CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

DISCLAIMER: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter.

A/N: This is the end for the twins' first year at Hogwarts. I've really enjoyed writing the story and publishing it here, and I'm glad it's gotten likes and reviews because I was unsure if you liked the plot. I'm thinking of continuing it with book 2 in the future. What do you guys think? Please let me know! Any ideas you have or comments will be appreciated.

This is the last chapter for this book, so we say goodbye to Reyna and Rylan for now.

Enjoy!

"Thank you all for coming here," started Dumbledore quietly, pausing only to look around at each face before continuing," I am afraid I have bad news."

James spoke up," Did Felicity refuse, Albus?"

Only Darrell, Melinda, Alastor, Severus, Minerva, Lily and the three Marauders joined Albus in the meeting. It wasn't a major one, but after a rather messy incident in 1981 the Headmaster had been a bit more cautious on who exactly to allow into the Order, and so the recruiting of Felicity Cade into the Order had only been suggested by some of his most trusted members, which was why he had conducted a minor meeting to inform the ones who had voiced the idea of their outcome.

Dumbledore nodded," She said she was not ready to join the Order yet," he said.

Melinda, Darrell and Moody were the only ones who did not look surprised, a thing which did not pass the Headmaster.

Snape raised a dark eyebrow as he drawled," And did she have a specific reason for declining?" he turned to the Marauders," I thought the three of you were sure of her motives."

Sirius opened his mouth to say something biting no doubt when Dumbledore intervened," She asked for her reasons to remain private, Severus."

"Her daughter is Reyna Cade, isn't that right Albus?" said McGonagall, turning to her longtime friend before going on," Didn't Miss Cade have a plan of some sort to change Slytherin?"

Severus gave a short nod," She has."

The Transfiguration mistress said thoughtfully," I would have thought she would agree with the offer. It is not often we come across first year with a plan to change what is probably the most stubborn house apart from my own."

"Melinda, did Felicity say anything to you?" asked Lily curiously.

Melinda gave a small shake of her head," Nothing I'm afraid, just that she would join when the time felt right."

"But what does she mean, when the time feels right? We're in a war now and we don't have time to waste," said Sirius, looking a bit annoyed.

Moody spoke up with a scowl," She's already doing something by fighting Black."

Everyone in the room except Dumbledore looked surprised and Remus said cautiously," Yes, of course but Felicity is a powerful witch. She would have been useful in the Order."

"Perhaps she has too many things going," suggested Lily.

No one else said anything after that and they discussed a few more things before winding up.

"Darrell, Linda, Alastor, I would like a word before you leave," said Dumbledore as everyone was leaving.

The two Culbert parents exchange knowing looks and Moody gave a grunt. The other members apparated back home, assuming that it was about a new project they were working on that Dumbledore wanted to discuss.

The Headmaster got straight to the point," You all knew, didn't you?"

Darrell gave a strained smile," Of course, Albus. She's my daughter."

Moody shook his head," Found out a couple of weeks ago," he grunted.

"What exactly did she say to you, Albus?" asked Melinda inquiringly.

Dumbledore gave a small smile," No doubt what she told you I assume. I knew the minute I saw her face, and I believe she guessed that I would look past her glamour. She gave no specific reason for not returning, but I imagine she has had a vision," he said solemnly.

Darrell shook his head," That couldn't be it. She came to me a while back about Azkaban and I tried telling her to join. When she refused I also thought she had a vision but she denied. I think- "he hesitated slightly before saying quietly," she's waiting for him to wake."

Moody gave a look of disbelief," If there's ever a stubborn kid it's Sergey."

Melinda shot him a stern look," If my daughter is determined to do something she will achieve it, Alastor. I admit the chances aren't very high but Jasira will and can make it. It is only a matter of time," she said with a bristle.

Alastor gave a small bark of laughter," Aye, no doubt about her skills Linda, but it's been twelve years. We'd gotten every damn healer to check on him but nothing's worked. Whatever spell he was cursed with could damn well be permanent."

"Our best hope is to have faith Alastor, she has yet to let us down," said Dumbledore with a sigh.

"Keep an eye on Reyna and Rylan Albus, Reyna is sometimes a bit too passionate about her goals. I wouldn't put it past my granddaughter to make enemies from all the older families in Slytherin," said Darrell worriedly.

Dumbledore looked slightly bemused as he replied," I believe Severus has already placed that task upon himself. He continues to complain that the young girl has gotten into several duels with older members in Slytherin and refuses to listen to reason. However, I feel he is impressed because rare it is to find someone so willing to go against her own house's standards."

Melinda gave a small smirk," And with Rylan as a brother, I think those two will have each other's backs till the end."

As Reyna was walking with her friends a few days before the exams a voice stopped her.

"Oy, Cade!" yelled Aldridge, striding over to her with an annoyed look.

"What is it, Aldridge?" she asked, turning to one of the Slytherin third years who was looking irritable about something.

"Snape wants a word in his office," he said before returning back to his friends.

"More trouble?" asked Delilah with a frown.

Reyna shook her head," I doubt it. I haven't done anything to warrant a visit with him," her voice sounded confident but she was worried.

"Would you like us to come?" offered Zach, sensing her discomfort.

Reyna shot them a quick smile," That's alright. I'll meet you in the common room. Hopefully this won't take long."

"Enter."

Reyna peeked in before closing the door and saying," You called, Professor?"

Snape studied her carefully before gesturing at her to take a seat. Reyna tried to cool her nerves as she smoothed out her expression, sitting down straight backed.

"Miss Cade, why did you not come to me when Mrss Osbourne and his group held you hostage a few weeks ago?" he asked bluntly.

Reyna froze, not expecting that answer before asking carefully," How did you find out, sir?"

Snape waved that question aside as he growled," That is of no importance. You were held hostage and chose to remain quiet about the situation. Have you any idea of the danger you could have been in?"

Reyna looked taken aback," Sir, they-it wasn't quite like that," she said feebly.

"Then please explain to me how having a group of wizards with more knowledge than you holding you hostage in safe, Cade," snapped Snape, glaring at her.

"They were just telling me that the fight in the common room was not something they appreciated," she muttered.

"And what about the threats?" said Snape, his voice having the familiar deathly softness whenever he was getting angry.

Reyna winced. How much had he heard, exactly?

"Have you told anyone else, then? Your brother?" asked Snape sharply.

There was a pause before Reyna shook her head, not meeting Snape's glare.

The Potions Master sighed irritably," And I assume your friends know nothing of this as well?"

Another pause accompanied with a small nod.

Reyna wished she didn't meet his angry black eyes as he said," Right. I'll be calling-"

"No! Sir, please let this remain between us. I don't want anyone else knowing about what happened," said Reyna quickly, her eyes pleading.

Snape scowled at her," I do not care about your motives to change Slytherin or how many advance spells you know. Whatever reasons you have are your own but if I get even the slightest whiff that something like this has happened I will not hesitate to owl your parents and alert the Headmaster. You should bear in mind that you are still a mere first year without the slightest of experience in the real world. The people you cross are not as innocent as you believe," he barked at her.

"I didn't say- "started Reyna but Snape cut her off.

"You are dismissed."

Reyna stood up in a subdued manner and left with a small nod before making her way to the common room.

"Oi, Cade, got a little scolding from Snape then?" called Vaisey with a smirk as Reyna entered the common room.

"Oh, shut up Vaisey," snapped Reyna before going over to join her friends.

Delilah looked up," What did he say?"

Reyna shook her head," Just something that happened a couple of weeks ago," she said glumly.

"It must be something big if it's got you worked up," noted Zach, gesturing at Reyna's scowling face.

Reyna didn't reply and they dropped it, getting the hint that she didn't want to talk about it.

The days passed quickly after that and Severus spared no second glance for Reyna Cade. The young girl continued on with her lessons, and tried to keep her head down at all costs. She spent more time with Rylan whenever she could and with Delilah and Zach, with whom she was found with almost every day.

As end of May approached so did the exams and everyone in the school could be found anxiously studying for them. Reyna and Rylan could be seen practicing together almost every day for their practicals and by the time the exams ended, the two were fairly confident they hadn't failed anything.

"Now it's only dueling that's left," said Rylan with a yawn as he stretched out next to the lake with his twin.

Reyna smiled lazily," Even mum would have to agree we weren't slacking. I reckon we'll get a break these hols."

Rylan was quiet before saying," I hope it'll be alright."

Reyna glanced at her brother and frowned," Of course it'll be alright Rye. We'll have mum and granddad and grandma."

Rylan shook his head," I know that but what's to stop the attacks from happening? What about-" he lowered his voice, glancing around him before saying," What about our friends, Reyn? You've seen that the attacks haven't stopped increasing and anyone could be next."

Reyna sighed," I know, Rye, I know. Our best bet is that our side will always be ready to fight-and win," she said quietly.

They sat in silence after that, gazing at the lake before it was time to get back inside.

Reyna couldn't help the satisfied smile that crossed her face as the results of the exams came out. It was quite amusing how she and Rylan had tied first in everything except Astronomy and Herbology, a subject in which one of the Ravenclaws managed to gain higher marks. They were first in their year, with a Ravenclaw girl getting second place and Delilah Rosier securing third position. Zach was somewhere in the top ten and he looked fairly happy with his scores.

"Not a bad end to the year," said Zach as they lounged on the school grounds.

Delilah smiled," Indeed, I actually enjoyed myself," she said, looking pleased.

Reyna raised an eyebrow and said in a mock play voice," What, don't tell me you thought our company would be boring Rosier."

Delilah gave a light snort," As Gianna said the first night, you'd make things interesting, Cade. And you did."

Zach nodded in agreement," It's still beats us how you managed to draw yourself a name within the house. Osbourne's group still hasn't forgotten what you did to them and Flint keeps on looking at you. It seems like you're the source of entertainment in the House," he said thoughtfully.

Reyna gave a small sigh," Well, perhaps next term will be quieter," she suggested.

Delilah suddenly gave a small chuckle," I believe next term might be even more interesting," she said mysteriously.

"How so?" asked Zach interestingly.

"I heard the Malfoy Heir is starting Hogwarts. If there's ever a spoilt brat as that one I'd like to meet them," said Delilah in distaste.

"Draco Malfoy?" asked Zach in surprise.

Delilah nodded and turned to Reyna," I assume you knew, Cade? Since you didn't say anything."

Reyna gave a small smile," I knew."

Delilah didn't bother to ask and instead said in a pensive voice," I wonder how he'll take when he meets our ice queen. I reckon it's straight to his father if the others haven't written yet."

Zach shifted uncomfortably," We'll have to be careful of him."

Delilah waved her hand," He's not dangerous, just pompous and big headed. However, I hear he's got brains so perhaps we'll need to stop him getting into a duel with Reyna otherwise it will be Lucius Malfoy demanding to see who hurt his precious son," she said unkindly.

Reyna pursed her lips," However he is, we'll meet it when the time comes. We have two more days to enjoy Hogwarts before going back home."

Delilah's face suddenly darkened and Zach gave her a small nudge," Hey, you will write to us, right?"

Delilah took her time answering," I hope," she finally said.

Reyna studied her face carefully, noting how her eyes tightened whenever she was reminded of the holidays. With an internal sigh, she realized everyone in Slytherin had some problem of some sort to find a solution to, inside and outside Hogwarts.

The last two days at Hogwarts passed by quickly and soon the Cade twins found themselves packing for the holidays. Felicity had promised them that she would be there to pick them up and so the twins were looking forward to seeing their mother.

"Oi, Cade, you'll come and meet my parents, right?" called Gianna as the three of them headed out of their dormitory after breakfast.

Reyna smiled and said reassuringly," Of course, but my mother will be a bit late in coming so I suppose you won't get a chance to meet her."

Gianna seemed unperturbed," That's alright. Rosier, you're not going to hide from them as well, right," teased the blonde haired girl to their rather blank faced friend.

Delilah forced a smile," Of course."

Wisely, none of the girls asked who would be coming to pick up their friend as they joined the boys outside the common room.

"All packed, then?" said Graham brightly, falling into step next to Gianna.

The girls gave nods of agreement as they made their way outside and slipped in one of the carriages. The Hogwarts train was waiting for them when they arrived and Reyna scanned the crowd for her brother.

She caught sight of Katie Bell and shouted to be heard over the noise of the others," Have you seen Rylan?"

Katie gave a nod and gestured towards the train before a crowd of girls blocked her from view.

"Reyna! Come on before all the good seats are taken," Graham called out.

"Here, gimme your trunk and I'll put it inside," offered Zach.

"That's alright, I've kept a weightless charm so it shouldn't be heavy," said Reyna with a smile as they got inside, following their friends as they searched for a compartment. Finally, near the back of the train the five of them found a compartment and trudged in.

Reyna sat next to the window and leaned back, listening to her friends' chatter about the school term and their plans for the holidays. She caught Delilah's eye and the young Rosier gave a halfhearted smile that Reyna returned before returning her gaze back to the window and settled back.

Her mind wandered back to when she'd sat alone with Rylan during their first train ride and she marveled at how fast they managed to make their own individual friends and still maintain a close relationship together. She imagined that was how her father had kept up relations with Irena as he and Dimitri were in different houses from their sister.

She knew she hadn't made a great impression on the other Slytherins but that wasn't her main concern. She'd made them sit up and take notice of her, and she would slowly start making changes. She had known it wouldn't be easy, but here there were people supporting her-as well as people opposing her. And despite the nonchalant approach Severus Snape had with Reyna, she knew the professor wouldn't have called her to his office if he hadn't cared for his students.

She barely heard Gianna talking excitedly about meeting her parents as her eyes closed, her mind drifting off to sleep.

"We've arrived," announced Gianna excitedly, exiting the compartment as her friends followed, Reyna and Graham blinking blearily from their nap.

"Have any of you ever met the Lord and Lady Hill?" whispered Zach to Delilah and Reyna as Graham followed infront.

Reyna shrugged while Delilah shook her head," They're a neutral family so I haven't seen them anywhere, though I have seen their faces once in a while."

Reyna caught sight of Rylan a few paces ahead and muttered a quick," I'll see you guys outside," before rushing over to join her brother.

"Queen!" he greeted with a grin before saying easily," said goodbye to your friends yet?"

Reyna grinned back," Gianna's planning on introducing us to her parents. You?"

Rylan shook his head," David's written to his parents 'bout me and Sarah so I guess I'll be seeing you around later."

Reyna opened her mouth to respond when she heard Gianna calling her name through the rush of the crowd.

Rylan nodded behind her," That's your cue. Don't forget to meet mum outside the barrier," he reminded her.

Reyna gave a small nod before jogging towards her friends, her heart beating as she approached her father and uncle's best friend. Maximillian Hill was a spitting image of his daughter, with her blonde hair and light blue eyes. He smiled warmly at his daughter's friends as Gianna chattered non stop, introducing each friend.

Reyna noticed how her mother, Philippa Hill froze as Gianna introduced Delilah and Max's smile seemed slightly forced as he nodded at the young girl.

Reyna knew immediately from Delilah's slightly sharp voice that she had noticed the changes in behaviour as she said," It's good to meet you, Lord and Lady Hill."

"Just Max will do, Miss Rosier, Gianna has spoken quite a lot about you," said Max genially.

Delilah didn't respond and Gianna moved quickly to Reyna," Dad, this is Reyna Cade, Slytherin's ice queen," she said with a small wink to Reyna.

Philippa Hill spoke up and said with a small smile," Gianna has told us a lot about you, Miss Cade."

Reyna smiled awkwardly," It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord and Lady Hill."

She noticed a frown appear on Max's face as Philippa made small conversation with the Graham and Zach. Delilah muttered something to Gianna, who nodded anxiously before the dark haired girl was lost in the crowd. Reyna wished her mother had arrived and breathed a sigh of relief as the three Hills bade them goodbye before apparating.

Graham called out a goodbye as well before walking to his aunt and leaving until it was only Zach and Reyna.

"Why was Lord Hill looking at you like that?" asked Zach with knitted eyebrows.

"How so?" said Reyna lightly.

Zach gave an impatient sound," You saw his look. It's like he recognized you."

Reyna gave a casual shrug," Perhaps he's met my mother at the Ministry."

Zach seemed to consider her answer before catching sight of one of his parents and bidding Reyna goodbye.

"Was that one of your friends, then, Queen?" a voice said from behind Reyna and she jumped slightly.

Felicity clicked her tongue," Constant vigilance, Reyn," she said in a reproachful tone.

Guiltily, Reyna gave a nod," That was Zachary Royston."

Felicity nodded before saying quietly," Was that Max I saw earlier?"

Feeling even guiltier, Reyna nodded, hoping her mother hadn't seen Delilah as she responded," Gianna was introducing us to her parents."

"He looks well," murmured Felicity before shaking her head and asking," Where's your brother then, Reyn?"

"Right here mum!" chirped Rylan, appearing next to Reyna and smiling widely.

Felicity smiled at her twins before leading them off the platform," I figured I'll simply enter instead of making you wait outside," she answered in response to Reyna asking about the change of plans.

She noticed her mother looking around them warily and giving a few nods to two Aurors standing on patrol.

"Ready for the holidays then, twins?" she asked with a soft smile.

The twins grinned at her," As ready as ever mum," they said in unison before Felicity apparated them all home.