p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Christmas break was two days away, and McGonagall had collected all the names of the students who would be staying at school, and Ace was one of them./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Bill had invited her to stay with them during the holidays. Still, she politely declined saying she was hoping to stay and find her parentage through mass amounts of research. He was slightly disappointed, but he understood./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Her parentage was essential to her, it was since day one, and he wasn't about to get in front of her need to find her family, especially not a Slytherin./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Merula had become abnormally quiet since she called Ace a teachers whore. She hadn't even seen Merula in the halls since then. She was too quiet; something was coming, something nasty. It would arrive within the next few days seeing as she wasn't going to let her off during the break./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Classes were done, and she was sitting with Cas in the commons, her legs across his. The fire was roaring today as the dungeons were the coldest it's been yet./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""So, you really think you can find your parents?" Cas says, flipping a page of the book that sat in his lap./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""If I'm an heir of one of the founders of the school, then how hard could it be to figure out my parentage? Surely they kept a close eye on the lineage." Ace says, looking up into Cas' eyes./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""You would be surprised at how little we keep track of lineages. Most of us don't care, as we already know about our family history." Ace rolls her sighs./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""You can't be serious; there has to be something, some trace of my parents."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Look, kiddo, if your parents gave you up, maybe it's best if you don't-"Ace stands up abruptly, rocking Cas as she does so./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I just want to know who they are; I don't care if they're alive or dead or want me back; I need to know who I am and where I come from." She storms out of the commons room and into the dungeon hallways./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Maybe I can find my brother again if I venture further…/em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Merlin's beard, you took so long to leave I almost left." Merula's voice rings clear in her head, and Ace panics frantically, looking around for her. "Silenco." Merula casts a silencing charm on Ace, and now she knows Merula has something grand planned up her sleeve./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Ace tries to scream, but nothing comes out, just air. She knows calling for help will be useless, and this time there would be no point in resisting. It would be wise to play along then resist; more injury and pain would come if she tried to resist./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Had you just accepted my friendship, and kept your head down, and not outdone me in grades, we wouldn't be having this issue."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Merula, I'm sorry, please, just let me-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Shut up! I gave you your chance, but you denied me and became Snape's little whore instead. That role belonged to me, he was supposed to privately tutor me, but no, you occupied his time with detention every day and ruined that chance for me."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Please-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Stupefy!" She shouts, and Ace flies backwards, slamming her back into the wall, passing out. Merula moves out from the shadows, shaking her head at her first year, and squats in front of her. "It's such a waste you hang out with the Weasley's; you could be so much better." Merula casts a spell changing her colour once again to ginger like the Weasley's, binds here in enchanted rope, and levitates her. "No one is going to find you for a very long time, and when they do, you'll most likely be dead."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Merula managed to smuggle her out of the castle by covering shadows and tricks of eyes using magic. It was the most challenging thing she'd done, but she wasn't done yet; she still had one more thing to do before she would let Skotadi wake up. She had to be careful that she didn't get caught or wake her up, otherwise, her plan would fail./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Ace would be lucky if she survived the night, let alone the next day, but she didn't know that./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Not yet./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"***/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Today is your end of term lab, this lab accounts for 28% of your grade, if you fail it, you will be doing detention with me for three weeks." He waves his hand over the chalkboard, and the recipe appears. He looks out amongst the students, and he took note that she was missing. She wouldn't dare miss one of her tests, in fact she was always early to them, always ready to go by the time class started./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Something was wrong; he could feel it./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Does anyone know where Skotadi is?" He calls out over the classroom, and the students give him puzzled faces and then turn to whisper to another. "No one?" Dead silence. "If anyone tells me where she is, I will give curve the grade by five per cent." There was still nothing from the students. "I demand complete silence while doing your exam, should anyone cheat or speak I will know, and you will be disqualified immediately." The clock begins to tick down, and Snape goes into his office, looking for her schedule./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Wait, why was he doing this, she was just another student trying a last-ditch effort for more time to study, he's seen it before. Don't go to class the day the test is due and make it up another a day. He never offered a second chance he just gave them zeros. You should always attempt to try because even if you only get twenty per cent, it's still better than taking a zero./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He finds her schedule, time to talk to Sprout and McGonagall. If she hadn't attended classes with either of them, something was wrong./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Snape sores out of his classroom and makes his way up to the ground level and bursts into McGinagalls classroom./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Severus!" McGonagall says with a small jump and places a hand on her chest./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""A word, alone?" McGonagall nods and walks towards Severus. "Continue your assignment, I will be back shortly." Snape moves out of the way, and McGonagall shuts the door behind her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""What can I help you with Severus?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Was Skotadi in your class this morning?" He almost snaps at her, and McGonagall looks slightly taken back by his tone./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Why, no, as a matter of fact, she wasn't." Snape grinds his teeth and ends up more paranoid than before./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Did Sprout happen to mention anything about her?" McGonagall shakes her head no./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""No, I don't believe so. I thought she was ditching class." Snape rolls his eyes at her. Clearly, she didn't even know her own student, that was not typical of Minerva; usually, she could crack them open like an egg and figure out their mannerisms./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""That's quite unusual of you to not know your own student, Minerva." Minerva straightens he posture, she knew what he was insulating. He had been right on several occasions of her playing favourites. Still, this student had no exterior, she was cold and empty, hardly showed emotion./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""She's been the hardest to assess yet, Severus." A pause. "Now, if you know her so well," She pushes her glasses up her nose. "Why isn't she in class?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I believe I may be able to help with that." Snape turns around, and Minerva steps over so she can see over Severus. It was Villin./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Do, tell." Snape draws out./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""She left last night to go take a walk, I waited for her to come back and she never did." He settles to standing a few feet away from Snape and McGonagall. "I checked with her bedmates, and they said she wasn't in her room when she woke up, she's gonna missing."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""We must alert Dumbledore at once. We need to find her."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Go ahead, I will join you shortly, Mr Villin and I have something to discuss." Minerva turns and heads towards Dumbledore's tower. Snape waits until her clicking of heels can no longer be heard. He grabs Cas' collar and pushes him up against the wall. "I know you know more than you're letting on. Where is she?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""So protective of her, ay," He smirks. "Professor?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Where is she Villin?" He chuckles./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I truly don't know, sir, but, tell me…" His eyes flash to a darker, almost black colour, a sign of corruption. Corruption from what, or rather who? "Do you care for all of your students this way, or is it just her?" Snape lets go of him and storms off towards the direction of the tower./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""You know!" Cas calls to Snape. "I've been conditioning her since day one!" Snape stops dead in his tracks./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Whatever for, Mr Villin?" Cas holds his arms out./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""For /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"him/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true", of course. That way, when she's of age, she'll be ready to join the /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"club/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"." He squints his eyes, and a small mischievous smile stretches on his lips./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"The club, of death eaters. How did he know of the death eaters, why was he conditioning her in the first place?/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Unless…/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Unless Ace really was his daughter after all!/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"She was too young to be his, perhaps Cas was wrong, maybe she would just be a powerful asset for the Death Eaters./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Either way, know that he knew she was to be conditioned, he would have to take her under his wing, it was after all Voldemort, and Dumbledore's request. It was his duty now to train her, to have her join him in his dual agency./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"That would take years, and he didn't want to spend a single minute with her. Yet, she did show a ton of promise, and she was an heir of Slytherin, that was made evident./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Maybe she wasn't as bad as he thought, but time would have to tell./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He makes his way up to Dumbledore's office where Minerva and Albus are conversing frantically./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Severus, good, you're here." Minerva is panicked, while she may not yet fully understand Skotadi, but she did still care for her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Severus, just in time."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Indeed." Dumbledore stands up from his desk and grabs Minerva's hands in comfort. "Easy now, Minerva." He turns his attention to Snape, his blue eyes twinkling with questions. "What do we know, Severus."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Ms Skotadi has only missed classes due to her injuries, other than that she's been punctual to every class, and hasn't missed one. Mr Villin himself even said he she hadn't returned from her walk last night. I suspect," A brief pause as he glances to Minerva. "That someone is behind her absences."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Indeed," Dumbledore says nodding and walks around to his chair behind the desk. "And how do you plan on finding her?" He sits down in his chair, and his Phoenix, Fawkes flies and perches on the corner of the chair./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""We could summon something of hers that she's wearing and track her from there, but we run into the risk of hurting her if we do so," Minerva says, though it was more for her to hear than anyone else. She was finally worried about Snape's prized student, a student she hadn't been able to get personal with. Perhaps after this commotion, she would keep a more careful watch on her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""That would take too long, and we have no idea where she is. There is always the tracking charm, but you would have to do headmaster." Dumbledores eyes glisten in the pale light of the room. The old man's twinkle, as Snape referred to it, was a sign that something was up to his sleeve./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""or, you could get Merula to tell the truth." Come's Bill's voice. Minerva and Snape snap around to look at him./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Mr Weasley, that is a bold accusation, do you have any proof as- "McGonagall begins, but is rudely interrupted by Bill./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I heard her talking with her gang about how she hid Ace, and no one will find her."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Oh, dear." McGonagall says, and Snape storms out of the office with McGonagall and Bill following behind as close as possible, but neither was able to keep up with Snape's long strides and his billowing cloak, he was in the end, too fast./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He had made his way to Professor Smith's classroom, he taught DADA, which means Snyde was in here./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Snape flings open the door and walks up to Smith./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Professor Snape, what can I do for you?" No one else besides Smith can hear Snape's words just the response of DADA professor. "Yes, of course, do what you must, bring the student back safe." Snape turns and pinpoints Merula in the crowd and points to her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""With me, quickly." Snape flows out of the room and Merula follows behind. Snape closes the door just in time as Bill and McGonagall approach them./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Ms Snyde, we will ask you this once," McGonagall begins, and Bill puts on his stern face to try and intimidate her. "Where have you hid Ms Skoatdi?" Merula doesn't say a word just raises an eyebrow and studies everyone. No one was going to get her to confess, not willingly at least./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I can use truth serum on a student when someone's life is in danger, you tell us now, or I will force it out of you." Snape barks at her. Merula stares into the coals of his eyes, and she smirks, if she was going to tell anyone, it would have to be forced out of her, and she wasn't about to make it easy for them./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Then you'll have to use it against, but hurry fast, because where she is at, she won't last another hour." Snape knew the only way to figure out where Skotadi was to use legilimency on her, and he knew, that if he used it, he could be tried for abuse of power. Perhaps if he were to be tried, he could say it was to save a life, that would indeed hold up at the ministry./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"If another student died at Hogwarts, the ministry would motion for Hogwarts to shut down until the issue would be resolved. If he used legillemans, he would surely be tried, but he knew with the right words he could off practically free./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"It was a choice between his position as a teacher, as dumbledores second in command and informant for the dark lord's plans, or a student's life. A student who could possibly be related to the dark lord himself, and should he save her, he could still play both sides as Dumbledore wants./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Legillemns!" Merla's eyes go wide, and she realizes it's too late, he was in her mind, a mind that was all too easy for him to read./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He sees bits and pieces, Merula hiding in the shadows and Ace walking out of the Slytherin Common Room./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;""Teachers whore…" Merula's/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" voice rings clear in his head./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;""Merula! No!" /emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Skotadi's plea is of fear, and it almost hurts his head./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He needed to go. Further, he needed to find the location where Merula hid her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Water, cold mist, and an island in the middle of nowhere. Hogwarts in the background./em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He leaves Merula's head, and she falls to the floor, grasping her head in pain./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Severus, that is highly illegal, you can't-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I know where she's at. Take Ms Snyde to Dumbledore, tell him everything." Snape turns to run, but McGonagall lays a hand on his shoulder./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Where are you going, I need you to back me-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I'm going to get my student." He runs down the hallway, out the front step and around the side to the lake./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Skotadi was out there, and he had to figure out how he was going to get to her and quick. She could die from hypothermia, from lack of food and water, or a creature. Time was of the essence./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He couldn't apparate, he didn't know the spot well enough, and Hogwarts wouldn't let him. That left him with flying, but even that would take time./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"You don't know which island, you don't know how far away she is, so what can you do?/em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"You have no potions that will work./em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"You're out of ideas./em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Think man, think!/em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"PATRONUS!/em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He may not be able to get to her in time, but his Patronus can, and it can alert him while protecting her from any creatures that may come her way./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Expelliarmus!" A white doe springs from the end of his wand and begins to run across the lake, and now was time for him to track her. "Appare Vestigum." He whispers into a hand, and gold dust appears within in his hands, he blows it out, and images take place, but no footprints of Skotadi are to be seen./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Snyde reaches a hand up to grab something./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Gold powder begins to form a picture, and it's not something it's someone./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Skotadi! Show me her!" The gold dust forms a trail faster than anyone can blink and Snape is flying as quickly as possible towards her. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He's going faster than he ever has, this student was crucial. He knew that he could feel that. She was powerful, and she would serve useful for Voldermort since it was being made evident he wanted her, though, that was the last thing he wanted for her. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" He may not have liked her, or even wanted to acknowledge her as she was nothing more than a blithering dunderhead, but he knew Voldermort would be furious if she didn't join the death eaters. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" So, here he was chasing after a blithering idiot because this Merula Snyde couldn't handle having Skotadi ahead of her. Snyde had come to believe she was entitled to what he was about to give Skotadi. *Private lessons.* /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" The mountains he flew past blurred together like a painting from Vincent Van Gogh, but he wasn't focused on that. No, his only focus was this child, this student that he knew he needed to personally make sure she was given the proper instruction and best options for her future, or rather the death eaters. That was his job now, prep her for the Dark Lord, and under his careful tutelage, train her to be a Death Eater./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Yet, despite all that, he still cared for this student. He still felt an… attachment to her somehow, and he wanted to know why. Was it the dark lords doing, or something else? Was it just his misjudgment he was allowing to seep through? Whatever it was, he would get to the bottom of it, and he would stop it./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Suddenly a bright white light erupts into the sky, it's his Patronus, it's Skotadi he found her. He banks at a sharp left and practically dives to the tiny little island./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" His Patronus is curled up around Morana's body, and at first glance, she looks fine./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" As he lands on the island and runs up to her and his Patronus, he can see that her lips are blue and that she's not shivering. He Accio's a pepper up potion and practically forces her to drink it. The steam that came from her ears was the most he had ever seen in his entire career of teaching potions, her body temperature was extremely low./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" He felt for her pulse just under her chin, and at the touch, she makes a small movement and a sound so quiet he thought he imagined it./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Morana, are you okay, are you hurt?" She opens her eyes enough to know someone was in front of her, but whoever they were they were blurry and dressed mostly in black. /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Don't I have a Professor who dresses like that? What's his name? /em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Her thoughts were scattered; she couldn't think straight, and all that came from her was a garbled mess of mumbles and slurred words that Severus couldn't make out./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Severus pulls his cloak off and lays it on her to hopefully provide her with some form of warmth as Merula had left her in nothing but the white undershirt, grey skirt, leggings, and shoes. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"There was more than enough attention to convict Merula of trying to kill Morana. Enough to get her expelled and permanently banned from the wizarding community. Perhaps enough to forbid her to ever use magic again? Was that possible?/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Severus gently pulls Morana into him, her limp body no help to him. He hadn't realized just how cold her body was. He had to hurry, there wasn't much time left. He stands up, holding Morana closer and tighter to him, and flies back to Hogwarts and lands just outside the infirmary. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He places a forearm under the bend in her knees and carries her into Pomfrey. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Oh, dear." Pomfrey heads to a bed and pulls the sheets back for Severus to set her down. "I'll get some extra blankest and a pepper-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I already gave her one." Severus snaps at her. "Get her a warm, non-caffeinated drink, and I need six warm compresses immediately." He grabs a white medical coat hanging on one of the racks next to a bed and waits for Pomfrey. She comes back carrying the six compresses like he requested. "Remove her clothes and put the coat on her." She does as asked and as soon as she's done, Severus turns around and places the compresses. Two at her feet, one in between the legs, two for under the arms, and one around the neck. "I will be back to check on her," He says as he gathers the sheets off the other beds and begins to lay them on her. "In the meantime, keep watch on her, offer her a pepper up potion if absolutely need be, make her drink warm fluids, and if anything changes. Anything, at all, you send for me immediately." He puts the last blanket on her and takes one long last look at her face before turning and heading towards dumbledores office./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He's never travelled this fast up the stairs to the Headmasters office before in his life, he has never been this angry, he's never had this much hatred flow through him before. Not even with Potter and his gang. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He bursts into the office, and everyone but Dumbledore jumps in surprise, he just looks up from Merula and straight to Severus./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Everyone out." Snape bellows and they all scramble to get out of the room. Severus is, at this point, only seeing red. He is seething and ready to tear Albus limb from limb./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Is she safe?" Dumbledore asks, trying to calm him down. Severus slams his hands down on the desk and leans forward into Albus./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""If you think you can get away with giving Merula Snyde detention, you're wrong. Should you not put her on an indefinite suspension until you and the ministry of magic decide what to do with her, I will personally report you to them and testify against you. No more bullies getting off scot-free. Are we clear?" His body is shaking with anger. He would let the marauders be the last group of bullies to get off free of charge; and on that, he swore. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Then, I see my hands are tied, Severus." Dumbledore gets up calmly, and Snape straightens himself./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""What are your plans for Skotadi?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I see you've taken an interest in her after all."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""That was not why I asked." He growls./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""There is nothing I can do for her Severus." He steps around him, and his anger turned to primal rage. A sneer grew on the left corner of his mouth, and he lets out an audible growl this time, grabbing Dumbledores forearm in the process and forcing him to face him./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""That is a lie, and you know it!" He shouts./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""What would you have me do then?" Snape takes a second, not expecting Dumbledore to comply, not expecting to be able to provide a solution. He expected to have more arguing to do. Then, the answer hits him./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Grant her the ability to use the prefect dorms and bathrooms." Dumbledore studies Severus, and then, with a look of defeat on his face, sighs./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""It is Christmas break tomorrow, Skotadi is staying here, Snyde is leaving and going on indefinite suspension. There is no need to do that." He did have a point, she would go unbothered for almost an entire month. At the time, there was no point./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Severus lets Dumbledore's arm go and cross his arms over his chest./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""And if she comes back?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""If Ms Snyde is deemed fit to return to Hogwarts, Ms Skotadi may have the privileges of using the prefect dormitories and toilets." Snape gives him a curt nod and then leaves, leaving Dumbledore watching as the door closes. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"McGonagall comes in with Merula in tow./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Is everything alright?" Her eyes are wide with concern, and he gives her the politest smile he can manage./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Of course, my dear." He goes to sit behind his desk once again, and McGonagall motions for Merula to take a seat. She does./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Ms Skotadi has been found and is expected to make a full recovery." A pause. "In the meantime, I'm afraid I have some bad news.."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Bill had invited her to stay with them during the holidays. Still, she politely declined saying she was hoping to stay and find her parentage through mass amounts of research. He was slightly disappointed, but he understood./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Her parentage was essential to her, it was since day one, and he wasn't about to get in front of her need to find her family, especially not a Slytherin./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Merula had become abnormally quiet since she called Ace a teachers whore. She hadn't even seen Merula in the halls since then. She was too quiet; something was coming, something nasty. It would arrive within the next few days seeing as she wasn't going to let her off during the break./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Classes were done, and she was sitting with Cas in the commons, her legs across his. The fire was roaring today as the dungeons were the coldest it's been yet./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""So, you really think you can find your parents?" Cas says, flipping a page of the book that sat in his lap./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""If I'm an heir of one of the founders of the school, then how hard could it be to figure out my parentage? Surely they kept a close eye on the lineage." Ace says, looking up into Cas' eyes./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""You would be surprised at how little we keep track of lineages. Most of us don't care, as we already know about our family history." Ace rolls her sighs./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""You can't be serious; there has to be something, some trace of my parents."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Look, kiddo, if your parents gave you up, maybe it's best if you don't-"Ace stands up abruptly, rocking Cas as she does so./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I just want to know who they are; I don't care if they're alive or dead or want me back; I need to know who I am and where I come from." She storms out of the commons room and into the dungeon hallways./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Maybe I can find my brother again if I venture further…/em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Merlin's beard, you took so long to leave I almost left." Merula's voice rings clear in her head, and Ace panics frantically, looking around for her. "Silenco." Merula casts a silencing charm on Ace, and now she knows Merula has something grand planned up her sleeve./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Ace tries to scream, but nothing comes out, just air. She knows calling for help will be useless, and this time there would be no point in resisting. It would be wise to play along then resist; more injury and pain would come if she tried to resist./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Had you just accepted my friendship, and kept your head down, and not outdone me in grades, we wouldn't be having this issue."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Merula, I'm sorry, please, just let me-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Shut up! I gave you your chance, but you denied me and became Snape's little whore instead. That role belonged to me, he was supposed to privately tutor me, but no, you occupied his time with detention every day and ruined that chance for me."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Please-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Stupefy!" She shouts, and Ace flies backwards, slamming her back into the wall, passing out. Merula moves out from the shadows, shaking her head at her first year, and squats in front of her. "It's such a waste you hang out with the Weasley's; you could be so much better." Merula casts a spell changing her colour once again to ginger like the Weasley's, binds here in enchanted rope, and levitates her. "No one is going to find you for a very long time, and when they do, you'll most likely be dead."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Merula managed to smuggle her out of the castle by covering shadows and tricks of eyes using magic. It was the most challenging thing she'd done, but she wasn't done yet; she still had one more thing to do before she would let Skotadi wake up. She had to be careful that she didn't get caught or wake her up, otherwise, her plan would fail./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Ace would be lucky if she survived the night, let alone the next day, but she didn't know that./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Not yet./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"***/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Today is your end of term lab, this lab accounts for 28% of your grade, if you fail it, you will be doing detention with me for three weeks." He waves his hand over the chalkboard, and the recipe appears. He looks out amongst the students, and he took note that she was missing. She wouldn't dare miss one of her tests, in fact she was always early to them, always ready to go by the time class started./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Something was wrong; he could feel it./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Does anyone know where Skotadi is?" He calls out over the classroom, and the students give him puzzled faces and then turn to whisper to another. "No one?" Dead silence. "If anyone tells me where she is, I will give curve the grade by five per cent." There was still nothing from the students. "I demand complete silence while doing your exam, should anyone cheat or speak I will know, and you will be disqualified immediately." The clock begins to tick down, and Snape goes into his office, looking for her schedule./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Wait, why was he doing this, she was just another student trying a last-ditch effort for more time to study, he's seen it before. Don't go to class the day the test is due and make it up another a day. He never offered a second chance he just gave them zeros. You should always attempt to try because even if you only get twenty per cent, it's still better than taking a zero./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He finds her schedule, time to talk to Sprout and McGonagall. If she hadn't attended classes with either of them, something was wrong./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Snape sores out of his classroom and makes his way up to the ground level and bursts into McGinagalls classroom./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Severus!" McGonagall says with a small jump and places a hand on her chest./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""A word, alone?" McGonagall nods and walks towards Severus. "Continue your assignment, I will be back shortly." Snape moves out of the way, and McGonagall shuts the door behind her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""What can I help you with Severus?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Was Skotadi in your class this morning?" He almost snaps at her, and McGonagall looks slightly taken back by his tone./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Why, no, as a matter of fact, she wasn't." Snape grinds his teeth and ends up more paranoid than before./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Did Sprout happen to mention anything about her?" McGonagall shakes her head no./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""No, I don't believe so. I thought she was ditching class." Snape rolls his eyes at her. Clearly, she didn't even know her own student, that was not typical of Minerva; usually, she could crack them open like an egg and figure out their mannerisms./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""That's quite unusual of you to not know your own student, Minerva." Minerva straightens he posture, she knew what he was insulating. He had been right on several occasions of her playing favourites. Still, this student had no exterior, she was cold and empty, hardly showed emotion./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""She's been the hardest to assess yet, Severus." A pause. "Now, if you know her so well," She pushes her glasses up her nose. "Why isn't she in class?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I believe I may be able to help with that." Snape turns around, and Minerva steps over so she can see over Severus. It was Villin./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Do, tell." Snape draws out./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""She left last night to go take a walk, I waited for her to come back and she never did." He settles to standing a few feet away from Snape and McGonagall. "I checked with her bedmates, and they said she wasn't in her room when she woke up, she's gonna missing."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""We must alert Dumbledore at once. We need to find her."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Go ahead, I will join you shortly, Mr Villin and I have something to discuss." Minerva turns and heads towards Dumbledore's tower. Snape waits until her clicking of heels can no longer be heard. He grabs Cas' collar and pushes him up against the wall. "I know you know more than you're letting on. Where is she?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""So protective of her, ay," He smirks. "Professor?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Where is she Villin?" He chuckles./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I truly don't know, sir, but, tell me…" His eyes flash to a darker, almost black colour, a sign of corruption. Corruption from what, or rather who? "Do you care for all of your students this way, or is it just her?" Snape lets go of him and storms off towards the direction of the tower./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""You know!" Cas calls to Snape. "I've been conditioning her since day one!" Snape stops dead in his tracks./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Whatever for, Mr Villin?" Cas holds his arms out./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""For /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"him/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true", of course. That way, when she's of age, she'll be ready to join the /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"club/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"." He squints his eyes, and a small mischievous smile stretches on his lips./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"The club, of death eaters. How did he know of the death eaters, why was he conditioning her in the first place?/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Unless…/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Unless Ace really was his daughter after all!/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"She was too young to be his, perhaps Cas was wrong, maybe she would just be a powerful asset for the Death Eaters./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Either way, know that he knew she was to be conditioned, he would have to take her under his wing, it was after all Voldemort, and Dumbledore's request. It was his duty now to train her, to have her join him in his dual agency./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"That would take years, and he didn't want to spend a single minute with her. Yet, she did show a ton of promise, and she was an heir of Slytherin, that was made evident./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Maybe she wasn't as bad as he thought, but time would have to tell./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He makes his way up to Dumbledore's office where Minerva and Albus are conversing frantically./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Severus, good, you're here." Minerva is panicked, while she may not yet fully understand Skotadi, but she did still care for her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Severus, just in time."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Indeed." Dumbledore stands up from his desk and grabs Minerva's hands in comfort. "Easy now, Minerva." He turns his attention to Snape, his blue eyes twinkling with questions. "What do we know, Severus."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Ms Skotadi has only missed classes due to her injuries, other than that she's been punctual to every class, and hasn't missed one. Mr Villin himself even said he she hadn't returned from her walk last night. I suspect," A brief pause as he glances to Minerva. "That someone is behind her absences."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Indeed," Dumbledore says nodding and walks around to his chair behind the desk. "And how do you plan on finding her?" He sits down in his chair, and his Phoenix, Fawkes flies and perches on the corner of the chair./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""We could summon something of hers that she's wearing and track her from there, but we run into the risk of hurting her if we do so," Minerva says, though it was more for her to hear than anyone else. She was finally worried about Snape's prized student, a student she hadn't been able to get personal with. Perhaps after this commotion, she would keep a more careful watch on her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""That would take too long, and we have no idea where she is. There is always the tracking charm, but you would have to do headmaster." Dumbledores eyes glisten in the pale light of the room. The old man's twinkle, as Snape referred to it, was a sign that something was up to his sleeve./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""or, you could get Merula to tell the truth." Come's Bill's voice. Minerva and Snape snap around to look at him./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Mr Weasley, that is a bold accusation, do you have any proof as- "McGonagall begins, but is rudely interrupted by Bill./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I heard her talking with her gang about how she hid Ace, and no one will find her."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Oh, dear." McGonagall says, and Snape storms out of the office with McGonagall and Bill following behind as close as possible, but neither was able to keep up with Snape's long strides and his billowing cloak, he was in the end, too fast./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He had made his way to Professor Smith's classroom, he taught DADA, which means Snyde was in here./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Snape flings open the door and walks up to Smith./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Professor Snape, what can I do for you?" No one else besides Smith can hear Snape's words just the response of DADA professor. "Yes, of course, do what you must, bring the student back safe." Snape turns and pinpoints Merula in the crowd and points to her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""With me, quickly." Snape flows out of the room and Merula follows behind. Snape closes the door just in time as Bill and McGonagall approach them./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Ms Snyde, we will ask you this once," McGonagall begins, and Bill puts on his stern face to try and intimidate her. "Where have you hid Ms Skoatdi?" Merula doesn't say a word just raises an eyebrow and studies everyone. No one was going to get her to confess, not willingly at least./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I can use truth serum on a student when someone's life is in danger, you tell us now, or I will force it out of you." Snape barks at her. Merula stares into the coals of his eyes, and she smirks, if she was going to tell anyone, it would have to be forced out of her, and she wasn't about to make it easy for them./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Then you'll have to use it against, but hurry fast, because where she is at, she won't last another hour." Snape knew the only way to figure out where Skotadi was to use legilimency on her, and he knew, that if he used it, he could be tried for abuse of power. Perhaps if he were to be tried, he could say it was to save a life, that would indeed hold up at the ministry./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"If another student died at Hogwarts, the ministry would motion for Hogwarts to shut down until the issue would be resolved. If he used legillemans, he would surely be tried, but he knew with the right words he could off practically free./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"It was a choice between his position as a teacher, as dumbledores second in command and informant for the dark lord's plans, or a student's life. A student who could possibly be related to the dark lord himself, and should he save her, he could still play both sides as Dumbledore wants./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Legillemns!" Merla's eyes go wide, and she realizes it's too late, he was in her mind, a mind that was all too easy for him to read./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He sees bits and pieces, Merula hiding in the shadows and Ace walking out of the Slytherin Common Room./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;""Teachers whore…" Merula's/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" voice rings clear in his head./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;""Merula! No!" /emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Skotadi's plea is of fear, and it almost hurts his head./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He needed to go. Further, he needed to find the location where Merula hid her./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Water, cold mist, and an island in the middle of nowhere. Hogwarts in the background./em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He leaves Merula's head, and she falls to the floor, grasping her head in pain./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Severus, that is highly illegal, you can't-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I know where she's at. Take Ms Snyde to Dumbledore, tell him everything." Snape turns to run, but McGonagall lays a hand on his shoulder./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Where are you going, I need you to back me-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I'm going to get my student." He runs down the hallway, out the front step and around the side to the lake./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Skotadi was out there, and he had to figure out how he was going to get to her and quick. She could die from hypothermia, from lack of food and water, or a creature. Time was of the essence./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He couldn't apparate, he didn't know the spot well enough, and Hogwarts wouldn't let him. That left him with flying, but even that would take time./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"You don't know which island, you don't know how far away she is, so what can you do?/em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"You have no potions that will work./em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"You're out of ideas./em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Think man, think!/em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"em style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"PATRONUS!/em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He may not be able to get to her in time, but his Patronus can, and it can alert him while protecting her from any creatures that may come her way./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Expelliarmus!" A white doe springs from the end of his wand and begins to run across the lake, and now was time for him to track her. "Appare Vestigum." He whispers into a hand, and gold dust appears within in his hands, he blows it out, and images take place, but no footprints of Skotadi are to be seen./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Snyde reaches a hand up to grab something./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Gold powder begins to form a picture, and it's not something it's someone./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Skotadi! Show me her!" The gold dust forms a trail faster than anyone can blink and Snape is flying as quickly as possible towards her. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He's going faster than he ever has, this student was crucial. He knew that he could feel that. She was powerful, and she would serve useful for Voldermort since it was being made evident he wanted her, though, that was the last thing he wanted for her. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" He may not have liked her, or even wanted to acknowledge her as she was nothing more than a blithering dunderhead, but he knew Voldermort would be furious if she didn't join the death eaters. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" So, here he was chasing after a blithering idiot because this Merula Snyde couldn't handle having Skotadi ahead of her. Snyde had come to believe she was entitled to what he was about to give Skotadi. *Private lessons.* /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" The mountains he flew past blurred together like a painting from Vincent Van Gogh, but he wasn't focused on that. No, his only focus was this child, this student that he knew he needed to personally make sure she was given the proper instruction and best options for her future, or rather the death eaters. That was his job now, prep her for the Dark Lord, and under his careful tutelage, train her to be a Death Eater./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Yet, despite all that, he still cared for this student. He still felt an… attachment to her somehow, and he wanted to know why. Was it the dark lords doing, or something else? Was it just his misjudgment he was allowing to seep through? Whatever it was, he would get to the bottom of it, and he would stop it./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Suddenly a bright white light erupts into the sky, it's his Patronus, it's Skotadi he found her. He banks at a sharp left and practically dives to the tiny little island./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" His Patronus is curled up around Morana's body, and at first glance, she looks fine./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" As he lands on the island and runs up to her and his Patronus, he can see that her lips are blue and that she's not shivering. He Accio's a pepper up potion and practically forces her to drink it. The steam that came from her ears was the most he had ever seen in his entire career of teaching potions, her body temperature was extremely low./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" He felt for her pulse just under her chin, and at the touch, she makes a small movement and a sound so quiet he thought he imagined it./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Morana, are you okay, are you hurt?" She opens her eyes enough to know someone was in front of her, but whoever they were they were blurry and dressed mostly in black. /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Don't I have a Professor who dresses like that? What's his name? /em/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Her thoughts were scattered; she couldn't think straight, and all that came from her was a garbled mess of mumbles and slurred words that Severus couldn't make out./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" Severus pulls his cloak off and lays it on her to hopefully provide her with some form of warmth as Merula had left her in nothing but the white undershirt, grey skirt, leggings, and shoes. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"There was more than enough attention to convict Merula of trying to kill Morana. Enough to get her expelled and permanently banned from the wizarding community. Perhaps enough to forbid her to ever use magic again? Was that possible?/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Severus gently pulls Morana into him, her limp body no help to him. He hadn't realized just how cold her body was. He had to hurry, there wasn't much time left. He stands up, holding Morana closer and tighter to him, and flies back to Hogwarts and lands just outside the infirmary. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He places a forearm under the bend in her knees and carries her into Pomfrey. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Oh, dear." Pomfrey heads to a bed and pulls the sheets back for Severus to set her down. "I'll get some extra blankest and a pepper-"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I already gave her one." Severus snaps at her. "Get her a warm, non-caffeinated drink, and I need six warm compresses immediately." He grabs a white medical coat hanging on one of the racks next to a bed and waits for Pomfrey. She comes back carrying the six compresses like he requested. "Remove her clothes and put the coat on her." She does as asked and as soon as she's done, Severus turns around and places the compresses. Two at her feet, one in between the legs, two for under the arms, and one around the neck. "I will be back to check on her," He says as he gathers the sheets off the other beds and begins to lay them on her. "In the meantime, keep watch on her, offer her a pepper up potion if absolutely need be, make her drink warm fluids, and if anything changes. Anything, at all, you send for me immediately." He puts the last blanket on her and takes one long last look at her face before turning and heading towards dumbledores office./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He's never travelled this fast up the stairs to the Headmasters office before in his life, he has never been this angry, he's never had this much hatred flow through him before. Not even with Potter and his gang. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"He bursts into the office, and everyone but Dumbledore jumps in surprise, he just looks up from Merula and straight to Severus./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Everyone out." Snape bellows and they all scramble to get out of the room. Severus is, at this point, only seeing red. He is seething and ready to tear Albus limb from limb./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Is she safe?" Dumbledore asks, trying to calm him down. Severus slams his hands down on the desk and leans forward into Albus./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""If you think you can get away with giving Merula Snyde detention, you're wrong. Should you not put her on an indefinite suspension until you and the ministry of magic decide what to do with her, I will personally report you to them and testify against you. No more bullies getting off scot-free. Are we clear?" His body is shaking with anger. He would let the marauders be the last group of bullies to get off free of charge; and on that, he swore. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" "Then, I see my hands are tied, Severus." Dumbledore gets up calmly, and Snape straightens himself./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""What are your plans for Skotadi?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I see you've taken an interest in her after all."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""That was not why I asked." He growls./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""There is nothing I can do for her Severus." He steps around him, and his anger turned to primal rage. A sneer grew on the left corner of his mouth, and he lets out an audible growl this time, grabbing Dumbledores forearm in the process and forcing him to face him./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""That is a lie, and you know it!" He shouts./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""What would you have me do then?" Snape takes a second, not expecting Dumbledore to comply, not expecting to be able to provide a solution. He expected to have more arguing to do. Then, the answer hits him./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Grant her the ability to use the prefect dorms and bathrooms." Dumbledore studies Severus, and then, with a look of defeat on his face, sighs./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""It is Christmas break tomorrow, Skotadi is staying here, Snyde is leaving and going on indefinite suspension. There is no need to do that." He did have a point, she would go unbothered for almost an entire month. At the time, there was no point./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Severus lets Dumbledore's arm go and cross his arms over his chest./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""And if she comes back?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""If Ms Snyde is deemed fit to return to Hogwarts, Ms Skotadi may have the privileges of using the prefect dormitories and toilets." Snape gives him a curt nod and then leaves, leaving Dumbledore watching as the door closes. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"McGonagall comes in with Merula in tow./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Is everything alright?" Her eyes are wide with concern, and he gives her the politest smile he can manage./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Of course, my dear." He goes to sit behind his desk once again, and McGonagall motions for Merula to take a seat. She does./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Ms Skotadi has been found and is expected to make a full recovery." A pause. "In the meantime, I'm afraid I have some bad news.."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" /span/p