Chapter 61: Erin Stephen

Erin opened her eyes and stretched. She was shocked to find that, though the sun was just beginning to tinge the morning sky with pink, she was wide-awake. She snuggled for a moment under the covers, thinking over the previous week.

In the past two weeks Erin had changed quite a lot—of this she was keenly aware. She remembered overhearing some of the others comment on her shyness the week before, and, though still quiet in large groups, she knew she was no longer the poster-child for shy students.

It had really begun, she supposed, after the discovery of that curious little room when she and some of the other first years had been exploring. When she had left in search of lunch, she had shocked herself by joining in with Fred, George, and Oliver in a rather hearty debate about Quidditch tactics and teams.

She found that she and George had the same sense of humour, that Fred was a willing and worthy opponent for debate, and that Oliver... well, Oliver was as a good as they come.

Erin climbed out of bed, pulled on her dressing gown and went to the window. She could see a lone figure walking towards the castle, and strained her eyes to better see who it was.

It was that girl... what was her name? Ray... the one she had met in the little boats on their way to Hogwarts that first night. She had seemed nice enough, from what Erin could tell, from there very short conversation, and Erin was shocked and disappointed to see Ray sorted into Slytherin. Of all houses! Erin had tried smiling at her once, but Ray had walked right past without any sign of recognition.

Erin's cheeks burned with embarrassment at the memory. Here she had been willing to overlook the house thing, but Ray had obviously already found her niche. Erin shook her head and sighed.

"'spose Slytherin is as Slytherin does."

Erin turned away from the window as the girl disappeared from sight. She pulled on some jeans and another well-worn Quidditch shirt. This one was red with "Stephens" printed on the back in gold. It was her father's from his years as a Gryffindor Chaser. Her father had had a large collection of Quidditch shirts that he had kept over the years. When Erin was nine she had discovered them in a box in the attack and claimed them for her own. An easy shrinking spell had made them small enough for her to wear comfortably. Erin pulled a jumper over the ensemble and sat down to put on her trainers.

Not yet hungry (she never was until she had been up for a little while) she decided to go for a walk outside. Oliver had mentioned that he often flew laps around the pitch when the weather was nice. If he was up, perhaps he'd let her have a go on his broom.

Erin yawned as she tiptoed down the stairs. She paused as she entered the common room. A cosy fire was all that lit the dark room, and Erin walked over. She kneeled before the hearth and let her body absorb the warmth.

"Ahem."

Erin startled, and turned around. Sitting in one of the large, overstuffed squashy armchairs sat Oliver. He was obviously dressed to go out of doors and her eyes shifted to the flying broom lying on the floor beside him.

She grinned.

"I didn't notice you sitting there!"

"I was on my way out, and then I thought I'd wait a bit."

Erin raised her eyebrows.

"Wait for... what exactly?" she inquired.

He shrugged.

"I can see it in your eyes, every time we talk about Quidditch... how much you miss flying." She was surprised at the serious tone of voice, until he added with an extremely self-confident smile and wink, "girl after me own heart."

She laughed as he exaggerated his own accent, and stood up.

"Right then, Wood. You've caught me— I only want you for your broom."

His eyebrows shot up, and together they laughed as they made their way from the common room.

Chapter 62: Sebastian Stirling

"Stirling! Hey, where have you been all day?" Draco Malfoy asked nosily as Sebastian took a seat at the Slytherin meal table. Sebastian exhaled loudly, and rolled his eyes at Draco's question.

"Malfoy, I told you; I went to go have a talk with Alondra," Sebastian replied casually, as he began to bite into his food. Draco smirked pompously.

"Oh yes... the mudblood! No wait, what's the name you kept calling her in your sleep...your 'Fate maiden?'" Draco drawled and chuckled mischievously, as Draco's cronies- Crabbe and Goyle laughed obnoxiously loud. Sebastian narrowed his dark eyes at them and glared at Draco.

"Shut it, Malfoy! And first off, Alondra is not a mudblood! She's more a wizard than you...and secondly, well, let's just say I'm not the only one who talks in his sleep," Sebastian retorted slyly, Crabbe and Goyle laughed again. Draco silenced them and shrugged arrogantly.

"I really don't know what you're on about, Stirling," Draco replied uncertainly and avoided the eyes that were now on him. Sebastian almost choked on his juice, trying to stifle a laugh.

"What was that name again...oh yes, I believe you called out for you 'little princess', correct?" Sebastian teased, and Draco actually had a small blush on his pale cheeks. Crabbe and Goyle noticed the expression on their bossy friends' face and laughed again, this time almost spitting out their food in the process. Sebastian chuckled and nodded; proud that he had won that argument. Draco scowled loudly, and looked to Sebastian.

"I'll let that one go for now, Stirling. Consider it a favour," Draco told him coolly, and an amused grin spread on his face. Sebastian nodded and then they turned to see Crabbe choking on a piece of ham, he was almost as green as his tie. Sebastian and Draco laughed loudly, at the sight of the chubby boy coughing loudly for dear life. Goyle patted his back roughly and Crabbe eventually settled down. He gave everyone a thumbs up and presumed to finish his food. Sebastian shook his head and went to do the same when Draco cleared his throat. Sebastian placed his fork down.

"What now, Malfoy?" Sebastian asked a little annoyed. Draco shrugged casually.

"Like I said earlier, Stirling. You're all right, and I'd appreciate your discretion on the matter of my dream calls if you know what's good for you," Draco said seriously. Sebastian rolled his eyes.

"Who do you think I am? I'm not one of your cronies, Malfoy. Unlike Crabbe and Goyle I make my own rules not follow someone else's. So, tell you what...you stop calling Alondra a mudblood and butt out of my personal affairs with her period...and I'll stay quiet on your 'dream girl'," Sebastian proposed, knowing Draco would have to accept. Draco exhaled angrily.

"Fine...I won't call Alondra a mudblood...at least not in front of you, and I'll reserve my comments about you and her...for now...now is that a deal?" Draco said proudly, Sebastian shook his head.

"Deal. Oh, and see that you keep your end of the bargain, Malfoy, I'd hate to badmouth a fellow Slytherin," Sebastian agreed, and the boys shook hands as if sealing the deal.

"You took the words right out of my mouth, Stirling," Draco responded, Sebastian laughed.

"Malfoy, I think this the beginning of a beautiful friendship," Sebastian said jokingly, while Draco rolled his eyes. And yet, deep down Sebastian admitted to himself later on that as much of an arse as Draco Malfoy was, he was the first friend he had unofficially made from Slytherin. And like it or not, they had a lot in common...the same arrogant nature, the same heavy vaults in Gringotts, the same soft spot for their mothers, the same lonely and cold childhood. Sebastian nodded to himself, perhaps it really was the start of a friendship that would probably be a rare and appreciated thing for both of them.

Chapter 63: Rachael Jones

Dear Daddy,

I know you don't want anything to do with me anymore, but if I am to go and stay with your sister, I need some information from you. Who is she? Where does she live? How do I contact her? If you could let me know this information I would be greatly appreciative.

Also, I want to know what is going to happen about my school things, you cant expect someone that I have never met before to pay for my school books, my food and board, also I want to continue my Gymnastics, and I don't think its fair to expect them to have to pay for that as well… or do I have to stop now that you don't want me?

Your no longer daughter

Ray

Ray,

I have enclosed a key to a Gringotts account, it holds enough money to get you through your schooling, I have also sent a similar key to your Aunt, so don't worry about that either, I wouldn't want you to be a burden to anyone else.

Your Aunts contact details are below,

Aunt Juliet
Tranquillity Grove

Please try to do well in school and not disappoint me any further.

Henry

Dear Aunt Juliet,

Hi, I'm Ray Jones, I'm sure my dad has written to you about me, but I just wanted to write to you so that my first contact with you wasn't when I showed up at the start of summer.

As you already know, my name is Rachael Jones, but I normally get called Ray, I'm nearly 12 years old, I was born on the 28th November 1980. Now this may be the shocker for you, I was sorted into Slytherin House.

I hope you will write back, if you don't want anything to do with me, I don't mind, but please tell me.

Always

Ray

Dear Rachel,

I'm sorry, but your aunt Juliet isn't feeling very well right now and so I will be writing for her. I'm your grandmother, Diana, and Juliet lives here with me at Tranquillity Grove. You can just call me Diana or whatever else you feel comfortable with. I wouldn't assume that your father has spoken much about me as that we've had a troubled past. However, I will assure you that in no way does the house you find yourself in change how I would feel towards you.

You might like to also know that you have a cousin named Cassandra. She's currently away at school, but if you would like I could forward your mail to her. She will be very happy to learn that she has a cousin who will be coming to stay with us this summer.

If you have any questions about me, your family, or Tranquillity Grove, please just let me know and I will try my hardest to answer them for you.

Your Grandmother

Diana

Dear Diary,

I've never been one to write my thoughts or feelings down as someone could find them and read them, but I am forced to confide in someone or something.

Daddy ditched me, he doesn't want me or love me, much like mummy… I knew she would as soon as I found out I was a witch, but I didn't expect daddy to be so narrow minded. Just because I'm a Slytherin doesn't make me evil incarnate, does it?

I got a letter from my grandmother; daddy told me that she 'wasn't with us anymore' so I guess he doesn't know that she lives with my new aunt…

School is okay, most people ignore me, I met a Gryffindor called Daniel… he seemed okay after he found out I didn't believe in the 'Pureblood' theory… I'm really not sure if I fit in here, I mean I have no friends to speak of, well maybe Professor Snape, but he's a teacher, and who would want to be a friend with a student.

I'm planning on asking him if he can conjure me a beam, I really need to practice on the real thing, a line on the ground just isn't working….

Well I'd better go… I have homework to do…

Ray

Dear Gran Diana,

Is that okay for me to call you that? I'm glad that you are okay with me being a Slytherin, I'm not sure I could take another rejection…

I will write to Cassandra, I hope you don't mind passing them on? It will be good to have someone else to talk to, the Slytherin house don't really accept me as I'm only a half-blood and their all into the 'Pureblood' theory, but I'm hoping they will get over it soon.

I'm doing well in my classes, nowhere as good as Hermione Granger she is a Gryffindor and in a lot of my classes. I'm helping Professor Snape in the potions classroom on Sundays as a swap for some tutoring in charms…

I'll write back soon…

Ray

Dear Cassandra,

Hi, you don't know me, but I have just found out that you're my cousin… talk about strange, I go from having no family, no friends to having an aunt, a cousin and a grandmother…

Okay I'd better start at the start… My name is Ray, I'm 10 years old (nearly 11) and I have just started my first year at school. What can I tell you, when my mummy found out I was a witch she abandoned me, then when my daddy found out what house I was put in at school, he abandoned me too, sending me to live with your family, people I have never met before or never knew existed.

Can you tell me anything about you? I'm a sports nut, anything so long as I'm moving, mind you I'm scared out of my brains with heights, so I don't know how I'll go with Quidditch, nice safe grounded sports are for me… :o)

What are you favourite classes? I really like Charms and Potions, although most people don't like our potions teacher, but he is nice to me…

Well I'd better get going, I have homework to do… if you want to write back send it via 'our' grandmother, she said she would forward the letters for us…

Have fun…
Ray

Chapter 64: Daniel Smith

Daniel almost could not contain his excitement as he scrambled up the forty-foot pole, and sat himself in the hoop so that he could admire the view of the pitch. Today was the day. Flying day.

It wouldn't be like having a broomstick of his own, of course, a state of the art one like the Nimbus 2000 or even the Cleansweep Seven. But to fly on a broom, even a cheesy school one that could maybe hit 60 in a power dive... it was a delightful thought.

Ray, doing her gymnastics as she always did, watched him as he slid down. He had ditched the horrible shorts and school singlet for a new outfit, a pair of shorts and a tank top with "Hogwarts" printed on it. They had been a gift from an acquaintance, a Hufflepuff named Justin Something-something. He had outgrown them (and had gotten new ones with the Hufflepuff logo on them), but Daniel was a lot smaller and they fit him nicely.

Ray occasionally wondered why Slytherin was so ostracized. Although the closest friends were generally in the same houses, friendships between Hufflepuffs and Gryffindor's and Ravenclaws were commonplace. But Slytherin's tended to stick together, and no one else really wanted them around that much.

Daniel, finishing his workout, bid Ray good morning as he went past on the way to a shower and breakfast. She returned the greeting. He had gotten the impression that she didn't really want to talk with anyone. There had been kids like that at the boys' home as well, and it was usually best to respect their wishes in the matter.

As he entered the castle, he darted past Professors McGonagall and Sprout, who were discussing something in the castle's atrium. "Morning, Professors," he panted.

"Good morning, Daniel," McGonagall said, calling him by his first name as asked. "Are we staying out of trouble?"

"Trying my best," Daniel said.

"You seem chipper this morning," Professor Sprout said. Daniel was generally far more guarded in his emotions, a necessity in his past.

"Flying lessons today," Daniel said. "And I am pumped."

"Yes, well, please try to maintain some decorum in my classroom this morning," McGonagall said, allowing herself a smile.

"Yes, ma'am." Daniel hurried on.

Still dripping with sweat from running up sixteen flights of stairs (including making a flying leap when one of them tried to shift landings on him), he gave the Fat Lady the password and entered the Common Room. Cassandra and Magenta were there, on their way to breakfast.

"Daniel! Good morning. Coming to breakfast?"

"After I shower."

"Well, I hope you stop to dress as well," Magenta (also in a cheerful mood) said. "Otherwise, you might get some funny looks at the breakfast table."

"Don't worry." Daniel was as modest as any 11-year-old.

"How's the weather looking?" Cassandra queried.

"Well, it's warm, the sky is blue, and the dew's so deep you could swim in it," was the reply. "All signs point to a great day to take the air."

"Excellent," Cassandra said. "But there is bad news. We're with the Slytherin's."

"Oh. Well, maybe Malfunction will be sick or something." Daniel had several uncomplimentary terms for Malfoy. Draco and his two thugs glared at him from time to time, but dared not to more, not wanting to lose blood or house points.

"Well, even if he is there, we'll all be there too," Magenta said. "I don't think they're dumb enough to hassle all of us."

"Especially since at least a couple of them won't back their play," Daniel added.

"Well, we'd better get to breakfast before those seventh-year boys get it all," Cassandra said.

"Save me some as well," Daniel said, heading for the shower. As he went, he looked at the clock, counting down the hours until Madame Hooch's lesson.

Chapter 65: Magenta Coldren

Magenta stood in the corridor, bouncing back and forth from the balls of her feet to her heels. She was a picture of excitement, anticipation written all over it. After Transfiguration, she had darted off down the hall, leaving the others behind. Daniel was the first to catch up. He was puffing a bit, but he was there almost immediately after Magenta, so he stood there with her, waiting for the other girls.

"Have you flown before, Magenta?" he asked curiously. Magenta nodded enthusiastically. Her eyes were filled with excitement.

"I am so happy... in a few minutes; I'll be riding a broom again! I haven't ridden since... since..." her face fell, and her eyes looked haunted for a moment. She perked up almost immediately, though. "Well, it doesn't really matter, does it, I'm going to fly again today!" she said, her natural energy returning.

"Yeah, you will, but we're going to be late if the others don't get here soon." he said. As if on cue, Alondra, followed by Cassandra and Erin, appeared around the corner. They set off again, not running as before, but walking quickly. Alondra and Erin were obsessed with Quidditch, and Magenta had no problem with that; she almost was as well. Those two walked together, raving like lunatics. Daniel and Cassandra were talking about flying, and magenta, not wanting to disturb anyone, floated off into her own little world of Quidditch, football and Madonna and Sheryl Crow music.

"Magenta, we're there." said Cassandra when they reached the small gaggle of first years that signifies where the class was to be held. Magenta had almost walked right past them. Running on autopilot, something she did often, was potentially hazardous at times. Luckily, Cassandra had prevented anything from happening to the girl while she was off in her la-la-land.

Once they arrived, a tall, regal looking woman in black robes with spiky gray hair and catlike eyes addressed them crisply.

"Welcome to flying lessons. I am Madame Hooch, and I will be instructing you this morning. Now, if you will all step up the right side of your broom," she indicated two, long, straight rows of broomsticks, sitting on the ground, facing each other, "place your left hand over the broom, and say 'Up'."

Magenta did as she was told. "Up." she said demandingly. The broomstick immediately flew into her hand, just after Harry's had. Then was Daniel, Cassandra, Alondra and Erin in the third place spot. Hermione, Ron and a round-faced boy with sandy hair had more trouble though. In the end, Ron's finally cooperated, but not until after it had hit him in the face at least three times. Hermione and the round-faced boy Magenta had heard being called 'Neville' picked theirs up.

"Now, mount your brooms and on my whistle, everyone kick off the ground, hover for a moment, the touch back down." called Madame Hooch. The students all did as told, except Neville. Up he went, higher and higher, and then he lost control of his broom. It pinged him all the way over to the castle, bouncing off its called. It made its way over to the forest and was suddenly ensnared in the trees.

After a long moment of hanging in the air, Neville fell to the ground with a thud. A whimper escaped his lips and he tried his best to get up, but his arm gave out beneath him. Madame Hooch and the class abandoned their own broomsticks and rushed over.

After examining his arm, Madame Hooch deemed it a broken wrist.

"Now, I am going to take Mr. Longbottom to the Hospital Wing. As for the rest of you, if I so much as see you touch a broomstick, you'll be on the train home before you can say Quidditch." she declared, then hurried off, Neville by her side.

No sooner had the teacher and student disappeared into the castle than had Draco Malfoy sauntered over to the spot where Neville had hit the ground. There was a small, glass ball on the ground, inside it scarlet smoked swirled around and around. Magenta observed as Malfoy picked up the object and spoke to the class in his usual obnoxious drawl.

"Well, well, well look at this. Maybe, if old Longbottom had given this a shake, he would've remembered to fall on his fat ass." he said, shaking the remembrall. Magenta glared at him as Harry stepped up.

"Put it down Malfoy." said Harry. Ron was next to him, scowling.

"You know what, Potter? No, I think I'll leave it somewhere he has to search for it." said Malfoy, tossing the remembrall into the air a bit and then mounting his broom. He kicked off and as he did he called " How about on the roof!" and he zoomed off towards the castle. Magenta watched, feeling a bit helpless, when she noticed Harry zoom off after him, much to Hermione's dismay. Ron was cheering excitedly.

"Get him Harry!" Magenta called.

"Kick his butt!" Ron was yelling. There were others screaming and cheering as well, Magenta was jumping up and down clapping. She stopped when she felt two massive hands on her shoulders, restraining her jumping.

She spun around and found herself facing Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, Malfoy's large cronies. Both were smiling densely at her. She scowled. Daniel, Cassandra and Alondra had also turned to see what she was looking at.

"Well, if it isn't the misfit parade." said Goyle, laughing stupidly.

"Yeah, it is." said Crabbe. Magenta looked up at them angrily.

"So, tell me, Crabbe, when did Malfreak teach you to speak in full sentences?" asked Daniel, mocking interest. The two larger boys advanced on the smaller one. Crabbe pulled his fist back, but Cassandra was faster.

"Furnunculus!" she yelled. Boils began to pop up all over Crabbe's face and body. HE fell backwards, and as he did, Goyle made to move towards Cassandra, but Magenta had better reflexes.

She turned and kicked Goyle as hard as she could behind his right knee and he stumbled to the ground. Magenta kicked him in the side. He groaned and got back up and attempted to punch her in the face, but she ducked just in time.

By this time, Crabbe was out for revenge. He was making his way towards Cassandra, but Daniel seemed to have the situation under control. He was in the process of beating him to a pulp.

In the background, Magenta caught site of another redhead. She was short, and a bit muscular. She was a Slytherin. The look on her face was a mixture of terror and disgust.

"Magenta was brought back to reality by a powerful impact tot he side of her face. Goyle had hit her hard enough to send her to the ground. He was going in for the kill, but there was a flash.

"Immobulus!" yelled Alondra. Thunder rumbled in the distance. Alondra looked furious. Her caramel eyes were dark. Magenta was still on the ground, nursing what she was sure was a broken nose, when Madame Hooch pushed her way through the group of students that had gathered around them.

"This is an outrage!" she declared. She went on into all the things the fight was, then finally concluded her speech. "points each from your houses and detentions for all of you for two weeks. Now, Ms. Coldren, would you like to go to the Hospital wing?" she asked. Magenta nodded.

Cassandra escorted her up to the castle.

"That was fun." Cassandra commented happily. Magenta nodded. Her voice was strange because her nose was probably filled with blood, but she managed to answer.

"Yeah, really fun." she said. Cassandra giggled and Magenta made an attempted at laughing, it didn't really work, just causing Cassandra to laugh harder.

Chapter 66: Rachael Jones

"But Professor… I… I… I can't fly… I'm too scared of heights!" Ray heard herself comment, "I don't think you get just how scared of them I am," she pleaded desperately.

"I'm sorry Miss Jones, flying is a required course, the only thing I can suggest, is that you control the broom and stay low," said Professor Snape, the morning of the flying lessons.

Ray stood in her place in the tram track lines that they were having the flying lessons, Professor Hooch had just told them to command their brooms 'up' but hers wasn't cooperating, it didn't help that Malfoy was next to her sniggering with each attempt.

'You can do this, you want to do this, you can do this, you want to do this,' was her mantra and commanded her broom AGAIN

"UP," she said, trying to be as convincing as possible 'thank the heavens above,' she thought when the broom came to her hand, shortly before Longbottom's.

Ray was concentrating so much on not panicking about what she was about to do, she didn't hear Professor Hooch tell them to mount their brooms and take off and hover. Luckily she was at the other end of the group, because before she had to get onto the broom Neville Longbottom took off…

Ray stepped back instinctively, the blood draining from her face, she was frozen and it wasn't even her on the broom… she took a few quick breaths, he chest tightening… she followed Neville with her eyes, ears pounding with the sound of her blood.

'OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD,' her brain was screaming.

She really needed to breath now, she was starting to feel faint, it wasn't until he landed with a crash, that her breath returned to her, she backed away from the now fighting group and sat on the ground with her head between her knees.

'Now if only the lesson would be over' she thought…

Ray woke up in a sweat, she reached over the night stand and pulled out her puffer, she was asthmatic, had been since she was 4, and now even remembering the flying lesson well over a month ago, it still left her tight in the chest and with breathing problems.

It was Halloween, she didn't really know what the big deal was about, at home… no in Australia; Halloween wasn't a big celebration like it was in the UK and USA.

She climbed out of bed looking at the clock, it was five am, a bit earlier than normal, but it meant that she would have enough time to have a full training session this morning.

After dressing in her tracksuit pants and t-shirt, she quickly stopped by the Great Hall and grabbed a piece of toast, and jogging out to the Quidditch pitch. About an hour into the training, she was surprised to see Professor Snape approaching her, she stopped her routine and waved hello.

"Miss Jones," he greeted.

"Good Morning Professor," she said warmly. "If you don't mind me asking what brings you out her this morning?" she asked quickly before she could back out of asking.

"I have been speaking to Professor Dumbledore, about your Gymnastics and continued interest in training. I have done some research and found that there is more to gymnastics than backflips and the likes, and I want to know why you didn't mention it to us?" he explained.

"Umm, I was planing on waiting until I could transfigure the equipment myself, because I didn't want to disrupt you anymore than I already am," Ray responded quietly. She didn't like having her actions called on.

"Your father wrote to the headmaster, he may not want you anymore, but he is still concerned about you, he wanted to make sure you could continue all aspects of your gymnastics, and asked if there was anyway that you would be able to leave the school to attend regular training sessions at a proper gymnasium. If you agree, I am willing to take you to what ever practises you want or need to go to," he explained.

He knew that her family was a delicate topic for her, he knew that she was having a hard time fitting into the Slytherin house, she was a lot like him when he was her age, antisocial, unwanted, and he felt a certain kinship for the girl, and wanted to help her as much as he could.

"Really?" she asked quickly, "I could really go to training?"

Snape smiled to himself, her enthusiasm was worth the extra work it would be for him.

"Yes, really" he said smiling softly at the girl, "I take it you would like to train properly again?"

"Yes, I've really missed it since being here, there isn't a lot that I can practise on my own with no equipment, and even if I had the equipment, I would need someone to spot me, and I don't have anyone to ask to do that…" she said trailing off, a sudden thought coming to her.

"Wont taking me to training, dig into your schedule Professor?"

"A little Miss Jones, but its not something that I mind doing so don't think about it," he said. "Now tell me about 'spotting" he asked, getting a lengthy and in-depth response.

Dear Gran Diana,

Professor Snape is going to be taking me to Gymnastics training, 3 times a week! Oh I can't wait!

School is okay; I still don't have any friends, but its not worrying me as much as went I first got here, I'm actually getting use to the silence. Professor Snape has been great, even though I don't need to I go to the potions classroom every Sunday morning and help him with potions, my grades are improving as well, I'll never be top of my class, but I'm actually enjoying classes now, will all except Flying, I'll NEVER like that one….

How is Aunt Juliet?

I can't wait to hear from you…

All my love,

Ray

Chapter 67: Alondra Bracho

Late Sunday evening, Alondra sat by the lake on a grassy patch, looking up at the moon. It was dark outside, and the stars glittered like diamonds in the heavens. The moon shone bright and full, a beautiful pearly white that left a shining reflection of glittering white on the gently moving lake water. The robes of her school uniform ruffled as a slight breeze blew. She sighed and looked down at the rose cradled in her hands. She smiled, stroking it gently. The gift of love, or so she had read in her book earlier, was a deep, soft red, and the petals glowed in the moonlight. She closed her eyes and put her face up towards the moon again, practically feeling its rays upon her body. She lost herself in the beautiful moment of tranquillity. Suddenly, a soft voice whispering into her ear interrupted her thoughts:

"What's a little Gryffindor like you doing out all alone on a night like tonight?" the voice drawled. Alondra's eyes shot open happily, and she spun her head around to see Sebastian crouched beside her.

"Seb!" she exclaimed happily, a smile lighting up her face. "I didn't expect to see you here." He shrugged easily and sat down beside her, stretching his legs out in front of him. He was wearing his school attire, though his robes were open in the front and you could see his dark black grey sweater, and slacks. His tie was undone, which was rare for him.

"It was a beautiful night, so I wanted to take a walk. What about you?" Sebastian asked casually. Alondra looked back up at the moon.

"I just wanted to come and look at the moon. Isn't it beautiful tonight?" Alondra commented dreamily. He nodded.

"Yea, sure. It's very lovely," He turned to her and moved closer to her.

"Persephone?" he asked quietly. She turned back to him. Their faces were very close, and she could smell the faint smell of soap that she could smell whenever she was very close to him. He looked at her, dark grey eyes slightly unsure. "Will you take a walk with me? I'd like to talk to you."

Alondra looked at him with gentle curiosity at his apparent uncomfortable feeling. Usually his manner was quite confident, but now he seemed a bit unsure. She nodded, and stood up, still holding the rose in her right hand carefully. He stood up beside her, and she linked her left arm through his.

Sebastian was silent. Alondra looked at him through the corner of her eye as they walked alongside the lake and back toward the castle. After a minute, Alondra decided to break the silence.

"Seb?" she asked quietly. "Is everything alright?" He blinked and stared at the ground a moment, then looked down at her. He suddenly frowned miserably, slightly surprising Alondra.

"No, 'Sephone. Everything is not alright," he responded almost harshly. Alondra gasped and shut her eyes, as his thoughts screamed all at once inside her head. She squinted and shook her head violently. Sebastian looked to her.

"Alondra, what? What's wrong?" he asked hastily, Alondra shivered unconsciously and a sudden gust of wind surrounded them. Sebastian narrowed his eyes questioningly at his best friend, confused, and intrigued at the same time. Alondra then opened her eyes automatically and looked up to Sebastian abruptly, her gaze sorrowful and haunted. Sebastian swallowed hard.

"Alondra?" he asked quietly. Alondra felt tears sting her eyes and she pushed past him, running away from him. Sebastian blinked, confused at her sudden expression and behaviour. He turned and saw her petite frame running away from him, he took off after her. His long strides quickly catching up with her.

"Alondra! Wait up! You can't just leave...and not tell me what's going on with you?" Sebastian yelled, and reached out to grab her arm. He roughly spun her around to face him and she cried out in pain from his strong hold. He quickly, loosened his grip, but didn't let go. He breathed in deep.

"I'm sorry, 'Sephone. I didn't mean to hurt you, but you just took off after you got that strange look on your face. Please, tell me what's going on. I think I deserve to know...as your best friend," Sebastian told her seriously. Alondra breathed in deep and held back her tears.

"If...if you wanted to tell me that you didn't want to be my friend anymore-" Alondra said angrily, Sebastian furrowed his brows shocked.

"How did...how did you know? I mean-" Sebastian stuttered to say, Alondra shook her head disbelieving that he had admitted his thoughts. She writhed her arm free from his grip and took off once more, Sebastian scowled and caught up with her. He took a hold of her shoulders and looked straight into her caramel eyes.

"What I mean to say, Alondra, was- where did you get that idea?" Sebastian asked curiously. Alondra narrowed her eyes at him.

"You wouldn't believe me, even if I told you! So just forget it, you though about it that's all you had to do," Alondra resolved and tried to step away from him, he didn't let her go and frowned.

"What do you mean 'I 'thought about it'...how did you?...Wait, Alondra...are you a telepath or something?" Sebastian gasped, Alondra breathed in heavily.

"No, you're just jealous because the voices only talk to me! Yes, Sebastian, I'm a telepath," Alondra finally admitted to him and he gaped at her shocked and amazed at the same time. They stood in silence, saying nothing but very aware of the other's presence. He was holding her shoulders lightly, and she looked down to her hands. A slightly stronger breeze swept by, and Alondra shivered involuntarily. Not wanting to draw attention to herself, she gently detached herself from Sebastian and hugged her arms lightly in a nonchalant fashion, her right hand still delicately holding the rose. She sighed and felt the wind dry her tears like a gentle maternal hand, comforting her. Suddenly, real warmth surrounded her. Surprised, she turned around to see that Sebastian had taken off his black wizard robes and put them around her shoulders. Looking into his eyes, she saw understanding and acceptance. She wondered how he could always support her, and was always able to help her out. He smiled.

"Better?" he asked softly. She nodded shyly. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. She leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. It felt comforting to know, he was with her. Even though he was now wearing only his uniform, he still felt so warm. He always felt so warm, no matter how cold it was or what emotion he was feeling. It wasn't just the warmth she appreciated, but the fact that it was HIS warmth; a soft, gentle, caring, and protective warmth. It was HIM...Sebastian, her first and best friend.

"Seb, what do you think is gonna happen to me now? I mean, how weirder can I get!" Alondra said agitated, Sebastian couldn't help but smile softly.

"I wish I knew, Allie. I do know one thing though...this, er, gift? Yea, this gift was given to you for a reason, and knowing what a kind and caring girl you are, I believe you're meant to do only good with it," Sebastian mumbled, but Alondra heard him clearly. She looked up at him and gave him a dazzling smile.

"Thanks. I didn't think you could actually be sensitive," Alondra teased him playfully, Sebastian quirked a brow grinning.

"And if you tell anyone, especially your brother, Jason...I'll tickle the living day-lights out of you!" Sebastian threatened, Alondra squealed and slapped his arm playfully.

"Oh sure, hotshot, let's just see who surrenders to who. Me with my ticklish nature, or you with your weakness...with, noogies!" Alondra exclaimed and tried to reach for his hair, but being a good 4 or so inches shorter Sebastian quickly got away. Alondra laughed joyfully and took off after him. Sebastian turned to look over his shoulder, at his best friend. It was amazing how quickly she could be a happy lively girl after a almost a river of sad emotions. Sebastian laughed at her useless attempts to reach out for him.

"You're so slow, Alondra! Come on, pick up the pace a little!" Sebastian called, Alondra shook her head playfully and stopped.

"I give up! It's not a fair race anyway, you're legs are much longer than mine!" Alondra whined, pouting teasingly. Sebastian rolled his eyes and turned to walk back to her. He crossed his arms over his chest pompously.

"And you call yourself a Gryffindor, where's your courage?" Sebastian joked, Alondra stuck her tongue out at him.

"You call yourself a Slytherin, what are you doing being nice to a Gryffindor?" Alondra retorted and Sebastian laughed once more. Suddenly, some one behind them cleared their throat and they spun around quickly.

"That's a wonderful question, care to answer it Stirling?" Draco Malfoy drawled, looking arrogantly at them. Alondra bit her lip nervously, and Sebastian scowled annoyed at Draco's intervention.

"What are you doing here?" Sebastian demanded, in a low voice. Draco shrugged coolly, and went to stand between Sebastian and Alondra.

"Just thought I'd take a little stroll before going to bed. I believe the real question is what are you doing here, Stirling? And with this mudblood no less," Draco sneered looking disgustingly at Alondra. Alondra furrowed her brows confused, she didn't know what the term mudblood meant. But by the expression on Sebastian's face, it wasn't a good thing. Sebastian clenched his jaw.

"Allie, listen...you'd better head on up to your common room. I'll talk to you soon," Sebastian said steadily to her, but his gaze was fixed on Malfoy. Alondra hesitated to leave, but Sebastian managed to send her a small smile.

"Go on. I'm sure your friends will wonder where you've been at this whole time," Sebastian urged her once more, Alondra finally relented and nodded. She looked to Draco darkly and pushed past him to stand in front of Sebastian. Draco narrowed his eyes at her, but Sebastian's glare held him in place.

"I'll go, but be careful with him, Seb. He doesn't seem very nice," Alondra commented quietly, Sebastian looked to her and nodded. He smiled sweetly at her. Alondra returned his smile and hugged him.

"Thanks again, Seb. Good-night," Alondra whispered in his ear and Sebastian only nodded once more, feeling brave Alondra kissed his cheek lightly and turned to see the look of utter disgust and shock on Draco's pale face. Alondra frowned but held herself proudly and walked away from the two boys daintily. The same gust of wind from before, surrounding her as if it was her protection shield.

Chapter 68: Cassandra Serenity

Cassandra lay in her bed a few nights later tossing and turning as she tried to sleep. Her sheets wrapped around her sweat soaked body tighter with each movement, confining her like a swaddled child. She couldn't move as the sheets held her tight in place.

It was coming and Cassandra could feel it as it crept ever forward. Moving without notice until it was nearly upon them all. She tired to focus her eyes to see it, but the darkness cloaked it well and she was only able to make out a form, a shadow.

It was drawing nearer, ever nearer, to its pry like a wild jungle cat about to pounce. Just as the shadow burst forward to grab at her, Cassandra awoke with a start. Eyes open wide in shock, heart pounding within her chest, Cassandra was thankful she hadn't screamed out and woken her roommates.

The curtains around her bed where still drawn, causing dark shadows to fill every corner of her bed. No she wouldn't sleep again, not tonight. Each time she would dream of that thing she had never been able to sleep again that night. Instead she would go down to the common room and read by the fire.

Fred and George Weasley looked down at the Marauders map, their greatest treasure, checking to see if the coast was clear.

"See anything?" questioned Fred.

With a broad grin on his face George replied "Not a thing!"

"To work then my brother dear" said Fred with a matching grin spreading across his face.

Both brothers looked at each other for a moment before going to their trunks to retrieve their sack of "goodies". The prankster twins were at it again. However, if they had looked at their map once more they would have seen a single dot moving out of the girl's first year dorm room on its way to the common room.

Cassandra had grabbed her night robe and wrapped it tightly around her, tying it firmly around her slender waist. Checking to make sure she wasn't waking her roommates Cassandra slipped out of her dorm room and headed for the common room.

Finding the fire still a glow Cassandra knew that Orest, Panthe, and Quistle had already been and gone for the night. Tucking her legs beneath her, Cassandra climbed comfortably into the left corner of the couch, which was facing the roaring fire. Taking out the book she had brought with her from the cosy room she and her friends had found a few days earlier, she began to read silently.

Being only a first year and not too tall for her age, Cassandra's small body became almost hidden as she sat by the fire. It was no surprise then that Fred and George Weasley hadn't noticed her when they came snickering down the boys staircase.

"This is going to be great!" George said trying hard to both stop from laughing and not be too loud.

"I can't wait to see Filch's face when he sees this" Fred was almost falling over with laughter as they reached the bottom step.

Cassandra was sitting by the fire snuggled into the left corner of the couch with her charms book in her hands when she thought she heard someone coming down one of the staircases. A lump formed in her throat as she thought that she might get into trouble for being out of her dorm room. It was then that she heard the snickering and laughter of the prankster twins.

As soon as Cassandra heard the words "Filch" and "see his face" she knew that the two voices she was hearing were those of Fred and George Weasley the pranksters kings of not only Gryffindor, but of all of Hogwarts. What would she do? She couldn't just hide here and listen to them plan things. If they ever found out they might go after her with a few of their "special" pranks.

Cassandra would have to say something and quick so that she wouldn't have to suffer the humiliation that might follow if she remained silent. Pulling up all of her courage Cassandra popped her head up over the back of the couch and smiled at the two boys.

"Whatcha doing?" Cassandra spoke with the sweetest and most innocent voice she had while batting her eyes in a very melodramatic way.

Both boys froze in place and looked over at the small first year, a look of shock on their faces.

"How –" Fred began before George elbowed him in the side leaving Fred a little short of breath.

The stupefied boys looked at each other for a moment before looking back at Cassandra. Their shocked faces had dissolved a bit, but there was still a questioning air about them. There was silence for a moment before George finally seemed to regain the use of his voice.

"Er… Sorry, didn't know anyone was down here. " George looked at Fred as if asking for help.

"Yeah, thought we might play some chess or something.." Fred's voice trailed off at the end not knowing what else to say.

It's kind of fun to see the prankster kings squirm Cassandra thought to herself. However, she didn't have the heart to keep the joke going as she saw both of them start to look a bit worried. Giving a sly grin to both of the boys Cassandra said "I wolln't tell" and motioned her head toward the portal door.

Fred and George's faces both lit up with two of the funniest grins Cassandra could ever remember seeing. All three of them laughed for a few minutes before the two boys started for the portal's door.

Just as they were about to step through the entryway Cassandra heard one of the say.

"She's alright, I think I like her."

"Me too" came the voice of the other one. "Now either we need to check the map better or we got to get her to tell us how she fooled it!"

The two brothers disappeared through the portal laughing together. While back in the common room Cassandra turned around to face the fire again, a broad smile fixed on her face as she laughed lightly to herself.

Chapter 69: Daniel Smith

Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, returning from class, heard an odd commotion in the shower. It sounded like someone trying to cast a spell.

They entered the shower room, which they shared with several other dorms, to find Daniel there, fully clothed, wand in one hand and a book in the other.

"Hey, Dan," Ron said. "What do you have there?"

Daniel showed him. "Duelling text. McGonagall finally caved." Since he had not gone a month without getting into a fight, he had had to wait two months instead of one to get the signed note from his head of house.

Harry read the title: "'Magical Combat for the Junior Wizard', by Honour Grey. Anything good in it?"

"Well, I finally managed this one," Daniel said. "Lumos solaria!" A pale beam of sunlight emerged from his wand, illuminating the shower room wall.

"Wicked," Ron said.

"It can be far more powerful," Daniel said. "I'm working on my second one."

"What's that one? Moonlight?"

"No," Daniel said. He waved his wand. "Aquafrio." A pathetic spritz of water shot from his wand tip.

Ron laughed. "What's that for? Putting mist on your opponent's glasses?"

"It's supposed to blast the guy with water one degree above freezing."

"I hate to tell you, but what you're doing isn't blasting," Ron said with a laugh.

"Yeah, yeah," Daniel said. He tried again, this time aiming his wand at Ron. "Aquafrio."

Unfortunately, he happened to choose that moment to get the wand motion right. Instead of a few ounces of ice water, he got a few gallons, which drenched Ron to the skin and knocked him flat on his butt.

Harry, seeing his best mate looking like a drenched cat, demonstrated the exquisite sensitivity of all eleven-year-old boys by bursting out laughing. Ron sprang to his feet, fists clenched.

Daniel could have taken him easily, but did not want a fight with someone he considered a friend. "Whoa! Ron! Stop! I'm sorry! I didn't know that would happen!"

"Sure you didn't," Ron said, tugging against Harry, who had caught him by the robes.

"Really! It was an accident!" Daniel said. "Look. I'll loan you the book, OK? You can learn the spell and hit me with it. That'll make us even."

Ron calmed down, a little. "All right, then."

"Can I read it, too?" Harry asked.

"If you promise not to tell McGonagall. I don't think she meant for me to share it." He handed Harry the book. "You can look at it now. I'm supposed to meet Cass and the others."

"You're lucky, mate," Ron twitted him. "Hanging around with the three best-looking girls in Gryffindor."

Downstairs, as Daniel entered the common room, he encountered Oliver Wood and Geoff Spinnet, Alicia Spinnet's cousin. The latter was carrying a crumpled red robe.

Oliver was trying to plead with Geoff. "Look, Geoff, you really are a good player. We don't want to lose you."

"Then you shouldn't have busted me to reserve," Geoff snapped. "Especially for a couple of third-years."

"Fred and George are twins! They're practically psychic. Their teamwork is. . . ."

"I know. 'They know what the other is thinking. They work as one.' I can't compete with that. But I'm not going to sit on my arse in the reserve box. I'm out, Wood." With that, Geoff thrust the red robe in Oliver's face and left the room.

Oliver sighed, then rummaged in his bag for parchment and quill, then began writing something. Daniel went over to where the girls were waiting for him. "What was that about?"

Erin indicated Oliver. "He just promoted the Weasley twins to first-string Beaters this year. That made Geoff a reserve. And he was three years older than the twins, so it was kind of humiliating for him."

"I can understand that," Daniel said.

"Let's go check the note," Cassandra said, noting that Oliver had left it.

The note read:

RESERVE BEATER TRYOUTS
GRYFFINDOR TEAM
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - 7:00 PM

"What does a Beater need to be able to do?" Daniel wanted to know.

"Needs to be big, strong, aggressive, a competent flier, with quick reflexes. And he shouldn't mind getting hurt a lot," Magenta said. "A good sense of humour would help, too."

Daniel considered. "Does he HAVE to be big?"

"If you want to try out, go for it. First years never make the house team as regulars, but there have been a few reserves over the years."

"I think I'll do just that," Daniel said. "But what do reserves do? I thought Quidditch rules stated that if a player is hurt, his team has to do without him."

"They changed the rules after the Falmouth incidents," Oliver Wood said, having overheard the conversation. "If a player is eliminated fairly, they can't be replaced. If they're eliminated by cheating, a reserve can be called in." He smiled at his younger housemate. "Thinking of having a go?"

"Yeah." Daniel grinned. "That's allowed, right?"

"Hmmm. Better check with McGonagall," Wood replied. "Harry's a special case. Normally, first-years aren't even allowed broomsticks of their own. If she says all right, I'll let you have a go."

After he left, Daniel turned to the others. "Thinking of trying out?"

"Not as a Beater," Magenta said. The others agreed. Perhaps there would be other positions to fill.

After dinner was over, Daniel hurried to McGonagall's office on the first floor. There was a light on inside it, so he knocked. "Come in," said a voice from under the door.

Upon his entry, McGonagall sighed. "Please tell me that you're not in trouble for fighting again."

"No, ma'am," Daniel said. He explained why he was there. "Oliver said he couldn't let me try out without permission from you."

McGonagall considered, then nodded. "I don't see why you shouldn't have a chance to try out. If nothing else, it would help you work off some of your excessive aggression."

Daniel grinned. "Thank you, Professor."

"I will see to it that you are allowed access to a broom, to practice. And good luck, Daniel."

Daniel was almost walking on air by the time he got back to his dormitory. As he entered the room, he heard Ron's voice: "Aquafrio!"

A frigid blast of water hit him solidly, knocking him flat on his back. "Blarghhhhhhh!"

Ron, Harry, and the others all howled with laughter. "Well, you did promise, mate!" Ron said.

Daniel picked himself up. By the time he regained his feet, he was laughing too. "All right, I guess we're even."

Daniel floated above the pitch, taunting and defiant despite a bloody nose and a shoulder that was throbbing from a Bludger impact. Wood's idea of a Beater training session was to put all the hopefuls on brooms and let them go toe to toe with the twins. Brutal, but realistic training.

After half an hour, Daniel and the twins were the only ones still in the air. Three other students had tried for the open spot, thankless as it was, but all three had taken too many Bludgers to continue flying. Daniel was still a bit clumsy on a broom, but he was quick and handy with a club. He had even managed to hit a bludger himself and clock Fred a good one. No one else had gotten a hit in.

Moreover, Oliver had noticed, getting hit by bludgers had made the other players more wary, less aggressive, and less willing to take risks. Daniel was the opposite. Every hit he took, he seemed to get stronger, faster, and more ferocious. And Quidditch was a game where hits were commonplace.

Daniel saw a bludger from Fred coming. He spun aside and ducked, evading it, then used his bat to slap away its twin, sent by Fred's twin. A split second later, George took the bludger Fred had sent squarely in the gut. "Oooooof," he grunted.

Daniel grinned and flew skyward, then resumed hovering. "Missed me!" he taunted.

Laughing to himself, Oliver blew his whistle. "All right, you three. I think that'll do it. I think we have a winner."Chapter 70: Magenta Coldren

Magenta hugged her robes tightly about her skinny form. It was a chilly Sunday evening, but she wanted to take a twilight walk despite the wind. She brushed a piece of hair form her face with her free and pushed on towards the field behind the Quidditch Pitch.

She reached the lush meadow. The shoulder high grass there was yellowed from the summer. An occasional dried out bush spotted the horizon, but other wise it was dead grass all the way up to the Forbidden Forest.

Magenta chose a spot in the middle of the meadow and sat down, making a little nest for herself. The high grass blocked out some wind, but her head was still a bit cold, so she pulled her hood up.

Looking up to the sky, she saw the north star, just like she had the night before Moor Castle was destroyed...

FLASH BACK

Magenta sat in her last class of the day, taking notes on what Mrs. Byran was explaining. She looked up, towards the window. Something caught her eye. There was something orange and glowing off on the horizon, small at first, but growing steadily larger. She stood and pointed, fear written all over her face as she realized it was fire an people. Mrs, Byran looked stricken and she ushered her class out into the hallway. All of the nine year olds were terrified. They tried and failed to hide it from the older children, who were also in the corridor.

The sounds of angry yelling and battle dries roared in Magenta's ears. She ran with he rest of the now frantic students down to the exit doors and found themselves face to face with the intruders.

Immediately, hexes flew, jinxes collided, curses were shot out of wands and the sounds of people screaming were heard all over. Magenta held on to her friend, standing with their class. Clara, the brown haired girl next to her, held onto her shoulder, crying like a little child. Magenta looked around, searching for someone she knew. One of the older student was making her way towards them. She was tall and has short brown hair. She reached them, but not in time. Clara was grabbed form behind by a pair of stony grey hands.

"CLARA!" Magenta shrieked. She tried to lunge after her best friend, but the older girl caught her. She watched as the woman holding Clara took out her wand and yelled words Magenta didn't recognize. Clara froze and turned grey like the woman. After a moment it dawned on Magenta that Clara had been turned to stone.

"NO!" she shrieked again and again as the older girl scooped her up and brought her back into the already partly demolished castle. "Not Clara... not her..." Magenta sobbed. "No... no..."

This cant be happening, she thought. It not real, it's a dream, I'll wake up in a moment... it's just a dream...

Magenta was thrust back to reality, tears streaming down her cheeks and covered in a clod sweat. She panted heavily for a long moment, trying to get her bearings back into order.

She stood, slowly, feeling a bit dizzy. It was dark now. She pulled out her wand and muttered "Lumos". She began to make her way back up to the castle when she saw movement out of the corner of her eyes. She turned and saw it was a human covered in a black cloak. She was sure she was past curfew and she didn't want to be caught, so she doused her wand light and stepped into the forest. She watched from her hiding place as the figure walked around the lake and towards the forest as well. The thing had a weird step. Like it was half gliding, half walking. Strange... she thought.

The figure reached the forest and disappeared into the blackness

Once she was it was gone, she stood and ran back up to the castle, slipped in through the doors and started up to the common room. She decided not to tell anyone about her experience after dark.