THE SAND SHE sunk her feet into was warm. The salty breeze that ruffled her strawberry-blonde curls was perfectly chilling. The distant squawking of seagulls that sounded over the waves was immensely comforting. Ariana Nightingale found herself amidst a beautiful and utterly perfect summer day. Could a girl ask for anything better?

Summer was always Ariana Nightingale's preferred time of the year. Surprisingly, unlike the average teenager, the reasoning had nothing to do with the freedom from academic labors. Although it certainly helped her cause.

No, her reasoning was the very spot she laid upon. The Nightingale family's beachside property on the New England coast was Ariana's most favorite place in the entire world. There was not a single summer that she did not spend there and, oh, how joyous those summers had been.

Her Independence Day birthday was celebrated annually on the fourth of July with fireworks, s'mores, campfire songs, and laughter. Her first steps as an infant had been on the sandy shores where the water and land kissed. The first time that she rode a broomstick alongside her brother was in that very front yard. It was a place of respite and family. It was Ariana's haven.

The Nightingale Family's usual lives were nothing short of hectic and exhaustingly busy. They lived in a New York estate and often commuted into the busy muggle city.

Ariana's father, Samuel J. Nightingale, rarely found himself able to join his beloved family at their summer home as he was occupied as the President of the Magical Congress of the United States of America. Yet, he always made sure to guarantee that his wife, Eleanor E. Nightingale, was free of any kind of duties for the summer so that she could be with their children, Ariana herself, and her elder brother Sebastian J. Nightingale.

Sebastian was a most recent graduate of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was never particularly gifted in academics but he was exceptional at the game of quidditch. He was luckier than most boys in his same position as the Sweetwater All-Stars had bid on him during the season. There may have been a hint of pedigree influence in the offer but Sebastian's own merit warranted the position enough.

When it came time to place Ariana into school a few years back, the Nightingales found themselves at an impasse. Opposite of her elder brother, Ariana was very academically inclined and was struggling to be challenged as she ought. Ilvermorny simply did not possess the curriculum necessary for her. Therefore, Samuel Nightingale, found himself swallowing his patriotic pride and reaching out to his old friend Albus Dumbledore. Without hesitation, Ariana was granted a position at the United Kingdom's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

When Ariana had first learned of her new place of schooling, she was quick to decline. She had been to the United Kingdom before and found it marvelous but in no way whatsoever did she have intentions to live there. However, the matter was not up for discussion nor debate, and for that, she would be eternally grateful.

Hogwarts was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Not only did she learn exponentially but she found a second home in the place. She was sorted into the house of Gryffindor and there she met her closest friends, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, and Harry Potter. They were less considered friends to her now and were more thought of as chosen family.

They had been through lots together. Perhaps trauma bonded was the correct term for the four. It was safe to say Harry had tough luck. The past two years had been filled with one life-threatening mission after another. Ariana had a gut feeling that they would not be ending soon. Yet, she would never dare to complain. She was happier than ever.

Hermione had joined Ariana in New England for part of the summer. It had been nothing short of a blast. They explored the muggle coastal town, had lazy days, baked, splashed in the water, collected seashells, and even attempted surfing (although the attempt was poor). They were preparing to return to England the next day as the beginning of their next term was approaching. Therefore, they were soaking up as much sun as they possibly could before they returned to England's gloomy forecast.

The nearest door opened and shut followed by the patters of Hermione's sandy footsteps alongside another pair. Hermione had just gone inside to make some sandwiches for the two of them since Ariana had made them breakfast. Ariana sat upright and looked to see who was approaching alongside Hermione.

Her mother walked gracefully down to the backyard trail with a smile on her face and her sundress dancing in the salty wind. Eleanor Nightingale was what some would call an earth angel. She was fit and of average height but had perfect proportions. She had long brown curls, a round face, beautifully tanned skin, a freckled button nose, and a stunning pair of ocean-blue eyes.

Sebastian looked an awful lot like her in coloring while Ariana mostly took after their father's color traits.

Samuel Nightingale was a tall and muscular man who had charming strawberry-blonde hair that he kept neat at all times. He had tasteful facial stubble, an angled face, fair skin, and deep brown eyes. Sebastian took his figure but Eleanor's color palette. Ariana was a blend of both her parents. She had her mother's long curls but in the shade of strawberry blonde. She had the freckled button nose and round face but had fair skin and brown eyes. She was thin and rather short, standing at five feet and one inch.

Eleanor was carrying a pitcher of what appeared to be watermelon juice while Hermione had a tray of various sandwiches. Their family dog, Franklin, who was a handsome Great Dane trotted beside them.

"Hey, Momma!" Ariana smiled as the two got closer. She used her hand to block the blazing sun. "I thought you went with Sebastian to sign his quidditch contract."

"Oh, I already did," She replied sweetly as she set down the pitcher and cups on the backyard table. There was a doc-like backyard that had grass, a pool, and other usual backyard necessities before it dropped off to wooden steps that led to the beach. "Come up here and take a break from the sun. I don't want you to burn."

Ariana obeyed her mother's request and pulled her navy sweater (a Christmas gift from Ron's mother) over her swimsuit. She jogged up the wooden steps and sat at the table alongside Hermione.

"What time is it?" Ariana asked. Her mother was not supposed to return until 1:30 in the afternoon. Ariana swore it was noon.

"It's 2:30," Hermione cooly replied, helping herself to a turkey sandwich.

Ariana's brown eyes went wide. "2:30?! Really? I thought it was noon!"

Eleanor chuckled at her girl and pushed a glass of watermelon juice her way while Hermione shook her head with a smile. "Well, you beach bums have certainly been having fun. The day goes quick when you're in good company."

Hermione beamed proudly at the comment. She found it a great honor and compliment that the Nightingale family thought so highly of her. They even dared to think of her as a second daughter.

Ariana grinned and took a sip of her juice. "That is true, isn't it? How was Sebastian's signing?"

"Oh, it was great. You should have seen him, Ari. He was grinning ear to ear! Like a kid in a candy shop! The team offered to take him to lunch so I don't think he'll be back for a while."

Ariana chuckled and leaned back in her chair. "He's going to do just fine. I told him that he would. He was such a blubbering mess yesterday." Ariana recalled the previous night and put on a face that mocked her brother's worries. " 'What if they don't like me? They may just retract their offer right then and there!' I told him that was ridiculous."

"Honestly, he kind of sounded like Ronald when he gets whiny," Hermione added which made Ariana laugh and Eleanor shake her head with a grin.

"Well, you were right. He did just fine," Eleanor said before giving Franklin a pat on the head. The dog leaned into her touch lovingly. Even animals loved Eleanor Nightingale. "Are you girls packed? You have quite a journey tomorrow. I'll be getting you up in the early morning. I made sure that your hotel is ready. All you two need to do is check-in and you should have a room with two beds. The Leaky Cauldron was the one you requested, right?"

Hermione nodded curtly and began to explain the upcoming days in further detail. "Yes, that's where we'll meet up with the Weasleys and they'll be taking us to Hogwarts. I'm all packed, Ari on the other hand still has some work to do."

Ariana's jaw dropped and she let out a groan. "Way to throw me under the bus, 'Mione!" She dramatically tossed her head back. Hermione obviously felt zero remorse for her actions. She simply pursed her lips and raised her brows smugly. Hermione Granger was a genius and, oh, how this genius loved to hold her friends accountable.

Eleanor laughed aloud as Ariana sat in her chair slumped with her arms crossed. "Well, I think it would be good if perhaps you go up and pack after lunch. When you finish, this evening maybe we can play some muggle volley-the-ball and I'll be sure to make you girls a good dinner before your journey tomorrow."

Hermione struggled to not correct Ariana's mother but she succeeded in biting her tongue. Eleanor Nightingale had little muggle exposure despite being enamored by them. She would put an unnecessary 'the' in the title of muggle sports. Such as 'basket-the-ball', 'foot-the-ball', and 'volley-the-ball'. No one dared to correct her as it was a rather endearing misconception.

Ariana agreed enthusiastically to her mother's proposal. "That sounds like a great plan, Momma."

It was an odd feeling that made its home in Ariana's heart every year when it was time to leave America. On one hand, she was overjoyed to return to Hogwarts and her friends. On the other, she was sad to leave her family and home. It was what she was learning to be the feeling of bittersweet. It was always a bittersweet, drastic change to leave for Hogwarts.

Before Ariana knew it, she and Hermione were in a taxi cab that drove on the left side of the road as opposed to the right. Ariana would never get used to the feeling of driving on the other side of the road. Each time a turn was made, she could not shake the feeling that they were going into oncoming traffic. Hermione giggled quietly when Ariana would wince during said turns.

The muggle driver dropped them off at what appeared to be a broken-down, abandoned shop on Charing Cross Road and warily let them out. The driver's hesitation was understandable. It seemed peculiar and a tad suspicious that two thirteen-year-old girls wished to be dropped off at such a place unsupervised and with loads of luggage.

Yet, he helped them with their bags and simply said, "Alright, that'll be £35." Hermione handed him the cash and he was on his way.

Ariana was glad that he opted to mind his own business. She really didn't have much of a false explanation to give him besides that perhaps it was a meeting point. They waited until all muggles were out of sight before they walked into the familiar inn and pub.

A group of old wizards were in the corner drinking pints and playing cards. A few witches glanced at the girls before turning their heads in disinterest. The pub was always kept rather dark and definitely was unattractive to young teenagers. The two hurried through to the inn which was more bright and welcoming than the pub (however, not by much). There were long wooden tables and various places to sit.

Hermione checked them into their room and retrieved their keys. She handed Ari her copy. The key was old and rusted but it worked. They lugged their heavy luggage up the stairs, cursing that they were unable to utilize magic outside of school.

After what seemed to be ages of climbing and dragging, they finally arrived at their shabby little room. Hermione swung the door open, it creaked so loud one may question if it was a human scream. The room was dusty and not very well kept. But there was a window to let light in and two beds for them to rest upon.

Hermione sighed as she trotted over to the side of her choosing. "The Weasleys will be here in an hour or so. I suppose we should have some lunch and wait for them."

Ariana nodded along to Hermione's plan. She sat on her bed and cringed at the sound of the springs squeaking. "When they get here, we're going to Diagon Alley to go back to school shopping, right?"

"That's the plan. We really shouldn't stay out too late, however, because of Sirius Black."

Ariana's brow raised and she turned to look at Hermione who was casually fixing her hair. "Who is Sirius Black?"

Hermione's face deadpanned. "The murder that got loose from Azkaban. Didn't you see? It's all over the news!"

"I haven't read the news lately. It's just false gossip and slanted stories that probably aren't true anyhow." Ariana could not stand the news. They were always trying to make up things that just weren't right. All for the sole reason that they could keep readers and in turn, money. They had made bizarre rumors about her father during the recent election. They even tried to drag down her mother too.

"Well, you're not necessarily wrong about that, but there is crucial information sometimes. Like this. We have to be careful when we go out. There is a murderer just wandering about." Hermione was more open to the news. She read their stories every morning and kept up to date on what was occurring in the world.

Ariana stood from the rickety bed and crossed towards the door so that they could leave to get lunch, "Well, we'll be with the Weasleys. We'll be okay. . .How did he get past the dementors?"

"That's the thing," Hermione sighed as she opened the door, "No one knows."

Ariana grimaced before following Hermione out of the room. They made their way back down to the lobby floor and made themselves comfortable at an available table. They ordered some food and Hermione went on about what she anticipated for the upcoming school year. Ariana listened faithfully and made conversation where she could. The topic of school was only so exciting.

"Hermione! Ari!" An unfamiliar voice called from afar, interrupting Hermione's take on what was to come in Ancient Runes. The girls turned their heads toward the voice, worried that a random person knew their names. Yet, instead of a stranger approaching, the lanky and smiley Ron Weasley was jogging over to them.

Ariana smiled and shot up from her seat. How she loved Ron! He was her chosen brother in every way shape and form. He was quick to collect her into a tight, spinning hug.

"How are ya, Ari?!" He asked his new, deeper voice toned with enthusiasm. She smiled as she took in his updated summer appearance. His blazing red hair was scraggly but not out of control. He definitely was beginning to appear older. He was taller and slightly broader, and his face had lost some baby fat. He was wearing a blue sweater and some jeans with a blue coat to keep warm as it was rather brisk outside.

"I'm very good, Ron, very good!" She grinned as he moved to give Hermione an awkward side hug. They were so uncomfortable around each other sometimes that Ariana wondered at times if they would ever end up together.

Two large figures quickly appeared on each side of her. Ariana did not have to think long before she knew it to be Fred and George Weasley. They wrapped their arms around her shoulders and stooped down so that their faces were on her level.

"There's that accent we've been missing all summer," Fred jokingly flirted.

"Yes, it's been a bit dull not hearing your rich pronunciations these past few months,
Miss Americana," George tacked on wearing a sinister smirk.

Ariana audibly scoffed and crossed her arms despite the large, permanent grin etched on her face. "My rich pronunciations?"

"Yes-" Fred bounced one of her curls.

"Rich as ever-"

"Be a doll and say 'water' for us-"

She lightly shoved them off, doing a terrible job of appearing to be annoyed. There was no way that she could shake her smile even if she tried.

Ron interjected, a grin on his face as well, "Oh shove off, you two."

"Hermione, Ariana, you two come here!!" Mrs. Weasley was trotting over, her warm inviting arms open to envelop the girls in a hug. Ariana and Hermione were sure to rush over to her and allow her to give them one of her famous, bone-crushing hugs. "I trust that you two had a lovely summer?"

"Oh, it was wonderful, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione gently affirmed as the mother released them and put her hands on their shoulders.

Ariana nodded in agreement, "It was very refreshing."

"Oh, good. I'm so glad." Mrs. Weasley's grin was warm and she patted their shoulders gingerly. She stepped back and took a pouch from her pocket. "Now, kids, go off to Diagon Alley now. I don't want you wasting daylight with all that is going on. Here is some change." She handed the sack of money to Ron. "Be back by sundown and we will be having some supper."

Mrs. Weasley gave Hermione and Ariana one last pat before heading off to aid Mr. Weasley with check-in.

Ginny Weasley joined the group that was preparing to leave. Ariana and Hermione made sure to give her a tight hug and conversed with her in friendly girl talk the whole walk to the shopping center.

When they got to the center of the bustling shopping mall Hermione pulled out the third-year shopping list. "Alright. Ari, Ronald, let's head off to Flourish and Blott's. We've got lots to buy!"

Ariana and Ron shared a look. They knew what was coming: a no-nonsense shopping trip. Ron and Ariana liked to stop and window shop and point at ugly things whilst saying to the other, 'You should get this.' Hermione, on the other hand, hated unordered time. Especially with a list and a curfew. Hermione only ever loosened up when the trip's objective was aimless window shopping and there was a limitless timeframe.

She succeeded in keeping them to her tight-knit shopping schedule. The trio whisked in and out of stores so quickly that they were left with an hour and a half before they were due back at the inn for dinner and bed.

"Well, great, Hermione. I sure do hope that you're proud of yourself. Now what are we going to do?" Ron scoffed as they stood in the middle of the wizards' outlet. "We have an hour and a half to kill now!"

Hermione tipped her chin up and pursed her lips. "Well, I have some spare change and I have been wanting a pet."

Ron's scoff grew louder, "Oh, bloody hell, yeah that's what you need-"

"Ron, be nice," Ariana interjected. She did not want him to finish that sentence as she was sure that if he did, he and Hermione would end up in a heated argument. If they were to be in such an argument, she would be left as the mediator.

"Fine," Ron said coldly, crossing his arms. "I'm going down to Florean Fortescue's for some ice cream. We'll meet back here when we're done. Ari, you go with whoever you want."

Ariana rolled her eyes. It was as if she was a child being demanded to pick between her parents.

Hermione sighed, "Go with Ronald. Keep him out of trouble." She turned on her heel and stormed off in the direction of the pet store, not even giving Ariana a chance to speak her own will.

In all honesty, it wasn't the worst outcome and probably was what she would have chosen. As much as she loved animals, Ariana could always go for chocolate cherry ice cream. She had thought of getting a cat this year but decided against it ultimately. Therefore, ice cream would suffice.

She and Ron took off in the opposite direction and walked the cobblestone street toward the ice cream parlor. They caught one another up to speed on the various events of their summers. Ron had visited Egypt and that appeared to be the highlight of his summer vacation. Ariana told him about her and Hermione's New England adventures to which he was highly intrigued as Ron loved to hear her stories about America.

They arrived at the parlor and ordered whatever they pleased. Ariana was thrilled to get her cup of chocolate cherry ice cream and Ron selected the classic mint chocolate chip.

He took a bite and audibly groaned in delight, "Mmm, this flavor tastes so much better when there's not some bloke over your shoulder saying that it tastes like toothpaste!"

Ariana chuckled at his comment and decided to tease him a bit as she swirled her ice cream around her spoon. "I'm surprised you know what toothpaste tastes like."

Ron smiled at her jest. "Low blow, Nightingale. Low blow. . . You see, I'm surprised you know what toothpaste is." He didn't mind as much when she poked fun at him since their relationship was more mannered as such. They saw each other as chosen siblings. They had their fair share of petty arguments and reveled in poking fun at one another.

Ariana could not say that her relationship with Harry was the same. Hermione, of course, was her best friend and soul sister, she had a category of her own. Harry, however, she shuddered to think of in a sibling light. She was not sure what she thought of Harry. They definitely had a deep understanding of one another and Ariana would dare to say that she was closer to him than Ron. Yet, she would never label him as her brother.

Ron and Ariana continued to tease one another as they left the ice cream shop and began their return to the meeting point. Ron suddenly switched the conversation, catching Ariana by surprise. "Ari, do you think that you're going to do quidditch at all?"

Her mouth was still full of ice cream when he asked. She pulled her spoon from her mouth with a small 'pop' and put it back in the paper bowl. "This year?"

"Well," He paused. "Yeah, or next year, whenever."

"I think I may try it this year, I'm not sure," She thought honestly. Sebastian had been nagging her all summer to try out, pledging to come and see one of her games if she did. "Are you?"

Ron sighed and he took the last bite of his sugar cone. "Not this year, perhaps next though. You should do it this year. Then one of us can get our foot in the door."

She shrugged and tossed her empty ice cream cup in the nearest garbage bin. "I'll talk to Harry. I may. Why are you so hesitant, Ronilus?"

He groaned at her choice of a nickname. She had picked up the name 'Ronilius' for him at the end of the last year. It was during the craze of the Chamber of Secrets. Ron had said something nonsensical (as Ron does) and she snapped at him and thus granted him the nickname 'Ronilius'.

"Enough with the Ronilius, Ariana!"

She giggled for she knew that she had struck a nerve of his. He never called her by her full first name. He always opted for 'Ari' as did most people.

"If you must know," He continued, quickly moving on from his previous offense. "I'm just not confident yet. I know that you're going to say that that's a stupid reason. Just. . give me one more year, I'll get there."

She squinted her eyes at him. They were approaching the meeting point. "One more year. That's all you get with a lame excuse like that."

"Guys!!!" Hermione's voice called from afar. Ron and Ariana turned their heads to see Hermione running down the cobblestone excitedly. They looked into her arms and saw that she was carrying a large, orange cat.

"Aw!! Who's this cutie?" Ariana exclaimed running up to meet Hermione halfway. She did have a soft spot for animals. Especially dogs and cats.

"Cutie?" Ron muttered to himself in bewilderment. "Looks more like an orange monster."

Ariana scratched the ears of the shabby cat lovingly as Hermione glared at Ron. "His name is Crookshanks."

"Well, would you look at that, an odd name for an odd cat," Ron quipped which earned him a rightful smack on the arm from Ariana. "Ow!"

The three of them made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron. The journey consisted of attempted civilized conversation between Ron and Hermione. Ariana found herself wishing that she didn't have ears so that she would not have to listen to such a painful conversation. Upon arrival at the inn, Crookshanks forcefully leaped out of Hermione's arms and onto the dusty wooden floor. He bolted suddenly and Ariana noticed a rat in a nearby corner.

"Crookshanks!" Hermione cried after him. "Where are you going?"

"It appears he's going after that rat," Ariana hummed, turning to head back to where Mrs. Weasley would be. She paid the situation no mind as that was normal behavior for a cat.

Ron's voice dropped an octave. "Did you say rat?"

"Yeah, why?"

"SCABBERS!!" Ron panicked realizing that his pet rat's life was at stake. He sprinted after the cat at full speed.

Hermione rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. "Of course, you weren't supervising your rat!"

Once Ron had rescued Scabbers from the near clutches of death by an orange tabby cat, he turned to Hermione with a glare. He pressed the rat to his chest in a protective manner. "I knew that cat was trouble! You have to return it!"

"I'm not returning him!" Hermione gasped shocked that he would ask such a thing of her. "It's not his nor my fault that you can't keep track of your rat! Ariana, talk some sense into him!"

"Don't drag Ari into this!" Ron scoffed as he stepped closer to Hermione. "It's none of her business! Right, Ari? Tell her you don't want to be involved!"

"She's perfectly capable of speaking for herself, Ronald."

Ariana's eyes widened as they continued to bicker over her nonexistent input. She refused to be dragged into their nonsense. It was one thing to supervise, it was another to have to meddle. She knew that it was going to be a long night and that this argument was not going to end anytime soon. So, she was quick to sneak away to have dinner alongside Ginny and scurry upstairs to bed.

She did not wait up for Hermione since she knew that she would not be up for a while. Plus, the next day they had to return to Hogwarts. Ariana opted to be well-rested for the journey.

The next morning was simply a sad continuation of the night before. Ron had just rescued Scabbers for the umpteenth time since the purchase of Crookshanks.

"I'm warning you, Hermione. Keep that bloody beast of yours away from Scabbers or I'll turn it into a tea cozy!" He warned with a harsh scold, holding Scabbers close to him.

Hermione protested, thinking him irrational. "He's a cat, Ronald. What do you expect? It's in his nature!"

"A cat?" Ron reverted back to insulting the creature. "Is that what they told you? It looks more like a pig with hair if you ask me!"

Hermione picked up Crookshanks and snarled at Ron. "Oh, that's rich coming from the owner of that smelly old shoe brush! That's right, Crookshanks. You just ignore the mean little boy."

Ariana began to dissociate from the bickering of Ron and Hermione. It was maddening to be around 24/7. They argued worse than an old married couple! They argued so much that Ariana wouldn't be shocked if they were a married couple!

She scanned the Leaky Cauldron looking for anyone that she knew. Perhaps the twins were up now, or Ginny, or even Mr. or Mrs. Weasley! Anything was way better than listening to Ron and Hermione have a go of it over animals. Instead, she did not find any Weasleys but instead her eyes landed upon a boy on the stairs who was observing Ron and Hermione's altercation with a grin on his face. He looked an awful lot like Harry.

She did a double take, noticing the scar beneath his messy raven hair. It was Harry!

"Harry!" Her face lit up as she exclaimed his name. She ran past Hermione and Ron who had immediately stopped their bickering. They turned their heads and smiled at the sight of their friend. Ariana threw her arms wide open and tackled him in a tight hug. He hugged her back with just as much enthusiasm and force.

"Ari!" He breathed as he embraced her. His voice was soothing. His touch was comforting. Now that he was here, all felt right. Perhaps it was that the quartet was now complete.

As he moved to greet Hermione and Ron, Ariana could not stop herself from observing how he had changed over the summer. His face had thinned and his voice had deepened just as Ron's had. He had shot up several inches. He was broader and had a bit more muscle than before. He was beginning to appear less scrawny and more manly. Ariana had to admit that he looked good.

The now-completed quartet quickly moved to have breakfast. Ron mentioned immediately that he was starving. They sat at a long wooden table and Harry was quick to inquire about everyone's summers. Ariana and Hermione told him briefly about New England and Ron jumped at the opportunity to mention Egypt.

"Egypt?" Harry gasped. "What's it like?"

"Brilliant!" Ron grinned as he took out a photo to show Harry. "Loads of old stuff like mummies and tombs. Even Scabbers enjoyed himself!"

Hermione hummed as she cradled Crookshanks in her arms. "You know the Egyptians used to worship cats."

Ron rolled his eyes, making sure to clutch Scabbers closer to his chest, "Yeah, along with the dung beetles."

Ariana ran her hand through her curls in frustration. "Guys, seriously, this is getting old fast."

Harry smirked, a playful glint in his green eyes, "I take it they've been at this for a while then?"

She rested her head upon her palm and exaggerated her words and eyes. "You have no idea." She had been listening to them bicker over their animals for over half a day now. She was beginning to think neither of them needed a pet.

Harry smiled at her. He was no stranger to being the mediator of Ron and Hermione's disagreements and he felt for her. Yet, today he was reveling in every aspect of the group's dynamic, even the bickering. For he had missed these very moments while he was locked away in a lonely room on Privet Drive.

However, he also found himself eager to have a moment to catch up with Ariana alone. He was not ashamed to admit to himself that out of his group of friends, he had the closest connection with Ariana. She would sit up with him late at night in the Gryffindor common room, listening to his every woe, aspiration, and tale. They would tease back and forth, and play games, she would at times read to him when he couldn't sleep. He valued her input above anyone else's. It was not that he did not love and respect Ron and Hermione. He had wonderful connections with them too, yet, Ariana just simply had something about her.

The Weasley twins suddenly came from behind and snatched the family photo off the table. "You're not flashing that clipping about again are you, Ron?"

Ron huffed obviously annoyed at his elder brothers. "I haven't showed anyone."

"No not a soul!" George mocked as he followed Fred in a single file line around the table. "Unless you count Tom-"

"And the day maid," Fred added.

"And the night maid-"

"The cook-"

"And that bloke who came to fix the toilet-"

"And that wizard from Belgium!"

Ron grumbled in annoyance muttering to Hermione and Ariana, "I don't know what they're on about."

Harry had stood up amidst the Twin's interruption to greet Mrs. Weasley and he had just been whisked away by Mr. Weasley. Ariana opted to be nosy and she craned her neck to see what they were up to. They appeared to be in a corner and the conversation looked to be important.

She hoped that when the quartet was alone on the Hogwarts Express, Harry would share what Mr. Weasley had told him. Or perhaps he would tell her when they got a moment alone. Oh, how Ariana wanted a moment alone with him. She wanted to tell him all about her summer, not just a brief overview. She wanted to talk to him about everything and anything.

Hopefully, soon she would get her wish.