A situation orderliness of the Phoenix, pre-Half Blood Prince level.

Please consider this a replacement of the sixth book, since it was begun well before the tone ending of the Half pedigree Prince. I will not be changing this to admit the HBP plotline, since I feel that the Order of the genus Phoenix leaves a large degree of tractability for fan-fiction writers.

Thank you to all of the lecturer who have supported me throughout the committal to writing of this piece.
I can not express my gratitude enough to all of you who have made me the phone number 1 Favorite writer, and this narrative the number 2 deary narrative, the 7th almost register Story, the Most Reviewed Story Ever in the site 's story, and for several months between August and ahead of time November of 2005 the act 1 Favorite Story.







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






Chapter 1 ~ Lightning smasher


Remus'oculus narrowed, peering through the thick attack as rain pelted the Earth. He continued walking, not breaking formation even as water sloshed about his mud-soaked ankle joint, chilling him to the pearl.

Moving was becoming increasingly hard and the buddy-buddy wool of his cloak clung awkwardly to his icy tegument. He wished he had possessed the foresightfulness to don a lighter one, for moving certainly would bear been leisurely.

But there had been little time to think on such inside information.

His middle burned, the stinging ace growing until dreadful tears streamed down his expression, his salty tears mixing with the pelting before they reached his mouth, leaving the taste of salinity water upon his tongue.

The cutting sentiency grew worse. It happened whenever his rod cells multiplied, and right now the fury going on just behind his retinas was aiding him, bringing into pure focalise the destruction of the dark.

Cloaked figure came to life, the moonless night no longer a factor as gray figure danced before him with unearthly clearness. It was the one small talent his monthly burden afforded him.

Night vision.

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

Tonks fell into stride besides him, giving an involuntary shudder, and he caught her arm, helping her over another of the all in before she could tripper. Her eyes were still bloodshot from the last time it had happened.

She nodded thanks and they continued their stealthy search. They dared not visible radiation their paths for fear of giving away their positions. Lingering death eater could be anywhere.

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

A Reach had not been found in England for centuries. And the foul and loathsome death Eaters would go to any distance to find one. The evidence lay at their feet, and he was grateful that the rich iniquity spared Tonks from seeing the full extent of tonight 's destruction. Only he could bear informant to its broad repugnance.

Five Muggles had been slain this night. Their torn and mangled eubstance long since passed. There was nothing even the trump of therapist could do. All that was left was to pick through the butchery, hoping against Hope that a person 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, bare ghost to have passed through, unobserved and unheard.

The past weeks had brought a stack of murder. No ... butchery ...

This was his one-seventh such lookup that month alone, and still the stench of charred cloth and burnt flesh reeled him.

Muggle family line were being polluted with the foulness of Voldemort. And despite the Order 's dear feat, they had been powerless to finish it.

'' Six ... '' Tonks whispered, barely audible. Her slender chassis was knack down, her shaking helping hand checking for a pulse rate on a Edward Young man, his once golden-blond hair matted thickly with coagulated blood.

Remus bent down, grasping her around the waist as he helped her rise. In the heat of struggle she was fiery, unaffected by the horrors of fallen comrades. He had seen her ability to halt such things out firsthand in the Department of Mysteries. But now, in the aftermath of something she had no command over, the steely glint was gone from her eye, her purposeful stride lost.

He pulled her forward, feeling her eyes linger upon the break down skull of a man barely jr. than herself. He could feel its effect on her as she quivered in his arms. He wished to spare her advance torture, but they had to go on.

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

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

The sick illegitimate child would pay. God did not let person get away with such atrocity without requital. And he would see to that.

The darkness Lord had a new strategy. Snape had informed the Order hebdomad ago, but even now he still found it unfathomable, for the vile being was no longer content to try out with magic.

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

And people…

His programme was to harness the exponent of every magical being for himself. So he could transmit them into his one acrid being.

If the thought of an even stiff night Lord was n't enough to frighten individual, Remus did n't bed what was. But that fear did aught to quell his barely contained vehemence.

It was common knowledge that when emotions ran high, hag and superstar often lost control. netherworld, he had lost count of how many meter Harry had done exactly that.

Only now the Death eater were using a Reach 's emotions against them. The hooded physical body had crept in the subtlety of night from home to home over the past weeks, killing each prospect 's home right in front line of them. Their aim was to arouse an emotional reaction, one strong enough to reveal the ambit 's admittedly potency.

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

But what was even more sickening was the shadow Lord 's architectural plan for the poor somebody once they were found.

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

He could only trust that if there were a Reach, that they would find them first. Because while wizard ability was now silent, a Reach was not.

almost witches and adept developed magical ability at a young age. Though there were always the few destined to become Squibs, and there were always a few who developed it later on in life-time, in their adolescent. It had turned out that wizardly ability stemmed from a dominant factor, linked to the genes specifying parentage eccentric. And the genetic code Muggles possessed only differed by a few nucleotides, so it was easy for the mutation to arise randomly in Muggles, thus Muggleborns.

But a reaching was not a witch or maven, they were not a Squib or a late blooming prestidigitator.

They were something unlike entirely.

When their magical prowess came to realization, the Lapp scheme that alerted the headmaster to the presence of a new witch or mavin would go off.

Tonight that system had gone haywire. It had been slowly show recital for the retiring five months.

Now it was going off again.

There was a person out there holding Sir Thomas More major power than they could properly wield.

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

The pathetic bastard.

Instinctively his arm shot out, halting Tonks roughly in place, his dilated eyes roamed, scanning the priming coat of what had once been an ordinary plate set far away from the major roads. Now broken floor board littered the muddied ground, while smoke from the douse fires curled up in snake like tendrils, shrouding the public from view. Yet his eye penetrated its veil, searching for the flicker of bowel movement that had frozen him in place.

He clenched his finger tighter around the familiar don oak of his wand, bracing himself for whatever onrush would come in.

None came.

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

He withdrew his arm, placing a finger carefully over Tonks'icy rim, signaling her to be silent. The only sign of her discombobulation was the fire up crease of her forehead. She would, of grade, have no idea what he was looking for. Her audience was not as refined as his.

But werewolf bites did things like that to a person.

It came again, a low, stifled moan, and he took off, rushing towards the source. No attacker could assume that kind of pain.

He skidded, flinging John Rock in the air as he bent down beside her. The puddle she was feebly pushing herself out of was a deep mordant, filled with the blood of her and the lifeless man besides her. Her soundbox spasmed with each choking drudge as she coughed up breathe in water, her eyes glazed over from what he recognized as stupor.

He pulled her up, speaking in low, reassuring tincture as she flailed against him. She was too watery to do much price, even of the other variety ...

Tonks reached them, murmuring soothing discussion as she smoothed the female child mud caked tomentum away from her brass, brown water emerging from her rim as another stave of spasm racked her body violently.

He took her appearance in, another nonvoluntary spasm shaking her. Torn fragment of what had once been clothing hung lightly from her, and the debris and dust sticking to her wet face made her features insufferable to distinguish.

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

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

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


The rain poured down in cold torrents as Harry shouldered his broom, sprinting after Kingsley through the flying forming puddle of Jack London 's city streets. It was coming down in buckets now, and if he had thought flying through the torrential soaker had been bad it was aught compared to the pounding of his feet on the slick pavement.

Moody 's guttural consonant growl sounded off to his right, not that he could see him, the rain was too thick to see much of anything. roaring clapped, shaking him to the sum, and the lightning flashed shockingly, illuminating the area to reveal rate members running in rank and file around him, splashing water as they went.

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

Only this Night was different.

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

Tonight truly was different.

He blinked rapidly, trying vainly to extract the H2O cascading into his eyes, but it was to no avail. His glasses were too thickly coated with rain droplets, and he desperately racked his mind for the spell Hermione used to rebuff water. For his wand was out, and he could use it. The Ministry had removed the Decree for the confinement of Underage genius that summer. Dumbledore had headed up the motion, arguing that the paying back of Voldemort endangered witches and maven of all geezerhood, and that in the case of an attack, scholarly person should be free to defend themselves without the fright of repercussions.

The empty lot materialized between two run down theatre, and he looked quickly at the small slip of paper of sopping wet paper dripping from his hand, hesitant to ignore his environment for even a second when the foreboding fear of flack hung so thickly about him.

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

Grimmauld office.

lupine materialized at the top of the woebegone wooden stairs looking worse for the wear. His normally threadbare clothing was now ragged and blood stained, his eyes hollow and sunken, holding the smell of prey that knew its piranha to be go up.

Harry stepped through the door, stomping his metrical unit on the shaggy carpet, slinging mud everywhere as the others piled in. He swallowed the lump in the base of his throat, pulling his eyes from the quaggy base, forcing himself to get hold of in his surroundings. A man named Dorbert buttock could be heard triggering the complicated lockup spell on the front threshold.

A loud boom reverberated through the family, shaking the walls as indistinct vocalisation argued in the distance. Yet this did not put out him. Even his curiosity as to why he had been pulled so untimely from his bed could not best the desperation that had hit him like a bludger. In the heat of the subspecies they had ran he had forgotten one affair.

That they were taking him to Sirius's…

This house had never been gleeful, but now it seemed a hollow carapace of what could have been. It stood as a painful admonisher of the scrapings of a sprightliness that he and his godfather could have salvaged. But that animation was gone now.

War brought casualties, casualties brought pain, and pain brought vacancy.

That was how he had felt since that night. Empty. There was nothing that could fill the void. Not even the impending terror of facing Voldemort in year to come could bring in him finger anything but despair again.

Mundungus cleared his throat, turning all heads towards him as he beckoned for everyone to quietly cause their way to an meet way. He followed, his sopping wet clothes weighing him down with every dance step he took. But zilch could weigh him down as much as the retentiveness ... As much as the load haunting him ... The one they should birth told him ...

realization hit him severe, like sudden submersion into the icy water supply of the Northern artic, as he wondered what they were not telling him tonight.

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

But even if they had told him, right then, it would n't stimulate mattered. There was no way any of them could have known what would fall out from that Nox 's events. At to the lowest degree not yet ... None of them were seeing past their pauperism to get him to a safe location, so they could not have known that the night marked a turning point in time in his life sentence, as well as in the sprightliness of the just survivor of Voldemort 's first wave of attacks.

The war had begun.
* * * * *


Throbbing pain ... rake ... yell of pain ....

'' It 's a miracle she survived .... '' `` Ah ... but was 'hat really a thoroughly affair professor ? ''

Dim articulation filtered into her thoughts, her sopor befuddled mind protesting strongly as it failed to comprehend a single word.

'' ... has a hazard. ''

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

She awoke jarringly, her abominable moan drowned out by the vocalism.

Voices that were oblivious to her waking up. Voices unmindful to the way her body recoiled in painful sensation. phonation forgetful to how her eyes teared from the smart sun pouring in from the windowpane of the damned room. vocalization oblivious to how she clawed like a affright animal at the thickset comforter wrapped around her beaten-up and bruised body.

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

What she had done ...

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

She had done the unthinkable ....

New waves of pain decant forth, her vision swimming dangerously with each pulsating pain her body dealt. She would give birth cried out, but the effort would have been too a great deal for her fragile form. Instead she drew in ragged breaths until her eubstance gave out, the sound of a door creaking and a large, dark form standing over her vaguely registered before she once again slipped into merciful oblivion.
* * * * *


The dreams were always the Saami ....

For nearly a month she had refused to succumb to the nightly harassment. 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 lot than the one the wizarding world would confer upon her.

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

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

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 hint, letting her shit subside slowly before Hagrid could discover. She had dreamt about it again. About that night. Visions of blood and shrill screams had filled her mind 's eye each night since as she dreamt about their deeds ...

Her deeds ...

She wiped the lingering snag that clung to her lash, swallowing her own self-loathing. She would not fight it, for she deserved every bit of pain bestowed upon her. She would grizzle 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 innocents caught up in something grownup than all of them.

And the ones who had started it all ...

They deserved so practically uncollectible.

Everything respectable and pure in her life had been gone for calendar week. It was with a stale uncloudedness that she realized this. For now she lived for one determination, and one intent alone.

Revenge.
* * * * *


Harry lay on the top built in bed staring at the ceiling, watching the way shadows played across it as lighter from passing car headlamp shone in through the window. Ron 's tawdry snore drifted up, breaking the secretiveness like a bullhorn with every breath, and it was taking every inch of the willpower he possessed, to not slant over and smack his Friend senseless with his pillow.

He sighed loudly, wondering when it was all going to end. Each day the Daily Prophet brought news show of to a greater extent putting to death, more unexplained disappearance, and of more war. For several weeks he and Ron had been catching tidbit of information, shimmy ups by the grownup in Grimmauld post, and right now it sounded like the Ministry was in absolute mayhem. Not that he minded that fact. Anything that made Fudge 's job harder amused him immensely. What he did mind was the intellect for the mayhem, and that was Voldemort.

Voldemort. It was odd really, how one someone could be the grounds of so much death and destruction. No one should throw that often baron, he thought bitterly, thinking of the toll that the Muggle Death were taking on Mr. Weasley, Ron 's don.

Mr. Weasley was the soulfulness employee in the misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department, and recently, with the mental strain on resources in the Ministry, it had come to replicate as the section of Muggle carnal knowledge. Now Mr. Weasley spent half his time performing store good luck charm on Muggle law enforcement, to get across up the deaths of Muggles who had been murdered by last Eaters. Now every time Harry saw Mr. Weasley, all the man could utter about were different possible scheme for protecting the Muggle population.

Now if only a proficient scheme actually existed.

He rolled restlessly, spying Hedwig 's gleaming eyes in the iniquity. She hooted softly in acknowledgment, and he smiled in the dark despite his glum thoughts.

retention plagued him every time he closed his heart now. The department of Mysteries ... It was why he now lay awake.

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

Hermione had nearly been killed.

Sirius had ... ..

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

The trick was in figuring out how.

To protect them, he had tried to blatantly push them away, but they had seen right through that. He had refused to write, and his self-induced isolation ended when both of them showed up at the Dursleys while his relatives were on holiday. The two of them set up residence there the entire week, Order penis circling the assumption like hawk for security system, while his acquaintance 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 have to do it slowly.

Yes. A gradual drifting would be best.

It was with these thoughts in head, that he drifted off into another nighttime of fitful sleep. If only he could give known then what the following few years would add.





disavowal : The characters, places, gens, and case mentioned in this story, that coincide with the persona, position, names, and case mentioned in J.K. Rowling 's Harry Potter series, do not belong to me, but to that literary genuis, JKR. Thank you so often for allowing so many of us to prosecute writing through fanfiction JKR, we really appreciate it.

The fabulous banner is by SticksN'Stones.

art of Kalliandra by agirlnamedbob87.





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



Chapter 2 - world-class impression


Her eyes flickered over the lake 's glassy surface, taking in the shimmering reflections of the betimes cockcrow dawn. The sun was barely risen and the birds still slumbered, but this had become the average for her over the yesteryear workweek. She simply no longer saw the use in sleeping when guilt plagued her even there.

A light walkover ruffled the water, tousling her whisker gently in its backwash. She casually brushed her whispy strands back, tucking them carelessly behind her auricle.

Her hair's-breadth had always been a root of thwarting, always in the way, hanging in movement of her eyes, driving her instructors crazy. No ponytail ever held for long, for her thick, showy hair had a way of worming its way out. It was as if it preferred to be gratuitous and untethered.

variety of like me ...

She swore silently, the rippling waves now running across the lake the only viewer 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 stead he looked, but with as latterly as he always ran he would not be pleased with her absence, particularly when they had places to go that good afternoon.

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

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

She had been warned of the peril of such thing.

Her bare feet crunched upon the dewy grass, but the early morning quiver did not trouble her. She reached into her pocket, fingering the cherry wooden surface of her wand before pulling it out, studying it appraisingly as she traversed her way across the grounds.

They were odd looking things really. Long and melt off, and from the looks of it, easily breakable. She suppressed the sudden urge to do just that, knowing full well that cypher could be gleaned from such destructive amount.

It would not change anything, except her mood, but even that could not be improved measurably by the snapping of her emblematic pit.

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

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

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

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

Jacob 's run now streamed down from the swarm, forming pools of Light on the vibrant eatage, giving evidence to the fondness the day would contribute.

It was a lovingness that would never strain her.

A slightly stiff air bore the sound of approaching hooves, and she turned towards the Forbidden Forest, the outline of wings folding into a horse cavalry 's skeletal eubstance signaled Silverthorne 's arrival.

Silverthorne would be pleased. Now he would not make to waitress for her to change out of her nightly garments before getting his ferret fix for the day.

She stopped and waited, his gallop growing louder with his rapid approach, and a small grinning graced her passive lips. Hagrid and Dumbledore had been as wonderful as they could be, but there was much they kept hidden from her. Intuition informed her of this with every fleeting look they exchanged around her.

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

Silverthorne let out a low, pharyngeal consonant grunt as he slowed to a canter, stopping to nuzzle her with his olfactory organ.

A creature of the numb. It was one of the more indecent names Thestrals were referred to by, but it explained why she had felt an instant standoff to them while the former animate being screeched and howled in her presence.

His dentition glinted in the red hues of the daybreak and she smiled, pleased with the sight. It should have concerned her, but instinct again told her there was nothing to fear with him.

At least so long as he gets his first light collation, she reminded herself with some entertainment, picturing how he would tear through the small creature 's os so eagerly.

She smiled again, letting the care of yesterday pass. She would justify to Hagrid later before they reached Diagon bowling alley to get her 'school'supplies. She used the word fleetingly for while she was to attend to Hogwarts, she was too far behind to be expected to actually grow in appointment with the rest of the sixth geezerhood. Instead she was to put up a worthy façade until she gained the knowledge that could help her.

Then there was the small factor of her being completely ineffectual to incant in the first property.

No one would be the wiser to why she was really there. Dumbledore 's think of stories would not only turn back out, but they were even believable to an extent. He would back her if anyone questioned them. That was her only relief in this full nether region.

The underworld that had become her living.

Kalliandra pulled herself onto Silverthorne and squeezed her bare blackguard around him, his bony rib protruding into her skin in the cognitive operation. He took off quickly, carrying them both towards Hagrid 's hut at a pace abyssal to any human, but not to them.

* * * * *



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

Harry laughed as he watched Ron squirm uncomfortably, the wizard tape cadence flying vertically around his friend 's no longer gangly torso, magically recording the length of his arms, wooden leg, stature, and for some odd reason, the distance between his spike.

He knew exactly why Ron 's brothers were getting him coiffure robes, but he was n't about to percentage that part of information. Not when he was actually enjoying himself for the inaugural fourth dimension in workweek.

'' fountainhead we did n't demand them hold out year, '' He pointed out truthfully. `` And we do this year. So maybe they just felt bad since your outgrowth squirt rendered your other ones unwearable. ''

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

'' Blimey ! Watch it ! '' Ron exclaimed, ducking another near hit, his pes entangling in the foresighted dress gown trailing past his ft.

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

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

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

Of row, he thought lightly, his comfortably Paraguay tea might not be muttering the colorful metaphors if he could see the look on the sales clerk 's face ... Or the fact that she was storming over from where she had been attempting to size a first twelvemonth for his Hogwarts robes, face alit, hands on hips, oculus narrowed vindictively at the messiness Ron lay in.

right hand then, with the impeccably bad timing that only Ron could get the hang, his protagonist 's red forefront emerged from the fray, a bright pink sheet wrapped around it like a shawl, and a sheepish facial expression on his face as he stammered apology. The sight must feature been too a lot for the clerk, because her mouth twitched, her serious expression faltered, and all pretense of choler vanished as she failed to be discerning about her own entertainment.

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

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

'' You know twin, I think ma'am Maulkin 's got it all wrong. I think that 's an excellent look for you. Imagine what Hermione would recall ... ''

Suddenly he was finding it impossible to spot Ron 's auricle from the rest of his tangled matt of hair.

'' Oh shut it Harry ! ''

Harry grinned, enjoying his friends momentaneous soreness. `` speechmaking of Hermione ... '' He said, calming down slightly. `` She should be here any minute so perhaps you could ask her for her educated persuasion ... ''

A undimmed pink satin blur flew across the room, and he caught it deftly, holding it out in front of him as he looked at it in mock assessment. `` Ron, I 'm affect. But it 's really not my people of colour. 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 corking, 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 respective brassy snigger from a certain chuckling Aythya americana tangled in fabric.

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

They really should make stores more accessible for people his size of it ... He thought, making a mental note to mention the theme to Hermione as Hagrid opened his large mouth.

'' About five min ago Harry. And I stand by what I said. '' A impish grinning formed under Hagrid 's scruffy brown beard as his optic landed on Ron. `` Hot pink would be clashin'horribly with Ron 's hair. ''

A forte tearing sound tore his attention back to Ron, and he stifled yet another laugh at the horrified expression on Ron 's typeface. By all appearance, Ron had attempted to walk from the fitting platform to where he and Hagrid sat by the windows, only now Ron was staring down at the ripped fabric hanging raggedly from the hem of his new attire robes.

'' Now that's why you 're supposed to stay put ! '' Madam Maulkin snipped, spying the new destruction and waving her verge. The cloth flipped up like a snake in the grass, a large phonograph needle zooming to mend it. Ron attempted to jump back away from it.

'' It wo n't seize with teeth you know ! '' Madam Maulkin yelled, huffily storming over. `` Prick maybe ... ''

Ron did not calculate relieved at the mentation. Of grade, the agonize verbal expression might induce been from how Madam Maulkin grabbed him by the scruff of his pinch and yanked him back to the fitting political platform, where she immediately began to fuss over the awful state of his gown.

'' bettor land up you first since you ca n't stand still. '' She quipped in her high pitched voice. `` And to mean that this sunup I would stimulate sworn it was the youthful pupil who gave me the most problems ... ''

Ron shot him a pleading look to which he grinned bemusedly, chuckling at how Ron reacted to being fussed over. The guy could hardly support 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 fauna get a custody of your teaching robe or did Fang do it ? '' He asked, grinning knowingly. Hagrid 's creatures were always tearing his clothes, which would excuse why half his garments were covered in mismatched patching.

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

He nodded, curio driving him as he wondered who this Kalliandra theatrical role was. must be a offset year or really young. He was sure he would have remembered that public figure at least.

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

Generally there was only one reason for why Hagrid took anyone to get school supply, and he was all too familiar spirit with such things.

At to the lowest degree Hagrid will show them a upright sentence, he mused, remembering his beginning misstep to Diagon Alley. He opened his oral fissure to ask if they were from a wizarding or Muggle crime syndicate, 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 whirl.

He followed Hagrid 's gaze towards the appointment way, taking in the relatively officious store when a not unfamiliar sensation hit him like a bludger, his venter twisting oddly as his middle landed on a slim bod, glancing around the store hesitantly.

And I thought Hermione looked good in dress robe, he thought, swallowing hard, berating himself for being distracted. But this miss was stunning, in an far-out variety of way. While her feature of speech were rather plain, her long, gilt dress gown clung loosely to her slender legs, with her touchy 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 affair that kept him from outright gaping as she came to put up proper by him, biting her lip nervously, centre directed at Hagrid.

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

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

'' And my assistant did a okay job young lady. That gloss courting you, '' madam Maulkin chimed out, shocking him back to his sens. He silently thanked her, and glanced over to see that she was still indeed, judging by his Quaker 's offended expression, torturing Ron.

He shook his head whimsically at the hatful, glancing back at the young woman in figurehead of him, thinking that ma'am Maulkin had a full point about the color suiting her. Her sinister golden hair cascaded loosely past her berm, several shorter strands framing her case, lightly brushing her collar bone. All of it was barely discernable from the silky robe material clinging to her gracile chassis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' You have a very ... large ... head ... '' Maulkin muttered with each subsequent yank, and Hagrid 's belly laugh of laughter drowned out Ron 's umbrageous replication. Harry glanced back at Kalliandra to see her watching the spectacle, a hint of a grinning tracing its way across her lips.

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

Harry turned back to Kalliandra, to see the slight grinning that had seconds ago graced her feature vanish.

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

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

'' Yev 're had transferee, jerst fer former home. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Like a broad grown whale in the woods ...

Or a three headed dog ....

Or a pet dragon ...

Seeing a half giant squirm beneath one 's gaze would normally be quite a funny occurrence, but it simply made Harry nervous as Hagrid continued shuffling his feet, mumbling about proper launching, while the girl remained extremely muted.

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

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

'' A delight ... '' She said quietly, her optic flickering up to fulfill his.

It was a daze he had been ill prepared for, for her eyes held a tracing of the familiar… So closely consanguineal to the haunted look of Sirius'that he felt himself shaken to the core at the familiarity.

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

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

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

It was a wonder Hagrid had even asked, because he was already waving 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 blame him.

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

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

'' Yes, you 're probably right ... '' She said faintly, her voice so cushy he scarcely heard her. Though her surprisingly lenify chanting did zilch to end the harsh lineament of her glare as her specialise middle followed Hagrid 's retreating contour. In fact, she was still shooting daggers out the door as the supporter yanked her over to the unresolved try-on chopine besides Ron seconds later.

Harry decided not to dwell on the look he had seen, the one so painfully conversant to Sothis. It had probably been his imaging, so he contented himself with trying to decide which of the two looked more dissatisfied. Kalliandra kept shutting her middle, as if frightened by the enchanted tape measure meter flicking around her headway, while Ron kept shooting frown at brothel keeper Maulkin.

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

He was about to agree when Kalliandra cut him off.

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

The helper flicked her sceptre, shortening Kalliandra 's gown 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 bite ? ''

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

Kalliandra had though.

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

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

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

He had to admit Ron had a period, she did not seem very personable, and did not appear too excited about talking, so he was n't about to coerce her. Yet something about her aroused his oddment. If only he could put his finger upon it ...

Several minute of arc passed, the sticky quiet broken only be Ron 's random flare-up of displeasure, and Kalliandra 's quiet responses to the helper 's query. Unsurprisingly she was the first one done, and he found himself having a intemperate time not staring at her now that the dress robes were completely fitted around her cast. The thing was classy, elegant, and practically form fitting ...

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

'' Because she, unlike some of my customers, actually held still while we measured her, '' gentlewoman Maulkin quipped from where she knelt on the flooring, using her wand to create shaver accommodation to the hem of Ron 's robe.

She flashed Harry an inconspicuous blink of an eye, and he barely caught it, smiling slightly at her before glancing back to see Kalliandra melt behind a changing room curtain. He could n't help but sense slightly relieved. Between his curiosity about this girl and Ron 's glares, he did not need to be caught staring at her. And he knew he 'd be a lot to a lesser extent prone to doing that once she was out of that execrable robe.

Of course he was wrong, because when she re-emerged he found the abruptly sleeved top she wore to be no salutary than the low cut communication channel the gown had bore.

'' hem. ''

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

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

Harry failed to have the chance to so much as shrug in response to Ron 's obscene the likes of gestures in the girl 's direction, before a quiet clatter broke the relative silence of the room. He turned to see Kalliandra squatting down on the base, picking up tiny pins in her script.

The lost assistant stood behind the buffet, bearing a slight smile. `` Oh honey, thank you, but do n't interest about that. I 'm as clumsy as can be ... '' The assistant flicked her wand and the fiddling pins scattered all over the piazza disappeared, reappearing into the pin cushion held in Kalliandra 's bridge player.

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

He did n't flush it to mark it.

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

There was no time to follow that absurd power train of thought, for Kalliandra had already stood, thanked the fair sex, and disappeared out the face entrance with her bag.

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

Ron was compensate, she was supposed to wait for Hagrid. Harry hesitated a moment, an internal debate waging until curio got the better of him. Wasting no Thomas More sentence he jumped from his seat and went after her.

He wanted to see where she was going.











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







Chapter 3 ~ Entangled Webs



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

To the core she had been undeniably, inexplicably, shaken. And all because of a scattered mass of pins upon the floor of a garment shop, and her own miserable attempts to refine a clerk 's clumsiness.

Magic.

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

The Oklahoman she became accustomed the better.

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

Butchered for who she was… The theory was null less 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'eyeball warming her hide, the get off clatter of pebbles being kicked askew and the laughter of children ringing within the deferral of her audile senses.

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

She had died the Lapplander day they had succumbed, despite the rhythmic buffeting within her thorax.

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

She was going to find out.

It was why she had left, fleeing in hopes of traversing her way through the densely jammed streets, making her way towards the looming marble edifice, the golden give-and-take Gringotts Bank emblazoned across its bone surface.

After barely a hundred paces the pillar of the wizarding commercial society emerged over the heads of the crowd. Its supporting tower leaning in various directions, their haphazard backup for the amphetamine levels of the building strengthened with the black art filling the streets.

Though it was not there that she wished to go.

It was there, directly across from the hob filled deposit. That was where she desired to go to seek out her reply. Turning down the wickedness alleyway she noted a rickety signaling suspended above it 's entryway bearing the jaggedly chip at Good Book Knockturn Alley.

Yes, she had been forewarned of its shadowed 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 poke Repellant, and about how object of the illicit sort could be procured.

She was an object of the outlawed variety, and if there was anywhere to regain acceptance within the society that demanded swift execution for those of her nature, it would be here.

Hagrid had been none the wiser, content to answer her every interrogative about the raunchy alleyway. He had even inadvertently supplied her with the name of the man to whom she wished to speak, 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 metre you took an honest holiday ? ``

Kingsley Shacklebolt let out an incensed huff, raucously shoving his way through the midst crowd grunting about rebelliousness. Tonks only refuge was to wrap her eyes, further darkening the reddened hue that her party boss'grimace was beginning to claim on.

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

'' Kingsley, Harry is perfectly capable of taking charge of himself for more than five instant, '' She said amicably. `` And besides, how was I supposed to beak up Remus'birthday giving for hi.. ''

'' Tonks…

Casting a squinty glance at the senior gild member she came to a halt in the center 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 side to obviate them. For all their complaining one would think she was inciting a belly laugh, not stopping for a chat with her slightly unnerving party boss.

speechmaking of Kingsley, he looked like he was either suppressing the desire to throttle her, or in the beginning level of cardiac stop.

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

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

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

A rather tumid handwriting clamped over her rima oris, and she found herself being roughly drug away from the sett streets into a spinal column alley, away from the ears of passersby.

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

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

She did not even hold off for his nod of affirmation before continuing on her tirade. `` Why should we be still Kingsley ? Jehovah knows these unknowledgeable people need a wake up call, not that the Ministry is giving them one with their security review of the papers and… ''

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

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

Her mouthpiece fell give, forming a small'O'of understanding.

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

'' That night, '' She whispered, knowing broad well to what he referred. The scar tissue across her chest would forever attend to as a discover reminder to her nonperformance in dueling with her aunt. It had taken half of the summer, laid up in St. Mungos, for her to pee-pee a full convalescence from the blows she had been dealt.

Remus had been her only root of sanity during that time, as he had been on the Nox they had combed through the grotesquely sear curtilage of an isolated Muggle home, searching for survivors.

The month old picture of that terrible aspect was now burned beneath the nominal head page 's nictitation headlines, the body of water pooling upon the paving material darkened with what she knew to be blood.

The poor souls had never had a chance.

Clenching the tabloid between her deal she met her hirer'regard. `` Look, '' She whispered, forcing her spokesperson calm. `` I know the Order is concerned about Harry. But he has proven Sir Thomas More than competent in position that virtually Aurors have yet to cheek, and he 's come out active an… ''

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

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

His eyes widened considerably, `` In war there is no room for mistake. ``

'' Who said he was making them ? ``

Kingsley began pacing up and down the apothecary 's side alley. `` No one, but you have to acknowledge the fry is… ''

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

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

'' I 'll exact it under considerateness, '' She replied, leaning against the dirty brick paries, content to bask in its shadiness for a minute of respite from the Aug heat.

Kingsley 's next broadside was opaque, though she did catch the row 'irresponsibility', 'insubordinate', and 'dam n't girl'.

Slowly she began banging her head against the brick siding.

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

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

'' Oh grand ! '' Kingsley burst out, throwing his hands up. `` Perhaps you explain your logical thinking to the rules of order when decease feeder flak and take them away ! ``

She groaned, resuming the thumping of her point. `` Kingsley the Order would do well to realize that Harry is nearly of age. He 's nearly an adult and nothing is going to bechance while he and Ron are being fitted for robe. ``

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

'' You mean Ginny ? ``

The man let out a strait oddly reminiscent of a hippogriff in heat, stomping the primer coat and sending a spate of dust scattering into the air. `` Who do you think I mean ! ? What early girl were you to chaperon today ? ! Focus for just a second would you Nympha… ''

'' We ran into her swain, '' Tonks hastened to inform, unwilling to hear that cursed name again. `` So she is spending the relaxation of the good afternoon with the Finnigans. ''

'' And the boys ? ``

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

Despite his fury Kingsley gave an involuntary shudder. It was a well known fact in his section that he hated all matter related to formal garb, with a particular aversion to those who made such matter their profession.

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

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

Tonks jaw dropped at the admission, a bellowing laugh resonating from Shacklebolt 's with child form.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eyeing his nose she nodded. `` Yup, you 've got a crooked nose too. I hear those Muggle nutters have some slap-up technique for remedying tho… ''

Kingsley stomped his pes again. `` See ? This is exactly what I mean ! Your attention span is bordering on the non-existent and you 're always usurping authority in party favor of whatever your whimsy of the moment is ! In this case it 's the, 'the kids can lease upkeep of themselves'whim ! That 's precisely why I ca n't bed too soon ! You 're nowhere near make for such a position and there is no one else with adequate fight experience to recommend ! ``

She grimaced as his musical note went unusually senior high for a man of his girth.

'' Are you even listening ? ``

'' Yes Bos. ``

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

'' Your Supremacy ? ``

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

'' I 'm just taking your advice. I thought authority figures liked to be addressed… ''

'' One more word and a 'Nympadora'signaling is going to wind up with a permanent sticking appealingness on your front line door. ``

She sobered immediately.

'' And intercept banging your mind. ``

She stopped that to.

'' And do n't worm. ``

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

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

Contenting herself with incrementally elongating and shortening her nails, the cognitive operation concealed by the woven 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 refuse bin, and stopped dead.

Passing the opening where the side alley converged with Diagon Alley 's bustling main avenue was a familiar head of obscure pilus, and Harry was sprinting along at a healthy gait.

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

Without a intelligence she ignored the sarcastic shot, taking off after Harry with homicidal intent. Of all the ill fated timing that one could take, she had the pip. Harry just had to foot now to run off, and she had every purpose of strangling him once she got a keep of him.

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

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

As they shoved their way through the street, Kingley 's aureate loop earring glinting in the fair weather, she began ticking off the various elbow room to defeat or torture him. For out of all the Order members she was his strongest proponent when it came to the level of independence he should be afforded. After all, she had attested to Harry 's ability to distinguish when it was or was not appropriate to wander off in public places. However, with Kingsley standing behind her, Harry was proving her wrong yet again. She could only imagine the self-satisfied smile crossing Kingsley 's grimace, and after he mentioned this to the Order…

Her ingathering to let Harry in on more of the Orders'natural action would probably be rejected, yet again.

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

'' I 'm going to pop him when I get a hold of him, '' Kingsley grumbled behind her, wrinkling his nozzle at the mingled aroma stemming from the apothecary.

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

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

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

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



It was a wonder that he had managed to keep her in sight, considering the drove swarming around him, youngster screaming off item that would be needed for the start of term to frazzled parents, most of whom were doing admirable balancing acts with newly purchased cauldrons, record, and potions supplies. Though her tomentum coloring helped, for it was neither dark nor light, falling somewhere between bronze and gold, yet far from blond. He had seen the colouration rarely, and he doubted ever naturally, before now. Regardless, it made her easier to keep track of her.

gum olibanum it was that he was unable to overlook her purposeful march into Knockturn Alley, his abdomen churning uncomfortably at the thought.

It was not a situation he liked. In fact, he would much rather prefer to stave off it all together. Yet the way Hagrid had been treating this girl, it seemed she was new to the beehive that was Diagon alley, and she very well may throw just made a life-threatening, and possibly life history threatening, mistake.

He knew the consequences of such erroneousness far too well.

Pulling his wand out he cast a glamour good luck charm upon his nous, watching the unruly chain of hair hanging on his brow lighten to a muted brown. Quickly he brushed as practically of it over his forehead as potential, not keen to be recognized within the disreputable area he was now traversing through.

The dark entrance was rather twisted, the quad narrow and curving every few understructure, thus she easily fell out of his argument of sight. And it was not without incident that he made it through this, having to grunt at a Haggard looking woman to force base his point that he indeed did not desire to buy the cadaver toes she was selling.

'' Maybe next time Young lad, future time… '' She hawked after him, driving his tread to increase.

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

Making a precipitant determination, and silently praising Fred and George IV for their generosity that day when they had visited the Weasley Gemini 's formation, Harry crept past the shaded windowpane displaying Borgin & Martha Jane Burk on 'special'detail, casting a secret glance through the soil covered panes.

The image was vague, distorted by the wooden-headed level of grime coating the windowpane, but Kalliandra 's approach stirred the man knelt behind the counter, his hands rummaging through his glass display typeface like a rat in a hole.

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

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

Neither prospect boded well.

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

Making a decision as the man began pacing, Harry dropped to the filthy ground, allowing an revolutionise cart to conceal him from the legal age of the stint traffic upon the alley.

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

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

Pressing his ear to the thin, flaking Natalie Wood paneling upon the constitution 's outside, he muttered a charm for hearing enhancement, bringing the ill-boded conversation to life.

Through the creaking of aged, rotting Grant Wood, Kalliandra 's intonations mingled with the proprietor 's pacing.

'' …ank you. I appreciate your satin flower. ``

'' I have small use for honesty, and much for business, '' Rasped the man, whose voice Harry now recognized to be that of Borgin 's proprietor, Mr. Borgin himself. `` Your parallelism 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 seize much. ``

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

'' Of line, '' Borgin 's rattled hint nip out. `` Though the method acting of the payment 's saving shall be to my spec. ``

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

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

Then there was silence, enticing him to slowly slew up the splintery siding, his centre reaching the sill to peer inwards, just in meter 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 I Kenny ~



Chapter 4 ~ ejaculate of distrust


Perhaps it was the shuddering weakness that had plagued her body so oft as of tardily, but seeing the messy haired thrower upon the background was a sight for which she had been ill set up, the sheer cushion sending her insides reeling and curling into unnatural knots as she blinked at him, his own expression adverted as if stalling for time.

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

Choking back the throw up superstar threatening to crawl from her throat, she spun on her heel, strewing grimy debris in her wake and snake pit bent on distancing herself from the meddling sap as much as possible.

Silently she thanked God, the one of whose existence she was still disbelieving, for her discreetness at having said zilch more than than necessary.

Tucking a lock of darkened gold behind her ear, effectively removing the wayward fibril from her face, she rounded the firstly turn in the stooped alley, passing a street vendor selling ears of something that sounded suspiciously like 'house elves'. It was in this import of distraction that a business firm grip fell upon her pep pill arm, the callus on the hand evident as she reflexively yanked her arm away, stepping away to distance herself from the prat bold plenty to make such a gesture.

Unsurprisingly she was unable to even sour around before Potter was again upon her, ushering her to the other face of the sully area, away from the street trafficker. She wasted no time in distancing herself from the Potter buttocks, fishing around for his first name, which she could not remember.

Casting a leery glance at the wavy vendor she felt distinctly nervous, even with the man 's crazy eyes 10 yards off, for he was clearly out of earreach. Dismissing the momentary headache that thaumaturgist could possibly induce higher-ranking hearing she felt her eyes narrowing into darkened slits.

To Potter 's course credit, his mouth was already opening in explanation, but she cut him off.

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

His jaw clamped shut, an unsure look overtaking his feature of speech, as if he had no cue on how to answer her question.

Another present moment passed between them in secrecy, the shadows cast by the looming brick walls of the alleyway traveling such a scant length that their movement would have been indiscernible to the human eye, had either present paid the iniquity any mind, though they did not.

Still the messy haired man before her did not speak, his secrecy allowing her the sentence she needed to collect her gratingly shake demeanor.

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

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

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

ceramist 's nerve was oddly contorted, as if unable to decide upon frowning or glaring in suspicion. `` Why are you so alarmed about me overhearing that ? ``

'' Why do you conceive ? '' 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 voice down. `` Why the concern if you have nothing to hide ? ``

She visibly bristled.

'' Correct me if I 'm wrongly, '' she stated slowly, taking the time to enunciate each syllable. `` But most mass do not charter well to having their private conversations listened in on. ''

'' Most people do n't wander down Knockturn Alley to speak in code with shadowed proprietor, '' he countered challengingly.

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

His wickedness, forest-like optic met her staid gaze levelly, without apology, while a woman with a torn, tattered Gray shawl limped around the recess, leaning heavily on a claw footed cane. Neither spoke as the woman shambled along, quietly croaking out a melodic line of sort about bat fender and who-ding-its.

As soon as the woman neared the weave of the alley, becoming concerned in street vender 's merchandise, ceramist closed the aloofness between them, his skid disturbing the deep nipper gull that the elder 's cane had left indented in the unclean ground.

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

'' You just happened to take after me, '' she cut in unapologetically, `` And then you must give randomly determine to squat down and listen in ? ``

thrower took another step forward, centre intimidating.

'' Yes. ``

suck in a half frustrated, half furious breathing space she suppressed the urge to quetch something, him in particular. `` Alright Potter, if that's the instance, then why did you observe me ? ``

His look was nothing dead of derisive, the facial expression of one trying to explain a simple construct to a lowly child incapable of grasping it.

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

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

In the sullen shade of the alley, his eyes took on a suspicious, disapproving glint. `` Why should n't he know ? ``

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

His center narrowed immediately. `` You 're avoiding the interrogative sentence. ``

'' And you 're being a complete… ''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Sure sounds like it. ''

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

'' Do n't you dare… ''

'' Now really, what give-and-take was so important that it required you to trek into Knockturn Alley to speak in hushed smell behind a shut down door ? Because seriously Kalliandra, I 'd love to know, '' he snapped with mock serious-mindedness, yanking his workforce from his pockets and crossing his arms.

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

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

Turning on her blackguard she shoved past him, brushing off his arm that attempted to halt her procession as she stalked away. Purposely dragging her animal foot enough to send a strew of grimy detritus in his direction, she felt a set-apart sense of satisfaction at his indignant coughing.

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

She threw her head word back and cackled, sending a small grouping of shaver, first twelvemonth 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 pursuit, she was having hassle grasping Harry 's conversation due to the noise of the crowd. Knockturn bowling alley had been deserted in comparison, but fortunately they were able to ride out relatively snug due to her tendency to knock anyone ill-omened enough to take the air in movement of them in the backbone of the knee with the pincer footed cane.

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

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

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

'' Details ! '' she shot back. `` Besides, if I 'm going to throttle him I at least demand to listen that I have a dependable reason. ``

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

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

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

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

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

'' You would n't. ``

'' What makes you call up not ? ``

Smirking she did her serious to keep open Harry 's headway in sight, walloping her procured cane against a man too busy posturing for a Veela look alike to notice the bustling crowd swarming around him.

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

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

She frowned. `` Someday I might. ``

'' Not if you keep this up. ``

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

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

He groaned.

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

Right then Kingsley looked very lots like he would enjoy to drown himself in the water basin outside of Eeylops Owl Emporium. It was a disgrace the owl boozing from it looked murderous.

It took another sec for the information to process within her thinker, for it was a relatively gain area, and Harry had just drug the girl over there.

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


As she traversed her way amongst the moving sea of bodies, the judicious pressure sensation of commercial commerce hung heavily in the air. The mixing aromas from the apothecary, ice cream living-room, 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 area a unparalleled flavor.

In Kalliandra 's frustration she noticed slight of this. So fixated upon distancing herself from the messy haired man behind her was she, that she missed taking in the few sights that she had deemed worthy of a sec glance when she had traversed in the paired focal point scarcely a quarter of an hour before hand.

Now it was taking all her reserves to invalidate pulling violently away from the rough, calloused hired hand that had just shot through the gang, grasping her firmly by the upper arm.

She knew full well who it was.

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

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

'' I wasn't… ''

A voluminous man shoved past, cutting thrower off as he failed to take up heed of the two individuals speaking a fundament below his rather off-the-wall height. In the cognitive operation he smacked against them brusquely, their drumhead banging together backbreaking, and she found herself kicking a nebulizer of pebbles in the man 's direction, oddly satisfied as the man halted, swore, and turned in spot looking for the perpetrator of the attack on his calves.

'' Making supporter everywhere I see, '' ceramist commented dryly, tugging her along after him until they had abandoned the street altogether. And the bit their invertebrate foot reached the cementum replacement Potter released her, eyes grueling 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 pavement that had a tendency to strike, fold, and crack on a whim. `` I tried to justify, but you were too argumentative to let me fetch up. ''

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

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

'' How in the hell was I acti… ''

Her exclamation was cut off by his taunting snigger, and her case contorted into an angry scowl.

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

Again she found him regarding her as if she were a small tike to whom a particularly unproblematic job proved daunting.

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

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

'' Let. Go. ``

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

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

Potter let out an expel suspiration, dragging her to trace their last few whole step until they stood in front of a small imbibing trough, a long stick 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 heavy bag of Boarhound Pet Chow.

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

Only she did not suffice, for her centre were drawn to the owls besides them. Slowly, instinctively, she took a step back, the slanted transmission line of the barn owls faces unnerving as a sharp clacking, the typical sound of powerful beaks snapping shut in succession, began.

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

potter 's eyebrow crinkled oddly, the owls territorial deportment not ceasing until Kalliandra had backed away, her hound teetering off the boundary of the sidewalk into the street.
* * * * *


He was still frowning when Hagrid came outside, fang 's food for thought liberation slung over his wide shoulder.

The Professor spotted them immediately.

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

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

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

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

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

It was clear that Hagrid was hardly paying tending, to him at least. To Kalliandra however…well, the half giant was observing her as if she were a be sick hippogriff about to go off. Not that he could blame him, with the way she stood teetering on the curbing away from them both, rubbing her shoulder, a fragile face gracing her mouth.

The serenity, almost pained item-by-item before him appeared to the be the polar opposite of the female child he had bickered with along the streets.

Something was extremely wrong.

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

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

'' Are you sure ? ``

'' Yes, I just got jostled a bit in the crowd, '' she glanced up for the briefest of minute, the forced smile she cast not reaching her eyes. And just as quickly as before, her heart 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 Christian Bible meaningless and confusing, as if a persona of a conversation in which he was not a participant.

'' Ready to provide ? ``

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

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

'' I do n't think that 's a very good estimate, '' she muttered, her optic still avoiding anything save for the pavement, her mannerisms bordering on frightened.

'' wellspring ye 'ave to distribute with it eventually. ``

Biting her miserable lip she nodded, several yearn plait falling to becloud the left side of meat of her nerve. `` I know, '' she whispered, center lowered to the ground.

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

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

'' tone, yer 'll be wantin'a pet, and ya ca n't admit Silverthorne to your dormitory with yer… ''

'' Silverthorne ? '' Harry cut in, hoping to perhaps view a smidgen of cohesiveness.

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

He turned an incredulous look to the side of meat of her capitulum, the but role of her look still seeable. `` A thestral is your pet ? ``

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

Now he had to allow in that they had been useful at the end of close terminal figure, but to lead a specific liking to one ? What the infernal region did that mean ?

'' 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 pest, she shot him an odd look. `` Yeah, why could n't I ? I 'm not dim. ''

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

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

'' Why not ? '' she asked sharply.

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

Her hilltop crinkled in annoyance, and Hagrid 's phonation came out, suddenly pacifying.

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

This maneuver 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 soul die. ''

wrongfulness choice.

There was no verbal substitution, but her center 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 depot, her heart remaining averted the intact clip.

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

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

* * * * *

Kalliandra quickly walked through the musty, noisy store, avoiding all the last beast displays, and she disappeared behind a prominent ledge stocked with rat feed, rest sweeping through her that no one was back there as her conflicted emotions threatened to go up to the surface. She had spent the past tense three weeks carefully building a wall of numbness around herself, and she could n't open to let it down now.

Not over such a lilliputian fact coming to light. Not when she had just spoken to the mortal who could give her the answer she needed.

Yet still…why had n't they told her ?

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

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

Yet the hooting continued, more persistent, and somewhere in the sensual recesses of her creative thinker she knew her very presence there was a bad idea, a wretched pick of both Dumbledore 's and Hagrid 's perspicacity.

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

With a bang-up stage of trepidation she found herself tilting her headway up to peer through the dark, cluttered atmosphere of the shop, her eyes slowly adjusting, pupils widening in the dim light as the broken balk slowly came into persuasion.

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

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

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

Cringing, though almost gladiolus for the distraction, she turned her care slowly to ceramist, who now stood in figurehead of her. To his recognition, he at to the lowest degree had the common good sense to look worried.

'' Look, Kalliandra, I 'm bad. I did n't realize ... ''

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

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

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 take a crap eye contact… Keep your head lowered… No loud stochasticity or sudden movements…

Like that would actually help in calming these pitiable woodland creatures, for it certainly had little core on the one with the supposedly larger brain : Potter.

His expression had faltered at her net Christian Bible. `` In case it 's escaped your notice, I 'm trying to be Nice here. I 'm at least making an elbow grease. ``

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

Groaning he raised his hands, folding them behind his head. `` You 're redress. I do n't make love why I did. ''

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

'' You know ... '' A strident hissing cut him off as an owl nipped at his kick upstairs hands. Potter jerked away hastily, nearly taking a wooden shelf with him.

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

For some absurd reasonableness the berth struck her as funny rather than frightening, and she did not vex to suppress the laughter bubbling out while she observed the unnerving looking owl. For once it was not aimed at her. And as if sensing her scrutiny its non-white oculus locked with her own.

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

She traced the Great Horned owl 's abstract, noting the pitch-black coloration speckling its reddish Robert Brown offstage, its catlike face and highly aim auricle all swiveled curiously towards her.

Then she noticed the small bond imprisoning it, one end encircling its sprig thin leg, the other binding it to the rafter it sat so miserably upon. It was caged, forbidden to go wherever it pleased.

Just ... like ... her.

It was perhaps the most dopey affair she had yet done, but she held out her arm hopefully, and watching its wings extend it gracefully flew to her, its bond clinking haphazardly as it landed gently upon her arm. She eyed its magnificent dark centre, noting how it was careful to not dig its talons into her cutis, and she turned away from Potter, walking to the strawman counter as the owl re-perched upon its baulk, waiting for her to re-turn.

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

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

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

'' Well, '' she stopped at the counter wearily, speaking with an strange amount of money of venom. `` if you mean that I am capable to converse with nosy someone than yes. ''

ceramicist turned in a frustrated huff, storming out of the stock. Watching his retreating figure she too late realized how wrong she had sounded.

And then Dumbledore 's news came floating back to her. His one 's about the indigence for her and the many, many others under his protection to keep some affair hushed. Some things cloak-and-dagger.

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

The wound of a rain gazump night were still far too impudent.

It was better to press everyone away.

For their own good, and for her own.

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

A inhuman 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 overheard something he ought not to accept. She only hoped it had n't been sufficiency ...

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

A tripping weight descended upon her arm, jarring her from her thoughts as two dark eyes met hers. She smiled, her first genuine smile in weeks, reaching out a hesitating deal and ruffling the hooter feathering. They were soft, like those of a newborn hatchling, only she would n't acknowledge for sure.

She had never felt an owl before now.

A sense of peace of mind filled her as it continued looking up at her, hooting softly. And for a second, just a legal brief bit she knew to be both fleeting and false, she could take 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 unbiassed, almost untouchable. It was maddening how his snide remarks rolled off her, so he had kept at it, wanting to unconsciously vent some of his own defeat into her and to discern what her actual business in Knockturn Alley had been.

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

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

Or at least he thought he had. He must possess 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 clamor of audio emerged as the workshop 's door opened, emitting Kalliandra and her horribly Dwight Lyman Moody owl. He grimaced at the sight, even as a chiding vocalisation reminded him how an fauna 's behavior could so oft deceive.

Buckbeat 's certainly had.

That was all draw a blank though, for right then she raised her forearm high school, and white-haired wings spread wide, groundwork and claws hopping from her arm as the owl took flight, circling in wide electric discharge until it disappeared above the rooftops of Diagon skittle alley.

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

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

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









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



Chapter 5 ~ A Professor of One


Remus yawned tiredly, his fire up brown eyes skirted across the caravan platform at Hogsmeade, searching for the familiar form that was nowhere in sight. A lightsome smile crossed his jade feature and he chuckled. Hagrid was not individual he would easily escape had he been there. No invisibility cloak was quite that large.

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

It was n't far, and Hagrid would undoubtedly tap him along the way, most likely in his own, frenzied hurry to intercept him. Hagrid was a bit unretentive at time, and Remus could not fault him. He would be to if he took care of such a risky regalia of animals for a life.

The power train platform was on the outskirts of the pocket-size village, on the outer edge close Hogwarts, and a pebbled road led directly to the school 's front man doors. He would turn off it before he reached Hogwarts'monumental, welcoming entering, to traverse his way across the lush, honey oil land to Hagrid 's hut.

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

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

He started walking, thinking how right Hagrid was.

The sun beat down on his pale shoulder joint, warming more than than his shirt. The sun was rejuvenating to him in a way few understood, because it was a full phase of the moon orb of light for which he harbored no fear. It was funny, that the lightest of nights filled him with boding and pain, when usually it was the absence of visible light that inspired fright. He sought comfort in the darkest of night, that was when he felt his undecomposed, but for now, when the moon was a quarter wide-cut, he would seek comfort in the warm afternoon sun.

It was because of this whammy that he could empathize with Hagrid. The opportunity to turn 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 consume studied magic trick. No other school day would have taken him.

They had feared him.

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

A half-giant and a werewolf ... two of the most life-threatening magical organism on the planet, both seen as murderous, blood-thirsty beasts, and yet neither one of them possessed the inclination to harm another.

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

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

Several Nox in his past tense stood in morose testament to that.

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

Dam n't Sirius ! He had figured his champion 's unregenerate nature would have made him firmly to drink down, but in the end, he, just like William James, had been as vulnerable as the eternal rest.

He was the in conclusion now.

Peter was as skillful as all in, and if he ever saw him again ... If he ever got the chance ...

He 'd make sure a fingerbreadth really was all there was left of him.

He shuddered at the thought process, remembering the speech Lily had spoken to him, as he stood over his parents freshly dug Stephanie Graf.

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

It was something he had promised to show Harry. Harry was the only real syndicate he had left, and he wanted the boy, who was quickly growing into a man, to love of the incredible forte his parents had held. He needed to know that there were matter worth fighting for.

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

We all have ...

The sentiment sobered him, reminding him of his purpose today. He squinted ahead, shielding his eyes from the brilliant morning sun to front for any polarity of Hagrid.

Today he would truly meet her.

He was n't sure whether to be nervous, or to simply be exhilarated that the give away little girl he had cradled had survived.

Kalliandra.

She had been thrust into their mankind unwillingly. Dumbledore, in all his wiseness, had felt Hogwarts to be the dependable place for her. It would be a just way to help her adjust, by slowly exposing her to multitude her own age.

But unlike others her age, she lacked a prior five years of charming instruction, and any knowledge whatsoever of their world.

It would be his job to amend 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 desire more with her.

It was then that he had confided in him.

'' When Voldemort was still the school boy, Tom brain-teaser, I feared what he may mature to be.

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

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

Not to mention what she could do to those around her. The retentiveness of the night they had found her was still burned into his thinker 's eye. It was not something Remus would soon leave.

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

Now if only there was a witch or wizard out there equipped to deal with this. Only, there was n't.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just like the pain ...

Always so new, so sharp ...

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

Of course, the Sami people had often spoken on how well he dealt with pain, but he did not finger very good at that. He was just legitimate enough to get laid that there was no good in dwelling on what could ingest been. Things happened…bad things ... whether you wanted them to or not, and nothing one said or did could change that.

If it did none of them would be gone…

And after all these years, she was still the right way. A smile formed on his lips, the joyful memories coming back, flooding his visual sensation as he remembered Padfoot 's taunting about how she was 'always right wing', and they were 'always ill-timed'.

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

He chuckled slightly, catching mess of Dumbledore making his way leisurely down the sparsely used route. He raised a hand in greeting, catching the Headmaster 's attention, and was delight to see an disport grin on the Headmaster 's powerful font.

'' undecomposed afternoon Remus. ''

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

Dumbledore removed his half-moon specs, polishing them on his summer gown. `` It 's mystify, how the superb sun blaze can make even the most tiny of smudges stand out, almost like the dark patch where the sun is supposed to be when a solar eclipse buckler it. ''

The Headmaster held his glasses to the sun, studying them through his brightness level, twinkling, currently squinted eyes, searching for any left over imperfections.

'' But enough about the hot and bothered musings of this grandad clock 's inner working. 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 spot, Dumbledore was still the same.

'' The gearing was fine, and I 've been right. I was just cerebration of some amusive line of reasoning Cassilyda and Sirius had before. ''

Dumbledore replaced his glasses on his olfactory organ, looking off towards the sun as if seeing something far past it. `` Ah ... yes those two did take in a predilection for arguments did they not ? I seem to call back a certain James ceramist walking in on one of them ... it took Pomfrey all good afternoon to get him straightened out. She was rather reluctant to transfer him back ... Something about liking him better as a deaf-mute eel, unable to have mayhem on an hourly basis, locked up in a tank ... I believe Lily had been particularly amused. ''

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

Whether Lily had seen James I or not before stepping on him had been a topic of public debate for hebdomad.

Not to cite, in the hospital wing, when William James had started trying to form letters with his recollective, serpent like body ...

He chuckled slightly. He still wanted to bed how Henry James had contorted himself into an R ... He shuddered mentation of how awful that spelling out 'You're a absolutely Man Sothis'must give birth been.

'' Quite an impressive bit of Transfiguration Day for 5th years ... I gave Gryffindor home 20 item for that, '' Dumbledore mused aloud, turning his gaze on him, his eyes twinkling with amusement over the rim of his drinking glass. `` I was sourly tempted to make out an honour for peculiar Services to the School, since the Minister of Magic was visiting that day, and their `` chance event '' rendered James II unequal to of doing something drastic, like turning the minister of religion 's hair atomic number 10 garden pink, '' Dumbledore grinned slyly at this. `` Come to think of it I would n't entirely mind seeing that ... ''

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

'' Of course, in the end, no one could square up whose wand actually had transfigured young William James at the fourth dimension, so I could n't give anyone the award. I was sourly disappointed by that. ''

'' That was your sole ground for not giving it ? '' He asked amuse.

'' Why yes Remus. Do you really think I would pass up a chance to advance the propagation of good conduct when Ministry functionary are visiting ? ''

'' Not when Umbridge is the Ministry official, '' He replied, thinking of how Fred, George IV, Harry, Ron, and Ginny had described that windy frog the year before.

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

'' It should suffer been permanent insanity and a animation judgment of conviction in Azkaban. The toad was about to use an inexcusable torment on Harry ! ''

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

He nodded assent, finding the fountainhead 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 Madam Rosemereta a visit but my butterbeer can hold back. Besides, if I am guessing his reason for being late to greet you ... well ... I may just be in need of some good, old fashioned fire whiskey. ''

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

'' But of course I do n't ... '' He replied, winking mischievously. `` I have n't had intellect for such exuberant celebration since the Marauders commencement ceremony, granting me ataraxis of mind and serenity again. Of course ... '' Dumbledore turned, waving for him to follow. `` I 'm not entirely sure I even have a mind left, with which to love the peace with. ''

Remus opened his sassing to answer, but no audio came forth. Instead he found himself following the Headmaster across the lawn, Hagrid 's cabin quickly coming into peck as Dumbledore continued idle gossip.

'' ... .Now of form the key in those situations is managing the brew in fair amounts, a natural endowment my darling brother does not own, '' Dumbledore said, referring to his goat Johann Gottfried von Herder pal 's drinking habits.

'' Half my yr did n't possess that talent, '' He replied, thinking of the one meter he, Saint James, Canicula, and Peter had gotten a hold of a nursing bottle of Firewhiskey their 7th yr. That had not gone over well ... Fortunately Pomfrey had bought the self-justification that all of them had caught the flu from each former. His thoughts were abruptly cut off as a loud, inscrutable booming racket, sounding oddly like a fire cracker going off, met his auricle. His attention turned towards the source, which was immediately apparent upon seeing the sight in strawman of him.

Hagrid and a offspring fille with golden pilus were having a row. Only Hagrid seemed to be doing nearly of the yelling, while the girlfriend just huffily picked up sway after rock from the face of the hut, flinging them with unusual vigor and accuracy, at an unsuspicious tree automobile trunk, which was taking the brunt of her very seeable foiling.

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

Hagrid 's vocalization immediately died down and the girl waved slightly before walking pointedly off towards the woods, where she stood blowing into her cup bridge player, an odd whistle sound emitting from them.

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

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

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

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

Dumbledore seemed unflustered. `` Hrm…curious. I suppose it 's only natural for her to look for out info though, and what just place than there ? Would n't you concord Hagrid ? ''

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

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

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

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

He shook the images away.

'' Hagrid what exactly is she doing ? '' He was having a knockout time standing idly by with a thestral 's sharp teeth nuzzling so close to his future school-age child '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 good word unsuccessfully.

'' Doing ? '' Dumbledore supplied amusedly.

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

'' She bloody well talks to him more than she bloody talking to me, '' Hagrid grumbled. `` Tells him everythin'from the looks of it and ye should see them, traversing'around at all hours of the day. tangible spitfire that one is ! Bloody well good chance teachin'her Remus ! Bin havin'enough trouble gettin'Care of Magical beast down 'er throat and she actually likes that. Ca n't imagine how she 'll be with somethin'like Transfigurwhatsitcalled ... ''

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

'' To hell with it ! You 'd think she actually understood what that one be sayin'half da fourth dimension ! '' Hagrid muttered exasperatedly, a wounded look on his face. `` She 'll blab to that there animal and get to arguin'with me ! ``

Remus was serious-minded for a minute. `` So she likes animals of the night ... '' He commented, turning to face both of them. `` Well, then I wo n't have too much trouble then, now will I ? ''

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


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

Harry nodded, chucking his newly bought school record onto his bed in Grimmauld berth. `` 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 detached can you ? I mean ... they like ... fly ... ''

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

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

'' You know with your rima oris unfold like that you can almost conk for a Carassius auratus, '' She clipped scornfully.

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

Hermione, forever insufferably lucid, had insisted on having the full good afternoon recounted news for word, and while she had admitted that the conversation had sounded leery, she felt that they were both over-reacting. He had even been forced to endure a long public lecture about how wrong of him it was to eavesdrop as he had.

He had immediately pointed out that she had had no trouble whatsoever when Malfoy was the one he was eavesdropping on, which had earned him a sharp tut and another tangent about how he should have done more than to pull in the lady friend welcome.

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

Ron had kindly pointed out that Hagrid also trusted Aragog, all dragons including Hungarian Horntails, and that he considered his little chum to be 'tamed .'End of story.

It was right wing about then that Ron had made the fault of calling Kalliandra several choice name, including a plain, ugly crone, which earned an infuriated round from Hermione about how 'ridiculously superficial'they were being. He was unable to take after 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 nerve, and at jeopardy of further igniting her already roaring temper he avoided pointing out that he for one was definitely not prejudicing her on looks, because if he was he would be treating her like Ron did Fleur Delacour, rather than like the Black Plague.

Fortunately Harry did not mention any of these thought, got fresh, and went quiet.

He wished he could say the Lapplander for Ron though.

'' Still in a fine mood I see, '' Ron grumbled, shoving the bag with his new garb robes into the top chest of drawers drawer.

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

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

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

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

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

'' Oh nada Hermione, '' Ron replied with exaggerated formalness. `` I was just saying what a lovely job you did defending that uptight, Slytherin bounce .... ''

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

'' Is too ! crisscross my words 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 ill-mannered and made her look unwished-for Ronald ! '' Hermione snapped angrily. He glared at Ron. He did not want to get brought back into this.

'' And I met her for only five minute of arc and could tell she was .... ''

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

'' You did n't even meet her ! '' Ron dead reckoning back, his font 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 sagaciousness does n't mean that it 's not a assessment ... ''

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

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

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

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

'' See Hermione ! ''

'' Yes, I do see Ronald. I see a carrot-topped prat who 's way to eager to kick the bucket sound judgement on anyone but himself ! '' She stood abruptly. `` If that closed minded Einstein of yours is actually capable of intelligence agency then try to think that you passed judicial decision on me our first year and were wrong ! '' She spun on her heel, stomping loudly. `` If you can remember that is. But hopefully the exploit to think is not too taxing, it 'd be a pity if your read/write head exploded ! '' With that she stormed out, slamming the threshold behind her.

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

The door to their elbow room flew upon, revealing a white looking Hermione.

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

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

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

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

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

'' Well I just .... ''

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

He leaned back with a flashy groan onto his bed. He sincerely hoped Ron asked her out soon, because he was n't for certain how many more of their bicker induced vexation he could take.






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



Chapter 6 ~ king of Persuasion


'' You 'll give birth to be speedy than that. ''

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

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

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

She nodded, brushing the grass off the back of her dungaree.

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

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

He shook his head, an construction of double-dyed innocence crossing his lineament. `` I have to get you angry enough to attack me properly somehow do n't I ? ''

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not that she would admit that to lupin.

He had only become her private instructor a fiddling over a week ago, yet she had come to honour him. He did not pity her, or walk on meth 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 Sir Thomas More than an assignment 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 intellection.

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

She had learned the importance of outlasting one 's adversary a long clip ago. Outlasting weariness and pain could mean the divergence between winning, and losing.

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

She closed her eyes, bracing herself as an onset of ash filled memories greeted her mind 's eye. Almost intuitively, Remus allowed her these few second of collection, and when the anger boiled hot within her bloodline, she opened her middle, remembering what she had promised herself.

She would form the bastards pay.

But first base she needed to larn to do a simple stunning charm without passing out.

'' ready ? '' Remus asked, stomping his feet on the primer coat almost impatiently.

'' Why not ? ''

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

'' Two, '' she supplied back loudly.

'' Three ! Stupefy ! ''

She threw herself to the undercoat before the hot bar reached her, mentally screaming the Book.

The strange sensation flew through her, burning through her blood as it moved, jolting the spell towards its fair game. Her vision swam before she saw him collapse, and she fell weakly upon the ground, shakily breathing in the damp summertime odour of mud and grass.

Slowly, painstakingly, the prickling tracing over her suave skin subsided. Her hands, that had unconsciously dug into the dampen world, relaxed, allowing the brilliant lucky spots dancing before her center to melt.

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

The magic, she had discovered, was to remain conscious recollective enough for it to leave.

Several hazy moments later, her golden eyes flickered open air, and across the inadequate expanse of skunk she spotted Remus'fallen manakin.

She smiled weakly, and stood, silently cursing the delicacy of the human body. succeeder was sweet, 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 work.

The look on his face was priceless. Only Remus could negociate 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 reproving look.

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

'' Lets hope not too old, because you still have the rest of the year with me. '' She allowed a rare smile to ignite up her feature film.

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

'' Any more input like that and I 'll do my beneficial to take it seem longer. ''

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

His question was answered by her muteness.

This was the starting time time she had not passed out.

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

discernment became seeable on Remus'face, and upon seeing his wolfish grin, she could n't resist a small surge of pridefulness.
* * * * *


Remus lupin rewarded his pupil with a wide grin as he picked himself off the ground, ignoring his protesting bone.

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

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

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

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

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

The fact that her compeer were light years ahead of her in education had mattered little. essential mandated it.

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

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

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

His but solace was that they would be capable to continue their lessons on the weekends. It would be a rather secret arrangement, since her dorm-mates were to be kept in the iniquity about it.

She would have enough bother feigning competency in her three NEWT stratum, and sneaking out several times a week would just be another difficult thing for her.

But perhaps the most difficult matter for her would be keeping her inadequacy under wraps. For visual aspect sake she would be placed in newt level Defense Against the darkness fine art, precaution of Magical Creatures, Herbology, and uranology so as to be with the great unwashed in her year, but she would be placed in third class Anicent Runes and Remedial Potions. The DADA prof had already been instructed to air her on 'errands'whenever practical lessons were held, so that her inability to perform magic would not be called into query, so that at to the lowest degree was covered.

As for the early form, Remus was being paid by Dumbledore, out of some miscellaneous school day investment trust, to tutor her in the other theme.

After all, there was very little magic involved in dealing with charming creatures and works. And the memorisation of the meaning of Ancient Runes and the move of heavenly consistence had virtually no baton magic associated with it.

Watching her take her place, it dawned on him that they really might be able to pull this off.

He hoped so, for her sake. 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 fate befalling Harry, it came oddly close.

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

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


Silverthorne let out a low, pharyngeal consonant oink to express his displeasure at being tethered. The other thestrals were already following suit.

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

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

'' Yer look like the only one within earshot that 'll facilitate me, '' Hagrid yelled.

Despite herself she smiled, calmly running her fingers through Silverthorne 's tight fatal coat.

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

Silverthorne 's white, haunting optic stared back in circumstance, before his formidable head nodded. He nudged the thestral tethered succeeding to him, and a cacophony of grunt followed as the message was passed down the production line of rig awaiting the students'arriver.

Her widened eyes took the exchange in, in muted shock absorber. Thestrals really were so much more intelligent than hoi polloi gave them credit for.

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

She shook her head ruefully, and with a terminal tug she snapped a belt into place on the thestral 's harness, stepping back to view her handy work. She 'd never ridden a 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. Happy ? ''

Silverthorne merely blinked at her once, and she rubbed his head affectionately. `` Of trend you are, '' she murmured into his olfactory organ, the trace of a smile tugging at her oral cavity.

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

'' Problems Hagrid ? '' she yelled, slipping the thestral a frozen block of raw marrow. His spit positively tickled her skin, leaving a muggy red residue upon her decoration.

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

'' Hagrid ! '' she shouted, reclaiming her handwriting and stalking off towards the sound of his interpreter, with every intention of snapping at him for yelling at any thestral that way. She could n't help her annoyed surge though. She had never had any ducky growing up, and for some odd reason she had taken a liking to the brute.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Several nicks, bruise, gibbosity, and twenty minute later found her, and a rather bedraggled Hagrid, plopped upon the dirt road leading up to the school, entirely out of breathing space.

It was a ignominy that the peaceable evening would end in to a lesser extent than an hour, when the Hogwarts express arrived.

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

Hagrid answered anyway. `` Because Dumbledore thinks it 'd be right 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 logical system, but not all of 'em are so bad. ''

She snickered, briefly wondering how much hassle she 'd get in for jinxing Hagrid 's buttocks of a ally in his rest. Now that would be something.

Hell, maybe if she did that then Dumbledore would banish her from whatever household she wound up in. Then she could go back to sleeping in the other hut outside. She liked it there. No one bothered her. When the nightmares came only Hagrid was near sufficiency to see her.

Besides, there was something both routine and reassuring about the way that every break of the day Silverthorne would peck open her window shutters, letting light current in as he began grunting until she was fully awake and functioning.

She smiled whimsically, thinking of the pillow she had thrown at the thestral this morning. For a variety, her aim had been absolutely on. Of course, Hagrid had n't been exactly pleased when he come in to see feathers and shards of fabric all over the berth. But hey, it was n't her flaw that Silverthorne thought it was a ferret and tried to rip it limb from tree branch. And besides, Remus had repaired it. Heck, at least Remus had found the unit situation amusing.

speechmaking of which where was Remus ? She had n't seen him since this forenoon and he was leaving with the return of the shoal train that night. Plus she still wanted to hump what Dumbledore and him had arranged ...

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

She stopped pondering the mystifying whereabouts of Remus lupine long enough to flash an incredulous flavor in his direction. `` Hagrid they 'd have to be blind to miss you. ''

He shook his haired head vigorously. `` No, ca n't afford to have any of 'em lack me. Not one ! They 'll neglect 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 political platform 's edge to peer down the tracks.

She shook her oral sex in entertainment. `` Nothing at all. I was just thinking about what a terrible tragedy it would be to leave a minuscule, unenlightened, and unsuspecting starting time 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 svelte 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 smile across his pre-maturely aged fount.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remus laughed deeply, years disappearing from his face as he smiled, shaking his oral sex disapprovingly. `` Suddenly I find myself looking forward to my disruption from you during the week. I 'll be spared your unprovoked plan of attack ! ''

'' Oh Remus, you know that hurts me. Right here, '' she touched her heart, doing her outdo to face as poor as possible.

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

'' In a word ... ''

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

Her impish reflection was replaced by one of befuddlement as Remus held up a small, circular, hoar object. `` What is it ? '' she asked, walking over to look at it.

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

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

'' Right you are omit Kaylens, '' he said, adopting a professor like tone. `` Dumbledore 's mind. One of his more ingenious ones from what he said, though somehow I doubt that. '' He winked, lapsing into his familiar tone again.

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

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

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

'' Actually I did n't. For Dec 25 in my 4th year at Hogwarts ... ''

'' In the Cenozoic era ? '' she inquired curiously, laughing at Remus 's fluster look.

'' I knew I 'd regret telling you whiz had extended liveliness spans, '' he groaned, ignoring her sober nod and continuing on.

'' As I was saying, in my 4th year James got all of us our own bipartisan mirrors for Christmastime. These are mine, I just had them filed down a bit and inserted into these for privacy. ''

'' Smart move, '' 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 thin sliver of visible light appeared in the crevice of the shut down air pocket watch.

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

'' Could I stop you ? ''

'' Probably not, '' she confirmed, noticing how Hagrid had moved farther down the political platform to move over them some seclusion. She made a genial bank 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 dead on target, well, then why are n't you ? ''

He paused a instant, his light brown center flickering up to the sky as if considering her question. She did n't demand to conform to his gaze to know that it rested on the quarter Sun Myung Moon, barely visible in the dying crepuscule. `` I think, Kalliandra, that to let one 's life sentence be even remotely governed by awe is goosey. Your never fully alive when your actions are limited by that. And fear, it comes from not knowing what 's truly there. ''

She nodded, silently agreeing with him. It was unearthly, how alike he and her father could sound.

'' And perhaps ... fountainhead, 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 limelight at the lunar month. And it was only then that she understood why Dumbledore had chosen him as her mentor.

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


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

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

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

'' And so hard to miss, '' she muttered, suppressing a laughter at the cold look Hagrid shot her.

'' I see the yesteryear week has done nothing to meliorate your fashion. ''

She turned, eyeing the guy 's messy black haircloth and green eyes, which were presently narrowed and shining determinedly. Her inaugural encounter with him had been far from pleasant, and judging from his greeting, it seemed the notion had been mutual. `` Nor yours. I still do n't get it on your epithet. ''

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

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

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

Seeing that his brilliance had the intended essence on her, Hagrid stepped in, attempting to diffuse the site further.

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

She cocked her head to the side, wondering if the carrot top knew how easily his endure 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, '' Potter stated pointedly.

'' Why no, unlike you I harbor no delusions about my impoliteness. '' She nearly laughed out loud at the black-and-blue formulation that crossed the guy 's face. `` Now if you excuse me I do call up Hagrid has better things to do than listen to his champion fight. ''

'' Friends ! ? Hagrid would never be friends with someone like you ! '' The weasel shaft out, thrower smirking amusedly. Her mouthpiece opened in angry protest, but Hagrid 's booming interpreter cut them both off.

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

She glanced up, seeing his facial expression redder than it had been after their row about her Knockturn alleyway mis-adventure. She really would not want to be the weasel right now ...

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

Hagrid drew in a mystifying, rickety breathing space, looking very close to exploding. `` Now apologize to her Ron. And I mean now ! ''

Ron looked at her, his jaw agape love, while ceramicist looked surprisingly abashed.

Despite herself, a sudden stab of guilty conscience 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 ill-bred anyhow. I 'll see you later O.K. ? ''

She did n't wait for Hagrid 's reaction as she spun on her heel, carefully making her way through the crowd to happen an empty carriage. If she were lucky, 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 demeanor. 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 respectable known than Hagrid.

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

And Hermione sodbuster had overheard his and Ron 's exchange with her.

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

Which was exactly how he found himself, amidst a bunch of looker-on, staring down a thin brunet, receiving the brunt of her fury.

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

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

'' Ronald if you know what 's good for you you 'll keep open your mouthpiece shut, '' Hermione snapped in a very McGonagall like musical note.

Unlike Ron, Harry had no posterior motive for keeping Hermione well-chosen with him besides their friendly relationship. So at that exact instant he did n't much worry if Hermione was annoyed with him or not. She had n't seen and heard everything, and if she had she would bear realized how deceptive Kalliandra really was. Which was probably why he suddenly found himself taking a step forward to go after that insufferable drumhead of golden haircloth, with every design of giving her a piece of his idea, rather than paying attention to Hermione 's verbal berating.

Too bad a rather prominent hand on the cover of his robes stopped him from progressing any further forward.

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

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

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

'' Hagrid what are you indifferent ? ! She did to insult you ! '' Ron twirped, for a alteration 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 trust what was before his eyes.

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

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

'' But what about'Knockturn back street ? '' He chimed in, coming to Ron 's defence reaction. `` There 's something suspicious about that Hagrid ! ''

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

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

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

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

'' Overhear ! ? What 'd ya overhear ? '' Hagrid shot out suddenly, his voice low, a hush distinction of terror in it.

He wrinkled his brow confused. `` Well nothing that made good sense but ... ''

'' Then you best be keepin'that stuff that did n't be making no sense to yerself. Yer discover me ? '' Hagrid muttered, shaking his headspring. `` 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 castling, and so help me if any one of yer bothers her .... ''

The limelight he shot them was More than enough to convert Harry. The last thing he needed was to be fed to Grawp.

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

'' Harry ! semen on ! '' Hermione hissed, grabbing him roughly by the arm to drag him to the close passenger car. well-nigh of the others were already rolling up towards the castle.

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

He knew better than to interrupt her at this spot. After all, this was Hermione, and any argument with her was a lose struggle. He had just managed to regain restraint of his tongue, which was threatening to snap at her for the reprimand worthy of a bambino that he was receiving, when he stepped into the last carriage, 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 surprising military strength for a lady friend her size of it. He glanced down at the painful suitcase she had on him, and pondered how angry she would be if he broke free.

Before he had time to decide she had already drug him into the passenger car behind her.

'' Hermione ... '' He protested, refusing to sit as he stood, hunched over in the low compartment.

'' Nice to know I 'm not the simply one displeased with this, '' Kalliandra muttered from the far side of the carriage, right as one of the thestrals let out an odd sounding grunt.

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

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

Her eyes darted up quickly, looking almost abashed. Her phonation, however, was filled with despite.

'' auditory sense things, ceramicist ? ``

He felt as if he had just been slapped, so contradictory were the emotions her aspect and voice conveyed. Shaking his head, he shoved the sudden hesitation to argue aside.

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

She inclined an eyebrow disbelievingly. `` certainly you do n't, '' She responded, not bothering to dissemble 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 aspect instantly soured. `` For eavesdropping on me, that 's what. ``

He suppressed the sudden itch to shove her out of the carriage. In fact, the only affair stopping him was the fact that he 'd have to reach over Hermione to reach it.

'' wellspring forgive me, '' He hissed acidly. `` Next metre I see you wandering down an alley full of benighted 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 polite conversation.

Kalliandra just looked at her oddly, before nodding slightly.

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

Hermione 's brow creased, her lips forming into a driven frown at the missy 's apparent deficiency of interest.

Harry smirked, leaned back, and crossed his munition, preparing for the appearance.

'' wellspring Kalliandra, how was your last week 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, sensation ?

Hermione 's case hardened into one of grim determination.

'' So what classes are you taking ? ``

The fille heaved a large sigh. `` Too many. ``

Hermione 's lip opened, as if appalled at the girl 's lack of stake 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 to the lowest degree, that 's what the schoolmaster mentioned. ``

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

flashing them a smug look, she started talking. `` antediluvian rune is actually somewhat fascinating. It 's a lot like learning to show another language. In fact, it 's my favorite field. ''

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

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

Hermione 's backtalk opened in protest, apparently too shocked for Word of God as her inevitable retort failed to derive forth.

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

'' And how exactly did I insult them ? '' Ron asked shortly.

Kaylens was now looking at Ron as if he had sprouted antlers. `` Generally when one implies that you have to be a sadist in order to like something, I 'm pretty sure that 's derogatory to the something in question. ``

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

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

'' That 's Hippogriffs you idiot. ''

Hermione made a choking noise.

'' No, it 's Hippogriffs that react violently, '' Kalliandra said placidly, flipping the lid of a heavyset shut. `` Though I would n't put it past a thestral to do so. ''

'' Thestrals are not violent, '' Harry cut in with annoyance. Why in the blaze did Hermione have to break up this carriage ...

He gazed longingly out the open doorway hatch. He knew perfectly well that if he got out and walked, that he would overlook the sorting, and he had already learned the intemperate way what happened to citizenry when they walked into that late.

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

'' Hagrid, '' She hissed dangerously.

'' prison guard this, '' Ron suddenly announced. `` I refuse to remain in the equipage 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 aspect Hermione shot him each time the incident was brought up.

She glared at him. `` Gladly. ''

'' amercement. ''

'' amercement ! ''

Right then the pushchair moved with a mighty lurch, and not another word was spoken by any of the bearing 's inhabitants.

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

What was she hiding ?

Not soon enough for his liking, the convoy came to a halt outside the castle 's enormous entrance. And without a password, he and Ron jumped out, dry dirt stirring around their footprints as they met the gang of scholarly person rushing to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall.
* * * * *


'' Well, that certainly could experience gone good, '' Hermione stated, rueful gaze following her two acquaintance out the carriage door.

Letting out a tense breath she had not even realized she was holding, Kally felt herself nodding in assent. `` No kidding, '' she remarked dryly. Still, she could n't help oneself but palpate a tiny, justified surge of outrage. That girl 's champion had jumped into the carriage right as she had been trying to get through Remus.

Being in the magical man, knowing succeeding to nothing about it, had felt overwhelming before. But now, on her way to being surrounded by competent witches and wizards twenty four - seven, that overwhelming flavour was beginning to break through into something far closer to panic.

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

Hermione released an run down sounding huff, breaking her from her thoughts. `` Please sleep together, I 'm not trying to criticize you, '' she said carefully, `` but you could have made things a little easier. Particularly since this unit misunderstanding seems to be over something extremely footling. ''

Rising from her bottom and stepping out of the pram, her ft sinking into the loose shite, Kally heard herself saying very quietly, `` You 're right. ``

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

Silently they joined the throng of students making their way up the castle 's entrance. That was until Hermione began asking questions again.

'' Do you know if you are being sorted with the rest of the 1st years ? ``

Nearly tripping over a kid small enough to have been a first year, Kally nodded mechanically. `` Unfortunately. ``

A wistful scowl crossed the brunet 's grimace. `` You do n't sound excited. ``

Throwing a wayward glance the girl 's way, Kally asked, `` Would you be ? I 'm going to stick around out. ``

Mounting the entry stairs simultaneously, she saw the turning point of Hermione 's rima oris crook up in her peripheral vision, as if hiding silent amusement. `` You are twice their height, so I suppose that is an accurate assessment. ``

Instead of responding, Kally began grumbling something indecipherable under her breather.

Hermione responded by allowing what may make been a smile to thwart her features. `` They really are gracious if you give them the hazard. ``

Somehow she felt severely doubtful about that, but something of her thoughts must have shown on her lineament, because Hermione was interjecting before she could even formulate a response.

'' We did n't get along at first either, '' Hermione said, their substructure reaching the top. `` To be blunt, it took a round trying to take my mind off for us to get down getting along. ''

Kally stumbled, her hazel eyes darting over to the girl with something akin to horror dancing with them. `` What ? ''

Now there was no mistaking it. Hermione really did look amused. The girl smiled at her, chuckling slightly. `` Like I said, give them a chance. ``

She could n't aid it. Despite all her efforts to the obstinate, a strangled choking speech sound emerged from her throat.

Hermione simply grinned hard, shaking her head. `` Honestly, '' she laughed, glancing around the rapidly emptying entry mansion house, `` do you want me to hold back with you until the first years get here so you 're not ... ''

'' Ms. Kaylens is quite equal to of waiting alone Ms. granger. And if you delay any longer it will be 20 points from Gryffindor. ``

The phonation had come from directly behind them, the forcefulness of it muted by the echoing of excited cackle from bookman trying to cram through the Great Hall 's looming doorways.

Instantly Kalliandra recognized it. She had met the man on a few occasions, and he had seized the opportunity to prompt her how absolutely impossible it would be for her to ever gain competency in Potions.

As such, she stopped immediately, spinning on her cad. Hermione simply quirked an brow before continuing off to link the rest of the educatee.

Snape 's dark eyes lowered, eyeing her appraisingly. `` I trust you are remembering discretion. Particularly where students like Ms. farmer are concerned. Some tend to be too nosy for their own good. ``

Heaving a sigh, Kally nodded. `` I 'll think back. ''

He glowered at her for another second, before nodding curtly. `` Remember, I 'll be seeing you in hold all this week. ''

She heaved another sigh. Upon their initial meeting she had had the unfortunate chance to inadvertently insult the man, by asking if he were a vampire. In fact, all she has said was that he looked like one of the brute of the night from her Defense Against the Dark Art 's school text they had given her to read. And considering that Hagrid was a hulk, another specie mentioned in the book, she had n't thought it too undue to assume that a vampire could be teaching at Hogwarts as well.

Unfortunately Snape had n't taken her question lightly, and had immediately began ranting and raving about how he most certainly did not harbor a deep-seeded parentage lust for the living.

And for some inauspicious, and suicidal reason, she had found his angriness ridiculously funny remark.

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 respective XII kids, all twittering loudly with no augury of stopping.

She groaned, barely hearing prof McGonagall 's speech. Somehow she found herself following the Deputy Mistress through freshly polished oak doors into the Great dorm.

The eyes of every first year immediately turned upwards, to the left wing, to the right hand, and in every early plausible commission, ineffective to stand taking in their new surroundings.

The pressure of a hundred pairs of eyes burrowed into her, and she stared pointedly forward, looking over the crew of midgets to where Hagrid sat, flashing a warm smiling in her instruction.

Maybe he can help me get away afterwards, she thought hopefully, coming to a halt at the front of the enormous room. Several of the nanus around her tensed up, scattered whispering passing through the crew about fighting a troll ...

What on dry land is that about, she wondered curiously, spotting the hat Remus had told her about.

McGonagall turned to face the entire room.

'' When I call your name, step forward, place the hat upon your headland, and the categorization will get. ''

With that, she sat the hat upon a beat-up old faeces, the sorting hat 's brim opened wide, and the telling began.
* * * * *


'' Slytherin ... ''

'' Ron if you say that one to a greater extent time ... ''

'' Hermione you saw how noisome she was ! ''

'' She is not slimy ! '' Hermione hissed back dangerously, being heedful to save her phonation lowered. `` Nervous, yes. Vile, no. ``

'' You can not recount me that there is not something inherently sinister about her, '' Ron challenged. `` Something 's not right there. She 's going to twist up an wickedness Slytherin, probably waiting to ... ''

Before Ron could embark further along his psychological road trip, Hermione cut him off tiredly. `` Just because individual is in Slytherin does not make them inherently evil, Ronald. ''

'' Hermione how can you say that ! '' He bristled, clearly having difficulty keeping his voice down as the first years and the subject of their argument walked past.

Hermione 's look visibly tensed, and Harry could secern she did n't fully believe what she was saying. `` You ca n't pidgeon hole an entire theater. Besides, Slytherins are goal oriented and strong willed. They might be a bit abrasive, but it 's because they wo n't let anything get in their way of getting what they want. ''

'' Which makes you a slimy git like Snape ! '' Ron exclaimed triumphantly.

At least Ron 's ecphonesis were hushed enough so no one not in the good vicinity could learn, Harry thought, suppressing a moan. He should have known the public security between those two could n't last farsighted than the train ride there. It was astonishing enough that they had n't killed each other in their compartment as it was. Had he really expected that peace to last ?

'' Mione ... ''

'' Ronald ... ''

'' Will you two knock it off ! The hats about to sing and I actually want to hear what it says. '' Ginny cut in. Harry made a mental note to thank her for distracting their disputing booster later, and quickly turned his care to the hat. He had always enjoyed the categorisation, but after in conclusion yr ... well, knowing that the hat was sworn to forewarn the bookman and teachers of danger made him a bit more attentive this year.

The had opened it 's brim wide.

Divided, but once join,
That's how our story begins,
Little Joe theatre founded by four friends
Yet I fear that such division shall lend about our end.

In ancient times the near of friends
Came knocking on the door,
Of Ravenclaw and Slytherin,
Then Hufflepuff went to Gryffindor.

Lets work up a school of learning,
For all those of wizardly to attend,
Yet somehow the near three could not agree,
On what qualities to hold.

Lets teach only those of wit and encyclopaedism,
Possessing the most ready minds of all.
Those had been the poignant language,
Of once reasonable Ravenclaw.

Proud Slytherin prized ambition,
Possessing honor of rip and guile,
His educatee would bar at zero,
Until they got what they saw fit to their coming.

And then were the bravest,
Those cheeky with noble daring,
Bold Gryffindor chose them,
As to the highest degree worthy of magical acquisition.

Hufflepuff loved her acquaintance,
And accepted them as they were.
She let them each create a star sign,
In which their prized were teach and nurtured.

And as for sweet Hufflepuff,
She agreed to take the rest,
Yet somehow air division did not set well,
Unity to her, seemed Charles Herbert Best.

So when the founders sewed me,
And left me on my stool,
She stole me in the dead of Nox,
And bestowed me with a pecker,
Of knowing when the clip was right,
For the sorting ritual to end.
She said one day division may make strife,
And she feared for the charming humanity.
For all her life,
She had feared the division in sight,
But never more than,
Than when the friendships failed,
Of the Founding Four.

Slytherin was the first to pass on,
Purity of profligate his choice,
I 'm disgraced by teaching Muggle borns !
He yelled, conviction in his vocalism.

Next left bold Gryffindor,
He felt the calling of escapade,
Rather than the despairing plea,
Of failing loyalty in need of surgical seam.

end left once-fair Ravenclaw,
Who once prized justice and learning,
She left because she said,
That teaching the other educatee had got too boring.

And alone stood sweetened Hufflepuff,
The wise to of them all,
Because she never would listen,
Alluring temptations claim.

I see the wiseness of her choice,
Why she chose to accept them all,
And now understand,
That its fruitless to split up you at all.

So while it deeply saddens me,
To see my end in mickle,
The sorting ceremonial occasion close,
right hand now, Right here, This night.


Harry stared at the stool, trying vainly to process what he had just heard. At least he had been right in thinking it was important to pay attention this yr, because apparently that was the end strain the sorting hat would ever sing.

He cast a cursory coup d'oeil towards Hermione, sitting next to him on the bench, but her brown eyes were all-inclusive and fixated up front. He could just imagine what was going through her capitulum right wing then, because chances were she was going through each varlet of Hogwarts a History, trying to find any other incident even remotely like this one. He had a sneaking suspicion that she had the solid Scripture committed to memory.

The unnatural secrecy filled the Great foyer like a compact fog, so buddy-buddy he could almost finger it closing around him.

McGonagall seemed caught between slapping the hat and looking to Dumbledore for instructions, and her hand moved cautiously towards the hat 's brim, only for it to quickly recoil as if the hat had grown fang. This odd, twitching motion was punctuated by penetrating spell of her pass as she looked right at Dumbledore, who to Harry 's surprisal, looking genuinely amused.

Snape on the former hand looked quite inconvienced, his sass had puckered so tightly that his lips seemed more translucent than Nearly Headless nick 's.

Apparently, they had not been expecting this.

Snape however, did n't seem to desire to accept it, and he had already stood and started storming from his topographic point at the teacher 's tabular array, clearly headed for the sorting hat 's stool itself.

'' Excuse me Minerva. '' Snape muttered, his low smell clearly audible in the unearthly silence. His long fingers snatched the hat up and onto his capitulum in a single fluid motion, his font contorted in concentration as if conducting some clever argument.

Clever line of reasoning from Snape ? No ... Impossible, he thought, watching his Potions teacher with interest for the first time in five years.

Apparently he was in good order about Snape 's inability to convey an effective line, because a moment later Snape had flung the hat back onto it 's stool, muttering about how it was a dirty, trash-ridden piece of fading cloth destined for a Muggle garbage dump.

It was a mark of how serious the situation was, that not a soul at the Gyffindor board laughed.

Harry could n't help but notice how Snape was testingly running his digit through his greasy Black person hair's-breadth, looking at his hands after each swipe, as if searching for substantiation of something.

Every Gryffindor had a lift suspicion that the hat had just called him a greasy guck ballock.

Ron Weasley was just the first to say it.

'' Chalk one up for the classification hat for insulting Snape ! '' Ron whispered triumphantly, all heads within earshot turning towards him.

Apparently that was the signal everyone had been waiting for, because suddenly a frenzy of activeness broke out at the Gryffindor table, and a concatenation reaction of disturbance spread until the nose level was almost deafening. The uncategorized first years looked positively terrified, as if frightened of being sent home if unsortable, and they alone seemed the only ones still rendered speechless.

'' I mean did I just hear that rightfulness ? '' Ron asked, eyes alight with excitement he did not ploughshare.

Harry just nodded, watching the Professor 's re-group.

professor Flitwick slid from his seat, and every so often Harry could capture a glimpse of the top of his head over the teacher 's table, as the low man jumped up and down, vying for Dumbledore 's aid.

'' Oh my God did the categorization hat just lay off ? '' Squealed Parvarti. One would cogitate she had just realized what had happened.

'' Brilliant that one ... '' Ron muttered sarcastically.

'' Think it has anything to do with the war going on ? '' Seamus asked excitedly. `` Do n't you commemorate ? How it warned us stopping point year ? ''

'' It did n't warn us that it might go on smasher Republic of Ireland man ! ''

'' Who you calling Emerald Isle man ? ''

'' Chill Seamus, doyen 's just kidding, are n't you Dean ? '' Ginny 's tranquil representative somehow filtered through the commotion.

'' I ca n't conceive this ! Never, in all of Hogwarts a History did it ever report the sort Hat doing anything even remotely faithful to this ... '' Hermione was in her chemical element, and he silently congratulated himself on how well he knew his friend. `` I mean do n't you call up Harry ? This is monolithic !

But Hermione was too worked up to notice whether he responded or not, and she was so engrossed in her dictation to hear what he heard.

'' Do you think we should just try sorting them anyway, Albus ? '' Professor McGonagall asked, casting an almost pleading glance at the group of first years, who seemed to contract away from her regard.

Professor Dumbledore, looking vaguely amused, patted Professor Flitwick on the point as he mulled this over. For his part the Charm 's prof stopped bouncing around like a Pyrophorus noctiluca on speed, and his diminished head word disappeared beneath the staff table.

'' We 'll be needing a volunteer though ... '' McGonagall stated rhetorically, scanning the leaning of student names with an uncharacteristic flavor of incertitude, talking out aloud but absently. `` If any of the first old age would like to try to get sorted ... ''

His Head of home was too preoccupied, and she missed what he did not fail to notice.

A sure favorable haired girl had overhead the prof 's query, and after casting a glimpse at the overwrought nestling around her, had woven her way through the cowering foremost years. She now stood besides the faecal matter, her delicate handwriting grasping the top of the hat as she lifted it from its chair, plopping it upon her head. The teachers around her were completely forgetful to her military action.

Her soft, angular features relaxed, as if immersed in hush conversation. And as she sat there, immersed in a silent conversation to which only she was toilet to, Dumbledore pointed a verge to his pharynx, muttering, `` Sonorous ''.

A 2d later the headmaster 's magically amplified voice echoed throughout the Great manor hall, as it had on only one early juncture.

'' SIIIILLLLEEEENNNCCCE ! ''

Every person who had been excitedly talking, including several of the spooky looking get-go years, who had started to cry, stopped and turned their attention to the battlefront of the Asaph Hall.

So of course, that was when everyone 's attention suddenly became drawn to the rather average girl, standing by the crapper, the offending hat placed atop her principal.

'' Apparently the sorting hat has decided that it is no longer able to, in good conscious, function as a theatre sorter. However, we shall have this sorted out. '' Dumbledore winked, the pun on Holy Scripture sounding almost natural coming from him. Yet Harry just stared in fascination at Kaylens, who seemed to be nodding quietly to herself. `` Now I would like the upper berth years to remain here for dinner party, and I would like the outset years to come with .... ''

Dumbledore stopped mid-sentence, apparently just catching sight of Kaylens, even though she had been right in nominal head of him all along.

Kaylens nodded one last clock time, her hazel eyes flickering surface as she removed the hat, placing it back upon the toilet. All optic were upon the hat except his, so he was the solely one to see the rarified smile cross her feature as the sorting hat opened its brim for the endorsement clock time that night.

'' Let the sorting now begin. ''



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