A pair of candles cast a soft, romantic glow across a small table where a pair of teenagers sat. Kaela found herself mesmerized as she stared across the table into brilliant green eyes that stared back filled with a love and passion that was only for her.
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest as Harry reached across the table taking her hands into his. Butterflies filled her stomach and her breathing became shallow as he lifted her hands to his lips and began slowly kissing his way across her knuckles filling the space between kisses with the words she longed to hear.
"I" he began as started kissing her right hand.
"Love" he continued in a passion filled voice as he moved to her left.
"You" he finished before trailing his kisses the rest of the way across her left hand.
She could barely contain the feelings welling up within her when he lifted his head to meet her gaze. A thrill previously unknown swept over her as he began leaning closer and his lips parted.
"Kaela"
Ever so slowly they continued to move forward getting closer and closer.
"Kaela!"
Her feelings changed to confusion as she began looking around the room.
"Kaela Brianna Moore! Get up right now!"
A groan escaped the girl's mouth as she was yanked back to the real world from the wonderful dream she had been enjoying. "I'm up, I'm up."
"Well get a move on young lady, your off to school today and from what I can see you haven't even begun to pack yet." Brenda said sternly as she surveyed the mess that was her daughter's room.
"What? That's not true, I've started." Kaela replied sitting up in her bed.
Brenda crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at the teen.
"Alright, so I've only gotten my trunk out so far." Kaela sighed as her mother didn't say anything but continued to stare at her. "Don't worry, it won't take me long."
Brenda rolled her eyes but couldn't help but give her daughter a smile as she turned to leave the room.
After her mom left, Kaela fell back onto her bed. She took in a deep breath and exhaled it slowly, grinning widely as her dream replayed in her mind. She'd been having dreams about Harry since not long after they met, but the images and feelings behind them had become much more intense since they had shared a kiss while swimming a few days earlier.
As she finished reliving her dream she let out a long sigh. She knew she had fallen for Harry and wanted more than anything to be together with him as a couple, but couldn't stand the thought that it might be for the wrong reasons. That any relationship they had might be based on physical similarities she shared with a girl he had left behind.
Letting out a growl of frustration, she threw off her covers and grabbed a change of clothes before heading into her bathroom to get ready for the day ahead.
Harry woke and instantly sat up coughing and sputtering to the combined laughter of both of his godfathers. As realization set in, Harry crossed his sopping wet arms and glared at the pair of Marauders standing at the food of his bed.
"Time to get up kiddo." Sirius said with a grin.
Remus chuckled at the look Harry was giving them. "He's right, you leave for Salem today and you still need to pack." Crossing his arms Remus tapped his chin with one finger looking thoughtful. "Of course if you still wanted to get a bit more sleep, I suppose Sirius and I could pack for you."
"Merlin no!" Harry blurted out much to the amusement of Sirius and Remus.
Before they could pick on Harry further, Bella entered the room. "Leave the poor boy alone you two."
"Awe, come on Bella, we're only getting started." Sirus said.
Bella saw Harry's eyes going wide at the thought of what else they had in mind and sent him a wink as she drew her wand. "Of course, I am sworn to protect Harry." she said vaguely as she examined the magical focus she was holding.
"Well, you know, now that I think about it, I should probably be getting breakfast ready." Remus said as he began working his way past her towards the door to Harry's room.
"Easy Trixi." Sirius began but quickly sank through the floor as Bella leveled her wand at him for the use of her childhood nickname.
Harry was laughing heartily at their antics. He hadn't failed to notice the smiles on all of their faces as they joked around.
Bella smiled at Harry and waved her wand at him drying up the ice water that had been poured over him.
"Thanks Bella." Harry said with a smile.
"You're welcome Harry. See you downstairs." she replied with a wave as she left the room, closing the door behind her. She sighed as she walked down the stairs wishing she was a little bit younger and a lot more innocent.
Harry fell back onto his bed as the door closed and shut his eyes as he began to go over the dream he had been having. He remembered something about walking through a park hand in hand with a beautiful girl, stopping occasionally to share a kiss. Unfortunately the only thing he could remember about her was that she had red hair.
Deciding he didn't want to risk another visit from his godfathers, Harry finally got out of bed and began getting ready for the day.
After breakfast Harry managed to get his trunk packed and was ready to go by the time lunch rolled around. Remus had taken Harry and enrolled him in Salem Academy of Magic a week earlier, and Kaela had gone with Harry to the wizarding district in New York to get their school supplies.
With lunch finished Harry took his trunk into the garage which they had setup as their apparition and portkey point with the adults following close behind.
"Be careful and take care of yourself Harry." Remus said as he gave Harry a hug before stepping back.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Harry said, though he was a bit nervous about attending a new school.
"Yeah Remus he'll be fine. After all," Sirus said as a mischievous grin appeared on his face, "Kaela will be there to take care of him."
The group couldn't help but laugh at the combination blush and scowl that appeared on Harry's face at the comment. A minute later the scowl left his face and Harry found himself laughing along with the rest of them.
Raising a hand, Harry slapped Sirius extended hand with his own, feeling the familiar cold wash through his fingers.
"Don't forget to write Harry." Sirius said with a fatherly smile on his face.
Harry nodded and turned to Bella who pulled him in for a quick hug. "Don't forget your ring. I'm only two taps away if you need me." she whispered before stepping back and rubbing what looked suspiciously like a tear from her eye.
Smiling at his family, Harry took hold of his trunk with one hand and his new student ID card in his other. "Take me to Salem." he said causing the portkey that was built into the ID to activate. There was a tug behind his naval, and Harry Potter disappeared from the garage.
Sirius, Remus and Bella stared at the spot where Harry had been for a long minute before quietly making their way back into the house.
Harry appeared in the middle of a large room that was setup as the arrival point for the incoming students. As he started to look around he was approached by one of the older students who was carrying a clipboard with numerous papers attached.
"Hi, I'm Jen. Can I see your ID please?" Wow, she thought, he's cute.
"Sure." Harry said handing his student ID card which he was still holding to the young lady.
After comparing him to the picture on the card she read his name and passed the ID back to him. She then began flipping through the stack of papers on her clipboard.
"Let's see… Potter… Potter… Ahh, here it is, Harry Potter."
Finding his name on her lists, she tapped the entry with her wand causing a card to appear which she handed to Harry.
"This is your class schedule along with your dorm assignment. Do you have any questions?"
"Umm, one, where do I go now?"
"Sorry, I didn't realize your were new." Jen said smiling and looking contrite. Pointing towards some open doors at one end of the hall she continued, "Just go through those doors. The dorms are in the red brick building on the other side of the square. You'll find an orientation manual on your bed when get to your room, it should explain everything you need to know. Anything else?"
"Not right now, thanks for the help."
"No problem, if you need anything at all I'm glad to help." she said giving Harry a warm smile. "There's a bonfire at the quidditch pitch tonight, I hope to see you there!"
Harry nodded and with a wave of his wand levitated his trunk and left the room. As he walked out into the afternoon sun he was attacked by his red haired best friend.
"Harry!"
"Hey Kaela!" he said returning her hug.
"I thought I'd wait for you and show you around."
"Thanks, I was kind of hoping I'd find you. Are you going to the bonfire tonight?"
"Of course! You?" she asked and began chewing her bottom lip as she looked up at him.
"Definitely, you want to go together? I doubt I could find it on my own." Harry said grinning widely.
"Sure." Kaela felt the butterflies come to life in her stomach as Harry asked her to go to the bonfire and smiled at her. Doing her best to shake off the feeling, she grabbed his hand and began pulling him towards the dorms. "Come on, let's go find your room and see who your roommate is."
Harry seemed to have a permanent smile etched upon his face as Kaela took his hand and led him across the school grounds. Entering the dorms, the pair found themselves in a large common area with couches and tables scattered about. Kaela began pointing out various areas to Harry as she led him through the ground floor of the building.
"This is the commons, it's just a place to meet and relax. You could try to do homework here, but I wouldn't recommend it. It can get pretty rowdy down here sometimes. Through there is the dinning area." she said indicating some doors at one end of the room. "There's not really a set meal time, just go eat whenever you want."
Leading Harry towards the side of the common area opposite the kitchen she continued her tour by pointing out a long desk with several people behind it performing various tasks. "They're the dorm admins." she said waving at one of them. "They can help with any problems you have around here or at least point you in the right direction."
Harry nodded and continued to smile as she showed him around. As they passed the desk, Kaela led him to an area where there were two rows of circles on the floor. The circles were about four feet across and there were a total of ten, five red and five green. Occasionally someone would appear on one of the red circles before leaving the area and a few people stepped onto the green ones and disappeared. Seeing Harry's confused look, Kaela decided to explain.
"These are kind of like muggle elevators. The red ones are for people coming down, the green ones are for going up. Did you get your card?"
Harry nodded and handed her the card Jen had given him when he had arrived. After taking a quick look, Kaela let out a small squeal before blushing in embarrassment. "Sorry," she said, "it's just that we're on the same floor."
She was heartened by the large smile that registered on his face at her announcement and once again grabbed his hand pulling him onto one of the green circles. "Come on." Once they were both on the circle along with Harry's trunk Kaela spoke. "Seven!"
There was a brief feeling of unimaginable speed before Harry found himself standing on a red circle on one side of a small common area. "Wow, that's cool!"
Kaela grinned. "It is, isn't it. The staff can actually use them to move around campus but we have to walk." Pulling Harry along with her she continued her tour. "Each floor has a smaller common area like this one." Passing through the area she led him to a hallway that ran the length of the building. The common room was situated in the middle of it. "The dorms are coed, girls live on that side" she said pointing down one side of the hallway, "and the boys live on the other."
Turning towards the boy's side, she led him down the hallway. "Every two rooms share a bathroom that's between them. The Rooms are pretty small, but if you can get the charms teacher to sign you off on spatial expansion spells you can make it bigger." She came to a stop in front of a door with the number 717 on it. Taking a deep breath, Harry opened the door and walked in the room with Kaela following close behind.
The room was small, just as she had said it would be. There was just barely enough room for the two beds, desks and wardrobes that filled the space. On one wall he noticed another door which he assumed led to the bathroom Kaela had mentioned.
"Hello." A young man said getting up from one of the beds where he had been reading a book.
"Jack," Kaela said, "This is Harry Potter, your new roommate. Harry, this is Jack Freeman."
Extending his hand, Jack greeted Harry warmly. "Hey Harry, nice to meet you."
"Likewise." Harry replied returning the gesture.
"You a friend of Kaela's or is she just showing you around?"
"We're friends, I moved into the place next to hers this summer." Harry replied giving Kaela a small smile and earning a blush and a grin in return.
"Harry's a seeker like you Jack." Kaela said as she got her blushing back under control and decided to move the conversation to a safer area.
"No kidding? I play on the varsity team myself. Are you going to try out for the team?"
"Yeah I was planning on it. I love to play but got banned at my last school."
"Where did you go to school before? And how did you get banned? I've never heard of that happening before." Jack said curiously.
"Hogwarts, the ban was for fighting, but it wasn't really for that, it was given to me and a couple of my friends by a teacher that hated me. The guy that started it didn't get in any trouble at all."
"Damn, that sucks man. Hogwarts though, that's supposed to be the best magic school there is. How'd you end up here?"
Harry let out a sigh. "Long story, the short of it is that I needed a change."
Jack nodded in understanding and looked thoughtful for a minute before speaking again. "Hey, are you the Harry Potter I heard about in History?"
Harry grimaced internally and nodded.
"Cool man, sorry about your parents."
"That's alright, it was a long time ago." Harry replied. He was happy to feel Kaela place a comforting hand on the small of his back in support. He was also glad that not very many people knew who he was and the ones that had recognized him didn't make a big deal out of it or stare at his scar. It was a nice change, and one he found he really liked.
"Well, I'll leave you to move in Harry." Kaela said. "Swing by my room when you're done and I'll show you around the campus."
"Alright, thanks Kaela." Harry said with a smile.
After Harry finished unpacking, he found Kaela and continued his tour of the campus. The school was built on a hill that had a large flat area on top where there was a large courtyard filled with paths and benches and a few large trees that were scattered about. The area was surrounded haphazardly by several buildings with several more scattered on the sides and around the hill. Towards the base of the hill on its north side sat a small lake and Harry's favorite thing, the quidditch pitch.
The pitch had been sunken into the ground and had stadium style seating all the way around. Situated every 15 yards along each side of the bowl were towers with more seating on top. It was a beautiful sight as far as Harry was concerned and he couldn't wait to fly in it.
Kaela pointed out a large pile of wood in the center. "That's for the bonfire later."
Harry smiled warmly at her. "Should be fun."
Nodding and smiling back, Kaela couldn't help but feel the butterflies once again. "Let's go eat. The bonfire won't start for a few more hours."
A while later Harry found himself walking next to Kaela towards the quidditch pitch. As they approached the stadium and took in the sight, Harry began to get noticeably excited.
Kaela grinned as she saw the expression on Harry's face as he saw the stadium below them. She often thought of what he had told her about his childhood and the Dursleys and loved that she could see him like this. Turning her attention back to what was currently holding Harry's attention she continued to grin.
A large fire that was at least ten feet across at its base burned brightly in the center of the pitch. Off to one side, well away from the flames, a small stage had been built. A podium sat at the front and a row of chairs along the back side. Several of Salem's professors were sitting in the seats talking happily as they watched the festivities occurring around them.
Scattered around the pitch and crowded around the large fire were hundreds of students. Their conversations and laughing created a dull roar that echoed through the stadium and there was a palpable feeling of excitement.
"Wicked!" a very excited Harry said. "I had no idea this many people went to school here."
Kaela returned his smile once again feeling the all too familiar butterflies she seemed to find in her stomach more and more often when she was around him. "Well, this is a magical college as well. A lot of these people are here for post graduate studies."
Harry nodded in understanding as Kaela led him through the crowd of people greeting various friends along the way. He knew a few of them from the time he'd spent with Kaela over the summer but for the most part was meeting everyone for the first time.
As they neared the fire they heard a voice rang out over the talking and laughter calling for everyone's attention. Looking towards the stage, Harry found the schools Chancellor standing at the podium. Slowly the talking and laughter faded until there was only the sound of the fire crackling away.
"Greetings everyone! It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you back to Salem."
The students cheers echoed through the stadium and the Chancellor smiled waiting patiently for the clapping to subside before continuing.
"I recognize a great many of you from previous years and also see many new faces in the crowd and want each and every one of you to know how happy I am to have you all here studying with us. I could go on and on about how excited I am about the coming term but I'm sure what you really want is for me to give up the podium to a much more popular figure here at Salem, our quidditch instructor Coach Strickland."
Laughter passed through the students at the Chancellor's comments.
Smiling brightly the old witch continued. "Without further ado, I give you the coach of our championship quidditch team, Coach Strickland."
Stepping back from the podium she joined the students in their applause as the coach stepped forward grinning and waving his hands.
"Thank you Chancellor Hellermann, students. Once again I find myself in the enviable position of being able to coach some of the finest individuals in the magical world."
Cheers erupted from around the pitch and the Coach smiled until they began to die down, continuing before the cheers had completely stopped.
"And I find myself lucky enough to be working with our own championship varsity team the Salem Lions!"
Once again loud and enthusiastic cheers rang out across the pitch and Harry found himself grinning as he realized he was still a lion.
A moment later, seven figures dressed in red qudditch robes flew in the stadium in a modified hawks head formation. After buzzing the crowd, much to everyone's delight and continued cheers, the varsity team landed on the stage. Dropping their brooms they pickup up Coach Strickland and holding him in the air above their heads walked off the stage and into the crowd.
Harry laughed as he watched them pass the Coach to the crowd who continued to pass him around.
Pulling Harry down next to her so she could talk into his ear and be heard over the crowd Kaela explained. "It's tradition. He'll make an entire lap around the fire and be put back on the stage. The legend is that if he doesn't touch the ground we'll have a winning season."
Nodding his head in understanding, Harry watched as he was passed all the way around the fire before being deposited back on the stage. Cheers once again rang out as he made it back to the podium having not touched the ground.
"I have two things to say about that." The Coach said as the cheering stopped. "One, it's going to be a good season!" Yet again the cheering and clapping was thunderous. "And two, someone out there has very cold hands!"
Laughter rolled through the crowd and Harry and Kaela shared a look and a chuckle both grinning widely.
"Lions! Lions! Lions!" The coach began the chant which was quickly picked up by the rest of the crowd.
Eventually the chanting died down and everyone began talking amongst themselves again.
"Harry!" a voice yelled not far from where he was standing with Kaela. Looking up he saw a girl with long blond hair approaching with a large grin on her face. As she got closer he recognized her as the girl he had met when he arrived at the school.
"Hi. Umm, Jen right?"
Jen's smile got even bigger as she realized he remembered her. "You remembered! How's everything going so far? Has anyone shown you around? Cause I'd be happy too."
Kaela felt a twinge of possessiveness and grabbed Harry's hand without thinking. "I showed him around." she said throwing a smile at the other girl.
"Oh, hi. I'm Jen." the girl said offering a hand to Kaela.
"Kaela." she replied greeting Jen with her free hand.
Seeing their linked hands Jen turned back to Harry. "Sorry, didn't know you had a girlfriend. Well it was good to see you again." she said smiling and turning to leave. "Nice to meet you Kaela."
"See you Jen." said a stunned Harry.
"You too." Kaela replied to the other girl.
Harry slowly turned towards Kaela to find her still looking towards a retreating Jen. Looking down he found himself staring at their entwined hands and thinking about what Jen had said.
When Jen had disappeared into the crowd Kaela turned to find Harry staring down. Following his line of sight she noticed she had taken hold of his hand. She was a little shocked and tried to pull away but Harry didn't let go, instead looking up to meet her eyes.
The pair stared at each other for a long minute before slowly moving in to share another kiss.
The kiss was slow and tender and Kaela felt like she was lifting off from the ground. Her world was spinning as she melted into the embrace. It felt so right, so wonderful and she never wanted it to end.
Harry couldn't believe he was being so forward. Her lips felt so soft and amazing pressing against his own. The world around them slowly melted away until everything but him and the girl in his arms ceased to exist and his entire body buzzed as he held her against him.
As the kiss ended they parted slightly staring into each others eyes for another long minute before Kaela's thoughts that he might be doing this because she looked like Ginny returned. Tears came to her eyes and she pushed herself away from him backing up several steps.
"Kaela…" Harry said stepping towards her.
"No." she replied softly slowly shaking her head from side to side and taking another step back. "I… can't… I don't… I…" Unable to find the words she finally turned and ran away.
"Kaela!" Harry yelled behind her. He tried to follow but lost her in the crowd.
After running all the way from the quidditch pitch back to the dorms, it was a breathless and panting Harry that knocked on the door to Kaela's room.
"Hey Harry." Mary said opening the door to find her roommates friend.
"Hi Mary, is Kaela here?" he managed to get out between breaths.
Mary gave him an odd look. "No, I thought she went with you to the bonfire?"
"She did, but… something happened and she ran off. Any idea where she might be?"
Kaela's roommate was getting very curious now. "Really? What happened!"
"Mary!"
"Alright, alright, I haven't seen her but when she needs to think she usually ends up on the roof."
"Cool, thanks!" Harry said quickly before running off.
"Hey, don't you want to know how to get up there?" Mary hollered after him. Shaking her head when Harry didn't turn around she smiled and closed the door.
Harry ran back down to his room and quickly pulled his Firebolt out of his trunk. Throwing open the window he jumped out pulling the broom between his legs as he fell. Pulling back hard he pushed the broom upwards until he passed the top of the building where he leveled his flight. Scanning across the rooftop, he found the object of his search sitting on a small bench on one end of the building that someone had made from a couple of cinder blocks and a board.
She was staring out across the square to the quidditch pitch where the bonfire still burned brightly. Her legs were pulled up against her with her arms wrapped around and she had tear streaks on her cheeks.
Landing on the roof, Harry walked up beside her and sat down. They sat in silence for a long while staring down at the bonfire before Harry spoke softly. "I'm sorry."
Kaela wiped the tears from her face and turned to face Harry.
"I didn't mean to hurt you, I really care about you Kaela. I'm sorry for what ever I did to upset you, I didn't mean too."
Kaela let out a small snort and a small smile graced her features briefly before quickly disappearing. "It's not you're fault Harry, you didn't do anything wrong."
"But you got upset and left, I thought,"
"No," she said cutting him off, "it's not you, it's me."
Harry looked confused as Kaela turned back towards the bonfire. She was quiet for a long time before continuing. "I'm scared. I'm scared that you really want Ginny and are only with me because we look alike."
She turned back to Harry but stopped him before he could say anything. "I know you would never do that, but it's still on my mind. I want to be with you so much but I just can't seem to get past this for some reason."
"Kaela." Harry said putting his arm around her.
Once again she stopped him from talking and looked into his eyes. "I still want to be best friends. I wouldn't give that up for anything. I want more but I think you need to see Ginny before we try anything."
Harry looked deeply into her eyes seeing the emotions whirring around inside their soft blue depths. He could see the fear of rejection she carried, the love and trust, and the hope that he would do this for her. He could tell she was confused and knew if he wanted more he could take it and she would willingly be his, but he also knew she was asking him for help. She was letting him know that she had fallen for him but was insecure about his feelings.
Truth be told as he stared into her eyes and thought about it he couldn't say for sure that he wasn't initially attracted to her because of the similarities she had to Ginny who he had been crushing on during their correspondence over the summer. He knew it had grown beyond that and was sure the feelings he had for her were and her alone because of the person she was but he also knew she was right. He needed to see Ginny.
After staring into her eyes for several minutes, Harry pulled her down and lightly kissed her forehead. After pulling away he looked into her eyes and smiled. He could see her thanks as she returned his smile with one of her own and he sat up pulling her next to him where she laid her head on his shoulder. Together they sat watching the quidditch pitch until the bonfire died away.
-
AN: Hey all, I hope you like this one. It was supposed to have stuff on classes and quidditch, but it would have been a lot longer than the other chapters are set to be so I decided to break it up a bit. The transitional stuff is almost over and things will start happening again probably at the end of the next chapter. Thanks for all the great reviews, I'm glad so many of you are enjoying my story!
There's a lot of speculation and wishing going on as to what the pairing will end up being. Unfortunately I can not make everyone happy, sorry. I have completed the outline though I continue to adjust it as needed and do know what the end pairing will be, though I'm still not saying (grins). As far as this story is concerned, the pairing is only a side note and not really important to the story. Why then am I spending so much time setting it up? Probably because the way this story ends sets up a sequel perfectly and some of the ideas I have percolating in the back of my mind for that will use much of what is being setup here. In other words, this story sets up a lot of things for the next one. Besides, it's fun!
Several of you have wondered about Hedwig. I meant to put some more in about that but apparently forgot too. Harry and the group are not surprised that Hedwig did not return. They knew there was a good chance of that happening and know where she is staying.
I get the occasional comment about my spelling and grammar not being the best. I know. I should probably use a beta or two or three, but I like being able to post when I feel like it or when I finish a chapter instead of waiting for beta. Perhaps someday I'll change or get someone to beta what I've written so far and repost.
Once again, thanks for all of your reviews! I'm not going to drop this story regardless, but they definitely help keep me motivated!