A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed. Sorry for the delay in the chapter...I don't really know why this took so long to finish! :( You guys overwhelmingly want Snape to tell her the truth...me too! The truth will come out, but it is going to take some more time, I think. As one of you pointed out, Snape does have to be convinced that she has to know...but maybe she will figure it out herself and beat him to it! Let me know what you think of this chapter!

Chapter 21: Return to Hogwarts

Snape took Sarah and Draco to Diagon Alley for Sarah to get fitted for new robes and to pick up last minute school supplies. Snape had gone off to place an order to restock some of his personal potion supplies with strict orders to Draco not to leave Sarah alone. With Voldemort's return, Diagon Alley was practically deserted-most only venturing out when necessity dictated. Most people thought it was safer to stay in and not draw attention to oneself. The shops were still open, but with the current climate it would only be a matter of time before some of them had to close. Still, Sarah rolled her eyes at Snape's over-protectiveness (it was kind of sweet when he was playing Daddy, but now it was plain annoying) and when Draco wanted to visit the Quidditch Supply Store, she pushed him in the direction.

"Uncle Sev said..." Draco protested with a hand through his hair in agitation.

"I'll be fine" Sarah insisted, as she held her floral bag on her shoulder. "It's practically deserted here. And I have my wand. Go on. I'll meet up with you in a few minutes"

Draco gave her a weary look, but Sarah pushed him forward. "What can happen? It's the middle of the day" She adjusted her sunglasses and tossed her head. "Plus, I can take care of myself, so go!"

"I'm not taking the fall for this" Draco muttered and Sarah grinned. "Of course not, Malfoy...I wouldn't dream of it"

With a glance back at her, Draco went into the store and Sarah walked further down Diagon Alley. Looking around to make sure no one was looking, she sneaked into the Weasleys shop. Keeping her sunglasses on, she approached the counter where Fred was leaning against it, flipping through a catalog- the store empty.

She put her hands on the counter and leaned over it. "I need some contraband, Mr. Weasley" Sarah whispered, conspiratorially.

Fred dropped his catalog at the sound of her voice, it falling to the floor. He didn't bother to pick it up. Biting back a grin at the sunglasses and the way she was leaning over the counter, he responded seriously, "I think we might be able to oblige" Fred leaned back, his hands drumming the counter behind him. "For what purpose, miss?" he whispered.

"You know in case I get in a bind" She grinned. "And need a quick escape or want to lead a pranking rebellion like my mentor taught me. He was awfully inspirational"

"Was he?" Fred surveyed her, his eyes moving to the top of her scoop necked shirt and then quickly looking around the store, he held out his hand for her. "Let's go into the back and I will see what I can do"

They scurried back to the back supply room and in two seconds, Fred's arms were around her, pushing her against the shelves. "Nice disguise, Sarah, very subtle" He lifted her sunglasses to the top of her head and his mouth met hers, eagerly kissing her.

Pulling apart, she struggled to hold him at arm's length as his mouth moved to her neck. "I'm serious about the contraband. Merlin knows, I will probably need it. And you should sneak some in with Gin"

"Hum" Fred looked around the stock room. "Open your bag" He walked over to a shelf and grabbed arms full of supplies.

"Darkness Powder, Extendable Ears" He began to put them into her bag. "Portable Swap.." He inclined his head, his eyes burning. "Remember that?"

Sarah giggled. "Snape was so pissed. How could I forget?" She kissed him quickly. "What else?"

"Decoy Detonators" he added them to her bag. "And a couple of these: Skiving Snackbox. Even if you don't use them yourself, you could always feed them to the Carrows if you are in a jam...of course, don't give them the antidote" He looked at her bulging back. "Maybe we should shrink and use a concealment charm?"

"Great idea" Sarah stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. "By the way, I'll pay you back for all of this"

"Are you crazy?" Fred waved his wand, shrinking and concealing the goods. "You are my fiancee, I'm not going to send you in there unprepared...especially when you asked soo..." He eyed her. "You were very sexy in your sunglasses, leaning over the counter like that"

Sarah gripped his arms and pulled him closer to her. "I was, was I?" She dropped her bag as Fred pinned her against the shelves again. "I need to get back soon, but lets snog for a bit"

"Oh, Miss Black, you are living on the edge" Fred leaned to whisper in her ear. "I like this side of you"

"It's a war- all sensible things seem to go by the wayside" Sarah gripped his face. "And..." She paused, flustered as Fred started to fiddle with the top of her shirt before sliding his hand inside. "Um" She groaned. "I don't know what I was going to say"

Fred laughed. He loved that he was able to completely distract her with his touch. In response, he kissed her deeply.

"What do you mean you left her?" Severus growled at his godson, who had to fight to maintain his cool under Snape's scathing stance.

"She is nearly of age" Draco crossed his arms. "And I don't tell her what she can and cannot do" He glared back at him before leaning over to whisper, "And maybe if you told her the truth, she would be more inclined to obey your commands"

"You think?" Severus glared.

"I do" Draco replied evenly.

Snape scowled, before sighing. "Draco, why don't you go across" Snape pointed to a pub, "And buy us three drinks? I will find Sarah and we will join you after" Snape looked determined, the angry glare still across his face, "I set my niece straight"

"Good luck with that" Draco grinned, but followed his orders. After watching him go inside the pub, Snape turned and stared down the street, contemplating where his niece could be. His scowl deepening, his mind settled on one distinct possibility of where she could be. He stalked off in the direction of the Weasleys' shop.

Sarah gasped for breath- they were allowing things to get out of control so quickly, the intensity of the moment, of the separation, of the forbidden fueling them forward. "We should stop before we go too far. I don't want to lose my virginity on the floor of your storeroom" she kissed his cheek, gently.

Fred closed his eyes tightly and forced his body to still. "That's probably a good idea" he moved his hand from her chest to rest on her neck.

"I must say I have to agree too" Snape's voice echoed through the storeroom, causing Sarah to jump and hit her hip hard against the metal shelf.

"Ouch. Damn it" Sarah rubbed her hip as the things on the shelf rattled and then settled. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Graceful as ever, Black. And not long" Snape's eyes bore into hers. "Just long enough to see Weasley inappropriately have his hand down your shirt" he growled as he swept over to them. "Black, I'm giving you two minutes to say your goodbyes. I'll be waiting outside"

"You know what I am loving right now, Sarah?" Fred turned to her as Snape headed towards the door. "The moral superiority coming from the man who is the cause of my twin brother losing his ear and the Headmaster's death"

Sarah frowned and reached for his arm, squeezing it, trying to calm him down. The last thing they needed was Fred to try to hex Snape right now. Snape turned back around. "It's a war, Weasley. What do you expect? And I am on the other side. If you participate in Order activities, you should be prepared for the consequences"

"You are despicable" Fred shot back. "It's going to come back and bite you in the arse, Snape"

Snape surveyed him evenly. "I have been called worse and I think I will take my chances. Two minutes, Sarah" He turned on his heels and left the room.

Fred took a breath. "How are you living with that bastard?" he asked, hands on her shoulders.

Sarah shrugged. "One day at a time, Fred. And he has been not horrible to me"

Fred grimaced and kissed her forehead. "I guess Snape figured out our little game"

Sarah frowned. "I shouldn't have come. It was risky..."

He kissed her mouth. "I'm glad you did. But no more"

She nodded as she threw her arms around his waist. "I love you, Fred Weasley"

"I love you too" Fred kissed her again and Sarah pulled away. "How is your hip?" He asked seriously.

"I'm sure there will be a nice bruise there in the morning" She responded, reaching to rub it again. "It does smart"

"I would love to kiss it better for you, Sarah" Fred's voice was low.

"I'm sure you would, but I think Snape would be in here if you even try to go near that part of my body" Bending down, she picked up her bag. "Thanks for these. Goodbye Fred" she whispered as she pushed her sunglasses down over her eyes.

She stepped out of the storeroom to where Snape was standing. Leaning over to her, his voice was deceptively calm. "We are going to have drinks with Draco now. Not a word about this. You and I will talk about it when we get home"

"Fine" Sarah grumbled back. "I look forward to hearing your thoughts on that matter..." she muttered, sarcasm dripping from her tone.

"I'm sure you do" Snape responded as he gripped her arm, tightly. "Come"

"What the hell did you do?" Draco whispered as he apparated with her back to Snape Manor. "Snape is pissed at you" From the moment, he and Sarah arrived at the pub, Draco picked up on the barely contained friction between the two even though when he asked, Snape maintained that things were just fine before Sarah could say otherwise.

"Do you really want to know?" Sarah asked and Draco studied her look. "Were you with Weasley?" he asked, reading her perfectly.

"Snape caught us...oh bother, Draco. This is awkward" Sarah's face reddened and Draco shook his head, wearily. "That is a dangerous game, Sarah. You are already deceiving the Dark Lord with whatever plans you have with Potter. So, are you two still engaged?" He steadied her as she began to sway from the apparition.

"Draco, I don't want to hurt you" she whispered. "I care about you"

Draco reached and touched her face with his fingers. "I know that, Black" He kissed her cheek. "We're friends, remember?" He swallowed hard, "So what was Weasley doing to you" he growled, "that pissed Snape off so much?"

"Draco, a girl never kisses and tells" Sarah reminded him, "unless you are Pansy Parkinson"

Draco rolled his eyes. "You are still stuck on that?"

Sarah shrugged as Snape came behind them. "Black, go to your room and I will be up there in a few minutes"

With another disgruntled glance at Draco, Sarah obeyed, leaving Snape and Draco alone in the foyer. "So, Sarah and Weasley?" Draco asked his godfather, following him down the hall and into his study.

Snape frowned, looking behind him at his godson's white face. "She told you?"

Draco shook his head. "No, I guessed and she confirmed. What were they doing?"

"Would you like me to tell Sarah what you and Pansy did last year?" he asked, quietly as he reached to pour himself a drink. "Trust me, Draco, you don't want the details...especially from me"

Draco shuddered. "They haven't had sex yet, have they?"

"That's really none of your business, Draco" Snape took a sip of his whiskey, allowing the liquid to relax him and erase the memory of Weasley's hand down his daughter's shirt, groping her. "Plus, you really want to stand in judgement?"

"It's just" Draco sunk down on the sofa. "The thought of Sarah and Weasley having sex...I know it shouldn't, but it bothers me"

"Then you need to tell her" Snape replied, "before it is too late"

"But I'm a Death Eater and..." Draco put his head in his hands. "Merlin, I still love her...it kills me"

Snape put his drink down. "I don't think Sarah sees you as merely a Death Eater. She has always seen past both of our faults-or she used to with me. She is like her mother in that ability" His voice trailed off as he thought about his sister. Sighing, he stood. "But I will tell you this, if you don't speak up, she will marry Weasley. I can't promise that she will leave him, but at least you know you would have done all you could. Now, if you would excuse me, I need to have a conversation with my niece"

"I don't envy Sarah right now" Draco mumbled.

Snape chuckled at his expression. "Glad to know I can still create fear in you children- I was wonder if you would get to a certain age and just totally disregard my opinions"

"I don't think so, I think I will be forty and you will still make me feel like I'm eleven, Uncle Sev" Draco retorted.

"For some reason, I'm glad of that" Snape folded his hands in front of him. "Stay here. Maybe floo call your mother. She has been asking for another call. I'll be back soon" he told him, before leaving to go see his niece.

Sarah shrugged off her jacket and threw it on the bed. How could Snape still possibly make her feel like she was a child? Didn't he understand that she was almost of age? Didn't he know that he lost the right to make her feel this way the minute he killed the Headmaster and told her it was all a lie? Yet, when he caught her with Fred, her stomach had twisted in knots and made her feel like she had committed a crime or a major lapse in judgement. It made her feel regret that she had disappointed Snape. Where does he get off acting that way?

Sarah stomped into the lavatory and washed her face. Wiping it with a towel, she stared in the mirror. Dark circles shadowed her eyes. The nightmares were beginning again since her encounter with Voldemort. While she had managed to keep it a secret from Snape and Draco, she knew it probably was only a matter of time before she lost it completely She wondered how Harry, Hermione and Ron were fairing. She thought about them daily- wanting to be with them, facing whatever was to come. But instead she was stuck here, forced to play nice with Death Eaters. Granted, she liked Draco being here. They had seemed to picked up their friendship immediately and in spite of his status, she did trust him. It was all quite confusing! She brushed rapidly through her hair before throwing it back down on the sink.

She heard a knock on the door. "Come in" she called from the lavatory and Snape came in, his face grim. Sarah's stomach twisted again and she fought annoyance at herself for being so weak.

"Hi" she walked back over to her bed and retrieved her jacket. Walking over to her closet, she hung it up. She closed the doors and went to sit down on her bed, taking off her shoes and getting up again to throw them back in her closet.

Snape sat on her bed, his arms crossed, watching her with amusement. She was irritated and worried- he could read her agitation right away. But as he watched Sarah go and organize her desk, he thought he should probably not let her suffer any further. Standing up, he came behind her to grip her arm. "Enough, Sarah. Be still"

Sarah stilled immediately. "I don't know what you mean" she refused to turn around and look at him, instead looking on the papers on her desk.

"Oh" Snape responded, innocently. "In the 6 years that I have been your guardian, you have never been keen on cleaning your room. Usually I have to force you to do so. You must be really disturbed to do so. I wasn't aware that you still cared"

"Care?" Sarah laughed as she went to plop on her bed, crossing her legs. "It's not that I care- if anything, it's more about old habits"

"Regardless" Snape sat beside her. "You were undoubtedly foolish today"

"I'm in love" Sarah shrugged, stretching out her legs. "I doubt you know much about that but when two people love each other, they do this thing..."

"Love?" Snape raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you let Weasley feel you like some common..." He stopped himself not wishing to damage further their already tenuous relationship. "What I saw today, Sarah Grace was not love-lust maybe. If you loved him, you would have never gone there in the first place"

"Don't call me that" She snapped at him.

"Call you what?" Severus responded slowly, not sure of what she was angry about.

Sarah shrugged and looked at her comforter, trying to maintain her not caring attitude, but suddenly finding it much harder.

"You are upset that I called you by your name?" Severus asked, incredulously. In truth, it had slipped out, but her offense at it, surprised him. "Not by what I said? Why would that upset you?"

"That's enough" Sarah growled, her eyes growing wide at Snape catching her caring. "We are not talking about that or what you said about Fred. I can do whatever I want with him. And I'm not going to feel guilty about it. He is my fianc..." Sarah covered her mouth, dismayed at her lack of discretion around Snape.

Snape just shook his head, suddenly becoming quite tired of it all. The toll of balancing this act around his adopted daughter while trying to guide her through it all was wearing on him.

"You are being ridiculously careless. Really, you are smarter than this" Snape chided, his eyes on her. "As for Weasley, you can have sex with him. I know it is probably leading there, but you should remember that every action has a consequence-some which are unforeseen. If you choose to go there, I will not rescue you from them"

"I'm not seeing him again" Sarah frowned, before shifting uncomfortably under Snape's stern stare. "You aren't going to tell...you know about it?"

"I think not" Snape stood up. "And let him wonder what else you are deceiving him with when he has thought that you are being a good little girl and abiding his wishes? But if I am going to continue to protect you, stop taking these unnecessary risks"

Sarah stared at her bedspread before raising her eyes to meet Snape's. "Why not take these risks, Snape? I'm not going to survive this war. I might as well have some moments of happiness before it all ends"

Snape turned away from her and closed his eyes tightly. How could he help her when she was becoming self-defeating? When he turned back, he offered her the only piece of advice that came to mind, "Don't you still aspire to anything? Not too long ago, you wanted to become a professor"

Sarah bit her lip. "I don't know any more. I really don't think that will be possible"

"Your caliber of work in various disciplines speak otherwise" Snape retorted. "As bleak as things seem, don't give up your dreams, Sarah. Nobody would want that- not your mother or father..."

"Or you?" Sarah challenged, her eyes heated.

"Especially not me" Severus replied. "I put too much effort into you for you to become a disappointment..."

"I think I will always be a disappointment to you, Uncle Sev" Sarah whispered. "I was destined to that from the moment that you told my mother yes...you never gave me the chance not to be"

The truth of her words hit their mark. He knew the pain he was causing her- all of this could have been prevented. Unable to validate her thoughts, he skirted the topic. "Yes, well...behave from now on" Severus turned away from her again and walked swiftly towards her door. He couldn't just leave her to think that, could he? Stopping suddenly, he turned back around and sat down on her bed.

"I really wish" he said slowly, "that you would stop seeing my faults as a reflection of you"

"I wasn't good enough for you to love" Sarah shrugged, before slumping her shoulder, her hair falling in her face. "It's the truth" she mumbled.

Snape reached to gently push the hair out of her face before pushing it up, forcing her to meet his gaze. "It's the darkness in me, Sarah. It's the same darkness the aligns myself with the Dark Lord, that caused me to kill a man who was my friend...it's never been your fault"

"I just don't understand what you mean" Sarah looked at him, wearily. "Tell me what is going on"

"It's simply this: I don't wish to see you broken" Snape gripped her chin. "especially because of my inadequacies" He stood and walked to her door again. Turning back, he told her, "But running to Weasley to make it better won't actually make you feel better about everything that has happened. A husband is not meant to replace a shoddy father"

Sarah closed her eyes, unable to respond for in a way, she knew he was right. She drew closer to Fred once Snape had abandoned her. It was a quick fix to make her feel cherished and loved, but only a bandage covering the real problem.

Snape added, trying to ignore her stricken look. "You need to begin packing your trunk for school. Shall I send Draco up to keep you company?"

Sarah nodded, unable to speak.

"And I think 300 more lines of "I will think before I act and evaluate the risk" would be adequate penance for your transgressions today, don't you agree?" his voice turned stern.

Sarah covered her face, but nodded through her hands and satisfied that she had heard him, Snape left the room, so wishing he had handled this differently from the start.

The platform at 9 and 3/4 was busy as usual with parents and kids running around with their luggage, saying their last minute goodbyes. Sarah and Draco had separated when Snape dropped them off, discussing the night before the need to use discretion in regards to their newly renewed friendship.

"Sarah Black!" Mrs. Weasley found her and threw her arms around her, pulling her into an enormous hug. "We have been so worried. But here you are safe and sound, though looking a bit peaky"

"Nerves, I suppose" Sarah muttered and Molly eyed her sympathetically. "Remus told us what happened. You poor dear" she clucked.

"Sarah" Mr. Weasley patted her back as Molly wasn't relinquishing her hold anytime soon. "Just don't take any unnecessary risks. It is more important than ever that you behave...as well as the others don't' do anything to draw attention to yourselves"

"I will be careful" Sarah assured him. "And I will watch out for Ginny"

"We know you will, dear child" Molly squeezed her one more time, before releasing her. "Ginny is already on the train. Go find her. Stick by your friends, Sarah. You can't go wrong there" She handed her a package. "Some treats for the train and an extra jumper. I didn't know if Snape would have taken you shopping. It's pink, your favorite colour"

"Thank you" Sarah whispered. "Be careful yourself"

Mr. Weasley put his arm around Molly. "Don't you worry about us. We will be fine. Off you go" With one last look, Sarah left them. But as she was headed towards the train, she bumped into someone, who shoved something in her hand.

Not being able to see the person in the crowded platform, Sarah slid the piece of parchment in her pocket before stepping up onto the train. Going down the aisle, she finally heard, "In here, Sarah"

Sarah looked up to see Neville's smiling face as he reached to pull her in the compartment. "Let me help you with your bags" He took them from her and secured them overhead and Sarah thought for a moment how well and grown up and handsome Neville was looking these days. The awkward stage seemed to pass him by over the summer holidays. She met Luna's eyes and she winked as if she could read her mind.

"Come sit here, Sarah" Ginny patted the seat next to her and Sarah slid in by her as the train lurched to a start.

"How are you?" Neville asked, his eyes on her. "Grams told me the rumors of your capture" He paused, before asking, "Are they true?"

"Pretty much" Sarah replied, twisting her hands. "But I'm fine, really..."

"Is that why you are here...and not" Luna's voice turned to a whisper, "with Harry?"

Sarah glanced at Ginny, exhausted by it already. "Wait a second" she whispered. "We need silencing and privacy charms" She stood and began to ward the compartment. Once satisfied, she sat back down. "I'm here because the you-know-who threatened me and the ones I care about if I didn't come...but I'm not with Harry because I'm not yet of age. But when I am..."

The others nodded and smiled, understanding completely. Of course, Sarah would join the others-they were practically inseparable their six years at Hogwarts. "In the meantime, things are going to get bad at Hogwarts. We need to be prepared"

"Should we call a DA meeting?" Neville asked.

"I'm not sure if we should do that right away" Sarah responded, readjusting her headband. "We have to read the climate better first. See who we can trust and who we can't...because right now, the only people I trust completely with the truth at Hogwarts...well, mostly...are sitting right in this compartment"

"I agree" Luna said, dreamily. "After all, you thought you could trust Professor Snape and..."

"Luna" Ginny admonished, glaring at her, but Sarah waved her off. "No, she's right, Gin"

Neville rose. "Luna, I think I want something from the trolly. Want to come?"

"Sure" Luna responded. "Gin?"

Ginny stood up. "Yeah, I think I might want to stretch...Sarah?"

Sarah reached to pull money out of her pocket. "Actually, I need to look at something. Would you mind buying me a drink- I don't care what"

Ginny took the money. "Sure, are you ok?"

Sarah smiled. "I'm fine, really. I'll wait here for you guys to get back" She nodded, encouragingly as the others left.

Once the others had left, Sarah pulled out the note from her pocket and unfolded the piece of parchment:

Dear Sarah,

As you know, my son has communicated with me throughout his stay at Snape Manor. He tells me of the struggle between you and Severus as well as the discouragement you feel headed to Hogwarts. I know I would be greatly punished for writing this to you, but I know that you have saved my son's life once before and know that you continue to do so through your friendship with him. I owe you a great debt and that is why I'm writing- I wish you to succeed in whatever you put your mind to.

The Carrows are evil incarnate and have little remorse. They will take great joy in casting unforgivables or making you to do so, especially if you are openly defiant. Choose when to speak and when to remain silent. Volunteer for demonstrations of lessor curses and then they will be less apt to force you to volunteer for the more unforgivable ones. Show them the strength behind your written work, but when confronted with unforgivables, there are ways to make your spells less powerful. Learn to moderate them and encourage your classmates in your game-especially considering they will pair you against your friends, not your foes. You tell Draco you must not compromise your morals and you think that it is hopeless, but if you apply your mind to it, you will see that there is quite a bit of hope left for you. But you must think unconventionally-yes, Sarah dear, like a Slytherin.

Speaking of Slytherin, I feel I should warn you that the houses are being disbanded and that only one will remain- you can guess what that may be...I want you to be prepared lest you create a scene at the Opening Feast.

Finally, about your uncle. I urge you to sort through your memories logically. You are too wrapped up in the present, but I want you to examine the past. I read in the paper of what Dumbledore left you in his will. Use it. You will see what I mean once you do so.

This note will self destruct once you read the final line. It has been charmed for your eyes only. I must protect my position and yours too. All the best,

Narcissa Malfoy

The note dissipated before her eyes, leaving Sarah thoroughly confused. Maybe Andromeda was right- there was more to Narcissa Malfoy than met the eye.

The feast was delicious as usual, but Sarah only managed to pick at her food, wedged between Ginny and Neville. She couldn't help but feel a bit lost without Harry, Hermione and Ron. They were her steady companions through everything and now they were off hunting horcruxes and she was stuck here. Snape was giving the welcome speech, announcing the disbanding of the houses except for the House of Slytherin. She could barely stomach what he was saying- how it was a time to come together as one house and under one purpose. It was all quite sickening, though she found it heartening that while first years would be divided evenly between dormitories, for the most part that upperclassmen would remain under their current rooming assignments. She continued to absently play with her food, twirling her fork around her plate, making a design with her mashed potatoes. At all costs, she was trying to appear disinterested in what Snape was saying, but basically, Sarah interrupted it like this: for simplicity things would remain organized the same although they were all supposed to be Slytherins now. The Heads would remain the same and responsible for the same group of students, but points would be added and subtracted only from Slytherin. Slughorn was taking over charge of the Slytherin dormitories. Really, nothing had changed- it was all a load of rubbish. It really didn't even make sense. Snape's speech ended and pudding was served.

Sarah felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up to find Professor McGonagall addressing her, with Professor Slughorn nearby.

"Miss Black" McGonagall looked livid, but she knew it wasn't directed towards her. "A word, please"

Sarah looked at Ginny and Neville who gave her a small smile. She stood and she followed them outside the dining room.

"Is something wrong?" Sarah asked, absently tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Her gaze moved from McGonagall to Slughorn, wondering what her two professors wanted with her.

"There is no easy way to put this, Sarah" Minerva said in her brisk manner that Sarah was used to from her head, "but our new...Headmaster" she choked on the words, "has decided to move you from the Gryffindor dormitories...or should I say former Gryffindor dormitories into the Slytherin ones"

Dismay hit her as she tried to process what McGonagall was telling her. Snape was moving her to Slytherin? Anger swelled up in her. No way- he wouldn't. This not only affected her rooming, but also her class schedule as well. She looked at Professor Slughorn who had the good graces to look perturbed and a bit sheepish. While he was glad to get to know Sarah Black better as her new Head, he knew that Minerva and probably Sarah were livid. And all of this was really quite unprecedented.

Sarah tried to even her breathing and come to a point when she could respond without yelling. After all, it wasn't McGonagall's fault. Her throat felt dry. She cleared it, "Are there other changes for the returning students?"

McGonagall pursed her lips. "No, there are not"

Sarah gritted her teeth as she turned to Professor Slughorn. "I want to see Snape. Will you allow me to do that?"

"Of course. We will get you settled in Slytherin house and then I will take him to you myself" Horace replied, patiently. "But do be reminded to call him Headmaster Snape, especially in front of the Carrows"

"Even if he is a murderer, Sarah,we must show proper respect" McGonagall retorted and Sarah rolled her eyes.

"Can I go back to sitting where I was at least?" she asked, trying to keep herself calm.

"Of course" McGonagall replied. "After all, there are no such things as Houses now. I dare say you can sit where you like"

"Thank you" She smiled at her Head...or former Head. "I'm sorry, Professor"

"Oh, child" McGonagall shook her head, wearily. "While I'm glad to see you as always, I'm sorry for what you are coming back to. Severus has been waiting for the day to take you from Gryffindor, but no matter what that despicable man says, you will always be my lion, do you understand?" She patted her arm as Sarah nodded her implications. McGonagall was behind her and would help her when the need arose.

"I'm also here to help, Sarah" Slughorn added. "At times like these, we must stick together"

"Thank you" Sarah left them in the hall and returned to her table. "What was that about?" Ginny asked her.

"Snape is moving me in with the Slytherins" Sarah whispered to her and Neville.

"That's bloody unfair" Neville responded, shaking his head in dismay. "First, the houses and now he is moving you? Why?"

"He is trying to control me. He thinks that if I am around Zambini and Malfoy, I won't be able to lead a rebellion" Sarah clasped her hands together, twisting them in agitation. "But if I wasn't sure before, I'm sure now. We need to call a meeting of the DA and quickly. Neville, can I depend on you to help organize and gather everyone together and then find a way to let me know what is going on?"

"Absolutely" he assured her, before whispering. "But are you going to be ok?"

Sarah nodded. "I don't think they will try to kill me in my sleep or anything...don't worry" But truth be told, she was worried herself. Very worried.

Up Next: Sarah in Slytherin..& she lashes out at Snape over his choice for her...might there be screaming involved? Is she right about his reasoning for moving her? Did you guys like the twist?