A/N: Actually, this chapter is not anything I originally wrote. This just came to me in a moment of inspiration. I thought it might be a good idea to see how Destany is dealing with the news of her parents and such. This part of the story is pretty much all Destany. Sorry, you'll just hafta wait a couple more days to find out what happens to Harry. I really was not expecting to post this soon, so this is a treat for all you. :D Though I do think I might get, now chapter 28, posted tomorrow. No promises though. I hope you all enjoy this. It's short, but the next chapter is long anyway. I'm also sorry if Ron seems out of character. I try, really I do…but that's as good as it's going to get after 45 minutes of staring at the computer screen trying to re-work everything.

WritingjustforfunYou'll find out later about the cause of Harry's blackout. Glad you liked the last chapter. Actually, it's funny you mention the Hufflepuffs in your review. That was my debate for the longest time. Should Destany be Destany Ravenclaw or Destany Hufflepuff? I thought, in the end, that Destany Ravenclaw had a better ring to it. Plus, if I remember right, Ravenclaws and Gryffindors had more personality traits in common…though I guess I should have checked that part out before I made the final decision.

And to my newest reviewer…

charmedlily I'm glad you like the story. For the most part, I usually believe my writing is a load of crap; so I really enjoy getting reviews of people liking what I write. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

Chapter 27- Shattered Reality

Same Day

Destany sat alone as the adults fussed over Harry. She was worried for her friend but she had to be alone. She closed her eyes; hoping to shut out the outside world and live in the fantasy that some day she would meet her parents.

That hope was now shattered. Shattered like every other hope she had ever had. Destany saw the man who James had introduced as Remus come down the stairs. The man looked tired and weary.

"How's Harry?" She asked him. Remus looked over at her, startled. Like he had forgotten she was even there. The story of my life.She thought bitterly.

"He'll be ok…we think." Remus answered, coming over to her. "How are you?" He asked, and seemed genuinely concerned. Destany shrugged, not ready to bear her soul to a 30-something year old man. Possibly older.

"I'll be fine." She said, her voice steady and confident. It startled Destany. She knew she really should not be surprised. She was usually able to stay stoic or pleasant about any situation; but this time, she felt hopeless. Like the world was spinning round and round and there was no switch to make it stop.

"Are you sure?" He asked her and she nodded.

"Thanks for the concern, though." She said. He gave her a small smile that read he did not really believe her and left her alone again. She sighed and got up from her seat on the well worn and dusty couch. She didn't like being inside. It made her feel claustrophobic. She snuck to the door and sat down on the porch, glad for the cool afternoon air.

She knew she should try and get some rest. Being up for well over 24 hours now was not good for her health, but she knew she'd never be able to get some sleep. Not now. Not when her thoughts were so out of control that she felt hopeless. Scared. Alone.

"Uh, hi" a voice said. Destany turned her head to see a tall, red-head boy standing there. He wore jeans and a t-shirt.

"Hi." Destany said, not really wanting to deal with another person.

"Do you mind if I join you?" He asked, sitting down next to her without waiting for an answer.

"Sure, why not." She said, sarcastically. He looked at her and she sighed. "I'm sorry. I just…for lack of better words, I just had my world turned upside down."

"You want to talk about it?" He asked, looking into her grey eyes.

"No, not really," She said and added "Name's Destany."

"Ron." He said and she nodded her head in acknowledgement.

"Ah, the best friend." She said and Ron looked at her confused. "Harry's friend right? I came here with him." She explained. Ron nodded.

Destany looked away from Ron and back at the ground a few feet in front of her. Her mind conjured up the picture she always had of her mother. Tall and beautiful, with raven-colored hair and clear-blue eyes. She could almost reach out and touch the image. It was that clear to her. After years of seeing her in dreams and in waking moments, the image shimmered and disappeared. Just like her hope of ever meeting her in person. Funny how life is sometimes.

When will I ever feel normal again? She wondered, feeling tears prick her eyes.

"Hey, are you ok?" Ron asked her and she shook her head, lifting her hands to cover her eyes. She hated to cry. She hated the feeling of weakness involved with it; hated the way it made her nose run and her head hurt, but she could not make it stop. Could not stop the river of sorrow come from her eyes and she actually welcomed it. She felt Ron's arm come across her shoulders. His hand rubbed her shoulder in comfort. She sniffed slightly and glanced up at him.

His gaze was full of genuine concern for her. Though he barely knew her. She felt the tears sting her eyes again and she reached up to violently wipe them away.

"God, I hate crying. I'm sorry." She said, her voice cracking slightly.

"It's ok." He said, she actually believed for a moment he actually might be right. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it? It might help." He added.

"Are you sure you want to listen to my problems? You barely know me and I'm sure you'd much rather go and see how your friend is doing."

"What if I said I want to get to know you?" Ron asked her. Destany did not have an answer for that. She glanced at him suspiciously and sighed.

"OK then, where should I start?"

"How about the beginning?" Ron advised and she chuckled. "What?" He asked.

"Nothing. It just seems I usually help others with their problems. Not too many people help me with mine." She confided. Ron nodded and she sighed.

"Well it all started when…" She began and Ron listened throughout her story, feeling sorry for the orphaned girl.