Lycans a new start

by SackettWT

Harry had just finished 2nd yr and his plans for the summer changed when he finds himself alone near Whitchuch. A friendly visit with Katie ends with large changes in both their lives. The newly form bond and their changes leads to changes in the lives of friends and allies. Who are their real friends? Only the Pack will know.

1. Chapter 1

A/N: Here is the start of my new story. In late June or so my muse ran off with this story plot sitting on my hard drive since being drafted late last summer. I have read several werewolf stories and came across a handful of Lycan stories. Two stories and one challenge lead to this story. Inspired by stories from Whitetigerwolf and Kaleb-yamato, and the challenge from timbarney110, challenge not followed. This story starts near the end of CoS 2nd year, in place of end of 3rd year for most.

This is only the first 11 ODT pages I have written. The story has not been beta read and most likely has numerous grammatical errors and thought jumps. I have been able to table the story somewhat and return working on the Bond and the Ritual. So this is only an early post to see how readers enjoy the story. I work on this when my muse hits story block on my main story, so updates will be very slow.

I took time off writing Bond and Ritual while writing this, hard to write one when the muse wants something else. Please read, review.

I only play in the sandbox created by JKR. All known characters belong to her.

"Normal speak"

'thought'

[bond speak]

§Parselmouth§

'French speak'

Lycans and a new start

Ch 1

5 June 1993

Harry was sitting on a rock outcropping overlooking Black lake, thinking of the events over the past few weeks, unconsciously tracing the scar from the basilisk fang. Madam Pomfrey said that the Mandrake potion will be ready after lunch for those that were petrified and his best friend is included in the group. Hermione was caught with two other students when she was petrified by the basilisk, another 2nd year from Slytherin and a 1st year from Ravenclaw. He has been talking to all three since they arrived in the hospital wing. The two witches who got petrified with his best friend were Daphne and Luna. He has had some classes with Daphne and she did not treat him like Malfoy did or several of the other Slytherins. She was known as the 'Ice Queen' for her frosty demeanour that she displayed to everyone, along with how she has dealt with some unwanted attention from older students. 'If She was with Hermione then she may not be a bad person and may have knowledge that would help' thought Harry. He does not recall much about Luna but she reacts like he would when dealing with his cousin and his friends. 'I think she needs a friend or two' pondered Harry. 'Luna is a nice girl, a little peculiar at times, but friendly and knows how to cheer up a person.'

Alone with his thoughts and reflecting on the events of the past two years, especially with how he gets along so well with Hermione and how he feels empty or sad since she has been lying in the hospital wing petrified. The only other girls he got along with, like Hermione, were the three Chasers. It was because of Hermione being petrified that he stated buckling down on his studies to be the best he can and to pass on the notes to Hermione. Harry slowly realised that he wanted to do right by Hermione, she was a better friend than Ron has been. 1] Ron gets mad at him when he is down visiting Hermione and reading to her and going over the topics from class. 2] Ron is only happy when Harry stays in the common room and plays chess, exploding snap, talks Quidditch with him. 3] Ron has been mean and spiteful towards Hermione numerous times and he was even rude when they first met. 4] Harry noticed that Ron is lazy about doing his home work and has been pestering him to allow him to copy his work. 5] Harry has also caught Ron near his trunk and trying to get into the trunk a couple of times. Then there was the whole issues with the basilisk, Ron insisted that they needed Lockhart to help with the basilisk. Even then he did not want to do anything about it until Ginny was taken, he did not care that it had attacked Hermione. I'm lucky Lockhart grabbed Ron's broken wand when he tried to attack. With regards to Hermione, 'What are these feelings that I have been noticing the past few weeks without her and why does it hurt some what without her? How could I be so careless and not stand up to Ron for her when Ron was being a git and prat? I need to sit down and talk with Hermione after she wakes up and feels ready to talk,' decides Harry. 'Also I will reach out to Daphne and Luna.' Hopefully we can make a plan on how to deal with Ron, he is not my best friend (only my first friend), that title belongs to Hermione and I have not lived up to that for her.

Harry continues to sit on his rock watching the morning pass as he waits for the time that Madam Pomfrey will administer the potion to the students. Lost in his thoughts he did not hear the approach of the youngest Gryffindor chaser.

"Harry, how are you doing?" inquired Katie, as she started to sit down beside the boy.

"OK," replied Harry with, his lop sided grin. Seeing he answer did not match the body language, gently put her arm around his shoulder to give him a support hug.

"You're not a good liar at times Harry," responded Katie. "Now, how are you holding up?"

"I miss Hermione," Harry admits. "I miss hearing Luna's bright whimsical voice as well."

"Thank you for that. It saddens me to see you looking so down," replied Katie. "I will sit here with you until it is time for lunch if you do not mind?"

"No. I would enjoy that," answered Harry. "At least I don't feel so alone, with you here." Harry smiled at Katie, as he finished talking.

The two young team mates continued to sit on the rock, talking softly at times answering simple questions form each other and just enjoyed the warm sunshine and company while they waited for lunch. When it time for lunch Harry and Katie left for the great hall and head to the Gryffindor table, and taking seats between Neville and the other chasers. The five of them talk about the finals being cancelled and how they are feeling about their end of term grades.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Once harry finished lunch he bids farewell to Neville and chasers, and heads off to the hospital wing. He wanted to be their for when Hermione woke up. Her parents could not be there as they were muggle and not allowed in the castle, so it was the least he could do for his best friend. He arrived in the hospital wing and was watching as Madam Pomfrey was finishing getting the mandrake potion ready for the petrified students. As he approached Hermione's bed he noticed three people sitting around Daphne's bed and an oddly dressed man with Luna. 'Must be Daphne's family and Luna's father,' thought Harry. Harry politely nodded to the adults when they looked at him as he took seat with Hermione.

Soon Madame Pomfrey along with Professor Snape were moving between the petrified students administering the mandrake potion.

"Just relax Mr. Potter," stated Madam Pomfrey as she approached Hermione to give her the potions. "It will take a few minutes for the potion to fully work. So just relax and help keep Miss Granger calm."

"Yes Ma'am," answered Harry.

Slowly the potion started to take effect and Harry notice the slow changes in Hermione's complexion and skin texture on her face and then her body as it moved down. So he heard a slight gasp from Hermione as she inhaled and he felt the softness and warmth return to the hand he was holding.

Hermione slowly started to notice the room around her. It had white ceiling, and walls and smelt of disinfectant. She felt very stiff and then noticed that her right hand was caught on something and she could not move it. She slowly started to look towards her hand to she what it was caught on when she caught sight of her best friend, and there in his hand was hers. His face showed concern and caring, along with joy that must be from seeing her awake. As she continues to look at Harry, she smiles at him.

"Hi, Hermione. How do you feel?" Harry asked.

"Water," Hermione quietly croaks out. Harry get her a glass of water from the bedside table and slowly lifts her up to take a sip. "Thank you," she says as he sets the glass aside and finishes helping her sit up.

"Hermione, I'm so glad to see you awake," replied Harry. "I have been so worried about you. I did my best to focus on classes and my notes so that you can study them and catch up."

Harry and Hermione chatted for a little while longer. Harry explained what has happened since she was petrified before Madam Pomfrey chased him out to let Hermione rest. He would be able to return in the morning to escort her down to the great hall for breakfast. Harry nodded his understand and gave Hermione a hug before leaving.

-x-x-x-x-x-

26June

On the Hogwarts express Harry is sitting with Hermione and Ron when the door to their compartment opens and three class mates stood in the door to the compartment. Harry looks up and notices that it is Daphne, Tracey and Luna.

"What do you want snakes?" snaps Ron at the two Slytherin students.

"Ron shut up," states Harry, rather sharply and heated. "Why don't you go find your brothers for a bit as it seems you cannot be civilized."

Ron looks at Harry, not believing that he had just been told off by his best mate.

"Why are you letting the snakes in here?" questioned Ron. "You know that all Slytherins are evil."

"I asked them to stop by, and I would like to be their friend in the future," answered Harry. "Now be civil or leave." Ron gets up and stomps out of the compartment, taking his trunk with him, not wanting to sit with slimy snakes.

"Please come in and sit down?" requested Harry, after watching Ron leave.

The three girls enter and sit down. The older blond locks the door and casts a silencing charm on the door.

Hermione looks at the three and then introduces them to Harry. "Harry this is Daphne Greengrass, Luna Lovegood and Tracey Davis."

"Nice to meet you," replied Harry to the introductions. "That last meeting was not so formal in the hospital wing."

The group sat and talked through the train ride towards London. Daphne and Tracey left for their compartment when the trolley lady came by. Luna stayed with Hermione and Harry with all three lost in thought or reading, Lune reading the Quibbler. Harry and Hermione were discussing electives and which they were taking for the next year.

"Harry why are you still taking Divination, you would be much better off with Ancient Runes," questioned Hermione.

"I'm not taking Divination, I talked with Professor McGonagall yesterday and asked why the Headmaster recommended that I take Divination, she could not give me a valid reason," replied Harry. "We discussed the other options and what I want to do in the future. I thought of being an Aurora but it requires high potion grades, and we know Snape will not give me those. We discussed the fields of curse breaking and warding and what was required for teaching. So I have signed up for Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, and will audit Arithmancy, as I struggle with Math. The plan is for Professor McGonagall and Professor Vector to meet with me a few weeks into the new school year to see how I'm doing to keep with it or not."

"Harry, that is great. I will help you with revise Math over the summer if that will help," responded Hermione.

"Thanks Hermione," replied Harry. "Are you still trying to take all of the electives? You really shouldn't, for some of the same reasons. You're not a seer and you're muggle born so those two classes are wasteful time for you and just create busy work for you."

"Professor McGonagall, said the same thing and I still want to try for all of the classes," answered Hermione. "She gave the summer to think it over and I have copies of the text book used for next year to review."

"Hermione, Harry is right, you do not need to take Divination and Muggle Studies, they will provide you only frustration," added Luna. "Divination should really only be offered to students who have shown a possible hint of seer ability."

Hermione looked at the strange girl who never put down the odd magazine she was reading, but she stopped and thought about what she said along with Harry's reasoning's. She loves learning new things, but a study in frustration is not one she wanted to take on. 'I will look at all of the subjects and look at what I want after school, and take what I need and not what I want,' thought Hermione, about her decision.

The rest of the train ride was uneventful as Ron did not return and it allowed the three to learn about each other some and for Hermione to start reviewing the two text books she was provided. Harry helped the girls with their trunks and Hermione was the first out of the compartment.

Before Harry could leave the compartment Luna closed the door. "Harry Potter, Hermione is your Best friend and the feelings you have are that of a true friend. Hermione, Daphne, Tracey and I will be part of your support and council, as will a few others, but you will meet your life partner and mate this summer. You already know her, but the Wrackspurt have you confused."

Harry looks at Luna with a blank/perplexed look on his face as to what she just said.

"Good bye Harry Potter," stated Luna, in her usual whimsical voice, as she opened the door and departed. Harry stood there for a moment before he to left the compartment and caught up with Hermione on the platform. The two of them said their good byes to Daphne, Tracey and Luna before heading for the barrier to the muggle side. As they approached the barrier Harry saw Katie walking that direction.

"Katie," Harry yelled to get her attention. "Good to see you. What are you doing for the holiday?"

"Harry, Hermione, any plans for the summer?" asked Katie seeing the two friends. "Mum has some projects and day trips planned for the summer. Dad has to work, but will have a week off in August."

"My family will be going to France for part of the summer," answered Hermione.

"I'm stuck at Durzkeban, my relatives house," replied Harry.

"Durzkeban?" asked Katie.

"It is the name I give my relatives house. I live with my mothers sister Aunt Petunia and their last name is Dursley," replied Harry.

"Sounds like a prison by the name you give them," stated Katie.

"To me it is. I will be working my arse off all summer," replied Harry.

"Language Harry," said Hermione.

"Well it is the truth," retorted Harry.

"Come here," said Katie, as she pulled Harry into a tight and friendly hug. "Where do they live?" she asked quietly in his ear. She noted that Harry initially stiffened with the hug and then relaxed into it and hug her back.

"They live in Little Whiting, Surrey," Harry answered. "How about you?"

"We live near Whitchurch, Hampshire," whispered Katie.

Letting go of the hug, Katie stepped back looking into Harry's bright emerald green eyes, "let me know if it gets to bad as dad is an Inspector with Territorial Police. He may be able to help set them straight."

Harry nodded to Katie's statement. He was still lost in the sensation and feeling of her hug along with her scent. "Thanks Katie, I will," responded Harry, once he recovered.

Katie left through the barrier, followed shortly by Hermione and Harry. Hermione was surprised by Katie's action, but she was glad Harry quickly accepted the hug and returned the gesture. Stepping through the barrier Hermione saw her parents and pulled Harry with her to introduce him to them.

"Mum, Dad this is my friend Harry Potter," introduced Hermione.

"Nice to meet you Mr. & Mrs. Granger," said Harry, as he reached out to shake their hands.

"None of this Mr. & Mrs. or Ma'am & Sir," stated Emma. "You can call us Emma and Richard."

Just as he was about to respond, Harry herd his uncle's voice, "Boy, stop wasting my time and get moving," declared Vernon loudly, while looking down at the Grangers. Unknown to Harry, the Grangers or Vernon, Katie and her parents observed the exchange between Harry and the Grangers and the actions of Vernon.

Katie saw the change in Harry's body language when he herd his uncle called him. Her Father also noticed the change in the boy and the threatening glare the boy received from the walrus sized man. Katie, decided that she was going to help Harry this summer if asked or not. Something was not right with his relatives and he reacted very guarded when she hugged him. She did like it when he hugged her back and the strange sensation of comfort and protection that quickly went though her.

-x-x-x-x-x-

3 July 1993

The Dursleys had an outing for the day in North Wessex Downs AONB and several of the surrounding gardens, and Harry was brought along as Ms. Figg was out of town and they would not leave the freak at home. One of the stops was the Gardens of Highclere Castle, during the trip. While Harry was walking around the Gardens, looking for possible ideas to help his aunts roses look better, Dudley caused a commotion and Vernon not seeing Harry took this as an opportunity to be rid of the Freak. Vernon told Petunia and Dudley to get in the car and be quick about it. They left the Castle and headed back to 4 Privet Drive.

Two hours later after not finding his aunt & uncles around the different tables and stalls, Harry went and looked in the parking lot to find the car and found that it was not there. He then realized that they had left without him. Seeing that he was by himself, Harry slowly moved along the path leading away from the parking lot towards Beacon Hill. When he could no longer see anybody and had not passed another person for some time Harry left the trail and found a small secluded sitting area and called for Dobby.

With a soft pop, Dobby is standing in front of Harry bouncing on his feet with two different coloured socks on his feet and a third over one ear.

"Hows can Dobby help Great Wizard Harry Potter?" Dobby asked.

"Dobby, thank you for coming," answered Harry. "My relatives left me here and I do not wish to go back to Durzkeban. Do you know of a place I can stay?"

Nodding his head excitedly causing his large ears to start flapping, "Yes, Dobby be right back," he replies and pops out as soon as he was done talking. It was a few minutes later that Dobby pops back beside Harry and takes his hand and pops them out to a nearby secluded clearing. In the clearing sits a small tent.

"Dobby, were are we?" inquired Harry.

"Great Wizard Harry Potter Sir, we are in Bradley Wood, close to Miss Katie home," answered Dobby.

"Dobby, do you know were Katie lives?" asked Harry.

"Dobby does not know exactly, only magic tells close," replies Dobby.

Nodding Harry heads towards the tent and when he lifts the flap he is surprised at what he finds. He was expecting a sleeping bag on the ground, and what he found was a small living room/dinning room combo with a small kitchen, a short hall with three doors. Harry proceeded into the tent and looks around finding that the two side doors in the hall lead to bedrooms and the end door is a full bath.

"Dobby, where did you get this?" inquired Harry. "This is fabulous. With this I do not need to go back to my relatives house."

"Dobby happy Great Wizard Harry Potter likes," said Dobby. "Dobby found in come and go room back at Hoggy warts."

"You stole this from Hogwarts?"Harry asked.

"No. The come and go room have many rooms and one is full of lost things, this be there," replied Dobby. "Dobby found home, cleaned and filled with food for Harry Potter. Now Great Harry Potter not have to live with evil relatives."

"Thank you Dobby. Can you go to my relatives house and collect all of my things and let Hedwig out?" asked Harry.

Dobby nodded franticly and was gone in a pop. Harry continued to look around the tent after Dobby left and went into the kitchen area and found that the cabinets were full of food and two draws were filled with fresh food and it was cold. Harry selected an apple from the draw and continued to look around the tent. In the sitting area he found a cabinet with doors and when he opened one of the doors he saw that it was full of books. While looking through the books Dobby returned with a pop and placed Hedwig's cage near the built in owl perch and Harry's trunk and other items in the slightly larger bedroom.

Seeing that Dobby was back Harry asked him to sit down with him. Dobby clung onto Harry's leg and wailed that he was not worthy to be sitting with the Great Wizard Harry Potter. It took Harry several minutes to calm Dobby down so that he could talk with him. Harry needed to ask some questions and needed to understand the rules on house-elves.

"Dobby, please calm down. I have some questions I need to ask you," stated Harry. "I would like for you to sit down while we talk. You are my friend and when friends talk they will sit down if possible." Harry sits down on the couch and finally gets Dobby to sit in the chair.

"Dobby, what are the rules on house-elves?" asked Harry.

"There be many rules," answered Dobby. Seeing that type of questions did not work Harry tried another way.

"Dobby are you a free elf?" asked Harry.

Dobby looked down as he did not know how to answer. He knew that he was not really free as all house-elves need to be bonded with a witch or wizard to stay health.

Seeing Dobbies reaction, Harry was concerned. Without getting angry he asked a few more questions.

"Dobby, please be honest when you answer. Are you a free elf or are you bound with some one?" inquired Harry. He knew Dobby was happy to be free of Malfoy.

"Great Harry Potter, Dobby is not free," responds Dobby. "Dobby needs to punish self for not telling Great Harry Potter truth, Dobby not worthy to be elf of Great Harry Potter."

"Stop Dobby, stop," called Harry. "You do not need to punish yourself. Are you bonded to me?"

Dobby nods his head rapidly causing his long ears to flap around. "When did you bond with me?" asked Harry.

"Dobby partially bonded with Great Harry Potter when he freed Dobby from Bad Master," answered Dobby. "Dobby did not tell Great Wizard Harry Potter truth, cause Harry Potter was happy Dobby was free elf."

"Why did you partially bond with me?" questioned Harry.

"House-elves need to be bonded to magical person or family to have elf magic and to remain healthy," answered Dobby. "If elf not bonded to family or wizard, they die a painful death."

"So when I freed you from Malfoy, you partially bonded with me for your health?" asked Harry. Dobby nodded his head, causing his ears to begin to flap. "Dobby would you like to be my house elf?"

"The Great Wizard Harry Potter wants Dobby as his elf?" retorted Dobby.

"Yes, only if you want and will agree to some rules," replied Harry.

"Dobby agree," replied the excited elf.

"Okay. First rule, you will never punish yourself for anything. Second, you will wear proper uniform of your choosing. Third, I will pay you 1 Galleon a week and one day off a week," stated Harry.

"No, 1 Knut a month," replied Dobby. So commenced the bargaining between the two on Dobby's pay for several minutes before they settled on 8.5 Sickle a week (2G/m) and 1 day off per month.

"Now we have that settled. What do I need to do finish the bond?" asked Harry.

"Place your hand on my head and ask to bond, magic will do the rest," answered Dobby.

Harry placed his right hand on Dobby's head and asked, "Dobby the elf do you want to be my house-elf?"

"Yes," responded Dobby, while feverishly nodding his head causing his ears to flap like wings. There was a soft yellow glow between the two as magic acknowledge the bond between the two. As the bond formed Dobby got a little taller and filled out some, looking not quite so frail.

Not wanting to be taken back to his relatives, know that he has some freedom from them, Harry decides to ask Dobby if he could be easily found.

"Dobby, is there any way for the Headmaster or anyone to find me?" asked Harry.

"Yes, there be many types of charms," replied Dobby.

"Can you see if there are any and remove them? I do not want to go back to my relatives," stated Harry.

Dobby quickly looked Harry over and several of his items to include Hedwig's cage, his trunk and broom.

"Dobby found many tracking and monitoring charms. Dobby can remove most but cannot remove them all, maybe Goblins can help," answered the elf.

"Dobby remove what you can and we will see Gringotts soon about the rest. I have some questions for them," stated Harry. "Dobby how far are we from Katie?"

"Miss Katie live just south of us," replied Dobby, as he started to remove the tracking and monitoring charms he could. He cleaned the trunk, cage, broom, Harry's glasses, left shoe, belt, and 3 different charms from his Cloak of Invisibility. During this Hedwig arrived.

"Did you have a nice flight girl," asked Harry as she landed on the perch.

Hedwig bobbed her head and barked her approval on their new home.

Harry sat down and quickly wrote a note to Katie to how she was doing and what she had planned for tomorrow. If she was free, would she be able to meet up with him. As he wrote his short letter to Katie, Harry's thought drifted over the past two years that he has known the young witch. She was the first to notice how shy he was in the team locker room, as he would not shower until after the others had left the locker room. She would quickly shower and then wait for the others to finish before shooing Harry into the showers and then taking up guard at the doorway. She would chat with Harry from the doorway, while keeping the others out of the shower area. Harry appreciated her jester and protection of his privacy. Slowly over the two years Harry became more comfortable around the young chaser and did not mind when she slowly moved in and would sit on one of the benches in the shower area so she did not have to talk as loud. Katie had seen the scars on his body when she moved to sitting on the bench at times, but she never brought up the topic of where he got them. She felt he would tell her in his own time, if he wanted her to know.

Then towards the end of this year Katie would wait for the others to finish and then allow Harry to pick his shower away from the doorway while she would take one between the two locations. Harry had grown accustom to her presence that he did not mind and enjoyed the camaraderie of talking with Katie while they showered. Harry and Katie each caught glimpses of the others body in the shower, the last few times. Harry was still worried about others seeing his scars, but had grown comfortable with Katie seeing them.

It was during his thinking while writing his letter that Harry realised he liked and enjoyed being around Katie. Harry tied the note to Hedwig's leg making sure she was okay for the short flight. Hedwig hopped to Harry's shoulder nibbling on his ear and giving a soft head butt before taking flight to deliver the note.

Dobby realised it was dinner time and went into the kitchen and made a quick dinner for Harry. Harry went over to the book cabinet and started to look at he books closely. He noticed that many of the books were earlier editions of school books and covered many topics. He found one on Ancient Runes and sat down and started to read.

Harry enjoyed the dinner made by Dobby and asked the elf to sit and have dinner with him. Once dinner was done and the dishes cleaned, Dobby went out and placed elf wards around the tent so as not to draw attention to his masters new home in the woods. Dobby also put up pest repellent wards around the front of the tent so Harry could sit outside and not be bothered. Near the entrance of the tent Harry noticed several runes. He started to look up the runes and what they could do. One was a privacy rune that would block any tracking or monitoring charm, so Harry pressed the rune after learning how to activate the rune. He activated a couple more runes that added security to the tent when the flap was closed, preventing anyone from entering. That would provide extra protection when sleeping. The last one was a proximate ward that would alert him to any one approaching the tent.

Just before heading to bed Hedwig returned with a note. "Thanks Hedwig, her you go," giving her some owl treats, "I will make sure Dobby has bacon for you in the morning," said Harry. Harry read the note after feeding Hedwig.

Harry,

Nice to hear from you. I am free tomorrow and we can meet up at the Whitchurch Silk Mill, they have a cafe there, see you at 1030. I was surprised to see Hedwig fly in this evening. My parents just cooed over her when they saw her.

Katie

-x-x-x-x-x-

Earlier at the Bells residence Katie was sitting with her parents talking about the past year at school when Hedwig arrived.

"What a beautiful owl you are," complemented Mrs. Bell, as Hedwig landed on the back of a kitchen chair. "Who do you belong to?"

"That's Hedwig. She belongs to Harry," answered Katie. "Hedwig do you have a letter for me?" Hedwig barked and cocked her head as if asking what do you think, before hopping over to the girl and presented her letter for the teen.

"Who is this Harry?" inquired Mr. Bell.

"He is a second year and our Quidditch team seeker. I wonder why he is writing?" answered Katie. She quickly removed the letter and read it. "He wants to know if I am free tomorrow and able to meet up with him. Mum is it okay for me to meet up with him tomorrow?"

"Where does he live?" asked Elvina. "And how is he getting here?"

"He lives over in Little Whiting, Surrey," answered Katie. "His note says that he is currently in the area." Elvina and Philip exchanges looks, communicating in those looks.

"Yes, you can meet up with your friend, but please bring him by the house for a late lunch," said Elvina.

"Okay. Thank you," replied Katie. "I will meet him at the Silk Mill Cafe." Both parents nodded in agreement with her choice of meeting place.

"Dad, when Harry gets here, DO NOT terrify or threaten him. I do not know what his home life is like, but when school starts he looks thin and under feed," stated Katie. "Also he shies away form close contact with anyone. I have been able to hug him a few times and he stiffens up when I do. He even does that when he gets a hug from his best friend Hermione." Katie was not going to tell them about what happens in the locker room, and what she has seen. Well at least not yet.

Elvina and Philip, both became concerned when hearing this. They were both able to hide their concern from Katie as she talked about her friend. Philip worked as an inspector with the Territorial police, and was checking boxes in his head on abuse, at the things his daughter was commenting on. He needs to see this child and is hoping that what he will see does not finish checking off those boxes.

"Have we met this other girl?" asked Philip.

"Not formally. She was the bushy brunette, that came through the barrier with us at Kings Cross station," answered Katie.

"Now I remember seeing her. Bushy hair, ran to her parents and big hugs," stated Elvina. Katie nodded in agreement with her mums observation.

Katie quickly writes a letter back to Harry saying that she can meet up and where in the village. She then attached the letter to Hedwig's leg and off she went, returning to Harry.

"That is one beautiful owl he has," commented Elvina.