You are viewing a story from harrypotterfanfiction.com
View Online
Format: Novel
Chapters: 8
Word Count: 18,280
Status: Abandoned
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Strong Language, Scenes of a Sexual Nature, Sensitive Topic/Issue/Theme, Contains Spoilers
Genres: Drama, General, Romance
Characters: Teddy, Scorpius, Albus, James (II), Lily (II), Hugo, Rose, Victoire, OC, OtherCanon
Pairings: Other Pairing, Rose/Scorpius, James/OC, OC/OC
First Published: 08/10/2010
Last Chapter: 02/07/2011
Last Updated: 02/07/2011
Summary:
Amazing Banner by Camila@TDA
Aubrey Chase is a half-werewolf with an immensely large crush on Albus Potter. Laura White is a pureblood with a secret that could ruin everything. Jane McKinnon is a beauty with a horrific past. Alice Longbottom is not what everyone thinks. And Rose Weasley is out to prove that she isn't her mother's daughter. All the Little Women...
Chapter 1
My name is Aubrey Chase, and I am a very complicated person. Even though I aspire to be a simple one.
I am known as Bree, am going into my sixth year at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and am a muggle-born witch. Having been brought up learning Maths and Science, it was very complicated having to cope to a world of magic. And it was even worse for me.
You see, one of the most complicated things about me is that I’m half-werewolf. Not fully werewolf, but not quite human either. You see, I was bitten by a werewolf one night when I was in a meadow near my house, looking at the stars. I love the stars. But, I was bitten as the werewolf turned back into a human. This means that although I do not turn into a werewolf, I have some wolfish qualities around the full moon.
Another complicated thing about me is my family. My brother, Ethan, is a Muggle. We were close until I was discovered to be a Witch. Now he refuses to speak to me. My Mother left my Father when I was six. I have never seen her since. I live with my Dad, who I was always very close to. However, the fact that I am away for most of the year has put a strain on our relationship. So much so that during the holidays I am generally left alone in my room. I have to cope on the Full moon alone. Without my best friend or my family at my side.
My best friend is a pureblood witch called Laura White. She sees the world very simply. To her, everything is black or white, with no shades of grey in between. She is a different sort of beautiful, understated, natural. She is quite clever, and extremely shy. But she’s also incredibly funny, if you take the time to get to know her.
I was even complicated to the Sorting Hat. It didn’t know where to put me. Obviously not Slytherin, since I was a ‘Mudblood’ to them. It said I could have gone into any of the other three. I have Brains, and am organised. This is why my favourite subjects are those often classed as the most difficult: Astronomy, Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes. I hate Defence Against the Dark Arts, I only carried it on to NEWT level as I think it useful. However, the Sorting Hat also labelled me as Brave, and Loyal. But I already knew where I wanted to be. Hufflepuff. I saw Hufflepuff as a house which would always accept you, no matter what. And so, I decided to become a Hufflepuff. That was where I met Laura, and we became friends.
Another complicated thing about me is that I am in love with a Potter. Of course, everyone says that they are in love with a Potter. But mostly, they choose James Potter. I, however, chose Albus Potter. And I’ve stuck by that choice throughout my entire schooling career, since my third year. He’s attractive in a geeky sort of way, slightly awkward and quite shy. He looks as though he needs to be mothered. However, he has a fire in his eyes which suggests that there is more to him than you could guess.
The complicated part of that is that I know that he will never notice me. I am too ordinary. Nothing special. And too shy. Just like Laura. That was why we became friends in the first place. We are both content to sit at the wayside, reading a good book. I never talk to Albus Potter. In fact, I generally hide when he walks by, or blush. I know it is hopeless. Despite being shy, Albus is very desirable. I expect he has a fan-club, just like his older brother James Potter. That is why I always avoid him. Because my looks are simply just average.
I have brown wavy hair, which has a kink which refuses to right itself. I am quite tall, and slim, with baby-blue eyes. I am freckled, and tend to bite my nails when nervous. Frankly, I am the sort of person no-one would ever want to notice.
At this moment, I am waiting in a Hogwart’s Train compartment for Laura. We always sit together, choosing a compartment away from everyone else. But this year, I arrived before her, and so am sat alone, waiting.
I have a book on my lap, inviting me to read it, but for once I am not ready to lose myself in it’s pages. I am too busy in the real world, wondering, just wondering.
‘Excuse me, but can I sit here please?’ I was broken out of my daydreaming by a smiling Laura, who had just knocked on the compartment door.
‘Laura!’ I exclaimed, jumping up to hug her briefly before sitting back down. ‘How was your summer?’
‘Good, thanks Bree. What about you? Ethan still being a pain?’ she asked in a soft voice. I nodded, trying to ignore the tears welling in my eyes.
‘We used to be so close? I don’t know why he can’t just face the fact that I’m a Witch’ I complained. Laura nodded compassionately, even though she’s heard this a million times before. But then again, what are best friends for?
‘He’ll get over it eventually. Anyway, are you looking forward to Sixth Year?’ she changed the subject deftly. I pretended I didn’t notice.
‘Sort of. I decided this year I was going to do all the things I always said I would do, so I wrote a list about it’ I told her. You see, I like to write lists. I do so in order to vent, or suggest things I would never normally do. It keeps me sane, and it’s my version of writing a diary. I’ve done it for as long as I can remember, and I keep all my lists in a small book. Some of them are incredibly old, some more recent.
‘Can I see?’ asked Laura shyly. She knows that some of my lists are private, and therefore allows me to choose whether I want to let her see them or not. This time, I decide that she can, and nod quickly, giving her my permission. I take out my book, flipping it to the last page I had written on, allowing Laura to read the list.
Things that I, Aubrey Chase, need to do before I leave school
1) Learn how to get into the Kitchens.
2) Discover if the Come and Go Room really exists
3) Learn how to create a Patronus correctly
4) Sneak out after Curfew
5) Visit a different Common Room, though not the Slytherin Dungeon
6) Give a teacher an interesting reason for being late for a class
7) Swim in the Lake
8) Speak to Albus Potter, and hopefully befriend him
9) Get a boyfriend (preferably Albus Potter)
10) Spend all night in the Astronomy Tower
I was quite proud of this list. It had some hopefully achievable points on it, though I doubted I would be able to manage some, such as Numbers 6, 8 and 9. But I would definitely try. Laura is looking with scarcely concealed delight at my list.
‘Bree, this is brilliant! You have to complete the list!’ she told me. I smiled slightly.
‘I’ll try’ I promised. At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and I could see the shadows of three girls through the glass panels. Laura and I looked at each other curiously, before beckoning the unknown girls in.
Through the door waltzed the three Gryffindor Darlings- Jane McKinnon, Rose Weasley and Alice Longbottom II.
Jane McKinnon was easily the most beautiful girl in the school. She had red hair, and a slightly round face, and was very brave. Last year, she had dislocated both her left elbow and shoulder in a Quidditch accident and not cried once. Most importantly, Jane McKinnon was kind. Everyone liked Jane McKinnon. It had come as no surprise to most then, that she was the girlfriend of James Potter II.
Everyone also liked Alice Longbottom, who was incredibly small and similar to a pixie, with a wide smile and brown hair framing her face. However, everyone knew not to underestimate her after they watched her duel a Slytherin last year. She had been scarily good, and no-one doubted her abilities now. She was extremely good friends with Lysander Scamander, and most presumed that they would get together at some point.
Rose Weasley shared red hair with Jane, though hers was much more frizzy. She was the smartest girl in my year, and most thought she should have been in Ravenclaw. Apparently, she was the reincarnate of Lily Evans, and spent most of her time shouting at Scorpius Malfoy, who had decided that he was in love with her. However, she had ‘no time for boys’ and had never had a boyfriend.
The three girls were hovering uncertainly in the doorway, unsure as to why we were staring at them with abject surprise.
‘Um, everyone else is full, and we were wondering whether we could join you?’ asked Jane after a suitable pause. Laura and I looked at each other.
‘Yes, of course’ answered Laura quietly. The three Gryffindors entered the compartment, plonking themselves down on seats. Alice had a cat squirming in her arms.
‘I’m Jane McKinnon’ said Jane when the silence was becoming awkward, holding out her hand, which we both took uncertainly.
‘Rose Weasley’ drawled Rose.
‘And I’m Alice Fields’ finished Alice. They must of known that we knew who they were but decided to be polite anyway.
‘I’m Bree Chase’ I introduced myself.
‘Laura White’ murmured Laura. The girls looked at us.
‘You’re in our year, but Hufflepuff’s, right?’ clarified Jane. Slowly, I nodded.
‘Thought so’ said Alice. ‘We all have quite a few classes with you.’ Again, I nodded. This was quickly becoming the most awkward situation I had ever been placed in.
‘Sooo, what’s your favourite lesson?’ asked Rose in an attempt to break the silence once more. I perked up slightly at this question.
‘Astronomy, definitely’ I said eagerly.
‘Bree’s an Astronomy nerd’ said Laura. I scowled slightly, not liking Alice, Rose and Jane’s laughter, even though I knew it wasn’t directed at me as such.
‘It’s fun!’ I protested. Jane smiled.
‘I know. I enjoy it too, but find it quite difficult’ she explained.
‘Well, my Father is a muggle astro-physicist, and he taught me a lot about physics and stars’ I told them. Jane lent forward.
‘What’s physics?’ she asked curiously. I had forgotten she a pureblood.
‘Um, Physics is a subject taught only by Muggles as a Science, and you learn about matter, energy, force and motion and the way they relate to each other’ I told them. They looked quite impressed.
‘That sounds quite complex’ said Rose in an impressed voice.
‘It’s not so bad if you’ve learnt it your whole life’ I shrugged. To me, Physics was natural.
‘Whatever you say’ said Alice. They looked at Laura, who had remained quiet.
‘What’s your favourite subject?’ asked Jane kindly. Laura blushed slightly, but answered none the less.
‘It’s probably Herbology’ she told them. Alice beamed.
‘Of course! My Dad always says that his prize pupil is a sixth-year Hufflepuff, but wouldn’t tell me who! It’s got to be you!’ she enthused. Laura gave a tinkling laugh, hiding behind her mass of hair.
‘What about you?’ I asked, eager to continue the conversation now that we were actually talking.
‘Mine’s Defence Against the Dark Arts’ said Alice immediately. Well, that was no surprise. After seeing her duel, there could have been no other favourite subject for her. I nodded, and Rose continued.
‘I quite enjoy Potions’ she told us. Again, no surprise. Rose was said to have inherited her Mother’s talent for Potions plus a knack for it that many just didn’t have.
‘I like Muggle Studies’ said Jane hesitantly. ‘I know many see it as a soft subject, but it’s fascinating for me, since I’m pureblood’
‘It’s not a soft subject’ I protested. ‘Not for purebloods. I mean, most of you have never even heard of a television, and Muggles are brought up on it’
‘Oh, we’re supposed to learn about televisions soon! I can’t wait!’ she said eagerly. Her friends simply shook their heads, but I understood her point of view. After all, was this world of magic not incredibly strange to me, even though I’ve lived in it for six years?
We passed the rest of the journey in a companionable chatter, bonding slightly. Laura and I were quiet, especially Laura, but we enjoyed chatting to the Gryffindor’s, even Rose who could become slightly over-bearing at times. Eventually, the train drew into the station.
‘Oh, good, we’re here!’ said Alice. Laura nodded, beaming. She loved returning to the castle. Jane had already left, ushering the first years towards Hagrid in her capacity as Prefect. Rose and Alice turned to us.
‘I hope we see you in some of our lessons’ said Rose honestly.
‘We do too’ nodded Laura. We hovered, back in an uncertain silence, before Rose caught sight of her cousins and left to chat to them, Alice trailing behind. Laura and I looked at each other, and laughed. We laughed until we couldn’t stop at the absurdness of what had just occurred. It was like a Miracle.
A/N I hope you like this story. I am very sorry to all my readers of my previous two stories, but I felt that both of them were travelling no-where. However, I have this story virtually completely planned out in my head, so this has taken their place. I love the idea of it, and I hope you do to! Please read and review.
Chapter 2
I love the Hufflepuff common room. It’s snug and warm, and comforting. As I cross it with Laura, content after the feast, I finally feel completely at home. Especially when I reach my dormitory, which is virtually the same as always. It is home to six girls.
Peyton Davies is part-Chinese, and has silky black hair. She could quite easily be classed as a cry-baby. She is hard to talk to, since she could explode at every moment. She is quite clever, but not outstandingly so, and definitely not in Rose Weasley’s level.
Clarisse Smith is a tomboy. She’s loud, and abrasive, and you really don’t want to get on her bad side. For some completely unforeseeable reason, she is best friends with Peyton Davies, which makes no sense whatsoever.
Pippa Creevey is an airhead with an obsession with taking photographs. She’s ridiculously chirpy in the morning and quite annoying to be around, but happy in her own way. Her best friend is my fourth roommate- Jesminda Patil.
Jesminda is the only daughter of single mother Parvati Patil. Jess is nice in her own way, calm and gentle. However, when she’s around Pippa she can be slightly annoying. However, out of all my roommates, apart from Laura I like Jesminda best. She’s Indian, and the outcast of her family, as her Mother was disowned for becoming pregnant then not marrying the boy who had gotten her in such a state. Apparently, the only person who will talk to her is Parvati’s twin sister, Padma!
I crossed the room so that I could collapse onto my four-poster bed. I looked up at the ceiling, happy to be hope. I could see the twinkling lights I had charmed onto the ceiling above my bed overhead, they looked like a million stars. Rolling out of my bed, I struggle into my Pyjamas, which comprise of my Dad’s old Chemistry Camp T-Shirt (At school he was a complete science geek) and some checked pyjama trousers. Next to me, Laura is ready for bed, her hair neatly braided away from her face, her Pyjamas completely straight. She joins me as we head to the bathroom, brushing our teeth furiously. From the dorm, we can already hear the sound of Peyton wailing as Pippa tries to take photos of her. Predictably, we hear the tell-tale crunch of Pippa’s camera as Clarisse stands on it heavily.
‘What’s the betting that Jesminda will try and convince Clarisse that was a bad idea now?’ I whispered. Laura smiled.
‘No need to bet on that. It’ll definitely happen’ she murmured back. As if on cue, the low, steady voice of Jess can be heard as she attempts to reason with Clarisse, before sighing and repairing the camera with a quick Reparo.
‘Some things never change’ sighed Laura, as we made our way back into the dormitory. The lines were clearly drawn in our room, the six of us split into neat pairs. Clarisse and Peyton to the left, Jesminda and Pippa to the right, Laura and I in the middle.
Already, piles of clothes were spilling from Pippa’s trunk, spilling into Jess’ area, not that she would complain. As much as I hate to say this, she can be just as bad as Pippa at times. Completely different, therefore, from Clarisse, who is the first Hufflepuff female Beater in the history of Hogwarts. But what else would you expect from a girl who was made up of pure muscle?
I flung myself back onto my bed, reaching down to my trunk to pull out my latest trunk. To my left, Laura was mirroring my actions.
‘What are you reading?’ she asked in a soft tone.
‘Little Women’ I replied in an equally quiet tone. Laura tutted.
‘You read those books too much’ she complained. ‘Try something else.’ I didn’t answer, just as she knew I wouldn’t. Ever since I first came to Hogwart’s, I have always read the Little Women books almost obsessively, my favourite being the third book, Little Men. There is something about them that I absolutely adore. I am in love with Laurie and Nat, and felt so sorry for Beth with her frailty.
I settle myself into my covers, wrapping myself into a cocoon and beginning to read…
******
I am alone. As I wander into Potions, I regret the fact that I took it, even though I knew Laura wasn’t. Even Jess, who could have provided some comfort, has neglected to take the course. I hover uncertainly in the doorway, unsure as to where to sit. Fortunately, my newly acquired Gryffindor friends are at hand.
‘Bree!’ signals Alice, looking at me from her seat next to Rose. I smile as she waves me across, before placing myself in the seat next to Rose, with an empty seat to my right.
‘Hello Alice, Rose’ I greet. They beam at me, and I notice the missing member of their group. ‘Where’s Jane?’
‘Oh, she has a free period’ says Rose. ‘I believe my cousin shares it.’ She rolls her eyes as Alice giggles and I realise that she is talking about James, not one of Rose’s multitude of other cousins.
‘I wonder what she’ll get up to?’ I ponder, jumping as a male voice greets me, instead of the soprano voices of Alice or Rose.
‘I don’t think anyone has to wonder about that.’ I spin around, recognising the voice instantly even though he has never spoken one word to me before. I stare at him unashamedly, before realising what I am doing, blushing bright red and ducking my head. Albus clears his throat.
‘Oh sorry’ apologises Rose. ‘Al, this is our new friend Bree Chase, and Bree, this is my cousin Albus’ Albus Potter holds his hand out to me. I take it as he says kindly,
‘It’s nice to meet you’ to which I, as the entire idiot I am, blush even more, mumble something incoherent and turn to face the front. Albus looks slightly worried, but as he is quite shy in his own right, doesn’t press the conversations, choosing instead to slide into the seat next to me, and look at the board.
‘Aren’t Emmett, Andre or Scorpius in this class?’ asks Alice curiously. Emmett Thomas, Andre Bellour and Scorpius Malfoy are Albus’ best friends, and I think all of us knew he would rather be sitting with them if he could.
Emmett Thomas is really smart. He’s quite quiet, and keeps his head down generally. He’s the only son of Dean Thomas and Demelza Robins, and tends to stick to his friends only. He has a twin sister, Poppy. He’s a Ravenclaw.
Andre Bellour is French, and transferred from Beauxbaton’s Academy three years ago. He speaks good English, only reverting back to French some of the time, and has a very small accent. He is captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch Team.
Scorpius Malfoy is a Slytherin rebel, as in he hates prejudice of any sort. He fights to be different from his parents and as such is a bit of an outcast. He’s desperately in love with Rose Weasley, asks her out 10 times a day, and is rejected as much. He thinks Rose is a wonder. She thinks he’s an Idiotic Slytherin Serpent. However, he hasn’t let that put him off. Instead, he chooses to brush it all off, putting on a courageous front.
You may have noticed that all the three boys I’ve already mentioned are in different houses? Well, as Albus is in Gryffindor, all four of the boys are in different houses and I have no idea how they bonded together. Yet they did, and the unlikely quartet was formed. I don’t know where the others are.
‘None of them wanted to do Potions. Well, except for Emmett, but he promised Poppy he’d sit with her and her friends due to something she discovered about him’ explains Albus. Rose and Alice nod, as Professor Haze walks into the room.
‘Right, let’s get down to business’ she greets. ‘Firstly, well done to all of you for doing so well in your OWL Potions exam. You would not be in this class if you had failed to live up to my expectations. Now, today you will be brewing the Draught of Living Death. Please begin.’ Professor Haze is always abrupt.
I turn to my cauldron, heating it up gently before walking to the cupboard to get my ingredients. I quickly select them from the shelves and begin chopping. Next to me, Rose and Alice chat quietly, on the other side Albus works diligently but silently. It should be awkward, but for some reason it isn’t. Maybe because Albus appreciates silence as much as I do.
The rest of the lesson passes quickly in silence. My Potions looks almost perfect, a silver mist covering it’s surface. So does Albus’. However Rose’s looks even better. It is completely perfect and we can all see that Professor Haze is impressed.
‘Oh, Well Done, Miss Weasley. 10 points to Gryffindor’ she announces, clapping her hands together, impressed. Rose shrugs modestly, before turning to her cousin and I as we pack up our stuff and Professor Haze moves on.
‘Hey, Bree, what lesson have you got next? And you Al’ she asks. I fish inside my bag for my timetable.
‘I have Charms’ I tell her. Alice squeals. Yes, she squeals.
‘I have that too!’ she cries out. ‘So does Jane and Rose. Does Laura?’
‘Yes’ I tell her, and she beams wider, if that were possible. It seems incredible that they seem to have accepted Laura and I so quickly. If we were Gryffindor’s, would everything have been different?
‘Al? What about you?’ asks Rose, diverting the attention from me, just as I’m becoming uncomfortable. I smile at her thankfully, but she doesn’t look at me.
‘I have Charms too’ he admits. ‘So does Emmett and Andre. And…Scorpius’. He adds Scorpius’ name at the end as though we would not want to hear it. And I understand why as Rose’s eyes flash.
‘I don’t care what subjects Malfoy is doing’ she spits. ‘Okay, Al?’ Something flashes in Albus’ eyes too and he sighs heavily.
‘Look, Rose, you’re my favourite cousin and all, but Scorpius is my best friend. He’s a great bloke, can’t you give him a chance? I’m sure it will work out’ he says. I think that’s the most Albus Potter has said in a go. He’s not the most articulate person. But that’s part of the reason I love him. Rose just snorts imperiously, swinging her bag onto her shoulder as she makes her ways out of the classroom. Alice, shaking her head follows, as do I, bringing up the rear with Albus.
‘So, how come I haven’t seen you around before?’ he asks. I blush, stupidly.
‘I’ve only just made friends with Rose, Alice and Jane. They sat with my friend Laura and I on the train. We’re Hufflepuffs’ I say as a way of explanation. He nods.
‘Often overlooked then’ he comments.
‘Exactly.’ We carry on walking, but inside I am in a turmoil. Who would have thought that I would be having a conversation with Albus Potter? However, my joy soon evaporates as we are joined by Albus’ little sister, Lily Luna Potter. Lily is a fourth year, and could rule the world.
She has red hair in piglets, is desired by most of the school, will do any dare, and is smart to boot. She is incredibly mature, has a sarcastic response to everything, is witty, and despairs of girls who could be branded as ‘airheads’.
‘Hey Lils’ says Albus, grinning at the sight of his sister. She narrows her eyes dangerously at him, and I feel like running away. Despite being quiet petite, Lily, like Alice, is incredibly threatening.
‘What did I do?’ Albus asks, looking slightly afraid. Lily snarls.
‘What did you do? What did you do? You told Andre to leave me alone, and that he had no chance in hell with me!’ she spits. That is interesting. It appears that little Lily has a crush on her older brother’s best friend, who is sixteen, compared to her fourteen years of age. And that Albus has tried to ruin the match. Nobody else would have dared question the word of Lily.
‘Lily, you’re two years younger than him!’ protests Albus. Lily doesn’t look happy.
‘Yes, but I really like him! And he likes me too, Al. Why did you have to ruin it?’ she whines. Albus sighs.
‘You’re my little sister, Lils. That’s what I do’ he explains.
‘Well, don’t, alright?’ orders Lily, turning on her heel to flounce away. Albus turns to me with a slightly sheepish expression.
‘Sorry’ he says. Sorry. He says it so simply, unlike most who choose to fabricate it with false words. It’s refreshing.
‘That’s alright’ I reply, and we’re back to silence.
Eventually, we reach the Charms room, and I am horrified to realise that due to our encounter with Lily, we are late. I’ve never been late before. Hesitantly, I enter the classroom, and find Professor Chang glaring at me, obviously looking for a reason as to why Albus and I are late. Her daughter, Peyton, is looking at me with narrowed eyes. Everyone knows that she likes Albus, but I couldn’t see why she was so worried. It wasn’t like he was going to like me or something.
‘Why are you late?’ Professor Chang asks acidly. Albus looks sheepish.
‘I ran into Lily. I’m sorry I’m late’ he apologises sincerely. Professor Chang waves him to his seat. Everyone knows that she has a soft spot on Albus. However, none of us know whether that’s because her daughter likes him or for some other reason. She turns her glare on me, and I know I’m done for. Suddenly, I remember number 6 on my list.
Give a Teacher an interesting reason for being late to class. I straighten my shoulders. I might as well get it over and done with.
‘The Goblins kidnapped me, and sent me to work in the Cheese Factories in Narnia. I only just escaped!’ I tell her, my eyes opened wide and innocent. Everyone gasps. No-one expects me to say that. Most of them don’t even know I exist. Rose, Jane and Alice look suitably impressed, but Laura is nowhere to be seen. I frown, but forget about it instantly as Professor Chang snaps.
‘Detention, tonight, Miss Chase’ she barks. ‘Now, get to your seat.’ Slumping slightly, I make my way to the seat the girls have saved to me, ignoring Pippa and Jesminda beckoning me over. As Professor Chang turns to the board, the girls lean over to talk to me.
‘Bree!’ gasps Jane. ‘Why did you do it?’ I shrug.
‘I wrote myself a list of what I hoped to achieve this year, and giving a silly excuse was one of them’ I explain. I’ve never told anyone about my lists before, not even my family. Only Laura.
‘Can we see?’ asks Alice eagerly. I ponder her question. On the one hand, I really want to. However, on the other I mention Albus and that could be catastrophic.
‘I don’t have it with me’ I lie, and she pouts, but I ignore her. Professor Chang is talking.
‘Now, today we are going to recap the Summoning Charm that you learnt a while back. Please, remember the incantation is Accio. You may begin’ she tells us. We pair up, me with Rose, and Alice and Jane together. Predictably, Rose perfectly Accio’s a cushion on her first go. She smiles with satisfaction, before banishing it back across the room before Professor Chang reaches us.
‘Miss Weasley, Well Done! You’re just like your Mother!’ praises Professor Chang. Rose’s smile drops and her eyes flash.
‘You were mistaken, Professor. That was Bree’ she tells her. My mouth drops open at the obvious lie but I ignore it, choosing instead to go along with the lie. Professor Chang looks suspicious.
‘Show me please’ she orders. Gritting my teeth, I wave my wand, saying ‘Accio’. Thankfully, the cushion zooms across into my hand and Professor Chang moved onwards, appeased slightly. I turned to Rose.
‘Why did you tell Professor Chang it was me?’ I asked curiously. Rose looked furious.
‘She said I was just like my Mother. I am not my Mother. And one day, people will realise that I am my own person. I am Rose Weasley, not Hermione Weasley’ she says, her glare stony. I suddenly realise that there is a lot more to Rose Weasley than everyone thinks, and that I would never want to get on her bad side.
A/N Hope you enjoy this character. First glimpse of the wonderful Al Potter! Much more to come soon!
Chapter 3-
General P.O.V
Laura White stumbled from the Hospital Wing, her face streaked with tears. The news, that she expected for so long, had come. She knew the deadline. And now, she had to tell everyone. But not yet, not now. She would find another time.
She made her way to a little alcove, nestled herself in it. And let herself cry. 6 months. That was what she had left. 6 months to tell everyone, to do what she needed to do. 6 months.
*****
Rose Weasley’s clothes were rumpled, her hair dishevelled, her face red and sweaty. She scooted along the corridors, revelling in what had just occurred.
Something her Mother would never have condoned. Something that she would never have done. Something Rose could do, something that made her unique. Not her Mother.
Rose Weasley laughed, a bright care-free sound. She was free. The only thing is, freedom can only last for so long.
******
Alice Longbottom’s eyes narrowed in disgust as she stared at the boy in front of her.
‘Filth’ she spat, staring at him. She stares disdainfully at him, the stain on the earth. Son of a death-eater. He may as well be a death-eater himself. Thinking themselves better than others. Alice would show them. She would show them what it was like to be tortured. But she would do it without magic, to show them that Muggles were just as capable of them.
She would torture them with her words, like knives stabbing into their hearts. And when they begged for mercy, she would remind them. She would remind them what the death-eaters were capable of. And they would be sorry.
*****
Jane McKinnon sat in front of her mirror. Slowly, but surely, she brushed her hair.
1,2,3,4...
Perfection was necessary in her life. If she appeared perfect, nobody would question her. They would not wonder about her past, about the obvious gaps in her childhood.
9,10,11,12...
If she focused, on lessons and other people, the nightmares wouldn’t come. Green light. Green light. She needed to distract herself from the pain that had occurred in her life. Count the brushstrokes. Perfection. Always perfection.
16,17,18,19...
Jane hummed softly to herself. Perhaps the nightmares wouldn’t come tonight.
******
Bree’s P.O.V
12 Reasons why Peyton Davies is an unreasonable Cry-baby
1) If she loses an item of clothing, she cries
2) If she gets a question wrong in a lesson, she cries
3) If you insult her, she cries
4) If a boy kisses her, she cries. I have seen this happen. But maybe Christopher Plankett is just a bad kisser.
5) If you compliment her, she cries of happiness. Probably because people don’t compliment her very often
6) She spends most of the time in the loos, crying
7) All her make-up is waterproof
8) She cries if she loses House-Points. Or if she gains them. Why?
9) Her Mother babies her. This is evident due to her running to her Mother every time something goes wrong
10) She had a tantrum when we lost a Quidditch Match (she’s a Chaser) and threw her broomstick onto the ground.
11) I told her to make her bed, and she cried
12) She relies on Clarisse to protect her, and cannot stand up on her own
I was in the library, trying to think of more reasons to add to my list. There were numerous occasions when I had seen Peyton cry, but I couldn’t jot all of them down right this moment. Instead, I tried to focus on the textbook in front of me. I was researching Hobgoblins, and I tried to read through the passage, even though it was near curfew and my eyes kept drooping. Only a few more minutes…
The Hobgoblin is a lesser known part of the Goblin family. Hobgoblins are very troublesome creatures and are fond of practical jokes. They are a part of the Seelie Court.
Laura had refused to tell me where she had been during Charms. She had looked away, and muttered that I would know soon. What was that supposed to mean? Laura had never kept something from me before, and I was worried about the implications of her hiding something. It meant it was something serious, and that worried me. What could be so bad that she had refused to tell me, her best friend?
They are also a distant relative of the Brownie, and share their furry coats. The Hobgoblin can be found in many Wizarding Homes, and are the cause of much strife.
She hadn’t turned up again until after my Potions lesson- the next day. She had apologised over and over again, but I wasn’t ready to forgive her yet. I mean, I was worried beyond belief. Didn’t I have the right to feel worried about her?
Their fur is used in the Onus Potion, which allows a mischief-maker to get away with trouble with no problems. This has caused the Hobgoblin to be in severe demand. However, the only way for this to work is for the Hobgoblin to hand you some of it’s fur willingly.
This was hopeless. I couldn’t concentrate. I needed to go back to my Common Room.
I made my way out of the library. The castle was dimly lit. It was silent, the only noise being the pitter-patter of my feet. Suddenly, I could hear rushed whispers, and I stepped back into the shadows. I didn’t want to eavesdrop, but for some reason, I felt I needed to listen to this conversation. And it was a good job I did. I just didn’t know it then.
‘It’s coming!’ one boy whispered. I didn’t recognise his voice.
‘Et we will be ready’ said the second voice. I concealed a gasp. I recognised the voice as Andre Bellour, one of Albus’ best friends. He was the only boy in our school with a French accent.
‘Is it nearly done?’
‘Almos’. ‘Ogwarts will not know what hit eet’ said Andre darkly. I gulped audibly, trying to shuffle backwards. I knocked into a solid chest.
‘Oof’ I muttered, looking upwards. James Sirius Potter the Second stood in front of me. He held his finger up to his mouth in a shushing action, before turning to listen intently.
‘Who has agreed?’ the first boy asked. I didn’t understand. They were talking in Riddles.
‘Ze children of zem have agreed. You know who I mean. And a few…surprises’ said Andre. The children of what? Not Death-eaters, surely? Andre couldn’t be evil. He was a Hufflepuff! I didn’t generally believe in prejudices, but I refused to think badly of someone in my house.
‘Good, good. We will meet again soon’ said the first voice, and I heard the noise of footsteps heading in the opposite direction to James and I. Within moments, the second set also left, in the same direction. I let out a breath and turned to James, who was frowning.
‘What was that?’ I asked, aware of my shaking voice. James shook his head.
‘I don’t know. Andre…Albus will never believe what we just heard’ he said.
‘We’re going to tell him!’ I yelped in surprise. It would break Albus’ heart.
‘Why not?’ said James incredulously.
‘We might be wrong! Andre is one of Albus’ best friends, he would die if he knew that Andre was evil! And what do we know? Maybe we misunderstood! We should try and find out more!’ I explained. James looked at me, his face inscrutable.
‘Who are you?’ he asked. I blushed.
‘Bree Chase, sixth-year Hufflepuff’ I told him. He nodded, smiling.
‘Jane told me about you’
‘She did?’ I was incredulous.
‘She did. And, Bree Chase, sixth-year Hufflepuff, I think you’re right. We’ll keep an eye on Andre, but not say anything’ James said. I blushed that he thought I was right, before realising something. He said we would keep an eye on Andre. I was going to help James virtually stalk Albus’ best friend?
‘We?’ I asked weakly. James nodded.
‘We. Are you in?’
‘I’m in’. This is not going to end well.
*******
‘SHA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA! SHA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA! SHA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA! AND SWEET MARIA WAITS FOR ME!’ shrieked Alice and Jane at the top of their voices. Laura and I had joined them in the Gryffindor Tower (enabling me to cross yet another thing of my list) when they had invited us into their dorm. This had caused us to start singing along to Muggle Music. Well, mainly Alice and Jane. It had been interesting to see them let their hair down, and to be introduced to their other dorm-mates.
Raven Moore was a girl with a big heart, but who was hurt over and over again because of it. She’s pretty, but has dyed her hair black because of sadness. She generally wears black. Raven’s whole family all died on the same night, you see, at a Party. Raven escaped that fate for one reason, and one reason only- she was at her best friend’s house. Rumours follow Raven everywhere, but she’s actually really nice.
Her best friend is Isabella Parkins, known as Izzie. Isabella is happy-go-lucky, and quite naïve and childlike. She’s blonde and bubbly, and really nice. She giggles all the time, and is as sweet as sugar. Raven has moved into her house now that she has nowhere else to live.
They have a third friend, Airlia Demopoulos, who is Greek. She’s a Ravenclaw, and I don’t have that much to do with her. Yet, I’ve heard that Airlia is slightly insane, babbles when nervous, and super-clever. When you get her and Nettie together, you have an awful pairing- they’re both so crazy!
Meeting all of the Gryffindor sixth-year girls really makes me want to be in Gryffindor. They’re just so much nicer than most of my Hufflepuff room-mates (though Jess is just as nice and Laura is better than them all).
Mentally, I composed a list of reasons why the Gryffindor girls were better than Hufflepuffs.
Reasons why I prefer the Sixth-year Gryffindor Girls (minus Laura and Jesminda)
1) They greeted me nicely
2) They looked pleased to see me
3) They said I could come back at any time
4) They didn’t burst into tears, shove a camera in my face, or threaten me
5) They are so much more relaxed
6) I can actually speak around them, and Laura doesn’t instantly bury her nose in a book when she sees them
7) They-
‘Bree? Bree? You’ve been staring into space for about a minute’ said a worried Jane as she waved her hand in front of my face.
‘Oh sorry. I do that sometimes’ I shrugged bashfully.
‘Riigght’ said Rose. They went back to what they were doing, and I sighed with relief. As much as I liked my new friends, I preferred to be on the outskirts, away from everyone’s attention. And that was where I would always stay.
A/N Please Read and Review. Hope you enjoy! Lyrics are from Is this the way to Amarillo by Tony Christie. Hope you like the picture of the gorgeous Logan Lerman as Albus. Will be adding the pictures of Bree and Laura to the first two chapters soon X
Chapter 4
GENERAL P.O.V
Swoosh. Swoosh. The cloaks of the Sisterhood sweep across the floor as they made their way to the meeting room. Their faces were hidden under the hoods of the cloaks. On each of their breasts, a small pin showed the head of a Phoenix.
The room was dark, only lit by flickering torches. It was initiation time for the new members of the Sisterhood. Their leader stepped forward. Out of all of them, she alone wore a silver cloak. It smothered her, but no-one laughed. They knew what their leader was capable of. They had seen it first hand. That was, after all, why she was their Queen.
‘We have convened today, to welcome a new person to our ranks. Please will you step forward, Molly Weasley.’ The small redhead stepped forward. She attempted a weak smile, until someone coughed. It wasn’t appropriate. The Sisterhood was a serious matter.
‘The Sisterhood of the Phoenix was started 16 years ago. Our aim is to rid the world of the filth that walks it’s surface. However, we abhor violence unless necessary. It makes us as bad as those we would condemn. We attack with our words. Molly Weasley, you have expressed a desire to join our auspicious ranks. Do you understand what you are agreeing to?’ asked their Queen. Molly gulped.
‘I do’ she said, her voice shaking slightly. Their Queen took a step towards the girl.
‘Do you pledge to follow our rules?’
‘I do’
‘Do you pledge to undertake any tasks assigned to you?’
‘I do’
‘And do you pledge to stay with the Sisterhood throughout your whole time at Hogwarts?’
‘I do’.
From underneath her silver hood, Alice Longbottom II smiled. The sisterhood was growing stronger. And once they had the Weasley family on their side, there was no going back.
They would defeat those who remained, the so-called Elite pure blooded. They would thrust them a blow that would send shivers down their spines, and make them come running for their lives.
******
BREE P.O.V
I hated the Full Moon. It was drawing closer, and I could feel it in my very bones. I felt more alive, more animalistic, more angry. This was the most dangerous time for me, when I could explode at any second, shattering my invisible mask.
That was why I had run all the way to the Astronomy Tower. Which is where I am now, surrounded by the stars. It’s where I feel most peaceful. However, it means I can also the nearly full moon.
It is silent. I do not know where any of the others are. Laura has disappeared again, to do her secret business that I cannot know. I saw Alice crossing the grounds in the direction of Hagrid’s Hut and Jane and Rose had disappeared to the Library to study. Jesminda and Pippa were in the Hufflepuff common room. I didn’t mind the silence, though. It was peaceful.
But everything peaceful could be shattered.
I fell asleep out on the hard, cold floor, surrounded by stars. When I woke up, I had pins and needles in my side, and felt sore and stiff. I stretched, yawning widely, before noting the time. 6:30. I cursed loudly, running towards the Hufflepuff Common Room.
‘Where were you last night?’ asked Laura quietly as I struggled into my robes. ‘The others were suspicious.’
‘Where were you?’ I shot back. She blanched, and ignored my question. In turn, I ignored her whilst we all made our way to the Breakfast that would change everything.
I was not expecting any mail. My Mother had not been heard from in ten years. My brother hates me. My Father was scatter-brained, and could not be trusted. So I was surprised when a white owl soared towards me, a red letter in it’s beak. Red. The colour kept flooding through my mind, clouding my senses.
With shaking hands, I slit open the letter. I read it through, feeling the colour flood away from my face. The letter dropped to the floor as I drew in shuddering breaths. I couldn’t breathe. No. No. It couldn’t be. I couldn’t accept it. I heard a cry. Was it me? I didn’t know. The world was spinning. I couldn’t see. Blackness.
Dear Miss Chase,
I am deeply sorry to have to inform you of the saddening death of your Father, Graham Chase and your brother, Ethan. They were killed last night whilst dining with their neighbours Dean Thomas, his wife Demelza and their small daughter Mackenzie. None of them survived.
Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange are suspected of performing this heinous act. They are death-eaters who disappeared after the last war, but the deaths bear their marks.
We are deeply sorry. We are not sure whether your family was the target, or whether the Death eaters were only searching for Dean Thomas and his wife, both of who were in Gryffindor and were known members of Dumbledore’s Army.
We will contact you again shortly in reference of the funeral.
With condolences,
Charles Milner
Head of Damage Control
***
I am lying in the Hospital Wing. I feel shell-shocked. It’s hard to breathe. I can’t fathom what just happened. My Dad. Ethan. Gone. I wish the black would return. I’ve never wanted more than ever to be unaware of what is going on around me. It would be a welcome release. I have no-one left. Except for Laura. No family. My Dad had no brothers and sisters, his parents were dead, my Mother’s family had disappeared with her. Gone. All gone.
And I wasn’t even at home. They’re muggles, they stood no chance. Maybe Dean Thomas and his wife could perform magic, but it had made no difference. What had my innocent, geeky Dad and little brother ever done wrong? I want them back. I want them back now.
I curl up, and begin to cry. Yet it hurts more than crying ever should. I am shaking, and tears are flooding down my face, and my chest feels tight, and my organs are pressing against my body. But I know, I’m just crying. I feel as though I am about to die. A welcome release. I look forward to it, almost.
Laura approaches me steadily, sitting down and wrapping her arms around my shaking body. My eyes have closed, but I know it’s her, from the smell of Strawberries pouring off her body.
Across the room, I can hear a low murmur of voices, and the sound another girl, who’s also in pain, crying her heart out. And then I remember.
Dean and Demelza Thomas. The parents of Emmett and Poppy Thomas. My classmates. I had forgotten that we lived so close to one another. When we were younger, Poppy would often come over in an attempt to play, but I had ignored every advance. I didn’t want to be friends with her. She was too light-hearted, too fun. I prefer the dark, the quiet to everything else. I would have contaminated her. And Emmett was the opposite, too engrossed in his books to attempt to talk to me. I’d forgotten they even had a little sister. Little Mackenzie.
It wasn’t just me who had lost my family. Emmett and Poppy had lost theirs too.
I open my eyes, and steadily walk over to the other side of the room, where Albus, Scorpius and Andre surround Emmett, and where Poppy sits with her friends Georgie and Amber. At that moment, I don‘t care that Poppy and I never spoke. All I care about is the fact that someone might be hurting just as much as I am at the moment.
Poppy looks up at me with a tear-streaked face, and without saying a word, I embrace her. And for a second, as we sob our hearts out to each other, we feel slightly better.
Emmett looks devastated. He is being held onto by his friends, who looked shell-shocked. I look over towards where Laura had been, expecting to see only her. I don’t expect to see Jane, Rose and Alice as well. Even Jess is lurking in the shadows.
None of us speak. There are no words.
I know suddenly, when Emmett looks up and stares directly at me, that he remembers when our parents tried to force us together, when they looked after me for a while when my Mother left and my Dad couldn’t cope. And he reaches out and takes hold of my hand, squeezing it. And for a moment, the three of us, Emmett, Poppy and I, are linked. And I know that the three of us will never be the same, ever again.
The door opens, and our Headmistress, Professor McGonagall, enters with our Heads of House. Professor Chang heads towards Emmett and Poppy, whilst Professor Haze heads towards me.
‘I am so sorry for this tragic accident. It is a simply devastating event to occur’ says Professor McGonagall. Why does she have to add such long words to her sentence? This event is sad. Simply, sad. Heartbreaking, yes. But sad also.
‘I am allowing you all two weeks off of school to sort out some of your affairs, and organise the funerals. You may each take your close friends with you also. They will provide much comfort’ explains McGonagall kindly. I’ve never had much to do with her before. But I like her. She’s kind. And she understands that I need to go home. And that I need to have my friends with me.
The teachers leave, Professor Haze grips my shoulder tightly for a second before leaving. Her silent support is worth more than a thousand over-dramatic words.
‘Al, Scorp, Andre, will you come with me?’ asks Emmett in a hoarse voice. They nod the affirmative quickly, whilst Amber and Georgie quickly agree to accompanying Poppy. I turn to Laura.
‘Laura, you’ll come won’t you?’ I ask. She smiles sadly in agreement. I bite my lip, and turn to Jane, Rose and Alice. ‘Um, Jane, Rose, Alice, I know we haven’t known each other very long. But would you mind coming too?’ I ignore Jess deliberately. I like Jess very much, but she isn’t the best person to have around you when upset. She lets out an outraged noise, before stomping out of the Hospital Wing. I stare at Jane, Rose and Alice.
‘Of course we will’ says Jane warmly, and as one, the three girls converge on me, wrapping me in a safe embrace. I knew then that sitting with the three Gryffindor Darlings on the train had been the best thing I had ever done.
**********
Our houses couldn’t be connected to the floo network. Instead, we had had to travel on the train to London, before taking Ministry vehicles arranged by the school to the countryside where I lived.
I never imagined that I would be returning home like this.
My house looks the same as always. Not as much can be said for the Thomas’ home. It is destroyed. Nothing remains, only the shell of a house. Emmett and Poppy let out identical cries as they look at their home.
They stumble forward, rushing towards the wreckage as we stand and watch. It’s heartbreaking, watching them fight their way towards their home, watching them howl towards the sky as they discover that nothing is left. I can’t watch it anymore. Instead, I walk slowly towards my house. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me, as I let myself into our large house.
It has been my home for my whole life. I know this, as I walk through the familiar walls. Pictures of Ethan and I litter the walls, us beaming, dancing, messing around, swimming, everything. None of the recent ones show us together. My brother died, hating me. He died, thinking that I was a freak. And that fact was killing me more than everything. I couldn’t look at the pictures anymore.
I walk through the house. It’s massive, full of empty rooms. None of the rooms on the first floor are mine. They show nothing of my childhood. They are the guest rooms. Not like the ground floor, which has are comfy, snug Living room that reminds me of the Hufflepuff Common Room, or the kitchen where my Dad taught me to cook. Not like the second floor, which is Ethan and my Dad’s space. Not like the tower which is my bedroom and sanctuary. No-one else ever went into the tower. It was mine.
I run up the stairs towards it. I need to see it. I fling open the door, losing myself as I gaze around my room.
It is large and reflects my personality completely. Nothing in the house shows me as much as this room. It is turquoise, my favourite colour, with hints of crème, and red, and black.
To one side, is my music area. I love music, I live for my music. My piano is still shining; I haven’t been away long enough for it to gather the thin layer of dust it does during the School year. Next to it, is my music stand, with music sheets littering it. Spare sheets are neatly stacked on the floor. My flute and saxophone are stacked in their cases. And my large stereo and speakers are still there, my CD’s are stacked lopsidedly next to it.
My double bed is littered with comfy pillows and the Teddy’s from my childhood. Behind it, the wall is plastered with pictures of me, my Dad, Ethan, Laura and my muggle best friend, Marley. Some are Wizarding, other muggle. All of them show precious memories.
Books are stacked on the bookcase, too many to rest neatly, instead they look as though they could fall at any moment. A comfy couch covered in a turquoise throw and more pillows rests against another wall, facing the fireplace, which is stone cold. But the best thing about my room is the ceiling.
It is a dome, and made up completely of glass, so that I could see the stars. My Dad always hoped that I would grow up loving the stars, as Ethan, who was two years older, was more interested in Cars and Bikes and Chemistry. It had worked, and it was this ceiling that had inspired my bed at Hogwarts.
The whole room is comforting to me, from the fairy and ballerina ornaments I collected when I was younger, to the pink butterflies hanging down from the ceiling, to the bean bags over in the reading corner.
Behind me, I hear footsteps. Jane, Alice, Rose, Laura and surprisingly Albus, have followed me up to my room. They stand and look around, except for Laura who comes to my side. I know that they are learning more about me in this minute then they would ever have done in other circumstances.
‘Um, Bree, I’m really sorry, but Emmett and Poppy wanted me to ask you whether it was alright for them and their friends to stay here? Only, they have nowhere else to go’ says Albus. Ah. That explains why he is here.
‘That’s fine’ I say softly. Only it isn’t. Nothing is fine anymore. And it feels as though nothing ever will be. Albus turns to leave, but stops in my doorway. He looks at me kindly.
‘Don’t worry. We’re here for you’ he says. And that sets the tears rushing down my face. It breaks the floodgates. Because how can I not worry? The Death-eaters, and the dangers presented by them, were supposed to have gone. What would I do without my Dad? I felt all alone.
The girls rushed to my side, trying to calm me down. Albus looked devastated that his words had caused me such pain, and he stepped closer to me, but not close enough. I needed him. But I couldn’t say that. He didn’t know me well enough. I choked words out.
‘Dad…gone…Ethan…died hating me…no family left… all alone’ I choked between tears. Laura had a fierce expression on her face.
‘Don’t you dare say that Aubrey Violet Chase. You are not alone. You have me, and Jane, and Rose, and Alice, and Marley, and Emmett, and Poppy, and Albus and countless of other people’ she shot out. The others nodded in agreement. Didn’t they get it?
‘But I’m only sixteen! And I’ll have to live on my own! I don’t know where my Mother is, and I don’t want to contact her. I don’t even know her name! And Ethan died hating me, and Marley won’t understand, and…’ I tailed off.
‘You will never be alone, Bree’ said Rose. ‘You can stay with us during the holidays, and…’ I nodded thankfully, but continued to cry. It would never be the same.
‘They’ll pay for what they’ve done’ muttered Alice darkly. She looked incredibly threatening, glaring at the world.
‘My Dad’ll get them, Bree. Don’t you worry’ promised Albus. And I tried. I honestly tried. But some things are just too difficult.
‘Laura’ I said. She looked up at me, with doe eyes. ‘You’ll stay, won’t you? You’ll never leave me?’
Laura looked down for a second. When she looked back up, her eyes were teary.
‘I’ll stay with you until the day I die’ she promised. And I smiled, thinking that would be long enough.
A/N Hope you enjoy! please read and review.
Chapter 5
Everyone moved into my house. It was surprisingly nice, having the house filled with people. And I made more friends. Why is it that sadness brings people together?
Poppy and I bonded over our mutual grief. We would never be best friends, but I knew that if we passed in the corridors at school, we would smile sadly at each other. Poppy was trying to stay positive, but who can be positive about such a sad event? She tried, but it wouldn’t be enough.
Emmett had become like another brother. He would never replace Ethan, ever, but he was like me. He was comforting, my rock. I relied on him to get me through each day. He valued silence just like me, and he spent lots of time in the library with me.
Georgie and I bonded over music. I discovered that she was muggle born, like me, and had actually been awarded a place at a special music muggle school, before realising she was a witch. She wrote songs, and played both the piano and guitar. I had allowed her to use my piano whenever she wanted, and she did so. The softly played music was comforting as it weaved it’s way through the house.
Amber would never have been my choice of friend. She and Andre, who I was wary of, were the only people I avoided in the house. She was a blonde bombshell, but slightly ignorant of others feelings. Also, she was too loud. She had no tact, and was unwelcome in this house of sadness.
‘Bree?’ my head shot up as Jane made her way towards me. ‘Can I join you?’
I nodded my head. These days, the words were hard to come.
‘I thought I’d find you here. Why isn’t Emmett with you?’ she asked. I was in the library, buried in my books, though the words on the page refused to imprint themselves in my brain. I shrugged in answer to her question, though I had a faint suspicious. Emmett had been spending a lot of time with Laura. They were perfect for each other, I had realised, and I was happy that they were growing closer.
‘He’s probably with Laura. Those two are sweet together. I’m happy for them, aren’t you?’ I nodded, and Jane barrelled on. The good thing about Jane was that she didn’t try to make me talk. Instead, she spoke so that I could listen. ‘He needs her in this time.’
‘Jane? Scorpius and Rose are arguing again. Can you talk to them?’ Albus’ voice floated upwards. Jane sighed.
‘Great. It must be a bad argument if Al can’t sort it out’ she said grumpily. I watched her go, returning to my peace and quiet. It didn’t feel like I was living, these days. My serenity didn’t last long. I heard the doorbell ring, and the voice of a girl speaking through the letter box. I knew who that was. I needed to see her.
If the others were surprised by the way I rushed through the hallways, they didn’t say anything. Instead they simply looked at me, as I threw the door open wide and pulled my best muggle friend through the door, embracing her tightly. Marley was here.
‘Bree!’ cried Marley as I squeezed the life out of her. ‘I’m so sorry! I would have been here sooner, but I was on holiday, and I only just heard, and- who are they?’
Marley had the attention span of a gnat, and had quickly been distracted by the sight of four boys, and seven girls in my doorway. She had only ever met Laura before.
‘Sorry, Marls, I forgot. Everyone, this is Marley. Marley, this is Poppy, Amber, Georgie, Emmett, Scorpius, Albus, Andre, Jane, Rose and Alice. And you know Laura already’ I introduced. Marley squealed. She, she squealed. I bet you’re wondering how we became friends? Well, we bonded over muggle sweets and a love of romantic novels. Oh, and fantasies. The thing is, I became a witch. I got my fantasy. She never did. And she can’t even know.
‘It’s nice to meet you. I only wish it was in better circumstances. And don’t be stupid, Bree. I know Emmett and Poppy vaguely too. I’m so sorry for your loss’ Marley babbled. Of course. I’d forgotten that Marley lived nearby and therefore had probably seen Emmett and Poppy before.
‘Now, Bree, you need to get out of those Pyjamas. Your Dad wouldn’t have wanted you wasting away. My, you’re as white as a ghost!’ clucked Marley maternally. Everyone looked gob smacked. ‘Then, you’ll need to introduce me properly to all these people. Oh, and tell me why two of them are called Albus and Scorpius.’ Albus and Scorpius looked slightly annoyed that Marley had made fun of their names. But then again, that was my Marley.
Marley Jackson has blondish hair, and is always smiling. She’s two years older than me, and we’re not exactly similar. She’s a dancer, and is at a special dance school. She’s brilliant, and my best friend.
‘Hey, Bree, why have you got ink and parchment in your front room?’ asked Marley. We had made our way to the front room. I watched as Marley picked up a bottle of ink, before promptly dropping it. That’s another thing about Marley. She’s super clumsy. Yeah. And she’s a dancer.
‘Oh, shoot’ she muttered, reaching down to pick up the shards of glass. Scorpius leapt forward, ignoring my warning glares.
‘Don’t worry, that’s easy to fix’ he told Marley, pulling out his wand. ‘Reparo.’
Laura and I watched in horror as the ink bottle put itself back together right in front of Marley, who’s eyes were wide.
‘What?’ asked Scorpius self-consciously.
‘Scorpius, she didn’t know!’ I shot out. Scorpius looked horrified, as everyone else looked on with fascination. Marley turned to me.
‘What. Was. That?’ she asked. I gulped.
‘Magic. I’m a witch, Marley. I’ve been going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for six years. Everyone else here is magical as well’ I explained. Marley was silent. Then she exploded.
‘WHAT? THAT’S SO COOL! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME? WHO CARES, SHOW ME MORE MAGIC! PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE WITH A TOOTHBRUSH ON TOP!’ she shrieked. In case you’re wondering, Marley’s parents are dentists. I couldn’t believe she was taking it so well. But I couldn’t stand the noise. Not now.
‘Marley, calm. And sure, I’ll show you some more’ I promised, pulling out my wand. I wracked my brain, looking for an inventive spell, and decided to use Levicorpus on Scorpius. Pay back for telling Marley like that.
Marley shrieked with laughter at Scorpius’ face with everyone else. And watching her, I realised how much I had missed her when she was away on holiday in New York. I had hardly seen her over the summer, since she had got a job at a local bar to pay for her dancing lessons.
It was great seeing her. It made me feel alive again. It was the first time I had felt animated in the past three days.
***
The Thomas’ funeral was held on Thursday. It was a massive affair, with many turning out to watch the legendary Gryffindor’s be put to rest.
Harry and Ginny Potter had filed in, saying a brief hello to Albus and passing their condolences over to Emmett and Poppy. According to Rose, Ginny had dated Dean at school, and Harry had been his roommate. And Demelza had joined Ginny and Harry on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team.
My Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Seamus Finnegan, with his muggle wife Anna and small child, Madeline, filed in. He was Dean’s best friend, and looked devastated.
More famous people turned out, but I felt numb to it. Everything took up so much energy these days. Laura seemed to sense this, for she seized onto my hand and squeezed tightly. We sat in silence as the minister explained to us how Dean and Demelza were great assets to the community, and how Mackenzie would have been a great witch. It was totally impersonal, and anyone who looked at Emmett and Poppy knew that.
Eventually, Emmett stood up to say his speech. His face was grave, as he spoke quietly, though his voice carried easily.
‘I’ve been asked to talk to you today about my parents, and little sister. I know you know my Mum and Dad as war heroes. But I know them simply as Mum and Dad.
My Mum was a competitive witch, who could beat any of us at Quidditch if she tried. She loved to turn even Monopoly into a competition, but we all knew that she would sooth us instantly if we cried. She was the best cook I know, she was great in verbal war, and she could brew up any potion. She was the best Mum anyone could ask for, and I’ll miss her deeply.
My Dad was the bravest man I know. He would fight easily for whatever he felt strongly for, be it against the Dark Arts or over who got the last cookie. He was loyal, and kind, and wasn’t afraid to do anything. You’ll never know how hard it is to think about how I’ll never have late night chats with him again.
Finally, my little sister, Mackenzie. Kenzie was only six when Death Eaters decided to take her from us. Yet she was the best six year old you’ll ever know. She was funny, and loved colouring, and was ace at Quidditch. She was really smart, and couldn’t be seen anywhere without her faithful teddy bear, Snowy. Which is why he’ll be buried with her. Goodbye, Kenzie, you were much to young to die. You didn’t live enough at all.’
Emmett stepped down from the podium, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
In comparison, the memorial service held for my Dad and Ethan was much smaller. I knew that they both wanted to be cremated, as my Dad could not stand the thought of never seeing the sky again. There was only a small crowd of people, some muggles, some Wizarding. To my surprise, Harry and Ginny Potter turned up once again, even though I was pretty sure that they had never met my Father.
I had been asked to write a speech about my Dad and brother. I had not been eager to stand on a podium where I was sure I would freeze and cry, but I knew it was necessary. Which is why I am now standing on a podium, opening my mouth to speak.
‘My Dad was a astro-physicist who thought he could make the world a better place. The truth is, he did just by living in it. He taught me so much, about the stars and science in general. He taught me how to cook, how to dance, how to read, how to enjoy life to the full. He was the sort of person who would wake his children up in the middle of the night, even if they had an exam the next day, just so they could see a meteor shower. I love him so much, and I hope that wherever he is now, he can see the stars.
Ethan was protective, loyal and brave. He was interested in cars and bikes, and knew all there is to know about making them. He was extremely clever, and brilliant at Chemistry. Yet, he was also the boy who taught me to play Solitaire when I’m nervous, and used to tell me stories when I couldn’t sleep. We weren’t as close during the past few years, but I’ll miss him more than anything. I’m sorry, Ethan, and I love you very much.'
I stumbled down from the podium, tears streaking down my face. My friends held me tightly, and as I watched the minister talk about my brother, I realised that they had probably never heard me speak so much before. But it was what needed to be said.
Suddenly, there was a commotion from the front, as a tall, curly-haired, red-headed woman barged her way through the crowds. I felt as though I recognised her vaguely from somewhere, like a dream. She had baby blue eyes, like me, and a sneer upon her perfect face.
‘Excuse me, I need to speak to Aubrey. Let me through! I have a right to be here! My name is Marietta Edgcombe, and I was the wife of Graham, and the mother of Ethan and Aubrey. And I demand you let me through!’
I suck in a deep breath as everyone turns to look at me. My Mother is here. She’s returned. And all of a sudden, I wish she would go back to where she came from. She’s rushing towards me, and everyone’s staring, and I just can’t cope, and that’s when I fainted.
A/N Hope you enjoyed. Please read and review. X
Chapter 6
‘Bree? Wake up, please, Bree’ Marley’s voice called out to my from the blackness. As I struggled to sit up, I realised that I had just fainted at my Dad and brother’s memorial service. How embarrassing and inappropriate. I didn’t remember why, until a voice cut into my thoughts.
‘Oh, hunny, are you okay? I should have realised this would be a big shock…’ Marietta Edgcombe’s voice filtered through my brain. I refused to call her Mother. She was not my Mother. I leapt away from her.
‘Get away from me’ I spat. Marietta looked surprised.
‘But, darling, I’m your long lost Mother…’ she said. I snorted.
‘No, you’re not’ I said icily. ‘You lost the right to call me Mother when you abandoned me when I was six years old!’
‘The circumstances, darling…’ she protested.
‘I don’t care about the circumstances. No circumstances excuse you leaving your young daughter and son. You haven’t seen Ethan in ten years, yet you come to his funeral? Why? Why couldn’t you just leave me be? I don’t need you in my life’ I was on a roll. Everyone looked shocked, but I didn’t care. I had let this rest for too long. ‘You think you can just waltz back into my life, but you’re wrong. I want you to leave now and never come back. You’re not welcome.’
‘I am your mother, Aubrey Violet Chase, and you cannot ban me from your life’ she said forcefully.
‘You’re not my Mother’
Marietta looked shocked, yet she still seemed to not get the point. Then, my friends stepped forward. I realised at that point how useful it is to have four tall males as friends.
‘Bree doesn’t want you here. Leave, please’ said Emmett, with a scowl.
‘I don’t know who you are, boy, but I don’t think you know my daughter better than me…’ said an outraged Marietta.
‘Well, I know her better than you ever could’ said Marley. ‘I know that after you left she didn’t speak for two weeks solid. No noise whatsoever. I know that she cries every Mothers Day. I know that she hates French names because they remind her of you. I know, Marietta, that you’ve ruined enough of Bree’s life and I think you need to go now.’
It was at moments like this that I loved Marley. But Marietta didn’t look any closer to giving up. So enter Best Friend Number 2, aka Laura.
‘Listen, Marietta. I’ve never met you before. But I know already that Bree is definitely better off without you. Bree has trust issues because of you. But she’s the nicest, best person you’ll ever meet. Bree will never argue, will never think badly of someone, will never decide to insult someone. So the fact that she’s angry at you says a lot. So if you’d just leave, I’d be much obliged’ Laura said, in a light, even tone. I almost giggled at everyone’s faces. None of them knew that if provoked, Laura could be quite cutting.
Marietta stared at me in shock. I didn’t know why she was here, I just knew she had to leave now.
‘Bree, I refuse to leave’ she said loudly.
‘I’m afraid that it’s Miss Chase’s decision, Miss Edgcombe. She is 16 now’ said a deep, male voice. Marietta shuddered at the sound, spinning around to face Harry Potter.
‘You!’ she gasped, pointing her finger at him. Harry Potter rolled his eyes.
‘Yes, me’ he replied. ‘You haven’t changed much, Marietta. Still ruining peoples lives, I see.’ What did he mean by that? I exchanged a puzzled glance with Albus. Did our parents know each other? I thought Marietta was a muggle?
‘I am Bree’s mother. She needs me!’ blustered Marietta.
‘I coped fine ten years without you. Now, goodbye’ I said. Harry Potter gently took my Mother’s arm, but she shook him off, and turned to me.
‘You’ll regret this, girl. I was going to help you. Offer you protection. I see now that that will be impossible’ spat Marietta.
‘Wha-?’ I was interrupted by a loud crack as Marietta disapparated. In front of a crowd of muggles.
There was instant uproar. The muggles in the audience panicked, trying to work out why a woman had just disappeared into thin air.
‘QUIET!’ roared Mr Potter. Everyone was silenced immediately. ‘Now, please can everyone return to their seats. Everything will be explained shortly.’ They all obliged. I turned to Mr Potter.
‘Um, Mr Potter, sir’ I said timidly.
‘Call me Harry’ he said kindly. I blinked in surprise. Call the most famous man in the Wizarding world by his first name?
‘Well, Mr P- I mean, Harry, how do you know my Mother. I thought Marietta was a muggle’ I told him. Harry looked surprised.
‘Marietta Edgcombe is a pureblood witch. She was a Ravenclaw, a year older than me’ he explained. I felt shocked.
‘Why didn’t anyone tell me?’ I asked. Harry shook his head.
‘I don’t know, Miss Chase. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to call some of the obliviaters’ he excused himself, weaving his way back through the crowd to join his wife, who was trying to keep the crowd calm.
‘I can’t believe she returned’ I said weakly.
‘She’s a poisonous cow, turning up today of all days. How could she?’ said Marley violently.
‘He was her husband, and her son’ Jane tried to explain weakly. Marley turned on her furiously.
‘She abandoned them 10 years ago!’ she shot out at Jane, who recoiled.
‘Marls, calm down. Now, could someone please just take me home?’ I asked tiredly. I just wanted to curl up in my room and fall asleep in front of my fire. Everyone immediately leapt at the chance to accompany me, but I knew who I wanted. I knew it would sound strange, but I didn’t care. I just needed him.
‘Can Albus take me please?’ I asked. Albus exchanged a curious look with Emmett and the others, before turning back to me.
‘Of course’ he promised. And at that moment, I didn’t care how strange it seemed.
***
ALBUS P.O.V
As I walked home with Bree, I shot glances at her every time I thought she wasn’t looking. It just was so weird. I mean, why did she ask me of all people? Why not Emmett, or Laura, or Marley, or…anyone would surely be better than me!
I mean, she hardly speaks to me. I really think that she probably dislikes me. She never talks to me as much as everyone else, I think she deliberately tries to ignore me.
Bree is different to everyone else. I suppose she’s pretty in her own way, she has the bluest eyes ever! Not as obviously pretty as Jane, or Alice, or Georgie, or Poppy, or Amber, but not ugly either. She’s so quiet that she seems to be like a mouse, yet she came up with that whole big speech to her Mother.
She’s sort of captivating, in a weird way. She’s got super intense eyes, which seem to almost look into your soul. It’s slightly disturbing. I’d never really noticed her much before this year. I mean, she was always on the outskirts. I’d seen her from time to time in the library, but overlooked her. It seemed a bit of a shame, really.
Just in case you’re wondering, this is Albus Severus Potter. Yeah, he with a name nearly more stupid than that of his best friend: Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy. My initials spell ASP. A type of snake. Did my parents want me to become a Slytherin?
Everyone thinks I’m really quiet. It’s more like, I’m uncomfortable around people I don’t know. When I’ve got to know someone, I’m actually quiet loud. Much louder than Emmett at least.
Unfortunately, I’m so quiet that the girl I like doesn’t notice me. You see, I sort of have a little bit of a crush on Amber Treckon. Yes, I know, she’s out of my league. But I don’t care. She’s super pretty, and has a nice personality as long as something happy is going on. I don’t want a serious relationship with her. I just, as Scorpius and Andre always tell me, want some experience with girls. I am seriously lacking in knowledge of that subject. Which just isn’t great.
And Amber is perfect for that. Which I know sounds terrible, but you can’t stop me from thinking stuff like that can you? You don’t own me.
Bree is looking at me. It’s a good thing that she likes silence as much as I do, otherwise this would be seriously awkward.
‘So’ I drawled, drawing the so out for a long time. Bree kept walking.
‘So’ she agreed. Wow. Now it was starting to become awkward. Time to say something interesting so that this walk wasn’t the most awkward experience of my life.
‘How come you like the stars so much?’ came out. Bree turned to me in surprise.
‘My Dad is- was, an Astro-physicist. He worked with stars. I grew up knowing their names, their stories and why they’re there. That’s why I love the stars’ she explained. Tears glistened in her eyes. Great, I had not even managed to cheer her up. Instead, I had made her more upset!
‘Uh, p-please don’t cry, um, tell me, um how did you meet Marley?’ I stammered desperately. Bree pondered the question for a moment, biting her lip. I watched her face intently.
‘Well, I was four at the time, and Marley was six. I had gone to the swing park with my older brother Ethan. But he met some friends from school, and started playing with them. So, I was sort of lost on my own. So then, this girl comes over and starts babbling away. She introduced herself as Marley. She didn’t mind that I don’t talk much, in fact I think that she rather likes the fact. So, the rest of the day, I spent with Marley. And we’ve been best friends ever since’ she explained with a smile. I grinned back. I could just imagine a mini-Bree trailing after a mini-Marley. Cute.
‘What about you?’ she suddenly asked back. ‘How did you become friends with Emmett and Scorpius?’ She left Andre out. Probably because he didn’t come to Hogwart’s in First Year.
‘Emmett and I sat next to each other on the train. Rose had met Alice on the train and abandoned me, and Poppy didn’t want to sit with Emmett the whole journey. So, we sat together, and got chatting and became friends. Then, I was paired with Scorp in Potions. Surprisingly, I really liked chatting to him. I thought he’d be awful, since he was a Malfoy and a Slytherin, but he wasn’t like I expected. So, I introduced him to Emmett, and we became friends’ I told her. Bree was actually very easy to talk to. Maybe because she didn’t constantly interrupt you. Instead, she just let you talk.
‘Your Dad’s really nice’ she told me suddenly, shyly. ‘It was nice of him to get rid of that woman for me.’ I blushed, shrugging.
‘That’s just Dad for you. Anyway, I thought you were Muggle-born. But you’re Mum’s a witch!’ Bree’s nostrils flared.
‘I didn’t know that she was a witch. I didn’t even know her name. She’s not my Mother’ she said vehemently. I held my hands up in surrender.
‘Woah, calm down. S’alright’ I said, my eyes wide. Bree relaxes.
‘Sorry. Thanks for coming back with me, by the way’ she told me. I smiled shyly.
‘That’s alright. Why did you want me anyway?’ I asked curiously. Bree shrugged.
‘You’re quiet, and silence isn’t so awkward when it’s with you’ she explained. Huh. Well, that’s a realistic explanation at least. Though I don’t know what else I’d be expecting.
‘I wonder how Marietta and your Dad know each other’ she asked suddenly. I frowned.
‘I dunno. He’s never mentioned her. I get the feeling doesn’t like her that much’ I thought out loud. Bree grinned at me.
‘You think?’ she teased. I blinked with shock. Bree could tease?
10 minutes later, we had reached her house. Surprisingly, Bree and I had chatted the whole way back. And even more surprisingly, I knew that I would now consider Bree Chase as one of my friends.
A/N Enjoy! Please read and review. I have a new story in the works as well, for a challenge on the forums, so this story may have to wait a little bit, though updates shall still happen, just slower. Sorry
Chapter 7
We were finally back at school. Our two weeks had passed. And I had to admit, that we were all so much closer now. Every at school had commented on it. Especially the close bond between Laura, Jane, Alice, Rose and I. It was like we had been best friends for the whole of our school lives. We were always seen with the boys as well. Poppy, Georgie and Amber stayed with us some of the time, but not as much as the boys.
And it was because of this new found friendship that Laura and I were sat watching the Gryffindor Quidditch Trials.
Although Jane was already on the team, she had insisted we came watch her ‘awesome try-out.’ And we couldn’t really say no, could we? There was only one place that needed to be filled, but the whole team were going to be tried out anyway, just in case there was someone better.
The Captain of the Gryffindor Team, Dominique Weasley, stepped forward. She’s drop-dead gorgeous, with blue eyes and bouncy blonde hair. She’s a complete tomboy though, and has no girl friends. She spends all her time with James Potter II, Fred Weasley II and Lorcan Scamander. They’re her best friends. James is a Chaser on the Team. Fred’s one of the beaters, along with Dominique. He’s a prankster, and his sole goal in life is to become Head of his Dad’s Joke Shops. Lorcan is another Chaser on the team. He’s also Head Boy. He’s much less dreamy than his twin brother, Lysander, who’s a Ravenclaw, like their Mother was.
‘RIGHT!’ she shouted loudly. ‘EVERYONE TRYING OUT FOR THE CHASER POSITION, TO MY LEFT. BEATERS, TO MY RIGHT. SEEKERS NEXT TO THEM, AND KEEPERS RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. SAVVY?’
Everyone shuffled into compliance. No-one ignored Dominique Weasley. She was a one-woman machine. I’ve always been slightly scared of her actually. She’s so boyish, and a totally awesome beater. She’s like the nicer, prettier, Gryffindor version of Clarisse.
Jane stood with the other Seekers trying out. She looked much more confident than the others. I could see that she would get in instantly. The only others trying out were a small girl with pigtails who looked like she was about to try, and a big burly fifth year boy who was leering at Dominique. She ignored it, but I could see Lorcan clench his fist, and finger his wand with the other hand. He had an ugly look on his face. Hmmm. Interesting. Did he like his best friend, Dominique Weasley? I’d have to watch and see.
‘SEEKERS. UP IN THE AIR. I AM RELEASING THE SNITCH. FIRST ONE TO CATCH IT, BECOMES THE NEW GRYFFINDOR SEEKER! START ON MY WHISTLE’ bellowed Dominique. She must have some lungs on her.
The three seekers trying out rose into the air; the little girl uncertainly. She looked incredibly nervous. Dominique blew her whistle and they zoomed through the air. I counted 15 seconds before Jane landed once more, the snitch enclosed in her hand. She was smiling. Dominique nodded at her.
‘GRYFFINDOR SEEKER IS JANE MCKINNON. BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME YOU TWO!’ she told the two other hopefuls. The boy spat on the ground in a temper tantrum. Dominique scowled at him.
‘Look, White, you don’t do that on my pitch. So remove your sorry arse from my pitch before I make you’ she told him. Everyone laughed at his face as he stormed off the pitch. Once they were gone, Dominique turned to Jane.
‘That was bloody brilliant’ she complimented. Jane pretended to preen herself jokingly. At that moment, James reached her. She laughed as he swung her up into his arms, giving her a kiss. Dominique cleared her throat.
‘Uh, HELLO? You’re on the Quidditch Pitch?’ she reminded them. Jane and James broke apart. James looked unrepentant, whereas Jane was smiling sheepishly.
‘Sorry, Dom’ she said. Dominique smiled. ‘You better be. Now. Chasers, up in the air. Do a lap of the pitch, then dodge the bludgers Fred and I send towards you. Then we’ll do some goal work, savvy?
There were more Chasers than Seekers trying out. James and Lorcan were obviously going for their position again. Then, there were four more hopefuls. Michelle Carmichael was a fourth year girl with her hair in brown plaits. She didn’t even manage to fly around the pitch once. I think she only tried out because she has a little bit of a crush on Fred Weasley, to his disgust. Unfortunately, the second person was just as bad. I think his name was Ryan Smith. He got smacked by four bludgers. By this time, I don’t think Dominique was very enthusiastic about the team. Luckily, the third person trying out changed all that.
Artemis Jones was the only daughter of Gwenog Jones, the famous Quidditch player. She was only a fourth year, but amazing. I guessed that the only reason she had never tried out before was because she didn’t want to steal the position of the chaser superstar, Noah Shacklebolt, who had gone on to play professional Quidditch. She had left last year.
She sped around the pitch just as fast as Lorcan and James, and the bludgers didn’t get anywhere near her. I could see that Dominique was impressed. I must admit though, I cringed at the thought of Hufflepuff’s chances against the Gryffindor Team, who were going to be awesome, I could tell.
By the time she landed, after scoring five goals, out of five, on the Keeper, Lachlan Wood, I could tell that the fourth person had no chance. It was obvious that Artemis was going to get the remaining Chaser position.
However, the fourth person managed to cause something that made try-outs interesting to say the least.
Ian Corner was a tall, burly seventh year. He swaggered onto the pitch, and immediately made a beeline to Dominique, to Lorcan’s horror. She recoiled slightly when she spotted him.
‘Right, Corner, you know the drill. Off you go’ she said dismissively. Ian leaned close to her.
‘Whatever you say, babe. I know you like to be in control.’
What happened next was shocking.
Lorcan Scamander launched himself at Ian Corner, knocking him to the floor. Everyone watched in horror, as he punched Ian several times.
‘Don’t’ punch ‘Call’ punch ‘Dom’ punch ‘babe’ punch ‘Ever’ punch ‘Again’ punch ‘Or’ punch ‘Speak’ ‘To’ punch ‘Her’ punch ‘Like’ punch ‘That’ punch.
Before things could go any further, Dominique leapt into action. She quickly pulled Lorcan away from Ian, shoving him to the side. Then, she turned to Ian.
‘Corner. Off the pitch. Artemis, you’re the third Gryffindor Chaser’ she said. Ian leered at her, before making his way off the pitch. I could see her shiver. Next, she turned to Lorcan. It was as though the whole of the people in the stadium were holding their breath.
‘Lorcan’ she said in a dangerously low voice. ‘Why the fricking hell did you do that?’ He looked at her. She was virtually shaking with anger.
‘Because I love you’ he said simply. Everyone gasped, including Fred and James. Rose turned to us.
‘Oh My God, this is so weird. I mean, I knew he’d tell her eventually, but I didn’t think he’d do it now. Blimey, the guy’s got balls’ she whispered furiously.
Down on the pitch, Dominique was staring with shock at Lorcan. His face fell.
‘Oh. I see’ he said glumly when she didn’t reply. He turned to go.
‘Lorcan!’ shouted Dominique. He turned around as she flew towards him, running as fast as she could go. She flung herself at him, kissing him in front of everyone. Immediately, James and Fred averted their faces.
‘Ew’ I heard Fred say. ‘Couldn’t they do that somewhere private? Where their cousins couldn’t see them?’
Nothing seemed to affect Dominique and Lorcan. They were kissing as if their lives depended on it.
‘OI!’ shouted James. ‘THIS IS A QUIDDITCH PITCH! NO SNOGGING!’ Dominique and Lorcan prised themselves apart. They were both blushing.
‘Wow’ muttered Alice. ‘I didn’t know that Dom could blush.’ We giggled at her, watching with amusement, as Lorcan and Dom deliberately looked away from each other. Dominique returned to the try-outs as Lorcan walked over to James and Fred. I could see the grin on his face from here.
The rest of the try-outs passed smoothly, with Lachlan Wood staying the Keeper and Fred and Dominique returning to their positions as Beater. We joined Jane, James and Fred at the bottom of the Stands.
‘Oh My Dumbledore, can you believe Dom and Lorcan?’ Jane squealed as soon as she saw us. Rose joined her.
‘I know! They’re so cute!’ she said. James and Fred rolled their eyes.
‘Women’ they sighed, shaking their heads. Jane turned to James, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
‘What did you just say?’ she asked, her hands flying to her hips. James backtracked quickly.
‘N-nothing, J-Jane, dear’ he stammered. She nodded.
‘That’s right’ she told him. Suddenly, Laura spoke.
‘Hey, Alice, isn’t that the twins coming over?’ she asked. Alice looked up. Her face brightened at the sight of her two sisters.
The eldest twin was called Frankie, after their paternal Grandfather.
The younger of the twins was Ethel. Ethel was well known for hating her name. I’d always wondered why she had been called it, but Alice had explained it to me when we were at my house for the f-, no, I couldn’t say that word, not even in my head. Apparently, their maternal Grandmother, who was a muggle, had kicked up a fuss about two of the children being named after their paternal grandparents, and neither of them being named after their maternal grandparents. So, they named the younger twin Ethel, which was the maternal Grandmother’s name. Originally, Ethel was going to be called Ella. Everyone knows her as Ettie though.
The twins both had brown hair, but Ethel was a bit prettier than Frankie. They weren’t identical. They were both in Gryffindor, and were best friends with Lily Potter. Ettie is the girliest of the trio, unlike Frankie, who’s quite tomboyish. They’re both quite sarcastic, like Lily, but Ettie’s known for being really kind as well.
‘Hey Frankie, Ettie. You alright?’ she said brightly. Frankie looked incredibly serious as she viewed Alice.
‘We need to speak about the Phoenix’ she told her sister. Alice’s face hardened.
‘He’s been found?’ she questioned. Ettie nodded. Alice turned to the rest of us.
‘Sorry, girlies. But I’m needed by my sisters. Catch you later’ she said, waving a hand at us as she marched away, the twins on either side of her.
Jane furrowed her forehead.
‘Well, that was strange’ she commented. Rose snorted.
‘Alice is always strange. She’ll be fine. Now, come on, I have something to tell you!’
*********
Alice made her way to the Head Quarters. Once she was there, she was greeted by the sight of Fabian Lestrange, only child of Rabastan Lestrange and Alecto Carrow. He was brought up by a distant relation.
Fabian had jet black hair, which was slightly spiked. He was very good lucking, with an easy smile, and warm brown eyes. At that moment, though, he was looked with ill-disguised anger at Alice.
‘Why the frick am I here?’ he asked angrily. Alice smiled, tilting her head. She looked oddly menacing.
‘I think you know’ she said softly. ‘Or didn’t you here about Bree, Emmett and Poppy? Or did you just not care?’ Fabian’s face cleared with recognition, before clouding a deep red colour with anger.
‘Just because he’s my Father doesn’t mean I’m like him, okay? I haven’t met him ever! And anyway, what’s it got to do with you?’ he spat out. Alice narrowed her eyes, glaring.
‘I don’t think you deserve to know that, Fabian. Now, listen here. The pureblood ideals are sick and twisted. Who cares, other than you slimy Slytherins? Now, I’ll ask you a simple question. When did you last speak to your Father?’ she asked. Fabian rolled his eyes.
‘I haven’t spoken to him in ages. Honest’ he told her. Alice looked thoughtful for a minute.
‘Then why did we find this letter, screwed up outside in the forest. Tutt tutt, not very good at hiding things, are we Fabian?’ she told him, holding up a scrumpled letter. Fabian let out a cry of outrage.
‘That’s my letter!’ he shouted angrily, before stopping with a gasp as the evidence escaped his lips. Alice raised her eyebrows.
‘I thought you hadn’t spoken to him?’ she commented. ‘Now, let’s read this letter, shall we?’ She unfurled the letter, reading it aloud.
‘Dear Fabian,
I know you dislike my letters. But you are perfectly placed for the rebellion that will occur. You may not wish to have anything to do with it, but I have a simple task for you.
I need to destroy the Weasley’s.
And to do so, I want you to tell me all Mudblood friends of their’s. They will be the easiest targets. I will start with the friends of Rose Weasley. One by one, their relatives will pay for giving birth to one with magical blood. Thieves! And once that is done, the friends themselves will die. And we shall watch the Weasley children crumble as they lose all their beloved friends. Then, we shall taunt them. Taunt them into fighting in their weakened state. And then, they will die.
Grant me this favour, Fabian, and you will be rewarded greatly, a leader in the revolution that is to come.
Your Father,
Rabastan’
‘Well, that is interesting’ commented Alice quietly. Fabian looked at her in a panic.
‘I didn’t tell him anything! I promise! I refused, I didn’t even reply. Someone else must have told him about Bree!’ he told her. Alice looked at him carefully for a minute.
‘I’ll reserve my judgment for later on. Now, you know what you’re going to do?’ she questioned. Fabian shook his head, looking slightly worried. ‘You’re going to help me find out who is the sneaky traitor who has it so against Muggle borns.’ Fabian gulped, but nodded, looking resolved.
‘Whatever you need to make me believe you’ he told her. She raised her eyebrows, turning cooly on her heel and throwing back one comment.
‘We’ll see.’
A/N The plot's thickening! This story has really changed as I've written it, but i hope the original stories i planned to tell will still unfold. Please read and review!
‘We have to tell adults what’s going on’ Alice told Fabian a few hours later. She had grabbed him when he was walking towards lunch. At her words he could feel his heart sink. If the teachers knew that he had been in contact with his Father… It was entirely possible that Fabian could find himself in a hell of a lot of trouble, as quick as you could blink. But then again, if he didn’t tell what he knew, how many innocent people could die? It didn’t bear thinking about.
‘Which adult?’ he sighed. Alice grinned.
‘Well, thanks to my Dad, I have an in with Harry Potter. And I think he’s the best person to tell. We’ll just go to my Dad and say that I have an urgent matter to discuss with Harry Potter, and that it was about the murders that occurred. He’ll let me borrow his fireplace to floo to the ministry’ Alice explained.
‘Are you sure that’ll work?’ questioned Fabian. Alice nodded.
‘Definite. Anyway, we can go now, I have frees this afternoon and my spies say you do too’ she told him.
‘Your spies?’ exclaimed Fabian, but Alice dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
‘Come on’ she said. ‘My Dad will be having lunch in the greenhouses today, he always does.’ She rushed off towards the greenhouses; Fabian had to run to keep up.
‘Hey Dad, it’s Alice’ she called as soon as they entered Greenhouse 5. Neville Longbottom appeared, coated in safety glasses as he grasped a short stumpy plant.
‘What is it Al? I’m busy. Shouldn’t you be in lunch? Who’s that…is that Fabian Lestrange?’ Neville gasped at the sight of his daughter with the child of one of the most dangerous of all the Death Eaters.
‘Dad, calm down’ soothed Alice. ‘Fabian’s got some information he needs to tell Uncle Harry about the murders.’
‘You want to talk to Harry?’ checked Neville. To Fabian’s surprise, once Neville had got over the shock of seeing Fabian, he seemed to be okay with it. Then again, Neville was one of the more tolerant teachers, especially considering he was Head of Gryffindor.
‘If that’s alright, Professor Longbottom’ said Fabian. Alice shot him an annoyed look, evidently, she had wanted to be the one who did all the talking. Neville didn’t seem to mind.
‘That’s alright, Fabian. Any news about the murders has to be relayed to the Aurors. Bloody death eaters.’ Neville sighed, running a hand over his face, looking tired and withdrawn.
‘Did you know any of the murdered people, Professor Longbottom?’ asked Fabian tentatively. Neville nodded.
‘I shared a dormitory with Dean Thomas, and Demelza was in my house. They were my friends. And they survived the war. They thought they were safe.’ Fabian gulped at the bitter edge to Professor Longbottom’s voice. The fact that it was his Dad who had done this…Fabian wished that his Mother had never fallen in love with him, with that monster.
‘Can we borrow your fireplace, Dad?’ asked Alice after a moment of silence, clearly trying not to appear too eager. Neville nodded.
‘Sure. Go up to my office, you know the password Al. I’m trusting you, Fabian. Don’t let me down.’ Neville looked into Fabian’s eyes, imparting his message. Fabian gulped, but returned the look. He knew that he would do anything not to let Professor Longbottom down.
The ministry was quite crowded when Alice and Fabian appeared in a roar of green light. Alice dusted herself off carefully, heading towards a small desk.
‘Hey, Mark’ she chimed. Mark, a tall, balding man, scowled.
‘What did I tell you about calling me Mark?’ he barked.
‘To always do it?’ replied Alice grinning cheerfully.
‘You know full well that’s not the right answer’ grumbled Mark, but his eyes twinkled. ‘So, what can I do for you?’
‘Fabian and I need to go see Harry Potter’ Alice told him. Fabian felt uneasy as Mark’s eyes twitched to look at him.
‘Fabian Lestrange, eh? Come to turn your Father in?’
‘Something like that’ shrugged Fabian, attempting to conceal his nerves, but by Alice’s grin he could tell he wasn’t doing a very good job.
‘Well, go on through’ Mark said after a moment’s pause. Clearly, he had not been expecting that answer. ‘Alice, you know where his office is, don’t you?’
‘Course I do, Mark’ smiled Alice. ‘Come on Fabian.’
She led him through the Atrium, toward gold-grilled lifts. They managed to enter just as the lift was about to leave, slipping in through a narrow gap. Fabian could feel the eyes of the other inhabitants on him, and stared straight forward. If he didn’t look at them, he could pretend they weren’t there, and that would be best for everyone. The lift journey dragged on, until Alice finally spoke.
‘We’re here.’
Harry Potter’s office was one of the first that they came to. Fabian had expected a grand sign on the door of the war hero, but it was rather basic; a simple bronze sign simply telling his name and job title. Alice knocked quickly, before stepping backwards a few steps. Fabian marvelled at the ease in which she was doing this, it was almost like she had done it many times before, but that had to be impossible, right? At any rate, Fabian wished he was as at ease as she was. It would make things a hell of a lot easier.
‘Come in.’ The voice was deeper than Fabian had expected, and he felt even more nervous; the voice sounded like it matched a cave-fighter, someone who would be eager to destroy him- but no, Fabian had to remind himself, this was Harry Potter, the saviour of the wizarding world. Fabian was sure he wouldn’t hurt him. Hopefully.
Harry didn’t look as surprised as Fabian would have expected at the sight of Alice waltzing into the room with some strange man. She was brave, Fabian realised, a true Gryffindor. He didn’t know why she had decided to put such a personal interest into the murders, but maybe it was simply because it had been her friends who had been affected. He had always thought of her as nice, just nice old average Alice, who wasn’t horrible to anyone. It looked like he had been quite wrong.
‘Hello, Alice. What can I do for you?’ asked Harry Potter, looking at them with a gentle expression that set Fabian at least partly at ease.
‘We have something to tell you.’
BREE P.O.V
‘Where’s Alice? Have you seen her?’ asked Rose, rushing up to me at lunchtime. I blinked in surprise.
‘I don’t know. Maybe she went to the library? Or maybe she’s with Laura; she’s missing again’ I said, trying not to sound too perturbed that my best friend had once again gone AWOL. Rose seemed to notice that I was sat all alone at the Hufflepuff table, and that my face didn’t seem too impressed by that fact.
‘Probably’ she shrugged. ‘Do you want to come eat at the Gryffindor table? I’m sure that the teachers won’t mind.’
‘Are you sure?’ I checked. Rose rolled her eyes.
‘Al always brings his friends over to our table, so I can’t see why I can bring mine. Besides, I think the teachers want to promote inter-house relationships. They’re all for it, now that the war’s over’ Rose told me. I smiled, clambering out of my seat.
‘Okay then.’ I followed her back over to the Gryffindor table, trying to ignore the stares and whispers that I knew were coming to my way. Rose led me over to wear Jane, James, Al and Emmett sat. Both Scorpius and Andre were missing. The thought of Andre made me want to retch. I hadn’t caught him doing anything strange since that time with James, and James had told me he hadn’t either, but still, I was nervous. There was something strange about Andre Bellour, and I didn’t want to have to be the one to tell Al that.
‘Hey Bree’ greeted Al with a warm smile. ‘Finally realised that Gryffindor is the best house?’ I gulped. Even though I had spent a considerable amount of time with Al ever since my family’s…murders, I was still slightly uncomfortable talking to him. After all, what do you say after six years of lovesick stares and dreams that he would notice you?
‘You wish’ I teased. ‘Nothing wrong with Hufflepuff.’
‘Load of old duffers’ muttered James under his breath. Jane gave him a quick nudge in the ribs.
‘That’s not very nice!’ she scolded. ‘Bree’s right, there’s nothing wrong with Hufflepuff.’
‘So why have you come over here?’ asked Emmett, obviously sensing that a fight may be on its way. ‘Where’s Laura?’ I scowled.
‘I don’t know; it feels as though she’s never around these days. I just want to know where she is!’ I complained. ‘And Jess hasn’t spoken to me ever since I didn’t allow her to come with me back to my house after the…event.’
‘Well that’s just stupid’ said Rose firmly. ‘And utterly petty and childish.’
‘Try telling Jess that’ I muttered.
‘I will if you want’ smirked Rose, laughing at my quick yelp of ‘NO.’ I really didn’t want things to get any worse, and Rose certainly wasn’t who they wanted to see right at that moment.
‘Isn’t that Laura now?’ said James suddenly. Our heads all swivelled towards the doorway, where sure enough, my best friend was standing. She looked tired and pale. Ill, in fact. But that was strange. Laura hardly ever seemed to get ill.
‘She doesn’t look so good’ said Emmett with concern. Right on cue, Laura began to sway. I let out a cry of shock as she crumpled to the floor.
A/N I’m so sorry for the horrendous wait in updates. Real life got in the way and however I wrote this, I wasn’t very happy with it! Hope you like it! Please read and review.
http://www.harrypotterfanfiction.com