Chapter Seven: The Truth Is Uncloaked.

I took a deep breath as Harry and I reached the griffin.

"Chocolate frogs," said Harry. We climbed the stairs and Harry knocked on the door.

"Enter," came the Headmaster's voice. The door swung open. Inside stood Dumbledore with two other men. I recognized the black haired one as Sirius Black. I did not know the other one.

"Harry!" Sirius said and stopped when he saw me. I smiled. He looked panicked.

"Albus," he said.

"Sirius, it's alright. She's my girlfriend. Keirsta, this is my godfather, Sirius Black," said Harry.

"Hello, Mr. Black. It's a pleasure to meet you," I said, holding out my hand. He took it. "I promise your secret's safe with me." He looked at me suspiciously.

"Albus, how much do you know of this girl?" he asked, pulling out his wand.

"Sirius, she'll keep your secret. Won't you?" said Harry. I nodded.

"Sirius, come here," said Dumbledore, pulling Sirius off to the side. I watched them anxiously. They returned, Sirius visibly relaxed.

"Don't worry, my old friend. Keirsta is trust-worthy. Keirsta, this is Remus Lupin," said Dumbledore, motioning to the other man. He extended his hand. I took it and smiled. I pulled away and sat next to Harry.

"Well, now. Let's get down to business. Harry, we have some news regarding Voldemort and his movement," said Dumbledore. He adjusted his spectacles. "There was an attack on Privet Drive last night, Harry."

I looked at Harry. 'What's on Privet Drive?' I wondered.

"Are they all right?" he asked. Dumbledore nodded.

"Your uncle, aunt, and cousin are all right. Very shook up and angry, but all right," said Lupin. Sirius growled.

"Good. I'm glad they're shook up," said Sirius. I looked around bewildered. I felt so out of the loop.

"Several more wards were constructed on the street. They should be safe. A lot of cursing from your uncle though," clucked Dumbledore. Harry smiled.

"What is going on?" I asked loudly.

"The house I stayed in during the summer was attacked last night," answered Harry. I nodded.

"Oh, Harry. I'm sorry." I saw laughter in his eyes.

"Well, I'm glad they're not hurt, but can't say I'm sorry they are shook up," said Harry. "You see my aunt, uncle, and cousin aren't the nicest people and didn't treat me very well."

I felt my mouth drop open. "They did what! Well, I'll go do more than shake them up!" How dare someone treat my Harry in such a way. Harry looked at Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore and the four men started laughing. I looked at them.

"What?" I asked. Harry slid an arm around my waist and planted a kiss on my forehead.

"Nothing, Keirsta, nothing," he said. He turned to Dumbledore.

"Ron said you wanted to see me?" he questioned. The Headmaster nodded. He looked at Sirius and Remus.

"Can you take Miss Grant out into the next room for a minute?" he asked them. Sirius nodded and I looked at Harry.

"I'll be out in a minute." I nodded and followed Sirius, Remus insisting he lag along behind. As we walked down the stairs to a room at the bottom of the stairs, I began to notice things about Remus. He had dark circles under his eyes and he looked tense. Suddenly, I got a vision, one that I recognized, one I have had in the past. I sensed a struggle in him, part human, part..animal? I rifled through my memories of schooling. Suddenly, out of the blue it hit me. Remus Lupin was a werewolf. I remembered hearing about it several years ago. We reached the room. Sirius and Remus occupied the couch and I sat in an armchair.

"I am sorry I made you panic, Mr.Black." Sirius smiled.

"Sirius please. It's all right. It's just..I have to be careful." I nodded. I turned to Remus.

"Mr. Lupin, how are you feeling? This must be an awful time of month," I said. He looked up.

"It's Remus," he said then his eyes widened, "what did you say?"

"I'm sorry. I know of your..condition," I said. He looked at Sirius.

"It doesn't matter to me." He nodded.

"Ummm, Sirius. I was wondering, What did Professor Dumbledore tell you that changed your mind?" I asked.

"He told me about your abilities," he said. I nodded. Suddenly, the door opened and Harry appeared. He smiled and held out his hand. He looked at his godfather and friend.

"Good night, Sirius, Remus," he said. I nodded at them.

"Yes, goodnight." They smiled and returned the words. We exited the tower and Harry led me back to the Tower. We reached the common room and I turned to him.

"I've got something to tell you. Is there somewhere we can go to talk privately? I'd rather not talk in the common room," I said. He nodded.

"Stay here," he said and disappeared into the common room. I looked around, watching nervously for Filch and Mrs. Norris. Harry reappeared a couple a minutes later, something silver and shiny hanging on his arm.

"What is that?" I asked. He handed it to me. I felt the cool silky cloth flow through my fingers. Suddenly I realized I didn't have any fingers!

"Harry, is this what I think it is?" I asked. He smiled and nodded.

"It was my dad's," he said, taking it from me. He flung it over his shoulders.

"Harry, we aren't both going to fit," I said. He winked and pulled me close.

"If we stand close we will," he whispered, his hot breath on my neck, making me shiver. He covered me and he took us through the castle. We headed towards the Quidditch pitch. Once there, he removed the cloak. We sat on the grass.

"So, what were you going to tell me?" he asked. I swallowed. What did I say? This was a turning point. He could either take it in stride or break up with me. I gazed up into the nearly full moon.

"Nice night. I hope Mr. Lupin is feeling well," I said. Harry looked at me shocked. How do I manage to always shock him?

"How do you." he began, but I placed a hand on his mouth.

"Let me talk. You will understand." I took a deep breath. "I am not usual, Harry. I'm not like other witches."

"No you aren't," he said, smiling.

"Harry, I was born at St. Fangus', an American magical hospital on June 21. I was born prematurely. My dad and mom were so happy to have me, because for so long they were told they would not be able to have biological children. They loved me. But the day after my fifth birthday, my mom left me in the living room alone for like a minute. I decided 'wow I would trick Mommy. Where can I hide?' I sat there, thinking of hiding. And suddenly I was invisible. My mom came back in and looked around for me. I heard her race through the house for twenty minutes looking for me. She was frantic. It wasn't until I heard her Flooing my dad at the Ministry that I wanted to unhide. I call for her and she ran into the living room, still not seeing me. I appeared and she fainted. We later discovered something that would change my life forever." I took another deep breath. "I am a sorceress, Harry." He stared at me.

"A what?" he stammered.

"A sorceress. I can do wandless magic," I said, seeing him open his mouth to say something. "Please let me finish before you say anything."

"My mom and dad took me to the most intelligent experts of the wizarding world. We even came here and talked to Dumbledore. He told me when I met with him early this year, he remembered me. All of the experts except Dumbledore implored my parents to set me up with a private tutor to train my powers. My dad was all for it. My mom however wanted me to live a normal life and attend Salem Academy. They fought over it and through the years it took its toll on their relationship. I began to recognize it when I was eleven and I received a letter from the Academy. My mom and dad had a huge row over it and Dad moved out. Mom and I stayed in the house until Mom got the job at the British Ministry and we moved here. My mom is British and she moved to America to marry my father. I lived in Boston for most of my life until this past summer." I completed my story and looked at Harry.

Harry stood and looked at me. He was silent.

"Please, say something, Harry," I said.

"Why didn't you tell me or Hermione or Ron?" he asked. I looked at him.

"I wasn't to tell anyone. It's dangerous for me at this point in my life, Harry." He looked away.

"You've lied to me," he said, quietly, but I could hear the anger in his voice.

"I know, Harry."

"Didn't you trust me? Just how powerful are you? What can you do?"

"I can make myself invisible. I can do spells without thinking about it. Oh I sense too. I sensed the animal in Lupin and that he seemed anxious and tired. You are angry with me for my deception. You are scared and sad because of the uprising of the Dark Lord. You miss your parents. I can also sense you too possess something. Something strong. I can't take back the lies I told, although I am sorry. I can give you something though," I said, getting an idea. I balled my hand into a fist and concentrated. I opened it and a blue ball of fire sat there.

"Look into it and tell me what you see," I whispered. Harry looked into the ball.

"It's my mum and dad," said Harry, all the color draining from his face. "There is Remus, Sirius and Peter."

"That is their wedding, Harry," I whispered, letting him gaze into the ball. I had to let go then. The ball disappeared. I took Harry's hand. I had a flash. He and I stood together in white.

"Harry-" I started, moving close to him, my hand moving to his arm.

"No," he whispered. I nodded and dropped my hand. He looked at me. I turned away and looked at the Quidditch stands. I waved my hand and a misty haze floated in the air. A scene played out in front of us. Several witches and wizards flashed on the hazy screen

"Harry, I am of a rare and ancient magic. Only a few ever lived have had this magic. Some have been good and some evil. Every witch or wizard has some in them, some more than others. Most who have more hold one of the traits. Voldemort has a little in him. He has the power of summoning objects without a wand." Harry paled at this news. "You, I discern, have quick reflexes." Harry looked away from me. I perceived he was scared for me, of me! I looked quickly into his face.

"Harry, you do not need to fear me. I am like you. Please, don't fear me!" I said, kneeling in front of him. "You are so precious to me, Harry. Please, I don't want to lose you." He looked at me.

"You lied to me and you think because you tell me the truth now, everything will be bloody fantastic. Well, it's not!" he said. I looked at him.

"Harry, I am sorry I lied. But I was told by Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape not to tell anyone and at that time we weren't going out. Isn't there anything I can do to make up for it?" I asked. He shook his head.

"Is this it? Are we breaking up?" I whispered, anxiety creeping into my heart. He looked at me.

"Is that what you want?" I asked again.

"No...yes..I don't know! Keirsta, you lied to me. Now you've sprung something huge on me and expect me to take it in and forget!" shouted Harry, jumping up.

"Harry, please, you don't understand. I wanted to tell you. I really did." I felt things spinning out of control. He swept the cape around him and started off. He stopped and turned to me.

"I need time to think" was all he said as he disappeared into the darkness. I sat there, numbness seeping into me, both physical and emotional. I made myself invisible and made my way back to my room. I changed and climbed into bed.

The next morning, I woke and showered and dressed quickly. I needed to talk to Harry. He was the best thing that had happened to me and I would be damned before I would let him get away this way. I hurried into the common room. I felt my heart sink. I had hoped Harry would have cooled down and want to walk with me. He, Ron, and Hermione were nowhere to be seen. I glumly walked down to the Great Hall. There were the Trio, eating and talking. I sat next to Neville as I had when I was angry with Harry. I pushed the food around my plate. I looked at Harry. He was talking to Hermione and Ron, smiling. I frowned. How could he be so bloody cheerful when I was miserable? I thought. I checked my watch and found it to be forty minutes until Herbology. I stood, knowing all I would do is stare at Harry, and exited the Great Hall. I hurried to get my stuff and then to Greenhouse Two. I walked in and sat in my seat. Professor Sprout bustled in and saw me.

"Well, Miss Grant. Good morning."

"Good morning, Professor," I said. She smiled.

"Well, I may be in luck. The Headmaster told me of your special circumstances, which explains the incident at the beginning of the year with the kera. I was rather hoping you would talk to them. Madame Pomfrey is in need some of their dust and I had hoped I wouldn't have to steal it from them," said Sprout, looking at me. I smiled.

"Yes, Professor. I'd be willing to help," I answered. Sprout smiled and retrieved the cage of kera. She retreated to another room. The little faery- like creatures fluttered around excitedly when they saw me. Keelty fluttered to the edge.

"Good day, my lady," she sighed.

"Hello. Are you well, Keelty?" I asked, deciding formality was a good way to go.

"Yes, very. May we assist you?" she asked, motioning to a green male. "This is Liam. He will help you if he can."

"Hello, Liam. I was wondering. The healer of the school needs a bit of your magic dust. Would it be possible to get some?" I asked. Liam thought for a moment.

"Yes, lady. I will get some for you. May I ask a favor of you?" he asked. I smiled.

"Of course," I answered.

"Would you be able to talk to this professor and have her release us?" he asked. Keelty approached and added, "We would be willing to be presented for future classes and donate some of our dust, the Fates know we have enough. It's just we are trapped and we have families. I myself have a husband and two babies at home." I nodded.

"I will see what I can do," I said. I approached Professor Sprout at a table in the other room of the greenhouse.

"Professor? I have something to ask of you.." I presented the situation to her.

"Wonderful," she smiled. She handed me a tiny key. "Please release them." I hurried back into the other room. Liam and Keelty looked at me. The other kera were sitting on the cage floor.

"I was given permission to release you," I said, fitting the key into the lock. I turned the key and opened the door. The kera flew out. They fluttered around me, some settling in my hair. Others perched on my shoulders. Keelty and Liam sat on my hand.

"Thank you, wonderous lady. You are indeed one of the white sorceresses," said Keelty. Suddenly, there was commotion and the doors flew open and my classmates burst in. Keelty signaled to the other kera it was time to leave.

"I will be in touch. We will get the dust to your healer, also," said Keelty as she hovered.

"Ddiolch,*" I said and she flew away. I smiled and looked around. My classmates were in a tizzy and not paying attention. All that is except Harry, Hermione, and Ron. They had shocked looks on their faces as I talked to Keelty. Professor Sprout took that moment to start class.

****

Transfiguration went by fast and Potions came up. Snape sneered at us.

"We will be making a Shrinking Potion. I will be changing partners. Weasley and Goyle. Granger and Parkinson. Potter and Crabbe. Thomas and Bulstode. Finigian and Zambini. Longbottom and Sliverson. Grant and Malfoy." He completed the rest of the class. We sat there.

"Well, go!" he sneered. We grumbled and gathered our things. I moved next to Malfoy. He sneered at me.

"So, Grant. I heard you and Potter had a fight. Lover's spat?" he said, cutting up our rat spleen.

"Sod off, Malfoy," I muttered, adding a dash of leech juice. We completed the potion in silence. Snape swept over. He peered into the cauldron. He sniffed and walked away.

"You are dismissed, but I want one roll of parchment on the effects of the Which witch? potion on Monday," he said. I gathered my things and headed out of the classroom. I shuffled up to the tower and to my room. I deposited my things on my bed and glanced out the window. The Quidditch field looked so inviting. That reminded me that I would have to go to the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin game tomorrow. I quickly changed into a sweatshirt and jeans and grabbing my broom, I headed to the Quidditch field. I got there and mounted my broom. I zoomed around, my hair flying around me. I loved the feeling of flying. I enjoyed it so much that I lost track of time and when I landed I realized I had missed dinner. I raced back up to the school and to the tower.

"Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my," I said to the portrait. I entered and glanced around. I felt my heart drop into my stomach. Harry was curled up on the couch with Ginny Weasley and they looked mighty cozy. Harry was helping her with her homework, but they were sitting very close. I narrowed my eyes. Was that why he is angry with me? Was I too powerful for his sensitive male ego? I flicked my wrist and the cushion Harry was sitting on flipped up and knocked him to the floor.

"Harry!" squealed Ginny. Harry looked up and saw me. I smiled triumphantly and mounted the stairs. I was halfway up when a hand grabbed my arm. I whipped around and saw Harry.

"Why did you do that?" he growled. I looked at him.

"Getting mighty cozy with Ginny, hmmmm? We aren't broken up yet, Harry Potter. I know why you are avoiding me. Is your poor ickle ego bruised?" I asked. "Keirsta, I am not cozying up to Ginny. I am still trying to figure out this whole thing. I need to think," he said. I nodded and rolled my eyes.

"Fine. Take your time! All I know is that I care for you and if you wanted me to, I would never use my wandless magic again. That is how important you are to me. How important am I to you? Think about that," I said. I turned and left Harry on the stairs.

*******

The next morning, I got up early and dressed. I spent extra time on my make- up and hair. I was ticked at Harry for letting his ego get in the way of our relationship. I choose a pair of flared jeans and an emerald green angora sweater to wear under my robes. I hustled down to the Great Hall for breakfast. Today was Saturday and a Quidditch match, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. Harry was pushing food around his plate. I sat down the table from him. I saw people looking at us. Voices muttered around me, "Did I miss something? Did they break up?" and other things.

After breakfast, I went out to the stadium with Hermione, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigin, Lavender Brown, Neville, and Parvati Patil. I scooted in by Seamus. The match began. I watched Harry hover, his eyes darting around looking for the Snitch.

Ron, the team's keeper, hit a Bludger away and it looked like was heading towards Harry. It was knocked away at the last minute by chaser Margot Franklin. I shivered. Seamus looked at me.

"Do you want my robe?" he asked. I shook my head.

"You'll be cold then," I said.

"No, I won't. I don't get cold easily." He took off his robe and put it on me. I felt much better.

The game went on. Somewhere around five o'clock, Harry finally spotted the Snitch as did the Slytherin Seeker, Malfoy. They raced for it. Harry got it by a hair-breath. We stood and cheered and hollered. Suddenly, Harry's broom dropped. With him on it.
*ddiolch-thanks

A/N: Shrinking Potion and ingredients is from The Harry Potter Lexicon. Sliverson is my character, a random Slytherin. Margot Franklin is a made up Gryffindor.

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