Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. I hope you stick with this with me!

Disclaimer: Again I would like to say the Tally and Josh Adams are my characters, all others belong to JK Rowling.

Ch.6

Tally's Past and Harry's Secret

Hagrid had reached Tally well before they had and was already kneeling beside her trying to wake her by the time the trio arrived next to him.

"Is she alright?" Hermione asked, concern written all over her face. However, a moment later Tally opened her eyes and looked around at the four of them. She seemed thoroughly confused for a minute, but she sat up quickly and regained her composure.

"Miss Adams?" She turned her head and gave an apologetic look to Hagrid.

"Call me Tally, Hagrid," She smile, "I'm sorry Hagrid for this. I guess I was more upset with Malfoy than I thought."

"I will 'ave ter tell yer brother ye know that."

"Oh no, please don't tell him. He worries so much about me as it is! It was only a small attack nothing to really worry about, honest!."

"I'm sorry Tally, but I'm on specific orders from him." Hagrid looked sorrowful at Tally. he helped her up onto her feet, "Why don't ye go get cleaned off an' rest a 'lil'."

"Yeah, alright." Tally started toward the castle and Hermione ran off after her, incase she had another attack. Ron turned to look up at Hagrid,

"What was that about?"

"Her 'eart. Her brother asked me ter look out fer her when she was on school grounds. This was the firs' time I saw her 'ave an attack."

"Come on Ron, we shouldn't leave those two alone for too long." Harry commented. Ron nodded in agreement. "We'll come back down to visit you later, Hagrid. Bye for now." Harry said.

"See ye Harry...Ron."

Looking around the common room, Harry spotted Hermione talking adamently with Neville. Harry nudged Ron, who had just climbed through the portrait hole, and they made their way over to them.

"Come on Neville, I'm going to find out anyway." Harry heard Hermione say.

"Fine, but you won't hear it from me. I made a promise to Tally and I'm going to bloody well keep it!" Neville turned slightly pink when he

realized he cursed at Hermione, but stood with a very determined look and walked away. Harry and Ron sat down on the chairs.

"'Mione why was Neville so angry?"

"He won't tell me about Tally, and stop calling me 'Mione, Ron."

"Where is Tally?" Harry asked as he watched Ron go red.

"She went upstairs to shower and then rest for a bit." Just then the portrait hole opened and a fifth year by the name of Colin Creevy, who had an annoying obsession with Harry, climbed through and made his way over to where the trio was sitting.

"Hi Harry!" he said excitedly

"Er-hi Colin."

"Where's Tally? I have a message for the both of you." Harry raised his eyesbrows at this and looked over at Hermione. She stood,

"She's upstairs, I'll get her." and was off before any of them blinked.

"What's the message Colin?" Harry asked.

"Professor Dumbledore would like the both or you to go to his office. The password is Sugarquill." Harry nodded in thanks and waited for hermione and Tally.

A few moments later Hermione came pounding down the stairs with Tally trailing behind. At the sight of Tally, Harry felt his stomach do a sumersault as his eyes trailed down her body. Her hair was still wet from her shower and tied into a high ponytail. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt that showed off her curves. She walked gracefully up to Harry with a smile,

"So, what's up?" She asked and reddened slighty when she noticed Harry's stare.

"Er-" Harry shook his head and mentally kicked himself for being such a pervert. "Er-Dumbledore wants to see us." Harry replied rather sheepishly.

"Oh, well alright then. You better lead the way." Harry bid farewell to Ron and Hermione and lead the way out into the corridor. The way to Dumbledore's office held very little awkward silences for the two of them discussed a variety of topics: From their classes to how America is different from Europe. When they reached the Gargoyle Harry stopped and glanced over at Tally. She gave him a perplexed look. Harry said the password and the Gargoyle jumped to life. Harry heard Tally gasp in surprise and he turned to see an awed look on her face.

"Wow, this is way cool!" She exclaimed

"Isn't your old school in America like this?"

"Oh no, not at all," They walked into the moving steps, "I went to a very small school, so our headmaster had a normal door, no password and certainly no gargoyle. He had a huge sign and lights, like we needed them." Tally frowned at the memory, "He is a very pompous man and wanted everyone to remember that." They had reached the door and knocked.

"Enter" Dumbledore chimed. Harry opened the door, but stood aside so that Tally could enter first. Upon entering, Harry saw that all the little trickets and gadgets that Harry had been broken at the end of term last year had been repaired and returned to their original places. Professor Dumbledore sat behind his desk looking very amused with Professor Snape, McGonagall, and Adams surrounding him. Harry glanced at Tally, who looked quite fearful, and gave her what he thought was a reassuring smile. To his surprise, she smiled back, at least until someone cleared his throat.

"I'm glad the two of you find that fighting with another student is amusing." Snape sneered, stepping closer to them.

"Professor Snape, we have heard Mr. Malfoy's side and now we will hear Miss Adams before passing judgement." McGonagall said, though her lips were extremely thin and her nostrils flared, never a good sign in Harry's opinion.

"Please Miss Adams, tell us what happened this afternoon with Mr. Malfoy." Dumbledore addressed Tally quietly. Tally looked apprehensive, but was comforted by a very soft expression given by her brother. For a moment Harry was extrememly impressed that they were able to comfort one another by a mere look. Tally took a deep breath and recited the afternoons events. The entire time she looked Dumbledore directly in the eyes and didn't falter once, even when Snape made disgruntled noises.

"I still think she should be punished for using violence upon another student." Snape demanded.

"Professor, she was merely sticking up for another student as well as her family's honor." McGonagall spat out, clearly enraged. Professor Adams, who had remained completely silent, only frowned apparently deep in his own thoughts.

"That is still no reason-"

"Well, as I am Head of her House, I shall punish her as I see fit!" McGonagall interrupted.

"Clearly" Without another word, Professor Snape walked out of the office.

"Er-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I let my emotions get the better of me." Tally quietly said and for the first time she was looking down at her feet.

"Nonsense, you had every right to defend both Ms. Granger and your father. For now I can only see giving you a warning, but I will not be so lenient next time Miss Adams." Professor McGonagall said. Tally looked quite shocked at the lack of punishment, but immensely relieved.

"Thank you Professor. It won't happen again.." McGonagall nodded and left the office. There was a grunt in the corner and Harry jumped, having forgotten Professor Adams completely.

"I have been informed that you had an attack." He said rather quietly.

"Only a small one, nothing to worry about." Tally said. She was watching her brother closely. His eyes narrowed as he studied her in return, it was clear that he did not believe her reasurences.

"Tally." his voice held a force of authority. It was obvious that they have had this conversation more than once before.

"Honestly Josh! Malfoy upset me more than I realized and when I thought I could jog it off, it overwhelmed me, that's all! I haven't had an attack in awhile, so I doubt it did any more damage, okay?" She was looking at him with apprehension, but determination. Her brother sighed,

"Alright, just be careful next time ok?"

"Deal." Tally smiled at him and he returned it. Harry noticed that they had the same smile. Actually, the more he studied them, the more he realized how much they looked alike. Josh had short wavy hair, but it was the exact color of Tally's. His eyes were hazel, but the same shape as Tally's. His nose was slightly longer, but their olive skin tones were a perfect match, as were their warm smiles.

"I have the extra robes you asked for." Josh held out a bag for her.

"Thanks." Tally hesitated bfor a moment. "Er-Josh, do you ever regret your decision?" she asked him.

"What decision?"

"About taking me in after Mom and Dad died. Giving up being an Auror and all that?" Tally almost looked fearful at the answer she may be given.

"No, I've never thought twice about it and neither should you." He said, walking directly up to her so that she had to look up into his face. "Why do you ask?" Tally shrugged her shoulders and looked away from him.

"Oh, no reason, it was just something I've been meaning to ask you that's all."

"You feel as though you are a burdon, but you will be surprised how often love conquers over any other emotion." All three of them jumped and whirled around at Dumbledore, who had remained silent at his desk watching the whole scene play before him. He was smiling at the two of them.

"I suppose, but it couldn't hurt to ask." Tally replied with a sad smile. She shrugged and turned to the door.

"Tally" Josh said quietly and Harry heard many emotions present in his voice: worry, hurt, love, and fear. Tally turned back to him, she was already half way across the room, before Harry could even register what was happeneing, Tally had run the length of the distance and straight into her brother's outstretched arms. They stayed like that for a moment and then released each other. It was like all doubts of everything had disappeared bewteen them after that embrace. It was at that moment that Harry realized that they only had each other; Tally was an orphan like Harry.

"I'm feeling better now. I'll just wait by the gargoyle while you chat with Harry." She smiled and left the office. Harry turned his attention back to the Headmaster, feeling slightly numb after that whole confrontation.

Harry found Tally sitting on the floor next to the gargoyle when he left the Headmaster's office ten minutes later. She didn't motice him until he was directly infront of her, having been lost within her own thoughts.

"Er-you ready to head back?" Tally looked up and focused her eyes on him, smiling, she held out her hand to him. Taking her hand in his, Harry helped her to her feet.

"So, what did they want?"

"Your brother is going to be giving me occulmency lessons."

"Oh, he's really good. He taught me when I was younger." Harry stopped walking and looked at her in disbelief. She turned to him and shrugged her shoulders,

"You learned occulmency?"

"Yeah. Actually, I'm an accomplished Legilimens." Seeing the look of bewilderment on Harry's face, Tally continued to explain, "My parents believed that a person should know how to protect one's mind against darkness, so they taught Josh and then Josh taught me." She shrugged her shoulders again and continued walking.

"Er-Tally, what happened to you? Where are your parents?" Tally stopped walking sighed deeply. She turned slowly and seemed to take all of Harry in, sighing again, she said,

"Alright Harry, I'll made a deal with you, I'll tell you about my scars, but only if you tell me about yours. No, no, no, not that one," Harry had raised a hand to his lightening bolt scar, but Tally gently pulled it away with one hand while the other traced it. Her touch sent a shockwave through his body. "I know all about that scar. I'm talking about the scar hidden behind our eyes."

"Huh?" Tally was looking Harry directly in the eyes, her hand still on his scar, it was becoming quite distracting, "Wh-what do you mean?" Although Harry was sure he knew the answer.

"I see the worry that constantly surrounds you. There's a burdon there, one you fear and one you keep hidden. tell me of that scar, the one that brings saddness to your perfect green eyes and quiets your soft voice." She had slid her hand off his forhead, but continued eye contact. Harry saw a deep concern for him as she spoke and what he thought might be understanding.

"Alright then, it's a deal."

"Good. I'll start." She leaned against the wall for support and closed her eyes. "I'm famous in America Harry, famous for being the youngest person to ever have the Cruciatus curse used against her." She paused to let this sink in. Harry was completely speechless, it was not at all what he had been expecting. "I'll start at the beginning. When I was little, I had an Uncle David, he wasn't really my uncle, rather my parents best friend and my Godfather, but he was as good as an uncle. I thought the world of him. When he'd come over, he would play some games with me or let me ride on his shoulders. I loved every moment I spent with him, until my last." She sighed again and slid to the floor. Harry slowly slid to sit next to her. "When I was six, my whole world changed, maybe even ended. I was asleep in bed when I heard his voice float in from the living room. I was so excited that I ran out to see him, but when I got to the living room, I saw him arguing with my parents. I stopped in the doorway and watched them. I was afraid, I don't know why, but it seemed so wrong to me, to see that. I heard some of the things they were saying, but at the time I didn't understand what they had meant." Harry was watching Tally intently, but she never glanced over at him. She held a faraway look and Harry knew that she was remembering this as she spoke of it, "David was asking my parents to run away with him that people were after him. My parents flat out refused. They told him that they had me to take care of and respectable jobs that they wouldn't dream of walking away from. My dad was an Auror and my mom was a Healer. Uncle David became enraged. It was around then that my dad noticed me in the doorway. He started walking towards me with a small smile on his face. He told me that I shouldn't be awake to witness this." Tally's voice cracked and a tears began to run down her face, she closed her eyes to the memories. "We heard my mom scream and then Uncle David whispered a curse. I didn't know what it was, but my Dad did. His eyes were so wide and so full of fear. There was a flash of green light and then mom was lying on the ground. Dad, he was so close to me, he told me to hide. Uncle David said the curse again and there was another flash of green light. Before it hit Dad, he told me he loved me. I had never seen him cry before that day and it was the last thing I saw of him before he fell. After he killed my parents, David turned on me. He started yelling at me and telling me that it was my fault they were dead and that I now had to be punished for it. And then all I felt was pain. Pain so horrifying that all I wanted to do was die, if only to make it end. And then, it lightened suddenly. When I was able to open my eyes, I was lying on the ground and Angel was on top of me, shielding me from the curse and deflecting it onto herself." At this point, Tally opened her eyes and looked at Harry, "I lost consciousness after that and woke up three weeks later in St. Mungos. I was told that Aurors showed up not long after that and arrested David. They sent both Angel and me to St. Mungos Hospital for proper care. During the three weeks, Josh came home from training, he was 19 then, and had to bury our parents. He mourned alone. When I woke up, he had to explain to me what happened and it was like I lost them all over again. I think he was relieved that I woke up. Apparently my heart was so damaged from the curse that they didn't think I would live or at any rate, wake up, that they had put me in a ward where most people never leave. That's where I met Neville. He was visiting his parents when he saw me in my coma. Josh told me that after that he had his Gran bring him to see me as much as possible. He was there when I woke up. We've been friends ever since. Josh became an Auror, but after a few years he decided a safer route, since he now had me to take care of, and began to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at an American school. Angel recovered fully, but her and I are bound by ancient magic now," Tally smiled for a moment, albeit a sad smile, "I call her my Guardian Angel. She is everything to Josh and me. A sister in a way. I was discharged a few weeks later, but my heart is permenantly damaged from the curse. Uncle David was sentenced to a lifetime in Azkaban. Although, they did give me the option of having him kissed, but I was six and didn't really understand what had happened." She took another deep breath, "you know he escaped from Azkaban this past summer, when all the Dementors left to follow Voldemort, but since he was never charged with being a Death Eater, his name never made it to the papers."

"Was-er-is he a Death Eater?"

"Yes, which is why he was on the run to begin with. He's the reason why we moved here too. Josh believes he'll come after me again. I'd like to see him try." Tally added bitterly. Her face darkened and Harry saw a deep hatred there that he knew he felt whenever he thought of Bellatrix Lestrange.

"Hey, you said his name."

"Whose?"

"Voldemort. I don't know very many people who do."

"Oh, well, Josh told me never to put fear in a name. In America, he will spend an entire day of classes making sure each and every one of his students says that name, without any fear present. You wait, he'll make everyone here do it too." she smiled brighly at Harry. "ok, its your turn now."

For the next half hour Harry told her everything that had happened from his first year until this past summer. He even told her about the prophecy, something he hadn't told anyone. It was the second time in two months that he was telling his life story to someone he thought he never would. He wasn't really sure why he told her, but he felt obligated to after she had bared her soul to him. When he finished, he sighed with relief. It felt good to talk about it all with a companion.

"How did Ron and Hermione take the news of the Prophecy?" They had begun their journey back to the Gryffindor tower and were almost to the portrait hole.

"I haven't told them."

"WHAT?" Tally exclaimed, having completely stopped walking, "Harry, why haven't you told them?"

"Er-I don't know. I didn't want to worry them." Which was partly true.

"Harry, as thoughtful as that is, they have every right to know. They have been there for you through everything else, give them the benefit of the doubt and tell them, let them help you, let them be there for you." Tally had placed her hands on his shoulders and was so close that she had to look up to look directly into his eyes. Harry felt excitement at her touch and could see the little freckles on her face.

"Oh, alright, I suppose you're right." Tally smiled and hugged him. Before releasing him she whispered,

"I like you Harry and I believe in you. I'll fight beside you for all eternity if I have to." And then she kissed him softly on his cheek. She began to make the rest of the way to the portrait hole, halfway there she turned back to face him, "You can tel the others my story if you wish, Harry. I don't mind. And maybe it will get Hermione off my back about Angel if she understood about the magical bond we share. I would give up my life for Angel. I would give up everything if she asked me to." With that, she turned and disappeared through the portrait hole. Harry was left standing in the middle of the empty corridor, touching the spot where she had kissed him.