Babies Again (Harry Potter FanFic)

5. Train Ride

5. Train ride

The next morning the Headmaster summoned the Head Girl – Penelope Clearwater. Yes, Percy’s girlfriend – sucks for Perce, doesn’t it? But then again he doesn’t recognize this, because he thinks he is a seven year old. He is a seven year old.

“You wanted me, sir?”

“Yes, Miss Clearwater. Take a seat. You see, yesterday the four youngest Weasley children, Mr Potter and Ms Granger landed themselves in Detention with Professor Snape, with Percival Weasley to supervise. The older Weasleys, William and Charles, had come to visit their younger siblings, and in the rush to say hello, a few Potions were spilt, and mixed, creating an explosion. This caused each of the present people to lose roughly ten years of their life; that is to say, become young children. They also believe that they are one family, and are actually the ages they have been changed to; they believe that Hermione, Ron and Harry Potter are triplets because they somehow now look alike. Now Bill is thirteen, Charlie is eleven, Percy is seven, Fred and George are five, Harry, Hermione and Ron are three and little Ginny is one. They will be going to the Weasley’s house for the holidays; however they must catch the train to Kings Cross. You, as Head Girl, and some of your friends if you wish, must look after them on the journey, ensure they are happy and quiet, and do not get hurt. Can you do that for me?”

The girl nodded.

“Thank you, Ms Clearwater. Please return here with your stuff before boarding the train; you can meet everyone then.” He sent her away and away she went, wondering exactly how this train ride would be…

“Come along, little ones; the Headmaster wants you,” McGonagall said, ushering the nine out of the Common Room. Fred and George made a break for it, but were frozen by McGonagall’s wand. “I will tell you mother if you two don’t start behaving,” she scolded.

“McGoo-goo?” Ron asked, slipping his hand into the strict teachers. She gazed down at him, her eyes softening when she saw the innocent face. “I need to go potty.”

Ah yes, that was a problem with small children. “Okay. William, can you take your brother to the bathroom please?” Harry clamoured to go too, and Hermione, so McGonagall sent the boys off and tried to explain to the little girl.

“No dear, you can’t, it’s a boys’ bathroom, boys only! No, don’t cry.” She awkwardly hugged the sobbing child, before handing it to Charlie; Percy had Ginny on his hip, the twins were – wait, where were they now? Minerva looked around and heard giggling coming from a suit of armor. Pointing her wand at it, she muttered an incantation; the boys were spat out of the suit. It chased them around, smacking at their backsides.  They squealed and ran, and although McGonagall’s lips were pursed as she watched them, there was an almost undetectable sparkle in her eye.

Somehow they made it to Dumbledore’s office, and she ushered them up the winding staircase.

“Thank you, Minerva; Penelope Clearwater will be here soon to take them to the train. What do you say to Professor McGonagall, children?”

“Thanks! Thank you! Tank-oo!” they called. Minerva McGonagall flashed them a rare smile as she left.

“Oh, Professor? I have packed their trunks and sent them by Portkey to the Burrow.”

“Thank you, Minnie. Oh, Miss Clearwater and friends, there you are. This is Ginevra,” he introduced, handing her over. “These are Harry, Hermione, and Ronald – triplets – and Fred and George – obviously twins – Percival, Charles and William. Follow me now.” He led them all down to the train, showing them a carriage that they had not previously found, and left them with a smile.

“Well, uh, hi,” Penelope said awkwardly. “I’m Penny.”

“I’m Bill,” the teenager said, sitting down and easily holding George’s robe to prevent him from running out the door.

“I’m Charlie,” the next-oldest continued. He too took a seat, and grabbed Fred’s robe.

“I’m Percy,” the seven-year-old added.

“We’re Gred and Forge,” the twins chorused. Kicking their older brothers, they made a dash for the door; Cho Chang grabbed each of them and slammed the door shut with her foot.

“Woah,” gasped Charlie.

“I’m Seeker of five years; second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth. And next year of course; I’m Ravenclaw Quidditch captain. Have been since last year. And I’m Penny’s cousin,” Cho admitted.

Penelope magically locked the door and held her hand to the younger seven. “Wands please.” They grudgingly handed them over and then continued with introductions.

“I’m Ron,” one of the triplets said. He had somehow gotten a lolly and was all sticky.

“I’m Hawwy,” lisped the scarred kid, climbing onto Cho’s lap.

“I’m Hermione.” The girl sat next to a seventh year, who was reading Quidditch through the Ages and tried to look at the pictures. The seventh year noticed and started quietly reading aloud, pointing things out.

“And that’s Ginny,” Bill finished, indicating the sleeping baby on her own seat. As well as the redheads, Cho and Penny, in the secret carriage was the Seventh Year reading to Hermione, named Lucy; a sixth year, also on the Quidditch team, named Charlotte; and Andrew, a Prefect.

“What?” Ron had been pulling on Charlie’s robes.

“I need to go potty.”

“Andy, can you take him?” Penelope asked. Offering his hand to the younger boy, Andrew obliged; as always, Harry followed them.

“Three, two, one,” the twins whispered to each other. On three they each twisted out of the grip of the senior who was holding them; as Andrew had left the door open, they dashed out of it and down a corridor.

“Fred, George!” Penelope was chasing them. Having twin telepathy, they each split; George ducked into a compartment and Fred continued running. “Grab him!” the seventh year screamed at the people in the compartment as she sprinted past. They did, a sixth year setting the struggling child on his lap.

“So who are you then?”

“George.”

“Well, George, why were you running?”

“I was bored.”

“Uh huh.”

The rest of the train ride was basically like that, the kids causing mischief and the older students looking after them. At the end of it, Penelope was heard to mutter, “Never having nine kids.” She saw Mrs Weasley and pointed the twins in her direction; after a quick wave, she disappeared into the crowd.

Mrs Weasley waited until the nine kids were near her before scooping them all into a family hug. She was determined to treat Hermione and Harry exactly like her own children; scoldings, chores, family trips, traditions and punishments included.

“Now… let’s get you all home, shall we?”