In Front Of Me

She stared out the window, wearing on her face a look of anger. Her parents were once again making her move. It wasn't something she enjoyed doing, but it wasn't her choice. The rain splashed everything in its path as the car pulled into the driveway of her new home. It was large, and looming over the tiny car as if trying to intimidate her. She rolled her eyes and got out, slamming the door harder than she would have. Her parents were chatting about something and not noticing her silent rebellion. She grabbed a box, and followed her mother up the porch steps while her father began unpacking the car. Her mother looked around in awe at the house. The girl looked around, not impressed by the beautiful house.

"So, Kat dear, what do you think?" her mother asked her, noticing her silence.

Kat turned around, pasted on a fake smile and said, "It's really great mom." Her mother smiled, and hurried toward the kitchen carrying a cardboard box with the name of her destination scrawled in black writing. Kat looked around the living room area, and then ventured up the twisted staircase. She proceeded down the long hallway at the top of the stairs until she got to the first door. She opened it, only seeing a dull bedroom. They were all like that until she got to the last door. She opened it, and entered. She gasped. The room was a pale blue, and it had a carpet of same color.

She began to unpack her box, and she thought while she did so. There had been three other similar occasions in the past year. Kat had begun to really settle in at her old Wizarding School when she got the news. Now she was transferring to another school called Hogwarts. It sounded rather unpleasant more than interesting. After a few hours of unpacking and listening to music, her mother and father came in.

"Honey, we wanted to talk to you about your new school," her mother said sitting in a chair.

"Mom, this is the third time we've done this. I think I've got the hang of it," Kat said.

"I know that. And I know this has been hard on you, but it's what happens when you have a job," her mother said. She wasn't a witch, she didn't understand. Her father smiled at her reassuringly. He was the only other person in her immediate family who was magical. Her sister Lana was what was called a squib, but she was too old to be in Wizarding School.

"Well, your school owled us and informed us that the year has already started, but they allow transfers at any time. I believe Professor Dumbledore said you would be a sixth year," her mother said in her chipper British accent. Her father was also British, but Kat spoke American. She sometimes wondered why she never picked it up, even though she was born there. She sometimes faked an accent for a laugh. People used to tell her she was rather good at it.

"I'm sure you'll do fine. You've always been an incredibly smart girl, and very nice to others. I'm sure you'll make friends quickly," her father said, his supportive attitude making her even more nervous. She couldn't protest, but her parents knew there would be trouble.

"Now Katalina," her father said, using her full name to convey the importance of his next statement. "We don't want any more trouble like the last time. Promise your mother and I that you won't let your attitude get the best of you," he said, looking to her mother. Kat looked down. She hated when her parents did this.

"Ok, I promise I'll be a good girl," she said sardonically. Her parents found no amusement in her sarcasm.

"We're serious Katalina. Not one bad report. Your mother and I think that's fair enough," her father said firmly. The usual smile that occupied his face returned, and he looked to her mother to add in to his message.

"Honey, I feel really bad about uprooting your life again, but my job really means a lot to me. I hope your ok with this house. We'll be here for the rest of the year, I hope," her mother said, trying to make her feel better. Kat's mother was a writer, and her job forced them to have sudden spontaneous relocations to other places. Kat didn't really mind, since she was used to it now, but her mother's lack of attention toward her bugged her.

"No mom, it's fine," Kat said as she put her clothes in her drawer.

"Ok, good. You and father can eat dinner together, I have a meeting to go to. It will be only for an hour, but I promise, when we get back, we'll spend some time together," her mother said, leaving her room to get ready. Kat didn't respond. She knew her mother wouldn't be back in an hour. She'd be lucky if she returned that night. She sighed, and flopped down on her mattress, not having her bed yet, and stared at an unfamiliar ceiling, just wanting to go home. Her real home.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry waited, after dinner, for Ron to catch up so they could go to Common Room together. Hermione was spending most of the night in the library, finishing a project that Harry and Ron had neglected to do. Hermione scolded them, but they shrugged it off. They stopped when they heard the familiar, unpleasant drawl of Draco Malfoy.

"Well, if it isn't the trio. Oh, but the Mudblood is missing. I guess it's just the dynamic duo. The hero and the zero," Draco said, laughing with his cronies.

"Sod off Malfoy, unless you want me to rearrange that pretty little face of yours," Ron snarled.

"I always knew you were a bit homosexual Weasel, but don't go hitting on me," Draco said smirking widely. Ron was going to charge at him, when Harry stopped him.

"Just what do you want Malfoy?" Harry asked, his cheeks tinged with the color of his anger.

"Oh, you know, the usual. To ruin your life and make you miserable," Draco replied derisively.

"Well, now that you've succeeded, we're leaving," Harry said, turning to go. The year had just begun and he didn't want to get a detention. He'd been lucky enough to avoid it so far.

"That's just like you Potter. Backing down from a challenge," Malfoy said, egging Harry on.

"If you want me to duel with you, the answer is no. I'm trying to stay out of trouble for once," Harry replied, noting Ron's anger.

"Why? Afraid I'll win? You always were a coward," Draco said, knowing he'd manipulate him into dueling. Before any of them knew it curses were flying.

"Confundus!"

"Riddikulus!"

"Engorgio!"

"Tarantellegra!"

"Furnunculus!"

"Incendio!"

"Obliviate!"

"Petrificus totalus!"

The teachers had heard the commotion and come running. They found Ron lying on the floor, his head swollen to the size of a watermelon. Draco was wearing a woman's bathing suit, the end of his hair singed from Harry's fire curse. Crabbe was on the floor completely still, and Goyle was staring around, confused at his surroundings. Harry was covered in large boils and unable to keep himself still.

"Would someone like to explain to me what is going on here?" Professor McGonagall boomed.