Title: Strings of Fate

Author: Knife Hand

Feedback: Constructive feedback appreciated, flames unappreciated

Spoilers: Nothing Specific, general for first few books.

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I do not own Hermione, or Luna, or Ginny, or Cho, or... I would buy them all but I am broke.

Summary: Being raised only by his Aunt, Harry comes to Hogwarts not only knowing about the Wizarding World, but with a kind of training no one at the school is expecting.

Harry was walking down the stairs headed for the Great Hall. The rest of his friends had gone on ahead as Harry had stayed behind to discuss something with Professor Flitwick. In the middle of one staircase the stairs began to move only to grind to a stop with the bottom of the stairs out over a yawing gap.

"Gwen." Harry said into the air.

The other staircases around him moved and the only path available to him led directly up to the Seventh Floor.

"Gwen, come on." He reiterated.

After a few minutes of standing there, Harry finally turned and began trudging up the stairs to the Seventh Floor and The Heart. As soon as he walked in, Gwen jumped on him in a hug.

"No Gwen." Harry said, stepping out of the hug. "Now tell me what is the matter."

Gwen pouted for a few moments, giving Harry her best puppy dog eyes.

"I'm lonely." Gwen said in a soft voice. "You don't come visit me."

"Gwen, both Helena and I told you I can't be here all the time." Harry said. "I was on my way down to dinner when you… forced me to come up."

Gwen waved her hand and a table appeared with food on it.

"Not the point." Harry said with a roll of his eyes.

Gwen bounded around for a few moments before Harry got fed up.

"Gwen, I have things to do." Harry said as he walked towards the door.

"No. Please, Harry. Don't go." Gwen begged.

She grabbed onto his arm to try to stop him just before he stepped over the threshold out of The Heart. They both stopped in surprise as Harry stepped out into the corridor and Gwen was dragged along with him.

Gwen recovered from the shock of her being outside The Heart before Harry did and took off down the hallway at full speed, giggling. Harry took off after her.

"Helena!" Harry called as he ran.

A few moments later the Ghost was floating beside him as fast as he was running.

"Gwen's out." Harry said between deep breaths. "She took off."

Helena looked over at Harry as she floated along besides him.

"If she didn't stay with you, it can only mean she's after one thing." Helena said.

"Luna!" They both exclaimed together.

Susan sat at the Hufflepuff table next to Hannah as she wondered where Harry was. Harry had stayed after Charms Class to talk to Professor Flitwick but Flitwick was at the Head Table already.

She looked around to make sure Harry was not with one of the other groups of their friends. Luna was over with Padma and Hermione, along with Su Li. Neville was with the Weasley Twins and the three Gryffindor Chasers. No sign of Harry.

The door opened and a mid-teen girl with dark hair came rushing in and headed directly for the Ravenclaw Table and Luna. Susan instantly recognised her as she started hugging Luna from behind.

"GWEN!" Susan called, using her best imitation of Aunt Amelia's command voice.

Gwen and Luna both looked up and pouted. Susan gave Gwen a 'come here' gesture and the girl reluctantly began making her way over to the Hufflepuff table. Everyone else finally got a chance to see her. Fifteen odd years old, dark hair, and unfamiliar features that somehow seemed to remind them of… someone. Her uniform was a Hogwarts one but an all black one that had no House Colours or crest, instead had the Hogwarts crest.

Finally standing in front of Susan and looking contrite, Susan gestured and Gwen reluctantly sat down across from Susan. Luna looked like someone had killed her cat from her position at the Ravenclaw table.

"Sit quietly or you are grounded." Susan half-growled.

Gwen sat quietly for another minute until Harry and Helena burst into the hall. Their eyes immediately sought Luna and when they saw her pouting, they scanned the hall to see Gwen sitting across from Susan like a little girl who had been scolded by her parent.

"Sister…" Gwen began as they approached.

"No." Helena replied sternly. "Not after what you just pulled. You effectively kidnapped Harry and then ran off. You know what can happen when you are out here."

"I'm sorry, sister." Gwen said in a soft voice. "I was just so lonely."

"Lady Ravenclaw, Mister Potter." Dumbledore began. "Perhaps introductions are in order."

Helena sighed and waved for Harry to sit down. Gwen bounced, patting the bench next to her, but Harry turned to walk around the back of the table to sit next to Susan. Gwen's face fell when he turned and she glanced at Susan who had a stern look on her face.

'So, this is what it feels like when mum and dad are angry at you.' Gwen thought.

"Can I have everyone's attention." Helena announced from just below the Head Table, pausing to let everyone, except Gwen and Susan, to turn towards her and allowing Harry to take his seat next to Susan. "As you can see, we have a new face amongst us. Her name is Gwen and you could say she has been a long-term resident of the castle."

In the dead silence everyone could hear Harry's snort at that which had Helena shooting a glare at him.

"More accurately, Gwen is the personification of the personality and Magic of Hogwarts." Helena continued. "In a very real way she is the School itself and was once considered by the Founders to be like a daughter to them all. Treat her with respect or you will find your life here very uncomfortable. And then I will get involved and I will make you wish that your parents were sterilised before you ever conceived."

The final threat seemed to be only enhanced by the calm and clear way that it was delivered. With that Helena moved away from the front of the hall and over to the Hufflepuff table. The hall was still almost silent with the shock of the revelation when she reached the table and Gwen stared up at her with pleading eyes. Helena glanced over at Harry and Susan. Harry shrugged and Susan rolled her eyes at his overly casual gesture.

"Should you both promise to behave, I will allow Miss Lovegood to join you here for dinner." Helena announced.

Almost before the sentence was finish Luna was over the Ravenclaw table and making a b-line for Gwen. As soon as Luna was seated, Gwen wrapped her up in a hug which the blonde immediately returned.

"You have to try the pudding." Luna said a few moments later after the hug ended.

"Proper meal first." Helena instructed.

"But sister." Gwen began.

"Gwen." Both Harry and Susan warned almost at the same time.

"Fine!" Gwen said, overdramatically.

TBC…