Standing with her friends in line at the Sorting Ceremony among the others of the midget army, her being one of, if not the smallest of the whole lot. An eleven-year-old in a seven or eight-year-old's body. JOY. Katie made sure to stay furthest away from Legend and his two partners-in-crime: Matias and Cyrus.

After what felt like forever, it was her turn.

Jae, in his thick irish brogue, reassured her before she set off toward the three-legged stool.

With the Sorting Hat covering her eyes, Katie heard the loud applause follow the words "HUFFLEPUFF!"

"I told you so, Legend!"

"Thank you, Uncle Legend." Said the five-year-old, seating herself on the edge of the couch as she munched on an oreo Legend handed her as Katie worked on untying her shoe lace.

"He's not your uncle." She muttered, correcting her niece.

"I make a better Uncle than you do an Aunt!" Legend protested, sticking his tongue out at her.

"You're NOT her uncle!" Katie shouted, abandoning the knot and threw her arms up for emphasis.

"That's not what Lainie says."

"FINE. Since you're so great, untie her shoe laces."

Legend grinned triumphantly, watching Katie storm off to get their coats.

"I challenge you to a duel!" Legend announced, a sly grin on his boyish face.

Eyeing him, Katie shook her head, brushing back the dark, wild curls that fell forward with the motion. "Absolutely not." was her reply before her head was hidden behind a book once more.

"What, wittwe Katie's scawed?" Mocked the green-eyed boy, knowing perfectly well he would hit a nerve. It was his goal, after all.

"You wish."

"That's okay. You better not accept, wouldn't want to Cub to get hurt and go crying to the nurse because she couldn't handle a duel with the Prince."

"MUUUUM! There's a boggart in the dresser!" Katie cried, pointing to the ancient looking, maple wood dresser covered in dust. Everything in the attic was dark with caked on dust, having not been touched in. . oh, who knew how long?

Behind her, Legend snorted. "It's not a boggart, Cub."

"Do NOT call me that!" Katie hissed, "And how would you know?"

"Because I know all." He answered, as if that made it so. The girl rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, sighing exasperatedly.

Ignoring the childrens bickering, Raine pulled open the rattling drawer, and out ran a tiny orange furrball.

. .but this group really doesn't need another drama - 'think she's' - queen.

"I don't think so, I know I'm Queen, Legend."

In front of their friends, the two were at it again.

When Katie returned from speaking to Grandma Angelina, his eyes narrowed on her. "You're NOT gonna be Queen, because I'M gonna be King; you'll be LUCKY to be a servant girl!"

"Servant girl?!" She repeated, shrilly. "You have some pretty far fetched dreams, Lysander!"

"Do NOT call me Lysander, Kaitlynnh Gelilah Cantara Kayleigh Mae!" Legend shouted back, furiously.

Nevermind servant girl, she was getting locked away in the dungeon!

Exhausted, Katie could be found in the corner in a puffy armchair, curled up with her skirt smoothed out over her knees that were pulled in close to her body. Her shoes lay abandoned on the floor beside the chair; a fairytale book resting against her legs, open to the page she had been reading before those large, dark brown eyes were suddenly having trouble staying open.

"Taking a nap in the Library?" Came a rather mocking question.

Okay, maybe not mocking - Katie just took it that way.

"I am not, Legend."

"Are too."

"I am not!"

"Are too!"

"What are you doing?"

What was up with Legend talking to her at the worst possible moments?

Like when I'm trying to focus on something, she bitterly thought.

"Ignoring you."

"You just spoke to me, how can you be ignoring me? Ha! I win."

Taking a deep breath, Katie glared at the piece of parchment in front of her instead of paying Legend any attention. Positive or negative, and merlin knew it would be the latter of the two.

"No come back, huh, Cub?" There was no need to look up, she could simply hear the smirk in his tone.

This wasn't one of his best plans, but it would do for now until he and Mat could visit Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes in Diagon Alley before going back to school for yet another year of learning.

Lightly tossing the 'water balloon' he held into the air only to catch it again, he returned to outside, in backyard where the others were, Legend shouted: "HEY! Katie!" knowing that she would turn, and chucked the balloon at her.

Caught off-guard, the fierce brunette was a direct hit: green, slimey, ooze splattered over her. Her expression went from shock to fury. "LEGEND CHOSEN!"

"Legend, what are you playing at? Mat is not an alien. I don't care what you or Mat have to say, even though I have questioned that myself - Mat IS from this planet." Katie rambled on at a quick pace, rolling her dark brown eyes at the end.

"Believe it or not, you'll see. Just wait. He'll turn you into space dust before you can even blink," Legend smirked, looking quite confident.

"Yeah right, by next week you'll be trying to tell me Mat's actually from the future come back to take over the world."

"No, that's MY job."

"Aw, what? Wittwe Cub scared of the harmless owls?"

Katie in all her bushy haired, dark curls glared fiercely up at the green-eyed boy. A look that clearly said 'don't mess with me'.

With their group of friends, they stood outside on the street of Diagon Alley outside Eeylops Owl Emporium, where Legend's eldest sister, Artemis, worked.

Naturally, Legend took the look as encouragement and pushed the matter further. "What are they going to do? Pick you up and fly you off to some unknown island?"

"Hey, that's not a bad idea.." Matias was next to recieve her piercing stare.

Don't egg on the boy!

The thought never left the young brunette's mind, but it was written all over her face. He needed no more encouragement, especially by his Partner-in-Crime of all people.

"Well are you coming, or are you going to sit out here and wait?" Legend finally asked, holding the door open to the store while Orlando, Danny, Mat, Jae and Kayla slowly, one by one, followed each other inside. Kayla waited until last, giving Katie a hopeful look as if to silently tell her 'You can do it'.

"Alright, I'm coming." Shuffling her feet, Katie went inside.

Even though she was one of the oldest, Katie still remained one of the smallest in the group. And at the moment, that was a good thing. Her attempt at nonchalantly hiding behind both Jae and Kayla would hopefully go unnoticed.

"I don't think there is any owls out of their cages, Katie." Offered her cousin, younger by a year; Danny was always the sweet one. Innocent and quiet. It was no wonder she fought with Legend, Mat and Cy to keep him that way. And Orlando, too.

HOOT! HOOT!

Startled, Katie jumped. Legend erupted in a fit of laughter.

"Would you keep up, Legend? Pick up your pace! We're going to be late for class." The brunette ranted on as she led the way out onto the grounds, directing them to a path that would hopefully take the least amount of time. Of course, that matter very little if Chosen wouldn't pick up his feet and get a move on.

Kaitlynnh huffed.

"Where's Mat, anyway? And Jae?" Danny had gone ahead with Kay; she assumed Orlando had gone with them.

"How should I know. Do I look like their babysitter? Unlike you, I don't follow their every move. Stalker."

Kaitlynnh spun around abruptly to face Legend, dark eyes narrowed in obvious fury.

"Woah, warn me next time you decide to suddenly stop right in front of me." Legend complained, taking a large step back from Katie after coming dangerously close to walking straight into her. "I thought you were whining about getting to class on time, what's with stopping?"

"I was not whining and I am not a stalker, Legend! It's called being a friend. Friends usually know where their other friends are, especially when they go to most of the same classes at the same time." Kaitlynnh hissed.

"Could have fooled me." Legend muttered under his breath, unafraid of the walking, talking firecracker in front of him hearing as they continued the journey across the grounds of Hogwarts.

There was silence. Not around them, for other students were coming and going in each direction, headed for their next class. But between them, there was silence. It didn't last long.

"You're going the wrong way, Creatures class is that way," Legend stated, paused in his tracks, he jabbed a thumb behind himself.

"We don't have Care of Magical Creatures right now. Herbology is next."

"Nuh-uh!"

"Yes, actually it is!"

Seated in one of the large, over-stuffed red armchairs in the far corner of the library, was a Hufflepuff student of Third year. Books piled on her lap, a few of which were opened to pages the girl seemed to be looking over every now and then when her gaze wasn't on the parchment resting against the arm of the chair.

"Quell... Quell," the soft murmurs escaped her, eyes dancing from one book to the other in search of the word, or perhaps something relating to it. "Where is it?"

The sound of feet approaching broke her concentration, just barely.

Correction: A pair of feet. The young badger didn't bother looking up, she didn't need to. It was just Legend. "Don't bother trying to scare me, it isn't going to work." Katie stated. "What is it that you want, anyway?" Because it wasn't like Legend ever came to the Library to study.

"Why do you think I want something?" Legend retorted cooly, eyebrows raised. "Anyway, I think I deserve an apology since, being the good Prince I am, I'm going to help you. You're quill is right there,"

Katie sighed, curls bouncing around her face as she shook her head.

"Come here," Katie commanded, waving Legend over. It was a useless attempt, seeing how he didn't move an inch. Her neutral expression was washed away by one of clear annoyance. "FINE." She huffed, closing one of the books with a sharp, rather loud snap; another fell off her lap and onto the floor with an even louder THUD.

Please don't let Madame Kohan have heard that.

Gathering her mess, Katie said, "Here, take this and look it up yourself. Q-U-E-L-L." and shoved the Dictionary into Legend's hands before walking away to return the library's books where she had found them.

Pulling her cloak tighter around herself, Katie shivered as a strong gust of chilled air whipped through, picking up stray leaves on the ground and rocking tree branches back and forth against each other in the canopy of green above their heads on the pathway trail.

Changing course, Katie left Legend to his thoughts, staring up the Whomping Willow on their way past. Watching the branches sway and twig-like ends move, she was certain the tree was not affected by the wind - but merely dancing on it's own free will. "Look, it's playing along."

"No it's not. You're crazy."

"Santa Clause is not real, Legend." Katie huffed, hands planted on her hips. Her expression gave away her annoyance to the topic.

"Yes he is. You were one of those girls who got coal instead of the Pony she asked for, I bet. I mean.. it is you." Legend smirked, quite sure of himself.

Katie glared back. "I was not, and that's childish. Santa Clause is a made-up person meant for children to believe in."

"Just because you act like you're so mature doesn't mean you are. You don't know anything. He is real, and it's not childish! You're childish!"

"Ooh, good come back." Katie rolled her eyes. "He is not! And you have no proof, now do you?"

"Who do you think eats the cookies and drinks the milk and leaves presents on Christmas morning, the Easter bunny?" Legend inquired, emerald green eyes narrowed.

"HMMPH! Fine! I'll prove it. I'll stay up all night, and when I don't see him-"

"How's that gonna prove anything? Santa's not going to appear with you waiting for him. Don't you know how it works?" Legend interupted her.

Katie practically growled, "If you're such a genius, you come up with a better idea!"

Grinning widely, Legend replied "About time you give me credit for the genius I am. I don't need to come up with something better. I already have."

"Well, get on with it Chosen! I'm growing old here!" Katie paused, lips pressed in a firm line. Quickly, she added "If you value your life, you will not follow that up with a stupid remark." rather snappishly.

"Geez, grumpy! You know, old people take naps. You should try it," Legend chuckled, loping down the corridor without another word.

"Legend Chosen!" Katie hissed, arms crossed moodly over her chest. HMMPHing, she followed after.

"It was a JOKE! You do know what that is, Cub?" Legend had to use that name. He just had to. It was like he knew exactily how to make her mad and keep her that way.

Through gritted teeth, Katie spoke furiously. "You said you had an idea. Spit it out already! I'm in no mood to deal with you." When was she ever, really?

"We'll go up to the Astronomy Tower before midnight on Christmas Eve. Shouldn't be too hard to sneak out. Unless you're scared?" He asked, mock concerned. A sly grin on his face.

"As if!"

Sitting criss-cross on her four poster bed dark waves of hair had fallen forward sometime ago, partially covering a young girl's face who was leaned forward on her elbows, her chin in her hand, staring blankly at a notebook that layed in front of her.

Astronomy homework is what she was attempting to do, but it was hopeless. Astronomy had to do with stars and planets; the next word that instantly came to mind was the moon. Katie didn't want to think about any sort of moons; it always led her thoughts right back to Leah Moon, her best friend.

Katie missed Leah, no doubting that. But it was weird now, Legend and Leah.. the girl shook her head as if to try clearing the memories that danced inside her mind, replaying themselves just to torture her with that awkward feeling that fluttered in her tummy.

She had homework to do! And all she could think of was how infuriating it was to know what she did; NO ONE in the group were suppose to be a thing, a couple - if you could even call them that. Katie snorted at the very thought. A slight twing of guilt followed.

This wasn't fair, she shouldn't have to feel guilty for thinking such things! They were apart of the same group of friends. Friends that had met, for the most part, long before starting school at Hogwarts.

It was common knowledge, an unwritten rule even, that someone within the group did not date or go out with someone else in the group. It was icky! What would happen if things didn't work out? That would cause problems. Problems Katie would have to deal with.

This was all Legend's fault! And a little of Leah's too, but Leah didn't know any better.

Leah not knowing better was not something Katie, or anyone for that matter, could often say. It was a rare occasion when saying that would be true, but the day had definitely come.

Poor Leah must have hit her head, the young Hufflepuff decided, nodding to no one but herself.

Taking one last glance at her homework, she shoved it aside and bounced off her bed, running out of the girls Fourth year dormitory without wasting a second.

It only took a second to remember she was in her pajamas, and backtracked into her room to change into her robes.

"LEGEND CHOSEN!" Kaitlynnh uttered shrilly. Finally upon making her way down to the grounds she found the boy laying on his back in the grass, his once peaceful expression turned to one of annoyance at her presence and tone.

"What did I do NOW, Mae?" Legend didn't bother looking at her.

During the time she was flying down corridors on a mission to hunt him down she had worked herself up from irritated to purely angry. The sad part was she didn't even understand why she felt so angry, but she didn't question it either.

"Oh, let me think.. Leah?!"

"What about her?" Legend still didn't open his eyes. Beside him lay a piece of parchment with 'Muggle Studies Homework' written across the top.

"YOU. HER. What were you thinking!? I'll TELL you what you were thinking! You were thinking, OH I'm LEGEND, I can do WHATEVER I want because I'm so awesome and couldn't care less about what my decisions do to anyone ELSE!"

With nearly every word she released, the pitch of her voice rose and fell.

Emerald green eyes finally opened, narrowing on her own dark chocolate brown ones. He looked about as happy as she felt.

Slouched in his chair with elbows on the top of his desk, Legend Chosen twirled his wand between his fingers. While the Professor came to some conclusion with whatever it was he was talking about to begin with, Legend had come to his own conclusion: Girls were stupid.

Especially the midgety ones with dark curly hair that stalk their friends. Yes, especially her. Katie was living proof of why girls had cooties, and boys should be smart and stay away.

Distracted, he dropped his wand. TINK-PLINK! Legend bent to retrieve it. The Professor glared, and so did someone.

Professor Shackleton was a great teacher. Professor Shackleton was Katie's Head of House. Professor Shackleton taught Arithmancy. As much as Katie wanted to be a good badger and make the woman proud, it just wasn't happening.

The basic idea of Arithmancy seemed easy. That was an illusion, a trick.

"This is never ending," Katie groaned, slumping back in her seat.

"WhatdidyadoCub," Legend questioned, pausing to swallow some of the juice filling in his mouth from the candy he continued to suck on. "Forget how to do math?"

Legend was probably joking aroud.

Katie and her dry sense of humor glared.

Defense Against the Dark Arts had left the Defense Against behind this term, apparently.

Neither the Lion or the Badger cub were enjoying their 'new Professor'. They didn't say it outloud, because that was unnecessary and just.. stupid. But it was agreed upon in a silent way, Katie and Legend style.

They were getting along at first, seated in the Library going over homework assignments and notes that were piling up. Of course, the two couldn't possibly keep up such a nice moment going for long!

"It is NOT killing homework, Legend. We've gone over this before."

"Yeah yeah, whatever."

The first snowfall of the year was one of the best days at Hogwarts, something many students looked foward to. The lake freezing over, blankets of fluffy snow covering every inch of the castle and grounds, students everywhere.

Playing, laughing, running, joking.

While snow was being squeezed into a firm ball between his gloved hands, emerald green orbs searched for a target. Over by the tree, he saw her.

Katie had her back turned, kneeling down to gather some of the white dust. With a mischievous grin, Legend swong his arm back and chucked the snowball.

It hit target.

"SCORE!"

"She better not pet me again, I'm not a DOG!" Legend complained as they waited for the others. He already looked grumpy with his arms crossed and an annoyed look on his face.

Briefly, Katie wondered what had gotten his wand in a knot. She didn't ask.

The 'she' he spoke of was Leah Moon, a new friend as of less than six months ago. Leah had patted Legend's head that first day; Legend hadn't forgotten.

"Obviously. If you were a dog, I would feel bad for thinking about smacking you with a newspaper. You'd probably be better behaved too,"

"You're not a Gryffindor."

"No, really?" Sarcasm dripped from Katie's tone, an eyebrow arched up at the green-eyed boy.

"Don't give me that look, you're the one that's confused!" Legend insisted.

Katie's attention drifted toward a couple of students walking by, probably on their way to Hogsmeade. It was the weekend, after all. They were free to go if they wished.

"Did you hit your head earlier?"

The boy snorted. "No."

"You sure?"

He rolled his eyes and pointed out what she wasn't noticing. Her red, plaid skirt and matching red knee-high socks. Her favorite color. A Gryffindor House color.

"Don't you ever shut up!?" Legend demanded loudly, the anger that shown in his face mirrored in his voice.

She had said his name again. His real name. Outloud. In front of people.

Kaitlynnh knew better than to call Legend 'Lysander'; he loathed his birth name. Part of her wondered, silently, if it was because of whom had given him this name.

"Let me guess, you're going to go cry now! Grow up, Kaitlynnh."

Tears built up. He walked away.

She would never admit it, but it was times like these she wished for a timeturner to undo her mistake.

Katie sighed, shifting on her four-poster bed and pushed her face into her pillow.

It had been a long time since they last spoke.

At first it was out of anger, Katie had wanted nothing to do with Legend after that day in Diagon Alley, just as he wanted nothing to do with her.

He had yelled at her and shoved her off the bench she stood on. Not for no reason, of course.. she had called him Lysander.

But that was summer. It was now the end of winter, and still nothing.

This must be what depression feels like..

Legend gave her a funny look, obviously wondering why she was at his window late after the sun had gone down.

"What are you doing here?" It didn't come out snappish like she had expected. He sounded confused, and maybe even curious.

She didn't blame him.

"I have something for you." Katie informed him, happily. She kept her arms behind her back, so he couldn't see whatever it was.

He eyed her suspiciously, leaning his elbows on the windowsill. "Why didn't you give it to me earlier?"

Katie knew he thought she was up to something. But that didn't matter.

"I have a present for you."

Now he looked REALLY suspicious. He wore that look, the one that said "Since when is Katie NICE" or "Since when does Katie randomly give people PRESENTS ... at night, no less"

Katie frowned. He was ruining it.

"It's not my birthday."

"Not yet, no. I really didn't.. I don't think.. you should just open it now." She ended up mumbling. "It's not anything bad. It doesn't explode or anything, just.. open it." Katie shoved a little silver and blue box at him.

"Happy Early Birthday, Lizzard."

With an eyebrow raised, he replied, "Not Lizzard."

Settled at a table in the Three Broomsticks, Katie waited for her friends to join her. They had planned to meet up, and she was first here.

"Look Mat! A leprechaun," Legend announced jokingly, appearing with Matias by his side.

The partners-in-crime had arrived.

"COOL! Can we keep it? Hey Katie, why didn't you dye your hair green?" Mat pretended to pout.

"We can fix that for her!"

Make that the Terrible Troublesome Trio.

"You will do no such thing, Cyrus!" Katie replied sharply, smacking Mat's hand away and adjusting the sparkly green clip that kept her curls at bay.

"Legend, please tell me you didn't add MORE rat spleen! I already put that in, I told you when I did it."

"No you didn't, I told you I was doing that part. You were suppose to be chopping the daisy roots!"

Katie grimaced as their potion turned orange before they were even finished.

It was already ruined.

Legend sighed exasperatedly, folding his arms on their desk, away from the lit cauldron.

"I told you. If you would have listened!"

Legend sat up and raised his hand, "Professor! I need a new Potions Partner. I don't like mine, she's annoying."

"Divination class is easy, all you do is make stuff up. Watch!" Legend made a funny face and let his hands hover over the crystal ball, waving them a bit. "I seee.. Katie marrying the giant squid!"

"No, you're vision is incorrect. Though you were close, because I predict you will be meeting the giant squid personally very, very soon." Kaitlynnh retorted.

"What did I miss?" Jae asked, taking a seat next to Kayla and Danny.

Kayla gave him a welcoming smile, answering simply; "Katie and Legend arguing over the giant squid again."

"Becoming a bit obssesed, eh?" Jae teased.

Legend - Lysander Chosen - had signed up for Quidditch.

Sure Alexis 'Lexi' Chosen was the former Gryffindor Quidditch Captain. She loved the sport.

But Legend? He hated it!

Where was the logic behind that?! . . . Then again, Katie could ask the same of a lot of things he did.

"Okay, so tell me again you're brilliant plan?" Katie asked one sunny morning, picking at a croissant.

He sighed and rolled his emerald green eyes, "I'm going to play to prove how dumb it really is, and to prove anyone can do it."

"Would Alexis approve?"

Legend shrugged. "She won't know."

"Zap. Zap. Zaaaaaaap." Legend repeated, poking Katie with his wand tip as she ignored him.

Correction: Tried to ignore him.

"ZAP!"

"Legend, if you do that one more time I'm going to do to you what bug zappers do to annoying, buzzing, gross bugs."

Her patience was very, very short and running out.

He had known her since the age of five or six; he knew that all too well.

"ZAPZAPZAP!"

"LEGEND CHOSEN!"

Laughing, the blonde somehow managed to stand and run down the path that laid ahead of them. Grabbing her bag, Katie ran down the pathway after him.

Storming over to her bed, Kaitlynnh ignored the tears streaking down her unusually red face.

She shoved the pillows to the floor in her fury and collapsed on top of the covers, curling up.

"WHY CAN'T YOU JUST BE NICE!"

"WHY DO YOU CARE?!" Legend had yelled at her.

She had tried to compose herself, "Because you're both my friends."

"No, Kaitlynnh. You've known me for years, but you chose him."

"I did NOT choose ANYONE!"

"You take HIS side over MINE, that's CHOOSING!"

Kaitlynnh grabbed the Hogwarts, A History copy from her nightstand and threw it across the room.

"I'm not touching that, you probably poisoned it." Legend protested, eyeing the baking sheet of cookies.

Kaitlynnh rolled her dark eyes toward the ceiling, scooping up a cookie with the spatula she held in her right hand.

Noticing a little hand sneaking over, she quickly grabbed it. "No, Hayley. Have one of those-" she pointed to the last batch that were cooled already. "You're so dramatic, Legend. Why would Lainie be eating one if that was the case?"

Legend seemed to consider what she said. He retorted, "So what! I bet they taste like socks; since when can you bake?"

Katie sat at the Gryffindors table, surrounded by her lion friends. It was the opening feast of yet another term.

Her gaze locked on the line of Firsties waiting to be sorted, a small group caught her attention more than the others.

From her seat, she could see a small girl with boys on either side of her; they looked like they were arguing, or perhaps the boys were teasing her.

Katie nudged each Legend, Mat, Kayla and Jae, pointing out the children. She had never looked through a Pensieve before, but somehow the scene before her felt oddly similar.

"Want a banana?"

"No."

"Want a banana split?"

"No."

"Want a.. banana pancake? Piece of banana bread? Banana-"

Kaitlynnh turned narrowed dark eyes on the boy, anger slowly running through her.

Legend found it funny. He thought it was all fun and games. he always did, as far as Katie was concerned.

"I'm ALLERGIC to bananas."

"Soooo you can't have anything with banana in it?" He asked, his expression one of pure innocence.

She didn't find it cute. At all.

"Legend, one more time you say 'banana' I'm going to squish one in your eye."

Legend didn't take her seriously.

"Chicken?" Legend sounded odd. Confused?

Katie didn't bother turning around; it was a strange, random question. "You know I don't ea-"

"No, chicken-"

"Are you calling me a chicken?" She asked sharply, barely looking up at him through her fallen curls.

"Not this time. LOOK-" Buck, buckaaaaaa! Legend was interrupted by the clucking of an aggitated chicken running their way.

The blonde haired boy remained safe, sitting on a low tree branch.

Katie spun around and practically fell over, wide-eyed. "Since when does Grandma Angelina have a chicken!?"

Watching, Legend held his sides, laughing as Katie ran off.

Being that it was Hogsmeade weekend, the grounds were nearly empty of students. Nice and quiet except, minus the pair of arguing children. Of course, minus that.

"There's nothing wrong with the Whomping Willow-" Katie began to protest and was stopped, interupted by the Gryffindor boy at her side.

"Yeah, Cub. It's a harmless tree, that's why they call it the WHOMPING Willow." Legend replied sarcastically, emerald green eyes glancing at her skeptically.

Katie huffed, growing annoyed. "That's out of DEFENSE! What do you expect?"

"That's out of defense, what do you expect!" Legend mimicked in a high pitched tone.

"It's a Kneazle," Legend insisted for the third time.

"It is not, it's just a normal cat." Katie answered.

"How would you know?" The green-eyed boy challenged.

"It's not spotted and it doesn't have big ears."

Silence.

"What if it was, though?"

Katie tilted her head to look at the boy. "I suppose that would mean someone in our neighborhood isn't who we thought they were?"

Legend wasn't satisfied with this answer. "Why do you say that?"

"If it was a Kneazle and it didn't belong to either of us, then there must be another witch or wizard close by."

It wasn't very often Lorraine and Alphonse could visit anymore, not since they were children themselves.

But when they could, they would arrange a day for them to meet up and talk. Children included.

It was possibly the first time Katie and Legend were introduced to one another, and both were far too young to remember the event, or their very first arguement:

"Is that chocolate on your face, little man?" Raine asked, bending down beside the pair.

Katie shook her head. "Is mud."

"Is not!" Legend protested, his lip pushing out. It was not mud.

"Is so! It mud,"

Katie was a meanie. A big meanie!

She had Legend red-faced and ready to cry as she stood inches from him, head held high and arms crossed as she refused to look at him.

"Kaitlynnh, you be good. Apologize to Lysander," Her mother insisted, frowning.

"No! I did'nt do anyting!" The fiesty little midget cried, stomping her foot.

Katie's twin brother remained quiet, shyly off to the side, not wanting to take part in the chaos.

"Did too! She was been mean an scary, an ROAR!" Legend's lip quivered, beautiful emerald green eyes filling with tears.

"Katie, apologize."

"... Was not,"

"I don't see Professor Bunbury," Katie piped up, searching the staff table from where she sat amongst the Gryffindors.

"Good. She probably left." Legend muttered without care.

Several pairs of eyes turned on him, some curious and others narrowed; none of the offended eyeballs belonged to their group of friends.

"Don't like Bunbury?" Mat asked, practically bouncing in his seat.

Katie feared he might have gotten into chocolate on the train without her noticing. How? She had no clue.

"No, she's evil! Probably one of those part-veela witches," Legend made a face, obviously not fond of veelas for some reason.

"I can't find Nova." Katie exclaimed, a hint of anger raising the pitch of her voice.

Legend rolled his eyes, as if this was nothing new. "You suck as an owner. When do you ever know where it is?"

"IT has a name, Legend. Where's that thing of yours, Pluto. Have you been keeping an eye on that?" The young girl demanded, knowing they were heading toward another fight and not caring one bit.

She wanted Nova.

"Yes" He said evenly, cool green eyes narrowing on her. "Don't blame Pluto for your pet problems, he wouldn't touch that smelly rabbit."

Standing in front of one of MANY portraits decorating the castle walls, a Hufflepuff and Gryffindor could easily be found - or heard, - bickering. As usual.

"That's a guy." Katie said, an air of confidence about her.

"No it's not, it's a woman." Legend rolled his eyes, as if it was obvious and she should be agreeing with him. Which, in his mind, she should be!

".. It has a beard, Legend."

"So?"

"Seriously? Do I really need to answer that?!"

"Women can have beards! Mrs. Hairnet did," Legend used their old muggle teacher as an example.

Katie almost snorted.

"Hand me my dragonhide gloves," Katie requested, holding a hand out expectantly.

Legend's eyes narrowed on her almost instantly. When he spoke up, his voice dripped with sarcasm, "What do I look like to you, a house elf?"

"No. You look like a goblin."

They both knew this was a lie. Katie also knew her answer would bother Legend, whether or not it was true.

And she was right in thinking so.

"A goblin!?" Legend demanded. "You're the one who's a midget. I'm too tall and handsome to be a goblin, YOU'RE a goblin!"

"As IF! Hmmph!" Katie huffed.

"Goblin."

"I am NOT putting my face near that."

With hands on her hips and dark narrowed eyes, Katie was serious.

Legend glared back, probably not a huge fan of the tone she used. It was a bit accusing.

"Whhhhhy? Just do it!"

"No."

"Come on, Cub-"

"Don't call me CUB!"

"-It's REALLY cool!" Legend insisted.

"How do I know you're not tricking me?"

"You don't trust me?"

"You could have switched the real telescope with one of those joke shop punching ones!" Katie shrieked.

"Mister Chosen, Miss Mae. Do we have a problem?" From behind them, the Astronomy Professor stood.

At the end of fourth year, Hogwarts held a reunion Ball for past and present students.

Their friendships were strained, and despite not knowing how, Legend asked Katie to dance. Oddly, she accepted.

The Gryffindor admitted he didn't know what he was doing, and the Hufflepuff taught him.

Things would be okay between them.

At the end of fifth year, another Ball would take place in honor of the Triwizard Tournament. It was not the traditional Yule Ball, but a Costume Ball instead.

Again, Legend asked her to dance. And she accepted, not knowing it would change their friendship forever.

Legend Chosen had gotten an A in History of Magic.

That wasn't even possible.. this was Legend they were talking about!

A skeptical, questioning look ever so present on her face, Katie Mae's dark eyes narrowed just a bit on the blonde haired boy. "How'd you manage that one?"

Eyebrows raised, Legend leaned back, relaxing with feet in the pool as he answered coolly, "I'm just that good."

"What was your speech for the Statute of Secrecy?" the Hufflepuff continued to eye him.

"Same as everyone elses - about the importance, blah blah blah, yada yada - just better obviously."

Leading them into the Forbidden Forest, how many times had Professor Saylen warned them in one way or another to be quiet and not attract the acromantulas? To only observe the cology of spiders from the top of the hill?

Before Legend or a couple other boys could stupidily test how close they could get without drawing attention to the class, and before Katie could protest, there were a few SNAPS of twigs breaking under feet, followed by CLICK, CLICK'ing.

As class began to panic and run, Legend grabbed Katie's arm and pushed her in the direction of Saylen's patronus.

"CUUUUUBB- COME HEREEE."

Nervously smoothing the black material of her dress as she ventured through the Great Hall, leaving Savannah to catch up with friends, Katie came to an abrupt stop; She would know that voice anywhere.

Following his voice, Katie weaved through others until she found the boy, leaning against a wall. He was wearing dress robes. Well, kind of.. he was wearing a nice black jacket and jeans, but it was more than Katie expected.

"You.. got dressed up," She observed, "I didn't think you would."

Katie had never really seen Legend dressed up, except for at weddings.

For their first Transfiguration lesson, Professor Pilliwickle had them conjuring butterflies.

Katie was thrilled. Legend was not.

"PAPILIO!" The boy yelled, producing a giant purple butterfly. It fell to the desk, twitching.

"Only you would mutate an insect and make it triple it's normal size."

Katie's amusement turned to horror as Legend poked it with his wand. "Legend! Don't poke it," He was going to hurt it!

Legend used a reducing spell, shrinking it. It didn't actually look too bad now that it wasn't mutated, he decided... until it flew over to Katie's desk.

"That thing is ugly and mental."

Mmmm. Cinnamon rolls! Katie loved them, especially the ones her mom and Grandma would make.

Following the warm, sugary scent, Katie took one from a plate on the table.

"Your little brother licked that one." Legend announced, green eyes fixed on her. A slight smirk making it's way onto his face as her brown eyes grew wide and suspicious.

"He didn't." Despite her reply, Katie examined the roll she had just taken a bite from.

"He did." Legend repeated.

"Eddie did it!" Johnny chirped as his older sister looked toward him, mouth a gape.

"EWWWW!"

The boys bursted into laughter.

Sitting in her mother's lap oblivious to the intense conversation going on between the adults as any one year, five month old would be, the child's big dark brown eyes followed the bobbing and pulling motion of another child in front of her.

At ten months old, baby Lysander was mobile; Happily crawling across the floor toward her without a care in the world.

Frowning, baby Kaitlynnh made to slap the head that was coming too close to her. Her little hand missed and nearly smacked her twin brother instead, but that didn't stop her from trying a second time.

No one was more cheerful than Carsyn that day. Whenever she was feeling well enough, she could play with Lysander; And not only did she feel well, but another baby was visiting while her mother and little Kaitlynnh's mother talked.

"Come on Lysander, this way," Carsyn gently guided her little cousin through the backyard, onto a pink hearts blanket spread out in the grass where the two year old curly-haired child sat. Carsyn smiled when Lysander safely made it onto the blanket and sank to his knees, "Say Hi to your friend, silly!"

"Hiii," Lysander mumbled, repeating what Carsyn said.

At first, Katie just blinked at the green-eyed boy. But after a moment, she gave a little wave of her hand.

Dark eyes shifting onto the little girl as she giggled, Katie made an attempt to hide her face in her arms, sheepishly.

"Aw, don't do that silly. You don't have to be shy," Carsyn's gentle voice was directed at her, as was her gaze. Slowly, but surely, Katie raised her head, a small smile all her own present.

"Much better!" Carsyn approved. "We should play game." What could she teach two children under three to play? "Let's play Chase!"

After a couple of hours playing in the sun, the children had tired themselves out and were napping in the living room, until Lorraine woke up Katie because it was time for them to go.

"Kaitlynnh go say goodbye and give hugs," The little girl's mother said, helping the sleepy toddler into her light sweater.

After hugging Carsyn first, stumbling over her own foot as she was released from the embrace, Katie then hugged Legend. Not expecting the little boy to kiss her on the cheek, or for the room of people to 'Awww!' at them, Katie's face flushed.

First Charms lesson of term, and Katie had been asked to meet Professor Descoteaux in his office after class.

Why? Because certain Gryffindor boys didn't know how not to be obnoxious while others who weren't completely drooling over their new Professor actually tried to learn.

Katie was usually very good in Charms, but not once during the lesson had she mastered the spell. Not even once had she made the turtle bath toy round and fill with water.

For the life of her, Katie couldn't focus no matter how much she tried.

The reason: Spoon throwing. She blamed Legend Chosen.

In all honesty Katie wasn't sure how she had managed to conjure it in her current state, or why she was even trying. It was mostily for a distraction.

Problem was, she wasn't terribly happy. Lissy had teased her about doing yoga or something of the sort for hours on end. Really, she was trying to clear her mind and grasp a happy memory. A powerful one.

It appeared briefly, the silver form of an animal in her grandparent's attic. She had only been able to hold it for a second or two, only a mere glimpse of her patronus.

A mere glimpse, but it was enough.

Dark eyes staring at the spot the silver form had been, Katie was seemingly frozen where she stood, shocked. A pained look flashed before her face as the voice of a memory shouted "Katie Cub" in her head, disappearing as soon as it came.

Her wand lowered, grip loosening, Katie's eyes closed.

Of all the animals it could have taken the form of, her patronus was a bear cub.

Turning swiftly from the room, Katie kicked at an old rusty cauldron on the floor as murmured words escaped her lips: "You better grow."

With all the noise it was impossible to get any studying done in the Common Room. It was on her way to the library that Katie came across the floor length mirror placed seemingly randomly on the fourth floor of the castle. And there, that Legend found her. Sandwich in hand.

"Wotchu' 'ooking at?" He said, swallowing the bite of sandwich in his mouth.

"Nothing."

Dark eyes stared past herself, focusing on the little bit of his reflection visible from behind her.

Nothing, really. And yet.. everything.

They were graduating soon. And suddenly, Katie didn't feel ready to let go.

Arriving at the feast, Katie had known when Orlando began to pull her toward the Gryffindors, it was a bad idea. She always sat with them, but this term.. it was different. This time, she had made a conscious decision not to sit at their table.

Her feeble protests fell on deaf ears as a cheerful Lando guided her into a seat, hugging his cruppy to herself. She had yet to give it to him, actually. But that was beside the point.

Seated across from them, Legend gave a formal hello to her mumbled 'Hi'.

It was downhill from there.

They had graduated exactily 18 months ago to the day. Katie had stuck with her original plans, and Legend.. he'd gone down a different path.

While she lived the Muggle life she thought they both wanted, Legend remained in England, training to be an Auror like his father had when he was younger and fresh out of Hogwarts.

Their relationship, or friendship, whatever it was these days.. it was strained, tearing at the seems, hardly existent.

In the beginning, they had sent each other many owls, writing back and forth when he couldn't visit.. and now, nothing. Katie was worried.

On the last day of Arithmancy class, when the lesson had ended, Katie had left with tears in her eyes. Although it was still not her favorite class due to the amount of letters in her name, the Arithmancy classroom had held not one, but two of her favorite professors during her time in these halls. And Katie was willing to bet, whether or not he'd admit it, Legend would agree.

She had a plan, that later that night she would share with Legend. They weren't exactily back to being the best of friends, but she hoped he would help.

In a day, Katie would be a Hogwarts graduate, or maybe she was already. The exams were over.. she had just finished her Muggle Studies exam, and as far as she knew Ancient Runes was next, but she hadn't taken Ancient Runes during her final term. This was it.. there was nothing left for her to do.

Katie wandered the halls, feet guiding her toward the Hourglasses that held their ruby, green, blue and gold gem-like points. She hardly noticed which House was in the lead or wasn't.. it didn't matter now.

She'd come for Mat and Legend, her boys.

Katie was always careful around Danny, or she tried to be. Tried to keep her voice soft, temper low, avoid outbursts around him even though it was always Legend's fault. At times, Katie felt as if she had to take care of him in some way, even though he was less than a year younger.

The snow was soft and cold beneath her, sitting in it Courtyard beside her cousin. Though he couldn't see it, a smile formed on her lips as he rested his head on her shoulder and spoke of missing her upon graduating.

'I'll miss you too.'

Standing in front of her small jewelry box, Katie pulled the charm bracelet from her wrist. The one she'd started at eleven-years-old, each symbolizing one of her closest friends. Then the necklace around her neck, the figure skate Legend had gotten for her. She had been around fifteen, when he'd bought her that. Probably for her birthday.

They were old memories.. ones she cherished, but no longer felt she should wear. So much had changed since then.

Something caught her eye as she slipped each treasure into the box, the words 'Free Spirit' written in Italian gleamed back at her.

They had just graduated six months back, and it was their first Christmas in years where they wouldn't be traveling from Hogwarts. Atleast for the older ones, it was. This would be Orlando and Danny's last time.

Voices filled the large house, children were everywhere.. Her boys, where everywhere..

"LEGEND CHOSEN!" Kaitlynnh screamed as loud as her lungs would allow, followed by, "MATIAS SULO!"

The young woman practically flew upstairs after the pair, her wild brown curls bouncing at her shoulders.

A door shut down the hall.

"IT'S NOT FUNNY!"

Deep down, Katie knew she would be bored without them.

What, was she speaking Parseltongue?

A young Kaitlynnh Mae placed her hands on her hips. Dark, untamed curls bounced at her shoulders as she shook her head. Her dark eyes narrowed, glaring at a certain blonde haired, green-eyed boy.

"You aren't allowed to call William, Willie!" The Hufflepuff said, bossily. "Or Free Willie. Only I'm allowed to call him that."

There was a small, satisfied smile forming on the girl's lips as she looked sideways at William.

"I'll call him FREE WILLIE if I want. You're not the boss of me, Kaitlynnh!" Came Legend Chosen's response, his tongue sticking out.

Sitting outside a bakery, Katie played with the blueberry muffin in front of her, lost in thought until a young man appeared and took the seat across from her.

"Hello, Kitten." Giuseppe offered her a smile, before breaking off a piece of her muffin for himself.

"Hello, Goofy." Katie greeted back, pushing the plate to sit between them. "So.. I need boy advice."

Giuseppe leaned across the table, fixing her with a look that was a cross between amusement and daring her to deny what he was about to say: "This is about Legend, isn't it?"

"How did you know?"

Since the kids - her three baby brothers and sister, and the baby Chosen twins, who weren't really babies anymore but actually teenagers - were being so good, Katie decided why not pick up doughnuts or something fresh from the bakery for breakfast?

Pushing open the door to the bakery, the same one that Julian had taken her to not too long ago, Katie eyed the place a bit as she approached the counter.

Legend was suppose to be visiting, too. Arriving any time, but she doubted early.

What kind of baked sweets did he like again?

"Hi, I'd like.."

Smoothing her dress, Kaitlynnh let out a heavy sigh. Today was the day. Robin and Sparrow Chosen, and Eddie, Lucy, and Johnny Mae's eleventh birthday. Not to mention, New Years Day.

The chaos had already begun, and it was barely dawn.

Legend was suppose to be arriving shortly, if he hadn't shown up the night before. She hadn't asked, and didn't go over to find out. He wasn't her responsibility, and she had no doubt he would be here. It was for his siblings, too.

"Garett's here," Came a voice from the doorway.

Katie nodded, and took a deep breath.

The castle walls were lined with torches that lit the rooms with a pale glow, just enough for her to see what was in front of her.

"Leah?" Katie called, uncertainly. "Kayla?"

Where was everyone?

"Julian? Mat? Danny?" The Little Mae called, one after the other. Nervousness kept into her voice with every name she called and got no response except for the echo of her own voice.

Brown curls bounced as she walked forward, finding herself in some hall with no idea where to go.

"Legend!"

Tears began to form in her dark eyes.

"Legend Chosen, where are you?!"

Tears streamed down her face, brown eyes red from all the crying she'd been doing. Katie stood in the livingroom, arms crossed protectively over her chest. From the other room, she could hear whispered words of 'Legend', and 'Portkey'. It wasn't until the tall blonde appeared in the doorway that the young woman practically flew at him.

"He's gone, Legend," Katie cried into his chest, barely comprehensible through her sobs. "Collin.. he didn't.. make it."

Frowning, Legend wrapped his arms around her smaller frame and squeezed. "It's going to be okay, Cub." He mumbled, only for her ears to hear.

Eying the pair of pups pacing around her niece, one in particular really, Katie made a face. They were both itty bitty, and she hadn't the slightest clue what kind of dogs they were.. but the one, the fat little blonde colored one, kept giving her looks. Dog looks.

It wasn't the fact it kept looking at her, it was more.. the look it was giving her, if that were possible.

"Mo, are you sure that's a dog?" Katie asked.

"Opposed to what?" Monique replied calmly, glancing over at her best friend.

"Do we know if Legend is an animagus?"

The ice rink was teeming with both children and adults bundled up in warm clothes, including scarves and hats, as if they were playing in the snow. Then again, who was Katie to say it wasn't cold? She'd been skating for so many years, she was probably just use to it now.

A small smile played around her lips, watching the taller, brunette boy in front of her as she skated backwards slowly, hands outstretched in front of her. "Are you sure about this?" Legend had sort of volunteered him to be her new partner.

"Yeah, of course." Carter grinned.

What was that noise? It sounded like someone was yodeling, but Katie couldn't be sure as she tightened her figure skate laces, tying them before she pushed off from the bench and went to join Carter, Legend's best friend, and her new skating partner, out on the ice.

"Hey! Watch those hands, Coach Man!" Legend yelled as he took a seat nearest the rink, wearing a wide grin the whole time. "She's mine!"

Legend had impeccable timing. Carter's face flushed, just when he was catching her in a jump - He lost his balance, and she fell into him, laughing.

Why was she worried? Why did it even matter? It had been quite a few years since the horrible break up, the calling off of the engagement, all of it. They had been sixteen and seventeen years old. Barely even of age. So.. why did it matter now?

Katie argued with herself, silently, sitting in Grandma Angelina's large window seat with a book pressed to her chest.

Because, she thought, Legend had been in her life many years before they had developed feelings for each other.. he had always been there.

And she didn't want him to completely hate Garett.

Seated at her desk in the History of Magic classroom, which was right beside Mackayla's desk, and in front of Legend and Matias' desks, with Jae's desk on her other side, Kaitlynnh Mae tried not to slouch or show that she was already bored.

"Pshhh."

"Pshhhh."

"Katie.."

Ignoring the voice behind her, Katie continued to stare ahead at the professor.

"Katie!"

"WHAT?" Katie turned, hissing under her breath, eyes narrowing as she did.

Legend grinned, "Can I borrow a quill?"

He had to be joking. "You didn't bring one?!"

"Nah, I did. I just wanted you to make that face."

Katie frowned, finally off the boat and mostily dry thanks to Grandma Angelina's spell work, and NO THANKS to Legend Chosen who had pushed her out of the boat, while he and Mat laughed their heads off - Payback was coming, oh yes, it was..

She was nearly ready to cover her ears, growing annoyed with all the voices and mostily, Legend's grandmother's complaints.

"Is she a pureblood?" The girl asked, coming to stand beside the blonde haired boy as they grabbed their things and headed off the dock. "Your Grandma Nancy, I mean."

"Yeah," Legend said, sounding confused. "Why?"

"Do I look like a House Elf to you, Legend?!"

Katie Mae with her wild brown curls and narrowed brown eyes, with hands on her hips, and Legend Chosen with his spiked blonde hair and cool green eyes, were at it again.

"Well.. actually.." Legend went to retort, and earned himself a glare.

"Don't, don't start. I am NOT a weird GREY CREATURE with HUGE EYES and I DO NOT WEAR RAGS!" Katie shouted, throwing her hands in the air. BOYS.

Legend snorted. "You're right, Katie, you'd make a HORRIBLE House Elf. You don't listen well, and you're not obedient."

Dear Legend,

Hey Legend, that's better. Anyway, I thought I'd send a package from home. Yours and mine, of course. Inside (if you haven't already found them) are letters from your parents, and mine, and brothers, sisters.. blah blah, yada yada. Also, I made the cookies. Don't worry, they're perfect. Sort of.

Somewhere in this silly box you should find well.. a lot of stuff. But Johnny drew you a picture, and when he gave it to me he was giggling. As you can see, it's of YOU putting out my cookie fire.

We miss you.

Love Always,
Katie Mae

Their final feast had begun, atleast for herself and her fellow Seventh Years. Katie stole a glance up at the staff table, and couldn't help but notice Headmaster Tate looked grumpier than usual. Her gaze quickly returned, as Legend sat next to her, and Professor Hadley approached.

A smile formed on her lips, a real one this time, and she joined in the conversation - Hadley had come to thank them for breaking into her office and leaving a gift, and Legend tried to convince Hadley to say she loved them and they were her favorite students. Oh, Merlin's beard.

"Ford, Anglia!"

Katie made a face, nose wrinkling as she heard the next first year's name. She glanced over to see the small girl run up to be sorted, and then her attention was stolen.

"Legend, stop playing around." Twelve-year-old Katie said, dark eyes narrowing on the Gryffindor for a moment, before offering a smile to Danny, her little cousin who had just been sorted into Gryffindor himself.

Legend ignored the curly haired girl, and continued to play with his spoon, twirling it-

The spoon slipped out of his hand, and smacked Danny in the head. Katie groaned, "Legend Chosen!"

As it turned out, camping probably wasn't the greatest idea of all time for this bunch. It was their first time as a group, and well.. yeah, no.

"What was that?!" Katie demanded, freezing in her tracks, she grabbed the arm nearest her - Leah's. The girls all frowned, but stopped and listened.

A loud rustle of bushes came from somewhere close.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Mackayla said, while Katie released Leah and peered closer in the direction of the noise.

Leah started, "What is that?"

"LEGEND!" Katie shouted, panicked. "JAE! DANNY! ORLANDO! MAT!"

"They're off finding wood.." Mackayla frowned.

"My dad's an auror, and he said that there was a lady who lived in a house, and she was murdered, and no one knows why or how or who did it - but the house is still abandoned to this day, and people say she still hangs around and haunts the place." Legend finally finished saying to his friends. He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous look in his green eyes. "We should find the house."

"You're making it up!" Katie accused, "It's not real."

"No, I'm not! I dare you to go inside when we find it! You'll see!"

Lost deep in thoughts, the Sixth year leaned against a pillar in the corridor to the courtyard, light streaming in through the openings. Something silvery caught her eye as it moved toward her and began to hop circles around her in mid-air, something completely majestic.

A gasp escaped from her, and she turned to keep the silver rabbit in her line of vision. It was beautiful, and someone's Patronus. But the corridor was empty. Katie glanced from one side of the corridor to the other to make sure it was still empty, and couldn't spot a single person.

".. Legend?"

It was still unbearable to think one of her baby nieces were no longer with them. The mention, or thought of Boo brought her to tears every time. Sniffling, Katie wiped her nose onto her sweater sleeve, eyes still red from all the crying she'd been doing.

The school year hadn't ended so well for her, with Legend and her friendship strained from telling him she liked him - after being forced, and now a death.

Somehow or another she and Legend ended up hugging, upon arriving home. A hug of comfort. And then, Katie brushed her lips to his.