Chapter 73: The Frog Princess

It was a cloudy day at Godric's Hollow and Lucy had spent it inside the house, in Zoey's second Nursery, the first being the one in the Noble House of Black. Sirius was out at work with James while Remus and Natalie went to their usual Lunch date, their little tradition of friendship (Natalie's words). Lily was at her own house, cleaning or reading… doing what not that Lucy didn't care to ask while the new mother herself was cooped up in the same room as a sleeping baby, sewing materials at her side. To her right was the sewing kit, several threads of different colors scattered about while the different needle sizes were spilled at the bottom of the box, the pin cushion was to her left, several pins decorating the plush tomato and the thimble was inside the kit as well. In Lucy's hands was a needle with black thread and a black puppy plush toy lie in front of her, it's stuffing sticking out of its neck.

"How in the world did I get this thread through this hole in the first place?" Lucy muttered to herself, squinting at her needle. She was just about to begin sewing when the thread decided to detach itself from the needle, making Lucy thread the needle once more; it was a tedious muggle thing that was quickly getting on her nerves.

Lucy sighed in defeat and licked the end of the thread, making the split ends stick together before attempting to put it through the small hole once more. She tried once… twice… five times before she placed the needle in the pincushion and rubbed her eyes. She was going to go blind if she kept doing that. She then took a pair of scissors and snipped the end of the thread before picking up the needle once more. She was going to try it again.

After several more tries and several more licks at the end of the string and snips as well and when the floor was decorated with different lengths of decapitated thread, Lucy got the string in the itsy bitsy hole. She made a silent cheer, not wanting to wake up Zoey. She then made a knot at the end of the string and brought the puppy closer to her, pushing the stuffing back in. She began to sew. Several times, she thought she had gotten it right but only to find out she either made it crooked, wasn't satisfied or ended up sewing it to her skirt.

Either way, she wasn't making much progress.

Before Lucy could do another fail in sewing, there was a soft pop from outside the nursery and the door opened revealing her husband. His cheeks were slightly red from laughing and there was also a grin on his face. He looked at the crib, seeing Zoey and looked down to see his wife on the floor, a mess surrounding her. He raised an amused eyebrow at her.

"Not a single – oww!" Lucy hissed; she had pricked her finger. Sirius gave a chuckle and sat on the floor, joining his wife. He took the puppy away from her, looking at its torn up neck and took the needle and thread as well, piercing the pincushion.

"What exactly are you doing, Luce?" Sirius asked, placing the wrecked doll in front of him. Lucy simply sucked at her injured finger.

"I wafh fifing Voey's dole," Lucy said in a hushed tone, her finger still in her mouth.

"Fifing Voey's dole," Sirius repeated, "Why didn't you just use magic?"

Lucy took her finger out of her mouth and wiped it on her skirt. "I can't always depend on magic"

"Tell that to my bite sized shirt you washed the other day," Sirius laughed before summoning the sewing kit. Lucy glared at him and called him lazy.

The Black then rummaged through the kit before pulling out the thimble, he placed the kit down and brought Lucy's hand closer to him, placing the thimble on one of her fingers. "There, isn't that suppose to help?"

Lucy gave him a look. "How the bloody hell did you know that?" she asked him, brows raised, "Is there something you're not telling me, Sirius? Come on, I don't judge"

Sirius gave a dry laugh and rolled his eyes at his wife. "I heard Lily telling Prongs about it. You're not the only one trying to do things the muggle way," he paused, "You should just stick to magic. You're horrible at muggle stuff"

"I am your wife! You should be supporting me when it comes to my odd interest to do things without magic!" Lucy told him, bringing the doll closer to her and taking the needle and thread in her hand, the thimble still on her finger.

"I'm just telling you the truth," Sirius held his hands up in defense, "Where did you get the sewing kit anyway?"

"Lily," Lucy replied as she began to sew the puppy's neck once more.

"And you didn't ask her to teach you how to sew while you were there?"

"I know how to sew!" Lucy looked back at him and pricked her finger again, "This thing doesn't work!" She threw the thimble back inside the kit.

Sirius raised a brow at her and took the puppy away. The minute he took it into his hands, his wife's skirt rose a bit. Lucy, who noticed the rising of her skirt, blushed and quickly held it down, causing the doll to slam into the floor as well, away from Sirius' hands. "You know how to sew, huh?" Sirius held back a laugh, "Tell me, why is it attached to your skirt?"

"So I won't lose it," Lucy replied coolly, picking up the scissors and began detaching the pup.

"I see," Sirius finally let out a laugh, "Luce, just use magic"

"No!"

"Why not?"

"Because…" she blushed and then said in a small voice, "Because I lost my wand"

"You lost your wand?" Sirius laughed harder, though tried to turn down the volume of his laughter so he wouldn't wake up his snoozing child.

Lucy glared at him. "Well, I'm sorry I'm not that good at keeping track of that magical stick! It's not like it's suppose to be with me everywhere I go"

"It is, actually," Sirius' grinned at his blushing wife, "Tell me, did you lend your wand to Natalie?"

"What makes you ask that?"

"Because losing your wand sounds like something Nat would do, not you," Sirius pointing out, picking up his wand once more and waving it at the doll, fixing it's neck. He then stood up, the doll in his hands, and walked over to Zoey's crib, placing the dog beside her. He watched as his daughter turned in her bed and hugged the doll, a small smile on her face. He then turned back to watch his wife clean up her mess, a pout on her lips.

"Come on, Luce, everyone goes through that stage," Sirius said, helping his wife clean up.

"What stage?" Lucy didn't look at him

"Lending Natalie their wand stage," Sirius answered, "Everyone's been through it. Even Remus"

Lucy didn't say anything; she was fixing the needles inside the sewing kit.

"I'm sure it's just lying around somewhere," Sirius paused, "Why are you still grumpy?"

"You… you…" Lucy's blushed a deep red, "You didn't say hello when you came home"

Sirius looked at his wife for a while before letting out a soft chuckle. He tilted her head up to look at him and brushed the hair away from her forehead, which he kissed.

"I'm home," he said in a quiet voice.

"Welcome back," Lucy breathed out.

A few days passed since Harry's Trial and during those days, several events had happened to those staying in 12 Grimmauld Place. One of those many events was the receiving of the, those who were still in school, Hogwarts Letter. Sure, it wasn't that much of a big deal seeing as it was just a list of school materials Zoey and the rest would be needing for the school year but three letters belonging to three specific people came with a small, or big in other peoples point of view, surprise. In Hermione and Ron's letter, a small badge with a letter 'P' on it fell out and from reading an extra note in their letter, the two Gryffindor's found out that they were the new Gryffindor Prefects. Hermione was shocked yet happy while Mrs. Weasley was delighted at the news saying that Ron being Prefect was now 'every body in the family' (and what she meant by that was everybody in the family had now gone through the 'Prefect stage' in their Hogwarts life).

Fred and George objected asking what they were to her, seeing as they were not Prefects, but Mrs. Weasley ignored them, gushing over Ron.

The third person that got a little surprise with their Hogwarts Letter was none other than Echo Beaumont who found a badge with the letters 'HG' on it. Echo was the new Head Girl. The Veela was shocked and then angered when the twins began to mock her and returned to gawking at the badge after she taught them, the twins, a little 'lesson' when it came to messing with her.

After that little surprise it was Mrs. Weasley's turn to have something happen to her…only it was more of a terrifying shock than a surprise. One night, the Weasley mother decided to head upstairs and take care of the nasty Boggart in one of the desk drawers saying she could handle it on her own. Everyone thought she could, she was a tough woman but when they heard a scream from upstairs, everyone rushed to her aid. When they finally reached her, Zoey, and everyone else, came to a shocked halt when they saw one of the Weasley kids dead on the floor. Mrs. Weasley would say 'Riddikulus' but it just didn't work, the Boggart would change into another Weasley, a dead one. Ron, Bill, Mr. Weasley, Fred, George, Percy and even Harry would be found dead, crumpled on the floor.

It was simply terrifying.

Remus was the one who banished the Boggart.

All seemed well after Mrs. Weasley got control over her sobs but just the image of all of them dead haunted Zoey. She never thought about it before, everyone dying. A war was coming and people were going to die, some already have, but Zoey was lost in her happy bubble, being with friends and reunited with her father, she thought all was well.

Until she got a reality check.

The next day was the day everyone, who were still studying, left for school. Zoey got up extra early just to repack everything. Yes, she was living out of her suitcase but that didn't stop the girl from tossing her things here and there. She had to find all of them by hand, even though she could have used a Summoning Charm. The morning went normally, or as normal as it can get when Mrs. Weasley was hurrying everyone to get ready, saying that they were going to be late. One thing led to another and before anyone knew it, Mrs. Weasley's yelling was mixed with Mrs. Black's screeches.

Zoey helped Ginny up from the floor after she had toppled down the stairs because of Fred and George's luggage.

After that, when everyone was organized and ready to leave, Sirius came out in his Animagus form. At first Mrs. Weasley told him to go back inside but later allowed him to come along saying it will be his problem if he were to get caught. Everyone made it to the train station in time and said their good byes before boarding the train. Hermione, Ron and Echo went to the prefect carriage to have a meeting about patrolling schedules and what not while the Twins disappeared to their right along with Bridgit. Harry went off to find a compartment with Ginny, they met Neville and a new friend by doing so while Zoey was dragged away by Jane.

The friends were separated.

Not a bad thing though.

Zoey jerked awake when the Hogwarts' Express passed a small bump on the rail. She blinked the sleep away and looked out the window for a moment. It looked as if they had just left the train station thirty minutes ago, which was probably true. The Emeraude let out a groan. Echo was out of the compartment doing her Head Girl duties while Bridgit and the twins, from what Zoey guessed, were out, pranking seeing as it has been a while since they pulled a good prank on some unsuspecting Slytherins. Zoey pushed her glasses up her head and rubbed her eyes. She was still half asleep.

"Do you always sleep on the train?" came a voice from the other side of the compartment. Zoey pulled her glasses back to her eyes and looked over to see a girl with chestnut brown hair that reached her shoulders, blue eyes, firm cheekbones and thin lips. She smiled at Zoey. This girl was none other than Zoey's fellow Hufflepuff, Jane Chatsworth.

"I used to," Zoey replied, "But I stopped for a while because I usually have night – cramps. I get cramps. My legs sleep and all"

"Ah, I hate it when that happens," came another voice. Zoey looked over to the boy sitting across from Jane. He smiled up at her with his pearly whites; he looked like he could advertise toothpaste. Zoey smiled at him. He had strawberry blonde hair that was generally messy, almond eyes and red cheeks. He wore his Ravenclaw badge proudly on his chest. He was one of those people who dressed early.

This boy was Aiden Durham, a Ravenclaw Muggle – born. Also Jane's boyfriend.

"You get all tingly at your lower half and you feel like you can't walk without stopping because of the pain," Jane looked over to Aiden.

"And it sucks when you were sitting down on the floor and no one's there to help you up," Aiden looked at her, "And the kind of pain you feel isn't really painful but more uncomfortable"

Jane nodded her head. "True… Hey, that reminds of the time when I fell asleep in the field and woke up to find out it was already late out and no one was around. I had to crawl my way back to the castle"

"Your legs hurt that much?"

"I couldn't lift them," Jane laughed and soon Aiden joined in.

Zoey moved her lips into a laugh but nothing really came out. She inched further away from the couple when their conversation drifted off to another topic. She suddenly felt like a third wheel in the compartment. Sure, she was a good friend with the couple, but one can never feel comfortable, they would just feel awkward, when in the same room as them. They weren't the lovey – dovey type. No, they acted like friends but when you look at them, even from just one glance, you could tell they had something more. Like they struggled to get where they were now. It was just like that. Zoey looked away from them. They weren't doing any couple actions like hugging or holding hands but she felt rude to listen or even join in with the conversation.

Jane and Aiden were simply too cute. Too couple – y. She didn't want to intrude.

This was just too weird for her.

Did other people feel this awkward when they were in the same room as she and Fred?

They didn't appear that couple – y, did they?

Before Zoey could wonder further on the matter, something from outside their compartment caught her eye. Something was thrown at the glass of their door and slowly slid down, leaving a thick slime. It was a frog. Zoey made a face and saw several frogs hop by them; they were incredibly high hoppers.

"What made that?" Aiden asked pointing at the slime decorating their window, he had not seen the frogs.

"Aren't those your friends, Zoey?" Jane then asked when the Weasley twins and Bridgit ran by their compartment, laughing.

"What did they do?" Zoey asked as Aiden stood up from his chair, opening the compartment door. He made a yell of surprise and Jane quickly stood up at the sight. The green frogs that were all running, hopping, away from something decorated the entire hall's floor. Aiden looked back at the girls and walked out of the compartment, stepping around the frogs. Zoey and Jane followed. They often let out screams of shock whenever a frog bumped into their leg but quickly let it go. Their main priority was to find out what the pranksters did and not to step on any of the frogs.

That would have been messy.

The trio traced the frogs back into another compartment. Its door was wide open and dozens of frogs kept pouring out. They looked into the compartment and saw several Slytherins, one of them being Draco Malfoy, seemingly glued to their seats with frogs on their laps and heads. A pug-faced girl was screaming for the frog on her head to get off.

"Mudblood," Draco turned to Aiden, a glare in his eyes, "Do something useful and get rid of these disgusting creatures."

"Like hell he'll listen to you when you call him that," Jane rolled her eyes, taking hold of Aiden's hand.

"Why don't you just do something useful, Blood traitor," Draco turned to Jane, "and get that Mudblood boyfriend of yours to get rid of these so I can give those Weasley brats a piece of my mind"

"I rather not," Jane glared

"If you give them a piece of your mind, you won't have much left and that would be a shame," Aiden rolled his eyes and pocketed his other hand.

"Shut up and just get this thing off!" the pug –faced girl, also known as Pansy Parkinson, screamed shaking her head. "Get it off! Get it off!"

Jane stuck her tongue out at the girl and faced Aiden. "Let's go look for the trolley lady," she said to him with a smile, "I suddenly got a craving for Chocolate Frogs"

"Give me the card when you're done, alright?" Aiden smiled at her before leading her away from the Slytherins.

"You're such a nerd. Collecting them all," Jane laughed and with that they were out of both eye and earshot.

Zoey shook her head at the pair before looking back into the compartment. The Slytherins didn't seem to take notice in her and she was glad. Carefully, she inched her way away from them and walked the opposite direction, avoiding the frogs and looking for Bridgit and the twins. During her search, she wondered where all the prefects were… Where Echo was. She was the Head Girl wasn't she? Or did she not care about what the twins and Bridgit had done? Maybe she was just sitting in one of the empty compartments, a pocket book in her hands, ignoring the noise the students and the train were making.

That sounded like something Echo would do.

When Zoey finally reached the compartment the twins and Bridgit were in, she saw them laughing their guts out, clutching their sides and just… laughing. Zoey raised her brow at Fred's head, which had a frog on top of it. She watched as the frog croaked and jump to George's head and then to Bridgit before landing back on Fred. She hoped they weren't going to keep it. The Hufflepuff gave a sigh, avoiding another frog on the floor, before opening the door, making the trio look over to her. She then let out a surprised scream when the frog on Fred's head jumped at her. She stumbled a bit and fell back, hoping she didn't land on any innocent frogs.

That would have been disgusting

And Cruel

Animal abuse.

She really hoped she didn't.

"Whoa there, Zee!" Bridgit said, standing up and looking down at her. "Are you alright?" She asked.

"Yeah, Zoey, don't land on the frogs!" George now called out, "We still have to return them!"

"We can't return them, George! They've touched Slytherin scum," Bridgit said shaking her head. "Do you need help getting up?" Bridgit asked, the still fallen Zoey, holding out her hand.

The Emeraude shook her head at the two and sat up. "Please tell me I didn't land on one of them," Zoey said, cringing at the thought. The frog attacker in her hand, she accepted Bridgit's help.

"Nope, I don't think so." Bridgit answered, looking around.

"I hope not," Zoey looked back at the floor she landed on, it was now covered with the frogs. Why were there so many?

"No, wait, over there! I think she landed on one." Fred now said, making Zoey look around with panicked eyes. "Kidding" He said, earning himself a glare.

"Better watch it Fred, or you might lose the only girl that will ever like you," George said, whacking his brother on the shoulder. Bridgit shook her head and got Zoey into the compartment. She closed the door and sat down.

"Zoey won't leave me because of a joke!" Fred retorted, looking at Zoey. "Right?" He asked, directing the question at her.

Zoey didn't reply to him, she simply smiled before looking over to George and holding out the frog. George looked at her oddly and took the frog away from her. "Maybe you should show Echo Bob the Frog before you have to return him," she told him

"Bob?" Bridgit asked, looking at her friend. "I was sure his name was Draco...oh wait that's the Slytherin stuck in his seat," Bridgit added, releasing a laugh.

"He needs a name," Zoey smiled at the Ravenclaw, "A proper name"

"Okay then, let me think...how about Fred?" She said, earning herself a whack from the Weasley.

"Oi! I don't look like a frog!" Fred defended, glaring at Bridgit.

"Yep," George stood up and studied the frog, "He does look like a Fred. Fred the Frog," he approached the door, "Maybe I should show him to Echo. Bet she'll laugh"

"We have the same face idiot!" Fred said, turning to his twin.

"No, I'm the better looking twin and this frog is ugly so he looks like you," George said with a grin before walking out of the compartment to look for Echo. He closed the door in time to avoid being hit with a muggle super bouncy ball Fred had with him.

Zoey watched the ball bounce around the room, hitting walls and windows, before finally slowing down and rolling under the chair, soon to be forgotten.

"You gotta admit Fred, the frog did look like you," Bridgit urged on, smirking as Fred glared at her.

"Oh yeah? Well I'm pretty sure that there's an animal that looks like you too!" Fred said, running out of comebacks, "And I'll pity that animal for as long as I live."

"Yes, Fred. There is an animal that looks like me," Bridgit said, and as if on cue Shinji came out of her pocket and barked. "Puppies," She continued, Fred rolling his eyes.

"Getting off of the topic of the Fred look a like that is not George," Zoey continued, ignoring the verbal fight Bridgit and Fred were having, "What is up with the frogs?"

"Ah that was a revenge for Malfoy!" Bridgit answered, petting Shinji and facing Zoey.

"What did he do?" Zoey tilted her head to the side.

"He messed with my dog!" Bridgit answered, Shinji growling as he sensed his owner's anger. "Well that's mine, Fred and George have their own."

"You gotta admit Bridgit, that dog of yours is a bit annoying." Fred said; using the tone that Bridgit had used while she compared him to a Frog.

"Shut it Fred," Bridgit said, Shinji jumping on to Fred's lap and biting his index finger.

"Ouch!" He shouted, sucking the blood that was leaking out. "Bloody animal!"

Shinji jumped back on to Bridgit's lap, and she patted his head with a smile.

"That's disgusting," Zoey looked over at Fred. She took Fred's hand in hers and studied the bite. It wasn't too serious and it didn't look infected, even with the dog saliva. The chances of Fred getting rabies were possible but unlikely. Shinji was a clean dog. When Zoey told this to Fred, he simply grinned at her and pecked her on the forehead. Zoey didn't really know why.

"Oh! Zee! Don't spoil the lover boy!" Bridgit shouted, wanting to vomit at the display of attention. She was never one for PDA.

Zoey looked over to her friend, her hand still in Fred's, and remembered the feeling she got when she was with Aiden and Jane. Did Bridgit feel the same? Zoey licked her lips. "Bridgit… do you feel awkward right now?" she asked.

"Well...of course I do," Bridgit answered, now feeding her little dog. "I hate public displays of affection, so don't take it personally. I even hate it on Echo and George" She continued, shuddering at the thought of Echo and George now snogging in another compartment.

"Do you feel like a third wheel when you're with us?" Zoey then asked, not minding Fred's confused look at the conversation being held right before him, "Also with Echo and George?"

"Uhm...well...sometimes … of course … sort of," Bridgit answered, facing her friend. "Because it's like you're both in your own world, and it's hard to intrude you know?" She tried to explain on.

Zoey nodded her head. Bridgit knew what it felt like. It was the same way Zoey felt when she was around Jane and Aiden. The next question that formed in Zoey's mind made her blush and she contemplated whether she should really ask it. The question was something that was completely unrelated to the things Zoey had witnessed with Jane and Aiden. She knew they did it but she never really saw them. But what if she did one day? Would Bridgit do what she, Zoey, would do?

"If I kissed Fred right here, right now, what would you do? How will you feel?" Zoey asked, furrowing her brows. It probably sounded inappropriate and Zoey only realized how wrong it sounded the moment the last word left her mouth. Her blush deepened and she released her hold on Fred's hand, who was looking at her with wide eyes. He was caught completely off guard.

"I won't feel jealous that's for sure!" Bridgit answered, trying to loosen the tension. It didn't work. "Well...I guess I would feel really awkward and probably leave to give you two a moment." She continued, looking back from Zoey to Fred.

"What's with the sudden questions, Zoe?" Fred asked, putting a hand on Zoey's shoulder.

Zoey looked over to him and her blush deepened. She quickly looked away. She still couldn't believe she asked such a question. She created a tension that not even a knife could cut through it. You could practically feel the awkwardness in the room. She took a breath. "N – no reason," Zoey stuttered out. She hasn't felt this shy with Fred since… since a very long time. The Hufflepuff looked over to the Ravenclaw. "What do you know about Aiden Durham?"

"Huh?" Bridgit asked, confused at Zoey's sudden topic change. "What?"

"Oh nothing," Zoey then smiled before standing up from her seat and taking hold of Fred's hand, bringing him out of the compartment, leaving a very confused Bridgit behind. She, Zoey, closed the door and brought Fred away from their original spot, avoiding the frogs as they went. As she went walked… speed – walked, her mind was filled with images of Jane and Aiden. How happy they looked together despite the hardships they went through just to be together. They were happy; they were in love. Through all the things that happened to the pair, they still stuck together till the end.

Were she and Fred like them?

They went through their share of problems and they were still friends, more than friends, now and from what Fred had said back in The Noble House of Black, he loves her but… was it going to last till the end?

Would they last?

The harder Zoey thought about it, the faster her pace became and she momentarily forgot that Fred was still with her, being dragged by the small girl.

"Zoe," Fred said, trying to get his girlfriend's attention. She wouldn't mind him though.

"Zoe," He called again, but he was ignored once again.

"ZOE! STOP!" Fred finally shouted, taking hole of Zoey's shoulder and turning her around. Finally, he was finally able to stare into her eyes.

"What?" Zoey asked; her brows rose as if she didn't know what was going on.

"Is there something wrong?" He asked, his tone caring and worried.

"Wrong? Nothing's wrong! Why would you think that?" Zoey looked away from him and focused her attention at one of the many frogs. Where did they get this many frogs?

Fred was getting annoyed now, but not for the reasons that you think. He was getting annoyed that this was happening again, that he was feeling helpless again. Why is it that she wouldn't let him in? Let him help her and comfort her? Why?

"Zoe..." Fred sighed, taking hold of her chin and making her face him. "Let me help"

"A – are you willing," the girl paused, she remembered the stories Jane told her about the Aiden and her and what they've been through. It was odd for Zoey to hear Jane talk about them, seeing as it was a really touchy subject, but when she got the entire picture, it was almost like a fairy tale. Could she and Fred be the same? "How… how long are you willing to wait for me?"

Jane had said Aiden loved her but knew he would not wait forever.

Was that true?

"What do you mean?" Fred asked, his hold still on her chin. Zoey was finally opening up; she wouldn't be alone anymore. He could finally help her.

Zoey blinked, removing his hold on her chin and held his hand. She might as well say it now. Who knows when she would get another opportunity like this? School always had a way with getting in her way. The girl took a deep breath and looked up at Fred. "I mean what I mean," she told him vaguely, "How long are you willing to wait for me?"

Fred wanted to answer her directly, but he was having a hard time finding a word summing up everything. He thought about saying forever, but that would be lying.

He took a breath and answered...

"Even if the earth freezes or burns, even if we lose this war, even if I'll have to be a slave to the Death Eaters and be torn away from you, I'll still be waiting for you Zoe."

Zoey's eyes widened at his words and her bottom lip quivered. He had such determination in his eyes, she had to look away; it was simply too much for her. She took a deep breath and bit her lip. Would he really be willing to wait? Wasn't she a hopeless case? She was filled with flaws, problems and other things that people didn't want to be dragged into. Then why… why was Fred still with her? Why were he and all her friends and love ones still willing to stick by her no matter how chaotic her life is?

"What if an evil witch comes and takes me away?" Zoey asked, "A place…far away?"

"Then I'll come after you," Fred answered, "Even if I had to die to get you back."

"Please… don't go that far," Zoey said, knowing her family… her aunt.

Before the Weasley could say another word, the sound of a compartment door opening interrupted him. Not to far away, Zoey's Hufflepuff friend came out with robes in her arms. She looked at the pair and sent Fred an apologetic look. "Hey Zoey!" Jane called out, "We're going to reach Hogwarts soon. You should change already. I have your robes with me!"

"I have to go," Zoey whispered to Fred, "You should probably get changed too"

"Zoe –" Fred held onto her hand, stopping her from leaving him. Zoey looked back at him, about to ask him to let her go so she could change but she didn't get the chance to because before she knew it, a pair of lips landed on her own.

The girl's eyes widened at the sudden action before her eyes fluttered close, returning the kiss. It wasn't long but it was meaningful. When the pair ended Zoey inhaled and bit her lip, a blush decorating her cheeks.

"I don't care what you think you are to me, but the truth is you're everything," Fred whispered, letting Zoey go so that she could go with her friend to change.

Zoey blinked several times, still in a daze, and her heart was leaping with a feeling Zoey was pretty sure was love (no matter how cheesy it sounded). She watched quietly as Fred turned around, bringing out his wand and making the frogs levitate from the ground and follow him back to his compartment, planning to pack them all up again. Zoey felt like if no one would bring her back to reality, she would be left standing there for who knows how long, luckily Jane shook her shoulder a bit.

"Come one, time to get changed," Jane said with a smile, taking Zoey's hand and bringing her to the bathroom in the train. Most students would change in their compartments but Aiden was in their compartment, sleeping. If he were to wake up with Zoey half dressed, that would be beyond awkward.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, right," Zoey stumbled a bit with her feet before following her friend.

"So… you and Fred, together now, huh?" Jane began, "He's sweet but rather cheesy"

Zoey rolled her eyes. "Aiden could get rather cheesy too," she paused, "You heard what he said?"

"Just the last part. Have no idea what you guys were discussing before then, " Jane told her, "And yeah, he can get pretty cheesy… but I like cheesy"

Zoey laughed at her friend before taking her robes away from her. The two walked in silence for a while before Zoey realized that her whole interrogation with Fred was because she was comparing their relationship with Jane's. Zoey blinked her eyes. She began to wonder why. Sure, they both have their share of problems but their situation as different and should never be compared. The Emeraude felt foolish. She bit her lip. Both pairs were different and Zoey knew that she and Fred would pull through.

"You are really a bad influence," Zoey suddenly said, making Jane turn to her.

"Huh?"

"You and Aiden and simply too much for me. I keep getting weird thoughts and just thinking about you too is giving me low self – couple – esteem," Zoey continued coolly before entering the bathroom, closing the door. "Before I know it, I'm going to ruin something"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Jane said through the door.

"Too much. Just too much. I'm being a dumb – dumb, comparing myself to you," Zoey said aloud so Jane would hear her, "We are completely different. I should be ashamed."

Jane raised her brow. "Are you going mental?"

Zoey opened the bathroom door, fully dressed. "Never again would I compare myself to you and Aiden. I have my own life and I should have known from the very start that it is exactly what I wanted. I need no fairy tail story, I'm going to make my own"

"Now you've lost me," Jane shook her head, "I think snogging with all the frogs around you did something to your brain. Come on, let's get you inside, you poor soul."


Zoey was petrified in her seat as she looked at the place where Dumbledore was standing. The hat's song had finished along with the Sorting and everyone had already eaten. Dumbledore was going to make his usual reminders and he was just about to say when the Quidditch tryouts would be held when a woman dressed in pink robes with a black bow in her head interrupted him with the clearing of her throat. At first, Zoey did not pay any mind to her seeing as she was most likely the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher but when the Emeraude scrutinized the woman, she realized who she was.

She was afraid. Zoey had met this woman before; in fact she, the pink woman, had tortured her with the permission of her dear Aunt Damiana. Spells and demonic quills were used against Zoey when she was younger, she thought the torture would have ended when the woman was assigned a higher position in the Ministry but today, Zoey knew she was wrong. Just seeing the pink lady, also known and Dolores Jane Umbridge, give a speech in front of the entire student body and hearing her throat-clearing cough made Zoey realize that she isn't free from the toad.

No, things might just get worse.

"This is the most boring sermon I've heard in years," Jane carefully whispered to Zoey who was still frozen with shock and fear, "I feel ashamed that I have the same name as her… her second name actually but I still feel dirty knowing it"

Jane had obviously tried to make Zoey laugh but Zoey found it hard to. She simply forced a smile at the girl before looking down at the table. What's going to happen this school year?

The next day, Zoey sat solemnly at the Hufflepuff table, not wanting to spend breakfast with Fred and the rest. She didn't want to spoil their happy moods. She picked at her food and heaved a sigh. She was back in school, saw the evil toad woman and just heard the details on the Hufflepuff tryouts.

Cedric didn't keep his promise but Zoey will.

The Hufflepuff was just about to eat a strawberry, Bridgit had convinced her to give it a second chance seeing as the Emeraude did not like them that much, when someone had interrupted her. Zoey dropped the food in shock before whirling around to see a tall skinny blond boy with an upturned nose.

He was in the same house as her.

"You're Zoey Emeraude, right?" the boy asked in a bored tone as if he had better things to do.

Zoey nodded.

"You going to tryout for the Beater position?" the boy then pulled out a piece of parchment from his pocket, rereading it.

"How did you –" Zoey began but was interrupted by the boy, who was named Zacharias Smith; he was in the same year as Harry. Zacharias held the piece of parchment in front of Zoey to read. Zoey's eyes widened to see the familiar penmanship of her long gone friend, Cedric. The Emeraude scanned the letter quickly before Zacharias stuffed it back into his pocket.

"Cedric gave this to Professor Sprout last year and seeing as I'm the new Captain, she gave it to me," Zacharias told her, "She wished for me to give you a chance for Cedric's sake. "

"That's very ni –"

"Yeah, whatever, but listen here. I'm just doing this as a favor; I've seen you around, you're not exactly built for the position. You're more like a Chaser or maybe just a little cheerleader," Zacharias said coolly… rudely, "So, just show up, do your best and don't get killed during tryouts"

And with that, the rude Hufflepuff walked away to join his friends.

"What a rude little booger," Jane said as she sat beside Zoey; "I heard everything on my way here. Wish I could just hex him"

Zoey gave a sigh and looked over to her friends. "Be nice," she told her.

"He wasn't," Jane countered before picking up the abandoned strawberry on Zoey's plate and eating it. Zoey raised her brow at her and Jane smiled at her sheepishly. "You were going to eat it?"

"Nope," Zoey answered, "I don't really like natural strawberries"

Jane laughed. "Weirdo," she said, "So was the little booger saying true? That you're going to tryout for the Beater position?"

"I promised Cedric I would," Zoey told the pureblood before picking up a banana from the fruit bowl and peeling it, "But… what if Zacharias was right? I'm not built for the Beater position. Maybe I should just be a cheerleader"

"Please, don't, I can't imagine you in a mini skirt, pompoms and pigtails yelling: 'Give me an H! Give me a U! Give me a –' you know, Hufflepuff is a very long word," Jane laughed again.

Zoey laughed too. "That's a stereotypical Muggle cheerleader and yes Hufflepuff is a long word," she then stood up from the table, leaving the banana skin on her plate, "I'm going to meet up with Bridgit, alright? I just saw her leave a few seconds ago"

"Why don't you catch up with Fred?" Jane batter her lashes, "He's your boyfriend. Give him some sugar"

"Haha, no. Besides, he's busy discussing something with George and Lee," Zoey looked over to the Gryffindor table, "I'll see you soon!"

"Bye!"

Zoey speed – walked out of the Great Hall and looked around, trying to find any signs of Bridgit. When she found none, she decided to go with her gut feeling. She took out a Sickle from her pocket and flipped it. Heads was 'go right' and tails was 'go left', if she dropped it, it was 'go straight'.

The coin fell to the floor.

The Emeraude picked the coin up and stuffed it into her pocket before walking straight ahead, looking around to find any signs of Bridgit, when she didn't, she decided to head to the library. Many things happen in the library and maybe Bridgit was there. Zoey picked up her pace and dashed to the Magical land of books. She jumped over an unsuspecting Slytherin who was tying his shoes during her sprint.

When Zoey finally reached her destination, she took a moment to catch her breath before opening the door and quietly walking in. She saw Madam Pince checking over some of the library books. The librarian gave her a look before going back to her work; Zoey hardly caused trouble in the library. Madame Pince knew that.

Zoey walked deeper into the library until she found Bridgit standing near a bookshelf, just about to get a very thick book when she caught sight of Zoey and greeted her.

"Hello there!" Bridgit greeted. "What brings you to the library this morning?"

"Well, what is there to do in a library?" Zoey smiled before picking up a random book from the shelf, "Just wanted to have a chat with the Frog Princess"

"Uhm...are you referring to yourself? Your boyfriend is a frog after all." Bridgit retorted, letting out a small laugh at the memory of yesterday's prank

"Touché," Zoey laughed as well before taking a seat, she then looked over to Bridgit. Why had she run after her? Was there something she wanted to talk to her about? Zoey did not know, lately she found herself talking… consulting in Bridgit more and more. Was it because Cedric was no longer there to help her? Was Bridgit the next person Zoey would turn to? The Emeraude didn't know. "Erm – Bridgit?" Zoey began awkwardly, "I…if I were to try out for Quidditch… what position would I most likely be in?"

"Hmm … judging by your figure and all, you would make a good Chaser, but you could also be a good Beater," Bridgit answered, "Why? You thinking of trying out for Hufflepuff's team?"

Zoey didn't answer her question. Instead, she asked her own. "Why would you think I'd be a good Beater?"

"Well, attitude wise it's because you defend your friends, but I also know you like hitting things," Bridgit then said, taking her bag from behind her and digging inside. A little bark was heard, but stopped when Bridgit took out her parchment, quill, and ink and closed her bag. "I seriously need to find Shinji a temporary home in this castle."

"Right," Zoey said, thinking about what Bridgit had said, she then looked over to Bridgit's bag. "A home? Where have you been keeping him all these years then?"

"Different places!" Bridgit said. "My bag, the common room, my pocket. I can't just place him where people can see, or girls will start petting, gawking, playing with him, all in all irritating him," She continued.

"I see," Zoey breathed out before thinking, "What about Hagrid's place? He likes animals…maybe when he comes back you can ask him?"

"Nah, as much as I like the half giant, I would be terrified knowing that Shinji would be in the midst of Fluffy the three headed dog," Bridgit answered. "So, what are you reading actually?"

"But Fluffy isn't still with him, is she? I thought it was Fang," Zoey then looked down at the book, "I have no idea."

"Hmm ... I'm still scared to leave Shinji there," Bridgit now said. "By the way, that toad lady in pink who's our new excuse of DADA teacher...she was the woman from the trial."

Zoey blinked at her friend. "Which one?"

"The woman who just kept on accusing Harry without a single piece of proof," Bridgit answered, rolling her eyes," I'd never thought I'd say this, but I would seriously pick Lockhart over her."

"Yeah… I don't like her either she –"

But Zoey never got to finish for a familiar throat-clearing cough was heard from behind the girl. Zoey felt her heart skip a beat and her hands shake with fear. She stiffly turned around to see a woman decked in pink staring down at her, a 'pleasant' smile on her face.

"My… my… Miss Emeraude, it's been a while since we've seen each other… hasn't it?" Umbridge's voice was like honey… very annoying honey.

Zoey opened her mouth to say something but found that her words were lodged in her throat. She coughed a bit in her hand before forcing a smile, her mouth twitched. "H – Hello, Professor," she began, "Funny seeing you here"

Bridgit sent Zoey a questioning look, but decided to leave the questions for later. "Do you need something toad – I mean Professor?" Bridgit asked, facing the woman. She cringed at the sight of all the pink.

Umbridge turned to Bridgit, ignoring her slip of tongue, and giggled. The giggle sent shivers down Zoey's spine. "I was just saying a pleasant Hello to Miss Emeraude, Miss Parker," Umbridge giggled one more, "You see, her aunt and I are good friends and I was just about to ask how she's doing"

"Aunt you say?" Bridgit asked, obviously getting an edge on her voice. "Sorry to inform you that she no longer lives with her aunt at the moment," Bridgit saw Umbridge's eyebrow twitch, a sign of annoyance, but still the smile would not leave her face.

"Is that so?" Umbridge began

Zoey quickly nudged Bridgit in the ribs before the Ravenclaw could get in any more trouble. Bridgit held the area where Zoey nudged her and gave her a questioning look; Zoey ignored it and instead continued to look over to Umbridge. "Aunt Damiana is doing fine," she said to her Professor, "She says she would enjoy another chat with you over a cup of tea soon"

"Oh, please ask her to send me the details by Owl," Umbridge giggled before turning around, "Good day to you both"

The two watched Umbridge walk away until she was just a mere pink dot before turning around. Zoey felt like she could finally breath again.

"So how do you know the pink hag?" Bridgit now asked, turning to her friend.

"She's a good friends of my Aunt," Zoey said, closing the book and returning it to the shelf, "I met her when I was bein – when I was younger"

"Being what?" Bridgit asked, catching Zoey's slip up. "And you do know that her being friends with your aunt immediately makes her a horrible person right?"

A memory flashed in Zoey's mind.

Her aunt raised her hand and slapped her, her nails making long red lines on her pale cheeks. Zoey felt tears well up in her eyes but she did not let them fall.

"You should learn your place," a high girlish voice that seemed to be flavored with poisoned honey said from behind her aunt. Zoey focused her eyes on the newest person in the room. Her aunt wore an evil smile on her lips as she stood up and turned around.

"Do-"

"Of course I know that but she's our professor and we have to be… nice," Zoey placed her hand behind her back, massaging her left hand and it's already faded scars, "We must learn our place"

"Place, shmace, did you forget all of our experiences with Lockhart?" Bridgit asked. "I have no problem sticking it to those stupid teachers who know nothing."

"She knows a lot," Zoey's hands were shaking, "She's in the ministry after all"

"I bet she's one of those corrupt ministry members." Bridgit said, slouching into her seat.

Zoey blinked. "We are her students and she is our professor. We must learn our place," she said in a monotone voice, "I better go"

"Alright, stay out of trouble," Bridgit said, not satisfied with her friend's answer. But she knew not to push.

"I always do," Zoey smiled in appreciation before walking out of the library.


AND CHAPTER END!

HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED IT :)

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ZOOMSKATER14 FOR HER AMAZING HELP

AND TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED AND THE LIKE, THANK YOU

I would also like to apologize for my typos in the previous chapter. I was tired and didn't have time to beta the story.

This, I beta - ed but I'm not sure if it's completely clean from all typos

Sorry in advance.

Dear, SMUSH04,

I hope this chapter answers the question I didn't answer :)

TAKA! Welcome back, glad to see your reviews again and thank you for the correction :D

lucky n drake .c7c7 = Thanks for the Band suggestion

OddSakura = Coincidences are awesome :))

Well,I guess that is all. I have nothing more to say except

I hope you enjoyed the chapter

Please tell me what you thought

Excuse my typos and the like (Even though I beta-ed it already)

Don't forget to review and the like

Stay tuned for the next chapter

And

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