In the Era of a Legend :: (Closed to LadyShalott) :: WARNING: 18+ content

"Hey! Mudblood Mari! Get stoned lately?"

School hasn't even started, and yet I've already received taunts and mockings just going to the compartment. Mudblood Mari, Mari Stoned, other things of the such. The names Maria Stone; but that doesn't seem to exist in their heads.

Giving off a irritated sigh, I shook my head, ignoring the persistent ignoramuses; they're just intimidated, is all. I shouldn't pay them any mind, right?

Yeah... Right.

Besides, some day I'd be their boss. Ah, that day... That day will be glorious.

Letting a grin cross my features, my step kicked up a little bit and I continued on my way to the Slytherin compartments; I was excited, personally. My third year at Hogwarts; it was thrilling, especially with the thought of the Care of Magical Creatures class, which I'd been too excited for over break that I nearly just about squealed my mothers head off. Ah...

The grin widening on my features, I closed my eyes for just a few moments- suddenly running into a pacing figure with a 'Thud', landing on my buttox with my hands on the ground, keeping me from falling flat on my head, my eyes closed tightly- preparing for the taunts of whom I had ran into.

I flinched at Draco's comment, letting out a sigh and smiling to Alexandria as she helped me up, dusting myself off as well.

"10 points from Ravenclaw for wandering into the Slytherin area, Ms. Stone."

My eye twitched, glaring at the ground as Snape spoke, "Yes, Professor Snape," I murmured, letting myself relax after he went away, grinning as I hugged her back, smiling sheepishly, "Yeah... Long story short..." I started, my expression dropping, "I'm not living in Swords anymore," I spoke, pointing behind me with my thumb as if that was where Ireland was, "Was unable to take Layla with me when I moved, she's coming later on in the year," I added on, talking about my Snow Owl, "So I didn't get any of the letters you sent me, and due to the surroundings of Muggles, I had no form of contact," I finished, rubbing the back of my head sheepishly.

Clapping my hands together, I let out a dramatic sigh, "Anyways! That said, because of the lack of contact, how was your summer, then? And do you want to go find a compartment in the other sections? I don't feel like being around Mouthwash in there," I nodded to the Slytherin compartment door, fingering the necklaces around my neck- one a key with a rainbow string, the other a chain with the dog tag of the Ravenclaw house on it.

"Sounds fun," I grinned, placing my backpack on the seat beside me and pulling my legs up, sitting indian-style on the seat, "I bet it was beautiful. I've always wanted to visit France- I heard there was a big forest full of thestrals and Dragons somewhere near Paris, that would be amazing..." I sighed dreamily, "You'll have to take me next time, though," I spoke, staring at her stubbornly.

I let a smile cross my face as the train began to move, the thought of going back to Hogwarts causing extreme butterflies to fill my stomach; my fingers going to the rim of my Fox hat, steadily pulling it down atop my pink hair.

"So why did you have to move?"

Immediately the frown fell from my lips and my eyes opened; steadily, I brought my legs up and hugged my knees to my chest, letting out a sigh. She asked, so I had to tell her, we've been friends since my first year- it wouldn't be right to keep secrets.

"Messy, messy situations," I started off, staring off into space, "Durring my second year, parents got into fights, dad kept cheating. Hit mum a few times. Those letters I got that I wouldn't read? Parents complaining about the other. Durring summer, it got so bad that mum took me and left for Dublin; unfortunately, the most I could grab was what I have in my backpack and trunk now," I explained, tightening my hug on my legs, "Haven't heard from him since. Godparents are getting the rest of our stuff from Swords while I'm here."

I closed my eyes, letting out a sigh, "Dublins hell, though," I added on, "Mum's been sobbing over dad; she's becoming a royal bitch. The kids there aren't much better. I've adopted two new nicknames, 'Bloody Mari' and 'Duck-mutt Lyn'." I let out a weak smile, "The adults are worse, though. The kids have the politeness to say it to my face, the adults are kind to your face, but the moment you leave they're gossiping freaks. I hate it."

I shrugged, offering a small smile, "I still couldn't of. Things were so hectic that I was barely able to come back to Hogwarts- if I had decided to leave off with you, hell would've been unleashed," I spoke, resting my cheek on my knee as I stared out the window, "And mum's never been to fond of Wizardry and Witchcraft, you know, so there was no chance she would've come. Just gotta live through it; my Godparents are moving, though. Said if things don't get better, they'll take me with them," a sudden blush crossed my features, "Apparently, they're moving near the Weasleys..." I murmured, letting out a light smile.

"I'll have to see about coming over summer, though. I'm staying here for Christmas, I know that; I miss Hogwarts too much, despite the bumbling buffoons."

"We'll be arriving at Hogwarts within an hour, keep your cloaks ready."

I nodded to the Prefect before she left, pulling my legs back into the indian-style position and leaning to my backpack, unzipping a pocket and pulling out the robes, keeping them ready for when we arrive.

"Don't worry about it, Andri," I nodded to her, letting a weak smile cross my lips, "Besides, it's a new year. New victims, new pranks. I finally get to join the group at Hogsmeade, too. Why worry about family? I have all the family I need here."

"Will let you know, mate," I spoke, letting a laugh out at the thick Irish accent revealing itself.

Suddenly, red flashed up my cheeks, causing me to hug my legs to my chest again, this time in a shy manner.

"I bet George has gotten even cuter," I murmured, nervous butterflies clanking around in my stomach again, "I haven't heard from them either, adding on to that, how are they? Has George said anything about me?" I asked- having admitted to my crush on the Ginger durring second year.... Just not to him... Or anyone besides Andri, for that matter.

"Probably all kinds. I remember that on the way home before summer break, they said that they would be dragging us for help into their schemes this year. What do you think they have up their sleeves?" I questioned, tilting my head to the side, still aware of the heat flushed into my cheeks.

I pouted slightly at the news, but smiled, "Well, I can't wait to see them either," I spoke, letting out a soft sigh.

"That sounds like a blast, I can't wait," I added on, letting out a great grin, clapping my hands together; "And after that detention Filch gave us before term ended last year...." my expression became devious, "His time here will be hell."

I let out a soft laugh, leaning back in the seat and closing my eyes, letting the sound of the train moving drone in and the silence of the conversation increase; just thinking, glad to be so near the two Weasley's again; despite the fact that they, like Andri, have a 'I will MURDER you' position to the bullying I get, even though I tell them all to not worry on it.

Yeah, this year will be fun, though.

Eventually, the train stopped, and we all stood up; leaving our luggage in the train, as we knew magic would teleport everything to the dorms, except the first years, their luggage would go to the hallway until they were sorted.


"First years, follow me! Everyone else, the carriages are up the path!"

Hagrid. The thought of seeing the great oaf again sent a smile to my face. This year was going to be intense, I could tell. What kind of intense, I didn't know.

Walking on to the path, my robes on and all that great stuff, Andri and I were heading towards the carriages. I loved the carriages, so much- despite the fact that barely anyone else knew that they weren't carried by magic, and would look at me oddly, I loved the thestrals. They're so kind, so beautiful.

"Should we wait for the twins?" I questioned; as we were ahead of everyone else in line, and stopped at the first carriage, "Maybe they'll want to ride up with us."

I let out a small laugh at the sound of Percy's voice. The redhead Weasley.

He didn't like me much, either. Probably due to the fact that I'm not a 'By-the-rules' type of person, mixed with my reputation of "Mari Stoner."

Ah, he'll get pranked this year, too, as per usual.

"Shush, Percy, the girls are here, run off."

I felt my face hear up again at George's voice; letting out another laugh when I heard Percy 'humph' before walking off, grinning as I waved to the twins coming about.

"Hey, you two. Getting into trouble before term even begins?" I questioned jokingly to the two.

"You know it, Mari," Fred spoke up, grinning as he walked over, "Long time no see, you two!" he exclaimed dramatically, giving Alexandria a great big hug, and me just the same.

"Too long," I responded, sticking my tongue out in a joking, jealous manner at Andri when George kissed her cheek, but returned his hug happily.

"Haven't heard from you all summer, Stone. Where's you been?"

"Yeah! I've been wondering about that too," Fred spoke, eyeing me intently, "What? Do you not like us anymore?"

"No no, not that," I responded, smiling at them weakly, "I moved over summer. Was unable to bring Layla with me, and I was unable to get any of your letters. Layla's coming later, but due to the move, I had no contact. I'm sorry," I spoke hurriedly, proceeding to clap my hands together near immediately after.

"That said, then! Shall we?" I tilted my head to the side, nodding to the carriage behind us.

"Merlin, yes! Food!" Fred exclaimed, agreeing with George.

I let out a small laugh at George's comment of food, and laughed even more at Fred's agreement; shaking my head at the silly twins.

Immediately they climbed into the carriage, my face heating up immediately when George sat beside of me, I laughed slightly, though, when I saw Andri's face heat up when Fred sat beside her.

Once we made it to the castle, then to the great hall, I proceeded to give George and Fred great hugs before I went to the Ravenclaw table, excited for the the sorting to start; wondering if the twin's sister will break the Gryffindor tradition.

"Alexandria~" Flint's voice sounded, excited at the sight of his forever crush. "It's great to see you- I bet you're happy to see the best Wizard in all of the land," he tilted his head to the side, a cocky grin firm on his lips, "Of course, who wouldn't be?" he smirked, running a hand through his hair.

"Welcome back to another year of Hogwarts!" Dumbledore exclaimed once everyone was inside the building, except for the new first years, "Now, if we may begin; Professor McGonagall, would you do the honers of letting in the first years?"

Immediately complying, the said Professor left the room, only to come back with a hoard of First years following her, causing a smile to cross my lips at their nervous faces, remembering that that was me just three years ago. Once settled, McGonagall then proceeded to start with her usual first-year speech, proceeding by her pulling out her list and reading off the first name. "Amelia Vanetta Seoul."

After a few moments, cheers erupted from my table at the first Ravenclaw of the night; an exciting moment.

The sorting continued on- laughter erupting from my mouth at the excited freak outs of the Weasleys (minus Percy) and Harry Potter when Ginny made it into Gryffindor, shaking my head at their insanity.

Finally, though, after what seemed like forever, the last of the kids were sorted and at their tables- Dumbledore gave his speech, introducing the new DADA teacher, Gildroy Lockhart (Gross), and finally, the food was out; much to the relief of everyone in the room.

"Nice to see you crash our table, Alexandria," Fred spoke, laughing at his friend; and laughing at Ron, who's mouth was full of food. Laughing again at the embarrassed blush of Hermione when Alexandria caught her staring.

"Ouch! Hermione!" Ron immediately exclaimed once Hermione slapped him over the shoulder with the book; earning another laugh from the group, "What was that for?"

"You're being rude, Ron!" she exclaimed, "Don't you EVER stop eating?" she added on.

"No," The twins said for Ron, grinning at the brother who was now glaring at the twins.

"I wonder if Mari would crash too."

"Speak of the devil," Harry spoke from beside Hermione, eyeing the entrance- the slightly disheveled appearence of myself walking in, exhausted from the lack of sleep- suddenly glad that classes didn't officially start for another few hours.

"Bad nights rest, Mari?" Fred spoke up, a worried expression towards me as I sat down between the two twins, my elbows resting on the table and my hands propping up my chin, staring at the table.

"Nightmares, again," I murmured, giving off a dramatic sigh about the constant fears that have been plaguing my dreams since I was nine. The same two, reoccuring nightmares that I've not spoken aloud to anyone as of yet; after giving off another side, I raised my head slightly, smiling weakly to the group, "Anyways, hello guys! I hope you all got a good nights rest."

"Nightmares aren't any good!" Fred exclaimed; a grin crossing his features at the blush that heated up my cheeks, "I agree, George. We should do something to lift the spirits!"

I smiled lightly, having no objections to the arm that remained around my shoulder, sticking my tongue out at Percy as he spoke, laughing with the group as Andri owned him.

"Remind me why you're the SLytherin here, Andri?" I questioned, tilting my head to the side; letting out a joking grin, sending a glare towards Percy, then nodding to Andri, "Did you sleep well, mate?" I asked, grinning again at my Irish accent. It's always amused me for some reason.

"Nice to finally meet you, Ginny. I'm Maria Evelyn Stone," I spoke after Alexandria introduced herself to Ginny, nodding to the girl, but not moving from my position beside George, as I enjoyed being near him, despite the fact that I was positive he looked at me as a sister, much to my dismay.

I flinched at the sound of Draco Malfoy- the popular bully of his year; expecting some sort of insult before realizing that he was paying no attention to me.

"Still after you, eh?"

Fred laughed lightly, "Does that boy not give up?" he questioned, tilting his head to the side, then letting out another laugh, "Yes, you're so irresistible. I don't think I can take it much longer, what about you, Georgey?"

I pouted when George moved from my side, but let out laughter at their torture of Andri; it was worth it, to see the older girl be tickled. The others at the table (Minus Percy and Hermione, who was scowling at their childish behaviour) must've thought so too, as they were laughing as well.

"It's your fault for being so irresistible! Otherwise this wouldn't be happening to you!" Fred exclaimed jokingly, grinning to the girl- blinking when they heard the clearing of the throat, making the two stop and slowly stand up.

"What do you think YOU'RE doing to my lovely?" Flint questioned, tilting his head to the side, "You're not allowed to pounce on her like that."

"Oh? Says who?" Fred retorted, a threatening stance to Flint.

"Says me, of course. No one's allowed to go so far as to tough past her shoulders except for me!"

"You're not her property," I spoke up, having moved from the table to beside the twins, feeling the need to stand up for my friend.

"No one asked you, mudblood Mari. Why don't you go and get yourself stoned already. Everyone knows you love getting your head high," he snapped at me, causing me to bite my lip.

"Or better yet, run off to those muggle parents of yours, we all know you don't belong here- you're worse scum than you Weasley blood-traiters," Draco added on, suddenly appearing from beside Marcus, smirking as my composure visibly fell.

"Nice one, Draco," Flint smirked to his friend friend, then turned his head back to the twins, "Now, if you don't mind."

I let out a sigh of relief once the two left, giving a smile to Alexandria, used to her creepy forms. I've seen them enough the past two years, at least.

I quickly returned Alexandria's hug, then took my seat in the middle of the twins back; still rather pephed from the two Slytherin's; but used to it. "Yeah, I'm fine," I answered finally, giving the girl a weak smile, "I've had worse done in Dublin, mate. Nothing I'm not used to," I spoke, shrugging, letting out a slight sigh, "What about you, though, you okay?" I questioned.

"Those buttfaces, who do they think they are? Picking on OUR Ireland and hitting on OUR France," Fred said jokingly, though he was worried about me, I knew they knew I was sensitive. "That's just unacceptable, isn't it?" he spoke to his twin, sighing dramatically.

"I'm fine, guys, seriously," I spoke up, shaking my head at the nickname, "You don't need to stick up for me or worry about me, you know. It's Andri you need to protect over there," I joked, nodding my head to her, "I mean, come on, Marcus Flint is hitting on her, wouldn't that be worse?" she grinned.

"Draco's just a jerk," Harry spoke, eyes narrowing at the table, as if it was Draco, "Flint isn't any better," he sighed, then looked up, turning to the group, "What classes do you guys have first, anyways?"

"Potions," I responded irritatedly, "Snape my first period for the rest of the year. Great, isn't it? Seriously, Andri, what does your house-leader hate about everyone who's not Slytherin?"