JKR owns the people and places, I own karista, Julia, Amaia and the dream
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Chapter 4: Of bravery and prefects

"I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE YOU TWO! YOU COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!" Molly Weasley bellowed, sending birds into flight outside. "IN ALL MY LIFE I HAVE NEVER, EVER BEEN SO SCARED!"

"Calm down, Ms Weasley," Karista muttered, resting her head on her hands. She was still fuming about what Voldie had said to her that day. She would make sure that Harry's days weren't marked. "He wouldn't and couldn't have killed me, even if he tried."

This comment only seemed to make Molly Weasley unfurl into a dragon. The yelling seemed to get worse. "ARE YOU MAD? HE HAS KILLED HUNDREDS OF WIZARDS! WHAT MAKES YOU HONESTLY THINK THAT HE WOULDN'T KILL TWO CHILDREN?"

"BECAUSE I AM HIS NIECE!" Karista yelled back. She paused for a moment to let those few words sink into the gawking Weasley family, who was gathered around staring at her, then ran up the stairs.

"Is that true, Harry?" Bill asked, his mouth nearly on the floor.

"I don't want to talk about it right now," Harry mumbled, standing from the chair and climbing the stairs to Ron's room.

Karista sat on her bed, arms folded across her chest and scowling at the ceiling. She didn't know why she was so mad. It wasn't directed at Mrs. Weasley, as she was only trying to express the importance of the situation upon Karista. But it was Voldemort…her uncle. He couldn't kill her before, what made him think he could do it again?

A lite tapping at the window disturbed her thoughts. She angrily shoved herself up from the bed and crossed the room. Flapping outside the window was a graceful yet large tawny owl bearing two letters, both bearing the Hogwarts seal on them. After opening the window and letting the owl perch on her shoulder, she took a deep breath and opened the letter.

Dear Karista,

I am happy that you came out of Diagon Alley today uninjured and alive. Frankly I am surprised that Voldemort didn't try and…well, you get my point. I was curious to find out how Harry got out unscathed with you, as the Daily prophet stated that you were point blank. Curious, I guess. I should also commend you on your service towards the magical community (I am sure that you know what I am talking about?) and hope that upon re-entry into Hogwarts, you will be willing to help out in any way you can (details will be told once you are here).

Until September first, I must advise that you and Harry stay with the Weasley's. I think that Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, as well as the rest of the staff, are worrying fretfully over you two. Oh yes, Sirius and Remus will be paying you all a visit at the end of August and they will be staying with you until your return to Hogwarts. Have fun, as I suspect that you already are with the twins.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Karista sat back on her bed and smiled. She really should write to Dumbledore and tell him about the charm that she made; yet right now, her concentration strayed to another tapping at the window. It was a Raven, with very sharp claws and a pointed beak. Karista approached it cautiously, as it had chosen to sit on the back of the chair against Ginny's desk. The raven clucked its beak and flew over to her, resting itself on her other shoulder. Carefully untying the letter from its talons, she sat down again. This time, the letter was bearing the same Hogwarts seal, yet the handwriting on the envelope was different. Once again she opened the letter and read it.

Karista,

I am even surprised at myself for writing this to you, yet I am sure that you will understand my concern. The dark lord has chosen to go after the necklace that you wear. He has asked me to duplicate it many times yet I am absolutely unaware of where it came from, even though I know (and refuse to tell him) that it is Egyptian. He is still looking to get you and Potter, so be on your guard. He has planned more schemes like that of Diagon Alley, and next time you may not be so lucky.

It also just happens that you have successfully created the Bloodstone potion. Has a 'cousin', therefore a 'relative' I am proud of such an accomplishment. I also think that in your Hogwarts letter, you will find a rather hefty reward. I will keep in touch with you, even if Headmaster already is. Stay safe.

Severus Snape

After the initial shock of receiving a letter from her potions teacher wore off, Karista once again stood and walked out of the room, the two birds still clutching tightly to her shoulder. At the bottom of the stairs she was met with the stares of the Weasley family. She simply walked over to the owl perch.

"Wait here for me, both of you. I will have return letters," Karista whispered, placing the owl and raven on the post. She then turned on her heel and headed back up the stairs.