The Path Of Pantheria

Harry anxiously paced his small bedroom as the second hand on his clock crept slowly along. There were only a few minutes left before he would be able to leave the Dursley's for good. Hedwig sat perched on the headboard of his bed, watching as her master kept walking around making sure everything was tucked away in the trunk.

Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when the alarm on his watch beeped. He was now 17 and soon the Weasley's would come for him. Carefully he pushed open his window, wincing slightly when a soft creak come from the wood. He got it all the way open and heard Hedwig let out a quiet hoot. He looked over at her and laughed.

“Ok, Ok. You can go,” He watched as she flew out over the houses, slowly disappearing in the cold night. Something in the shadows caught his eyes, making him poke his head out of the window. He stared hard at it, trying to figure out what was out there. His cousin was asleep; he could still hear him snoring in the next room. It emerged from the dark and Harry had to keep from gasping, it was some huge animal on all fours.

“Sirius?” Harry gasped straining his eyes. The thing slipped in a taller form, a human shape and whoever it was, was wearing a hooded cape. Harry flew back into his room and dove for his wand. Death eaters were here! In his neighborhood! Though he had never cared for Little Whinging but that didn't matter. He raced back to the window and peered out, the figure was still there but now it was looking up at his window. Harry pointed his wand at it and was about to cast a hex when he heard a loud pop from behind him. The figure slipped down into the animal form and took off as if it had heard the noise. He spun around quickly and regretted it, the side of his head smacked hard into his window stifling out a cry of pain.

“Oy Harry you alright?” a familiar amused voice called out. Harry slipped back into the room slowly to see his red haired friend trying really hard to not laugh. Harry rubbed his head and slumped down on his bed.

“Yeah…I'm fine. Thought I saw something out there…wait, what are you doing here? I thought your dad was coming to collect me?” Harry asked looking up at him tiredly. He was overjoyed seeing his friend again but he couldn't get what he had seen outside. Was it really Sirius? If it was why hadn't he just make himself known? He knew exactly why as he sat there thinking about it. If Voldemort or any of the other death eaters knew that he had survived they would make it their one priority to hunt him down.

“Some business going down at the ministry I'm guessing, he asked me to come and get you. And don't worry! I've been practicing!” Ron grinned proudly. Harry had to laugh. He remembered all to well that the last time he had seen Ron try and apparate he had left his eyebrow back in the circle.

“Alright alright, I believe you!” Harry laughed and froze when he heard a bed squeak. Harry quickly scanned his room one more time before shoving the lid down on his trunk.

“So…have you decided what you were gonna do about Grimmauld Place?” Ron asked softly sitting down on the bed. Harry paused and stared at the wall. That was the last thing he wanted to think about. He didn't want to sell it because god knows who would try and buy it. That...and it was from Sirius, he gave it to him to take care of and to live in.

“I don't know…probably live in it once the war is over? I'm not sure…”Harry murmured sitting down next to him. Ron nodded and ran his hand through his hair. To be honest, he wanted to move into a brand new loft with his two best friends. To be away from the wizarding world for a little while at least.

`We should get going now, before we wake up your aunt and uncle…unless…”

“Ron, I really don't think I want face the wrath that is known as your mother if she found out we played a prank on them,” Harry laughed and got up. Ron joined in and made his way over to the trunk. Harry grabbed a hold of Ron's shoulder and without warning he felt the familiar pressure surround his head and nearly fell over when they appeared in front of the Burrow. Before he could even recover someone was grabbing his shoulder from behind and hugged him tightly once he was facing the person who had grabbed him. He felt the bushy hair tickle his nose and he knew on instant who it was. His other best friend Hermione had her arms around his waist in one of her huge hugs and he smiled brightly. Out of everyone, she was the one he missed the most. When his brain finally made up with the rest of his body he finally wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back.

“Oh Harry I missed you!” She cried and moved her arms up and around his neck, allowing his arms to wrap around her tighter. She had grown practically over night, she wasn't that much shorter than him anymore, he could comfortably rest his chin on the top of her head. That and…other parts of her had grown as well he realized when she pressed her body against his. His breath caught in his throat and he tried so hard to not make it obvious that he had just thought about her breasts.

“I…missed you too Hermione…you got taller,” he cleared his throat and took in a deep breath, stopping short when he caught a foreign scent. It was a mixture of vanilla and something softer, almost dense compared to the other, she moved her head a bit and he caught the other scent. It was Lavender…one of his favorite smells…which of course he kept privately to himself.

“It's so good to see you! I know it hasn't been that long but I was so worried about you!” She smiled and pulled away. He was so glad to see her smile like that, relieved that she hadn't caught his nervousness. He looked down at her and that was a mistake. She was wearing the most unHermione thing he had ever seen; it was even more than her Yule ball gown. She had on a tight button up the front dark green shirt that had the first two buttons undone. At his height he could clearly see what definitely had grown. Harry blushed and smiled back at her, glancing up at Ron who was giving him a knowing smirk.

“I'm fine Hermione, really…how is everyone else?” Harry asked trying to not really look at her. She shrugged; completely unfazed with the way he was acting around her.

“Oh they're fine. Professor…I mean Remus is with Tonks doing their rounds like usual…the twins are here as well as all the other Weasley's…except for Percy of course,” Hermione explained. Harry nodded and heard someone cry out from the house. He turned and laughed when he saw not only Mrs. Weasley but also the twins running out of the house towards him. Fred and George got to him first of course and he received two slaps on the back from each of them.

“Harry my boy, we have some thing to talk to you about!” Fred exclaimed grinning hugely at him. That smile made him a bit uneasy. The twins were famous for surprises.

“Oh honestly you two, let the boy have some air! He just got here for Merlin's sake! Harry dear, come inside. You look tired,” she said and began to pull him inside. Harry looked at his friends over his shoulder and caught Hermione looking at him a bit sadly, which was really odd to him. Why would she look sad? She really did worry about him too much. He followed Mrs. Weasley up to Ron's room and collapsed on top of the mattress that they had lain out for him. He must have been as tired as Molly had said because the instant he hit the pillow he was out.

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Her eyes never left him, watching every move he made, every gesture. There was no doubt in her mind anymore. All she would have to do was wait, be patient for a just a little longer. She gripped the rough bark of the tree that hid her when Harry and the red head went back inside the house. She knew he would be safe but worry over rode her, making it near impossible to rest.

An owl hooted overhead and she looked up to see the snowy while owl flutter down on a low tree branch. A small letter clutched in her talons. She grabbed it gently and held up a small piece of sweet bread to the owl's beak.

“Priori Incantatem!” she whispered waving her hand over the letter. A soft green mist billowed out of the letter and she dropped it to the ground quickly. “Deletrius!” She hissed waving her hand above the letter again. The green mist evaporated quickly and she took a deep breath. She looked up at the house again and saw the light where she figured Harry was, go out. He was safe, for now anyway.

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Harry shot up in bed breathing heavily, his entire body was covered in sweat. The dream he had still coursing through his brain. It was the war and the final battle between Harry and Voldemort. Hermione and Ron had fallen but yet, Harry still had hope, knowing that with some miracle, he would beat him for good. Something unforeseen slipped into his very own being and that's when he was pushed out of the dream. He looked around as his breathing began to slowly calm itself.

“Harry?” A soft voice called out from the other side of the door. Harry rubbed his aching forehead and searched for his glasses.

“Come in,” He called out and bent down to scoop up his glasses from the floor. He pulled them on and turned to see Hermione in her nightgown slip into his room. He swallowed hard and tried his hardest to not stare at her.

“Are you alright? I heard you…” She stopped short when she studied his face. She hurried over to him and sat on the bed.

“You heard me?” Harry questioned scratching his head. The dream was pretty intense but he had no idea that he was actually saying anything out loud. She nodded and gently took his hand into her own. They were so small, much to delicate to be fighting next to him in this war. No matter how hard he tried though, she wouldn't let him talk her out of being next to him.

“Yeah…I thought maybe I was hearing things but then you called out my name…I had to see if you were alright…” She whispered her cheeks slightly turning red. He smiled and squeezed her hand. That was his Hermione, always investigating, always running to make sure he was all right.

“I was just dreaming…you and Ron both had fallen. Something happened though, like something entered me and made me stronger…I woke up before I could find out what it was,” He laughed. She nodded her head and moved to sit next to him, their hands still clasped together tightly. He reached over and pulled the covers over her bare legs, not wanting her to get cold.

“You were calling for someone else too…but it wasn't Ron,” she said looking up at him. Harry frowned and tried to recall anyone else who was in his dream. There was no one, only his two best friends.

“I don't know who it could be though. Thank you…for coming in though,” He smiled. She nodded and gave his hand one more squeeze before slipping out of his bed. He held fast onto her hand, he didn't want her to leave. Being alone was the farthest thing on his mind and she was the only person he could handle at that moment. She looked at him over her shoulder as he started to pull her back on the bed.

“Harry, I should go back to my room…”

“ I can't be alone right now…please?” He pleaded knowing full well she wouldn't be able to say no. She cared about him far too much. Which, in a normal circumstance would bother him because she was supposed to be with Ron. At that moment, she was his. She playfully rolled her eyes at him before crawling back under the covers. He wrapped his arms protectively around her and yawned, smiling when he felt her relax against him.

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Chapter 2

Hermione felt something move beside her and at first; she believed it to be Crookshanks. The damned cat thought he was human enough to hog the bed most nights. Then a warm arm circled around her middle and pulled her even closer. Her eyes flew open and she had to fight the urge to push whoever was in her bed away from her.

“Mione…” she heard him mutter and she smiled. She was with Harry of course…now she remembered that she had agreed to stay with him until he had fallen asleep. They were both going to be in huge trouble if they were caught like this. Ron for one would never forgive them, even if it were only a friendly gesture. She rubbed her eyes a little trying to rid the lingering sleep.

“Morning,” he said softly, his breath tickling her ear. She rolled over on her back and smiled. He was watching closely with those intense green eyes of his.

“Morning Harry…we need to get up,” She said and tried to push the covers off of them. Harry once again pulled her close making her laugh. It also made her sad that this is probably the most affection he'd ever received from someone. She knew Cho never wanted much from Harry and Ginny…well she wanted so much from Harry but he couldn't give it to her. In her own guilty world, Hermione was so glad for that.

“We don't have too…” he said softly letting his eyes close.

“Yes we do…come on get up,” she laughed and pushed him on his back making him groan in protest.

“I'll see you down stairs,” She said and climbed off the bed. She heard the bed move and before she could turn around Harry's arms were around her.

“Thank you Hermione,” he whispered and kissed her cheek. She stared at him stunned and just nodded. She opened his door as quietly as she could before closing it behind her.

“What were you doing?” a cold voice called out. She spun around and she could have sworn she heard her heart scream. Ginny leaned against the wall near her own bedroom door, her eyes burning into Hermione's.

“I was talking to Harry…”

“You weren't talking to Harry…you weren't in your bed this morning, you were in his,” she said slowly.

“What is it to you anyway Ginny? He's not your boyfriend anymore,” Hermione groaned walking briskly to the room she shared with her friend. All summer long, well up until Harry got there, Ginny was doing nothing but complaining about her break up. She hated to admit it that Harry did kind of use her and the way he broke up with her was crummy. But it had to be done.

“What did you say? Are you going out with him? What about my brother!” Ginny yelled slamming the door closed once they were both in the room. Hermione spun on her and glared.

“Harry is my best friend and so is Ron, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for either of them! I'm sorry that my closeness with Harry is a threat…”

“You seriously are no threat to me Granger…”

“Granger?!”

“What's going on in here?” Molly said pushing the door open. Her hands were on her hips casting angry stares at both girls. Hermione stood there drawing a blank as to what to say or even explain why Ginny was angry with her. Ginny started to open her mouth to speak but Harry appeared in the hallway behind Molly.

“Mrs. Weasley, Fleur said she needed you down stairs,” he said softly eyeing Ginny over her shoulder.

“Probably about the flowers…you two…I'm not finished talking with you both…” Molly warned before hurrying towards the stairs.

“Harry…you're finally here!” Ginny said happily. Hermione gaped at her and what was even worse was Harry smiled at her, the one smile she only saw when he was truly happy. Hermione rolled her eyes and pushed past Harry.

“Mione wait…” Harry called after her but she kept walking, completely forgetting that she was still in her nightgown.

“Whoa…Hermione,” she stopped in her tracks and saw Ron at the bottom of the stairs staring at her. She frowned and looked at herself nearly screaming.

“Oh damn…”

“Did…you just curse?” Ron snickered receiving a hard smack from her. She ran back down the hall and was relieved to not see Harry in Ginny's room. On the other hand Ginny was on her bed reading some wizard magazine. Hermione quickly grabbed her summer dress and sandals. As she changed she could feel Ginny's eyes burning their way through the back of her head. It was so annoying. There was nothing going on between her and Harry, nothing at all. She didn't understand what the big deal was…maybe she was making just as much of a deal as Ginny was. She grabbed her brush and brushed away the smoothness of her hair, making the bushiness come back. She heard a snicker from behind her. Hermione glanced at herself in the mirror and fought back the urge to through something at her friend. She ran her hands over her hair meanwhile whispering a smoothing charm over it. Grinning as it smoothed down and became silky again.

“Wow…you can actually pass for a girl right now,” Ginny smirked getting off her bed. Hermione whipped around and stormed up to her, pushing her hard on the bed.

“Shut up Ginny. I can take the teasing and the insults from your brother and anyone else…but not you,” Hermione said through clenched teeth. She turned on her heel and walked down stairs, nearly slamming into Harry at the bottom of the stairs.

“Mione…are you…”

“Harry…please stop calling me that,” she said angrily. He looked down at her and nodded, a look of sadness washing over his face. She hadn't meant it that way; she was just in the wrong mood to be called a childish name. In all honesty, she loved the nickname, it was the first, well the only one she liked. Ron called her Hermy…that really annoyed her. Mione…was almost like he was calling her…his.

“Wow…first time I've ever seen you in an actual dress…besides the gown of course but that doesn't really count,” Ron smiled coming up behind Harry. She smiled at him and nodded before moving past them.

“Hermione dear, would you like some breakfast?” Molly asked standing near the stove. She shook her head and looked over at her two friends over her shoulder.

“No thank you, I need to take a walk…” she said kindly. She opened the back door and began walking towards the pond.

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Ron watched her out his window…something was off about her but he dared not ask. She was in one of those moods, kind of like the one when she sent little golden birds to attack him. He had heard Ginny and Hermione fighting earlier but didn't think it was his place to ask. In fact, even Harry was acting weird. He hated it when everyone knew something and he didn't, once again, he was the actual sidekick.

“Hey Ron…you in there?” Ron turned to see Harry poking his head into the room.

“Yeah…you can come in,” he said softly and looked back down at her. More than anything, he wished she could talk to him. Harry moved to stand next to him and looked down at her as well.

“I've been away from you guys for only a few weeks…and I feel like everything has changed,” Harry whispered, quietly sitting down on Ron's bed. Ron frowned and watched him as he pulled on his hair.

“Harry…what are you talking about? You mean with Ginny?”

“Yeah…but not just her… you and Hermione have changed as well…. especially her,” he murmured. Ron looked back down at her and sighed a little. His mind still wanted to believe that she was the annoying little girl that he's always known. But when she showed up only a few days after school ended, she seemed so different.

“I know what you mean…she grew up in a matter of days. She's not the same Hermione,” he laughed softly. Harry nodded and wringed his hands together.

“So…what's going on with you and my sister?” Ron asked crossing his arms over his chest. He loved his baby sister but he did understand why Harry had to do what he did. It wasn't fair, neither was Harry having to be the “Chosen One” but that didn't mean Ginny could act out like a little brat.

“She's a great girl…but…it just can't happen. I'm grateful for the time I had with her but…”

“She wasn't the one for you?” Ron finished for him.

“Yeah…kind of like you and Lavender…except I actually liked Gin,” Harry teased. Ron laughed and felt his face burning. Lavender…that was a mistake. He was just so sick of being left behind even by his own sister.

“I understand Harry…but she'll need some time to get over it,” Ron said clapping Harry on the back.

“Isn't this sweet,” Ginny said from the doorway. Ron snapped his eyes at her and frowned. She had copied what Hermione was wearing but…shorter and showed off things that weren't supposed to be showed off. Harry looked up and was unfazed, for that Ron was actually glad.

“You want something Gin?” Ron asked blinking at her.

“Yeah, Harry…would you like to go on a walk with me?” she asked sweetly. Something that was very, UN Ginny like. He glanced over at Harry who looked like he just realized who Ginny was.

“Um…actually I was wanting to spend time with Herm…”

“Oh like you didn't spend enough time with her last night?” she scoffed crossing her arms across her stomach. Ron jumped and stared at Harry. Please Merlin, let this have been a joke or some exaggeration.

“What? I had a nightmare last night and she came in too check up on me. I didn't want to be alone so she stayed with me…is that a problem?” Harry asked looking confused about both Ron and Ginny. Ron just stared at him, slowly thawing from the shock. Of course, it was only a friendly gesture, nothing more. Harry would never do that to him…he took a deep breath and didn't even realize he'd been holding it.

“…Whatever Harry,” Ginny rolled her eyes and walked away.

“Girls…” Harry muttered, Ron had to agree but he laughed instead.

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So Sorry I didn't make this clearer in the beginning. There are some changes that I made to fit my story.

Dumbledore is not dead. Snape made an attempt at his life but failed. Draco was not involved in that plot.

There are no horcruxes…simply because I have no idea what so ever about those things.

Don't worry, there is something else planned ~winks~

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Harry sat down on the porch steps, watching as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley cleared out the lawn with the twins and Charlie. Bill and Fleur's wedding had been one hectic and long day. First, he had been woken up quite early in the morning and spent the entire day getting ready and sitting around with Ron while Hermione was off with the other girls. The actually ceremony itself was amazing and almost everyone he knew was there. Including Dumbledore and Professor McGonnagal. The party was held at the Burrow as well. It was fun and he even got to dance with Hermione a few times. Ginny of course tried to dance with him but he avoided it every time.

There were only a few more days until he would have to leave the Burrow for Hogwarts. It was their final year and Harry was still trying to grasp that. It hadn't even dawned on him until they had received their letters that morning before wedding. They were to go shopping in Diagon Alley the day after next before they boarded the train. He had no expectations or any clue what was going to happen that year. Or even how long the school year was going to last for that matter.

He glanced behind him as Hermione joined him outside on the porch. She pulled her blanket a bit tighter around herself before sitting down on the stairs with him. Even though it was mid summer it was very cool outside. She looked over at him and gave him a soft smile before turning back to look up at the sky. It was so nice to just sit and be with her. With Ron, he would constantly try to find something to talk about or push Hermione's buttons. With her, she enjoyed silence as much as he did; there was no need for words.

All too soon that silence was broken with a loud clang of the front door. Harry looked over his shoulder to see Ginny coming through the door. Her hair was now pulled up in a tight ponytail but she still had on her bride's maid dress that was a pale yellow simple dress.

“It's nice out,” said Ginny breaking their comfortable silence. Hermione pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them, not saying a word. If he wasn't mistaken, something had happened between the two girls when he first came to the Burrow. Neither of them had been talking to the other after he arrived. Harry simply nodded at Ginny and kept his eyes fixed on the twins chucking things at each other.

“Hey Harry…do you wanna take a walk with me?” Ginny asked softly. He looked up at her couldn't help but give her a look of annoyance. She'd been trying so hard to get him alone. Probably try and make him rethink their break-up. He honestly thought it also had to do with the fact that him and Hermione were together a lot lately.

“Thanks Gin…but I think I'm going to walk around by myself…” He got up rather quickly and headed away from the house. He didn't turn back to look at Ginny, but to see if Hermione was going to follow him. She stayed sitting on the stairs watching him leave. He almost called out for her to follow him but he kept walking by himself. He wrapped his arms across his chest and let out a loud sigh. Why did things have to be so weird? He knew dating Ginny and breaking up with her would cause serious problems. He couldn't be around her; he might give her a slight implication that he wanted to be with her again. And he knew he was the reason for why Ginny and Hermione weren't getting along. It was the same thing that happened with her and Cho. Hermione hated her now. Then of course, there was the growing feeling he had for her. She was constantly in his thoughts and he always felt at ease when she was within arms reach. She knew him better than anyone else he knew; Ron just pretended to be there for Harry. He only ever wanted to talk about Quidditch or anything that wasn't going on at that moment. Ron was so scared of the war and things to come, Harry understood but he wished he could just talk to him at times.

Harry stopped at the small pond and plopped down on the plush grass. The thoughts of Hermione puzzled him even further as he sat there staring up at the sky. There wasn't anything serious there, it wasn't like he actually liked her…or noticed how beautiful she looked. Harry shook his head hard and covered his face with his hands. She was off limits; even thoughts of her were banned. She was clearly Ron's…even if Ron was too thick headed to realize it and ask her out. It would be betrayal beyond relief.

He heard a rustle next to him in the bushes and he jumped up quickly, nearly falling on his face. He fumbled trying to pull his wand out of his back pocket when he heard a soft meow. He frowned and looked around the bush and laughed, feeling incredibly stupid. A small black cat sat near the pond, staring up at him with startling bright green eyes.

“Well hello there…” Harry laughed softly and knelt down. The cat purred loudly as it walked over, nearly jumping onto his lap. He laughed again and sat down on his butt, allowing the cat to curl up on his legs. He ran his fingers slowly along its sleek fur, it's purring slowly calming his over load of thoughts. He rubbed his eyes and lay down on the grass, the cat curling up in a ball on his chest. The next thing he knew, he was asleep.

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Hermione wrapped the blanket around her shoulders as she slipped out of Ginny's room. They had all retired back into the house shortly after Harry had ventured off. She didn't see him come back and was ushered to bed before she could make sure he was inside the house. Remus and Tonks had tried to reassure her that he was in his room asleep and that they had looked around for him. She didn't believe them one bit. It was entirely too quiet in Harry's room. She tapped on Ron's door and didn't get an answer. Gently pushing it open, she poked her head in. Ron was asleep on his back snoring loudly. She shook her head and closed the door. Where was he? As quietly as she could she hurried back down the stairs and down the hall to Harry's room. There was no sound, not even his gentle snores.

“Harry?” She called out softly pushing the door open. His bed was still made; there were no signs at all of him ever being in that room. Panic surged through her as her breathing hitched in her throat. He wasn't in the house; he never came back from his walk.

“Accio Shoes!” She hissed pointing her wand towards Ginny's room. The door opened and her shoes flew to her. She pulled them on and didn't care if she made any noise anymore. She ran down the stairs and tore through the front door.

“Harry!” She called out turning every which way trying to see if he was hiding somewhere. The wind whipped her hair around her face, blocking her view several times. She opened her mouth to call out his name again when she noticed the trees weren't moving. The wind moved around her again, a very familiar scent filling her senses. It nagged at her, almost as if it were pulling her in a certain direction. She didn't wait to go through the files and files of rational thought in her head; she took off in that direction. The wind suddenly died down and left her breathless.

“Lumos!” She whispered pointing her wand out. In front of her she saw a pair of legs sticking out from behind a group of bushes.

“Harry!” she cried and moved to the other side of them to find him laying on his back, snoring. She stopped short and laughed. He'd fallen asleep. She knelt down beside him and gently shook his shoulder.

“Huh?” He groaned and shook his head to wake himself. She smiled softly and grabbed his glasses that had somehow fallen off his face.

“It's ok Harry…you fell asleep,” she said softly, afraid to speak any louder. He cleared his throat as he pulled on his glasses. He looked around as if he were looking for something then leaned back on his hands. She sat down facing him, studying his face under the soft haze of the moon. She had to admit, he had gotten very attractive over the weeks they'd been away from each other. There wasn't much change except for the older look on his face and eyes.

“How long have I been out here?" He asked noticing her light nightgown. She blushed and looked over to where her blanket had been blown off her shoulders. Remembering the soft warm breeze that lead her to him, she glanced back at him.

“Were you dreaming again?” she asked. He nodded briefly and scratched the back of his neck.

“It was different this time…it was only you in my dream and that voice was stronger…” he answered looking down at his feet, wringing his hand together. She bit her lip a little and grabbed his hand.

“What happened?”

“It's just a dream Hermione…it's not real,” he said squeezing her hand a bit.

“Harry… they're recurring dreams…its not a little thing.”

“Why are you so concerned about it?” He asked eyeing her. She took a deep breath and shook her head.

“Because…I don't know how or why…but I think I felt you calling for me,” She answered. Harry gazed at her and squeezed her hand again. She nodded and laughed a little. She knew it would sound weird but that's how it felt, the smell alone was still strong in her mind. He slowly got to his feet and offered her his hand. She took it and stood up, catching that scent again. It had been him, somehow his unconscious mind had called out to her.

“Let's get back to the house…you're probably cold,” he said softly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She shivered slightly, and it wasn't from the chill growing around them.

****

She watched him leave the pond and go back inside the house. The girl next to him leaned against his shoulder and stayed silent. They were very cute together but as she had watched them for the past couple of days, she usually kept her attention on the other boy. She never got a good look at him; he was always looking down or inside. She wanted to study all of them, to make sure they were truly going to protect him. The two adults that claimed to be protecting the grounds were a joke. They weren't, it was their excuse to be alone and have time with each other. She'd been the one protecting Harry, as he lay their sleeping, not them. They never even came that way, only that girl.

She clung to the tree watching as they disappeared into the house and two sets of lights turned off. He was safe…she knew he would return back to the lake to seek out the cat again. She turned away from the house and made her way back to the little cave she'd been living in since following him here. She curled up in a tight ball and sighed heavily before falling asleep.

******

Harry opened his eyes very slowly the next morning, letting his eyes adjust more and more to the sunlight flooding his bedroom. He couldn't remember much of last night, just the soft purr from the strange black cat. Hermione had come for him, that much he knew. She had looked so beautiful last night. He'd never seen her that way but one look at her and he was hooked. There was no going back now. He sat there on his bed staring at the smudged glass of the window.

He heard a crash from downstairs and Harry was out of his room in a flash. Wand clutched in his hand he edged toward the kitchen. Voices came loudly and Harry stopped. He knew them. He lowered his wand and peeked around the corner. Molly and Arthur stood near the stove while Remus and Tonks stood near the door.

“You can not be serious Arthur, letting him go back to Hogwarts is insane!” Tonks shouted. Her once bright pink hair was now a dark red.

“Harry wants and needs to be with his friends, you know this! It's not just Ron and Hermione; his whole class is willing to fight by his side. He's safer at school than locked away at some safe house. That and Harry's been very clear about wanting to stay away from the ministry!” Arthur argued staring at Tonks. Harry stayed glued to his spot. They were arguing about where he should be “placed”. He was glad that Arthur was standing up for him but it pissed him off that they hadn't even asked him what he wanted to do.

“Dammit Arthur, if Snape nearly got to Dumbledore anyone can get to Harry!” Remus shouted standing up. He swayed a bit and had to lean against the table to keep his balance.

“Harry tried to warn you all of that but no one would listen to him! Merlin knows I didn't…no one did,” Arthur sighed heavily and looked over at Molly who was now covering her face a bit.

“We all regret that Arthur…but we have to think of Harry's safety…”

“Remus! You are not the only who can care about the boy! He is going to do what ever he wants to do, you can lock him away he will find somehow out of it,” Arthur interrupted.

“Stop!” Harry heard himself shout, his fingers gripping at the doorframe. All the adults in the room jumped and turned to stare at him. He couldn't stand them fighting, they should be working together, helping him figure a way to end this war.

“Harry dear…we didn't mean for you to hear all of this,” Molly said softly inching towards him. Harry stood his ground and looked between them all.

“But I did…Professor Lupin…I want to go back to school. I don't care what the ministry wants…I'm going back,” Harry stated looking right at him. Remus shook his head and sat back down, running his hands through his hair a few times.

“The ministry feels that you would be safer in a well guarded house,” he said softly. Harry shook his head and leaned against the table.

“No…what the ministry should be doing is getting off their asses and trying to figure out what to do! We all know what I am going to have to do but I can't do it alone. If you want to help me Lupin, really help me. Don't help me because it's what they said is best,” Harry said. Lupin nodded a bit but didn't say anything. Tonks shook her head and her hair slid back into a bright pink shade. Harry nodded and moved between them all to get outside. The fresh air felt soothing against his burning skin. He didn't like the fact that even the adults were arguing about him. He had enough of on his mind already. His last year, what he was going to do afterwards, the war…and of course there was Hermione.

“Just stop it Harry,” He growled at himself. She was off limits, completely. Maybe he just needed someone to talk too. He looked over his shoulder to see Ginny watching him again. That was another thing that was slowly getting to him. Ginny simply had to start understanding there was nothing there anymore. He couldn't hurt her by out right saying it to her face, she was Ron's baby sister and he needed Ron's friendship more than ever. Harry looked back again and she was gone. He drew in an air of breath as he quickly made his way back to the pond. He stopped and looked around when he heard that familiar meow. He smiled and sat down on the grass as the cat ran up to him.

“ I was hoping to find you,” he laughed as his hand stroked its fur. It sat down on his lap and looked up at him.

“I hope you don't run away anytime soon…” Harry smiled and began to talk.

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Harry weaved through the crowded streets of Diagon Alley. He saw Hermione and Ron sitting at a table talking, waiting for him of course. Harry finally reached them and plopped down in the empty chair. He laughed when Ron put a bottle of Butter Beer in front of him. He popped off the cap and downed a few gulps.

“Easy Harry, don't want you tipsy on the train ride to school,” Hermione laughed sipping her own. He snickered and threw his bags with the other ones, which was slowly growing into a heap on a neighboring table.

“You reckon we got everything?” Ron asked looking through one of his bags.

“Probably not, knowing us,” Harry laughed. Hermione rolled her eyes holding up her list proudly. Of course, every item was crossed off.

“Well with the exception of you!” Ron teased. Harry snatched up her list and saw one thing he forgot.

“Damn…forgot my Herbology book,” Harry frowned.

“You better hurry up, we have to be on the train soon,” Hermione warned. “I'll be back,” Harry grumbled preparing himself to make his way all the way back to the book store. It was strange, the year before no one was about. Even more so now he figured people would be trying to hide. He got into the bookstore and quickly bought the book he needed. Wanting to avoid anyone else from his school he slipped out unnoticed. He glanced over the book to make sure no one had written in it. Just as he was about to close it, his shoulder slammed hard into someone. He turned to shout something but stopped. A woman stood before him with the most intense color eyes he had ever seen before…other than his own.

“Harry…” She whispered before she was swallowed up by a gush of people. Harry felt his heart seize up, as she was lost from his sight. He pushed hard through them and dropped his book in the process. That of course didn't register in his mind as he shoved his way between people.

“Wait!” he called out when he saw her run around the corner. He chased after, hoping he would be able to catch her. He turned the corner where she had disappeared and nearly slammed into the brick wall. She couldn't have come back out and run another way, he would have seen her.

“What the hell?” Harry gasped rubbing his forehead. He had seen her…hadn't he? He had run right into her, he heard her say his name…. she was real. But where did she go?

“Harry! You dropped this!” A familiar voice called out from behind him. He snapped his head back to see Cho hurrying over to him, handing him the book. She opened her mouth to say something but Harry cut her off.

“Thanks…I'll see you around,” he said and brushed past her. She called after him but he kept walking. The girls face burning in his mind.

******

“Harry…explain it one more time ok? There's just…something not making sense,” Hermione said slowly. Harry frowned and took his glasses off, rubbing the crook of his nose. He'd spent the better part of an hour explaining and re explaining the girl, the thing outside his window and even the cat that he saw at the Burrow. He didn't want to tell them in town or even at Ron's house. He had waited until they were in the privacy of their little car of the train. Since neither Ron nor Hermione were prefects anymore, they were all sitting together.

“There was a girl in Diagon Alley, I don't know who she was or why she was even there…. but she had eyes like my own…she was real I know it,” Harry explained for what felt like the 100^th time. Neither of them believed him about the girl or any of it. Hell he doubted himself once he said it out loud to them.

“Are you sure it wasn't just a random girl with Green eyes?” Hermione asked.

“I'm sure…. they weren't like any other that I've seen…except for myself and my mother…”

“Then she would have to be related to you in some way and that's not possible Harry.”

“Don't you think I know that? I'm not making this up!” Harry said defensively. For once, he wished his friends would just believe him with no questions asked. For some odd reason, they used to believe him without a hitch when they were younger. With the exception of 4^th year with him and Ron. But this was different…just like the year before when he had tried to warn everyone about Snape.

“Do you think maybe this has to do with…guilt? I mean, the animal outside that you yourself said almost looked like a dog…and now a girl that…” Ron started.

“Sirius died, I know this and I know it's not my fault anymore…this girl has nothing to do with him…She's real…I ran into her, she even called out my name. The cat, the thing outside my window, it's all connected to her somehow…I know it,” Harry explained staring at his two best friends. Only Hermione was looking up at him with disbelief…and that nearly killed him.

“If she knew who you were, why didn't she stop and try to talk to you. Instead she magically disappeared,” she said sharply.

“Maybe she was scared? Or maybe she's an Auror that's been ordered to keep her identity unknown to Harry? We don't know Hermione but I believe Harry…if he ran into this person…she has to be real,” Ron jumped in. Harry nearly pissed himself; he never thought he would hear something that…brilliant out of his mouth.

“What? I have my moments,” Ron snickered but stopped when Hermione made a loud noise in her throat.

“You two don't like what I have to say then stop asking for my advice or what I think!” she snapped. She stood up so quickly it took Harry a minute to see her grabbing for the door.

“Where are you going?' he asked. He didn't mean for her to get all offended but she wasn't seeing what he was saying. She was too damn stubborn and too into the facts that it nearly blinded her at times.

“I don't know, just away from you two,” she retorted. Harry grabbed her hand before she could open the door.

“Why are you acting like this? Did it ever occur to you that maybe I'm telling you the truth? That maybe I'm not crazy? No one believed me last year about Snape, especially you two. Look what happened. Now, you won't believe me about this. Do you have that little faith in me Hermione?” he said through clenched teeth. He was so angry at her…not just her but everyone for not believing him. For always second-guessing, thinking he was just doing it for attention.

“Harry…it's just…hard…”

“What's so hard Hermione? Having faith in your supposed best friend? You and Ron don't have to stand by me! I told you two this before school ended last year! Do you want to know what is really hard? When the two people closest to me won't believe in a word I say until it's too late!” Harry practically screamed. Hermione flinched under his intense glare as she stared up at him, almost as if she was scared of him. He wanted to reach out to comfort her but he was far too angry to do so. As he stared down at her, he heard a muffled sound from behind him. He glanced of his shoulder and held his breath. Ron had his head in hands breathing hard. Like he was trying to fight whatever it was from coming up and out of him. He never imagined seeing Ron, or even Hermione like this. Harry felt as if he couldn't breathe, it was getting to be too much. He had just screamed at the two people he trusted with his own life. He spun around and gripped the handle nearly tearing it open when a hand grabbed his shoulder, pulling him back into the compartment.

“Harry don't go…please,” she pleaded. He took a few deep breaths and didn't move. The numbness was wearing down and he couldn't bear to turn around to see both of them breaking down.

“I'm so sorry…I'm stubborn and can't see past what I haven't seen for myself,” she pleaded with him again, her fingers digging into his shoulder. He slowly looked down at her and felt a wave of guilt slam into him. Her cheeks were flushed and wet from her tears. He gently wiped them with his thumb and nodded.

“I'm sorry too mate…for all the times I doubted you,” Ron said his voice thick and strained. Harry looked down at him next and smiled sympathetically. He'd never in his life thought he'd see Ron cry or even be this upset. This whole war was getting to them, all of them. It was bad when the frustration and anger that was built up comes to be so much; the only person to take it out on is most likely the one you never want to hurt. He sat down next to Ron and sighed, patting his shoulder gently.

“It's ok…just…believe me when I say I'm not crazy…not entirely anyway,” he laughed wrapping his arm around Ron's shoulders. Both of them laughed and the guilt faded way from his heart. Hermione sat on the other side of Harry and nodded messing up both of their hair.

“Not entirely…now that's crazy talk,” Ron grinned.

*******

Draco sat in his compartment staring at the wall. His friends were busy talking of their summer and what their parents had been doing, including things that concerned the “Dark Lord”. He himself had his own interesting summer, one that would stick with him for the rest of his life. After that night, he felt his entire being shaken and change. No one would understand, if anything, his friends wouldn't be fazed by much.

Friends…they weren't his friends. They were kids who wanted only to be around him to be “popular”, to be special. He looked around at them and felt sick. If only they knew what he was thinking they would hop right out of that compartment and find a new leader. He smiled to himself and hoped that would come true.

“I need to take a walk…” He said and got up. He felt someone grab his arm and when he looked back Pansy was giving him a knowing look.

“Would you like some company?” She asked softly. Draco rolled his eyes and shook his arm out of her grasp. That was the last thing he needed. He opened the door and stepped out to the wonderful noise of endless chatter. He would much rather listen to that then the disgusting things his “friends” were talking of. He could hear Ginny's voice erupting into the hall a few compartments down. He slowly walked over and watched her from a distance. She was talking avidly to a friend from her year and he knew just from the gestures she was making, it was about Harry. That girl had it bad for him he mused. He saw a few tears spill down her cheeks and it took everything of his will power to not go in there.

That was something extremely odd. Before school even ended, he had hated anyone who was not in his house. Now he felt sorry for the little red head. He ran his fingers through his hair and quickly walked down the hall. Surprisingly he found an empty room, it was small but it would work. He slid in and cast numerous locking and silencing charms. He desperately needed to be alone to just think about what was going on in his head.

He closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall, remembering everything from the time he knew about the Dark Lord to that summer. All those years wasted on some horrible icon. His father idolized him and feared him. Draco had seen the benefits of being in the Dark Lord's favor; it made him want to throw up. He switched to everything else, all the things that he had seen from other students, especially Potter. He was trapped in something he couldn't avoid since he was a baby. Now everyone who had any dark thoughts would be out to get him. That wasn't right.

So many things would change if he dropped his façade of being the dangerous Slytherin boy and suddenly claiming allegiance to Harry. He would be an outcast to even his family. His mother was terrified of something happening to him…that would definitely be justified if he stayed in the path his father had so lovingly chosen for him. He winced and gripped the bench he was sitting on as the scream filled his ears. He sat up quickly and pressed his head against the wall, he woke up with that sound in his mind. This was not the life he wanted.

“Hi, sorry we missed the trolley, can I have some…” Draco turned his head to see Harry next to the sweets trolley. The only way he would be able to talk to him without being hexed is to get him alone. He waited until the little old lady walked away before grabbing Harry's arm and pulling him in.

“What the…Draco!” Harry exclaimed struggling for his wand.

“Don't bother Harry…I'm not going to do anything…I just…I needed to talk to you about something,” He said rather quickly. Harry stared at him in shock and blinked a few times.

“Um…ok?” he stammered keeping his back plastered to the wall.

“Look, I know you and your friends think I'm vile…and I was. It's hard to believe even for me but…something happened this summer that changed my life,” he said a bit more slowly. He gave Harry a minute to register what he was saying. He stood up a bit straighter and adjusted the candy in his arm.

“So…what are you trying to say Malfoy?” he snapped. Draco sighed and scratched the back of his neck.

“I want to apologize to you and everyone else…but I wanted to start with you. You were the one I was most horrid too,” he said softly sitting back down on the bench. Harry sat down across from him and gawked at him, his mouth slightly open. He was still in shock and who could blame him? Draco and Harry had always been enemies: everyone knew that. And now, they were sitting across from each other and the “evil” one was apologizing for his sins.

“Did I get hit over the head or something? Or is this some kind of prank?” Harry finally said looking towards the door.

“No, it's not a prank.”
“But…why are you apologizing? Aren't your friends going to kill you just for talking with me?” Harry asked confused.

“Probably…but I really don't care at the moment. They're not really my friend's anyway…just people who follow me around. And I'm apologizing because…I'm sick of this, I'm sick of my father and everyone who's with him. I know this is going to sound completely crazy but…I want to fight on your side.”

“You…want to fight with us? Against your father and Voldemort?” Harry asked. Draco flinched a bit at the name but shook it away.

“Yes,” he answered looking straight at him.

“I…don't know what to say Malfoy…I mean, after everything that happened last year, how can you expect me to change my mind about you?”

“I'm not expecting anything, just hoping that soon you'll see I'm being for real,” he replied looking down at his hands. Harry got up and made his way to the door, looking back at him with a strange look on his face.

“I doubt that,” he said through clenched teeth and rushed back to his own compartment. Draco leaned back and sighed heavily. This was going to be a very long year.

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Chapter 5

The trio sat together talking softly with each other of the New Year to come. Hermione was so excited, she wasn't prefect anymore and neither was Ron so that meant they could spend more time together. She was scared that after the year got out they would all separate. Then Harry said the most unexpected thing ever.

“I want all three of us to move in together when we graduate,” he said looking at both of them with a small smile. Hermione just stared at him, not really knowing what to say. Of course she wanted too, even though it would be really awkward living with two boys. She was an only child so she was very much used to her privacy. Not only that, but both boys were tugging at her heart. She loved Ron to death but lately he seemed to be getting even more immature. Harry was a different story all together. The whole time they had been staying at the Burrow seemed so special, like the world was revolving around them. There were times she even thought that maybe he was flirting with her. He was always there, touching her shoulder or her arm very lightly. By the time they boarded the train, she understood exactly why Ginny was so angry with her. She just prayed that Ron didn't notice.

“Of course Harry…I mean, we have to stay near each other,” Ron laughed shoving a chocolate frog in his mouth. Hermione snickered watching the boys shove their faces like little kids. Normally she would have scolded them for that but at the moment, she really didn't care. It was almost cute.

“What do you think Hermione?” Harry asked glancing over at her, laughing as Ron dove to the floor for the scattered Bertie Bott's Beans. She shook her head and thought about it for a brief moment.

“I think it's a great idea…but I get my own bathroom,” she grinned. The boys looked at her and then at each other before cracking up laughing.

“You two are impossible.”

*********

Ginny slammed the door shut behind her and took in a deep breath. Her friends were being so dumb. Telling her that she could have any boy that she wanted if only she would forget about Harry. Did they not realize how hard that was? Harry was the first…ok not the first but she really liked him. She rather liked dating a more popular boy for a change even if that wasn't the whole reason why she “liked” him.

“Hey Ginny, have a nice summer?” Dean Thomas asked walking up to her. She forced a smile on her face and nodded. Could this day get any worse? He opened his mouth to say something else but Ginny turned on her heel, walking briskly down the hall. She came up to an empty compartment and slipped inside, kicking the door hard once it was closed.

“Do you mind?” A cold voice rang out. She spun around and groaned. Draco Malfoy was sitting on the bench with his head back and eyes closed.

“Yeah actually I do. Could you leave so I can be alone?” she snapped. He opened an eye to look at her and laughed, sending chills down her spine.

“Nah, I was here first, find your own compartment,” he said softly. She waited for the oncoming wave of insults to fly out of his mouth. But nothing came; he just sat there with his eyes closed again.

“Are…you feeling alright?” She asked, keeping her back pressed firmly against the door.

“I'm fine Red,” he answered. She rubbed her forehead trying to register the sudden niceness of Draco. This was extremely weird. He wasn't being cold towards her like he usually was. The only thing he was doing was calling her by that annoying nickname Red. She stared at him hard; trying to see the spell that was obviously working it's way through him.

“If you want to sit down, go right ahead. I don't bite,” he muttered. Ginny opened her mouth and nothing came out. What was going on? She wanted to sit next to him and ask him over and over again what was bothering him.

“Um…no thanks…I think I'm going to find my friends…” She said quickly. She opened the door and nearly fell on her face trying to get out of there as quickly as she could. She watched him through the window a bit before running back to her own compartment.

**********

Ron felt something slapping his arm, harder and harder until he finally sat up shouting. His two best friends fell back on the bench laughing hard. He ran his fingers through his hair to make sure they didn't do anything cruel to him.

“Wow…you are really hard to wake up,” Hermione said breathlessly putting her hand on her chest. Ron felt his face burn and looked away.

“I told you! You can punch him and he won't wake up,” Harry snickered and got up, throwing Ron's bag to him. He caught it and rubbed his eyes with his free hand. He must have fallen asleep for the remaining ride. They were talking about moving in together once they had graduated and the next thing he knew, he was getting smacked.

“Ha, Ha, you two are so great,” Ron rolled his eyes and got up yawning. He looked out the window and smiled when he saw the huge lake. They were home, well his second home anyway. He followed his two friends out into the hall and waited for the huge mass of people to move forward.

“Draco! Where have you been?!” He heard Pansy shriek. He craned his head back to see Pansy nearly clobbering Malfoy. To his amazement, Draco gently pushed her away and walked past his buddies. Usually he would push her away and wait for his little gang to follow him out, ready to start bullying around the younger students. He glanced over at Harry; he was watching Draco as well. Something was strange about the way he was looking at him. There wasn't as much hate, as there was curiosity. When Harry had come back from getting the candy he was acting really weird but he didn't want to talk about it. He'd have to drill it out of him once Hermione wasn't around to ask thousands of questions.

The crowd finally moved and he was able to slip out of the train. Taking in a deep breath of the fresh air once his feet hit the ground. Hagrid of course was ushering the first years towards him.

“Ello Ron!” He bellowed waving his huge hand. Ron waved back and waited for the other two to escape the train.

“My god there are too many people,” Hermione gasped nearly falling out of the doorway. Ron caught her and helped her to her feet as they laughed. Harry came flying out next, his glasses all crooked on his nose.

“Yep, the more to torture,” a nearby boy laughed. Ron looked over and saw of group of Slytherin's were already starting to pick on the smaller of the 1^st years. Ron was about to run over and kick them into the lake when Malfoy beat him to it.

“Knock it off will ya?” He snapped pushing one of them away from a little girl cowering against the train. Hagrid stomped over and quickly scooped her up, causing her to scream. Ron covered his mouth to keep from laughing. The poor girl had no idea what was going on.

“She was only a first year Draco! Come on, it was funny!” the boy laughed playfully pushing one of his friends. Draco glared down at him and shook his head.

“Yeah, hopefully she'll be able to kick your ass later,” Draco muttered side glancing at Hermione before stomping away. Ron frowned and watched him leave. Everyone was watching.

“There is something definitely off about him,” Harry said shaking his head.

“His mum and daddy probably didn't get him what he wanted this summer,” Hermione laughed, “Come on, let's get in the coaches.” Ron tried looking for his sister but figured she was all right. He caught up with Hermione and Harry and climbed up into the coach.

“Our last year…” he heard Hermione whisper softly. He glanced over at her and had to smile. He had to agree with Harry, she changed so much in that short span that they had been apart. It was their final year; he was going to gain some courage to ask her out…even if it killed him.

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Hey Guys!

Thanks for the great reviews! Here are two small chapters for you guys and one large chapter to come soon!

Sandy

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Chapter 6

“Welcome to Hogwarts! For some of you, it will be your last, which I am very sad to see you go…No matter. There are several announcements I would like to make…” Dumbledore's soft voice rang out. Harry was so relieved to see that the old Professor was looking much better than he had when they left before summer. Hermione sat across from him and like usual; there were tears in her eyes as she listened to him talk about the same exact things they'd heard year after year. He looked over at the teacher's table and saw a few seats empty. Hagrid's was usually empty seeing as he was always late to the welcoming feast. Snape's chair looked particularly eerie sitting there unattended too.

“Due to past events, our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is no longer here, his spot will momentarily taken by Professor Avian Legosi. He'll be arriving in the next few days from Spain.”

Great, another new teacher to break in and say farewell too at the end of the year. All the same old faces were there, even Professor Slughorn much to his dismay. He'd have to look up different excuses to get away from him this year. He rubbed his face with his hand when he heard gasps erupt all around him. He nearly jumped up ready for whatever it was when Ron grabbed his arm.

“Oh god…not another one…” Harry quickly looked up at Dumbledore trying to figure out what just happened.

“The Samhain Ball, or the Fall Ball, will be held on Halloween. It is strictly only for 6^th and 7^th years. No one younger is allowed to attend. More information on that when it comes closer. I believe that is enough chatter for one evening. Let the feast begin,” He said with a smile and waved his hand as the food appeared before them.

“I can't believe there's going to be another dance!” Hermione said excitedly grabbing a biscuit. Ron's face had drained of all color and pushed away his plate. Harry wanted to smack him. He had nothing to worry about, all he had to do was ask Hermione and she would say yes. Part of him really hoped that he would chicken out again but then he didn't, he couldn't bear to see that look of disappointment on her face. There were plenty of girls who were dying to be seen with the "The Chosen One. It was rubbish. The one he wanted was sitting right across from him.

“Who are you going to ask Harry?” Parvati Patil asked a few seat down from him. They had gone to the Yule Ball together, only because he'd waited to long to ask Cho.

“Uh, give me a month and then ask me,” Harry laughed shoving his face full of potatoes. He could sense her staring at him but he didn't bother to look. He was still trying his hardest to not give Ginny any ideas that he wanted to get back with her.

“I can't wait to go dress shopping again,” Hermione laughed and turned bright red when everyone stared at her.

“Oh shut up,” she muttered looking down. It was so unlike her to act…well like a girl. It didn't help that her two best friends were guys.

Dinner went along smoothly, everyone was eager to catch up with old friends rather than eat. After they were finished the 7^th years went on ahead past the Prefects to their dorms.

“Well boys, I will see you two in the morning. It's so great to be back,” Hermione smiled before giving each of them a warm hug. Both of them watched her go up to her room and waited for her to disappear completely.

“Yeah…bright and early for Mcgonagall's class,” Ron shuddered stomping up the steps.

“At least we don't have old Sluggie like the Ravenclaws do,” Seamus smirked starting to unpack his trunk. Harry laughed, crawling up on his bed. He lay down on his back and closed his eyes, listening to his friends talk.

********

“Hermione! Oh god please no!” his voice was so distant, so far away as he watched her frail body slump to the ground. Ron collapsed down on the ground next to her, screaming for her wake up. Harry's legs didn't want to move, they were rooted to the spot. He had to get to them before he killed Ron as well. He saw another flash of green erupt from the darkness, hitting Ron square in the chest.

“No!” Harry screamed, his body finally free from whatever force was holding him back. He fell to the ground and screamed over and over again. He was too late, he was always too late. They died because he was unable to move, too scared to even try and kill him.

“Harry…” it was that voice again. So soft it was almost playing with his senses. He heard it again, this time stronger and much closer. It was empowering him, pushing him to stand on his feet.

“Kill him…” it whispered again, rolling along his skin.

“I can't…”

“You have no choice…”

“I don't want this!”

“You have to end this now! Believe Harry, kill him for us. We love you,” the voice was no longer a whisper but a clear sound unlike any he had heard before.

“Don't bother listening to her Harry…she's feeding you lies. Succumb to me…it's your only choice,” He hissed at him in the darkness. Harry felt cold all over the warmth the soft voice had provided him was seeping away, weakening him. Suddenly he felt two strong hands grabbing his face and turning him away from his two dead friends and the dark.

“Harry you have to believe!” the voice yelled at him, showering him with light and warmth. He opened his eyes slowly and saw eyes that were much his own. “I believe in you,” she whispered.

Harry shot up in bed, his breath coming out ragged and short. It was the same dream over and over again. Only this time he saw her. It really was his mother all this time. She was trying to help him, make him stronger with his dreams. They always left him feeling weak and strained, like he was really there. Who knows, maybe he was and she was testing him. Harry pushed the covers off his legs and slipped off the bed. There was no way he was going to be able to sleep now. He watched his best friend with envy as he snored away.

“Jerk,” Harry muttered and walked over to the windowsill, sitting down and leaning against the cold pane. Usually when he would have dreams like this, it meant something. He wasn't seeing into Voldemort's head anymore or anyone else that he was aware of. Something on the ground moved catching Harry's eye. Must be an Auror doing their rounds. Harry was about to look away when the thing sprinted off towards the forest. He pressed his face against the glass and watched as it disappeared into the trees. What the hell was that? That couldn't have been an Auror…They don't run like that and they surely wouldn't go into the forest alone and at night.

“Harry? You alright mate?” Ron's groggy voice came from his corner of the room. He glanced over to see his friend sitting up and rubbing his face.

“Yeah…couldn't sleep…you?”

“I heard something…you should try to get some sleep,” Ron yawned lying back down. Before Harry could say anything Ron was out, back to snoring loudly. Harry shook his head and laughed. He didn't know how he could though, the dream would come back for sure and that thing running across the courtyard. He sighed heavily and leaned back against the window.

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Chapter 7

She was going to kill them. First she would scream at them until they cried and then kill them. She over slept, on the first day! She swerved quickly through the halls trying to reach McGonagall's class before she was extremely late. She had woken up with a start nearly screaming when she saw the clock. The girls in her room snickered as she tore her side of the room apart trying to get ready. The boys probably figured that she was already there waiting for them. They should have known that they were going to walk together on the first day.

“Oh god I am so sorry!” Hermione yelped as she collided right into someone while turning the corner. Her books clattered to floor as well as the other persons.

“You clumsy little mud blood!” Pansy's voice screeched out. Hermione stifled a groan and pushed her hair behind her ears. This day was just getting better and better. She bent down and handed Pansy one of her books but she slapped her hand away, sending the book flying down the hall.

“You're making me late to my class!” She yelled pushing Hermione out of the way. She gasped and fell back, hitting her wrist on the stone floor.

“I was only trying to help!” she winced rubbing her wrist.

“I don't need help from disgusting little rats like you Granger,” Pansy hissed snatching up the last of her books.

“At least I'm not pathetic like you and trying to get some greasy haired ferret to like me,” Hermione muttered.

“How dare you!” She screamed flinging her wand out right at Hermione's chest. Hermione had only a second to register what was happening when a red spark flew out of the end of Pansy's wand. A strong hand grabbed her arm and yanked her out of the way just before it would have hit her. Her heart was pounding to so fast she didn't even look up to see who had grabbed her.

“What the hell do you think you're doing!” he shouted pulling Hermione behind him.

“She insulted you…and you're mad at me?” Pansy said confused. Hermione snapped out of the daze and pulled away to see who was shielding her.

“You tried to curse her Pansy, that doesn't justify her calling me a ferret, especially when it's the truth,” Draco said staring at Pansy. Hermione felt sick, she was so confused. Draco was sticking up for her, he was protecting her from Pansy…his girlfriend.

“….are you feeling alright Draco? You're helping the same person who you've helped pick on for the past 6 years!”

“Things change, and so do people. Just get out of here, go!” Draco yelled. Pansy stared at him hurt before walking quickly away from them. Hermione backed away from him quickly, wondering if he was just playing and was really waiting for Pansy to leave.

“Are you ok?” He asked turning to look at her. Hermione didn't know what to say, she just stood there staring at him. There wasn't the usual sneer on his face but a look of genuine caring.

“Yeah…I think so…what was that all about?” she managed to say. He shrugged his shoulders and rubbed the back of his neck.

“She's always been a bit off her rocker,” he said softly.

“No I mean you…you actually helped me.”

“I know. I've changed…and things are going to be different from now on.”

“Are you serious?” She asked staring at him in shock. This was not Draco Malfoy…he had to be under the Imperious Curse or something. Someone was making him act differently.

“Very…I'm so sorry for the things that I did to you and put you through. It may not mean much to you right now, but hopefully soon you'll see how serious I am,” He said looking dead into her eyes. Hermione swallowed and felt herself relax a bit. Was this why Harry had been acting weird on the train?

“Hermione! There you are! Are you alright?” Harry asked running up to her. Hermione jumped when she heard his voice and nodded, trying to calm her nerves.

“Pansy attacked her,” Draco said stepping away from them a bit. Harry looked up at him and glared. He wrapped his arms protectively around her waist and pulled her closer to him. She of course didn't mind, it was rare that she got to be this close to him for no reason.

“Just stay away from her Malfoy,” he threatened before pulling her away quickly. She glanced over at her shoulder at Draco for a moment, still trying to figure out whether or not he was telling the truth. She leaned against Harry as they walked, feeling a lot better now.

“We got so worried when you didn't show up, Professor McGonagall had us come and look for you,” He said softly slowing down his pace. She nodded a bit and kept her eyes down, concentrating on what Draco had said and the expressions on his face. When Viktor had been entranced his eyes had been glazed over. Draco's were clear and seemed so determined.

“Did he do anything to you?” He stopped walking and looked down at her.

“No…I was running late and I ran into Pansy, quite literally actually. She tried to curse me but Draco pulled me out of the way,” she replied finally looking up at him.

“He was telling the truth?” He asked looking just as shocked as she felt earlier.

“Yeah…for once…come on let's just get to class,” she said quickly and grabbed his arm, pulling him along.

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Chapter 8

This time he knew he saw her. His face was plastered to the window of his dorm when he saw a dark figure run into the forest. It wasn't a Dementor and it moved to quickly to be one of the Aurors. The first time he saw her was on the first night that they had been there. He'd been having trouble sleeping and usually would sit by the window to watch what was going on outside the grounds. First he thought it was a cat, maybe even the same one from The Burrow but then it turned to a person running full speed into the forest. It was the same thing he'd seen outside his window and hopefully, the same girl he'd seen in Diagon Alley.

He had seen this same figure running into the forest for several nights and now, he was going to find out for himself what was going on. He slipped out of bed and pulled on his sneakers. He drew back the curtains and listened for the snores of his fellow classmates. Harry almost wanted to wake up Ron to come with, but when he confronted this girl he knew he had to be alone. As quietly as he could he opened his trunk and pulled out his invisibility cloak.

Once checking to make sure his bunkmates were still asleep he pulled on the cloak and quickly stepped the door. He was free. Well as free as he could be at the moment. He flew down the hall, not caring what noise he made. He couldn't be seen and as far as he knew, no one would be able to detect him like Professor Moody had. He stopped at the stairs and took a deep breath waiting for it to change into the position that was easiest. It only took a minute and he was flying down the stairs, nearly taking three stairs at a time. He skidded to a stop when the Aurors came into view. He recognized most of them; they'd all been introduced on the first night. He pressed his back against the wall until the coast was clear. He knew of several doors that would lead outside other than the massive castle door. One of which was on the other side of the castle but the closest to the forest. Quickly and quietly he walked across the way and set off in a run again once there.

After minutes of sneaking and running around though the castle grounds he was outside. The stiff air clung onto his skin. He rolled his eyes at the sudden change of weather. First it was chilly and now it was hot. He caught his breath and made his way into the forest, his ears on guard. He couldn't really see but once he was inside deep enough he would turn on some light to guide him. He glanced out at the trees and tried to figure out which way he had seen her go. It had taken too much time just getting out there. He bit his lip and decided to just go with his gut. He hid behind a tree once “inside” the forest and threw off his cloak, shoving it into his pocket.

“Lumos!” he whispered and light shot out of his wand. Harry looked around a few times trying to see which way he should take. If he were going to hide he would go as deep into the forest as it would allow. As he walked around bushes and avoiding areas he could fall into, he was now in an area he recognized almost too well. It still haunted his dreams at times. The lake shimmered in front of him and he could hear the sounds of him and Hermione fighting to save themselves and Sirius from the Dementors. He knew he should keep moving but he couldn't. His eyes stayed locked on the spot where his God Father had once laid.

“Nox!” he said softly as he made his way to the spot. He knelt down and took a deep breath to keep the grief from spilling out of him. He never had time to properly think or even grieve for Sirius. He closed his eyes and he could hear the conversation he had with Sirius that night. He wanted so much to be able to move in with him and get to know who he was and more about his parents. There was a cold chill in the air but his mind was too deep in memories to notice it. He took in a deep breath and gasped, it was almost unbearably cold now. His eyes flew open and in front of him two Dementors were slowly gliding towards him. At first he thought it was still a memory when one of them started to move faster.

“Oh god,” he muttered and tried to move but something was holding him there. He heard a twig snap behind him and his heart lept up into his throat.. Whatever was holding him down let go and he spun to take off running. His leg slipped between two rocks and fell, hearing a sick pop from his ankle. He cried out in pain and tried to free his leg. His other hand went for his pocket and pulled out his wand as one of the Dementors flew right at him.

“Expect…” He tried to shout but something large jumped out in front of him. The Dementors hesitated; almost acting scared of whatever it was in front of him.

“Expecto Patronum!” the person shouted thrusting out their hand towards the Dementors. A silver mist poured out of their palm and it quickly changed into a great cat. It let out a roar as it tore after them, chasing them into the forest. Harry held his breath and tried to not move, not wanting to bring any attention to him. The person in front of him waited, probably to make sure that they were gone for sure. Harry couldn't see anything once they had turned around, the hood of their cape hid too much of their face. After what seemed like hours, they finally pushed back the hood and Harry gasped loudly. It was the same girl he had seen in Diagon Alley…there was no mistaking those eyes.

“Are you alright Harry?” She asked. He stared at her puzzled. She was American. He felt his head nod as she scooped up his wand. She knelt down next to him and handed it to him. He took it from her and gazed up into her face.

“Who are you?” he asked softly. She ignored his question and effortlessly freed his leg from the rocks. Her hand slowly waved over his broken ankle and he could feel it press back into place. He winced at the slight pain but he could move it, like it had never happened.

“You have to get back to the castle before they come back,” she whispered looking around. It was his turn to ignore her. He caught her eyes and blinked. Her pupils were slit, almost like a snakes…but he knew that was wrong.

“Harry, come on. You have to get out of here, now!” she ordered pulling him up to his feet. He finally shook his head out of the dazed state and stared hard at her.

“Not until you tell me who you are first,” he countered.

“Not now, there are too many things here that might over hear. You are not safe out here, go!” She hissed pushing him gently away from her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him.

“Please…tell me your name…something,” He pleaded. She sighed heavily and looked around again before whispering close to his ear.

“Airial. Now go!” Harry didn't need to be told again. He turned on his heel and took off in a run. He glanced over his shoulder only to see that she had disappeared. He swung the cloak over his head and took off towards the castle. His heart thudded in his ears as he ran all the way back up to the common room. It seemed to have only taken him a minute. He collapsed onto the couch and breathed heavily. She was real, she was real he kept saying over and over again inside his head. There was still so much to know about her before he could make any decisions whether or not she was there to protect him. He glanced over at one of the tables, snatching up the piece of paper and quill that had been forgotten by its previous owner.

Who are you? Why have you been following me? You have to tell me, please?

Harry

He read over it several times before folding it and shoving it into his pocket. He only had to wait a bit longer.

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Airial paced around the small cave that she was now called home. Wringing her hands together as she walked in the same circle over and over again. It was an extremely bad idea that Harry was seen in the forest. The Dementors were not the only creatures waiting in the dark. There were others planning something. She just couldn't get close enough to hear them clearly. It had to do with Harry though, that she was sure on. She peeked through a small crack between the entrance and the wall. The sun was out; it didn't make things any safer.

A flutter of wings caught her attention along with the familiar scratch on the stone wall. She pushed the large stone out of the way to see Harry's owl sitting on the low branch she usually sat at.

“Hello Hedwig,” she said softly and offered her a piece of sweet bread. The bird nipped at it as it she held up her talon. There was a note attached to it and it was for her. She stared at it in disbelief, taking it with shaky hands. She read it quickly before throwing it in the fire inside the cave. She knew if she didn't answer him right away, he would come looking for her again. She slipped back into the cave and grabbed up a small piece of paper, scratched her answer on it with her quill before handing it back to the owl. She watched as she flew up into the sky, waiting for her to disappear out of her sight before slipping back into the cave.

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Harry couldn't sit still for the entire day. During lessons he'd been staring off into space so much that only a hard poke from either Ron or Hermione would pull him out of his thoughts. By the time lunch came he was so anxious that he was wringing his hands together. Hedwig should have brought the response to him by now. Ron sat across from them talking non-stop about the usual, Quidditch and lessons. Hermione had her nose stuck in a book and was being unusually quiet. He kept glancing over at her and he would catch her blushing slightly.

“I wonder if mum is going to send my dress robes again,” Ron mumbled pushing his plate to the side. Harry had to laugh, remembering all to well Ron's lovely mishap their 4^th year.

“Probably, or you could let me or Harry help you out as an early birthday present,” Hermione piped in her eyes never leaving her book.

“Nah…I'll settle for whatever my mum can find I guess. Besides, Dumbledore said it wasn't going to be as formal as last time,” Ron muttered again side glancing at Hermione. Harry could feel his smile disappear as he watched his friends look at each other. Ron was going to ask her and there was nothing Harry could do about it. He had admitted to himself about his feelings for her and made a promise to himself that he would not interfere. He couldn't help but feel that jealousy creeping inside of him, rearing its ugly head. The dance was still far away but everyone seemed to be getting dates in advanced. Well everyone except him…again.

He heard the swish of wings and his jerked up towards the window to see dozens of birds soaring in. Harry nervously searched for his own; finally he saw her glide in. She swooped around a few times, teasing him almost before landing on his shoulder. She dropped a piece of paper into his hand and took off again.

“Oy! Ruddy bird!” Ron screeched trying to bat Pigwidgon away from his head. Harry's hand shook as he opened the note, making sure neither of his friends was looking he quickly read it.

Go to the Hut outside the forest. Follow the cat.

Harry bit his lip and shoved the note into his pocket. He gathered up his stuff and said a quick good bye to Ron and Hermione. He ran up to the Gryffindor common room and then to his own. He dropped his stuff onto his bed and hastily pulled his invisibility cloak out of the trunk. He glanced out the window and tried to see if there really was a cat out there. He took in a deep breath as he took off again, only stopping to put the cloak over himself.

Harry got about half way to the hut when he stopped so fast he nearly fell on his face. Ron and Hermione were walking close together and talking quietly. Harry almost revealed himself to attack his best friend when he heard a small meow. His head snapped towards the hut and covered his mouth to keep from laughing. It was the same cat that he'd spent days with at the Burrow. It looked up near his direction and began to walk into the forest behind the hut. Harry gave a fleeting look back at his friends and took a deep breath before following the cat. He knew this cat was related to the girl somehow, he just couldn't figure out how. Harry kept his cloak on firmly as he tried to keep up. He blinked and the cat was suddenly gone. There were no sounds except for an occasional cricket or chirp from a bird. After a few moments he pulled off the cloak and shoved it in his pocket.

“Hello?” He called out, wincing when his voice echoed.

“Hello Harry,” He jumped as Airial came out from behind a tree. She had on her cloak that nearly hid her entirely. Harry stared at her, not knowing what to do or say. She smiled a little at him and took a step closer.

“It's ok…I'm not going to hurt you,” she said softly.

“Who are you?” he asked taking a cautious step away from her.

“We can't talk here, those things are still roaming around,” she said and started running further into the woods. It took Harry a moment to realize that she was no longer in front of him. He snapped out of it and chased after. He almost lost her a few times but she always came back into his view. She stopped suddenly and grabbed his arm, pulling him through a thick wall of hanging vines.

“What?”

“Centaurs,” she whispered pointing towards the hill across from them. Harry opened his mouth to say he couldn't see them when a group of them came around it. Harry closed his mouth and tried to not move as they stalked past them. Airial grabbed his arm and gently pulled him through the vines again. She held a finger to her mouth and led him past the lake, to a part of the forest he had never been too before.

She stopped finally and looked around before waving her hand in front of a large rock. Harry jumped slightly when it moved to the side. She gestured for him to go in first, her eyes still scanning the trees. Harry swallowed and slipped through the passage. It was too dark for him to see, he tried to move but ended up falling on his butt. Airial finally stepped inside and closed up the opening.

“Incendio!” he heard her say and an inch away from his leg a fire erupted. Harry yelped and scrambled away from it before his leg caught on fire. He glanced around realizing that this was where she was living. He wondered where she had come from, what all did she leave behind.

Airial pulled off her cloak and draped it on top of her bed made of leaves, sighing a little that caught Harry's attention. As she moved about Harry was able to look at her closely. She was most likely the same height as he was and her hair seemed to be the same color. It was much neater than his own; falling to her waist in smooth waves. Everything about her was so different from anyone he'd known. Her eyes especially which he noticed were still slit, it was not his imagination. As he watched her move about the cave, the thought came to him again and he forced it out, it was impossible.

“Um…where'd…where did the cat go?” Harry asked looking around. She knelt down across the fire from him and smiled; Harry's heart stopped with a dead halt. Like the rest of her, her teeth weren't normal. Her canines were longer than they normally should have been, almost like a cat's would be. Harry jumped up to his feet and suddenly she was in front of him.

“Wait…you have to let me explain,” she said quickly holding her hands out to grab his arms.

“You're an animangus aren't you?!” His stomach flipped, he knew if he didn't get air soon he was going to be sick.

“In a way yes. I was what you saw outside your house that night…”

“And the cat that I talked too to at my friends?” He asked his voice shaking. She opened her mouth to speak but nodded instead. Harry let out a cry and grabbed her roughly by the arms, shoving her against the wall. His entire body was shaking so violently his breath was coming out ragged.

“You're a spy aren't you!” He screamed in her face, pushing her harder into the dirt wall.

“No! Harry…” she cried out gasping a bit as some dirt rained down on them. They stared each other in the eyes for what seemed like forever before he pushed away from her, letting her fall to the ground. He turned away from her and pulled on his hair. He'd come out there willingly and now, she was going to kill him. She'd changed herself somehow to play with his mind, to think she was somehow related to him.

“I'm not what you think I am,” she said slowly. He turned to look at her and felt sick. She was crouched on the floor digging her fingers into the ground. He wanted to say he was sorry a hundred times but his brain was still screaming at him that it was trap.

“Then what are you? Who are you!” He shouted. She looked down at her hands and grabbed a bag that was near the door. She pulled something out of it and held it up to him. He snatched it out of her hands and swallowed hard. He unfolded the first one, which turned out to be a picture. He felt his heart swell when he saw his mother holding him in her bed. She'd just giving birth but she looked so happy. He was about to put it down when his dad came into the picture carrying something. His smile faded rather quickly when James turned around holding another baby. Harry covered his mouth and slumped down to the ground.

“What the hell is this?!” He demanded looking at her. She nodded with her head at the letter and stayed quiet. He put the picture down gently and slowly unfolded it. He let out a groan once he recognized the handwriting.

Dearest Airial,

There isn't enough paper in the world for what I need to tell you or let you know how much you were loved. I know you feel out of place in your home…and there is a reason for that. You may have read about me…or heard of me in some way. I do hope that you have heard that I have been claimed innocent now…and come to trust that what I am about to tell you is completely the truth. I was named your godfather before you were even born…you and your twin brother. You are not alone Airial, you have a brother who needs your help desperately. I am sure you have heard of them, but you are a Potter.

Everyone knew that Lily was pregnant, but no one knew that she was about to give birth to two children who would come to save our wizarding world. Your real parents went into hiding while she was pregnant with you and your brother. I'm sure you know about Lord Voldemort and how Harry, your brother, survived the deadly curse. There is more to the story than anyone will let on. While Lily and James were in hiding you both showed extreme power, power that no one has ever witnessed. Before you turned one, they found homes that would separate you two until it was safe. You were to go to the family that was in America and your brother was to go to Ireland. The day before your parents were killed you were taken, the next day was to be Harry's. Peter Pettigrew threw away years of friendship when he gave location of where your parents were hiding. While everyone grew to know all about the Boy Who Lived, you were in America not knowing who your family really was. I am so sorry that I have not been able to bring you two together sooner. Thanks to Harry though, I am a free man and will come for you at the end of your fifth year.

I know this is so much for you take in or even believe for that matter. Please believe me when I say that you real parents, Lily and James Potter, loved you with all their heart.

Harry does not know of you yet, I ask you to please wait until I have spoken to him about this. But I must ask of you a promise, if I do not come for you, please find a way to him. Only you can protect him.

Love Always,

Sirius Black

Harry read the letter over and over again until all the words started to blur together. She really was his sister, someone of his own blood. He could feel her staring at him and when he looked up at her he was right. She looked almost scared of him and what he might do next. He had no words to say to her, he didn't even know what he was feeling at the moment. It angered him that Sirius didn't tell him about her, that he was killed before he could bring them together. Airial got up and slowly moved next to him, still keeping her distance as she sat down.

“My parents…the ones I've been living with anyway, they weren't even going to tell me. Sirius sent that to me the summer before my fifth year and I didn't find it until this past summer. They tried to deny it of course…but I found a picture of you and I just knew. I packed the things that I needed and had to come and find you. When we ran into each other at Diagon Alley, and I was able to really look at you, it erased all my doubts,” she explained softly. Harry nodded thinking of how different things would have been if Airial had come his fifth year. She would have fought with him at the Ministry and probably would have believed him about Snape.

“So…what do we do now?” he asked looking over at her. She sat there in silence for a few moments before looking back at him.

“You'll go back to school and only come and see me when you can be alone. Send word for me through Hedwig,” she said staring into the fire.

“How do you know my owl?” he asked surprised.

“When I found you, she flew right up to me with a letter for you. There was a spell attached to it. The both of us made sure you didn't receive any mail that could have been tampered with. She's a smart bird,” She smiled. Harry laughed and agreed with her. Even if Airial hadn't been there, he knew his owl would only bring him mail from his friends and Hogwarts.

“How come you didn't just come to me? Instead you hid yourself…” he asked pulling his legs up to his chest.

“Because no one can know about me Harry. No one knows that I even exist. If he found out who I was, he could try to get to you through me. It's just best if I stay hidden as long as I can.”

“Come with me to Hogwarts, Dumbledore can protect you!” Harry pleaded. Now that he knew who she was, he couldn't bare the thought of her living in the forest alone.

“I can't, I'm not the only one who's been watching you. The Centaurs are doing what they can to keep whatever it is here in the woods. If I stay here, I can try to figure out what they are planning,” she explained. Harry sighed in frustration, wringing his hands together. Not only did this war keep him from having a normal life, now he couldn't even be with his sister unless it was hidden. Though he did understand why.

“When can I see you next?” Harry asked. She smiled at him and reached over to rub his arm gently.

“Soon Harry, I promise. You can write to me, just be careful of who may read over your shoulder,” she got to her feet and Harry could feel the sudden loneliness slam into him. It was strange; he had never noticed that emptiness deep in his chest. Being around her and knowing she would be close seemed to help the ache but it wasn't enough. He looked up to see her knelt down in front of him.

“Don't worry Harry, we have plenty of time to be together. If you need to see me or just want to talk. Send for me ok?” she said softly placing her hands on his shoulders. He nodded and slowly got up, his gut still wanting to make him sit back down. He was about to tell her how glad he was that she had found him when she practically flung herself on him. Giving him one of the biggest hugs he had ever gotten. He instantly wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her back. He didn't want to let go; he was so scared that if went back to the castle she would leave.

“Come on, let's get you back before someone's notices,” she said a bit shakily. She nodded towards the pocket that held his cloak and before he even blinked, she had slipped into her animal form but a larger version of the small house cat. He pulled the cloak out and wrapped himself in it.

As they walked through the forest his mind buzzed with all the things he had learned merely in an hour. He still had Sirius's letter deep in his front pocket. As soon as he got back to his room, he would read it again. There had to be more to his, especially about his parents wanting to keep them separated. Before he wanted it too, the edge of the woods came into view.

“I don't want to go back,” Harry whispered. He knew all too well that both his friends would question him the minute they saw him. He would have no answer for them. And even if he did, he doubted that he would talk bout his sister just yet. He had to get used this all and let it sink in before he could really talk about it.

“I know, but you must Harry,” the great cat growled. Harry nodded and continued walking until he was next to Hagrid's Hut. When he looked back she was already gone but she wasn't too far, that thought alone comforted him.

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