A/N Hey there, so finally updated this and got chapter 3...and part of the reason it took so long was because I was finishing one of my other stories. The other reason was that I was rewriting the first two chapters to be in the First Person, So if you haven't checked out the rewritten version of those chapters. GO DO IT NOW, they were just updated in the past couple of days. Anyway, I hope you enjoy Chapter 3.

When I woke up the next morning, I had never felt worse. Every muscle ached and hurt, my eyes felt heavy and my throat was as coarse as Sandpaper. It felt like I was on my period but somehow 3x worse. As I lay still on the bed I thought back to the day before. What had been an amazing birthday which was then ruined by my parents.

It was only then that it clicked in my head that I wasn't lying in my own bed, the pressing weight of my weighted blanket wasn't on me, so where was I then if I wasn't still at Potter Manor? Flickering my eyes open I noticed I was facing the window yet the blinds were pulled over allowing very little light to enter the room. Groaning slightly I looked around the room a bit more and noticed a blue-haired girl scribbling away at a desk. Chloe?

The girl twisted her body slightly and said "By Merlin you're awake. I was starting to think you would never wake up dude!"

Sitting up slightly, I groaned "Chloe…what am I doing in your room?"

Chloe sighed, stood up, turned around and sat back down on the chair so that she was leaning forward on the backrest "What do you remember about last night?"

Shuffling so I was fully sat up, I covered my eyes with my hands and replied "I…I had an argument with my Parents…Then I came and asked if I could stay the night?"

With a slight Nod Chloe responded "You were an absolute wreck when you got here. We ran you a bath and after you cleaned yourself up you passed out from exhaustion. You've been out cold for nearly 15 hours."

My eyes widened in shock "Chloe why didn't you wake me? I was meant to have my first lesson with Master Aqua today!"

I went to start scrambling out of bed but Chloe shot up from her chair and gently pressed me back against the bed, which I was unable to fight as I suddenly found I didn't have the energy; "Maxie, you're a wreck, you're not going anywhere! I went to the Greengrass's and told them what was going on. Your teacher told me to tell you to rest up and she will see you when you're ready."

I went to argue but Chloe pressed a hand against my lips "Nope, no arguments. You're resting up today, and you're staying here tonight too. We will see how you are doing tomorrow night. And don't argue with me, I blew my date off so that I could stay home and look after you."

With a groan, I grumbled "I'm fine really Chl-" only being met with a deep glare "Don't try that BS on me Super Max. I know you too well. I know you're lying." I let out a deep sigh "Fine, I've got a splittin' head. Can I get some painkillers?" Chloe nodded and left me alone for a few minutes which gave me a chance to breathe.

Had the two of them shared the bed or had Chloe been sleeping elsewhere? No, I shouldn't be focusing on that right now. I couldn't believe it, my parents hadn't even opened any of the letters I had sent them. They didn't even pay enough attention to know that I was close friends with Dan, Cass and Chloe.

I was about to start getting upset again when Chloe came back into the room, a glass of water and paracetamol in her hands. When she looked into my eyes, I wanted to groan as my friend said "Hey no thinking back to last night, this is going to be a stress-free zone!"

Downing the paracetamol with water helping get the two pills down I asked my friend "So what's your plan for this being a stress-free zone?" Chloe grinned "Well I'm going to order us some pizza for tonight and I was thinking of movie night!" As she went into her drawer and pulled out some VHS tapes which I only recognised because Chloe and Ted had introduced them to me a couple of years before Hogwarts.

Chloe went through a couple of the options and for some reason, I decided on what Chloe insisted was a horror one that I wouldn't enjoy but I in return argued that if Chloe wanted to get my mind off things, Then what better way than by scaring me into thinking of other things.

Chloe eventually relented and put the film on, some horror flick that came out when they were both young. I didn't really care about the film at all. I was lying in Chloe's bed, cuddled up with the other girl. With some fizzy drinks and popcorn that we were sharing. I jumped and screamed at a couple of the jumpscares but as the film went on I felt my body start to relax, the pain receding and my head starting to clear up.

At one point Chloe got a phone call from her no-maj friend Rachel who apparently was the girl that she was meant to be on a date with today. When she left the room to grab the phone, I couldn't help but feel a pinch of jealousy stir within my stomach. I shouldn't be like this, I was lucky to have a friend like Chloe in the first place and surely I didn't like her in that way anyway? I mean Sylvester in the year above was super cute…wasn't he?

Taking a sip from my drink I watched the final portion of the film on my own, despite what Chloe had thought I actually really enjoyed the film, there was something thrilling in the jumpscares by the Masked man that made my heart race, similar to the kind of thrill that I felt playing quidditch.

By the time Chloe returned from the phone, the movie had ended and the other girl looked more stressed than I had felt earlier in the day, Chloe joined her back on the bed "Welp that's another relationship down the drain." I grabbed her hand "Seriously you should have still gone out with her today. I would have been fine. But I'm glad you did stay."

Chloe wrapped her right arm around me and held me tight "Thanks Super Max, and it doesn't matter anyway. If she's somebody who's going to get mad at me for having to fecking cancel to look after a friend. Like dude I've turned up perfectly on time for our previous two dates, dressed super presentably for the no-maj world and hell super presentable for me and then on top of that have been patient when she's been running late but the moment I have to cancel and I give her several hours notice. She just decides to fecking end the relationship. AGH!"

Resting my head against Chloe's shoulder, I said with a slight bit of cheek in her voice "It's just like you're always telling me, who needs her. You can do so much better."

Chloe let out a deep almost gravely right "Too true Super Max! Now what are we going to watch next?!

The next morning

When I woke up the next morning, my entire body almost immediately stiffened as I felt a pair of arms wrapped around my bare stomach before it quickly came back to me how Chloe and I had fallen asleep in an embrace the previous night. And my pyjama top must have just gotten pushed up while the pair was asleep. A light heat burnt on my face. Slowly I lifted my arm right up and my eyes widened as I saw the time, I was just about awake early enough that I would be able to make it to the Greengrass manor in time for her master's lesson.

Listening to Chloe's breathing for a few moments I realised my friend was in a deep sleep which meant it was going to be much easier for me to leave without disturbing Chloe. Slowly I unwrapped my friend's arms from around my stomach, placing her arms gently against the mattress behind me as I rolled ever so slightly out of the way. With Chloe's arms now on the Mattress, I gently rolled to the edge of the king's sized bed until I reached the edge and slowly stood up, my legs slightly weak from not having done much walking the previous day.

Going over to my bag, I picked out the clothes that I had been wearing two days prior and winced as I smelt them, I definitely wasn't going to wear those today…Chloe probably still had some clothes left in her drawers from before she had her growth spurt over the final part of the term.

Going over to Chloe's Drawers I pulled out a pair of ripped jeans that were roughly my size and a baggy T-shirt. Creeping out of the room, I went into the bathroom and grabbed a quick shower before changing into Chloe's clothes. They weren't my style, especially with how ripped the Jeans were, but they would do until I returned ho…back to Potter Manor, whenever that was. Shaking my head I returned my Pyjamas to Chloe's room and made my way down to the Tonks's living room to grab the floo, fiddling with my bag as I did so. It may have an enchantment on it to let me keep most of my things in it but that didn't mean it couldn't get full and heavy after a while.

As I reached the living room I was met by Ted Tonks, who was sipping a cup of coffee, a newspaper in hand. Without even looking up he asked gently "Leaving already, without saying goodbye? Chloe's going to be pretty annoyed."

I nervously chuckled "I've got a Lesson with Master Aqua and I already feel pretty bad for missing yesterday, I'm sure Chloe will understand. Plus if it's okay with you and Andromedra, I was wondering if I could stay another night or two? I don't feel quite-" He put his newspaper down and raised his hand "Of course it's alright Max. You know we're both more than happy to have you over here. Once again we would love to have you over for Christmas one year. But regardless Dear, you should probably eat something. I only know your teacher very slightly through Andy but I know she can be pretty intense with her training. Andy's made some bacon and Scrambled egg, it's in the kitchen."

My gratitude for the elder Tonks got stuck in my throat. But just before I reached the kitchen I managed to thank him. The second I passed through the doorway into the kitchen I was hit by the strong smell of Bacon.

I didn't even have to announce my presence with even a footstep before Androemdra Tonks said, "Breakfast will be ready in just a moment, Maxine Dear." I took that as aquifer to sit, and sat down in the nearest chair, looking at my watch; I noted that I would be slightly late but not by much and Ted was right, I was going to be a goner by lunch if I didn't eat something now.

A couple of minutes later Andy brought the breakfast over, "Eat up." The smell of the food drove me crazy and I almost inhaled it in one go. Both of the older Tonks were great cooks and I could have sworn that every time I came to the Tonks household, I found a new favourite meal.

Finishing my breakfast I put it in with the dishes that were being cleared via Andromedra's magic and left the kitchen, giving Ted and Andromendra a brief goodbye before reaching their fireplace and grabbing some Floo. The power was much fresher than the stuff that I had been using at Potter Manor a couple of days ago. Slamming it down to the ground I called out "Greengrass Manor!"

Greengrass Manor ~ Northern Ireland

When I came out of the Floo, I went into a full roll, holding my bag close to me to not damage my new camera or broom within. When I came to a stop I noticed Dan, Cass and my Master staring at me in surprise. The three of them were sipping some tea as they stared.

Dan was wearing his Ravenclaw robes from the previous year, and if I looked super closely I could see the tear in them where me and the Wesley Twins had managed to get him caught in some Devil's snare. I had never seen my friend blow up in anger as much as he did then, and I hoped I would never see him be like that ever again either.

Cass on the other hand was wearing a pair of Jean shorts and a Sport's T-shirt that she must have gotten at a thrift shop when out shopping with Tracey. Her Long dark blond hair was done up in a ponytail keeping her hair out of the way like she had it when we did our morning runs back at school.

Master Aqua however was wearing long regal robes that were mostly black but had some flares of blue and pink on them that matched her short blue hair. The robes were regal yet I knew that my master could run circles around us in it. My master's eyes went from their normal stern and serious look to one of sadness as she stood up and approached me.

"Maxine, I hope you're actually feeling better today my dear. I don't want you starting back up before you're ready. Training to battle darkness without a focused mind can be dangerous. It can lead to darkness itself." Before embracing me gently.

Wrapping my own arms around my Master's chest, I replied "My head's not fully in the game yet but that's because I've got nothing to focus on Master. I need to get back to training. I'm sure my Great Grandfather Master Erequs would agree."

Master Aqua frowned but slowly nodded "You're right he probably would. But he was also a fool. However, we're not doing any serious training today. After all, now that you're here I need to catch the 3 of you up on my travels." Stepping away from me, Master Aqua smiled as my two best friends enveloped me in a hug which sent the three of us tumbling to the ground.

As Dan said "I'm going to tear those bloody parents of your limb from limb next time I see them." as matter of factly as possible.

Both Cass and I looked at him and Cass said "Dude chill. Anyway, it's not like Chloe's not going to be the one who does that anyway. You should have seen how furious she was when she came over yesterday morning, Max. She looked like she wanted to burn down the entire manor." Master Aqua rolled her eyes before saying "But she wouldn't because just like the 3 of you she has excellent self-control. Now let's go to the library."

The 4 of us walked towards the Greengrass Libary Manor where a series of books were stacked up on the main large table in the centre of the room. The Libary was one of the grandest I had ever seen outside of the Potter Libary and the Black Libary. There was a grand Glass dome that allowed natural sunlight to shine down into the main body of the room while there were nearly a hundred fully stacked oak bookcases full of books with focuses on a range of subjects from healing magic to the darkest curses that the world had ever seen, From magic in the prehistoric time to the near-death of magic during the crusades.

Over the past several years I had spent several hours going through the books, not understanding most of them but just glancing over what they said. There are people out in the world who would kill others to have access to such a grand place of knowledge.

Sitting down at the table -Master Aqua had one side, the three of them at the other- they all stared at their master excitedly who chuckled "You're like Vultures wanting to snap away at every detail about myself. Okay so I'm going to give you a couple of clues as to where I was, I want the three of you to try and decipher where I was."

The three of us nodded and waited for her to give us a clue. Master Aqua leaned forward towards them and I could feel her stare as she tried to work out what clue to give them. "I was doing work in a country with a long history of Magic, I worked with a brand new curse breaker who you all know, The heat was warm but nothing compared to the Pits of Hollow Bastion and It's somewhere I've been to before."

The three of us looked at each other confused with Dan saying first "Was it Italy? I heard they were doing some new digs into the Catacombes beneath Rome?" Master Aqua shook her head "Good guess but Not quite. Roughly around that time period though."

It was Cass who who made a guess next "I was thinking Norway at first but if it was hot then that rules Norway out…But I remember Nymph saying that her friend was doing some work in Greece which is roughly the same heat as Italy and has just as long of a magic history as Italy?"

Aqua grinned "Oh I love you kids, putting my clues together like this. Once again not quite but the three of you are getting closer. You're still in the right time period, and you've got the right friend group for the new curse breaker but you didn't get the right one. Now I believe Maxine I think you've worked it out."

I gave my teacher a small smile "Egypt."

Our teacher chuckled "Bingo, want to reveal to the other two how you worked it out?"

"So first of the History of Magic part, Egypt is the country with the longest known history of magic in the world that we know of for certain with detailed accounts, Bill Wesley left the Ministry with a letter of approval about his curse-breaking abilities in November, the other cure breaker Melody has got another job within a secret part of the ministry so it can't be them. According to Nymphadora, Bill left for Egypt in January. Egypt is also hotter than both Italy and Greece due to its closeness to the key lines and the equator."

Cass and Dan stared at me confused and I shrugged my shoulders at them, confused as to why they were confused "What, it's not my fault I talk to people you introverts?" They twisted their heads and Cass said in disbelief "Max, no offence but you are a bigger introvert than us. You've not once attended one of your quidditch victory parties."

Sticking my tongue out at them I turned to face Master Aqua and asked her, "So how was Egypt?"

Our teacher stretched her arms up and said joyfully "Oh it was absolutely fabulous, I got to meet up with a couple of my old friends, We got to fight mummies and when I left last week I believe we've found a brand new Rune! One that we have no record of before but is clearly powerful."

Dan chuckled as he leaned forward "You clearly had the time of your life. So what was it like fighting mummies?"

"It was thrilling, I haven't gotten to use my powerful magic in a long time but get this it was an undead pharaoh who had buried his servant army alongside him and he controlled them. It took me so many of my Blizaja's to beat him and that was with my two friends powerful Air and Earth magic, we were a formidable trio in our youth. Sort of like how you are now."

Then Master Aqua raised her right arm and in a flash of whitish-blue light, a carved blade with a black leather handle appeared in her hand. "Now this is called a Khopesh, it's what the ancient Egyptians used as both a weapon and as a farming tool to cut plant life away from the River Nile, as You can see the blade is perfectly sharp on the curve to allow for it to cut through bamboo like materials. This particular Khopesh was the Pharoh's."

She gently put it down on the table and both of my friends raced to check it out but I admired it from a distance, I had a feeling that if I tried to hold it right now, I would lose a finger. But it was beautiful, Despite being at least 2000 years old, it still looked as fresh as the day it had been forged. Had the Pharoh even used it for anything during his life?

They must have been checking out the Pharoh's weapon for longer than I had realised as they were soon interrupted by the Libary doors opening and Roxanne Greengrass walking into the room with a plate full of sandwiched "Thought you teacher researchers might be so hungry so I helped make some sandwiches. Dig in."

As Roxxane placed the sandwiches on the table, my stomach growled loudly and she said "Sounds like I was right. Did in." Suddenly the Khopesh vanished from where Cass had placed it down and we all started reaching for Sandwiches. I grabbed myself a Ham and Cheese Sandwich and a Chicken Tikka sandwich, I ate the Chicken one first and enjoyed the small kick the tikka provided but It was the ham and cheese I truly loved as the smoked flavours of the cheese and ham hit my mouth.

Turning to face Dan I asked him "Did your dad go to Germany again?" He nodded "Just last week, picked up a lot of Cheese, Ham and Sausage. Please take some hom…away with you, there's no other way we can get through it all"

I sighed as Dan almost slipped and said Home "Thanks Dan, I'll take some to the Tonks's, I'm sure they will love it." The room went quiet until Master Aqua gently asked "So I take it you're not returning home to you're Parents tonight then?"

Somberly I shook my head "I…I'm not quite ready to face them just yet. I'm going to stay at the Tonks's till at least tomorrow, and I'll go from there."

I could see Dan and Cass stare at me with Pity and I felt anger start to boil up, why were they showing pity, she didn't need pity right now, she just needed her friends. Before the anger could boil over, however, Master Aqua said "A smart way of going about things Maxine. One's heart always knows what's best."

Once the sandwich platter was completely empty, Cass asked "Master Aqua, could you please explain the difference between Arithmancy and Divination? I'm taking both of them on top of Runes and I really don't understand the difference between the two of them from quickly scanning through my textbook."

Dan turned to face me and mouthed "She's really taking Divination? I thought she was taking Care like we were?"

I then mouthed Back "Think it's because Sam's taking it and it's the only non-core class they will get to share."

He nodded in understanding and we turned back to see Master Aqua grab one of the books that had been stacked on the end of the table and give a basic explanation of the differences before turning to how we were going to schedule the month. It was decided we would spend a full week going over what we would need for Runes as we were all taking the extracurricular class. Then we would divide up the next week with Dan and I doing mornings focusing on Care for Magical Creatures, and the afternoon would be taken up by Cass with Divination. The Third Week would be focused on Artimacy in the mornings for Cass, and the Afternoons would be mental and magic training. The final week would be us doing one more quick overview of our core classes.

I was extremely glad I wasn't doing a 3rd extracurricular class, 2 was the suggested amount and assuming I'm still on the quidditch team I would have to deal with that too. By the time we finished working out the schedule between the 4 of us, it was 4 O'clock and Cass swore loudly "Sorry guys, I promised my Mum I would go home early today to help her with something before my Dad gets back from his 'Business Trip', I'll see you guys tomorrow!" Before quickly rushing out of the Libary. We all looked between ourselves and Master Aqua chuckled "I guess that's a good place to end off for the day anyway. Take care dears."

Making my way down to the Floo, I debated on whether or not I should go back to Potter Manor today but decided that I should leave it for another day and headed to the Tonks's house where I was met by a very crossed Chloe, but with a light smile, the older girl sighed. The two of us went back up to her room and I passed out before dinner could even be served."

2 Days Later

After another long day under Master Aqua, I sighed as I sat on the living room couch in Greengrass Manor, my eyes locked on the fireplace. I had to get this over and done with yet the very idea seemed so daunting, it shouldn't be, All I needed to do was apologise to Rose and Jacob, and tell my parents they could start trying or just ignore me entirely. But as I sat on the couch, My Muscles felt heavy, not wanting to move.

Suddenly I was broken from my thoughts as someone coughed loudly, shaking my head and blinking quickly I looked at the owner of the cough to see Cyrus Greengrass standing there. A kind smile rested on his face "You don't have to do this Max. I'm sure the Tonks are happy for you to keep staying with them and we're more than willing to let you stay here for the rest of summer too."

One deep sigh later, I replied "Thank you Mr Greengrass, but no I need to do this. I'll feel terrible when I return to Hogwarts if I don't. The moment Sirius, Remus and Chloe return I'm going to pick myself up and go through." Cyrus chuckled "If you say so, but are you bringing Chloe's a good idea? She's a lovely girl but she has a bad temper. She could just make things worse."

A chuckle escaped my lips and I found the strength to sit up properly "I'm Sure Mr Greengrass. She's promised to be on her best behaviour." Cyrus just closed his eyes and nodded before opening them and staring at her weirdly before blurting out "And please, We've known each other for nearly 7 years now Max. You can call me Cyrus."

Loudly I laughed and pushed myself to my feet "Maybe next time…Mr Greengrass" He sighed in frustration but had a grin on his face. Walking over to the Floo I looked at my watch 5:55 PM, My parents would be finishing dinner around about now. Tapping my foot I started to feel impatient as I waited for my Uncles Sirus and Remus, along with Chloe. Suddenly a couple of minutes later the three of them came into the room together and Chloe approached me placing her hands on mine. "Sorry, we were just waiting to see if you changed your mind. I'm right there behind you."

I nodded understanding and faced my uncles who both placed a hand on my shoulders, It was Remus who spoke first. "Apologise to your siblings first, then have a brief discussion with you're parents before going to your room…We…I will do most of the talking after that. Try and knock some sense into those parents of yours for once."

I didn't say anything and just nodded, I really wish Dan or Cass could come but seeing a Greengrass or Malfoy in the Manor might set off a murderous rage in him after how she last left them. With a deep breath, I pushed aside my wishes, worries and frustrations walked to the Floo and grabbed the powder "Potter Manor!" I yelled as Slammed the floo down into the flames and I vanished from Greengrass Manor for the day.

Potter Manor

When I came out the other side of the Floo I landed in a flump, not having the energy to go into a roll. As I stood up I noticed that the living room was full of people. Sitting on the couch that I had spent many evenings in were Arthur and Molly Weasley along with Dad.

In her own chair sat Mum, a Glass of Wine in hand, close to her mouth so that she could drink. Over in the corner, I could see Jacob talking to the youngest Weasley son; Ron, who was joined by his sister Ginny staring wide-eyed at the Boy Who Lived. Just over from them looking bored were the Twins and they were the first to actually notice me and gave me a grin and a wave.

I gave them a small wave back but a look that told them that I wasn't really in the mood for conversation. As I started to take a step forward, I started to wonder where the other three were. Either time was moving super slowly for me or they were taking their sweet ass time. My right step took a step forward, and I groaned as it landed right on one of the creakiest floorboards in the house

Creeeeeeeeek

Everyone in the room finally noticed me and turned around to face my direction. I gave a small smile as I the shocked faces of Mum and Dad. However, it was none of my family who spoke first, not even me. Instead, it was Molly who got up on her feet and bustled over to her "Oh Maxine, You look gorgeous. I was worried I wasn't going to get the chance to see you before you went back to Hogwarts."

I shrivelled at the compliment at the compliment about my appearance "Thanks Molly, But why didn't you think you were going to see me before the end of the summer? I'm meeting up with Fred and George in a few weeks for a Day out?"

Molly gave me a funny look "Didn't they tell you? They're grounded. They blew up my aunt's toilet. And I assumed I wouldn't see otherwise because you're parents said you were staying with the Tonks for your lessons. Really dear you should use the holidays to take a break from your studies."

For a few seconds, I didn't answer "Staying with the Tonks…yeah….erm-" the Floo opened behind me finally before I finished my sentence "-It was only for a few days, seems like my parents got a bit mixed up." Looking past Molly, I gave a quick glare to Mum and Dad before I got squeezed into a hug by Molly.

The hug was quick however as Molly then said "And talking of the Tonks, Hello Chloander, it's been too long." I twisted my head to see Chloe get crushed in a hug by Molly; With Chloe's eyes looking like they were about to pop out of her skull. I snickered and Chloe, still gasping for air said "Hi, Mrs Weasley, good to…see you. But please call me Chloe, everyone…does"

Molly let go of Chloe and Chloe took a couple of deep breaths, and I was happy to hear the happier tone in Chloe's voice. It was hard to dislike the caring matriarch of the Weasley family and even Chloe's hard exterior broke in front of her. Molly responded to Chloe's request "But Chloander is such a beautiful name, just Nymphadora is. I wish you and your sister would use them"

Chloe smiled slightly "Well I'm sure Nymph would love for you to call her Nympahdora, Molly." Suddenly the flames erupted behind us and two pairs of footsteps could be heard. Had Sirius and Remus come through at the same time?

I turned to face them and saw them, Sirius put on a forced smile and went right up to Molly and whispered something in her ears and the moment he was done she nodded and took a step away "Arthur, Kids, I've just remembered we had something else to do back home. James, Lily we'll be back in about half an Hour if that's alright with you?"

My Parents nodded confused and quickly the Weasley family, one by one left through the floo back to the Burrow; Until it was just Me, Chloe, Remus, Sirius, My Parents, Jacob and Rose.

My Parents and Jacob seemed to be very confused about their sudden disappearance but Rose seemed to be happier with the Quieter Manor. We all stood in silence for a minute until Mum said, "Okay so what's going on here?"

Deciding to get the first part over and done with I said "Jacob, Rose. Could you come over here please?" The two came over, Rose almost running at full speed while Jacob seemed a bit worried. Had my yelling the other day really scared him that much? I guess he was only 11.

Taking a deep breath, I crouched down slightly, Chloe placing a comforting steady hand on my right shoulder and I said to my brother and Sister "I'm sorry for how I yelled the other night…I was angry and frustrated at Mum and Dad and I shouldn't have brought you guys into it. Rose, I love you a lot, Jacob…I tolerate you but no matter what I shouldn't have screamed like I did Do you forgive me."

I opened my arms for a hug and Rose ran straight into my arms "Please don't leave like that again Maxi, I really missed you" I held Rose tightly "Missed you to Ro" running my hand down her red locks. Jacob on the other hand seemed a lot less sure "You really didn't mean what you said?"

I looked down slightly "I can't lie and say it was all a lie. You have been spoilt by Mum and Dad and that kind of behaviour will get you torn to shreds without people like the Weasleys about but it's also not your vault. We will probably not see eye to eye for a long time but you're still my brother."

He seemed to be resisting the urge to hug me but quickly he joined Rose in the hug and the three of us hugged for a minute before I let them go "Now I need to speak to Mum and Dad, okay? The two of you head up to my room in the west wing; I've got something to show the two of you. I'll be up in a few minutes."

They nodded and pulled apart from me, and I then turned to face Chloe and pressed my hand against her upper right arm, "Could you go with them for me Chloe?"

"Wait why?"

I gave her a stern look but said gently "Please, for me? It'll just be a few minutes."

Chloe cursed something under her breath before staring at me "Fine, but you owe me."

"Sure I do love," Did I really just say that?! Ahhhh!

I got an odd stare from Chloe but she pushed my brother and sister up the stairs as they asked her questions. Okay, I really did owe Chloe then.

It was then my Parent's turn, but unlike what I had just done for my siblings, I would not be apologising to them.

"Mum…Dad."

It was Mum who spoke up first "Max…We're-" I just gave her a hard stare, the way that Dad was glaring at me told me it definitely wasn't 'we', "-I'm so sorry. It's terrible of us to forget you're birthday, and not know what house you're in or you're friends and you're right to be angry at us-"

"LILY" Dad tried to interrupt.

But Mum kept going "-We'll both do better in the future. If you can only forgive us."

I turned to stare at my dad "Well Dad, Do you agree with what Mum is saying?"

Her Dad frowned "I do if you apologise for yelling at us."

I could feel the anger boiling up within me once more so I just put my hand up "I'm not the one apologising here, I'm rightful in my anger at the two of you, Me being here right now is me extending an olive branch."

"I refuse"

"James."

"No Lily."

"YES JAMES, I AM NOT LOSING OUR DAUGHTER."

"Fine. I'm sorry. Everything goes back to normal right?"

With a shake of my head, I put my hand down "Not quite. The two of you have hurt me a lot over the past 4 years, and it's not something that can just be pushed to the side like it's never happened."

Mum spoke up in a whisper "So what a restart of our whole relationship then?" I nodded "A fresh start. Unfortunately the next three weeks I do have my lessons with Master Aqua so we can't spend any bonding time together…however, I don't think I can forgive you enough right now to do that."

"Oh."

"But we can start with you sending me letters to me in Ravenclaw, and I can come home for Christmas. Does that sound good?"

Mum and Dad looked between themselves and Dad really seemed unhappy about the arrangement but Mum won the silent argument between them and said "It sounds like a start…thank you, Maxine."

I started walking towards the steps "Yeah well I don't like living my life Pestimistically, so as I said this is an olive branch but you two need to do the world." And headed up the stairs leaving Sirius and Remus to talk to them now.

Reaching the door to my room, I was greeted by the sight of Rose hanging off Chloe's arm and Jacob pestering her with questions. As Chloe heard my footsteps she sighed in relief "Oh thanks Morgana, these two were driving me Fu… Fudging crazy." Rose stopped dangling from Chloe's arm and I hugged Chloe, "Thanks for doing that for me."

"It's fine, how did it go?"

"As well as I expected. Now get yourself home Chloe, You were up all night." I glared at her and she took off the illusion charm necklace showing the bags under her eyes "How could you tell?"

"Really, you were rolling about, muttering to yourself and I saw you put the charm on this morning. Please get some sleep."

"Okay, see you tomorrow?"

I smiled "Of course." We separated and I allowed her to walk downstairs before I opened the door to my room. It was chilly inside but already it felt more like my home again, than it had when I was last in here.

Jacob gasped when he saw my room "Wait you're a fan of Quidditch?" he really knew nothing about me because of How closed off Mum and Dad had raised us, "Hell yeah I do. I love the thrill of the game."

Rose went straight to my bookcase and pointed out a couple of books on their own "What's that?"

"Those are my Journals, they are for keeping my thoughts. I've been writing in them for the past 3 years as a way to vent my emotions. Now come over here, I want to show you something."

We sat on the bed and I placed my bag on my lap and carefully unzipped it, "What I'm about to show you is very special to me. I got it from Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus."

They nodded and I pulled out the Nimbus and both of their eyes widened, Jacob exclaiming "You've got a Nimbus, Why did they buy you a Nimbus and not me!" I ruffed his black hair and told him "Cause 1st year Hogwarts students aren't meant to have Brooms."

Rose said, "Can we try it?" I shook my head "Not right now, I haven't even used it yet…but maybe at Christmas."

Jacob groaned "Oh come on Maxie, let us try it!"

"Patience Jacob, Patience."

1st September 1991

The rest of Summer passed in a blur and before long it was suddenly time for me to return to Hogwarts. I had spent the rest of the summer in lessons with Master Aqua, spending time with my friends and trying to take Molly Weasley's advice and not overdo my studies too much.

But it was the morning of the 1st of September and I was now sitting downstairs in the Manor Living room, sitting on my chest as I waited for my Parents and Jacob to be ready.

Rose was sitting on the couch eating a Fredo bar and swinging her legs over the edge bored. I couldn't blame her, I was bored and annoyed. I always arrived early for the Hogwarts Express but now I was stuck waiting for my family because they were actually coming to the station this time. Because they needed to see Jacob and apparently 'me' off.

I stared at my watch and yelled out "Guys, the train leaves in like 15 minutes and the Platform is going to be packed! We really need to get going" Somewhere from the right wing of the house, Mum yelled back "I Know Honey, but your brother can't find his broom!"

Pinching my nose between two fingers I sighed and said "Mum, he's not allowed a broom in his first year, He can leave it here until next year."

"Really?"

"Yes. It was in the Hogwarts letter, didn't you read it?"

"You're father was the one handling it."

"That explains a lot."

Silence echoed through the house and I was 90% sure that my Mum was having to hold my dad back from murdering me. He really did have some anger issues. But a couple of minutes later the three of them came down in a bit of a mess, but I just threw myself to my feet "Can we please go now?!"

Mum nodded and I pulled out my wand casting the same charm that Sirius had used on my chest in first and second year to make it weightless and I pulled it behind me. I loved living in a Wizarding house, no issues about using underage magic at all. Pulling my chest to the FLoo I went first and grabbed the power, it felt coarse in my hand but it would done. I guess the current FLoo powder shortage really was affecting everyone.

Shaking my head I slammed it down against the floor and called out "Platform 9 and ¾" And vanished into green flames

Platform 9 and ¾ - Kings Cross Station

The Moment I arrived at the platform, my lungs burnt from the smell of the burning coal and I felt slightly faint but I dashed out of the Fireplace just in time for Mum to come through with Rose who had a similar reaction to me. Rose reached into her pocket and pulled out her inhaler taking a deep breath of forced air into her lungs. Jacob came through next, Dragging his chest along the ground, his eyes wide as he saw the Hogwarts Express train for the first time. It truly was a marvel seeing the scarlet train if you had never seen it before. A Couple of seconds later Dad came through and stated the obvious "Wow it's busy."

His voice however caught people's attention and people turned to face them. Other wizarding families who recognised James, Lily and Jacob Potter. Everyone started separating so we had space to get through and there were whispers

"I told you Jacob Potter started today"

"Wow look at Lily Potter, she looks amazing."

"James Potter's looking very rugged today."

"See if you can try and befriend Jacob, son"

That one sounded like Lucius, the sneer was almost identical to what I remembered

"Is that the eldest daughter who was mentioned in the papers the other year?"

"I think so, she doesn't look happy"

Rolling my eyes at the obvious statement, I led my family closer to the train before putting my case down, just a couple of feet away. The train whistled loudly to signal for the final boarding and I looked at my parents. "I guess this is it, I'll see you both at Christmas. Please actually write."

Then turned my attention to Rose "Miss you already my little rose, I'll write to You right after I have my first full day of classes." I gave her a massive hug and stepped away, "Jacob I'll see you on the train, please don't miss it." He nodded and with that I turned away, grabbing my chest and effortlessly pulling it on board the carriage before it slammed to the ground as it did every year.

Unfortunately, it dragged my arm down too and a sudden surge of pain shot through my arm up into my shoulder. Looks like I might be going to Madam Pomfrey right after dinner tonight. Switching arms, I dragged the chest through the train, looking into every single compartment as I did so. The train was busier than I ever remembered it being and each room was packed to the brim with students. The most surprising thing to see was the number of first years around, a majority of them must have been 1st Gen's because there weren't many wizarding family kids born in the final couple of years of the war. I would have more friends if there had been.

I was shaken from that thought however by the Train as suddenly lurched forward and I went flying to the ground, With a groan, I got to my feet, Had Jacob made it on board in time? He must have, I must have spent more time on the train than I had thought. Pushing that to the side for the moment I continued through the train until my path was black by three 11-year-olds who looked all too familiar to me. "Mr Malfoy, Mr Goyle, Mr Crabble."

Draco almost looked like a miniature version of his father Lucius, the only part that wasn't a 1-to-1 of Lucius was Draco's softer features which were similar to Nariccsa. Another thing I immediately noticed was that he was tall for an 11-year-old, he was almost the same height as Samuel.

I had never met Vincent Crabble but if he was anything like his father who I did have the misfortune of meeting once, then he was a dumbwitted fool who followed money, the Dirty money of Lucius Malfoy, no doubt.

The Goyal's on the other hand I knew all too well, My father had arrested Goyle Sr. on multiple occasions which led to a distraught confrontation between Dad and Mrs Goyle. Typically Mrs Goyle had Gregory with her, so the of us had met

"Potter."

I stared at Draco who was looking me up and down unimpressed "I have no either why my brother or sister brother hanging out with you."

With a roll of my eyes, I said to the young Malfoy "Do you mind if I get past, I would rather be sat down for the 8-hour ride."

Malfoy shook his head and snapped his fingers "Crabble, Goyle. Keep Heriess Potter in place while I explain something to her."

The two lurched forward and grabbed my arms. But despite their size, the pair of what seemed to just be bodyguards for Draco; seemed quite weak and with a quick forward slam of my shoulders I broke free from their grip, "Let me tell you something instead Draco, I'm not a fan of people why try and grab me. Now you can tell me what you wanted me to hear or I can push past you."

He growled at me but said "Stay away from my Sister and Brother. If you want to stay alive that is."

With a roll of my eyes, I brushed past him, Chest once more in tow and said without facing him "I think I'll stick by my friends." Before walking away from my friend's brother. After that, it was only a couple of minutes until I found my friends trapped in an almost full compartment with Fred and George Weasley, Tracey and Lee Jordon.

My knuckle rattled against the door as I knocked before sliding the door open, "What going on in here then." It was only then that I noticed that Dan was right up in the corner, feet on the seat.

Cass laughed as she pointed at something Lee was holding, and Fred said "Oh it's brilliant Max, Lee got a Tarantula over the summer." The world zoomed out as I heard the spider's name and I took one big step back "I think I'll just stay out here then." Tracey spoke to me through the group "Oh come on Maxy, tell me you're not afraid of spiders like Dan."

I shivered and said "Unlike Dan's fear of heights, this is one thing that I agree on. These things are creepy as all hell." Lee gave me a mocked look of shock "And I thought you of all people would like him. You like Butterfly's."

"Yeah because they're bright and cute, and they don't have 8 eyes and 8 legs and shudder. Just nope."

Lee sighed but stood up "Sigh, Spider haters. Watcha ya going to do? Frege, I'm going to see Aneglenia, do you guys want to come?" George's eyes seemed to turn into hearts and Fred grinned as he pulled his love-sick brother out of the compartment.

With the trio of pranksters finally gone I entered the compartment and placed my chest above the seats before collapsing next to Cass, my legs aching from walking down the train and waiting for the others to leave. Slowly I stretched my legs out as Cass leaned against me and asked "So what took you so long Max, you're normally here before the rest of us?"

Cracking my neck to the side I told them about my parents and Draco, and Cass leaned forward, resting her head in her hands, her knees supporting her Arms… "What Draco said is concerning, to say the least. I've always known Father would rather have Draco as the heir but can't because of Samuel… But to go as far as killing both of us? That's surprising even for him."

Dan nodded "Worrying even…I'm going to contact Mum tonight and get her rooms ready for you guys to stay over at in case anything happens when we return home, We don't want to let there be any chance of anything happening."

I burrowed my eyebrows before saying "I'll write to Master Aqua too, we shouldn't take any chances with a situation like this and Master Aqua knowing about it would be for the best."

They were all in agreement when Tracey interjected, "I've known you guys for a couple of years, and I've seen you serious before but never this serious. Surely he's just joking about this."

Dan sighed as he turned to face Tracey "I wish he was, but when it comes to matters to do with the House system…Malfoy's have been willing to murder family members before. Lucius Malfoy is one of the worst of the worst, if Draco thinks he's going to try and kill Cassandra and Samuel, then he means it."

Tracey groaned "Why does everything end up getting so serious with you guys?!" The three of us chuckled and I said "Well good news, is there shouldn't be anything else we have to deal with this year other than that now that the Curse breaking group have left school. Like I'm sure Jason can't do anything near as dangerous this year."

The group laughed before there was a loud knock on the glass. The 4 of us turned our heads to see the sweet old, Trolley Lady standing there. Tracey reached over to open the door and the old woman asked "Hello dearies, is there anything you want from the cart?"

Two minutes later we grabbed several different chocolate frogs, different flavoured beans and fudges between each other and split the cost between us. I was just in the middle of cracking open my first chocolate frog when the door knocked again and I let out a deep sigh as I noticed who it was…Jacob.

Well, at least he made it on board.

Putting my chocolate frog down I stood up and opened the door "What can I help you with Jay?"

He rubbed his arm "Sorry..do you have any money I could borrow? Mum and Dad didn't tell me about the sweet trolley and I have no change to buy anything from it." I ran my hand down my face "Right, I should have some money left over that you can use. Get back to your compartment and get anything you want. I'll be along in a few minutes with some Galleons, but don't go overboard." He nodded and rushed down the train.

Closing the door I said to nobody in particular "One day, I will just get to relax…Can someone please tell me this isn't going to be how the entire year goes? I don't think I can handle that." my friends remained silent apart from some chuckling and I rolled my eyes at them.

I grabbed my Money pouch from my side bag and left the compartment, If I was right, he had gone sprinting down the train to the left. Walking down it I wondered where on the train Chloe was, She was most likely catching up with her school friends whom she never saw over the summer…I wished she would come to my compartment…no Max, we need to share Chloe. We can keep her to ourselves.

Suddenly someone stepped out of the compartment in front of me and the two of us went tumbling to the ground. I groaned loudly, already knowing who I had bumped into "Hi Marinette."

The other girl chuckled "Oh hi Max, sorry about that, Still madly clumsy." Grabbing my glasses I got to my feet and helped the other girl as I said "Why am I not surprised? How have you been, you never told me when you arrived!" Her friend winced and it was only then I noticed she had her blue/black hair in pigtails I could only think about how much prettier it made her, strictly in a friend sense of course.

"Sorry Max…erm somethings came up in Paris and Summer got a lot more hectic. But it's really good to see you!"

I hugged her tightly and I managed to catch a whiff of the shampoo she was using; Bluebells, it smelt amazing… I wonder if it would smell as good on me? Shaking my head I said, "Sorry Marinette, I've got to run after my brother but catch up at school?"

She nodded firmly "Sure thing Max, I actually need to go and find some new exchange students that have come over from France. Talk Later." Marinette ran off and I could only flinch as two seconds later I heard a crash and band from where I had just come from. Oh Marinette, never change,

Continuing on my path I walked past the Trolley lady who was stuck at one of the compartments, handing half her trolley away. If it wasn't for the fact that I knew that the Trolley refilled itself from the stock further down the train; I would feel bad for the next set of students.

Finally, I reached Jacob's compartment and my eyes widened as I saw how full it was. Sitting in the far corner was Ron, his jacket stained by the sauce his mum had put in the sandwich he was eating. Across from him was a girl I didn't recognise but the girl next to her looked almost identical so I assumed they were twins. Across from the second girl and next to Ron was Jacob was showing off his crescent moon scar that was on his right cheek.

Even a decade after that fateful night, I still fully believe it was just a bit of plaster that had landed on him like it had been for me. There never seemed to be anything magical about it at least.

Next to Jacob was a young boy wearing a beanie and across from him was Susan Bones looking bored and fed up. Without waiting for any invitation I pulled the door open and said "Jacob, Susan, Ron, Sorry for disturbing you. And I don't believe we've been aquated, I'm Max, Jacob's sister; What are your names?"

The twin girls smiled and waved and one of them said "Hi, I'm Parvati" and the other said, "Hello, I'm Padma." I didn't quite see which one said which name came out of which mouth. Oh well, I learnt to tell the Weasley twins apart, I'm sure I could do the same for them.

Then the boy who I didn't know said "I'm Dean, nice to meet you."

I gave all three of them a smile before going for my pouch and I said "Well it's lovely to meet you all. I hope you all enjoy your time at Hogwarts. It can truly be magical with the right people around you. Now Jacob. Here's 7 Galleons, that should buy you all you need."

I passed the gold coins to him and he grabbed them "Thanks Max." before turning to say something to Ron. Coming to the realisation I wasn't getting anything out of them again I took back off for my Compartment, leaving the door open just to annoy them.

As I was about halfway back to my compartment however I ran into someone else who I hadn't seen since going to Hogwarts but recognised easily. Neville Longbottom. He had the same amount of baby fat on him as he did when I had last seen him and the poor boy looked like he was about to burst out crying.

Behind him was a young girl with dark skin and large bushy hair who was looking around for something. Crouching down I said, "Hi Neville, What's wrong?"

He looked up and almost seemed to start sobbing when the girl stepped in "Neville here has lost his frog. We're in the middle of searching for him. I'm Granger, by the way, Hermione Granger."

The girl formally put her hand out and I took it and gave it a firm shake "Maxine Potter, Nice to meet you, Miss Granger. It's nice of you to help Neville like this. Now Neville what's the name of your frog."

He quivered but said "He's called Trevor"

I smiled and pulled out my wand which was itching to be cast and said to him "Now Neville, Miss Granger; Watch this!" I was already casting Accio before I finished speaking but finished the wand movement with a pull as I called out "Accio Trevor the Frog."

There was nothing for a few seconds before a girl who sounded an awful lot like Chloe screamed and then the frog crashed into Neville who stumbled back from the force of the frog crashing into him but the 11-year-old caught the frog within his hands.

He almost immediately whipped away his tears "Trevor You're Back! Oh, thank you so much, Miss Potter." I smiled and ruffled his hair "It was no problem kiddo. Now you go back to you're compartments and enjoy lunch. We've got a long journey ahead of us."

I left the two first years and made it back to my compartment. I wasted no time in falling asleep once I got back, allowing the other three to continue their conversation. I needed to sleep after everything that had just happened but almost as soon as I started sleeping, I started dreaming

I was standing in an empty forest, surrounded by trees that blocked out any light. The ground around me appeared to be liquid and the sounds of gale-force winds trying to blow the tree's down sent a shiver up my spine.

But the truly terrifying thing was that in front of me, I could see Chloe, wand raised at someone or something that was further away from me. But that wasn't all, the person who was being targeted by Chloe had someone captive next to them. They had long fizzy Auburn hair and were wearing Black and Blue robes. Then the person being captive looked up and horror ran through my body as I saw her green eyes. The person being held captive…was me…at least it appeared to be me.

Before I could reach out for Chloe or Myself, the voice of the mysterious figure spoke and I froze in place. I recognised that voice too well. It had haunted my dreams for the past 10 years since Godric's Hollow had been attacked.

"Is the girl Ready"

Voldemort.

Then another voice spoke that wasn't mine or Chloe's

"Not yet my Lord, we just have to break this one final toy. Advera Kedavra!"

A green bolt of magic shot from the mysterious figure's wand and collided with Chloe. In seconds her entire body went limp and she fell to the ground…and I knew what that curse did, I had seen it be used on someone first-hand. Chloe was dead.

Even though I knew it was just a dream, I violently Screamed "NOOOOOOOO!" as my dream self and suddenly everything stopped apart from the other version of myself who suddenly stood up and the forest disappeared. The other me now looked Hollow inside her green eyes and approached me, a Blue butterfly landing on her hair and disintegrating "You know what we have to do. You have 1 year". Before everything Vanished.

I snapped awake feeling violently sick. Dan and Cass looked at me concerned but I brushed them off...How do you explain a dream like that to them? If anyone has any answers for me, I would like to hear them. Tracey had apparently gone to see some other friends while I dreamt and I watched as we arrived at the first hill of the Highlands. Only a little longer until I was at Hogwarts.

Grabbing my Journal I started writing and sat down trying to keep the sick down.

Maxine's Journal

Entry: 1st September 1991

What was that dream? It felt so real, it looked like me and Chloe only slightly older. And why was Voldemort there? I was finally getting over my nightmares of him. My throat even felt sore even though I hadn't actually screamed according to Cass and Dan…that was scary. And what did that older version mean? What did I know to do? Why did I only have 1 year…so many questions and not enough answered. I wish I could spend more time trying to figure it out but we're approaching Hogwarts and I need to get into…into my robes.

Signing out for Now

Maxie Mel Potter ᙙᙖ