2nd October

"Oh thank Merlin you're alive." Hermione said as I opened my eyes the following morning, she was staring down at me, and it was her presence alone that woke me.

I pulled a face, "Thanks, 'Mione." I got out of bed and stretched gently, I attempted to touch my toes, but was unsurprised when I still hadn't the ability to do so, "Body still functions."

In the bathroom, I got a good look at myself for the first time. My head wound looked ghastly and I knew I couldn't put any makeup on it, so I was going to look ghostly today. I laughed to myself as I saw my back. The heat of the shower helped me feel less stiff but made my head wound bleed a little. I wish I could have dressed it myself, but I imagine Madam Pomfery was going to vanish it later on.

I found George waiting for me in the Common Room half an hour later. I could see him exhale as saw me. He stood up quickly and I smiled at him, "I want to show you something." I turned my back to him and hitched up my blouse, encouraging him to hold it up, so that he could see the three lines of bruising from where I hit the bookcase shelves.

George did not laugh. Instead, when I looked up at him, his eyes seemed focused on my back, like the image was burning into his memory.

"Never mind." I spoke quietly, tucking my blouse back into my skirt, "You're clearly disgusted by me."

"Katy, no!" George grabbed me by the hand and pulled me back, "It just looks so sore… I wish Fred and I could make some form of potion or lotion that could take bruising away…" he looked up at my forehead, "That gash is really impressive." He smiled, "Can I ask you something?"

"Fire away."

George put his hand behind his neck, I knew that he was trying to ask something serious, "You said last night that you thought you had a concussion… Have you had one before?"

I looked up into his eyes, I could see his anxiety building, "Yeah… I've been unconscious a few times, especially after being -" I stopped myself, "You don't need to know that." I sighed, "I have survived thus far; being thrown into a bookcase and being crushed by heavy books and a foe glass isn't going to keep me down."

"How are you feeling this morning?" Harry asked, "Are you going to come back to the meetings?"

"Course I am!" I smiled, "this time I'm going to defend myself, no more playing it-"

"Kathryn," Neville looked at me, "I-"

I held my hand up, "If you say you're sorry one more time, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask one of our Prefects here to dock points from you." I stared at him.

Neville smiled, "Okay, thanks."

I made an agreement as Fred, Hermione, Ron and Harry were now surrounding me, "We're going with the story from last night, that I was in the library, that someone was getting a book out and a few toppled down and hit me. I fell back and hit my back off the bookcase behind. No names need be mentioned." I nodded.

"I was wondering if I could talk to you, Kathryn?" Neville spoke awkwardly, he nodded his head towards the portrait door.

"Of course." I said, I looked among the group and nodded, "See you lot down at breakfast." It took me longer than it should have, but I climbed out of the door and Neville started fidgeting as he walked, "Say whatever you want to say, Neville, it's only me."

"Are you really okay?" he asked, "You're not going to drop down dead or anything?"

I giggled, clutching my ribs, "Aoww! I certainly hope not! I'm okay, I'm sore, but I'm sure you know, I've been through a lot worse."

Neville grimaced, he knew not to say he was sorry and he was having an internal debate as to what to say next. He opened his mouth and said at rocket speed, "IwantedtothankyouforslappingMalfoyforme."

"Oh?" I was taken aback, "No worries. He deserved it. I have the added benefit that his mother is my guardian and she, well, she's nice enough to me." I smiled, "I'd love to get a howler from them."

"Miss Pink?" McGonagall's eyes were wide at the sight of me, "Explain."

I shook my head embarrassed, "Kathryn versus heavy falling books, the books got one up on me, I'm afraid. I was knocked off my feet and landed on the opposite bookcase…"

McGonagall pursed her lips.

"I've been to Madam Pomfery, I have survived the night, don't worry!" I took a seat at the table and poured myself a cup of coffee.

3rd October

Dear Kathryn

I received a letter from Madam Pomfery regarding your accident in the library. Why did you not write to me yourself? Do you not understand that I am concerned for your wellbeing? Are you sleeping any better? Can you please reply to my letters? How am I supposed to care for you when I don't know what is going on?

I look forward to hearing from you,
Narcissa xx

"You had better reply to her this time, Kathryn." Hermione advised.

I leaned in cross the table and whispered, "Yeah, and say what? That I'm sorry I haven't replied, I was too busy having nightmares every night, then I was forming an illegal organisation where we are training to fight off your master, I also slapped your beloved son, then I was too busy almost getting murdered by shoddy spellwork, other than that, I'm grand, thanks. Hoping you are well, Kathryn kiss kiss kiss."

Ginny, who was on the other side of Hermione laughed and Hermione shook her head, "I'm sure you'll be able to compose something a little more appropriate." She handed me her own quill and roll of parchment. "You can start off with 'Dear Narcissa', that might help."

I sighed and rolled my eyes, "Fine."

Dear Cissa,
Sorry I haven't been in contact. I'm not used to writing to a parent-figure as so to speak, my own parents threatened me whenever they got letters from school about me.
The nightmares have finished (for now) and I'm finally caught up with sleep and have gotten back into my normal routine. I've had meetings with Professors McGonagall and Umbridge. Professor McGonagall has been helping me get back on track academically, which has been a great help. Professor Umbridge has been acting a bit like a shrink, talking through what happened with my parents and how I enjoyed my stay with you over the summer. Don't worry, I said all nice things.
The accident in the library came as bit of a shock as about five massive books fell from the highest shelf on top of me as someone tried, and failed, to summon the book they wanted and, well, I came off worse. I had a gash on my forehead, which Madam Pomfery has treated and is now almost gone. I have a load of bruising, but it's nothing I can't handle. I no longer feel nauseous or dizzy following being unconscious. I am not concerned. I have felt a lot worse.
I hope you're well. I'll try and write more often,
Princess Katy (hahaha) xxx

"How's that?"

"You're a complete suck-up, but it works." Hermione smirked, "Does she get the Princess joke?"

I smiled, "She wondered about the princess ring," I showed her the ring on my right hand, "I told her that the running joke is that I am Princess Katy, she seemed really interested by the nickname." I then laughed, "I didn't want to go into the detail of how Kit-Kat came to be."

"Nor do we have to discuss it." Hermione blushed as we ran up to the Owlery to borrow one of the school owls. She made me send the letter before the two of us made way to the library to make a dent in our pile of homework.

8th October

Six days on from books vs Kathryn, my forehead was completely healed any my bruises had disappeared and I was ready for another DA meeting. "You know I took your word for it when you volunteered to help run these meetings?"

"I was being serious; I'll help you with just about anything."

"Just about anything?" Harry smirked, "My new life goal is to find out what your limits are."

"Ha. Ha. Ha." I said to Harry whilst welcoming the DA members into the Room of Requirement.

Harry raised an eyebrow at me, "I was thinking of perfecting the disarming charm and trying the impediment jinx? I could also do with a hand in teaching, there was a lot of shoddy spellwork last week, even after you left." He spoke quietly, "And I don't want you injured again. That won't look good."

"No problem, Harry."

I walked around the room for a minute and overheard Katie, Alicia and Ange talking about Quidditch. Gryffindor vs Slytherin was fast approaching and they were worried about the performance of their new keeper. Ginny and Michael were having a petty argument about him going 'too easy' on her last week. Ron and Hermione were bickering about how many times Ron disarmed Hermione last session. Harry was blushing as he caught Cho watching. Fred, George and Lee were looking at a book about illusions and taking notes.

Harry grabbed everyone's attention as I saw him close the door, everyone must be here. He stood at the front, "Hi! I'd like to welcome everyone back for round two, but I'd just like to give a special mention to Kathryn, who should be up at the front with me, as she proves to us that – why don't you tell them?"

I gave him a side glance, "I basically said that, if everyone would walk away after getting a scare, or taking a hit, that there would be no fight left in this world. It is our duty to get up and carry on. If we are ever facing Voldemort, he won't give us the opportunity to take a time out to fix yourself, he will kill you and won't spare a second deliberating." I looked to Hermione, who nodded for me to continue, "But that's why we're here, so that we aren't just good, that we have the ability to survive this, to succeed against the impending darkness."

"Have you ever considered becoming an author?" Ernie shouted out.

"Funny." I flicked my hair jokingly, propping myself up on the desk behind me and sat on it, "I don't think I need to spell out the seriousness of these meetings."

"Yes, so today we are going to spend a short time just showing how much we learnt last week with disarming, then we'll try something different." Harry instructed, "So do you – er – want to split up into pairs again? Neville, would you mind taking it in turns with Ron and Hermione? Kathryn and I are going to do the rounds."

Fred and George started mucking about, "Oh, Kathryn, oh Kathryn! We need help! Our wands – aren't – working." They started drastically flailing their wands in the air.

"Behave yourselves." I spoke sternly and they shut up instantly, "Did I or did I not make myself clear about how serious this is?"

Harry shook his head and went straight to practice with Neville.

"Kathryn?" Luna called out, not that her voice was particularly loud.

"Yeah?" I walked over to her, "What can I do you for?"

Luna giggled, "That was funny." Her protuberant eyes were on me, "Can you help me?"

"Of course!" I smiled, "Show me what you're doing, and I'll see where you're going wrong? Justin, you just try and disarm Luna as you've been doing."

Luna waved her wand and called out 'expelliarmus' but Justin managed to get the wand off her with ease. I asked her if I could stand behind her and put my hand on hers, "You've got the hand motion the opposite way around. You are curling clockwise instead of anticlockwise. Here-" I went through the motion with her and she spoke the incantation again, and Justin's wand flew towards us, "Now you have a practice at that." I handed Justin his wand and they practiced and Luna managed to safely disarm Justin without assistance.

"Thanks!" Luna smiled as I moved onto the next person to help.

I watched as the brothers Colin and Dennis had multiple goes at disarming each other, "Good job!" I told them, "You just need to work on doing it a bit faster."

I watched Fred and George, who were quite capable as well as Ron and Hermione. Ron was a little red-faced but he was determined to get Hermione and I just loved it. Dean and Lavender had improved massively as I encouraged Dean to stop flourishing his wand quite as much. Harry was helping Cho, who was shaking slightly and was far from concentrating on what she was supposed to be. I watched as Neville disarmed Ron.

"Kathryn?" Harry called from the front, "Are you happy to move on?"

"Yes darling." I stuck my tongue out.

Harry rolled his eyes and pointed to the space beside him, and I stood there as he addressed the group, "So I was thinking we could try the Impediment Jinx next. Kathryn? Would you mind?"

I took a few steps back from Harry and took out my wand. Harry spoke, "The incantation is Impedimenta and the aim is to temporarily freeze something for up to ten seconds. The wand movement is a quick horizontal line."

I found Luna in the crowd, "Left to right," I explained, knowing how she struggled last time, "pointing at the person you want to freeze, of course."

"Shall we?" Harry asked, raising his wand, bowing.

I bowed back, raising my wand and yelling, "Impedimenta," faster than Harry could get the words out, then I turned quickly to the group, "So I've about ten seconds to tell you that I can now get Harry's wand off him." I stood straight and spoke "Expelliarmus." Rather lazily.

"You got me, you got me…" Harry shook his head all embarrassed, "Again?"

"I'll go easy on you this time, eh?" I raised my wand, "Imp-"

Harry hit me with the jinx and froze me in time. I desperately tried to push past it, but I was moving in slow motion, which, all the same, was rather amusing in itself. My wand flew out of my hand and straight to Harry. As time sped up for me I clapped, "Well done."

"Shall we let you lot have a go?" Harry asked the rest of the members.

"No, I'd like to see you two demonstrate one more time." George winked at me.

Luna smiled, "Yes, I think I'd like that too."

Harry and I looked at each other and laughed. George wanted to see it for a very different reason than Luna. Harry raised an eyebrow at me and smirked, he had an idea, I nodded my head slightly, "George, Luna, please come up to the front." Harry encouraged.

Everyone in the group cheered as Harry directed Luna to me and Harry took on George and started talking to him quickly in whispers. I took that as my opportunity to coach Luna, "Would you like me to show you the wand movements like before?"

Luna's eyes got wider, "Oh, yes please."

I took Luna's outstretched hand with her wand and showed her the exact movement, slowly at first then as we sped up, I whispered 'impedimenta' until I took my hand away from Luna's and she managed to impede Ron in the crowd, "I think you've got it, girl. Take him down."

"You don't want him to win?" Luna shared an air of confusion, "Isn't he your boyfriend?"

"Yes, he is, but that's exactly the reason I want you to take him down." I smiled, "Do me proud."

"Are you two finished?" Harry joked, "Shall we get them duelling then?"

"Good luck, sweetheart." I winked at George.

George looked at me suspiciously, "Wand away, Katy, I know what you're like."

I put my wand in my pocket and raised my hands in the air. I couldn't help but laugh as George stood beside the tiny Luna and they bowed and began the competition. Luna made the first move, quickly raising her wand exclaiming the incantation 'impedimenta' and George lifted his wand lazily and spoke the same incantation and the two of them ended up impeded. Everyone cheered and as George resumed normal speed, he looked mildly embarrassed, saw me laughing and smiled back.

"Alright everyone, pair up and give it a go!"

The rest of today's lesson was fun and filled with laughter as Ron managed to impede Hermione. Fred, Lee, Ange, Katie and Alicia all ganged up on George, not giving him a chance to recover. That was until I stepped in and stunned them all quickly so that none of them could fight me back. I had managed to block every spell they had flying at me and George stood there, extremely impressed. Neville managed to impede Harry once, and was delighted with himself. The other twins, Parvati and Padma had a laugh mocking each other. It just brought me so much happiness, that learning all this stuff can be enjoyable so that they pick it up faster.

But then reality hit me, that one day, I might be using these spells in order to save my life.

18th October

Muggle Studies was a class I loved, purely for my ability to relax. I didn't have Harry, Ron or Hermione around and I had the opportunity to not be one of the four, but a separate entity. Today Professor Burbage had placed all the desks together, a tell-tale sign that we were being introduced to a new topic. Mandy, Morag and Lisa tended to keep to themselves but were always very influential in class discussions. Ernie, Justin and Hannah had sort of adopted me as an honorary Puff for those lessons as I had spent a lot of fourth year sitting on my own when Hermione left. I suppose it helped with my affinity for the subject.

"Okay, today we are going to have a class discussion on this prompt." Professor Burbage placed a number of medical instruments into the middle of the table, "There are seven items, I want you to take one each and tell me what it is. Please be careful as some of them are sharp."

I squeaked a little in excitement, I knew what they were. Everyone took their pick from the items and I was left with a stethoscope.

"I would also like to add," Professor Burbage watched Justin closely as he looked at a scalpel, "That whilst some of these items are Muggle inventions, wizards have made use of them in St-"

"Don't give it away, now Professor." I joked.

"What is this pointy thing?" Ernie asked as he took the sheath off the needle that was attached to a syringe, "I don't imagine I'd like to be stabbed by one of these." He started waving it about like a wand, he was very charismatic, but doesn't have a clue about the Muggle world.

Hannah, despite choosing her friends carefully, seemingly likes me, she nudged me gently and asked, "What is this tubing used for?"

I laughed, I knew exactly what it was. She was playing with the end of a catheter.

"What? Is it some form of straw?" Her face went a little pink, she's a bit of a stress head, but in a different way to Hermione… It's like she puts all this pressure on herself to perform well and gets really upset when she struggles.

I didn't want her to suffer, "It's a catheter," but the look of confusion on her face meant I had to explain, "Well, that end is placed into your pee hole and goes into your bladder-"

"Eww…" she dropped the catheter onto the table so fast Professor Burbage laughed and winked at me.

I leant in closer to Hannah, "There's a meeting tonight, same time same place. Can you pass it on?"

"Oh yay!" Hannah beamed at me, "I'll tell Ernie, Susan, Zacharias and Justin?"

Justin heard his name being mentioned and Hannah passed on the news. I've actually learnt a lot about Justin in the last few years. Despite being a muggle born, he lacks a lot of knowledge on Muggles. This was evident today as he said, "I know these are bandages, Professor, but I really don't know how they work…"

"I hope by now you have worked out that these are a few pieces of medical equipment." Professor Burbage smiled, "Morag, do you know what your item is?"

"Erm…" she began, "I think they might be socks or stockings but they're really tight and I don't imagine they would be particularly comfortable."

"They are compression stockings, to help Muggles prevent getting blood clots in their legs." Burbage answered, I was half expecting Ernie to ask what a blood clot was, but I was relieved when he appeared to already know, "Mandy?"

Mandy smirked, "I actually know what this is, it's a cannula. It goes into a vein in your arm and allows the muggles to put stuff into your body."

I could see Justin shiver two seats up, "That must be sore."

"It's sore putting them in, but they take the needle out and a little bit of plastic is left inside your vein, it's a bit of a strange sensation, but shouldn't be painful." I said without thinking.

Mandy looked taken aback, "You've had one of these in you?"

"Yeah…" I said slowly, "A few times. In both the muggle and wizarding worlds." Everyone in the room leaned forwards in anticipation, so I continued, "I've had blood put in them, pain relief, fluids…" I thought back to my times in hospital, "I think I had three at once… One in each hand and one in my arm."

"I suppose you know what your item is, then?" Burbage asked me.

"Oh yeah, it's a stethoscope, used in both worlds to listen to the heart and breathing sounds mostly." I answered, "They're pretty amaz-"

There was a knock and the door opened, "Hem- hem. Excuse me, Professor Burbage, I require Miss Pink." Umbridge looked livid, "Now, Professor Burbage."

"Professor?" I asked, my voice was an octave higher than it should have been, "What is it, what have I done?"

"Oh, wouldn't you like to know?" Umbridge's voice was anything but sweet, "You have been conspiring, Miss Pink, you have been deceitful and-"

I interrupted, "Professor, I swear, I haven't-"

"You are coming to my office immediately for detention."

"Professor, I haven't done anything wrong, I-"

Umbridge looked murderous, "You will come to my office now."

"No," I said, "I've done nothing wrong, I'm in the middle of class, you can't keep-"

"Stop being confrontational." She looked as though she was about to blow a fuse, "I am a teacher," she pointed to herself, then stuck her stubby little finger into my chest, "you are a student. You will do as you are told."

"I-" Professor Umbridge grabbed me by the shoulder and squeezed, "Aghhh…" I winced, as she dragged me out of the room.

"If you mention this to anyone, you will find yourself without a job, Charity." Umbridge stared at Professor Burbage, "Just remember the power I have to make you jobless, homeless, you muggle-loving-"

"Bring my stuff to Herbology-" I managed to relay before Umbridge slammed the door behind me, "Why are you doing this to me?" she snatched my wand off me. The amount of swear words running through my brain was unreal. I knew I was walking the short journey towards impending doom.

Umbridge said nothing. There were no members of staff or students in the corridors, no one that I could plead with. No one.

"Are you organising secret meetings with Mr Potter?" Umbridge asked after ordering me to sit in the chair at the dreaded desk.

"No, Professor." I stood my ground. I knew what would happen if I was to tell the truth and besides, I was never going to tell her the truth. Ever.

Umbridge's smile got wider, and with that, even more terrifying, "You're lying."

I went to open my mouth, to defend myself.

"Silencio." Umbridge waved her wand at me, "You haven't even opened your mouth and I'm bored. I do not want to hear your petty excuses. I am going to talk, and you will be forced to listen." She returned to her calm voice as she sat down at her desk and straightened her quills, "I overheard a conversation amongst a number of students regarding yourself and Mr Potter. They were astounded that Mr Potter had let you… teach? They don't like you, Miss Pink, it's not just me. They say that you are arrogant, self-obsessed, rude and confrontational. I would agree with those individuals on each count. I have given you many opportunities to inform me of illicit activities. I thought we were making progress, Miss Pink. It appears that I cannot trust you. For that, you must be punished. Hem-hem."

Umbridge stood out from her desk holding the black quill. The Quill.

I gasped, but was inaudible.

"I want you to write some lines for me." she said, "I believe you are familiar with this quill?" she smirked, her eyes going wild with anticipation, "You will write 'I must avoid confrontation and defiance' until the message sinks in. Off you go."

I started crying as soon as the quill hit the parchment. The pain was excruciating as I felt my skin being cut into with a white hot blade. It was so much worse than continuously giving myself paper cuts. Umbridge fleeted into and out of her office, which was connected to her classroom, where she taught her classes for the day. Or should I say, made her classes read from the textbook and make notes. I couldn't be heard.

Every time the silencio spell wore off, she recast it, so her students couldn't hear me. I even heard Fred and George sitting in her classroom. They were playing up, making jokes, wondering why Umbridge kept going into her office. I heard Ange continually telling them off. Umbridge was beside herself with happiness at me not being able to call out for help. Instead she watched the pain in my face as she put her stubby hand around mine and leant heavier on the paper, making the cut in my hand deeper. She was enjoying this far too much.

Thing is, I have felt pain much worse than this before. Difference being that this is forced self-infliction. It's like self-harm. Countless men and women sat and talked to me as a child, some pretended to understand how I felt, some asked me if I had ever thought about hurting myself. I promised them that I wouldn't. This didn't feel like a release to me, this didn't feel like I was winning against the bad things. I was suffering and there was nothing I could do about it. Nobody came here to find me.

I sat in her office for twelve hours.

My hand was raw.

I was covered in my own blood.

My eyes were red and stinging; I didn't have any more tears left to cry. Umbridge had no reason to silence me anymore, I hadn't the energy. In all, I had written the phrase well over 1000 times. I felt sick. Umbridge finished up all her work for the day, set my wand on her desk, lifted her handbag and went to her dormitory. "You may go." She said with a yawn.

I stood and the world span.

I don't know how, and I certainly don't know why, but I found myself in the Dungeons. I was barely holding on. My head was pounding, my vision blurred, my hands numb. Snape opened his office door.

"Miss Pink?"

I fainted at his feet.

"You better not be making a habit of collapsing in front of me." Snape muttered as I came around, he gave me the pepper-up potion, making me feel as though I had energy again, "Are you going to tell me why you turned up to my office covered in your own blood?"

"Umbridge." I whispered, raising my hand weakly so that he could see.

Snape smirked, "So that is why Mr Potter, Miss Granger and the Weasleys looked particularly on edge earlier?"

"Can't you see I came to you for help?" I said as I sat up slowly, "She's asking questions, she knows I'm a weak link, Professor."

"She thinks you're a weak link." Snape poured another potion down my throat, "I'm sure you've told her nothing."

Snape placed my hand into a bowl of essence of murtlap and I felt sweet, sweet relief, "I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."

"Don't get used to it."

"She's very interested in the Malfoys, the Weasleys, and as you would imagine… Harry." I told him, "She's going to kill me. I think she's in the way of getting everything she wants."

Snape looked up at the shadows coming towards the door, "I am aware." He said as Madam Pomfery showed up.

"Miss Pink? What happened?" Madam Pomfery was down on her knees at my side, she took one look at my hand and sighed, "Who?"

"Umbridge." Snape answered on my behalf.

"That's why you came to me for essence of Murtlap?"

"That first time wasn't for me." I answered, feeling like the world was spinning again, "I've been sitting in her office for twelve f*cking hours and no one thought to come find me. She took away my wand, her doors are magically locked and she put a silencing charm on me. So I did what she wanted. I now have a hole where my hand used to be."

Madam Pomfery looked at me seriously, "No need to be over dramatic, she wouldn't have kept you in for-"

"Twelve hours? Oh you bet she did." I said, "Now either get me something so I can go up to my own bed and sleep or, bring me to the Hospital Wing, I really don't care. I've said what needs to be said for today and I'm done."

Snape and Madam Pomfery shared a glance. "I think I'll bring you back to the Hospital Wing with me."

"Good idea. At least I won't be hounded for information." I was feeling bitter now, why had no one come looking for me? I knew there was a DA meeting on, but surely someone… I sighed to myself… I was tormenting myself, "I just want to go to sleep. Maybe there I can dream about blowing her up into a million pieces."

24th October

"Welcome to our fourth DA meeting." Harry said, clapping his hands together.

"I have an idea as to how we can communicate more efficiently as to when our next meetings are going to be." Hermione stood with a basket full of what seemed to be Galleons and handed one out to everyone. Ron looked delighted to be holding the gold coin, "You see the numerals around the edge of the coins?" Hermione asked and we all looked, "On real Galleons that's just a serial number referring to the goblin who cast the coin. On these fake coins, though, the numbers will change to reflect the time and date of the next meeting. The coins will grow hot when the date changes, so if you're carrying them in a pocket you'll be able to feel them. When Harry sets the date of the next meeting on his coin, and because I've put a Protean Charm on them, they'll all change to mimic his."

I glanced at Fred and George. Hermione had been acting suspiciously all week, and had been talking to them, obviously for ideas on communication tools. I couldn't help but be impressed. There was a mumble of discussion amongst the members.

"Well – I thought it was a good idea," Hermione spoke uncertainly, "I mean, even if Umbridge asked us to turn out our pockets, there's nothing fishy about carrying a Galleon, is there? But … well, if you don't want to use them -"

"You can do a Protean Charm?" asked Terry Boot.

"Yes," answered Hermione.

"But that's… NEWT standard, that is," he said weakly.

Hermione tried to look modest as she said, "Well, yes, I suppose it is. So does that mean we're using the Galleons?"

Harry cleared his throat after the murmur of agreement had gone on long enough, "I'd like to start this week with you lot proving to Kathryn what you learnt last week, adding the shield charm to your list of defensive spells."

"What happened to you last week?" Ernie called out, "Umbridge dragged you out of Muggle Studies and we didn't see you for the rest of the day… The next morning, you looked like you had a rough time..."

"Never you mind…" I answered, rubbing the back of my left hand.

Zacharias shuffled uncomfortably on his pillow, "No, I think I'd like to know what was more important?"

"Would you?" I asked, I felt my temper rising a little, they had all been here at a meeting and didn't think to come find me, "Why don't you come here and have a look at something, and I'll let you try and explain?"

Zacharias stood defiantly.

"Katy, you don't have to do this."

"Kathryn, you don't have to tell them."

"Kit-Kat-"

George, Hermione and Ginny all spoke out for me, they knew how much I was affected by this, but I also thought that the DA members ought to know. Apparently Professor Umbridge's threat made Professor Burbage plead with Hannah, Ernie and Justin to promise to keep quiet about what happened in class. Apparently, people came looking for me, but Umbridge made so that I couldn't hear a thing. So then the DA met up as they thought that I would have wanted it.

Zacharias stood in front of me, he was as tall as I am, I looked into his soft brown eyes that weren't as fierce close up, held out my hand and he put his out and I rested my left hand on top of his, he glanced down and his eyes nearly popped out of his head, as he mumbled 'I must avoid confrontation and defiance' then his eyes bore into mine, "Did she do this to you?" he spoke loudly.

I nodded, "Happy now?"

"I -" Zacharias tried to retaliate.

"Last meeting I was attending detention with Umbridge, she grabbed me out of Muggle Studies class and locked me in her office, took my wand off me and silenced me," I addressed the DA members, "she was suspicious that there was an illegal association meeting as she heard certain members of this group giving off about me helping Harry out with teaching."

"Umbridge seems to have a vendetta against you and Harry." Anthony mentioned.

Hannah laughed disbelievingly, "You're only working that out now? Are you not supposed to be in Ravenclaw? I was terrified when Umbridge dragged Kathryn out of class! She came back and threatened us!"

There were whispers around the group, "Luckily for said individuals," I interrupted, "she didn't hear the whole conversation but just enough to threaten me and scar another part of my body. So I thank those individuals wholeheartedly for talking about me behind my back and I ask you, in future, to mind what you're saying. And, if you have an issue with me, say it to my face. I'm a big girl, I can take it. I'm not here in this world to please everyone, I'm trying to survive just like everyone else."

"Don't let anyone dull your sparkle, Sis." Ginny shouted out.

"I don't get it though, it says 'I must avoid confrontation and defiance' what warranted that?" Zacharias said, returning to his pillow.

I smirked, "Funny you should ask that."

Ron piped up, "With Kathryn, her bark is as worse as her bite." He smiled at me, proudly, "You always give her a run for her money."

"Thank you, Ronald." I felt my cheeks go a little pink, "Let's just say, I'm lucky that I only got the scar."

With everything said, everyone seemed to be giving today's meeting their all. I felt even more determined to learn, to fight back, to prepare for what is to come. The members were eager to show what they had learnt when I was in detention. Little Colin and Dennis had made significant improvements and were both now able to disarm and impede the older students. Fred and Ange were competing each other in mini-duels, using only the spells we had learnt, despite knowing many more. I could feel George's eyes following me. I had to ignore him, or I'd never have the ability to concentrate, that was until he put the Impediment Jinx on me, waited for me to return back to normal speed and kissed me.

"Don't look at me like that." He said.

I was frowning, "You're distracting me."

"I know, that's the point." He placed his hands on my hips and pulled me in closer, whispering into my ear, "You've had a really tough week, even though you've stormed through it, stronger and more determined than ever. I just thought you could do with being a little less serious…" he kissed my neck gently.

"I hope you're not just paying attention to me because Fred and Ange look like they would jump into bed together if they weren't in a room full of people." I looked up at him, taking his hands off my hips.

George then held onto my hands, my body was still touching his, "Do you not want to have some us time?" I could feel my heart start to race, he was looking at me hungrily, as though he'd very much like to see me naked.

I looked down at my watch, trying to stop myself from blushing, "Ten minutes."

"Fine." He kissed me quickly and let go.

"Katy, you're so sexy whenever you're authoritative." George bit his lip, "I just love whenever you're passionate about something, or when you're taking the mick out of someone or, best of all, whenever you're getting your own back."

"Uh-huh." I couldn't quite believe him, I looked him up and down, eyebrow slightly raised, lips pursed before turning my head to the side. He had never used my name and the word sexy before in a sentence, "What do you want, George?"

"You." He said simply before walking back and forth in front of the entrance to the Room of Requirement.

I shook my head at him, "If you're wanting to open the door to a four poster bed with rose petals on, you've got another thing coming."

George placed his fingers on the handle of the newly formed door and looked at me alluringly, "You don't want to get caught out here, do you?"

"You'll find that you're the one getting caught, Georgie." I took a few steps closer to him, I couldn't help it, he leaned forwards to kiss me, but I made myself invisible before his lips could touch mine. I placed my hand on top of his and let him feel my touch as I twisted and opened the door, letting it swing open. I took hold of his tie and walked backwards into the room, kicking the door shut behind us.

"Am I allowed to see you, yet?" George asked, his voice was barely a whisper, "It's just us in here."

I made myself visible, placing my hands on his chest. I could feel the rapid rise and fall as he breathed, accompanied by his rocketing pulse. It was only then did I realise my blouse wasn't tucked in, as George placed his hands directly onto my hips, pulling me in close. I found myself lost in his eyes, as our faces grew closer and closer until our lips met. My fists clenched, grabbing onto his shirt. He started kissing me with urgency, his hands lowered and he squeezed my bum as I reached my arms up to sit around his neck. He lifted me off my feet, and, still kissing me, laid me down on what felt like a sofa.

Taking a second to catch his breath, George started playing with my hair, his chest was heaving as he found a comfortable position on top of me. I wrapped my legs tighter around his midriff. His hand explored my thigh, his fingers graced my curves. I pulled him closer to me, placing my hands in his hair, placing little kisses on his cheeks, down to his jawline, then on the curve of his neck.

"Oh, Katy…" George groaned, "You have no idea how long I've wanted this."

I placed my forehead against his as I took a breather. He lifted my back off the seat and I was in a seated position, legs still wrapped tight around him. His hands touched my bare skin, discovering the curve of my back, sending pleasure radiating through my body.

"You like that?" he whispered as I moaned sweet nothings into his ear.

"Mmmmm…" my lips met his again, I grabbed onto his tie and threw it to the floor, starting to unbutton his shirt. He threw it onto the floor with his tie as I took my own off and George started undoing the top four buttons, enough for him to see my lacy bra that I was so thankful I put on this morning, "Excited?" I whispered.

George's expression turned to one of panic.

"What's wrong?" I asked as he pulled away quickly, "Did I do something?" my fingers graced my lower lip. Anxiety started to fill me.

I noticed colour filling his cheeks as he looked down at himself, "Sorry… I'm so embarrassed."

I looked down and couldn't help but giggle, "Well, I must say, I'm flattered."

"You don't care?" he said, leaning closer to me.

I smirked, biting my lip, "Of course I don't, I just hope you were thinking about me."

"Oh yeah." George was staring at my lips and soon enough our lips crashed together again, "It has always been you Katy."

My hands moved from his hair and my fingers caressed his back as he pulled me closer, I ran my nails up and down, sending shivers down his spine before rubbing his shoulders gently. He moaned quietly as his body relaxed.

He stroked my cheek gently before tracing my lips and I kissed his finger gently. His eyes met mine which had been staring at him for a while. I loved watching his expression, the excitement, the wonder, the lust. He beamed at me showing off his perfect teeth.

"We should really do this more often," he said, relaxing against the back of the sofa. He was looking at me differently.

"What?" I spoke softly, searching his eyes for an answer. I placed strands of my wild hair behind my ears.

He sighed, "I just wish we could stay here all night."

"But the teasing we'd endure as a result…" the two of us chuckled and I continued, "Let them think what they want to think." I said as George played with my hair. I then stood and grabbed his shirt, "Shame you have to put this back on…" I winked, getting a proper look at his toned body for the first time, I felt a flutter in my stomach.

I glanced down at how dishevelled I was and laughed nervously, buttoning up my blouse to cover my breasts, tucking myself in and roughly fixing my tie. Our fingers intertwined as we walked up to the Common Room completely invisible. Even Peeves floated past us, unaware of George poking fun at him. We climbed in through the portrait, the Fat Lady was not one bit amused at our late entry, but didn't bother opening her eyes to put faces to the voices.

The Common Room was deserted. The clock struck midnight. We embraced at the bottom of the stairs and I placed a loving kiss on his lips, "See you in the morning."

George watched as I climbed up the stairs, and I heard him make a move after I was out of sight. Silently opening the door to my dormitory, I expected to be in darkness. Instead I was greeted by Hermione, Parvati, Lavender and Fay who giggled.

"What time do you call this?" Parvati smirked.

"Late night romance with Georgie?" Lavender joked.

Parvati raised her eyebrows, "At least one of us is getting some action."

Fay chuckled, "Where did you go?"

Lavender smiled, "Better question, what did he do to you?"

"Tell us everything." Hermione joined in, "You can't just stand there like an idiot with a dopey grin on your face."

"I'll have you know, he was a perfect gentleman." I tapped my nose mysteriously and clambered into bed, lying awake for ages, replaying everything over and over in my mind.