A/N:

Well, I hope you enjoyed the last installment, and here is the next! I've corrected some careless mistakes in the last chapter, so here's hoping that I won't have any here!

blackskarlett: Karin and Snape...I've been wondering about them for ages, and then I started thinking...well...how would I react if I saw someone I really didn't like, but I didn't like him ages ago and we were grown up since then...hm...to this point ...I really don't know yet. Haha...

The Makers of Mayhem: I'm sorry about the Miranda thing. Ignore that, I've fixed it. And here come the next few chapters! I love you so much for reviewing ...like...all my current stuff! hehehehehe keep coming back for more, and tell your friends...hahaha!

-
-
-

Chapter 2
Backwards

Karin turned over in her bed. Remus was here. Her brain felt as if it might explode at any second. She stared up at the ceiling and chewed at some loose skin on her lower lip. Twitching her fingers, she turned over to view her clock. The bright number blinked at her, steadily pulsing to the rate of her heart. After a time, her eyelids gradually drooped, and she was swept away to the Land of Nodd.

-
-
-

Karin sat very still on the train ride to Hogwarts. She had not yet met anyone she would consider worth making friends with, and that bothered her greatly. Her feet drummed a steady rhythm on the floor, and her fingers hit the offbeat. Eyes staring out the window, she was startled to realize that there was a boy sitting in front of her.

Excuse, me...everwhere else's full.Not a problem.

The two sat there for a while, silent. Karin looked at him carefully, as if sizing him up. He was small, his hair a sort of dusty brown, and his skin was paper white. She could see the remains of some old scars on his face and neck. Goodness!' she thought to herself. There was nothing mean or cruel in his countenance, indeed, his face fairly radiated all that was good and kind, except for a certain shyness. Karin couldn't help feeling that he was hiding something, for all his sweet appearance. Deeming him worthy of conversation, Karin spoke first.

What's your name?

The boy started, and fumbled for words.

Remus Lupin.Oh. I'm Karin Mackenzie. Where are you from, Remus?I'm from -

But she never got further than that, for at the same time Karin was trying to begin an amiable conversation, two very rowdy boys entered the compartment.

Ah, Remus we found you!You rascal, we were looking everywhere for you. Eventually we just gave up and sat in the nearest compartment, but - Then they kicked us out of there -Said we were too noisy.

James looked over, and seemed to notice Karin for the first time.

Hullo, who's this Remus?Er...this is Karin Mackenzie.Sirius Black.James Potter.So Karin, you a First Year?

Karin nodded slowly, not yet sure if she liked these newcomers. She looked at the two of them, and then at Remus. The boys were taller than most their age. The one who addressed himself as James had jet black hair, and glasses, and the other one - Sirius - had hair the colour of Honeyduke's Finest Dark Chocolate.

Excellent. Hope to see you in Gryffindor.Why's that?Well you see, if you get put in a house like Slytherin, we'll have to torment the living daylights out of you. You seem like a decent gel, and I'd be sorry to put you through that.So why wouldn't you just...not do it?Oh but you see, you'd be a Slytherin then, and be polluted and corrupted forever, and we'd just have to antagonize you.It'd be far too much fun not too.

The boys both had the silliest grins that Karin had ever seen, and she couldn't help bursting out laughing at the sight of them. They were just like two clowns, or puppies. She couldn't tell which.

I see. I'll make a point of avoiding it then.Well...you can try...but the Sorting Hat can be very persuasive. But never mind, I think you'll be fine.What year are you in?

Karin found herself addressing most of her comments to Sirius, who seemed to be more of the leader of the group. James was by no means submissive, but Sirius' entire being gave off a commanding air.

Third. All Three of us. We three are in third year.Lookit that, three in third year...Must be our lucky year then.

Again Karin felt herself giggling. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Remus take up a book and start reading.

The conversation continued for the duration of the train ride, and Karin felt much more comfortable now she knew people at her new school.

-
-
-

Karin walked up to the Sorting hat, full of apprehension. She desperately hoped that she would be placed in Gryffindor, so as not to lose her new friends. Placing the hat on her head, she waited for its response, full of tension from head to toe.

Well let's see now...ambitious...cunning...and a tad bit manipulative too. You might make a Slytherin. But wait...we've got bravery here too, and you're very headstrong. I'm beginning to think...yes that's right. No doubt about it...

GRYFFINDOR!

Karin pulled the hat off her head, thoroughly relieved, and took a seat at the Gryffindor table next to Sirius Black.

-
-
-

Karin woke with a start, and realized that she had overslept. Sighing, she dressed, pulled her hair back quickly, brushed her teeth and went to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom without bothering for breakfast. She entered the room, a slight blush creeping onto her face as she realized they had already begun the lesson. The same blush deepened when she caught Remus' eye.

K-Karin. Thank you for coming...I er...well. I...

A/N: Allrighty...I hope you enjoyed that!