This Animal I've Become

“I’ve never met a guy whose favorite food was chocolate,” Addie said thoughtfully as she ate a spoonful of her ice cream.

Addie sat to the left of Sirius and across from James, with Remus to James’ left. They were all eating some ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, and sitting at a table outside against the shops’ glass.

“No one loves chocolate as much as Remus does,” James teased lightly with a smile as he glanced at Remus.

Remus blushed lightly before ducking his head down a little to try and divert the attention away from his slightly reddening cheeks. This was just what he needed, another sarcastic comment about his love for chocolate, while they were at it, they might have as well have poked fun at his masculinity. There were already doubts about his sexuality with many of the students at school, what were a few jabs about his love for chocolate going to do?

“I guess chocolate would be my favorite too,” Addie said before smiling into her bowl. “Dark chocolate to be precise, I find it to be sweet; a little bitter too. But my actual favorite food would have to be chocolate chip cookies.” She then grinned widely before eating another spoonful.

“Oh no, not another chocolate loving psycho maniac,” Sirius groaned as his face fell when he looked at the smiling Addie.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Addie chided, “I’m a girl, it’s okay for me to love chocolate.”

“What about Remus?” James asked with eyebrows raised.

“What about him?”

“He’s not a girl,” James replied. “I think we would’ve noticed something like that by now.”

“I wasn’t implying that,” she sighed, trying to explain herself.

“Maybe Remmy’s a poofer,” Sirius joked as he tried to take a scoop out of Remus’ chocolate ice cream. Remus had immediately started batting away Sirius’ silver spoon with his own with a frown on his face.

“Not funny,” Remus said in a sing-song type voice, dragging out ‘y’ at the end.

Sirius stopped trying to grab some of his ice cream with a pout and retreated back to his own few mouthfuls. “I thought it was hilarious,” Sirius replied with a grin. Remus merely glared before eating more of his ice cream.

“Leave him alone,” Addie implored as she lightly pushed Sirius’ shoulder. “There’s nothing wrong with a boy liking chocolate just as much as a girl. I was only defending myself to your stupid insult.” She then poked Sirius in the arm along with the last three words that she said.

“Hey, no need for violence,” Sirius laughed as he rubbed the spot where she had poked him.

Addie gave him a weird look before saying with a laugh, “If that was violent I want to see what brutal and ruthless looks like to you.”

Sirius smirked, “Then you haven’t seen us in action. And you definitely haven’t met Lily Evans yet then have you?”

“Lily?” Addie repeated the name. “Is she the one that James always talks about?”

“The one and only,” Sirius said with a smile before polishing off his bowl and mindlessly pushing it away from him. “That reminds me, what house do you reckon you’ll be in?”

“Oh,” Addie said, slightly surprised at the change in conversation. “I honestly don’t have a clue.”

Sirius nodded before saying, “I hope you’re in Gryffindor with us. You’ve got spunk.”

“And you’re bloody brilliant,” James said, joining in.

Addie’s eyebrows rose, “What do those have to do with anything?”

Sirius and James’ jaws dropped slightly. But Remus was smart enough to realize that she probably didn’t know much about how Hogwarts worked. “You get sorted into a house based on what type of personality you have,” he explained calmly. “There are four different houses that are made for people with certain types of personalities.”

“I know about the houses. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, right?” she asked and received nods from all three of the boys. “But what are the personality traits of each house?”

“Well, Gryffindor is for the brave and courageous,” James explained with his chest puffed out a little. “Which you obviously know is the house us three are in.”

Addie nodded as Sirius continued, “Ravenclaw’s for the smart, brainy people. I wouldn’t be surprised if you got in there.”

“And Hufflepuff is for the loyal,” Remus said and then added thoughtfully, “which probably isn’t the house you’re going to get into.”

“Hufflepuff’s for the rejects,” Sirius whispered loudly before grinning.

“Now,” James cut in, sitting up a little straighter before leaning forward with a finger pointed out towards Addie. “Slytherin is for the cunning. They’re evil, vile creatures. That is the one house you don’t want to get into.”

Addie’s face was blank. “So that house is the bad one,” she stated as a comment rather than a question.

“Oh no, not just bad,” Sirius said. “Evil. They’re the ones that hate anyone who isn’t a pureblood. Besides, they’re the ones who’re becoming the Death Eaters.”

“Death Eaters,” she stated again when it should have been a question.

“Do you know of them?” Remus inquired.

Addie looked at him and paused for a moment. “Oh, no…well, yes,” she replied. “Just back home I think I heard the name being thrown about by the older wizards. I didn’t have a clue as to what they were talking about.”

“Death Eaters are Voldemorts’ followers,” James clarified.

“Him I’ve heard of,” Addie said confidently. “He’s supposed to be some evil man bent on eliminating muggles, muggleborns and such, correct?”

“Exactly,” Sirius replied. “A nutter is what he is.”

“Well, anyway, the Slytherin house is the one house where most of the Death Eaters originate from,” James then said.

“And what would you do if I was in that house?” Addie asked seriously as she finished off her own ice cream and pushed it into the pile of empty bowls.

“Disown you,” James joked.

“Never talk to you again,” Sirius added with his own humor laced into his voice.

“Pull a prank or two; or a million on you.”

“Make your school life a living hell.”

“Make you wish you never came to England.”

“I think she gets the point,” Remus chimed in.

“Yes I do, thank you, Remus,” she said with a kind smile which he returned.

“Well then,” Sirius said loudly, “let’s get out of here.” The other three nodded as they pushed back their chairs, grabbed shopping bags at their feet, and started to head back to the Leaky Cauldron.

“Addie, did you want to come over for dinner tonight?” James asked as soon as they entered the restaurant. “I’m sure my mum wouldn’t mind another guest.”

“Oh, thanks for the offer, but no thank you,” she said in reply.

“Are you sure? Surely your mum wouldn’t mind.”

“No, my mom and I already have plans to explore London a little before I have to go to school,” she explained quickly. “She wanted to get started tonight. I don’t want to change the plans on her at the last minute.”

The way she was talking had irked Remus to an extent. He didn’t know why he had an uneasy feeling about her words, but something just felt a little off for him. There was no reason for him to not trust her words. He was in no position to judge.

James nodded to her as he put down the set of bags that he was carrying next to an empty table, the table nearest to the fireplace attached to the Floo Network, as Sirius and Remus followed suit soon after.

“Thanks boys,” Addie smiled. “I don’t know how I would have gotten all my things if it weren’t for you guys.”

“I’m sure you would’ve charmed the pants off some poor innocent boys,” Sirius replied cheekily.

“Of course,” Addie said with a smirk. She then added sarcastically, “Boys are just falling at my feet to carry my bags.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” James commented while smiling. “Well, anyway, we better get going before it gets too late and my mum has ours heads for it.”

Addie laughed and nodded, “Thanks again you guys.”

“No problem, love,” Sirius replied with a wink before taking out a small pouch full of floo powder out of his back pocket and grabbing a handful. He then handed it to James who grabbed a handful and then passed it to Remus who also grabbed a handful of the powder.

Sirius was the first to go to the fireplace. “See you on the train,” he told Addie who just smiled and gave him a curt nod. Sirius threw down the powder and clearly said, “Potter Manor.” The next second Sirius was gone.

Remus was the next to go. He stood in the fireplace and gave Addie a shy wave of goodbye before copying Sirius’ action.

“Don’t forget about sitting with us on the train,” James said before walking over to the fireplace.

“But how will I find you guys?” she asked as he turned around.

“Don’t worry,” he assured, “We’re kind of hard to miss. Oh and don’t be afraid to pop in whenever you feel like it, all right?” Addie nodded before James smiled and disappeared.

Addie sat down at the table and pulled out her book. It wasn’t for another half an hour when she felt that it was safe to go. She had called over to Tom, the bartender, and he had helped her move her bags up to her room where she stayed for an hour before going back out into Diagon Alley and grabbing dinner at a small cafe.

Obviously her mother wasn’t coming tonight.

Nerves were coursing through Addie’s system as she stepped out of the cab and onto the sidewalk outside of King’s Cross Station. As she walked into the train station, her large trunk trailing behind her, she found herself a little overwhelmed. She had no idea where to go. So she stopped herself, took in a deep breath, and looked over the surrounding area for signs or clues as to where she should be going.

Eventually she found signs and followed the path to platforms 9 and 10. Somehow she had to find Platform ¾ in-between 9 and 10, of course there had to be some sort of hidden entrance to the platform, but she highly doubted there would be any clues as to where it might be.

Once she found the platforms, she observed the surrounding area, looking for anything that might be helpful to her. It was only a matter of seconds before she spotted two boys around her age pushing two carts filled with belongings, making their way down the platform in her direction. Sure, dressed in muggle clothing they could have passed as normal teenagers, but how many muggle teenagers owned owls?

Before they could pass her she called out to them, “Excuse me.” As soon as they stopped and looked at her, Addie smiled at them. “Do you happen to know where Platform nine and three-fourths is?”

The boy on the far side smiled, “You mean Platform nine and three-quarters?”

Addie laughed and nodded, “Yeah that’s the one.”

He smiled, “We’re heading there right now. You can follow us.”

“Thank you,” she replied and smiled as she fell in step beside the boy who had not spoken yet as they continued along their path.

“No problem,” the first boy said with a smile. “I’m assuming you’re new to Hogwarts, right?”

Addie nodded, “Yeah.”

“What year will you be in?”

“Sixth.”

“Brilliant! So are we,” he replied. He paused for a second before jumping slightly and exclaiming, “Oh, sorry we haven’t introduced ourselves yet, my name’s Ed Cunningham and this is Ricky Fleetwood.” He pointed to himself and gestured over to Ricky who gave Addie a shy smile.

Ed was about Addie’s height, if not a bit shorter, and had a normal slim build. He had short, golden hair and blue eyes. His jaw was prominent, but his toothy smile was what made him stand out the most. Ricky was shorter than both, only reaching just above their shoulders. His hair was a chocolate brown color with curls that reached the middle of his ears and warm brown eyes to match. His skinny frame and lack of fat made his high cheek bones stand out more making his cheeks look slightly sullen. It was easy to say that Ed was the more attractive of the two, but Ricky had his own cute look about him.

“I’m Addie Ferrari,” she said in reply.

“Are you from America?” Ed asked as both he and Ricky slowed to a stop with Addie following their motion.

“Yeah, just moved,” Addie answered with a sheepish smile.

“Don’t worry you’re going to love it here,” Ed reassured her. He then turned and pointed at a pillar made of bricks. “That’s the entrance there. All you have to do is run through it.”

Addie glanced to the wall and then looked at him with raised eyebrows, “We have to run through a wall?”

“It’s scary the first time, but after a few years you just get used to it,” Ed said. “Here, Ricky’ll show’ya.” Ed lightly elbowed Ricky who nodded to Addie with a small smile on his face.

Ricky then began pushing his cart forward set at a brisk walk. Addie was subconsciously waiting for Ricky to smash into the wall while her conscious was telling her that this was the magical world, anything and everything was possible. When Ricky reached the point where he should have rammed into the brick wall, he seemed to flawlessly pass through to an unseen platform that lay on the opposite end.

“Amazing,” Addie whispered to herself.

“I think it’s best if you go before me,” Ed suggested. “Just make sure to move out of the way so I don’t hit you.”

Addie nodded at him before facing the pillar. She took in a deep breath before briskly walking forward. She kept in mind that she was not going to be running into a wall, it was just a portal. Even though she knew that she was not going to hit the wall, her body tensed as soon as she got within a foot of the portal. Addie resisted closing her eyes as her right foot passed through first, followed by her left. She held her breath as she stepped through quickly, dragging her trunk in behind her.

As soon as Addie made it through the barrier, she smiled to the patiently waiting Ricky who wore a large smile on his face. She quickly moved out of the way of Ed, who would be making his way through the passage next, and stood next to Ricky. Once she stood next to Ricky she took in her surroundings. There were massive amount of teenagers of all shapes and sizes on the platform. Many were greeting each other as if they hadn’t seen each other in years. Some were still talking with their parents, a few trying to get away from their parents as soon as possible. Addie couldn’t miss the large scarlet red train that stood in the background of all the people. She had never ridden an actual steam engine type train before, only subways and cable cars, which are not the same by any means. Addie smiled to herself, becoming a little more excited about what was to come in the up-incoming year.

Addie looked away from the sight before her and turned back just in time to see Ed walk over to the two people who were waiting for him.

“The train’s leaving in about fifteen minutes,” Ed stated looking over a clock on the wall. “We should try to find a compartment. Would you like to sit with us?”

Addie looked over to Ed. “Actually these boys I met asked me to sit with them already,” Addie replied briskly trying to not hurt his feelings. “Maybe you know who they are? They’re supposed to be sixth years as well.”

Ed did not seem to take any offense to what Addie had said and relief washed over her. “Yes, of course,” he replied smiling. “What’re their names?”

“They said I couldn’t miss them for some reason. Their names are Sirius, James, and Remus,” Addie said quickly.

“Blimey, already met the Marauders have you?” Ed said in reply with raised eyebrows and a slightly surprised look on his face.

Addie nodded a little and smiled, “I guess. They found me in Diagon Alley.”

Ed smirked, “More like Sirius Black tried to flirt with you.”

Addie laughed, “Oh, so he actually has the reputation of being a flirt?”

The boy laughed and nodded at the same time, catching on that she had disbelieved that he was the ladies man that he claimed to be. “I’d watch out for him if you knew what was good for you,” Ed warned. “He’s the type of bloke who doesn’t stick around very long. Different girl a week type of guy.”

“Talking shit behind my back, Cunningham?” a voice said from behind them. They all turned to face a smiling Sirius who was followed by James, Remus, and short boy that Addie had assumed was Peter. Peter had short brown hair that looked like it had been recently cut with brown eyes that had flecks of green in them. He was not exactly fat, but he was on the heavier side of the scale.

All of their bags were piled onto one cart, being pushed by Remus. Behind them were a few clumps of girls laughing, whispering, and talking. Addie had never seen such a sight. They were acting as if these four boys were celebrities.

Ed had laughed and smiled back, “Only the truth, Black.” Mostly everyone smiled as the two boys laughed at each other and clasped hands in a friendly shake.

“Now, Ferrari,” Sirius said turning his attention back to the girl. “There’s no need to believe everything these people say about me.”

“Oh really?” she asked and then said smiling, “I was going to stay away from you the moment you started talking to me.”

“You’re smart and too good for him, Addie,” James commented. “Most girls would be giggling and blushing by now.”

“Or staring at him like he’s a piece of meat,” Ed added.

“Or start thinking that he’s God’s gift to women,” Remus chipped in.

“How would you know that?” asked the smallest boy, Peter.

“It’s scary what you hear sometimes when someone thinks no one’s around,” he replied with a look of disgust.

“No need to be jealous of me boys,” Sirius said nonchalantly.

“And what, dare I ask, are we jealous of exactly?” James asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, you know,” he replied acting like it was common knowledge then said with a smirk, “my charm and sexiness of course.”

Sirius chuckled before moving over to Addie’s side and slipping his arm around her shoulder. As soon as he did this, Addie had noticed how most of the girl’s actions immediately changed. Some of the girls who were laughing stopped to glare at her, the whispering girls stopped and eyed the unfamiliar girl warily, and some of the girls who were talking broke out into whispers trying to figure out who the girl was. “You’ve got quite the fan club there, Sirius,” Addie noted, nodding over to the group of girls.

Sirius smiled broadly. “Jealous?” he asked cheekily.

“Hardly,” she replied dryly.

“Sirius!” James cut in, “you have all year to flirt with Addie, now can we please get on the train before all the compartments are taken? I don’t want to be near any of those slimy, Slytherin gits.”

Sirius sighed at his friend’s dramatics, but agreed knowing that he didn’t want to be anywhere near the Slytherins as well. He nodded to James before turning to Ed and the silent Ricky, “Cunningham, Fleetwood, care to sit with us? Or are you going to sit with Hooper and Russell?”

“Sorry Black, we need to find Johnny and Paul,” Ed replied. “We’ll see you guys later. And Addie, if you ever get tired of these lunatics you can come and find us.”

Addie smiled and laughed, “Will do. Thanks a lot for showing me where the platform was.”

“No problem,” he said with a nod, then turned to the ever so quiet Ricky and gestured to the train, “Come on, mate, let’s find Paul and Johnny.” They had all waved goodbye to each other as they watched Ed and Ricky walk towards the train.

“Alright, let’s go,” James said as he began to lead them all towards the train. Remus followed behind with the cart as Sirius, Addie, and Peter fell into step behind him.

“Addie, this is Peter. Peter, meet Addie,” Sirius said his arm still perched upon Addie’s shoulder. Peter was walking on the other side of Addie, making Addie follow directly behind Remus.

“Nice to meet you, Peter,” Addie greeted politely having to look down at him seeing how he only came up to her shoulder.

“Likewise,” he replied with a small smile.

A few moments later they had all piled onto the train, the boys helping her with her trunk and had luckily found an empty compartment together as far away from the older Slytherins as possible.