Disclaimer: No characters you recognize are owned by me. They're J.K. Rowling's. All new students appearing here belong to me, especially the two best friends, Liana and Railane. Some elements, like certain potions, have appeared in lots of fics so they don't belong to anyone, but the original idea for this did come to me as I read Irresistible Poison by Rhysenn. Somewhere along the way some psycho plot bunnies attacked me, and now it's a mix of elements. But a ton of props to Rhysenn for the best Harry Potter fanfiction I have ever read.

Rating: Will vary, but most of the time it's PG-13. Any R-rated chapters will have a warning.

Warning: There will be slash here. Not yet but eventually there will be. I mean angst-filled sexual-innuendo sort of slash, no smut. Maybe some makeouts. But no smut. Still, if you're a slash hater, do me a favor: back out quietly, don't flame and we'll all be happy. You have been warned.

Summary: Sometimes the simplest of mistakes can turn your world around. Add two transfer students, misplaced magic, hidden obsessions, and slashiness ensues.

Set in an AU sixth year, everything from book one thru five happened except for the fact that book five has been slightly altered to fit my purposes: Sirius is still alive, since he used a shield charm and Bellatrix was the one who got the hit. Also, Lucius Malfoy isn't in Azkaban.

A/N: This is what happens when Marille Earen, Honour Nature and I spend too much time reading and discussing Harry fics. So this story is dedicated to them and to feraenaturae, the first person to encourage me to write slash.

Bold italics are Railane's intros, italics are thoughts, and anything in bold is a diary entry.

Standing still

by Lenari Ryan

Prologue: Arrivals

This started out as something no one could've predicted. Liana and I both received our Hogwarts letters when we were eleven, but our parents didn't want us to go live abroad on our own. After years of insistence, they agreed to make us transfer students, and against Severus Snape's best wishes, and a lot of traditions, we were sorted.

Harry Potter walked towards the Hogwarts Express with a weary expression after saying goodbye to Remus, Mad-Eye, Tonks, Mrs. Weasley, Fred and George. Mr. Weasley wasn't there since he and Percy were having lunch in an attempt to patch things up between them.

Since Ron and Hermione were going to the prefect compartment, Harry had to find a compartment for Ginny and himself,whereas Neville was staying with Dean and Seamus. They passed a pair of dark-haired girls who were looking around nervously, and Ginny immediately walked towards them, much to Harry's displeasure.

"Hi, I'm Ginny Weasley," she said brightly.

The two girls exchanged looks and the shorter, curvier one replied in a clearly American accent. "I'm Railane Lesperance and this is Liana Richards."

Ginny pulled Harry's sleeve to get him to turn to them. "This is Harry, who seems to have forgotten his manners." The two girls giggled, but Harry was more focused on how much Ginny had resembled Mrs. Weasley with that comment. "So, have you girls met anyone else yet?"

Railane shook her head, dark brown hair falling a bit in her face. "Well, no, not really. A few people have waved, but that's about it."

"Well, come and sit with us," Ginny suggested excitedly, and both Railane and Liana sighed in relief at the same time.

"Thank God," Liana muttered. "I was starting to believe we'd have to hex someone into asking or something."

They all laughed, and the girls followed Harry and Ginny onto the train. As soon as they had a compartment, Liana studied Harry. "I hadn't noticed before," she commented quietly, her dark brown eyes flicking to his scar before returning to his eyes. "Harry Potter."

Railane looked up from her book momentarily to look at his scar, light brown eyes seeming inexplicably golden all of a sudden, then smiled slightly and returned to her reading. Ginny, however, was looking at Railane's Potions book in horror. "Why would you possibly be reading school books already?" she asked her with wide eyes.

"We had to catch up with a lot of spells to be able to enter the N.E.W.T. classes we wanted," Liana replied with a shrug, eyeing her Divination book with distaste before settling on a Charms book instead. "We're being tested by Professors McGonnagal, Flitwick and Snape before we're sorted to make sure we were properly trained at the other schools."

"Meaning we get to skip the whole across-the-lake-and-past-the-giant-squid thing," Railane replied with a grin.

"Have you been here before?" Harry asked her, and Railane shook her head.

"No. But I've read Hogwarts: A History thousands of times."

Ginny shook her head. "Oh, dear, we have another Hermione."

"Hermione?" Liana asked curiously, her Charms book forgotten on her lap.

"She's this girl in my year," Harry replied. "Total genius. She should've been in Ravenclaw, but she chose Gryffindor instead."

"Mom wants me to end up in Ravenclaw, but Dad wants me to go to Gryffindor," Railane said. "I'd like Slytherin, though."

"Most dark wizards were Slytherins," Harry told her matter-of-factly, being painfully reminded of the fact that those wizards had Sirius confined in Grimmauld Place.

"Oh, I know," Railane replied dismissively. "But I know I could make a difference in them, I'm sure not all of them are that bad. I mean, Blaise is actually nice when he's not in school."

"Seriously?" Ginny asked her in disbelief, and Liana was the one who answered.

"Yeah, his parents know our parents so this last summer he stayed over with us in America to help us prepare for this year."

The food trolley finally reached their compartment and they all hastened to buy Pumpkin Pasties, Fizzing Whizbees, and Chocolate Frogs. After stocking themselves, the four sat back. Before they could begin eating, the compartment doors opened again, and Railane's hand was around her wand before the others could even blink.

Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy Parkinson looked at them, identical sneers in their faces. Blaise stepped up from the back, and as soon as Railane saw him she relaxed slightly. "Hey, Blaise," she greeted coolly.

"Hey, Lane. Liana." His eyes rested on the other two. "Potter, Weasley."

"That's Harry and Ginny, actually," Liana replied icily.

"Let's not," he pleaded with them, and Liana was shocked to see that Railane actually acquiesced.

Malfoy walked into the compartment, ignoring Harry, since last year's train ride home was still fresh on his mind, and he smirked at the girls. "I'm Draco," he drawled, extending his hand. "Draco Malfoy."

Liana didn't take his hand. "Liana Richards."

Railane put down her book, rising and looking straight into his cool gray eyes. "We know who you are," she replied evenly. "I'm Railane Lesperance," she told him shaking his hand with a firm grip.

Draco was impressed at the way she handled herself, and tilted his head appraisingly at her. She smiled, withdrawing her hand and sitting again, her eyes never leaving his. He smirked again and turned, breaking the eye contact. "These are Crabbe and Goyle, and she's Pansy."

Railane nodded in acknowledgement before picking up her Potions book again. "If you'll excuse me, I have an exam to prepare for. I suggest you return to your compartment, and perhaps we'll see each other around later." Her eyes returned to her book, her attitude obviously dismissing, and for the first time Draco swallowed his pride, accepted his dismissal and turned away, closing the compartment behind him.

"That was brilliant," Ginny said. "And thanks for trying to defend us."

"The look on his face when you dismissed him was priceless," Harry added.

Railane merely shrugged. "He's one of my Slytherin reform projects," she said with a mischievous smile, winking.

Liana rolled her eyes. "Here we go with the projects again. That means trouble."

After meeting up with Ron and Hermione in the carriages and introducing themselves, Liana and Railane fiddled with their bags nervously, unsure of what awaited them when their test began. As soon as they arrived at the castle, Professor McGonnagal walked over to Liana and Railane. "Miss Lesperance, Miss Richards, follow me please. You too, Mister Potter, the Headmaster wishes to see you."

Harry walked with them, confusion in his features, and Liana smirked. "I can't believe you're in trouble already. That must be a record."

Harry felt his tension ease a bit and he smiled at her. "This happens almost every year, actually," he replied.

Liana smiled. "Oh, really? I'm impressed."

Railane rolled her eyes at the pair, almost colliding into the Headmaster as she did. She blushed a deep scarlet to rival Ginny's, averting her gaze. "Sorry, Professor Dumbledore."

"Oh, that's quite alright, Miss Lesperance. You and Miss Richards will go with Professor McGonnagal and hand her your written exams, and will also have the practical part. Harry, if you'll follow me to my office."

The girls said goodbye to Harry, walking resolutely towards the classroom they were pointed to while Harry trailed after Professor Dumbledore. After giving his password (Fizzing Whizbee), Professor Dumbledore walked into his office. Harry was happy to see that Fawkes was alright, and he took a seat across Professor Dumbledore uncertainly.

"First of all, welcome back to Hogwarts, Harry. I was very happy to see you O.W.L. results, and so was Professor McGonnagal, who asked me to congratulate you for her and to remind you that you must excel in you N.E.W.T.s to be able to be an Auror. Now that that's been taking care of, I must talk to you about what this year will bring.

Lord Voldemort is not happy with your interventions, as you well know, and I fear what actions he may take this year, which is one of the reasons I've accepted Miss Lesperance and Miss Richards to be allowed in Hogwarts this year. They have been raised with defiance towards the Dark Lord, since their parents were Aurors. I know I can count on them to try and reunite the four Houses. We need to stand strong. Also, the teachers and I have deemed it a good idea for you to have your own, protected room in the castle. There is one double room besides the ones for Head Boy and Head Girl, and one of them has been assigned to you. The other one to Draco Malfoy."

Harry's eyes widened in utter shock. "Why do I have to share a double room with Malfoy?"

"Voldemort is very angry at Lucius. He already tried to get to Draco over the summer, and we are worried that if he decides to strike he will strike against both of you at the same time. I suggest you keep the location of your new room private, as will Mr. Malfoy. There is a wall dividing the two rooms, of course, but there is only one main entrance, the one that connects directly to Draco's room, from which you will look for the other door and go into your room."

Harry sighed, resigned, and Professor Dumbledore frowned. "I hope you and Draco learn to get along, for both your sakes. In case of an attack, you'll have to protect each other. Also, you have had all summer to think things through, and I would like to know if you have any questions regarding the prophecy."

"I do, actually," Harry replied, thankful for the chance. "How am I going to train for this war and keep up with school?"

"Your training will be minimal this year, mostly in protection. You will also be allowed to choose some students to train with you. The real training will be next year. Voldemort will not risk a war now that everyone's on alert. He'll try to let news of him fade, and then strike when we least expect." Harry nodded. It made sense. Before he could say anything Dumbledore spoke again. "For now, let's just enjoy the Sorting."

Harry nodded, rising, and they walked towards the Great Hall. Upon entering, they walked quietly, since the Sorting had already begun, and Harry took his seat. "What did he want to talk to you about?" Hermione asked him anxiously.

"JAMES, GREGORY!"

"I'm getting my own room along with Malfoy," Harry replied.

Ron sputtered. "What? How?"

Harry shrugged. "Apparently Voldemort –oh, Ron, get off it- tried to attack Draco over the summer."

"Because his father messed up," Hermione finished. "I thought he might. Did he say anything about training? I don't want it to interfere with homework, but we managed last year."

"Hermione!" Ron screeched at the same time that the Sorting Hat sent Lillianna Jones to Ravenclaw. "How can you think about that right now? Classes haven't even started!"

"Ron, shut up," Harry and Hermione replied in unison, while Hermione swatted his arm. "There are more important things than homework," she replied decidedly and Harry smiled proudly, continuing.

"He said that we'll train in defensive again. He reckons Voldemort won't risk war now, so we won't have extra strength training now. Next semester at the earliest."

Hermione smiled. "Ron! You didn't flinch at the name!" His ears turned pink and Hermione nodded at Harry with a slight nod. "And with the training, good. I just hope everything goes well this year."

Harry nodded fervently, turning his attention to the Sorting. "Too bad I missed the song again."

"It was great," Ginny commented. "About how dark events will help us come together and will light our way with loyalty and courage."

"LESPERANCE, RAILANE!"

Railane sat on the stool confidently, eyes sacanning the room. After debating with her for a few instants, the Hat shouted "SLYTHERIN!" making Railane smile widely. She waved at Harry and the others at the Gryffindor table before making her way to the Slytherin table with a smirk at Blaise.

Harry turned to the others, shaking his head. "She's a nice girl, but they'll corrupt her."

"Nah," Ginny replied. "She already charmed Draco. I wonder what her presence will do to the rest of the Slytherins."

At Hermione and Ron's questioning looks, Harry and Ginny filled them in on everything that had happened since they'd met Liana and Railane. Hermione seemed very pleased that the girls had been studying, while Ron was extremely excited about Railane showing Draco off. Before Hermione could begin her lecture on the importance of studies, however, the Sorting Hat called Liana.

"RICHARDS, LIANA!"

Liana walked towards the Sorting Hat looking far more nervous that Railane had, but when she sat she took a deep breath and straightened herself. Seconds after coming in contact with her the Sorting Hat shouted "GRYFFINDOR!" making Liana grin in relief. Giving Railane a thumbs-up, she sat next to Ginny in the Gryffindor table.

"I am so glad that is over," Liana said, rolling her eyes, and the others laughed. The Sorting Hat sorted the last student (Thames, Kyle) and Professor Dumbledore stood quieting everybody immediately. "I wish to welcome all students, new and old, to this new school year. As you all know, Lord Voldemort," a collective shudder rippled through the student body, "is back. But I do not wish to burden you with sad thoughts, since we are doing all in our power to destoy him once and for all and you are safe here at Hogwarts. Instead, I wish to welcome two transfer students, Miss Richards from Gryffindor and Miss Lesperance from Slytherin.

Also, I wish to inform you that we have two new teachers this year. First of all, Madam Hooch has retired, and Oliver Wood has agreed to substitute her due to the fact that his injured shoulder will not let him play professionally again. Also, Nymphadora Tonks will be your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. Her expertise is very vast, since she is an Auror, and she is very excited to be teaching here. You will all meet her tomorrow, since she will arrive with Mr. Percy Weasley, who is my new assistant. For now, dig in."

Everyone turned to their plates, and Harry grinned. "I'm really glad Oliver's back. He'll train us some good Quidditch players. Plus we'll have a blast with Tonks and learn a lot."

"Agreed," Ron said between mouthfuls.

Hermione grinned. "I think Tonks' is here more to keep an eye on us than anything else." The others laughed and she continued. "Who's captain now that Angelina's left?" she asked curiously.

"I am," Harry replied happily. "Professor Dumbledore got Fudge to lift off Umbridge's ridiculous ban and Angelina picked me."

"That's great, Harry," Hermione said with a smile, knowing full well that Quidditch was Harry's favorite thing in the world.

"Brilliant, mate," Ron replied after swallowing. "When are we having tryouts?"

"I'll decide that after I see our schedule," Harry replied. "For now, I'm just glad to be back."

They all agreed, and enjoyed their Feast, wondering what the year may bring.

A/N: This is way too long for an epilogue in my opinion, but since this story's basically writing itself I won't complain. Please drop me a little review on your way out, will you? It'll help me write faster. ;)