Wow, this is a story that I wrote a long time ago…I think I may have written it in 9th grade or so (which means it maybehave been writtenbefore OotP). This was when I had written my first story which I deleted (I don't even have it on my computer anymore). People can be such downers… But never mind that reminiscing.

Actually, I had meant for this story to be a longer story but I guess I'll just leave it at a short story.

The Letter
It was burned into her brain. She would remember those words forever:

Dear Miss Katherine Hart,

I regret to inform you that your mother and father have been murdered in a Death Eater related attack on your family's home. Your younger siblings have miraculously survived the encounter. You should return to your home immediately for their funeral, the reading of their will and the temporary placement of you and your siblings. I am sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,

Nicolas Potter

Head of the Department of Magical Catastrophes

The paper was tear stained and crinkled at the edges but the words still shined in the blackest of inks. It was a complete shattering of the safe world she thought she lived in and her first step into reality. Her parents were dead and she would never see them again. She was an orphan at the age of sixteen. She had five younger siblings who were now orphans as well. They will need to be told what has happened and they will need someone to take care of them. There were no relatives left to take them all in. Katherine gasped. The only way that the Hart children would stay together would be if someone with a kind heart were to take them all in.

The thought brought more tears to flood her blue eyes. She may never see her little brothers and sisters again. They could be separated for a long time. They may forget that they even have siblings in time.

Katherinewas nowstanding outside Hogwarts castle, leaning against the colossal school that had been her second home. She was currently waiting for the Knight Bus to come and pick her up.

"What are we going to do," she whispered to no one in particular.

"What are you going to do about what," came a questioning voice from behind. She turned around to see Remus Lupin, one of the infamous Marauders.

"Oh, um… nothing… I was… err… just thinking about a paper I have to do for McGonagall."

"It didn't sound like something as trivial as a paper. Do you want someone to talk to about it," he asked in a friendly tone.

"Not really," she whispered back, trying hard not to cry. Remus noticed the tears slowly building in her eyes. He put his arm around her in an attempt to comfort her.

She couldn't hold the tears back much more and soon, they were falling freely down her face.

Katherine knew that she had to be strong for her siblings. Suddenly, her body gave way to exhaustion and she began to slump down, only being slowed by Remus' body. It was interesting because she still was not sobbing hysterically. The tears just kept falling and she made no sound.

To Katherine's surprise, Remus pulled her into a tight, soothing hug. Her tears began to soak his slightly worn out cloak. Even though it was spring time, the winter air was sticking around a little longer.

It started as one drop and then another and another. Soon, rain was steadily falling from the sky.

Remus rocked back and forth in a consoling way for the girl in his arms.

It was strange because neither student really knew the other. Remus only knew that Katherine was a Ravenclaw prefect in his year. He had seen her at the meetings a few times before but had never spoken to her. Usually, Remus did not really talk to girls because he was a pretty shy guy. That did not stop Sirius and James from trying to fix him up. Remus had noticed that Katherine tended to be a loner of sorts and usually did not go to events such as Quidditch games and balls. She occasionally went to a game or to Hogsmeade whenever her only friend, Daemon Hope, went. He was the other Ravenclaw prefect and was hero worship by most of his house. He was a good student, an amazing Keeper and was known for being a very nice guy.

"It's ok," Remus said into her ear. He pulled her into his lap without thinking but she did not mind or notice. He continued to rock back and forth and her tears seem to have stopped.

"Thank you," Katherine whispered with a slight note of embarrassment in her tone. Remus just gave her a small smile that said "anytime".

"Well, Miss Hart, Mr. Lupin, isn't this an unexpected surprise," came the voice of the ever knowledgeable Professor Albus Dumbledore. The Headmaster had an amused look on his face as he looked at the two students before him.

Katherine practically jumped out of Remus Lupin's lap and began dusting off imaginary dust. Remus slowly got to his feet with a slight smile on his face.

"Hello professor," the two students responded in unison.

"Hello to you both," he said in his mysterious voice. "It would seem as though the Knight Bus will not be able to get here tonight, Miss Hart. I would recommend that you return to Ravenclaw common room and wait till tomorrow. Your belongs will be placed back into your dormitory. I wish I could chat more but there are matters considering Mr. Lupin's friends that calls for my attention." Professor Dumbledore left with the usual twinkle in his eye.

Remus turned to look at Katherine Hart before finally spitting out his question. "Where are you going at this time of the year? Don't tell me you're dropping out of school." Remus looked concerned. Katherine smiled at the strange boy.

"No, I'll be coming back, I just don't know when I'll be coming back. I am needed somewhere else right now." She looked at Remus for a moment before turning to walk into the school.

"Thanks," she whispered and Katherine Hart ran though the doors of the school.