Well, here we are again! I hope you all enjoy the first chapter.

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"D'you need help?"

"No," Mum assured me with a chuckle as she gripped the staircase railing. I could only observe the sight, in awe of her strength. Several weeks after returning to the house, she was indeed able to walk again. I didn't mind helping with her recovery, nor did I care that my parents had grounded me for the summer as atonement for the Ministry incident. However, when my O.W.L. results came, they were especially pleased.

Ordinary Wizarding Level Results

Lacey Ravensdale has achieved:

Astronomy - A

Care of Magical Creatures - A

Charms - O

Defense Against the Dark Arts - O

Divination - P

Herbology - A

History of Magic - P

Potions - E

Transfiguration - E

Though it was hard for my mother to get used to having just one functioning arm, she could still move around without too much trouble. Despite this, it didn't take a lot to tire her out (which ended up helping all of our sleep schedules as a result). I settled down one night, rubbing Belle behind her ears. The Daily Prophet was still going on about the Department of Mysteries, while also coming to its senses about Sirius Black's innocence. A little late.

A chill ran down my spine upon remembering the bigger issue. Voldemort was loose once again, already launching chaos in the Muggle world while probably planning more unimaginable horrors. Still, I hoped it would be all right in the end. It had to be.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

"Can I come in, sweetheart?"

"Sure." Mum sat upon my bed as I continued packing.

"Excited?"

"I dunno...it's not really the same." She nodded.

"Well, try to focus on cheerful things, like..."

As she said this, I came across the squeaking necklace Neville gave me in our third year; the little pendant jumped happily, making me smile.

"What?" I asked, noticing her sly grin as I turned back around.

"You know, your dad noticed how much you talk about Neville." I froze, knowing how useless it was to lie to my parents. "He's a sweet young man. It would make a lovely picture."

"Really?"

"Of course," she said. "When are you going to tell him?" I was confused at this.

"I...I'm not going to."

"Why?"

"He might not fancy me back, and I don't want things to get weird."

"He'd be crazy not to. You're a beautiful young woman." Though this was nice to hear, it wasn't enough to convince me. I can't take that risk…he's the greatest friend I've ever had.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

My eyes got lost in the clouds during the journey to the train station. I could make out the dark gray edges of each shape; part of me wondered if Voldemort was hiding up there, waiting to pounce. But right when this notion occurred to me, the sun managed to poke its way through. As I focused on the light as much as possible without getting blinded, recalling Harry's words from the end of last year.

We've got something worth fighting for.

"Here we are." With Belle in one arm and the trunk handle in my free hand, I followed my parents into the station. Countless people ran past us, trying to reach their rides on time. Finally, after what seemed like forever, we slipped through the magic entrance.

"Lace!"

I smiled once the luggage was aboard, wasting no time in running to greet my friend. Neville surprised me by lifting me up by the waist and twirling me around.

"Have you been working out?"

"Nah, not really." Noticing the approaching figures, he turned to greet them. "Mrs. Ravensdale, how're you feeling?"

"On the mend, thank you." Just then, the train rang its final whistle.

"I'll miss you guys." Dad's arm wrapped around my shoulder, while Mum kissed the top of my head.

"Be safe, sweetheart." The two of us climbed aboard, watching as my parents disappeared into the distance.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Neville and I spent most of the ride talking about our O.W.L. results.

"Wow, I wish I got as many as you did."

"You did wonderfully! Why d'you keep putting yourself down?"

"Dunno. I guess...Gran says I'm still not living up to my dad's potential."

"She seems a bit stubborn. Maybe she just doesn't want you to know how proud she is." He was silent. "Well, she should be proud, after last year."

"What a crazy thing that was." I nodded in agreement.

"Very." My cheeks got warm, forcing me to look out the window. If only he really knew how great he is.

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I know it's short, but I wanted to get this up. Thanks for sticking with me. Hidey-ho!