☤ Pseudonym ☤

~Chapter Three~

It's been hours since Sirius left me here. I've paced the room hundreds of times. There are three hundred and fifteen books on the bookshelf and four different types of wood in this room. 

On the bright side it has given me time to practise some of my wandless and even some wordless magic. After an hour of trying I perfected my ability to pull a book from the shelf, place it on the table and open it. 

I smiling proudly to myself when there was a gentle knock on the door. I looked over to see a red head poke itself through the gap. I forced my eyes down before I could see the hatred in their eyes. 

"Mum asked me to get you for lunch." Ron said nervously. 

I sighed and got up. I didn't want to face all of them right now. But I was so hungry that it would be worth it. I had finished that piece of toast within an hour of receiving it.

The stairs creaked as we descended the old staircase. I could hear the loud conversations happening in the kitchen as we approached. Ron pushed the door open and the talking immediately ceased. All eyes watched me as I stepped into the room. Ron took his place next to his mum. The only spare seat was on the end next to either Fred or George, I couldn't tell which was which. 

My steps were slow and apprehensive. I pulled out the chair and cringed as it scraped loudly on the floor. 

Sirius cleared his throat as I sat. "So Dumbledore responded to our letter." I eyed Sirius nervously. A small smile broke out on his face, "He told us that you were a bright young witch who has had a rougher past than all of us put together." 

My face lit up, "So I can stay?" 

"Yes, dear. You can stay as long as you like." Mrs Weasley said in a jovial tone. "I am so sorry for treating that way."

"Don't worry Mrs Weasley. I understand why you did." I gave her an empathetic smile.  

"Well let's eat." Sirius gestured to the large plates of food that were placed in the centre of the table.

I instantly reached for the nearest platter of chicken, placing a generous amount on my plate. Fred or George, let's just call him Fred, nudged my arm after a few minutes. 

"We knew that you were innocent." he whispered. His twin smiled at me and nodded. 

"Well I am not sure I would consider myself completely free of guilt, but thanks anyway, guys." they smiled sadly at me. I glanced down to avoid their pity. "So are you two looking forward to your final year?"

They grinned at each, exchanging knowing looks. "Hell yeah." they spoke together. 

-----

I had been staying at the Weasley's for roughly a month when the others began to arrive. I didn't recognise most of them, apart from Professor Snape and Professor Lupin, having been taught by both. 

Mr Weasley had arrived a couple of days after we had and he was one the friendliest men I have ever met, always striking up a conversation when he saw me. 

I had been given my own room because Ginny still seemed to be under the impression that I could snap any minute and kill all of them. I had heard a lot about her close encounter with Voldemort in her first year and sympathised a little with her plight. However, it frustrated me to no end that I would constantly catch her wary eyes watching me closely. 

Hermione had also come to stay at 12 Grimmauld Place. I had spoken to her very little since she arrived by I had assumed that she had been briefed about my situation. She was staying with Ginny on the first floor. I would often walk past and hear their laughter. This evoked a strange sense of loneliness within me. I had very few female friends, if any and I found myself wishing I could join them.