A/N: I've changed Dalila's character from being Daren/Harry's half sister, to being his actual sister. I think I like Dalila being Lily and James' daughter a lot more than Lily and Tamas' daughter. So, there will be some changes to previous chapters that have been posted. Be sure to go back and read them, as Dalila's appearance will also be changed. Also, Anthea/Lily's appearance will be changed just a little bit. Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 4

"…and so she's been writing to him ever since. They must exchange about a half a dozen letters each every month. I don't know why Mum let her write to him; must have been because he found her and brought her home when she was little. But if you ask me, he's a little too dodgy for my taste… too perfect."

Ron's voice drifted out from the open door of the compartment as Ginny and Daren approached, their arms laden down with sweets for friends. Ginny's face turned red with anger; Daren flung out an arm to stop her from storming into the compartment.

"Ginny, we're going to respond rationally. It won't do any good to get upset," he muttered in her ear. She released an explosive breath of air before nodding. He leaned over and touched her cheek briefly before marching forward and entering the compartment boldly, Ginny following closely behind.

"Treats for everyone!" she said cheerfully, dumping everything on the little table that they had erected for playing Exploding Snap. Cheers sprang up as sweets disappeared, a small pile of wrappers was forming already. Ginny sat down in a huff, blowing a strand of red hair out of her eyes.

Daren, sensing her mood, sat down next to her and kissed her cheek. "Don't be upset, Ginny," he whispered in her ear; the others were too caught up in a joke told by Ron to notice the two of them.

"How can I not be upset when he's saying things like that about you!" she hissed back, her eyes suddenly ablaze.

"If there's one thing that my stepfather taught me, Ginny, it's that sometimes you have to let people say those things about you. You can't let it get under your skin," he told her seriously. "And that's what I intend to do. I want to win over your family, but if they won't let me, I'm not going to let that stop me from seeing you." His cheeks were slowly, but surely, turning red.

Ginny grinned at him, her anger vanishing. "Ron's right. You are too perfect." Daren laughed and opened his trunk, pulling out a book. Ginny tucked her feet underneath her and positioned her head on his shoulder. Soon, the train's rhythmic rocking and Daren's steady breathing were enough to lull her fast asleep.

As the bushy-haired girl named Hermione ordered them to change, Daren gently nudged Ginny awake. She groaned and rubbed her eyes, gazing up at him with sleepy eyes.

"How long have I been asleep?" she asked, as he began toying with a lock of her hair.

"For a few hours. Everyone's been reading or sleeping, except for Ron and Hermione. They've been cuddling," he answered. She giggled and sat up, unlatching her trunk and opening it, pulling out her uniform and robes before heading off down the corridor with the rest of the girls to change.

The train slowed to a halt as the girls reappeared. After making sure their trunks were latched and they had their wands on them, they emptied into the corridor and joined the throng of students heading towards the doors.

As Daren hopped off the step first, he turned around and offered his hands to Ginny. She smiled and took them, stepping down from the platform.

A fork of lightening suddenly bolted through the sky, followed by a clap of thunder. A few moments later, rain began to pour. Ginny laughed and grabbed Daren's hand, running to the nearest carriage, their shoes and legs getting wet as they splashed through the puddles in a scurry to get to the carriages.

Fortunately for the new couple, the rest of the group lost sight of them, so they were forced to enter a different carriage. Ginny expressed her relief about not having to sit with her stupid brother, and took the opportunity to enjoy a cuddle with Daren.

But all too soon, they were pulling up to the castle. Cursing under his breath for forgetting his cloak, he turned to Ginny as she spoke.

"Should we make a run for it?" she asked, her brow creasing. He nodded and took her hand before they plunged into the throng of students. They were completely soaked by the time they entered the entrance hall.

"Ugh, this is not a good start of the school year!" Ginny muttered as she squeezed water out of her hair. Daren laughed and shook his head to get water out of his own hair.

"Daren!"

A very wet Dalila was running towards them, her face placed in an annoyed position. She stopped next to Ginny with a sigh.

"I've been looking everywhere for you," she growled at Daren. "Where have you been? I found Ginny's brother, and he said you didn't ride on the carriages with him."

Daren rolled his eyes. "We got separated, Lila. Don't-"

"Mr. and Miss Komaya?" a feminine voice from behind called, interrupting him. The siblings turned around, only to find a very stern looking woman marching up to them. Her graying hair was pulled back into a tight bun and hidden underneath her drooping black hat. Her emerald green robes billowed out around her as she stopped.

"Finally, I've found you," she said, peering down at them over her square-framed glasses. "I am Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House. Your sister is currently riding across the lake with our other first years that need to be Sorted. As neither of you have had any schooling here, you'll need to be Sorted as well."

Daren and Dalila shared a brief look of disbelief after they nodded. They would honestly let them ride across the lake in this storm?

Kissing Ginny lightly, he followed Professor McGonagall into a small, empty chamber, telling them to wait there.

Dalila turned to him as soon as the door was closed. "Why didn't you stay with the rest of the group? I was worried!"

"I know, Lila, I'm sorry," he answered, ruffling his wet hair. "Ginny and I hopped into the closest carriage we could find because of the rain. The rest of them couldn't find us."

"You should have said something to me over our link-"

They stopped their discussion, for the door was opening again, and tiny, soaking wet first years were spilling into the room. Fleta spotted them at once, her face brightening.

"What are you two doing in here? I thought the Sorting was only for first years," she said happily, hugging her older brother.

Daren laughed, all traces of worry gone from his mind as he patted her wild mane of brown hair. "Well, since this is our first year here, we must be Sorted as well. So we'll be together for a little while now." Fleta grinned at him and kissed his cheek before turning away from him.

"Emily!" she called, and a little blonde girl came springing up next to her. She turned back, her grin even bigger. "Daren, this is Emily Cramer. Emily, this is my brother, Daren, and my sister, Dalila"

"Hello," Daren said with a smile, kissing the back of her outstretched hand. Emily giggled and nodded at him.

Moments later, the doors creaked open, revealing Professor McGonagall. Daren saw a flicker of amusement cross her face for a split second when she spotted the scared looking first years. The corners of her mouth slightly upturned, she called out, "We are ready for you now. Follow me."

Daren and Dalila followed helplessly behind the much shorter first years, suddenly feeling very self-conscious as they entered the Great Hall. Whispers followed them as they stood at the back of the group, waiting to be called upon.

Daren took the opportunity to scan the teachers' table as a large, fraying hat burst into song. There sat his uncle Alec, who they had been instructed to call Professor Snape, for reasons unknown to him. On the far left was a large man who towered over the rest. Daren knew at once that this was Hagrid, who his mother had told him to befriend, as he had always been kind to her in school.

And then, in the very middle, sat Albus Dumbledore himself. He looked older than Daren had expected him to be, with a long white beard long enough to tuck into his belt, and blue eyes that twinkled with hidden secrets.

Professor McGonagall called each student up by name. As they settled themselves on the three-legged stool, she dropped the singing hat upon their heads. After a few moments, or sometimes minutes, it shouted one of the four house names, and the student would happily join their new house members.

"Komaya, Fleta,"

Daren and Dalila exchanged a look as their younger sister marched confidently up to the hat, sitting gracefully on the stool with one foot tucked under the other. The hat dropped, and Daren concentrated on the link that he shared with her, feeling Dalila doing the same. Something blocked it; he couldn't hear what was going on. Frowning, he opened his eyes, just in time to hear the hat shout, "Gryffindor!"

The table on the right burst into applause. Daren could hear Ginny and Emily cheering, which made him smile. Fleta could hardly hide her wide grin as she flew down to where Emily sat next to Ginny, who had, apparently, taken the little first year under her wing.

Soon, no one remained but Daren and Dalila. Dumbledore himself stood up and smiled at the school.

"It is my great pleasure to announce that we have two exchange students this year, Daren and Dalila Komaya. Their sister has already been Sorted-" he motioned to Fleta, who stood up shyly and smiled at everyone "-, and now they shall be Sorted as well. They have been home schooled up until this point, but have come to join us, Daren for his seventh year, and Dalila for her fifth year. Professor, you may proceed."

Courteously, Daren let Dalila step in front of him to be Sorted first. She winked at him and sat down just as gracefully as Fleta had on the stool and let the hat fall onto her head. It barely touched it, however, before it shouted, "Gryffindor!"

Gryffindor table roared in approval again. Dalila hopped off the stool and quickly signed to her brother, "Guess I'm a natural born Gryffindor after all!" He laughed and took his seat on the stool.

The hat lowered slowly, half-covering his eyes. After a second or two, a small voice began hissing in his ear.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? The heir to the throne of Avalon in our very mists. Oh, don't worry, dear boy, I won't tell a soul. Oh, but there are secrets in your head, yes. Things you don't remember that others do. Harry Potter, you surely are. Yes, that's it. Don't interrupt me, boy. Now, where to put you. You have bravery, and plenty of courage, I see. Ah, yes, the flag of Avalon has the white lion. Yes, I think that we'd better put you in GRYFFINDOR!"

The last word came out as a shout, and Gryffindor table once again broke into cheers. With his mind worried and his face happy, Daren made his way down to the Gryffindor table and took his seat next to Ginny, who grabbed him around the neck and kissed him full on the lips, leaving Daren breathless as she pulled away, her eyes sparkling.

He felt someone tap at his mental shields, and suddenly Dalila's voice was there. "Something's bothering you."

He looked across the table to where Dalila sat and smiled reassuringly at her. "I'm fine, Lila. Just… tired, I guess."

"You were always a terrible liar, you know."

"You remind me constantly."

"It's just fun to torture you!"

His smile widened as she stuck out her tongue and winked.

"If anyone from Avalon caught you doing that, you're tongue would be frozen for a solid day."

"Which is why I do it here at Hogwarts instead of at home."

Feeling better, he turned to face the teacher's table, where Dumbledore was, again, rising to his feet. "Before we begin our feast, there are just a few words that I would like to say - try the plum pudding!"

As soon as he spoke, food filled the tables in front of them. At once, chatter sprang up as students began loading their plates full of food. Daren copied their actions, wondering how different Hogwarts could be from Avalon.

Dinner was filled with summer stories, falling upon the eager ears of fellow students. Ginny repeated her wedding story, with little comments from Ron. Hermione told about her summer in Italy with her parents, and how delicious gelato was. The Komaya siblings chose to remain silent, content in just listening to the hum of talk.

"So, where exactly are you from, Daren?" came Dean's voice. Daren had been preoccupied with wondering how many colors were in Ginny's hair, so the question startled him. Seeing that everyone was staring at him, he blushed and cleared his throat.

"Oh, sort-of near Ginny. It's about a full nights walk, but I'm sure you could get there faster riding." He almost winced at the end. They wouldn't know about riding horses, just-

"Riding a broom? Why not just apparate or Floo?" Ron asked.

Dalila spoke up. "Because our house is only connected to houses in a three mile radius of our house, and our mum and step-dad haven't allowed Daren to get his apparation license." Daren sent her a wordless thank-you. She smiled and nodded.

"Wow, they didn't let you?" a boy named Seamus Finnigan asked. "If my mum didn't let me get my license, I would have moved out!"

"Well, I understand where they're coming from. I've been a little… protected, I guess, my whole life. I'm the only boy in my family."

To this, Ron Weasley nearly choked on his pumpkin juice. After wiping his mouth with a napkin and putting down his goblet, he looked at Daren unbelievingly.

"No brothers?" he whispered. "None at all?"

"None. Just three sisters. And my mother was talking about wanting another one last time I heard," he muttered. As an afterthought, he grinned cheekily at Dalila and said, "But I wouldn't trade my sisters for anything." There was a collective sigh among the girls of the table, and Dalila and Fleta both blushed prettily.

After deserts were cleared away, Dumbledore stood again. He smiled at the clan of Komaya's, who smiled back, before he began to speak.

"Such a splendid night! To our new students, welcome, to our old students, welcome back! Another year of magical education lies anxiously in front of you. There are a few rules that you will be expected to follow. First off, the Forbidden Forest…"

Daren listened with one ear as his mind slowly began to drift back to what the Sorting Hat had told him. Who was Harry Potter? He had heard someone in Avalon mention it in passing once, but the name didn't ring a bell. He would have to write home and ask his mother about it. Perhaps it was a clue to finding his father.

Dumbledore's merry face suddenly became very serious. "As you all know, Lord Voldemort and his followers are gaining strength and numbers every day. I cannot say enough times that you are to be very careful this year. There have been extra security measures placed upon the school. Our wards have been strengthened up, making sure that no unwelcome guests will be able to enter the grounds.

"A band of soldiers, who call themselves the High Guard, have offered to protect the school in every way possible. You will see them guarding entrances, and they will not hesitate to stop anyone in the hall for questioning. You will be compliant and willing to answer these questions."

Daren was startled. The High Guard… that was the royal guard of Avalon. He wouldn't be surprised if his grandparents and mother had put them up to it. Looking towards the doors, he spotted a pale man with longer brown hair standing there, dressed in a blue and white military uniform. Upon closer inspection, he realized that it was Nero standing there. He had almost forgotten about his rank as Captain.

The twinkling began to come back into Dumbledore's eyes. "Although these are dark days, we must not forget to live. Live each day as well as you can. Keep your family and friends close, and don't let anything stop you from falling in love. Remember that love is the most powerful magic that there is, and you should not underestimate it." Daren felt Ginny slip her hand in his, so he turned and smiled at her. She returned the favor.

"Now, off to bed you go! You all should well rested for lessons tomorrow. And so, I bid you goodnight. Good night, good night!"

There was a deafening scraping of benches on the stone floor as students stood up and began to file out of the Great Hall. Fleta said goodbye to her siblings and ran off with Emily, following the Gryffindor prefect, a girl with dark curls pinned up at the base of her neck.

"Mr. and Miss Komaya," came Professor McGonagall's voice from behind them. They turned and found her giving them a tight-lipped smile. "May I have a word?" They nodded.

"I'll see you later," Daren said to Ginny. She nodded and smiled at him, giving him a gentle kiss before bouncing off after her friends and brother.

The Professor led them out of the Great Hall and up the flight of stairs with the rest of the school. But they soon broke off as they turned into a deserted corridor, and finally came to a halt in front of an empty office. Professor McGonagall ushered them inside and bid them to sit down. They entered and stood by their chairs until the she was seated.

The Professor gave a small sigh before speaking. "A letter came from your mother a few days ago. She asked if it was possible for the two of you two have your own rooms. She told me that the youngest would stay in the dormitories because she was new.

"Now normally, this kind of thing isn't allowed at Hogwarts, you must understand," she told them sternly. "But seeing as you are exchange students, her wish has been granted. Of course, if you would rather stay in the dormitories, that is fine."

The two siblings exchanged looks. They quickly began to converse with their link.

"I want my own room," was Dalila's firm answer.

Daren ran a hand through his hair. "I do as well, but I want to be close to Ginny." Dalila rolled her eyes and turned back to the Professor McGonagall.

"Is where we would stay close to the Gryffindor common rooms?" he asked.

"Yes," she answered with what looked like a smile. "Very close. In fact, I'm sure that there's a door that leads to the common room there."

"Then it's settled. We'll stay in separate rooms," Dalila said, and stood abruptly. Daren shot her an annoyed look, which she promptly ignored.

"This way, then," Professor McGonagall said, standing and leading them out the door again. They followed closely behind, hoping to get a better glimpse of the castle.

It was a large castle, that was for sure. The stone corridors were tall, wide, and airy, with long shadows cast on the floor from the torchlight. The staircases moved, the royals found out as they marched up them.

In total, they climbed seven staircases, but they knew, by looking above them, that there were many more. They walked down a short stretch of corridor before stopping in front of a portrait of an old man with a flowing beard like Dumbledore's, and secretive green eyes that seemed to shine from the torchlight. He smiled mysteriously at Daren and Dalila for a moment before turning his eyes on McGonagall.

"Are these the two exchange students you were telling me about, Minerva?" he asked, his deep voice ringing through Daren's chest. When she nodded, the man turned back to them.

"Welcome to Hogwarts! What will your password be?" he asked.

Daren smiled and said, "Asters." The man smiled wider as his portrait swung open and admitted the two new students.

Inside was a roomy little common room with two desks and some bookshelves. There was a long, overstuffed blue couch, a small coffee table, and a large stone fireplace. There were two doors on the back wall, which they knew led to their bedrooms. On the other wall was the back of a portrait, which Daren presumed led to the Gryffindor common room.

"Your trunks are in your bedrooms. Feel free to change anything you wish. You may invite anyone you'd like to come in here, but keep in mind that curfew is still in effect for the both of you unless you have specific reasons for being out of bed. Do I make myself clear?" Professor McGonagall said sternly.

"Yes, ma'am," Daren said respectfully. She regarded them both for a moment longer before turning on her heel and exiting the room.

The two siblings stood there in silence for a moment, drinking in their new surroundings. Finally, Dalila sighed and pulled her hair out of its ponytail.

"Well, I think I'm going to go to bed," she announced. "See you in the morning." She kissed his cheek and disappeared past the door with her name on it.

"Goodnight!" Daren yelled after her, but the door was already closed. With a small smile, he made his way over to the back of the portrait. After a deep breath, he pushed it open and stepped through it.

The room was large and spacious, decorated in vivid scarlet and flashy gold. In front of the stone fireplace was a large, overstuffed couch, much like the one in his own common room, and a few oversized chairs that could easily fit him and Ginny comfortably. There were two staircases on the back wall, which Daren assumed led to the dormitories.

No one noticed that he had just come from behind a portrait. He spotted Ginny in the corner, giggling with Hermione. He walked softly, sneaking up on the two girls. Hermione spotted him, so he quickly threw a finger up to his mouth. Her eyes twinkled as her face remained just as it was.

With quick and quiet movements, he pulled out a chair and seated himself next to Ginny, making her jump in surprise as he slid an arm around her.

"Daren!" she squeaked, clapping a hand to her mouth. "Merlin, you scared me!" He laughed and winked at Hermione, who smiled and stood up.

"I think I'm going to head up to bed, Ginny," she said.

"Oh, no, don't leave on my account," Daren said suddenly, trying to stop her. "I was just-

"No, no, it's alright. I'm tired anyway." The brunette smiled slyly before walking towards one of the two staircases, disappearing up it.

The pair sat in silence for a few moments, before Daren stood. "Come on. I want to show you something." She smiled and took his hand and let him pull her over to the portrait he had come through.

The strange gray haired man appeared at once. "Password?"

"Asters," Daren said, and the portrait swung open. Ginny's mouth dropped open as she stepped through the door and into Daren's common room.

"What is this place?" she asked, looking at him questioningly.

He laughed. "Apparently Mother wrote to the school and asked if Lila and I could have separate dorms. The Headmaster approved the idea, and so now we live here. Dalila sort of made the decision for us, but I think the quiet will be nice." He kissed her forehead. "Anytime you need some quiet, come in here. You're always welcome to it." She smiled at him.

"Thank you," she whispered and wrapped her arms around him. He copied her and rested his chin on top of her head.

They stood there in front of the fire for a few moments before Ginny pulled away from him. "You're hiding something from me."

He frowned, trying not to show his surprise. "Why do you think that?"

"I don't know," she shrugged. "It just feels like you are. Tell me."

"I'm not keeping anything from you," he lied perfectly, smoothing her hair away from her face.

She grabbed his hands and forced them down. "Daren, I don't like being lied to. Tell me what you're hiding." Her gaze was firm and resolute.

"Look, Ginny-"

"I don't want excuses. Tell me."

He remained silent.

She shook her head as she sighed and dropped his hands. "Daren, if our relationship is going to work, then we have to trust each other and be honest with the other person. If you can't trust me, then I can't be in a relationship with you."

Daren stepped away from her and dropped down on the couch. She stood there, waiting for him to say something.

"You have to trust me when I say that I honestly can't tell you right now," he whispered, looking up at her. She smiled slightly.

"And that was all you had to say," she answered simply. She kissed the top of his head, murmuring goodnight against his hair, and stepped past the portrait again.

"You didn't tell her." Dalila was standing behind him, a toothbrush in her hand.

"Lila, it wasn't the right timing. She can't handle being told anything yet. We've just started dating, and I'm not going to put the pressure of being a princess on her until she's ready," Daren said quietly. Dalila gave his cheek a kiss and slipped back into her bedroom, leaving Daren to watch the fire die down.