Author's Note: I've officially started to re-edit this story. There's so much of it to do... so expect slow progress. For those of you just starting this story for the first time, I apologize for all the errors.

Enjoy the story though!

- Rosalie L.

'Finished, are we?' The man asked.

Well, boy would be more like it. Being fifteen hardly qualifies as being a man. However, his large stature and already matured, stone cold features gave him the appearance that he was indeed several years older.

'My cousin is expecting me.' The young girl replied, rather indifferently.

She walked to where her clothes lay on the floor and slowly dressed as the young boy continued to watch her. She, then, proceeded to walk over towards the mirror, still feeling his eyes burning into her back. She ignored the tingling sensation that she felt spreading throughout her body and just watched her reflection in the mirror, making sure she looked acceptable.

Without warning, the man's hands wrapped around the girl's body, pulling her closer to him. She gasped slightly in surprise, making the other man chuckle at her shock.

'Such a child,' He cooed, in a mocking voice.

He didn't give her a chance to reply before pinning her against the wall and leaning in, kissing her roughly on her soft, full lips. She responded immediately, allowing deeper access into her mouth before abruptly pushing him away.

'I have to go.' She said, breathlessly. 'You know if I don't show up, he'll come looking for me.'

'Surely, he must know, a powerful being such as yourself, is not in constant need of babysitting.' He replied, coming closer to the girl, who in returned rolled her eyes.

'I have to go.' She repeated, though, she had to force the words out of her mouth.

She didn't want to leave. In fact, she would've liked nothing better than to stay with him for a couple more hours, even the whole night, if he would allow it. She stared at him, desperately trying to conceal the smile that was threatening to form on her lips.

'Go then.' The man replied harshly, before turning around and getting dressed himself.

He was beyond furious with her. Every other girl in the castle would die to be in her situation and yet, she treated it as if it was nothing. Not that she could do anything else, but still, he believed she may as well comply with his wishes.

The young girl bit her bottom lip. She knew he was cross with her and that only meant that this will end badly. However, she had no choice but to turn around and leave. As she walked out the door, she silently prayed that he would calm down and that no harm would come to her. But, all she can really do is hope.

'Hey!' A boy's voice came behind her.

He was running towards her, looking a bit irritated.

'I was looking all over for you!' He exclaimed.

'I got caught up in the common room…' The girl trailed off.

The boy sighed. 'Mom and dad told me to protect you. You might as well make it easy for me. You know I'm just trying to help.'

'I know.' The girl replied, with a small smile.

She had heard this speech so many times and as much as she loved her cousin, sometimes she wished he left her alone. He only seemed to make everything worse for her.

'Come, we'll hang out in my common room.' He said, pulling the girl along with him.

She obediently followed her cousin into the common room where they were greeted by three boys.

"Prongs, we were wondering where you went off to!' A boy with dark hair said, flashing his beautiful smile.

'I couldn't find her,' replied the boy, Prongs, also known as James Potter.

'Hey guys.' The girl said softly.

'Hey Anne.' One of the other boys said, also flashing a smile.

Anne smiled back at the boy, Remus Lupin.

'Hey Peter.' Anne greeted the final boy, politely.

'Hi.' Peter replied.

'Now that we got the awkward greetings out of the way.' James said, 'How about a game of exploding snap?'

Sirius was obviously down for a game of exploding snap with James. Anne had played the game too many times, so instead, she decided to play a game of Wizard's Chess with Remus. Peter was looking back and forth between the two games, his face filled with Awe. Anne found this quite pathetic, really. All he seemed to do was idolize her cousin and his friends.

'Hey, Anne!' Another girl called.

Anne turned around to see a red headed girl greet her, her vibrant green eyes twinkling at the sight of her friend. Anne grinned and waved her friend, Lily Evans, over.

Lily however, hesitated just as James said, 'Evans! I swear, you stalk me! Well, no matter, always room for one more!'

Anne shot her cousin a glare, as Sirius and Peter began to laugh, while Remus shook his head.

'What?' James asked, innocently.

'I'd love to… but I've got a lot of work to do. I'll see you later. Bye Anne! Oh, and tell Sev I said hi!' Lily said, before turning and walking quickly out of the common room.

'What does she see in him?' Asked a very crestfallen James.

'Dunno, mate. Maybe she's into slimy Slytherin gits.' Sirius answered.

'Shut up.' Anne hissed. 'Just because – '

James had covered Anne's mouth before she could say anymore. 'Guys, please?'

Sirius and Anne both shut their mouths, for James's sake. The two of them have never gotten along.

Why?

Because Anne was in Slytherin and Sirius hated all Slytherins and his best friend's cousin was not an exception. However, seeing as they both loved James very much, they had to act civil towards one another and at least pretend that they didn't hate each other.

After a few more games of Exploding Snap and Wizard's Chess, the boys, known as the "Marauders" and Anne, headed towards the Great Hall, for dinner. They all went towards the Gryffindor table, including Anne because, although she was in Slytherin, being the cousin to one of the biggest family of Bloodtraitors made the Slytherins dislike her. Sometimes, they would leave her alone… for reasons Anne could not fathom and some days, like today, Anne knew she would not be safe.

'Anything bothering you, cousin?' James asked, stuffing his mouth with what Anne thought was chicken.

'Not really, just the usual…' She replied.

James looked at his cousin sadly. 'You know you don't have to stay there. I've made it clear that you're welcome to stay in my dormitory anytime and even Evans said the same thing!'

'I'm not scared of them.' Anne lied.

The truth was, she was beyond terrified by all of them. As powerful as she was, there were lots of them, and only one of her.

James smiled. 'You're brave. I don't know how you didn't end up in Gryffindor.'

Anne smiled back at James, knowing that he meant that as a compliment. 'Who knows?'

Once dinner was over, the boys decided to walk Anne back to the Slytherin Common Room. However, it took a lot of persuasion to get Sirius to come. Not that Anne cared. She didn't want him to come along.

They were in the dungeons and were about the turn the corner before they heard a cackling voice behind them. 'Awww, lookie, it's wittle Siri and his gang of traitors.'

Bellatrix Black.

Sirius's temper rose as soon as he heard his eldest cousin's voice and he was about to charge at her, before he felt both James and Remus hold him back.

'Don't be stupid!' Remus said. 'We're right outside their common room.'

'I suggest you little brats get down to your common room and you,' she said, pointing to Anne, 'should go on inside.'

'Why don't you mind your own business, you little bitch?' Sirius roared.

Big mistake.

Suddenly Sirius was thrown back, and he landed hard on the stone floor. James and Remus, both swore and ran over to a groaning Sirius. Peter just stood there, cowering stupidly.

'Pathetic.'Anne thought.

But suddenly, she felt herself being pushed against the stone wall, with her head colliding against it. Then she felt her hands being pinned above her head and very soon, there was a wand pointing at her neck.

She didn't have to open her eyes to know who it was. She had angered him earlier today, and she knew she would pay for it. But still, she did. Opening her eyes, she stared at her tormentor. He, however, was not looking at her.

Bellatrix howled with laughter as she made her way to Anne's tormentor and gave him a huge kiss, making him smirk softly. Anne felt her stomach clench, but ignored the feeling.

'LET HER GO!' James roared, forgetting everything else.

He whipped out his wand and attempted to shout a curse, before being flung off his feet. Lucius Malfoy stood there laughing, admiring his skilful use of a wand. James recovered quickly, but found out that they were indeed surrounded and greatly outnumbered. Remus was still holding back Sirius, who had recovered and Peter, like always, was useless. James knew it was hopeless, but all he saw was a gang of Slytherins surrounding his friends and his cousin pinned against the wall, her head bleeding.

'Let her go.' James pleaded, softly. 'She hasn't done anything to you!'

'James…' Anne groaned, finally directing her attention to her cousin. 'Go, I'll be okay.'

James just looked at her, bewildered. He was appalled that she would think he could actually leave her like that.

'You ought to listen to the girl.' Lucius spoke. 'I mean, she's smarter than you think. After all, she is in Slytherin, unlike the rest of you traitors.'

'We're not leaving until she's okay!' James snarled.

'That's right.' Remus agreed, backing up his friend.

Even Sirius, who was certainly not fond of Anne, nodded along.

'Well, I guess it's gonna be a long night.' Anne's tormentor said, pulling his wand away from her.

He stepped back, and Anne fell onto the ground, groaning. James tried to get to her, but was once again flung backwards.

'Bella, get her inside. We'll be there shortly.' He ordered.

'Whatever you say, darling.' Bella said seductively, giving him another kiss.

Bellatrix grabbed Anne's arm, and roughly pulled her up, dragging her towards the Slytherin Common Room.

A series of shouts came from the Marauders, including Peter, who had finally decided to help out. It did no good, however, because Anne went along with Bellatrix, having no other choice. She only hoped that James and his friends would be okay.

James sent a curse at Anne's tormentor, missing him only by an inch. 'You'll pay for this, Lestrange.'

Rodolphus Lestrange smirked at James. 'No Potter. I'll make sure Anne pays for this.'

Suddenly, the dungeons were filled with cursing and screaming. Different coloured lights were flashing in all directions and the Slytherins had the upper hand.