Chapter 6: Off to school

A firm hand came down on Vasara's sleeping form and shook her awake. At the contact, her eyes snapped open and she bolted up in bed. Her head frantically looked around before they landed on a tall figure dressed in black robes standing next to her bed. Just as she was about to scream in fright, her eyes recognized the figure and her fear soon turned to anger.

"You!" she spat out. Severus Snape cocked a dark eyebrow, "I guess knocking before entering a woman's chamber means nothing to you?" she threw at him as she quickly rose off the opposite side of the bed from him.

"That rule applies to visiting. I'm not here to visit now am I? I'm here strictly on business." He coolly answered.

"You're the escort Albus sent?" she asked in slight disgust.

"Surprised?" he threw back.

"Yes, actually I am. I expected someone with a little more…..decency." she answered boldly. Snape's dark eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked in his low, unfeeling voice. Vasara nodded. "Good. I've already sent your things to the school, they will be there when you arrive." He stated.

"Fine." Vasara mumbled uninterestedly. Snape glared across at the young woman before he swiftly walked around the bed to where she stood and firmly took hold of her arm in one of his large hands. He then yanked her close to him,

"Brace yourself." He warned. Before Vasara could protest against his actions, she felt the familiar dropping of her stomach soon she along with Snape, vanished from her room. It took only a few minuets before they reached their destination but once Vasara's feet were on solid ground again, she defiantly yanked her arm out of Snape's grasp. They had appeared right at the grand entrance of the school; Snape started leading the way inside,

"This way, Miss Thompson." He called back over his broad shoulder, "Hurry up now." He ordered irritably. Vasara glared daggers at his retreating form before she stomped after him. They entered the school and walked down multiple hallways until they came to a familiar looking stairwell. Snape stopped right next to the spiraling stairs before he spun about to Vasara's approaching form,

"The Headmaster is waiting for you in his office." He coolly stated. Vasara kept her head high as she walked past the tall man to the beginning of the stairs,

"Thank you." She replied without emotion. Then without another word she quickly climbed the stairs. At the top, she swiftly walked into her godfather's office that was once again left open. Only this time, Albus wasn't inside waiting for her. "Albus?" she called as she walked further inside the large office. He didn't respond. "Al…" she tried again but stopped midway because of a sudden roaring noise. She quickly spun about and found herself facing a large fireplace that was alit with bright green flames. Suddenly a figure walked out, it was Albus. Vasara raised a hand up to her left breast and placed it over her pounding heart, "Albus…." She breathed out in relief. Albus' blue eyes landed on Vasara and softened at the sight of his godchild.

"Ah, there you are, my dear. You're earlier than I expected." He stated lightly as he walked over to where she stood.

"Yes well, your….escort doesn't waste time in completing his assignments."

Albus gave her a soft smile, "That's Professor Snape for you."

"So Albus, why have you sent for me?" Vasara quickly asked. Albus' smile faded to a grim expression,

"Come my dear, let's sit down." Said Albus. The two of them quickly walked over and took a seat on the couch, "Now this news might be a bit shocking so prepare yourself my dear." He warned softly; Vasara swallowed quickly before nodding her head, signaling for him to continue. "Ms. Flox appears to be missing."

Vasara's mouth dropped open in shock, "What?" she breathed out, "Since when?" she demanded,

"On the night Hogsmade was attacked, Ms. Flox fled to a Hotel that she and I had agreed to incase something like this had happened. Well according to witnesses, she checked in late that night, but the next night, her room was found empty and torn apart. People claimed that they heard foul play from her room and they sent an official to check it out."

"And she was no where to be seen?" Vasara finished softly.

"Not a trace of her has been found." He gravely confirmed.

"Does no one have a lead?" She asked. Albus sighed,

"Only one." Albus answered. Vasara stared into her godfather's blue eyes and instantly knew the answer,

"Death Eaters…?" She whispered breathlessly. Albus nodded,

"The Dark Mark was found above the Hotel that night."

"And you believe that her disappearance has something to do with me?" Vasara questioned quietly.

"I'm not sure, my dear. But I can't deny that it's a great coincidence; first with Hogsmade and now this?" Albus softly shook his head, "I just can't take the risk if it is."

Vasara nodded her head, understanding the dire situation, "I see…"

Albus sighed again, "For now, I'm going to have to ask you to never leave Hogswarts grounds, never walk alone, and always tell me where you'll be at all times." Vasara opened her mouth to protest but closed it once more,

"Yes Albus." She answered obediently while bowing her head.

"One more thing Vasara," Albus added causing Vasara to look back up at her godfather, "…only the most trusted members on my staff know about you being my goddaughter, and they have sworn an oaf of secrecy and protection for it as well. No one besides those people and myself must know about it. Understand?" he seriously asked.

"Yes Albus." She answered again.

"Good girl. Now until the school year starts up, which will be in two days actually….you'll stay here in my office. But once school does start, you'll be given your own personal chamber somewhere in the castle."

"Uh Albus, how's the whole 'school thing' going to work out?" she asked curiously.

"I've arranged private lessons with some professors around school to help you catch up with other students of your age. Once they feel that you're ready, we'll move you into classes with students." Albus explained

"Right." Vasara answered.

"Now that we've got that matter settled, how about some dinner?" said Albus. Vasara smiled softly.

"Why not?" she answered. Albus clapped his hands and a tray of food appeared before them. As they ate their dinner, Vasara's mind kept straying back to the thought of poor Ms. Flox being captured by ruthless Death Eaters; Albus obviously read her thoughts because he ended up reaching a comforting hand over to Vasara's shoulder,

"Don't worry Vasara, things will be ok." He murmured gently.

"I hope so Albus." Vasara answered.