The Magical Misadventures of the Potter Twins

Chapter 3: A New Home

As the Knight Bus traveled rapidly, it drove North. The twins held on to the rail for dear life. They nearly fell twice, but standing was better than watching the beds crash against each other as they traveled to who knew where Minerva subtly asked them about their upbringing. From what she gathered, the twins were virtual slaves to the Dursleys-more Harry than Holly. But Holly explained how her aunt punished her, where the bruises could not be seen, and pushed her to become the perfect gymnast and a prima ballerina. Petunia was a slavedriver. Minerva had been right all those years ago; the Dursleys were the worst type of Muggles she had ever seen.

The Knight Bus finally stopped in front of a cottage in a quaint little village. Holly and Harry stumbled out of the bus, followed by Minerva, and looked around. They had never seen a town with such oddly shaped buildings. The twins turned toward Professor McGonagall and smiled at the twins, "Welcome to Hogmead Village,"

Holly and Harry looked at each other wide-eyed. They had never seen a town like this before; they were only allowed to be in Surrey. Minerva smiled at the twins and led them to her home. She ushered them into her house and escorted them to the parlor, "Welcome to my home," Minerva told the twins and offered them a seat.

The twins sat on the sofa while Professor McGonagall conjured tea and cake. She served the twins and noticed how they looked at each other. They had never tried cake before, and the years of conditioning kicked in; they weren't sure if they should eat it. Minerva, seeing the conflict in their eyes, encouraged them to eat.

"It's alright, children, have some cake and tea," Minerva told them.

Holly and Harry looked at each other and cautiously took two pieces of cake. They took a small bite and marveled at the taste. It was the best thing they had ever tasted. Watching their reaction to trying cake, Professor McGonagall seethed but didn't let it show. She decided then that the Potter twins would experience the childhood they deserved.

After having their cake and tea, Professor McGonagall led them to their rooms. The twins looked at each other and then at Minerva; they never had rooms, and the thought of being separated bothered them.

"Um, Professor, could Harry and I share a room? We've never been apart," Holly explained.

Minerva thought for a moment and decided that it was okay for now. But they will need their own rooms when they get older, "That's fine, Holly, and remember, as long as we're not in school or if we're in private, you can call me Minerva," McGonagall sighed, "Or Minnie as your father and his friends called me," Minerva told the twins, making them giggle.

Minerva flicked her wand and moved Harry's bed into Holly's bedroom. She decided to wait until the following day to take the children to Diagon Alley to buy their school supplies and clothes. Minerva talked with the twins longer until she noticed Holly dosing, "Alright, you two, it's time for bed; tomorrow will be busy."

Holly and Harry looked at each other, puzzled, "What are we doing tomorrow?" Harry asked.

"Tomorrow, we're going shopping for Muggle clothes, and then we will go to Diagon Alley to purchase your school supplies," Professor McGonagall informed the twins.

They protested, but Minerva was firm; they needed suitable clothes, and nothing would change her mind. Holly and Harry resolved themselves and bid the professor goodnight. They got ready for bed. When Holly exited the bathroom, she got into bed and bid her brother goodnight. Tomorrow would be interesting; she wondered what clothes shopping was like; she'd find out tomorrow.

Holly and Harry got up at their usual time to start breakfast the following day. They entered the kitchen and abruptly stopped. Professor McGonagall was already in the kitchen and was cooking breakfast. Holly and Harry looked at each other, confused. Wasn't it their job to cook?

As if reading their thoughts, the Professor looked at the twins and smiled, "I knew you two would want to make breakfast, but it's not your job to cook for me; it's mine to make breakfast for you," Minerva commented.

Holly and Harry looked at each other, confused. It wasn't their job to cook? That was news to them; the twins had been cooking for the Dursleys before they could adequately reach the stove. Minerva's lips formed a thin line, but she didn't comment. Instead, she told the twins to sit down while Minerva used her wand to serve breakfast.

Holly and Harry looked cautiously at Minerva to ensure she wouldn't punish them for eating at the table. They never sat at the table to eat, so this was a new experience. Minerva turned to serve the twins and saw how uncomfortable they were. Minerva sat across from them and put her hand on their intertwined hands, "Holly, Harry, you don't have to be afraid of me. You are not doing anything wrong," she assured them.

"But the Dursleys said-"

"It doesn't matter what your relatives tell you. It was all a lie. You are not freaks; you are special, talented children with two loving parents. Your Aunt Petunia was always jealous of Lily, so she took it out on you two. Let's enjoy our breakfast and then head to London," Minerva told the children as she waved her wand and sent the rest of the breakfast to the table.

"Thank you, Aunt Minnie," The twins chorused.

Minerva looked up from her place and saw Harry and Holly looking at her in horror for calling her that. Minevera gave them a gentle smile, "You're welcome, children. Only remember not to call me Aunt Minnie at Hogwarts. It wouldn't look professional," Minerva chuckled, then sipped her tea.

The Potter twins smiled at each other and happily ate their breakfast. They couldn't wait to see what else would happen today.