Summary: A transfer student befriends the trio. Troubled by her past and present, someone helps her through it and love ensues.

Rating: PG (Subject to change)

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Krystine Crowley and the other characters created are owned by me.

Chapter One: The Meeting

"Come ON, Ron!" Harry said, tugging on Ron's sleeve. It would be their seventh and final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The trio were purchasing the needed supplies in Diagon Alley.

Ron scowled at Harry, but obeyed. "See you later, Sara!" he exclaimed to the retreating back of a brunette. He grinned as she waved back in response. "I think she likes me."

"Boys," Hermione muttered darkly. At the age of seventeen, Hermione had grown into a lovely young woman. Her bushy hair had been tamed and it now gracefully flowed down her back in wisps of curls. Her slight tan from the summer and her pearly white smile caused some boys to look twice at her. Of course, Hermione paid no attention to them. Though her appearance had changed, she still remained the same girl - clever and studious. Being always at the top of her class, she received another letter included with her supplies list that stated she was chosen as Head Girl. This delighted her and thus made her take school more serious than ever.

Ron and Harry had grown taller. Ron was no longer gangly as Harry was skinny. The two had been on the Gryffindor's Quidditch team. They were now slightly built as well as taller. Like Hermione, the boys hadn't changed a bit despite their appearance.

Deep in conversation, the three had not noticed another girl in front of them. In result, they walked into her. The four ended up sprawled upon the cobblestone street. The girl was the first to get up quickly.

"Ouch," she muttered.

"We're really sorry about that," Harry apologized, pulling Hermione and Ron to their feet.

The girl brushed her brown hair out of her face. "That's quite all right. I should have watched where I was going."

"Are you American?" Hermione asked, voice full of curiosity.

The girl looked up and smiled. "Yes I am." She picked her small bag up from the ground and brushed the dust off her clothes.

"That's interesting, we've never really run into American witches. You are one, aren't you?" Harry said.

The girl laughed and said, "I haven't even properly introduced myself and you're already bombarding me with questions!"

Hermione turned pink and then shook her hand. "I'm Hermione Granger."

"Ron Weasley, nice to meet you," Ron spoke, shaking her hand.

"I'm Harry Potter," Harry said, repeating the same gesture.

The girl tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm Krystine Anne Crowley. Just call me Krystine."

Hermione suddenly gasped, startling the others. "Crowley?" she asked.

Krystine nodded, confused.

"The Crowley family is one of the most wealthy and highly esteemed wizarding families in America!" Hermione said excitedly. "I've read all about them in 'Great Wizarding Families of the World."

"Yes.." Krystine began slowly. "I suppose you can say that. I'm not one to show off that I am a member of the Crowley family, but I do not deny it."

"You're rich?" Ron asked, slightly put off.

Krystine nodded slightly and turned away.

Harry, noticing the discomfort, spoke. "Why don't we go to the Leaky Cauldron? That is, if you want to come, Krystine?"

She relaxed and said, "I'd love to." Gladly she followed the three down the street to the pub.