PROLOGUE
Central Park, New York City, USA
It was a beautiful summer evening as fifteen-year-old Ashley Snape and her parents walked through the park. They were enjoying the warm evening air and the full moon. Jonah Snape and his wife, Athena, spent many hours working for the American Ministry of Magic and hardly see their daughter. This time is sacred to them so they can keep abreast of family news.
"Ashley, we have some exciting news for you," her father said, as they passed the famous Alice in Wonderland statue.
"What is it, Daddy?" she asked, her hazel eyes lighting up in anticipation.
"Well,…" her mother started as a rustling came from behind them and a dark, furry shape came flying towards them.
Jonah quickly pushed his wife and daughter out of the way. He took the brunt of the werewolf's attack. He fought as his wife and daughter tried to help. Athena got out her wand, but the werewolf switched directions and sank its teeth into Ashley's leg. Athena then jumped on its back and it threw her off then attacked her.
All of the sudden, they were surrounded by a group of wizards armed with wands and a big cage. They drove the creature into the cage and looked over the scene. Jonah and Athena were dead and Ashley had a bite on her left leg.
They were all loaded on to stretchers and taken to the hospital. Ashley was put into a room/cage so she wouldn't attack anyone if she had a transformation that night.
Meanwhile, at Hogwarts, Professor Severus Snape was just heading towards the Great Hall for breakfast. He still wore his hair long and greasy while looking at the world in his cynical way. He just didn't show that he cared whether anyone likes him, but he does.
He took his usual seat at the Head Table, next to Professor McGonagall and started to eat quickly and quietly. He was just about done when the owl post was being delivered. He was surprised when one official looking envelope was dropped in front of him. He never received any post, except for an occasional note from his brother in America.
He took the letter, noting that it was from the Ministry of Magic in America. He opened the letter and read:
Dear Mr. Severus Snape;
We regret to inform you that a werewolf had escaped from our holding pen and attacked your brother, Jonah Snape and his wife, Athena. Fortunately, their daughter, Ashley, was spared, but with a bite from the creature. She is currently being held in St. Mungo's of America. She is in an isolated room so she won't hurt anyone.
Please respond to us with what you want done. We await your return owl.
Sincerely,
Jonas P. Smidgen
Head Doctor, St. Mungo's America
Severus read this while what color he ever had drained away. He didn't know what to do; he absolutely detested werewolves and now he may have to take in his niece, who was one. He needed to speak to Albus at once.
He stood up and left the table. The rest of the staff, except for the headmaster, who was in his office, watched as the Potion's Master almost ran from the room. They all started to speculate on what the letter had said.