09; GUESS I'M FAMOUS NOW

Elara knew the news would be out in the morning edition of the Daily Prophet. She knew that once she got her paper that morning, so would everyone else, and it would all go crazy.

As she sat sipping her coffee, having finished her breakfast already, she heard the tell-tale sound of wings, that signified the owls were pouring in. she gulped down the rest of her coffee and braced herself to see the paper.

An owl landed in front of her with a rolled up copy of the Daily Prophet and a small note stuck to it. she unfurled the note first.

Elara,

Wanted to give you the pleasure of a free copy. Enjoy. And congratulations.

Matilda Harvey

Elara opened the paper, watching the owl fly away. She looked down at the front page and a smile overtook her face at the headlines and the picture of her that they had asked for before try outs. They asked for a copy of everyone's pictures, so they could send them to the Prophet for the article.

THE HARPIES NEW BEATER

Harpy Beater Lucinda Michelson retired after a beautifully long run with the Harpies. The team had been pretty silent about working on a replacement Beater, but it seems they managed to figure it all out without anyone getting a word.

Our sources say they held try outs a week ago and quickly came to their decision.

"It wasn't a hard decision, really. We knew it as soon as we saw her try out. It was inevitable. She was our new Beater, and there was no doubt about it." Captain Gwenog Jones states in an interview with a reporter from the Prophet (see more about Jones' rise to fame on page 10)

And who is this new Beater?

It's none other than Elara Black. The daughter of the wrongfully convicted Sirius Black. Jones practically sings Black's praises, stating that she is currently the Captain of the Slytherin team, and that they had their eye on her for a while, just waiting for an opportunity.

You've heard it here folks, the new Beater for the Holyhead Harpies is Elara Black.

For more information on Sirius Black, go to page 6.

For more information on the Holyhead Harpies, go to page 12.

"ELARA BLACK!" Elara winced at the sound of her best friends voice and turned to look at Bianca, who had the paper in her hands and her eyes wide in shock.

"I couldn't tell anyone! I swear!"

"I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!" Bianca launched herself on the girl, bringing them both off the bench and onto the ground. Elara could feel tears dripping onto her skin from Bianca. "I'm so proud. This has been your dream for so long."

Elara hugged her bag before pulling away. She wiped her best friends tears away, smiling. "Thank you. Genuinely. You're my sister, and it means a lot that you support me."

"Always, sestra. Always." Bianca linked their pinkies and they kissed them. "So, you're famous now."

"Oh, Salazar. I can't handle all the attention." Elara faked a distressed look as they both sat on the bench once more. Whispers rang out in the hall, all of them mentioning her name, Quidditch, Beater and the Harpies. People were starting to find out.

"Liar. You love it." Bianca giggled.

"You know I do."

Theodore appeared and took a seat opposite Elara. "I assume the paper's got around, then?"

"You knew?" Bianca gasped accusingly.

"Only because I was there when she got the letter yesterday." Theodore defended. "Let me see the paper." Elara handed it to him, and he quietly read it over, absent-mindedly munching on a piece of buttered toast.

Once he was done, he looked up at Elara in shock. "Shit, Gwenog Jones gushed about you!"

"I feel like I'm dreaming." Elara replied, sighing wistfully. "I feel like I'm going to wake up and this won't be real." Bianca pinched her. "Ow!"

"Now you know it's real."

"Didn't mean you had to pinch me." Elara whined.

"Yeah, Bia. You can't hurt her. She's famous now." Came a voice from behind Elara. She turned to see Blaise and Draco stood there. Draco had a proud smile and Blaise was smirking at his sister. "Congratulations, Elara. You deserve it."

"Thank you, Blaise." She smiled appreciatively.

"I cannot believe you're playing for the Harpies." Draco sat down on her other side, eyes wide. "That's bloody brilliant!"

"I'm glad you think so."

"Does this mean tickets are free for us?" Draco raised his eyebrows.

"Hey, that's a good point." Bianca pointed out.

"Well, I'm not really sure about it. We're bound to have a game during the summer, and obviously you can all come. I'll have to ask Gwenog about everything when I start working full-time." She paused for a second. "I can't believe I said that. I'll just ask Gwenog? That's normal now?"

"Having a bit of a fangirl moment, El?" Blaise teased her.

"Gwenog Jones is literally my role model. And now, I'm playing Beater alongside her. How did that happen?" Elara ran a hand through her hair, slightly in shock.

"It's because, you're a brilliant Quidditch player, and the Harpies saw your talent, and they said, we can't waste that." Bianca said confidently.

"I truly love you, Bianca." Elara said to her friend seriously.

"Elara! You have a boyfriend." Bianca giggled. Elara shushed her friend, looking at Theodore who rolled his eyes, amused.

"Congratulations, El!" Came a soft voice. Elara looked up to see Daphne smiling down at her. "You deserve it!"

The dark haired girl stood and wrapped her friend in a hug. "Thank you, Daph. Your support means the absolute world to me!" Then, she let go and motioned for her friend to sit. "I've got to speak with McGonagall to get some stuff confirmed. But, high chance I won't be staying all year. I'm supposed to finish my N.E.W.T.s early so I can work with the Harpies full time."

"That's amazing." Draco said. Elara smiled.

"Yeah. I feel honoured. But, I suppose it's sad in a way, because I won't get to graduate with you guys." She looked at Bianca and Theodore. "At least I'm leaving Umbridge and Dumbledore. Thank Merlin for that."

They all laughed. "When do you have to speak with McGonagall?" Theodore asked.

"Soon, I think. Gwenog said the morning. So, I'm going to go say hi to the Gryffindors and then I'll head off. See you guys later? I'll probably be late to class. if not, I'll see you at lunch." She waved before walking over to the Gryffindor table on the other side of the hall.

Her walk there was met with many congratulations and people telling her how lucky she was. She simply replied with thank yous and smiles. When she arrived at the Gryffindor table, she was immediately wrapped in a hug by two tall redheads. "I missed you guys too."

They both pulled away, identical smiles gracing their freckled faces. "We are so proud, El." George started.

"No one deserves this more than you." Fred continued.

"You will be getting us free tickets to the match, won't you?" George finished.

"Thank you, boys." She laughed. "I will do my best. You're not the only ones who have requested free tickets. Now, is Harry around?"

"Quidditch field." They said in sync.

"Thank you. I'll see you boys later." Elara waved before leaving the Great Hall and making her way outside to the field. She took in the colder weather with a bright smile. Elara loved the cold, and the snow, and winter in general.

She walked onto the pitch and stood at the side, watching her godbrother help Ron defend the hoops from Quaffles he threw his way. She could see Hermione sat on the grass towards the side and she walked over to her.

"Morning, Hermione."

"Good morning, El." The younger girl smiled up at her. "What brings you here?"

"I received some exciting news last night. Thought I should tell you guys, considering you clearly haven't seen the Prophet yet."

"The Prophet? Why would-"

"All in due time, young Gryffindor. Patience." Elara laughed. "Just wait for the boys to come down. It's pretty cool."

So, they waited for a few minutes until Ron tossed the Quaffle onto the ground in frustration, and Elara summoned it over to her, holding it in her arms. The two boys landed their brooms and walked over. "El, to what do we owe the pleasure?" Harry asked, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Got some exciting news. Big news. Prophet worthy really." Elara said, shrugging nonchalantly.

"You're so dramatic." Ron commented, running a hand through his damp red hair.

"Not this time, ginger. This is 100% credible news."

"Well, go on then!"

"A few weeks ago, after we on our first match against Ravenclaw, a woman named Matilda Harvey approached me. She said she was the representative for the Harpies. The Holyhead Harpies that is. Famed Welsh team, all women. Pretty cool, right?" She raised her eyebrows, getting nods back. "She said they needed a new Beater, and they wanted me to try out."

"Are you serious?" Harry's mouth dropped open.

"Elara, that's brilliant!" Hermione smiled softly.

"Hold on, I'm not done yet. So, try outs were the 1st. I tried out. Yesterday, I got a letter from the Gwenog Jones. The Captain and the other Beater. She said I got the position." Elara grinned happily. "I'm Beater for the Harpies. Officially."

"You're bluffing." Ron refused to believe her.

"I'm not. I swear." Elara shrugged. "It's in the Prophet. I got the copy this morning."

"THAT'S INSANE!" Harry yelled out, tackling his god sister in a massive hug. They both fell to the floor, laughing. Elara sat up.

"I know. It really is. It feels so surreal."

"Congratulations, Elara." Hermione smiled.

"Thank you, Hermione." Elara stood, helping Harry up.

"That is bloody brilliant, that is." Ron's eyes widened, before he narrowed them. "The Cannons are still better."

"Ronald, the Harpies annihilated the Cannons last time. I was there." Elara deadpanned. "But, I suppose, since they're cooler. You won't be wanting a free pass into my matches?"

"What- no! Of course I do!" Ron gasped.

"I'll see what I can do. Anyways, have a lovely day. I've got to speak to McGonagall about something. I'll see you lot later." She waved and walked back to the castle, making her way up the stairs and towards McGonagall's office.

"ELARA LUNA BLACK!" She heard someone call. Someone who sounded weirdly like her father. She turned and her eyes widened in shock.

"Dad?" He reached her. "What the bloody hell are you doing here?"

"I'm here because someone didn't tell me they got a job!" Sirius exclaimed.

"I wasn't allowed! I only found out last night!" She defended. Sirius shook his head before wrapping his daughter in a massive hug.

"I'm so proud of you, little moon. So proud!" He pulled away and kissed her forehead.

"Thanks, Dad. I've got to speak with McGonagall about graduating early. Gwenog says she wants me to work with the team fulltime. Want to come with me?" He nodded and they continued towards the Transfigurations professors office.

"I can't believe you're on speaking basis with Gwenog Jones!" Sirius groaned.

"She's the other Beater. I'm going crazy!" Elara squealed lightly as they arrived at the office. She composed herself and then knocked on the door.

"Come in!" Came McGonagall's Scottish tone. Elara opened the door, but before she could walk in, Sirius pushed past her and barged into the room.

"Minnie!" He called, causing McGonagall to look up from the pile of parchment paper on her desk in alarm. She looked over at Elara who was slowly making her way into the room, and the younger girl offered her an apologetic look.

"Mr Black." McGonagall greeted her former student.

"How have you been?" Sirius asked, throwing himself into one of the seats in front of her desk. McGonagall motioned for Elara to take the other one, and she did silently.

"Well, thank you."

"Dad, we haven't come here for you to suck up to Professor McGonagall." Elara deadpanned to her father, who faked a shocked gasp and let an offended look take over his face. "Don't be dramatic." Elara rolled her eyes, and Sirius grinned.

"Sorry." He shrugged.

"Sorry, Professor. My father sometimes forgets he's not 17 anymore." Elara said. "I've come to talk to you about taking my exams early?"

"Ah, yes. Speaking of, congratulations, Miss Black. I always knew you had it in you."

"Thank you, Professor." Elara genuinely smiled. McGonagall was probably her favourite teacher, and she was the only reason Elara would ever want to be a Gryffindor. Just to have her as her head of House.

"Your exams would normally take place towards the end of May, but because you need to take them earlier, I suggest before the winter holidays."

"That sounds good. Will the Ministry send a schedule, and examiners early for me then?"

"I suppose they will. I will owl them about the details. But they will probably send one examiner to oversee all your exams. If I were you, I'd ask all your Professors for a study guide. You won't be able to have much fun the next month or so, I'm afraid."

"That's alright. It'll be worth it in the end." Elara shrugged. "But thank you, Professor."

"You are very welcome, Miss Black." McGonagall nodded. Elara stood and headed for the door, her father behind her.

"Bye, Minnie!" Sirius called.

"Goodbye, Mr Black." Came a monotone response as the Head of Gryffindor turned her attention back to the papers on her table, picking up a quill and setting to marking them.

Outside, Sirius bade his daughter goodbye, stating he had to get back to Grimmauld Place, and that Remus needed to talk with him about something. Elara hugged him and then headed to her first class of the day.

In the following week, she got several owls from the Ministry, and long study guides from Professors. She was excused from all her classes, and had resorted to spending most, if not all, of her time either in the library, or in her and Theodore's dorm to study for her exams before the Christmas break.

The only time she spent doing anything but studying, eating and sleeping was attend the D.A. classes and occasionally practice with the team. Of course, her captainship had to go to someone, and her first choice was Theodore, considering he was her vice-captain, so she handed her badge over to Snape and gave him her recommendation.

She wasn't allowed to be on the team and play in the games because it would be an unfair advantage to other players now that she had been accepted to play for a professional Quidditch team.

The day before she had her first exam of the week, Elara felt like she was going to rip her hair out. All her friends were reassuring and supportive, making sure she got enough food and sleep so she would be able to concentrate in her exams and not faint of exhaustion.

But as much as she was worried, she was confident. And her confidence paid off the second she got her exams the day after her last exam. She did it. She passed all of her N.E.W.T.s.

She had been seated at breakfast with Theodore and Bianca when McGonagall walked over and handed her an envelope, smiled proudly and walked away. Elara flipped it over and gasped. "These are my N.E.W.T results."

"Bloody open them!" Bianca urged her. Elara took a deep breath before slitting the envelope open with a butter knife that was on the table. She slid the parchment out and unfolded it, her eyes dragging over the dark ink on the page.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDY

------------

NASTILY EXHAUSTING WIZARDING TESTS RESULTS

PASS GRADES

Outstanding (O)

Exceeds Expectations (E)

Acceptable (A)

FAIL GRADES

Poor (P)

Dreadful (D)

Troll (T)

Elara Black has achieved:

Transfiguration – O

Charms – E

Defense Against the Dark Arts – O

Potions – A

Care of Magical Creatures – O

"I passed everything." Elara whispered in shock as she gazed at her marks. "I passed everything!"

"I knew you could do it!" Bianca squealed, snatching the paper from her best friend and reading over it.

"You brilliant woman." Theodore shook his head amusedly, kissing her cheek. "Suppose we won't be seeing you after today, huh?"

"Yeah. Gwenog wanted me to be there the day after I got my results. If I passed that is. And I did. So I'll be leaving tomorrow morning." Elara sighed. She felt a weird combination of emotions. Emotions that shouldn't really be combined.

She felt happiness at the fact that she would finally be able to play Quidditch for a living. She was happy because she wouldn't have to deal with Dumbledore and Snape at school anymore, only at Order meetings.

But she also felt sad. Sad because she would be leaving the first place she ever called home. Leaving the place where everything started. Sad because she wouldn't be able to graduate with her fellow class-mates in 6 months time.

So, she spent the remaining time that she had left in the castle saying goodbye to everyone. She sent letters to her father, Remus and Gwenog. Then, packed everything and did her rounds.

She stopped by McGonagall's office, thanking the woman for everything she had done for her over the years, and promising a ticket to see the Harpies. Then, she stopped at the Gryffindor tower, and after waiting outside for someone to open the door for her, she walked in.

Seeing everyone there, everyone she was friends, and practically family with was sad, seeing as she was leaving. She said goodbye to the twins, Ron, Hermione, and then after a long hug with Harry, and making him swear to send her letters and not hesitate to call on her any time he needed her, she left for the Slytherin common room.

It was quiet. The castle was quiet and so were the corridors. As Elara walked down the halls, she took her time to admire the castle. She looked at all the knights in armour, all the paintings and the flickering torches.

When she got to the common room and said the password, she was greeted by a beautiful site. Her entire house gathered in the common room, with a sign saying, 'Farewell Elara!', tons of food, and tons of alcohol. The sight almost brought tears to her eyes, but she held them back and grinned widely.

"I love you all. Truly. I'm so glad the Hat put me in Slytherin." Elara said to everyone, prompting cheers and music to start booming. A drink was shoved in her hand and she laughed, weaving her way through the crowd, towards where all her closest friends were sat near the windows. "Fancy seeing you all here."

"Yeah, we heard there was a party." Blaise commented, taking a sip from his glass.

"Thought we should drop by and see what the fuss was about. Some rando's leaving." Draco shrugged.

"Ignore them." Daphne rolled her eyes at the two younger boys before smiling at Elara. "We're here to spend what remaining time we have with you as students. You won't be a student after tomorrow."

Elara sat down on the floor beside Bianca and leaned her back against Theodore's legs. "Yeah, I keep thinking how surreal this all feels. I don't feel like I've graduated. It doesn't feel like I've got a job playing professional Quidditch."

"Shame you won't be able to play for Slytherin anymore. I don't know how Theodore's going to find someone to be the other Beater." Astoria piped up.

"I haven't even thought about that." The dark haired boy groaned. "That is going to be a nightmare."

"You'll be alright. If I dealt with it, then I'm bloody well sure you can. We all know how impatient I can be." Elara patted his knee. "Besides, if you need me to pop over and straighten them out, I'd be happy to. Just send a letter and I'll be on my way."

"I'm sure they'd all shut up just seeing you. You're going to be in the Prophet all the bloody time now. They'd listen just because you're famous." Draco commented, causing everyone to laugh while Elara nodded.

"That is true."

They spent the rest of the evening joking around and drinking. While Elara was usually the party animal, she held back slightly, considering she did start training tomorrow, and she didn't exactly want to be flying around with a hangover, and then puke in front of the whole team.

As she looked around the common room, she smiled happily. These people were her family. Her first family. The first people that really welcomed her after that horrid orphanage. And she would always be grateful to the House of Salazar for making her feel like she belonged somewhere.