Melanie Rosen: Year 5 (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter 6 The Bogart

Chapter 6

The Bogart

When we returned to 12 Grimmauld place, we were greeted with cheer and enthusiasm.

"I knew you two would get off!" Ron roared, excitedly.

"They had absolutely no case against you," Hermione agreed with a grin.

Morgan rushed over to hug me, saying, "I'm glad we'll actually be attending school together this year."

"It'll be great," I agreed, feeling so happy I was almost giddy.

"Nice hair," he commented, flipping one of my braids.

"Shut up," I said, playfully smacking his arm. "I think I'll take these down now if that's ok, Aunt Becky."

She beamed. "Of course. They served their purpose."

I wanted to roll my eyes as I loosened my hair and then pulled it back in a ponytail.

"You should have seen your sister," Uncle Richard, said proudly, putting his arm around my aunt. "Her words had old Fudge shaking, I swear."

"Well good," Sirius said, approvingly. "Someone ought to put that old bigot in his place."

Mum did not acknowledge the approval of anyone in the room. Instead, she walked over to me and said gently, "I'm glad they had the sense to clear you and Harry, Melanie."

I smiled and hugged her. "Thank you for speaking for me. I know you didn't want to be here but..."

"I'd do it any day for you," she insisted, holding my upper arms. She sighed and gave me another embrace before saying, "I should leave now. I do hope you have a good year in school."

"You're leaving already?" I asked, feeling like her time here was too brief.

Aunt Becky then pleaded, "Oh Livy, don't leave just yet. Stay with us tonight and celebrate. After all, you helped both Melanie and Harry get cleared."

"Becky, I really should get home..."

To everyone's surprise it was Sirius who said, "Oh come now. I've spent so many nights and days stuck in this place when I don't want to be here. You can make it one more night. Besides, your sister's right. You played a part in their clearing. You should be part of the celebration. I promise, it won't be bad. We don't bite... unless you catch Remus here on a bad night."

Lupin rolled his eyes but grinned.

Mum eyed everyone in the room and after a few moments let out a huff. "Fine, but I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning."

That evening we did indeed celebrate. Mrs. Weasley, along with Aunt Becky's and Mrs. Brody's help, cooked loads of food and there was a fair bit of drinking for the adults.

Hermione talked with Ginny, while Ron and Morgan hung out with the twins. I went and found Harry, standing outside alone on the balcony.

"It feels almost surreal," I commented behind him. "I was dreading this day so much and now its over. Things can go back to normal, or as normal as they can be for us."

"Yeah," Harry agreed, leaning on the rail. "I just don't understand the Ministry. I mean, they're going to have to deal with the fact that Voldemort is back sometime. Is Fudge that paranoid about losing his job to Dumbledore?"