(A/N) I don't own harry potter.
Draco was lying in bed for almost an hour thinking about what a jerk he had been to Chris. He couldn't believe what he had said. How could he have acted like that to her? She was one of his best friends, what was he saying one of his best for? She was his best friend. She was his friend, not for what he had but for who he was. This is more than he could say for anyone else who called him their friend. He finally fell asleep, but his dreams were filled with visions of the hurt expression on Christina's face, the tears of pain in her eyes. He knew he must have embarrassed her. He felt terrible. He decided, in the morning, he would send her a note to meet him somewhere so that he could apologize.
Christina woke up early the next morning fully expecting to see her old room with its soft blue carpet and tall windows, but instead she saw the bright red canopy of her bed and remembered where she was. A thought crossed her mind, her canopy could just as easily be green right now. She still didn't understand why the hat had changed its decision. While she was pondering this she heard a light tapping at the window. She turned her head to see Draco's eagle owl, Diego, at the window. She had forgotten how magnificent he was, his soft black and white feathers were shining in the early morning sun. She softly got up, not wanting to disturb any of her roommates, and opened the window. The bird flew in and landed on her bed. She put her fingers to her lips showing him to keep quiet. She stroked his silky head and he chirped appreciatively. This scene was looking completely familiar. She remembered when Draco and she were younger and they'd send each other secret messages....why was she thinking about him? Honestly after the way he had acted last night she shouldn't even have let Diego in. She guessed she had just wanted to see his familiar face. She had been completely lost in thought and was startled when Diego nipped her finger. She stroked his back and took the note from him, she unfolded it and read it. It was written in Draco's perfect handwriting.
Dear Chris
I'm so sorry about the way I acted. Please meet me in the astrology tower at lunch. I need to talk to you. Yours sincerely, your friend Draco. (I hope you still think of me as one.)
She folded the note and put it in the drawer of her bedside cabinet. Why should she do anything he asked of her? No she would not meet him. She went to take a shower and then to get ready for class. She was one of the first people awake and ready to go down to breakfast. She didn't feel like going alone in case she ran into Draco so she waited in the common room until Hermione came down. When she finally did, they went down to breakfast together. The great hall was already packed with hungry students anticipating the new school year. Christina was too nervous to really eat much. She picked at her scrambled eggs and took a few bites of toast. As she was reaching for some pumpkin juice, her eyes met a pair of steely grey ones. She saw Draco sitting across the hall and there was a pleading look in his eyes, her heart melted and she knew she had to meet him at lunch. She smiled a small encouraging smile at him and he smiled back. Ginny noticed this and gave Chris a questioning look.
The morning classes went well and she was enjoying most of them. So far she had been to charms, herbology and care of magical creatures. Now it was time for lunch and she needed to get away from Hermione, Harry and Ron.
"Oh, it looks like I forgot my potions book upstairs. I'll run and go get it quick." She said as they were nearing the great hall.
"Ok, we'll save you a seat Chris." Said Ron, not looking the least bit suspicious.
She ran up the stairs and made her way up to the astrology tower. She opened the door slowly and saw that no one was inside. She closed the door and waited for Draco. Staring around the room she noticed a window and gazed out of it. She gasped at the view. It was stunning. You could see the entire school from up here. She leaned forward a bit and the wind blew her hair. It was so beautiful.
Draco had crept silently into the astrology tower and saw that Christina was already there. She was looking out of the window. He slowly walked up to her and said "Hi Chris." She must have been startled because she almost jumped when she heard him.
"Hello Draco." She said without smiling.
Suddenly Draco had nothing to say, he just stood there and stared at her.
"Well?" she said impatiently as she folded her arms.
"I'm sorry." he said not daring to look her in the face.
"Sorry for what exactly?"
"For embarrassing you." When he said that her face fell and her eyes filled up with tears.
"You think I care about you embarrassing me!" she shouted. "That's not why I'm upset. I'm upset because of what you said, not upset because of who heard it. I don't understand you, doesn't our friendship mean anything to you. So now suddenly that I'm in Gryffindor we can't be friends."
"You don't understand what it's like. I'm a Slytherin now. It's a whole new game."
"Draco I was your friend long before you became a Slytherin and you know that."
"I know you are, but...... it's different here...My father would be outraged."
"But you don't want to be like him right?"
"Of course not!"
"Then I don't see the problem. Just walk out there and be who you want to be."
"I can't. They....they would lose respect for me."
"So earning respect is more important than being a true friend?"
Draco couldn't tell her the real reason. She would be scared. She probably would never even speak to him again, but he decided he had too. It was the only way she would understand.
"Look if my father found out he would probably kill you." he said softly. She bit her lip and stared at the ground. Draco was afraid at any moment she would run away. They stood in silence for a few seconds then she said really softly "Well then... That's a risk were going to have to take and I know in my heart you are nothing like your father and you never will be." Draco looked slowly at her and she was staring at him. It suddenly hit him, she knew the real Draco better than anyone, maybe even better than he knew himself. She had been there most of the times he had cried, holding his hand. She had always been there for him.
"You know those times we'd hide in the attic, when your father was in a bad mood, well one time you said something I'll never forget. You....you swore to yourself you wouldn't grow up to be like him. You swore you would change and be a good person. I know we were only about 10 or 11 but I know that you had meant it. Please, please keep that promise." She said and she started to cry, the tears running down her face. "keep that promise for me."
Draco walked over to her and hugged her tight. She just stood there crying into his chest. "Don't worry Chris, I'll never break that promise." He said and he meant it. It really touched him that she remembered that promise.
"Look let's just lie low for awhile ok, let me work something out." he said
"Ok." She said rubbing away the tears.
They walked down to the great hall, talking about 'old times' and Christina was glad to see him smiling again. When they got to the entrance of the great hall he said "You go in first, and I'll go in a few minutes later."
"Ok." Before she opened the door he grabbed her hand and said
"I know this secret friendship thing isn't great but at least you're safe this way."
"Don't worry" she smiled encouragingly at him, squeezed his hand and walked into the great hall. She walked up to where Harry, Hermione and Ron were sitting.
"Hey you guys." she said as she took a seat across from Ron.
"Hey Chris. Did you find the book?"
"What book?" she asked dumbly, and suddenly remembered. Potions book! "Oh! right Potions book, yeah I found it."
"Good because Snape would have killed you if u hadn't. Guess what we have Potions with the Slytherins again this year." Hermione said. Chris couldn't help but feel slightly happy about it and didn't even realize that she was smiling.
"Chris, why are you smiling?" Ron asked staring at her. "There is nothing to smile about. It's potions, the worst class in the world with Snape the most hypocritical person in the world. I hate the way he treats Malfoy...."
"Draco" she corrected. All three of them stared at Christina like she was insane.
"What do you mean Draco?" she realized she had made a huge mistake. Ok quick Chris think of a good cover.
"Well... I mean his name is...is Draco...not Malfoy. It just seems weird to call him by his last name."
"There are lots of things I'd like to call him. Especially after the way he treated you last night." Ron said, punching his hand.
"How do you two even know each other?" Harry asked.
"I used to live in the same street as him, next door to him."
"I didn't know they had streets in hell." Ron muttered and she just glared at him. They finished lunch almost in complete silence.
Potions Class
"Welcome to another year of potions. This year will be very stressful. I want everyone to work at their best although I only expect half of you to actually achieve work that I deem standard." Snape droned on in his monotonous tone. Not sounding the slightest bit interested in his own lesson. "This year I will put you in partners and you will stay with those partners the rest of the year. Potter and Parkinson, Weasley and Crabbe, Granger and Goyle, Lonbottom and Zabini...." He went on then he called Draco's name. "Malfoy and Johnson." Johnson? Who was Johnson? He turned and saw Chrstina coming toward him trying not to smile.
"I thought your last name was Weasley." he asked softly.
"It is. But Dumbledore wanted me to change it." She answered. He gave her a questioning look and she said "Don't ask." he nodded and started working on the potion.
Christina was so glad that she got to work with Draco. They were talking and having a lot of fun. Now and then pretending to argue or glare at each other. But this would just result in some badly contained fits of laughter. She could see all the other groups were arguing or not speaking at all. She wondered why Professor Snape had put people who obviously hated each other in pairs, she didn't know that Snape was hell bent making the lives of students as miserable as possible.
When potions was over they went to DADA. Which they also had with the slytherins. She noticed for the first time that most of their classes were shared with the slytherins. They had Potions, Care of Magical creatures, DADA, charms, divination and transfiguration with them.
In DADA they were practising duelling.
"Ok, today we are going to be doing a few duels between you guys." Lupin announced. He cleared the room of all the desks and chairs and cast a spell that formed a huge dome shape in the middle of the room. "Now I want Zabini and Johnson in the middle. I want a clean duel." Christina didn't realize he had called her until Harry elbowed he rlightly in the ribs, whispering "that's you remember." She stepped forward toward Professor Lupin. "Christina, you have duelled before?"
"Yes sir." She said uncertainly.
Christina and Blaise stepped through the dome and stood opposite each other. Christina noticed that Lupin's dog sat up to watch.
"So Christina we meet again. Just try to keep up with me." He said.
"Oh my aren't we cocky."
"Ok bow." Lupin shouted. "DUEL!!"
Then it happened so quickly. A bright blue flash shot out of Christina's wand, almost even before she shouted Flipendo, and sent Blaise flying against the side of the dome. He stood up and looked furious.
"Try to keep up Blaise." She called.
"Aqual'eau" he shouted, a blast of water came rushing at her and she screamed "Impervius" and a protective screen formed in front of her, like a sheet of glass. Blaise now looked angry. The dog meanwhile seemed extremely afraid for the girl. It let out a whimperish sort of howl as he did it something happened to Christina and she spun around and said "Dad?" turning her back on Blaise. He copied the spell that Christina has used earlier "Flipendo!!" he shouted. Christina wasn't watching and the spell hit her hard in the back sending her straight into the side of the dome. She slumped down into a crumpled heap. Draco was right by the dome, he was already making a silent vow to break Blaise's nose next chance he got. Blaise advanced to take her wand from her. When he came within a meter of her she sat straight up and shouted "Nox" and the dome went dark, nothing could be seen in it. Next they heard Christina shout "Expelliarmus, Lumos." There was a flash of green light and then suddenly there was light in the dome again. There she was. Standing with Blaise's wand in her hand. A triumphant smile on her face. There were loud cheers coming from all the Gryffindors. Christina bowed and walked out of the dome. Wondering what had caused her to turn around and yell, of all things, Dad. She was congratulated by Lupin. "That was amazing Christina. You are an excellent dueller."
"Thank you sir."
Just then Justin walked in and looked quite distressed. "Sorry to disturb your class Professor Lupin but Dumbledore needs to see Christina Johnson immediately."
"Ok Christina, you are dismissed."
Christina hurried out of the class and followed Justin. He led her to the entrance of Dumbledore's office and said the password "Hershey's"
"Ok he is expecting you."
"Thank you." She walked up the steps and knocked on the door. "Come in." She went in and saw Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore. Dumbledore was the first to speak. "Miss Johnson please take a seat." She sat down and waited for him to continue. "I'm afraid I have some bad news. Your mother... she was in an accident. I'm afraid she passed away an hour ago." Christina gasped and started stuttering through her tears. "Wait...what happened....no she can't be.... dead."
"I really am so sorry." Dumbledore said.
"May I please leave?" she asked quietly.
"I'm afraid not. There are important matters I need to discuss with you."
"Yes sir." She whispered. Dumbledore's heart went out to the girl. She was being so brave.
"This is a long story, and is well probably going to alter your life forever." He had sat down in his chair facing Christina. His eyes were full of sympathy. "Minerva will you please fetch Remus and Padfoot? Please tell them about Elise's death."
"Yes Albus." McGonagall left the room and Dumbledore started.
"When your mother learned that your father was imprisoned and that she was going to have to raise you alone she came to me. You were about a year old. Many times before had she sought my advice. This time it was about what to do with you. She was convinced that she wouldn't be able to raise you alone. She had even thought of abandoning you, but I talked her out of it. We discussed who your God parents should be and we agreed on one person. Seeing as how children only go to their god parents when both their biological parents are deceased or unable to take them in you will not be living with your God father. Your mother made me promise to make sure you were well looked after. That is a promise I'm determined to fulfil." Dumbledore shifted in his seat. "Now about your parentage, your father was a great wizard. He came from a strong line of Pureblood wizard and witches. His greatest ancestor is Godric Griffindor. You are the heir of Griffindor. Now the reason the hat wanted to put you in slytherin, as I'm sure you're wondering, is because of your family. I'm sure you are unaware of the fact that none of Godric's relatives were in Griffindor, except for your father. He was pretty much an outcast. Most of your family were normally put in Slytherin for reasons beyond me."
Christina looked at the wise man in a very confused manner. He seemed to be telling her random information, none of it fit together.
"I see you are confused. Let me recite something to you which might clear some of the confusion." He said looking straight into her face.
"Fifteen years from now
Together must come,
Together will come
Fire and Ice,
The snake and the cat.
The heir of The great Slytherin
And The heir of The great Griffindor.
Two unlikely allies
To fight in a war
To end all wars."
"But wait. I thought you said I was the heir of Griffindor."
"You are and you are the one talked about in that prophecy and the heir of Slytherin is Draco."
Christina was at a loss for words. She couldn't breathe. "What do you mean war? You surely don't mean an actual physical battle? Do you?...I can't fight...... you have the wrong girl." She was rambling but was interrupted by the door opening. In walked McGonagall, Professor Lupin and his dog, all wearing very grim expressions.
"Christina what I'm about to show you will shock you and I have to ask you to remain calm. Padfoot, show yourself." The dog looked hesitant for a moment but then changed into none other than Sirius Black. Before anyone could react Christina was at her feet, her wand pointed at his heart.
"Whoa! Calm down kid." Sirius said as he ran his hand through his hair. "Dumbledore tell her to lay off."
Dumbledore was about to reply but Christina spoke first. "You don't know who I am do you? You have no idea."
"No I'm afraid I don't." Sirius looked timidly at Dumbledore as if to say help.
"Christina I have to ask you to put down your wand." Lupin said. Christina lowered her wand and Sirius relaxed.
"Do you know who this man is?" She asked Lupin.
"Sirius Black but he isn't the murderer you think he is Christina. He was framed. He is innocent. Please sit down and let Dumbledore explain."
"That's not what I meant." She said as her eyes filled with tears. "Mr Black you really have no idea who I am do you?" now she was crying the tears were running down her face.
"Dumbledore what is going on?" Sirius asked once again. He was now backed up against a bookshelf not really knowing what was going on.
"I will explain if you all sit down."
"You know? You know who he is? Who have known where he was all this time but not once decided to tell me?" Christina had now turned to Dumbledore and had slammed her fists down on his desk. "You could have written a letter to her. To my mother. Telling her he was okay." While she was looking at Dumbledore Lupin went up behind her and took her wand. She didn't struggle she sat back down in the chair and cried into her hands.
"Sirius please sit down." Sirius looked apprehensively at the chair as if it would bite him but sat down anyway. "This will be emotionally painful for all of you." At this moment Dumbledore realized McGonagall's presence. "Could you please leave us four alone?" She left without another word. "Now Sirius before you were sentenced to Azkaban you were engaged correct?" Sirius swallowed and nodded. Christina had stopped crying and was focusing all her attention on Sirius.
"Elise Weasley? That was her name correct?" Once again he nodded and Christian choked back tears.
"I'm very sorry about her death."
"Dumbledore" Sirius spat, loosing his cool. "What has this got to do with anything?"
"Everything so give me a chance Sirius." Dumbledore said calmly, not at all affected by Sirius' tone. He turned to Christina. "Christina would you please recite your full name."
Christina swallowed and started uncertainly. "Christina Elise......"
"Go on. He needs to know." Dumbledore said reassuringly and now Sirius was staring at her.
This time she started more confidently "Christina Elise Weasley Black." There was a sharp intake of breathe from Sirius and Christina stared at the floor.
"You're-you're my daughter." Sirius jumped up and pulled Christina into a big hug. "I thought I would never find you." He kissed her forehead and she was crying tears of happiness into his chest. They stood like that for a few minutes, every now and then Sirius would pull back, look at her and then hug her again. Lupin discreetly wiped tears away from his eyes, and even Dumbledore's eyes were slightly red and watery. After a while Christina pulled away, wiped her eyes on her sleeve and asked the question that everyone in the room had been dreading. "When is the funeral?" she said it in a monotonous tone, with a blank face. She had gone from grieving to absolute happiness. But as she was standing in the arms of a man she had been searching for all her life she realized that she had lost her mother but found her father. She had never experienced mixed emotions like this before. What was she supposed to be feeling? Happiness? Sadness? Both? Everyone in the room was now staring at the floor. She started backing towards the door, and without a second glance, she ran out of the door. Sirius had started to go after her but Lupin held him back.
"Sirius, let me remind you that you are the most wanted criminal in all of England. Running through the halls of Hogwarts would not be clever. And besides she's been through a lot. Give her some time to think." He squeezed Sirius' shoulder reassuringly. Sirius slouched back into his seat.
"Dumbledore I would like to stay here at Hogwarts." This wasn't a question. He wasn't looking for an answer, he was making a statement. Letting Dumbledore know that he would be staying."
"Of course. I wouldn't want it any other way. I will have a room set away for you on the forbidden corridor. That way you will not be bothered."
"Thank you Dumbledore." With that he changed back into a shaggy black dog and followed Lupin out of the room.
She was confused, scared and guilty. Christina ran and ran. Not even looking where she was going. As she turned a corner she didn't see someone walking in her direction. It was Oliver. He had seen her just as she rounded the corner and had grabbed her.
"Hey. Chris what happened?" he asked as he noticed her tear stained face.
"I-I-need to go. Let me go please." She tried pulling away but his grip on her arm was strong.
"Tell me what happened." He said more forcefully. He looked at her with his chocolate brown eyes, full of concern.
"My...my mom...she died." Christina's legs just gave way and she was sitting on the floor. Oliver leaned down and sat next to her. She started to cry into her hands. "But-but-my dad came back." And she broke down and cried again.
Oliver put his arms around her and hugged her. "Shhh. It's ok." She liked the warmth of his arms and she melted into his embrace and cried.
She kept crying for a while and then he walked her back to her room.
Draco meanwhile was wondering what had happened to Christina. He hadn't seen her since DADA. He started looking around for her. He rounded a corner and saw Blaise walking towards him. He was still furious about the curse he used on Christina but he knew he couldn't act on it.
"Hey Draco, buddy." He said as he slapped Draco's back. "A letter came from your father." Draco's body went cold.
"Thank you Blaise." And he walked off to his room. As he walked in, he saw the letter lying on his bed. There it was. Like a beacon of danger. Draco had a good mind to throw it in the fire. Draco scanned it quickly and gasped, dropping the letter to the floor. He had to talk to Christina. He scrawled a note on a scrap piece of paper asking her to meet him at the edge of the forbidden forest at midnight. He sent it to her with his owl Diego.
Draco was lying in bed for almost an hour thinking about what a jerk he had been to Chris. He couldn't believe what he had said. How could he have acted like that to her? She was one of his best friends, what was he saying one of his best for? She was his best friend. She was his friend, not for what he had but for who he was. This is more than he could say for anyone else who called him their friend. He finally fell asleep, but his dreams were filled with visions of the hurt expression on Christina's face, the tears of pain in her eyes. He knew he must have embarrassed her. He felt terrible. He decided, in the morning, he would send her a note to meet him somewhere so that he could apologize.
Christina woke up early the next morning fully expecting to see her old room with its soft blue carpet and tall windows, but instead she saw the bright red canopy of her bed and remembered where she was. A thought crossed her mind, her canopy could just as easily be green right now. She still didn't understand why the hat had changed its decision. While she was pondering this she heard a light tapping at the window. She turned her head to see Draco's eagle owl, Diego, at the window. She had forgotten how magnificent he was, his soft black and white feathers were shining in the early morning sun. She softly got up, not wanting to disturb any of her roommates, and opened the window. The bird flew in and landed on her bed. She put her fingers to her lips showing him to keep quiet. She stroked his silky head and he chirped appreciatively. This scene was looking completely familiar. She remembered when Draco and she were younger and they'd send each other secret messages....why was she thinking about him? Honestly after the way he had acted last night she shouldn't even have let Diego in. She guessed she had just wanted to see his familiar face. She had been completely lost in thought and was startled when Diego nipped her finger. She stroked his back and took the note from him, she unfolded it and read it. It was written in Draco's perfect handwriting.
Dear Chris
I'm so sorry about the way I acted. Please meet me in the astrology tower at lunch. I need to talk to you. Yours sincerely, your friend Draco. (I hope you still think of me as one.)
She folded the note and put it in the drawer of her bedside cabinet. Why should she do anything he asked of her? No she would not meet him. She went to take a shower and then to get ready for class. She was one of the first people awake and ready to go down to breakfast. She didn't feel like going alone in case she ran into Draco so she waited in the common room until Hermione came down. When she finally did, they went down to breakfast together. The great hall was already packed with hungry students anticipating the new school year. Christina was too nervous to really eat much. She picked at her scrambled eggs and took a few bites of toast. As she was reaching for some pumpkin juice, her eyes met a pair of steely grey ones. She saw Draco sitting across the hall and there was a pleading look in his eyes, her heart melted and she knew she had to meet him at lunch. She smiled a small encouraging smile at him and he smiled back. Ginny noticed this and gave Chris a questioning look.
The morning classes went well and she was enjoying most of them. So far she had been to charms, herbology and care of magical creatures. Now it was time for lunch and she needed to get away from Hermione, Harry and Ron.
"Oh, it looks like I forgot my potions book upstairs. I'll run and go get it quick." She said as they were nearing the great hall.
"Ok, we'll save you a seat Chris." Said Ron, not looking the least bit suspicious.
She ran up the stairs and made her way up to the astrology tower. She opened the door slowly and saw that no one was inside. She closed the door and waited for Draco. Staring around the room she noticed a window and gazed out of it. She gasped at the view. It was stunning. You could see the entire school from up here. She leaned forward a bit and the wind blew her hair. It was so beautiful.
Draco had crept silently into the astrology tower and saw that Christina was already there. She was looking out of the window. He slowly walked up to her and said "Hi Chris." She must have been startled because she almost jumped when she heard him.
"Hello Draco." She said without smiling.
Suddenly Draco had nothing to say, he just stood there and stared at her.
"Well?" she said impatiently as she folded her arms.
"I'm sorry." he said not daring to look her in the face.
"Sorry for what exactly?"
"For embarrassing you." When he said that her face fell and her eyes filled up with tears.
"You think I care about you embarrassing me!" she shouted. "That's not why I'm upset. I'm upset because of what you said, not upset because of who heard it. I don't understand you, doesn't our friendship mean anything to you. So now suddenly that I'm in Gryffindor we can't be friends."
"You don't understand what it's like. I'm a Slytherin now. It's a whole new game."
"Draco I was your friend long before you became a Slytherin and you know that."
"I know you are, but...... it's different here...My father would be outraged."
"But you don't want to be like him right?"
"Of course not!"
"Then I don't see the problem. Just walk out there and be who you want to be."
"I can't. They....they would lose respect for me."
"So earning respect is more important than being a true friend?"
Draco couldn't tell her the real reason. She would be scared. She probably would never even speak to him again, but he decided he had too. It was the only way she would understand.
"Look if my father found out he would probably kill you." he said softly. She bit her lip and stared at the ground. Draco was afraid at any moment she would run away. They stood in silence for a few seconds then she said really softly "Well then... That's a risk were going to have to take and I know in my heart you are nothing like your father and you never will be." Draco looked slowly at her and she was staring at him. It suddenly hit him, she knew the real Draco better than anyone, maybe even better than he knew himself. She had been there most of the times he had cried, holding his hand. She had always been there for him.
"You know those times we'd hide in the attic, when your father was in a bad mood, well one time you said something I'll never forget. You....you swore to yourself you wouldn't grow up to be like him. You swore you would change and be a good person. I know we were only about 10 or 11 but I know that you had meant it. Please, please keep that promise." She said and she started to cry, the tears running down her face. "keep that promise for me."
Draco walked over to her and hugged her tight. She just stood there crying into his chest. "Don't worry Chris, I'll never break that promise." He said and he meant it. It really touched him that she remembered that promise.
"Look let's just lie low for awhile ok, let me work something out." he said
"Ok." She said rubbing away the tears.
They walked down to the great hall, talking about 'old times' and Christina was glad to see him smiling again. When they got to the entrance of the great hall he said "You go in first, and I'll go in a few minutes later."
"Ok." Before she opened the door he grabbed her hand and said
"I know this secret friendship thing isn't great but at least you're safe this way."
"Don't worry" she smiled encouragingly at him, squeezed his hand and walked into the great hall. She walked up to where Harry, Hermione and Ron were sitting.
"Hey you guys." she said as she took a seat across from Ron.
"Hey Chris. Did you find the book?"
"What book?" she asked dumbly, and suddenly remembered. Potions book! "Oh! right Potions book, yeah I found it."
"Good because Snape would have killed you if u hadn't. Guess what we have Potions with the Slytherins again this year." Hermione said. Chris couldn't help but feel slightly happy about it and didn't even realize that she was smiling.
"Chris, why are you smiling?" Ron asked staring at her. "There is nothing to smile about. It's potions, the worst class in the world with Snape the most hypocritical person in the world. I hate the way he treats Malfoy...."
"Draco" she corrected. All three of them stared at Christina like she was insane.
"What do you mean Draco?" she realized she had made a huge mistake. Ok quick Chris think of a good cover.
"Well... I mean his name is...is Draco...not Malfoy. It just seems weird to call him by his last name."
"There are lots of things I'd like to call him. Especially after the way he treated you last night." Ron said, punching his hand.
"How do you two even know each other?" Harry asked.
"I used to live in the same street as him, next door to him."
"I didn't know they had streets in hell." Ron muttered and she just glared at him. They finished lunch almost in complete silence.
Potions Class
"Welcome to another year of potions. This year will be very stressful. I want everyone to work at their best although I only expect half of you to actually achieve work that I deem standard." Snape droned on in his monotonous tone. Not sounding the slightest bit interested in his own lesson. "This year I will put you in partners and you will stay with those partners the rest of the year. Potter and Parkinson, Weasley and Crabbe, Granger and Goyle, Lonbottom and Zabini...." He went on then he called Draco's name. "Malfoy and Johnson." Johnson? Who was Johnson? He turned and saw Chrstina coming toward him trying not to smile.
"I thought your last name was Weasley." he asked softly.
"It is. But Dumbledore wanted me to change it." She answered. He gave her a questioning look and she said "Don't ask." he nodded and started working on the potion.
Christina was so glad that she got to work with Draco. They were talking and having a lot of fun. Now and then pretending to argue or glare at each other. But this would just result in some badly contained fits of laughter. She could see all the other groups were arguing or not speaking at all. She wondered why Professor Snape had put people who obviously hated each other in pairs, she didn't know that Snape was hell bent making the lives of students as miserable as possible.
When potions was over they went to DADA. Which they also had with the slytherins. She noticed for the first time that most of their classes were shared with the slytherins. They had Potions, Care of Magical creatures, DADA, charms, divination and transfiguration with them.
In DADA they were practising duelling.
"Ok, today we are going to be doing a few duels between you guys." Lupin announced. He cleared the room of all the desks and chairs and cast a spell that formed a huge dome shape in the middle of the room. "Now I want Zabini and Johnson in the middle. I want a clean duel." Christina didn't realize he had called her until Harry elbowed he rlightly in the ribs, whispering "that's you remember." She stepped forward toward Professor Lupin. "Christina, you have duelled before?"
"Yes sir." She said uncertainly.
Christina and Blaise stepped through the dome and stood opposite each other. Christina noticed that Lupin's dog sat up to watch.
"So Christina we meet again. Just try to keep up with me." He said.
"Oh my aren't we cocky."
"Ok bow." Lupin shouted. "DUEL!!"
Then it happened so quickly. A bright blue flash shot out of Christina's wand, almost even before she shouted Flipendo, and sent Blaise flying against the side of the dome. He stood up and looked furious.
"Try to keep up Blaise." She called.
"Aqual'eau" he shouted, a blast of water came rushing at her and she screamed "Impervius" and a protective screen formed in front of her, like a sheet of glass. Blaise now looked angry. The dog meanwhile seemed extremely afraid for the girl. It let out a whimperish sort of howl as he did it something happened to Christina and she spun around and said "Dad?" turning her back on Blaise. He copied the spell that Christina has used earlier "Flipendo!!" he shouted. Christina wasn't watching and the spell hit her hard in the back sending her straight into the side of the dome. She slumped down into a crumpled heap. Draco was right by the dome, he was already making a silent vow to break Blaise's nose next chance he got. Blaise advanced to take her wand from her. When he came within a meter of her she sat straight up and shouted "Nox" and the dome went dark, nothing could be seen in it. Next they heard Christina shout "Expelliarmus, Lumos." There was a flash of green light and then suddenly there was light in the dome again. There she was. Standing with Blaise's wand in her hand. A triumphant smile on her face. There were loud cheers coming from all the Gryffindors. Christina bowed and walked out of the dome. Wondering what had caused her to turn around and yell, of all things, Dad. She was congratulated by Lupin. "That was amazing Christina. You are an excellent dueller."
"Thank you sir."
Just then Justin walked in and looked quite distressed. "Sorry to disturb your class Professor Lupin but Dumbledore needs to see Christina Johnson immediately."
"Ok Christina, you are dismissed."
Christina hurried out of the class and followed Justin. He led her to the entrance of Dumbledore's office and said the password "Hershey's"
"Ok he is expecting you."
"Thank you." She walked up the steps and knocked on the door. "Come in." She went in and saw Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore. Dumbledore was the first to speak. "Miss Johnson please take a seat." She sat down and waited for him to continue. "I'm afraid I have some bad news. Your mother... she was in an accident. I'm afraid she passed away an hour ago." Christina gasped and started stuttering through her tears. "Wait...what happened....no she can't be.... dead."
"I really am so sorry." Dumbledore said.
"May I please leave?" she asked quietly.
"I'm afraid not. There are important matters I need to discuss with you."
"Yes sir." She whispered. Dumbledore's heart went out to the girl. She was being so brave.
"This is a long story, and is well probably going to alter your life forever." He had sat down in his chair facing Christina. His eyes were full of sympathy. "Minerva will you please fetch Remus and Padfoot? Please tell them about Elise's death."
"Yes Albus." McGonagall left the room and Dumbledore started.
"When your mother learned that your father was imprisoned and that she was going to have to raise you alone she came to me. You were about a year old. Many times before had she sought my advice. This time it was about what to do with you. She was convinced that she wouldn't be able to raise you alone. She had even thought of abandoning you, but I talked her out of it. We discussed who your God parents should be and we agreed on one person. Seeing as how children only go to their god parents when both their biological parents are deceased or unable to take them in you will not be living with your God father. Your mother made me promise to make sure you were well looked after. That is a promise I'm determined to fulfil." Dumbledore shifted in his seat. "Now about your parentage, your father was a great wizard. He came from a strong line of Pureblood wizard and witches. His greatest ancestor is Godric Griffindor. You are the heir of Griffindor. Now the reason the hat wanted to put you in slytherin, as I'm sure you're wondering, is because of your family. I'm sure you are unaware of the fact that none of Godric's relatives were in Griffindor, except for your father. He was pretty much an outcast. Most of your family were normally put in Slytherin for reasons beyond me."
Christina looked at the wise man in a very confused manner. He seemed to be telling her random information, none of it fit together.
"I see you are confused. Let me recite something to you which might clear some of the confusion." He said looking straight into her face.
"Fifteen years from now
Together must come,
Together will come
Fire and Ice,
The snake and the cat.
The heir of The great Slytherin
And The heir of The great Griffindor.
Two unlikely allies
To fight in a war
To end all wars."
"But wait. I thought you said I was the heir of Griffindor."
"You are and you are the one talked about in that prophecy and the heir of Slytherin is Draco."
Christina was at a loss for words. She couldn't breathe. "What do you mean war? You surely don't mean an actual physical battle? Do you?...I can't fight...... you have the wrong girl." She was rambling but was interrupted by the door opening. In walked McGonagall, Professor Lupin and his dog, all wearing very grim expressions.
"Christina what I'm about to show you will shock you and I have to ask you to remain calm. Padfoot, show yourself." The dog looked hesitant for a moment but then changed into none other than Sirius Black. Before anyone could react Christina was at her feet, her wand pointed at his heart.
"Whoa! Calm down kid." Sirius said as he ran his hand through his hair. "Dumbledore tell her to lay off."
Dumbledore was about to reply but Christina spoke first. "You don't know who I am do you? You have no idea."
"No I'm afraid I don't." Sirius looked timidly at Dumbledore as if to say help.
"Christina I have to ask you to put down your wand." Lupin said. Christina lowered her wand and Sirius relaxed.
"Do you know who this man is?" She asked Lupin.
"Sirius Black but he isn't the murderer you think he is Christina. He was framed. He is innocent. Please sit down and let Dumbledore explain."
"That's not what I meant." She said as her eyes filled with tears. "Mr Black you really have no idea who I am do you?" now she was crying the tears were running down her face.
"Dumbledore what is going on?" Sirius asked once again. He was now backed up against a bookshelf not really knowing what was going on.
"I will explain if you all sit down."
"You know? You know who he is? Who have known where he was all this time but not once decided to tell me?" Christina had now turned to Dumbledore and had slammed her fists down on his desk. "You could have written a letter to her. To my mother. Telling her he was okay." While she was looking at Dumbledore Lupin went up behind her and took her wand. She didn't struggle she sat back down in the chair and cried into her hands.
"Sirius please sit down." Sirius looked apprehensively at the chair as if it would bite him but sat down anyway. "This will be emotionally painful for all of you." At this moment Dumbledore realized McGonagall's presence. "Could you please leave us four alone?" She left without another word. "Now Sirius before you were sentenced to Azkaban you were engaged correct?" Sirius swallowed and nodded. Christina had stopped crying and was focusing all her attention on Sirius.
"Elise Weasley? That was her name correct?" Once again he nodded and Christian choked back tears.
"I'm very sorry about her death."
"Dumbledore" Sirius spat, loosing his cool. "What has this got to do with anything?"
"Everything so give me a chance Sirius." Dumbledore said calmly, not at all affected by Sirius' tone. He turned to Christina. "Christina would you please recite your full name."
Christina swallowed and started uncertainly. "Christina Elise......"
"Go on. He needs to know." Dumbledore said reassuringly and now Sirius was staring at her.
This time she started more confidently "Christina Elise Weasley Black." There was a sharp intake of breathe from Sirius and Christina stared at the floor.
"You're-you're my daughter." Sirius jumped up and pulled Christina into a big hug. "I thought I would never find you." He kissed her forehead and she was crying tears of happiness into his chest. They stood like that for a few minutes, every now and then Sirius would pull back, look at her and then hug her again. Lupin discreetly wiped tears away from his eyes, and even Dumbledore's eyes were slightly red and watery. After a while Christina pulled away, wiped her eyes on her sleeve and asked the question that everyone in the room had been dreading. "When is the funeral?" she said it in a monotonous tone, with a blank face. She had gone from grieving to absolute happiness. But as she was standing in the arms of a man she had been searching for all her life she realized that she had lost her mother but found her father. She had never experienced mixed emotions like this before. What was she supposed to be feeling? Happiness? Sadness? Both? Everyone in the room was now staring at the floor. She started backing towards the door, and without a second glance, she ran out of the door. Sirius had started to go after her but Lupin held him back.
"Sirius, let me remind you that you are the most wanted criminal in all of England. Running through the halls of Hogwarts would not be clever. And besides she's been through a lot. Give her some time to think." He squeezed Sirius' shoulder reassuringly. Sirius slouched back into his seat.
"Dumbledore I would like to stay here at Hogwarts." This wasn't a question. He wasn't looking for an answer, he was making a statement. Letting Dumbledore know that he would be staying."
"Of course. I wouldn't want it any other way. I will have a room set away for you on the forbidden corridor. That way you will not be bothered."
"Thank you Dumbledore." With that he changed back into a shaggy black dog and followed Lupin out of the room.
She was confused, scared and guilty. Christina ran and ran. Not even looking where she was going. As she turned a corner she didn't see someone walking in her direction. It was Oliver. He had seen her just as she rounded the corner and had grabbed her.
"Hey. Chris what happened?" he asked as he noticed her tear stained face.
"I-I-need to go. Let me go please." She tried pulling away but his grip on her arm was strong.
"Tell me what happened." He said more forcefully. He looked at her with his chocolate brown eyes, full of concern.
"My...my mom...she died." Christina's legs just gave way and she was sitting on the floor. Oliver leaned down and sat next to her. She started to cry into her hands. "But-but-my dad came back." And she broke down and cried again.
Oliver put his arms around her and hugged her. "Shhh. It's ok." She liked the warmth of his arms and she melted into his embrace and cried.
She kept crying for a while and then he walked her back to her room.
Draco meanwhile was wondering what had happened to Christina. He hadn't seen her since DADA. He started looking around for her. He rounded a corner and saw Blaise walking towards him. He was still furious about the curse he used on Christina but he knew he couldn't act on it.
"Hey Draco, buddy." He said as he slapped Draco's back. "A letter came from your father." Draco's body went cold.
"Thank you Blaise." And he walked off to his room. As he walked in, he saw the letter lying on his bed. There it was. Like a beacon of danger. Draco had a good mind to throw it in the fire. Draco scanned it quickly and gasped, dropping the letter to the floor. He had to talk to Christina. He scrawled a note on a scrap piece of paper asking her to meet him at the edge of the forbidden forest at midnight. He sent it to her with his owl Diego.