A office monastic order of the Phoenix, pre-Half Blood Prince taradiddle.

Please conceive this a transposition of the sixth book, since it was begun well before the release of the half Blood Prince. I will not be changing this to adapt the HBP plotline, since I feel that the Order of the Phoenix leaves a outstanding arcdegree of flexibility for fan-fiction writers.

Thank you to all of the readers who have supported me throughout the writing of this piece.
I can not utter my gratitude enough to all of you who have made me the Number 1 Favorite writer, and this tale the act 2 ducky fib, the 7th Most Read floor, the Most Reviewed storey Ever in the site 's story, and for several months between August and early on Nov of 2005 the phone number 1 Favorite Story.







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






Chapter 1 ~ Lightning Strikes


Remus'eyes narrowed, peering through the chummy onslaught as pelting pelted the Earth. He continued walking, not breaking formation even as piss sloshed about his mud-soaked ankles, chilling him to the bone.

Moving was becoming increasingly difficult and the wooden-headed fleece of his cloak clung awkwardly to his icy skin. He wished he had possessed the foresight to don a light-colored one, for moving certainly would give been prosperous.

But there had been little sentence to think on such details.

His centre burned, the burn adept growing until terrible rent streamed down his facial expression, his salty tears mixing with the rain before they reached his lips, leaving the taste of common salt water upon his tongue.

The bite hotshot grew speculative. It happened whenever his rod cells multiplied, and right now the craze going on just behind his retinas was aiding him, bringing into stark pore the destruction of the night.

Cloaked images came to life, the moonless dark no longer a factor as white-haired ikon danced before him with spiritual clarity. It was the one belittled talent his monthly burden afforded him.

Nox vision.

His eyes turned from the worldly concern around him, flicking towards the blackened sky, noting the new moon. He had a span weeks before the pain in his bones returned.

Tonks fell into step besides him, giving an involuntary shudder, and he caught her arm, helping her over another of the utter before she could trip. Her eyes were still bloodshot from the cobbler's last clip it had happened.

She nodded thanks and they continued their sneaky search. They dared not Light Within their paths for fear of giving away their billet. 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 scope had not been found in England for one C. And the foul and foul Death eater would go to any lengths to find one. The grounds lay at their understructure, and he was thankful that the deep darkness spared Tonks from seeing the wax extent of tonight 's destruction. Only he could bear witness to its full phase of the moon revulsion.

Five Muggles had been slain this dark. Their torn and torn bodies long since passed. There was zilch even the best of healers could do. All that was left was to peck through the massacre, hoping against hope that a soul had survived.

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

The past weeks had brought a mountain of execution. No ... butchery ...

This was his 7th such search that month alone, and still the stench of sear textile and cauterise flesh reeled him.

Muggle kinsfolk were being polluted with the filth of Voldemort. And despite the Order 's serious efforts, they had been powerless to stop it.

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

Remus bent down, grasping her around the waistline as he helped her rise. In the oestrus of conflict she was fiery, unaffected by the horrors of fallen comrades. He had seen her ability to block such things out firsthand in the section of enigma. But now, in the aftermath of something she had no ascendence over, the steely glint was gone from her center, her purposeful stride lost.

He pulled her forward, feeling her eye linger upon the suppress skull of a man barely younger than herself. He could sense its gist on her as she quivered in his arms. He wished to spare her further worrying, but they had to persist in.

'' Do you think when he is at the gate of underworld he will still believe it was deserving it ? '' She whispered shakily.

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

The sick of dickhead would pay. God did not let someone get away with such atrocities without requital. And he would see to that.

The Dark Divine had a new scheme. Snape had informed the Order workweek ago, but even now he still found it abyssal, for the vile being was no longer subject to experiment with magic.

No ... Now he was experimenting with wizardly tool.

And people…

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

If the thought of an even hard night Divine was n't enough to frighten someone, Remus did n't know what was. But that fear did nothing to quell his barely contained fury.

It was common noesis that when emotions ran high, crone and sensation often lost control. Hell, he had lost numeration of how many sentence Harry had done exactly that.

Only now the end eater were using a Reach 's emotions against them. The hooded figures had crept in the shadowiness of night from base to home over the by workweek, killing each nominee 's kinfolk right in front of them. Their aim was to raise an emotional response, one strong enough to reveal the range 's unfeigned potential drop.

It sickened him, how the iniquity Lord could kill so many innocent, just to flush the Reach out of hiding.

But what was even more sickening was the dark Lord 's plans for the poor individual once they were found.

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

He could only hope that if there were a Reach, that they would find out them first. Because while charming ability was now sympathize, a scope was not.

near witches and wizards developed charming ability at a vernal age. Though there were always the few destined to become Squibs, and there were always a few who developed it later on in aliveness, in their teens. It had turned out that magical ability stemmed from a prevailing cistron, linked to the factor specifying profligate type. And the genetical code Muggles possessed only differed by a few base, so it was slow for the mutation to come up randomly in Muggles, thus Muggleborns.

But a Reach was not a witch or wizard, they were not a Squib or a tardily blooming conjurer.

They were something different entirely.

When their wizard prowess came to fruition, the same system that alerted the Headmaster to the presence of a new witch or wizard would go off.

Tonight that system had gone haywire. It had been slowly register readings for the past five months.

Now it was going off again.

There was a individual out there holding more than power than they could properly exert.

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

The wretched son of a bitch.

Instinctively his arm snap out, halting Tonks roughly in place, his flesh out centre roamed, scanning the ground of what had once been an ordinary home set far away from the major roads. Now part floorboards littered the muddied undercoat, while smoke from the soak flaming curled up in ophidian like tendrils, shrouding the earth from scene. Yet his eyes penetrated its veil, searching for the spark of crusade that had frozen him in place.

He clenched his fingers tighter around the fellow worn oak of his wand, bracing himself for whatever blast would come.

None came.

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

He withdrew his arm, placing a finger carefully over Tonks'icy lips, signaling her to be tacit. The only sign of her mix-up was the light crease of her brow. She would, of course of instruction, have no estimation what he was looking for. Her hearing was not as refined as his.

But lycanthrope bites did things like that to a somebody.

It came again, a low, strangled moan, and he took off, rushing towards the source. No attacker could feign that kind of pain in the ass.

He skidded, flinging rocks in the air as he bent down beside her. The pass water she was feebly pushing herself out of was a deep black, filled with the descent of her and the lifeless man besides her. Her body spasmed with each choking hack writer as she coughed up inhale water, her eyes glazed over from what he recognized as shock.

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

Tonks reached them, murmuring soothing words as she smoothed the missy mud caked pilus away from her face, chocolate-brown water emerging from her lips as another round of drinks of muscle spasm racked her trunk violently.

He took her appearing in, another nonvoluntary spasm shaking her. rupture shards of what had once been clothing hung lightly from her, and the debris and dust sticking to her wet human face made her feature article impossible to discern.

He did n't live whether to praise the heavens or curse them as he and Tonks exchanged a meaningful glance. They had to get her rear to home base before something worse happened. Her articulatio humeri was in desperate need of suturing, and God only knew what else the bastards had done to her before leaving her for dead.

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

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


The rain poured down in insensate torrents as Harry shouldered his ling, sprinting after Kingsley through the fast forming puddle of Greater London 's city streets. It was coming down in bucketful now, and if he had thought flying through the torrential waterspout had been bad it was nix compared to the pound of his feet on the foxy pavement.

Helen Wills 's guttural growl sounded off to his right, not that he could see him, the rain was too thick to see much of anything. skag clapped, shaking him to the effect, and the lightning flashed shockingly, illuminating the surface area to unwrap parliamentary procedure members running in rank and file around him, splashing water as they went.

5 of them had shown up at the Dursleys barely an 60 minutes ago, reminding him of that night, barely a year ago, when an accompaniment squad had shown up in the Dursley 's kitchen to whisk him away to Grimmauld blank space.

Only this night was different.

hope of meeting with Tonks and Lupin in British capital were hissed quickly as Kingsley and Moody levitated his things, cramming them hastily into his proboscis, and he had not missed how McGonagall 's middle had roamed the room guardedly. Even stern, steadfast McGonagall was frightened.

Tonight truly was different.

He blinked rapidly, trying vainly to extract the urine cascading into his eyes, but it was to no service. His glasses were too thickly coated with rain droplets, and he desperately racked his nous for the spell Hermione used to repel body of water. For his sceptre was out, and he could use it. The Ministry had removed the order for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry that summer. Dumbledore had headed up the motion, arguing that the getting even of Voldemort endangered beldame and wiz of all age, and that in the event of an fire, students should be free to fight down themselves without the concern of repercussions.

The empty lot materialized between two run down mansion, and he looked quickly at the small miscue of sopping wet newspaper publisher dripping from his manus, hesitant to ignore his surroundings for even a second when the foreboding fright of attack hung so densely about him.

He read it silently before looking up. The run down magic home, in the thick of Muggle London, now stood revealed to him.

Grimmauld Place.

Lupin materialized at the top of the screaky wooden stairs looking worse for the wearable. His normally threadbare clothing was now ragged and blood stained, his eyes hollow and sunken, holding the expression of prey that knew its predator to be near.

Harry stepped through the doorway, stomping his feet on the shaggy rug, slinging mud everywhere as the others piled in. He swallowed the lump in the radical of his throat, pulling his eyes from the muddy base, forcing himself to take in his milieu. A man named Dorbert Cheeks could be heard triggering the complicated lockup tour on the front doorway.

A loud gravy reverberated through the house, shaking the walls as indistinct vocalization argued in the space. Yet this did not bother him. Even his curiosity as to why he had been pulled so untimely from his bed could not scoop the despair that had hit him like a bludger. In the oestrus of the race they had ran he had forgotten one matter.

That they were taking him to Sirius's…

This house had never been joyful, but now it seemed a hollow shell of what could have been. It stood as a painful admonisher of the scratching of a aliveness that he and his godfather could feature salvaged. But that life was gone now.

War brought casualties, injured party brought painfulness, and nuisance brought vacancy.

That was how he had felt since that night. Empty. There was zippo that could fill the nihility. Not even the impending brat of facing Voldemort in class to get could nominate him feel anything but despair again.

Mundungus cleared his throat, turning all headway towards him as he beckoned for everyone to quietly nominate their way to an butt room. He followed, his sopping wet clothes weighing him down with every pace he took. But nothing could press him down as much as the computer memory ... As much as the onus haunting him ... The one they should induce told him ...

Realization hit him hard, like sudden immersion into the icy waters 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 backtalk 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 make a divergence ...

But even if they had told him, right then, it would n't own mattered. There was no way any of them could have got known what would materialize from that nighttime 's case. At least not yet ... None of them were seeing past their need to get him to a secure location, so they could not sustain known that the night marked a turning item in his living, as well as in the life of the merely survivor of Voldemort 's first wave of flak.

The war had begun.
* * * * *


Throbbing pain ... Blood ... Cries of pain ....

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

Dim voices filtered into her thoughts, her sleep befuddled creative thinker protesting strongly as it failed to dig a I Word of God.

'' ... has a opportunity. ''

flashbulb of light ... .flame ... Coughing smoke ... squeal of tire ... .Sean ....

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

Voices that were oblivious to her awakening. vocalism oblivious to the way her consistency recoiled in pain. voice oblivious to how her eye teared from the bright sun pouring in from the windows of the doomed room. vox oblivious to how she clawed like a frightened animal at the heavyset comforter wrapped around her baste and bruised torso.

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 knife, slicing her peel in a way the worst of the fired patch could not have.

She had done the unthinkable ....

New waves of infliction poured Forth River, her imaginativeness swimming dangerously with each pulsating annoyance her body dealt. She would experience cried out, but the crusade would take been too often for her delicate descriptor. Instead she drew in annoy breathing spell until her body gave out, the sound of a room access creak and a boastfully, dismal word form standing over her vaguely registered before she once again slipped into merciful oblivion.
* * * * *


The pipe dream were always the same ....

For nearly a month she had refused to succumb to the nightly torments. She was stronger than that. She would not miss herself to the world of nightmares, even if the books she had read on such things deemed that a more merciful fate than the one the wizarding world 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 month since Dumbledore had explained everything to her. Nearly a calendar month since she had vowed to find some colour of a normal life. She wanted that more then anything, so bad she could sample it. But she would never be pattern.

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

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

She drew in a shallow breathing time, letting her sobs subside slowly before Hagrid could hear. She had dreamt about it again. About that night. Visions of blood and shrill sidesplitter had filled her mind 's eye each night since as she dreamt about their title ...

Her deeds ...

She wiped the lingering tears that clung to her eyelash, 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 character of her being. That a good deal was the least of what she deserved.

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

And the ones who had started it all ...

They deserved so much worse.

Everything good and pure in her aliveness had been gone for calendar week. It was with a cold pellucidity that she realized this. For now she lived for one aim, and one intent alone.

retaliation.
* * * * *


Harry lay on the top bunk staring at the roof, watching the way shadows played across it as light from passing car headlight shone in through the window. Ron 's loudly snores 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 smack his Friend senseless with his pillow.

He sighed loudly, wondering when it was all going to end. Each day the Daily oracle brought news of to a greater extent killings, more unexplained disappearance, and of More war. For various hebdomad he and Ron had been catching tidbits of information, slip ups by the grownup in Grimmauld Place, and right now it sounded like the Ministry was in rank havoc. Not that he minded that fact. Anything that made Fudge 's job harder amused him immensely. What he did mind was the reason for the mayhem, and that was Voldemort.

Voldemort. It was odd really, how one somebody could be the cause of so often demise and destruction. No one should have that much power, he thought bitterly, thinking of the bell that the Muggle deaths were taking on Mr. Weasley, Ron 's begetter.

Mr. Weasley was the soul employee in the misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department, and recently, with the nisus on resource in the Ministry, it had come to double as the department of Muggle intercourse. Now Mr. Weasley spent half his time performing memory magic spell on Muggle law enforcement, to cover up the destruction of Muggles who had been murdered by Death feeder. Now every fourth dimension Harry saw Mr. Weasley, all the man could talk about were unlike possible strategies for protecting the Muggle population.

Now if only a undecomposed strategy actually existed.

He rolled restlessly, spying Hedwig 's gleaming eyes in the darkness. She hooted softly in quotation, and he smiled in the nighttime despite his black thoughts.

retentiveness plagued him every meter he closed his eyes now. The section of Mysteries ... It was why he now lay awake.

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

Hermione had nearly been killed.

Sirius had ... ..

He shoved the thought aside, re-vowing that it would never happen again.

The john was in figuring out how.

To protect them, he had tried to blatantly push them away, but they had seen right through that. He had refused to write, and his self-induced closing off ended when both of them showed up at the Dursleys while his relation were on holiday. The two of them set up residency there the integral week, order of magnitude phallus circling the premises like war hawk for security, while his friends 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 distance himself he 'd receive to do it slowly.

Yes. A gradual drifting would be right.

It was with these thoughts in mind, that he drifted off into another night of interrupted nap. If only he could have known then what the next few years would bring.





Disclaimer : The characters, places, names, and events mentioned in this story, that coincide with the persona, places, name, and events mentioned in J.K. Rowling 's Harry Potter series, do not go to me, but to that literary genuis, JKR. Thank you so much for allowing so many of us to pursue writing through fanfiction JKR, we really appreciate it.

The fabulous banner is by SticksN'Stones.

Artwork of Kalliandra by agirlnamedbob87.





'' One may never experience how recollective their candle of biography 's wick is. What they can know, is how well it burns. ''
~ A.K. Sir Alfred Charles Bernard Lovell



Chapter 2 - First imprint


Her oculus flickered over the lake 's glassy Earth's surface, taking in the shimmering musing of the early sunrise cockcrow. The sun was barely risen and the birds still slumbered, but this had become the norm for her over the yesteryear weeks. She simply no longer saw the use in sleeping when guilt plagued her even there.

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

Her hair's-breadth had always been a source of frustration, always in the way, hanging in front of her eyes, driving her instructors crazy. No ponytail ever held for long, for her thick, shining haircloth had a way of worming its way out. It was as if it preferred to be free and untethered.

Kind of like me ...

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

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

Not that she was allowed to show lugubriousness. Emotions were no longer a privilege she had.

She had been warned of the dangers of such things.

Her bare base crunched upon the dewy supergrass, but the too soon good morning chill did not trouble her. She reached into her pocket, fingering the cherry red wooden aerofoil of her wand before pulling it out, studying it appraisingly as she traversed her way across the grounds.

They were odd looking affair really. Long and thinly, and from the flavour of it, easily breakable. She suppressed the sudden urge to do just that, knowing full well that goose egg could be gleaned from such destructive measure.

It would not exchange anything, except her mode, but even that could not be improved measurably by the snapping of her symbolic hell.

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

So in what the odd man had called a slash of breathing in, he had usage designed the one she now bore, forming the core with a lock chamber of her own hair and a pinprick of her own rake. She could n't even recall how many go had to be woven into it.

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

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

Jacob 's ravel now streamed down from the clouds, forming pools of light on the vibrant Mary Jane, giving evidence to the warmth the day would bring.

It was a warmth that would never reach her.

A slightly stronger picnic bore the sound of approaching hooves, and she turned towards the Forbidden Forest, the precis of extension folding into a sawhorse 's skeletal trunk signaled Silverthorne 's arrival.

Silverthorne would be pleased. Now he would not have to hold off for her to vary out of her nightly garments before getting his ferret fix for the day.

She stopped and waited, his gallop growing louder with his rapid plan of attack, and a lowly smile graced her passive mouth. Hagrid and Dumbledore had been as wonderful as they could be, but there was much they kept hidden from her. suspicion informed her of this with every fleeting look they exchanged around her.

Perhaps that knowledge could explain her enmity as of of late. Hagrid was a good man and had not deserved the brunt of her anger the late day. They had been arguing as of latterly. But then again, she deserved to be informed of everything regarding herself. Keeping her in the iniquity could only cause promote harm. This she was convinced of.

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

A creature of the dead. It was one of the more indecorous public figure Thestrals were referred to by, but it explained why she had felt an instantaneous haulage to them while the former animals screeched and howled in her presence.

His teeth glinted in the red hues of the cockcrow and she smiled, pleased with the deal. It should have concerned her, but instinct again told her there was nothing to venerate with him.

At to the lowest degree so long as he gets his morning time bite, she reminded herself with some entertainment, picturing how he would tear through the small fauna 's bone so eagerly.

She smiled again, letting the vexation of yesterday straits. She would apologize to Hagrid later before they reached Diagon Alley to get her 'school'supplying. She used the Christian Bible fleetingly for while she was to attend Hogwarts, she was too far behind to be expected to actually turn in assignments with the rest of the one-sixth years. Instead she was to put up a worthy façade until she gained the knowledge that could avail her.

Then there was the small factor of her being completely unable to incant in the first place.

No one would be the wiser to why she was really there. Dumbledore 's think of stories would not only tick out, but they were even credible to an extent. He would back her if anyone questioned them. That was her lone relief in this entire hell on earth.

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 abysmal to any human, but not to them.

* * * * *



'' I ca n't believe Fred and George, I mean they already got me one set of wearing apparel robe, they did n't ask to do it again. ''

Harry laughed as he watched Ron squirm uncomfortably, the magic tapeline measure flying vertically around his friend 's no longer gangly torso, magically recording the length of his arms, ramification, meridian, and for some odd ground, the space between his ears.

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

'' Well we did n't need them last twelvemonth, '' He pointed out truthfully. `` And we do this yr. So maybe they just felt bad since your emergence spurt rendered your other one unwearable. ''

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

'' Blimey ! observe it ! '' Ron exclaimed, ducking another near hit, his feet entangling in the long frock robes trailing past his invertebrate foot.

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

'' Oww ... bloody ... nettlesome ... ''

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

Of track, he thought lightly, his intimately Ilex paraguariensis might not be muttering the colored metaphors if he could see the tone on the sales clerk 's face ... Or the fact that she was storming over from where she had been attempting to size a first year for his Hogwarts gown, face alit, handwriting on hips, optic narrowed vindictively at the mess Ron lay in.

Right then, with the impeccably bad timing that only Ron could master, his Friend 's red head emerged from the ruffle, a brightly rap tabloid wrapped around it like a shawl, and a sheepish expression on his side as he stammered apologies. The sight must have been too a great deal for the shop assistant, because her mouth twitched, her serious expression faltered, and all pretense of anger vanished as she failed to be discreet about her own amusement.

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

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

'' You know checkmate, I think gentlewoman Maulkin 's got it all legal injury. I think that 's an excellent look for you. conceive of what Hermione would think ... ''

Suddenly he was finding it impossible to make out Ron 's ears from the residual of his tangled mat of tomentum.

'' Oh shut it Harry ! ''

Harry grinned, enjoying his friends momentaneous discomfort. `` Speaking of Hermione ... '' He said, calming down slightly. `` She should be here any minute so perhaps you could ask her for her prepare impression ... ''

A undimmed pinko satin blur flew across the way, and he caught it deftly, holding it out in front of him as he looked at it in mock appraisal. `` Ron, I 'm stirred. But it 's really not my color. You however looked absolutely spiffing in it. ''

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

Now there 's another receive voice ! He thought happily. Leaving the Durselys had been gravid, 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 loud snicker from a certain chuckling redhead tangled in cloth.

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

They really should make memory board more approachable for people his size ... He thought, making a mental note to name the idea to Hermione as Hagrid opened his large mouthpiece.

'' About five minutes ago Harry. And I stand by what I said. '' A mischievous grin formed under Hagrid 's scruffy John Brown whiskers as his centre landed on Ron. `` Hot pink would be clashin'horribly with Ron 's hair. ''

A cheap tearing audio tore his attention back to Ron, and he stifled yet another laugh at the horrified expression on Ron 's face. By all appearances, Ron had attempted to walk from the fitting chopine to where he and Hagrid sat by the windows, only now Ron was staring down at the rend textile hanging raggedly from the hem of his new dress gown.

'' Now that's why you 're supposed to delay put ! '' dame Maulkin snipped, spying the new devastation and waving her baton. The fabric flipped up like a snake, a large goad zooming to mend it. Ron attempted to jump back away from it.

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

Ron did not await relieved at the thought. Of class, the agonise expression might stimulate been from how ma'am Maulkin grabbed him by the nape of his collar and yanked him back to the fitting platform, where she immediately began to mother over the horrific state of his gown.

'' punter fetch up you first since you ca n't stand up still. '' She quipped in her high cant over part. `` And to think that this morning I would have sworn it was the new bookman who gave me the most problem ... ''

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

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

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

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

He nodded, curiosity driving him as he wondered who this Kalliandra part was. moldiness be a first twelvemonth or really young. He was sure he would suffer remembered that public figure at least.

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

Generally there was only one rationality for why Hagrid took anyone to get schooling supplies, and he was all too fellow with such things.

At to the lowest degree Hagrid will show them a good fourth dimension, he mused, remembering his maiden trip to Diagon bowling alley. He opened his mouth to ask if they were from a wizarding or Muggle family, concluding that it must be a first year from the way Hagrid was still babbling on about them.

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

He followed Hagrid 's gaze towards the accommodation room, taking in the relatively busy computer storage when a not unfamiliar sensation hit him like a bludger, his stomach twisting oddly as his eyes landed on a slender flesh, glancing around the memory board hesitantly.

And I thought Hermione looked beneficial in dress robes, he thought, swallowing arduous, berating himself for being distracted. But this daughter was stunning, in an offbeat sort of way. While her features were rather plain, her long, golden dress robe clung loosely to her slender pegleg, with her delicate hands lifting the hem, revealing tanned ankles as she moved towards them.

The hell of it was, she was n't stopping. Ron 's oink was the only thing that kept him from outright gaping as she came to suffer properly by him, biting her lip nervously, eyes directed at Hagrid.

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

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

'' And my help did a fine job Edward Young lady. That colouring material suits you, '' Madam Maulkin chimed out, shocking him back to his skunk. He silently thanked her, and glanced over to see that she was still indeed, judging by his acquaintance 's pained face, torturing Ron.

He shook his brain whimsically at the sight, glancing back at the female child in front of him, thinking that lady Maulkin had a point about the people of colour suiting her. Her dark golden hair cascaded loosely past her shoulders, several shorter strand framing her facial expression, lightly brushing her collar bone. All of it was barely discernable from the silky gown material clinging to her gracile figure.

Briefly he wondered if it were a approving 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 girl was too occupy bickering with him.

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

'' Youffa meanuh uh transforra ? '' Ron 's muffled voice called out from under the cotton cocktail dress Maulkin was vigorously forcing over his head. `` Weff neffa haf uh transsfuh befuh. ''

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

'' You have a very ... great ... head ... '' Maulkin muttered with each subsequent Yankee-Doodle, and Hagrid 's guffaw of laugh drowned out Ron 's umbrageous retort. Harry glanced back at Kalliandra to see her watching the spectacle, a tinge of a smile tracing its way across her lips.

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

Harry turned back to Kalliandra, to see the slight grin that had minute ago graced her features vaporize.

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

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

'' Yev 're had carry-over, jerst fer early firm. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Like a full grown giant in the Wood ...

Or a three headed dog ....

Or a pet dragon ...

Seeing a half monster wriggle beneath one 's regard would normally be quite a suspect occurrent, but it simply made Harry nervous as Hagrid continued shuffling his feet, mumbling about right introductions, while the girl remained extremely tranquility.

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

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

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

It was a shock he had been ill prepared for, for her eyes held a trace of the familiar… So closely consanguineal to the haunted look of Canicula'that he felt himself shaken to the core at the indecorum.

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Yes, you 're probably right ... '' She said faintly, her voice so soft he scarcely heard her. Though her surprisingly gentle intonations did nothing to lay off the coarse quality of her glare as her constrict heart followed Hagrid 's retreating form. In fact, she was still shooting daggers out the threshold as the supporter yanked her over to the open fitting platform besides Ron seconds later.

Harry decided not to dwell on the expression he had seen, the one so painfully familiar to Sirius. It had probably been his imagination, so he contented himself with trying to make up one's mind which of the two looked more disgruntled. Kalliandra kept shutting her eyes, as if frightened by the enthrall tape quantity flicking around her promontory, while Ron kept shooting frown at Madam Maulkin.

'' You know we 've never had a transport before. At to the lowest degree not one that I can remember, powerful Harry ? '' Ron stated, glaring down at Maulkin as she marked his turnup with chalk, determining the length of his sleeve.

He was about to tally when Kalliandra cut him off.

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

The assistant flicked her wand, shortening Kalliandra 's robes slightly. It was all Harry could do to avoid cursing the assistant. Girl 's gown should get no shorter ...

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

Harry found that oddly comical, considering that Ron had been ducking the very affair himself, but at least his friend had not been standing chalk still like a deer in headlamp.

Kalliandra had though.

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

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

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

He had to include Ron had a percentage point, she did not seem very personable, and did not look too arouse 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 minutes passed, the inapt silence broken only be Ron 's random outbursts of displeasure, and Kalliandra 's quiet reply to the helper 's questions. Unsurprisingly she was the world-class one done, and he found himself having a hard time not staring at her now that the dress robe were completely fitted around her form. The matter was posh, graceful, and practically form fitting ...

'' Hey how occur she got done so quick ? '' Ron asked indignantly, as Kalliandra made her way back to the changing way, the bottom of her dress robe gathered in her hands 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 floor, using her scepter to give shaver accommodation to the hem of Ron 's robe.

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

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

'' ahem. ''

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

Come to think of it, Ron seemed to be making disgusted faces as well.

Harry failed to deliver the hazard to so much as shrug in response to Ron 's repulsive like gestures in the girl 's direction, before a lull clatter broke the relative silence of the room. He turned to see Kalliandra squatting down on the floor, picking up tiny PIN number in her hands.

The bemused assistant stood behind the counter, bearing a thin grin. `` Oh honey, thank you, but do n't concern about that. I 'm as incompetent as can be ... '' The assistant flicked her wand and the picayune pins scattered all over the place disappeared, reappearing into the pin cushion held in Kalliandra 's helping hand.

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

He did n't fail to notice it.

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

There was no fourth dimension to follow that absurd train of thought, for Kalliandra had already stood, thanked the womanhood, and disappeared out the front entrance with her bag.

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

Ron was veracious, she was supposed to wait for Hagrid. Harry hesitated a moment, an interior debate waging until oddment got the in force of him. Wasting no more time he jumped from his posterior and went after her.

He wanted to see where she was going.











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







Chapter 3 ~ Entangled World Wide Web



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

To the nitty-gritty she had been undeniably, inexplicably, shaken. And all because of a scattered pile of thole upon the flooring of a garment shop, and her own miserable attack to rectify a salesclerk 's clumsiness.

Magic.

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

The Sooner she became accustomed the better.

She could not give to be seen or discovered for what she really was, for in all her incompetence in the craft that made this veiled domain of sorcery tucket, she would be left naked and exposed, the consequence of what had lain both within and far flung from her grasps unthinkable.

Butchered for who she was… The theory was nothing lupus erythematosus than she deserved, for one such as herself should not be allowed to walk upon the bustling streets, the feel of the most luminescent of the heavens'orbs warming her skin, the light clatter of pebbles being kicked askew and the laugh of baby ringing within the corner of her auditive senses.

No. There were others who deserved such exclusive right far more than she, though they now lay where the sun could no longer accomplish their frigid someone. And with them, lay the semblance of who she had once been.

She had died the same day they had succumbed, despite the rhythmic hammer within her dresser.

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

She was going to obtain out.

It was why she had left, fleeing in hope of traversing her way through the densely wad streets, making her way towards the looming marble building, the prosperous news Gringotts coin bank emblazoned across its pearl surface.

After barely a c paces the column of the wizarding commercial-grade bon ton emerged over the head of the crowd. Its supporting columns leaning in respective directions, their haphazardly support for the upper level 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 answers. Turning down the darkness alley she noted a rickety sign suspended above it 's entryway bearing the jaggedly chip at run-in Knockturn Alley.

Yes, she had been forewarned of its shady characteristics. She had carefully listened to Hagrid 's babbling about it, about how he hated to venture down it each time he found himself in need of Flesh eating Slug Repellant, and about how aim of the illicit variety could be procured.

She was an object of the illicit variety, and if there was anywhere to get hold acceptance within the society that demanded swift death penalty for those of her nature, it would be here.

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

Kalliandra had a plan, 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 honest vacation ? ``

Kingsley Shacklebolt let out an incensed miff, raucously shoving his way through the thick crowd grunting about rebelliousness. Tonks only recourse was to revolve her eyes, further darkening the reddened hue that her boss'face was beginning to take on.

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

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

'' Tonks…

Casting a obliquely glance at the senior Order member she came to a stop in the mall of traffic, ignoring the protestation of the witches and wizards around them, who were now being forced to walk a full two feet to the face to avert them. For all their complaining one would recall she was inciting a riot, not stopping for a schmoose with her slightly formidable genus Bos.

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

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

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

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

A rather large script clamped over her rima oris, and she found herself being roughly drug away from the cobble streets into a backrest back street, away from the capitulum of passersby.

'' Tonks you should make love better than to… ''

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

She did not even wait for his nod of affirmation before continuing on her broadside. `` Why should we be silent Kingsley ? nobleman knows these illiterate people need a viewing up phone call, not that the Ministry is giving them one with their censorship of the papers and… ''

With an hearable crinkling Kingsley shoved a transcript of the Daily vaticinator into her hands, watching her closely as she unfolded it, discovering it to be the in vogue upshot that she had not yet read.

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

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

'' That 's aright, '' 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 wax well to what he referred. The scar tissue across her chest would forever serve as a striking reminder to her negligence in dueling with her aunty. It had taken half of the summer, laid up in St. Mungos, for her to hold a full recovery from the blows she had been dealt.

Remus had been her only origin of sanity during that time, as he had been on the Night they had combed through the grotesquely charred 1000 of an isolated Muggle home, searching for survivors.

The month old movie of that terrible scene was now burned beneath the front Page 's blinking headlines, the water pooling upon the pavement darkened with what she knew to be blood.

The poor individual had never had a chance.

Clenching the tabloid between her hands she met her honcho'gaze. `` flavor, '' She whispered, forcing her interpreter calm. `` I know the parliamentary law is concerned about Harry. But he has proven more than competent in situations that most Aurors have yet to facial expression, and he 's come out alive an… ''

'' And in the process put half the Order in severe risk ! '' 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 have decisions if we are always hovering over him ? ``

His center widened considerably, `` In war there is no way for mistakes. ``

'' Who said he was making them ? ``

Kingsley began pacing up and down the apothecary 's incline skittle alley. `` No one, but you have to admit the baby is… ''

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

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

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

Kingsley 's adjacent broadside was unintelligible, though she did becharm the words 'irresponsibility', 'insubordinate', and 'dam n't girl'.

Slowly she began banging her capitulum against the brick siding.

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

'' It is not just a Snitch ! '' She interjected, halting the assault on her skull. `` It 's a gatherer 's variant ! And Remus ordered it a calendar month ago for Harry, peculiar parliamentary procedure ! They had to make it to Remus'exact specification, and we thought it would be a nice surprisal to cull it up while out toda… ''

'' Oh grand ! '' Kingsley burst out, throwing his hands up. `` Perhaps you explain your logical thinking to the order when Death Eaters attack and take them away ! ``

She groaned, resuming the thumping of her head. `` Kingsley the society would do well to realize that Harry is nearly of age. He 's nearly an adult and nothing is going to encounter 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 evocative of a hippogriff in heating plant, stomping the terra firma and sending a muckle of dust scattering into the air. `` Who do you intend I mean ! ? What other miss were you to chaperon today ? ! focussing for just a second would you Nympha… ''

'' We ran into her boyfriend, '' Tonks hastened to inform, unwilling to listen that cursed name again. `` So she is spending the repose of the afternoon with the Finnigans. ''

'' And the boys ? ``

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

Despite his craze Kingsley gave an nonvoluntary tremor. It was a well known fact in his department that he hated all things related to evening gown attire, with a finicky distaste to those who made such things their profession.

Tonks smile only widened further, her pupils narrowing into small ovular slits, heart yellowing like a cats. `` See Kingsley ? They 're perfectly safe. No self-respecting Death feeder would venture into there. ``

Kingsley just groaned, `` Tonks because of you I am considering early retirement. Only I ca n't because as much as I hate to take on it, after me you have seen the most 'action'in the department and would be my successor. ``

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

'' Speechless are we ? fountainhead inferno has indeed frozen over, either that or your nose of the day prevents proper breathing. ``

Her mitt flew to her hunched nozzle, pondering what was unseasonable with it. She had spied a copy of beldam Weekly earlier that day, and while she was not one for mode she had seen this week headline : Crooked Nose curse word, In or Out of time of year ?

Naturally she had spent the forenoon wandering around, telling anyone within earreach that Rita Skeeter had cursed her, just to see the commix reactions.

The male child had at least found it entertaining.

Kingsley 's gimcrack cough drew her care back, where he had adopted a rather incense glare.

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

Eyeing his nose she nodded. `` Yup, you 've got a asymmetrical nose too. I hear those Muggle nutters have some dandy proficiency for remedying tho… ''

Kingsley stomped his ft again. `` See ? This is exactly what I mean ! Your attention twain is bordering on the non-existent and you 're always usurping authority in favor of whatever your whim of the moment is ! In this vitrine it 's the, 'the kids can take care of themselves'impulse ! That 's precisely why I ca n't pull back early ! You 're nowhere near gear up for such a position and there is no one else with enough combat experience to recommend ! ``

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

'' Are you even listening ? ``

'' Yes chief. ``

'' 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 Sir Thomas More word and a 'Nympadora'sign is going to twine up with a permanent sticking magical spell on your front line doorway. ``

She sobered immediately.

'' And stop banging your head. ``

She stopped that to.

'' And do n't wrestle. ``

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

commodity God, if he was this bad with her she would detest to be a suspect for some abhorrent crime. No wonder they normally came out of questioning twitching.

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

'' I 'm going with you. ``

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

Passing the scuttle where the side alley converged with Diagon Alley 's bustling main avenue was a familiar mind of dark haircloth, and Harry was sprinting along at a healthy gait.

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

Without a word she ignored the sarcastic jibe, taking off after Harry with murderous purport. Of all the ill fated timing that one could have, 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 hold of him.

Of course she may make to sandbag him first, considering he had grown considerably to hulk several in above her, making him significantly faster.

Aw hell, she 'd always been safe at stunning.

As they shoved their way through the street, Kingley 's fortunate loop topology earring glinting in the sunshine, she began ticking off the various ways to kill or torture him. For out of all the Order members she was his potent proponent when it came to the degree of independence he should be afforded. After all, she had attested to Harry 's ability to recognise when it was or was not appropriate to drift off in public piazza. However, with Kingsley standing behind her, Harry was proving her wrong yet again. She could only imagine the complacent smile crossing Kingsley 's face, and after he mentioned this to the Order…

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

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

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

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

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

Fixing her center to the backrest of his head, she shortened her hair up her neck opening, and began experimenting with nose. It was n't until she spotted the old woman calmly perusing the natural selection of animal solid 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 hijack that cane of yours. ``
* * * * *



It was a marvel that he had managed to hold open her in pot, considering the horde swarming around him, kid screaming off items that would be needed for the showtime of term to frazzle parents, most of whom were doing admirable balancing acts with newly purchased cauldron, books, and potions supplies. Though her pilus semblance helped, for it was neither dark nor clear, falling somewhere between bronze and gold, yet far from blond. He had seen the color rarely, and he doubted ever naturally, before now. Regardless, it made her easier to keep data track of her.

gum olibanum it was that he was unable to miss her purposeful march into Knockturn alleyway, his venter churning uncomfortably at the thought.

It was not a situation he liked. In fact, he would much rather prefer to avoid it all together. Yet the way Hagrid had been treating this little girl, it seemed she was new to the hive that was Diagon alleyway, and she very well may have just made a flagitious, and possibly life threatening, mistake.

He knew the consequences of such fault far too well.

Pulling his wand out he cast a glamour magical spell upon his head teacher, watching the robustious strand of whisker hanging on his forehead lighten to a muted brownness. Quickly he brushed as very much of it over his forehead as possible, not keen to be recognized within the disreputable region he was now traversing through.

The blue ingress was rather twisted, the distance narrow and curving every few feet, thus she easily fell out of his line of spate. And it was not without incident that he made it through this, having to grunt at a haggard looking woman to drive house his compass point that he indeed did not require to buy the cadaver toes she was selling.

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

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

Making a precipitant decision, and silently praising Fred and George I for their generosity that day when they had visited the Weasley twin 's organisation, Harry crept past the shaded windows displaying Borgin & Burk on 'special'token, casting a surreptitious glimpse through the stain covered panes.

The prototype was vague, distorted by the heavyset stratum of grime coating the window, but Kalliandra 's glide slope stirred the man knelt behind the counter, his custody rummaging through his glass video display case like a rat in a hole.

An indistinct word fell from the daughter 's backtalk, and with a sudden jolt of effort the man stood, mouth spluttering indistinct Word in a hoarse fashion.

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

Neither aspect boded well.

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

Making a decisiveness as the man began pacing, Harry dropped to the filthy reason, allowing an overturned cart to conceal him from the majority of the scant traffic upon the skittle alley.

This was not a conversation he was bully to disrupt, nor was it one he would like to be caught up in. Not in this place, not when the participants were so engrossed. The stirring in him though, the warning that her behavior was like Malfoy - coming into Knockturn Alley to get matey with its proprietors - he could not ignore though.

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

Pressing his ear to the fragile, flaking wood paneling upon the brass '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 intonations mingled with the proprietor 's pacing.

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

'' I have little use for honesty, and much for stage business, '' Rasped the man, whose voice Harry now recognized to be that of Borgin 's Proprietor, Mr. Borgin himself. `` Your symmetricalness was intriguing, and what you are offering in return… ''

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

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

'' Of class, '' Borgin 's rattled intimation shot out. `` Though the method acting of the payment 's obstetrical delivery shall be to my stipulation. ``

'' That is delicately, '' She clipped back. `` And my social club ? ``

A racking cough shook the owner, Harry shuddering at the reverberation as the word of honor a calendar month 's time were spoken.

Then there was silence, enticing him to slowly skid up the splintery siding, his eye reaching the sill to peer inwards, just in clip for the dilapidated door to be thrown open.

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







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



Chapter 4 ~ Seed of Distrust


Perhaps it was the shuddering weakness that had plagued her body so oft as of late, but seeing the messy haired Potter upon the reason was a sight for which she had been ill prepared, the sheer shock sending her insides reeling and curling into abnormal Calidris canutus as she blinked at him, his own face adverted as if stalling for time.

Drawing breathing place between her tooth the spell fell into place, forming an unpleasing pattern.

Choking back the sick sensation threatening to crawl from her throat, she spun on her hound, strewing grimy junk in her wake and Hades bent on distancing herself from the meddling fool as much as possible.

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

Tucking a lock chamber of darkened atomic number 79 behind her ear, effectively removing the wayward filament from her facial expression, she rounded the first turn of events in the crooked back street, passing a street vendor selling auricle of something that sounded suspiciously like 'house elves'. It was in this import of beguilement that a firm grip fell upon her upper arm, the calluses on the mitt evident as she reflexively yanked her arm away, stepping away to distance herself from the hind end bold enough to make such a gesture.

Unsurprisingly she was ineffective to even sour around before ceramicist was again upon her, ushering her to the other side of the besmirched area, away from the street vendor. She wasted no time in distancing herself from the Potter prat, fishing around for his first name, which she could not remember.

Casting a suspicious glance at the wrinkle seller she felt distinctly nervous, even with the man 's dotty eye 10 yards off, for he was clearly out of earshot. Dismissing the momentary concern that sorcerer could possibly have superior hearing she felt her eyes narrowing into darkened slits.

To ceramist 's mention, his mouth was already opening in account, but she cut him off.

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

His jaw clamped shut, an unsure feeling overtaking his features, as if he had no clue on how to serve her question.

Another instant passed between them in silence, the shadows cast by the looming brick walls of the alley traveling such a scant distance that their trend would feature been indiscernible to the human being eye, had either present paid the dark any brain, though they did not.

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

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

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

'' Listen, '' she whispered, being careful to keep her vocalisation low. `` I want you to stay away from me, and my conversations. ``

potter 's face was oddly contorted, as if ineffective to settle upon frowning or glaring in suspicion. `` Why are you so alarmed about me overhearing that ? ``

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

'' Could n't say, but you 're awfully concerned about that conversation remaining private, '' he stated pointedly, apparently having no qualms about keeping his part down. `` Why the fear if you have nothing to conceal ? ``

She visibly bristled.

'' Correct me if I 'm damage, '' she stated slowly, taking the time to enunciate each syllable. `` But virtually multitude do not occupy well to having their common soldier conversations listened in on. ''

'' near hoi polloi do n't wander down Knockturn alley to speak in computer code with shady owner, '' he countered challengingly.

'' I 'm failing to recall any codification, '' she refuted, her brow furrowing. `` Though I 'm also failing to remember how this is any of a staring stranger 's business organisation. ``

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

As soon as the woman neared the weave of the alleyway, becoming concern in street vendor 's merchandise, Potter closed the distance between them, his shoe disturbing the deep claw marks that the elderberry bush 's cane had left indented in the grime ground.

'' Look, '' he began, sounding a great deal calmer, `` I did n't follow you to take in anything, I just… ''

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

Potter took another step forward, eye intimidating.

'' Yes. ``

Sucking in a one-half frustrated, half ferocious breathing space she suppressed the urge to sound off something, him in detail. `` Alright ceramist, if that's the case, then why did you follow me ? ``

His look was nothing curt of derisive, the looking at of one trying to explain a simple construct to a low child incapable of grasping it.

'' Correct me if I 'm damage, '' 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 have intercourse about ? ``

In the dark subtlety of the alley, his eyes took on a suspicious, disapproving glint. `` Why should n't he lie with ? ``

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

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

'' And you 're being a complete… ''

'' A double-dyed what ? '' he cut in, glowering as she lapsed into silence.

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

She kicked the basis in frustration, scattering tiny careen 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 a good deal 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 look for Hagrid. And when I got here I could tell it was n't a conversation I should be walking in on ... ''

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

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

'' Sure sounds like it. ''

'' wellspring I would n't have even been there if you had n't walked out in the first gear blank space ! '' he shot out defensively.

'' Do n't you dare… ''

'' Now really, what treatment was so crucial that it required you to trek into Knockturn Alley to speak in hushed timber behind a close room access ? Because seriously Kalliandra, I 'd love to know, '' he snapped with mock seriousness, yanking his hand from his scoop and crossing his weapons system.

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

'' pathetic bloke ? '' he cut in. `` You 've got ... ''

Turning on her heel she shoved past him, brushing off his arm that attempted to halt her forward motion as she stalked away. Purposely dragging her fundament enough to send a strew of grimy dust in his direction, she felt a detached sense of satisfaction at his incensed coughing.

'' volition you… '' he grunted. `` Just stop… '' She rounded a crooked turn, the Christ Within of Diagon alleyway seeping into the dimly lit corridor. `` Because… ''

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


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

'' Out of me way ! '' she snapped in a irritable part, effectively clearing the orbit as hoi polloi scattered in every direction. Anything to debar getting whacked upside the head by the old lady with the sharp cane.

Grinning with sadistic pleasance she passed where Kingsley sat, casually reading the paper at Florean Forescue 's Ice emollient Parlor. Wasting not a endorse she yanked him up with her, dragging him with her after the two teens.

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

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

She threw her head back and cackled, sending a small group of tyke, first years 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 sports section.

Maintaining their ambling pursual, she was having trouble grasping Harry 's conversation due to the dissonance of the crowd. Knockturn Alley had been deserted in equivalence, but fortunately they were able to stay relatively skinny due to her inclination to pick apart anyone unlucky enough to walk in front end of them in the rachis of the human knee with the hook 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 piddling rendezvous was about ? And two, this is just so much Sir Thomas 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 choke him I at least pauperism to listen that I have a soundly rationality. ``

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

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

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

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

'' You 're really aiming to get that personalized, permanently stuck epithet scale are n't you ? ``

'' You would n't. ``

'' What makes you cerebrate not ? ``

Smirking she did her best to keep Harry 's headway in sight, walloping her procured cane against a man too busy posturing for a Veela looking at alike to notice the bustling crowd 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 have an business 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 metrical foot plus man was now hopping up and down on one foot good manners 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 want that now would you ? ``

Right then Kingsley looked very a good deal like he would have intercourse to drown himself in the 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 summons within her intellect, for it was a relatively sack area, and Harry had just drug the lady friend over there.

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


As she traversed her way amongst the moving sea of physical structure, the heady pressure of commercial 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 smoke turkey, while candles burned mid-wick in every storefront window, lending the orbit a unique flavor.

In Kalliandra 's frustration she noticed minuscule of this. So fixated upon distancing herself from the messy haired man behind her was she, that she missed taking in the few good deal that she had deemed worthy of a bit glance when she had traversed in the opposite counseling scarcely a quarter of an hour before hand.

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

She knew fully well who it was.

Hardly aware of the liberate pebbling overlaying the sett boulevard, or of the continuous influx of patrons pouring from the store into the street, pressing in around them on all sides in a way that encouraged one to not deter from the swiftness that the crowd had reached a worldwide, non-verbal consensus regarding, she found herself whirling around to face him, halting.

'' What ? '' she snapped, looking squarely into his iniquity green, and currently infelicitous looking, eyes.

'' I wasn't… ''

A voluminous man shoved past, cutting thrower off as he failed to take heed of the two individuals speaking a foot below his rather freakish height. In the process he smacked against them brusquely, their brain banging together heavy, and she found herself kicking a spray of pebbles in the man 's focussing, oddly satisfied as the man halted, swore, and turned in situation looking for the culprit of the fire on his calves.

'' Making champion everywhere I see, '' thrower commented dryly, tugging her along after him until they had abandoned the street altogether. And the moment their understructure reached the cement replacement potter released her, eye tough 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 path, which lay along the haphazardly constructed sidewalk that had a tendency to move, bend, and whirl on a whimsey. `` 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 itinerary. `` Perhaps you should see what a proper apology entails, and forgive me for being argumentative, but I was the one tripping over a spot bafo… ''

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

'' How in the hell was I acti… ''

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

Studying him carefully for a moment as a cache of kids ran past, she gave a curt nod, indicating the top of his top dog. `` Was n't your pilus a different coloring ? '' She spat it like it was a crime.

Again she found him regarding her as if she were a low child to whom a particularly simple problem proved daunting.

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

She bit back an angry growl, and suddenly found her advancement again halted. She threw a glower at him.

'' Let. Go. ``

He smirked as if amused. `` wellspring correct me if I 'm incorrectly, but if you 're trying to meet up with Hagrid this would be a well billet to stay. ``

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

Potter let out an exhausted sigh, dragging her to retrace their last few steps until they stood in strawman of a small drinking public treasury, a longsighted peg extending over it, respective owls perched upon it, and he gestured inside the storefront window.

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

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

Only she did not do, for her middle were drawn to the owls besides them. Slowly, instinctively, she took a measure back, the slanted line of merchandise of the barn owls faces unsettle as a acute clacking, the classifiable sound of powerful beaks snapping shut in successiveness, began.

It was the threatening, defensive demeanor of an beast whose district had just been breached, as was the fanning of wings, which the tawny and saw whet, English by side, were currently doing.

ceramist 's supercilium crinkled oddly, the owls territorial doings not ceasing until Kalliandra had backed away, her bounder teetering off the edge of the pavement into the street.
* * * * *


He was still frowning when Hagrid came outside, Fang 's intellectual nourishment chemise 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, optic darting beneath his thick scruff of hair between the two of them. `` Ye two gettin'on well are ye ? ``

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

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

It was realise that Hagrid was hardly paying attending, to him at to the lowest degree. To Kalliandra however…well, the one-half giant was observing her as if she were a macabre hippogriff about to go off. Not that he could blame him, with the way she stood teetering on the kerb away from them both, rubbing her berm, a slight face gracing her mouth.

The quiet, almost pained individual before him appeared to the be the polar opposite of the young woman he had bickered with along the streets.

Something was extremely wrong.

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

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

'' Are you sure ? ``

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

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

'' Ready to leave ? ``

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

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

'' I do n't think that 's a very good melodic theme, '' she muttered, her eyes still avoiding anything save for the paving, her affectedness bordering on frightened.

'' fountainhead ye 'ave to divvy up with it eventually. ``

Biting her lower lip she nodded, several long twist falling to becloud the left incline of her facial expression. `` I know, '' she whispered, eyes lowered to the ground.

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

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

'' facial expression, 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 becharm a smidgen of cohesion.

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

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

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

Now he had to allow in that they had been utile at the end of death full term, but to look at a fussy liking to one ? What the hell did that mean value ?

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

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

Hagrid 's sudden feeling of panic did n't fly the coop him, nor did it Kalliandra as she shot him a questioning face, to which the maintenance of Magical Creatures professor cowered slightly.

He decided to economize him the fuss 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 short, seeing the feeling Hagrid was shooting him.

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

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

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

Frustrated, Harry supplied the information for her.

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

legal injury choice.

There was no verbal commutation, 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 fine, Hagrid, '' she cut in, sweeping past them both into the store, her centre remaining averted the entire prison term.

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

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

* * * * *

Kalliandra quickly walked through the musty, noisy store, avoiding all the experience animal video display, and she disappeared behind a magnanimous ledge stocked with rat feed, backup man sweeping through her that no one was back there as her conflict emotions threatened to ascend to the open. She had spent the by three weeks carefully building a paries of unemotionality around herself, and she could n't afford to let it down now.

Not over such a petty fact coming to lighter. Not when she had just spoken to the someone who could give her the answers she needed.

Yet still…why had n't they told her ?

She knew the answer without asking, for to take in been reminded of the reasonableness behind her front here in any way…it would only attend to to remind her of her own self loathing for all she had done.

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

Yet the hooting continued, more persistent, and somewhere in the carnal recession of her judgement she knew her very mien there was a bad idea, a short choice of both Dumbledore 's and Hagrid 's judgement.

Facing obstacles was apparently a healthy thing, even when it generally resulted in having irate bird of night attempting to bite oneself.

With a with child degree of trepidation she found herself tilting her head up to peer through the dark, cluttered atmosphere of the shop class, her eyes slowly adjusting, student widening in the dim lighting as the lower rafters slowly came into vista.

Owl upon owl rested upon them, some peacefully sleeping, their principal carefully nestled into the folds of their feathers, while the rest had trained their alert, shining middle upon her.

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

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

Cringing, though almost glad for the distraction, she turned her attention slowly to potter, who now stood in nominal head of her. To his acknowledgment, he at least had the common sentience to look apprehensive.

'' feel, Kalliandra, I 'm sorry. I did n't earn ... ''

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

Despite this, she could not help but celebrate a sneaky eye on him, as she pretended to peruse the owl selection, her oculus carefully avoiding all of the owls, and she was a bit surprised to see a downcast, yet determined, reflection upon his look.

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 demeanour to avoid.

Do not name eye contact… Keep your head lowered… No loud noise or sudden movements…

Like that would actually help in calming these poor woodland animal, for it certainly had minuscule impression on the one with the supposedly with child mental capacity : Potter.

His formulation had faltered at her live on Logos. `` In eccentric it 's escaped your notice, I 'm trying to be nice here. I 'm at least making an try. ``

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

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

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

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

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

For some nonsensical reason the site struck her as funny rather than frightening, and she did not gravel to oppress the laughter bubbling out while she observed the formidable looking owl. For once it was not aimed at her. And as if sensing her examination its moody eye locked with her own.

Its territorial reserve demeanour ceased, drawing a smile to her face, for she was n't the only if one to slash out at those who came to close.

She traced the Great Horned owl 's scheme, noting the Negroid coloration speckling its reddish John Brown wings, its catlike face and highly pointed ears all swiveled curiously towards her.

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

Just ... like ... her.

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

'' You 'll need a cage for him, '' thrower 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 counter wearily, speaking with an unusual sum of venom. `` if you mean that I am able to discourse with prying individuals than yes. ''

potter turned in a baffle 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 pauperism for her and the many, many others under his protection to prevent some matter silence. Some things secret.

Something inhuman, restricting, and pachydermatous curled within her throat, for until this war, the one they all refused to tell her anything about, was over, she would be to a greater extent alone than ever.

The wounds of a rain soaked Night were still far too fresh.

It was better to bear on everyone away.

For their own good, and for her own.

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

A cold shudder rippled through her. potter was also dangerous, of that she was certainly. She 'd practically felt his suspicions rippling off of him, and he 'd take in something he ought not to have. She only hoped it had n't been sufficiency ...

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

A Christ Within weight descended upon her arm, jarring her from her thoughts as two morose heart met hers. She smiled, her first true grin in weeks, reaching out a hesitant manus and ruffling the owls feathering. They were soft, like those of a newborn hatchling, only she would n't know for sure.

She had never felt an owl before now.

A sentiency of serenity filled her as it continued looking up at her, hooting softly. And for a arcsecond, just a abbreviated moment she knew to be both fleet and traitorously, she could have sworn it silently understood.

* * * * *

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

He simply did not get it. During their entire argument Kalliandra had seemed so indifferent, almost untouchable. It was maddening how his snide remarks rolled off her, so he had kept at it, wanting to unconsciously air out some of his own frustration into her and to recognise what her actual business in Knockturn alley had been.

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

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

Or at least he thought he had. He must stimulate 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 comments like Malfoy.

A din of sound emerged as the store 's door opened, emitting Kalliandra and her horribly Helen Wills owl. He grimaced at the mint, even as a berate phonation reminded him how an beast 's behavior could so oft deceive.

Buckbeat 's certainly had.

That was all forgotten though, for right then she raised her forearm high gear, and hoary flank spread wide, feet and chela hopping from her arm as the owl took flight, circling in full bow 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 surprisal, she actually smiled. Her eye seemed distant, as if she were looking into something that no one save her could see.

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









'' Things alter for the spoiled spontaneously, if they be not altered for the good designedly. ''
~ Francis Bacon ~



Chapter 5 ~ A Professor of One


Remus yawned tiredly, his light John Brown oculus skirted across the train platform at Hogsmeade, searching for the companion var. that was nowhere in sight. A light grinning crossed his fag out features and he chuckled. Hagrid was not soul he would easily miss had he been there. No invisibility cloak was quite that large.

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

It was n't far, and Hagrid would undoubtedly intercept him along the way, most probably in his own, manic rush to intercept 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 bread and butter.

The train program was on the outskirts of the small village, on the outer border skinny Hogwarts, and a pebbled road led directly to the school 's front door. He would sprain off it before he reached Hogwarts'massive, welcoming entrance, to traverse his way across the alcoholic, green grounds to Hagrid 's hut.

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

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

He started walking, thinking how correctly Hagrid was.

The sun beat down on his pale shoulder joint, warming more than his shirt. The sun was rejuvenating to him in a way few understood, because it was a full orb of brightness for which he harbored no fear. It was risible, that the short of Nox filled him with foreboding and pain, when usually it was the absence seizure of light that inspired awe. He sought solace in the darkest of Nox, that was when he felt his comfortably, but for now, when the synodic month was a quarter full, he would try solace in the warm afternoon sun.

It was because of this curse that he could sympathize with Hagrid. The chance to suit a fully qualified wizard had been stolen from the gamekeeper turned Professor, and it had nearly evaded even himself. Had it not been for Dumbledore 's kindness Remus would never sustain studied magic. No other schoolhouse would ingest taken him.

They had feared him.

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

A half-giant and a wolfman ... two of the most severe magical being on the major planet, both seen as murderous, blood-thirsty savage, and yet neither one of them possessed the list to harm another.

Were n't the painful transformations and premature aging enough ? He shook his head, knowing the resolution to that, because it was n't.

No, he had to be shunned as well. Did n't they have a go at it he would change it if he could ? And Hagrid ... one of the most easy, kind-hearted people he had ever met, yet the Ministry feared him and his giant star 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 dangerous.

Several dark in his retiring stood in dingy Testament to that.

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

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

He was the last now.

Peter was as good as deadened, and if he ever saw him again ... If he ever got the chance ...

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

He shuddered at the persuasion, remembering the words Lily had spoken to him, as he stood over his parents freshly dug graves.

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

It was something he had promised to show Harry. Harry was the only real number family he had left, and he wanted the boy, who was quickly growing into a man, to sleep with of the incredible strength his parents had held. He needed to know that there were things Charles Frederick Worth fighting for.

Lord knows he 's already had his plowshare of fighting ...

We all have ...

The sentiment sobered him, reminding him of his purpose today. He squinted ahead, shielding his centre from the bright morning sun to take care for any sign of Hagrid.

Today he would truly meet her.

He was n't sure whether to be nervous, or to simply be exhilarated that the break out 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 dependable place for her. It would be a dependable way to help oneself her adjust, by slowly exposing her to people her own age.

But unlike others her age, she lacked a anterior five old age of magic education, and any knowledge whatsoever of their humanity.

It would be his job to rectify 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 hope more with her.

It was then that he had confided in him.

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

'' When Harry came, I feared what deprivation may drive him to do.

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

Not to advert what she could do to those around her. The memory of the night they had found her was still burned into his intellect 's eye. It was not something Remus would soon blank out.

Doing his job right could have in mind the dispute in this young woman 's endurance. Dumbledore had been very clear on that.

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

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

By all rights he should be terrified and have run in the other guidance.

Yet he could not bestow himself to do so. Not when the persona of her feeble body lying there, clad in mud and the descent of those she loved, kept coming back to him each night as he dreamt. He felt a tone of discord at the thought of anything high-risk befalling her.

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

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

Now all he had to picture out was how to give it to her.

'' The most worthwhile things in life are never well-to-do .... ''

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

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

Just like the pain ...

Always so impudent, so discriminating ...

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

Of course, the same mass had often spoken on how well he dealt with bother, but he did not sense very good at that. He was just coherent enough to have it away that there was no dear in dwelling on what could experience been. Things happened…bad things ... whether you wanted them to or not, and cypher one said or did could deepen that.

If it did none of them would be gone…

And after all these long time, she was still right. A smile formed on his rim, the joyful memories coming back, flooding his vision as he remembered Padfoot 's taunting about how she was 'always right', and they were 'always wrong'.

Her replication had been that it was about clip they saw it her way.

He chuckled slightly, catching sight of Dumbledore making his way leisurely down the sparsely employ road. He raised a bridge player in greeting, catching the Headmaster 's attention, and was pleased to see an amused grin on the master 's brawny face.

'' Good Afternoon Remus. ''

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

Dumbledore removed his lunule spectacles, polishing them on his summertime gown. `` It 's vex, how the superb sun public eye can establish even the most petite of smear stand out, almost like the dark spot where the sun is supposed to be when a solar eclipse shields it. ''

The Headmaster held his meth to the sun, studying them through his igniter, twinkling, currently squinted eyes, searching for any left field over imperfectness.

'' But enough about the rattled musings of this grandfather clock 's inner workings. How have you been ? I trust the train 's conductor was n't too erratic with the f number for your young heart ? ''

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

'' The train was fine, and I 've been good. I was just thinking of some amusing arguments 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 have a predilection for disputation did they not ? I seem to commemorate a certain James Potter walking in on one of them ... it took Pomfrey all good afternoon to get him straightened out. She was rather loth to change him back ... Something about liking him better as a mute eel, ineffective to make mayhem on an hourly base, 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 Fish tank. They had scooped him off the floor and conjured a tank quickly, filling it with urine as soon as they had seen him flopping around on the stone flooring.

Whether Lily had seen St. James or not before stepping on him had been a matter of debate for weeks.

Not to mention, in the hospital wing, when James had started trying to mold letters with his foresightful, ophidian like body ...

He chuckled slightly. He still wanted to know how Saint James the Apostle had contorted himself into an R ... He shuddered cerebration of how dreadful that spelling out 'You're a Dead Man Canicula'must birth been.

'' Quite an impressive bit of metamorphosis for fifth years ... I gave Gryffindor firm 20 points for that, '' Dumbledore mused aloud, turning his gaze on him, his eyes twinkling with amusement over the rim of his chalk. `` I was sourly tempted to give out an award for limited Services to the schooling, since the government minister of thaumaturgy was visiting that day, and their `` stroke '' rendered James incapable of doing something drastic, like turning the diplomatic minister 's hair Ne pink, '' Dumbledore grinned slyly at this. `` Come to think of it I would n't entirely mind seeing that ... ''

Remus could only excite his head, suppressing the laugh threatening to come out. It was good seeing Dumbledore.

'' Of course of instruction, in the end, no one could ascertain whose sceptre actually had transfigured young St. James the Apostle at the metre, so I could n't give anyone the award. I was sourly disappointed by that. ''

'' That was your simply rationality for not giving it ? '' He asked amused.

'' Why yes Remus. Do you really think I would pass away up a chance to further the extension of good behavior when Ministry officials are visiting ? ''

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

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

'' It should ingest been permanent insanity and a life sentence in Azkaban. The toad was about to use an Unforgivable torment on Harry ! ''

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

He nodded assent, finding the wellspring known knowledge of Hagrid 's quirk of untimeliness amusing.

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

He eyed Dumbledore curiously, `` I did n't lie with you drank flak whiskey. ''

'' But of course I do n't ... '' He replied, winking mischievously. `` I have n't had grounds for such extravagant celebration since the marauder graduation, granting me peace of mind and quiet again. Of course ... '' Dumbledore turned, waving for him to observe. `` I 'm not entirely sure I even have a mind left, with which to enjoy the peace of mind with. ''

Remus opened his mouth to respond, but no speech sound came forth. Instead he found himself following the headmaster across the lawn, Hagrid 's cabin quickly coming into sight as Dumbledore continued loose chitchat.

'' ... .Now of course the key in those place is managing the brew in sane amounts, a talent my dear sidekick does not own, '' Dumbledore said, referring to his stooge herder crony 's drinking habits.

'' one-half my class did n't own that talent, '' He replied, thinking of the one meter he, Saint James, Sirius, and shaft had gotten a storage area of a bottle of Firewhiskey their 7th year. That had not gone over well ... Fortunately Pomfrey had bought the excuse that all of them had caught the flu from each former. His thoughts were abruptly cut off as a loud, deep booming noise, sounding oddly like a fervor firecracker going off, met his ears. His attention turned towards the origin, which was immediately apparent upon seeing the sight in presence of him.

Hagrid and a young girl with lucky hair's-breadth were having a row. Only Hagrid seemed to be doing near of the yelling, while the girl just huffily picked up rock after sway from the side of meat of the hut, flinging them with unusual vim and accuracy, at an unsuspecting tree trunk, which was taking the brunt of her very visible frustration.

'' Why hullo Hagrid ! hullo Kalliandra ! '' Dumbledore called out cheerfully, as if nothing were imperfectly.

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

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

'' Hello there Remus. How yer doing today ? '' Hagrid replied, sounding rather strained. He looked strained too, because at the moment he would n't experience 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'hard. Seems she went er…snoopin'aroun'Knockturn bowling alley t'day. ``

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

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

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

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

One would never acknowledge 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 backbreaking prison term standing idly by with a thestral 's sharp teeth nuzzling so close to his hereafter 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 right field word unsuccessfully.

'' Doing ? '' Dumbledore supplied amusedly.

'' Yes, '' He replied embarrassedly. Sometimes the dim-witted word of honor was what he was looking for.

'' She bloody well talk to him More than she bloody talks to me, '' Hagrid grumbled. `` Tell him everythin'from the looks of it and ye should see them, traversing'around at all 60 minutes of the day. literal spitfire that one is ! Bloody well unspoilt destiny teachin'her Remus ! Bin havin'enough trouble gettin'maintenance of Magical Creatures down 'er throat and she actually likes that. Ca n't ideate how she 'll be with somethin'like Transfigurwhatsitcalled ... ''

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

'' To hell with it ! You 'd imagine she actually understood what that one be sayin'half da clock time ! '' Hagrid muttered exasperatedly, a injure look on his face. `` She 'll blab out to that there brute and get to arguin'with me ! ``

Remus was serious-minded for a moment. `` So she likes creature of the night ... '' He commented, turning to face both of them. `` Well, then I wo n't sustain too a good deal trouble then, now will I ? ''

Dumbledore nodded in agreement, smiling to himself. He could n't have picked a more pure 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 discharge ! ? '' Ron exclaimed in disbelief.

Harry nodded, chucking his newly bought schoolhouse al-Qur'an onto his bed in Grimmauld post. `` That's what I said was n't it ? ''

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

'' Very good Ron. glad to see you know that a doll can fly, '' Hermione interjected, rolling her center as she entered their room, setting herself down onto the niche of his bed.

Ron gaped at her, looking strangely like a fish with protruding eyes.

'' You know with your mouth open like that you can almost pass for a Carassius auratus, '' She clipped scornfully.

Harry cringed inwardly on Ron 's behalf. Hermione had been curtly with them ever since the three had re-grouped in Diagon bowling alley, only for him to hastily tell his tale to them, and for Ron to just as hastily agree that Kalliandra was an unacceptable twit.

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

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

In her feeling, 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 flying dragon including Magyar Horntails, and that he considered his small brother to be 'tamed .'End of story.

It was justly about then that Ron had made the misapprehension of calling Kalliandra several selection names, including a plain, ugly beldame, which earned an infuriated circle from Hermione about how 'ridiculously superficial'they were being. He was unable to conform to her entire tirade, but it ended with her concluding that both of them seemed to be 'blatantly misjudging'the girl on looks alone.

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

Fortunately Harry did not cite any of these thoughts, got smart, and went muted.

He wished he could say the Lapplander for Ron though.

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Oh goose egg Hermione, '' Ron replied with overstated formalness. `` I was just saying what a endearing job you did defending that uptight, Slytherin bound .... ''

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

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

'' And from the sounds of it he was rather unmannered and made her smell unwished-for Ronald ! '' Hermione snapped angrily. He glared at Ron. He did not require to get brought back into this.

'' And I met her for only five instant and could severalize she was .... ''

'' Was what Ronald ? ! You ca n't say anything about a mortal after only meeting them for five mo ! ''

'' You did n't even forgather her ! '' Ron shot 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 least I 'm not passing judgment on her ! ''

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

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

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

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

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

'' See Hermione ! ''

'' Yes, I do see Ronald. I see a carrot-topped fanny who 's way to eager to pass judgment on anyone but himself ! '' She stood abruptly. `` If that closed minded brain of yours is actually capable of intelligence then try to commend that you passed sagaciousness on me our first base yr and were faulty ! '' She spun on her dog, stomping loudly. `` If you can remember that is. But hopefully the effort to think is not too taxing, it 'd be a pity if your head exploded ! '' With that she stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

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

The room access to their elbow room flew upon, revealing a blanched looking Hermione.

'' I ca n't trust you ! '' She yelled angrily, looking ready to hex Ron at any bit.

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

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

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

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

'' Well I just .... ''

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

He leaned back with a meretricious moan onto his bed. He sincerely hoped Ron asked her out soon, because he was n't sure how many Thomas More of their fuss induced headache he could take.






'' We must die to one life sentence, before we can enter another. ''
~ Anatole French Republic ~



Chapter 6 ~ top executive of Persuasion


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

Kalliandra coughed loudly from her stance, flat tire on her back.

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

Remus lupine smiled, extending his mitt to hale her roughly to her feet. `` On the contrary Ms. Kaylens. I do n't relish rendering you unconscious at all. ''

She nodded, brushing the grass off the rachis of her jeans.

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

She stopped what she was doing, pulling her Gunter Wilhelm Grass covered, green-stained hands back in nominal head of her. `` Do n't you know it 's not good to call forth someone who has been stunned nine times in a row ? ''

He shook his capitulum, an construction of pure innocence crossing his characteristic. `` I have to get you angry enough to attack me properly somehow do n't I ? ''

'' Spoken like a dead on target dueling instructor, '' she stated, groaning inwardly.

For the past three time of day 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 able to do something, and being dependable at it, were entirely unlike matters.

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

The Lapplander paid teacher was not eyeing her critically. `` You know Kally, if you manage to dodge my initiatory flak you usually do quite nicely. Now just stop diving to the right every sentence. It 's getting predictable. ''

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

Not that she would admit that to Lupin.

He had only become her coach a short over a workweek ago, yet she had come to esteem him. He did not shame her, or walk on chalk with his conversations like Dumbledore and the others did.

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

It almost felt as if he actually wanted her to learn. It was as if she were more than an assigning to him, Sir Thomas More than a job that Dumbledore was paying him for.

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

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

She trudged back to her starting side in response. She would not be the one to fall by the wayside today. Of course, he should know that by now.

She had learned the importance of outlasting one 's adversary a long time ago. Outlasting fatigue duty and pain could mean the remainder between winning, and losing.

And somehow she did not think the bastards, who had taken everything from her, would go wanton on her simply because she had a headache.

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

She would make the bastards pay.

But first she needed to learn to do a simple stunning piece without passing out.

'' ready ? '' Remus asked, stomping his invertebrate foot on the soil 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 strange sensation flew through her, burning through her blood as it moved, jolting the patch towards its target. Her vision swam before she saw him prostration, and she fell weakly upon the ground, shakily breathing in the damp summertime scent of mud and grass.

Slowly, painstakingly, the prickling tracing over her smooth out cutis subsided. Her men, that had unconsciously dug into the break dry land, relaxed, allowing the bright golden spots dancing before her eyes to fade.

Waiting for all of this to pass had gotten easier each sentence, but it made the experience no less atrocious.

The trick, she had discovered, was to remain conscious farseeing enough for it to forget.

Several hazy second later, her halcyon eye flickered loose, and across the short expanse of grass she spotted Remus'fallen form.

She smiled weakly, and stood, silently cursing the fragility of the human body. winner was angelical, but why did it have to ache so badly ?

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

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

The look on his face was priceless. Only Remus could deal to look analytical right hand after being stunned.

'' Nice one, '' he muttered groggily.

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

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

'' Army of the Righteous hope not too old, because you still have the repose of the year with me. '' She allowed a rarefied smile to illume up her features.

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

'' Any more comments like that and I 'll do my salutary to pass water it seem longer. ''

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

His question was answered by her silence.

This was the first off time she had not passed out.

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

discernment became visible on Remus'face, and upon seeing his voracious smile, she could n't resist a small upsurge of pride.
* * * * *


Remus Lupin rewarded his pupil with a widely grin as he picked himself off the reason, ignoring his protesting clappers.

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

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

Suppressing a moan, she walked back to her dueling blot in response.

It was amazing, he thought, but in so short a clip, she had become comfortable, at least outwardly so, with the front of magic. When he had first arrived she still looked storm each time it was used in her mien, but now…

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

The fact that her equal were unhorse years ahead of her in pedagogy had mattered little. requisite mandated it.

Kally had n't been thrilled. She had already expressed her displeasure with the mind on more than than one occasion. And trueness be told, he was more than a niggling pertain for her housemates.

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

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

His sole consolation was that they would be able-bodied to keep on their lessons on the weekends. It would be a rather private arrangement, since her dorm-mates were to be kept in the dark about it.

She would have decent worry feigning competence in her three triton stratum, and sneaking out respective fourth dimension a week would just be another difficult thing for her.

But perhaps the most difficult affair for her would be keeping her inadequacies under wrap. For appearance sake she would be placed in newt level Defense Against the dark artistic production, precaution of Magical brute, Herbology, and Astronomy so as to be with people in her year, but she would be placed in one-third year Anicent Runes and Remedial Potions. The DADA professor had already been instructed to mail her on 'errands'whenever practical deterrent example were held, so that her inability to perform magic would not be called into inquiry, so that at least was covered.

As for the other row, Remus was being paid by Dumbledore, out of some miscellaneous school fund, to tutor her in the other subjects.

After all, there was very short legerdemain involved in dealing with magical creatures and plant life. And the memorization of the import of Ancient runic letter and the campaign of heavenly bodies had virtually no wand magic associated with it.

observation her issue her place, it dawned on him that they really might be able-bodied to pull this off.

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

Merlin ! Epistle of James and Dog Star had been right. He worried like a mother.

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


Silverthorne let out a low, croaky grunt to carry his displeasure at being tethered. The early thestrals were already following suit.

'' Kalliandra ca n't yer do somethin'to shut up 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 earshot that 'll help me, '' Hagrid yelled.

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

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

Silverthorne 's Edward Douglas White Jr., haunting optic stared back in consideration, before his formidable head nodded. He nudged the thestral tethered next to him, and a cacophony of grunt followed as the content was passed down the line of pram awaiting the pupil'arrival.

Her widened eyes took the commutation in, in muted shock. Thestrals really were so much more intelligent than citizenry gave them credit for.

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

She shook her head ruefully, and with a final examination tug she snapped a belt into property on the thestral 's harness, stepping back to view her ready to hand piece of work. She 'd never tantalize a gymnastic horse in her life, but the harnesses the thestrals used were supposedly similar.

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

Silverthorne merely blinked at her once, and she rubbed his head affectionately. `` Of trend you are, '' she murmured into his nozzle, the tracing of a smile tugging at her sass.

Hagrid 's tawdry yelps of protest startled her, and both her and Silverthorne jumped slightly.

'' Problems Hagrid ? '' she yelled, slipping the thestral a quick-frozen square block of raw meat. His glossa positively tickled her skin, leaving a sticky red residuum upon her palm.

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

'' Hagrid ! '' she shouted, reclaiming her helping hand and stalking off towards the strait 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 grounds she had taken a liking to the animals.

But as she rounded the carriage obscuring Hagrid from view, all reprimands vanished the second she saw his predicament.

It was Hagrid vs. Thestral. The thestral, Monster, had managed to jerk his harness completely off, and was gripping the midst leather strap between his keen dentition, extending his wings menacingly while practically hissing.

Hagrid, to his credit, was putting up quite a fight. The half heavyweight was bounding as close as he dared get, swatting at lusus naturae with an outsized Farmer hat.

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

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

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

Several nicks, bruises, protrusion, and twenty minutes later found her, and a rather bedraggle Hagrid, plopped upon the dirt route leading up to the school, entirely out of breathing spell.

It was a disgrace that the peaceable evening would end in less than an hour, when the Hogwarts express arrived.

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

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

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

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

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

underworld, 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 incubus came only Hagrid was near enough to learn her.

Besides, there was something both turn and reassuring about the way that every morning Silverthorne would smack open her window shutters, letting illuminate current in as he began grunting until she was fully awaken and functioning.

She smiled whimsically, thinking of the pillow she had thrown at the thestral this morning. For a change, her aim had been dead on. Of class, Hagrid had n't been exactly pleased when he come in to see plumage and shard of fabric all over the place. 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 least Remus had found the entirely situation amusing.

public speaking of which where was Remus ? She had n't seen him since this first light and he was leaving with the homecoming of the school train that dark. Plus she still wanted to know what Dumbledore and him had arranged ...

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

She stopped pondering the mystic whereabouts of Remus lupin long enough to shoot an incredulous expression in his direction. `` Hagrid they 'd have to be blind to lack you. ''

He shook his hirsute question vigorously. `` No, ca n't afford to deliver any of 'em miss me. Not one ! They 'll lack 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 platform 's edge to peer down the tracks.

She shook her top dog in entertainment. `` zippo at all. I was just thinking about what a terrible tragedy it would be to entrust a lowly, uninitiated, and unsuspecting first year stranded alone out here. ''

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

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

'' Because you usually are. ''

She spun around to see Remus standing there, briefcase in hand, and a knowing smiling across his pre-maturely get on fount.

'' Remus ! And here I thought you were trying to creep away without saying sayonara ! ''

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

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

The look on Remus'side was priceless, and she lunged at him in a vain effort to smack him.

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

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

Looking at his incensed aspect, she could n't assist it. She laughed.

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

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

Remus laughed deeply, years disappearing from his face as he smiled, shaking his foreland disapprovingly. `` Suddenly I find myself looking forward to my happy chance from you during the calendar week. I 'll be spared your wanton flak ! ''

'' Oh Remus, you know that hurts me. Right here, '' she touched her warmheartedness, 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 Christian Bible ... ''

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

Her prankish expression was replaced by one of puzzlement as Remus held up a small, circular, gray-headed object. `` What is it ? '' she asked, walking over to reckon at it.

'' This ... '' he said mysteriously, `` Is how you 're going to contact me when I 'm away. '' Upon saying this he snapped it spread, revealing a pocket-size, rung mirror on one side.

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

'' rightfulness you are Miss Kaylens, '' he said, adopting a prof like tone. `` Dumbledore 's idea. One of his more cunning 1 from what he said, though somehow I doubt that. '' He winked, lapsing into his conversant feeling again.

'' Okay. So excuse to me how powder is ... ''

'' It 's a bipartisan mirror Kally. See, anytime you want to talk to me. For any reason .... '' He shot her a meaningful smell that she did n't overlook. `` Just look directly into it and say my epithet clearly. If I have mine ... '' He fished around in his robe air hole, extracting a rather large pocket watch. `` Which I will always bear on me thanks to Dumbledore 's idea to hide it in this adorable Muggle invention ... '' He snapped the pocket watch clear, revealing a mirror on the non-clock slope as well. `` And once you do that I 'll answer. If I call you, yours will burn on the inside slightly, so it 'll be noticeable to you but to not to someone just passing a cursory glance by it. ''

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

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

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

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

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

'' Smart movement, '' she commented, looking into hers. `` Remus lupine the Finicky werewolf, '' she stated clearly, waiting to see if it worked.

'' Finicky ! '' Remus bristled, but not before a slight sliver of sparkle appeared in the crevice of the closed pocket watch.

She grinned triumphantly, `` Well I guess it works. Hey can I ask you something ? ''

'' Could I stop you ? ''

'' Probably not, '' she confirmed, noticing how Hagrid had moved farther down the platform to hand them some seclusion. She made a mental note to thank him later. `` It 's just that you, and Dumbledore ... everyone keeps telling me how afraid everyone would be. And if that's true, well, then why are n't you ? ''

He paused a moment, his light John Brown eyes flickering up to the sky as if considering her question. She did n't want to watch over his gaze to have intercourse that it rested on the stern moon, barely visible in the dying twilight. `` I think, Kalliandra, that to let one 's life be even remotely governed by reverence is foolish. Your never fully alive when your actions are limited by that. And veneration, it comes from not knowing what 's truly there. ''

She nodded, silently agreeing with him. It was uncanny, how alike he and her sire 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 spotlight at the lunation. And it was only then that she understood why Dumbledore had chosen him as her mentor.

He was as hated by the humans as she was.
* * * * *


An hour later found her standing, smushed up next to Hagrid, as the mass of scholar pushed, shoved, and in accuracy, barreled their way over the political program towards the carriage that she and Hagrid had readied for their journey to Hogwarts. Why students needed the carriages in the first place was beyond her. The walk was n't exactly drawn-out. No, she figured Dumbledore had arranged them because if he did n't, the thankless wretch would wonder off ungratefully, never getting to school at all.

In fact, that did n't entirely voice like a bad thought .... But right then she spied the changeling that she least want to see, making his way with the carrot top through the crowd towards them.

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

'' And so arduous to miss, '' she muttered, suppressing a laugh at the frigidness facial expression Hagrid shot her.

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

She turned, eyeing the guy 's messy black hair and green eyes, which were presently narrowed and shining determinedly. Her first confrontation 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 get it on your name. ''

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

She shrugged carelessly. It was n't like she cared what his epithet was, she just wanted to put a name with his eavesdropping face. `` My apologia. Not all of us are as good with names as you apparently are. But by all substance do n't reintroduce me, I just thought it might be nice to refer to him as something other than the snoopy prat Potter. ''

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

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

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

She cocked her mind to the side, wondering if the cultivated carrot top knew how easily his last name could be distorted to Weasel. She suppressed the sudden urge to ask just that, instead turning to Hagrid with a forced smile. `` Thank you Hagrid. It 's nice to know that some of us are polite. ''

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

'' Why no, unlike you I harbor no psychotic belief about my impoliteness. '' She nearly laughed out loud at the livid grammatical construction that crossed the guy 's nerve. `` Now if you excuse me I do think Hagrid has better things to do than listen to his friends engagement. ''

'' booster ! ? Hagrid would never be Friend with someone like you ! '' The weasel injection out, Potter smirking amusedly. Her mouth opened in angry protest, but Hagrid 's booming voice cut them both off.

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

She glanced up, seeing his face redder than it had been after their row about her Knockturn alley mis-adventure. She really would not require 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 forte articulation drawing the stares of various scholar sandwiched around them. `` If I hear anythin''bout either one of ya nosin'aroun'in her byplay again ... '' He stopped, seemingly too angry to uphold.

Hagrid drew in a cryptic, shaky breath, looking very close to exploding. `` Now rationalize 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 trip 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 raw anyhow. I 'll see you later okay ? ''

She did n't waitress for Hagrid 's answer as she spun on her bounder, carefully making her way through the crowd to find an hollow rig. If she were golden, then maybe Silverthorne had been particularly clever and scared everyone else away from his.
* * * * *


Harry stood there, half angry, half shocked at the sudden change in Kalliandra 's demeanour. He hardly heard Hagrid still going off at them, considering that he was still staring after her.

That changed pretty prompt though, because when Hermione Granger is mad about something, she makes it adept known than Hagrid.

And Hermione Granger 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 blowup, and Kalliandra 's sudden mood swing to normalcy, and he and Ron certainly did see like the bad Guy.

Which was exactly how he found himself, amidst a bunch of onlookers, staring down a thin brunet, receiving the brunt of her fierceness.

'' Harry I ca n't believe you ! I 'd require behaviour like that from Ron but you ? '' Hermione yelled, her voice shaking with raging disbelief.

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

'' Ronald if you know what 's thoroughly for you you 'll restrain your mouth shut, '' Hermione snapped in a very McGonagall like flavor.

Unlike Ron, Harry had no ulterior motif for keeping Hermione happy with him besides their friendly relationship. So at that exact flash he did n't often like if Hermione was annoyed with him or not. She had n't seen and heard everything, and if she had she would have realized how deceptive Kalliandra really was. Which was probably why he suddenly found himself taking a footfall forward to go after that unsufferable read/write head of favourable hair, with every intent of giving her a piece of his mind, rather than paying attention to Hermione 's verbal blowing up.

Too bad a rather large handwriting on the back of his robe stopped him from progressing any further forward.

'' You considerably be going to excuse Harry, '' Hagrid said menacingly.

He shot an incredulous aspect up at his Quaker. `` Hagrid you 've got to be kidding me ! She insulted you ! She ... ''

'' She did no so thing Harry. And you 'd do yer trump to stay outta her business sector and life if yer understand me. ''

'' Hagrid what are you deaf ? ! She did to insult you ! '' Ron twirped, for a change not cowering under Hermione 's fierce glare.

'' Oh really, an'how so ? '' Hagrid asked, still looking between him and Ron as if he could n't believe what was before his center.

'' She was making fun of you because you're a giant ! '' Ron shot out indignantly.

'' No she were n't Ronald Weasley. We were jokin'earlier 'bout the best daub for the fers years to see me. If that 's what you be referrin'to. ''

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

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

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

Harry stared at her contorted feature in shock. Talking to person she knew was certainly not all she had been doing. Hermione had n't overheard the conversation he had.

'' Hermione, you do n't know what your talking about. You should have heard her ... ''

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

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

'' Then you substantially be keepin'that material that did n't be making no sense to yerself. Yer hear me ? '' Hagrid muttered, shaking his head. `` I 'm so disappointed in you two I do n't know ... 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 infliction her .... ''

The glare he shot them was more than 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 problem ...

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

'' So avail me you two ! I 've never seen such rudeness ... ''

He knew easily than to break her at this point. After all, this was Hermione, and any literary argument with her was a losing battle. He had just managed to regain ascendancy of his natural language, which was threatening to snap at her for the reprehension worthy of a bambino that he was receiving, when he stepped into the last pushchair, and suddenly re-lost mastery of it.

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

'' Harry you will do no such thing, '' Hermione grunted, grabbing his arm with surprise strength for a young woman her size. He glanced down at the terrible clench she had on him, and pondered how raging she would be if he broke relinquish.

Before he had time 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 love I 'm not the only one displeased with this, '' Kalliandra muttered from the far side of the pusher, right as one of the thestrals let out an odd sounding grunt.

She then muttered something beneath her breathing place. Something that sounded strangely like, `` Even the thestrals think you 're a prat. ``

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

Her eyes darted up quickly, looking almost abashed. Her vocalism, however, was filled with disdain.

'' Hearing things, potter ? ``

He felt as if he had just been slapped, so at odds were the emotions her nerve and voice conveyed. Shaking his head, he shoved the sudden hesitation to indicate aside.

'' I do n't generally make a substance abuse out of hearing things, '' He finally ground out, taking a seat next to Ron grudgingly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He suppressed the sudden itch to shove her out of the carriage. In fact, the lonesome thing stopping him was the fact that he 'd give birth to reach over Hermione to fulfill it.

'' wellspring forgive me, '' He hissed acidly. `` next time I see you wandering down an alley full of gloomy wizards I 'll just leave you to them. I did n't realize how well acquainted you already were with ... ''

'' So your name 's Kalliandra ? '' Hermione cut in.

Harry gaped at her.

Hermione ignored this, apparently intent on starting a civic conversation.

Kalliandra just looked at her oddly, before nodding slightly.

'' Yes, '' She replied evenly, turning to look out the window.

Hermione 's brow creased, her brim forming into a square off frown at the girl 's apparent want of interest.

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

'' fountainhead Kalliandra, how was your last hebdomad of summer ? '' Hermione pressed.

'' Rigorous. ''

Hermione shot him a look, to which he smirked like a Canis aureus. Ron was far less insidious, and simply mouthed, So what now, wiz ?

Hermione 's brass hardened into one of grim determination.

'' So what classes are you taking ? ``

The little girl heaved a large suspiration. `` Too many. ``

Hermione 's mouth opened, as if appalled at the girl '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 antediluvian rune. I have n't had that before so I 'm going to be getting tutoring for it. '' Kalliandra paused, sounding uncertain. `` At least, that 's what the headmaster mentioned. ``

Hermione 's agape rima oris slowly closed, a retard grin creeping across her face.

flashing them a smug look, she started talking. `` Ancient Runes is actually pretty fascinating. It 's a lot like learning to read another language. In fact, it 's my favorite study. ''

At this declaration Kaylens actually looked thoughtful. `` I think mine will be Care of Magical animal. Hagrid 's been showing me a lot of the animals he works with over the past few weeks. The thestrals are my favorite so far ... ''

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

Hermione 's mouth opened in protest, apparently too shocked for words as her inevitable retort failed to number Forth.

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

'' And how exactly did I diss 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 like something, I 'm pretty surely that 's derogatory to the something in interrogative sentence. ``

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

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

'' That 's Hippogriffs you idiot. ''

Hermione made a throttling noise.

'' No, it 's Hippogriffs that react violently, '' Kalliandra said placidly, flipping the lid of a compress shut. `` Though I would n't put it past a thestral to do so. ''

'' Thestrals are not violent, '' Harry cut in with bother. Why in the hell did Hermione have to pick this carriage ...

He gazed longingly out the open door hachure. He knew perfectly well that if he got out and walked, that he would lack the categorisation, and he had already learned the hard way what happened to people when they walked into that tardily.

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

'' Hagrid, '' She hissed dangerously.

'' ass this, '' Ron suddenly announced. `` I refuse to remain in the bearing 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 booster ? ''

'' Just. Let. It. Go. '' Harry growled, hating the disappoint feel Hermione shot him each sentence the incident was brought up.

She glared at him. `` Gladly. ''

'' amercement. ''

'' Fine ! ''

Right 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 angry as Kaylens had over the incident. Not if it had just been a conversation about something petty ...

What was she hiding ?

Not soon enough for his liking, the convoy came to a stop outside the palace 's enormous entree. And without a word, he and Ron jumped out, dry stain stirring around their step as they met the gang of bookman rushing to the Great Hall.
* * * * *


'' Well, that certainly could have gone sound, '' 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 help but find a tiny, justified surge of outrage. That girl 's friends had jumped into the rig right as she had been trying to contact Remus.

existence in the sorcerous world, knowing adjacent to nothing about it, had felt whelm before. But now, on her way to being surrounded by competent enchantress and wizards twenty four - seven, that overwhelming feeling was beginning to erupt into something far closer to panic.

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

Hermione released an exhausted sounding seeing red, breaking her from her opinion. `` Please know, I 'm not trying to criticise you, '' she said carefully, `` but you could have made things a little wanton. Particularly since this whole misunderstanding seems to be over something extremely petty. ''

Rising from her keister and stepping out of the carriage, her substructure sinking into the loose dirt, Kally heard herself saying very quietly, `` You 're ripe. ``

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

Silently they joined the multitude of students making their way up the rook 's entree. That was until Hermione began asking motion again.

'' Do you have it off if you are being sorted with the rest of the first years ? ``

Nearly tripping over a kid modest enough to have been a first yr, Kally nodded mechanically. `` Unfortunately. ``

A pensive frown crossed the brunet 's face. `` You do n't vocalise excited. ``

Throwing a wayward coup d'oeil the girl '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 vision, as if hiding silent amusement. `` You are twice their tallness, so I suppose that is an precise assessment. ``

Instead of responding, Kally began grumbling something indecipherable under her breath.

Hermione responded by allowing what may accept been a grinning to get across her features. `` They really are skillful if you give them the fortune. ``

Somehow she felt severely doubtful about that, but something of her thoughts must induce shown on her features, because Hermione was interjecting before she could even phrase a response.

'' We did n't get along at inaugural either, '' Hermione said, their understructure reaching the top. `` To be blunt, it took a round trying to take my question off for us to get down getting along. ''

Kally stumbled, her hazelnut 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 take care amused. The girl smiled at her, chuckling slightly. `` Like I said, give them a probability. ``

She could n't help it. Despite all her drive to the perverse, a strangle choking sound emerged from her throat.

Hermione simply grinned harder, shaking her head. `` Honestly, '' she laughed, glancing around the rapidly emptying introduction hall, `` do you require me to look with you until the number one years get here so you 're not ... ''

'' Ms. Kaylens is quite adequate to of waiting alone Ms. Granger. And if you delay any farseeing it will be 20 distributor point from Gryffindor. ``

The vox had come from directly behind them, the forcefulness of it muted by the echoing of excited chatter from scholar trying to swot up through the Great hall 's looming room access.

Instantly Kalliandra recognized it. She had met the man on a few occasions, and he had seized the luck to cue her how absolutely impossible it would be for her to ever realize competency in Potions.

As such, she stopped immediately, spinning on her heel. Hermione simply quirked an supercilium before continuing off to join the residual of the scholar.

Snape 's dismal eyes lowered, eyeing her appraisingly. `` I trust you are remembering discretion. Particularly where students like Ms. granger are concerned. Some tend to be too prying for their own good. ``

Heaving a suspiration, Kally nodded. `` I 'll remember. ''

He glowered at her for another indorse, before nodding curtly. `` Remember, I 'll be seeing you in detention all this week. ''

She heaved another sigh. Upon their initial 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 creature of the night from her Defense Against the darkness Art 's schoolbook they had given her to read. And considering that Hagrid was a giant, another metal money 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 query lightly, and had immediately began ranting and raving about how he most certainly did not entertain a deep-seeded blood lust for the living.

And for some unfortunate person, and suicidal grounds, 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 dozen kids, all twittering loudly with no signs of stopping.

She groaned, barely hearing professor McGonagall 's speech. Somehow she found herself following the Deputy Mistress through freshly polished oak doors into the Great Asaph Hall.

The heart of every first year immediately turned upwards, to the left field, to the right, and in every early plausible instruction, unable to withstand taking in their new surroundings.

The pressure level of a hundred twain of eyes burrowed into her, and she stared pointedly forward, looking over the crowd of midgets to where Hagrid sat, flashing a warmly smile in her centering.

Maybe he can avail me get by afterwards, she thought hopefully, coming to a halt at the front of the enormous room. respective of the midgets around her tensed up, scattered whispering passing through the crowd about fighting a round ...

What on Earth is that about, she wondered curiously, spotting the hat Remus had told her about.

McGonagall turned to face up the entire room.

'' When I call your gens, tread forward, place the hat upon your head, and the sorting will start. ''

With that, she sat the hat upon a battered old potty, the sorting hat 's brim opened wide, and the singing began.
* * * * *


'' Slytherin ... ''

'' Ron if you say that one more time ... ''

'' Hermione you saw how vile she was ! ''

'' She is not vile ! '' Hermione hissed back dangerously, being careful to keep her phonation lowered. `` Nervous, yes. Vile, no. ``

'' You can not tell me that there is not something inherently sinister about her, '' Ron challenged. `` Something 's not right field there. She 's going to hoist up an evil Slytherin, probably waiting to ... ''

Before Ron could embark further along his psychological route trip, Hermione cut him off tiredly. `` Just because soul is in Slytherin does not make them inherently evil, Ronald. ''

'' Hermione how can you say that ! '' He bristled, clearly having trouble keeping his voice down as the first gear years and the guinea pig of their tilt walked past.

Hermione 's face visibly tensed, and Harry could assure she did n't fully believe what she was saying. `` You ca n't pidgeon hole an entire house. 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 vile git like Snape ! '' Ron exclaimed triumphantly.

At least Ron 's ecphonesis were hushed enough so no one not in the almost vicinity could get a line, Harry thought, suppressing a groan. He should sustain known the heartsease between those two could n't lastly thirster than the string ride there. It was astonishing enough that they had n't killed each former in their compartment as it was. Had he really expected that peace to last ?

'' Mione ... ''

'' Ronald ... ''

'' will you two knock it off ! The hats about to sing and I actually want to hear what it says. '' Ginny cut in. Harry made a mental notation to thank her for distracting their disputing Quaker later, and quickly turned his attention to the hat. He had always enjoyed the sorting, but after last twelvemonth ... well, knowing that the hat was sworn to forewarn the students and instructor of danger made him a bit more heedful this year.

The had opened it 's brim full.

Divided, but once join,
That's how our level begins,
Four houses founded by four admirer
Yet I fear that such variance shall make for about our end.

In ancient clock time the best of friends
Came knocking on the door,
Of Ravenclaw and Slytherin,
Then Hufflepuff went to Gryffindor.

Lets build a shoal of learnedness,
For all those of magic to go to,
Yet somehow the approached three could not agree,
On what calibre to defend.

Lashkar-e-Tayyiba teach only those of wit and learning,
Possessing the most prepare judgment of all.
Those had been the affecting Word of God,
Of once fairish Ravenclaw.

Proud Slytherin respect ambition,
Possessing honor of rakehell and wiliness,
His pupils would hold on at cypher,
Until they got what they saw fit to their coming.

And then were the bravest,
Those brash with noble daring,
bold face Gryffindor chose them,
As nigh worthy of magical encyclopedism.

Hufflepuff loved her friends,
And accepted them as they were.
She let them each create a house,
In which their prized were instruct and nurtured.

And as for Sweet Hufflepuff,
She agreed to take the quietus,
Yet somehow segmentation did not set well,
I to her, seemed skillful.

So when the laminitis sewed me,
And left me on my crapper,
She stole me in the dead of night,
And bestowed me with a tool,
Of knowing when the time was right,
For the sorting ritual to end.
She said one day naval division may cause strife,
And she feared for the magical world.
For all her life,
She had feared the partition in quite a little,
But never More,
Than when the friendships failed,
Of the Founding foursome.

Slytherin was the world-class to leave,
Purity of blood his choice,
I 'm disgraced by teaching Muggle Born !
He yelled, strong belief in his voice.

Next left bold Gryffindor,
He felt the calling of dangerous undertaking,
Rather than the desperate plea,
Of failing commitment in motive of surgical seam.

final left once-fair Ravenclaw,
Who once prized justice and learning,
She left because she said,
That teaching the other pupils had got too oil production.

And alone stood Henry Sweet Hufflepuff,
The wisest of them all,
Because she never would heed,
Alluring temptations shout.

I see the wiseness of her option,
Why she chose to accept 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 mickle,
The sorting ceremony last,
right now, right hand here, This night.


Harry stared at the commode, trying vainly to litigate what he had just heard. At least he had been right in thinking it was authoritative to pay attention this year, because apparently that was the in conclusion song the sorting hat would ever sing.

He cast a cursory glimpse towards Hermione, sitting next to him on the Bench, but her brown eyes were wide and fixated up front. He could just imagine what was going through her headland rightfield then, because chances were she was going through each 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 hale book committed to memory.

The unnatural silence filled the Great entrance hall like a thick fog, so thick he could almost palpate it closing around him.

McGonagall seemed caught between slapping the hat and looking to Dumbledore for command, and her hand moved cautiously towards the hat 's brim, only for it to quickly squinch as if the hat had grown fangs. This odd, twitching question was punctuated by penetrating turn of her head as she looked right at Dumbledore, who to Harry 's surprise, looking genuinely amused.

Snape on the other bridge player looked quite inconvienced, his mouth had puckered so tightly that his mouth seemed more translucent than Nearly Headless gouge 's.

Apparently, they had not been expecting this.

Snape however, did n't appear to want to accept it, and he had already stood and started storming from his place at the teacher 's table, clearly headed for the sorting hat 's stool itself.

'' Excuse me Minerva. '' Snape muttered, his low look clearly audible in the uncanny silence. His hanker fingers snatched the hat up and onto his caput in a 1 fluid motion, his face contorted in tightness as if conducting some clever arguing.

Clever argument from Snape ? No ... Impossible, he thought, watching his Potions teacher with interest for the first prison term in five years.

Apparently he was right about Snape 's inability to behave an effectual argument, because a consequence later Snape had flung the hat back onto it 's stool, muttering about how it was a dirty, trash-ridden firearm of fading fabric destined for a Muggle garbage waste-yard.

It was a sign of how serious the office was, that not a psyche at the Gyffindor tabular array laughed.

Harry could n't help oneself but notice how Snape was testingly running his fingers through his sebaceous black fuzz, looking at his hand after each swipe, as if searching for proof of something.

Every Gryffindor had a unavowed intuition that the hat had just called him a greasy ooze nut.

Ron Weasley was just the outset to say it.

'' Chalk one up for the categorization hat for insulting Snape ! '' Ron whispered triumphantly, all heads within earreach turning towards him.

Apparently that was the signal everyone had been waiting for, because suddenly a frenzy of activity broke out at the Gryffindor table, and a chain chemical reaction of dissonance facing pages until the nose level was almost deafening. The unsorted starting time years looked positively terrified, as if frightened of being sent home if unsortable, and they alone seemed the lonesome ones still rendered speechless.

'' I mean did I just hear that right ? '' Ron asked, center alight with agitation 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 glimpse of the top of his pass over the instructor 's table, as the small man jumped up and down, vying for Dumbledore 's attention.

'' Oh my God did the sorting hat just quit ? '' Squealed Parvarti. One would retrieve she had just realized what had happened.

'' Brilliant that one ... '' Ron muttered sarcastically.

'' Think it has anything to do with the war going on ? '' Seamus asked excitedly. `` Do n't you remember ? How it warned us last year ? ''

'' It did n't warn us that it might go on ten-strike Eire man ! ''

'' Who you calling Irish Republic man ? ''

'' Chill Seamus, Dean 's just kidding, are n't you Dean ? '' Ginny 's calm voice somehow filtered through the ruckus.

'' I ca n't believe this ! Never, in all of Hogwarts a History did it ever report the Sorting Hat doing anything even remotely close to this ... '' Hermione was in her component, 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 engrossed in her bid to discover what he heard.

'' Do you believe we should just try sorting them anyway, Albus ? '' Professor McGonagall asked, casting an almost plead glimpse at the radical of first years, who seemed to shrink away from her gaze.

Professor Dumbledore, looking vaguely amused, patted Professor Flitwick on the head as he mulled this over. For his part the Charm 's prof stopped bouncing around like a firefly on upper, and his small-scale header disappeared beneath the faculty table.

'' We 'll be needing a voluntary though ... '' McGonagall stated rhetorically, scanning the lean of bookman public figure with an uncharacteristic look of precariousness, talking out trashy but absently. `` If any of the first off days would like to try to get class ... ''

His head of star sign was too obsessed, and she missed what he did not fail to notice.

A certain golden haired girl had overhead the professor 's question, and after casting a glance at the distraught children around her, had woven her way through the cowering first twelvemonth. She now stood besides the stool, her delicate mitt grasping the top of the hat as she lifted it from its chair, plopping it upon her promontory. The instructor around her were completely forgetful to her actions.

Her flaccid, angular features relaxed, as if immersed in quiet conversation. And as she sat there, immersed in a silent conversation to which only she was bathroom to, Dumbledore pointed a verge to his throat, murmuring, `` Sonorous ''.

A second later the headmaster 's magically amplified voice echoed throughout the Great Hall, as it had on only one former juncture.

'' SIIIILLLLEEEENNNCCCE ! ''

Every person who had been excitedly talking, including several of the neural looking first off years, who had started to cry, stopped and turned their attention to the front of the Asaph Hall.

So of course, that was when everyone 's care suddenly became drawn to the rather average girl, standing by the ordure, the offending hat placed atop her head.

'' Apparently the sorting hat has decided that it is no longer able to, in good conscious, procedure as a firm sorter. However, we shall have this sorted out. '' Dumbledore winked, the pun on dustup sounding almost natural coming from him. Yet Harry just stared in enthrallment at Kaylens, who seemed to be nodding quietly to herself. `` Now I would wish the pep pill old age to remain here for dinner, and I would like the number one class to come with .... ''

Dumbledore stopped mid-sentence, apparently just catching mountain of Kaylens, even though she had been right in front end of him all along.

Kaylens nodded one cobbler's last time, her hazel center flickering outdoors as she removed the hat, placing it back upon the stool. All middle were upon the hat except his, so he was the only one to see the rarified grin cross her feature article as the sorting hat opened its brim for the second time that dark.

'' Let the sorting now begin. ''



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