Deus Fax Machina

Hogwarts Express Again

            Dumbledore returned to Hogwarts as the rightful headmaster that day and the school returned to relative normalcy. The swamp Fred and George had conjured was cleared by Flitwick with a flick of his wand, though he did leave a small portion as a tribute to the twins.

The daily prophet ran a story about Voldemort's return, they seemed to forget their old stance against Harry and Dumbledore overnight. The open admission of Voldemort's return did nothing however to dampen the spirits of the Hogwarts students; the weather was fine, and it was almost summer holidays. Sophie was making her way to lunch when she found herself passing Professor McGonagall.

'Miss Fax, the headmaster would like to see you.'

Sophie swallowed hard and nodded. She had broken into the headmaster's office, there were going to be consequences. She followed McGonagall to the old gargoyle.

'Cranberry shortcake.' McGonagall said.

Sophie smiled, at least they had changed the password. They both ascended the spiral staircase and Sophie followed McGonagall through the oak door.

'Ah, Minerva, Miss Fax.' Dumbledore stood as they entered, his deep purple robes sweeping around him. He motioned to the two chairs before his desk.

'Miss Fax, I have asked you here for two reasons. Firstly, well done for thinking to get a message to me. You did break into my office to do so, but anyone with a good memory could do the same.' Dumbledore smiled and stroked Fawkes. Fawkes ruffled his fiery feathers sending up small whisps of smoke. 'I think I shall be changing the password more often from now on.'

'I didn't stop Harry though, I didn't make him see it wasn't real.' Sophie's chest was tight. Her hands white on the arms of her chair.

'Harry Potter cannot be stopped once he decides what he wants.' McGonagall raised her eyebrows as she sat with her arms and her legs crossed. Dumbledore nodded.

'I'm afraid that is true, but as for you, Miss Fax, you have proved yourself to be brave, level headed in times of need, and loyal to your friends, you did not have to break into my office to contact me but you did.'

Heat rose in Sophie's cheeks. Here it is, the time for consequences.

'Miss Fax, you have proven yourself a true Gryffindor, and a true Hogwartian. So, on that note, the second reason for me asking you here,' Dumbledore clasped his hands together. 'We would be honoured if you returned to study at Hogwarts for the next two years of your schooling, if you are so inclined?'

'I – well, are you sure?' Sophie looked from Dumbledore to McGonagall, both were nodding. 'I don't think I will have enough OWLs.'

'You'll be surprised what being friends with Hermione Granger will do for your grades.' McGonagall's pursed lips held a small smile.

'Well, that's settled, you will return next year for sixth year at Hogwarts, Miss Fax. Excellent.' Dumbledore stood. 'I trust you're travel arrangements for summer holidays are in order?'

'I unfortunately have to inform you, Miss Fax, you will not be able to return home, your grandmother has made arrangements for you to say with your aunt, or cousin –' McGonagall frowned, Sophie shrugged. '– in Ireland, your family is safe but for you to travel to them may be dangerous, they are being closely monitored as your name is now known.' McGonagall stood and made her way to the door.

'That's fine, The Crone told me not to go home anyway.' Sophie stood, following McGonagall's lead.

'Ah, Mrs Koher. How is she?' Dumbledore directed Sophie out of his office.

'You know the Crone?'

Dumbledore winked over his half-moon spectacle. Sophie's mouth dropped open.

Sophie boarded the Hogwarts Express the next day with Hermione Ron and Harry. They shared a cabin with most of the DA, all of them pack into two compartments. They played exploding snap between retellings of the fight at the ministry, Ron showing anyone who would look his scars. Hermione rolled her eyes as Ron pulled up his shirt for the fifth time since they had boarded. Ginny gave him a whack on the stomach.

'Put it away, the brains only attacked you because they knew yours is slower than the rest of us.'

'Hey! At least I wasn't stupid enough to run around on a broken ankle!'

Just as Ginny was about to reply Crookshanks leapt from the luggage compartment into her lap. Ginny let out a small ooft and Crookshanks stepped from her lap onto Hermione's. Sophie looked up; two silvery eyes blinked at her from the darkness of the luggage rack. Sophie supressed a smile, Wolf had grown significantly over the year.

At the station students collected school trunks and various pets and made their way from Platform 9 and ¾ back into the muggle world. Waiting on the other side of the platform wall was a large group of people. Sophie recognised the fire-red haired woman from the beginning of the year, all along it had been Mrs. Weasley. She swept Ron and Harry into a tight hug. Ron went pink, Harry smiled into her hair. Hermione hugged two people who could only be her parents, smartly dressed in non-offensive slacks and shirts, unlike the rest of the group. Hermione's mum had her bushy hair. Sophie looked around for Edvard and Dubheasa, in her heart she was also hoping to see Max.

'Fax!'

Sophie's stomach did a backflip. It wasn't Max, it was George.

He and Fred were beaming at her, both wearing bright green jackets. George broke from the group and made his way through the crowd to Sophie. They looked at each other for a moment then Sophie threw her arms around him. George returned the hug, lifting Sophie off the ground.

'Hey mum, have you met George's new girlfriend.' Ginny's voice was unmistakable. Sophie let go of George as both their cheek grew pink. They smiled and George put an arm around Sophie.

'Missed you, Fax.'

'Is your jacket snakeskin?' Sophie took a step back.

'Dragon.' George's face split into a grin. Sophie shook her head.

'I missed you too.'