*A/N: Prepare for some suprises! ;)*

It was early evening by the time we arrived at Hogwarts. I hurriedly gathered my luggage and headed off with some other professors I had managed to find. Professor McGonagall had chosen to take the train. I walked beside her ahead of the students.

"I take it you've been informed of everything that's been happening lately?" She guessed.

I raised an eyebrow, "As if the Daily Prophet doesn't explain it all, Professor?" She sighed, annoyed. "Yes, I know everything. I've had people giving me the 411."

"I don't know if Potter will take this very well… and please, call me Minerva." There was a sudden pause. All that was heard was our heels clicking against the marble floor. The fires in the torches that lined the hallways crackled with life.

Doubt suddenly filled my mind. He was going to hate me, if only for a little while. I was sure of it.

"He's going to hate me." I mumbled.

I glanced up at her. She stared down at me sadly. "Now, now, I'm sure that it will take him a while, but you're his sister, his own blood… I'm sure he'll appreciate you coming back in the end."

My facial expression still didn't change.

"He needs you now more than ever, Emily." Her voice was almost grandmotherly. It calmed my nerves. I remembered that same voice—except a little younger when I was a first year—telling my classmates that everything was going to be fine. She had shown us the halls and corridors and assured us that we wouldn't get lost. It was in our blood. We automatically knew how to get around the school.

I remember that smile when the hat announced that I was in Gryffindor.

But what I remember most of all is how she treated my brother.

Every time I caught her and my little brother talking or doing something together she acted so kind to him. In a way, I guess she was like a replacement for me. Since I couldn't show myself and comfort him, she did instead. And I was grateful for that.

A small smile worked its way across my face when I remembered how she had gotten him his first broomstick when he couldn't afford one.

It was well worth it. He was (and still is) an amazing seeker. Oliver would be proud. Especially now, since he's also captain (as I've been told by Albus).

Albus met us in one of the corridors just before the great hall. He and I silently walked off together. He showed me my room.

It was a quaint little dorm just next to McGonagall's. It was painted and decorated with Gryffindor colors.

Albus interrupted my thoughts. "We will tell him after the dinner. I will not reveal your true last name until he finds out first."

I looked over at the kind, old professor as we walked out of the room and towards the great hall.

I didn't say much of anything. He noticed I was nervous.

"I understand why you're nervous…" I glanced up at him as he began, "However, I am sure that he will simply be happy to have family at a time like this."

As we round another corner I caught sight of a crowd about to file into the Great Hall. Albus pushed through them, getting greetings as we went along.

Harry peered through the crowd that was now being pushed against him. Dumbledore was making his way through the chattering mass of kids to the doors. But he had someone else with him… a girl… or woman? He thought he recognized her from years past. She must have been a student…

Her auburn hair and fair skin almost reminded him of… Ginny? No, someone else… his mum?

He stared for quite some time before Hermione's voice sounded from beside him. "That's Emily Conlin!" She had to shout over the mindless chatter around them. Ron turned his attention on Harry, tracing his eye line.

"Blimy, it is her! Why is she back? And… why's she with Dumbledore?" He knit his eyebrows together as she disappeared through the doors.

Hermione dropped her voice down so low that Ron and Harry had to strain to hear her. "If Dumbledore's bringing back old students… well… that can't be good."

"How is that a bad thing?" Ron asked stupidly.

"Because," she hissed, "it proves that things are changing… obviously he has to have motive for hiring her."

"Maybe she's just going to be a teacher," Harry pondered, thinking back on her appearance… just like his mum…

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Did you not know anything about your old Quidditch captain's girlfriend, Harry? She's training to be a minister!"

"Oh well that's just great. Just what we need, more Ministry of Magic scum lurking about here!" Ron whisper-yelled accusingly.

She let in a breath, appalled at the accusation. "Emily is not scum! If anything she's working for Dumbledore and finding out what the ministry is doing. She would never plot against him—."

"—wait a second. That was Oliver Wood's old girlfriend, from Gryffindor?" Harry had just realized where he recognized the face from… she used to be at all the games… she had even seen some of the practices.

"Yes… don't tell me it took you that long to realize it?" Hermione laughed a little bit.

Harry shook his head slightly. "Uh, yeah… I guess it did." He was still in a fog, thinking about that girl. She had just looked some much like a relative it was crazy…

Once he pulled out of the fog he interjected on a conversation Ron was having with Hermione… or more meant for himself.

"She looks pretty hot." He laughed. Hermione reached over someone to slap him on the arm. He pulled back in pain. "Ow! What?"

She simply rolled her eyes, looking at Harry in the hopes of some support. But Harry was staring the other way, looking dazed and confused.

I walked swiftly behind Albus as we made our way to our seats.

"You'll be sitting next to me," he said. I sat down in the chair. It occurred to me that I never would have imagined sitting up her with the professors. I could see all the empty tables. It was an amazing place to sit; just watch all the kids being careless and free. Innocent. How I wish Harry's childhood could have been like theirs'. Minerva sat beside Albus on the other side, like always. A few minutes later Professor Snape plopped down in the seat beside me. I hesitantly said hello.

"Hello, Professor," I said. And, as always, he gave me a strange look. My last year in Hogwarts I had asked Albus why he looked at me that way, and why he had always treated me better than the other students (including Harry)

"He hated your father—thank Merlin you don't look like him—but Harry does. I suppose it's a way to get out his frustration… He loved your mother, Emily… and you look exactly like her."

"So he knows about my real last name too? He knows about—."

"Yes. All the professors do."

It all made sense right then and there.

"Hello, Emily, it's nice to see you again." His voice sounded bland, but a little bit more excited than when he talked to the students.

Within minutes all the teachers were lined up, sitting in their designated chairs.

They let the kids in.

My blue eyes darted through the crowd, searching and searching for my brother. He was hard to seek out with all the same black robes. The only difference was that they had different colored ties and scarves. Albus looked like he was scanning the crowd for my little brother too.

Then, I spotted him—and it appeared to me that he wasn't at all little anymore.

He was walking beside Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley, as always. Since they first met they've been inseparable.

And I approve of them… they're very sweet people. I even met the Weasley family when I was dating Percy. Yes, I know, shocking. But I did date him for a few months.

I noticed a few kids staring up at me, noticing that I was new.

Then the new witches and wizards were led in by a Ravenclaw prefect. They were all sorted and seated at their new tables.

As everyone was finishing their meals Albus stood and walked over to the podium.

"Good evening, children," his loud voice boomed. The room immediately went silent. "Now, we have three changes in starting this year… we are pleased to welcome back Professor Grubly Plank, who will be taking care of magical creatures, while Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave."

There was weak applause as the short, stubby man stood from his seat.

"And give another warm welcome to my new assistant, who we be overseeing certain issues… I'm sure some of you fifth, sixth and seventh years remember her… Miss. Emily Conlin." He turned around, smiling as I stood up, nodding my head at the immense applause. I even got a few whistles—which were of course frowned upon by Minerva.

I smoothed out my black dress and sat back down.

"We also wish to welcome our new defense against the dark arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge. And I'm sure you will all join me in wishing the professor good luck." I love it when he gets sarcastic. Yeah, let's just see how long she lasts as a DDA teacher… She stood and there was even less applause.

"And as always, Mr. Filch has asked—."

Dumbledore was rudely interrupted by Dolores' coughing. It was the clearing-your-throat kind of laugh that only happens when someone wants to talk. He hesitantly turned around and did a double take as she rose from her seat. She started to walk around the table. I raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Severus and Minerva. They both threw me unimpressed expressions back.

As she neared Albus she spoke, "Thank you, Albus, for those kind words of welcome. And how lovely to see all your bright, happy faces smiling up at me." I almost laughed. How conceded could this woman get? They were not smiling at all. There wasn't one trace of happiness on any of their faces. "I am sure we are all going to be very good friends."

If you ask me she was way too cheery, and wore way too much pink to be a DDA teacher…

She continued, "The ministry of magic has always considered the teaching of young witches and wizards to be a vital importance." Oh great, here we go again with the brain-washing. "Although, each headmaster has brought something new to this… historic school," she glanced up at the rafters in distaste. But hey, you either love this old castle, or you hate it. There's really no in-between.

"Progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged." I raised another eyebrow, sitting back in my seat a bit. "Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected, and prune practices that must be prohibited." She said that last part way too cheerfully.

And with that she walked slowly back to her seat, her shoes clicking against the wooden floor the whole way. There was some applause.

"Thank you, Professor Umbridge, that was most illuminating." Albus lied through his teeth. I almost laughed at how she couldn't see how sarcastic he was being.

Suddenly he started to talk again…

"…magic is forbidden in the corridors…" my mind drifted off into other places as he spoke about the new rules and regulations.

I was just praying that this would be over soon, and I could talk to my little brother… tell him what happened that faithful night… clear things up once and for all…

After the dinner was done and everyone headed off towards their dorms Albus led me to his office. We went through the corridors and stairwells until we came to his statue.

"I am sending for someone to get Harry," he said, stepping into the staircase. We worked our way up the stairs.

His office was just as I remembered it: filled with little relics and knick-knacks, homely and warm. His phoenix was perched atop its normal post, staring down at me curiously. I smiled and it appeared to smile back. It was as if it had a personality of it's own.

"Please, have a seat," he invited me warmly, motioning to a chair in front of his desk. There was another one beside it. I guessed that one was for Harry to sit in.

As Albus sat down behind the desk there was a knock at the door. He invited whoever was there to come in.

I took in a deep breath, my heart jumping as I saw my little brother entering the room.

He looked around uneasily, nodding, "Professor."

Albus smiled warmly. "Please, come in Harry, have a seat."

I watched as he walked across the room nervously. His black hair was mussed and his blue eyes sparkled just like mine. As he sat down he nodded towards me, "Miss. Conlin."

I smiled, "Please, Harry, call me Emily… we used to be classmates, after all."

And then things get awkward.

"But there is also something else you must know, Harry." Dumbledore interrupted. I looked over at him nervously. My heart was pounding now.

Harry shared an uneasy glance with the two of us. "What is it?"

I let in a breath, staring up into the blue eyes that we share. "Harry… I'm your older sister." I admitted.

There was silence.

"You've got to be kidding me," he asked the professor.

He shook his head, looking down his glasses. "No… I would not joke about an issue such as this."

"This isn't some cruel joke? Because that's already happened to me too many times before."

"No. It's true… Harry, don't you see our mother in me?" I asked, placing a hand on his. He drew it back, but looked up at me. His eyes darted across my features. I felt him staring at my hair and eyes: the two features that make me identical to my mother.

I suddenly realized Harry's breathing had gotten louder.

"You mean to say that all of a sudden I have family?" His voice got louder. I flinched. "You expect me to believe that after all these years of suffering with the Dursleys now my family members are starting to show up?"

"Harry," I said in a calm voice, "I wasn't there the night Voldemort attacked mum and dad and you. I was at a friend's house. When I found out I was sent to live with adoptive parents… their last names were Conlin… so I accepted that… but don't ever think that I never cared. I did. It's just… no one would let me do anything about it."

I could tell he was still angry. Frustration sounded in his voice.

"Why? Why did I have to suffer and she didn't?" He yelled towards Albus. I winced. That was a stab through the heart. Tears tinged the back of my eyes as he continued on angrily. "All these years I thought I had no one and you hid her right in front of my face?"

"Harry it was for the better…"

"For the better? How could it possibly be better?"

"It was best to keep you two apart… only Merlin knows what kind of trouble you two would have gotten into together… you're both very strong minded individuals. Putting you two together in one household full of muggles would spell disaster. I'm sorry, Harry, but many things would have changed if both of you were together… the dark lord would have…" his voice drifted off as Harry continued his rant.

"But why couldn't I know? You lied to me!" He stood up in his chair. I knew he was about to leave. "I can't believe you!"

And just as I predicted he went straight towards the door.

"Harry wait! Just wait!" I pleaded.

He didn't even turn around.

The door slammed and I collapsed back into the chair, putting my face in my hands. I fought not to let Albus see me cry. Truth be told, I knew that was going to happen… I just didn't think it would hurt this badly.

I think I realized I was sobbing when Albus knelt down in front of me, grabbing my hands. "Emily, if there is one thing I know about Harry… it's that he loves his family… he'll come around, give him some time."

I nodded solemnly, starting to go towards the door. I wiped the tears away, but they only kept falling.

I said a sad goodnight and started off down the corridor to my room. I had to walk through the corridor that ran parallel to the courtyard to get there. The wind whistled through the archways, causing my auburn waves to block my vision for a few seconds.

Leaves blew across my path. My heels clicked on the stone flooring lightly. There wasn't another sound besides those two things.

But suddenly I felt as though I wasn't alone. A chill ran through my body. It felt like I was being watched. I hugged my black tweed coat closer, wrapping my scarf tighter.

I was caught by surprise when a dark figure appeared coming out of a doorway. I squinted and tried to see who it was. He wore a black knitted sweater and black pants. His build was somewhat like Oliver's (a Quidditch player's), but his hair was black.

And he was coming straight towards me… It didn't occur to me who it was until it was too late.

"Marcus Flint?" I questioned shockingly with a sniffle, wiping another tear away. He looked very different. His hair wasn't greasy anymore. Instead it was smooth and mused and soft. His teeth showed when he smirked down at me. They were smaller, straighter and whiter than ever before. His acne was gone, and I couldn't bring myself to say it aloud, but he looked pretty damn good compared to a few years ago.

My eyes widened as I realized it really was him.

"Hello there, Emily… I see you've come back to Hogwarts…" his voice was—as always—deep and mistrusting. I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to step around. He blocked my path, staring down at me curiously. "What's the matter? Potter didn't take the news too well?"

My eyes flicked up to his. They were cold and black. There was a glint of either mischief or malice in them. I sniffled, looking away, "You heard that?"

"Of course… I suppose Dumbledore didn't tell you… I'm another one of his informants… you're not alone, Em." I shivered, half from the freezing cold and half because he used my nickname. Usually I would tell him to shut up and go away… but now Oliver wasn't here to protect me…

I rolled my eyes, trying to out step him. I couldn't.

He chuckled lightly. "Finding it hard to get away from me without Wood here?"

He started to circle around me, brushing a piece of hair from my neck. I shuddered when his fingers grazed my skin. He was just the most disgusting guy I'd ever met. I wouldn't be surprised if he was working for the dark lord himself.

I sighed, not wanting to deal with him right now. But when I tried to walk away he only appeared in front of me again. "Flint, I don't want to deal with you right now." My voice trembled. Tears threatened to spill any second. I just hoped I would make it to my room in time for them to fall. There was no way I was going to cry in front of him.

"Aw, and I thought we were on a first name basis by now… Come on, Emily, we're adults now, this isn't high school."

"Please, just… just… Go away." I let out a shaky breath.

He sighed, "Look, let me walk you to your dorm… it's getting dark." That was true, but I didn't think I'd want him anywhere near my dorm. He could easily fight his way in and… well… let's not go there…

"No, Flint, I'm fine." I finally managed to throw him off and walk around him. I walked swiftly, desperately trying to get away from the one person I hated the most.

As the tears started falling again I heard him call out for me, followed by footsteps creeping up on me.

"You know, I don't think Oliver would appreciate me letting his girlfriend walk all alone in the dark."

My voice came out more volatile than intended, "I don't think he would appreciate you being anywhere remotely near me in the dark!" I hissed. "And since when do you call him by his first name?"

He chuckled darkly beside me. "Since I felt like it… and what's the matter Emily? Scared?" I glanced up at him angrily. "I don't bite."

"Yeah right," I sniffled, walking faster, "Like I would ever trust you."

I gasped out when he forcefully grabbed my arm, jerking me to a stop. I whipped around, staring up at him, stunned. He bent down, getting close to my ear and growled, "Someday you may have no choice." I shuddered as he kissed me on the neck, pushing away in disgust. He only chuckled to himself before walking away.

*A/N: Told you there would be some surprises! ;) stay tuned for some more interesting turns!*