An Unexpected Hope

“Did you know about this?” Kia asked Harry as her eyes watered.

“No, I was about to ask you the same thing,” he answered.

Almost all the Gryffindor house was there along with some former students like Oliver Wood. All the Weasley’s were there, except for Percy. Hermione, Dean, Seamus and Neville showed up along with the Creevey boys. Lavender and Parvati came as well. A few Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff’s came in addition. Luckily there were no Slytherins. A few other people were there Harry assumed knew Kia. They all were in dress robes and dressed so formally it made Harry feel out of place.

“Now, you two go get changed and when you return, you will blow out your candles and open your gifts!” Dumbledore said as he stood up and clapped his hands. The two ran out and went to their rooms to get dressed.

Harry didn’t buy any recent dress robes so he used the ones he had from the Yule Ball. When he was through, he waited outside Kia’s door patiently. When she came out she looked dazzling! She was wearing a silk dark red dress that fell to her thighs and had her hair half way up and curled. Her make-up was put on so precisely, it made Harry want to question if she really did know about the party.

“How did you get ready so quickly?” he asked her as they ran down the corridor.

“Magic!” she laughed while grabbing his hand and practically dragging him along.

They entered the Great Hall and sat down in two seats in front of the cake. It was incanted so that it sang the birthday song. After everyone was through eating, Harry and Hermione helped introduce Kia to everyone that was present. Kia then introduced them all to everyone she knew. Bailey came with Madam Moquista and a few of Kia’s other friends from school.

When everyone met everyone, Dumbledore made the twin’s open the gifts. He handed them each his present first. They tore into them to find they each got a broom. Harry pulled his out and read the engravings.

Firebolt 2

He was so shocked that he dropped it on the ground. Before he picked it up he gave Albus a curious look and hugged him.

“Thank you Papa!” he said as he let go and picked the broom back up. They opened all of their gifts and talked with everyone about what was going on.

Kia and Harry exchanged their gifts with each other while everyone was dancing. Kia opened hers to find beautiful earrings that matched her mother’s old necklace with white gold lions on them. Harry opened his gift to see a small black snake sleeping in the box.

(A/N: The snake was at first pink because I have a pink snake, but this is suppose to be the courageous, brave, masculine Harry we are talking about.)

“H-How’d you know…” Harry started in surprise.

“Don't worry Harry…I am too,” Kia said as she patted his arm and walked off. How can she talk to snakes too if she hasn’t met Voldemort before? She couldn’t be heir of Slytherin because she was his twin sister, so how is she a Parselmouth?

Kingsley Shacklebolt was nervous at approaching Kia. She was after all dating Remus now and the two of them became bestfriends over the summer, but the girl just looked so beautiful. He finally got up enough courage just to talk to her.

“Kia?” he asked nervously as he came up to the table she was sitting at alone. Kingsley seemed to have forgotten how to breathe and he swore the temperature was getting hotter.

“Yes?” she replied from the table she was sitting at. “Kingsley?”

“Yes?” he asked nervously in a pitch too high for his voice. He cleared his throat before continuing. “That is I. Well I just wanted to say Happy Birthday,” he finished shyly as he turned to walk away.

“Kingsley Shacklebolt!” Kia ordered firmly as she stood up. She lowered her voice when he turned around. “Please, don't leave me here by myself. I’ve missed you and you know that. I know you do, so please don't leave me yet.”

“Kia, I missed you too,” he said with a smile, then his face turned serious and if reality just dawned on him.

“Then again, it was you who replaced me.” Kingsley turned around again and walked away from a very depressed looking Kia.

Kingsley walked outside to cool down. He had missed Kia since the day she walked out of his life, but seeing her unaffected by not having him around anymore pissed him off quite alot. After a few minutes he went back inside again. He made his way to the Great Hall doors before someone grabbed onto his arm and turned him around. He found himself face-to-face with Kia Potter. Her eyes were puffy and red as if she was crying since he left her.

“I’m so sorry Kingsley, I never meant to hurt you in any way, but you hurt me more then I was able to handle,” she said as her eyes watered again. “That is why I was with Sirius, because you hurt me and Sirius took care of me. I really have missed you a lot, I was saying the truth about that.” She made her way to turn and leave, but he stopped her with his words.

“Kia, I’m really sorry too,” Kingsley said as he wrapped his arms around her and held onto her. “I hate fighting with you. When we are fighting it seems like I have nothing else to live for. You’re like my light, you always have been.”

Kia looked up at him and wiped her eyes on to the back of her hand. Kingsley took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears off for her as he let her go.

”Care to dance?” the man asked her and he held his hand out for her to take.

“Of course, Kingsley. I was beginning to believe that you would never ask me,” she said with a smile as she led him onto the dance floor.

She was a marvelous dancer and her moves were so captivating that Kingsley couldn’t keep his eyes off her. He knew it was wrong to feel this way toward Remus’s girlfriend, but he couldn’t help it. She was just wonderful, so astonishing. He spotted Remus talking to Miss Malica so he thought this was the perfect time to end this dance.

“You should go dance with Remus, Millie Malica will go to no end to get him. Not that she is any competition when you are in the picture,” he told her as he kissed her cheek and walked off. He was almost off the dance floor when Fleur Delacour stopped him and asked him to dance.

Kia watched as Kingsley walked off and met up with a beautiful young girl who looked about her age. He dragged her onto the floor and they danced together happily. She should have known that he was just making up an excuse not to dance with her.

She walked over to Remus who was talking to a young lady dressed in a very short blue dress robe. She sat next to him and leaned her head on his shoulder while she watched Kingsley.

“Sweetie, what's wrong?” she heard Remus ask. She didn’t care to answer him. She just dug her face in his robes and held onto him.

“Oh, love, what happened?” he asked again filled with concern.

“Remie honey, I think we should continue this later. I’ll stop by your quarters later on tonight okay?” Millie got up and walked off towards Marty Morgan.

“Come on, love,” Remus said holding her face. “Look at me, sweetie,” she looked at him scowling.

“Nothing, I just think I need some rest,” she said as she got up and walked over to the table Harry was sitting at. She didn’t know why she got so upset because Kingsley didn’t like her anymore. Why did she care so much about what he thought?

“Harry, do you think I am repulsive looking?” she blurted out before she could stop herself. She covered her mouth with her hand and scowled at herself.

“Cho, hold on okay?” he asked the girl he was talking to. He turned to his sister with a bewildered look placed on his face.

“Kia, why would you ever think that?” he spoke to her gently as he searched her face. His eye’s got wide at the same time his face started steaming. He quickly took out his wand and got up. “Never mind.” He stormed over to Remus and heaved him outside.

“Oh no…” Kia spoke softly.

“Oh, you are Harry’s sister aren’t you?” the girl Harry was talking to asked her. Kia looked at her and smiled before running towards the door. When she reached it, someone spun her around. Kingsley.

“Yes, what do you want?” she said viciously. He got a look of hurt and concern on his face as she pulled out of his grip and walked out of the doors.

“Kia, wait a second will you?” Kingsley requested as he ran after her.

“No I will not!” she said angrily as she turned around. “You should be getting back to your girlfriend. She’s giving me fierce looks and if it continues, I will go over there and slap her! Now if you please excuse me, I believe my brother is about to hex my boyfriend so I need to stop him, thank you!” She stormed off past him and slammed open the entrance doors. It was true what she said to him. The girl he was dancing with, his girlfriend, was glaring at her and it made her unsteady.

She looked around the yard and seen Remus arguing with Harry.

”I did nothing to her! She came over and sat down without saying a word! Then when I kept asking her what was wrong, she wouldn’t answer!” Remus said directly waving his arms around.

“She asked me if I thought she looked gruesome! You verbally abused her didn’t you?” Harry yelled pushing Remus.

Kingsley came up behind Kia and wrapped an arm around her stomach. “Kia, I’m sorry. I don't know what else to say. I cant say anything if you don't tell me what I did wrong, love,” he whispered.

“Don't you dare touch me, Kingsley Shacklebolt!” she said angrily as she wriggled through him and approached Harry.

“Acumen!” Harry yelled as thousands of little needle shaped things made their way to Remus’s body.

“Harry! Stop!” Kia screamed as she ran over to Remus. Harry released the spell and Remus rolled over on his back gasping for air. Kia wrapped her arms around Remus’s neck and comforted him on the floor.

“If you EVER hurt my sister again, Remus, I wont think twice about hurting you!” Harry spat angrily as he walked into the castle again. Kia got up to go after him, but Remus stopped her.

“Kia, wait a moment, will you?” he asked as he grabbed for her.

“Yes, hunny?” she asked gently as she sat back on the stone floor.

“Your brother,” he said as he sat up with her help, “he assumed I was verbally abusing you. Now I want you to tell me what was the matter.”

“Baby, nothing was wrong. I really don't want to talk about it. It is the past and you can’t get anywhere dwelling on something that you cant change,” she replied as she stood back up. Kingsley helped Remus up and the three of them went back into the party.

As they entered, Kia seen her brother dancing with a redheaded girl she remembered as Ginny Weasley. He didn’t look upset at all, he looked actually quite happy like nothing happened. He was such a good actor.

Just as she was going to go talk with him, someone grabbed her hand. She looked behind her expecting to see Remus, but it was Kingsley.

”Kingsley, would you leave me alone?” she asked rudely.

“No, love. We are going for a walk,” he said as he dragged her out of the Hall and outside. He took a turn for the green houses.

“Kia, I’m sorry I upset you. If I knew what I did wrong, I could try and fix it, but I don't. I can’t have you angry with me. You are after all Remus’s girlfriend. He would kill me and we both know that.” Kia was on the verge of tears, but Kingsley continued. “What ever it was I did to insult or hurt you in anyway, please tell me. I want to know what I did to make you so upset. Kia, this is killing me.”

Kia rubbed her hands over her face. She charmed her make-up so it wouldn’t smear, but about now she didn’t care.

“Is that all I am to you Kingsley?” she asked miserably. “Am I just your best friend’s girlfriend? Because if I am, why are you wasting your time here?” She took a dash to the front doors, but he stopped her with his words.

“Kia, since I met you I cared about you! So don't for one moment think that’s all you are to me! I would go to no end for you just to see that smile of yours. Is this why you are angry with me? Because you thought that’s all I thought of you?” he asked in disbelief as he caught up with her.

Kia turned around lost for words. “Um, well not really,” she finally got out. She looked really terrible and it made Kingsley’s stomach ache out for her. She turned around so he wouldn’t be able to see her emotions on her face.

He wrapped an arm around Kia’s abdomen. “Then why are you upset with me?”

“I never once said I was upset with you,” Kia finally said in a whisper, there was more she needed to say. “I am, but it is not your fault! Are you happy now? It is all what I believe, and I don't like to face the truth right about now!” She rubbed him off and walked away again. She was almost to the doors when again the Great Kingsley Shacklebolt stopped her again.

“What do you believe, Kia?” he whispered to her. “You were fine when we had that dance, what changed then?”

“It is nothing,” she said as she turned around to look at him. “I just learned that I’m not the only girl in this school. I don't know why, but when I seen you leave me for your girlfriend, I felt…” Kingsley got a look of confusion on his face, which made Kia feel embarrassed, “…never mined. I need to go.” Yes! She finally got the doors opened! And she was inside the castle!

“Kia, I don't have a girlfriend!” Kia stopped in her tracks. Did she hear him correctly? She whirled around to see him leaning against the doorframe.

“And if I did, and you acted this upset,” he said as he walked towards her and wrapped both arms around her back, “she wouldn’t last a day,” he whispered in her ear. She felt her knees go weak again and she grabbed onto his shoulder for support.

“If Remus or Harry were to walk out here,” she whispered to him, “I would have to deal with a breakup and you will have to deal with my brother and his great hexes,” Kingsley let her go with a laugh and walked her back into the Great Hall.

Kia and Kingsley walked into the Great Hall together with no more qualms on their minds. The girl that Kia suspected Kingsley to be with approached them as soon as they walked in.

“O’ Kingsley!” She spoke with a thick French accent. “’ho es your ‘riend?” Kia heard Kingsley make a noise that sounded like a growl, which made her giggle.

“This is Kia. You remember Harry Potter correct?” The girl nodded her head and was about to say something, but Kingsley got to it first. “Well Kia here is Harry’s twin. We were just about to have a dance so please do excuse us,” Kingsley grabbed onto both of Kia’s hands.

As he pulled her past the girl, Kia gave her a fake smile while the French girl gave her a glare.

When Kingsley got to a spot on the floor he felt comfortable, he turned around to face Kia. He looked at her for a while and broke out into a quiet laugh.

“What was your problem?” Kia asked trying not to laugh herself. “If you ever speak to me like that Kingsley Shacklebolt…”

“First off, Kia,” Kingsley said turning serious, “I would never dream of talking to you like that. I know you would never forgive me. Secondly, Harry would send the worst curse he knows my way!” She giggled before they finally started dancing.

Remus watched as Kia and Kingsley made their way inside. He looked at Kia as she made a disgusted face at Fleur and then lead away by his bestfriend. They looked happy dancing together and he felt a pain of jealousy by the fact that he couldn’t help her and Kingsley was. At least she was having a good time, he kept telling himself.

Before the evening was over, Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat. He enchanted his voice so everyone was to hear him.

“Everyone, I am pleased to announce that today is Harry and Kia Potters 16th birthday!” He waited awhile before continuing so everyone can finish applauding. “But you already knew that! What you didn’t know it that Kia here, well surprising as it may seem, has a very nice singing voice! So since it is your birthday Kia, I want you to take the stage and sing us all a song,” he said looking at her. She shot him an evil glare.

“Now, now, Kia. Just pretend you are in the shower or something. This is only going to be torture for you, none of us,” He sat back down and ordered his grandchild to get on stage.

Kia made her way on stage where she was to pick a song from a box. She unfolded the paper and thanked the gods that it was a song she knew. It was an old American song sung by Shawn Colvin. It was Never Saw Blue Like That.

She took a deep breath before starting.

Today we took a walk up the street

and picked a flower and climbed the hill

above the lake

She caught eyes with Remus and grinned and raised her eyebrow’s at him before continuing.

And secret thoughts were said aloud

we watched the faces in the clouds

until the clouds had blown away

And were we ever somewhere else

you know, it's hard to say

Kia almost forgot what she was doing. Singing was always her dream and this was a good way to start it off.

And I never saw blue like that before

Across the sky

Around the world

You've given me all you have and more

And no one else has ever shown me how

To see the world the way I see it now

Oh, I, I never saw blue like that

Remus watched her with much significance. He couldn’t believe that his girlfriend could look anymore beautiful, but now that he seen her singing her heart out on stage, he was hypnotized.

I can't believe a month ago

I was alone, I didn't know you

I hadn't seen or heard you're name

And even now, I'm so amazed

It's like a dream, It's like a rainbow, it's like the rain

And something’s are the way they are

And words just can't explain

Cause I never saw blue like that before

Across the sky

Around the world

You've given me all you have and more

And no one else has ever shown me how

To see the world the way I see it now

Oh, I, I never saw blue like that before

And it feels like now,

And it feels always,

And it feels like coming home

Kingsley caught Kia’s eye and smiled. Her voice was magical and he was too afraid to listen, but he had to hear her go on. He was afraid that a spell was in that voice that kept people fascinated, that couldn’t make people think strait. Everyone seemed to by mesmerized by it just as much as he was.

I never saw blue like that before

Across the sky

Around the world

You've given me all you have and more

And no one else has ever shown me how

To see the world the way I see it now

Oh, I never saw blue like that before

“Papa, one of these days I’ll get you back!” Kia said before getting off stage and heading over to Remus.

“God sweetie, why didn’t you tell me you can sing that well?” he asked in astonishment. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and smiled. Dumbledore stood back up again.

“He better not…” Kia whispered.

“Okay everyone! That is it for the day! I hoped you enjoyed your evening. I’m sure the twins did.” Albus said before sitting back down and talking to Marty Morgan.

“I’m ready for some sleep,” Kia said while standing up and striating her robe. She thanked everyone and said her goodbyes before finding her brother.

“Harry, I’m heading to bed,” she said as she gave him a goodnight hug.

“Okay, my friend’s are going to stay here at Hogwarts with us if you don't mind,” he replied, indicating to Hermione Granger, Ginny and Ron Weasley.

“Why would you need my word in it?” she asked with a smile.

“Because, well…I just thought…never mind! You are confusing me. I was just asking for your permission,” he said trying to figure out a better way to say what he was trying to do.

“Well you have my permission. Just don't stay out too late with them understood?” she asked like a good older sister.

“Yeah, okay. I’m going to bed shortly,” he replied with a kiss on the cheek for his sister.

Kia found Remus and planted a kiss on his head. He was talking to Kingsley, Marty and Albus about schedules for school.

“I’m heading to bed, Papa. ‘Night,” she said as she hugged and kissed her Papa on the cheek goodnight. She turned to Mundungus and Marty and did the same with them. She was about to kiss Remus goodnight, but he stood up and request that he walk her to her chambers.

When they arrived in the Entrance Hall Kia asked, “You’re just going to walk me there? You aren’t staying the night?” She gave him an innocent smile as they walked on.

“Well I thought you were tired, love,” he replied. They reached the doors to her rooms and he leaned against the walls.

“Yeah you are right hunny…” she said disappointed.

“I have something for you though,” he told her. He dug in his pocket and pulled out a small box. “I know it isn’t much, but I thought you would like it.”

Kia opened the box and found a beautiful white gold chain bracelet with a matching ring with a large ruby in the shape of a star surrounded by smaller ones.

“My birthstone…” She whispered as she looked at her gifts with admiration. (A/N: the magical uses of the ruby: http://seemall.com/gems/ruby2.html) “…I love it!” she said as she kissed him deeply. Without breaking the kiss, she pulled him into her chambers and pushed him in the recliner.

Remus took the box from her and put the bracelet on her wrist. He picked the ring up and slid it onto her right ring finger. Just as he was about to pull her towards him, Dumbledore walked into her rooms.

“Papa! Look at my new gift!” Kia said excitedly as she hopped off Remus and ran to her grandfather to show off her ring and bracelet.

“That is beautiful, Kia!” he said as he took her hand to get a better look at it. “Did Remus get this for you?” She nodded with a smile. “He’s a good man. You take care of him okay? He needs it.”

“Of course Papa,” she said innocently. “What brings you here this late?”

“Well, Madam Moquista wants you to make a decision whether or not you will be staying here. Unlike me, she is a very impatient women,” he said simply. “She wanted me to give her an answer before she left. I have an offer for you my dear. You know everything that is taught at this school so I was hoping you would be the one to fill my Defense Against the Dark Arts position.”

“Umm, as a teacher?” Kia asked shockingly. “You shouldn’t even have to ask! I finally got to meet Harry and I don't want to leave the both of you again.”

“Hey!” Remus said from the chair. “What about me, love?”

“Oh yea, and Remus too,” she said giving him a smile.

“Well then it is settled. Tomorrow morning you will go back to your old home and get the rest of your belongings. I will see you tomorrow at breakfast,” he said. Kia kissed the old man on the cheek before he left.

Remus got up and held on to his girlfriend.

“You aren’t really leaving are you?” she asked hopefully. She wrapped her arms around his neck while resting her head on his shoulder.

“Would you like me to stay, love?” he asked. He planted a kiss on the top of her head. She was a good foot shorter than he was.

“Of course, why would you ever think otherwise?” she asked shockingly.

“I will stay then.” And it was final.

”Harry! Where are you taking us?” Hermione demanded. She fixed her hair so it was strait and curled inward at the ends. She looked a lot better then she did the last time he had seen her.

“My rooms,” he replied like they should have known that already. “Here are Kia’s rooms. Lets just say goodnight and then we will go to my rooms.” They all stood there not knowing what he was talking about. All they saw was a wall, not a door.

“What is the hold up?” Harry asked his friends. “Just walk through like this…” He walked through the wall and was followed by Ginny, Hermione, and Ron.

“Remus!” Harry growled as he watched Remus in the middle of the living room carrying Kia towards the bedroom with just his boxers on. Just then Remus dropped Kia and she landed on the floor with a hard thud. The couple turned around to see Ginny, Hermione, and Ron watching them with grins planted on their faces. Harry on the other hand had his wand out and was steaming.

“Hi, Harry,” Remus said as he rushed over to the table and grabbed the blanket to cover himself with it. “Me and Kia were just talki…”

“Expelli…” Harry started, but Kia waved her hand and he started hovering in the air.

“Now Harry! Stop this!” Kia yelled. “This is my room and I am old enough to do as I please without having my younger brother interfere!”

“Kia, I don't know what kind of dark magic you are using on me, but I want you to put me down!” Harry yelled as his back was pulled towards the ceiling.

“KIA!” A feminine childlike voice squealed. Before Kia was able to turn around, she too was floating towards the ceiling.

“That isn’t very nice of you, Kia. You need to be punished,” the voice said again.