Prologue: 3/11/04

"Professor?" A tall thin red headed boy lingered at the door while the rest of the third-years anxiously poured out, "Prof-"

"Yes Mr. Weasley," the chestnut haired professor, "What can I do for you?"

"I was just wondering, if you know when we might get the results for this exam?"

"Anxious already?" The Herbology professor grinned, "Despite your looks, you're just like your mother, aren't you?"

The red head frowned, more than one person had told him that before. But the boy was willing to give the professor a second chance, it was, after-all, the man's first year.

"Lets see, I'll make you a promise, you will have it back by this time next week."

Of course you could never be entirely sure with such an absentminded professor…

The third year finally left the classroom. Sighing, the new professor reached his desk and pulled out a stack of sealed envelopes. There was only one invitation left to write, and it was going to be the toughest. His quill hovered over the parchment, and then he scratched away the simplest part.

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Weasley, and Ms. Ginny Weasley # 7 Circe Avenue Godric's Hollow

He extracted a piece of parchment from his desk, scratching away the rest of the invitation.

You are cordially invited to the Gryffindor House Christmas Party Reunion.

Where: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

When: You are welcome to stay throughout the Christmas holiday.

Please RSVP with this owl, thank you.

The professor bit his lip and stared at the paper for a full minute before going on.

PS

In our year, I know that the you two were probably the closest to Harry. The controversy surrounding his whereabouts has made it impossible for me to invite him personally, but if you are in contact, please pass the word on.

He signed the parchment hastily, and began to clear up. "Better send these off before I forget," he said to himself. Locking the door behind him, he made straight for the owlry. Half way there, he quickened his pace, nearly smashing into a small blue-robed girl.

"Oh, I'm sorry!"

The Ravenclaw turned her white blonde head and looked at the professor. As they caught each other's eyes both of them felt the blood rise to their cheeks. Tortured, confusing, and undiluted memories flooded back as he looked into the cold grey eyes. She had absolutely no idea who the man was, but he recognized her. Cursing her father, she tried to escape the situation.

"I'm sorry," she said, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, "I wasn't looking where-"

"It's alright, it wasn't your fault" said the professor quickly.

The man walked briskly on and brushed off the icy feeling that had come over him. The girl, on the other hand, stayed locked in her position, glaring at the floor. She winced at the mere memories of her first year. Every single one of her teachers either hated her or was terrified to even speak to her properly.

Your face, your eyes, your smile. All they see in me is you. She asked herself for the thousandth time, what about your memory is so horrible that people flinch when I walk by?

Presently, one of the few people who seemed completely ignore her likeness to her father walked by, humming. Unfortunately, the two of them never had the chance to strike a friendship between trading insults and competing in every possible way.

"Malfoy," called the ever-cheerful redhead as he passed her.

"Weasley," she replied tersely, not slowing her step. She wasn't in the mood to have a word war. She turned the corner with her head bowed down and her eyes out of focus. The boy stared after her for a few seconds, then walked away, shaking his head and smiling.