looking exhausted. Then Mrs. Weasley barged in while Arthur was talking to his sons.

"And- oh hello, Molly. How was your day?" Arthur asked.

"Mine was just fine, how was yours?" Mrs. Weasley asked in a strained voice.

"Oh, well, the Ministry is working me double time. It seems that a couple of wizards have been adding magic to items."

"LIKE CARS, FOR INSTANCE?"

"C-cars, Molly, dear?"

"Yes, Arthur, cars," Mrs. Weasley then broke into a rant, scolding her husband and the twins about the magical car.

"THEY FLEW HALF THE COUNTRY TO PICK UP EMILY AND HARRY!" she said.

"Harry who? Oh Harry Potter, very nice to meet you. And you must be Emily, nice to meet you too-"

"ARTHUR!" Molly shouted.

"Come on guys, I'll show you where you sleep," Ron whispered to them.

He left the chaotic kitchen and walked down a hall then began walking up steps with Emily and Harry in tow.

"Emily, I guess you'll be sharing with Ginny," Ron said.

Ron stopped at a door and knocked at it. The door was pulled back a crack and a brown eye was seen.

"Ginny, could Emily share your bedroom?" Ron asked.

Ginny opened the door and nodded.

"Great then," he said, "Harry, come on; my room is two more flights up."

Ron and Harry traveled upstairs while Emily stood in front of Ginny.

"Hi," Ginny said.

"Hello," Emily replied.

Ginny moved to the side and gestured for Emily to come in. Emily walked in then Ginny closed the door behind her. Looking around, Emily noticed that Ginny's room consisted of two colors. Red and gold.

"I like your choice of colors," she said.

"Thank you," Ginny replied, "They represent Gryffindor. I hope to get in that House this year."

"So, you're going to Hogwarts this year?"

Ginny nodded, sat on her bed, and then said, "I'm so excited, are you going too?"

"I don't know. I mean I don't think that I'm magical like Harry or you. But I'm going where ever Harry goes," Emily said while sitting down in a chair.

"That means you're a muggle then."

"What?"

"A muggle, it's a non magical human."

"Oh."

There was an awkward silence before Emily asked, "So what's it like living with so many brothers?"

That got Ginny started.

"Oh, let me tell you. They're okay and all…and they're great family but they can get on my nerves sometimes. They won't tell me things sometimes and it just really bothers me. They'll leave me out of things because I'm a girl and that I'm the youngest sometimes. I love them, I really do but sometimes they can be so…so…so-"

"Vulgar?" Emily suggested.

Ginny nodded.

"I know how you feel," Emily said.

They smiled at each other and from then on they became the best of buddies. The days that followed were fascinating, pleasurable, and startling for Harry and Emily. From the ghoul in the attic to the explosions in Fred and George's rooms to the moving clock in the kitchen to the never ending questions from Mr. Weasley, everything was wonderful. Emily was also learning about how wizards and witches lived in an ordinary life and she liked it a lot. One sunny morning about a week after Emily and Harry had arrived at the Burrow, all of them received a message from Hogwarts. Ginny and Emily were already down stairs eating breakfast. When Harry and Ron came downstairs Ginny knocked her bowl of porridge over. Emily laughed because Ginny had already told her how she had a crush on Harry. Ginny came up from under the table face red; she glared at Emily then sat back in her seat. Harry smiled at Emily then said Good morning to everyone else.

"Letters from school," Mr. Weasley said while passing out the yellow envelopes.

By this time Fred and George sauntered in, still in their pajamas. Mr. Weasley gave them their letters as they sat down. Unnoticed by everyone was a white envelope stuck between Fred and George's school letters. As you can imagine as soon as George and Fred took his own letter the white envelope fell to the floor. Fred bent down and picked it up, looking at what was written on the front.

"What is it?" George asked with a mouthful of eggs.

"Looks like a letter for Emily. From Dumbledore, I'm guessing."

Fred handed Emily the envelope. Emily took it and looked at the loopy handwriting on front. She opened it and pulled out a letter.

Dear Emily,

I'm sure you probably have no idea who I am. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts. Harry might've told you about me, but I'm not sure. I know that you want to stay with Harry so I'm granting you permission to come to Hogwarts with him. Enclosed in this envelope there is a ticket for the train. Take a care not to lose it.

A person you've just met,

Albus Dumbledore

Emily blinked and then read the note over again. She tilted the letter and out came a train ticket.

"What did Dumbledore say?" Harry asked curiously.

"He said that I could come with you to Hogwarts," Emily said a bit dazed.

She was going to a school for witches and wizards. It would be full of them. Left and right. Everywhere she would look. She was vaguely aware of everyone's reactions. Everyone was excited that she was going. Suddenly Emily felt violently sick. She shoved herself away from the table and threw herself at the sink just in time before she hurled.

"Remarkable dive," George said.

"George," Molly warned while getting up to check on Emily.

Emily retched again.

"That was a nice loud one wasn't it George," Fred asked.

"It sure was, Fred," George commented.

"Fred, George," Molly said.

Harry had already gotten up and was next to Emily patting her back.

"Hey, at least she won't be fat," George said.

At this comment Emily burst out laughing, and that's what she really needed. The queasiness in her stomach lessened greatly. She burped then broke into fresh new giggles with everyone's laugh intertwined with her own.

"Look at her, she's going hysterical," Fred said.

"I know," George said.

"Alright that's enough you two. Go outside and ride your brooms. Ron you go with them. Harry, I've got Emily, you can join them. Ginny, would you help me clean up the dishes?" Molly asked.

After the boys had left and Molly had given Emily a good glass of water, Emily apologized profusely for throwing up.

"Dear, don't be silly. It must've been some food that didn't agree with your stomach," Mrs. Weasley replied.

Emily placed Dumbledore's letter and the train ticket in her pocket then she helped Ginny finish clearing the table.

Once they'd finish Mrs. Weasley said, "I suspect you'll be going with us on our trip to Diagon Alley, Emily. We'll have to get you some more clothes."

Before Emily could dissuade her Ginny shook her head and gave Emily a look that said it's no use trying to change her mind. Emily sighed then thanked Mrs. Weasley for the food. Then Ginny and Emily went back upstairs to entertain themselves. On Wednesday, the day of the trip to Diagon Alley had arrived. After breakfast everyone was getting ready by the fireplace to Harry and Emily's confusion. It was also the first time that Emily was able to meet Percy. He said a short hello and that was it.

"We're running low, Arthur," Mrs. Weasley sighed. "We'll have to buy some more today….Ah well, guests first! After you, Harry dear!"

She offered him the flowerpot.

Harry looked at Emily and she just put her hands up.

Ron then remembered that Harry didn't know how to travel by Floo powder. So there was the whole shebang of 'then how'd you get to Diagon Alley last year?' and 'well, maybe we shouldn't travel by Floo powder'. They end up doing it anyway though. After Fred, George, and Mr. Weasley went Harry grabbed a pinch of Floo powder and stepped into the fire.

"D- Dia-gon Alley," he coughed.

Emily watched him disappear in a puff of green smoke.

Ron went next. He grabbed a pinch of Floo powder and said 'Diagon Alley.' He too disappeared in a plume of green smoke.

"Would you like to go next, Emily?" Ginny asked.

"Sure," Emily said.

She swallowed what little moisture she had left then took some Floo powder. Throwing the powder into the fire, she stepped into it and said, "Diagon Alley." She closed her eyes as a sucking feeling developed. It was like being thrusted in a straw and sucked in through the other end. Emily was praying for the ride to be over and suddenly she was spat out by the fire. She coughed as she landed on the floor. Two hands were out in front of her, so she took them both. She was automatically lifted up.

"Alright there, Emily?" Fred asked.

"Yeah, thanks guys."

She took her first look at Diagon Alley.

/This doesn't look like an Alley/ Emily thought.

And it sure wasn't. They were in a room with a bar and there were a couple of people at tables, and the fireplace.

"It's a lot smaller than I thought it would be," she said to no one in particular.

Geroge heard her and laughed. Emily looked at him confused.

"This isn't it," he said. He walked up to a door and opened it. "This is Diagon Alley."

Emily walked up to the door and looked outside. "Wow," she murmered. Emily looked in every direction she could. She looked at the shops, the things outside them, the people doing their shopping. Emily read the name of the shop they just came out of. 'The Leaky Cauldron'. It was all so amazing. Emily wasn't exactly a fan of shopping but this was an exception. She was anxious to see more and turned around to see if everyone arrived. Everyone was there...except for Harry.

"Where's Harry?" she asked.

Mrs. Weasley looked around and so did Ginny.

"No worries, Emily, he must've just gone out of a different fireplace near here," Mr. Weasley said.

Emily nodded and tried to convince herself with what Mr. Weasley said. She couldn't lose Harry too; he was the only one she had.

They left that room and began searching for Harry. As they entered shops and looked for Harry, Emily couldn't help but be distracted by the cauldrons and potions and the different spell books.

"Okay, we're getting no where with this. We're going to have to split up," Mrs. Weasley said. "Arthur, you take the boys down that way and I'll take the girls the other way. If you find him send green sparks in the air. Oh dear, come on girls."

They split up and soon after they split the guys looked for Harry. Hermione, who was on Gringott's steps found Harry and Hagrid first and went to greet them. Ron saw Hagrid then saw Harry and then saw Hermione.

"Dad, I see Harry, he's over there with Hagrid and Hermione," Ron said.

Mr. Weasley sent green sparks in the air then ran to catch up with his sons who were already half way there. Both Ginny and Emily were watching the skies as Mrs. Weasley went in and out of stores.

"There- there are green sparks there. They found him," Ginny said.

Emily smiled and as soon as Mrs. Weasley came out, she dashed on ahead. She dodged between people heading towards where she saw the green sparks last. Unknowlingly she ran closer and closer to a gigantic white building when she reached it she was panting hard.

"Emily?"

She looked up and there was Harry, Hagrid, Hermione, and the Weasleys. Before she could say anything someone else shouted her name. She looked at the other person who shouted her name and saw Mrs. Weasley running towards them with Ginny clinging on one hand and her bag swinging in the other.

"Emily! Oh, Harry- oh, my dear - you could have been anywhere -" Mrs. Weasley said.

She brushed the dust off of him while Hagrid said good bye to them because he had to leave. Then everyone went into Gringotts and they traveled down to their banks. Mrs. Weasley grabbed what was left in their vault. On Harry's stop, he grabbed enough for himself and Emily while trying to block everyone's view of the money. Because he felt ashamed that he had a small fortune left to him. When they were both outside Hermione and Emily were able to greet eachother. After they're hello's, Harry pulled Emily to the side. He had an extra bag in hand from the goblin that was giving free bags out.

"Do you know how the money works?" he asked her.

She nodded as she watched him transfer money from his own pouch into the second pouch. He gave her the second one and she took it.

"I trust you to know what and what not to buy" Harry said.

Emily smiled, "You don't have to worry about me. I'm responsible enough."

"I hope so," Harry said.

Emily punched him playfully on the arm then gave him a hug. "I was really worried about you," she whispered.

"Don't worry, I'll always be here."

They pulled apart and then walked back to the rest of the group.

"We'll all meet at Flourish and Blotts in an hour to buy your schoolbooks," said Mrs. Weasley, setting off with Ginny. "And not one step down Knockturn Alley!" she shouted at the twins' retreating backs.

Emily followed Ginny and Mrs. Weasley. They walked to the secondhand robe shop. On the way there, Ginny and Emily talked about the different stores they were passing and how Hogwarts was going to be. While they were walking they saw the joke shop, and there were the twins' examining different items. George looked up and waved at them. Emily smiled and waved back. When they reached the store, Emily watched as Ginny was fitted for her black robes. From the robe shop, they went to Ollivander's Wand Shop. Emily glanced in wonder at all of the thin boxes that were stacked.

After Ginny had bought her wand Emily asked, "How does it feel?"

She was referring to Ginny's wand.

"It feels warm. Like it was made especially for me," Ginny said.

Emily smiled sadly, wishing she had one but knowing that she would never be able to get one. After they retreived Ginny's wand they got a hat, a pair of gloves, a winter cloak, a cauldron, a potion set, a set of phials, a telescope, and a set of brass scales. Then they went to a shop that was full of clothes and that's where they went shopping for Emily. With the help of Ginny and Mrs. Weasley, Emily bought all of the clothes she was going to need when she was at Hogwarts. As thanks Emily bought all of them some interesting ice cream from one of the stores. After they'd bought all of this stuff an hour had passed and they began heading for Flourish and Blotts. Once they'd arrive, they noticed that the room was very crowded. They had to push their way through to get inside. After they were inside, the ice cream from earlir was affecting her bladder.

"Mrs. Weasley? I'm going to the restroom," Emily shouted so she would be heard over the ruckus.

"Huh? oh okay... be sure to find us when you're done," she replied.

Emily nodded then pushed her way thourgh the crowd looking for a bathroom. She saw a sign that was floating over a door that said 'bathrooms'. Emily headed towards it and went into the room. The bathroom was very clean and was like any other human bathroom. Emily relieved herself then washed her hands.

"Wash them nice and clean," someone said.

Emily looked around. There was no one in the restroom except for herself.

"I'm right here, sweetie," the voice said again.

Emily looked back at the mirror and saw that her was reflection was waving at her.

"Hey, and let me add that you look rather beautiful darling," it said.

"Oh my gosh," Emily said.

"That's not most people's reaction, but okay,"

"Who are you?"

"Why I am your reflection. I can become any part of your life. I could become you as a young girl or be you as a baby. I can even show you how you look in ten years,"

"Thanks, but I'd rather find that out myself. It was nice meeting...myself..."

Emily's reflection nodded then waved. Emily left the bathroom to find the room in disaray. She watched as a blonde man and boy left the shop. Emily headed over to where Hagrid, the Weasleys, and Harry were. Mr. Weasley had a bloody nose and Ron was seething. Emily wisely decided not to ask at that moment.

"Come on, everybody, let's just get back home," Mrs. Weasley said.

They all left Flourish and Blotts and headed back to the Leaky Cauldron with everyone's stuff. There were grunts and pulls as everyone slowly but surely got their stuff back to the Burrow. The remaining days there had been the happiest days of Harry's and Emily's lives. The end of the summer came too quickly for their liking. The evening before the last day of their time in the Burrow, Harry went to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and told them that Emily's birthday was the next day. The next day there was a celebration all around. When Emily woke up Ginny yelled, "Happy Birthday!" in her ear. Emily smiled as Ginny dragged her downstairs, both of them still in their pajamas. Once Ginny had brought her into the kitchen, everyone was there and they all said Happy 11th Birthday. There was cake there too. Chocolate, her favorite. She was surprised.

How did they know that today was my birthday?

Then she automaticallu knew it was Harry. They all dug in and had a great day. Emily decided that that day was the best birthday she'd ever had. In the evening Fred and George let off a display of fireworks. Mrs. Weasley cooked an awesome dinner, Ginny gave her a box of colored pencils. Ron gave her a book, and Harry gave her a new sketch book.

"Thank you for the gifts. I love them," Emily said.

Everyone was worn down with sleep and the thought of getting up early in the morning. They all got in their pajamas and began getting ready for bed. Emily took her new colored pencils and her new sketch book and headed outside. She sat down in the garden where they had denomed it three weeks ago. Emily stared at the moon and began sketching. She lost herself for hours and didn't realize someone had come up behind her.

"It's pretty," someone said.

Emily jumped violently and fell forward. She turned around and looked at the person who was now laughing.

"George? What are you doing here?" a blushing Emily asked.

George took a hurt look on his face and asked, "Can't you tell I'm Fred?"

Emily took a good look at him and said, "No, you're George."

George sat down next to her. "How'd you know?"

"Well, there's the fact that you just admitted it and...I just kind of know." The real reason that Emily knew that that was George because he had that mysterious glint in his eye. But she wouldn't give her secrets away. They sat in silence for a while when Emily asked, "How'd you know I was out here?"

"I had to use the bathroom and I was hungry so I went to the kitchen and saw you out of the window. Then I decided to see what you were doing -"

"And that's when you scared the crap out of me," Emily finished for him.

"Precisely... I really do think that your picture is beautiful though." George said looking at it.

"Thank you." More silence. "What time is it?"

"Last I saw it was one o'clock."

Emily groaned then smiled, "We are going to be so grumpy tommorow."

"You mean today. And I won't be grumpy. I was the one who got some sleep remember."

"You'll be half- grumpy then."

"Half-grumpy?"

Emily nodded.

"There's no such thing as being half- grumpy."

"Oh, but there is...it's like being cheerfully mad."

"...what?"

Emily just thought of what she said then burst out laughing, George then joined her.

"Let's go, Miss soon-to-be grumpy pants," George said while standing up.

"I'm coming, Mr. soon-to-be semi-grumpy pants," Emily said while standing up.

George picked up her sketch book and took another look it. The colored sketch was of the garden with the moon in the distance.

She could become really skilled, Geroge thought.

Emily picked up her pencils and they walked inside.

"Can I keep this?" George asked her when they reached Ginny's door.

Emily looked at him and then nodded. She carefully tore the sketch out of her notebook and then gave it to him.

"Oh wait," she said. Taking the picture from him, she also produced a black pencil from her set. Emily placed the picture on the wall then signed it. "There, an artist always signs their work." She gave it back to him and told him goodnight. George smiled then went to bed himself.

The next morning was filled with chaos as everyone was getting their trunks packed and down the stairs. Mrs. Weasley, who was in a foul mood, was looking around for socks and quills. She had left breakfast on the table so people could grab it whenever. Emily sat there eating her breakfast peacefully, watching as people hurried by. She had her suitcase packed and ready to go already. And the amazing thing is, she wasn't that grumpy either. Everyone else on the other hand was a bit on edge. She put her hand in her pocket and felt for the ticket. It was still there. After she'd finish, she went around helping people with whatever they needed help with. Once everyone had their trunks and belongings in the Ford Anglia, they set off, but then they had to go backfor George's Filibuster's fireworks. Five minuets later they were back for Fred's broom. And about ten minuets they were back again for Ginny's diary.

"Does everyone have their stuff now" Mrs. Weasley said as they waited for Ginny to come down.

Everyone nodded and as soon as Ginny was back in the car they zoomed off, headed for King's Cross. They reached the station at a quarter to eleven. Mr. Weasley dashed across the road to get trolleys for their trunks and they all hurried into the station.

"Percy first," said Mrs. Weasley, looking nervously at the clock overhead, which showed they had only five minutes to dissappear casually through the barrier.

Mr. Weasley went next and Fred and George went right after him.

"I'll take Ginny and Emily and you two come right after us," Mrs. Weasley told Harry and Ron, grabbing Ginny's and Emily's hand and setting off. Before Harry disappeared from her view she waved at him, then she was looking at a wall. She turned around and saw a very long red and black train. On the Platform was a sign, 9 3/4.

"Wow," Emily whispered to herself.

"Emily! Quick!" Ginny said.

Emily snapped herself out of her amazement then went to help Mr. Weasley put her trunk on the train. There were plenty of faces sticking out of windows waving at parents or siblings. Emily just looked away, a twinge of jealousy striking her.

At least they have families, she thought.

As soon as the last trunk was pushed on the train, the whistle let out a yell signaling that it was time to get a move on. Emily and Ginny, with some trouble, placed their trunks in the racks. They then found an empty compartment and they too stuck their heads out and waved good bye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The train started up and began moving forward. The figures of Arthur and Molly slowly became smaller. Once they were out of sight, the sleep that Emily had missed in order to sketch the picture was catching up to her.

"I'm gonna take a quick nap," Emily said, "Wake me if something exciting happens."

Ginny nodded. Emily pulled her hair over one shoulder then leaned her head against the window and plummeted into the sandman's arms as the train chugged along heading towards Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

A/N: This took me weeks... but I hope you enjoyed it. This is your Christmas present. so have an early Merry Christmas. There's a good chance you won't hear from me until like Valentine's day but who knows. Bye!!