Unfortunate Relations

Disclaimer: Once again, characters are J. K. Rowling's…blah blah blah…

Note: Wow! Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed my story so far! I'm overwhelmed! Virtual cookies to all! Ummm…yeah. So here's the part where I thank you all sincerely, right? ;)

Knights of Ne: Yes- it seemed a bit fast moving, didn't it? That was my fault- I forgot to inform everyone that it was a DREAM sequence. Did I mention it's my first story? hehe…I really appreciate your criticism, though, and I really hope you continue to give me ideas, comments, ect. Thanks again! P.S. - I love that movie (Holy Graille). 

Lily Laurelinn: Yay! I'm so glad you're on fanfic now! I'll post the second chapter soon, I promise. I'm looking forward to reading some of YOUR stories when you write them!

Gylfie: sends elven chibi army to give you hugs I'm really glad you like my story so far…and I can't believe you're out of town. I NEED TO TALK TO YOU! Argh. Call me soon! Thanks again, 'great rival.'

Shadowed Rains: Thanks for your detailed review! I know what you mean about original characters, but it's always been rather hard for me to create new stories with characters created by someone else…Yes, the first chapter was a little bit misleading (or confusing, I'd call it), but I'm trying to write the other one to explain things a little better. I will warn you that Katie's past is difficult to express in a few chapters, so it'll take a while before you 'know her' very well. I can't wait for your next comments! By the way, I know what it feels like to be up at three…argh…

glitterglow: Thank you! I hope I can make Katie's character even clearer to you through this next chapter. I'm glad you're enjoying my story! Oh, and you're welcome! 

Irish Anor: Yay! You know elvish, too! And here I thought I was just crazy…lol… I really appreciate your review, and your help! That first chapter was a dream sequence- I forgot to mention that to everyone…which is annoying (especially since I proofread it like SIX times…don't you hate when that happens?) And how do you let anonymous reviewers review? Thanks so much for you tips and comments! Yeah, I know what you mean about rhyme scheme being different in songs and poems- I write both, too. Vanya sulie, melon nin!

Silent in the Dark: Thanks for your review, and compliments! I hope you like this next chapter. It has a little different feel to it so…yeah. As to reviewing your story, anytime!

BregoBeauty: Thanks! And yes to your character summary- but it's not really her coming to her senses. It's more…the element of Voldemort being a part of her- the fact that whether she likes it or not, she'll join him. Thank you again! 

firewolfalpha: I really appreciate your review! I'd explain to you why Voldemort has a niece now, but I can't- I'll reveal that particular piece of info later on in the story. Like I said- a lot of mystery going on- so there's a lot to reveal! Argh (hard for me, and everyone else). Sorry the time wasn't clear- this is kinda taking place during the sixth book- so no, he's not dead…yet…evil smile…I hope you stick around for the rest of the story!

Ailinn: Nice special effects…lol…cues evil organ music and blood-curdling scream in the distance Yeah…anyways…thanks for your review! Here's that update you wanted…hope you like it!

Just to let everyone know, Harry, Ron, and Hermione WILL be coming in. Just not yet. Hold on! And don't forget- that first chapter was a dream Katie was having. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

Chapter Two: Erm…why?

"Everyone…but you."

The words resounded in Katie's head and, try as she might, she just couldn't make them go away. She sat upright, for a split second thinking she was back in the Gryffindor Dormitory- waking up from a very long, very bad dream. A cold sweat trickled down her neck as she came back to reality- the cold, hard reality she had been living in for at least half a year. Katie couldn't run to Hogwarts anymore. It wasn't any safer, less in fact, that this stupid cave. The dream she had had just seconds ago still flashed vivid pictures through her mind…pictures that wouldn't stop coming…

"Lumos!" Katie's illuminating wand chased away her nightmares…for now, anyway…She never could really escape the nightmares. She had known that ever since her first night in this cave.

Well, there was one way out. Dumbledore had shared with her Voldemort's one (more accurately- seven) weaknesses, his horcruxes. Not that she hadn't already suspected as much. How else could he have risen to power again so quickly? Luckily, Katie had a good idea of where at least one of the horcruxes was hidden.

"Then why don't I just leave now?" She wondered aloud, trying desperately to untangle her sleek black hair at the same time. As if she didn't know the answer. It's not as if she wasn't ready to leave this place, more a prison than home. From the moment Dumbledore had left her here, she had continued learning new spells and techniques from old fifth year textbooks she had, on Dumbledore's request, reluctantly brought with her. In comparison to Katie's Comet 2000, felix felicis (stolen, though she hated to admit it), and a wand, schoolbooks hadn't seemed very important. At first. No, she was ready to find and destroy as many horcruxes as she could.

But what Katie wouldn't admit, even to herself, was that something was holding her back. Something more frightening to her that Voldemort could ever be. Trying to forget about her troubles for the night at least, Katie closed her dark eyes to sleep away the remaining darkness…

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"You think she'll be here today?"

"Dunno. Never know with her, do you? Fairly mysterious, that one." The identical boys looked at one another and shrugged. Turning from each other, their hazel eyes swept the bustling shop, customers coming and going…Unfortunately (and obnoxiously), not all of those customers were the paying kind.

"Hey, you!" The first one, Fred, stepped forward to smack a little boy's hand away from the shelf. "No pinching pygmy puffs- or anything for that matter!" Fred hadn't meant to snap, but that was the sixth time today someone had tried to pilfer. Both he and George were a little edgy.

The boy shuffled guiltily, looking up at George with piteous eyes. George, however, was unsympathetic. "Out, now! Move along!" he harshly ushered the small thief outside, slamming the door behind him.

"Stupid git." Fred muttered darkly. "First year, by the looks of him. And on Christmas break, too…" the two shook their heads sadly.

"Now, what house do you reckon he's in?" George asked sarcastically while straightening boxes on the shelves.

"Slytherin." They stated in unison, rolling their eyes.

"I think we need to hire some menacing security guards. What do you think, George?" George opened his mouth to reply, but a voice from behind interrupted.

"I don't know about that…your faces are enough to scare anyone away…"

The twins spun around, though they knew who had spoken even before their hazel eyes met a pair of dark grey ones.

"Why, it's our best customer!"

"Hullo, Katie! Nasty joke, y'know…"

Katie grinned evilly, flicking blond hair out of her eyes. "How do you know I was joking? Hullo Fred. Hullo George." There were smiles and pats all around, and the three began to meander around the crowded shop.

"We wondered if you'd come today."

"You wondered, George. I, however, knew all along-"

"Oh, come off it, you prat! You didn't know-"

"How do you know what I was thinking? We may be identical, but we're not telepa-"

"Hey!" Katie, who was trying her best not to laugh as the twins exchanged death glares, quickly interjected. "As much as I love getting caught in the middle of an argument, let's do it another time, shall we?" Fred and George grunted in moody agreement. "So…why wouldn't I be here?" she asked, switching subjects. "I come every other week- what would stop me?" Katie quirked her blond head to the side, one eyebrow raised.

"Well…" Fred began reluctantly, "things are getting…erm…pretty dark in the wizarding world…We thought you might have…you know…" his voice trailed off. Katie understood perfectly what he was trying to say, and her eyebrow lifted even higher.

"Died?" She finished Fred's statement. "It must be bad, if the forever jokesters, Fred and George Weasley, are being serious for once."

They smiled weakly. "Also," added George, not to be outdone by his brother, "You seem like the wandering type."

"Yeah…I guess I am…"…'Or I should be.' Katie's face seemed distant as she absent-mindedly fingered a pygmy puff. It squeaked faintly and promptly fell over, snoring. She continued to stroke it, suddenly lost in thought. Why wasn't she already out there, searching for horcruxes?

"Then why don't you do some wandering?"

"Yeah, we don't want you here anyway." George piped up cheerily, a joking grin on his face.

"Shut up, git! That's not what I meant by-"

"I dunno…" Katie whispered, more to herself that anyone else. She was lying, though. Again. 'What am I afraid of?' she thought.

"Katie…? I was just joking…Katie!"

Katie was too lost in thought to even hear George's nervous call. 'What am I afraid of…?' The answer to her own question hit hard.

'Yourself.'

She started out of her reverie. "Hey, how much is this pygmy puff?"

"Four sickles. Erm…why?"

Katie didn't answer, but instead pressed the money into Fred's hand. "Fred…George…I've got to go. See you later, alright?" She gave the twins each a quick hug, turned, and strode out of the store with her new pygmy puff.

"You've done it now, George…'We don't want you…', why'd you have to go off and say a thing like that?"

"I was joking! Just-" His angry expression became suddenly thoughtful. "Hey…wasn't her hair brown last time we saw her…?" George's eyes watched Katie exit the shop.

"Yeah…I think you're right! And she was taller last time, too!" The two exchanged incredibly confused looks. They dashed out of the shop, risking items stolen to have their questions answered. "KATIE!" Fred and George exclaimed together, turning the corner. But she had disappeared.

I bet Fred and George aren't the only ones confused right now, huh? Don't worry. All will be revealed in time. nods sagely Well, I'm sorry if it takes a long time for the next chapter…I'm kinda divided on what should happen next…feel free to leave suggestions! They would be much appreciated. Alright. Vanya Sulie!