The Nine

Chapter 11: The Sorting of the Snake

Salinas grumbled all the way down the stairs towards the Great Hall, which was filling up quickly in a frenzy of discussion. At the Gryffindor table, Salinas spotted Gwen, Ron, and Harry. She made her way to the table, sulking. She couldn't believe how diluted her granddad had become. She knew he believed in second chances, but this seemed too bizarre for him.

Nakuru and Hermione entered the Hall quickly, both grinning. "You look amused," Ron noted as the two sat down opposite him.

Nakuru shrugged. "Nothing that would interest boys like you," she said teasingly. Salinas knew that Nakuru had probably regaled Hermione with the tales of her romantic escapades in The Webb.

The Hall was called to order as Professor McGonagall stood and asked for the attention of the students. "Silence please," she said sternly. "We have an announcement to make. There is a new transfer student that will be joining you for the remainder of the school year. We would greatly appreciate it if you'd extend your hospitality to her, and make her feel at home. Jade Stone, would you please step up here please, and be sorted into your house."

Nakuru and Salinas both scowled maliciously.

Jade stepped up toward Professor McGonagall from her seat to the side of the Hall. She sat down on the wooden stool as McGonagall pulled away the Sorting Hat. The Hat seemed to jump as it was placed on her head. "So complex..." it started. "Slytherin!" Jade hopped off the stool, and made her way toward her new table.

Harry and Ron looked over in disgust as the girl sat herself beside Malfoy. "There's bound to be trouble if those two get to talking and conspiring about us," Harry said as he played with his food.

Nakuru looked over at Salinas in a guilty sort of way. "Sal," she began. "I was in the Webb with Shiru. But really, it isn't what you were thinking at all." Salinas shook her head, and Nakuru continued. "He's leaving, that's all. He told me to go see him before he left, so I got it out of the way before supper."

"Didn't you go after Hogsmeade?" Salinas asked inquisitively.

"Yeah," Nakuru said uneasily. "But I figured that after what happened with Jade...I wouldn't risk sneaking out later. I'm sorry about earlier." She looked at Salinas in anticipation.

Salinas shook her head and smiled. "Tha's alright Nak. I kind of blew up in your face and was getting' involved in yer personal affairs. I'm sorry, too." The two both nodded, and continued eating.

Harry looked at Salinas as she talked, and played with her long, black hair. He smiled when she looked his way, and continued eating. It was obvious that he liked her... To Nakuru, that is. She had figured it out right away. What was more amusing to Nakuru was Ron's blatant crush on Gwen. The way he'd blush when she'd talk to him, and the way he always found an excuse to be around her was proof enough for Nak.

As dinner was finished, silence bean to creep through the Hall. Nakuru looked across the room, and smiled at Chris, as he gave a wave. Cora waved to Hermione, and motioned for them to leave for the library. The two left their tables, and everyone began to exit the Hall as well. Nakuru motioned for Chris to meet her outside the doors, and Salinas followed with Gwen tagging along. Harry and Ron followed, naturally, and stumbled out of the Great Hall with the others.

Nakuru and Salinas began going into the story of how Jade had tried to kill them earlier. The other four were stunned. As they looked down the corridor, they noticed Jade and Malfoy. Ron shook his head in disgust, and looked at Harry. "A bloody shame. They're always corrupted..." Gwen jumped back as Ron spoke.

"Whoa, Ron. Did you not just listen to Nak and Sal? She was already corrupted, man!" Gwen crossed her legs Indian-style, and began floating in mid-air. She smiled at Nak and began to giggle. Nakuru just gave a sigh, and looked down the hall toward Jade, who seemed content. Gwen rocked back and forth, and began to hum to herself. She looked at Salinas who was in deep thought. "What's wrong Sal?" she asked.

"Eh, nothing. I just can't stand the fact that Albus is letting her stay." Salinas kicked a nearby statue as she passed.

"With the condition that she go to counselling," Harry added. "I overheard her talking to Malfoy on the way out."

As they reached the library, they noticed it was nearly empty. Cora could be seen at a desk near the back with Hermione, their large amount of books in front of them. The others walked over to the table and gawked at the mound between the two girls. Chris' jaw dropped as he read the covers of a few of the books. "Advanced Studies in Philosophical Magic", "Complex Charms and Spells: Volume XII", and "Advanced Transfiguration: Level IX" were among collection of hardcovers. "Bloody hell!" he exclaimed suddenly. "You two are insane! Just when I thought Cora was normal, she goes and proves me wrong. Again!" Hermione laughed and glanced at Cora.

"You know, I think they may be right for once," she admitted shyly.

This confused Cora. "What do you mean, 'Mione?"

"What I mean," Hermione explained, "is that I think we may be pushing ourselves too hard. Even though the midterm exams start right after Christmas break. Wait. That's less than two months... Forget what I just said! Back to the books."

Nakuru grabbed the two girls' arms. "Now you listen here! It's the weekend- the last weekend of November, and all you plan on doing is studying?" The two gave a nod, and Nakuru sighed. "No, I won't let you! You are going to have fun! Like normal people! Like it or not!"

Cora looked perplexedly at the others. "Are you...talking...words?"

Chris scowled. "Cora, Cora... I thought that you were proud to be Canadian. You remember what the last weekend of November is, right?"

"Cure for the Itch!" Gwen shouted excitedly. "Exam stress starting to build up, and all of that homework for the holidays...it's too much for a student to take! I mean OWLs and NEWTs are just no fun..."

Cora sighed. "I never did like Cure for the Itch- I'd rather do well in my classes than waste my spare time having fun."

Hermione looked intently at Salinas. "I know you have to care about the exams. You're going to study too, right?"

Salinas looked over at Nakuru. "Nope, not exactly. I mean, o' course I will. But not all th'time, if yeh understand where I'm comin' from... Especially not almost two months in advance!"

Hermione looked at Cora. Unwillingly, the two decided they'd let themselves have fun. With that, the group headed to the Gryffindor Common Room, Nakuru and Salinas grinning evilly all the way.

The eight reached the opening to the common room, and Salinas blurted out the password, Marshmallow Roast without any disregard to the two non-Gryffindors. They all made way into the large common room, and plunked down on the oversized couches by the fire. Chris pulled out his wand and looked at the others. "By fun, Salinas, did you mean leave the school?"

Salinas grinned maliciously, and the looked over to the stairwell. "C'mon, up to the dorms yeh sooks." She led the way to the girls' dorm, and halted in the doorway. "It's one thing for Harry and Ron to see this, but it's completely different for Chris."

"Why's that?" Nakuru blurted out as if offended. She looked at Chris then to Salinas.

"Whoa, whoa. I'm not excluding yer boy-toy b'cause I don' like 'im! He's a guy like Harry and Ron, but they're Gryffindors. Chris is a Ravenclaw, which makes everything he sees secret. He has to vow he will never speak of any of this to anyone. Not the password, not the adventure to the girls' dorm, nothing. Yeh hear?"

Chris smiled. "Sure, your secret's safe with me!" Chris looked over at Cora who was talking with Hermione. "And her? She's a Hufflepuff. She shouldn't be here either."

Cora looked at Nakuru silently. "I promise I won't tell anyone." She smiled, and Salinas acknowledged their promises. With that, she flung the door open, revealing five four-posters. They were neatly decorated with gold and scarlet bed sheets and curtains. A black and silver barn owl sat comfortably on her perch, a grey, black, and white tabby was curled up on one of the beds, Crookshanks, and another owl was perched by the window in the far corner.

"Boy-toy my ass..." Chris added under his breath.

Nakuru walked over to the silent barn owl and scratched her head gently. "Hey Arwen," she spoke softly. "Are you and Amherst getting along yet?" Nakuru sat down comfortably on her bed.

Gwen hopped over to her bed, with the sleeping kitten on it. She scratched the kitten behind the ears playfully. "Ooh Miggles! Such a cute little kitty witty!" She started to talk babyish and the other laughed to themselves. Chris started to play with the now-awake kitty as well, and fell in love with it.

"Why didn't I get a cat?" He smiled at Miggles playfully. Salinas walked over to Amherst. After things settled down in the room, Harry stood up.

"So where exactly are we going, you guys?" He asked impatiently.

Salinas and Nakuru exchanged looks. "You'll see soon enough, Harry. We just need to wait about one minute longer." Said Nakuru with a smile.

Hermione looked at Ron. "I know what they're doing," she explained matter-of-factly. "It's a portkey."

Salinas bowed her head and looked over at Hermione. "Yeh know, 'Mione...yeh ruin everythin'! Why couldn'tcha keep yer mouth shut for two bloody minutes?" Salinas plunked on her bed. Nakuru walked over to Hermione.

"It's not her fault, Sal," she started. "She didn't know! So there's no surprise... Let's just go and be done with it." Hermione bowed her head, as if in shame.

"Well she couldda kept her yap shut! But nooooo... Miss know-it-all had to tell the world! Sure we can go, but she'd prolly start naggin' about getting' caught."

With that, Hermione burst out the door, and ran out of the common room. Nakuru glared at Salinas. "Yanno Sal, just when I thought you couldn't get any worse, you go and pull shit like this. Way to make her feel bad!" Salinas had a look of indifference on her face. "She didn't do anything, Sal." Nakuru marched out the door after Hermione, leaving the other six behind.

Ron and Harry exchanged glances. With that, they exited the girls' dorm, and headed for the Great Hall. Chris and Cora left after Nakuru, and Gwen sat in mid-air. "Nice one, Salinas. Nice one." With that, Gwen disappeared from sight, leaving Salinas with her thoughts.

Wonderful, she thought to herself. She decided to go to bed, without regard to anyone or anything.

A little later, Nakuru, Hermione, and Gwen crept back into the dark dorm room, and went to sleep, not even bothering with Salinas.

***

Chapter 12: The Godfather

The next morning, Ron and Harry sat in the Great Hall playing wizard's chess. Beside them, sat Gwen and Cora. Gwen was cheering Ron on, and Cora sat quietly beside Harry. Ron was winning, of course, but Harry was used to it. Chris came into the Great Hall, and sat down on the other side of Ron. "Nak and 'Mione are out with Hagrid in his hut," he said quietly. "I think they're talking about the class trip to Newfoundland."

Ron looked up eagerly. "It's still on? When is that?" he asked as he took Harry's other bishop.

"It's during Christmas break," Cora noted with a grin. "You have the option of staying at Hogwarts, going home, or going to Newfoundland, heh. I can't wait."

Chris shook his head agitatedly. "I can. I'm not going. I'm not in Care of Magical Creatures, remember?"

Harry had a look of sympathy on his face. "Too bad you and Kiera can't come. Actually, I haven't seen her around you guys lately... What happened?"

"Ki?" repeated Gwen. "She takes eight advanced classes per day, and she's taken up learning Legilimency. She has no time for anyone but her work and herself."

"Eight?" Harry asked, astonished. "That's impossible! What is she taking?"

Gwen took a deep breath. "Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Herbology, Alchemy, Occlumency, Transfiguration, Politics of Magic, and Linguistics."

Judging by everyone's faces, Chris thought he'd better explain. "She's applying to the Dune University of Magic in Dublin this year- as in Dublin, Ireland. The entry requirements are all of her above courses- and some she took last year. She's smarter than some of the teachers, I'm betting..."

Ron's eyes were opened wide. "I can't believe it. She seemed so..."

"Superficial?" Gwen interjected with a grin.

"Just a little bit," Ron admitted warily.

Chris shook his head. "Anyway... At least I won't be entirely alone for the next little bit. Jeimu should be good enough company for me if Ki gets caught up in her work." He thought for a minute, and then grinned. "She's short."

Ron moved the broken pieces from the board to make way for his Rook. As he finished, Salinas walked up to the table. She looked as if she was about to fall to pieces any minute.

"You guys haven't seen Hermione anywhere, have you?" she asked quietly.

Gwen shook her head, her eyes still fixed on the board game. "You going to yell at her again?"

"I din' mean it. I was on'y upset, and I wants to apologize." Salinas pointed out Harry's open King. "Where is she?"

Harry looked towards the door. "She's with Nakuru and Hagrid talking about the Newfoundland trip."

"Thanks," Salinas nodded and headed out of the Hall.

As she neared Hagrid's hut, Nakuru and Hermione stepped outside. She sauntered over to the two, and asserted herself. "I'm sorry I was a bit hot-tempered las' night. I shouldn't 'ave done that."

Hermione nodded. "At least you have the maturity to admit it," she said with a smile. "It's alright."

Nakuru smiled. "Well now that that's settled- the trip Newfoundland is all being set up."

"Really?" Salinas asked in anticipation. "It's o'er Christmas break, ain't it?"

Hermione nodded. "We take a portkey to the Esper But Station in St. John's, Newfoundland. And when we get there, we'll be transporting the Screebats that we've been working with to the Orion Caves a few hours north of Port Aux Basques."

"Port Aux Basques!" Salinas shouted as she jumped up and down- a rare display of irrational exuberance, coming from Salinas. "Oh, I'm lovin' this. Aubrey an' Eve are gonna flip."

"It's a shame Aubrey can't come," Hermione said with a sad look on her face. "It would've been fun."

Salinas looked confusedly at Hermione. "Whadda yeh mean?"

"Aubrey didn't take the course. Neither did Chris or Kiera," Nakuru said with a shrug. "We'll get them souvenirs."

Salinas looked disappointed. With that, she suggested the three head inside to find the others. As the three entered the school, Salinas was tripped, and fell flat on her face. "By the lard tundren- who!"

Jade turned around and smirked. "Oh sorry, Sal! Didn't see you there," she lied as she continued on her way. She was another Malfoy. Relentless, arrogant, and just plain stupid- only they couldn't blame it on her being blonde, because she was the farthest thing from it.

"I hate her," Salinas admitted as she was helped to her feet. "If I had a chance..."

"Well, you don't," Hermione noted as they entered the Great Hall. To their surprise, no one was left inside, save for a group of Slytherins. "Where did everybody go?"

"They all went to play cards in the library," came Aubrey's voice. "Something about Canadians needing to teach the Hogwartians a thing or two about Euchre and Asshole..."

Salinas grinned as she sat down at the nearest table. "How's it going Aubrey?" she asked as everyone took a seat.

Eve sat beside Aubrey, and smiled. "It's going."

"You mean we're going," Salinas corrected.

Nakuru grinned. "To Newfoundland."

"Speak for yourselves," Aubrey said, sounding quite irritated. "I tried to get Snape to let me go, him being head of house and all... But he's got me doing a heap of Advanced Potions homework for the holidays. And he noticed that my marks have been slipping a bit in Herbology..."

Eve sighed. "Tabarnaque. 'Just like Snape to do this at Christmas."

Gwen nodded. "He's got it in for everybody nowadays."

The table fell silent for a minute. The Hall was unusually empty for a Saturday morning, and it was getting close to lunch. Nakuru twiddled her thumbs, and smiled a bit.

"What?" Salinas asked as she fiddled with her wand.

Nakuru shrugged. "Eh, nothing much. Just trying to think of how long we've been here, and how fast we've become such great friends. It's kinda weird."

Gwen shook her head. "Naw, that's just you being sentimental. We arrived at Hogwarts on November 6th- today is November 30th. And taking into account the time, being eleven o'clock, we've been here for twenty-three days, and fourteen hours. That's not weird. Time just seems to be going by faster because you're having fun." The others looked perplexedly at Gwen, who continued. "What is weird is that we're a bunch of witches in a school of magic, and rarely do we use our wands and magic. Ever. Except, well, in class. But nobody cares about that."

Hermione shifted in her seat. "Because of the rule 'no magic in the corridors'. We only ever go to the common rooms when we want to sleep or when we're just too tired to go anywhere else."

"Because nine times out of ten, we'll fall asleep on the couches. And I'll draw on your faces," added Aubrey with a laugh.

Nakuru smirked. To her it was still odd how quickly they'd all become friends. Sure, she didn't know Eve and Aubrey as well as Salinas did, but she was getting there- slowly. The three seemed to have an unbreakable bond, much like the gang from Meridian. She couldn't ask for a better group of friends. Her new life seemed to be as good as it could get.

"Ms. Summers?" Albus stood behind the group of girls, and smiled as they looked up at him.

Nakuru turned. "Yes, Professor Dumbledore?"

"It appears that you have a visitor," he said warmly, turning his attention to a tall man with brownish-grey hair. He seemed rather young, no doubt in his mid-thirties to Nakuru's eyes, and had an air of kindness to him.

Good vibe or bad vibe, Nakuru thought to herself, hoping Gwen would 'hear' her. Gwen nodded and smiled.

"Nakuru, this is Remus Lupin," Dumbledore said as he introduced the man. "Your godfather."

Remus took Nakuru's hand in a firm handshake and smiled. "Nice to finally see you again, Nakuru. The last time I saw you, you were still a baby."

Nakuru smiled sheepishly. "I've heard a lot about you from Hermione."

"Have you?" he said as he turned towards Hermione and winked. "Fancy that."

"Nice to see you again," said Hermione.

"Nice to see you, Hermione," replied Remus with a nod.

Dumbledore smiled. "Perhaps we could discuss matters somewhere more private?" he suggested kindly.

Remus and Nakuru nodded. "Sure." Nakuru turned to the girls; "I'll catch up with you all after lunch."

Salinas nodded, and gave a little wave. "Have fun."

Nakuru followed Albus and Remus as they exited the Hall and headed towards Dumbledore's office. As they reached the stone gargoyle, Dumbledore stopped to think. "Now, then. I changed the password, but cannot remember it for the life of me..."

Remus raised an eyebrow curiously. "Marble Mud Cakes?"

"No, no. I changed it this morning. The Weasley twins gave me the idea when Severus confiscated a handful of their new experimental toffees." Dumbledore retorted.

Nakuru had only heard the stories of how much Dumbledore loved his toffee. "Tantrum Toffees?" she asked, remembering the candies Ron had tested earlier that morning- he 'd gone into uncontrollable yelling fits for an hour.

Suddenly, the gargoyle moved, and revealed the stairs to the office. "Nicely done," Remus complimented as the three made their way upstairs. When they entered the room, the sight of Fawkes captivated Nakuru.

"So pretty," she said, somewhat dazed. "Is that a Phoenix?"

Dumbledore nodded. "His name is Fawkes, and he has been my loyal friend through many years and dangers. Pity you didn't have the chance to see him on a burning day."

"Burning day?"

"When a Phoenix dies, it engulfs itself in flames, and then is reborn from the ashes. And their tears have incredible healing powers," Remus explained as he stroked the bird's feathers gently. "But we're here because of you, Nakuru. So, about your custody..."

Nakuru nodded.

"It was in your mother's will that you be left in the custody of Remus," said Albus calmly. "If all goes accordingly, you will be residing with him in England at the end of the year. Does this present a problem to you?"

The look Albus gave her made Nakuru feel very on the spot. Nakuru knew she shouldn't lie- it felt as though he knew she had reservations. Apparently, it presented no problems for Remus, who nodded and sat quietly in the armchair beside her. "I wouldn't mind at all," said Nakuru. Liar.

"You have no problems leaving Canada? Because Rupert cannot take care of you on his own if you did want to stay." Remus reiterated. "Legally, I'm bound to accept- and because I was a good friend of your parents. I would be pleased to have you stay with me. But if you have any reservations at all, I'd like to know."

Nakuru looked at Remus prudently. He seemed very amiable, but there was one thing Nakuru was restless about. "Professor Dumbledore mentioned something to me the other day, and I wanted to ask..."

"About me being a werewolf?" Remus inquired with a smile.

Nakuru nodded. "I don't mean to be rude or pry, but it's a rather unconventional trait, you understand..."

Remus smiled kindly. "By all means, I don't think you're prying. I was hoping you would ask, so you wouldn't be so uncomfortable."

"Though werewolves are regarded with much fear, I assure you that you have nothing to worry about, Nakuru," said Dumbledore. "Remus is very responsible, and takes the utmost precautions. He charts every full moon, and takes Wolfsbane Potion in the week preceding the full moon, which allows him to keep his mind when he transforms. This renders him a harmless wolf."

Remus waited for Nakuru's reaction; she was impressed. "Do you still have any worries, problems, or reservations? Comments, questions, concerns?" asked Remus with a playful grin on his face.

Nakuru thought more a minute. "What about Rupert? Is he staying in Canada?"

Dumbledore was the one to answer. "Yes, Nakuru. Mr. Gerrant expresses his sincerest apologies... Though, he asks that you visit him when the opportunity arises."

"Then that's all I needed to know," Nakuru nodded.

Remus smiled. "Well, I'll let you go back to your friends, then. Don't get into trouble," he added as he opened the door for her.

"Oh we won't," she replied as she began to make her way down the stairs.

As she came into the hallways outside of the office, Nakuru had a stupid grin on her face. She had a home again.