Chapter 2
Everyone stared at Ron, anticipating an answer.
"Well, I'll just read you the letter. It says:
Ron,
I'm sorry this is a bit sloppy, but something horrible's happened. It's horrible. This morning, Voldemort, or a servant of his, killed the Dursleys. I don't know what happened, it was all too fast. I heard Dudley and Aunt Petunia scream, and I saw the green light and knew it was too late. I don't know how I did it, but I escaped. Hedwig was already out delivering a message to Snuffles a few days ago, so I just took my Firebolt from my trunk and I went through the window. I don't know if anyone's following me. Right now, I don't know where I am, but I can't be seen. I think I'm heading towards London, and I'll try for The Leaky Cauldron. Can you meet me there at 6:00 tonight? I'm in some quiet town, with a few Muggles, so I'm going to go ask for directions. I hope this owl finds you soon. I'm sorry if this causes any trouble, but please come and get me. Thank you so much. Tell Hermione please; I don't think I have enough time to write her also.
Harry"
Ron looked back up, "This is pretty bad. What should we do?"
The whole table looked shocked and worried.
"Well, I think all we can do now is leave for Diagon Alley at 6:00, like Harry said. But I'll owl the ministry and let them know Harry is coming over," said Mrs. Weasley.
Kelly was baffled. Two strikes from Voldemort in the same day was quite peculiar. Ron was right; she and Harry did have rather a lot in common. What was to happen? Was You-Know-Who becoming more powerful? Why was he attacking innocent people like this? And why, why was her mother killed? What role did she play in all of this? Surely she hadn't done something to be on his bad side?
This was all too much for Kelly. She dropped her head into her hands and moaned, "Oh, man."
Ginny laid a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"
She looked up. "I don't know; this is all just too weird and confusing. Why is You-Know-Who attacking like this? Why so sudden?"
Everyone stared at Kelly with pitiful expressions and she looked down from sudden consciousness at her hands wringing in her lap.
"We don't know. I wish I knew, but we can only hope things will not become worse. Let's be optimistic for a little while. Once again, Harry has escaped You-Know-Who, and you have also. Be thankful for quick thinking, my dear," she sighed. "Let's just finish eating, and then I'll owl the Ministry about the matters at hand. Ron, why don't you write Hermione and tell her what's happened, and invite her over for the rest of the summer."
Ron nodded and sat down at the table to eat, but no one could even look at their lunch, they weren't hungry at all anymore. Mrs. Weasley noticed.
"Okay. All right, since you're all not eating, I'll just clean up. Fred, George, it's your turn to de-gnome the garden, Ginny, you know it's your week for dishes, and Ron, you may go and write Hermione, and Harry, if possible."
Ron looked over at Kelly, "You want to come? You can help me write if you want, since there's nothing else to do."
Kelly smiled, "Sure."
They walked up the narrow stairs to a fourth floor above Ginny's. Again, a small, wooden door blocked their way into another room. Ron pushed it open and Kelly was blinded by the complements orange and blue. When her eyes adjusted, she noticed he had a wall covered with moving posters of the Chudley Cannons, obviously Ron's favorite Quidditch team.
"Sorry. I'm just used to it now. Do you know of the Chudley Cannons?" Ron asked.
Kelly remembered vaguely of a boy in her year that was quite obsessed also. "Yes, I've heard of them. Are they a good team?"
Ron's eyes widened, "Of course they're good, but their Seeker isn't that great. I keep telling Harry that he should go take his place."
"Harry is a Seeker?" Kelly played a Chaser on her team; she was quite good.
"Yup, and bloody talented he is. He made the house team in his first year!" exclaimed Ron.
"Wow, that's pretty cool," said Kelly.
"So, uh, I have to write to Hermione. I guess I'll just write what Harry said, and I'll mention that you're staying and stuff. Oh, and I have to invite her over. Right." he trailed off as if he were talking to himself.
Kelly sat down by the window. Below, Fred and George were de-gnoming the garden as their mother asked. They looked like they were having an excellent time. Every so often, one of them managed to get a gnome over the fence, and high-fived the other.
She found herself gazing at the clouds lost in thoughts and grief. She felt tears rushing again. Quickly, she wiped them away and let out a subtle sniffle. Why was her mother killed like that? Why? Her heart felt empty, like a part of it was harshly taken away, leaving her to try her best to stop the pain, finding it useless. Why, why, why, she kept asking herself incessantly, but she knew she wouldn't get an answer.
Out of the corner of her eye, a great Snowy Owl perched itself on the edge of the window frame, and hooted softly at Kelly. She stroked its white plumage. Tears were again falling from her eyes.
"Ah, Hedwig's here. And she's got a letter..." Ron pulled the letter off of the owl's leg. "It's from Sir-er, Snuffles."
Kelly decided not to ask while a few tears fell again.
Ron seemed uncomfortable around a crying girl. "Um, would you like some tissues?" He handed a box to her.
"Thanks," she sniffled, and reached out a hand to take them. Then her eye rested on the amethyst bracelet. She paused, looking at it, replaying it all in her head.
"Happy Birthday, sweetheart! Go on, open it!" She took the box and pulled out the trinket.
"Thank you so much, it's beautiful!"
"Take good care of it, okay?"
Ron was looking at her with a glum face.
"I'm sorry, Ron, I don't mean to dump all of my problems on you and your family. I'm very grateful, though."
"Ah, don't be sorry. The more around here, the merrier. Honestly. And we're happy to have you here."
Ron smiled and Kelly weakly returned it.
"Anyways, back to the letter. I've got it finished and I'm sending Pig. Now I'll write Harry back. Hedwig should be able to find him; she's always managed to."
Ron walked back over to his desk and pulled out a new roll of parchment and sat down, humming a tune to himself.
Kelly sighed quietly, and sat back down by the window and wiped her eyes with a tissue, and once more stared back into the heavens.
It was now late afternoon, nearing time to leave. The Weasleys and Kelly were downstairs, getting ready to go to Diagon Alley once more.
"All right. We're going to meet Harry by the Leaky Cauldron, and afterwards, your Uncle Arnold has invited us to eat at The Banshee's Brewery tonight and your father will meet up with us then. All set?"
One by one, they all departed with floo powder.
~~~
Soon Kelly and the Weasleys were standing in a large huddle, dusting the soot off theirselves. Mrs. Weasley finally spoke after scolding Fred and George for trying to head off to a nearby candy shop.
"We have a half an hour before Harry says he'll be at the Leaky Cauldron. Kelly, you may find whatever you need and Ginny will help you. Fred, George, and Ron, just don't get yourselves in trouble. NO sweets until after dinner, boys. Everyone, be back in time!"
Ginny and Kelly set off to the right.
"So what do you need? Clothes and some toiletries? We can go to the Rat's Spew for that."
"Ah, there's a chain near where I lived. I really like that store." The Rat's Spew was a store for teenage witches and wizards. Everything imaginable could be found there.
"Really? That's interesting. It's brand-new here in Diagon Alley."
They continued down the street, and took another right in the fork. At the end of that street was a brightly colored shop with a glittering sign, The Rat's Spew. It stood out quite well. They walked in finding it was filled with outrageously patterned robes, shirts, and skirts.
Kelly bought a new robe and a couple shirts and two pairs of jeans. They still had fifteen minutes and decided to treat themselves to an ice cream.
"Mum told the boys not to have any sweets, but not us!" Kelly and Ginny giggled as they headed into a nearby treat shop.
"What can I get you two tadpoles this evening?" said a short man with a cheery smile, despite having to stand on the tips of his toes.
"I'll have the Apple Chunk. What would you like, Kelly?"
"I think I'll have Vanilla, thanks."
The man began to scoop the ice cream as Kelly gazed out the window. Suddenly, a man with light blonde hair walked past and glanced at her. He stopped and looked at her again. Kelly's heart jumped. It was him.
"Ginny, I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back," she said hurriedly.
Kelly walked to the back without turning back to see if the man came in.
She walked into a stall, and concentrated on her animagus form once again. She shrank, and became a light gold cat. She walked to the edge of the bathroom entrance to see if the man was there.
There he was, standing in line behind Ginny, looking all around to see where Kelly had gone. Several minutes passed by, and Ginny was patiently holding their ice creams. Ginny finally walked towards the bathrooms, with the man watching her.
"Um, is everything perfectly all right?"
Thankful that she hadn't said her name, Kelly walked over to Ginny's legs and rubbed against them and looked up a Ginny, hoping her lavender eyes would let her know it was she.
Ginny's eyes widened, "Kelly? Is--is that you? You're an animagus!" she whispered half in amazement, half trying to keep it quiet.
Kelly concentrated on her human form and became herself again.
"Shhh.yes, it's me. That man out there, it's him. He's the one who killed my mother! He's trying to find me! I have an idea."
Ginny took the bags and obeyed her instructions. Kelly went back into her form, and walked out with Ginny, pretending to be her pet cat.
The man looked suspiciously at Kelly, but said nothing. They walked out into the street. Ginny continued to walk, letting Kelly lead them into an alley. Kelly changed back into human form.
Ginny was standing there, holding their ice creams too astounded to say anything.
Kelly smiled, "Please don't tell anyone I'm an animagus, Ginny; I'm unregistered." Ginny nodded.
"What are we going to do about that man? Does he know that you're an animagus? Does he know what you look like?"
Kelly shook her head, "I don't know if he saw me this morning, though I think he did. But he may not know that I'm an animagus."
"Oh. Well, do you think he's still out there? It's nearly time to meet up at the Leaky Cauldron."
"You're right. If only I could change my identity somehow. Oh! I used to know of a spell that would change my hair color. I did it once or twice."
"Ah, I know it! Um, any preference?"
Kelly thought of her mother. "Black."
"Oh, but wait, I can't do any magic outside of school!"
"I can. Well, I'm not going there anymore. What's the spell?"
"Capillus Infusco"
Kelly pointed her wand to herself and repeated the charm. Ginny gasped as the spell worked.
"Wow, Kelly, black hair looks great on you!"
"Thanks! Shall we go then?"
Kelly and Ginny walked back into the crowded street, heading towards the Leaky Cauldron. Kelly carefully watched the people passing, hoping with all her being she wouldn't run into the man again.
In the distance was a mass of red hair and in the midst of it, a boy her age with messy black hair and round glasses.
"Is that him? Is that Harry?" Kelly asked.
Ginny nodded, beginning to blush as she saw him too.
"Ginny! Kelly! We've got the bloke!" Yelled Ron, laughing. Harry chuckled.
They turned and looked at the girls. Kelly suddenly felt extremely nervous with Harry there. Harry Potter! He was standing right there looking at her! She realized she was being foolish; he's just a person.
"Ah! There you two are! Oh! Kelly, you changed your hair color!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed.
Kelly didn't want to scare them with the man after her, "Oh, yes, just for fun, I'll be changing it back soon," She smiled.
They all headed to The Banshee's Brewery.
Ron punched Harry lightly in the shoulder, "Well, why don't you be a gentleman and introduce yourself, Harry Potter?" he said with a mocking tone.
Harry looked at Kelly and smiled, "Hey, I'm Harry--er, well, I guess you already know who I am," he stuck out his hand to shake.
Kelly shook his hand, and smiled back, "I'm Kelly. Nice to meet you."
"I'm really sorry about your mother. Weird things are happening with Volde-- I mean You-Know-Who. I bet the Ministry's going crazy. Do you think you're going to stay here and go to Hogwarts with us?"
"I don't know. I haven't any relatives. They're probably going to put me in some orphanage," she said heavily.
"Well, I'm sure something will be figured out," Ron said. "Who knows, maybe we can talk Mum into adopting you." The group chuckled.
Mrs. Weasley, far ahead of them, met up with her husband, who looked greatly like his younger brother.
They ate, and returned to The Burrow later that night.
~~~
"Has it been done, Wormtail?"
"Yes, my Lord-"
"Where is the boy?"
"Well, he's--he's not here. He--he wasn't there when we tried to find him, my Lord. He ran."
"You stupid fool! What of the Muggles he lives with?"
"They've been rid of. But the boy, he ran. He--he took his broomstick and ran before we could get to him."
The Dark Lord turned around and faced the stuttering man before him. He put forth his hand and shot a powerful force in his servant's way. He screamed and hit the wall with a thud and crumbled, whimpering on the floor.
"You stupid idiots can't do anything!" he cried in an outrage. "Get William. Now!" he screamed at Wormtail.
"Yes--yes, my Lord."
Out of the corner, Voldemort's second in hand walked towards him. The handsome, blond man stopped in front of him.
"Yes, my Lord?"
"Have you found her?"
"Well--not exactly. I came to her house, and I disposed of Anna, but I could not get to Kelly. She left for Diagon Alley. I went there and searched. I saw her with one of the Weasleys, their daughter, Ginny. I believe Kelly is an animagus--a cat. They left before I could do anything."
Voldemort had a look of rage upon his evil snakelike face. His red slits for eyes glimmered in immeasurable fury.
"Why? Why can't you stupid fools DO ANYTHING RIGHT! All I wanted was that girl and Harry. We need them more than ever."
What must've been a smile spread across Voldemort's face. "William, I want you to pay a visit to the Weasley's."
~~~
The screen door was torn, and the windows were shattered. Things were scattered all over, broken and destroyed. The only furniture they owned was shredded into pieces, as if someone tore it in frustration. Kelly, Harry, and the Weasleys all stood there in one big huddle, scared to move.
"Oh dear. Oh my," whispered Mrs. Weasley.
Mr. Weasley walked throughout the house as the rest of the group speculated in their minds what had happened. Kelly felt what was left of her insides after the day disappear. Someone knew that she was here. Someone came to get her. And it was her fault that the Burrow was nearly destroyed.
The group just stood there, still unable to move.
~~~
Things had been fixed and put away, and cleaned up as best as possible. It was now late at night, and everyone was off to bed. Kelly was in Ginny's room, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought and unable to sleep. She sat up and decided she'd go downstairs and get a glass of water. She quietly walked down the narrow steps. Just as her toe reached the last step, she hear hushed voices.
"I don't know what to tell you, Arthur, this is all just too much for one day. It's just too much."
"I know, Sir, I know. But has anyone decided what to do with Kelly? Where's she going to go? She says she has no family that she knows of. She can stay with my family for as long as she needs; she's as welcome as any of my children. It's her choice, though. She can't move back obviously--"
"No she can't. But it's more dangerous for her here. Obviously He-Who-Must- Not-Be-Named is after her. I was doing some research before the news of Harry's guardians. Kelly has family. Her father is William Englewood. Sources say he was an accused Death Eater, joining the Dark Lord at his peak point, though he walked free, using the excuse of being put under the Imperious Curse. He had this child with Anna Townsend approximately 15 years ago. But one very surprising fact turned up. Anna has roots to the Riddle Family--Tom Riddle; she is his daughter, which makes Kelly his granddaughter. Now, I've heard from Dumbledore that this Tom Riddle is the actual You-Know-Who; that was his name before he changed. When Anna learned that William was following her father, she took Kelly with her to the States to escape them."
Kelly gasped at what she heard. She was the granddaughter of Voldemort? How could this be? Why hadn't her mother told her?
"We have a theory that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is trying to get to Kelly, but we don't know why. And why Anna was killed is still a mystery, but we are working on it as I speak. It may take a while, Arthur, so our plan at the moment is to have Kelly stay with your family, and to send her off to Hogwarts. It's the safest place for her; You-Know-Who can't get to her underneath Dumbledore's care; same with Harry. Her things will be brought here sometime this weekend, and the money she's inherited will be sent to Gringott's."
Arthur nodded, "Then that'll have to do. And what of Harry? He also has no family now. Shall we take care of him also?"
"Yes, for now. We're trying our best to sort matters out one at a time. Both Kelly and Harry's dilemmas are very important, and we are trying our best to sort both out as soon as possible, so please be patient. We will chat again as soon as we can figure out this mystery. Again, I'm sorry that your house was broken into, and things were damaged. That also will be investigated. I have a feeling all of these events are related somehow. Let's just hope You-Know-Who is not gaining power again. Have a good night, Mr. Weasley. For your protection, we are giving permission to place a security charm on your house."
Kelly heard the shuffle of feet, so she quietly hurried back up the stairs to Ginny's room. She crawled back into the sofa bed. She found herself staring at the ceiling again while Ronan curled up by her neck and purred. She felt her eyes burn once again, hot tears flowing down her cheeks for her mother, and a past too confusing a frightening to think of anymore. How could she be related to Voldemort, the most powerful and dangerous sorcerer of this time? It wasn't right. She was a good person, so was her mother. It couldn't be possible that she had evil blood in her veins. What if this got out? What if everyone found out this information? It was just too much to believe. And her father, he was a follower of her grandfather, her grandfather, Tom Riddle. She wiped her tears off of her face and sniffled. What was to happen now?
Tomorrow was another day.
Everyone stared at Ron, anticipating an answer.
"Well, I'll just read you the letter. It says:
Ron,
I'm sorry this is a bit sloppy, but something horrible's happened. It's horrible. This morning, Voldemort, or a servant of his, killed the Dursleys. I don't know what happened, it was all too fast. I heard Dudley and Aunt Petunia scream, and I saw the green light and knew it was too late. I don't know how I did it, but I escaped. Hedwig was already out delivering a message to Snuffles a few days ago, so I just took my Firebolt from my trunk and I went through the window. I don't know if anyone's following me. Right now, I don't know where I am, but I can't be seen. I think I'm heading towards London, and I'll try for The Leaky Cauldron. Can you meet me there at 6:00 tonight? I'm in some quiet town, with a few Muggles, so I'm going to go ask for directions. I hope this owl finds you soon. I'm sorry if this causes any trouble, but please come and get me. Thank you so much. Tell Hermione please; I don't think I have enough time to write her also.
Harry"
Ron looked back up, "This is pretty bad. What should we do?"
The whole table looked shocked and worried.
"Well, I think all we can do now is leave for Diagon Alley at 6:00, like Harry said. But I'll owl the ministry and let them know Harry is coming over," said Mrs. Weasley.
Kelly was baffled. Two strikes from Voldemort in the same day was quite peculiar. Ron was right; she and Harry did have rather a lot in common. What was to happen? Was You-Know-Who becoming more powerful? Why was he attacking innocent people like this? And why, why was her mother killed? What role did she play in all of this? Surely she hadn't done something to be on his bad side?
This was all too much for Kelly. She dropped her head into her hands and moaned, "Oh, man."
Ginny laid a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"
She looked up. "I don't know; this is all just too weird and confusing. Why is You-Know-Who attacking like this? Why so sudden?"
Everyone stared at Kelly with pitiful expressions and she looked down from sudden consciousness at her hands wringing in her lap.
"We don't know. I wish I knew, but we can only hope things will not become worse. Let's be optimistic for a little while. Once again, Harry has escaped You-Know-Who, and you have also. Be thankful for quick thinking, my dear," she sighed. "Let's just finish eating, and then I'll owl the Ministry about the matters at hand. Ron, why don't you write Hermione and tell her what's happened, and invite her over for the rest of the summer."
Ron nodded and sat down at the table to eat, but no one could even look at their lunch, they weren't hungry at all anymore. Mrs. Weasley noticed.
"Okay. All right, since you're all not eating, I'll just clean up. Fred, George, it's your turn to de-gnome the garden, Ginny, you know it's your week for dishes, and Ron, you may go and write Hermione, and Harry, if possible."
Ron looked over at Kelly, "You want to come? You can help me write if you want, since there's nothing else to do."
Kelly smiled, "Sure."
They walked up the narrow stairs to a fourth floor above Ginny's. Again, a small, wooden door blocked their way into another room. Ron pushed it open and Kelly was blinded by the complements orange and blue. When her eyes adjusted, she noticed he had a wall covered with moving posters of the Chudley Cannons, obviously Ron's favorite Quidditch team.
"Sorry. I'm just used to it now. Do you know of the Chudley Cannons?" Ron asked.
Kelly remembered vaguely of a boy in her year that was quite obsessed also. "Yes, I've heard of them. Are they a good team?"
Ron's eyes widened, "Of course they're good, but their Seeker isn't that great. I keep telling Harry that he should go take his place."
"Harry is a Seeker?" Kelly played a Chaser on her team; she was quite good.
"Yup, and bloody talented he is. He made the house team in his first year!" exclaimed Ron.
"Wow, that's pretty cool," said Kelly.
"So, uh, I have to write to Hermione. I guess I'll just write what Harry said, and I'll mention that you're staying and stuff. Oh, and I have to invite her over. Right." he trailed off as if he were talking to himself.
Kelly sat down by the window. Below, Fred and George were de-gnoming the garden as their mother asked. They looked like they were having an excellent time. Every so often, one of them managed to get a gnome over the fence, and high-fived the other.
She found herself gazing at the clouds lost in thoughts and grief. She felt tears rushing again. Quickly, she wiped them away and let out a subtle sniffle. Why was her mother killed like that? Why? Her heart felt empty, like a part of it was harshly taken away, leaving her to try her best to stop the pain, finding it useless. Why, why, why, she kept asking herself incessantly, but she knew she wouldn't get an answer.
Out of the corner of her eye, a great Snowy Owl perched itself on the edge of the window frame, and hooted softly at Kelly. She stroked its white plumage. Tears were again falling from her eyes.
"Ah, Hedwig's here. And she's got a letter..." Ron pulled the letter off of the owl's leg. "It's from Sir-er, Snuffles."
Kelly decided not to ask while a few tears fell again.
Ron seemed uncomfortable around a crying girl. "Um, would you like some tissues?" He handed a box to her.
"Thanks," she sniffled, and reached out a hand to take them. Then her eye rested on the amethyst bracelet. She paused, looking at it, replaying it all in her head.
"Happy Birthday, sweetheart! Go on, open it!" She took the box and pulled out the trinket.
"Thank you so much, it's beautiful!"
"Take good care of it, okay?"
Ron was looking at her with a glum face.
"I'm sorry, Ron, I don't mean to dump all of my problems on you and your family. I'm very grateful, though."
"Ah, don't be sorry. The more around here, the merrier. Honestly. And we're happy to have you here."
Ron smiled and Kelly weakly returned it.
"Anyways, back to the letter. I've got it finished and I'm sending Pig. Now I'll write Harry back. Hedwig should be able to find him; she's always managed to."
Ron walked back over to his desk and pulled out a new roll of parchment and sat down, humming a tune to himself.
Kelly sighed quietly, and sat back down by the window and wiped her eyes with a tissue, and once more stared back into the heavens.
It was now late afternoon, nearing time to leave. The Weasleys and Kelly were downstairs, getting ready to go to Diagon Alley once more.
"All right. We're going to meet Harry by the Leaky Cauldron, and afterwards, your Uncle Arnold has invited us to eat at The Banshee's Brewery tonight and your father will meet up with us then. All set?"
One by one, they all departed with floo powder.
~~~
Soon Kelly and the Weasleys were standing in a large huddle, dusting the soot off theirselves. Mrs. Weasley finally spoke after scolding Fred and George for trying to head off to a nearby candy shop.
"We have a half an hour before Harry says he'll be at the Leaky Cauldron. Kelly, you may find whatever you need and Ginny will help you. Fred, George, and Ron, just don't get yourselves in trouble. NO sweets until after dinner, boys. Everyone, be back in time!"
Ginny and Kelly set off to the right.
"So what do you need? Clothes and some toiletries? We can go to the Rat's Spew for that."
"Ah, there's a chain near where I lived. I really like that store." The Rat's Spew was a store for teenage witches and wizards. Everything imaginable could be found there.
"Really? That's interesting. It's brand-new here in Diagon Alley."
They continued down the street, and took another right in the fork. At the end of that street was a brightly colored shop with a glittering sign, The Rat's Spew. It stood out quite well. They walked in finding it was filled with outrageously patterned robes, shirts, and skirts.
Kelly bought a new robe and a couple shirts and two pairs of jeans. They still had fifteen minutes and decided to treat themselves to an ice cream.
"Mum told the boys not to have any sweets, but not us!" Kelly and Ginny giggled as they headed into a nearby treat shop.
"What can I get you two tadpoles this evening?" said a short man with a cheery smile, despite having to stand on the tips of his toes.
"I'll have the Apple Chunk. What would you like, Kelly?"
"I think I'll have Vanilla, thanks."
The man began to scoop the ice cream as Kelly gazed out the window. Suddenly, a man with light blonde hair walked past and glanced at her. He stopped and looked at her again. Kelly's heart jumped. It was him.
"Ginny, I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back," she said hurriedly.
Kelly walked to the back without turning back to see if the man came in.
She walked into a stall, and concentrated on her animagus form once again. She shrank, and became a light gold cat. She walked to the edge of the bathroom entrance to see if the man was there.
There he was, standing in line behind Ginny, looking all around to see where Kelly had gone. Several minutes passed by, and Ginny was patiently holding their ice creams. Ginny finally walked towards the bathrooms, with the man watching her.
"Um, is everything perfectly all right?"
Thankful that she hadn't said her name, Kelly walked over to Ginny's legs and rubbed against them and looked up a Ginny, hoping her lavender eyes would let her know it was she.
Ginny's eyes widened, "Kelly? Is--is that you? You're an animagus!" she whispered half in amazement, half trying to keep it quiet.
Kelly concentrated on her human form and became herself again.
"Shhh.yes, it's me. That man out there, it's him. He's the one who killed my mother! He's trying to find me! I have an idea."
Ginny took the bags and obeyed her instructions. Kelly went back into her form, and walked out with Ginny, pretending to be her pet cat.
The man looked suspiciously at Kelly, but said nothing. They walked out into the street. Ginny continued to walk, letting Kelly lead them into an alley. Kelly changed back into human form.
Ginny was standing there, holding their ice creams too astounded to say anything.
Kelly smiled, "Please don't tell anyone I'm an animagus, Ginny; I'm unregistered." Ginny nodded.
"What are we going to do about that man? Does he know that you're an animagus? Does he know what you look like?"
Kelly shook her head, "I don't know if he saw me this morning, though I think he did. But he may not know that I'm an animagus."
"Oh. Well, do you think he's still out there? It's nearly time to meet up at the Leaky Cauldron."
"You're right. If only I could change my identity somehow. Oh! I used to know of a spell that would change my hair color. I did it once or twice."
"Ah, I know it! Um, any preference?"
Kelly thought of her mother. "Black."
"Oh, but wait, I can't do any magic outside of school!"
"I can. Well, I'm not going there anymore. What's the spell?"
"Capillus Infusco"
Kelly pointed her wand to herself and repeated the charm. Ginny gasped as the spell worked.
"Wow, Kelly, black hair looks great on you!"
"Thanks! Shall we go then?"
Kelly and Ginny walked back into the crowded street, heading towards the Leaky Cauldron. Kelly carefully watched the people passing, hoping with all her being she wouldn't run into the man again.
In the distance was a mass of red hair and in the midst of it, a boy her age with messy black hair and round glasses.
"Is that him? Is that Harry?" Kelly asked.
Ginny nodded, beginning to blush as she saw him too.
"Ginny! Kelly! We've got the bloke!" Yelled Ron, laughing. Harry chuckled.
They turned and looked at the girls. Kelly suddenly felt extremely nervous with Harry there. Harry Potter! He was standing right there looking at her! She realized she was being foolish; he's just a person.
"Ah! There you two are! Oh! Kelly, you changed your hair color!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed.
Kelly didn't want to scare them with the man after her, "Oh, yes, just for fun, I'll be changing it back soon," She smiled.
They all headed to The Banshee's Brewery.
Ron punched Harry lightly in the shoulder, "Well, why don't you be a gentleman and introduce yourself, Harry Potter?" he said with a mocking tone.
Harry looked at Kelly and smiled, "Hey, I'm Harry--er, well, I guess you already know who I am," he stuck out his hand to shake.
Kelly shook his hand, and smiled back, "I'm Kelly. Nice to meet you."
"I'm really sorry about your mother. Weird things are happening with Volde-- I mean You-Know-Who. I bet the Ministry's going crazy. Do you think you're going to stay here and go to Hogwarts with us?"
"I don't know. I haven't any relatives. They're probably going to put me in some orphanage," she said heavily.
"Well, I'm sure something will be figured out," Ron said. "Who knows, maybe we can talk Mum into adopting you." The group chuckled.
Mrs. Weasley, far ahead of them, met up with her husband, who looked greatly like his younger brother.
They ate, and returned to The Burrow later that night.
~~~
"Has it been done, Wormtail?"
"Yes, my Lord-"
"Where is the boy?"
"Well, he's--he's not here. He--he wasn't there when we tried to find him, my Lord. He ran."
"You stupid fool! What of the Muggles he lives with?"
"They've been rid of. But the boy, he ran. He--he took his broomstick and ran before we could get to him."
The Dark Lord turned around and faced the stuttering man before him. He put forth his hand and shot a powerful force in his servant's way. He screamed and hit the wall with a thud and crumbled, whimpering on the floor.
"You stupid idiots can't do anything!" he cried in an outrage. "Get William. Now!" he screamed at Wormtail.
"Yes--yes, my Lord."
Out of the corner, Voldemort's second in hand walked towards him. The handsome, blond man stopped in front of him.
"Yes, my Lord?"
"Have you found her?"
"Well--not exactly. I came to her house, and I disposed of Anna, but I could not get to Kelly. She left for Diagon Alley. I went there and searched. I saw her with one of the Weasleys, their daughter, Ginny. I believe Kelly is an animagus--a cat. They left before I could do anything."
Voldemort had a look of rage upon his evil snakelike face. His red slits for eyes glimmered in immeasurable fury.
"Why? Why can't you stupid fools DO ANYTHING RIGHT! All I wanted was that girl and Harry. We need them more than ever."
What must've been a smile spread across Voldemort's face. "William, I want you to pay a visit to the Weasley's."
~~~
The screen door was torn, and the windows were shattered. Things were scattered all over, broken and destroyed. The only furniture they owned was shredded into pieces, as if someone tore it in frustration. Kelly, Harry, and the Weasleys all stood there in one big huddle, scared to move.
"Oh dear. Oh my," whispered Mrs. Weasley.
Mr. Weasley walked throughout the house as the rest of the group speculated in their minds what had happened. Kelly felt what was left of her insides after the day disappear. Someone knew that she was here. Someone came to get her. And it was her fault that the Burrow was nearly destroyed.
The group just stood there, still unable to move.
~~~
Things had been fixed and put away, and cleaned up as best as possible. It was now late at night, and everyone was off to bed. Kelly was in Ginny's room, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought and unable to sleep. She sat up and decided she'd go downstairs and get a glass of water. She quietly walked down the narrow steps. Just as her toe reached the last step, she hear hushed voices.
"I don't know what to tell you, Arthur, this is all just too much for one day. It's just too much."
"I know, Sir, I know. But has anyone decided what to do with Kelly? Where's she going to go? She says she has no family that she knows of. She can stay with my family for as long as she needs; she's as welcome as any of my children. It's her choice, though. She can't move back obviously--"
"No she can't. But it's more dangerous for her here. Obviously He-Who-Must- Not-Be-Named is after her. I was doing some research before the news of Harry's guardians. Kelly has family. Her father is William Englewood. Sources say he was an accused Death Eater, joining the Dark Lord at his peak point, though he walked free, using the excuse of being put under the Imperious Curse. He had this child with Anna Townsend approximately 15 years ago. But one very surprising fact turned up. Anna has roots to the Riddle Family--Tom Riddle; she is his daughter, which makes Kelly his granddaughter. Now, I've heard from Dumbledore that this Tom Riddle is the actual You-Know-Who; that was his name before he changed. When Anna learned that William was following her father, she took Kelly with her to the States to escape them."
Kelly gasped at what she heard. She was the granddaughter of Voldemort? How could this be? Why hadn't her mother told her?
"We have a theory that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is trying to get to Kelly, but we don't know why. And why Anna was killed is still a mystery, but we are working on it as I speak. It may take a while, Arthur, so our plan at the moment is to have Kelly stay with your family, and to send her off to Hogwarts. It's the safest place for her; You-Know-Who can't get to her underneath Dumbledore's care; same with Harry. Her things will be brought here sometime this weekend, and the money she's inherited will be sent to Gringott's."
Arthur nodded, "Then that'll have to do. And what of Harry? He also has no family now. Shall we take care of him also?"
"Yes, for now. We're trying our best to sort matters out one at a time. Both Kelly and Harry's dilemmas are very important, and we are trying our best to sort both out as soon as possible, so please be patient. We will chat again as soon as we can figure out this mystery. Again, I'm sorry that your house was broken into, and things were damaged. That also will be investigated. I have a feeling all of these events are related somehow. Let's just hope You-Know-Who is not gaining power again. Have a good night, Mr. Weasley. For your protection, we are giving permission to place a security charm on your house."
Kelly heard the shuffle of feet, so she quietly hurried back up the stairs to Ginny's room. She crawled back into the sofa bed. She found herself staring at the ceiling again while Ronan curled up by her neck and purred. She felt her eyes burn once again, hot tears flowing down her cheeks for her mother, and a past too confusing a frightening to think of anymore. How could she be related to Voldemort, the most powerful and dangerous sorcerer of this time? It wasn't right. She was a good person, so was her mother. It couldn't be possible that she had evil blood in her veins. What if this got out? What if everyone found out this information? It was just too much to believe. And her father, he was a follower of her grandfather, her grandfather, Tom Riddle. She wiped her tears off of her face and sniffled. What was to happen now?
Tomorrow was another day.