Hey! This is a sequel to my other story, When Worlds Collide (link in my profile). It won't make much sense if you haven't read that! Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: Another year, and astonishingly, this material is still not mine to claim.

Chapter 1:

Maybe it was fate that brought me into Harry's world. At the moment, though, I was sure it was nothing more than bad luck.

I could hardly breathe as sweat trailed down my neck. All of my senses were screaming at me to run, but every muscle begged for respite. A tricky conflict of interest, to be sure. But unfortunately, fleeing was not an option. Neither was rest. Well, not unless I wanted to lose. And above all, losing was not an option.

"Never hesitate!"

I dodged a curse, and a pile of advanced potion books suffered Snape's wrath. His eyes narrowed; I would pay dearly for that, even if books were easily reparable. The spells doubled in intensity, and within seconds I was on the floor, heaving for air. There was a small scuffle of boots and Snape looked down at me, a perturbed look on his face.

"You must not hesitate."

"I didn't hesitate."

He rolled his eyes.

I stood up without help, and grabbed my water from the desk. "I didn't hesitate," I repeated.

"The tear in your shirt begs to differ," he said, repairing his books.

There was an angry scorch mark in my red t-shirt. I cursed. "I only hesitated a little."

"Your aim was shakier than normal."

I kept my mouth shut. Of course my spells were shakier than normal; Snape had recently decided to add Occlumency into dueling. Apparently that was the easiest way to penetrate the mind, as one was often distracted. Or at least that's what he told me. In his typical monotone voice.

"I got into your thoughts approximately three times."

"What did you see?" I blurted the question out before I could gather the sense to stop myself.

"The usual."

The usual was a blur of red hair, lips, and brown eyes. Fred Weasley had officially hit the top of my most-cherished-memories list, and it was absolutely humiliating that my uncle knew that. I wanted to keep it secret. I'd been able to slip past Snape and Dumbledore's watchful glares for approximately four days the entire summer.

Four days.

Four days with Fred, and we barely left his shop in Diagon Alley. When we did, it was to go to the Burrow. As far as I was concerned, those four days were pure, uncensored perfection. Heaven, even. But all too soon, it was back to the daily grind. And by daily grind, I mean working my ass off to catch up to the level of studies I should have been in, had my grandfather not bound my powers and sent me off to America to live with my war-torn parents.

Long story.

But I wouldn't brood about it. Because I was almost all caught up. Almost. Hermione was certainly making it her personal goal to make sure I knew everything I had to, and then some. Ron had made it his personal goal to stop any and all attempts from either of us to study. Of course he spent his days and nights in Grimmauld place—I barely saw Fred now that Weasley's Wizard Wheezes had taken off. He and George were always working, but sometimes he stopped by after close. Not enough, though. Not nearly enough.

Snape handed me another book. "You're thinking about him again?"

Blood rushed to my cheeks. "No!"

"You are," he said, frowning. "You get that dazed look in your eyes and your intelligence goes out the window."

I glared. "Now you're just making stuff up. It's impossible for my intelligence to go out the window."

"If you don't concentrate more—"

"Oh come on," I said. "It's not like I'm going to die or anything." My joke fell flat, probably because that was exactly what would happen if I didn't get my shit together. I cleared my throat. "Sorry. I'll work harder."

Snape nodded and headed to his potions room, where no less than six cauldrons were steaming, fires crackling underneath them. I followed him there.

"Hand me that asphodel," he said, staring hard into the potion furthest from the door.

I obeyed. After a few more instructions, he seemed satisfied, stirring one carefully.

"You have gotten better," he said.

Compliments were few and far between with Snape, so I wasn't quite sure what to say. "That's… good to hear."

"I just worry that Weasley is a distraction."

I sighed. "Everyone has distractions." Lily Evans, anyone? I didn't dare voice my thought, but Snape pursed his lips, mind probably heading the same direction as mine.

"I suppose. Just make sure he doesn't become too much of one. You can't afford it."

"I understand." I checked my watch and bit my lip. Now was the worst time ever to bring it up, but I was going to be late. "Speaking of said boyfriend—"

"He's your boyfriend now? I was unaware you two were so serious."

My laugh turned hastily into a cough as Snape narrowed his eyes. "I mean. We've been going out for like ten months." Ten months tomorrow, technically. "It's pretty serious. And we were going to meet up—"

"No."

I tried not to stomp my foot. "I'm of age."

"And in serious danger of abduction, torture, and murder. Do not forget that."

"Trust me," I said through clenched teeth, "I get that."

"Then I'm sure you'll agree when I say—"

"Just because death may loom in the future doesn't mean we should forget to live," I blurted. It was the kind of crap Dumbledore would say, as long as it was to his advantage. After a few conversations with him, I'd learned his language.

For a moment there was silence. Then Snape glared. "You've been spending too much time with your grandfather."

"Please," I said. "Please please. It's safe. It's Diagon Alley."

"No," he said.

"Fine," I said. "Fine. We'll stay at the Burrow. There's Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. There's Bill. I think Charlie's in town. Come on."

Snape paused. I had him. Almost. I was so close. "I'll escort you."

"I'm of age!" I nearly screamed. Instead, I said, "I think I can handle apparating there."

"Not alone, you won't." He sprinkled another ingredient into the third cauldron, and sighed. "He will come here, with two of his brothers. No less than that. And I will escort you to the gates. If Molly says that you left the Burrow at any point in time, you will live in my quarters until the school year starts."

I had a room in his quarters, but I hated to use it. The dungeons were cold and smelled faintly of mold. Snape crossed his arms. "Are we in agreement?"

I winced. It was that painful. "Fine. Fine fine. How long do I get?"

"Three days." Then he paused. "And you will sleep in separate rooms."

My head tilted sideways of its own volition as he left the room without meeting my eyes. At least he didn't try and give me the sex talk.

We met Fred, Charlie, and George a half hour later, and I nearly ran into Fred's arms. Our kiss was quick and awkward; with Snape around, we were wary of any public displays of affection.

"Charlie!" I said, hugging him. I'd met him earlier that summer, and we got along easily.

George put on a face of mock pain. "You didn't give me a kiss first? I'm hurt."

I punched him lightly in the arm. "Whatever, punk."

"Be safe," Snape said, after a curt nod at the Weasleys. "And let me know if you have any visions."

"Of course," I said. I was supposed to be blocking them out, but sometimes they leaked into my dreams. They were mostly small: weather issues, what Snape would say at some point in the day, unexpected visitors.

"And you'll all be at Grimmauld Place in three days?"

Fred nodded dutifully. "Yes sir." He was under no delusions of winning Snape over, but as I'd pointed out to him, a bit of respect couldn't hurt.

"Sirius will notify me upon your arrival." He looked pained at the thought of having a civil conversation with Sirius. I tried not to smirk. Then he looked at me. "Remember what I said."

As Snape stormed off, I blushed. Fred took my bag and squeezed my hand.

"What was that all about?"

We started walking down to Hogsmeade, where we would grab a butter beer before heading to the Burrow.

I frowned. "You really don't want to know."

George smirked. "Ol' Snapey's worried about you two, er," he waggled his eyebrows to explain.

Fred paled. "Don't be a git."

"Well technically, I can do what I want since I'm saving your arse today."

I looked at George, then back to Fred. "What does that mean?"

George took hold of my other hand. "You see Kat, when a man and a woman love each other very much, sometimes the man's brother has to take care of their shop so that its new customers don't lose faith in their business while he's doing the hanky panky."

I snorted.

Fred rolled his eyes. "And I've had to sell my soul in return."

I went on my tiptoes and kissed his neck. "I'll make it worth your while," I whispered.

He grinned then, and Charlie and George blushed. It was going to be a good day. I knew it.

Which is, of course, when I had my first serious vision since the last day before summer vacation.

Draco sat at one end of a long wooden table, and though I couldn't see who he faced, I could guess. But he didn't look afraid; instead, his expression seemed carved out of granite. Stone cold, and determined to do something.

"I understand your father has not dealt well with your mother's death, Draco." The words sounded strange coming from Voldemort's mouth. As if he cared.

Draco smiled a little. "He is weak. But, and please forgive my words, my Lord, but I doubt you brought me here to speak of my family's recent traumas."

"Of course not. I have an assignment for you, Draco. A mission of utmost importance."

"Kat?" Fred frowned at me as the vision dissipated like water. "Kat, are you alright?"

I shook my head. Draco's face had sent shivers up my spine; I thought he hated being a death eater. I thought he wanted to avoid it. But in my vision, he almost looked eager.

Then I looked at Fred. "I'm fine," I said. I wasn't going to keep the vision a secret, but I'd be damned if my time at the Burrow would be cut short because of Draco Malfoy. I'd tell Snape when we got back to Grimmauld Place.

For now, there was Fred, and summer, and today was going to be a good day, no matter what.

I smiled. "I'm fine."

OOO

So? First chapter! Let me know what you think! I love comments, questions, even complaints!

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