"We'll meet you in Herbology, Lauren!" Ron called.

Lauren smiled at him, "I might get there before you. Ron doesn't seem the fastest boy in the school."

Hermione laughed, "Got that right." Hermione then continued the elbowing tradition by recieveing one from Ron.

"Now, Miss Snape...no, Lauren. You will excuse me, the name Snape is somewhat unusual on my tongue," Professor Lupin said awkwardly. Lauren looked puzzled, but said nothing. "First of all, how experienced are you in Defense Against The Dark Arts?"

"I'm good. Not great, but...good," Lauren said, blushing.

"What is the most advanced creature you've ever dealt with?" Lupin asked.

Lauren looked down, embarrassed by the answer. "A werewolf. Once. I, also handled vampires at Sunclove. I was the assisstant of the DADA teacher."

Lupin's wolf eyes grew large at the mention of werewolves, but said only, "Assistant of the DADA teacher? Excellent! I see I will have no problems wiht you in this class," his teeth flashed in a grin. "Oh, and Lauren, if, your uncle, is...not dealing well with you being in Gryffindor, or anything, don't hesitate to tell me. I know he can be, mean."

Lauren looked thoughful, then hurt. "No one seems to understand. I know he's, 'mean'. But if you only knew what he's done for me! I mean, I hate him and he's my uncle and he's been so nice and so cruel at the same time! If you or anyone only understood! Don't tell me what he's like! Don't be biased, wolf-eyes!" She stared blankly after this. "Oh God. I'm so sorry Professor. I didn't mean to, I mean, GET DOWN!"

The entire school shuddered. Lauren fell to the floor, her hands glowing. "No, no. Be calm. Be calm," she muttered to herself. The quakes subsided.

"What was that?" Professor Lupin asked, face red.

"I'm sorry. I've got to go," Lauren cried and ran out, towards Herbology. The next classes passed easily, Lauren dominating most of them. Even though she seemed lost in thought, she came out instantly if a teacher called on her. Lunch came and Lauren seemed alight. Ron was teased on all sides, Harry's hair ruffled, and Hermione's homework requested. Midway through her sandwich, Lauren saw Professor Lupin head toward her table. "Oh crap," she murmured. "One moment, guys," she said, looking at Harry and Hermione.

"Lauren?" Professor Lupin asked. "May I see you in my office?" Harry and Ron both gave quizzical looks as Lauren followed the professor. "Please, sit down," Lupin said, gesturing toward a chair.

Lauren remained standing. "I will. If he leaves. Or if he stops being invisible. I can see you!"

"Lauren?" Lupin sounded concerned. "Are you, seeing people?"

"Don't patronize me," she said angriliy. From her voice Lupin could tell she was still embarassed and hurt. "Dumbledore. He's in the corner. He doesn't have a cloak. It's a spell. An invisibility spell." The air shimmered and Dumbledore appeared.

"I don't understand," he said confusedly. "Was my spell not working?"

"I couldn't see you, Albus," Lupin siad. "But apparently Lauren could. Professor Flitwick said something about your talents. I did not know their extent."

"Neither do I," Lauren said slowly.

"Miss Snape, Professor Lupin has brought something to my attention. Don't look at the poor man as though he told me to put you in Azkaban. Yet we feel you may have been the cause of our recent tremor. Do you agree?" Dumbledore asked. Despite the anger at being lied to, his voice was so kind and apologetic she couldn't help feeling less angry.

"I know it was me Headmaster. It was always me," Lauren said sadly. Lupin's eyebrows raised. There was concern as well as confusion in the wolf eyes.