Alrighty I finally got my beta to read and correct so I think all the kinks are out… Thanks again to everyone who has reviewed… if you didn't see your individual thanks on the last version of this chapter sorry L. I have chapter 4 finished… and it won't take me long to type it's a couple pages longer then this one so it will be about 9 pages typed. However, no reviews no chapter… I can keep writing for my own personal pleasure but I post for you guys, posting takes time because of having to type up the story. So please review… I know the whole instant gratification thing is becoming me!

Charly

Whirling in an all too familiar sensation of nausea and blurs, Harry gripped his trunk and kept his elbows in until he was thrown from the receiving fire place.

"May want to move," said Tom, the inn keeper at the Leaky Cauldron. No sooner had Harry stepped to the side than Hailey spun out of the fireplace. She quickly moved away and Snape spun out.

"Glad to see we didn't lose anyone," Snape said snidely while looking at Harry. He then moved forward and swept his wand around Hailey, Harry, and himself to remove soot.

"Ah, Severus," said Tom, stepping forward with a toothless grin, "Will you be staying the night? Must say it has been a bit lonely around here lat--"

"Actually, Tom, we are in a bit of a hurry. Store our trunks in room six until our return," Snape ordered, handing the letter he received earlier to Tom. Tom nodded understandingly as Snape hurriedly walked to the back of the Leaky Cauldron, Harry and Hailey trailing behind him. "We have less then an hour," said Snape as he tapped the specific bricks that open Diagon Alley, "Do not separate, you two, no matter what happens. Have your wands ready and try to go unnoticed." He stepped back as the entranceway opened. Harry gasped in horror. Instead of the hustle and bustle that way Diagon alley, there were a few visitors, all looking gravely scared. Most of the shops had few decorations outside. Those shops that did have out decorations, had them all smashed. Harry surveyed the scene and noticed something mildly odd about the patrons.

"These guys are mostly Death Eaters," Harry said stunned.

"Shh," hissed Snape and Hailey, while giving him death looks.

"There not all Death Eaters, but most are, they won't hurt them." said Hailey in a cryptic whisper.

"Most of them," replied Snape out of the corner of his mouth.

"But I don't…" Harry never got to say the word understand because Hailey put a harsh hand over his mouth and whispered in his ear. "I'll explain later," She released her grip and pleaded silently with him to remain quiet.

"We'll go in here first," said Snape, stopping in front of the apothecary. "Since I believe you both are in my N.E.W.T prep course." Harry didn't realize that he was going to need that many supplies this year and was running low on money.

"Professor, Sir, I haven't been to Gringotts yet and I'm…well, err, a bit low in the money department, so can we make a stop?"

Snape smiled at this temporary weakness in Harry. However Hailey spoke up too.

"As am I, Sir," Snape looked down and patted her on the shoulder.

"Yes, that was my next stop." First they stopped at Harry's vault.

"I hope you don't mind that I put your half of the Black fortune in your vault," said Hailey, wincing at the memory of Sirius. Harry didn't want Snape to see his money for fear he may think of Harry as a spoiled rich kid. However, best to Harry's ability Snape did catch a glimpse of his fortune but said nothing. The next vault they visited was Hailey's. Much to Harry's surprise her vault was twice as full as his own.

When she returned to the cart she handed Snape ten galleons. "For your troubles," Snape shook his head as if she hurt his pride but she just folded them into his hand and said please. Snape smiled slightly at her, and remained quiet until he reached his own vault. Harry realized that Snape had a slightly smaller fortune then himself. Snape placed two galleons of Hailey's money in his vault. Harry watched in amazement as stacks of gold and silver were apparating and disapparating. Harry, forgetting himself, voiced his thoughts out loud.

"Why is the gold disappearing and reappearing?"

"Are you mocking my status in society Potter?" Snape snarled.

"I don't believe he knows how wizard gold works Uncle Snape." Hailey said trying to sooth Snape.

"You have been in the wizard world for six years and still know nothing about it," said Snape. "Well if you must know, real wizards have a source of income, thus apparating gold. They also have bills to pay, thus disapparating gold." Harry stood in a silent acknowledgement feeling slights foolish. He swore Snape said "Muggle" under his breath but let it slide on account of his earlier stupidity. Outside of Gringott's, Harry was enraged when he saw Lucius Malfoy and his son Draco. Harry let a small growl of frustration escape from him.

"Behave!" Snape bit. At that point, Lucius stopped in front of Snape, and Draco stopped in front of Harry, with Hailey between Harry and Snape.

"Severus," said Lucius coolly, nodding his head. He then looked at Draco, who nodded his head.

"Nice to see you Professor," He purred. Next Lucius swept into a low bow and took up Hailey's hand and kissed the top of it. He returned to a standing position. "Milady", Draco then did the same. Instead of being appalled she looked as if she wouldn't have accepted any less of an elaborate hello. Lucius then ignored Harry and went to converse with Snape and Hailey.

"It is nice to see you two out and about on a day like this," Lucius said in an oily voice.

"What's Potter doing here?" Draco cantankerously stated, starring at Harry, who was starring back.

"Dumbledore," said Hailey to Draco and Lucius. "He wanted us to make sure Potter arrived safely to Hogwarts this year." She said it with a hatred laugh.

Lucius smiled at Hailey and then Snape cut in, "Hailey, dear, maybe you should take Draco and Harry to finish up. He stepped in to hug her and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and smiled while stepping back. "Lucius and I will catch up. We will be here if you need us."

"Let's go," Hailey flicked her hand at Harry in the way Dudley does to his crew of baboons. Harry clenched his wand in his robes and walked on Hailey's right as Draco walked on her left.

"So Potter," Draco said in his usual slimy voice, "Surprised to see my father? You didn't really think the ministry could keep him locked up did you? Maybe they didn't want to, because after all, my father helped kill Sirius Black." Draco paused for a reaction and was all too pleased when he got one. Harry was full of anger. All he wanted to do was cause Malfoy as much pain as he felt about loosing Sirius to the veil. He clenched his wand tightly.

"Shut up Malfoy!" If Harry's shouting didn't get the attention of other shoppers, it did when he accidentally blew up the window at the quidditch supply store with his anger.

"Really Potter," Draco continued finally realizing he got under his skin, "You can't tell me you cared about the dirty flea bag. His only daughter is afraid to be recognized as that filth's offspring." Draco laughed and pointed at Hailey who had said nothing but only stood there with a smirk. At that moment two more windows exploded. "My, My, Potter, you should learn to control your temper."

"Draco, we get the point my father is scum. Let's drop it before he blows us up next." Hailey said through a smirk.

Harry thought knew he didn't blow up the last two windows. They all kept quiet the rest of the time going store to store and buying more supplies. They finally exited Flourish & Blott's, the last store on their list. All of their pockets were significantly lighter. Harry noticed Hailey was walking at a quicker pace. "We should find Severus and Mr. Malfoy," She said. "Oh, there they are," She pointed to where Severus and Lucius were leaning against a wall at the entrance to Knockturn Alley. Harry heard a scream and went to run toward it but Hailey's hand made for his. "No," she said. "Wait."

"Oh, let him go play hero," mocked Draco. Harry moved back to Hailey's side and immediately saw why she said to wait. What Hailey and Snape said at the entrance to Diagon Alley made complete sense now. Coming down the street was an army of fifty or more Dementors. They were preying on innocent people while the Death Eaters stood back and watched, well some of them watched. The other Death Eaters were also being toyed with, the disobedient ones no doubt.

"HAILEY!" screamed Snape. But it was too late. at least twenty five Dementors had circled around the three of them. Harry's whole world was becoming hazy and he heard his Mum scream for help. Through the haze he saw Snape and Lucius still leaning on the wall. Snape wore an expression of concern while Lucius looked intrigued. He then heard Malfoy scream "Expectro Patronum" all that came out of his wand was a small silver ripple. Harry could hear nothing from Hailey and his world was darkening fast. "Expecto Patronum" screamed Harry thinking of all his happy memories. Harry produced a silver ripple also. He attempted a second and a third time and he still didn't produce a real patronus. His patronus was just strong enough to keep him standing. However, he was growing weaker by the second. The Dementors started to draw in closer when he heard Hailey, who he thought had passed out. "Think of happier thoughts Harry, please!" she pleaded. Harry tried once more and was still unsuccessful. He then heard Hailey's scream pierce through Diagon Alley like a Sonorous Charm. "Expecto Patronum!" A bright pearly white light blew out of her wand with such force that Malfoy and Harry were thrown to the ground. The white light then took shape and surrounded in a circle around them. Harry watched in amazement as Prongs, Padfoot, Moony, Hagrid, Fawkes, and Professor Snape all chased down the Dementors. When the Dementors got far enough away Hailey dropped her wand to her side and the Mauraders, Hagrid, Fawkes, and Snape all disappeared. The Dementors however, were still very much alive. The whole army of them disappeared with a loud pop.

"You shouldn't have come to Diagon Alley if you couldn't produce a patronus," lectured Hailey to Draco while she helped him off the ground. He grunted in response. He then turned to Harry and gave him a hand.

"You didn't kill them," he said with a little anger, amazement, and confusion in his voice.

"No…" said Hailey softly while casting her eyes toward the ground.

"Why not?" growled Harry, feeling his anger boil, "They were going to kiss us!"

"We cannot determine who or what lives and dies in this battle, Harry." She said looking him in the eyes. Their penetrating stare was broken when Snape stepped between them. He reached for Hailey and hugged her tightly. He then turned to Draco who was being congratulated by his father for forming a wisp of a patronus.

"Yes, congratulations, but you should still work to form a full patronus. You have great potential, I am proud to say you are a son of Slytherin." Snape said to Draco. Draco beamed proudly in response. "As for you Potter, You put us all in danger claiming you could form a patronus."

"But I can!" responded Harry fiercely, "It just didn't work…" He added rather sheepishly. Snape was about to belittle Harry some more when Hailey spoke softly.

"When was the last time you performed a patronus?"

"Erm, I don't know," said Harry staring at her fervently.

"Was it before Sirius died?" She asked.

"Err, yes I believe so," said Harry inquisitively, "but what does that have to do with it?"

Draco and Lucius laughed, Snape rolled his eyes, and Hailey handed out chocolate before she spoke.

"You see Harry," She said in a very teacher-like voice that was a mix of Hermione's and McGonagall's. "A patronus can grow with you. When something say, traumatic happens or something wonderful happens in your life your patronus will change." While she was in her speech Hailey had picked up all of the shopping bags off the ground and proceeded to scratch her forearm with her wand through her sweater.

"Hailey are you alright?" Draco asked.

"Um, oh, yes," She said startled, "Wool, you know, itchy material." Lucius raised an eyebrow then looked at Draco who mirrored his look.

"Well we must be going," Lucius started, "I mean look at the time, it is five o'clock already." These words snapped Snape out of the daze he seemed to be in.

"Yes, Lucius, we must go too. After all I wouldn't want Dumbledore to have my head over Potter." He spat. Lucius laughed a goodbye to Hailey and Severus. Then he nodded and he and Draco swept away with their robes whipping behind them. "Hurry up you two," Snape hissed venomously.

"But Unc--" Hailey started.

"Not another word until we get to the Leaky Cauldron." The three of them entered the Leaky Cauldron and went straight up to room number six. When Snape closed the door behind them Harry looked around the room.

"Professor where is my owl?" Harry asked timidly hoping there was an excellent reason Hedwig wasn't there.

"Port Key!" was all Snape said. Hailey looked frightened.

"What do you mean?" She said with panic in her voice.

"The letter said the Port key would leave promptly at five and that Tom was to tie it onto Hedwig's cage. That way if something were to happen the Portkey would take Hedwig and then he would know."

"How are we getting back?" Growled Harry, who was still furious at Snape and Hailey for their previous attitudes in Diagon Alley.

"The only way left," said Snape, "floo, the portals to the Hogwarts fireplaces will be open until five thirty for full entry." He then said "Exhibeo Immineo" and his wand spun on his finger till it stopped abruptly. It is now five fifteen. "We must hurry," Snape snapped. Harry stepped forward wanting to get out of Snape's and Hailey's presence fast. However, Snape ripped his shoulder back. "You can't even produce a patronus and you expect me to let you go first in the floo gates?" Snape hissed.

"You let me go first before," Shot back Harry in an unsuccessful attempt to control his anger. He blew up a vase.

"Well, Well, Mr. Potter, you must learn to control that temper of yours. Your father and that mutt of a grandfather would have been proud of that little display wouldn't they?"

"Yes they would, Snivellus." Harry's acid tongue whipped at Snape.

"Expelliarms!" Harry's and Snape's wands flew out of their hands and they both landed in opposite ends of the room with sickening thuds. "Stop it now you two!" screamed Hailey, who was near tears, obviously torn which side of the argument to take. Hailey had Harry's, Snape's and her own wand in her right hand while she nervously rubbed her fingers over a black gem on a gold chain she was wearing around her neck.

"You didn't have to be so rough," said Snape, now standing, rubbing his backside. "I know," she said slipping her black gem back safely under her clothes.

"We wasted ten minuets," She blatantly stated. She threw Harry back his wand and then Snape his. She picked up her trunk and through some floo powder into the fire. "Gryffindor Tower," she yelled and quickly disappeared.

"You next," Snape said, his tone softer but his glare menacing towards Harry. "Gryffindor Tower," He finished, not elaborating.

Harry Held his trunk and threw his floo powder then screamed Gryffindor Tower. Harry skidded through the Gryffindor common room fireplace. Harry let out a sigh as he looked around the only place he truly called home.

"Feels great to be back doesn't it?"

"Yeah," said Harry still angry about Hailey's previous behavior. He then moved away from the grate to allow Snape to come through.

"He will go straight to his rooms," Hailey studied Harry's face for a while looking for something. "You know Hedwig is fine, she is probably in the Owlery…"

"I'm not worried" he said throwing a glare her way.

"Here," She said handing him some chocolate. Harry slapped it out of her hand to the ground. "Harry, what?" she asked stunned.

"Why don't you go to your Slytherin common rooms and discuss me with Malfoy?" Harry roared. With that he picked up his trunk with slight difficulty and stormed off to his usual comforting circular dorm. Harry didn't go down to dinner that night. Instead he fell into a death-filled slumber. When Harry awoke he was mentally sore from the various curses that were being fired in his head. He got dressed and went down to the common room, and much to his relief, Hailey was not there. Harry would explore the castle and try to stay away from the common room and anyone else. Besides a brief run in with Snape and Dumbledore he succeeded for four days. He was happy just not seeing Hailey for his anger was too new for him to deal with her. However, he did see her in the Gryffindor common room his fifth morning back. He looked down on her from the stairs. She was on the sofa, a plate of toast and two cups of tea, one in front of her and another in front of a chair straight across from her. Harry huffed silently to himself. She can't possibly think I'm staying, Harry thought. He walked over to the fat lady's portrait and waited for it to move. However, all he got was a "tsk, tsk, tsk, I'm sorry dear, I can't let you out."

"Let me out!" screamed Harry

"No, I'm sorry," the lady replied.

"What in bloody hell are you playing at? Open the damn door!" He hear the lady tsking again.

"Sorry dear, I'm doing this as a favor." At this Harry turned to Hailey.

"I don't want to have a row with you so open that door."

Hailey looked at him and put down her tea cup. She pointed to the chair. "Will you please sit? She won't open until we talk this out." Harry decided to humor her and sit down. He actually looked at her for the first time that day. She was still in muggle clothes. She wore a tight gold long sleeved shirt and a denim knee length skirt. She was a little shorter then himself (who was about as tall as Ron). She unmistakably had Sirius' facial features and pale skin. The rest of her body though belonged to someone else. She was skinny; too skinny, Harry noted as his eyes scanned her ribcage and counted the ribs visible under her tight shirt. She also had curves that Sirius never had. Hailey shifted slightly and Harry caught her eyes. They were the clearest blue, almost gray. Harry was sure they would sparkle when she laughed. However all he could see now was pain and regret. Harry was wondering what could have caused those emotions when her hair glimmered and drew in his attention. Her hair was about waist length and was now pulled into a sophisticated and neat ponytail. It was blacker then Sirius' and it shined even in the semi-darkness of the common room.

"Toast?" Hailey said shifting slightly to grab a piece. "I had the house elves bring it up."

"No," Growled Harry remembering how furious he was. "Why can't I get out?"

"I asked her not to let you out." Hailey smiled mischievously.

"And she listened to you? Why?" asked Harry.

"Not that it concerns you, but she trusts me."

"The picture trusts you." Harry said starting to stand, "and I thought I had issues." He said rubbing his scar.

"Please don't make me force you to stay here." Hailey said softly producing her wand uncannily fast. Harry glanced at her wand, then at the stairs.

"You can't use magic. It is still summer." Harry glared at her.

"Yes but we are in Hogwarts. There is so much magic just keeping it hidden, the ministry would never find out." She smirked at Harry who sat down. He began to stare at her again and once again noted a gold chain hidden beneath her clothes.

"Harry your staring…again. Is there something you want to ask?" Hailey asked.

"The necklace you're wearing. What is it and where did you get it?" Harry demanded.

"This?" Hailey asked fishing the black gem from under her shirt. Harry nodded. "Well I got it from Dumbledore," She started and Harry noticed how she spit out his name, "And well like you said it is a necklace. It is just well… expensive, so I keep it hidden." she said replacing it, "but, I hardly think your angry at me about a necklace. I let you sulk long enough, we have to settle this, now."

"How, how dare you!" Harry said his anger mounting.

"How dare I what?" said Hailey, amused, leaning back on the couch to relax.

"How dare you sit back like nothing is wrong," Harry started, now screaming, "And how dare you let Malfoy touch you. You talked to him like, like you liked him, like you were a Slytherin. For what all I know you could be a Slytherin. But what makes me really angry is what you were saying about Sirius. You acted like you were ashamed of him. When all he ever was, was brave and caring. You have no right to call yourself his daughter if you're not going to defend him in front of company like Malfoy. And lastly how am I supposed to trust you based on what I witnessed in Diagon Alley?" Harry glared at her while breathing heavy since he was winded from his speech. He was fighting tears of anger as he waited for Hailey to move. She had cast her head downwards and her hands were now in her lap.

"Well," she said. finally looking up at him. "I would like to explain, that is if you could possibly take a seat." She rubbed her necklace with her brows furrowed, mumbling where to start. She put her necklace back under her shirt and smiled at Harry. "Sorry about the necklace thing, it is a nervous habit, it well, comforts me. And now about Malfoy, unfortunately Draco Malfoy is my second cousin and as for him and his father they are huge supporters of the Dark Lord. Harry, it would be foolish for me to get on their bad side. For if I did, then I am afraid my fate would be that of my fathers. As for my father you can rest assured to know that even though I only knew him for about two years he was still my father and I loved him. Sirius was all those things you mentioned and more. So of course it angered me when Draco said those things about him. I can only guess that you knew you only blew up one of those windows," Harry nodded, "Well the other two were my doing." Hailey added sheepishly. She regained stamina quickly, "Harry I'm not stupid. I know who the Dark Lord is. If we intend to win this fight we must hide our emotions and agree with the present company, even if we don't this is the only way for us to survive."

"Then how do I know you're telling me the truth?" Harry bit back.

"You don't. You just have to ask yourself which is harder to do, believe me or trust me?" She stood up.

"True." Harry thought about it then stood up and shook her hand "Truce," for some reason Harry believed everything she said even though he had no reason to. She started walking towards the fat lady but stopped and turned around. Her right eye twinkled slightly.

"Oh Harry, by the way, I am a Gryffindor." With that said asked the Fat Lady to open up, the door swung open and she walked out. Harry helped himself to toast and tea when he heard the portrait swing open.

"Back so soon Hailey? Well if you wanted to we could play wizards chest."

"Well Potter as much as I would like that I don't think it is a good idea. The Gryffindor common room makes my skin slither." Harry jumped up and turned around where he saw a black clad Snape in the crimson and gold common room.

"What are you doing here?" asked Harry gaping slightly.

"What hospitality that the Gryffindors show!" Snape sneered. "Well actually, Hailey came to me concerned for you health. She said you were touching your scar when you two spoke earlier."

"But Professor it was nothing," Started Harry whining.

"Stop your whining Potter! I remembered your nightmares from the Dursley's, the ones your cousin was taunting you about and I went to see the Headmaster who suggested we start back up occlumency. He told me to tell you he will be at the lessons when he can, but if he is not there Hailey will supervise for she has mastered the art already. Please, I advise you, Mr. Potter, do not hold this against Miss Black. I would have remembered eventually." Snape turned around and was half way through the portrait when he spoke again. "Eight o'clock tonight Potter my office, I hope you have been practicing." The portrait swung shut leaving a gaping Harry all alone in the Gryffindor common room.