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Saerelle: No, I don't have a beta. Would you mind. Part of the issue working off a laptop is my letters don't always show up, I guess.

"Go on; Ask her." It had been 3 days since the incident in the Great Hall where Justin had slipped up about his feelings. For the first time, Justin felt like he belonged. Harry and Ron talked to him kindly, but they never ceased to taunt him about how he felt for Hermione. He looked up at Hermione. She was avidly listening to Professor Sprout and quietly taking notes. Justin sighed and watched as her eyes lit up in interest, the way her quill moved across the page, and how every few minutes, her finger would lift up to brush her long hair out of her eyes. He smiled dreamily, imagining his fingers running through her hair. Harry and Ron grinned and they slowly nudged Justin.

"Ask her," they whispered. Justin's face became pale. He quickly looked back to studying Hermione. A goofy smile spread across his face when Hermione grinned at being awarded points for answering a question. She was so intelligent.  Justin jumped at hearing Professor Sprout call his name.

"Huh?"

Professor Sprout frowned at him as he had clearly not been paying attention, although it was a rare sight indeed for Justin not to be paying attention. Hermione and Justin were her two best students.

"I asked if you could explain how the Willobee can be used in healing."

"Oh." He blushed. Hermione looked at him, amused. She smiled at him encouragingly.  Justin met Hermione's eyes and turned even redder. Harry and Ron tried to hold in their laughter. Justin looked back to the professor. "Well um, that is…it can um be used for severe cuts and can..it can lessen the pain after a Crucio. And um that's all I can remember." He stuttered. Professor Sprout studied him. He was nervous about something, which was rare in Herbology. She shrugged. "Good. 10 points to Hufflpuff and Mr. Potter, Weasley, please settle down."

 Hermione smiled at Justin and he grinned at her stupidly before glaring at Harry and Ron. Justin quickly gathered his books and shoved them in his bag when class ended.

He quickly ran out the door before Harry, Ron, or Hermione could stop him. He was really embarrassed. Hermione looked after him, quite confused. No matter. She would talk to him after Charms, which they shared with Ravenclaw.

Justin sighed. He was supposed to Transfigure his teacup into a bird, but he just couldn't concentrate. His mind kept drifting to Hermione. Mostly, he remembered her face when she had discovered that she may not be able to compete. He sighed and lazily waved his wand, trying to think of how to help her. I wonder if I can still skate ."That's it!" he exclaimed. The class looked up at his outburst and McGonagall frowned when she saw his teacup had turned into a kitten.

"Mr. Finch-Fletchley! What is the matter with you? Please focus on getting the proper transformation and refrain from your loud outbursts." Justin looked down, embarrassed. "Sorry Professor." She nodded. Something was going on with that student. He was usually such a good student, like her star student, Ms. Granger.

"Mr. Finch-Fletchley, would you please stay for a moment?" Justin sighed and made his way to Professor McGonagall's desk. "Please, have a seat." Justin sat down in front of her. He slowly met her eyes, which as usual, were concerned. McGonagall knew how people treated Justin and made an effort to ease him out of his shell and go beyond a professor to him. "Is something the matter, child?"

"I…." McGonagall met his eyes, waiting patiently. That was how to reach Justin. He would open up.

"Yes?"

"I made a fool of myself in Herbology and everyone started laughing. Well not Hermione, but that's because she's different and doesn't laugh at people. And and; it's not fair. She's worked so hard and it's her dream and she may not even be able to compete now and she's been so wonderful and I can never repay her for all that she has done and why are people so cruel? Do you know Malfoy and Zambini attacked her?" McGonagall hid a smile. It seemed that young Justin had developed a crush on his fellow prefect. Two people who couldn't be more alike. They were perfect for each other, she thought to herself. She looked back to Justin.

"People are cruel, but you are an intelligent young man. Ms. Granger doesn't open up to people easily, but she has seen something in you. Don't worry about what happened in Herbology. I know it is hard, but your fellow classmates are immature. Just, think of good things. I see Ron and Harry seem to be letting you in, maybe it's because of Ms. Granger, but things are changing. As far as Malfoy and Zambini, they will be punished. Fletchley, I know what you are going through, but look things are looking up. You've gained a wonderful friend in Ms Granger. You don't have to be alone anymore." Justin nodded.

"Thank you Professor. I needed to hear that." She nodded.

"You can always talk to me." Justin nodded and bid McGonagall good day and headed towards the common room, only to be intercepted by Harry and Ron. He gulped. He liked Harry and Ron, but knew they were going to tease him about his crush or at least continue trying to play matchmaker. He appreciated it, but he was just too nervous to tell Hermione how he felt and didn't believe she liked him in that way. Harry and Ron's latest scheme was to get Justin and Hermione to go to the upcoming Christmas Ball together.

"So Justin my man!"  Ron and Harry each put an arm around his shoulders. Justin gulped as they led him in the direction of the common room.

"'Mione's in there."

"Ask her."

"I can't."

"Aw come now; you don't want to keep your princess waiting now, do you?"

"She doesn't like me in that way."

"Oh but Fletchley, she will in good time, she will. You don't want her going to the ball with Malfoy now, do you?"

"She wouldn't go with him."

"No, but I suppose Flint may ask."

"No, she wouldn't; she hates him."

"Yes, but then there is Seamus, Dean, Terry, Roger, Neville…." Justin glared "Well you get the picture."

"So Justin, I suggest you go in and ask her before someone else does."

They were interrupted by Terry. "Hey guys! Seen Hermione? Wondering if she wanted to go to the ball." Justin became pale. Of course Hermione would agree to go with Terry. Terry was well liked. He wasn't a nobody. Ron and Harry exchanged a look.

"She's um-she had to go serve detention with Snape!" They said quickly.

"Oh. Thanks. I guess I'll ask her later. I hope I'm not too late. Better get to the library. See you." He walked off. Harry and Ron looked at Justin meaningfully.

"We just lied to Terry so he wouldn't be able to ask her. Now ask her!"

"But.."

"Ask her! Or do we have to take drastic measures?"  Justin shivered. He knew they were not joking and Ron was the younger brother of the infamous Weasley twins. He had no doubt that one owl and he would be doomed. He looked at Harry and Ron, who were looking at him impatiently. He was a Hufflepuff, not a Gryffindor, but he wouldn't be able to handle seeing Hermione in Terry's arms. He had to try. Sighing in defeat, he muttered the password. Harry and Ron grinned and walked off when Justin entered the common room. Hermione was sitting on the couch looking over her Charms essay. She looked up upon hearing someone enter.

"Oh hi Justin!" She smiled at him warmly and Justin could feel his heart flutter.

"Mai Mai. Can I..can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure Jus. What's up?" Justin walked over and took a seat next to her.

"I—I was wondering if you were going to the ball." Hermione's eyes widened. Maybe Harry and Ron were right. She took a deep breath.

"Yeah; I suppose, being as I'm a prefect and all, I should go."

"You don't have anyone to go with?"

"Nah. I usually go with Harry or Ron, but they are dating Ginny and Padma now." She shrugged and looked at him expectantly. He looked awfully nervous.

'Would you.; I mean that is-do you mind if."

"What is it Jus? She laid a hand on his arm.

"Would you go to the ball with me?" He looked at her nervously. "As friends of course. You could dance with whomever; I just-I have to go and don't want to go alone and um-that I you're my only friend and um I think that um well it might be nice?" he stuttered. Hermione smiled warmly at Justin. It was obviously hard for him to ask, seeing as he had no friends, never knew how to. It was too bad. Justin was a really sweet boy.

"Yes Justin, I'll go with you."

"You will?" Hermione noted that he looked surprised.

"Of course I will Justin." Justin smiled.

"Thank you" He kissed her on the cheek. Hermione blushed. Why am I blushing? It's Justin! One of my best friends! I didn't blush when Kelly would kiss me? What's wrong with me? She shook her head of her thoughts and smiled at Justin, who had pulled out his books and was immersed in Transfiguration. She noted his cheeks were also red. She smiled and looked back to her Transfiguration homework. It had been a routine for Justin and Hermione to study together for all their classes. They looked up upon seeing Dean, Terry, and Hannah enter. Hannah had a smirk on her face.

"Hi Mione!" Dean and Terry called. Hermione frowned, noting that Justin was ignored again. Justin looked back to his book. He brought out a goblet and concentrated upon his transfiguration. Hermione smiled at him. He looks so cute when he concentrates. Hermione smacked herself mentally. She wasn't supposed to be having these thoughts when she had just broken up with Kelly. Kelly? Oh, she had liked Kelly, but she wasn't having thoughts about Kelly. She hadn't paid attention to little details like she did with Justin and that confused her. Wasn't one supposed to have thoughts about their boyfriend or as the case with her, her ex-boyfriend when they were dating? The more she thought about it, she realized their relationship was doomed from the start. The only thing they shared in common was the ice-skating and they didn't even have that in common anymore. But Justin? Justin was sweet, caring, understanding, serious about his studies, intelligent, shy, quiet, funny, cute, sensitive.

"Hey Hermione?"

"Yeah Terry?"

"Are you going to the ball?"

"Yep; I'll be there." She smiled.

"You wouldn't happen to have a date, would you?" She looked over at Justin, amused, when she noticed he was frowning and clenching his fists.

"Actually, Justin and I were going to go together." Hermione raised her eyebrows when Justin relaxed. Hannah raised her eyes and smirked. So the nobody actually had the nerve to ask Hermione to the ball.

Terry looked at Justin, who had just transfigured his goblet into an owl, which was flying around the air. Justin smiled in satisfaction. Terry shook his head. He would never understand Justin, but he realized Justin was much like Hermione in many ways. Terry looked back to Hermione. "Alright, see you there" He walked back into his room, followed by Dean. Hannah left a few seconds later.

"Watch out!" Justin yelled all of a sudden

"Justin, wha?" Justin pulled Hermione to the ground as his owl went out of the control and was going full speed towards the spot Hermione was sitting just a second ago. It crashed right into the wall and fell down to the ground a moment later. Justin and Hermione were so close that their bodies were touching. Justin felt his heart beat. He so wanted to kiss Hermione, but couldn't. Hermione, at the same time felt her heart flutter, wrapped in Justin's arms and she was confused. Justin reached a hand and stroked Hermione's cheek.

"You ok?" Hermione was mute and she couldn't breathe so she simply nodded. At that moment Dean, Terry, and Hannah exited their rooms with the intention of heading to dinner. They saw Hermione and Justin and raised their eyebrows.

"Something you want to tell us?" Hermione and Justin looked up, confused and then realized the compromising position they were in. They quickly disentangled themselves and broke away, blushing hard.

"Well?"

"Nothing's going on," Hermione said quietly.

"Yeah, right." Dean said sarcastically.

Justin looked up then. "No really. My owl went out of control and so I um had to pull Hermione out of the way so her eyes wouldn't get pecked off. Look for yourself." He pointed at the wall, where there was now a hole and the goblet-owl on the floor just below it.

"I still say there is something going on."

Hermione and Justin glared. Hermione helped Justin up. She went into her room, kissing Justin on the cheek. He blushed.

"I'll see you later." Justin nodded and grabbed his bag, making his way to the clearing. It was time he taught himself how to skate again if he was going to return Hermione's dream to her.

He quickly sat by the tree, facing the lake hidden in the clearing. Being so close to Hermione put his heart on a whirlwind. Every touch, every look; he was distracted in class. He cared for Hermione so much and he was going to do this for her. He didn't care what it took. Sighing, he focused on the lake and watched it slowly freeze into a thick and smooth ice. He slowly took off his shoes and transfigured them into a pair of skates. Well, here goes nothing. Alma, give me strength. I haven't skated since you left this world, but I must now. I wish you were here. You would love Mai Mai. I can just imagine you playing matchmaker, sis. I miss you. I wonder if you would have been a witch. I love you. Give me strength. Justin stepped onto the ice and a golden aura surrounded him.

"Justini…"

"Sis?"  Only Alma ever called him Justini.

"Justini. I believe in you."

"Sis. Where are you? I need you. I miss you. What if I can't?"

"You can, my darling older brother. I'm here in your heart and always watching you. I give you power and I give you strength. I return to you the gift, which you have lost. I give you my gift as well. We didn't compete together, but now here's your chance. Return to the ice, my brother and give into the love. Your Mai Mai will welcome you and give you the world."

"Are you sure? I mean Mai Mai is so special. I'm nobody."

"No, my darling, you are not nobody. You are everything. And she's the one for you, the stars have foretold. While paths may not lead at this moment in time, the skies up above and my homeland herein speak of a truth of two to unite. Two lonely souls will find love within and that love is deep to the end."

"I-I don't understand."

"You will find happiness in the end. Stay strong. You have the gift. Hit the ice and return the dream. I love you Justin. I'm watching you. I'm always watching you. I love you." Her voice began to fade and the aura started to leave.

"No Sis, Almini! Don't leave me! I love you Almini!  I need you! Don't go."

The light and voice started to get carried away by the wind. Justin ran after it. "Sis! Please don't go!" he cried. A minute later, Justin was alone. He sunk down and sobbed, not noticing Hermione and Dumbledore. Hermione came to practice when she saw Justin. He was so beautiful and he was encompassed in light, He was talking to someone. Dumbledore had held her back, explaining something really special was happening. Now, as she looked at Justin, her heart broke. Looking to Dumbledore for permission, she rushed forward and took Justin in her arms. "Shhh. It's ok Jus. I'm here." She rocked him back and forth.

"I miss her. I miss her teasing, her smile, being able to chase her, I miss skating with her, and her laugh. I hate Voldemort! I hate him! I hate him!" He looked to the sky. "Did you hear that Voldemort? I'm not afraid of you, but I hate you with all my being and one day I will have my revenge!" He buried his face against Hermione again. Hermione took her hand and ran it through his hair. He swiftly wiped away his tears.

"Thank you, Mai Mai." Hermione smiled and kissed him on his forehead. Justin broke away and met Dumbledore's eyes. "Professor, please tell me I wasn't dreaming; that my sister was really there."

Dumbledore sighed. This would be hard. He transfigured a chair and sat down, facing the two adolescents.

"Yes and no, my child. That was your sister, but also not."

"I'm afraid I don't understand, Professor."

"Your sister was a year younger than you, was she not?" Justin nodded.

"And she died at Voldemort's hand after your first year?"

"Y-yes. But it was strange. A week before she died, she knew she was going to die. She was an active and healthy girl. How is that possible?"

"She was 10. I have a feeling, Justin, she was to be a witch. Muggles don't come back, not the way your sister did. That was the spirit and soul of your sister. Her soul surrounded you. She came to you Justin. This place is a unique place. She has been sent to a place where she will always be watching over you. She is part of the destinies. Alma knows your future. She feels your pain and your joy and your determination. Do you feel her when you sleep?"

"Yes."

"She's a spirit daughter, Justin. She's in your heart always, but it's more than that. Her spirit has bound to you till your destiny is fulfilled. At that point, she will not go to the other souls, but her spirit will conjoin with yours. She's your guardian, protector, symbol of your heart. She will come to you sometimes when you need her, but can never stay for long as she's part of the spirit channel, but her utmost importance is to love and cherish you-to protect you and be your spirit sister. She leads you, gives you powers, strength, wisdom, returns prior knowledge that you may have forgotten, endurance, passion." Justin's eyes widened. "That is a unique gift my child. Only one other witch or wizard has had a spirit bound to them and that was Helga Hufflepuff." Dumbledore smiled lightly. "Your sister is with you always. Remember that." With a nod, Dumbledore headed back to the castle. Justin was in shock. Hermione smiled at him and squeezed his hand. "I'm special!" Justin said dumbstruck. Hermione giggled.

"Well finally you get it in your head! That's what I have been trying to tell you the past 3 months!" Justin blushed.

"I'm sorry Mai, Mai. It's just to most of the school, I've been a nobody for so long, I believed it, I…Thank you Mai Mai." Hermione felt tears building up in her eyes and wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace. How could people be so cruel? Justin's heart fluttered at the touch. Hermione ran her fingers through Justin's light brown hair. She kissed him on the cheek.

"Come, let's go. I can skate later." Justin looked in her eyes longingly. His heart began to beat furiously.

"Mai," he breathed. Hermione stared at him, startled at the tone of his voice.

"Y-yes?"

"N-nothing," he said quickly.

"You sure?"

"Well, it's just…I…I wanted to do something for you and I..then Alma gave me back my lost gift and hers. I don't know if the talent really returned, but if it did.."

Hermione looked at him curiously

"What Jus?"

"Well, I mean-you've done so much-given me a life. It hurt so much when you got that letter from Cordelia and I thought I could reteach myself…" Hermione's eyes widened when she realized what Justin was trying to do for her. Tears rolled down her face. How could someone who was hurt so much be the sweetest person she had ever met?  "Jus, are you telling me what I think you are telling me?"

"I'm going to work at it, Mai. I'm going to get my skill back. I think Alma gave it back and then I am giving you back our dream if you will let me."

"Justin! II d-don't know what to say! You're the best!!!!!" Hermione jumped on him, knocking him over. Se threw her arms around him, tears running down her cheeks and pecked him on the lips."

"Mai" Justin breathed again His heart was beating furiously in his chest and he felt a smile creeping up. Hermione had kissed him. True, it was just a friendly, chaste kiss, but one he would never forget.  Hermione blushed. "Sorry; caught up in the moment. I'm just so happy! Let's skate!" She quickly put on her skates, pulled him up and ran with him into the rink.