A postal service social club of the genus Phoenix, pre-Half Blood Prince story.

Please consider this a refilling of the 6th book, since it was begun well before the release of the Half Blood Prince. I will not be changing this to oblige the HBP plotline, since I feel that the purchase order of the phoenix leaves a expectant degree of flexibility for fan-fiction author.

Thank you to all of the readers who have supported me throughout the committal to writing of this composition.
I can not show my gratitude enough to all of you who have made me the Number 1 pet Author, and this story the Number 2 Favorite floor, the 7th well-nigh Read Story, the Most Reviewed narration Ever in the internet site 's chronicle, and for various months between Aug and early Nov of 2005 the numeral 1 Favorite Story.







'' Department of Energy. It permeates every keep and non-living matter. Without it, the world would cease to exist. ''
~ Vincent VonStolburg ~






Chapter 1 ~ Lightning Strikes


Remus'eyes narrowed, peering through the thick onslaught as rain pelted the dry land. He continued walking, not breaking formation even as piss sloshed about his mud-soaked ankles, chilling him to the pearl.

Moving was becoming increasingly unmanageable and the thick woolen of his cloak clung awkwardly to his icy pelt. He wished he had possessed the foresight to don a lighter one, for moving certainly would have been well-off.

But there had been slight metre to suppose on such details.

His eyes burned, the stinging champion growing until painful bout streamed down his face, his salty tears mixing with the rainwater before they reached his lips, leaving the taste sensation of salt water upon his glossa.

The stinging mavin grew worse. It happened whenever his rod cells multiplied, and right now the frenzy going on just behind his retinas was aiding him, bringing into consummate focus the destruction of the night.

Cloaked images came to life, the moonless night no longer a factor as gray effigy danced before him with uncanny clearness. It was the one low gift his monthly essence afforded him.

Night imaginativeness.

His optic turned from the man around him, flicking towards the blackened sky, noting the new moon. He had a duad week before the painfulness in his osseous tissue returned.

Tonks fell into whole step besides him, giving an nonvoluntary tremor, and he caught her arm, helping her over another of the dead before she could trip. Her eyes were still bloodshot from the terminal metre it had happened.

She nodded thanks and they continued their stealthy search. They dared not illume their way of life for fear of giving away their positions. Lingering Death Eaters could be anywhere.

She, unlike so many of the others, had volunteered for this. The others had been afraid, but he did not fault them.

A Reach had not been found in England for C. And the foul and loathsome Death feeder would go to any lengths to find one. The evidence lay at their animal foot, and he was thankful that the trench darkness spared Tonks from seeing the full extent of tonight 's death. Only he could bear attestator to its total repugnance.

Five Muggles had been slain this night. Their tear and mangled bodies long since passed. There was naught even the best of healer could do. All that was left was to nibble through the carnage, hoping against hope that a someone had survived.

He picked up the tread. They had to complete their search before the ministry official arrived. By then they were to be gone, mere ghosts to have passed through, unseen and unheard.

The past workweek had brought a quite a little of murders. No ... Butcherings ...

This was his seventh such search that month alone, and still the malodor of charred textile and burnt flesh reeled him.

Muggle sept were being polluted with the foulness of Voldemort. And despite the decree 's beneficial efforts, they had been powerless to intercept it.

'' Six ... '' Tonks whispered, barely audible. Her slender form was bent down, her shaking workforce checking for a pulse on a young man, his once golden-blond hair matted thickly with coagulated origin.

Remus bent down, grasping her around the waist as he helped her wage hike. In the heating plant of engagement she was fiery, unaffected by the horrors of fallen companion. He had seen her power to block such things out firsthand in the Department of Mysteries. But now, in the consequence of something she had no control over, the steely flicker was gone from her oculus, her purposeful stride lost.

He pulled her forward, feeling her heart linger upon the suppress skull of a man barely jr. than herself. He could find its impression on her as she quivered in his blazon. He wished to spare her further torment, but they had to continue.

'' Do you think when he is at the gates of Hell he will still consider it was worth it ? '' She whispered shakily.

He wound his arm tighter around her shoulders, squeezing her arm gently. No words of reassurance were upcoming, but he felt her still, calming under his tactual sensation.

The tired of bastard would pay. God did not let individual get away with such heinousness without retribution. And he would see to that.

The Dark Lord had a new strategy. Snape had informed the parliamentary law week ago, but even now he still found it unfathomable, for the vile being was no longer message to experiment with legerdemain.

No ... Now he was experimenting with wizard fauna.

And people…

His plan was to rein the powers of every magical being for himself. So he could channel them into his one acrid being.

If the thought of an even unattackable Dark Lord was n't enough to frighten someone, Remus did n't experience what was. But that fear did cipher to quell his barely contained wildness.

It was common knowledge that when emotions ran gamey, witches and wizards often lost control. Inferno, he had lost count of how many times Harry had done exactly that.

Only now the decease eater were using a ambit 's emotions against them. The hooded material body had crept in the tint of night from rest home to home base over the past times weeks, killing each nominee 's house right in front of them. Their aim was to evoke an emotional response, one strong enough to expose the Reach 's reliable potential.

It sickened him, how the dark Lord could down so many innocents, just to flush the Reach out of concealment.

But what was even More sickening was the iniquity God Almighty 's program for the pathetic person once they were found.

He was planning on utilizing their rakehell, granting him their power to kill. And the way through which this would be accomplished…

He could only trust that if there were a Reach, that they would discover them first. Because while witching ability was now empathize, a compass was not.

Most hag and thaumaturgist developed magical power at a immature age. Though there were always the few destined to become Squibs, and there were always a few who developed it later on in life, in their teens. It had turned out that magical ability stemmed from a predominant gene, linked to the gene specifying rakehell case. And the genic computer code Muggles possessed only differed by a few base, so it was easy for the mutation to arise randomly in Muggles, thus Muggleborns.

But a orbit was not a witch or genius, they were not a Squib or a lately bloom wizard.

They were something different entirely.

When their magic prowess came to realization, the Saami system of rules that alerted the Headmaster to the bearing of a new witch or sorcerer would go off.

Tonight that system had gone haywire. It had been slowly registering recitation for the past five months.

Now it was going off again.

There was a person out there holding to a greater extent power than they could properly handle.

And if Dumbledore was decently, that meant there was a Reach out there who had finally struck out.

The poor motherfucker.

Instinctively his arm shot out, halting Tonks roughly in place, his expound centre roamed, scanning the ground of what had once been an ordinary bicycle home set far away from the major route. Now broken floor board littered the muddied ground, while pot from the doused fires curled up in snake like tendrils, shrouding the world from purview. Yet his eyes penetrated its veil, searching for the glint of movement that had frozen him in place.

He clenched his fingers tighter around the intimate weary oak of his wand, bracing himself for whatever attack would come.

None came.

It was then that he heard it. A soft throttling amidst the storm 's howl winds.

He withdrew his arm, placing a finger carefully over Tonks'icy mouth, signaling her to be silent. The only polarity of her confusedness was the lighter fold of her brow. She would, of course, have no thought what he was looking for. Her earshot was not as refined as his.

But lycanthrope snack did thing like that to a person.

It came again, a low, strangled groan, and he took off, rushing towards the seed. No assailant could affect that kind of pain.

He skidded, flinging rocks in the air as he bent down beside her. The wee she was feebly pushing herself out of was a deep blackness, filled with the blood of her and the lifeless man besides her. Her dead body spasmed with each choking hack as she coughed up breathe in water, her heart glazed over from what he recognized as shock.

He pulled her up, speaking in low, reassuring tones as she flailed against him. She was too washy to do much damage, even of the other form ...

Tonks reached them, murmuring soothing words as she smoothed the girls mud caked hair away from her face, brown water emerging from her lips as another turn of cramp racked her torso violently.

He took her appearance in, another involuntary spasm shaking her. Torn shard of what had once been clothing hung lightly from her, and the rubble and rubble sticking to her wet face made her features insufferable to discern.

He did n't experience whether to praise the firmament or curse them as he and Tonks exchanged a meaningful glance. They had to get her rachis to HQ before something worse happened. Her shoulder was in desperate need of suturing, and God only knew what else the bastards had done to her before leaving her for dead.

He let her cough up the relaxation of the water before stunning her. He hated doing it as he lifted her limp form from the ground, but only one thing could deliver survived this.

And as weak as she was, he was n't eager to get on that affair 's bad side. There was no sensory faculty in taking chances.
* * * * *


The rain poured down in cold torrents as Harry shouldered his broom, sprinting after Kingsley through the flying forming puddles of London 's metropolis streets. It was coming down in pail now, and if he had thought flying through the torrential downpour had been bad it was nothing compared to the pounding of his feet on the slick pavement.

Helen Newington Wills 's pharyngeal growl sounded off to his right, not that he could see him, the rain was too thick to see much of anything. Thunder clapped, shaking him to the core, and the lightning flashed shockingly, illuminating the orbit to let on Order extremity running in rank around him, splashing water as they went.

Five of them had shown up at the Dursleys barely an minute ago, reminding him of that Nox, barely a year ago, when an escort police squad had shown up in the Dursley 's kitchen to whisk off him away to Grimmauld Place.

Only this night was different.

Promises of meeting with Tonks and lupine in London were hissed quickly as Kingsley and Helen Wills levitated his things, cramming them hastily into his trunk, and he had not missed how McGonagall 's eyes had roamed the room guardedly. Even stern, steadfast McGonagall was frightened.

Tonight truly was dissimilar.

He blinked rapidly, trying vainly to extract the water supply cascading into his eyes, but it was to no avail. His glass were too thickly coated with rain droplets, and he desperately racked his judgement for the spell Hermione used to repel water. For his verge was out, and he could use it. The Ministry had removed the order for the limitation of Underage Wizardry that summer. Dumbledore had headed up the motility, arguing that the take of Voldemort endangered enchantress and hotshot of all years, and that in the event of an attack, scholarly person should be free to defend themselves without the fearfulness of repercussions.

The evacuate lot materialized between two run down family, and he looked quickly at the small cutting of sopping wet paper dripping from his mitt, hesitant to neglect his milieu for even a irregular when the foreboding fear of onrush hung so thickly about him.

He read it silently before looking up. The run down wizardly place, in the midst of Muggle Jack London, now stood revealed to him.

Grimmauld Place.

Lupin materialized at the top of the creaky wooden steps looking worse for the wear. His normally threadbare clothing was now ragged and descent stained, his eyes hollow and sunken, holding the face of prey that knew its predator to be near.

Harry stepped through the doorway, stomping his feet on the shagged carpet, slinging mud everywhere as the others piled in. He swallowed the lump in the base of his throat, pulling his heart from the muddy floor, forcing himself to take in in his milieu. A man named Dorbert buttock could be heard triggering the complicated locking spell on the face room access.

A loud windfall reverberated through the home, shaking the walls as indistinct vocalisation argued in the space. Yet this did not bother him. Even his peculiarity as to why he had been pulled so untimely from his bed could not best the despair that had hit him like a bludger. In the hotness of the backwash they had ran he had forgotten one affair.

That they were taking him to Sirius's…

This house had never been joyful, but now it seemed a excavate shell of what could deliver been. It stood as a sore reminder of the scrape of a animation that he and his godfather could cause salvaged. But that life-time was gone now.

War brought casualties, casualties brought pain, and pain brought emptiness.

That was how he had felt since that Nox. Empty. There was nil that could meet the void. Not even the impending terror of facing Voldemort in years to come could make him feel anything but despair again.

Mundungus cleared his pharynx, turning all capitulum towards him as he beckoned for everyone to quietly make their way to an adjoining way. He followed, his sopping wet clothes weighing him down with every whole step he took. But nothing could weigh him down as much as the memories ... As much as the effect haunting him ... The one they should have told him ...

fruition hit him gruelling, like sudden submersion into the icy waters of the northern artic, as he wondered what they were not telling him tonight.

He glanced towards Lupin who stood protectively next to him, opening his mouth to speak, to ask, but he let it roll shut. He remembered all too well that Dumbledore would not let them to narrate him anyway. They never told him anything when it could actually make a departure ...

But even if they had told him, right then, it would n't hold mattered. There was no way any of them could have known what would happen from that night 's events. At to the lowest degree not yet ... None of them were seeing past their pauperization to get him to a safe placement, so they could not stimulate known that the Night marked a turning degree in his spirit, as well as in the life of the only survivor of Voldemort 's starting time wafture of flack.

The war had begun.
* * * * *


Throbbing pain ... Blood ... rallying cry of pain ....

'' It 's a miracle she survived .... '' `` Ah ... but was 'hat really a good thing Professor ? ''

Dim vocalization filtered into her idea, her eternal rest befuddled head protesting strongly as it failed to comprehend a single word.

'' ... has a probability. ''

Flashes of spark ... .flame ... Coughing smoke ... squeal of tyre ... .Sean ....

She awoke jarringly, her painful moan drowned out by the spokesperson.

articulation that were unmindful to her awakening. articulation forgetful to the way her body recoiled in painful sensation. Voices oblivious to how her eyes teared from the bright sunlight pouring in from the windows of the doomed room. Voices oblivious to how she clawed like a fright creature at the thick comforter wrapped around her battered and bruised body.

Everything she loved was now gone. No account would be needed for her to understand what they had done.

What she had done ...

A new despair hit her like a thousand hot knives, slicing her skin in a way the risky of the fired spells could not have.

She had done the unthinkable ....

New Wave of nuisance rain buckets forth, her vision swimming dangerously with each pulsating pain her body dealt. She would take cried out, but the exertion would have been too practically for her frail figure. Instead she drew in reprimand hint until her body gave out, the sound of a room access creak and a magnanimous, drear form standing over her vaguely registered before she once again slipped into merciful obliviousness.
* * * * *


The dreams were always the same ....

For nearly a month she had refused to succumb to the nightly torments. She was stronger than that. She would not miss herself to the world of incubus, even if the volume she had read on such affair deemed that a more merciful fate than the one the wizarding creation would contribute upon her.

But they did not yet know. Dumbledore had assured her of that. It had been nearly a month since she had come there. Nearly a month since Dumbledore had explained everything to her. Nearly a month since she had vowed to recover some semblance of a convention life. She wanted that more then anything, so bad she could taste it. But she would never be normal.

No ... since the day she had regained awareness she had discovered that she had been, and always would be, a freak. Hagrid had jokingly told her that she was a freak amongst freaks.

Thanks Hagrid ... She thought bitterly, rolling in bed. She was in a hut not unlike Hagrid 's own, just outside of the school. It was safer this way ... At to the lowest degree for now.

She drew in a shallow hint, letting her breathlessness subside slowly before Hagrid could hear. She had dreamt about it again. About that night. visual sense of blood and shrill screams had filled her judgment 's eye each night since as she dreamt about their deeds ...

Her act ...

She wiped the tarriance tears that clung to her eyelashes, swallowing her own self-loathing. She would not fight it, for she deserved every bit of pain in the ass bestowed upon her. She would stew in it until it had permeated every fiber of her being. That much was the least of what she deserved.

But the others ... They had not deserved it. They had been inexperienced person caught up in something enceinte than all of them.

And the ones who had started it all ...

They deserved so much risky.

Everything right and pure in her liveliness had been gone for week. It was with a cold-blooded clarity that she realized this. For now she lived for one role, and one aim alone.

revenge.
* * * * *


Harry lay on the top nonsensicality staring at the ceiling, watching the way shadows played across it as light from passing car headlamp shone in through the window. Ron 's trashy snores drifted up, breaking the silence like a bullhorn with every breathing space, and it was taking every in of the possession he possessed, to not be given over and smack his Friend senseless with his pillow.

He sighed loudly, wondering when it was all going to end. Each day the Daily Prophet brought tidings of more than cleanup, more unexplained disappearances, and of to a greater extent war. For several calendar week he and Ron had been catching choice morsel of entropy, slip ups by the adult in Grimmauld Place, and right now it sounded like the Ministry was in absolute mayhem. Not that he minded that fact. Anything that made Fudge 's job harder amused him immensely. What he did mind was the reason for the mayhem, and that was Voldemort.

Voldemort. It was odd really, how one somebody could be the cause of so lots death and end. No one should have that much force, he thought bitterly, thinking of the toll that the Muggle deaths were taking on Mr. Weasley, Ron 's Father-God.

Mr. Weasley was the person employee in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts section, and recently, with the strain on resource in the Ministry, it had come to double up as the department of Muggle sexual relation. Now Mr. Weasley spent half his time performing storage magic spell on Muggle law enforcement, to handle up the deaths of Muggles who had been murdered by Death eater. Now every time Harry saw Mr. Weasley, all the man could talk about were different potential strategies for protecting the Muggle population.

Now if only a good strategy actually existed.

He rolled restlessly, spying Hedwig 's gleaming oculus in the darkness. She hooted softly in citation, and he smiled in the shadow despite his drab thoughts.

computer memory plagued him every clip he closed his eyes now. The Department of Mysteries ... It was why he now lay awake.

He had willingly, foolishly, led them all into danger. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Neville ...

Hermione had nearly been killed.

Dog Star had ... ..

He shoved the mean aside, re-vowing that it would never bump again.

The trick was in figuring out how.

To protect them, he had tried to blatantly push them away, but they had seen right through that. He had refused to write, and his self-induced isolation ended when both of them showed up at the Dursleys while his relatives were on holiday. The two of them set up residence there the entire week, tell members circling the premises like hawks for security, while his champion had infuriated him to no end. However, he had finally realized that they were n't going to go away. If he was going to outstrip himself he 'd have to do it slowly.

Yes. A gradual drifting would be best.

It was with these thoughts in psyche, that he drifted off into another night of fitful nap. If only he could have known then what the following few long time would bring.





disavowal : The role, plaza, name, and events mentioned in this story, that coincide with the characters, office, name calling, and effect mentioned in J.K. Rowling 's Harry Potter series, do not belong to me, but to that literary genuis, JKR. Thank you so much for allowing so many of us to quest after writing through fanfiction JKR, we really take account it.

The fab banner is by SticksN'Stones.

Artwork of Kalliandra by agirlnamedbob87.





'' One may never be intimate how hanker their candle of life 's wick is. What they can cognise, is how well it burns. ''
~ A.K. Lovell



Chapter 2 - First Impressions


Her eyes flickered over the lake 's glazed surface, taking in the shimmering reflectivity of the other morning dawn. The sun was barely risen and the skirt still slumbered, but this had become the average for her over the past weeks. She simply no longer saw the use in sleeping when guilty conscience plagued her even there.

A light breeze ruffled the water, tousling her pilus gently in its viewing. She casually brushed her whispy strands back, tucking them carelessly behind her ears.

Her pilus had always been a source of frustration, always in the way, hanging in forepart of her optic, driving her instructors crazy. No ponytail ever held for long, for her midst, shiny whisker had a way of worming its way out. It was as if it preferred to be free and untethered.

form of like me ...

She swore silently, the rippling wave now running across the lake the only witness to her foiling as she stood. If she was not back soon Hagrid would awake and see her gone. Of course here would be the first place he looked, but with as late as he always ran he would not be proud of with her absence, particularly when they had places to go that afternoon.

Diagon Alley. The very name evoked so many emotions. It was hard for even her to choke them down.

Not that she was allowed to bear witness sadness. Emotions were no longer a privilege she had.

She had been warned of the danger of such things.

Her bare invertebrate foot crunched upon the dewy grass, but the too soon first light chill did not trouble her. She reached into her pocket, fingering the cherry red wooden surface of her scepter before pulling it out, studying it appraisingly as she traversed her way across the grounds.

They were odd looking affair really. Long and reduce, and from the looks of it, easily breakable. She suppressed the sudden urge to do just that, knowing to the full well that nothing could be gleaned from such destructive measures.

It would not change anything, except her mood, but even that could not be improved measurably by the snapping of her symbolic hell on earth.

Of course, seeing Hagrid 's face when he found the snapped remains might be rather amusing. Especially with the Brobdingnagian deal he had made over how lucky she was, getting a specially made baton from Ollivander. It was n't like she had wanted one, and the only if reason the quirky man had fabricated it thus was because none of the really sceptre that he had brought to the school had so much as activate.

So in what the odd man had called a stroke of intake, he had custom designed the one she now bore, forming the substance with a lock of her own fuzz and a pinprick of her own blood. She could n't even recall how many spells had to be woven into it.

It was peculiar, for her baton was the lonesome thing she could cajole into working at to the lowest degree somewhat decently, and still she hated it.

Probably because it contribution the same lot as you, she thought bitterly, glancing at the ever rising sun.

Francois Jacob 's ladder now streamed down from the clouds, forming pools of light on the vibrant grass, giving evidence to the lovingness the day would bring in.

It was a warmth that would never reach her.

A slightly stronger breeze bore the phone of approaching hooves, and she turned towards the Forbidden woodland, the outline of offstage folding into a horse 's haggard consistence signaled Silverthorne 's reaching.

Silverthorne would be pleased. Now he would not cause to wait for her to shift out of her every night garments before getting his black-footed ferret fix for the day.

She stopped and waited, his gallop growing louder with his rapid advance, and a small-scale smile graced her inactive sassing. Hagrid and Dumbledore had been as howling as they could be, but there was very much they kept hidden from her. suspicion informed her of this with every fleeting look they exchanged around her.

Perhaps that noesis could explain her enmity as of late. Hagrid was a full man and had not deserved the brunt of her anger the previous day. They had been arguing as of late. But then again, she deserved to be informed of everything regarding herself. Keeping her in the darkness could only get further harm. This she was convinced of.

Silverthorne let out a low, croaky grunt as he slowed to a lope, stopping to nuzzle her with his nose.

A brute of the abruptly. It was one of the more unseemly names Thestrals were referred to by, but it explained why she had felt an instant draw to them while the early beast screeched and howled in her presence.

His teeth glinted in the red hues of the good morning and she smiled, pleased with the sight. It should suffer concerned her, but instinct again told her there was nothing to dread with him.

At least so long as he gets his morning snack, she reminded herself with some amusement, picturing how he would tear through the diminished creature 's pearl so eagerly.

She smiled again, letting the business organisation of yesterday walk. She would apologize to Hagrid later before they reached Diagon bowling alley to get her 'school'supplying. She used the word fleetingly for while she was to give ear Hogwarts, she was too far behind to be expected to actually turn in assignment with the rest of the one-sixth years. Instead she was to put up a worthy façade until she gained the knowledge that could assist her.

Then there was the small divisor of her being completely ineffective to incant in the first place.

No one would be the wiser to why she was really there. Dumbledore 's concocted floor would not only check out, but they were even credible to an extent. He would back her if anyone questioned them. That was her only relief in this intact hell.

The Inferno that had become her life.

Kalliandra pulled herself onto Silverthorne and squeezed her bare cad around him, his bony ribs protruding into her pelt in the outgrowth. He took off quickly, carrying them both towards Hagrid 's hut at a pace unfathomable to any human, but not to them.

* * * * *



'' I ca n't think Fred and George, I mean they already got me one set of dress robe, they did n't need to do it again. ''

Harry laughed as he watched Ron squirm uncomfortably, the magical tape metre flying vertically around his friend 's no longer gangly torso, magically recording the duration of his subdivision, peg, tallness, and for some odd reason, the distance between his ears.

He knew exactly why Ron 's crony were getting him dress gown, but he was n't about to share that piece of entropy. Not when he was actually enjoying himself for the maiden time in weeks.

'' Well we did n't need them lowest year, '' He pointed out truthfully. `` And we do this year. So maybe they just felt bad since your growth spurt rendered your other single unwearable. ''

'' Thank God for that, '' Ron grunted, slouching as the cadence flew past his olfactory organ, only to be smacked atop the head since it no longer seemed to care about doing it 's job peacefully. In fact, if Harry had n't known better, he would accept thought it was offended.

'' Blimey ! Watch it ! '' Ron exclaimed, ducking another near hit, his feet entangling in the farseeing dress robe trailing past his feet.

'' Ron… '' Harry warned, but it was too late. Ron had already tumbled over backwards, arm flailing as he took a rack of robes with him, plummeting tumultuously to the flat coat.

'' Oww ... bloody ... cranky ... ''

Harry very nearly choked on flimsy air, quite a feat, had it not been for the trashy peals of laugh he was trying to miserably stamp down as he caught the eternal rest of Ron 's maunder profanities.

Of course, he thought lightly, his expert match might not be muttering the colorful metaphors if he could see the look on the sales clerk 's look ... Or the fact that she was storming over from where she had been attempting to size of it a low year for his Hogwarts robes, look alit, hands on hips, eyes narrowed vindictively at the mess Ron lay in.

right wing then, with the impeccably bad timing that only Ron could master, his champion 's red head emerged from the fray, a smart pink canvas wrapped around it like a shawl, and a sheepish expression on his case as he stammered apologies. The sight must feature been too much for the shop assistant, because her mouth twitched, her serious expression faltered, and all pretense of anger vanished as she failed to be discreet about her own amusement.

'' Oh heavens child ! '' She exclaimed in exasperation, clutching her side hard. `` I dare say you might want to carry that off before anyone else sees you in it ! ''

Ron stood up, disentangling himself from the assorted fabrics while Harry laughed.

'' You know mate, I think Madam Maulkin 's got it all ill-timed. I think that 's an fantabulous look for you. think what Hermione would think ... ''

Suddenly he was finding it impossible to recognise Ron 's pinna from the rest of his tangled lustrelessness of pilus.

'' Oh shut it Harry ! ''

Harry grinned, enjoying his admirer fleeting discomfort. `` Speaking of Hermione ... '' He said, calming down slightly. `` She should be here any minute so perhaps you could ask her for her train view ... ''

A bright garden pink satin blur flew across the way, and he caught it deftly, holding it out in front line of him as he looked at it in mock estimation. `` Ron, I 'm touched. But it 's really not my color. You however looked absolutely spiffing in it. ''

'' You sure bout that Harry ? I 'd be thinkin'that it 'd be clashing with his red haircloth more than yers. ''

Now there 's another welcome voice ! He thought happily. Leaving the Durselys had been keen, but he had sourly missed Hagrid.

It was possibly due to this, that he whorled around in his backside so fast that he nearly slid off, earning several loud snickers from a sure chuckling redhead tangled in cloth.

'' Hagrid ! When did you get here ? '' He asked, ignoring Ron 's set about reenactment. He took in his prominent Quaker standing awkwardly near the chairs.

They really should ready store more accessible for multitude his size of it ... He thought, making a genial musical note to mention the idea to Hermione as Hagrid opened his heavy lip.

'' About five minutes ago Harry. And I stand by what I said. '' A mischievous grinning formed under Hagrid 's scruffy Brown beard as his oculus landed on Ron. `` Hot pink would be clashin'horribly with Ron 's fuzz. ''

A loud tearing speech sound tore his attention back to Ron, and he stifled yet another laugh at the horrify manifestation on Ron 's face. By all visual aspect, Ron had attempted to take the air from the fitting platform to where he and Hagrid sat by the windows, only now Ron was staring down at the ripped cloth hanging raggedly from the hem of his new frock robe.

'' Now that's why you 're supposed to stay put ! '' brothel keeper Maulkin snipped, spying the new demolition and waving her wand. The fabric flipped up like a serpent, a large needle zooming to furbish up it. Ron attempted to jump back away from it.

'' It wo n't prick you know ! '' ma'am Maulkin yelled, huffily storming over. `` Prick maybe ... ''

Ron did not look relieved at the thought. Of class, the agonized manifestation might have been from how Madam Maulkin grabbed him by the scruff of his leash and yanked him back to the appointment political program, where she immediately began to fuss over the horrific state of his robes.

'' Better end you first since you ca n't stomach still. '' She quipped in her highschool pitched phonation. `` And to think that this forenoon I would induce sworn it was the unseasoned bookman who gave me the most problem ... ''

Ron shot him a pleading looking at to which he grinned bemusedly, chuckling at how Ron reacted to being fussed over. The guy could hardly tolerate his female parent 's own tending, let alone that of the seamstress !

Probably why he 's still squirming come to believe of it…

He turned back to Hagrid, leaving Ron to stand for himself. `` So did one of your creatures get a hold of your teaching robe or did Fang do it ? '' He asked, grinning knowingly. Hagrid 's animal were always tearing his clothes, which would explain why half his garments were covered in mismatched patching.

Hagrid grinned and shook his head. `` Nah Harry, for once me robe are fine. Right now I 'm 'ere with Kalliandra gettin'her some robes of 'er own. Speakin'of 'er, ca n't waitress for yer two to fulfill 'er. She 's an absolute dolly she is. ''

He nodded, rarity driving him as he wondered who this Kalliandra fibre was. Must be a first year or really Whitney Young. He was sure as shooting he would have remembered that gens at least.

But in the book binding of his mind he felt a twinge of compassion.

Generally there was only one understanding for why Hagrid took anyone to get schoolhouse supplies, and he was all too familiar with such things.

At least Hagrid will demo them a good clip, he mused, remembering his first of all trip to Diagon Alley. He opened his mouth to ask if they were from a wizarding or Muggle folk, concluding that it must be a number 1 year from the way Hagrid was still babbling on about them.

'' Ah there ya are, '' Hagrid boomed, cutting him off at the liberty chit.

He followed Hagrid 's gaze towards the adjustment rooms, taking in the relatively busy store when a not unfamiliar sensation hit him like a bludger, his stomach twisting oddly as his centre landed on a slim build, glancing around the memory hesitantly.

And I thought Hermione looked good in dress robes, he thought, swallowing hard, berating himself for being distracted. But this girl was stunning, in an upbeat kind of way. While her features were rather field, her long, golden wearing apparel robes clung loosely to her slender branch, with her delicate deal lifting the hem, revealing tanned ankles as she moved towards them.

The hell of it was, she was n't stopping. Ron 's grunt was the but affair that kept him from outright gaping as she came to stick out in good order by him, biting her lip nervously, eyes directed at Hagrid.

'' So you found some eh ? '' Hagrid asked, shooting Harry a panoptic grin, failing to notice that he had become a mute.

The girl nodded slowly, her heart glancing at him appraisingly for a back before flickering away. `` If you could send for it finding ... '' She said, a hint of sarcasm mixed into her otherwise pleasant speech production vox. `` It was more like being attacked with this ... '' She lifted the hem of the gown for emphasis.

'' And my assistant did a all right job young lady. That people of color causa you, '' lady Maulkin chimed out, shocking him back to his common sense. He silently thanked her, and glanced over to see that she was still indeed, judging by his champion 's anguish formula, torturing Ron.

He shook his head whimsically at the sight, glancing back at the girl in front of him, thinking that madam Maulkin had a period about the colouring material suiting her. Her iniquity halcyon pilus cascaded loosely past her shoulder, several shorter fibril framing her look, lightly brushing her collar os. All of it was barely discernable from the silky gown fabric clinging to her willowy figure.

Briefly he wondered if it were a blessing or a offense to allow lady friend out like that.

He pulled his gaze back to Hagrid, loath to be caught staring.

Fortunately Hagrid had not noticed, and the girl was too busy bickering with him.

Spying that his attention was again re-focused, Hagrid shot him a forced smiling. `` Ah well ... Harry, Ron, this 'ere be Kalliandra. She 'll be goin'to Hogwarts this evenfall to. ''

'' Youffa meanuh uh transforra ? '' Ron 's dampen vocalism called out from under the cotton fiber sheath Maulkin was vigorously forcing over his heading. `` Weff neffa haf uh transsfuh befuh. ''

'' What ? '' Hagrid and him immediately shot out, not understanding one Bible.

'' You have a very ... gravid ... point ... '' Maulkin muttered with each subsequent yank, and Hagrid 's guffaw of laughter drowned out Ron 's indignant riposte. Harry glanced back at Kalliandra to see her watching the spectacle, a hint of a smile tracing its way across her lips.

'' I asked ... '' Ron 's slightly aggravated representative called out clearly, `` If she was a transfer, because we 've never had one before. ''

Harry turned back to Kalliandra, to see the slight smile that had second gear ago graced her feature film vanish.

The feeling she now bore stir something within him ... But what ? He could not put his finger on it, but he now found himself staring at the top of her head, for she had begun pointedly looking down at the floor.

Maybe she had found Ron'interrogative offensive, though he could n't imagine why. He shot Hagrid a quizzical look, hoping he 'd clarify things since Kalliandra did n't seem about to do so.

'' Yev 're had transfers, jerst fer other Houses. ``

Harry frowned, `` Then why did we never see them sorted ? ``

'' Yeamph, wuff weff neevah seen 'em ... '' Ron grumbled, his robe once again muffling his words.

Hagrid eyed Ron with no belittled amount of amusement. `` wellspring that 'd be cause they came in the middle of the yer. Ca n't have erm sorted at the sortin'when they 've missed it already. ``

'' Oof ! '' Ron grunted, extricating himself from the supererogatory fabric. `` So why the transfer ? Did her parents move or something ? ''

'' Yeah, somethin'like that, '' Hagrid said suspiciously, sounding rather similar to the way he had whenever he was keeping something from them.

Like a full phase of the moon grown giant in the woods ...

Or a three headed dog ....

Or a pet dragon ...

Seeing a one-half giant squirm beneath one 's regard would normally be quite a funny story happening, but it simply made Harry queasy as Hagrid continued shuffling his base, mumbling about right launching, while the girl remained extremely tranquility.

Harry feigned a genteel smile, extending his hand to the daughter at Hagrid 's insisting. `` Nice to meet you. ''

She hesistated for the brief of irregular, before finally extending her hand as well.

'' A pleasure ... '' She said quietly, her eyes flickering up to meet his.

It was a shock absorber he had been ill prepared for, for her eye held a trace of the familiar… So closely blood-related to the haunted aspect of Canicula'that he felt himself shaken to the core at the familiarity.

'' Y-yes, '' He got out, releasing her warm mitt quickly, chills shooting through him.

The polite smile she had shot him flickered and disappeared abruptly.

'' Oh blimey ! '' Hagrid gasped hurriedly, startling him from his thoughts. `` Kalliandra do ye beware if I leave ye 'ere with them for a instant ? I wo n't be a tick. Just forgot to do somethin'but wo n't be long. ''

It was a wonder Hagrid had even asked, because he was already waving arrivederci to all three of them, not waiting for a response. And from the malevolent glower that Kalliandra shot him, he really could n't charge him.

'' Like he gave me a choice ? '' She muttered, deflating, her eye no longer holding the haunted quality of before. Maybe it had never been there. He really ought to have slept longer ... With all his turbulent thought as of late running through his mind he simply was n't thinking straight.

'' It may possess been important, '' He pointed out awkwardly.

'' Yes, you 're probably right ... '' She said faintly, her voice so balmy he scarcely heard her. Though her surprisingly gentle intonations did nothing to stop the coarse quality of her glare as her narrowed eyes followed Hagrid 's retreating signifier. In fact, she was still shooting dagger out the threshold as the assistant yanked her over to the open fitting platform besides Ron seconds later.

Harry decided not to brood on the facial expression he had seen, the one so painfully fellow to Sirius. It had probably been his imagination, so he contented himself with trying to decide which of the two looked more disgruntled. Kalliandra kept shutting her eyes, as if frightened by the capture tapeline touchstone flicking around her head, while Ron kept shooting scowls at gentlewoman Maulkin.

'' You know we 've never had a transfer before. At least not one that I can think of, aright Harry ? '' Ron stated, glaring down at Maulkin as she marked his cuffs with chalk, determining the length of his sleeve.

He was about to agree when Kalliandra cut him off.

'' wellspring you 've obviously had one now. ''

The help flicked her baton, shortening Kalliandra 's robes slightly. It was all Harry could do to keep off cursing the assistant. young woman 's robes should get no shorter ...

'' You know that wo n't sting ? ''

Harry found that oddly comical, considering that Ron had been ducking the very thing himself, but at least his admirer had not been standing crank still like a deer in headlights.

Kalliandra had though.

She opened her middle, arching an wondering supercilium at Ron rather than answering him, and Harry noticed her visibly flinch as the flying tape measure zoomed close again.

Ron 's brow furrowed slightly at her deficiency of responsiveness. `` The tape measure ... That 's what I meant. '' He stated awkwardly, looking at her as if waiting for substantiation that she had indeed, heard him.

She just nodded, turning her mind to front out the door. Ron shot him an annoyed, 'Can you believe this ?'facial expression.

He had to admit Ron had a full stop, she did not seem very personable, and did not seem too stimulate about talking, so he was n't about to storm her. Yet something about her aroused his oddity. If only he could put his fingerbreadth upon it ...

Several instant passed, the ill-chosen secretiveness broken only be Ron 's random outbursts of displeasure, and Kalliandra 's quiet reception to the help 's questions. Unsurprisingly she was the first one done, and he found himself having a hard clock time not staring at her now that the dress gown were completely fitted around her form. The thing was classy, graceful, and practically form fitting ...

'' Hey how come she got done so quick ? '' Ron asked indignantly, as Kalliandra made her way back to the changing elbow room, the bottom of her dress robe gathered in her script as she walked carefully. She seemed unused to walking in something of the sort.

'' Because she, unlike some of my customer, actually held still while we measured her, '' Madam Maulkin quipped from where she knelt on the floor, using her scepter to make pocket-sized adjustments to the hem of Ron 's robe.

She flashed Harry an inconspicuous wink, and he barely caught it, smiling slightly at her before glancing back to see Kalliandra disappear behind a changing room drapery. He could n't help but find slightly relieved. Between his curiosity about this little girl and Ron 's glares, he did not want to be caught staring at her. And he knew he 'd be a lot less prone to doing that once she was out of that damnable robe.

Of course he was wrong, because when she re-emerged he found the short sleeved top she wore to be no dear than the low cut lines the robe had drill hole.

'' Ahem. ''

He tore his eyes away from where she stood by the counter, to see a disapproving Ron shaking his head teacher firmly. He appeared to be mouthing, 'No'at him.

semen to conceive of it, Ron seemed to be making sicken faces as well.

Harry failed to suffer the fortune to so often as shrug in response to Ron 's repulsive like motion in the girl 's commission, before a quiet clatter broke the congeneric silence of the room. He turned to see Kalliandra squatting down on the floor, picking up midget personal identification number in her custody.

The bemused assistant stood behind the counter, bearing a slim smile. `` Oh honey, thank you, but do n't occupy about that. I 'm as clumsy as can be ... '' The help flicked her scepter and the little pins scattered all over the piazza disappeared, reappearing into the pin cushion held in Kalliandra 's deal.

'' See, I 'm knocking stuff over all the time, '' The help continued, while the female child stared at the now filled pin cushion, biting her low-pitched lip, disarray etched into each of her feature of speech.

He did n't fail to notice it.

It 's like she 's never seen magic before ...

There was no time to follow that absurd train of persuasion, for Kalliandra had already stood, thanked the womanhood, and disappeared out the breast entrance with her bag.

'' Was n't she supposed to look for Hagrid ? '' Ron asked after a mo 's pause, supercilium wrinkled confusedly.

Ron was right, she was supposed to hold back for Hagrid. Harry hesitated a instant, an internal debate waging until curiosity got the improve of him. Wasting no more clock time he jumped from his seat and went after her.

He wanted to see where she was going.











'' And after all, what is a lie ? 'T is but a the trueness in masquerade party. ''
~ George Gordon Noel Lord George Gordon Byron, Lord Byron~







Chapter 3 ~ Entangled entanglement



Traversing her way through the swarming, sett streets of Diagon bowling alley, she let out an unsteady breath.

To the heart she had been undeniably, inexplicably, shaken. And all because of a scattered good deal of pins upon the flooring of a garment workshop, and her own misfortunate attempts to rectify a clerk 's ineptitude.

Magic.

Yet again it had been unceremoniously thrown in her face, for virtuoso and witches had it at their disposal.

The sooner she became accustomed the substantially.

She could not afford to be seen or discovered for what she really was, for in all her incompetence in the guile that made this veil populace of sorcery flourish, she would be left nude and exposed, the result of what had lain both within and far flung from her clutches unthinkable.

Butchered for who she was… The hypothesis was nil less than she deserved, for one such as herself should not be allowed to walk upon the bustling streets, the flavour of the most luminescent of the paradise'globe warming her skin, the unaccented clatter of pebbles being kicked askew and the laughter of nestling ringing within the break of her audile senses.

No. There were others who deserved such perquisite far more than she, though they now lay where the sun could no longer hand their gelid soulfulness. And with them, lay the semblance of who she had once been.

She had died the Saame day they had succumbed, despite the rhythmic pounding within her chest.

She had not been fooled though, certainly not by Dumbledore 's scarcely concealed half-truths. She knew the pulsating calendar method within her to be fleeting, it was simply the understanding for this that she was unaware.

She was going to find out.

It was why she had left, fleeing in promise of traversing her way through the densely throng streets, making her way towards the looming marble building, the golden words Gringotts Bank emblazoned across its bone surface.

After barely a C paces the pillar of the wizarding commercial social club emerged over the heads of the crowd. Its supporting newspaper column leaning in diverse directions, their haphazard support for the upper levels of the edifice strengthened with the sorcery filling the streets.

Though it was not there that she wished to go.

It was there, directly across from the goblin filled repository. That was where she desired to go to assay out her answers. Turning down the dark alleyway she noted a rickety planetary house suspended above it 's entryway bearing the jaggedly carved words Knockturn Alley.

Yes, she had been forewarned of its shady characteristics. She had carefully listened to Hagrid 's babbling about it, about how he hated to venture down it each time he found himself in indigence of Flesh Eating Slug repellant, and about how target of the outlawed variety could be procured.

She was an physical object of the illicit variety, and if there was anywhere to obtain acceptance within the beau monde that demanded swift execution for those of her nature, it would be here.

Hagrid had been none the wiser, subject matter to answer her every question about the dingy alleyway. He had even inadvertently supplied her with the name of the man to whom she wished to mouth, Mr. Borgin.

Kalliandra had a program, and it would soon be set in motion.
* * * * *



'' You know Kinglsey loosening up could do you wonders. I mean really, when was the last time you took an true holiday ? ``

Kingsley Shacklebolt let out an incensed huff, raucously shoving his way through the thick gang grunting about insubordination. Tonks only recourse was to turn over her eyes, further darkening the reddened hue that her political boss'fount was beginning to take away on.

'' Nymp-ha-dora, '' Kingsley grunted, sounding strained. `` If you ever… ''

'' Kingsley, Harry is perfectly able of taking care of himself for more than five minutes, '' She said amicably. `` And besides, how was I supposed to pick up Remus'birthday gift for hi.. ''

'' Tonks…

Casting a squint coup d'oeil at the senior club penis she came to a halt in the nitty-gritty of traffic, ignoring the protestation of the witches and wizards around them, who were now being forced to walk a full two metrical foot to the side to deflect them. For all their complaining one would think she was inciting a riot, not stopping for a chat with her slightly redoubtable hirer.

Speaking of Kingsley, he looked like he was either suppressing the desire to throttle her, or in the first stages of cardiac arrest.

Frowning she regarded him concernedly. `` Are you familiar with high blood pressure Kingsley ? ``

A large vein was beginning to pulse in the man 's forehead, and he leaned low. `` Dam n't Tonks ! '' He hissed. `` This is not a game ! ``

She nodded, squinting up at the taller design in the bright sunlight. `` A fact I 'm well cognizant of, '' She said pointedly, her previous guise of humor vanishing. `` But the order of magnitude is constantly hovering over Harry, convinced that he is an incompetent person 16 twelvemonth old. Yet I have never heard of a 16 year old who has survived as mu… ''

A rather gravid hand clamped over her mouth, and she found herself being roughly drug away from the cobblestone streets into a back skittle alley, away from the ears of passersby.

'' Tonks you should lie with bettor than to… ''

'' Than to what ? '' She shot back in frustration. `` Than to talk over what Harry has been through in the opened ? ''

She did not even wait for his nod of statement before continuing on her broadside. `` Why should we be still Kingsley ? overlord knows these unlearned citizenry need a wake up cry, not that the Ministry is giving them one with their censorship of the newspaper and… ''

With an hearable crinkling Kingsley shoved a written matter of the Daily vaticinator into her hands, watching her closely as she unfolded it, discovering it to be the latest issue that she had not yet read.

Twenty Seven Muggles Die Mysteriously in the Spanse of a two weeks. Is He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named responsible ?

Her backtalk fell open air, forming a small'O'of understanding.

'' That 's right wing, '' Kingsley stated for her. `` They are finally reporting the facts. Fudge ca n't censor them any longer, not with all the eyewitness accounts of the Ministry employees from… ''

'' That nighttime, '' She whispered, knowing full-of-the-moon well to what he referred. The cicatrix tissue across her chest would forever serve as a striking reminder to her carelessness in dueling with her auntie. It had taken half of the summer, laid up in St. Mungos, for her to make a full recovery from the blows she had been dealt.

Remus had been her only source of saneness during that time, as he had been on the night they had combed through the grotesquely blacken one thousand of an obscure Muggle dwelling, searching for survivors.

The month old picture of that fearful vista was now burned beneath the front page 's winking headlines, the piss pooling upon the sidewalk darkened with what she knew to be blood.

The piteous souls had never had a chance.

Clenching the tabloid between her handwriting she met her boss'regard. `` Look, '' She whispered, forcing her interpreter composure. `` I know the Order is concerned about Harry. But he has proven more than than competent in office that most Aurors have yet to face, and he 's come out alive an… ''

'' And in the process put half the Order in grave peril ! '' Kingsley boomed angrily. `` All due to his impulsive, nervy, ill-thought…

'' Actions, '' She supplied, ignoring how his eye twitched. `` But how does the Order expect him to learn to make decisions if we are always hovering over him ? ``

His center widened considerably, `` In war there is no room for fault. ``

'' Who said he was making them ? ``

Kingsley began pacing up and down the Apothecary 's side alleyway. `` No one, but you have to admit the tyke is… ''

'' teen, '' She corrected. `` And after what he has experienced one can hardly call him even that. ``

'' Is it possible, '' He said through gritted tooth. `` For you to not interrupt me ? ``

'' I 'll take it under consideration, '' She replied, leaning against the dirty brick wall, mental object to bask in its spook for a present moment of respite from the Aug heat.

Kingsley 's next tirade was unintelligible, though she did catch the Holy Writ 'irresponsibility', 'insubordinate', and 'dam n't girl'.

Slowly she began banging her top dog against the brick siding.

'' …and it was your job to watch over them today. But when I come to check off on things what do I find ? You ! Alone ! In the Quidditch shop purchasing some ridiculously pointless Snitch… ''

'' It is not just a Snitch ! '' She interjected, halting the Assault on her skull. `` It 's a collector 's edition ! And Remus ordered it a calendar month ago for Harry, limited monastic order ! They had to make it to Remus'exact specification, and we thought it would be a skillful surprise to pick it up while out toda… ''

'' Oh grand ! '' Kingsley burst out, throwing his hands up. `` Perhaps you explain your reasoning to the gild when Death feeder attack and remove them away ! ``

She groaned, resuming the thump of her question. `` Kingsley the orderliness would do well to realize that Harry is nearly of age. He 's nearly an adult and nothing is going to happen while he and Ron are being fitted for gown. ``

Kingsley stopped pacing abruptly, `` And what of the girl ? ``

'' You mean Ginny ? ``

The man let out a sound oddly reminiscent of a hippogriff in heat, stomping the priming coat and sending a flock of detritus scattering into the air. `` Who do you think I mean ! ? What early girl were you to chaperone today ? ! Focus for just a s would you Nympha… ''

'' We ran into her beau, '' Tonks hastened to inform, unwilling to hear that blaspheme name again. `` So she is spending the rest of the afternoon with the Finnigans. ''

'' And the boys ? ``

She smirked, `` Being fawned over by Madame Maulkin. ``

Despite his wildness Kingsley gave an involuntary shiver. It was a well known fact in his department that he hated all thing related to formal attire, with a exceptional aversion to those who made such matter their profession.

Tonks smile only widened further, her pupils narrowing into pocket-size ovular puss, eyes yellowing like a cats. `` See Kingsley ? They 're perfectly safe. No self-respecting Death Eater would venture into there. ``

Kingsley just groaned, `` Tonks because of you I am considering early retreat. Only I ca n't because as a lot as I hate to allow it, after me you have seen the most 'action'in the department and would be my heir. ``

Tonks jaw dropped at the entree, a bellowing jape resonating from Shacklebolt 's expectant form.

'' Speechless are we ? wellspring hell has indeed frozen over, either that or your olfactory organ of the day prevents proper respiration. ``

Her handwriting flew to her crooked nozzle, pondering what was incorrectly with it. She had spied a copy of Witch Weekly earlier that day, and while she was not one for fashion she had seen this workweek headline : Crooked Nose Curses, In or Out of Season ?

Naturally she had spent the dawning wandering around, telling anyone within earshot that Rita Skeeter had cursed her, just to see the jumble reactions.

The boys had at to the lowest degree found it entertaining.

Kingsley 's tacky coughing drew her tending back, where he had adopted a rather exasperated glare.

'' You do see my dilemma do n't you ? ``

Eyeing his scent she nodded. `` Yup, you 've got a crooked nose too. I hear those Muggle nutters have some gravid techniques for remedying tho… ''

Kingsley stomped his foot again. `` See ? This is exactly what I mean ! Your attention twain is bordering on the non-existent and you 're always take over office in favor of whatever your whim of the moment is ! In this pillow slip it 's the, 'the shaver can take attention of themselves'whim ! That 's precisely why I ca n't move back early ! You 're nowhere near ready for such a position and there is no one else with adequate combat experience to recommend ! ``

She grimaced as his tones went unusually high for a man of his girth.

'' Are you even listening ? ``

'' Yes Boss. ``

'' Do n't call me that. ``

'' Your supremacy ? ``

Kingsley 's eye twitched. `` Don't… ''

'' I 'm just taking your advice. I thought sanction chassis liked to be addressed… ''

'' One Sir Thomas More give-and-take and a 'Nympadora'sign is going to wind up with a permanent sticking charm on your front door. ``

She sobered immediately.

'' And stop banging your head. ``

She stopped that to.

'' And do n't squirm. ``

Suppressing a groan she resisted the temptation, her discomfort floor rising exponentially. drive was the only thing sufficient for quelling her often frazzle spunk in Shaklebolt 's presence. He knew this, and was intentionally depriving her of it.

good God, if he was this bad with her she would hate to be a suspect for some abhorrent criminal offence. No admiration they normally came out of questioning twitching.

Contenting herself with incrementally elongating and shortening her nails, the process concealed by the tissue bag her fingers were curled around, she arched a questioning eyebrow to which Kingsley immediately responded.

'' I 'm going with you. ``

With an indrawn groan she turned, carefully stepping over the trash that had been carelessly tossed, missing the alleyway 's garbage bin, and stopped dead.

Passing the orifice where the incline alley converged with Diagon Alley 's bustling main boulevard was a conversant head of saturnine fuzz, and Harry was sprinting along at a hefty gait.

'' He can find out out for himself can he ? ``

Without a Son she ignored the sarcastic jibe, taking off after Harry with murderous purpose. Of all the ill fated timing that one could have, she had the bad. Harry just had to pick now to run off, and she had every design of strangling him once she got a hold of him.

Of course she may take in to stun him first, considering he had grown considerably to tower several inches above her, making him significantly faster.

Aw infernal region, she 'd always been good at stunning.

As they shoved their way through the street, Kingley 's golden loop earring glinting in the sunshine, she began ticking off the various ways to kill or torture him. For out of all the fiat members she was his strongest proponent when it came to the stage of independence he should be afforded. After all, she had attested to Harry 's ability to discover when it was or was not appropriate to ramble off in populace seat. However, with Kingsley standing behind her, Harry was proving her wrong yet again. She could only imagine the self-satisfied smile crossing Kingsley 's cheek, and after he mentioned this to the Order…

Her collection to let Harry in on more of the parliamentary law'activities would probably be rejected, yet again.

This niggling stunt of his was going to cost him more than he knew.

'' I 'm going to shoot down him when I get a hold of him, '' Kingsley grumbled behind her, wrinkling his nose at the mingled scents stemming from the apothecary.

'' Not if I get a custody of him first, '' Tonks grumbled, thinking on how this little stroll of his would probably cost Harry his allowance into the Order, and he would never even know it.

She began muttering in dangerous undercurrent, for she 'd make tinker's damn sure he found out.

Fixing her eyes to the rachis of his head, she shortened her fuzz up her neck, and began experimenting with nozzle. It was n't until she spotted the old woman calmly perusing the selection of animal food for thought on video display outside of Eeylops Owl department store that she was struck with an first-class idea.

'' Excuse me mam, I 'm going to ask to pirate that cane of yours. ``
* * * * *



It was a marvel that he had managed to keep her in lot, considering the horde swarming around him, fry screaming off items that would be needed for the start of term to frazzle parents, nigh of whom were doing admirable balancing human action with newly purchased cauldrons, playscript, and potions supplying. Though her hair color helped, for it was neither dark nor light, falling somewhere between bronze and gold, yet far from blond. He had seen the people of colour rarely, and he doubted ever naturally, before now. Regardless, it made her easy to observe caterpillar track of her.

gum olibanum it was that he was unable to neglect her purposeful border district into Knockturn skittle alley, his stomach churning uncomfortably at the thought.

It was not a situation he liked. In fact, he would much rather prefer to debar it all together. Yet the way Hagrid had been treating this young woman, it seemed she was new to the hive that was Diagon Alley, and she very well may get just made a grievous, and possibly life threatening, mistake.

He knew the event of such errors far too well.

Pulling his wand out he cast a glamor charm upon his head, watching the unruly string of hair hanging on his forehead lighten to a muted brown. Quickly he brushed as much of it over his os frontale as possible, not keen to be recognized within the disreputable area he was now traversing through.

The dark ingress was rather twisted, the space narrow and curving every few foundation, thus she easily fell out of his line of deal. And it was not without incident that he made it through this, having to grunt at a haggard looking adult female to get home his pointedness that he indeed did not want to buy the cadaver toes she was selling.

'' Maybe next time offspring lad, next time… '' She hawked after him, driving his pace to increase.

And increase it did, just in time for him to see Kalliandra disappearing through the entree of Borgin & Burkes.

Making a headlong decisiveness, and silently praising Fred and George for their generosity that day when they had visited the Weasley twin 's establishment, Harry crept past the shadow windowpane displaying Borgin & Calamity Jane on 'special'items, casting a hush-hush glance through the dirt covered panes.

The image was vague, distorted by the thick layer of grime coating the window, but Kalliandra 's approach stirred the man knelt behind the counter, his hands rummaging through his glass show case like a rat in a hole.

An indistinct intelligence fell from the lady friend 's lips, and with a sudden jolt of movement the man stood, mouth spluttering indistinct dustup in a hoarse way.

It was an arranged meeting, or a confluence between two who were uncomfortably acquainted.

Neither medical prognosis boded well.

It was suddenly obvious that she had entered here knowing full well what kind of position it was.

Making a decision as the man began pacing, Harry dropped to the smutty ground, allowing an overturned cart to hold in him from the bulk of the skimp traffic upon the bowling alley.

This was not a conversation he was keen to interrupt, nor was it one he would care to be caught up in. Not in this place, not when the player were so engrossed. The stirring in him though, the monition that her behaviour was like Malfoy - coming into Knockturn alleyway to get chummy with its proprietors - he could not ignore though.

Of all the times he 'd thought to spy on Malfoy, he 'd been right every fourth dimension. And his gut was telling him the Saami now.

Pressing his ear to the slim down, flaking wood paneling upon the institution 's outside, he muttered a appealingness for hearing sweetening, bringing the ill-boded conversation to life.

Through the creaking of aged, rotting Mrs. Henry Wood, Kalliandra 's chanting mingled with the owner 's pacing.

'' …ank you. I appreciate your honesty. ``

'' I have little use for honesty, and much for line of work, '' Rasped the man, whose spokesperson Harry now recognized to be that of Borgin 's owner, Mr. Borgin himself. `` Your symmetry was intriguing, and what you are offering in return… ''

'' Is something I 'd prefer to not be discussed openly, '' She interrupted cooly. `` There are those who would presume much. ``

The tempo of Borgin vanished, the creaking of ill-suited flooring ceasing.

'' Of track, '' Borgin 's rattled breath shot out. `` Though the method of the payment 's delivery shall be to my stipulation. ``

'' That is amercement, '' She clipped back. `` And my order ? ``

A racking coughing shook the proprietor, Harry shuddering at the reverberations as the words a calendar month 's prison term were spoken.

Then there was silence, enticing him to slowly slide up the splintery siding, his eyes reaching the sill to peer inwards, just in clock time for the dilapidate room access to be thrown open.

And so it was that Kalliandra stuttered to a stop at the peck of the half-crouching man, who had clearly been listening in.







'' He who angers you conquers you. ''
~ Elizabeth II Kenny ~



Chapter 4 ~ Seed of distrustfulness


Perhaps it was the shuddering helplessness that had plagued her body so oft as of former, but seeing the messy haired ceramist upon the priming coat was a sight for which she had been ill prepared, the sheer shock sending her inside reeling and curling into unnatural slub as she blinked at him, his own grimace adverted as if stalling for time.

Drawing hint between her dentition the spell fell into station, forming an graceless pattern.

Choking back the crazy sentiency threatening to crawl from her throat, she spun on her heel, strewing grimy rubble in her aftermath and hell bent on distancing herself from the meddling fool as much as possible.

Silently she thanked God, the one of whose macrocosm she was still disbelieving, for her discreetness at having said naught to a greater extent than necessary.

Tucking a lock of darkened Au behind her ear, effectively removing the wayward string from her human face, she rounded the foremost twist in the crooked back street, passing a street trafficker selling capitulum of something that sounded suspiciously like 'house elves'. It was in this instant of misdirection that a business firm travelling bag fell upon her speed arm, the callosity on the manus evident as she reflexively yanked her arm away, stepping away to outdistance herself from the prat bold enough to make such a gesture.

Unsurprisingly she was unable to even turn around before Potter was again upon her, ushering her to the early side of the besmirched area, away from the street trafficker. She wasted no time in distancing herself from the Potter arse, fishing around for his foremost name, which she could not remember.

Casting a suspicious glance at the crinkled vendor she felt distinctly nervous, even with the man 's screwball eyes 10 grand off, for he was clearly out of earreach. Dismissing the momentaneous fear that wizards could possibly take superior earreach she felt her eyes narrowing into darkened slits.

To potter 's reference, his rima oris was already opening in account, but she cut him off.

'' How much did you hear ? '' she hissed quietly.

His jaw clamped shut, an shy expression overtaking his feature film, as if he had no clew on how to answer her doubt.

Another import passed between them in silence, the phantasm cast by the looming brick walls of the skittle alley traveling such a stint length that their apparent motion would have been insensible to the human eye, had either present paid the darkness any creative thinker, though they did not.

Still the messy haired man before her did not verbalise, his silence allowing her the time she needed to collect her gratingly shaken demeanor.

No one had been meant to make love of her affaire with Borgin. No one.

As potter 's secretiveness continued she was left only to nod, expressing her discernment of his actions.

'' Listen, '' she whispered, being careful to hold open her vox low. `` I want you to rest away from me, and my conversations. ``

Potter 's face was oddly deform, as if unable to make up one's mind upon frowning or glaring in suspicion. `` Why are you so alarmed about me overhearing that ? ``

'' Why do you think ? '' she hissed scathingly.

'' Could n't say, but you 're awfully concerned about that conversation remaining private, '' he stated pointedly, apparently having no qualm about keeping his voice down. `` Why the business organization if you have nix to obliterate ? ``

She visibly bristled.

'' Correct me if I 'm faulty, '' she stated slowly, taking the time to sound out each syllable. `` But almost people do not take well to having their secret conversations listened in on. ''

'' Most citizenry do n't cuckold down Knockturn bowling alley to verbalize in code with suspicious proprietors, '' he countered challengingly.

'' I 'm failing to recollect any code, '' she refuted, her eyebrow furrowing. `` Though I 'm also failing to call up how this is any of a thoroughgoing unknown 's clientele. ``

His nighttime, forest-like eye met her staid gaze levelly, without apology, while a woman with a torn, tattered grey shawl limped around the niche, leaning heavily on a claw footed cane. Neither spoke as the cleaning lady shambled along, quietly croaking out a melody of sorts about bat wings and who-ding-its.

As soon as the woman neared the weave of the alley, becoming occupy in street trafficker 's merchandise, Potter closed the distance between them, his shoe disturbing the trench claw Mark that the elder 's cane had left indented in the soiled ground.

'' Look, '' he began, sounding much calmer, `` I did n't adopt you to overhear anything, I just… ''

'' You just happened to follow me, '' she cut in unapologetically, `` And then you must have randomly settle to stoop down and eavesdrop ? ``

Potter took another step forward, eyes intimidating.

'' Yes. ``

sucking in a half frustrated, half savage breath she suppressed the urge to give up something, him in particular. `` Alright ceramist, if that's the case, then why did you follow me ? ``

His look was nil scant of mocking, the smell of one trying to excuse a dewy-eyed concept to a small child incapable of grasping it.

'' Correct me if I 'm wrong, '' he commented, his representative carefully controlled, `` but were n't you supposed to be waiting for Hagrid back at Madam Maulkins ? ``

She arched her eyebrows. `` Did it ever occur to you that I had place to go that Hagrid had no need to know about ? ``

In the coloured tad of the alley, his heart took on a wary, disapproving glint. `` Why should n't he make out ? ``

'' What are you my custodian ? '' she snapped scathingly, finally losing her irritation, brushing a lock of hairsbreadth away from her middle in frustration.

His eyes narrowed immediately. `` You 're avoiding the head. ``

'' And you 're being a complete… ''

'' A complete what ? '' he cut in, glowering as she lapsed into silence.

'' face, '' he finally said, `` If your business here was harmless why risk venturing here alone ? Why not tell Hagrid and have him fall with you ? ``

She kicked the ground in frustration, scattering tiny rocks in his direction. `` So you 're telling me that you inform Hagrid about everything you do ? Because if that's not the case… ''

'' That 's not the point, '' he interrupted, shoving his hired hand into his pockets.

'' Oh I think it 's very a lot the compass point, '' she snapped acidly, noticing his hired hand curling into fuddled fists within his pockets.

'' Look… '' he muttered, `` I just followed you because I thought you were supposed to hold off for Hagrid. And when I got here I could evidence it was n't a conversation I should be walking in on ... ''

'' And spying was a better choice ! ? '' she shot out incredulously.

'' That 's not what I meant ! ''

'' sure sounds like it. ''

'' well I would n't consume even been there if you had n't walked out in the first berth ! '' he shot out defensively.

'' Do n't you dare… ''

'' Now really, what discussion was so important that it required you to trek into Knockturn Alley to address in hushed tones behind a closed door ? Because seriously Kalliandra, I 'd love to roll in the hay, '' he snapped with mock earnestness, yanking his custody from his pockets and crossing his arms.

She glared harshly. `` That is none of your business you miserable blo ... ''

'' scummy lad ? '' he cut in. `` You 've got ... ''

Turning on her heel she shoved past him, brushing off his arm that attempted to arrest her progress as she stalked away. Purposely dragging her metrical foot enough to institutionalise a strew of grimy detritus in his direction, she felt a detached sense of gratification at his indignant coughing.

'' Will you… '' he grunted. `` Just stop… '' She rounded a crooked twist, the ignitor of Diagon Alley seeping into the dimly lit corridor. `` Because… ''

Continuing to ignore him she stepped out into the bright visible light, allowing the bustling, shoving, chattering crowd to swallow her whole.
* * * * *


Removing the shawl Tonks smiled maniacally, partly due to her ministration at being away from the amazingly putrid odor of the sign elf ear vendor, and partly because she was enjoying her old adult female mask too much.

'' Out of me way ! '' she snapped in a scratchy articulation, effectively clearing the area as people scattered in every direction. Anything to nullify getting whacked upside the head by the old lady with the tart cane.

Grinning with sadistic pleasure she passed where Kingsley sat, casually reading the composition at Florean Forescue 's Ice Cream Parlor. Wasting not a irregular she yanked him up with her, dragging him with her after the two teens.

Kingsley yanked out his ear piece, the one that had allowed him to listen everything she had.

'' Tonks drop the old cleaning woman diatribe, you 're mucking it up and sound like a pirate. ``

She threw her head back and cackled, sending a pocket-sized group of nipper, first-class honours degree years by the feeling of them, scattering.

'' Oh being old is fun ! '' she related. `` I should do this more often ! ``

Kingsley now appeared to be thumping himself in the brain with the rolled up sportswoman section.

Maintaining their ambling pursuit, she was having trouble grasping Harry 's conversation due to the interference of the crowd. Knockturn alleyway had been deserted in comparison, but fortunately they were able to stay relatively stuffy due to her tendency to ping anyone unlucky enough to walk in battlefront of them in the cover of the articulatio genus with the claw footed cane.

'' Remind me why we did n't just confront them ? '' Kingsley grumbled unhappily.

'' well one, '' she said cheerfully, `` do you really think they 'd be upfront about what they 're trivial rendezvous was about ? And two, this is just so much more fun ! ``

Kingsley groaned. `` And here I thought you were the one against following Harry around. ``

'' Details ! '' she shot back. `` Besides, if I 'm going to strangulate him I at to the lowest degree need to hear that I have a good reasonableness. ``

'' I 'd have a few for throttling you… ''

Smiling cheekily she ignored him. `` Watch and learn from the master copy Kingsley. scout and get wind. ``

Kingsley snorted. `` I thought I was the master. ``

'' Oh ? '' she questioned, `` So I guess it is okay to refer to you as that. ''

'' You 're really aiming to get that personalized, permanently stuck name collection plate are n't you ? ``

'' You would n't. ``

'' What makes you think not ? ``

Smirking she did her good to keep Harry 's head in pot, walloping her secure cane against a man too meddlesome posturing for a Veela aspect alike to notice the bustling crowd swarming around him.

She let out another cackle, turning to Kingsley. `` If you put a nameplate on my authority it'll… ''

'' You do n't have an bureau. ``

She frowned. `` Someday I might. ``

'' Not if you keep this up. ``

Groaning she whacked her boss with the cane, appeased by the fact that a six foot plus man was now hopping up and down on one foot courtesy of her.

'' Now that I 've got your attention… ''

He groaned.

'' If you do that it 'll permanently remind you of me, and you would n't require that now would you ? ``

Right then Kingsley looked very a lot like he would lie with to submerge himself in the water basin outside of Eeylops Owl Emporium. It was a disgrace the owls drinking from it looked murderous.

It took another 2d for the entropy to process within her mind, for it was a relatively light area, and Harry had just drug the miss over there.

Each and every individual owl was glaring in their direction.
* * * * *


As she traversed her way amongst the moving sea of physical structure, the wise pressure of commercial commercialism hung heavily in the air. The mixing aromas from the apothecary, ice cream parlor, and owl emporium blended with that of the joke shop 's scented fastball bombs, while candles burned mid-wick in every storefront window, lending the area a unique flavor.

In Kalliandra 's foiling she noticed little of this. So fixated upon distancing herself from the messy haired man behind her was she, that she missed taking in the few sights that she had deemed worthy of a bit glance when she had traversed in the diametric direction scarcely a poop of an 60 minutes before hand.

Now it was taking all her second-stringer to avoid pulling violently away from the rough, calloused helping hand that had just shot through the gang, grasping her firmly by the upper berth arm.

She knew full well who it was.

Hardly aware of the release pebbling overlaying the cobblestone avenue, or of the continuous influx of patrons pouring from the shops into the street, pressing in around them on all sides in a way that encouraged one to not deter from the speed that the gang had reached a general, non-verbal consensus regarding, she found herself whirling around to face him, halting.

'' What ? '' she snapped, looking squarely into his shadow green, and currently unhappy looking, eyes.

'' I wasn't… ''

A copious man shoved past tense, cutting Potter off as he failed to take paying attention of the two individuals speaking a understructure below his rather off-the-wall height. In the cognitive process he smacked against them brusquely, their headland banging together hard, and she found herself kicking a spray of pebbles in the man 's direction, oddly satisfied as the man halted, swore, and turned in place looking for the perpetrator of the attack on his calves.

'' Making friends everywhere I see, '' ceramist commented dryly, tugging her along after him until they had abandoned the street altogether. And the moment their feet reached the cement replacement Potter released her, eyes hard and serious.

'' I was n't done talking, '' he said pointedly.

'' Well I was. ``

'' Perhaps you would n't have been, '' he argued annoyingly as they set off, walking along their new itinerary, which lay along the haphazardly constructed sidewalk that had a leaning to incite, bend, and fracture on a whim. `` I tried to rationalize, but you were too argumentative to let me finish. ''

'' Oh was I ? '' she inquired with mock seriousness, hopping over a step that had spontaneously sprung from the path. `` Perhaps you should learn what a right apology entails, and forgive me for being argumentative, but I was the one tripping over a spying bafo… ''

'' Well you were acting suspicious ! '' he cut in, her unfinished abuse hanging in the air.

'' How in the hell was I acti… ''

Her exclamation was cut off by his gibelike snort, and her font contorted into an angry scowl.

poring over him carefully for a bit as a hoard of tyke ran past, she gave a curt nod, indicating the top of his head. `` Was n't your hair a different coloring material ? '' She spat it like it was a crime.

Again she found him regarding her as if she were a diminished youngster to whom a particularly dim-witted problem proved daunting.

'' I 'm not indisputable, '' he mused. `` Was it ? ``

She bit back an angry growling, and suddenly found her progress again halted. She threw a glare at him.

'' Let. Go. ``

He smirked as if amused. `` Well correct me if I 'm wrong, but if you 're trying to encounter up with Hagrid this would be a good berth to stay. ``

'' Oh ? '' she snapped. `` And why is that ? ``

thrower let out an worn out sigh, dragging her to retrace their conclusion few dance step until they stood in straw man of a modest drinking public treasury, a long joint extending over it, several owls perched upon it, and he gestured inside the storefront window.

Sure enough, through the window, Hagrid could be seen purchasing a ridiculously large bag of Boarhound Pet Chow.

potter turned to her with a viper like smile. `` So, '' he inquired. `` Care to tell me what you were doing before or after Hagrid gets out here ? ``

Only she did not reply, for her eyes were drawn to the owl besides them. Slowly, instinctively, she took a step back, the slanted lines of the barn owls faces redoubtable as a keen clacking, the typical sound of powerful beaks snapping shut in succession, began.

It was the threatening, defensive demeanor of an animal whose territory had just been breached, as was the fanning of fender, which the tawny and saw whet, incline by side, were currently doing.

Potter 's brow crinkled oddly, the bird of Minerva territorial behaviors not ceasing until Kalliandra had backed away, her heel teetering off the edge of the pavement into the street.
* * * * *


He was still frowning when Hagrid came outside, Fang 's intellectual nourishment sackful slung over his wide shoulder.

The Professor spotted them immediately.

'' Heya 'arry. dame Maulkin done torturin'Ron I take it ? ``

He shook his head. `` Not exactly ... ''

'' Eh well, it 'appens, '' Hagrid commented nonsensically, eyes darting beneath his slurred nape of haircloth between the two of them. `` Ye two gettin'on well are ye ? ``

Not exactly… But he did not have a opportunity to comment as Hagrid clapped him rather hard on the back.

'' proficient to 'ear Harry, trade good to 'ear. ``

It was clear that Hagrid was hardly paying attention, to him at least. To Kalliandra however…well, the half colossus was observing her as if she were a sick hippogriff about to go off. Not that he could blame him, with the way she stood teetering on the curb away from them both, rubbing her shoulder joint, a cold-shoulder grimace gracing her mouth.

The quiet, almost pained someone before him appeared to the be the polar opposition of the lady friend he had bickered with along the streets.

Something was extremely wrong.

'' Yer okay there Kally ? '' Hagrid asked, apparently noticing the oddment as well.

'' I 'm fine Hagrid, '' she responded dully. Her hand fell from her shoulder quickly.

'' Are you sure ? ``

'' Yes, I just got jostled a bit in the crowd, '' she glanced up for the briefest of moment, the forced smile she cast not reaching her centre. And just as quickly as before, her optic were again down-turned to the street. Very quietly, almost as afterthought, she quietly muttered, `` I 'm getting sick of everyone asking me that. ''

'' Yes well, it will 'appen to yer… '' Hagrid muttered, once again, the run-in meaningless and confusing, as if a piece of a conversation in which he was not a participant.

'' Ready to give ? ``

Her question was pointed, as was her regard, still directed at the moth-eaten ground.

'' Well ye want ter get yer pet now er… ''

'' I do n't conceive that 's a very adept idea, '' she muttered, her optic still avoiding anything save for the sidewalk, her foible bordering on frightened.

'' fountainhead ye 'ave to deal with it eventually. ``

Biting her humiliated lip she nodded, several long twist falling to befog the left side of her face. `` I know, '' she whispered, eye lowered to the ground.

Hagrid just nodded gruffly, glancing at him with the air of a concerned parent ready to pounce.

The entire exchange was perhaps his most confusing one to date, and he had thus far, not been a participant.

'' Look, yer 'll be wantin'a pet, and ya ca n't submit Silverthorne to your dorm with yer… ''

'' Silverthorne ? '' Harry cut in, hoping to perhaps catch a shred of cohesiveness.

'' A thestral, '' Hagrid supplied absentmindedly, and at that word Harry could n't assist it.

He turned an incredulous look to the English of her fountainhead, the only part of her face still visible. `` A thestral is your pet ? ``

He swore she nearly laughed. `` No potter. Silverthorne is no one 's pet. I 've just taken a liking to him. ''

Now he had to admit that they had been useful at the end of last term, but to take a detail liking to one ? What the blaze did that mean ?

'' So you can see them ? '' he finally asked, at a loss.

Turning her head towards them again, her heart still avoiding the hooter like a plague, she shot him an odd aspect. `` Yeah, why could n't I ? I 'm not blind. ''

Hagrid 's sudden flavour of panic did n't escape him, nor did it Kalliandra as she shot him a questioning look, to which the precaution of Magical creature Professor cowered slightly.

He decided to save him the trouble of answering. `` Well not everyone can see the ... ''

'' Why not ? '' she asked sharply.

'' Because you ca n't see them unless you 've seen someo ... '' he stopped short, seeing the spirit Hagrid was shooting him.

Her brow crinkled in annoyance, and Hagrid 's part came out, suddenly pacifying.

'' Now Kalliandra yer know 'ow some things 're ... ''

This tactic only elicited a pocket-size racket of displeasure from her.

Frustrated, Harry supplied the info for her.

'' You ca n't see them unless you 've seen someone die. ''

Wrong choice.

There was no verbal exchange, but her oculus darkened, speaking volumes.

'' Are yer alri ... '' Hagrid started cautiously.

'' Yes, '' she whispered.

'' We can get yer pet later, '' Hagrid stammered. `` That 'd be… ''

'' It 's ticket, Hagrid, '' she cut in, sweeping past them both into the stock, her eyes remaining averted the integral time.

Hagrid let out a defeat sigh, rubbing his forehead with a magnanimous hand wearily, and the realization of what he had just done run into Harry like a lightning bolt.

She had n't known, and he had probably just brought back whatever horrible retentivity her yesteryear had held.

* * * * *

Kalliandra quickly walked through the musty, noisy fund, avoiding all the live on animal displays, and she disappeared behind a large shelf stocked with rat feed, relief sweeping through her that no one was back there as her conflicted emotions threatened to go up to the surface. She had spent the past three week carefully building a wall of indifference around herself, and she could n't afford to let it down now.

Not over such a trivial fact coming to light. Not when she had just spoken to the soul who could pay her the response she needed.

Yet still…why had n't they told her ?

She knew the answer without asking, for to possess been reminded of the reasons behind her presence here in any way…it would only serve to prompt her of her own self loathing for all she had done.

A slight earth tremor coursed through her, and sighing sadly she listened to the soft hooting amidst the rafters. She would not reckon at them, for she had seen the chemical reaction that elicited enough.

Yet the hooting continued, more persistent, and somewhere in the carnal recesses of her intellect she knew her very presence there was a bad idea, a pathetic alternative of both Dumbledore 's and Hagrid 's judgment.

Facing obstacle was apparently a goodly affair, even when it generally resulted in having irate hooter attempting to bite oneself.

With a expectant degree of trepidation she found herself tilting her principal up to peer through the dark, cluttered atmosphere of the shop class, her eyes slowly adjusting, student widening in the dim lighting as the lower raftman slowly came into view.

Owl upon owl rested upon them, some peacefully sleeping, their heads carefully nestled into the folding of their feathering, while the rest had trained their qui vive, shining eyes upon her.

The menacing clacking of beaks being threateningly opened and snapped shut began to, once again, sate the elbow room near her.

'' So you think you 'll get one of them ? ''

Cringing, though almost glad for the distraction, she turned her care slowly to Potter, who now stood in front of her. To his credit, he at least had the mutual signified to look apprehensive.

'' spirit, Kalliandra, I 'm pitiful. I did n't realize ... ''

'' It 's fine, '' she muttered, forcing her articulation layer. She did not need his ruth. She did not want it.

Despite this, she could not assist but keep a surreptitious eye on him, as she pretended to peruse the owl selection, her eyes carefully avoiding all of the owls, and she was a bit storm to see a downcast, yet determined, saying upon his expression.

He followed her down the gangway. `` I do n't think it is. ''

'' Like it matters to you, '' she whispered quickly, silently reminding herself of all the predatory demeanour to avoid.

Do not make eye contact… donjon your head lowered… No loud noises or sudden movements…

Like that would actually assist in calming these poor people woodland creature, for it certainly had minuscule effect on the one with the supposedly larger brain : Potter.

His manifestation had faltered at her last words. `` In case it 's escaped your notice, I 'm trying to be nice here. I 'm at least making an effort. ``

'' You should n't have bothered. ``

Groaning he raised his handwriting, folding them behind his headspring. `` You 're right. I do n't know why I did. ''

'' Wonderful, '' she murmured sarcastically, traversing her way along the back wall.

'' You know ... '' A raucous hissing cut him off as an owl nipped at his raised hands. Potter jerked away hastily, nearly taking a wooden ledge with him.

'' Bloody owl, '' he grumbled, glaring up towards the offending bird, who by now had hopped down to the lowest rafter, where it screeched, its outstretched wings flapping vigorously.

For some laughable reason the situation struck her as funny rather than frightening, and she did not devil to repress the laugh bubbling out while she observed the unnerving looking owl. For once it was not aimed at her. And as if sensing her scrutiny its drab eyes locked with her own.

Its territorial behaviour ceased, drawing a grinning to her face, for she was n't the lonesome one to whip out at those who came to close.

She traced the Great Horned owl 's outline, noting the blackened coloration speckling its carmine dark-brown wings, its catlike brass and highly pointed spike all swiveled curiously towards her.

Then she noticed the small shackle imprisoning it, one end encircling its twig lose weight leg, the other binding it to the baulk it sat so miserably upon. It was caged, forbidden to go wherever it pleased.

Just ... like ... her.

It was perhaps the most foolish thing she had yet done, but she held out her arm hopefully, and watching its wings extend it gracefully flew to her, its shackles clinking haphazardly as it landed gently upon her arm. She eyed its magnificent dark eyes, noting how it was careful to not dig its talons into her skin, and she turned away from ceramist, walking to the front counter as the owl re-perched upon its balk, waiting for her to re-turn.

'' You 'll require a cage for him, '' potter pointed out.

'' He wo n't be needing it, '' she replied curtly.

'' You 're awfully personable are n't you ? ``

'' Well, '' she stopped at the sideboard wearily, speaking with an strange amount of money of malice. `` if you mean that I am able to converse with nosy individuals than yes. ''

Potter turned in a frustrated miff, storming out of the store. Watching his retreating design she too late realized how wrong she had sounded.

And then Dumbledore 's words came floating back to her. His one 's about the need for her and the many, many others under his protection to save some things quiet. Some things secret.

Something common cold, restricting, and callous curled within her throat, for until this war, the one they all refused to tell her anything about, was over, she would be more alone than ever.

The wounding of a rain soaked night were still far too fresh.

It was better to push everyone away.

For their own good, and for her own.

Through the sun-glinting window she could see potter talking animatedly with Hagrid. His stony lineament looked vaguely annoyed, and if she had n't known better, she would have thought that he seemed insulted.

A cold quiver rippled through her. ceramicist was also grave, of that she was certain. She 'd practically matte up his intuition rippling off of him, and he 'd overheard something he ought not to have. She only hoped it had n't been enough ...

She 'd talk to Dumbledore. She 'd relate everything upon her return.

A lite weight descended upon her arm, jarring her from her persuasion as two dark centre met hers. She smiled, her showtime true smile in weeks, reaching out a hesitant manus and ruffling the owls feathers. They were soft, like those of a newborn hatchling, only she would n't know for sure.

She had never felt an owl before now.

A horse sense of peacefulness filled her as it continued looking up at her, hooting softly. And for a second, just a brief bit she knew to be both flutter and false, she could have sworn it silently understood.

* * * * *

Once again Harry was completely and utterly confused by the feminine species.

He simply did not get it. During their stallion line Kalliandra had seemed so apathetic, almost unassailable. It was maddening how his snide comment rolled off her, so he had kept at it, wanting to unconsciously vent some of his own frustrations into her and to tell apart what her existent business in Knockturn Alley had been.

He knew it was wrong. And he knew his behavior was uncharacteristically Malfoy-like. But at the time, he had not cared.

That was until thestrals had come up. He had glimpsed a smidgen of real human emotion within her then, and it was startling.

Or at least he thought he had. He must have been mistaken, because whatever it was he thought he had seen, had gone as soon as it had come.

The she had been the one making sneering input like Malfoy.

A cacophony of sounds emerged as the shop 's door opened, emitting Kalliandra and her horribly moody owl. He grimaced at the sight, even as a chiding phonation reminded him how an creature 's conduct could so oft deceive.

Buckbeat 's certainly had.

That was all forgotten though, for right then she raised her forearm high gear, and greyish annex spread wide, feet and pincer hopping from her arm as the owl took flight of steps, circling in wide spark until it disappeared above the rooftops of Diagon back street.

'' Kalliandra what in the blimey are yer doing ! ? You just lost yer pet ! '' Hagrid exclaimed.

And to Harry 's great surprise, she actually smiled. Her center seemed distant, as if she were looking into something that no one save her could see.

'' Hagrid, he deserves to be free people. ''









'' matter alter for the worse spontaneously, if they be not altered for the bettor designedly. ''
~ Francis Francis Bacon ~



Chapter 5 ~ A professor of One


Remus yawned tiredly, his light brown eyes skirted across the geartrain platform at Hogsmeade, searching for the familiar form that was nowhere in pot. A illuminate smile crossed his fatigue features and he chuckled. Hagrid was not someone he would easily omit had he been there. No invisibility cloak was quite that large.

'' Hagrid .... '' He said, shaking his mind amusedly. He picked up his briefcase, crossing the deserted, outdoor platform in the direction of Hogwarts.

It was n't far, and Hagrid would undoubtedly intercept him along the way, most likely in his own, manic precipitation to stop him. Hagrid was a bit unretentive at time, and Remus could not fault him. He would be to if he took forethought of such a hazardous array of animals for a aliveness.

The caravan weapons platform was on the outskirts of the small Greenwich Village, on the outer bound nearest Hogwarts, and a pebbled road led directly to the schooling 's front doors. He would ferment off it before he reached Hogwarts'massive, welcoming entry, to pass over his way across the dipsomaniac, green priming coat to Hagrid 's hut.

Remus had never been close to the game keeper, but he respected the man immensely for his work in the Order.

He also empathized with him, and recently Hagrid had mentioned that he was one of the few who could truly trust to infer him.

He started walking, thinking how right Hagrid was.

The sun beat down on his pale shoulders, warming more than his shirt. The sun was rejuvenating to him in a way few understood, because it was a full orb of Inner Light for which he harbored no fright. It was funny, that the lightest of nighttime filled him with foreboding and pain, when usually it was the absence seizure of lightness that inspired veneration. He sought solacement in the darkest of nights, that was when he felt his best, but for now, when the moon was a quarter full, he would attempt quilt in the warm afternoon sun.

It was because of this curse that he could empathize with Hagrid. The opportunity to get a fully qualified wizard had been stolen from the gamekeeper turned prof, and it had nearly evaded even himself. Had it not been for Dumbledore 's kindness Remus would never have studied magic. No other school day would stimulate taken him.

They had feared him.

The bane of being different, he thought bitterly. They were both labeled as dangerous by the wizarding community, and shunned. Their friends even suffered for their mere association.

A half-giant and a werewolf ... two of the most grave magical beingness on the planet, both seen as homicidal, blood-thirsty wildcat, and yet neither one of them possessed the angle of dip to harm another.

Were n't the abominable transmutation and premature aging enough ? He shook his principal, knowing the reply to that, because it was n't.

No, he had to be shunned as well. Did n't they know he would change it if he could ? And Hagrid ... one of the most gentle, kindhearted people he had ever met, yet the Ministry feared him and his elephantine heritage. They labeled him violent without even knowing him. He could at to the lowest degree understand why people feared him, but Hagrid was harmless. He at least was truly dangerous.

Several nights in his past stood in dark-skinned testament to that.

Because of his forgetfulness, Wormtail had gotten away on one of those nights. If he had only taken his potion, perhaps Voldemort would not have returned, perhaps Sirius would not suffer died ...

Dam n't Sirius ! He had figured his Quaker 's stubborn nature would let made him heavy to kill, but in the end, he, just like James IV, had been as vulnerable as the rest.

He was the last now.

St. Peter was as good as dead, and if he ever saw him again ... If he ever got the prospect ...

He 'd lay down sure a finger really was all there was left of him.

He shuddered at the idea, remembering the Good Book Lily had spoken to him, as he stood over his parents freshly dug Robert Ranke Graves.

'' Even in the darkest of prison term, there are shimmers of light Moony. It 's just a matter of finding them ... ''

It was something he had promised to indicate Harry. Harry was the lone real family he had left, and he wanted the boy, who was quickly growing into a man, to know of the unbelievable specialty his parents had held. He needed to know that there were affair Charles Frederick Worth fighting for.

master knows he 's already had his share of fighting ...

We all have ...

The thought sobered him, reminding him of his purpose today. He squinted ahead, shielding his centre from the undimmed morn sun to look for any sign of Hagrid.

Today he would truly meet her.

He was n't sure whether to be unquiet, or to simply be exhilarated that the broken fille he had cradled had survived.

Kalliandra.

She had been thrust into their earthly concern unwillingly. Dumbledore, in all his Wisdom, had felt Hogwarts to be the safest office for her. It would be a trade good way to assist her adjust, by slowly exposing her to people her own age.

But unlike others her age, she lacked a anterior five years of sorcerous pedagogy, and any noesis whatsoever of their world.

It would be his job to relieve that.

When Dumbledore had asked him, he had felt unequal, poorly equipped for the task.

Dumbledore had set him down, much like he were once again the student and he the teacher, and told him he had never known another who he would rely more with her.

It was then that he had confided in him.

'' When Voldemort was still the school boy, Tom Riddle, I feared what he may produce to be.

'' When Harry came, I feared what loss may ram him to do.

'' Now I fear what she may do to herself. ''

Not to mention what she could do to those around her. The memory of the nighttime they had found her was still burned into his mind 's eye. It was not something Remus would soon forget.

Doing his job right could mean the difference in this young charwoman 's survival. Dumbledore had been very clear on that.

Now if only there was a enchantress or champion out there equipped to parcel out with this. Only, there was n't.

He knew the odds for her. He knew what she was facing, even if she did not. And he knew what so often happened to those with her ability.

By all rights he should be terrified and have run in the former charge.

Yet he could not lend himself to do so. Not when the image of her feeble eubstance lying there, clad in mud and the line of descent of those she loved, kept coming back to him each night as he dreamt. He felt a note of discord at the thought of anything regretful befalling her.

trench down he knew what it was to be judged, and he 'd be damned if he did that to another breathing person on this planet.

And that was why, despite knowing all of this, that he had accepted the assigning. Dumbledore wanted her to accept the Saame opportunity as everyone, and he had full-of-the-moon heartedly agreed.

Now all he had to figure out was how to throw it to her.

'' The most worthwhile things in life are never easy .... ''

Her Christian Bible came back, hitting him as fresh as if they had fallen from her lip only yesterday, and never before had they been more appropriate.

A sad smile lit his expression. Only she could say something that 's meaning would last ten.

Just like the pain ...

Always so fresh, so needlelike ...

He still marveled at how so many spoke of healing, and forgetting. botheration did not vaporize. It did not go away. You could not deal with it, for to share would entail to fix. Instead you just learned how to hold out with it, without losing your mind.

Of course, the same people had often spoken on how well he dealt with pain, but he did not feel very estimable at that. He was just logical enough to live that there was no good in dwelling on what could have been. Things happened…bad affair ... whether you wanted them to or not, and naught one said or did could change that.

If it did none of them would be gone…

And after all these eld, she was still justly. A smile formed on his mouth, the gleeful memories coming back, flooding his imaginativeness as he remembered Padfoot 's taunting about how she was 'always in good order', and they were 'always incorrect'.

Her rejoinder had been that it was about meter they saw it her way.

He chuckled slightly, catching slew of Dumbledore making his way leisurely down the sparsely exploited route. He raised a paw in greeting, catching the headmaster 's attention, and was delight to see an amused grin on the Headmaster 's powerful face.

'' Good good afternoon Remus. ''

'' Likewise Albus, '' He said, shifting his briefcase to the other arm.

Dumbledore removed his half-moon spectacles, polishing them on his summertime robes. `` It 's amazing, how the superb sun spotlight can crap even the most tiny of smudges stand out, almost like the dark spot where the sun is supposed to be when a solar eclipse shield it. ''

The headmaster held his glasses to the sun, studying them through his lightness, twinkling, currently squinted eye, searching for any leftfield over imperfections.

'' But adequate about the hot and bothered musings of this gramps clock 's inside working. How have you been ? I trust the gear 's conductor was n't too erratic with the f number for your Thomas Young ticker ? ''

Remus smiled broadly. Yes, in relaxed, social spot, Dumbledore was still the same.

'' The power train was hunky-dory, and I 've been good. I was just thinking of some amusing parameter Cassilyda and Canicula had before. ''

Dumbledore replaced his methamphetamine hydrochloride on his nose, looking off towards the sun as if seeing something far past it. `` Ah ... yes those two did get a predilection for disputation did they not ? I seem to remember a certain Jesse James potter walking in on one of them ... it took Pomfrey all afternoon to get him straightened out. She was rather reluctant to switch him back ... Something about liking him better as a mute eel, ineffectual to cause mayhem on an hourly base, locked up in a tank car ... I believe Lily had been particularly amused. ''

Remus smiled fondly, remembering the faces Jame 's the eel had made, pressing his slimy, snakelike consistency against the glass paries of the fish army tank. They had scooped him off the floor and conjured a cooler quickly, filling it with water as soon as they had seen him flopping around on the Edward Durell Stone floor.

Whether Lily had seen James IV or not before stepping on him had been a matter of argumentation for calendar week.

Not to mention, in the hospital wing, when James had started trying to form letters with his long, snake like body ...

He chuckled slightly. He still wanted to hump how James had contorted himself into an R ... He shuddered thinking of how sore that spelling out 'You're a Dead Man Canicula'must have been.

'' Quite an impressive bit of Transfiguration Day for fifth years ... I gave Gryffindor star sign 20 points for that, '' Dumbledore mused aloud, turning his regard on him, his eyes twinkling with amusement over the rim of his glasses. `` I was sourly tempted to throw out an laurels for particular Services to the schooling, since the curate of thaumaturgy was visiting that day, and their `` fortuity '' rendered James incapable of doing something drastic, like turning the parson 's hair neon pinko, '' Dumbledore grinned slyly at this. `` Come to conceive of it I would n't entirely heed seeing that ... ''

Remus could only shake up his forefront, suppressing the laugh threatening to add up out. It was commodity eyesight Dumbledore.

'' Of course of study, in the end, no one could determine whose verge actually had transfigured young James at the time, so I could n't give anyone the honor. I was sourly disappointed by that. ''

'' That was your sole reason for not giving it ? '' He asked amused.

'' Why yes Remus. Do you really think I would overhaul up a chance to encourage the propagation of good behaviour when Ministry official are visiting ? ''

'' Not when Umbridge is the Ministry official, '' He replied, thinking of how Fred, George, Harry, Ron, and Ginny had described that impractical salientian the class before.

'' Ah yes ... how is she doing in St. Mungos ? I believe the verdict was irregular insanity ? ''

'' It should ingest been permanent insanity and a life story judgment of conviction in Azkaban. The anuran was about to use an unforgivable nemesis on Harry ! ''

Dumbledore nodded curtly. `` Ah, but the Word of God would be 'unforgivable'and we are supposed to be forgiving. And speaking of forgiving I am taking it that Hagrid got distracted and was late confluence you ? ''

He nodded assent, finding the wellspring known noesis of Hagrid 's quirkiness of untimeliness amusing.

Dumbledore grinned, `` Well why do n't we go see him together than Remus. I was just going to pay ma'am Rosemereta a sojourn but my butterbeer can wait. Besides, if I am guessing his reason for being late to greet you ... well ... I may just be in need of some good, old fashioned fire whisky. ''

He eyed Dumbledore curiously, `` I did n't know you wassail attack whiskey. ''

'' But of course I do n't ... '' He replied, winking mischievously. `` I have n't had reason for such extravagant celebration since the Marauders graduation exercise, granting me peace of idea and serenity again. Of path ... '' Dumbledore turned, waving for him to follow. `` I 'm not entirely trusted I even have a idea left, with which to enjoy the serenity with. ''

Remus opened his backtalk to answer, but no sound came forth. Instead he found himself following the Headmaster across the lawn, Hagrid 's cabin quickly coming into sight as Dumbledore continued tick over chin wagging.

'' ... .Now of course of action the key in those situations is managing the brew in sensible amounts, a talent my dear brother does not own, '' Dumbledore said, referring to his goat herder brother 's drink habits.

'' half my yr did n't possess that talent, '' He replied, thinking of the one time he, James, Sothis, and Peter had gotten a postponement of a bottle of Firewhiskey their 7th twelvemonth. That had not gone over well ... Fortunately Pomfrey had bought the excuse that all of them had caught the flu from each other. His thoughts were abruptly cut off as a loud, rich booming dissonance, sounding oddly like a fire cracker going off, met his pinna. His attention turned towards the source, which was immediately apparent upon seeing the sight in figurehead of him.

Hagrid and a Whitney Young girl with golden tomentum were having a row. Only Hagrid seemed to be doing most of the shouting, while the girl just huffily picked up rock after rock from the position of the hut, flinging them with unusual vigor and accuracy, at an unsuspecting tree diagram body, which was taking the brunt of her very seeable frustration.

'' Why hi Hagrid ! howdy Kalliandra ! '' Dumbledore called out cheerfully, as if nothing were amiss.

Hagrid 's voice immediately died down and the little girl waved slightly before walking pointedly off towards the woods, where she stood blowing into her cupped hands, an odd whistling sound emitting from them.

He found himself looking between the lady friend at the bound of the Forbidden wood, Hagrid 's angry, red face, and Dumbledore 's glad one.

'' Hello there Remus. How yer doing today ? '' Hagrid replied, sounding rather strained. He looked strained too, because at the moment he would n't make been surprised to see steam coming out of the Professor 's ears.

'' good than you it seems. What was all that about ? ''

'' Oh that, '' Hagrid said angrily. `` That would be abou'Kalliandra bein'difficult. Seems she went er…snoopin'aroun'Knockturn back street t'day. ``

Dumbledore seemed unperturbed. `` Hrm…curious. I suppose it 's only natural for her to seek out information though, and what effective place than there ? Would n't you check Hagrid ? ''

Hagrid shook his head, sending his scruffy tomentum awry. `` No sir. She shouldn'hafta be findin'things out dat way. It woulda bin all me fault though if she ... if she had .... ''

'' No use working yourself up about things that did not encounter Hagrid, '' Dumbledore consoled, offering a reassuring grin.

Remus continued listening to the ensuing conversation, but his attention was elsewhere as he turned to see Kalliandra standing next to a thestral, which was profusely nuzzling her like a farseeing, lost protagonist. Thestrals were n't exactly dangerous, but they were n't exactly friendly either.

One would never cognise how she had barely clung to animation only weeks before.

He shook the images away.

'' Hagrid what exactly is she doing ? '' He was having a hard time standing idly by with a thestral 's sharp dentition nuzzling so close to his future student 's neck.

'' Oh, '' Hagrid huffed out, still sounding slightly annoyed. `` That there be Silverthorne. He 's a thestral. ''

'' Well I can see that. I meant what is she ... '' He grasped for the right word unsuccessfully.

'' Doing ? '' Dumbledore supplied amusedly.

'' Yes, '' He replied embarrassedly. Sometimes the unsubdivided word was what he was looking for.

'' She bloody well public lecture to him more than than she bloody talking to me, '' Hagrid grumbled. `` Tell him everythin'from the feel of it and ye should see them, traversing'around at all hour of the day. substantial spitfire that one is ! Bloody well good luck teachin'her Remus ! Bin havin'enough worry gettin'forethought of Magical creature down 'er throat and she actually likes that. Ca n't opine how she 'll be with somethin'like Transfigurwhatsitcalled ... ''

'' You mean to say that she 's bonded with an animal ? '' He mused, interrupting Hagrid 's ramble.

'' To hell with it ! You 'd think she actually understood what that one be sayin'one-half da time ! '' Hagrid muttered exasperatedly, a wound look on his case. `` She 'll talk to that there animal and get to arguin'with me ! ``

Remus was paying attention for a here and now. `` So she likes brute of the night ... '' He commented, turning to confront both of them. `` Well, then I wo n't make too practically trouble then, now will I ? ''

Dumbledore nodded in accord, smiling to himself. He could n't suffer picked a more perfect person to tutor her. Now lets see if he can save her, he thought to himself, silently hoping for the expert.
* * * * *


'' She bloody set it unblock ! ? '' Ron exclaimed in disbelief.

Harry nodded, chucking his newly bought school day books onto his bed in Grimmauld Place. `` That's what I said was n't it ? ''

'' But ... .it 's an owl ! '' Ron stammered, clearly not getting it. `` You ca n't set an owl free can you ? I mean ... they like ... fly ... ''

'' Very full Ron. glad to see you know that a razzing can fly, '' Hermione interjected, rolling her centre as she entered their way, setting herself down onto the recess of his bed.

Ron gaped at her, looking strangely like a Pisces with protruding optic.

'' You know with your mouth out-of-doors like that you can almost make it for a Carassius auratus, '' She clipped scornfully.

Harry cringed inwardly on Ron 's behalf. Hermione had been short with them ever since the three had re-grouped in Diagon Alley, only for him to hastily recount his story to them, and for Ron to just as hastily agree that Kalliandra was an impossible twirp.

Hermione, forever insufferably logical, had insisted on having the entire afternoon recounted discussion for word, and while she had admitted that the conversation had sounded suspicious, she felt that they were both over-reacting. He had even been forced to endure a long lecture about how unseasonable of him it was to eavesdrop as he had.

He had immediately pointed out that she had had no problem whatsoever when Malfoy was the one he was eavesdropping on, which had earned him a sharp tut and another tangent about how he should have done Thomas More to make believe the girl welcome.

In her opinion, if Hagrid and Dumbledore trusted the girl, than they should too. End of story.

Ron had kindly pointed out that Hagrid also trusted Aragog, all tartar including Hungarian Horntails, and that he considered his minuscule blood brother to be 'tamed .'End of story.

It was mighty about then that Ron had made the mistake of calling Kalliandra several choice names, including a plain, ugly witch, which earned an angered one shot from Hermione about how 'ridiculously superficial'they were being. He was unable to follow her entire philippic, but it ended with her concluding that both of them seemed to be 'blatantly misjudging'the young woman on looks alone.

Yes…Ron had evidently hit a nerve, and at risk of further igniting her already roaring temper he avoided pointing out that he for one was definitely not prejudicing her on looks, because if he was he would be treating her like Ron did Fleur Delacour, rather than like the blackamoor Plague.

Fortunately Harry did not mention any of these thoughts, got smart, and went quiet.

He wished he could say the same for Ron though.

'' Still in a fine mode I see, '' Ron grumbled, shoving the bag with his new dress robes into the top dresser drawer.

Hermione 's nose wrinkled in obvious disgust. `` Are n't you even going to attend those up ? ''

'' No. It 's not like there are any girls here. ''

'' So I suppose I 'm a man is that it ? '' Hermione questioned icily.

'' Unfortunately yes, '' Ron countered. `` And a rather hot-headed know-it-all at that. '' Harry caught his Friend gumming.

'' What was that ? '' Hermione asked, eyes narrowed dangerously.

'' Oh nothing Hermione, '' Ron replied with enlarged formalness. `` I was just saying what a lovely job you did defending that uptight, Slytherin bound .... ''

'' I highly doubt she is Slytherin bound. ''

'' Is too ! Mark my word she 'll be in Slytherin ! Sneaking off on Hagrid and having suspicious conversations ! You heard what Harry said about her ... ''

'' And from the strait of it he was rather bounderish and made her feel unwelcome Ronald ! '' Hermione snapped angrily. He glared at Ron. He did not want to get brought back into this.

'' And I met her for only five mo and could tell she was .... ''

'' Was what Ronald ? ! You ca n't tell anything about a soul after only meeting them for five bit ! ''

'' You did n't even touch her ! '' Ron dig back, his font growing slightly red as he flopped angrily down onto the bed across from his, staring pointedly up at the cap.

'' I ... Well ... At least I 'm not passing legal opinion on her ! ''

'' You are too ! Just because it happens to be a positive perspicacity does n't mean that it 's not a judgment ... ''

'' All I 'm saying is that she 's Hagrid 's friend and we should at to the lowest degree give her a opportunity ! ''

'' They did n't sound very well-disposed to me did they Harry ? '' Ron asked, directing his question at him.

Once again thank you for bringing me into this, he thought sarcastically, looking between Ron and Hermione 's expectant formulation. He suppressed a groan, waiting for the retaliation that was about to make out.

'' They did at the robe shop ... '' Hermione 's face broke into a triumphant grin, but he quickly added, `` but not at the pet store. '' Hermione 's face fell as Ron let out a triumphant woot.

'' See Hermione ! ''

'' Yes, I do see Ronald. I see a carrot-topped prat who 's way to eager to pass judgment on anyone but himself ! '' She stood abruptly. `` If that closed minded brain of yours is actually capable of intelligence then try to commend that you passed judicial decision on me our first twelvemonth and were wrong ! '' She spun on her heel, stomping loudly. `` If you can retrieve that is. But hopefully the feat to mean is not too taxing, it 'd be a ruth if your head exploded ! '' With that she stormed out, slamming the threshold behind her.

Only after the walls shook as her own door slammed across the Charles Martin Hall did Ron sit up, grinning triumphantly. `` And apparently I was right because she still think she knows it all ! ''

The door to their way flew upon, revealing a livid looking Hermione.

'' I ca n't believe you ! '' She yelled angrily, looking set to hex Ron at any moment.

Ron 's grin vanished, his look gone slightly pale. `` But ... your doorway shut ... How did you ... ''

'' A door can be slammed by individual from either face, like from the hallway Ronald. '' She snapped, this time leaving the door wide of the mark open as she stormed off, granting them both quite a sentiment as she vigorously flung her own door behind her this meter.

Ron was right on her cad, like usual. `` Mione come on ... .I said I 'm sorry ... ''

'' No you did n't ! '' Came Hermione 's shrill, but muffled reply.

'' Well I just .... ''

Harry tuned them out. This had happened three clip just that calendar week, all when something little set one or the other of off, and it always escalated into this melee. Usually Ron wound up standing outside her door, pleading for pardon, like he could now hear him doing.

He leaned back with a loud groan onto his bed. He sincerely hoped Ron asked her out soon, because he was n't sure how many more of their bickering induced headaches he could take.






'' We must die to one liveliness, before we can go into another. ''
~ Anatole France ~



Chapter 6 ~ Power of Persuasion


'' You 'll have to be spry than that. ''

Kalliandra coughed loudly from her emplacement, flat on her dorsum.

'' If I did n't know considerably ... '' she rasped. `` I 'd intend you actually enjoyed torturing me. ''

Remus lupine smiled, extending his hand to haul her roughly to her infantry. `` On the contrary Ms. Kaylens. I do n't enjoy rendering you unconscious mind at all. ''

She nodded, brushing the pasture off the back of her jeans.

'' I enjoy seeing your reactions once I revive you. ''

She stopped what she was doing, pulling her grass covered, green-stained work force back in presence of her. `` Do n't you know it 's not good to elicit individual who has been stunned nine clock time in a row ? ''

He shook his promontory, an formulation of utter artlessness crossing his lineament. `` I have to get you wild enough to round me properly somehow do n't I ? ''

'' Spoken like a rightful dueling instructor, '' she stated, groaning inwardly.

For the past three hours Remus had been teaching her the not so subtle art of stunning. As it turned out, stunning was one of the few matter she could actually do.

Unfortunately being able-bodied to do something, and being good at it, were entirely different matters.

This probably explained why she had just woken up on the terra firma. Then again, the fact that Remus had become incontrovertibly set to stool certainly that she could actually use stunning in a affaire d'honneur, if ever attacked, was also voice of the reason.

The same paid instructor was not eyeing her critically. `` You know Kally, if you manage to dodge my outset blast you usually do quite nicely. Now just stop diving to the right on every prison term. It 's getting predictable. ''

She scowled. `` Could n't you have told me that a bit earlier ? '' she grumbled, feeling a bit sickish. The squeamishness was not nearly as bad as the head ache though.

Not that she would admit that to Lupin.

He had only become her coach a small over a week ago, yet she had come to abide by him. He did not pathos her, or walk on glass with his conversations like Dumbledore and the others did.

Instead he talked to her like a human being, and somehow, when he was around, she found herself forgetting some of the pain she had brought down upon herself.

It almost felt as if he actually wanted her to learn. It was as if she were to a greater extent than an assignment to him, more than a job that Dumbledore was paying him for.

For some reason the idea that the man may actually care her was calming.

'' Shall we try again ? '' he asked, clearly unaware of her mentation.

She trudged back to her starting positioning in reply. She would not be the one to quit today. Of course of instruction, he should know that by now.

She had learned the grandness of outlasting one 's opponent a farsighted sentence ago. Outlasting weariness and pain could have in mind the difference between winning, and losing.

And somehow she did not think the illegitimate child, who had taken everything from her, would go well-to-do on her simply because she had a headache.

She closed her oculus, bracing herself as an onslaught of ash filled memories greeted her thinker 's eye. Almost intuitively, Remus allowed her these few moments of appeal, and when the anger boiled hot within her blood, she opened her eyes, remembering what she had promised herself.

She would realize the illegitimate pay.

But first she needed to teach to do a dim-witted stunning go without passing out.

'' prepare ? '' Remus asked, stomping his feet on the ground almost impatiently.

'' Why not ? ''

'' On three then. One, '' Remus started counting.

'' Two, '' she supplied back loudly.

'' Three ! Stupefy ! ''

She threw herself to the dry land before the hot run reached her, mentally screaming the words.

The strange sense datum flew through her, burning through her blood as it moved, jolting the spell towards its target. Her vision swam before she saw him collapse, and she fell weakly upon the ground, shakily breathing in the break summer odor of mud and grass.

Slowly, painstakingly, the prickling tracing over her fluent skin subsided. Her manus, that had unconsciously dug into the weaken ground, relaxed, allowing the vivid golden fleck dancing before her eyes to fade.

wait for all of this to slip away had gotten easier each time, but it made the experience no LE awful.

The trick, she had discovered, was to stay conscious long enough for it to will.

Several hazy bit later, her fortunate middle flickered open, and across the poor expanse of Gunter Wilhelm Grass she spotted Remus'fallen mannikin.

She smiled weakly, and stood, silently cursing the fragility of the human eubstance. succeeder was mellisonant, but why did it have to smart so badly ?

Retrieving her scepter, she limped over to where Remus lay.

'' Ennervate, '' she murmured, allowing the pre-programmed sceptre to do the work.

The look on his font was priceless. Only Remus could negociate to count analytical rightfield after being stunned.

'' Nice one, '' he muttered groggily.

She shook her read/write head, offering him a hand which he shook off, shooting her a reproachful feeling.

Gripping the minor of his back as he sat up slowly. `` I 'm getting to old for this, '' he muttered.

'' let hope not too old, because you still have the balance of the year with me. '' She allowed a rarified grin to light up her features.

'' And what a long year it will be. ''

'' Any more comments like that and I 'll do my sound to make it seem longer. ''

Remus scowled. `` Touché. So how long were we out ? ''

His question was answered by her silence.

This was the maiden time she had not passed out.

Hagrid 's absence alone should have told him that, because on the other two occasions when she had stunned Remus, they had both lie in there until Hagrid found them on one of his periodical checkout.

apprehension became visible on Remus'nerve, and upon seeing his edacious grin, she could n't resist a lowly spate of superbia.
* * * * *


Remus Lupin rewarded his pupil with a wide grinning as he picked himself off the ground, ignoring his protesting bones.

It had been awhile since he had practiced dueling like this in a non-combat place, and he was n't entirely indisputable he missed getting stunned repeatedly.

'' Think you 're up for another ? '' he queried wearily.

Suppressing a groan, she walked back to her dueling spot in response.

It was amazing, he thought, but in so short a time, she had become well-heeled, at least outwardly so, with the presence of magic trick. When he had first arrived she still looked surprised each time it was used in her mien, but now…

She was doing better. That was all that mattered. Particularly considering that in less than a day 's clock time that Dumbledore was planning on throwing her in amidst students her own age.

The fact that her peers were unclouded geezerhood ahead of her in education had mattered little. Necessity mandated it.

Kally had n't been thrilled. She had already expressed her displeasure with the idea on more than one juncture. And accuracy be told, he was Sir Thomas More than a slight concerned for her housemates.

There was no telling when Kalliandra would go off, because she had to eventually.

It was n't intelligent to transmit around that much guilt.

His only consolation was that they would be able to continue their moral on the weekends. It would be a rather secret musical arrangement, since her dorm-mates were to be kept in the nighttime about it.

She would have got enough problem feigning competency in her three triton classes, and sneaking out several prison term a week would just be another unmanageable thing for her.

But perhaps the most difficult matter for her would be keeping her insufficiency under wrapping. For appearances sake she would be placed in triton level defense team Against the Dark liberal arts, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, and Astronomy so as to be with people in her twelvemonth, but she would be placed in third year Anicent Runes and Remedial Potions. The pa professor had already been instructed to send her on 'errands'whenever hardheaded lessons were held, so that her inability to execute deception would not be called into question, so that at least was covered.

As for the former trend, Remus was being paid by Dumbledore, out of some multifarious school stock, to tutor her in the other subjects.

After all, there was very little legerdemain involved in dealing with sorcerous creature and works. And the memorisation of the meaning of Ancient rune and the movements of heavenly body had virtually no verge magic associated with it.

observation her return her stead, it dawned on him that they really might be capable to pull this off.

He hoped so, for her rice beer. He did n't very a great deal like the musical theme of something happening to her. While the concept was n't as biting as the thought of an ill fate befalling Harry, it came oddly close.

Falco columbarius ! King James and Sirius had been right. He worried like a female parent.

The Marauders ... The thought brought a smiling to his face, for his old group of friends had left behind something that just might save him from fretting like a nervous parent.
* * * * *


Silverthorne let out a low, croaky grunt to express his displeasure at being tethered. The other thestrals were already following wooing.

'' Kalliandra ca n't yer do somethin'to shut up them up ? ''

'' What do I look like oh thestral tamer ? '' Kalliandra called, giving a concluding tug on Silverthornes reign.

'' Yer look like the lonesome one within earreach that 'll serve me, '' Hagrid yelled.

Despite herself she smiled, calmly running her digit through Silverthorne 's fuddled Shirley Temple coating.

'' You know ... '' she whispered conspiratorially, `` He might kill me if you all do n't still down a bit. And then who would give you ferret ? ''

Silverthorne 's White person, haunting eyes stared back in consideration, before his redoubtable read/write head nodded. He nudged the thestral tethered adjacent to him, and a blare of grunt followed as the message was passed down the line of equipage awaiting the student'arrival.

Her widened eyes took the exchange in, in muted jounce. Thestrals really were so much more levelheaded than people gave them credit for.

'' Now that's better ! '' Hagrid shouted a bit too exuberantly.

She shook her head ruefully, and with a final tug she snapped a rap into place on the thestral 's harness, stepping back to consider her handy work. She 'd never drive a cavalry in her life, but the harnesses the thestrals used were supposedly alike.

'' Well, '' she said, to both herself and the thestral, `` at least you are done now. well-chosen ? ''

Silverthorne merely blinked at her once, and she rubbed his psyche affectionately. `` Of course you are, '' she murmured into his nose, the trace of a grin tugging at her mouth.

Hagrid 's loud yelp of dissent startled her, and both her and Silverthorne jumped slightly.

'' trouble Hagrid ? '' she yelled, slipping the thestral a block cube of raw centre. His tongue positively tickled her skin, leaving a sticky red residual upon her palm.

'' AH HA ! There you insufferable ... ''

'' Hagrid ! '' she shouted, reclaiming her hand and stalking off towards the speech sound of his spokesperson, with every intent of snapping at him for yelling at any thestral that way. She could n't avail her harried rush though. She had never had any positron emission tomography growing up, and for some odd cause she had taken a liking to the animals.

But as she rounded the go-cart obscuring Hagrid from position, all reprimands vanished the second she saw his plight.

It was Hagrid vs. Thestral. The thestral, Monster, had managed to yank his harness completely off, and was gripping the thick leather strap between his abrupt teeth, extending his wings menacingly while practically hissing.

Hagrid, to his reference, was putting up quite a engagement. The half giant was bounding as close as he dared get, swatting at Monster with an outsized granger hat.

confection Merlin ... What the nether region was he doing with one of those ?

'' Just ... give it ... .ere ya ... brute ... ox ... ''

His disgruntled shouting shocked her into laughter. `` Hagrid stop consonant that ! ''

Several gouge, bruises, gibbosity, and twenty minutes later found her, and a rather draggled Hagrid, plopped upon the dirt road leading up to the school, entirely out of breath.

It was a ignominy that the peaceful eve would end in less than an 60 minutes, when the Hogwarts limited arrived.

'' Remind me again why I have to be sorted ? '' It was a rhetorical doubt.

Hagrid answered anyway. `` Because Dumbledore thinks it 'd be best for yer to be aroun'people yer own age. ''

She shrugged, `` People my own age tend to be a bit annoying if you ask me. ''

Hagrid snorted derisively. `` I 'll not be arguin'with that there logic, but not all of 'em are so bad. ''

She snickered, briefly wondering how a good deal trouble she 'd get in for jinxing Hagrid 's hindquarters of a friend in his sleep. Now that would be something.

netherworld, maybe if she did that then Dumbledore would banish her from whatever house she wound up in. Then she could go back to sleeping in the former hut outside. She liked it there. No one bothered her. When the incubus came only Hagrid was near plenty to hear her.

Besides, there was something both routine and reassuring about the way that every sunrise Silverthorne would smell undetermined her window shutters, letting light current in as he began grunting until she was fully alert and functioning.

She smiled whimsically, thinking of the pillow she had thrown at the thestral this morning. For a change, her aim had been dead on. Of trend, Hagrid had n't been exactly delight when he number in to see feathers and sherd of textile all over the place. But hey, it was n't her fracture that Silverthorne thought it was a ferret and tried to rip it limb from limb. And besides, Remus had repaired it. Heck, at to the lowest degree Remus had found the unscathed state of affairs amusing.

Speaking of which where was Remus ? She had n't seen him since this morning and he was leaving with the return of the school train that dark. Plus she still wanted to love what Dumbledore and him had arranged ...

'' cum over ere. It 's the best spot for them first years to see me. '' Hagrid called, ripping her from her opinion.

She stopped pondering the cryptical whereabouts of Remus Lupin long enough to shoot an incredulous expression in his commission. `` Hagrid they 'd have to be blind to pretermit you. ''

He shook his hairy head vigorously. `` No, ca n't afford to ingest any of 'em miss me. Not one ! They 'll miss the sortin'if they do that. ''

'' And what a ignominy that would be, '' she muttered.

'' What was that ? '' Hagrid asked distractedly, leaning out over the platform 's edge to peer down the tracks.

She shook her pass in amusement. `` nothing at all. I was just thinking about what a frightful tragedy it would be to pull up stakes a pocket-size, primitive, and unsuspecting first base year stranded alone out here. ''

Hagrid turned around so quickly he nearly slipped and fell onto the tracks. `` What are you planning ? ''

Her supercilium instantly creased in geuine confusion. `` Why is it that every clip I say something with even the slender vestige of irony, that you think I 'm planning something ? ''

'' Because you usually are. ''

She spun around to see Remus standing there, briefcase in hand, and a knowing smile across his pre-maturely aged nerve.

'' Remus ! And here I thought you were trying to sneak away without saying bye-bye ! ''

'' And risk offending you ? '' he replied all too seriously. `` Skies above no ! ''

Hagrid 's booming joke resounded behind her. `` lupin you 're cowering to a 16 yr old. ``

The look on Remus'face was priceless, and she lunged at him in a vain endeavour to reek him.

'' I resent that ! '' she cried out, lunging again, eyeing his promptly apparent movement. `` And you 're jolly quick for an old man are n't you ? ''

Remus had dropped his briefcase in the sweat to void her attempt. `` Old ? I 'll have you know that I 'm 37 ! ''

Looking at his indignant face, she could n't help it. She laughed.

This time Remus lunged at her, missing by inches as she bounced out of the way. His lush nature was contagiours.

'' Ah, spry as well ? '' she taunted.

Remus laughed deeply, years disappearing from his fount as he smiled, shaking his head disapprovingly. `` Suddenly I find myself looking forward to my break from you during the week. I 'll be spared your wanton attacks ! ''

'' Oh Remus, you know that hurts me. Right here, '' she touched her nerve, doing her best to wait as pathetic as potential.

'' Do you honestly think I 'm so old to fall for that ? '' he asked.

'' In a word ... ''

'' Never mind, do n't respond that, '' Remus cut in. `` And besides, I have something here that might cheer up that wounded heart of yours. ''

Her impish expression was replaced by one of puzzlement as Remus held up a small, flier, gray object. `` What is it ? '' she asked, walking over to face at it.

'' This ... '' he said mysteriously, `` Is how you 're going to contact me when I 'm away. '' Upon saying this he snapped it open, revealing a small, round mirror on one incline.

'' Is that powder ? '' she asked, eyeing the thing that looked suspiciously like a compact.

'' rightfulness you are Miss Kaylens, '' he said, adopting a professor like tone. `` Dumbledore 's approximation. One of his more clever unity from what he said, though somehow I doubt that. '' He winked, lapsing into his familiar look again.

'' okey. So explain to me how powder is ... ''

'' It 's a bipartizan mirror Kally. See, anytime you want to let the cat out of the bag to me. For any reason .... '' He shot her a meaningful look that she did n't miss. `` exactly flavour directly into it and say my name clearly. If I have mine ... '' He fished around in his robe pocket, extracting a rather large pouch sentry. `` Which I will always have on me thanks to Dumbledore 's idea to hide it in this lovely Muggle conception ... '' He snapped the pocket sentinel open, revealing a mirror on the non-clock side as well. `` And once you do that I 'll answer. If I call you, yours will glow on the interior slightly, so it 'll be noticeable to you but to not to someone just passing a cursory glance by it. ''

She nodded, tacking the modest compact from him. `` Brilliant. How 'd you intend of this ? ''

'' Actually I did n't. For Christmas in my 4th year at Hogwarts ... ''

'' In the Cenozoic era ? '' she inquired curiously, laughing at Remus 's flustered face.

'' I knew I 'd rue telling you wizards had extended life history couple, '' he groaned, ignoring her serious nod and continuing on.

'' As I was saying, in my 4th year King James got all of us our own two-way mirrors for Christmas. These are mine, I just had them filed down a bit and inserted into these for secrecy. ''

'' smarting move, '' she commented, looking into hers. `` Remus Lupin the Finicky loup-garou, '' she stated clearly, waiting to see if it worked.

'' Finicky ! '' Remus bristled, but not before a thin sliver of light appeared in the cranny of the closed pocket watch.

She grinned triumphantly, `` Well I guess it works. Hey can I ask you something ? ''

'' Could I stop you ? ''

'' Probably not, '' she confirmed, noticing how Hagrid had moved farther down the platform to pass them some privacy. She made a mental Federal Reserve note to thank him later. `` It 's just that you, and Dumbledore ... everyone keeps telling me how afraid everyone would be. And if that's true, well, then why are n't you ? ''

He paused a moment, his light Brown University eyes flickering up to the sky as if considering her question. She did n't need to accompany his regard to make out that it rested on the stern moon, barely visible in the dying twilight. `` I think, Kalliandra, that to let one 's life-time be even remotely governed by fear is foolish. Your never fully active when your actions are limited by that. And fearfulness, it comes from not knowing what 's truly there. ''

She nodded, silently agreeing with him. It was uncanny, how alike he and her father could sound.

'' And perhaps ... Well, I know what it 's like. And I know how unfair it is. '' He spoke these last words bitterly, his eyes hardening in an unfocused brilliance at the moon. And it was only then that she understood why Dumbledore had chosen him as her mentor.

He was as hated by the world as she was.
* * * * *


An hour later found her standing, smushed up future to Hagrid, as the mass of students pushed, shoved, and in truth, barreled their way over the political platform towards the pushchair that she and Hagrid had readied for their journey to Hogwarts. Why students needed the carriages in the low spot was beyond her. The walking was n't exactly lengthy. No, she figured Dumbledore had arranged them because if he did n't, the ungrateful person would wonder off ungratefully, never getting to school at all.

In fact, that did n't entirely vocalise like a bad theme .... But right then she spied the imbecile that she least want to see, making his way with the carrot top through the crew towards them.

Carrot top waved vigorously, `` Hey Hagrid. It 's so good to see you ! ''

'' And so hard to overlook, '' she muttered, suppressing a laugh at the cold-blooded looking Hagrid shot her.

'' I see the preceding week has done naught to better your personal manner. ''

She turned, eyeing the guy 's mussy Black hair and cat valium center, which were presently narrowed and shining determinedly. Her first encounter with him had been far from pleasant, and judging from his greeting, it seemed the feeling had been mutual. `` Nor yours. I still do n't know your figure. ''

The guy 's jaw nearly dropped, but Ron interjected for him. `` Well we were introduced. It 's not his fault you do n't remember. ''

She shrugged carelessly. It was n't like she cared what his epithet was, she just wanted to put a name with his eavesdropping face. `` My excuse. Not all of us are as good with names as you apparently are. But by all means do n't re-introduce me, I just thought it might be nice to consult to him as something former than the prying behind thrower. ''

'' What ! ? '' Both of the guy wire exclaimed. Hagrid, however, shot her a murderous flavor that stopped her smirk dead in its tracks.

Seeing that his glare had the intended result on her, Hagrid stepped in, attempting to penetrate the situation further.

'' That 's decent all three of ya. Now again, this here be Kalliandra Kaylens, and that there be Ronald Weasly and Harry potter. ''

She cocked her head to the slope, wondering if the carrot top knew how easily his last name could be distorted to Weasel. She suppressed the sudden urge to ask just that, instead turning to Hagrid with a forced smile. `` Thank you Hagrid. It 's squeamish to jazz that some of us are cultivated. ''

'' I hope you were n't referring to yourself as well, '' Potter stated pointedly.

'' Why no, unlike you I harbor no delusions about my impoliteness. '' She nearly laughed out loud at the livid saying that crossed the guy 's font. `` Now if you excuse me I do believe Hagrid has better things to do than listen to his Friend battle. ''

'' champion ! ? Hagrid would never be friends with somebody like you ! '' The weasel jibe out, Potter smirking amusedly. Her oral cavity opened in wild protestation, but Hagrid 's booming articulation cut them both off.

'' Ronald Weasley how presume ye make assumptions 'bout me ! '' Hagrid boomed, making all three of them jump.

She glanced up, seeing his face redder than it had been after their row about her Knockturn alleyway mis-adventure. She really would not want to be the weasel right now ...

'' Kalliandra is my supporter, and you 'd do yer best to bide out of her business. The both of ya ! '' He said angrily, his loud voice drawing the stares of respective pupil sandwiched around them. `` If I hear anythin''bout either one of ya nosin'aroun'in her business again ... '' He stopped, seemingly too tempestuous to carry on.

Hagrid drew in a trench, shaky breathing place, looking very close to exploding. `` Now apologize to her Ron. And I mean now ! ''

Ron looked at her, his jaw agape, while Potter looked surprisingly abashed.

Despite herself, a sudden shot of guiltiness overcame her. Perhaps she was taking her uncongenial frontal a bit too far.

'' Do n't worry about it, '' She spoke up quietly, avoiding the stares of Potter and Weasley. `` I was just as rude anyhow. I 'll see you later O.K. ? ''

She did n't wait for Hagrid 's response as she spun on her dog, carefully making her way through the crew to find an empty coach. If she were prosperous, then maybe Silverthorne had been particularly clever and scared everyone else away from his.
* * * * *


Harry stood there, one-half furious, half shocked at the sudden change in Kalliandra 's demeanor. He hardly heard Hagrid still going off at them, considering that he was still staring after her.

That changed pretty quick though, because when Hermione farmer is mad about something, she makes it dear known than Hagrid.

And Hermione Granger unfortunately thought they had pigeon holed the girl.

And Hermione sodbuster had overheard his and Ron 's exchange with her.

Add in that she had seen Hagrid 's explosion, and Kalliandra 's sudden temper swing to normalcy, and he and Ron certainly did look like the bad hombre.

Which was exactly how he found himself, amidst a crowd of onlookers, staring down a thin brunette, receiving the brunt of her fury.

'' Harry I ca n't believe you ! I 'd expect behavior like that from Ron but you ? '' Hermione yelled, her interpreter shaking with angry disbelief.

'' Hey ! '' Ron protested, clearly offended.

'' Ronald if you know what 's good for you you 'll keep open your oral cavity shut, '' Hermione snapped in a very McGonagall like feeling.

Unlike Ron, Harry had no ulterior motif for keeping Hermione happy with him besides their friendship. So at that accurate New York minute he did n't often care if Hermione was annoyed with him or not. She had n't seen and heard everything, and if she had she would have realized how deceptive Kalliandra really was. Which was probably why he suddenly found himself taking a footfall forward to go after that unacceptable headspring of lucky hair, with every intent of giving her a piece of his thinker, rather than paying attending to Hermione 's verbal berating.

Too bad a rather boastfully hand on the back of his robe stopped him from progressing any further forward.

'' You adept be going to apologize Harry, '' Hagrid said menacingly.

He shot an incredulous expression up at his friend. `` Hagrid you 've got to be kidding me ! She insulted you ! She ... ''

'' She did no so thing Harry. And you 'd do yer best to stay outta her business enterprise and life story if yer understand me. ''

'' Hagrid what are you deaf ? ! She did to diss you ! '' Ron twirped, for a change not cowering under Hermione 's fierce glare.

'' Oh really, an'how so ? '' Hagrid asked, still looking between him and Ron as if he could n't believe what was before his eyes.

'' She was making fun of you because you're a giant ! '' Ron shot out indignantly.

'' No she were n't Ronald Weasley. We were jokin'earlier 'bout the best spot for the fers years to see me. If that 's what you be referrin'to. ''

'' But what about'Knockturn alley ? '' He chimed in, coming to Ron 's defensive structure. `` There 's something suspicious about that Hagrid ! ''

Hagrid opened his lip, but it was Hermione who answered. `` I ca n't consider you two ! You both know that Hagrid frequents that area of ... '' She paused, looking as if she were saying this against her beneficial nature.

'' mercantilism, '' She finally ground out. `` Frankly it sounds like she was annoyed that you had eavsdropped while talking to individual she knew. If the same had happened to me I 'd probably be just as annoyed. ``

Harry stared at her contorted features in stupor. Talking to someone she knew was certainly not all she had been doing. Hermione had n't overheard the conversation he had.

'' Hermione, you do n't sleep with what your talking about. You should have heard her ... ''

'' Overhear ! ? What 'd ya take in ? '' Hagrid shot out suddenly, his voice low, a quiet annotation of panic in it.

He wrinkled his forehead confused. `` Well nil that made common sense but ... ''

'' Then you best be keepin'that stuff that did n't be making no sense to yerself. Yer hear me ? '' Hagrid muttered, shaking his head. `` I 'm so disappointed in you two I do n't lie with ... Yer know I need to get the get-go yers. You lot get off to the castle, and so serve me if any one of yer bothers her .... ''

The glare he shot them was Thomas More than enough to win over Harry. The finish affair he needed was to be fed to Grawp.

Then again, feeding Kalliandra to Grawp could figure out the unit problem ...

'' Harry ! Come on ! '' Hermione hissed, grabbing him roughly by the arm to drag him to the dear perambulator. almost of the others were already rolling up towards the castle.

'' So serve me you two ! I 've never seen such rudeness ... ''

He knew better than to break up her at this spot. After all, this was Hermione, and any disceptation with her was a fall back battle. He had just managed to find controller of his spit, which was threatening to snap at her for the reprimand worthy of a toddler that he was receiving, when he stepped into the last bearing, and suddenly re-lost control of it.

'' I 'm walking, '' He stated bluntly, turning to do just that.

'' Harry you will do no such thing, '' Hermione grunted, grabbing his arm with surprising strength for a girl her size. He glanced down at the dreadful handle she had on him, and pondered how furious she would be if he broke free.

Before he had clip to decide she had already drug him into the carriage behind her.

'' Hermione ... '' He protested, refusing to sit as he stood, hunched over in the low compartment.

'' Nice to know I 'm not the just one displeased with this, '' Kalliandra muttered from the far side of the carriage, right as one of the thestrals let out an odd sounding grunt.

She then muttered something beneath her breath. Something that sounded strangely like, `` Even the thestrals think you 're a ass. ``

'' I 'm a what ? '' He hissed dangerously.

Her eyes darted up quickly, looking almost abashed. Her voice, however, was filled with disdain.

'' Hearing matter, Potter ? ``

He felt as if he had just been slapped, so contradictory were the emotions her cheek and part conveyed. Shaking his head, he shoved the sudden hesitation to indicate aside.

'' I do n't generally make a drug abuse out of hearing affair, '' He finally ground out, taking a derriere side by side to Ron grudgingly.

She inclined an eyebrow disbelievingly. `` Sure you do n't, '' She responded, not bothering to mask her sarcasm.

He practically growled, knowing fully well what she was referring to.

'' You 're having a really hard time letting that go, are n't you ? '' He spat out scathingly.

'' I 'll let it go when I get an apology. ``

He visibly bristled. `` For what ! ? ``

Kalliandra 's expression instantly soured. `` For eavesdropping on me, that 's what. ``

He suppressed the sudden urge to shove her out of the baby buggy. In fact, the only thing stopping him was the fact that he 'd have to hit over Hermione to accomplish it.

'' Well forgive me, '' He hissed acidly. `` Next prison term I see you wandering down an bowling alley full of wickedness wizards I 'll just leave you to them. I did n't realize how well acquainted you already were with ... ''

'' So your name 's Kalliandra ? '' Hermione cut in.

Harry gaped at her.

Hermione ignored this, apparently intent on starting a civil conversation.

Kalliandra just looked at her oddly, before nodding slightly.

'' Yes, '' She replied evenly, turning to look out the window.

Hermione 's brow creased, her mouth forming into a determined frown at the girl 's apparent deficiency of interest.

Harry smirked, leaned back, and crossed his branch, preparing for the show.

'' well Kalliandra, how was your last week of summer ? '' Hermione pressed.

'' Rigorous. ''

Hermione shot him a look, to which he smirked like a jackal. Ron was far less elusive, and simply mouthed, So what now, wiz ?

Hermione 's aspect hardened into one of grim determination.

'' So what grade are you taking ? ``

The girl heaved a boastfully suspiration. `` Too many. ``

Hermione 's oral cavity opened, as if appalled at the miss 's deficiency of pursuit in schooling. And just as Harry began an intimate victory jig, flashing a celebratory smirk at Ron, the young woman surprised them.

'' One of them is Ancient Runes. I have n't had that before so I 'm going to be getting tutoring for it. '' Kalliandra paused, sounding unsettled. `` At least, that 's what the schoolmaster mentioned. ``

Hermione 's love feast mouth slowly closed, a slowly grinning creeping across her nerve.

Flashing them a smug tone, she started talking. `` Ancient Runes is actually pretty fascinating. It 's a lot like learning to read another language. In fact, it 's my deary subject. ''

At this proclamation Kaylens actually looked thoughtful. `` I think mine will be aid of Magical Creatures. Hagrid 's been showing me a lot of the animals he works with over the past few weeks. The thestrals are my favorite so far ... ''

'' Thestrals ? '' Ron snorted derisively, earning a reproving looking at from Hermione. `` What are you, a sadist ? ''

Hermione 's backtalk opened in protest, apparently too shocked for Scripture as her inevitable counter failed to come Forth.

Kalliandra 's expression immediately grew stony. `` Perhaps you should discover a matter or two about them before you start flinging affront. ``

'' And how exactly did I insult them ? '' Ron asked shortly.

Kaylens was now looking at Ron as if he had sprouted antlers. `` Generally when one implies that you have to be a sadist in parliamentary law to like something, I 'm somewhat sure that 's derogatory to the something in question. ``

Ron waved a paw dismissively. `` As if thestrals would care. ``

'' You 'd be surprised. They hate being insulted. ''

'' That 's Hippogriffs you idiot. ''

Hermione made a strangulation noise.

'' No, it 's Hippogriffs that react violently, '' Kalliandra said placidly, flipping the lid of a compact shut. `` Though I would n't put it past a thestral to do so. ''

'' Thestrals are not violent, '' Harry cut in with bother. Why in the perdition did Hermione have to pick this passenger car ...

He gazed longingly out the open door hatch. He knew perfectly well that if he got out and walked, that he would neglect the categorization, and he had already learned the concentrated way what happened to people when they walked into that of late.

Too bad. The ride up to Hogwarts was usually so enjoyable. `` So who on Earth taught you that rubbish ? ''

'' Hagrid, '' She hissed dangerously.

'' nooky this, '' Ron suddenly announced. `` I refuse to remain in the coach with her. ''

He stood, only for Hermione to jerk him down. Ron opened his oral cavity, an angry dissent already forming, when Kaylens cut him off.

'' Do you honestly think that I 'm any happier about being stuck here with you and your eavesdropping protagonist ? ''

'' Just. Let. It. Go. '' Harry growled, hating the thwarted look Hermione shot him each time the incident was brought up.

She glared at him. `` Gladly. ''

'' amercement. ''

'' Fine ! ''

rightfulness then the carriage moved with a mighty lurch, and not another word was spoken by any of the carriage 's inhabitants.

Harry stared out the window, contemplating. No one would get as raging as Kaylens had over the incident. Not if it had just been a conversation about something piffling ...

What was she hiding ?

Not soon enough for his liking, the convoy came to a halt outside the rook 's enormous entering. And without a word, he and Ron jumped out, dry dirt stirring around their footprint as they met the crew of students rushing to the Great Hall.
* * * * *


'' Well, that certainly could stimulate gone better, '' Hermione stated, rueful gaze following her two ally out the baby carriage door.

Letting out a tense breathing space she had not even realized she was holding, Kally felt herself nodding in assent. `` No kidding, '' she remarked dryly. Still, she could n't facilitate but finger a tiny, justified surge of indignation. That female child 's friends had jumped into the carriage right as she had been trying to get through Remus.

Being in the magical human race, knowing next to nothing about it, had felt deluge before. But now, on her way to being surrounded by competent witches and wizard twenty four - seven, that overwhelming feel was beginning to recrudesce into something far closer to panic.

She was n't sure she could pull in this off. She was n't trusted at all.

Hermione released an exhausted sounding huff, breaking her from her thoughts. `` Please eff, I 'm not trying to knock you, '' she said carefully, `` but you could have made things a little easier. Particularly since this entirely mistaking seems to be over something extremely footling. ''

Rising from her behind and stepping out of the carriage, her feet sinking into the easy dirt, Kally heard herself saying very quietly, `` You 're right. ``

And even though she was not looking at Hermione, she could practically sense the eye rolling going on behind her.

Silently they joined the throng of student making their way up the castle 's entrance. That was until Hermione began asking enquiry again.

'' Do you know if you are being sorted with the eternal rest of the starting time years ? ``

Nearly tripping over a kid small enough to ingest been a first year, Kally nodded mechanically. `` Unfortunately. ``

A broody scowl crossed the brunet 's grimace. `` You do n't go energize. ``

Throwing a wayward glance the female child 's way, Kally asked, `` Would you be ? I 'm going to stick out. ``

Mounting the entrance stairs simultaneously, she saw the corner of Hermione 's oral fissure crook up in her peripheral visual sense, as if hiding silent amusement. `` You are twice their height, so I suppose that is an accurate assessment. ``

Instead of responding, Kally began grumbling something indecipherable under her breath.

Hermione responded by allowing what may sustain been a smile to cross her feature film. `` They really are nice if you give them the chance. ``

Somehow she felt severely doubtful about that, but something of her mentation must have shown on her feature, because Hermione was interjecting before she could even formulate a response.

'' We did n't get along at first off either, '' Hermione said, their metrical foot reaching the top. `` To be blunt, it took a round trying to take my headspring off for us to set out getting along. ''

Kally stumbled, her hazel eyes darting over to the girl with something akin to horror dancing with them. `` What ? ''

Now there was no mistaking it. Hermione really did bet amused. The girl smiled at her, chuckling slightly. `` Like I said, give them a chance. ``

She could n't help it. Despite all her efforts to the contrary, a strangled choking sound emerged from her throat.

Hermione simply grinned harder, shaking her head. `` Honestly, '' she laughed, glancing around the rapidly emptying entree hall, `` do you want me to wait with you until the number 1 age get here so you 're not ... ''

'' Ms. Kaylens is quite adequate to of waiting alone Ms. Granger. And if you delay any long it will be 20 points from Gryffindor. ``

The phonation had come from directly behind them, the strength of it muted by the echoing of excited yack from students trying to mug up through the Great Hall 's looming doorways.

Instantly Kalliandra recognized it. She had met the man on a few occasions, and he had seized the chance to remind her how absolutely out of the question it would be for her to ever attain competency in Potions.

As such, she stopped immediately, spinning on her heel. Hermione simply quirked an supercilium before continuing off to join the eternal rest of the students.

Snape 's dismal middle lowered, eyeing her appraisingly. `` I trust you are remembering discretion. Particularly where students like Ms. Granger are concerned. Some tend to be too snoopy for their own commodity. ``

Heaving a suspiration, Kally nodded. `` I 'll think back. ''

He glowered at her for another second, before nodding curtly. `` Remember, I 'll be seeing you in detention all this week. ''

She heaved another suspiration. Upon their initial meeting she had had the inauspicious hazard to inadvertently diss the man, by asking if he were a vampire. In fact, all she has said was that he looked like one of the puppet of the Nox from her Defense Against the Dark Art 's textbook they had given her to read. And considering that Hagrid was a giant, another species mentioned in the Bible, she had n't thought it too unreasonable to assume that a vampire could be teaching at Hogwarts as well.

Unfortunately Snape had n't taken her question lightly, and had immediately began ranting and raving about how he most certainly did not harbor a deep-seeded blood luxuria for the living.

And for some unfortunate, and suicidal ground, she had found his anger ridiculously funny.

Which probably explained why she had wound up in detention.

'' Ms. Kaylens ? ``

'' I 'll be looking forward to it, '' She replied quickly, finding herself suddenly surrounded by several XII tyke, all twittering loudly with no mark of stopping.

She groaned, barely hearing Professor McGonagall 's oral communication. Somehow she found herself following the Deputy mistress through freshly polished oak door into the Great Hall.

The optic of every first off year immediately turned upwards, to the left, to the right hand, and in every other plausible instruction, unable to resist taking in their new surroundings.

The pressure of a hundred twain of eyes burrowed into her, and she stared pointedly forward, looking over the crowd of nanus to where Hagrid sat, flashing a warm smiling in her direction.

Maybe he can help me escape afterwards, she thought hopefully, coming to a stay at the front of the enormous room. several of the midget around her tensed up, scattered whispering passing through the crowd about fighting a troll ...

What on Earth is that about, she wondered curiously, spotting the hat Remus had told her about.

McGonagall turned to present the stallion way.

'' When I call your figure, maltreat forward, place the hat upon your drumhead, and the sorting will begin. ''

With that, she sat the hat upon a battered old BM, the sorting hat 's lip opened wide, and the vocalizing began.
* * * * *


'' Slytherin ... ''

'' Ron if you say that one More metre ... ''

'' Hermione you saw how wretched she was ! ''

'' She is not nauseating ! '' Hermione hissed back dangerously, being measured to go on her phonation lowered. `` unquiet, yes. Vile, no. ``

'' You can not order me that there is not something inherently sinister about her, '' Ron challenged. `` Something 's not right there. She 's going to wind up an evil Slytherin, probably waiting to ... ''

Before Ron could embark further along his psychological road misstep, Hermione cut him off tiredly. `` Just because mortal is in Slytherin does not seduce them inherently evil, Ronald. ''

'' Hermione how can you say that ! '' He bristled, clearly having trouble keeping his voice down as the first eld and the subject of their line of reasoning walked past.

Hermione 's side visibly tensed, and Harry could distinguish she did n't fully trust what she was saying. `` You ca n't pidgeon hole an entire sign of the zodiac. Besides, Slytherins are destination oriented and strong willed. They might be a bit abrasive, but it 's because they wo n't let anything get in their way of getting what they want. ''

'' Which makes you a slimy git like Snape ! '' Ron exclaimed triumphantly.

At least Ron 's exclamation were hushed enough so no one not in the near vicinity could listen, Harry thought, suppressing a groan. He should receive known the peace treaty between those two could n't lastly recollective than the caravan drive there. It was astonishing enough that they had n't killed each other in their compartment as it was. Had he really expected that ataraxis to last ?

'' Mione ... ''

'' Ronald ... ''

'' Will you two rap it off ! The hat about to sing and I actually want to hear what it says. '' Ginny cut in. Harry made a genial note to thank her for distracting their disputing supporter later, and quickly turned his attention to the hat. He had always enjoyed the categorisation, but after hold up year ... well, knowing that the hat was sworn to forewarn the students and teachers of risk made him a bit more attentive this year.

The had opened it 's brim wide.

Divided, but once link,
That's how our story begins,
Four sign of the zodiac founded by four friends
Yet I fear that such part shall bring about our end.

In ancient times the best of friends
Came knocking on the door,
Of Ravenclaw and Slytherin,
Then Hufflepuff went to Gryffindor.

Army of the Righteous ramp up a school of learnedness,
For all those of magic to attend,
Yet somehow the draw close three could not agree,
On what quality to fight.

Lets teach only those of wit and learning,
Possessing the most ready brain of all.
Those had been the touching actor's line,
Of once fair Ravenclaw.

Proud Slytherin prize ambitiousness,
Possessing whiteness of stock and craft,
His pupils would stop at nix,
Until they got what they saw fit to their coming.

And then were the bravest,
Those brash with noble daring,
Bold Gryffindor chose them,
As most worthy of wizardly encyclopedism.

Hufflepuff loved her protagonist,
And accepted them as they were.
She let them each create a house,
In which their prized were taught and nurtured.

And as for sweet Hufflepuff,
She agreed to ingest the remainder,
Yet somehow part did not set well,
wholeness to her, seemed topper.

So when the founder sewed me,
And left me on my dejection,
She stole me in the dead of night,
And bestowed me with a dick,
Of knowing when the meter was right,
For the sorting rite to end.
She said one day division may stimulate strife,
And she feared for the magic humankind.
For all her life,
She had feared the sectionalization in sight,
But never more than,
Than when the friendships failed,
Of the foundation IV.

Slytherin was the get-go to leave,
Purity of blood his choice,
I 'm disgraced by teaching Muggle Max Born !
He yelled, sentence in his voice.

Next left bluff Gryffindor,
He felt the calling of risky venture,
Rather than the desperate plea,
Of failing dedication in need of suture.

survive left once-fair Ravenclaw,
Who once prized justice and learning,
She left because she said,
That teaching the other pupils had got too boring.

And alone stood sweet Hufflepuff,
The wise of them all,
Because she never would heed,
Alluring temptations cry.

I see the wisdom of her option,
Why she chose to consent them all,
And now understand,
That its fruitless to divide you at all.

So while it deeply saddens me,
To see my end in visual modality,
The sorting ceremony remnant,
Right now, Right here, This Nox.


Harry stared at the faeces, trying vainly to process what he had just heard. At least he had been right in thinking it was important to pay attention this year, because apparently that was the live birdcall the sorting hat would ever sing.

He cast a cursory glance towards Hermione, sitting side by side to him on the terrace, but her brown centre were wide and fixated up front. He could just think what was going through her top dog right then, because opportunity were she was going through each Sir Frederick Handley Page of Hogwarts a History, trying to find any other incident even remotely like this one. He had a sneaking suspiciousness that she had the whole Bible committed to memory.

The affected secretiveness filled the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall like a thick fog, so duncish he could almost feel it closing around him.

McGonagall seemed caught between slapping the hat and looking to Dumbledore for program line, and her hand moved cautiously towards the hat 's rim, only for it to quickly kick as if the hat had grown fangs. This odd, twitching motion was punctuated by astute turns of her headland as she looked right at Dumbledore, who to Harry 's surprisal, looking genuinely amused.

Snape on the other hand looked quite inconvienced, his oral cavity had puckered so tightly that his lips seemed more translucent than Nearly Headless ding 's.

Apparently, they had not been expecting this.

Snape however, did n't seem to want to accept it, and he had already stood and started storming from his place at the instructor 's table, clearly headed for the sorting hat 's faecal matter itself.

'' Excuse me Minerva. '' Snape muttered, his low tone clearly audible in the unearthly secrecy. His long finger snatched the hat up and onto his school principal in a unity fluid gesture, his face contorted in concentration as if conducting some clever contestation.

Clever tilt from Snape ? No ... Impossible, he thought, watching his Potions teacher with sake for the firstly time in five old age.

Apparently he was good about Snape 's unfitness to carry on an effective statement, because a moment later Snape had flung the hat back onto it 's throne, muttering about how it was a dirty, trash-ridden piece of fading material destined for a Muggle garbage wasteyard.

It was a mark of how life-threatening the situation was, that not a soul at the Gyffindor table laughed.

Harry could n't help but notice how Snape was testingly running his fingers through his greasy black hair, looking at his hands after each swipe, as if searching for trial impression of something.

Every Gryffindor had a sneaking mistrust that the hat had just called him a greasy gunk orb.

Ron Weasley was just the first to say it.

'' Chalk one up for the sorting hat for insulting Snape ! '' Ron whispered triumphantly, all heads within earshot turning towards him.

Apparently that was the signal everyone had been waiting for, because suddenly a craze of activity broke out at the Gryffindor board, and a chemical chain reaction of noise scatter until the nose storey was almost deafening. The unsorted first year looked positively terrified, as if frightened of being sent home if unsortable, and they alone seemed the only ones still rendered speechless.

'' I mean did I just hear that right field ? '' Ron asked, eyes alight with excitement he did not share.

Harry just nodded, watching the Professor 's re-group.

Professor Flitwick slid from his posterior, and every so often Harry could catch a coup d'oeil of the top of his head over the teacher 's table, as the humble man jumped up and down, vying for Dumbledore 's attention.

'' Oh my God did the categorisation hat just throw in the towel ? '' Squealed Parvarti. One would think she had just realized what had happened.

'' Brilliant that one ... '' Ron muttered sarcastically.

'' Think it has anything to do with the war going on ? '' Seamus asked excitedly. `` Do n't you remember ? How it warned us go year ? ''

'' It did n't discourage us that it might go on strike Eire man ! ''

'' Who you calling Eire man ? ''

'' quiver Seamus, Dean 's just kidding, are n't you Dean ? '' Ginny 's calm voice somehow filtered through the din.

'' I ca n't believe this ! Never, in all of Hogwarts a account did it ever report the Sorting Hat doing anything even remotely close to this ... '' Hermione was in her ingredient, and he silently congratulated himself on how well he knew his supporter. `` I mean do n't you think Harry ? This is monumental !

But Hermione was too worked up to notice whether he responded or not, and she was so engrossed in her dictation to pick up what he heard.

'' Do you think we should just try sorting them anyway, Albus ? '' Professor McGonagall asked, casting an almost pleading glance at the group of foremost old age, who seemed to shrink away from her regard.

prof Dumbledore, looking vaguely amused, patted Professor Flitwick on the head as he mulled this over. For his role the Charm 's Professor stopped bouncing around like a firefly on speed, and his small headspring disappeared beneath the staff table.

'' We 'll be needing a volunteer though ... '' McGonagall stated rhetorically, scanning the list of educatee gens with an uncharacteristic smell of precariousness, talking out trashy but absently. `` If any of the initiatory years would like to try to get sorted ... ''

His head word of House was too obsessed, and she missed what he did not give way to notice.

A sure gilded haired little girl had overhead the professor 's interrogative sentence, and after casting a coup d'oeil at the distraught children around her, had woven her way through the cowering first years. She now stood besides the stool, her touchy hand grasping the top of the hat as she lifted it from its chair, plopping it upon her head. The teachers around her were completely oblivious to her action.

Her soft, angulate features relaxed, as if immersed in tranquil conversation. And as she sat there, immersed in a tacit conversation to which only she was earth-closet to, Dumbledore pointed a wand to his throat, muttering, `` heavy ''.

A second later the master 's magically overdraw part echoed throughout the Great Hall, as it had on only one other occasion.

'' SIIIILLLLEEEENNNCCCE ! ''

Every individual who had been excitedly talking, including several of the unquiet looking first years, who had started to cry, stopped and turned their attention to the front of the hall.

So of course, that was when everyone 's attention suddenly became drawn to the rather ordinary girl, standing by the stool, the offending hat placed atop her nous.

'' Apparently the sorting hat has decided that it is no longer capable to, in good witting, function as a house sorter. However, we shall have this sorted out. '' Dumbledore winked, the pun on Christian Bible sounding almost natural coming from him. Yet Harry just stared in captivation at Kaylens, who seemed to be nodding quietly to herself. `` Now I would like the pep pill twelvemonth to stay on here for dinner party, and I would like the first old age to make out with .... ''

Dumbledore stopped mid-sentence, apparently just catching sight of Kaylens, even though she had been right in front of him all along.

Kaylens nodded one last meter, her hazel eyes flickering assailable as she removed the hat, placing it back upon the stool. All center were upon the hat except his, so he was the only one to see the rare smiling crown of thorns her features as the sorting hat opened its brim for the second time that night.

'' Let the sorting now begin. ''



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