Easier To Run

A/N : I'm back! Miss me?

OK, so maybe I was gone for a second, but I've got loads of ideas and I wanted to assure all of you that Katie's bad times are not over. Check out my LJ entry to see my plot bunny for this sequel. Being alone and away from her support system is not going to be good for Katie, as andrea3382 realized. If it was going to be happy and all romance-y, it would have to go to AT. But its in TDA and its staying here.

That out of the way, thanks for coming back to read this. This story is going to chronicle Katie's summer at Hogwarts, and only the summer. Well, perhaps, meeting the returning students in Hogsmeade will be the last chapter. But that's as far as it will go. Then the next one, chronicling Book 4, will come after that. Also, I've already got a title for that one. LOL. "The Story of My Life" by Good Charlotte. It was supposed to be on their most recent album, but didn't make the cut. You can dl a live version if you have KaZaA or Morpheus. It's a very lovely song.

And I went with "Easier to Run" as the title to this story because, Katie is going to try and be strong, but that is a very hard thing for a depressed sixteen-year-old. Hence, it's easier to just let the depression take over, no matter how could things seem to be going. Got it? Don't worry, andrea3382, I will use "Breaking the Habit" in the story, as well as all those other titles I sent you (and I added some, it's a very long list now, LOL).

Ok, enjoy!

****

In the week following the school's departure, Katie received an owl from Oliver everyday. Updates on his Puddlemere United position, checking to see if she was happy, how his family was doing. No matter what he wrote about, Katie was glad to see his owl at her window every morning.

On the morning in question, Oliver had sent her a lengthy letter, which included his practice schedule. Grinning broadly, he reminded her to show the dates to Dumbledore and then write him back with the Headmaster's approval. Smiling, she practically skipped down to breakfast. 'Breakfast,' she mused, 'was very odd, along with every other meal.' Seeing as only Dumbledore, Snape, Hagrid, and she remained, it was very quiet. But when she burst into the Great Hall, humming a muggle tune she was fond off, Dumbledore let out a chuckle.

"Good morning, Miss. Bell? Good news I take it?" he said, setting down his fork as she approached.

Snape watched her, she noticed, curiosity obviously getting the best of him.

"Yes, sir. Oliver got his practice schedule. He told me to give it to you, so we can set up days when we can visit each other," Katie said as she sat down between Snape and Hagrid at the single sound table now adorning the Great Hall, and handing the paper to Dumbledore at his seat across from her.

She watched as her plate filled with food, and then looked up at Dumbledore. He was scanning the dates, a frown settling on his features.

"They're going to run the poor boy rabid," he said setting down the paper, "But I dare say, you need to speak to Severus about all this. He's your escort after all," he said, eyes twinkling, as Snape dropped his fork.

"I'm her, what?"

"Well, doesn't that sound familiar," Dumbledore said chuckling.

"You didn't tell him, Professor?" Katie asked, confused, and looked to Snape, gauging his expression.

He blinked slowly and looked back to Dumbledore. "Headmaster, stop playing those head games you so love to play. Its far too early," he said irritably.

Dumbledore smiled at him. "Now, now Severus. You will be escorting Miss Bell to Hogsmeade and back so that she may see her beau Mr. Wood. I only wish her to be safe, you understand," he said, eyes looking to Katie on the mention of Oliver, smiling at her blush.

"So, I'm a chaperone? On her dates?" Snape said, sounding rather disgusted at the idea.

"I'm sure you can find other things to do in Hogsmeade while they visit with each other," Dumbledore said, trying to be the voice of reason.

"If I may intervene," Katie said, panicking, "These won't be dates. Honestly, dates usually involve some sort of romantic folly. We're just going to have a Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks and maybe walk around Hogsmeade. Don't act like it's something crude, Professor," Katie said, looking at Snape, feeling angry again.

She took a deep breath. 'No, don't let him ruin your good mood,' she chanted to herself mentally. Snape looked at her, a sober expression covering his face.

"That's not what I meant, Katie. I just, don't want to interfere. I know of my students ideas of me, past and present, and I don't think Mr. Wood would be very comfortable with me hovering in the distance," Snape said, picking up his fork once more, "That's all."

Katie willed herself to breath. She was still trying to get used to the fact that Snape hated bantering with her anymore. He seemed to be afraid of a fight between them. It still made her a bit confused, but she chalked it up to his issue with her trusting him or not. She shook her head and started on the eggs on her plate.

"So, we're in agreement than? Good," Dumbledore said clapping his hands together before he himself went back to his breakfast.

The next moment, a letter was dropped expertly into Katie's lap. She looked up, looking for the owl who had dropped it, but it was gone. Shrugging, she picked up the letter, and turned it over in her hands. Her face blanched and her hands shook when she noticed the neat scrawl. 'Draco,' she thought, standing abruptly from the table.

"Excuse me," she said, walking quickly from the Great Hall.

Once in the entrance hall, she sat on the marble stairs and opened the letter, taking in calming breaths to keep her hands from shaking so badly. Unfolding the parchment, she read the note to herself in a low voice.

Dear Katie,

Before I go on, don't worry, I'm fine.

That being said, I just wanted to see how you were fairing at the castle. I can't even begin to imagine how boring it must be. Though I envy you immensely.

As I write this, I can hear my father talking with my mother. He's been acting oddly lately. He's far too happy. They're talking about "duties", whatever that means. Anyway, forget them They're both nutters anyway.

Oh, have you written to Wood yet? Do you know when he's visiting? I don't want to show up on the same day and catch you two snogging or something. Honestly, Katie. Wood? You could do better.

I'm kidding! I can see your expression now. Let me know when he's visiting though. I've got to be able to plan my escapes from the manor far in advance. Thanks to whatever Gods gave my parents the good idea of giving me my own fireplace.

I suppose that's all. Hope you're well.

Sincerely,

D. S. Malfoy

Katie smiled as she read the letter, so glad that Draco was alright. She was sincerely worried about the boy, being in the same house as that monster, Lucius Malfoy. She folded the parchment, placed it back in the envelope and put it in the pocket of her new robes.

She had made a trip to Hogsmeade the day after everyone had departed and decided that buying herself a present was a grand idea. She got herself a set of linen robes. The witch at the store said that they had trouble keeping them in stock seeing as they were a new summer fashion. The same witch convinced Katie to buy the robes in a stunning navy blue color to bring out her eyes. Katie had chuckled when she realized that they were the same color as the Puddlemere United uniforms, but bought them anyway. Happy that she could keep her arms covered and not be so warm anymore, Katie considered them a very fine investment. Though the price had begged to differ. But Katie had reasoned that she was done growing and wasn't planning on becoming obese anytime soon, so she would get her wear out of them.

Standing, she decided to make her way back into the Great Hall to finish her breakfast. Snape's head snapped to look at her as she entered, worry written clearly on his face.

"A very hasty exit, Miss. Bell," Dumbledore said, looking concerned himself, "Everything alright?"

"Yes. I just told this person to write to me if- Well, its not important. Everything's fine," Katie said, re-starting on her breakfast and praying to the Gods that she received no more letters while she ate.

****

One thing about residing at the castle, was that Katie could practice her flying. It proved to be quite lonely though, as she soon learned. Fred and George weren't there to cheer her on if she made a goal past Oliver. Alicia and Angelina weren't there to work on new moves with her. And Harry wasn't there to joke quietly about Oliver if he went on a rant. 'Yes,' she thought, propping her broom back up against the wall, 'it is very lonely here.'

**

- Roaming through this darkness,

I'm alive, but I'm alone.

Part of me is fighting this,

But part of me is gone. -

3 Doors Down - "When I'm Gone"

**

She had already written back to Oliver and Draco, and was now left with nothing to do. Well, she had assignments she could be doing. But Katie seemed to work better under pressure and decided that they could wait. Sitting on her bed, Katie let out a sigh. Then, her mind seemed to click on. Remus. She should write to Remus. Walking over to her trunk, she pulled out another piece of parchment. She picked up her Potions text, her quill, and her bottle of ink. Using the text to write on, she sat on the floor and started her letter.

Dear Remus,

I never truly realized how boring life here could be. But not only boring, lonely too. It's so unusual to be in the school while it's so empty. I miss everyone and everything. I'd even be happy with having Marcus Flint here to yell at. It would give me something constructive to do.

And I miss you. More than I can say. You were the best Professor I've ever had, and one of the best friends I've ever had. Honestly, its not like I can just go down to the dungeons and tell Snape all of this. He just wouldn't understand like you do.

Send me word back on how you're doing. I need something to read. And if you see Sirius, let him know that Fred and George most likely owe you and him a life debt because of that map.

Sincerely,

Katie Bell

Katie folded the letter and wrote 'Remus Lupin ' on the last fold, before securing it shut with a bit of Spell-O-Tape. She capped her ink, and sat her book and quill on her bed before making her way out of the Tower and up to the Owlery. She looked around at the many owls and found an inconspicuous looking Barn Owl and decided that it was good for the task. Remus was hiding out and most likely harboring Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner on the run. Katie had to be careful in her choice of owl. She approached the owl, who hooted at her happily.

"Up for a journey? I'm not sure where he is right now," Katie said, turning the letter over in her hands.

The owl hooted in understanding and looked at Katie's letter. Katie held it out and the owl took it in its beak.

"Make sure it gets to Remus Lupin. Don't let anyone interfere with it."

The owl shifted on its perch before taking flight out the nearest window. Katie walked over to the window and watched the owl fly out of sight and let out a sigh.

"So, you're writing to him," a voice from behind Katie said, lacking its usual malice.

Katie turned and looked at Snape defiantly. "Yes, I am. Say what you want, but it won't stop me from writing to him."

Snape arched an eyebrow. "I will not say a word. I have earned the right, mind you. But we both have our opinions of Lupin. I know yours and you know mine. I don't think they need to be spoken now, do they?"

Katie mimicked his action. "I suppose not," she said, having that feeling again that Snape was purposefully trying to keep the peace.

She mentally shook the thought away and walked past him and out of the Owlery. He followed, she noticed, trying to engage her in small talk.

"So, did you write back to Mr. Wood also?"

"Yes. His owl waits until I have a response and then flies back to him. Why?"

"Just wondering, Miss. Bell. Haven't you ever heard of friendly conversation?" he said as they reached the first landing.

Katie stopped and looked at him. "When it comes to you? No, I don't. Why are you trying so hard? I liked you better when you let me talk back and threatened to fail me, only because you know I wouldn't follow through on my threats. That's what I'm used to. If you're trying to change, don't. Its never helped anyone," Katie said and continued walking.

"I yearn to take points from Gryffindor right now, Miss. Bell. How can I be that man, when I'm supposed to be your guardian?" Snape said, following her once more.

"Easy," Katie said turning on the stairs and looking back at him, "Just do it. I'm not going to hate you for being that way. If I was in Slytherin, and this had occurred, you wouldn't have had a thought to change your behavior."

"Your House doesn't matter, Miss. Bell. What does is that fact that you tried to kill yourself, and I believe that no matter how happy you pretend to be, you won't fool me again. That's why," Snape said, standing on the stair above her.

"You want to get to know me, so that you'll be able to tell if I was going to off myself again?" she said, and Snape gave a short nod, "Well, newsflash. I'm over that now. No more glass, no more hiding what I'm feeling. I know what I did was stupid, and wrong, and utterly selfish. And you're right, I may still be depressed from time to time. But I have friends that I can write to. Don't flatter yourself, I'm not going to run to you," Katie said, fighting back tears, "I didn't choose this and neither did you. So let's just leave it at that."

Katie turned and continued down the stairs. Snape didn't follow.

**

- But don't believe,

That's all there is to see,

You'll never know the real me. -

Mariah Carey - "Looking In"

**