Lying on her bed staring intently at the ceiling Tabitha was doing her best to will herself to sleep. It was no use. Her mind refused to calm and let her rest. First time sitting at the adult table for supper had landed her with a husband to be and a headache from too much wine. New emotions pulsed through her body. Everything seemed a blur and she felt rebellious. Never before had she thought of herself as a rebel, a little independent, yes but not rebellious. Things were different now, her future was plotted for her and it was not the future she had planned on living.

She once hoped that when of age she could abandon her family and strike out on her own. Once she had envisioned herself moving away from England, perhaps to America or France. Maybe even change her name as well so that no one would ever have to know who she was and who she was related to. In the Hogwarts Library she devoted hours investigating various wizarding communities in other countries.

She learned that most American wizarding societies were very liberal. It was fascinating that many wizards and witches in America never even bothered to dress in Muggle clothing when out in public because it simply wasn't that unusual for strangely dressed people to be wondering the streets of most American major cities. France much like England they kept to the more traditional ways but lived much more ornately and lavishly like most pureblooded families in Great Britain. In Germany there were a great many tribes of wizarding folk who lived in the Black Forest with faeries and tree sprites harvesting the magic from the primeval woods. The magical Starlets in Russia communed in villages across the countryside from just east of Moscow all the way to the Pacific. Only the new generation of young Russian witches and wizards braved the big cities and practiced magic with wand. Through the rest of Eastern Europe the majority of non Muggles were gypsies, traveling from place to place reading fortunes and crystal balls, capitalizing on Divination. In Mexico the main profession of a witch or wizard was vampire hunter. It all sounded exciting but regrettably now very far fetched

Alas she was to forever remain in England as Tabitha Octavia Anastasia Rosier, well soon to be Tabitha Octavia Anastasia Snape. The name made no difference. It was one Death Eaters name for another. She was to me married and hidden away in a dungeon or old castle only to serve her husbands every wish or need. She couldn't deny the unusual way Snape's touch made her feel nor did the thought of him touching her more repulse her as it did when she thought of Crabbe or Goyle doing the same. That was beside the point; the point was she felt cheated out of the life she wanted, cheated out of ever getting to be anything but what she was born to.

If only Uncle Ethan could have waited another year or two she would have gladly removed herself from his house and life. But as usual he had to be rash and marry her off to the first of age man he could find. Perhaps not all hope was lost, maybe when she came of age she could make a run for it, regardless of matrimony. If her husband was so keen on keeping her, he could track her down but she would duel him to the death rather than be taken back. Even though Snape could out duel her any day she was willing to take the chance that he wouldn't even notice when she disappeared. Possibly if he was kind to her she would leave a note giving her best regards and farewells. It all seemed far fetched but then again at the moment she was feeling rather rebellious and very Slytherin. That is why she felt compelled to get out of bed and go for a walk.

It was around two in the morning when she pulled back on her robes and black wool cloak. Her heart was pounding knowing what the penalty would be if she were discovered. The need however for air was too great to be ignored. With her boots in hand to avoid echoes on the stone floor she set off down the hall.

The entire hallway was vacant. Even the pictures were empty. All the portraits were most likely assembled in the billiard room where there was a large painting of an old fashioned pub, their favorite place to go when the rest of the house was sleeping. Slowly and soundlessly she glided down the stairs careful not to trip on her long cloak. A few hours ago she had descended these stairs with the misfortune of returning up them with even less hope than she had to begin with.

All thoughts of her hard luck halted when she caught sight of a little girl on the landing. Glowing silver like the moon beams she was dancing in. Her wispy body glided around the gleaming floor, dancing to inaudible music. The Manor hall filled with soft light rays from the moon shining through the large ceiling windows which cut designs on the dark granite. Spinning happily in the glow the girl continued her ballet. She was a ghost. Egan had been right all along. He claimed that a silver girl would come visit him in the night and they would play hide and seek in his room. Uncle Ethan scolded him and told him to stop making up stories and then accused Tabitha of putting stupid ideas into his son's head.

The little girl spotted Tabitha and quickly glided to hide behind an enormous floor vase filled with peacock feathers.

"Please come back out. You were dancing so beautifully." Tabitha whispered to the half hidden girl whose eyes peeked out among the eyes of the ornate feathers. Cautiously the girl drifted out from her hiding place and slowly advanced to where Tabitha was now hunched on the floor. "Hello." Tabitha smiles gently. "My name is Tabitha. What's yours?" The little girl looked about seven or eight years old, she wore a beautiful dark velvet small cloak with a large satin bow at the breast that matched the one in her shadowy hair. Her feet were clad in shiny black soft leather boots, now untouchable to any mortal being. Apprehensively the girl replied.

"Emma." Her voice was meek and timid.

"You must be a Rosier." Emma nodded. Tabitha wanted to question her more, ask how she dies and who she truly was but it would be a very rude subject to bring up with such a small child. Out of pity Tabitha simply asked her to keep dancing and hoped she would come visit her in her room some night. Emma began to clumsily spin about the glossy floor again as Tabitha silently clapped along to her rhythm. Both were soundlessly laughing together and when they were done Tabitha blew Emma a kiss and slowly she inched towards the door saying.

"I'll be back soon." And with that, slipped out the main door and onto the grounds. Everything was still, there was no longer a calm breeze but the mists were rising off the marsh. Before when she was younger the yard at night frightened her, she would scarily even step out into the back garden but now things were different, she had nothing to fear. Fear belonged to those who still valued life, Tabitha no longer had anything to truly live for and if she should be led astray by a hinky punk and never seen again than that was the way things would be. But right now the euphoria of being utterly alone and free made her set out running, flourishing her arms about and jumping. The moon was almost full but thin sheets of clouds wafted in front of it as she made her way to the marsh. Glancing back at the Manor she realized something she had never thought of before. The entire park owned by the Rosier family was all marsh and swamp land even the Manor itself was on soft ground. It had to be magic keeping Ephraim Manor from sinking. Having so rarely seen the outside of the Manor she took a great amount of time examining it's exterior only to see that there was a large crack forming near the main entrance. After so many years the house of Rosier was ready to crumble.

She turned from the Manor and started to run again, trudging through the soft ground that was soaking her feet. The farther she ran from the Manor the lighter she felt and the happier she was. The trees that had earlier been swaying were now still. Scraggly shadows were being cast by the semi cloud covered moon, everything was at ease. Her cloak flowed without restraint as she neared a large pond of swamp water. All of a sudden she halted, frozen by the sight. There was a large open lake, surrounded by marsh trees that were glowing with fire flies and humming with crickets.

Everything about the lake seemed peaceful everything besides the large stone monument erected a few meters away from where Tabitha was standing. It was shaped like a spire, reaching up towards the sky. She walked towards it, ducking the low hanging branches and the rotting trees, when only a meter or so away she knew exactly what it was. It was a grave; constructed from the same dark granite used to build Ephraim Manor. A single lone grave in the wizarding world is uncommon, especially among pure blooded families. Many witches and wizards choose to be cremated with their ashes thrown to the wind but in most pureblooded families who owned large ancient estates, the dead were entombed in crypts under the manors and castles. Her own mother was put to rest with her ancestors in the first primordial House of Lestrange in Rome. Her father's body had been in Ministry control who had no doubt given him a traitor's burial. His tomb under Ephraim Manner was empty. The Rosiers crypt are nothing compared to the Malfoy and Black burial chambers whose in turn are nothing to the catacomb under the Snape castle said to be the resting place of the great sorceress Morgana known in legend as Morgan Le Fay. But all the wonders that lay under England's magical great houses where nothing to Tabitha compared to this. She kneeled before the granite monument and read the words that had been deeply carved into the base.

'Emma Anastasia Annabelle Rosier

May She Rise Again'

Slowly she backed away and started to run again. All logic and sense left her as she jetted off deep into the twisted trees. Her heavy breathing and flapping cloak were stilled when she heard the terrifying sound of a howling wolf. She had never bothered to ponder the possibility of werewolf's or other dangerous creatures living in the vicinity of the Manor and now that the thought crossed her mind she realized the foolishness of wondering a swamp at night. 'Fuck.' Was the first word that crossed her mind as she stood petrified with fright. 'All alone at night in a swamp, without a wand. Very stupid, really really stupid Tabitha.' She though to herself as her wide eyes scanned the surroundings trying to make out any sign of which way the Manor was located. Just then a thicket of tall ferns behind her rustled slightly. She turned and screamed.

- - -

Severus had just apparated to the edge of the Hogwarts grounds from the Rosier's estate and had every intention of marching right up to Dumbledore's office and throwing a tantrum. The two gargoyles perched on either side of the towering heavy iron gates asked him to identify him self and give the password. When they were satisfied with the information he gave the two flanked gates unlocked with a hollow click and then screeched open on their antique rusty hinges. Everything was still on the grounds and as he walked up to the entrance doors he took the liberty to enjoy just how student free the castle was. The moon almost half full, cast a bewitching hue over everything in its reach and its light glittered on the lakes surface. These were his favorite moments, alone and protected in the empty Hogwarts grounds, it almost made him forget the horrid memories that would cloud his sleep and the unlucky situation he now found himself in.

"Albus!" His voice did not echo like it did in most rooms at Hogwarts. The Headmasters walls were filled with books and pictures that absorbed sound. The current Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizarding was sitting at his desk enjoying a cup of tea and engaging in conversation with the various paintings on his walls.

"Ah, Severus, perfect timing. I was just discussing with Marcina" His long elegant hand motioned to a portrait on the far wall. "The perfect cure for bunions-"

"Headmaster if you please I have a matter of some importance to discuss with you." Severus's voice was tense but that was the only sign his well trained body gave away to his current distress. Albus lowered his motioning hand and sank back a bit further in his chintz arm chair.

"Of course." The old man replied as Snape turned around to the rows of portraits and glared, at once they all snapped their eyes shut and pretended to be snoozing. "What is it Severus, nothing serious, I hope? Candy?" Severus waved a hand in refusal at the bag of hard colorful candy.

"I am to be married." His voice was flat.

"Congratulations, my dear boy!"

"To a student." This comment didn't seem to phase the great Albus Dumbledore's happy expression or the bright twinkle in his eyes.

"So who is this lucky lady?" Snape gave a strong snort at the Headmasters choice of words.

"A student."

"Yes you mentioned that." Dumbledore said as a popped a bright pink sweet into his mouth

"I am to wed Tabitha Rosier before this years end."

"Ah, Miss Rosier. This calls for wine" He started to rise from his chair, the candy in his mouth was visibly resting between his teeth and cheek. "I think I still have a few bottles around here somewhere."

"They're in the back next to the Muggle Literature bookshelf." A small wheezy voice piped in.

"Ah, yes. Thank you, Hans." Dumbledore winked to the portrait and made his way to the back when Severus shouted losing some of his legendary composure.

"Albus! What am I supposed to do? I cannot marry a student. You cannot be serious in allowing this to happen."

"There seems little I can do in the matter. Ah yes, here's a good bottle." His voice drifted in from behind a wall.

"Can't you protest it some way? Tell the governors you will not allow a teacher and current student to be married." Before he could say any more Dumbledore returned holding a very dusty bottle.

"From Italy." He said as he adjusted his half moon spectacles to inspect the label further. "A gift, from a friend of mine in the Siena province. I believe there were once two bottles but I think I drank the first some years back. Ah about fifteen years I think." He said faintly recalling the bittersweet wine he'd celebrated with on a bittersweet occasion. He was situating himself once again in his overstuffed chair and conjuring up two goblets when he spoke again. "Siena, lovely place, isn't that where your grandmother is from, Severus?"

"This is hardly the time to be talking about Siena and that damn old bat Carmella!" Severus's hands were clenched and turning whiter by the minute becoming very frustrated with the lack of seriousness Dumbledore seemed to have about his present circumstance.

"I think it's the perfect time, after all you'll want to be informing her about your marriage."

"Damn it Albus, there is not going to be a marriage!" All bindings holding his temper in place were slowly snapping.

"Well I'm quite sure you just informed me a few minutes ago that was going to be." Dumbledore held out a wine filled glass for Severus to take.

"Headmaster, I cannot marry her. She is a student, a pupil of mine and she is..." His voice trailed off again.

"Severus, sit down, drink some of this very good wine and relax." Snape slowly sank down into one of the chairs opposite Dumbledore's, dismissed the offered wine and placed a hand against his temple in an attempt to control the headache now throbbing in his head. "Well seeing how I doubt you were the one to get down on one knee and ask for Miss Rosier's hand in marriage, I assume this is a matter involving her family."

"Yes. Ethan Rosier seems quite bent on getting rid of his niece."

"Indeed, and you volunteered to take her."

"Hardly, they were planning to give her to either Mr. Crabbe or Goyle but that idea didn't sit too well with other members of her family."

"Understandably so" Severus nodded. "So they saw you as a much finer option and-"

"And I was cornered into accepting her. It would be too much of a waste to let her marry stupid fat pigs like Crabbe or Goyle. But Albus I cannot marry her."

"Indeed why not? It sounds like it would be perfectly legal, seeing how her family has no objection."

"She is Evan and Raphaela's daughter Albus, I cannot."

"No, I think that that is all the more reason for you to marry her Severus. If it weren't for you Miss Rosier wouldn't even be alive today. You saved her life Severus and now you must take responsibility for it. I should have told you that fifteen years ago. Maybe then you could have spared her from some of the things she's had to endure thus far in her young life."

"So I assume that you have been watching her while she is here at school?"

"My dear boy" He chuckled. "I watch everyone who walks these halls." Snape smirked imagining the old man sitting up here in his office eating his candy and monitoring the daily life of the sniveling little teenage brat's referred to as students. "But yes Severus I have been watching over her. I was the one that told Fred and George Weasley to inform her about the way into the kitchens. She's quite popular with the house elves, you know and they've informed me that she too has a liking of Lemon Meringue pie. And I thought I was the only one." A smile stretched across his wise old face. "She has many of your virtues as well."

"I have no interest in your lemony pies Albus." Severus mumbled as the Headmaster chuckled again.

"No, I was referring to the way you both isolate yourselves. You hiding in the dungeons like a stubborn old bat. Maybe she'll do you some good." He took a sip from his conjured goblet

"Headmaster-"

"Speaking of old bats I think we best send an owl to your grandmother. She'll want to be informed that her only grandson is getting married."

"Well Albus if you can track her down from her flying escapades across the world then by all means but I have no wish to see her. Best to just inform her but by no means invite her"

"Very well." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with mischief like a little boys as he picked up his glass encouraging Severus to do the same. For the second time that night Severus found himself toasting to his impending doom, his wedding.

- - -

"Miss, must come back. Miss is not safe here." The elf was wringing her hands and her huge eyes pleading with Tabitha.

"Ditty, what are you doing out here?" She sounded much more relieved than what she really felt.

"I followed Miss. Miss shouldn't be out. Master would not like it. Not safe."

"Do you know the way back?"

"Yes." Ditty's words were soft as her eyes roamed from side to side nervously.

"Will you tell my Uncle I was out?" Tabitha dreaded asking this. The elf looked at her conflicted.

"I cannot lie to Master."

"If he doesn't ask then you won't have to tell him. Not telling him isn't a lie." Ditty nodded her head hesitantly. "Ok, let's go back." The elf nodded again and then latched on to the bottom of Tabitha's cloak and started to lead her away. They walked quietly only their footfalls on the marshy ground made noise but silence made Tabitha even tenser. "Ditty, how long have you served the Rosier family?"

"All my life, Miss." The elf squeaked.

"Yes, I know but how many years is that?"

"I dunno Miss, many years, Miss."

"Have you ever heard of an Emma Rosier?" Ditty stopped in mid step and turned to Tabitha.

"How does Miss know about Miss Emma?"

"I met her." These words sounded much more logical in her head but after she noticed the elf's surprised look, Tabitha realized maybe Ditty didn't know Emma was a ghost. "I saw her grave. Do you know who she was Ditty?" Ditty had started walking again but at a faster pace now.

"She was master's sister."

"Sister? But I've never seen her name on any of the family trees?"

"Master erased it."

"He erased it, why?" They were jogging now, their speed kept increasing with every question asked. "How did she die, Ditty?"

"Miss shouldn't ask such questions."

"Please Ditty, why would Uncle Ethan erase her name? What happened, please tell me. I swear I'll never tell my Uncle." The dark outline of the Manor could be seen in the distance. Tabitha rooted her feet in the ground. "Tell me Ditty, or I won't go another step." The poor elf pulled fruitlessly on her cloak to no avail.

"They was playin' games. Down on the lake. They loved to play along the shore, loved to fly around on their brooms over the lake too. Miss Emma was on Masters broom with Master, they's flyin' high up and he push her off. She fell into the water. Weeds swallow her up." Tabitha gasped at the cruel horror of the innocent little girl's demise. Ditty tugged on her cloak again and they walked back to the mansion.

Emma was no where in sight on their return and Tabitha was grateful for that, she didn't know if she could look on Emma without starting to cry. After all Emma was part of her family, her Aunt by blood. By the time Tabitha she felt completely numb. A million different thoughts pressed against her minds barrier only to be calmed when exhaustion finally overtook her and she fell asleep. While the rest of the house slept a little hoary girl was playing hop scotch on the floor tiles in front of a wall hanging embroidered with hundreds of names, none of which were hers.