7th September

"You look far too happy right now." Ron commented as we sat down to breakfast, "It can't be from you opening your birthday presents from the four of us this morning…" he shrugged his shoulders, when Hermione was about to verbalise her disgust at Ron's disapproval at Hermione buying me a load of beautiful stationary, "Harry said you were summoned to old McGonagall's office last night, why did she keep you for so long?"

I beamed, "McGonagall gave me the most wonderful present."

Ginny leaned into me, momentarily ignoring her boyfriend's conversation with Seamus, "Spill, Kit-Kat."

"She gave me a little over an hour with George." I smiled, feeling all warm and gooey inside, "Smuggled him in and gave us her office."

"No way." Ginny was gobsmacked.

Hermione smiled, "Well he certainly seems to have perked you up. I hope you cleaned up after yourselves."

"I do have a shred of self-respect, Granger." I snorted, "Besides, there are far too many opportunities for injury in McGonagall's office."

Ron gagged on his sausage. Harry had to whack him on the back until it dislodged from his throat, Ron looking at the food on his fork and suddenly deciding that he wasn't hungry any more. "Are you sure my brother is the one?"

"Certain." I held up my left hand, the beautiful blue chalcedony ring shining in the light, "He seems pretty certain too, little bro."

He screwed up his face, "Don't ever call me that."

"Why, would you rather I call you handsome?"

Ron went scarlet. Ginny giggled as she and Dean went off together to do whatever it is that they do when alone.

"So Harry," I conveniently changed the topic of conversation, for Ron's sake, of course, "What I really want to know is… what did you get up to last night with Dumbledore?"

He wiggled his eyebrows in a wouldn't you like to know manner, "He showed me a memory of a man called Bob Ogden," he drew us in closer, "he went to Little Hangleton to where Voldemort's mother, Merope Gaunt lived with her father Marvolo and brother Morfin. Marvolo and Morfin are both Parselmouths, direct descendants of Slytherin himself. Pureblood supremacists. Their home was filthy; they were unbelievably poor. Merope was… defeated, I mean, they treated her like -" he paused a shiver ran up his spine, a hint of understanding shared between the two of us, "Morfin had used a jinx against Tom Riddle Sr causing painful hives and Ogden, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, had come to give over the Summons. Tom Riddle Sr then passed on horseback with a girl on the road, and it was obvious that Merope was in love with him and that's why Morfin attacked him. Both Marvolo and Morfin were arrested shortly after and put in Azkaban. Merope used a love potion and married Tom Riddle Sr shortly after. A few months later Tom Riddle Sr reappeared at the family Manor House without his new wife, when she was pregnant with Voldemort."

I raised my eyebrows, "Well that explains a lot. Isn't there something about Love Potions and -"

"It resulted in – well – him." Hermione nodded grimly.

"Is it bad that I feel bad for Voldemort's mum? I mean, she just wanted to be loved, I can at least relate to -"

"You shouldn't say things like that in the earshot of others -" Ron warned.

Harry cleared his throat, "Marvolo was wearing a ring with the Peverell coat of arms on it and Merope had a heavy gold locket around her neck belonging to Slytherin. They seemed to be his prized possessions," Harry speculated, "And do you know what was weird? Dumbledore had the very ring in his office, he got it during the summer, but he didn't tell me how or why…"

"I'm sure you'll find out in good time."

11th September

It was really nerve-wracking in Alchemy today. Hannah was sweating nervous vibes, Ernie was spluttering over his words and I had been called up first.

With my heart pounding in my chest and my hands shaking as I got my notes ready, I had a stern chat with myself. These people are not trying to murder you. In fact, these people will tolerate you. Ginny also said to imagine them naked if I need to. I began talking to the class, loud and confident, even though my insides were telling me to run a mile.

"… even though he was a Pureblood wizard, he didn't like using magic, using it sparingly for the advancement of his studies and worked alongside Muggles for the majority of his career." I also mentioned, "Paracelsus believed in the concept of the four elements, but also introduced the idea of three spiritual substances, the tria prima of mercury, sulphur and salt…" and I went on to explain the link between Paracelsus and toxicology, some of which is still used in medicine today.

The group clapped as I sat down. I felt extremely awkward at all the attention as Mr Junis said, "Well done Miss Pink, truly a well-written piece of work in a succinct and relevant manner. Mr Nott, why don't you follow with your work on Plato?"

"How am I meant to follow that?" he questioned, readying himself to get into position at the front of the room, bewildered. It was evident at the end of class who put effort into their research for the week and who did not. A simple look from Mr Junis told those students that they ought to up their game for the next presentation.

I approached Hannah at the end of class, "You were amazing." I told her.

"I couldn't even speak, Kathryn, I just tried to get through it as quickly as possible. You were the amazing one."

"You just need a little bit of confidence; us girls have got to stick together." I gave her a playful nudge.

She smirked, "Yeah, I think we do. Can we meet up on Wednesday before Transfiguration to practice? I mean, I could do with your help."

"Of course. I'd love to get some more girly time with you." I smiled, "I'll teach you the art of looking like you don't give a shit."

"You wear it so well." She laughed as we parted ways, me to Potions, Hannah to the Hufflepuff Common Room.

13th September

George wrote to me this morning, Freddie has a surprise night out planned in London, and he doesn't have a clue what they're going to do or who they're going to see. Luckily for me, Freddie sent me a few letters, thanks to the use of Owlivia, getting my opinion and ultimate approval for the evenings antics. They were going out for dinner in an American-style diner, just the two of them, then heading for drinks with Ange, Alicia, Toby, Lee and Bernie. I wasn't going to object to many of Freddie's ideas, but it was nice of him to excitedly keep me in the loop, and for me to know not to expect to hear from George too early tomorrow morning.

Luckily for me, I had a packed weekend ahead. I arrived late to breakfast, having managed to get myself stuck on the end of an argument between Lavender and Parvati. It was something ridiculously childish, Lavender thinking she's not pretty enough to get the guy she likes and Parvati forcing me to join in with the 'oh but you could'. Lavender then tried to compare herself to me, and that was the final straw, I told her that she was welcome to my parents. She shut up after that and I made my escape.

"What have I missed?" I slid into the bench beside Harry and smiled.

"Are you going to come with us to Hagrid's after the Quidditch try-outs this morning?" he asked.

I let out a laugh, "Yeah, cause Hagrid will be delighted to see me."

"What happened between you two?"

"If I could verbalise it, 'Mione, I would, but it's just complicated. He took a disliking towards me, and based on who my parents are, they probably did something to him. I've learnt not to be offended."

I served myself a portion of scrambled eggs and sausages and ate, watching the increased attention Harry was receiving. He, too, seemed unnerved by the furtive looks and the compliments from students he'd never spoken too before.

"Oh come on, Harry," Hermione said impatiently, as Harry complained about how long the trials were going to take with extra sign-ups this year, "It's not Quidditch that's popular, it's you. You've never been more interesting and, frankly, you've never been more fanciable."

Ron gagged on a large piece of kipper.

"Everyone knows you've been telling the truth now. The whole wizarding world has had to admit that you were right about Voldemort being back and you have escaped him both times you fought him these last two years. And now they're calling you the 'Chosen One' – well, come on can't you see why people are fascinated by you?"

I smirked and stroked his arm jokingly, "I mean, look at you. That wild mop of hair, as black as a – blackboard?"

"Shove off." He blushed.

"And I mean, with everything that's happened, all the scars, the pain and doing illegal stuff -" I added.

"And it doesn't hurt that you've grown about a foot over the summer, either." Hermione remarked.

"I'm tall," Ron said inconsequentially, "And you can still see were those brains got hold of me in the Ministry, look," he shook back his sleeves.

But Hermione wasn't paying attention to him. He was making a desperate attempt to win her attention. Oh my. Yes, Ronald, Hermione IS a girl.

"What's got that look of revelation on your face?" Hermione asked.

I smirked, "Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies!"

Hermione was giving off that Harry kept the Half-Blood Prince's Advanced Potion-Making textbook, swopping the covers of the old textbook with the new as we walked towards the Quidditch Pitch. Once we took our seats in the stands she then changed the topic to Stan Shunpike's arrest.

"He's a creep anyway. I hope if he is a Death Eater that he won't think he'll have a chance with me."

"Oh yes, I do remember that." She grimaced, before getting distracted, "I wanted to ask where we wouldn't be overheard… Do you know what Dumbledore is doing for the Order?"

I shook my head, "No idea. Harry's the only one who's actually seen him."

"Are you not in contact with him, I mean, aren't you a member of the Order?" she whispered.

"They contact each other in different ways. If there was something they wanted me to know, I'd find out."

Hermione pursed her lips, "I have a bad feeling about how much he's been away… And his hand."

"I know…" I said, I had been thinking the same things, "I doubt he'd confide in me anyway."

"You've always had your ways of finding out information."

"Who's he?" I nodded my head towards the guy talking to Harry.

"Cormac McLaggen?" Hermione cleared her throat in disgust, "A viler boy I've never met."

"You've met Ron, right?"

She scowled, "He's worse."

"Goodness me." I said as we watched Harry conversing with him. He was a domineering character, tall, strong and there were certain attractive qualities about him – the blonde hair with the slight wave that almost dared me to tousle it and the vibrant blue eyes. The position of Keeper was certainly in the lurch for Ron. He swaggered in our direction as Hermione pointedly turned her back to make forced conversation with me.

"Earth to Kathryn?" Hermione snapped her fingers in front of my face, "George would be heartbroken to see you looking at another man."

I furrowed my eyebrows, "Like he doesn't appreciate other attractive women." I cleared my throat, "Besides, he appears to only have eyes for you…"

Hermione's cheeks reddened, realising that he was staring at her, eyes filled with lust, "Help me."

I rolled my eyes, stood and I heard Hermione shriek in terror as I approached him, looking up into his piercing blue eyes and said, "Excuse me, you're in the way." I indicated the view of the students who were desperately trying to fly.

"You don't really need to see, considering you're not trying out." He remarked, looking me up and down, "Isn't the view you're getting not better?" he flexed his muscles and licked his lips.

I raised an eyebrow, "Don't make me vomit."

"You'll regret saying that when I get chosen, I'm a Keeper you know." He winked, and I stared at him unimpressed, "You dated Oliver Wood, am I correct?"

"And does that make you feel like you've got a chance with me?" I scoffed, "My mother would have you for breakfast. You're…" I sniffed, "mediocre. At best." I maintained a resting bitch-face, "I believe I asked you to move?"

"So you can see the Weasley girl and her idiot brother – I mean, no matter how much I'd like to get some of that, I bet she's not that tight down there anymore, with six brothers, I mean -"

I took out my wand and got up all close and threatening in his face, "I'm going to give you three seconds to get out of my sight or so help me, you'll end up in the hospital wing for months and I'll make your life a living hell."

He jumped back a few paces as I continued to stare at him, my wand still in the air. He disappeared into the crowds. Then I focused my attention on the students causing a pile up in the middle of the Quidditch Pitch. Knowing, at least for now, he'd lost – he'd just pissed off the Lestrange kid. Hermione looked as though she wanted to kiss me just in time for a group of fifth years, including Ginny flying around the pitch. I am getting better at controlling my emotions, that was just a lapse. I need to, or I'd end up in Azkaban, or you know… dead.

"Yep, he's a wanker."

She let out a booming laugh.

Three hours passed, my bum was numb and I was beginning to get hungry. Ginny, Katie Bell and Demelza Robins were chosen as the Chasers. Jimmy Peakes and Richie Coote, who had absolutely nothing on Fred and George's Beater skills, were the best of the bunch. Now it was the battle between Ron and Cormac.

Hermione sat in a bundle of nerves beside me. The stadium was fuller than it had been all day with spectators. All the rejected players were watching and a number of people had come down to watch after a late breakfast. As Ron and Cormac flew to opposite goalhoops, the crowd around me roared and jeered in equal measure.

"Good luck!" I heard the shout of Lavender Brown.

Oh Merlin no. What have I done?

As Cormac was on target to save his fifth penalty, I heard a faint whisper from Hermione and Cormac shot off in the wrong direction. Hermione and I looked at each other devilishly. I'd have made him fall off his broom, landing on his oversized knob-head, but this way was more discreet. Shame. Roaring laughter resounded from the crowd as Cormac returned to the ground with an angry thud. Mortified. He thundered off in a strop fit for a five-year-old spouting what I can only imagine to be profanities under his breath.

I caught up with Hermione, who had rushed over to a triumphant Ron, "You did brilliantly!" she congratulated him.

"You were absolutely amazing! I'll be sure to tell Fred and George the great news!"

Ron stood taller, a wide smile on his face, "I thought I was going to miss that fourth penalty -" he mimed saving it.

"Yes, yes, you were magnificent!" Hermione informed him as they started walking towards Hagrid's.

"Look, I'm going to catch up with you guys later…" I felt awkward, "I've letters to write to keep us all alive."

Harry nodded, "This week I told you that Dumbledore was teaching me -"

"How to defend yourself? Got it." I saluted before turning to see Ginny and caught up with her, "Lunch?"

"So long as you don't mind sharing me with Dean?" she took the hand of her boyfriend as we walked up the hill towards the castle again. There was a dampness in the grass, why I decided that wearing a heeled pair of swede boots was a good idea, I'll never know, apart from the fact that they made my legs look good, "Kit-Kat?"

I glanced up from the wet patches on my boots and was met with a look of concern, "Yeah, Dean's not too bad. I mean, he's no George, but I've never wanted to stun him, so -"

"I'll take it as a compliment, then?"

"Definitely!" Ginny smirked, "How come you're not – have you fallen out with -?"

"I think I'm going to interrupt you right there." I held my hand up, "They're visiting their beloved Hagrid and I've some writing to do this afternoon."

Dean chirped up, "Oh? What are you writing?"

I gave a genuine smile, "Complete fiction."

"Like an alternate reality?" he seemed deeply interested, "Cowboys and aliens? Monsters?"

I blinked, "Alternate reality, yes. But there are enough monsters in this world without me adding to them." I said, sitting opposite the couple, feeling so very third-wheel-ish as I served myself some of the chicken and rice dish. I was going to need my strength today. Especially when Cormac McLaggen thinks it's okay to sit next to Ginny, "Excuse me, I don't think it's a very good idea for you to sit there." I said threateningly.

"Oh come on Kit-Kat." Ginny's eyes widened at my change of tone.

"You know, Cormac, Ginny is very accomplished at the Bat-Bogey hex and as for me, I guess you could find out?" I reached down in the general direction of the wand in my pocket.

A glint of fear shot through his eyes, "Erm – maybe we should move?"

"Thought so." I held up my hand and gave a fake smile, "Bub-bye."

Dean was staring at me with his mouth open, chewed up rice about to be added to the drool forming. Ginny blinked in surprise, her fork in mid-air where it had stayed perfectly still, "What was that all about?"

I shook my head, "He just got on the wrong side of me."

"I think he's gotten on the wrong side of everybody, Kat. You don't use the threatening Northern Irish accent on just any old person." She prompted.

"He offended me by offending you. He's darn lucky he's not in St Mungo's from the extent of the damage I held in." I took a deep breath, "You see, that's the difference between me and my mother. Self-control. Well-meaning threats often do the trick, that is, until he slips up and then I'll get him."

Dean swallowed, "I think that serves as my warning."

I smiled sweetly.

"Why is it that I keep finding you alone in the library?" Theodore Nott sat on the chair beside mine, I felt his eyes studying me intently.

I looked up at him, closing my diary very discreetly to contain all the letters and their recipients, "Perhaps I like being alone in the library?"

"You're not starting the alchemy work early, are you?" he laughed, leaning forwards, "I've heard we're all to be in groups of two."

"As there are seven in our class, I'll happily opt out of expecting someone else to do the work that I'll probably edit anyway." I shrugged my shoulders, "Oh gosh, I sounded a lot like Hermione there… I spend wayyyy too much time in her company." I realised how informal I had just been, this wasn't class where conversing with Theo was necessary, this was the library the space where I expect him to ignore my existence, "I'm rambling, and now I'm going to shut up and go." I scooped up my stuff.

"You don't have to." He said simply, but I took my leave, feeling embarrassed. I didn't trust him enough to let my guard down. He's only interested in me because of my name and not who I am. I told myself as I trudged up the steps to the Owlery.

Also, can I just add… Why oh why did I allow my boyfriend to coerce me into naming my owl Owlivia? The more I say it, the more cringe worthy it sounds. Anyway Owlivia was very keen to take the letter to Bellatrix, giving her all the information about Dumbledore, Harry, Hagrid and Hogwarts she wants to hear. I sent a letter to Tonks as well, asking about Dumbledore and why I hadn't heard anything regarding the Order. I also wanted to check in with her and see how she's doing, I worry about her.

I headed down to the Great Hall for some dinner after, where Harry, Ron and Hermione were stuffing their faces like idiots who didn't have lunch before going to Hagrid's where they were subjected to rock cakes. They will never learn, "Hey!"

"Hi…" Ron was the one to respond as I sat down beside him.

"Everything alright?"

He sighed, cutting a piece of roast beef, "Slughorn is having another gathering this evening, they've both been invited and well… I think it's safe to say we both haven't."

"But I've got detention with Snape! I won't be going." Harry argued back with food in his mouth.

"Well Ronald, we've two choices…" I said trying to cheer him up, "We can a) go to the party and watch from a distance or b) go to the kitchens and get late night dessert?" I held my hand on the table and wiggled my fingers.

He smiled at me, "You'd do that, for me?"

I nodded, "I fancy a macaron or two."

"Deal."

Back in the Common Room, Hermione picked up an abandoned Daily Prophet and saw that Arthur had been mentioned, "Don't worry – he's alright!" she quickly assured Ron who was ready to leap out of the chair, "It just says that he's been to visit the Malfoy's house."

She read the article, dictating that it was the second search of the residence and it hasn't yielded any results.

"I bet you my mum is blaming me for that."

"It was my tip-off, remember?" Harry informed us, "I told him at King's Cross about Malfoy and that thing he was trying to get Borgin to fix! Well, if it's not at their house, he must have brought whatever it is to Hogwarts with him -" he looked at me, eyes filled with hope.

I shook my head, "No."

"No what?"

"I don't know and I'm not going to ask." I said firmly, "I quite like a beating heart in my chest, thanks." I tapped above my heart and nodded.

"But Draco -"

I held up my hand, "I need him to trust me, Harry, without him on my side I have no chance. I'm not risking it on a whim, I'm sorry…"

He sat and thought for a minute, the cogs were turning, but he came up with nothing, a defeated look spread upon his face. Our trunks were searched on arrival and our mail is monitored by Filch. There were little options, "D'you think Malfoy -"

"Give it a rest, Harry." Ron snapped, arms folded, he was staring at Lavender.

"Look it's not my fault Slughorn invited Hermione and me to his stupid party, neither of us want to go." Harry said, fired up.

"Well, as I'm not invited to any parties," Ron got to his feet, agitation rippling through his body, "I think I'll go to bed." he stomped off towards the boys' dormitories.

I sat there, "Cheers mate." I gave him the thumbs up behind his back, thinking abot macarons, "Have a good evening, you two. Don't antagonise Snape, Harry. Antagonise that prick for me, Mione?"

16th September

We have double Herbology first thing on Tuesdays, which often involves us getting attacked by some form of plant. This morning was no exception as Harry, Ron, Hermione and I were dealing with Venomous Tentacula, a delightful plant which reminds me how grateful I am to be studying Herbology these next two years. It was green, spiky, toothsome and likes to grab their living prey with their moving vines. Oh, and just to make it all the better, the Venomous Tentacula's venom from its shoots and spikes are deadly. Why are we dealing with them, you ask? Oh, the leaves are particularly valuable.

"Bloody hell!" Ron screeched as the plant nearly got a hold of his backside, "Did you see that?"

Harry stood laughing to himself, "Woah!" he jumped as the plant nearly took a bite out of his thigh.

Hermione and I nodded to each other. I immobilised the plant as she carefully swooped in and cut off a single leaf, as the rest of the vines were otherwise occupied with Harry and Ron as she returned to safety at my side.

McGonagall strode into our class this morning making a beeline for Professor Sprout. I took a step back from the immediate danger of the green attacking monster plant in front of me, finding myself watching the two teachers' movements and their body language. Professor Sprout's face dropped and I saw her swallow some difficult news, her head lowered and nodded.

McGonagall's eyes fell upon mine, expression taut, unreadable. My mind raced with the possibilities, why would she need to see me in class? Why couldn't it wait? She stood in front of me and with great efficiency spoke, "Miss Pink, Miss Abbott I require your presence in my office, please pack up your things."

Hannah and I both shared a wary glance.

"What did you do?" Hermione whispered into my ear.

"Nothing." I said earnestly, "I've literally been on my best behaviour."

Harry's eyes locked onto mine and I shook my head, my books now in my satchel, I swung it over my shoulder as I swiftly made my way to the entrance of the greenhouse where McGonagall stood waiting. Hannah took a little longer and McGonagall seized her opportunity, holding out her hand, giving me a meaningful look.

I took that as my cue. I held her hand discreetly as she said very quickly, "I think Hannah is going to need a female friend."

Hannah and I both walked back towards the castle. I breathed in the scent of the freshly mown grass, as a gentle breeze wafted it to my nostrils.

"What's this all about?" Hannah asked.

I shrugged my shoulders and smirked, "We must be absolutely outstanding in Alchemy or Muggle Studies together."

"Are you still okay to meet up before lunch?"

I smiled, "I'm looking forward to it. I even have some chocolate."

"Oooooh!" she said as we stepped into the castle, starting to climb the Marble Staircase, "I saw you get a small package this morning. Did you get chatting to George last night about their party?"

"You get all the best gossip from Fred. Apparently they had a gathering of all their employees and they all went a little wild. Fred loves a good party, which I have learnt and the two of us suffered massively as a result. George is the far more sensible of the two, not that you'd find that easy to believe. He sent me the chocolate as a consolation for not being very chatty as he lay in bed all of yesterday."

Hannah laughed, "It must have been so much fun living with them, but I suppose we've all got to grow up a little with everything that is going on out there at the minute." She sighed, "I mean, didn't Elouise Midgen's Dad pick her up a few days ago?"

"Yeah, and the Patil twins' parents want them home, too," I said, "Not a chance I'd be dragged out of here, my parents don't care."

"That's not true…" she said.

I gave her a look.

"Well…"

The two of us entered McGonagall's office where she pulled up two seats and gestured for us to sit. Sitting opposite us, she clasped her hands together and directed her attention to Hannah, "I'm dreadfully sorry to be the bearer of bad news Hannah, but I have just been informed that your mother was found dead at home this morning…"

A shiver ran up my spine as I watched as Hannah crumbled right in front of my eyes. Her smile disappeared, staring blankly at McGonagall before her eyes began to well up. She reached out and I held her in my arms as her body shuddered and she let out a howl of pain as the horrible news sank in. I was sitting down with her as though she was a baby, and I rocked her, gently stroking her hair as she poured out her emotions to me, her body shaking as she began to hyperventilate.

"Wh – Wh – What happened?"

"Death eaters -"

"Is Dad okay?" she sat up, panicking even more.

As McGonagall ensured her that her father was alive and well, I pulled Hannah back in close again, rubbing her back, as our teacher said, "Your father wishes to withdraw you from school, he said he will pick you up at 11:30, that should give you time to get your things together. Kathryn can go with you, if you wish?"

Hannah looked at me with watery eyes, her chin wobbling, "Will you?"

"Of course." I nodded, "Oh Hannah, I'm so sorry…"

I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what to say. I just held her in my arms, my eyes meeting Professor McGonagall's, wondering if it was my mother who killed Hannah's. It was an answer that she wasn't able to answer. I tried my best to hold it together, though my heart ached.

"My mum is muggle born – was muggle born -" she shuddered again, "Why her? She was a good person – the best."

"I don't know…" I said. Time passed and Hannah questioned everything surrounding her mother's death, things that I could probably never answer.

I realised now why McGonagall chose me. She wanted me to see this side of the Death Eater's work. The pain, the hurt, the questioning and now Hannah's growing anger. This was meant to hit home for me, this was supposed to give me a wake-up call, to remind me that if I choose them, it's like me deciding that this is okay. But it's not. It's not okay, it's cruel.

"I'd better pack…" Hannah stood up after a short time of quiet reflection, rubbing her eyes, blowing her nose, stretching out her body which had been curled up, "I don't want Dad to be kept waiting…"

"Whenever you're ready."

She linked her arm into mine as we walked the deserted corridors, the rest of Hogwarts' students in classes, our pace steady, dictated by Hannah as we descended the cold marble staircase, and the stairs down to the kitchens. I tapped the barrel two up from the bottom row, in the middle of the second row in the rhythm of 'Helga Hufflepuff'.

"How did you know that?"

"My boyfriend is George Weasley, need I say more?"

She gave me the faintest of smiles as we climbed through the exposed passageway into the Hufflepuff Common Room. The first thing that caught my eye was the honey coloured wooden mantelpiece with carvings of badgers on it, below a portrait of Helga Hufflepuff herself. The room gave off both a warmth and a feeling of comfort that the other three common rooms lacked – the black and yellow sofas were overstuffed, the yellow wall-hangings and the circular windows where rays of the sunlight shone through into the earthy room, not forgetting the numerous plants stored in every nook and cranny. There was a sense of homeliness here.

A number of eyes were on me as I stood a few paces from the entrance, taking everything in whilst trying to be sensitive to Hannah's needs as she grabbed a number of books from the table. I followed as she walked towards a circular door, and we descended further underground past tunnels off to the left and right. Hannah strode automatically along the right hand side tunnel. I counted four identical doors to the left and three to the right as we entered the last room on the left. Inside, five four-poster beds stood with beautiful patchwork quilts of Hufflepuff colours.

Hannah strode to the second bed from the door, sat on the edge and let out a shuddering cry, "I'm never going to see her again…" she cried, "I'm never going to be able to tell her that I love her…"

I kneeled on the wooden floor in front of her, offering her the tissue out of my pocket, "Your mum knows that you love her and I have no doubt in my mind that she loves you so very much." I looked to her bedside table where a copper lamp stood, beside which was a photograph in a frame. It was unmistakably Hannah, "Are these your parents?"

She looked up and nodded, "Yeah, that's mum and dad."

"You look a lot like your mum." I said, "You both have the same gorgeous blonde hair."

"I look a lot like my grandmother," she remarked, though her eyes were filled with tears, they were fully invested in the photograph in my hands, "D'you – D'you reckon -" she choked up on tears again. I gave her a minute to regain her composure as she asked, "D'you reckon I'll be able to see mum before she -?"

I nodded, "I'm sure you could."

After a few steadying breaths Hannah's eyes met mine, "Could you lift out my trunk from under my bed? I'm going to get my things." She walked off towards a block of drawers and wardrobe where she started emptying everything out. Tears streamed from her eyes, so I told her to sit down and direct me. I helped her pack everything in, using the tidying spell to have everything in perfect order. Books, shoes, toiletries, clothes, her own sentimental belongings – the photograph, a blanket from home, a jewellery box, a teddy bear all packed and ready to go.

"Anything else?" I asked as she checked all the places I'd lifted her belongings from, changing into muggle clothing for travelling in.

She shook her head, "Thanks."

"Give me a shout if there's anything we've missed and I'll send it to you."

"I will," she shivered, despite the jumper and coat she had donned, "Dad will be here soon."

I tapped her trunk with my wand and it locked and suspended in the air, following us as we made our way to the entrance hall. Hannah was so focused on keeping it together that she just walked, allowing me to lead her, an arm around her in support.

"We were supposed to meet up…" tears flooded down her cheeks, her arms flung around me, her body hanging with the weight of her grief, as we stood waiting, "I'm sorry…"

"Don't worry," I said soothingly, holding her tight, "You've more important things to concern yourself with."

Mr Abbott and Professor McGonagall strode in through the oak front doors of the castle. Hannah's grip on me loosened as she ran to her father, the two of them shedding more tears together. I bowed my head, swallowing hard. Her father walked towards me to collect her case.

"I'm very sorry for your loss, Mr Abbott." I spoke, "Hannah, if you need anything, I'm always here."

Mr Abbott's eyes reached mine and there was a flicker of recognition. His jaw tightened, "You're the Lestrange girl, aren't you? How dare you come anywhere near my daughter after what your family has done to mine. How dare you offer her words of comfort, when your family are the ones killing innocent Muggle Borns. How dare you -"

"Mr Abbott -" McGonagall began.

I held a hand up to stop her, "It's alright."

"Dad, Kathryn isn't – she doesn't – she's good."

"I won't have you associating with my daughter. You are the daughter of Death Eaters; your blood is the dirty blood." He spat on the floor, centimetres from my feet, "May your family and their associates get the horrible endings they deserve." His hands were clenched as he turned, "Hannah, we're leaving before any more misfortune comes upon our family."

Hannah's eyes were filled with sorrow as she walked away. I shook my head, waving my hands as though it didn't matter. It was the grief talking. His wife has just been murdered.

"You weren't in potions," Hermione said as I sat down beside her at lunch, having been to the owlery to find Owlivia to send a letter to Tonks, "What did Professor McGonagall want you and Hannah for?"

"Oh, I'll have to go to Professor Slughorn to explain -" I rubbed my temples, nursing a headache that arose from the painful amount of grief.

Hermione added, "He already seemed to know… What happened?"

Harry and Ron, who were sitting opposite looked at me expectantly. My head was a swarm of thoughts and feelings that all seemed to go to mulch, "Erm -"

"Kathryn, are you alright? You're looking pale – have you been ill? Is that why you weren't in Potions?" Draco approached the end of the bench where we were sitting and leaned over me, his hand gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze, "What's happened?"

"That's what we're trying to find out, Malfoy." Ron snapped, "Give her some space."

Draco ignored him, reaching forwards he grabbed the pot of tea and poured me a cup, adding a splash of milk, he thrust it into my hands and said, "Look, I know you. I know that look. It's about our family."

My eyes met his and I had to look away. I hated the feeling at the pit of my stomach. I wanted to cry, but couldn't. What I felt was a deep resentful anger towards my own mother. I felt my jaw clench before I said, "Hannah Abbott's mother was murdered."

"Oh no…" Hermione said.

I didn't care about the reactions of anyone else in the group as I stared at Draco, who appeared to be none the wiser about the attack. He swallowed hard, "Is she -?"

"Alright? No, of course she's not. I had to watch as she broke down into a million pieces. How would you feel if your mother was murdered? Her father had a go at me, saying I'm the one with dirty blood, not that I'm going to take any of it to heart. If I find out it was her -"

"What are you going to do about it?"

I raised an eyebrow at him.

"You don't know what I'm capable of."

"But you do know what she can do." he looked over his shoulder, his hand swiftly dropped from its resting place on my shoulder, "Make sure she doesn't do something stupid, think you can manage that Weaselbee? PotHead? Mudblood?" he shot a dirty look at Ron before swaggering back to the Slytherin table.

I scoffed, "He really is an asshole."

"You're telling us." Was Harry's response.

17th September

My beautiful Daughter Katy,

You've already informed us that Dumbledore doesn't appear to be at Hogwarts. We have been sending search teams to find him, but if we catch sight of him, he apparates out of view. Write immediately if you hear anything on his whereabouts. If you do see him, find an excuse to go to his office and question him on what he's doing. What spells has he been teaching Potter? Where has he been going? Is he trying to build an army? Who are his supporters? It is vital that you find out. Use any means necessary.
I'm sure you know about the raid on our home a week back, I had to go into hiding and the Dark Lord was not amused at his security being compromised. I do hope that it wasn't you who was the confidential informant. I know that you were in contact with that red-headed blood traitor. He and his family are the worst sort. Is it true that they all sleep in the same room? I hope you didn't have to live in such squander when you were staying with them. I wish you didn't have to live that way. The thought of it makes me writhe in disgust. Come and stay with me at Christmas? At least then you'll have your own room, good food and people who will treat you with the respect you deserve.
In your next letter, try sending information that is actually helpful. It's like you're not even trying to help us. I'm really disappointed in you. The Dark Lord's patience is getting very thin.

Your loving mother,
Bellatrix Lestrange

"I swear she writes these bloody letters just to get on my wick." I growled, looking down at my breakfast and my felt a surge of anger that filled my belly, "She's f*cking using me and I have to f*cking reply like the good f*cking child I am. F*ck her. F*ck the lot of them."

"Woah, Kat, what's she written?"

I put the letter inside my bag and said, "You'd only want to murder her as much as I do." I yanked my bag from under the table with such rage that the strap snapped in two, "I swear to -"

"Looks like the devil's spawn is angry today, lock up your family cause she's on a rampage." Cormac McLaggen gave a running commentary from his seat about ten persons away from me, "Oh, she's staring at me, I think I can see steam coming out of her ears! She looks so like her mum." He jeered at me, "She's not here to save you now." He said in a baby voice, "Go on, take your wand out, I dare you." he stood and cast a spell with a red light, which I barely dodged.

That's when I saw red mist.

"Kathryn! No!"

I left my wand in my pocket as I launched myself at Cormac McLaggen. The element of surprise was to my advantage as I threw my clenched fist into his face. The contact with my knuckles on his nose saw the crack of bones and the subsequent river of blood as he crashed onto the floor.

"That was for Ginny."

He sprang back up onto his feet, coughed and spat blood into my face, which I roughly wiped away with my sleeve as he grabbed onto my shoulders, pulling me in, trying to overpower me. He actually smiled, thinking he was going to win, his hand grazing my cheek as he took a swipe.

A set of hands forcibly dragged me backwards as I was about to retaliate against the second incoming punch, "Miss Pink!" Snape's voice was deadly as placed me on my feet, but I was trembling with rage, "either of you make one more move," he said slowly and clearly as Cormac attempted to take my legs out from under me, "and you will both be in detention for the rest of the year."

It took all I had not to laugh as I saw a figure appear in the doorway. I felt triumphant. Ecstatic. Over the fricken moon.

"My office. Now." Dumbledore's voice sounded from the entrance to the Great Hall.

Result.