Chapter 69 - Ch. 69 A surprise, but a welcomed one

'Of course that little event from yesterday made the papers. I'd be surprised if it didn't. But does the Prophet not realize how hurtful it is to their reputation to run such an obviously biased story?' I ponder to myself after reading its and the Heralds version.

Honestly, the Prophet actually ran a piece on how violent Arthur Weasley is, as he started the fight when Malfoy offered to help him buy his children better than second-hand equipment. And then come my bit, a story about me coming in and double-teaming the man into submission. That one made me laugh.

'Who writes these things? It's not even a Skeeter article, no wonder they're ok with the c.o.c.kroach's writing. I mean they had at least a cameraman at the scene, due to that guy wanting a picture of Lockhart. Did they just ignore the guy?' I laughed to myself.

The Herald on the other hand had a reporter on the scene since the building they run out of is in the alley. Then add photographic evidence of the two brawling, my intervention was fully captured, flip and all, and me standing between the two of them with their wands. It reported that the event was both men's fault: Lucius for continuously mocking his foe and talking about pureblood superiority at the sight of a young muggle-born girl, with Arthur not being able to hold his temper properly and throwing the first punch. I on the other hand, am being treated as some kind a valiant and promising heir, ready to intervene between an erupting duel without magic due to my age. I didn't even ask them to do that too!

'That picture of me flipping Lucius is awesome, think I'll save it for when I need a smile.' I thought as I cut it out to preserve it.

Well, I was happy until aunt Amelia came home and gave me one hell of a lecture for what I did, since it did put me in some danger and brought the ire of Lucius Malfoy. But after that she said she was glad I wasn't hurt and that I did the right thing by stopping people from getting hurt without harming anyone. I can't be mad at her because she just worries about me and Susan, so I just gave her a hug and thanked her for caring.

The summer ended nicely and we were finally on our way to Kings Cross. We said out goodbyes to aunty before Susan and I went to find a place to sit.

I found a nice cabin, but before I could get all my stuff ready, Victoria came in. We've been talking during the summer, keeping each other updated and helping each other out on our projects, but it's the first time we see each other since the break started. I was stunned because she seemed to be a blooming flower to me. She was wearing her usual mix of black pants and green blouse, with the necklace I had given her shining brightly around her neck. Her jet-black hair flowing down her back with light waves in them, her outfit couldn't hide her growth as she was becoming a woman, letting the necklace lay in developing mounds and her curves showing nicely, she was becoming more and more enchanting as her noble demeanor was offset by her charming beauty and emerald green eyes.

-Victoria POV

I wanted to quickly find a cabin to talk to Aedan face-to-face before James and Christian showed up. I knew that Aedan always came early because of his aunt and that if I came at the same time I would have at least 20 minutes to talk to him. I've been using the box he gave me to talk to him, but its just not the same without hearing his soothing voice or feeling that familiar heat near me.

He got taller, I'm 5'7 but he's still almost a head taller than me. His white t-shirt was tight as it couldn't hide his almost perfectly developing muscles, not bulky like those muscle heads, but like a warrior or predator, sleek, powerful and efficient, and hot. As he heard me enter I could see his broad and firm straightening, with his mesmerizing hair tied in a loose ponytail flowing down in the middle of it. When I could finally see his face I was lost in it. The delicate features he had were blending perfectly with his development into a man, looking like the true Adonis in my eyes. Then I met his intense eyes, the eyes unique to him and only him. The eyes which could show me unyielding determination and care.

We lost ourselves into each other's eyes and I don't think I wanted it to end.

But Aedan was always one to be able to step up.

-back to Aedan

"I am happy to see you looking so well Tory." I said gently as I closed the door and obscured it, before taking her into my arms for a hug. "I know we wrote to each other a lot, but I missed you." I then whisper in her ear.

She hesitated a bit before hugging me back and burying herself in my c.h.e.s.t.

"I missed you too." Came her quiet and muffled response, leading to a tighter hug.

We just enjoyed each other's embrace until she finally gave me a small tap and I let go. And when I do, I see her blushing face trying to suppress a smile due to her pride.

"Come, sit down and we can relax a bit before the guys come." I say gently as I place her trunk in the overhead storage. She nods in response and sits. I quickly store her things and sit beside her as she is trying to regain her composure.

"I've got some good news I haven't been able to share with you because I wanted to tell it to you in person." She started off seriously. "I am officially the female prefect for my year!" She proclaimed proudly.

"Congratulations Tory! It couldn't have gone to anyone more deserving of it than you. You are without a doubt the best witch of our year, must less Slytherin." I praise the girl sincerely as I get her to blush a bit in happiness. "Do you know who else it will be for your year?" I then ask.

"No, they didn't tell me in the letter. But I'm honestly not expecting much from anyone in my year, they're all so stereotypically Slytherin. It makes it so easy to guess how they'll act. Bias towards the house and punishing anyone they don't like anywhere else." She answered with a disappointed sigh at how blatantly stupid they act.

"That's alright. You do what you believe being a prefect means and I'll support you the whole time you do so." I say gently as I give her hand a squeeze. This made her blush come back again at the intimate contact, only letting her give a nod in response.

We spent some time quietly enjoying each other's presence, until I could feel the familiar auras of James and Christian, making it us reluctantly stop before they arrived. I lifted the magic on the door and windows, before they would see it.

"Hey there you two. How's your summer been?" Came in my energetic friend.

Christian was also growing rapidly during the summer. He looked around 5'10, with a good amount of muscle for someone our age. His black hair had been neatly trimmed since last I saw him, letting his increasingly sharp features come into focus, with his energetic eyes pulling people in. He was wearing camo pants and combat boots, with a green tank top, looking like he just came out of a tour in the jungle.

"It's good to see you again Victoria, I've been spending some time with Christian this summer so I know how he's been. But how have you been Tory?" Said our gentle friend.

He was also growing quick, but was shorter than Christian due to him not exercising as much and focusing more on academics, standing at 5'8. His frame wasn't muscled, but it also wasn't skinny or fat, being healthy would be the common ground between the three. His sandy blonde hair had grown a bit, almost reaching his shoulders, his face was becoming one of a kind man, with his soft features developing alongside his strong jawline and his blue eyes always giving off their welcoming gaze.

"I've been good you two. I've also heard about you and Aedan James, but where did your parents take you this time Christian?" Tory asked with a small smile.

"Oooh. We went to the Amazon rainforest this year. It was pure survival as we were looking for forgotten, supposedly extinct, or new species! It was great man. My old man taught me how to hunt and survive." He informed us excitedly.

"Now there's something I never expected to meet: a survivalist wizard." I say with a chuckle.

"Although that does sound like it'll give you much to tell us about. Unfortunately I will be too preoccupied with my new duties during the ride to hear them. So if possible do tell me at the castle." Said James with a small sigh.

"That'll have to go for me too, I'm guessing you're a prefect as well James." Added in Victoria.

"Should have guessed you'd be one as well Tory." He replied with a knowing smile.

"Merlin's breeches! You two are also Prefects! Me too!" Shouted a very excited Christian, whilst I smiled at what I knew was going to happen.

As my friends were smiling at the revelation, Tory suddenly paused.

"Wait a second. No offense here, but how is Christian the Ravenclaw prefect when Aedan is there?" She asked, sparking looks of realizations on the guys' faces, immediately looking at me awkwardly.

"Haha! No need to worry you three. Dumbledore gave me another thing to do. Let's get changed and head over to the prefect carriage." I declare with a laugh.

As we walked a lot of people recognized us and peeked our of their cabins as we passed.

"But if you are not a prefect Aedan, how are you going to be allowed in?" Asked James with some worries.

"It'll be fine James, I'm better than a prefect." I answer, confusing the three. But they know I'm not going just to cause trouble, so they choose to believe in me.

We arrive at the carriage door and enter.

It was quite different than the rest of the train. The Hogwarts express is generally filled with individual cabins everyone chooses to travel in. This carriage is actually a large lounge area, with comfortable seating and furniture, looking like a high class private train car from back in the days, but with more seating areas and no bar. It was primarily red in color, matching the trains paint job, but darker in shade. The furniture was Victorian in style, but very well maintained, with wine red coloring for most of it. And scattered around the room were small tables to put your food or drinks on, which could be obtained from the house-elf assigned to the carriage.

Inside we find 22 students our age and older, 21 other prefects and the head girl for the year. I recognized Penelope Clearwater from my house, she started as prefect last year, and Percy Weasley, currently dating the former, somehow. The Head Girl this year was a Hufflepuff surprisingly, turning out to be someone I knew from the exchange. Her name is Helen Dormant, an aspiring historian, hoping to find lost history of the magical world once she left the school. She was rather average in looks, with shoulder length brown hair, brown eyes, a pair of glasses on her nose, and no outstanding physical features. But since she is in her position, it more than proves she's shown great skill and character to reach it. Her looks mean nothing if she is the best for the job.

"What are two fifth year Ravenclaws doing here?" Suddenly asked one of the Slytherin 6th years.

"Aedan, Christian, I know you two are close friends, but you can't bring guests here." Penelope jumped.

"No worries Penelope, everyone that should be here as arrived, so I suggest calling this meeting to order." I reply with a bright smile.

"No we can't. The Head Boy still hasn't shown and it's near the scheduled time. What is he doing?" Interrupted Percy. Judging.

"Who says he isn't here?" I asked as I pull out my own badge with a grin, making everyone's jaws hit the floor in shock.

"No way that's possible! You're a fifth year!" Yelled the seventh year Slytherin prefect.

"Hahahaha! By Merlins wrinkly sac mate, you did get a better assignment from Dumbledore!" Exclaimed my wild friend as he burst out laughing.

"It would be nice if you told us these things in advance you know? I do like being in on jokes." Said James as he shook his head.

"Made me worry for nothing, I'm going to let you have it." Simply said Victoria.

"Still worth seeing everyone's faces!" I proclaimed, readying myself for her punishment, but not yielding to my d.e.s.i.r.es.

"So if you can name a better person for the job while discounting the years then let me hear it." I then challenge those present. But the thing is that all the prefects outside of Slytherin have been coming to my exchange and know just how good I am. Putting aside my age, I am the best candidate for head boy without a doubt, even if their prides sting a bit as a result.

"Ha! I can beat a brat like you in my sleep!" Shouted the same seventh year from earlier.

"Why is it that every time I meet a Slytherin other than Victoria it's always an idiot with no understanding of his own abilities, or place? You guys always believe yourselves so important and that's mainly because the headmaster felt sorry for you all." I say to the room.

"Shut up. We are the true future of the magical world!" He simply raged on.

"Did you know the special treatment of Slytherin is allowed so that the other three houses don't take revenge on you for what most of your parents did to others during the war?" I asked aloud, silencing everyone immediately.

"Then I'll ask something else. In what way are any of you even fit for the house of the cunning and ambitious? Most of you act like brain-dead bullies, incapable of expressing original thoughts since you've been brainwashed by your parents and force those who are actually capable of being true to Slytherin ideals to conform to your might makes right philosophy." I then press the teen.

"Honestly, what ambition do most of you have when you don't even have your own goals? Everything you are and think was hammered into you. Most of you have never thought about the question 'who am I?' Because you are afraid of the answer. You know that without that precious last name of yours, you are nothing. You are an empty being, filled with someone else's words, spitting out someone else's poison and following someone else's will." I speak out as my magical energy starts to pressure those present in the room.

"So don't stand and in front of a true man and bl.u.s.ter! Because you are naught more than some else's puppet made to spout hate and are not worthy of doing so!" I declare as the teen falls back in fear.

I then retract my energy, letting everyone but my friends gasp for air.

"By Merlin's knickers mate. That was bloody awesome." Exclaimed my wild friend in awe.

"That is certainly one way to cow the opponent into defeat. But you could have gone a bit easier on the guy." Said a slightly concerned James.

Victoria actually came closer to me and leaned into my ear to whisper.

"That was really hot. You're off the hook for earlier because THAT is how my man should be." In a really s.e.xy voice, before she went back to her place with a straight face.

With a smile on my face I then turned to the rest of the carriage.

"Alright, now that the objections have been dealt with, let's begin the meeting." I declared with confidence.