Summary: A transfer student befriends the trio. Troubled by her past and present, someone helps her through it and love ensues.
Rating: PG (Subject to change)
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Krystine Crowley and the other characters created are owned by me.
Chapter Two: The Encounter
"Mum, this is our new friend, Krystine. Can she stay with us until the term starts? She's a transfer student." Ron pointed to Krystine, who was smiling nervously.
"Of course, dear! Have a seat," said Mrs. Weasley. Herself, Mr. Weasley, Ginny, Percy, George, and Fred were already sitting.
"Thank you," Krystine said politely, then paused. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had taken their seats and she didn't know where to sit.
"You can sit by me if you want," a voice said. Relieved, Krystine took a seat beside the young man. He had ginger-colored hair - identical to the rest of the Weasleys, and warm brown eyes. "I'm Percy, one of Ron's older brothers."
"Krystine Crowley, pleased to make your acquaintance."
Ron spoke up. "I should warn you, Krystine. Perce might bore you to death with the talk of top ministry business!"
Percy shot Ron a glare, but said nothing. "I think I can handle myself, I'd actually enjoy having an intelligent discussion about the Ministry of Magic here," said Krystine, winking at Percy.
Ron just rolled his eyes and turned to Hermione and Harry. "She's like the female version of Percy!" Hermione just smiled and glanced Krystine and Percy who were now talking rather animatedly.
"So you're seventeen and recently transferred from America?"
"Indeed. I attended Veritas Academy of Magic. It's a small private school hidden by a range of vast mountains. My parents had to move here because of their work. I've been accepted into Hogwarts to complete my schooling."
"Well you'll enjoy Hogwarts. I graduated from there three years ago. I'm twenty-one years old and was asked to take place as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Before that, I worked for the ministry. Still do, in fact, I stop when the school term starts."
Just then, the door of the Leaky Cauldron burst open. Lucius Malfoy strode in, a sinister look on his face. Draco walked in after him, his hands shoved roughly into his pockets. Lucius looked around and upon spotting the Weasleys at one long table, strode over to them. "Well, well, well. If it isn't the Weasley--" Lucius paused at the sight of Krystine. "Krystine! What are you doing here in London? I thought--"
He was cut off sharply by her. "You dare address me like that, Lucius?" she questioned coldly, her eyes a stormy blue.
Lucius looked startled. "No, not at all! No offense meant, Miss Crowley. Do forgive me," he said bowing. The Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione were watching this, completely confused.
"Draco!" Lucius snapped. "Don't just stand there like an idiot. Show your respect." Draco stepped forward and kissed Krystine's hand reluctantly. She immediately pulled out of his grasp.
"Do not touch me again," she hissed as Draco retreated and stood by his father.
"Miss Crowley, may I ask why you are sitting here with these people? Your parents would not approve and you don't want to go messing around with people like them. Remember that you are His Heir and what is expected of you," Lucius said, shooting a glare at the Weasleys.
"I can assure you, Lucius. I may be the Heir, but I have not given my consent ..yet. Go now, I do not wish to speak to you." Krystine spoke quietly, threats in every syllable.
Lucius bowed again, not showing that he was angry or intimidated by her. "Yes Miss Crowley, as you wish." He turned around. "Come, Draco."
Krystine watched silently as the two walked out, not looking back. She sighed and turned around, awkwardly greeted by the confused looks of the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione.
Mr. Weasley was the first to break the silence. "Krystine, may I ask what that was about?"
She looked down at her hands which were violently shaking in her lap. "I have to go.. I can't stay here." She blinked back tears and stood up. "I thank you all for your kindness, but I can't.. I just can't." Krystine now had tears rolling down her eyes and she didn't bother to hide them. Ignoring their protests, she picked up her bag and ran out of the Leaky Cauldron and to the entrance of Diagon Alley. Quickly tapping the appropriate bricks, she watched as the wall moved and made her way clear. Krystine ran through and walked into Flourish and Blotts.
"May I use your Floo powder?"
"Of course, Miss. It's free for customers to use." The shopkeeper motioned to the jar of dust above the fireplace.
After mumbling a thanks, she grabbed a pinch and threw it into the roaring fire. "Crowley Manor!" With a rush, she was gone.
"Where.. Is.. She?" Harry panted as he asked the shopkeeper. He followed Krystine and found her entering the bookstore.
"The girl who just came in?" The shopkeeper blinked as Harry nodded vigorously.
"She just used Floo powder. I'm afraid she isn't here anymore."
He threw his hands up in frustration. "Great! She isn't here anymore," he said aloud as he left the store.
"She's attending Hogwarts, we'll meet her again soon." He looked up into the concerned face of Percy.
"Oh.. Thanks, Percy. We should get back."
"Right, don't worry. We'll see her again."
The two young men walked back up the street to the pub, Harry silently cursing for letting her get away like that.
