Harry Potter and the Scar of Fate

Chapter 3

The Magnolia Blossom

Harry pulled himself up with an effort.

"Do you know what you are?" he asked softly.

"What?' Kathy asked.

"You're a witch, Kathy, like I'm a wizard. I study at this school. Pack your things, and come with me. I'll take you to buy all your school stuff."

"But I don't have any money."

"Don't worry about that."

Harry went to Dumbledore while Kathy packed. "You knew, didn't you?" he asked his Headmaster. Dumbledore nodded.

"She's a Muggle-born. And she's penniless. She can't afford..."

"I'll pay all her expenses. I'm of age now, right? She'll be my protégé."

"I'm glad to hear that, Harry. This child is extremely talented."

Kathy came back, bouncing. Then her face fell. "You'll have to talk to the warden...she'll never let me go...oh, how I want to leave this hateful place!"

"Don't worry, Kathy, I'll settle that. Harry, you take her and go. We'll meet in Diagon Alley at one."

Harry nodded. He went back to his friends and introduced Kathy. Lupin produced a portkey and they were in Diagon Alley a moment later. Harry glanced at Kathy; she was very nervous and scared. They went to the Leaky Cauldron and booked a room for Kathy. They put her luggage there. Harry bought her all her goods. By the time their shopping was over, they saw Dumbledore walking towards them, smiling.

They had a magnificent lunch. Kathy was enjoying herself more than she could ever remember.

"Thank you," she said softly to Harry. Harry smiled at her.

"Wait till you see Hogwarts. It is the most wonderful place on earth."

"I can hardly wait. Why are you doing this for me?"

"You remind me of someone."

"Who?"

"Myself. We'll leave you at the Leaky Cauldron, Kathy. We'll try to come tomorrow, but I cannot promise. We'll...what's the matter, Kathy?" Harry stopped, because Kathy had started crying.

"Please stay with me. I don't want to all alone. I'm afraid."

Harry looked at his friends. He was too kind to let Kathy stay alone. He mouthed an apology to Hermione and booked himself a room next to Kathy. After saying good bye to everyone, Harry and Kathy went to their rooms. Tired, both of them fell asleep despite the hour. When they woke up, it was dinner time. Harry dressed, fetched Kathy from her room and went down.

To his immense surprise, he saw Hermione, Ron and Draco sitting on a table. He joined them.

"What are you all doing here?"

"Well, I decided that I needed to look at the book stores properly. And these two couldn't stay at my home without me, could they?" said Hermione and winked.

Harry laughed, thankful to have such caring friends. His friends laughed with him. They were always happy to hear Harry laugh heartily.

Harry didn't have to look after Kathy as such. She had met a few other first years, and seemed to be getting along with them pretty well. One evening, however, when the four of them were sitting in Harry's room, talking, she came in looking puzzled.

"Are you my father? But you're too young!" she said to Harry. He nearly fell off his chair. Hermione started giggling.

"No, Kathy, he's not your father. He's merely taken you as his protégé. You're his ward," Draco explained.

"Oh, I see," muttered Kathy and hopped off. The four friends burst into laughter.

"She's a little flower; a magnolia," said Ron.

"Yeah. Ross, isn't she? I wonder if she's one of the Yorkshire Rosses..."

"She's a Muggle-born, Draco," Harry said.

"Oh. Anyway, when are we going to Hogwarts?"

"Right now," came a familiar voice. They all turned. Snape was standing at the doorway, looking very sombre.

"Something wrong, Professor?" Harry asked.

"Yes, Potter. And maybe for the first time in your life, it's not your safety we're worried about. It's Weasley's. That sister of yours!"