A/N: Hooray for new chapter! I'm so proud of myself! The old me is coming back! *sigh* And since it's 2:00 in the morning, I'm going to go to sleep.

Rosaline's POV

Today was Harry's birthday; he was now 16. Mrs. Weasley wanted a big celebration, but all Harry wanted was a cake and a nice dinner. Lupin stopped by for dinner and Bill came back from business; finally Fleur could nag someone besides me or Ginny.

"There have been another couple of dementor attacks," Lupin said at the dinner table, "And they've found Igor Karkaroff's body in a shack up north. The Dark Mark had been set over it - well, frankly, I'm surprised he stayed alive for even a year after deserting the Death Eaters; Sirius's brother, Regulus, only managed a few days as far as I can remember."

It was funny to hear about Aaralyn's father. It was still unusual to talk about someone that you never thought existed.

"Yes, well," Mrs. Weasley frowned, "perhaps we should talk about something diff -"

"Did you hear about Florean Fortescue, Remus?" Bill asked, "The man who ran -"

"- the ice cream place in Diagon Alley?" Harry finished Bill's sentence, "He used to give me free ice creams. What's happened to him?"

"Dragged off, by the look of his place," Bill shrugged.

"Why?" Ron asked.

"Who knows? He must've upset them somehow. He was a good man, Florean."

"Talking of Diagon Alley," Mr. Weasley said, "looks like Ollivander's gone, too."

"The wandmaker?" Ginny asked, startled.

"That's the one," Mr. Weasley sighed, "Shop's empty. No sign of a struggle. No one knows whether he left voluntarily or was kidnapped."

"But wands - what'll people do for wands?" Ginny asked worriedly.

"They'll make do with other makers," Lupin said, "But Ollivander was the best, and if the other side have got him it's not so good for us."

All this talk about people disappearing was depressing me; it reminded me too much of my dad. He just got up and left, only leaving a note by my make-shift cot. And then...they killed him. The memory still brought tears to my eyes. I bit my lip to focus on a different pain, but it didn't work as well. I could feel tears filling in my eyes, so I quickly left the table before anyone could see me cry.

I ran up to my room and closed the door behind. I sat down by the window and then...started to cry. I brought my knees up to my chest and rested my head on my arms. Tears spilled onto the sleeves of my shirt. The sound of me crying drowned out everything else; even the sound of someone opening my door. I felt a hand rest on my back, which startled me and made my head shoot up from it's resting place. I thought that maybe Mrs. Weasley or Ginny or Hermione would have come up to see me; but I was surprised when I saw Harry instead. I wiped away my tears and looked at Harry shocked.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"It's nothing," I choked out.

"It doesn't look like it's nothing," Harry said, "Did that conversation bother you?"

"If you must know," I breathed deeply, "When I lived in Hong Kong, there was a time when something like this happened; people disappeared, people were killed. Division was..and still is very powerful. They hurt a lot of people, including me."

Harry looked at me with wide eyes when I said that.

"What did they do to you?" he asked.

"They killed my dad," I said weakly, "And that's worse than dying."

I could feel the tears returning to my eyes, and I couldn't control it this time. I broke down and cried miserably. Harry wrapped his arm around me and brought me closer to him, so I could rest my head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I really am."

"I-It's ok-k-kay," I stuttered.

"At least you knew him," he said, "I never met my parents. It's better to have had someone and then lost them, than to never had them in your life at all."

"Haven't heard that before," I muttered sarcastically.

Harry chuckled and hugged me tightly.

"Thanks," I weakly smiled.

"Anytime," he said.

"I think I'd like to be alone now," I whispered.

He nodded and then walked out of my room, closing the door behind him. I turned off the light and slept soundly that night; if you didn't count the occasional tears the kept me up.

I sat at the table, drinking a cup of tea, when our letters and book-lists from Hogwarts arrived. Harry had gotten a surprise with his letter; he was made Quidditch Captain for Gryffindor.

"Congrats, dude," I smirked, "I've never been friends with a team captain before."

"That gives you equal status with prefects!" Hermione said, "You can use our special bathroom now and everything!"

"I remember when Charlie wore one of these," Ron said gleefully as he looked down at the badge, "Harry, this is so cool, you're my Captain - if you let me back on the team, I suppose..."

"Well, I don't suppose we can put off a trip to Diagon Alley much longer now you've got these," Mrs. Weasley sighed, "We'll go on Saturday as long as your father doesn't have to go into work again. I'm not going there without him."

"Mum, d'you honestly think You-Know-Who's going to be hiding behind a bookshelf in Flourish and Blotts?" Ron chuckled.

I giggled quietly as Mrs. Weasley immediately got fired up by the comment.

"Fortescue and Ollivander went on holiday, did they?" Mrs. Weasley said, "If you think security's a laughing matter you can stay behind and I'll get your things myself -"

"No, I wanna come," Ron begged, "I want to see Fred and George's shop!"

"Then you just buck up your ideas, young man," Mrs. Weasley snapped, "before I decide you're too immature to come with us! And that goes for returning to Hogwarts as well!"

Mrs. Weasley then took her laundry basket and stomped out of the room.

"Blimey," Ron muttered, "you can't even make a joke round here anymore..."

"She's just worried," Hermione sighed.

"Yeah," I sniggered, "She wants to protect her ickle Ronniekins!"

"Sod off," Ron snapped while Harry and Hermione laughed.

"But seriously, don't worry," I said, "She wouldn't want to miss out on seeing Fred and George's shop."

"I bet it's huge," Harry said.

"It is," I said, "And it looks even bigger when you walk in."

"You've been there?" Ron said, "And you never told us?"

"You didn't ask," I shrugged.

"You're so lucky," he muttered.

I knew Ron was anxious see the shop, just like everyone else was. And lucky for them, Saturday came by very quickly. Before we knew it, we were leaving for Diagon Alley. The Ministry of Magic gave us cars to get to the Leaky Cauldron, but only because Harry was with us. It was they're top priority to protect him. And apparently there was additional security there, too. When we pulled up to the Leaky Cauldron, Hagrid was standing outside. I guess that's what they called 'security.'

"Harry!" he cheered as Harry stepped out of the car, "Buckbeak - Witherwings, I mean - yeh should see him, Harry, he's so happy ter be back in the open air -"

"Glad he's pleased," Harry grinned, "We didn't know 'security' meant you!"

"I know, jus' like old times, innit?" Hagrid smiled, "See, the Ministry wanted ter send a bunch o' Aurors, but Dumbledore said I'd do. Let's get goin' then - after yeh, Molly, Arthur -"

We walked into the Leaky Cauldron. It was a lot emptier than I had imagined it to be. Only one man, who I guessed to be the landlord, was there.

"Jus' passin' through today, Tom," Hagrid said, "sure yeh understand, Hogwarts business, yeh know."

Tom nodded and continued cleaning glasses that weren't going to be used. We all walked through the bar and into a small courtyard. Hagrid took his pink umbrella and rapped a certain brick in the wall. Suddenly the wall opened into an archway, and revealed Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley didn't look so great. All the windows were covered with Ministry of Magic posters; some were about on-the-loose Death Eaters, others were about security advice. A few shabby-looking stalls had been set up in the streets, selling amulets and protective charms to keep away werewolves, Inferi and dementors. It look like a rip-off to me. The whole place really depressed me.

"Ron, Hermione, Harry, Rosaline," Mrs. Weasley said, "You can go get fitted for your robes. Ginny and I are going to get her new books. Hagrid please go with them and keep them safe."

"No problem, Molly," Hagrid smiled.

We walked over to Madam Malkin's and stepped inside, while Hagrid stood guard outside. At first it looked like it was empty, until I heard a very familiar voice.

"...not a child, in case you haven't noticed, Mother. I am perfectly capable of doing my shopping alone."

Madam Malkin made a disappointed clucking noise with her tongue.

"Now, dear, your mother's quite right," she said, "none of us is supposed to go wandering around on our own anymore, it's nothing to do with being a child -"

"Watch where you're sticking that pin, will you!" the other voice snapped.

And there he was, standing in front of the mirror, having Madam Malking pin his new dark green robes. His silvery blonde hair was neatly combed, which framed his pale, pointed face. His grey eyes narrowed when he saw us in the reflection.

"If you're wondering what that smell is, Mother, a couple of Mudbloods just walked in," Malfoy said.

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms in annoyance. Ron looked like he was going to pounce on him any second.

"Ron, it's okay," I said, "There's no need to get riled up over a simple insult. He's just insecure because those robes make him look gay."

Hermione giggled madly as Malfoy glared at me. His mother was glaring at me as well.

"I don't appreciate what you said to my son," she sneered.

"I don't care," I scoffed.

"You should learn how to talk to your superiors," Mrs. Malfoy said, her nose up in the air.

"So you mean anyone that's not you?" I asked.

"How dare you?" she gasped.

"Don't talk to my mother like that," Malfoy defended her.

"Rosaline," Hermione whispered, "You should stop."

"You know what," I said, "I think I should go. I wouldn't want to spill my dirty blood on your clothes...then again, it looks like someone already did."

Malfoy's mother looked like she was going to say something, but I had already left before she could say anything. I walked right past Hagrid and stormed through Diagon Alley. I was mad; mostly because I hoped I wouldn't have to see Malfoy again. But I was going to school with him, so maybe that was a little unlikely for me to not see him.

I knew where I could go. Aaralyn was right down the street for me to talk to.

Aaralyn's POV

School was right around the corner, so the shop was really packed. I had expected Ron, Harry, Rosaline and Hermione to drop by soon since everyone was shopping for school supplies. But so far none of them had shown up. I had a huge feeling that Rosalinew as coming though.

"So when are the rest of the Weasleys coming by?" Verity asked me as we refilled a few shelves.

"Soon," I said, "But Rosaline will be coming at the exact same time that you say 'how do you know that.'"

"How do you know that?" Verity asked.

"Aaralyn!" someone shouted.

"See?" I giggled as I turned around to go to Rosaline.

I hugged her hello and then took over to Verity.

"Verity this is Rosaline," I said, "Rosaline, Verity."

"Hi," Verity smiled.

"Hey," Rosaline waved, "So Aaralyn, where are the pesky twins?"

"They're somewhere around here," I shrugged.

Suddenly I felt a pair of arms wrap around me from behind.

"Or one of them might be right behind you," George whispered in my ear and then kissed my cheek.

I giggled and turned around to kiss him. My lips pressed passionately against his, which he gladly kissed back to.

"Please," Fred groaned, "There are minors here."

George rolled his eyes and pulled away from me pouting.

"Come on," Fred told George.

George gave me one last kiss, and then pulled away leaving me breathless.

"I'll come back later," he whispered, smirking and then giving me a wink.

As he walked away, I couldn't help but sigh.

"Oh my God," Rosaline chuckled, "I thought I'd never thought I'd see this day; the Aaralyn White, sighing romantically."

"Shut up," I playfully rolled my eyes.

I could hear Fred and George's voices from where I was standing.

"Step up, step up!" they said.

"We've got Fainting Fancies, " Fred called.

"- Nosebleed Nougats," George added.

"- And just in time for school," Fred said.

"- Puking Pastilles," George finished.

I giggled and then had Rosaline follow me back down the stairs. I heard the door open and then a happy squeal that was too familiar. I looked up and saw Ginny, Harry, Ron and Hermione.

"Hey!" I waved.

Ginny attacked me with a tight hug and then Hermione hugged me hello. Ron and Harry waved back at me and smiled. Something suddenly caught my eye; the black bruise that circled Hermione's.

"Dude, what did you do?" I giggled, pointing at her eye.

"Well, thanks to your boyfriend and his idiotic twin brother," Hermione hissed, "I now look like half a panda."

That only made me laugh more.

"You squeezed the telescope, didn't you?" I said.

She shyly nodded as her cheeks blossomed in pink colors. I remembered I had the antidote in my pocket, so I pulled it out and handed it to her.

"Obviously Fred and George needed to get rid of it someway," I said, "Just dab it on the bruise and it will go away in an hour."

"Thank Merlin," she sighed in relief.

"So this is it?" Ginny smiled.

"Yeah," I sighed, "Welcome to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Take a look around; and ladies, WonderWitch is up the stairs in the pink, bubbly, frilly...section."

And then they were off, exploring the entire shop, looking at new products. George and Fred were already showing Harry the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powders, one of our best-sellers. I walked towards the WonderWitch section and found Rosaline, Ginny and Hermione circled around the flowery tub of love potions.

"Seriously?" I giggled, "You three amuse me."

"Not all of us have boyfriends, Aaralyn," Rosaline stuck out her tongue.

"Hello ladies," two new voices popped in.

"Love potions, eh?" George said, "They really do work."

"Then again," Fred said, "The way we hear it, sis, you're doing just fine on you're own."

"Meaning?" Ginny raised an eyebrow.

"Are you not currently dating Dean Thomas?" Fred asked.

Ginny looked at me, slightly glaring, and then turned back to her older brothers.

"It's none of your business," she said, putting down the love potion in her hand and walking away.

"Leave her alone," I said, lightly smacking both of their arms.

"What?" George asked, "We're just looking out for our sister."

"Yeah," Fred added, "Since when was being protective a crime?"

"When you become nosy and overly protective," I said, "Just lay off."

"Hey," Ron butted in, "How much for this?" He then held up one of our products.

"Five galleons," Fred and George said.

"How much for me?" Ron asked.

"Five galleons," they repeated.

"But I'm your brother," Ron said.

"Ten galleons," they shrugged and then walked away.

Ron frowned and put the item back on the shelf. I walked over to Ginny and Hermione, who were admiring the purple and pink Pygmy Puffs. Ginny looked up at me and then crossed her arms.

"What?" I asked.

"You told them," she frowned.

"No," I said, "I wouldn't do that. I know that I would do a lot of things, but that isn't one of them."

"If you..." she narrowed her and then growled, "Ron."

"Okay," I said cautiously, "I'm going to leave you in your...anger."

I slowly walked away and then walked by Harry.

"Keep an eye on Ron," I said as I walked by him, "Make sure he doesn't get killed."

I brushed past him before he could ask anything. I found Verity in the back room, picking up boxes that were spilled all over the floor. She must have knocked them over...again. I got down on the ground and helped her pick up the rest.

"Thanks," she said.

"No problem," I said.

I walked back out and found Harry, Hermione and Ron heading for the door.

"You guys leaving already?" I asked.

"Yeah, we've got some more shopping to do," Hermione said, "We'll see you soon."

"Alright, bye," I smiled, "Make sure you guys write during the school year."

"Bye," they said and walked out into the streets of Diagon Alley.

Rosaline and Ginny were still roaming around the shop. Ginny looked like she was scouting out for someone (probably Ron).

"Haven't found him yet, have you?" I asked her.

"No," she growled, "Where's he hiding?"

"He isn't hiding," I said, "He just left the shop with Hermione and Harry."

She groaned and rolled her eyes.

"I'll get him when we go home," she said, crossing her arms.

"I think Ginny and I are going to head out, too," Rosaline said.

"Aww, so soon?" I pouted.

"I know, I miss you already," Rosaline teased.

I hugged them each goodbye and watched them leave. I walked back into the back room, seeing Verity still cleaning up.

"How much of a mess did you make?" I asked.

"Do you remember when I spilled all of those love potions on the floor?" Verity asked.

"Yeah," I said.

"This," she said pointing at the mess on the floor, "was a lot easier to clean up than that."

I nodded and then went towards the counter. I spent the next couple of hours checking out items for customers and working the cash register. As the day grew later, the customers started to thin out. I happily sighed when I realized the day was almost over.

The ringing sound of the door opening echoed in my ears. I looked up and my jaw almost dropped to the floor. Professor Dumbledore was standing in front of me.

"Hello Ms. White," he kindly smiled, his ancient eyes sparkling behind his half-moon spectacles.

"Uh...hi," I said, "Um...I don't mean to be rude, Professor, but...what are you doing here?"

"Oh, I came to see you," he said. "Yes, I know it's quite odd to have me visit a student over the summer," he added when he noticed my confused expression, "But this is has to do with your uncle."

I half-heartedly smiled when he mentioned Sirius. I still missed him and was slowly moving on from his recent death. Sometimes it still hurt to hear about him, but I was learning to accept it.

"I see," I said, "What about Sirius?"

"His will was released a while ago," Dumbledore said, "And he had left something to you."

My eyes widened, mostly from shock. Sirius had left something to me? I didn't think I had known him long enough to be mentioned in his will. Dumbledore lifted, out of nowhere, a medium-sized, dusty, wooden box and handed it to me.

"He left this to you," he said, "Out of politeness and respect of privacy, I did not open it."

"Thank you," I said politely.

"Aaralyn!" George shouted, "Have you seen the - Professor Dumbledore!"

He jumped back at the sight of his old headmaster standing before him. It was am using, but I was too busy looking at the old box to laugh at anything.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore nodded.

"Uh...May I help you with something?" George asked awkwardly.

"Oh, no thank you," Dumbledore said, "I was just leaving. But I must say, I'm impressed with your work."

"Thank you," George said, still not getting over the fact he was talking to Dumbledore in his shop.

"Good day," he smiled, "Good day, Ms. White."

"Goodbye, Professor," I nodded.

Then he walked back out of the shop. George was still standing stiffly in his place, eyes wide and eyebrows raised.

"What was that?" he asked.

"Sirius left me something in his will," I said.

"Really?" he asked, "What?"

"I don't know yet," I said, "I think I'll go up to the flat."

"You okay?" George asked worriedly.

"Yeah," I nodded unsurely.

Once I reached the flat, I went straight to my room. I placed the box on my bed and sat down in front of it. I stared down at it nervously, wondering if I should open it or leave it closed. Honestly, I was too scared to open it. So I placed it by my nightstand and left it there for the rest of the day.

"Not now," I kept saying to myself.