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Y/N's P.O.V.

Ever since Hermione told Y/N she'd be staying at the Leaky Cauldron for a couple days before the start of school, Y/N hadn't gone a day without pestering Remus. 

"C'mon, please?" She questioned for the tenth time that day. So far, the only answer from Remus was an adamant "no." 

She rolled her eyes and continued reading her book, making a mental note to ask again in five minutes. Y/N had already finished all of her summer homework, from potions essays to transfiguration diagrams. It was getting boring, really. The only so called "big" news was that Remus was going to be her Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

Lately, Y/N had taken to calling him "Dad." Sometimes, she didn't even think about how her mother and father were still alive. They were only alive in terms of technicality. They didn't feel, they didn't think. Just a constant state of misery. Calling Remus "Dad" seemed to comfort her somehow. Plus, if anyone deserved the title, he did. He had taken care of her since she was one year old, right after Rudolphus Lestrange and Antonin Dolohov had had tortured her parents to insanity. 

"Insanity..." She thought. Maybe if she annoyed him enough, Remus would have no choice but to get rid of her annoying arse until school started. 

Y/N jumped up from her armchair, rushing to their quaint, but large, kitchen. Just as she was about to grab some pots and pans, she saw a figure in the window. 

Her owl, Bandit, was flying through the evening sky towards the Lupin Cottage, a letter clutched in his talons. Abandoning her endeavors, she met him at the windowsill and took the letter. After receiving a treat, he clicked his beak in appreciation and flew through the house to her room. 

She sat down on the counter to open the letter as Remus walked in. Making himself a cup of coffee, he asked, "who's it from?" 

Y/N shrugged. "Dunno- oh! Its from Hermione." She said, then tore open the envelope and began to read aloud. 

"Dear Y/N, 

You won't believe it! Ron's family just got back from Egypt and they're staying at the Leaky Cauldron too! That is, until school starts."

"Bet you're loving that, Hermione." Y/N thought as she read the letter. 

"I've already finished all my shopping for school! I had some leftover galleons, so my parents told me to buy myself  an early birthday present. You'll meet him when you get here!" 

"Uh...meet the present. Alright."

"Guess who else is staying with us?" 

Y/N groaned and Remus raised a brow. She could just hear Hermione's teasing smirk through the letter. She had been pestering Y/N for months about a tiny crush that Y/N developed on, you guessed it, Harry Potter in their second year. She had gotten over it quickly, though, knowing he was unattainable, being the Boy Who Lived and all. 

"I bet you guessed right. And yes, I am smirking right now. I just arrived with Ron today. Harry's been here for a week! He's been asking about you the whole day, you know." 

The girl on the counter scoffed. It wasn't as though she didn't send letters to Harry. She had sent him a ridiculous amount during the summer and vice versa. She had sent him a birthday present, complete with a handwritten card, a whole cake, a pair of Seeker gloves and black silk scarf, which she knitted herself. 

In all honesty, she was very proud of herself. Sure, the scarf wasn't perfect, but she put so much time and effort into it. Was there a pile of failed attempts hidden under her bed that she was too lazy to clean up? Maybe. 

He was probably only asking about her so he knew when the friend group would be complete once more. She kept reading. 

"Anyways, if you can't come to the Leaky Cauldron, we'll see you at the start of term! We all (especially...someone) miss you! 

Lots of love, 

Hermione (And Ron. And Harry)" 

Now, this was sure to convince Remus. "Dad!" Y/N shouted, forgetting he was in the kitchen. The noise startled him and he almost spilled his coffee. 

"Yes...?" He answered tiredly, knowing what was to come. 

Y/N used her sweetest, saddest voice for this. "So, Hermione just told me that Ron and Harry are at the Leaky Cauldron too!" She began. "And, you know, how would you feel if all your best friends were together, without you?" emphasizing each impactful word. 

Though he rolled his eyes, Remus' lips were curved in a slight smile. "You're not going to stop asking, will you?" 

"You know me too well." She grinned. "Wouldn't be me if I weren't stubborn." 

Faking defeat, her uncle sighed. "Well, then. I guess somebody must undergo the tedious task of packing her trunk." He said, then finished his coffee in one sip. Y/N was smiling even harder, now. 

She hopped down from the counter and threw her arms around him. "You're the best, Dad!" Y/N exclaimed as he hugged her back. 

"I know I am. Now, shoo. I want you packed and in bed soon so we can leave in the morning." 

"Love you, sorry for being annoying!" She yelled while skipping up the stairs. Her uncle just chuckled.

✦

Y/N closed the door to her room and fell back onto her bed, spreading her arms. "I get to see them again. I get to see Harry again-" She cut off that train of thought. She wanted to see all of them equally. "Yeah...equally." She convinced herself. 

Before packing, she sat at her desk, quickly pushing clutter aside to make room for a new roll of parchment. She dipped her quill in black ink and began to write

"Dear Hermione (And Ron. And Harry) 

I'm allowed to come! It may or may not have taken me, like, two weeks to get a "yes," but it was worth it! Can't wait to see all of you! 

Tons of love (beat that.), 

Y/N   ღ  "

She waited a moment to let the ink dry, then rolled up the parchment and secured it with a ribbon. Proceeding to Bandit's perch, she gave him the letter and told Bandit to stay with Hermione until she got there. Y/N opened the window and watched him fly into the night. Then, she turned to her pile of clothes and other oddities that she needed to pack. 

"Here we go." 

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She was awake at seven a.m. the next morning. Fully dressed in casual clothing and eating breakfast when Remus came downstairs. The house was still semi-dark. Y/N finished her toast and got up to put her plate away, accidentally banging into the side of the table. 

"Stupef- oh." Remus said in alarm, pulling out his wand. 

Once he realised what was happening, he tucked his wand back into his pocket. "Y/N? But you're never up this early!" 

She just looked at him. "Well, today is special." "get to see Ron and Hermione and Harry. And Its gonna be amazing." Y/N added, though in her mind. 

"Oh? And why is that?" He asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee. 

"Becauuusseeeeee," Y/N said in a singsong voice. "I'mmmm going to the Leaky Cauldron!" 

Remus chuckled. "And why do you think that?" 

She blinked at him. "Dad-" 

"- I didn't make an Unbreakable Vow, did I?" He asked slyly. 

"Dad." 

"And do you really need to go. I mean, they're your friends and all-"

"-Dad!" She exclaimed as he burst into laughter. "You're not funny. You're so unfunny." Y/N told him, pouting. 

She dragged her trunk and Bandit's empty cage to the fireplace in the living room and waited (not so patiently) for her uncle to finish...whatever he was doing. 

"Lets go, lets go, lets go!" 

"Merlin, N/N. Calm down. We're going!" He said, slipping on a sweater. Others may have thought it was shabby,  but Y/N knew it was for the aesthetic. 

He grabbed some floo power from a pot on their mantle and handed it to Y/N. "Remember, say the location very clearly, before you throw the powder. 'Else, you'll cough and probably end up in Finland." 

"Yeah, yeah," she said jokingly. Y/N took the powder from him, stepped in the fire and said "the Leaky Cauldron, London." She threw the floo powder and everything began to whirr and spin. A green haze clouded her vision and next thing she knew, she was in the famous pub. 

Witches and wizards sat at rickety tables, drinking and laughing. Light was beginning to shine through the high windows, highlighting the dust particles in the air. 

Her uncle followed quickly after her and they proceeded to book her room. Money wasn't an issue, as Remus inherited half of the Sterling fortune after the...incident.

 Y/N received the other half, but why use her own money? 

Once everything was booked and settled, Remus bid her farewell. "I love you, N/N." 

"I love you, dad! See you soon!" She said, watching him disappear into green flames once more. She looked around for a moment, then decided that she would get a couple hours of shut-eye before going into the world. 

Y/N opened the door to her room, room 17. "Honestly, better than I expected." 

The room was the same monotonous grey colour scheme as the rest of the Leaky Cauldron. But, on the dresser rested a pale blue, empty, vase. The bed was a standard four-poster with two bedside tables. A door on the right indicated an ensuite bathroom. Somehow, Bandit was already there, snuggled into the bedsheets like a cat. 

She dumped her stuff on the ground and slid under the covers, careful not to wake her owl. In minutes, she was asleep, dreaming of serpents, three headed dogs and winged keys. 

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She woke up at around ten a.m. and headed down to the main pub/lobby area. Her pouch full of galleons jingled in her pocket, but she wasn't going shopping alone. She was sure that they other three weren't awake yet and that Hermione was still pestering them. Looking around and seeing nobody her age, Y/N smirked in satisfaction and sat down at a small table. 

Half an hour went by with Y/N simply doing nothing. "Is this heaven? 'cause this is blissful." 

Unfortunately and fortunately, her peace was disturbed by the very familiar sound of two people arguing. 

"That cat-"

"Oh, will you stop it, Ronald?" 

"If he didn't try to eat Scabbers-" 

The voices got closer and closer to the stairs. Though, one voice was missing. "Is he not with them?" She frowned. But it quickly turned into a smirk when she saw Ron and Hermione. 

Hermione had grown a little and her bushy hair had begun to suit her more. Cradled in her arms was a...well, either a very hairy pig or a very tiny tiger. 

Ron, freckled as ever, had grown. He had always been the tallest, but now he was lanky. His face displayed an annoyed look and the lump in the front pocket of his shirt indicated that Scabbers was there and in hiding. 

Yet, one face still hadn't shown itself. But nonetheless, Y/N stared until Hermione noticed her. The pair reached the bottom of the stairs, then their eyes widened. 

"Y/N! Oh, Y/N! We weren't expecting you until a couple days!" Hermione exclaimed, almost dropping the...animal...in her arms. She set the cat down gently and then squeezed Y/N in a hug. 

"That's me," Y/N gave a laugh. "Full of surprises!" she said, squeezing back. When they finally let go, it was Ron's turn. 

"Hey, N/N. How's your summer? A certain someone, who was here before us, by the way, was-" He began, but Y/N gave him a look and he stopped. 

She thought for a moment. "Hmm, summer was okay. You? Heard somebody went to Egypt." Y/N grinned at him. 

But when he started his story time, a new set of footsteps were making their way down the stairs. 

Harry Potter had just, regrettably, woken up. It was just another day he had to get through to see Y/N, well, until- 

"Harry!" A voice shouted from the bottom of the staircase. 

His favorite voice. His Y/N. 

"Oh Merlin,"  was his first thought. Y/N had always been pretty, but there was something about her this year. Safe to say, she looked insanely beautiful. Her hair was gleaming, her e/c eyes looked up at him and the hint of a smile ghosted her perfect lips. Her lips... 

"I don't like her, though." 

"Oh Merlin," was her first thought. Harry had always been, well, attractive. But there was something about him this year. Safe to say, he was incredibly handsome. He had grown taller and his jawline looked way sharper than before. His jet-black hair had grown out. It was the perfect combination of length and untidiness. He looked down at her with emerald eyes, a smirk playing at his lips. His lips... 

"I don't like him, though." 

"Hi," The two said in sync as Harry sped down the stairs. He leapt the last three steps and immediately wrapped Y/N in his arms. Her arms went around his neck, playing with the ends of his messy hair. His arms held her steady against him, never wanting to let go. 

Alas, all good things must come to an end and so they pulled away. 

"Well, I expected more than a 'hi,' but okay," Y/N teased, noticing that Ron and Hermione had begun to argue once more. She raised a brow at Harry, a silent, "explain?" 

He laughed, scratching the back of his neck. "Er, they've been at it since she bought..." 

"That mini tiger?" 

"Yeah. Ron thinks the cat's - Crookshanks I think? - got it out for Scabbers. Can't say I blame him." Harry shrugged.  

Y/N and Harry glanced at the arguing pair with slight interest. Then, they followed them to a more suitable table for four people. She sat beside Harry, leaving Ron and Hermione to cross their arms and ignore each other. 

"So, what'd the famous Harry Potter do this summer?" She asked, nudging his side. 

"Well, I blew up my aunt," he said nonchalantly, leaning back in his seat. 

"I meant something exciting- WHAT?"

Harry paused, adopting a thoughtful look. "Hmm, come to think of it, she's not really my aunt. My mom's sister's husband's sister, if you will." 

Y/N was in shock. "You blew her up?!" 

The boy grinned to himself, locking eyes will Ron, then the two burst into sniggers. Hermione gave them a disapproving look.  

He gave her an innocent look. "No, who told you that?" 

"Harry James Potter you are so insufferable," she groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose and huffing. She too crossed her arms and turned away from him. Harry just laughed.

"She's even pretty when she's annoyed..."

"You know you love me, N/N." He teased. 

"'You know you love me, N/N.'" She mocked, still refusing to look at him. He rolled his eyes and struck up a conversation within the group. 

The four of them traded their summer experiences and ordered a spot of breakfast. Ron had Y/N laughing so hard she almost choked. They finished their meals and Hermione asked Y/N if she had gotten her school supplies. 

"Not yet," she replied, watching in disgust as Ron shoveled his last pieces of bacon into his mouth. 

Hermione made to get up and Crookshanks leapt from her lap onto the table, eyes fixed on Ron. Putting a hand over his pocket, Ron abruptly stood and backed up. Rolling her eyes, Hermione grabbed Y/N's arm and dragged her to the door. 

The two boys followed them to the door, struck in conversation. 

"You up for Quality Quidditch Supplies?" Ron asked Harry, with a hint of...something in his voice. Y/N couldn't place it, so she let it go. Harry agreed and they left, promising they'd be back within the hour. 

Y/N turned to Hermione. "They could've come with us," she said, frowning. 

"Obsessed with this new broom, the Flame...Bolt? Or something." Hermione said. 

Y/N perked up. "No way they have a Firebolt here! The most expensive broom in the world, that is. Dream of mine since I heard it was being manufactured!" Hermione just smiled. 

While the boys were gone, Y/N and Hermione talked about anything and everything. It had been like that since the troll incident, maybe even before. Hermione gushed about her amazing trip to France. About all the monuments she saw in Paris, (the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Triumphal Arc, etc,) and all the delicious food. 

They walked into Flourish and Blotts so Y/N could buy her textbooks. All the while, Hermione kept talking.

The shine in Hermione's eyes while talking about all the history in Paris was beautiful and Y/N was truly glad that her friend thoroughly enjoyed her trip. Then, the conversation shifted to who they had sent letters to over the summer.

 Y/N grinned cheekily at Hermione as she looked at her list. The last item from Flourish and Blotts was "The Monster Book of Monsters."

"Hmm, I wonder who you lettered. Me, obviously, but I feel like there was someone else-" 

"Y/N." Hermione warned. Y/N ignored her. 

"I think he's a ginger. One of our best friends, name stars with R...ends with D, happens to have the wod "onal" in the middle-" 

"Lalalalalalala I can't hear you!" Hermione said, her hands covering her ears. 

"-do you know anyone who fits that description?" Y/N finished.  Her best friend just frowned at her, watching as the h/c girl burst into giggles. "You should see your face!" 

Hermione scoffed. "You should've seen your face when Harry came down the stairs. You were practically eye-snogging him!"

"I was not!-" She defended. 

Then, she saw the cage. "What is that. Why is it moving? Do I have to buy that?!" Y/N shrieked. 

Inside the cage were...brown, furry, moving books. Bound in leather with eyes on the front and pages for teeth. The sign underneath the cage read, "Approach With Caution." 

"Out of the way! Out of the way!" A shopkeeper ushered. The woman quickly unlocked the cage using a key around her neck, subdued a book and piled it into Y/N's arms. 

Y/N physically cringed. 

"Mistake...getting these...never again..." The shopkeeper muttered under her breath. 

"Hermione!" Y/N called. "What if it bites my arm off." She whined, shoving her best friend playfully when she laughed. 

Meanwhile...

Harry's P.O.V. 

"Mate, you can't keep denying it. Honestly." Ron told Harry, then immediately looking horrified. "See what you've done, Harry? You've gotten me talking like Hermione." 

Harry smirked. "Why bring up Hermione? That was so unnecessary. " 

Ron shoved him and the pair kept walking through the store. They looked around at quaffles, Quidditch Sets, quidditch gloves and even other brooms. But, of course, they always ended up at the Firebolt. 

"If only," Harry thought. The broom was undeniably amazing, if it weren't for the outrageous price. He and Ron talked a little bit about their upcoming school year, when Ron suddenly frowned. 

"Hey! You distracted me with Hermione-" 

"It worked," Harry interrupted, grinning. 

Ron rolled his eyes. "Shut up. Anyway, could you make it more obvious? The way you hugged her. You didn't hug Hermione like that." Ron pointed out. Picking up a quaffle and tossing it from one hand to the other. 

Harry leaned on a shelf behind them. "Well, I...er, haven't seen Y/N in a while." He defended lamely. His best friend just raised a brow. 

"Whatever you say, mate. The snog-me eyes tell a different story. The smirk? You don't even realize when you're flirting." 

"Oh."  

Had he really been suggesting that? If even Ron could see it, did that mean Y/N could, too? Harry wasn't sure if he wanted her to see it. What if she didn't reciprocate?" Not like there are any feelings to begin with." He told himself firmly. 

Before meeting up with the girls at Florean Fortescues Icecream Parlor, Harry tried to stall. He didn't know if he would be obvious when he saw Y/N. So, he kept Ron busy with talk about the feast when they arrive at school. Eventually, Ron remembered the ice cream (and Hermione). So, they headed back toward the icecream shop. Along the way, Ron teased him about Y/N and he teased Ron about Hermione. Quietly, though, as other students from their year were wandering about Diagon Alley too. They even bumped into Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan.

They made some small talk, the usual "how are you?'s" and "how was your summer?" But eventually, Dean said a name that caught Harry's attention. 

"Anyway, we just saw Y/N and Hermione. Said you two would be 'round Quality Quidditch." He said with a smile. 

Harry tried to be subtle about it. He really did. "Did Y/N...er, and Hermione, say anything else?" 

"Maybe she did, maybe she didn't. Why should we tell you, Loverboy?" teased Seamus. The boy barked a laugh when Harry's face went red. Soon, everyone but Harry was laughing. 

And, honestly, he didn't appreciate it.

But, that was a matter for another time, because as Ron, Seamus and Dean were facing him...their backs were turned to the rest of the world. 

Creeping up slowly behind them with a mischievous grin was Y/N. Hermione followed, looking like a tired mother caring for her toddler. 

Harry and Y/N locked eyes for a moment and she brought a finger to her lips. He looked back at his laughing friends, "protesting" just long enough for Y/N to- 

"AHHH!" She screamed right in Dean's ear, clutching onto his shoulder and scaring the life out of all three of them. 

"Merlin's saggy left-" 

"JESUS CHRIST Y/N WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU THIS IS HOMOPHOBIA I SWEAR TO MERLIN ITS BECAUSE IM BLACK ISN'T IT." 

"Y/N THIS IS WHY YOU'RE BUILT LIKE A-" 

Now, it was Harry's turn to laugh. He doubled over along with Y/N as they laughed. Well, hers was more like a giggle, but Harry loved it. Even Hermione joined, while the other three boys just looked shocked. 

Once they stopped, Y/N was still grinning. "You know you love me, Dean, Seamus." She said. "Oh, and Ron too. But I already know that." 

They all crossed their arms. Dean even let out a "humph!" sound. Harry found it hilarious how petty they were. 

Still chuckling, Y/N yelled a "bye, Dean, Seamus!" to them. Harry looked down at her fulfilled face and walked with her back to the Leaky Cauldron, ignoring the sounds of Ron and Hermione arguing coming from behind them. 

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Harry, Y/N, Hermione and the Weasleys were about to have a fun, albeit chaotic, dinner. When Harry saw the twins, they greeted him formally. 

"Harry!" Fred exclaimed, bowing deeply. "Simply splendid to see you, old boy-"

"Marvelous" said his twin, George, pushing Fred aside to shake Harry's hand. Then, George turned to Y/N, who was in deep conversation with Ginny (the girl looked rather embarrassed, probably because she had been taken with Harry since that day on Platform 9 3/4). "Y/N! Fred, do mine eyes deceive me, or is it really our prankster?" 

Y/N's beautiful eyes ("No, Harry. Just her eyes. That's it.") flickered over to them. Her face split into a grin and she went over, pulling them down into a hug and ruffling their hair. 

"Hi, weirdos." 

"You wound us, Y/N, Fred said, placing one palm over his heart. 

She turned back to Ginny. "Good, feel hurt," she said. 

Percy Weasley made his rounds of formalities before Mrs. Weasley asked, "I suppose you've heard of our exciting news?" When Y/N, Harry and Hermione shook their heads, she continued. "Percy's been made Head Boy, second one the family!" She said brightly. 

"Er, thats wonderful, Percy." Harry congratulated. 

"Yeah, good job," Y/N and Hermione said. 

Then, everyone sat down, tucked in and ate to their hearts desire. The rickety, wooden table was laden with a five-course meal. From chicken to beef, salads to sandwiches, there was everything. Harry's mouth watered when desert came out and Y/N nudged him, whispering in his ear. 

"At least take the treacle tart out on a date first." 

He snorted, but before he could respond, the main conversation shifted to the Weasley's trip to Egypt. Mr. Weasley brought out the newspaper. The Weasleys (minus Charlie, he couldn't make it), were standing in front of a huge Pyramid. Despite the photo being in black and white, Harry could practically see their signature flaming-red hair. 

Scabbers stood on Ron's shoulder, looking perfectly healthy. "Weird. The dumb rat was fine a couple of days ago..." Harry thought. 

Hermione, Percy and Mrs. Weasley were having some conversation about the history in Egypt. Ron was talking and laughing about...something with Fred and George. When he caught Harry looking, he gestured subtly to Y/N. Harry scoffed. 

She tapped his shoulder, then rested her hand there. "Are you okay?" she asked softly. "You sound annoyed." 

He placed his hand on top of hers. "I'm fine, just tired." 

Just then, Mr. Weasley informed the table that the Ministry of Magic would be providing cars for the journey to Kings Cross in the morning. Percy asked in a pompous tone, "why is that, father?" But before his dad could answer, the twins did. 

"Its for you, Perce." Fred said seriously. 

George nodded. "Yeah. The Ministry heard about your accomplishment and they want to give you top security," he said. 

Percy frowned. 

"The cars'll have little flags on them with the letters HB-" 

"For Humongous Bighead-" 

"And-" 

Mrs. Weasley stopped them. "That's quite enough, boys. Ron, have you packed yet?" 

Ron shook his head. "No, mother. He's just dumped all his things on my bed." Percy said indignantly.  

Harry tuned out the conversation when Y/N whispered in his ear once more. Her breath tickled the shell of his ear, sending tingles down his spine. 

"I say we ditch. What say you?" She asked in a pompous tone, mimicking Percy from earlier. 

"I do agree, my fair lady," He whispered back.

 They excused themselves, saying they had to finish packing and headed upstairs, giggling to themselves. 

Y/N's P.O.V. 

Walking into Y/N's room, room 17, the first thing Harry did was engulf her in a hug. Though surprised, she reciprocated. He was warm, his stance was comforting and she felt...safe. 

To Y/N, it felt blissful. "Shit. No, it doesn't feel blissful. I got over this last year." It was so hard to forget that he could have anyone he wanted.  

"Woah, what's this about?" She questioned playfully. 

He rested his chin on her shoulder, heaving a sigh, his messy hair tickling her jaw. "Nothing. Just missed you over the break," he sighed again. Y/N smiled, wishing that the moment would never end.

Eventually, they pulled away. Harry gave a sweet smile and left her room with a "good night, Y/N. Sleep well." 

Little did he know, she would get almost no sleep - and he was the reason. 

"Damn you, Potter." 

─── ☆: *.⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ .* :☆ ───

 first official "chapter" complete! comment what you thought of it and pls vote if you like the story so far :)

the motivation is lowkey motivation-ing 😍

-dizzyann1e