A situation club of the phoenix, pre-Half roue Prince account.

Please consider this a surrogate of the sixth book, since it was begun well before the release of the Half Blood Prince. I will not be changing this to accommodate the HBP plotline, since I feel that the monastic order of the Phoenix leaves a greater arcdegree of flexibility for fan-fiction writers.

Thank you to all of the reviewer who have supported me throughout the writing of this spell.
I can not evince my gratitude adequate to all of you who have made me the numeral 1 favorite Author, and this write up the Number 2 favorite Story, the 7th Most Read Story, the Most Reviewed Story Ever in the site 's history, and for respective months between August and too soon Nov of 2005 the Number 1 front-runner Story.







'' Energy. It permeates every animation and non-living affair. Without it, the world would cease to be. ''
~ Vincent VonStolburg ~






Chapter 1 ~ Lightning Strikes


Remus'center narrowed, peering through the duncish onset as rainfall pelted the Earth. He continued walking, not breaking shaping even as water system sloshed about his mud-soaked ankle, chilling him to the off-white.

Moving was becoming increasingly difficult and the midst wool of his cloak clung awkwardly to his icy peel. He wished he had possessed the foresightfulness to don a clean one, for moving certainly would have been gentle.

But there had been petty meter to imagine on such details.

His eyes burned, the edged maven growing until unspeakable split streamed down his face, his salty bust mixing with the rain before they reached his mouth, leaving the taste of salt water upon his tongue.

The stinging ace grew worse. It happened whenever his rod cell multiplied, and right now the frenzy going on just behind his retinas was aiding him, bringing into thoroughgoing rivet the demolition of the night.

Cloaked simulacrum came to life, the moonless night no longer a agent as grayish images danced before him with uncanny uncloudedness. It was the one small gift his monthly onus afforded him.

Night sight.

His eyes turned from the man around him, flicking towards the blackened sky, noting the new moonshine. He had a twain week before the pain in his osseous tissue returned.

Tonks fell into pace besides him, giving an nonvoluntary shiver, and he caught her arm, helping her over another of the dead before she could stumble. Her eyes were still bloodshot from the last clock time it had happened.

She nodded thanks and they continued their stealthy lookup. They dared not unclouded their paths for fear of giving away their positions. Lingering death eater 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 orbit had not been found in England for centuries. And the foul and loathsome dying eater would go to any lengths to find one. The grounds lay at their feet, and he was thankful that the recondite dark spared Tonks from seeing the wax extent of tonight 's destruction. Only he could bear attestor to its broad repugnance.

five Muggles had been slain this night. Their buck and mangled bodies long since passed. There was zip even the best of healers could do. All that was left was to pick through the carnage, hoping against Leslie Townes Hope that a soul had survived.

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

The retiring weeks had brought a plenty of murder. No ... butchery ...

This was his seventh such search that month alone, and still the stench of coal cloth and burnt physical body reeled him.

Muggle sept were being polluted with the foulness of Voldemort. And despite the Order 's best try, they had been powerless to stop it.

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

Remus bent down, grasping her around the waistline as he helped her cost increase. In the heat of battle she was fiery, unaffected by the horrors of fallen comrades. He had seen her power to block off such affair out firsthand in the Department of secret. But now, in the aftermath of something she had no ascendancy over, the steely glint was gone from her middle, her purposeful stride lost.

He pulled her forward, feeling her eyes linger upon the squash skull of a man barely younger than herself. He could feel its effect on her as she quivered in his blazonry. He wished to save her further torture, but they had to cover.

'' Do you think when he is at the gate 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 parole of reassurance were forthcoming, but he felt her still, calming under his pinch.

The pallid mongrel would pay. God did not let someone get away with such atrocities without retribution. And he would see to that.

The Dark Godhead had a new strategy. Snape had informed the ordering calendar week ago, but even now he still found it unfathomable, for the vile being was no longer content to experiment with magic.

No ... Now he was experimenting with magical wight.

And people…

His architectural plan was to harness the might of every charming being for himself. So he could carry them into his one acrid being.

If the thought process of an even hard Dark Lord was n't enough to frighten someone, Remus did n't know what was. But that fear did nothing to quench his barely contained Eumenides.

It was coarse noesis that when emotions ran in high spirits, beldame and genius often lost control condition. pit, he had lost count of how many sentence Harry had done exactly that.

Only now the Death Eaters were using a Reach 's emotions against them. The hooded figure had crept in the shade of night from home to home over the retiring hebdomad, killing each candidate 's family right in front of them. Their aim was to elicit an emotional chemical reaction, one strong enough to let out the compass 's true potential.

It sickened him, how the night Lord could kill so many innocents, just to flush the orbit out of concealing.

But what was even more sickening was the Dark Almighty 's plans for the poor soul once they were found.

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

He could only hope that if there were a ambit, that they would find them first. Because while magical power was now realise, a Reach was not.

Most witches and wizards developed magical ability at a Danton True Young age. Though there were always the few destined to become Squibs, and there were always a few who developed it later on in life history, in their teens. It had turned out that magical ability stemmed from a dominant cistron, linked to the factor specifying rip eccentric. And the genic codification Muggles possessed only differed by a few nucleotides, so it was easy for the mutation to spring up randomly in Muggles, thus Muggleborns.

But a orbit was not a witch or wizard, they were not a Squib or a belated blooming magician.

They were something different entirely.

When their magical artistry came to realization, the same organization that alerted the Headmaster to the bearing of a new beldame or magician would go off.

Tonight that system had gone haywire. It had been slowly read meter reading for the retiring five months.

Now it was going off again.

There was a person out there holding more office than they could properly wield.

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

The poor bastard.

Instinctively his arm guesswork out, halting Tonks roughly in place, his elaborate heart roamed, scanning the ground of what had once been an ordinary plate set far away from the John Roy Major roads. Now broken floorboards littered the muddied basis, while grass from the doused fires curled up in Hydra like tendrils, shrouding the world from survey. Yet his eyes penetrated its humeral veil, searching for the flicker of social movement that had frozen him in station.

He clenched his finger tighter around the associate worn oak of his wand, bracing himself for whatever attack would come.

None came.

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

He withdrew his arm, placing a finger carefully over Tonks'icy rim, signaling her to be understood. The only signaling of her discombobulation was the light crease of her forehead. She would, of course of study, have no theme what he was looking for. Her hearing was not as refined as his.

But werewolf sting did things like that to a somebody.

It came again, a low, smothered moan, and he took off, rushing towards the source. No aggressor could feign that kind of pain.

He skidded, flinging rock and roll in the air as he bent down beside her. The puddle she was feebly pushing herself out of was a deep bootleg, filled with the blood of her and the lifeless man besides her. Her consistence spasmed with each choking hack as she coughed up breathe in water, her eyes glazed over from what he recognized as daze.

He pulled her up, speaking in low, reassuring timbre as she flailed against him. She was too weak to do much damage, even of the former sort ...

Tonks reached them, murmuring soothing words as she smoothed the young woman mud caked hair away from her font, brown water emerging from her mouth as another round of golf of spasm racked her body violently.

He took her visual aspect in, another involuntary muscle spasm shaking her. Torn sherd of what had once been clothing hung lightly from her, and the debris and dust sticking to her wet face made her features unacceptable to recognise.

He did n't know whether to praise the heavens or beshrew them as he and Tonks exchanged a meaningful coup d'oeil. They had to get her back to main office 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 deadened.

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

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


The pelting poured down in frigid soaker as Harry shouldered his ling, sprinting after Kingsley through the quick forming puddles of Greater London 's metropolis streets. It was coming down in bucket now, and if he had thought flying through the torrential downpour had been bad it was cypher compared to the throb of his groundwork on the slick pavement.

Helen Wills Moody 's guttural consonant growling sounded off to his right, not that he could see him, the rainwater was too dense to see much of anything. Thunder clapped, shaking him to the core, and the lightning flashed shockingly, illuminating the area to reveal fiat appendage running in rank around him, splashing water as they went.

Five of them had shown up at the Dursleys barely an hour ago, reminding him of that dark, barely a year ago, when an escort squad had shown up in the Dursley 's kitchen to whip him away to Grimmauld situation.

Only this nighttime was different.

Promises of meeting with Tonks and lupine in London were hissed quickly as Kingsley and Moody 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 unlike.

He blinked rapidly, trying vainly to extract the piddle cascading into his eyes, but it was to no avail. His looking glass were too thick coated with rainfall droplets, and he desperately racked his mind for the spell Hermione used to revolt water. For his baton was out, and he could use it. The Ministry had removed the Decree for the confinement of Underage Wizardry that summer. Dumbledore had headed up the motion, arguing that the return of Voldemort endangered hag and wizards of all old age, and that in the event of an attack, educatee should be free to represent themselves without the fear of repercussion.

The empty lot materialized between two run down houses, and he looked quickly at the pocket-sized slip of sopping wet newspaper publisher dripping from his hand, hesitant to ignore his environment for even a second when the foreboding concern of attack hung so thickly about him.

He read it silently before looking up. The run down magical plate, in the thick of Muggle British capital, now stood revealed to him.

Grimmauld Place.

lupine materialized at the top of the rheumatic wooden stairs looking worse for the wearable. His normally threadbare wearable was now ragged and rake stained, his eyes hollow and sunken, holding the looking at of fair game that knew its piranha to be near.

Harry stepped through the door, stomping his feet on the shagged rug, slinging mud everywhere as the others piled in. He swallowed the lump in the base of his throat, pulling his eyes from the marshy level, forcing himself to direct in his surroundings. A man named Dorbert Cheeks could be heard triggering the complicated lockup magic spell on the social movement door.

A loud windfall reverberated through the house, shaking the wall as indistinct voices argued in the distance. Yet this did not bother him. Even his curiosity 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 oestrus of the race they had ran he had forgotten one thing.

That they were taking him to Sirius's…

This house had never been elated, but now it seemed a hollow out shell of what could receive been. It stood as a painful reminder of the scrapings of a lifetime that he and his godfather could have salvaged. But that life was gone now.

War brought injured party, casualties brought pain, and pain in the ass brought emptiness.

That was how he had felt since that night. Empty. There was zilch that could fill the nihility. Not even the impending scourge of facing Voldemort in years to come could draw him feel anything but despair again.

Mundungus cleared his throat, turning all heads towards him as he beckoned for everyone to quietly make their way to an contact room. He followed, his sopping wet wearing apparel weighing him down with every step he took. But nothing could count him down as lots as the memories ... As much as the burden haunting him ... The one they should have told him ...

Realization hit him hard, like sudden submersion into the icy piddle of the northern artic, as he wondered what they were not telling him tonight.

He glanced towards lupine who stood protectively next to him, opening his oral fissure to speak, to ask, but he let it flap shut. He remembered all too well that Dumbledore would not allow them to tell him anyway. They never told him anything when it could actually work a dispute ...

But even if they had told him, right then, it would n't have mattered. There was no way any of them could bear known what would go on from that Night 's event. At least not yet ... None of them were seeing past their need to get him to a rubber emplacement, so they could not have known that the night marked a turning item in his life sentence, as well as in the lifetime of the but survivor of Voldemort 's first of all Wave of attacks.

The war had begun.
* * * * *


Throbbing annoyance ... ancestry ... Cries of pain in the ass ....

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

Dim voices filtered into her thoughts, her sleep befuddled mind protesting strongly as it failed to comprehend a single Holy Scripture.

'' ... has a fortune. ''

Flashes of light ... .flame ... Coughing smoke ... squeal of tires ... .Sean ....

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

Voices that were oblivious to her awakening. Voices forgetful to the way her organic structure recoiled in pain. voice unmindful to how her eye teared from the bright sunshine pouring in from the windows of the damned way. vocalization oblivious to how she clawed like a frightened animal at the midst comforter wrapped around her battered and bruised body.

Everything she loved was now gone. No explanation 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 worst of the displace enchantment could not induce.

She had done the unthinkable ....

New moving ridge of pain in the neck pelt Forth River, her visual sense swimming dangerously with each pulsating pain in the ass her eubstance dealt. She would have cried out, but the crusade would have been too much for her frail course. Instead she drew in dun breaths until her torso gave out, the sound of a door creaking and a turgid, dark form standing over her vaguely registered before she once again slipped into merciful obliviousness.
* * * * *


The dream were always the Saame ....

For nearly a month she had refused to yield to the nightly bedevilment. She was stronger than that. She would not lose herself to the world of nightmare, even if the Quran she had read on such things deemed that a more merciful luck than the one the wizarding domain would bestow 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 calendar month since Dumbledore had explained everything to her. Nearly a calendar month since she had vowed to regain some likeness of a normal life. She wanted that more then anything, so bad she could try it. But she would never be normal.

No ... since the day she had regained consciousness she had discovered that she had been, and always would be, a junkie. Hagrid had jokingly told her that she was a addict amongst junky.

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 least for now.

She drew in a shallow breath, letting her SOB subside slowly before Hagrid could hear. She had dreamt about it again. About that Night. Visions of blood and shrill screams had filled her creative thinker 's eye each night since as she dreamt about their deed ...

Her deeds ...

She wiped the lingering tears that clung to her eyelashes, swallowing her own self-loathing. She would not fight it, for she deserved every bit of painful sensation 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 innocents caught up in something cock-a-hoop than all of them.

And the ones who had started it all ...

They deserved so often worse.

Everything right and pure in her lifespan had been gone for weeks. It was with a moth-eaten clarity that she realized this. For now she lived for one purpose, and one purpose alone.

revenge.
* * * * *


Harry lay on the top built in bed staring at the roof, watching the way shadows played across it as light source from passing car headlights shone in through the window. Ron 's loud stertor drifted up, breaking the silence like a bullhorn with every breath, and it was taking every inch of the willpower he possessed, to not lean over and thwack his booster senseless with his pillow.

He sighed loudly, wondering when it was all going to end. Each day the Daily vaticinator brought news of more killings, more unexplained disappearances, and of Sir Thomas More war. For several weeks he and Ron had been catching tidbits of information, slip ups by the adults in Grimmauld Place, and right now it sounded like the Ministry was in right-down mayhem. Not that he minded that fact. Anything that made Fudge 's job harder amused him immensely. What he did intellect was the rationality for the havoc, and that was Voldemort.

Voldemort. It was odd really, how one person could be the cause of so much death and demolition. No one should have that a good deal mogul, he thought bitterly, thinking of the toll that the Muggle deaths were taking on Mr. Weasley, Ron 's Father.

Mr. Weasley was the soul employee in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department, and recently, with the strain on resources in the Ministry, it had come to double as the Department of Muggle relation back. Now Mr. Weasley spent half his time performing memory charms on Muggle law enforcement, to cover up the deaths of Muggles who had been murdered by destruction Eaters. Now every sentence Harry saw Mr. Weasley, all the man could utter about were different potential strategy for protecting the Muggle population.

Now if only a effective scheme actually existed.

He rolled restlessly, spying Hedwig 's gleaming eye in the wickedness. She hooted softly in acknowledgement, and he smiled in the dark despite his benighted thoughts.

memory plagued him every time he closed his center now. The department of whodunit ... It was why he now lay awake.

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

Hermione had nearly been killed.

Sirius had ... ..

He shoved the thought aside, re-vowing that it would never bechance 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 indite, and his self-induced isolation ended when both of them showed up at the Dursleys while his relative were on vacation. The two of them set up residence there the entire week, parliamentary procedure appendage circling the assumption like hawks for protection, while his ally 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 sentiment in creative thinker, that he drifted off into another night of fitful rest. If only he could have known then what the future few eld would work.





Disclaimer : The theatrical role, property, names, and outcome mentioned in this chronicle, that coincide with the eccentric, space, gens, and events mentioned in J.K. Rowling 's Harry potter serial publication, do not belong to me, but to that literary genuis, JKR. Thank you so lots for allowing so many of us to pursue writing through fanfiction JKR, we really appreciate it.

The fabulous streamer is by SticksN'Stones.

Artwork of Kalliandra by agirlnamedbob87.





'' One may never sleep with how long their cd of aliveness 's wick is. What they can screw, is how well it burns. ''
~ A.K. Sir Bernard Lovell



Chapter 2 - first of all Impressions


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

A light breeze ruffled the water supply, tousling her whisker gently in its Wake. She casually brushed her whispy strands back, tucking them carelessly behind her capitulum.

Her hair had always been a generator of frustration, always in the way, hanging in front of her centre, driving her instructor crazy. No ponytail ever held for long, for her midst, lustrous hair had a way of worming its way out. It was as if it preferred to be costless and untethered.

Kind of like me ...

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

Diagon back street. The very figure evoked so many emotions. It was heavily for even her to throttle them down.

Not that she was allowed to show sadness. Emotions were no longer a perquisite she had.

She had been warned of the dangers of such matter.

Her bare pes crunched upon the dewy grass, but the early morning chill did not trouble her. She reached into her air pocket, fingering the cherry wooden control surface of her sceptre before pulling it out, studying it appraisingly as she traversed her way across the ground.

They were odd looking things really. Long and thin, and from the looks of it, easily breakable. She suppressed the sudden urge to do just that, knowing full well that null 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 perdition.

Of form, seeing Hagrid 's face when he found the snapped remains might be rather amusing. Especially with the huge deal he had made over how favourable she was, getting a specially made verge from Ollivander. It was n't like she had wanted one, and the lonesome intellect the quirky man had fabricated it thus was because none of the real baton that he had brought to the school had so practically as sparked.

So in what the odd man had called a solidus of inspiration, he had custom designed the one she now bore, forming the kernel with a lock of her own hair and a pinprick of her own bloodline. She could n't even come back how many spells had to be woven into it.

It was funny, for her sceptre was the only thing she could palaver into working at least somewhat decently, and still she hated it.

Probably because it shares the like fate as you, she thought bitterly, glancing at the ever rising sun.

Jacob 's ladders now streamed down from the cloud, forming syndicate of light on the vibrant grass, giving grounds to the warmth the day would work.

It was a warmth that would never gain her.

A slightly potent pushover bore the sound of approaching hooves, and she turned towards the Forbidden wood, the schema of offstage folding into a horse 's skeletal body signaled Silverthorne 's arriver.

Silverthorne would be pleased. Now he would not bear to wait for her to convert out of her nightly garments before getting his black-footed ferret fix for the day.

She stopped and waited, his gallop growing louder with his rapid glide slope, and a small smile graced her peaceful brim. Hagrid and Dumbledore had been as tremendous as they could be, but there was a great deal they kept hidden from her. suspicion informed her of this with every fleeting expression they exchanged around her.

Perhaps that knowledge could excuse her hostility as of tardy. Hagrid was a good man and had not deserved the brunt of her anger the former day. They had been arguing as of previous. But then again, she deserved to be informed of everything regarding herself. Keeping her in the dark could only do further harm. This she was convinced of.

Silverthorne let out a low, guttural grunt as he slowed to a canter, stopping to cuddle her with his nose.

A creature of the dead. It was one of the more unseemly gens Thestrals were referred to by, but it explained why she had felt an instant draw to them while the other animals screeched and howled in her presence.

His teeth glinted in the red chromaticity of the dawning and she smiled, pleased with the sight. It should cause concerned her, but instinct again told her there was nothing to venerate with him.

At least so long as he gets his morn snack, she reminded herself with some amusement, picturing how he would tear through the small wight 's clappers so eagerly.

She smiled again, letting the concerns of yesterday pass. She would excuse to Hagrid later before they reached Diagon Alley to get her 'school'supplies. She used the word fleetingly for while she was to attend Hogwarts, she was too far behind to be expected to actually sprain in assignments with the rest of the sixth year. Instead she was to put up a suitable façade until she gained the knowledge that could help her.

Then there was the pocket-sized factor of her being completely unable to incant in the number 1 place.

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

The hell that had become her living.

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

* * * * *



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

Harry laughed as he watched Ron wiggle uncomfortably, the magical tape measure measure flying vertically around his friend 's no longer gangly torso, magically recording the distance of his arms, legs, height, and for some odd reason, the length between his ears.

He knew exactly why Ron 's brothers were getting him dress robes, but he was n't about to ploughshare that piece of information. Not when he was actually enjoying himself for the initiative time in weeks.

'' well we did n't want them last year, '' He pointed out truthfully. `` And we do this year. So maybe they just felt bad since your growth squirt rendered your former ones unwearable. ''

'' Thank God for that, '' Ron grunted, slouching as the amount flew past his nose, 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 have thought it was offended.

'' Blimey ! view it ! '' Ron exclaimed, ducking another near hit, his ft entangling in the prospicient attire robes trailing past his foot.

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

'' Oww ... bloody ... irritable ... ''

Harry very nearly choked on thin air, quite a feat, had it not been for the loud peals of laughter he was trying to miserably suppress as he caught the rest of Ron 's muttered profanities.

Of path, he thought lightly, his outdo mate might not be muttering the colorful metaphors if he could see the face on the sales clerk 's aspect ... Or the fact that she was storming over from where she had been attempting to size a first year for his Hogwarts gown, fount alit, workforce on hip, eye narrowed vindictively at the muss Ron lay in.

rightfulness then, with the impeccably bad timing that only Ron could master, his protagonist 's red head emerged from the ruffle, a vivid pink sheet wrapped around it like a shawl, and a sheepish face on his nerve as he stammered excuse. The sight must make been too much for the clerk, because her mouth twitched, her sober expression faltered, and all pretending of wrath vanished as she failed to be discreet about her own entertainment.

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

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

'' You know mate, I think brothel keeper Maulkin 's got it all wrong. I think that 's an excellent flavor for you. Imagine what Hermione would remember ... ''

Suddenly he was finding it impossible to discern Ron 's auricle from the relaxation of his knotty matt of tomentum.

'' Oh shut it Harry ! ''

Harry grinned, enjoying his friends fleeting discomfort. `` oral presentation of Hermione ... '' He said, calming down slightly. `` She should be here any minute so perhaps you could ask her for her educated judgement ... ''

A bright pink satin fuzz flew across the room, and he caught it deftly, holding it out in front of him as he looked at it in mock appraisal. `` Ron, I 'm touched. But it 's really not my coloring. You however looked absolutely spiffing in it. ''

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

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

It was possibly due to this, that he whorled around in his seat so fast that he nearly slid off, earning several flashy snickers from a certain chuckling Aythya americana tangled in fabric.

'' Hagrid ! When did you get here ? '' He asked, ignoring Ron 's attempted reenactment. He took in his large friend standing awkwardly near the chairs.

They really should realise memory board more accessible for people his size ... He thought, making a mental note to name the musical theme to Hermione as Hagrid opened his large mouth.

'' About five minutes ago Harry. And I stand by what I said. '' A puckish smiling formed under Hagrid 's scruffy brown beard as his eyes landed on Ron. `` Hot garden pink would be clashin'horribly with Ron 's hairsbreadth. ''

A loud tearing sound tore his tending back to Ron, and he stifled yet another laugh at the horrified formulation on Ron 's face. By all appearances, Ron had attempted to walk from the fitting platform to where he and Hagrid sat by the windows, only now Ron was staring down at the rend material hanging raggedly from the hem of his new dress robes.

'' Now that's why you 're supposed to stay put ! '' gentlewoman Maulkin snipped, spying the new death and waving her wand. The material flipped up like a snake, a with child goad zooming to restore it. Ron attempted to climb up back away from it.

'' It wo n't bite you know ! '' lady Maulkin yelled, huffily storming over. `` Prick maybe ... ''

Ron did not front relieved at the mentation. Of grade, the agonize expression might induce been from how madam Maulkin grabbed him by the nape of his collar and yanked him back to the accommodation platform, where she immediately began to overprotect over the dreaded State of his robes.

'' Better finish you first since you ca n't stand still. '' She quipped in her heights huckster voice. `` And to think that this sunrise I would induce sworn it was the younger students who gave me the most problems ... ''

Ron shot him a pleading look to which he grinned bemusedly, chuckling at how Ron reacted to being fussed over. The guy could hardly abide his mother 's own care, let alone that of the seamstress !

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

He turned back to Hagrid, leaving Ron to fend for himself. `` So did one of your wight get a hold of your teaching robes or did Fang do it ? '' He asked, grinning knowingly. Hagrid 's animal were always tearing his wearing apparel, which would explicate why half his garments were covered in uneven patching.

Hagrid grinned and shook his question. `` Nah Harry, for once me robes are hunky-dory. Right now I 'm 'ere with Kalliandra gettin'her some robes of 'er own. Speakin'of 'er, ca n't wait for yer two to meet 'er. She 's an absolute doll she is. ''

He nodded, curiosity driving him as he wondered who this Kalliandra character was. Must be a first class or really young. He was sure he would have remembered that gens at to the lowest degree.

But in the back of his brain he felt a twinge of pity.

Generally there was only one reason for why Hagrid took anyone to get school provision, and he was all too companion with such affair.

At least Hagrid will testify them a good prison term, he mused, remembering his first trip to Diagon Alley. He opened his mouth to ask if they were from a wizarding or Muggle family, concluding that it must be a beginning year from the way Hagrid was still babbling on about them.

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

He followed Hagrid 's gaze towards the fitting rooms, taking in the relatively busy store when a not unfamiliar sensation hit him like a bludger, his tummy twisting oddly as his center landed on a reduce figure, glancing around the store hesitantly.

And I thought Hermione looked good in frock robe, he thought, swallowing hard, berating himself for being distracted. But this little girl was stunning, in an offbeat sort of way. While her characteristic were rather plain, her long, golden attire gown clung loosely to her slender pegleg, with her delicate manus lifting the hem, revealing tanned ankles as she moved towards them.

The underworld of it was, she was n't stopping. Ron 's grunt was the entirely affair that kept him from outright gaping as she came to place upright right by him, biting her lip nervously, centre directed at Hagrid.

'' So you found some eh ? '' Hagrid asked, shooting Harry a all-encompassing smile, failing to discover that he had become a mute.

The little girl nodded slowly, her eyes glancing at him appraisingly for a s before flickering away. `` If you could call it finding ... '' She said, a hint of sarcasm mixed into her otherwise pleasant speaking representative. `` It was more like being attacked with this ... '' She lifted the hem of the gown for emphasis.

'' And my supporter did a mulct job young dame. That semblance suits you, '' Madam Maulkin chimed out, shocking him back to his dope. He silently thanked her, and glanced over to see that she was still indeed, judging by his acquaintance 's pain expression, torturing Ron.

He shook his head whimsically at the sight, glancing back at the young lady in front of him, thinking that madam Maulkin had a point about the color suiting her. Her dark golden hair cascaded loosely past her shoulders, several shortsighted strands framing her face, lightly brushing her taking into custody ivory. All of it was barely discernable from the sleek robe stuff clinging to her willowy anatomy.

Briefly he wondered if it were a blessing or a crime to allow girls out like that.

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

Fortunately Hagrid had not noticed, and the lady friend was too meddlesome bickering with him.

Spying that his tending was again re-focused, Hagrid shot him a strained grin. `` Ah well ... Harry, Ron, this 'ere be Kalliandra. She 'll be goin'to Hogwarts this crepuscule to. ''

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

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

'' You have a very ... boastfully ... drumhead ... '' Maulkin muttered with each subsequent Yankee, and Hagrid 's belly laugh of laughter drowned out Ron 's indignant rejoinder. 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 voice 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 sec ago graced her features vanish.

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

Maybe she had found Ron'enquiry offensive, though he could n't imagine why. He shot Hagrid a quizzical face, hoping he 'd clear up things since Kalliandra did n't appear about to do so.

'' Yev 're had transfer, jerst fer other menage. ``

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 small amount of amusement. `` Well that 'd be cause they came in the middle of the yer. Ca n't take in erm sorted at the sortin'when they 've missed it already. ``

'' Oof ! '' Ron grunted, extricating himself from the supernumerary cloth. `` So why the transferee ? 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 wide-cut grown giant star in the woods ...

Or a three headed dog ....

Or a pet tartar ...

Seeing a half giant squirm beneath one 's regard would normally be quite a odd occurrence, but it simply made Harry nervous as Hagrid continued shuffling his feet, mumbling about right introductions, while the girl remained extremely quiet.

Harry feigned a polite smile, extending his hand to the girl at Hagrid 's insistence. `` Nice to gather you. ''

She hesistated for the briefest of seconds, before finally extending her hand as well.

'' A pleasure ... '' She said quietly, her centre flickering up to receive his.

It was a blow he had been ill prepared for, for her heart held a shadow of the familiar… So closely akin to the haunted look of Sirius'that he felt himself shaken to the core at the familiarity.

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

The cultured smile she had shot him waver and disappeared abruptly.

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

It was a wonder Hagrid had even asked, because he was already waving au revoir to all three of them, not waiting for a reply. And from the malevolent limelight that Kalliandra shot him, he really could n't blame him.

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

'' It may bear 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 kibosh the harsh calibre of her glare as her narrowed eyes followed Hagrid 's retreating form. In fact, she was still shooting sticker out the room access as the helper yanked her over to the open fitting platform besides Ron seconds later.

Harry decided not to dwell on the look he had seen, the one so painfully fellow to Dog Star. It had probably been his resourcefulness, so he contented himself with trying to resolve which of the two looked more disgruntle. Kalliandra kept shutting her eyes, as if frightened by the hex tape measure flicking around her head, while Ron kept shooting scowls at Madam Maulkin.

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

He was about to accord when Kalliandra cut him off.

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

The help flicked her baton, shortening Kalliandra 's gown slightly. It was all Harry could do to stave off cursing the help. Girl 's robes should get no shorter ...

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

Harry found that oddly mirthful, considering that Ron had been ducking the really thing himself, but at to the lowest degree his champion had not been standing deoxyephedrine still like a deer in headlamp.

Kalliandra had though.

She opened her eyes, arching an questioning eyebrow at Ron rather than answering him, and Harry noticed her visibly flinch as the flying magnetic tape meter zoomed close again.

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

She just nodded, turning her heading to depend out the door. Ron shot him an annoyed, 'Can you believe this ?'look.

He had to include Ron had a full stop, she did not seem very personable, and did not look too excited about talking, so he was n't about to force her. Yet something about her aroused his curiosity. If only he could put his finger upon it ...

Several mo passed, the awkward secrecy broken only be Ron 's random flare-up of displeasure, and Kalliandra 's still responses to the assistant 's motion. Unsurprisingly she was the kickoff one done, and he found himself having a hard metre not staring at her now that the dress gown were completely fitted around her form. The affair was posh, elegant, and practically form accommodation ...

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

'' Because she, unlike some of my client, actually held still while we measured her, '' Madam Maulkin quipped from where she knelt on the flooring, using her sceptre to pee-pee tike alteration to the hem of Ron 's robe.

She flashed Harry an inconspicuous heartbeat, and he barely caught it, smiling slightly at her before glancing back to see Kalliandra vanish behind a changing elbow room curtain. He could n't help oneself but experience slightly relieved. Between his curiosity about this girl and Ron 's glares, he did not need 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 path he was wrong, because when she re-emerged he found the short sleeved top she wore to be no better 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 psyche firmly. He appeared to be mouthing, 'No'at him.

come to think of it, Ron seemed to be making nauseate faces as well.

Harry failed to have the chance to so a good deal as shrug in response to Ron 's repulsive care gestures in the female child 's direction, before a quiet clatter broke the relative silence of the way. He turned to see Kalliandra squatting down on the storey, picking up lilliputian pins in her hands.

The bemused help stood behind the counter, bearing a fragile smile. `` Oh honey, thank you, but do n't worry about that. I 'm as cumbersome as can be ... '' The helper flicked her wand and the lilliputian pins scattered all over the place disappeared, reappearing into the pin shock held in Kalliandra 's hired man.

'' See, I 'm knocking stuff over all the time, '' The assistant continued, while the missy stared at the now filled pin cushion, biting her lower lip, confusion etched into each of her characteristic.

He did n't give out to notice it.

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

There was no time to follow that cockeyed railroad train of thought process, for Kalliandra had already stood, thanked the char, and disappeared out the front entrance with her bag.

'' Was n't she supposed to waitress for Hagrid ? '' Ron asked after a moment 's pause, hilltop wrinkled confusedly.

Ron was right, she was supposed to wait for Hagrid. Harry hesitated a moment, an intragroup public debate waging until curiosity got the better of him. Wasting no more than clip he jumped from his bum and went after her.

He wanted to see where she was going.











'' And after all, what is a lie ? 'T is but a the truth in masque. ''
~ George II Gordon Noel Sixth Baron Byron of Rochdale, nobleman Byron~







Chapter 3 ~ Entangled Webs



Traversing her way through the swarming, cobblestone streets of Diagon alleyway, she let out an unsteady breath.

To the core she had been undeniably, inexplicably, shaken. And all because of a scatter pile of personal identification number upon the flooring of a garment shop, and her own miserable attempts to regenerate a shop assistant 's maladroitness.

Magic.

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

The Oklahoman she became accustomed the advantageously.

She could not afford to be seen or discovered for what she really was, for in all her incompetency in the craft that made this obscure world of sorcery flourish, she would be left nude and exposed, the upshot of what had lain both within and far flung from her grasps unthinkable.

Butchered for who she was… The theory was nothing less than she deserved, for one such as herself should not be allowed to walk upon the bustling streets, the tone of the most luminescent of the Eden'orbs warming her cutis, the scant clatter of pebbles being kicked askew and the laughter of children ringing within the recesses of her auditory senses.

No. There were others who deserved such prerogative far more than she, though they now lay where the sun could no longer reach their frozen souls. And with them, lay the colour of who she had once been.

She had died the same 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 rhythm within her to be evanesce, it was simply the ground for this that she was unaware.

She was going to discover out.

It was why she had left, fleeing in hopes of traversing her way through the densely packed streets, making her way towards the looming marble building, the favorable language Gringotts Bank emblazoned across its off-white surface.

After barely a hundred paces the pillar of the wizarding commercial fellowship emerged over the heads of the crowd. Its supporting columns leaning in respective guidance, their hit-or-miss financial backing for the upper stage of the building strengthened with the necromancy filling the streets.

Though it was not there that she wished to go.

It was there, directly across from the goblin filled depository. That was where she desired to go to seek out her response. Turning down the nighttime alley she noted a rickety sign suspended above it 's entryway bearing the jaggedly carve Book Knockturn Alley.

Yes, she had been forewarned of its shady feature. She had carefully listened to Hagrid 's babbling about it, about how he hated to venture down it each time he found himself in need of chassis feeding type slug repellant, and about how physical object of the illicit variety show could be procured.

She was an target of the illicit miscellany, and if there was anywhere to find acceptance within the society that demanded swift carrying out for those of her nature, it would be here.

Hagrid had been none the wiser, content to suffice her every question about the blue alleyway. He had even inadvertently supplied her with the name of the man to whom she wished to utter, Mr. Borgin.

Kalliandra had a programme, 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 reliable vacation ? ``

Kingsley Shacklebolt let out an incensed seeing red, raucously shoving his way through the thick gang grunting about insubordination. Tonks only refuge was to roll her eyes, further darkening the reddened hue that her boss'typeface was beginning to assume on.

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

'' Kingsley, Harry is perfectly open 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 sidelong glance at the senior monastic order member she came to a halt in the center of traffic, ignoring the protestations of the witches and wizards around them, who were now being forced to walk a wide-cut two human foot to the side to ward off them. For all their complaining one would consider she was inciting a bacchanalia, not stopping for a confab with her slightly redoubtable boss.

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

Frowning she regarded him concernedly. `` Are you intimate with hypertension Kingsley ? ``

A tumid 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 soma in the bright sunlight. `` A fact I 'm well aware of, '' She said pointedly, her previous make-believe of sense of humour vanishing. `` But the Order is constantly hovering over Harry, convinced that he is an incompetent 16 year old. Yet I have never heard of a 16 year old who has survived as mu… ''

A rather prominent hand clamped over her sass, and she found herself being roughly drug away from the cobblestone streets into a back back street, away from the capitulum of passersby.

'' Tonks you should know undecomposed than to… ''

'' Than to what ? '' She shot back in frustration. `` Than to discuss what Harry has been through in the open ? ''

She did not even wait for his nod of assertion before continuing on her tirade. `` Why should we be understood Kingsley ? Lord knows these ignorant hoi polloi need a viewing up call option, not that the Ministry is giving them one with their censorship of the papers and… ''

With an audible crinkling Kingsley shoved a copy of the Daily prophet into her manpower, watching her closely as she unfolded it, discovering it to be the previous issue that she had not yet read.

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

Her rima oris fell assailable, forming a modest'O'of understanding.

'' That 's justly, '' 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 night, '' She whispered, knowing to the full well to what he referred. The scar tissue paper across her chest would forever serve as a affect admonisher to her neglect 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 sanity during that time, as he had been on the night they had combed through the grotesquely scorch yard of an isolated Muggle home, searching for survivors.

The month old picture of that abominable scenery was now burned beneath the front page 's wink headlines, the water system pooling upon the paving darkened with what she knew to be blood.

The hapless souls had never had a chance.

Clenching the tabloid between her custody she met her honcho'regard. `` Look, '' She whispered, forcing her voice calm. `` I know the order is concerned about Harry. But he has proven more than competent in position that well-nigh Aurors have yet to face, and he 's come out alive an… ''

'' And in the process put half the parliamentary law in serious danger ! '' Kingsley boomed angrily. `` All due to his impulsive, brash, 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 eyes widened considerably, `` In war there is no way for misunderstanding. ``

'' Who said he was making them ? ``

Kingsley began pacing up and down the Apothecary 's side of meat alley. `` No one, but you have to include the child is… ''

'' Teenager, '' 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 break up me ? ``

'' I 'll deal it under consideration, '' She replied, leaning against the dirty brick wall, message to bask in its shade for a moment of abatement from the August heat.

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

Slowly she began banging her head against the brick siding.

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

'' It is not just a stoolie ! '' She interjected, halting the assault on her skull. `` It 's a collector 's variation ! And Remus ordered it a month ago for Harry, special order ! They had to make it to Remus'accurate specifications, and we thought it would be a nice surprise to pick it up while out toda… ''

'' Oh one thousand ! '' Kingsley burst out, throwing his script up. `` Perhaps you explain your reasoning to the Order when Death Eaters onslaught and necessitate them away ! ``

She groaned, resuming the thud of her head. `` Kingsley the guild 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 robes. ``

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

'' You mean Ginny ? ``

The man let out a sound oddly resonant of a hippogriff in warmth, stomping the ground and sending a lot of debris scattering into the air. `` Who do you think I mean ! ? What former daughter were you to chaperone today ? ! Focus for just a second would you Nympha… ''

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

'' And the boys ? ``

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

Despite his violence Kingsley gave an involuntary shudder. It was a well known fact in his department that he hated all affair related to ball garb, with a particular aversion to those who made such things their profession.

Tonks smile only widened further, her pupils narrowing into belittled ovular cunt, eye 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 other retirement. Only I ca n't because as much as I hate to admit it, after me you have seen the most 'action'in the department and would be my successor. ``

Tonks jaw dropped at the admission, a bellowing jest resonating from Shacklebolt 's boastfully form.

'' Speechless are we ? Well hell has indeed frozen over, either that or your nose of the day prevents right breathing. ``

Her hand flew to her crooked nose, pondering what was wrongly with it. She had spied a copy of Wiccan Weekly earlier that day, and while she was not one for way she had seen this hebdomad headline : Crooked nozzle oath, In or Out of Season ?

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

The boys had at least found it entertaining.

Kingsley 's loudly cough drew her attending back, where he had adopted a rather exasperated glare.

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

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

Kingsley stomped his foot again. `` See ? This is exactly what I mean ! Your attention pair is bordering on the non-existent and you 're always usurp dominance in favor of whatever your whim of the instant is ! In this pillowcase it 's the, 'the kids can consume concern of themselves'caprice ! That 's precisely why I ca n't pull away other ! You 're nowhere near prepare for such a placement and there is no one else with decent scrap experience to recommend ! ``

She grimaced as his tones went unusually luxuriously 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 authority figures liked to be addressed… ''

'' One more word and a 'Nympadora'signboard is going to scent 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 uncomfortableness level rising exponentially. Movement was the only affair sufficient for quelling her often frazzle boldness 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 obscene law-breaking. No curiosity they normally came out of questioning twitching.

Contenting herself with incrementally elongating and shortening her nails, the process concealed by the woven bag her digit were curled around, she arched a questioning brow 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 skittle alley 's garbage bin, and stopped dead.

Passing the opening where the side skittle alley converged with Diagon skittle alley 's bustling main avenue was a fellow head of dark hair, and Harry was sprinting along at a intelligent gait.

'' He can watch over out for himself can he ? ``

Without a word she ignored the sarcastic jibe, taking off after Harry with homicidal intent. Of all the ill fated timing that one could birth, she had the worst. Harry just had to pick now to run off, and she had every intention of strangling him once she got a time lag of him.

Of trend she may let to stun him first, considering he had grown considerably to tower respective inches above her, making him significantly faster.

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

As they shoved their way through the street, Kingley 's golden loop earring glinting in the cheerfulness, she began ticking off the various ways to kill or excruciate him. For out of all the monastic order members she was his substantial proponent when it came to the academic degree of independence he should be afforded. After all, she had attested to Harry 's ability to discern when it was or was not appropriate to cuckold off in populace position. However, with Kingsley standing behind her, Harry was proving her wrongly yet again. She could only think the self-satisfied smile crossing Kingsley 's face, and after he mentioned this to the Order…

Her appeal to let Harry in on more of the Orders'activities would probably be rejected, yet again.

This piddling stunt of his was going to cost him Sir Thomas More than he knew.

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

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

She began muttering in dangerous undertones, for she 'd make red cent sure he found out.

reparation her eyes to the vertebral column of his head, she shortened her hair up her neck, and began experimenting with noses. It was n't until she spotted the old woman calmly perusing the survival of the fittest of fauna food on display outside of Eeylops Owl Emporium that she was struck with an excellent idea.

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



It was a marvel that he had managed to keep her in sight, considering the horde swarming around him, baby screaming off items that would be needed for the start of term to fray parents, most of whom were doing admirable balancing number with newly purchased caldron, playscript, and potions supplies. Though her hair semblance helped, for it was neither drab nor light, falling somewhere between bronze and atomic number 79, yet far from blonde. He had seen the color rarely, and he doubted ever naturally, before now. Regardless, it made her soft to keep track of her.

frankincense it was that he was unable to lack her purposeful march into Knockturn Alley, his tum churning uncomfortably at the thought.

It was not a berth he liked. In fact, he would much rather prefer to avoid it all together. Yet the way Hagrid had been treating this female child, it seemed she was new to the hive that was Diagon Alley, and she very well may birth just made a weighty, and possibly life threatening, misunderstanding.

He knew the consequences of such computer error far too well.

Pulling his baton 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 practically of it over his forehead as possible, not keen to be recognized within the disreputable area he was now traversing through.

The saturnine entrance was rather twisted, the infinite narrow and curving every few feet, thus she easily fell out of his parentage of spate. And it was not without incident that he made it through this, having to grunt at a haggard looking woman to labor plate his full point that he indeed did not need to buy the cadaver toes she was selling.

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

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

Making a precipitate decisiveness, and silently praising Fred and George I for their generosity that day when they had visited the Weasley twin 's establishment, Harry crept past the shaded windows displaying Borgin & Burke on 'special'items, casting a surreptitious coup d'oeil through the dirt covered panes.

The image was obscure, distorted by the heavyset layer of grime coating the window, but Kalliandra 's approach stirred the man knelt behind the counter, his workforce rummaging through his chicken feed display case like a rat in a hole.

An indistinct parole fell from the girlfriend 's lips, and with a sudden jolt of movement the man stood, mouth spluttering indistinct run-in in a hoarse fashion.

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

Neither prospect boded well.

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

Making a decision as the man began pacing, Harry dropped to the filthy basis, allowing an override cart to hold in him from the majority of the scant traffic upon the alley.

This was not a conversation he was exquisite to disrupt, nor was it one he would care to be caught up in. Not in this place, not when the player were so engrossed. The inspiration in him though, the warning that her behavior was like Malfoy - coming into Knockturn skittle alley to get buddy-buddy with its proprietor - he could not ignore though.

Of all the time he 'd thought to spy on Malfoy, he 'd been right every time. And his gut was telling him the same now.

Pressing his ear to the thin, flaking woodwind paneling upon the establishment 's exterior, he muttered a charm for hearing enhancement, bringing the ill-boded conversation to life.

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

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

'' I have piffling use for money plant, and much for line of work, '' Rasped the man, whose part Harry now recognized to be that of Borgin 's Proprietor, Mr. Borgin himself. `` Your correspondence was fascinate, and what you are offering in return… ''

'' Is something I 'd choose to not be discussed openly, '' She interrupted coolie. `` There are those who would assume much. ``

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

'' Of course, '' Borgin 's rattled breathing spell shot out. `` Though the method of the requital 's delivery shall be to my specifications. ``

'' That is fine, '' She clipped back. `` And my lodge ? ``

A racking cough shook the owner, Harry shuddering at the reverberations as the words a month 's time were spoken.

Then there was silence, enticing him to slowly slide up the splintery railroad siding, his eye reaching the sill to peer inwards, just in sentence for the crumble room access to be thrown open.

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







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



Chapter 4 ~ come of Distrust


Perhaps it was the shuddering weakness that had plagued her body so oft as of late, but seeing the messy haired ceramist upon the ground was a hatful for which she had been ill prepared, the sheer jolt sending her inside reeling and curling into unnatural air mile as she blinked at him, his own facial expression adverted as if stalling for time.

Drawing breath between her teeth the pieces fell into situation, forming an graceless pattern.

Choking back the sick sensation threatening to crawl from her throat, she spun on her heel, strewing grimy debris in her viewing and hell bent-grass on distancing herself from the meddling motley fool as much as possible.

Silently she thanked God, the one of whose existence she was still disbelieving, for her prudence at having said nothing more than than necessary.

Tucking a lock of darkened gold behind her ear, effectively removing the wayward strand from her face, she rounded the first twist in the crooked bowling alley, passing a street vendor selling ears of something that sounded suspiciously like 'house elves'. It was in this mo of distraction that a firm clench fell upon her upper arm, the callosity on the hand 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 ineffective to even grow around before thrower was again upon her, ushering her to the other incline of the slander area, away from the street vendor. She wasted no time in distancing herself from the Potter rear end, fishing around for his first name, which she could not remember.

Casting a wary glimpse at the crinkled seller she felt distinctly nervous, even with the man 's unbalanced eyes 10 yards off, for he was clearly out of earreach. Dismissing the momentary worry that wizards could possibly have superior listening she felt her optic narrowing into darkened slits.

To thrower 's quotation, his lip was already opening in explanation, but she cut him off.

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

His jaw clamped shut, an unsure expression overtaking his feature article, as if he had no clue on how to answer her doubtfulness.

Another import passed between them in silence, the shadows cast by the looming brick walls of the alley traveling such a scant distance that their movement would have been indiscernible to the human eye, had either present paid the darkness any judgement, though they did not.

Still the messy haired man before her did not speak, his silence allowing her the time she needed to collect her harshly agitate demeanor.

No one had been meant to get laid of her involvement with Borgin. No one.

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

'' Listen, '' she whispered, being measured to go along her voice low. `` I want you to continue away from me, and my conversations. ``

ceramicist 's look was oddly writhen, as if unable to resolve upon frowning or glaring in mistrust. `` 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 queasiness about keeping his voice down. `` Why the concern if you have cypher to hide ? ``

She visibly bristled.

'' Correct me if I 'm wrong, '' she stated slowly, taking the sentence to say each syllable. `` But most people do not contain well to having their buck private conversations listened in on. ''

'' Most people do n't roam down Knockturn back street to utter in computer code with shady owner, '' he countered challengingly.

'' I 'm failing to recall any code, '' she refuted, her eyebrow furrowing. `` Though I 'm also failing to remember how this is any of a complete stranger 's business. ``

His wickedness, forest-like eyes met her staid gaze levelly, without apologia, while a womanhood with a torn, tattered gray shawl limped around the nook, leaning heavily on a claw footed cane. Neither spoke as the woman shambled along, quietly croaking out a melody of kind about bat wings and who-ding-its.

As soon as the adult female neared the weave of the bowling alley, becoming matter to in street vendor 's merchandise, Potter closed the distance between them, his place disturbing the trench claw marks that the elder 's cane had left indented in the soiled ground.

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

'' You just happened to survey me, '' she cut in unapologetically, `` And then you must take in randomly determine to crouch down and eavesdrop ? ``

Potter took another step forward, eye intimidating.

'' Yes. ``

sucking in a half frustrated, half furious breath she suppressed the impulse to plain something, him in particular. `` Alright ceramicist, if that's the case, then why did you follow me ? ``

His look was nothing short of derisive, the facial expression of one trying to explain a childlike construct to a small child incapable of grasping it.

'' Correct me if I 'm wrong, '' he commented, his voice 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 places to go that Hagrid had no need to eff about ? ``

In the dark spook of the alley, his eyes took on a wary, disapproving spark. `` Why should n't he know ? ``

'' What are you my keeper ? '' she snapped scathingly, finally losing her temper, brushing a curl of hair away from her eyes in frustration.

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

'' And you 're being a complete… ''

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

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

She kicked the ground in frustration, scattering tiny rock candy 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 hands into his pockets.

'' Oh I think it 's very much the point, '' she snapped acidly, noticing his hands curling into tight fists within his pockets.

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

'' And spying was a advantageously selection ! ? '' she shot out incredulously.

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

'' Sure sounds like it. ''

'' fountainhead I would n't have even been there if you had n't walked out in the number 1 place ! '' he shot out defensively.

'' Do n't you dare… ''

'' Now really, what discussion was so authoritative that it required you to trek into Knockturn alley to verbalise in hush tint behind a close door ? Because seriously Kalliandra, I 'd screw to know, '' he snapped with mock earnestness, yanking his men from his air hole and crossing his arm.

She glared harshly. `` That is none of your patronage you abject blo ... ''

'' Miserable feller ? '' he cut in. `` You 've got ... ''

Turning on her heel she shoved past him, brushing off his arm that attempted to halt her progress as she stalked away. Purposely dragging her feet enough to mail a strew of grimy rubble in his direction, she felt a come off sensation of satisfaction at his indignant coughing.

'' Will you… '' he grunted. `` simply stop… '' She rounded a crook act, the light of Diagon alleyway seeping into the dimly lit corridor. `` Because… ''

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


Removing the shawl Tonks smiled maniacally, partly due to her relievo at being away from the amazingly putrid olfactory property of the business firm elf ear vendor, and partly because she was enjoying her old womanhood disguise too much.

'' Out of me way ! '' she snapped in a fractious representative, effectively clearing the area as people scattered in every instruction. Anything to forefend getting wham upside the fountainhead by the old dame with the acute cane.

Grinning with sadistic pleasure she passed where Kingsley sat, casually reading the theme at Florean Forescue 's Ice pick Parlor. Wasting not a second she yanked him up with her, dragging him with her after the two teenager.

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

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

She threw her school principal back and cackled, sending a small group of children, first year by the looks 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 head with the rolled up sportsman section.

Maintaining their ambling pursuit, she was having trouble grasping Harry 's conversation due to the noise of the crew. Knockturn Alley had been deserted in comparison, but fortunately they were able to quell relatively close due to her propensity to pink anyone ill-omened enough to walk in nominal head of them in the back of the knee with the chela footed cane.

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

'' Well one, '' she said cheerfully, `` do you really think they 'd be upfront about what they 're little 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 throttle him I at to the lowest degree need to get wind that I have a good ground. ``

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

Smiling cheekily she ignored him. `` picket and learn from the master Kingsley. Watch and learn. ``

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 home plate are n't you ? ``

'' You would n't. ``

'' What makes you call up not ? ``

Smirking she did her best to keep Harry 's point in vision, walloping her secure cane against a man too busybodied posturing for a Veela look alike to observe the bustling crew swarming around him.

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

'' You do n't consume an office. ``

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 ft 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 need that now would you ? ``

right wing then Kingsley looked very much like he would love to drown himself in the body of water basin outside of Eeylops Owl Emporium. It was a shame the owls drinking from it looked murderous.

It took another second for the information to process within her mind, for it was a relatively clear arena, and Harry had just drug the daughter over there.

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


As she traversed her way amongst the moving sea of consistence, the heady pressing of commercial message commerce 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 cd burned mid-wick in every shopfront window, lending the area a unique flavor.

In Kalliandra 's frustration she noticed small of this. So fix upon distancing herself from the messy haired man behind her was she, that she missed taking in the few visual sense that she had deemed worthy of a minute glimpse when she had traversed in the opposite direction scarcely a one-quarter of an hour before hand.

Now it was taking all her reserves to quash pulling violently away from the rough, calloused mitt that had just shot through the crowd, grasping her firmly by the upper arm.

She knew full well who it was.

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

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

'' I wasn't… ''

A voluminous man shoved past, cutting thrower off as he failed to bring heed of the two individuals speaking a understructure below his rather freakish height. In the outgrowth he smacked against them brusquely, their forefront banging together grueling, and she found herself kicking a spray of pebbles in the man 's counseling, oddly satisfied as the man halted, swore, and turned in place looking for the perpetrator of the attack on his calves.

'' Making Quaker everywhere I see, '' thrower commented dryly, tugging her along after him until they had abandoned the street altogether. And the mo their human foot reached the cement refilling ceramicist 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 way of life, which lay along the haphazardly constructed sidewalk that had a tendency to move, bend, and fling on a whimsy. `` I tried to apologize, but you were too argumentative to let me terminate. ''

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

'' Well you were acting mistrustful ! '' he cut in, her bare insult hanging in the air.

'' How in the infernal region was I acti… ''

Her exclamation was cut off by his gibelike Bronx cheer, and her fount contorted into an angry scowl.

Studying him carefully for a consequence as a hoard of kids ran past, she gave a curt nod, indicating the top of his head. `` Was n't your hair a unlike color ? '' She spat it like it was a crime.

Again she found him regarding her as if she were a little child to whom a particularly dim-witted job proved daunting.

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

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

'' Let. Go. ``

He smirked as if amused. `` fountainhead compensate me if I 'm legal injury, but if you 're trying to meet up with Hagrid this would be a effective seat to stick around. ``

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

potter let out an exhausted suspiration, dragging her to retrace their last few pace until they stood in front of a small crapulence trough, a long stick 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 enceinte 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 answer, for her center were drawn to the owls besides them. Slowly, instinctively, she took a step back, the sloped business of the b owls faces unnerve as a discriminating clacking, the classifiable sound of potent schnoz snapping shut in succession, began.

It was the threatening, justificatory behavior of an brute whose soil had just been breached, as was the fanning of offstage, which the tawny and saw whet, side by face, were currently doing.

potter 's brow crinkled oddly, the owls territorial reserve demeanour not ceasing until Kalliandra had backed away, her dog teetering off the edge of the sidewalk into the street.
* * * * *


He was still frowning when Hagrid came outside, Fang 's food sack slung over his wide shoulder.

The Professor spotted them immediately.

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

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

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

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

'' Good to 'ear Harry, Good to 'ear. ``

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

The tranquillity, almost pained individual before him appeared to the be the arctic opposite word of the miss he had bickered with along the streets.

Something was extremely wrong.

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

'' I 'm fine Hagrid, '' she responded dully. Her manus 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 optic. And just as quickly as before, her eyes were again down-turned to the street. Very quietly, almost as reconsideration, she quietly muttered, `` I 'm getting sick of everyone asking me that. ''

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

'' Ready to leave ? ``

Her question was pointed, as was her gaze, still directed at the cold ground.

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

'' I do n't think that 's a very estimable idea, '' she muttered, her middle still avoiding anything save for the sidewalk, her mannerisms bordering on frightened.

'' Well ye 'ave to contend with it eventually. ``

Biting her lower lip she nodded, respective long plait falling to obscure the leftover position of her face. `` I know, '' she whispered, centre lowered to the ground.

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

The entire commutation 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 take Silverthorne to your dorm with yer… ''

'' Silverthorne ? '' Harry cut in, hoping to perhaps see a scintilla of cohesion.

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

He turned an incredulous feeling to the side of her head, 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 hold out term, but to take a finicky liking to one ? What the snake pit did that mean ?

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

Turning her head towards them again, her centre still avoiding the owl like a pestis, she shot him an odd looking at. `` Yeah, why could n't I ? I 'm not blind. ''

Hagrid 's sudden spirit of panic did n't bunk him, nor did it Kalliandra as she shot him a questioning look, to which the Care of Magical animate being prof cowered slightly.

He decided to save him the bother of answering. `` wellspring not everyone can see the ... ''

'' Why not ? '' she asked sharply.

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

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

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

This tactic only elicited a low noise of displeasure from her.

Frustrated, Harry supplied the information for her.

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

Wrong choice.

There was no verbal interchange, but her eyes 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 all right, Hagrid, '' she cut in, sweeping past them both into the store, her eyes remaining averted the entire time.

Hagrid let out a defeated sigh, rubbing his forehead with a bombastic hand wearily, and the recognition of what he had just done struck Harry like a lightning bolt.

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

* * * * *

Kalliandra quickly walked through the musty, noisy storehouse, avoiding all the subsist animal displays, and she disappeared behind a orotund shelf stocked with rat feed, relievo sweeping through her that no one was back there as her conflict emotions threatened to rise to the Earth's surface. She had spent the past three workweek carefully building a wall of apathy around herself, and she could n't afford to let it down now.

Not over such a trivial fact coming to lightness. Not when she had just spoken to the somebody who could have her the answer she needed.

Yet still…why had n't they told her ?

She knew the answer without asking, for to have been reminded of the intellect behind her mien here in any way…it would only serve up to cue her of her own ego loathing for all she had done.

A fragile tremor coursed through her, and sighing sadly she listened to the soft hooting amidst the rafter. She would not calculate at them, for she had seen the response that elicited enough.

Yet the hooting continued, more unyielding, and somewhere in the fleshly recession of her mind she knew her very presence there was a bad theme, a inadequate option of both Dumbledore 's and Hagrid 's judgment.

Facing obstruction was apparently a respectable thing, even when it generally resulted in having ireful owls attempting to seize with teeth oneself.

With a great degree of trepidation she found herself tilting her heading up to peer through the dark, cluttered atmosphere of the shop, her eyes slowly adjusting, pupils widening in the dim lighting as the low-down rafters slowly came into view.

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

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

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

Cringing, though almost gladiolus for the distraction, she turned her attention slowly to ceramist, who now stood in presence of her. To his credit, he at least had the vernacular sense to look apprehensive.

'' Look, Kalliandra, I 'm sorry. I did n't realise ... ''

'' It 's finely, '' she muttered, forcing her voice level. She did not necessitate his shame. She did not want it.

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

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

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

Do not produce eye contact… Keep your caput lowered… No loud noises or sudden movements…

Like that would actually help in calming these inadequate timberland creature, for it certainly had piddling effect on the one with the supposedly larger brain : Potter.

His facial expression had faltered at her live Scripture. `` In causa it 's escaped your notification, I 'm trying to be courteous here. I 'm at least making an movement. ``

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

Groaning he raised his hand, folding them behind his head. `` You 're in good order. I do n't experience 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 shelf 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 backstage flapping vigorously.

For some nonsensical understanding the spot struck her as funny rather than frightening, and she did not bother to oppress the laughter bubbling out while she observed the redoubtable looking owl. For once it was not aimed at her. And as if sensing her scrutiny its dark center locked with her own.

Its territorial behavior ceased, drawing a smile to her face, for she was n't the alone one to lash out at those who came to close up.

She traced the Great Horned owl 's draft, noting the black coloration speckling its reddish brown backstage, its catlike face and highly manoeuvre ear all swiveled curiously towards her.

Then she noticed the minuscule shackle imprisoning it, one end encircling its twig thin leg, the other binding it to the rafter it sat so miserably upon. It was caged, foreclose to go wherever it pleased.

Just ... like ... her.

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

'' You 'll need 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 tabulator wearily, speaking with an strange amount of venom. `` if you mean that I am able-bodied to converse with nosy mortal than yes. ''

ceramicist turned in a frustrated huff, storming out of the store. Watching his retreating figure 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 security to stay fresh some things tranquillity. Some things secret.

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

The wounds of a rain pixilated Nox were still far too fresh.

It was better to crowd 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 characteristic looked vaguely annoyed, and if she had n't known better, she would get thought that he seemed insult.

A cold shudder rippled through her. potter was also dangerous, of that she was sure as shooting. She 'd practically feel his suspicions 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 link everything upon her return.

A unaccented weight unit descended upon her arm, jarring her from her thoughts as two night optic met hers. She smiled, her first true grinning in weeks, reaching out a hesitant mitt and ruffling the owls feathers. They were subdued, like those of a newborn hatchling, only she would n't have it off for sure.

She had never felt an owl before now.

A sensation of peace filled her as it continued looking up at her, hooting softly. And for a second, just a brief moment she knew to be both pass and sham, she could stimulate sworn it silently understood.

* * * * *

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

He simply did not get it. During their full argument Kalliandra had seemed so neutral, almost Harijan. It was maddening how his snide input rolled off her, so he had kept at it, wanting to unconsciously vent some of his own frustration into her and to recognize what her literal occupation in Knockturn Alley had been.

He knew it was improper. 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 substantial human emotion within her then, and it was startling.

Or at least he thought he had. He must bear 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 supercilious comment like Malfoy.

A cacophony of auditory sensation emerged as the shop 's door opened, emitting Kalliandra and her horribly Helen Wills owl. He grimaced at the sight, even as a chiding voice reminded him how an animal 's behavior could so oft deceive.

Buckbeat 's certainly had.

That was all forgotten though, for right then she raised her forearm mellow, and gray wings spread wide, animal foot and claw hopping from her arm as the owl took flight of stairs, circling in wide arcs until it disappeared above the rooftops of Diagon Alley.

'' 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 eyes seemed distant, as if she were looking into something that no one save her could see.

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









'' thing alter for the spoilt spontaneously, if they be not altered for the better designedly. ''
~ Francis Bacon ~



Chapter 5 ~ A prof of One


Remus yawned tiredly, his brightness embrown eyes skirted across the gear chopine at Hogsmeade, searching for the companion manikin that was nowhere in stack. A illumination smile crossed his outwear feature of speech and he chuckled. Hagrid was not someone he would easily neglect had he been there. No invisibility cloak was quite that heavy.

'' Hagrid .... '' He said, shaking his capitulum amusedly. He picked up his briefcase, crossing the deserted, out-of-door program in the direction of Hogwarts.

It was n't far, and Hagrid would undoubtedly bug him along the way, most likely in his own, manic hurry to wiretap him. Hagrid was a bit oblivious at time, and Remus could not fault him. He would be to if he took care of such a hazardous array of animals for a living.

The train political platform was on the outskirts of the diminished settlement, on the outer edge nearest Hogwarts, and a pebbled route led directly to the schooling 's front doors. He would release off it before he reached Hogwarts'massive, welcoming incoming, to traverse his way across the dipsomaniac, green land to Hagrid 's hut.

Remus had never been close to the secret plan keeper, but he respected the man immensely for his work in the lodge.

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

He started walking, thinking how right Hagrid was.

The sun beat down on his pale shoulder, warming Sir Thomas More than his shirt. The sun was rejuvenating to him in a way few understood, because it was a full orb of light for which he harbored no care. It was funny, that the lightest of Nox filled him with premonition and pain, when usually it was the absence of light that inspired fear. He sought consolation in the darkest of nights, that was when he felt his best, but for now, when the lunation was a quarter full-of-the-moon, he would attempt consolation in the warm afternoon sun.

It was because of this curse that he could empathize with Hagrid. The opportunity to suit 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 conjuring trick. No early school would have taken him.

They had feared him.

The curse word of being different, he thought bitterly. They were both labeled as life-threatening by the wizarding community, and shunned. Their acquaintance even suffered for their mere tie.

A half-giant and a werewolf ... two of the most dangerous magical organism on the satellite, both seen as murderous, blood-thirsty beast, and yet neither one of them possessed the inclination of an orbit to harm another.

Were n't the sore transmutation and premature aging enough ? He shook his head, knowing the answer 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 docile, kindhearted people he had ever met, yet the Ministry feared him and his heavyweight heritage. They labeled him violent without even knowing him. He could at least understand why people feared him, but Hagrid was harmless. He at least was truly severe.

Several dark in his past stood in dark will to that.

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

Dam n't Sirius ! He had figured his Quaker 's refractory nature would have made him harder to down, but in the end, he, just like King James, had been as vulnerable as the rest.

He was the last now.

Peter was as expert as dead, and if he ever saw him again ... If he ever got the hazard ...

He 'd make sure a finger's breadth really was all there was left of him.

He shuddered at the sentiment, remembering the parole Lily had spoken to him, as he stood over his parents freshly dug grave accent.

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

It was something he had promised to show Harry. Harry was the alone real family he had left, and he wanted the boy, who was quickly growing into a man, to know of the unbelievable forte his parents had held. He needed to know that there were things deserving fighting for.

noble knows he 's already had his percentage of fighting ...

We all have ...

The cerebration sobered him, reminding him of his determination today. He squinted ahead, shielding his eyes from the hopeful sunup sun to look for any house of Hagrid.

Today he would truly fill her.

He was n't certainly whether to be nervous, or to simply be exhilarated that the broken girl he had cradled had survived.

Kalliandra.

She had been thrust into their world unwillingly. Dumbledore, in all his Wisdom, had felt Hogwarts to be the safest office for her. It would be a sound way to help oneself her adjust, by slowly exposing her to the great unwashed her own age.

But unlike others her age, she lacked a prior five years of magical educational activity, and any noesis whatsoever of their globe.

It would be his job to remedy that.

When Dumbledore had asked him, he had felt inadequate, poorly equipped for the chore.

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

It was then that he had confided in him.

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

'' When Harry came, I feared what loss may repel 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 night they had found her was still burned into his mind 's eye. It was not something Remus would soon leave.

Doing his job right could think the difference in this Loretta Young woman 's survival. Dumbledore had been very clear on that.

Now if only there was a witch or wizard out there equipped to deal 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 right wing he should be terrified and have run in the former direction.

Yet he could not bring himself to do so. Not when the range of her feeble body lying there, clad in mud and the blood of those she loved, kept coming back to him each night as he dreamt. He felt a notation of discord at the thought of anything unfit befalling her.

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

And that was why, despite knowing all of this, that he had accepted the assignment. Dumbledore wanted her to have the same hazard as everyone, and he had fully heartedly agreed.

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

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

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

A sad grin lit his face. Only she could say something that 's meaning would last tenner.

Just like the pain ...

Always so saucy, so penetrating ...

He still marveled at how so many spoke of healing, and forgetting. bother did not fly. It did not go away. You could not deal with it, for to apportion would imply to fix. Instead you just learned how to live with it, without losing your mind.

Of course, the Sami people had often spoken on how well he dealt with painfulness, but he did not feel very good at that. He was just ordered enough to know that there was no expert in dwelling on what could have been. matter happened…bad things ... whether you wanted them to or not, and zip one said or did could change that.

If it did none of them would be gone…

And after all these years, she was still the right way. A smile formed on his lips, the gleeful memories coming back, flooding his vision as he remembered Padfoot 's taunting about how she was 'always right on', and they were 'always incorrectly'.

Her return had been that it was about time they saw it her way.

He chuckled slightly, catching sight of Dumbledore making his way leisurely down the sparsely employ road. He raised a manus in salutation, catching the Headmaster 's attention, and was pleased to see an amused grin on the schoolmaster 's knock-down boldness.

'' Good Afternoon Remus. ''

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

Dumbledore removed his half-moon spectacles, polishing them on his summer gown. `` It 's awe-inspiring, how the glorious sun glare can make even the most lilliputian of smudges stand out, almost like the dark spot where the sun is supposed to be when a solar occultation shield it. ''

The Headmaster held his spyglass to the sun, studying them through his light, twinkling, currently squinted oculus, searching for any left over imperfections.

'' But enough about the hot and bothered musings of this grandfather clock 's inner workings. How have you been ? I trust the train 's director was n't too mercurial with the fastness for your untested centre ? ''

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

'' The string was fine, and I 've been skillful. I was just thinking of some comical parameter Cassilyda and Sirius had before. ''

Dumbledore replaced his glasses on his nose, looking off towards the sun as if seeing something far past it. `` Ah ... yes those two did deliver a penchant for arguing did they not ? I seem to remember a certain James II Potter walking in on one of them ... it took Pomfrey all afternoon to get him straightened out. She was rather reluctant to change him back ... Something about liking him better as a deaf-and-dumb person eel, unable to have mayhem on an hourly basis, locked up in a tank ... I believe Lily had been particularly amused. ''

Remus smiled fondly, remembering the faces Jame 's the eel had made, pressing his slimy, snakelike body against the glass walls of the Pisces tank car. They had scooped him off the base and conjured a tank quickly, filling it with water system as soon as they had seen him flopping around on the Stone storey.

Whether Lily had seen King James I or not before stepping on him had been a subject of disputation for hebdomad.

Not to observe, in the hospital wing, when James II had started trying to form letters with his yearn, serpent like body ...

He chuckled slightly. He still wanted to know how St. James the Apostle had contorted himself into an R ... He shuddered mentation of how sore that spelling out 'You're a utter Man Sirius'must consume been.

'' Quite an impressive bit of Transfiguration for fifth class ... I gave Gryffindor business firm 20 stop for that, '' Dumbledore mused aloud, turning his gaze on him, his middle twinkling with amusement over the rim of his glasses. `` I was sourly tempted to make out an award for Special military service to the School, since the pastor of Magic was visiting that day, and their `` accident '' rendered James incompetent of doing something drastic, like turning the Minister 's hair neon garden pink, '' Dumbledore grinned slyly at this. `` Come to reckon of it I would n't entirely mind seeing that ... ''

Remus could only shake his forefront, suppressing the laughter threatening to come out. It was good seeing Dumbledore.

'' Of course, in the end, no one could determine whose wand actually had transfigured offspring James at the clip, so I could n't give anyone the honour. I was sourly disappointed by that. ''

'' That was your only understanding for not giving it ? '' He asked amused.

'' Why yes Remus. Do you really think I would pass up a prospect to encourage the propagation of salutary behavior when Ministry functionary are visiting ? ''

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

'' Ah yes ... how is she doing in St. Mungos ? I believe the finding of fact was temporary insanity ? ''

'' It should accept been permanent insanity and a sprightliness sentence in Azkaban. The salientian was about to use an inexcusable Curse on Harry ! ''

Dumbledore nodded curtly. `` Ah, but the give-and-take would be 'unforgivable'and we are supposed to be forgiving. And speaking of forgiving I am taking it that Hagrid got distracted and was lately meeting you ? ''

He nodded assent, finding the well known cognition 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 grounds for being late to greet you ... well ... I may just be in need of some good, old fashioned fire whiskey. ''

He eyed Dumbledore curiously, `` I did n't know you booze fire whiskey. ''

'' But of course I do n't ... '' He replied, winking mischievously. `` I have n't had understanding for such extravagant solemnization since the Marauders graduation, granting me peace of thinker and serenity again. Of course ... '' Dumbledore turned, waving for him to watch. `` I 'm not entirely for certain I even have a mind left, with which to enjoy the serenity with. ''

Remus opened his oral fissure to reply, but no auditory sensation came forth. Instead he found himself following the headmaster across the lawn, Hagrid 's cabin quickly coming into sight as Dumbledore continued idle chitchat.

'' ... .Now of course of instruction the key in those situations is managing the brewage in sane amount, a natural endowment my good blood brother does not own, '' Dumbledore said, referring to his caprine animal herder crony 's drinking habits.

'' Half my year did n't have that talent, '' He replied, thinking of the one clip he, Henry James, Dog Star, and Peter had gotten a hold of a bottle of Firewhiskey their 7th class. That had not gone over well ... Fortunately Pomfrey had bought the apology that all of them had caught the flu from each other. His thought process were abruptly cut off as a loud, cryptic booming stochasticity, sounding oddly like a flack banger going off, met his ears. His tending turned towards the source, which was immediately apparent upon seeing the sight in front of him.

Hagrid and a young little girl with golden hair were having a row. Only Hagrid seemed to be doing most of the yelling, while the girl just huffily picked up tilt after rock from the side of meat of the hut, flinging them with strange muscularity and accuracy, at an unsuspecting tree trunk, which was taking the brunt of her very visible frustration.

'' Why hello Hagrid ! Hello Kalliandra ! '' Dumbledore called out cheerfully, as if nil were amiss.

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

He found himself looking between the girl at the edge of the Forbidden wood, Hagrid 's furious, red face, and Dumbledore 's glad one.

'' howdy there Remus. How yer doing today ? '' Hagrid replied, sounding rather strained. He looked strained too, because at the here and now he would n't have been surprised to see steam coming out of the professor 's ears.

'' Better 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 skittle alley t'day. ``

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

Hagrid shook his head, sending his scruffy fuzz awry. `` No sir. She shouldn'hafta be findin'matter 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 happen Hagrid, '' Dumbledore consoled, offering a assure smiling.

Remus continued listening to the ensuing conversation, but his attending was elsewhere as he turned to see Kalliandra standing next to a thestral, which was profusely nuzzling her like a farseeing, lost friend. Thestrals were n't exactly serious, but they were n't exactly well-disposed either.

One would never know how she had barely clung to life only weeks before.

He shook the images away.

'' Hagrid what exactly is she doing ? '' He was having a punishing time standing idly by with a thestral 's astute teeth nuzzling so close to his future pupil '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 powerful Book unsuccessfully.

'' Doing ? '' Dumbledore supplied amusedly.

'' Yes, '' He replied embarrassedly. Sometimes the simplest Scripture was what he was looking for.

'' She bloody well talks to him more than than she damn negotiation to me, '' Hagrid grumbled. `` Tells him everythin'from the look of it and ye should see them, traversing'around at all minute of the day. rattling spitfire that one is ! Bloody well good luck teachin'her Remus ! Bin havin'enough trouble gettin'caution of Magical Creatures down 'er throat and she actually likes that. Ca n't reckon 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 conceive she actually understood what that one be sayin'one-half da time ! '' Hagrid muttered exasperatedly, a wounded feel on his look. `` She 'll talk to that there beast and get to arguin'with me ! ``

Remus was thoughtful for a present moment. `` So she likes animals of the night ... '' He commented, turning to face both of them. `` Well, then I wo n't have too a good deal trouble then, now will I ? ''

Dumbledore nodded in agreement, smiling to himself. He could n't receive picked a more stark somebody to tutor her. Now lets see if he can save her, he thought to himself, silently hoping for the best.
* * * * *


'' She bloody set it free ! ? '' Ron exclaimed in unbelief.

Harry nodded, chucking his newly bought shoal Bible 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 people can you ? I mean ... they like ... fly ... ''

'' Very ripe Ron. Glad to see you know that a bird can fly, '' Hermione interjected, rolling her eye as she entered their room, setting herself down onto the corner of his bed.

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

'' You know with your mouth assailable like that you can almost cash in one's chips for a goldfish, '' She clipped scornfully.

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

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

He had immediately pointed out that she had had no trouble whatsoever when Malfoy was the one he was eavesdropping on, which had earned him a abrupt tut and another tan about how he should have done more to make 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 firedrake including Magyar Horntails, and that he considered his little comrade to be 'tamed .'End of story.

It was right about then that Ron had made the mistake of calling Kalliandra several choice public figure, including a knit, ugly witch, which earned an maddened round from Hermione about how 'ridiculously trivial'they were being. He was unable to survey her stallion broadside, but it ended with her concluding that both of them seemed to be 'blatantly misjudging'the daughter on looks alone.

Yes…Ron had evidently hit a spunk, and at jeopardy 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 Black Plague.

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

He wished he could say the same for Ron though.

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

Hermione 's olfactory organ wrinkled in obvious disgust. `` Are n't you even going to give ear 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 ally mumbling.

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

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

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

'' Is too ! soft touch my actor's line she 'll be in Slytherin ! Sneaking off on Hagrid and having suspicious conversations ! You heard what Harry said about her ... ''

'' And from the auditory sensation of it he was rather rude and made her feel unwished Ronald ! '' Hermione snapped angrily. He glared at Ron. He did not need to get brought back into this.

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

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

'' You did n't even suffer her ! '' Ron crack back, his face growing slightly red as he flopped angrily down onto the bed across from his, staring pointedly up at the ceiling.

'' I ... Well ... At to the lowest degree I 'm not passing sound judgement on her ! ''

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

'' All I 'm saying is that she 's Hagrid 's supporter and we should at least fall in her a chance ! ''

'' They did n't sound very friendly to me did they Harry ? '' Ron asked, directing his doubtfulness at him.

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

'' They did at the gown shop ... '' Hermione 's look broke into a rejoicing grin, but he quickly added, `` but not at the pet memory. '' Hermione 's face fell as Ron let out a exultant woot.

'' See Hermione ! ''

'' Yes, I do see Ronald. I see a carrot-topped tush who 's way to eager to fleet judgment on anyone but himself ! '' She stood abruptly. `` If that closed minded mastermind of yours is actually capable of intelligence operation then try to think of that you passed judgment on me our first year and were wrong ! '' She spun on her heel, stomping loudly. `` If you can remember that is. But hopefully the effort to think is not too taxing, it 'd be a shame if your point exploded ! '' With that she stormed out, slamming the threshold behind her.

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

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

'' I ca n't consider you ! '' She yelled angrily, looking prepare to hex Ron at any second.

Ron 's grin vanished, his face gone slightly blanch. `` But ... your door shut ... How did you ... ''

'' A room access can be slammed by someone from either side, like from the hallway Ronald. '' She snapped, this time leaving the threshold wide open as she stormed off, granting them both quite a panorama as she vigorously flung her own doorway behind her this time.

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

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

'' fountainhead I just .... ''

Harry tuned them out. This had happened three time just that week, all when something piddling set one or the early of off, and it always escalated into this scrimmage. Usually Ron wound up standing outside her door, pleading for forgiveness, like he could now see him doing.

He leaned back with a gaudy groan onto his bed. He sincerely hoped Ron asked her out soon, because he was n't certainly how many to a greater extent of their spat induced worry he could convey.






'' We must die to one life, before we can enrol another. ''
~ Anatole France ~



Chapter 6 ~ Power of persuasion


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

Kalliandra coughed loudly from her position, flat on her back.

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

Remus Lupin smiled, extending his hand to haul her roughly to her animal foot. `` On the contrary Ms. Kaylens. I do n't relish rendering you unconscious at all. ''

She nodded, brushing the forage off the back of her jean.

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

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

He shook his oral sex, an aspect of virginal innocence crossing his feature. `` I have to get you angry enough to aggress me properly somehow do n't I ? ''

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

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

Unfortunately being capable to do something, and being good at it, were entirely different matters.

This probably explained why she had just woken up on the ground. Then again, the fact that Remus had become incontrovertibly determined to make sure that she could actually use stunning in a duel, if ever attacked, was also role of the reason.

The same paid instructor was not eyeing her critically. `` You know Kally, if you manage to dodge my first onrush you usually do quite nicely. Now just barricade diving to the right-hand every time. It 's getting predictable. ''

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

Not that she would admit that to lupine.

He had only become her coach a little over a calendar week ago, yet she had come to respect him. He did not pity 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 watch. It was as if she were more 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 cerebration.

She trudged back to her starting emplacement in reaction. She would not be the one to step down today. Of grade, he should know that by now.

She had learned the importance of outlasting one 's opposition a yearn time ago. Outlasting weariness and pain in the neck could mean the difference between winning, and losing.

And somehow she did not cerebrate the illegitimate child, who had taken everything from her, would go comfortable on her simply because she had a cephalalgia.

She closed her eyes, bracing herself as an bombardment of ash filled store greeted her psyche 's eye. Almost intuitively, Remus allowed her these few import of collection, and when the anger boiled hot within her line of descent, she opened her eyes, remembering what she had promised herself.

She would progress to the bastards pay.

But offset she needed to learn to do a simple stunning magical spell without passing out.

'' set ? '' Remus asked, stomping his feet on the background almost impatiently.

'' Why not ? ''

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

'' Two, '' she supplied back loudly.

'' Three ! Stupefy ! ''

She threw herself to the primer coat before the hot streak reached her, mentally screaming the words.

The unusual virtuoso flew through her, burning through her bloodline as it moved, jolting the turn towards its objective. Her vision swam before she saw him prostration, and she fell weakly upon the dry land, shakily breathing in the damp summer scent of mud and Gunter Grass.

Slowly, painstakingly, the prickling tracing over her smooth skin subsided. Her hands, that had unconsciously dug into the damp Earth, relaxed, allowing the brilliant gold stain dancing before her eyes to blow over.

Waiting for all of this to authorise had gotten easier each time, but it made the experience no less painful.

The trick, she had discovered, was to continue conscious long enough for it to leave.

Several hazy moments later, her gilded eyes flickered open, and across the unretentive sweep of sess she spotted Remus'fallen form.

She smiled weakly, and stood, silently cursing the fragility of the man physical structure. achiever was sweet, but why did it have to ache so badly ?

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

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

The look on his face was priceless. Only Remus could handle to look analytic right after being stunned.

'' Nice one, '' he muttered groggily.

She shook her point, offering him a hired hand which he shook off, shooting her a reproachful look.

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

'' Army of the Pure hope not too old, because you still have the rest period of the year with me. '' She allowed a rare smiling to light up her features.

'' And what a prospicient class it will be. ''

'' Any more comment like that and I 'll do my well to hold it seem longer. ''

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

His question was answered by her silence.

This was the first prison term she had not passed out.

Hagrid 's absence alone should have told him that, because on the other two social function when she had stunned Remus, they had both dwell there until Hagrid found them on one of his periodic checks.

understanding became visible on Remus'nerve, and upon seeing his wolfish smiling, she could n't stand firm a small surge of superbia.
* * * * *


Remus Lupin rewarded his pupil with a astray grin 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 situation, and he was n't entirely sure he missed getting stunned repeatedly.

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

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

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

She was doing in effect. That was all that mattered. Particularly considering that in less than a day 's prison term that Dumbledore was planning on throwing her in amidst bookman her own age.

The fact that her compeer were light years 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 occasion. And Sojourner Truth be told, he was more than a niggling concerned for her housemates.

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

It was n't healthy to carry around that much guilt.

His only consolation was that they would be able to go forward their lessons on the weekends. It would be a rather private agreement, since her dorm-mates were to be kept in the iniquity about it.

She would have plenty problem feigning competence in her three newt classes, and sneaking out several times a week would just be another unmanageable thing for her.

But perhaps the most difficult thing for her would be keeping her inadequacy under wrap. For appearances sake she would be placed in NEWT grade defensive structure Against the night graphics, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, and Astronomy so as to be with people in her class, but she would be placed in tertiary yr Anicent Runes and Remedial Potions. The DADA professor had already been instructed to charge her on 'errands'whenever practical lessons were held, so that her inability to perform magic would not be called into question, so that at least was covered.

As for the former course of action, Remus was being paid by Dumbledore, out of some sundry school fund, to tutor her in the other bailiwick.

After all, there was very lilliputian magic involved in dealing with charming beast and plants. And the memorization of the meanings of Ancient Runes and the movements of heavenly trunk had virtually no wand magic associated with it.

observance her return her stead, it dawned on him that they really might be able to commit this off.

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

merlin ! James II and Canicula had been right. He worried like a mother.

The marauder ... The thought process brought a smile to his face, for his old chemical group of ally had left behind something that just might save him from fretting like a neural parent.
* * * * *


Silverthorne let out a low, pharyngeal consonant grunt to express his displeasure at being tethered. The early thestrals were already following courtship.

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

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

'' Yer look like the only one within earreach that 'll help me, '' Hagrid yelled.

Despite herself she smiled, calmly running her fingers through Silverthorne 's stiff Black coat.

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

Silverthorne 's snowy, haunting heart stared back in consideration, before his formidable head nodded. He nudged the thestral tethered following to him, and a blaring of grunt followed as the substance was passed down the line of carriages awaiting the student'arriver.

Her widened optic took the exchange in, in muted cushion. Thestrals really were so much more intelligent than masses gave them credit for.

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

She shook her head ruefully, and with a last tug she snapped a belt into place on the thestral 's harness, stepping back to view her William Christopher Handy work. She 'd never hinge on a knight 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. happy ? ''

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

Hagrid 's tawdry yelping of protestation startled her, and both her and Silverthorne jumped slightly.

'' Problems Hagrid ? '' she yelled, slipping the thestral a frozen cube of raw essence. His tongue positively tickled her skin, leaving a sticky red balance upon her laurel wreath.

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

'' Hagrid ! '' she shouted, reclaiming her hired man and stalking off towards the auditory sensation of his voice, with every intention of snapping at him for yelling at any thestral that way. She could n't help her annoyed spate though. She had never had any favorite growing up, and for some odd rationality she had taken a liking to the creature.

But as she rounded the perambulator obscuring Hagrid from view, all reprehension vanished the second she saw his quandary.

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

Hagrid, to his mention, was putting up quite a fighting. The half giant was bounding as close as he dared get, swatting at devil with an oversize farmers hat.

Sweet Merlin ... What the hell was he doing with one of those ?

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

His disgruntled cheering shocked her into laugh. `` Hagrid plosive speech sound that ! ''

Several dent, contusion, bumps, and twenty minutes later found her, and a rather tatterdemalion Hagrid, plopped upon the shite route leading up to the school, entirely out of breather.

It was a shame that the peaceable eventide would end in less than an 60 minutes, when the Hogwarts express mail arrived.

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

Hagrid answered anyway. `` Because Dumbledore thinks it 'd be trump for yer to be aroun'hoi polloi 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 much difficulty she 'd get in for jinxing Hagrid 's prat of a friend in his sleep. Now that would be something.

Hell, 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 other hut outside. She liked it there. No one bothered her. When the nightmares came only Hagrid was near enough to see her.

Besides, there was something both routine and reassuring about the way that every morning Silverthorne would smack open air her window shutters, letting light stream in as he began grunting until she was fully awake and functioning.

She smiled whimsically, thinking of the pillow she had thrown at the thestral this morning. For a variety, her aim had been dead on. Of course of instruction, Hagrid had n't been exactly pleased when he come in to see feathering and shards of fabric all over the situation. But hey, it was n't her fault 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 wholly state of affairs amusing.

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

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

She stopped pondering the cryptic whereabouts of Remus Lupin long enough to film an incredulous feel in his guidance. `` Hagrid they 'd get to be blind to miss you. ''

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

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

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

She shook her head in amusement. `` Nothing at all. I was just thinking about what a direful calamity it would be to leave a pocket-size, naive, and unsuspecting first year stranded alone out here. ''

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

Her brow instantly creased in geuine confusion. `` Why is it that every sentence I say something with even the slightest trace of irony, that you think I 'm planning something ? ''

'' Because you usually are. ''

She spun around to see Remus standing there, briefcase in handwriting, and a knowing smile across his pre-maturely maturate face.

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

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

Hagrid 's booming laugh resounded behind her. `` Lupin you 're cowering to a 16 year old. ``

The feel on Remus'face was priceless, and she lunged at him in a vain attempt to smell him.

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

Remus had dropped his briefcase in the cause to avoid her attempt. `` Old ? I 'll have you know that I 'm thirty-seven ! ''

Looking at his umbrageous boldness, she could n't help it. She laughed.

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

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

Remus laughed deeply, old age disappearing from his cheek as he smiled, shaking his forefront disapprovingly. `` Suddenly I find myself looking forward to my breakage from you during the week. I 'll be spared your unprovoked attacks ! ''

'' Oh Remus, you know that hurts me. Right here, '' she touched her inwardness, doing her best to look as pathetic as possible.

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

'' In a tidings ... ''

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

Her wicked expression was replaced by one of puzzlement as Remus held up a small, flier, Gray aim. `` What is it ? '' she asked, walking over to look at it.

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

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

'' Right you are Miss Kaylens, '' he said, adopting a prof like shade. `` Dumbledore 's idea. One of his more ingenious single from what he said, though somehow I doubt that. '' He winked, lapsing into his familiar tone again.

'' O.K.. So explain to me how powder is ... ''

'' It 's a two-way mirror Kally. See, anytime you want to talk to me. For any intellect .... '' He shot her a meaningful looking at that she did n't miss. `` but look directly into it and say my gens clearly. If I have mine ... '' He fished around in his gown pouch, extracting a rather prominent sack scout. `` Which I will always have on me thanks to Dumbledore 's idea to obliterate it in this endearing Muggle invention ... '' He snapped the pocket ticker give, revealing a mirror on the non-clock side as well. `` And once you do that I 'll respond. If I call you, yours will glow on the inside slightly, so it 'll be obtrusive to you but to not to individual just passing a cursory glance by it. ''

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

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

'' In the Age of Mammals ? '' she inquired curiously, laughing at Remus 's perturbed look.

'' I knew I 'd regret telling you adept had extended life spans, '' he groaned, ignoring her serious nod and continuing on.

'' As I was saying, in my 4th class James got all of us our own two-way mirrors for Dec 25. These are mine, I just had them filed down a bit and inserted into these for concealing. ''

'' Smart move, '' she commented, looking into hers. `` Remus Lupin the Finicky wolfman, '' she stated clearly, waiting to see if it worked.

'' Finicky ! '' Remus bristled, but not before a thin out paring of luminosity appeared in the crevice of the closed air 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 weapons platform to give them some concealment. She made a mental banknote to thank him later. `` It 's just that you, and Dumbledore ... everyone keeps telling me how afraid everyone would be. And if that's rightful, well, then why are n't you ? ''

He paused a moment, his illume Brown eyes flickering up to the sky as if considering her question. She did n't need to follow his gaze to be intimate that it rested on the quarter moon, barely seeable in the dying evenfall. `` I think, Kalliandra, that to let one 's life be even remotely governed by awe is foolish. Your never fully alive when your actions are limited by that. And fear, it comes from not knowing what 's truly there. ''

She nodded, silently agreeing with him. It was uncanny, how alike he and her Padre 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 glower 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 populace as she was.
* * * * *


An hour later found her standing, smushed up next to Hagrid, as the mass of students pushed, shoved, and in verity, barreled their way over the platform towards the carriages that she and Hagrid had readied for their journey to Hogwarts. Why students needed the bearing in the first place was beyond her. The walk was n't exactly lengthy. No, she figured Dumbledore had arranged them because if he did n't, the ingrates would enquire off ungratefully, never getting to school at all.

In fact, that did n't entirely sound like a bad idea .... But veracious then she spied the idiot that she least wanted to see, making his way with the Daucus carota sativa top through the gang towards them.

Daucus carota sativa top waved vigorously, `` Hey Hagrid. It 's so good to see you ! ''

'' And so strong to lose, '' she muttered, suppressing a laugh at the cold smell Hagrid shot her.

'' I see the past week has done nothing to improve your manners. ''

She turned, eyeing the guy 's mussy smutty hair and unripe center, which were presently narrowed and shining determinedly. Her first encounter with him had been far from pleasant, and judging from his salutation, it seemed the feeling had been common. `` Nor yours. I still do n't eff your epithet. ''

The guy 's jaw nearly dropped, but Ron interjected for him. `` Well we were introduced. It 's not his fault you do n't commend. ''

She shrugged carelessly. It was n't like she cared what his public figure was, she just wanted to put a name with his eavesdropping case. `` My apology. Not all of us are as good with names as you apparently are. But by all substance do n't re-introduce me, I just thought it might be decent to mention to him as something other than the snoopy tush potter. ''

'' What ! ? '' Both of the hombre exclaimed. Hagrid, however, shot her a murderous look that stopped her smirk dead in its tracks.

Seeing that his glare had the intended outcome on her, Hagrid stepped in, attempting to diffuse the situation further.

'' That 's adequate all three of ya. Now again, this here be Kalliandra Kaylens, and that there be Ronald Weasly and Harry ceramicist. ''

She cocked her head to the side, wondering if the carrot top knew how easily his last figure could be distorted to Weasel. She suppressed the sudden impulse to ask just that, instead turning to Hagrid with a forced smiling. `` Thank you Hagrid. It 's dainty to do it that some of us are civil. ''

'' I hope you were n't referring to yourself as well, '' Potter stated pointedly.

'' Why no, unlike you I harbor no head game about my impoliteness. '' She nearly laughed out loud at the livid expression that crossed the guy 's face. `` Now if you excuse me I do think Hagrid has safe things to do than listen to his friends combat. ''

'' Friends ! ? Hagrid would never be friends with someone like you ! '' The weasel shot out, Potter smirking amusedly. Her mouth opened in furious protest, but Hagrid 's booming phonation cut them both off.

'' Ronald Weasley how dare ye make assumptions 'bout me ! '' Hagrid boomed, making all three of them jump.

She glanced up, seeing his nerve redder than it had been after their row about her Knockturn skittle alley mis-adventure. She really would not want to be the weasel rightfield now ...

'' Kalliandra is my friend, and you 'd do yer best to last out out of her business. The both of ya ! '' He said angrily, his loud vocalisation drawing the stares of various students sandwiched around them. `` If I hear anythin''bout either one of ya nosin'aroun'in her commercial enterprise again ... '' He stopped, seemingly too furious to continue.

Hagrid drew in a deep, shaky breath, 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 knife thrust of guilt overcame her. Perhaps she was taking her hostile frontage 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 underbred anyhow. I 'll see you later O.K. ? ''

She did n't wait for Hagrid 's response as she spun on her blackguard, carefully making her way through the crowd to find an empty go-cart. If she were prosperous, then maybe Silverthorne had been particularly apt and scared everyone else away from his.
* * * * *


Harry stood there, half angry, half shocked at the sudden change in Kalliandra 's conduct. 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 granger is mad about something, she makes it better known than Hagrid.

And Hermione husbandman unfortunately thought they had pigeon holed the girl.

And Hermione Granger had overheard his and Ron 's interchange with her.

Add in that she had seen Hagrid 's explosion, and Kalliandra 's sudden mood swing to normalcy, and he and Ron certainly did look like the bad guys.

Which was exactly how he found himself, amidst a bunch of onlooker, staring down a thin brunette, receiving the brunt of her ferocity.

'' Harry I ca n't think you ! I 'd expect behavior like that from Ron but you ? '' Hermione yelled, her phonation shaking with angry disbelief.

'' Hey ! '' Ron protested, clearly offended.

'' Ronald if you know what 's estimable for you you 'll keep your sass shut, '' Hermione snapped in a very McGonagall like whole step.

Unlike Ron, Harry had no subterraneous need for keeping Hermione happy with him besides their friendly relationship. So at that demand instant he did n't much handle if Hermione was annoyed with him or not. She had n't seen and heard everything, and if she had she would receive realized how deceptive Kalliandra really was. Which was probably why he suddenly found himself taking a step forward to go after that insufferable head of golden pilus, with every intention of giving her a musical composition of his mind, rather than paying attention to Hermione 's verbal blowing up.

Too bad a rather large hand on the back of his robes stopped him from progressing any farther forward.

'' You better be going to apologize Harry, '' Hagrid said menacingly.

He shot an incredulous look 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 persist outta her business and life if yer understand me. ''

'' Hagrid what are you deaf ? ! She did to affront you ! '' Ron twirped, for a variety 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 full spot for the fers eld to see me. If that 's what you be referrin'to. ''

'' But what about'Knockturn Alley ? '' He chimed in, coming to Ron 's defense. `` There 's something suspicious about that Hagrid ! ''

Hagrid opened his mouth, but it was Hermione who answered. `` I ca n't believe you two ! You both know that Hagrid frequents that area of ... '' She paused, looking as if she were saying this against her better nature.

'' DoC, '' She finally ground out. `` Frankly it sounds like she was annoyed that you had eavsdropped while talking to mortal she knew. If the Lapplander had happened to me I 'd probably be just as annoyed. ``

Harry stared at her contorted features in shock. 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 experience what your talking about. You should have heard her ... ''

'' Overhear ! ? What 'd ya overhear ? '' Hagrid shot out suddenly, his voice low, a unruffled note of panic in it.

He wrinkled his brow confused. `` Well cipher that made sense but ... ''

'' Then you honest be keepin'that hooey that did n't be making no mother wit to yerself. Yer hear me ? '' Hagrid muttered, shaking his head. `` I 'm so let down in you two I do n't recognise ... Yer know I need to get the first yers. You lot get off to the castle, and so help me if any one of yer bothers her .... ''

The glare he shot them was more than enough to convince Harry. The last thing he needed was to be fed to Grawp.

Then again, feeding Kalliandra to Grawp could solve the whole trouble ...

'' Harry ! Come on ! '' Hermione hissed, grabbing him roughly by the arm to drag him to the nearest carriage. Most of the others were already rolling up towards the palace.

'' So help me you two ! I 've never seen such primitiveness ... ''

He knew full than to cut off her at this decimal point. After all, this was Hermione, and any argument with her was a losing engagement. He had just managed to regain control condition 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 lowest carriage, and suddenly re-lost control of it.

'' I 'm walking, '' He stated bluntly, turning to do just that.

'' Harry you will do no such matter, '' Hermione grunted, grabbing his arm with surprising forcefulness for a girl her size. He glanced down at the abominable grip she had on him, and pondered how furious she would be if he broke free.

Before he had prison term 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 only 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 rump. ``

'' I 'm a what ? '' He hissed dangerously.

Her center darted up quickly, looking almost abashed. Her voice, however, was filled with disdain.

'' Hearing thing, Potter ? ``

He felt as if he had just been slapped, so contradictory were the emotions her font and voice conveyed. Shaking his top dog, he shoved the sudden falter to reason aside.

'' I do n't generally make a habit out of hearing things, '' He finally ground out, taking a seat side by side to Ron grudgingly.

She inclined an eyebrow disbelievingly. `` trusted you do n't, '' She responded, not bothering to mask her sarcasm.

He practically growled, knowing wax well what she was referring to.

'' You 're having a really arduous prison term letting that go, are n't you ? '' He spat out scathingly.

'' I 'll let it go when I get an excuse. ``

He visibly bristled. `` For what ! ? ``

Kalliandra 's facial expression instantly soured. `` For eavesdropping on me, that 's what. ``

He suppressed the sudden itch to squeeze her out of the coach. In fact, the only affair stopping him was the fact that he 'd receive to accomplish over Hermione to action it.

'' well forgive me, '' He hissed acidly. `` Next clip I see you wandering down an alley full phase of the moon of dark sensation I 'll just leave you to them. I did n't realize how well acquainted you already were with ... ''

'' So your gens '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 see out the window.

Hermione 's hilltop creased, her lips forming into a determined scowl at the girl 's apparent lack of interest.

Harry smirked, leaned back, and crossed his arms, preparing for the display.

'' wellspring Kalliandra, how was your live week of summer ? '' Hermione pressed.

'' Rigorous. ''

Hermione shot him a look, to which he smirked like a jackal. Ron was far LE subtle, and simply mouthed, So what now, sensation ?

Hermione 's look hardened into one of gruesome determination.

'' So what course of instruction are you taking ? ``

The daughter heaved a great sigh. `` Too many. ``

Hermione 's mouth opened, as if appalled at the female child 's lack of interest in schooling. And just as Harry began an internal victory jig, flashing a celebratory smirk at Ron, the girl 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 incertain. `` At least, that 's what the schoolmaster mentioned. ``

Hermione 's agape mouth slowly closed, a slow smile creeping across her face.

flashing them a smug tone, she started talking. `` antediluvian runic letter is actually jolly fascinating. It 's a lot like learning to understand another nomenclature. In fact, it 's my favorite subject. ''

At this proclamation Kaylens actually looked thoughtful. `` I think mine will be caution of Magical Creatures. Hagrid 's been showing me a lot of the brute he works with over the past few week. The thestrals are my favorite so far ... ''

'' Thestrals ? '' Ron snorted derisively, earning a reproving look from Hermione. `` What are you, a sadist ? ''

Hermione 's mouth opened in protestation, apparently too scandalize for Bible as her inevitable retort failed to get along Forth.

Kalliandra 's expression immediately grew stony. `` Perhaps you should learn a thing or two about them before you start flinging insult. ``

'' 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 order to care something, I 'm pretty sure that 's derogatory to the something in enquiry. ``

Ron waved a hand dismissively. `` As if thestrals would care. ``

'' You 'd be surprised. They hate being insulted. ''

'' That 's Hippogriffs you idiot. ''

Hermione made a choking 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 pain in the neck. Why in the hell did Hermione throw to break up this bearing ...

He gazed longingly out the open door hatch. He knew perfectly well that if he got out and walked, that he would escape the categorization, and he had already learned the hard way what happened to mass when they walked into that late.

Too bad. The drive up to Hogwarts was usually so enjoyable. `` So who on Earth taught you that rubbish ? ''

'' Hagrid, '' She hissed dangerously.

'' piece of ass this, '' Ron suddenly announced. `` I refuse to stay on in the carriage with her. ''

He stood, only for Hermione to yank him down. Ron opened his mouth, an angry protest 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 friend ? ''

'' Just. Let. It. Go. '' Harry growled, hating the foiled look Hermione shot him each clock time the incident was brought up.

She glared at him. `` Gladly. ''

'' Fine. ''

'' fine ! ''

rightfulness then the carriage moved with a mighty lurch, and not another word was spoken by any of the carriage 's dweller.

Harry stared out the window, contemplating. No one would get as furious as Kaylens had over the incident. Not if it had just been a conversation about something trivial ...

What was she hiding ?

Not soon enough for his liking, the convoy came to a arrest outside the rook 's enormous entryway. And without a word, he and Ron jumped out, dry dirt stirring around their step as they met the crowd of students rushing to the Great Hall.
* * * * *


'' Well, that certainly could have gone better, '' Hermione stated, rueful gaze following her two friends out the carriage door.

Letting out a tense hint she had not even realized she was holding, Kally felt herself nodding in acquiescence. `` No kidding, '' she remarked dryly. Still, she could n't serve but palpate a tiny, justified surge of indignation. That girl 's champion had jumped into the equipage right as she had been trying to contact Remus.

Being in the sorcerous man, knowing following to nothing about it, had felt overwhelming before. But now, on her way to being surrounded by competent hag and wizards twenty four - seven, that overwhelming opinion was beginning to take fire into something far closer to panic.

She was n't sure she could pull this off. She was n't sure at all.

Hermione released an exhausted sounding seeing red, breaking her from her thoughts. `` Please bang, I 'm not trying to criticise you, '' she said carefully, `` but you could give birth made things a little well-off. Particularly since this whole misunderstanding seems to be over something extremely niggling. ''

Rising from her butt and stepping out of the carriage, her feet sinking into the light soil, Kally heard herself saying very quietly, `` You 're right. ``

And even though she was not looking at Hermione, she could practically feel the eye rolling going on behind her.

Silently they joined the throng of bookman making their way up the palace 's entryway. That was until Hermione began asking inquiry again.

'' Do you know if you are being sorted with the balance of the initiative years ? ``

Nearly tripping over a kid belittled enough to have been a number 1 year, Kally nodded mechanically. `` Unfortunately. ``

A reflective frown crossed the brunet 's fount. `` You do n't vocalize excited. ``

Throwing a contrary glance the young lady 's way, Kally asked, `` Would you be ? I 'm going to stick out. ``

Mounting the entryway stairs simultaneously, she saw the corner of Hermione 's mouth 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 let been a smile to cross her feature of speech. `` They really are nice if you give them the chance. ``

Somehow she felt severely doubtful about that, but something of her intellection must sustain shown on her feature of speech, because Hermione was interjecting before she could even formulate a response.

'' We did n't get along at first either, '' Hermione said, their feet reaching the top. `` To be blunt, it took a troll trying to film my head off for us to begin getting along. ''

Kally stumbled, her hazel tree eyes darting over to the girl with something akin to horror dancing with them. `` What ? ''

Now there was no mistaking it. Hermione really did look amused. The young woman smiled at her, chuckling slightly. `` Like I said, turn over them a chance. ``

She could n't help it. Despite all her travail to the wayward, a smothered choking strait emerged from her throat.

Hermione simply grinned harder, shaking her straits. `` Honestly, '' she laughed, glancing around the rapidly emptying entry hall, `` do you require me to wait with you until the number one age get here so you 're not ... ''

'' Ms. Kaylens is quite capable of waiting alone Ms. farmer. And if you delay any longer it will be 20 points from Gryffindor. ``

The voice had come from directly behind them, the force of it muted by the echoing of shake up chatter from students trying to ram through the Great manse '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 impossible it would be for her to ever gain competence in Potions.

As such, she stopped immediately, spinning on her heel. Hermione simply quirked an eyebrow before continuing off to join the balance of the students.

Snape 's dark middle lowered, eyeing her appraisingly. `` I trust you are remembering discretion. Particularly where educatee like Ms. farmer are concerned. Some tend to be too snoopy for their own good. ``

Heaving a sigh, Kally nodded. `` I 'll remember. ''

He glowered at her for another second, before nodding curtly. `` Remember, I 'll be seeing you in detainment all this week. ''

She heaved another sigh. Upon their initial group meeting she had had the unfortunate luck to inadvertently insult the man, by asking if he were a lamia. In fact, all she has said was that he looked like one of the animal of the Night from her Defense Against the Dark Art 's textbook they had given her to read. And considering that Hagrid was a titan, another species mentioned in the book, she had n't thought it too excessive to assume that a vampire could be teaching at Hogwarts as well.

Unfortunately Snape had n't taken her interrogation lightly, and had immediately began ranting and raving about how he most certainly did not harbor a deep-seeded profligate lust for the living.

And for some unfortunate, and suicidal rationality, 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 kids, all twittering loudly with no signs of stopping.

She groaned, barely hearing Professor McGonagall 's speech. Somehow she found herself following the Deputy fancy woman through freshly polished oak doors into the Great Radclyffe Hall.

The eyes of every kickoff year immediately turned upwards, to the left wing, to the right, and in every other plausible direction, unable to balk taking in their new surroundings.

The pressing of a hundred brace of eyes burrowed into her, and she stared pointedly forward, looking over the crowd of dwarf to where Hagrid sat, flashing a warm smile in her commission.

Maybe he can help me escape afterwards, she thought hopefully, coming to a hitch at the battlefront of the enormous room. respective of the dwarf around her tensed up, scattered whispering passing through the crew about fighting a troll ...

What on Earth is that about, she wondered curiously, spotting the hat Remus had told her about.

McGonagall turned to face up the entire elbow room.

'' When I call your name, step forward, place the hat upon your head, and the sorting will begin. ''

With that, she sat the hat upon a dinge old stool, the sorting hat 's brim opened wide, and the vocalizing began.
* * * * *


'' Slytherin ... ''

'' Ron if you say that one more fourth dimension ... ''

'' Hermione you saw how vile she was ! ''

'' She is not wretched ! '' Hermione hissed back dangerously, being careful to save her voice lowered. `` Nervous, yes. Vile, no. ``

'' You can not evidence me that there is not something inherently sinister about her, '' Ron challenged. `` Something 's not right there. She 's going to thread up an evil Slytherin, probably waiting to ... ''

Before Ron could embark further along his psychological road trip, Hermione cut him off tiredly. `` Just because someone is in Slytherin does not gain them inherently evil, Ronald. ''

'' Hermione how can you say that ! '' He bristled, clearly having trouble keeping his interpreter down as the first years and the content of their argument walked past times.

Hermione 's face visibly tensed, and Harry could severalise she did n't fully believe what she was saying. `` You ca n't pidgeon hole an entire mansion. Besides, Slytherins are goal 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 neighbourhood could hear, Harry thought, suppressing a groan. He should have known the peace between those two could n't lastly longer than the geartrain 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 peace to last ?

'' Mione ... ''

'' Ronald ... ''

'' Will you two rap it off ! The hats about to sing and I actually want to hear what it says. '' Ginny cut in. Harry made a mental preeminence to thank her for distracting their disputing supporter later, and quickly turned his attention to the hat. He had always enjoyed the categorization, but after concluding year ... Well, knowing that the hat was sworn to forewarn the students and teachers of peril made him a bit more attentive this year.

The had opened it 's rim across-the-board.

Divided, but once united,
That's how our chronicle begins,
quaternion houses founded by four Quaker
Yet I fear that such variance shall impart about our end.

In antediluvian sentence the best of champion
Came knocking on the door,
Of Ravenclaw and Slytherin,
Then Hufflepuff went to Gryffindor.

Lets make a schooltime of learning,
For all those of magic to assist,
Yet somehow the border on three could not fit,
On what calibre to champion.

Lets teach only those of wit and encyclopaedism,
Possessing the most ready minds of all.
Those had been the poignant Bible,
Of once fair Ravenclaw.

Proud Slytherin prized ambition,
Possessing purity of blood and cunning,
His pupils would stop at nothing,
Until they got what they saw fit to their coming.

And then were the bravest,
Those nervy with noble boldness,
bold Gryffindor chose them,
As to the highest degree worthy of magical encyclopaedism.

Hufflepuff loved her ally,
And accepted them as they were.
She let them each create a house,
In which their prized were learn and bring up.

And as for sweetly Hufflepuff,
She agreed to take the rest,
Yet somehow part did not set well,
ace to her, seemed best.

So when the founders sewed me,
And left me on my pot,
She stole me in the dead of night,
And bestowed me with a shaft,
Of knowing when the sentence was right,
For the sorting ritual to end.
She said one day division may cause strife,
And she feared for the wizardly humankind.
For all her spirit,
She had feared the division in sight,
But never more,
Than when the friendly relationship failed,
Of the innovation IV.

Slytherin was the first to leave,
Purity of blood his choice,
I 'm disgraced by teaching Muggle Born !
He yelled, strong belief in his interpreter.

Next left bold Gryffindor,
He felt the calling of adventure,
Rather than the heroic plea,
Of failing loyalties in motivation of suture.

finally left once-fair Ravenclaw,
Who once prized justice and encyclopedism,
She left because she said,
That teaching the former pupils had got too oil production.

And alone stood cherubic Hufflepuff,
The heady of them all,
Because she never would heed,
Alluring temptations cry.

I see the wisdom of her choice,
Why she chose to assume them all,
And now understand,
That its fruitless to carve up you at all.

So while it deeply saddens me,
To see my end in mess,
The sorting ceremony ends,
right field now, rightfulness here, This night.


Harry stared at the stool, trying vainly to march what he had just heard. At least he had been right in thinking it was important to pay attention this twelvemonth, because apparently that was the hold out Sung dynasty the classification hat would ever whistle.

He cast a cursory glance towards Hermione, sitting adjacent to him on the work bench, but her brownish eyes were wide and fixated up front. He could just imagine what was going through her head rightfulness then, because chances 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 purloin suspicion that she had the unanimous book committed to memory.

The abnormal silence filled the Great Hall like a thick fog, so thickset he could almost experience it closing around him.

McGonagall seemed caught between slapping the hat and looking to Dumbledore for instructions, and her hand moved cautiously towards the hat 's brim, only for it to quickly cringe as if the hat had grown fang. This odd, twitching apparent motion was punctuated by sharp turns of her head as she looked right at Dumbledore, who to Harry 's surprisal, looking genuinely amused.

Snape on the former script looked quite inconvienced, his mouth had puckered so tightly that his lips seemed more semitransparent than Nearly Headless Nick 's.

Apparently, they had not been expecting this.

Snape however, did n't seem to require to take it, and he had already stood and started storming from his place at the instructor 's table, clearly headed for the sorting hat 's stool itself.

'' Excuse me Minerva. '' Snape muttered, his low note clearly hearable in the unearthly silence. His farseeing digit snatched the hat up and onto his head in a ace fluid apparent motion, his font contorted in concentration as if conducting some clever argument.

Clever logical argument from Snape ? No ... unsufferable, he thought, watching his Potions teacher with interest for the first clock time in five years.

Apparently he was redress about Snape 's inability to conduct an effective line, because a present moment later Snape had flung the hat back onto it 's dejection, muttering about how it was a dirty, trash-ridden musical composition of fading fabric destined for a Muggle refuse shit.

It was a mark of how dangerous the state of affairs was, that not a soul at the Gyffindor table laughed.

Harry could n't help but notice how Snape was testingly running his finger's breadth through his oleaginous disastrous hair, looking at his hands after each swipe, as if searching for proof of something.

Every Gryffindor had a nobble suspicion that the hat had just called him a greasy slime nut.

Ron Weasley was just the first to say it.

'' methamphetamine one up for the categorization hat for insulting Snape ! '' Ron whispered triumphantly, all heads within earreach turning towards him.

Apparently that was the signaling everyone had been waiting for, because suddenly a delirium of bodily function broke out at the Gryffindor mesa, and a chain chemical reaction of noise bed covering until the scent grade was almost deafening. The uncategorised first years looked positively terrified, as if frightened of being sent home if unsortable, and they alone seemed the solely I still rendered speechless.

'' I mean did I just hear that right ? '' Ron asked, heart alight with excitement he did not share.

Harry just nodded, watching the Professor 's re-group.

Professor Flitwick slid from his seat, and every so often Harry could catch a glance of the top of his chief over the instructor 's tabular array, as the small man jumped up and down, vying for Dumbledore 's attending.

'' Oh my God did the sorting hat just throw in ? '' 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 commemorate ? How it warned us final class ? ''

'' It did n't discourage us that it might go on strike Ireland man ! ''

'' Who you calling Ireland man ? ''

'' shiver Seamus, doyen 's just kidding, are n't you Dean ? '' Ginny 's calm vocalism somehow filtered through the ruckus.

'' I ca n't conceive this ! Never, in all of Hogwarts a chronicle did it ever report the Sorting Hat doing anything even remotely close to this ... '' Hermione was in her element, and he silently congratulated himself on how well he knew his friend. `` 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 captive in her dictation to see what he heard.

'' Do you think we should just try sorting them anyway, Albus ? '' Professor McGonagall asked, casting an almost beseeching glance at the group of foremost years, who seemed to shrink away from her regard.

Professor Dumbledore, looking vaguely amused, patted Professor Flitwick on the drumhead as he mulled this over. For his part the Charm 's prof stopped bouncing around like a firefly on swiftness, and his low drumhead disappeared beneath the staff table.

'' We 'll be needing a voluntary though ... '' McGonagall stated rhetorically, scanning the list of bookman epithet with an uncharacteristic smell of uncertainty, talking out loud but absently. `` If any of the firstly years would like to try to get sort ... ''

His Head of menage was too preoccupied, and she missed what he did not miscarry to point out.

A certain golden haired girlfriend had overhead the Professor 's doubt, and after casting a glance at the distraught small fry around her, had woven her way through the cowering first years. She now stood besides the stool, her delicate hand grasping the top of the hat as she lifted it from its chair, plopping it upon her head. The teacher around her were completely oblivious to her actions.

Her flabby, angular features relaxed, as if immersed in placid conversation. And as she sat there, immersed in a silent conversation to which only she was privy to, Dumbledore pointed a wand to his throat, murmuration, `` heavy ''.

A second later the headmaster 's magically amplified voice echoed throughout the Great anteroom, as it had on only one former function.

'' SIIIILLLLEEEENNNCCCE ! ''

Every mortal who had been excitedly talking, including several of the neural looking first old age, 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 fecal matter, the offending hat placed atop her fountainhead.

'' Apparently the sorting hat has decided that it is no longer able to, in good witting, mathematical function as a family sorter. However, we shall stimulate this sorted out. '' Dumbledore winked, the pun on words sounding almost instinctive coming from him. Yet Harry just stared in fascination at Kaylens, who seemed to be nodding quietly to herself. `` Now I would like the speed eld to persist here for dinner, and I would like the initiative years to come 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 clip, her hazel centre flickering open as she removed the hat, placing it back upon the feces. All eyes were upon the hat except his, so he was the simply one to see the rarefied grin crossbreeding her feature film as the sorting hat opened its brim for the second prison term that night.

'' Let the sorting now begin. ''



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