A/N: I don't own Harry Potter or any related characters.

It was still dark as I picked myself up from the ground. The leaves were damp. Had it rained? I couldn't remember if there had been a chance of rain or not. I slowly rose to my feet, swaying slightly. I couldn't hear the others, they must have gone back to the castle for the night. I wondered if Father would be furious at Mr. Filch. He had said I deserved everything I got.

I stumbled my way into the castle, surprised I didn't manage to get caught. The tower was quiet.

"Lion Mane," I announced to the portrait. She stared at me and shook her head.

"Sorry, but the password's been changed." I sighed. This night just kept getting worse and worse. I debated sleeping on the floor, but quickly decided against it. I knew if I appeared in the hospital wing, Madame Longbottom would at least give me a bed for the night.

I slowly made my way, my feet and legs aching. I was distracted and tripped landing with a loud 'thud'.

"Out of bed, huh, well. We'll see what he makes of this. Get up and follow me." I fought to get back to my feet. The girl grabbed my arm and pulled me after her. I caught a glimpse of her Prefect badge in the moonlight. It also illuminated her silver and green tie. I managed to pull my arm free and followed her. This whole night had been a disaster. At least now I'd get to give Mr. Filch a piece of my mind. The Slytherin Prefect was muttering to herself.

"Stupid little lion, think they're so brave." I glared at her, she was taller than me. She led me towards the dungeons. I blinked, why wasn't she taking me to Mr. Filch's office? What was she planning to do with me.

"In!" she ordered pointing to a door. "Explain to him why you're out after hours." She nearly shoved me. I stumbled and fell through the doorway, landing flat on my face. I could feel my nose snap.

"Now what, Miss Nott?" a deep voice growled. I heard footsteps and could feel someone standing over me.

"Found this little Gryffindork after hours, sir."

"Thank you, I'll take it from here. Dismissed." I cowered against the floor. I could feel blood dripping from my nose. It was probably broken.

"Stand." The voice shook me a little. I pushed myself against the floor, my body aching from running, from falling. My nose throbbed.

"Please, sir, I'm sorry. The password change and..." my voice caught in my throat. "Father?" I stared at him. It was him! His hair was greyer, his face thinner. His eyes bored into me and opened wide in shock.

"Rose? No, it's impossible. Who are you?" I felt my face crumble. I brought my sleeve to my face and wiped away the blood from my nose and the tears falling from my eyes.

"It's me. I was kidnapped an then I got away...I'm sorry!"

"How...never mind," Father wrapped his arms around me. "I never gave up on you, Rose," he whispered. I sobbed against his chest. He summoned his patronus.

"Tell Hermione I have her. I have Rose. Make sure she comes." It ran off a few moments the floo sparked to life and Mom stepped through. Her hair was a tangled mess and she was wearing a red bathrobe.

"Severus, I swear if this is one of your stupid hallucinations again, I will hex you into next month!" I blinked staring at her. She took one look at me and then back at Father.

"Did you vet her? Make sure she's not a changeling?" I didn't understand. Why was she yelling at Father, wait, why was Father at Hogwarts? My head started spinning. My feet gave out from beneath me. I felt Father catch me in his arms.

"She's burning up, hang on, Rose." I felt my eyelids sliding closed. A face hovered in my mind.

"Illy, must save Illy, True Name," I whispered. I could feel my body being carried.

"She's delirious, Severus, what if..."

"She'll make it."

"Please, save Illy, True Name, Mommy!"

"Rose, I'll remember, Illy, true name, please just hold on. We're almost the infirmary.

"Madame Longbottom!"

"Severus? Oh, who is this, what happened? Lay her over here."

"It's Rose! She's burning up, delirious." I felt myself being laid on a bed, the blankets cool against my hot skin.

"Here, shh, it's going to be alright."

"Drink this." Cold, wet poured down my throat. Fever potion. Ick!

"Shh, rest, Rose. Severus, how is this possible?" I fell into a deep sleep before I heard the answer.