"You really should stop fainting."
The sound of an amused voice pushed Lia out of the darkness, her eyes opening slowly. Blinking away the blurriness of sleep Lia sat up only to find the same boy from the abandoned house.
"You're the bloke that dropped me," she pointed a finger at him but the other teen didn't flinch.
"I caught you this time. You should be thanking me for coming in when I did."
"Who are you anyway?"
"Harry Potter. You're Cordelia Moore according to your driving license."
"You were going through my stuff?" Lia snatched her wallet from him before he could read anything else. "And it's Lia. Prat," she mumbled and lay back on the bed. "Where's Albus?"
"Professor Dumbledore left rather quickly. He said for you to find him in his office once you feel better. He also said something about the fates…I didn't understand it. That's the most he's said in days to me..." his tone was dull with dissatisfaction.
"He's wacky if you ask me."
"Maybe but he's brilliant. It would do you well to get on his good side if you decide to stay."
"I highly doubt I'll be staying but thanks for the advice," Lia retorted as sarcasm dripped off her voice.
"Sometimes I wish I had that choice…Do you believe what he told you?"
Lia watched him as he stared down at his hands. "I don't know if I do. Should I?" Harry looked up at her, his eyes a brilliant green, as a small smirk gracing his face. He stood up and took the wand from his pocket, flicking it in the air. "Wingardium leviosa" and the sheets over her body were lifted into the air and floating away from her at his command. Lia bought thighs up against her chest and admired the magic in front of her. "It's amazing."
Harry turned his gaze towards her and let the blanket fall to the end of her bed. "The more you see the more you'll want to stay." It was a warning Lia knew she needed to heed. Of course she was convinced this was all a dream so what was the point anyway? Lia rubbed her temples as the boy sat down once again. She looked up at him as he placed his hand on the bed side table. The words 'I must not tell lies' etched into his skin wasn't hard to miss and she instinctually took his hand in her own. She was used to caring for others that she often forgot what was happening to herself.
"What kind of place is this?" she asked him, her thumb rubbing over the red skin.
"It's nothing," Harry snatched his hand angrily and covered it with his other hand.
"Who did that to you?" she demanded, genuinely concerned for his wellbeing.
Harry was taken aback and paused, his eyes on hers. "Technically I did it to myself…"
"What-"
Lia was interrupted by the doors of the infirmary bursting open to reveal a plump, short woman wearing nothing but shades of pink. She had a cocky smirk on her face as she walked over to the bed table. Lia watched Harry visibly tense up under the scrutinizing glare of the older woman.
"I am Dolores Umbridge, Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher here at Hogwarts. I am pleased to meet you. You see this is very rare for a muggle to make their way into Hogwarts. You are a conundrum of sorts."
"Her name is Lia and Dumbledore will be helping her," Harry told her matter-of-factly. Lia had no words as she stared Umbridge, her eyebrow raised in suspicion. "I don't know what is happening," she murmured to Harry.
"Do not speak out of turn, boy. I will not hesitate giving you detention for the second time this week!"
Harry remained silent but Lia could see that his fists were clenched at his sides.
"I must ask that you follow me to my office in an effort to clear up this situation to the best of our ability. As an employee of the Ministry of Magic is it my duty to sort out the inconsistencies of Hogwarts and this needs handling right away."
"Do I have any say in this?"
"I'm afraid not. If you would follow me," she gestured towards the door but Lia stayed where she was.
"I'm not a part of your world nor do I have to follow your rules. I would also appreciate it if you could give me some respect," Lia raised her head in confidence.
Umbridge giggled and shook her head. "Now that you're here you are under my rules. I do not wish to use force but I will if you do not come willingly."
"You can't do that! Dumbledore would never allow it!" Harry stood up to face the professor. "You're not at the Ministry Umbridge, you have no power here."
It was like an instinct for her as Umbridge lifted her wand in front of Harry's face. Lia gasped as Harry for the first time that day showed a glimpse of fear. "Stop it!" Lia commanded which seemed to break Umbridge's daze.
Her giggle filled the room as she lowered her wand. "Mr. Potter…detention tomorrow evening for your blatant rudeness ," Umbridge said in a sing-song voice. "Lia, we will be seeing each other shortly." With that Umbridge turned on her heel to leave the room.
Lia's eyes were wide with fear of what Umbridge would have done to her if Harry hadn't stood up for her. "Thanks," she whispered as he looked down at her. "What is she going to do to you?" Harry ran a hand through his hair, peeing his gaze away from Lia's.
"It doesn't matter. I don't think I need to tell you to avoid her at all costs. We should go see Dumbledore before any more trouble finds you."
She could only imagine going to school with a lady like that walking around. Umbridge was only another reason for her to leave Hogwarts for good.
Harry offered Lia his scarred hand for support and she took it begrudgingly. With everything that had happened to her body she still felt weak. His hand was soft in hers and she immediately felt a jolt run through her body. This wasn't just a feeling inside of her as his eyes widened with shock. "Probably static," she told him and stood up slowly, slipping her hand out of his. She moved around him and took her jacket from the back of his chair. He stood there for a moment longer, watching her walk away from him. Harry felt like he was able to relax for even a few moments around someone who had no idea who he was or how important he was. It was refreshing. But a feeling of suspicion washed over him as he suddenly felt that she wasn't trustworthy. It was odd because no more than 2 minutes ago he was beginning to like her. This had been happening a lot to Harry lately as it felt like there were two people inside of him running his mind. He was beginning to grow weary.
Lia felt his eyes on her and turned towards him, grinning. "You're supposed to be leading the way." Harry rolled his neck, shaking off the disturbing feeling inside of him, and walked toward her. Placing his hand on her back Harry led her into the hallway.