A/N: Harry Potter is the work of J.K. Rowling. I own nothing, I simply just like to play with some of the beautiful characters she wrote.
A/N: This is one of my first fanfictions I'm ever posting. I've read many and I've wrote some, but I have never posted before.
The door opened while Ana was putting all of Harry's letters away. She knew it was Healer Nettle.
She had been there everyday with Ana since she had woken up a couple months ago. She had brushed Ana's hair when she was still too weak to do so herself, she always brought her the Daily Prophet, and had brought her various books and articles to catch her up on the years she had missed, and every morning without fail she brought Ana a cup of tea that was better than anything the cafeteria served her.
She was a very kind witch and Ana probably wouldn't have been able to get through her physical therapy, rigorous potion regime, and her lack of a social life without her.
"Are you ready to finally see that Nephew of yours?"
Ana turned around and her face almost hurt with how wide her smile was.
"I am. I haven't told him I was being released. He stayed at Hogwarts for the holidays. Professor Dumbledore has been kind enough to take me on as a mediwitch in the infirmary at least until the end of the year."
Healer Nettle beamed at her and clapped her hands. "That's lovely. Hogwarts will be very lucky to have you."
Ana felt nervous at her words. She wasn't quite sure why Albus had agreed to give her a job. She had written him and told him that she wished to see Harry at Hogwarts and he had written back with a very kind letter offering her a job and board until she could see how Potter Manor had fared over the years.
Ana knew she had a future argument ahead of her with the Headmaster over Harry and his future living situation, but for now she would just focus on getting to know Harry.
Harry.
He was so very angry with her. She knew that she should've told Harry about Sirius Black when she first woke up but truthfully she felt it was something better explained in person.
Remus had offered to tell him but Ana felt like she should be the one to break it to him. James was her twin and though Remus knew him well, she had known him better than anyone in the world. She thought it would be better to explain to him just why James and Lily had made Sirius his Godfather.
Ana hadn't owled him back, mostly because she knew she would be seeing him soon. His letter hadn't hurt her, she knew he would be angry when he found out. If anything it just reminded her that Harry was very much like his parents. His temper belonged to Lily and his fierce passion to his father.
Ana was jerked from her thoughts by Healer Nettle's hand on her arm.
"It'll be ok, Ana. I know it's a lot to take in but everything will work out."
Ana reached up and squeezed her hand with a grateful smile.
"So how do I look?"
She chuckled and held up a bag that Ana didn't see when she walked in.
"You're lovely of course, but the other healers and I all pitched it to get you some more up to date clothing."
Ana looked down and cringed at the dingy clothes she had on. It had been the outfit she was tortured in many years ago. Ana had fixed them up the best she could but it was all she had until she could get to the Manor or shopping.
Ana felt ridiculous as her eyes welled up with tears. Healer Nettle noticed immediately and set the bag down on the bed.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, I-"
Ana held her hand up, "No, no. You haven't offended me. I'm just feeling very happy that you happened to be there when I woke up, and that you've stayed with me the whole way through."
"First, I'm not your healer anymore so please call me Heather. Second, I'm just glad I could be of help, I couldn't imagine the things you've been through, but you came out the other side and you're here now."
Ana nodded and Heather clapped again, "Ok let's see how these clothes look."
Ana got changed and she couldn't believe that Heather had thought of everything. There were undergarments, socks, shoes, pants, a shirt, and a coat.
Ana stared at herself in the mirror and felt more herself than she had in a very long time. Her pants were black and snug fitting, her boots were also black and her shirt was a deep green with long sleeves and a tasteful v neck. To top it all off Heather had given her a very tasteful black coat that fell to her knees.
She was surprised how much of it was just her style. She looked up and Heather looked a bit sheepish.
"I hope you like everything, I tried to find something that was similar to what you had and what you wore in the pictures you have."
Ana nodded, "It's honestly perfect. I would've dreaded wearing proper robes.
Heather laughed and smiled.
"You look great, I daresay you'll make a wonderful first impression."
Ana pulled her into a tight hug which Heather returned with ease.
"I can't thank you enough for everything. I hope you'll stay in touch, you're stuck with a lifelong friend."
Heather laughed, "You're welcome, Ana and I'll keep you to that. Now I believe you have some people waiting for you at Hogwarts."
Ana nodded and with just her wand and Harry's letters she finally left the hospital room that had been hers for 12 years.
Her heels clicked against the floor as she made her way out of St. Mungos. Many healers wished her well on the way out and when she stepped out the doors the cold air hit her face.
Ana felt tears drip down her cheeks as she took in the crisp air and snow that was falling. She hadn't been outside in so long that she could barely remember a smell that wasn't the lemony clean scent of St. Mungos.
A laugh bubbled out of her throat and she wiped her eyes, careful not to smear any of the mascara she had applied.
She had taken great care to make herself presentable. She was sure that Harry would like her even if she looked ghastly, but this was the first time anyone was seeing her outside of St. Mungos.
It also was also for herself. She was leaving the hospital behind and wanted to feel more like her younger self.
Ana took one more deep breath and the cold air and her newly found freedom gave her a rush of energy and in the blink of an eye she was apparating away to the front gates of Hogwarts.
Ana put her hand over her mouth as the Castle came into view. She hadn't apparated in a long time and her stomach churned uncomfortably.
She shook her head and let out a deep breath. When she looked up she saw two figures striding towards her.
Ana let out a happy laugh as she recognized Minerva's brisk walk and Albus's gaudy purple robes.
Ana could barely contain herself at seeing her old head of house and as the gates opened for her she was suddenly sprinting towards her.
Ana fell into the arms of her friend and Minerva hugged her tightly.
Ana let go and grinned, "Can't let any of the students see you hug me, it might ruin your no nonsense reputation."
Minerva snorted and Ana pretended she didn't see her wiping her eyes. She turned to Professor Dumbledore and gave him a hug too, although it wasn't nearly as long or fierce as the one she shared with Minerva.
"Ana my dear, you look lovely."
Ana smiled at the Headmaster. "Thank you, Albus. I appreciate the job offer."
He waved his hands. "Think nothing of it, Poppy was just saying she needed an extra set of hands and if I remember correctly you're quite the healer."
Ana gave him a grateful smile and they began their trip back up to the castle. As they walked Minerva began to scold her and Ana was smiling through the whole thing.
"I don't see why you refused any visitors besides Remus."
Ana sighed, "Oh Minerva, you know how I looked, and the recovery from a twelve year long coma was not something I wanted everyone to witness. Molly threatened me with a Howler when I told her I didn't want to see anyone until I was out and about."
Minerva shook her head, "I understand but I'm still not happy about it. We could've helped you."
Ana couldn't help but laugh. It felt similar to when she was back in school and would get caught by Minerva doing something she shouldn't have.
"Well I'll be here until at least the end of the next term so you will have plenty of time to berate me about my life choices."
Professor Dumbledore let out a chuckle and Minerva sighed deeply and cut her eyes to the Headmaster.
"I'll hex your socks again."
The Headmaster stopped laughing but his eyes still twinkled as he mimicked zipping his lips.
The walk to the castle was spent with small talk and Ana telling them about her recovery. They were met at the doors by Remus who scooped Ana up in a large hug.
"Moony! Put me down before your students see you!"
He laughed and put her back on the ground. Ana smacked his arm and smiled.
"You look great, Ana. Glad to see you in something that isn't from St. Mungos."
Ana groaned. "Tell me about it, lime green is absolutely horrid for my complexion."
Remus rolled his eyes as the four of them made their way into the castle.
It hadn't changed one bit since Ana had last been there and her heart almost physically hurt as she looked around.
She could almost see James running around or playing a prank. She could remember every moment she shared with her brother and the majority took place right in this castle.
Ana stopped suddenly and Remus stared down at her.
"What's wrong? Are you alright? Maybe you shouldn't be exerting yourself so much."
Ana shook her head. "Can you go ahead without me for a moment. I'll meet you outside the Great Hall I just need a moment."
Remus still looked concerned and Ana ran her hand through her hair.
"I haven't been back here since we graduated and there are so many memories here. I just need a moment to gather myself."
The three of her companions all smiled and nodded at her understandingly. Minerva offered her a touch to the shoulder and the three of them walked ahead of her.
Once they had turned the corner and she could no longer see them she put her head in her hands.
She was so wrapped up in seeing Harry that she never thought of what returning to the school would feel like for her. They had been so young and careless back then. The war hadn't touched them quite yet and they were fearless.
How quickly things had changed.
James and Lily were gone and so was Peter, Sirius had betrayed them in a way she never dreamed possible and was now a fugitive who was roaming the country, Remus had been left alone for years, and Ana had been in a hospital for so long that people had probably forgotten she existed.
She quickly tried to gather her thoughts when she heard quick footsteps echoing down the corridor. She turned around and couldn't stop the small gasp that made its way out of her throat at the figure striding her way.
Severus Snape was almost an unshakeable force. His emotions were always hidden and his face betrayed nothing, it was a quality that made him such a good spy. Even when they were children he kept his feelings close to his chest. So when he saw her and actually looked shocked Ana almost felt a little victorious.
His dark eyes met her hazel and Ana took a hesitant step towards him.
He was older, which of course she should've expected, but it was still a bit of a shock to see. She felt a bit lost as to what to do, part of her was angry with him for things that had happened but another part was jumping for joy that she was seeing another childhood friend.
Her movement seemed to jerk him out of his shock and he cleared his throat, his face going back to being devoid of emotion.
"Ana." He greeted with a small dip of his head. "The Headmaster didn't inform me you'd be coming here."
Ana smiled and cocked her head to the side as she took in his stiff posture. He looked uncomfortable
"I just left St. Mungos this morning. The Headmaster has been kind enough to offer me a mediwitch position until the end of term."
The silence between them was awkward and Ana thought that maybe he was unsure if she still was his friend after everything that happened. She hadn't seen him since before her brother and Lily had died.
Ana had forgiven Severus for being misguided in his youth a long time ago and she felt ridiculous tip toeing around him like this when they had been very good friends when in Hogwarts.
"Severus, I have missed you. I know we haven't seen each other in over a decade but I had a lot of time to think. About 12 years in fact, and I often wondered how you were."
Severus broke his facade with a small smile and Ana beamed in return. Severus was never one to show many emotions so the small smile was enough to send her walking towards him.
She wrapped him in a hug and she felt so lucky to be standing in Hogwarts with the opportunity to work with some of her oldest friends.
So much had changed, but Ana knew that no matter how much time had passed, the loyalty and affection that she held for her friends would never fade.
He stood frozen and she was reminded of how he acted when she first hugged him goodbye in their first year.
She briefly wondered how long it had been since Severus had experienced a friendly gesture such as this.
He carefully placed his hands on her back and she smiled into his frock coat. While he had aged, his hair was still long and he still smelled like smoke and parchment.
She let go and smiled up at him.
"Remus told me that you offered to brew my potions for me."
He nodded once, "I did."
Ana chuckled, "Well I guess I'll take you up on that offer since I'll be staying here."
He gave her another hesitant smile and grinned up at her friend.
"I'll need a list of everything you are taking."
Ana nodded, "I have to go meet Albus, Minerva, and Remus in front of the Great Hall, but don't think that you're getting out of my lovely company. I'll bring that list to you sometime soon."
He raised an eyebrow, "I wouldn't dream of it, Ana. I suppose I'll have to endure your incessant chatter quite a lot from now on."
Ana laughed loudly, "Oh Sev, it's lovely to see you. I'll be bothering you again soon."
He nodded and Ana squeezed his arm quickly before turning around and heading to the Great Hall.
Between seeing her old friends and being at Hogwarts, Ana's thoughts of the past threatened to consume her. She shoved them all away and focused on seeing Harry.
She was here and she was finally about to see her nephew. She had a job and was healthy, she had Remus, Severus, and Minerva. It was overwhelming but she knew that wherever James was he was proud of her and cheering her on.
The three Professors were speaking outside the doors of the Great Hall and they looked over at her as she approached.
"Sorry about that, I feel much better now. I ran into Severus and we had a nice little chat. I'll have to go see him soon."
Remus smiled, "I'm sure that he would enjoy that."
Albus placed his hand on her shoulder and she looked up at him. He was staring behind her and Ana turned to see what he was looking at.
Ana froze in place. At the bottom of the stairs stood three teenagers.
On the left was a girl who had a large amount of frizzy brown curls and teeth that were just slightly too large.
Standing on the right was a boy with shocking red hair and Ana knew that with that hair and his bright blue eyes that it was Molly's son.
However, it was the boy standing between them who had her standing in shock.
He had unruly dark hair that was the same color as herself and a pair of round glasses.
Ana nearly wept, it could've been James if it weren't for the bright emerald eyes that were behind his glasses and the edge of a scar peeking out from under his hair.
There was no mistaking that the boy in front of her was Harry.
The girl next to him, who she assumed was Hermione nudged him and before she could blink he was running her way.
She smiled and moved forward away from Remus quickly. She opened her arms and Harry crashed into her.
Ana couldn't help the laugh that came out as she hugged her nephew. The one thing that kept her going was getting to Harry and giving him the life that she knew his parents would've wanted for him.
She pulled away and put her hands on his shoulders.
"Let me get a look at you."
He was grinning as she studied his face and she smiled back. "Well I guess one does tend to grow a lot in twelve years. Your much taller than you were as a one year old."
Harry laughed and Ana felt relieved that he didn't seem angry with her like he did in his last letter. While she was sure they would have to talk about it at some point, he just seemed excited to see her.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming? How long are you staying for?"
Ana straightened her jacket and did a small pose, "Well Harry, you're looking at Hogwarts newest staff member. I'll be helping Madame Pomfrey, at least until the end of term."
His eyes widened, "You mean you get to stay?"
Ana nodded and Harry's smile widened even more than she thought was possible.
"We have a lot of time to get to know each other, and while I'm here, I'm going to work on getting you back home with me once the school year ends. No more Dursley's."
He looked up at her and his eyes looked suspiciously shiny.
"You mean I can come live with you? I never have to go back?"
Ana pushed his hair out of his face, "We are family, Harry. I know I haven't been around before, but I'm here now. Your parents would've wanted me to take care of you and that's what I intend to do. Do you understand?"
He nodded and Ana looked back to the Headmaster who seemed to know just what Ana planned to do.
She knew that while Albus Dumbledore was a good wizard, he also had a tendency to do what he felt should be done no matter anyone else's opinion. The best example of that was placing Harry with Petunia, an idea that Lily had been very against when they had some of their more morbid talks back during the war.
Ana had known Albus Dumbledore a long time, and she knew that even though there might be a disagreement down the road, this was one thing she would never budge on. She was a witch and in the eyes of the ministry she was much more suitable to be Harry's guardian.
Harry would be placed under her guardianship and he would come to Potter Manor. That much she was sure of.
She looked away and turned back to Harry.
"Why don't you introduce me to your friends, I'd like to meet the people I've heard so much about in your letters."
As Harry led her to his friends she noticed that his smile hadn't faded from his face once.
They had a lot ahead of them and Sirius Black was still on the loose but she was here at Hogwarts and finally reunited with her nephew. She was here to take care of him now just like she had always promised to.
Maybe she hadn't let James down as much as she thought.
A/N: Annnnnd Harry and Ana have finally been reunited! We are finally going to get into the interesting events of POA. Please review and let me know what you think!