Chapter 6- An Exciting First Night

"I'd like you all to welcome Natalie Malkae. She is a new student from Durmstrang who will be undergoing her sixth year of education at Hogwarts," announced Dumbledore in his thunderous voice.

Natalie blushed immensely. Dumbledore had not informed her of this introduction. All of the first year students had been sorted, leaving her to literally take the stage. Natalie walked over to the Sorting Hat, smiling nervously at the rest of the students. She received an indifferent applause interspersed with surprised murmurs and mutterings. She placed the Hat over her head, covering her eyes.

In a scrutinizing and slightly condescending voice, the Sorting Hat whispered eagerly in her head, "Ah, I see who you are. I never knew your mother had a child. You're different from her. A dangerous temper and a desperate desire to succeed are there but also a tenderness and rebellious defiance that your mother did not have. Oh, you don't want to be in Slytherin. Well, then I cannot put you there. It wouldn't suit you anyway, especially considering the identity of your father. Then let me see. I think Gryffindor would be the match. No objection to that? So Gryffindor!"

Natalie lifted the hat, cautiously left the stool and navigated her way to the Gryffindor table. A puzzled and blank silence reverberated throughout the dining hall. Those students, who knew of the Malkae reputation, were shocked. Others, expecting her to match the snobbish, pureblood stereotype associated with Durmstrang, looked confused. And a few people were just quietened by the deafening silence they could sense. In a time where light and dark were clearly defined, Natalie's sorting seemed to disrupt the accepted rules and notions that were guiding people. They simply did not know what to think or say. Natalie forced herself to ignore the silence. She took her seat at the Gryffindor table, not bothering to respond to the cold and uneasy looks directed at her. Instead, she looked up at the staff table and saw Dumbledore beaming at her. The Care of Magical Creatures teacher, who she had taken quite a liking to, winked at her. She could discern the smallest outlines of a smile on Professor McGonagall's face as she took the Sorting Hat away. A warmth permeated Natalie's body. At least some people were happy for her.

"Excellent. I must say I am positively famished. So, dig in as we begin another new school year."

All four house tables lining the dining hall immediately filled with dishes and dishes of food after one snap of Dumbledore's fingers. Natalie's mouth was watering. She would have time later to evaluate the school's reaction to her and contemplate her new house. She gave herself a huge helping of roast beef, mashed potatoes, boiled carrots and sausage stuffing. As she ate, she enjoyed the lighthearted, boisterous atmosphere of the feast. At Durmstrang, meals were usually dominated by hushed whispers and mutterings between very inclusive groups. Natalie sat at the end of the Gryffindor table, next to most of the first years. So to her disappointment, she mainly heard their excited and nervous introductions to one another. She did catch bits and parts of conversations; some about the summer, others about the new school year and the course load.

Before Natalie could take a slightly smaller second helping, the door to the hall opened with a soft snap. Harry Potter stepped in, his face covered entirely with dried blood. Many people, especially at the Gryffindor table, had stopped eating. Some stared at him in concern, others were stunned and a few tapped their fingers in annoyance.

Natalie brooded angrily in her seat. He just had to make a dramatic entrance. But again, he displayed that shyness, almost unfitting for such a famous person. His face had a very rosy red blush to it so that with the blood, he resembled a tomato. He walked hurriedly to the Gryffindor table, his head looking straight ahead and to everyone's surprise, took the seat beside Natalie. Natalie supposed he did not want to spend any more time standing. The seat beside her provided the simplest route.

" Erm, what happened?" asked Natalie irritably. She did not like how the rest of the Gryffindor table was now gawking at her.

"Just some trouble on the train. Ran into some people," replied Harry hastily.

"Oh." Natalie gathered that he had been attacked by students on the train. Likely Slytherins. Her insides instantly warmed in sympathy for him. "Harry, for heaven's sake, come here. I suppose you aren't aware that your face is completely coated with dried blood."

"What?" asked Harry, touching his face frantically.

Natalie raised her wand, muttered, "Tergeo" and siphoned off the blood.

"There, now you look better. Still a bit red though, aren't we?" Natalie could not help adding that last phrase. She strongly resisted the urge to laugh

Harry looked immensely relieved. "Thanks so much." Realizing her quip, he added indignantly, " Well, you would be embarrassed if that happened to you."

Natalie nodded, still trying to prevent a smile from crossing her face. To her relief, most people at the table had started eating and resumed their conversations. Harry temporarily was not the center of attention.

Harry waved his hand dismissively towards a tall, red haired boy and a bushy, brown haired girl who were walking to him with concerned looks on their faces. He mouthed, "I'll talk to you guys later." They reluctantly went back to their seats.

"Are those your friends?" asked Natalie curiously.

"Yeah. The red haired one is Ron Weasley and the girl is Hermione Granger. "

"Oh, that's nice." She could not help but feel sad that she did not have any friends who would be worried for her like that.

"So, you're in Gryffindor?" asked Harry, dishing out some food onto his plate. His voice, she noticed with pleasure, lacked any surprise or skepticism.

"Yeah. I didn't want to be in Slytherin and Dumbledore said the Hat bases its decision on a person's choice. So it was just between the other three and it picked me for Gryffindor. I'm still surprised though. I'd expected Ravenclaw."

"It's nice that you're in Gryffindor. We'll be in the same classes then. Which courses are you taking?"

Natalie's spirits slightly lifted at the eager tone in his voice. "Erm, let me see. Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts."

Harry looked at her, impressed. "That's the same load Hermione's taking. She's the Muggleborn I'd told Slughorn that was at the top of our year. So, I suppose you're very smart then. Do you have O.W.L. examinations in Durmstrang?"

"In Durmstrang, they actually have exams like the O.W.L. in the sixth year. So for this year, Professor McGonagall looked at my marks for the previous five years and judged if I could take the courses I requested. How'd you do in your examinations?"

"Better than I expected in fact. I received 7 O.W.L.'s: 1 Outstanding, 1 Acceptable and 5 Exceeds Expectations. But I don't think I can be an Auror with those results," said Harry with a trace of disappointment.

"Why?"

"To be an Auror, you need to take a N.E.W.T. course for Potions. I won't get into the N.E.W.T. course for Potions because the Potions master only accepts students with an Outstanding. I received an Exceeds Expectations."

"Oh, that's too bad. But surely there are other things you can do. So who are the other people in our year?"

"Oh yeah. Sorry, I didn't introduce them earlier. You've met Ron and Hermione. The Indian girl over there is Parvati, the girl next to her is called Lavender- they're very giggly. The black boy across with that red haired girl-she's Ron's sister, is Dean. He's also in our year. The boy next to him is Seamus and the boy across him is Neville Longbottom," said Harry, pointing to each one as he spoke.

"Longbottom?" The heaviness at the bottom of her stomach gained strength. He was likely the son of the two people Natalie's mother had tortured into insanity. Natalie looked down at her food, angry and humiliated at Bellatrix and at herself.

"Yeah. What's wrong?" asked Harry with a worried and puzzled expression on his face.

"I've heard about his parents," answered Natalie quietly.

Harry's face dawned in comprehension. "Oh. Well, it was terrible. But he's doing fine, now," he said soothingly.

Natalie smiled weakly at him. Anxious to change the topic, she asked, "So how was your summer?"

"Not bad actually. After I saw you, I basically spent the rest of the holidays with the Weasleys. Playing Quidditch and eating a lot of food."

"Bit tame, isn't it for the Chosen One?" jested Natalie.

A grim, somber look unfolded itself over Harry's features. But upon seeing Natalie's smile and realizing the sarcasm, the sullenness quickly dissipated.

"Well, you'll come to see that I like 'tame', especially with what I've been through," retorted Harry with a sneaky grin on his face.

They both stared at each other in bewilderment. Then they proceeded to laugh loudly, causing others at the table to stare at them curiously.

"So how was your summer, Natalie?"

Natalie felt her insides squirm again at the mention of her name. "Ok. It was nice spending time at Hogwarts for most of the summer- the castle is absolutely beautiful."

Harry frowned at her. "They let you stay here over the summer. Why?"

Natalie slowly swallowed her roast beef. She contemplated as to whether she should tell him about Kalissa. She decided she would give him a very hazy version of the truth. Harry seemed pretty trustworthy but still, telling him that her mother was hiding from Voldemort was imprudent and dangerous.

"Well, my mother, who teaches at Durmstrang, was very busy this summer. She works for the Order and with Voldemort coming back, Dumbledore has everyone going at maximum speed. She thought it would be better for my safety if I stayed at Hogwarts and not in Durmstrang."

Harry stared at her in admiration. "Your mother works for the Order? That's pretty impressive."

Natalie was relieved and pleased at his complement. "Thanks, but I still wish that we could have spent time with each other. Hogwart's great though."

Harry's eyes took on a dreamy look. "Yeah. I know. Sometimes I wish we'd just skip the summer and get on with the next school year."

Natalie remembered his rather unpleasant relatives. "Your aunt and uncle don't look like the type of Muggles who'd handle the idea of a magical school very well."

Harry gave a shaky laugh. "They detest absolutely anything that's not normal. For all my life, they've regarded me as a freak and treated me like I'm absolute scum." The last few words held a strong note of disgusted loathing.

Natalie frowned. "That's absolutely terrible! Why the hell are you staying with them?"

Harry sighed. In a hushed, low voice so that none of the first years around them could eavesdrop, he said, "Dumbledore says that because they're my blood-well at least my aunt- the protection that my mother gave me exists in that house."

"Really? That's actually quite interesting," answered Natalie, astonished that a simple blood protection could guard against Voldemort.

An apprehensive expression crossed his face. "It's not that interesting. All it means I have to live with them every summer. Absolute nightmare."

Natalie wanted to find out more about the protection Harry had received from his mother but upon seeing the tense, rigid stance he had taken in response to his mother's protection, Natalie decided not to press further on the sensitive topic. "So what did you do at your friends' house?" asked Natalie, remembering the extremely eccentric but very homely building.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing much. Play Quidditch and eat a lot anyway."

"That's not a bad combination," said Natalie sarcastically.

Harry laughed. "How's it at Hogwarts during the summer?"

"The place is absolutely beautiful, especially in the summer. Since it was only me and the teachers in the castle, I managed to explore and basically know the castle backwards by me. But having no one to talk to you does get to you."

Harry nodded in understanding. "I know what you mean. When I'm with my aunt and uncle, I can't wait to read the letters from my friends."

Natalie could not help but feel a pang of resentment that she had no letters from friends to look forward to.

"Though the teachers are all quite nice, especially Hagrid. He invited me over tea at least every other day."

Harry smiled fondly. "Hagrid was the one who picked me up from the Dursleys in the summer of my first year."

Natalie nodded. "So you two are pretty close."

"Yeah," replied Harry. "Best day of my life, that was. He gave my cousin a pig's tail that day."

Natalie laughed. "I would have loved to see that. What did your cousin do?"

"Tried to eat the birthday cake Hagrid had made for me," answered Harry.

"Not the rock cakes, I hope?" asked Natalie with a smirk on her face.

"I don't know. Dudley had gotten his entire face through the cake before I could even blow the candles."

Natalie shook her head. "What a pig!"

"But I wonder what would happen if Dudley had eaten one of Hagrid's rock cakes."

"Almost broke my teeth the first time I bit into them," remarked Natalie, grimacing at the memory of that painful experience.

Harry chuckled. "So did you see Dumbledore as well?"

Natalie recognized the badly disguised curiosity behind his question. "He came and went from the castle. But when he was there, I did visit him in his office quite a bit. He's absolutely brilliant!"

Harry smiled. "Nothing seems to faze him."

Natalie nodded. "I know. He talks about Death Eaters and Voldemort like they're old friends corrupted. It's sometimes gets unnerving though and when he talks in riddles, I feel that I'm trying to do those crosswords in the Muggle newspapers."

"I find it rather irritating when he becomes that vague," said Harry darkly.

Natalie raised her eyebrows at the bitterness in his voice. Obviously, Dumbledore's somewhat cryptic and clandestine nature had upset Harry in the past few years.

They continued chatting for the rest of the meal. Natalie found that it was quite easy to talk to Harry. They shared many laughs over the comical events of their summers and had no trouble needling one another. When there was something that he sensed she felt uncomfortable talking about, he did not press for information. She rather enjoyed his company.

Seeing that the feast was almost over, Natalie turned to Harry. "Looks like the feast is going to be finished pretty soon. I think you should give me a brief run of school life here before Dumbledore speaks."

Harry grinned. "It's probably not much different than Durmstrang. We have the Slytherins, who are just snobbish and arrogant gits, and then everybody else sort of flows together. Besides the Slytherins, everyone's pretty much friendly and approachable. They do form themselves into cliques and it sometimes gets annoying. But that's probably natural for teenagers."

Natalie nodded. "It's probably a lot friendlier than at Durmstrang," spat Natalie vehemently.

Harry eyed her curiously. "Really? When we had them for the Triwizard Tournament, they seemed ok."

"Well, generally, the students are decent and somewhat approachable there, at least to outsiders. Thankfully, we don't have any pureblood fanatics and none of the pureblood nonsense at Durmstrang that seems to be a bit of problem at Hogwarts, but within the school, the cliques and tight groups there are really exclusive and very snobbish. You can get some people that are just detestable." Natalie shuddered.

Harry raised his eyebrows at her. "So Durmstrang does not mind Muggle borns or half bloods attending?"

"It's a misconception that because the school teaches the Dark Arts, it's also in favour of the ideals the Death Eaters want. Bulgaria, where Durmstrang is, learned from Grindelwald's war how devastating the ramifications of blood prejudice can be so both at Durmstrang and within the Ministry at Bulgaria, they've tried to get rid of all the people who supported Muggle born cleansing during and following Grindelwald's time. I personally believe that we should get rid of the entire concept of blood- it creates too much of a division in the wizarding world. And then Dark magic only gives people weapons to exacerbate those tensions."

"That's interesting- I did not know that about Durmstrang but I agree with you about Dark Magic," said Harry approvingly.

The food suddenly cleared. Dumbledore tapped his goblet, indicating that he wished to make his opening speech. Almost immediately, all conversations stopped and mostly everyone waited to hear the Headmaster's words.

"Before we get ready to dive into another school year, I would like to inform you of a few changes. Professor Horace Slughorn, a former teacher at Hogwarts, has to our considerable pleasure agreed to come back to the school and assume his position as Potions Master."

Slughorn stood up, dramatically waving his hands at the students who responded with a hesitant, puzzled applause. Harry blinked disbelievingly. Natalie had no idea what was so confusing. Slughorn seemed like the type of person to teach Potions.

"And we are proud to say that Professor Severus Snape will be leaving his post as Potions Master and will be taking on the position of Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher."

Harry loudly exclaimed, "No!"

Natalie glanced at Harry, bewildered. He was not alone. Several others at the Gryffindor table clenched their fists and muttered darkly to one another. The Slytherins at the opposing side of the wall cheered gleefully. A pale faced, black haired man at the staff table acknowledged the applause with a lazy wave of his hand.

After the clapping and murmurs abated, Dumbledore continued. "Now, on a more serious note, I cannot emphasize enough the dangerous nature of these times. I know I can trust you all to be careful and take the most prudent precautions regarding your safety. Nonetheless, measures still have to be taken. A series of charms and spells have made the castle far more protected than last year. In addition, Aurors will be patrolling the castle on a daily basis. As far as rules go, the usual except this year no lingering shall be allowed on the grounds and the school after daylight. I advise all of you to follow these rules or harsh penalties shall follow. I believe that's all I have to say tonight. I think you all deserve a good night's sleep before we get into another busy year."

With a clap of his hands, the students stood up from their seats and began to exit the Great Hall.

As Natalie and Harry walked towards the doors with the other students, Natalie turned her head toward a bitter Harry. "What's wrong? Is that Professor Snape?" asked Natalie, tilting her head towards the black haired man.

"Yeah. That's him. He's the Head of Slytherin and used to be the Potions Master. He's an absolute git. He loves the Dark Arts and asks for the Defence Against the Dark Arts position each year. Dumbledore usually never gives it to him but I have no idea why Snape's getting his wish this year," spat Harry, a look of pure loathing on his face.

"I suppose you and him aren't best friends," mused Natalie with a hint of sarcasm.

Harry missed the joke. "Definitely not. He absolutely hates me. My father and Snape were enemies at school and he's carried on the grudge to me."

Natalie frowned. She thought all the teachers at Hogwarts would be completely enamored with Harry, giving his troubled past. She was also surprised that she had never heard about this man. "It's funny that I didn't meet him during the summer. He must have come yesterday. But none of the other teachers spoke of him."

"Well, he's not exactly the most popular person in the school. The man does not know what respect is. He detests Gryffindors and loves his Slytherins," said Harry disgustedly.

"Hey Harry, wait up!"

Both of them turned around to see the source of the voice. Harry's friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, were rushing towards them. Harry stopped walking and waited for them. Natalie motioned to leave but Harry held her back.

"Oh yeah. Sorry you guys. This is Natalie. She's from Durmstrang and she's in our year," introduced Harry.

Natalie smiled meekly at them, extending her hand. The girl, Hermione, tentatively shook Natalie's hand, studying her closely while the boy, Ron gave Natalie a curt nod. Natalie assumed sullenly that these two were aware of the Malkae family and its reputation. She realized she would have to endure many of these cautious, suspicious greetings.

"Harry, what on earth happened? Why were you so late?" asked Hermione worriedly.

"Erm, I went to check on Malfoy on the train. He caught me and broke my nose. Luckily, Tonks found me and we walked back to the castle," replied Harry, his cheeks blushing a deep, crimson red.

Hermione frowned. "Honestly, Harry. You got to be more careful. Remember what Dumbledore said."

Before Harry could respond, Hermione had darted ahead to guide the first years while Ron stayed back with Natalie and Harry. As they resumed walking to Gryffindor tower, Ron diverted his attention to Harry.

"Git. He was gesturing something to do with a nose to the rest of the idiots, "muttered Ron angrily.

"Anyway," said Harry in a hushed voice, looking around. "Malfoy was talking about being a Death Eater and about some task he has to do. He's up to something."

"Ah. Probably just wanted to boast for the others," countered Ron reasonably.

" But remember that day at Diagon Alley. He looked awfully secretive," said Harry stubbornly.

Natalie, who had been walking alongside and whose curiosity had peaked with the implication of a student being a Death Eater, asked, "Who's Malfoy?"

"Slytherin in our year. You'll see him. Typical pureblood lover and Voldemort supporter. His father's a Death Eater and is in Azkhaban for what happened at the Ministry last summer," answered Harry with some satisfaction.

"Really? That's quite interesting. I don't know if somebody that young can be a Death Eater. He might be trying to avenge his father but joining Voldemort seems a bit too extreme," said Natalie thoughtfully.

Harry shook his head, still thinking about Malfoy. Ron looked unnerved that Natalie had spoken about Voldemort. Natalie glared at him in annoyance, causing him to become even more twitchy and position his body away from her. She had to contain herself from snapping at Ron's obvious unease with her.

They walked in silence until they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady that guarded the entrance to Gryffindor tower. McGonagall had told Natalie the password so she felt a childish pride in being the one to voice the password to the portrait, causing it to open. They entered the Gryffindor common room. Natalie smiled in pleasure at the homely, comfortable nature of the room. Elegant leather couches with soft cushions, gently arching armchairs and polished, oak desks and chairs showed that this was undoubtedly Hogwarts.

Once they stepped across the portrait, Natalie saw the red haired girl, who Harry had referred to as Ron's sister, marching towards them with a blazing look on her face. Natalie noticed grimly that her eyes filled with venom were fixated on Natalie.

Harry stepped forward to make the introduction. Before he could, the red haired girl stopped directly in front of Natalie so that their faces were only inches apart.

"Get away from him. Harry does not know who your family is. I don't know how your type got into this house but we aren't falling for your tricks. If you know what's right for you, you'll keep to yourself and not bother him," hissed the girl maliciously.

Natalie held the girl's firm gaze. Her body pulsated in rage, her heat slamming against her chest. However, Natalie was determined to not sink to the same judgmental, thoughtless tactics. Natalie was very conscious that in these kind of contentious situations, she had the tendency to become very belligerent.

Harry looked completely dumbfounded. "Ginny, what?"

Still not taking her eyes off Natalie, Ginny replied disgustedly, "This girl's family is one of the darkest you'll see. They've been linked to every dark wizard that's gained power in the last 500 years. Every wizard, who has an inkling of common sense, keeps away from them."

Natalie gauged that this was the moment to refute the girl and render her speechless. In a steady, matter of fact voice, she stated icily, "Ginny, that's your name, isn't it? You are completely wrong as vindicated as you may feel now. I don't think you've heard of my mother, Kalissa Malkae. She was one of Dumbledore's most trustworthy allies in the last war against Voldemort and still opposes him today. I er believe that Dumbledore is a wizard with an inkling of common sense." Natalie made sure to place a strong note of sarcasm on the last phrase.

Ginny appeared slightly taken aback. She straightened her body and took a few paces backward. Natalie sensed that the encounter had taken a favorable turn in her direction. She needed to exit now before the conversation descended into nasty and malevolent trenches.

"Thank you for this enlightening experience. As much as I'd like to discuss the contentious areas of morality regarding my family, I do need to go to sleep." Natalie swiftly turned around and started to walk to the stairs leading to the dormitories.

However, to Natalie's dismay, Ginny's fierce aggression did not waver.

"Harry, you cannot trust her. She comes from the same type of filthy Death Eater scum as Malfoy and Lestrange," hissed Ginny behind Natalie's back.

Natalie jerked around. She did not know whether the allusion to Lestrange or the implicit description of her as scum or both had inflamed the fury stirring within her stomach. She could feel the cool, impervious layer covering her evaporate. Uncontrollable rage was ready to pour out.

She took a few, swift steps towards Ginny. Her eyes had lost its aloof coldness to be replenished by savage, intense loathing. In a voice saturated with abominable contempt, Natalie said loudly for the entire room to hear, "So I'm filth, am I? You've never seen me in your entire life but you seem to be absolutely convinced beyond any reason that I am a future Death Eater. What does that make you for judging me so stupidly? You're just the typical Gryffindor who just runs around, righteously cursing everybody you think is a Dark wizard with that disgusting pompous bravado. In my eyes, that's almost as prejudiced and cruel as the scum you call Death Eaters. So Ginny, if I'm filth, then I think I can say respectfully say that it takes one to know one."

Most Gryffindors in the room were now staring at them. Many gasped in dumb shock, others glared furiously at Natalie and a few watched eagerly. Natalie could hear Ron give a low growl next to Harry, his eyes clouding in fury.

"How dare you!" shrieked Ginny, her face completely red. She raised her wand in a quick motion and screamed, "Stupefy!"

A jet of red light came rocketing towards Natalie. Natalie immediately reacted, waving her wand in a fluid, unhurried motion. An invisible shield appeared in front of her, rebounding the red light and sending it hurtling back to Ginny.

Ginny dived out of the way of her rebounded curse. Natalie took advantage of the split second opening given to her. She pointed her wand at Ginny and yelled, "Aeronaugio!"

A stream of air hit Ginny straight in the chest, sending her flying through the air until she fell onto the floor at the other end of the room with a dull thud.

A furious outcry rang across the room. People were rushing towards Ginny, others approaching Natalie with murderous looks on their faces. Natalie stood in the middle of the common room, her mind blank and stunned. She was aware of the events that had transpired but could not force her mind to grasp the enormity of her actions. She could barely feel hands pulling her outside of the common room, dragging her into an unused classroom. When she looked up to see the person who guided her, the panic and dread that had chosen momentarily to blend in with shock abruptly reared its head. Harry Potter was gazing into her eyes.

"What did you do to her?" he asked her angrily.

Natalie could not open her mouth. Her mind and body were disconnected. Both shared the same hollowness that desperation had dug but neither could use this sensation to coordinate their actions. Slowly, Natalie realized she could not lose her composure when she was so vulnerable. Her unflinching calmness crawled back.

"Nothing that she didn't deserve. Don't worry, I didn't hurt your precious friend. The curse was harmless, even less than her meager Stunning spell. The worst she can get is a few bruises."

Harry looked much more relieved. He surveyed her closely. "Look, I'm sorry what she said about you. I don't agree with her at all. But there was no reason for you to retaliate."

Anger again surged up her throat. "How dare you blame me? In case you didn't see, she was the one who confronted me, who called me filth and compared me to Lestrange and who aimed the Stunning spell at me. So don't you dare lecture me," retorted Natalie.

Harry now stared at her with an exasperated look on his face. "Please don't snap at me. I tried to talk nicely to you. But what you did was stupid. She's not usually like that. She's a good person and one of my friends. It was unnecessary for you to call her filth and then use that spell on her."

"Oh right. I can't touch the friends of the Boy who Lived because like him, they're ll so noble and honourable. Why don't you just leave me alone and go comfort her?" hissed Natalie scathingly.

"That's not what I said. I said it before but obviously you did not understand. I do not like being famous. I never asked to be marked for death by Voldemort. What do you have against me, honestly?" said Harry furiously.

Natalie stared at him in disbelief. He had completely missed her point. She had not intended to call him selfish but clearly, he felt she harbored a grudge against him. Frustrated, sad and angry, Natalie shrieked, "You know what, why in the hell am I talking to you?" She stalked out of the room, not bothering to look back at Harry.

"Miss Malkae and Mr. Potter, come here now." The stern voice stopped Natalie in the midst of her fierce, aggressive strides. Behind her, Harry rushed out of the classroom to see the owner of the voice. Simultaneously, both of them turned around to find Professor McGonagall scowling at them. At her side, a slightly grimacing Ginny Weasley stood with her hand clutching her chest.

"All three of you, come to my office. Yes, you too Potter. I will need a third person to guide me through this mess. I do not know what happened in the common room tonight but I can assure you that violence in my house is unacceptable. I do not stand for such things and I shall hope that whatever transpired tonight does not repeat itself again," asserted McGonagall irately.

They followed her to her office where the three of them took the seats opposite her desk. Harry sat in the middle with Ginny and Natalie on either side.

"Potter, please tell me what happened."

With a lurch, Natalie realized that Harry had little incentive to give an objective account of the incident. Ginny Weasley was his friend and Natalie doubted that Harry would be thinking of her in friendly terms after their spat. She would have to rely on the fairness of her friend, Professor McGonagall.

Harry clasped his hands nervously under Professor McGonagall's expectant gaze. He stared down at his shoes, forcefully avoiding the eyes of anybody else in the office. She could tell that he was clueless as what to say or how to say it. After inhaling deeply, Harry stated with a slight tremor, "Er, Professor, I'll try to be accurate as I can. From what I remember, Natalie and I were talking in the common room with Ron. Ginny came up to us and said some nasty things about Natalie's family. Natalie retaliated, calling Ginny something very bad. Then I think Ginny sent a Stunning spell towards Natalie. Natalie blocked the spell and then sent a curse that hit Ginny. It was like a mass of air flying towards Ginny. I hope she's alright. After that, chaos occurred. It was like a blur. People were gathering around Ginny, others coming toward Natalie. I just pulled Natalie out of the way before the situation got even worse. That's all I can recount."

Natalie could barely keep her mouth from opening in surprise. She felt a wave of elation and gratitude towards Harry. He had actually given quite a fair version of the story, not leaned towards Ginny but rather had almost placed Ginny in the role of culprit.

" Thank you, Potter. Miss Weasley and Miss Malkae, do you agree with the validity of that story?" asked McGonagall, sweeping her eyes over the three of them from Natalie to Ginny.

Natalie nodded, trying to not appear too eager. She could see Ginny on Harry's other side lift her head with a perplexed, indignant expression on her face. For a moment, Natalie expected Ginny to dismiss the accuracy of Harry's description. But Ginny did nod. It was a slow painful bow of the head but nevertheless, an acknowledgement.

"Very well. Thank you again, Potter. 10 points to Gryffindor for having the sense to take Miss Malkae out of the common room and avoiding a disaster. You may leave while I discuss with Miss Weasley and Miss Malkae the penalties they shall receive for the shameful display they put on tonight."

Potter nodded and left the room, not too reluctantly. Natalie saw disappointedly that the stony, rigid expression on Professor McGonagall's face had not wavered from the moment she had come upon Harry and Natalie. The next few minutes would certainly not be the finest moments of Natalie's life.

"I am extremely disappointed by the way both of you conducted yourselves tonight. Did neither of you pay any attention to the Headmaster's speech tonight? In these times, mindless and barbaric dueling is unsafe, unneeded and reckless. Let me say that both of you are on the same side. I want you to understand that such behavior is not tolerated at Hogwarts."

McGonagall let her words reverberate for a few moments. The disappointment and agitation in her tone induced feelings of tremendous shame and regret within Natalie. She wished that McGonagall had chastised her in a sterner, more reproachful manner and that Natalie did not consider the professor as one of her closest friends. For then, Natalie would not have felt such a powerful wave of embarrassment and a desperate desire to redeem herself.

McGonagall continued in a firmer, brisker voice. "Now, the punishments for such fighting can be extremely harsh. But, I know both of you very well and that this encounter does not at all reflect your usual pattern of behavior. So the penalties this time will not be as severe as they usually are. Both of you will serve detention with me tomorrow and the day after. 50 points each shall taken from Gryffindor. Of course, each of you will have your parents informed."

McGonagall's eyes swept over Natalie. Natalie tried her best to hold the gaze of the professor despite a strong urge to let her eyes fall down to her shoes. Natalie cringed as McGonagall started to address her. "Miss Malkae, I expected better from you. Keeping a level head and controlling your emotions is a highly valued quality. Such retaliation is unacceptable. Please do not disappoint me, again."

"Yes, m'am," stammered Natalie. The humiliation was overwhelming.

McGonagall then focused her eyes on Ginny. "Miss Weasley, from what I have gathered from Potter's account, you initiated this conflict. It is unwise and naïve to judge a person on the basis of their family or by stereotypes. You of all people should know that. It was foolish of you to send a Stunning spell at Miss Malkae. You too must learn that aggression especially in these times must be controlled."

"Yes Professor," said Ginny in a stronger voice than Natalie.

"That's settled. I expect both of you to resolve whatever problem you have with each other as quickly as possible. If I see anything like this again, the punishment shall be much more severe. Both of you may go. Hurry before it gets too late."

Natalie and Ginny quietly left the room. Harry had been waiting for them outside. Together, all of three of them silently walked back to the common room. As they walked, Natalie reflected that this experience could have been much worse. She was slightly miffed that Minerva handed them identical punishments even though she mentioned Ginny had been the one to instigate the dispute. But overall, the punishments had been quite light. Natalie supposed she owed Harry a thanks for being objective. Before she could express her feelings, Harry turned to Ginny outside of the portrait of the Fat Lady.

He looked apologetic. "Ginny, I had to tell the truth. It would have been unfair to-"

Ginny's face, which had been impassive and cold, regained its blazing glare. "Don't even bother, Harry. I tried to help you. Trust her if you wish," said Ginny hotly. She mumbled the password and stomped through the portrait hole.

Natalie and Harry were left standing awkwardly next to one another. Harry gazed after Ginny in a combination of resignation and frustration. Natalie inwardly debated fiercely as to whether she should express her gratitude to Harry.

"Are you either of you coming in?" asked the Fat Lady irritably, startling both of them.

Harry made to cross the threshold but Natalie gripped his arm and told the Fat Lady, "You can close the door. We'll be a few minutes." The Fat Lady grumpily closed off the entrance. Harry stopped and looked confusedly at Natalie.

Natalie swallowed all her pride. "Thanks Harry for not erm distorting the story. I really appreciate it. Sorry if I erm started something between you and Ginny and sorry about my curtness with you earlier. Oh and thanks for pulling me out of the common room," added Natalie.

Harry stared at her thoughtfully for a moment before his face broke out in a wide grin. "Nah, don't worry. It wouldn't have been right if you took all the blame. Anyway, I needed to take you out of that room. Did you see the looks on their faces? I was terrified."

His face took on a more serious look. "But please don't call me the Boy who Lived."

Natalie found it difficult not to laugh that such a little thing bothered him but she agreed. "Yeah sure. But you are the Chosen One," quipped Natalie.

Both of them laughed. They lightheartedly mumbled the password to the Fat Lady and entered the common room. Natalie thought the evening had ended on a rather nice note.