Never Alone

Chapter 2

A Meeting of Siblings

Harry and the others at the Burrow had a quick breakfast; they had to be at King's Cross Station before eleven. After breakfast, Harry went upstairs to pack his trunk. Ron accompanied him to pack his own stuff. Hermione, who already had her things packed, was kind enough to begin badgering Ron about Prefect rules... Not that Ron needed her to remind him of any, seeing as she had constantly been reminding him all summer.

Ginny came in and laughed at the sight of Ron batting Hermione away. She gave Harry a quizzical look and he shrugged. The twins popped in to see what all the noise was about.

'Hey, you two,' said Fred.

'What are they arguing about, Harry?' asked George.

'You know the usual. She lectures him and he ignores her.'

'Well, they'd better stop. You're leaving soon,' said the twins in union. And they left to find something else to do.

Harry stood there looking at his friends. I bet they'll be together by the end of the year, he thought.

Finally, after Harry had to scream at his friends to shut up, they stopped and got back to work. Of course, they finished late because of all the time they lost arguing. Mrs. Weasley was livid by the time they got all the trunks out to the garden. Mr. Weasley managed to borrow an enchanted car from the ministry. Kingsley Shacklebolt was standing next to the car when all the trunks were ready to be loaded into the car. Fred and George helped him with the trunks and Harry and Ron took care of Hedwig's cage and Crookshanks.

Mrs. Weasley gave Harry one of her rib-crushing hugs and kissed Hermione, Ron, and Ginny goodbye. They all got in the car--Crookshanks causing some chaos--and left for King's Cross. On the way, they discussed the state of the Dumbledore's Army meetings. Apparently everyone wanted Harry to keep teaching them, and since it was fun for him, he decided to do it. Kingsley explained that Dumbledore has been meaning to turn it into a school club like the Gobstones Club.

Harry felt a little upset with Dumbledore. How could he just assume that Harry would keep teaching? He hadn't told him whether he wanted to or not. Harry spent the remainder of the ride in silence.

At King's Cross, everyone unloaded their trunks onto trolleys and started for platform nine and three quarters. Kingsley and Mr. Weasley went with them, of course. As always, Harry stood in front of the barrier and then ran towards it, expecting a crash that never came. In front of him loomed the scarlet Hogwarts Express. He started to get the usual rush that going back to Hogwarts always gave him.

After everyone had gotten through the barrier, Mr. Weasley stopped Harry while Kingsley escorted the others to the train.

'Harry, wait a minute. Remus is supposed to be here,' Mr. Weasley explained. 'Ah, there he is.'

Harry spun around expecting to see Lupin with Anna, but as he looked up he only saw Lupin, and he had a very grim expression on his face.

'Harry, Arthur - Something has happened. Harry, I'm afraid Anna won't be joining you on the Hogwarts Express.'

Harry's stomach dropped and a million horrible thoughts went through his head. Mr. Weasley's voice said, 'Remus, what exactly happened?'

'I'm not sure, but it appears that the hospital is less than happy about discharging Anna yet. As I understand it, Dumbledore is talking to the healers right now. I'm supposed to go and get her myself.'

Harry was staring at Lupin with an odd expression on his face.

Mr. Weasley put a hand on his shoulder. 'Harry, are you all right?'

Harry focused his gaze upon Lupin and asked, 'So, she's fine? I mean, nothing bad happened to her?'

'Not as far as I know, no.'

Harry gave a relived sigh and relaxed.

Lupin understood that Harry was worried about his sister, so he said, 'She'll be at Hogwarts by the start-of-term feast. I'll make sure of that myself. Now, I must leave.'

He gave Harry and Mr. Weasley a nod and left. Harry looked up at the clock; it was ten to eleven.

'Lately it seems that whenever I see Lupin, he's in a hurry.'

'Well, Harry, you must know that he has lots of work for the Order. Now come on; you don't want to be late.'

Together, they walked to the train. Mr. Weasley helped Harry with his trunk, and then they shook their hands in goodbye. Harry walked along the train, looking for an empty compartment; Ron and Hermione won't be joining him since they were sitting in the Prefect's compartment. Harry bumped into Neville Longbottom, who was looking for a compartment too.

'Hi, Harry. How was your summer?'

'As good as could be expected. How was yours?'

'Fine. Gran was really proud of what happened at the Ministry, though. She kept talking about it all summer.'

They finally found an empty compartment. They dumped their trunks in the luggage rack and Harry carefully placed Hedwig's cage next to his trunk. A few minutes later, Luna Lovegood joined them.

'Hello, Harry. Neville, how are you?'

They had a very pleasant chat for a total of five minutes, when Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil came in and mentioned a rumor they had heard on the platform.

'Harry, we heard this thing about you around the station and we were wondering if it was true.'

Harry crossed his arms and gave them his best bored look and said, 'What rumor? Let me guess, I'm insane? Or am I a liar again?'

Lavender didn't seem to get that Harry didn't care what people were saying about him, so she took his words as a joke. 'No, silly. Everyone says you have a twin sister. And that she's attending Hogwarts this year.'

Harry uncrossed his arms and looked shocked. How on earth did that rumor start? 'Who told you that?'

Lavender looked satisfied at the effect her words had on Harry. She smiled and said, 'Well, everyone is talking about it. But I think only the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws know about this so far. Though I must say, this will be all over Hogwarts by nightfall. Well, see you later.' Lavender and Parvati left Harry in an eerily silent compartment.

Harry was looking at the floor, but he could feel his friends' eyes on him. He knew that after what they had done for him at the Ministry, they were entitled to know about his sister. So he took a deep breath and looked up. His friends didn't have the looks he expected on their faces. In fact, they looked worried about him.

Harry smiled reassuringly and began telling them about Anna. Neville and Luna seemed excited and quite anxious to meet Anna. He was happy with their reaction; he'd been wondering what they would think all summer. He sat with a smile on his face as his friends kept coming up with different characteristics for his sister. Luckily, they were all good, so Harry's mood improved.

After an hour, a disgruntled Ron and Hermione came into the compartment. Ron sat next to Harry while Hermione sat next to Luna.

'What's got you two upset?' Harry asked.

'All the questions about Anna, mate.' Ron answered.

'Harry, you wouldn't believe how many people already know about this. Although I don't think the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs know yet.' Hermione added.

Luna said, 'Lavender and Parvati already told us that.'

'They were here?' inquired Hermione.

'Yes, they asked whether the rumors were true or not,' replied Neville.

'Well that explains why almost everyone knows.' Ron looked annoyed.

'Honestly, I don't care if everyone knows about Anna. After all, they'll meet her eventually.' Harry said.

Luna smiled at Harry and said, 'I bet she's on her way to Hogwarts right now.'

Harry smiled back at her, but he still wasn't sure how he felt about all of this. Ron and Hermione stayed with Harry and the others until the food trolley came. They got some snacks and Harry found himself buying an extra box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans for his sister. He figured if she was living with Muggle cousins of theirs, then she probably had never tried the beans.

After Ron and Hermione had left, Harry and Neville played wizard's chess and Luna took out the latest issue of The Quibbler and immersed herself in it. Later in the day, it started raining. The depressing weather only made Harry feel even worse. He started thinking of reasons that would prevent the healers from letting Anna leave. After all, she had already spent a month in the hospital. How serious were her injuries, if she had to stay this long?

As he looked out the window, Harry could see Hogwarts in the distance. Is she there already? He, Neville, and Luna changed into their school uniforms and packed up all the things they had taken out of their trunks during the ride. Hedwig was restless to be let out of her cage. They arrived at Hogsmeade and started dragging their belongings out of the train. As always, Hagrid's voice was booming, 'Firs' years, over 'ere!'

Harry waved at Hagrid.

'Harry, how are ye?'

'Fine, Hagrid. How are you?'

'Fine. Well, I'll talk ter ye later.'

Harry and the others met with Ron and Hermione and took a carriage. The sight of Thestrals still gave Harry the chills. When they got to Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall was waiting at the gate.

'Potter.' She gestured for Harry to approach her. For some reason, Harry's stomach dropped.

'Hello, Professor.'

'Save the pleasantries, Potter. Now, your sister was supposed to have arrived already, but something came up and she's running late. I just thought I'd let you know.'

Harry was relived. 'Oh, alright.'

She patted him on the back. 'Cheer up, Potter. She'll be fine. Professor Dumbledore will let you know as soon as she arrives.'

'Thanks, Professor.' He joined the others, who were waiting for him. They put their things in their dorm rooms and headed for the start-of-term feast. Harry was bombarded with questions, which was only frustrating for him since he had no answers.

xxx

Draco Malfoy was walking in the corridors of Hogwarts. He was upset and mumbling to himself. Crabbe had lost his new pet, a black cat. Draco, for some asinine reason, offered to help find it. He had finally lost track of the cat and gave up. He was missing the feast and he really was hungry.

'Excuse me,' someone called from behind.

Draco turned back to see a girl with long, black, wavy hair and emerald eyes. Her eyes were oddly familiar, but he couldn't place them. When she walked towards him, he realized that she was wearing all-black robs. She must be new.

'Hi. Umm, I'm sorry, but I'm a little lost. Could you help me?'

His first instinct would have been to say no. But there was something about her voice. He felt he couldn't say no to her.

'Well, where are you supposed to be?'

'I was supposed to meet the headmaster fifteen minutes ago,' the girl answered.

Draco raised his eyebrows and said, 'Well, you're a long way off. His office is on the seventh floor. We're on the second.'

She shrugged and smiled sweetly at him. 'I did say I was lost.'

'I'll take you there then.' He bowed his head slightly and walked off.

She followed him up flights of stairs and down corridors. They were both silent. Draco was astonished at how calm he was. A few seconds ago he was livid. The girl did seem to need help, though. And she was certainly beautiful enough to get his attention.

'So, you're new?' he asked suddenly.

'Yes. I just started.'

'And I suppose Dumbledore didn't have the decency to either greet you himself or have someone else do it?'

She looked at him oddly and said, 'No, it's not like that. Lupin brought me here and something came up and he had to leave me. And that's when I got lost.'

He shot her a look. 'Lupin? Remus Lupin?'

'Yes; you know him?'

'Oh yes. He was the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher during my third year. Oh, by the way, what year are you in?'

'This is my sixth.'

'Mine too. Here we are.' They were standing in front of a stone gargoyle.

'Well, thanks.' She waved at him and was about to leave when he asked, 'What's your name?'

She turned around, smiling. 'Anna. My name is Anna. What's yours?'

'Draco Malfoy.' He extended a hand for her to shake. She took it and shook his hand. A sharp tingle went through her arm. He felt a tingle too, she could tell.

'I'm pleased to meet you, Draco. I'll see you around, I guess.'

And she left him standing there. She uttered the password - which was 'candy cane - and the gargoyle moved to reveal the spiraling staircase. When she looked back, Draco was gone. She could feel the ghost of his hand in hers. She arrived at the landing and knocked on the door.

'Come in.'

Anna walked into the headmaster's office for the first time. She noticed many odd objects all over the place. Delicate silvery things on spindly tables. A fire place and a desk. Behind the desk sat the man with whom she has been corresponding for most of her life. Oddly, she didn't imagine him to look the way he did. He stood up to greet her.

'Anna, welcome to Hogwarts. Sit down, please.' He gestured at an empty seat in front of the desk.

Anna sat down, folding her hands on her lap. Dumbledore sat back down as well. Anna noticed the phoenix perched on a stand behind Dumbledore.

She sat straight. 'Is that a phoenix, sir?'

Dumbledore looked at Fawkes and smiled at Anna. 'You've never seen one before, I take it?'

'No sir. I've read about them though.'

'You can pat him if you'd like. He's quite peaceful, really.'

She got up and approached the phoenix. 'What's his name, sir?'

'Fawkes.'

She stretched her hand out tentatively and patted Fawkes's head. Dumbledore needed to talk to her. He cleared his throat to get her attention back. She went back to her seat.

'Why were you late?'

'Well, sir, Lupin brought me here and then had to leave. He said it was something for the order. About werewolves or something. I got lost, and finally, I found someone to help me.'

'Ah, I see. Well, my apologies for that. I should have been more prepared. But as you know, the healers wouldn't let you go. How do you feel now?'

'I assure you, sir, I'm fine. I suppose they were just fussing.'

He linked his fingers and looked at her over the top of his hands. 'They probably were. Anna, you know we have to talk about what happened.'

Anna tensed up in her seat. 'I don't think I can,' she said in voice barley above a whisper.

Dumbledore looked at her kindly, which was something she hadn't expected him to do under the circumstances. 'I need to know exactly what happened. You of all people know how important that is.'

A few things in the room rattled and twitched. Anna was looking at the floor now, but she knew Dumbledore got the message. He sighed. She felt him move and then saw his shoes in front of her. She looked up to see a very determined look on his face. She really didn't want to talk about what happened, but somehow she knew she had no choice.

'You don't have to talk, you know. I could just use Legilimency on you.'

'So, I just have to relive it,' she scoffed and gave him a fierce look.

'Much faster than relating it to me. So, what do you say?'

Her eyes were already tearing up, but she nodded in agreement.

Dumbledore aimed his wand at her, made eye contact and uttered, ' Legilimens.'

Visions swam into Anna's head and voices echoed. She saw the house she lived in a mere month or so ago. The place was ablaze and the sound of a man and woman screaming filled the air. She was being dragged out of the house by someone; a friend.

A third voice was shouting, 'Anna, are you all right? Anna!'

Suddenly she was jerked out of the memory. She was heaving on Dumbledore's office floor. The cold, stone floor felt good under the palms of her hands. She took a few deep breathes and steadied herself. Dumbledore offered her his arm and he helped her sit back down in the chair.

'Do you have everything you need, sir?'

'Yes, Anna, I believe I do.'

xxxxxx

A few minutes into the meal, Harry got a message from Dumbledore with Colin Creevey that read:

Harry, I'm sorry to tear you away from the delicious meal that our house-elves have so kindly prepared, but I need you to join me in my office immediately. The password is: 'candy cane'.

Harry was already stressed out because of the Slughorn and Snape thing. He left his food and ran for Dumbledore's office. By the time he got there he was panting. He had to stop and catch his breath before going in. He didn't want it to look like he ran all the way to the office. Harry hesitated, and then knocked softly on the door.

'Come in, Harry.'

He opened the door and went in. He was surprised to find everything in its place. Last time he was here, he nearly destroyed every object in the room. Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk. Someone seemed to be sitting in the chair in front of the desk. Harry could hear his heart hammering in his ears. He walked and stood next to the chair.

Dumbledore stood up. 'Harry, I want you to meet Anna. Anna, this is Harry.'

The girl stood up and looked at Harry. The sight was startling for him. They stood facing each other. It was like looking in a mirror, with a few differences, of course. Harry wore glasses, she didn't. But he noted that their eyes were the same. Exactly the same.

She extended her hand for him to shake.

'Put that away. I want a hug. We might have just met, but you're my sister.'

She smiled at him and they hugged. They both gasped as they wrapped their arms around each other. It was an odd feeling. Not bad, just odd. It was like missing pieces of a puzzle fit back into place. After a while, they broke apart. Harry saw that Anna's eyes were tearing up a bit.

'Anna, I need you to wait for Harry at the foot of the stairs. I need to speak with him in private, if you don't mind.'

She nodded and left, closing the door behind her. Harry turned to Dumbledore with a questioning look. Dumbledore indicated the chair Anna just vacated, and Harry sat obligingly down.

'Harry, how are you?'

'Alright, I suppose.'

'Well, you should know that your sister has been sorted into Gryffindor.'

'I thought she would, sir.'

Dumbledore leaned on his desk. 'I did too, so I thought I'd put her in Gryffindor with out sorting, but the sorting hat wouldn't have it. Another thing you should know is that Anna has been through quite an ordeal. She might not be willing to talk about it yet. Oh, and one more thing: your sister is a powerful psychic. So you might want to keep your emotions and thoughts in check while you're around her.'

'Psychic? Like Trelawney?'

'Professor Trelawney, Harry. And no, not like her. Anna's truly powerful. She just can't control it properly.'

'Okay. Anything else, sir?'

'No, you may leave now.'

Harry curtly left the office thinking about what Dumbledore had said. Psychic? What did that mean? And what did he mean by "keep your emotions and thoughts in check"? He stepped off the stairs and found Anna leaning on the wall with her arms crossed across her chest.

He looked at her and took her by the shoulders to straighten her pose. She didn't look at him oddly. It was like she thought what he was doing was normal.

'Do you know what I'm doing?' he asked.

She only nodded. He raised his eyebrows, asking her to explain what she knows.

'It's easy. You want to see how different we are from each other.'

His shoulders dropped. 'That's an easy thing to figure out.'

She smiled. 'Well, the differences are few. Don't you think?'

He looked her over and scratched his head. 'I'm wearing glasses and you're not. That's all. Other than the difference in gender, of course.'

'I do wear glasses from time to time. I prefer contacts, though.'

Harry's stomach rumbled, he put his hand on it and smiled sheepishly. 'You're probably as hungry as I am. C'mon, we'll make it for dessert, at least. I've been dreaming of the treacle tart.'

He was about to lead the way to the great hall, when he noticed something. 'Anna, are those heals?'

She was startled at the question. She looked down and said, giggling, 'Oh, yes. I wouldn't come here until Dumbledore agreed to let me keep my high heals and lipstick. Though I think I'll need to use a different color now. This shade of red doesn't go with the Gryffindor colors.'

'I think it'll do. It looks good on you. But wait... You're as tall as I am in heals! How is that?'

She thought about it for a moment and said, 'I guess you're taller than I am.'

'But we're twins!'

'Fraternal twins, Harry. As in, not identical. What's astonishing is that we look so much alike.'

He narrowed his eyes and said, 'You sound just like Hermione. I bet you two will get along quite nicely.'

'Who's Hermione?'

'A friend. I'll introduce you to her soon. Can we go now? I'm starving.'

He clasped Anna's hand and practically dragged her all the way down to the Great Hall. He sat her down between him and Ron. The hall was noisy at first, but slowly it became quiet. Harry took a deep breath and started introducing his sister to his friends. She and Hermione took to each other faster than Harry expected. Anna seemed to like Ron and Neville too. They kept joking around with her, trying to make her feel at home. Harry felt a surge of gratitude toward his friends for being so nice to his sister. His sister... It hadn't sunk in yet. He noted how similar her laugh was to his. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of her smiling and laughing.

After a while, it was time to go to the common room. Anna was going to be Hermione's new room mate. Harry thought it best that way, and he thought maybe Dumbledore arranged that on purpose. In the common room, Ron and Neville decided to introduce Anna to all the portraits. Harry thought it was ridiculous, but his sister seemed okay with it. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying herself. Finally, after tons of questions, everyone retired into their dorms for a good night's sleep.