WARNING!: SPOILERS! If you HAVE NOT read the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling then you must leave now. Go on, shoo!!!!

Author's Note: No stealing. My name, my character, my stuff. You steal=you will be regret it for the rest of your life. Thanks to Kassie for helping me with the title Part 1: Goodbye Is Never Forever...

Author's Note #2: Hello, readers. I would really enjoy it if you neomailed me and told me what you think about the story, suggestions on things that could happen to Ben(but not a ball, mainly because Ben is in no position to make one and the 6th book does not have a ball anyway), and on anything that you think could possibly improve my writing. Thank you, and have a nice day!

Author's Note #3: Yes, I do realize that the title is 'Untitled'; Yes, it has meaning. Go listen to the song Untitled by Simple Plan and you'll see why I name it so.

Disclaimer: I do not own nor claim ownership of any persons or people created beforehand by JKR. If you are any good fan of Harry Potter, then you'll know that most of the main characters here are made-up by someone else, me.

Last Updated: 11-15-06
Word Amount: 17,261

The Principle of the Thing

I sat next to my younger sister, Kat, on the red plaid cloth. It was sunset and stars were beginning to appear on the sky. It looked odd, almost as if the night and day had planned to clash on that fateful day of my life. It had been like any ordinary summer's day, or, at least, in the beginning.

I had awoken at six o'clock along with my mother, my father, and my sister. We would first eat and then my sister and I would study potions, practice spells, and, on occasion, practice flying for a few hours. Then, as we had planned for that particular day, we would go for a hike in the woods near our cottage, and then, have a sort of picnic dinner under the stars and camp out that night.

If it had not been that we lived at least ten miles away from every muggle settlement we would probably have been found out by now. But that's the wizarding law for you.

I sighed lightly as Kat punched me playfully in the shoulder.

."What was that for?" I asked.

."Because I love you, Ben." Kat teased as she rocked back and forth in her sitting position. Her big dark green eyes were alight with the reflection of the stars above us.

I chuckled presently and said, "Well, that's Abenzione to you, kiddo."

Abenzione... Yes, that's my name, though I usually preferred to be known as Ben, and still do.

My parents were sitting behind us, whispering silently. I got up quickly; I felt restless. I loved to just sit under the stars and find constellations at night, but that night I felt jittery for a reason even I cannot recall.

."What is it, son?" My dad said in his deep, booming voice that echoed though the forest clearing.

."Nothing, Dad. I just need to get a bit of a walk." I said as I walked away from the clearing, following the small dark stream that ran though the edge of it.

I sauntered along for some twenty minutes before I stopped and sat down. The stream was calm now, though I know that at some point in time it was probably a rushing river. I took a few long deep breaths and just let my mind relax as I stared into the depths of the creek.

Somehow, someway, images came, first shadowy and indefinite, but the more I was drawn in, the clearer the images became. I saw blood; I saw a wolf. No, not a wolf, it was a man trying to be a wolf, a werewolf. Then I saw my little sister lying on her bed, her elbow bandaged up crudely. Lastly, I saw my parents, but they didn't look like my parents in that they were dead.

I jolted and fell back onto the hard, dark earth, my dark brown hair creeping into my vision. For the first time in my life I truly understood what it meant to be afraid. I lay there, breathing deeply again. Sweat covered my entire and I was shaking uncontrollably. I didn't close my eyes, I couldn't. I was afraid to close my eyes, I was afraid of what I saw. But how had I seen it? Such images never came to me since the worst that had happened to me was a broken bone or two from flying, but even then my mother mended it in about ten minutes. Moreover, I was wondering what I had seen. It had to have been just fear of the dark or something of that sort. Nowadays, I wish it was just fear.

I got up and began to make my way back to the clearing. But that's when my fears became real. A long howl rippled though the cool night air around me and that's what made me run. I ran to the clearing, and I saw…I saw my parents, dead, or just about to die. But no, they couldn't be, they just couldn't be. After this realization it felt as if the next few minutes or so my body was so numb that I was merely a spirit, watching everything from a third person point of view, but I still had control over my own body.

I slowly bent down over my mother.

."Ben..." My mother choked out hoarsely.

."Yes, it's me, mom," I said as I gently lifted her pale head onto my lap.

."Kat's in trouble... Find her... Protect her..." She whispered. Then, that's when she died. I saw what color left in her face leave. I saw the light leave her cloudy gray eyes.

."No...Mother." I whispered as I bent further down over her. She couldn't die; I didn't want her to die… I felt pain wash over me like someone pouring water over my head. I wanted to do something. I wanted to revive her. I wanted her to sit up and smile and say 'Just joking.' Even if it was a really sick joke on my part. My father....my mother....they were good people, they didn't deserve to die... I didn't want to loose them so soon, and not now...

My mind raced; I wanted to stay, but I had to live up to my mother's last wish. I didn't know what had my sister. I didn't even know if I could defeat whatever it was. But I still had to try.

I stood up and tried to let my mind relax, which was almost impossible because even with my eyes closed, my parents' dead faces popped up every moment. I listened, or rather tried to listen, to the forest for anything out of place or not right. I heard panting, panting that a dog would have. I followed the sound as quietly and quickly as possible.

I then caught my first glimpse of a werewolf. How I knew it was werewolf at the time, I don't know, even now. The werewolf was holding gently, almost caressing, Kat in his arms. Kat had to be knocked out at least, because I knew that she would be trying to kick and punch the life out of the werewolf otherwise. I pulled my wand out of my belt and pointed it at the werewolf.

I concentrated all of my energy, all of my power, and whispered strongly, "Stupefy!"

The werewolf must have heard me, because it turned its wolfishly pointed face towards me. But he was sent into a trance by my spell. But it was only a trance....a very short trance.

I darted forward and grabbed Kat from the werewolf's now slack grip. I then used all the time I had to run, cradling my sister in my arms as I ran. I stumbled a few times, but I always got back up. I wanted to get as far away from the werewolf as time allowed. I didn't care if anyone heard me, I didn't care that I was leaving obvious signs that I had been to places. It wouldn't even matter if I tried since the werewolf could probably smell me anyway.

A howl of anguish echoed in the forest as I ran. This only seemed to make me run faster than ever. Soon every shadow was a werewolf in my mind; soon everything was incomprehensible to me besides the heart pounding in my chest.

Subconsciously, I had decided to climb a tree. I knew that the werewolf could probably follow me up, but this was a forest, I could easily jump onto another tree if it did try to climb up. I climbed slowly, trying to do so without hurting Kat. I shifted her small body from one arm (and sometimes leg) to the other as I climbed. Left arm, right arm, left leg and left arm, right arm, left arm again...

I sat on a thick branch high up in the tree when I heard a whimpering below me, holding my sister gently. My back was bent over her. I was trying to protect Kat with my own body. The werewolf looked up at us with its moonlit eyes and then let out one last long pain-filled howl into the atmosphere. Then the werewolf left, seeming to have lost interest in us.

The full moon was high in the sky already, but I wagered that it was only midnight. About six more hours until the sun rose. For the first time that night I actually looked at my sister's condition. I saw the bite on her elbow, but she couldn't be. Kat just couldn't be. Tears fell from my gray eyes like rain from ominous clouds. I wept for my mother. I wept for my dad. I wept for myself. And, most of all, I wept for my sister. I wasn't a werewolf; I wasn't dead. I hadn't even been bruised. The worst that had happened to me was becoming very, very tired. Well, that's as far as physical pain at least.

I don't know how long I had cried. I don't even know if I fell asleep, but I'm pretty sure I didn't. Otherwise I would have been on the ground when I felt the faint warmth of the rising sun on my back.

I climbed down slowly, the same way I went up and still carrying Kat's sleeping form. Left arm, right arm, left arm and leg, right arm again...

I carried her back to our cottage just outside the woods. I'd find mom and dad's body and bury them later.

First I had to bandage Kat and then lay her down in her bed. Then I could try to bury my parents.

When I entered the cottage it looked as it always did, home-like and simple. But it felt as if it should be different, more ominous. I searched for some bandages and then bandaged my sister as best I could. I had forgotten about magic. But even if I did remember, I didn't know how to make bandages shot out of my wand and wrap around a wound yet.

I took her up to our shared room upstairs and laid her on her bed. I pulled the thin, cool covers over her silently. Now I had to find my parents. I grabbed my Cleansweep Seven from under my bed and then headed back outside into the forest. For the next hour or two I flew low over the ground, searching for my parents' mangled, pale bodies. Finally, I found them. I didn't want to touch them; I didn't want to even look at them. But I had to bury them so their souls could rest in peace, at least for a little while.

I took my wand and traced a large rectangle that could fit my parents' bodies into the ground. I then muttered, "Terransuom" at the sketch in the ground and the earth lifted up like a big block and I moved it to the side.

."Wingardium Leviosa!" I muttered at my mother's body and levitated her into the five-foot deep hole.

I did the same for my father. Afterward, I declared,"Terraseo", and the dirt, now less of a block and more of a pile, rose and then settled itself nicely over my parents' dead bodies

I stared around the clearing for a moment before I mounted my broom again. Besides the fact that the dirt below my feet looked newly dug, you couldn't tell that this was a burial place; you couldn't believe that people had died here not twelve hours ago.

I wanted to do something for them that would mark their death besides the dried blood in this very forest clearing. I pulled out my wand and pointed it at a yew tree. To this very day I don't know how I had done it, but words carved themselves into the wood like I could if I had scratched the tree with a quill.

.'Goodbye is never forever...'

I looked at the words. My mother would have liked that; I knew it. I knew my sister would kill me when she found out that I had already buried them, but I didn't know when she would wake up and I didn't fancy her possibly seeing them as skeletons with bits of skin and clothing still attached. I mounted my broom once more and flew slowly though the forest and landed in our small garden that my mother took care of. I ignored the gnomes that scampered around me as I walked back into the house. Though I did kick one out of the way so it wouldn't get in the house when

I went in. I went up the flight of stairs, down the short hall, and went into our room. I stowed my broomstick back under my bed. My small twin bed lay some three and a half feet away from my sister's and I sat down on it. I stared at my sister, Kat. She was asleep. I never really realized how small she was until then. She could've passed for a six-year-old if I put a pink dress on her and handed her a lollipop. I don't know how long I stared at her sleeping form, but I remember my thoughts.

For some reason, my mind kept on thinking about what I saw before the werewolf attacked my family. Sure, the first image was a bit sketchy but the rest was so clear you could have thought that they were photographs, my mother and dad's mangled bodies most of all. I didn't know what this meant to me. But my mind always went to the same conclusion. I had that inner eye that my mother had told me about. That thing some people had where they could see the future. Truthfully, I had had dreams where later on, when I was awake, the dream would become real. But I just tossed these out of my mind at the time and it had never occurred to me that I could be a seer. And even if I hadn't ever seen any of the future when I was awake, I never put a crystal ball in front of myself. So, I was drawn to the conclusion that I could see the future, and I hung onto this idea. I can't really explain why I did, but there's something about loosing your parents and having an injured sister to look after that made me want to have a bit of proof that I was a wizard, an underage one, but a wizard nonetheless.

If I was not thinking of how my newfound 'ability', my mind was wallowing in sorrow. I had lost my parents. Which made me feel numb, helpless, sad, and in great pain all at the same time. They'd know how to help Kat if they were alive. They'd know, they'd tell me. But they weren't alive, and even though I buried them myself, I hadn't faced the fact that they really were dead. I'd only lay in my sorrow for a long, long time.

And then, when my mind was done going though that part of my sorrow, it would get started on the sorrow of having a sister as a werewolf. I mean, I still loved her, even as she was, but it was like finding out that your best friend had cancer because you don't know how you could help them, but you long with all your heart and soul to cure them yourself.....but you can't, you just can't. I felt my eyes begin to brim with tears, but I wiped them away with the back of my hand. What if Kat woke up now and saw me crying? What would she think? I knew, she'd think something was horribly, horribly wrong.... And I didn't want her to feel that way, it would only make my pain worse. Not to mention, I was sure her pain would be much more than my own.

I looked out the small circle window in our room. It was only about one o'clock or so, so I left the room and walked down the stairs as quietly as possible. But even then, for the next few days what I had thought when I was sitting across from Kat, watching her, were just those thoughts, repeated over and over again until I knew them by heart.

After that, the next three days are more of a long, slow blur than anything else. I remember eating a lot of stew that was more like broth and sitting across from Kat's unconscious body a lot.

That's when the ministry wizard came. That's when the last thing that I didn't even think could happen happened.

I was sitting in the kitchen and sipping from my usual bowl of stew when a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. We never had visitors, except for occasional school friends of my mother and father's, and even then it was very rare.

I placed the bowl onto the small table in the kitchen and went over to open the door. I placed my hand on the doorknob and tugged the door open. There stood a tall dark-skinned man in the doorway. His height made me back away, afraid.

."You're the wizard resident?" The man said in his booming voice that could've unsettled dust.

."Y-yes." I stammered nervously, trying hard not to look too scared.

."You were attacked by werewolves or a werewolf three days ago?" He asked, bent down, as if to inspect me.

."Yes." I said, my voice now stronger and more confident.

."Were you bitten? Was anyone killed?" He said. I fell back off my feet and onto the wood floor.

."My parents died... Kat got bitten," I declared in a soft, weak voice. The man's dark eyes grew soft for a moment, almost sympathetic.

."My name is Aaron Junsten. I am from the Ministry. I've come to help you." He said, even his voice was softer and less demanding now.

."Wha-what are you going to do?" I stammered out loud.

."You are going to be taken away. This Kat on the other hand... I'm not sure what will happen to her." Aaron said. But his eyes betrayed him. I saw that he was hiding something from me. I could see truth in those brown eyes, but deceit as well.

."Kat's my little sister. And you have to tell me what will happen to her!" I said, putting emphasis on every word.

."Do not take a tone like that with me, boy." He said, his tone changing to threatening.

."But she's my sister. I have to know." I whispered, barely hearing the words escape from my lips.

."You will be taken to another school. She will be taken to another place far away from here so we can treat her condition fairly well, at the very least." Junsten said as he looked up the stairs suspiciously.

I considered it in my mind for a second. "But why do we have to be separated?" I asked strongly.

Aaron Junsten did not answer but he walked up the small flight of stairs. I followed him, watching him with my sharp gray eyes.

He entered our small room and when I entered the room after him. I saw him lifting Kat from her small twin bed. "What are you doing?" I said as I stood in between him in the doorway.

."Bringing her somewhere safe." Aaron said.

."Where?" I yelled at him.

."A place that my orders have specified." He said as lifted his wand to my face.

I blacked out in the next moment.

I awoke to a soft rumbling feeling against my body. I opened my eyes bleerily and sat up, feeling the soft cushions under my hand.

Aaron Junsten sat across from me and if it hadn't been for my grogginess, I would have jumped at him and punched every bit of his skin I could reach.

."You're awake." He said ominously.

."Obviously." I muttered, flicking daggers at him with my eyes.

."Good." He said as a small smile crept across his lips.

."Good? What's good about loosing my whole family?" I asked, spitting the words at him threateningly.

."Nothing. But you are being sent to Hogwarts for the time being. You have no place to go since your home will not be accessible since no adult figure to look after you there." Junsten said to me in a whisper.

."Where is Kat? Where is my sister?" I asked, feeling anger bubble at the surface of my mind, knowing that it showing on my face, and definitely in my light gray eyes.

."I will not tell you where, because you will surely seek her out if I do. Besides, it's apart of my orders." Aaron said in his deep voice.

."Fine, be that way." I said as I leaned back in my seat, folding my arms over my chest and looking away from him. This was the first time that I noticed a tawny owl in its cage. It's large amber eyes were staring at me almost unnervingly.

."All right. But I see you have noticed the owl now. I know that you've had a hard time lately so I took the liberty of getting you this little guy. You can name him as you wish." Junsten said as he got up and began to leave.

."Oh, and good day and good luck at Hogwarts." Aaron said as he opened the door of the compartment and left, the door closing sharply behind him.

I turned to the tawny owl. I thought that I might as well name it now.

."Your name is... Shen." I said aloud to the amber-eyed owl.

I turned from Shen and closed my eyes as I let my head fall onto the soft, cushiony back part of the bench. I didn't know what to do. There was nothing left for me. Nothing at all. As far as I cared at that moment, the most I had going for me was that I was alive and I was thirteen-year-old wizard. And that isn't much to say, even by those who have nothing much to go for.

But a small voice in my mind coaxed that there had to be a reason I hadn't died. There had to be. But how could I find out? Not only could magic not help me at all here, I didn't even have a distant friend to confide in.

Calm down, Ben. Think, think. There has to be a reason…Kat…
Kat's probably far away and you probably won't ever see her again for the rest of you life.
But, maybe I'm supposed to help Kat!
Help her? You don't even know where she is. How the heck can you help her?
Maybe I'm supposed to finish school and then, then go help her.
There isn't a cure for werewolves. The only thing is that potion, Wolfsbane, that lets them be able to transform without being a threat to humans.
Yes. But there has to be an undiscovered cure. There has to be.
No, there can't.
Yes, there can be. I just have to find it out.

The 'logical' voice in my head shut up after that. But maybe that was what I was supposed to do, go and finish my schooling at FairFlight Academy, then graduate and find Kat, then find a cure for lycanthrope if I didn't find one before I found Kat.

It sounded right. It actually sounded right. I knew that that was a tall order for me, of all people. But still, it sounded right, however absurd it sounded.

I leaned forward in my seat, putting my hand on my head and letting my dark brown hair fall in front of my face.

It was true; my parents were dead; my sister was a werewolf now; I was all alone. All alone, maybe, but with a reason to live.

Yes, that's how I was as a thirteen-year-old. And I haven't changed much beyond height and voice development.

I was Abenzione Cerulen. I was an underage wizard. I was alone.

The words now etched in the tree that offered my parents a lasting burial message echoed in my mind, with my mother's voice as the host.

Goodbye is never forever… It's only another way of saying that you don't know when you'll see the other again.'


Part 2: Lonely

For the next few hours I sat in the train compartment as the soft rumbling noise of the train and the occasional hoot from Shen surrounded me at all sides. I couldn't believe it! Why was I so suddenly separated from what little family I had left? What had I done to deserve this? Nothing, that's what! Nothing!

When I wasn't thinking of how unreasonable my detachment from Kat was, I was thinking of what Hogwarts was like. Was it a good school? Would I make friends there? And, if it was possible, could I find someone there that might help me find out more about werewolves so I could help Kat? Well, they probably wouldn't know about the part my sister played, but still, was it possible? My logic said no more than once. Funny, though, I felt a little stubbornness to not go there in the first place since it was the school that the Ministry wanted to go to and I wanted to go against them and search for my sister. So, I was alone. All alone. From then on, I hated the very essence of the word 'alone' even when it just passed in my mind for no reason.

Eventually, the bright sun outside began to set beautifully, though it was bittersweet for me. Kat liked sunsets as much as I liked constellations, which is saying something. About thirty minutes after the lamps in the compartments lit themselves, the train slowed to a grinding halt.

I stood and let Shen onto my shoulder as I exited the compartment as quietly as possible, though it seemed extremely loud to me due to the lack of other human beings on the train. I walked off the train steps and into the brightly lit square, which showed many people gathered in groups muttering among themselves and being careful not to mingle with other groups. I looked around hopelessly while the feeling of growing anxiety began to seize me. For some odd reason, I felt that I should've combed my hair or something to make me look a little less like a vagabond, even if that should have been very low on my list of 'Things That Are Important Right Now'.

Was I supposed to meet someone here? And, if so, who? Gulping loudly, I decided to go to one of the closely-knit groups and ask where Hogwarts was and I took a step towards one of the packs of people when a felt a heavy tap on my shoulder. I whirled around to find myself right in front of…. A gigantic belt buckle? That couldn't be right... So, I took one huge step back to be greeted by a man twice the height of most of men with warm, black eyes and a thick, black beard that cascaded down his front like a waterfall. One of his hands, which were the size of a large dinner plate, held a lantern, which gave a lot of light to the square, for the moment, that is.

."Ah, ya' must be Cerulen, eh?" The man said in a deep, gruff voice. His hand waving in greeting towards me as a grin played on his whisker covered lips.

."Yeah. I mean, Yes sir, I'm Abenzione Cerulen." I replied, suddenly feeling very weak and puny. Not to mention how weird my name sounded in that particular introduction…. I think I should have just said 'Ben' then, but that's being shy and thirteen for you.

."Don' call me 'sir'. I'm Rubeus Hagrid, The Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. But most jus' call me Hagrid," said the oversized man as he began to take in my condition. I guess smelling not so good, being a little on the peaky side from only eating broth the last few days, having mussed up hair, and my clothes being slightly on the crumpled, ragged side was not exactly what he was expecting.

."Uh, just call me Ben," I said as I scratched the back of my neck nervously while I shifted from one foot to the other.

."Alright, Ben, 'bout time we get up to Hogwarts, then." He said as he gestured down the street and I followed him down the street to the entrance of Hogwarts where one lonely black carriage being drawn by…black dragon-like wings?

."Hagrid, what are those black wings pulling the carriage?" I asked as I stared at those disembodied wings, trying to sort out what it meant in my mind.

."Ya' see the thestrals? Or par' of 'em?" Hagrid said as he looked down at me with worry in his eyes. Worry? Why 'worry'? Curiosity would fit more into it, wouldn't it?

."If black wings are part of them, then yes. But what does it, they, mean?" I asked as I opened the door of the carriage and took the seat facing away from the black wings. I just didn't want to see them. I just didn't want to.

."Well, they mean tha' ya've seen death." Hagrid said as he entered the carriage, making the floor of the carriage groan piteously. The door of the carriage closed once Hagrid took a seat across from me and I felt the carriage lurch forward, or backwards, in my perspective.

In this time, I had taken in what Hagrid had said. Nodding, I replied hoarsely, "Yeah. Death's easy to see nowadays." And that was true, I was just one of the very unfortunate, though many, victims of it. I looked out of the window, trying to hide my eyes, which would betray anything I felt to Hagrid, something that I did not welcome as a good idea in my mind. I glimpsed a castle and blinked quickly. A castle? Still standing in Britain? That must have been a trick of the eye… Right?

."So, have ya' ever bin to Hogwarts?" The giant of a man asked, apparently seeing that a change of subject was better than anything else.

."Uh, no. But I think my parents went there." I said as my gray eyes surveyed the grounds.

."Aye, sounds 'bout right." Hagrid said, but he was quiet for the rest of the ride, as was I. Which brought out the soft clopping of hooves and breathing of horses. Horses? Oh, yeah, the thestrals must be part horse. I could almost feel the tension between us, but I didn't want to break it because I just felt that it was best to be distant, for now, that is, just for now.

The carriage stopped as suddenly as it started, or was that just me getting lost in thought again? I don't know, but I do know that the carriage did stop in front of the gigantic double doors of the castle that I had caught a glimpse of beforehand. Hagrid walked up the set of steps and opened one of heavy doors quite easily. I followed after him into the castle to be greeted by a huge room with a marble staircase leading up to other parts of the castle and some small doors on the left side while the right side had a fifty-foot archway. I heard muttering and talking from the entrance, but then the noise stopped almost as suddenly as I realized this. I then heard the voice of an old man.

A man who had long, mangy brown hair was holding a long instrument in his hand and eyed me suspiciously. Hagrid told the man gruffly, "Yeah, tha's 'im. Jus' don' frighten 'im off." The man then ran the long instrument up and down my front back and sides. All the while I felt very uncomfortable, almost as if I expected the long instrument was going to turn into a sword and the mangy man would chop my head from my body as quick and easy as I could imagine.

."He's clean," The man said gruffly as he waved his hand casually to the archway on the right.

Hagrid walked me to the archway and gently took Shen from my shoulder as he did so, who hooted in protest. I was trying to make it easier for Hagrid to take Shen, who had sunk his claws into my jacket. The voice had paused for a moment, and, sensing that other people had their eyes on me, I looked up to see four long tables filled with students dressed in black robes. At the other end of the room was another long table, though this one was slightly elevated, with what appeared to be the teachers. Lit pumpkins were floating in the air along with live bats flitting around noiselessly. And the ceiling… It was amazing! It looked exactly like the dark blue night sky outside, it was even peppered with twinkling stars The voice had come from an old man with a long, silvery-white beard flowing from his chin and was tucked into his belt to stop it from trailing behind him when he walked. One of his arms looked shriveled and black as it sat in a sling by itself. Then Shen let go, almost as if on cue.

And that brings me to the announcement I was going to bring up. I know this is a little late in the year, but a new student will come into Hogwarts on special request from the Ministry. I introduce to you Abenzione Cerulen." The old wizard said as he beamed across the room at me and I saw his good hand gesture to a short, bald teacher who brought a wooden stool and a patched black hat. The short teacher, or as far as I can tell that that was what he was, had placed the stool and the patched hat in front of the old man.

."Uh, Hagrid... What am I supposed to do?" I hissed at the corner of my mouth to him.

."Go sit on the stool and put the hat on," Hagrid hissed hoarsely back at me. I raised my eyebrows at this response, but replied, "Whatever you say."

I walked down the middle aisle, feeling the intense staring from the rest of the room as they were taking in my appearance. I felt like I was some celebrity who accidentally went out in public without his disguise on. I suddenly remembered what this was. Sorting. I remember my mom and dad told me about it ages ago. There was Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Slytherin, and then Hufflepuff. Something about each had their own traits that made them unique. I resisted the urge to walk faster, but I began to feel even more out of place than I already was. Why? Clothes. I was dressed in muggle attire while the other students had so luckily gained uniforms.

Finally, after what had felt like an hour or more, I was in front of the stool and sat down as I pulled the frayed hat upon my head. I felt more ridiculous and embarrassed than I had in my life, including that time I took a bet from my sister and dance around a room singing about a dozen nursery rhymes that I can barely remember.

My eyes were open for a moment, but I closed them quickly; I just felt better feeling as if no one was watching me. And closing my eyes did help, though not much.

Ah, a late one, eh? But a nice mind you've got too. Hmmm…Said a voice in my head and I jerked my head left and right, searching for the source of the voice. I clenched my hands on the edges of the stool, feeling as if I would fall off anytime.

Nice mind? What do you mean? Who are you? I asked quickly, suddenly feeling very suspicious.

Yes, very clever, you are. But, ah! An odd talent to possess for such a young mind, and by accident as well…Very strange for what I am considering…The voice replied cryptically.

What? What the heck is going on? I asked as my confusion almost engulfed me in full, almost like someone was trying to eat my mind inside out.

Ah, well, I say, RAVENCLAW! The voice said, except the last word, "Ravenclaw", I heard it being shouted. I opened my eyes once more and feeling that I should remove the hat, I took it off and placed it on the stool as I stood. My ears, which had been out-tuned during the whole time I had the conversation with 'the voice', had seemed to adjust since I was able to make out that one table was clapping politely. I took a step towards the table but first turned my face to the silver-bearded man, as if to ask if that was where I was supposed to go. He gave the smallest of nods and then I walked quickly to the table and took a seat at the end of the table.

."Well, now that that is handled. Happy Halloween, everyone! Tuck in!" The old wizard said as he took his seat. I looked back at the table and my mouth almost dropped open in surprise. The golden plates and goblets on the table had somehow filled themselves with food. There were mashed potatoes and gravy, steak and kidney pie, apples, lots of chicken, and almost every other food dish I could imagine, even peppermint humbugs. I tried a little of everything within physical reach while the others were talking among themselves. The blonde-headed boy and girl sitting next to me seemed to be fascinated by me, but I tried my best to ignore their stares. Though, finally, I was able to ask what they were staring at me for.

."Um, why am I so fascinating?" I asked the boy next to me.

."It's just that we've never had anyone come in at Halloween before is all." Replied the boy after he swallowed his mouthful of chicken, though his eyes remained on me.

I shrugged slightly and replied, "Well, guess I'm a first, then."

."I'm Andrew, Andrew Greggorfore. And this is my sister, Aimee." He said gesturing to the blonde-haired girl next to him.

."I'm Ben. Nice to meet you." I replied. "It's nice to meet you too," Aimee chimed in with a soft, song-like voice.

."How old are you?" Asked Andrew curiously.

."Thirteen. Why do you ask?" I replied, wondering what age would really matter.

."Yes! You're in our year!" Andrew almost shouted in response. But, after he realized how loud he was, he blushed lightly and then muttered, "Sorry," under his breath.

I chuckled lightly at his response. Why be sorry? "Don't be sorry. It's nice to be welcomed." Especially with what I've been though, I can only hope in vain that Kat's fairing better, I added in my thoughts.

Soon the plates cleared themselves of food and then replaced themselves with more dessert dishes then there were food dishes earlier. Meanwhile, Andrew, Aimee, and I talked. Or, rather, Andrew and I talked while Aimee listened most of the time, who was not really taking the time to put her two knuts in. And then, the plates cleared themselves sometime after most people had finished eating.

The old wizard stood once more. Oddly enough, in that moment, it occurred to me who this man was. He was Albus Dumbledore. The Albus Dumbledore. Why hadn't it happened upon me before now, I cannot say. Still, though, I should've at least remembered him from that time that the Prophet had scolded him for about a year on his resilience that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named returned, and then they had to apologize because he was right. That was one thing that disturbed me more than anything I can explain. You-Know-Who returning. I mean... It's Voldemort; who isn't afraid of him?

Dumbledore's voice broke my thoughts and they scattered into the dark corners of my mind, at least for now, that is.

."I hope you all had I good feast. Happy Halloween to you all. Now, it's time for bed." He said and then he sat back down again. Chatter broke among the students as soon as he stopped speaking and getting to head to…. To head to where? Gulping nervously, I turned to Andrew and was about to ask him where we were supposed to go now when I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. I turned around to see a pale, dark-haired man with a hooked nose in front of me... One of the teachers.

The headmaster wants to speak with you." He said in a cold voice and he turned to head back up to the front table while his black robes trailed behind him. I glanced back at Andrew nervously, but he nodded his consent, though hesitantly. Hesitantly? Why did Andrew nod hesitantly?

I followed the hook-nosed man quickly and was soon in front of the table where all the teachers were standing around.

."Ah, Abenzione. I'm glad that you made it here safely." Dumbledore said as he looked at me curiously.

I nodded in response since I felt too nervous to reply. My eyes looked along the teachers nervously, most of them looked like they would be fair teachers… I just hoped I was right. I suddenly remembered that I didn't have anything that would help me here other than my wand, the clothes on my back, and Shen.

."Yes, but…umm… I don't have any supplies, sir." I said nervously, feeling the eyes of everyone on me as I spoke.

."That shall all be taken care of. You'll have all you need by Tuesday, until then, you may wander freely around Hogwarts. Though, I have one question, where did you keep your clothes and such at your home?" Dumbledore replied as he beamed at me.

."Well, I kept my clothes and my broom in a trunk under my bed. Anything else?" I said hoarsely in response. I felt my nervousness try to seize me again, but I struggled with it once more, as I probably would do a lot though the next few weeks here.

."Actually, yes. You shall have to take some extra lessons for about a month until you are ready to take regular classes without them," the professor responded lightly.

I nodded in response. It was understandable since I had been home-schooled, so they just wanted to make sure I could stay up with the rest of the class. Besides, it didn't really matter to me, as long as I could get though this school as quickly as possible so I could find Kat.

."Than it is all set up. Abenzione, this is Professor Flitwick. He is your head of house as well as the Charms teacher; he'll lead you to where you'll be staying." Albus Dumbledore said as he gestured to the short teacher who had brought out the hat and stool earlier.

. "Nice to meet you," I said as politely as I could. He walked around the table unnervingly fast for such a short man and was next to me in a moment.

."And I, you." Flitwick replied in a high squeaky voice that had, surprisingly, not startled me.

."Have a good year, Abenzione," Dumbledore said as soon as Flitwick was standing next to me.

."Bye," I replied as Flitwick and I turned to leave.

We walked out of the dining hall and into the entrance hall. I walked up the marble staircase a little slower then Flitwick was walking, but I tried not to loose sight of him. Moving paintings obscured the walls and some of their strange occupants were asleep, while others flitted in and out of their pictures to talk to other neighboring ones.Soon we were on the seventh floor and headed left, towards a statue of a young Renaissance woman hugging a book to her chest. Flitwick said loudly and clearly, though in his squeaky voice, "Patronus."

The statue of the woman moved aside to reveal an arched entranceway and I ducked into the doorway when Flitwick gestured for me to enter. I looked around the room that had a roaring fireplace, dark blue chairs and couches everywhere, a board with several papers that looked like notices tacked onto it, and different tables were in the large circular room.

."This is the Common Room, Mr. Cerulen. The boy's dorms are up the stairs and to the right." Professor Flitwick told him.

."Thanks, Professor." I said as he left the common room.

."It was my pleasure," I heard his squeaky voice say as the statue moved and obscured his short figure. I then turned around and walked up the stairs slowly until I came to a fork and took the right way and glanced into two dorms but passed them up until I found the one with Andrew in it. I walked into the room and saw that two boys had already fallen asleep, but Andrew and two others were still awake.

."Hey, Ben, what'd Dumbledore want?" Andrew asked as he saw me enter.

."Nothing much. I just need to wait to take any classes for four days, but I'll need to take extra classes for a month or so until they know I can keep up with the rest of you." I replied lightly as I took the one bed that Shen seemed to have settled next to.

."Lucky! Not for the extra classes, but still, no classes for the first few days here!" Andrew said, "Wish I could get that."

."I'd trade it for not feeling so out of place here." I replied with a slight joke in my voice.

Oh, and, this is Liam Bienvenu," he said as he gestured to the lanky boy with spiky black hair. "And this is Ryan Gordon," He said as he motioned to the other boy who had light brown hair and bright blue eyes.

."Nice to meet you two," I said as I stroked Shen gently on the head subconsciously.

."Yeah," said Ryan lightly. "Well, see you guys tomorrow." He said as he got up and headed towards one of the four-poster beds and dived under the covers, falling asleep within a few moments.

."I think I'll turn in too." Liam said as he drew the covers around his bed, but I could tell that he hadn't actually fallen asleep yet.

."Okay, g'night." I said as I removed my jacket and shirt while I kicked off my shoes. I drew the blue curtains around me carefully before I lay under the covers with my hands behind my head.

."G'Night." I heard Andrew reply. And, a short while afterward, I heard his breathing become slower as he drifted off into sleep.

I stared up at the canopy of the bed and breathed slowly as I thought about Kat once more. I missed her smile. I missed her voice. I missed how she use to try to give me hugs that she thought would crush my ribs, and they sometimes did. I missed all those crazy ideas she'd come up with that she'd try to get me to do, and I would sometimes end up doing, though I wouldn't admit it to anyone if they asked. I just missed her…



Part 3: The Shrieking Shack

I awoke the next morning yawning widely. Blearily I tossed aside the curtains and stood with my bare feet feeling very cold against the stone floor. I walked up to the edge of my bed and turned.

."AHHHHH!!!!!!" I almost screamed as I felt my bare foot against something hard and wooden. I fell backwards and was only stopped from hitting my head on the stone floor by a corner post of Andrew's bed. I sank slowly to a sitting position as my brain registered someone laughing.

."What's so funny? You could've told me that might happen!" I exclaimed huskily as I saw Liam and Andrew laughing as they struggled to pull on their clothes. I looked at the thing I had hit with my foot and stared at it for a moment. I closed my eyes and shook my head slightly, just in case I was seeing things. Once I opened my eyes again, I saw the same thing I'd seen not moments ago: a wooden trunk. My trunk from under my bed.

."Well, I guess Dumbledore found it pretty quickly." I said as I stood and was careful not to put to much pressure on my right foot, seeing as it was the one that had hit the trunk. I went around slowly to the front and undid the lock easily. The trunk swung open and hit the back of my bed with a soft thump. My clothes were there and, after a little digging, my Comet lay in the bottom of the trunk.

."Where'd Ryan and the other two go?" I inquired as I pulled out a t-shirt and jeans to change into.

."They went to breakfast early. Or, rather, earlier." Liam replied though the shirt he was tugging over his head.

."Why go early? It's a Saturday." I replied before I pulled the shirt over my head and checked that I hadn't put it on inside out or anything.

."It's a Hogsmeade day, Ben! Early is good when you get to go to the Three Broomsticks." Andrew said as he began to tie his sneakers quickly.

."Hogsmeade, what's that?" I asked curiously. Hogsmeade… Hogsmeade… I'd heard of it before… But where?

."You don't know about Hogsmeade?" Liam asked while a shocked look crossed his face and seemed to attach itself to him.

."No. But what is it?" I asked feeling kind of annoyed that he hadn't answered my question.

."It's the town outside the school that third years and up can go to if they get their parents permission. You'll love the place, Ben! We've only been there once this year, but we haven't seen much besides Honeydukes and the Three Broomsticks." Andrew said as his eyes glassed over in the way that anyone who saw him at that moment would know he was daydreaming.

At first it sounded like a nice idea but well, my parents were dead. I felt a chill run though my body as I thought this. It wasn't so much that I couldn't go that made me shiver, but the fact that I had used the term 'my parents are dead' in such a trivial situation startled me.

Something of a ghost most have appeared on my features because Andrew looked at me oddly and asked, "Ben, what's wrong?"

."I can't go." I said simply as I closed my trunk with a soft click.

."Why can't you go?" Liam asked as he swung around to my bed.

."Just can't." I replied in a blank, hollow voice… A voice that wasn't my own.

."No permission slip? Well, that can be handled easily enough." Andrew said, who was guessing at why I was suddenly… not like me.

."How?" I said, attempting to sound perky about the idea.

."We could go ask Dumbledore if it's okay for you to go." Liam said as he was warming up to the subject, or so I guessed.

."And where would he be?" I asked. Well, this was a castle; Dumbledore could be anywhere.

."His office, I think. I know where it is, but I'm not sure if the word is the same one as last year's." Andrew said as his face became thoughtful.

."Well, let's try it then!" Liam said as he pulled on his shoes quickly.

."All right. You can go down to the common room and I'll be down in a moment." I said as I pulled on my right shoe quickly.

Five minutes later, I was thundering down the stairs into the common room, which was slowly packing itself with older students loaded down with homework and some younger students who couldn't go to Hogsmeade yet.

Liam, Andrew, and I headed out of the statue exit and down a few flights of the marble staircase with Andrew leading the way. I stopped before another statue of a griffin and said loudly and clearly, "Fizzing Whizbees."

The statue didn't budge an inch.

."What now?" I asked, "Guess sweets until we get the right one?"

Andrew shrugged lightly and replied, "I guess so."

."Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans."

."Honeydukes Chocolate."

And so, the guessing game went on for about ten minutes until Liam pronounced, "Licorice wand," and the statue finally jumped aside, revealing the doorway.

."Well, at least he's got good taste," I commented as he went to the doorway and rapped the door with my knuckles twice.

."Come in," said what was obviously Dumbledore's voice and I opened the doorknob slowly. I entered the room with Liam and Andrew following me. A red bird stood on a perch where Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, thinking about something. The office was filled with odd instruments that belched smoke and fume while the shelves where packed to brim, almost literally, with books.

."Ah, Abenzione, I see you've infiltrated my office within twenty-four hours time. A new record, mind you." He said as his blue eyes twinkled with an odd, smiling quality that was new to me.

."Well, um… I, uh, was wondering if…" I muttered nervously as I stared at my feet.

."He was wondering if he could have permission to go to Hogsmeade, sir." Liam said quickly, seeing that I was still a little too shy around Dumbledore to say much.

."Hmmm… Normally, under the circumstances of the wizarding world at the moment, I would say no. But, considering your situation, I think it'll be all right. But I have one condition, Mr. Cerulen." Dumbledore said as he stood from his chair and slowly began to stroke the bird, a phoenix, I think, with a finger.

."And what would that be, Professor?" I asked, hoping that it wasn't something that I definitely could not do.

."You'll have to get back inside the castle an hour before dinner. The same will be for every Hogsmeade visit." The bearded wizard said as he beamed at me once more.

."I will, sir. Thank you very much!" I responded excitedly as I smiled widely.

."Just have a good time, you three. But now, I must get back to work." Dumbledore said as he waved us away.

."Goodbye, and thanks again." Andrew said as we left. Liam closed the door behind us and left to go to the Great Hall.

."Well, that was easy. Though I'm surprised he was actually there." Andrew commented as he took our seats at the Ravenclaw table.

."What do you mean you're surprised that he was there? It is his office, as you said." I replied as I buttered a piece of toast.

."He's been off a lot lately. I'm surprised he came at Halloween, but you might have had a little affect on that." Liam replied as he tore began to wolf down his breakfast so quickly that I'm surprised he didn't choke.

."Hey, guys," Aimee greeted as she slid into the bench across from me. "Oh, and, Ben, this is for you." She said as she slid a folded sheet of parchment to me from across the table.

."What's this?" I asked as I picked it up and unfolded it slowly to find myself. Well, not really, but an amazingly well done liking of myself. "Wow, It's really good, Aimee."

."Let me see," Andrew said as I handed it to him. "Yeah, this probably your best work yet, Aim!"

Andrew handed the picture back to me and I folded it carefully and pocketed, hoping I could tack it somewhere in the dorm.

."So, what are you guys doing today?" Aimee asked as she flipped though the Prophet casually.

."Hogsmeade," Liam, Andrew, and I said in unison.

."Nice. I might be able to tag along too, if it's okay?" She asked, looking almost half-hopeful.

."Aim, you are my twin; I am not about to reject you like that." Andrew replied after he took a swift gulp of pumpkin juice.

."Okay, thanks." She said simply as her green eyes dully searched the newspaper.

."See anything worth a knut, Aimee?" Liam asked curiously.

."A family was attacked by a werewolf in some remote place of England in the middle of the week. The parents died; the werewolf bit a girl; and a boy got away without a scratch. But that's almost becoming normal nowadays. But the boy has got to be a pretty powerful wizard to not get a scratch on him." Aimee said casually, though her eyes seemed slightly softer now.

I didn't comment. I'd only just met these people, so why should I declare my recent past to them? There was no point in it… Right?

."Or he might just be really lucky," Andrew commented as he leaned back in his seat, finished with his food. I resisted the urge to laugh now. Andrew had it right; I was just lucky. I'm a fair wizard, but powerful? Any real good beyond that of spells and hexes? No, not really.

."Well, that's all that seems to prove interesting in there," Aimee said as she folded the paper back up and threw it down onto the seat beside her for any other person to pick up and read.

."All right, guess it's off to Hogsmeade now. Everybody got everything?" Liam said as he took one last swig of his drink.

."I think I left my money bag upstairs." I commented as I scratched the back of my head thoughtfully.

."All right. I have to drop something off in my dorm before we go too." Aimee said as she stood.

."Okay, you two can head up there and Liam and I will wait for you in the entrance hall." Andrew said lightly.

."Sounds good to me." I said just before Aimee and I left. We half-ran, half-walked up the seven flights of stairs and we each went up to our dorms. I pulled out the picture and put it on the table next to my bed. I opened my trunk quickly and fished though it until I pulled out my money bag and pocketed it quickly.

I walked back down the stairs and saw Aimee standing there, waiting for me.

."You've got everything, Ben?" She asked quickly.

."Yeah, it's time to go," I responded lightly. We then left the common room full of chattering people and ran all the way to the entrance hall. We were both panting slightly when we reached Liam and Andrew who were holding places in the line.

."Took you long enough to get here." Liam said, "We're nearly at the front of the line." And, true as his word, only three or so more people in front of us had to be searched.

We were each searched, and found clean. Though the man with mangy brown hair mumbled something under his breath while he was searching me… Something about special treatment or something.

We walked across the grounds in thirty minutes with the chilly early November sun casting our shadows. When we reached the village I saw that it was the same one I had been in when Hagrid had picked me up from the train, but now I saw students walking around and most people weren't just mingling on the streets now.

."So, where to first? I'm up for just about anything." I asked as I shrugged slightly.

."Honeydukes, I think." Andrew said as he grabbed my arm and literally dragged me into the nearest shop. But when I actually saw the place, I didn't blame Andrew for being crazy about it.

Hundreds of different sweets lined the walls and many students were snatching them up and heading to the counter with their purchases. One corner was dedicated to 'Unique Flavors' and consisted of what I collected were gross sweets considering that most people who where looking at it were making odd noises that indicated disgust. The rest of the shop had licorice wands, chocolate, fizzing whizbees, lollypops, and about a hundred other types of sweets that I never knew were real even in the wizarding world. Each of us left the shop with our moneybags slightly lighter while we ate Honeydukes chocolate (for Liam and I), a licorice wand (for Aimee), a bag of two chocolate frogs (for Andrew), and a bag of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans (for everyone).

."Ick! I think I got asparagus!" I commented as I swallowed one of the beans reluctantly.

."Yeah, it seems like that's your luck with these beans, Ben. That's your third bad flavor." Aimee said as she took one from the bag and popped it into her mouth. "Ah, vanilla!"

."You're just trying to make me feel worse, aren't you?" I asked, slumping my shoulders in a mock sad fashion as I did so.

."Yes, and vanilla tastes good." Aimee said as she shrugged lightly.

I straightened up and declared to the group, "Aimee, you are a cruel and unusual girl!"

."Yes, I am. Thank you very much." Aimee said as she lifted her chin up in an attempt to look high and mighty.

."Oh, very funny," I replied cynically.

Next, we visited the post office. Owls of every shape and size were there, tagged in many different colors according to how fast you wanted your letter to get to the destination and how far the destination was. Red for short distance and fast flight; pink for short distance and slow flight; lime green for medium distance and fast flight; dark green for medium distance and slow flight; blue for long distance and fast flight; purple for long distance and slow flight. We needn't use the owls since everyone but Liam had an owl, and, even then, he could use one of the school owls to deliver letters to his families. So, we visited basically just for the fun of it. We left earlier than we had left Honeydukes, but we still spent at least a good ten minutes just standing talking in there.

Zonko's, being a joke shop and conveniently next to the post office, was the next place we went to. There were different rockets in about five barrels in one corner of the shop. One long shelf was completely dedicated to odd items that would make fairly good joke gifts for friends like nose-biting teacups, posters of different celebrities that would start singing terribly every time someone passed in front of it, gloves that would 'control' your hands, as well as numerous other items. Nothing in particular interested me other than the rockets. I was able to bye one of the rockets and minimize it to fit it into my jean pocket. I could only hope that they wouldn't detect it when I got to school, and, if they did, they'd think it was fairly safe since I had made it smaller.

We left with our moneybags lighter once more. It was now just around one o'clock and most of us, expect Liam, who has a stomach made of iron, were beginning to get hungry, and the sweets had only survived to post office.

."The Three Broomsticks serves food, doesn't it?" Aimee moaned as she clutched her stomach while her eyes darted around the street, probably looking for something edible.

."What's going on with Aim?" I asked Andrew, seeing that she was, um, how should I say this, odder than usual? Yes, I think that's right, odder than usual.

."She just really can't stand being hungry for very long. I can't really explain why… Wonder if that makes me a bad twin…" He replied, as he got lost in his own thoughts.

W."ell, Liam, do you have any idea where to go? Before Aimee goes crazy, I mean." I whispered to him so Aimee and Andrew wouldn't here.

."I say the Three Broomsticks; I'm not hungry, but I'm dying for a butterbeer." Liam responded in a low voice.

."All right, then. The Three Broomsticks it is, then. Now, where is it?" I declared loudly enough for the group to hear. Aimee, Andrew, and Liam stared at me for a moment and then burst out laughing.

."You know, I've never been here before; it isn't that funny!" I commented sulkily, though, soon enough, I was able to laugh along as I followed them to the Three Broomsticks.

We entered the pub and the door swung behind us as we entered. The tables were brimmed with Hogwarts' students like us out on the Hogsmeade weekend, some neighborhood wizards, and a few odd wizards who may have been just dropping in for a visit. The air was warm and almost overwhelming us. We all took a table in a corner that surprising wasn't already taken.

."I'll go get some drinks, and ask Madame Rosmerta to come take our orders before Aimee starts drooling on the table," Liam said as he weaved his way though the tables.

Aimee, on the other hand, sat back in her chair with an upset look that distorted and twisted her face beyond even my imagination could comprehend.

."What is it, Aim?" I asked, feeling a slight concern for her.

."I'm not going to drool on the table." Aimee said defiantly as she folded her arms across her torso.

I chuckled slightly in response. Some five minutes later, Liam came with two butterbeers in each hand and slid one over the table to each of us. We savored our drinks in silence until a tall woman in high sparkling heels with frizzy red hair came over.

."Would any of you like anything to eat?" She asked us while she twirled her feathered-quill in her hand.

."A sandwich," I said, shrugging lightly, almost indifferent. Everyone ordered a sandwich in turn, though some, like Aimee and Liam were detailed and very picky on what was actually on it.

After taking all of our orders down, the woman replied, "Your food will be here shortly." Then, she walked away to the counter at the back of the bar. Again, it only took five minutes for our food to come magiced on trays and sliding before us. The table was filled with munching and crunching sounds for the next half hour as we ate our food.

We sorted out the gold and placed it on the table along with the tip. We all left with our moneybags once more lighter and our stomachs fuller. It was now around two o'clock and I was surprised how fast the time had flown by. By now, about half of the Hogwarts students were heading back up to the castle.

."Anyplace else we should see before we leave?" I asked, not exactly knowing what to expect my friends to say, seeing as they all seemed like quite odd friends indeed. Not that odd was bad, but well, odd was hard to find.

."The Shrieking Shack!" Andrew responded excitedly as he beamed widely.

."What's that?" I inquired, wondering why Andrew would be so interested in something like that.

."Well, it's basically a haunted house. Something about really violent spirits or something." Aimee said, her voice dull and uninterested, which told me that she either thought Andrew's excitement about the place was uninteresting, or she thought that the haunt itself was dull.

."Okay," I said apathetically. "Where to?"

."Down here; it's a short cut," Liam gestured to one of the alleyways and we took it and for the next fifteen minutes we navigated thought the dank alleyways until we came to the outskirts of the town and I saw the house. It was boarded up and looked as if it would fall down in any passing moment.

A shiver went down my neck and I clapped my hand to it.

."What is it, Ben?" Liam asked curiously as he saw my reaction upon seeing the house.

."Nothing," I was able to say though my clenched teeth, knowing that they could tell that I was lying. That was probably my worst feature, I could keep a secret to the grave and after, but I could not tell a lie. Or, at least, not tell it very well.

As we drew closer and came upon the fence looking at the run down house, Andrew asked, "Do you think we'll get in trouble if we go past the fence?"

."No," Aimee replied dully as she looked away, her dark green eyes half-closed in apathy.

."Great!" Andrew said as he vaulted over the fence. "Want to come with?"

."Sure," Liam said as he shrugged lightly and climbed over the fence. My mind didn't have any particular reason to not go to the Shrieking Shack, which probably wasn't even haunted, so why not?

I vaulted over the fence in turn and followed them up the path to the house. We paused at the doorway, which was probably the most boarded up part of the place. I lifted up my hand and stroked the woodwork of the house.

In a moment, I was seeing things again. But this time it was much faster. I saw a werewolf and a dark-haired boy trying to defend himself. Then I saw bits and pieces of wizards transforming into animals; neither could I tell whom the wizards were nor what animals they were becoming. A werewolf appeared again, but disappeared as quickly as it came.

I found myself on the ground, trembling slightly with Andrew and Liam above me, attempting to wake me up.

."Ben! What happened? Ben!" Liam said as he saw me open my eyes and I lifted myself up while my joints seemed to groan, almost as if I had not moved a muscle in days.

."Nothing," I said as I rubbed my head. "It was nothing."

."Are you sure?" Andrew said as he helped me to my feet and we began to walk towards the fence where a slightly worried looking Aimee stood, watching us.

."Yes, I'm sure that I'm fine, Andrew." I said as I climbed over the fence along with Liam and Andrew.

Since it was three o'clock now and we did need to get back to Hogwarts by five, we decided to head back. Everyone in the group kept on asking me if I was all right. But I always responded with a nonchalant "I'm fine" or "I'm okay." Soon, they stopped asking me this all together and we headed back up to the castle. I myself was silent, while the other three were chattering away; my thoughts were dwelling on what I had seen. For the second time that week, I had seen something beyond what I had known. But who was the werewolf? And who was the young man? Who were they all? And why had I seen them?

All during dinner I tried to commune with the others and act as if I had a good time in Hogsmeade, but my mind dwelled on what I had seen more than anything.

Part 4: Babysitting

Draco raised his wand to point at Severus' chest and he growled under his breath just loud enough for the teacher to hear him, "I can handle this myself, Snape."

."But I'm supposed to help you, Draco! I took the Vow. I said that I'd help you and I can." Snape retorted as his face twisted into an unpleasant sneer.

."I don't need your help." The blonde-headed boy replied as he turned and left the corridor. Sighing slightly, he let the boy part from him. Besides, he had to get to the meeting before anyone began to come look for him and discussing something in low whispers with a student, particularly that one… Well, it didn't do well for his cover.

Severus Snape groaned lightly as he ambled to the Headmaster's Office. He'd only just heard of the meeting about an hour ago from Flitwick. The corridors seemed empty of most of the students, which was understandable seeing as it was a Hogsmeade weekend. Hopefully Draco wouldn't try anything too stupid today. Biting his lip, Severus said to the gargoyle, "Licorice wand." The effigy leaped to the side. He sauntered up the set of spiral stairs as his black cloak billowed behind him as a banner. The door was open and a number of the teachers were already in the study, all of the teachers who were in the Order as well, to be precise.

."Sorry, I'm late. I was kind of busy." The Professor said as habitually as possible while he closed the door behind him.

."That is all right, Severus. But now we shall have to get down to business." Albus said in his hoarse, old voice as he stood from his chair. "I know this may be much to ask of one of you, but I would wish any of you to volunteer your time to help someone, the one Abenzione Cerulen."

A mutter of shrugged consent passed between the teachers, though no one raised their hand yet. "But wait a moment," Dumbledore said as he raised his good hand to stop the chatter, "I need you to understand that this boy has had hurt beyond anyone's hope of understanding. But I would wish the volunteer just to coax the boy into telling his story."

When Dumbledore paused once more, the teachers seemed silent, though they exchanged glances between each other. No one questioned why Albus would ask them such a favor since, much of the time; he had a reason for such things. "It is merely that you must become friendly with him. That is all. Though this may be vital to at least lowering Voldemort's ranks." Albus whispered, though the words seemed as if they were roared against the stark hush.

Severus Snape bit his lip as he stood in the back of the study. He shuffled his feet softly against the oak wood under his feet. He felt that this maybe a way to hide his real business. It was risky, though; Snape would have to plan it out perfectly. There could be no flaws. The problem was, it may depend on him not killing Dumbledore, which was a slim to none chance. A question surfaced in his mind; why did he, of all people, even consider this? Because… because he was interested in the boy's story himself and besides, if the information the boy held was as crucial as Albus alleged then it may be beneficial to the Dark Lord.

Sighing lightly, Severus lifted his hand up and said, "I'll do it."

Part 5: Where To?

The next morning I awoke in my small bed. For some glorious moments I thought that I was really in my bed in the room I shared with Kat at home. My eyes fluttered open and the dim light entered my vision. As I lifted my head up from the pillow I looked to my right, expecting to see my small, brown-haired sister but, to my great sorrow, the sight of an empty four-poster bed greeted my eyes. I slumped back onto my bed and sighed openly as I closed my eyes once more and the memories of the past few days came flooding back. Sighing once more, I lifted myself up and threw off the dark blue covers from my body and stumbled around my bed, throwing open my trunk and pulling out some clothes. I changed quickly, barely paying attention to what I was wearing.

After checking that I wasn't wearing my shirt inside out, I steadily made my way down the winding staircase to the common room. A number of students, old and young, were there finishing up homework, reading, chatting, or just hanging out. But I did not see Andrew, Liam, or Aimee among the faces in the crowd. Feeling out of place without my friends, I sat in a dark blue puffy armchair, staring at the blazing fire. My mind was slow and groggy at I stared into the flames. But slowly, ever so slowly, my mind registered what had happened at Hogsmeade the previous day. Again, more questions that I can count swamped my mind, except this time they wanted definite answers. Unfortunately, though, most of them could not be answered.

Okay, so a werewolf was involved. Maybe not the werewolf that had bitten my sister, but it was a lycan, none-the-less. Also, what were those things that had been transforming? Animagi? Maybe. But the actual probability of that being true was absurd. Truly, it was. I mean I knew that there had only been half a dozen or so animagi in the past century, so the likelihood of those things being animagi wasn't even much to consider.

Before I could continue my reflections, some soft chuckles within the common room awoke myself to my surroundings. Glancing around feverishly, I turned my pallid face to where the noise came from. Some girls who seemed to be at the age of twelve were giggling with their mouths behind their hands and kept on turning their heads towards me at random and then turning back to chuckle a little more in the group. I felt slightly disturbed by these actions, but stood and pretended as if I took no notice of their behavior. I strode to the entrance of the round, blue common room, muttered the word, and walked out as the back of the effigy moved aside. I took a few momentary looks of my surroundings.

The hallways were by no means bustling with students, but they were not desolate either. A few odd students stood around chatting about the recent events, heading towards the Owlery, the Great Hall, or the library. As I walked down the staircase to the Great Hall, I took into account more deeply that of the moving portraits covering the stonewalls of Hogwarts. Unlike the first time I had observed them, though, most were not sleeping. Many of them were now awake and gave me waves, nods, and brief 'hello's as I passed by. It felt unsettling, but they were just portraits; it was not like they could actually jump out and twist my neck if they wanted to. Another thing that I failed to notice before was that the staircases moved. They actually moved in the air from one place to another. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

When I reached the Great Hall and glanced at the Ravenclaw table, I found to my great displeasure that none of my friends were there. But, all the same, I sat down and began to eat some toast steadily, still wondering where the heck they had gone. I felt a light tap upon my mid back while I was swigging some pumpkin juice. Putting the goblet down, I twisted my back around to see Professor Flitwick once more, this time holding a parchment and quill.

."Mr. Cerulen," He declared in his high, squeaky voice. "Third years are required to take two elective courses. Here are your choices." The small, dwarf-like figure handed me the parchment and quill. "You have until dinner to return it to me. Good luck!" I watched as his tiny stature made it's way back up to the teacher's table, but soon turned my eyes to the paper. Elective courses, eh? Sounded interesting enough to me, right? Yes. Now, though, would be the perfect time for any of my friends to jump out and help me. Hey, I didn't want to go to a class and be alone in the corner or something. But, still, I skimmed the list. I saw the word 'Divination' and checked it off immediately. And, really, who could blame me? I wanted to know more about this ability that was mine, but I'd have to learn more about it first. I bit my lip as I perused the list once more. I'd see if I could get an elective with Liam or Andrew; it wouldn't be that hard. Folding up the paper, I placed it in my pocket and stuffed the quill into my other pocket for later. I finished my breakfast quickly and slipped off of the bench. I took one fleeting look of the Great Hall, but, not seeing anyone I knew, I began to make my way back into the entrance hall.

Upon reaching the entrance hall, I had hoped for a map almost instantaneously. Where was I to go now? It was Sunday, so there were no classes to go to even if I did have to wait until Tuesday to really start school. I knew that there was a library and an Owlery, from what my parents had told me of Hogwarts when I was younger, but other than that… Where to?

Shrugging lightly, I decided just to take a guess and try to find the Owlery and visit Shen if I could. I considered asking directions of a student passing by, but withdrew on the subject. I wanted to find the places myself, even if I probably had to miss dinner because of it. Finally, though after half an hour of searching I found the Owlery. The floor of the tower was covered in straw and owl droppings. In the rafters dozed owls of every size and probably even out did the post office in Hogsmeade on variety. There were tawny, snowy, black, screech, and a few other types that I couldn't even name. I heard a soft ruffle of feathers and Shen's talons were gripping my shoulder, almost piercing my jacket as I stood. There was a dead frog stuck in his beak, which had probably been his catch of the night.

Smiling softly, I spoke, "Ah, you having fun?" In response he swallowed the frog whole and hooted gleefully. "I guess that's a 'yes'," I replied, feeling a little less awkward as I stood there, smiling at him. I stroked him slowly on the head with my index finger for a moment. "Well, at least you're fairing better than I am." I muttered under my breath. I picked my way though the straw and droppings to stand in the high -blocked- When I glanced down I saw a large courtyard and some greenhouses near it. I saw a small bit of water beyond and that was it. Some students were mingling in the courtyard, talking and doing homework, I supposed. I heard soft, shuffling footsteps on the stairs but took no heed to them.

."Observing the scenery, I see." A cold voice said behind me. I turned my head sideways and rolled my eye to the corner of my head to see a lanky man with pallid skin. His hair was long, dark, and greasy-looking. His nose was oddly hook-shaped and his eyes were a fathomless black. It was the teacher who had come and told me of Dumbledore wishing to speak with me a few days ago.

."Yes," I replied as I turned my head back to the landscape below.

."I am Professor Severus Snape," The man said as he waved a pale, long-fingered hand casually, almost as if it meant nothing. I shrugged lightly in response and said, "And I am Ben."

A question crossed my mind and I voiced it out loud as this, "What subject do you teach?" It was quite a curious question, since I knew I would find out later, but I still wondered this just now.

."I am the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." The professor responded as he began to lean against the gray wall of the Owlery.

."Defense Against the Dark Arts?" I inquired, for the subject kindled my mind. Defense Against the Dark Arts involved werewolves, did it not? I was fairly sure of it, though my mind told me that I had to be careful. Extremely careful. I shrugged my shoulder in response and spoke, "Sounds interesting."

I would not ask. No, it was too early. I would wait for a while and then ask him. It would not hurt to ask. But it may hurt to ask to soon. Shen's golden eyes, which were now dropping slightly, glinted in the soft sunlight. "Go up and get some sleep, Shen; I'm not stopping you," I told the tawny owl upon my shoulder. Shen showed what resembled a look of relieve and happiness before he fluttered his wings a few times and then disappeared in a feather blur up into the rafters.

."So, how do you fare?" The teacher asked, interrupting my thoughts as I turned my face back at to the courtyard below.

."Fair, just fair." I responded softly, though my voice was loud enough for him to hear. Suddenly, the parchment with the list of elective classes floated in my mind and I pulled it out. It looked slightly crumpled, but I smoothed it out as best I could with my hands against the wall. "I was wondering if you could help me with something?" I said as I turned in my spot.

."What is it?" Snape asked as he strode over to me, avoiding the owl droppings with great dexterity. I lifted up the paper to show him and his black eyes glanced at it for a moment and then turned to me with his eyebrows raised, "Yes?"

."I need some help to find a good class, but I haven't seen any of my friends around today. So I wanted to know if you could tell me something." I offered as the feeling of being uncomfortable increased.

."Let me see it," He said as he took the list and his eyes perused it for a moment. His eyebrows rose once more and he said questioningly, "You are interested in Divination?"

."Yes," I said, pausing for a moment, "and no."

."Why would that be?" Snape said, his jet black eyes darting to meet my gray ones. His gaze was almost piercing though me, but I set my face and replied, "I am interested in it because it has to do with me, but before now I would not have thought of it."

He nodded shrewdly in response, breaking the eye contact with me as he did so. I was relieved. Those eyes… They just weren't something you wanted drilling though your soul.

."Well," Snape said after a moment, "I'll say that it all depends on what you are interested in. Though I'll say that Ancient Runes is good if you'd like to learn a different language and Arithmancy might be good if you would like to learn a little more in depth into a part of Divination."

."Thanks." I said, making a note of Arithmancy. Truly, what else could I do at the moment? I didn't want to appear too eager, but enough to seem at least a little innocent.

."Well, I must be off now, Mr. Cerulen. See you in class." The professor said as he handed me the parchment and turned back to leave the Owlery.

."Bye, and thanks again." I called back to the teacher as his dark robes billowed behind him as he walked down the stairs of the tower.

I looked around the Owlery and glanced up above me to see that Shen was dozing peacefully. So, I set out from the Owlery, again seeking for something to occupy my mind. This time I walked in the hallways in search for the library. Maybe I could get a little information on werewolves there. Then I would ask Professor Snape if he knew anything more about them then the library could offer.

This time, though, I was forced to ask directions.

."Um, excuse me?" I said as I lightly tapped a second year girl, by the looks of her, on the shoulder. The surprised girl turned to me and smiled lightly as her eyes fell upon me.

."Yes, what is it?" The girl inquired, her brown eyes twinkling slightly as she looked up at me. I felt slightly odd as she looked at me. Why did I have the feeling that she wasn't just being friendly?

."I, uhh, I don't know where the library is. Could you tell me which way to go?" I asked her in response. At this, the girl's small face broke into a broad grin.

."Oh, that's easy. Go three corridors to the left, one to the right, and two more lefts. That should do the trick." The girl replied, giving gestures with each 'left' or 'right'.

."Thanks," I said huskily as I strode quickly into that direction. I didn't know that girl, but I felt as if I needed to stay my distance from her. Not that I was afraid of her or anything, I just felt it wasn't a good idea to make more contact with her than needed. That I hoped, of all things, could actually go right, for once.

Some ten more minutes later I found myself in the library amid hundreds – no, thousands – of books. I searched diligently for the section on werewolves. I located it quickly enough. It was whole two rows of books on the wall! Dang, that would keep me busy until about next summer. Biting me lip, I grabbed two of the books on the end and retreated to a small corner of the library to read in peace. I wouldn't need to read all day. I would just be able to see if I could get a good amount of information in me.

So, I perused books though out the rest of the day. I actually finished my third read and was about to start my fourth one when I a tall, slender woman with a bun in her hair came to me and said, "Mr. Cerulen, I do believe?" A teacher. Her voice was gentle, but restrained. It almost was as if she held back a whip within her tongue.

."Yes, that's me, Professor." I replied. I closed my book and contentedly let it lie on my lap.

."Good. It's taken me forever to find you. But first, what happened while you were in Hogsmeade?" She asked, her stern eyes drilling though her square spectacles at me.

."I went to Honeydukes, Zonko's, the post office, and the Three Broomsticks and then came back with my friends; if that's what you are asking?" I inquired, not entirely sure of what she meant. Did she mean? No, Andrew or Liam wouldn't tell something like that. Nor would Aimee, I think. Would they?

."Well, yes, and no, Mr. Cerulen. I was informed that you blacked out and, when you came to, were shivering and pale all over. Is this true?" The teacher asked while her eyes scanned my features to see any -disallowed_word- terrible) acting skills to the test. And pray as hard as possible that they worked.

."Oh, darn it!" I said as I dropped my fork hastily on my plate and began to slide off the bench. I did not wait to voice my words, for hast was the key to this. I needed to seem rushed. "I have to go now. Something that I have to do… Bye!" I voiced huskily before leaving the bench entirely and walked at a fast trot out of the Great Hall. I kept on walking up the marble staircase and through the hallways. I stopped though. I did not know this place. I could not just walk around aimlessly and still know where I was. [I]Well, life isn't anything without risks![/I] I thought, even though a lot of my mind said that, if this was indeed a risk, it was not that much of one. I trudged slowly up and down the steps as I barely took note of what floor I was on, though knowing that not being able to go any farther up meant I was on the seventh floor. At one time I walked a corridor three times and stopped before a door that wasn't there anymore. How it got there and why, I could not comprehend, but I did not venture within the area, since I did not wish to chance it with such a magical school in the works. I slowly trudged onto the stairs again and mindlessly returned to the effigy of the young witch, muttering 'Patronus' under my breath and sliding easily into the blue and silver common room.

I looked around the firelight place and my eyes beheld my friends or, rather, two of the three of them. Aimee and Andrew. I strode into the corner in which they were seated comfortably and greeted them, "Hi, haven't seen either of you all day!"

."Well, no wonder. I've been working on my work while Andrew's been flying around and playing Quidditch all day." Aimee said as she gave a glare in Andy's direction.

Andy shook his head and attempted to smile in her direction, though with no avail. "She's just jealous because I made the team and she didn't, Ben. Don't listen to her," The fair-haired boy said.

."Guess it isn't all smiles and roses in twin-land, then?" I asked jokingly as a stab at trying to lighten the atmosphere, if such an effort was work it.

."Pity you can't try out, mate. I think it'd be fun having you on the team." Andy offered as a slight chuckle escaped his lips. I shrugged at this suggestion. Yes, I did like flying and being a chaser wasn't a bad idea in my mind, but, at the same time, I did not know how good I was, so how was I to know if I stood a chance against anyone else?

."Nah, Andrew, I think I can wait until next year, until then I can try just flying for fun." I said as I checked the time on the wall. It was nearly six now. Oh hell. A yelp escaped my lips as I stood up quickly staring at the clock. "Uh… have to go… See you two later." I said hastily as I ran though the common room. I seemed to fly down the steps, ignoring the shouting portraits and the students on the staircase calling after me for who knows what reason.

[I]Please still be in the Great Hall. Please still be in the Great Hall…[/I] I thought desperately. He had to be there, had to, had to, had to… Please? I slowed down as I glanced into the Great Hall, and, to my greatest delight, Professor Flitwick was still there. Not at the teachers' table, but heading out. I fished in my jeans pockets until I found a pen and the crumpled up sheet of paper. I ducked next to the wall and circled Arithmancy on the list before signing my name at the top. After pocketing my pen, I tried to smooth out the piece of parchment as best as possible before heading up to meet Flitwick.

."Sorry that this may be late sir, but here it is." I stammered as I handed him the piece of parchment. The dwarf-life figure just nodded and smiled broadly as he looked up to me.

."It's quite all right, quite all right." Flitwick said as he walked past me and left. When he was out of earshot, I sighed. Well, at least I remembered before it was too late. I slowly trudged back up the staircase and walked to the common room.

."What was that about, Ben?" Aimee asked as soon as I strode though the threshold of the passageway.

."Oh, nothing, I just needed to do something really important." I replied. I glanced at the clock. It was still only six o'clock but I really felt tired and I did not want to go into a giant reenactment of my day, so I muttered by 'good night' to each of them before heading up the winding staircase to the boys' dorms. I quickly removed my shoes, socks and t-shirt before sliding into bed. I pull the bed curtains around myself once more before I lay back and pretended to 'go to sleep' for the next three hours or so. Finally, though, I did become drowsy and fell into a somewhat uneasy hibernation. Part 6: Terror in the Night

I stood in a clearing and I could feel a shadow of fear passing over my heart as I glanced around curiously. I twisted myself around to the other side of the clearing to see my parents and Kat. They were well, but I felt a slight tingling in my spine as I realized how exposed we were to the creatures of the night.

."So, there you are, Ben!" Kat said as she waved to me and giggled loudly. The laugh seemed to echo in my ear.

I awoke in my four-poster bed. I could feel cold sweat dripping from my temples and bouts of shivering cold and then searing heat passed though my body. The covered were entwined almost crazily around my body. I kicked them off with about ten minutes of struggle and yanked the sapphire and silver bed curtains aside. My feet set upon the cold stone floor as I sat on the bed with my head in my hands.

I was just a bad dream. That's all. Just a nightmare. I thought as I let myself get accustomed to the darkness and the soft breathing of five other teenage boys. I stood and strode over to the water jug on the windowsill and filled the cup quickly. The cup shook in my hand as water droplets flew everywhere and I tried to drink. I tried to calm down. It was just a stupid nightmare. Why was I overreacting?

I placed the cup down – now half empty – on the windowsill beside the water jug and shuffled softly towards my bed and sat down once more. I was shivering less now and my temperature seemed to be normal once more. But now, I could not get that wolf out of my head. That petrified scream. That menacing howl. That impending darkness. I could not get any of it out of my head. The thing is that it was worse than the actual thing that had happened because I was there – in some way – and I could not help them. I had to watch my parents being thrown aside, watch as my sister was bitten, and watch as I could do nothing to save any of them. Just watch. It was nerve racking, to say the least. I know that one would say that I was lucky in my position, especially considering what my sister's would be from now on. But I… I could not, and still cannot, get past the feeling that it would have been better if I had died. Why had not I died when other wizards would have? Why had I not slipped and fell on a root? Why had I not been clumsy that night? Why had I been salvaged without scratch upon my person while others were made no longer human or dead? Just… just why?

I put my head in my hands and ran my pale fingers though my hair. It was heart wrenching, just to see that bit. But, then… I wanted to have the dream again to see my parents and Kat once more. So, I wanted to have that nightmare, but I did not. What was going on? What was happening to me? Was I going mad?

I slumped back onto my bed. I curled into a ball and tried to fall asleep, though to no avail. After a good hour and a half of shifting in the four poster cot, I was able to find a comfortable position and fall into the black abyss of dreams once more – though not with a light head or an easy heart.

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