Author Word Addict CHAPTER 1 Blossom Field, Essex: “Ugh… I have to wait two more weeks for my Hogwart’s letter that’s such a long time Cam” Kiara whined as she flopped on the couch beside Camellia. Camellia laughed at Kiara’s whining “I used to whine the same way when Azalea used to go to Hogwarts and I had to wait to turn eleven.” “Hogwarts sounds so much fun. Making new friends, learning practically about magic, brewing potions, making your life time besties, meeting a variety of people and magical creatures and spending a complete magical era of seven years of your life” Kiara said in a dreamy voice. “Well you forgot an important thing in that list” Camellia said. “And what is that?” Kiara asked raising her brow. “Finding the love of your life” Camellia said. “Yeah that too, but right now I’m too young to add it on my list for now” Kiara said. “Well love has no age” Camellia said wiggling her brows. “So clingy of you Cam” Kiara said rolling her eyes. “You know what with a personality like you you’ll definitely be dating by the end of second year” Camellia said. “You have complete faith in me for that, don’t you?” Kiara asked raising her brow. “Yup” Camellia replied popping up the ‘p’. “You know what we should do today” Kiara said. “What?” Camellia asked. “We should have a chocolate ice-cream party” Kiara said grinning ear to ear. “You just read my mind Kiara” Camellia said. Kiara and Camellia had more of a sister relationship than a mother daughter relationship. But they liked it that way though at times Kiara felt an absence of a motherly figure she never admitted it to Camellia. As for Camellia she felt as if she’s talking to Azalea when she talked to Kiara. -------- Somewhere in between a lake; 31st July: Harry had been brought by the Dursleys on a stranded island in the middle of nowhere. In a few seconds it would be his 11th birthday. The family is sleeping, with Harry on the cold, dirt floor. He has drawn a birthday cake which reads, Happy Birthday Harry. Harry looks at Dudley's watch, which beeps 12:00. “Make a wish Harry” he tells himself and blows the dirt flames. Suddenly, the door thumps. Harry jumps. The door thumps again and Dudley and Harry jump up and back away. Petunia and Vernon appear, Vernon with a gun. The door bangs again and then cracks open, and a giant man appears. Harry meets a huge man whose name is Rubeus Hagrid. He is the gamekeeper and keeper of keys of Hogwarts. He informed Harry that he was a wizard and so were his parents and he had been lied by the Dursleys all his life. “Ooh, we're a bit behind schedule. Best be off. Unless you'd rather stay, of course. Hmm?” Hagrid asked. Harry just grinned in reply he would go anywhere where there aren’t any Dursleys. “Ok Harry we have to pick up someone else as well so shall we go?” Hagrid asked. “Yeah sure” Harry agreed and with the two of them left. -------- Blossom Field, Essex: The next morning Kiara woke up early as usual. She was never the type of girl who dozed off for hours and hours. She took a quick shower and dressed up to head down for breakfast. “Good morning Cam” Kiara greeted as she descended the last stair. “Good morning Kiara” she greeted back. Kiara then went to the coffee machine to make herself coffee. She loved coffee like anything “I hope Hogwarts provides coffee every morning” Kiara said taking a sip of coffee from her mug. “Yeah it does. It did at my time” Camellia said. Then the door bell rang. “Now who might this be?” she asked walking to the door. “Hagrid!” she exclaimed “come in” she said standing aside from the doorway. Hagrid entered with Harry at his heels. “Hello Camellia do you recognize him?” Hagrid asked pointing at Harry but before she could answer Kiara spoke up. “Who is it Cam?” Kiara asked appearing from the kitchen door frame. Harry suddenly found the gray-blue eyes and chocolate brown hair familiar. Even Kiara recognized the emerald green eyes she missed so much. “Kiara” “Harry” The two of them said together and laughed and without thinking they hugged they felt warmth in the hug. “How are you?” Kiara asked after they released from the warm hug. “I’m good what about you?” Harry asked with a huge grin. “I’m good as well” she replied with the same huge grin. “Harry Potter” Camellia said. “I’m Camellia Silvers, Kiara’s godmother and one of your mother’s close friend” she introduced. “It’s nice meeting you” Harry said with a smile. “You look so much like your father. Except for your eyes; you have your mother’s eyes” Camellia said. Harry smiled at the comparison made to his parents. “Hello Kiara. My name is Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper and keeper of keys of Hogwarts” Hagrid introduced. “Hello Hagrid it’s nice meeting you” she greeted with a smile. “So I have something for you” he said bringing out a letter from his pocket. “Is this what I think it is?” Kiara asked with wide eyes. “Yes I must say it is” he said. Kiara took the letter and read it her smile grew wider if it was possible “I’M GOING TO HOGWARTS!!” she yelled making Hagrid, Camellia and Harry laugh. “So Kiara come along it’s my duty to take you and Harry to Diagon Alley to buy your school supplies” Hagrid said. Kiara looked at Camellia for a reply “go along” she said. Kiara smiled “I’ll go wear my shoes and join you” Kiara said. She rushed upstairs and came back within two minutes. “Let’s go shall we?” Hagrid asked. “Yes” Kiara replied with a smile. “Bye Cam” she said hugging Camellia. “Bye Kiara have fun” Camellia said and with that Harry, Hagrid and Kiara left for Diagon Alley. -------- Metro Train: “So Harry how was your life all these years?” Kiara asked sitting beside him with Hagrid opposite to them who was occupying two seats. “Pathetic" Harry replied "I live with my Muggle aunt and her family. They are the Dursleys. They treat me like a slave, all this years I had never been told that I belonged to a magical world. They even lied about my parents’ death saying that they died in a car crash. I just came to know a few hours ago that I’m a wizard” he explained. “That’s a horrible lot of childhood” Kiara said with wide eyes when Harry told her how the Dursleys treat him. Kiara felt bad for Harry. “Well guess I’ll have a better one now. So tell me about your childhood” Harry said. “Well as you know I live my godmother Camellia. We have more of a sister relationship. She is an excellent guardian but to be honest I at times feel my mother’s emptiness” Kiara said. “Why what happened to her?” Harry asked. “Well she died the day your parents died…” Kiara began. Kiara narrated him the whole story about the night of Halloween. “Who killed them?” Harry asked after hearing the story. Even Hagrid was listening. “Voldemort” Kiara said but was shushed by Hagrid. “Don’t say that name” he said but Kiara ignored him. “What about your father?” Harry asked. “Well I never knew my father. All I know that he never loved me or my mother and left us in the time we needed him the most” Kiara said. “Just after hearing this much I started loathing him and I’m not even interested to learn about a man who never showed interest in his own family” Kiara said in disgust. “Seems like we both had an awful lot of childhood” Harry said. “Guess life works with all these ups and downs” Kiara said. “Well now enough of griefs talk” she said. “So Harry you came to know about wizarding world yesterday but you might have got a sign that you’re different from others… you know?” Kiara asked. “Yeah it was once I kept a cup of milk to heat in oven. Mr. Dursley’s sister Aunt Marge had come to my house she was insulting me. I got really angry and the oven got set on fire out of nowhere” Harry said and laughed a little and was joined by Kiara. “Ok Harry and Kiara so here we are in London” Hagrid said. Harry went through his list and then said “Hagrid do you think we’ll find all this stuff in London?” Harry asked in confusion. “If you know where to go” Hagrid replied with a smile. After a long time they reached in a pub called ‘The Leaky Cauldron.’ A barkeeper asks “Ah Hagrid the usual I presume?” “No Tom” Hagrid replies. “I’m on official Hogwarts business today. Just helping young Harry and Kiara buy their school stuff.” “Bless my soul it’s Harry Potter and Kiara Silvers” the bartender said. After that sentence Harry and Kiara were greeted by a numerous wizards and witches. They also met a Hogwarts Professor “Harry P-potter; Kia-ra Silv-ers. C-can't tell you how pleased I am to meet you two” he said. “Hello, Professor. I didn't see you there. Harry Kiara, this is Professor Quirrell. He'll be your Defense against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts” Hagrid introduced. Kiara felt bad vibes around him. “Oh, nice to meet you” Harry says. “F-fearfully fascinating subject n-not that you two need it, e-eh, Potter? Silvers? Hehehe” Quirrell said. “Yes, well, must be going now. Lots to buy” Hagrid says. “Good bye” Harry and Kiara say together. “He gives bad vibes don’t you think?” Kiara asks Harry in a whisper. “Yeah a little” Harry agrees. Then Hagrid stops in front of a brick wall. He tapped the wall with his umbrella the bricks moved away creating an archway. -------- Diagon Alley: “Welcome Harry and Kiara to Diagon Alley” Hagrid said smiling at kid’s jaw-dropping reaction. “Here's where you'll get your quills and ink, and over there all your bits and bobs for doing your wizardry” Hagrid said as the three of them walked down the lane. “But Hagrid how I’m supposed to pay for all this I don’t have any money” Harry asks. “Well there’s your money Harry” Hagrid said pointing to a tall white building with a dragon figure on top of it. “Gringotts, the Wizard Bank. It is considered to be the safest place in the wizarding world. There are all sorts of charms and enchantments on the vaults to avoid theft or something” Kiara explained to Harry. “Right you are Kiara. You’re just as witty as your mother” Hagrid said making Kiara smile. The three of them walk inside the bank. They see lots of tiny creatures working there. “Kiara what exactly are these?” Harry asked. “They are goblins Harry” Kiara replied. “Clever as they are goblins but not the friendliest of beasts. Best stick close to me both of you” Hagrid said. Harry and Kiara sticks to Hagrid. “Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Kiara wish to make a withdrawal” Hagrid tells a goblin. “And do they have their keys?” the goblin asked eyeing the two kids. “Oh yes” Kiara said fishing a key out of her pocket. “Got it here somewhere” he said searching for the Harry’s key “Hah. Here's the little devil” he said handing in the key “Oh, and there's something else as well. Professor Dumbledore gave me this. It's about you-know-what in vault you-know-which” he said handing the goblin an envelope. “Very well” the goblin said. “I’ll have someone take you to the three vaults. Griphook” the goblin called out to another goblin named Griphook. The three of them followed Griphook the three of them climbed a trolley. Griphook went first then Hagrid followed by Harry; he walked in then turned around giving a hand to Kiara. “Thanks” Kiara said smiling and got in the cart. They rolled down in speed through the tracks. “Vault 687” he said stopping in front of the vault. The three of them got out of the cart and the goblin unlocked the door revealing stacks of coins. “Didn't think your mum and dad would leave you with nothing, now did you?” Hagrid asked smiling at Harry. Harry walked inside followed by Kiara “what are these?” Harry asked looking at the coins. Kiara picked up three different coins in her palm and walked to Harry “This Harry” Kiara said holding a gold coin in front of him “is a galleon. It’s like a Muggle 500” she explained. “And this” she said putting down the gold coin and picking up a silver one “is a sickle. It’s like a Muggle 100” she said. “And this one” she said keeping down the silver one and picking up the bronze coin “is a knut. Not n-u-t nut” she said. “K-n-u-t knut” she said laughing making Harry laugh as well “It’s like a Muggle 10” she said. “Got it?” she asked. “Yeah” Harry replied smiling. Then he picked up a little money and they left Harry’s vault and went to Kiara’s vault. “Vault 512” Griphook announced. Kiara’s vault was as filled as Harry’s vault she picked up some money and placed it in a pouch. Then they reached the last vault “Vault 713” the goblin said. He slides finger down the door. The vault opens to expose a small white stone package. Hagrid hurries in and scoops it up. The eerie light it was shining with disappears. “Best not mention it” Hagrid said keeping the packet in his pocket earning a nod from Harry and Kiara. After leaving Gringotts they buy all the school supplies which included cauldrons, some brass scales, potion ingredients and robes. Then they went to a book store ‘Flourish and Blotts’ where Hagrid had to drag Kiara out of the store which made Harry laugh. “We still need… a wand” Harry said going through the list. “A wand” Hagrid said “Well, you'll want Ollivander's. No place better. Run along there, but wait. I just got one more thing I got to do. Won't be long” Hagrid said. Harry and Kiara nodded and went to the Ollivander’s alone. Harry opened the door and let Kiara in first earning a smile and thanks from her. Kiara was happy seeing that her long-lost best friend was being a gentleman to her throughout the day. “Hello?” Harry said closing the door behind them. “Mr. Ollivander?” Kiara asked softly when Harry got no response. “I wondered when I’d be seeing you Mr. Potter and Miss Silvers. It seems only yesterday that both of your parents bought their first wands” Ollivander said appearing out of nowhere. He walked closer to the kids “you two look so much like your parents" he said eyeing them up and down. "So ladies first shall we?” he asked getting a nod from Harry and shrug from Kiara. He then picks out wand and hands it to Kiara which does not work for her. She tried nearly fifteen wands and none worked for her. Then Ollivander walked inside the shop. “Am I even a witch?” Kiara asked Harry eyeing the pile of wands she used. “Yes you are and that to a witty one” Harry replied. Kiara smiled brightly at him and had a strange feeling in her stomach at the compliment he gave her but she chose to ignore it. Then Ollivander came with a wand “here Miss Silvers” he said handing her a beautiful wand. As soon as Kiara took the wand a white light came out of the wand which turned into two small white butterflies fluttering around Kiara making her laugh. Harry thought that Kiara’s laugh sounded so much angelic and she looked so beautiful to him just like an angel. “Kiara Silvers, you know the wand chooses its owner and no wand happens to be the same” he said making Kiara look at him. “And this wand 13' unicorn tail hair, rowan wand happens to be one of the most special and oldest wands I ever made and it chose you” he said. “Sir, why is this wand special?” Kiara asked curiously tilting her head. “This wand consists of the purest wand core and wand wood. This wand for made for the purest heart of the wizarding world which happens to be you” he said pointing at her “the purity lies within your soul” he said. Kiara was stunned by these words. Then it was Harry’s turn even he tried many wands and the wand which chose him happens to be the brother wand of Voldemort. Then the two of them exited the shop with their wands. “Harry Kiara over here!” they heard Hagrid’s voice and saw him holding two owl cages. Harry and Kiara shared a look. “Hagrid you didn’t have to” they said together when they reached him. “Oh of course I had to. Happy birthday Harry” he said. “Today is your birthday?” Kiara asked with wide eyes earning a nod from Harry. “I’m sorry I didn’t know or I would have given you some gift” she blurted out. Harry smiled at the girl and took her hand in his making warmth rush in his body through the contact and Kiara’s body as well “It doesn’t matter. I met my best friend after such a long time. I couldn’t have a better birthday gift” he said making her smile. “Well if you say” she said and gave him a hug “happy birthday my best friend” she said in the hug. Harry hugged her back wrapping his arms around her thin body. Kiara was smaller than Harry and reached to his collar-bone. They pulled apart from the hug but still had their arms around each other. “Thank you” Harry said looking in her beautiful gray-blue eyes which he never forgot over the ten years. Kiara looked him back in his emerald green eyes which she had loved and missed desperately over the same 10 years. “As much as I would hate to spoil the lovely moment but we are getting late” Hagrid said eyeing the two kids with a smile. The two of them blushed slightly and pulled away “well this is for you Harry” he said handing him a snow white owl whom he named Hedwig. “And this one’s your Kiara your early birthday present” he said handing her a barn owl. “Thank you Hagrid. This means a lot” she said taking the cage making Hagrid smile. Kiara looked in the owl’s eye. “When’s your birthday?” Harry asked. “18thAugust” she replied then looked at the owl “I think I’ll name Casper. You like the name?” she asked the owl earning a hoot as if he was saying yes making Kiara laugh. Then the three of them returned back to their homes after the long and wonderful day. Harry couldn’t stop thinking about Kiara even when he was going to sleep and neither could Kiara stop thinking about him all night. author Word Addict CHAPTER 2 King’s Cross Station; 1st September, 1991: Camellia parked the car in the parking lot. “I’ll bring the trolley” Camellia said after she got out of the car. Kiara nodded and got out of the car as well. She went to the boot of the car and pulled out the trunk while Camellia arrived with the trolley. They carefully put all the stuff and Casper’s cage on it. They walked to platform nine. “Platform 9 ¾?” Kiara asked raising her brow when she saw the ticket. “Of course we live in a magical world where anything is possible. I bet it’s a hidden platform so the Muggles can’t see it, am I right Cam?” she asked Camellia. “You are so witty Kiara” she said smiling at the young girl. “And yes you are right” she said. “So how do we get there?” she asks. “Follow me” she said and Kiara did as she was told then stop in front of a brick wall. “Ok now you have to run in this wall between platforms nine and ten” she said. “Ok” Kiara said. “Shall we?” she asked her godmother earning a nod from her. The two ladies ran through the wall and appeared on platform 9 ¾. “Wow” Kiara said earning a chuckle from Camellia. “Ok time for departure young lady” Camellia said. “As much as I am excited to go to Hogwarts but I’m gonna miss you a lot” Kiara said hugging Camellia. “I’m gonna miss you too Kiara” she said hugging back her little goddaughter. “You are a wonderful and witty witch Kiara and I have full faith that Azalea would be so proud of you” she told her in the hug. “I’ll write you every week” Kiara said. “Well I’ll wait for your letter. Now let’s board your trunk shall we?” Camellia asked earning a nod from Kiara. Once the luggage was boarded Kiara turned to Camellia and gave her a final hug. “I’ll see you at Christmas Cam” Kiara said. “Sure you will” Camellia said and kissed Kiara’s forehead. They bid goodbye and Kiara got on the train. Once the train started moving Kiara thought to change in her school robes first she went to the girl’s lavatory and changed. She then went to find a compartment to herself. She had a Herbology book so she wouldn’t be bored if she didn’t found a friendly compartment. She then saw the trolley lady standing in front of a compartment. That compartment happened to be Harry and Ron’s which was now filled with sweets Harry had just bought. The trolley lady was about to walk past when she saw the girl. “Anything sweet for you dear?” she asked. Kiara walked to her and was visible to the boys through the glass. Harry recognized Kiara immediately but Ron didn’t know who she was. Kiara hadn’t noticed the boys yet. “A chocolate bar please” Kiara spoke in a sweet voice. Harry thought he just heard an angel speak he couldn’t take her eyes of Kiara’s beautiful appearance. Ron happened to notice Harry stare at Kiara and smirked. “That would be ten knuts dear” she said. “Thank you” she said handing her the money with a smile “Ms…” she trailed off hoping the woman to tell her name. “Goodness I’ve been working on this train for more than a hundred years and no one ever bothered to ask my name” she said. “That’s horrible I’m sorry to hear that” Kiara said to the old woman with a sad face. “Anyways what is your name ma’am?” asked Kiara softly with a smile. “Well I have happened to have forgotten my own name for never being able to tell it to anyone” the lady said. Kiara’s eyes widened “I’m sorry to hear that” she said. The old lady smiled at the young girl “who are you young child? Never in my working years have I come across a kind girl like you.” “My name is Kiara Silvers” she replied with a smile. “And this was nothing I believe that you must deserve respect and kindness because you serve little children like us making us happy and content with the sweets.” “You are an angel little girl” she said. “Here take this” she said handing another chocolate bar for her kindness. “It’s a gift of kindness for my little angel if you don’t mind me calling you that” she said. “Not at all. I don’t mind. You can call me whatever you want. And thank you for the chocolate and as for addressing you can I call you Granny if you don’t mind?” she asked. “Not at all dear I’m blessed today to meet a girl like you. As for now I have to go and work. I’ll see you later little angel” she said walking past her and patting her head. “See you later as well Granny” she said smiling. Harry was impressed by Kiara’s immense kindness and so was Ron. Kiara then turns and spots Harry with the other boy she didn’t know. “Harry” she said. “Hey Kiara” he greeted back. “Can I sit here?” she asked pointing on a seat in front of him. “Of course you can” Harry said and Ron nodded. “Thank you” she said and sat down placing the book and chocolates beside her. “What’s your name?” she asked the ginger-head boy. “Ron Weasley” he introduced. “I’m Kiara Silvers” she introduced. “I know I heard you talking to the trolley witch” Ron said. The train ride went by eating and chatting. Ron told Harry about the sweets. Like Bertie Bott’s beans and chocolate frogs while Kiara read her book though she listened to every word of them and also took little parts in the conversations. “Hey I got Dumbledore” Harry said eyeing the card he got. “I’ve got about six of him” Ron said. “Hey he’s gone!” Harry exclaimed. “Well you can’t expect him to hang around all day do you?” Ron asked in a matter-of-fact tone. “Harry the wizarding pictures and paintings are different. They have the ability to move and go from one picture to another” she explained kindly knowing that Harry is not familiar about the whereabouts of the wizarding world. Harry nodded at Kiara with a smile. Harry appreciated the fact that he got an amazing friend like Kiara who understood him well and was helping him to become used to the wizarding world since the day he met her in Diagon Alley. “This is Scabbers, by the way, pathetic, isn't he?” Ron asked. “Just a little bit” Harry replied. “Don’t say that” Kiara told to Ron. “He can’t even speak for himself unlike us” she said. “You are one of your kind you know that?” Ron asked her surprised he defended his rat. Kiara shrugged “Might be” she said shrugging with a smile. “Fred gave me a spell to turn him yellow. Want to see?” Ron asked taking out his wand. Kiara raised her brow in confusion of never coming across the spell to turn rats yellow. But Harry replied enthusiastically “Yeah!” wanting to see magic. Ron clears his throat and was about to chant the spell but was cut off by another girl who approached on the doorway “Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost one” she asked. “No sorry we haven’t” Kiara said while the boys shook her head. She smiled at the girl seeing her in school robes and a book in her hand then she saw Ron with the wand. “Oh are you doing magic? Let’s see then…” she said. Ron cleared her throat “sunshine daisies butter mellow turn this stupid fat rat yellow” he said pointing the wand at Scabbers a yellow light shot out of the wand scaring the rat. The rat ran away spilling a pumpkin pasty on the floor. Ron looks at Harry who merely shrugs while Kiara shares a look with the girl. Then Kiara shakes her head. She pulls out her wand to clean the mess but the girl spoke up. “Are you sure that’s a real spell. It’s not very good is it?” she comments. “Oh are you doing a spell as well?” she asks seeing a wand in Kiara’s hand. “I’m just cleaning that mess” Kiara said pointing the spilled pasty “SCOURGIFY” she chants. The pasty clears itself leaving a clear floor “better” she says satisfied. Harry and Ron stare at the spot with wide eyes while Hermione smiles at the girl “That was great. I’ve tried a few simple spell myself” she said getting inside the compartment “for example” she said pointing her wand at Harry’s glass “OCULUS REPARO” she said and the tape fixing the glass rips of leaving the glasses repaired. “That was brilliant” Kiara compliments the girl with a smile. “Thanks” she smiles back at Kiara then she notices Harry’s scar. “Holy cricket” she says “you’re Harry Potter. I’m Hermione Granger” she introduces. “Nice to meet you Hermione I’m Kiara Silvers” she said extending a hand to shake. “Merlin” she exclaims shaking her hand with shock then smiles “its nice meeting you as well.” “And you are?” she asks Ron. “I’m Ron Weasley” Ron introduces with a mouth full of chocolate. “Pleasure” she says in disgust. “You two should best change in to robes” she said pointing at Harry and Ron “I expect we’ll be arriving soon” she said standing up. “Wait” Kiara says. “Why don’t I join you and help you search the toad while these two boys change hear?” she asks Hermione. “That would be great. Come on then” she said. The two girls exit the compartment. Hermione stops in tracks and turns around “You've got dirt, on your nose, by the way, did you know? Just there” she said pointing at Ron. Ron scratches his nose furiously in embarrassment. The two girls walk through the corridors searching for the toad. “So tell me about you?” Kiara asks. “Well, I’m a Muggle-born witch. My parents are dentists. I’m their only child although they were a bit bemused by the oddities displayed by me” she said. “What about you?” she asked. “I actually live with my godmother Camellia Silvers. Cam is a healer at St. Mungos. She is my mum’s little sister so basically she’s my aunt but we have more of a sister relation. After the Godric’s Hollow incident she bought me to her and mum’s old house in Essex. We live a Muggle lifestyle but I have been reading about the wizarding world and getting information about it from Cam since I was six” Kiara explained. “What about your father?” Hermione asked. “Well” she said. “He belonged to a pureblood family and never actually loved me and my mom. He left us in the time of war” she said. “That’s all I know about him and just after knowing that much I did not show any interest in the man who never showed any interest in his own family” Kiara said in disgust. “Well I’m sorry to hear that” she said. “It doesn’t matter. You had to know some day or the other cause we are going to be very good friends in future” Kiara said. Hermione smiled at her “I am pleased to have you as a friend” she said. “So am I” she said with a smile. “So how did you found that you’re a witch?” Kiara asked. “Oh well I did show strange signs at a young age but I didn’t knew that I was a witch. Then when I received the Hogwarts letter it was a bit of a nasty shock” she said making Kiara laugh. “Then I read all the spell books before hand and also read a few more books in addition” she said. “I can relate to you so much regarding studies” she said and the two girls laughed. Then they saw the trolley witch “Hey Granny” Kiara said greeting her “have seen a lost toad somewhere?” she asked. “Well haven’t come in my notice little angel. I’ll inform you if I see one” she said politely. “Thank you I’ll see you later” she said politely and left. “Granny? Little angel?” Hermione asked once they left the witch. “Well” Kiara said and told Hermione about her encounter with Granny. “Well that was really kind of you. She must have felt very happy” she said. “She deserves to happy” she said. “Now what shall we do about the toad?” Kiara asked. “I don’t all we can do is inform Neville is we didn’t find it anywhere” she said with a sigh. “At least we helped” she said. “Yeah let’s go back” she said. “So you must have Muggle interests as well?” Kiara asked as the two girls started walking back from the path where they came from. “Well I love to read Muggle story books” she said. “They are so interesting.” “Of course they are” Kiara said. Soon their conversation was directed towards their interests in books. Then they saw Neville. “Hermione did you find it?” he asked. “No Neville sorry both of us tried but we couldn’t find it” Hermione said. Neville hung his head “Well hello Neville we haven’t met before. I’m Kiara Silvers” she introduced bringing out a hand for him to shake. “Blimey” he exclaimed turning red and nervously shook her hand. “I’m Neville Longbottom” he said. “I’m sorry we couldn’t find the toad. We could ask at Hogwarts once we reach there. Surely they could help after all it’s a school of magic” Kiara said trying to cheer up Neville. “Yeah you are right. Thank you Kiara you are a good person” he said. “Thanks Neville you are a good person as well” she said. “Everyone is good or bad in their own ways” Kiara said. “Yeah thanks Kiara and Hermione for helping. I’ll see you guys later” he said and left. “That was really good of you Kiara” Hermione said thanks. “Thanks” Kiara said. Then they again resumed their conversation they were having before. They didn’t even realize when they reached Kiara’s compartment and the train started to slow down. “I guess we are there” the two girls say at the same time standing on the doorway of the compartment and laughed at the unison. The boys shared a look. “We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train; it will be taken to the school separately” a voice echoed through the train. Kiara walked towards her seat and picked up her Herbology book “Now where do I keep it?” she wondered “Idea” she took her wand and pointed it at the inside pocket of her robe. The other three watched her curiously “CAPACIOUS EXTREMIS” she chanted and placed the book inside it while the boys stood up to go off board. “What charm was that?” Hermione asked not knowing about it. “It’s the undetectable extension charm. It’s an advanced spell but I’ve seen Cam do it a few times” she said with a shrug “and also read about it in one of mom’s book. It extends the internal dimensions of the target object without affecting the external dimensions” she explains. “That’s amazing” Hermione said. “Can you teach it to me when we reach Hogwarts?” she asked. “Sure” Kiara answered with a smile and the train stopped with a jerk and Kiara stumbled falling into Harry’s arms. She looked in his emerald green eyes. She felt her cheeks heating “Thanks” she mumbled and balanced herself back on her feet. Hermione saw the small interaction and smirked so did Ron. Then they walked out of the train and saw Hagrid. “Right, then! First years! This way, please! Come on, now, don't be shy! Come on now, hurry up!” Hagrid said. Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione reached him first. “Hi Hagrid” Harry and Kiara chorused. “Hello Harry and Kiara” he greeted back. “Whoa!” Ron exclaimed seeing the huge figure of Hagrid. “Right then. This way to the boats! Come on, now, follow me” he said leading the first years to the Black Lake. “Not more than four on a boat” he ordered. Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione shared the same boat and waited to arrive inside Hogwarts. author Word Addict CHAPTER 3 Black Lake: “FORWARD” Hagrid yelled as everyone climbed on the boat. The boats started to move. Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. It towered over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood. “Heads down!” yelled Hagrid as the first boats reached the cliff; they all bent their heads and the little boats carried them through a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They were carried along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle, until they reached a kind of underground harbor, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles. Then they clambered up a passageway in the rock after Hagrid's lamp, coming out at last onto smooth, damp grass right in the shadow of the castle. They walked up a flight of stone steps and crowded around the huge, oak front door “everyone here?” Hagrid asked. Hagrid raised a gigantic fist and knocked three times on the castle door. The door swung open at once. A tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes stood there. She had a very stern face and everyone's first thought was that this was not someone to cross. “The first years, Professor McGonagall,” said Hagrid. “Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here” She pulled the door wide. The students followed Professor McGonagall through the Grand Staircase and stopped in front of another pair of large oak doors. The Professor turned around making the students stop walking then said “Welcome to Hogwarts. Now, in a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Now, while you are here, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you house points. Any rule breaking and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup.” “TREVOR!!” Neville said spotting his toad at the foot of the Professor. The Professor looked at him strangely “Sorry” he mumbled and hung his head. Kiara saw him get sad and rubbed his arm “you found him Neville” she said softly with a bright smile. “Yeah” he smiled back at the girl who kept on giving him hope and encourage him and he was grateful for that because not even his own Grandma ever did that. Professor McGonagall smiled at the girl getting reminded of Azalea. Kiara looked up at the Professor and saw her smiling at her Kiara smiled back earning a nod from the Professor “The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily” she said and left. “So it’s true then what they say on train” a blonde boy standing in the front row spoke loudly “Harry Potter and Kiara Silvers have come to Hogwarts” he said. Whispering erupted through the crowd of students. “This is Crabbe and Goyle” he said pointing two gorilla-like boys behind him. Then he walked forward and stood in front of Harry and Kiara “and I’m Malfoy” he said “Draco Malfoy” he introduced. Ron laughs under his breath making Malfoy glare at him, “Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask yours. Red hair, and a hand me down robe? You must be a Weasley” he sneered at the name. Ron hung his head. “Well soon find that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. Don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there” he extended a hand for Harry to shake. “I think I can tell for the wrong sort for myself thanks” Harry replies. Then Draco turned to Kiara. He found her the most beautiful girl in the crowd and eyed her up and down “Well aren’t you a beautiful thing Silvers” he said making Kiara crinkle her nose in disgust and Harry felt his blood boiling at the way he commented at Kiara. “I think you must be wise enough to not go for the wrong sort” he said smirking. “Wrong sort?” Kiara asked in a thinking position “like someone who is a snobby and arrogant spoiled brat” she said. “Oops” she said widening her eyes “I think I just described you” she said with sass. “So you said that I’m wise enough to sort out the wrong sort and you just happened to one; so thanks but no thanks about your concerns for me selecting sorts” she said sassily. Malfoy looked like he had just been slapped across the face. The students behind her were impressed and started laughing at Malfoy’s face. Before Malfoy could say another word Professor McGonagall came from behind tapping his shoulder “We’re now ready for you” she said and led the students through the large doors. She leads everyone through two large doors and into the Great Hall, where there are four long tables with many kids, as well as floating candles. The roof appears to be the sky. “It’s not a real ceiling” Hermione said. “Yeah I know it’s bewitched to look like the night sky” Kiara said agreeing with Hermione. “I read about it in…” “Hogwarts A History” the two girls finished together and laughed. “All right, will you wait along here, please? Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words” Professor McGonagall said. Dumbledore rose from his seat and said “I have a few start-of-term notices I wish to announce. The first years please note that the dark forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch” he said signaling to ragged old man with a cat with red eyes “has asked me to remind you that the 3rd floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you” Dumbledore said and sat down. “When I call your name you’ll come forward I’ll place the sorting hat on your head and you’ll be sorted in your houses" Professor McGonagall said lifting the hat. “So we've just got to try on the hat!" Ron whispered to Harry. "I'll kill Fred; he was going on about wrestling a troll.” Kiara and Hermione looked at each other and giggled at the idea of wrestling a troll. Harry say Kiara giggle with Hermione about something he didn’t know. He couldn’t help but admire how beautiful Kiara looked when she was happy. “Hermione Granger” she called. Hermione’s eyes widened and she shook her head “okay, relax” she told herself. “Good luck” Kiara told her at which she nodded with a smile. She walked to the stool and sat on it. The hat was placed on her head. “GRYFFINDOR” it yelled. The Gryffindor table applauded along with Kiara who gave Hermione a huge grin which she returned and ran to the Gryffindor table. “Draco Malfoy” The hat barely touched his head and said “SLYTHERIN” at which he smiled victoriously. “Susan Bones” Then Harry winced in pain. Kiara turned at him in concern “Harry are you ok?” she asked. “Yeah I’m fine” he assures her with a smile. “Are you sure?” she asks with a weak smile at which Harry nods. Kiara smiles and turns around. “HUFFLEPUFF” “Ronald Weasley” Ron gulps and goes to sit on the stool “Ah! Another Weasley I know just what to do with you… GRYFFINDOR!” “Harry Potter” Kiara squeezed his arm in good luck at which he smiled at her. The hall broke into whispers and Dumbledore straightened in his seat. “Hmm...Difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage I see, not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh yes, and a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?” the hat asks in Harry’s head. “Anything but Slytherin” Harry begged to the hat in his mind. “Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know. It’s all here in your head. And Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness! There's no doubt about that! No? Well, if you’re sure...better be... GRYFFINDOR!!” the hat yelled the house name. The table burst in applause. Two ginger-head twins even chanted “WE GOT POTTER!” Then a lot more students were sorted then finally. “Kiara Silvers” the hall again broke in whispers and Dumbledore again became extra attentive. Comments on her beauty and past were passed all around. Kiara walked to the stool and sat down she saw Harry, Ron and Hermione give her thumbs ups at which smiled. The hat was put on her head which covered her eyes blocking the view in front of her. "Great" she muttered but everyone heard it and laughed at Kiara's cuteness. “Hmm… A Silvers I see. You are a pure hearted person with a number of qualities from all the houses. Ambition, dedication and resourcefulness of a Slytherin. Hard work, dedication, loyalty, fair play and immense kindness of a Hufflepuff. Wit, knowledge and intelligence of a Ravenclaw. Bravery, daring, nerve and chivalry of Gryffindor. My-my you show all the qualities of all the houses you are the most difficult person I’ve ever met” the Hat said. “So where do you want to put me Mr. Hat?” Kiara asked in her head. The hat laughed “My-my never has a child given me such respect in my life” it laughed. “Why don’t people give respect to others first Granny now you?” she thought in her head. “Well I don’t know the answer for your this question but as for your first question the answer is… GRYFFINDOR” it yelled. “Thank you Mr. Hat” she whispered over the huge applause from the hall before removing the hat and went to the Gryffindor table. She was pleased to be in her godmother’s and mother’s house. “WE GOT SILVERS!” the twins started chanting again. After the sorting finished McGonagall tapped the glass with a spoon to gain the attention of students “your attention please.” “Let the feast begin” Dumbledore said after he rose from his chair and spread his arms The food magically appeared on the table. Harry and Ron filled their plates with loads of food items. Kiara wasn’t a big foodie person so she just took a little mashed potatoes and bacon. “Hello Kiara” a voice said beside Kiara. Kiara looked in the direction of the voice. “Hello” she said with a smile to two ginger head twins. “We would like to introduce ourselves…” one said. “…to the most beautiful young lady we ever met” the other said. “Hmmm” Kiara said with a cute smile. “By your appearance I guess you’re Ron’s twin brothers” Kiara said. “Right you are witty girl” they said in unison. “So who’s Fred and who's George?” she asked. “Well I’m Fred” one said. “And I’m George” the other said. “Nice meeting you Fred and George” she said shaking her hand with each of them. “Nice meeting you as well young lady” they said together. “Hello Kiara I’m Percy Weasley the Prefect of Gryffindor House” he said extending a hand to shake. “Hello Percy nice meeting you and congratulations on making the prefect” she said shaking her hand with a smile. “You’re welcome” he said beaming with pride. “I’m half and half” another boy said in an Irish-accent. “My dad’s a Muggle, mam’s a witch. Bit of nasty shock when he found out.” Kiara and Hermione start discussing about their courses they would learn this year. “Say Percy who is that teacher talking to Professor Quirrell?” Harry asked. “Oh that’s Professor Snape head of Slytherin House” he replies. “What does he teach?” Harry asks. “Potions; But everyone knows it's the Dark Arts he fancies. He's been after Quirrell’s job for years” Percy replies. Ron goes to pick up another piece of chicken then a head of ghost pops out. “AHH!” Ron screamed in fright and surprise. Other ghosts start to come in the hall. “Hello welcome to Gryffindor” he greeted completely revealing himself completely. “Hello sir Nicholas. Have a nice summer?” Percy asked. “Dismal” he said. “Once again my request to join the headless hunt has been denied.” “I know you” Ron said. “You’re nearly headless nick” Ron said. “I prefer Sir Nicholas is you don’t mind” Nick replied. Kiara picked up her goblet to drink pumpkin juice. “Nearly headless?” Seamus asked. “How can you be nearly headless?” “Like this” he replied. He grabs head and pulls it to the side. His head is hanging on just by a thread. Kiara chokes her juice and coughs in her elbow pit after seeing the disgusting and horrible sight. “You ok?” Harry asks once she relaxes. “Yeah” she said giving a sigh. “That was horrifying” she exclaims. After the feast ended and the first year Gryffindors followed Percy out of the Great Hall. “Gryffindors follow me keep up” he ordered. “This is the most direct path to the dormitories. Oh, and keep an eye on the staircases… they like to change.” “You know there are total hundred and forty two staircases in Hogwarts” Hermione told to Kiara. “Yeah I read it in Hogwarts a History” Kiara replied. -------- Gryffindor Common Room: The Gryffindors reach in front of a portrait of a fat lady. “Password?” she asks. “Caput Draconis” Percy replies. The students step inside the common room “Gather 'round here. Welcome to the Gryffindor Common Room. Boys' dormitories, upstairs and down to your left. Girls, the same on your right. You'll find that your belongings have already been brought up” he instructs. The girls go to the instructed area and find out that they have rooms for two. “Hermione you don't mind sharing the room with me, do you?” Kiara asks. “Of course not” she replies. The two of them enter inside the room. They arrange the room and also combine their books for common reference. Once they are finished they bid goodnight to each other and fall asleep. CHAPTER 4 Hogwarts: The next day Kiara and Hermione woke up early. The two of them went down to the Great Hall for breakfast. “I can’t believe I’m actually starting to learn practical magic. I mean learning it through books and learning it practically its different” Kiara said with immense joy filling her. She is going to learn about magic just like her mother and godmother did. Those two ladies were Kiara’s role models and she wants to follow their path and becoming as successful as them. “Yes I know I’m so excited” Hermione said. “Miss Granger and Miss Silvers” a voice said from behind them. The two girls turned around and saw Professor McGonagall standing there. “These are your class schedules for the whole year” she said handing the two girls two parchments. “Thank you Professor” Kiara said taking her schedule with Hermione doing the same. The two of them scanned their schedules like a hawk and decided to make their own revision schedule before bed. “Where are Harry and Ron?” Kiara asked “I don’t know I haven’t seen them since morning” Hermione said. “Don’t worry we’ll go to transfiguration or we’ll be late” Hermione said getting up. Kiara nodded and got up as well. -------- Transfiguration Classroom: The two girls headed for transfiguration. They were the first ones to arrive. Soon they were joined by their other classmates and Professor McGonagall. “Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts” Professor McGonagall began. “Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned.” Then Professor McGonagall turned in her cat form giving the students some writing work. There was silence in the class apart from the scratching of the quill. Suddenly the door burst open and in came Harry and Ron. Hermione and Kiara shared a look and shook their heads. “We made it” Ron said as the two boys panted. “Can you imagine the look on old McGonagall’s face if we were late?” he said in relief. Then McGonagall transformed back to her human form. “That was bloody brilliant!” Ron exclaimed. “Think before you speak Ronald” Kiara muttered only for Hermione to hear who gave her a look of agreement. “Thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley. Maybe if I were to transfigure Mr. Potter and yourself into a pocket watch, maybe one of you would be on time” Professor McGonagall said in complete annoyance. “We got lost” Harry said to avoid trouble. “Then perhaps a map? I trust you don't need one to find your seats” she said and went to her desk. The boys took their place behind Kiara and Hermione. Then the students were given matches to transform into needles. Hermione was able to make a difference. Professor McGonagall showed the class the silver color and pointy tip giving her ten points. Then Kiara performed her spell and the matches turned into perfect silver and pointy needles with a loop on the first try. Even Professor McGonagall was shocked to see perfect results in first try. Kiara earned Gryffindor house twenty points for her perfect work which earned her congratulatory smiles from her house mates. -------- Potions Dungeons: Then they had potions in the dungeons. The doors slam open and Professor Snape enters the class swishing his robes “There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to enjoy the subtle science and exact art that is potion making. However, for those select few, who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death” Snape sees Harry, writing this down, in, his view, not paying attention “Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to not...pay...attention” Hermione nudged Harry to gain his attention. “Mr. Potter our new celebrity” he says. “Tell me, what I would get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?” he asked. Hermione raised her hand to answer the question. Kiara knew the answer as well but she didn’t raise her hand sensing the cold look of the Professor. Harry shrugs. “Well, let's try again. Where, Mr. Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?” he asks. Hermione raises her hand again. “I don’t know sir” Harry replied. “And what is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?” he asked. Hermione raised her hand more high if possible. “I don’t know sir” he replies. “Pity clearly, fame isn't everything, is it, Mr. Potter?” he asked. Draco smirked at Harry. “And what about our other celebrity?” he shifts his gaze to Kiara. “Do you happen to know any of these answers?” he asked in less hatred. Kiara gave a small audible sigh and answered “By mixing an infusion of wormwood with powdered root of asphodel you can make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar can be found in the stomach of a goat and as for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite” she answered. The class stared at her in awe including the Slytherins and Professor Snape. “Excellent Miss Silvers” he said and a slight smile was notable by all students. They were shocked seeing Snape smile. “And ten points to Gryffindor” he said. As much as Snape regretted saying those words he felt that Kiara deserved it. The class was starring between Kiara and Snape like gaping fishes for Gryffindor getting points by Snape. “Thank you Professor” Kiara said and a small blush crept on her face by the way everyone was staring her. Snape sensed the atmosphere and said “Well why all of you aren’t writing this down?” he said and students started to write. -------- Great Hall: Then they exited the class and made their way to Great Hall to do their homework. Kiara was reading a book sitting beside Hermione. Harry and Ron were sitting opposite to the girls. “What Snape gave points to Gryffindor?!” Fred exclaimed. “How and to whom?” George asked. The first year Gryffindors explained the others about the potions class. The Gryffindors stared at Kiara in shock and awe making her blush on gaining so much attention. “Never in my five years have I heard Snape giving points to Gryffindor” Alicia said. “Maybe she’s a blessing on Gryffindor house” a voice said. The Gryffindors turned and saw Nick flying in the air who had heard their conversation. “Gryffindors have never gone so long without winning. Slytherins have got the cup six years in a row! The Bloody Baron's becoming almost unbearable” he said. “I heard Professor McGonagall talk about your talent in Transfiguration and now I hear about your talents in Potions. Maybe having an angel like you in her house we will definitely win the house cup” he said beaming. “I’ll try my best to not let you down Sir Nicholas” she said in a soft angel like voice. Then the owls started flying in. “Ah mail’s here” Ron said. Kiara searched for Casper but he was seen nowhere. Then something swiftly landed on her shoulder from behind making her shriek. “Casper! Do you want to kill me?!” she exclaimed. The owl just nudged her crook of neck tickling her then dropped a letter in front of her. “Here” Kiara said putting some owl treats for Casper she kept the letter for later. “Take rest today. I’ll give you a letter to send tomorrow” she said. The owl hooted and flew away. “Hey look everyone Neville’s got a Remebrall” Dean said. “I’ve read about those if the smoke turns red…” Hermione said. “It means you’ve forgotten something” Kiara finished. “The only thing is I don’t remember what I’ve forgotten” Neville said as the ball turned red. Kiara examined Neville and said “you’ve forgotten your robes Neville” she said. “Oh yes you’re right. Thanks Kiara” Neville said in realization he got up and left. “Don’t mention it” Kiara said. “Hey Kiara and Ron listen” Harry said. “somebody broke into Gringotts. Listen, believed to be the work of dark witches or wizards unknown, Gringotts goblins, while acknowledging the breach, insist that nothing was taken. The vault in question, number 713 had in fact been emptied earlier that same day” he read. “Wait” Kiara said. “Vault 713?” she questioned getting a nod from Harry. “Wasn’t this the vault Hagrid took us to? But there wasn’t gold or anything in the vault just a small package…” Kiara said trailing off and looked between her three friends who had suspicious expressions. -------- Hogwarts Grounds: Then they went for their flying lessons with Slytherin. “Good afternoon, class” Madam Hooch greeted as she walked between the two rows of Gryffindor and Slytherin. “Good afternoon Madam Hooch” the students greeted. “Welcome to your first flying lesson. Well, what are you waiting for? Everyone step up to the left side of their broomstick. Come on now, hurry up. Stick your right hand over the broom and say, up!” she instructed. “UP” students said. Harry, Kiara and Draco’s broom flew in their hands at once. Hermione looked at the two in shock. “Woah” Harry said. “This is brilliant” Kiara said. Then Ron’s broom smacked his nose making Harry and Kiara laugh. “Shut up you two” he said in frustration. “Now, once you've got hold of your broom, I want you to mount it. And grip it tight, you don't want to be sliding off the end. When I blow my whistle, I want each of you to kick off from the ground, hard. Keep your broom steady, hover for a moment, and then lean forward slightly and touch back down. On my whistle...3...2...” she was about to blow the whistle but Neville started soaring in the air. He got frightened because he wasn’t able to control his broom. “Mr. Longbottom” Professor Hooch said sternly. “M-M-Mr. Longbottom Mr. Longbottom!” she said when the broom started jerking. “Help!!!” he shrieked in fright. He soars through the sky and hits a wall, conking along it and then swooping off. All the while, he is screaming. He begins to zoom back towards the group of students. Hooch holds out her wand to stop him. Neville approaches. The students scatter and Hooch dives out of the way. Neville goes through the scatter and up a tower. He zooms past a statue of a man with a sharp spear. Neville's cloak catches on it. He is flipped off the broom and hangs there. He wavers, then the cloak rips, and he falls. Kiara instantly whipped out her wand “ARRESTO MOMENTUM.” Neville hangs where he is. Then Kiara releases slowly but Neville still lands on his stomach with his hand below his whole body. “Everyone out of the way!” Madam Hooch said and ran to aid Neville. “Come on, get up.” “OW!” Neville exclaimed. “Sorry Neville I tried to avoid you getting hurt” Kiara said guiltily. “It isn’t your fault Miss. Silvers. If you wouldn’t have performed that spell it could have cost Mr. Longbottom’s life. I award you ten points for your quick reflexes Miss Silvers” she said and supported Neville to walk holding his broken wrist. “Everyone's to keep their feet firmly on the ground while I take Mr. Longbottom to the hospital wing. Understand? If I see a single broom in the air, the one riding it will find themselves out of Hogwarts before they can say, Quidditch” she said firmly and left. “Did you see his face? Maybe if the fat lump had given this a squeeze, he'd have remembered to fall on his fat ass” Draco said holding the Remebrall. “Give it here Malfoy” Harry and Kiara said together. “No. I think I'll leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find” he said while he hops on broom and soars around group, then through. “How 'bout up on the roof??” he said soaring up and hovering in the air. “What's the matter, Potter? Silvers? Bit beyond your reach?” he challenged. Harry and Kiara shared a look and then mounted their brooms. “Harry and Kiara no way” Hermione said. “You heard what Madam Hooch said besides you don’t even know how to fly” she said. Harry ignored her and left while Kiara said “Don’t worry Hermione. I’m doing this for Neville” she said and soared off beside Harry. “Give it here Malfoy or we’ll knock you off your broom” Harry shouted. “Is that so?” Harry makes a dash for him, but Draco twirls around his broom in a 360. “Have it your way, then!” he throws the Remebrall into the air. Harry zooms after the ball, speeding towards a tower. Just as he is about to hit a window, from which McGonagall is working. He catches it. “Well done Harry” Kiara shouted with a smile. Harry felt happy when Kiara complimented. “Here” he said and passed it to Kiara. Kiara easily catches it in mid air. The two of them run down. “We did it” Kiara said with a smile. Harry thought that how beautiful she looked when she’s happy he noticed a beautiful glint of joy in her eyes. The students came rushing towards them and cheered them. Kiara carefully put the ball in here robe pocket. “Harry Potter and Kiara Silvers” Professor McGonagall’s voice came. Everyone looked at her “Follow me” she said. Harry got scared but Kiara looked on the verge of tears. Harry saw her drastic change of expression and held her hand for support. Kiara didn’t withdraw her hand she needed it. The two of them followed Professor McGonagall. -------- Corridor: “Wait here” she said stopping in front of a class. She then came out with a boy “Potter, Silvers, this is Oliver Wood. Wood, I have found you a seeker and a chaser” she said. Kiara’s eyes widened “But first years…” she began. “Don’t worry about it Miss Silvers I’ll talk to Professor Dumbledore about it” she said. Kiara’s smile returned on her face. “And Miss Silvers I heard something else as well” she said. “Hmm?” Kiara asked. “I heard from Madam Hooch that you saved Mr. Longbottom’s life with an advanced spell” she said. “Umm… actually I didn’t want him get hurt badly or something and that was the first spell that popped in my head” she said sheepishly. “I must say you are a truly gifted witch. I’m sure you will do wonders just like your mother” she said. Kiara smiled slightly at being compared to her mother “Thank you Professor” she said. With that Harry and Kiara left. They didn’t even realize that they were still holding hands. They were soon joined by Ron. “Seeker and Chaser? But first years never make their house teams! You two must be the youngest Quidditch players in…” Ron began. “In a century, according to McGonagall” Harry finished. Then the twins came from behind. They put an arm around Harry and Kiara. “Hey, well done, Harry and Kiara, Wood's just told us!” Fred said. “Fred and George are on the team, too. Beaters” Ron said. “Our job is to make sure that you don't get bloodied up too bad. Can't make any promises, of course. Rough game, Quidditch” George said. “Brutal. But no one's died in years. Someone will vanish occasionally...” Fred said and the two left. “Oh, go on, Harry and Kiara, Quidditch is great. Best game there is! And you'll be great, too!” Ron said. Hermione jumped from her seat and came towards the three. She was only noticed by Kiara and they shared a smile. “But I've never even played Quidditch. What if I make a fool of myself?” Harry said. “You won’t make a fool of yourself Harry” Kiara said. “It’s in your blood” Hermione said. “It’s in your blood as well Kiara” she said. Harry and Ron gave the girls blank and confused look. “Follow us” the two girls said together and led the way. “Don’t you think these two are some long-lost twins?” Ron whispered to Harry who gave him a nod in agreement. -------- Trophy Room: The girls bought the boys to the trophy room. Hermione showed them a plaque of quidditch players. James Potter Seeker Azalea Silvers Chaser Woah! Harry, Kiara you never told me your parents were quidditch players” Ron said. “Never came up” Kiara said with a shrug. “I didn’t know” Harry said. The quartet head back to the common room. -------- Third floor: “I'm telling you, it's spooky. They know more about you than you do” Ron whispered to Harry as the girls were walking behind them discussing something. “Who doesn’t?” Harry reasoned. Suddenly the staircase starts to move. “Ahh!” Ron screams. The girls gasp. “What’s happening?” Harry asked as the four of them grip the railing of the staircase. “The staircases changes remember?” Hermione and Kiara reminded together. “Let’s go this way” Harry said. “Before the staircases move again” Ron added. They all open a door and walk into a spooky, dark room. “Does someone have a feeling that we aren’t supposed to be here?” Harry asked unsure. Kiara gasps “we aren’t supposed to be here” she said. “This is the third floor corridor” Hermione added. “Let’s go” Harry said. Suddenly, a flame lights on a tall stone support. At that moment, the caretaker's cat comes running in and meows. The group jumps. “It’s Filch’s cat” Ron said. “Run” Harry said. The four of them run towards a door. The boys reached first. “It’s locked” Harry said. “We are done” Ron said. “Oh move over” the girls exclaimed “ALOHOMORA” they said together pointing their wands at the lock. The door clinks open and the four of them enter. “Alohomora?” Ron asked once they shut the door. Harry stopped in tracks seeing what was in front of him. Kiara leans her ear to the door hearing for Filch. “Yes standard book of spells chapter 7” Hermione said panting. “Filch is gone” Kiara informs once the footsteps die. “He thinks the door is locked” Ron said. “It was locked” Hermione said in a matter-of-fact tone. “And for a good reason” Harry said. The rest of the three followed Harry’s vision and saw a huge three headed dog growling at them. “AHHHHHHH!!!!!!” they screamed at the top of their lungs. They rushed outside and shut the door behind and ran to the Gryffindor tower. -------- Gryffindor Common Room: “What do they think they’re doing? Keeping a thing like that locked up in school” Ron said once they reached the common room. “You don’t use your eyes do you? Didn’t you see what it was standing on?” Hermione asked. “I wasn't looking at its feet! I was a bit preoccupied with its heads. Or maybe you didn't notice, there were three!” Ron said as they climbed up the dorm stairs “It was standing on a trap door. Which means it wasn’t there by accident. It’s guarding something” Kiara said. “Guarding something?” Harry asked. Kiara nodded in reply. “That’s right now if you two don't mind, I'm going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed...or worse, expelled!” Hermione said. “You coming?” she asked looking at Kiara. “I was nearly expelled twice today” Kiara said as the two girls went inside their dorm. “They need to sort out their priorities” Ron said to Harry getting a nod from him. CHAPTER 5 Quidditch Pitch: Kiara was waiting on the Quidditch pitch waiting for Oliver and Harry to join her. Angelina had given Kiara her broom for practice. She was flying on the broom letting the wind hit her face gently. Harry and Oliver came on the field with a trunk in their hands. Oliver was impressed by her flying skills whereas Harry not only admired her skills but he thought how beautiful and graceful she looked while flying. “Hey Kiara” Oliver called. Kiara looked in the direction of the voice and saw the two boys she landed gracefully on the ground. “I must say you’re a pretty good flyer” he complimented. “Thanks Oliver” she said. “Quidditch is easy enough to understand. Each time has seven players, 3 chasers, 2 beaters, 1 keeper and a seeker. There are three kinds of balls” he picked up red one “this one's called the Quaffle. Now, the chasers that’s you” he said pointing towards Kiara “handle the Quaffle and try to put it through one of those three hoops” he said pointing to three hoops. He then throws the ball towards Kiara who catches it with ease. “The keeper that’s me defends the hoops” he said. “With me so far?” he asked. “Yes” they reply. Kiara plays with the quaffle in her hand tossing it in the air. “What are those?” Harry asked pointing to two black balls in the trunk. “You better take these” Oliver said handing Harry a small bat. He bends down and releases a ball. With an angry growl, it flies off into the air. “Careful now it’s coming back” he warned. The ball comes whizzing down, and Harry cracks at it with the bat. The ball soars off through a statue. “Not bad Potter you’d make a fair beater…” Oliver said. The ball zooms down, and Oliver grabs it, wriggling to get it back in the box. He succeeds and is out of breath. “Nasty little buggers. But the only ball I want you to worry about is this...the Golden Snitch” he said handing Harry a walnut sized golden ball. “I like this ball” he said. “Ah, you like it now. Just wait. It's wicked fast and damn near impossible to see” he said. “What do I do with it?” he asked. “You catch it Harry before the other team’s seeker” Kiara said still playing with the quaffle. “You catch this; the game is over and we win.” Then they started with the quidditch practice. Both Harry and Kiara were amazing. Kiara didn’t miss a single goal and Harry caught every single golf ball they used as a substitute for the snitch. After the quidditch practice Harry and Kiara head back to the castle. “So you like quidditch?” Kiara asked. “Yeah” Harry replied with a smile and glanced over Kiara. “Have you ever played it before today?” he asked. “No but I had read about it before and Camellia used to tell me that her and my mum were both chasers on the quidditch team” Kiara replied. “It feels good doesn’t it?” Kiara asked huffing a little. “What?” Harry asked raising an eyebrow. “To know that you’re following your parents’ path” Kiara replied “Knowing that we are so much like them in so many ways.” “Yeah it does” Harry replied knowing exactly what she meant. Kiara looked towards Harry and saw him smiling at her. She smiled back looking in his beautiful emerald green eyes while Harry looked back in her gray-blue eyes. “Do you ever think how our lives would be if our parents were alive?” she asked. “Yes I did when I lived with the Dursleys and I still do a many times” Harry admitted. “You know we two are the only one who speak Voldemort’s name rest all of them refer him as you-know-who or he-who-must-not-be-named.” “Yeah I know people fear speaking his name. Voldemort had created so much terror in the past even before we were born. At the time our parents go to school” she said. “People think saying his name is bravery” Kiara said. “But I think there is nothing brave or weak about the name. Not saying his name only gives him more pride and lust but people can’t help as well he did such things that people feared him like anything” she said. “What do you think is he truly dead?” Harry asked. “I don’t think so because if he is dead then where is his body. I think that night he became so weak that he is living out there planning on how to regain power and one day he definitely will” Kiara replied. “How are you so sure?” Harry asked. “Because he was a genius only he used his knowledge in darkness. He will definitely find a way to return no matter how dark the path his and if he does return it would be terrible as before maybe even more. There are still his followers lurking outside planning how to make him return” Kiara replied. “Do you think he’ll come after me again when he returns to power?” Harry asked. “I don’t know the reason why he came before but if it truly was so important for him to kill you before then maybe he will” Kiara replied. “But don’t worry if he comes I’ll always be by your side just like I was before” Kiara reassured him with a smile. “Thanks” Harry said smiling back at the small girl. -------- Black Lake: Kiara sits on a rock in front of the black lake with her feet dipped in water. She played with her feet and the tiny fishes swimming near it making smile at them. “Your mother used to play with the fishes as well” a voice said from behind her. “Hmm?” Kiara said and turned around. She saw Professor Snape standing there. “Good evening Professor” she said. “Good evening” he greeted and sat beside her on the rock. “You remind me so much of your mother” he said. “You knew her?” Kiara asked. “Well we were in the same year” he replied. “Oh” she said. “Professor, do you mind if I ask you something?” she asked. “No ask whatever you want” he thought thinking that she might ask questions about Azalea. “Um… you uh… you loved Lily Potter didn’t you?” she asked nervously. Snape was shocked at the question not angry but shocked “How do you know?” he asked. “Well that day in potions class when you asked Harry questions you showed hatred towards him but there wasn’t complete hatred in your eyes there was a soft spot” she explained “I thought for a while why two different emotions for the same person. Then when you asked the first question‘’ Asphodel is a flower of the lily family. Then it struck me you have a soft spot for his mother and hatred towards his father. Harry looks a lot like his father apart from his green eyes, and you showed softness for those green eyes” Kiara explained. Snape was stunned by her words “you are so witty you know that” he said getting a shrug from Kiara “but I forbid you to tell this to anybody not even Potter” he said. “It’s not my secret to tell. Trust me I don’t tell things to others which are not mine to tell” Kiara said looking Snape in the eye. “Did my mum know?” she asked. “Yes she saw the way I looked towards Lily” he replied. “I thought so” Kiara replied with a smile and looked back at the lake. “Sorry if I touched a soft spot or something; I just wanted to confirm my thoughts” she said with slight guilt. “It’s alright Kiara” he said using her first name which he never uses for any student. “You remind me so much of your mother” he said. “You are just like her kind, caring and witty. I’m sure she would be the proudest mother to have a daughter like you” he said with a smile meaning every word he said. “To be honest you are like an angel” he said. “It was said that your birth bought a day of joy in the war but now I can see its true you truly bring happiness with yourself” he said with a genuine smile. He hasn’t been so happy ever since the Lily’s death. But just talking with this girl made him feel happy. Kiara smiled lightly “Thank you Professor this means a lot” she said she then glanced at her watch. “Um… sorry Professor but I have to leave I have Transfiguration homework to do” she said getting up from the rock and picked up her shoes which she removed before. “I’ll see you later” she said. Snape nodded towards her in goodbye. With that she left. -------- Gryffindor common room: Kiara was sat on an armchair in front of the fire of the common room she bought her guitar down with. “I didn’t know you could play a guitar” Ron said. “Yeah she has a wonderful voice” Hermione said. “I didn’t know that you could sing as well” Harry said. “Guess I’m full of surprises” Kiara said with a shrug. “Well that you are” Fred said from coming behind. “And as we heard from Granger that you have a lovely voice” George said. “We would like to hear a song from you” Fred said. “Yeah Kiara you should sing you really have a lovely voice” Hermione said. Kiara thought for a moment then said “Ok” she said. “OI! YOU LOT” Fred shouted gaining everyone’s attention in the common room. “HERE OUR LITTLE ANGEL” George said in the same tone. “MISS KIARA SILVERS IS GOING TO SING A SONG” they said together. There was a little cheering in the common room. All heads turned towards Kiara. Kiara took a deep breath then said “Ok” she said and positioned herself with the guitar. I can't sleep tonight Wide awake and so confused Everything's in line But I am bruised I need a voice to echo I need a light to take me home I kinda need a hero Is it you? I never see the forest for the trees I could really use your melody Baby I'm a little blind I think it's time for you to find me Can you be my nightingale? Sing to me I know you're there You could be my sanity Bring me peace Sing me to sleep Say you'll be my nightingale Somebody speak to me 'Cause I'm feeling like hell Need you to answer me I'm overwhelmed I need a voice to echo I need a light to take me home I need a star to follow I don't know I never see the forest for the trees I could really use your melody Baby I'm a little blind I think it's time for you to find me Can you be my nightingale? Sing to me I know you're there You could be my sanity Bring me peace Sing me to sleep Say you'll be my nightingale I don't know what I'd do without you Your words are like a whisper come through As long as you are with me here tonight I'm good Can you be my nightingale? Still so close I know you're there Oh, nightingale You sing to me I know you're there 'Cause baby you're my sanity You bring me peace Sing me to sleep Say you'll be my nightingale Oh Mm, mm Mm Once she finished the song everyone was looking at her stunned in amaze. “That was amazing” Angelina said. “You truly have a lovely voice” Dean said. “Thank you everybody” Kiara said. Everyone was staring at this girl stunned thinking what she can not do including Harry. CHAPTER 6 Over two months the weather began to get a bit cool but it was pleasant. Kiara made a lot of friends. Her bond with Harry grew stronger they became really close friends. As for Hermione and Kiara they’re friendship turned into more of a sister bond. Kiara became close friends with Ron and the Weasley twins as well they treated her like their little sister. Kiara also helped the Weasley twins with making a harmless joke products and prank ideas but did not participate in working them out. Kiara became friends with a lot more people like all Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, Gryffindors and also a few friendly Slytherins. She also became every Professor’s favorite student including Snape and also became friendly with the Hogwarts ghosts. Kiara was on top of her year with Hermione. Then there was Draco and his Slytherin goonies that eyed Kiara like a piece of meat. The way he looked at Kiara made her uncomfortable and this boiled Harry’s blood. Then there was Pansy who loathed Kiara like anything. -------- Charms classroom: Professor Flitwick was lecturing on levitation charms. “One of a wizard's most rudimentary skills is levitation the ability to make objects fly. Uh, do you all have your feathers? Good. Now, uh, don't forget the nice wrist movement we've been practicing, hmm? The swish and flick. And enunciate. WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA. Off you go then” he said. Students started practicing. Kiara was sitting beside Harry. She was about to do her spell before her eyes landed on Ron and Hermione. She slightly nudged Harry and pointed toward Ron and Hermione with a smirk. “Stop, Stop, stop. You're going to take someone's eye out. Besides, you’re saying it wrong. It's LeviOsa, not LeviosAR” Hermione told Ron. “Imagine them as a couple in future” Kiara whispered to Harry making him laugh. “You do it then if you’re so clever. Go on” Ron insisted in frustration. Hermione straightened up to perform the charm then her eyes landed on Kiara “Together?” she mouthed earning a vigorous nod from Kiara. “Sure” she mouthed back and straightened up. She motioned one, two and three with her fingers. “WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA” they muttered together. Their feathers lifted high in the air. “Oh, well done! See here, everyone! Ms. Silvers and Ms. Granger have done it! Oh, splendid!” Professor Flitwick complimented. “Ten points to each of you” he said. The two girls looked at each other and winked. Then there was a boom side from the other side of Harry which was created by none other than Seamus. His face was covered with black soot. “I think we're going to need another feather over here, Professor” Harry muttered. -------- Courtyard: Harry, Ron, Neville and Seamus are walking through the courtyard after the charms class. Kiara and Hermione are not far behind; the two girls are talking to each other about something like always. “It's LeviOsa, not LeviosAR. Honestly, she's a nightmare. No wonder she hasn't got any friends!” Ron rants. Hermione and Kiara hear this. Hermione feels tears stinging in her eyes and run between the boys pushing Ron’s shoulder. “HERMIONE!” Kiara calls and runs behind Hermione but she ignores Kiara. “I think she heard you” Harry says. “Of course she heard him Harry” Kiara says a soft voice stopping in tracks. Then she turns towards Ron “Ronald! This isn’t how you talk about a person who tries to help you. Just because she is better than you in studies does not mean you talk behind her back like this. And who the hell told you that she hasn’t got any friends; who am I then her enemy? Pathetic Ronald!” Kiara scolds her and runs in the direction in which Hermione went. Knowing Hermione well enough she knew where Hermione would have gone; the girl’s bathroom. Everyone present in the courtyard were stunned when they heard Kiara’s angry rant. Nobody expected the caring and kind Kiara to burst out like this. But Kiara cannot stand her friends being hurt. -------- Girl's Bathroom: Kiara went to the girl’s bathroom and she heard sniffles behind a stall door. “Hermione” Kiara said softly. “GO AWAY” Hermione said in a hoarse voice. “What kind of a friend will I be if I leave my best friend crying here” Kiara says softly. “You consider me your best friend” Hermione says. “Oh my god Hermione of course I do. I considered that from the first day I stepped on the train” Kiara said. “Don’t take Ron’s words seriously Hermione Granger. He’s just frustrated that you can do things better than him” Kiara said. “Now please come out Hermione. Ron is not worth your tears. You have to show him that you are not affected by people like him. You are a strong girl; a brave Gryffindor” Kiara says. Hermione just unlocks the door and jumps on Kiara hugging her for life “Thank you Kiara for talking some sense to me. You’re right I am brave and my tears are not worth for people like Ronald” she said. Kiara hugs her rubbing her back “That’s my girl” she cheered. “And you are my best friend as well Kiara” she said pulling away from the hug. “I’m honored to know that” Kiara said. “Now come before we miss the Halloween feast” Kiara said holding out a hand for her. Hermione takes her hand and the two girls turn around to leave but they see a large troll standing in front of them. The two girls pale with fear and hurry behind a stall locking them in. The troll smashes the stall making the girls release high-pitched terrified screams. The wood of the stalls fall over them. “KIARA!! HERMIONE!!! MOVE” Harry shouts as he and Ron enters the bathroom. The boys start throwing the rubble on the troll as a distraction so that the girls get a time to escape. “Hey pea brain!” Ron shouts The girls crawl beneath the sink for hiding. The troll spots the two girls. He raises his club to smash the sink. The girls scream barely missing the club. “HELP” Hermione shouts. Harry gets out his wand. He runs forward and grabs the troll's club, and is lifted up. He lands on the troll's head, and is hurled forward, then back, and his wand goes up the troll's nose. The troll snorts, and whips around. The troll gets Harry off its head and is holding him by one leg, upside down. It gears up its club and swipes at Harry. He pulls himself up, then down. The troll swipes again. Kiara felt her heart reach in throat out of fear when the club barely misses Harry. “Do something!” Harry shouts. “What?” Ron asked. “Anything” Harry said. “Ron release Harry by the levitation spell” Kiara ordered. “Remember swish and flick” Hermione said as Ron takes out his wand. Ron points his wand at Harry “WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA” he chants and Harry gets levitated in the air away from the troll. The troll foolishly keeps his mouth open and lifts his club to attack. Kiara takes this opportunity and points her wand at the trolls open mouth “STUPEFY” she yelled. The spell goes inside the troll knocking him out. He falls on the ground with a large thud. Kiara rushes into Harry’s arms hugging him wrapping his arms around his neck. Harry gets startled at first but then hugs back wrapping his hand around her waist. The hug brought warmth in their bodies. Hermione and Ron smile at the two. Hermione slowly crawls out from beneath the sink. “Is it dead?” she asks making Harry and Kiara release each other from the hug. “I don't think so. Just knocked out” Harry said then releases his wand from the troll’s nose. Suddenly, McGonagall, Snape and Quirrell come rushing in. They all gasp seeing the knocked out troll. “Explain yourselves all you” Professor McGonagall demands. “It's my fault, Professor McGonagall” Hermione spoke up before anyone could speak. Everyone gaps looking at the girl. “Miss Granger?” McGonagall asked. “I went looking for the troll. I'd read about them and thought I could handle it. But I was wrong. If Harry, Ron and Kiara hadn't come and found me...I'd probably be dead” Hermione explains. “Be that as it may...it was an extremely foolish thing to do. I would have expected more rational behavior on your part, Ms. Granger. 5 points will be taken from Gryffindor for your serious lack of judgment. As for you three I just hope you realize how fortunate you are. Not many students could take on a full grown mountain troll and live to tell the tale. 5 points...will be awarded to each of you. For sheer dumb luck” McGonagall said. “But how did you manage to knock down the troll?” Snape asked. “I don’t know... it was Kiara’s spell or something” Harry answered pointing at Kiara. “Miss Silvers?” McGonagall asked. “Well when the troll opened his mouth foolishly I shot a stunning spell inside its mouth to stun is internal organs as the exterior of the troll is thick and huge to deflect any spell” Kiara explained looking at her feet. “Stunning spell?” Snape asked. “But isn’t it a fifth year spell” he said. “Actually I had read about that spell in my mum’s old textbook so I applied a bit of its theory on the knowledge I had on troll” she explain still looking at the tiles. The three teachers gap at the girl in shock. “Professor Dumbledore will be informed about this. If you four are not hurt at all you'd better get off to Gryffindor tower. Students are finishing the feast in their houses” McGonagall said and the four students left. “Thanks for saving us” Hermione told the boys. “Thanks for getting us out of trouble back there” Ron said. Kiara stopped Harry in tracks letting Ron and Hermione go ahead “Let them go and talk for a while. Who knows the troll might become a start for their friendship” she whispered to Harry. Harry nodded at Kiara in agreement “Well you are extraordinarily witty Kiara you know that” Harry said once Ron and Hermione turned around the corner talking and not noticing their friends gone. “Thanks I try” Kiara said with a shrug but she got a tingling feeling in her stomach when Harry complimented her. From that day a spark of friendship ignited. Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione became extremely close friends. CHAPTER 7 Great Hall: Everyone was sitting in the Great Hall having breakfast Harry and Kiara were sitting opposite to Ron and Hermione before the quidditch match. “Take a bit of a toast you two, go on” Ron said to both Kiara and Harry who were playing with their food rather than eating. “Ron’s right, both of you are going to need strength today” Hermione added. “But I’m not hungry” Harry said. “Neither am I” Kiara said. Then Snape appears behind Harry and Kiara “Good luck today, Potter and Kiara. Then again, now that you've proven yourself against a troll, a little game of Quidditch should be easy work for you...even if it is against Slytherin” he says and leaves limping on one leg. “That explains the blood” Harry said. “Blood?” Hermione and Kiara asked together suspiciously. “Listen, last night, I'm guessing Snape let the troll in as a diversion so he could try and get past that 3 headed dog. But, he got himself bitten, that's why he's limping” Harry explained. “But why would anyone go near that dog?” Hermione asked. “The day Kiara and I were at Gringotts, Hagrid took something out of one of the vaults. He said it was Hogwarts' business, very secret” Harry explained. “So you’re saying…” Ron began. “That's what the dog's guarding. That's what Snape wants” Harry finished. Before anyone could speak further on the topic the screeches of two different owls are heard. The quartet looks up and see Hedwig and Casper fly with broom like packages each. “Bit early for mail, isn't it?” Hermione asked. “But I never get mail” Harry said. “And I wasn’t expecting something” Kiara said as both Harry and Kiara catch the packages dropped by their owls. “Let’s open it” Ron said excitedly seeing the broom figures. The boys open Harry’s mail while the girls open Kiara’s. “They’re broomsticks” Harry said. “They are not just broomsticks. They are the Nimbus 2000s!” Ron exclaims. “But who…?” Kiara asked. Harry and Kiara look around and see Professor McGonagall petting both Hedwig and Casper. Harry smiles towards McGonagall thanking her. “Thank you this means a lot” Kiara mouths grinning from ear to ear. Professor McGonagall nods. -------- Quidditch Pitch: The Gryffindor quidditch team stands behind the doors of the changing room. “Scared Potter and Silvers?” Oliver asked the two youngest quidditch players. “A little bit” they both answer together. “That's all right. I felt the same way before my first game” he said. “What happened?” Harry asked. “Er, I don't really remember. I took a bludger to the head two minutes in. Woke up in the hospital a week later” he replied. “Well that was motivational” Kiara said. Then she turns to Harry and gives him a hug “Good luck Harry” she says. “Good luck Kiara” Harry says in the hug. Kiara pulls away from the hug with arms still wrapped around Harry’s neck “You’ll do great the snitch won’t stand a chance against you” Kiara said. That motivation did boost some confidence in Harry. He smiled back at Kiara “Thanks Kiara you’ll do great as well. You’re a wonderful chaser, you won’t miss a goal I’m sure” Harry said making Kiara smile in confidence. “Thanks” Kiara said and the two pulled away from the hug. The doors open. They mount their brooms and zoom out onto the enormous pitch. There is cheering. The commentator, Lee Jordan, is talking from a tower. “Hello, and welcome to Hogwarts' first Quidditch game of the season! Today's game Slytherin versus Gryffindor!!!” Lee comments. “I would also like to introduce the two youngest quidditch players of Hogwarts; Harry Potter, the Gryffindor seeker and Kiara Silvers; the Gryffindor chaser” he says. The player takes position in a circle. “The players take their positions as Madam Hooch steps out onto the field to begin the game.” “Now I want a clean and nice game from you all” she said eyeing the Slytherins the most. “The bludgers are up...followed by the Golden Snitch. Remember, the snitch is worth 150 points. The seeker who catches the Snitch ends the game” Lee comments as Madam Hooch releases the respective balls. “The quaffle is released and the game begins” Lee shouts as the quaffle is thrown. Kiara zooms and catches the quaffle before anyone could catch it. “And our youngest chaser has taken the possession of the quaffle. She dodges the Slytherin players with ease. Look how talented and beautiful this girl is. How gracefully she passes and she scores 10 points” Lee shout as Kiara throws the quaffle through the hoops. The Gryffindors cheer. “This girl is amazing I must say has got both brains and beauty…” Lee says. “JORDAN!! Can you tell us about the game” McGonagall shouted. “Sorry Professor. So the Slytherin chaser posses the quaffle and moves towards the hoops” he said. Kiara flew past like the chaser with such a speed that he didn’t have time to comprehend what happened “and here Kiara trickily took possession of the quaffle again” Lee says. Kiara dodges the player and score “Another 10 points to Gryffindor” he shouts making cheers erupt from the Gryffindors. “Well done Kiara. You’re brilliant like always.” A buldger comes whooshing towards Kiara “AHH!” she screams in fright barely dodging it. “And Kiara barely missed the buldger. Thank god it didn’t hurt her. We don’t want to lose our precious, beautiful…” Lee said. “JORDAN” McGonagall shouted. “Sorry professor” he apologizes. “So Slytherin in the possession of the quaffle they shoot but Wood blocks it” he said. The Slytherins get angry. “Give me that” Flint said taking the bat from his beater and hits Oliver with a buldger. “You evil gargoyle…” Lee began as Oliver falls on the ground. “Language Jordan!” McGonagall shouts. Flint goes to shoot the quaffle in the guard less goal. Kiara saw that coming just as he released the quaffle Kiara zooms and catches it before it passes through the goal getting loud cheers from everyone including the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. “And Kiara saves the goal well done. Just look at the reflexes of the girl what can she not do?” Lee shouts. Kiara again zoom past the players and goals “and she scores another 10 points” everyone except Slytherins cheered loudly. Harry spots the snitch he starts to head off after it and then his broom starts bucking and turning. “What's going on with Harry's broomstick?” Hagrid asked. Kiara looks around and see Harry jerking violently “Harry” she calls and flies towards him completely forgetting about the game. Kiara looks through the crowd and spots Hermione “SOMEONE’S CURSING IT” she mouths in worry. Hermione nods and snatches the binoculars from Hagrid. After a moment she turns to Kiara again “SNAPE” she mouths. Kiara’s eyes widened she looks towards the crowd and saw Snape muttering something looking at Harry’s broomstick. She looks back and sees Hermione disappeared. She turns back to Harry pale in fear and searches for her wand “DAMN” she curses realizing she left it in the changing room. Then Harry falls of the broom and hangs on it. Kiara’s heart reaches in her throat. Suddenly Harry resumes his balance. The Slytherin seeker is after the Snitch. Harry takes off. Harry rams the Slytherin Seeker, then is butted out. He returns, smashing the Seeker again as the Snitch dives. The boys follow, but they approach the ground quickly. The Slytherin Seeker backs out, and Harry pulls up his broom as he follows the Snitch, feet above the ground. Harry stands up, and steps forward, trying to grab the ball. He goes too far, and topples off the broom with a yelp, tumbling on the ground. Kiara goes down to Harry and jumps off her broom. She helps him up. “You ok?” Kiara asked in concern. Harry lurches and the snitch pops in his hands. “He's got the Snitch! Harry Potter receives 150 points for catching the Snitch!” Lee shouts. Harry turns to Kiara with a smile then sees she’s on the verge of tears. “Kiara?” he asked in concern. Instead of replying Kiara jumps into Harry’s arms wrapping her arms around his neck and buries her face in the crook of his neck “You scared me up there” she whispered in his ears. Harry noticed the sadness in his voice and rubs her back “Hey I’m alright nothing happened” he whispers to her. Kiara pulls her head up and looks in Harry’s emerald green eyes she looked deeply in them finding them the most beautiful eyes ever. That moment she realized her feelings for Harry are more than best friends. She was falling for the boy who lived. Harry looked back in her gray-blue eyes which were glistening with tears. He never wanted to look away from those eyes and wanted to just drown in them even he realized his feelings for Kiara were not till best friends it was more than that. Though they two realized their feelings they did not want to accept them to each other in the fear their beautifully blossomed friendship would become awkward if they reveal their true feelings and neither of them wanted this precious friendship to end. -------- Hogwarts Grounds: Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione walk beside Hagrid telling him about Snape. Though Kiara trusted Snape but she saw him cursing Harry’s broomstick; as much as she wanted to deny that it wasn’t Snape, she couldn’t deny what she saw with her own eyes. She knows Snape would not want to lose Lily’s eyes but she is also aware of his hatred towards James but will he sink so low to nearly kill Harry. “Nonsense why would Snape curse Harry’s broomstick?” Hagrid asked. “Who knows? Why was he trying to get past the three headed dog on Halloween?” Harry asked. Kiara again went to thinking Harry saw Snape hurt and even she saw him limping but is it fair to suspect him without completely knowing about it. What if Snape wanted to kill Harry today because Harry suspected him? She thought. But then what about his love for Lily? Or did that love died the day Lily died? But he showed the soft side towards Harry. Kiara was debating between all those thoughts in her head not knowing what to believe. Harry saw Kiara zoned out “Kiara?” he said softly breaking her from her thoughts. “Hmm?” Kiara asked. “Sorry I didn’t hear you. Did you say something?” she asked. “Are you ok? You were kinda zoned out” Harry said. “To be honest I don’t know what to believe. One part of me says that why would Snape try to kill you I know his hatred against you but will he sink low enough to kill someone but then I even can’t deny the truth for I saw Snape muttering some jinx or curse” Kiara admitted honestly. “Now, you listen to me, all four of you. You're meddling in things that ought not to be meddled in. It's dangerous. Whatever Fluffy is guarding is strictly between Professor Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel” Hagrid said. “Nicholas Flamel?” the four of them ask in unison. “I shouldn’t have said that” Hagrid says and leave. “Who is Nicholas Flamel?” Harry asked looking at the two girls. “I don’t know” the reply in unison. CHAPTER 8 Girl’s Dorm: Kiara and Hermione were packing their stuff as they were going home for Christmas. Kiara missed Camellia like anything they haven’t stayed away from each other for so long. “So are you going to tell me what’s going on between you and Harry?” Hermione asked as she folded her jeans. “What do you mean?” Kiara asked arranging her clothes in the trunk. “What I mean is that do you have feelings for Harry?” she asks. “I don’t know” Kiara replied. Hermione raised her brow “Ok maybe a little feeling” Kiara admitted. “I knew it” Hermione said. “You two will be perfect for each other” she said placing her jeans in the trunk. “I don’t think so” Kiara admitted. “What do you mean you don’t know?” Hermione asked. “Listen, Harry and I are best friends since diapers and then we were separated for almost ten years and now when we met we are still best friends. That’s how he looks at me as his ‘best friend since diapers’” Kiara said making quotes in the air. “We are not going beyond that and plus I don’t want to ruin my friendship with him making it all awkward by these stupid feelings” Kiara admitted. “Listen, these feelings are not stupid ok” Hermione said. “It’s natural and I think Harry may have some feelings for you as well” she said smiling a bit. “How can you say that?” Kiara asked raising one eyebrow. “The way he looks at you all the time when you two talk or something. Even during the quidditch match when that buldger barely missed Harry went pale white with fear of you getting hurt” Hermione said. “That’s because he cares about me as a best friend and like I said before we know each other since diapers meaning our friendship is strong and he might not want to lose his best friend” Kiara reasoned. “Whatever you say but mark my words you’ll be dating soon enough” Hermione said. “Whatever you say Hermione Jean Granger” Kiara said. “Now come” she said as the two girls closed their trunks “we have to bid goodbye to the boys before departing.” “Oh yes a special boy called Harry Potter who has a scar…” Hermione joked but got hit by a pillow in her face. “If you didn’t hear my lady I said boys” Kiara said. “Ok fine let’s go” Hermione said laughing and the two girls left the dorm with their trunks. -------- Great Hall: Hermione and Kiara enter the Great Hall with their trunks behind them. They spot the two boys playing chess. “Knight to E5” Harry says making the piece move respectively. Ron thinks for a moment then smirks “Queen to E5” he says. The queen moves as ordered and smashes the knight. “That’s totally barbaric” Hermione said. “That’s wizard chess” Ron said. “I see you two have packed” he said looking at the trunks. “I see you haven’t” Hermione said. “Change in plans mum and dad are going to Romania to visit Charlie he’s studying dragons over there” Ron said. “Good then you can help Harry to find information about Nicholas Flamel in the library” Kiara said. “We’ve looked a hundred times over there” Ron whined. “Not in the restricted section” the girls said leaning closer. Kiara found that she was inches away from Harry’s cheek; she bit her lip then kissed his cheek and pulled away quickly her cheeks red. Harry felt himself go red when he felt Kiara’s soft lips against his cheek. “Happy Christmas” the girls say and leave. Harry smiled a little and touched the area where Kiara kissed her. “I think we had a bad influence on them” Ron said. But Harry didn’t listen he was busy caressing his cheek with a goofy smile on his face. Ron noticed this and smirked “Earth to Harry” he said waving a hand in front of him breaking him from the trance. “Hmm? You said something?” Harry asked. “Seems like my best friend is falling for someone” Ron said smirking. “What? Who are you talking about?” Harry asked. “Kiara Silvers of course. You like her don’t you?” Ron asked smiling. “Yeah I think I do” Harry said smiling slightly at the thought of Kiara. “I knew it. So when are you going to tell her this?” Ron asked. “Wait I can’t tell her this” Harry blurted out. “Why not?” Ron asked raising his eyebrow. “She is my best friend since I was barely a year old. What if I ruin our friendship?” Harry asked. “I do like her more than a friend but I do not want the awkwardness in our friendship because of my feelings” Harry admitted. “Listen I think she has feelings for you as well” Ron said. “How do you know?” Harry asked. “By the way she looks at you and during the quidditch match when your broom lost control Kiara completely forgot about the game and went pale white with fear of losing you” Ron said. “That might be because we are best friends” Harry admitted. “Whatever you say but my opinion is you both like each other a lot but are blind enough to see it” Ron said. Then the two continue with their chess game. -------- Blossom Field, Essex: Kiarawas decorating the Christmas tree on the night of Christmas Eve with Camellia. This was one of Kiara’s favorite things to do on Christmas. The other thing was baking cookies. “Azalea and I used to love doing this every Christmas. We used to turn on some Christmas carols and play them all day and Azalea also baked cookies just like you do every Christmas” Camellia said putting up the last decoration. “Now that you said I am going to bake those cookies and send them to all my friends” Kiara said getting up and went to the kitchen to bake cookies. After about two hours Kiara came out with a tray of freshly baked chocolate chips cookies. She handed one to Camellia “Cam you should be honored that you are the first person to taste my cookies” Kiara said in a posh tone. “I’m honored” Camellia said laughing and tasted the cookie. “It’s perfect just like Azalea’s” Camellia said getting reminded of the cookies her sister used to bake every Christmas. -------- Christmas Morning: The next morning Kiara found a huge pile of presents under the Christmas tree. She never got these many gifts before. “Merry Christmas Cam” Kiara hugged her. “Merry Christmas Kiara” she said hugging the small girl back and kissing her forehead. Kiara sat cross-legged in front of the Christmas tree to open her presents. Hermione had given her a book Jane Eyre. Ron had given her chocolate frogs. Camellia had given her an earring set. The Weasley twins had given her sugar quills. Mrs Weasley had also given her a magenta Weasley sweater with a baby pink K on it. The last gift was from Harry, it was a bracelet with an angel figure on it. Kiara awed the bracelet and tied it around her wrist. Even Kiara had sent her friends a numerous gifts. She had sent Hermione a book Looking for Alaska, Ron a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Camellia a perfume, Weasley twins some ideas for making prank products and she had given Harry a photo frame with a photo of her and Harry when they were barely a year old. -------- Hogwarts: Harry and Ron had opened all their presents. Harry had got presents for the first time in his life. They were also eating Kiara’s cookies. “They’re delicious” Ron said munching the cookie. “Yeah they are” Harry agreed. He then opened a nameless packet revealing a robe which turned out to be the invisibility cloak. At night Harry sneaked out to the restricted section of the library to find information on Nicholas Flamel and was nearly caught by Filch. He then finds Snape and Quirrell. Then Harry goes to a room to hide. He sees nothing but a mirror. He stands in front of the mirror and sees a couple standing behind him who turns out to be his parents. He admires his parents. Then a beautiful angel like girl with gray-blue eyes and brown hair walks in the mirrors. Harry immediately recognizes her as Kiara. She walks to Harry and intertwined her fingers with his giving her a bright smile. Harry goes to search for that mirror again. He sits in front of it admiring his parents and Kiara. “Back again Harry?” a voice spoke from behind him. Harry turns around to see Dumbledore standing there. “I see that you, like so many before you, have discovered the delights of the Mirror of Erised. I trust by now you realize what it does. Let me give you a clue. The happiest man on earth would look into the mirror and see only himself, exactly as he is” he said. “So, then it shows us what we want? Whatever we want?” Harry asked. “Yes...and no. It shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desires of our hearts. Now you, who have never known your family, you see them standing beside you” Dumbledore explains. “I don’t only see my family I...” Harry began. “You also see your friend Kiara Silvers” Dumbledore finished. “Yes” Harry says. “What does that mean?” he asked. “It means that you care about the girl who you’ve known since you were barely a year old from the depths of your heart” Dumbledore answers. “But remember this, Harry. This mirror gives us neither knowledge nor truth. Men have wasted away in front of it, even gone mad. That is why tomorrow it will be moved to a new home, and I must ask you not to go looking for it again. It does not do to dwell on dreams, Harry, and forget to live” he added getting a nod from Harry. “Sir, what do you see in this mirror?” Harry asked. “I see myself holding a thick pair of woolen socks. One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books." CHAPTER 9 Black Lake: Kiara and Hermione returned to Hogwarts after the Christmas break. Harry told Kiara to meet him at the Black Lake. “Hey” Kiara greeted as she approached Harry who was sitting with his back on tree. “Hey” Harry smiled when he saw Kiara. “So what do you wanna talk about?” Kiara asked sitting beside Harry with her back leaning against the tree as well. “Well, during the Christmas break, I got a present from an unknown person” Harry began and explained about the invisibility cloak, how he sneaked to the library and nearly got caught by Filch, how he saw Snape and Quirrell fighting “Then I went to a classroom to hide and saw a mirror” he said. Harry explained that he saw his parents in the mirror but he didn’t tell about seeing her. “It must be the Mirror of Erised” Kiara said. “How do you know?” Harry asked. “I read about it” Kiara replied shrugging. “Yeah right you read a lot don’t you?” Harry asked raising an eyebrow only to get a huge grin from Kiara which melted Harry’s heart. “So what happened to the mirror now?” Kiara asked. “Well Dumbledore caught me while I went to visit the mirror again” Kiara’s eyes widened. “He didn’t scold me or something he just told me about the powers of the mirror” he said. “He told me that the mirror would be shifted to a new home” Harry said. “Well” Kiara said. “At least you got to see your parents properly for once” she said optimistically. “Yeah, I went there three nights” Harry said “and saw them every time it felt good” he said. Kiara looked at him “Harry, as far as I know about the mirror it’s just a desire of your heart and nothing real. Either it’s about our past or future” Kiara said. “I know you miss your parents but there is no magic to bring the dead back” Kiara explained him. “I know it’s painful to hear; I feel the same about my mom but we can’t help what happened in the past. All we can do is work hard on our future and make them proud of us; we won’t let their sacrifice go waste” Kiara explained in a soft angelic voice. “You’re right” Harry smiled. “Thanks Kiara” he said. “Well it was nothing” Kiara said. The two of them look at the Black Lake. Kiara hesitantly placed her head on Harry’s shoulder, but he didn’t jerk away instead he smiled at her and wrapped an arm around her letting her snuggle next to him. Harry could get a tinge of Kiara’s lavender perfume. The two sat there in blissful silence embracing the moment. -------- Great Hall: Harry and Ron were sitting opposite to Hermione and Kiara. The girls and Harry were studying while Ron was playing with his cards. “Look at you playing with your cards” Hermione began. “Pathetic, we’ve got final exams coming up soon” she scolded Ron. “I’m ready. Ask me any question” Ron said with confidence making Harry smile at him. “What are the three most crucial ingredients in a forgetfulness potion?” Kiara asked. “I forgot” Ron replied. Harry found it difficult to stifle his laugh. “And what, may I ask; do you plan to do when this comes in the exam?” Hermione asked. “Copy off you or Kiara” Ron replied. “No you won’t” the girls exclaimed together. “Besides according to Professor McGonagall, we’ll be given special quills” Hermione said. “Bewitched with anti-cheating spell” Kiara added. “That’s insulting” Ron exclaimed. “As if they don’t trust us” he exclaimed turning to Harry. “Dumbledore again” he said throwing the card. Then sound of laughter is heard. The four of them turned and saw Neville hopping on his feet which were locked with a curse. “Leg-lock curse?” Ron said. “Malfoy” Harry said. “You have got to start standing up to people, Neville” Ron said once Neville reached them. “How? I can barely stand at all” Neville exclaimed. “I’ll do the counter-curse” Seamus said enthusiastically picking up his wand. “No that’s all I need you to set my bloody kneecaps on fire” Neville denied. “I don’t appreciate the insinuation, Longbottom” Seamus said throwing his wand at the table in frustration. “Besides, if anyone cares to notice, my eyebrows have completely grown back” he said pointing his eyebrows. He turned around revealing a bald portion behind his head. Kiara and Hermione share a look while stifling their giggles. “I found him!” Harry exclaimed. “Considered by many to be the greatest wizard of modern times, Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the Dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945, for the discovery of the twelve uses of Dragon's blood, and his work on alchemy with his partner, Nicholas Flamel. Professor Dumbledore enjoys chamber music and tenpin bowling” Ron read. Kiara and Hermione share a look then turn to the boys picking up their stuff “Follow us” they said together enthusiastically. “Hey wait, what about the counter-curse” Neville said and tripped making everyone laugh. Kiara stops and turns around “Sorry Neville” she apologizes. “FINITE” she chants then helps Neville stand and sit. “Thanks Kiara” Neville said. “Don’t mention it” Kiara shouted running to the library where her friends had gone making eyes follow her. -------- Library: “WAIT” Kiara shouted running when she saw her three friends who were about to enter the library. “Where were you?” Ron asked as Kiara reaches them. “Helping Neville” Kiara said panting clutching the side of her stomach while the four enter the library. “Wait here the two of you” Hermione ordered pointing to a desk of four and disappear behind the book shelves. The boys didn’t need to be told twice then appear with a huge book and thumps it on the desk making the boys jump. “We had you looking in the wrong section” Kiara said as the two girls sat down. “How could we be so stupid” Hermione added. “We checked this out a few weeks ago” Kiara said “For a bit of light reading” Hermione said. “This is light?” Ron asked earning a glare from the girls. “Of course” they reply together. “Here it is” Kiara said pointing. “Nicholas Flamel is the only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone” Hermione read. “The what?” the boys asked in unison. “Honestly don’t you two read” the girls said together rolling their eyes. “The Philosopher's Stone is a legendary substance with astonishing powers. It will turn any metal into pure gold and produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal” Kiara read. “Immortal?” Ron asked. “It means you'll never die” Hermione replied. “I know what it means” Ron said but Harry shushed him. “The only stone currently in existence belongs to Mr. Nicholas Flamel, the noted alchemist, who last year celebrated his 665th birthday” Kiara read. “That's what Fluffy's guarding on the 3rd floor” Hermione said. “That's what's under the trapdoor” Kiara added. “THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE” they say together. The boy share ‘you sure they’re not sisters’ look. “Tonight we’ll go at Hagrid’s and confirm it” Harry said. “Sure Snape’s behind it; anyone would want it” he said. Kiara again had a pang in her heart ‘is it really Snape who wants it or do we have a wrong suspicion?’ she thought to herself. “Kiara you ok?” Harry asked seeing her dozed off again. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s Snape” she said softly. “It’s like we’re missing some part of the puzzle” she said. “It’s just because he favors you” Ron said. “It’s not because of that!” Kiara exclaimed. “I just have a feeling we’re missing something, I know Snape is vile and harsh towards everyone but it seriously doesn’t feel like that he’s the one behind all this; it’s someone else” she said softly gazing at the table thinking. The rest three shares a look. “Who do you think it is then?” Ron asked. “Honestly I don’t know” Kiara said huffing. “But I don’t feel like its Snape” she said. “I need some air” Kiara said and left. The three again share a look and follow her. Kiara goes to the Black Lake and brings out her guitar which she had fitted with the help of an undetectable extendable charm. She always sings when she feels stressed or she needs to think. The rest three sit in front of her earning a soft smile from Kiara. “Want to hear?” she asks with a small smile, earning a nod from each of them. She takes a deep breath and began: Well it's good to hear your voice I hope you're doing fine And if you ever wonder I'm lonely here tonight I'm lost here in this moment And time keeps slipping by And if I could have just one wish I'd have you by my side Ooh oh, I miss you Ooh oh, I need you I love you more than I did before And if today I don't see your face Nothing's changed, no one can take your place It gets harder, everyday Say you love me more than you did before And I'm sorry it's this way But I'm coming home, I'll be coming home And if you ask me I will stay, I will stay Well I try to live without you The tears fall from my eyes I'm alone and I feel empty God I'm torn apart inside I look up at the stars Hoping you're doing the same And somehow I feel closer and I can hear you say Ooh oh, I miss you Ooh oh, I need you I love you more than I did before And if today I don't see your face Nothing's changed, no one can take your place It gets harder, everyday Say you love me more than you did before And I'm sorry that it's this way But I'm coming home, I'll be coming home And if you ask me I will stay, I will stay Always stay I never wanna lose you And if I had to I would choose you So stay, please always stay You're the one that I hold onto 'Cause my heart would stop without, you I love you more than I did before And if today I don't see your face Nothing's changed, no one could take your place It gets harder everyday Say you love me more than you did before And I'm sorry that it's this way But I'm coming home, I'll be coming home And if you ask me I will stay, I will stay I'll always stay And I love you more than I did before And I'm sorry that it's this way But I'm coming home, I'll be coming home And if you ask I will stay, I will stay I will stay “That was beautiful” Harry said once she finished. That compliment made butterflies fly in her stomach. “Thanks” she said smiling. The four of them sat their sat their talking about random stuff forgetting about studies and philosopher’s stone for once. CHAPTER 10 Hagrid’s hut: Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione go to visit Hagrid under Harry’s invisibility cloak. Harry knocks the door “Hagrid!” he says once the door opens. Hagrid was wearing mittens and an apron “Oh, hello. Sorry, don't wish to be rude, but I'm in no fit state to entertain today” he says and was about to close the door. “We know about the Philosopher’s Stone” the four kids said together. Hagrid reopens the door “Oh” he says and lets the four in. “We think Snape’s trying to steal” Harry said once inside the house. “Blimey Harry, you’re still not on about it are you?” Hagrid said. “Hagrid, we know he’s after the stone we just don’t know why” Harry said. “Snape is one of the teachers protecting the stone” Hagrid. “He’s not about to steal it” he said. “What?” Harry asked. “You heard right, come on now, I’m a bit preoccupied today” Hagrid said. “Wait a minute, one of the teachers?” Harry asked. “Of course” the girls said together. “There are other things” Hermione said. “Defending the stone” Kiara added. “Spells” Hermione suggested. “Enchantments aren’t there?” Kiara said. “That’s right” Hagrid agreed. “Waste of bloody time if you ask me” he added. “No one gonna get past Fluffy, not a soul knows how except for me and Dumbledore. I shouldn't have told you that. I shouldn't have told you that” a cauldron over a fire begins to rattle “Oh!” Hagrid hurries over and grabs something “Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!” puts the thing, an egg, on the table. The group crowds around it. “Hagrid what exactly is that?” Harry asked. “That? It’s a… um…” Hagrid stuttered. “I know what that is! But Hagrid, how did you get one?” Ron asked. “I won it. Off a stranger I met down at a pub, seemed quite glad to be rid of it, as a matter of fact” Hagrid said beaming. The egg rattles and cracks. Pieces fly off as a dragon emerges. It squeaks and slips on an egg piece. “Is that a… dragon?” Hermione asked. “That's not just a dragon. That's a Norwegian Ridgeback! My brother Charlie works with these in Romania” Ron said. The dragon looks over the people standing around him. Its eyes land on Kiara and started moving towards her. The dragon nudged her hand lying on the table. “I think it wants you to pet him” Hermione said. Kiara lifts her hand and gently rubs it against the dragon’s head “Not him; her” she corrected. “How do you know it’s a female?” Harry asked. “I can see the protectiveness and aggression of a female in her eyes, whereas males have mischief and playfulness in their eyes” Kiara explained still petting the dragon who seemed to have grown affectionate of Kiara. Kiara scooped the dragon gently in her hands and gave her to Hagrid “Here” she said placing the dragon in front of him. “Isn't she beautiful? Oh. Bless her, look. She knows her mummy. Hello, Norberta” Hagrid said. The dragon squeaks looking at Hagrid. “Hagrid I think she has recognize Kiara as her mummy” Ron said. “Wait I’m a human not a dragon” Kiara said with wide eyes. “But the dragon does not know that. Charlie told me dragons are very difficult to tame especially the newborn ones. The newborn dragons seem to study living beings through their eyes finding the emotions like love, care and protectiveness. It is very rare for the dragons to trust humans. That’s why Charlie even had a few burns on his body” Ron explained. “Who’s that?” Hagrid said when he saw a figure on the window. Harry whipped his head and said “Malfoy.” “Oh dear” Hagrid said. -------- Hogwart’s Grounds: “Hagrid told Kiara and me that he always wanted a dragon” Harry said as the quartet walked towards the castle. “It’s crazy and worse Malfoy knows” Ron said. “I don’t understand. Is that bad?” Harry asked. “It is bad” Ron confirmed. The four stop when they see Professor McGonagall standing in a nightgown in front of them. “Good evening” she said while Malfoy appears from behind her. “Nothing, I repeat, nothing gives a student the right to walk about the school at night. Therefore, as punishment for your actions, 50 points will be taken” she scolds. Hermione and Kiara share a look full of shame and sorrow. “Fifty?!” Harry exclaims. “Each” McGonagall added making the girls go on the verge of tears. Harry saw Kiara’s facial expression and his heart broke seeing her cry like this. He held her hand in his and gave it a light squeeze. “And to ensure it doesn't happen again, all five of you will receive detention.” “Excuse me, Professor. Perhaps I heard you wrong. I thought you said… ‘The five of us’” Draco said. “No, you heard me correctly, Mr. Malfoy. You see, as honorable as your intentions were, you too were out of bed after hours. You will serve detention with your classmates” McGonagall said. -------- Hogwarts Grounds: The next night the quartet along with Malfoy was being led by Filch for detention. “A pity they let the old punishments die. There was a time detention would find you hanging by your thumbs in the dungeons. God, I miss the screaming. You'll be serving detention with Hagrid tonight. He's got a little job to do inside the dark forest” Hagrid appears with a crossbow. He sniffles. “A sorry lot this, Hagrid. Oh, good God, man, you're not still on about that bloody dragon, are you?” “Norberta's gone. Dumbledore sent her off to Romania to live in a colony” Hagrid cried. “Well that’s good isn’t it?” Hermione said to cheer him. “She’ll be with her own kind” Kiara added. “Yeah, but what if she don't like Romania? What if the other dragons are mean to her? She's only a baby, after all” Hagrid cries. “Oh, for God’s sake, pull yourself together, man. You're going into the forest, after all. Got to have your wits about you” Filch said. “The forest? I thought that was a joke! We can't go in there. Students aren't allowed. And there are...”a howl sounds “...werewolves!” Draco whimpered. “I hope one finds you and gives you some sense to not be a nosy brat again” Kiara muttered only for Harry to hear who stifled a laugh. “There's more than werewolves in those trees, lad. You can be sure of that. Nighty-night” Filch says and leaves. “Right, let’s go” Hagrid said leading the five kids in the forest. -------- Forbidden Forest: In the forest. The group walks along a path to a tree. Hagrid stops and bends down and dips his fingers in a silver puddle. He pulls out his fingers and rubs them together. A silver trail smears with his fingers “Is that unicorn blood?” Kiara asked. “You’re right Kiara, this is unicorn blood” Hagrid replied. “I found one dead a few weeks ago. Now, this one's been injured badly by something” Hagrid said. Kiara stares at the blood sympathetically feeling bad for the unicorn. “So, it's our job to find the poor beast. Ron, Hermione, you'll come with me” he said. “Okay” Ron agreed weakly. “Harry and Kiara you’ll go with Malfoy” Hagrid said. “Okay then I get Fang” Draco demands. “Fine. Just so you know, he's a bloody coward” Hagrid said making Fang whimper. Kiara bends down to Fang “Hey, you’re not a coward” she says making him give a happy low-bark. Harry, Kiara and Draco are walking through the forest, Fang leading. Draco has the lamp. “You wait till my father hears about this. This is servant's stuff” Draco complained. “If I didn't know better, Malfoy, I'd say you were scared” Harry teased. “Scared, Potter?!” Draco scoffs and a howl was heard “Did you hear that?” Draco ranted. “Scardy cat” Kiara comments making Harry snort. “If you feel scared Silvers, I’m here for you don’t worry” Draco said with a smirk trying to impress Kiara. Harry felt himself get angry. Kiara placed her hands on her hips “One I’m not scared, I can take care of myself unlike you” she said glaring. “Two the only thing I’m worrying about is that how much time do I have to tolerate you here” she said. “And three even if I was scared I would rely on Harry and not you so please you don’t need to worry about me” she said. Harry smiled at the girl while Draco glared at her “You’ll regret your choices. Come on Fang” he said. The group approaches a flat ground with gnarled roots all over. Fang stops, then growls. “What is it Fang?” Harry asked. Up ahead, a cloaked figure is crouched over a dead unicorn, drinking its blood. The figure raises its head, silver blood dripping from its mouth. Harry gasps and grabs his scar, which is hurting. Kiara grasps Harry’s free hand. Draco and Fang run away screaming and barking. Kiara searches for her wand. “Damn it, where’s my wand when you need it” she said realizing she left it in the common room thinking she won’t need it in detention. Harry and Kiara are left by themselves. The figure slides over the unicorn and rises erect. It advances towards Harry and Kiara, who backs up, but trips. Kiara buries her face in Harry’s chest while Harry protectively wraps an arm around her. Suddenly, there is the sound of hoof beats. A figure leaps over Harry and Kiara and lands near the cloaked figure. The cloaked figure retreats, flying away. “It’s alright now Kiara… the figure’s gone” Harry said rubbing Kiara’s back who slowly lifts her face from his chest. Harry stands up first and then helps Kiara. He keeps an arm around her shoulder and holds her hand with other. “Harry Potter and Kiara Silvers, you two must leave. You two are known to many creatures here. The forest is not safe at this time. Especially for you” the centaur said pointing Harry at the last part. “But what was that thing you saved us from?” Harry asked. “A monstrous creature” he replied. “It’s a terrible crime to slay on unicorn blood” he added. “I know” Kiara said in a low voice. “Drinking the blood of a unicorn will keep you alive even if you are an inch from death. But at a terrible price. You have slain something so pure that the moment the blood touches your lips, you will have a half-life. A cursed life” Kiara explained. “You are quiet witty for your age Miss Silvers” the centaur commented. “But who would choose such a life?” Harry asked. “Can you think of no one?” the centaur asked. Harry and Kiara shared a terrified look “Voldemort” they say together. “Do you know what is hidden in the school at this very moment?” the centaur asked. “The Philosopher’s Stone” Harry and Kiara reply together. Suddenly they hear a dog bark. “Harry! Kiara!” Hermione’s voice came revealing her, Ron, Fang, Hagrid and Draco. “Hello there, Firenze. I see you've met our young Mr. Potter and Miss Silvers. You all right there, Harry? Kiara?” Hagrid said earning a nod from the two kids. “Harry Potter and Kiara Silvers, this is where I leave you two. You're safe now” the centaur said. “Thank you for saving our lives Mr. Firenze” Kiara said kindly. “It was an honor Miss. Silvers. Good luck” with that the centaur left. Kiara looked up and saw that Harry’s and her face were inches apart. She could smell Harry’s fresh lemon deodorant. They looked into each other’s eyes. Draco felt a pang of jealousy inside him “can we all go back now that the unicorn if found” wanting to get away from the place and people as far as possible. With that the small group of people left the forest. -------- Common Room: Kiara, Hermione and Ron are sitting in front of the fire in the common room, while Harry is pacing in front of them, telling them about the forest incident with the help of Kiara. “You mean you-know-who is out there right now in the forest?” Hermione asked. “But he's weak. He's living off the unicorns. Don't you see? We had it wrong. Snape doesn't want the stone for himself; he wants the stone for Voldemort. With the Elixir of Life, Voldemort will be strong again. He'll come back” Harry replied. “But if he comes back, you don't think he'll try to kill you, do you?” Ron asked. “I think if he'd had the chance, he might have tried to kill me tonight. As well as Kiara” Harry said. “And to think, I've been worrying about my Potions final!” Ron said gulping. Meanwhile Kiara went to her trail of thoughts again, but will Snape help Voldemort, who killed Lily, to come back to life. Then her mind went to the conversation of Snape and Quirrell that Harry told her about. Then everything starts to fit. Quirrell let the troll in during Halloween but was suspected by Snape; that is why Snape had a wound on his feet. Then the conversation between Quirrell and Snape; Snape was threatening him so that Quirrell does not help Voldemort come back; the loyalties Snape was talking about was Quirrell’s loyalties with Dumbledore. “Kiara” Harry said when he saw her dozed off again. “It’s not Snape; it’s Quirrell” Kiara said. “What?” Harry asked. “How can you say that?” he asked. Then Kiara realized that to explain this she would have to reveal Snape’s secret, but she’s not the person who reveals others secrets “I don’t know forget it” Kiara said. Harry furrowed his brows in confusion but decided not to press the topic further “you know you were right” he said. “What?!” Kiara asked thinking that Harry feels it’s not Snape as well. “You said that maybe Voldemort became so weak that he is living out there planning on how to regain power and one day he definitely will find a way to return no matter how dark the path his and if he does return it would be terrible as before maybe even more. There are still his followers lurking outside planning how to make him return” Harry said recalling the whole conversation. “Hang on a minute” Hermione said. ”We're forgetting one thing. Who's the one wizard you-know-who’s always feared?” Hermione asked. “Dumbledore” Kiara replied. “That’s right as long as Dumbledore's around, you're safe. As long as Dumbledore's around, you can't be touched” she assured Harry who gave her a small smile. -------- Courtyard: “I've always heard Hogwarts' end of the year exams were frightful, but I found that rather enjoyable” Hermione said as the four finish their exams. “Yeah I agree they were quiet easy” Kiara said. “Speak for yourselves both of you” Ron said. Then Harry winces “You alright Harry?” Kiara asked in concern. “My scar, it keeps burning” Harry replied. “It’s happened before” Hermione said. “Not like this” Harry said. “Perhaps you should see the nurse” Ron suggested. “I think it's a warning. It means dangers coming” Harry said. Then Kiara’s eyes land on Hagrid “Why didn’t I think of it before?” she asks herself. “What?” Hermione asked. “Don't you think it's a bit odd that what Hagrid wants more than anything is a dragon, and a stranger shows up and just happens to have one? I mean, how many people wander around with dragon eggs in their pockets?” Kiara replied. “You’re a genius Kiara” Harry said. The four of them rushed to Hagrid “Hagrid, who gave you the dragon egg? What did he look like?” he asked once they reached Hagrid. “I don't know. I never saw his face. He kept his hood up” Hagrid replied. “The stranger, though, you and he must have talked” Kiara said. “Well, he wanted to know what sort of creatures I looked after. I told him. I said, ‘After Fluffy, a dragon's gonna be no problem’” Hagrid said. “Did he seem interested in fluffy?” Kiara asked. “Well, of course he was interested in Fluffy! How often do you come across a three headed dog, even if you're in the trade? But I told him. I said, ‘The trick with any beast is to know how to calm him. Take Fluffy, for example, just play him a bit of music and he falls straight to sleep’” Hagrid replied. The quartet shared a look. “I shouldn't have told you that” The four take off. “Where you going?! Wait!” he called but they didn’t listen. -------- Transfiguration Classroom: The four of them tear into Professor McGonagall’s classroom and run up the aisles between the desks. They stop at the teacher’s desk out of breath. “We have to see Professor Dumbledore, immediately!” Harry demanded breathlessly. “I'm afraid Professor Dumbledore is not here. He received an urgent owl from the Ministry of Magic and left immediately for London” Professor McGonagall said. “He's gone?! Now? But this is important!” Kiara said. Harry and Kiara share a ‘tell her’ look “It’s about the Philosopher’s stone" Harry said. “How do you know?” she asked in shock. “Someone’s going to try and steal it” Kiara said ignoring the question. “I don't know how you three found out about the stone, but I can assure you it is perfectly well-protected. Now would you go back to your dormitories? Quietly” she said and dismissed the four. -------- Hallway: The four of them stop in the hallway. “That was no stranger Hagrid met in the village. It was Snape, which means he knows how to get past Fluffy” Harry said. ‘NOT SNAPE; QUIRRELL. BUT HOW DO I EXPLAIN IT TO YOU LOT?!’ Kiara thought. “And with Dumbledore gone” Hermione began but stopped as a voice spoke behind them. “Good afternoon. Now, what would four young Gryffindors such as you be doing inside on a day like this?” the four turn around and see Snape. “Uh… well we were just…” Kiara stutters. “You want to be careful. People will think you're up to something” Snape said and left. “Now what do we do?” Ron asked. “We go down the trapdoor. Tonight” Harry answered. CHAPTER 11 Common Room: Kiara and Hermione were waiting on the bottom of the stairs of the girl’s dorm. After a few minutes Harry and Ron joined them. The four enter the common room and heard a croaking voice. “Trevor” Harry said to the source of noise. “Trevor Shh” Ron shooed “Go you shouldn’t be here” he said. “Neither should you. You’re sneaking out again aren’t you?” Neville said appearing from behind an armchair. “Now Neville, listen we were” Harry hesitates. “No I won’t let you” he said. “You’ll get Gryffindor into trouble again” he then balls his fists “I’ll fight you” he stutters. “Neville we don’t want to fight you” Kiara said but shares a look with Hermione “But we have to go” she said then nods towards Hermione. “We’re really sorry about this” Hermione said. “PETRIFICIUS TOTALUS” she chants pointing her wand at Neville. Kiara catches him and gently lays him done. “What have you done?” Harry asked. “Body-bind curse” Kiara replied guiltily. “You two are scary sometimes” Ron said to the girls “brilliant but scary.” “Let’s go” Harry said. The four of them apologize to Neville and leave under the invisibility cloak. -------- Third floor: “Ow! You stood on my foot” Hermione hissed under the invisibility cloak. “Sorry” Ron apologized. The four of them reach the third floor corridor. “ALOHOMORA” Kiara chants. The door opens letting the quartet in. “Wait a minute…he’s…sleeping” Ron said pointing fluffy. “Look” Kiara said pointing a harp “It’s put on a spell.” “That means Snape’s already been here” Harry said. The four approach the sleeping dog. “Ugh! It’s got a horrible breath” Ron complains. “We have to move its paw” Hermione said pointing to a paw that was lying on the trapdoor. “What?!” Ron exclaims. “Come on” Harry says and the four grab his paw. “Okay push” he commands. The four of them push the pay away from the trapdoor and open it revealing a dark and steep passage. “I'll go first. Don't follow until I give you a sign. If something bad happens, get yourselves out...Does it seem a bit...quiet?” Harry asked. “The harp” Kiara said in realization. “It stopped playing” Hermione adds. Drool falls on Ron’s shoulder “Ew! Yuck!” he exclaims in disgust. All four look up and see fluffy wide awake. “JUMP” Harry yells. They didn’t need to be told twice. They all jumped through the trapdoor and land on something slimy. “Woah! Lucky this plant thing is here” Ron says in relief. Then the vines of the plant bind around them. “STOP MOVING IT’S THE DEVIL’S SNARE” the girls yell together. “You have to relax” Kiara said. “If you don’t it will only kill you faster” Hermione added. “Kill you faster!” Ron exclaims. “Oh now I can relax” he says sarcastically. The girls relax and the plant releases them down. “KIARA! HERMIONE!” the boys yell from above. “Now what are we gonna do?!” Ron exclaims. “Just relax” Hermione said. “Kiara! Hermione where are you?” Harry asked. “Do what we say” Kiara orders “trust us.” Harry relaxes and the devil’s snare releases him as well. “AHH! HARRY!” Ron exclaimed. Harry fall down with a thump. Kiara rushes to him and helps him up “are you ok?” she asked. “Yeah I’m fine” he replies. “Help” Ron screams. “He’s not relaxing is he?” Hermione asked. “Apparently not” Harry replies. “We have to do something” Hermione said. “What?” Harry asked. “We read about it in Herbology” Kiara said The girls share an impatient look “Devils Snare! Devils Snare!” “It’s deadly fun…” Hermione began. “…but will sulk in sun!” Kiara exclaims. “That’s it” the girls say pointing out joyfully “Devil’s Snare hates sunlight!” the two girls point their wands at the Snare “LUMOS SOLEM” they chant and a jet of white light appears from their wands breaking the snare. Ron falls down with a thump. “Ron you ok?” Harry asked helping him up. “Yeah” he replied “Lucky we didn’t panic” he said making the girls share a ‘seriously’ look. “Lucky the girls pay attention in Herbology” Harry corrects. Then they hear a flapping sound. “What is that?” Hermione asked. “I don’t know” Harry replied. “Sounds like wings” Kiara said listening carefully. They enter a room full of golden flying objects. “Curious I’ve never seen birds like this before” Hermione said. “They’re not birds” Kiara said taking a proper look. “They’re keys” she said. “And I bet one of them fits the door” Harry said pointing to a door opposite to them. They come across a broom suspended in air. “What is all this about?” Kiara asked curiously. “I don’t know” Harry replies. “Strange.” Ron creeps over the door “ALOHOMORA” he says but nothing happens. “Well it was worth a try” he shrugs. “Ugh what are we gonna do” Hermione said frustrated. “There must be a thousand keys up there.” “We’re looking for a big old fashioned one” Ron said studying the lock “probably rusty like the handle.” “There I see it” Kiara exclaims “the one with the broken wing” she points. Harry looks at the broom. “What’s wrong Harry?” Hermione asked. “It’s too simple” Harry replied. “Oh, go on, Harry! If Snape can catch it on that old broomstick, you can! You're the youngest seeker in a century!” Ron encourages. Harry nods and grabs the broom. All the keys suddenly come in Harry’s direction. “IMMOBULUS” Kiara said pointing her wand at the keys. The keys slow down. The other three stare at her with wide eyes “You still have to fly the broom” Kiara said. “The key is still way above and will take years to come down” she said. “But the point is they won’t kill you” she added. Harry nodded and climbed the broom. He flies and grabs the key “Catch the key” he orders throwing it down. Hermione catches the key while Harry gets down. She unlocks the door. The four of them shut the door behind and enter a pitch black room. “LUMOS” Kiara chants. Her wand gives out light but is not enough. “I don’t like this” Hermione said “I don’t like this at all.” “Where are we?” Kiara asked. “A graveyard” Harry guesses by the faint figures he could make out from Kiara’s light. “This is no graveyard. It's a chessboard” Ron corrects and walks out onto the marble board and flames light, illuminating the board and giant players. Harry, Kiara and Hermione come up with him. “There’s the door” Harry points across the room. The four of them walk towards the door. Suddenly, as they reach a line of pawns, the pawns bring up their swords. The four jump and back up. “Now what do we do?” Hermione asked. “It's obvious, isn't it? We've got to play our way across the room” Ron said. “All right. Harry, you take the Bishop's square. Kiara, you take the other bishop’s square. Hermione, you'll be the Queen's side castle. As for me, I'll be a knight” Ron instructs. The four of them take their positions. “What happens now?” Hermione asked. “The white moves first and then we play” Ron replied. A pawn from the other side moves forward. “Ron, you don't suppose this is going to be like...real wizard's chess, do you?” Kiara asked hesitantly. “You there D-5” Ron instructs a pawn. The pawn moves as directed. The white pawn raises its swords and smashes the black one. The four jump. “Yes Kiara, I think it’s going to be exactly like wizard’s chess” Ron replies. The game continues. Pieces smash each other. “Castle to E-4; Pawn to C-3!” he continues to instruct. The Queen turns, and smashes a piece! Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione wince. The Queen turns again. Both Ron and Harry study the game. “Wait a minute” Harry said. “You understand right, Harry. Once I make my move, the Queen will take me...then you'll be free to check the King” Ron said. “NO! RON NO” Harry and Kiara screams. “What is it?” Hermione asked. “He’s going to sacrifice himself” Harry replies. “No you can’t there has to another way” Hermione exclaims. Ron turns to face Hermione “Do you want to stop Snape or not? Harry, it's you that has to go on. I know it. Not me, not Hermione or Kiara, you” he said then grips his horse “Knight to H-3” he said “Check” he whispers. The Queen turns and advances. Ron breathes faster, clutching the steel reins. The Queen stops and smashes the horse. Ron goes flying off the horse and lands on the floor, unconscious. “RON!” Harry screams. Hermione starts to run towards him “No” Kiara screams to her “Don't move! Don’t forget, we're still playing” she says. Hermione backs off. Kiara nods towards Harry. Harry walks diagonally “CHECKMATE” he yells making the king drop his sword. The remaining three run towards Ron and bend beside him “Take care of Ron. Then, go to the Owlery. Send a message to Dumbledore. Ron's right...I have to go on.” Harry said. “You’ll be okay Harry. You’re a great wizard you really are” Hermione said. “Not as good as you two” Harry said. “Us books, cleverness” Kiara said. “There are more important things” Hermione said “friendship and bravery and Harry just be careful” Harry nods and stands. “WAIT” Kiara yelled and stood up as well “Remember what I said?” she asked Harry “I’ll always be there by your side” she said. “I’ll go with you.” “I think Kiara should go with you” Hermione said. “She is a wonderful witch” she said. “Snape is a clever wizard but Kiara and you together will be able to handle him.” Harry hesitantly nods. He knows Kiara is a clever and brilliant witch but he does not want her to get hurt. But he also knows her stubbornness, there’s no way she gonna change her decision “Ok” he says. “Be careful both of you” Hermione said earning a nod from both of them. Harry and Kiara walk through a hallway. Kiara grips Harry’s hand, not in fear but to show support. The two of them smile encouragingly at each other. They walk down a long staircase in an empty room with pillars around it. The Mirror of Erised is in the middle of the room, and a man is standing before it. It is Quirrell. Harry yelps and grabs his scar. “Harry” Kiara says and squeezes his hand. “You” Harry screams pointing Quirrell making him turn around “No it can’t be it was Snape” Harry says. “Yes. He does seem the type, doesn't he? Next to me, who would suspect, p-p-poor s-stuttering Professor Quirrell?” Quirrell asked. “I would” Kiara said glaring. Harry recalled the night in common room when Kiara said it’s not Snape it’s Quirrell. “But Snape tried to kill me” Harry said. “No, dear boy. I tried to kill you! And trust me, if Snape's cloak hadn't caught fire and broken my eye contact, I would have succeeded. Even with Snape muttering his little counter-curse” Quirrell said. “He was trying to save me?” Harry asked hesitantly. “I knew you were a danger right from the off. Especially after Halloween” Quirrell said. “You were the one who let the troll in during Halloween but Snape suspected you that’s why he got his leg wounded by the three headed dog” she spat. “Clever little thing you are Silvers. Yes you are right” Quirrell said. “While everyone else was running to the dungeon, he went to the 3rd floor to head me off. He, of course, never trusted me again. He rarely left me alone” Quirrell said. “But he doesn't understand. I'm never alone, never. Now...what does this mirror do? I see what I desire. I see myself holding the stone. But how do I get it?” he said frustrated. “Use the kids” a hissing voice rang in the room. “Potter, Silvers come here” Quirrell commanded. Harry and Kiara walked towards him shakily and stand in front of the mirror. “Tell me what do you see?” Quirrell demands. Harry and Kiara look in the mirror. They see themselves. Kiara’s mirror image picks out a stone from her pocket and places it in Harry’s pocket. The mirror images wink to the real ones. Harry subtly reached his pocket and finds a lump. Kiara notices the lump with a side glance. “What is it?!” Quirrell asked in furry “What do you see?!” “I-I'm shaking hands with Dumbledore. I've won the house cup” Harry replies. “What about you Silvers?!” Quirrell demands. “I see my mum” she replies. “She’s alive, we live together with Camellia” she said. “They lie” the hissing voice spoke again. “Tell the truth” Quirrell demands. “Let me speak to them” the voice spoke. “Master you’re not strong enough” Quirrell said. “I have strength enough for this” the voice spoke. Quirrell removes his turban and on the side opposite his face, another face is planted. He stretches out and faces Harry and Kiara via the mirror “Harry Potter and Kiara Silvers we meet again” it spoke. “Voldemort” they say together. “Yes. You see what I have become? See what I must do to survive? Live off another. A mere parasite. Unicorn blood can sustain me, but it cannot give me a body of my own. But there is something that can. Something that conveniently enough, lies in your pocket!” Voldemort spoke. Harry and Kiara share a look then run. “Stop them” he demands. Quirrell snaps his fingers and fire erupts all around the room. “AGUMANTI” Kiara yells. A splash of water comes out of her wand but the fire is not affected. Harry and she are trapped. “Don't be a fool! Why suffer a horrific death when you can join me and live?!” Voldemort spoke. “Join the person who killed our parents” Kiara scoffed. “NEVER!” Harry and Kiara said. Voldemort gave out a snake like laugh “Bravery just like your parents. Tell me Harry would you like to see your mother and father again?” he asked. “What about you Kiara won’t you like to see you mother again? Together we can bring them back” he said. James, Lily and Azalea’s image appear in the mirror. “There is no magic that can bring the dead back Voldemort” Kiara said “and why you would want to bring back the people you killed yourself?” she asked. “Kiara you show foolishness just like your mother. Look what it brought her” Voldemort said “Death. Harry Potter don’t be a fool like this girl. Together we can bring your parents back all ask for is something in return” Harry takes the stone from his pocket. “That's it, Harry. There is no good and evil. There is only power and those too weak to seek it. Together, we'll do extraordinary things. Just give me the stone” Voldemort said. “YOU LIAR” Harry yelled. “Kill him” Voldemort orders. “NO!” Kiara said throwing herself in front of Harry. “Kill me but let Harry go” she pleads. Harry’s eyes widened at Kiara’s action. “We’ll deal with that stupid girl later” Voldemort ordered Quirrell . “First kill the boy and get the stone” he said. With a wave of hand Quirrell pushes away Kiara making her bang her head in the wall. Blood started to drip from her forehead. “KIARA!” Harry yells but before he could do something he was pinned on the floor by Quirrell. Quirrell chokes Harry’s throat. The stone falls from Harry’s grasp. “WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA” Kiara yelled pointing at the stone. The stone soars towards her “Stupid girl give the stone or watch this boy die” Voldemort said making Quirrell choke. Then Harry grasps Quirrell hand which starts to burn. Quirrell screams and releases Harry “What is this magic?” he asks when his hand crumples into ash. “Fool get the stone from the girl” Voldemort demands. Quirrell starts to go towards Kiara but Harry grasps his face and makes him crumple in ash. Harry hurries over to Kiara and helps her up “Kiara” he said. Kiara gets up “Harry you ok?” she asks hugging him tightly. “Yeah but your head is bleeding” Harry said looking at her forehead which was below his chin. “Madam Pomfrey will fix it in a heartbeat” she said shrugging. Then her eyes land on the mirror “Mum” Kiara whispers to the woman who appears behind her. Then she sees a clean and wound less image of Harry come in the mirror. But then she feels pain in her abdomen. The dust figure passes through her making her scream then it passes through Harry knocking the two kids unconscious. CHAPTER 12 Hospital Wing: After the incident of the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry and Kiara were brought to the hospital wing by Dumbledore. Harry fluttered open his eyes; it took him time to realize where he was. He sat up on his bed and glanced around him. He saw an angel like figure sleeping on a bed beside him. She was wearing white hospital clothes. Her brown hair was neatly arranged around her. Her eyes were shut softly with her eyelashes brushing her naturally rosy cheeks. Her skin was perfect pale and her lips were naturally baby-pink and plump. The morning sunlight was falling on her making her look more angelic. The only thing missing were white wings and a tiara. Harry couldn’t help but admire how beautiful the girl was. After a few minutes Kiara lightly scrunched her eyebrows then fluttered her eyes open. Her gray-blue curiously examining its surroundings. Slowly and steadily Kiara sat up then her eyes landed on Harry. “Harry” she said and without thinking rushed from her bed tossing her covers away. She engulfed Harry in a tight hug “You ok?” she asked. Her voice barely above whisper. “Yeah I’m fine” Harry replied hugging her back. “You?” he asked. “I’m fine” she replied. The two of them stayed embraced like this not wanting to let go. They wanted to stay like this forever; not wanting to let go the warmth of each other. “Good morning Harry and Kiara” Dumbledore said smiling at the embraced children. The two of them let go off each other. “Tokens from your admires” he said pointing at two tables in front of both of their beds which was full of candy and cards. “Admires?” Harry and Kiara asked together. “What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally, the whole school knows” Dumbledore replied. “Ah, I see your friend Ronald has saved you the trouble of opening your Chocolate Frogs” he said picking up an empty chocolate frog box. “Ron he was here?” Harry asked. “Is he alright?” Kiara asked. “And Hermione?” she asked. “They’re both just fine” he replied. “Wait how long have we been out?” Kiara asked. “A day and a half” Dumbledore replied. “But, what happened to the stone?” Harry asked. “Relax dear children” Dumbledore said sitting opposite to Harry and Kiara. “The stone has been destroyed. My friend Nicholas and I had a little chat and agreed it was best all around.” “But Flamel, he’ll die, won’t he?” Harry asked. “He has enough Elixir to set his affairs in order. But yes, he will die” he replied. “Professor” Kiara said. “How is it we got the stone?” she asked. “Ah you see Kiara, only a person who wanted to find the Stone, find it, but not use it, would be able to get it. That is one of my more brilliant ideas. And between us that’s saying something” Dumbledore replied. The three of them smile. “Does that mean with the Stone gone, I mean, that Voldemort can never come back?” Harry asked. “Ah, I'm afraid there are ways in which he can return” Dumbledore replied. “Harry, do you know why Professor Quirrell couldn't bear to have you touch him?” Harry shakes his head. “It was because of your mother. She sacrificed herself for you, and that kind of act leaves a mark” Harry touches his scar “No, no, this kind of mark cannot be seen. It lives in your very skin.” “What is it?” Harry asked. “Love Harry, your mother’s love” Kiara replied getting a smile from him and Dumbledore. “You’re right Kiara” Dumbledore said. “And from what I’ve heard Kiara, you’re a gifted witch and an angel for everybody” he said. “Kiara, you are the most brilliant young witch I’ve ever came across” he said. “Not only do you posses immense knowledge but you’ve also saved many lives by applying your knowledge practically” he said. “You were ready to sacrifice your life for your friend. You’ll do wonders in your life my child and I’m sure your mother would be really proud to have you as her daughter” he said making her smile. Dumbledore then gets up “Ah. Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. I was most unfortunate in my youth to come across a vomit flavored one, and since then I have lost my liking for them. But I think I could be safe with a nice toffee” he takes brown bean and eats it “Mm. Alas. Earwax” he leaves. “Kiara” Harry said making her look in his emerald green eyes with an hmm. “Dumbledore was right; you truly are a brilliant witch” he said. That comment from Harry made Kiara’s heart flutter. “But why did you throw yourself in front of me?” he asked. “Harry, you’re my best friend since diapers” she replied. “You mean a great deal to me, I couldn’t even think of losing you” she replied. Harry places a hand on Kiara’s cheek making shivers run down her spine “as much as I would hate to see you get hurt, but I’m grateful for the fact that you care so much about me” he said and kissed her forehead creating a butterfly infestation in her stomach. -------- Out of Hospital Wing: Harry and Kiara exit the hospital wing for the end of term feast. They see Ron and Hermione talking on a stairwell balcony. They stop and lean over the railing when they see Harry and Kiara. “Alright there Ron?” Harry asked. “Alright” Ron replied. “You two?” he asked. “All right” Harry shrugs. “Great” Kiara replies “Hermione?” she asked. “Never better” Hermione replied smiling. -------- Great Hall: The quartet enters the Great Hall and finds Slytherin banners hanging from the ceiling. They take their seats on the Gryffindor table with Harry and Kiara opposite to Ron and Hermione. Then McGonagall dings the glass to grab students’ attention. Dumbledore rises from his seat “Another year gone. And now, as I understand it, the house cup needs awarding, and the points stand thus. In fourth place, Gryffindor with 312 points” there was weak clapping. Kiara hides her face in her hair. “Third place, Hufflepuff, with 352 points. In second place, Ravenclaw, with 426 points. And in first place, with 542 points, Slytherin House.” There is immense cheering from Slytherin table. Kiara buries her face in her hands; her hair already covering her face. “Yes, yes, well done Slytherin, well done Slytherin. However, recent events must be taken into account. And I have a few last minute points to award” Dumbledore said. Kiara lifted her head “To Miss Hermione Granger, for the use of cool intellect when others were in great peril, 50 points” there is applause. Hermione blushes while Harry, Ron and Hermione beam at her. “Second, to Mr. Ronald Weasley, for the best played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years...50 points” there is again huge applause. “Third to Miss Kiara Silvers” Kiara blushes as all the attention is drawn to her. “For her quick reflexes and use of wit and also for the courage to sacrifice your life for your friend without bothering about the consequences 70 points” huge applause and wolf-whistles break in the hall making Kiara grin ear to ear. “And fourth, to Mr. Harry Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house 60 points” Dumbledore announced and there is again immense cheering. “We tied with Slytherin” Kiara and Hermione say together. “And finally, it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends. I award 10 points to Neville Longbottom” It felt as if a bomb of happiness was exploded in the Great Hall. “Assuming that my calculations are correct, I believe that a change of direction is in order” Dumbledore said and with a wave of his hands the Slytherin banners change to the Gryffindor ones. “Gryffindor wins the house cup!” he announces. All students stand and throw their hats into the air, except Draco, who smashes his down onto the table. The twins lift Kiara on their shoulders “Hey!” she says in joy. “Look everyone” they say “our angel won us 70 points” they shouted and wolf-whistled. Kiara look at the teachers table. All professors look happy except Snape. She feels guilty for considering Snape responsible for killing Harry even after knowing his true emotions. “Guys can you put me down?” Kiara asked softly. The twins nod and gently place her down, as if she was the most fragile thing in the world. She walks towards the teacher’s table through the huge cheering. “ORCHIDEOUS” she chants on way and creates a lily flower. Kiara stops in front of Professor Snape and holds the flower to him. Snape raises a brow “An apology” she said over the cheers of victory. “For what?” Snape asks in confusion. “For considering you responsible for killing Harry even after knowing the truth. And also thank you for saving his life” she said. “I put a never dying spell on this lily flower” she said when Snape takes the flower. Snape looks at the flower then back at Kiara “Apology accepted” he said with a smile and put a hand on Kiara’s head making her smile. -------- The students just got their result for their examinations. Harry and Ron passed with fairly good grades. Kiara was the top in the year followed by Hermione who was just below her. Hogsmeade Station: “Come on now, hurry up. You'll be late. Train is leaving. Go on. Go on. Come on. Hurry up” Hagrid’s voice booms from the platform. Harry and Kiara walk to an open door of train with Hermione. Hermione waves to Hagrid who waves back. She gets on the train “Come on Harry, Kiara” she said. Harry and Kiara share a look “One minute” they say and walk over to Hagrid. “Thought you two were leaving without saying good-bye, did you?” Hagrid asked then took out two books from his pocket “This is for you two” he said handing each of them a book. Harry opens the album and sees a picture, moving, of him as a baby with his parents. They are all smiling and waving. Harry smiles. Kiara opens her album. There’s a photo of infant her with her mother. Kiara smiles at the photo. “Thanks Hagrid” they say together. Harry and Kiara hug Hagrid tightly. “Oh. Go on...on with you two. Oh, listen, Harry, if that dolt of a cousin of yours, Dudley, gives you any grief, you could always, um, threaten him with a nice pair of ears to go with that tail of his” Hagrid said. “But Hagrid I’m not supposed to do magic outside school” Harry reasons. “That you know but not Dudley” Kiara said with a smirk. Harry and Kiara walk away, back to the train door where Hermione and Ron are waiting. “Feel strange to be going home, doesn’t it?” Hermione asked. “Yeah it does” Kiara agrees. “I’m not going home” Harry said “not really.” Harry gets on the train then helps Kiara behind her making her smile and blush slightly. Kiara closes the door behind her. Harry and her waves out the window to Hagrid, who waves back and then waves more to other students and the train leaves the station ending an adventurous first year. ----------END OF YEAR ONE---------- CHAPTER 13 ------YEAR 2------ Blossom Field, Essex: Kiara was sitting in her living room couch in front of the fireplace. Her legs were wrapped in a blanket, a mug of chocolate mocha placed on the handle of her armchair. She was reading ‘WUTHERING HEIGHTS.’ It’s been nearly two months since Kiara had returned from Hogwarts. She already missed her friends. Hogwarts had become a second home for Kiara. She had been writing to her three best friends all summer, but got back reply from only two of them. Ron and Hermione had regularly written to her. Then there was Harry, who was Kiara’s best friend since diapers, towards whom Kiara had started developing feeling last year; hadn’t replied to his single letter. But Kiara knew about his conditions with the Dursleys; even Camellia told her that Petunia had feelings of hatred towards Lily because she was a witch. Kiara just wishes that the Dursleys treat him well. She heard a knock on the window which was created by Casper. Kiara got up from her cozy embrace and opened the window letting Casper in. Casper flew on Kiara’s shoulder and nuzzled in the crook of her neck. “Hey Casper” she said petting her owl whom she cared and loved dearly. Casper shot out his leg which had a letter tied around it. “Thank you” Kiara said detaching the letter. Casper sat on center table. Kiara went to the kitchen and brought some owl treats for her owl. Then she sat down on the couch and opened the letter which came from Hermione: Hey Kiara, You know what, last night Ron and his twin brothers Fred and George drove their father’s flying car to Harry’s house to get him without their parents knowing. They could have gotten into so much trouble. Anyways we are planning to meet in Diagon Alley on Wednesday to buy our school supplies. Let me and Ronald know if you can join us. Love Hermione. “HEY CAM” Kiara called to her godmother. “Yes Kiara” Camellia said appearing on the kitchen door frame. “Hermione sent me a letter asking whether I can join her, Harry, Ron and his family on Wednesday at Diagon Alley to buy our school supplies” Kiara informed. “Well there isn’t anything important on Wednesday so yeah we can go” Camellia said. “Fine so I’ll confirm it with the others” Kiara said picking up her parchment and quills. Hey Hermione, Yeah we can definitely meet on Wednesday; I’m in. You can come to my house on Wednesday morning with your parents, and then we can go to Diagon Alley together. Love Kiara. Then Kiara took another piece of parchment to write to Ron she needn’t write to Harry separately because she knows he’ll be there. Hey Ronald, Can’t keep your noses out of trouble you lot can you? You all could have got into so much trouble if you had been spotted. I’m not lecturing further because I know Mrs. Weasley and Hermione would have already done that part but still what you did was absolutely dangerous. Anyways, Hermione told me about Wednesday’s plan; I’m in. Ok I’ll talk to you in Diagon Alley. I have to study now. Love Kiara. P.S: Also happy birthday to the boy who lived but never replied to my letters AKA Harry Potter. There is something for him with the letter. “Take rest tonight Casper; you can send these letters tomorrow” she said placing the letters in front of her owl. Casper hooted in reply. -------- The Burrow: Harry was brought to the burrow by Ron and the Weasleys. Mrs. Weasley was angry at her sons but not Harry. She treated Harry like his own son and for the first time in his life he felt home and love of a family. The next morning Harry along with the Weasleys was having breakfast. “Morning Weasleys” a voice came and a red-head man entered the house. “Morning Dad” the Weasley kids greeted together. “Morning Arthur” Mrs. Weasley said pecking her husband’s cheek. Then Mr. Weasley talked about his work while sitting down and Ron explained to Harry what his father does. Then Mr. Weasley spots Harry “Who are you?” he asked. “Oh, sorry sir” Harry apologizes “I’m Harry sir, Harry Potter” he introduces. “Good Lord! Are you really? Well, Ron’s told us all about you, of course. When did he get here?” Mr. Weasley asked. “This morning. Your sons flew that enchanted car of yours to Surrey and back last night” Mrs. Weasley replied. “Did you really? How did it…” Mr. Weasley asked enthusiastically but got smacked by his wife. “I mean…that was very wrong, indeed, boys. Very wrong of you. Now, Harry, you must know all about Muggles. Tell me, what exactly is the function of a rubber duck?” Mr. Weasley asked. “Oh um…” Harry thought on how to reply this question but was saved by the hooting of two owls. One was an old great grey owl and the other was a barn owl. “Well that must be Errol with the post” Mrs. Weasley said. “Who is the other one?” she asked. “Casper” Harry replied without looking away from Kiara’s owl. His insides filled with joy knowing that the letter belonged to Kiara. Not only Ron but also the other Weasley kids noticed Harry looking at Kiara’s owl dreamily and smirked. The two owls had completely different landings. Errol clumsily banged itself on the closed window glass whereas Casper flew through the open part of the window and gracefully landed in front of Ron. “Oh fetch him Percy will you?” Mrs. Weasley told pointing at Errol. Percy got up and fetched the letters while Ron untied Kiara’s letter which Harry was eyeing excitedly. Percy handed over everyone’s book lists. Ron opened Kiara’s letter and read out loud so Harry can hear it as well. “What does she have to study over summer?” Fred asked. “That’s it so Wednesday it is?” Mrs. Weasley asked earning a nod from every. “Wait there’s a post script as well” Ron said. “Also happy birthday to the boy who lived but never replied to my letters AKA Harry Potter. There is something for him with the letter” Ron searched the envelope and another piece of parchment fell on the table which seemed to be wrapping something. “This is for you” Ron said handing Harry the parchment. Harry carefully opened the parchment revealing a lily locket. Then Harry read Kiara’s letter: Hey Harry, Happy Birthday! This locket belonged to your mum. Cam told me that your dad gifted it to your mum when they started dating. Camellia took this locket from your mum’s body before it was buried. Hope you like it as a birthday present. Love Kiara. Harry examined the locket more carefully. He felt happy to know that it belonged to his mum. Harry couldn’t have got a better birthday present. He thought how sweet it was for Kiara to send this locket on his birthday. He couldn’t wait to meet this wonderful girl again. “Seems like someone is on cloud nine Fred” George said smirking as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley along with Percy left the kitchen leaving the kids alone. “Yeah George, is it because of the present?” Fred asked. “Or the person who sent it?” George asked. “Oh of course it’s because of the person who sent it” Ron replied. Harry turned a light shade of pink. “You know people are betting on when will you and Kiara will start dating” Fred said. “WHAT?!” Harry asked. “Yeah it’s true. Some people think you’re already dating” George replied. “No were just best friends nothing else” Harry replied. But Harry still had feelings for Kiara which were more than friends. He just wanted to meet this girl again who keeps on blossoming his life. CHAPTER 14 Blossom Field, Essex: On Wednesday morning Kiara woke up early and took a quick shower. She was going to meet her friends after such a long time. Kiara had her breakfast and was waiting for Hermione to arrive at any moment. Then the door bell rang “I’ll get it” Camellia said and opened the door revealing Hermione and her parents. “HERMIONE” “KIARA” The two girls said together and gave each other a huge hug. “I missed you” Kiara said. “I missed you too” Hermione said as the girls released. “Ok girls let’s get going shall we” Camellia said earning a nod from the two girls. -------- Diagon Alley: When Hermione, Kiara and the three adults reached London they entered Diagon Alley through The Leaky Cauldron. They walked around the streets buying the necessary school supplies. Then Kiara spotted someone she missed desperately in the crowd “HARRY!” she called grabbing his attention. Harry looked in the direction and saw the beautiful girl. Kiara rushed towards Harry “God I missed you” she said wrapping her arms around his neck. “I missed you too” Harry said smiling and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Hey Harry” another voice said making Harry and Kiara release from the hug with goofy smiles on their face. “Hey Hermione” Harry greeted back. “What happened to your glasses?” Hermione asked. “Hey Hagrid” Kiara said. “Hey Harry and Kiara come I saw the Weasleys enter Flourish and Blotts” Hermione said. “I’ll leave you three to it then” Hagrid said. -------- Flourish and Bolts: The three of them bid goodbye to Hagrid and went to the book store which was exceptionally crowded. “Oh Harry thank goodness there you are…” Mrs. Weasley greeted. “Hey Kiara, Hermione” Ron said appearing from behind his mum. “Hey Ron” they replied. “It’s so nice to see you two girls” Mrs. Weasley said. “Molly” another voice spoke from behind them. It belonged to Camellia. “Camellia, it’s been so long” Mrs. Weasley said hugging Camellia. “I know; how is Arthur?” Camellia asked “He’s over there come” Molly said leading Camellia to Mr. Weasley. “Why didn’t you reply to my letters?” Kiara asked Harry. “Did the Dursleys give you a rough time?” she asked. “Well” Harry began and told Kiara and Hermione about Dobby and his warning and how Mr. Dursley locked away Hedwig. “So the house elf told you that Hogwarts isn’t safe even with Dumbledore over there?” Kiara asked earning a nod from Harry. “Weird” she mumbled. “Ah Georgie look who is here” a familiar voice spoke from behind. Kiara turned around and saw the Weasley twins with a little girl who looked like their sister. “I see Freddie; it’s our little angel” George said. “Meet my sister Ginny” Ron said pointing the girl. “Hey Ginny it’s good to see you” Kiara said. “I’m Kiara Silvers” she introduced. “Hey it’s good to see you too” Ginny said with a smile. “You know Ginny she’s eleven as well” Fred teased. “I’ll be twelve within next week” Kiara defended placing her hands on the hip. “Fred she hasn’t grown an inch over the summer” George said. “No” Kiara defended “I’ve grown two inches over the summer; only you lot happen to be turning into giants” she teased. “Bloody Hell you’re even shorter than Hermione” Ron said. “What?!” Kiara exclaimed. She observed her height with Hermione and saw that she reached her nose. “That’s not fair why are you all growing so fast” Kiara whined making the others laugh. “To tease you shortie” Fred said ruffling her hair which made her pout. “At least I’m taller than Ginny” Kiara said. Then there were squeals heard from witches. “What was that about?” Kiara asked crinkling her nose. “I can’t believe we’ll get to see him!” Hermione squealed pointing at a poster. “I mean he’s written the whole book list!” GILDEROY LOCKHART Will be signing copies of his autobiography *MAGICAL ME* Today 12:30 to 4:30 pm. “Why are you getting so excited?” Kiara asked. “Wait have you not read his books?” Hermione asked. “Yeah I’ve read all his books Hermione” Kiara replied. “How can you not be excited meeting this man?” Hermione asked bewildered. “I find him nothing more than a fraud” Kiara replied. “You’ll be the first witch who does not have a crush on him” George said. “And he’s not a fraud” Hermione said firmly. Then Mrs. Weasley came to the kids “We’ll get to see him any minute” she said patting her hair. Fred and George moved out of the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart” a man said making a wavy blonde haired man with shiny white straight teeth appear from the door way. “Here he is” Mrs. Weasley said clapping with all other witches except Kiara. Ron and Harry shared a look. “Mum fancies him” Ron said earning a smack from his mother. “Excuse me girl this is for the Daily Prophet” a man said appearing with the camera. He started clicking Lockhart’s photos from different angles. “It can’t be Harry Potter” Lockhart said when he saw a lightning bolt scar on Harry’s forehead. “Harry Potter” the camera man said pushing him forward. Ron and Kiara shared a look and laughed at Harry’s expression “got himself caught” Kiara whispered to Ron making him snort. Then Lockhart’s eyes landed on Kiara “Who are you beautiful young lady?” he asked smirking. Kiara looked up to see who was addressed by Lockhart but saw everyone looking in her direction. “He’s talking about you” Ron informed her in whisper. “What?! NO” Kiara whisper yelled at Ron but was pushed forward by the camera man. Ron snickered making Kiara glare at him. “Well- well what is your name young lady?” he said taking her hand in his and kissing her knuckles. Kiara crinkled her nose in disgust “Kiara Silvers” she replied quickly wanting to get away from this man as soon as possible. “Bless my soul! Harry Potter and Kiara Silvers together we three will make the front page” he said pulling the two kids for photo. Kiara looked at Harry and shared a look of disgust with him. “Ladies and gentlemen, what an extraordinary moment this is. When young Harry and Kiara stepped into Flourish and Blotts this morning to purchase my autobiography, Magical Me,… which, incidentally is currently celebrating its 27th week atop the Daily Prophet bestseller list, he had no idea that he would, in fact, be leaving… with my entire collected works, free of charge” handing them two stacks of books each. The two kids left the man as soon as possible “Now ladies” he said sitting on the chair with a quill in his hand. “Harry and Kiara give me those I’ll get them signed” Mrs. Weasley said taking Harry and Kiara’s books from them. “Why don’t you wait outside” she told the kids who left from the crowd. Kiara rubbed her hand in her shirt “Kiara got yourself busted while teasing Harry” Ron joked making Kiara glare at him. “That was disgusting” Kiara huffed. “Bet you enjoyed that Potter” a voice spoke behind them. They turned around to see none other than Draco Malfoy. “Leave him at peace Malfoy” Kiara spat. “Look Potter got yourself a girlfriend” Malfoy joked. “But I’ll like her to be mine” he added with a smirk. Harry felt his blood boil when Malfoy said mine. “Yours?” Kiara asked. Malfoy nodded. “Never in a million years” Kiara replied firmly. Draco was about to say something but was held back by a cane on his shoulder “Now, now Draco, play nicely” a man said who looked like Draco’s father “Mr. Potter… Lucius Malfoy. We meet at last” he introduced. He brushed Harry’s bangs away from his scar “Forgive me, your scar is legend, as, of course, is the wizard who gave it to you.” “Voldemort killed my parents” Harry said. “Hmm you must be brave enough to speak his name” Lucius commented “or very foolish” he added. “Fear of name only increases fear of thing itself” Hermione said. “And you must be Ms Granger. Yes Draco’s told me all about you, and your parents. Muggles, aren’t they?” Lucius taunted. “Let me see red hair… vacant expressions… tatty second hand book. You must be the Weasleys” he said picking up a book from Ginny’s cauldron. “Children, it’s mad in here! Let’s go outside” Mr. Weasley said coming to the kids with Camellia and the Weasley twins. “Well Weasley senior” Malfoy said. “Lucius” Arthur said with a non-friendly tone. “Busy time at the Ministry, Arthur, all those extra raids? I do hope they’re paying you overtime, but judging by the state of this, I’d say not. What’s the use in being a disgrace to the name of wizard if they don’t even pay you well for it” Lucius said and placing Ginny’s book back. Kiara thought she saw something when Malfoy placed the book back in Ginny’s cauldron. “Ah Miss Silvers” Lucius said looking at Kiara. “Draco told me about you as well” he said. Lucius saw Camellia and smirked. “And here is Camellia Silvers; hope she told you all about your father” he said. “We don’t need to get into that Malfoy” Camellia said firmly. “A pureblood wizard. Dirtied the blood of wizarding family by marrying a muggleborn. Your foolish mother went on falling for him. Giving birth to scum for wizarding world” he said directing the last line for Kiara. Kiara felt herself on the verge of tears but she wasn’t going to cry in front of these pureblood maniacs “Enough” Kiara said. “You Malfoy family are may be rich in money but let me make this clear. First Hermione who you call a muggleborn is the smartest witch of our year and ten times better than your son. Second the Weasley family may be poor regarding money but is the richest in love and that’s what makes them better than your family; that’s what I call a real family. Third my father would have left my family but I don’t give a damn shit about it so you better keep your concerns to yourself about all our families to yourself cause money does not make you rich in everyone’s eyes” she spat. Lucius glared at the girl but left the scene not wanting to cause havoc in public. “See you at school” Draco said and left behind his father. “That was brilliant” the twins said after the Malfoys were out of year shot. “Thank you Kiara for standing up for our family it really means a lot” Mr. Weasley said. “I just said the truth and honestly you have the kindest and the coolest family I’ve ever seen. Money doesn’t make family; love and value does. Let the Malfoys be proud about their money but you should be prouder than them” Kiara said sincerely and kindly. “Thank you dear this really means a lot” Mrs. Weasley said giving a bone crushing hug to Kiara. After buying the rest of the school supplies everyone returned back home and waited for the day to return to Hogwarts. CHAPTER 15 Blossom Field, Essex: After returning from Diagon Alley; the girls decided that Hermione should stay at Kiara’s house for the rest of the summer. They even celebrated Kiara’s birthday together by going to a Muggle theater to watch a movie. They enjoyed the remaining summer holidays together. “Hermione wake up we have to go to Hogwarts today” Kiara said when she woke up. “Yeah I’m getting up” Hermione said. The two girls got ready and went down for breakfast. “Good morning girls” Camellia said. “Morning” the girls replied and sat down for breakfast. “Packed everything?” Camellia asked. “YUP” the girls replied together popping up the ‘p’. “You guys act like twins” Camellia said. “We don’t mind begin” they said in unison and laughed along with Camellia. Then the three left for King’s Cross Station. -------- King’s Cross Station: At ten thirty Kiara, Hermione and Camellia reached the station and went on platform 9 ¾. The three females bid goodbye to each other. Kiara and Hermione got into the train as the whistle blew. “Bye Cam” Kiara waved out of the window. “Bye” Camellia waved back. -------- Hogwarts Express: Once the station was out of site Kiara turned to Hermione “So should we find the boys?” she asked. “Yeah sure” Hermione said. The two girls walked through the train in search of Harry and Ron but couldn’t find them anywhere “where are they?” Kiara asked. “I don’t know; maybe they’re finding us as well” Hermione suggested. “Can be” Kiara agreed then she saw the Weasley twins. “Let’s ask them” Kiara said earning a nod from Hermione. Kiara slid open the door of their compartment “Look Georgie who came to visit us” Fred said. “Well isn’t this our little angel and her best friend” George said. “How may we help you ladies?” they asked in unison. “Have you guys seen Harry and Ron?” Kiara asked. “Well the last time we saw them was before we crossed the barrier of platform 9 ¾” George replied. “Oh” the girls said and exchanged a look. “Where could they be now?” Kiara asked concerned. “Ok we’re going to find them” Hermione told the twins. “If you see them tell them we’re searching for them” Kiara said. “Will do my lady” the twins replied in a posh voice. “Is this our job every year?” Kiara asked once they left the twin’s compartment. “First year we find Trevor and now Harry and Ron. We should start searching parties” she said. “Yeah right” Hermione said. “May I present you Ms. Kiara Silvers and Ms. Hermione Granger” she said in a posh journalist voice. “Tell us what can we find for you” Kiara continued in the same tone. “And we’ll search the whole train for you” Hermione added. The two girls burst out laughing after their terrible acting. “I give up” Hermione said after another round across the train. The girls were exhausted after walking all over the train. “Let’s change and then relax before arriving at Hogwarts” Kiara said giving up as well. The two girls changed in their school robes. Then they found themselves a compartment. “I think the two missed the train” Kiara suggested. “Could be we’ll find out at the welcome feast” Hermione said. They chatted the rest of the way. After a long journey they finally arrived at Hogwarts. “Let’s go” Kiara said getting up from her seat and moving out of the compartment. Hermione and Kiara got off from the train when a familiar voice rang through Hogsmeade station. “First years this way” Hagrid ordered “Hi Hagrid” Kiara said when she approached him with Hermione. “How are you?” she asked. “Hello Kiara and Hermione. I’m all good” Hagrid replied. “Will talk sometime later; feel free to visit anytime; I’m kinda busy right now” he said gesturing the first years. The girls nodded “we’ll be going through carriages this year” Hermione said. “Yeah” Kiara said. They climbed into a carriage and were later joined by Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones. -------- Great Hall: “Hey did you hear a flying car has been spotted by Muggles” they heard someone say. “A WHAT?!” the girls asked in unison startling everyone in the Great Hall including teachers. “A flying car” Dean repeated. “Look at this” he said revealing the Daily Prophet. Kiara snatched the paper from his hands and the two girls read the article. FLYING FORD ANGELINA SPOTTED BY MUGGLES “Two Muggles in London, convinced they saw a flying car over the post office tower… at noon in Norfolk, Mrs. Hetty Bayliss while hanging out her washing…” Kiara read. “Fred what car did you drove to rescue Harry?” Hermione asked. “A Ford Angelina” Fred replied. The girls banged their head on the table again startling the Great Hall with the noise. “You know what this means?” Kiara asked as the two girls lifted their head rubbing the area that banged. “It means they’ll never learn to stay out of trouble” Hermione said. “I just hope they’re not expelled” Kiara murmured. “Yeah me too but won’t be surprised if they were” Hermione said. Then the large oak doors swung open and the first years filled in by following Professor McGonagall’s lead. “Who do you think our new DADA teacher will be?” Kiara asked seeing an empty chair which belonged to Professor Quirrell. “I don’t know” Hermione said. “But I hope we have a proper teacher this year that does not carry you-know-who under his turban.” “I second that” Kiara said. “Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words” Professor McGonagall announced. “Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. As a few start of term notices I would like to inform that the Forbidden Forest is strictly forbidden to all the students. And I would also like to introduce you to our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher” he said pointing towards the door. “Gilderoy Lockhart.” All girls except Kiara (who rolled her eyes) gasped. “Hello ladies and gentleman. I Gilderoy Lockhart hereby present myself as your new DADA teacher” he introduced and sat down on his seat. The girls started talking in gushing voices with each other. Professor McGonagall announced the beginning of the sorting ceremony. Once the sorting was over the feast began. Kiara took some bacon but was playing with it rather than eating. Her mind was filled with the thoughts of what if Harry and Ron would be expelled? What if she never gets to see Harry ever again? What if Harry is sent back to his horrid Muggle guardians? She was snapped from her thoughts by a voice. “Hello Kiara” a small first year boy said coming behind her. “I’m Colin Creevey” he introduced. “Hello Colin it’s nice to meet you” Kiara said with a smile. “Come sit” she gestured to a seat beside her. Colin blushes a little but sat “thanks.” “So are you excited for your first year at Hogwarts?” Kiara asked. “Very much” he replied “I couldn’t believe my eye when I found out that I was a wizard when I got the letter. My dad gave me a Muggle camera to click photos as a memory of the school” he said. “That’s great” Kiara said. “You know what I can give you a potion and with that you can make those pictures move as well” she suggested making a huge smile appear on Colin’s face. “You’ll do that?” he asked amused getting a nod from Colin. “Thanks Kiara” he said. “Don’t mention it” Kiara said ruffling his hair a little. “Enjoying the muggleborn company are you Silvers?” a voice spoke behind Kiara. Kiara turned around and saw none other than Draco Malfoy “Why do you care?” she asked glaring at Malfoy with pure hatred. “I see my dad wasn’t wrong about what he said at Diagon Alley about you being a scum” Malfoy said loud enough for everyone to hear. The hall fell silent and everyone looked at them. Everyone except a few Slytherins was glaring at Malfoy for calling Kiara scum because everyone cared about Kiara either as a good friend or in a sibling manner. Hermione turned to look at the teacher’s table and saw that all the teachers were gone that’s why Malfoy was using such a language. “Mind your language Malfoy” Percy said being the Gryffindor prefect. The Weasley twins stood up to defend Kiara “Say that again Malfoy” they said but Kiara raised a hand to stop them and stood up herself. “You know what?” she asked giving a cold glare to Malfoy. “People like you are the biggest scum” she said. “People who judge each other, who do not care how people feel, who judge people on the materialistic matter, who bully people, who finds amusement in others pain; they are the biggest scum” she said in soft cold voice. “That’s true” many people said agreeing with her. They were impressed by Kiara. “You’ll pay for that later Silvers” Malfoy threatened and left. Kiara sat back on her seat and was complimented by the Gryffindors for standing up against Malfoy. -------- Gryffindor Common Room: Kiara was sitting alone in the common room in her night suit. She was having a pang in her heart. ‘What if she’ll never see her friends again? What if she’ll never see Harry again; the boy who was her first best friend; the boy for whom she started developing feelings last year. She was broken from her trail of thoughts when the portrait of fat lady swung open. Harry and Ron entered in. Kiara was shocked; the boys saw Kiara standing there wearing just shorts and tank top. Kiara smiled in relief and rushed to hug Harry startling him but he hugged back “God I thought you were expelled” she said. “Well we’re not expelled but we’ll be serving detention” Ron said. “At least better than getting expelled” Kiara said and released Harry from the hug. “You lot got Hermione and me worrying so much” she said. “I’m going to bed” Ron said. “You coming Harry?” he asked. “I’ll join you in a minute” Harry replied. Ron nodded and left. “Not tired?” Kiara asked. “I thought we have a bit catching up to do” Harry replied shrugging. Kiara smiled “guess we do” she said and sat on the couch in front of the fire. Harry sat down beside her. “So why the flying car?” Kiara asked. Harry explained that how he and Ron weren’t able to cross the barrier of platform 9 ¾ and how Ron came up with the idea of using his dad’s car. “Well… maybe it was exciting but extremely dangerous at the same time as well” Kiara said. “Yeah I know” Harry said. “And I feel extremely guilty after all the Weasleys did for me this summer this is how I paid back to them” he said guilt and shame dripping from his voice. “Harry listen to me” Kiara said placing her hand on top of his, making him look into her eyes. “You must have done something wrong; everyone make mistakes but the thing is you admitted you did something wrong, you didn’t deny your mistake and are sorry about it. This mistake now turned into a life lesson for you to think before acting” she said. Harry smiled a little when Kiara comforted him. “Harry we cannot travel back in time and fix our mistakes, but we can learn from it and forgive ourselves for not knowing better” she said. “Thank Kiara” Harry said with a smile “I really needed that” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better friend” he said. “Neither could I” Kiara said. “So how was your summer at the Weasleys?” she asked drifting to a cheery topic to make Harry feel better. She placed her head on Harry’s shoulder while Harry wrapped an arm around her waist making her snuggle into his chest. “It was great” he said. “For the first time in my life I felt the love of family. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley treated me like their own son” he said. He then started to tell Kiara about his few incidents at burrow. “You know what Mr. Weasley asked me?” Harry asked. Kiara shook her head. “He asked me the function of a rubber duck” he said. “Well that must have been awkward to answer” Kiara said chuckling. “It was but your owl saved me from answering the question” Harry said. “So how was today’s feast?” Harry asked. “Well it was okay; not as enjoyable as last year” Kiara said. “And you know who our DADA teacher is?” Kiara asked. “Who is it?” Harry asked. “Gilderoy Lockhart” Kiara replied with disgust earning a groan from Harry. “What else happened?” Harry asked. Kiara told him about Malfoy’s comment at which Harry’s blood boiled. The two of them talked endlessly till two in the morning and did not even realize that they fell asleep snuggled into each other. CHAPTER 16 Gryffindor Common Room: “They are so cute” Angelina said. Ron, Hermione, the Weasley twins, Ginny and the remaining Gryffindor quidditch team were admiring Kiara and Harry sleeping together. “Are they dating?” Oliver asked. “No, not till I know” Hermione replied. “I won’t be surprised if they started dating overnight. They were hugging each other like long lost couple” Ron said. “I bet they’ll make the cutest and the most adorable couple at Hogwarts” Fred said. “I second that Freddie” George said. They Kiara groaned lightly and fluttered opened her eyes but failed because of the sunlight attacking them “What time is it Hermione?” Kiara asked with closed eyes only to wake up Harry as well. Kiara didn’t know she was snuggled to Harry yet. But before Hermione could answer Harry furrowed his brows with closed eyes “What are you doing in the boys dorm Kiara?” he asked half sleepily. Everyone found it difficult to suppress their laughter. “Wake up sleepy heads” the twins chorused. The sleepy couple shot open their eye only to find out where they slept last night. Both of them turned tomato red and shot up when they saw all eyes on them. Then Kiara’s eyes lay on the clock above the fireplace “Jeez I overslept” Kiara said and rushed upstairs ignoring everyone’s laughter. Even Harry awkwardly rushed to his dorm. After the quick morning routine Kiara went downstairs. She found a notice on the Gryffindor notice board: STUDENTS FROM ABOVE FIRST YEAR ARE ALLOWED TO VOLUNTEER FOR ASSISTING MADAM POMFREY IN THE HOSPITAL WING. STUDENTS WILL BE SELECTED ON THE BASIS OF THEIR POTIONS, TRANSFIGURATION, DADA, HERBOLOGY AND CHARMS SKILLS. STUDENTS WISHING TO VOLUNTEER WILL CONTACT THEIR HEAD OF HOUSE. Kiara’s insides lit up. From the moment Kiara found out about the wizarding world she always wanted to be a healer like Camellia. She always liked helping people. She wanted to apply for this post in her first years itself but first years weren’t allowed because the teachers didn’t knew about the students’ required skills for this position. Kiara then turned around and searched for Harry, Ron and Hermione but could find none of them “Looking for your friends?” a voice spoke beside Kiara. Kiara turned around and saw Dean Thomas “Have you seen them?” she asked. “Yeah they arrived early so they told me to tell you to meet them at the Great Hall” he informed. “Ok” Kiara said. “Thanks Dean” she said. “You’re welcome” Dean said as Kiara left for the Great Hall. -------- Great Hall: Kiara entered the filled Great Hall. She had completely forgotten about what happened this morning. She saw Professor McGonagall distributing the schedules to Gryffindor house. “Good morning Professor” Kiara greeted politely as Professor McGonagall came towards her. “Good morning Miss Silvers, your second year schedule” Professor McGonagall said handing her a piece of parchment. “Thank you” she said. “Um Professor McGonagall” she said looking up from her schedule “I wanted to talk about volunteering for H.W.A.G” she said. “Ok Miss Silvers, I’ll about this matter later with Madam Pomfrey’s. I’m quite busy now” she said. “Ok thank you” Kiara said with a smile and Professor McGonagall left to distribute the schedules. Then Kiara searched for her friends on the Gryffindor table only to find them a few seats away. Hermione was reading Voyages with vampires; Ron was fixing his broken wand with cello tape and Harry was having his breakfast “Good morning” she said sitting down beside Hermione opposite to Harry. “Morning” the rest of them greeted in unison. Kiara poured herself a cup of hot coffee and examined her schedule. Harry’s eye landed on Kiara. He thought that how perfect her every feature was perfect. She was carefully examining her schedule and she was scribbling something on the schedule with a steaming cup of coffee beside her. Her hair in her signature half up-down hairstyle, her makeup less but yet beautiful and perfect face; all Harry could think was how perfect this girl was both by appearance and soul. Then Kiara looked up and seemed satisfied with her work. Suddenly there was a flash of camera behind Kiara which startled everyone “Hi Harry I’m Colin Creevey” he introduces. Kiara smiles at Colin then fumbles in her bag. “I’m in Gryffindor too” he adds. “Oh- hi Colin it’s nice to meet you” Harry greeted with stutter. “Here” Kiara said handing out a bottle towards Colin “Like I said ‘The Developing Potion’ it allows the pictures to move and it also work on Muggle films” she said. “You remembered giving me this?” Colin asked in surprise as he took the vial of potion. “Of course I remembered” she said in a matter-of-fact tone “Why would I not?” she asked. “Well I’m a muggleborn, you see my dad works as a milkman, some people tell me I’m not meant to be here and that I should go back home” he said and hung his head. Kiara scooted a little and made space beside her “Sit here Colin” she ordered kindly. Colin did as he was told. She put a hand on his shoulder “Now listen to me, why did you receive a letter from Hogwarts?” she asked politely. “Because I can perform magic” he answered. “Exactly” she said. “You got the letter; the sorting hat put you in a house and that to the house of the brave because you belong to this place” she said pressurizing the last five words. “Those people who told you, you didn’t belong here are all jerks. You got to believe in yourself Colin, you need to have faith in yourself and you need to show the people that you belong here more than they do themselves” she said. “You understand?” she asks. “Yeah you’re right” Colin said smiling and looked up at Kiara “I’ll prove myself worthy to belong here and make my family proud” he said. “That’s the spirit” she said with a huge grin and high-fived Colin. “Thanks Kiara, you’re a great person” he said getting. “It was nothing Colin” she said. “You’re like a little brother to me” she said ruffling his hair. “Really?!” he asked amused getting a nod from Kiara. “Thanks Kiara it really means a lot” he said. “I’m going to see my friends” he said waving “Bye.” “How do you do that?” Hermione asked. “Do what?” Kiara asked raising a brow as she sipped her coffee. “You cheer up anybody without making any effort” Harry said beaming at the girl. “Just happens” she said shrugging. Before the conversation could go further Dean spoke up “Hey Ron is that you’re owl?” he asked pointing to a large grey owl. Everybody looked up to see the owl. He smashed in the bowl of chips making food fly everywhere and then lay unconscious. “Oh no” Ron said taking the letter from the owl’s beaks. “Is it alright?” Kiara asked examining the owl by poking it with her wand. “He’s still alive” Hermione said doing the same as Kiara. “It’s not that” Ron said. “It’s this” he said pointing the letter. “Look everyone Weasley’s got himself a howler” Seamus said. “Go on Ron. I ignored one from my gran once. It was horrible” Neville warned. “Open it… it’ll be over within a few minutes” he encouraged. With shaky hands Ron opened the red envelope. Then it was like the letter had a soul which belonged to Mrs. Weasley. “RONALD WEASLEY!” the quartet jumped at the voice. “HOW DARE YOU STEAL THAT CAR? I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED! YOUR FATHER’S NOW FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, AND IT’S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT! IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE, WE’LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME!” Mrs. Weasley’s voice boomed through the Great Hall. “Oh and Ginny dear congratulations on making Gryffindor, your father and I are so proud” the Howler said turning towards the red headed girl. It then turned to Ron and hissed; then tore itself into pieces. Ron was shaking with fear and shame. Harry felt guilty again. Hermione looked at the boys as if they deserved it. Kiara was still shaken by the impact of the Howler. “Come on we have Herbology” Kiara said getting up wanting to clear their minds of the Howler. She picked up her satchel and placed it on her shoulder. -------- Greenhouse: The second year Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Slytherins were all assembled in greenhouse three for their Herbology class. All students were chattering among themselves. “Morning everyone” Professor Sprout said entering the class but nobody seemed to have listen except Kiara and Hermione. “Good morning everyone” Professor Sprout said more loudly while clinking a pot with her wand. “Good Morning Professor Sprout” the class chorused. “Welcome to Greenhouse Three, Second Years. Now, gather around, everyone. Today, we are going to re-pot Mandrakes. Who here can tell me the properties of the Mandrake root?” Professor asked. Hermione and Kiara’s hands shot up “Yes, Miss Granger” she said. “Mandrake, or Mandragora, is used to return those who have been Petrified to their original state” Hermione replied. “Excellent ten points to Gryffindor” Professor Sprout said making the Gryffindors beam and Slytherins scowl at Hermione. “Now can anyone tell me more about these plants?” she asked further. Kiara’s hand shot up “Yes Ms. Silvers” she said. “Mandrake is a plant which has a root that looks like human. Whenever unearthed, the root screams; the scream is also similar to a banshee’s scream which is also fatal. The scream of a mature Mandrake when it is unearthed will kill any person who hears it, but a young Mandrake's screams will usually only knock a person out for several hours. Mandrakes not only resemble humans, but also have similar behaviors to them. The Mandrakes, at one point of time, became moody and secretive and begins to grow acne, which indicates that they are reaching adolescence. Later on, they throw a loud party, which is comparable to humans when they are teenagers. When matured, Mandrakes can be cut up to serve as a prime ingredient for the Mandrake Restorative Draught, which is used to cure those who have been Petrified. The favorite food is Mandrakes, which leads to Mandrake-growers finding nothing but a bloody mess when pulling their plants out. Flesh-Eating Slugs are known to favor Mandrakes. Their leaves can be used in potions, additionally; the Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes” she said. Everyone looked at her astonished including Professor Sprout. “Excellent, that’s everything about a Mandrake; thirty points to Gryffindor” Professor Sprout said making the Gryffindors beam at Kiara. “Now, as our Mandrakes are still only seedlings their cries won’t kill you yet. But they could knock you out for several hours, which is why I have given each of you a pair of earmuffs for auditory protection. So, could you please put them on, right away? Quickly! Flaps tight down, and watch me closely. You grasp your Mandrake firmly; you pull it sharply up out of the pot” the students did as they were instructed. By the end of the class everyone was covered in mud and went to the greenhouse washing areas. Kiara’s hands were covered in both soap and mud as a strand of her hair blocked her view “Great” she muttered which was loud enough for Harry to hear who had finished washing his hands. Kiara blew the strand of hair with her mouth but failed. Harry couldn’t help but laugh at her cuteness. Kiara heard Harry laugh and turned to face Harry with a pout which made her look cuter. Kiara pointed to her hair with her eyeballs. Harry reached out his hand and tucked Kiara’s hair behind her ear making butterflies fly in her stomach. Kiara looked in Harry’s emerald green eyes and did not want to shift her gaze. She thought on how someone can have so perfectly beautiful emerald green eyes. Harry looked back in Kiara’s eyes with his hand still behind her ear. They were broken by their trance by Ron’s voice “Come on lovebirds we have a DADA class to attend” he said smirking only to get smacked behind his head by Hermione. “Ronald you spoiled the moment” she scolded. Harry and Kiara blushed beet red. Kiara quickly finished washing her hands. With that they all left for DADA. -------- DADA Classroom: The Gryffindors and Slytherins were sitting in the DADA classroom waiting for Gilderoy Lockhart to come. Suddenly the doors of his office banged open “Let me introduce you to your new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher… me! Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly’s Most-Charming-Smile Award- but I don’t talk about that. I didn’t get rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at him” he introduced. Kiara gagged at Lockhart’s behavior which was only seen by Harry and Ron, who laughed under their breath at Kiara for being the only witch in the class not drooling over Lockhart. “I thought we’d start with a quiz today. Nothing much to worry about just to make sure how much you’ve taken in… how much you’ve learned” he said with his stupid grin on his face. He handed the papers to the whole class for the test “you have thirty minutes” he said “Start- NOW” he said and everyone looked at their papers. Harry, Ron and Kiara shared a look when they saw the questions that were all about none other than Gilderoy Lockhart. “Hardly any of you remember that my favorite color is lilac. I say so in Year with Yeti. And a few of you need to read Wandering with the Werewolves more carefully- I clearly state in chapter twelve that my ideal birthday gift would be harmony between all magic and non-magic people but I won’t say no to a large bottle of Ogden’s Old Firewhisky!” he said with a wink. “But Miss Granger and Miss Silvers have received full marks in this test” he said. “Where are these girls?” he asked. Only Hermione raised her hand while blushing whereas Kiara slumped down in her seat. Kiara knew the answers because she had read the books and had a good memory. But it wasn’t difficult for Lockhart to spot her as well. “Excellent. Ten points to each of you” he said. “Now to business…” he said standing up from his seat. “Now be warned! It is my job to arm you against the foulest creatures known to wizardkind. You may find yourselves facing your worst fears in this room. Know only that no harm can befall you whilst I am here. I must ask you not to scream. It might… provoke them!” he said pulling a cloth from a cage revealing Cornish Pixies. “Cornish Pixies?” Seamus asked. “Freshly caught Cornish Pixies” he said beaming only to make Seamus laugh. “Laugh if you will, Mr. Finnegan, but pixies can be devilish tricky little blighters. Let’s see what you make of them” he said opening the door. The pixies shot in every direction like rockets. Two of them lifted Neville by ears into the air. Several shot through the window showering the back row with broken glass. They grabbed the ink bottles and sprayed the class with them, shredded books and papers, tore pictures from the wall and created a complete nuisance. Neville was swinging on the chandelier by his robes. “Come on round them up they’re only pixies” Lockhart said. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” Kiara shouted. “WEREN’T YOU SUPPOSED TO TEACH US HOW TO ROUND THEM UP?!” “As you say Miss Silvers” he said. “PESKIPIKSI PESTERNOMI!” He chanted but instead of affecting the pixies it made a skeleton fall from the ceiling. The pixies seized his wand and threw it out of the window, too. Everyone escaped the classroom as the bell rang “Well I’ll ask you four to nip them back in the cage” Lockhart said and left. “SCREW THIS” Kiara yelled frustrated “IMMOBULUS” she chanted making the pixies freeze. “Can you believe him?” Ron asked. “He just wants to give us some hands-on experience” Hermione said. “HANDS ON?” Harry asked. “Hermione he didn’t have a clue what he was doing.” “Rubbish you’ve read his books look at all those amazing things he has done…” he said. “He said he’s done” Kiara said as the four of them nipped back the pixies and left the classroom. CHAPTER 17 Great Hall: It’s been a week since students arrived at Hogwarts. Students were having dinner in Great Hall. Kiara and Ron were sitting opposite to Harry and Hermione. Professor McGonagall walked over to the quartet “Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter” she said. The two boys looked up at the Professor along with the girls. “The two of you will be serving detention on Saturday evening. Mr. Weasley you will be serving detention with Mr. Filch and Mr. Potter you with Professor Lockhart” she said. Professor McGonagall left only to be replaced by Lockhart “Harry Potter and Kiara Silvers” he said appearing behind Harry. “Harry you are really lucky that you are going to spend the best detention in all years at Hogwarts” he said with a huge grin that showed off his white grin. Kiara and Ron exchanged a look and were trying the best to not burst out laughing. “What does he have to do sir?” Kiara asked a hint of amusement in her voice. “You see Kiara; I am giving him the honor to help me sign my fan mails” he answered. “I hope you’re excited for it” he said and strolled out of the Great Hall. Once he left the hall Ron and Kiara burst out laughing clutching their stomachs earning looks from people in Great Hall. “Ron can you believe it Harry is getting to spend the best detention?” Kiara asked once her laughter died only for it to come back again. “Very funny” Harry said sarcastically. Though he was being teased Harry couldn’t help but smile internally while hearing Kiara’s angelic laugh. “I thought I got it worst with Filch” Ron said. “Apparently not, I think I’ll keep a grave ready for him” Kiara said. “I can help you dig it” Ron said as the two laughed. “Then we’ll have a funeral for him” he said. “Harry Potter; the boy who lived died answering Gilderoy Lockhart’s fan mails” Kiara said in a reporter voice. Ron and Kiara high-fived each other. “Miss Silvers” a voice called. Kiara turned around and saw Madam Pomfrey. She took a deep breath to conceal her laughter and went to talk to her. “Yes Madam Pomfrey” Kiara said politely. “Professor McGonagall told me that you wanted to join Hospital Wing Assistant Group” she said. Kiara nodded. “Well refer this pamphlet” she said handing Kiara a piece of parchment “go through it. On Thursday evening we will have a session in my office” she said. “All details are in this” she said pointing at the pamphlet. Kiara nodded “Thank you Madam Pomfrey, I’ll see you on Thursday evening” she said. Madam Pomfrey left with a nod and a slight smile. Kiara went back to her seat “What is this?” Ron asked pointing the pamphlet. “Oh this is for H.W.A.G” Kiara replied. “You’re applying for it?” Hermione asked. Kiara nodded. “That’s great I’m sure you’ll be selected” she said beaming. “Thanks” Kiara said smiling. “I’m sorry but what is H.W.A.G?” Harry asked not having a slightest idea about it. “Hospital Wing Assistant Group” Kiara replied. “Students above second year are allowed to join this group. They help Madam Pomfrey with the errands in hospital wing like attending the sick or injured, brewing medicinal potions or taking care of medicinal plants and all sorts of stuff” she said. “My brothers told me about it” Ron added. “They said it’s a group of six people and they receive white blazers as an identity. There is also a head of the group who gets a badge like the prefects and quidditch captains. They also enjoy the authorities and leisure of the prefects, head boy/girl and quidditch captain like getting to use the prefect’s bathroom” he replied. “Well I’m excited” Kiara said. “I wanted to be a part of this group since first year but the teachers don’t know the student’s knowledge on the required subjects to select them. It feels good helping people and all” she said. -------- Madam Pomfrey’s Office: On Thursday evening, Kiara went to Madam Pomfrey’s office in the Hospital Wing. There was one chair for Madam Pomfrey. “Hello” a Hufflepuff girl said politely “H.W.A.G?” she asked. Kiara nodded. “I’m Garnet Wells” the Hufflepuff girl said “third year” she added. “Jane Rogers” a Ravenclaw girl said “second year” she said. “Hailey Forbes” another Ravenclaw girl said “fifth year.” “Robert Davis” the Hufflepuff boy introduced “fifth year.” “Kiara Silvers second year” Kiara introduced. “Who doesn’t know you?” Jane asked with a smile. “Well” Kiara said shrugging “I had to introduce for formality.” “Right” Jane said. Then the doors opened and in Madam Pomfrey and two more students one from Hufflepuff boy who had the Head of H.W.A.G badge. Madam Pomfrey took her seat and the two students stood behind her. “Good evening students” Madam Pomfrey greeted earning one back from the four members in unison. “I’m Edward Brooks” the Hufflepuff boy introduced who was the head of H.W.A.G “sixth year.” “So we’ll start as you can see me, Professor Snape, McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout have discussed through the list of those students and we have added two new members Jane Rogers and Kiara Silvers” she said. The two girls nodded. “So I’ll be going through the rules and duties of the Hospital Wing” she said. “You can come to the Hospital Wing for assistance during the non-curfew hours whenever you can” she said. “If not sure on what medicine to give to the patient go through the list in H.W.A.G room” she said. “You have to be strict with the visitors and follow the rules” she said. “Got it?’ she asked and earned a nod from all students. “These are your blazers” she said handing Jane and Kiara a blazer each “you are to wear it every time you come here for assistance.” Then they discussed a few more rules and duties. “You are also allowed to help Professor Snape for brewing medicinal potions the same goes with the herbs and plants for which you can assist Professor Sprout” she said. “Now you all may leave and start with this from tomorrow.” With that all students left “There aren’t any Slytherins in this group” Kiara mentioned as the six H.W.A.G members walked together. “There weren’t any since I joined the group” Edward said. “They think this is servant’s job” he said. “How disrespectful” Jane said. The six of them walked together and got to know each other better and became wonderful friends. CHAPTER 18 Quidditch Pitch: On Saturday the Gryffindor quidditch team was heading for Quidditch pitch for practice. “I spent the summer devising a whole new Quidditch program. We are gonna train earlier, harder, and longer” Oliver said as the team headed for the pitch. Then Oliver saw the Slytherin quidditch team “What- I don’t believe it! Where do you think you’re going, Flint?” he asked approaching the Slytherin captain. “Quidditch practice” Flint replied smirking. “I booked the pitch for Gryffindor today” Oliver said. “Easy, Wood; I’ve got a note” Flint said. Ron and Hermione who were sitting nearby sensed trouble and approached. “I, Professor Severus Snape, do hereby give the Slytherin team permission to practice today, owing to the need to train their new Seeker. You’ve got a new Seeker; who?” Oliver read and asked. The Slytherin team cleared the way revealing none other than Draco Malfoy “Malfoy?” Harry asked more than saying. “That’s right” Malfoy said smirking. “And that’s not all that new this year” he said motioning the brooms of the team. “Those are Nimbus Two Thousand and Ones!” Ron said. “How did you get those?” he asked. “A gift from Draco’s father” Flint boasted. “You see Weasley, unlike some, my father can afford the best” Malfoy taunted. “At least no one in the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in” Kiara said smirking. “They’ve got their own pure talent” Hermione added and the two girls exchanged a look. “No one asked your opinions” Draco said approaching the two girls. “You filthy little mudblood and scum” he said. The Gryffindors felt their blood boil. “You’ll pay for that Malfoy” Ron said bringing out his broken wand “Eat slugs” he chanted only to get backfired. Harry, Hermione and Kiara rushed to aid him. “Ron” Kiara said as the three knelt down. “Are you ok?” she asked. “Say something” Hermione said when he didn’t reply. Ron opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead he gave an almighty belch and several slugs dribbled out of his mouth on to his lap. The Slytherins doubled over laughter. “Let’s take him to Hagrid” Harry suggested. “Take him there I’ll come in a minute with the cure” Kiara said. Harry and Hermione took Ron to Hagrid’s while Kiara rushed to the hospital wing. She took the box of treacle fudge then exited the school building. Once Kiara reached the grounds she mounted the broom and flew over to Hagrid’s. -------- Hagrid’s hut: Hagrid placed a bucket in Ron’s lap. Then there was a knock on the door Hagrid opened it revealing Kiara. Kiara went over to Ron, “Here Ron, eat this” she said handing him a fudge. “This will cure you.” Ron took the fudge and nibbled on it he felt himself get better. “Who was Ron trying to curse anyway?” Hagrid asked. “Malfoy” Harry replied. “He called Hermione and Kiara… um I don’t know exactly what that means” he said. “He called me a scum” Kiara replied walking over the window. “And me a mudblood” Hermione said following Kiara. “He did not” Hagrid said with a gasp. “What’s a mudblood and scum?” Harry asked. “Mudblood means dirty blood. Mudblood’s a really foul name for someone who is Muggle-born. Someone with non-magic parents; someone like me. It’s not a term one usually hears in civilized conversation” Hermione explained tears brimming her eyes. “And scum is also as bad as the term Mudblood” Kiara said. “If some witch or wizard is descended from a pure blood family; a family to which blood purity means everything. If the heir of the family does not believe in blood purity or associates with Muggles or Muggleborn they are considered a layer of dirt on the wizarding world by the pureblood maniacs” she explained “a scum of wizarding world.” Harry felt himself get angry when he understood the meaning of the two words “That’s horrible” he said. “It’s disgusting” Ron said. “And it’s codswallop, to boot. “Dirty blood.” Why, there isn’t a wizard alive today that’s not half blood or less” Hagrid said. “More to the point, they’ve yet to think of a spell that our Hermione and Kiara can’t do” he said making the two girls smile slightly. “Come here… Don’t you two think on it, Hermione and Kiara? Don’t you think on it for one minute… eh?” he said earning a nod from the two girls. -------- Library: Later that evening Hermione and Kiara were sitting in the library studying while the boys were serving detention. Kiara then saw Ginny sitting alone in the corner of the library all alone. “Should we talk to Ginny?” she asked Hermione and earned a nod from her. The two got up and walked over to Ginny “Hey Ginny” they said. Ginny looked up “Hey Kiara and Hermione” she smiled slightly. “Why are you sitting all alone?” Hermione asked sitting on a chair beside her Kiara mirroring her actions. “Just like that” she shrugged. “We haven’t got to know each other; have we?” Kiara asked. “Guess not” Ginny replied with a shrug. “So tell me” Kiara said. “How do you feel about Hogwarts; I mean you must have heard loads from your brothers but how’s your personal experience?” she asked. “It’s fine” she said. “I made a few friends like Neville, Dean and Luna; the classes are good, the food is wonderful” she said. “Hmm” Kiara said. “Any crushes?” she asked smirking. Ginny blushed. “Come on you can tell us, we’re very good at keeping secrets” Hermione whispered. “Ok” Ginny said. “I might have a tiny crush on Dean” she said. “That’s cool” Kiara said. “Now tell me don’t you two have any crushes?” Ginny asked. Hermione shook her head put pointed to Kiara saying ‘I don’t but she does.’ “Ok I like Harry” Kiara admitted in a whisper and slight blush. “You two are perfect” Ginny said making Kiara blush even more. Then the three girls had more girl gossips and were later joined by Ron who slumped in the seat. “Filch made me scrub the same trophy over and over” he complained. “Ronald” Kiara said. “At least you had it better than Harry” she joked. Ron laughed a little “Yeah, speaking of Harry hasn’t he returned?” he asked. “Nope” Hermione replied. “But he must be returning” she said. “Should we go and receive him I’m starving” Ron said. “Tell us something new” Hermione said making the other two girls chuckle. “Let’s go” Kiara said getting up. “See you later Ginny” she waved. Ron, Kiara and Hermione left. -------- Corridor: They walked towards Lockhart’s office when they saw Harry leaning against a wall. “Harry” Kiara called grabbing his attention. “Did you hear it?” Harry asked. “Hear what?” Ron asked in reply. “The voice” Harry replied. “Voice?” Hermione asked. “What voice?” “I heard it first in Lockhart’s office. And it’s just again…” he replied but trailed off. “It’s moving” he said. “It’s going to kill.” “KILL?” the other three asked in unison. “Harry wait not so fast” Hermione said as Harry ran ahead with the other three at his heels. Harry dashes madly, taking the steps three at a time. He makes the landing, rushes through the archway, and sleds to a stop, listening. Nothing. Slowly, he peers down at the water that is oozing over the stone floor, surrounding his shoes. His own reflection appears. Ron, Kiara and Hermione come huffing up. “Harry what are you doing?” Hermione asks out of breath. “What’s that?” she asked pointing to writing on the wall. THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED ENEMIES OF THE HEIR BEWARE Hermione read out loud. “It’s written in blood” the two girls point out together. “What’s that hanging underneath?” Ron asked pointing to a figure hanging from a lamp. “It’s Filch’s cat Mrs. Norris” Harry replied. Suddenly students start filling from all sides and they point the writing and the cat. “Enemies of heir beware!” Malfoy read. “You’ll be next mudbloods and scums” he snarled at Kiara and Hermione. “What’s going on?” Filch’s voice booms through. “Go on now” he said appearing from the middle of the crowd then stops dead when he sees his dear cat. “Mrs. Norris” he mumbles. “You murdered my cat” he said pointing Harry “I kill you” he threatens grabbing Harry’s collar. Kiara’s heart reaches her throat but before she could say anything another voice booms through the corridor “Argus” Dumbledore said warningly appearing with McGonagall, Lockhart and Snape at his heels. Dumbledore examined the scene with a look of fear on his face. “Everyone will proceed to their dormitories immediately” he ordered as the students began to leave. “Everyone except… you four” he said pointing at Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione. Dumbledore steps forward and detaches the cat gently and examines it with the rest of the professors. “It’s definitely a curse that killed her probably the Transmogrifian Torture. Encountered it myself once, in Ouagadougou. The full story is in my autobiography...” Lockhart began. Kiara scoffed “She’s not dead” she said annoyed with Lockhart’s immense boasting “she’s petrified.” The teachers and other three kids looked at her shocked. “Precisely! So unlucky I wasn't there. I know the very counter curse that could have spared her…” Lockhart boasted again making Kiara glare at her in disgust and annoyance. “Miss Silvers” McGonagall said. “How do you know she’s not dead but petrified?” she asked. Kiara’s expression softened as she turned her gaze to McGonagall “the petrified victim appears to enter rigor mortise instantaneously and remains that way, while a dead person enters, and leaves it, within a normal time frame” she replied. “Indeed you’re correct Kiara” Dumbledore said astounded by the girl’s knowledge. “But how she’s petrified I cannot say…” he trailed off. “Ask him?” Filch said pointing Harry and glaring daggers at him. “Mr. Filch it wasn’t Harry’s fault” Kiara defended in a firm tone. “Petrification is a kind of advanced dark magic which not even a seventh year can perform leave alone Harry who’s in second year and found about magic last year itself.” “If I might, Headmaster? Perhaps Potter and his friends were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. However the circumstances are suspicious. I, for one, don’t recall seeing Potter at dinner” Snape said. “I’m afraid that’s my doing, Severus. You see, Harry was helping me answer my fan mail” Lockhart said. “That’s why Kiara, Ron and I went looking for him, Professor. We’d just found him when he said…” Hermione said but trailed off. “Yes Miss Granger?” Snape said. “When I said I wasn’t hungry” Harry replied. “Innocent until proven guilty Severus” Dumbledore said. “My cat has been petrified” Filch said. “I want punishment” he demanded. Kiara sighed and then placed a hand on Mr. Filch’s arm “I’m sorry about Mrs. Norris Mr. Filch” she then smiled weakly. “You know we can un-petrify her she’ll be alright just like before” she said to calm him. “How?” Filch asked. “Madame Sprout has a very healthy growth of Mandrakes. When matured, a potion will be made which will revive Mrs. Norris” Kiara replied. “You know what Miss Silvers” Lockhart said approaching the little girl with a toothy smile. “I can make the Mandrake Restorative Draught in my sleep…” he began trying to impress her. Kiara rolled her eyes and shut them in annoyance. She whipped her head towards Lockhart and opened her eyes “Sorry to interrupt but don’t you think being the potions master and having more experience in the field of potions Professor Snape should be given this task” she said in an annoyed tone. If the situation wouldn’t be so serious Harry and Ron would have burst out laughing at Lockhart’s expression which looked like he has just been slapped across the face. Kiara saw Snape slightly smile at her. “You may go” Dumbledore said to the four students. The quartet walked up the stairs that led to the Gryffindor tower “It’s a bit strange, isn’t it?” Hermione asked. “Strange?” Harry asked. “You hear this voice, a voice only you can hear, and then Mrs. Norris turns up Petrified. It’s just… strange” “Do you think I should have told them? Dumbledore and the others, I mean?” Harry asked. “Are you mad?!” Ron exclaimed. “No, Harry. Even in the wizarding world, hearing voices isn’t a good sign” Hermione said. -------- Gryffindor Common Room: Ron said the password and entered the common room with the other three following. Hermione and Ron went upstairs while Harry sat on the couch placing his head in his hands. Kiara was about to follow Hermione but stopped when she noticed Harry. She approached him and placed a caring hand on his shoulder. Harry looked up and met Kiara’s gray-blue eyes “You ok?” she asked softly and sat beside him. “I don’t know” Harry replied with a sigh. “Hermione said hearing voices isn’t a good sign and I happen to hear voices; I just don’t know how to take all this in” he admitted honestly. Harry always felt that he could freely admit his thoughts to Kiara; he could tell her about stuff that he couldn’t tell to Ron and Hermione as well except for his true feelings towards her. Kiara sighed and moved her hand from Harry’s shoulder and placed it on his hand “Listen to me Harry” she said “I know hearing voices isn’t a good sign but just because it is considered wrong doesn’t mean it's actually is wrong” she said. “Meaning?” Harry asked. “See it is believed that hearing voices isn’t a good sign but that doesn’t mean it’s bad as well. Maybe that voice was meant to hear by you only or maybe it was some indication” she said. “You believe that I’m not strange?” Harry asked. “Of course I do” she said. “I will always believe you Harry James Potter” she said making Harry smile widely. “Thank you Kiara; what would I do without a friend like you?” he asked. “You’ll sign Lockhart’s fan mail” she joked with a smirk. “You’ll never let him forget this now; will you?” he asked raising a brow. “I can’t let you forget the best detention at Hogwarts Harry” Kiara said with a seriously sarcastic look. “I loved the look on Lockhart’s face when you back fired him” Harry said. “He was getting on my nerves. How can someone boast about himself so much? I mean seriously, I can brew a Mandrake Restorative Draft in my sleep, like hell not even the biggest potioneer can’t brew any potion in his sleep. What does that bloke even thinks of him? Thinking he is the….” Kiara began to rant out and Harry was doubled over laughter forgetting about the writing on the wall and the strange sounds. “Having fun now are you?” Kiara asked when she noticed Harry wiping a tear of laughter. “I’ve never seen you rant about someone like that Kiara” he said in an amused voice. “Well if people start getting on your nerves that’s what they get” she said then gave a yawn. “Sleepy?” Harry asked earning a nod from Kiara. “Let’s go to our beds. We don’t want to get caught on the couch by the Gryffindor” she said. Kiara blushed at the memory “Yeah right” she said. The two of them got up from the couch and walked up the stairs. “Good night Harry” she said once she reached her dorm door. “Good night Kiara” he said back and went up his dorm. CHAPTER 19 Great Hall: The next day Hermione and Kiara had woken up early to go to the library but the boys didn’t know that. They searched through the Great Hall for the two girls but could find them nowhere. “Let’s have breakfast; maybe they overslept” Ron said who was immensely hungry. Harry nodded and the two boys sat down on the Gryffindor table near the large oak doors so the girls can find them easily. “Nothing” they heard Hermione’s familiar voice. The boys turned their head around and saw the two girls enter the Great Hall and take a seat in front of them. “I even searched Hogwarts A History but still nothing” Kiara said pouring herself a cup of coffee. The boys shared a ‘what on Earth are they talking about?’ look. “Should we ask someone?” Hermione asked. “But what if they don’t tell? What if they freak out and not answer?” Kiara asked taking a sip of their coffee. “But we need to try and find out almost everyone wants to know” Hermione said. From the seriousness of the two girls’ conversation the boys didn’t bother to butt in fearing they’ll get busted. “They are talking as if they’re some high post ministry workers discussing the most important and serious issue of the wizarding world” Ron whispered to Harry who nodded in agreement. “Who should we ask?” Kiara asked. “Maybe Professor Binns; after all he’s the history teacher” Hermione said. “What about Professor McGonagall?” Kiara asked. “It’s our first lesson with her and also she knows a lot about Hogwarts plus the sooner we know the better” Kiara mentioned all the plus points. “I guess it’s a good idea” Hermione said. “Let’s go shall we?” she asked getting up Kiara following her actions. “You lot coming?” Kiara asked. The boy nodded and followed the girls to the transfiguration classroom. -------- Transfiguration Classroom: Harry and Ron were sitting together with Hermione and Kiara not far behind. Professor McGonagall was lecturing the class on transfiguring animals into goblets. “Could I have your attention, please?” Professor McGonagall asked. “Right; now, today, we will be transforming animals into water goblets. Like so; one, two, and three, VERA VERTO” she explained and chanted making the bird turn into a perfect goblet. “Now it’s your turn. Well, who would like to go first?” she asked and looked around and her eyes landed on Ron. “Ah! Mr. Weasley she said and approached in front of his desk “One, two and three VERA VERTO” she instructed Ron. Ron picked his wand and cleared his throat “VERA VERTO” he chanted pointing his rat. The rat did turn into a goblet but its tail was left behind. “That wand need’s replacement Mr. Weasley” McGonagall said pointing his broken wand. Hermione and Kiara shared a look and nodded. Hermione raised her hand in the air “Yes Miss. Granger?” McGonagall asked thinking she wanted to perform the spell. “Professor we were wondering” Hermione said pointing both her and Kiara “if you could tell us about the…” she trailed of and looked at Kiara who nodded encouragingly “the Chamber of Secrets” she finished. The whole class became attentive at once. Harry and Ron shared a look. “That’s what they were talking about this morning” Harry told Ron who nodded. Professor McGonagall saw the curious look of the whole class then let out a sigh “Well, very well. Well, you all know, of course, that Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago by the four greatest witches and wizards of the age: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. Now, three of the founders coexisted quite harmoniously. One did not” she explained. “Guess who?” Ron asked Harry knowing the answer well enough. “Salazar Slytherin wished to be more selective about the students admitted to Hogwarts. He believed magical learning should be kept within all-magic families; in other words pure-bloods. Unable to sway the others, he decided to leave the school. Now, according to legend, Slytherin had built a hidden chamber in this castle, known as the Chamber of Secrets. Though, shortly before departing, he sealed it until that time when his own true heir returned to the school. The heir alone would be able to open the Chamber and unleash the horror within, and by so doing purge the school of all those who, in Slytherin’s view, were unworthy to study magic” McGonagall continued. “Muggleborns” Hermione said in a soft voice. Kiara squeezed Hermione’s arm in reassurance. Professor McGonagall nodded in agreement with Hermione. “Well, naturally, the school had been searched many times. No such chamber has been found” McGonagall said not wanting to scare and worry the students. “Professor” Kiara said grabbing her attention. “What exactly does legend tell us lies within the Chamber?” she asked. “Well, the Chamber is said to home to something that only the Heir of Slytherin can control. It is said to be the home of a monster” McGonagall replied. -------- Hallway: “Do you think there really is a chamber of secrets?” Ron asked as the quartet left the transfiguration class. “Yes” Kiara and Hermione replied together. “Couldn’t you tell?” Hermione asked. “McGonagall’s worried” she reasoned. “All teachers are” Kiara added. "Including Dumbledore." “Well, if there really is a Chamber of Secrets, and it really has been opened, then that means…” Harry trailed off. “The heir of Slytherin has returned to Hogwarts” Hermione finished. “The question is who it is?” Kiara asked. “Let’s think. Who do we know who thinks all Muggleborns and scums are the dirt of wizarding world?” Ron asked. “If you’re talking about Malfoy” Kiara said. “You heard him! You’ll be next Mudbloods and scums” Ron said. “We heard him” Hermione said “But Malfoy the heir of Slytherin?” she asked unsure. “Well, maybe Ron’s right, Hermione. I mean, look at his family. The whole lot of them has been in Slytherin for centuries” Harry reasoned. “Crabbe and Goyle must know” Ron said. “Maybe we could trick them into telling” he said. “Even they aren’t that thick” Kiara said. “But there might be another way” Hermione said. Hermione and Kiara shared a look “Mind you it would be very difficult” she said smirking not taking her eyes of Kiara. “Not to mention, we would be breaking about fifty school rules” Kiara said mirroring Hermione’s smirk. “And it’ll be dangerous” Hermione said. “Very dangerous” Kiara added. “Wait here” Hermione told the boys disappearing with Kiara. “They act so crazily weird sometimes” Ron said. The boys did as they were told. After a few minutes the girls came back with a book in Kiara’s hand. “Follow us” Kiara said. The boys followed the girls outside the school. -------- Black Lake: The four of them sat down under a tree away from the ear shot of any student or teacher. Kiara opened the book and she with Hermione searched through it as if they were hawks searching for their prey “Here it is” they said together. The pointed the page to the boys with a heading: THE POLYJUICE POTION “What does it do?” Harry asked. “The Polyjuice potion is a potion that allows a person to transform into someone else” Kiara replied. "You mean if Harry and I drink it we'll turn into Crabbe and Goyle?" Ron asked. Kiara nodded in reply. “Brilliant Malfoy will tell us anything” Ron said. “This is the most complicated potion I’ve ever seen” Hermione said. “So have I” Kiara said. The boys knew if both the girls find something difficult it actually is something very difficult. “Lacewing flies, leeches, horn of a Bicorn, knotgrass, fluxweed and Boomslang” Kiara read. “And of course a bit of whoever we want” she added. “Excuse me?” Ron interjected. “What do you mean by a bit of someone we’re changing into?” he asked. “I’ m drinking nothing with Crabbe’s toenails in it” he said. The girls acted as if they didn’t hear what Ron said “We don’t have to worry about that yet” Hermione said. “Yeah they are to be added at last” Kiara agreed. Ron turned to Harry speechless who on the other hand was listening to the girls clearly. “But as for the ingredients…” Hermione said. “Girls” Harry said. “We’re going to have to break into Snape’s private stores for these ingredients. I don’t think it’s a good idea…” he said. “Well if you two are going to chicken out then fine” Hermione said in a firm and angry tone. “Listen we don’t want to break school rules” Kiara said in the same tone. “But it’s better to break a few” she said. “Threatening Muggleborns and scums is far worse than brewing up a difficult potion” Hermione said. “But if you don’t want to find out its Malfoy” Kiara said. “Then we’ll go back and hand this book to Madam Pince right now” Hermione said. “I’d never thought I’d see you two persuading us to break school rules” Ron said but stopped when the two girls glared at him. “All right we’ll do it” Harry said. “But not toenails” Ron added. “Give me a parchment” Kiara said. Hermione gave her a parchment while Kiara brought out a pen from her pocket. “Lacewing flies, leeches, knotgrass and fluxweed” Hermione said while Kiara wrote down. “We’ll easily get it from student store cupboard” Kiara said. “Powdered horn Bicorn and shredded skin of Boomslang” Hermione read further. “I can get Boomslang skin from H.W.A.G room” Kiara said. “Brilliant that leaves just bicorn horn” Hermione said. “How long will it take to brew?” Ron asked. “A month” Kiara replied. “A month” Harry said. “But Kiara half of the…” Harry began. “I know” Kiara said cutting him off in a gentle tone “But it’s the best plan we have” she said earning a nod from Harry. Later Kiara and Hermione wrote the required amount of ingredients for four people on the parchment. “GEEZ I FORGOT!!” Kiara said out of nowhere. “What?!” the three of them asked together. “Tomorrow’s Quidditch” Kiara said “Gryffindor against Slytherin” she said. Kiara banged her head on Harry’s shoulder. “And that brainless cockroach Malfoy is the new Slytherin seeker” she whined. “Don’t worry you both will do fine” Hermione said. “Yeah right” Kiara said. “And that bitch…” Kiara began. “Whoa” Ron said. “Since when did you begin using such language?” he asked in amusement. “Since bitches like Parkinson start getting on my nerves by saying that her Dracie-poo will win the match by being the best seeker” she said. “Dracie-poo?!” Harry asked. Kiara laughed “Yeah” she said. “Apparently that pug face bitch has a hopelessly romantic crush on Malfoy. For heaven’s sake she calls him Dracie-poo saying that Malfoy loves it when she calls her that” she said. The quartet doubled over laughter clutching their stomach when Kiara finished speaking. Once the quartet relaxed from their laughter they sat in a comfortable friendly silence with their own thoughts running in their heads. Kiara shivered a bit as the cool wind passed “Shall we go inside?” she asked. The rest of them nodded. Kiara stuffed the parchment in her backpack while Hermione put the book in hers. The four of them walked inside the castle. -------- Corridor: While walking the four kids didn’t realize that they reached the exact same place where Mrs. Norris was petrified. “Guys” Kiara said coming to a stop and gazing at the words written in blood on the wall. Harry, Ron and Hermione followed her gaze. “That’s where Filch’s been keeping guard” Ron muttered. The four of them exchanged a look and noticed that the corridor was deserted. “Can’t hurt to have a poke around” Harry said. The four of them went closer to the crime scene “Scorch marks” Kiara said pointing the black marks on the floor. “Come and look at this!” Hermione said from the window pane. “This is funny…” she said as the other three approached her but Ron backed away after seeing what Hermione was pointing at. She was pointing at the topmost pane where around twenty spiders were scuttling apparently to get through a small crack in glass. A long silvery thread was dangling like a rope as though they all had climbed it to hurry to go outside. “Strange I’ve never seen spiders act like this before” Harry said. “Have you?” he asked the rest of them. “No” Hermione replied. “Only during the night when Mrs. Norris was attacked. They were scuttling all over” Kiara replied. “Otherwise no” she said. “Have you Ron?” Harry asked but then noticed that Ron was standing far behind with an uneasy and pale expression. “Are you ok Ron?” Kiara asked. “I… don’t… like… spiders” Ron admitted. “I never knew that” Hermione said with a tone of amusement in her voice. “But we use them in potions…” Kiara began but was cut off by Ron. “I don’t mind them dead” Ron said. “I just don’t like the way they move…” he admitted making Hermione giggle. “That’s not funny” he said fiercely. “It’s okay Ronald” Kiara said. “Even the bravest wizard in the world has some or the other fear” she said. “Everyone does” she said. “It’s nothing to be ashamed about” she said. Ron nodded towards Kiara with a slight smile. Hermione was still trying hard not to laugh. “Hey remember all the water on floor that day” Harry said. “Someone’s mopped it” he pointed out. “Must be from there” Kiara said pointing towards the door. “Come on” she said and twisted the brass knob opening it slightly. Hermione was at her heal. The girls then noticed that the boys were far behind “What’s the matter?” Hermione asked. “Can’t go in there” Ron answered in a matter of fact tone. “Why?” Kiara asked cocking a brow her hand still on the brass knob. “Kiara” Harry said. Kiara felt butterflies in her stomach when Harry spoke her name “that’s a girl’s toilet” he said. Then realization struck over the girls “Oh” they said together and exchanged a chuckle. “Don’t bother about it” Kiara said waving her hand “nobody goes there” she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “That’s Moaning Myrtle’s place” Hermione said. “Come on let’s have a look” she said and the girls entered in ignoring the out of order sign. It was the gloomiest and the most depressing bathroom Harry and Ron had ever set foot in. “Hello Myrtle” Kiara said politely “how are you?” she asked. Myrtle was about to reply but stopped. “This is a girl’s bathroom” she said emphasizing on the word girls. “They are not girls” she said pointing Harry and Ron. Kiara turned around and stifled a laugh which wasn’t unnoticed by the boys. The two boys gave her an uncomfortable look to which she gave a small sheepish smile. “No we just wanted to show them how nice it is here” Hermione lied. Kiara turned around to face Myrtle. Harry came behind her “Ask her if she saw something?” he whispered in her ear. Kiara felt shivers run down her spine when Harry’s warm breath touched her ear. “What are you whispering?” Myrtle asked. “Myrtle we wanted to ask you something” Kiara said quickly but kindly. Kiara approached her with a small smile. “You know an incident occurred in front of this bathroom yesterday?” she asked. “Well I heard someone saying a cat has been petrified” Myrtle replied. “Did you see anyone here that night?” Kiara asked politely. “I wasn’t paying much attention” Myrtle said dramatically. “Peeves upset me so much that day and I came here and tried to kill myself” she said then sobbed. “Then of course I remembered that I’m… that I’m…” she said. “Already dead” Ron finished. Kiara glared at him when Myrtle gave a tragic sob and disappeared in the u-bend of toilet. Harry and Ron had their mouths hung open. Hermione shrugged wearily and said “Honestly that was almost cheerful for Myrtle” she said. Kiara sighed “come on lets go” she said heading outside the bathroom. Once the four of them exited the bathroom a voice made them jump “RON” they turned around and saw Percy standing at the end of the corridor. “What were you doing there?” he asked approaching them. “That’s a girl’s bathroom." Ron didn’t know what to say but Kiara replied instead “Actually Percy” she said making Percy look at them “we saw Peeves make fun of Myrtle and she began to cry and wail so we just went there to sooth her” she lied. “First Hermione and I were only about to go in but Harry and Ron said they’ll help as well; sorry but we just wanted to comfort Myrtle.” Percy looked at the girl then his expression softened “its ok Kiara” he said in such a soft tone that Ron’s mouth touched the ground. “But make sure not to wander here more as this is the crime scene” he said. “We’ll make sure Percy” she said with a soft smile. “Now you lot better leave” he said. The four of them didn’t need to be told twice. “You are one of you kind Kiara you know that” Ron said. “Meaning?” Kiara asked raising her eyebrow. “How you convinced Percy back there so easily” he replied. “Oh” Kiara said. “I thought being the responsible boy of house Percy might write a letter to Mrs. Weasley” she said. “I didn’t want you to receive another Howler because apparently it was my idea to go in the bathroom” she replied. “Thanks anyways” he said. “Don’t mention it” Kiara said waving her hand. CHAPTER 20 Quidditch Changing Room: The next morning Harry, Kiara and the Gryffindor Quidditch were completely nervous for the upcoming Quidditch match. But still to encourage the team Oliver gave an inspirational speech “Slytherins have better brooms than us” he said. “No denying that but we have got better players. We have the best seeker of Hogwarts ever” he said pointing Harry “and also the best chaser with her quick and accurate reflexes and game techniques” he said pointing Kiara. “We’ve trained harder than they have and we’ve been flying in all weathers-” Oliver was cut by George “too true” he muttered “I haven’t been properly dry since August.” Oliver glared at him. “And we’re going to make them rue the day” Oliver continued. “They let that little bit of slime, Malfoy, buy his way in the team” he said. “That materialistic brainless cockroach” Kiara muttered. “He’s so poor all he has is money” she said. “That’s our angel” the Weasley twins said in unison as the rest of the Quidditch team laughed. “Harry” Oliver said “you have to catch the snitch before Malfoy or die trying” Kiara’s eyes widened at Oliver’s comment “Because we’ve got to win today.” “So no pressure Harry” Fred said sarcastically. -------- Quidditch Pitch: After a few minutes the team flew out in the open air for the game. “Here comes the Gryffindor Quidditch team” Lee comments from the microphone. There is both cheering and booing. The Slytherin team was already in the air. “Let’s see will the Gryffindors be able to beat those seven Nimbus 2001s” “Now I want a nice and clean game from you all” Madam said eyeing the Slytherin. She released the buldgers, then the snitch and took the quaffle in her hands. Kiara did a quick mental calculation in her head of catching the quaffle and dodging between the players before the quaffle was released. She bent forward slightly her eyes trained on the quaffle. “Three…” Madam Hooch began. Kiara became more alert and attentive “Two…” she bent forward more blocking away everything but the quaffle “One” and the quaffle was released. As planned Kiara zoomed and possessed the quaffle and dodged the players before anyone could comprehend anything “Look everyone our little angel proved the Nimbus 2001s down with her excellent reflexes” Kiara aimed to goal in left hoop distracting the Slytherin keeper but shot in the right hoop “10 points to Gryffindor.” There was immense cheering from not only the Gryffindors but also the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. Kiara fist pumped in the air. The Gryffindor players patted her back. “Well done Silvers” Oliver shouted. But then something peculiar was noticed one of the buldgers was only aiming to attack Harry. The buldger was acting extremely strange Fred and George were aiming it for the Slytherin players but it kept on changing direction in the mid-air and aimed back for Harry. Kiara was scarred for Harry but kept track of the game and scored three more goals “Another ten points to Gryffindor” Lee said but still the Slytherin were leading by twenty. Then George signaled Oliver for time out. The players gathered around in a circle. Kiara landed the last. “What’s going on?” Wood asked as Kiara landed the last. “Someone’s fixed a buldger on Harry it won’t leave him alone. It hasn’t gone to anyone throughout the game” George said angrily. “The Slytherins must have done something to it.” “But the buldgers have been locked in Madam Hooch’s office since our last practice and nothing was wrong till then…” Oliver began. Kiara ran a hand through her hair “But something is wrong with the buldger. It isn’t meant to target a single player throughout the game; it is only possible when someone is messing up with it” she stated in a frustrated tone. “She’s right Wood” Fred said. The Slytherins were jeering at the Gryffindor from far away. Kiara glared at them. “Listen, let me deal with the buldger alone” Harry said. “NO!!” Kiara shouted in fear. Her voice was so loud that even the people from the stands were able to hear it. “Don’t be thick Harry” Fred said. “It’ll wipe your head off” he said. “Oliver this is mad” Alicia said. “You can’t let Harry deal with it on his own. Let’s ask for an inquiry” she suggested. “If we stop now we’ll have to forfeit the match!” Harry said “And we’re not losing to Slytherin just because of a mad buldger!” he said. Kiara eyes fixed on Harry and tears began to form in them; she didn’t want Harry to deal with it alone but she knew Harry’s stubbornness too well than anyone else. “Come on Oliver tell them to leave me alone. With them flying around all the time I’m only going to catch the snitch when it’s up my sleeve. Go back to the rest of the team and let me deal with the rogue one!” “This is entirely your fault” George said to Oliver angrily. “Get the snitch or die trying what a stupid thing to tell him!” “Fred, George you heard what Harry said, let him deal with the buldger on his own” Oliver said after noticing Harry’s determined face. Harry turned to Kiara and his heart broke seeing her on the verge of tears. “Kiara…” he whispered but it was loud enough for the team to hear. Without thinking Kiara flung her arms around Harry. He was startled for a moment but wrapped his arms around her waist “why do you have to be so stubborn?” she asked in a shaky voice. “I’ll be fine Kiara” he said rubbing soothing circles on his back. “Trust me” he said. Kiara lifted her head but had her arms wrapped around him “Don’t you dare die there Harry James Potter” Kiara said in a firm voice. “I won’t” Harry said in a determined voice. Kiara hesitated for a while but gave a quick kiss on Harry’s cheek before releasing her arms from his neck making him turn a bit red. With that the teams resumed the game. Harry as he wished was left alone to deal with the buldger. He was dodging everywhere to avoid being hit. On the other hand Kiara being anxiously nervous about Harry still managed to score goals. Then her eyes landed on the golden object shining above Malfoy’s head which even Harry noticed. Harry carefully and tactically went to grab the snitch with Malfoy on his tail who took a while to realize what happened. Harry and Draco disappear in the stand flaps then the two boys came out in the open again with the buldger now following the both of them. Colin was clicking photos of the quidditch match from the foot of the Gryffindor stand. The snitch was heading in his direction followed by red and green players which meant the buldger also. Colin avoided hitting Harry and Draco but when he saw the buldger coming in his direction he was frozen to the ground with fear when the buldger was inches away he thought he was done. Kiara had noticed Colin frozen in the fear and without giving a single thought she dropped the quaffle from her hands at which the Slytherins booed happily and laughed. But Kiara ignored it she zoomed towards Colin the fastest she could. Kiara pushed away Colin from the way but in the process the buldger hit her in her yell in pain. She lost her balance on the broom and flew up in the air with the broom slipping from her grip. Kiara’s body which was out of her control made a flip in the air then banged on the ground with a large thud and made a front roll after touching the ground. The fall was so heart stopping that there was pin drop silence in the stadium for a moment all the cheering and boos, Lee’s commentary and the team players stopped dead in track. Everyone’s eyes and jaws were as wide as a snitch including all Slytherins and teachers. Kiara lay on the ground on her back. She felt her body lifeless. Blood was oozing out from her forehead. She felt as if her body had been crushed under a troll’s foot. “KIARA!!!” Harry shouted breaking the silence. “OH DEAR!!” Lee said “Kiara Silvers saved a first year’s life but got seriously injured herself” he said. “Also at the same moment Harry Potter caught the snitch announcing the victory of Gryffindors” he said. But no one was smiling or cheering; all eyes were focused on Kiara’s body. Harry was the first one to reach her but the moment his foot landed on the ground the buldger hit his elbow. “Finite Incantatem” Hermione said making the buldger explode. She with Ron and Hagrid. Soon even the teachers joined the small crowd. Harry kneeled down beside Kiara and placed her head in his lap ignoring the pain in his arm. “Is Colin ok?” Kiara asked in a voice barely above whisper but still audible. “Yeah I’m fine” Colin said joining the crowd. “Thanks Kiara; you saved my life.” “Don’t mention it” Kiara said managing a small weak smile. Then her eyes landed on Harry’s arm “Harry your arm!” she said. “Doesn’t matter” Harry said firmly. Then pain entered Kiara’s body like swoosh of wind. Kiara winced not even knowing what damage occurred in her body except the blood oozing forehead. “Take both Potter and Silvers to the Hospital Wing quick” McGonagall ordered. “Don’t worry Professor” Lockhart said. “I can fix them” he said. “No not you” Harry quickly denied. “Boy doesn’t know what he’s saying” Lockhart said and sat in front of the injured kids. “Let’s start with the easy one shall we?” he said and pointed his wand at Harry’s broken arm. “Brackium Emendo!” he said. Kiara gasped when she saw Harry’s boneless arm. “Well it can happen sometimes but the point is you can’t feel any pain and no bones are broken” Lockhart said bending Harry’s arm in a disturbing angle. “Broken? There’s no bones left!” Hagrid said both annoyed and angry. “Now shall we fix you Silvers?” Lockhart asked. “Don’t you even think about touching her” a cold voice spoke behind them. The voice belonged to Snape who was annoyed by the fact that Kiara who should have been in the half healed in the Hospital Wing by now is lying their half conscious. Snape walked through the crowd and picked up Kiara gently in a bridal style which shocked each and every person present over there. He walked away from there as soon as possible to avoid Kiara’s injuries getting worse while the crowd stood there dumbstruck. “Thanks from taking me away from Lockhart” Kiara said in a weak but audible whisper. “As if I was going to make you skeleton less” Snape said. Kiara managed a small and weak laugh. Snape was shocked that even after being so badly injured she was laughing. “You know you could have died over there” Snape said. “Well to be honest I didn’t even think for once” Kiara said. Then Kiara winced as pain hit her body again. Snape cared about Kiara as his own daughter and he was filled with two emotions at the same time one of them being pride because of Kiara’s selfless and caring nature and other being sadness because of Kiara’s serious and painful injuries. -------- Hospital Wing: Once Snape entered the hospital wing he gently placed her on the bed and informed Madam Pomfrey about her condition and the reason for it. After listening Madam Pomfrey went to the H.W.A.G room to bring medicines. Snape walked to Kiara “Take care of yourself and get well soon” he said caringly. He then placed a small kiss on Kiara’s forehead in a fatherly manner which Kiara noticed with surprise. “Thanks Professor” she said with a smile. Snape nodded and left the Hospital wing. Then Madam Pomfrey began healing Kiara’s injury. Later the room was filled with the Gryffindor quidditch team, Ron and Hermione with the injured Harry. “Should’ve been brought straight to me; I can mend bones in a heartbeat- but growing them back…” Madam Pomfrey rambled. “Madam Pomfrey at least Kiara’s lucky or else all you would find of her would be flesh” Fred joked. Kiara laughed but winced as pain entered her body. “What’s the damage?” Hermione asked. “Well just a broken rib and a broken wrist with a twisted ankle and a gash on forehead” Kiara replied as if it wasn’t a big deal. “And you’re still laughing” Ron said. “Well why should a few injuries stop me from laughing?” Kiara asked. “And plus a lot of pain is gone thanks to Madam Pomfrey” she said. Then they heard a spitting sound. All heads turned towards Harry “What did you expect pumpkin juice?” Madam Pomfrey asked. Later it was just Harry and Kiara left in the Hospital Wing. Even Madam Pomfrey had left. Both of them were lying on their beds in the Hospital clothes staring at the ceiling “Harry” Kiara said. “Hmm?” Harry responded. “Congratulations on catching the snitch” she said. “Thanks” Harry said with a smile. “Kiara” he said. “Hmm?” Kiara responded just like Harry did before. “I heard Colin say that he’ll be forever grateful to you” Harry replied. “Well, when I said Colin is like a brother to me I meant it” Kiara said. “I internally made it my duty to guide him when he’s away from home” she said. “To not make him feel homesick or let some blood maniac people get in his head. I had to protect him. And anyways I would’ve done that not only for Colin but for anyone” she said the last part referring to the buldger accident. “You know I’m proud to have a friend like you” Harry said meaning every word. “I’m proud to have you as a friend as well Harry” Kiara said. “Not just because you’re the boy who lived but because you have a heart of gold” she said meaning it. “Thanks” Harry smiled then winced as the skel-grow potion took action. “Is it the potion?” Kiara asked and got an hmm in response. “Well you’ll have to go through the pain for a night as your bones are re-growing. But you’re arm will be perfect by tomorrow” she said. “Yeah” Harry said. Then Kiara gave a yawn. “We should probably rest” Harry suggested. “Guess you’re right” Kiara said. “Night Harry” she said. “Night Kiara” Harry called back. “Wake me if you need anything” she said. “You too” Harry said. And with that the two of them drifted into a deep sleep. Later at night Harry hears the strange voice again. He sits up straight in his bed with a gasp. The only source of light in the room was the moon light from the window. Harry turned around and saw Kiara sleeping peacefully. Then Harry met with a pair of big yellow-green eyes “Hello” it said. “DOBBY” Harry said startled. Kiara groaned in sleep. “Harry” she said softly then opened her eyes. She turned her head around and saw a house elf sitting on Harry’s bed. She sat up “Who’s this Harry?” she asked. “Kiara this is Dobby” Harry said. “Remember I told you” he said. “Yeah right” Kiara said when she remember Harry telling her about Dobby. “Hello Dobby” she said. “Hello Miss. Silvers” Dobby said. “It’s an honor meeting you” he said. “It’s an honor meeting you as well” Kiara said with a small smile “And please don’t call me Miss Silvers call me Kiara I’m your friend not your master” she said kindly. “Bless my soul” Dobby said. “Dobby has always heard of Miss’ kindness. It’s true what they say; Kiara Silver calls herself Dobby’s friend and Dobby will never break his friendship with her” he said. Kiara looked at him awkwardly not knowing how to reply to what she heard from Dobby but then said “So um… what brings you here Dobby?” she asked politely. Then Dobby remembered why he was here and turned to Harry “Harry Potter should have listened to Dobby! Harry Potter should have gone back home when he missed the train” he said. “It was you…” Harry said. “You stopped the barrier from getting Ron and me through” he said. “Indeed yes sir” Dobby said. “You nearly got Ron and me expelled” Harry said harshly. “At least you would be away from here. Harry Potter must go home! Dobby thought his Bludger would be enough to make Harry Potter see that…” Dobby began. “Your buldger?” Kiara asked. “You made that buldger chase after me?” Harry asked. “Dobby feels most aggrieved, sir. Dobby had to iron his hands” Dobby said revealing his bandaged hands. Kiara gasped covering her mouth when she saw Dobby’s hands. “Kiara was nearly killed because of the buldger. You’d better clear off before my bones come back, Dobby, or I might strangle you!” Harry said. “Harry no” Kiara said softly. She was angry that Dobby almost killed Harry but she didn’t want to hurt him. “Dobby is used to death threats sir. Dobby gets them five times a day at home” Dobby said hopping down from the bed in fear and climbed on Kiara’s bed feeling safe from Harry’s grasp near her. “I don’t suppose you could tell me why you tried to kill me?” Harry asked. “Not kill you, sir, never kill you! Dobby remembers how it was before Harry Potter triumphed over He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. We house elves were treated like vermin, sir. Of course, Dobby is still treated like vermin…” Dobby said and began to wail. “Oh my god” Kiara breathed. She reached forward and rubbed Dobby’s back in circles. Dobby blew his nose in his white cushion cloth. “Why do you wear that thing Dobby?” Harry asked. “This, sir? It is a mark of the house-elves’ enslavement. Dobby can only be freed if his master presents him with clothes” Dobby replied. “Ah! Listen. Listen!” he said when a noise came from outside hospital wing. “Terrible things are about to happen at Hogwarts. Harry Potter must not stay here; he should also take his friend Kiara Silvers with him as well; now that history is to repeat itself” Dobby said. “Repeat?” Kiara asked. “You mean it’s happened before?” she asked. “Ah I shouldn’t have said that” Dobby said. He jumped from Kiara’s bed and started whacking him with a potion bottle. “Dobby stop” Kiara said. She went to take away the bottle from Dobby’s hands but stopped mid way when her ankle hurt. She winced. Harry saw Kiara in pain so he took away the bottle from Dobby “Dobby stop” he said taking the bottle away. “Dobby when did this happen before?” Kiara asked. “Who’s doing this?” “Dobby cannot say Miss. Dobby only wants Harry Potter and his friend Kiara Silvers to be safe” he said. But before Harry or Kiara could question him further he disappeared with a snap of his fingers. Then Harry and Kiara heard shuffling of footsteps, the two of them quickly went back to their bed. “Put him here” Madam Pomfrey’s voice came “what happened?” she asked. “There’s been another attack” came Dumbledore’s voice in reply. Kiara stiffened when she heard the reply but was unnoticed because of the darkness in the room. “I think he’s been Petrified, Madame Pomfrey. Look! Perhaps he managed to take a picture of his attacker…” McGonagall said. Dumbledore opened the camera and all that came was black smoke with a poof. “What can this mean Albus?” she asked. “It means…that our students are in great danger” Dumbledore replied. “What should we tell the staff?” McGonagall asked. “The truth; tell them Hogwarts is no longer safe. It is as we feared, Minerva. The Chamber of Secrets has indeed been opened again” Dumbledore replied. Once Harry and Kiara heard the Professors and Madam Pomfrey leave they sat up to see who was attacked. When Kiara saw Colin’s petrified body she gasped covering her mouth. Tears began forming in her eyes. Harry saw Kiara’s breaking down. He got up from his bed and sat beside Kiara on her bed. He wrapped his free hand around her shoulder. “Shh…” Harry cooed. “He’ll be okay” he whispered as Kiara sniffed and buried her face in Harry’s chest “the potion will cure him” he said. “Harry” Kiara whispered. “Do you…” she began then stuttered. “Do you um… mind sleeping here?” she asked shyly. “I… um…” she began to reason but Harry cut her off. “No I don’t mind” he replied. “I’ll always be here for you Kiara” he whispered making her smile softly. With that the two of them laid back on Kiara’s hospital bed. Kiara cuddled in Harry’s chest while Harry protectively wrapped an arm around her. The two of them then drifted to sleep again in each other’s warmth. CHAPTER 21 Hospital Wing: The next morning Kiara woke up when sunlight hit her eyes. She subconsciously rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. She could feel something wrapped around her. It took her a moment to realize that it was Harry’s arm. She looked up and saw Harry sleeping peacefully. She smiled admiring Harry thinking how cute and simple yet elegant he looked. Kiara couldn’t help but admire her best friend for whom she was falling head over heels. She leaned ahead a bit and softly kissed his cheek; she did it so softly as if Harry would wake up and pounce over her like a hungry lion. Kiara then slowly began moving away from Harry to get up; she gently removed Harry’s hand from her body trying not to wake him up but failed as Harry gave a light groan. He then slowly fluttered open his eyelids revealing emerald green orbs behind them; Kiara couldn’t help but melt in them. Then Harry’s eyes landed on Kiara “Sorry” Kiara said with sheepish and apologetic smile “I didn’t mean to wake you up” she said. “It’s just that I woke up and you were sleeping and I thought to get up quietly to avoid wake you up but failed terribly and then…” she began rambling but stopped when she noticed Harry was just giving her a small smile which made her heart fly like an over excited hummingbird. “I’m rambling” she said. “Sorry… I… yeah what I meant is…” she began again. “It’s fine” Harry said cutting her off with a small chuckle. He found Kiara the cutest thing present in the world. “And anyways we had to wake up because if Madam Pomfrey would have found us like this she would… god knows do what?” he said. Kiara laughed “Yeah right” she said. “How’s your arm?” she asked. Harry lifted his bandaged arm in the air which looked rigid “Great” he said “at least my bone’s returned” he said. “How’re you feeling?” he asked. “Just as great as you are feeling” she replied. Then the event of Colin being petrified flashed in her mind “Oh god!” she got up with a jolt. “What is it?” Harry asked but understood when he followed Kiara’s gaze. Kiara reached towards Colin in a tortoise pace. When she got a full image of Colin tears began to form in her eyes and she covered her mouth. Harry got up as well and stood next to Kiara and engulfed her into a comforting hug. “Shh…” he cooed in her ear just like he did the night before and traced circles on her back. “It’ll be ok” he said “he’ll cure once the potion will be ready and once we brew the Polyjuice potion we’ll find out if Malfoy’s the real culprit” he said. “Right now we’ll go and find Ron and Hermione and inform them about Dobby and Colin” he said. Kiara nodded and sniffed. Harry placed a kiss on Kiara’s forehead. -------- Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom: Kiara and Harry were released when Madam Pomfrey did their final check up. “I think I know where they are” Kiara said once they couldn’t find Ron and Hermione in the Gryffindor tower. “Where?” Harry asked. “Follow me” Kiara said climbing out of the portrait with Harry on her tail. Kiara led Harry to Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom knowing Hermione would have gone there with Ron. She saw Hermione sitting on the floor setting up equipment for brewing the Polyjuice potion. “How are you two?” Hermione asked when she saw the two of them. “Great” the two of them replied together then explained last night’s events to them. “The chamber of secrets has been opened before?” Hermione asked. Hermione and Kiara worked on the ingredients of potions while Harry and Ron watched. “Wish Dobby had told you two what kind of monster is in there” Ron said hopefully. “I want to know how come nobody noticed it lurking around the school” he said. “Maybe it’s invisible or can disguise itself” Hermione suggested. “I’m gonna get Boomslang skin by tomorrow or something but where are we gonna get Bicorn horn?” Kiara asked. “We can get it from Snape’s private stores” Hermione said. “And how are we gonna steal it from there Hermione?” Kiara asked. “Kiara you can ask Snape to give it” Ron suggested. “What an idea Ronald” Kiara said sarcastically. “We can create a distraction during out potions class” Hermione suggested. “That’s a good idea” Kiara said then smirked a little. “You have got some tricky idea in your head don’t you?” Hermione asked. Kiara nodded like a five year old child. “Mind sharing it” Harry said. “Well we’ll drop a filibuster firework in Malfoy’s cauldron” she said “and then…” she smiled mischievously. “It will create the necessary distraction and we can sneak into Snape’s office to get bicorn horn” she said. “Sounds like a plan” Hermione said smiling at Kiara. Kiara only winked in response “Oh I would love to see the cauldron explode on Malfoy’s face” she said. The rest of them laughed at Kiara. -------- Gryffindor Common Room: Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting in the Gryffindor common room while Kiara had gone for her H.W.A.G duty. Then the portrait opened revealing Kiara wearing her H.W.A.G uniform and smiling at something. “Why are you smiling?” Ron asked as Kiara sat on the chair beside him. “I just heard Parkinson gossiping that she, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle are gonna stay at Hogwarts during Christmas” she said. “Brilliant” Hermione said. “By that time even the Polyjuice potion will be ready” she said. “Exactly” Kiara said. “So are you guys staying?”She asked. They all agreed to remain at Hogwarts for Christmas. -------- Potions Dungeons: The next day Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione were sitting in potions dungeon brewing the swelling potion. Harry was waiting for a signal from Kiara and Hermione to release the filibuster firework. Snape prowled through the fumes making waspish remarks about the Gryffindors’ work except Kiara while the Slytherins sniggered appreciatively. When Snape turned and walked away to bully Neville; Hermione and Kiara shared a look, then caught Harry’s eye and nodded. Harry ducked behind his cauldron, pulled out a filibuster firework out of his pocket and gave it a prod with his wand. The firework began to fizz and sputter. Knowing he had only seconds Harry straightened up, took aim and lobbed it into the air, it landed right in Goyle’s cauldron. Goyle’s potion exploded showering the whole class with the splashes of his swelling potion. Malfoy’s nose began swelling like a balloon and Kiara was amused to see that. Goyle’s eyes grew the size of plates. There was a complete mayhem in the class “SILENCE” Snape shouted. “Anyone who has been shot come here for a Deflating Draught. When I find out who did this…” he trailed off. Everyone who had been affected went to take a swig of the Deflating Draught. Once everyone was cured Snape swept over Goyle’s cauldron and took out remains of the firework. “When I find out who did this. I’ll make sure that the person is expelled” Snape said. -------- Moaning Myrtle’s Bathroom: Hermione mixed the bicorn horn in the potion while Kiara had gone to fetch Boomslang skin from the H.W.A.G room. Harry and Ron were sitting in front of the cauldron. “He knew it was me” Harry said. “Snape can’t prove it was you” Ron said. “What can he do?” he asked. “Knowing Snape something foul” Harry replied. Then the door opened and in came Kiara in her H.W.A.G uniform with a jar in her hand. Kiara sat beside Hermione and poured the contents of the jar in the cauldron while Hermione stirred. “They’re starting a dueling club” Kiara said. “Dueling Club?” Harry asked. “Yeah” Kiara said with a nod. “Apparently, Dumbledore thinks that students need to learn to defend themselves from the danger that’s lurking inside the castle; so this dueling club has been started.” “What do you reckon Slytherin’s monster can duel?” Ron asked. “We don’t even know what the monster is Ronald” Kiara said. “At least it’s better to know something to defend ourselves than nothing” she added. “In short it could be useful” Hermione said. “Yeah first meeting’s tonight at eight” Kiara informed. “Shall we go?” Ron asked. Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione all agreed seeing as there is no need to keep an eye on the potion. -------- Great Hall: That night the quartet went to the dueling club. There was a crowd of students from all houses and all years around a golden stage. “I wonder who’ll be teaching us” Hermione said. “Someone told me Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young” Kiara said. “Maybe him” she suggested. “As long as it is...” Harry began but groaned. Kiara groaned and banged her head on Harry’s shoulder “I’ll never learn to defend myself if he teaches” she whined. “Gather ‘round, gather ‘round! Can everybody see me? Can you all hear me? Excellent! In light of the dark events of recent weeks, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little Dueling Club to train you all up in case you ever need to defend yourselves, as I myself have done on countless occasions- for full details, see my published works” Lockhart said with pride. He then removed his cloak and threw it in air. A few girls caught it and started gushing over it. “Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape. He has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration” he said. Snape climbed on the stage from the other. “Now, I don’t want any of you youngsters to worry- you’ll still have your Potions master when I’m through with him, never fear.” Snape eyes landed on Kiara “JUST KILL HIM” she mouthed him. Snape smirked in response. The two duelers bowed to each other then took their positions. “One… two… three” Lockhart counted. “EXPELLIARMUS” Snape said before Lockhart could do anything. Lockhart went flying backwards and landed with a large thud. Kiara flashed a thumbs up to Snape at which he winked making her laugh. “Is he alright?” Hermione asked. “Who cares?” Ron asked in reply. Lockhart then got up “An excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don’t mind me saying, it was pretty obvious- ah- what you were about to do. And if I had wanted to stop you, it would have been only too easy” he said. “At least he did something unlike you” Kiara muttered. “Perhaps it would be prudent to first teach the students to block unfriendly spells, Professor” Snape fired back at Lockhart in annoyance. Lockhart got speechless to reply back so instead he turned around and changed the subject “An excellent suggestion, Professor Snape! Ah… Let’s have a volunteer pair! Um, Potter, Weasley, how about you?” Lockhart said pointing Harry and Ron. The two boys were about to climb up but Snape stopped them “Weasley’s wand causes devastation with the simplest spells. We’ll be sending Potter to the hospital wing in a matchbox. Might I suggest someone from my own house? Malfoy, perhaps?” he said and pointed Malfoy to come on stage. Harry and Draco climbed the stage from different ends “Good luck Potter” Lockhart wished. “Thank you sir” Harry said. “Wands at the ready” Lockhart said. Harry and Draco did as they were told. “Scared Potter?” Malfoy asked. “You wish” Harry said back with sass making the Gryffindors smirk. Then the two took their positions. “On the count of three, cast your charms to disarm your opponent- only to disarm. We don’t want any accidents here” Lockhart said. “One… two…” he began but before he could finish Draco casted his spell. “Everte Statium” he chanted making Harry roll in the air and fall with a loud thud. Harry quickly stands back and points his wand at Malfoy “RICTUSEMPRA” he said and Draco gets backfired and lands on his butt with a thud. Draco looks up at Snape who grabs him by the collar and pushes him forward “SERPENSOTIA” he said and a snake emerges from his wand. Harry looks at it helplessly “Don’t move Potter” Snape said coming forward “I’ll get rid of it for you” he is about to cast a spell but Lockhart stops him. “Allow me Professor Snape” he said and comes forward. “Alarte Ascendare” he said. The Snape flew upwards and fell back with a smack. The snake advances towards Kiara and Justin who are standing side by side. Justin gulps in fear and cower back. Kiara is frozen in spot not moving an inch. The snake snaps at her at which she filches and walks a step back in fear. All of a sudden Harry starts speaking in Parseltongue. The snake snaps towards Kiara again making her breathing hitch and she takes a tortoise step back in fear. Everyone thinks he’s egging the snake on her. Then the snake looks back towards Harry. “Vipera Evenasca” Snape says and the snake disappears in flames. “What do you think you’re playing at?” Justin asks. Harry looks at everyone who is looking back at him in either shock or fright or even both. -------- Gryffindor Common Room: Harry, Ron, Kiara and Hermione hurriedly enter the Gryffindor common room. “You’re a Parselmouth” Ron said. “Why didn’t you tell us?” he asks. “I’m a what?” Harry asks. “You can talk to snakes” Kiara clarifies. “I know” Harry said. “I mean, I accidentally set a python on my cousin Dudley at the zoo once. Uh, once! But, so what? I bet loads of people here can do it” he said. “No, they can’t. It’s not a very common gift, Harry. This is bad” Hermione says. “What’s bad? If I hadn’t told that snake not to attack Kiara” Harry said. “Oh that’s what you said” Ron said in surprise. “You were there! You heard me!” Harry said. “I heard you speaking Parseltongue. Snake language?” Ron said. “I spoke a different language? But- I didn’t realize - how can I speak a language without knowing I can?” Harry asks. “I don’t know, Harry, but it sounded like you were egging the snake on Kiara or something” Hermione said. “What?!” Harry asks in disbelieve then looks at Kiara. “Kiara I would never do that to you” he said. “I only told the snake not to attack you” he said afraid he might lose Kiara’s friendship if she doesn’t believe him. Before Kiara could reply Hermione spoke up “Harry, listen to me. There’s a reason the symbol of Slytherin House is a serpent. Salazar Slytherin was a Parselmouth. He could talk to snakes, too” she said. “Exactly! Now the whole school’s gonna think you’re his great- great-great grandson, or something” Ron said. “But I’m not” Harry said. “I can’t be…” he said. “He lived a thousand years ago; for all we know, you could be” Hermione said. With that she and Ron left. Harry then held Kiara’s wrist “Kiara” he said. “I would never hurt you” he said. “I didn’t egg the snake…” he began. Kiara gave him a weak smile and placed a hand on Harry’s cheek “I know Harry” she said softly. “You don’t think I asked the snake to attack you do you?” Harry asked. “Harry I trust you with my life” Kiara said looking him in the eye. “And I know with all my heart and soul that you’ll never do anything to hurt someone else” she said. Harry’s heart fluttered at Kiara’s answer. He couldn’t help but fall deeper and deeper for this girl. He looked deep in her eyes. His eyes flickered to her plump rosy red lips and started leaning closer. Even Kiara started to tip-toe to reach his lips. They were just an inch away when the portrait swung open. Harry and Kiara jumped away to see Dean, Seamus and many more second and third year Gryffindors standing on the door. “What are you still doing with him?” Seamus asked. “After all he’s done” he said. “He’s done nothing” Kiara said firmly. “Why didn’t you see him egging the snake on you” Lavender said in disbelief. “Did you even understand what he said?” Kiara asked in a bit angry tone. “No” Parvati replied in disbelief. “How can we understand what he spoke in Parseltongue?” she asked. “Exactly” Kiara said. “Then how can you say that he egged the snake?” she asked. “That means you trust him?!” Dean asked. “I trust him with every inch of my soul” Kiara replied. “I trust him even with closed eyes” she said. Harry was happy that at least out of all the people Kiara was the one to trust him and was standing up for him. “You are just blinded by love” Eloise said. “And you are all so narrow minded to just believe something blindly” Kiara shouted making many people look at her shock. “I know Harry better than any of you” she said. “And from what I know he will never cross a line to hurt some. Just because he can talk to snakes does not mean he’s bad. Harry is a loyal, brave, kind, modest, noble and selfless person who will never hurt someone who’s innocent” she said each and every word firmly. “He could be the Heir of Slytherin” Seamus said. “But he is not” Kiara said. “For goodness sake he’s in Gryffindor house” she said. “The sorting hat put him in Gryffindor.” With that all Gryffindor left the common room and went to their dormitories. “Thanks” Harry said when once again only Kiara and he remained in the common room. “Don’t mention it” Kiara said. “No I want to mention it” Harry said firmly. “Thanks for standing up for me and saying all those things” he said and hugged Kiara. Kiara hugged him back “I’ll always be there for you Harry. I’ll always trust you and stand by you no matter who stands against you or doesn’t trust you” she said. “Kiara can I tell you something?” Harry asked hesitantly. “Of course Harry” Kiara said. “When the sorting hat was placed on my head it considered to place me in Slytherin house” Harry admitted. “What if I truly…” he began. Kiara released from the hug. For a moment Harry thought that he said the wrong thing and lost his friendship with her. But Kiara cupped Harry’s face between her hands. “Harry” she said. “Just because the sorting hat considered putting you into Slytherin do not mean you’re the heir of Slytherin. And you know the Potter family descends from the Peverell bloodline and that bloodline is nowhere near Slytherin’s bloodline” she said. “Then why did it wanted to put me into Slytherin?” Harry asked. “Maybe because you showed the qualities of Slytherin” Kiara said. “That means I’m bad” Harry said. “Harry” Kiara said. “The definition of Slytherin isn’t bad or something. It only got the name of evil because majority of Voldemort’s followers belonged to that house. But there are also a number of good qualities of Slytherin you know that?” she asked. “No” Harry replied. “All I ever heard is that the Slytherins are bad” he said. “The qualities of a Slytherin house are determination and ambition” she said. “And it depends on the person on what things they’re determined or ambitious about. The Slytherins have their talents and resourcefulness. You know there even are Slytherins who were really good wizards” Kiara said. “Like who?” Harry asked. “Merlin himself and he’s the advocate of Muggle rights and one of the most famous wizards of the wizarding world and he was sorted into Slytherin” she said. “And you know what?” Kiara asked. “What?” Harry asked. “They sorting hat even pointed out a few Slytherin traits of mine” she said. “It did?!” Harry asked in disbelief. Kiara nodded. “Actually…” she began and told him about how the sorting hat sorted her. “So you have the qualities of all four houses?” Harry asked. “That’s what the sorting hat said” Kiara said with a shrug. “Now don’t doubt yourself Harry ok?” she asked. “You aren’t a bad person and neither are you the heir of Slytherin” she said. Harry nodded “Thanks Kiara” he said. He cupped her face and kissed her forehead making her smile. “Anytime Harry” Kiara said. “Now we should probably go to sleep. It was a long day” she said. Harry nodded in agreement. Harry couldn’t describe his happiness on having a friend like Kiara. He was just falling for this girl in a never ending fall. CHAPTER 22 Library: The next day Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting in the library doing their homework while Kiara was off on her H.W.A.G duty. People were glancing at Harry and mumbling within themselves about Harry being the heir of Slytherin and him being responsible for all attacks on Muggleborns. Harry gets annoyed and shuts his book “I’ll see you back in the common room” he said and got up. Ron and Hermione look at him sympathetically. He exits the library with all eyes trailing behind him. He then hears Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott talking about him. “So anyways I told Justin to hide up in the common room” Ernie told Hannah and a few more Hufflepuffs “I mean to say, if Potter’s marked him down as his next victim, it’s best if he keeps a low profile for a while. Of course Justin’s been waiting for something like this to happen ever since he let slip to Potter that he’s a muggleborn. Justin actually told him he’d be down for Eton. That’s not the kind of thing you bandy about with the Slytherin’s heir on the loose, is it?” he asked. “You definitely think its Potter then Ernie?” Hannah asked. “Hannah” Ernie said. “He’s a Parselmouth. Everyone knows that’s the mark of a dark wizard” he said. “Have you ever heard of a decent wizard who could talk to snakes?” he asked. “They called Slytherin himself serpent tongue.” “But Harry always seems so nice though” Hannah said. “And after all he’s the one who made you-know-who disappear” she said. “No one knows how he survived the attack by you-know-who. I mean he was only a baby when it happened. He should have been blasted into smithereens. Only a really powerful dark wizard could have survived the curse like that” he said. “That’s probably why you-know-who decided to kill him in the first place. Didn’t want another dark wizard competing with him” he clarified. “I wonder what other powers Potter’s been hiding.” “You know Eloise told me that Kiara was standing up for Harry last night” Megan Jones said. “Even after he egged the snake to attack her?!” Ernie asked in disbelief. “Yes” Megan replied. “She said that they were almost kissing each other last night” she added. “But why would Harry egg the snake towards her?” Hannah asked. “As far as I know they have feelings for each other beyond friendship.” “Kiara is just so innocent and kind” Ernie said. “She’s just siding him because he’s her best friend and know each other since they were born” he said. “I think Harry just wants her because she is the most beautiful girl at Hogwarts.” -------- Corridor: Harry felt himself get angry on this comment. He just leaves the spot not wanting to create a scene by getting angrier. ‘How can they say that I fancy Kiara because of her beauty’ he though walking in frustration. ‘There is no denying she’s very beautiful no doubts but that’s not the only reason I fancy her. I fancy her because she’s kind, brave, caring, adorable, she can make someone laugh in the hardest situation, she is witty, she stands for me and trusts me; she also understands me like no one else does. There are a trillion more reasons I can list down… she’s just special; special to me; she’s my angel…’ Harry thought and the more he thought about Kiara the more his anger calmed down and he didn’t even realize he was smiling by just picturing her in his head. Harry was interrupted from his thoughts when he heard the strange voice again. He leaned against the wall and followed the sound. Turning around the corner Harry found Sir Nicholas turned black and hanging with his neck detached. A few spaces away laid Justin petrified. Harry bent down to examine Justin’s body. “Caught in the act!” Filch said appearing out of nowhere. “I’ll have you out this time, Potter. Mark my words” he said and disappeared. “No Mr. Filch…” Harry began but it was too late. After a few moments Filch reappeared out of nowhere with Professor McGonagall. Kiara who heard Filch telling McGonagall about the attack was behind as well. Professor McGonagall and Kiara gasped. “Professor I swear I didn’t…” Harry began. “This is out of my hands Potter” McGonagall said. “Professor…” Kiara began. “Miss Silvers it’ll be safe if you proceed to your common room right now” McGonagall ordered. “But Professor; Harry…” Kiara began again. “Miss Silvers please do as I say” McGonagall said. Kiara look between Professor McGonagall and Harry with a scared expression. “Follow me Potter.” “Please don’t punish him” Kiara said. “He has nothing to do with it” she said in a shaky voice. But McGonagall ignores her and leaves. Kiara runs a hand through her hair while Filch prepares to transfer Justin and Sir Nicholas’s body to the Hospital Wing. “What do I do?” she said frustrated. Then she spots Hagrid. “HAGRID!” she calls grabbing his attention. “Kiara” he says as she rushes towards him. “Is everything alright?” he asks when he sees her pale white face. “No” Kiara says and explained about the attack. “What?!” Hagrid asks. “We have to do something” Kiara said. -------- Dumbledore’s Office: Kiara and Hagrid rushed towards Dumbledore’s office. “Sherbet Lemon” Hagrid says and the griffin standing there twirls around revealing a stone escalator. The two of them climb up and Hagrid barged the door. “Professor Dumbledore, sir! Wait! Listen! Professor Dumbledore, sir, it wasn’t Harry!” Hagrid said immediately. Harry saw Kiara who was looking like a tiny fairy beside the large figure of Hagrid and gave a small grateful smile. “Hagrid” Dumbledore said calmly but Hagrid didn’t listen and continued. “In fact, I’d be prepared to swear it in front o’ the Ministry of Magic!” Hagrid exclaimed. Kiara caught eye of the small just born from ashes phoenix and smiled at it in awe and amusement. “Hagrid! Relax. I do not believe that Harry attacked anyone” Dumbledore said calmly. “Well, of course you don’t and…” Hagrid continued but then realized what Dumbledore said. “Oh… Oh, right. Well, I’ll, I’ll just wait outside, then” he said. Hagrid turned around and left but Kiara was standing here adoring the phoenix “Did it just reborn?” she asked smiling at the phoenix. “Yes he did” Dumbledore replied. Kiara smiled softly and walked in the room petted the phoenix a little who nuzzled in her touch making her laugh. Dumbledore smiled at the girl then turned to Harry “You don’t think it was me Professor?” Harry asked making Kiara look up. “No, Harry. I do not think it was you…” he replies. “But I must ask you, is there something you wish to tell me?” he asked. Harry thinks for a moment then replies “No sir nothing.” Dumbledore studies Harry for a moment “Very well then off you go” he says. “I’ll see you later…” Kiara began then trailed off. “Fawkes” Dumbledore finished. “Yeah Fawkes” she said and petted his head one last time. Harry and Kiara walk out of Dumbledore’s office. “I thought I was going to be expelled” Harry said. “Well so did me” Kiara said. “So when I saw Hagrid; after McGonagall took you away; I explained him the situation and then well you know…” she trailed off. “Yeah” Harry said and smiled at the tiny girl beside him. “You looked like a tiny fairy standing beside Hagrid” he teased. “Are you teasing me or complimenting?” Kiara asked with a raised eyebrow. “Well a bit of both” Harry trailed off with a mischievous smile. “Very funny” Kiara said sarcastically but still smiled a bit. “Well at least we know one thing” she said. “What’s that?” Harry asked. “Dumbledore trusts you” Kiara said. -------- Great Hall: The Christmas break had begun. Harry and Ron were having dinner while the girls were off at some business for the night’s plan. After a few moments Hermione and Kiara come with a plate of food in both of their hands. They sit down opposite from the boys. “Everything is set” Hermione said in a hushed tone so no one can eavesdrop. “We just need a bit of who you’re changing into” Kiara said in the same hushed tone. “Crabbe and Goyle” Harry said. “We also need to make sure that the real Crabbe and Goyle can’t burst in on us while we’re interrogating Malfoy” Hermione said. “How?” Ron asked. Hermione and Kiara shared a smirk with each other which indicated the boys they have some genius plan “we’ve got it all worked out” the girls said together. “We’ve filled these with a sleeping draught” Hermione said bringing out two cupcakes and placed them in front of the boys. “Simple but powerful” she said. “Now, once they’re asleep hide them in the broomstick cupboard and pull out a few of their hairs, and put on their uniforms” Kiara said. “Whose hair are you two ripping out?” Ron asked. The girls shared another smirk “we’ve already got ours” they said. “Millicent Bulstrode” Hermione said taking out a vile with a hair strand. “I got this off from her robe” she said. “Any I’ve got Pansy Parkinson’s hair which I plucked out when she came in Hospital Wing for her cold a few days ago” Kiara said bring out a vile just like Hermione’s. “Now we’re going to check on the potion” Hermione said getting up. “Make sure Crabbe and Goyle find these” Kiara said mirroring Hermione’s actions and pointed the cupcakes. With that the two girls left. -------- Moaning Myrtle’s Bathroom: Hermione and Kiara are sitting on the bathroom floor stirring the potion. “Hermione” Kiara said. “You put on these robes” she said pointing the Slytherin uniform “I’ll continue stirring it. Then once you’re done I’ll change into mine” she said. Hermione nodded and did as she was told. While Hermione was in Harry and Ron came in rushing into the bathroom. “Did you get the hairs?” Kiara asked as Hermione excited her stall dressed in Slytherin robes. Harry and Ron stuck out a strand of hair each. “Kiara you can go” Hermione said. “I’ll carry on with the potion.” Kiara nodded and picked up the Slytherin robes while Hermione took her spot and started stirring the potion. Kiara entered one stall and started to change. “You two best change as well” Hermione told the boys. They did as they were told. After a few moments the boys came out first “Kiara we went after you but still came out before” Ron said. Kiara opened her stall “I look like a freaking scarecrow” she said spreading her arms. The Slytherin robes hung on her arms and shoulders. Her hands had disappeared in the sleeves and the end of the robe was mopping the floor. Those robes were twice the size of Kiara. Then Kiara exited the stall. Her foot stuck in the bottom of the robe and she nearly tripped “Whoa” she said but balanced herself and stood back. “Ok now this annoying” she said. She took careful steps to avoid tripping over the extra large robes while the other three tried their best not to laugh at Kiara’s small size and clumsiness. Then Hermione poured the potion in four glasses and handed each to everyone “we’ll have exactly an hour before we change back into ourselves” she said. “Add the hairs” Kiara said. The four of them added the hairs. “Uhh… essence of Crabbe” Ron whined in disgust. “Cheers” Hermione said. The quartet clinked their glasses and gulped down the potion and grimaced at its taste. “I think I’m gonna be sick” Ron said dropping the glass and rushing inside a stall. “Me too” Hermione said and followed Ron’s action. Kiara dropped her glass and move a bit but tripped on the over-sized cloak. Harry dropped his glass as well and leaned against the sink. Kiara began to grow twice her height and started gaining a bit of muscle on her body. Her body parts began expanding and her hair grew short and changed into a darker shade. The complexion of her skin grew dark and her eyes changed dark brown. The natural blush of her cheeks left and her lips changed shape and became chapped and brownish red. Ron’s stall door opened. He had changed into Crabbe “Harry Kiara” he said coming ahead. “Ron” Harry said who had now turned into Goyle. “Bloody hell” Ron said. “We still sound like ourselves” Harry said. “Uh… bloody hell” Ron repeated in a thicker voice. “Excellent” Harry said then helped Kiara stand up. “But where’s Hermione?” Ron asked. “I- I don’t think I’m going. You go on without me!” Hermione said from the bathroom. “Hermione are you ok?” Kiara asked. “Just go” Hermione said. “You’re wasting your time” she said. “You two go” Kiara said. “I’ll stay with her” she said. The boys nodded “Let’s go” Harry said and he and Ron left. “Hermione” Kiara called knocking. “Why are you here?” Hermione asked. “I told you to go” she said. “Harry and Ron have gone. It’s just me” Kiara asked. “Are you ok?” she asked. Hermione just sobbed in reply. “Did something go wrong with the potion?” she asked. “Kiara I…” Hermione said then stuttered because of sobs. “Hermione open the door” Kiara said. “No I can’t” Hermione said. “Hermione what’s wrong?” Kiara asked in full concern. “You know you can tell me” she said. “I can’t” Hermione said. “What’s wrong?” Kiara asked. But before she could answer Harry and Ron came bursting in the bathroom “Kiara; Hermione we’ve got loads to tell you” Harry said. The two of them were back to their original selves. Even Kiara began to change back into herself. “She won’t come out” Kiara said. “I tried a lot but…” she said. “Go away” Hermione yelled. “Hermione what’s wrong?” Kiara asked again. “Open the door” she said. Then finally Hermione unlatched her door. Kiara slowly opened it and saw Hermione standing with her back faced. Harry wore his glasses “Do you remember me telling you that the Polyjuice Potion was only for human transformations? It was cat’s hair I plucked off Millicent Bulstrode’s robes” she said and turned around. “Oh my god” Kiara said when she saw Hermione’s face tuned into a cat. “Look at my face” Hermione sobbed. “Look at your tail” Ron said but got whacked by Kiara on his shoulder. “It’s not funny Ronald” Kiara said glaring at him. She then stepped forward and engulfed Hermione in a hug “It’ll be ok Hermione” she cooed rubbing her back while Hermione sobbed. “We’ll take you to Madam Pomfrey” she said. “No I can’t go like this” Hermione said. Kiara released Hermione from the hug and held her shoulders “trust me Hermione. No one will make fun of you or else they’ll have their own pair of pig ears and tail” she said with a soft smile. “Presented by none other than me” she said. Hermione laughed between the sobs “you’ll do that?” she asked. Kiara nodded. “But what are we gonna tell her how this happened?” she asked. Kiara thought for a while “well Madam Pomfrey doesn’t ask much questions” she said. “And just to tell how this happened we’ll tell her that…” she said then thought. “Yes” she said enthusiastically when an idea struck her “we’ll tell her Ron’s broken wand caused this” she said. “That’s a good idea” Harry said. “Let’s go” Kiara said and turned around but as she took a step her foot tangled in the Slytherin robe and was about to fall. But before she could fall Harry caught her in his arms. Kiara looked up and her face went red but luckily no one could see it because of the dark. “Sorry” she mumbled sheepishly as Harry helped her balance back. “It’s alright” Harry said. If Hermione wouldn’t have been in her terrible state she would have smiled. But that task was completed by Ron. “We should better change first” Kiara said. With that the four of them again took different stalls and changed back into their own clothes. “Now it’s better” Kiara said when she was back in her comfortable perfectly fitting clothes. “You are very small Kiara” Ron said examining her Slytherin robes which were normal for him. “Shut up Ronald” Kiara said defensively. “I’m not small only you all are giants” she said. “Whatever” Ron said with a laugh and ruffled her hair. Kiara pouted and made the other three laugh because of her cuteness. -------- Hospital Wing: Once Hermione’s treatment was done and Madam Pomfrey left.Harry and Ron told them what they found out from Malfoy. “So if Malfoy’s not the heir of Slytherin then who is it?” Kiara asked. “I don’t know” Ron replied. “But Malfoy said the chamber of secrets was opened fifty years ago” Harry said. “Fifty” Hermione asked. “What happened then?” she asked. “He said a muggleborn died” Ron replied. “This isn’t good” Kiara said. “But how did those attacks stop?” Hermione asked. “Malfoy said whoever was responsible for these attacks got expelled” Harry said. “That means Dumbledore knows who was behind these attacks before so why doesn’t he know who’s the heir” Kiara reasoned. “That’s good point” Hermione said. But before the four of them discussed further on the topic Harry, Ron and Kiara were shooed out of the Hospital Wing by Madam Pomfrey. “We’ll see you tomorrow Hermione” Kiara said giving her a hug. “Take care and get well soon” she said. “Thanks Kiara” Hermione said. “You’re the best” she said hugging back. With that Harry, Ron and Kiara left leaving Hermione in the Hospital Wing. CHAPTER 23 Soon the Christmas break had come to an end. Students returned back to Hogwarts from holidays. Hermione still wasn’t out from the Hospital Wing and was coughing out fur balls. Everyone thought she was petrified and tried go and catch a glimpse of her in the hospital wing, but Madam Pomfrey and Kiara kept the curtains shut around her bed so she wouldn’t be embarrassed because of her furry face. Harry, Ron and Kiara visited Hermione every evening. When the term started Kiara would bring her the day’s homework and notes. -------- Hospital Wing: “If I’d sprouted whiskers I would have taken break from a work” Ron said when Kiara placed a stack of books on Hermione’s bedside table. “Don’t be silly Ron” Hermione said briskly. “I’ve got to keep up with my school work.” Hermione’s spirits were greatly improved by the fact that all the hair had gone from her face and her eyes were slowly turning back to normal. “I don’t suppose you’ve got any leads?” she asked in a whisper so Madam Pomfrey won’t hear. “Nothing” Harry replied gloomily. “I was so sure it was Malfoy” Ron said for the hundredth time. “What’s that?” Kiara asked pointing to something gold sticking out from under Hermione’s pillow. “Just a Get Well card” Hermione replied blushing and hastily pushing it back under the pillow but Ron beat her to that. Ron flicked out the card and read out loud “To Miss Granger, wishing you for your speedy recovery, from your concerned teacher, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-times winner of Witch Weekly’s Most-Charming-Smile Award.” “You were sleeping with this under your pillow?” Ron asked in disgust. Hermione was spared from answering when Madam Pomfrey brought her evening dose of medicine. Later Harry and Ron left Hermione to rest while Kiara went to heal other patients in the hospital wing. -------- Corridor: Harry and Ron were walking towards the Gryffindor common room. “Is Lockhart the smartest bloke you’ve ever met or what?” Ron asked Harry. “Why does every witch fancy him?” he asked. “Not every witch” Harry said. “Kiara doesn’t” he said “when all the witches drool over Lockhart during DADA; Kiara gags at him” he says and the two boys laugh at the memory of Kiara rambling and gagging at Lockhart with complete annoyance and disgust. “True” Ron said. Then the two boys stopped walking when they saw a huge puddle of water in front of them. They follow the puddle and it leads them to Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom. -------- Moaning Myrtle’s Bathroom: Harry and Ron enter the bathroom and find all taps gushing out water on full speed. They look around and spot Myrtle sitting on a window sobbing. “Come to throw something else at me?” Myrtle asked. “Why would I throw something at you?” Harry asks. “Don’t ask me! Here I am, minding my own business, and someone thinks it’s funny to throw a book at me” Myrtle replies. “But, it can’t hurt if someone throws something at you. I mean, it’ll just go right through you” Ron said Myrtle got angry and swooshed down in front of Ron “Sure! Let’s all throw books at Myrtle because she can’t feel it! Ten points if you get through her stomach!” she said and hits Ron in the stomach and her hand passes through. “Fifty points if it goes through her head!” she does the same at Ron’s head. Ron looks at Myrtle with a terrified expression. “But, who threw it at you, anyway?” Harry asked quickly changing the subject. “I don’t know” Myrtle replied. “I didn’t see them. I was just sitting in the U-bend thinking about death and it fell through the top of my head” she said and left away wailing in a horrible voice. Harry spots a book lying on the floor and picks it up and reads a name T.M. Riddle. --------- Hospital Wing: Later that night Harry takes the book to the Hospital Wing to show it to the two girls. Hermione was plopped up in her bed by the pillows. Kiara was sitting beside her on the bed. Harry was sitting on a stool beside Kiara and Ron was sitting on another stool on the other side of the bed. Hermione examines the diary with Kiara looking closely as well. “There’s a name in this diary” Hermione said. “Tom Marvolo Riddle” Kiara read. “Tom Marvolo Riddle?” Ron asked and took the diary from Hermione’s hand. “Hang on I know that name” he says taking the other three by surprise. “Why do I know that name?” he asked himself. “Of course that night when I had detention and I was polishing the silver in the trophy room” he recalled. “I remember because Filch made me scrub that trophy nearly fifty times” he said. “What was that trophy for?” Harry asked. “He won an award fifty years ago for special services to the school or something” Ron replied. “Special services award fifty years ago” Kiara said. “Are you sure?” she asked. “Yeah” Ron replied. “Maybe he got thirty O.W.Ls” he suggested. “Or saved a teacher from the giant squid; or killed Moaning Myrtle that would’ve done everyone a favor…” he said. But Harry, Kiara and Hermione had the same look on their faces which indicated they were thinking the same thing “What?” he asked looking between the three. “Don’t you remember what Malfoy told you?” Hermione asked. “The last time the chamber of secrets was opened was fifty years ago” Harry recalled. “And this diary is fifty years old” Kiara said. “So?” Ron asked. “Oh wake up Ron” the girls snapped together taking both the boys by shock. “The last time the Chamber of Secrets was opened was fifty years ago” Kiara said. “We know that Tom Riddle got a special service award fifty years ago” Hermione continued. “Well what if Riddle got his special service award for catching the Heir of Slytherin?” Kiara suggested. “This diary would probably tell us everything” Hermione said “Where the Chamber is” Kiara said. “How to open it?” she suggested. “Even what sort of creature lives in it” Hermione added and Kiara nodded in agreement. “If so whoever’s behind these attacks wouldn’t want this diary lying around” Kiara said. “Would they?” she asked. “That’s a brilliant theory girls but there’s one flaw” Harry said. “There’s nothing written in this diary” he said flipping over the pages. “Give it here” Kiara said and took the diary from Harry’s hands. “It might be invisible ink” she said looking at Hermione then back at the diary. Kiara tapped the diary three times “APARECIUM” but nothing happened. Hermione then pulled out something from her satchel beside the bed “It’s a Revealer” she said. “Kiara and I bought it in Diagon Alley” she added while rubbing it on a page but still nothing happened. “I’m telling you Riddle got this diary for Christmas and couldn’t bother filling it in” Ron said. Hermione and Kiara huffed and shared a look in failure. -------- The sun began to shine weakly on Hogwarts. There had been no more attacks after that on Justin and Sir Nicholas. The Mandrakes were leaving childhood. It was thought that perhaps the Heir of Slytherin had lost their nerve or that the monster was setting down to hibernate himself for another fifty years. Gilderoy Lockhart started spreading word that he himself had made the attacks stop. At this sentence Kiara wanted to dig a grave and bury herself in it to get rid of Lockhart’s annoying boasting. Harry and Ron were rolling over the floor from laughter when they heard Kiara ramble about him while Hermione gave her disapproving remarks. --------- Gryffindor Common Room: A few weeks after finding Tom Riddle's diary Harry was sitting alone in the Gryffindor common room examining Tom Riddle’s diary. While doing so he accidently knocked over some ink on the diary. However instead of staining the diary absorbed the ink. Harry stared at the spot with wide eyes. He then dipped the quill in his ink pot and wrote in the diary ‘My name is Harry Potter.’ The diary absorbed the writing and wrote back ‘Hello Harry Potter, my name is Tom Riddle.’ ‘Do you know anything about the Chamber of Secrets?’ Harry asked. ‘Yes’ Tom replied. ‘Can you tell me?’ Harry asked. ‘No’ Riddle wrote back. Harry leaned back in his chair in frustration. ‘But I can show you’ he wrote. ‘Let me take you back fifty years ago…’ the pages of the diary flipped rapidly and stopped on the date of 13th June. Then bright yellow lights shoot out from the diary and pulls Harry inside the diary. -------- 13th June, 1943; Hogwart’s Corridors: Harry lands in the Hogwart’s corridors. He walks down through it and reaches a teenager boy who’s looking on top of the marble staircase. “Excuse me. Could you tell me what’s going on here? Are you Tom Riddle? Hello, can you hear me?” Harry asks the boy but gets no reply. Harry then follows the boy’s eyes and saw four men carrying a stretcher with a covered dead body on it. The men walk past Harry and the other boy; Harry sees a girl’s hand dangling out. “Riddle!” a voice shouts. Harry and Tom both turn around and see a young version of Dumbledore standing on top of the stairs. “Come” Dumbledore says softly. “Professor Dumbledore” Tom says and walks up to him. Harry followed behind Tom. “It is not wise to be wandering around this late hour, Tom” Dumbledore says in a non-angry voice. “Yes Professor. I- I suppose I- I had to see for myself if the rumors were true” Tom reasons. “I’m afraid they are, Tom” Dumbledore confirms. “They are true” he says. “About the school, as well? I don’t have a home to go to. They wouldn’t really close Hogwarts, would they Professor?” Tom asks in slight fear and concern. “I understand Tom, but I’m afraid Headmaster Dippet may have no choice” Dumbledore replies in fear. “Sir- if it all stopped- if the person responsible was caught...” Tom suggests. “Is there something you want to tell me?” Dumbledore asks skeptically. “No sir, nothing” Tom replies. Dumbledore studies Tom for a moment then says “very well then off you go.” “Good night sir” Tom says and leaves. Harry runs behind Tom and follows him to the dungeon corridor. Tom whipped out his wand and opens a door “evening Hagrid” he says. “I’m going to have to turn you in, Hagrid. I don’t think you meant it to kill anyone, but…” Tom says pointing his wand at Hagrid. and a box behind him. “You can’t! You don’t understand” Hagrid says. “The dead girl’s parents will be here tomorrow. The least Hogwarts can do is make sure the thing that killed their daughter is slaughtered” Tom says still pointing his wand at Hagrid. “It wasn’t him. Aragog never killed anyone! Never!” Hagrid defends. “Monsters don’t make good pets, Hagrid. Now, stand aside” Tom orders. “No” Hagrid denies. “Stand aside Hagrid” Tom orders again but he denies. “Stand aside Hagrid” he repeats. “CIESTEM APERIO” Tom chants pointing his wand at the box behind Hagrid. The box shakes and open. A spider crawls out and runs away. “ARANIA EXUMAI” he says pointing his wand at the spider which makes the spider fly away. Tom then points his wand back at Hagrid “I can’t let you go. They’ll have your wand for this, Hagrid. You’ll be expelled” he says. With that Harry is thrown back to the Gryffindor common room while he tried to call out for Hagrid. -------- Hogwarts Grounds: The quartet walks through the ground of Hogwarts. Harry tells the other three what he found out last night. “It was Hagrid. Hagrid opened the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago” Harry says. “It can’t be Hagrid” Kiara disagrees. “It just can’t be.” “I agree with Kiara” Hermione says. “We don’t even know this Riddle” Ron says. “He sounds like a dirty rotten snitch to me” he says. “The monster had killed somebody, Ron. What would any of us have done?” Harry asks. “But Hagrid can’t be the Heir of Slytherin” Kiara said. “Look. Hagrid’s our friend. Why don’t we just go and ask him about it?” Hermione suggests. “That’ll be a cheerful visit! ‘Hello, Hagrid! Tell us, have you been setting anything mad and hairy loose in the castle lately?’” Ron said sarcastically. But before anyone could talk further a voice came behind them “Mad and hairy?” the four of them turn around and see Hagrid “You wouldn’t be talking about me now, would you?” he asked. “No” the four of them replied together. “What’s that Hagrid?” Harry asked pointing to a can Hagrid was holding to change the subject. “Oh it’s a flesh eating slug repellent” Hagrid replied. “For the mandrakes?” Kiara asked. “Yes” Hagrid replied. “Now, according to Professor Sprout, they’ve still got a bit of growing up to do” he said. “Yeah I checked them out yesterday” Kiara said. “Once the acne gets cleared up we can chop and stew them and then we’ll get those people down at the hospital un-Petrified” she said. “Right” Hagrid said. “In the meantime, though, you four had best be looking after yourselves. All right?” he said. The four of them nodded in reply. With that Hagrid left “Hello Neville” he said. Neville comes rushing towards the quartet looking pale white “Neville are you ok?” Kiara asked. “Harry, I don't know who did it, but... you'd better come” Neville says and runs back to the direction he came from. The other four share a look and follow behind him. -------- Boy’s Dormitory: The quartet was led by Neville to Harry and Ron’s dormitory. “Oh my god” Kiara says when she sees the messed up room. Harry's space is a disaster with trunk riffled; drawers flung open, bedclothes strewn on the floor. “It had to be a Gryffindor. Nobody else knows our password” Hermione says. “Unless it wasn’t a student” Kiara said as Harry searches through the mess. “Whoever it was, they must have been looking for something” Ron said. “And they found it” Harry said. “Tom Riddle’s diary is gone” he said. “Now we’ll have to clean up this mess” Ron whines. “I can fix this” Kiara said. “Here hold this” she said handing her bag to Ron. “Harry can you move aside?” she asks politely. Harry nods and does as he’s told. Kiara brings out her wand “REPARO MAXIMA” she say waving her wand in the air. All the mess rises in the air and twirls around Kiara. It then zooms here and there. The objects from the trunks are placed back neatly; the ripped curtains get repaired; the drawers flung back shut; the torn up pillow repairs and the bed clothes arranged themselves. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville watched it in awe “It’s cleaner than it was before” Ron said. “Thanks Kiara” Harry said with a smile. “Don’t mention it” Kiara said waving her hand. -------- Later during Easter the second years were given subjects to choose for third year. Kiara and Hermione took this matter very seriously. “This could affect our whole future” Hermione said. Kiara agreeing with her. “I just want to give up potions” Harry said. “We can’t” Ron said. “We’ve got to keep all our old subject or I’d have gave up DADA.” “But that’s very important!” Hermione said in shock. “Not the way Lockhart teaches” Ron said. “I haven’t learnt anything from him except not to set pixies loose” he said. Kiara laughed. Harry and Ron selected only Care of Magical Creatures and Divination while the girls chose all the subjects. CHAPTER 24 Great Hall: On Saturday there was a brilliant sunshine and light breeze blowing in the atmosphere “Perfect Quidditch conditions” Oliver said. That day the Gryffindors had a quidditch match against Hufflepuff. “Harry and Kiara buck up over there both of you need a decent breakfast” he said and then went to talk with the rest of the team. Harry and Kiara were dressed in their scarlet quidditch robes. Harry was still in the thought that who would have stolen Tom Riddle’s diary. Hermione suggested to report about the robbery but Harry declined saying that he would have to tell a teacher all about the diary and he didn’t want to bring up Hagrid’s fifty year old expulsion. After having a decent breakfast Harry and Kiara headed toward the quidditch pitch with Hermione and Ron at their heels. All of a sudden Harry shouted making the other three jump a feet in the air “The voice!” he said. “I just heard it again… didn’t you?” he asked. “You know what this means?” Kiara gasped turned around to face Hermione with a look of realization on her face. Hermione looked at her in confusion. The girls looked as if they were communicating with telepathy “OH MY GOD!” Hermione exclaimed realizing what Kiara meant and earned looks from people around them. “Harry please tell Oliver I’ll be there in a minute” Kiara requested hastily. “What’s going on?” Ron asked. “We just understood something” Hermione said as she began to walk away with Kiara quickly. “Where are you two going?” Harry asked. “LIBRARY” the girls shouted and dashed around the corner leaving two confused boys behind. “What do they understand?” Harry asked. “Loads more than we do” Ron said. “But why have they gone to library?” Harry asked. “Because that’s what these girls do” Ron replied. “When in doubt go to the library” he said. “Wood will kill Kiara if she gets late” Harry said. “And you will let him kill your dear precious Kiara” Ron teased with a smirk. Harry turned a bit red and playfully glared at Ron. -------- Library: Kiara and Hermione burst into the library. It was completely empty as the whole school was at the quidditch pitch. “You see Hermione” Kiara said as the two girls rushed over a particular shelf “Harry is the only one to hear the voice” she said as the two girls searched the shelf. “And Harry is the only one that understands snake language” Hermione said. “Here it is” Kiara said picking out a book ‘Most Macabre Monstrosities’ Kiara placed the book on a table and hastily flipped through it “won’t you be late for quidditch?” Hermione asked. “No this is more important” Kiara replied. “Here” she said pointing the book. The girls read. Of the many fearsome beasts and monsters that roam our land, there is none more curious or more deadly than the Basilisk, known also as the King of Serpents. This snake, which may reach gigantic size and live many hundreds of years, is born from a chicken's egg, hatched beneath a toad. Its methods of killing are most wondrous, for aside from its deadly and venomous fangs, the Basilisk has a murderous stare, and all who are fixed with the beam of its eye shall suffer instant death. Spiders flee before the Basilisk, for it is their mortal enemy, and the Basilisk flees only from the crowing of the rooster, which is fatal to it. “This is it” the girls said together. “Harry can hear it because it’s a snake” Kiara said. “It can live for a hundred years” Hermione said. “Remember those spiders” Kiara said. “They were acting all weird.” “Yes” Hermione said. “But how do you think such a large snake is moving around?” she asked. Kiara thought for a moment “remember Harry always leans to the wall when he hears the voice” she recalled. “And what lies inside the walls are…” Hermione said. “Pipes” they said together. Kiara hastily wrote it down on the corner of the page. Before they could discuss further they heard a clattering voice. “Who’s there?” Kiara asked hesitantly and brought out the wand. The girls looked around the library but saw nothing. Then they saw a shadow of a snake dawning in front of the wall. They gulp in fear and hold on each other. “Oh my god” Hermione breaths. She then tears the basilisk page from the book and stuffs it in her hand. The girls turn around. “Hermione pick it up” Kiara said pointing to a hand mirror on Madam Pince’s desk. Hermione did as she was told. She carefully took the mirror in her hand. Then far away from where the girls were standing Hermione saw a pair of big yellow eyes in the mirror. All of a sudden she went stiff. Kiara felt Hermione’s hand stiffen. “Oh my god Hermione” Kiara panics but closes her eyes as quick as possible. Slowly and steadily Kiara dropped Hermione’s limp body on the floor with her eyes shut. The basilisk then swishes its tail at Kiara. His tail is so wide that it hits Kiara from head to toe. Kiara gets thrown back and she screams in both pain and fear. She gets banged on a bookshelf and slides down on the floor. Kiara does not dare to open her eyes. Kiara’s body moved the bookshelf in such a way that within second it falls on top of her. The basilisks then slithers away. Kiara laid there under the broken wood splinters and toppled up books while Hermione lay petrified not far away. Hearing the huge commotion Professor McGonagall, Madam Pince and Madam Pomfrey come rushing in the library. The gasp at the sight of the scene. The body of the two girls was immediately transformed to the hospital wing. -------- Quidditch Pitch: Harry was sitting with the other quidditch players (except Kiara) in the changing room listening to Oliver’s speech. “Where’s Kiara” Wood asked searching through the team for the short, brown hair and grey-blue eyed chaser. “She’s gone to the library” Harry replied. “She’ll be here in a minute.” “What?” Oliver asked in anger. “The match’s ten minutes away and she’s in the library” he said. “Oliver” Angelina said. “Kiara is a responsible girl. I’m sure she must be on her way” she said. “You can still give your speech. Kiara doesn’t need one she has her own winning reflexes and tactics” she said. “Right then” Oliver said agreeing with Angelina “We play our game, Hufflepuff doesn’t stand a chance. We’re stronger, quicker and smarter” he said. Ten minutes passed and it was time for the team to go on field “Where the hell is Kiara?” Oliver asked in full anger. “We can’t win this game without her” he said. But before he could speak further Professor McGonagall entered the tent with a pale expression. “This match has been cancelled” she announces. The players look at each other with baffled expression. “We can’t cancel Quidditch” Oliver said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Silence Wood” McGonagall orders. “You and your team mates will go to the Gryffindor tower now” she said. “Potter” she said to Harry with a pale expression. “You and I will find Mr. Weasley. There’s something the both of you have to see” she said and led him out of the room. -------- Hospital Wing: Professor McGonagall leads Harry and Ron to the Hospital Wing “I warn you, this could be a wee bit of a shock” she said and led them inside. Walking a few spaces Harry and Ron catch glimpse of their two friends. Hermione lay there petrified while Kiara looked far worse than when she was hit by the buldger. Her full forehead was covered in gauze and blood stains could be seen on it. Her one leg was tied up in a caste along with one arm. She had bruises and scratches all over her body. Harry and Ron's mouth hung wide at the sight of the two girls. “We found these two girls in the library” McGonagall informed. “Ms. Granger had this mirror in her hand” she said holding up the mirror “And Ms. Silvers was nearly crushed under a bookshelf. If she would’ve been found late she could’ve died because of excess blood loss” she said. Harry and Ron gasp at the McGonagall’s words. “Kiara” Harry says and takes her fragile looking bandaged hand in his, tears were welling up in his eyes. His heart did hurt at Hermione’s sight but it broke in million pieces at Kiara’s sight and the fact she almost died hurt him more. After a few moments Professor McGonagall lead the two boys to the Gryffindor common room. -------- Gryffindor Common Room: All Gryffindor students were sitting in the common room. Harry couldn’t wipe away the frightening image of Kiara and Hermione from his head. Kiara more than Hermione. Professor McGonagall entered the common room with a parchment in her hand “Could I have your attention please? Because of recent events, these new rules will be put into effect immediately. ‘All students will return to their house common rooms by six o’clock every evening. All students will be escorted to each lesson by a teacher. No exception’ I should tell you this; unless the culprit behind these attacks is caught, it is likely the school will be closed” she said and left the common room. “What are we going to do?” Ron asked Harry. “We’ve got to talk to Hagrid, Ron. I can’t believe it’s him, but if he did set the monster loose last time, he’ll know how to get inside the Chamber of Secrets, and that’s a start” Harry replied. “But you heard McGonagall! We’re not allowed to leave the tower except for class” Ron reasoned. “I think it’s time to get my dad’s old cloak out again” Harry said. -------- Hagrid’s hut: That night Harry and Ron went to visit Hagrid under the invisibility cloak. Harry knocked on Hagrid’s door. Hagrid opens the door with a crossbow in his hand “Who’s there? Hello? Hello?” he asks pointing his bow directly at the invisible boys. Harry quickly removes his cloak “what’s that for?” he asks. Hagrid lowers his bow “Oh, nothing. I- I was expecting, ah… It doesn’t matter- come on in I just made a pot of tea” he says and invites the two in. Hagrid pours tea in a cup and continues to pour even after the cup is full to the brim and the tea overflows “Hagrid are you ok?” Harry asked. “I’m fine” Hagrid replied. “I’m alright.” “Did you hear about Kiara and Hermione?” Harry asked. “Oh, yeah. I heard about that, all right” Hagrid replied. “Look, we have to ask you something. Do you know who’s opened the Chamber of Secrets?” Harry asked getting straight to the point. “What you had to understand about that is…” Hagrid begins but is interrupted by knocks on the door. “Quick under the cloak. Don’t say a word. Be quiet, both of you” he tells the boys. The boys do as they were told. Hagrid takes the crossbow in his hand again and opens the door “Professor Dumbledore…” he says and lowers his boy. “Good evening, Hagrid. I wonder, could we…?” Dumbledore asked pointing at himself and a man behind him. “Of course come in” Hagrid says and lets the two men inside. “That’s Dad’s boss! Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic!” Ron whispers to Harry indicating to the man behind Dumbledore. “Bad business, Hagrid. Very bad business. Had to come… three attacks on Muggleborns and one Half-blood. Things have gone far enough. The Ministry’s got to act” Fudge says. “Oh, but I never- you know I never, Professor!” Hagrid defends himself. “I want it understood Cornelius that Hagrid has my full confidence” Dumbledore said. “Albus look” Fudge said. “Hagrid’s record is against him. I’ve got to take him” he reasons. “Take me where?” Hagrid asked in a fearful tone. “Not Azkaban Prison?” “I’m afraid we have no choice, Hagrid” Fudge says. Then the door opens “Already here, Fudge?” the voice asked. “Good…” Lucius Malfoy said entering the house. “What are you doing here?” Hagrid asks with not even a single drop of kindness in his voice “get out of my house” he said. “Believe me; I take absolutely no pleasure being inside your…you call this a house?” Lucius asked looking around the house. “I simply called at the school, and was told the headmaster was here” he said. “Well, what exactly is it that you want with me?” Dumbledore asked Lucius. “The other governors and I have decided it’s time for you to step aside. This is an order of suspension. You’ll find all twelve signatures on it. I’m afraid we feel you’ve rather lost your touch. Well, what, with all these attacks, there’ll be no Muggleborns left at Hogwarts. I can only imagine what an awful loss that would be to the school” he said handing a roll of parchment. “You can’t take Professor Dumbledore away. Take him away, an’ the Muggleborns won’ stand a chance! You mark my words, there’ll be killings next!” Hagrid exclaims. “Calm yourself, Hagrid. If the governors desire my removal, I will, of course, step aside” Dumbledore said. “However, you will find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it” he said looking over the spot where Harry and Ron were hiding. “Admirable sentiments. Shall we? Fudge!” Lucius said. With that Lucius and Dumbledore left “Come on Hagrid” Fudge said. Hagrid clears his throat and say the words indicating to the two hidden boys “If, uh, if anybody was looking for some stuff, then all they’d have to do would be to follow the spiders. Yup! That would lead them right! That’s all I have to say. Oh, and someone will need to feed Fang while I’m away” with that he and Fudge left closing the door behind. Once everyone was gone Harry removed the invisibility cloak from him and Ron “Hagrid’s right! With Dumbledore gone, there’ll be an attack a day!” Ron said. Harry then found a trail of spiders on the window sill “Look! Well, come on. Come on, Fang!” he said and exited the house. “What?” Ron asked following Harry and Fang. “You heard what Hagrid said; ‘Follow the spiders’” Harry replies and walks ahead. “But they’re going to the Dark Forest” Ron said but Harry ignores him. “Why spiders! Why couldn’t it be ‘follow the butterflies? -------- Forbidden Forest: Harry and Ron followed the trail of spiders inside the forest. Ron was pale with fear but nevertheless kept walking. “Harry I don’t like this…” Ron complained. “I don’t like this at all.” “Shush” Harry shushed him. “Can we go back now?” Ron asked when the size and number of spiders began to increase. “Come on” Harry said and continued walking. Harry and Ron enter a hollow. Enormous trees tower over them, strewn with strands of white webbing. Ron steps on a strand, kicks it off queasily. Harry peers up ahead; at the far end of the hollow, the spiders stream toward a dark opening. As Harry and Ron approach the opening, a clicking sound emanates from within, echoing in the branches of the tall trees. Ron falters, glancing about nervously. “Harry I don’t have a good feeling about this” Rom whimpers. “Don’t panic” Harry says. As Harry steps to the mouth of the cavern, the air suddenly crackles with movement. A huge shadow emerges, slowly engulfs Harry. Harry and Ron look up and see a giant acromantula “Hagrid is that you?” the spider asks. “We’re friends of Hagrid’s” Harry replies. “And you’re Aragog aren’t you?” he asks. “Yes” Aragog replies. “Hagrid has never sent men into our hollow before” he says. “He’s in trouble. Up at the school, there have been attacks. They think its Hagrid. They think he opened the Chamber of Secrets, like before” Harry informs. “That’s a lie! Hagrid never opened the Chamber of Secrets” Aragog says. “Then you’re not the monster” Harry states. “No! The monster was born in the castle. I came to Hagrid from a distant land, in the pocket of a traveler” Aragog tells him. “Harry” Ron whimpers when he say large spiders creeping in the hollow. “Shush” Harry shushes Ron and continues talking to Aragog “But if you’re not the monster, then- then what did kill that girl fifty years ago?” Harry asks. “We do not speak of it. It is an ancient creature we spiders fear above all others” Aragog replies. “But have you seen it?” Harry asks as Ron kept tugging on his sleeve to grab his attention but Harry ignored him. “I never saw any part of the castle but the box in which Hagrid kept me. The girl was discovered in a bathroom. When I was accused, Hagrid brought me here” Aragog replies. “Harry!” Ron called a bit louder this time. “What?” Harry snapped in annoyance. Ron shakily points above at the huge spiders. “Well, thank you. We’ll just…go” he tells Aragog. “Go?” Aragog asked in a humorous tone “I think not. My sons and daughters do not harm Hagrid on my command. But I cannot deny them fresh meat when it wanders so willingly into our midst. Good-bye, friend of Hagrid” he says. The acromantulas creepily began to advance towards Harry and Ron “can we panic now?” Ron whimpered in absolute fear. As a spider approached them; Harry hit it with a lamp her was holding and whips out his wand dropping the lamp. Harry and Ron stand with their backs towards each other. “Know any spells?” Ron asked. “One” Harry replied remembering the spell Tom Riddle used. “But it’s not powerful enough for all of them.” “Where’s Kiara and Hermione when you need them?” Ron asked. The spiders were inches away from the boys when a loud, long note sounded and a blaze of light flamed through the hollow. Mr. Weasley’s car was thundering down the slop with head-lamps glaring, its horn screeching, knocking spiders aside; several were thrown back, their endless legs waving in the air. The car screeched to a halt in front of the boys and its doors flung open. “Come on!” Harry said. Fang climbed inside the car and took the back seat. Ron took the driver’s seat. Harry was about to get inside but a spider blocked his away “ARANIA EXUMAI” he said making the spider fly backwards. Spiders fell on the car and began thumping on its roof and bonnet. “Go” Harry shouted. Ron pressed his foot on the accelerator making the car move backwards in full speed. Once they exited the hollow they stopped the car taking a breath in relief “Glad were out of there” Ron said but just then a spider attacked him from the open window and chocked his neck. Ron whimpered in fear. Harry pointed his wand at the spider “ARANIA EXUMAI” he said and the spider flew back. Ron breathed heavily “thanks for that” he said. “Don’t mention it” Harry said. Then spiders began appearing in front of the car. “Get us out of here” Harry said. “Now!” he shouted. Ron adjusted the gear and made the car move backwards away from the spiders “Come on! Move faster!” he said. Ron drove the car in full speed but the spiders leveled their speed to the car as well “get us in the air” Harry said. Ron pulled on the flying gear “the flying gear is jammed!” he exclaimed. Harry helps Ron push the flying gear and the car finally takes off in the air. The car lands in front of Hagrid’s hut. “Follow the spiders” Ron exclaimed getting out of the car. “Follow the spiders” he repeated. “If Hagrid ever gets out of Azkaban I’ll kill him” he threatens as Harry and Fang exit the car as well. “I mean, what was the point of sending us in there? What have we found out?” he asked. “We know one thing. Hagrid never opened the Chamber of Secrets. He was innocent” Harry replied. CHAPTER 25 Boy’s Dormitory: After the deathly acromantula attack; Harry and Ron returned back to the Gryffindor tower at once under the invisibility cloak. Ron fell on his bed even without bothering to change whereas Harry didn’t feel very sleepy. He lied on his four poster bed and thought about what Aragog told him. Harry thought the creature that was lurking somewhere in the castle was like a monster Voldemort; even other monsters don’t want to name it. He thought that he and Ron where nowhere near to find out who the monster was or how it petrified people. Harry still tried to find the pieces of the puzzle. “Ron” Harry hissed when something struck in his mind. “Ron” he said again. Ron woke up with a yelp. “Ron that girl who died in the bathroom; what if she never left? What is she’s still there?” he asked. “Moaning Myrtle?” Ron asked and that was when the two boys found a piece to the puzzle. Then after discussing a bit more on this topic Ron fell asleep again. Harry tried to sleep as well but couldn’t. He felt empty. He missed someone’s presence and that someone was Kiara. He then felt guilty, what if he never let the girls go in the library or if he would have gone there with them; maybe Kiara would be here with him laughing, rambling about people who annoy her, talking to Harry. It had been only a day but Harry felt as if year’s had passed. How he wanted to see those beautiful grey-blue orbs shining; how he wanted to hear her angel like laughter; how he wanted to hold her close to him and tell her he won’t let anyone harm her ever again. With the thoughts of Kiara in his head Harry didn’t even realize when he fell asleep. -------- Great Hall: The next morning Professor McGonagall made an announcement “There’s good news” she said. Tonight we will be able to revive all those who had been petrified as the Mandrakes are ready to cut. “I need hardly remind you all that one of them may well be able to tell us who or what attacked them. I’m hopeful that this dreadful year will end with our catching the culprit.” There was an explosion of cheering. “It won’t matter we never asked Myrtle then. Kiara and Hermione will probably tell us everything.” “Ron, we don’t know when Kiara will wake up” Harry said gloomily. “She isn’t petrified.” “I’m sure she’ll wake up soon as well mate” Ron said putting a hand on his shoulder. -------- Hospital Wing: Kiara felt herself regaining her senses. Her head hurt horribly. The cast from her leg and arm had been removed and the bones were mended. But the wound in the forehead and a few bruises still weren’t cured completely. She groggily opened her eyes. The hospital room was empty; no H.W.A.G student or Madam Pomfrey was there only the petrified victims. Kiara slowly opened her eyes and rubbed the gauze on her forehead. The events of the library then began flooding back in her head. All of a sudden she jolted up from her bed. When she saw Hermione’s petrified body tears began welling up in her eyes. “Oh my God Hermione” Kiara breathed. But she didn’t go towards her bed. Instead she put on her quidditch sneakers. ‘I have to find Harry and Ron and tell them about the Basilisk’ Kiara thought. She didn’t bother changing the rest of her pajamas. She took her wand from the bedside table and ran out the Hospital wing only to find the corridors deserted. Due to the strict rules no one was lurking in the corridors and most of the students were in the class. Kiara ran through the corridor only to get banged in a red-headed girl. Ginny just tried to tell Harry and Ron about her being responsible for the attacks but couldn’t because Percy interrupted him. “Ginny” Kiara said. “Kiara” Ginny said in full fear. “How are you?” she asked. “I’m fine” she said. “Where is everybody?” she asked hastily. Ginny thought that maybe telling it to Kiara would be easier “Kiara I need to tell you something…” she said. Kiara began to decline but then she saw Ginny’s pale face “What is it?” she asked politely holding her shoulders. Ginny took a deep breath and told Kiara about being responsible for the attacks, for killing the roosters, about being controlled by Tom Riddle’s diary and writing the threatening messages on the wall. Her eyes began to well up. Kiara pulled Ginny into a hug “it is ok Ginny” she cooed. “Now we have to tell someone” she said. “Not to complain or something but to put a stop to this hell” she said. “You are not the one responsible; Tom is” she said. Ginny sniffed “You’re not angry with me?” she asked. Kiara pulled away from the hug and held her puffy red eyed face between her hands like an elder sister “why would I be angry?” she asked softly. “Ginny even wizards of our parents’ age fall for these traps” she said. “You’re not the one guilty, you understand?” she asked. Ginny nodded with a sniff. “Now let’s go and put an end on this” she said. “Yeah” Ginny nodded with agreement. The two girls turned around and saw a teenage boy’s ghost like figure in Slytherin robes standing in front of them. “Tom” Ginny breathed out. “Spilled out your cover to this girl did you?” he asked Ginny. Kiara glared at Tom and pushed Ginny behind her pulling out her wand “don’t you dare touch her?” she asked. “You're a brave girl aren’t you?” Tom taunted with a smirk. Ginny was cowering behind Kiara “I won’t do anything you tell me Tom” she said. “Not anymore.” “I see” Tom said. “But what if I force you to?” he asked. “Ginny run” Kiara says and the two girls run in the opposite direction hand in hand.Tom swiftly flew in front of the girls making them stop with a gasp. Kiara turns around and runs through the left bend of the corridor with Ginny. “You scum” Tom hissed again appearing in front of them. “The process was supposed to start by now if it hadn’t been for your foolishness.” “What process?” Kiara asked. “To feed on Ginny Weasley’s soul and return back as before” he replied. Kiara’s eyes widen ‘how do I save her?’ was the only thought in Kiara’s head. “Never in a million years” said Kiara with a strong voice. ‘STUPEFY’ she said but being a ghost figure Tom isn’t affected. ‘REDUCTO’ she said again but instead an armor suit blasts. “Silly girl” Tom hissed. “You’re wasting my time” he said Then Tom waves his hand and Kiara fell on the ground. Then with another wave of hand Tom possess Ginny. He make Ginny cut Kiara’s hand and write a message on the wall. Then he takes both the girls down the chamber. -------- Hospital Wing: That afternoon Harry and Ron go to visit the girls in the Hospital Wing. When they enter they freeze seeing Kiara’s empty bed. “Where’s Kiara?” Harry asked. “Must’ve gone to the Gryffindor tower to rest” Ron said. “Should we go and check?” he asks. Harry was about to nod but then he saw something in Hermione’s hand “what is that?” he asks. The two boys walk to Hermione. Carefully Harry takes out the paper from Hermione’s hand. "Come on" he said and the two boys walked out of the Hospital Wing. -------- Corridor: “Ron this is why Hermione and Kiara were in the library the day they were attacked” Harry said reading the paper with Ron looking closely behind. They read the paper carefully “Of the many fearsome beasts that roam our land, none is more deadly than the basilisk. Capable of living for hundreds of years, instant death waits any who meet this giant serpent’s eye. Spiders flee before it. Ron, this is it. The monster in the Chamber of Secrets is a basilisk. That’s why I can hear it speak. It’s a snake! Of the many fearsome beasts that roam our land, none is more deadly than the basilisk. Capable of living for hundreds of years, instant death waits any who meet this giant serpent’s eye. Spiders flee before it. Ron, this is it. The monster in the Chamber of Secrets is a basilisk. That’s why I can hear it speak. It’s a snake!” Harry says. “But if it kills someone by looking it in the eye why hasn’t it killed anyone yet?” Ron asked. “Because no one did look it in the eye” Harry replied. “Not directly, at least. Colin saw it through his camera. Justin…Justin must have seen the basilisk through Nearly Headless Nick. Nick got the full blast of it- but he’s a ghost- he couldn’t die again. And Hermione…had the mirror. I bet you anything she was using it to look around corners, in case it came along” Harry said. “And what about Mrs. Norris? I’m pretty sure she didn’t have a camera or a mirror, Harry” Ron said. Harry thought for a moment “The water. There was water on the floor that night. She only saw the basilisk’s reflection. ‘Spiders flee before it.’ It all fits!” he said excitedly. “But how’s a basilisk been getting around? A dirty great snake... someone would have seen it” Ron asked. “The girls have answered that as well” Harry said pointing to the pipes word written in Kiara’s handwriting. “Kiara must have gone to find us to tell this only” Ron said. “Must be” Harry said. “Let’s find her” Harry said. But before they could go any further Professor McGonagall’s voice rang in the corridor “All students are to return to their house dormitories at once. All teachers to the second floor corridor, immediately.” ------- Second Floor Corridor: The boys instead of going back to the dorms went to the second floor corridor. They hid behind a wall when they saw teachers crowded in front of the wall opposite to them. “As you can see, the Heir of Slytherin has left another message. Our worst fear has been realized. Two girls have been taken by the monster into the Chamber itself. The students must be sent home. I’m afraid this is the end of Hogwarts” McGonagall said. The teachers were pale with fear. Then Lockhart arrived with a complete different expression than the other teachers. “So sorry- dozed off- what have I missed?” Lockhart asked. “Two girls have been snatched by the monster, Lockhart. Your moment has come, at last” Snape replied. “My moment?” Lockhart asked not having a single idea. “Weren’t you saying just last night that you’ve known all along where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is?” Snape asked in reply. “Well, that’s settled. We’ll leave you to deal with the monster, Gilderoy. Your skills, after all, are a legend” McGonagall said. “Very well I’ll just be in my office getting ready” Lockhart said and left. “Who is that the monster has taken Minerva?” Madam Pomfrey asked. “Ginny Weasley and Kiara Silvers” McGonagall replied. Harry and Ron both paled with fear when they heard the name. The professors gasped at Kiara’s name. “Wasn’t Kiara supposed to be in the hospital wing?” Snape asked with fear, tears forming in his eyes. “She should be but I found her wand, a broken armor and blood stains” McGonagall said. With that all the professors left. Harry and Ron read the message in the wall: THEIR SKELETONS WILL LIE IN THE CHAMBER FOREVER -------- Lockhart’s Office: “Lockhart may be useless, but he’s going to try and get into the Chamber. At least we can tell him what we know” Harry said as both he and Ron rushed inside the DADA class and up in Lockhart’s office. The barged inside the office “Professor, we have some information for you!” Harry said but when he saw Lockhart’s trunk and rest of his things packed he asked “are you going somewhere?” “Uh, ah- well, yes- um, urgent call- unavoidable- got to go” Lockhart replied. “What about my sister and Kiara?!” Ron asked. “Well, um- as to that, most unfortunate. No one regrets more than I” Lockhart replied still packing his stuff. “You’re the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher! You can’t go now!” Ron exclaimed. “Well- I must say- when I took the job there was nothing in the job description about a…” Lockhart reasoned. “You’re running away? After all that stuff you did in your books?” Harry asked furiously. “Books can be misleading” Lockhart said. “You wrote them!” Harry exclaimed. “My dear boy, do use your common sense! My books wouldn’t have sold half as well if people didn’t think I’d done all those things!” Lockhart exclaimed. “Kiara was right” Harry said. “You really are a fraud! You’ve just been taking credit for what other wizards have done!” he exclaimed. “Is there anything you can do?” Ron asked. “Yes, now you mention it. I’m rather gifted with Memory Charms. Otherwise, you see, all those wizards would have gone blabbing” Lockhart said and picked up his wand. “And I’d never have sold another book. In fact, ah…I’m ah…going to have to do the same to you” Lockhart said and turned around only to find Harry and Ron already pointing their wands at him. “Don’t even think about it” Harry threatened and motioned Lockhart to lower his wand. -------- Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom: Harry and Ron forcefully led Lockhart into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. They saw Myrtle floating above the toilet stalls. "Oh who's there?" Myrtle asked when she felt someone's presence "Oh! Hello, Harry! Ron. What do you want?" she asked. "To ask how you died" Harry replied. "Oh! It was dreadful. It happened right here in this very cubicle" she said pointing a stall below her. "I’d hidden because Olive Hornby was teasing me about my glasses. I was crying, and then I heard somebody come in" Myrtle replied. "Who was it Myrtle?" Harry asked. "I don’t know. I was Distraught! But they said something funny, a kind of made up language. And I realized it was a boy speaking, so I unlocked the door to tell him to go away and… I died" Myrtle replied. "Just like that?" Harry asked. "How?" "I just remember seeing a pair of great big yellow eyes…over there, by that sink" Myrtle replied pointing to a sink. Harry goes ahead and examines the sink. Then he finds a serpent symbol on the tap of the sink. "This is it Ron" Harry said stepping back and standing beside Ron. "I think this is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets" "Say something" Ron said. "Harry say something in Parseltongue." Harry did as Ron told him to do. The circular group of sinks open and a large pipe is exposed. "Excellent, Harry! Good work! Well then, I’ll just be, ah… There’s no need for me to stay" Lockhart said and began to leave but the boys push him back. "Oh yes there is" Harry said. "You first" he said motioning him to go down. "Now, boys what good will it do?" Lockhart asked holding on to the sinks. "Better you than us" Ron said. "Sure you don't want to test it first?" Lockhart asks but Ron pushes him down. Lockhart yells then a sound of crash is heard. "It’s really quite filthy down here" his voice is heard from the pipe. "All right let's go" Harry tells Ron who nods in agreement. But before they could jump Myrtle speaks up "Oh, Harry? If you die down there, you’re welcome to share my toilet" she offers then gives a girly giggle. Ron looks as if he'll rather get petrified than share a toilet with Myrtle "Thanks Myrtle" Harry said sarcastically yet politely. With that the two boys jump in the pipe to save Ginny and Kiara.