A/N- This is the re-write of the original Avril Diggory and the Last Potter (which was my own work, I am not borrowing this story). I lay no claim to owning the Harry Potter Series, and if I did own it my bank account would be significantly fuller, Fred would've lived as would a few others but let's not get into that. I hope you enjoy what I believe to be the 'improved' version of the original The Last Potter.

Chapter 1- The Mystery of the Lost Toad

Avril Elladora Diggory had almost spontaneously combusted with excitement when she had first held the creamy envelope; in the emerald ink her name and address was curled in delicately formed letters. Her hands had shaken at first before she eagerly tore open the envelope, snatching out the acceptance letter that she had dreamt of from the day her older brother had gotten his; returning with the most crackpot stories. Now she was getting the chance to make a few of her own.

So now, as she dragged the rest of her family through King's Cross Station, a grin was plastered to her face and her intriguing coloured eyes alight with carefree happiness that had been following her around since shopping for her school's supplies.

The little imp came to a halt before the wall between Platforms 9 and 10; staring at red bricks in eager anticipation. She looked up at her brother as he stepped up beside her and took her hand. He grinned down at her.

"On the count of three?" he said. Avril nodded. "One…two…three!"

They plunged into the brick wall- the brick wall that appeared not to be there. Avril had expected the sudden change of scenery, having grown up in such an oddball world and having done so twice before with Cedric but this time, this time she wasn't going back.

The long scarlet steam train that was waiting to take them all away up to the highlands, whistled sharply, warning the flustered families of its soon departure. Avril and Cedric turned to their parents, Amos and Amelia, who were looking at them with fond pride. Amelia immediately pulled her son into a hug whilst Avril turned to her father.

"Well Dad," Avril said in the air of an old companion about to say their final goodbyes, "I'm trusting you to look after Mother; no leaving her alone in the middle of muggle London- you know how bad her sense of direction is."

Amos chuckled and pulled the small girl into a hug. "I will, as long as you promise to look after your brother."

Avril stood to attention and gave a strong salute before turning to her mother. "We had a good run you and I," she said solemnly. "But I'm afraid that it is time we part ways; it is time for me to make my own way in the world- mark my own legacy…"

"Oh shut up you," Amelia laughed, her eyes shining with tears as she forcefully attacked Avril into a crushing hug.

"Mother!" she gasped. "Can't! Breathe!"

"Oh, sorry," Amelia apologised, pulling away. "Promise you'll have fun, and try not to get into too much trouble."

Avril sniffed. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Of course you don't," Amelia sighed, exasperated.

The train gave another sharp whistle, harshly reminding them all of the impending departure. Avril and Cedric gave one final goodbye before lugging their trunks over to a porter, being sure to keep their robes separate as they would have to change into them later on in the journey.

Avril soon separated from her brother, determined to find her own friends. The carriage she was on was fairly busy and full, so it took a few tries to find a compartment with room but it turned out best for her as she immediately recognised the ginger flop on one of the two boys inside.

"Is it aright if I sit with you guys?" she asked, glancing between the spectacled boy and Ronald Weasley.

"Yeah, sure," the spectacled boy said, giving a small smile.

"Thanks," Avril said, sitting down across from the boy- close to the window. She smiled at him. "I'm Avril Diggory, and you are?"

"Harry, Harry Potter," the spectacled boy supplied.

Avril stared for a moment before letting out a low whistle. "Wicked."

Harry grinned. "This is Ron by the way, Ron Weasley."

Ron gave a short wave, "Hi Avril."

"Ronald," Avril nodded. She glanced at Harry, who was frowning slightly. "We already know each other- live in the same area."

.

Avril was pleased to find she liked the celebrity before her, which was good as it really would do her no favours to dislike the saviour of the wizarding world. She already knew Ron through their parents, so the two were already on good terms; besides, it was hardly difficult to identify a Weasley, as, to put it like the Malfoys, they all had red-hair, hand-me-down robes and vacant expressions.

Time passed quickly as they engaged in mindless talk and then they went quiet for a while, watching the world go by as they sped through the countryside. They all became so lost in their daydreams that the clattering of the sweet trolley quite startled them as did the customary,

"Anything off the trolley dears?"

Avril was on her feet at once. She had a terrible sweet tooth and behind her mother's back, Amos had given her a fair few galleons to satisfy it. Harry also stood up, pulling out a handful of wizarding money eagerly before faltering at the sight of what was on offer. Avril nudged him back to reality as she bought a pumpkin pasty, chocolate frog and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.

"I recommend you get a pumpkin pasty as you'll need something of some substance or you'll be sick," she advised. "Chocolate Frogs speak for themselves, Bertie Bott's is always great fun and if you like the sour stuff than the Rainbow Robes will definitely give you a run for your money."

Harry smiled gratefully, "Thanks."

"No problem," Avril shrugged. "It's just sweets, right?"

Despite Avril's advice, Harry ended up buying almost half the trolley and once Ron set aside his pride they were all happily making a decent sized dent in the mountain of cavities. As they did so, the two Purebloods educated Harry on wizarding confectionary, including Chocolate Frog Cards, which out of the two, only Ron collected. They explored this topic for quite some time before being interrupted by their compartment door sliding open, revealing a teary, round-faced boy.

"Excuse me," he said shyly, stuttering over his words a bit. "But have you seen a toad?"

When they shook their heads apologetically, he let out a wail, as fresh tears overcame him. "I've lost him! He keeps getting away from me."

"Have you asked someone from the older years to do a summoning charm?" Avril inquired.

The boy shook his head. "I wouldn't dare," he said meekly. "They're all so big…"

"Well," Avril said carefully, trying not to be mean as it was clear to her that this boy had no backbone and probably wouldn't be able to take any harsh criticism in any shape or form. "If you find a boy called Cedric Diggory, ask him and tell him Avril said so, and that if he doesn't then he'll find himself on the opposite end of my wand. You'll probably find him further up."

The boy nodded miserably and a little nervously at the threat he now had to pass on, and left, sliding the door shut behind him.

"I don't know why he's bothered," Ron said. "If I'd brought a toad, I'd lose it as quick as I could. Although, mind you, I can't really talk; I brought Scabbers."

Avril studied the pathetic creature that was snoozing on Ron's lap and privately agreed- she did have some manners and chose not to make her agreement known. Harry it seemed, was thinking along the same wavelength.

"He might have died and you wouldn't know the difference," said Ron in disgust. "I tried to turn him yellow yesterday to make him more interesting, but the spell didn't work. I'll show you, look…"

He rummaged around in his trunk and pulled out a very battered looking wand. It was chipped in places and something white was glinting at the end. Avril stared at the tip for a moment, before glancing at Ron questioningly.

"Unicorn hair's nearly poking out," Ron explained like this was perfectly normal. "Anyway…"

He had just raised his wand when the compartment door slid open again. The toadless boy was back, but this time he had a girl with him. The trio were surprised to find the girl already in her school robes as well as the sheer confidence the girl had as she filled up the frame.

"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one," she said. She had bossy sort of voice, lots of bushy brown hair and rather large front teeth that Avril was sure became the focus point in a verbal battle and even possibly caused some bullying.

"We've already told him we haven't see it," said Ron irritably, but the girl wasn't listening, she was looking at the wand in his hand.

"Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it then."

She sat down beside Avril, who immediately scooted closer to the window at the sudden physical closeness. Ron stared at the girl, clearly taken back.

"Er- alright." He cleared his throat. "Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow."

He waved his wand and Avril was rather disappointed to find nothing had happened. Scabbers was still grey and still asleep. She considered getting out her permanent paint from the pranking supplies in her trunk just to jazz him up a bit but she immediately put the idea out of her head- she had plans for that paint and it certainly didn't involve rats…although, now she thought of it…

"Are you sure that's a real spell?" said the girl in a manner that made Avril instinctively raise an eyebrow. "Well, it's not very good, is it? I've tried a few simple ones myself just for practice and it's all worked for me. Nobody in my family's magic at all, it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter, but I was ever so pleased, of course, I mean, it's the very best school of witchcraft and wizardry there is, I've heard- I've learnt all our set books off by heart, of course, I just hope it will be enough- I'm Hermione Granger by the way, who are you?"

Avril was stunned. There was no other word for it.

"Avril Diggory," she said slowly, still not quite overcoming the shock.

"Ron Weasley," Ron muttered dejectedly.

"Harry Potter," said Harry, shifting uncomfortably.

"Are you really?" said Hermione. "I know all about you of course- I got a few extra books for background reading, and you're in Modern Magical History and The Rise and fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century."

"Am I?" said Harry, looking dazed.

"Goodness, didn't you know, I'd have found out everything I could if it was me," said Hermione. "Do any of you know what house you'll be in? I've been asking around and I hope I'll be in Gryffindor, it sounds by far the best, I hear Dumbledore himself was one, but I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad… Anyway we'd best go and look for Neville's toad. You three had better change, you know, I expect we'll arriving soon."

And she left taking the toadless boy with her.

"Whatever house I'm in, I hope she's not in it," said Ron, throwing his wand back into his trunk.

Avril nodded mutely.

"What house are your brothers in?" Harry asked. "Both of you."

"Hufflepuff," said Avril. "So was Dad and Mum was Ravenclaw."

"Gryffindor," said Ron. Gloom seemed to be settling on him. "Mum and Dad were in it too. I don't know what they'll say if I'm not. I don't suppose Ravenclaw would be too bad, but imagine if they put me in Slytherin."

Avril mused on the idea of her being put in Slytherin and she decided she wouldn't be too fussed but she'd rather not be put in it, as it was… "That's the house You-Know-Who was in."

"Really?" Harry said, suddenly looking like he was hoping he would not be put in Slytherin.

"Yeah," said Ron. He flopped back into his seat looking thoroughly depressed.

"So, Harry, what's your Quidditch team?" Avril asked, in an attempt to change the conversation, knowing that Ron was a Quidditch fanatic and hoped this would cheer him up.

"Er- I don't know any," Harry confessed.

"What!" Ron look dumfounded. "Oh, you wait, it's the best game in the world…" And he was off, explaining all about the four balls and the positions of the seven players, describing famous games and the broomstick he'd like to have if he had the money. Avril found she didn't have chance to put in any input as Ron barely breathed. Ron was just taking them through the finer points of the game when the compartment door slid open yet again, but it wasn't Neville the toadless boy if Hermione Granger this time…