.⊹⁀➷ CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE !
↳ ❛prefect letters❜

THE SUN WAS already setting
above the outlines of the stone buildings when Harry entered the dim lit kitchen of number twelve grimmauld place.

"I knew it! You always get away with stuff!", Ron immediately yelled excited while he punched his fist into the air.

Hermione who seemed to release a deep breath, "They were bound to clear you. There was no case against you, none at all."

Annabeth didn't waste another minute before she quickly stormed towards her brother and jumped into his arms.

Harry immediately wrapped his arms around her ans squeezed his sister against him, just thankful that he could be there with her.

As soon as the two let go of each other a small smile made it's way on his face while he let his gaze wander over the people that stood in the kitchen, "Everyone seems quiet relived, though, considering you all knew I'd get off."

Ginny, Fred and George were doing a funny looking dance ik the background while they all chanted, "He got off, he got off, he got off-"

Mrs Weasley seemed quiet annoyed by the three when she shot them a death glare, "That's enough, settle down!"

Harry's eyes now landed on Sirius, who was sitting at the other end of the table, watching Fred, George and Ginny with a smile, "Listen, Sirius, Lucius Malfoy was at the Ministry-"

The man's head immediately snapped towards Harry, "What?"

Annabeth could still hear Ginny, Fred and George chanting in the background, "He got off, he got off, he got off-"

"Be quiet, you three!", Mr Weasley exclaimed before he turned to look at Sirius. "Yes, WE saw him talking to Fudge on Level Nine, then they went up to Fudge's office together. Dumbeldore ought to know."

"Absolutely- we'll tell him, don't worry", Sirius immediatly told them, a deep frown on his face.

"Well, I'd better get going, there's a vomiting toilet waiting for me in Bethnal Green", Mr Weasley stated before he turned to face his wife.
"Molly, I'll be late, I'm covering for Tonks, but Kingsley might be dropping in for dinner-"

Ginny, Fred and George were still continuing their chanting, "He got off, he got off, he got off-"

Mrs Weasley gave her children a warning look, "That's enough - Fred- George- Ginny!"

She prepared a plate full of food and then placed it infront of Harry, "Harry, dear, come and sit down, have some dinner, you hardly ate anything."

Harry sat down and while he started eating, he told his friends every little detail that had happened while his hearing.

"Course, once Dumbeldore turned up on your side, there was no way they were going to convict you!", Ron exclaimed excited once Harry had finished his story, a large smile on his face.

"Yeah, he swung it for me", Harry stated, his eyes wandering down to his plate. "I wish he'd talked to me though. - Or even looked at me."

Suddenly he clapped his hand over his forhead. Annabeth frowned at him in suprise, "What's up?"

Harry's voice was only above a mumbling, "Scar." He made eye contact with his sister and saw her worried look. "But it's nothing- it happens all the time now-"

There was silence filling the room before Fred and George suddenly started once more, "He got off, he got off, he got off-"

"Shut up!"

The evening went by pretty quick after that, mostly because Mrs Weasley shooed them upstairs shortly after their chat in the kitchen.

Annabeth felt like a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders when she went to bed that night.

She was relived that Harry hadn't been expelled and that he would be there for their fifth year at Hogwarts.

In the morning Annabeth awoke by the door to her room flying open.

Ron had stuck his head inside the room, shouting, "Booklists have arrived!"

Harry, who had followed behind him opened the door fully and say down besides Annabeth, "About time, I thought they'd forgotten, they usually come much earlier than this-"

The letter contain two pieces of parchment, one that usual reminder that term started on the first of september, the other telling her which books she would need for the coming year.

"Only two new ones", Harry stated before he went on. "The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5, by Miranda Goshawk, and Defensive Magical theory, by Wilbert Slinkhard."

Suddenly a loud cracks could be heard and Fred and George appeared besides them. Annabeth fliched and shit both of them a dark glare.

Fred sat down besides Annabeth and gave them a questioning look, "We were just wondering, who set the Slinkhard book."

Ferd shrugged while he glanced at Annabeth's book list, "Because it means Dumbeldore's found a new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher."

George nodded, "And about time too."

Annabeth frowned at them, "What d'you mean?"

The twins gave her a glance, "Well, we overheard Mum and Dad talking talking on the Extendable Ears a few weeks back - and from what they were saying, Dumbeldore was having real trouble finding anyone to do the job this year."

"Not suprising, is it, when you look at what's happened to the last four?", George stated while they all exchanged looks.

Harry nodded his head, "Yeah, I see what you mean."

Annabeth suddenly realized that Ron had been particular quiet for the last five minutes, "What's up with you, Ron?"

Now Fred stood up and was now moving around Ron to look over his shoulder at the parchment, "What's the matter?"

Fred's eyes widened while he was staring incredulously at the letter, "Prefect?"

George immediatly leaped forward and snatched the envelope out of Ron's hand. He quickly turned it up-side-down and something scarlet and golden fell onto his hand.

"No way!"

"There's been a mistake", said Fred before snatching the letter from Ron and holding it up against the light to see of it was real.

"No one in their right mind would make Ron a Prefect!"

The twins suddenly both turned around to Harry, "We thought you were a cert!"

George shook his head in dissbelive, "We thought Dumbeldore was bound to pick you!"

"Winning the Triwizard and everything."

"I suppose all the mad stuff must've counted against him."

"Yeah", Fred stated slowly. "Yeah, you've caused too much trouble, mate. Well, at least one of you's got their priorities right."

Fred clapped Harry onto his back while shooting Ron a scathing look, "Prefect- ickle Ronnie the Prefect."

"Ohh, mum's going to be revolting", George groaned loudly while thrusting the Prefect badge back at Ron, as thought it might contaminate him.

Ron just held the badge out for Harry, still in shock, not saying a single word.

Suddenly the door opened, revealing no other than Hermione, who was holding an envelope in her hand.

Her eyes wandered over the group, "Did you- did you get-?" She spotted the badge in Harry's hand and immediatly begann shrieking, "I knew it! Harry! Me too!"

Harry immediatly shook his head at her, before he quickly pushed the badge back into Ron's hand, "No. It's Ron, not me!"

Hermione seemed suprised, "It- what?"

"Ron's Prefect, not me", Harry told her, this time a bit more clearly.

Hermione's jaw had dropped open, "Ron?- but- are you sure? I mean- "

The brunette's face suddenly turned bright red before she slowly turned to face Ron.

The boy seemed like he was still overwhelmed by the whole situation, "It's my name on the letter."

"I- I well, wow! Well done, Ron! That's really -"

"Unexpected!", George stated while nodding his head.

"No!", Hermione exclaimed, blushing even more. "No, it's not!- Ron done loads of- he really-!"

Suddenly the door opened once more and Mrs Weasley came into the room, a pile of freshly laundered robes.

"Ginny said the Booklists had come at last", the woman stated loudly while she placed the pile onto the bed. She glanced around the group, "If you give them to me I'll take them over to Diagon Alley this afternoon and get your nooks while you're packing.- Ron, I'll have to get you more pyjamas, these are at least six inches too short, I can't belive how fast you're growing- what colour would you like?"

"Get him red and gold to match his badge", George stated, a wide smirk playing on his lips.

Mrs Weasley seemed absent when she was rolling up a couple of maroon socks, "Match his what?"

"His badge", Fred laid an emphazise on the last word, also smirking.

It seemed like his words were taking a moment to really reach Mrs Weasley, but then the woman suddenly stared at her youngest son, "His- but- Ron, you're not - ?"

Mrs Weasley let out a loud shriek, "I don't belive it! I don't belive it! Oh, Ron, how wonderful! A Prefect! That's everyone in the family!"

"What are Fred and I, next-door neighbours?" George stated while Mrs Weasley pushed him aside before she pulled Ron into a big hug.

Annabeth had to contain a chuckle, that was about to slip out while she watched the Weasley Family.

"Wait until your father hears! Ron, I'm so proud of you, what wonderful news, you could end up head boy just like Bill and Percy! It's the first step! Oh what a thing to happen in the middle of all the this worry! I'm just thrilled, oh, Ronnie-"

Fred and George were both making loud retching noises behind Ron and their mum. But Mrs Weasley didn't seem to realize, she was way too busy planting kisses all over Ron's face.

The boy seemed taken back by his mother's behaviour, "Mum- don't - mum, get a grip-"

Finally the woman finally let go of her son, still completely breathless, "Well, what will it be? We gave Percy an owl, but you've already got one, of course."

"W-what do you mean?", Ron stuttered while he looked at his mother.

Mrs Weasley have him a loving look, "You've got to have a reward for this. How about a nice new set of dress robes?"

"We've already bought him some", Fred stated bored while he scrunched up his face as if he was in pain.

"Or a new cauldron. Charlie's old one's rusting through, or a new rat, you always liked Scabbers-"

Ron seemed a bit shy when he told her his wish, "Mum- can I have a new broom?"

His mom's face expression and Ron immediately spoke, "Not a really good one! Just- just a new one for a change."

Mrs Weasley seemed hesitant but after a moment she smiled at her son, "Of course you can- well I better get going if I've got a broom to buy too. I'll see you all later-"

The woman gave Ron one last look and Annabeth could hear her talking u der her breath, "Little Ronnie, a perfect!"

"Ah, and don't forget to pack your trunks!", she reminded them quickly she then planted one last kiss on Ron's cheek before she left the room. "A perfect!- Oh, I'm all of a dither!"

Annabeth saw how Fred and George exchanged a quick glance.

"You don't mind if we don't kiss you, do you, Ron?", Fred then questioned his little brother, with a falsely anxious voice.

"We could curtsey, if you like", George continued, raising his eyebrows, a sarcastic expression on his face.

Ron let out a loud huff, "Oh, shut up!"

An evil grin made it's way onto Fred's face, "Or what? Going to put us in detention?"

"I'd love to see him try", George grinned at his brother. "He could if you don't watch out!", Hermione immediately snapped at the two older boys angrily.

While his brothers sniggered, Ron gave her a thankful glance but muttered, "Drop it, Hermione."

Fred now pretended to tremble while he joked, "We're going to have to watch our step, George- with these two on ur case!"

"Yeah, it looks like our law-breaking days are finally over", George joined in, shaking his head.

Annabeth fliched when she suddenly heard a loud crack and the twins were gone.

Hermione shook her head in anger while she furiously stared up at the ceiling, through which they could hear Fred and George roaring with laughter, "Those two!"

Annabeth also shook her head while she glanced at Ron, who seemed pretty down about the situation, "Don't pay any attention to them, Ron, they're only jealous."

"I don't think they are- they always said that only prats become perfects- still-", he suddenly seemed a bit happier as he spoke seeming deep in his own thoughts.

"They've never had new brooms! I wish I could go with mum and choose- she'll never be able to afford a Nimbus, but there's the new Cleansweep out, that'd be great- yeah, I think I'll go and tell her I like a Cleansweep, just so she knows-"

With that Ron was up on his feet and out of the door, hurrying down the dusty stairs.

Annabeth now took notice if Harry's of behavior. He was very quiet and didn't make eye contact with Hermione, who was still standing besides his bed.

"Harry?"

"Well done, Hermione", the boy suddenly congratulated his friend, who smiled at him. "Thanks."

The girl seemed a bit nervous as she questioned carefully, "Erm- Harry- could I borrow Hedwig so I can tell my Mum and Dad? They'll be really pleased - I mean prefect is something they can understand."

"Yeah, no problem- take her", the boy stated while he got onto his feet. He called Hedwig down from the wardrobe she had been sitting on and a moment later Hermione was out the door as well.

Annabeth carefully closed the door behind the brunette before she sat down onto her bed and eyed her brother for a moment.

Suddenly Harry screwed up his face and buried it in his hands. Annabeth immediately frowned at him, "Harry? Is everything alright?"

The boy gave her a quick glance but remained silent as he rubbed his hands over his face.

"I know what you're thinking -", Annabeth suddenly stated, which made him look at her once more. "Why not us?"

"- I mean, not that they don't deserve it- I just didn't know what I would've expected if I had though about the possibility of being prefect", the boy answered her honestly.

Annabeth sighed deeply before she shrugged with her shoulders, "Well- Dumbeldor must've had his reasons."

Suddenly the doors flew open and Ron entered the room, he had a bright smile on his face, "Just caught her! She says she'll get the Cleansweep if she can!"

"Cool!", Harry immediately stated with a small smile. "Listen- Ron- well done, mate!"

The smile faded from Ron's face before he shook his head, "I never thought it would be me! I thought it would be you!"

"Nah, I've caused too much trouble", Harry immediately stated while he shook his head as well.

Ron seemed to think about it for minute, "Yeah, yeah- I suppose-" He suddenly snapped out of it, "Well, we'd better get our trunks packed, hadn't we?"

Annabeth could help but feel a weird tension as she watched how the boys left her room and went up into their own.

A few hours passed by before they had all finished packing their trunks and went downstairs to join a few members of the Order, who were to escort them to the trains station tomorrow.

Mrs. Weasley had decorated the kitchen and living room with banners that said 'Congratulations Ron and Hermione' and everyone congratulated the two before Arthur made a toast, where he expressed how proud he was.

As Annabeth had grabbed herself a plate and some food, she sat down besides Mad-Eye-Moody, who was sniffing at a chicken-leg with what remained of his nose.

After a moment he had apparently decided that it wasn't poisoned and started eating a swell.

Mrs. Weasley, who was sitting at Annabeth's opposite, besides Harry, suddenly yawned, "Well, I think I'll sort out that Boggart before I turn in- Arthur, I don't want this lot up too late, all right?"

She then glanced at Harry and Annabeth and smiled lovingly, "Night, Harry, Annabeth, dear."

Annabeth gave the woman a thankful nod before she started eating.

"You all right, Potter?", Moody suddenly questioned Harry from besides her. Harry immediately nodded his head, "Yeah, fine."

Moody then motioned for the twins to both come closer to him, "Come here, I've got something that might interest you."

From the inner pocket of his robes, Moody then pulled a photograph, "Original Order of the Phoenix."

Annabeth glanced at the black and white picture, as she heard him muttering, "I found it last night when I was looking for my spare Invisible Cloak, seeing as Podmore hasn't had the manners to return me best one- thought people might like to see."

The people from the moving picture where lifting their glasses into the air, waved or looked up at them.

"That's me", Moody pointed himself out and Annabeth smiled while she spotted him on the picture.

"And there's Dumbeldor besides me, Dedalus Diggle on the other side- that's Marlene McKinnon, she was killed two weeks after this was taken, theh got her whole family", Moody told them while he pointed out the people.

Annabeth felt her stomach drop when he told them from the fate Marlene McKinnon and her family.

"That's Frank and Alice Longbottom-", suddenly Annabeth stomach dropped even more and she felt how her whole body clenched. She knew that Nevill lived with his grandmother, but she has never questioned herself why.

"- Poor devils'- better dead than what happened to them-", Moody muttered quietly while Annabeth's eyes remained on Neville's parent's. Only now she realized that Neville had never talked about them.

Moody continued, obviously not taking notice of the twins reaction to the Longbottoms, "- and that's Emmeline Vance, you've met her, and that's there's Lupin, obviously -Benjy Fenwick, he copped it too, we only ever found bits of him."

"That's Edgar Bones- brother of Amelia Bones, they got him and his family, too, he was a great wizard- Sturgis Podmore, blimey, he looks young- Caradoc Dearborn, vanished six months after this, we never found his body-", Moody stated simply while he pointed at the man in the back.

"Hagrid, of course, looks exactly the same as ever- Elphias Doge, you've met him, I'd forgotten he used to wear that stupid hat- Gideon Prewett, it took five Death Eaters to kill him and his brother Fabian, they fought like heroes", the man stated proudly while he glanced down at them.

Suddenly Annabeth saw a man that had familiar features, "That's Dumbeldor's brother Aberforth, only time I ever met him, strange bloke-"

His eyes then suddenly fell onto another beautiful woman, "That's Dorcas Meadowes, Voldemort killed her personally-"

He then moved on to a very handsome, dark and short haired man, "- Sirius, when he still had short hair- and- there you go, thought that would interest you two."

Annabeth's heart suddenly stopped for a beat and she gluped when she saw her parents beaming up at her.

A small smile spread over her face but it suddenly fell when she realized that her parents were sitting on either side of a small, watery-eyed man whom she recognized as no other as Wormtail.

Peter Pettigrew, the one who had betrayed her parents.

Moody seemed like he expected them to be more interested in the picture, "Eh?"

Annabeth watched as Harry slowly stood up from his chair, his eyes glued to Wormtail, "Er- listen, I've just remember, I haven't packed my-"

He hadn't even finished his sentence before he was out of the kitchen door. Annabeth then also slowly got up onto her feet and also excuse herself, passing Sirius she joined the other's in the living room.

The brunette could still feel the anger bubbling up in her stomach and just wanted to scream, scream out all her pain while she sat there in-between all the Weasley family members who enjoyed each other's presens.

The girl sometimes was surprised when she occasionally realized how much rage and sadness she had actually inside her.

And suddenly Annabeth was aware that she had never felt so alone in a room full of people.