Disclaimer: view Chapter 01 for that one

Author's Notes: Well, here is another chapter of this. Sorry for the long wait but I have yet to get used to my new work schedule even though it's been over two months already. Working in shifts really sucks ...

Anyway, enjoy this chapter and feel encouraged to leave me a tiny little review ^_^.

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~...~ Parseltongue

/.../ Telepathy between Harry & Carya (in italics)

' ... ' thoughts

~*~*~ ... ~*~*~ Flashback or changing POV

Chapter 02 - Escaping Traitors and Letters or an Argument and Training

Arthur and Amos as well as the aurors just gaped in horror. They knew this meant quite some trouble. Crouch was furious by now, really furious. And he was about to explode.

"How dare you, do you even know who I am and what I could do about your behaviour?" he growled threateningly.

"I know exactly who you are. You are Bartemius Crouch, Head of the 'Department of International Magical Co-operation'. You once were Head of the 'Department of Magical Law Enforcement' and very close to becoming Minister of Magic.

And what could you possibly do, sir? With all due respect, I seriously doubt you could do more to me and my family than Voldemort has already done," she answered deathly calm and looked straight at Crouch with a calculating stare.

To say he was flustered would be exaggerating but he was still quite stunned by that reply. No one had ever dared to talk to him like that. Some had tried but no one had survived his wrath. To him it seemed that the rumours were true. This girl was reckless and powerful.

He had felt that when she talked to him. The others were shocked that she dared to call the Dark Lord by his name. It seemed so unreal that someone wasn't afraid of him, especially a child. And no one had expected the Potter twins to be that fearless either.

"Fred, George, Ginny, Hermione, Draco, Harry, I think we'd better hurry back to the tents if these gentlemen don't mind. We'll have to get up early tomorrow and I for one am quite tired by now," Carya said firmly and when no one complained the children quickly left the clearing.

The adults remained there and contemplated what to do now. It looked like the Death Eaters had fled too when they'd seen the Dark Mark in the sky. That was strange. They normally should have been overjoyed by that. It certainly seemed that there was more to the whole affair than simply attacking the muggles here.

The kids felt bad about leaving Winky with those men but they didn't really have a choice. It was a wonder that Carya didn't get into serious trouble for talking to Crouch like that. Even Draco had been really worried about her behaviour.

"Holy Slytherin, Carya, for a second I thought he'd start cursing you. He was pretty angry, mind you. Why did you have to explode like that?" Draco asked carefully.

"For your information, dear brother, I hate people like him almost as much as I hate Voldemort! He is a selfish bastard who is only concerned about himself and his own reputation. He doesn't give a damn about anyone else.

I don't know if you knew this but he is also one of the two who are responsible for putting Padfoot into Azkaban without a trial!" the girl stated and ended the argument quickly by walking faster than her friends.

"What? I didn't know that. Bastard! Even if Sirius had done what he was accused of he should've had a trial!" raged Ginny while the others watched in shock.

Harry had noticed some subtle changes in his twin over the last weeks. She seemed quieter but when her temper flared up it was even more dangerous to get in her way. She appeared to have become slightly darker than before the holidays, as if she wasn't afraid to let it show anymore.

Before Hogwarts she'd always hidden things about that aspect of herself as good as possible. The boy never told anyone though. He thought that it wouldn't do them any good and he just knew his twin wouldn't join the other side in this war.

But there had to be a reason for the change and he would be damned if he didn't find out why she was coming to terms with that part of her now. The children reached their tents soon and went straight to bed. Mister Weasley woke them up around five thirty.

They wanted to take the earliest available portkey to get back to The Burrow. When the Weasley's home came into view a frantic Molly Weasley came running towards them. She was crying and hugging her children tight one after the other.

Harry, Hermione, Carya and Draco had to endure this too since the older witch had obviously grown quite fond of them. They didn't complain though, not even Draco. The worst of all was with Fred and George.

Their mother just wouldn't let go of them. She repeated over and over how sorry she was about what she'd said before they left.

"To think that the last thing I said to you was that you weren't doing well enough in school and that I was disappointed with your OWL score. What if something had happened to you? I'm sorry my boy's, so sorry about that," she told them.

Mrs. Weasley dragged the children into the house and made them a hearty breakfast. Arthur, Bill and Percy left for the ministry. Charlie was still shaking his head at the latest newspaper articles written by Rita Skeeter, sister of the known columnist Audrey Skeeter.

The older sister of Rita didn't write as horrible as the younger one but their style was clearly the same. The only difference was that Audrey normally didn't participate in the 'Headline-Hunting' like her sister and colleagues.

The children were halfway through breakfast when they heard the floo activate. Out of the living-room and completely covered with soot came Sirius and Remus who were looking really worried. Their faces instantly relaxed a bit when they saw the kids sitting at the table.

"Thank Merlin, you are alright! Could someone please tell us what really happened there? I don't believe a single thing of what that Skeeter-Cow writes," Sirius said partly relieved that they were safe and annoyed about the newspapers.

"We'll tell you Sirius. But would you two please sit down? You're making me nervous," answered Harry sighing slightly.

This would be a very long morning. Especially if they told them about their involvement in the whole affair or about Carya blowing up at Crouch which hadn't been the smartest of moves. She had been lucky that Percy, who worshipped the ground Crouch was walking on, had went with Bill and Charlie that night.

Inwardly Sirius was more than pleased though. He had never liked Crouch and had started hating the man when he was carted of towards the dreadful wizarding prison of Azkaban. Hearing that a child had rendered the other wizard almost speechless gave him a certain satisfaction.

After the kids had finished their tale all three adults were shocked. Molly had to sit down and Charlie quickly made tea for her. He secretly slipped a bit of a combined Calming- and PepperUp-Potion into her cup though.

"You're coming back home with us. I can't talk for Ginny, or for you Hermione, but Draco, Harry and Carya are going home with us today. No offence Molly, they are safe here but I'd rather have them at home," Remus said firmly.

Carya and her brothers gaped at the normally very relaxed and calm werewolf. For the first time all three of them realised how much they really meant to their 'Uncle Moony'. Neither of the three protested.

"Mum, can I go with them? I want to be with ... Draco and the others," Ginny inquired softly.

Molly saw her daughters desperate look. She knew very well that Ginny was in love with the young Malfoy heir. Although she didn't exactly like it she had to admit that Draco certainly wasn't like his father.

She had been in third year when Lucius started Hogwarts. Molly had never liked him. But Draco seemed to be sincere with Ginny.

"Alright, Ginny, you may go but I want an owl from you every other day, understood?" Molly replied.

"Thank you, mum! I promise to write you very often this year," Ginny exclaimed and hugged her mother tightly. She then whispered so that only Molly could hear, "I love you, mum!"

Molly smiled at her beloved little girl. To think that she'd nearly lost her twice since she'd started Hogwarts hurt much but this one single sentence diminished all doubts she had.

"Well, I think that means I'm staying with you too Sirius, since I won't leave my friends alone" Hermione stated matter of factly and smirked at her second family.

Her choice of tone startled all of them. Hermione had always been the one for the academic approach. The voice of reason so to speak but to see her talking and smirking like a true Slytherin was definitely a shock to the adults. Seconds later everyone was laughing.

Fred and George thought that it was a good thing she wasn't in Slytherin. If she were they'd have some serious problems over their last two years at school. Well, those fourth years could compete with them but they still were from different houses.

Shortly before lunch the inhabitants of Black Manor plus Ginny and Hermione floo-ed back to their respective home. They hadn't really noticed the 'see-you-soon' from a smirking Charlie Weasley because if they had they might have wondered why he'd say such a thing.

Lunch at Black Manor was a quiet affair. Everyone was lost to his or her own thoughts when Draco suddenly broke the silence, voicing his thoughts.

"I bet Lucius was among them. Those Death Eaters at the World Cup. He's just like that," the boy spat.

They'd never heard Draco openly talk like that about his biological father before. It was a shock and relief at the same time. If Draco thought his father was disgusting and evil than he would most likely not be like that in the future.

"You could be right Draco, but we have no proof," soothed Remus and smiled at the boy.

The others could tell that he was quite proud of the boy's progress within their family. Draco hesitantly smiled back and said something that shocked them even more because it was so out of character for the pale blonde.

"You know, I really like having a true family," he whispered just loud enough for them all to hear and returned his attention to his plate.

The adults smiled, and the twins looked happy. It was now official that Draco was indeed their brother. Maybe he wasn't by blood but he surely was their brother by heart, mind and soul.

The five kids spent the rest of the day in the study reading books. Most were on the Dark Years and Carya had brought her copy of that era too. It was from 'Knockturn Alley' and described the events from the point of view of a Dark Wizard.

They were in the middle of an argument when Padfoot and Moony walked in carrying trays with tea and cookies. Sirius paled and asked where and why she'd gotten that particular book, worried she might believe the author more than him and Remus but she immediately soothed his overprotective nerves.

"Sirius, you should know that there are always two sides to a coin. How can we dare to claim that we understand everything if we haven't heard both sides, eh? I really don't like what they say about those years in the book.

But there is also some information in here that could be useful while fighting against them. I seriously doubt that just about everyone would be allowed to buy this. 'Carya' certainly wouldn't be. I tried but the shopkeeper wouldn't sell it.

But Gemini ... well, she was allowed though I think that it is to be blamed on the rumours about her and Devius," Carya explained and smirked at Draco.

After that was settled the children continued reading while the two canines returned to the kitchen and talked about the upcoming school-year. It was of course supposed to be a secret what they were talking about but they had completely forgotten to spell the room soundproof.

Carya wanted to go to the kitchen to get them some snacks when she heard them talking.

"... I know Remus, it's just, I wished I could keep an eye on them myself with everything that will be happening this year. And no, I won't tell them, well I'll try not to do that, I promise Moony!" Sirius said.

"I know Padfoot but we have to trust Albus with this one. He'll watch out for them and with Alastor there ... He might be very paranoid but he's a good man. Even you have to admit that Sirius," answered the werewolf.

"Yeah, you're right as always Moony. I'm only glad they didn't change the rules that drastically. Imagine they'd set the age limit to seventeen ... I've no doubt that they'd have tried to get in anyway.

Now they only need the guardians or parents approval if they are underage. Imagine that, two representatives for each school. They wanted more participants to make it more exciting I guess," replied Sirius but stopped suddenly.

"Carya, I know you're eavesdropping, come in!" Remus said sternly.

Carya carefully opened the door and hesitantly crept in.

"I'm sorry Moony, I didn't really mean to listen but when I heard our names and Hogwarts, I just ..." she murmured truly ashamed of being caught in the act, "I don't really know what you two were talking about other than it involves us and the two other big schools for magic in Europe.

And that two of each institute will be directly involved in that. I also think that this man, Alastor was his name, right? That he's really good at what he's doing or you wouldn't have been able to convince Padfoot about us being safe," she continued and looked at the floor.

"Okay, I know you're not ashamed of the eavesdropping itself but of being caught but it is still wrong. If you by chance figure out what this all meant please try and act surprised when Dumbledore tells the students, alright?

He'd have our head if it got out that you five knew beforehand. Yes you heard me right when I said you five because you'll no doubt share this with your brothers and their girlfriends. Do you know how I knew you were there?" Remus told her.

"Yes, Moony. I think you could smell me because of your heightened werewolf senses," she answered sighing and suddenly grinned much to her godfather's confusion, "I guess I've just found my newest potions project. A need a potion that turns invisible, that creates a soundproof bubble around you and that makes you smell like nothing!

The first two are already invented I think but I need a combination of them plus the third. Don't look at me like that Padfoot. I simply love Potions ... and challenges," Carya said grinning and ran towards the kitchen to finish what she'd come down there for.

"Well, that was interesting. Where did she get that incredible love for Potions from? James hated it and Lily was only average, so why is she so keen on that subject?" Padfoot wondered.

"I don't know Sirius, I really don't know. Had they lived with us from the start I would've said it's because of myself and my condition but since that's not the case ..." Moony told his friend and they sat in silence for a very long time.

Once Carya was back in the study she told them what she'd heard and what she thought about it. Suddenly Ginny remembered what Charlie had said at their departure and told her friends about that too.

Now they were wondering why a 'Beast Master' like Charlie who worked with dragons in Rumania would see them soon when they were at Hogwarts. They also thought about the involvement of the two other schools but couldn't find a solution to their problem.

All these thoughts were quickly replaced by something else when they read the paper the next morning at breakfast. Carya was the first to reach a particular article and her eyes widened in concern when she read it before her face darkened in cold fury.

The most violent reaction came from Moony and Padfoot. Moony just sprayed the coffee he currently had in his mouth all over his copy of the Daily Prophet while Sirius choked on a piece of toast before his face contorted in obvious anger.

Harry and Draco looked at the paper too. They quickly found what had shocked them so much. There in bold print on the front page was an article written by Audrey and Rita Skeeter.

Pettigrew escapes from Azkaban!

a special report by Audrey and Rita Skeeter

A little over a year ago Peter Pettigrew was imprisoned in Azkaban for betraying James and Lily Potter to You-Know-Who, the murder of thirteen muggles and framing his former best friend Sirius Black for his own crimes.

But this man isn't in prison anymore. A careless guard forgot about Pettigrew's animagus abilities and opened the door to his cell while being alone. Pettigrew transformed into his rat form and slipped through the guards hands at midnight on August 5th.

It is simply unbelievable that the ministry has kept this quiet until now. Perhaps we should think about a change of leadership in the near future. The current men in charge of our community apparently can't handle the situation as the last faux-pas clearly showed when supposed Death Eaters tortured a Muggle family at the Quidditch World Cup.

Not only that but they still have no explanation about who had cast You-Know-Who's Mark into the sky during that attack. Lets wish that the ministry finds the culprits and that they are punished accordingly.

We can only hope that this murderer is indeed caught quickly and that we can rest in peace once more. Our best wishes for safety go with the remaining Potters and their guardian. We do hope that he will not be able to finish what he had started fifteen years ago.

After reading this both boys looked worriedly at Sirius and Carya. They had been the ones who had effectively captured Wormtail. And then there was this strange nightmare or vision Harry and his twin had a few days ago.

Harry hoped that it was indeed only a nightmare. Because if it had been a vision then Voldemort would probably be back very soon. For the last few days of the holidays Remus and Sirius taught the children every single defensive spell they could think of.

But after the first two hours of training Carya pointed out that they'd need some offensive curses as well if they wanted to try and defend themselves against an attacker. Both reluctantly agreed and taught them some offensive ones too.

They were truly surprised when they found out that Draco and Harry knew many of the spells and Carya knew nearly all of them. Although she didn't reply when they inquired where she'd learned them. Harry just said books and they accepted this for now.

The evening after they'd learned about Wormtail's escape Carya wrote a letter to Tom. She explained everything to him and also told him of her worries. She didn't know why she wrote him but it felt right. Just like saving him had felt right too.

To say Tom was surprised was an understatement. Here was the one girl he had ever dared to like and she told him some of her best guarded secrets. Carya trusted him more than he would have imagined.

'Dear Tom,

I hope I don't bother you with this but I really need someone to talk. As you know Harry and I live with our godfather and his best friend but this wasn't always the case. Before living here we lived with our Muggle relatives. They loved us very much although they knew we were magical.

We were treated like their own children. Well they had only Dudley then but now they have girl-twins too. I believe you've read the paper and know a bit about the whole Pettigrew problem so I won't bore you with too many details.

To say that I hate him would be an understatement. It was Sirius and I who caught him at the end of my second year. I broke his legs with a curse and then had to throw myself in front of Sirius to prevent the aurors from getting him.

I knew they wouldn't listen if I just asked them to so I jumped into the next curse they sent at Sirius. I think you know the curse when I tell you which one it was. It was the legal little brother

to the 'Cruciatus Curse'.

It hurt like hell but it was worth the effort. They listened, found Wormtail (that's Pettigrew's name when he's in rat-form) and gave Sirius a fair trial. He was freed and now we live with him. We believed that everything was over but now things have changed.

I know you won't like to hear this but no one else would understand. They would listen, yes, but they would start pitying me and I hate that. Wormtail escaped on the 5th as you know and since then the nightmare's Harry and I have since we can remember increased in strength and intensity.

Until the 23rd that is. That night was different but even more frightening. I'd like to think that it was just an ordinary nightmare but I seriously doubt that. It was a vision. We were at a strange house where something or rather someone sat in an armchair in front of a fireplace.

There was a snake curled up in front of the chair and Wormtail was crawling on all fours in human form. They were talking about a plan and then about using Harry in that plan. We didn't get to know more than that apart from that he would wait until after the World Cup.

Yes he, in that chair sat an ugly small creature that looked a lot like Voldemort did in our first year. He killed a Muggle - Frank Bryce, I believe- and then cursed Wormtail with the Cruciatus Curse. That was when we woke up.

I don't know what to do, Tom, we have been training defensive and offensive spells for the whole day and will continue that until September 1st. After that we'll practise at school. But I still feel a little scared and that's what worries me. I'm never scared, not really anyway.

Please answer me soon,

Your friend,

Carya'

Tom felt funny. This was what he had wanted, right? A true friend who trusted you with everything. But he still didn't understand Carya's willingness to accept him as just Tom. Although she had proven this through many actions and letters he still couldn't believe it.

He really liked Carya. They were so very similar in some ways. They both craved knowledge and both had a slight addiction to the dark side. At this point Tom wouldn't even consider becoming a true Dark Wizard and he hadn't in his early fifth year either.

That had come a bit later. It actually had started when he'd found out where his father's families house was. He wanted to kill the bastard who had left his mother and abandoned him because of what he was. He just couldn't remember where that place had been. Was his father still alive?

Tom decided to write back and honestly tell her what he felt about it all. The letter reached Carya about lunchtime the next day. She ignored the curious glances everyone at the table was giving her and ran to her room before opening the envelope.

'Dear Carya,

though I still don't understand how you can trust me so much I will accept this gift and honestly tell you my opinion on this. I believe you're right when you say that this nightmare you two had was indeed a vision. What you described reminds me of the place my father used to live in.

I don't remember where it was or if he's still there but I do know that the man who cared about the house and garden was named Frank Bryce. But apparently my father isn't there anymore. I don't know why though. I sure and truly hated him, I still do.

I can also honestly say that I wouldn't mind if he was dead and already ten feet under but if Voldemort is there it's obvious that my father isn't living there any longer. I think it would make sense in a horribly twisted way for my future self would choose that place as a hideout.

I really hate to think that I could have become 'Him'! You have every right in the world to be worried. That rat betrayed your family once and he might do it again. But it won't be that easy anymore. People know of him, of his animagus form and they know what he has done.

If you don't mind I will help you learning those spells. I myself know quite a few and not all of them belong to the Dark Arts. I'm sorry to stir up these memories but now I know why you didn't give up down in the Chamber when I cursed you.

You're a really strong willed person, Carya. Never forget that. This makes you more powerful than others who can manage the same spells as you because you refuse to show any weaknesses even if they are there.

You have acknowledged them but you simply ignore them or try to turn them into strength. That's a rare and admirable skill. I couldn't do that. I didn't see my faults the first time around and I'll certainly need help to find them this time.

I'm really looking forward to meet you again because I have to admit that I miss you. I care for you Carya and I will try and help you protect your friends and brothers. You should tell your guardians and Dumbledore about these dreams if you haven't already done that.

Our headmaster might appear quite manipulative at times but he is a kind and wise man (if I only had realised this before but then again I wouldn't have met you, would I?) Did you ever consider becoming an animagus?

We learned in fifth year but I was never registered because I hid that I had the ability to change from professor Dumbledore. Back then many people couldn't because they weren't powerful enough to do it. If you like I'll show you what I am when you're back at Hogwarts.

Don't worry too much, watch out for yourself and your friends and never let your guard down. If you do that nothing can happen to you since you five are inseparable. Five sets of eyes see so much more than one pair. And together you are quite a powerful group.

Your friend,

Tom'

Carya was happy when she finished this. Tom had understood her. He knew what she was feeling and he understood. Smiling she returned to her family and when they asked if she was alright, she told them.

"Yes, I'm okay. Everything is okay now. I know what to do and I certainly won't give up," she stated seriously shocking her friends.

Carya had been really worried and depressed since the news of Pettigrew's escape had reached their house. And now she was suddenly back to her normal quiet and confident self. Not that they minded, of course not.

While Hermione was their voice of reason when they got into trouble, you could always count on Carya's strength and confidence regardless if she was angry or not. It seemed that everything was back to normal, well, as normal as things could get with such a threat hanging above your head.

Just like Carya had written to Tom about her worries Hermione had talked to Cat. She had of course left out those things that would be intruding the twins privacy but Cat had listened and written back what she thought.

Since Cat's mother was a Muggle she hadn't so many problems understanding Hermione's worries. And after they had been petrified by the Basilisk the two girls had actually become good friends. If Cat got over her distrust of the Slytherin's in general they might make a great team.

Time passed quickly and suddenly it was September 1st. Today the children would return to Hogwarts to continue their education. Carya hadn't told them about Tom being in their year and thought she'd do that on the train.

They hadn't figured out what Remus and Sirius had been talking about the night after their return to Black Manor. The kids still didn't know more then they had after Carya told them about her eavesdropping.

She had deliberately left out that she'd been caught though. Her pride didn't let her admit such a defeat but she had told them about her newest potions project. They all agreed that would be quite useful but still thought she was crazy for loving Potions so much.

The whole family floo-ed to a small magical café at 'King's Cross' and soon were standing in front of the scarlet steam train called 'Hogwarts Express'. Since they were early they had no problems finding an empty compartment that was to their liking.

It seemed to be the largest one that was available for normal students. They quickly settled in and opened the window to say a last goodbye to Sirius and Remus. After repeatedly being told to be careful and not to trust any strangers the two adults finally left them alone.

Draco and Harry could tell that something was bothering their sister despite her cheerful appearance. They decided to ask her outright and not let go this time.

"Carya, what's wrong? Something is bothering you, isn't it?" Draco asked and she glanced at the blonde.

Harry gave her his 'don't-you-dare-and-ignore-us' look that told her there was no way out of this argument. She sighed and quickly locked the compartment.

"Okay, I'll tell you. Ostium Obfirmo! Silentio Eternus! ... There, now I can tell you all. I know that one or two of you might not like this at all but it will happen that way and I approve of it," Carya said firmly in a voice that left no room for arguments.

"Tonight after the first years a new student will be joining our ranks at Hogwarts. A boy will be introduced as a transfer from 'Calgary Institute of Magic' and get sorted. He'll be in fourth year which means the same classes as we are in.

I have no doubt that he will end up in Slytherin though," she explained and by now they all were guessing whom she meant, "Yes, you are guessing right. Tom was allowed to stay at the school and he will continue his education there together with us.

I for one will be his friend. I can't speak for you all though. All I ask is that you give him a fair chance. He is not the same Tom Riddle that went to school there almost fifty years ago and he is certainly not Voldemort! I hope that with given time you will understand what I mean.

If this upsets you then I'm not angry or disappointed, in fact I have been expecting reactions from shock to open outrage. I'll accept every single one of your decisions," Carya said and looked out of the window gazing at the students who were just arriving on the platform.

Her friends and siblings sat in shocked silence. They had already known that Carya had forgiven Tom Riddle for what he had done to them but they hadn't known that those two had indeed become good friends.

Ginny felt unsure what to say. She was still scared of Tom and Harry was still angry that he had tried to kill them. Draco was angry too because Ginny had been hurt and Hermione was scared because of the whole Basilisk affair.

Harry thought about it for a moment and attempted to be reasonable. He managed to set aside his anger for a few minutes and tried to figure out when those two had become so close. Certainly not when they were still in school last term.

They'd always been with Carya after Hermione had woken up. But when could this have happened otherwise? Suddenly Harry knew how. He hadn't thought about it earlier since his mind had been focused on Hermione for the most part.

The letters! Carya had been writing letters to someone the whole summer. She had of course spent as much time as always with him and Draco and later with Hermione and Ginny too but something hadn't been right.

Harry had known since the 'Chamber of Secrets' that his sister had changed a bit. He knew that she had always been darker than anyone of their group. Perhaps that was what brought Tom and her together? Their slightly darker character?

That had to be the reason. She had often told him that he wouldn't understand when he asked what was bothering her. Even when they were still thinking they were Muggles and lived at Privet Drive. He sighed and decided to ask.

"He understands you, right Carya? He understands you in a way that we are not able to. Like you always told me when we were still with Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley. I know you tried to tell me once but I really didn't understand what you meant.

That was just before we met Draco. I won't say that I have forgiven him completely but I trust your judgement. If you are sure he won't hurt you or us then I'm willing to give this a try. I can see that you care for him very much. But I can't promise you anything," Harry told his sister.

"Thanks Harry, that's more than I could ask for," she said and looked at the others.

"I don't like it one bit but I will trust Harry in this. But if he hurts Ginny ever again, I'll make his life hell, okay?" growled Draco and wrapped his arm protectively around Ginny's shoulder.

"I doubt he would do that Draco. He's really sorry for what happened. You just don't know him like I do," she said softly while Hermione looked at her with a strange look on her face.

"I will try too. As long as Harry trusts you two than I think I can do that as well. ... Carya, can I talk to you for a second, ... alone?" Hermione asked and after getting weird looks from the rest of them she nodded.

Carya altered the spell so that only she and Hermione sat in a soundproof bubble.

"What's wrong Hermione? Are you angry with me?" Carya wanted to know.

"No, I'm not angry but I'm going to ask you something and I expect an honest answer and I mean truly honest, Carya!" the brown haired Ravenclaw told her friend.

Carya nodded in agreement, sensing that her Ravenclaw friend was very serious about this and would not take kindly to any lies or half-truths.

"Do you ... are you in love with Tom Riddle?" Hermione asked and Carya was stunned.

"I ... I don't really know Hermione. I do know that I care for him and that I like him a lot. I would try anything to keep him from harm. Just like I would do for you, Draco, Ginny and Harry," Carya answered not sure how to explain what she felt.

Hermione just smiled knowingly and dropped the topic. The silencing charm was removed and they returned to their previous conversations while the train slowly started to move.

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A/N 2: This is proof-read and beta-ed but if you find inconsistencies, please tell me about them so I can try and fix that. Suggestions to better my style are welcome as long as they're constructive. I might or might not take them to heart though.

I was told once that I have an odd writing style so please bear with it and me. English is not my native language after all.

R&R,

Carya

2006-05-01