I'm sorry for the long wait! School has recently started and I've already got two assignments. Well honestly I could go on for ages but I still got the chapter out late and I'm sorry. I promise I will try to be quicker next time.

Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter, definitely not me.

Updates:2\1\2014

Chapter Three: Flying Away

Once they had finished laughing at the Dursleys and Hedwig was let out to fly, Harry told the full story about what had happened the night Dobby had visited. Grace's mind whirred as she thought over what she had heard and what Harry had told her.

"Very fishy," said Fred.

"Definitely dodgy" agreed George.

"Well that night makes a whole lot more sense to me now than it did before," Grace commented. "But he never told you anything else?"

"I don't think he could," said Harry. "I told you, every time he got close to letting something slip; he started banging his head against the wall. And here are your letters, Grace."

Grace flicked through the envelopes to see Trina's scrawl, Miranda's print and more letters from Ciara, Hannah, Lara, Jesse and even a combined one from Fred and George. Disappointment sunk to her heart when she realized there were no letters from Nate.

"See we all still love you," George smirked down at her.

"Nate didn't send anything," she whispered back.

"Yeah well he's a right bastard," George said. "But we already knew that. What was with your room anyway?"

"What do you mean?"

"In case you hadn't noticed it's a teensy bit small. I know you said your uncle was a giant prick but we didn't think he was that bad. Then again maybe it's just because you're related."

Grace whacked him on the shoulder, quite hard too.

"My room is fine thank you very much. It's just a bit squishy because it's the laundry room as well. Not everyone can have a loving family," Grace said. George raised his eyebrows. " Just don't tell the girls."

George leaned over so he could speak quietly in Grace's ear. "You know it's too cheesy for me but the girls would all say that they're your family."

Grace smiled gratefully at him and turned to look out the window at the sparkly stars, considering his words. George had turned back to the boy's conversation.

"Percy's been acting very oddly this summer," said George, frowning. "And he has been sending a lot of letters and spending a load of time shut up in his room... I mean, there are only so many times you can polish a prefect badge... You're driving too far west, Fred."

"So, does your dad know you've got the car?" said Harry. Knowing Fred and George, whom Grace certainly did, she was guessing that Mr Weasley didn't know.

"Er, no," said Ron, "he had to work tonight. Hopefully we'll be able to get it back in the garage without mum noticing we flew it."

"You know I seriously doubt that's going to work," Grace said. "What is it your dad does at the ministry anyway?"

"He works in the most boring department," said Ron. "The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office."

"The what?"

"It's all to do with bewitching things that are Muggle-made, you know, in case they end up back in a Muggle shop or house. Like, last year, some old witch died and her tea set was sold to an antiques shop. This Muggle woman bought it, took it home, and tried to serve her friends tea in it. It was a nightmare-Dad was working overtime for weeks. "

"What happened?" Harry and Grace asked at the same time.

"The teapot went berserk and squirted boiling tea all over the place and one man ended up in the hospital with the sugar tongs clamped to his nose. Dad was going frantic- it's only him and an old warlock called Perkins in the office -and they had to do Memory Charms and all sorts of stuff to cover it up-"

Grace was still in astonishment from the teapot story when Harry asked about the car.

"Yeah, Dad's crazy about everything to do with Muggles; our shed's full of Muggle stuff. He takes it apart, puts spells on it, and puts it back together again. If he raided our house he'd have to put himself under arrest. It drives Mum mad," Fred laughed.

"That's the main road," said George, leaning very closely over Grace to peer out the window. Grace squirmed uncomfortably from underneath him. "We'll be there in ten minutes... Just as well, it's getting light..."

He grinned at Grace as he straightened up. Grace turned to watch as Fred brought the car lower over trees and fields through the pink sunrise.

"We're a little way outside the village," said George. "Ottery St. Catchpole."

The sky was a deep red over the horizon becoming even brighter the closer they came to the ground. It was a beautiful way to welcome the new day.

"Touchdown," Fred said in triumph.

There was only a small bump as they landed in front of a rumble-tumble garage. Grace got out of the car into the little front yard to stare up at Fred and George's house. The first floor was made of stone and seemed to be the only part of the house that was structurally sound. Extra wooden rooms were added on the roof in a jumbling and crooked mess that looked like it was only being held up by magic. Grace counted at five chimneys on the roof. Plump chickens pecked their way around the yard and into the boots and cauldron that were lying on the doorstep. To complete the effect was a wooden sign standing unevenly in front of the entrance that read: 'The Burrow.'

"Gosh," Grace said. "I wish I could live here."

"We do too Gracie," Fred nodded.

"Then there would be another person to prank!" George grinned. "Now once we get inside and upstairs we'll wait for Mum to call us for breakfast. Then, Ron, you come bounding downstairs going, `Mum, look who turned up in the night!' and she'll be all pleased to see Harry and no one need ever know we flew the car."

"Uh-huh," Grace said, her eyes on the house. Mrs Weasley was storming across the yard, shooing the chickens away as she went. It surprised Grace how a woman who was normally so nice could transform into something so scary looking as soon as her children get into trouble. "What if you're mum is already downstairs and outside?"

Fred, George and Harry wheeled around. Ron, who had already seen his mother, was going a nasty green colour.

"Ah, "said Fred.

"Oh, dear," said George.

Mrs Weasley stopped in front of them, glaring at each one of her sons in turn. Even with her floral apron on, she was quite intimidating.

"So," she said.

"Morning, Mum," said George, in what he clearly thought was a jaunty, winning voice.

"Have you any idea how worried I've been?" Mrs Weasley whispered with the anger clear in her voice.

"Sorry, Mum, but see, we had to-," Fred stopped talking as his mother's rage broke.

"Beds empty! No note! Car gone-could have crashed-out of my mind with worry-did you care?-never, as long as I've lived-you wait until your father gets home, we never had trouble like this from Bill or Charlie or Percy-"

"Perfect Percy," Fred muttered, only angering his mother further.

"YOU COULD DO WITH TAKING A LEAF OUT OF PERCY'S BOOK!" yelled Mrs Weasley, prodding a finger in Fred's chest. "You could have died, you could have been seen, and you could have lost your father his job-"

Grace looked away uncomfortably. The lecture seemed to go on for hours and hours, worse than what Professor McGonagall gave the twins. Finally, with a very quiet voice she turned to Harry and Grace to say, "It is lovely to see you dears. Come in for some breakfast; you must be very hungry."

"Mrs Weasley, would you mind if I get changed first?" Grace asked on their way into the house. She was still dressed in her tatty old pyjamas.

The kitchen was cramped but comfy. The rest of the boys sat down of a wooden table and chairs in the middle of the room. Harry was looking round in wonder. A large mantelpiece was opposite the door they had walked in and was adorned with countless stacks of wizarding cookery books.

"Oh yes dear of course," Mrs Weasley said. "I'll keep some sausages warm for you. Just go up the stairs until you see Fred and George's room. You can stay with them."

Fred and George groaned and grumbled until their mother sent another glare their way. On Grace's way past she could have sworn the radio beside the sink announced, "Witching hour with popular singing sorceress Celestina Warbeck." Just as she was on first floor landing a red-haired girl in a pink dressing gown came out from the only door there. They exchanged one look and Grace said, "Be careful. Your mum's pretty angry at Fred and George."

Grace continued climbed up the twisting stairs lugging her trunk along with her until she was in front of a door labelled with 'Fred and George.' She pushed the door open, slightly scared of what she would find.

The room was surprisingly clean. Two unmade beds, draped with handmade quilts sat close together under the large open window. The doors of two wardrobes hung open, revealing one wardrobe of clothes and the other a collection of Zonko's products. The room has a burnt feel about it, like the aftermath of a bomb. Even through the bomb likeness, posters and photos on the wall as well as the smell of food wafting up from the kitchen made the room welcoming and happy.

Grace dropped her trunk on the other side of the room and searched through it for something to wear. She brushed through her loose red hair and slipped on a simple sleeveless dress.

Once presentable she headed down and sat with Mrs Weasley for breakfast. Luckily the boys had already left but by the way Mrs Weasley threw sausages onto Grace's plate she was still angry. Grace made sure to scarf down her breakfast and get outside to where the boys were de-gnoming the garden. None of them noticed her take a seat on the grass amid their shouts and throws.

It was pleasant outside right now. The wind ruffled her hair and created ripples in the black fabric of her skirt. Laughter filled the summer air.

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The rest of the summer spent at The Burrow was paradise to Grace. Not only was the bed more comfortable and the food much yummier but she got along with everyone here. It became something normal to hear howls coming from the ghoul in the attic or to wake up in the middle of the night a fire at the end of her camp bed. Fred and George constantly made her laugh with the pranks they pulled on Percy. When they got too much to bear she sat with Ginny and got to know Fred and George's sister.

Since leaving Privet Drive Grace had read and replied to all of her letters. At first they were normal; asking about her holidays, how bad her uncle had been, when she was able to come to Diagon Alley, all of the news in their love lives. Then they seemed worried and asked why she wasn't replying. Miranda had even invited her to stay at her house with the rest of the girls but once she didn't get an answer she had simply said that there was still a bed available and she was free to visit. All of them had sent immediate replies to Grace's letters expressing their anger at Dobby and relief that she was safe.

The plan was now to meet up at the ice cream parlour in Diagon Alley on Wednesday, when Harry and Ron would be meeting Hermione.

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On Wednesday morning Mrs Weasley woke them all bright and early. After scoffing down bacon sandwiches and pulling on their coats they gathered back by the fireplace. Mrs Weasley took a flowerpot off the mantelpiece to peer inside it.

"We're running low, Arthur," she sighed. "We'll have to buy some more today... Ah well, guests first! After you, Gracie!"

When Mrs Weasley offered her the flowerpot Grace stared back at her with wide eyes.

"What am I doing?"

"Floo powder Gracie," Fred told her.

"Simple as," George said.

"Keep your elbows in."

"Eyes closed."

"And get out at the right fireplace," Fred finished.

"Boys, don't confuse her," chastised Mrs Weasley. "All you have to do is toss the powder into the fire, step in and clearly say where you want to go. The twins can show you how to do it."

The advice had gone straight over Grace's head but she had the general idea. Throw powder, step in, state destination.

"No, no, Mrs Weasley," Grace insisted. "I'll be fine."

Doing just as she was told, Grace grabbed a handful of powder, threw it into the fire and stepped in. The flames licked up her legs but she only felt slight warmth.

"Diagon Alley!" she said.

In an instant she was spinning round and round and round. Green flashed before her eyes- she narrowed them enough to see- rooms blurred before her eyes- the roaring in her ears wouldn't stop- stones scraped her elbows but she had them tucked in- a row of bookshelves caught her eye. She wrenched herself out of the fireplace and tumbled to the floor of Flourish and Botts.

Squeezing her eyes shut to rid herself of the dizzying feeling from such a sickening journey, she didn't notice Fred coming out of the fireplace until he had tripped over her. They lay in a crumpled heap. Neither one of them moved as they groaned in pain.

George appeared in the fireplace the next second and looked down at them in amusement.

"How come Fred's allowed to sit on top of you but I'm not even allowed on your bed?"

Grace laughed at him. She disentangled herself from Fred and clambered to her feet.

"I'd let you on my bed if you didn't always explode stuff. Where's Harry?"

"He's coming straight after us," Fred said, currently rubbing his shoulder sorely.

Soon enough Ron, Percy, Mrs Weasley, Ginny and Mr Weasley had joined them but no Harry.

"I thought you said Harry was coming straight after you," Grace turned to Fred.

"Harry did leave straight after them," Mr Weasley said. "He probably just landed in the wrong grate. Diagon Alley does have a lot of fireplaces."

Grace's eyes widened. Harry could be anywhere in Diagon Alley.

"You and the boys go check the Leaky Cauldron," Mrs Weasley told them. "Ginny and I will look at the other shops nearby."

So they left. After checking the Leaky Cauldron and Madame Malkin's, Grace only got more and more frantic.

"Gracie, calm down he's right there," George said.

Grace sprinted off towards him, trailed closely by Percy, Ron, Fred, George and Mr Weasley.

Harry stood with one of Hagrid's giant arms around his shoulders and Hermione beside him. It was a wonder he could see through his broken glasses. His hair and clothes were covered in dirt which Grace set to brushing off immediately.

"Oh Harry, are you alright?" Grace asked. "I was really worried. I thought you'd got out at the Leaky Cauldron by mistake but then you weren't there and you weren't anywhere else. Where were you?"

"Knockturn Alley," Hagrid answered grimly.

"Brilliant!" said Fred and George in awe.

"Well it's brilliant when you're going there on purpose, not when you're lost!" Grace said.

Mrs Weasley was hurrying down the street towards them. Ginny clung to her hand tightly. Grace stepped aside to let her fuss over Harry.

"Yeah but think of all the cool things he would have seen," Fred argued. Together the Weasley, Potters and Hermione made their way to Gringotts. Everyone said farewell to Hagrid and thanked him profusely.

"I thought Knockturn Alley was for Dark magic," Grace said.

"It is!" said Fred.

"With shrunken heads!" George said.

"Wicked potions," Fred said.

"Think about all the ugly warlocks there would be," George added.

"That's disgusting!" Grace exclaimed.

"Now what's disgusting is your lack of adventure," George informed her.

Grace rolled her eyes and ignored the twins on the Gringotts carts. There was no stopping the terrible guilt she felt when Mrs Weasley opened their tiny vault. The least she could do was block the Potter vault from view as she collected her own money.

Once back out into the sun, they all decided on where they were going, where to meet up and set off.

"Wait!" Grace called at the twin's retreating backs. "I told the girls you would be here and meet them!"

"We'll catch up later!" Fred said.

"Yeah we've got to find Lee for Ciara," George said. "She wouldn't have any fun without him."

With a small shake of her head Grace left for Florean Fortescue's ice-cream parlour. She had sent Miranda a letter that morning to tell her when she would be in Diagon Alley and where they should meet.

She didn't even have to enter the shop before she spotted the girls forsaking the colourful umbrella to spread their legs out in the sun.

"Grace!" Ciara yelled. Her sandy hair was its favourite tight bun and her smile was just as bright as usual.

"I haven't seen you guys in ages," Grace complained as she took her seat.

"Yeah we've all been staying at Miranda's," Trina said. As impossible as it sounded she seemed even happier than last year.

"If only it wasn't for that elf," Lara commented.

Being away from Lara for two weeks made Grace realize how long her dark brown hair had grown.

At that moment, Florean Fortescue turned up, "Now what can I get you lovely ladies?"

"Double chocolate with cookie dough and brownie bits," Grace requested.

"Same as Grace," said Ciara.

"Green apple," said Trina.

"Coconut with choc chips please," Hannah asked.

"Green tea," Miranda said.

"Just some watermelon thanks," Lara said.

"Well anyway it's alright now," Grace said once Florean had left and returned with their ice-creams. "Both Harry and I are staying with the Weasleys and Harry has Ron."

"But I was going to make him and George friends," Miranda groaned, referring to her little brother. "That way he won't be a complete loner and doesn't have to sit with us."

It was obvious what had changed in Miranda over the holidays. She had replaced her glasses for green tinted contacts and been to a healer to straighten her teeth.

"Naw but your brother is so cute!" Hannah cooed. Not a thing had changed about her: same deep brown eyes, same shiny hair, same thoughtful face and same kind heart. Miranda shot her a look. "Or not."

"He'll make friends soon enough," Grace reassured. "Fred and George's sister is starting this year so I'm sure he'll be friends with her."

"Speaking of which: where are the boys?" Trina asked.

"They went to find Lee for Ciara," Grace said with a wink to Ciara. All of the girls started giggling.

They went on to talk about Ciara and Lee's relationship (still going strong.), Miranda and Louis ("He's such a cutie."), Trina and Oliver's feelings ("They should just realize they like each other and get together already."), how Grace should break up with Nate ("No matter what you're going to feel like a bitch so you just need to do it.") who was going to be the new DADA teacher and how much of an idiot Gilderoy Lockheart is.

Eventually the boys did come and even tried to steal what was left of Grace and Hannah's ice creams. They took over the conversation and changed it to the current ranking of the Quidditch teams. Finally at two' o'clock, Yvette Heathridge turned up to take the other girls home. Lee attempted to drag Ciara away with him. She screamed but didn't resist.

"I love you, Gracie," Trina called after Grace. "And I shall see you soon my love."

Grace stuffed her arms through Fred and George's on the way to Flourish and Botts. She was in for an hour of torture by golden-haired idiot but it was made slightly more enjoyable when Mr Weasley and Mr Malfoy had a brawl.

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"Just do it Grace," Miranda urged. "As soon as it's done we'll grab some food and run away."

Grace took a deep breath and stepped up to the compartment in front of her. Inside a group of Ravenclaws, including Nate and Louis, sat talking like a bunch of fifty year olds about their holidays. Nate caught sight of her through the window and almost flinched when she slid the door open.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" she said, her words directed at Nate.

The minute Grace was alone with him in the hallway her mind went blank.

"Nate I'm just. . . I . . . don't feel the same as you do. I probably did but I don't anymore. I'm really sorry. I don't think I can do this anymore."

Nate's eyes, those eyes she had fallen for, stared at her. They bore into her as if asking how she could do this to him.

"I hope we can still be friends," Grace finished lamely.

Nate didn't say a word as she turned to leave. Miranda stopped flirting with Louis to pull Grace into her arms.

"C'mon, we'll go find Harry," Miranda encouraged. With one last kiss blown in Louis's direction, Miranda dragged Grace off.

They searched the train for a while but only found Hermione alone, her head stuck in a book.

"Hi Grace, Miranda," she said. "How were your holidays?"

Before Grace could speak with some negative remark, Miranda spoke, "Good. We had lots of fun. Where're Harry and Ron?"

"I don't know," Hermione answer. Surprise crossed her face. "I thought that they were still with you or the Weasleys."

"No, they were after us coming onto the platform," Grace told her. Panic started to rise in her chest. They had certainly been rushed this morning but if she and the twins managed to get on the train surely Harry and Ron did? "Are you telling me they haven't made it onto the train?"

"They could have just found a compartment on their own or couldn't find Hermione," Miranda suggested. "There are still a lot of people running around the hallways."

"Well then we'll find them," Grace said. Miranda sighed at her.

After they had worked their way down the train and looked into every compartment, Miranda and Hermione resigned to the fact that Harry and Ron had not in fact made it onto the train.

"Where could they be?" Grace moaned. The three of them were walking back to the compartment that Grace's friends were in.

"Grace, Grace you have to have to see this!" Trina said from where everyone was crowded by the window.

Outside, gliding smoothly with the train, was Mr Weasley's car. Harry and Ron were sitting in the front, eating toffees and waving at them.

"Those idiots," Hermione hissed.

Grace couldn't help it. She laughed. The bubbles of mirth escaped her throat, slowly at first but then she just couldn't stop. Gasping for air and clutching her side she fell to the ground where her friends joined in with her amusement. Grace could barely see through the tears that were starting to cloud her eyes but Harry and Ron were still there. Of all the ways to get to Hogwarts that had to be the best.

A/N: There you are! I hope you liked it. Please review with any comments or question!