"Well Harry.there's no point in beating around the bush is there?" Here she
paused, and Harry, who was burning with curiosity, nodded feverishly.
She took both of his hands in hers and looked straight in his bright green
eyes.
"I'm your cousin Harry."
This news hit Harry like a ton of bricks. Questions flooded his mind
immediately.
"How." he began, dazed.
Angelina smiled and continued, "Well, more like your second cousin."
"But Dumbledore said I'm the last Potter!" he cried out in amazement.
"Last Potter, yes..but not the last Evans."
One glance at Harry's dazed expression prompted her to continue.
"You didn't think that your mother was born Lily Potter did you? She was
Lily Evans, and my mum, Jamie Evans, was her closest cousin," she said,
beaming at him as he gathered his thoughts together.
"How come you never told me?" he whispered.
"I've kept this secret so long.so many times I wanted to burst out and tell
you during Quidditch practice, but I was forbidden. Dumbledore knew that
Voldemort was out there.waiting. If he knew that not all your relatives
were gone.well the consequences would be dreadful."
Harry nodded, but still looked rather confused.
"You see, Harry, I'm more than your cousin. I'm your secret keeper. The
Fidelius Charm was performed shortly after your encounter with the Dark
Lord last year. Dumbledore knows your location is safe with me."
"Why you?" asked Harry in disbelief. "Why would he put you in such danger?"
"He told me that he thought I alone could withstand it.I never knew why
really, but I was ready," she said. "But also.I'm supposed to be dead."
Harry was jolted at her last remark, but knew better than to ask.
She looked out the window and her face appeared a ghostly white. Dark
circles under her eyes grew more prominent and her expression seemed
contorted with pain. But when she turned back to Harry, she was smiling
again.
"Now we know that it will be a while before Voldemort knows who protects
you from him, Harry."
Harry was speechless. His thoughts whirled around in his head. All he could
think about was getting back to the common room where he could explain this
to Ron and Hermione.
"You'd better get to bed now Harry. We're going to announce the Quidditch
captain tomorrow and practice won't be easy, i assure you," she laughed.
Harry turned around and began walking to the door, but spun around again
and looked at Angelina carefully.
"Uh...Angelina?" he said.
"Yes?"
He meant to say thank you but words left him. He just gave her an abrupt
hug and left.
Angelina stood there, looking out the window.
"He's safe with me," she whispered to herself. And with that she whirled
around and strode resolutely out.
