Disclaimer: I own nothing but an evil dachshund and a passive/aggressive shih tzu. These characters belong to JKR.

A/N: AU, I'll try to keep them in character, but I'll probably fail. Is it Mary Sue? Probably, again I'll try not to, but...probably fail. Not book compliant in all aspects.

Pairings: SS/OC; LM/OC; DM/OC; RL/OC; and a hint of HG/RW; HP/GW; FW/OC; and GW/OC.

A year had passed since the defeat of the Dark Lord. The followers of Voldemort; the men and women who had not been killed in the final battle, had been slowly but surely taken into custody. There were still some stragglers, but the Ministry, and the members of the Order of the Phoenix, were certain those would be apprehended soon. There had been many deaths on both sides of the war, and it had taken months to begin reconstruction; the survivors had to learn to not only rebuild their lives, but also their worlds. Voldemort and his Death Eaters had brought much destruction and death to the wizarding world as a whole; not to mention the innocent Muggles he'd sacrificed.

Hogwarts, the site of the final battle, had been ravaged, and the past year had been spent repairing that damage. The school would be ready to receive students once again come the fall. Though she looked forward to her students returning, it was with a heavy heart that Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, began to assemble the invitations to new and old students alike; so many children who would not be returning to finish their schooling, so many faces gone forever. It was still next to impossible for her to grasp, and accept that Albus was dead. Even now with his portrait sleeping above the fire place in the Headmaster's office.

Severus Snape had killed him, thereby saving young Draco Malfoy from that brutality of the act of murder. When Harry Potter had informed them of Snape's actions, all had felt both horrified and betrayed. Then they'd found the pensieve and its memories; Dumbledore's memories. Snape had only done as ordered. Minerva remembered the feelings that had run through her body at that time. She'd felt betrayed by Albus. Why hadn't he told her of his impending death? She felt horror for Snape. How could Dumbledore have put that task on the man's shoulders after all the man had already done for the Order? After everything Snape had already gone through and given up? The Aurors had found Snape dying, in the Shrieking Shack; dying from the venom of the large snake Voldemort kept with him. They hadn't wanted to save him, but had done so anyhow. Then they'd made to take him to Azkaban. Neither Harry Potter and his friends, nor Minerva had let that happen. No, Severus Snape had not spent a day in any prison. Instead he'd recuperated in St. Mungo's; in a bed next to Remus Lupin no less.

Remus had suffered greatly at the hands of Fenrir Grayback, and had almost died. When he'd learned of the death of his young wife, Nymphadora Tonks, Minerva had been sure Remus had wanted to die, but she'd reminded him that he now had a son to raise. Theodore Sirius Lupin needed his father, and this had been what gave the werewolf the will to go on. The Weasley family had also been hit by loss. Bill Weasley had been disfigured by Grayback, and Charlie Weasley had died. George Weasley had lost his ear, and his twin Fred had almost lost his life, he was still in St. Mungo's. All these months later and he still wasn't one hundred percent. One could only hope that one day he was. Hermione Granger had lost her family, and Draco Malfoy had lost his mother. Surprisingly, it had been Lucius Malfoy who'd saved not only Lupin, but the Weasley twins, and Hermione Granger. Minerva took a sip of wine that one of the house elves had left for her and stared into the fire. She had to admit she was surprised by the Death Eater's decision to switch sides to the Order. She was also grateful. Minverva sighed, and dragged her gaze back to the invitations in front of her. One in particular had caught her attention as she hadn't recognized the child…and that was odd. There were very few children who transferred between the schools of magic. Shaking her head, she pushed the thoughts away. She would need to go to Diagon Alley to make some purchases, so it would be wise of her to take herself off to bed for the evening. The invitations could be completed later.

&

Catalina Barron's heart was racing as she pulled her two daughters along behind her. She ran and couldn't remember the last time she'd run as fast or for as long. All three were sobbing, and she knew the two girls were tiring. The only thing that was keeping them all moving was the fear. If he found them now it would be bad; worse than before.

Hysteria tried to creep its way up her throat, but she knew she couldn't let it escape. It would take all of her energy, and she couldn't afford that. She needed to be strong; she needed to be strong to get her two daughters to somewhere safe. It seemed as though this would be an impossible task. It was as if there were no doors or entrances where they could slip in and hide. She felt wretched pain in her mid section, and couldn't help the cough that left her throat. The metallic taste of blood flooded her mouth and she knew that the injuries he'd inflicted were severe.

He'd found them, but how? How had he found them? They'd been so careful, had run so far…She thought that by traveling to London, crossing the ocean, it would be far enough away that he would give up. Now she felt the fool. Hadn't he said he would never give up? Hadn't he said that no matter where she went or where she ran to he'd find her and bring her back? Yes, he'd said bring her back or do worse. Currently she was feeling the effects of 'do worse'. Tears streamed down her face clouding her vision, and she knew she couldn't keep going. "I must stop." she gasped. "You two must go on. Go, and don't look back." she told them strongly.

"Never!" Her oldest swore. "We would never leave you Mama." Fear and concern were overwhelming the girl. Her mother was hurt very badly, and she needed a hospital, but there was no way they could get her to one. Not without him knowing, and finding them. Even now she knew he was close and would catch up to them soon. "We must go on, please Mama!"

"In here!" The younger girl cried and started tugging the others towards what looked to be a closed down tavern. "Come, quickly, there are people and they'll help us!"

"What are you talking about?" The older girl snapped. "We can't break into some empty building; he'll find us for sure!"

The younger frowned at her older sister as if the girl had rocks in her head. "What are you talking about? It's not empty, and we wouldn't be breaking in!" She didn't continue speaking; instead, she continued pulling and pushing until she finally pulled them right into a doorway. The girl opened what appeared to be a blackened and rusted door, and all but shoved the other two into the bar. All three looked around in astonishment.

The girl had in fact been correct. From the outside it had appeared to be abandoned. However, not only was the door not locked, but it was a functioning bar, with a barkeeper, and patrons. It had been silent on the street, but upon entering the sounds of laughter, conversations, and faint strains of some type of music could be heard. As soon as the door shut at their backs all sound inside ceased. The barkeep stared at them with a mouth gaping open in shock. Every person in the bar with the exception of that man was wearing strange clothing; although even his clothing was a bit…off. It looked as if they'd dressed up for Halloween early, or perhaps a costume party. Some of the people had begun to mutter softly to each other as all eyes stared at the newcomers.

An older, stately woman, with some type of red robes and cloak, left her two companions, and approached. The woman looked to be in her sixties, and was lovely. She held herself erect, looked at them from dark brown, intelligent eyes, and her dark hair, liberally streaked with gray, was pulled up on top of her head. When she spoke it was with a soft Scottish brogue. "Are you perhaps lost?" she asked kindly.

Minerva couldn't believe her eyes. Three Muggles had just entered The Leaky Cauldron. She couldn't remember that ever happening. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at the youngest of the three; a lovely blonde girl with dark brown eyes. No, only two Muggles, for now it was easy for her to see the power in the young woman; power that had not even been realized. The oldest of the three, perhaps the two girls' mother, looked as if someone had taken a Bludger to her. The two girls were also bruised, but not to the extent of the woman. If she was not mistaken the woman's lips were tinged with blood.

"We are very lost." the older of the teenage girls whispered anxiously as she looked at the people staring at them.

"Please…" The woman all but whimpered. "We are terribly sorry to burst in on your party, but we just need someplace to hide, just for a few moments…please…"

Minerva's head tilted to the side. Americans; this was becoming even more interesting. "Severus. Remus." she called over her shoulder as she still looked upon the three women who'd entered. Her two companions approached from the bar, and as the men towered over the three, it was as if they huddled into each other even closer. Minerva felt her heart ache. She knew abuse when she saw it. They feared the men. She met Remus's sympathetic glance, and Severus's scowling countenance. "What are your names?" she asked softly.

"I-I am Catalina Barron. These are my daughters Ophelia and Lysistrata." the badly injured woman answered. It surprised her; she didn't know why she'd just told these strangers that. They'd had false names that they'd been using. Tears again began to leak from her eyes. "Please don't call the police."

"Don't worry my dear." Minerva assured her, "We have no intentions of contacting your authorities."

A booming voice suddenly sounded causing everyone to jerk. The voice came from outside. It was deep and masculine, and very angry. The man was screaming profanities and threats.

"Oh Gods." Catalina choked, and pulled her daughters closer ignoring the pain it caused. Both girls trembled.

Minerva barely moved her head in a nod, and Severus dropped to one knee in front of the women and pulled a stoppered vial from some hidden pocket inside of his black cloaks. "Drink this." he murmured to the battered blonde woman in front of him. His lips were thin, and tight, and his black eyes stared at her unblinking as she met them with her own set of navy blue. "It will help the pain, and it will not hurt you." he promised.

The man outside was getting closer, and the older of the two teenage girls cried out as she heard him hit something outside. Remus stepped forward and gently offered both girls his hands. "Come, why don't we come away from the door and we can sit somewhere more comfortable. Perhaps get you something to eat and drink."

The blonde woman, Catalina, was still drinking the liquid the dark man in front of her had offered. It tasted bitter, but for some reason she felt compelled to do as he suggested. She looked at her daughters and nodded for them to go with the other man. She could still see them, and that was what she cared about. Plus, if they were away from the door it meant that there was more chance for them to run if he found them.

Minerva's mind was whirling. Lysistrata…Lysistrata Marie Barron if her guess was accurate. That's who the girl had to be. She'd found the invitation in the sixth years and hadn't recognized the name. Now the girl was here. It was the girl who'd brought the other two with her. What twist of fate was this? Severus had stood and moved away from the woman. Already Catalina Barron looked much better, but there was still damage. "You need medical attention." Again Minerva spoke softly.

Catalina could only nod, and she jumped as the screaming man searched outside for them. "I know." she whispered. "I know, but I can't go. I'll be fine."

"I doubt that." Severus muttered, still scowling down at the woman.

"Just a few more moments…" the plea was barely audible.

The oldest of the woman's daughters, Ophelia, cried out as a man's face peered into the glass square of The Leaky Cauldron. "No!"

Catalina rushed from her chair, knocking it over in the process, and scrabbled across the cold stone floor towards her daughters. "We have to run!"

"Calm yourself my lady." Remus murmured and moved to help the blonde woman, but the dark haired girl still gripped his robes. "He cannot see inside. He cannot see us." he promised as he tried to soothe the young brunette girl with the same blue eyes as her mother.

Severus rolled his eyes, moved towards the woman on the ground, and sighed heavily. "Probably did more damage flopping about like that."

"Ho-how is that possible?" Ophelia grasped at her mother's shoulder. Other patrons of the bar had now moved to get a closer look at the mad man screaming outside, and looking into the bar.

Minerva also looked at the man, and couldn't repress a shudder from moving through her body. He was handsome, but his face was cruel; dark eyes, dark hair, and a powerful build. The man easily outweighed the women even though Catalina was a tall woman. But…what if these women had done something requiring Muggle punishment? Something breaking some rule or law? Minerva found herself doubting this; however she could not just ignore the possibility. "Severus." She murmured and he moved to her. "I must know if these women have committed some crime."

Severus Snape frowned. He should have stayed at Hogwarts. Now he was going to have to deal with this Muggle even more than he'd already had to. "Fine." He muttered. Once again he knelt in front of the battered blonde woman whose eyes were caught on the Muggle still rampaging outside. Now that his mood was going to pot, he almost wished the fool would somehow manage to enter the bar so he could curse the baboon. "I need you to look at me. I'm going to check you for….concussion." he made up some excuse quickly and almost rolled his eyes again.

"Bu…"

"I assure you Madame, that idiot will not enter the bar." He told her tersely. Her eyes still on the doorway where Abraham's face had only been moments before, finally Catalina focused on the man in front of her. She paid no attention to his abrupt tone, or his sarcasm; instead focusing on the fact that he was helping them.

"If he heard that it would be bad…I shouldn't have come in…if he finds people helping us you'll all be in danger." Her words caused a chuckle to go through the room, and even the dour man in front of her smirked slightly.

"You can rest assured Madame that is not a concern of ours." He met her eyes and muttered a word under his breath. Only moments later he stood and moved back to Minerva. The blonde girl was frowning at him, and moved to help her mother into a chair next to the fire. "The girl is a witch." He murmured. "They've broken no laws. The man is the woman's ex husband. Strangely, I was not able to read very much. The woman has some type of natural ability to block me. I was able to see some." Severus shrugged.

"What were you able to see?"

"The man has followed them here from America. The woman is positive the man will kill her. They have a room in town, but it is unknown how safe that is."

Remus had heard the conversation as he joined them. "We cannot send them back out there. Muggles or not."

"What would you have us do Lupin? Invite them for a sleepover?" Severus cracked.

Minerva sighed. She did not need the two with her to begin their bickering. "The girl…she's on the invitation list for the fall."

"Minerva…" Severus could already see what the woman was thinking and he didn't need to perform Legilimens to know it.. "You can't be considering…"

"Remus, I believe we may have found you the nanny you've been looking for." Paying no attention to her grimacing Potions Master, she moved past him to the women. Slowly the other wizarding folk had gone back to their meals, and quiet conversation, although occasionally their eyes would flicker to their uninvited guests. "I believe we might be able to assist each other. Would you care to discuss it?"

Catalina looked at the woman in front of her. Abraham's screams were growing distant outside in the London evening. Still, she wanted no part in leaving this place…it was different here. These people were different. Not just the way they dressed, but they themselves. She'd seen for herself when he'd looked in the window and it was as if he could see nothing. She wondered what he had seen. Her daughters now sat at a table, weary and frightened, but someone had brought them food and drinks. It probably seemed like nothing to these people, but Catalina was not used to even these small acts of kindness. "Yes." She whispered in response. "Let's discuss it."

&

"My name is Minerva McGonagall." She began as the four females sat at the table near the fire. They'd taken some time to let the Barron ladies eat, and there were few bar patrons left. Remus and Severus stood slightly off to the side at the bar itself. "I'm Headmistress at a school located in Scotland. It's a very special school actually. Surprisingly enough, this evening was not the first time I'd heard the name of Lysistrata Barron." Minerva took in the tired shock on the woman's face, but continued on. "You see, there is an invitation she will be receiving inviting her to attend Hogwarts."

"Hogwarts?" All Catalina could think was what a strange name for a private school, and how had they gotten Lyssy's name?

"Yes. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Minerva waited for her words to sink in. The teens were both silent, staring at her through wide eyes. Catalina felt like her mind was on overload.

"What? What kind of school is that? I've never heard of anything like it? Is this some sort of joke?"

"I assure you, I would not joke in this matter. I never joke when I'm offering someone a job." Minerva again let a few moments pass before speaking, and then spent the next hour explaining her world to the two Muggles and one new witch-to-be.