Chapter 4

There were just a couple of other people there, so I knew we wouldn't have to worry about others overhearing what we had to say. We talked about boys, about Professors, and about me. Me; being a subject that I don't really enjoy...was surprisingly easy going and easy to talk about. She really did know more about me than I had given anyone credit for before this...

"What I am, is directly linked to my emotions, and the emotions around me. If I get too sad, or too excited...any emotion really...in excessive amounts...I could change. And it takes a lot to bring me back." I said to her.

"Wow, I didn't know that. How do you get 'brought back'? she asked.

"It usually takes an act of love. I had a friend that I grew up with my whole life...he would always calm me down. Even after he found out what I was. He never faltered, or ran from me. He really did love me. And it always brought me back." I said with tears in my eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to bring up hurtful memories, it's okay if you don't want to talk about him." she said calmly.

"No, it's okay. He was very good to me, and like you I do not mourn him, I can't afford to. Not with my 'condition'. I celebrate him, and what he did for me. That's why I am here at Hogwarts. I didn't have anyone left in my life. So Dumbledore came to me, and offered me a place here. He knows what I am, and so far it has to be him to calm me down if I get out of hand." I told her in confidence.

"Oh, I understand. Dumbledore is a great man, with a big heart. It's only natural that he would have a place in there for you. He has a place in there for everyone he sees good in." she said. "Even Draco Malfoy has a place in there."

"That's funny, he didn't seem like such a great guy when he came up to me at the Slytherin table yesterday." I said not knowing that there were two people approaching the table.

"Who's not a great guy? Hey Hermione!" the red headed boy asked.

"Oh no one, just girl talk Ronald." she said to him. "And since you're both here, I want you to meet someone. This is Isabella. Isabella this is Harry Potter and Ron Weasely."

"It's nice to meet you guys..." I said as I extended my hand to them.

"Hey, Isabella it's great to finally meet you, and I must tell you, you have the bluest eyes I have ever seen." Ron said as he shook my hand.

Laughing, I stretched my hand out to Harry. Noticing that he was just starring at me, I looked to Hermione for some help.

"Harry, are you okay?" she asked him.

"What...oh, oh yeah. I'm fine. Never better." he said extending his hand. "I'm Harry, sorry about that. it's just that I sometimes can't keep my emotions in check."

I immediately dropped my hand. Looking at Hermione, she noticed my fears, and gave me a little nod. I quickly walked away and didn't look back.

~IN THE GREAT HALL~

"What? What did I say? What did I do?" Harry asked bewildered.

"It's what you said Harry. You have to understand something about Isabella, she's...special. Very special in her own way. She can be manipulated by the slightest emotions that are not in check." Hermione tried to explain.

"Wait, do you mean that if I am too emotional, she could get sick?" Harry asked.

"Something like that Harry, but it's more then that. I can't tell you because it's not my story to tell. But next time you see her, make sure you have your emotion under control, and explain to her that you are sorry." she said.

"Sure, no problem. I didn't know." he said.

"I understand that Harry, and she will too. She needs friends right now, this is a very tough thing for her to go thru by herself." Hermione said as she started to walk away.

I was waiting right outside the door, waiting for Hermione to come and tell me everything that was said.

"Hermione," I said, "How did it go? You didn't tell them what I was, did you?"

"No, no I didn't. Don't worry, please. I just explained to them that if you are exposed to too many emotions, you could get 'sick'." she said.

"Sick?" I laughed. "Well, I have never heard that one before."

"See, I said you could trust me, and that's what I meant." she said with a smile. "Come on, we have Potions Class now, let's go and enjoy the wonderful voice of Professor Snape."

"Yeah. Oh so wonderful!" I joked.