Chapter One
Katherine tossed and turned as the bright sunlight filtered through the curtain of her sighed and looked at the clock on her night stand. 7:13 am. She groaned in dismay, she hated being up so early, but with summer holiday coming to an end, she supposed she better get in the practice of getting up early. She pulled herself out of bed and stumbled into the hall towards the bathroom.
"You're up early" He father noted as he walked down the hallway towards her. Katherine just mumbled and her father laughed, and passed her and continued towards the stairs. Katherine shut the bathroom door behind her and stared at herself in the mirror. Her long blonde hair was messy and in a slept-in bun. Her olive green eyes looked back at her. She looked so much like her mother. Katherine had only seen pictures of her, but the older she became, the more she looked like her mum. She shook her head and got herself ready for a shower.
After her shower she padded down stairs to find something for breakfast. When she entered the kitchen she was surprised to still see her dad there. He normally was gone to work before she made it to breakfast.
"Morning Katherine, your looking bright eyed and bushy tailed." Her father said with a laugh.
"Yeah yeah" Katerine mumbled. Only her father really called her Katherine, her friends at school called her Kat, not that she had that many.
"Here, I made you some eggs." he said as he pushed a plate over to her. Kat sat down and ate as her father read though the Daily Prophet. Kat eyed the front page as her father read an article inside.
Kat dropped her fork and leaned forward to see the picture on the front of the paper. It was the Weasley family on the front. Katherine knew some of the boys and the daughter of the family. Her father looked at her curiously and flipped back to the front page.
"Ah yes, the Wealseys, they deserved that prize. Arther is a good man. You are in the same year as one of his sons aye?" Her father asked.
"Yeah, Ron, he's the one with the rat. Ginny is a sweet girl, I helped her with a Charms assignment last year. The Twins are right troublemakers, but are hilarious in their own right. That one is Percy, he's a prefect, but i don't know much about him" She said as she pointed to the family members as she spoke about them.
"I can't remember the last time me and Arther had a good chat. I'll have to see him when he comes back. Says here they went to Egypt to visit their oldest son. A Cursebreaker, that's a good career." Her father stated.
"Oh wow, how many are there?" Kat asked, as she counted all the kids in the photo. Seven?!
"I knew he had a lot of siblings but seven! Wow" Kat sank back into her seat and began to finish her now, much colder eggs. Her father chuckled, but his voice soon died down to silence. They sat for a few minutes before he spoke again.
"Katherine, I have some bad news" Her father started. She sighed, thats why he hadn't left yet.
"Another trip?" Kat said as she dropped her fork, no longer hungry. Her father looked away guiltily.
"I am part of a negotiations team for next year's World Cup, it might be here in Britain. " He said as he laid down the Prophet.
"When will you be back?" Katherine said as she got herself up and began to clean her plate. He hesitated, Katherine looked back at him as she set her plate in the sink.
"End of September" He muttered softly.
"Dad!" Katherine yelled hardly. He knew it was only days before she had to get her things for her term at Hogwarts this year, and he wouldn't be here to see her on the train either. She wouldn't see him till next June.
"Katherine, Im sorry.." He started, but Katherine just shook her head.
"Dad, look, i know you have to do your work. But doesn't your job know you have a daughter!" Katherine said exasperated.
"This is a big assignment Katherine, and a major win if we get to host the World Cup next year." her father strained, obviously feeling guilty about all this.
"What about me?" Katherine asked.
"Well, I've asked Tom at the Leaky Cauldron to keep an eye on you for the coming week. You'll have a room there. And a man from the Ministry can take you to Kings Cross Station, you can shop on your own." Her father said. Katherine just nodded.
"Be ready tonight?" Katherine asked.
"Aye tonight" her father confirmed.
Katherine's day was spent cleaning and packing. She was filling her trunk with all her things, Her books, cauldron, telescope. She made sure her Hogsmeade slip was in her trunk that her Dad had already signed. She packed her clothes and robes. She even packed some of the muggle makeup she had discovered this summer. Serena, her black as night owl had returned from her afternoon flight just in time. Her father returned from work around six o'clock that night, and they headed down to the fire place. They always used the Floo Powder Network to get to London.
Katherine always went first. She grabbed a handful of the powder and stepped into the fire place. Her trunk was at her side. She took a deep breath, like she always did and said her destination firmly.
"Leaky Cauldron, London" Kat said as she felt herself being whisked away. She felt her hair stand on end and then she stepped out of the fire place into the dusky Leaky Cauldron. She pulled her trunk and herself out of the way to make room for her father. She looked around the pub. It honestly never changed. People were watching her, others didn't spare her a glance. Her father stepped through not moments after she had gotten out of the way.
"John, John Whitting, it's been a while." A raspy voice came from the other side of the room. Kat looked over just in time to see who it was.
"Ah Tom, it's been ages. How are you? You remember Katherine don't you?" her father said as he wrapped an arm around her. Katherine smiled as Tom the innkeeper looked over at her giving her the glance over. It hadn't been the first time he had to watch her while her dad was away on ministry business. Her grandmother on her father's side was her only relative alive that she knew of, and she was currently taking an extended vacation in some tropical island in the Caribbean. She normally was on some kind of extended vacation, ever since Grandpa had passed.
"She's looks more like her mother every time I see her" Tom said with a sweet smile.
"Aye she does, lets get her all settled in. They want us ready to depart tonight." John said as he grabbed his daughter's trunk and made towards the stairs. Kat followed the pair of men as she held Serena in her cage. They headed to a room on the far end of the hall. A boy poked his head out of a room, to see what all the noise was about. Katherine's breath caught in her throat. It was Harry Potter. She was in the same year as him in Hogwarts, even the same house. They were never really close. Katherine was much too shy. He looked at her, a look of confusion and familiar crossed his face.
"Hello, Harry, you staying here too?" Katherine asked softly. He stared at her for a moment and then a dawning look appeared on his face. He must not have remembered where he knew her from.
"Hello, yeah, i'll be here till school starts. You?" He asked. Katherine looked down at the door her father had just entered, that must be her room.
"Yeah, my dad was a work trip he has to take. Won't be back in time for the start of term. " Katherine said with a glum look. Harry looked at her, she didn't know what the look was for. It wasn't quite pity, but it was something.
"Have you by chance finished your History of Magic homework yet?" Harry asked, as he looked at her different now. There wasn't that feel of pity in his looks.
"Oh no, I'll probably cram it in all in the next week. I haven't done any of it." Katherine said with a laugh. Harry laughed with her.
"I go to Florean Fortescue's in the afternoons. He had loads of stories about the Goblins Rebellions. What to go tomorrow?" Harry asked. Katherine blinked. Did Harry Potter just ask her to do homework together?
"Katherine?! Hunny I have to hurry" Her father called her from down the hall. His voice shook her from her shocked state, and she quickly smiled.
"Coming Dad," She called down the hall, "And that would be great Harry. See you tomorrow. " Katherine said as she turned towards her room.
"See you tomorrow Katherine!" Harry called back. She chuckled. She bet he didn't remember her name until her dad had said it. She pushed the thought aside. She was going to be hanging out with Harry Potter.
Her Dad had set her trunk down at the foot of the bed and Tom was tidying a few last minute things when she entered. Kat sat Serena's cage down by the window, the was a stand there for just opened the window and Serena wooted her thanks as she sat in the breeze of the window. Kat smiled and turned towards her Dad.
"You know your way to Gringotts correct?" Her Dad started. Katherine nodded.
"You sure you'll be okay? I can have someone…" Her father started but she cut him off.
"Dad, im thirteen, i'll be okay." Katherine said with a smile. He dad crossed the room and gave her a strong hug. They weren't going to see each holiday break. Katherine hugged him back.
"I'll write once im back in the country. You can tell me all about everything" Her dad said as he gently ruffled her hair as he stepped back.
"Of Course dad" Katherine said, feeling a little teary eyed.
"Very well then, I'm off. Tom, let's settle the bill downstairs first." Her dad said as he made his way to the door. Tom followed him. Katherine waved goodbye as the door shut. She sighed. So here she was. She was by herself until it was time to go to Hogwarts. She went over to her trunk and got out some owl treats for Serena and popped one into her cage for her. She listened to the hustle and bustle of the muggle world outside. She headed over to her bed and sat. One more week until she was whisked back to school. She sighed and looked over at her trunk, she had to start the homework some time.
Katherine woke the next morning rather late. She had stayed up trying to finish her potions homework. Though it was no luck, Snape had been brutal on homework this holiday. She got ready and around noon she made her way down to get lunch. As she entered the ground floor of the Leaky Cauldron, she heard her name being called. She followed the sound of the voice, and seen Harry was calling for her to join him. She smiled and gulped, heading over to him.
"Mornin Harry" Katherine said as she sat next to him. He laughed.
"More like afternoon, Katherine, you do know it's noon?" He said with a laugh. Katherine smiled and a light blush appeared.
"Yes Harry, I am aware of the time. And Kat please, Katherine is so formal, only my dad calls me that." she said with a smile.
"Aye, sorry. Kat it is." Harry said smiling. Tom brought them both a mug of pumpkin juice and Kat some toast and jam. Harry must have already ate.
"Any planned for today Kat?" Harry asked as she ate. She nodded and swallowed her bite of toast.
"Yes, Gringotts, then maybe get some of the shopping for classes out of the way. Then of course that homework get together. " Kat said then took another bite of toast.
"I only have finishing up my shopping list, care if I tag along?" Harry said as he looked over at her. He looked a little abashed to ask. Kat smiled and swallowed her bite.
"That would be great. Since you have already done some shopping you'll know where to get everything. I would be completely lost." Kat said with a grateful smile. Harry beamed.
There day was filled with shopping and homework. They had both went to Gringotts together. Harry was surprised with much she had gotten out. Kat explained it was going to last her till the end of the year, and she needed new robes. They both shopped around Diagon Alley, stopping at all different shops and stalls. They both spent quite a lot of time outside Quality Quidditch Supplies, ogling the new Firebolt. Katherine loved Quidditch, but never tried for the house team. She loved playing chaser. After a good few hours, they had gotten most everything Katherine and Harry needed. Kat had a blast out with him. He was funny and a sweet boy. They both made their way back to the Leaky Caldron to drop off their purchases, and grab their History of Magic homework. Kat let Serena out, she had been sleeping when Kat had headed down stairs earlier and didn't want to disturb her. Kat grabbed her books and parchment and hurried down stairs to meet Harry. He hadn't made it back down the stairs when she arrived at the ground floor. So she waited for him. The Leaky Caldron had gotten busy, children and their parents getting ready for the start of term. Katherine was bumped into by her friend Luna Lovegood. She was a year younger than her but a sweetheart now the same. They talked for a moment, before her father ushered her away. It wasn't until now, waiting on Harry, that Kat had noticed the Wanted Posters. The man called Sirius Black had escaped from Azkaban. She blinked, people couldn't escape from there? Could they?
" Do you know about him?" Kat heard Harry's voice from behind him. She jumped and looked back at him. He frightened her. He stifled a laugh.
"No, what did he do?" Kat asked as she looked back at the mad man on the wanted poster.
"Dark wizard, Volde… You know who supporter. Murdered a bunch of muggles. " Harry said behind her.
"Oh my. " Kat said, she stared a few more moments and looked away, back to Harry. Harry turned as well and together they headed to the door.
The next week, Kat and Harry spent a considerable amount of time together. They both were here until the end of summer break, and no one else they knew was staying at the Leaky Cauldron. They had seen many people they knew. Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan. Harry had told her about Ron and Hermione. Ron and his family had gone to Egypt, which Kat had already known. Hermione went to France with her family. Hermione and Kat had really barely spoke to each other. She was always so busy with Ron and Harry, or her studies. Kat was afraid she would be a bother to the girl. It also made Kat a bit sad, knowing Ron and Hermione were due to come any day. With his rightful friends, would Harry even want to hang out with her? She deemed she would deal with that when the time comes, for now enjoy having a friend like Harry. She hadn't really gotten this close with anybody in Hogwarts, sure she had friends, but they way she and Harry joked, the talks of Quidditch and just everything. She hadn't been this close with a friend.
The last day of vacation started normal. Ron or Hermione hadn't shown up yet, so Harry and Kat decided to carry on as normal. That morning Kat dressed in jean shorts with a tee shirt sporting her favorite Quidditch team, Chudley Cannons. She let her long blonde hair be free today, and tamed it the best she could, give it a slight beachy vibe. Or at least that what she hoped it looked like. She used some mascara today and pulled on her sandals and headed down stairs. Harry was waiting for her downstairs as always. She smiled, and they decided it would be ice cream from breakfast today. Their last day of holiday, that how they were going to celebrate. They made their usual rounds, always to pass by Quidditch Supplies to look at that Firebolt. She was just fine with her Nimbus 2000, but man, did that Firebolt look good. As her and Harry made their way to the ice cream parlor, they talked about the Firebolt and what it must be like to fly it. When they reached the sight of the ice cream parlor, Kat's heart sank.
There sat Ron and Hermione, both vigorously waving to Harry. Harry smiled and grabbed Kat's wrist. She looked down and blinked but before she could react he was pulling her along. Kat struggled to keep up in her sandals. They stopped before the table.
"Finally!" Ron said as he looked at Harry, smiling. Then looked at Kat. He stared at her for a moment. Kat blushed under his gaze. Ron looked extra freckle-ly from what she remembered of him, the sun in Egypt must have played a part in that. Ron seemed to have recovered and continued to talk to Harry, his eyes moving back to Harry.
"We went to the Leaky Cauldron, and they said you left, and we went to Flourish and Blotts, and Madam Malkins, and…" Ron started but Harry cut him off.
"We already got all our stuff last week." Harry explained to them.
"We?" Hermione piped up.
"Yeah, me and Kat. She's had to stay at the Leaky Cauldron like me" Harry said. Hermione gave Kat a look.
"Yeah, my dad had to go out of country for a job assignment. He wasn't going to be back in time by the start of term." Kat explained. Hermione nodded.
"What about your mum? Hermione asked. Kat looked down, a bit sullen.
"My, um, mother passed when I was quite young" Kat said as she crossed her arms and hugged herself.
"Oh dear, i'm so sorry" Hermione said, her face tinged pink.
"Wait a minute, are you Katherine Whitling?" Ron asked, something coming together in his head.
"Yeah, Though only my dad calls me Katherine" Kat stated.
"Oi, Dad said we are taking you to Kings Cross Station with us." Ron said smiling.
"Ron, how did you know I was staying in the Leaky Cauldron?" Harry asked, obviously waiting his turn to ask.
"Dad" Ron said simply.
"Did you really blow up your Aunt, Harry?" Hermione asked. Harry and Kat sat down, as Kat looked at Harry puzzled. He didn't tell her this.
"I didn't mean too" Harry said, Ron started rolling with laughter, and the thought of a woman blown up like a balloon entered her mind, and Kat had to giggle as well.
"It's not funny you too, honestly, im shocked Harry wasn't expelled.
"Come on Hermione, imagine a woman, being so round as a balloon." Kat said, as she giggled some more and Ron laughed even more. Hermione just rolled her eyes.
"Actually im surprised i wasn't either." Harry admitted, "Forget expelled, i was thinking arrested."
Kat sombered up.
"Ron, does your Dad know why the Minister let me off?" Harry asked.
"Probably because it's you, Being Harry Potter and all" Ron said, still faintly chuckling," I'd hate to see what the Ministry would do to me if I blew up an Aunt, though they'd have to dig me up first, Mum would have done murdered me. Anyway, you can ask him tonight, we are staying there so we can stay you and Kat to Kings Cross station, Hermione is gonna stay as well."
"Mum and Dad dropped me off this morning with all my Hogwarts things." Hermione said with a smile.
"Excellent" Harry said.
"So have you two gotten everything?" Kat asked.
"Look at this!" Ron said excitedly as he pulled out a new wand. Kat vaguely remember hearing that Ron had broke his previous wand, causing some simple spells and transfigurations in class to go terribly wrong. Kat smiled and watched as he gave out wand spec, then listen as Hermione explained why she had so many books, nearly doubled what Ron had. The worried feeling of Harry abandoning her for Ron and Hermione had diminished so what, but it wasn't totally gone. She had already been with him when they found them, what about when they went back to the Leaky Cauldron, would he ask her to hang out? Or would she spend the rest of her night in her room alone?
"I still have ten gallons, it's my birthday in September and Mum and Dad gave me some money from an early birthday present," Hermione started.
"How about… a nice big book" Ron said, and Kat tried not to laugh. Ron caught her eye seeing she was about to laugh and smiled himself.
"Hmm noo" Hermione went on, not paying them any mind.
"I think an owl. Harry has Hedwidge, and you have Erol. Kat do you have an owl?" Hermione asked.
"I do, her name is Serena" Kat answered.
"See, you all have owls" Hermione went on.
"I don't have an owl, it's the families. I have a rat. Speaking of Scabbers, he looks a bit off kilter, ever since Egypt.
"There a magical creature shop, just down the way, you can get Scabbers checked, and Hermione can get an owl. " Harry said. Kat felt the worry set in, this is where is was gonna happen. She had no reason to go to the shop, and she wasn't expressly invited. She sighed as they paid for these things. The three set off as Kat hung back, not wanting to trod where she wasn't welcome. It didn't take long before she heard her name.
"Kat? You okay?" Ron hollered at her. She peeked up and looked at them. Kat nodded, a blush coming to her face again.
"Alright, come on then" Ron called to her. Harry and Hermione seemed to be staring at Ron. Kat grabbed her shoulder bag and ran off to catch up with them.
Ron and Hermione had been to Flourish and Blotts and Madam Malkins and there was still no sign of Harry. He was more than ready to find him. Nothing against Hermione, but he could use with some conversation besides classes and books. He felt Scabbers move in his pocket. The poor rat, Egypt took its toll on him, he hadn't quite been the same since. He was going to get him checked out while they were in Diagon Alley. Hermione found out that Harry went to the ice cream parlor almost every day, so that's where him and Hermione had headed. They both sat all their books down, and ordered some ice cream. He was almost done, while Hermione had barely touched hers, when they seen Harry.
Ron jumped up, waving at him and called his name. He was smiling he was glad to see Harry again. Harry noticed them and smiled. Ron didn't know what to think when Harry grabbed the girl's wrist next to him ran them over to him and Hermione.
"Finally" Ron said to Harry then glanced over at the blonde. Well he intended it to be a glance. He went uneasy in his stomach, and could only stare at her. She was wearing his favorite team. Her hair looked so wild and and… He gulped then forced his attention back to Harry.
"We went to the Leaky Cauldron, and they said you left, and we went to Flourish and Blotts, and Madam Malkins, and…" Ron started but Harry cut him off.
"We already got all our stuff last week." Harry explained.
"We?" Hermione piped up. Ron looked over at her. We? Harry had said we. We as in him and the girl.
"Yeah, me and Kat. She's had to stay at the Leaky Cauldron like me" Harry said. Ron looked back at her. Kat was her name. She looked familiar. But surely he would recognize her, if he knew her.
"Yeah, my dad had to go out of country for a job assignment. He wasn't going to be back in time by the start of term." Kat explained. Hermione nodded. Now that sounded familiar. Ron slowly began piecing things together.
"What about your mum? Hermione asked. Kat looked down, a bit sullen.
"My, um, mother passed when I was quite young" Kat said as she crossed her arms and hugged herself. Ron wanted to scold Hermione. The look on Kat's face. It was saddening.
"Oh dear, i'm so sorry" Hermione said, her face tinged pink.
"Wait a minute, are you Katherine Whitling?" Ron said as everything clicked for him.
"Yeah, Though only my dad calls me Katherine" Kat stated. Ron felt excitement rush through him. What was going on with him? Too much egytption sun maybe?
"Oi, Dad said we are taking you to Kings Cross Station with us." Ron said smiling. He felt a small relief she wasn't just going to disappear after today. He wanted to pick her brain about the cannons. Or at least that's what he told himself.
Kat entered behind the three of them into Magical Menagerie. The place smelled of animals and it was so very loud. The animals were hooting and squeaking. Katherine noticed some owl treats, and point to them before she walked away from them. The rest of them went to the counter. Probably to gets Ron's rat looked at. Kat searched through the flavors of owl treats for Serena, then picked out three bags of the flavor Kat knew Serena liked best. She planned to give one to Harry for his owl, and then one to Hermione. She headed up to the counter, where all the rats and rat treats seemed to be when a large orange cat leaped out of seemingly nowhere at Scabbers. The rat raced outside, having Ron and Harry running after him. Hermione stayed behind, Now petting the orange attack cat, who's name was apparently Crookshanks.
"Oh goodness" Kat said as she approached the rat treats at the counter.
"He's so beautiful" Hermione said as she petted him.
"Do you want em? Only eight galleons" the lady said. With the look on Hermione's face, Kat could tell Hermione wanted him.
"There's always next birthday for an owl, until then Hogwarts has plenty you could use." Kat said as she picked up a small bag of rat treats. Kat turned towards her. Hermione nodded.
"I'll take him. " Hermione said. Kat smiled and asked for a bag of the best cat treats. Hermione tried to pay for the treats herself, but Kat wouldn't have it. And so, ten minutes later, Hermione bought her cat, and Kat had bought treats for all the pets, even picking up Ron's rat tonic he forgot about. Hermione and Kat left to the shop to find Harry and Ron waiting for them.
"You bought that monster?" Ron said with his mouth slightly a gap. Kat stepped out of the door way to make room for others to get into the shop.
"He's wonderful" Hermione said as she cuddled the cat. Kat went over to stand next to Harry.
"The shop lady said he'd been in there for months, nobody wanted him." Hermione said.
"I wonder why" Ron said sarcastically as he turned back towards the Leaky Cauldron. The rest of them followed him as they headed back.
When they returned to the Leaky Cauldron, kat heard her name being called out.
"Little Katherine, well I'll be. Wondered when you gotten off too." a man with red hair called out. Kat assumed the man must be Mr. Wealsey. He looked vaguely familiar from the picture in the Daily Profit.
"Yes, that me, Ron tells me I'm going to King Cross with you?" Kat said as they rest of the joined Mr. Weasley.
"Yeah, you old dad owled me. He has a mighty important job. They pulled the rest of us to help the search for Sirius Black." Mr. Weasley said, turning slightly green.
"So they still haven't caught him yet?" Harry asked.
"No unfortunately." Mr. Weasley sighed.
"Wonder if we could catch him, we could use the money" Ron said. Kat was sure if it was a joke or serious.
"Ron, no thirteen year old will catch Black, it will be the guards of Azkaban, that will get him, and they are madder than ever." Mr. Weasley said.
It was then a large group of people came in from Diagon Alley, all she recognized. The rest of the Weasley family. Molly headed straight for them as Percy began talking to Harry.
"Oh hunny, I could pick you out of a crowd, you look just like your mother. Katherine dear, how are you" Mrs. Weasley said pulled her into a hug. Kat smiled.
"I'm doing lovely Mrs Weasley. " Katherine answered, but Mrs. Wealsey's attention was cut short when she had to scold the twins, Fred and George. They were making fun of Percy, and the little Kat heard, it was rather funny. Percy went up to change for dinner. And to be honest, the thought sounded good to freshen up.
Kat excused herself and head up stairs to her room. Well this was it. If they didn't want her around, they wouldn't have to bother with her anymore. Kat pushed the thought aside. She was too much of a worrier at times. Kat put the treats aways in her trunk. Serena was still out, probably hunting and getting a big dinner. She had to know it was time to go back to Hogwarts by now. Kat headed over to the bathroom to freshen up. She left her hair as is was, but changed into some jeans. The Leaky Cauldron was colder than being outside. She pulled her shoes back on and opened her down, intent of going back down to dinner, but as she opened the door. Hermione and Ginny stood outside it. Kat looked at them puzzled.
"Mum sent us to come get you." Ginny said with a smile.
"Hey Ginny how was your holiday?" Kat asked as he shut the door behind her. The three girls made their way towards the parlor. Ginny went on about it. Kat turned to Hermione.
"You have to tell us about France during dinner" Kat said as she found a seat. Ron was to one side of her and Ginny to the other, across from her were Harry and Hermione, the twins were just down from them. Over five courses of dinner, they talked about so many things. Hermione's trip to France, the Weasley's adventures in Egypt. They talked about why the ministry were allowing them to borrow cars.
After dinner, everyone sat around and chatted for a little bit. Soon, one by one, they all headed up to their rooms. When Ron and Harry went up, Kat decided to head up with them. She wished the remaining family good night, and followed the boys up. She bid them goodnight and headed into her room. She heard a hoot as she entered, Serena had returned. Kat crossed the room and stroked Serena gently. She sighed as she slowly began to pack, there wasn't much but it was too much to save for the morning. She got all her things and set out her outfit for the next day. Jeans, sneakers and a jumper. Simple. It wasn't long before she was crawling into bed for the night. She looked up at the ceiling and found herself slowly drifting to sleep.