DISCLAIMER: I see no need to put one of these every chapter so I'm just reminding you all I don't own Any characters except Maria. Also I don't own the song in this chapter. It is from the movie, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmerian It I did own any of these things would I be writing a fan fic? Also this wouldn't be a fan fic it would be THE REAL book 6 so I see no point in this. Plus my internet is down so I can't upload right now argh!

After Defense, Harry rose from his seat slowly. He didn't want to leave, after lunch was Potions. He waved to his parents, godfather, and Lupin as he headed out the door to lunch. He was the last Gryffindor 6th year to arrive. Maria sat alone and was the topic of discussion among everyone else. Not wanting to hear how weird the girl was, Harry turned at sat with her. Everyone looked at him like he was insane. Maria, with her headphones back on, was writing again and moving her lips discreetly to what Harry was sure was the words of the song. For the first time, Harry was able to see what she was writing. It appeared to be song lyrics. One song, the one Maria was working on, caught his eye. He read the first stanza:

Sound the bugle now, play it just for me.

As the seasons change, remember how I used to be.

Now I can't go on, I can't even start,

I've got nothing left, just an empty heart.

I'm a soldier wounded so I must give up the fight.

There's nothing more for me, lead me away…

…Or leave me lying here.

He looked up at Maria who still hadn't noticed his presence and kept reading:

Sound the bugle now, tell them I don't care.

There's not a road I know that leads to anywhere.

Without a light I fear that I will stumble in the dark,

Lay right down decide not to go on…

Harry looked over at Maria, the sad song once again made him feel like she was misunderstood. He read on:

Then from up high… somewhere in the distance…

There's a voice that calls remember who you are…

If you lose yourself, your courage soon will follow,

So be strong tonight, remember who you are…

Slightly cheered up, Harry finished reading:

Yeah, you're a soldier now, fighting in a battle…

To be free once more... Yeah that's worth fighting for!

When Harry finished reading, Maria looked up, "Pretty song," He said friendlily.

Maria gathered up her things and stuffed them into her bag muttering. Harry couldn't hear what she was saying, but an occasional word snuck through, "…..no right……private……American…..muggle…..Uncle……" Maria finished packing and left the Great Hall.

Curious, Harry followed her. She made her way to Potions. As she walked in, Ron and Hermione caught up to Harry. HE put a finger to his lips and the three of them listened to the conversation.

"What's the matter now Maria?" Snape asked.

"Potter," Maria spat, "Why won't he just leave me alone?"

"As much as I like insulting Potter, I am afraid that I am glad he is, as usual, butting in where he has no business being. Friends would be good for you Maria." Snape drawled.

"I have friends," Maria continued to spit out words.

"Living friends, my dear, you need living friends your own age. Give the boy a chance. His intentions, however annoying, are good." Harry glanced at his friends, amazing to hear Snape complementing him for once. The Professor continued, "What did he do to put you in such a rage? Hum?"

"He read my parchment."

"Maria it is just a song, you must have written it a hundred times by now."

"It is not just a song, I can't explain it its just-" Maria's words were cut off then her muffled voice came, "I… can't…. breathe…"

"Good. When you can't breathe, you can't talk, and when you can't talk you stop saying such nonsense."

"It's not nonsense."

"I know. You rushed out without eating again didn't you. Open the door and let Potter and his friends in while I fix us some tea. Harry, Ron, and Hermione jumped back from the door. Maria yanked it open, glared, then returned to her seat.

A/N I know this isn't much of a chapter, but I had to bring that song in, you'll see later. Next chapter longer (defiantly) and much more explained…maybe… I'll start explaining for sure; don't know if I'll finish (who doesn't appreciate a good cliffie!) WARNING THERE WILL BE MAJOR OotP SPOILERS IN THE NEXT CHAPTER Watch for falling Tumbleweeds! (You'll get that later) And thanks to all my reviewers!