Disclaimer: Yes, this story is all mine... Wait, it's not? What do you mean it's not! ...Oh...That's so not fair...

A/N: The next chapter already! It's a miracle! Now let's see I can finish another!

...and a special thanks to my beta, SpiderLily! It's thanks to her that you guys are getting all these new chapters!

Months passed as Hallie continued her schooling under the guise of the Boy-Who-Lived. It was stressful in the beginning, what with the way her classmates watched her every move... and the way some of her female classmates did so often left her seriously disturbed. She was even beginning to understand why boys always whined about the complications of the female gender. Girls really did make no sense; strangely, Hallie didn't count herself among them anymore.

She spent a good deal of her time toying with the necklace, and nervously checking her reflection in every reflective surface she could find. By now, Hallie wouldn't be surprised if the other students thought her vain. She was always worried that she would slip up in some way, and people would learn she was a girl. It didn't help that she often forgot herself. There had been at least one horribly embarrassing incident where she would have walked into the girls' bathroom if someone hadn't pushed open the door at that exact moment, and nearly broken her nose in the process. At least they were too busy blushing and stuttering an apology to ask why she was there.

Other than that, she was coping. She'd gotten over the fact that she'd be sharing a dorm with a bunch of guys. It wasn't so bad after a while. As long as she remembered to get up early and change in the bathroom first, there were no awkward moments. It wasn't difficult when her dormmates were nearly impossible to wake in the morning. They slept like the dead, albeit a noisily snoring corpse, and left Hallie to the unfortunate task of getting them all to breakfast on time.

Classes themselves were going alright. Learning magic wasn't exactly what Hallie had been expecting, nor the majority of her fellow first years. As beginners, they had to start small, which meant little to no actual magic. Some teachers drilled nothing but theory into their pounding skulls before they were even allowed to lift a wand.

Learning from McGonagall and Flitwick were definitely the highlight of her days. She seemed to have a natural talent in Charms, but Transfiguration was equally fascinating. She was also taking Herbology in the greenhouses, and Astronomy on the tower at midnight. They were useful classes in their own right, she supposed, but nothing she found particularly interesting. Gardening in itself was overrated for Hallie, and more often than not, she found herself falling into a light doze over her telescope in her other class.

History of Magic was one of her least favorite places to be, although she did manage to catch up on any sleep she lost at night due to the guys. Professor Binns was dead, but he didn't let that deter him from sticking around to leave future generations ingrained with knowledge of every goblin war that ever existed. He definitely gave a whole new meaning to 'unfinished business.' Hallie was sure that anyone taking his class just couldn't wait for him to finish it.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was another disappointment. For a class meant to teach them about fighting dark creatures and evil spells, they sure did a lot of book work. Still, anything was better than listening to Quirrell lecture. He was impossible to understand through his constant stuttering. Hallie had to wonder how a man as twitchy as him could have fought dark creatures. His behavior also left her suspicious for completely different reasons. Out of all her teachers, he seemed to watch her the most, causing Hallie to fiddle nervously with the charm anchoring her glamour throughout every class.

Last, but definitely not least, was Potions. That was the only time of the day that Hallie didn't find cause to worry about her disguise. Professor Snape seemed to hate her from the start, belittling her 

every attempt made at an assignment, and taking points just for breathing. The reason she felt so at ease though, was because he had once compared her to her 'arrogant father.' It was obvious to Hallie that Snape had some deep-seated issues with her dad (quite similar to her aunt and mum, once she thought about it), and had transferred his old grudges onto her. As a result, he didn't even see 'Harry,' let alone 'Hallie.' Snape was too blinded by his feelings to pay any attention to what she was really like. As long as that continued, he would never suspect her of being someone else. His attitude did leave a lot to be desired, but as long as he wasn't taking House points, she found his tirades quite amusing. One time, she had nearly burst out laughing as he commented in his usual snide tone about how she was a perfect clone of her father...

Flashback:

"-just like him. An arrogant, spoiled brat who can't see past his own ego-"

Hallie just sat back in her seat as he ranted, not nearly as offended as she should be. The rest of the class was watching her for a reaction, but it certainly wasn't the one they were expecting.

"-same disastrous hair, but much smaller than your father. Wonder what he would think to know his precious son could pass for any first year girl-"

'Oh, no…' Hallie bit her lip as her professor continued over her shoulder. She tried to ignore him and focus on the potion that should have been blue, but was steadily turning a poisonous green. 'Don't laugh, don't laugh, whatever you do don't-'

"Potter! Do you find something amusing?"

"No," she answered in a strangled voice. Snape just scowled and stalked back toward his desk. Hallie let out a sigh of relief, but didn't notice as her cauldron began to smoke. Seconds later, her Calming Drought exploded, dousing everything within a two-foot radius, and setting her Potions textbook on fire.

'Oops...'

"POTTER! TWENTY POINTS FROM GRYFFINDOR!"

Other than classes, Hallie had also managed to get on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. It was pure luck that she wasn't expelled during flying lessons. She also had a certain Slytherin to thank. But by some chance of fate, and a little favoritism on McGonagall's part, Hallie had ended up as the youngest seeker in a century. She was pretty good at it, too, if the results of the first Quidditch match were anything to go by. That game had almost turned out a disaster, but she did catch the elusive snitch in the end... even if she had nearly swallowed it.

Throughout all the excitement at Hogwarts, Hallie wasn't alone in her endeavors. She had made some friends, as well as a few enemies, during her time at Hogwarts.

Draco Malfoy was still a constant in her life, regardless of how hard she tried to avoid him. He seemed determined to make her life miserable, along with anyone who associated with her. Their fights became an almost daily routine, and many students often stopped to watch the two argue. A small part of Hallie realized that he was still feeling the brush of her rejection on the train. But the rest of her was too busy calling the blonde git every foul name she could think of, and she knew quite a few thanks to the Weasley twins.

Since the welcoming feast, Hallie had become good friends with the youngest Weasley. Ron was an alright bloke, even if he could be a little thick at times. Hallie had been furious with him on Halloween after he insulted a girl named Hermione Granger when she was within earshot. He'd been ranting about 'the know-it-all' to his friends when the poor girl ran by in tears. Hallie had called Ron an insensitive prick before storming off in a huff, leaving the clueless redhead to ask his equally bewildered friends what he'd done wrong. They didn't really get it, either, and couldn't help but send Hallie some strange glances later on. Hallie had refused to speak to Ron for the rest of the day, despite his pleading, both to punish him, and to make sure her big mouth didn't give her away any more.

Luckily for Ron, Hallie had forgiven him, and just in time. They had both rescued Hermione from a rampaging mountain troll, Hallie forced Ron to apologized, and they all grew a little closer. It was an odd way to make friends, but whoever said Hallie was normal?

Where Ron was the light-hearted, Quidditch-obsessed member of the trio, Hermione was the brainy bookworm. She happened to be the cleverest witch in their year, even out-doing Hallie, if she were to be included. Hermione could be a bit bossy when it came to rule-breaking, but she also kept Hallie and Ron from doing anything 'dangerous and foolhardy that could have gotten them killed, or worse, expelled!' Those were her words, anyway.

Of course, it was a little late for that. Hallie should have known that life in a magical castle would be far from safe. This was only Hallie's first year at the school, and she was already questioning whether it was such a brilliant idea to come back for another.

It all started when Malfoy challenged Hallie to a duel in the trophy room. Not only did the little ponce not show up, but he tipped off Filch. Hallie and Ron, plus their two tagalongs, had barely escaped the crazed caretaker, only to end up face to face with a vicious, three-headed dog named Fluffy.

Then there was the troll on Halloween. Of all the things that she and Ron could have come across, that was just too much of a coincidence after their talk on the train. Once confronted with the creature, events went eerily similar to their discussion…

Flashback:

Just as Hallie and Ron were congratulating each other on a job well done, they heard a high-pitched scream. The terrified shout was coming from the girls' bathroom, of all places... meaning they had just locked some poor sod inside with a troll.

They yanked open the door and charged in like true Gryffindors, only to find Hermione Granger cowering behind one of the sinks. Hallie yelled for Ron to grab her, while Hallie did what was perhaps one of the stupidest things she'd ever attempted. She jumped onto the troll's club as it pulled back for a swing, and hung on for dear life. Hallie had tried that move once before on Dudley's fist, but it didn't stop him and his friends from pounding her into the ground. At least she stood a better chance against the troll. He had even less brain power than her cousin, and that was saying something.

Hallie managed to hold out long enough for Ron to hit the troll with Wingardium Leviosa, of all things. After the troll was knocked unconscious, the three students stood frozen, just trying to catch their breath. Finally, Hallie turned to Ron, and did the last thing any of them were expecting. She broke out in laughter, one hand still grasping her gooey wand, while the other pounded the crumbling floor in mirth.

Hermione just watched in bewilderment as Ron joined her, leaning heavily against the wall and giggling hysterically at the comatose troll. She could only shake her head from behind them, all the while muttering to herself.

"Boys..."

After Hermione joined their little group, Hallie and her friends began questioning exactly what Hagrid's pet was guarding. In between the usual trouble of finishing overdue homework and dealing with meddlesome Slytherins, they managed to come to the conclusion that Nicholas Flamel and Dumbledore were hiding the Sorcerer's Stone on the third floor. It helped that Hagrid was so lousy at keeping secrets.

Even after they figured that much out, Hallie was still curious as to why it had to be kept at Hogwarts. Who was after it? Ron's money was on Snape. They'd already suspected him of trying to kill Hallie once during the Quidditch game when he jinxed her broom. He certainly wouldn't pass up the chance at any other time. Then there was the way he was always keeping an eye on Quirrell. The stuttering man had seemed terrified when they overheard Snape threatening him one night. If that wasn't enough to prove him guilty, Hallie had seen his bleeding leg on Halloween, and they knew he had paid Fluffy a visit.

Hermione was adamant that it couldn't be one of their teachers, no matter how unpleasant he was. Ron claimed that was a bit rich coming from her; she did catch the man doing the spell, and then she set his robes on fire. Hermione protested that she was acting under pressure out of concern for Hallie. Then Ron accused her of enjoying it, even going so far as to offer his own satisfaction for the act. That led to a blazing spiel from Hermione about respecting your elders and, suffice to say, it degenerated from there.

Eventually (and just in time for Hallie's sanity), they had to take a break from their suspicions when Hagrid called upon them for help. Somehow, the man had obtained a dragon egg, and the trio was given the dubious honor of witnessing its birth… and later babysitting… By the time young Norbert had grown even larger than Fang from nose to tail, they decided that enough was enough.

Ron had owled his brother, Charlie, who studied dragons in Romania, and told him of their problem. Charlie had agreed to come with some friends and fly Norbert back to the Dragon Reserve. The only catch was that they had to find a way to get the flaming lizard all the way to the top of the west tower, in the middle of the night, without anyone finding out.

After a teary farewell from Hagrid, both Hallie and Hermione carried Norbert up to the tower, draped in the invisibility cloak Hallie had received at Christmas. Unfortunately, Ron wasn't there to help, as he was being treated by the school nurse for a rather nasty bite inflicted by the teething dragon. They were also hoping she would believe him about the hungry dog. Hermione was doubtful.

Hallie and Hermione managed to send Norbert off with no problems, and were heading back to their dormitory, nearly skipping in relief. They were so preoccupied with their success, that they left Hallie's cloak behind and were caught by Filch. It turned out that Malfoy was responsible for the trouble they found themselves in once again. Ron had accidentally given him the letter about Norbert, wedged inside of an old textbook. The Slytherin immediately ran off to tell McGonagall. Poor Neville got pulled into things as well. He'd found out that Malfoy was up to something and had tried to warn Hallie. The only positive thing about that experience was that the stern woman didn't believe the story about the dragon for a second, and just gave all four students detention. The numerous points removed weren't that great either, but it was the first punishment that really did the damage in her opinion.

The detention that followed was one that would stick in Hallie's memory forever. They had been employed by Hagrid to search the Forbidden Forest. They were trying to find an injured unicorn, but Hallie found so much more. She got paired up with Malfoy and Fang after the prat tried to frighten poor Neville. While he was busy muttering about Hagrid and tattling to his father, Hallie had stumbled onto the dead unicorn… and the dark figure drinking its blood. Her scar had started burning like nothing she'd ever felt before. Malfoy took off screaming, and left Hallie to the approaching stranger. She had thought she was done for until a centaur charged in. Whatever had attacked Hallie fled at the intrusion, and Firenze took her back to Hagrid.

From that moment on, however, Hallie knew exactly who was after the stone: Voldemort. She hadn't needed to see him that night to realize who the cloaked figure was. Something inside her, or perhaps, on her forehead, had pointed that out immediately.

As Firenze had told her, "It is a monstrous thing to slay a unicorn. Only one who has nothing to lose, and everything to gain, would commit such a crime. The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible price. You have slain something pure and defenseless to save yourself, and you will have but a half-life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips."

She had asked him who would be that desperate, and the centaur made her realize the truth. Voldemort needed to drink unicorn blood to stay alive, but it was only temporary. To live forever, he would need one thing: the Elixir of Life. The Sorcerer's Stone. The one hidden by Dumbledore and Hagrid in the third floor corridor of their school.

Oh, bollocks.

Overall, Hallie's year had been hectic. At times, it was truly amazing. For the first time in her life she felt like she belonged. She wasn't a freak, and she had two wonderful friends. But then she came crashing back to reality. Everything she was doing was a lie. She wasn't 'Harry' Potter, and it hurt that she couldn't tell anyone.

Everyday, it pained her just to see Ron and Hermione. She wanted nothing more than to tell them everything. But what if they rejected her? What if they decided she wasn't worth it? She'd done nothing but lie to them for months, when they'd told her everything. Ron had shared his low self-esteem, the way he was always compared to his brothers. Hermione had told her how she'd always wanted to fit in, but others disliked her all-knowing attitude. They had become the family Hallie always wanted, and yet, none of it was real.

Out of the two of them, it was Hermione who came the closest to learning Hallie's secret on her own. She had confronted her in the common room one night to speak of her suspicions, but it was nowhere near the truth.

Flashback:

Hallie sighed as she put down her Transfiguration book. She was never going to get that spell... What was the use of turning a match into a needle, anyway? She stared into the fire, her hand reaching up to play with the charm, as had become habit when she was stressed. Suddenly, she heard footsteps and turned just in time to see one of her best friends watching her with a calculating gaze. Hallie gulped and checked the empty common room. Ron wasn't in sight. There went her escape plan.

"Harry, can we talk?" Hermione asked, taking a seat across from her friend.

Hallie grinned nervously. "Sure, 'Mione. What's up?"

Hermione smiled carefully, seeming to consider something. "Harry, I've been thinking... You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"Of course," Hallie said, inwardly cursing.

"Good, because I would never judge you."

'Ouch. Oh, no, here it comes…' Hallie clenched the charm tighter, although, to Hermione it probably looked as if she was clutching her chest in pain. 'Real subtle, Hallie,' she scolded herself. She forced her arm back down, where it fiddled with a loose string on her robe.

"Harry, I understand if you have a different view point than most guys-"

Hallie frowned. Where was she going with that?

"-and I want you to know I don't mind it at all! It wouldn't matter to me in the least if you liked other boys, and I'm sure Ron would be alright with it... in time...!"

"What!" Hallie sputtered in shock. "Hermione, I don't- I mean- I'm not gay!"

'Of all the conclusions for her to draw...'

"You're not?" Hermione seemed startled. Obviously, she wasn't used to being wrong about something.

"No, I'm not!" 'Sort of,' Hallie amended to herself. She did like boys, but she wasn't about to let that get out. The Boy-Who-Lived persona was one thing, but a gay one was not going to work.

"Oh! I'm sorry, Harry. I guess I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. It's just that sometimes you're so different compared to Ron... It almost like having another girl in the group- No offense!"

"It's okay, Hermione. Really. But just because I'm a guy, it doesn't mean we all have the emotional capacity of a teaspoon," Hallie teased, using the very thing Hermione had said to Ron.

The other girl grinned at the allusion, before standing up. "Well, what do you say we go find your lesser half? He's been complaining all day that you owe him a rematch. I told him you were doing the responsible thing by working on homework, and that he should do the same-"

"Bet he didn't like that," Hallie snickered, as she put her books in her bag. She joined Hermione and they walked toward the portrait hole.

"No, he didn't."

Hallie snorted. "I don't know why I even bother to play chess with him, though. I always lose!"

"Well, practice makes perfect, Harry."

"Yeah, so I should beat Ron in, say, six more years?"

The two laughed until Hermione said, "Actually, by then he'd just be even better."

Hallie sighed in mock hurt and held a hand to her chest. "Well, at least I'll always have Quidditch. I need something to hold my fragile psyche together."

As they stepped into the corridor, Hermione placed a hand on Hallie's arm. Her friend looked at her questioningly.

"I am sorry about before. I just worry about you sometimes. You're always so tight-lipped when you have a problem! You shouldn't hold things in… Remember, if you ever need to talk, Harry, I'm here."

Hallie nodded. "Yeah, I know."

'I don't deserve friends like them...'

"So, 'Mione," she said, desperate to change the subject, "you really thought I was gay? Where do you come up with this stuff?"

"Well," Hermione replied with an instructive air, "I have been doing a little extra reading, and my parents sent me these wonderful human psychology books. They really are quite fascinating! I do wonder if they were trying to hint at something, though, because I did mention something of my new friends in my letters… But anyway, chapter fourteen was very in-depth about the complications of teenage hormones and the drive to assimilate with the accepted norm-"

"Hermione!" Hallie interrupted with a laugh. "C'mon, we're only twelve! I'm not even interested in the opposite sex right now…" Hallie stared down the hall and froze "...and I'm certainly not interested in the kind of things those Hufflepuffs are about to do- Are they climbing into the broom cupboard?"

"Oh, my goodness!"

"It's always the quiet ones…"

Sometimes, she wondered if it was all worth it. Would she have been better off entering the wizarding world as herself? Maybe she was just a coward. She was afraid to let others see her in the beginning, and now she dreaded the day they would learn her secret. Both Dumbledore and McGonagall were the only ones she could talk to. Dumbledore tried to reassure her that it wasn't permanent, and he even pleaded with her to tell Ron and Hermione. He was positive they would understand.

McGonagall, on the other hand, seemed to feel guilty that she'd allowed Hallie to go through with it all in the first place. Not that it stopped her from treating Hallie like everyone else when it came to school rules. The large chunk of points she'd lost Gryffindor just a few days ago could attest to that.

The entire house was barely speaking to Hallie and her friends, although the famous 'Harry Potter' received the brunt of it. Malfoy didn't seem fazed as it now put Slytherin in first place for the House Cup. Although, he did looked a little paler, if that was even possible, after the encounter in the forest. He didn't dare taunt Hallie after the way he'd reacted in the face of danger. Talk about saving his own snaky skin…

To add to her misery, Hallie was always on her guard. She couldn't help feeling a bit paranoid with the knowledge that Voldemort was close by. Somehow, she felt like it was her responsibility if something should happen. After all, she was the Boy-Who-Lived... It was her unspoken duty to be the hero, and she was really getting sick of it. Still, there was nothing she could do for now. She would just have to wait and see how things played out...

REVIEW!

Only a few more chapters to go, guys! Then we can get started on the fun stuff! Yay! I'm so excited! I got this entire thing typed up in one afternoon. I feel like I haven't moved in hours... argh.

Oh, yeah! If anyone has questions about the length of this fic, or the way second year will be written, please see my bio, at the very bottom.

But that doesn't mean you shouldn't still review. I love to hear what you guys think of the story so far. It keeps me inspired to write more. (hint, hint)