A/N: Bryna, you're so sweet! *Blushes*
1.
Liana didn't sleep that night. She was up whispering with Hermione and Ginny all night back at the Burrow, and her scar was keeping her awake, too; it hadn't stopped aching since the attack during the World Cup hours ago. Once Fudge seemed fully satisfied that Liana wasn't the one who cast the Dark Mark, Arthur Weasley quickly rushed everyone to a portkey and back to the Burrow, where Severus was already waiting with Molly and the older Weasley boys; they sat at the table nerviously drinking tea when Liana returned.
But now, upstairs, the conversation between the whispering girls varied all night. It danced between light and dark topics. Hermione and Liana could talk about Bill and Charlie for hours it seemed, but even the topic of charming boys couldn't keep them from returning to speaking of Death Eaters and Voldemort…
Finally the sun came up over the treetops and the three girls dressed and went downstairs, hoping to be able to overhear some of the adults that were still up and conversing about what had just happened; however, when they crept to the kitchen they were disappointed to see it was empty, not even the twins were up yet.
The girls began taking bowls of cereal out when Ron and Neville walked down. The small group quietly poured their cereal and milk and began eating. Liana was the first to speak, clearly one particular thing had been bothering her already, so early into the day, "They're so accurate; I seem to find everything out before the Order even does."
Everyone at the table knew she was talking about her dreams, and everyone also knew this was one of the last times they would be able to discuss the topic freely. The adults were floored when they realized the children already knew what the Order was. Severus looked particular astounded when Liana first asked him a casual question about it a few weeks ago. Once school started they really couldn't risk being overheard.
"They are only dreams," Ron said bracingly. "Just a nightmares."
"Yeah, but are they though?" Liana said turning to look out the window at the morning sky. "It's weird isn't it? … My scar hurting again, these dreams, the Order getting the same leads, and then Death Eaters are on the march, and Voldemort's sign up in the sky."
"Don't—say—his—name!" Ron hissed through gritted teeth, his cereal bowl clattering as the spoon dropped into it, splashing some of the remaining milk. Liana momentarily glared at Ron, but then more footsteps were heard entering the kitchen from the upstairs.
A tired Mr. Weasley walked downstairs with Percy, "The Minister is just furious—"
"I'd say more terrified than furious." Mr. Weasley cut in as they began getting bowls and breakfast cereal. Percy looked slightly hurt from being interrupted, especially since he just began his Ministry internship, and actually was getting to know the minister quite well.
The twins then appeared in the kitchen from practically out of nowhere, probably through some secret passageway within the house since they couldn't of apparated yet, "I'd say Fudge is mad."
"Absolutely bonkers!" Added George after Fred spoke.
"You just better hope You-Know-Who never returns," Charlie said while fiddling with his earring. "The Ministry will be a mad house…" Arthur Weasley nodded grimly.
Percy began to open his mouth to speak, but Fred seemed to already stop him, "Oh, shut it, Weatherby…" Fred grumbled, making George laugh as he gobbled his breakfast hungrily.
"Normally, there is at least one sane person having great influence over the magical world," a familiar voice began. Liana looked up to see Severus; she saw him last night, but still, it was still comforting seeing him once again after a night like that. "Don't even get me started on Dumbledore…" He groaned. And no one said a word after that, the only sounds left were the clinking of spoons and bowls. Most people knew Severus was hardly on speaking terms with the Headmaster, although no one really understood the reason why.
When everyone was finished Mrs. Weasley whisked all the dirty dishes away with her wand, and the children went back upstairs; Ginny and the twins went to their rooms, while everyone else went into Ron's. They still had a day before leaving on the Hogwarts Express, and now Mrs. Weasley was going to get everyone's books alone, mainly because Severus didn't want Liana walked around Diagon Alley.
Still the day managed to move onward, although the tension never faded inside Liana. It was like she couldn't completely relax, her muscles were always tense; she couldn't shake off this slight feeling of nervousness, not knowing what was going to happen… Especially since fall was now arriving.
2.
Chooo!
"I'm here to be sure you and your friends don't turn around and head back to the parking lot and decide to fly a car to Hogwarts," Remus winked at Liana as she stepped onto the train. Severus was already at school, and Remus thought it'd be a good idea if he and Tonks accompanied Liana to the train.
Liana grinned and looked at the couple standing before her. She couldn't help it, but her mind thought something she almost felt guilty of thinking once the thought passed… "Parents." After a tight hug from Tonks and a warm hug from Remus, it was time to say goodbye.
She watched them stand together on the platform as she took her seat, and the train began to move away. Remus had one arm around Tonks and the other was waving goodbye with Tonks as well. Liana reached her arm out the window and waved to the both of them until they were out of sight.
"What is this thing?" Ron exclaimed, bring Liana back to reality.
"The Monster Book of Monsters, Ronald." Hermione lectured, when suddenly the book seemed to try and snap at Ron, but the leather belt bound around it prevented the book from successfully biting Ron's face.
"What kind of mad teacher—"
"Hagrid," Liana snapped at Ron. "He mentioned he might be teaching the class when I ran into him on the last day last year, and he would get a book like that; I'm sure of it." Ron almost looked shameful now for criticizing Hagrid's chosen book.
"He could be a great teacher for that subject," Hermione added.
"Could be is the key word; I hate to admit it…" Liana added. "I could see him having third years studying something like Hippogriffs on the first day!" The four laughed, but they all slightly felt pits in their stomachs for that was something they could honestly see Hagrid doing.
But then the compartment door slid open, and the Weasley twins came in, each one taking a seat on either side of Liana. Ron almost looked even angrier at that, but no one seemed to notice him. "Got anything to eat?" Fred asked.
"We're saving up our money," George added.
"Mum gave us all money for sweets this year," Ron began. "I'm not giving you any of mine!"
"What's got his wand in a knot?" Fred asked Liana, giving her a nudge with his elbow. Liana shrugged, wishing she could answer that. Nothing had been what it seemed with Ron in months now.
"What are you saving up for?" Neville asked as he shifted Trevor on his lap.
"Weasley Wizarding Wheezes!" The twins chimed.
"And what is that?" Hermione asked.
"A joke shop!" The twins said together again.
"Did I even need to ask?" Hermione laughed to herself.
"We've got to start saving up, but if you've got nothing for us to eat then we'll be off." George said.
"Got to go find us some first years to mooch off of," Fred added. Hermione opened her mouth as though she was going to say something but decided not to.
The rest of the ride to Hogwarts was uneventful and quite painful for Liana. She spent most of the journey with her throbbing scar against the cool glass in the window as the night rain trickled down from the sky, leaving streaks of rain moving across the window.
She was glad once the castle lights came into view. It was like a sudden relief swept over her entire body, and she could finally breathe easier, she was finally home to the safest place in the world.
Quickly the four took turns using the train compartment to dress in their robes, Liana and Hermione then Ron and Neville. Before they knew it the time had arrived for them to load into the horseless carriages, and they were on their way to the castle.
Once they four stepped into the castle it felt as though they had never left. Turning, they went into the Great Hall and took their seats at the Gryffindor table. Ron and Liana eyed the empty plates and then each other; at least their love of food was one thing still normal between them.
"Who's that?" The four friends looked at Seamus Finnegan. "That Professor. Looks like he's seen better days."
"Why, that's Mad-Eye Moody." Ron said, "He's an Auror or was an Auror; I'm not too sure."
"He certainly looks mad," Dean Thomas added, overhearing the conversation.
"Genius from what I've heard," One of the twins added.
"Is Dumbledore going to give his speech?" Liana whispered to Ron once the sorting was over.
"I don't know if I'd even be able to hear him over my stomach growling," Ron replied making Liana giggle. The Headmaster finally rose in his chair. "Ah, get your fork ready, Liana…" Ron snickered.
"Now that you are all sorted there is quite an announcement I must make." Ron and Liana looked at each other. "This year Hogwarts will not just be your home, but it will be the home to other students from other schools as well, for this year Hogwarts will host the Triwizard Tournament!" Dumbledore's voice echoed throughout the hall.
Liana looked at Severus; he was practically glaring at Dumbledore. Albus Dumbledore then began to explain the tournament; his speech was almost interrupted by the Weasley twins when he announced the age limit, which they fell short by a few months, Dumbledore himself had to ask the boys to settle back down. "And now let us welcome the lovely ladies from Beauxbatons Academy!"
Everyone's eyes went to the doors of the hall as they opened. A tall woman stepped out; actually she was more than tall, for she was practically a giantess. Behind her followed a group of girls, they all seems to have sleek, smooth hair that was pulled back perfectly, and all the girls' hair was almost as shiny as their blue satin uniforms, which seemed to lightly flutter as they entered the hall in almost a ballet like motion. Liana happened to notice Ron seemed very interested in the parade of flawless girls before him.
"And our friends from the north!" The Durmstrang students now entered the Great Hall. They seemed to march down between the tables.
"Merlin! That's him, from the World Cup! That's Victor Krum!" Ron seemed even more excited than when he was watching the Beauxbatons girls enter, but Liana didn't notice. As she was watching the second school of students enter the hall, her eyes met with one of the Durmstrang boy's. He looked so familiar, but she couldn't place where she'd seen him before. Something about that messy black hair seemed to jog her memory. The mysterious boy couldn't look away from Liana either; he looked from her scar back to her green eyes. Then he winked one of his own brown eyes from behind his glasses at her, and then he seemed to disappear into the sea of blood red uniforms.
Again, Dumbledore stood to speak. Liana tried to look for the boy with the messy, jet black hair, but that seemed impossible. Her gaze went from the Durmstrang boys back to the head table. Severus still had a ferocious look upon his face, the kind of look he only reserves for a few dreaded first years. Liana seemed to notice that Severus was directing his powerful gaze at the Headmaster from Durmstrang, but Liana didn't think much of it because then the food suddenly appeared on the plates before them.
After Liana had a stomach full of food, everyone in the hall was dismissed for bed. "Go head, I need to talk to my dad." She said to her friends, they turned to leave and she gave a small smile to herself. She had recently begun thinking of Severus as Dad in her mind, but she hadn't referred to him as that out loud much ever. Once she pushed through the students heading in the other direction she made it near the table where he was still sitting.
"What's the matter?" He asked as the angered look fell from his face and nothing but concerned filled his gaze.
Liana already had her hand lightly on her scar, "It hurts." She whispered.
"Come with me," Severus swiftly moved around from the head table, and he walked with his arm around Liana as they left the empty Great Hall. His cloak billowed behind the both of them as they turned to the stairs down to the dungeons.
Once they were inside Severus shut his office door behind them. He moved towards his storage and pulled out a small vile. "Take this; it will help."
She couldn't help but notice that the always composed Potions Master seemed a bit distressed. "Is everything alright, Sev?"
Severus looked at Liana, immediately he was annoyed at himself for breaking composure, but he always seemed relieved Liana asked. "No, Lion…" Sighing, "I came to school early when I heard the Triwizard Tournament is going to take place this year."
"I thought you'd be relieved; now you don't have to worry about me while I play Quidditch." Liana said humbly, making Severus laugh, and he then pulled her into his lap.
"I'd rather worry about you flying around in the sky on a broom than have Igor Karkaroff in the same building as you."
"That's the Headmaster of Durmstrang, right? I saw you really giving him quite the look at dinner."
Severus smiled and kissed her scar, which was feeling better already, "Igor Karkaroff was a Death Eater, and no one stops being a Death Eater, Liana." He added with a serious tone. "Promise me you won't go looking for trouble this year. You're dreams are already giving me enough to worry about."
"I don't go looking for trouble!" Liana said defensively. "It just always happens to find me."
Severus snickered, "Regardless, I need you to be watchful. You need to be aware of Karkaroff's presence; I don't want that man near you; I do not trust him, nor should you. I don't want him laying a finger on you—ever!" Severus sounded almost angry, as though this wasn't the first time Karkaroff was offending him.
"As I have said in the past, I am not a kind man to many. My retaliation would be swift, and permanent." Severus leaned over his daughter. Liana's chin was lifted upward so she could look up at her tall father. "Remember this, little one, I do not make threats. I make promises." Liana smiled, she felt so protected. Professor Severus Snape would let no one hurt her. Ever.
3.
That night Liana found it hard to fall asleep, but that wasn't unusual for her first night at Hogwarts, almost each year was the same as this. She'd toss and turn in her bed for hours; feeling exhausted but just not tired enough to keep her eyes shut and actually fall asleep.
Like she had done during many sleepless nights of the past, she pulled the red blanket from her bed, wrapped it around herself, and sat in the windowsill of the tower she slept in. It was almost a full moon, but the clouds from the night's storm blocked most of the moon from view.
Her mind traveled over a plethora of topics, but her thoughts were mainly on Ron. It was though he and Liana couldn't quite get it right lately. They were either both laughing and everything seems momentarily normal, or they were bickering in a pointless quarrel, sometimes neither even knew what the argument was even about. Something had changed between them last spring, and it saddened Liana to have their friendship where it was now, but it almost felt as though there was nothing she could do about that anyways. And on that note she felt sleep become too powerful, crawling over to her bed, she plummeted into the cocoon of blankets surrounding her, and she then fell into a deep sleep.
4.
"Liana, are you up yet?"
Opening her eyes, she left the graveyard and Voldemort and entered reality as Hermione called her name. Quickly, she dressed in her pleaded gray skirt and the rest of her uniform, spending a little more time than usual on her hair this morning, and then the two walked down to breakfast together. "We should have a break this morning before our first class," Hermione had already memorized the schedule.
The two girls seemed a bit separated this morning from the usual other half of their group, but Ron and Neville were busy discussing the Quidditch World Cup with Seamus and Dean, and although Liana could of jumped right into their conversation, she didn't want to leave Hermione without a friend since Quidditch wasn't exactly something Hermione talked about too often.
The two girls sat alone, again Liana rubbed her scar. "I had another dream last night." Hermione looked up from her Prophet. "Same as before," in a monotone voice she said, "The plan is falling into place, blah, blah, blah… If only Voldemort or Malfoy could spit out what the plan is." Liana rolled her eyes, appearing more annoyed than worried that a dark wizard was after her.
She took her hand from her scar and reached for the pumpkin juice when a small vial and a note appeared beside her plate.
I see your scar is bothering you again. This will help.
Love, Severus
Liana looked up to the head table and smiled appreciatively at Snape, who for a moment showed his softer demeanor as he looked at his daughter, and then he seemed to look right back at Karkaroff, who surprisingly was watching Liana intently. And clearly, Severus did not like that.
Once breakfast was done Liana and Hermione decided to spend their free moment in the courtyard nearby. Potions was their first class, but they still had nearly a couple hours before they even had to head down to the dungeons. "Looks like we have double Potions with—"
"Slytherin on the first day of school?" Liana groaned as she stepped out into the cool morning air of the courtyard.
"No, Durmstrang!" Hermione added excitedly.
"But how is that possible? All the students are at least seventeen; how can they been in the same class as fourth years?" Liana wondered.
"I guess they don't have very good Potions instructors at Durmstrang." Hermione laughed, "Or maybe we just have an exceptionally difficult one." Liana smirked. "Oh, I found this in my cloak pocket this morning, from the train yesterday. Want it?" Hermione held out a chocolate frog. "You know I'm not one for many sweets. I blame my parents for that. Whenever I was younger I always had to brush for two minutes and then floss after anything sugary."
"Thanks," Liana said as she took the sweet from Hermione and bit a leg off the frog.
"Sweets so early in the morning?"
Liana turned around; of course, Severus would be keeping a close eye on her since there was a known Death Eater in the castle.
Liana sighed. "Y'sir. C'n I at least finish my frog then?" She asked hopefully, her mouth full of chocolate.
"No." Severus extended his palm, and Liana mournfully deposited the half-eaten frog upon it. It was rather linty after being in Hermione's pocket for a bit, she admitted to herself. Severus vanished the treat and walked away, smirking as though he just successfully tried out some good parenting skills he read about.
When Severus was out of hearing range Hermione spoke, "Notice any handsome Durmstrang boys?" Liana instantly remembered the boy with the jet black hair, but she seemed to not need to say that. "I saw you looking at that one; do you know him?"
"No, but I've seen him before. He looks so familiar; like I've seen his picture before somewhere." She whispered, trying hard to remember.
"Well, he couldn't keep his eyes off you either," Hermione giggled, Liana nudged her friend and they then took off in a fun race across the courtyard, laughing with each other as they skipped across the cobblestone ground, both of them seemed to have a joyful, squirrelly mantra this morning.
Severus watched Liana and her friend from behind a corner in the courtyard, and then someone caught his eye. "It can't be." Severus Snape forced himself to calm down as he watched the boy from Durmstrang approach Liana and Hermione.
The boy first looked at Liana and smiled, "I'm sorry to interrupt," He spoke with the same accent as the other Durmstrang students, but it wasn't as strong as most. "Could either of you tell me how to get to the dungeons? I can't seem to find the staircase, and that's where my first class is." The boy spoke to both girls, but only gave Hermione polite glances.
"We can show you where that is. We have our first class there this morning at half past ten, is that when yours is?" Liana replied smoothly.
"Yes, it is. With Professor Snape, I believe?" The boy looked at a schedule he pulled out of his uniform pocket.
"That'd be the one." Liana smiled.
The boy looked again from her eyes to her scar, "I'm sorry, I have to ask… Are you, are you Liana Evans?" Liana grinned and nodded. "Then you really know Professor Snape fairly well then." The three chuckled, clearly Liana's name was known quite well throughout the entire wizarding world.
"And this is my friend, Hermione Granger," Liana said as he shook Hermione's hand, too.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hermione." He looked back to Liana again, "It's a pleasure to meet you both, and thank you for helping me find my class this morning as well." The girls looked at him graciously, although they were waiting for his name. The boy suddenly realized what he'd forgotten to say, "Oh, and I almost forgot to introduce myself; I'm Harry Potter."