Destinies Intertwined

Disclaimer: I only own Keirsta and her mother and dad. Other characters belong to the great and marvelous JK Rowling!

Chapter one: The Leaky Cauldron

I stepped out of the car and look around. An old tavern stood in front of my mother and I. A dull wooden sign heralded this place as The Leaky Cauldron.

"Well, Keirsta. Let's go in," said Mom. Mom opened the door and went straight over to the counter. An old man looked up and said, "May I help you-Lynn?" Mom smiled. The old man came out from behind the counter. He and Mom hugged.

"Good to see you, Tom? Is Isabelle well?" she asked. Mom and Tom talked. I looked around. I sighed. This was the end of my first week in London and now we were going to some place called Diagon Alley to get my school supplies. We had arrived just in time to get them and then tomorrow I would get on the train to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Yes, I, Keirsta Grant, am a witch. I would be a seventh year. Dad had transferred me to Hogwarts after Mom had gotten a job in the British Ministry of Magic that was too good to give up. I saw out of the corner of my eye Mom waving me over.

"Tom, this is my daughter, Keirsta. Keirsta, this is Tom."

"You are a mighty fine looking young lady, Keirsta," said Tom, shaking my hand.

"Thank you," I said, blushing, hating my fair skin.

"Now, I'll show you how to get into Diagon Alley," said Tom, leading us to the back of the tavern and outside into a boxed alley. He pressed a combination of bricks and it opened. I am a witch and not surprised at such things. Mom bid him goodbye and I said, "It was nice meeting you" and we ventured down the alley, amid the other witches and wizards. I pulled out my letter from a pocket in my robes and looked at it.

"It says I need one pewter cauldron, one Standard Book of Spells Grade 7, Spells of the World by Carol Berty...." I finished reading the list. I looked up and saw we had stopped in front of the Quidditch supply store and in the window was the most beautiful broom I had ever seen. It was called a Lightening Flash 7000, the newest model. I looked at Mom. She smiled.

"You do need a new broom" was all she said and in we went. I watched in awe as the broom as wrapped. Mom took out the hundred Galleons it cost and gave it to the clerk. She then did a simple spell to shrink it and placed it in her purse. We left and headed up the street. We got my cauldron and Potions ingredients and then headed to Flourish and Blotts. We went inside and Mom told me to look around and she would get my schoolbooks. I wandered around and stopped at a display of Hogwarts: A History 12^th edition. I heard voices arguing. I looked around the corner and saw a bushy brown haired girl arguing with a fiery red headed boy while a raven-haired boy watched amused.

"Hermione, you don't need a new copy of Hogwarts: A History. You have the last three editions," said the red head.

"It has a ton more information than the others, Ron!" said the girl. Suddenly, a set of twins appeared next to the boy name Ron.

"Oi, Ron. Mum says for the three of you to come," said one of the twins. The five exited, with the girl looking wistfully at the books. I shrugged and picked up a copy. I took it to Mom as she was checking out.

"Here," I said, handing to her. "Can I get it? It'll help me to know about my school." Mom nodded and we paid. We left the store and I caught a glance of the three before we left. We went and got back to The Leaky Cauldron and left in the car.

At home, Mom told me to get packed. I spent the rest of the evening packing my trunk. I for some reason could get the raven-haired kid out of my mind. I idly petted my cat, Arwen. I put my new broom in my bag.

"What is it about him?" I asked myself, as I put on my pajamas. I climbed into bed and fell asleep.

I opened my eyes. The sun filtered in through the window and I groaned. Turning over I heard the door open and Mom came in.

"It's time to get up so you can shower and get ready," she said. I get up and take a shower. I put on my underwear and decide on a black skirt and white blouse. I fix my long curly blond hair into a barrette. I slip on my socks and a pair of black ankle boots. I put on a little sparkly blue eye shadow and wine lip color. I shove the last things into my trunk. I grab my robes, bag, and wand and run downstairs. Mom had bacon and eggs on the table. I ate, savoring the tastes. Mom checked the clock and saw it said 10:30. We would apparate there. I was so glad the American age to apparate was 17 and I had just got it when we moved. Mom summoned my trunk and such and we apparated. '

At King's Cross Station, I looked around. We grabbed a trolley and hurried to Platforms 9 and 10. A blond boy with a man pushing his trolley was there. He looked around and calmly walked through the brick wall between the two platforms. Mom handed me my ticket and kissed me. She swept me into a hug.

"Owl often, you hear," she said. I nodded.

"Be careful, Keirsta. You are not like the other students in the school. Please see the Headmaster when you get there." I smiled with tears in my eyes.

"Yes, Mom," I said and waved bye as I looked around and then walked through the barrier. I checked in and dropped my trunk off and Arwen. I climbed onto the train and made it to a compartment. I set my robes and bag down and held my wand in my hand as I rummaged through my bag for my book. I pulled out The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. I leaned back and was engrossed in my book, but I am not ordinary so I heard the footsteps and the door open as they did even, because my senses are slightly heightened, unless I am angry.

I am special. I am a sorceress. No one is to know. A sorceress or sorcerer is a witch or wizard who can do major magic and with out their wands. There are very few and none as young as me.

I don't look up when the door opens. None of the people can see my face. They stop for a split second and I speak before them.

"Well, are you just going to stand there? Come in," I said behind my book. Over the top of my book I can see their reactions. It was the three I saw in the bookstore. I smile and put the book down. I wracked my brain for the two's names. I would freak them out.

"Hello, Hermione and Ron," I said. They looked shocked.

"How did you know that?" asked Hermione. I smiled.

"Yeah. Have we met?" asked Ron.

"I saw you at Flourish and Blotts. I over heard your conversation. I'm Keirsta Grant." I extend my hand and the raven-haired wizard takes it first.

"I'm Harry. Harry Potter," he said. All of a sudden in my head, I see a blaze of white light around me and Harry lying in a heap on the ground in the center. Blackness is all around us. I ripped my hand away and pant. Harry looked at me, shocked. I am different and powerful, but never have I seen something like that.

"Are you ok?" asked Harry. I smiled weakly.

"Yeah. Just a bit of asthma," I lied.

"Your eyes flashed gold," said Hermione. I thought quickly.

"I have contacts," I lied again. "They're a special kind." Hermione gave me an odd look.

"So, are you new?" asked Ron, after they sat.

"Yes, I transferred from Arlington Academy in Connecticut," I said, looking at Harry.

"You're an American?" asked Ron. I nodded.

"Well, half American, half British. My dad is Charlie Grant," I said. Hermione looked amazed.

"Your dad is the American Minister of Magic," she said, as her friends looked at her.

"And my mom is Lynn Grant, the new head of the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic here. She is British." I smiled.

"So, do you like England so far?" asked Harry. I loved that accent. His eyes were lovely too.

"Yes, very much," I said, swallowing.

"What year are you?" he asked.

"Seventh." I looked at Harry, still wondering about the vision I had seen. We talked for a while and the witch with the trolley came by and I got some Berty Bott's and Chocolate Frogs. We started to munch and talk. Suddenly the door slid open and the blond boy I had seen cross the barrier before me entered with two large boys next to him. He sneered.

"Well well. If it isn't Perfect Potter and his fan club. Ready to lose the Cup this year, Potter?" he asked. I saw Ron's face go red and Harry's eyes flashed. The boy's eyes swept over the three and landed on me. He did a sweep up and down, taking me in. I glared. I knew I was attractive. I have long legs guys love and I am slender. Being blond and curly seems to make guys assume I am ditzy and easy.

"Well, who is this? I am Draco Malfoy," he said, taking my hand and kissing it. Malfoy...Malfoy! Mom had told me about a Lucius Malfoy. An odious man, she said.

"I am-" I started, but Ron cut me off.

"Not for you to paw, ferret boy!" he said, his fist clenching.

"Shut it, Weasel! Now you were saying?"

"I am Keirsta Grant," I said, with civility.

"Why don't you lose the losers and come with me?" he asked.

"I appreciate the offer, Draco, but I am perfectly comfortable here. Thanks," I said. Draco sneered and bent next to me, whispering, "You know you want to come with me and not stay with the poor, the martyr and the Mudblood, such losers."

Mudblood! I felt my magic and temper flare and knew I needed to do something. I stood and slapped him hard across the face. He chuckled with malice in his eyes.

"Well, that's it then. Good day," he said. He stopped in his tracks, when my voice rang out. I knew I needed to leave soon.

"Good day, Mr. Malfoy. Relay my greetings to your father, will you? Tell him Charles Grant's daughter says hello." I swept past him and down the corridor. I pointed my finger behind me. I heard him laugh and then his yelp when he slipped on the water I left. I heard Harry, Ron, and Hermione laugh. I reached an empty compartment. I sound, sight, and damaged proofed it and I couldn't hold it. Bright red magic flowed out of my fingers. When it was over, I sat and took deep breaths. I heard a voice outside my compartment.

"Keirsta? Where are you?" called Harry. I snapped my fingers and the charms broke over the compartment. He looked into my compartment and smiled. I smiled back. I felt a twinge of something. Did I like him? Well, yes I did but in that way? Already? I could feel the sadness, hurt, happiness, love, and goodness radiating of him. I could usually sense these things about people. There was something else about him too. Something urgent and dangerous. My eyes widened. Was he a sorcerer too? Did he know? I had heard about Harry Potter all my life. I knew his story, just like everyone else.

"Harry, ach hun hefyd?*" I asked in Welsh, the language of sorcerers. Harry looked me.

"Is that an American saying?" he asked, nervously smiling. He either isn't or doesn't know.

Hermione and Ron suddenly rounded the corner. Ron had robes in his hands.

"We'll be soon. We should change," said Hermione. I followed Hermione back to the other compartment. We changed and I gathered my things. The train stopped and we climbed off. I was shocked when a large man called, "All firs'yers this way!" Harry, Ron, and Hermione grinned.

"Hello, Hagrid!" they said. The large man smiled.

"'Ello Harry. Hermione, Ron. And who is this?" he asked, looking at me.

"Keirsta Grant, Mr. Hagrid," I said. Hagrid laughed.

"Hello, Keirsta. Reubus Hagrid, but Hagrid will do," he said. A look came over his face.

"I just remembered. Professor Dumbledore said you are to ride with Harry." I glanced at Harry. He smiled and I followed them.

"I wonder what house you'll be in," said Ron. I looked at him with a puzzled look. House?

"Didn't you have houses at Arlington?" asked Hermione.

"Nope." I looked at her.

"Well, there are four houses: Gryffindor, that's our, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin, that's Malfoy." I smiled.

"I hope I get Gryffindor," I said. We climbed into the carriage and it lurched. I looked out the window. After a while I began to doze, but woke when the carriage hit a bump.

"What the-" I exclaimed, hitting my head on the door. I looked out the window and I saw it. Hogwarts! It was magnificent.

"Beautiful," I murmured. We stopped and got out. I stuck to Harry, Hermione, and Ron as we climbed the stairs. I saw Malfoy glare at me. A tall, older witch with a severe gray bun stood at the top of the stairs.

"Keirsta Grant!" she called. I stepped forward. She looked at me. She motioned the other students in. After they were in, she spoke

"Yes, Miss Grant. I am Professor McGonagall. You will be sorted and then after the feast you are to see the Headmaster." I nodded and waited for the first years. We entered and I saw the Great Hall. It was beautiful.

"We will begin the Sorting now. Abel, Helen." The naming went on for a while. Keirsta realized she would be last. After Zane, Lawrence was sorted into Slytherin, a wizard, whom I assumed was Dumbledore, stood at the head table and spoke.

"We have a new student who is a seventh year. Keirsta Grant." Professor McGonagall motioned me up. She sat on the stool. A ragged hat was placed on her head. A voice in her head spoke.

"Hmmmmm. Not of the usual variety are we. Special. I can see great things for you. You are clever, humble, smart, quick-witted, and brave. And," it paused, "from the thoughts you are thinking you want to go into Gryffindor. Well... it's Gryffindor then." It cried out the Gryffindor and that whole house stood and cheered. I got up and went to the table. I sat next to Harry. Dumbledore started the feast. Food appeared on the table. We ate, chatting and joking. After the feast, we were dismissed to our dormitories. As we left, I remember I had to talk to Dumbledore. He had disappeared. I grabbed Harry's arm.

"Harry, can you-" I got another flash and this time I saw a red-haired woman and black-haired man. An infinite feeling of sadness ripped through me and I dropped his arm. I felt tears run down my cheeks. Harry looked at me. I wiped at my eyes.

"I need you to tell me where Professor Dumbledore's office is and how to get into it," I said.

"Keirsta, are you-" Harry started.

"Please, just tell me where it is, Harry," I snapped, not wanting to explain. He nodded and I followed him. He stopped in front of a large griffin statue.

"I don't know the password," he said, not looking at me. I was remorseful.

"Harry, I-" he just shook his head.

"It's ok." He smiled slightly and left. I sighed. Now, how to get in. I then thought I am a sorceress. I'll just use my magic. I murmured, "Agor ata^^^." The statue turned and rose, revealing a staircase. I climbed it and opened the door. I walked in. Dumbledore sat his desk and looked up when I came in.

"Ahhh, Miss Grant. Sit please." I did.

"Professor, I was to see you when I got here," I said. He smiled, blue eyes twinkling.

"Yes, Keirsta. Your mother owled us to tell us of your abilities. Now, would you be willing to show me something for me?" he asked. I nodded.

"Summon Professor McGonagall and Snape for me." I nodded. Summoning wasn't very hard. I just thought of them and lifted my hands and flipped them. McGonagall and Snape appeared in front of us. Both were startled at being pulled through space.

"Albus, what is the meaning of this?" asked Snape. I looked at the hooked nosed greasy professor and at once didn't like him. He sneered at me. I looked back.

"Severus, Minerva. This is Keirsta Grant. She is a new student. She is also a sorceress." Snape and McGonagall looked at him then me. I smiled.

"Really, Albus?" asked McGonagall. He nodded, a strange look in his eyes.

"Have you told anyone?" asked Snape. I shook my head.

"Aren't you too advanced to be here?" asked Snape. I frowned.

"Professor, I may be able to do much advanced magic with out my wand, but I am also an average 17-year-old student. I am not proficient with potions and transfiguration. I have to learn that too, don't I?" I asked. He looked at me and curtly nodded.

"Did you walk in with Potter, Weasley, and Granger? You didn't let it slip did you?" pressed Snape. I stared at him. He was starting to annoy me. I spoke to him.

"I did not, Professor. My mother taught me better," I said. Dumbledore had a look in his eyes and began to impress on me the importance of secrecy.

******

Later that night, I climbed to the dormitories, the professors' words echoing in my head, "Don't tell anyone." I couldn't tell Hermione or Ron or Harry. I sighed. I climbed in the portrait hole after waking the Fat Lady. I went up to my room and changed. I slipped into bed and sighed. Sometime about Harry grasps me and I don't know what it is. Also, something Dumbledore said kept running through my head. "She may be her."