The five used a portkey to go right back to Godric's Hollow. Ann smiled with delight at being back where she had discovered her parents' spirits. They smiled right back at her, then her father spoke "Marigold wants to lead, I can tell." with a wink. Ann grinned at them then announced, "Marigold, would you like to lead us back home?"

Marigold smiled in delight. "Yes, yes, yes! This way!" She led them a short way through the forest. Meanwhile, Ann, with Poppy riding on her back, slipped behind Albus to talk to Sunflower. They whispered for a little bit, then ran a different way into the forest, being careful not to make a sound.

*MARIGOLD'S NARRATOR POINT OF VIEW*

Marigold heard a chirp from a bird that was not native to this area. Her eyes widened in delight. Being careful not to make a movement that was not expected of her, she called back with her bird-call. She smiled, knowing the plan instantly. She turned and smiled to Albus. "You lead for a while! Just keep going straight. It's easy!" she said innocently as she slipped behind him. As soon as she could, she ran into the forest and up the nearest tree. She gave her bird-call again, then swung across gaps in branches to the tree where Ann, Poppy, and Sunflower already were.

"Did you "let him lead", Marigold?" Ann asked. Marigold nodded in return. "Good. He should be almost here. Quiet everyone!"

Albus suddenly came into view. Ann silently counted down, "3..2...1...1/2...0!" They all jumped down in front of him and started laughing.

"We were gone almost the whole time and you didn't even notice!" Ann said, smiling.

"You got me. I was wrapped up in my own thoughts. Is this it?" Albus asked, drawing his attention to the small cabin behind the girls. Ann nodded and then gave a whistle. Animals came running from all directions. "And these are our animals!" Ann said, smiling at Albus' amazement.

"We can head back now, I suppose." Ann said after wrangling up the animals.

"Via Portkey, of course." Albus corrected. The four agreed.

A month or so later...

"Come on you four! It's time to go down for the feast." Albus called out, while standing by the door. "The animals can come too, if they're not vicious today." Yesterday, the mockingbird had bit Ann, because she didn't give him his food in the morning.

Ann led her family out of their rooms. "We're ready!" Marigold announced. "Then by all means, let us go." Albus said with a smile.

In the Great Hall...

"Ann, you can sit here, next to the Potions master. You girls can mingle with the students." Sunflower and Marigold ran down and chose their tables. Poppy decided to sit behind the teachers' table, with the animals.

The teachers trickled in and the table began to get full. Ann began to introduce herself to the teachers, but when the Potions master came in and sat down next to her, she cut off all other discussions. She turned to face him and said "We meet again, Severus Snape."

Yes, it's a little short today, but finals are coming my way and I didn't have much time. Sorry about the cliffhanger. Not really :D