This Train Don't Stop

Angelina smiled to herself and quickly folded up the piece of parchment, placing it in her pocket. She hadn’t expected Fred to write her at all and was pleasantly surprised when Sirius Black – her uncle – had handed the letter to her. Bringing her hand to her face, she let her fingers lightly graze her lips. She had kissed Fred. It was only on the cheek, but she hadn’t meant for it to happen nevertheless. Blushing to herself, she figured that Fred probably hadn’t given it a second thought. She was, after all, only his friend Angelina. She was sure he would never think of her as anything other than the Chaser Head Girl.

Luckily, in the days that she had been home, she had kept her mind occupied without thoughts of her best friend -- first with unpacking, then with her uncle. Looking up from the table, she lifted her eyes to glance at Sirius who had just entered the kitchen with her aunt. Without meaning to, she found herself smiling at him shyly. She could see his shoulders relax with her gesture, and she herself felt somewhat reassured as he smiled back.

Turning to her aunt at the stove, Angelina pointed to the window. “Aunt Callie, do you remember which box you packed my basketball in? It’s beautiful outside and I could use a little brush up on my dribbling. Besides, I won’t be playing quid—“ Angelina cut herself off as she caught a glimpse of what she could only describe as fear and worry shining in her aunt’s eyes.

“Let her go, Cal,” Sirius interrupted from across the table.

“Sirius, I just don’t think it’s safe. Dumbledore hasn’t finished placing the protective charms yet!” Callie argued.

Angelina could only glance from one guardian to the other as they had a silent argument with each other. Callisto finally nodded as Sirius quickly added. “She’ll be fine. If it makes you feel any better, I’ll go out and keep an eye on her,” he winked at Angelina. “I’ve always been meaning to learn how to play a Muggle game, and I’m sure Angie would be happy to show me the ropes, wouldn’t she?”

Angelina nodded silently, but really hadnÂ’t heard anything that had been said. She had been too busy wondering to herself why exactly her aunt had suddenly become so fearful and protective. And what did Dumbledore have to do with her going outdoors?

“It’s in the boot of the car,” Callisto sighed before she began collecting the dirty china away from her niece and brother.

AngelinaÂ’s eyes followed Sirius as he stood and moved toward the entrance of the kitchen.

Turning back to face her, Sirius winked. “Are you coming outside or not, Angie?”

Angelina faltered for a moment. ‘I know he’s trying to be nice, but do I really want to be alone with a convicted murderer?’ She glanced over her shoulder to look at her aunt.

Noticing Angelina’s hesitance, Callisto leaned over her shoulder. “Go with him, Angie. He really is a good guy.”

Looking back towards the door, Angelina nodded. “I’m coming.”

Sirius nodded and walked briskly to the foyer, making sure she was following behind him. Opening the door, he stepped out into the yard, turning around when he heard the door softly click shut.

Angelina fiddled her thumbs nervously. “Well, I’ll just go get the ball, then…” She backed away from Sirius. “I don’t own a basket, but I can explain the rules of the game and maybe practice some passing…” She took a breath before continuing. “I’m sure you’ve never played an American game, let alone a Muggle one like basketball, but I –“

Sirius stepped towards his niece and placed his hand on her shoulder. Angelina couldn’t help but turn around to look up into his face. “Angelina, you don’t have to teach me how to play the game.”

Angelina’s eyes widened as she stared at him in shock. “But I thought you said that you wanted…”

“I did.” He grinned at her perplexed expression. “I thought that maybe you might be more inclined to a friendly game of Quidditch instead. Just because you’re not in school anymore doesn’t mean that you’re too old to play the game. Take me, for example, I used to be on the Gryffindor team, but I played with my best friend up until he…let’s just say we used to play all the time.”

Angelina reeled with shock. “You’re a Gryffindor? But I thought for sure that you’d be a Slytherin! I mean, you…the Potters…”

“Angie, I’ve already told you. I didn’t kill the Potters. Harry’s father was my best friend in the whole world. I would have done anything to protect him and Lily.” Sirius smiled sadly. “And not all Slytherins are horrible. Some of them may act like it, but you can’t judge a group by a few. Your grandparents were both Slytherins.”

“So was my father,” Angelina said softly. “I found a picture of him and my mother in the attic. She was in Gryffindor, though.”

Sirius tightened his grip around her shoulders. “Jessie was a Gryffindor. Orion was Slytherin and…so was Callie. I was the first in my family to break the tradition.”

Angelina stepped back from him. “Aunt Callie? But I thought she was a Muggle…well, not after I found out I wasn’t, but I thought she was at most a Squib!” She shook her head in disbelief. “Why would she keep this from me?”

“I was scared,” Angelina and Sirius turned to face Callie as she spoke. She stood on the stoop where she had, unbeknownst to Sirius and Angelina, been watching their entire exchange. “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named killed your parents using one of the unforgivable curses.”

Angelina gasped. “Avada Kedavra?”

Callie nodded. “Sirius and I lived with them after our parents died. I was home from school at the time and was in the nursery tucking you in. I was just coming downstairs when I heard a commotion. I should’ve known what was going on, but I was young and naïve. I was only 17.” She sighed, shaking her head. “I never thought that You-Know-Who would ever actually touch our family. The Blacks were an old pureblood family, a long line of Slytherins. My father had even gone to school with the Dark Lord when he could still be considered human. I remember that when He was first coming into power when I was younger, my father used to always say how proud he was that ‘old Tom’ was making a name for himself,” she gulped before continuing. “Orion was a threat. He had the potential to become one of the greatest Aurors the ministry had seen in awhile, but at my father’s insistence, he joined the ranks of the Death Eaters. Most of his Slytherin classmates had done so right out of school. Like the most wizards and witches, however, Orion eventually felt that You-Know-Who was becoming a tyrant and a heartless monster. His mistake was being vocal about his objections. The ministry had warned Orion that we may have been targeted as a result of his defection, but he refused to believe it. At least Sirius was still at school. If he hadn’t been, something very different may have happened.”

Angelina switched her glance from Callie to Sirius. “My father died because he had been a Death Eater?”

Sirius nodded. “We never found out all of the facts of the case, but the Ministry believes that Voldemort was also trying to use Orion to force me to join the Dark Forces. James was my best friend, but he was also the last remaining descendent of Godric Gryffindor. He was the only one who had a prayer of stopping him once and for all. If I joined Voldemort’s ranks, He would get to James before James could get to him.”

Angelina sat down on the stoop and buried her face in her hands. “Aunt Callie, what happened? How did you get away?”

“I stood at the top of the stairs and did everything I could to prevent myself from screaming when the room filled with a bright green light. I watched as Jessie fell towards the floor and He turned his wand towards Orion. I felt nauseous when He turned to face me and ran as fast as I could back to the nursery. I locked the door even though I knew that the attempt to slow Him down was futile. I grabbed you and fled to the corner and waited for Him to claim me.” Callie’s eyes began to tear with the memory, and Angelina could see her fear reflected in them. “He opened the door and I closed my eyes. I knew what was going to happen to me and I didn’t want to face it. He demanded that I hand you over. In response, I pulled you closer to me and shook my head violently. I don’t think I could have trusted myself to speak then. He called me a silly little girl and told me that he always got what he came for. I still don’t know why but I can only assume he was truly after you,” She shuddered before continuing. “I began to sob as I heard the beginnings of the Avada curse, but before he could finish, I saw my only chance and took the risk of Apparating to Hogsmeade. I wasn’t old enough to get my license, but it was my last resort. Dumbledore must have gotten word about what had happened since he brought Sirius to meet me outside the Three Broomsticks. I finished my last month of school and then left the wizarding world to raise you safely as a Muggle. I kept in touch with Severus Snape, though. Whenever I had any problems, I called him through the Floo to ask his advice. I was talking to him yesterday when you interrupted us.”

Angelina’s mind reeled. “Snape? The Potions Master?” She gasped as Callie nodded. “I don’t believe that! He’s a Death Eater, Aunt Callie! He’s always been horrible to us! One time I added too much bubotuber pus to a potion and he took 100 points from Gryffindor. One hundred! And then he gave Fred and I detention for three nights. We had to spit shine every trophy in the trophy room without any charms. I had no trouble, but poor Fred had never had to elbow grease anything without magic. And he had nothing to do with it!”

Sirius groaned. “As much as I hate to admit it, Snape is on our side. Like your father, he defected from the Death Eaters and is working as a spy. He’s been feeding us information for over 10 years.” He shook his head. “I played a horrible joke on him when we were in school and he’s never forgiven me for it. He’s most likely been subconsciously taking revenge on you.”

I’m sorry for keeping everything from you for so long, Angie, but I thought it was for your own good.” Callisto stated solemnly.

“We never found out why Voldemort wanted you especially, but we didn’t want to take the chance of finding out. He eventually found Lily and James, and I blame myself for that. Luckily Harry escaped, but He’s continued tracking him down. Callie did a good job of keeping you hidden. I don’t doubt that if Cal hadn’t changed your name to Johnson and raised you Muggle, Harry would not have been the only student in danger at Hogwarts.” Sirius added, his eyes tired and sad.

“Oh,” Angelina hadn’t realized it, but she had begun to cry. “Aunt Callie!”

Callisto hugged Angelina tightly. “You’re parents would have been very proud of you, honey. My Head Girl…”

Angelina wiped her eyes and turned to Sirius. She felt as if she had gained more respect for him than she ever thought she could have for the man whom she had been certain was nothing more than a cold-blooded killer. “I’m sorry, Uncle Sirius. I should have given you a chance…”

Sirius smiled. “Don’t be sorry, Ange. I can completely understand where you came from. In your situation, I don’t think I could be as accepting right now.”

Callie wrapped her arm around Angelina’s shoulder. “I know that this whole thing has been a shock to you. If you want to talk about your parents or anything, we’ll both be here.”

Angelina wiped her face. “No, no. I’m fine. I never knew them, so it doesn’t really bother me that they died – at least not anymore. I can’t remember anything about them really, but I did find a picture in the attic upstairs. They looked like wonderful people.” She sighed. “I can sort of understand what poor Harry has had to go through now, though.”

Sirius wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “What do you say if we take that broomstick ride now?”

Angelina smiled brightly. “I wouldn’t want anything else in the world.” She waved to Callisto. “You don’t mind, do you Aunt Callie?”

Callie turned to go back into the cottage. “Of course not, sweetie. Be careful on those brooms, you two! And Sirius, keep an eye on her!”

Angelina turned to Sirius and spoke with him as they walked towards the shed on the right side of the house. “What position did you play?”

“I was a chaser, just like you. Runs in the family, I guess you could say!”

Angelina faltered. “How did you know I was a chaser?”

Sirius ruffled her hair. “Woof, woof, remember?”

They laughed loudly as Angelina pulled open the door to the shed and pulled out two brooms. “Is there a pitch nearby? I don’t really think that the Muggles would take kindly to a teenager and an escaped convict flying around their neighborhood on brooms!” She giggled.

Sirius looked at her, puzzlement written all over his face. “This isn’t a Muggle town, Angelina. Godric’s Hollow is one of the oldest wizarding towns in England. Gryffindor himself was born here.”

Angelina gasped. “You’re joking!” Responding to Sirius’ confirmation, she shook her head. “That’s amazing! I never would have guessed. I’ve never lived outside the Muggle world.”

Sirius nodded. “I know. What do you say we take a little return trip? I have a friend in Surrey who could probably do with a visit. I’d love to have you accompany me, Angie.” He bowed deeply and handed her a broom. “My lady.”

Angelina grinned. “Kind sir!” She couldn’t help but think that maybe she would learn to be more comfortable around Sirius as she spent more time with him. He really didn’t seem like the heartless type – and certainly not Voldemort’s right hand man. She mounted her broom as Sirius did the same. “Where in Surrey are we going?” She smiled.

Sirius kicked off the ground, hovering in the air and motioned for her to do the same. “Next stop, Privet Drive!”

~*~

Alicia Spinnet grinned and patted George’s leg, resting her hand on his thigh. “That’s much better.” She giggled. “I hoped that you two hadn’t been struck mute without any teachers to harass.”

Fred had to consciously prevent himself from breaking out into laughter as a deep blush crept up his brotherÂ’s face. He found it highly amusing how GeorgeÂ’s eyes kept darting from AliciaÂ’s smiling face to her hand on his upper leg.

George quickly pushed the offending hand off of his robe and stood up quickly. “It’s been over ten minutes,” he stammered, floundering for words. “I think I might go see how much longer of a wait we’re looking at, Fred.” Without waiting for his brother’s acknowledgement, George left Fred and Alicia to move to the front desk. As soon as he got far enough away, he resisted the urge to slap himself. ‘What was that all about?’ he questioned himself. ‘It’s only Alicia! You saw her last week!’ He glanced back at the duo, deep in conversation about something or another. To his surprise, George felt a pang of jealousy wash over him. Forgetting the receptionist, he hurried back to the waiting room and sat back down in his vacant seat.

“Have you heard from Angelina since school let out, Alicia?” Fred asked quickly as George sat down beside him. Fred could swear that he saw a look of relief cross over his brother’s face. He made a mental note to ask George what was the matter when they were back at the Burrow.

Alicia frowned. “I haven’t. I’ve been trying to owl her all week, and everyone of my posts have been returned unopened.” She leaned back in her seat. “I didn’t even get to say goodbye to her at graduation. My dad was so eager to get back home that I only had a few minutes to wish everyone a good summer. Katie and I wanted to visit her once we got our licenses, but we need to know where her new flat is first, you know?” She paused, taking a breath. “Have you heard from her, then, Fred?”

Fred could feel a familiar heat rise in his cheeks. “No, returned to sender,” he mumbled. Where was Angelina? It was almost as if Angelina Johnson had ceased to exist outside of Hogwarts. ‘Something must have happened,’ Fred couldn’t help but feel dread as the possibility crossed his thoughts.

Alicia was about to say something in response when a young witch Apparated in front of them. “George Weasley?” Seeing one of the twins nod his head, she continued. “We’re ready for you. Mr. Patil will be your tester. Follow me, sir.”

Fred watched as his brother nervously stood and followed the woman. Mouthing his well wishes to his brother, he added quickly, “Remember our deal!” Feeling pleased as George’s face relaxed, Fred leaned back in his seat.

“Hey, I’ll tell you what. If we all pass our tests, we can go to Florean Fortiscue’s afterwards! My treat!” Alicia called out just as George disappeared into the next room. She shifted in her seat and turned towards Fred. “He’s really nervous, isn’t he? He didn’t seem like himself.”

“He’s afraid he isn’t going to pass,” Fred confessed, although he had a feeling that there was more to his twins’ sudden attitude adjustment than he was letting on. “But I think there’s something else bothering him. I’ll get it out of him when we get home,” he added, as the secretary appeared to take him to the testing room.

“I suppose I’ll see you both at the other side!” Alicia grinned. “Good luck!”

“You too,” Fred replied as he followed the woman into the next room.

“Mr. Patil will be your tester. Good luck,” she said as she Apparated elsewhere.

Fred looked around the room. He was seemingly by himself. George was nowhere to be seen, and Fred was unsure as to whether to take that as a good sign or a bad. He sighed. He really did want to pass this test, but he had promised George that neither would pass if the other didnÂ’t. Fred snapped his head around as he heard a quick popping sound.

A gray haired man had just Apparated into the room. “Ah, yes, Mr. Weasley,” he held out his hand as Fred shook it. “Your brother was just telling me about the deal you made with him prior to his taking the test,” his eyes twinkled. “I hope you’ll be able to follow his example and pass the test with flying colors.”

Fred let out a sigh of relief. He knew that he would have very little problems passing the test. He hadnÂ’t told George, but a month before end of school, he and Angelina had spent hours in the library finding out as much as the could about Apparition. He felt extremely prepared for the task ahead of him. He wondered if Angelina had already been here. Maybe he would ask when the test was over.

Mr. Patil was rummaging through some files on a desk by the door Fred had come in. “Let me just find your folder, son.” He shuffled some papers. “Ah, here we are, Fred Weasley. You know, I have twin daughters. They’ll be graduating Hogwarts in two years. I can’t say I look forward to giving them the freedom of going wherever they wish whenever they wish, but I guess you kids don’t see it that way, do you?”

Fred grinned. “No, sir, but my parents are used to it. Including George, four of us have our licenses already.”

“Well, let’s make that five of you, then, shall we?” Mr. Patil’s eyes sparkled. “The test is very simple. I just need you to leave this room and turn up in my office of the sixth floor. Not too tyrannical, is it?”

Fred shook his head. “I think I can manage that.” He grinned. It was strange, but for some reason Mr. Patil couldn’t help but remind him of Parvati and Padma.

“I’ll see you upstairs, then!” Mr. Patil Disapparated, leaving Fred alone in the small room. He took a brief glance at the pile of folders on the desk and entertained the thought of looking for Angelina’s. He thought better of it, however, when he came to conclusion that Mr. Patil seemed highly disorganized. He would have better luck asking the man to look through the files in his office. He seemed good-natured enough to actually grant Fred’s request.

Taking a deep breath, Fred let his mind clear of all of the thoughts that were cluttering his mind and causing him anxiety. Letting his body relax, he imagined himself disappearing and turning up in an office similar to the one that he currently occupied, only five floors up. Feeling a wave of pressure against his body, he opened his eyes as it quickly subsided. The first thing he saw was George sitting in a chair before a large wooden desk, grinning madly. Fred let out the breath that he hadnÂ’t realized he was holding in.

“Congratulations, Mr. Weasley.” Mr. Patil said quickly. “I’d hate to be rude, but I have one more appointment for the day. I’ll be back in a moment.” After making a mark in Fred’s file, the father of the other set of Hogwarts twins disappeared.

“Alicia is his next appointment,” George said suddenly, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

Fred opened his mouth to question his brother about his suddenly strange behavior regarding the former Gryffindor chaser, but stopped short when Alicia and Mr. Patil Apparated back into the room. He would have to save his interrogation for a later time. Grinning at Alicia, he commented. “I didn’t forget about that ice cream you promised us!”

“The offer is still on the table, Weasleys!” she giggled.

Mr. Patil walked back over to his desk and made a mark in Alicia’s file. “Well, that’s all then. You are all legally permitted to Apparate, god help us older folk.”

Alicia and George made a movement toward the door, but Fred remained rooted in his place. “Mr. Patil, has an Angelina Johnson taken her test yet?” He was all too aware of his two former teammates staring at him in surprise.

“Well, I’m normally not supposed to disclose that sort of information, but you are one of Arthur’s sons after all, so I guess that there’s not much harm in it.” He opened a file cabinet. “Johnson, you said?”

Fred nodded and looked back at Alicia and George who had stepped back into the room.

The balding man pulled out his wand and mumbled a short charm, summoning a large folder with the letter “J” emblazoned on it. He thumbed through it carefully. “Well, that is curious, I must say.”

Alicia took a step forward. “Is she there?”

Mr. Patil shook his head slowly. “She certainly hasn’t taken her test. According to ministry files, however, there is no witch by the name of Angelina Johnson. I’m afraid your friend doesn’t exist.”

Fred nodded his head numbly. “Thank you then.” He moved towards the door, holding it open for his two companions and shutting it behind them. He was only vaguely aware of them staring after him as he started down the hallway.

“Fred?” George called after him, sharing a significant look toward Alicia.

Fred stopped in his tracks and turned to face them. It couldn’t be. He had heard wrong. He HAD to have heard wrong. “Did he say that Angelina Johnson doesn’t exist?”

~*~