Taking Chances and Making Changes
Authors Note - This story is an AU. It follows canon events up until the end of Prisoner and beginning of Goblet.
Disclaimer - I own nothing except my OC's. Everything else belongs to JK Rowling. Basically, if you recognise it from the books/films then it is not mine.
Hayley POV
Waking up I put my glasses on looking at my desk that was still covered by open textbooks and parchment paper covered in notes I remembered that it had been quite late when I had finally stopped studying and went to bed. Looking at my watch on the bedside table my eyes almost popped out my head."11: 30 how did I manage to sleep in so late" I thought to myself. Getting out of bed I get myself ready. Deciding that it is too late for breakfast now as it is nearing 12 o'clock anyways I go downstairs to get an early lunch.
Sitting down after ordering I turn my attention to the Daily Prophet sitting on the table. I sighed realising that the first half of the paper was about me. As I wait for my lunch I read the first article trying to suppress a groan of annoyance at the article's title.
Girl Who Lived ... In Hiding?
"The Girl Who Lived, Miss Hayley Liliana Potter is believed to have gone into hiding shortly after an attack on her home. The attack took place on Tuesday evening sometime around 19:45. No one appeared to have been injured in the attack due to the occupants being out for the evening. Miss Potter was also not there and no one in the wizarding world has seen her since returning home from her Third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Albus Dumbledore has gone on record saying that the school received a letter from Miss Potter the day of the attack regarding her elective choices but since then all attempts to contact her via letters has proven futile due to every attempt to send the girl a letter has resulted in the letters being unreceived. Mr Ronald Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger have also gone on record saying that they both received letters from Miss Potter yesterday. According to the letters, she is safe and well. The question is why won't she tell anybody where she is. Is she hiding because she is afraid that the people who orchestrated the attack will come after her once again, or is she up to something that she doesn't want the rest of the wizarding world to know about? I will leave that up to you to decide."
Putting the paper down as Tom brought my lunch over he gave me a sympathetic smile and a roll of his eyes as the ridiculous story. I pushed the paper away and began to eat.
Just as I was about to stand up and go up to my room I noticed Dumbledore and McGonagall come into the bar and walk over to Tom and from where I was sat I could hear what they were talking about.
"Professors what can I do for you," Tom asks politely despite having a good idea
"We are wanting to know if you have seen Miss Potter going to Diagon Alley during the past few days,"Dumbledore asks
"I saw her the day before the attack but I haven't seen her since then" Tom explains
"Did she say what she was doing or where she would be going afterwards?"Dumbledore asks again
"She said that she was going to do some shopping in the Alley. She had some lunch here and then left. I presumed she was going home" Tom tells them
Professor McGonagall nods."She was probably getting the books for her exams at the end of the summer"
"Sorry I can't be of any more help. I will keep an eye out for her though and if I see her I will make sure to let you know" Tom says.
They soon leave and Tom shoots me a relieved look. I quickly head back up to my room intending to spend most of the day there.
Spotting Hedwig waiting with two letters I untied them from her leg and sat down to read them. I opened Hermione's letter first.
"Hayley,
I'm glad that you are safe and well. I was so worried when Professor Dumbledore told us that the Dursley's house had been attacked and that you weren't responding to any letters. I don't know why you won't tell us where you are and I do think that you could at least inform the professors but I suppose that if you are going to such extremes to keep yourself hidden then it is for a good reason and I trust that you know what you are doing. On other notes, I have been staying at the Weasley's for the past few days and I will be staying there for the rest of the summer. Professor McGonagall told me that you are going to be taking the third year Arithmancy and Ancient Runes exam at the end of the summer as you decided to change electives. I wasn't sure how far along you would be in the textbooks so I sent you some of my notes from last year to help you. Mrs Weasley is really worried about you and is really stressed out with everything so it would probably be best to put a small note for her in one of the letters just to assure her that you are okay.
P.S If you have seen the Daily Prophet, I hope you're not too mad about Ron and me speaking to the reporter. Professor Dumbledore thought that it would be a good idea.
Please write more
Hermione"
I smile putting the letter down. "Of course, Hermione would tell me to talk to the professors but at least she said that she trusted that I knew what I was doing," I think to myself pulling out the large pile of notes and putting them aside to look through later.
I unfold Ron's letter hoping that he wouldn't be angry or upset.
"Hayley
I was surprised but happy when you wrote to say that you were okay. I'm kind of confused why you won't tell any of us where you are if nothing is wrong but Hermione explained that your worried about the professors sending you back to the Dursley's. If my only other option was the Dursley's then I would stay in hiding too. Mum and Professor Dumbledore are reading all of the letters that you send to Mione and me to see if they can gather anything about where you are but aren't checking the ones we send out. If you want to tell us anything that you really don't want anyone else to know Fred and George told me that they are going to Diagon Alley tomorrow at 2oclock outside the Quidditch Shop to meet up with Lee Jordan. They said to give them any letters containing information that you want to keep a secret and they will give it to me and Mione.
Ron"
I frowned at first thinking that it could be a trap but then I realised that the Twins aren't that and are probably thinking that this is a prank on everyone. Besides no one will be able to recognise me until I show them the parchment. "I suppose that it can't hurt,"I say to myself
I begin to write letters to both of them making sure to be very vague and generic in both of the letters. Following Hermione's advice, I add in a little note to Mrs Weaskey just to try and reassure her that I am okay. I send Hedwig off with the letters before writing out a letter for Hermione and Ron that I will give to the twins.
After putting that in my desk drawer I am about to do some more studying when I look at the ring that I have yet to put on. Thinking that Neville might have tried to get in touch using the ring rather than writing a letter I take it out of its box and put it on my ring smiling as it shrinks to fit perfectly.
Deciding to give it a try I think inside my head."Hey, Neville, can you hear me?"I say inside my head
"Hey Hayley I'm so glad you are okay, your letter was quite vague and then this morning I read about the attack on your relative's house"Neville responds sounding relieved
"I'm okay Neville I wasn't even there at the time of the attack. I got a letter warning me about it so I packed my things and left immediately"I explain
"That's such a relief. Thank you for the communication ring there really cool."He says changing the subject. "What made you decide to buy them"
"I saw them in Diagon Alley and thought that they would be quicker to use rather than having to constantly be sending letters back and forth. I didn't even think about this until now but it also means that I can talk to you about things that I don't want other people to know about in case they are trying to find out where I am through my letters" I tell him
"Yeah, that's a good idea. Professor Dumbledore came by yesterday to ask if you had been in touch at all. I was about to lie to him when my grandmother told him that you hadn't. I asked her why she lied for me and she said that she could tell that you were a sensible girl and that if you were in hiding it was for a good reason" Neville tells me. I feel myself smiling at the praise.
"Well tell her that I said thank you. Also, I have been in touch with Ron and Hermione and they have been supportive. I haven't told them much yet but Mrs Weasley is checking the letters that I send so I am meeting the twins tomorrow so they can give them a letter telling them what's going on"I say.
"That's a good idea. Why don't you see if you can get two more of the communication rings and send them with the twins? That way we can all talk about things that we don't want the professors to know about."Neville says to me
"That's actually a really good idea Neville I'm not sure why I didn't think of that myself,"I tell him.
"It's no problem. I have to stop talking now anyway as my grandmother wants me to make a start on my summer homework" He explains
"That's okay Neville. If you have any trouble just ask me for some help. I haven't started on mine yet either but I'm going to start on it tonight" I say
"Okay Hayley I'll talk to you later," He says
"Bye Neville,"I say to him before getting up from my desk. I decide to go and see if I can buy two more of the rings.
I grab my money and leave the pub heading into the alley. Seeing the jewellery vendor I head straight there. While he is busy serving other customers I think about whether it will be better to try and buy two more that match and risk the seller recognising me or just buy another set. I take the ring off my finger and as it becomes visible he turns to me."Hi, I would like to buy two more rings that match this one"I explain handing him the ring. "That is fine" He puts them in boxes and I pay for them. I quickly head to Flourish and Blotts and pick up two books on Herbology for Neville's birthday.
I then head back to the Leaky Cauldron going up to my room putting the books in my trunk for now and the two rings with the letters to give to Fred and George tomorrow.
The next day I headed out to meet the twins outside of the Quidditch Store before going to get my hair done at 3. I made sure to have enough muggle money for my hair appointment. I was glad to find that I hadn't been reported as missing in the muggle world so that I wouldn't be recognised. I made sure to have the piece of parchment in my pocket to show the twins and the letters/package in my other pocket. I arrived at the Quidditch store early and saw that the twins were already there waiting for Lee.
Smiling I walked up to them, I saw them turn towards me with a puzzled but thoughtful expression on their faces. George was about to say something as I handed him the parchment paper and I watched as Fred looked over his brother's shoulder to read what it said.
"Hello Fred, George,"I said smirking
"Hello Harriet,"The two of them said in unison both wearing a smirk of there own
"Really Harriet, they couldn't think of anything else,"I think to myself in mild annoyance
I take out the package and letter out of my pocket handing them to Fred without saying anything.
Fred puts them in his pocket silently. I smile at them.
"Thank you," I say giving the two of them a hug
"Don't mention it"They say together
I nod. I see Lee coming up the alley from behind the twins and I smile."I'll see you soon"I say as I head back the way I came.
Heading back through the alley I go through the pub and into the muggle world walking up towards the hair salon for my appointment at 3.
About 3 hours later I left walked back down towards the Leaky Cauldron enjoying the feeling of my much shorter hair. We had ended up deciding to use some bleach on my hair to make the brown dye show up better than it would have if we had put the dye on straight. It had taken a while but the stylist was nice and friendly. I walked straight over to Tom and asked him to bring my dinner up to my room and paid before going upstairs. I went into my room and started to go through the letters that Hedwig had brought while I had been out. Unfolding them I noticed that Hermione's was quite general just as Ron's was. I then noticed that on the inside of Ron's envelope was three other letters. Reading the tops of them I realised that they were from Professor Dumbledore.
"Dear Miss Potter,
I do not know what you have done but it seems that no letters addressed to you will reach you except those sent by those you consider friends and even Fawkes has been unable to locate you. We are only acting your best interests as we are concerned for your safety and well being especially Professor McGonagall. I implore you to let one of us know where you are so that we can make sure you are safe. Enclosed as part of this letter is your acceptance letter for 4th year as well as your equipment list.
I hope you make the wise decision and tell us where you are.
Headmaster Dumbledore"
I look through the other letters glancing over my acceptance letter and my equipment list for next year. I sent off the confirmation letter with Hedwig. I frown as I think about why the letters from the Professors haven't been arriving. I consider the possibilities and my mind wonder if either Snape or the Malfoys cast a spell on me to prevent letters arriving that could either be used to track me or include a port-key. I decide not to question it and just gratefully accept it for now. I continue doing the summer assignments that I started last night and am about halfway through when I hear Hermione's voice in my head.
"Hayley these communication rings are so cool" Hermione exclaims
"Thanks but I didn't think of it initially. I got some for Neville and me, to begin with as it would be easier than constantly sending letters back and forth. We were talking when he said that if I got some for the two of you we could all talk about things that we want to keep secret from the professors."I explain
"Great thinking Neville"I hear Ron say
"It's okay guys," Neville says
"I've been thinking of a way for us to see each other without your mother becoming suspicious. If Neville invites you over for his birthday next week your mum won't think anything strange about it."I suggest
"Yeah that should work," Ron says
"That's fine I will talk to my grandmother about inviting the three of you over on my birthday," Neville says to three of us.
After talking to each other for about another hour I tell the others that I might talk to them later on. Just as the others said goodbye, Tom brought up my tea.
(Skip to Neville's birthday - 30th July)
During the past week and a half the 4 of us had talked a lot and despite my thoughts that talking to Ron, Hermione and Neville most of the time would slow down my progress in studying the textbooks, I was surprised at how much I had gotten through. I supposed that being able to ask Hermione for help and get a response almost instantly really helped. I was feeling good about the upcoming exam as I had a full 3 weeks before taking it and I only had 15 more chapters to cover in each book.
I got up earlier than I usually would as Ron and Hermione were meeting me in Diagon Alley in the morning to buy Neville's present as they hadn't had the chance to buy anything yet. I was meeting them at 11 and then we would be flooing to Neville's house at half past 12.
I got up at 8 so that I had the chance to get a few hours of studying in before going to meet them. Just before 11, I made sure I had the parchment paper in my pocket along with my wand and money pouch. I left Neville's present on my desk to pick up before using the Floo. I head downstairs and walked into the alley to meet them outside of Gringott's. As it turned to 11 I saw Ron and Hermione walk towards the bank. I had told them beforehand that I was under a concealment charm and that I wouldn't look like I usually do.
After showing them the paper we hugged before heading down the alley. When Ron said that he didn't have much money to get Neville a present with I said to buy whatever he wanted for him and if he didn't have enough I would help him with the cost.
"Hayley you don't have to do that"Ron said blushing trying to refuse
"I know I don't have to but I want to help,"I say not accepting no for an answer.
After about an hour of searching, they had both found a gift. Hermione had originally wanted to get him a book on Herbology but when I mentioned that I had already gotten him two she decided to get him a few new pairs of herbologists gloves and Ron got him some sweets and an arm holster for his wand after he had told us that his grandmother had finally taken him to get his own wand rather than his fathers.
After finishing purchasing everything and seeing that it was now 12 we headed back to the Leaky Cauldron. I went upstairs to collect Neville's books while Ron and Hermione stayed downstairs.
Hermione (POV)
While Hayley went upstairs to collect Neville's presents from her room Ron and myself stayed downstairs. The bartender Tom came over to us as soon as Hayley was out of earshot handing both of us a few crates of shrunken butterbeer. We smiled as we put them in our pockets.
Neville had written us and told us that the party was going to be for him and Hayley as Hayley's was the very next day. A few days ago he had told us that his grandmother had arranged for us to collect some large crates of butterbeer from Tom to take with us.
The twins had been meeting up with some of the people on the Gryffindor Quidditch team who had said that even though Hayley was in hiding they knew that she was probably in touch with the Weasley's and they had decided to all chip in to get Hayley some Quidditch gear. I had gone into London one day with my parents and gotten Hayley some jewellery and I had made sure to distract Hayley while we were in the sweet shop so that Ron could buy something for her as well.
"Thanks,"I say
"It's not a problem especially after everything Hayley has done for everyone else," Tom says.
I agree with him nodding just as I notice Hayley start to come down the last set of stairs.
Hayley (POV)
I come down the stairs to see Hermione and Ron waiting. I had seen them talking to Tom but thought nothing of it. As we still had another 20 minutes to wait until Neville was expecting us we sat down in the corner of the pub talking. The twins had told them that as long as I had the charm on they were to call me Harriet in public. Ron had laughed and Hermione had giggled slightly. We discussed what we were going to do regarding school shopping as we usually did that together and I told them that I was thinking of revealing to Dumbledore and McGonagall where I was a few days after my birthday.
"Why are you going to wait until then?"Hermione asks
"My account manager at Gringott's told me that at the moment Professor Dumbledore is my magical guardian but once I turn 14 I can legally change it and he can't interfere with the decision,"I explained quietly
"That makes sense"Hermione nods
"Have you thought about who you're going to change it too?"Ron asks me
"I haven't completely made my mind up yet but I have a few people in mind.
The two of them looked at me expectantly."Well, who?"The two said together sounding much like Fred and George
"My first thought was Remus but I was told that because of his condition the ministry wouldn't allow it. I considered asking your mum and dad but I wouldn't want to be a burden on them"I say looking down
"You could never be a burden to them and they would tell you the same thing," Ron says genuinely
"Thanks, Ron, it means a lot,"I say honestly
Hermione smiles."So do you have any other ideas"
"Not yet. I'm going to Gringott's tomorrow to do a lineage test to see if I have any other living relatives on my dad's side and then I'll go from there"I shrug
Soon enough it is time for us to Floo to Neville's. I hand the parchment over to Ron to give to Neville and his grandmother as Ron is going to Floo first, Hermione going second and myself going last.
Neville (POV)
As it nears closer to half-past 12, my grandmother and I wait in the entrance hall where Hermione, Ron and Hayley will Floo too. I turn away from my grandmother as I see the fireplace flare to life from the corner of my eye. I watch as Ron steps out first. He dusts himself off as he walks over to us.
"Hey, Neville it's good to see you. Happy Birthday" Ron says smiling
"Thanks, Ron. It's great to see you too"I reply smiling myself
He hands me a piece of parchment."You need to read it so that when Hayley steps out you will be able to see behind the charm" He says.
I nod as I read it before handing it to my grandmother. She hands it back to Ron after she is done.
As he takes it back the fireplace flames to life and Hermione steps out.
She walks over to us."Happy Birthday Neville" She says
"Thank you, Hermione"I reply
They hand the butterbeer crates and their presents for Hayley from their pockets to my grandmother to take them up to my bedroom before Hayley sees them.
Just as she walks away Hayley steps out of the Floo. She brushes herself off smiling at me.
"Hey Neville Happy Birthday," Hayley says giving me a hug.
"Thank you, Hayley," I say grinning at the three of them.
"Come on were going to go through to the sitting room to open presents before going to the patio for lunch," I say showing them through to the sitting room.
The Longbottom Manor was fairly large similar to most pureblood manors but wasn't as extravagant or overly elegant like the Malfoys. The manor was painted in light blue tones that made it feel cosy and homey. The sitting room had a few sofas and chairs around the room but where the Malfoy's were large and ornate all facing inwards, The Longbottom's faced the long front wall with a large central fireplace and large glass windows on either side looking out into the gardens. In front of the sofas was a table with a number of presents on.
Hayley (POV)
As we all sit down in the sitting room the three of us put our own presents for Neville on the table. Before Nevile starts on his presents Mrs Longbottom turns to me."Hayley dear you look much different from the last time I saw you. You have cut your hair"She comments
I smile at her."Yes, Mrs Longbottom, I had it done about a week and a half ago" I say
"Well, it looks very nice. I bet it is much easier to maintain and control now it's much shorter?"She asks
"Yes it is much easier"I agree
Once our conversation has ended she turns to Neville handing him one of the presents from the table."Here you go Neville"She smiles
He got some new robes, a Herbology book and a cage for Trevor from his grandmother, herbology robes and a few plants from his Great- Uncle Algie and Great-Aunt Enid. He loved the gloves from Hermione and admitted that his current ones were starting to get old and weren't very effective at keeping the heat out. Ron gave him the sweets and arm holster and was surprised that Ron had remembered that he had told them about his new wand. As his grandmother handed him the final two presents on the table he unwrapped them smiling. He looks at them before turning to me slightly awed.
"I had been looking at these just a few weeks ago and was going to ask my grandmother if I could get them next time we were in Diagon Alley," He said grinning happily
"I had seen you looking at them in Flourish and Blotts and knowing that it was your birthday in a few weeks I got them for you" I explained to him.
"Hayley thank you. But you shouldn't have got me these. They were really expensive" He told me a blush forming
"Neville it was no trouble. As I've told Ron and Hermione in the past I have more money than I know what to do with. So why shouldn't I treat my friends that deserve it"I say honestly
He smiles."Really thank you"
He puts all of his opened presents back onto the table for now and his grandmother looks at us."Well since Neville has finished opening his presents I suggest we go out onto the patio for lunch"
We all stand up and head outside to the patio where there is a lovely lunch waiting.
About an hour later the 4 of us have gone up to Neville's room. We get up there and sot on the floor talking about various things for a while and I told him what I was planning to do about my guardian situation.
Sometime later Neville takes a box from under his bed before looking at me."Hayley even though I know that it is supposed to be my birthday celebrations but the three of decided that since we won't be able to be with you tomorrow, we thought that we would celebrate it with you today"
"Happy early birthday,"The three of them said together
"Guys this is great thank you. It really means a lot"I say to them grinning widely
Neville pushes the large box over to me and I smile as I take the lid off. I immediately see 2 large crates of butterbeer and I look at them curiously."Who is the butterbeer from?"
"That was from Tom and my grandmother. She ordered one large crate from Tom for us to share and he said that he would give us an extra one to count as a present from him"Neville explains
"Well, I will thank them later on,"I say as I continue looking through the box.
I open one of the packages seeing a selection of sweets from Ron.
"Sorry it isn't much Hayley"Ron blushes
"You got me chocolate frogs and sugar quills. These are my favourites" I say happily
He smiles at me.
I open up Hermione's seeing that it is a selection of jewellery. Finding a fairly large package I pull it out curiously. I open it finding a broom care kit and 4 different coloured thermal undershirts, in red, lilac, blue and black. I look up in confusion and before I get the chance to ask Ron explains."Its a joint present from the Gryffindor Quidditch team"
"I love it, Ron will you tell the twins that I said thank you?"I ask him
"Of course I will," Ron says
I pull out the final present knowing it must be from Neville. Opening it I found that it was a plain black shoulder bag with the Gryfinndor crest on the front. Neville explained that it had specific compartments for my books and various types of stationery/equipment.
"Neville It's great. I love it. It'll make keeping all of my things organised so much easier"I say
"I thought that and I know that your trying to get better at staying organised especially with your school work. So I thought it would work great" He says.
After a few more hours we all started to head home. Ron and Hermione Floo'd straight back to the Burrow and I Floo'd back to the Leaky Cauldron.
After exiting the floo I went over to Tom smiling. I thanked him for the butterbeer and he waved it off saying it was nothing. I went up to my room and managed to cover a further three chapters in both books before quickly becoming tired and going to bed opting against setting an alarm allowing myself to sleep in later than usual.
Waking up to a series of tapping on my window I glanced over, seeing 3 different owls with letters and packages waiting on the windowsill. I sat up in bed grabbing my glasses off of the bedside table taking in the time on my clock."10:20. That's not too bad. It's a lie in and I still have time to get some breakfast" I think to myself.
Getting out of bed, quickly getting dressed and brushing my hair, I walked over to my window opening it up untieing the letters and taking the packages putting them on my desk before giving them a few treats and water. As they took off without waiting for a response I left the letters and gifts until after breakfast.
Walking downstairs I was surprised to see that it was completely empty. Walking over to the front of the bar seeing Tom cleaning glasses I gave him a curious look. "Morning Tom"
"Morning Hayley. Happy Birthday" Tom says
"Thank you, Tom. How come it's completely empty?"I ask
"I'm not too sure. I've had a few people use the Floo to go through to the Alley though"He shrugs
I nod.
"Do you want some breakfast, Hayley?" Tom asks
"Yes please, Tom. I'll have my usual and some orange juice please"I say getting out my money.
"It's on the house today Hayley. It's your birthday after all" He tells me
"You don't have to that Tom"I deny
"I know I don't but you deserve it," Tom says smiling
"Thank you, Tom,"I say genuinely as I sit down.
Towards the end of my meal, I notice that the pub is slowly starting to fill up. I quickly finish and go upstairs to my room. Sitting at my desk I start to open the letters that had been delivered that morning. I opened the first one seeing that it was a short letter from Remus saying Happy Birthday and that he hoped I was okay. The package was a set of three quills. The next one was from the Weasleys. The package was a scarf and jumper set both in green. The final letter and gift were from Sirius. Opening it quickly I read through the letter.
"Dear Hayley,
Happy Birthday.
Sorry I haven't written to you yet. I have been going from one place to another very rarely spending more than a week in the same place. I am currently staying in my old family home but won't be here very long. I am only here to go through everything and to put the dark magic objects in storage. Once I am done I will be moving to Potter Manor which was where I stayed after I ran away from home. I have invited Remus to stay with me too. I saw in the Daily Prophet that there was an attack on the Dursleys but was relieved when it said that you weren't present at the time. I can understand why you haven't told anyone where you are except probably for Hermione and Ron, but I would feel more comfortable if I knew where you were. I am not worried that you are acting foolishly because I know that you are sensible and act much more like Lily than you do James.
I hope you like your present. It is a pendant necklace that will detect various charm/hexes/curses and potions that are intended to cause harm to yourself or act against your will. It is invisible to others but will warn you that an article of clothing or food has been compromised by becoming warm. It will also block all mildly aggressive/defensive spells/curses and hexes.
I hope to see you soon
Lot's of love from your Dogfather
Padfoot"
Smiling I put the letter down on the side and unwrapped the necklace. Admiring the beautiful emerald stone in the centre of the pendant before securing it at the back of my neck.
Looking at the time and deciding that I had enough time to reply to the letters before I had to go to Gringotts I started to write out my letters. Writing to the Weasley's first I thanked them for the gifts and assured them all once again that I was safe and declined the offer to stay with them at the moment.
Doing a similar thing with Remus I finally got on to writing my reply to Sirius.
"Dear Padfoot,
Thank you for the letter and I especially like the pendant. Do not worry that you haven't written before now. I am just glad to know that you are safe and are finally getting settled. It is nice to know that Remus will hopefully be staying with you and that neither of you will be alone. You are right in the assumption that Ron and Hermione know where I am and I have been talking to them on a regular basis. I have also been becoming much better friends with Neville Longbottom. The 4 of us spent the day together yesterday at Neville's home to celebrate both of our birthdays. I am currently staying at the Leaky Cauldron. Dumbledore and McGonagall already came to ask Tom if he had seen me but he had already agreed that he wouldn't tell anyone that I was staying there. The reason for this sudden change was that just before he left, Remus told me that he could tell that I was holding back in my studies and that I didn't have to do that just on account of somebody else. After thinking about it for a while I made the decision to change my electives and was granted permission to do that on the provision that I take and pass the end of year exams for those two subjects at the ministry before returning to Hogwarts in September. I wasn't intending to stay in the Leaky Cauldron until I was warned of the attack. I quickly packed my things and left. Since then I have stayed in the Leaky Cauldron. I know that I cannot stay here forever but I have planned that as I am now 14 I can now change my magical guardian legally and no one can interfere provided that my choice is a viable option. I haven't decided yet but I have a few ideas and am meeting my account manager at Gringott's to discuss them later today.
Lots of Love
Hayley"
Feeling satisfied with the letters I fold them putting them into envelopes and sending Hedwig off with them. Knowing that it was now nearing the time of my meeting with Vinclaw. Leaving the pub and heading through the bustling alley. I headed up the stairs of the bank bowing my head to the Goblin guards at the door.
After a few moments of speaking to a teller in the main lobby area, I was taken to Vinclaw's office.
As we had discussed Vinclaw had a long sheet of blank parchment out on his desk. Once I was seated we talked for a few moments before beginning. I presented my hand and he carefully pricked my pinkie finger and told me to let a drop of blood fall into the centre of the parchment. After a few moments, a series of lines and names began to appear on the parchment in black ink. Soon the names stopped showing up. Vinclaw looked at the parchment and thought to himself.
"I am going to write down a few suggestions of people who would be a good choice as guardian but of course the choice is completely yours."He writes a few names onto a piece of parchment before putting both pieces of parchment into a large envelope.
"Once you have decided you can bring the envelope back to Gringott's and hand them to a teller and they will be passed on to me. I will then contact your chosen guardians and invite them to Gringott's to meet you"He explains handing me the envelope.
"Thank you Goblin Vinclaw," I say standing up
"You are most welcome Miss Potter,"He tells me
Arriving back I quickly go up to my room, sitting at my desk and opening the envelope taking out the lineage test. As I had suspected there weren't any unknown magical relatives on my mum's side so I switched to looking at my father's side. I quickly noticed that although my dad didn't have any siblings and his parents had also died, my dad did have a number of aunt's and uncles a few of whom were still alive. I was quite surprised to see that my dad was distantly related to the Blacks and by extension the Malfoys. It got me thinking that if they knew about the relationship then it could explain why Lucius was so worried and concerned when he found out about the attack plan. Continuing to look I saw that Narcissa not only had one sister but two. One called Andromeda who was married to someone called Ted Tonks and had a daughter called Nymphadora.
Seeing that there weren't many other living relatives I started to think about all of my options. Noticing that it was nearing lunchtime I decided to take a break and get something to eat.
Going downstairs and ordering some lunch waiting while Tom sorted my drink.
"Tom do you know the Tonks at all?"I ask
"Yeah lovely people Ted's Muggle-born and works in the muggle world. Andromeda works part-time at St Mungo's and their daughter Nymphadora is an Auror - in training. Why do you ask?" Tom explains handing over my drink
"A lineage test said that their distant relatives and as you know I'm deciding on new magical guardians,"I say
He nods understanding.
"Well if you do decide to have the Tonks as your guardians, you will be in perfect hands," He says
"Thanks, Tom,"I say taking my drink over to my usual corner table to wait for my meal
After spending a few hours studying 3 more chapters in the textbooks satisfied that I now only had 7 more chapters in each book meaning that I would easily have everything covered by the end of the week at the very latest. After arranging my notes on my desk I looked down at the lineage test trying to make up my mind.
That evening as I was still unable to make up my mind about my guardian choice, I made sure that my summer assignments were all correct and done to the best that I could do. Rather than doing any more studying that night I decided to read a few of the muggle books that I had purchased to give myself something to do. Once I started to get tired I put my book away after marking my page with a bookmark before getting ready for bed. Once in bed, I fell asleep quite quickly almost as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Authors Note - Hey everyone, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It is the longest one so far. Please don't hesitate to leave a review about what you thought. We will be going to Hogwarts very soon and I am going to adding a number of OC's and if you would like for your character to be featured please drop me a PM with your OC's bio. I am also aware that according to JK Rowling on Potter it is never quite explained if The Potters are directly related to The Malfoy's but for the purpose of my story they are related through James's mother.
Also, I have a little poll for you all. Please leave a review with whether you want the Quidditch World cup to be covered in the next chapter or not.