Disclaimer: I am just a mere visitor in the sublime world constructed by the brilliant mind that is J.K Rowling. Anything that rings a bell is hers.

Chapter 19

Ky's POV

A small panging woke me up, a niggling that poked at my back and prevented sleep from claiming me again. I sluggishly got out of bed, rubbing my eyes, since my brain was awake it was time for the rest of my body to follow. I yawned and stretched, groaning slightly as I was reminded why I was awake at such a devilish hour. Maybe I over did it last night, I did run back up to the common room, not my smartest idea.

I glanced out the window, the sun rays were cast in the distance, it was lazily rearing its head, not visible just yet…this was definitely not part of the day I was familiar with.

I stood, glancing around the dorm, Mi was asleep, the only of us four that kept her blankets neatly tucked around her. Parvarti's blanket was lying on the floor as she lay on her stomach, drooling into her pillow. Bobby had half her body covered and the other exposed, I sighed, she had taken to sleeping with just her underwear and tee these days and what a way to start the day with the sight of Bobby's butt cheeks. I bit back a laugh as just as I glanced at her, she wiggled her bum in her sleep and rolled over, and there went the rest of the blankets.

I grabbed my wand, flicking it twice and directed their respective blankets back onto them, I personally was a very active sleeper and I think Mi performed this charm on my sleeping self more times than should be necessary for any individual.

My morning shower took longer than it usually did and the reasons where twofold. The first being that I enjoyed the pain relief the hot water offered my slightly painful back. And the second was that I spent much of the time mulling over what happened last night. On second thought…Harry didn't ask for my forgiveness, neither did he ask to get back together. He just apologised, and then attempted to explain the course of events that led to his indiscretion…he obviously wasn't allowing himself to grovel, obviously thinking the deplorable action beneath him, yet here I am…wallowing in pity and obsessing about him.

I kind of missed the physical therapy, it did manage to take my mind of things, this was the first time in a month that I just got to delve into all of these emotions, and I was no fan of emotions, nasty little germ like things, I should ask Sev what antibacterial soap he was using to so efficiently keep them away.

I walked down the stairs deciding to spend the extra daylight I bagged by heading over to the Third Floor. Mi and I took to scribbling a greeting onto the Parch, which lay on the desk in our room, whenever we found the time, but there was never a response.

I wasn't as anxious about that after last night. Silvaine did say that Selina saw the boys in Siberia, maybe they weren't able to use their Parch, maybe they had misplaced it…anyway I was going to write Nessie to let her know what I heard from Silvaine, she probably knew already but I also wanted to check in if she heard anything from Vez.

"Well hello!"

I turned, smiling at the portrait as she narrowed her eyes at me, "Awfully early for you to be out and about…off to see someone?"

"Well of course Grace, this would be the time to conduct meetings because my people skills are at their peak." I stated sarcastically and she tittered at me.

"My my, we are chipper in the morning. Yet, for such a bright girl you haven't caught up, I didn't think your meeting would involve much…conversation."

I laughed, "Dora, Dora, Dora, when will you learn, a lady never kisses and tells."

She rolled her eyes, "I'd find out soon enough, you know nothing happens in this castle without my finding out. I'm quite-"

"Nosy."

She glared, "I was going to say resourceful."

She huffed, turning her nose up at me as I turned and headed down the stairs, when reason caught up with me. I was on my was to Nonno's office to send the letter with Fawkes, but if Nonno wasn't in I wouldn't be able to head up into his office, I didn't even have the new password.

"Hey Priscilla, is my grandfather around?" I turned, stopping halfway down the stairs.

She looked down at me haughtily, "Thought I was…nosy."

I laughed, "I thought we settled on resourceful."

She rolled her eyes, "That I am. Your grandfather is not in actually, I do have it on the strictest confidentiality that he is somewhere in Europe," She added in a hushed voice as if she had just disclosed Nonno's exact coordinates.

I shook my head at her, "How very resourceful you are, and Fawkes?"

"The phoenix? Well how would I know where a bird is?" She said with disdain, "What do you take me for, some fuddy duddy bird watcher like Lady Kensington."

I let her carry on with her rant, walking down lost in thought. I couldn't send the letter by normal post, it might get intercepted…

Ahh this is too much thinking for this time of day, I need food. I took the stairs faster, enjoying the emptiness of the castle; it reminded me of my time during the Summer before our fourth year. I couldn't help the smile that popped up as I glanced at the window to my left on the sixth floor, a little over two years ago Harry and I sat at that very same window…I had no idea who he was that day yet meeting him…had revolutionised my life.

I shook my head, the smile falling as reality caught up with me, but I didn't have to fake a smile thankfully because I was alone in the corridor…well at least that was what I thought.

I turned as I heard the soft taps of footsteps, there was a boy walking behind me. Well not really a boy, he was leaning more towards man, he must be in his final year.

He had the familiar blue robes of a Claw, but the distinct difference came from the glinting object that got larger and larger as he got closer, it was very familiar. I turned back around when I realised he was just a prefect.

"Miss Thornton."

I pivoted, he stood before me, the epitome of perfect posture, with dark skin much like Zabini's, but the features were nowhere near as chiselled, though he could be described as handsome…or was he just extremely neat, that could always be misconstrued as handsome I suppose, well neat never did anything for me.

"Yes?"

He smiled, wow, Dr Granger wouldn't mind him modelling a pamphlet for him, and if his teeth got any brighter I'd have to cover my eyes. Nobody, not even Mi, takes makes that much effort in dental care…it's just unnatural.

"I'm going to have to ask you to come with me, this hardly seems the proper time for a pretty girl to be wondering this awfully big castle all by themselves."

I scoffed, "I'm sorry, since when did this awfully big castle have curfew in the morning?"

He smiled, or more like flashed his teeth at me, his brown eyes amused, "Well technically, no students are allowed out and about without permission from nine pm to six am. And it's…" He looked down at his watch, "Five-fifty…"

He then squinted at me in thought, "You know what…I'm going to turn a blind eye? How about that?"

I stared at the guy…was he serious? Seriously?

He smiled, "How about I walk you back to Gryffindor Tower."

I continued staring, a slightly repulsed look on my face yet the boy didn't seem to see it…he just continued smirking. Who the fuck was this?

"Who are you?" I didn't bother covering the disparaging tone in my voice.

He reeled back slightly, finally shutting the spotlight that was his mouth in a line of disbelief, "Me?" He laughed, "You can't be serious. Duncan Igleby…" he added, trying and failing for recognition to dawn on me.

"The Headboy…" He added, exponential disbelief mounting on his face…

"I'm sorry, I didn't know I was in the presence of royalty-"

"Thornton!"

We both turned, Michael Corner strode down the corridor, his relatively long black hair waving as he did so, seems like he was borrowing some shampoo from his girlfriend because it shined sleekly above his chin. "Been looking for you. Professor Snape won't wait forever! Hi Duncan, was told to escort Thornton down to the dungeons, she's got detention with Snape. I know, devilish hour."

He gestured for me to follow and I didn't think twice, leaving the gaping Headboy behind me.

We rounded the corner and descended the stairs to the forth, "Thanks…" I was unsure why Michael Corner of all people helped me…very unsure.

He shrugged, glancing behind him as if people might be watching us, he stared down the corridor as he spoke, "Well consider yourself lucky, I know Igleby's had an eye on you for ages, and he isn't the only one." He scoffed, "Bunch of vultures, I remember the exact same thing happened to Cho, Diggory died and she was single and those arses didn't even wait days to descend on her, trying to take advantage of her in her vulnerable state. I probably won't be around to save you the next time."

I rolled my eyes, "Not that I need saving Corner, but why on earth did you?"

He turned, gulping, looking back down the corridor.

"Is something the matter, is someone following us."

"Rowena I hope not!" he shook his head, pulling me into a shadier part of the corridor, "Cho will flip if she knows I'm talking to you. She's kind of paranoid that…" he laughed, "she has it in her head that you'd want to date me for some reason now that you're single."

"Me? You? No offence Corner, but fuck no!"

He sighed, "I know, it's just that you do have a record of going after her men."

My mouth hung open in shock at that, "Going after HER men!" I snapped.

And then I stopped…she did date Cedric and Harry before I did…you know… for two girls who couldn't be any more different it was surprising what similar taste in man we shared.

"Anyway, I've not sought you out for that." He looked down at me, his dark eyes so much like his brother's…oh crap…a cold feeling slid down my back…I know what this is about.

He bit his lip, something he tended to do often because I could make out the little teeth mark indentation on it, "My…my brother. You and he were friends, maybe more right? You did spend a day with him in Hogsmeade last year.

I glared affronted, "Just because-"

He held his hand up, "Look, has he sent you a letter, sent word to you at all." His nostrils flared, "Not a lot of people know this because he finished school last year…but he's…missing." He closed his eyes in pain at the thought, "Well…no…he's not missing, he left on his own free will…we think he's eloped with Allison Fleeceheart…"

I gulped…he didn't know…he didn't know… "What makes you think he…eloped?"

"Well Allison is gone too, now isn't it? I just don't understand." He held his head as if it pained him, "I get it, running off and getting married, he's loved her since forever but it's been months, they should be back by now. The Ministry won't help a bit because they're both of age and his spoken to none of his friends since graduation…I thought maybe he told you something." He grabbed my elbow, leaning down to my height and the somewhat pompous boy from last year disappeared, leaving a worried little brother in its place. As a worried younger sibling, I felt his pain. "Anything…my mum's worried herself sick, I know Jack won't just disappear and I've wanted to ask you since term started but Cho…did you? Did you hear anything? Anything at all?"

"Corner…" I started, taking a deep breath…thinking of the way he enthusiastically waved Jack over last year as we sat in the Three Broomsticks, he clearly adored him… "I have heard from Jack…I actually saw him about two months ago…"

He breathed a sigh of relief, a smile breaking on his face and I held his elbows back, trying to stop the relief from spreading, "I knew it! Is he OK! Can you get him a mess-"

"No, no I can't Corner. Corner…listen to me…Jack and Allison are Death Eaters." I didn't know how else to say it and his relief froze on his face…his hands fell away from my elbows…

"What!"

"I know it's hard-"

"Hard! Bloody impossible! Jack would never…how DARE you say that! He-who-must-not-be-named killed Ced, Ced was his best friend! Do you think he would side-"

"I know how it seems Michael, but it's the truth, I hate it but it's the truth!"

"LIAR!" he shouted, banging his fist against the wall, "Jack would never-"

"I'm sorry Michael, I don't know why and I plan on finding out-"

He stepped back and I followed him, my hands raised, "Jack would never…" he muttered.

I stopped talking, knowing I couldn't convince the boy. He looked close to tears, whether they are sad ones or angry ones I didn't know. He turned on his heal and walked off and I leaned against the wall.

"Watch it." Ron snapped as he emerged through the portrait that Corner just exited through, a little along the passage, his annoyed face found mine and he smiled, "Bloody Claws. Always bumping into people, noses so deep in books they can't see a thing…is something the matter."

I looked up at Ron, giving him a weak smile of greeting, still thinking of Michael.

"Did that little snot do something to you!" he snapped and I shook my head.

"No, no. I actually," I sighed, "I just told him about his brother."

Ron let out a low whistle, "Damn…he didn't know?"

"Well I don't think he left home saying 'Mum I'm becoming a death eater. Don't expect me back in time for dinner.'"

He huffed, leaning against the wall next to me, "Still…hard to believe. He seemed like such a normal bloke…he was a decent chaser mind you."

"I doubt Voldemort recruits based on quidditch ability…but still…I can't find the reason why he would do that…I mean…would you join the side that killed…" I couldn't even think it let alone say it. Harry dying, even if he hurt me…was not something that I would ever want to imagine.

"I know…I guess you don't know what's going on underneath. Sucks for Corner," He gestured with his head at the portrait that Corner had left through, "Percy is a complete prat but I…I miss him you know. And he isn't even on the dark side, just the dumb side…"

I wrapped an arm around his shoulder in comfort.

"What are you doing up so early?" He asked, changing the subject.

"Sleep just broke, you?"

"Julez." He said nonchalantly, but the answer seemed to drag him into silent deep thought. I don't think they had spent the morning just making out, looks like something was up but he didn't seem like he was up for sharing.

My head was beginning to pain, this morning was getting worse and worse, it's like as I descended down the floors, more and more drama ensued. Godric knows what I might find when I reach the Great Hall.

Ron was staring at the tiles, an uncharacteristic contemplative look on his face.

I jolted him with my shoulder and pulled him by the hand, "I know just what you need!"

A half an hour later Ron smiled, and I laughed, half chewed pancakes staring at me between his lips and another little elf hurried over and refilled his plate. We were in the kitchens, having what only could be called a feast; we ate every bit of breakfast meal the elves had prepared.

I leaned back in my chair and Kinky tutted but her scowl decreased with the pleased look she had on her face, "Kinky is happy that Miss Ky comes to see her, but Kinky can't help but worry that Miss Ky would not fit in her pants if she continues eating. How Miss Ky can eat more of her favourite muffins is beyond Kinky, Master Potter took four of them for Miss Ky just yesterday. Kinky baked and packed them herself and laid them on Miss Ky's bed, she knows this. Yet- "

"Aw enough Kinks." I rolled my eyes, I hadn't touched those muffins…it was hard but I didn't, who was he to get me treats! What did that even mean?

"Thanks Kinky. Best. Breakfast. Ever."

With each word Ron wiped his plate, leaning back with a satisfied grin on his face. I finished with my poppy seed muffin and watched the elves work in silence for a while, sedated from satiety. All thoughts of deserter brothers forgotten.

"Miss Ky, the times is-"

"I know, I know." I laughed, it was almost time for the first period. I jumped off the chair, feeling something jutting into my waist from my pocket. I took it out and stared at the envelope which reminded me why I left our dorm so early in the first place.

"Kinky, do you know where Fawkes is."

Kinky's eyes widened, "The Fire Bird." I saw two elves closest to us stop their mixing, staring at me open mouthed.

"Yeah…Nonno's phoenix."

Her eyes glazed over with awe, "The Fire Bird goes and comes when he pleases. No ones know where the Fire Bird goes."

Ron laughed and a few elves slightly glared at him, I didn't want to get kicked out again, it seems that the elves hero worshipped Fawkes. Well he was a rarity even for wizards. Funny little creatures this lot.

"The Fire Bird hasn't been sighted since five sleeps ago Miss Ky, it hasn't." Said a male elf, bowing his head.

"Thank you." I said, well I guess that's that. Ron and I started walking to the exit and Kinky followed.

"Why is Miss Ky wanting The Fire Bird."

"I need to get a letter to Nessie without it getting intercepted; hence I can't use an owl."

Kinky's eyes narrowed at me, "And Kinky can't do this for Miss Ky why?"

I opened my mouth…and then shut it, clapping my hand to my forehead, "I completely forgot. Of course you can!" I held it out as she tutted at me again, taking the envelope from me with a slight tug.

"Disturbing the Fire Bird with such smalls task, like some common owl. Kinky will do it!" She nodded and shushed me to class.

Ron laughed as we ascended to the Entrance Hall, "Ever think about hooking her and Dobby up?"

My eyebrows rose and I laughed even harder, "What! No…well…I guess it isn't a horrible…ugh you've got house elf sex in my head now!"

"Ugh Ky, never say house elf and sex in the same sentence let alone next to each other!"

He stopped grimacing and took a deep breath, "Ahhh….I guess I have space for a few more pancakes. How about a second breakfast?"

I followed him into the Great Hall, shaking my head but smiling, I'm sure if we dissected him we'd find another stomach.

I caught site of a mop of brown whose eyes were clamped on the book in front of her, Harry sat opposite her, concentrating on his food. He placed a piece of bacon in his mouth and I averted my eyes, I didn't want to spend another minute staring at his lips…I shook my head off the image.

I suddenly felt something cold ghost down my arm and I shivered at the contact. Suddenly there was an outbreak of noise, a cacophony of gasps and laughs.

I bent down carefully to pick up the piece of parchment that had floated across my arm, seeing multiple of them now littering the floor, but Ron beat me to it.

He turned the blank page over, the small smile he had on his face at the kafuffle in the Hall quickly fell when his eyes clapped on the printed side of the parchment and his nostrils flared in anger.

"What the fuck!" he spat.

I let out a deep breath when I saw what he was looking at…drama was really descending on me as I descended the castle today…but this was lower than anything I had ever expected…

A/N So what do you think Ky found in the Great Hall?

Guys please review…I work hard on these chapters and I would appreciate some feedback whatever they maybe

Kalina