A/N: I'm ba-ack! Lol. Wow, Tiera talks a lot. :) I've just changed a glitch in Chapter 2 were Tiera previously told Harry that she was two years older than him exactly. That would make her a 7th year and in the last chapter (Chapter 4) Professor Dumbledore told her that her age put her in 6th year. So now she's exactly a year older than Harry. Hm . . . And she was two when she first left Atlantis, wasn't she? Hm . . . . :D
This Chapter starts out slow, mostly as an explanation, so I'm sorry! But towards the middle/end of the chapter it gets better and stuff actually happens. Lol. Like a few fights . . . So please read, even if you just scan the dreaded explanations. I even hate reading them. :)
Love y'all ~ and double thanks to crimsn who reviewed for Chappie 4. :D
~*~ Snow White ~*~
Updated A/N: I'm such a goober. Lol. I was reading over this chappie so I could continue it, and I realized that George said he was off to bed and it was really almost time for lunch! Oopsie . . . Sowys. Anyway, I don't think anyone caught it yet, and I'm about to fix it yet, so . . . :D Hope you enjoy! Oh, and the song in here, "Precious Mirage," again belongs solely to me except I got the inspiration for the title and chorus from the story "Precious Mirage" written by SacredDreams. Again, totally recommended for DreamStreet fans. Speaking of, isn't that so completely sad? I'm so gonna vouch for all the boys though when they do other stuff, cause they rock--all five of them.
Chapter 5
The Slytherin dungeons were cold. Luckily, though, Professor Dumbledore made sure she had her own private room. It was a good thing she liked the house colors (green and silver) too, because her room and the common room alike were decorated with them. However, her room was much more comfortable. Everthing there was warm and soft; she, unlike the majority of the other Slytherins, was not a cold, hard person.
She was told in another meeting with the Headmaster that she would, as previously discussed, have the same timetable as the fifth year Slytherins, but she would only be required to attend one class a day as long as she attended each required class at least once every few weeks. She could also sit in on any other class she liked; Tiera knew she'd be going to as many classes as she possible could, and she'd be spending more time in the library than Hermione. What was required of her in each class was entirely up to the Professor, whose only rule was that they didn't try to make her--or encourage her to--do magic.
As excited as the sixteen-year old girl was, the next thing Dumbledore said made her absolutely ecstatic; she was told that she could visit any house's common room she wished, as well as change houses, though he suggested that if she *were* to want to change her house, the issue be deliberated upon carefully before it was acted upon.
The first few weeks went by quickly for Tiera. She and Draco were practically inseparable; though they honestly *were* just friends, it was whispered around the school that they were more. There were many variations of the rumor, such as Tiera was Draco's fiance who was spending some time with him before she went back on tour. Yes, back on tour. The whole school (naturally) knew all about her secret profession.
The only people not gossipping were the Gryffindors who heard the real story from Harry, Hermione, and the Weasley siblings. Even then, though, there was still some unrest about her relationship with Malfoy (as they so lovingly called him). Hermione and Harry knew the truth, because they'd talked a few times with Tiera in the library. Because of those conversations, she knew about all of the rumors (which quite amused her, actually), and was also inclined to stay merely friends with Draco--for the time, at least.
On each of the visits in the library, as well as each class they spent together and every meal time, she was invited back to the Gryffindor common room. She declined each invitation.
The only real problem Tiera admitted to herself to having was that she couldn't sleep. She had become an insomniac and always spent the middle of the night reading and writing--in the Gryffindor house common room.
It was on one of these sleepless nights in the now-familiar room that Tiera was caught. She was engrossed in Hogwarts: A History (suggested by Hermione), when she suddenly felt a presence. Turning slightly she saw Fred Weasley standing at the bottom of a staircase, gaping at her.
She was as shocked as he was, so she couldn't think of an immediate excuse. Finally, after an awkward minute, she began to hastily gather her things to leave. The second she made a move, however, Fred was looming in front of her.
"KJ, what are you doing? It's three o'clock in the morning!"
"I--I know," she said quietly. Then she seemed to think of something. "What are *you* doing?"
"I . . . I don't know . . . Kay, listen," he began, taking a seat beside her. "You don't belong in Slytherin, you know you don't. Just come back to us; it's not too late. And then you can get away from that . . . *Malfoy*" He spat out the name like a vile-tasting potion.
Tiera's eyes narrowed. "You don't even know him. You have absolutely no right--"
"No, Kay, you're the one who doesn't know him." He gripped her shoulders tightly but his tone softened. "The kid's bad news. He's got real problems' I don't want you around that all the time. He'll surely get you mixed into all that death eater rubbish."
"Fred Weasley, don't you dare try to tell me who I can and can't be friends with!" Tiera exclaimed, jerking out of his grasp. She glared at him, hands on hips and face flushing, as he stood up beside her.
"Is that all you are, KJ?" You're absolutely sure you're just friends?"
She gaped at him for a moment, then, again gathering her things said, "I can't believe you just asked me that. I'm not even gonna dignify that with an answer, Fred."
Just before she exited the portrait-hole, she turned back. "Go to bed. You look like you could use the rest."
Fred sighed and sat on the couch once more. "She may have gone bonkers, but she sure looks beautiful when she's angry."
Tiera slid down the wall opposite the Fat Lady, eyes filling with tears. As she landed with a soft thud on the floor of the hallway, the portrait smiled sympathetically at her.
"You should give him a second chance, dear. He only wants to protect you."
Tiera smiled through her tears. "I'll try. Thanks--and I'm sorry if we kept you up."
"It's all right, dear; you aren't to blame. Why don't you try to get some sleep? Maybe things will be a bit clearer in the morning."
"Thanks," she said, sighing. She stood. "I'll probably see ya tomorrow night."
"Yes, anytime dear," the lady said, already nodding off to sleep.
The next morning Tiera skipped breakfast. She did, however, grab her things when it was time so she could go to Potions with the fifth year Gryffindors and Slytherins. When she arrived, a few minutes late, Snape glared at her.
"Miss McKenzie. How nice of you to join us."
"I'm so sorry I'm late, Professor Snape. I was rushing so fast to get to your class, then I forgot my books and--well look--" She took a breath. "I'm sorry."
Everyone stared at her for a moment. Finally, Professor Snape turned away, frowning (though Tiera could have sworn she saw the corners of his mouth twitch as if he was trying not to smile).
"Take a seat, Miss McKenzie, if you will and allow me to begin my class."
"Of course, Professor," she said, sending him a sweet smile.
She turned toward the class but was torn. With Gryffindor on one side and Slytherin on the other, she didn't know who to sit by. Two Gryffindor boys, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, were grinning at her; Harry, Ron, and Hermione were gawking at her but motioning to the table in front of them where Dean and Seamus were sitting. Draco, though, was smiling at her and sending her the sweetest pleading face she'd ever seen.
"Miss McKenzie."
"Oh. Sorry Professor," she said, hurriedly taking a seat next to Draco, who was two feet away from where she'd been standing.
Somehow, Tiera managed to make it through the class without any instructions from Snape, who usually gave her some sort of assignment to make sure she'd paid attention, using her time wisely. He wanted to see Draco, nonetheless, so she followed as the rest of the class piled out, alone.
When the door to the Potions classroom had closed, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were suddenly beside her looking a bit baffled but determined.
"Hi guys. What's up?"
"KJ we want you to be in Gryffindor with us. I mean, it's only right--you don't belong with Slytherins," Ron said without taking a breath, as if he'd memorized what to say to her.
"Ron's right, KJ. He may be daft, but he's got a point."
"Yeah, KJ, do you really have any friends there anyway?" Harry asked softly, knowing they were treading on unstable ground.
Tiera sighed. "I have Draco."
"And?" Hermione asked pointedly.
"I guess you're right. The guys only think about one thing, and the girls are awful, scheming little brats who only care about money."
"There you go then," Ron said with a smile. "You hate them all. Except . . . I don't know what Malfoy's playing at with you, but it's probably just to make us mad. It's working too; if he doesn't let you alone, I'll--"
"Ron, you don't even know him," Tiera said exasperatedly.
"KJ, I know you don't want hear this because you think you know him, but you don't and--"
"What Harry's trying unsuccessfully to say is that Ron's right, KJ," Hermione said in that indignant 'you're wrong, I'm right, deal with it' voice.
Tiera took a deep breath and realized that they were already in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady. The Gryffindors were all standing in the hallway listening to their heated discussion.
She groaned. "You guys don't even know him; you never gave him a chanc.e I was the first person to let him be himself around me without judging by the past, or worse, his father. So don't blame either of us if we became friends, okay?"
You could have heard a pin drop in the hallway; even the Fat Lady was holding her breath.
Suddenly, a voice chimed up next to Tiera that hadn't been there before.
"She's right. If they want to be friends, it's not hurting anyone. If Kay likes a person, they must have *some* good in them, right?"
"I suppose," Hermione grumbled.
"Right, then, so just leave her alone for now. It's her own business, isn't it? We can't force her to stay with us."
The trio nodded reluctantly and began to make their way into Gryffindor House. (A/N: If I was really mean, I'd stop there. But I won't. Lol.) Fred began to follow, but Tiera caught his arm. He looked back questioningly.
"Thank you, Fred. For sticking up for me."
"Fred? Sorry, KJ, I'm George."
She looked at him closely, just for a second, then said, "No you're not."
"What? What do you mean, 'no I'm not'? I should know, shouldn't i?"
"You do know. You're lying, *Fred.*"
He sighed dramatically, but sent her a small smile. "Oi, how do you do it?"
She laughed. "I don't know. Never thought about it. I just . . . know. There's something about you . . . Besides," she said quickly, "You called me Kay."
"Oh . . ." He smiled sheepishly, but soon grew serious. "Are you still mad at me?"
Frowning, she slid down the wall to sit on the floor, just where she'd been the night before. "Fred, sit, please?"
He did so, too fearful of her answer to question a deep discussion in the hallway right in front of the Gryffindor House portrait hole.
"Fred . . .Do you really think . . . well . . . that I would just . . . go make out with some random guy or something?"
"No, Kay, I know you better. I just wasn't thinking and . . . Honestly, I was afraid you'd . . .well, meet someone you fancied, and . . ."
"And that we'd end up--?"
He nodded warily, but Tiera only smiled.
"Fred, I can only say that . . . on the train that day . . . George was right."
With that, she stood and, taking her books, headed down to the dungeons. Fred sat in confusion even after she'd left, trying to relive the event he'd been blocking out since it had happened. What on earth had George said?
When he entered the common room he found George grinning at him and the others sneaking hasty glances at him. He glared at George.
"What did you say on the train?"
"On the train?" George said, feigning innocence. "I don't rightly remember Well, I'm off to lunch. Quidditch practice later you know; need to keep my strength up."
Smiling blissfully, Tiera entered the near-empty Slytherin common room. Draco, the only occupant, raised an eyebrow at her while sporting his trademark smirk. She sighed dreamily, then sat down next to him, laying her head on his shoulder.
"Not that I mind, but what are you so happy about?" Draco said.
"I'm just in a good mood, Dra. So good I just . . . feel like singing . . ."
"Then sing."
"Oh no, I couldn't; don't be silly."
"Come on, Woman, the whole school knows you're a singer, and I haven't got to hear your voice yet."
Biting her lip again, Tiera thought back. Dumbledore had explained to her that the song she sang was what conveyed her magic to those who heard her.
"Are you sure?"
"Come on, Woman. You aren't scared, are you?"
"No, of course not. Okay . . ." She cleared her throat and began a song she thought he would relate with already and wouldn't do to him what her song had previously done to George.
I like boys. I could have any one.
I like boys, cause boys are lots of fun.
(Draco smirked at her as she continued.)
I don't think I'm anything extraordinary;
When I look in the mirror all I see is me.
Sometimes I might act on the contrary,
But it's all a front to hide my insecurity.
It's my precious mirage;
it's all just a facade.
It's my precious mirage;
It's all just one big facade.
I don't really see myself as normal, baby.
I believe in complete individuality.
Sometimes I might act on the contrary,
But it's cause I'm feelin' my inferiority.
It's my precious mirage;
It's all just a facade.
It's my precious mirage;
It's all just one big facade.
I'm scared I'll spend my life
Watching a fly on the wall,
But I pretend like I
Don't care about anything at all.
It's my precious mirage;
It's all just a facade.
It's my precious mirage;
It's all just one big facade.
She peered up at Draco through long eyelashes as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Perfect."
"Thank you. Um . . . Draco, we need to talk."
"Of course, McKenzie."
She started to bite her lip again. "I was thinking . . . Okay, um . . . You know I love being friends with you, and I never ever *ever* wanna lose all that we have."
"No, McKenzie, you could never."
"Draco Malfoy, promise me you aren't gonna hate me. Please? Promise me you'll always be here for me like I intend to be here for you."
"I promise. Now what is it before I have to take you to the infirmary?"
"I want to change houses and be closer to my brother," she said quickly, before she lost her courage.
"Your brother? He goes to school here?"
"Yes . . . Well, honestly he's not my brother, but we know we're related but we're not sure how, so . . . Anyway . . . "
"McKenzie, who's your brother?" he asked suspiciously, getting the feeling that she was scared to tell him.
She gazed at him guiltily. "Draco, look at me closely."
He gave her an intense, staring gaze for a moment. Then his eyes widened. "McKenzie, no. Tell me . . . Tell me Harry Potter's not your brother."
She still only watched him guiltily and he looked a bit let down, but only because she didn't tell him sooner.
"So you're going to be a Gryffindor now, then."
"Draco, I just don't want you mad at me. Harry's in Gryffindor, as well as Hermione and Ron, and George and . . . and Fred . . . You know how the others here are; I just don't fit in."
"I suppose you're right. I'm not mad, McKenzie, I just want you to be happy. Gryffindor is where you'll be happy." He sighed. "Even if it does kill me; not much will have changed, will it?" he said, more to himself than his friend.
She lightly touched his arm. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing. Go on, Woman. Talk to Dumbledore. And remember, you can still come visit me."
"Well, duh."
She grinned at her silver-blonde friend and hugged him tightly.
"I'll visit so much you'll get sick of me."
"Oh, somehow I doubt that, Woman . . ."
The headmaster was easier to persuade than previously suspected, and when everyone went into the Great Hall for lunch, Tiera stood back in the entrance for a few minutes. Then she walked in calmly and took a seat beside Fred at the end of the table. He, George, Lee Jordan and the others stared at her questioningly.
"Uh, KJ? What . . . What exactly are you doing?" Lee asked.
"Well . . . I thought Gryffindors generally sit at the Gryffindor table. i can leave if you want me to, though," she said, making a move to stand.
"No!" Fred blushed. "I mean . . . er . . . you switched houses then?"
"Yup," she announced, grinning as she sat down again.
Loud cheers erupted from the Gryffindors after the news was passed on, and soon the Great Hall was buzzing with chatter.
"What changed your mind, Kay?"
"Lots of things."
"Like . . .?"
"For one . . . you," she said bluntly.
"Me?"
"Aw," chorused George and Lee.
George grinned and added, "So, KJ, are you finally gonna tell him?"
"Tell him what?" she asked innocently.
"Yeah, tell me what? What you said on the train?"
"Oh, George, I think I'll let you tell him."
"Now?"
"Whenever you think the tiem is right," she said with a smile.
Fred stared at George anxiously, but George grinned, nodded, and turned back to his food.
"George!"
After a few minutes, Fred decided that he wouldn't be successful and so turned to Tiera.
"What did you mean, Kay?"
"About what?"
"When you said you changed houses partly . . . because . . ."
"Partly--well mostly--because of you?"
He nodded and it was her turn to blush.
"I just . . . um . . . well since we made up . . . I wanted to be closer to you . . . A--and George and Harry and everyone . . ." She added the latter quickly, refusing to face him.
"Right . . . Well I'm glad you did, anyway."
"You are?" she asked uncertainly, finally looking his way.
"Of course I am, Kay," he said, gently placing his hand over hers. "Don't be silly."
"I'm not silly," she said, though she stopped speaking abruptly when she noticed George's grin. "What's so funny, Weasley?"
"Nothing, it's just--you two."
"What about us?" Fred asked his twin.
"You're holding hands."
Fred and Tiera looked down and found that it was true. Somehow their fingers had interlaced and each was clasping the other's hand. Seeing this, Tiera began to pull her hand away with embarrassment, but Fred held it tight.
"So what if we are?"
"Are you both blind?!" Katie Bell, a 7th year Gryffindor who had been watching silently, exlaimed with exasperation.
Fred and Tiera gaped at her, as did Lee and George, who were only shocked because her outburst was sudden.
"What?" Tiera asked, confused.
Lee sighed, shaking his head. "You two fancy each other and you won't admit it."
"Who says?" Fred asked defiantly, though his face and ears were shaded red.
"Anybody who can see what's right in front of them!"
"Lee's right. Remember what I wished for?" George said with an evil glint in his eye. "Besides, remember when we were on the train? I said, 'Who would she be snogging besides you?'"
"That can't be what she was talking about," Fred said, but turned to her anyway. "That's not what you were talking about--was it, Kay?"
"Um . . ." said Tiera, blushing and fidgeting in her seat.
Fred squeezed her hand and leaned over to whisper in her ear, "We should talk later, Kay."
A moment passed in silence, but then Tiera said, "So do you guys know who's gonna be on the quidditch team this year?"
When dinner was almost finished, Tiera excused herself and, as she turned toward the doors, looked meaningfully at Draco Malfoy. She waited in the entrance hall for only a few moments; Draco exited the Great Hall and watched her expectantly.
"How ya doing, Dra?" she asked gently.
He shrugged. "Not peachy, but I'll survive."
"Okay. Do you suppose they'd maul me if I went down to the common room."
"More likely me. I'd have all the Gryffindors at me as well."
She sighed and said, "Draco . . . I don't want to lose you."
"Come on, McKenzie," he said, taking her hand. "We'll write to each other. And we can meet outside of class--like we are now."
"I guess you're right." They heard chairs sliding across the floor and hugged quickly. "I'll see you later--love ya."
Without waiting for a response, Tiera hurried up a staircase and out of sight.