Over the next few days I completely forgot about my little stalker and submersed myself in the new house.
I was given the task of decorating mine and Harry's room as he wasn't there. I was also in charge of the first floor hallway. I found quite a few photos in an old box of Sirius'. There was one of James, Remus and Sirius (Peter had been cut out), One of Harry, Sirius and Remus, one of Tonks and me; Tonks and Remus (It was the cutest picture in the world,) and one of a few order members that Harry, Ginny and I had jumped in.
I kind of had a thing for pictures. I was really sentimental like that. I spent hours looking through Sirius' collection. Even though I had no idea who half the people were, it was still interesting.
At the very beginning of the holidays, Collin had sent me some photos he had taken during Dumbledore's army last year. I had put them in frames and hung them around my room. My favourite by far was one of me, Fred and Ginny defacing a photo of Umbridge. That was placed on my desk.
I made a photo album with the other pictures and despite only being here a year, it was already half full.
The first week back was quite relaxed. That was until Dumbledore came to visit.
It was very late one afternoon; the day before Harry was to arrive. Remus, Sirius and I were on the brooms and they were teaching me how to play Quidditch.
"Guys, Professor Dumbledore's here," Tonks called from inside the house. I landed very roughly and went inside.
"Ah Alyssa, just the person I wanted to see," he said in a very kind and soft voice. "Is there anywhere we can go?"
I gestured toward the Living Room. We went in and sat on the plush leather couch.
"Now Alyssa I need your help," he said. "After the Departure of Professor Umbridge, Hogwarts is short of staff. I need your help in recruiting an old friend of mine."
Wait, why was I needed? Harry and Dumbledore could get Slughorn by themselves.
"Why do you need me?" I asked aloud. I sounded kind of rude, but I think Dumbledore knew I didn't mean it.
"Horace was being difficult anyway, but after the release of Sirius, he has become to trust me even less. He thinks I am trying to recruit him in the order so he can help look after 'Escaped Murders' as he put it."
I scoffed. Why the hell did everyone think Sirius was guilty? He had a trial, loads of people stood up for him! The public nowadays...
"So what's my job?" I asked Dumbledore. I had to help him since it was my fault that he was here. Another Saving Sirius Side Effect.
"Well, Lily Evans was one of Horace's favourite students. You and Lily have many similar traits."
"So I've been told," I muttered.
"You just need to be yourself, but less. And be very interested in Potions."
"Wait, Less?" What the hell did that mean? Was I supposed to go naked or something? Dumbledore sensed my confusion.
"I meant more reserved," he said. This whole thing seemed a bit rash, and unfair.
"Can't I just do my hair crazy and pretend to be that bitch of a mother?" I asked scathingly. Dumbledore stared at me blankly until I apologised for my swear.
"Will you help?" Dumbledore asked me, the twinkle returning to his eyes.
"Sure," I grinned.
Dumbledore took out his amazingly cool Elder Wand and tapped me on the head lightly. I thought he was performing a Disillusion Charm, but I did not feel the 'cracked egg' sensation. Dumbledore nodded toward the mirror on the wall. I walked over to it and gasped.
My brown hair was gone and was now a very reddish auburn color. I help up a strand and looked at it, checking it wasn't just the mirror.
"What is this?" I asked Dumbledore.
"It adds to the effect," He smiled kindly. "I think it will really affect Horace."
"This is really mean. Why not just dye my hair Rihanna Red?"
He smiled at me amused, not having a clue what I was talking about. I looked sadly at my long hair.
"If I'm going to do this, can you do me a favour?" He nodded. "Can you magically cut my hair please, I don't trust Tonks."
"Heard that!" she called from the Kitchen.
:-:
Half an hour later, my hair was in a long bob and we were standing outside Number Four Privet Drive.
I had goose bumps as we stood in the street. This was where the whole story began! I better not have a fit when I see the cupboard under the stairs. That would be very interesting to explain.
The door flung open to reveal a very fat man. Behind him stood a very fat boy, a very skinny woman and The Boy Who Lived.
"Harry!" I said excitedly, completely ignoring The Dursley's. I ran over and engulfed him in a hug.
"Your hair," he said, pulling back and inspecting it.
"Tony and Guy over there did it," I said, pointing to Dumbledore.
The Dursley's, who had been staring at Harry and I, looked at Dumbledore. He held his hand out to them.
"Albus Dumbledore, it is very nice to meet you." Mr and Mrs Dursley reluctantly shook his hand. "Any you must be Dudley."
Dudley looked quite frightened at being addressed by Dumbledore and hid behind his mother slightly. I laughed loudly, drawing attention to myself. They all stared at me expectantly.
"Oh right, Hi I'm Ally, I'm Harry's friend." I held my hand out to shake, which they all reluctantly did.
We stood in an awkward silence before Dumbledore suggested we went to sit down. I hung at the back of the little group with Harry so we could have a 20 second talk.
"How you doing, how's your scar?" he subconsciously looked down and smoothed his hair over it.
"Its ok, it's hurting more though. How are you guys?"
"We're all good. Sirius is trying to teach me how to play quidditch and Remus... Watches."
He always gave advice or pointers, but he didn't really have much of a clue and often just sat hovering on a broom. "I've really wanted you to come. Then we can have a match!"
"Wow, you're so kind," he said sarcastically. "You only want me for Quidditch."
"Well, there are other reasons," I said thoughtfully. "You are the boy who lived, The Chosen One and you have an entire vault full of dosh."
Harry laughed heartily.
"What?" Dudley asked. "Money?" what a greedy little git?
"I was joking. He's really poor. That is called irony," I said patronisingly. Harry laughed again. I had a feeling he was happy to have someone to gang up on Dudley with.
"Da-" Dudley began, but I pulled back my cardigan to show my wand shoved into my Jeans waistband.
"I wouldn't say anything if I were you," Harry said. Dudley gulped loudly and scurried into the living room. We followed him, resuming our conversation on quidditch.
"You better put me on the team," I said jokingly.
"Put you?" he asked confused. Oh crap. I'm guessing he didn't know he was Quidditch Captain yet.
"Yes, Harry you are Quidditch Captain this year. Congratulations," Dumbledore said kindly. I shot him an apologetic look which I don't think he saw.
"Seriously?" Harry asked excitedly. Dumbledore nodded. He enthusiastically hugged me as the Dursley watched, having no idea what we were talking about.
"And Ally, you are going to be prefect."
I froze. "What?"
"After going through the options, the staff and I feel you are the best option."
I stood flabbergasted while Harry tried not to laugh.
"I can't. I've been here for a year, it isn't fair on the other students," I said quickly. There had to be better options. Ok, the other Gryffindor girls were very selfish, not very studious and didn't really care. But they were way better suited than me.
"What about Ginny?" I asked.
"She was not right for the role. We feel this could help you, you are a good person."
"No, I'm not. I pushed Draco Malfoy down the stairs." It was true. He was picking on a first year, and the rage that he was my cousin suddenly came over me. He was in the hospital wing for two days.
"The decision's final," Dumbledore said, his eyes still twinkling.
I huffed loudly. I would not live this down. Sirius, the twins, Ginny, Tonks; they would all bully me.
"You know I'm going to give my badge to a first year." Dumbledore and Harry laughed.
"You think I'm joking," I muttered.
Mr Dursley cleared his throat making me Jump. I had completely forgotten he was there.
"So what is it you wanted to talk to you about Professor Dumbledore," He sneered.
"Well, as you know, Harry comes of age next year and -"
"No he doesn't," Aunt Petunia - I mean - Mrs Dursley butt in. "Harry is younger than Dudley and Dudley doesn't turn eighteen for another two years."
"In the Wizarding World, Seventeen is when you come of age." Mr Dursley muttered something under his breath, but Dumbledore ignored him. "As you probably know Lord Voldemort is again at large and when Harry leaves it is probably safe if you do too."
Mr Dudley scoffed. "Think you're going to pull a fast one? I see what you're doing here; you want our house."
It was Harry's turn to scoff. "Why would I want this place? My godfathers just brought a huge place in the country. And he has a house in London."
"You know house prices these days." We all ignore his ramblings.
"I think that is all," Dumbledore said, standing up. I think he could sense an argument forming. "I shall be in touch nearer the time."
I grabbed a bag of Harrys before grabbing Dumbledore's arm and apparating away.
We landed in a narrow country lane. Slughorn should be near.
"I'm sorry Harry, but we need to pay visit to an old colleague of mine."
"Professor?" I asked as we walked up the lane. "Is it ok if I take Apparation lessons next year? It's just that my birthdays on the first, so I could take the test before going to Hogwarts."
My official Seventeenth was over a year away, but I wanted to be prepared. Who knew if the Death Eaters taught apperation when they took over.
"I see no harm." He slowed down as we came to a house in ruin. "Wands out," he told us. "And remember Ally, less."
The house stunk. A mouldy breeze surrounded us as we entered. The furniture was overturned and broken and there was blood on the ceiling.
Everything was a wreck apart from a small blue chair in the corner. I loved that scene in the movie. I smiled at the memory.
Harry came beside me and stood at the chair.
"What do you think Alyssa?" Dumbledore asked me. He knew the answer, but he wanted to know that I knew. He probably also wanted to show Slughorn I was smart. Again, stupid plan.
"It's fake. There is no dark mark, the furniture cutting is too precise and the blood isn't real, it's dragon blood." I know that's what it says in the book, but I could tell on my own. Just from the smell I knew it was three days old and the Dragon ate a lot of red meat.
"And this chair..." Harry continued. He stared at in intently.
Dumbledore told us to step back and then prodded the chair with his wand.
Just like the film, Slughorn sprung up and deflated his huge arms by shaking them.
"I was obviously very careless," He told Dumbledore. "But you didn't give me enough time."
"It's nice to see you too Horace," Dumbledore smiled, shaking his hand. "And may I introduce two of my students: Alyssa Tonks and Harry Potter."
His eyes widened at the sight of us. "I see what you're doing here," Slughorn wagged his finger at Dumbledore. "But no, I'm not coming back."
Dumbledore shrugged innocently. "I know Horace, you've told me several times. I'm just here for an innocent visit. But first..."
He waved his wand and everything repaired itself. He smiled happily. "That was fun. Now where is the bathroom?"
"Up the stairs, first door at the top of the landing."
Dumbledore trotted upstairs grabbing a magazine on the way.
"So what subject did you teach Mr Slughorn?" I asked politely. Less, Reserved and Polite were running constantly through my head.
"I was the potions master and I was Head of Slytherin."
"I love potions," I lied. Harry gave me a sceptical look but I hushed him down.
"Are you any good?" Slughorn asked me, becoming more relaxed.
"I'm ok, I think I was top last year," I said modestly. It was a complete lie. I was somewhere hovering in the middle with the other average people, but he didn't need to know that yet.
"Your mother was very good at Potions," he told Harry.
"You knew my mother?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Yes, she was one of my best students. Bright, sweet, talented was Lily. A muggleborn."
"What's wrong with MuggleBorns? Ally -" he just managed to stop himself. "My best friends a muggleborn and she's the brightest in our year."
"I wasn't having a dig at muggleborns. I was just saying your mother was very bright and smart. She wasn't unlike your friend," he said looking at me pointedly. Probably trying to gain some brownie points.
"You have her eyes, but you look so much like your father." Harry smiled looking slightly bored. He pulled out his photo album and pulled it to a page on 'The Slug Club.' I sat beside him and had a look at the photos. There were loads of apparently famous people in there. I had no idea who they were, so I just nodded along with him.
"How come you won't teach again?" I asked boldly. "It seems like you loved it."
Slughorn became flustered and put his book away. "I - I don't want to be a part of this war. Or a member if that bird Order."
"Most of the teachers aren't," I pointed out. "It's a lot safer at Hogwarts too. Dumbledore's there."
"He's the only one Voldemorts afraid of," Harry continued.
Slughorn gasped. "You said his name."
"So," we both said simultaneously, shrugging.
"But if your Potions master, what happens to Snape?" Harry asked no one in particular.
"He becomes the defence teacher," I said slyly, knowing what his reaction would be. He didn't let me down.
"What? How can he become the defence teacher, the man's a -"
"Harry," I reprimanded. "Why do you constantly have it in for Snape. He's a good guy... deep down."
Slughorn looked as though he was about to faint with the wave of deja vu that hit him. It was a cheap shot, and I felt bad, but it had to be done.
Dumbledore finally decided to re-enter and said goodbye.
"Are you sure I can't change your mind?" Dumbledore asked.
"Fine!" Slughorn said in defeat. "But I want a bigger office and a pay rise. And I don't want to be in charge of detentions that don't concern me."
Dumbledore nodded. "See you September the First." He grabbed both of our hands and we appeared down the lane.
It was late, but the lights were still on in the house.
"I know you heard about The Slug Club. It's important that you let him 'collect' you, you too Alyssa. He may have some interesting things to say. Thank you for your help, but if you don't mind, I'd like a word with Harry."
"Ok, see you later." I hugged him around the middle. He seemed slightly surprised, but then returned it.
I gave a little wave goodbye before running up the steps and into the house.
:-:
The holidays past way too quickly for my liking. Most of the time was spent relaxing or playing qudditch. I had become quite good, if I say so myself. Sure I wasn't up to the standard of Ginny or Harry or the other Weasley's (who we had played a lot). But for someone who had only been playing for a few weeks, I was pretty dang alright.
Tonks and I had become quite closer. We were like the sisters we were pretending to be.
On rainy days, we would sit on the front porch and listen to the rain while she told me about Remus.
It was just like before. They loved each other, but he was against it. She was in bits and I suggested that she move out. But she was set against it.
"No, if I move out, I'll never see him," She said sadly.
"Do you want me to speak to him," I asked cracking my knuckles threateningly.
She finally laughed. "I'll be alright. There's not a lot I can do."
I hugged her sadly. I couldn't even imagine how she was feeling. Loving someone who would not acknowledge you. Tonks came across pretty tough, but she was hurting just as much as anyone else would.
The whole prefect fiasco became a running joke to my expense. I kept it to myself to begin with in a feeble hope that Dumbledore would change his mind. He didn't.
Our school lists arrived and a small red badge fell out of mine and Harry's envelopes.
"Harry, what's - Oh your Quidditch Captain that's great, just like your dad," Sirius said, patting his back fondly. He suddenly let out a high pitch scream. "What is that?" he asked, pointing to my little red badge which had been abandoned on the table.
"It's the 'beat me up badge," I mumbled. I suppose it wasn't too bad, for anyone who wasn't me.
"You're prefect?" Sirius asked, trying to hide a laugh. I nodded sadly. He couldn't hold it in and laughed loudly.
"What was Dumbledore thinking?"
"I don't think he was," I muttered. I was constantly teased for the rest of the day. The only person who stuck up for me was Remus. Although, he did take a few jibes. He was a prefect too! I didn't understand it.
But I would rather face 100 Sirius jokes that have to suffer Fred and George's reaction though.
As soon as they had arrived on Sunday night for our weekly qudditch session, Sirius ran outside and held up the red pin.
"Ally's Prefect," he laughed.
"Shut up," I whined coming out of the house.
"Oh Dear Alyssa, we thought you we cool," Fred said in mock sadness.
"I thought I was just your little sister's friend," I muttered darkly. I was still very sour about that day in Diagon Alley.
"Oh Al your more than that," George said loftily. "You're a perfect prefect."
I groaned loudly and shuffled inside.
Throughout our entire match they all made jibes. Sirius was happy he had some back up and turned his bullying up to a whole other notch. Every time someone made a tiny fault, they would stop the game to give me the opportunity to dock points.
The whole ribbing didn't stop for the entire holidays. Even when we arrived at Kings Cross on the First, they were still going on.
"Please stop," I begged. "Those jokes weren't even funny the first time."
"It's not nice being the target, is it?" Ron asked.
"Shut up you Perfect Prefect," I said waving him off. He pulled a face and stalked away.
"It's weird not going this year," George said looking sadly at the train. Finally they've changed the subject. Or not.
"Now don't have too much fun being a Prefect this year Alyssa Tonks," Fred shouted. The crowd stared to see what the hullabaloo was about. I flipped him off and then went to say goodbye to the nice people who didn't tease me.
As soon as I got on the train, I was hijacked by Seamus into an empty compartment.
"Hey," I said softly, pulling my hands around his neck.
"I missed you," he said. I nodded and rested by forehead on his.
I didn't miss him a lot. I went to visit him a few weeks ago and I met his family. They were incredible.
He brought his lips softly to mine, but as usual, the kiss became more heated.
He bit by lip slightly as he sucked in it and brought his hands slowly up my shirt. But when he started to undo buttons, I pulled away.
"Not on a train," I grinned, kissing his jaw line.
"Not in a broom closet, not on a train. What did I do to deserve such a classy girl?"
"Shut up." I kissed the tip of his nose and began to do my buttons up properly.
As we pulled our luggage down to a real compartment, we bumped into a bunch of hyper first years.
"Hey," I called to them. They stopped in fear. "What house do you want to be in?"
"Gr - Gryffindor," a small girl stammered. "It's where my dad was."
"That's good enough for me." I pulled The People Repeller from my pocket and gave it to the girl. "You are now prefect. Congratulations." The girl stared at the stupid pin with awe.
I pulled a laughing Seamus along and threw my bags into Dean, Ginny and Co.'s compartment.
"Look after my crap please," I asked them. That Vane girl was standing outside a compartment just a few blocks down. If I remembered right Harry would be in there and I kind of had to stick by him today. I needed to get The Slug Club invitation and Harry was the way to do that.
"...don't hang out with people like this," I heard her say.
"Vane," I called. She and her girly friends turned around. "Natasha, right."
"Romilda," she corrected looking slightly embarrassed.
"Wow, wasn't even close," I said. I didn't do that on purpose. I had genuinely forgotten her name. Oh well, she gives Ron a love potion and nearly kills him. She deserved it.
"Is she bothering you?" I asked them. Neville and Luna shrugged while Harry answered an honest 'yes.'
"So leave," I told them bitchily. If they were going to be complete cows, then so would I.
"Ok," she said in a small voice. "I'll see you around Harry," she purred in a terrible sexy voice. She winked at him before flouncing off with her giggling friends.
"Ally," Luna exclaimed, like she had just noticed I was there. "Happy Birthday."
"Thanks," i smiled.
Luna dug through her bag and pulled out a tatty green box.
"I brought it from Sweden," she said, handing me the box.
I opened it and gasped loudly. It was a small black flower that had curled up slightly; but it was still beautiful. It had been tied to a thin silver chain.
"Wow, thanks Luna this is amazing." I hugged her tightly. I was really surprised that she had brought me something relatively normal.
"It has a charm on it," she explained. "It repels Nargles, Giants, Vampires, Grindelows... Quite a lot of dark creatures." I strongly doubted that, but I thanked her all the same.
"I have something for you too. It's not as good as Luna's though." Neville handed me a thin rectangle wrapped in brown paper.
I tore it open to find a framed photo of me, Neville and Luna taken on the Quidditch stands. I had never even seen it before.
"I love it Nev," I said, hugging him too. I had left all of my photo's at home, so it would be nice to have one for my bedside table here.
A little third year boy came in and held out a note to Harry.
"Professor Slughorn would like to see Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom and Alyssa Tonks in Carriage C at 1pm."
The boy took the paper of Harry and scurried out.
"We still have half an hour," I said looking at my watch. "See you in a bit guys, i have some errands to run."
I found Seamus lurking around in to corridor and took his to the compartment we were in before.
:-:
"I'm so sorry I'm late Professor," I said running into his compartment. It was a lot bigger than the others, but still cramped.
Slughorn chuckled slightly. "No worries my dear, we were just talking about Cormac's uncle."
I nodded sweetly and then sat down next to Ginny.
"Your buttons are done up wrong," She said loudly.
"Do you want to say that any louder?" I whispered when half the carriage turned to look.
"Where's your badge?" Harry asked me. He was sitting between Neville and Ginny. Cormac was telling a very dull and long tale so we had to keep quiet.
"I gave it to a first year," I said simply. Neville snorted loudly.
"I thought you were joking," Harry said shaking his head.
"What was that Harry, m'boy?" Slughorn asked. It seemed that they all had gotten bored of Cormac and took to listening to our conversation.
"Nothing," Harry mumbled, but Ginny cut in.
"She gave her prefect badge to a first year," Ginny laughed. She really needed to learn to lower the tone.
"You're prefect?" Cormac asked sceptically.
"Apparently so," I muttered. Slughorn laughed heartily.
"Ho ho, you are very different from Lily in that sense. So tell me about yourself." What was there to tell? I had told him my dull life in the holidays.
"Well, I moved here last year from Salem. My mom and dad work a lot, so I live with Sirius, Remus Lupin, My sister and Harry. Well, kind of Harry," I grinned.
"Sirius Black?" Bellaby asked.
"Lupin the Professor?" a girl asked.
"The very people," I said sweetly, taking a sip of my drink. I kind of had to keep this act up until I had been 'collected.'
"And your sister she's an auror, isn't she?"
"Yeah, she the only qualified Auror in five years," I said with genuine pride in my voice.
"And what's it like living with Harry?" he asked, fondly patting him on the back.
"Terrible. Wild party's every night, fan girls frolicking about, is not good." I hope he knew I was joking. Thankfully he did and let out a loud barking laugh. "No but seriously, it's great. He's teaching me how to play Quidditch."
"And Harry your Quidditch Captain?"
"Yeah..."
I was glad the spot light was off me for a while. I used to love being centre of attention, but I think I've matured a bit. Hopefully.
We were just finishing off diner when a small tapping was heard on the window. I looked and saw Pigwidgon, Errol and Hedwig all holding up a broom. Well, Pig and Hedwig were. Errol seemed to be leaning on it for support. The poor guy looked like he was about to pass out.
They flew in and dumped the badly wrapped broom in my lap. I glared at Harry and Ginny.
"It better not be..." it was. The new Cleansweap Twelve shone up at me.
"I told you to return this," I scolded them. I didn't need a broom. It was just a complete waste of Money.
"We didn't," Ginny said. "And now you can't." She pointed to the neck were my name was engraved. Aylssa. Perfect Prefect.
"You spelt my name wrong," I said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
"That was Sirius," Harry said. "But we just kept it. It's off all of us. Even Dung put in a Galleon." I smiled slightly. "Don't get annoyed. Now you can try out for Qudditch."
"But - "
"No Arguments," Ginny warned.
I grinned. "Thank you."
The nice present had helped me to completely forget about the prefect thing. Up until after the feast.
"Ally," Colin called, he was the other Prefect. "We have to help the first years."
I stayed put. "I'm not a Prefect. Do I have a badge?"
Collin sighed and took out his wand. "Accio, Ally's Prefect Badge."
The stupid little pin rose up from a group of first years and flew into Collin's hand. He threw it at me.
"Just put it on," he said exasperated. I huffed loudly and decided to help him. It wasn't his fault that I had been made prefect. I would have to help him, and then beg Dumbledore again later.
Collin seemed to cheer up when he discovered I was willing to help and actually gave me a birthday present.
"It's off Oliver too. He supplied the book I had the pictures." They had given me a mini photo album filled with even more pictures.
Considering how much i normally hate it, This Birthday wasn't too shabby.
Hey guy's this is kind of a filler before the big one. I decided to leave out the qudditch and I'll just talk about it a bit at the beginning of the next one.
I don't know why, but my chapters are becoming much longer lately. I seem to be writing less, but there's more words.
I want to thank everyone for the reviews. We're at 99, just one more until its triple figures. I want to say thanks to DoctorRowanaRisska, 2featherbraids, FredAndGeorge'sAwesomeness, ChaygraceDaya (your reviews never fail to make me smile : ) Fruityloops156, Writer . of . the . gods, xXxFredWeasleyForeverxXx and People-Are-Crazy.
Next chapter should be up this weekend.
Thanks so much for reading, let me know what you think. ; )