I hope everyone had a great New Years! Mine has been wonderful so far. Thanks for the reviews! Now, on with the next chapter…
Standing before the full-length mirror in Ginny's room, Aileen felt out of place in the long, blue dress. Her curly hair flowed down her back, the ringlets shining in the afternoon sunlight. On her face, she wore just a dab of makeup, but it could not cover the lines that were present. Today was the wedding day of Bill and Fleur, yet Aileen was far from feeling festive. The Burrow was a madhouse. The men stood out in the yard, trying to erect the large tent. The women hurried inside, fitting into their dresses and trying to help the bride fit into her wedding dress. Aileen could hear Mrs. Weasley calling out commands to her husband below. Though the atmosphere was light, Aileen felt heaviness. Watching her reflection in the mirror, it reminded her of the Yule Ball. It reminded her of the look in Snape's eyes the moment he saw her, and it reminded her of how he had abandoned her in the hallway.
Again, she found herself looking most beautiful, and Snape had abandoned her again. Tonks stood in the doorway, staring at her with a soft smile. Aileen watched her in the mirror, her face looking tired. Something was wrong, for she looked sickly, almost pale.
"Tonks, what's wrong?" Aileen asked softly, turning towards the woman.
Tears glistened in her eyes, though her smile never faltered. If anything, the smile grew bigger. Aileen walked slowly to her, touching her arm lightly. "What is it?" she whispered.
"I-I'm pregnant," Tonks said.
Aileen's eyes grew wide. "What?" she breathed.
"I think I've known for a while now. Remus, he-he-"
Tonks broke down, sobbing onto Aileen's shoulder. She wrapped her arms around the woman, not really knowing what to say. She already knew that Lupin was being distant to his new wife, fearing that he wasn't good enough for her, that being a werewolf was not something Tonks should have to deal with. Aileen rubbed her back, trying to calm her sobbing. All she wanted to do was walk downstairs and punch Lupin. He was being the biggest horse's ass about it all, though he felt he was doing the right thing, pushing Tonks away when she needed him most.
"He's afraid the baby will be a werewolf too! He doesn't understand how much I love him and this baby! He doesn't understand I would give anything for my family!" Tonks sobbed.
Aileen allowed Tonks to cry, feeling her heart breaking for the woman; for she knew what it was like to not fully have the one you loved. Though Tonks and Lupin had secretly wed a few months back, Lupin still pushed his new wife away when he felt she was in danger of him. If only he could fully feel what Aileen was feeling, he would never push his wife away again.
A while later, after the tears had dried, Tonks left Aileen to finish helping Fleur. Picking the front of her dress up a little, Aileen stormed out of the room, down the stairs and outside. She shielded her eyes from the bright sun, looking for Lupin. She had decided to give him just a little piece of her mind. He was standing to the side, talking to Mr. Weasley. Aileen did not hesitate to walk towards the two men. As soon as they saw her coming, they stopped their hushed conversation, turning their eyes on Aileen.
"I need to speak with you," Aileen said through clenched teeth, her anger rising.
Lupin looked taken aback by her anger, but nodded his head. Aileen and Lupin turned from Mr. Weasley, walking away and out of earshot. As soon as Aileen felt they had enough distance between them and the ones at the wedding tent, she turned on Lupin quickly, her eyes looking at him hard.
"Why are you being such an ass, Remus Lupin?" Aileen seethed.
Lupin's eyes went wide, his face showing his shock. He stared at Aileen, not speaking a word.
"She loves you, you have no idea how much, and all you are doing is pushing her away at a time when she needs you most!" said Aileen loudly.
The shock disappeared instantly, his face showing understanding. He sighed deeply, his eyes closing for a brief moment. He looked so very tired, which calmed some of the anger in Aileen. Lupin looked like a man carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
"You don't understand, Aileen," he said softly.
"No! You don't understand, Lupin. You have no idea what you have, how lucky you are!" Aileen said, interrupting him. "She loves you, more than she loves anyone, and you are pushing her away, time and time again. You made a vow to her, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, and you are breaking those vows as the seconds pass! Do you have any idea how much I wish I had the opportunity that you do, Lupin? Do you have any idea how much it hurts to be without the one you love?" Aileen said, the tears forming in her eyes.
"It's different, Aileen. This situation is completely different-"
He began, but Aileen interrupted him again. "Yes, it is different, because you have her in your life. You have to opportunities that I will never have! You have a child on the way, and Tonks needs you now more than ever!"
His eyes began to sparkle in the sun, and Aileen realized it was from the tears in his eyes. Her anger towards him vanished immediately, as his true feelings for Tonks and their unborn child showed in his face. She could see the fight within him, seeing him wage war with his feelings. It made her own tears slip from the confines of her eyes.
"Don't lose her, Lupin. You do not want to feel the pain that I do," Aileen whispered.
Lupin closed his eyes, a single tear running down his face. "Where is she?" he said, barely audible.
"She's upstairs with Fleur," Aileen answered.
Lupin opened his eyes, walking towards Aileen, and without a word he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly.
"I'm so sorry for what he did to you, Aileen. I thought-I thought Severus had finally found happiness, finally found the one thing he had always wanted," Lupin whispered in her ear.
Aileen did not answer, feeling her words failing her at a time like this. She tightened her hold on Lupin, nodding her head. Soon, he let her go, turning to walk towards the house and towards his wife. Aileen remained rooted to the spot, her eyes looking out into the vast grassland.
She noticed someone walking up the long driveway, a briefcase in their hands. Aileen eyes squinted, trying to see who it was. The sun was too bright for her to tell who it was, but the men gathered around the tent had noticed the visitor as well. All eyes were on the man coming towards them, a look of surprise on Mr. Weasley's face.
When the man was nearly to the tent, Aileen recognized him at once. The Minister of Magic himself was walking towards the Burrow. Rufus Scrimgeour waved towards Mr. Weasley, who was making his way over to the Minister. The two men shook hands. Mr. Weasley listened as Scrimgeour began speaking, nodding his head as he spoke. Aileen watched him being escorted towards the house, disappearing behind the door. Seconds later, Mr. Weasley came back outside, raising his hand and calling Aileen towards him. Confused, Aileen obeyed and walked towards the inside of the Burrow.
To her right, Aileen saw Lupin and Tonks embracing, looking at each other with such love. Aileen felt her heart squeeze watching them. Lupin slowly kissed his wife, his hands holding her face so lovingly. He reached down with his other hand, lightly touching her stomach and they both smiled. Aileen sighed, feeling that things would work out for them, only if Lupin held to his love for his wife.
She walked into the sitting room, noticing Harry, Ron and Hermione sitting in front of the Minster. She could feel the coldness of the room, the tension between Harry and Scrimgeour. Everyone looked up at her as she walked fully into the room. Scrimgeour motioned for her to take a seat beside Hermione. Aileen did as he wished. Once she was seated, Scrimgeour reached into his briefcase, taking out something and holding it in his hands.
"I am here on behalf of Albus Dumbledore's last will and testament," Scrimgeour began. Everyone flinched at hearing Dumbledore's name. "In his possessions, he left something for each of you. To you, Ronald Weasley, he left to you his Deluminator-for when it seems all light has been extinguished, let it guide your path."
Ron reached out, taking the Deluminator in his hands, his face looking in awe.
"To you, Hermione Granger, he left to you his copy of 'The Tales of Beedle and Bard'-thinking you might rather enjoy the stories within."
Hermione took the book in her hands, gently opening the pages. She wore a small smile on her face, her eyes glistening with tears.
"To you, Harry Potter, he left to you the Golden Snitch in your first ever Quidditch Match-reminding you of simplier times, of things you wish to remember and speak of. Also, he left to you Godric Gryffindor's sword, though I must tell you it was not Dumbledore's to give. I am sorry about that, but it is impossible to give you such an item," Scrimgeour replied.
Harry took the Snitch in his hand. He, too, wore a soft smile. The Golden Snitch caught the sunlight streaming into the window.
"And finally, to you, Aileen Riddle, he left to you a brass key-for whenever you feel that time is against you, remember there is more time to be had."
Scrimgeour reached over, handing Aileen a small, brass key. She looked at it, confused. Aileen raised her eyes towards the Minister, waiting for him to explain further about the key, but his eyes were turned back to Harry. It seemed as though there was no explanation. She had a key that she didn't know what it went to, didn't know why Dumbledore had left it to her.
"You must stay, Minister, the wedding will be a joyous celebration. We would be honored at your presence," Mrs. Weasley said, once Dumbledore's will was read.
"Thank you for the invitation, Molly, but I must be getting back. There is a lot to do."
With that, Scrimgeour walked from the sitting room and left the Burrow. The rest of the day, Aileen studied the key, wondering what it went to. She wondered if there was something in Dumbledore's old office at Hogwarts that awaited her and the key. Many times that afternoon, she questioned Dumbledore's actions, questioned why he would leave her a brass key, yet not explain what it was for. All that he had said was something about time, something about remembering there was always time.
"What does it go to?"
Aileen turned to see Harry looking at the key in her hand. She shrugged her shoulders as he came and stood beside her. Reaching over, Harry took the key from her hand, turning it to look at both sides.
"It must be of importance if Dumbledore wanted me to have it," Aileen said softly.
Harry nodded his head, his eyes still looking at the small key. "Yeah, I guess."
He handed the key back to Aileen as silence fell around them. They were standing outside, watching the large, white tent. The ends were blowing in the breeze of the summer day. The sun was beginning to set, the wedding only an hour away. They watched as the guest began to appear, taking their seats underneath the tent.
"After the wedding, I'm leaving," Harry said low.
Aileen looked over at him, his eyes staring out in the distance. She had known this time was coming; remembering what he had told her right after Dumbledore had been killed.
"Where will you go?" she asked.
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Godrick's Hollow maybe, to start out." He turned to look at her, his eyes looking haunted with ghosts of his past. Godrick's Hollow was where his parents lived when Voldemort had killed them. In a way, Harry was going home.
"What are you not telling me?" Aileen asked, seeing something pass in Harry's eyes.
He hesitated before answering, but then opened his mouth to speak, "Before D-Dumbledore was killed he showed me the way to defeat Voldemort. He showed me how Voldemort had defeated death, showed me the way to make sure he didn't defeat death again. There's something I must go in search for. I-I just feel as though I need-well I feel I need your-"
"Harry," Aileen said, turning fully towards him. She reached out, taking his hand in hers, squeezing. "You do not need my permission," she whispered. "Voldemort might have been the one to make me, but he is no father to me. He must die, and I realize that. He has to die."
Aileen felt sad at the idea. Though she hated Voldemort, hated him for everything he had done, she still felt sad. Harry nodded his head, squeezing her hand in his. "I just know what it's like to lose my parents. It matters what he's done, but it also matters that I know a part of you loves your parents, knows you can't help it. You're human," Harry said lightly.
"Do what you have to do, Harry. Do what you must before he takes more from us!" Aileen said, her heart feeling heavy.
The wedding got underway. Fleur walked down the aisle, as beautiful as Aileen had ever seen her. She smiled happily at the guest, her eyes turning towards the man waiting for her up front. The moment their eyes met, Fleur's smile grew brighter than the sun. There was no doubt of their love for one another. Aileen sat with Tonks and Lupin, watching the ceremony begin and the wedding vows being exchanged. It was as if this moment was the last happiness to be had. All around her, Aileen felt as if everyone was trying to grab a hold of the light feeling, trying to grab a hold of the love surrounding the white tent. It was as if everyone feared this was the last bright moment before the darkness descended. And through it all, the one face that remained constant in Aileen's mind was Snape.
"May I have this dance, please?"
Aileen turned to see Lupin standing behind her, his hand held out for her to take. His scarred face smiled gently at her. Despite her melancholy feeling, she giggled and took his outstretched hand. He guided her to the dance floor, mingling in with the ones already dancing. The next thing Aileen knew, Lupin was twirling her around the floor. She began laughing, feeling light for the first time in months. Their speed picked up, Lupin twirling her in a circle. She yelled out in delighted surprise when Lupin lifted her into to air, twisting her about. Her hands grabbed his shoulders to keep steady.
"I'm not going to drop you," he whispered.
"I trust you!" she laughed, Lupin putting her back on her feet.
He slowed their momentum, looking as if he had something to say. Aileen waited patiently for him to speak.
"I wanted to thank you for earlier. Sometimes I let my own emotions get the better of me. I only want what is best for Tonks and our unborn child. My love for them is so great it surprises me sometimes," he said low.
"All they need is you, Lupin. All Tonks needs is you," she replied, feeling her own emotions coming to the surface.
"Please, Aileen, do not cry. I asked you to dance to cheer you up, not make you cry!" Lupin said.
She waved him off, the tears sticking in her eyes. Aileen gave him a watery smile, letting him know she was fine. He pulled her closer, and she laid her head on his chest, thankful he was here to hold her up. Her eyes roamed over to Tonks, who was watching them with a soft smile of her own. Aileen smiled back at her friend, whispering a thank you for allowing Lupin to dance with her. It was a rather nice surprise, for she felt as though she would not dance any that night.
He twisted them around, her eyes darting out into the night. The stars twinkled above them, their numbers massive. As much as she tried to stop her mind from thinking of Snape in that moment, Aileen wondered what he was doing, where he was. To think of him caused her to feel the hole in her chest open. She did not have time to think on the pain when something caught her eye.
Aileen slowly lifted her head, her eyes staring at something streaking in the sky. Her first thought was of her father, but this was something different. Whatever it was, it was a bright, white color. It flew in the air, as if it were a comet.
"Aileen, what's wrong?" Lupin said, noticing the concern on her face.
"Look," she said, pointing to the streak in the sky.
Lupin stopped dancing, turning to see what Aileen was pointing at. At the same time, it seemed everyone had spotted the object, for it had turned and was heading towards the tent. Aileen felt Lupin take her arm and guide her away from the dance floor. She dared not take her eyes off the white streak. Suddenly, it dipped down, coming straight into the tent. All around Aileen, screams broke out as the white light, looking like a lynx, hovered over the dance floor. Aileen's heart was beating erratically, watching the white lynx turn slowly.
"The ministry has fallen! Scrimgeour is dead! They are coming!"
A familiar voice could be heard inside the white light, a voice Aileen had heard before. She felt Lupin grow rigid beside her, the hand on her arm growing tight. She looked at him, seeing his eyes wide, his face looked of fear.
"Kingsley!" Lupin whispered.
It hit her then. She recognized Kingsley's voice. The white lynx began showing images of wizards and witches screaming in terror. Green light shot around them, some falling to the ground. Aileen's hand went to her mouth, stopping the scream begging to come out. She watched as one after the other, the Ministry fell to their deaths, until finally, Scrimgeour's face appeared. His eyes were opened and unmoving, his face looked of horror. The message repeated again.
"The Ministry has fallen! Scrimgeour is dead! They are coming!"
"EVERYONE, GET DOWN!" someone screamed at the entrance to the tent.
It wasn't enough warning, for the next moment the tent lit up with light. Screams erupted all around Aileen, and she only had a second to watch as several black figures flew into the middle of the crowd. She recognized them immediately to be Death Eaters. They formed on the dance floor, aiming their wands at anyone who was close to them. Aileen felt Lupin grab her, shielding her behind him.
"No!" he screamed, grabbing Harry as he tried to run pass them. "Get out of here!"
Harry looked from Lupin to Aileen, his eyes wide in fear. Suddenly, Ron and Hermione ran towards him. Hermione grabbed his arm and they disapparated from the tent. Aileen did not have time to think as one of the Death Eaters headed towards her. Lupin grabbed her, turning her in the opposite direction, making it him who the Death Eater was coming after now.
"Stupify!" he screamed. The Death Eater fell at Lupin's feet.
Aileen felt something hit her across the face, blinding her in pain. She fell to the ground, hearing Lupin's cry of pain behind her. She saw him fall beside her, the side of his face bleeding. Someone grabbed her by the hair, dragging her away from Lupin. Her legs were beating down hard on the ground, trying to find something to stop the Death Eater's momentum. Blood ran in her eyes, but she was able to watch the guests of the wedding running past her, none of them showing signs of helping.
"Help me!" Aileen screamed, fighting against the hold on her hair.
She felt the searing pain in her head, feeling as if the Death Eater was going to pull her hair out. To her horror, she was dragged outside where more Death Eaters waited.
"Severus!" she screamed. "Don't let them take me, Severus!"
Aileen wasn't sure if he was even here, but if he was, she would scream for his help. She would beg him if she had to. The night sky lit up around her as the members of the Order made their way outside. They pointed their wands at the Death Eaters, shooting in every direction. Aileen felt the hold on her hair loosen, and the Death Eater fell to his knees, screaming in pain. As soon as his large body fell to the ground, Aileen was on all fours, crawling back towards the Order. She kept her head low to where the hexes and jinxes wouldn't hit her.
"Aileen!" Mr. Weasley screamed.
Without looking, Aileen crawled towards his voice. She felt a hand reach out, grabbing her around her waist. She was hoisted up and placed behind Mr. Weasley's body. He shielded her, scooting them back, until she found herself under the protection of the tent again. Outside, the Death Eaters began disapparating. One by one, they disappeared and the night became silent again, other than the cries of the guests. Aileen sat on the tent floor, her breathing coming out hard and fast. The side of her face burned with heat and pain, but she was too much in shock to let the pain affect her. She had screamed for Snape, wanting so badly for him to be there, but if he was, he had not helped her.
"Aileen, look at me. Are you okay?"
Both Lupin and Tonks were kneeling before Aileen; their concerned faces inches from her own. She looked at Lupin, seeing the blood still trickling down his face. Tonks looked scared to death, her eyes wide. Aileen could not speak, only nodding that she was okay. It had been a close call, but she was safe. The wedding reception, however, had come to a dramatic end.
Weeks later, after that horrible night, Aileen stood in her room at the Burrow. Her suitcase was opened before her as she folded her belongings neatly inside. August was drawing to an end and September was right around the corner. It really wasn't a decision to be made. Aileen had always known she would go back to Hogwarts to finish what she started. She felt that that's what Dumbledore had always wanted her to do. She knew the dangers, knew the Death Eaters were now after her as well. They had made that plain during the wedding reception when they tried taking her. The Order knew it as well, and that is why Lupin had been most outspoken about her going back. They had been in several disagreements, but she held her ground. Aileen wanted to go back.
"Aileen, what are you doing?"
She looked over at the door seeing Lupin watching her, his face looking angered.
"What does it look like I'm doing, I'm packing for the trip back to Hogwarts," she said shortly.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked softly.
Aileen stopped folding her shirt, throwing it into the suitcase with a deep sigh. That was always the question he asked, though she refused to give him an answer. Lupin stared at her as if he already knew the answer.
"He isn't there anymore, Aileen. And even if Severus were there, it would be only to do You-Know-Who's bidding. Why are you putting yourself in danger knowingly?" Lupin said heatedly.
She turned her back to him, not wanting to face him. Hogwarts had been the place she had met Snape, the only place she had felt safe being close to him. It was there that she had confessed her feelings to him, and he to her. It was there that he had saved her time and time again. It was there that she had made love to him for the first time.
"I have to go back. I just have to," Aileen whispered.
"Stay here, Aileen. Stay at the Burrow where we can protect you," Lupin said desperately.
He walked in the room towards Aileen, grabbing her arm softly and turning her towards him. His eyes looked at her desperately, his face begging her to stay.
"I'm not going to hide. I'm not going to stop living my life because my father is after me. I didn't see you stopping Harry when he left."
Lupin sighed, throwing his hands up in the air in exasperation. "Aileen, Harry has a job to do! He had to go!"
"And I do too, Lupin. I appreciate your concern, I really do, but I'm going back to school and I'm going to finish my final year. I refuse to allow fear to make me run, hide. If my father comes for me, then I will meet him head on, maybe even giving Harry enough time to find what he's looking for. I refuse to sit back and wait. It's why I joined the Order to begin with, to fight against my father and his forces. I'm-going-back-to-Hogwarts!" Aileen ground out.
The minutes ticked by without a word. They stared at one another, their faces hard to read. Aileen understood, and was even touched, by Lupin's protection of her. Still, she could not allow him to hold her back. She was meant to go back to Hogwarts; she could feel it with every part of her being.
"I swore to Sirius before he died that I would watch out for you if anything ever was to happen to him," Lupin whispered.
Aileen felt pain at hearing Sirius' name. She felt the loss in an instant, and her face mirrored the man in front of her. She missed Sirius more and more as the days passed. By the look on Lupin's face, she could tell he felt the same way. She walked up to him, grabbing his hands in hers.
"Watching out for me does not mean sheltering me from things that will happen, whether we want them to or not. The battle is coming, Lupin, and no matter how protected you try to make me, I will have to face my parents one day. I feel it as strongly as I do the need to go back to Hogwarts. No amount of time or protection will stop it from happening. If I must look my father in the face, let it be under the stones of the one place I have felt more love than anywhere," Aileen said gently.
Lupin squeezed her hands, his eyes looking brighter. She smiled at him, knowing he understood what she was trying to say.
"You have grown into a strong woman, Aileen. As I have told you before, Sirius would have been so proud of you."
The last night at the Burrow was spent surrounded by her friends. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley tried to keep their guest entertained, but Aileen watched several times as Mrs. Weasley looked concerned, her eyes roaming towards the window and out into the night. Aileen knew she was thinking of Ron, Harry and Hermione. Ginny sat at her mother's feet, her eyes looking distantly into the fire. Tonks walked around, handing everyone a glass. Aileen took it in her hands, watching the red liquid bounce in the cup.
"To Harry, Ron and Hermione," she said softly, raising her glass into the air.
Everyone present turned to look at her, their glasses slowly raised. A chorus of toasts rang out for Harry, Ron and Hermione. Aileen took a slow sip as her mind turned to the trio and what they were doing at the moment everyone sat cozily in the Burrow. She felt a shiver go down her spine, yet there was no coldness in the sitting room to be felt.
"I'm going to bed," Mrs. Weasley said, her voice cracking. Before she could pass Aileen, she noticed the tears running down the woman's face. Aileen's heart went out to the woman, unable to relate to what it felt like knowing your child was out there somewhere in constant danger. If Aileen really thought about it, she could only think it would be torture. Hugging Tonks and Lupin goodbye, Aileen made her way towards her room for the final night at the Burrow. She did not sleep a wink.
The first thing that was noticeable was how few people were on platforms nine and three-quarters. There was no laughter, no excitement. Aileen turned around in every direction, searching for at least one smile on someone's face, but there was none to see. The Hogwarts Express stood before her, as if a large coffin taking everyone to their graves. Parents, what few there were, ushered their children aboard, their faces looking around in worry. Aileen hugged Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and followed Ginny onto the train.
Her eyes roamed over at the group of students sitting a ways ahead. They stared at her, their faces looking of hatred. She caught the eye of Pansy Parkinson and saw the look of loathing in her eyes. She turned away from them, feeling the hole in her chest rip open. Any other year, any other time, Draco would be in the middle of that group. His absence was felt throughout her whole body.
It was hours into the trip, the sun going down behind the mountains. Aileen talked softly with Luna, Ginny and Neville. The other students, what little was found on the train, left them alone. Aileen rested her head against the back of her seat, staring out at the changing landscape. Hogwarts was drawing nearer, yet she felt no excitement in returning. She just felt empty.
"You think they are okay?" Neville asked softly.
"Of course they are!" Ginny said, her voice sounding strained.
Aileen closed her eyes, feeling she didn't know the answer. The task lay out before Harry, Ron and Hermione was impossible, everyone knew it.
"I didn't mean any harm, Ginny. I'm just worried," Neville said.
"There're okay, I just know they are!" Ginny said, though her voice didn't sound as confident as their words.
Luna sat surprisingly silent. Aileen felt that the girl just didn't have anything to say on the matter. She wasn't the kind of person that just filled the air with words just to speak. In a way, Aileen was glad she didn't speak, because she usually told the brutal truth, no matter if she hurt the person's feelings.
As the last of the sun's rays died away, the train began to slow. Aileen and the others stared out the window, watching as Hogsmeade came into view. Finally, they were back. Gathering her things, Aileen followed Neville, Luna and Ginny towards the exit of the train. Immediately when her feet hit the ground, Hagrid was there, grabbing her arm gently and escorting the group towards Hogwarts.
"Gave my word to Lupin, I'd get ya into the castle safely," he said under his breath.
Hagrid did not leave them until they entered the Great Hall. The windows, which had been blown out by Bellatrix, were covered again with glass. The candles floated above their head, just like every other year. The only noticeable differences were the numerous empty chairs of the Houses and of course, the two empty chairs at the staff table. Aileen could not bear to look upon them, knowing they would never be filled again by the two men that should have been present on this night. McGonagall stood before the small group of students, ushering in the first-years. Aileen only counted twenty, a huge difference from the previous years. None of them were sorted into Slytherin.
After the Opening Feast, Aileen made her way down into the Dungeons. She would not be going to her room tonight. She would not be facing the other Slytherins or their horrible looks. She turned to the left as the rest turned to the right towards the common room. She wasn't sure if the door would be unlocked, but she saw no reason why it would be locked. Grabbing the handle, she turned it slowly. It opened at once.
Aileen walked into the room, the darkness thick. Even so, she knew where she wanted to go. She walked passed his desk, his things evident in the darkness. She walked towards the side door, walking through without a thought. Down the long, dark hallways she went, until she was standing before the door to his private quarters. Again, the door opened at will. Grabbing her wand, she whispered her words to light the tip. Light streamed into the darkness, causing Aileen's heart to jump in her throat. The room was the same as it was the night her and Snape had made love. Nothing had been disturbed, even his clothes sat untouched. With a lump in her throat, she hurried towards his bed, falling down on the sheets that still smelled of him. She cried until sleep took her under, surrounded by all that was Snape.
Weeks went by and nothing got back to normal at Hogwarts. Aileen had always heard that with time everything would be back to the way it used to be, but there was nothing normal about the world she found herself in. She sat in Dumbledore's office, a place she came to quite often for refuge. She was alone in her grief, surrounded by his things. It felt as if all the light had been sucked out of the castle. For the first time, Aileen questioned her decision to come back. Her eyes roamed to the newly hung portrait. Dumbledore sat slumped in his chair, looking as if he were sleeping. Aileen wanted to believe that in real life he was only sleeping.
In the quite moment in Dumbledore's office, Aileen realized that Dumbledore had been the closest thing she had had to a father. She closed her eyes, knowing her real father was the reason he was in the white tomb. Aileen put her face in her hands, feeling the first signs of a headache. She had barely been able to focus on her studies, but she pushed her way past the hurt and pain to do what she had to. For some reason, she was determined to finish her final year, as if it would give her closure somehow.
"You cannot stay in here forever, child," came a soft voice at the door.
Aileen slowly turned towards the owner of the voice, seeing McGonagall standing before her. She looked so very tired.
"Can't I?" said Aileen, a ghost of a smile on her lips. It never quite reached her eyes.
McGonagall had not left her side very much since Aileen had been back. She knew that the woman realized what toll being back was having on her. Even if she never said it, Aileen was so thankful McGonagall was here.
"I always came here too, when I just needed to clear my head," McGonagall said, walking around to look at Dumbledore's things. "Albus never said a word about it."
McGonagall came and sat beside Aileen, looking out onto the grounds below. The two women did not speak. The silence was too peaceful to break with words. Aileen reached over, taking the older woman's hand in her own. The gesture said more than any words could ever say. Their eyes turned towards Dumbledore's portrait, to their fallen hero.
"He always said to trust Severus, no matter what. I just do not understand," McGonagall whispered.
At the mention of his name, Aileen flinched, feeling such sorrow and rage all at once. The older woman squeezed her hand in understanding. Aileen laid her head on the McGonagall's shoulder, feeling tired herself. They sat that way most of the morning, until the doors burst open, a student ran in, terror written on his face.
"P-Professor McGonagall, y-you have to c-come quick. It's-you have to come!"
"What is it?" McGonagall asked concerned.
The boy began to shake, not answering due to the fear. Both Aileen and McGonagall stood from their seats. At once, they began to follow the boy. When they reached the door, McGonagall turned abruptly towards Aileen, stopping her movements instantly.
"Aileen, please stay here."
The woman turned and left without another word. Aileen looked over at Dumbledore's portrait, weighing her options. She knew that she should do what she was told, but she needed to know what was going on. If Voldemort was here, he and his minions, she was ready to fight. Aileen would not back down, not cower away from any of them. Steeling her nerves, Aileen went towards the door and down the spiral staircase. As she walked into the hallway, she noticed a group of students moving slowly towards the Great Hall. Aileen followed, hearing voices coming from inside the room.
Aileen could see McGonagall standing before where the staff table usually sat. Before her stood a man that Aileen did not recognize. By the look on his face, she could tell he was familiar with McGonagall and Hogwarts. He was smiling brightly, yet McGonagall looked unnerved and a little afraid. She looked as though something had shaken her to her very core.
"Ah, Minerva McGonagall, so nice to see you on this fine afternoon. I do regret that I have come too late to pay my respects to Albus. He was a wonderful man, and his presence will be greatly missed," the man said, his smile growing wider. Aileen disliked him at once.
"Pius Thickness, what has brought you here today?" McGonagall said flatly.
Aileen noticed how she kept looking at something off to the side, somewhere that Aileen could not see. She tried to step forward, to push her way into the Great Hall, but the students around her would not budge. Aileen looked at the man known as Pius Thickness. He stood before them in a three piece suit, navy blue striped, finely pressed and very expensive looking. His smile turned dark, his eyes going towards where McGonagall was staring. Aileen heard him laugh softly, the sound causing her to shiver.
He turned his beady eyes towards the students and teachers watching from outside the Great Hall. He raised his hands, motioning for everyone to step forward.
"Good day to you all! Please, come in and gather around," he said in a raised voice.
Everyone around, including Aileen, hesitated for a moment. They weren't sure if it was safe, feeling something off about the man calling them forward. McGonagall turned towards them, her eyes and face looking desperate. It was at that moment Aileen felt the air around her grow suddenly cold. She wrapped her arms around her, trying to find some warmth. She had felt this way before, but when? Before she could really think on it, she was pushed forward by the crowd.
As she reached the door, piercing screams erupted all around her. Aileen joined in, screaming as she looked up. The Great Hall was surrounded by Dementors floating above their heads.
"Children, children please! They will not harm you. Yes, keep coming forward-that's it," Pius Thickness said smoothly.
Aileen tried to fight the wave of people, but she was forcefully pushed forward. She was terrified to be close to the Dementors, thinking back to what had happened the last time she had come in contact with them. It had almost killed her and Snape both, but he was not here to protect her this time. All around her, the students whimpered and sobbed, looking up at the hideous creatures above them. McGonagall turned and tried to calm her students, her face showing just how powerless she felt.
"Now, if I may have everyone's attention," Pius Thickness started. "I am here on behalf of the Ministry of Magic. They have sent me here today, because a change is in order."
He began to pace in front of them, placing his arms behind his back. You could feel the air of supremacy coming off of him in waves.
"With Albus Dumbledore gone, it is my duty," he stopped, chuckling softly to himself. "The Ministry's duty, I mean, to see that the school is ran accordingly. Too long have we turned a blind eye and allowed things to go on that we do not approve of! We allowed this but only for a time. Today marks the beginning of a new day at Hogwarts. Today, we begin a new era." His eyes automatically turned to McGonagall. "First, any person present, whether they are student or teacher, will have to be registered under the type of Bloodline he or she was born in to. This registration falls under the guidelines of the Muggle-born Registration Act. If you will, please begin forming four lines, starting right here."
He stood before McGonagall, pointing at her. He was meaning to make a point using the woman. Without another word, the Dementors began to swoop down, coming very close to the students. There was a visible shift, from the group, to get away from the horrible creatures, but it was no use. There was a loud bang behind them and everyone turned to see what had caused it. The door had been bolted shut, a Dementor stood watch in front of it. Their way out was blocked.
"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Thickness? They are only children!" McGonagall screamed.
"Yes, they are only children, but we only want the best for this school, Minerva. Times have changed and we must change along with them," he said quietly.
Aileen swallowed hard, feeling her body begin to shake. All around her, students and teacher huddle against one another, their faces wet with their tears. The room grew colder and colder as the minutes passed. It was as they were being lined up for the slaughter. Aileen watched as several people, none too friendly, came to stand before the gathering lines. She was too scared to move, her eyes remaining on the Dementors coming very close to her.
"You will step forward and give the background of your parents or any family member entrusted to your care. If you cannot do so, we will find other means of getting the information out of you! If you refuse, you will be escorted from the Great Hall by one of the Dementors," Pius paused. "I suggest you cooperate. Once it is known of your blood heritage, we will be forming two groups. I want Pure-Bloods and Half-Bloods to my right, all others to my left. Let the process begin." He finished by clasping his hands together, as if signaling for things to begin.
No one moved for a moment, too scared to even breathe. Pius Thickness looked around, the longer the seconds ticked without anyone moving, the angrier he got. Aileen took a wild guess that he wasn't used to people not obeying him. She saw McGonagall looking helplessly at her students and teachers. Swallowing, she was the first to step forward. Aileen watched, petrified as a Dementor floated close to the woman. McGonagall froze on the spot, slowly looking up at the creature. Her eyes went wide, her body starting to shake.
"Name, parents' name, Bloodline," a younger looking witch asked without looking at her.
Finding her voice, McGonagall told them what they needed to know. Aileen watched what was happening, her heart pounding in her chest. They told her to walk to the right, and McGonagall did as she was told. Two Dementors floated towards her, forming a slow moving circle around her. Her face had lost all its color.
"Next!" the four people, who Aileen was starting to slowly suspect were Death Eaters, yelled.
One by one, students and teachers approached, giving the information Pius Thickness and his people required of them. Aileen looked from left to right, the numbers growing exceedingly larger on the left side, the side of the Muggle-born. The Dementors made their circle larger to accommodate the growing number. Without thinking, Aileen began walking backwards. How on earth was she going to explain her family and bloodline? What would they do to her if she told them the truth, if they believed the truth? She did not get very far, before Pius Thickness looked up and straight towards her.
"Going somewhere, are we?" he sneered.
Aileen stopped moving at once, choosing instead to remain as still as possible. All eyes turned towards her. Even the Demetors turned their covered faces in her direction. She felt that wasn't good at all, for they would see Voldemort in her eyes. She looked around frantically for an escape. There was none to be found.
"Bring her to me," Pius said.
The two giant men standing beside him came towards Aileen. She stumbled away from them, falling hard on her bottom. She tried scrambling away, but they grabbed her by the arms and drug her towards the man. All Aileen could think of in that moment was Lupin's words. He had warned her of the dangers of going back to Hogwarts, and she had not listened. Aileen began to struggle against the men, but they were stronger than her. Her struggling caused the Dementors to move closer, which caused her to still instantly. Her eyes found McGonagall's, but the woman was in no position to help her.
"Name, parents' name, Bloodline," said the same woman that had spoken to McGonagall earlier.
Aileen did not say a word, her fear rising at a rate that was overpowering her will. She desperately tried to think of a lie to tell them, something that made sense.
"Do not make her repeat herself," Pius Thickness said low.
Again, the Dementors moved closer. Aileen felt herself being overtaken by raw sadness, not one happy thought could be felt. It was as if she was swimming in depression, and in her mind, she saw Snape striking down Dumbledore over and over. She felt the fear and rage of that night, felt it so strongly. The Dementors were already having a great effect on her mind, and she could not think to even speak. The men holding her brought her to her knees, their fingers digging into her skin.
"Answer!" Pius screamed.
Aileen opened her mouth to speak, but someone spoke before she could get the words out. His voice rang out in the Great Hall, causing everyone to gasp in fear and surprise. Aileen felt the breath go out of her at once, her wide-eyes turning to see him staring at her.
"That will not be necessary, Pius. The girl is to come with me."
Everyone turned to the owner of the voice, their cries of fear rising. Aileen could not look away from him, could not make her beating heart calm. Standing before them, dressed in his familiar black robes was none other than Severus Snape.
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