Katherine stared at her reflection one last time before closing her eyes. Reaching into her back pocket she pulled out the small emerald amulet and hung it around her neck. A tingling sensation started from her toe and quickly made its way up through her body before it stopped. Opening her eyes, Katherine found herself looking into pale green eyes and blond wavy hair that came down to her chin. She raised her arms taking notice of her smaller hands and loosely fitting clothes.

"Well my dear?" a voice called out from outside the door.

Katherine opened the door to face Snape and Dumbledore. "I've always wanted to be young again but I never meant it figuratively".

Snape stared in disbelief. "Albus she looks nothing like her younger self."

"Years ago an old friend of mine was experimenting with different charms and gave me this. It's an enchanted amulet that alters the physical appearance and voice of the wearer to create an illusion to the outside world. However the charm is only effective while it is being worn thus you must keep this on at all times Katherine."

"Well that'll be easy; it sure beats having to drink a Polyjuice Potion every day." Noticing the potion professor's scowl, she gave an apologetic shrug. "Sorry Severus, no offense to your potion making skills at all. It's just that Polyjuice Potions, no matter how great the wizard or witch, don't have the greatest aftertaste."

Dumbledore stroked his beard "Seems like you're missing something. Accio wardrobe!" A black robe and witch hat immediately pulled off from the top of Dumbledore's desk into his hands. "If you're going to be attending Hogwarts you have to dress accordingly" the older wizard said as he handed her the clothes.

Katherine gave a puzzled look as she unfolded her robe and peered underneath her hat. "Where's my house tie?"

Seeing Severus's smirk and Dumbledore's slight smile, she shook her head vigorously. "No, I'm not going through the Sorting Ceremony. We already agreed that I'll be in Gryffindor to watch over Harry".

"And indeed you will be. However every student is sorted in front of their peers before the Start of the Term Feast."

"I know that Severus! But –"

"If you were to suddenly appear at the Gryffindor table without partaking in one of Hogwarts most celebrated events you'll end up drawing more attention to yourself" Snape responded with his slowly growing smirk.

"You are enjoying this too much Severus"

"I'm merely stating the facts."

"Dumbledore you know why I can't use the Sorting Hat in front of everyone."

"Whatever do you mean?"

Katherine caught the familiar twinkle of mischief in the headmaster's eyes. "Dumbledore, you too?! Don't play dumb with me. This is a very serious matter here." She threw her hands up in the air "For gods sake, the sorting hat will not place me in Gryffindor!"

"As I've told your godson, the sorting hat will take your opinion into most importantly the Sorting Hat does not place students simply based on where they come from. Have some faith in yourself Katherine".

"Fine, but if I don't end up in the same house as Harry I'll be the one having the last laugh". Katherine picked up her dress robes and headed towards the restroom door.

"Oh by the way my dear, we have a guest that's staying here in the Castle. He's here temporarily to help the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher transition into their old position."

"Well it wouldn't' surprise me the cursed teacher's position is filled once again. But who in their right mind would actually return to associate with the position".

"An old friend of ours actually".

Katherine stilled in front of the door and her dress robes fell from her hands as she was surprised by the familiar face.

"Remus".


"Blimey mate, Sirius was married?" Ron gaped at the mysterious woman in the photo.

Harry shook his head. "Most of the woman's name on the tapestry was burned off, all I know is the first three letters".

"Hey Hermione!" Ron exclaimed as the photograph was snatched from his hands.

"Harry have you told Remus about these photos yet?" Hermoine asked examining the woman of question carefully. "For such an important person to just disappear and remain unspoken of for years there's something off here."

"I know that's why I wanted to show you guys first. I intend to ask Remus and Dumbledore about her but I have a feeling that when I do I won't get the whole truth.

"Sadly mate we can't even be 100% sure whether she's a friend or foe right now."

Harry leaned his head against the compartment seat and sighed. "There were still secrets and stories Sirius never got around to telling me, for better or for worse. And to add onto our concerns Malfoy may be a Death Eater now. We saw him show his arm to the owner in Borgin and Burkes before he started asking his questions. He has to be carrying the Dark Mark."

"Harry I'm telling you that's a load of rubbish. Malfoy a Death Eater? He's a dirtbag alright but he's still a coward."

"Ron, Borgin and Burkes reeks of Dark magic! I am telling you Malfoy is getting more involved than we think"

Ron glanced over at Hermoine for help "All we heard Malfoy say he wanted to repair an object. Though it's Malfoy we're talking about, I don't think we can jump to the conclusion that Malfoy is a Death Eater Harry. That is a really heavy and dangerous claim you're making".

"Fine, you guys don't have to believe me. But we have to keep a closer eye on him"

"Alright Hermoine and I should be able to do that being prefects now and all. Heck, hopefully I'll be able to give Malfoy a detention or too"

"Ronald, prefects can't give other prefects detention – remember?!"

"Dang it! Well for you Harry I can at least take away as many points from Slytherin as I can". Noticing the glare from Hermoine he added "-I mean I will deduct as many points as I can as fairly as possible."

The train whistle of the Hogwarts Express signaled Ron's and Hermoine's exit.

" Prefect duties call." Ron said before the stepping out of the compartment. "See you at the Castle mate"

"Sorry Harry we better get going, we need to go do our patrols down the corridors. If it makes you feel any better Ron and I will try to keep tabs on Malfoy's movements during our hallway patrols at Hogwarts." Hermoine gave an apologetic smile. "But rather than Malfoy I think finding out more about that woman is more important right now. " she said before closing the door.

Harry gave a small wave goodbye. He knew it was useless to keep pushing the matters of Malfoy until he had further evidence. But with Hermoine and Ron as prefects, the time they could spend together hunting for clues would be less than before. It was no surprise that Hermoine was chosen to be Gryffindor's prefect. But much to Harry's and everyone else's amazement, Ron was also chosen.

Perhaps it worked out for the better he thought to himself. He looked down at the photo one last time before tucking away back in his luggage. "At least I'll be able to dedicate more of my time to finding you".