[it is morning when they arrive at the Burrow, the Weasley family's residence; landing on the ground, they drive straight towards a pig pen, with two pigs relaxing inside, before coming to a complete stop.]
The Weasley's smiled at the sight of their house. And Molly got excited at the prospect of witnessing Mia's very first impressions and reactions to the Burrow.
[Fred walks to the window and opens it to unlock the door.]
Fred: Come on. Okay, come on. Shhh! Shhh! [He checks that the coast is clear then beckons the others inside.] Okay, come on.
Lucius and Draco sneered at the house in disgust. Their disdain evident in their expressions. Meanwhile, Narcissa studied the house, acknowledging that while it wasn't a place she would choose to live in herself, she couldn't help but notice the love and homely feel that the Weasley house exuded.
Narcissa noticed her husband's reaction and leaned in to whisper. "It may not be to our standards, but there's something undeniably comforting about it. There's a warmth here that's hard to ignore, isn't there, love?"
Ron: Do you think it'd be all right if we had some of this?
[George is half smiling.]
George: Yeah, Mum would never know
Charlie chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "You know nothing would get past our mother. She sees everything, even when she pretends not to."
Bill nodded in agreement, a wry smile playing on his lips. "That's for sure. Mum's always one step ahead."
Ron: It's not much, but it's home
Mia: I think it's...brilliant [Ron looks up. Sees Mia's mesmerized face. Ron slowly smiles.]
Molly smiled at Mia's words.
Mrs. Weasley: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?
[The boys and Mia nearly jump out of their skin. Mrs. Weasley stands in the doorway, furious. They all hide the breakfast rolls behind their backs. She smiles sweetly at Mia.]
Everyone in the great hall jumped in fright at Molly's sudden outburst. Molly, however, quickly recovered and smiled sheepishly, her embarrassment evident as she realized the attention she had drawn.
Mrs. Weasley: Mia, how wonderful to see you, dear. [She turns back to Fred, George and Ron.] Beds empty! No note! Car gone! You could've died! You could've been seen! [She turns back to Mia.] Of course, I don't blame you, Mia, dear.
Ron: They were starving her, Mum! There were bars on his window!
"I thought that you were just trying to get out of trouble. With the kids, you can never know. If I had known, I've would've come and gotten you out of there myself," Molly said sternly, her voice tinged with sadness. She truly felt sorry for not reacting to the bars on the window, like she should have. Her remorse was palpable, reflecting her deep concern and regret for not recognizing the seriousness of the situation sooner.
"Please, don't blame yourself, Mrs. Weasley," Mia responded softly. "I'm just grateful to be out of there now, and safe with all of you." Her gentle reassurance conveyed her understanding and gratitude, aiming to alleviate Mrs. Weasley's feelings of guilt.
"I know, dear, but I can't help but feel responsible for your safety," Molly responded, her voice carrying a mix of sadness and determination. "We'll make sure you're safe from now on, Mia. You're part of our family now."
Mia smiled softly
Mrs. Weasley: Well, you'd best hope that I don't put bars on your window, Ronald Weasley! [She starts softening instantly.]
Laughter filled the room as everyone began to chuckle at Ron's comical expression.
Mrs. Weasley: Come on, Mia. Time for a spot of breakfast. [Ginny is running down the stairs.] Here we are, Mia. Now tuck in. That's it. There we go.
Ginny: Mum. Mummy, have you seen my jumper?
Mrs. Weasley: Yes dear. It was on the cat [Ginny looked wide eyed at Mia.]
Mia: Hello. [Ginny runs off] W-what did I do?
Ron: Ginny. She's been talking about you all summer. Bit annoying, really.
Ginny scoffed at her brother. "And you didn't?" she retorted.
Ron rolled his eyes and respond with a nonchalant "Shut up."
Molly interjected with a warning, "Children!"
[Mr. Weasley comes in.]
Mr. Weasley: Morning, Weasleys.
Fred, George and Ron: Morning, Dad.
Mrs. Weasley: Morning Arthur!
Mr. Weasley: What a night. Nine raids. Nine!
Mia: [to Ron] Raids?
Ron: Dad works in the Ministry of Magic. In the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. Dad loves Muggles. Thinks they're fascinating
Mr. Weasley: [sitting down] Well now. Ah. [glancing at their guest] And who are you?
"I was confused. Usually, you only see redheads at the table," Arthur mused, eliciting laughter from the others.
Mia smiled and joined in the laughter, enjoying the moment of lightheartedness and camaraderie.
"I guess I'm an exception then," Mia quipped playfully, her laughter blending in with the others'.
Mia: Oh, sorry sir. I'm Mia, sir, Mia Potter
Mr. Weasley: Good Lord, are you really? Ron's told us all about you, of course. When did she get here?
Mrs. Weasley: (darkly) This morning. Your sons flew that enchanted car of yours to Surrey and back last night
Mr. Weasley: Did you really! How'd it go?! [Mr. Weasley catches Mrs. Weasley's eye. Fred, George, Ron and Mia are hiding their laughter.]
Molly shook her head at her family with a fond smile before glancing at Arthur and playfully shoving his shoulder, adding to the jovial and light-hearted atmosphere.
Fred, George, Ron and Mia: Oh, it...
Mrs. Weasley: Arthur! [Everyone except Molly is trying very hard to stop laughing.]
Mr. Weasley: I mean...that was very wrong, indeed, boys. Very wrong of you. Now, Mia, you must know all about Muggles. Tell me, what exactly is the function of a rubber duck?
Mia: Oh, umm...
"That's an interesting question."
"I still want to know the answer." Arthur said.
[An owl screeches in the distance]
Mrs. Weasley: Well, that'll be Errol with the post. [Errol flies right towards the house, but slams into the window and falls] Oh, fetch it will you Percy, please?
Percy: [getting up and walking to the window] Errol... [he rises up]
Ron: He's always doing that.
Percy: [taking the letters from Errol and examining them] Oh look, it's our Hogwarts letters. And they've sent us Mia's as well.
Mr. Weasley: Dumbledore must know you're here, Mia. Doesn't miss a trick, that man.
Mrs. Weasley: Oh, no.
Fred: This lot won't come cheap, Mum. The spell books alone are very expensive.
Feeling remorseful for possessing more wealth than she required, Mia couldn't shake off the guilt that came with realizing her financial abundance juxtaposed with the Weasleys' financial constraints. As she pondered on her surplus of resources, she couldn't overlook the fact that the Weasleys, with their larger family, faced more significant financial challenges. Despite her genuine desire to assist the Weasleys, Mia grappled with the notion that her solitary wealth might dwarf in comparison to the financial needs of a larger household.
Ron noticed Mia face.
"Hey, Mia. I know you're worried about us, but we're a tight-knit bunch. We'll figure things out. Your concern means a lot to us, but we'll manage," Ron reassured Mia with a warm smile, his words carrying a sense of resilience and optimism.
"Thanks, Ron. I just want to help in any way I can. If there's anything I can do, please let me know," Mia replied.
Mrs. Weasley: We'll manage. Right then. There's only one place we're going to get all of this: Diagon Alley. [Mrs. Weasley picks up a pot of the mantel.]
Mrs. Weasley: You first, Mia dear. [offers Mia a flowerpot. At the bottom is a layer of very soft dust. Mia frowns in confusion.]
"Sometimes it's better to take the scenic route," Mia quipped, recalling the chaotic outcome of her initial attempt at using floo powder. Her mention of the mishap elicited hearty laughter from Hermione and Ron, who found her recollection amusing.
"I can't say I blame you," Hermione chimed in, her tone reflecting a mix of skepticism and amusement.
Mia continued, "I swear, I ended up in the wrong fireplace, and it took forever to get the soot out of my hair."
Hermione chuckled, "I remember that! You looked like a walking chimney."
Ron joined in, "I've had my fair share of floo powder mishaps too. The Burrow's fireplace has seen some interesting arrivals."
The trio laughed.
Ron: But Mia's never traveled by Floo powder before, Mum.
Mia: Floo Powder?
Mrs. Weasley: Oh, well, you go first, Ron. So that Mia can see how it's done. Yes. In you go. That's it.
Ron: Diagon Alley! [Ron throws down the Floo Powder and disappears in a burst of green flames]
Mrs. Weasley: You see? It's quite easy, dear. Don't be afraid. Come on. Come on. In you go.
"With her luck, she has every right to be wary,," Ron chuckled, prompting a giggle from Hermione. However, both fell silent when they noticed Mia's disapproving gaze directed at them.
Mrs. Weasley: That's it. Mind your head. That's right. Now, take your Floo powder. That's it, very good. Now, don't forget to speak very, very clearly.
Remus and Sirius felt a deep sense of sorrow. They had long anticipated the day when Mia would be old enough to experience activities such as flying a broom, visiting Diagon Alley, or attempting to travel using Floo powder. However, that day never came, leaving them feeling disheartened.
"I always thought I'd get to teach her these things, and how to fly a broom," Remus said somberly, his voice tinged with regret.
"And I imagined taking her to Diagon Alley for her first wand," Sirius added, a touch of sadness in his tone.
"It's just not fair," Remus sighed, echoing the sentiment that weighed heavily on both of them.
Mia overheard their conversation and responded with a bittersweet smile, "I may not have experienced those things first with the two of you, but I'm grateful for the time I've had with both of you. That means more to me than anything else."
Mia: Diagonally. [Mia disappears.]
Oliver interjected, his brow furrowed in frustration, "You didn't say it right.
Mia paused, her expression rueful, "... I know."
"Oh, Merlin," Neville gasped, his eyes widening in disbelief.
Mia nodded solemnly, her tone filled with resolve, "I learned my lesson."
Pansy leaned in, her curiosity piqued, "Where did you end up?"
Mia met her gaze and replied, "You'll be surprised."
Mrs. Weasley: What did she say, dear?
Mr. Weasley: "Diagonally"
Mrs. Weasley: I thought she did. [Mia lands violently in Borgin and Burkes, breaking her glasses. She is surrounded by strange and sinister objects, and she looks at them curiously. When she touches a disembodied hand, it suddenly grabs her, but she manages to free herself.]
The sudden movement of the hands startled everyone, catching them off guard. The realization that the object was actually alive left the onlookers in disbelief, as their initial expectations had not prepared them for this unexpected revelation.
"Merlin's beard!" exclaimed Draco, his hand flying to his chest in shock.
Ron's eyes widened, "Bloody hell, I didn't see that coming!"
[Leaving Borgin and Burkes, Mia steps out into Knockturn Alley. She looks around nervously at the dark and dreary place. Suddenly, a creepy witch jumps out at her.]
"Of course you, out of all places, you ended up in Knockturn Alley," Remus said with a fond smile, his concern evident in his furrowed brow and the crease of worry on his face.
"Yeah, just get out of there. Quickly," Sirius urged, a note of urgency coloring his usually composed voice, his eyes reflecting his anxiety.
Creepy Witch: Not lost, are you, my dear?
Mia: [trying to back away] I'm fine, thank you. I was just... [Several equally creepy people are walking up to surround Mia.]
Creepy Witch: Come with us. We'll help you find your way back.
Mia: No, please!
Mia's friends and several teachers shouted at the screen with a sense of urgency, expressing their deep concern for her well-being.
"Get out of there!" Mia's friends and some teachers yelled at the screen, their voices filled with urgency and concern.
Hagrid: Mia? [The crowd parts, revealing Hagrid.]
Mia: Hagrid!
"Oh, thank goodness," exclaimed Mia's friends with relief.
"Thank you Hagrid!!" Sirius sighed in relief, making and Hagrid blush, unaccustomed to being thanked.
Hagrid: What d'you think you're doing down here? Come on! [Mia runs to Hagrid, and they leave the area together.] You're a mess, Mia. Skulking around Knockturn Alley? Dodgy place. Don't want no one to see you there. People'll think you up to no good. [By now, Hagrid has led Mia into Diagon Alley, which is located nearby.]
Mia: I was lost, [Up ahead of them, Hermione comes out of a shop.]
Hermione: Mia! Hagrid!
Hagrid: Hello, Hermione.
Hermione: Oh, it's so good to see you.
Mia: Well, it's great to see you too.
Hermione: What did you do to your glasses? [raises her wand] Oculus Reparo. [Mia's glasses are repaired]
Mia: I definitely need to remember that one.
"You definitely need to."
Hermione: bye!
Mia: Thank you, bye!
Hermione: [leading Mia off] Come on, everyone's been so worried! [A copy of Gilderoy Lockhart's autobiography, Magical Me, is on display as Mia and Hermione enter the store. They join the Weasleys, who are waiting in a line.]
Mrs. Weasley: Oh Mia, thank goodness! [dusting Mia off] We'd hoped you'd only gone one grate too far!
Man: Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart!
Hermione and Mia exchanged knowing glances and rolled their eyes in unison, their shared amusement evident.
"I wonder what happened to him," Cho questioned, her curiosity piqued, leaning in slightly to hear the response.
"Yeah... He suddenly disappeared," someone from the Ravenclaw table responded to her query, shrugging in confusion.
"I heard he died," a Gryffindor student added solemnly, prompting a moment of hushed speculation.
Ron, Mia, and Hermione exchanged a look and let out silent laughs, their shoulders shaking with suppressed amusement at the dramatic turn of the rumor.
Mrs. Weasley: Oh, here he is! [The mostly female crowd applauds as the flamboyantly-dressed Gilderoy Lockhart steps into view.]
Mia whispered, "I want to strangle him," her frustration evident in the quiet intensity of her words.
Remus and Sirius exchanged a look of confusion and nervousness, clearly concerned about Mia's heightened emotions.
Sirius leaned in towards her, gritting his teeth with a protective glint in his eyes. "He did something to you?" he asked in a low voice, ready to take action if needed.
Mia shook her head. "Not really... but whatever... he got what he deserves."
Remus narrowed his eyes, the gears turning in his mind as he mulled over the situation. The only question that roamed around his mind was,
'What in Merlin's beard did they do to him?'
Ron: Mum fancies him. [Mrs. Weasley playfully shoves him]
Photographer: Make way there, please! Let me by, madam, thank you. Excuse me, little girl, this is for The Daily Prophet. [snaps a photograph of Lockhart]
Lockhart: [noticing Mia's scar] It can't be Mia Potter!
Photographer: Mia Potter! [grabs Mia] Excuse me, madam. [pushes Mia up to the front]
Remus and Sirius growled, their protective instincts flaring as they felt Mia's distress.
Lockhart: [pulling Mia to his side] Nice big smile, Mia, together you and I rate the front page! [Mia doesn't smile, but the photographer snaps a picture anyway]
"Can they even take and use my picture in the paper without my permission?" Mia asked, her concern palpable.
"No, they need your permission for that. I'll write it down, and we'll deal with this later on," Amelia Bones assured her, her tone firm and supportive.
"Thank you, I really appreciate it," Mia said, feeling a sense of relief.
"You're welcome, Mia. We'll make sure everything is sorted out," Amelia replied, offering a reassuring smile.
Lockhart: Ladies and gentlemen, what an extraordinary moment this is! When young Mia stepped into Flourish and Blotts this morning to purchase my autobiography Magical Me... [Hermione and most of the crowd excitedly applaud, but Ron just looks bewildered] ...which, incidentally, is currently celebrating its twenty-seventh week atop the Daily Prophet bestseller list... [Draco is watching from above]
Mia rolled her eyes at Draco.
He clearly look jealous at the attention she is getting.
...she had no idea that she would, in fact, be leaving with my entire collected works... [presents Mia with a stack of books] ...free of charge. [sits down at a desk as Mia walks back to the Weasleys] Now, ladies.
"Bastard!" Ron growled.
Mrs. Weasley: [as Mia passes her the Lockhart books] Mia, now you give me those, and I'll get them signed. All of you wait outside. That's it, Ron. [Mia and her friends go into the front area of the store. Draco, now standing on a staircase, tears a page out of a book.]
"Why would you do that? You have the money to buy the book," Ginny inquired, her tone a mix of confusion and concern.
Draco remained silent, looking visibly nervous, his apprehension palpable in the tense atmosphere.
Draco: [coming down the stairs] Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter? Famous Mia Potter, can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page.
"Not like she's asking for it," Neville said, his voice carrying a note of defense as he spoke up in support of Mia. His remark reflected a sense of empathy and understanding for her situation.
Ginny: [stepping forward] Leave her alone.
Draco: Mia Potter... you've got yourself a girlfriend!
"Funny how the lack of loyal friendship makes you think that every person defending her is her lover," Hermione remarked, directing her words pointedly towards Draco. Her statement conveyed a sense of frustration and contempt for the assumptions being made.
Draco narrowed his eyes at her, a silent but potent response to Hermione's remark, his expression conveying his disagreement and displeasure.
"I don't care what you think, Granger," Draco retorted sharply, his tone laced with disdain as he locked eyes with Hermione.
Lucius: [pushing Draco aside with his walking stick] Now, now, Draco, play nicely. [turns to Mia] Miss. Potter... [as he and Mia shake hands] ...Lucius Malfoy... we meet at last. Forgive me... [leans in to examine Mia's scar] ...your scar is legend, as, of course, is the wizard who gave it to you.
Mia: Voldemort killed my parents. [steps away from Lucius] He was nothing more than a murderer.
As soon as Voldemort's name was mentioned, people in the room visibly flinched, some even shuddering at the mere sound of it.
Lucius: You must be very brave to mention his name. Or very foolish.
Hermione: Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself.
As Hermione spoke, emphasizing a crucial point, many in the room nodded in agreement, acknowledging the weight of her words.
Lucius: And you must be... Miss Granger. Yes, Draco's told me all about you... and your parents. [they glance at her parents, who are talking to Mr. Weasley] Muggles, aren't they? [he turns to the Weasley children] Let me see, red hair, vacant expressions... [takes a book from Ginny's cauldron] ...tatty, secondhand book, you must be the Weasleys. [as he talks, Mr. Weasley walks over to the front area of the store]
"What is wrong with him!" Charlie growled at the screen, his frustration evident as he struggled against Bill's grip. He was seething at the actions of Lucius Malfoy, and his anger was palpable.
"Calm down, brother," Bill urged, trying to pacify Charlie as he held him back, his voice firm but reassuring.
Mr. Weasley: Children, it's mad in here. Let's go outside.
Lucius: Well, well, well, Weasley senior.
Mr. Weasley: Lucius.
Lucius: Busy time at the Ministry, Arthur, all those extra raids. I do hope they're paying you overtime, but judging by the state of this... [holds up Ginny's book] ...I'd say not. What's the use of being a disgrace to the name of wizard if they don't even pay you well for it?
Mr. Weasley: We have a very different idea about what disgraces the name of wizard, Malfoy.
Lucius: Clearly. Associating with Muggles... [Mia watches as Lucius places two books into Ginny's cauldron]
"Of course, you saw," Ginny said with a wide smile, clearly pleased that Mia had noticed the book.
Mia responded with a knowing grin, acknowledging the unspoken exchange with a subtle nod.
Lucius narrowed his eyes at how swiftly she had caught him in the act, a flicker of surprise and perhaps annoyance crossing his features.
Meanwhile, Narcissa raised an elegant eyebrow, her expression one of genuine admiration for Mia's perceptiveness.
Lucius: ...and I thought your family could sink no lower. I'll see you at work. [leaves the shop]
Draco: I'll see you at school. [follows his father out the door]