#and yes. sulten follows after her

[gigamuffin]

ive been rotating a future kaptein sabeltann story where Sunniva inherits Gorine from Ruben and she gets to do all those sea adventures she's dreamed about

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars CXXXVIII (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: Meet Mel’s little brother :)

Words: 5,235 

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Book Six

Listen to: ‘Thread’ -by Keane.

Chapter Thirty-Six: Leon Regulus Sultens-Black.

HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED RETURNS

[...]Albus Dumbledore, newly reinstated headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, re-instated member of the International Confederation of Wizards, and reinstated Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, was unavailable for comment last night. 

He has insisted for a year that You-Know-Who was not dead, as was widely hoped and believed, but recruiting followers once more for a fresh attempt to seize power. Meanwhile the Boy Who Lived —

"There you are, Harry, I knew they'd drag you into it somehow," Hermione interrupted.

"Of course they would," Erick rolled his eyes, he was sitting on the floor between the two beds, his back against Hermione's bed. 

Now that all his Slytherin friends knew the truth, they had stopped talking to him, so Erick was now spending all his time with Mel.

"He's 'the Boy Who Lived' again now, though, isn't he? Not such a show-off maniac anymore, eh?" Ron grabbed a bunch of chocolate frogs from his bedside table and handed one to each. 

He leaned over and stretched out his hand to Erick, the older boy stared down at the chocolate and then up to him, Ron waved it impatiently in front of his face and Erick grabbed it quickly.

"Yes, they're very complimentary about you now, Harry," Hermione agreed. "'A lone voice of truth... perceived as unbalanced, yet never wavered in his story... forced to bear ridicule and slander...' Hmm... I notice they don't mention the fact that it was them doing all the ridiculing and slandering, though... 'You-Know-Who's Last Attempt to Take Over, pages two to four, What the Ministry Should Have Told Us, page five, Why Nobody Listened to Albus Dumbledore, pages six to eight, Exclusive Interview with Harry Potter and Mel Dumbledore, page nine...' Well, it's certainly given them lots to write about. And that interview with Harry and Mel isn't exclusive, it's the one that was in The Quibbler months ago..."

"Daddy sold it to them," said Luna. "He got a very good price for it too, so we're going to go on an expedition to Sweden this summer and see if we can catch a Crumple-Horned Snorkack."

"...That sounds lovely," Hermione said after a short silence.

"So anyway, what's going on in school?"

"Well, Flitwick's got rid of Fred and George's swamp," said Ginny. "He did it in about three seconds. But he left a tiny patch under the window and he's roped it off —"

"Why?" 

"Oh, he just says it was a really good bit of magic."

"I think he left it as a monument to Fred and George, they sent me all these, you know," Ron pointed at the bunch of Frogs. "Must be doing all right out of that joke shop, eh?" 

 "I'll miss them..." Mel sighed.

"You can always buy a few of their products and set them around the school," Harry offered, "it'll feel as if they were still here."

She chuckled softly, around them the group shared confused and relieved glances. It wasn't exactly like before, but they could sense the friendly tones of their conversations, they had stopped fighting.

Although it didn't mean there wouldn't be fights later, they had pushed the conversation about their lifeline further into the future, right now they didn't have the energy to discuss life-changing matters.

"So has all the trouble stopped now Dumbledore's back?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, everything's settled right back down again," Neville nodded.

"I s'pose Filch is happy, is he?" asked Ron.

"Not at all! He's really, really miserable, actually..." Ginny lowered her voice. "He keeps saying Umbridge was the best thing that ever happened to Hogwarts..."

"If any of you feel like pranking Filch next year, let me know so I can look the other way," Erick joked.

All of them turned to see Professor Umbridge on the bed opposite Ron and Hermione's. Dumbledore had rescued her from the centaurs, nobody knew how, and Umbridge was out of it, therefore unable to speak.

"Madam Pomfrey says she's just in shock," Hermione explained. 

"Sulking, more like," said Ginny.

"Yeah, she shows signs of life if you do this," said Ron, and with his tongue he made soft clip-clopping noises. Umbridge sat bolt upright, looking wildly around.

"Anything wrong, Professor?" called Madam Pomfrey, poking her head around her office door.

"No... no..." said Umbridge, sinking back into her pillows, "no, I must have been dreaming..."

Hermione and Ginny muffled their laughter.

"Serves her right," Mel scowled. "She caused a lot of suffering this year..."

She looked down at Harry's hand, and the boy moved it only to hold hers.

"Speaking of centaurs," Hermione spoke, causing Harry to retreat his hand abruptly, "who's Divination teacher now? Is Firenze staying?"

"He's got to, the other centaurs won't take him back, will they?" Harry shrugged.

"It looks like he and Trelawney are both going to teach," said Ginny.

"Bet Dumbledore wishes he could've got rid of Trelawney for good. Mind you, the whole subjects useless if you ask me, Firenze isn't a lot better..."

"How can you say that?" Hermione frowned. "After we've just found out that there are real prophecies? It is a pity it broke..."

"Yeah, it is. Still, at least You-Know-Who never found out what was in it either, it was clever of you to break it, Mel. Though you really shouldn't have used your hand to do so..."

"I think it made you look really tough," Erick smiled.

Mel returned his gesture tensely, she wished she could feel as calm as the rest of her friends, she wanted to go back to normal but she couldn't ignore what was about to happen once the school year ended, now her home had as many ghosts as the castle.

"Hey, where are you going?" Ron asked in a hurt voice when Harry stood up to leave.

"Er — Hagrid's. You know, he just got back and I promised I'd go down and see him and tell him how you two are..." 

"Oh all right then," Ron grumbled. "Wish we could come..."

"Say hello to him for us!" said Hermione. "And ask him what's happening about... about his little friend!"

Erick occupied Harry's place, he nudged her arm. 

"You're going to let him go just like that?" 

Mel contemplated the door in silence. She was ready for Harry's grief this time, there would be moments when he would want to be left alone and she had no problem with it. She understood, there were moments in which she wanted to hide away forever and never wake up.

"He doesn't need me right now," The girl shrugged. "And before you give me a lecture, I don't mean it in a bad way. Whatever he's going through... I can't help him go through it faster. I can't even help myself..."

Mel looked out the window to avoid her friend's eyes.

"How about we go for a walk?" Erick suggested.

They stopped once they reached the courtyard. It was deserted, most of the students were out on the school grounds bathing in the sun. Mel sat on the edge of one of the archways while Erick remained standing, she could feel him staring, but she kept her eyes down.

"So you and Harry are okay now," He started, "no more fighting?"

"None at all," She sighed. "We have better things to do than to fight over our love life. Not that it matters, we've stopped liking each other that way."

"How come?"

"It just happened," She replied quietly.

Erick hummed, moving to sit next to her. 

"Maybe you're meant to be just friends. I mean, your relationship is already too complicated with the lifeline..."

Mel couldn't care less about what her relationship with Harry was destined to be. She didn't know what she wanted to do with the connection after hearing Harry's reasons to keep it.  All she could think of was her mother; she'd sacrificed so much to keep them safe, what Sirius had done to help them... She was running out of days to think of a proper way to apologize to her family. Dumbledore had taken the blame but those were just words, in the end, it was Mel and Harry who'd decided to drop every precaution, part of her felt she deserved all the hurt.

"You know," Erick said quietly. "I've been thinking about dropping out of school after this year."

"Why?"

"Well, my intention was to become a Ministry worker, but after these last few months, I realized they're useless. It would change my plans completely... but maybe I could join the Order?"

"Is that what you want?"

"I don't know what I want," He sighed tiredly. "I know I'm good at duelling and I have nowhere else to go... Did you know Sirius offered to take me in for the summer?"

Mel stared at him. 

"Well, he did," Erick continued. "He said I could live with him, that he didn't mind having me around — said I reminded him of his younger brother... Wish I could've done something to help him..."

"You should hate me," She blurted out. "My mother's going to hate me. She'll hate me for being impulsive and for not listening to my uncle — My brother will hate me..."

"Why would I hate you?" He frowned. 

"It's my fault that your parents kicked you out," She responded. "I made you write those letters to Anne. It was me who dragged you into this mess, you never wanted any of this, you would've lived a quiet, prosperous life —"

"And I would've been miserable," Erick shook his head. "You never forced me to do anything. You asked and I granted every time because I wanted to, I needed you to give me that final push... I made my choice the moment I met you, Mel."

"It's my fault you don't get to live with Sirius — it's because of me that you won't have a nice home —"

"It's because of you that I'm still alive," His voice trembled with incredulity. He moved closer and held her by the shoulders. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, I'm so lucky I found you..."

The girl had been shoving all her worries deep within herself for too long, she hadn't cried properly, refusing to let herself grieve since she felt she had no right to do so. Erick's voice sounded honest and comforting, she cracked under the pressure.

Erick hugged her and Mel wept like she hadn't done in months, not even while making peace with Harry. She sobbed as loud as she wanted, and the knot that had been stopping her from breathing finally loosened a bit, it made her feel as if she was slowly shrinking back into her child self, the girl cornered in the playground, but she wasn't alone anymore, and she was no longer a weak little thing.

Erick ran a hand through her hair gently, there was something about the way he touched her that made her feel safe. 

"You'll feel better. I promise you will..."

He'd lost someone not so long ago, the only adult he'd loved and cared for him. He was probably still grieving, but the fact that he was there, in one piece, was the definite and only proof she needed to hold onto her hopes.

When the last day of school arrived, it also meant having to sit there surrounded by curious eyes all staring at her and Harry, and she knew what Dumbledore would say during his speech. 

Stay together. 

She'd talked about the same thing for three days in a row and she was exhausted, if she could, she would drink a potion to forget everything, maybe even the fact that she was a witch, and she would go live with her uncle Lupin, surrounded by nothing but trees...

However, Mel had to keep fighting. It was far from over.

She decided to skip the feast and asked her friends to bring her food once it ended, she slowly made her way back to the tower. Mel turned right on one of the corridors and stopped abruptly when she saw Harry. 

For a second they stared at each other in mild confusion, they had been careful not to spend too much time alone because they knew they would end up discussing things they weren't ready to address. Mel gathered enough energy to give him a weak smile.

"Trying to find your appetite? Me too."

Harry raised his eyebrows. 

"You're not hungry?" 

"It's been happening all year," She sighed. "I guess I grew out of that too..."

"No way. You'll be eating in a week, I expect."

"I expect the same from you," She replied. "I'll make sure you eat twice as much. Merlin knows you need it."

A faint smile appeared on his face. 

"Care if I join you? I could use a walk."

The silence didn't last long when they found Luna.

"How come you're not at the feast?" asked Harry.

"Well, I've lost most of my possessions. People take them and hide them, you know. But as it's the last night, I really do need them back, so I've been putting up signs."

"That's horrible," Mel frowned.

"How come people hide your stuff?" 

"Oh... well... I think they think I'm a bit odd, you know. Some people call me 'Loony' Lovegood, actually," The girl said casually.

"That's no reason for them to take your things," Harry replied. "They used to call Mel a nutter too, but they didn't hide away her things."

"That's because they thought I was an attractive nutter," Mel rolled her eyes. "Prats. People need new brains, Luna. You're wonderful."

"D'you want help finding them?"

"Oh no," Luna smiled. "They'll come back, they always do in the end. It was just that I wanted to pack tonight. Anyway... why aren't you at the feast?"

Harry and Mel shared a look and shrugged. 

"We didn't feel like it."

"No," Luna agreed, and for a second, Mel was able to see something more than just the usual vagueness in her eyes. "I don't suppose you do. That man the Death Eaters killed was your godfather, wasn't he? Ginny told me. She also said your mother and him were expecting a baby, Mel."

Harry nodded, Mel barely replied with a broken 'yes'.

"Have you..." The boy started slowly. "I mean, who... has anyone you've known ever died?"

"Yes. My mother. She was a quite extraordinary witch, you know, but she did like to experiment and one of her spells went rather badly wrong one day. I was nine."

"I'm sorry," Harry mumbled.

"Yes, it was rather horrible. I still feel very sad about it sometimes. But I've still got Dad. And anyway, it's not as though I'll never see Mum again, is it?"

"Er — isn't it?" Harry glanced back at Mel with slight worry.

"Oh, come on. You heard them, just behind the veil, didn't you?"

"You mean..." The boy started, but he didn't dare to finish.

"In that room with the archway. They were just lurking out of sight, that's all. You heard them. I could see you felt them too, Mel. They're always there."

Luna smiled at them carelessly, as if she'd just commented on the weather.

"Are you sure you don't want us to help you look for your stuff?"

"Oh no. No, I think I'll just go down and have some pudding and wait for it all to turn up... It always does in the end... Well, have a nice holiday."

"Yeah... yeah, you too."

"Bye, Luna."

As they watched her go, Harry turned his head slightly without withdrawing his eyes from the Ravenclaw.

"You think she's telling the truth?"

"About what?"

"Everything."

Mel stared at the notice on the wall for a moment, deciding to use her popular card one last time in order to help a friend. 

"I think I would love for it to be true," She responded. "And since I have the liberty to believe in whatever I please... then yes, I think she's right."

Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, who had clearly been waiting all week for the opportunity to strike without teacher witnesses, attempted to ambush Harry halfway down the train as he made his way back from the toilet.

The attack might have succeeded had it not been for the fact that they unwittingly chose to stage the attack right outside a compartment full of D.A. members, who saw what was happening through the glass and rose as one to rush to Harry's aid. 

Ron and Harry walked back into their compartment and told them what had just happened outside, Erick put down the book he was reading and scoffed. 

"One would think that having your parents sent to Azkaban would knock some sense into you... I'll have to keep an eye on them next year, then."

Mel turned to look at him in surprise.

"You'll come back?"

"Yes," He said, a little smile playing on his lips. "I got a letter this morning ..."

He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. It was her mother's handwriting.

"I'm welcomed to stay with you this summer, and I think I'll take the offer," He grinned. "I don't wish to work at the Ministry, but I could learn a few things before I'm off to become a member of the Order. Besides, I can't think of a better way to thank Sirius than to look after all of you in the meantime..."

"I think that's very sensible of you," Hermione agreed. "It would've been stupid to give up your education now."

"What's stupid is that he's been ignored by his housemates," Ron replied. "The only decent bloke that house got in decades and they hurled him out? That's rubbish!"

Everyone stared at Ron with amusement, the boy turned a bit red.

"What? I can admit when someone's a good person!"

"I don't know what to say," Erick laughed. "Gryffindor's king just gave me his blessing..."

Ron turned redder and threw a jellybean at him.

Harry and Ron whiled away most of the journey playing wizard chess while Hermione read out snippets from the Prophet. It was now full of articles about how to repel dementors, attempts by the Ministry to track down Death Eaters, and hysterical letters claiming that the writer had seen Lord Voldemort walking past their house that very morning...

"It hasn't really started yet," sighed Hermione gloomily, folding up the newspaper again. "But it won't be long now..."

Neville let out a short sigh, absently patting his Mimbulus Mimbletonia. Mel put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed, he looked up and smiled tensely.

"Hey, Harry," Ron kicked his leg.

Cho Chang was passing by with Marietta Edgecombe, who made a great deal out of hiding her face. Harry barely reacted, glancing at her before returning his gaze to the game.

"What's — er — going on with you and her anyway?" Ron asked, unsure of whether this was a safe subject to handle with Mel around.

"Nothing," Harry answered.

"I — er — heard she's going out with someone else now," added Hermione, looking at Mel as well.

"You're well out of it, mate. I mean, she's quite good-looking and all that, but you want someone a bit more cheerful."

"Right, because Harry's a ray of sunshine," Erick taunted.

"She's probably cheerful enough with someone else," Harry shrugged.

"Who's she with now anyway?" Ron asked.

"Michael Corner," Ginny responded.

"Michael — but —" Ron stammered. "But you were going out with him!"

"Not anymore. He didn't like Gryffindor beating Ravenclaw at Quidditch and got really sulky, so I ditched him and he ran off to comfort Cho instead," Ginny said distractedly, focused on her Quibbler.

"Well, I always thought he was a bit of an idiot," Ron said happily. "Good for you. Just choose someone... better, next time."

"Well, I've chosen Dean Thomas, would you say he's better?" Ginny replied. 

"WHAT?" 

Ron knocked over the chess and Crookshanks chased around the pieces. Grey merely opened one eye before going back to sleep. 

Erick laughed again, freedom suited him. The stiffness of his shoulders had vanished and although he kept some old-fashioned attitudes, he was slowly coming out of his shell. Affection settled on Mel's heart.

"What about you?" He asked her, bringing her back from her reverie.

"What about me?"

"Do you have any new prospects in mind? I know Fred's hard to beat, but..."

"I don't think I'm ready to date anyone yet," Mel responded sincerely. "Why?"

"No reason," He replied. 

His eyes lingered on her long after she'd looked away.

The moment came when the train got to the station, and she stayed behind, unsure of whether she wanted to see what was expecting her outside the platform. 

It was time to meet her brother.

"Remember what I told you," Erick offered his arm for her to hold.

Her mouth was dry, but she nodded and held his arm firmly, letting him guide her to the other side of the wall with a firm step.

There was Mad-Eye Moody, looking quite as sinister with his bowler hat pulled low over his magical eye as he would have done without it, his gnarled hands clutching a long staff, his body wrapped in a voluminous traveling cloak. 

Tonks stood just behind him, her bright bubble-gum-pink hair gleaming in the sunlight filtering through the dirty glass station ceiling, wearing heavily patched jeans and a bright purple T-shirt bearing the legend the weird sisters. 

Next to Tonks was Lupin, his face pale, his hair graying, a long and threadbare overcoat covering a shabby jumper and trousers. At the front of the group stood Mr and Mrs Weasley, dressed in their Muggle best, and Fred and George, who were both wearing brand-new jackets in some lurid green, scaly material.

Emily was next to Lupin, she was hugging a bundle of blankets that could only be one thing. She didn't look like Mel was expecting, there were dark circles under her eyes, but she was far from angry. 

Her face filled with relief as soon as she saw her. Mel stumbled back, not knowing what to do. Emily realized that her daughter was afraid and she looked at her in confusion. 

"Mel," She began carefully. "D'you remember what I told Harry last year after the third task?"

Mel remembered, of course. 

"You said no one would blame him for fighting as hard as he could."

"That's right," Emily cupped her daughter's cheek. "I was so scared of losing you... My brave, brave girl."

Mel hugged her mother tightly, around her, she heard the others welcoming the rest of their friends.

"Ron, Ginny! Oh, and Harry dear — how are you?"

"Fine..." 

"What are they supposed to be?" Ron's voice asked.

"Finest dragon skin, little bro," Fred responded, probably talking about his clothes. "Business is booming and we thought we'd treat ourselves."

Mel finally stepped back so Erick could say hi as well. She realized then that she was now as tall as her mother.

"It's time you meet someone," Emily said, drying her face with the back of her sleeve. "Come here... this is Leon Regulus. Reggie, this is your sister."

He was the tiniest person she'd ever seen, didn't have much hair yet, but his eyes were definitely grey. She remembered Luna's words and in a way, she felt that a part of Sirius still remained.

"I have a brother," She whispered in awe.

"Is that your sibling?" Ginny beamed. "Can I see him?"

Quickly, Ron and the girls approached to look at him. 

Harry stayed behind, a bit unsure of whether he was allowed to meet him.

"Hello, kids," Lupin greeted them while the rest of their friends surrounded Emily.

"Hi. I didn't expect... what are you all doing here?" Harry asked.

"Well, Emily can't drive and watch over the baby at the same time, as for the rest, we thought we might have a little chat with your aunt and uncle before letting them take you home."

"I dunno if that's a good idea," Harry said awkwardly.

"Oh, I think it is," Moody growled. "That'll be them, will it, Potter?"

Mel looked over Moody's shoulder and saw the Dursleys, shocked to the core at such scene. She couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it, the first genuine laughter ever since coming back from the Ministry.

She felt someone poking her shoulder and she turned, coming face to face with the twins.

"What, we stop seeing each other for a few weeks and you forget we exist?" Fred smirked. 

She jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly. 

"I would never forget you. Have you met my brother?"

"Yes, ugly little thing," Fred grimaced, George hit the back of his head. "What? It's true! No newborn is pretty..."

"Bold words from someone with the ugliest taste in clothing," Mel laughed again, it was interesting what a bunch of familiar and happy faces could do to her soul.

"We heard Erick's staying with you this summer... Pitty, we were thinking about hiring him as our assistant."

"I would rather choke on my tongue," Erick walked up to them. "You look ridiculous, and that's coming from someone who likes to wear formal shirts on the weekends."

Fred and George trapped him in a bear hug and messed up his hair, Erick tried to fight back but it only made things worse. 

"You missed us!"

"Flimsy little prince like you must bore to death without us around to keep things interesting..."

"Trust me," Erick grunted, looking at her with a smile. "Mel made sure you weren't that sorely missed."

"Ah, kids!" Mr Weasley looked at them. "Boys, let go of him! Ah, look at what you did! He looks like a madman..."

Erick blushed a nice shade of pink, but he laughed it off. 

"It's okay, Mr Weasley..."

"He looks far better like this," Fred teased. 

"Don't listen to them, they're just jealous," Emily replied, followed shortly by the girls and Ron. "Harry, would you like to meet my son?"

Harry wasn't expecting her to address him, but he didn't have the nerve to say no. Emily took it as a yes and did something she hadn't done with the rest of them: She asked him if he wanted to hold him. 

Harry stared at the baby without uttering a word. He took him, and with a few pointers from Emily, soon enough Leon was safely tucked on his arms. 

"He's... he's got his eyes," Harry said quietly. "Reggie, you say? ...He's brilliant."

For a moment he forgot about the rest of the world, Harry could see his godfather reflected on those small, shiny eyes, and with that came a life with no mistakes in it yet, a new opportunity to make things right.

Emily didn't take the baby away, instead, she joined the group of adults.

"Well — shall we do it, then?" Mr Weasley then directed his attention to Moody.

"Yeah, I reckon so, Arthur." 

He and Mr Weasley took the lead across the station toward the place where the Dursleys stood, apparently rooted to the floor. Hermione disengaged herself gently from her mother to join the group.

"Good afternoon," said Mr Weasley pleasantly to Uncle Vernon, coming to a halt right in front of him. "You might remember me, my name's Arthur Weasley."

As Mr Weasley had singlehandedly demolished most of the Dursleys' living room two years previously, Harry would have been very surprised if Uncle Vernon had forgotten him. Sure enough, Uncle Vernon turned a deeper shade of puce and glared at Mr Weasley, but chose not to say anything, partly, perhaps, because the Dursleys were outnumbered two to one. 

Aunt Petunia looked both frightened and embarrassed. She kept glancing around, as though terrified somebody she knew would see her in such company. Dudley, meanwhile, seemed to be trying to look small and insignificant, a feat at which he was failing extravagantly.

"We thought we'd just have a few words with you about Harry." 

"Yeah. About how he's treated when he's at your place," Moody growled. "And trust us, Emily has made sure to tell us all about it."

Her mother smiled brightly.

"I am not aware that it is any of your business what goes on in my house —" Mr Dursley started, but he was soon interrupted.

"I expect what you're not aware of would fill several books, Dursley."

"Anyway, that's not the point," Tonks added. "The point is, if we find out you've been horrible to Harry —"

"— and make no mistake, we'll hear about it," Lupin added, looking briefly at Mel and winking.

"Yes, even if you won't let Harry use the fellytone —"

"Telephone," Hermione corrected under her breath.

"Yeah, if we get any hint that Potter's been mistreated in any way, you'll have us to answer to," Moody growled.

"Are you threatening me, sir?" Mr Dursley asked in anger.

"Yes, I am."

"And do I look like the kind of man who can be intimidated?"

"Well..." said Moody, pushing back his bowler hat to reveal his sinisterly revolving magical eye. Uncle Vernon leapt backward in horror and collided painfully with a luggage trolley. "Yes, I'd have to say you do, Dursley."

He turned from Uncle Vernon to Harry. "So, Potter... give us a shout if you need us. If we don't hear from you for three days in a row, we'll send someone along..."

"We'll keep an eye on him, Moody," Mel's mother replied, "Erick, Mel and I will. Feel free to have every meal with us from now on, Harry. There's no reason for you to be eating rubbish."

Aunt Petunia gasped loudly at this.

"I..." Harry blinked. "Okay."

Emily stepped forward and seized Regulus, then she stood on her tiptoes and kissed Harry's cheek. 

"We'll see you in a while, love."

"'Bye, then, Potter," Moody patted his shoulder.

"Take care, Harry," said Lupin. "Keep in touch."

"You're not coming?" Mel asked. 

"I'm afraid not," The man said, hugging her one last time. "We have work to do."

"I could help if you want," Erick responded quickly.

"You're not going anywhere," Mel argued, holding his arm protectively.

"Maybe later, kid," Lupin answered, staring at them in slight amusement.

"We should move," Emily responded before Erick could argue back.

"Harry, we'll have you away from there as soon as we can," Mrs Weasley said. "And of course, Emily dear, all of you are invited."

"We'll see you soon," said Ron shaking Harry and Erick's hands.

"Really soon," Hermione added. "We promise."

Harry then summoned a real, loving smile. He waved at everyone goodbye and then turned to Mel and Erick. 

A strange thought came to her when she watched those two boys standing next to her and her mother: Family.

Difficult times were ahead, but they would go through them. Together.

"Well," Harry scratched the back of his neck. "I'll see you later."

Erick sat in the backseat with restless curiosity, examining every detail.

"First time?" Mel grinned, looking over to the older boy and her little brother, completely asleep on the baby chair. "If you feel like vomiting don't stress, I get carsick too..."

"Ready?" Emily asked.

Mel stroke Grey's head and turned around to face forward. 

Yes, she was ready.

Next Part —>

Taglist.

@dee123ksha @vampiregirl1797 @siriuslysirius1107 @stardusthigh @mikariell95 @vernon-dursley @thesuitelifeofafangirl @tomshollandz @kylosleftbuttcheek @reverse-hxlland @hamiltonwc @omiwashere @t-rexs-world @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @21bruhs @i-am-scared-and-useless-bisexual @dielgonacoffee @thelastpyle

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars CXLIV (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: I hate the absolute lack of organization my career has and I’m so full of violence bc of it omg -Danny

Words: 4,862

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Listen to: ‘Wicked Game’ -by Gemma Haynes

Chapter Six: Growing Hopes.

Mel walked into the kitchen twenty minutes after her talk with Harry, her heart still beating harshly against her chest.

Her theory could be wrong, but at the same time, it was the best way to keep the lifeline and make sure it'd be useful.

They had three rules:

Keep a clear head, no romance could happen between them.

They would use the connection in case of major injuries, and only if they were given consent.

Harry had to learn to ground himself, and they would stay away from the other's problems unless requested differently.

"Hand me that baby!" She demanded Erick when she saw him.

"He's happy with me!" He complained, turning his back on her.

"I'm his sister!" Mel tickled his sides and he immediately gave in, Erick hated to be tickled. "Come here, Leggie, was this bad man annoying you?"

"It just won't budge, this has always worked before, I just can't understand it!" Mrs Weasley said from across the room, struggling to fix Hermione's eye.

"It'll be Fred and George's idea of a funny joke, making sure it can't come off," Ginny shrugged.

"But it's got to come off! I can't go around looking like this forever!"

"It won't stay forever," Mel said. "They're not that cruel..."

"You two stop moving around, you'll upset him!" Emily warned them, looking at the way Mel and Erick continued to fight for the boy's attention.

"We'll find an antidote, don't worry," Mrs Weasley patted Hermione's head.

"Bill told me 'ow Fred and George are very amusing!" said Fleur.

"Yes, I can hardly breathe for laughing," Hermione said sharply.

"Sorry about that," Mel sat down in front of the blonde. "She's a bit on edge — our O.W.L's will be arriving today..."

"Mrs Weasley, you're quite, quite sure no owls have arrived this morning?"

"Yes, dear, I'd have noticed. But it's barely nine, there's still plenty of time..."

"I know I messed up Ancient Runes," Hermione paced around the room, "I definitely made at least one serious mistranslation. And the Defense Against the Dark Arts practical was no good at all. I thought Transfiguration went all right at the time, but looking back —"

"Hermione, will you shut up, you're not the only one who's nervous!" Ron exclaimed. "And when you've got your eleven 'Outstanding' O.W.L.s..."

"Don't, don't, don't!" said Hermione. "I know I've failed everything!"

"Were you nervous about your O.W.L.s?" Harry asked Erick, he sat next to Mel and started playing with her brother.

"I was more worried about my family finding out I was talking to a muggle," He shrugged. "I had done all I could — Studied and wrote until my hands and eyes hurt, there was nothing I could do apart from waiting..."

"Erick was obsessed with getting his Prefect badge, the fifth-year examinations were a piece of cake for him, right?" Mel smiled.

"Yeah well, I really wanted to be a Prefect," He sighed. "I was an idiot..."

"You still are," Mel barely managed to cover Reg's face from the cloth Erick threw her at her remark. "Careful, you twat!"

"What happens if we fail, though?" Harry grabbed the baby, not wanting him to get hurt.

"We discuss our options with our Head of House, I asked Professor McGonagall at the end of last term," Hermione replied.

"At Beauxbatons," Fleur started, "we 'ad a different way of doing things. I think it was better. We sat our examinations after six years of study, not five, and then —"

Hermione screamed and ran to the window. Mel stood up and followed, Reggie started to cry.

"They're definitely owls," said Ron, looking out the window and gulping.

"And there are four of them," said Harry, walking up to them with the baby still in his arms.

"One for each of us," Hermione shivered. "Oh no... oh no... oh no..."

The girl gripped Ron's arm, Mel tried to quiet her brother distractedly, but she was too nervous to do it in a gentle way. Emily got closer and grabbed the baby, Erick stood next to the group.

"It's going to be okay, guys," He said simply.

"Oh shut up, what do you know?" Ron frowned.

"Oh no!" squealed Hermione, squeezing Ron's arm harder.

Mrs Weasley opened the kitchen window. Four owls landed on the table and lifted their right legs so they could grab their letters. Mel grabbed her own and ripped the envelope so fast she almost ruined the letter.

Ordinary Wizarding Level Results

Pass Grades

Mel Dumbledore Sultens has achieved:

Astronomy (O)

Care of Magical Creatures (O)

Charms (O)

Defense Against the Dark Arts (O)

Divination (P)

Herbology (E)

History of Magic (O)

Potions (O)

Transfiguration (O)

"Eight O.W.L's!" Erick had been reading over her shoulder. "That's wonderful, Mely!"

"Only failed Divination and History of Magic, and who cares about them?" Ron said brightly, showing her his letter. "Here — swap —"

Harry showed her his letter, there was only one 'O' in Defense Against the Dark Arts, but the rest was okay, all E's... and he'd gotten a 'P' on Divination like her.

"Knew you'd be top at Defense Against the Dark Arts," Ron punched Harry and Mel on the shoulders. "We've done all right, haven't we?"

"Well done!" said Mrs Weasley, ruffling Ron's hair. "Seven O.W.L.s, that's more than Fred and George got together!"

"I'm so proud of you!" Emily said, kissing Harry's cheek and hugging Mel tightly.

Erick pulled her in for an unexpected hug and lifted her from the ground, Mel laughed at his outburst.

"Hermione?" said Ginny carefully, noticing she was the only one who was quiet. "How did you do?"

"I — not bad," Hermione replied.

"Oh, come off it," Ron snatched her letter and read it quickly. "Yep — nine 'Outstandings' and one 'Exceeds Expectations' at Defense Against the Dark Arts. You're actually disappointed, aren't you?"

Hermione shook her head quietly, Mel and Harry laughed. Ron was looking at their friend with so much affection she couldn't believe she was the only one noticing.

"Well, we're N.E.W.T. students now!" grinned Ron, then he walked up to Erick and shook his hand. "Hope you're ready to welcome me in in those study sessions of yours... Godric knows I'll need them. Mum, are there any more sausages?"

Mel noticed she was still quite settled in Erick's arms and quickly moved out of his reach, patting his arm awkwardly.

"Your last year," She said. "How are you feeling?"

Erick looked at her.

"I'm not ready to say goodbye."

When the letters with their booklists arrived the morning after Harry's birthday, they had a pleasant surprise in them.

"I'm Headboy..." Erick said under his breath.

"I'm Captain!" Harry exclaimed.

The room lit up instantly, Mel got closer to examine Erick's badge and hugged him tightly, then she went to Harry.

"That gives you equal status with prefects!" Hermione was saying. "You can use our special bathroom now and everything!"

"Wow, I remember when Charlie wore one of these," said Ron. "Harry, this is so cool, you're my Captain — if you let me back on the team, I suppose, ha ha..."

"He'll let us in if he knows what's good for the team," Mel teased. "You and I are the reason why we won last year. And where was he? Playing hide in seek with Hagrid's little brother!"

"Careful, you don't want to upset your Captain," Harry joked.

"Oh, shut up," She snorted.

"Well, I don't suppose we can put off a trip to Diagon Alley much longer now you've got these," said Mrs Weasley. "We'll go on Saturday as long as your father doesn't have to go into work again. I'm not going there without him."

"Mum, d'you honestly think You-Know-Who's going to be hiding behind a bookshelf in Flourish and Blotts?"

"Fortescue and Ollivander went on holiday, did they? If you think security's a laughing matter you can stay behind and I'll get your things myself —"

"No, I wanna come, I want to see Fred and George's shop!" Ron exclaimed.

"Then you just buck up your ideas, young man, before I decide you're too immature to come with us! And that goes for returning to Hogwarts as well!"

Ron turned to look at his friends.

"Blimey... you can't even make a joke 'round here anymore..."

"Don't feel bad, you have the emotional range of a teaspoon, you can't help it!" Mel taunted, walking past him.

Mel left the burrow with her Firebolt on one shoulder, ready to go and play with her friends when she spotted Erick sitting under a tree, reading one of the books he'd borrowed from her. For some reason, she felt like talking to him even though there was nothing new to say.

"Don't you get tired of reading?" She nudged his leg. "Don't get me wrong, I love books, but summer should be spent under the sun, gaining a bit of colour..."

"I have enough colour," Erick looked up at her. "I get all sweaty under the sun — hugely unattractive, and I have a reputation to maintain."

"As the heartthrob of our group?" Mel smirked. "I thought that was my title!"

"Your title is Lady Dumbledore," He grinned.

"Leaving you alone with Fred and George in Grimmauld Place was a mistake," She sat down next to him, examining his book. "Dracula? Finally reading something else than romance and fairytales I see..."

"Dracula's kind of romantic. Sort of fairy-like as well... if you look past the blood and violence..."

"Well, sounds like something realistic for sure..."

"Oh, please, didn't you say to me years ago that life could be a fairytale and all that?"

Mel groaned, she shook her head.

"That same day you told me how hard it is to choose between emotions and duty. We can't always be happy — What was I thinking when I thought I'd get the princess's ending, anyway? I'm a witch!"

"That's not the bubbly miss I used to know," Erick raised a brow. "I understand, though. My dreams were never as pink as yours, but they were ambitious... I guess they still are, but in a prudent way..."

"It's a start," Mel leaned against the tree. "I feel like I'm rebuilding myself... It's complicated."

"That makes two of us," He sighed. "It's good to have someone that understands, right?"

Mel suddenly felt self-conscious about how close they'd become over the last few weeks. It triggered the fly or fight reaction in her. Whatever she'd done with Fred last year helped her move on from her heartache, but it didn't make her trust her romantic feelings, whatever those pesky things were.

"Everything okay?"

She felt a tingling sensation, like thunder announcing a storm. Had his eyes always looked that honey-like with the sunlight?

"Yep," Mel squeaked, standing up and grabbing her firebolt. "I want to play..."

"Sure..." Erick frowned slightly. "Yeah, go ahead..."

"Are you sure you don't want to come?"

"My hair would get messy and I'd be all out of breath! Such a nightmare..."

"That's the whiny Prince I know," Mel smiled tensely, walking away.

Diagon Alley was nothing like the bright, lousy place she used to remember. Every window had been covered with Ministry posters, Mel anxiously ran her fingers over the scars on her hand, scowling at every single banner.

Emily, Hagrid (who was there as their guard), Ron, Hermione, Harry and her went to get new robes. Ginny, Erick, Mr and Mrs Weasley decided to go and buy the books everyone needed.

No one noticed Harry Potter was passing next to them, Mel was starting to understand what it'd been like to live during the first wizarding war, and now she was living the second wave. She was slowly sinking in her own anguish when someone touched her shoulder gently.

"Don't get upset," Harry said, making eye contact. "Remember our game?" She nodded. "You want to play?"

She nodded again. He took a moment to think of a word, then he continued:

"Quidditch. Q—U— I— D..."

"D..." She whispered. "I— T— C— H."

"What's your favourite spell?"

"I..." She tilted her head. "I don't have one."

"Wise choice," He held her hand and guided her towards the next shop. "C'mon..."

Mel stared at him, Harry was acting so differently compared to last year it was almost scarier than his angry version. Still, she didn't let go of his hand until they entered the next shop. Emily went in with them, Hagrid stayed outside to watch the entrance.

"...not a child, in case you haven't noticed, Mother. I am perfectly capable of doing my shopping alone."

"Now, dear, your mother's quite right, none of us is supposed to go wandering around on our own anymore, it's nothing to do with being a child —"

"Watch where you're sticking that pin, will you!"

Draco walked out of the dressing room and stood in front of a mirror. After a second of quiet staring, he realized they were there.

"If you're wondering what the smell is, Mother," Malfoy sneered. "A Mudblood just walked in..."

"I don't think there's any need for language like that!" Madam Malkin walked out of the backroom as well. "And I don't want wands drawn in my shop either!"

The boys had their wands out, pointing at Malfoy. Hermione whispered something about ignoring the boy.

"Yeah, like you'd dare do magic out of school," Malfoy scoffed. "Who blacked your eye, Granger? I want to send them flowers."

"That's quite enough!" said Madam Malkin. "Madam — please —"

Narcissa Malfoy stared at Emily for a long time, then at the rest of the group.

"Put those away," she said shortly. "If you attack my son again, I shall ensure that it is the last thing you ever do."

"Really?" Harry stepped forward, he was as tall as the woman, and this seemed to encourage him. "Going to get a few Death Eater pals to do us in, are you?"

"Harry," Mel said in a tone of warning, Madame Malkin gasped.

"Really, you shouldn't accuse — dangerous thing to say — wands away, please!"

"Harry," Emily insisted. "Be wise..."

"I see that being Dumbledore's favourite has given you a false sense of security, Harry Potter," Narcissa smiled. "But Dumbledore won't always be there to protect you."

"Wow... look at that..." Harry looked around. "He's not here now! So why not have a go? They might be able to find you a double cell in Azkaban with your loser of a husband!"

"That's enough," Mel said sternly, lowering the boy's arm.

"Don't you dare talk to my mother like that, Potter!" Malfoy tried to get close but stumbled on his long robes.

"It's all right, Draco," said Narcissa, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I expect Potter will be reunited with dear Sirius before I am reunited with Lucius."

Harry tried to raised his wand again.

"I think we've had enough useless fights!" The girl stopped him. "My uncle may not be here but I'm pretty able to stop you on my own, Harry."

"Mel's right..." Emily put a hand on his shoulder to ease him.

"I think this left sleeve could come up a little bit more," Madame Malkin said anxiously, reaching for Malfoy's robes. "Dear, let me just —"

"Ouch! Watch where you're putting your pins, woman! Mother — I don't think I want these anymore —"

"You're right, Draco," said Narcissa, "now I know the kind of scum that shops here... We'll do better at Twilfitt and Tatting's. Oh, and Sultens," She eyed Emily one last time before leaving. "Congrats on birthing another bastard..."

"Let them go," Mel said roughly to the boys, noticing they were ready to attack again.

Emily looked away while the Malfoys exited the store.

"Mum?" The girl approached the woman carefully.

"It's fine," She said quietly. "I just need a moment... I'm fine."

"Got ev'rything?" Hagrid asked them once they left the store.

"Just about... Did you see the Malfoys?"

"Yeah— Bu' they wouldn' dare make trouble in the middle o' Diagon Alley, Harry. Don' worry abou' them."

Mr and Mrs Weasley, Ginny and Erick arrived, all holding large packages.

"Everyone all right? Got your robes? Right then, we can pop in at the Apothecary and Eeylops on the way to Fred and George's — stick close, now..."

Mel remained silent the whole time they spent in the Apothecary, she picked the few ingredients for her next term and paid without focusing on what she was doing.

"How are you?" Erick caught up with her. "Harry told me what happened... You know the Malfoys are rubbish..."

Harry had sent Erick to talk to her? Instead of going himself? He was definitely keeping his distance. Which was excellent, but she didn't know why it hurt her anyway.

"I've heard it once or twice... never bothered me because I knew my father loved me, I never stopped to think about my mum..."

"What?"

"My parents never married," Mel explained. "They did everything a married couple is supposed to do... everything except marrying. They were waiting for the war to end."

"Titles are nothing unless you give them meaning, your mother knows that. Names mean nothing unless you want them to... Mel Dumbledore, that's one that'll mean great things one day."

Mel knew he was right, her parents had loved each other, and she had all the right in the world to be treated as a Dumbledore. Leon Regulus would be a Black if he wanted to, and her mother didn't need to do things like everyone else to be valid.

Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes was the only cheerful building left. They knew how to brighten up even the gloomiest of places. Mel felt a strong tug at the base of her stomach; she'd missed her friends.

'WHY ARE YOU WORRYING ABOUT YOU-KNOW-WHO?

U-NO-POO—

"They really know their priorities, don't they?" Erick raised a brow.

"They'll be murdered in their beds!" Mrs Weasley lamented.

"No they won't!" Ron laughed. "This is brilliant!"

Mel couldn't help feeling a bit anxious, Emily stared at the sign and smiled absently.

"Sirius would've loved this..."

With every step she took inside the loud and crowded place, her chest warmed up with memories. She'd been present for the creation of at least half of all those, it was a nice change to reminisce over something that made her happy instead of miserable and mournful.

"'One simple incantation and you will enter a top-quality, highly realistic, thirty-minute daydream," Hermione read. "Easy to fit into the average school lesson and virtually undetectable (side effects include vacant expression and minor drooling). Not for sale to under-sixteens' — You know, that really is extraordinary magic!"

"For that, Hermione, you can have one for free."

Mel turned around so fast she accidentally hit Harry's face with her hair. She jumped into Fred's arms and squeezed him as hard as she could, a pleasant wave of accomplishment washed over her when she noticed she was almost as tall as him now. Almost, the top of her head was barely reaching his nose, though.

"Good to see I've been missed," He beamed. "How are you handling our break-up, Lady? Not good I see... Listen, I'm trying to date new people, having you in my arms every time we see each other it's kind of a bad look."

"Shut up," Mel quickly cleaned her tear-stained face. "I'm sorry, I don't go around jumping on people and crying — I'm just happy to see you."

Fred ruffled her hair and offered her a handkerchief he pulled out from his pocket.

"How are you, Harry?" He reached for the boy's hand and shook it. "And what's happened to your eye, Hermione?"

"Your punching telescope."

"Oh blimey, I forgot about those! Here —" He pulled a tub of something out of another pocket and gave it to her. "Just dab it on, that bruise'll be gone within the hour. We had to find a decent bruise remover. We're testing most of our products on ourselves."

"It is safe, isn't it?" Hermione asked reluctantly.

"'Course it is! Come on, guys, I'll give you a tour. Wait —" He looked around. "Where's the Prince?"

Mel looked around as well. "He was right behind me when I walked in!"

"We'll find him," Fred put an arm around her shoulders and guided her towards a shelf. "You've grown! Try to stay like this, won't you? If my ex-girlfriend ends up being taller and prettier than me..."

"Looks like I'm halfway there!" She teased.

Harry followed them, Hermione decided to stay behind.

"Muggle magic tricks!" Fred happily pointed to the boxes on their right. "For freaks like Dad, you know, who love Muggle stuff. It's not a big earner, but we do fairly steady business, they're great novelties — Erick will love them... Oh, here's George — Ah, hello there, Prince!"

"Caught him snooping around the love potions," George smirked, his own arm around Erick, who was now taller than him. "Can you believe it? As if this twat needed one! — Blimey, lady, you're taller too! That's not fair!"

George shook hands with Harry, and Erick allowed Fred to give him a hug.

"Giving them the tour? Come through the back, guys, that's where we're making the real money — pocket anything, you— and you'll pay in more than Galleons!" George warned a boy who was trying to get edible dark marks from a tub — "they'll make anyone sick!"

George guided them to the back, Erick approached her with a worried expression.

"You've been crying."

"What?" She touched her face, but it was dry. "How do you..? Doesn't matter, I got emotional, that's all."

"Emotional?"

"I'd missed the twins, alright?" Mel replied defensively.

"You didn't even date for real..." Erick grumbled, she pretended not to hear.

"We've just developed this more serious line," Fred explained to them. "Funny how it happened..."

"You wouldn't believe how many people, even people who work at the Ministry, can't do a decent Shield Charm," George mentioned. "'Course, they didn't have you two teaching them."

"That's right... Well, we thought Shield Hats were a bit of a laugh, you know, challenge your mate to jinx you while wearing it and watch his face when the jinx just bounces off. But the Ministry bought five hundred for all its support staff! And we're still getting massive orders!"

"So we've expanded into a range of Shield Cloaks, Shield Gloves..."

"...I mean, they wouldn't help much against the Unforgivable Curses, but for minor to moderate hexes or jinxes..."

"An abrupt attack would no longer be useful," Mel said in astonishment. "Boys, this is wonderful!"

"We thought we'd get into the whole area of Defense Against the Dark Arts, because it's such a money-spinner," George nodded. "This is cool. Look, Instant Darkness Powder, we're importing it from Peru. Handy if you want to make a quick escape."

"And our Decoy Detonators are just walking off the shelves, look," said Fred. "You just drop one surreptitiously and it'll run off and make a nice loud noise out of sight, giving you a diversion if you need one.

"Impressive," Erick admitted, examining the boxes.

There was something absurd about the way Fred and George were so casually talking about their newest products. The context in which these things had been created was dark, but to them, it was just another funny experiment that had succeeded, and as crazy as it was, Mel felt hopeful. If something as bright, colourful and happy could still stand in the midst of war, then surely not everything was changing for the worst.

"Handy," said Harry.

"Here," George grabbed a fistful of the products and put a bit on the hands of the three friends.

"There's a customer out here looking for a joke cauldron, Mr Weasley and Mr Weasley," A girl said through the curtain.

Hearing the 'Mr Weasley' reminded her that time wasn't forgiving, and soon enough she would also be of age. However, this seemed terribly unimportant when so many marvellous things were happening around her.

"Right you are, Verity, I'm coming," said George. "Guys, you help yourself to anything you want, all right? No charge."

"I can't do that!" said Harry.

"And neither can we," Mel frowned, Erick nodded.

"You don't pay here," said Fred, brushing it aside.

"But —"

"You gave us our start-up loan, Harry, we haven't forgotten," said George. "Erick, your gran' got us this place and he asked for nothing in return but for us to watch over you, and that means we don't accept the money he left so you could watch after yourself. Mel," He smirked. "You're just too pretty to pay."

"Don't forget she's always believed in us! Helped while we were making half of these!" Fred added. "But yeah, being good-looking is the main reason."

Mel snorted, she was unaware of the way Erick rolled his eyes at the innocent and playful compliments.

"Take whatever you like," George shrugged, "and just remember to tell people where you got it, if they ask."

Fred led them back into the main room, Hermione and Ginny were still checking the Patented Daydream Charms.

"Haven't you girls found our special WonderWitch products yet? Follow me, ladies..."

"Oh, wow," Mel grimaced. "This looks like something Umbridge would love..."

Near the window was an array of violently pink products around which a cluster of excited girls was giggling enthusiastically. Hermione and Ginny both hung back, looking wary.

"There you go," said Fred. "Best range of love potions you'll find anywhere."

"Do they work?" Ginny asked sceptically.

"Certainly they work, for up to twenty-four hours at a time depending on the weight of the boy in question —"

"— and the attractiveness of the girl," George was suddenly once more at their side. "But we're not selling them to our sister. Not when she's already got about five boys on the go from what we've —"

"Whatever you've heard from Ron is a big fat lie," said Ginny curtly.

"Wait," Mel smirked. "Were these the potions you were examining a while ago, Prince?"

"Oh yeah," George said, a devilish grin on his face. "But he doesn't need them. Not when he's finally gaining weight and colour! I tell you, now that he's a hero he'll be having hoards of people lining up for a date!"

Mel laughed, picking up a bottle. "I'm intrigued..."

"Oh no," Fred snatched the bottle from her hand. "You give this to a boy and you'll drive him mad!"

"He'd end up in St. Mungo's for sure," George nodded solemnly.

"Sod off, you two," Mel protested. "I wasn't planning on buying it!"

"Good," said Harry and Erick at the same time.

"What's this?" Ginny asked promptly, distracting the twins.

"Guaranteed ten-second pimple vanisher," said Fred. "Excellent on everything from boils to blackheads, but don't change the subject. Are you or are you not currently going out with a boy called Dean Thomas?"

"Yes, I am. And last time I looked, he was definitely one boy, not five. What are those?"

"Pygmy Puffs," said George. "Miniature puffskeins, we can't breed them fast enough. So what about Michael Corner?"

"I dumped him, he was a bad loser — They're really cute!"

"They're fairly cuddly, yes. But you're moving through boyfriends a bit fast, aren't you?" Fred insisted.

Ginny turned to look at him, both hands on her hips and looking alarmingly similar to her mother.

"It's none of your business. And I'll thank you," She yelled to Ron, who had just appeared, "not to tell tales about me to these two!"

"That's three Galleons, nine Sickles, and a Knut," said Fred. "Cough up."

"I'm your brother!"

"And that's our stuff you're nicking. Three Galleons, nine Sickles. I'll knock off the Knut."

"But I haven't got three Galleons, nine Sickles!"

"You'd better put it back then, and mind you put it on the right shelves."

Ron dropped the boxes, yelled at Fred to put them right up his arse, and showed him his middle finger. Unfortunately, Mrs Weasley was there to witness it.

"If I see you do that again I'll jinx your fingers together!"

"Mum, can I have a Pygmy Puff?" asked Ginny.

"A what?"

"Look, they're so sweet..."

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Mel and Erick suddenly had a wide view of the window. Malfoy was hurrying down the street across from theirs.

"Wonder where his mummy is?" Harry asked.

"Given her the slip by the looks of it," said Ron.

"Why, though?" said Hermione.

"Throwing a tantrum, maybe?" Erick offered.

"Get under here, quick," said Harry, pulling his Invisibility Cloak out.

"Oh — I don't know, Harry," Hermione looked towards the rest of the group.

"He's Malfoy, who cares what he's doing?" Mel frowned.

"Come on!" Ron insisted.

Erick looked over his shoulder, making sure no one was watching.

"I'll distract them," He said. "Just try to be back soon."

"Thank you," Mel whispered, disappearing under the cloak.

Next Chapter —>

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[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars LXVII (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: I’m here to say I’ll get you excited just to slap you in the face with yet another almost in every chapter of this book and I don’t regret it -Danny

Warnings: None!

Words: 3,549

Series’ masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Chapter Two: Warm Welcomings.

The month spent at her uncle's ended so fast that she was genuinely sad about leaving. 

Lupin assured her he'd be fine and hinted that maybe, just maybe, he'll seek a way to bring Sirius to live with him; that cheered her up a bit.

Emily and her drove for about two days before arriving at the burrow. Mel had cut her hair while staying with Lupin, and her mother had bought her new clothes (the old ones were starting to get tighter and shorter) so she was eager to use them, even if they were bigger than what she usually wore.

"Has Erick sent anything to you lately?" Emily asked after a while of driving in comfortable silence.

Her mother had grown fond of the boy without even knowing him, she'd ask about his letters and his progress with the books he'd borrowed from them. Emily found him adorable: A fifteen-year-old wizard pinning over a muggle girl and trying hard to get her attention. It reminded her to a certain someone who'd done the same for one of her classmates, a few years back.

"He was reading Pride and Prejudice, said 'it was interesting' which means he likes it but doesn't want to admit it," Mel chuckled.

"Ron knows about him?"

"Yeah," Mel looked at her. "Why?"

"Just making sure I don't mess it up," Her mother replied. "It's still a secret, right?"

"Well, Harry and Hermione know too... but that's it."

"I'll keep my mouth shut around the rest, then."

"He might send me a letter," The girl added. "He'd said he'd let me know if he's been made Prefect."

"From what you've told me, he sounds like a brilliant prospect. Dumbledore must give him the position."

The Burrow appeared on sight and Mel's heart jumped at the view.

"You'll come to the Quidditch Final, won't you?" She asked, suddenly realizing she didn't know if her mother was going to join them.

"I think so," Emily smiled absentmindedly. "Your father would've love to see one of those, he never got the chance to see one..."

"Did he like Quidditch?"

"He did," Emily smiled. "Though now that I think about it, it also could've been that he just liked to spend time with all of us, take a break from his schoolwork and all."

"He studied a lot?"

"As much as you," Emily glanced at her. "Which reminds me... Don't be too hard on yourself, alright? Learning is good, but Matthew missed a lot of adventures locked in his room, reading..."

"Oh, I'm not missing out those, believe me," She snorted.

"About that," Her mother raised a brow, "If I get one letter from the school telling me you did something like locking a boggart in the Slytherin common room, you'll be getting Howlers by the minute–"

"I'll try my best!" The young girl laughed.

"Get out of the car before I kill you," Emily said jokingly, parking the car outside the big house.

Mel rushed out and opened the back door, pulling out Grey's basket and two of her bags.

"Hullo!" Ron walked out of his house, followed by his mother.

"Hel– Oh, wow– You've grown," She huffed, handing a bag to him. "How come you're taller than before when I barely managed to grow about two inches?"

Ron laughed, grabbing the bag and taking two more from the back seat.

"I'm not a dwarf like you and Harry, that's all..."

"Watch your words, boy," Emily warned him. "I gave birth to this dwarf."

"Mum!" Mel complained over Ron's laughter. "One would think her mother is supposed to protect her, not team up with the bullies!"

"Who's a bully?" George was standing on the entrance of the house. "You mean Ronnie?"

"Hi," Mel gave him a sideway hug as she walked into the kitchen. "At least you're the same height as before... Look, I can almost reach your shoulder!"

"You can't reach my face yet, which is the important part," He wriggled his eyebrows.

Mel chortled as she heard Ron's complaints behind them.

"No flirting with my friends!" He whined. "She's out of boundaries!"

"Since when you pull the brother act with Mel?" Ginny walked into the kitchen then, eating a biscuit and holding a mug.

"He's not pulling an older-brother act," Mel chuckled. "He's just jealous about the attention I get. We're the same age, anyway."

"I'm not! And I am four months older!"

"Easy, little Ronnie," It was Fred's turn to appear at the top of the stairs. "We love you just as much! George's not flirting, he's well aware that Harry called dibs on the lady years before we even met."

"Shut up!" Mel, looked for her mother anxiously. "If my mum hears you, I won't hear the end of it for the rest of the summer! She's so convinced that I'm going to date him..."

"Wait," Ginny's smile suddenly dropped. "Harry likes you?"

"No!"

"Yes," Said the three boys at once.

Mel groaned, walking away so she could go upstairs and leave her bags on the room she usually shared with her mum.

"Wait!" George caught up with her. "You can't use Charlie's room..."

"Why?"

"Because it's occupied by the original owner."

A young man (around twenty years old, Mel would say) walked in through the front door, holding a basket with clean clothes. He was sort of short, but made up for it with muscle.

"You must be Charlie," Mel beamed. "I've heard so much about!"

"All about how he used to stop bludgers with his giant head, I assume," A second man, this one taller, older (and really, really handsome) entered behind Charlie. "I'm Bill, by the way."

"Hi!" Mel's smile grew. She set her things aside her and shook both of their hands. "You're way cooler in person."

"Sure you're looking at this stinker right?" Charlie asked, earning a slap on the back of his head.

Mel laughed, then, she felt a small hand close gently around her wrist.

"You'll be sleeping with me," Ginny told her happily. "Hermione too, once she gets here."

"What about my mum?"

"I can sleep on the couch," Emily walked into the room holding a bag.

"Don't be silly, dear," Mrs. Weasley said. "We'll make room for you... Charlie, Bill, you won't mind if she takes your place?"

"Not at all," Bill smiled. "We'll sleep with the twins, then."

"We'll share room then, I suppose," George sighed.

"How about you share room with Ron?"

"What about Percy?" Ron asked in outrage. "He's got plenty of space!"

"He has work to do! The twins would distract him."

"We'll clean a bit so you can leave your bags," Charlie told Emily. "Allow me to lead the way, Mrs. Sultens."

Mel rolled her eyes, picking up her things again and holding onto Ginny's arms.

"How can you stand all these boys at the same time?" She snickered. Ginny grinned, guiding her up to her bedroom.

Two weeks later, Mel had grown quite used to the lousy house. She'd gotten mail, one from Erick and one from Harry. The first one had her mother's book, and it said it was a great ending, and that he was now reading one of the ghost stories she'd sent his way. Harry let her know that the Dursleys had allowed him to come and he was arriving at the Burrow that Sunday; Hermione arrived a day before him, and she was staying with Ginny and her.

"Can I go with you?" Mel asked wistfully.

"What for?" Ron frowned. "You know his house already; Why don't you stay with Hermione and Ginny?"

"Come on!" Mel pleaded.

"We're too many, it's better if you stay here and distract Ginny– Bet she'll be all nervous when he gets here..."

"She's not talking about Harry with me since I arrived," Mel sighed. "She heard that nonsense about Harry and I... I don't know if she's mad at me, but she pretends Harry doesn't exist whenever we talk. It's weirder than having her rambling all day about his eyes."

"About time," Ron rolled his eyes. Mel didn't want to talk about her like that, so she gave up and instead wished him safe travel.

"Wait," She frowned, watching him grab a pinch of Floo powder. "What are you doing?"

"We're traveling through Floo," Ron explained. "It's easier."

Mel nibbled at her lip, she had the feeling something was missing, but couldn't tell exactly what. Maybe it was just the usual nerves reminding her she was indeed, quite eager to see Harry.

"Good luck. We'll be waiting."

'WHOOSH'

Mel ran towards the kitchen. Fred walked out of it looking disheveled, Bill and Charlie were there, and they watched in amusement as their younger brother walked up to her.

"You didn't tell us the fireplace was blocked," He said, pointing an accusing finger at her.

Mel hit her forehead with an open palm.

"I knew I was forgetting something!" She exclaimed. "I'm so sorry! It's been years since I've been there, I forgot!"

A second blast was heard and George walked out holding Harry's trunk.

"And well?" Fred asked him with a devilish smirk.

"Dunno," George chuckled. "I'm sure he took one, though."

Fred laughed, patting his brother on the shoulder and causing tiny clouds of dirt to fly off of him. Mel crossed her arms and stared at them, she knew them enough to know something was up.

"What did you do to Harry's relatives?"

"Wait and see, lady," Fred said with a smile. "Wait and see..."

"Oh, Merlin..." She sighed. "As long as it doesn't affect Harry."

A third blast and Ron was back in the Burrow, he walked in, looking content.

"You didn't tell us about the fireplace," He told her, though he wasn't angry.

"Yeah, sorry," Mel replied. "It's been decades since I... why so cheery?"

"His relatives are strange," Ron grinned. "You should've seen their faces– looked as if we were all boggarts in their living room."

"In a way you are their boggarts," Mel replied. "Your brothers left a present for the Dursleys and they won't tell me." Ron's eyebrows raised at this.

"What did you do?" He asked to the twins.

"Nothing!"

"Not directly, anyway–"

"We just..."

"...Left our most sincere regards."

"They've caused chaos, for sure," Bill concluded.

Ron and George sat down next to their older brothers, waiting for Harry to arrive with their dad.

Almost instantly the fireplace bursted, this time Harry fell out of it, nearly breaking his nose in the process.

"Did he eat it?" said Fred excitedly, holding out a hand to pull Harry to his feet.

"Yeah," said Harry, straightening up. "What was it?"

"Ton-Tongue Toffee," said Fred brightly. "George and I invented them, and we've been looking for someone to test them on all summer..."

The kitchen exploded in laughter, Mel tried to hold back, biting her lip and hiding her grin behind her hand. She knew about those, Fred and George told her all about their inventions. She could only assume that somehow they'd manage to lure Dudley into eating one of their sweets, it must have been easy, giving that Dudley was on a diet.

"How're you doing, Harry?" Charlie shook Harry's hand from his place on the table, only moving a little so Bill could stand up and introduce himself.

Harry looked at the older Weasleys probably with the same expression she'd had during their first meeting. She couldn't judge him, they were by far the coolest people she'd ever met. Then Harry's eyes landed on Mel, he stepped further to greet her when Mr. Weasley appeared abruptly, taking them by surprise.

"That wasn't funny, Fred! What on earth did you give that Muggle boy?" Mr. Weasley was furious.

"I didn't give him anything! I just dropped it... It was his fault he went and ate it, I never told him to."

"You dropped it on purpose! You knew he'd eat it, you knew he was on a diet —"

"How big did his tongue get?" George asked.

"It was four feet long before his parents would let me shrink it!" The room bursted with laughter again. "It isn't funny! That sort of behavior seriously undermines wizard–Muggle relations! I spend half my life campaigning against the mistreatment of Muggles, and my own sons —"

"We didn't give it to him because he's a Muggle!"

"No, we gave it to him because he's a great bullying git– Isn't he, Harry?"

"Yeah, he is, Mr. Weasley," said Harry.

"That's not the point! You wait until I tell your mother —"

"Tell me what?"

Mrs. Weasley and Emily entered the kitchen.

"Oh hello, Harry, dear," Mrs. Weasley said when she spotted the boy.

"Harry!" Emily walked past Mel and trapped Harry in a soul-crushing hug, kissing the top of his head. "Oh love, you look so skinny! Look at your clothes– Dudley's aren't they? Don't worry, I'll fix them..." Harry was blushing madly at the way Emily was greeting him, Mel had to stifle her giggles.

"Tell me what, Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley insisted.

Hermione and Ginny arrived and they stood next to Mel. They smiled at Harry as a greeting (Ginny, though having improved with time, was still blushing furiously any time Harry looked at her) and stopped talking when they sensed the tense air in the room.

"Tell me what, Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley repeated, losing her patience.

"It's nothing, Molly," said Mr. Weasley, "Fred and George just — but I've had words with them —"

"What have they done this time? If it's got anything to do with Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes —"

"Why don't you show Harry where he's sleeping, Ron?" said Hermione.

"He knows where he's sleeping," said Ron, "in my room, he slept there last —"

"We can all go," Hermione insisted.

"Oh... Right."

"Yeah, we'll come too," said George.

"You stay where you are!"

Mel caught her mother's eye and Emily nodded, urging her to leave the room. So Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny left the room, Mel leading the way.

"What are Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes?" Harry asked once they started climbing up the stairs.

Ron, Mel, and Ginny laughed. Hermione didn't.

"Mum found this stack of order forms when she was cleaning Fred and George's room," Ron explained. "Great long price lists for stuff they've invented. Joke stuff, you know. Fake wands and trick sweets, loads of stuff. It was brilliant, I never knew they'd been inventing all that..."

"We've been hearing explosions out of their room for ages, but we never thought they were actually making things," Ginny added. "We thought they just liked the noise."

"I knew," Mel said proudly. "They told me about their plans about two years ago, they've been working hard for years– I'm happy for them, but I also think they'll get in trouble if they're not careful, some things look a bit dangerous..."

"Well, all of it, really — was a bit dangerous," said Ron, "and, you know, they were planning to sell it at Hogwarts to make some money, and Mum went mad at them. Told them they weren't allowed to make any more of it, and burned all the order forms... She's furious at them anyway. They didn't get as many O.W.L.s as she expected."

"And then there was this big row," Ginny said, "because Mum wants them to go into the Ministry of Magic like Dad, and they told her all they want to do is open a joke shop."

"If you ask me their plan is just as good as any other," Mel shrugged. "If you're good at it, that is..." A door opened abruptly on the landing of the second floor, a head peaked through it.

"Hi, Percy," said Harry.

"Oh hello, Harry. I was wondering who was making all the noise. I'm trying to work in here, you know — I've got a report to finish for the office — and it's rather difficult to concentrate when people keep thundering up and down the stairs."

"We're not thundering, we're walking. Sorry if we've disturbed the top-secret workings of the Ministry of Magic."

"What are you working on?" Harry asked politely.

"A report for the Department of International Magical Cooperation. We're trying to standardize cauldron thickness. Some of these foreign imports are just a shade too thin — leakages have been increasing at a rate of almost three percent a year —"

"That'll change the world, that report will," Ron snorted. "Front page of the Daily Prophet, I expect, cauldron leaks."

"You might sneer, Ron," Percy hissed, "but unless some sort of international law is imposed we might well find the market flooded with flimsy, shallow-bottomed products that seriously endanger —"

"Yeah, yeah, all right," said Ron.

Percy closed his bedroom door angrily. They continued their journey. At some point, shouts echoed all the way up to them. The fight was something Mel was glad she didn't have to witness. She opened the door to Ron's room and walked in, familiar with its surroundings, she threw herself on the nearest bed and immediately sat back up yelping.

"Oh, it's a pair of socks," She sighed as the rest of the group walked in. "For a moment I thought I had crushed poor Pig..."

"Poor Pig," Ron scoffed, pointing at the cage so she'd notice the little bird flying around in it. Then he looked down at the four beds that had been squeezed into the room. "Fred and George are in here with us, because Bill and Charlie are in their room," he told Harry. "Percy gets to keep his room all to himself because he's got to work. Emily's staying at Charlie's old bedroom..."

"Er — why are you calling that owl Pig?" Harry asked.

"Because he's being stupid," said Ginny. "Its proper name is Pigwidgeon."

"Yeah, and that's not a stupid name at all," Ron said sarcastically. "Ginny named him– She reckons it's sweet. And I tried to change it, but it was too late, he won't answer to anything else. So now he's Pig. I've got to keep him up here because he annoys Errol and Hermes. He annoys me too, come to that."

"The real question would be, what doesn't annoy you?" Mel teased.

"Where's Crookshanks?" Harry asked Hermione, then to her. "And Grey?"

"Out in the garden, I expect," Hermione replied. "They like chasing gnomes. Crookshanks' never seen any before."

"And Grey's a little demon. He loves to tease Crookshanks, jumping on his tail whenever he can..." Harry grinned at her comment.

"Percy's enjoying work, then?" He asked, sitting down next to her. Their legs were almost touching, and the proximity made her go insane. She was thankful that Harry couldn't hear the thumping of her heart, because it was getting ridiculous.

"Enjoying it? I don't reckon he'd come home if Dad didn't make him. He's obsessed. Just don't get him onto the subject of his boss. According to Mr. Crouch... as I was saying to Mr. Crouch... Mr. Crouch is of the opinion... Mr. Crouch was telling me... They'll be announcing their engagement any day now."

"Have you had a good summer, Harry? Did you get our food parcels and everything?" Hermione asked worryingly.

"Yeah, thanks a lot. They saved my life, those cakes."

"I helped my mum bake the one we sent."

"Are you practicing for when you have to bake your wedding cake?" Ron teased.

Before she could respond properly, he quickly changed the subject.

"Have you heard from — ?" Ron started, but Hermione glared at him so intensely that he didn't even finish the question.

"I think they've stopped arguing," Hermione added rapidly, trying to cover Ron's mistake. "Shall we go down and help your mum with dinner?"

"We just got here!" Mel whined, laying back on the mattress.

"Don't be lazy, Mellow," Harry nudged her leg playfully, causing a light tug in her stomach.

"Yeah, let's go," said Ron.

They got up, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny leaving the room first. Before she could walk out of the room, Mel felt a hand closing around her wrist and pulling her back.

"It just came to me," Harry told her as the others kept walking down the stairs, not noticing they were missing. "I didn't say hi."

"Oh–" She tried desperately to focus on what he was saying, and not on the warmth of his skin against hers. "Well, you didn't greet Hermione and Ginny either, should I call them back so we can, er– say hi?"

What the hell was wrong with her? What was that?

However, before she could even feel embarrassed, Harry laughed.

"I did say hi to them," He replied brightly.

"You did not?" She tilted her head in confusion.

"I did, you just weren't paying attention."

"No, you were standing there and we were–"

"Mel," Harry had a sort of mocking smile on his face, but his eyes were staring at her so softly, that it didn't feel like he was teasing. "I'm trying to say that I missed you."

"Oh," She breathed, feeling way too many things at the same time. "I... Yeah– I've missed you too."

Harry nodded, the strange smile never leaving his face as he walked past her.

'What the hell?' She mouthed, finally exiting the room.

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

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[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars VI (Harry Potter xFem!Oc)

A/N: Honestly they were so cute in book one, I miss them so much.

Words: 3,846

Warnings: None!

Series’ Masterlist

Previous chapter // Next chapter

Chapter Six: Hogwarts Express.

August was the best month of the whole summer. 

Harry would go over to Mel's house much more often now that the Dursleys knew about her secret (she wasn't admitted in his house now), and they'd spent their afternoons reading their school books and talking about the things they would do when they arrived.

Although there was one thing Mel was afraid of: Mr. Dursley refusing to take Harry to the station.

Her mum could take both of them, but Harry insisted on asking his uncle first, a way to keep things civil between them.

Harry Potter, always polite.

She waited by her window on the night of August 31, hoping things would go smoothly. Soon Harry opened his and communicated that Uncle Vernon was in fact, taking him to the station.

"But there's a problem," He frowned, "my ticket says nine and three quarters, yours says the same?"

"Yes. Probably a magic thing, I'll ask my mum tomorrow"

"But I don't... How..?" Harry mumbled, insecure.

"I'll wait for you on platform nine," She assured him, "that way you won't look for it alone, is that okay?"

"Yes," Harry relaxed, "see you tomorrow at the station"

"See you!"

The next morning her mum realized that the bags were still pretty much unpacked.

"Mel Dumbledore!" Emily yelled as she walked into the room, "Your things are all scattered and it's already eight o'clock! Get up!"

Mel got out f bed like a zombie, she had slept too little again.

"I'm sorry..."

"Get dressed! C'mon, we don't have all morning..."

Once fully dressed, her mum took her wand and waved it around the room.

"Pack!"

All her things landed neatly on her trunk, in a matter of seconds, Mel had all her things ready.

"Nice!" The girl clapped happily, "Can I try that?"

"You know you can't," Her mother replied, "let's go, you have a train to take..."

Her mother seemed happier once they were in the station with the extra time at hand, rather excited, Mel would say.

"I told Harry that we would wait for him on platform nine, is that alright?"

"Sure," Emily looked around, "the Dursleys surely won't be helpful, we might as well wait... though we only have ten minutes, so let's hope he's not too late."

Luckily he wasn't. Mel found him next to the platform, chatting with a redheaded woman.

"He's there, mum!" Mel jumped excitedly, pulling her mother's sleeve.

"I see him, calm down," Her mother laughed, "go ahead, I'm right behind you"

Mel ran over to Harry, who was unaware of her arrival.

"Glasses!" She screamed the moment her arms wrapped around his neck, "You're here!"

"Hi," She moved away, surprised to see him blushing, "er- I was-I was about to..."

"Hi love," Emily smiled widely, "was the trip alright?"

"It was okay, thanks"

"Oh, are you relatives?" Asked the woman that was talking to Harry seconds ago.

"Sorry, we haven't introduced ourselves," Emily said, "we're not relatives, but my daughter is friends with him. I'm Emily Sultens, this is Mel"

"Hello!" The girl waved cheerfully.

"I'm Molly Weasley. These are Ron and Ginny," She gently grabbed Ginny's shoulder, "say hi!"

"Hi"

"Hello"

"I was explaining to Harry how to cross over the platform," Mrs Weasley explained.

"We should all cross it, it's getting late," Emily nodded, checking the clock above their heads, "the kids should go first, of course"

Both women looked over to Mel and Harry and glanced at the wall.

"Walk up to it?

"Yes, Mel. Be fast, the train is about to leave"

Mel gulped and turned to her friend.

"Ready?"

"Not really," He admitted.

She grabbed Harry's trolley and ran with him, closing her eyes with fear.

The crash never came, instead, she found herself in the middle of a different station, with the sign 'Nine and Three Quarters' above their heads.

"Amazing!" She whispered.

Emily arrived to help them find a compartment, the train was almost full, but they found one and put Mel's things inside, Harry's following right after.

"Want a hand?"

Mel looked up to find a boy that looked a bit similar to the other... what was his name? Ron! Yes, he looked a tad like him.

"That'd be nice," Emily smiled.

"Oy, Fred! C'mere and help!"

Twins! How many redheaded siblings did that boy have?

Mel hugged her mother one last time before entering the compartment.

"Be nice to the other kids," Her mum reminded her.

"I'm always nice!"

"Don't go around causing trouble."

"As if I've ever done that..."

Her mum gave her a knowing look, sending her inside the train.

She took a seat and watched as Harry sighed tiredly, cleaning his forehead from the sweat.

"Thanks"

"What's that?" Said one of the twins suddenly, pointing at Harry's scar.

Oh no.

"Blimey, are you..?"

"He is. Aren't you?" The other twin added.

"What?" said Harry.

"Harry Potter," They replied at the same time.

"Oh, him. I mean, yes, I am."

Mel observed as the boys stood there staring, she didn't like how nervous they were making him.

"Hey!" She spoke up, glaring at them, "Don't do that, it's rude"

Both twins turned to look at her, one of them with a frown.

"What are you looking at?" She huffed.

"You're... you remind me of... Are you a Dumbledore?"

She felt like her heart had skipped a beat.

"S-So what?"

"Bloody hell, I could've guessed who you were without even asking," Said the other twin.

Mel got even more upset, ready to kick them out of the compartment.

"Don't take it the wrong way!" The boy explained, "It's your eyes, they're pretty and all but they make me feel like you can read minds... I've only met one person with that stare, and that's Dumbledore"

She didn't know what to say, maybe something along the lines:

'Leave me alone, please'

"Oh," She sighed tiredly, "that might be a problem in the future"

"Fred? George? Are you there?"

"Coming, Mum"

She felt relieved when they went away.

"That wasn't nice of them," She told Harry, "are you okay?"

"Are you?" Harry frowned, "You looked angry about them knowing who we are"

"I just didn't like their attitudes, that's all," She leaned against her seat, crossing her arms.

"Mel!"

Emily's voice came muffled through the window, but it made her feel better. She and Harry stood up together in front of the window to say goodbye.

"Take care of each other, will you?"

"Yes," Both children agreed.

"Have a nice term!"

"I love you mum!" The little girl replied, "We'll write a letter every week!"

The mother waved one last time before turning back and walking towards the exit.

"She won't stay until we're gone?" asked Harry in curiosity.

"She's going to visit my uncle," Mel shrugged, "from her side of the family"

"Oh," Harry replied, "well, I'll miss her"

"Me too."

Voices caught their attention: It was the family that had helped them before.

"Oh, are you a Prefect, Percy?" said one of the twins with great surprise, "You should have said something, we had no idea."

"Hang on, I think I remember him saying something about it," said the other twin. "Once –"

"Or twice –"

"A minute –"

"All summer –"

"Oh, shut up," said the Prefect.

Mel let out a single, genuine laugh that soon drowned with her hand. Harry glance at her with a small smile.

"You don't have to decide that you hate them right now, you know? They seem nice."

"They look like trouble," Mel shook her head, "I promised my mum I would stay out of that"

"Hey, Mum, guess what? Guess who we just met on the train?"

Harry and Mel shared a look of panic before hiding under the window.

"You know that black-haired boy who was near us in the station? Know who he is?"

"Who?"

"Harry Potter!"

"And the girl with him was Dumbledore's grand-daughter!"

The woman mumbled something about the three of them -Emily, Harry, and Mel- acting really kind and friendly, and how it wasn't a surprise that they were together on their first day of school.

The little redheaded girl begged her mother to let her get on the train and see them, but her mother said no.

She also forbid the twins from asking Harry if he remembered how Voldemort looked like (he did not). A whistle sounded through the station and the train began to move. Mel and Harry sat on the same side, too nervous to start a conversation.

Then the door swung open and Ron Weasley walked in.

"Anyone sitting there?" He pointed to the seat in front of them, "Everywhere else is full"

They sat quietly, she even ignored the way the boy glanced at them for a brief second.

"Hey Ron," To Mel's dismay, the twins were back, "listen, we're going down the middle of the train – Lee Jordan's got a giant tarantula down there."

"Right," The boy mumbled.

"Harry," Said one of them, "did we introduce ourselves? Fred and George Weasley. And this is Ron, our brother. You are..?"

Mel realized they were looking at her and she jumped lightly, forgetting for a second she was supposed to speak.

"Mel Dumbledore," She replied dryly.

The boys shared a look and George shrugged carelessly.

"See you later, then."

"Bye," said the three kids.

After a mere second, Ron spoke up.

"Are you really Harry Potter and Mel Dumbledore?"

It seemed like he had been trying to keep it to himself, but it was too much to handle.

They nodded.

"Oh – well, I thought it might be one of Fred and George's jokes... And have you really got – you know ..."

Harry moved his hair away from his forehead.

"That's where You-Know-Who –?"

"Yes, but I can't remember it"

"Nothing?"

"I remember a lot of green light, but nothing else."

"And it would be rude to insist on private matters," Added Mel, defensive.

"I know that," Said Ron.

He didn't seem embarrassed, but his ears did turn bright red as he looked out the window.

"Are all your family wizards?" Asked Harry beside her, clearly interested in the boy.

"I think so, I think my mum's got a second cousin who's an accountant, but we never talk about him..."

Ron and Harry seemed to be getting along. Mel started to get fond of Ronald, he was talkative and kept his pet rat on his pocket, which she thought was adorable (even if the rat was not so much).

"...and until Hagrid told me, I didn't know anything about being a wizard or about my parents or Voldemort-"

Ron leaned back on his seat, gasping.

"What?" They asked in unison.

"You said You-Know-Who's name! I'd have thought you, of all people-"

"I wouldn't like to talk about him as if he were something untouchable," Mel frowned, "bad people shouldn't be given such privileges."

"I'm not trying to be brave or anything, saying the name, I just never knew you shouldn't. See what I mean? I've got loads to learn... I bet... bet I'm the worst in the class." Harry explained.

Ron was quick to put his worries at rest, and that made her like him even more. Harry was important to her, anyone who took the time to make him feel better was immensely appreciated.

"You've seen Dumbledore before?" Ron asked the girl, after a while of talking about the odd ways they had received their letters, "Is he scary?"

"Well, not to me, but he wasn't acting like a Professor, even if he said that he was there as the headmaster. I don't think he's a bad man, though. He was really kind."

"Dumbledore is the best wizard in the world, that's what everyone says," Ron replied excitedly, "many of my dad's friends say that your dad was a great Auror too."

Mel didn't know what was an Auror, so she changed the subject.

"I just hope they aren't expecting big things from me, I don't have any. Pretty sure that the only 'Dumbledore' thing I have is the last name."

"You have seven years to find out," Ron shrugged, "I understand, having so many brothers my parents don't get impressed with my abilities, so if you don't have anything special, we can be awful together"

"Thanks," Said Mel, now sure of wanting to remain friends with the redhead, "that'd be fun..."

At twelve o'clock the food trolley passed by their corridor. Harry and Mel shared the same excited expression and rushed over to the door, seeing the unexpected and strange variety of candies. They picked a bit of everything and paid the lady, going back with their hands full and happily dropping everything on an empty seat.

"Hungry, are you?"

"Starving," Harry replied.

"All is new to us, we don't want to miss any," Mel added excitedly, picking a liquorice wand.

Ron unwrapped his sandwich, but he didn't seem happy about it. After a few seconds of convincing, he joined them on their little sweet feast.

Harry unwrapped a chocolate frog.

"So this is Dumbledore!"

"You got his card?" Mel tried to grab it, but Harry kept it tight on his grasp, "Let me see!"

"You've seen him before, let me read what it says!" Her friend turned over the card to read the text.

Mel didn't feel particularly interested in learning more about her uncle's achievements, so she kept digging for more candy.

"He's gone!"

Mel dropped the frog she was holding.

"The picture?"

"Well, you can't expect him to hang around all day," said Ron. "He'll be back. No, I've got Morgana again and I've got about six of her... do any of you want it? You can start collecting."

Mel grabbed the card and put it inside her pocket.

"Help yourself," Harry told Ron, pointing to the bunch of frogs still untouched, "But in, you know, the Muggle world, people just stay put in photos."

"Do they? What, they don't move at all?" Ron sounded amazed, "Weird!"

"I mean," Mel chuckled, "it's a picture"

"So?" Ron wondered, clearly unaware of what she was trying to say.

"I think we have a lot to learn from each other," She laughed.

She and Ron kept eating the frogs while Harry moved through the whole pile. Finally, he grabbed a package of Bertie Bott's Every-Flavor Beans. Ron warned them about how it was truly every flavor, so naturally, they had a fun time eating them away and guessing which flavor they had gotten. Mel got pretty normal ones: Berries and citrus, one onion and one that tasted like oil.

A boy passed by asking if they had seen a toad, he looked quite affected when their answers were negative. Ron mentioned how a toad was sort of old-fashioned as a pet and that he would've lost it on purpose, then he said he couldn't judge since he had brought a rat.

"He might have died and you wouldn't know the difference," He grimaced, "I tried to turn him yellow yesterday to make him more interesting, but the spell didn't work. I'll show you, look..."

But just when he was about to do it, the door opened a second time, it was the same boy, but also a little girl who was wearing her school robes.

"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one," She said.

"We've already told him we haven't seen it-"

"Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it, then." She sat down next to Mel.

She looked at the girl carefully: Messy brown hair and a little annoying attitude.

"Er – all right" Ron mumbled, taken by surprise.

He moved his wand and pronounced the spell, nothing happened.

"Are you sure that's a real spell?" Said the girl, "Well, it's not very good, is it? I've tried a few simple spells just for practice and it's all worked for me. Nobody in my family's magic at all, it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter, but I was ever so pleased, of course, I mean, it's the very best school of witchcraft there is, I've heard – I've learnt all our set books off by heart, of course, I just hope it will be enough – I'm Hermione Granger, by the way, who are you?"

"I'm Ron Weasley."

"I'm Mel Dumbledore," Mel said, amused by the girl's enthusiasm.

"Harry Potter."

When she heard their names, Hermione started rambling once more about the things she had read about Harry and Mel's uncle, she also talked about the houses but that went over Mel's head since she didn't know a lot about that. Hermione stood up at last and left without expecting a reply.

"Whatever house I'm in, I hope she's not in it," Ron mumbled.

"She's excited," Mel retorted, "She's a muggleborn, right? When I found out I spent weeks reading about witches, I get how she feels"

"But you didn't memorize the books, did you?"

"Well, no. Everyone handles their excitement differently, I guess."

"Or she's just loony," Ron concluded.

He explained a bit better the thing with the houses, Mel thought they weren't so bad.

"You-Know-Who being on Slytherin doesn't necessarily mean the house is evil, you know? I bet the other houses also have bad wizards and witches."

"Maybe," Ron agreed, "but not as vile and evil as him, and most of his followers were from that house too."

She didn't want to start an argument and didn't know enough about the school, so Mel chose to stay silent and make her own opinions later.

Luckily for her, the conversation quickly changed to Quidditch, their friend explained in extreme detail this time and she found herself excited to watch one of those games live.

The door opened a third time and as she turned to see, her stomach dropped. It was the boy they had met in Diagon Alley, he had two huge kids on each side.

"Is it true?" He said, "They're saying all down the train that the Dumbledore girl and Harry Potter are in this compartment. So it's you, is it?"

"Yes," replied Harry.

Mel didn't talk.

"Oh, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle, and my name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."

Ron coughed to hide a short laugh.

"Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles and more children than they can afford. You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there."

Mel didn't worry one bit about Harry, she knew what he would say even before he said it, they just didn't appreciate Malfoy's kind.

"I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks."

"I'd be careful if I were you, Potter," he said slowly. "Unless you're a bit politer you'll go the same way as your parents. They didn't know what was good for them, either. You hang around with riff-raff like the Weasleys and that Hagrid and it'll rub off on you."

The girl was incapable of holding her tongue.

"How dare you say that?" She stood up at the same time that Harry and Ron did, "Get out of our compartment, now!"

"Don't think you're any better," He sneered, "coming from a family like the Dumbledores, you'll be lucky if you don't go mental before you graduate"

Mel blinked in surprise, it was the first time she'd heard someone talk like that about Dumbledore besides Mr. Dursley.

"Say that again," Ron said.

"Oh, you're going to fight us, are you?" Malfoy mocked.

"Unless you get out now."

"That'd be stupid," She crossed her arms, remembering the promise she had made to her mum, "just ignore them, they're not worth our time..."

"But we don't feel like leaving, do we, boys? We've eaten all our food and you still seem to have some."

Goyle reached for the frogs and Ron was quick to react, however, before he could even touch him, he screamed in pain, lifting his hand and revealing Scabbers, hanging from his finger.

He shrieked and shook his hand until the rat flew and landed against the window with a harsh thumping sound. The three boys ran out at the same time that Hermione appeared at the doorway.

"What has been going on?"

"Nothing," Mel answered, "they were just being annoying"

"I think he's been knocked out," Ron said, examining his rat, "No – I don't believe it – he's gone back to sleep."

While Harry and Ron talked about Malfoy, Mel turned to see Hermione.

"We're fine, thank you for coming to check."

"You were being loud."

"I'm sorry?" Mel frowned, "We were having a bit of trouble, I already told you."

"I heard you," Hermione replied in her bossy tone, "you shouldn't be picking fights so soon, we haven't even started-"

"Can we help you with something?" Ron interrupted her.

"You'd better hurry up and put your robes on, I've just been up the front to ask the driver and he says we're nearly there. You haven't been fighting, have you? You'll be in trouble before we even get there!"

"Hermione," Mel replied patiently, "this is not-"

"Scabbers has been fighting, not us," Said Ron in a voice that let her know he wasn't fond of her, "Would you mind leaving while we change?"

"All right – I only came in here because people outside are behaving very childishly, racing up and down the corridors," said Hermione in a sniffy voice.

"That's because we are children," Mel replied matter-of-factly.

"And you've got dirt on your nose, by the way, did you know?" Added the girl, her attention still on the redheaded boy.

Mel knew right away that Hermione wasn't going to be making friends anytime soon.

It took them a few minutes to take off their jackets and put on their robes, Mel's heart was beating faster as the night advanced: She was finally where she belonged.

A voice coming from the roof spoke up:

'We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately.'

Mel grabbed the remains of their candy and put it inside her pockets like Ron and Harry had done.

She held onto Harry's arm as they walked out of the compartment, together.

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