Unexpected Mischief Chapter 37: The Dark Mark, a harry potter fanfic

A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you all had a Happy Halloween. I wanted to finish this chapter for then, but I was a bit late:/ Anyway here it is all finished, enjoy.

The Dark Mark

"All the world 's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts." -William Shakespeare

"Well what do you think?" Lily asked as she stepped out from behind the curtain and moved in front of a long gilded mirror. "Be honest," she added quickly.

Daphne and Jasmine who had been anticipating this moment while sitting on a small sofa together were speechless now that they could see their friend. They had been with Lily when she had picked the wedding dress, but seeing her in it now with her hair and makeup done was extraordinary. The white dress was princess cut and strapless with a full bell shaped skirt of layered sheer over silk. Lily had curled her hair and put it up with the waist length veil over it. Behind the anxiousness, as she waited for them to speak, her green eyes shimmered with excitement.

Daphne was the first to find her words. "You look beautiful," she sighed. Jasmine nodded in silent agreement.

"That's a relief," Lily breathed out steadily and smiled as she turned to check herself in the mirror again. "How is it out there? Is everyone here?"

"Don't worry about anything," Jasmine instructed as she helped Lily smooth out her skirt. Jasmine had been chosen as maid of honor and was therefore in a long, red silk, v necked dress. Her dark brown hair was down in spiraled curls. Meanwhile Daphne had straightened her light brown hair and put on a strapless, blue green chiffon dress that skimmed the floor.

"Where's Severus?" Lily asked as she made certain that her veil was securely in place and not going to fly off as she made her way down the aisle.

"Outside," Daphne replied. At first she had thought Severus would rather dance with a hippogriff than accompany her to her best friend's wedding, but he shocked her when he easily obliged.

"He should go sit with Remus," Jasmine kindly suggested. "He's in the first pew, next to my mum. I think she's so happy to be at your wedding Lily that she won't even remember to give him a hard time."

"Do you need anything else Lily?" Daphne questioned.

"No, I'm done, but you better go see James," Lily suggested as she slipped on two small lace gloves. "If he wants to get his hair just right he may never leave the mirror." She laughed then took a hold of Daphne's hand before she could depart. "Can you believe I'm about to be Mrs. James Potter?"

Daphne could almost see the happiness radiating from her friend. She gave Lily's hand a small squeeze. "To me you've always been," Daphne replied.

Together in that small dressing room, in the back of the church, the three girls exchanged cheerful hugs and kisses.

The moment Daphne finally put a foot out of Lily's dressing room door, Severus was there with a scowl.

"I don't know what I'm doing here," he remarked darkly. Most of the guests were already seated in the main part of the church, but Severus was still lingering in the hallway in his black dress robes.

"Nobody forced you, you insisted on accompanying me," Daphne reminded him.

"It's not safe for you to go around alone anymore," Severus insisted and he glanced around suspiciously as if he really expected deatheaters to attack them in a church in broad daylight.

"Please don't bring that up again," Daphne groaned. Ever since they had left Hogwarts and the murders of muggle borns were happening on a frequent basis Severus had insisted Daphne not go anywhere alone. In fact, he preferred if she stayed at home all the time. At first, Daphne was touched by his concern, but he was getting more and more paranoid and basically wanted her to be under house arrest these days. He hadn't even wanted her to go wedding shopping with Lily and Jasmine, but Daphne had put her foot down. "We're at a wedding, you're supposed to be happy."

"I'm thrilled," Severus lied. He didn't even make an effort to smile as he tried to fix his collar that was flipped inward for some reason.

"Here let me fix that," Daphne giggled and she took over adjusting his collar back into place.

Severus intently watched her work.

"You look pretty," he said. Daphne smiled.

"Just promise when we get married it doesn't have to be a circus like this," Severus muttered.

Daphne couldn't help grinning. "Oh we're getting married are we?" She teased. She didn't bother to point out that the wedding wasn't a circus at all. The stone church was secluded, out in the countryside, and it was a very small wedding. Lily's sister Petunia hadn't even bothered showing up.

Jasmine stepped out of the dressing room. "Is James ready?"

"I'll go check," Daphne offered. "Would you mind staying with Severus?"

Daphne could see Severus was ready to protest, but Jasmine had already agreed.

"Sure!" She smiled brightly at Severus who frowned some more.

After two knocks had gone unanswered, Daphne slipped into another dressing room. At once she saw Sirius was busy trying to get James ready.

"Blast Padfoot! What is that? This isn't a shoelace!" James stressed, his hand moving up to his black hair.

"I told you not to move," Sirius barked in his defense.

"I should have picked Moony. How did I end up with a best man who can't even tie a tie?"

"I'm sorry I'm not in the habit of tying ties on other men."

"I'll do it," Daphne interrupted before the tie ended up in shreds. Sirius happily stepped aside. He was already set to go in his black dress robes.

At once James began pressing Daphne for information. "How's Lily? How does she look? Is she still here? I tried apparating in there earlier for a peek, but she wasn't in her dress yet."

"Nice," Sirius remarked with a wink.

"It was," James agreed with a goofy grin, "until she tried to hex me."

"And that's the girl you want to attach to yourself forever?" Sirius asked.

James got a dreamy far off look. "Isn't she great?"

"Fantastic," Sirius agreed.

"Well Lily is ready and still here, though I can't say I know why," Daphne joked as she finished the tie.

"Very funny," James remarked as he adjusted his fine gray dress robes.

"Where's Snape?" Sirius asked Daphne. "I expected him to be glued to your side."

"I can't believe he's at my wedding," James commented, unsure whether he should laugh or grimace.

"I left him with Jasmine," Daphne informed them.

Sirius made a face. "Never thought I'd feel bad for him."

Daphne rolled her eyes and made for the exit, but she paused just before going out. "James I can't believe you're about to be a married man."

"Just give it a week and he'll be single again," Sirius told her. James took a swing at him, but Sirius ducked in time.

"Wait till you see her James," Daphne said and after a few more quick hugs and kisses she was on her way out.

Instead of being greeted by the soft murmur of guests speaking in the church however, as soon as Daphne was back in the hallway she was greeted with raised voices.

"As a matter of fact I have read Asiatic Anti-Venoms and it contradicts that mislead belief," Jasmine declared. She had her hands on her hips and her cheeks were almost as red as her dress from arguing.

"That would be incorrect," Severus easily sneered down at her.

"No, it's not!"

Daphne crossed her arms and loudly cleared her throat. At once she realized she should have known better than to leave Jasmine and Severus together. Jasmine was a definite know-it-all and Severus couldn't resist showing off his intellect.

"James is ready," She told Jasmine who marched off right away with her head held high. Meanwhile Daphne turned to Severus who had become very interested in a nearby stone wall. "What's going on here?"

"I was merely commenting on some matters."

"I'm sure," Daphne remarked, but was interrupted by the bells ringing through the church.

Together they entered and made their way to the first pew where Remus was joyously waiting between Peter and Mrs. Luvinia. There were several other people scattered around the church that Daphne recognized from Gryffindor house, and she thought she had even spotted a professor or two, but she didn't have time to really look because as soon as they had taken their seats up front a nice slow song began to play. James appeared right up front and center grinning cockily. There was a stained glass window behind him depicting an angel and several candelabra's with long white and red tapers burning. The wooden doors in the back opened to let in Jasmine with her arm linked in Sirius'. They smiled the entire way down the aisle and Remus couldn't help remarking through his teeth as he gave Jasmine a small wave.

"I'm glad someone is taking a picture."

Edric who had been hired as their wedding photographer was clicking away with a wizard camera.

As Sirius whispered a joke into James' ear and Jasmine settled into her spot on the opposite side of them, everyone stood up to get a good view of the back. At last the grand moment had arrived, Lily entered the church holding a small bouquet of white lilies tied together with a red silk ribbon. She was just as radiant as before and maybe even more so because now she was walking towards James and they only had eyes for each other. The rest of the ceremony was lovely and Daphne had to bring her hand up to her eyes on several occasions. At last they were declared Mr. and Mrs. James Potter to delighted applause and as they dashed down the aisle they were met with showers of rice.

The reception was held outside in a large white tent. It was filled with tables, candles, and music. The bride and groom greeted everyone at the entrance. Sirius spun Lily around and declared she was now officially his sister. Daphne gave them both tight hugs, but had to urge Severus forward. He managed a civilized nod.

Many former Gryffindors gawked occasionally at Severus' presence, especially while they were eating up at the head table with the bride and groom. Severus could make them out whispering to each other and raising eyebrows. To make a point he would arrogantly put his arm around Daphne to set the tongues wagging. Though when he smirked victoriously, she would kiss his cheek and he would get so flustered he would completely forget what he was doing.

At last the food was cleared away for the bride and groom's first dance as a married couple. A slow song began and James led Lily to the middle of the floor.

"Now we'll always be together Mrs. Potter," he whispered in her ear.

"Indeed we will Mr. Potter," she agreed with a smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Did you ever see it any other way?"

"Definitely not, did you?"

"I had expected to marry at least five times before I settled down," Lily joked.

"Five, that's an impressive number."

"But I suppose I'll have to make an exception for you Mr. Potter," Lily sighed.

"I'm flattered Mrs. Potter," James replied right before twirling her around.

Soon Jasmine and Sirius joined them, and then Daphne had to drag Severus out. They danced most of the night. And when Remus and Severus both returned to their seats exhausted Daphne and Jasmine continued to dance with each other.

The end of the night was only declared when it was time to toss the bouquet. All the ladies were called onto the dance floor. Jasmine got a good spot right up front in the center, but Daphne stayed in the back. The bouquet catch was something she despised. Though she thought it might be amusing to see Severus' face if she caught it, she did not even bother diving for it. Thelma did though, she fell in her attempt to grab it, but it slipped thorough her hands and Jasmine snatched it instead. Everyone clapped, except Thelma who had to be helped to her feet.

"Jasmine you should have played quidditch," James remarked after. "I've never seen any one dive like that."

"I didn't dive for it," Jasmine denied as she held her flowers close.

"I saw you shove Serena," Peter injected. Jasmine glared at him.

"Watch out Moony it looks like she wants to be next," Sirius said behind his hand to Remus.

"Ah," Remus nodded. He had had such a wonderful night nothing seemed to bother him. "Yes, yes, well I don't mind."

Jasmine never smiled so big.

"I'll never understand why people want to get married," Sirius shook his head in disapproval. "Soon me and Wormtail will be the only bachelors left. Don't say I didn't warn you."

"Oh you warned them?" Lily asked with a smile. "I bet you will be the next one to get married."

"Never," Daphne insisted. "I already lost James, for a good cause of course, but I can't lose Sirius too."

"Never fear madame, I'm determined to remain celibate from this point forward," Sirius decided; though his statement only served to cause hysterical laughter.

Two days later Daphne's legs were still sore from dancing; though at one point she had abandoned her heels at the table. Pained muscles however did not prevent her from getting up early in the morning and making breakfast for herself and Severus. They had stayed over at his house on Spinner's End, his parents had moved into another neighborhood, and Daphne knew her way around the small kitchen perfectly. She felt it was a nice gesture to cook since she had made him promise to help her pack up some of her house today. Just as she scooped the eggs onto the plates set at the small wooden table in the middle of the kitchen, Severus entered dressed head to toe in black. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before taking his seat.

"Eggs?"

"What did you want?" Daphne asked. There was a tapping noise at the window above the sink. Daphne rushed over in her pajama shorts to let in a small brown owl. She quickly gave it five knuts in exchange for the Daily Prophet and it flew out again. "You're more than welcome to cook for us," Daphne suggested as she did all this.

Severus waited till the window was closed to pronounce; "I like your eggs." And to show he did he lifted his fork.

"You better because you'll be eating them a long time," Daphne reminded him while she straightened out the newspaper before her.

"I hope so," Severus replied, but Daphne was silent. When he looked across the table, she was a little paler than she was a moment ago. Earlier he had been watching her bounce around the kitchen from the hallway, but all that liveliness seemed to drain away as her eyes ran over the print on the paper. "What's the matter?" Severus hesitantly asked. Sometimes he wasn't sure he wanted to know.

"A muggle born who worked at the ministry has disappeared," Daphne said distractedly as she continued to scan the article.

"Oh," Severus remarked quietly.

"He was the one I gave my resume to when I went in last week," Daphne sadly concluded. These days it wasn't good for anyone who disappeared. They were usually presumed to be doomed.

"Think of it this way, at least there's a job opening," Severus sarcastically said.

Daphne was not amused. "That's not funny," she sternly said and raised the newspaper up to block Severus from her view. "You can do the dishes."

She heard him softly move toward the sink right behind her, but Daphne refused to look his way. At least until a crashing of plates jolted her.

"I didn't mean break them," she started, but Severus had already repaired them with his wand.

"Sorry I forgot I have go," he said suddenly and rushed out of the kitchen.

"What?" Daphne called after him.

"I have to go!"

"Now?" Daphne glanced at the clock. It was still very early. "Why?"

Severus hurried back into the kitchen. He had exchanged his T-shirt for a dress shirt in the same color and was buttoning it as he moved past her.

"I have an appointment," he told her.

"What appointment?" Daphne asked, but he didn't answer as he hurriedly threw a black cloak over his shoulders and rushed to the small overgrown back yard. Even though she had no shoes on Daphne followed.

"You promised you were going to help me pack today," she quickly reminded him.

"I can't waste anymore time," he replied in his low waspy voice. "I'll talk to you later."

And just like that he apparated and left Daphne standing in the middle of the backyard alone.

When she was back in the house with a cup of warm tea, Daphne was instantly irritated that he did not keep his promise. She supposed he couldn't help having forgotten his appointment, but for some reason that didn't make her feel better. Still she tried not to be too angry. It wasn't like she didn't have time to finish packing the house, she didn't have to be out till the end of the year anyway.

After Daphne graduated, her parents had decided to retire and move to Hawaii. A decision Daphne was happy with since the war on he-who-must-not-be-named was getting worst and worst every day. Her parents wanted her to come too, but Daphne felt happy where she was and promised to go visit them often. It would be easy considering she had made sure that the house they moved into was connected to the floo network. So she assured her parents not to worry and insisted she would find an apartment.

And Daphne had been looking, but it was hard to concentrate on picking a nice one when Severus kept whispering in her ear that she should stay with him at Spinner's End. It was a tempting offer Daphne had to admit. Especially since while he whispered Severus claimed she could help him decorate the house, something she had already begun doing. The first time she visited there were plenty of books along the walls, but hardly a place for her to sit, not to mention the cobwebs in every corner. Now there were curtains on the windows and flowers in a vase in the middle of the kitchen table. The sitting room had a coffee table, instead of just books, and to the sofas she added fluffy pillows. They were small improvements, but they helped add some life to the house that had seemed so withered away.

Daphne wandered through the house with her tea and only stopped to observe the picture she had put of herself and Severus on the mantle. It was the first one they ever took together. The house suddenly felt very empty. Even with the improvements, it was still hard for Daphne to see herself living there. She didn't like the way every house on the block was identical and made of bricks. Also the old mill nearby and the dirty river gave the area a dark, dreary feeling. Since Severus was gone and she wouldn't be packing today, Daphne hurried to change into her tan leather skirt, flowered blouse, and suede boots. She couldn't bear being in that bleak house another minute so she rushed into the fireplace with some floo powder.

"Godric's Hollow"

As she entered the living room, Daphne brushed the ashes off of her clothes and hair. Godric's Hollow was perfect from the street lined with cottages to the small square. It was the most comfortable house she had ever been in, besides her own, and it reminded Daphne of all the time she had spent there growing up when she would visit James. Everything in there reflected James and Lily now. The sunlight poured in through the windows and in the corner a stack of wedding gifts was waiting for the couple's return. The comfy sofas were neatly arranged and the closet near the door was filled with brooms, but Daphne's favorite part was the mantel above the fireplace.

It held framed pictures of all of them. There was one of James and Sirius making weird faces, one of their parents, and one of Jasmine and Lily as kids in the park, Jasmine had really short hair, while Lily's was in pigtails. Another one showed the Marauders after playing quidditch in the summer and yet another had the entire group at graduation. Daphne even saw the one of her laughing between James and Sirius while they each kissed one of her cheeks. The most recent one added was of James and Lily on their wedding. It was this one Daphne was admiring when she heard voices in the kitchen and hurried to investigate, though she knew exactly who it would be.

In the bright kitchen, Jasmine was busily whisking some eggs into a bowl, while Remus read the same Daily Prophet Daphne had been reading earlier. He offered his help in the kitchen, but Jasmine was using her wand as the assistant and insisted he shouldn't get dirty considering he was in his best robes, meanwhile she had an apron on. Remus went back to reading and Jasmine to cooking. It wasn't weird for Daphne to see them here because lately Remus had been living with James. Since Hogwarts, Remus had been unable to find some decent work and James insisted he stay as long as necessary.

On the other hand, Jasmine was still living at home with her mother. Since she had managed to get a residency at St. Mungo's, it seemed pointless to move out because Jasmine was constantly busy. Becoming a healer was hard work. In fact, it was the first time Daphne had seen her since the wedding. Sometimes she was gone all day, sometimes all night, and sometimes both. And when she did manage to wrangle some free time, she spent it with Remus or studying some healing books. Right now moving out was not practical, but Jasmine spoke of saving up to buy a house of her own someday.

"It's like we never even left Hogwarts," Daphne suddenly thought out loud because an image of the Great Hall at breakfast had flashed into her mind.

Remus glanced up from his paper. "Morning Daphne."

"Oh you're here?" Jasmine called over her shoulder as she poured some batter into a pan. "I thought you were with Severus?"

"He had a pressing appointment apparently," Daphne answered with a frown. She didn't want to be reminded about that.

"Did you eat breakfast?" Jasmine asked.

"Eggs?" Remus asked as Daphne took a seat across from him.

"I can make other things," Daphne insisted. Some flowers from the wedding were in a crystal vase on the table and they still looked as pretty as they had two days ago. Daphne was leaning forward to smell them when someone came in saying her name.

"Daphne? I heard your voice," Sirius yawned, stretched, and headed straight for Jasmine. He was still in his pajama pants and had a serious case of bed head. "What's cooking over here?"

"Spanish omelet and where is your shirt mister?"

Sirius shrugged as he sat and used his wand to summon some rolls of bread and butterbeer.

"You can't have that for breakfast," Daphne insisted and Jasmine confiscated the butterbeer. Sensing Sirius' instant annoyance, Remus changed the subject.

"Did you find a flat to move into Padfoot?"

Sirius, who had been living with James for over a year now, felt it was time to move into a place of his own, especially since his best friend had just gotten married.

"I did as a matter of fact. It's right in London," he bit his bread then sniffed around. "Almost done?"

"Yes, but it's for Remus not for you," Jasmine informed him as she handed Remus his plate of warm food.

As he watched his friend eat, Sirius looked like a starving puppy. "Why does Moony get omelet?"

"He has a job interview," Jasmine replied as she untied her apron and handed Daphne her second cup of tea for the day.

"Fourth times the charm," Remus bitterly said as he lifted his fork.

"I have a job interview too," Sirius tried as he bit of a chunk of his bread.

"Liar," Daphne coughed.

"And he's my boyfriend," Jasmine continued as she took a seat beside Remus with her own large cup of steaming tea.

"Well you got me on that one," Sirius admitted, then turned to stare at Daphne. "Daphne you can make eggs, will you make me some?"

"I can make other things," Daphne insisted. "I can make rice."

Sirius grinned. "You're more than welcome to make me other things."

Daphne did not get to respond because Jasmine let out a yelp and jumped up from her seat.

"Is that the time? Oh my gosh, I'm going to be late. I'll see you later." She ran out of the kitchen, but returned before reaching the door to give Remus a quick kiss on the cheek. "Good luck!" Then she was gone.

"She's a bit scatterbrained isn't she?" Sirius mused.

"Now then, I better be going too," Remus wiped his face with a napkin, before sliding his plate across the table to Sirius, who was more than happy to devour its remains.

"Looks like it's just you and me Daphne," Sirius remarked as he leaned back in his chair. "What shall we do to amuse ourselves?"

"I have just the thing," Daphne smiled.

Jasmine laughed as Daphne imitated Sirius' face at seeing all the furniture in her house and how he had pronounced that she had lured him there under false pretenses. He helped her pack anyway though and did not even complain the entire time. As a reward, Daphne invited him to come meet Jasmine and Remus for lunch with her, but he declined insisting that he needed a nap. As the chuckling died out, Jasmine checked her watch for the tenth time.

"I don't have much time," she sighed as she glanced at the door for Remus. Both girls were already seated inside a small cozy muggle restaurant near St. Mungos. They waited for Remus while snacking on the breadbasket and at last he came. He was still in his best robes, but they were damp as if he had been walking in the fall drizzle that had begun. They ordered quickly, but not before Jasmine used her wand under the table to dry Remus off and lecture him about getting sick. He smiled at her concern and everything went back to normal as they all chatted. However after they got their food, occasionally Jasmine and Daphne would exchanged glances, until at last Jasmine couldn't hold her tongue anymore.

"Umm babe how did the interview go?" She asked as casually as she could.

"I won't be working for them anytime soon," Remus replied lightly as if it was no big deal, but it was obvious he was disappointed.

Jasmine held his hand on the table. "You never know maybe you got it," she encouraged.

"I'm positive I didn't," Remus answered, without meeting her eyes.

"Come on Remus be a little more confidant," Daphne insisted. "What do you think went wrong?"

"He brought up werewolf legislation," Remus replied.

"Oh…" Daphne and Jasmine exchanged looks again and the latter gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Well don't worry, Severus doesn't have a job."

"Is he looking?" Remus questioned seeming glad the attention was off him.

"Um no…" It wasn't until then Daphne realized not only was he not looking, he didn't seem concerned about his unemployment at all. She supposed if he was managing to get by it didn't matter, but it suddenly seemed odd. What was he doing with his time? True she wasn't working either, but she was waiting to hear about an internship from The Ministry of Magic.

"I got this one," Jasmine said when the check came. Daphne thanked her, but Remus held onto the other end of the check before Jasmine could take it.

"Jasmine…" he began in a warning voice. Daphne did her best to dig into her purse for something she didn't need.

Jasmine tugged on the check till she won. "Just let me pay."

"I don't want you to pay," he sighed.

"You know I don't mind," Jasmine said to him seriously.

He sighed again, but nodded in agreement. "All right, I suppose I don't have much of a choice."

Once night came, Daphne took the floo network back to Spinner's End. She supposed Severus would be back from his appointment and she hadn't told him she would be going out. As the green flames died away around her, Daphne found herself staring into darkness. She left her purse on the couch, but could barely make out the shapes of the living room around her. The only source of light she noted was coming from the upstairs bedroom. Careful not to make too much noise or trip over anything, Daphne made her way up the staircase. Except when she was about half way to the top the light went out.

At once she felt her heart quicken and a dry lump form in her throat. She could barely see a few steps ahead of herself, but she nervously hurried up the stairs anyway. Despite not wanting to seem foolish for fearing the sudden darkness, she was almost ready to call out for Severus when a firm grip held her upper arm and flung her back hard against the wall at the top of the stairs. A sudden dizziness passed over her, but as Daphne opened her mouth an arm pressed against her neck. She couldn't breath. Whoever it was, was choking her.

"Who are you?" A low waspy voice demand and she could almost make out his figure in the dark despite her increasing drowsiness.

Daphne wanted to shout her answer, but she couldn't. She needed to breathe. She wanted to reach for her wand, but she had left it downstairs and she was using both hands to try to get the arm off her neck anyway.

"What are you looking for?" The cold voice continued. He only pushed harder the more she struggled. "Who sent you?"

In her desperation, Daphne dug her nails into his sleeve. Any moment now she knew she would black out.

"Da-" She managed to barely croak.

"Lumos," the voice said quickly. The wand was near her face and Daphne was blinded by the sudden wash of light falling over her.

"Daphne?"

Severus dropped his wand and it was dark again, but she had seen how startled and horrified he was.

Daphne sank to the floor coughing then breathing in huge gasps of sweet air. Severus knelt beside her in a panic.

"Daphne are you okay?" He seemed afraid to touch her, but still ran his hand smoothly over her hair. "Are you really hurt?"

Daphne pulled away from him. "What the hell was that?" She managed to ask in a very weak voice. "Did you think I was a deatheater or something?"

"I'm sorry," Severus said quietly. "I heard noises downstairs."

"Yeah that was me," Daphne cried as she attempted to stand up. Her knees buckled once, but Severus assisted her, though she angrily withdrew her arm from him again after.

"You should lie down," he told her.

And Daphne did. She walked straight into the bedroom and let herself rest on the comfortable blanket. Severus silently sat beside her.

"I thought you went home," he said after a while. "You know I would never intentionally hurt you."

Daphne just nodded tiredly. She didn't feel like talking about it anymore. Perhaps as a half blood he felt worried the deatheaters might come for him. Except he had never seemed concerned about it before. He always worried more about her as a muggle born. "How was your appointment? Was it a job interview?" She suddenly asked.

His weight off the bed lifted. "You shouldn't talk. I'll go make you some tea."

A few days later the bruise was still evident, but Daphne felt confidant enough to go visit her friends as long as she wrapped a scarf around her neck. Luckily it was cold outside, besides nothing could keep her away because she had news. With the Daily Prophet tucked under her arm, she took the floo straight to Godric's Hollow. Remus was in the living room reading the very same newspaper when she arrived.

"Is Sirius up?" Daphne asked right away.

"Upstairs and Jasmine's showering, she just got off her night shift." Once he finished talking Sirius rushed downstairs in his black jeans and nothing else. The newspaper he held flapping over his head.

"Postponed!" He shouted practically ripping the paper as he waved it triumphantly. "Yet again."

"I guess I didn't need to come after all," Daphne held up her own paper that was folded to the page detailing the Avery Eustacia wedding news.

"Ah yes the bride is sick," Remus nodded. Daphne sat at a cozy armchair.

"She's a faker, that's what she is," Sirius announced then sank to the floor to glare at the article. Jasmine entered then in a long white terry cloth robe. Her wand was out blowing hot air onto her mostly dry hair.

"I assumed this news would make you rejoice," she said as she tiredly joined Remus.

"I would be happy if it was canceled all together, not postponed," Sirius admitted darkly.

"It's better than nothing," Daphne declared. "Have you written her?"

"Of course not," he scoffed. "I can't just send an owl to that household… what's that?"

"Nothing," Daphne said quickly to cover her mistake. She had unconsciously been loosening her scarf for some air.

"Don't nothing me, you have an enormous bruise on you neck."

Jasmine who had been snoozing away on Remus' shoulder for the past few seconds woke up at Sirius' voice. "Let me see," she offered though Daphne protested. "It looks angry. I'll give you a balm."

"Did someone hurt you?" Remus questioned in concern. His paper was closed.

Sirius was already on his feet with his fists balled up. "Was it Snivellus?

Always right. "No and don't call him that," Daphne urged.

"He may not always know what he's talking about, but Severus wouldn't hurt her." Jasmine came to his defense in a very odd way. For support, she looked to Remus.

"Right he wouldn't," he added, but he didn't look as sure.

"Then who did it?" Sirius persisted.

"It was an accident," Daphne explained. She didn't need them to hate Severus anymore so she made up a story. She wasn't sure any of it made sense, but no one pressed her about it. Still every now and then she would catch Remus staring at her with a concerned face and it made her wrap her scarf up even tighter.

Besides not telling her friends about the incident, Daphne also didn't mention how odd Severus had been behaving since then. Daphne had assured him several times that she was alright and that it was time to put the past behind them, but Severus didn't seem to recover. Something was really troubling him. He would stare at a book for hours without turning the pages and sometimes he wouldn't hear when she spoke to him.

Also it bothered Daphne that he would always avoid the topic of what appointment he had had on that day. After several arguments about it, he admitted he had been visiting his friends and knowing she did not like them, he thought it better not to tell her. Daphne assured him, that even if she didn't like it, it was better if he told her from now on. Which he did, but he went so often and at such random hours, Daphne couldn't help feeling abandoned a lot and frustrated the rest of the time. Finally she decided it was time to bring in a third party's opinion on the subject.

A week later Sirius asked his friends to help him move into his new flat and Daphne thought it would be the perfect opportunity to talk to Jasmine. Sirius had a grand total of one large trunk and three boxes to move.

"And I thought this would be difficult," Remus remarked to the girls.

The apartment was right in London and on the fifth floor. It contained two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living area that connected to the kitchen. So far Sirius had no furniture, but he proclaimed he would buy some eventually. As he and Remus went to buy some food, Daphne and Jasmine stayed behind unpacking Sirius' room. It only had a large bed and a single dresser. Daphne got to work pasting up his Gryffindor flag, while Jasmine neatly folded his shirts. Daphne knew this was her chance.

"I have to tell you something," she hesitantly began as she sat on the bed near Jasmine and Sirius' pile of clothes.

"Does he not want his shirts folded?" Jasmine asked.

"No, that's not it," Daphne smiled then got pensive again.

Jasmine stopped folding. "Is something wrong?"

"Not exactly, I'm not sure, it's Severus," she began, not really sure of how to proceed.

Jasmine gasped. "He didn't really hit you?"

"No," Daphne said a little to quickly. "He's just been acting strange lately."

"Remus acts strange sometimes, but I know that it's because of his little problem, you know."

Daphne did her best to explain it to Jasmine. The way Severus was jumpy sometimes, the way he was always leaving to visit friends, and how he wanted her to stay inside. Jasmine listened and finally came to a conclusion.

"Perhaps he's stressed out. You said he's not working."

Daphne shrugged. If that was true he certainly hadn't told her. And not working didn't seem to trouble him at all.

"Maybe he doesn't want you to know he's worried," Jasmine continued. "It's normal. Remus never wants me to worry about him, but I can tell he's stressed. Like right now for example, he can't find work and he worries about me paying, but I just try to help him relax."

Jasmine neatly stacked the clothes away and assured Daphne not to worry, but Daphne still felt uneasy.

After they ate, Jasmine had to rush to St. Mungo's. To clear her mind, Daphne said farewell to the boys and decided to walk around. Some streets were quiet and some loud, but Daphne was so lost in thought she didn't even notice and nearly ran into the last person she expected to see Regulus Black.

"What are you doing out here?" She couldn't help blurting out.

After recovering from his own shock, Regulus lifted his nose in the air and answered. "I'm home for the weekend and I live nearby, not that it's any of your business where I go."

Daphne had never been invited to number 12 Grimmauld Place, but she knew where it was and it wasn't nearby at all.

"I was just helping your brother move into his new flat," she automatically replied.

"Right Uncle Alpharad left him his fortune, mother was pretty upset," Regulus said more to himself than to Daphne. A crosswalk came on and the street was flooded with more people traffic.

"Want some coffee?" Daphne suggested as busy shoppers bustled around them. She hadn't wanted company, but she hadn't seen him in a while. "I know a great place. I used to go when I came home during the summer." Daphne reached for Regulus' arm, but he yanked it away.

"Don't," he snapped.

"Sorry… um it's right over here." Daphne led the way to a small place that had tables inside and outside on a small patio. Since it was a nice crisp fall day, they settled outside with menus. They were the only ones there. Daphne liked this place because it was so often deserted. As the waitress took their orders, she smiled extra broadly at Regulus, though like his brother, he didn't appear to notice her.

"You've been here before," Daphne realized when she noted Regulus ordered without opening the menu once.

"As if I would come to a dump like this," he remarked with a scowl. "One place is the same as any."

Their warm coffees arrived. Daphne changed the subject and soon she got him talking.

"Let me see if I've got this right, you're still with Severus? Snape? Are you kidding me?" Regulus questioned her and for once he looked directly at her instead of the people passing by. Daphne nodded her head and Regulus looked like he couldn't believe it.

"He's certainly a piece of work."

"What do you mean?" Daphne asked right away.

"Nothing, does make me feel a slight bit better though," Regulus muttered under his breath.

Daphne was lost. She had no idea what he meant or what was going on, but she knew something was off.

"Are you okay?" She asked Regulus.

"I'm perfectly fine. Why?"

"You don't seem okay," Daphne bluntly told him. Regulus was thinner than she remembered. He'd always had a smaller build than Sirius, but it was different. Also there were dark bags under his eyes, not to mention he couldn't sit still. The entire time they had been sitting, he had been shaking his leg, rubbing his arm, and glancing up and down the road. It was unusual, not like him at all to appear so nervous and stressed out.

"What would a muggle born know?" Regulus immediately scoffed. "I'm fine. My parents are really proud of me you know. I'm doing the right thing."

"There! Again," Daphne pointed out as she took a sip of her drink.

"What?"

"When you said that you didn't look confident at all, just like when you say you're fine," Daphne explained. "Regulus if you need help…"

"Help?" Regulus snarled at her and nearly spilled his cup. "I don't need help, especially not from someone like you. I can handle anything."

"Regulus…" Daphne started again in her concern, but again he cut her off.

"You can't help me!" He snapped. "You shouldn't even be out right now. My brother lets you out alone? He should be hiding too. I can't believe that Severus actually lets you wander around like this. Don't you know what's going on in the world?"

"Of course I do," Daphne replied in annoyance. She hated when people tried to make her feel stupid. "But I'm not going to hide away."

"Oh please," Regulus groaned in disgust. "Typical Gryffindor bravado, no wonder you all die so easily."

"It's not about being brave Regulus, it's about doing what's right. I'm not going to stop living my life because Lord Voldermort says I don't deserve it."

"Don't say his name," he commanded. A moment of silence passed between them before Regulus spoke again. "Does Severus know you talk like this?"

Daphne rolled her eye. "Who cares? I can speak and do as I like. I know your parents taught you I'm worth nothing, but I'll have you know that I'm a human being and that I'm equal to any of you."

"You sound like Sirius," Regulus remarked as he stared at her.

"You should make him your example," she replied without thinking.

"What and be disowned?" He cried. "Be laughed at and humiliated and seen as a traitor?"

"The people who would do that aren't worth listening to anyway. He may have lost one family, but he has a whole new one now and they care for him a lot."

Suddenly Regulus was on his feet. "I have to go. This is stupid, it's too late already."

Daphne got to her feet as well. What was he saying? Did he just admit to her that he was a deatheater? "Regulus it's never too late to turn everything around. It's just about whether you have the courage to do it or not."

Regulus shuffled through his pocket and dropped a few pounds onto the table. Daphne stared at it.

"You have muggle money," she commented and looked up at him with questioning eyes, but Regulus didn't answer.

"I'm leaving." He hurried out of the patio and down a deserted alley. Daphne followed right after him, talking fast.

"I know I can't help you, but Dumbledore can. He can do anything. Trust me and trust him. Don't let other people decide what you think or what your life should be like."

Regulus turned around and for a second Daphne felt he had actually listened to her, then she blinked and he apparated away.

Daphne felt sick as she walked the rest of the way home. Not only was Severus being weird, but also Regulus' behavior had basically confirmed to her that he was on Lord Voldermort's side. If he weren't a deatheater already, he would be very soon.

Daphne arrived at Spinner's End later that day to find Severus bent over his desk writing.

"Whom are you writing to?' Daphne inquired as she took off her traveling cloak.

"No one, it's nothing," Severus crumpled the parchment, but Daphne noted he did not throw it away.

"I ran into Regulus today," she remarked casually.

"Where?" Severus asked with interest as he leaned back in his chair and studied her.

"Near his house," Daphne heard herself say though she knew Regulus hadn't been telling the truth. "He seemed different."

Severus raised an eyebrow. "How so? Did he tell you anything?"

"No, never mind it was nothing. I think it was about a girl again," Daphne heard herself lie. She even busied herself arranging some books.

"What were you doing in London so out in the open?" Severus asked. "I thought we talked about this."

Daphne practically snorted. He had talked and she had listened to his advice, but she had never consented to stay indoors. "I was just helping Sirius move."

"He's so reckless," Severus muttered more to himself then to her. "Where did he move?"

"Why do you care? Are you going to take him a house warming gift?" Daphne sarcastically said and instantly felt bad.

"I think not. I was merely inquiring," he responded coldly then turned his back on her to continue writing.

Daphne sighed and dropped onto the sofa. She didn't know why she was suddenly lying so much to Severus. Maybe because he had seemed so interested in Regulus and Sirius when he never was before. All Daphne knew was she didn't want anyone knowing Regulus was stressed about something or that Sirius was living somewhere new, not even Severus. It was a weird thing to realize.

"Sorry I didn't mean anything," Daphne said quietly after neither of them had spoken for several minutes. "And I'll try to be more careful when I go out."

Severus nodded slowly and stood to kiss her on the forehead before going into the kitchen to send an owl. That night Daphne woke up and found herself alone. Severus was gone.

"I think Severus is cheating."

Jasmine laughed, but quickly pulled herself together. "What makes you think that?"

"It's ridiculous right?" Daphne wanted to laugh too. "Yet it all makes sense. His sudden secrecy, the owls, and the constant leaving. Last night too, he disappeared in the middle of the night without saying anything."

That made Jasmine sit forward. "Did he give you a reason?"

"He said he forgot something at his friend's house," Daphne rolled her eyes. "Doesn't that just sound like a lie? Why couldn't it just wait till the morning?"

"But this is Severus we're talking about. I can't see him cheating. There must be another explanation."

Daphne agreed. Jasmine had to be right. Perhaps her mind was just overreacting or she was looking for something to be wrong. After all, she visited her friends at all hours, why couldn't Severus? Still she didn't feel comforted and the knot in her stomach didn't go away. Back home she felt a bit better until she started having nightmares about Severus with other girls; some that looked a lot like Hannah.

One day, Jasmine and Remus came to visit her before Jasmine had to leave for St. Mungo's. Together they all sat on the floor surrounded by boxes since Daphne had already sent most of the living room furniture to her parents.

"You've been home a lot lately," Jasmine remarked to her with questioning eyes. Severus had said something similar the last time they went out. Daphne was surprised he had noticed. She just blamed the packing, though she was mostly done.

"I have something for you," Remus said and he began reaching into his robe. "It will help with Severus."

Daphne's head snapped towards Jasmine. "You told him?"

"I just wanted to know what he thought," Jasmine admitted. "It's only Remus."

"I think it very wise that she told me so I can give you this." Remus handed her a small glass-spinning top. "It's a sneakoscope," he explained. "Sirius gave it to me at the end of first year. Now that I look back on it, I expect he was trying to confirm that I was lying about my mother being sick. It shrilled so often, I stopped carrying it and claimed it had broken." Remus chuckled at the memory.

"Brilliant," Daphne thought and she held it up to inspect it further. Her annoyance at Jasmine spilling her worst fears, easily died away. Tonight she would go to Spinner's End and test Severus' honesty.

However that night, Severus was more attentive than usual. He claimed that he had missed her and snatched every opportunity to touch her. While she poured the food he had ordered in onto plates, he kept coming from behind and wrapping his arms around her waist. As he let small kisses caress her neck, she completely forgot about the sneakoscope in her purse. At least until she recalled her irritation with him. After all why was he suddenly being so affectionate after he had been constantly blowing her off?

"Oh now you want me around," Daphne commented tartly. "I should leave you alone more often."

"That I would never consent to," Severus murmured into her ear, sending a chill down her spine.

"I wasn't asking for permission," she replied unable to keep the annoyance out of her voice.

"Very well then I just won't let you leave."

Next thing Daphne knew, Severus had lifted her up and was moving into the living room. He tripped however on a small table and they were both sent crashing to the floor, Severus on his back and Daphne on top of him. Together they burst into laughter.

"Very smooth," Daphne chuckled as she laid her head on his chest.

"You're fault, you distracted me," Severus claimed, but his laughter died out suddenly. "I forgot, I have to go."

For a moment, Daphne thought her ears had deceived her. He couldn't mean he was leaving right now. But he stood so fast, she nearly fell over and he barely helped her up before he was upstairs and back. Daphne was stunned.

"You can't go now. We didn't even eat yet," she cried as she followed him to get his cloak.

"You can eat first, I'll eat when I come back."

"When will that be?" Daphne muttered darkly. He didn't answer. "Severus?"

Severus kissed the top of her head and was about to leave her when Daphne grabbed the collar of his shirt with both hands and pushed him against the wall with force. Severus was too stunned to move. Daphne wanted to yell, but decided to use another tactic instead. Desperate, she moved her hands to his face and pulled him down into a kiss. Her lips frantically worked their way over his till she was certain she had his attention. Severus responded by pulling her closer against him with one arm. They kissed for a long while till Severus was breathless and Daphne's lips were red.

"Can't you just stay?" She quietly asked.

"I can't. Sorry I have to…"

Pulling away from him, Daphne interrupted. "Fine, go, I'm going too." She went to put on her own cloak. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him hesitate, but he left.

"Where are you going?" She cried out after him.

"Baxter wants to talk," he answered then apparated.

A shrill noise filled the living room. Daphne hurried in just in time to see her bag on the floor and the sneakoscope come to stop.

"He lied! He lied to me!" Daphne burst into the kitchen at Godric's Hollow first thing in the morning and found the owner's sitting inside still in their traveling cloaks. "You're back!" Daphne rushed to hug both James and Lily. She had missed them tremendously, especially since things were going down hill with Severus.

"They were just telling me about their honeymoon," Remus said as he poured himself tea.

"I think we're ready for another," James declared with a wink at Lily.

"I'm sorry, who was the one who wanted to come home because he missed Sirius?" Lily joked.

"Padfoot was practically in tears over here," Remus added in a stage whisper to Lily. Everyone laughed.

Daphne took a chair and asked them to start from the beginning. They seemed to be the happiest couple in the world. Daphne almost envied them and the way they perfectly complimented each other. Lily constantly teased James and he constantly adored her. They were so merry Daphne almost forgot her problems till Lily brought it up.

"Tell us everything," she prompted as she held Daphne's hand on the table. "I can't imagine Severus cheating anymore than I can imagine the giant squid flying."

Daphne's heart sank. "Who told you?" She eyed Remus mistrustfully.

"Jasmine filled us in this morning."

"I'm going to hex her," Daphne bluntly responded then thought of something else. "That's not why you came back?"

"Nonsense," James scoffed. "Lily wanted to see the wedding gifts. As if I would let Snivelly ruin my honeymoon."

"Does Sirius know?" Daphne wondered.

"The only one who doesn't know is Wormtail and that's only because his mother is so happy to have him home, she won't let him leave for a visit." Remus admitted. "Don't worry."

"I think Padfoot left to plot Snivellus death," James said.

"How can I not worry?" Daphne cried to Remus. "Wait so you all think it's true? He's cheating?"

"Never," James insisted at once. "I laughed. Padfoot and I thought it was a great joke. He may be a slimy, sneaky, evil, deceitful, duplicitous, corrupt, miserable…"

"Get on with it," Daphne impatiently prompted.

"Bastard, but cheat on you? He'd have to be mental."

"Daphne did the sneakoscope work?" Remus inquired thoughtfully.

Daphne had no choice. They all knew anyway, so she filled them in on everything, this time from her perspective. She hated doing it because if Severus really were innocent, her friends would hate him forever anyway. It had been hard enough trying to make them get along the first time.

"Well there's a simple solution," Lily declared at the end with a flip of her fiery red hair.

"Dump him?" James thought.

"No, follow him."

That was how Daphne found herself outside of Spinner's End the following week with a short black bob, a tan trench coat and dark blue sailor trousers, not to mention huge sunglasses that covered half of her face. Lily was equally disguised with an army green military coat, beige flares, and long blonde curly hair. James had laughed so hard at the disguises and declared he did not recognize them. Though he did ask Lily to keep the blonde hair for later.

"I spoke to him yesterday and he claimed he had something to do early this morning. Where is he already?" Daphne snapped.

They were behind some stairs a few doors down from Severus' house and they had been waiting for two hours already. Jasmine had been eager to join them, but she had to be at St. Mungo's.

"Perhaps we should cause some type of commotion to see if he's even there," Lily suggested and reached into her coat for a wand, but suddenly froze. "Wait, there he is."

Severus stepped out dressed in his usual black. He winced at the cold wind, but continued out of the house and down the street. The two girls made sure he was a good distance ahead before following. Daphne felt nervous even in her disguise. He swiftly turned down several different roads and his direction was so random Daphne began to wonder if he knew he was being followed. At last he stepped into a busier square.

"Don't lose him," she said to Lily as they got jostled into the crowd.

"There," Lily pointed to a back in all black. They hurried closer to him, but he came to a sudden stop near the park. A young girl with a mass of curly brown hair was waiting with a lollipop in her mouth. She grinned and he kissed her. Lily gasped. Daphne's heart sank. This girl?

"Let's go," she said to Lily. Suddenly she was feeling very lightheaded.

"We can't just go," Lily angrily replied. "Hold on."

"No don't!" Daphne tried to grab Lily's arm, but she had already marched right up to the couple.

She tapped Severus furiously. "Excuse me you scumbag wanker!"

A bewildered boy turned around. Even though his hair and clothes were right, he was much too young to be Severus and looked nothing like him from the front.

"Whoops sorry," Lily grinned apologetically and hurried back to Daphne with a flaming red face to match her hair.

"Who's she?" The girl demanded as they rushed away.

"We lost him," Daphne realized, somewhat relieved and at the same time not. Where had the real Severus gone?

James laughed and laughed when they recounted their sorry tale later.

"It was an honest mistake," Lily insisted as she put on an apron to make them sandwiches. That was the one food she made that was safe to eat.

"I imagine that poor bloke is in a lot of trouble now," James giggled.

"Alright since you're such an expert in stalking, you can come next time." Lily decided.

"Next time?" Daphne asked. Hadn't they suffered enough humiliation? Then again she hadn't gotten her answer yet. She felt bad invading Severus' privacy, but she realized now she had to know what was going on if she was ever to feel at peace.

Not many nights later, Daphne found herself waiting to spy on Severus again. He had told her not to come over because he was going to bed early. It was nine at night and his window was still lit. Daphne shivered in the cold air.

"Trust me he's not cheating," Sirius said beside her. "Who would want Snivellus?"

"Hannah wanted him," Daphne said thoughtfully.

"This is so exciting," Jasmine interrupted. They were hiding behind a corner this time and they had more people. James had enlisted Sirius to help him and Jasmine had insisted on coming this time. Remus was the only one missing, but the full moon had just passed so he was staying in to recuperate.

"Quick someone's coming," James announced. They all hide in the shadows and watched as a broom touched down right at Severus' door. The figure in fancy dress robes glanced up and down the street before knocking. Daphne recognized him from Hogwarts.

"Rabastan Lestrange," Sirius muttered in disgust.

Severus opened the door and Daphne noted he was in his dress robes too.

"He's going out," she whispered. It was the second lie she had caught him in.

"They're going to fly," Jasmine realized suddenly. "We'll lose them."

James pointed his wand in the sky. "Accio brooms."

While Severus and Rabastan moved to the backyard, they waited. At last, three brooms soared down to them.

"There they go," Lily pointed. Though Severus seemed a bit uneasy he was flying after Rabastan. There were clouds further ahead. They would use those for cover Daphne knew. James climbed on a broom with Lily behind him and he threw his invisibility cloak over them. Daphne and Sirius each grabbed a broom too. Sirius hit Jasmine and Daphne on the head with his wand and in no time, they were all chameleons, adjusting to the background.

"Can't we follow some other way?" Jasmine asked nervously. She hadn't mounted.

"Get on or I'm leaving without you," Sirius impatiently insisted. Afraid of being left behind, Jasmine scrambled behind him.

"Don't go too faaaaaaaaasssssssst," Jasmine shrieked, but Sirius was already zooming off after Severus.

They followed behind them above the clouds as they moved south. It seemed to be a while before they slowed down. Daphne felt like her fingers were frozen onto her broom handle already and Jasmine had her face buried into Sirius' back. They moved below the clouds into a city Daphne instantly recognized, London. What was Severus doing in London? The brooms disappeared onto a rooftop of a hotel that seemed to be under construction. Daphne and her friends touched down in an alley in the back.

"I know this place," Sirius claimed with difficulty as he tried to get Jasmine to finally realize she was on land and could let go of him.

"You come to abandoned hotels often?" Lily asked as she observed the building. Her hair was windswept, much like James'.

"It's not abandoned," Sirius replied. "Jasmine seriously let go. I can't breath. You won't plunge to your death. Moony would kill me if I let that happen."

"Okay, I'm fine," Jasmine tried to convince herself, but her voice was shaky.

"A hotel?" Daphne mused. That horrible knot was back in her stomach.

They found a door and Jasmine managed to let go of Sirius to perform a spell or two. They were in. It wasn't abandoned at all. Daphne found herself staring into an enormous silver kitchen filled with house elves busily moving around. The air was filled with steam and the scent of food. It made Daphne's stomach grumble.

"Just what I wanted, a snack," James began observing what he wanted to eat and none of the elves stopped him.

"There you are!" A voice boomed at them. An angry looking man with a thick black mustache and a white chef coat came at them. "Where have you been? We're short handed as it is. Hurry! What are you standing around like idiots for? Quick!"

Before any of them could say anything, he had shuffled them to apart of the kitchen that was filled with boxes of champagne. Some elves were popping the bottles and pouring them into long crystal flutes.

"Take them out to the grand ballroom quickly!" The man insisted. "Wait not like that!" He ushered them to a restroom and began throwing clothes at them. Without thinking they all followed his instructions. "Faster!"

Before Daphne knew it, she was in what she could only describe as a chambermaid outfit. It was a short black dress with a white apron and white thigh highs. She also was given a white mask to put over her eyes.

"They don't like to look at those below them," the man said as an explanation.

Jasmine and Lily were dressed exactly the same, though Jasmine had protested to the length of the dress. The boys were dressed in black slacks, white shirts, black vests and aprons around the waist. They had to wear masks too. Then they were all given silver trays covered with champagne and sent out the kitchen door.

Daphne found herself standing in the midst of an enormous green ballroom. The carpet was green. The long windows that reached the ceilings had green velvet curtains and whatever wasn't green was gold. The chandelier overhead was gold. The candelabras filling the room were too, but it was the people in there that were more impressive. Daphne was sure she saw the Minister of Magic. There were many Ministry officials anyway and several wizards that she only recognized because she had seen their picture in the Daily Prophet or Witch Weekly.

"Do you think Severus is in here?' Lily whispered. Daphne saw she was in just as much awe as herself.

"What is this?" James questioned.

Jasmine read a sign near the gold entrance doors and gasped. "Um we're supposed to be serving or looking for Severus. Let's go," she urged, but it was too late. They had all read the sign already. It was Raelyn and Avery's engagement party. Daphne looked for Sirius, but he was already lost in the crowd.

"And he was going to remain celibate," Jasmine remarked.

"I'll go after him. You girls find Snape," James instructed.

In seconds they were all lost in a sea of diamonds, gowns, and dress robes.

As Jasmine searched for Severus, she found that waitressing was really not that difficult and that if she just kept her mouth shut rich wizards were more than happy to drop galleons onto her tray. Then suddenly Jasmine felt a large hand with yellow nails grasp at her waist and she knew she had spoken too soon, waitressing was about to get complicated. Greyback's hot, foul-smelling breath was on her cheek.

"Now let me see, what have we here?" He spoke loud enough to draw the attention of a few guests. "I know you," he said as he buried his nose in her hair and sniffed. "Very nice."

"You're mistaken," Jasmine answered coldly and tried to move away, but he didn't let her go. What was he doing here anyway? She wondered as her cheeks burned with humiliation. He was such a large man that his shabby robes appeared too small for him. Also he had whiskers and a raspy voice Jasmine hated.

"Hogsmeade," he reminded her as if she could forget. Remus had fought to protect her, but tonight he wasn't here and everyone else had snootily turned away from them. "Come on you won't be forgetting who I am."

"Let go!" Jasmine demanded. She nearly dropped her tray and money.

"No need to struggle," he chuckled harshly at her attempts. His nose moved to her neck. "I do like a nice throat."

Furiously, Jasmine elbowed him as hard as she could. He groaned only for a moment, before laughing again. It was enough however and Jasmine managed to escape. She knew though he would be able to find her soon enough. They had to leave before he alerted others to their presence.

Sirius didn't need to search long before finding Raelyn. She was the center of the celebrations after all. The very idea made Sirius sick. She looked exactly the same as she did a few months before, except she was in a long tight black dress, that only had one shoulder. He thought of making a scene, but decided on subtlety in the end. When she was alone for a moment, he would make his move. Every now and then he noted Raelyn would suddenly look up and around as if she knew someone was watching her, but then he would lower his eyes and she would go back to the people in front of her. At last the moment came. Sirius hurried till he was directly behind her. She didn't move. He brought the tray in front of her and murmured into her ear.

"Thanks for the invitation."

"What are you doing here?" She asked over her shoulder and he was glad to note she appeared a tiny bit nervous. That didn't last long.

Sirius walked around to face her. "You know what I'm doing here." Actually he was supposed to be looking for Severus, but those were minor details.

"Raelyn!" Avery called as he searched for her.

"Follow me," Raelyn said quickly and Sirius did. He stayed right behind her until she entered a different room.

Daphne held the tray out for Rabastan to take a glass while she scanned around for Severus. Though he had arrived with Rabastan it seemed they were no longer together. Daphne didn't see Severus anywhere. At last, Lily tapped her on the shoulder and mouthed that she had found him. Daphne followed after her, pausing every now and then to let someone take a glass.

There he was with Lucius, Narcissa, and Mulciber, chatting away as if nothing in the world was amiss. The anger inside of Daphne swelled at the sight of him. It was even worst because he looked excellent when he was dressed so fine. It didn't matter that Severus wasn't cheating, he had lied to her and that was just as bad. Before Lily could stop her, Daphne stepped toward him.

"Drink sir?" She asked through gritted teeth.

Without a single glance in her direction, Severus waved her away. It was Lucius who was staring her up and down. Daphne was glad he graduated after her first year, but she was too busy being furious with Severus to give Lucius much thought.

"Narcissa bring Bellatrix over here," he commanded to his wife.

Narcissa did as she was told, but not before shooting Daphne a nasty look. As if it was her fault that Lucius was such a pervert.

"Now," Lucius summoned her closer. "What have we here?"

"Um champagne," Daphne replied with no enthusiasm.

Lucius took one than continued speaking. "Severus have a glass. It's not every day you get served by such a lovely creature."

"Very well," Severus answered unenthusiastically. With barely a glance in her direction, he snatched a glass. It was when he was bringing it to his lips that he stopped suddenly and turned back to stare at her.

"Stunning isn't she?" Lucius chuckled when he caught Severus' reaction. "You know this is a hotel?"

Daphne did all she could not to sneer at him, instead she kept her eyes focused and glaring directly at Severus. She wanted him to feel her anger. Even with the mask, he knew it was her. The perplexed look on his face said it all. He was shocked and embarrassed at once. He opened his mouth to speak, but what could he say with Lucius right there.

"There are plenty of rooms," Mulciber prompted while elbowing Severus just as Narcissa came back with her sister.

And these were his friends? Daphne didn't want to hear anymore. She flashed her eyes at Severus. Her hand inched towards a glass, but she decided not to splash him with champagne in the end. Then she would have to run. "Perhaps you should go lie in one," she muttered coldly then whipped around and rushed into the crowd.

The room was dark and empty with only one large window showing the night outside. Raelyn went to look out this window and Sirius carefully set down his tray. In that dress he could make out every curve in her body and it bothered him to think Avery got to see her in it too.

After a moments silence, she faced him with a smirk. "Do you wait at birthday parties too?"

"Maybe if it was yours," Sirius replied then rushed forward. She turned back around, but it didn't matter, he hugged her anyway and held on like he would never let go. He smelled her perfume, felt her skin, and placed a kiss on her collarbone. "Are you seriously going to go thorough with this? He's such a daft prick," Sirius muttered.

Raelyn cupped his cheek. "Then it's a good thing you're not the one marrying him. Now you have to go before someone comes."

"Do you really think I care? I've had enough of this!" Sirius angrily stated. He not only forced her around to face him, but he shook her shoulders violently. "Wake up!"

Stunned, Raelyn watched him with wide eyes until he released her. Then she shook her head and moved towards the door. "We would kill each other within a day, scratch that within a few hours. I'd wager all my galleons on it."

Sirius followed close behind. "Let's go. Let's just leave right now." She kept walking. "You know what your problem is?"

"Please enlighten me I'm dying to hear it."

"You're scared," he declared victoriously.

"Ha," Raelyn held the door open for him. "You have to leave."

Sirius pushed it closed. "And," he pointed his finger in her face. "You think it would be weak to just admit you want to be with me."

"You have to leave now."

"Fine," he nodded, leaning one shoulder against the wall to consider her. "I'll go, under one condition." He pointed a finger to his lips. "Kiss me."

"I can't." Raelyn smugly held up her left hand where a large diamond ring was shining.

Sirius sneered at it and this entire preposterous wedding. Avery wouldn't stop him. In one swift motion he pulled the ring off her finger and flung it into the darkness before pulling her to him. His kiss was rough and he begged her to comply. At first, she pushed at him and resisted, but eventually she was kissing him with just as much aggression. Sirius' hands moved over her smooth dress and her hands held onto the back of his neck.

Then just like she always did, Raelyn pulled away. "I have to go."

"Why are you always saying goodbye to me?" Sirius breathlessly moaned as he held her waist.

"Because you won't let it stick," Raelyn reminded him.

"I'll never let it stick," Sirius declared like it was war.

"Then I will."

She moved for the door, but it suddenly opened and Sirius thought they were caught, but instead it revealed a very peeved Alec Jarvis.

"Blast Rae! I thought you said you were going to… oh Sirius?" He fixed a charming grin on his face. "How are you old chap? Haven't seen you at one of these things in a millennium. And you're… working?"

"Sure," Sirius agreed.

"That's excellent," Alec decided before turning to Raelyn. "Do forgive me for intruding, but Lucius and Mulciber have gone outside for a moment. I do believe you wanted to drop in on them."

"Yes, of course," Raelyn agreed with barely a glance at Sirius. "Excuse me."

Severus' heart was still beating rapidly. Daphne was here! She was here dressed as a waitress. Severus could hardly shake the image out of his head, but she had also been glaring at him so fiercely. He had to find her and explain. Quickly he gave Lucius some excuse and hurried off in the direction he had seen her go. What was she thinking coming to a place like this and risking her safety? He just thought he might have spotted Daphne, when another waitress rammed sharply into his side. A tray was sent clattering to the ground and the glasses smashed into pieces.

"Shoot!" The waitress cried under her breath and hurriedly bent down to pick them up. She sent up a few apologies to him as she did so. Not that Severus cared, he was too repulsed by her clumsiness to bother replying or helping until...

"Jasmine?"

"No," the girl replied too quickly.

Severus quickly bent down beside her. He may not have been close to Daphne's friends, but he could recognize this was Jasmine. Only when Severus was this close did he notice her hands were shaking and she kept looking over her shoulder like she was expecting something. "Jasmine I need to speak to Daphne," he quietly pleaded. "Where is she?"

The girl did not even seem to hear him. "What?"

"Daphne," he slowly repeated in frustration. "Who are you looking for?"

Jasmine turned back to him. He had never seen her so discombobulated. "Sorry what?"

"There you are!" The loud raspy voice of Greyback declared behind them as he pushed some guests aside.

Jasmine stood so fast and hastened away nearly dropping her tray for a second time. Greyback was ready to follow, but Severus grabbed him by the arm and roughly pulled him aside.

"What do you think you are doing?" Severus demanded in his dangerous voice.

"It's nothing to you," Fenrir growled, but Severus refused to let go. "I was just having a little fun with a little delicious treat."

Severus sneered at him in disgust. "I cannot imagine how you got invited here tonight."

"I was invited by the bride!" Fenrir interrupted.

"No doubt she did it annoy her mother and fiancée," Severus though out loud. "However, there are Ministry officials here and the Minister of Magic himself. Do try acting like a civilized person and not the animal you are."

"How dare you!" Fenrir snapped.

"Silence!" Severus firmly held onto him and lowered his voice. "Do I make myself clear?"

Disgruntled, Fenrir nodded and was released. Severus continued scanning the crowd more carefully. What was going on? Were all of Daphne's friends here tonight? He hoped they would not be foolish enough to draw more attention to themselves.

Daphne was hurrying to the kitchen door when she got rammed into. It was Jasmine, looking like she had just run a marathon.

"Greyback was following me," she explained nervously, while she smoothed out her hair. "I think Severus stopped him. Did you see Severus?" Jasmine hurriedly asked.

Lily joined them in time to answer. "Oh she saw him."

"Can we go now?" Daphne tiredly asked. She didn't want t see Severus anymore and she was tired of her tight waitress dress.

"Excellent idea," James rushed towards them, pushing them in the direction of the kitchen. Sirius was right behind him, looking over his shoulder.

"What's going on?" Lily asked.

"My glasses made my mask fall and someone recognized me," James said quickly. "But there's no time to talk now, security was right behind us. Hurry!"

"There!" A man in black dress robes pointed right at them. He sent a stunning spell with his wand, but they all tumbled into the kitchen and ran for the back door.

"Where are you going?" The wizard in his chef coat called after them, but they didn't have time to stop. They pushed open the door and apparated back to the safety of Godric's Hollow. There Daphne would stay for the next day because she couldn't bear the thought of looking at Severus.

When she finally made her way home, Daphne was startled by what she found. It was Severus sitting on her doorstep with his head leaning against the wall and his eyes shut. The dress robes from the party were still on him, though he had undone the tie. For a mere second Daphne felt sorry for him it was really cold out, then she remembered his crimes and stomped past him to the door without another glance. As her key scraped the lock, Severus awoke calmly and stared up at her.

"Daphne where have you been? I was waiting."

He slowly got up and went to kiss her, but Daphne pushed him away.

"How would I know?" She answered acidly and moved into the box filled living room. "I can't trust anything you say."

Severus hastily followed behind her. "I didn't mean to lie," he began. "I got an invitation and my friends were going."

"I told you to be honest with me if you were going to see them," Daphne reminded him and she squared her shoulders to face him. "You didn't have to tell me you wanted to sleep and then go."

The sun from the windows made Severus squint, but he kept his eyes focused on Daphne. "Yes, but I know it makes you mad."

"Of course it does!" Daphne cried. "You drop me in a second for them."

"That's not true," Severus protested. "I prefer being with you."

Daphne practically snorted. "Are you kidding me?"

"It was merely an engagement party," Severus tried.

"It's not just an engagement party. It's every day!" Daphne raised her voice. "Everyday it's some friend who will die without you by their side."

"What about you and your friends?" Severus countered angrily and he moved closer to her. Daphne could make out the frustration in his black eyes, but she didn't care. "You're always together and you even crashed the party. Do you know how reckless that was?"

"Don't change the subject," Daphne commanded. "My friends have nothing to do with this. This is about you lying to me constantly."

"Well I'm sorry I'm so terrible alright?" He said in his low waspy voice.

"You weren't until you started making me not trust you," Daphne reminded him. "How are we supposed to be together if I can't believe anything you tell me? A relationship is supposed to be founded on trust."

"You can trust me with your life," Severus insisted. "I would never do anything to harm you."

"But you have been harming me by abandoning me all the time," Daphne clarified. "I even thought you might be cheating on me!"

Severus was shocked as if she had just punched him. "I would never cheat on you," he firmly told her.

"How would I know that? You're secretive and you disappeared in the middle of the night. What am I supposed to think?" Daphne turned away with her hand on her forehead. She was tired of arguing. Why didn't he understand? As if he sensed her weariness, Severus appeared beside her and took her hand off her forehead and into his own. This time Daphne let him. Next her hand was face up. Severus softly kissed her inner wrist then her palm.

"I cannot stand to have you mad at me," he admitted for only her to hear. "Please forgive me. I won't lie ever again."

"Do you promise?" Daphne questioned doubtfully and before he could answer she added more. "Don't promise unless you mean it."

"I promise," Severus said without the slightest hesitation. "You're far more important to me than anything else."

Daphne used her hand to cup his cheek. "Then show me that. I want to see it."

Severus nodded and hugged her so tightly like he was afraid he was going to lose her.

"Okay I forgive you," Daphne smiled making Severus heart warm. "But don't make me regret it," she warned. "And you have to help me pack more boxes."

He stared down at her. "Agreed."

Daphne moved toward some clothes that she still had to send her mum. "You sure there's nothing else you want to tell me?" She prompted. "Now's the time to get it all out."

"Daphne I…" Severus paused and watched her carefully for a moment, then hesitantly continued. "There is one thing."

"You are cheating on me?" Daphne jokingly guessed.

"Never!"

He was serious. It was starting to freak Daphne out how heavy his thoughts seemed. She put down her mum's sweaters. "What is it?" She asked swallowing the knot in her throat.

Severus stared into her light amber eyes. Could he say it? She looked at him with so much hope and love the words were trapped in his mouth. "I…"

There was a sharp knock on the front door.

"Hold that thought," Daphne instructed him and she hurried out to see who was there. It was Remus.

"Delivery service," he announced handing her a letter. "Today I'm an owl. It was sent to Prongs' place along with the evening newspaper."

Daphne tossed the paper aside. "I'm tired of reading about he-who-must-not-be-named and his idiotic followers causing mayhem. It just frustrates me."

"Ah I didn't realize you had company," Remus said when he noticed Severus. "I'll leave you two then. Remus winked at her right before apparating.

Daphne stared at the letter. Only her name was on the envelope in swirly writing. She quickly opened it.

Dear Ms. Rue,

You're presence is requested at Hogwarts School on the twenty second day of December. At five o' clock in the afternoon make your way to Professor McGonogall's classroom. Please inform no one of this meeting under any circumstance.

Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore

PS Drop the letter.

If Dumbledore tells you to drop a letter, you drop a letter. Daphne instantly let go and watched it burn away before her eyes.

"What was that?" Severus curiously asked. He had been watching her attentively.

"Oh nothing," Daphne lied and felt bad because he had just promised to be truthful. But if Dumbledore had been clear in his instructions and she wasn't about to go against him. "Just a Gryffindor thing."

Severus didn't seem to understand or believe her and Daphne had to think fast.

"They're planning a reunion at school during the holidays."

"So soon?" He asked doubtfully. Daphne shrugged. "Are you allowed to bring guests?"

"Sorry Gryffindors only," she answered and hoped he would drop it.

"Well I'll escort you there and wait till you're out," Severus decided. "It's far."

"You don't have to," Daphne informed him.

"I don't mind. See I'm already demonstrating that I care about you."

Daphne kicked herself for saying he had to show her, but then again there was no harm if Severus went as long as he wasn't in the meeting. Daphne wondered what this was all about. Since when did Dumbledore send her letters? Severus was still watching her so Daphne put it out of her mind and smiled. "What were you going to say earlier?"

Severus shook his head. "Nothing… nevermind."

By the end of the week Daphne knew all of her friends had been invited too and she wondered why Severus wasn't. Maybe it was a Gryffindor thing. Not that any of them could actually talk about the letter. Daphne had tried to ask Lily if she got one and realized she couldn't speak when she wanted to talk about it. None of them could and it was from this weird behavior they realized they must each be under a spell. Reading the letter had prevented them from talking about its contents.

"Our headmaster is so tricky," Jasmine commented proudly when she had tried to mention something about it once to no success. Even Peter came one day to say something, but couldn't.

Finally the day of the meeting came. Daphne had exhausted every possibility of what Dumbledore could want. Had he found out that they had broken the Marauder's out of their last detention? Was he going to revoke their diplomas? Did he know they were animangi? But that had nothing to do with the girls.

It was icy cold that day, but Daphne set out early on the train for Hogsmeade with Severus. It brought back many fond memories of school to be on the train again. When they arrived, not many people were out, but they went to all the stores in Hogsmeade and had some butterbeer to warm up. Daphne suggested Severus wait for her at the Three Broomsticks, but he insisted on accompanying her up to the castle. Luckily though, he only walked her to the door then said he would be by the lake.

Since it was the holidays, the castle was practically empty. She saw the Bloody Baron floating around, but he didn't greet her. As the clock struck five, she hurried up the stairs and the familiar path all the way to McGonogall's classroom. It looked the same too, except for the people in it. All her friends were already there. They waved at her and Sirius gestured to the empty seat beside him. Daphne recognized some of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw quidditch team, Edric, Pam, Thelma, her old roommate Anne, Rondall, the Gryffindor prefect Serena and the Hufflepuff prefect Max. There were several other people Daphne didn't know, but none were from Slytherin.

They all chatted casually until at last Dumbledore entered the room with two men. One had graying tangled hair and very sharp dark eyes that stared intently at each one of them. The other wasn't any friendlier. He appeared nervous and stringy with a mop of brown hair and scruff. Dumbledore introduced them as Auror Alastor Moody and Barry Meek. Barry managed a nod, but Alastor continued on staring.

"Don't mind their presence today. They are very good friends of mine," Dumbledore smiled warmly. He was in some familiar purple robes and a hat with his white beard tucked into his belt. He seemed a bit older than Daphne remembered, but then the times were stressful, especially for such a great wizard. "I hope you have all been doing well since graduation. I know some of you have had some large changes in your lives." Behind his square spectacles, he winked at Lily and James.

Jasmine raised her hand.

"Ah Ms. Luvinia, we are no longer in school, but I will take your question," Dumbledore kindly stated.

"I was wondering if you could tell us what this meeting is about."

"Of course I will," he replied with a twinkle in his eye. "You are all here because I have faith and confidence in each and every one of you. You have all earned my respect."

Jasmine beamed.

"Unfortunately we live in a dark age filled with terror and confusion," Dumbledore continued. He wasn't smiling anymore, now he was somber. "There is a war going on this very moment and Lord Voldermort must be stopped."

There were a few gasps. Dumbledore ignored them.

"A while ago I began an organization called the Order of the Phoenix. Together we work to accomplish this task. That is why I have called you all here today."

"I'm in sir," James spoke up.

Dumbledore chuckled at his enthusiasm. "I never doubted you would be the first to join Mr. Potter, but hear what I have to say first. By joining me in this fight, your very lives will be at risk. Let me make this clear, there is no guarantee that you will live."

"There's no guarantee that anyone will make it through this war," Serena commented. "People disappear everyday."

"The vigilant will survive," Alastor boomed at them. Serena stayed quiet.

"That may be," Dumbledore continued. "But Lord Voldermort will go for those that oppose him first. That is why we operate under absolute secrecy. There are many dangerous tasks to accomplish. In the fight to protect others that cannot protect themselves, your safety will be compromised. I want you to understand clearly before you make your decision. If you feel this is not for you, now is the time to leave. There is no shame or judgment in that. Only you can decide what is right for yourself."

Alastor waited by the door to take anyone out, but Dumbledore had been right in his choices, no one stirred. Daphne did notice Peter squirm, but he stayed too.

"Excellent," Dumbledore beamed and he clapped his hands together. "However, I'm afraid we disappointed Alastor. He was eager to try a few memory charms."

The following hour was grueling. Daphne wished she had brought a notebook. Dumbledore spoke to them not only about how the Order worked and how they communicated, but about Lord Voldermort. He had been Tom Riddle before and from what Daphne could tell he wanted to live forever with only a pureblood race. Got it, basically she was not invited to the party. Everyone took in the information while nodding thoughtfully, some asked questions, mainly Jasmine who was at the edge of her seat. When it was six, Dumbledore nodded to Barry, who left.

"It should be about time. Today two undercover Order members will be joining us to reveal to you some important facts and I believe new information regarding Voldermort's followers."

"You have under cover wizards?" A Hufflepuff mused.

"You can be sure Voldermort has some spies on our side, so we must have some on his," Dumbledore explained carefully. It was clear that some people had not even thought of the possibility of undercover members and they began eyeing each other more carefully.

"How do we join that?" A Ravenclaw asked. Daphne didn't know why he was so eager. Sure it sounded cool, but it was probably one of the most dangerous jobs.

"Alas you do not join," Dumbledore explained. "I ask you if you are in a position to be of service and if you are skilled in occlumency. We cannot have Voldermort questioning an open mind. Now when they come in please listen carefully. There will not be time for questions. Anyone working like this does not exceed half an hour in our company. Today they will have ten minutes. Time is crucial."

Just like that Dumbledore moved to the back and Alec Jarvis entered in his refined dress robes. Daphne couldn't believe it. Clint's family was undoubtedly supporting Voldermort and here his cousin was a spy for the other side.

Alec greeted them all with a charming smile, especially Daphne, but he did not act like his usual playboy self and Daphne realized it must have been his cover. No death eater would bother a rich playboy if he gave them loads of money.

"Here I have the layout of various homes where meetings including Lord Voldermort have taken place." He placed a large stack on the table. "And a note of times and dates for a few future meetings. I will no doubt find a way to be 'drunk' at someone's house while one of them is going on." He smiled like it was no big deal and a joke, but everyone just gaped at him.

"You said there was something crucial you had to share with us," Dumbledore prompted.

Alec nodded. He was all business. "Yes, at a recent engagement party, my colleague and I discovered a new way to tell death eaters from innocent wizards."

"They are marked and not many people know it, is that right Alec?" Dumbeldore wisely said.

"Yes sir," Alec nodded. "Death eaters carry the dark mark on their forearms once they have joined. It is the green signal shown in the newspapers when someone has been killed. A snake coming out of a skull, except on the arm it's red and burns black when they are being summoned. It's Voldermorts way of keeping in touch with his followers. Now my colleague had complied a list of known death eaters, ah here she is."

If Daphne's own jaw dropped, she had no clue what Sirius was like. In stepped a small girl with short choppy black hair.

Sirius stood so fast his chair fell over. "Raelyn? No, it can't be."

Dumbledore put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Please Sirius, there is no time and it is important that you know who cannot be trusted."

Sirius reluctantly sat.

Raelyn didn't flinch and she didn't speak loud, but everyone was so quiet they could hear her anyway as she read her list. It was long and people gasped every now and then. Some death eaters had sat next to them in class or played quidditch with them. Some Daphne had just seen at the engagement party and worst almost every single one of Severus' friends were on it. Each time one more was added, Daphne grew more nervous.

"And…" As she reached the end of the list, Raelyn hesitated. Daphne waited like everyone else. She could not imagine what could be worst than the names already mentioned. According to that list, she couldn't trust anyone.

"Go on Ms. Eustacia," Dumbledore prodded from the back.

Then the oddest thing happened. Daphne felt Raelyn look right at her, but it was so fast Daphne almost thought she had imagined it. Of course Raelyn was probably searching Sirius, who was in such a state at Daphne's side. She couldn't tell if Sirius was going to start yelling or fall down weeping.

"Rae," Alec said in a clear voice and it seemed to get her out of her stupor. She lifted her chin up and read the last name.

"And Severus Snape."

The room was completely still. All the blood drained from Daphne's face and she instantly felt speechless. Her stomach was rising as if she had suddenly been pushed off the astronomy tower and was speeding towards the ground. There must be some mistake Daphne thought. That can't be right. He was with her. Severus wasn't a deatheater. He wouldn't join the side that wished she were dead. He wouldn't. He wouldn't.

"Thank you," Dumbledore said somewhere and there was a hint of sadness in his voice.

"But…" Jasmine started in shock. "Daphne."

Raelyn and Alec were rushed out of the room and everyone started chatting, but Daphne heard noting. She could feel her friend's eyes going to her. No one could bear telling her I told you so, but it didn't make it any less difficult.

"Daphne?"

Her friends had surrounded her, except for Sirius who seemed to have disappeared. Daphne glanced at each awkward, melancholy face. They were all so grave. It made her laugh.

"What?" She asked because they were watching her so carefully.

Lily's green eyes grew wide. "You're okay?" She asked unsure.

Jasmine took Daphne's hand. "I'm so sorry. I just can't believe it. It's terrible."

"What? About Severus?" Daphne chuckled. "You don't actually believe them do you?"

They all exchanged glances with each other. The somber mood was really starting to annoy Daphne.

"Do you?" She demanded.

"The evidence," Lily started awkwardly, but Daphne didn't want to hear anymore.

"What evidence?" She snapped then lowered her voice so no one would overhear. "I've seen his arm! Severus doesn't have a dark mark."

"Things like that can be hidden," Remus explained in a gentle voice.

This was ridiculous, Daphne thought. How could they believe such a slanderous report? She didn't care who said it; Severus was not a deatheater. Why couldn't they comprehend that? Then the realization hit her.

"Oh I see what this is," Daphne began. "You all hate him. You want to think the worst."

"That's not fair," Lily boldly replied.

"I don't hate him," Remus insisted.

"Me either," Jasmine added.

"No," Daphne continued. "You've never liked him."

"Why didn't you tell him about the meeting today?" James asked, speaking for the first time since the news broke.

"Dumbledore said not too," Daphne answered like it was obvious. "Plus we couldn't talk about the letter anyway."

"Couples tell each other things they're not supposed to all the time," James continued.

Yes. "Sometimes," Daphne admitted.

James kneeled right beside her and stared at her from behind his round glasses. "Why do I think if you could have told Severus, you still wouldn't have anyway?"

"I would have," Daphne declared, but none of them seemed to believe her. "I would have told him!"

"No," James shook his head and for that moment Daphne hated him. "You know don't you? Maybe you didn't realize it till now, but somewhere deep down you know it's true."

"No!" Daphne shook her head so hard. She couldn't listen anymore. The tears of frustration were threatening to spill. "No, it's not true!" Yet even while she repeated it, Daphne did not believe herself. That bothered her the most. How she hated James. Unable to bear the idea anymore, Daphne abruptly ran from the room.

Still in shock, Sirius stumbled into the hallway. The only person waiting for him there was the last person he wanted to see Dumbledore. Sirius tried to hurry past him, but Dumbledore called out to him.

Sirius rounded on him. "How could you let her do this?"

Dumbledore remained calm and motioned him into another empty classroom. "Raelyn is an adult," he started. "Capable of making her own decisions. I've told you before Sirius that we can't always have what we want. One day you will see there is a bigger picture."

"Is her marrying Avery all part of your plan?" Sirius snapped.

"If that is what is troubling you, put your mind at ease. She will not marry him." Sirius abruptly stopped his pacing and Dumbledore smiled with amusement.

"We've been working together since you were all in school. Every task I gave her was preformed with exact precision. In only this one thing did she ever show hesitation, perhaps there is someone to blame for that."

"And you still made her do it," Sirius interrupted.

"It was her choice to do it." Dumbledore sighed heavily now and stared out in the window into the cold gray sky. "This list is crucial Sirius. If she had declined Avery, she would be out of favor with her parents and out of all the right circles per say. The organization couldn't have that. She had to accept."

"So she will marry him?"

"No, she will not." Dumbledore explained. "Raelyn retires from my services today. However breaking the engagement and disappearing will leave her in peril. For her safety, she will go into hiding. It has all been arranged."

"Where?" Sirius demanded.

"I cannot disclose any information, but do not worry, she will be well looked after and safe." Dumbledore put a kind hand on his shoulder and looked him directly in the eyes. "I'm sorry."

Sirius didn't understand. "But what? That's it? She's just going to disappear and no one will know where she is?"

"Exactly," Dumbledore nodded.

"But…" Sirius bolted towards the door.

"Do not trouble yourself Sirius, she is long gone by now. I had Barry take her away directly. Only for the next few minutes I have made it possible to apparate out of Hogwarts."

Sirius heard what Dumbledore said, but he ran anyway. He ran all the way down to the first floor and outside, but saw no one. Then he ran all the way to the top of the astronomy tower.

"Raelyn!" He shouted as loud as he could. "Raelyn! Raelyn! Raelyn!"

The only response was silence. Sirius put his head into his palms. He had a splitting headache thanks to the thoughts swirling around in his mind. She hadn't wanted to marry Avery, did that mean she did love him after all? Did his constant implications that they should run away together only make her life more difficult? It should have been him who had stayed with his family and done this. Would he ever even see her again? The war had been going on for years. How cruel time was to allow him to find out she wouldn't be getting married, but she would be gone all in the same day.

Suddenly two arms wrapped around him in a hug from behind. It was probably Lily sent to cheer him up Sirius thought. He knew his eyes were red so he didn't immediately turn around. A head rested against his back.

"Don't be mad," she said. Sirius' heart stopped. That wasn't Lily. He pulled her around just to be sure his ears weren't tricking him.

"You're supposed to be gone," he nearly whispered and he stared at Raelyn as if she were a ghost.

"I heard you calling, besides I wanted some fresh air."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Sirius reproached her.

"Do the words top secret mean anything to you?"

"Do you know where they're hiding you?" Sirius asked quickly. He was wasting time being upset.

"You think they would tell me?" Raelyn remarked with obvious annoyance at her present situation.

Sirius took her hand into his. "Alright Raelyn listen to me. You're going to stay where he puts you okay? You have to. Dumbledore is a clever man, I trust him. Don't try to leave and don't do anything rash."

"Oh yeah coming from you," Raelyn nearly laughed.

"I'm serious about this," he insisted.

"I know you're Sirius."

"Stop joking and promise me," Sirius demanded. He brought her face up with both of his hands so he could stare right into her hazel eyes. Then he rested his forehead on hers. "Promise, I need you to be safe."

Raelyn ran her hand over his face and stared up at him like she was memorizing every detail. "You'll be great in the Order, end this war."

The door to the tower burst open. "There you are you little brat do you have any idea the kind of danger you're in and you go wandering about!" Barry rushed toward them.

Raelyn took one of Sirius' hands.

"Sirius listen," she began desperately.

Barry grabbed Raelyn's arm roughly and in an instant they were both gone. Sirius didn't even get to hear what she was going to say or say anything in return. He was left staring at the empty space she had stood in just a moment ago with tears filling his eyes.

It couldn't be true.

Down the grand staircase, Daphne rushed suddenly feeling like she was back in school. Everyone was conspiring against her. She didn't care what they said, they never liked Severus. And James didn't know what he was talking about. That's it! This was dream. Daphne had fallen into a terrible dream, except as she paced the empty entrance hall she realized it didn't really feel like a dream. When she pinched herself she knew for sure. A prank maybe? No.

They just got the wrong information. Severus was as innocent and she was. She would prove it to them, prove them wrong once and for all so they would never doubt him again. Daphne felt confidant she was right about this. Severus had promised never to lie to her. She had no reason to doubt him, yet…

I'll find out the truth.

Daphne hastened outside. Some mad force was driving her forward. She had to see for herself, see the truth her mind would not comprehend or his innocence. Daphne found Severus near the bank of the lake, pensively staring out into the horizon. He was tall and pale in his somber black attire and Daphne loved him for it. There was nothing more she wanted to do than run into his arms and forget everything negative that had been said about him and everything she had to do. Alas Severus noticed her presence and there was no turning back.

"Daphne," he smiled so warmly that she almost turned on her heels right then. "Are you finished?"

She didn't speak only stared. Was he capable of such treachery? No it couldn't be true.

"What's the matter?"

"Is there something you want to tell me?" She demanded as she maintained her distance.

Now it was his turn to be silent. He stayed back and regarded her carefully with his dark black eyes. It was this that finally prompted her forward.

"What are you…"

Angrily Daphne snatched the left arm she had held so many times before and lifted his sleeve expecting to see it there staring back at her. There was nothing. His pale skin was completely clear. There was not a red skull in sight. For a moment Daphne thought she had grabbed the wrong arm, but she hadn't. She felt a second of relief, but she was not so easily fooled, she knew better.

Severus desperately tried to tug his arm away, but Daphne held firm.

"Daphne give me back my arm," he said in alarm.

Hastily she pulled out her wand and touched it to his skin, her eyes burning into his face the entire time.

"Reveal," she cried.

Severus' heavy eyes shut and Daphne knew before she even looked down. There in front of her eyes the cursed mark appeared, the red ink spreading dangerously over his inner arm. A vicious snake coming out of a skull's mouth the very sign of Voldermort himself.

Daphne closed her eyes. No, please no. It couldn't be. She opened her eyes, it was.

The air seemed to still and the earth stopped moving. Her heart was shattering into a million pieces. Her stomach was turning over. She felt her hands shaking and the darkness was coming over her, but no she could not faint now. Now was not the appropriate moment. She dropped his arm like it burned her. Tears had been streaming down her face and she hadn't even noticed when she started crying. The weight of disappointment beat down on her. Not only had he aligned himself with wizards who wanted to anialate muggle borns, but also he had lied to her repeatedly. Daphne, who had defended him from everyone who, warned her about his dark nature. To be with him, she had fought with everyone, willing to give up everything and he had chosen them. Nothing was real anymore.

He did look ashamed which only made it worst.

"Daphne wait I can explain."

Daphne slapped him hard for even daring to think he could talk his way out of something like this. She shook her head there were no more words to be said. She didn't want to hear anymore lies. Tears flying freely now, she turned her back on him and left. She ran. She ran past the dark forest and Hagrid's hut. She could barely make out anything through her watery vision, but she felt Severus behind her catching up and sped down the hill towards her escape.

And as she hurried she remembered everything and it all made sense now. The way he sometimes hated being touched in his left arm, his praise of death eaters, his evil friends, his obsession with dark arts, and his cruelty in duels. His sudden apparations were no doubt a call from his beloved dark lord. Then Daphne thought back further and what she found nearly made her sick. The Hogsmeade attack when he had tried to convince her not to go, had he known and let everyone walk into danger? And recently he had been asking where Sirius lived, did he want to give that information to his friends? The very idea made Daphne boil with rage.

Severus felt his heart drum with each running step he took. He had to catch her and make her understand before she left the gates of Hogwarts. She had to understand she just had to. He would make her understand. Severus ran as fast as he could, but in her desperate plight to escape, she was faster.

Just outside the gates she stopped, forcing Severus to come to a screeching halt. She turned to face him and Severus words got lost in his mouth. What could he say? What could he really say?

All the warmth left her eyes, her mouth set into a straight line. It was the coldest look he had ever seen from her, as if the frost had settled over her.

At once he knew what she would do.

"Daphne don't!" Severus reached to hug her, but she disappeared into thin air before he could hold on and he was left with nothing but a cold wind passing through.

E/N: What did you think? Dramatic ending I know, but I hope you all saw this coming. I started giving hints about it after sixth year in the summer. Anyway of course this isn't the end either, there is much more to come. The next update will definitely be faster!