the lucky one

positions

Miranda, Hermione, and Ginny laugh as Mateo loses at Wizard's Chess for the hundredth time.

"Better luck next time, McGonagall." Ron crows triumphantly.

Grimmauld Place has considerably brightened over the summer, as Sirius is in much better spirits, now that he has Miranda and Mateo to care for. Kreacher is— well, Kreacher is Kreacher. Besides, fixing the dark, depressing house up was exactly what Miranda had needed to take her mind off of...

The Weasley's and Hermione had arrived two weeks ago, as Death Eater attacks continued to mount, Dumbledore thought it best to keep the Order all in one place.

Mateo has become fast friends with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, and Miranda was delighted he was fitting in so seamlessly. Him and Ron bonded quickly, as the lack of male presence in the household caused Miranda, Ginny, and Hermione to gang up on Ron as frequently as possible. It was self preservation really. Also, Mateo was one of the only ones who'd still play chess with Ron.

Hermione has also taken a liking to the boy, eager to have someone as interested in school as she is. He's even taking Runes with her next year. Miranda had discovered early on that years of being homeschooled by Severus Snape and having basically no company except books have turned her brother into a dork of massive proportions. In fact, once over the summer, her and Ron had witnessed Hermione and Mateo nearly faint from excitement when a new book on curses came out by one of their favorite authors.

A flutter of wings outside the window distracts Miranda from her thoughts, the sharp rap on the window pane jolting her back to the present. Hermione gasps, leaping up from her curled up position at the foot of Miranda's bed, nearly toppling the chess board in the process.  "Do you think it's our O.W.L. results?" asks Hermione anxiously.

Ginny hops up to open the window, shaking her head, "No, it's only Hedwig."

"Hedwig? Miranda snaps to attention, glancing up. Her heart leaps hopefully.  "But that means—" The door to their room opens with a flourish, a familiar figure appearing in the doorway. "Harry!" Miranda scrambles to her feet, running headfirst at him. She catapults straight into his arms, kissing him full on the mouth. His lips meet hers, and Miranda sighs into the familiarity.

"Well, hello to you too," Harry grins, returning her embrace with strong arms. Stronger than she remembers. Once Harry has set her feet back on the ground, Miranda steps back to take a good look at him

He's grown several inches taller, his chest broader, jaw more defiined. And his perpetually messy hair is longer at the ends, closer to how it had been in fourth year. She has to admit she likes his hair a little long, more wild. As if reading her mind, Harry runs a hand through his hair, and Miranda beams at him.

Ron, Ginny, and Hermione hasten over and give Harry hugs, welcoming him inside.

"Good to see you, mate," Ron clasp him on the back firmly.

Hermione throws her arms around him, "We're ever so glad to have you back, Harry."

Did you really have to do that?

Get out of my head, Mateo.

I mean, was it really necessary?

I'll do it again if you don't shut up.

Mateo scowls at his sister, struggling for a moment, and then begrudgingly shakes Harry's hand, "Welcome back." Miranda flashes him a grateful smile.

Thank you.

Hmmph.

After pulling a chair up for Harry, Miranda plops down on the rug next to Ginny, leaning back against his legs. "When did you get here?"