Author's Note: This is the last of the rewritten chapters.

DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and Co are owned by the ever fabulous JK Rowling. The only thing I own is Phoenix and various other originals you see running around.

CHAPTER FIVE

Someday I'll see the world

The day before term started, we were still waiting for our book lists. Normally we'd gotten them at least a week before the first but for some reason, they were delayed.

"Maybe they can't find us," Ron suggested, sucking on a sugar quill. We were all gathered in my bedroom (because it was the most comfortable) and speculating.

"Don't be daft Ronald," Hermione snapped. "Dumbledore's been here. If it was a matter of owls not being able to find us he could just have someone deliver them."

"I reckon they've been having some trouble finding a teacher," Fred said from his spot on the windowsill. He'd been avoiding me the past few days but it wasn't like last time. Now when he looked at me, he sort of smiled like we shared a secret. If anything, it made me feel even guiltier, something Hermione thought I deserved. She kept nagging me to tell Fred about my kiss with Draco. She was crazy if she thought that was going to happen though.

"How do you know that?" Harry asked. He'd been ridiculously happy since the hearing. Now I live a happy ending as much as any girl but he was celebrating a little too much. I'd actually caught him skipping down the hall the other night. Come to think of it, he might have been tripping but still. He was smiling way too much.

(Alright, so I'm a little bitter. My mind's all a mess trying to figure out the Draco/Fred situation and I guess misery really does love company. Can you blame me though? I mean, last year I was practically stalking that cute seventh year in the common room, trying to get a date, and this year I've got two boys after me, one of which is the son of a Death Eater and my cousin and the other was my oldest friend, practically my brother. Oh Merlin, Emmeline was right. The Blacks really were into the incest thing. Oi.)

"Heard it on the ears," George admitted.

The door opened and Ginny came in. "Booklists are here finally," she said, handing them out. When she got to Harry, she threw his over his head and stomped out of the room. Hermione and I tried to cover our laughter as the boys looked mystified.

"Two new ones," Hermione noted. "The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5 by Miranda Goshawk and Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard."

"Only two? I've got seven new books," I groaned. "The Grade 6 book of spells, the Slinkhard book, Advanced Potion-Making by Libatius Borage, NEWT Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch, The Advanced Guide to Magical Plants by Phyllida Spore, Ministry Careers for NEWT Students by Hector Malone and... Modern Pureblood Society and the Traditions that Shaped It? What class is that for?" I looked over at Fred and George but they shrugged. Apparently not one they'd taken.

Hermione frowned. "It doesn't sound like a book for any class I know. Ask McGonagall during your scheduling." She went back to reading her letter and gasped. "I got prefect!" She squealed.

"Congrats 'Mione." I looked over at Harry. He was my first guess on who got the other badge. "Harry, did you...?"

He shook his head. "No, nothing."

"I wonder who got the other one?" Hermione pondered. "Possibly Dean."

"Yeah, I don't think Dumbledore would give it to Finnigan or Neville," George agreed.

"Maybe," I put in. "Seamus isn't that bad. Just a little fire prone."

"A little?" Fred snorted. "That's like saying I'm a little ginger."

"He is kind of dangerous," Harry admitted. He looked over at Ron. "Who do you think it is?"

He looked up at us, his eyes kind of glazed. "Me."

Fred and George laughed. "You? I doubt it Ron." George snorted.

Fred shook his head. "You don't exactly scream prefect."

Ron held up a prefect badge and we all went quiet.

"Er, good job then little brother," George said after a moment.

Fred stood up and patted him on the back. "Yeah, congratulations. We were just..."

"-just kidding," George followed his twin to the door. "We have to go now and-"

"-do some things. We'll see you later." With that, they left. I snorted.

"Well, they've never really been tactful. Good job Ron."

He nodded slightly, still clearly shocked. Hermione looked completely bewildered and Harry had a dark look on his face. I sighed. I was saved the trouble of saying something when Molly came in, a pile of freshly cleaned clothes in her arms.

"Give me your booklists and I can go to Diagon Alley for you. Do you need anything else?"

"I need a new toothbrush Molly," I said.

Hermione jumped up from the bed. "I have extras in my trunk! Mum and dad always make me carry them, just in case." She handed Molly her booklist and left, in search of her trunk.

Ron was still looking at the badge and Harry was looking at his list intently, as if trying to memorize it. I sighed. It's not like I could just leave and go to my room either, as they were in my room. Molly started hanging my clothes in the wardrobe, clearly oblivious to her youngest sons shiny new badge.

"Maybe you could get Ron that book about prefects that we found in that store one time, do you remember?"

She looked at me, distracted. "Prefects? Why would he need a book about prefects. He's not..." She slowly lowered the sweater she was holding. "You're not...?" She asked him. Ron held up his bag. Mrs Weasley shrieked. "Oh how wonderful! This is absolutely amazing! A prefect! My son, the prefect!" She dropped the rest of the clothes on a chair and went over to him, hugging him. "Oh Ronnie!"

I rolled my eyes slightly, glad it wasn't me getting sMOTHERed. Harry smiled weakly and I raised an eyebrow at him. He shrugged.

"Mum...stop it...Mum!" Ron tried to wiggle away.

Molly stopped hugging him and looked at him fondly. "Well, what will it be? Percy got an owl but you've already got Pig."

"What?" Ron asked, clearly shocked.

"You've got to be rewarded for making prefect!" Mrs Weasley insisted. "How about a new set of dress robes?"

"Fred and George already got him some." I reminded her.

"Well, a new cauldron then? Yours is nearly rusted. Or a rat? You did like Scabbers. Well, before he... you know."

"Turned out to be a creepy middle-aged man who pretended to be a rat and slept in your son's bed for years?" I put in helpfully. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Can I...can I have a new broom?" Ron asked hopefully.

Molly's smile faded and my heart sank. Broomsticks were expensive. But then I had an idea. Of course, I'd have to talk to her later about it.

"Not a really good one," Ron added. "Just a new one for a change."

"Oh of course you can Ron. Well, I should be going then if I'm to get a broom as well. I'll see you all later with your books." She kissed Ron on the cheek and then left, humming to herself.

"A new broom!" Ron said excitedly. "Imagine!" Harry and I smiled at him, the response he clearly wanted. "She'd never be able to afford a Nimbus and the new Firebolts are worth more than the Burrow but the new Cleansweep is out, and that's pretty decent for a cheaper broom. Yeah, I think I'll tell to get that one." He dashed from the room, leaving me alone with Harry.

"No need to look so gloom and doom there, Harold."

He looked over at me, a cross look on his face. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh shut up. You thought you were going to make prefect, don't deny it. It's not a big deal, honestly, I thought you were going to get it as well."

"So why didn't I then?" He asked, frowning.

I sat down on the bed next to him. "Look, our dads weren't prefects. It can't be that bad not getting it."

He brightened up at this. "Yeah, true. I wonder who did get it."

"Lupin and your mum." When he looked at me, I explained. "I have an old picture of my mum and her friends, and your mum was wearing a badge in it, as was Lupin."

"I forgot our mums were friends," Harry admitted. "Were they close?"

"As far as I know. Your mum was in lots of pictures with mine. I reckon they were best mates. I can show you them sometime if you like?"

He nodded. "I'd like that. Thanks Nix."

"Hey, not a problem. Dad's your godfather so that kind of makes you my brother." I fluffed up his hair and he scowled. Ron came back in the room a second later. "Oh hey, has Molly left yet?"

He shook his head. "Nah, but you might want to hurry if you've got to catch her."

I stood up and started for the door, turning back before I walked out. "Merlin, little brother, you and your lollygagging ginger get out of my room!" I snapped at Harry, smiling a little. He grinned, then followed me out of the room, a confused Ron on his heels. I left them at the top of the stairs, then hurried down the stairs, managing to find Molly just as she was walking to the front door. "Molly, wait!"

"Phoenix dear," she said, turning around. "Did you remember something you needed me to get?"

"Kind of, I want to get Ron a present for making prefect."

She smiled fondly at me. "Oh dear, that's sweet of you. What did you want me to pick up?"

"Well," I said, walking into the study and motioning for her to follow me. I walked over to a shelf and opened a wooden box, pulling out one of the large bags of coins. "I wanted to go in on the broom with you," I said, handing her the bag.

She raised her eyebrows at the weight. "Phoenix, there has to be at least 200 galleons in here. I can't take this."

"There's 500, and I'm not taking it back. Buy Ron a Firebolt, he'd really like it."

She tried to hand it back to me but I put my hands in my pockets. "Phoenix, I can't take your money. Besides, the Firebolt doesn't cost 700 galleons. It's only 300, last I heard Bill say."

"Then use the rest to buy the books. Get Ron a new cauldron, get Ginny an owl. Hire a goblin to strip and do the hula. Do whatever with it. I'm not going to take it back. Now that the ministry's given me access to the Black vaults, I want to repay you guys for everything you've given me."

Her face softened. "Phoenix sweetheart, you don't have to repay us."

"I know I don't have to, but I want to, and Dad agrees. This isn't even the start of it. You're getting a payment in the next week or so. My banker at Gringotts hasn't sent over the paperwork yet." She opened her mouth to say something but I kept talking. "Don't say you're not going to take it. I'll keep giving it to you if you try and return it, so just take it." I hesitated for a second. "Don't think I'm being arrogant with my new status. I just really want to do something nice for you guys after you've raised me and given me so much love.

She gave me a watery smile, and hugged me. "Thank you dear. You're a kind soul, just like your mother." I smiled, and she patted me cheek. "Well, I'm off then. Got lots of shopping to do." She turned to leave, then looked back at me. "What do you think about maybe having a party for Ron and Hermione tonight?"

I smiled. "Sounds like a great idea. I can have Kreacher get things for a little feast. Maybe some decorations as well."

She nodded, then left. I sat down at the desk, straightening up the various papers covering the surface. Footsteps made me turn my head and I saw dad standing at the door. "You talked to Molly about the money?" He guessed. I nodded. "Did you get her to take it?"

"Yes. It took some stubbornness, but she eventually gave in. I didn't tell her how much we were sending her though. I don't think she would have taken it then."

He smiled at me, then crossed over to sit on the edge of the desk. "It's hard for people to take things from someone when they think they should be able to provide for themselves. I was the same way when I ran away from home. Before Uncle Alphard gave me that gold, James tried buying my school things."

"What did you do?"

"I punched him of course. He was my mate, I shouldn't take anything from him, especially not when I came from money. I should have gone back to my parents rather then impose on the Potters."

"Well, what did James do?"

"He called me a git and told me that mates look out for each other. Then he punched me back. Then we went out and he bought my school things." He grinned. I shook my head and laughed. "Point is, Molly and Arthur have done so much for you. It's only natural that we'd want to repay them. We'd do it whether they had their own fortune or not."

"I just...feel so weird, having all this money now, and knowing that they still struggle once in awhile to make ends meet."

Dad put his hand on my shoulder. "Phoenix, never feel guilty about your own good fortune. Simply share it with others."

"Who told you that, James?"

"That git come up with something so smart?" He snorted. "No, it was your mum, actually. The McKinnons had money as well. Not as much as the Blacks or Potters, but they had quite a bit." He looked down at me. "Just remember, money doesn't matter. It's the person behind the money that counts."

"Mum?" I guessed.

"Nope, that one was James."

Molly came back shortly after six o'clock and insisted I accompany her to deliver Ron's broom. I didn't mind at all. The look on his face would be priceless. The Weasleys were great people and they deserved great things. I was pleased to be able to help out with that.

"Ron!" Molly called, as we walked down the hall to the drawing room, where everyone was playing gobstones. She opened the door, narrowly avoiding being squirted in the face with the gobstone gunk. I however, wasn't so lucky.

"Oh gross, this is why I hate playing this game," I said, wiping my face off with the towel Hermione handed me. "Maybe you should keep the broom for a week," I told Molly, who chuckled.

"You got the Cleansweep?" Ron perked up, looking at the package in his mothers arms.

"No," she said, and Ron's shoulders slumped. "But I hope this will work. It's from your dad, Phoenix and I."

Ron took the package and opened it, a little less enthusiastic now that he thought it was a cheap broom.

When he saw the familiar red handle, and the script spelling out Firebolt though, he screamed.

"A Firebolt?! Merlin!" He tore off the rest of the paper and stared at the broom, clearly enraptured. Harry looked on, impressed. Hermione looked bored. Ginny looked a little jealous. Fred and George came over to me.

"What, no nice brooms for us?" Fred asked, pretending to be hurt.

"Now Phoenix, I thought we were closer than that." George added.

I smirked. "Would you two like brooms, or another investor in Weasley Wizard Wheezes?" I asked under my breath. That shut them up.

Molly smiled at her son, then went downstairs to help Kreacher prep for the party. Ron moaned over how amazing the broom was, while Harry nodded and added in his own knowledge about the model. Hermione and Ginny continued the game, looking over at me.

"That was awfully nice of you Phoenix," Hermione said.

I shook my head. "Nah. Ron's like a brother to me, and considering I always gave him crap presents on birthdays and Christmas, it's about time I gave him something nice."

Ginny looked over at me. "You know, my birthday was a few weeks ago and while I really liked that sweater you gave me..."

I laughed. "Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I got a catalog in my room we can look at later."

She beamed and took her turn, causing the gobstone to shoot at Ron's back. He stuck his tongue out at his sister and we laughed.

"So, are you guys ready to meet the Order?" I asked Fred and George. They shrugged. Most of the members of the Order were coming to the party tonight, partly to celebrate Ron and Hermione, partly to see us kids (especially the famous Harry Potter), but also to meet Fred, George and I. The twins were graduating this year and their family was in the Order so it made sense to recruit them. I was the daughter of two top Order members so it made sense to start watching me as well.

We played through another game of gobstones before we were finally called down to the party. Because there were so many people coming, it was being held in the formal dining room. Kreacher had decorated it and it looked really great. A long scarlet banner hung along the back wall that read 'Congratulations Ron and Hermione, Gryffindor Prefects' and fairy lights twinkled along the ceiling and walls. Order members were grouped around the room, talking in low tones. Many of them looked over at us as we entered, their eyes immediately flicking to Harry, before going to either Fred, George or myself. A woman with light blonde hair was looking intently at me, making me slightly uncomfortable.

"Tonks," I headed over to the pink-haired auror. "Who's that woman standing by Kingsley?"

She looked toward the woman, eyebrows knit. "I think that's Mary Cattermole, why?"

"She's staring at me. It's making me nervous."

Tonks shrugged. "No idea. Go talk to her."

"Might as well. Maybe then I'll figure out who she is."

I walked over to her, and held out my hand. "Phoenix McKinnon-Black. Er...do I know you?"

She smiled at me and shook my hand. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare. It's just that you look so much like your mother. We were friends, back at Hogwarts."

"Oh." So she was one of the people who knew my mother. It was strange, how many people said I looked like her. The same amount also said I looked like my father. I guess you saw what you wanted to see. "What was your surname then?"

"Macdonald. I was in your mother's year and house. We shared a dorm."

"Oh! Mary Macdonald! She has photos of you and Lily Evans! You guys must have been close, most of the pages in her photo album are of you three."

Mary smiled. "Yes, your mum, Lily and I were best mates. We were close to Hestia and Emmeline as well, but we three were practically inseparable. We had so much fun together. One time we were rowing one of the first year boats out on the lake and the Squid pulled your mother in."

"Oh no!" I laughed. "Was she alright?"

"Oh, she was fine. The squid liked to mess with certain students. Your mother was one of his favorites. I expect it's because she used to swim in there a lot and it woke him up." She smiled, clearly caught up in the memories. "Yes, Lily, Marls and I were so close. It was such a shock to lose them both...and so close." She looked at me intently. "Your mother went out fighting though, just as she wanted. There's no shame in that. You know that, right?"

I nodded. Sometimes it was hard, meeting old friends of my mum. They would coddle me, telling me how sorry they felt for me. But then there were others, the ones like Mary that would tell me exactly what I needed to hear.

"Good then," she said, hugging me. "I told your mother I'd be there for you, should anything happen to her. If you ever need anything, send me an owl, alright?"

"Alright. Thank you Mary." I hugged her again, then started to walk over to join Fred at the drink table.

"Phoenix?" She said hesitantly. I turned back around. "I have something I need to confess."

"Er, alright?" What was she talking about?

"I had promised your mother that I would take care of you, should anything happen to her but... When I found out she had died, I was in hiding with my husband. I'm a muggleborn, and things were getting dangerous. I feel terrible for not keeping my promise to your mother, she was a sister to me."

"Oh, no, Mary it's alright. My mum would have understood. It's not like I was left there for a long time, Emmeline came and found me. It wouldn't have done any good to endanger yourself." I hugged her, hoping she didn't feel too guilty.

"Thank you," she said softly. "It is silly to feel guilty, I just...I miss Marls so much." She looked at me, a little misty-eyed, patted my cheek, then walked away. I watched her go for a moment, then went to join Fred.

"Friend of your mother?" He guessed. I nodded. Mr Weasley raised his goblet and I quickly grabbed one off of the table.

"I'd like to make a toast. To Ron and Hermione, Gryffindor's newest prefects!"

We all drank, and Ron and Hermione beamed.

"I was never a prefect," dad said, grinning over the edge of his goblet.

I snorted. "Tell me something I don't know."

He rolled his eyes at me. "I spent way too much time in detention with James. Remus got the badge."

"Oh? I didn't know that," Ginny said.

Lupin nodded. "I suspect Dumbledore wanted me to keep James and Sirius in line but I must admit I failed miserably. I don't think it's at all possible to keep those two in line."

"Probably not," dad agreed. We laughed. He nodded to a tall, blonde woman walking towards us. "Ah, Blythe. Come to meet my offspring?"

She grinned. "Sirius Black. It was only a matter of time before you uttered those words. Can't believe Marlene let you have a kid with her. I thought she of all people would know what trouble you are."

My dad grinned. "Ah touche. Phoenix, I'd like you to meet Blythe Grey. She was two years above me at Hogwarts. A real daredevil this one."

"Well look at you, still trying to charm me. You know, your dad used to chat me up when he was a little firsty. It would have been adorable had he not been completely serious."

Fred, Ginny and I laughed. Dad rolled his eyes. "So what have you been up to? I haven't seen you at any of the Order meetings lately."

"Been busy," she said, smoothing her hand over her stomach. "I had little Etta three months ago and between her and my job, it's been hectic. Plus Peter is going into his fourth year, Olivia is going into her second, and Henry is going into first."

"Peter Grey is your son?" Ginny asked. "He's in my year."

Blythe raised an eyebrow. "Well, if he does anything bad, send me an owl. I love a good chance to be parental."

"Where do you work?" I asked. I'd been really interested in learning more about various wizard careers, mainly due to still not knowing what I wanted to do with my life.

"I'm a mediwizard. I'm on call for all of St Mungos extreme accidents. Explosions, major curse damage, building collapses, I'm the first on the scene." She gave dad a dark look. "Haven't been too busy lately but I imagine it'll pick up soon."

I nodded slowly. I suppose if I wanted a busy career I could be a mediwizard.

"On the bright side," she added. "Austin's been getting more work. You remember him Sirius?"

Dad nodded. "Austin Reed. He was friends with your brother Eben, right?"

She nodded. "Yeah. He's a hitwizard," she added, speaking to me, Ginny and Fred. I raised an eyebrow. Hitwizards were special ministry workers sent out to catch dark wizards, or more often, to kill them. "He's head of the hitwizard department actually. Just got promoted last week. He's the one talking to Tonks over there." I looked over to see a dark haired man grinning at Tonks. For someone who spent their life killing killers, he didn't look as serious as I'd have thought.

I talked with Blythe a little longer about various careers through the ministry, then talked to quite a few other people before the party finally wound down around half past ten. I had just finished saying goodbye to Mary when I heard Mad-Eye mention my mother's name.

"-Marlene McKinnon, she was killed two weeks after this picture was taken, they got her whole family."

I froze, turning on the spot to look at Moody and Harry. Harry gave me an uncomfortable look before turning back to Moody. "Not her whole family."

Moody gave him a look. "'Spose you're right. Phoenix survived, and her brother's still out there as well."

"Phoenix has a brother?" Harry asked, bewildered. I moved closer to the pair, listening intently.

"Boy, I thought you were smart. Marlene's brother is alive. He left England after graduating. Went to Germany as a Ministry Liason."

"I have an uncle?" I looked around for my dad, wondering why he didn't mention this important piece of information. I had family, somewhere. Spotting him over by the dessert table, I stomped over. "Sirius Orion Black!"

He jumped, then spun around. "Merlin, for a minute you sounded just like Marls. What's wrong Phoenix?"

"What's wrong? What's wrong? I just found out that I have an uncle, that's what's wrong!"

Dad frowned. "Well, Regulus died quite a while ago, I didn't think it really mattered and I thought you knew..."

"Not him! My mum's brother!"

Molly was looking over now, a frown on her face. "Marlene had a brother?"

Dad sighed. "Look, Phoenix-"

"No! You should have told me! I have family somewhere!"

He put his hands on my shoulders. "You have family here. Michael disowned your mother after she found out she was pregnant. He told her that she was a disgrace to the McKinnon name and he moved to Germany to live near his aunt and uncle. I didn't tell you because you don't need someone like that in your life."

I frowned, still angry but starting to understand why he did it. "I'm sorry for yelling I just-"

"-wanted someone close to your mother, I understand. But Michael isn't the family you're looking for." He gave me a hug, and I yawned. "Go to sleep, you've got a long day tomorrow."

I nodded, then walked over to the doorway. Before I left, I turned back. "You know, you actually sounded like a dad there."

Dad raised his eyebrows. "Well Merlin's trousers, I did, didn't I?"

And...fatherly moment gone.

I woke up early the next morning, having spent most of the night tossing and turning, nightmares of my mum being murdered haunting my dreams. When I went down to the kitchen, Molly, Arthur, Lupin, Dad, Tonks and Mad-Eye were already dressed and eating breakfast.

"Phoenix, I'm glad you're awake. It will give us time to talk," Lupin said, pulling out the chair next to him. I sat down.

"Talk about what?"

"Your mission," dad said, smiling slightly, "to get in with the Malfoys."

I raised an eyebrow. We talked about how I should proceed, what my next step would be, how I should act around certain people, and most importantly, how to contact the Order with my information.

"And remember," Lupin added. "While he is most undoubtably on our side, Dumbledore should not know about this. I don't think he would approve of our methods."

I nodded, just as Fred, George, Ginny, Ron and Hermione stumbled into the kitchen, clearly tired. Having finished my breakfast during our planning, I went back up to my room to finish my last minute packing and bring my trunk downstairs. However, when I got up to my room, I was greeted by four owls, perched at my open window.

"What? Who would be owling me right now?"

I reached for the first one, a regal looking eagle owl who jostled the other owls out of the way. I had a guess who might have sent that one and I was right when I read the note.

Phoenix,

Join me in the fifth compartment after lunch. That is, if you're not afraid of turning Slytherin.

Draco

I scowled, tossing the note into my bookbag. By issuing it as a challenge, he practically guaranteed my showing up and he knew it. "Stupid, arrogant git." I wasn't sure who the other owls could be from though. I took the second note, this one carried by a snowy owl.

Phoenix,

Please honor me with your presence in the second compartment when you get on the train.

Yours,

Spencer DiLaurentis

I breathed in sharply. Spencer was a Slytherin girl in my year that I knew from potions class. Her family was well connected and getting on her side meant...well...let's just say that the latest rumors were that her father was being courted by death eaters. Still...how had she found out about me? Maybe the third owl would make more sense. I took the note from the tawny owl and opened it up.

Phoenix,

If you possibly can, would you mind coming to the tenth compartment when you get the chance?

Pansy Parkinson

I snorted. Now that one made sense. Everyone knew Pansy was after Draco. She was sizing up the competition. A quick read of the fourth note was the same thing, only this one was sent by Pansy's friend Tracey Davis. As if I wouldn't know who really wanted me there.

Hearing shouting coming from downstairs, I quickly levitated my trunk and bag, and made my way downstairs. Molly was yelling at Fred and George (who had apparently bewitched their trunks to zoom down the stairs and they had knocked Ginny down two flights of stairs) and Walburga was yelling at Molly. After calming grandmother down, and promising that I would keep Kreacher updated in order to keep her updated, Molly had finished yelling at the twins.

"Alright, Harry, you're with Tonks and I, Phoenix, you're with Fred and Ginny, Hermione with George and Ron... Leave the luggage, Mad-Eye's taking care of it - Sirius! Dumbedore said no!"

Dad had appeared in his animagus form, jumping around, barking. I laughed.

"Alright then, but it's on your head!" Molly threatened. She opened the door and Harry followed her out. About two minutes later, Lupin gave Fred, Ginny and I the signal to go. We stepped outside, dad following us, his tail wagging. I rolled my eyes at him.

"You know, your hair's all matted." I flicked my wand and it smoothed out, looking silky. He gave me a doggy glare. "What? I'm a pureblood witch of high standing," I said, with a snotty accent. "I would never be seen with a mutt." Fred and Ginny laughed. Dad rolled his eyes, then jumped around, biting at pigeons and chasing his own tail.

"He's been cooped up way too long," Fred observed as Dad chased a cat down an alley, before running back to us. I snorted.

There was a minor incident where a young man whistled at me and dad snarled at him, but other than that, we made it to the station in good time. We lingered at the barrier between nine and ten until no one was looking, then side stepped through it. Well, Fred, Ginny and I sidestepped. Dad leapt through it. We joined Mrs. Weasley, Tonks and Harry near the rear of the train, where Moody met us with the luggage. Hermione, Ron, and George arrived shortly after and we all said our goodbyes. After hugging Tonks, I knelt down next to my dad. "Bye daddy," I whispered, my eyes feeling a little misty. "I'll write." I hugged him, and when I pulled away, he liked the side of my face. "Oh, ew. Bonding moment officially ruined." He barked a laugh and I climbed up into the train next to Fred. We waved until the train turned the corner and we couldn't see them anymore.

"So Nix, want to go find a compartment?" Fred asked.

"Actually," I said, figuring I might as well break the news now. "I have meetings with a Slytherin in compartment two."

"That's where Spencer DiLaurentis and her friends sit," Hermione said, eyebrows raised. "They sent you an invitation?"

"She and a few others. Pansy wanted me to 'stop by if I have the chance.'" I snorted.

"I suppose you're going then? For the Order?" Fred asked. He seemed a little disapproving. I nodded. "Well, alright then. When you're done schmoozing, look for me and George." With that, he and his brother dragged their trunks down the train in search of Lee. I nodded to the others, then followed them. I ran into a few Slytherin guys blocking the path outside of the eighth compartment.

"Guys, move. She's with me," came a drawling voice. Draco of course. He motioned for someone in the compartment and a second later, Crabbe came out and carried my trunk inside, putting it up on the luggage rack. "You're a little early. Couldn't wait to see me?"

I smirked. "Actually I could. I was just going to see Spencer. She wanted to meet with me."

I noticed the look of approval Draco shot a dark skinned boy.

"Ah yes. Phoenix, this is Blaise Zabini. Blaise, Phoenix Black."

"McKinnon-Black," I insisted. Draco ignored that.

"Well, if you're meeting with Spencer, you don't want to be late. Have fun."

I rolled my eyes, then left, making my way down the train until I reached the second compartment. The door was closed, so after a moment, I knocked tentatively. The door slid open.

"Phoenix, come in, come in!"

I stepped inside, looking around a little surprised. This was the size of two normal compartments. The seats looked plush, rather than stiff, and the girls inside were wearing elegant, designer robes. Spencer sat directly across from the door, her long brown hair pulled up into a high ponytail. Her robes were silk and the prefects badge pinned over her chest gleamed almost as brightly as her smile. Merlin, I hated girls like this, the perfect ones. She looked less like a student and more like a model from the Teen Witch Weekly Back to Hogwarts spread. Actually, she was a model in the spread, so there you go.

"This used to be a prefects compartment but they gave it to me," she said, clearly noticing my gaze. "Come, sit." She gestured to the seat to her right and I sat, primly crossing my legs and wishing I had worn something other than a black skirt and blood-red tights. At least I was wearing a red silk top Walburga had ordered for me (how in Merlin's name did she even order things? She was dead!) and not the t-shirt I had originally intended on wearing. I'm sure Spencer wouldn't appreciate the crude 'My Favorite Broomstick is Your Brother' slogan. "I'm sure you're wondering why I invited you here."

"Er, kind of," I said, looking at the other girls. It was clear that this wasn't my usual crowd. Sure, I was a pureblood and sure, I had a lot of money, but the money was new and it didn't change who I was. I was raised a Weasley and I was damn proud of it. These girls were raised by house elves and servants. We were worlds apart.

"Well, I'm sure you were wondering what you would need a Pureblood Society textbook for." She waited for an answer and I nodded. "You've been enrolled in a special class."

I frowned. "What class is that?"

Spencer laughed. "Oh, don't worry Phoenix, there aren't any tests. We simply get together every Thursday for lunch and talk about various current events that effect us." I continued to frown, not really sure what kind of class this was. Spencer must have been a Legillimens or something because she continued. "It's not really a class, per say. It's a special group for select, privileged students. The ministry is aware of the members of the group and they approve whole heartedly. Charmed Society has many famous alumni including former Minster of Magic Callista Runate, Holyhead Harpies seeker and captain Rachel Raine and Witch Weekly gossip columnist Ilustria Rowle. Oh, and my mother of course." Spencer smiled proudly.

"And you want me in it?" I asked, brows furrowed. Why would they want me?

"Why, you're the daughter two powerful bloodlines, one of which is the most ancient and illustrious! You're a Black."

Translated, I had a lot of money. Figures. I nodded slowly, still not sure of what exactly this would entail.

"I know this is a lot to take in, we usually don't ask people to join so late in their Hogwarts careers but you were an exceptions, circumstances being what they are. Just join us in the courtyard Thursday at lunch and you could get a better feel for what exactly Charmed Society is. Alright?"

I nodded, and she turned to her friends and started talking. Clearly I was dismissed. I stood up and walked out of the compartment. Once the door slid shut behind me, I leaned against the wall. I was just invited into a gossip club for rich purebloods? What was this world coming too?

"Oi! Phoenix!" I looked down the hall to see Pansy waving from the door of her compartment. Holding back a groan, I waved back. "Come join us!"

"Er, actually Draco wanted me back in his compartment," I answered, hoping that excuse would work.

She tried to cover her frown but wasn't very good at it. "Oh," she said stiffly. "Next time then."

"Maybe," I said, before slipping back into number five. "Ugh."

Draco and Blaise looked up from their chess game. "Problem?" Draco said, clearly amused.

"I ran into Pansy."

Blaise held his hand up. "Say no more. The girl is a complete troll. Has she no class?"

"Doubtful," Draco said, moving his rook. "Check."

Blaise frowned at him, and I looked around the compartment. Crabbe and Goyle were sitting across from Draco and Blaise, playing a game of exploding snap. Theodore Nott sat next to Crabbe, reading a book about Quidditch. Sighing, I took the only open seat next to Draco. He smirked at me, before returning to his game.

"Hold on a minute," I said, looking at Draco. "You and Spencer are both prefects, and yet neither of you went to the meeting. Why is that?"

"Why do you assume I didn't go to the meeting?" He asked, eyebrows raised.

"Did you?"

"No."

"That's probably why."

He turned back to his game. "Why do the work when someone else can do it for me?"

I rolled my eyes and pulled the Pureblood Society textbook out of my bag.

"Good choice," Nott said, nodding at the cover. I shrugged, flipping through the pages. Seemed like a load of self-righteous pureblood propaganda. Figures. We sat like this, pursuing separate activities, until lunch time came and the trolley stopped by.

"Anything off the trolley?" The witch asked. We stood up and got our things, but when I went to pay for my things, another hand beat me to it. Surprisingly, it was Blaise. When I protested, he simply shook his head. Confused, I went back into the compartment.

"Thank you Blaise," I said when he came back in.

"You're one of us now."

"And then I guess I fell asleep after lunch because the next thing I knew, I was waking up and Draco had his arm around my shoulders and I was all cuddled up next to him." I shook my head, angry at myself. "So that's my summer. I'm going to bet yours were better."

Katie and Isabelle were staring at me, mouths wide open and I sighed. Even with all of the Order stuff cut out, my summer had still been a little crazy, to say the least. Maybe I should have written them more... then they wouldn't be so shocked now.

In addition to being my dormmates, Katie and Izzy were my best mates. While all of us played Quidditch, Katie was the most hardcore about it. She was good too, she was very likely to go professional after graduation. She was tough, having been brought up by her muggle police officer dad and Ministry lawyer mum, and didn't take crap from anybody. She'd be the first to jump into a fight if one of us was in danger and she had a weird... thing with Seamus Finnigan, the boy who's been in love with her since his first year.

Izzy was a Quidditch girl too, but only out of family obligation. Her dad worked in the Department of Magical Games & Sports, her mum was a Quidditch reporter for the Daily Prophet, and her older brother was Oliver Wood, Gryffindor's former Quidditch captain and one of the best keepers in the last 20 years. Izzy though, would much rather off the pitch. She was an amazing photographer and an even better actress. She really wanted to go to the Wizarding Academy for Drama Arts but still hadn't figured out how to tell her parents.

Both of them were gorgeous, hilarious individuals and loyal 'til the very end. I was lucky I had them, they kept me sane. They understand that I kept a lot of my thoughts to myself, that I could be a major bitch, and that I had no sodding clue what I wanted to do with my life.

Izzy was the first to come back to normal. "Oh, well, Mum and Dad took me to Isle of Skye to see Oliver. You know he was traded to the Prides, right? He's been over the moon. He and that McCormack girl have hit it off pretty well. Guess I have to give up on the Phoenix Wood project then?"

Katie snorted. "I highly doubt she's going to be marrying your brother when she's betrothed to Draco Malfoy," she said the last part like someone would say dragon dung. I rolled my eyes. "Why are you even considering it?"

I sighed. Obviously I couldn't tell them about the Order, so it was hard to explain. "I told you, I can't really say. Just trust me, alright?" Katie rolled her eyes and I stuck my tongue out. "We could talk about your ongoing romance with Seamus Finnigan if you'd rather?"

"I am not dating Seamus Finnigan!" She hissed. "Stop saying that or he'll hear you."

"What, you think it'll give him ideas?" I asked.

Izzy snorted. "I think he's already got ideas, Katie. You know, I could have sworn I heard him discussing your children with Dean when I passed him on the platform."

Katie groaned, her head in her hands. "I honestly have no idea why he's pursuing this so hard."

"You're telling me," Izzy laughed, stretching her legs out onto the seat. "You're an absolute nutter. The boy has a thing for loony birds." She yanked her leg away as Katie started smacking her and I laughed.

"We should give them a cute couple name," I suggested to Iz. Her eyes lit up mischievously and Katie glared.

"Don't you dare!"

"What about SeaKat?" Izzy suggested, ignoring the fuming blond.

"Shay-cat? No..." I thought for a moment. "What about Katmus?"

"Like cat-mouse? Sounds purr-fect," Izzy giggled. Katie growled and dove at us, and we shrieked, trying to get away from her.