Harry Potter and the Story Without Delphi

Chapter Nine: Meet The Wesleys (And Grangers. And Potters.)

Grandma Weasley flung her hands around Albus and Rose, leaving Teddy and Nova awkwardly standing in the background. When she let them go, she turned to Nova and gave her an inviting smile.

"I'm so happy you're staying with us dear, you are absolutely welcome! It's been so long since we've had different company on Christmas, I'm absolutely thrilled to have you try all my recipes."

Nova seemed taken aback by the warm reception but returned Mrs. Weasley's smile.

"Thank you so much for letting me intrude. I'm excited to be here."

"In no stretch of the imagination are you intruding! Come along dears inside. Everyone else is already waiting."

Everyone followed Molly inside the house. When they entered the living room, many adults were scattered on couches and chairs. Albus sought out only one.

"Hey, dad."

Harry Potter's head whipped around and faced his son. A smile broke out on his face, but it was Lily Potter that beat him to words.

"Albus!" Lily squealed "Your back! I missed you so much!"

As she ran towards him, Mom looked around.

"Where's James?"

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Fifteen minutes and a Floo travel later, James Potter was as indignant was anyone had ever seen him.

"You left me at the station! I cannot believe you, Teddy! I though you like me best!"

Teddy looked extremely nervous, especially with three Potters glaring at him.

"We left pretty late. Where were you?"

"I was looking for Mum or Dad on the platform! When nobody showed, I went to the bathroom quickly!"

In the background, Ron Weasley was roaring with laughter. Hermione elbowed him to shut him up. 

"Well," Albus interrupted, feeling the possibility the saga would never end, "Can I introduce you to my classmate that came?"

His mum and dad looked at Nova, who had awkwardly faded into the background. She gave I small wave.

"My name is Nova. Thank you for having me."

Ginny gave the girl a smile.

"I'm Albus's mom. Feel free to call me Ginny."

"I can't even call you Ginny," murmured Teddy.

Ginny shot Teddy one of her famous death glares. 

Harry looked at Albus as if wondering to introduce himself because usually his lightning scar almost always did the talking. When Albus gave him a look, he proceeded to speak.

"I'm Albus's dad Harry. Very nice to meet you."

There was another pause. Aunt Hermione jumped in to fill the silence. She was smart enough to know that the fact she hadn't recognized Harry meant she probably wouldn't recognize her. 

"I'm Rose's mum Hermione. This is her dad Ron."

Nova smiled at the both of them. All of the new introductions seemed to be overwhelming her. Thankfully, Mrs. Weasley jumped in.

"Well dear, why don't you go upstairs and get unpacked. I'm afraid the house is packed, so you'll have to share a room, but I assure you your own bed. Victorie, can you show her to the room?"

Albus's cousin Victorie rose from the floor. A sheet of silvery hair showed her half Veela heritage. She was quite a beauty, though Albus wouldn't ever admit it. She beckoned to Nova with a smile, giving off the sweet angelic personality that she showed to the world. With her cousins, an entirely different and less refined side showed. 

Nova sheepishly followed her upstairs with her luggage. She seemed in awe of Victorie's appearance. Everyone was before they met her other side. 

When Nova was gone, Albus walked over to his dad. He was still nervous at his reaction, but to his surprise, he was enveloped in a hug. Harry Potter had thrown his arms over his son.

After a few seconds, they broke apart. Dad smiled again.

"Hey, Albus. How was Hogwarts?"

Albus thought of the variety of replies. The bullying wasn't so great, the classes very draining, but at least he had made friends. 

"It was cool!" Albus replied, pushing his enthusiasm. "Every bit as amazing as you said it would be!"

Mum lifted an eyebrow sensing the fabrication, but dad seemed to buy it.

"That's great! So Slytherin house huh? That's totally fine, I hope you know that. You're still Albus in any house."

"Yes dad I know," Albus said, nonchalant. However, inside he was rejoicing. His dad wasn't mad at him!

Lily Potter huffed beside him.

"Are you done talking yet? Can we play now?"

"Relax Lily," said Mum "Your brothers literally just came back."

"How about the girl? Can I play with her?"

"You mean Nova?" Albus said. "She'll probably play with you."

"Albus," groaned Mum, as she restrained Lily from running upstairs, "Don't sic Lily on her yet. She just got here."

"You're as nice as ever," said Harry, shooting her a look.

"I try."

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Albus decided he should check on Nova, as she still hadn't come downstairs. He opened to door to find her pacing around the floor space.

"What are you doing?"

"What should I do!" Nova exclaimed. "Do I just walk down there and stare at people? Should I even go downstairs? Should I have made conversation with your cousin? I'm completly lost!"

Albus had to laugh at the sight of his friend freaking out over something so trivial.

"Just come downstairs. Honestly, we don't bite."