Chapter 1: The Meeting
"Professor Dumbledore," said a girl with long, silky black hair and glittering brown eyes, "I'm sorry for being such a burden." The ancient wizard gave a chuckle.
"Not at all Lara," said the man, "Actually, I'm relieved you came to me after your parents died. You're the only relative Mr. Potter has on James's side of the family." Lara gave a small smile.
"Yes, I'm quite interested to see my cousin," said Lara, "When will I meet him?" At that Dumbledore grinned.
"As you know, the Quidditch World Cup is tomorrow and I would like you to go in my stead," said Professor Dumbledore, "I hope you will be interested in these box seats." Lara gave a surprised look before giving her objections.
"That's all right Professor," said Lara quickly, "Those tickets are worth giving an arm for. I can't take them."
"Nonsense," said Dumbledore shaking his head, "I'm your legal guardian now and I would like you to go and meet Harry before going to Hogwarts. Now, Minerva will be taking you there and you will be left in her care so behave yourself. Since she has only enough time to take you to Cornelius I expect you to be on your best behavior."
"You mean the Minister?!" exclaimed Lara surprised. Dumbledore nodded.
"He has heard of your relation to Mr. Potter and offered to watch you while I'm gone," said Dumbledore, "Since you will be meeting Harry at the World Cup I will give you a letter explaining everything. I believe he is also staying with the Weasleys so I'll enclose a note for him too."
"Thank you so much professor," said Lara gratefully.
"Now, now, you're making me blush," said the professor who was now turning a shade of pink before sending her off to bed. The next day Lara was awakened by a small shake. Lara opened her eyes and saw a woman with reddish hair, along with a few white strands, tucked into a bun and serious eyes behind her rectangular spectacles.
"You must be Lara," said the woman in a strict voice, "I am Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore said I will be taking you to the World Cup to the Minister."
"Yes Ma'am," nodded Lara, "Should I be getting ready?"
"I suppose so," said the Professor, "Prepare to leave in half an hour and bring a few of your things with you. Now, I don't believe you have gotten your school supplies yet but I trust that you will either ask Cornelius or Mr. Weasley to take you to Diagon Alley. Can you handle that?"
"Yes Professor," said Lara before the woman left. Lara changed from her nightgown to Muggle clothes. It was loose cargo pants and a red shirt along with a light blue hat. The girl hurriedly stuffed Muggle money along with wizarding money and other necessities into a small duffel bag before going out to see Professor McGonagall waiting at the door obviously in a hurry.
"C'mon then," said the professor before walking outside in a brisk manner.
"Is that a portkey professor?" asked Lara when McGonagall was holding a small shoe.
"Yes," nodded the professor, "Now go on and grab hold. We'll be going in 3...2...1." Lara felt an irresistible force tugging her forward as she and the professor were swept into a vortex of swirling colors. They landed on their feet in front of a bustling crowd of wizards. Lara goggled at a man seeming to be from the Ministry in a woman's nightgown. Meanwhile, McGonagall paid no attention as she looked at her watch. "Cornelius is late," said the professor.
"Not at all Minerva," said the Minister from behind her, "I was waiting all this time." Cornelius Fudge gave the girls a smile before staring curiously at Lara. "Would you be Mr. Potter's long-lost relative?" the Minister asked curiously. Lara grinned.
"Not at all, just the forgotten one," said Lara, "When Harry was being reviewed for the history books they only bothered to mention the Muggle side of him not being interested in the wizarding part."
"Yes, well, thank you Minerva," said Cornelius turning to the older woman, "I'll be taking Lara now." Not a moment afterwards McGonagall left apparating away.
"Sir, will I be able to see Harry soon?" asked Lara.
"Oh yes, he'll be in the top box with us along with Arthur and his kids," replied Cornelius.
"If it's all right, I'd like to go to him after the Cup at night," said Lara, "I'd like to surprise him."
"All right then," said the Minister cheerily, "I'm happy to be in on the secret. Now, we'll have to be stopping by to act as companions for the Bulgarian Minister of Magic so we'll have to go to our seats now." The Bulgarian Minister met Lara and Mr. Fudge as he was about to enter the ticket box. He gave a Bulgarian hello which Mr. Fudge could not understand.
"He just said hello Mr. Fudge," said Lara with a smile. The Minister looked surprised.
"My word, I didn't know you could speak Bulgarian," said Mr. Fudge in surprise. Lara gave a laugh.
"I was gifted with quite a vocabulary of different languages," said Lara as an answer before turning to the Minister and speaking in perfect Bulgarian, "Nice to meet you Minister." With that Lara took her seat to the far end of the box away from the others happy to be alone. She looked at the other end where a boy with a head of messy black hair and a lightning shaped scar on his forehead sat. Lara looked away immediately with the thought of how much he resembled 'Uncle James'. The Quidditch match soon began being announced by a man Mr. Fudge commented was Ludo Bagman. Lara paid no attention to the match and was in deep thought. She could only hear the results in which Ireland had won except the seeker, Viktor Krum from Bulgaria, had received the snitch. The Ireland team were celebrating gleefully as they had gone to the top box.
"Vell, ve fought bravely," said the Bulgarian minister in a depressed voice.
"You can speak English!" cried Fudge, "And hear I've been miming everything to you the whole time."
"It vos very funny," said the Bulgarian minister with a shrug. Soon after the Irish victors had stepped down from their applauds Lara stood up.
"Mr. Fudge, is it all right if I go and see Harry now?" asked Lara.
"Oh yes," said the Minister, "I'll have Arthur take you to my tent later." Lara stood up duffel bag in hand following the mess of black hair to their tent. She stopped outside about a meter away from their campsite. She breathed deeply before going over to them and taking out the two letters Dumbledore had written walked over to Mr. Weasley clearing her throat.
"Excuse me, but would you be Mr. Weasley?" asked Lara to a tall man with a clump of blazing red hair on his head.
"Yes may I help you?" he asked. Lara looked to Harry who wasn't paying much attention before looking back at Mr. Weasley.
"I'm Lara Stone, Harry's cousin," said Lara in a clear voice. Now Lara had Harry's attention as he looked at her in shock amidst the other Weasleys.
"Excuse me?" asked Harry in surprise.
"I know you might not believe me but I have letters written from Professor Dumbledore saying it all," said Lara handing one to Harry and then Mr. Weasley. Lara was silent not looking into the curious eyes of the other Weasleys and a girl with bushy brown hair. When the two had finished reading their letter they gave Lara un unreadable look and then back to the letter and then back at Lara. Through the silence one of the twins Lara had seen before spoke.
"Well, they do have some of a resemblance," he commented. This broke the trance and Lara gave the surprised Harry a hug.
"I'm so happy to finally see you Harry!" said Lara eagerly.
"Why don't we talk about this inside," offered Mr. Weasley opening the tent door. The group assembled in the kitchen.
"Hi, I'm Hermione Granger," said the girl with bushy brown hair.
"And I'm Ron Weasley, we're Harry's best friends," greeted Ron.
"I'm Percy, I work at the Ministry," said a toll boy huffily.
"We're Fred and George," greeted the twins.
"I'm Ginny," said a small redhead with a shy smile.
"Hey, I'm Charlie," said a boy in his twenties, "I handle dragons."
"And I'm Bill," said a boy after Charlie, "I work at Gringotts."
"Nice to meet all of you," said Lara, "I'm Lara Stone."
"Lara, do you mind telling us how you're related to Harry?" inquired Mr. Weasleys. Lara nodded.
"Harry's father is my uncle," began Lara, "He and my mother were siblings."
"Did you say you were Lara Stone?" interrupted Hermione who was before, deep in thought.
"Yes," nodded Lara.
"I've heard of you before," said Hermione, "When I was reading the Daily Prophet. You're supposed to be one of the most gifted witches of the century!"
"Why is that?" asked Ginny curiously. Lara chose to answer that herself.
"I'm a Seer and I can speak to animals," answered Lara.
"You mean you're a Parseltongue like Harry!" exclaimed Ron in surprise.
"Not just that Ron," said Hermione in an annoyed voice, "A Parseltongue can only speak to snakes but Lara can speak to any animal."
"When you said you were a Seer like what do you mean by that?" asked Harry.
"I can see into the future when I want to or sometimes I go into a trance," said Lara.
"Did you by any chance already know what the results to the Quidditch match was way beforehand?" asked Fred Weasley.
"Yes but I've found a way to just see into what I want to see and live in the present," said Lara, "I find knowing things that have already happened very bothersome."
"Excuse me Lara but where are your parents?" asked Bill, "I'm sure they'd love to meet Harry." At this Lara felt a knot in her stomach.
"My parents were killed by Death Eaters in the U.S.," said Lara sadly. Before anyone else could speak loud screaming was heard.
"What the heck is going on?" shouted George above all the ruckus. The group went outside and were surprised to see people in cloaks and masks outside. All were surprised except for Lara who was silent.
"We're going to help the Ministry!" said Mr. Weasley to the group, "You lot- go to the woods and stick together. I'll come and fetch you when this ruckus is fixed." With that Mr. Weasley left leading the way for Bill, Charlie, and Percy their wands held out.
"C'mon," said Fred taking Ginny's hand and leading the others to the forest.
"Keep your wands out," warned Lara her own kept to the side. They passed a huge crowd surrounding a Muggle family who were up in the air. Lara's face grew rosy out of anger and took out her wand shouting Pertificus Totalus. The wand was aimed straight at the Death Eaters who were now motionless. Lara muttered something under her breath and the Muggles landed gently to the floor before turning to the others who were gaping at her. "What?" asked Lara when they had reached the forest. Fred, George, and Ginny had somehow strayed away leaving only Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lara.
"You weren't allowed to do that!" shouted Hermione in the dark.
"Who said?" asked Lara before muttering Lumos. A large beacon of light appeared. "I can't just stand around when someone's in trouble," said Lara.
"Well, look who we have here," said a voice from behind the four. They turned and saw a pale boy with white to blonde hair snickering at them.
"Malfoy," said Harry through gritted teeth.
"I see you've claimed another follower Potter," spat Malfoy.
"I don't know who you are but just leave us alone," said Lara.
"You better watch it," said Malfoy, "Anyway you three had better be hurrying along now wouldn't you? You wouldn't want her spotted."
"What's that supposed to mean?" challenged Hermione.
"They're after Muggles Granger," said Malfoy.
"Hermione's a witch," snarled Harry. Lara sensing a fight pushed Harry back.
"We don't have time now Harry," said Lara leading them away from Malfoy, "Ron's dad told us to go." Lara led the three to a path filled with people, mainly teenagers. A girl with thick curly hair turned to them.
"Ou est Madame Maxime? Nous l'avons perdue..."
"Er...what?" asked Ron obviously confused. The girl was taken aback and walked off muttering 'Ogwarts.
"Beauxbatons," muttered Hermione.
"Sorry?" said Harry looking to Hermione.
"You know, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic... I read about it in An Appraisal of Magical Education in Europe."
"Oh," was all Harry said.
"Well, we better be going, the others can't have gone that far," said Ron before taking his wand out. Harry looked in his pocket for his but raised his eyes in alarm.
"I've lost my wand!" exclaimed Harry in surprise.
"What!" exclaimed Ron and Hermione before holding their wands now acting like flashlights out.
"Don't bother," sad Lara, "We should get going. Harry should find his wand soon enough." The other three shrugged thinking it was Lara's Seer abilities that told her. Moving along the path the four saw a gaggle of young men surrounding three tall veela. They were boasting of their many false achievements. Ron now joined in saying he had invented a broom that could fly to Jupiter. Now they were alone and very watchful.
"You know, anyone could jump at us right now," commented Harry. Just then they heard a rustling in the bushes.
"Who's there?" asked Ron in a shaky voice. The one in the bushes gave a cry, but not one of fear... they were shouting a spell.
"MORSMORDE!" Something green and glowing erupted from the bushes and shot out to the sky. It was a tremendous skull with a snake coming out of its mouth like a tongue. It rose higher and higher for all to see. Suddenly the woods erupted with even louder screams.
"Revaro!" shouted Lara aiming her wand at the sky. As soon as she said that a bright red light shot out from her wand and to the sign encircling the sign and surrounding it like a tornado before it disappeared. He turned to the other four who were now looking at her strangely. "C'mon! We have to go right now!" shouted Lara tying to pull the others away. Hermione knew what was happening and pulled on Harry's and Ron's arms.
"Lara's right we really do have to go," said Hermione.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry confused. He couldn't see how a skull in the sky could cause so much trouble.
"It's the Dark Mark Harry!" cried Hermione frantically, "You-Know-Who's sign!"
"Voldemort's-?" uttered Harry before being pulled away. Just the sound of 20 wizards popping out of thin air was heard and surrounded them. A thought just registered through Harry's mind. There were twenty wands surrounding the four all pointed at them.
"DUCK!" he shouted pulling Hermione and Ron down but he was unable to reach Lara and closed his eyes at the suspected impact when Lara held her wand pointed at the sky.
"Protio Shiala!" shouted Lara just as the wizards shouted "STUPEFY!" Lights whirled as a vast number of colors were headed for Harry and his group. But he didn't feel the impact. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked up in surprise as a circular red dome was all around them protecting them from the huge attack. Just then a familiar voice was heard.
"Stop!" yelled Mr. Weasleys, "That's my son!" Lara pulled her wand back and fell to the floor her heart beating swiftly.
"That was a close one," thought Lara to herself before the wizards came closer. Mr. Weasleys ran to them.
"Are you four all right?" asked Mr. Weasleys in a shaky voice.
"Out of the way Arthur," said a cold voice.
"Mr. Crouch," said Mr. Weasleys. Lara looked straight at the tall man.
"Which of you conjured the Dark Mark?" he asked in an icy voice.
"We didn't do that!" shouted Harry.
"And why we're you attacking us for!" cried Ron to his father indignantly.
"Do not lie sir!" shouted Mr. Crouch a mad gleam in his eye, "That shield one of you put to protect yourselves with was a powerful bit of magic. It would take someone like that to conjure the Dark Mark!"
"I put that shield up," said Lara stepping forward looking straight at Mr. Crouch unafraid.
"Barty, she couldn't have done that," said a witch from the back, "she's just a fourteen year old girl. No one that age could have known how to make the Dark Mark or even that shield. Where's the adult that protected you?"
"I put that shield up," Lara repeated, "But I didn't make the Dark Mark. We heard him in the bushes. Over there." Immediately a man stepped up his wand held out examining the bushes warily.
"Mr. Diggory," said Ron.
"Amos, be careful," warned Mr. Weasleys.
"Yes! We got em! Someone's here! Unconscious! It's-but-blimey..." said Amos stepping out a small bundle in his hands.
"Who is it?" asked Mr. Crouch though he still seemed disbelieving.
"Winky!" exclaimed Hermione in surprise staring at the house-elf.
"It can't be her Amos," said Mr. Weasleys disbelievingly, "The Dark Mark is a wizard's sign. She had to have had a wand."
"She did have a wand," said Amos pulling one out from Winky's hand.
"Hey that's mine!" shouted Harry stepping forward. Everyone looked back at Harry.
"Was that a confession?" asked Amos, "Are you saying you conjured the Dark Mark."
"I lost it when I was entering the forest," said Harry.
"Neither Harry nor Winky did it," said Hermione through gritted teeth.
"The voice," spoke Lara, "It was deep. Like a man's. He shouted Morsmorde. I'm pretty sure that was the incantation."
"Anyway, I'll have to take care of this house-elf problem," said Amos.
"If you don't mind Amos, I'll be the one to punish Winky," said Mr. Crouch before pulling out his wand and reviving Winky. Winky stood up in alarm and looked up to see the Ministry gazing at her. Lara chose this time to leave.
"Excuse me but I'd like to leave," said Lara, "Will someone tell me where the Minister is?"
"You're staying with the Minister?" asked Mr. Weasleys in surprise.
"Only for a little while," said Lara.
"You better stay with us," said Mr. Weasleys, "I don't think the Minister will have time to take care of you. I'll send him an owl tomorrow. Come on. Well, I'll be taking my group now. I'll see you all at work." The group went back to their tents where the others were waiting for them.
Chapter 2: Diagon Alley and the Burrow
"Mr. Weasley," said Lara in a low voice, "Is it all right if I stay with you until the term at Hogwarts starts? Professor Dumbledore said it would be all right as long as I can notify the Minister."
"Of course! Now, have you gone to get your things at Diagon Alley yet?" asked Mr. Weasleys. Lara shook her head.
"Then Molly can take you and the girls out tomorrow for an extra stop," said Mr. Weasley before taking her to Hermione's and Ginny's tent. The other girls were still talking with the boys when Lara had gone to bed. She found herself being waken abruptly by Ginny.
"Lara, Dad says it's time to pack up," said Ginny. Lara rubbed her eyes and took her duffelbag out making sure she had all her things and sat down waiting for the others to finish packing. Mr. Weasleys packed the tent with magic and the eleven set out to a man named Basil who kept all the Portkeys. He was swamped with witches all clamoring to get out of the place.
"I don't see why they're eager to leave so soon," said Hermione, "The panic's already over."
"Because they fear him," said Lara not looking at anyone, "They don't want to go anywhere near anything that has even a flicker of a relation with Voldemort." Everyone but Lara and Harry flinched at the sound of his name. Harry gave Lara a proud look since he used to be the only one other than Dumbledore who said his name. Mr. Weasley finally came back with a Portkey disguised as an old rubber tire. They walked back to the Burrow where they were met by a plump woman who immediately grabbed hold of the twins.
"Oh thank goodness, thank goodness," she kept saying, "Oh boys, I shouted at you before you left. It's all I've been thinking about. You two being captured by You-Know-Who and me complaining about your O.W.L.s." Lara cleared her throat and Mrs. Weasley now took notice of Lara in the back. "And who might you be?" asked Mrs. Weasley in a sweet voice. Mr. Weasley explained the situation in which Mrs. Weasley afterwards gave Lara a tight hug. She was joyous of Harry's new-found cousin.
"Molly dear," began Arthur, "I've really got to go to the Ministry right now. What with all this trouble. Will you please take Lara and the girls to Diagon Alley so that Lara could buy her school things. Bill and Charlie can take care of the boys." Molly nodded and immediately led Ginny, Lara, and Hermione to the fireplace. She gave the boys a parting word before instructing Lara who already knew and Hermione about the Floo Network. Lara got a clump of Floo Powder after Ginny and Hermione.
"Diagon Alley!" shouted Lara before she was immediately transported to the hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley.
"Well dear, where would you like to go first?" asked Mrs. Weasleys when all the girls had gathered.
"I would like to withdraw some money from Gringotts if that's all right," said Lara. When the two had reached the bank Lara stood forward to see the goblin at the desk.
"Can I help you," said the pale goblin in a drawling voice.
"I'd like to withdraw some money from Vault 930 under the name Lara Stone," said Lara.
"And does Miss Stone have a key to Vault 930?" asked the goblin. Lara nodded and took out a silver key. She put it on the desk and waited for the goblin to finish making his inspection. He called out a short goblin named Grobblyook nicknamed Grobby who led Lara to a cart into an even deeper part of Gringotts leaving the other girls who said they'd wait outside behind. Grobby stopped in front of a large vault
"Here we are," said Grobby, "Vault 930." Lara placed the key in and gave it a turn. She opened it to find the large vault room filled to the brim with Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts more than enough to serve the lifetime of twenty wizards ten times over. Even Lara who had never gone there was impressed with the 'Stone Fortune'. Lara then turned to Grobby after grabbing a huge heap and putting it in her money bag enough to last her the whole seven years of Hogwarts.
"Is it also all right if you go to vault 932," said Lara, "I have the key right here." Grobby nodded and stopped at the vault which was not filled with money but an interesting assortment of items. Lara grabbed a bag beside the vault and put in it an invisibility cloak, an object in the shape of a broom wrapped in brown paper, and a bunch of other things. Lara met Ginny, Hermione, and Mrs. Weasley at the Three Broomsticks where they had gotten her an ice cream cone.
"Are you ready to go to Flourish and Blotts?" asked Mrs. Weasley. Lara nodded and the two had gone to the book shop. Besides the standard Hogwarts books, Lara had also spent much time on each shelf taking one or two books on each subject. The clerk was delighted at the 'generous customer' and also added in the bags a catalog of all the latest volumes that could have passed off as a book itself.
"Are you sure you needed that many books Lara?" asked Ginny.
"It's just that I'm a little behind on my extra studying," said Lara. Hermione was gazing at the books wistfully.
"Lara, is it all right if I borrow those sometimes?" asked Hermione.
"Sure," said Lara with a smile.
"Let's stop by Madam Malkins for your robes Lara," said Mrs. Weasley taking her to a nice lady in a shop filled with clothes. A few first-year Hogwarts students were still there for last-minute shopping as Lara stood on a stool being measured.
"Don't forget your Dress robes dear," reminded Mrs. Weasley. At this Lara chose a glimmering red one that had caught her attention. It was just like the school uniform but with sexually appealing alterations. When the girls had gotten home, Bill and Charlie offered to take all of Lara's things to Ginny's room.
"Thank you," said Lara gratefully when the boys were done.
"Hey, Lara, is this a broom?!" asked Ron in surprise when he had walked in. Lara nodded.
"It was my fourteenth birthday present," said Lara.
"Go ahead and open it!" said Ron eagerly.
"You can go," offered Lara while packing her things, "I only asked my parents for a new broom but I don't really care what kind." Ron gave an excited look as all the Weasleys brothers surrounded it in the living room along with Harry. They were shocked at what they saw.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Bill, Fred, and George.
"Well, what type is it?" asked Lara.
"It's a Firebolt!" exclaimed Ron, "Whoa! This is so cool Lara! Hey can I test drive it?"
"Go ahead," said Lara.
"Let's play a Quidditch game outside," suggested Charlie. At that the boys vanished Lara's Firebolt being carried gingerly in Ron's hand.
"Shouldn't you be taking care of that broom better?" asked Ginny, "I mean it is top of the line." Now, only Hermione, Ginny, and Lara were the only ones left in the room. Lara grinned.
"Actually, I may look like I don't care but I'm obsessed with Quidditch," said Lara, "It's just that I don't want to look mean." The girl shrugged before continuing with her packing.
Chapter 3: The Sorting Hat
"Everyone, hurry up!" shouted Mrs. Weasley over all the din the morning of when the kids were supposed to be going to Hogwarts.
"Mr. Weasley," said Lara to the man who was relaxing on a chair, "I don't think you should be relaxing right now. There's someone in the fireplace." She handed him a bottle of ink, paper, and a quill just as Amos Diggory's head popped up. Mr. Weasley looked surprised before recording what Amos was saying.
"Arthur! I found the Improper Use of Magic right now and it seems Mad-Eye Moody's been setting off dust-" was all Lara heard before going back upstairs to help Ginny with her packing. Lara, now impatient muttered an incantation quickly picking up everyone's things and putting them in the right places.
"Mrs. Weasley's waiting outside," muttered Lara before walking outside with her brand new trunk. Everyone filed into three taxicabs and headed for the train station. They soon reached Platform Nine and 3/4 where Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Lara noticed Bill looking wistfully at the Express train.
"You know, I sort of wish I'd be going to Hogwarts," commented Bill.
"You guys might be seeing me sooner than you think," said Charlie with a grin.
"What are all of you talking about?" asked Ron frustrated.
"Now, you boys have a good term, it'll certainly be an exciting one," said Mrs. Weasley. Just then, the Hogwarts Express pulled off the station and the four left to find a free car.
"Hey Lara," said Ron, "Do you know what they're talking about?"
"I could find out but I'd rather hear it from Professor Dumbledore," said Lara to Ron's disappointment.
"But don't you like knowing the future?" asked Hermione confused. Lara shook her head vigorously.
"Always knowing what happens tends to make life into such a bore," said Lara, "You almost lose your will to live. That's why when I first got this gift I asked my parents to erase my memory after learning Occlumency so I can live a normal life."
"Oh," said the three.
"Anyway, do you know where Sirius is right now?" asked Lara. Ron, Harry, and Hermione froze.
"How do you know about Sirius?" asked Harry in a low voice.
"I put two and two together," said Lara, "Plus, he sent me an owl four months ago and we've been keeping in touch."
"Why didn't he tell me about you?!" asked Harry furiously.
"Harry, don't be angry at him," said Lara in a calm voice, "Do you think he would have wanted you running out of your current house and hitchhiking all over Europe. Please, don't be angry at him." Harry sat down glowering.
"Well, how is Sirius anyway?" asked Hermione changing the subject. Lara stood up.
"I have to go for awhile," said Lara getting up. The other three looked confused but Lara headed straight for the bathroom and locked herself in breathing deeply. She didn't know why but she felt very sick as she knelt down holding herself tight. The heat around her rose some more degrees as Lara was now breathing in quick breaths. Then, just as soon as the pain came it left. Lara stood up confused. "Even I didn't know what that was about," thought Lara to herself before going back to the car where Ron was glowering. "What happened?" asked Lara sitting down again.
"Don't mind Ron," said Hermione, "Malfoy came for a visit." Ron was sulking during the whole trip and Lara was relieved to get away walking out to Hogwarts grounds now very confused. A large man walked to her.
"You Lara?" he asked the girl, "Name's Rebeus Hagrid, Care of Magical Creatures teacher. Follow me to the rowboats with the other first years. Ron, Harry, and Hermione wished Lara luck before going into the carriage leaving Lara, Hagrid, and the rest of the first years in the dripping rain where Lara took a seat next to a very small boy whose eager face lit up the rowboat the two were in.
"Hi! I'm Dennis Creevey," said the boy, "You look a little too old for an eleven year old."
"That's because I'm not," said Lara before the rowboats set off. Dennis was looking from one side of the boat to the other. "Calm down," said Lara, "You might fall in if you're not careful." Just as she said that the boy had gone into the water and disappeared. Lara looked on exasperated lifting the boy up with her wand and placing him back in the boat.
"Wow!" exclaimed Dennis, "That was so cool! Can you do some more?" Lara shook her head before they reached the school.
"All of you please wait here while you get sorted in your houses," said Professor McGonagall to the first years. They all stared curiously at Lara who stared down not looking into anyone's eye. Professor McGonagall soon came back and led Lara and the first years to the Great Hall where a hat stood on a stool. The first years were amazed it could talk.
A thousand years or more ago,
when I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of renown,
whose names are still well-known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen...
And tell where you belong!
Lara looked at the Sorting Hat curiously when Professor McGonagall held out a scroll and started calling out names. When Lara's name had been called she could hear laughs from the Slytherin table and whispers from the rest. "Ooh, very interesting yes," said the hat when Lara had donned it, "Well this is a tough one. You'd be ideal for any table. Certainly lots of potential in you, ideal for Slytherin. You do have courage even Godric Gryffindor would be proud of and you're certainly as clever as Ravenclaw and as sweet as Hufflepuff. Well, better be...GRYFFINDOR!" Lara walked to the Gryffindor table where everyone was smiling at her from ear to ear. A look from Ron told her that they knew of hers and Harry's relationship.
"Congratulations Lara!" said Hermione, "But, I think that's the longest it's taken for the Sorting Hat to make a decision." Once the Sorting was over Dumbledore stood up.
"I only have two words for you," said the man his deep voice echoing in the Hall, "Tuck in."
"Hear hear," said Ron and Harry before the food magically appeared on the golden dishes. Lara ate little preferring to look at the staff rather than her meal. She was stuck in her own little world before a clang from Hermione's plate knocked her back into reality. She turned to see the shocked Hermione as Ron and Harry were talking to a ghost called Nearly-Headless Nick.
"There are house-elves here at Hogwarts?" asked Hermione in surprise and indignation.
"Of course," said Nearly-Headless Nick in surprise as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "The largest number in any dwelling in Britain, I think."
"How come I've never see one?" asked Ron.
"The sign of a good house-elf is one that is silent and obedient," said Lara matter-of-factly. Hermione stared at Lara.
"But do they at least get paid?" asked Hermione.
"The one thing that would please a house-elf more than anything is work Hermione," said Ron. Till then Hermione had stopped eating the meal muttering about how slave labor is what made it. Ron kept trying to tempt Hermione to eat. As soon as dinner was over, Dumbledore again stood up.
"Now that we have all been fed till our stomachs burst," began Dumbledore,(Hmph! said Hermione) "I must grab your attention for a few announcements." As Dumbledore rambled on about things not permitted on Hogwarts grounds and not being permitted to go into the Forbidden Forest, Lara's mind strayed. Her attention then got back when she heard the word Quidditch and many groans following afterwards.
"What did he say?" asked Lara to Harry.
"The Inter-House Quidditch Cup's been cancelled!" said Harry outraged.
"This is due to an exciting event happening at Hogwarts this year," continued Dumbledore, "I am pleased to announce that this year at Hogwarts-" Just then a loud bang was heard. All the students attention was now turned to an old man clunking his way to the teacher's table. Lara looked closely at the man in surprise and glee. He had to have had the strangest appearance you can ever see in two lifetimes. One of his eyes were magical swiveling around its socket and the other was black and beady.
"Alastor Moody," said Lara respect and awe in her voice.
"You mean that crazy guy Dad was supposed to help?" asked Ron. Lara whirled her eyes at him in anger.
"He happens to be the best Auror of the century," said Lara, "And he taught my parents all they knew about defeating Dark Wizards and other monsters."
"Calm down Lara," said Harry as he watched Moody's procession to the teacher's table and sat down waving at Dumbledore and telling him to continue.
"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Alastor Moody," said Dumbledore cheerfully.
"No way!" cried Ron in surprise, "Mad-Eye Moody's going to teach us the Dark Arts!"
"You should consider it an honor Ron," said Lara coldly before looking back at Dumbledore.
"As I was saying," said Dumbledore, "We are proud to announce that we are holding the Hexwizard Tournament this term at Hogwarts."
"You're JOKING!" cried Fred Weasley out loud.
"I am certainly not though now that you mention it I heard this wonderful one about a lep..."
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly.
"Er- maybe I'll tell the joke some other time," said Dumbledore, "As I was saying, the Hexwizard Tournament began 700 years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of Wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. Two champions are selected from each school and must act like a team to complete three certain tasks during the year. The three schools have been switching turns every five years to host the competition to improve ties with other witches and wizards-until the death toll mounted so high it was discontinued."
"Death toll?" asked Hermione along with other students.
"Several attempts had been made to reinstate the tournament," began Dumbledore, "But they were all failures. Now our Ministry thought it was time for another chance so they have made sure that each task was far from any of the champions to be stuck in mortal peril."
"Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their chosen students in October and the selection of the six champions will take place on Halloween," said Dumbledore, "The winners will earn the honor of the Hexwizard Cup and one thousand Galleons each for personal prize money."
"I'm going for it," muttered George Weasley to his twin. Lara heard the excited whispers of the other students
"However, the heads of the schools and the Ministry of Magic have agreed to instate an age limit so that only students of age that is seventeen or older can participate," said Dumbledore, "Now, it's already very late so everyone, time for bed." Dumbledore sat back down and was leaning in to talk with Moody as the other students were on their way to their dormitories. Lara was silent walking ahead of everyone else not in the mood to listen to the Hexwizard Tournament. She stood waiting for everyone else.
"What's the password?" asked Lara when the other had gotten there and they were all standing in front of the Fat Lady.
"Balderdash," said George, "A prefect downstairs told me." Everyone walked in now very tired. Lara, Ginny, and Hermione walked up their corridor with Hermione still ranting about the house-elves.
"Hey Lara," said Hermione, "Why do you have two trunks?" She stared at Lara's four-poster bed with two trunks at the foot of it side by side.
"Probably some other stuff I brought with me," said Lara as she say some more girls walk in the dormitory. Hermione had told her they were Parvati and Lavender.
"Good night everyone," said Lavender. Lara didn't answer but then closed her eyes and went fast asleep.
Chapter 4: Mad-Eye Moody
"Seems the weather's gotten better," commented Harry as Lara and Hermione walked in for breakfast. In the meantime, Ron was looking at his Monday schedule.
"Herbology with the Hufflepuffs and Care of Magical Creatures with... oh man, we're still with Slytherin."
"Double Divination this afternoon," groaned Harry. Lara raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong with that?" she asked indignantly apparently offended since she was a gifted Seer.
"Professor Trelawny's a fraud and is always predicting Harry's death," explained Ron.
"You should have quit like me shouldn't you?" asked Hermione, "Then you'd be doing something more useful like Arithmancy."
"You're doing it too?" asked Lara with a smile.
"I don't see Arithmancy anywhere here," said Ron looking at Lara's schedule.
"I'm taking every subject," said Lara, "I asked Professor Dumbledore if he could talk to each teacher I don't have on my daily schedule for my behalf. They've all agreed that they would just give me assignments I'm supposed to do like other students and hand in the work the next day. It's the only way I could find the time."
"But you'll be having loads more homework than even Hermione," said Ron disbelievingly.
"I was home-schooled so I've already got all the basics and some other advanced stuff so I'll be fine," said Lara, "I'm just happy they'd let me do their classes even if I'm not there. Besides, I'm used to studying alone." Ron and Harry gave Lara sympathetic looks but Hermione gave Lara a smile.
"Well, I'm happy there's someone here who takes studying seriously," said Hermione.
"I notice you've started eating again," said Ron.
"There are better ways of taking a stand," said Hermione haughtily. Just then a rustling noise above them meant that the owls had come. Lara smiled as a snow white falcon swooped down to the Gryffindor table.
"Talon!" cried Lara with joy as the falcon crooned in Lara's arms.
"I didn't know you had an owl," said Harry.
"It's a rare falcon," said Lara.
"Where's its message?" asked Ron looking at its feet.
"Talon likes to visit me when he feels too lonely," said Lara before sending it back out.
"We better get to Herbology now," said Hermione before standing up. The fur made their way to a greenhouse where Professor Sprout stood revealing the thick black slugs in front of her.
"Bubotubers," said Professor Sprout, "They need squeezing. You will collect the pus-"
"What!" said Seamus utterly sick.
"Pus Finnigan," said the professor, "Now don't waste it. It's extremely valuable. Use your dragon hide gloves and put them in these vials." Squeezing the slugs gave Lara a satisfying feeling.
"Hey Lara," said Harry, "Didn't you say you could speak to animals?"
"Yeah."
"What are these slugs saying?" he asked.
"They're too stupid to know how to speak," said Lara.
"This should satisfy Madam Pomfrey," said Professor Sprout when she looked at the several pints in front of her, "Perfect for curing acne. Should keep students from going to desperate measures just to remove a pimple."
"Like Eloise," said a Hufflepuff, "She tried to curse hers off."
"Foolish girl," said the professor, "Well, Madam Pomfrey fixed her nose in the end." As the last bell sounded the Gryffindors headed for their Care of Magical Creatures lesson. Hagrid was standing outside of his hut where several crates were open in front of him.
"Hey!" greeted Hagrid cheerfully to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lara, "Best to wait for the Slytherins. They wouldn't want to miss this-Blast Ended Skrewts!"
"Say that again," said Harry unsure he heard right. Hagrid pointed down to a crate Lavender was already looking at.
"Ugh," said the girl disgusted. They were like crawling centipedes except for the fact that they were half a foot long.
"Just hatched," said Hagrid pride in his eyes, "So you can raise them yourselves. Thought we could turn it into a project."
"Who'd want to raise that?" asked an icy voice behind them. The Slytherins had arrived and Malfoy was the one who had spoken.
"What do they do?" asked Malfoy.
"That's for next lesson, you're just feeding them today. I'm new at them so just try and see what they like," said Hagrid.
"Hagrid," said Lara, "They don't want anything on this table.
"How'd you know?" asked Hagrid.
"Lara can speak to the animals," said Hermione. Everyone in class stared at Lara who was busily staring down at the skrewts.
"So what do they eat?" asked Hagrid now curious. Lara grinned.
"Blood," said Lara as she reached her hand in the crate.
"We're not getting near these things," said Draco backing away.
"They're not that bad," said Lara standing up with a skrewt crawling up her arm, "I'll tell them Hagrid will give them some food later."
"Well, go on then," said Hagrid. The class was a little reluctant but still went to the crates. Despite Lara's words there were still one or two accidents. Hermione asked Lara to join her, Hagrid, Ron, and Harry. Lara was a little reluctant to leave the skrewts since they were so interesting.
"Coming," said Lara walking to them.
"So you're Harry's cousin," said Hagrid.
"I must admit that when I first saw you," began Hermione, "I didn't see any resemblance to Harry."
"I do resemble my father more," said Lara. Hagrid cleared his throat.
"So you say you can speak to animals?" asked Hagrid trying to hide the excitement in his voice.
"Yeah," said Lara, "It's pretty fun always knowing what animals are saying."
"Hagrid really likes you," commented Harry at the lunch table.
"That's probably because you can speak to animals and he can't," said Ron, "He'd want to have that power too."
"Listen," said Lara in a low voice, "I didn't say this out loud but I'm guessing those skrewts won't last long. The one I spoke to told me that they often killed each other either for fun or food."
"Well that's a relief," said Ron, "I think they'd still attack us despite you. Knowing Hagrid, it's the more lethal the better." Ron, Lara, and Harry split up with Hermione to go to Divination. The strong smell of incense nearly knocked Lara backwards.
"You must be the child Seer I've heard about," said Professor Trelawny when Lara appeared.
"Hello," said Lara. She could see Lavender and Parvati staring at her curiously after what Professor Trelawny said. The professor turned to Harry.
"You seem very troubled my dear," said Trelawny, "My inner eye tells me of troubled times ahead. Your death will come to pass sooner than you think." Lara, Harry, and Ron were sitting at the very back. Lara paid no attention to the professor.
"Her astronomy's all wrong," muttered Lara. She looked to the side seeing Harry deep in thought.
"Harry!" muttered Ron trying to get his attention.
"What?" asked Harry now back to reality. The whole class stared at him as Professor Trelawny had said. Lara laughed inside when she had misguessed when Harry was born. It was probably this that the class was now forced to do a chart to fill in the position of the planets at the time of their birth. It was boring work needing much concentration and exact calculations. Lara wasn't looking at the paper but her eyes were glazed. Ron saw her and nudged Harry to look at his cousin. They both tried to wake her up but their efforts didn't work. After a few minutes Lara snapped into life again and was quickly filling out her chart with quick and sure hands.
"How'd you do that?" asked Ron looking at Lara's chart filled with information after only five minutes of quick writing.
"My 'inner eye'," said Lara with a grin.
"Do you mind doing ours too?" asked Harry with a pleading smile. Lara laughed and glazed her eyes before quickly filling in Ron's and Harry's charts when Professor Trelawny's back was turned. The three were now waiting for the rest of the class to finish. Lara took out a book to read titled Incantations for the Advanced in the Dark Arts. Professor Trelawny walked to them to inspect their charts and commented on the excellent work. For homework she assigned the class a detailed report on how the movement of the planets affect their lives for the next month. Ron and Harry were grumbling to themselves during dinner wile Hermione was giving them a smile.
"Lots of homework?" she asked, "Professor Vector didn't give us any." Lara stood up.
"Be right back," said Lara after dinner heading for the teacher's tables. She said a hello to Professor Sinistra, Professor Vector, and the other teachers who gave her a smile and handed her a sheet of paper with all the assignments and lesson plans. Lara gave them her eternal thanks and left. She caught up with Ron, Harry, and Hermione who were waiting for her in the hall.
"Weasley! Hey Weasley!"
The four turned and saw Malfoy walking to them with a copy of the Daily Prophet an evil gleam in his eye. He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear. "Listen up!"
"Professor Dumbledore," said a girl with long, silky black hair and glittering brown eyes, "I'm sorry for being such a burden." The ancient wizard gave a chuckle.
"Not at all Lara," said the man, "Actually, I'm relieved you came to me after your parents died. You're the only relative Mr. Potter has on James's side of the family." Lara gave a small smile.
"Yes, I'm quite interested to see my cousin," said Lara, "When will I meet him?" At that Dumbledore grinned.
"As you know, the Quidditch World Cup is tomorrow and I would like you to go in my stead," said Professor Dumbledore, "I hope you will be interested in these box seats." Lara gave a surprised look before giving her objections.
"That's all right Professor," said Lara quickly, "Those tickets are worth giving an arm for. I can't take them."
"Nonsense," said Dumbledore shaking his head, "I'm your legal guardian now and I would like you to go and meet Harry before going to Hogwarts. Now, Minerva will be taking you there and you will be left in her care so behave yourself. Since she has only enough time to take you to Cornelius I expect you to be on your best behavior."
"You mean the Minister?!" exclaimed Lara surprised. Dumbledore nodded.
"He has heard of your relation to Mr. Potter and offered to watch you while I'm gone," said Dumbledore, "Since you will be meeting Harry at the World Cup I will give you a letter explaining everything. I believe he is also staying with the Weasleys so I'll enclose a note for him too."
"Thank you so much professor," said Lara gratefully.
"Now, now, you're making me blush," said the professor who was now turning a shade of pink before sending her off to bed. The next day Lara was awakened by a small shake. Lara opened her eyes and saw a woman with reddish hair, along with a few white strands, tucked into a bun and serious eyes behind her rectangular spectacles.
"You must be Lara," said the woman in a strict voice, "I am Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore said I will be taking you to the World Cup to the Minister."
"Yes Ma'am," nodded Lara, "Should I be getting ready?"
"I suppose so," said the Professor, "Prepare to leave in half an hour and bring a few of your things with you. Now, I don't believe you have gotten your school supplies yet but I trust that you will either ask Cornelius or Mr. Weasley to take you to Diagon Alley. Can you handle that?"
"Yes Professor," said Lara before the woman left. Lara changed from her nightgown to Muggle clothes. It was loose cargo pants and a red shirt along with a light blue hat. The girl hurriedly stuffed Muggle money along with wizarding money and other necessities into a small duffel bag before going out to see Professor McGonagall waiting at the door obviously in a hurry.
"C'mon then," said the professor before walking outside in a brisk manner.
"Is that a portkey professor?" asked Lara when McGonagall was holding a small shoe.
"Yes," nodded the professor, "Now go on and grab hold. We'll be going in 3...2...1." Lara felt an irresistible force tugging her forward as she and the professor were swept into a vortex of swirling colors. They landed on their feet in front of a bustling crowd of wizards. Lara goggled at a man seeming to be from the Ministry in a woman's nightgown. Meanwhile, McGonagall paid no attention as she looked at her watch. "Cornelius is late," said the professor.
"Not at all Minerva," said the Minister from behind her, "I was waiting all this time." Cornelius Fudge gave the girls a smile before staring curiously at Lara. "Would you be Mr. Potter's long-lost relative?" the Minister asked curiously. Lara grinned.
"Not at all, just the forgotten one," said Lara, "When Harry was being reviewed for the history books they only bothered to mention the Muggle side of him not being interested in the wizarding part."
"Yes, well, thank you Minerva," said Cornelius turning to the older woman, "I'll be taking Lara now." Not a moment afterwards McGonagall left apparating away.
"Sir, will I be able to see Harry soon?" asked Lara.
"Oh yes, he'll be in the top box with us along with Arthur and his kids," replied Cornelius.
"If it's all right, I'd like to go to him after the Cup at night," said Lara, "I'd like to surprise him."
"All right then," said the Minister cheerily, "I'm happy to be in on the secret. Now, we'll have to be stopping by to act as companions for the Bulgarian Minister of Magic so we'll have to go to our seats now." The Bulgarian Minister met Lara and Mr. Fudge as he was about to enter the ticket box. He gave a Bulgarian hello which Mr. Fudge could not understand.
"He just said hello Mr. Fudge," said Lara with a smile. The Minister looked surprised.
"My word, I didn't know you could speak Bulgarian," said Mr. Fudge in surprise. Lara gave a laugh.
"I was gifted with quite a vocabulary of different languages," said Lara as an answer before turning to the Minister and speaking in perfect Bulgarian, "Nice to meet you Minister." With that Lara took her seat to the far end of the box away from the others happy to be alone. She looked at the other end where a boy with a head of messy black hair and a lightning shaped scar on his forehead sat. Lara looked away immediately with the thought of how much he resembled 'Uncle James'. The Quidditch match soon began being announced by a man Mr. Fudge commented was Ludo Bagman. Lara paid no attention to the match and was in deep thought. She could only hear the results in which Ireland had won except the seeker, Viktor Krum from Bulgaria, had received the snitch. The Ireland team were celebrating gleefully as they had gone to the top box.
"Vell, ve fought bravely," said the Bulgarian minister in a depressed voice.
"You can speak English!" cried Fudge, "And hear I've been miming everything to you the whole time."
"It vos very funny," said the Bulgarian minister with a shrug. Soon after the Irish victors had stepped down from their applauds Lara stood up.
"Mr. Fudge, is it all right if I go and see Harry now?" asked Lara.
"Oh yes," said the Minister, "I'll have Arthur take you to my tent later." Lara stood up duffel bag in hand following the mess of black hair to their tent. She stopped outside about a meter away from their campsite. She breathed deeply before going over to them and taking out the two letters Dumbledore had written walked over to Mr. Weasley clearing her throat.
"Excuse me, but would you be Mr. Weasley?" asked Lara to a tall man with a clump of blazing red hair on his head.
"Yes may I help you?" he asked. Lara looked to Harry who wasn't paying much attention before looking back at Mr. Weasley.
"I'm Lara Stone, Harry's cousin," said Lara in a clear voice. Now Lara had Harry's attention as he looked at her in shock amidst the other Weasleys.
"Excuse me?" asked Harry in surprise.
"I know you might not believe me but I have letters written from Professor Dumbledore saying it all," said Lara handing one to Harry and then Mr. Weasley. Lara was silent not looking into the curious eyes of the other Weasleys and a girl with bushy brown hair. When the two had finished reading their letter they gave Lara un unreadable look and then back to the letter and then back at Lara. Through the silence one of the twins Lara had seen before spoke.
"Well, they do have some of a resemblance," he commented. This broke the trance and Lara gave the surprised Harry a hug.
"I'm so happy to finally see you Harry!" said Lara eagerly.
"Why don't we talk about this inside," offered Mr. Weasley opening the tent door. The group assembled in the kitchen.
"Hi, I'm Hermione Granger," said the girl with bushy brown hair.
"And I'm Ron Weasley, we're Harry's best friends," greeted Ron.
"I'm Percy, I work at the Ministry," said a toll boy huffily.
"We're Fred and George," greeted the twins.
"I'm Ginny," said a small redhead with a shy smile.
"Hey, I'm Charlie," said a boy in his twenties, "I handle dragons."
"And I'm Bill," said a boy after Charlie, "I work at Gringotts."
"Nice to meet all of you," said Lara, "I'm Lara Stone."
"Lara, do you mind telling us how you're related to Harry?" inquired Mr. Weasleys. Lara nodded.
"Harry's father is my uncle," began Lara, "He and my mother were siblings."
"Did you say you were Lara Stone?" interrupted Hermione who was before, deep in thought.
"Yes," nodded Lara.
"I've heard of you before," said Hermione, "When I was reading the Daily Prophet. You're supposed to be one of the most gifted witches of the century!"
"Why is that?" asked Ginny curiously. Lara chose to answer that herself.
"I'm a Seer and I can speak to animals," answered Lara.
"You mean you're a Parseltongue like Harry!" exclaimed Ron in surprise.
"Not just that Ron," said Hermione in an annoyed voice, "A Parseltongue can only speak to snakes but Lara can speak to any animal."
"When you said you were a Seer like what do you mean by that?" asked Harry.
"I can see into the future when I want to or sometimes I go into a trance," said Lara.
"Did you by any chance already know what the results to the Quidditch match was way beforehand?" asked Fred Weasley.
"Yes but I've found a way to just see into what I want to see and live in the present," said Lara, "I find knowing things that have already happened very bothersome."
"Excuse me Lara but where are your parents?" asked Bill, "I'm sure they'd love to meet Harry." At this Lara felt a knot in her stomach.
"My parents were killed by Death Eaters in the U.S.," said Lara sadly. Before anyone else could speak loud screaming was heard.
"What the heck is going on?" shouted George above all the ruckus. The group went outside and were surprised to see people in cloaks and masks outside. All were surprised except for Lara who was silent.
"We're going to help the Ministry!" said Mr. Weasley to the group, "You lot- go to the woods and stick together. I'll come and fetch you when this ruckus is fixed." With that Mr. Weasley left leading the way for Bill, Charlie, and Percy their wands held out.
"C'mon," said Fred taking Ginny's hand and leading the others to the forest.
"Keep your wands out," warned Lara her own kept to the side. They passed a huge crowd surrounding a Muggle family who were up in the air. Lara's face grew rosy out of anger and took out her wand shouting Pertificus Totalus. The wand was aimed straight at the Death Eaters who were now motionless. Lara muttered something under her breath and the Muggles landed gently to the floor before turning to the others who were gaping at her. "What?" asked Lara when they had reached the forest. Fred, George, and Ginny had somehow strayed away leaving only Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lara.
"You weren't allowed to do that!" shouted Hermione in the dark.
"Who said?" asked Lara before muttering Lumos. A large beacon of light appeared. "I can't just stand around when someone's in trouble," said Lara.
"Well, look who we have here," said a voice from behind the four. They turned and saw a pale boy with white to blonde hair snickering at them.
"Malfoy," said Harry through gritted teeth.
"I see you've claimed another follower Potter," spat Malfoy.
"I don't know who you are but just leave us alone," said Lara.
"You better watch it," said Malfoy, "Anyway you three had better be hurrying along now wouldn't you? You wouldn't want her spotted."
"What's that supposed to mean?" challenged Hermione.
"They're after Muggles Granger," said Malfoy.
"Hermione's a witch," snarled Harry. Lara sensing a fight pushed Harry back.
"We don't have time now Harry," said Lara leading them away from Malfoy, "Ron's dad told us to go." Lara led the three to a path filled with people, mainly teenagers. A girl with thick curly hair turned to them.
"Ou est Madame Maxime? Nous l'avons perdue..."
"Er...what?" asked Ron obviously confused. The girl was taken aback and walked off muttering 'Ogwarts.
"Beauxbatons," muttered Hermione.
"Sorry?" said Harry looking to Hermione.
"You know, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic... I read about it in An Appraisal of Magical Education in Europe."
"Oh," was all Harry said.
"Well, we better be going, the others can't have gone that far," said Ron before taking his wand out. Harry looked in his pocket for his but raised his eyes in alarm.
"I've lost my wand!" exclaimed Harry in surprise.
"What!" exclaimed Ron and Hermione before holding their wands now acting like flashlights out.
"Don't bother," sad Lara, "We should get going. Harry should find his wand soon enough." The other three shrugged thinking it was Lara's Seer abilities that told her. Moving along the path the four saw a gaggle of young men surrounding three tall veela. They were boasting of their many false achievements. Ron now joined in saying he had invented a broom that could fly to Jupiter. Now they were alone and very watchful.
"You know, anyone could jump at us right now," commented Harry. Just then they heard a rustling in the bushes.
"Who's there?" asked Ron in a shaky voice. The one in the bushes gave a cry, but not one of fear... they were shouting a spell.
"MORSMORDE!" Something green and glowing erupted from the bushes and shot out to the sky. It was a tremendous skull with a snake coming out of its mouth like a tongue. It rose higher and higher for all to see. Suddenly the woods erupted with even louder screams.
"Revaro!" shouted Lara aiming her wand at the sky. As soon as she said that a bright red light shot out from her wand and to the sign encircling the sign and surrounding it like a tornado before it disappeared. He turned to the other four who were now looking at her strangely. "C'mon! We have to go right now!" shouted Lara tying to pull the others away. Hermione knew what was happening and pulled on Harry's and Ron's arms.
"Lara's right we really do have to go," said Hermione.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry confused. He couldn't see how a skull in the sky could cause so much trouble.
"It's the Dark Mark Harry!" cried Hermione frantically, "You-Know-Who's sign!"
"Voldemort's-?" uttered Harry before being pulled away. Just the sound of 20 wizards popping out of thin air was heard and surrounded them. A thought just registered through Harry's mind. There were twenty wands surrounding the four all pointed at them.
"DUCK!" he shouted pulling Hermione and Ron down but he was unable to reach Lara and closed his eyes at the suspected impact when Lara held her wand pointed at the sky.
"Protio Shiala!" shouted Lara just as the wizards shouted "STUPEFY!" Lights whirled as a vast number of colors were headed for Harry and his group. But he didn't feel the impact. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked up in surprise as a circular red dome was all around them protecting them from the huge attack. Just then a familiar voice was heard.
"Stop!" yelled Mr. Weasleys, "That's my son!" Lara pulled her wand back and fell to the floor her heart beating swiftly.
"That was a close one," thought Lara to herself before the wizards came closer. Mr. Weasleys ran to them.
"Are you four all right?" asked Mr. Weasleys in a shaky voice.
"Out of the way Arthur," said a cold voice.
"Mr. Crouch," said Mr. Weasleys. Lara looked straight at the tall man.
"Which of you conjured the Dark Mark?" he asked in an icy voice.
"We didn't do that!" shouted Harry.
"And why we're you attacking us for!" cried Ron to his father indignantly.
"Do not lie sir!" shouted Mr. Crouch a mad gleam in his eye, "That shield one of you put to protect yourselves with was a powerful bit of magic. It would take someone like that to conjure the Dark Mark!"
"I put that shield up," said Lara stepping forward looking straight at Mr. Crouch unafraid.
"Barty, she couldn't have done that," said a witch from the back, "she's just a fourteen year old girl. No one that age could have known how to make the Dark Mark or even that shield. Where's the adult that protected you?"
"I put that shield up," Lara repeated, "But I didn't make the Dark Mark. We heard him in the bushes. Over there." Immediately a man stepped up his wand held out examining the bushes warily.
"Mr. Diggory," said Ron.
"Amos, be careful," warned Mr. Weasleys.
"Yes! We got em! Someone's here! Unconscious! It's-but-blimey..." said Amos stepping out a small bundle in his hands.
"Who is it?" asked Mr. Crouch though he still seemed disbelieving.
"Winky!" exclaimed Hermione in surprise staring at the house-elf.
"It can't be her Amos," said Mr. Weasleys disbelievingly, "The Dark Mark is a wizard's sign. She had to have had a wand."
"She did have a wand," said Amos pulling one out from Winky's hand.
"Hey that's mine!" shouted Harry stepping forward. Everyone looked back at Harry.
"Was that a confession?" asked Amos, "Are you saying you conjured the Dark Mark."
"I lost it when I was entering the forest," said Harry.
"Neither Harry nor Winky did it," said Hermione through gritted teeth.
"The voice," spoke Lara, "It was deep. Like a man's. He shouted Morsmorde. I'm pretty sure that was the incantation."
"Anyway, I'll have to take care of this house-elf problem," said Amos.
"If you don't mind Amos, I'll be the one to punish Winky," said Mr. Crouch before pulling out his wand and reviving Winky. Winky stood up in alarm and looked up to see the Ministry gazing at her. Lara chose this time to leave.
"Excuse me but I'd like to leave," said Lara, "Will someone tell me where the Minister is?"
"You're staying with the Minister?" asked Mr. Weasleys in surprise.
"Only for a little while," said Lara.
"You better stay with us," said Mr. Weasleys, "I don't think the Minister will have time to take care of you. I'll send him an owl tomorrow. Come on. Well, I'll be taking my group now. I'll see you all at work." The group went back to their tents where the others were waiting for them.
Chapter 2: Diagon Alley and the Burrow
"Mr. Weasley," said Lara in a low voice, "Is it all right if I stay with you until the term at Hogwarts starts? Professor Dumbledore said it would be all right as long as I can notify the Minister."
"Of course! Now, have you gone to get your things at Diagon Alley yet?" asked Mr. Weasleys. Lara shook her head.
"Then Molly can take you and the girls out tomorrow for an extra stop," said Mr. Weasley before taking her to Hermione's and Ginny's tent. The other girls were still talking with the boys when Lara had gone to bed. She found herself being waken abruptly by Ginny.
"Lara, Dad says it's time to pack up," said Ginny. Lara rubbed her eyes and took her duffelbag out making sure she had all her things and sat down waiting for the others to finish packing. Mr. Weasleys packed the tent with magic and the eleven set out to a man named Basil who kept all the Portkeys. He was swamped with witches all clamoring to get out of the place.
"I don't see why they're eager to leave so soon," said Hermione, "The panic's already over."
"Because they fear him," said Lara not looking at anyone, "They don't want to go anywhere near anything that has even a flicker of a relation with Voldemort." Everyone but Lara and Harry flinched at the sound of his name. Harry gave Lara a proud look since he used to be the only one other than Dumbledore who said his name. Mr. Weasley finally came back with a Portkey disguised as an old rubber tire. They walked back to the Burrow where they were met by a plump woman who immediately grabbed hold of the twins.
"Oh thank goodness, thank goodness," she kept saying, "Oh boys, I shouted at you before you left. It's all I've been thinking about. You two being captured by You-Know-Who and me complaining about your O.W.L.s." Lara cleared her throat and Mrs. Weasley now took notice of Lara in the back. "And who might you be?" asked Mrs. Weasley in a sweet voice. Mr. Weasley explained the situation in which Mrs. Weasley afterwards gave Lara a tight hug. She was joyous of Harry's new-found cousin.
"Molly dear," began Arthur, "I've really got to go to the Ministry right now. What with all this trouble. Will you please take Lara and the girls to Diagon Alley so that Lara could buy her school things. Bill and Charlie can take care of the boys." Molly nodded and immediately led Ginny, Lara, and Hermione to the fireplace. She gave the boys a parting word before instructing Lara who already knew and Hermione about the Floo Network. Lara got a clump of Floo Powder after Ginny and Hermione.
"Diagon Alley!" shouted Lara before she was immediately transported to the hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley.
"Well dear, where would you like to go first?" asked Mrs. Weasleys when all the girls had gathered.
"I would like to withdraw some money from Gringotts if that's all right," said Lara. When the two had reached the bank Lara stood forward to see the goblin at the desk.
"Can I help you," said the pale goblin in a drawling voice.
"I'd like to withdraw some money from Vault 930 under the name Lara Stone," said Lara.
"And does Miss Stone have a key to Vault 930?" asked the goblin. Lara nodded and took out a silver key. She put it on the desk and waited for the goblin to finish making his inspection. He called out a short goblin named Grobblyook nicknamed Grobby who led Lara to a cart into an even deeper part of Gringotts leaving the other girls who said they'd wait outside behind. Grobby stopped in front of a large vault
"Here we are," said Grobby, "Vault 930." Lara placed the key in and gave it a turn. She opened it to find the large vault room filled to the brim with Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts more than enough to serve the lifetime of twenty wizards ten times over. Even Lara who had never gone there was impressed with the 'Stone Fortune'. Lara then turned to Grobby after grabbing a huge heap and putting it in her money bag enough to last her the whole seven years of Hogwarts.
"Is it also all right if you go to vault 932," said Lara, "I have the key right here." Grobby nodded and stopped at the vault which was not filled with money but an interesting assortment of items. Lara grabbed a bag beside the vault and put in it an invisibility cloak, an object in the shape of a broom wrapped in brown paper, and a bunch of other things. Lara met Ginny, Hermione, and Mrs. Weasley at the Three Broomsticks where they had gotten her an ice cream cone.
"Are you ready to go to Flourish and Blotts?" asked Mrs. Weasley. Lara nodded and the two had gone to the book shop. Besides the standard Hogwarts books, Lara had also spent much time on each shelf taking one or two books on each subject. The clerk was delighted at the 'generous customer' and also added in the bags a catalog of all the latest volumes that could have passed off as a book itself.
"Are you sure you needed that many books Lara?" asked Ginny.
"It's just that I'm a little behind on my extra studying," said Lara. Hermione was gazing at the books wistfully.
"Lara, is it all right if I borrow those sometimes?" asked Hermione.
"Sure," said Lara with a smile.
"Let's stop by Madam Malkins for your robes Lara," said Mrs. Weasley taking her to a nice lady in a shop filled with clothes. A few first-year Hogwarts students were still there for last-minute shopping as Lara stood on a stool being measured.
"Don't forget your Dress robes dear," reminded Mrs. Weasley. At this Lara chose a glimmering red one that had caught her attention. It was just like the school uniform but with sexually appealing alterations. When the girls had gotten home, Bill and Charlie offered to take all of Lara's things to Ginny's room.
"Thank you," said Lara gratefully when the boys were done.
"Hey, Lara, is this a broom?!" asked Ron in surprise when he had walked in. Lara nodded.
"It was my fourteenth birthday present," said Lara.
"Go ahead and open it!" said Ron eagerly.
"You can go," offered Lara while packing her things, "I only asked my parents for a new broom but I don't really care what kind." Ron gave an excited look as all the Weasleys brothers surrounded it in the living room along with Harry. They were shocked at what they saw.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Bill, Fred, and George.
"Well, what type is it?" asked Lara.
"It's a Firebolt!" exclaimed Ron, "Whoa! This is so cool Lara! Hey can I test drive it?"
"Go ahead," said Lara.
"Let's play a Quidditch game outside," suggested Charlie. At that the boys vanished Lara's Firebolt being carried gingerly in Ron's hand.
"Shouldn't you be taking care of that broom better?" asked Ginny, "I mean it is top of the line." Now, only Hermione, Ginny, and Lara were the only ones left in the room. Lara grinned.
"Actually, I may look like I don't care but I'm obsessed with Quidditch," said Lara, "It's just that I don't want to look mean." The girl shrugged before continuing with her packing.
Chapter 3: The Sorting Hat
"Everyone, hurry up!" shouted Mrs. Weasley over all the din the morning of when the kids were supposed to be going to Hogwarts.
"Mr. Weasley," said Lara to the man who was relaxing on a chair, "I don't think you should be relaxing right now. There's someone in the fireplace." She handed him a bottle of ink, paper, and a quill just as Amos Diggory's head popped up. Mr. Weasley looked surprised before recording what Amos was saying.
"Arthur! I found the Improper Use of Magic right now and it seems Mad-Eye Moody's been setting off dust-" was all Lara heard before going back upstairs to help Ginny with her packing. Lara, now impatient muttered an incantation quickly picking up everyone's things and putting them in the right places.
"Mrs. Weasley's waiting outside," muttered Lara before walking outside with her brand new trunk. Everyone filed into three taxicabs and headed for the train station. They soon reached Platform Nine and 3/4 where Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Lara noticed Bill looking wistfully at the Express train.
"You know, I sort of wish I'd be going to Hogwarts," commented Bill.
"You guys might be seeing me sooner than you think," said Charlie with a grin.
"What are all of you talking about?" asked Ron frustrated.
"Now, you boys have a good term, it'll certainly be an exciting one," said Mrs. Weasley. Just then, the Hogwarts Express pulled off the station and the four left to find a free car.
"Hey Lara," said Ron, "Do you know what they're talking about?"
"I could find out but I'd rather hear it from Professor Dumbledore," said Lara to Ron's disappointment.
"But don't you like knowing the future?" asked Hermione confused. Lara shook her head vigorously.
"Always knowing what happens tends to make life into such a bore," said Lara, "You almost lose your will to live. That's why when I first got this gift I asked my parents to erase my memory after learning Occlumency so I can live a normal life."
"Oh," said the three.
"Anyway, do you know where Sirius is right now?" asked Lara. Ron, Harry, and Hermione froze.
"How do you know about Sirius?" asked Harry in a low voice.
"I put two and two together," said Lara, "Plus, he sent me an owl four months ago and we've been keeping in touch."
"Why didn't he tell me about you?!" asked Harry furiously.
"Harry, don't be angry at him," said Lara in a calm voice, "Do you think he would have wanted you running out of your current house and hitchhiking all over Europe. Please, don't be angry at him." Harry sat down glowering.
"Well, how is Sirius anyway?" asked Hermione changing the subject. Lara stood up.
"I have to go for awhile," said Lara getting up. The other three looked confused but Lara headed straight for the bathroom and locked herself in breathing deeply. She didn't know why but she felt very sick as she knelt down holding herself tight. The heat around her rose some more degrees as Lara was now breathing in quick breaths. Then, just as soon as the pain came it left. Lara stood up confused. "Even I didn't know what that was about," thought Lara to herself before going back to the car where Ron was glowering. "What happened?" asked Lara sitting down again.
"Don't mind Ron," said Hermione, "Malfoy came for a visit." Ron was sulking during the whole trip and Lara was relieved to get away walking out to Hogwarts grounds now very confused. A large man walked to her.
"You Lara?" he asked the girl, "Name's Rebeus Hagrid, Care of Magical Creatures teacher. Follow me to the rowboats with the other first years. Ron, Harry, and Hermione wished Lara luck before going into the carriage leaving Lara, Hagrid, and the rest of the first years in the dripping rain where Lara took a seat next to a very small boy whose eager face lit up the rowboat the two were in.
"Hi! I'm Dennis Creevey," said the boy, "You look a little too old for an eleven year old."
"That's because I'm not," said Lara before the rowboats set off. Dennis was looking from one side of the boat to the other. "Calm down," said Lara, "You might fall in if you're not careful." Just as she said that the boy had gone into the water and disappeared. Lara looked on exasperated lifting the boy up with her wand and placing him back in the boat.
"Wow!" exclaimed Dennis, "That was so cool! Can you do some more?" Lara shook her head before they reached the school.
"All of you please wait here while you get sorted in your houses," said Professor McGonagall to the first years. They all stared curiously at Lara who stared down not looking into anyone's eye. Professor McGonagall soon came back and led Lara and the first years to the Great Hall where a hat stood on a stool. The first years were amazed it could talk.
A thousand years or more ago,
when I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of renown,
whose names are still well-known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen...
And tell where you belong!
Lara looked at the Sorting Hat curiously when Professor McGonagall held out a scroll and started calling out names. When Lara's name had been called she could hear laughs from the Slytherin table and whispers from the rest. "Ooh, very interesting yes," said the hat when Lara had donned it, "Well this is a tough one. You'd be ideal for any table. Certainly lots of potential in you, ideal for Slytherin. You do have courage even Godric Gryffindor would be proud of and you're certainly as clever as Ravenclaw and as sweet as Hufflepuff. Well, better be...GRYFFINDOR!" Lara walked to the Gryffindor table where everyone was smiling at her from ear to ear. A look from Ron told her that they knew of hers and Harry's relationship.
"Congratulations Lara!" said Hermione, "But, I think that's the longest it's taken for the Sorting Hat to make a decision." Once the Sorting was over Dumbledore stood up.
"I only have two words for you," said the man his deep voice echoing in the Hall, "Tuck in."
"Hear hear," said Ron and Harry before the food magically appeared on the golden dishes. Lara ate little preferring to look at the staff rather than her meal. She was stuck in her own little world before a clang from Hermione's plate knocked her back into reality. She turned to see the shocked Hermione as Ron and Harry were talking to a ghost called Nearly-Headless Nick.
"There are house-elves here at Hogwarts?" asked Hermione in surprise and indignation.
"Of course," said Nearly-Headless Nick in surprise as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "The largest number in any dwelling in Britain, I think."
"How come I've never see one?" asked Ron.
"The sign of a good house-elf is one that is silent and obedient," said Lara matter-of-factly. Hermione stared at Lara.
"But do they at least get paid?" asked Hermione.
"The one thing that would please a house-elf more than anything is work Hermione," said Ron. Till then Hermione had stopped eating the meal muttering about how slave labor is what made it. Ron kept trying to tempt Hermione to eat. As soon as dinner was over, Dumbledore again stood up.
"Now that we have all been fed till our stomachs burst," began Dumbledore,(Hmph! said Hermione) "I must grab your attention for a few announcements." As Dumbledore rambled on about things not permitted on Hogwarts grounds and not being permitted to go into the Forbidden Forest, Lara's mind strayed. Her attention then got back when she heard the word Quidditch and many groans following afterwards.
"What did he say?" asked Lara to Harry.
"The Inter-House Quidditch Cup's been cancelled!" said Harry outraged.
"This is due to an exciting event happening at Hogwarts this year," continued Dumbledore, "I am pleased to announce that this year at Hogwarts-" Just then a loud bang was heard. All the students attention was now turned to an old man clunking his way to the teacher's table. Lara looked closely at the man in surprise and glee. He had to have had the strangest appearance you can ever see in two lifetimes. One of his eyes were magical swiveling around its socket and the other was black and beady.
"Alastor Moody," said Lara respect and awe in her voice.
"You mean that crazy guy Dad was supposed to help?" asked Ron. Lara whirled her eyes at him in anger.
"He happens to be the best Auror of the century," said Lara, "And he taught my parents all they knew about defeating Dark Wizards and other monsters."
"Calm down Lara," said Harry as he watched Moody's procession to the teacher's table and sat down waving at Dumbledore and telling him to continue.
"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Alastor Moody," said Dumbledore cheerfully.
"No way!" cried Ron in surprise, "Mad-Eye Moody's going to teach us the Dark Arts!"
"You should consider it an honor Ron," said Lara coldly before looking back at Dumbledore.
"As I was saying," said Dumbledore, "We are proud to announce that we are holding the Hexwizard Tournament this term at Hogwarts."
"You're JOKING!" cried Fred Weasley out loud.
"I am certainly not though now that you mention it I heard this wonderful one about a lep..."
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly.
"Er- maybe I'll tell the joke some other time," said Dumbledore, "As I was saying, the Hexwizard Tournament began 700 years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of Wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. Two champions are selected from each school and must act like a team to complete three certain tasks during the year. The three schools have been switching turns every five years to host the competition to improve ties with other witches and wizards-until the death toll mounted so high it was discontinued."
"Death toll?" asked Hermione along with other students.
"Several attempts had been made to reinstate the tournament," began Dumbledore, "But they were all failures. Now our Ministry thought it was time for another chance so they have made sure that each task was far from any of the champions to be stuck in mortal peril."
"Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their chosen students in October and the selection of the six champions will take place on Halloween," said Dumbledore, "The winners will earn the honor of the Hexwizard Cup and one thousand Galleons each for personal prize money."
"I'm going for it," muttered George Weasley to his twin. Lara heard the excited whispers of the other students
"However, the heads of the schools and the Ministry of Magic have agreed to instate an age limit so that only students of age that is seventeen or older can participate," said Dumbledore, "Now, it's already very late so everyone, time for bed." Dumbledore sat back down and was leaning in to talk with Moody as the other students were on their way to their dormitories. Lara was silent walking ahead of everyone else not in the mood to listen to the Hexwizard Tournament. She stood waiting for everyone else.
"What's the password?" asked Lara when the other had gotten there and they were all standing in front of the Fat Lady.
"Balderdash," said George, "A prefect downstairs told me." Everyone walked in now very tired. Lara, Ginny, and Hermione walked up their corridor with Hermione still ranting about the house-elves.
"Hey Lara," said Hermione, "Why do you have two trunks?" She stared at Lara's four-poster bed with two trunks at the foot of it side by side.
"Probably some other stuff I brought with me," said Lara as she say some more girls walk in the dormitory. Hermione had told her they were Parvati and Lavender.
"Good night everyone," said Lavender. Lara didn't answer but then closed her eyes and went fast asleep.
Chapter 4: Mad-Eye Moody
"Seems the weather's gotten better," commented Harry as Lara and Hermione walked in for breakfast. In the meantime, Ron was looking at his Monday schedule.
"Herbology with the Hufflepuffs and Care of Magical Creatures with... oh man, we're still with Slytherin."
"Double Divination this afternoon," groaned Harry. Lara raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong with that?" she asked indignantly apparently offended since she was a gifted Seer.
"Professor Trelawny's a fraud and is always predicting Harry's death," explained Ron.
"You should have quit like me shouldn't you?" asked Hermione, "Then you'd be doing something more useful like Arithmancy."
"You're doing it too?" asked Lara with a smile.
"I don't see Arithmancy anywhere here," said Ron looking at Lara's schedule.
"I'm taking every subject," said Lara, "I asked Professor Dumbledore if he could talk to each teacher I don't have on my daily schedule for my behalf. They've all agreed that they would just give me assignments I'm supposed to do like other students and hand in the work the next day. It's the only way I could find the time."
"But you'll be having loads more homework than even Hermione," said Ron disbelievingly.
"I was home-schooled so I've already got all the basics and some other advanced stuff so I'll be fine," said Lara, "I'm just happy they'd let me do their classes even if I'm not there. Besides, I'm used to studying alone." Ron and Harry gave Lara sympathetic looks but Hermione gave Lara a smile.
"Well, I'm happy there's someone here who takes studying seriously," said Hermione.
"I notice you've started eating again," said Ron.
"There are better ways of taking a stand," said Hermione haughtily. Just then a rustling noise above them meant that the owls had come. Lara smiled as a snow white falcon swooped down to the Gryffindor table.
"Talon!" cried Lara with joy as the falcon crooned in Lara's arms.
"I didn't know you had an owl," said Harry.
"It's a rare falcon," said Lara.
"Where's its message?" asked Ron looking at its feet.
"Talon likes to visit me when he feels too lonely," said Lara before sending it back out.
"We better get to Herbology now," said Hermione before standing up. The fur made their way to a greenhouse where Professor Sprout stood revealing the thick black slugs in front of her.
"Bubotubers," said Professor Sprout, "They need squeezing. You will collect the pus-"
"What!" said Seamus utterly sick.
"Pus Finnigan," said the professor, "Now don't waste it. It's extremely valuable. Use your dragon hide gloves and put them in these vials." Squeezing the slugs gave Lara a satisfying feeling.
"Hey Lara," said Harry, "Didn't you say you could speak to animals?"
"Yeah."
"What are these slugs saying?" he asked.
"They're too stupid to know how to speak," said Lara.
"This should satisfy Madam Pomfrey," said Professor Sprout when she looked at the several pints in front of her, "Perfect for curing acne. Should keep students from going to desperate measures just to remove a pimple."
"Like Eloise," said a Hufflepuff, "She tried to curse hers off."
"Foolish girl," said the professor, "Well, Madam Pomfrey fixed her nose in the end." As the last bell sounded the Gryffindors headed for their Care of Magical Creatures lesson. Hagrid was standing outside of his hut where several crates were open in front of him.
"Hey!" greeted Hagrid cheerfully to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lara, "Best to wait for the Slytherins. They wouldn't want to miss this-Blast Ended Skrewts!"
"Say that again," said Harry unsure he heard right. Hagrid pointed down to a crate Lavender was already looking at.
"Ugh," said the girl disgusted. They were like crawling centipedes except for the fact that they were half a foot long.
"Just hatched," said Hagrid pride in his eyes, "So you can raise them yourselves. Thought we could turn it into a project."
"Who'd want to raise that?" asked an icy voice behind them. The Slytherins had arrived and Malfoy was the one who had spoken.
"What do they do?" asked Malfoy.
"That's for next lesson, you're just feeding them today. I'm new at them so just try and see what they like," said Hagrid.
"Hagrid," said Lara, "They don't want anything on this table.
"How'd you know?" asked Hagrid.
"Lara can speak to the animals," said Hermione. Everyone in class stared at Lara who was busily staring down at the skrewts.
"So what do they eat?" asked Hagrid now curious. Lara grinned.
"Blood," said Lara as she reached her hand in the crate.
"We're not getting near these things," said Draco backing away.
"They're not that bad," said Lara standing up with a skrewt crawling up her arm, "I'll tell them Hagrid will give them some food later."
"Well, go on then," said Hagrid. The class was a little reluctant but still went to the crates. Despite Lara's words there were still one or two accidents. Hermione asked Lara to join her, Hagrid, Ron, and Harry. Lara was a little reluctant to leave the skrewts since they were so interesting.
"Coming," said Lara walking to them.
"So you're Harry's cousin," said Hagrid.
"I must admit that when I first saw you," began Hermione, "I didn't see any resemblance to Harry."
"I do resemble my father more," said Lara. Hagrid cleared his throat.
"So you say you can speak to animals?" asked Hagrid trying to hide the excitement in his voice.
"Yeah," said Lara, "It's pretty fun always knowing what animals are saying."
"Hagrid really likes you," commented Harry at the lunch table.
"That's probably because you can speak to animals and he can't," said Ron, "He'd want to have that power too."
"Listen," said Lara in a low voice, "I didn't say this out loud but I'm guessing those skrewts won't last long. The one I spoke to told me that they often killed each other either for fun or food."
"Well that's a relief," said Ron, "I think they'd still attack us despite you. Knowing Hagrid, it's the more lethal the better." Ron, Lara, and Harry split up with Hermione to go to Divination. The strong smell of incense nearly knocked Lara backwards.
"You must be the child Seer I've heard about," said Professor Trelawny when Lara appeared.
"Hello," said Lara. She could see Lavender and Parvati staring at her curiously after what Professor Trelawny said. The professor turned to Harry.
"You seem very troubled my dear," said Trelawny, "My inner eye tells me of troubled times ahead. Your death will come to pass sooner than you think." Lara, Harry, and Ron were sitting at the very back. Lara paid no attention to the professor.
"Her astronomy's all wrong," muttered Lara. She looked to the side seeing Harry deep in thought.
"Harry!" muttered Ron trying to get his attention.
"What?" asked Harry now back to reality. The whole class stared at him as Professor Trelawny had said. Lara laughed inside when she had misguessed when Harry was born. It was probably this that the class was now forced to do a chart to fill in the position of the planets at the time of their birth. It was boring work needing much concentration and exact calculations. Lara wasn't looking at the paper but her eyes were glazed. Ron saw her and nudged Harry to look at his cousin. They both tried to wake her up but their efforts didn't work. After a few minutes Lara snapped into life again and was quickly filling out her chart with quick and sure hands.
"How'd you do that?" asked Ron looking at Lara's chart filled with information after only five minutes of quick writing.
"My 'inner eye'," said Lara with a grin.
"Do you mind doing ours too?" asked Harry with a pleading smile. Lara laughed and glazed her eyes before quickly filling in Ron's and Harry's charts when Professor Trelawny's back was turned. The three were now waiting for the rest of the class to finish. Lara took out a book to read titled Incantations for the Advanced in the Dark Arts. Professor Trelawny walked to them to inspect their charts and commented on the excellent work. For homework she assigned the class a detailed report on how the movement of the planets affect their lives for the next month. Ron and Harry were grumbling to themselves during dinner wile Hermione was giving them a smile.
"Lots of homework?" she asked, "Professor Vector didn't give us any." Lara stood up.
"Be right back," said Lara after dinner heading for the teacher's tables. She said a hello to Professor Sinistra, Professor Vector, and the other teachers who gave her a smile and handed her a sheet of paper with all the assignments and lesson plans. Lara gave them her eternal thanks and left. She caught up with Ron, Harry, and Hermione who were waiting for her in the hall.
"Weasley! Hey Weasley!"
The four turned and saw Malfoy walking to them with a copy of the Daily Prophet an evil gleam in his eye. He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear. "Listen up!"