The Second Star

Chapter One

"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings." - From Julius Caesar (I, ii, 140-141)

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September 1, 1997, 9:02 am

"HAAARRRYYY!"

Holly Potter cringed as her aunt bellowed for her brother. Her Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon seemed to bellow a lot. Holly sighed and continued to brush her long black hair. Unlike Harry's, Holly's hair was perfect; long, smooth, black with red highlights in the sun. It probably helped that she spent so much time taming it.

She didn't think very much of her own appearance. She was sixteen years and one day. Holly had a ready smile but it often looked sad or weak. Her milk white skin contrasted annoyingly with her dark hair and bright green eyes with their odd gold flexes. And she had a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her too straight nose.

She was often reduced to turning her cousin Dudley's old shirts into dresses. Currently she was wearing a favorite blue jumper with a scarf tied around the waist. Her small stature was often misleading as she had learned early how to hit hard. Living with Dudley had made it a necessity. Overall though, she just found herself too plain. She was the only one who did.

"HOLLLLYYY!"

Her turn. Holly grabbed her brush and tossed it on the top of her trunk before slamming the lid and locking it. She pushed the big black monstrosity out of her door and into the hallway. She paused as she passed the hall closet next to her aunt and uncle's room. That had severed as her bedroom before Harry's Hogwarts letter came.

Harry Potter was her older brother. The Golden Boy of Gryffindor she called him. He would be starting his seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry had saved the Wizarding world. He was the Boy Who Lived, standing up to the most feared Dark Wizard of the age, Lord Voldemort. Oh, and he was Head Boy now too, not to mention the star of his Quidditch team. He was the perfect Potter, at least at school.

And speaking of Harry, just then he came bounding up the stairs two at time. He had defiantly grown into a handsome young man. He had finally reached a respectable height of 5' 11'' but still had a lithe frame that could be as misleading as Holly's. His eyes were even greener than hers and his glasses seemed to highlight them. Or maybe it was the deep sadness they held. His messy black hair was all over the place as usual, but failed to hide the lightening scar on his forehead that marked him as the Boy Who Lived.

"Hol-lil!" he hissed before spotting her. "Hey, they're on the war path down there. Need some help?"

"Please!" Holly panted. "And why? You didn't slip Dudley a canary cream, did you? If you did and I missed it..."

Harry smiled and waved his sister off. "No, it's probably just the thought of taking us to the station. They haven't had to since my first year. Even fifth year we managed to get away three days before term."

"Thank God for the Weasleys!" Holly said.

"Yeah," Harry said. "Sorry I made you miss hanging out with Ginny this summer."

"Well, I couldn't very well leave you here, with them!"

Holly had lowered her voice as the approached the bottom of the steps. It was good thing she did too. Petunia Dursley stuck her heard around the bottom of the stairs.

"Holly Lily Potter!" she screamed before seeing them. "Oh, good, there you are. Girl, you burnt the bacon this morning. I suppose you think your getting off because you're returning to that freak school? Well, think again. You'll have to salvage your own breakfast now!" With that, Petunia disappeared again.

"Gah! How are we related to that awful woman?" Holly asked rhetorically.

"She was our mother's sister," Harry answered. "And don't worry, I saved you some toast. It was all I could manage."

"I did not burn the bacon!" Holly mumbled forcefully as she and Harry took her trunk out to the car.

*****

10:33 am

The Potter children stood on the curb at the train station in their too large cloths watching their uncle speed away. Holly felt she looked about three years younger.

"Cheery," Holly commented.

"Utterly," Harry agreed.

"Stay with the trunks, Hol-lil," Harry said. "I'll get us trolleys."

"Oui, mon capitan!" Holly said and offered a mock salute. She had been making comments like that since he got his Hogwarts letter telling him he had made Head Boy. Holly figured saving the world six or seven times cinched it for him.

Harry rolled his eyes as he walked off. Holly stood there with only Harry's owl, Hedwig, and her cat, Scratch, for company. She sighed as she watched kids her ages with there parents. She spotted a few she knew from Hogwarts. Just then she felt terribly alone.

She always had conflicting feelings about Hogwarts. Hogwarts had taken Harry from her when she was ten. She had been left alone with aunt Petunia for a year. Harry had nearly been killed a number of times at school.

So had she actually, but that didn't seem as important. And Hogwarts had given her Quidditch, the greatest sport ever. (Seven players on a team, flying on brooms fifty feet high trying to score on one of three hoops, or stop the other team from scoring.) Holly had made her house team in her first year, just as Harry had. She was said to be the best Chaser since James Potter, and he hadn't started until his team's captain had recruited him in his third year. She was her team's captain now since her forth year.

And at school she had Ginny. Ginny Weasley was her best friend. Her only friend, she sometimes thought. She had followed Ginny into the Chamber of Secrets in their first year. She had tired to warn Ginny all year about that stupid diary. She had thought Ginny listened, then the attacks started again. Holly had tried to help her friend, but it was Harry who saved them both. It was always Harry who saved the day.

Holly's hand unconsciously went to the basilik pendent she wore around her neck. The silver serpent king was rapped around an emerald orb that matched her eyes perfectly. Harry had given it to her for her twelfth birthday.

"Hey, got 'em," Harry called dragging two trolleys.

****

After loading their things onto the trolleys, Scratch living up to her name, letting Holly know she wasn't happy about the cat-carrier she occupied, the young Potters headed off to the barrier between platforms nine and ten.

Holly and Harry scanned the crowd for a set of red heads. Finding none, they loaded they things onto train and claimed a compartment in the Prefect's section.

Holly had freed Scratch, who now curled up on her lap. She had grabbed a book and started reading, leaving Harry to keep look out for their friends.

"Hermione!" Harry called out the window.

A moment later Hermione Granger was in their compartment jumping up and down and hugging Harry.

"Very unbecoming behavior for the Head Boy and Girl," Holly said.

"You'll know yourself next year," Harry said mussing her hair.

"Harry!" Holly said scandalized and trying to fix her dark locks.

Hermione laughed and swooped down to hug Holly.

"How have you been? Did you have a tolerable summer?" the older girl asked. "Happy birthday by the way," she added to Holly.

"Thanks," she said before going back to her book (Hermione's birthday present to her that arrived yesterday) and letting Harry and Hermione catch up. Holly liked Hermione, but she was one of Harry's best friends. Both Holly and Ginny had come to think of the Trio as impenetrable, even if the five of them spent as must time together as possible.

"Are you reading again?" a familiar voice called from the door.

"Neville!" Holly said. Neville Longbottom had also become very good friends with Holly in her second year, when Holly found out their mothers used to be best friends.

"Hey Nev!" Harry said in greeting to his dorm-mate.

"'Lo Neville," Hermione said smiling.

"I'm with Dean and Seamus a few cars down." Neville smiled at Holly. "Seamus was asking about you Holly Lily."

Seamus was another boy in Harry's dorm. Holly had a terrific crush on him. Holly turned pink while Harry glared at Neville. "Why was Seamus Finnigan asking about my baby sister?"

Neville laughed. "I'll see you lot later."

Harry went back to staring out the window. "Hey, there they are," he said spotting the Weasleys.

"Let's go then," Holly standing, Scratch dropping to the floor and hissing. Holly hissed back.

"Go on, Harry," Hermione said. "We'll be along in second."

Uh-oh, Holly thought. She may joke, but Hermione in Prefect mode was a scary prospect.

"Holly," Hermione. "How is he doing, really?"

Ah! Harry concern, how well I know it. He does have one perfectly good sister already! Holly thought fiercely.

"We had a bloody miserable summer," Holly said truthfully. "He managed to shake off his depression mid-way through July, but he's still guilty of course. Survivor guilt, I think."

"And you? I know how you felt about Hagrid..."

Hagrid.

Holly's eyes slid out of focus for just a second and she saw the terrifying scene from three months ago when Rubeus Hagrid had been killed in Hogsmeade.

"I'm fine," Holly said coming back to herself.

"Good," Hermione said, although Holly doubt the older girl believed her. "I wasn't sure I believed his letters. I knew you were taking care of him though. Any nightmares?"

"No," Holly said. "And don't mention that to Harry. He's a bit paranoid about it. Especially after the number of visions he had last school year. Anything in the paper? We still couldn't get it."

"No," Hermione said looking worried.

"What? Did Voldie go holiday too?"

"Holly!" Hermione admonished her glib attitude. Holly didn't look at all remorseful. "Have you had any, um, visions?"

Holly couldn't believe Hermione still distrusted divinations so much. "No actually, but I haven't been trying either."

Hermione nodded and left.

Holly slowly followed Hermione out of the train to the platforms where Harry and the Weasleys were. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was always taking care of Harry. And no one seemed to trust her doing it. Headmaster Dumbledore refuse to let Holly carry the burned alone, or so he said. When Dumbledore had said the magic protecting Harry was an ancient form of blood magic, Holly had pointed out that she was a blood relative.

"Or is sister not a close enough blood tie?" Holly asked bitterly.

The wizened headmaster sighed from behind his desk. "The magic is stronger when tied between generations. Parent to child would be ideal, but aunt to nephew is unfortunately stronger than sister to brother."

"Sir, doesn't love have to play some part? Our aunt hates us both! I don't like the idea that Harry's safety depends on Petunia Dursley!" Holly had insisted.

Sirius had stood behind Holly and clasped a hand on her shoulder. "Maybe she's right Albus. They could stay with Remus. He's been trying to get them away from Petunia since he dropped Holly off all those years ago. They're not infants any more. He could take them now."

"The Ministry would never allow it, Sirius. I'm sorry, I wish it were possible, but this is what's best for Harry. His well-being is our first concern. You are both safer with your aunt and uncle. You are in danger too, Holly."

Holly noticed Sirius' grip tighten, but ignored it. "Harry and I can take care of ourselves! We can take care of each other. As we always have done, before any of you showed up. I will not lose the only real family I have!"

"Then perhaps you should go visit you brother in the hospital wing Miss Potter. You're thirteen, Holly. You shouldn't have to carry such a burden."

"Neither should Harry," she had said before leaving.

That had been after the third task of the Triwizard Tournament her third year. At least Holly knew they had Sirius and Remus. The borage of hugs she was about enter reminder they had the Weasleys and Hermione too.

****

Sitting in their train compartment with her friends, Holly felt contentment slipping over her. This was the time she liked best. She was away from school but with her friends. And she was away from her 'family.'

She was determined to enjoy her last few hours of happiness.

When the witch came by with the sweet cart, she bought an arm full and gorged with her friend.

She studiously avoided the topic of summer brake, as did Harry. She talked school with Hermione and Quidditch with Harry and Ron and everything else with Ginny. Finally all talked out, Ginny had fallen asleep and Holly had resumed reading Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

"You know, I think there's something different about this train ride," Ron said.

"Don't jinx it," Holly warned from where her nose was firmly planted the book.

"Jinx what?" Ron asked dully.

"No Malfoy yet," Harry said.

"That's it," Ron said realizing that the blond haired Slytherin had yet to make an appearance.

"You jinx it," Holly said looking at the door to their compartment just as it open.

"It's creepy when you do that Hol-lil," Harry whispered to his sister.

Ron jumped up, blocking the Potters who were on either side next to the window. "What do you want Malfoy?"

Ginny, who had been using Holly's arm as a pillow, slowly got up at the sound of her brother yelling. "Oi, Ron. Not so loud. The git's not worth it." The she rested her head back on Holly's arm.

"Well, that was a kind reception, Weasley," Malfoy sneered.

As always, his cronies, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, flanked Draco Malfoy. His silver blond hair was perfectly in place. He was already wearing his impeccable black school robes, with a shinny Prefect badge on it.

"You don't think I'd be here unless I had to be, do you?" he asked. "Potter and Granger are wanted by Professor Flitwick in the head car."

The five friends exchanged quizzical glances.

Finally Hermione spoke. "I suppose we had better go."

"Oh honestly Granger!" Malfoy snapped. "You don't think I'd be here if I didn't have to be? I was the first Prefect Flitwick saw, that's all."

"Come on Hermione," Harry said shoving past Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. "By the way, Draco, your curse scars are healing nicely."

Malfoy fumed silently for a moment in their compartment. His lackeys looked slightly lost.

"Anything else, Malfoy?" Ginny asked sweetly.

Malfoy seemed to come to himself again. "Why yes. Weasley," he turned to Ron, "what are you doing here anyway? This is a Prefect's compartment. I know you need to follow Potty and the mudblood around for instructions but really, this is a bit much."

If Ron was fuming it was nothing to the look sheer hatred Holly had. "Out, Malfoy," she barked.

"Does the shadow Potter speak?" he asked looking down on Holly in a condescending manner.

She scowled and rose. She fixed her steely green eyes on him. Her gaze never wavered as she walked. A look of panic was starting to creep into Malfoy's own slate grey eyes. He backed out of the compartment, goons leading. Holly followed them out and the door slammed shut behind her without physical help.

Once she stopped charging, Malfoy was able to compose himself. His self-confidence returning, he starred her down. Holly looked at Crabbe and Goyle and nodded to the end of the train car.

Malfoy got the message. "Go back to your own compartment," he barked at them. "And smarten yourselves up! Your Slytherins for Merlin's sake."

Holly rolled her eyes.

"You wanted a word I presume?" the blond boy asked.

"Yes, I have warned you before about speaking to my friends in that manner," she said coolly.

"Oh, had you?" he answered lightly. "I don't recall."

"And here I thought we'd reached a truce. I though we were friends. "

Holly glared up at the boy. He had a good five or six inches on her now. He'd grown over the summer. She figured he was still just the same height as Harry. He didn't give way in their silent duel.

"All bets are off, Potter." It was Malfoy's turn to glare at her. "And you'll want to remember to show proper respect to a school prefect. I don't like you attitude."

"You never have," she recollected lightly. "And I'm a prefect too."

The Slytherin boy seemed to change tact's now. "You know, Holly, I think you're the only girl who can really challenge me." He leaned down close to her face. "If only you'd learn your proper place."

Holly shoved him off and into the wall behind him. Fire lit her green eyes. She raised her hand to point menacingly in his face. The fluffy blue sleeve that covered her hand dulled the effect.

"I'm subordinate to know one!" she declared.

Malfoy chuckled. "Just your brother. Pity. Second born, second best, I suppose."

With that, Draco Malfoy sauntered away. Holly stood rooted to the floor. Those words had hunted her for as long as she could remember. Dudley had said them first.

"You know, my mum never wanted you here," eight-year-old Dudley had taunted on Holly's seventh birthday. "You're more trouble than anything. Even your freak brother was more welcome than you."

Holly felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Shut up!"

"You know it's true," Dudley had pressed. "Your sickly and small and useless. Auntie Marge said you should have been drowned right off. Not worth anyone's trouble, you weren't."

"I am so! My mum and dad loved me," she said knowing it was a weak argument. Dudley had shot it down before.

"Really? You really think they wanted you? You weren't even living with them when they died. Hadn't cared enough to take you from hospital. Oh well, second born, second best."

Dudley had laughed and walked off and Holly sat on the ground dazed.

She felt just the same now. The sound of the car door sliding shut behind Malfoy snapped her out of it. Looked up down the length of the car slightly lost. It took her second to remember herself. She turned and silently entered the compartment.

"Poor Holly," Ginny said sympathetically.

I am not second best, she thought.

"He'll make our lives bloody miserable," Ron observed.

Holly looked up at her brother's best friend. "Your not sorry you didn't get it, are you Ron? You know, prefect and everything."

"Merlin, no!" he said a little too quickly. The girls just starred at him. "Alright, a little. But what can I do? And I learned my lesson fourth year about being jealous of Harry. Yeah everything seems to happen to him, but with all the bad some good must balance it out."

"We're not second best," Holly said. "None of us."

"No, I rank about fourth," Ron joked.

"Just above the twins and bellow Perce?" Ginny asked.

"'Bout there," Ron agreed.

"What about me then?" his sister asked.

"My dear Virginia," Ron said in a mock serious impression of their elder brother Percy, "you are in a class by yourself."

"Ah, why thank you," she said with a mock bow from her seat.

"Now if only we could figure out what class," Holly said.

Ginny made an indigent noise and hit her arm.

****

By the time Harry and Hermione returned, the others when already in their Hogwarts robes. Holly and the two Weasleys were laughing and joking. Holly saw the brief look of relief on Harry's face.

What? She mouthed when he sat down across form her again.

Harry just shrugged and nodded his head at Ron. Holly forced a smile for her brother's benefit. Of course Harry would worry about Ron. He was the thing her brother would miss most. Though she did have to wonder if Harry was glad Ron was alright or that she and Ron where getting along again.

She had been beastly to the tall red head in her third year. First he had abandoned her brother. Then he had yelled at Hermione and Ginny all the time. He had started on the 'traitor' comments again with a vengence. Holly was just as ruthless though. And after the second task, she had been so hurt that Harry would miss Ron more than her. She took all of her anger out on Ron. Holly had a vicious streak and her father's gift for pulling pranks. Ron had been a wonderful target.

And he had forgiven her for everything.

"Hey, Holly, can we talk?" Ron said approaching Holly under a tree by the lake.

She looked up at him from her notebook. When she didn't answer, he assumed that meant he could stay. Ron sat next to her, slightly turned so that he was also sitting with his back against the great oak.

"You know, I almost like my hair blue," he said lightly. "Clashes with my freckles though."

"Yes, ridding you of them was my next project," she said without looking at him.

Ron paled. "Look Holly, this is really ridiculous, you know?" She kept her face firmly in the book, but he could see she stopped reading. "I've made up with Harry. Our little feud is making him and Ginny miserable. The third task is coming up. Harry needs us all there for him."

"No," she said quietly. "He just needs you. You may not have noticed, being unconscious and all, but you mean the most to him."

"No, he'd miss me the most, there's a difference." She turned to him looking genuinely puzzled. "Look, I'm his best mate, the only guy he has around. We'd go nutters without Hermione, and you and Ginny are our sisters, but you've got to understand, sometimes all you birds can drive a bloke nutters."

"That's your explanation!" she shouted.

"It's the truth," Ron shrugged. "Girls are just weird."

"Because boys are so easy," she scoffed.

They sat without saying anything for a moment. Ron was pulling up blades of grass when Holly sighed deeply.

"I know he missed you and you missed him. I heard Ginny and Hermione complain about you two enough. I think it's the first time in three years I was glad to be in a different house. But I'm his sister Ron. He really is all I have, you know."

"He isn't," Ron assured her. "You're Weasleys, maybe not in name, or blood, but your family, just the same. I know Fred and George gave you a bit of help. Ginny thinks of you as her sister. And I think of Harry as a brother as do the rest of my brothers. I think. You're not getting rid of us, Hol.

"And he would miss you. You've just always been there for him. I don't think the possibility of losing you is even possible in his mind. You saw how Fleur reacted to her sister? Multiply that about ten or fifteen times and you might be somewhere near where Harry would have been if it was you."

"As much as we wish it, Ron, we're not Weasleys." She smiled weakly and said, "we're bout as close as we can be. And we are family now, of that, there's no doubt. But we're not Weasleys. We're Potters, the last ones."

"You guys have had it hard," he said standing up. "But that's no reason to mope about." He bushed the dirt off his legs and extended a hand to her. "Don't make it harder."

Holly smiled at him and took his hand. "You know, the blue hair doesn't clash that badly with your freckles."

True, it was over two years ago now, but that year played heavily on all their minds. Holly knew Harry didn't have to worry about loosing Ron. The red head may have felt a little jealous of Harry, but he wasn't going to go off again like he had before.

They was laughing and joking together now. Hermione was rolling her eyes and Ginny was giggling at them. Maybe this would be a good year after all. It had to be. It was their last year together.

****

Ginny and Holly separated from the Trio and the station and headed for a horseless carriage. They spotted and empty carriage started for it. They giggled like first years as they slammed into the black side to stop.

"Oi!" Neville Longbottom called. "Oi! You girls mind if we ride with you?"

Neville panted as he stopped. Seamus Finnigan ran easily next to him.

"Sure," Ginny said automatically. "Where's Dean, though?"

Seamus nodded over to his best friend Dean Thomas who was climbing into a carriage with someone who appeared to be Padma Patil and two other Ravenclaws.

"Oh, tough luck," Ginny said.

Seamus shrugged. "Nah, good for him."

Neville climbed in the carriage. Seamus looked at him then at the girls. When they didn't move he entered.

Holly frantically grabbed Ginny's arm. "Gin! I can't believe you did that to me! And Neville!"

"What?" Ginny said with a wicked smile. "Now you'll have a whole twenty minutes with Seamus Finnigan."

"I'll kill you both," Holly whispered, but Neville was helping Ginny in.

Holly sighed and went to go in herself. Seamus' head appeared in the door.

"Need a hand?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you," she said sure her face was now bright red. At least it was dark.

When she settled down next to Seamus he never let go of her hand. Holly smiled all the way to Hogwarts.

****

When they arrived at the school, Ginny and Neville got right out of the carriage. Seamus held Holly back.

"I wanted to talk a second," he said tightening his gripped on her hand.

"Oh, okay," she said lamely.

"I know that the first Hogsmeade weekend probably won't be for a awhile. And I'm sure lots of blokes will ask you, but I just, I wanted to ask you to think on me first, and maybe, you know, if you wanted..."

"Seamus, are you asking me out?" Holly said unable to hide her smile.

"Yeah," he said not looking at her. "Stupid, I know. I'm sorry I bothered you."

"Seamus, no!" Holly said. "I'd really like to go with you."

"Really?" he said.

She nodded.

Seamus smiled widely and quickly kissed her.

"You two coming?" Ginny yelled making them both jump.

They broke apart and quickly left, still holding hands.

****

"Why is Seamus holding my sister's hand?"

Holly froze when she heard the question in the Entrance Hall.

"Shit!" she said. "Harry's going to freak."

Seamus looked at her, blue eyes wide. "Should I worry? I mean his is the Boy Who Lived and all. Plus I have to sleep in the same room as him."

Holly groaned when Hermione and Ron pushed Harry into the Great Hall. "No, really, why is he holding her hand?"

Neville and Ginny were behind the Trio. Neville decided to explain. "You see Harry, when a boy likes a girl..." His voice could be heard trailing off the further in the room they got.

Holly pulled Seamus into the shadow of the doors. "Harry'll be fine. Just don't stay in a room alone with him for to long."

Seamus looked skeptical.

"If you'd rather just call this all off," Holly said, "I'd understand." He didn't even know about her escaped convict godfather.

"No," Seamus said firmly. "For you, I think I can handle a few death stares from your brother."

Holly smiled up at him. "Sure?" He really was cute.

Seamus leaned down and kissed her. "I'm sure," he whispered in her ear between kisses.

"Aw! How touching!" Draco Malfoy's voice cut in. "Five points from Gryffindor for snogging in the halls!"

Holly glared at him.

"Sod off, Malfoy," Seamus said tugging on Holly's hand. "Forget him."

"You'd better go join your little friends, Finnigan," Malfoy sneered. "The Sorting will be starting soon."

Seamus whirled around on the Prefect. Now Holly tugged on his hand. "He is right, Seamus. You'd better get in. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Absolutely," he said smiling at her. Seamus kissed her again before glaring at Malfoy and marching into the Hall.

Malfoy shook his head. "You really don't know your place, eh Potter?"

"Get bent, git," she said pushing past him.

"Ouch! Did I hit sort spot, Holly?"

"No Draco, I just hate having to deal with your...."

"Should I warn you to watch your language again?" He smirked at her in a superior manner that made her want to hit him.

"Why me Malfoy? Couldn't you find someone else's happy moment to ruin?"

"And what if Snape had caught you instead of me?" Malfoy demanded. "You're a Slytherin Holly. It won't work with the Gryffindor."

"What do you care Draco? What would anyone in our house care? As long as I win Quidditch games, I'm gold."

"This is about Slytherin pride!" he shouted at her. "Running around with that half-blood..."

"God, you actually think like that!" Holly said. "I pity you Draco."

Malfoy graded her roughly by the upper arm. "I don't want or need your pity," he spat in a low menacing voice. "But I'll be damned if I let you drag this house down any further. It's bad enough you hang around all those Gryffindors, but your brother gets you out of it. Blaise likes you. Go out with him. Just forget the Gryffindor. It'd be better if you forgot all of them." He let her go. Malfoy calmly straightened his robes. "You have potential Potter. I'd hate to see you waste it further."

Holly took a deep breath. She was alone in the Entrance Hall now. She could see Malfoy taking his seat between his cronies. Across the room she could see Harry grilling Seamus. Ron and Hermione finally calming him down.

Holly closed her eyes blocking tears. Once she was composed, she walked coolly to the Slytherin table. She sat at the empty end, only the Bloody Barren, her house ghost was near her. She was alone again. She was back at Hogwarts.