I think she's gone mental, honestly George (Don't be an arse, Fred)
“I think she’s going to kill Diggory when she wakes up, if anything, she’ll set his broom on fire.” a familiar voice chuckled as three other voices told them to shove off.
Diggory? She thought to herself. The hell is he talking about?
Alsephina’s eyes fluttered open at the sounds of laughter. She hadn’t heard such joyous sounds in years.
“Oy, the Chimera is waking from her slumber. Might want to all back up before she spits fire.” Fred snorted, making the surrounding team burst with laughter.
“What the bloody hell is going on?” She winced as she tried to rise from the bed, but was shoved back down -- lightly, by George.
“We’ll have none of that, Speed racer.” He chuckled as her eyes widened.
“GEORGE!” She jumped out of the cot – tackled him to the ground. His ears and face turned a bright crimson as she landed on top of him. He stared at his brother as his heartbeat quickened. Pineapple and Vanilla scented shampoo wafted from her hair that brushed the tip of his nose. He held his breath as she stood slowly. She cringed as she reached a hand out – his palms sweat at the thought of being close to her again. He took it slowly, as he avoided any eyes and stared at the floor.
“Did she get hit in the head with a bludger or something?” Fred asked as he smirked, watching his twin try to hide his smile. She turned at his voice and yelled, “Fred!” and hugged him tightly. He patted her back awkwardly on the back as the other quidditch team members shared glances in confusion.
Has she gone mental? Fred thought to himself.
“Didn’t know you felt that way,” George quipped, “But my brother too? That’s harsh, ‘Mera.” He wiped off his pants from being on the ground, which earned a chuckle from Lee. George shoved him lightly as he took his place next to his twin.
Alsephina slowly let go of Fred’s neck, “Right, sorry. Must have just been a crazy dream.” she muttered and took a seat back on the mattress.
“Georgie, our dream has come true! A bird has dreamed of us, the Chimera, no less.” Fred smacked his brother's chest.
“Well it wasn’t the happiest dream considering George lost an ear, and Fred, you were dead.” The twins’ eyes widened.
“Killing off the most attractive brother,” He gasped loudly as the group rolled their eyes in unison. “Figures.” Fred sighed.
Her eyes scanned the room as they found Harry’s.
“Don’t worry, ‘Mera, we aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.”George chuckled as he ruffled her now magenta hair. The twins shared a glance, each perked up an eyebrow.
What emotion was that? George thought to himself as he slipped his hands into his pockets. Her hair, for the most part, turned back to its usual purple. He noted the new wisps of grays.
She turned to speak to Harry, but he was gone.
“When’d you get gray hair?” George asked as he reached his fingers between the gray strands. She ran her hands through her hair, and carefully removed his entangled fingers.
“Probably from you gits over the years.” She snapped.
George furrowed his eyebrows as he crossed his arms across his chest. “But you didn’t have those-” He began to ask until his twin interrupted.
“Right. Well, we should all get going.” Fred sighed as he looked back and forth between his brother and ‘Mera. He nodded towards the exit as the rest of the quidditch team left her side with goodbyes. George lingered for a moment, she watched him curiously as he shook his head and left her side in silence – in thought.
Madam Pomfrey made her way over to her side – tucked Alsephina into her blanket. “Miss Tonks, you took a rather nasty fall at the quidditch pitch. You were so sick with infection that you’ve been out for two weeks-”
“Two weeks?!” Alsephina yelped. Madam Pomfrey rolled her eyes and shushed her.
“Yes, now you are to stay in bed one more, until I say otherwise. Understood?”
Alsephina nodded. “Ronald will keep you company,” she hummed as she opened the curtain to her right. Ron smirked and waved slowly, causing her to blush slightly.
“Heard all the commotion earlier, didn’t know you liked the twins like that, ‘Mera.” Ron snickered.
“Oh, shut it , Weasel , I do not. What day is it anyways? And what happened to you?” She asked, eyeing his cast. Her eyes widened.
Wait, if he’s in the hospital that means that – her thought got interrupted as Hermione and Harry threw open the hospital wards’ doors.
“Bloody hell, she’s awake!” Hermione yelled as they rushed to her side. She grabbed Alsephina tightly into a hug.
Harry gave a small wave as he sat down on Ron’s bed, across from her cot. She smiled back as Ron grunted in annoyance.
“I feel the love, guys.” Ron sneered as he leaned back against the bed. The three rolled their eyes in unison at the ginger.
“Oh, shut it, Ron. We’ve visited you every day and you’re literally right next to us.” Hermione snapped. The boys shared a glance.
What’s her problem?’ they seemed to say.
“Well, since Ron never answered my question, what day is it?” Alsephina uttered into her palm.
“It’s June 8th, Al.” Hermione whispered as she cocked an eyebrow. She watched her friend curiously as she froze in place for a millisecond. She seemed to weigh options in her head before she slightly nodded to herself. Calculating . Hermione knew the look.
“So you’ve already freed Sirius, then.” she whispered quietly to herself, but loud enough for Hermione to hear.
Hermione’s eyebrows raised in surprise –She glanced at Harry who had started talking with Ronald.
“How do you know about that?” Hermione whispered back. Alsephina’s eyes widened.
“I thought it was just a dream, but I remember hearing you guys talk about your plan in the hospital ward.” She lied.
She has to believe me. Alsephina thought to herself as she chewed on her lower lip.
Why is she lying? She always chews on her lips when she lies. Hermione shook her head and slightly narrowed her eyes. She didn’t like being lied to, but she let it slide since Alsephina had just woken up.
“Right,” Harry said as he finished talking with Ron. “Al, we were told by the twins that you were acting delirious when you woke up. Are you alright?”
She nodded, her cheeks turned a light pink along with her hair. “Yeah, just had some terrible dreams while I was out, is all.”
“Thought I heard you crying earlier when you saw Fred, what was that about?” Ron snorted. Girls.
“The mighty Chimera crying?” Harry mocked, “There’s no way.”
The group laughed as all eyes laid on Alsephina. She shrugged as she made eye contact with Harry, “I tackled them too, I think I gave poor George a heart attack.”
A smile tugged at the corner of Hermione’s lips as she imagined the flustered red heads. Harry shook his head as he imagined it as well.
“Alright, children off to bed,” Madam Pomfrey interrupted. “Mr. Weasley and Miss Tonks need to get some rest. Now, go on.” She shewed them out of the wing. Harry and Hermione waved goodbye as they made their way into the corridor.
“No! Fred!” She screamed, waking herself up in a panic. Madam Pomfrey rushed into the ward, and sighed deeply as Alsephina had woken again in the same manner, for the third night in a row. She was surprised she had gotten a lick of sleep since Ms. Tonks woke from her coma.
“Another nightmare, Ms. Tonks?” She asked as she leaned over the girl’s bed to place a cold cloth on her forehead — that was drenched in sweat.
“Yes, Madam Pomfrey. I’m sorry I woke you, again.”
“Tut,” Madam Pomfrey shook her head. “No need to apologize for what you can’t control, my dear.”
Alsephina nodded slowly as she tucked into her side. She laid like that — knees tight to her chest until the golden hues of the sun shined through the windows. Her mind hummed, at peace now that the darkness had left. It did not do well for her to linger among the shadows.
Her first night, she screamed as loud thunder cracked above the castle, startling her awake. The rolling roars of the clouds shook the stone walls, threatening to crumble as they had before.
Ron had comforted her, even in his sleep-enriched state. He was half awake as he whispered about his trip to Egypt the previous summer. Her mind hummed as she remembered how excited he had been the first time around. He hadn’t asked what the nightmares were, nor did he understand why they happened.
Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abott, and Susan Bones visited her second morning, each sniffling and blowing their noses as they sat around her cot.
“Never thought I’d see you cry over me, Abott.” Alsephina smiled widely at her friend, who shoved her side.
“Oh, piss off. I am not crying over you, ‘Mera.”
“Seems like you a-“
“You cheeky littl-“ Susan held back Hannah as she raised her hand to swat Alsephina.
“It’s barely been five minutes!” Susan screeched as her friends chuckled.
“How are you, Alsephina?” The room quieted at Neville’s question. They all glanced at her, hopeful and naive. She had missed seeing the light in her friends’ eyes that had been dimmed after Cedric’s death.
“Yeah, how is my favorite Gryffindor?” Her head shot to the right at the sound of his voice.
“She looks like she’s seen a ghost.” Susan whispered to Hannah.
She launched herself into his arms, surprising her friends as they had never been physically affectionate towards one another. He patted her back awkwardly as she sobbed into his arms. The four looked at each other, worry etched across their faces as she fell asleep in his arms. Neville called Madame Pomfrey, who rushed to their sides. She helped Cedric lay her back down on her cot.
“Exhaustion must have taken over, it appears.” Madame Pomfrey noted as the girl was out cold for not sleeping much the night prior.
“I’ve never seen her like that.” Cedric watched as Susan tucked the blanket into her sides.
Madame Pomfrey sighed as Neville said, “I heard she reacted similarly yesterday at the sight of Fred. Nightmares, she had said.”
“Nightmares of what?” Cedric asked as they all talked in hushed voices around her sleeping form.
The third night, Ron had left her side and slept in the common room with Harry and Hermione – They debated what could have plagued her mind so deeply. Harry theorized that she had dreamt of their time in second year, when Alsephina had been petrified, along with Hermione. Ron assumed it was over the match that landed her in the hospital in the first place. Hermione stayed quiet, much to their dismay as the cogs in her brain began to turn. Slowly, but surely.
“You don’t seriously think a match would traumatize ‘Mera that badly, do you?” Harry snorted as he stared off into the fireplace, the flames crackled in response. He stared deeply into the embers as he recalled a happier time in his life.
“Honestly, who knows with her.” Ron shrugged as he leaned back against the couch, interrupting Harry’s memory.
“The dementors-“ Harry paused as he shivered. “The dementors went after her worse than they ever had with me. Worse than Sirius, right Hermione?”
Hermione stared at the portrait hole in thought as she nodded slowly. “That is pretty odd, now that you mention it.”
Ron raised his hands up and shrugged, “See? What’d I tell you?”
Harry rolled his eyes as he watched Hermione as she picked at the rug beneath her legs. “Are you alright, Hermione?” He asked as she slowly looked up at him. She knows something.
“Yeah, just thinking, is all.”
“Right,” Ron rolled his eyes as he stood. “Well, I’m going to sneak down to the kitchens and get some grub. You two can stay here and debate if you want.”
“Can you bring back some pastries?” Harry asked before Ron stepped out the door. Ron waved as he shook his head, disappearing behind the portrait. Harry had missed their midnight snacks.
“You’ve got a theory, don’t you?” Harry whispered as the door shut quietly behind his friend.
Hermione’s eyes narrowed as she stared into the flames. “We’ll see, Harry. Time will tell us all its secrets yet.”
That it will, Hermione. That it will.
After the first week, sleeping draughts no longer worked for Alsephina. Madam Pomfrey muttered to herself as she wasn’t sure what to do, as Alsephina had begged her not to tell any of the teachers of her sleepless nights.
Finally, one night, Ms. Tonks had begrudgingly agreed to allow her to tell one professor.
“Has she told you what she dreams of?” Remus Lupin glanced down at the sleeping girl under the stark white covers. Her hair was a deep shade of gray. Madam Pomfrey shook her head.
“I’m afraid not, professor. I worry they’re getting worse. She’s had a fever the past two nights.”
“How is she during the day?” He asked curiously as she ushered him into her office.
“She’s lively, energetic some days, even. But there’s a sadness about her. I can’t quite get a read on it. She’s begged me not to tell any other teachers, but I fear Dumbledore may have to know if her condition worsens.”
“I see.” He rubbed his fingers along his chin and scratched it lightly. “How is it that you wish for me to help?”
“I’m not sure, Remus. Perhaps she needs to talk to an adult, and not a peer who she can pretend there’s nothing wrong with her mentally.” Madam Pomfrey huffed as she heard Alsephina whimper in her sleep.
“Should we wake her?” He asked as he stood. She ushered him to sit back down as the room grew quiet once again, with an odd snore here or there from another student.
“It only makes matters worse, I’m afraid.” She sighed as he nodded slowly. He sat back down on the chair in her office as he folded his left on top of his knee. “What could trouble a child so heavily?” She whispered as they locked eyes.
“I fear we won’t know until we get her to tell us herself. There’s no use in debating her woes.” Madam Pomfrey nodded at his words.
“Will you speak with her tomorrow? She’s supposed to be able to sleep in her dormitory this time next week, but I’m not sure if she will if she continues down this path. Perhaps only St. Mungos may save her then.”
Daylight whispered through the windows as the wind hummed against the stone. Alsephina sat up abruptly, wide eyed, and covered in sweat. Her breath was shallow as she stared at the gray stone wall in front of her.
“Are you alright, Ms. Tonks?”
Alsephina’s head turned slowly to the right as a shiver ran up her spine. Remus Lupin sat across from her in browns and grays, contrasting to the white linen that surrounded her.
“Alsephina?” He asked as she hadn't responded. She studied him for a second before nodding. She shut her eyes tightly as the image of his body falling off the Astronomy tower filled her mind.
A gentle hand grasped her shoulder and shook it lightly. She opened her eyes slowly, and gulped. He leaned over her, eyebrows furrowed and eyes narrowed. He had often worn the same look during their many months at Grimmauld Place.
“I’m alright.” She sat up as he removed his hands.
“You don’t seem like it.” He muttered as he took a seat across from her. She shrugged as she tucked the blanket under her feet. “Would you walk with me?” He asked, offering her a hand. She glanced at Madame Pomfrey, who nodded and motioned for her to go.
“Not like I have much else to do.” She muttered as she swung her legs over the cot. She wobbled as she stood and leaned her hand against his arm. He helped her gain balance as her brow began to sweat.
“Take your time.” He ushered as she tried to walk swiftly, which in turn led to her stumbling and using him as a crutch. Once again.
“Time is one thing I apparently never have.” She whispered to herself.
His ears perked at the words and he glanced at her curiously. Strange way to phrase that sentence. He thought to himself as she slowly, with his help of course, made her way out of the hospital ward. Most students were in class, so the halls were nearly empty.
Save for the few who skipped Divination. “Blimey, is that ‘Mera?” An older Hufflepuff whispered as she passed.
“I reckon she’ll be back to playing quidditch this summer.” An older Gryffindor whispered back as they sat on a bench across from the infirmary.
“Shouldn’t you be in class?” Remus asked sternly, scaring the wits out of the teens. They scrambled quickly and apologized as they darted down the hall.
Alsephina feigned a chuckle as her eyes found green ones. “Ah, Harry. Skipping out on Divination, are you?” Remus asked as Harry approached.
“She dismissed me early, something about my cup reading and that I should check on the people closest to me.” He shrugged as his eyes landed on Alsephina who was leaning against the wall for support.
“I’m alright, Harry.” Alsephina cracked a small smile as Harry raised an eyebrow. Remus nodded to him and Harry sighed, but nodded.
“Alright. I’ll leave you to it.” Harry waved goodbye as he walked past them and into the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey can confirm that for me.
“You know, you shouldn’t lie to your friends.” Alsephina glared to her right as Remus offered his arm to support her. She grunted as she took it. “Tell me, what troubles your mind?” He asked as they stepped out into the courtyard.
She glanced at him skeptically.
“If you’re not going to talk to me about it, you need to at least talk to someone. You’re getting worse, and Madam Pomfrey threatens to send you to Mungos. I assume you’d rather that not happen?” He asked as they took a seat on a bench in the corner against the building.
“Is that why you took me out of there? To lecture me?” She snapped as stared at her fingertips.
“No, that’s not what I meant to do.” Remus sighed as he leaned back against the wall. Alsephina glanced up at him as he stared off into the distance. He looked much younger then, as his worry lines ceased and his scars seemed to tuck into his skin.
“You remind me of someone.” Remus looked at her with a slight smirk. She raised an eyebrow as she folded her arms across her chest.
“Oh yeah, and who’s that?” She asked, annoyed at the sudden change of conversation.
“Your cousin, Sirius.”
Harry ran his hands through his hair as Madame Pomfrey patted his back. “So she’s only gotten worse since waking?”
“I’m afraid so, Mr. Potter.”
“Could I stay during the evening and see-“
“You know that’s not allowed, Harry.” She sighed as he glanced at her empty cot.
“If she’s getting worse, can’t you make an exception?” He asked as she motioned him out of her office, shaking her head.
He met with Ron and Hermione at the Great Hall, and it took everything in the pair to convince Harry not to visit during the evening using his cloak. Though, truthfully, they each wanted to live in the cot next to her– to keep an eye on her at all times. Ron paced behind their table as he racked his brain as to why she was still in the hospital ward. She should have been healed by now, right?
Hermione shoved her nose further into her book, ‘Healing of the Mind: A Witches Guide’. It had become her latest distraction during the hours they weren’t allowed to visit ‘Mera. She had hoped that if Madam Pomfrey couldn’t heal her best friend, Hermione would do whatever it took.
Harry stared into his porridge as he went over the previous match, which landed her in the hospital in the first place.
“Tonks’ got the quaffle – Lakeland right behind her! Hufflepuff is ruthless this time around!” Lee announced as Alsephina swerved around oncoming players. Harry had taken his eyes off the snitch for a split-second to watch as she dove below the Hufflepuff’s that aimed straight for her.
Her hair flowed behind her as she barely missed a bludger. “Oy, Weasley’s get your shit together, I’m getting attacked over here!”
The twins nodded as they hit a bludger away from her, George nearly ran into her broom. A small buzz filled Harry’s ear as the snitch flew past.
The players began to fly higher into the clouds, Alsephina right by him as the sky grew quiet. The crowd silenced as the clouds turned into black cloaks, swarmed around Alsephina. The game seemed to pause as everyone watched, Horrified as Alsephina lost her grip.
It was happening again, but why was it happening to her? Harry screamed as he dove towards her falling body.
Hermione watched Harry curiously as he spun his spoon around his bowl in a daze – for the 24th time. She grabbed his hand lightly, shaking him from his memories.
“She’ll be alright.” she whispered as he slowly released his spoon, clanging as it hit the oaken table. He sighed as he slowly stood from the table.
Once he was out of view, Ron leaned next to Hermione and asked, “He’s handling this a lot harder than I thought he would. What do you think, ‘Mione?”
“Seems that way, Ronald.” She sighed.
Each day, Remus would take Alsephina to the courtyard. Sometimes they talked, but mostly they sat in silence as they watched the owls fly overhead.
Shortly after they’d arrived back, her friends visited between classes.
She laid in the silence as she recalled their time on the run, as the darkness filled the room from the setting of the sun. At night, only a small lantern stayed lit by Madam Pomfrey’s office.
Harry placed his hand gently on her cheek as he brushed away a fallen tear. “You’ve always told me that I’m not alone.” She glanced at him as he leaned his forehead against her own. Their lips brushed as he whispered,”You've got me, Alsephina. You’re not alone. Not while I’m around.”
They separated quickly as Hermione opened the flap of the tent, radio in hand. “They’ve done it.” She said, oblivious to how close they once stood.
“Done what?” Harry asked as he stepped away from her side and towards Hermione.
“The twins. They’ve made a broadcast.”
Remus visited that next morning. Madam Pomfrey clapped him on the shoulder, as Alsephina had slept through her first night for the first time without a nightmare. She wasn’t sure what he had done, but she was grateful.
“You seem like you got some sleep.” Hermione whispered as her friends sat by her side. She blushed deeply as Harry glanced at her.
“Dream of me again, ‘Mera?” Fred snickered as the twins entered the ward.
“Good dreams I hope.” George smirked.
“Seems like she did.” Ron shoved her lightly as her ears burned.
“Shut it, Weasleys.” Alsephina snapped.
“She did dream of us, she can’t deny it.” Fred pointed at her hair that had turned a deep magenta.
“Oh shut it.” Hermione snapped at the twins.
The twins raised their hands in surrender as they walked past her cot towards Lee, who had been admitted after one of their pranks had gone haywire.
“Alsephina,” Harry sighed. “We’ve just heard that Lupin is-“
“Stepping down?” Her friends nodded. “I heard Lee talking to Katie and Angelina about it earlier.”
“You should talk to him, maybe you can convince him to stay.” Hermione said as they shared a look.
“I doubt that, he’s-“
“He cares for you. You could-“
“Harry. He’s essentially your uncle. He cares for you much more than me. He may listen to-“
“Why don’t you both just go talk to him.” Ron rolled his eyes.
Harry and Alsephina shared a glance. “I suppose that could work.” Harry whispered.
“What’s going on with you two? You’re acting weird.” Asked Ron as he pulled out a muffin he had stuffed in his pocket from breakfast.
“We are not.” They said at the same time.
“Right.” Ron rolled his eyes as he dug into his muffin. Hermione cringed as crumbles fell onto his lap.
He had always been a messy eater.
An hour passed before Harry and Alsephina begged Madame Pomfrey for her to walk with him around the school. She had agreed, much to their surprise.
Harry and Alsephina walked in silence until they both spoke at once.
“Alse-“
"So-“
They both chuckled nervously as they approached his office. She knocked quietly on the wooden door. Light footsteps echoed behind it.
“How can I help you-Alsephina what are doing out of the hospital ward?” He asked as he crossed his arms and blocked the doorway.
She rolled her eyes as she stepped beneath his arms and through the door. He was much taller, as she used it to her advantage.
He sighed as he allowed Harry to follow. “To answer your question, Professor,” Remus cringed slightly at the last word. Harry had never called by his nickname, as he had with Sirius. “We’ve come to ask you to stay.”
Remus’ eyebrows furrowed into a frown. “Dumbled-“
“Screw what that old git says.” Alsephina snapped to Harry and Remus’ surprise.
“That’s no way to talk about your headmaster.” Lupin replied sternly.
“Well considering he-“ she paused as they both looked at her curiously. “Nevermind what he says. The students want you to stay.”
“Their parents don’t, Alsephina.”
“So what?” Harry said, catching Lupin by surprise. He hadn’t thought Harry would want him to stay.
“Well without their approval I cannot stay-“
“Then we will get their approval.” Alsephina said confidently as Harry smiled at her. Remus noted the interaction but said nothing as she dragged him to his chalkboard.
It was here they planned, down to the very last detail of how they were to get the parents to agree that he should stay. A small smile played on his face as he watched Harry and Alsephina bounce their ideas off of each other. He sighed, as they reminded him of his two best friends he had lost long ago.
It healed him in places he refused to acknowledge.
“If we do this as planned, and it works, you’ll stay. Won’t you?” She asked, pulling his head from the clouds.
“As long as I’m needed.” Remus gave a small smile as the two friends shared a look. Remus contained his snort as Harry’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Harry glanced away just as her hair had started to change colors.
“Well, I say we dismiss, I’ve got to talk to the headmaster. We may as well start now.” Remus escorted the students out of his office as he leaned against the doorway. His eyes followed their figures as their hands often brushed against the others. He shook his head as he closed his door behind them.
“Do you think he will actually stay?” Harry asked as they rounded the corner. She said nothing as he took the long way back towards the hospital wing.
“I think so, but as a werewolf, he spent a majority of his life being unwanted. If we show him he’s loved and wanted, maybe just maybe he will stay.”
“I suppose I never saw it that way.” He whispered to himself.
“To be fair, he was supposed to know you your entire life, but Dim Door told him to stay away-“
“How do you know that?” Harry asked, wide eyed.
She froze for a second before replying, “He told me during one of walks.” He furrowed his eyebrows but said nothing.
They remained in silence as Harry went over her words on repeat. They arrived at the hospital wing and Harry lingered by her side.
“Are you alright Harry?”
“Alsephina, have you-“
“There you are, Ms. Tonks.” Madame Pomfrey interrupted as she yanked Alsephina into the room. Harry gave a slight wave as he walked away, shaking his head. He had always been interrupted before he could ask her the question that plagued his mind daily.
On the last day of her stay in the room, in the wee hours of the sunrise, Remus walked with her to the courtyard one last time.
“You know, I do hope someday that you’ll be able to heal, from whatever plagues your dreams.” He said with a small smile as they stepped onto the bridge that overlooked the lake.
“Professor, have you ever healed yours?” She asked as she leaned between an open window on the bridge. She stared out absentmindedly as he sighed next to her.
“Not yet. Though, mine are still in the works as Sirius finishes his treatments.”
“Is he getting better?” She asked as she remembered how long he had stayed with the Goblins to have his mind healed.
“Hard to say, really. Unless if you’re behind closed doors, and even then that’s questionable — he has put up a front. Unless if you truly know him, it’s hard to say what’s really going on in that head of his. Especially now, after he was in Azkaban.” Remus rubbed the back of his neck as she nodded.
“That’s why you compared me to him, isn’t it?”
“You two would get along swimmingly.” He chuckled as he looked out onto the Black Lake.
“We did.” The words were barely below a whisper, but Remus had heard her clearly. Her head shot up as she said, “Don’t push Harry away, again, Lupin.”
“Again? What do you-“
“Professor, what do you know of time turners?”
Seven am came around, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood at the side of the cot eagerly as they waited for her to be dismissed from the hospital ward.
“I expect to see you once a week. Keep me updated on your sleeping schedule.” Madame Pomfrey ordered as she handed Alsephina a large stack of papers.
Ron and Harry shared a glance as Ron mouthed, “Homework?”
Alsephina nodded as she turned towards her friends and shrugged. Hermione cocked an eyebrow as she read the description of the papers she had in her hands. ‘ Dream Journal’ and ‘Sleep Keeper’ were written at the tops of the pages.
Had her dreams become that severe? Hermione asked herself as they all exited the Hospital wing.
“You were in there long enough, I thought Madame Pomfrey was going to adopt you into her family.” Ron joked as they all made their way towards the Great Hall.
“I think she was happy to be rid of me.” Alsephina chuckled as the boys laughed with her. Hermione stayed quiet as she studied her best friend. Alsephina’s lip had a small white scar that now ran down part of her chin. Her smile no longer reached her brown eyes.
“Are you listening, Hermione?” Harry asked as they paused by the Great Hall doors. Dinner was to begin in a few minutes.
“Sorry?” She said as they all shook their heads.
“Up in the clouds, that one.” Ron muttered as they opened the doors.
The hall grew quiet as Alsephina took her seat next to Harry. The quidditch team stood around her as they congratulated her recovery. She forced a smile as each image of certain team members dying flooded her mind. Cedric. Oliver. Fred. Collin. Lavender- Hermione shewed the crowd away as Alsephina began to anxiously tap her foot. Harry placed a light, reassuring hand on her knee and gave her a small smile. Alsephina squeezed his hand as she took a deep breath. Harry’s cheeks burned as Alsephina had held his hand throughout their dinner. Only letting go once to grab a biscuit.
“Are you happy to be rid of that place?” Ron asked as he placed a large turkey leg onto his plate.
“Hard to say, that bed and I got along swimmingly. We had become pretty close.” Alsephina joked as everyone at the table shook their heads. “How were exams?”
Ron slapped his palm to his forehead, “Brutal. I’m pretty sure I failed at divination.”
“I don’t think anyone, besides maybe Loony Lovegood, could excel at that class.” Hermione grunted as Alsephina’s eyes narrowed.
“Don’t call her that, Hermione. She’s actually really nice.” Alsephina snapped as Hermione frowned.
“Did you all become friends while you were in the hospital?” Harry asked, trying his best to ease the tension.
“No, but it’s no wonder the other houses think we are arseholes.” Alsephina retorted as she stood, letting go of Harry’s hand. The table stared at her, mouths open in surprise at her words.
She left the table in silence as she left the Great Hall, green eyes cutting into her back.
Hermione followed after her, and grabbed her wrist. Stopping her before she got too far. “What was that about?” Hermione demanded as she left go of her friend’s wrist.
“Just forget it.” Alsephina sighed as stepped away.
“Kind of hard to do that when you’ve been acting as a completely different person.” Hermione retorted, stopping Alsephina in her tracks. “So you do know what I speak of, then.”
Alsephina rolled her eyes and crossed her arms across her chest. “Come off it, Hermione. So what if I’m not the same after all the shit that we’ve been through these past years.”
“That’s bullshit, Alsephina. You were just fine before your accident-“
“Was I though, Hermione? I don’t recall you ever asking me if I was.” Alsephina snapped and stormed off down the hall. Hermione watched her leave as she huffed.
“What was that all about?” Ron asked as Hermione sat back down at the table.
“Leave it alone, Ronald.” Hermione sneered as she stabbed her fork into her chicken thigh.
Ron and Harry shared a wide eyed look as they finished their meal in silence.
The trio searched Gryffindor tower for Alsephina, expecting her to be in their dorm.
“Where the bloody hell is she then?” Ron asked as Harry hit his palm to his forehead.
He reached into his pocket, bringing out the Marauder’s Map. “Let’s see.”
Their eyes searched the pages until Hermione spotted her name just outside the kitchens. She took a right and her name froze until it disappeared completely.
“What was that? Where’d she go?” Hermione asked as Harry searched for her name in another location.
“Honestly, no idea.” Harry sighed. She’s found it, then. They waited in the common room for an hour before Ron dismissed himself to bed.
“What happened in the hall?” Harry asked Hermione as he heard their dorm room door click shut.
“We just snapped at each other. It was bizarre, I’ve never seen her act like that.” Hermione shrugged as she stared off into the fireplace – in thought.
Alsephina roamed the halls for a solid hour, before stopping before the kitchens. A large doorway began to form on the wall to the right as Alsephina smiled widely. She had missed this place.
She entered the room slowly, checking to make sure no one else was in the hall. Once the door was shut, she sighed. It had been decorated as her childhood room, complete with the muggle items that cluttered her shelves. She laid on the large bed and screamed into the pillow. She hated how she had talked to Hermione. She hated that she didn’t know how to tell her best friends what was wrong with her. She hated that she had to live through it all once again. Their deaths, everything.
A soft melody began to play as her stereo turned on. Her head snapped as she ran over to the device. It had never worked previously at Hogwarts.
She stared at the ceiling as she laid back on the bed. The song eased her mind as she tucked her knees into her side.
I can’t get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know will be alright
Perhaps it's just imagination
Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It's time to walk the streets
Smell the desperation
At least there's pretty lights
And though there's little variatios
It nullifies the night
From overkill
Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat, shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day
She snuck back into Gryffindor’s common room, but not quietly enough as Hermione stirred on her spot on one of the couches. “Where’d you go?” Hermione asked half awake – she patted down her curls as she sat up.
“The kitchens.” Alsephina rolled her eyes as she went to walk past Hermione.
“That’s a lie, and you know it. Frankly, I'm tired of them.” Hermione sneered as Alsephina paused by the staircase.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me, Alsephina. We are supposed to be friends. Best friends, even, but it’s like you’re a completely different person.” Hermione sighed as she stood face to face with Alsephina.
“How the hell is that my fault?” Alsephina snapped as Hermione shook her head.
“That’s not what I meant and you know it. You’re lying and keeping secrets. That’s not like you.”
Alsephina rubbed her face tiredly as she sat on the sofa. Hermione sat across from her and tucked her feet beneath her legs.
“It’s just easier to lie to you, than to tell what’s really going on.”
“I understand that, but clearly you need to talk to someone.” Hermione sighed as she opened up her arms and spread her legs. Tears welled in Alsephina’s eyes as launched herself into Hermione’s arms.
It had been years since they had laid like that together. It was the only way Alsephina could tell Hermione what was wrong, as she and Nymphadora had done similarly when they were children.
Hermione raked her fingers through her graying hairs as she said, “Now will you tell me what’s been troubling you? And when you developed, these?” Hermione separated the gray strands in her fingers.
“I’m not even sure where to begin.”
“The beginning, obviously.” Hermione joked, trying her best to lighten the mood.
“Which one, Granger?”
The girls stayed up until the cracks of dawn shimmered through the windows. Their faces were both puffy, and red as they sniffled.
“Jesus,” Fred cringed as caught sight of the girls.
“What happened to you two?”
The girls laughed as they both tackled him to the ground with a hug. His ears grew warm as his twin cackled beside him. “What did I miss?”
“Shut it, George.” Fred hissed as the girls let go of him. He stood and brushed himself off.
The girls shared a look as Ron and Harry clambered down the stairs, bickering. “Maybe she just needs-“ Harry paused in his words as he caught sight of Alsephina, smiling at George.
He sighed, but put on a smile as he noted that Hermione and Alsephina were no longer arguing.
“Gryffindors,” Alsephina yelled up the staircases. Many feet echoed as doors shut behind them. The common room filled to the brim with students as Alsephina stood on top of one of the tables. She dragged Harry up with her.
“What’s going on?” Colin Creevey asked as whispers spread through the maze of heads.
“We all know of Professor Lupin stepping down,” a low murmur filled the room. “We’ve got a plan to make him stay.”
A small uproar of Cheers broke out as Alsephina smiled wildly. “Alright!” She yelled, gaining back the attention over the hollering.
“We need each student to swarm the ministry with letters, demanding, begging even that he stays. Do we really want Snivels to take over D.A.D.?”
“No!” They yelled back.
“That’s what I thought! So get to writing! We are going to put together a secret celebration for the professor in three days. If anyone wishes to help with-“
“I think we’ve got that covered.” Alsephina smiled at George.
“Don’t forget to tell your friends in other houses!” Harry yelled as the students gossiped among themselves.
Harry helped Alsephina down as the room seemed to spin around him. Her hair had been put up in a messy bun, and her gray hairs fell upon her face.
She blushed deeply as she caught his stare.
Dear Draco Cousin,
I’m not sure how to start this, exactly as we have never been properly introduced. I wouldn’t be surprised if you sent the envelope into the flames as soon as you read my name upon the parchment. If that is not the case, and you are indeed reading this – Hello. Don’t worry, I also find it odd that I am writing to you. I’m sure you’ve heard of my coma – of sorts? There’s not a safe place in the school where I don’t get asked about it.
Anyway, it wasn’t a coma. Not exactly. I’m going to explain to you in this letter a series of — what were those books called? I doubt you’d know anyway. A series of events. You can tell anyone you’d like about this letter, as I doubt anyone would believe you. To start, I’m not the Alsephina you may have heard of – as we’ve never truly met. I am 19 years old, and I know Voldemort is back.
Yeah, I said it, Malfoy. The Dark Lord has plans in the making and I know them like the back of my hand. I worry for you as there will be events that happen that you will never be able to forgive yourself for.
The first event? The death of a muggle born. Technically not the second event, but the quidditch world cup will come into play. I know you know what I speak of. I want to help you before you drown – and take your side of the family with it.
-Your “Blood Traitor Cousin
P.s. I know how it all ends, and it doesn’t end well for you Draco Malfoy. Especially for your mother.
Three days came swiftly as letters poured in from parents, and even the Ministry. Each letter that had come back positive had been shown to Dumbledore, and tucked into a large box dedicated to the professor. By the third day, Dumbledore had begrudgingly agreed to accept Mr. Lupin back into Hogwarts – in order to appease his students and their parents. But what he did not tell them, was that he would not be the D.A.D. teacher. Someone else, an old friend of Albus’ had accepted the open position.
Once dinner had been swept away by the elves, the students began decorating the large walls – preparing for the large celebration that awaited a clueless professor. They taped up letter after letter – each saying how wonderful he was.
Alsephina had corralled a small group of students to fetch Mr. Lupin from his office. “Mr. Lupin!” They yelled as he opened the door. His eyebrows shot up from the sheer loudness of their screams.
“Can I help you all?” He asked as he furrowed his brows together. He wasn’t used to this many students yelling for him at once.
“Follow us, we have something to show you.” He smiled down at Alsephina as she dragged him down the corridor.
“Has something happened? Why are we headed to the Great Hall?” He asked, concerned as the building had grown silent – which it never was at this time of night. Usually students were talking in the halls, playing games, or studying in the library. He raised an eyebrow as there was not a single student – besides the ones at his flank, in the halls. Or even the classrooms left ajar.
“Don’t stress, Moony.” Alsephina whispered, catching him off guard. As the students opened the large doors, a loud roar of screams echoed from the Great Hall.
“SURPRISE!” They all yelled. His mouth gaped as he looked over the sea of students. Large balloons and signs hung from wall to wall. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the once bare walls. He walked closer as the students watched him with anticipation. He placed his hand over his mouth as he held back tears. The walls had been covered – every square inch, with letters addressed to parents, to the Ministry, to fellow students, and from fellow teachers.
The room was silent as he glanced around at all the faces in front of him. “So will you stay?” Harry asked as he stepped in line next to Alsephina.
Tears filled his eyes as he stared between Alsephina and Harry – tears filled their own as he said, “How could I ever leave you all?”
Two weeks flew by as Alsephina packed for the end of term. Her luggage was full to the brim, threatening to overflow as she had Hermione sit on it to weigh it down.
“This would be much easier if I could use the shrinking charm on it.” Alsephina grunted as she struggled with a latch.
“Can’t you?” Hermione asked, confused.
“No, because last time I did my mother refused to undo the spell, so my clothes were miniature for months last summer.”
Hermione snorted as she shook her head.
“Don’t laugh, it wasn’t funny!” Alsephina hit Hermione with a pillow that had fallen onto the floor. The girls laughed together as a feather stuck to Hermione’s forehead.
“What’s that look for?” Hermione asked as Alsephina cringed.
“I was just thinking of what is to come this summer. It was the start of it all, truly.” Alsephina sighed as she rubbed the back of her neck.
“That’s understandable. We’ll make a plan, that way we can see what variables will matter towards changes of the fut-“
“How often have our plans worked, Hermione?”
“I know, I know, but we will make it work. Do you plan on telling the boys or anyone else?” Hermione asked as she gathered her purse.
“I’m not sure. I know the boys need to know, Harry obviously. Besides that I have no idea.”
“Perhaps your parents, then?”
They shared a look as Hermione whispered, “Right. I don’t plan on involving mine either, if I can help it.”
“I wrote to Draco-“
“You what?!” Hermione gasped.
Their conversation was interrupted as Pavarti and Lavender came giggling into the room. It took a few days for Alsephina to look Lavender in the eyes without seeing Greyback looming over her mangled corpse.
“What do you think the twins will do tonight?” Lavender asked the girls as they all fixed their hair.
“I’ve heard they’re planning a firework show.”
Alsephina rolled her eyes as she leaned against her bedpost.
Lavender glanced at her curiously as she was the only one not prettying herself. She had always joined in previously on girls’ nights, but since she left the hospital she hadn’t spoken to Lavender almost at all, which had started to bug her.
“Are you going to go down to the party?” Hermione asked Alsephina as she closed her own trunk. She also noticed Alsephina hadn’t joined the girls in dollying themselves up for the last party of the year. Lavender eyed her curiously, expecting a 'no' from how weirdly she had been acting. Before the accident she would be the one doing everyone's hair, but not this time around.
“If the twins are hosting, I’ll never miss a party.” She giggled and the girls made their way out of the dorm. Tiny fireworks went off down the stairwell as they walked past, making their way into the common room.
“See! I told you!”
“Let’s sneak down to the kitchens, we’ve got an hour before the party is supposed to start.” Lavender guided Pavarti towards the portrait hole, as she glanced back at Alsephina sadly. What had changed between them?
She had spent the hour saying her goodbyes to Hagrid and the other fellow teachers. As she entered through the porthole, she smiled as she noted the lengths the twins had gone to in decorations. Streamers and tiny stars spun around the ceiling, along with gold glitter that lined the floors with balloons. “They’ve really out done themselves this year!” Harry yelled over the music – he guided Alsephina to their secluded couch, where Ron and Hermione sat for the time being.
“Just a bit!” Hermione chuckled. They all sat on the couch, watching their friends dance around them.
Alsephina abruptly stood up, which earned glances from the three.
“They’re playing my favorite song! Hermione come on, dance with me!”She grabbed her hand and took the flustered brunette into the crowd.
“I didn’t know they liked to dance.” Ron teased as he motioned to Harry that they should join the festivities, though Harry was already looking at them with a small smile.
“Is this muggle music?” Hermione asked excitedly. It was rare that it was played in their festivities. Alsephina nodded quickly with a large smile on her face as she sung along.
"I WANT TO BREAK FREEEE! I WANT TO BREAK FREEE!" They each yelled at the top of their lungs.
The songs changed and the girls danced together for some time, until Alsephina got a light tap on the shoulder.
“I didn’t peg you as much of a dancer.” George smirked, he looked her up and down – memorizing the short skirt she wore in black. She smiled and grabbed both of his hands and spun them about. His cheeks burned crimson as his hands turned clammy. It wasn’t normal for her to make him nervous, but to be fair she also never acts this way.
Maybe she has gone mental.
“I usually only dance alone, so this is brilliant.” She motioned to the crowd.
“Why only alone?” He yelled over the music that just grew in volume.
“What?!” She yelled, motioning to her ears.
“Why only alone? Don’t you like someone? Why not dance with them?” He yelled as the song changed to a quiet slow song, which earned chuckles from the people around him. Except Harry, who's eyes narrowed in his direction.
“Right,” she said, her cheeks and hair turned bright red. “Because he’d want to do that with me, this time.” She muttered to herself as she ran for the portrait door.
"This time?" He mumbled to himself. George looked around, trying to find his twin and he smirked when he found him.
Fred was leaned up against the wall next to Hermione, who was reading a book. She had taken a break from dancing, after his interruption. George shook his head and clasped his hand around Fred’s shoulder.
“Mind if I steal you away, Gred?” Fred glared at his twin, annoyed that he interrupted his only time somewhat alone with the girl. His face softened as he saw the sad look on his twins' face.
Fred nodded and said his goodbyes to Hermione, and followed his twin on to the stairs. “What happened?”
“I think I messed up with Alsephina.” Sighed George as he took a seat on a step.
“And why’s that?” Fred’s eyebrow raised.
Don’t tell me you were a git. Fred said to himself as he watched his brother twiddle with his fingers – which he did when nervous.
“I asked her why she wasn't dancing with someone she liked, and she booked it out of the common room.”
So you were a git. Fred rolled his eyes and patted his twin on the back, “She just got embarrassed is all.”
“Yeah, but I feel terrible.” He sighed into his palms.
Alsephina leaned on the wall next to the portrait door. He would have to yell then in front of him. She shook her head in defeat.
“Alsephina” a stern, calculating voice yelled down the hall. Her head whipped in the direction of the voice. Draco Malfoy.
He no longer looked as if he was without sleep, his eyes gleamed mischievously, but calculating. She glanced down at his arm. Not yet. There was still time.
“I received your letter.” He spoke evenly as his eyes studied her. “I shouldn’t be speaking to you.” He shook his head as he stiffened – she moved closer to him. He noted how her arm swayed, as if she had wanted to reach for him.
“I know, Honestly I’m surprised you are. I expected you to burn it.” She shrugged as she motioned down the hall towards a bench that leaned against a far wall. He nodded and walked beside her, but still far away.
“I thought about it. But curiosity won over. How and what do you know of the events surrounding the world cup?” He demanded, with a slight strain in his voice.
“All i can say is that I am not from this time, Draco.” Laughter echoed down the hall as she pulled him into the shadows. “I cannot speak of that hear, but I do know that the Death Eaters are planning to invade after the match is ov-”
Draco slammed his palm over her mouth as he said, “You know nothing of what or who you speak of. Do not say such things so lightly out loud.” He glanced around nervously. The halls were completely barren.
“Write to me over the summer. Before the World Cup.” She said, His eyes narrowed. She smirked slightly.
His eyes widened as he held his wand to her neck. “Why would I do that, exactly, you filthy blood traitor.”
“You want to save your mother, don’t you?”
“‘Mera? Are you out here?” George yelled down the hall. Draco hid into the shadows as she stepped into the light of the main hall.
She glanced back at Draco as she whispered, “Write to me. We have much to discuss.”
She waved down George as she walked down the hall. “I’m here, is something the matter?” She asked as she noted how splotchy and red his face had become. He ran his hand through his hair as he sighed.
“I just wanted to make sure you were alright. I didn’t- I didn’t mean to embarrass you, Alsephina.” He whispered as he stepped closer. She gulped anxiously. She had tried to avoid being alone with George, as last time she had hurt him.
“I’m alright. No need to apologize. I know you didn’t mean to.” She patted his arm as she walked next to him. His eyes lingered on her fingers that touched just above his elbow. He nodded as they both turned and walked silently toward the porthole – both in thought.
Alsephina spent the rest of her evening dancing with Harry, and rarely Ron. Slow songs would play, and Harry would awkwardly spin her around with a small smile upon his face. She loved what their friendship had become, but wished it had blossomed the same way it had before the battle.
They made the dark times much more bearable. Yet, he was always too optimistic, for how dark the world would become . He placed a piece of hair behind her ear, and sighed as he realized she had been lost in thought.
“Are you alright?” Harry asked, pulling her out of her memories.
She smiled at him, but he noted that it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m alright. Thank you for dancing with me, Potter.”
He nodded as his cheeks warmed, to his luck they were hidden behind the dimming fire light. “Als-’
“Goodnight, Harry. Oh- I’m sorry, were you going to say something?” She apologized as he ran his hand down the back of his burning neck.
He cringed slightly as he shook his head. “No, no, you’re fine. Goodnight, ‘Mera.” He waved slightly as he rushed up the stairs. She watched him curiously until a yawn took over.
Third year finished without a hitch as the ‘Golden Four’ made their way onto the train.
“Don’t forget to bring your jerseys and colors for the Cup!” Ron yelled from behind. The girls shook their heads.
“We know Ronald.” They said in unison, which earned glances from the twins who were behind the group.
“You know,” Said Fred.
“I thought only twins,” continued George.
“Could speak in unison like that.” Fred finished, and ruffled Hermione’s already frizzy hair. His hand got a smack from the witch as she glared at him. He smirked in response which made her cheeks burn slightly.
Which didn’t go unnoticed by George and Alsephina.
Idiots. Just confess already. Alsephina rolled her eyes at her friends. Though she couldn’t say much considering her position.
“Let’s go find a compartment,” Harry said as he motioned to Ron. “Girls, you wanna get the snacks, then?” His eyes lingered on Alsephina.
The girls nodded and rolled their eyes as Ron yelled back, “Make sure to get the good ones!” Harry turned as they walked away and glanced back at the green headed witch.
“Yeah, girls.” George snickered, which got him a shove from Alsephina.
Fred made his way past the group as Hermione stared after him. Alsephina elbowed her side to get her attention.
“Jesus, Al, not so hard next time.” Hermione cringed as she clutched her torso.
“Isn’t that what your mother said last night, Hermione?” Alsephina asked, Hermione slapped her on the shoulder in response. George cackled beside them. Hermione glanced between the two as she made her way down to the trolly.
As she walked away, George whispered into Alsephina’s ear, making her shiver, “Do you think they’re ever going to admit they like each other?”
She slightly jumped at the close proximity. “Considering how stubborn and oblivious each of them are, no.” She snickered which made George smile. He loved hearing her laugh. “Besides,” She mumbled. “It’d be hypocritical of me to judge.”
She shrugged and made her way over to the trolly, leaving George alone in the hall. He watched as her ears turned pink, but not magenta. It seemed to happen each time he or Fred was around her, but not this time for some reason He shook his head as he made his way to his shared compartment with Fred and Lee. This year, the girls had decided not to be in the war path of their beta pranks and had found their own compartment.
Alsephina and Hermione slipped into their shared compartment with an assortment of candies. Alsephina tossed Ron licorice and Harry a chocolate frog.
“What do you think the Cup is going to be like?” Harry asked, nonchalant. Alsephina eyed him curiously, as she thought he would be more excited.
“Well, it’s this giant stadium they put in with a whole bunch of wards. It’s in the middle of a muggle area, you know-“ Ron began explaining the inner workings of the stadium as Alsephina reached into her bag she brought from home.
She grabbed out a journal which she had enchanted and duplicated. She passed its twin to Hermione, so they could talk back and forth within the pages about what was going to happen this summer. She needed Hermione to know what had happened and what was going to happen. She was the brains of the operation, always had been. The notebook was enchanted to only allow them to read the messages and to others, it just looked like a basic diary if they tried to. Hermione watched Alsephina grab her twin notebook and reach for her’s as well. Alsephina watched as Hermione wrote inside the book.
We need to warn the twins about Bagman.
-H
Yeah, that guy is a dick
-A
Language
-H
Sorry. I meant Asshole. But what made you think of that?
-A
Just the twins got me thinking.
-H
Thinking about loveeee?
-A
Alsephina glanced at Hermione who had furrowed her brows. The boys were playing gobblestones, oblivious to the discussion going on next to them.
No, more like they deserve the world, especially if we aren’t able to save Fred.
-H
Alsephina sighed, which earned a glance from Harry. He furrowed his eyebrows together as he watched her frantically write in her journal. He studied her as he watched her eyes dart across the pages. He had never seen her act in such a way. Ever since her accident she had been odd – to say the least. He turned away quickly as she glanced up.
We have to stay positively realistic. We can’t let ourselves think the worst. Everything is already different so far from the original timeline.
-A
Perhaps, but I worry it won’t be for the better.
-H
The boys are completely oblivious right now, aren’t they?
-A
Aren’t they always?
-H
Hermione chuckled and closed the notebook shut. They’d discuss more details once they were out of other’s eye sight.
“Would it be okay if Hermione and I came a couple days earlier, so we could go to Diagon Alley and do some shopping?” Alsephina asked Ron as he chewed on licorice.
Hermione glanced at her incredulously. We haven’t planned for that.
“Mom shouldn’t mind, I don’t think. I’ll ask and write to you both when I know. Harry, would you like to come earlier too?”
Harry nodded quickly. “Anything to get away from that hell. Luckily I have my own room this summer so it shouldn’t be as bad.”
The other three shared a glance. They all hated leaving Harry to that place.
“Harry,” Alsephina started. “Would you want to see if you could stay a majority of the summer at ours?”
Harry’s eyes lit up, with a slight hue of pink that brewed on his cheeks and ears. “Are you sure? That’s asking a lot.”
She glanced at him curiously, he had been flustered quite a bit the last few weeks. “You know, my mother would love to have you. Besides, she used to adore your parents. I’m sure she has pictures and stories of them.”
“Really? That’d be amazing.” He sighed, leaning his head against the window. He glanced at Alsephina out of the corner of his eye. Her hair changed from orange to purple rapidly as she leaned against the seat. Her hair had grown, and now swayed just past her shoulders.
“She could also explain a lot better than any of us of what all it means to be a pure blood, Harry.” She chuckled as she noted his terrible posture. She thought of Draco and his rigid back.
His eyebrows raised in question, but he nodded agreeing. He wasn’t sure how he felt about staying with Alsephina, exactly. But he was eager to have time away from the Dursleys.
We wouldn’t be sharing a room, would we?
His ears burned as he laid his forehead on the cool glass of the window at the thought.
Ron shoved his shoulder and raised an eyebrow. Harry had been acting strange the past few days. Ron rolled his eyes as Harry shrugged. Hermione began reading while Harry and Ron played with their snaps. Alsephina reached deep into her bag, pulling out a tape deck and large headphones. Ron snatched it out of her grasp.
“What is that?” Ron’s eyes glowed as he inspected the tech.
“Muggle tech. It allows me to play music on a mix I created. Unfortunately it doesn’t work at Hogwarts, found out at the beginning of last year.” She sighed, taking it back from Ron’s candy coated fingers.
“How have I never seen you use these before?” Ron asked.
The girls shared a glance that said, ‘ Oblivious.’
The boys continued to play their game as she slipped on the bulky, black headphones. She pressed play as Stevie Wonder filled her ears. Harry watched as she closed her eyes and hummed along. Ron and Hermione smiled to themselves as her quiet singing voice filled the car.
She used to sing tales for them often, but she hadn’t since her accident. Though they’d never admit it, the boys missed hearing her stories. The train ride was slow getting back to the station. It seemed as though it would never end. For Alsephina, she wouldn’t have minded eternity on the train with her best mates. That was her true heaven. She dragged Harry down the platform, saying goodbye to her other friends.
Andromeda Tonks’ eyes swelled as a very recognizable boy walked into her view. She chuckled as noticed her youngest was dragging him along.
“Hello, Harry dear. It’s great to finally meet you.” She brought him into a hug which startled him at first but he gladly accepted. She gave the warmest hugs. Not overbearing like Molly’s, just right.
“It‘s good to meet yo-“ Harry started but Alsephina interrupted.
“Can Harry stay with us this summer? At least till the World Cup, obviously.” She asked her mom, with a forced smile. Andromeda shook her head.
“I have a feeling you two will be a lot of trouble together. Is that alright with your guardians, Harry dear? Speaking of, where are they?” She asked as she looked around the clearing platform.
“They won’t even notice I’m gone.” He sighed.”They haven’t picked me up since first year.” Alsephina glanced knowingly at Harry, who had started to look at his shoes.
Andromeda’s eyes opened wide in shock. “That’s ridiculous. Of course you can stay with us, Harry. However long you’d like. You’re always welcome. A friend of ours is family after all.” Harry grabbed her for another hug and she rubbed his back, comforting the clearly neglected boy.
“Now, what do you two plan to do with your summer?” She asked, as she grabbed Harry’s luggage.