Hey! Sorry for not updating recently but I've been in a sort of predicament. My grandfather had a brain tumor that we found just recently and had surgery on Friday while I was at school. So I just didn't have time for anything between that, my cousins coming and dinner theater. Dear lord that thing is long for the performers. So here's the next chapter and forgive me.

Love Keta.

Chapter 8: The Third Time Around

Harry's POV

I open my eyes to the dark of predawn and walk down the stairs of Malfoy Manor. Snake follows me down, slithering at my side. In the sitting room, Luna sits, fiddling with her radish earrings. "Hello, Harry," she whispers as I slide into the seat beside her.

"Hello, Luna."

"What are you doing up so early?"

"Couldn't sleep."

"Same here. Are you worried?"

"About what?"

"Third year, silly."

"No. Why?"

"Dumbledore doesn't like you."

"That's obvious considering who my father is, Luna."

"Cute, Harry. I expect that your cousin will be awakening soon."

"How? He never gets up before like three or you know never."

"Hermione's coming… with her new cat."

"Yep. He's waking up."

The soon to be second year smiles brightly, leaning back in her chair as she opens her addition of the Quibbler, her father's newspaper. I smile back and pick up my new transfiguration book that I started reading last night to familiarize myself with the context before school begins. "Why do you do that?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Read your textbook before school even starts."

"So I know what's going on when school starts."

"But then you know everything!" I smile, realizing her air of ditziness has disappeared within my home.

"I have an eidetic memory. I get it from Dad."

"No duh. It's not fair. You know everything."

"No. I don't."

"Yeah, like what?"

"Who I love."

On the train:

Blood drips from a cut on my lip as I cry out in pain. Kali lays cradled in my arms, just saved from falling. I put her in the corner and spin around snarling. Millicent smirks at me, throwing a cutting curse at me. My arm rips open and I see red. "Leave. Me. Alone."

"Why?" she and my other tormentors ask.

"Because he said so," Remus growls. "Fifty points from Slytherin and thirty from Gryffindor. Now get out." They scramble out of the compartment, as my tears begin to fall. "Harry, it's okay," he whispers, cradling me in his arms. I'm still small, too small if my constant coddling from adults is anything to go by.

"No…" I sniffle, "it's not. One of these times they're going to break Kali."

"That's what you're worried about? Harry, you're more important than a doll. If they ever try that again I want you to fight back. Your father will want to speak to you about this tonight."

"I know. Dad'll wanna know… I love you Remy."

"I love you too, Harry. Now let's go find Draco."