Change the Future

*Third Year*

Garden Mischief

Rory tiptoes through the grass, trying to hex the gnomes back over the fence. Charlie's behind her, pretending not to watch her struggle.

“You’re meant to throw them, not bribe them with biscuits” Charlie said.

“You’d be surprised how persuasive I can be” Rory whispers

“Oh, I’m not surprised.” She raises an eyebrow. He tosses a gnome expertly over the fence.

“Show off.”

“Years of experience.” He does a mock bow. A gnome bites his ankle mid-bow. Rory laughs so hard she nearly falls into a bush.

Harry's sorting

Rory leaned against Fred as they sat at the Gryffindor table, chatting with Charlie while waiting for the Sorting Ceremony to begin. The new first-years were just about to be sorted including their younger brothers.

“What house do you reckon they’ll be in?” Rory asked Charlie.

“Probably Gryffindor, like the rest of us” he replied with a shrug.

“Most likely” she agreed, watching the staff table idly.

“Hey, Rory” George said, leaning over to get her attention.

“Yeah?” she turned to him.

“Why are your dad and uncles at the teachers' table?”

“What?” Rory whipped around, eyes scanning the staff table. Sure enough, James, Remus and Sirius were all seated among the professors smirking directly at her. “I have absolutely no idea” she said slowly, narrowing her eyes at them. “They didn’t say anything to me.” Her confusion was short-lived as the Great Hall doors creaked open. Professor McGonagall entered, leading a nervous line of first-years. The chatter died down, and Rory turned back to the front as the group approached the Sorting Hat.

“It’s not real, the ceiling,” a bushy-haired girl with an eager tone said to another student as they passed. “It’s just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History” Rory smiled a little as Harry glanced her way and she gave him a small nod of encouragement.
McGonagall guided the first-years to the front of the hall, where the Sorting Hat sat on its stool.

“Will you wait along here, please?” she said, then turned to address the hall. “Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words” Dumbledore stood with a warm smile.

“I have a few start-of-term notices I wish to announce. First-years, please note that the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits to all students” His eyes flicked to Rory and the twins, who snickered under their breath. “I would also like to introduce three new members of staff,” Dumbledore continued. “First, Professor Black, who is taking over for Professor Sinistra, who has decided to leave us” Sirius stood dramatically, gave a flourishing bow, and sat back down with a grin. “Next, Professor Lupin” Dumbledore said. Remus gave a polite nod. “And finally, Professor Potter, who along with Professor Lupin will be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts this year” James gave a cheerful wave, clearly enjoying himself.

“You’re so screwed this year, Nova” Charlie whispered with a grin.

“No, I’m not” Rory replied, her eyes still on the staff table. “If it was my mum, then I’d be screwed” McGonagall stepped forward once again with the Sorting Hat in hand.

“When I call your name, you will come forward. I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses. Hermione Granger” she called.