Chapter 8: New Identities Found and Lost


Life at Hogwarts continued as winter slowly gave way to spring. The Gryffindors, for the most part were happy over Ginny's sudden disappearance, as it was now impossible for the professors to use her to keep them in-line. Well, all the Gryffindors save two that is. Harry blamed himself for Ginny's disappearance. He'd always thought of her as the little sister he never had and he'd allowed his love for the Weasleys and the wish that they were his family to distract him from the truth of what was really going on where Ginny was concerned. He'd had his suspicions about what was happening to Ginny, especially after the events of this past summer and the beginning of the school year but had done nothing for her for fear of alienating the only 'family' he had left. Hermione as well blamed herself for Ginny's disappearance. They had almost been friends once but over the years Hermione had become more engrossed in school and the fight against Voldemort. Looking back on it now Hermione realized that by keeping everything concerning Voldemort and the war against him away from Ginny probably did more harm than good, especially since Ginny herself had been a victim of the Dark Lord.

Hermione had to wonder if Ginny had ever truly dealt with what had happened to her in her first year with the Chamber of Secrets and if maybe that was why she had taken to Lucius Malfoy so strongly. Hermione puzzled over this and many other questions over the weeks following Ginny's disappearance while Ron did nothing but bemoan and belittle Ginny and cheer over the fact that she was no longer a thorn in his side.

On the other hand, the Slytherins were not taking the news of Ginny's disappearance well. Publicly the house appeared as it usually did…cold, detached and aloof, while privately they mourned the loss of their friend and honorary housemate. Ginny had won the trust and loyalty of every Slytherin from the smallest first year up the current Head of House, each one dealing with the loss of their friend/lover in their own way. Severus became colder than normal to anyone and everyone that dared try to talk to him, Pansy and Millicent threw themselves whole heartedly into the social/gossip scene of Hogwarts, Blaise retreated within himself, pulling himself out of every activity save classes, whereas Draco seemed to occupy himself with pursing Danica Morgan of Ravenclaw, much to her confused dismay, causing her to seek refuge in the only sanctuary open to her that Draco would not dare go…Severus' private potions lab, where she and Severus spent their time trying to figure out where exactly Ginny could have possibly gone.

As the school year came to a close, Danica and Severus were no closer to locating Ginny than they had been shortly after her disappearance. The frustrating part was not that they could not find Ginny; it was that they had no idea of how to go about finding her. Thanks to the potion she had taken, she could be anyone, anywhere. It was apparent though that she had left the wizarding world altogether, seeing as any magic she would have performed outside the grounds of Hogwarts would have been detected by the Ministry of Magic as Ginny, regardless of her apprenticeship and advanced standing at Hogwarts, was still an underage witch and no underage magic had been detected at all in the recent months except by those witches and wizards too young to have been admitted to any wizarding school.

Draco had made no further progress in his attempt to court Danica. In fact, the harder he tried the less success he seemed to achieve. He was beginning to understand exactly what his father had gone through while being kept away from Ginny. His father was another matter altogether that Draco could not figure out. When not trying to find a way to get close to Danica, Draco spent his time trying to figure out his father's odd behaviour over the past few months. He knew that his father and Ginny had solidified the bond between them, he'd seen the bracelet on his father's wrist, but what he could not figure out was where his father's animosity towards his mate had come from, especially since it had manifested almost immediately after the bonding and had begun to fade after Ginny's disappearance. Draco often wondered what could have happened to alter his father's personality so abruptly only to allow it to slowly return to normal months later.


Danica was wandering around Cambridge one day during her summer break when she spotted a library across the street and hurried over there as fast as she could. Entering the library, she breathed in the familiar library smells and headed towards the first section that caught her eye. Finding a copy of The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott, she started reading immediately. Which she could have done without reading...but as it was her attention was completely involved in the book, that was until she ran into something rather hard. Then again, it had to be a someone because it made a noise that was most definitely un-building like. Looking up she saw a girl with waist length ebony hair in a plait and icy blue eyes that were looking at her rather like they had seen a ghost. The girl was wearing hip-hugger jeans and a tight fitted t-shirt and several bangles on her wrists. "Oh, bloody hell, I'm terribly sorry. I seem to have a habit of running into people as of late. Are you alright?" she asked concerned as she stood up.

The girl continued to stare at Danica, not saying a word.

"Victoria…hey Victoria are you alright?" a young man with blond hair and green eyes asked coming up to where the two girls sat.

"Yeah, I'm…I'm okay Michael," replied Ginny as the young man helped her to her feet.

"What happened? I come in to get you and I find you here on the floor," chuckled Michael. "If you're not careful you're going to give me a big head if you keep falling at my feet like that."

Ginny groaned and smacked Michael on the arm, focusing her attention on the young man beside her instead of the ghost from her past in front of her. "That is so not funny Michael."

"Well, it's good to see you're alright. I'll just run along then," Danica said as she looked between the two.

"Victoria, I realize that there is a big part of your past that's missing but didn't Heather teach you anything about manners?" chided Michael before turning his attention towards Danica. "My name's Michael Harrison," he said sticking his hand out. "And my absent-minded friend here is Victoria Worthington."

"Nice to meet you darlin's. I'm Danica Morgan," Danica replied with a smile as she held out her hand.

"Nice to meet you, Danica," replied Michael shaking her hand. "Look, Victoria and I were just going to head out to the Summer Music Festival, would you care to join us?"

"Michael," hissed Ginny before forcing a smile on her face. "I'm sure…Danica was it?" At Danica's nod, Ginny continued, "Has other things she needs to be doing than tagging along with two people she only just met to the music festival."

"Actually, I was in town for the festival as it is..." Danica began as she tried to figure out what was so familiar about the statement Victoria made.

"Well that settles it then, you'll join us," insisted Michael.

"Are you sure? I hate to impose..." Danica tried to argue, although considering half her mind was on Victoria...what was it about that statement...

"I insist," persisted Michael with a smile. "It's only fair given that Victoria crashed into you after all."

"Do you mind, Victoria?" Danica began as she looked at the other girl, taking a slight double take when she noticed the one bracelet that was left on her wrist when the other bangles shifted up her arm. No…she was seeing things...that was it, she hit her head harder than she thought...but...Glancing back at Victoria's face she had to wonder...that potion...Ginny could look like anyone...ebony hair...those eyes, she had seen those eyes far too often with Malfoy bothering her around school...no it was her imagination, that was it...it had to be...But...what if it was Ginny, it could explain the look in her eyes...Suddenly realizing she had been sitting there in silence and no doubt missed something that had been said she looked between the two wanting to hit her head. Oh yes Danica, what a good way to play cool. "I'm sorry, I just totally spaced out, did either of you say something?" she asked, mentally deciding that at the very least she had to check this out. But she would not even dream of letting Sevie know about this until she knew more...


Meanwhile...

"Mind? Why should I mind if you join us? I mean it is a free country after all," Ginny snarled before continuing in a barely audible whisper. "At least it is now."

"Victoria what is the matter with you?" demanded Michael grabbing a hold of Ginny's wrist. "This isn't like you. Why are you being so nasty to Danica? You've only just met the girl and yet you're biting her head off."

"It's none of your business, Michael," snapped Ginny as she wrenched her arm out his grasp, causing her bracelets to slide up her arm, all save one. "And besides how do you know this isn't like me, Michael! You barely know anything about me…"

"And why do you suppose that is, Victoria?" demanded Michael. "You refuse to let anyone get close enough to get to know the real you. For all I know this whole amnesia thing you've got going on could be nothing more than some sort of insane cover. For all I know you could be hiding out from some spurned lover…"

SMACK!

"You bastard," Ginny snarled as she rubbed her stinging hand. "I know nothing from before Heather found me in the train station six months ago. I can't believe you can stand there and accuse me of lying so blatantly. Do you know what the worst of it is though? I thought I could trust you."

"You can trust me Victoria," urged Michael, almost pleadingly.

"I'm sorry Michael, but I can't trust someone who can stand there and accuse me of something that I have no control over. Goodbye Michael," finished Ginny as she pushed past him on her way out of the library, not once looking back for fear of seeing the face of her past once more.

"I feel like I must apologize for Victoria's behaviour Danica, she's not normally like that. She's actually a very sweet girl, a little hesitant to trust new people but never quite so harsh," commented Michael sadly turning his attention to the young woman next to him.

"Don't apologize, it's understandable why she's upset," Danica replied having missed most of the conversation up until Ginny had brushed past and his apology. It seems they missed her own comment in their argument but that didn't matter now. "Why don't you go after her, apologize to her for me. For both bumping into her and for almost butting in on her evening. I hope you have a good time tonight; I hear this is going to be fantastic. And nice meeting you both," Danica added with a smile before turning to go down the hall and finish her book. There was no way she was going to let young Miss Worthington get away until she was sure that there was no possible way that she was Ginny. She had to at least find out for sure for her own peace of mind, and to know that she had to look elsewhere if they were going to find her for Sevie.

Michael stood and watched Danica walk away further back into the library before turning his attention back to the way in which Ginny had left. Shaking his head sadly he slowly left the library deciding to head home, knowing there was no way he would be able to talk to Victoria until she calmed down a bit.

After Michael left, Danica turned and followed him to a house that was no doubt his. Taking the chance that he wouldn't go anywhere for a bit, she rushed back to her hotel and found the few things she would need, along with her darling familiar. Hurrying back to the house thanks to a cab, she was beyond thrilled to see him still in the house. Smiling at Tasha, she sat down to wait. A few hours later Michael left once more, and she followed him to another house almost smirking when she saw Victoria inside. "All right Tasha baby do your thing. I'll be back in the morning at two to see if you got in. If you're in, don't come out, I'll know by your lack of appearance," she whispered as she scratched the cat behind its ears.

"Have fun precious and no beating up any other animals in there," she added with a smile before setting the calico down. "See you soon baby," she cooed as the cat rubbed against her leg before turning and running across the road to the house. Turning she made her way down the street to go to the festival, may as well see some of it after all.


Meanwhile…

Ginny walked home from the university campus in a complete daze, unaware of where she was or what time it was as her mind was caught up in images from her past.

/-/Oh Gods…how?/-/ Ginny wondered to herself as she poured herself some ice tea a few hours later after finally reaching her house, drinking it all down in one go. /-/No one was supposed to be able to find me. I've accepted the fact that that part of my life is over, so what in the names of the Gods do the Furies think they are doing? Why give me six months of peace and anonymity only to rip it away by throwing my past back in my face. How in the nine hells did Danica find me? I should have been untraceable. My looks are different…hell my name is different and I haven't even done any magic since I left Hogwarts, I saw to that when I snapped my wand so how did she find me?/-/ As Ginny's thoughts progressed in this manner she was unaware of the fact that her grip on the glass in her hand was increasing. /-/Hang on a second there Ginevra and get a grip on yourself. There is no possible way for Danica to know that it was you she ran into earlier. You said it yourself you've left no trace of 'Ginevra Weasley' for them to use to find you and you haven't done any magic so there is no way for the Ministry to track you down either…/-/ Ginny's grip on the glass slowly started to ease off as she convinced herself that her identity was indeed safe.

"Victoria?" Heather asked quietly when she walked into the room only to find Ginny with a death grip on the glass in her hand. "Victoria, Sweetie, are you all right?" she asked in concern as the doorbell rang. "Robert, can you get the door please?" Heather called, not really wanting to leave Ginny alone.

"Victoria, it's Michael…" Robert began a few minutes later only to have the glass in Ginny's hand shatter as her grip tightened beyond what the glass could withstand.

"Better tell him Victoria's not in any condition to speak with him, Robert," commented Heather as she quickly wrapped Ginny's hand in a towel to stop the bleeding before leading Ginny into the living room and sitting her down on the couch. "Do you want to talk about it Sweetie? Did you and Michael have a fight this afternoon?"

Ginny nodded in response. "He thinks I'm lying about my amnesia," she replied quietly.

"Why would he think something like that?" asked Heather in concern.

"I ran into a girl in the library who I just got the strangest feeling off and he invited her to join us at the festival without asking me first and he got upset when I objected. That's when he accused me of lying about my amnesia. Said I was just using it as an excuse to hide from a spurned lover as he said," explained Ginny sadly.

"Oh Victoria, I'm sorry. I know how much you liked Michael and how difficult it was for you to trust him," soothed Heather. "Let's take a look at that hand, shall we?" she asked as she started to pull the towel away. "It doesn't look too bad. I don't think it will need stitches or anything. Why don't you wait here and I'll go get something to wrap it in."

Ginny nodded and watched as Heather left the room only to have Robert enter a moment later. "Hey Sweetie, look what I found wandering around the garden," he said as he handed Ginny a white kitten with light brown and orange patches and blue eyes. It appeared to be no more than four months old.

Ginny took the kitten from Robert, careful of her injured hand and set it down in her lap where it immediately curled up and started purring.

"And who's this little one?" asked Heather when she came in to wrap Ginny's hand and noticed the furry bundle purring contentedly in Ginny's lap.

"Robert found her in the garden," replied Ginny as Heather began wrapping her hand. "Can I keep her?" she asked looking between her surrogate parents.

"I don't see why not," replied Heather as she tied off the bandage. "Now why don't you take your new friend and go and get some sleep, you've had a stressful day and it's late."

Ginny nodded and gently picked the kitten up before heading up to her room. "I wish I could tell them the truth. I hate lying to Heather and Robert, especially after they've been so nice to me but they would never understand why I've had to lie about not knowing my past. I can't hurt them like that, I can't," she told the kitten as she lay in bed stroking it before falling into a fitful night's sleep.


Ginny woke the next morning and went about her normal day. She was reluctant to return to the University but had no choice in the matter. She had a class to attend and if she did well then the University would grant her admission for the fall. Shortly after coming to live with Heather and Robert, Heather had discovered Ginny's knack for chemistry and had Robert pull a few strings at Cambridge University where he was a professor and get them to allow Ginny to take some basic chemistry classes along with a few others over the summer with the possibility of full admission in the fall if things went well, hence she could not afford to miss a single day even though the fear of running headlong into her past once more was still fresh.

Luckily Ginny knew her biggest chance of running into Danica was in the library, if she was still in the area, so Ginny stayed away, opting instead to go to classes and return home immediately afterwards, speaking to no one and ignoring Michael when he tried to approach her.

After returning from her last class Ginny went up to her room and pulled out her books to do the studying she would normally have done at the library. "I've turned into a regular Hermione," she mused sadly to herself as she wiped her tired eyes before turning back to her books, stopping only to scoop the kitten, which she had yet to name, up onto her lap where it curled up and began purring once more.

After having dinner with Robert and Heather, Ginny excused herself and returned to her room where she was determined to try to catch up on the sleep, she had lost the night before, with little success as she once again fell into a restless sleep.

Later that night, a pair of blue eyes watched the clock. As the bright numbers showed 2:01, she stretched and stood up, quickly making her way downstairs and out an open window in the living room.

Looking around she turned when she heard a familiar bird call, one that shouldn't occur at night, but only someone knowledgeable about birds would know that. Following the direction of the whistle, she quickly passed out of the yard and across the street. Turning the corner ahead as she heard the call again, she ran the last few feet to the figure sitting on the bench; leaping at the figure at the last second.

"Happy to see me, Tasha baby?" the girl asked with a smile as she scratched the cat behind its ears. "How have you been darlin'?" she cooed as the cat rubbed her head against her hand.

"Well, they've been treating you good at least..." Danica began with a smile. "Although if it is Ginny, I wouldn't expect anything else, so, let's see what you've seen," she continued as she removed the small camera and hooked it up to her laptop. Thank the Gods for the inventions of her Muggle community.

"Bloody hell, it is her," Danica murmured after she had seen everything that had been recorded. "How the hell am I supposed to tell her that I know she's her?" she mused as she leaned back. "Oh, that would be interesting wouldn't it Tash, 'Hey Victoria, I know that you're Ginny so... could you possibly consider coming home. I mean I know of a man who is just dying without you so... and I'm sure you are dying without him... so, what do you say?'... Oh yes that would be interesting."

Looking at the cat's stomach as she latched herself onto her head, no doubt to shut her up, she pried the feline from her scalp and held her a bit away from her. "Sometimes I forget that you are not the tiny kitten you appear. Which my scalp is verifying from the force you just had to use on me..." she teased with a smirk. "Okay, well let's do this. You get your little butt back there. I'll meet you here in two days' time, same time, and hopefully by then I'll have a better idea of what to do. What do you say?" smiling as the cat meowed, she reattached the camera, and making sure it was still hidden. "Be careful baby, but have fun just the same," she ordered with a smile before setting the cat back on the ground. Watching her run off around the corner, Danica stood and gathered her laptop before starting down the road to her hotel.

Over the next couple of days Ginny's nerves seemed to settle down a bit as Danica seemed to be nowhere in sight. She still refused to return to the library at any rate, not wanting to take any chances; at least until after September 1st when she knew that Danica would be returning to Hogwarts. Ginny was still keeping her distance from Michael as well, she had been reluctant to allow him near her in the first place and his recent accusations merely reinforced her own feelings that the safest thing for her mentally and emotionally was to be alone, and if that meant she was alone for the rest of her natural life then so be it.

Ginny was making her way across the grounds of Cambridge University on her way home from her last class on August 31st, revelling in the feeling of having a huge weight lifted off her shoulders. Danica was gone. She had to be in London to catch the train to Hogwarts the following morning so there was no way she could still be in Cambridge. All ties to her past were well and truly gone or so she thought…

"Hello darlin'."

Ginny's steps faltered slightly at hearing the familiar voice before continuing on her way. She was determined to leave her past exactly that…her past.

"Are you okay?" Danica asked concerned as she stood up, having seen her bloody well almost fall on her face if she hadn't caught herself.

/-/Just keep walking Ginny, she isn't there, it is just your imagination,/-/ Ginny ordered herself, not answering Danica's question.

"Victoria?" Danica called softly as she followed her.

Ginny merely increased her pace as she once again refused to answer.

"Ginny," Danica called softly as she stopped, waiting to see what the other girl would do now.

"Can't you take a hint woman?" cried Ginny in frustration as she spun to face Danica. "Leave. Me. Alone."

"What am I supposed to do? We've been looking for you for months," Danica whispered.

"And why exactly would you be looking for me?" Ginny demanded icily. "I don't know you…"

"Because he's dying without you," Danica snapped before sighing. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped, but you can't pretend with me darlin'; just as you can't pretend with yourself."

"Who said anything about pretending?" demanded Ginny, hoping Danica did not pick up the slight waver in her voice. "I don't know who you are, so why can't you just leave me in peace?"

"You're a terrible liar girl. I know about the bracelet love; I know it's you. And why else would you have acted like you did when you first saw me. Sweetie, your actions are speaking louder than your words. I know it's you. And I know you have your reasons for what you did. But please love; know that you can come back. He needs you, just as much as you need him. And the Malfoy nuts can go jump off a bridge for all Sevie and I care. But please, just listen to your heart. Not what your mind has led you to fear," Danica said softly before turning and walking away.


Robert and Heather decided to take Ginny into London the following day to buy her some new clothes to wear to school. They could not have been happier with their surrogate daughter as she had managed to be accepted into the chemistry program at Cambridge University and were taking her out on a shopping spree in celebration. Ginny hesitated slightly as the three of them made their way past King's Cross station, not sure if she really was doing the right thing by staying away and denying her heart. She knew that she would never love anyone the way that she loved Severus, and a part of her was still in love with the Lucius she had thought she'd known, but if she returned, one or both of the men of her heart would end up either hurt or dead at the other's hand and that was the last thing she wanted. Steeling herself she shook off her melancholy and continued her way with Robert and Heather who had stopped when they noticed her hesitation but quickly wrapped Ginny up in their loving embrace as they continued on to the next stop on their trip into London.

Sighing softly Danica watched Ginny's new form draw further and further away. When she had seen her by a stroke of pure luck when she had turned to make sure she had Tasha, before remembering the insane little feline was staying with Ginny and would be coming to see her once a month via the various portkeys she had left scattered around the park nearby. That luckily only Tasha would be able to reach, let alone find up in the bloody trees and on the telephone wires. Although she did hope nobody would try to remove that pair of shoes that was the first one back...better yet she would have loved to see the faces of people as they watched a 'kitten' walk a telephone wire like one of those circus performers.

But yes, she had looked down only to remember that, and when she looked up, who should she see? Why none other than the lovely Ginny Weasley herself. Well, the new Ginny that is. And then the girl had just turned away and returned to her new friends and continued.

Merciful heavens she was losing her mind. Shaking her head, she passed through the barrier and boarded the train. Only one thing left to worry about, what the hell was she going to tell Severus...

And a few hours later when they arrived at the school, she still did not have an answer, before deciding to just keep her silence. Of course, that worked until she met up with Severus that night and he noticed the distinct lack of her familiar, who had become a normal sight in the classroom and private potions room, and wherever the heck else she was.

And, to the questions of where the freaky little demonic creature had gone to, she stupidly replied, 'oh, she's with Ginny'. Well that went all very well, till she told him she wasn't giving him a location because it had to be Ginny's choice to come back, and she retreated to her room. Now to see how long it would take Severus to drive her insane...


December…Cambridge University Campus

"I can't believe you managed to get me to tell you," Danica groaned as she sat down on a bench.

"I shouldn't have resorted to the means I did, Miss Morgan," Severus snapped lightly before sighing. "I'm sorry."

"Oh, don't be, I deserve every bit of yelling you give me. But we have other things to worry about. Like the location of that freaky little creature I call a familiar."

"I believe that would be the creature in question," Severus drawled as he spotted the 'kitten'.

"Tasha! There you are my precious," Danica cooed as she picked the cat up. "So, where is that girl you've been watching for the last few months?" she asked before getting the distinct feeling that something wasn't right.

"What's going on Danica?" Severus asked as he sat down.

"I don't know, but I don't like the feeling in the pit of my stomach," she replied softly as she set the cat on the ground and stood up. "What if we came back here and she's gone or something?" she asked looking up at him before turning and pacing the length of the path.

"No, fate wouldn't be that cruel," Severus began to himself as Danica turned to watch him. Shaking her head, she sat on the bench across the path from him. She had learned to not interrupt him in the middle of one of his rants. Sitting up she picked up the paper she had sat on and retook her seat. Glancing at the paper she sighed before opening it up to read. /-/May as well have something to do while he went on a tangent.../-/ she thought until she saw the headline on the third page. "Severus, I think I know what's wrong," she began as she lowered the paper.

Local Family clinging to life after fatal accident

Robert Worthington, Professor of Ancient History at Cambridge University and his family were trapped in their vehicle on the M5 for over five hours yesterday after getting caught in a chain reaction accident caused by the blizzard that hit London yesterday. Robert's wife Heather managed to escape with nothing worse than a concussion and a few broken bones, while Robert himself and their adoptive daughter cling to life in I.C.U. It is unknown whether Robert and Victoria will survive their injuries…


"Ahh hello," Danica began as the receptionist turned towards them. "We're looking for Victoria Worthington's room."

"Ahh yes, well you have to talk with her mother I'm afraid. No one is allowed in the rooms without her permission," the woman replied with a hint of a snap.

"And we would find her where exactly?" Severus asked leaning forward.

"Upstairs, third door on your left, that's the waiting room. Tell the nurse who you are looking for and she'll get Mrs. Worthington," the woman replied seeming not at all happy about it.

"Don't think about going back there and yelling at that woman, Miss Morgan," Severus warned as they walked towards the elevator.

"Bloody annoying rude woman," Danica muttered as they walked.

"Calm down Danica, it wouldn't do to have us thrown out now would it," he added as they entered the elevator.

"Oh, go jump out the nearest window," Danica snapped before looking at the other occupants. "Pregnant," she explained with a smile as Severus choked on his breath. "Now you know about your asthma dear," she continued patting his back.

After the couple had gotten off on the next floor and they were alone in the elevator Severus turned to her with a look he must have learned from the devil. "Oh, take a chill pill Sevie Wevie. People thinking we're married can't be that bad, it's not like you're my brother for the love of Pete."

"I swear you are going to be the death of me. We're going to find Ginny, and then you are going to give me a heart attack," he grumbled as she simply smirked.

Rolling her eyes as the doors opened on their floor, she reached back and grabbed his arm before pulling him out of the elevator. "You really need to stop going off on those tangents. You're going to get yourself killed by them faster than by me," she explained before starting down the hall. "Ahh here we are. In you go," she continued as she pulled Severus into the room behind her.

"Would you mind very much giving me my arm back, Miss Morgan?" Severus asked giving her a look.

"Oh of course not," she replied with a smile before turning to the nurse. "Hello, we were sent here to find Mrs. Worthington."

"Ahh of course, please, have a seat," the woman replied before leaving the room.

A few minutes later the woman Danica had seen in London walked into the room. "Hello, I'm Heather Worthington. How can I help you?" she asked as she shook both their hands.

"Hello, I'm Danica Morgan, and this is Severus. We read about your husband and daughter in the newspaper and we are quite sorry for your tragedy," Danica began with a slight frown. "But I met Victoria during the festival this past summer and I know this is going to sound exceptionally rude and I have no business asking, but by chance is she not your biological daughter?" Danica managed to get out.

"You're right in that it is not any of your business," replied Heather coldly as she glanced over the two strangers asking about her daughter. The gentleman was wearing a black silk dress shirt with tailored black slacks, a black wool coat slung over his arm while the young woman, much too young to be his wife or girlfriend was dressed in a heavy blue wool skirt with a white peasant blouse, a white cape over her arm. "You're the girl, aren't you," accused Heather.

"Girl?" Danica asked carefully.

"The one that caused the rift between Victoria and Michael this past summer; I can't believe you would have the nerve to show up here. Do you have any idea what that fight with Michael cost Victoria? She has never trusted easily, my guess is it's because she subconsciously knows that she's been burned in the past, and is afraid of being burned again," explained Heather, her tone no warmer now than before.

"Yes, I suppose that would be me," Danica began. "But there is something you don't know, Mrs. Worthington."

"So why should I listen to the person that nearly destroyed my little girl?" demanded Heather as she interrupted Danica.

"Because I believe Victoria is my sister," Danica replied thinking quickly.

Heather raised a questioning eyebrow as she once again took in the appearances of the two people in front of her. "I might be more likely to believe that Victoria is related to your gentleman friend here than she is to you, especially given the colour of her hair."

"My hair is dyed Mrs. Worthington. My sister Vicky and I are paternal twins. We were born seventeen years ago this past April. Vicky has been missing since this past February. She suffered a bit of a life altering, very traumatic incident, and simply walked away from the boarding school we attend up north. I along with my companion have been searching for her ever since, and when I saw Victoria this past summer, I thought it was just some psychotic twist of fate that I ran into someone who looked so much like my sister, even having the same first name, and yet she didn't know me. It wasn't until I returned to school and contacted Severus and finally told him about the incident that he convinced me to come back and at least talk to her. All we could guess is perhaps Vicky has lost her memory somehow, no doubt related to what happened. But when we came to Cambridge, we saw the article in the paper about the accident and came directly here," Danica ended with a sigh.

"I take it you are this Severus?" Heather asked, turning her attention to the tall dark man next to Danica.

"That would be correct madam," Severus replied softly.

"And why would you care about Victoria enough to come here and how exactly do you know her," demanded Heather, her gaze piercing as she sized Severus up.

"Severus was Vicky's betrothed. Our parents were a bit old-fashioned shall we say. Since their death a few years ago, Severus has been the only friend either of us has had. They had indeed fallen in love and intended to marry once we were eighteen," Danica explained seeing Severus tense. "Please understand, Mrs. Worthington. My sister means the world to us both. Losing her has nearly killed us. Please, if Victoria is truly your daughter, just tell us and we'll leave, though she and your husband would be in our prayers every day. But please ma'am, we need to know. Either way, just please tell us."

"Your parents would betroth their daughter to a man who is obviously at least twice her age?" asked Heather in slight disbelief.

"Our family is a very old family, and our parents for some reason followed the old ways very strictly. Surprisingly, one of my cousins was betrothed to a man eighty years her senior so... I do suspect Severus and Vicky got the better end of the deal family wise. Even my own betrothed was fifty years my senior, until he had a heart attack last year and died. I know it seems a bit odd and such, but my family has never exactly been what some might consider normal. And Severus and Vicky were very happy with the arrangement, Ma'am," Danica explained glancing at Severus, her eyes telling him to go along with it.

"I do realize it seems strange madam, but I do indeed care about Vicky a great deal. As Danica already asked, please, just tell us one way or another. We will get out of your way and let you return to your family if young Miss Worthington is your daughter," Severus pleaded softly.

"Victoria is my daughter in every way that matters," replied Heather with a tired sigh, her cracked ribs starting to throb along with her broken arm, watching as Severus' and Danica's faces fell, "Even if she is not mine by birth."

"She's not?" Danica asked softly. "Mrs. Worthington, are you okay? You lost a few shades of colour," she continued concerned.

"While not as seriously as my husband and daughter, I too was injured in the accident and am still recovering from those injuries," explained Heather as she lowered herself into one of the waiting room chairs.

"Should we get a nurse? Or something to drink? Perhaps an aspirin or something?" Danica asked glancing at Severus.

"I'll be fine," snapped Heather. "I've just spent too long on my feet and given the fact that my family is currently in I.C.U. fighting for their lives while I sit by and watch them fighting death, it is a little understandable that I would ignore what little pain I feel in exchange for their full recovery."

"Oh Mrs. Worthington, please at least let us get some pain medication for you. Maybe something that wouldn't make you sleep. I'm sure that as much as they love you, they wouldn't want you in pain just to be by their sides," Danica replied softly.

"I don't have time for this," Heather grimaced as she rose from the seat only to lose her balance a moment later.

"Mrs. Worthington, please at least take a moment to catch your breath and balance," Danica whispered as she glanced at Severus. "We'll get you some water, just please don't try to do that again so soon."

Heather sat carefully back down in the chair with a wince, as much as she wanted to be with her family, the doctors had warned her about over doing it, which if truth be told, she was.

Nodding slightly, Danica nodded towards the door before walking out, Severus following her and closing the door softly. "We have to do something for her," Danica began glancing up at him. "I brought enough potions with me that we have to have one that would help her with the pain," she whispered.

"Miss Morgan, you can't be serious." Severus began before shaking his head. "You bloody well are. Fine, fine, but so help me, I'm not letting you go to Azkaban for Ginevra. I'll pour the potion into the glass. Get her some sort of juice," he instructed as she handed him her bag.

A few minutes later she returned with a glass of grape juice and handed it to him. Making sure the hall was empty and no cameras would catch their actions, they quickly emptied a bottle of a potion that had no taste or smell to it. Giving her back her bag, they entered the room.

"Here Mrs. Worthington, all I could find was some grape juice, I hope that's alright," Danica said softly as she handed the glass to the woman.

Sighing in relief as the mild pain reliever took effect, Heather rubbed her eyes tiredly. "Only one person is allowed in the I.C.U. room at a time."

"Are you sure ma'am?" Danica asked glancing at Severus.

"I'm probably going to regret it later as Victoria will probably have my head when she finds out, but yes. Only one of you may see her though so that's up to the two of you to decide," replied Heather, looking between Danica and Severus.

"Thank you." Danica replied with a smile before turning and walking to a corner. "I know you want to see her Severus, but I know something that we might be able to do. Please, let me go now," she said softly as she looked up at him.

"What exactly do you have in mind, Miss Morgan?" asked Severus quietly, his agitation over the entire situation growing with each minute.

"I have a friend. She was Muggle-born. She became a Medi-witch, but also went to Muggle medical school so she could work in both worlds," she explained quickly.

"And how is that supposed to help Ginevra?" demanded Severus.

"She can get in the hospital because she is a Muggle doctor. If we can convince Mrs. Worthington to let us bring in our 'family doctor' then she can look at Ginny and can help her magically as well," Danica replied calmly

"Fine," Severus sighed. "The sooner we can get her out of this Muggle hospital and to St. Mungo's the better.

Danica nodded not having the heart to tell him that wouldn't work at this time. Turning she smiled at Mrs. Worthington before heading down the hall and stopping the nurse. Finding out the room from her, after assuring her that she had Mrs. Worthington's permission, she headed towards the room. Opening the door, she sighed softly as she saw the scene that awaited her. "Oh Ginny," she continued softly as she sat down and brushed a bit of hair off Ginny's forehead.

Reaching into her bag she found the cell phone she never used during the school year and flipped it open. Searching through the address book she found the number she sought and hit send. Now she only prayed Alisha would be able to answer her phone.

"Alisha Oldham."

Thanking whatever god was smiling on her Danica shifted in her chair. "Lisha, it's Nica."

"Nica? What are you doing home? You never come home over the holidays from school," came the reply she had been expecting.

"Yeah, well interesting turn of events got me here. Listen, remember you dragging that information out of me about what was bothering me?"

"Yeah, you had a friend who ran away from the wizarding world. Why, what's going on?"

"We found her, but she's been in a pretty bad accident. Do you think you could..." Danica began.

"Where are you?"

"Cambridge."

"I can be there in two hours. But be prepared, I'm getting the entire story out of you this time," Alisha replied and Danica could tell she meant business.

"Fair enough, just get here ASAP. A number of lives depend on her making it through this."

"You are definitely giving me answers. I'll call when I reach Cambridge," Alisha said before hanging up.

Shaking her head Danica turned the phone to vibrate then put it back in her purse. Looking over at Ginny she shook her head. "Just don't kill me too much for this when you wake up," she asked softly as she stood up. Leaving the room, she made her way back to the waiting room. "Mrs. Worthington, how are you feeling?" she asked as she entered the room.

"Surprisingly, much better," replied Heather as she opened her eyes.

"That's good," Danica replied with a smile. "Mrs. Worthington, there's something I need to ask you," she continued as she sat down.

"And that might be?" questioned Heather cautiously.

"I still can't get over how much Victoria does look like Vicky. But there's something you need to know. Vicky has a medical condition. She's had it since she was a child. If not treated over a long period of time, it can be dangerous, that's how it was discovered when we were children. It isn't something doctors normally look for when a person is brought in, especially in a case such as the one that brought all of you to the hospital. I can contact our family doctor. Dr. Oldham has been treating Vicky since her mentor retired and she took over his cases. I know she'd be more than happy to come. At the very least if Victoria isn't our Vicky, she could help the doctors out in any way possible. And it would all be paid for by my family," Danica explained softly.

"If you think it would help then by all means," agreed Heather readily as she was just so tired, she did not have the energy to fight anymore.

"Thank you," Danica replied with a nod. "Is there someplace you can lay down here?" she asked as she glanced around the room.

"There's a cot in my husband's room," replied Heather wearily.

"Why don't you go get some sleep, one of us can come wake you in a few hours," Danica suggested.

"I would like to know what this Dr. Oldham has to say about Victoria," instructed Heather. "Even if she is your sister, I am still her legal guardian."

"I understand completely," Danica replied. "As soon as she arrives one of us will come and wake you."

"Thank you," replied Heather as she rose from her chair. "His room is right next to Victoria's."

"Your welcome and I hope you feel better after some sleep," Danica replied with a nod before watching the woman leave. "So, how much do you plan to kill me now?" she asked turning to Severus.

"You're safe for the moment, Miss Morgan and I think that if this girl really is Ginevra, you're going to wish you were dealing with me," replied Severus.

"I don't have to wish. I know she's Ginny, Severus," Danica began as she stood up. "I have a phone call to make, and some explanations and back story to give our 'family doctor'. Is there anything I can get you?" she asked turning towards him.

"No, thank you, Miss Morgan," answered Severus as he collapsed into one of the waiting room chairs.

Nodding Danica smiled slightly. "I'll be outside if you need me, at the tables just around the side of the building," she explained, waiting to see his nod before heading downstairs. Taking out her phone she hit redial as she stepped outside. "Lisha, it's me again. Put the phone on speaker," she said as she headed towards the table. "I've got a hell of a lot to tell you."


Flipping through the magazine she had snagged from the waiting room, Danica kept an eye out for the familiar car. Spotting it as it turned past her to go to a parking space, she closed the magazine and stood up. Walking towards the blue 65 mustang Alicia's husband had brought from America, Danica shook her head. Seeing the 5'3" frame step out of the car she shook her head once more. "Alisha, you look like hell," she called as the woman with black hair to her waist turned towards her, her hazel eyes flashing as she frowned.

"As if you look any better."

"B.S. I look like a beauty queen. Have since I was ten," Danica replied with a smirk.

"And who's the reason you did enter that beauty contest when you were ten?"

"Oh, I really don't remember," Danica said as she shook her head and shrugged. "Might have been my Aunt Beatrice..."

"Oh, go jump off a bridge you little witch. You know the only reason you won that crown was me," Alisha growled.

"Really? I could have sworn it was Aunt Bee," Danica replied with a cheeky grin.

"Gods I've missed you," Alisha said with a smile as they hugged. "But, we have things to take care of don't we," she continued as she stepped back.

"Yes, we do, but first let's get you presentable, and by the way, how's David?"

"Normal yank, nothing new there. I'm about ready to send him back to America. I swear he's trying to drive me absolutely insane," she explained as they walked to the hospital and headed towards the restroom.

"Oh, let me guess, he's no longer as charmed by your good looks," Danica teased as Alisha entered a stall to place a few charms and get her appearance back to normal.

"Oh, shut up. You know, I'm thinking about sending my husband back to America. I come all the way down here to help you out and you are being a pain. I'm not feeling the love here Nica," Alisha whined as she stepped out of the stall.

"That's because you're not supposed to. Seeing as no one here loves you," Danica replied with a smirk.

"Smart ass," Alisha replied shaking her head as she walked out of the room.

"You've picked up too many of David's friend's statements," Danica called as she chased after her.

"Shut up."

Smirking Danica hit the button that would take them upstairs and leaned back against the elevator wall. "By the way, you figure out a disease that will explain the story we gave?" she asked raising one eyebrow.

"Leave it to me dingbat. And next time, don't go around inventing medical histories," she added shaking her head as she pulled out her ID.

"Yes ma'am."

"Okay, ready to have some fun?" Danica asked as the elevator dinged.

"Always," Alisha replied with a smile as they walked out of the elevator and down the hall.

"Nurse, could you please wake Mrs. Worthington? She's in her husband's room. She wanted to be woken when my companion arrived," Danica began stopping a nurse who nodded and smiled before walking off. "One thing down, two more to go," Danica continued with a wink at Alisha. "Severus, I have someone for you to meet," she began as she opened the door to the waiting room and he looked up at her.

"You must be Ms. Oldham then," commented Severus rising from his seat and holding out his hand for her.

"Quite so. How are you Professor? Been a few years since I was in your class," Alisha replied with a wicked smirk. "Although don't you think it's about time you started using a potion for your hair?"

Severus took a good look at the young woman in front of him. "Miss Austin how good of you to tear yourself away from your Muggle clientele to come and help with a poor witch in need of your assistance," sneered Severus. "And for your information, my hair is silky enough without the use of cosmetic potions, unlike some people we know."

"Oh, Snarky got some fire in him. Good come back Prof," Alisha replied with a bit of grudging admiration. "And I'll have you know I haven't used a cosmetic potion since that incident you never did punish your house member for," she added with a pointed look before turning to Danica. "And you actually spend time with him Nica? Always knew you had a thing for bad guys, but honestly girl I always figured you'd end up with a Malfoy, not Snarky here. Even if it is just friendship," she added as she sat down in a chair. "But, before either of you throw a fit; we are here for a reason and I believe we have a back story to finalize before Mrs. Worthington arrives."

Shaking her head as she flipped her friend off, Danica walked over to the door. "Better make it quick oh talkative one, because here she comes."

"Oh damn. In that case, go with the flow Snarky," Alisha instructed as she stood up and pulled her shirt down. "Now, where the hell are my glasses... ah, here they are," she continued as she pulled the glasses out of her purse. "Hello doctor mode," she continued with a smirk as she slid them on.

"Miss Morgan? The nurse said you wanted to see me?" asked Heather tiredly as she entered the waiting room stifling a yawn.

"Hello Mrs. Worthington, I'm sorry to wake you. But you wanted to be here when Dr. Oldham arrived," Danica explained softly.

"Mrs. Worthington, I'm Alisha Oldham. It's a pleasure to meet you, and please, let me extend my condolences for the situation. But I'd also like to extend my appreciation for giving Danica and in turn me the chance to at least help you and your family in this time," Alisha said as she offered her hand to Heather.

"At this point I'll take all the help I can get," sighed Heather as she collapsed into a chair. "Robert is improving slowly while Victoria…"

"I understand. If we can speak with her doctors I can go and look at her as soon as possible and see if there is anything, I can do for her," Alisha said softly.

"Her doctor is Dr. Ian Malcolm. Ask at the Nurse's Station to have him paged. Tell them I said it's alright and that you have my permission to speak with him," offered Heather.

"Thank you. And might I suggest you get some more sleep Mrs. Worthington. I promise as soon as I have seen Victoria, I'll contact you."

"Thank you," replied Heather as she pulled herself up. "If they give you any trouble just tell them to come talk to me. I'll be in Robert's room right next to Victoria's."

"Of course," Alisha replied with a smile before they watched her go. "Severus, I'm sure you might welcome the chance to have something to do. I'm going to need a number of potions," Alisha continued taking a list from her purse. "I've no idea the full extent of her condition, but based on what Nica said when she called, I think I may need all of those," she continued as she held it out to see if he wished to take them.

Severus took the offered list and quickly scanned it before turning and walking out of Hospital so that he could apparate back to Hogwarts. Most of the potions could be found either in Poppy's or his own personal stores.

"That went easy enough." Danica mused as she looked up at Alisha.

"Quite. Now get your little arse off to do your part of this scam," Alisha ordered before leaving the room.

Shaking her head Danica sighed before leaving the room and entering the closest restroom. One of the pluses of being Alisha's friend was that she had managed to get her apparition license on the first test. Smirking she apparated from the stall.