"Harry," whispered a voice, "Oi! Harry," came the voice Harry now recognized as Ron's. Harry somehow opened his tired eyes.
"Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?" he managed through one long yawn.
"Get up," Ron half-yelled at him. Harry was about to ask why before he remembered that today was the day they went back to Hogwarts, Harry also remembered he was mad at Ron.
"Fine!" he spat angrily at Ron as he got up.
"Why the bloody-hell are you so angry?" Ron shot back, a puzzled tone in his voice. Harry was shocked, and found himself getting angry.
"I cant believe you have forgotten!" Harry yelled at him in disbelief, "After what you said to Hermione you expect me to be all buddy- buddy with you!?"
"Oh, Come on Harry! You know I didn't mean it!" Ron yelled back, defending himself.
"You did a good job of fooling me!" Harry now had fury and anger in his voice.
"Harry, I just want to apologize to her and then everything will be normal," Ron half-pleaded at him, his voice was now calm. But Harry was far from calm, he was loosing it.
"DO YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST SAY SORRY AND EVERYTHING WILL GO BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS?"
"Well. Err- yes?" came Ron's voice, full of uncertainty and fear. Harry didn't even talk back, he just jumped across the room with his fist in a ball and swung it madly in to Ron's face. It connected with such force that Ron fell backwards into the wall, then fell to the floor.
Harry just stared down at Ron, a heap on the floor. His face had a gash where Harry's fist had connected, blood slowly gushing out. Ron opened his mouth several times to speak, but closed it just as quickly- creating the effect of looking like a puzzled fish.
Harry offered a confused Ron his hand, he took it and Harry helped him into a standing position, "You deserved that," Harry said, steadying his breathing.
"Yeah, I suppose so," Ron grinned at him, wiping the blood from his face with an old rag.
"Well. if you want to apologize to Hermione, you best do it today, and you best be on your knees begging because I don't think you deserve to be forgiven just yet," Harry said, half serious, half joking.
"Yeah, I will. Thanks a lot mate," Ron admitted gratefully as he gave Harry a thankful slap on the back.
"Yeah. Punching you in the face... anytime," Harry grinned. Harry offered his hand out to Ron and he, grinning madly, shook it.
"I can hear Hermione now." Ron drifted off, Harry also knew what he meant and they both sighed, in their best Hermione voices.
"Boys."

*

"Hurry up! Hurry up!" Mrs Weasley yelled franticly at Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny, "Your going to miss it!"
"No were not mum, settle down," came Ginny's relaxed voice.
"Err- Yes, we are!" Hermione corrected her as she looked up at the clock of King's Cross Station. Harry looked up aswell, they had just under three minutes to get on the Hogwarts Express.
"Race!!" Harry yelled as he started to run, with the others following, as fast as he could towards platform 9 ¾, which wasn't very fast if you were pushing a trolley that had an exceptionally heavy trunk on it and a frightened owl flapping around in its cage. which Harry did happen to have. Harry didn't even care if he looked suspicious doing it, which he was sure he did, he just kept running and didn't slow down one bit as he went through the barrier to platform 9 ¾.
Harry found that Lupin, Moody and Tonks, who now had shimmering blue hair in a change from her old bubble-gum pink, were standing on the platform, "What. are you guys. doing here?" Harry managed to ask, trying to regain his breath. Harry saw Hermione speed through the barrier, grinning, then came Ron followed closely by Ginny.
"We're just here to make sure you got on the train in time," Tonks said just as a furious Molly Weasley came through the barrier.
"You four! How irresponsible of you! I had to put memory charms on three muggles!" she yelled, they all flinched, Moody, Lupin and Tonks included, thinking any second she might turn into a giant monster and squash them all.
"Oh, calm down Molly. I'm sure it was just a bit of fun and that they didn't mean it," Tonks reasoned as she winked at the four, knowing what the wink meant, they went to apologize but were interrupted by Lupin.
"The trains leaving, get on!" he exclaimed quickly as he flicked his wand and their possessions flew onto the train. Without even saying goodbye the four ran and just managed to get on the now moving train. Harry closed the door and they stepped into the hall.
"Well, I guess we better go to the prefects meeting." Ron said to Hermione, who now, due to Harry's advice, was ignoring Ron. She turned and started walking towards the prefects carriage. Ron rolled his eyes and sighed, "Wish me luck," before he followed Hermione down the train.
"Well, see you Harry, I'm going to go find Dean," Ginny said before leaving Harry all alone. Harry had forgotten all about Ginny and Dean, he smiled to himself when he remembered Ron's reaction to the news.
Harry set off along the train to find a compartment that he could sit in. He thought about sitting in the compartment the DA now occupied but for some reason he didn't feel like it. Towards the end of the train Harry heard yelling. He looked at the compartment the yelling was coming from and jumped back when he saw the door, closely follow by Draco Malfoy smash into the wall at the end of the hall.
"AND STAY OUT!" Harry heard a girls angry voice boom from the compartment Draco had been in. Harry stared in amusement as the now, whimpering Draco picked himself up off the floor and rushed towards him, because the person in the compartment was now sending more spells at Draco. Harry just stared at Draco, and tried to see the person the spells were coming from but they were still hidden in the compartment. Harry laughed as Draco neared.
"Oh, get lost Potter!" Draco spat at him as he limped past Harry. Harry didn't say anything, he just stared at the compartment that Draco had come from, the door was now re-attached and everything went quiet. Harry curiously edged forward towards the door to the compartment. When he reached it he took his wand out, deciding not to take any chances. He slid the compartment door open from behind the wall. There was a silence, Harry just stood there, knowing the person in there had her wand pointed at the door. He decided he better act before she did. Harry rushed into the room-
"Impedimenta!" Harry heard a voice yell and he acted immediately.
"Protego!" Harry yelled as he rolled to the left, casting an invisible barrier around him that the spell somehow hit, but his attacker was super fast and had another spell on its way to Harry before he could send one at her.
"STUPEFY!"
Harry just managed to jump out of the way of the spell and landed on the ground. Both Harry and his attacker yelled.
"Expelliarmus!"
In a flash their wands were flying in the air, before Harry even moved the girl reached her hand up towards her wand, still in the air, and yelled.
"Accio!"
Her wand went flying into her hand and in one swift movement Harry found himself with a wand pointed at his throat.
"Err- Hello?" Harry said awkwardly, backed up against the wall opposite the girl. Her eyes shot wide-open and she leap off the chair she was standing on.
"I'M SO SORRY!!" she said in shock, before Harry could ask what was going on she continued, "Are you okay? Is anything broken?"
"Err- I'm fine. Why did we just duel?" Harry answered as the girl helped him up.
He studied her and found that she was extremely pretty. She had long, flowing brown hair that suited her perfectly. She had enticing, dark-blue eyes and a cute face. She was slim and looked very petite and stood in a very posh manner. Harry assumed she had probably had house-elf's serving her for her entire life, but Harry quickly dismissed the thought as he remembered that this posh girl had beaten him in a duel.
"Helloooooooo? Anyone there?"
Harry was quickly snapped out of his daze and he answered, "Hmm? Oh- Yeah. So why were we dueling?"
"Well I thought you were that little slime ball coming back for more," she said, with a look of disgust on her face, she was talking about Malfoy. Harry found that he now like this mysterious girl ten times better.
"Ahh, I see you've met Draco Malfoy. Me and him have been enemies since my first day here," Harry said as he sat down, forgetting about his wand that lay forgotten in the corner of the room.
"Well, he now has two enemies," she said happily. Harry grinned and started to get up for his wand before he was interrupted, "Allow me," the girl said before stretching out her wand-less hand.
She closed her eyes and looked to be in deep concentration. Then, Harry's wand flew into her hand. She snapped open her eyes and handed Harry the wand, smiling. Harry, dumbfounded, sat back down.
"Sorry. I don't think I've introduced myself. I'm Harry. Harry Potter," he said as he reached out his hand. Harry was relieved when she didn't stare at his scar like nearly everyone else did when he introduced himself. She reached over and shook his hand.
"Ah, Harry Potter, yes. My mum has told me so much about you!" she exclaimed, beaming at him. Harry was quite taken aback.
"Your mum?"
"Minerva McGonagall," she grinned.
"P-Professor McGonagall?" he stuttered out. She nodded her head.
"That's the one."
"Wow," was all Harry could manage. The girl seemed to be finding Harry's state of shock quite funny, "I didn't know she had a daughter!"
"Well, you wouldn't. Since I haven't been going to school here."
"Well, you must of went to some special Auror school. your amazing." Harry said truthfully.
"They don't teach that stuff at Auror school. I was educated at home by my Mum and my god-father. But my mum wanted me to come to Hogwarts this year since she and my god-father are busy with all this Voldemort stuff, well.. you know all about that."
"Your god-father?" Harry asked before he could stop himself. She smiled from ear to ear to Harry's relief.
"Yeah, he's a great man. But I just call him Uncle Albus." Harry choked as he heard this.
"Uncle Albus? You mean. Albus Dumbledore taught you?" Harry asked in disbelief.
"Yep," she sang happily.
"Well, that explains why I was the one on the floor," Harry laughed out.
"Oh, I just realised you don't know my name. I'm Lara, Lara McGonagall," she said, using a cheery voice as she stuck out her hand and Harry shook it.
"So... Why didn't you just come to school at Hogwarts instead of being taught by your mum and Dumbledore?" Harry asked. Lara seemed to be considering weather or not to answer Harry's question. But, eventually she did.
"Well, I have a rare condition," she started, choosing her words carefully, "It was discovered at an early age that when I get emotional, my magical power increases... and... I tend to hurt people. As you saw before with that Draco person. And I got emotional easily, not because I'm a spoiled little prat, but because people with my condition are very sensitive, to anything. So I was taught by my mum... because my dad left us when i was diagnosed with the problem..." Harry could sense the tears welling in her eyes so he quickly got up and sat down next to Lara and put his hand on her shoulder.
"I'm so sorry for asking, you don't have to continue," Harry soothed. She just shook her head.
"No, it's okay... So my mum told Dumbledore of my condition and he, since he was my god-father, began schooling me immediately, trying his best to teach me to keep my powers under control. So, finally, I can control them and I'm allowed to come to Hogwarts."
"Well," started Harry, grinning, "I hope your in Gryffindor."
At these words, Lara hugged Harry as started to cry deeply on his shoulder. Harry, not quite understanding why, hugged her back and rubbed her back, trying to soothe her.
Whenever Lara had told people about her condition she had always been called names and looked at in fear, she had always been whispered about and stared at. People never gave her a chance. and then there was Harry Potter.
"Please, don't cry," Harry cooed as he rubbed her back gently with his left hand as his right hand was holding one of hers, "I'm so sorry, whatever I did, I'm so sorry. just please don't cry."
To Harry's amazement Lara started to cry harder. What did I say? Harry thought to himself, desperately wanting her to stop crying. But before he could try to comfort her anymore, Harry felt an odd sensation emanating from Lara. The odd sensation soon turned to pain and Harry dropped to the floor of the compartment.

*

"Dean, face it, the-" Seamus began before his talk about Quidditch was interrupted.

"HARRY!!"
"What the.. ?" came Ernie Macmillan's confused voice. "HARRY!!""Harry!?" Ginny exclaimed as she shot up from Deans lap, "Come on!" she yelled as she sprinted out of the DA's compartment, wand at the ready. She ran down the hall towards where the voice was coming from, with the rest of the DA running behind.
"It's locked," Ginny whispered to Dean and Neville, who was surprisingly fast when he needed to be.
They waited for several more DA members to arrive and then they acted, with a nod of understanding. They all pointed their wands at the door and bellowed.
"Incendio!"
The door was reduced to ash and Ginny rushed in, closely followed by the others. She saw a lifeless Harry and a girl sitting in a ball in the corner, crying.
"Harry!" Ginny yelled as she dropped the floor beside him and felt for a pulse.
"What did you do to him!" Neville yelled at Lara, several people now had their wands pointed at her, she was crying and rocking herself.
"TELL US!" Seamus bellowed at her.
"I-I'm s-s-so sorry!" Lara cried out.
"WHAT DID YOU DO!?" came Dean this time.
"I-I d-didn't mean t-to."
Ginny shot up and advanced on Lara, her wand pointed at her heart.
"Tell us what you did to him or we'll have to use unforgivable curses that Professor Dumbledore gave us permission to use." came Ginny's calm voice.
"D-D-Dumbledore??" asked Lara, her voice full of worry. My own god- father? she thought.
"Yes, Dumbledore! Tell us now!" Ginny yelled.
"N-No, D-Dumbledore's m-" Lara pleaded.
"Crucio!" Ginny yelled.
"AGHHHHH!" Lara screamed, she was curled up in a ball, twitching due to the pain, then it stopped.
"Tell us!"
"D-Dumbledore's my g-g-"
"Crucio!" This time the spell came from Neville. Harry began to stir, but no one noticed.
"AAHHHHHHHH!" Lara yelled, the pain was unbearable. When the pain stopped Lara couldn't answer their questions, she just lay on the floor, unable to talk due to the pain. Lara braced herself, for she knew another cruciatus curse would soon be upon her.
"Cru-"
"EXPELLIARMUS" Harry roared and all the DA members wands flew into the air.
"ACCIO!" All the wands flew towards Harry.
"DELETRIUS" Harry roared and everyone's wands disintegrated into thin air.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Harry bellowed in fury and rage at everyone. Harry was standing in front of Lara now, who was lying on the floor, in a heap.
"H-Harry, we ju-" started Ginny, in a voice full of fear. Everyone just looked at Harry, not daring to move. Harry just stood there, his wand at his side. He was emanating a feeling of power not even Dumbledore possessed. He raised his wand into the air, pointing it at everyone.
"EVERYONE OUT!"
No one was stupid enough to try and refuse Harry's order and they all rushed out of the room in fear Harry might start sending curses after them. Ginny was the last person left, she looked at Harry then turned around to make her way for the door. Just as she reached the door it zoomed closed and locked itself magically. Since Ginny no longer had a wand she couldn't open it.
"Sit down," came Harry's calm voice. Ginny made her way to the seat and sat down reluctantly, she didn't dare speak. Harry bent down and picked up Lara, cradling her with one hand around her neck and one under her knees.
"H-Harry.." Lara smiled up at him at him.
"Shhhh. You need rest," Harry cooed and conjured a blanket onto the couch-length seat on the opposite site of the compartment as to where Ginny was sitting. He gently laid Lara onto it and he put the blanket over her. She fell asleep almost instantly and then Harry turned back around to face Ginny.
"Who is she?" Ginny asked immediately.
"Who is she. Who are you!" Harry exclaimed.
"Excuse me?" Ginny said, sounding offended.
"I thought I knew you, Ginny! How could you. an Unforgivable Curse? And for what!?"
"She tried to kill you, Harry!" Ginny yelled back at Harry, "Or are you denying it just because she is pretty!" Harry closed his eyes and breathed slowly for a few seconds.
"Get out," he said in a calm voice as he opened his eyes. Ginny, just sat there, staring at Harry as if he was an alien from another planet.
"Excuse me?"
"I said." Harry breathed, "Get out." Ginny slowly stood and walked across the room and found the door now unlocked, she gave Harry and Lara one last glance before walking out. Harry locked the door by magic again. He turned back around to the sleeping Lara but he heard something behind him. The door to the compartment flew open. Harry flung out his wand and yelled, "STAY BACK!"
"Harry, it's Lupin. Can I come in?"
"Lupin? What are you doing here?" Harry's voice went back to his usual tone.
"That doesn't matter now, Harry. I'm going to come in now, okay?" Lupin told Harry. Harry was about to say yes but he remembered Ginny using the unforgivable curse on Lara.
"No! Stay back! I'll hurt you!" Harry yelled his warning.
But before Harry knew what was happening he saw Tonks leap into the room, he heard a crack to his left and Moody was standing there. Harry, trying to protect Lara muttered, "Expelliarmus!" To their shock, Tonks and Moody's wands went flying into the air, "Acc-" Lupin stepped into the doorway before Harry could finish the spell and boomed. "STUPEFY!"

*

".disintegrated?"
"Yes, into thin air," answered Lupin, but it sounded as if he was asking a question.
"How extraordinary." came Dumbledore's voice.
Harry was now awake and he, not wanting to be noticed, opened his eyes the tiniest bit and saw that he was still on the Hogwart's Express. Though, Harry now lay on a comfy couch someone must have conjured. The sun that crept in through the window was slowly fading into night, which meant they weren't far from Hogwarts. Harry turned his head a fraction and saw Lupin, Moody and Tonks talking with Dumbledore on the other side of the compartment. He also noticed Professor McGonagall crouched down on her knees, softly smoothing Lara's hair. Lara lay awake on a couch very much like Harry's. Harry looked at her face and found that she was looking at him too. She smiled at him and Harry returned it, although weakly, he was still recovering from being stunned, though, Harry thought he should be used to it by now- it was becoming quite an annoying habit of his.
Professor McGonagall turned around slowly and saw Harry awake, she gave Harry a look he had never seen before- good or bad, he did not know- and said, "It looks like our Mr Potter is awake."
"Barely. why did you have to stun me?" Harry grinned at Lupin, who was now looking at him.
"Well, you didn't really leave us any choice. And I wasn't going to let you just destroy two more wands," Lupin grinned back.
"Hmm, oh- yes. you're right."
"But Harry, how did you do it?" Lupin asked, a tone of admiration in his voice.
"Do what?" Harry clarified as he hauled himself into a sitting position.
"Make over fifteen people's wands disappear in one spell." now came Moody's voice, using the same tone of admiration Lupin had used.
"I dunno, I just did what I felt was right- Hey, it worked didn't it?" Harry tried to say happily, knowing this conversation would soon turn very serious.
"Harry," started Dumbledore, the usual calmness in his voice and the twinkle in his eyes gone, "I've seen many great wizards and witches attempt to make wands disappear totally, none of them have been successful, one thing always remains left over from the wand- The Core."
"Look- I don't know and I really don't care, they deserve what they got," Harry started, he was now turning serious, "Dumbledore, they used the cruciatus curse on Lara."
"Harry, please don't. It was my fault-" Lara started.
"Your fault!? What have you told her!" Harry yelled at Dumbledore.
"The truth, Harry. the truth," Dumbledore said in a serious voice.
"Well, I don't know what version you heard but it wasn't her fault!" Harry tried to reason desperately.
"We heard Ginny Weasley's version of today's events and I must say I believe her, Harry," Dumbledore stated simply.
"Yeah, and I saw Ginny use the cruciatus curse on an unarmed girl- And for no reason!" Harry added, Harry saw Lara out of the corner of his eye. She had a big smile plastered to her beautiful face and tears welling in her eyes.
"No reason? I find the reason was there-"
"I don't believe this." Harry sighed as he ran his hands through his messy hair.
"Hear him out, Harry," Professor McGonagall said in a soothing voice.
"You! In case you haven't noticed- That's your daughter we are talking about!" Harry barked at his professor, he couldn't believe she had just asked him to hear Dumbledore out after her daughter had just had an unforgivable curse cast on her.
"Harry Potter! You will not raise your voice at me!" McGonagall replied, looking hurt. But before Harry could stop himself he found himself talking back.
"Or what- You'll put the cruciatus curse on me? If you don't care about it being put on your daughter I hardly think you'll think twice before putting it on me!" Harry barked back. Professor McGonagall looked quite taken-aback.
"Y-You- think. think I d-don't care?!" she asked looking into Harry's eyes.
"Not one bit."
Before Harry knew it Professor McGonagall had her wand drawn and it was pointed at Harry, her hand was shaking uncontrollably. Harry didn't see this coming and he was now backed into the corner of his couch. He was surprised to see that everyone in the room was just staring at them. Even Dumbledore was just observing, a curious twinkle in his eyes.
"Mum- please don't!" Lara yelled across to her mum, "He was just putting up for me!"
"No, Lara- He was just being typical Harry Potter, just like his father- showing off to all the girls and stringing them along for a ride," she answered as she looked into Harry's eyes, her now steady wand pointed directly at Harry's chest.
"You think this is showing off!?" Harry yelled at her in disbelief.
"Yes, Potter- I do."
"I don't believe this. I save your daughter from being hurt and you have your wand in my face," Harry sighed, "Go on, put it on me-"
Professor McGonagall tightened her grip on her wand. Harry looked around the room and saw everyone looking at the three people. Moody almost looked bored and Lupin just sat on the other side of the room, his face rested in his hands while he watched them- He looked as if he was watching some old episode of some drama show. Tonks looked half bored, half engrossed and Dumbledore still had that curious twinkle in his eyes. The next bit happened so fast that Harry barely had time to move.
"Cru-"
"Mum- NO!" Lara yelled and a flash of light came from Lara's outstretched hand and made her mothers wand fly into the air. But Professor McGonagall didn't turn to get her wand, she beamed happily at a now, extremely confused Harry and before he knew it he was being kissed all over the cheek.
"Awww.. How sweet," Tonks sighed as she wiped a tear from her eye. Moody just rolled his eyes lazily, which was quite spooky due to his magical eye and Lupin beamed at Harry when McGonagall had stopped kissing him.
"Err- What the..?" Harry asked, confused. To his relief, Lara had the same look of confusion on her face.
"Mum?" she asked, not sure of what just happened.
Professor McGonagall crossed the compartment, bent down and gave Lara a quick kiss before saying, "We all must be on our way, Tonks-?" she asked as she looked at Tonks, who nodded quickly, "Tonks will be staying here with you two for the remainder of the journey," Professor McGonagall finished, and before Harry or Lara could process any of this, they all disappeared in one big-

Crack!

"Well then," said a cheery Tonks as she sat down on the couch next to Lara, "That leaves just us then."
"Err- Tonks?" Harry asked uncertainty.
"Yeah?" she replied lazily.
"What just happened? One minute a wand is in my face then the next minute everyone is happy and leaves."
"Yeah." added a confused Lara, who was now suspiciously eyeing Tonks's sparkling blue hair.
"Ahh- Well I think its safe to say you two will find out before long," she grinned as she winked at both of them, "We'll, I think I'll go have a word with the driver, see when we get there."
And with that Tonks got up and left the room- not before sending another wink at Harry. Lara started giggling when she left.
"You got any idea what all that was about?" Harry asked Lara who was now rolling around on the couch giggling, "Come on- Tell me, your killing me.." Harry pleaded.
"I- I Think that they all think were dating or something." Lara said as she stopped giggling madly. Harry quickly turned a bright shade of cherry.
"Oh- Do they.. Wonder what gave them that impression?" he tried to answer smoothly, but Lara broke down into more laughter at this. Harry just stared at her, giggling like she had not a care in the world. She laughs like an angel. Harry found himself in his own dream world before he was snapped out of it by the compartment door sliding open. Hermione and Ron rushed in and both yelled in relieved voices.
"Harry!"
Hermione rushed forwards and gave Harry a hug that he returned, "The way your acting, you'd think someone had told you I had died or something," Harry laughed out. Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed.
"You'd be surprised at what some people are saying happe- AHHHHH!" Hermione yelped as she saw Lara sitting on the other side of the room, looking at Harry. Lara jumped back in surprise at this.
"Hermione- Shut up!" Harry hissed at her. Hermione quickly shut her mouth, looking quite hurt. Ron just looked at Lara- a blank expression on his face. Lara looked very uncomfortable, being gawked at by Hermione and Ron so she broke the silence.
"Hi, I'm Lara-" she began in a polite tone before Ron jumped back.
"The nutter that tried to kill Harry!?" he yelped in fear. Lara looked quite hurt at this and Harry quickly yelled.
"Ron- SHUT UP!" Lara looked a lot better after this, "Ron, Hermione- This is Lara McGonagall and no she did not try to kill me- if she wanted to kill me I would be dead," Harry continued truthfully. Now Lara blushed a bright shade of crimson.
"What?" was all Hermione could manage. Of everything she could say. She says 'What?'- Oh this is going just great! Harry thought angrily.
"Show them." Harry said in a bored voice. With a flick of Lara's hand the couch was now gone- and in its place stood a purple pillow. Hermione looked as if Christmas had come early.
"Wow- That's really good!" she beamed at Lara, who now looked a lot happier. Ron still had the blank expression on his face and Lara, not wanting to just make Hermione happy, flicked her right hand and Ron's clothes turned from dirty, shabby clothes to a nice looking dragon skin outfit.
"Wow- Thanks!" Ron said in awe as he inspected his new clothes.
"Do you see what I mean?" Harry asked Hermione and Ron. They both just nodded quickly.
"Lara, this is Hermione," Harry indicated to Hermione, although it wasn't necessary because it wasn't likely she was going to get the two mixed up, ".and this is Ron."
They had just been sitting down for a minute talking when Tonks came back into the compartment, "We'll be around an hour till Hogwarts," she told them as she sat down next to Lara. Harry took this opportunity.
"Lara.?"
"Yeah, Harry?" she asked, looking into his eyes.
"I don't want to sound rude and all, but would you mind if I had a quick talk with Hermione and Ron- alone?" he asked, trying not to sound as if he wanted her out of there.
"Not at all," she said as she got up, Tonks got up aswell and whispered something in her ear and then they left together.
"What is it- Harry?" Hermione asked immediately, a tone of concern in her voice.
"Guys. the people from the DA cast the cruciatus curse on Lara today," Harry whispered. To Harry's surprise, they both just nodded, as if expecting Harry to continue his story, he then whispered louder "THE CRUIATUS CURSE!"
"Yeah, Harry- Well last night.-You tell him," Ron finished, so Hermione continued.
"Last night Dumbledore came to us and gave us an order." Hermione continued, looking uneasy.
"What was it?" Harry whispered urgently, though he didn't know why, as Hermione and Ron were talking normally.
"It was to. protect you at all costs- anything goes."
"W-What!?" Harry shot back automatically.
"We'll Harry, you know all that prophecy stuff- Dumbledore told us- and if you die. you know," she said, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"So that gives them the right to torture Lara? She did nothing!" Harry spat out.
"That's not what we heard- Harry."
"So everyone's saying! They all believe Ginny!" he shouted in disbelief.
"Well, Harry- It's true. They walked into here and you were laying on the floor, not moving and your precious little Lara was in the corner! Who else do you think tried to kill you!?" Hermione shot back at Harry.
"WHY DOES EVERYONE THINK SHE TRIED TO KILL ME!? IT WAS MY FAULT I WAS ON THE FLOOR- Not that you would understand!" he spat angrily at Ron and Hermione, Hermione just continued in her usual tone, as if she hadn't been yelled at.
"But Harry, they all heard her, she said she was sorry and that she didn't mean it," Hermione reasoned- her patience growing thin.
"Look- I'm gonna try to explain this to you, but if you still don't want to accept it after that you can both get out," Harry stated calmly, Ron and Hermione just took seats while Harry stayed standing, "Lara has a condition where when she gets emotional she hurts people- not intentionally, I was just hugging her and I fell to the floor."
"Why were you hugging her?" Ron asked suspiciously.
"She was crying," Harry replied simply.
"Harry- What did you do!?" Hermione asked him, looking at him like he committed a terrible crime.
"Don't jump to conclusions Hermione! But I don't think I should be telling you why, partly because I don't know and partly because its personal. She'll tell you if she wants to or she wont, but don't go expecting her to. Your just gonna have to believe me."
"I'll accept that," said Ron, shrugging. Hermione nodded aswell.
"So." Harry begun, "You two made up?" Harry grinned at them. But, Hermione's eyes shot wide open and she quickly shot to the other side of the couch, "I'll take that as a no." Harry sighed. Harry had an idea and he quickly shot up, "Accio!", Harry was now so good at the spell the wands flew to him before they had any idea of what was going on. With their wands in his hand Harry jumped out of the compartment and locked it by magic and laughed out, "Have fun, Guys!"
"Harry! I'm gonna kill you!" Hermione yelled at him as she attempted to knock the door down, although she was laughing too. "Nah- You wont, well have fun... I'll be off now," Harry said cheekily as he pocketed their wands and set off down the hall. Harry needed some fresh air so he decided to walk to the end of the train where he could go outside. Harry swung the door to outside open and found Tonks and Lara there, talking, "Whoops, sorry," Harry apologized before he turned around to leave them alone.
"Harry, don't leave just because of me- In fact, I have to go.. you should be alright now were almost there," Tonks said quickly before disappearing. Lara just stood there, leaning against the rails, her hair swaying with the wind. Harry felt awfully uncomfortable now.
"Harry, what's wrong?" Lara asked genially, knowing something was troubling Harry. She stared into his green eyes as she waited for a reply.
"I- Err.. Had to tell Hermione and Ron about. you know," Harry replied as he looked away from Lara's piercing gaze.
"That's okay, Harry- But please. don't tell anyone else." Lara said in a sad voice. Harry let his curiosity get the better of him.
"Do you mind telling me why. Why did you start crying before?" Harry asked uncertainty. Lara shook her head and wiped a tear from her eye, she stared into Harry's eyes and started.
"When.. Whenever I told someone what was wrong with me. Th-They, They- " Lara started as tears started running down her face.
"I understand, you don't have to say any more," Harry cooed, he didn't want her to start crying again. Lara stretched out her arms and sobbed.
"Hold me, Harry."
"I-I don't think that would be a good idea," Harry coughed out, remembering what happened last time he held her. Lara kept her arms stretched out as more tears leaked out of her beautiful blue eyes, her hair was swaying in the wind.
"Please. Harry.. I just need to be held," she sobbed out in a pleading voice.
Harry stepped forward slowly and Lara threw her arms around his neck and cuddled into his chest. Harry awkwardly placed his hands around her back and just held her. Lara relaxed into Harry and he leaned back into the rails so he could support her. Harry remembered back to when Professor McGonagall was there and he broke the tranquil silence.
"You know. I think they knew this would happen," he said as he ran his hands through Lara's hair.
"Mmmm." was all Lara managed as she tightened her grip on Harry's neck, acknowledging she understood what Harry meant.
They stayed like this for what seemed like years. just holding each other. Neither saying anything- nothing needed to be said. Deep in his heart Harry knew there was something about Lara that he didn't want to let go of. That he would never let go of.

*

"Firs' years! Firs' years this way!" Hagrid boomed over the massive crowd of cold and shivering students. Harry and Lara stepped off the train, their fingers tightly linked, "All righ', Harry?" Hagrid asked in what was his best concerned voice as he easily cleared a path through the students and was soon standing in front of Harry and Lara.
"Yeah, I'm all right Hagrid. How are you?" Harry asked as he looked up at Hagrid who was looming far above him. Harry felt Lara's hand loosen it's grip and remembered she had probably never met a half-giant before and had probably read that giants were brutal creatures who killed for fun- which was true, minus a few exceptions.
"Yeh- Bin keepin' meh'self busy, ya know wha I'm talkin 'bout," Hagrid winked at Harry. Harry shuddered, he was pretty sure Hagrid was talking about Grawp, his half-brother and a proper giant whom Hagrid kept in the forbidden forest.
"Hagrid, this is Lara," Harry said as he stepped to the side so Hagrid could see Lara- she had been hiding behind Harry, "Lara, Hagrid is my friend and a teacher here," Harry told her, trying to get her to notice that Hagrid is about as harmless as a fly- minus a few exceptions, one of which was last year in Harry's astronomy exam where Hagrid single-handedly knocked out several aurors and fled into the forbidden forest. At this news Lara now stood straight and she tightened her grip on Harry's hand- which Hagrid noticed.
"Ah- I see yeh've gotten yerself a nice lady frein'," Hagrid beamed down at them, Harry blushed slightly, "It's a pleasur' to meet yeh, Lara," Hagrid said as he smiled at Lara and offered her his hand, which was nearly three times the size of hers. Lara took it with a shaking hand and pulled a weak smile before Hagrid remembered about escorting the first years to the castle, "Whoops- I got ter go, firs' years, yeh know," he winked before he turned around and led the first years towards the lake. Lara spoke immediately.
"Harry, was that a-"
"Giant? Yep- We'll half giant really," Harry corrected himself. Lara looked like she was going to be sick, "Don't worry, he is harmless- most of the time," Harry said under his breath.
"Most of the time?" Lara repeated.
"Never mind, I bet you'll like him though. Are you taking NEWT Car." Harry drifted off as he remembered he didn't even know what year Lara was in, his heart dropped, he hadn't even thought about Lara being in his year level- or even in his house.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Lara asked, her eyes were opened wide, waiting Harry's response.
"I only just remembered I don't even know what year your in." Harry sighed as he looked into Lara's eyes. Please let her be in her sixth year, please, please, ple-
"Year six of course," she stated happily. Harry couldn't contain his glee, he took a surprised Lara into a tight hug and when he pulled away Lara had a big, sexy- he thought- grin plastered to her face she took his hand and pulled him in the direction of the carriages, "Come on, or we'll be walking to the feast."
Just as they were about to enter an empty carriage Harry heard loud voices behind him
"HARRY!" He spun around to find a mad looking Hermione and a grinning Ron running towards them. Harry swallowed a big lump in his throat because he knew what was coming-
"HARRY! I can't believe you left us locked in the train! The driver had to let us out, only after we were banging on the door!" Hermione growled as she made an attempt to hit Harry, but Harry being quick just managed to duck out of the way.
"Yeah. Umm- Sorry?" Harry said, guilt creeping into him, "Well, did you make up?" he added quickly, hoping they wouldn't notice the change in topic.
"Yeah- friends again!" Ron beamed, Yesssss. Harry sighed mentally, they fell for it. Hermione also looked a lot happier now that she was friends with Ron again. Lara broke the silence-
"We'll, are we going to go to the feast or what?"

*

'Last time I sat here, on this stool

I told you all.. I warned you all,

That we must together stand united

Because divided we would fall,

Now I look around this hall-

At this slowly rotting school,

I see fear in your eyes

Because you did not heed my call,

Look what has happened-

I'll tell you once more,

Because this school has never been the same

Since the departing of the four,

For we were meant to be united

Under one common goal,

To teach bright young wizards and witches

The properties of a troll,

But we let our differences divide us

Into one of the four houses,

I feared from the very beginning

That we would go down in ashes,

But yet this school still stands

Teaching just the same,

I'm going to give you another warning

And if it is ignored

I fear that it will lead to great suffering and pain,

If we do not stand together

Under the one common goal,

And we keep diving ourselves

We will soon pay the toll,

So in these dark times

We must stand together,

We need to play our role,

For in the war that follows

We need to be strong on the whole,

We must not let darkness overcome

What is good and pure,

For I am the sorting hat

And I am sure,

That if you do not heed my advice

We will definitely not endure,

So.. I've told you.. I've warned you

It's now in your hands,

Now put me on your head

And I will sort you into one of the four,

It's not my wish

But it is my life-bound chore,

So will you go to Gryffindor

Where you need not be smart

But you will need to have a brave and daring heart,

Perhaps you'd rather Hufflepuff

Where they are just and loyal

Them Hufflepuff's are unafraid of toil,

But maybe you belong in Ravenclaw

Where you'll need to be on your toes

Because a good Ravenclaw always knows,

Lets not forget Slytherin

Where they do anything to achieve their ends

And them Slytherins have no trouble making good friends,

You've listened to my song

Now put me on and see where you belong,

I'm the famous sorting hat

And I've never been wrong!'

The sorting hat became motionless and the hall burst into applause, but this time, just like last year there were whispers and talking going on as a result of the sorting hats song. The first years seemed to be scared out of their wits at the hats dark and depressing song, very much unlike the happy song the hat had sung on Harry's first day at Hogwarts.
"He's not a very optimistic little hat, is he?" exclaimed Ron who was clapping lighter than everyone else.
"But he's right, you know," Hermione grimaced, "It sounds almost as if it knows what is going to happen."
"Look!" Harry whispered loudly as he pointed to the teachers table, they were all whispering, "I don't think they expected that."
"Hey. There's three empty chairs, isn't there only one teacher away?" Ron asked as Professor McGonagall went through the procedure to the first years and an out of place Lara, lots of people were pointing at her and whispering- mostly boys. Harry felt uncomfortable at this so he turned his attention back to what Ron and Hermione were discussing.
"Maybe we're going to have another big tournament thing?" Harry suggested because when the Tri-Wizard Tournament was announced there were extra seats, "And the spare seats are on either side of Dumbledore, must be someone important." Ron and Hermione just nodded and turned their attention to the sorting, Lara looked real nervous and Harry caught her eye and gave her an encouraging grin, she returned it in the form of a weak smile.
McGonagall finally stepped forward with a long roll of parchment in her hands and the sorting began:
"Abbott, Emma!"
A nervous little girl stepped forward and pulled the frayed sorting hat onto her head and sat down, after a short moment-
"HUFFLEPUFF!" the hat bellowed.
The little girl smiled from ear to ear as she took the hat off and went over to the Hufflepuff table, that was cheering and clapping. She took a seat next to- what had to be- her sister, Hannah Abbott who was in Harry's year.
"Blocks, Jordan!"
A trembling, freckly faced boy stepped forward and placed the hat onto his head and the hat was quick to make its decision-
"HUFFLEPUFF!" the hat bellowed, yet again.
The boy quickly raced over to the Hufflepuff table, who happened to be going crazy after two new students in a row, and sat down. Harry saw Hufflepuff ghost, the Fat Friar waving jovially at the new Hufflepuff.
After, what seemed an eternity- to Harry, the line thinned and students were distributed into their houses, until Lara was the only person standing, next to her mother. There was lots of whispering and talking- and pointing, by boys, which was annoying Harry greatly. Dumbledore stood up from the teachers table and the hall was swallowed in an excited silence. Dumbledore, as usual, beamed at all the students.
"This year, we welcome a new student to our school. She has transferred from the Durmstrang Institute and will be joining our sixth years. I hope you will treat her with that Hogwarts spirit we all have. Now let her be sorted."
The hall, still silent, all turned their heads to Lara, who now looked very nervous. Harry caught her eye and mouthed 'Durmstrang?' with a confused expression on his face, knowing that she didn't go to school there. Lara just gave Harry a playful wink and waited for her mother to call her name.
"McGonagall, Lara!"
The hall burst into hushed whispers at the mention of her surname. Boys, again were whispering and gawking at her. Harry looked across to the Slytherin table and saw a smug looking Draco Malfoy clear a seat next to him. Harry could barely restrain himself from pulling out his wand- or just jumping across the house tables and smack him in the face.
Lara stepped forward and sat down and pulled the hat over her head-
If you don't put her in Gryffindor I swear to Merlin that ill jump across the table and rip you into a thousand tiny pieces!! Harry yelled in his mind, though he knew no one could hear or anything- he just felt a lot better doing it. GRYFFINDOR!! PLEASE- PLEASE- PLEASE!! Harry wished.
"GRYFFINDOR!!" the hat bellowed.
Lara jumped out of the chair at an alarming speed, causing the hat to go flying to the ground- and sprinted the length of madly clapping Gryffindor table and jumped into the welcoming arms that belonged to Harry. Harry swung Lara around- tears of joy in his eyes. After they finished this they sat down together and Harry put his arm around Lara.
Harry felt the eyes of every boy in the hall on him, wanting to be him right now. He smiled to himself and tightened his grip on Lara and she leaned back into his chest. Harry looked over and saw Draco Malfoy staring daggers at him, Harry grinned at him and Draco turned away.
A beaming Dumbledore rose from his seat and the hall turned their attention to him, which Harry was grateful for. Dumbledore's arms were opened wide and he began.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Before we start the feast I would like to introduce the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers. Yes, this year we will have three new Professors appointed for the job. Firstly, give a warm welcome to Professor Tonks-"
In a flash Tonks was sitting in the chair next to Dumbledore, grinning and waving madly around the hall. The students whispered and pointed in awe as her hair was changing from each of the different houses colors. Harry knew it must have been painful- but she wasn't showing it.
"-Professor Tonks is also an Auror that has kindly accepted my offer to teach this year. We also have the real Professor Moody-"
Everyone gasped as Moody appeared next to Tonks, his eye revolving at alarming speeds, the students didn't know whether to clap or to run, but before they decided on either action Dumbledore resumed speaking.
"-Professor Moody is also a fellow Auror who accepted my offer to teach with Professor Tonks. Lastly- We have the return of a teacher many of you enjoyed, Professor Lupin-"
In another flash Lupin was sitting on the other side of Dumbledore. At this- the whole hall burst into applause.
"-So there you have it, two aurors and an experienced professor- All of them currently members of the Order Of The Phoenix. I hope you find them more enjoyable than last years teacher," Dumbledore finished in a tone of amusement.
The hall burst into a thunderous applause, all excitedly whispering and talking.
"..Order of the Phoenix- Wow!"
"-how is she doing that with her hair?"
"..isn't that guy a werewolf?"
"..eww- look at his eye!"
But no one was clapping and cheering more loudly than Harry, Ron, Hermione and Lara- even though she hardly knew them. The only table that wasn't all cheering and clapping, was- of course, the Slytherin table. Who all looked at the three new professors with looks of utmost hatred. Harry found himself- to his amazement, wishing Draco Malfoy was in his Defence Against the Dark Arts class this year. Harry laughed when he saw Snape looking at the three new professors sitting next to Dumbledore with a look that he usual reserved just for Harry.
"This year is going to be awesome!" exclaimed Ron as the plates in front of them filled with all sorts of wonderful foods.
"Tell me about it!" Harry agreed excitedly as he let go of Lara so they could both eat.
"Are you doing Defence Against the Dark Arts this year, Lara?" Hermione asked.
"Yep- Tonks has already told me I can help demonstrate things since I'm ahead of where you guys are going to start," she said happily.
"Ous' r ou ahead oof ous?" Ron managed through a mouthful of his mashed potatoes.
"Ron! Your such a pig!" Hermione scolded, much to Harry and Lara's amusement. Ron quickly swallowed his mouthful.
"Sorry- How are you ahead of us?" Ron asked Lara.
So Lara went on to explain that she had been taught by her mother and Dumbledore (Harry couldn't help but notice how jealous Hermione looked) and after the feast Dumbledore gave out the usual end of feast notices and Harry and Lara made their way up to Gryffindor tower ahead of Ron and Hermione- who had to escort the first years. And entered the common room due to the password Hermione had given them ('Chocolate Frogs'). Lara gave Harry a quick peck on the cheek and Harry somehow managed to find his way to his bed in his daze and fell asleep- a big grin plastered to his face.

*

Harry had been sitting in his favorite comfy chair, by the fire in the Gryffindor common room for nearly half an hour. He had been abruptly awakened by a sound from outside, and when Harry looked out his window to find who had waken him from his peaceful sleep he noticed that it was Hagrid, easily visible in the moonlight. He appeared to be making some kind of small building positioned near his hut,- close to the edge of the forest, trees that previously belonged to the forbidden forest now lay scattered around the building site. But upon closer inspection he found that it looked almost like. a stable. Harry's mind began racing with terrible thoughts of dragons and dangerous monsters upon this news. A stable surely meant Hagrid was going to expect them to look after some dangerous creature and Harry found that with this news fresh in his mind he couldn't get back to sleep.
So here he was, Sitting in front of the warm and welcoming fire in the common room, his blanket wrapped tightly around him. It was a good five hours before people would start emerging from their dormitories to head down to the great hall for breakfast and their first day of the new school year. Harry thought back to last year's first day:
It had started good enough, with Harry learning that Angelina Johnson was the new Gryffindor Quidditch captain, but from the moment they had received their time-tables the day went downhill. They suffered an hour and a half of Professor Binns droning on about giant wars, which was enough to put anyone asleep- minus Hermione of course, who seemed to be able to resist the temptation to just drop down onto her desk and fall asleep, but the majority of the class didn't even attempt to fight it. Then, Harry had to endure his least favorite lesson, Potions- in which he failed to hand up the potion they had been brewing- due, largely to Professor Snape, and had been set a big long assignment on the properties of Moonstone. Then Harry and Ron had spent a boring lesson of Divination interpreting bits of dreams and they had again been set a big lot of homework. Then to top the day off he had been given detention by Professor Umbridge- not one, not two, but a whole weeks worth of them.
Harry quickly hoped that today would be much better than his first day of his fifth year. He went through all the subjects and found- to his disbelief, that the only lesson out of his last years first day he actually had, was Defence Against the Dark Arts. And this year Harry hardly saw himself spending a week in detention. Harry felt excitement pump through his veins when he remembered this. He could remember just how fun and interesting lessons with Professor Lupin had been- now he also had Moody teaching, which was sure to be interesting, considering how Moody was arguably the best Auror ever- Tonks was also teaching, that was bound to be fun. Harry couldn't wait to find what they would be learning in their lessons but something in the back of Harry's mind reminded him that the only reason he didn't have potions was because he still had not received his grade. The excitement that was pumping through Harry's veins now turned to fear and worry.
Why hadn't he received his Potions results? Harry quickly remembered Lupin telling him that Dumbledore was going to explain why when he returned to Hogwarts, so that would probably be today. Lupin had also told him that it was much more important than NEWT level Potions but Harry couldn't block out this depressing feeling that slowly crept into him- He would not become an Auror. Harry started to think of the reason behind his result being kept from him before something happened-
Harry felt a warm, gentle and soft pair of hands cover his eyes from behind- Like someone did when they wanted you to guess who it was. But Harry didn't even have to think of who it was, he knew. He gently peeled one hand from his face and slowly swung it around the chair he was sitting in, dragging a beautiful Lara in front of him.
She was wearing cute little pajamas- her top had buttons down the front of it and long sleeves, that were a bit to big for her and only her fingers stuck out from them, in a cute way. She also had long pajama pants on aswell. Her pajamas sported a darkish tingle of blue that made her mysterious dark-blue eyes stand out. She was holding gently onto Harry's one hand with both of hers- Harry couldn't help but notice the way she innocently bit her bottom lip, it was driving him crazy. Everything about her was driving him crazy.
Harry liked being around Lara, he still hardly knew her but he felt different when he was around her. He didn't feel stupid and clumsy like he did when he had been with Cho last year- He wasn't conscious of every little movement he made around her and he didn't find himself at a loss for words- because Harry and Lara didn't really rely on words to communicate.
"Couldn't sleep?" she asked softly as Harry opened the blanket that was wrapped around him. Harry shook his head as Lara smiled and crawled under the blanket- sitting on his lap, his chin rested on her shoulder. Harry laid the blanket back over them and he put his arm around her, she held onto his hand. Harry leaned to the side of the chair, brining Lara with him. Without saying anything, Harry felt Lara slowly fall into a peaceful sleep, then- tightening his grip on Lara, he slowly drifted off to sleep.

*

Harry awoke slowly from his tranquil sleep and opened his eyes and saw another pair of them staring into his. Harry was about to jump back in surprise but he quickly noticed that them eyes were a mysterious dark-blue and that they belonged to Lara. She was looking into his eyes as her left hand lazily massaged Harry's side. Her head was propped up on her elbow- supported hand and she smiled when she saw Harry relax after he had been temporarily surprised as to who was next to him, laying on what now was no longer Harry's favorite chair by the fire, Lara had turned it into a couch very much the same as the chair, and just as comfy and soft, she smiled and said- in her most playful voice, "Forget who you sleep next to that quick, Huh?"
Harry noted the playful tone in her voice and he replied, in his playful tone, "Sorry, you are.?" Lara was quick to respond with a playful punch into Harry's chest with her hand that had previously been giving Harry a nice and lazy side-rub.
"Hey," Harry groaned in protest, "Don't stop- your so good." Lara just smiled and went back to rubbing Harry's side, "How long were we asleep?"
"Around three hours- There's still plenty of time till people start getting up," she answered knowingly. Harry found that she looked so pretty with the reflection of the near-dead fire giving her face a small glow.
"I have to say that they were the three best hours of sleep I've ever had," Harry grinned, as he ran his hands through her silky smooth brown hair.
"Are you trying to flatter me, Mr Potter?" she said, blushing.
"It's working," Harry stated through a big grin as he caressed her blushing cheeks softly. Lara took Harry's hand from her face and held it tightly. Harry saw everything in Lara turn serious- from the way Lara held his hand, to the look in her eyes, the way she stopped massaging his side and even the look of her face.
"Harry. I want to tell you how sorry I am for what happened on the train. And I cant guarantee it wont happen again. so- so I'll understand if you don't want to be with me anymore," she said slowly as she looked into Harry's eyes, tears forming in her own. Harry felt a feeling spur deep inside of him, pumping through his veins. He carefully reached forward and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Lara, that's in the past, that was an accident- What I'm worried about is the present and right here, right now, I'm with the most beautiful and caring girl I have ever known. I feel like I have known you for years, and yet I have known you for hours. I'm not worried about me, Lara- If what happened on the train happens again, so be it. I'd gladly let it happen- again and again and again- if that's what it takes to be with you," Harry said softly as looked into her eyes, she was again biting her bottom lip in that innocent way.
"Oh. Harry!" she sighed as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. Harry- not feeling embarrassed or clumsy, tightly wrapped his hands around Lara. He felt Lara start to cry again and held her tighter, "Harry, it's g-going to happen a-again." she whispered into his ear through her tears.
Harry closed his eyes and breathed in, he gripped Lara even tighter and softly whispered into her ear, "Let it happen."
Lara started to cry harder at this as she gripped tighter to Harry's neck and then Harry felt the oddly familiar sensation emanate from Lara and just like last time- it quickly turned into pain, and he fell unconscious- still tightly gripping Lara.

*

Harry was slowly waking up and he flung his arm over and felt the area next to him- Expecting to feel Lara, but instead his hand felt what Harry quickly recognized as his four poster bed. He shot up and looked around, yes- he was now in his dormitory, the light snoring of Neville filled the room. Harry quickly looked out the window next to his bed and saw the sun was slowly rising on the horizon.
Harry racked his brain, putting together the pieces that were the previous hours. Lara and him. Surely it wasn't a dream, it was so real. But then how had Harry gotten back in his bed? Harry jumped out of his bed and quickly pulled on his new robes he had brought from Diagon Alley in the holidays and hastily jumped down the stairs, two at a time, that led into the common room.
"Empty." Harry sighed in frustration as he looked around the deserted common room. He walked towards his favorite chair by the fire, something clicked in Harry's mind- the chair was still a chair, not the couch he remembered laying on, ".A dream." Harry confirmed sadly as he punched the chair.
"Hey- Harry."
Harry quickly span around and he saw a worried looking Hermione walking over to him.
"Hey." Harry said absent-mindedly, thinking of just leaping past Hermione and running up to the girls dormitories, even though he knew he couldn't due to the stairs turning into a nice long slide when boys tried to climb them.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, sounding concerned and genuine.
"It's nothing."
"Come on Harry, there's something wrong. You can tell me, Harry," Hermione pleaded. Harry just remembered what had happened between them two in the holidays and felt stupid, he knew he could tell Hermione anything.
"It's Lara." Harry drifted off, not sure if he should tell Hermione what had happened. But Hermione's eyes shot wide open and she exclaimed.
"How did you know?"
"Know what?" Harry replied quickly, something was wrong.
"That Lara isn't up in bed!"
"What?!" Harry answered automatically, but he did not wait for Hermione to reply. He bolted up the stairs to his room, making quite a noise upon entering the room which woke everyone up immediately.
"Harry- what you doin?" came Ron's tired voice. But Harry quickly checked everywhere in the room then, ignoring more calls from Seamus and Dean, he made his way back to the common room. Hermione was now leaning against a chair, an anxious look on her face.
"Well?" she asked with hope in her voice.
"Nothing," Harry shook his head, "I'm going to go find her, I'll meet you at breakfast," Harry added hastily when Hermione started to follow him. She nodded her head in understanding and Harry left the common room. He still didn't know where to go, but he thought he might try the staff room to see if Professor McGonagall was there, she would probably know where Lara was.
As Harry approached the staff room door he noticed the two stone gargoyles that flanked either side of it. Harry found the two gargoyles really annoying and didn't feel like being told of for something minor, or something he didn't do. He hesitated, but kept walking until he was standing in front of the door. Harry eyed the two gargoyles suspiciously- expecting them to jump up and start talking the moment he knocked on the door.
A long silence ensued and Harry assumed that even stone gargoyles had to sleep. So he raised his hand and knocked on the door. Harry heard footsteps approaching the door and it swung back to reveal, to Harry's disgust, Professor Snape.
"Potter," Snape said coldly, "What?"
"I need to see Professor McGonagall," Harry shot back coolly.
"And I, Potter- Need you to go away, before you loose your house ten points. But, by all means- stay, there's nothing I would like better than to start the term with Gryffindor in minus points."
"I need to see Professor McGonagall," Harry repeated coolly. Snape's lip curled at this and he shot Harry a death stare before retreating back into the staff room- ignoring Harry completely.
Harry stepped into the staff room and closed the door, he saw Snape sitting back down all alone at one end of the massive staff table, reading the Daily Prophet. Harry looked towards the other end and saw Tonks and Professor McGonagall sitting opposite from Lara- talking. Harry's heart skipped a beat at this good news and he slowly walked across the room, out of the vision of Lara, who had her hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee while she was talking animatedly with the two Professors. He was now standing behind Lara- but at a distance she wouldn't notice. Harry looked up and saw Tonks give him a wink.
"We'll I'm gonna head down to the great hall for some breakfast," Tonks said as she got out of her chair, "Care to join me, Lara?"
"No thanks. I think I'll go back to Gryffindor tower and get Harry," she answered as she shook her head. Harry stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Or we can just go from here?" Harry suggested as he looked down.
"Harry!" Lara sang happily as she got out of her chair and gave him a hug, "I thought I'd have to come wake you up after what happened."
It wasn't a dream! A big smile spread to Harry's lips at this realization and he grabbed Lara's hand and said goodbye to Tonks and Professor McGonagall, who was looking at Harry weirdly and then they walked to the great hall for breakfast.
Harry and Lara took seats next to Ron and Hermione, who were already eating breakfast when they had arrived. Harry looked down the table and saw Ginny staring his way with a look of hatred in her eyes. Harry couldn't tell who she was staring at out of the four but he had a very good idea of who it was. When Harry caught her eye she quickly went back to eating.
Harry was just about to take a bite of his breakfast when there was a massive clatter and hundreds of owls came swooping into the hall through the upper windows, bringing gifts and letters to their owners. Harry instinctively looked up to check if Hedwig had anything for him and to his surprise- she did. Hedwig swooped down and dropped just to the side of his breakfast and held out her leg patiently. Hedwig hooted softly- expecting thanks, but Harry just looked at his letter, addressed to him, but in a handwriting Harry had never seen before. Harry opened the letter:

Harry,

We need you to come up to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom you had when Remus taught you, bring your wand. Don't worry- You have us first lesson anyway. Bring Lara. Come now.

Tonks

Harry re-read the letter quickly then looked at Lara and to his surprise- She was petting Hedwig and Hedwig was hooting approval as Hedwig drank from her goblet.
"Lara, we need to go- I'll explain on the way," Harry told her, Lara just nodded and gave Hedwig one last pat before getting up from the table. Harry looked at a confused Ron and Hermione and told them any excuse he could think of, "I have to show Lara where the staff room is." Ron nodded his understanding and went back to eating but Hermione looked unconvinced. But she just gave them a suspicious look and went back to eating. Harry and Lara started the long journey to the classroom.
"What is it, Harry?" Lara asked as they walked down a deserted hallway littered with paintings of famous dragon handlers. Harry just pulled the letter out of his pocket and handed it to Lara. She read it quickly and asked, "Do you have your wand?"
"Yep," Harry grinned as he pulled out his wand from his pocket. He now knew that anything could happen at Hogwart's and it was best to take your wand everywhere with you, "Do you?"
Lara stopped walking suddenly and closed her eyes- just like she did when Harry first met her. She looked to be in deep concentration and her hand started vibrating uncontrollably. Harry was getting worried and was about to ask if she was alright when her wand suddenly materialized into her hand. She opened her eyes and grinned, "Yep."
"Wow. your going to have to show me that one."
"Hah! Don't get to far ahead of yourself!" Lara sang happily and with that she waved her wand less hand and Harry's wand flew into her hand. Before Harry had a chance to react Lara was running down the hall, laughing. Harry took after her.
"You don't even know the way!" Harry laughed out ahead of himself, Lara was now far in front of him. She was quite an athlete, she laughed more at this and started running faster.
"We'll I guess you have to catch me and show me!"
At this challenge Harry picked up his speed, following Lara left into the hall where Harry took charms. Harry chased Lara down this hall, she seemed to be wearing out and Harry still had lots left. He rounded the corner and found that Lara was no where to be seen. Harry spun around looking in all directions for a clue as to where she was hiding. "Lara?" he called out to the hall. It echoed back at him, then he heard laughing above him. Harry looked up and to his shock Lara was standing on the beam that supported the roof above him, "How did you get up there?"
She laughed, "I climbed, silly."
"Wow, your quite an athlete," Harry commented, still steadying his breathing, "You should try out for the Quidditch team."
Lara shook her head and out of the blue jumped down from the roof at Harry. Harry panicked and tried to catch the falling Lara- but all he managed to do was to act as a human mattress and he was now painfully laying on the ground, Lara was laying on top of him, laughing, "We'll you should have to try out too! I thought seekers were meant to catch things?" she grinned playfully at him.
"Well." Harry managed, gripping his chest in pain, "I cant exactly try out now," he grimaced. Lara smiled, looking into Harry's eyes, and reached under his robes, "W-What the?" he stuttered in surprise. Harry felt Lara's warm hands on his bare chest, where the pain was. She closed her eyes in concentration and her whole body started to shake lightly. Harry felt a strange feeling emanate from Lara and Harry quickly tried to pull her hand away from his chest in fear, "No- Lara, not now!" Harry exclaimed in pain, gripping his chest over Lara's arm that he couldn't move.
Lara started to shake violently now, anyone who walked into the hall would think she was having a bad seizure. Harry was really worried about what was happening now, he didn't know if he was worried for himself or for Lara- but he was worried, scared. The strange sensation emanating from her hand didn't turn to pain like usual, instead- Harry felt the pain from his chest lift, rippling out through his entire body.
Lara collapsed onto Harry's chest, which was now feeling great, her breath was now ragged and hoarse. Harry slowly reached his hand to Lara's face and tilted her head softly so he could look into her eyes. He looked into her eyes and jumped back, they were no longer the mysterious dark-blue that fascinated Harry but they were now totally white, as if she didn't have pupils. Lara had somehow noticed that Harry had jumped back at seeing her eyes and she whispered, in her soft and caring voice, "Don't be scared, Harry."
"Lara!" Harry pleaded, "Why did you do that to yourself!" Lara's pupils were now starting to come back into her eyes, her breath was returning to normal.
"I-I'm sorry." she sobbed as her face now returned to her usually beautiful look. Harry quickly cupped her face.
"Lara, I didn't mean to yell. But you scared me, warn me next time- Okay?"
"Okay," Lara whispered as she wiped some tears from her eyes and picked herself up from the hard stone floor. She helped Harry up and he took her hand and squeezed I reassuringly as they started to walk, the now even longer path to the classroom Tonks, Lupin and Moody were waiting for them. But Harry was sure that by the time they got there it would be class time due to the delay.
"Lara?"
"Mmmm?" she made as she looked up into Harry's eyes, now her usual happy self.
".What. did you do?" he asked uncertainly as they rounded a corner. Lara stopped and leaned slowly back into the wall, holding Harry's hand lightly on her fingertips as she looked into his eyes.
"Well." she started as she pulled Harry close to her, so she was right up against the wall, now her mouth was at his ear. The hallway was completely deserted but she just continued, in a low whisper, "People with what I have- Wait," she interrupted herself, Harry listened closely, "That's kind of a stupid thing to say. since the thing I have has no name and only one other person has ever had it and she died hundreds of years ago." Harry felt his heart stop for a moment, he felt sorry for Lara, even after everything Harry had been through. But before Harry could think about it or try to say something she continued, "We'll, the lady before me, Julia Namingway- "
"Wait!" Harry interrupted, he searched his brain and remembered why that name was familiar, "I've seen her portrait," Harry said, leaving out the little detail that he had destroyed it the night Voldemort left Harry's body.
"Well," Lara continued, as if Harry didn't interrupt her, "Julia Namingway had the special power to touch things and communicate with them, manipulate feelings, give them powers. She was probably the most famous healer ever, she could completely heal people in just one touch. I'm learning to control my ability so I can do it too- in time, I want to be a healer just like Julia. I want to make up for all the pain I have caused in the world." Lara drifted off as silent tears streaked down her face. Harry noticed this and tried to comfort her.
"Lara, what are you talking about? You haven't caused the world pain. You've only caused me, and I'm sure many others, happiness and joy," he soothed as he eased off the wall and wrapped his arms around her.
"THAT'S NOT TRUE!" Lara burst out through her tears and Harry suddenly felt the now familiar feeling emanate from her quickly and he blacked out.

*

Harry slowly opened his eyes and blinked a few times and Dumbledore's office slowly came into view. Harry looked across and saw Dumbledore staring at him absent mindedly. Harry noticed that it was dark outside and quickly remembered what had happened, "Lara!" Harry shouted to himself as he shot out of his chair.
".Wants me to tell you something," Dumbledore said calmly, Harry quickly replied.
"What? What's happened?"
"She wants you to know why she did what she did this morning.But what I am about to say never leaves this room." Harry had no idea why Lara had suddenly lost control like that. this morning? Harry quickly figured out that he had been unconscious for the whole day. Harry, knowing no good could come out of this, slowly nodded his head and sat back down in the chair across from Dumbledore.
"What is it?" Harry asked, breaking the awkward silence.
"Harry, do you remember anything important about the year 1985?" Dumbledore asked Harry, the calmness in his voice on the brink of disappearing. Harry, not knowing where this was going, simply shook his head, "Well. Lara does. September 19th, 1985. it was the day Lara discovered her powers," Dumbledore said, his voice filled with sorrow, "It was also the day a terrible, terrible event took place. That day, Lara happened to be on holiday with her father in Mexico, as her mother was busy working here. She was just 5 years old. a happy, curious little girl with not a care in the world. she had wanted ice-cream and her father was buying some at a store, when he went back to the table Lara was sitting at he found she wasn't sitting there anymore. she was lost, in Mexico City." Dumbledore drifted off, finding it hard to keep talking, "September 19th, 1985 also happened to be the day a massive earthquake hit Mexico-" Harry's eyes shot wide open, "ten thousand dead, many more injured and thousands more left homeless-"
"NO!!!" Harry screamed at Dumbledore in disbelief as he shot out of the chair so fast it went flying into the wall- all the paintings on the office wall were awoken from snoozing, "YOUR LYING!"
Dumbledore simply shook his head, "It's true, Harry."
"NO!" Harry pleaded, his head shaking from side to side, "..no!" Harry was now slowly stumbling around the room in one big daze, tears were dripping from his eyes as he shook his head slowly, "..no." he cried as he fell backwards into the wall, "Lara." Harry sobbed as he slowly fell down the wall, his face in his hands, "Lara. I'm so sorry." he cried as he slowly fell into blackness.