I've had a couple requests to write more to "Curse of Tears" , so have decided to make it a full length story. :) I really hope everyone enjoys it, and likes what I've added.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Harry Potter.

Prologue

Her name was Tessa Connors. When she arrived, she turned a few heads. Not because she was incredibly beautiful or even famous. Her background was ordinary; her parents worked in the hospital nearby.

There wasn't much that Tessa backed down from. She was confident in most cases and though she was new to the school, her fellow students seemed to easily welcome her with open arms. Unlike some, she didn't seek attention- and usually avoided trouble.

It had already been decided prior to her arrival as to which house she would be in. Tessa had not long ago, been attending a wizarding school in America. Over last summer, her family had moved to London and she was enrolled at Hogwarts. She was enjoying her second year at the school, still not tiring or quite overlooking the English accents all the students had.

The first few days were somewhat lonely for her the year before, but soon enough a trio of friends seem to somewhat "adopt" her into their circle. She wasn't as close to them as they were to each other-that would definitely take time-but Tessa felt comfortable and secure with them.

One of them was quite smart and always offered any assistance that Tessa may need. Tessa could tell that this brunette would be a great friend for sharing secrets (someday) and also a good study buddy. The second, a boy, seemed much more carefree and always good for a laugh and up for fun. The third, also a boy, seemed only slightly more uptight about things and already Tessa could tell he'd be quite the protective friend.

That year, the first few days went by and she fell into the schedule easily. Her new friends from the year before gradually grew closer to her, but she always felt a bit out of the loop. As if she could never reach the connection the three had and it would take quite some trials to be as they were.

Tessa was glad that this year she knew what to expect. She knew who was in charge of what group, who to avoid, who could be trusted. Which teachers would let you get away with what. She was a fast learner.

Chapter One

"Don't take it personally," Tessa heard her friend say, falling into step next to her, "McGonagall is always a bit strict."

"Yes, I know." Tessa rolled her eyes. Hermione still insisted on assuring her at ever turn, as if she was afraid Tessa would break or be upset at the simplest things, "I was here last year, I think I've quite caught on to that fact."

"I'm sorry, Tessa, I guess I get a bit over informative at times." Her friend smiled wryly, "Ron says I'm just bossy, but I try not to be."

"It doesn't bother me at all." She assured her friend with a laugh, "Speaking of, where are Ron and Harry? Weren't they going to meet us for lunch?"

"Quidditch." Hermione said simply, "No telling just how long they'll be. Practice can take forever knowing our team."

"It pays off-we beat Slytherin, after all." Tessa commented as they entered the great hall, many students were already there eating greedily and speaking loudly to one another.

"Don't forget, though, Ravenclaw is still slightly in the lead." Hermione sighed, sitting in her seat and surveying the food before her, "The way Harry and Ron talk, you'd think Gryffindor was unbeatable. Unfortunately, that's not the case."

"I didn't forget, but Slytherin is my biggest concern." Tessa stated with a half smile, "I may not have been here as long as most, but I'm sure not oblivious to their arrogance."

"I wish I could disagree." Her friend sighed, glancing over her shoulder at a few Slytherin student across the aisle, "Far too many Death Eaters have come from that House…I just hate thinking about which students may end up the same."

"We all know that Malfoy will." Tessa stated darkly. She'd been there long enough to pick up on his hatred for Harry, Gryffindor, and anyone other than a pure-blood.

Ron and Harry joined them at that moment, though, cutting off any reply Hermione might have with their enthusiastic description of practice that day. From the way the two spoke, it was impossible to think that Gryffindor would lose anymore quidditch matches-against any House.