Hello, everyone! This chapter is going to be a little longer than normal!

Poppy POV

"He was at his home one night . . . before I speak of this Poppy, you must promise to not tell Severus what I know. He can't know. Not yet."

" I promise."

" Well, Lily was distraught over Severus' betrayal. She proceeded to marry James. Before they were married however . . . Severus was at his home in Spinner's End. Lily arrived on his doorstep, begging him to come home . . . Lily came to me a few weeks later. She looked a mess. Her face all red and dried tears glazed her cheeks. She told me she was pregnant. To a child due near the end of July. She had previously known of the prophecy as she was in the Order. She was . . . terrified. I asked her if James knew and she immediately paled. I assumed she was scared because of the prophecy and that was the reason she didn't want to tell him. She told me a bit of . . . concerning details surrounding the pregnancy. She left and a few months later, Severus showed up outside the castle gates. He was on the verge of tears. He told me You Know Who found out Lily was with child. He also said he found out it was twins, just as the prophecy predicted. Severus knew what the Dark Lord intended to do to her once he found her and the children, he begged me to hide them all. I asked what in return would he do for me. He told me, anything. I proceeded to give both the Longbottoms and the Potters every measure of security I could muster. Severus in return turned spy for us. He helped deliver valuable information that significantly turned the tides of the war. But it was too late. As you know, You Know Who found the Potters. After Lily had been killed, Severus went to the house first to find James dead and then went up to the nursery to find Lily dead on the floor. He was absolutely distraught over the death of his once best friend. He brought the children to me and Hagrid, Minerva, and I took them to Privet Drive. Lily sent me a patronus, scheduled to see me after she had . . . died. The patronus told me to keep something she had previously told me hidden until all the people involved were ready."

" All the people involved? Involved in what? Who?" I asked cautiously at all this new information.

" Yes, Lily told me I couldn't tell . . . Severus until the proper moment. I couldn't tell him until he no longer had ties with other Death Eaters. She said if he continued to stay loyal or connected to others I could never tell him."

" Tell him what, Albus! Spit it out!" I was getting upset with his foolish riddle like talking.

" The night Lily came to me. To tell me she was with child. She told me who the father was . . ." Now I was confused.

" James, obviously Severus already knew that. Why would she hide it if it's a very well known fact?" I was so confused. Albus looked at me intently waiting for me to figure it out on my own. I thought harder. Why would she try and hide that well known fa-? I gasped. It all makes sense. You could never tell because James and Severus did have many of the same features. It could have been easily hidden. It was. " Albus? You're not saying Severus is their father are you?"

" That is exactly what I'm saying, Poppy."

" How? When?" I asked quickly, needing to know. Albus smiled sadly at me, " Well, I don't believe I need to explain how. When . . . the night Lily went to Severus' home to turn back. She told me what happened. She was in tears, obviously not thinking clearly. Severus brought her inside so no one would see her. She cried while he comforted her and it just happened. She knew they were his and she knew when she found out she was pregnant she needed to cover it up quickly. She made it seem to the rest of the world that they were indeed James'." He looked unsettled about the whole thing and I didn't know what to say.

The more I thought about it, though, the more it made sense. Why Severus was so kind to Anne, the girl who was the spitting image of her mother. Why he was so cold and callous to his other coworkers not including Albus and I, he lost his Lily. His best friend. He obviously loved her and he sounded absolutely broken-hearted when he spoke of breaking his promise to her. That immediately sparked another question within me.

" Albus? Severus told me he broke his promise to Lily. What does that mean?" Albus sighed, but spoke non the less, " Lily begged me to set a meeting for her and Severus after I told her that he turned spy for us. I eventually caved. They met and she begged him if something were to happen to her that he would protect the children. For her. He agreed wholeheartedly. I'm assuming he believes by leaving the children at the Dursleys, where we thought they would be safe, he broke his promise to Lily. The last thing he said to her was 'I promise.' They didn't get the chance to speak again."

I stood in the middle of Albus' large office at a complete loss for words, except, " Oh, poor Severus."

" He's been so misjudged . . . by everyone. But this . . . I need to go have some time to myself, Albus." He understood and sent me off. As I walked down the hall I pondered everything Severus has been through, wondering how he did it. I swept into my place of work and through my office door. Severus was sat asleep on the armchair in the corner of the room. His face looked so relaxed, so young when he slept. His face was swollen and red, from crying. I quickly levitated him and placed him on a bed with a curtain standing around it. I walked back to my office as the tears had begun to fall. They fell for my friend who has suffered so much pain, with more to come. They fell for the children who had so quickly stolen my heart and all the hurt they endured. Why did the world have to be so cruel to this family?

Anne POV

" Oh, ye two are so sweet!" Hagrid smiled at us childishly, " Oi, is that the time! I best be goin' to do some business fer Perfessor Dumbledore, sir! Ye two best be gettin' back to the castle. Good day to ye both, come back soon. Ye know I can't eat all this cake on me own." He waved us off as Harry and I began the trek back up to the castle. I decided that the castle looked beautiful from any point on the grounds. The beautifully carved stone to the solid wood bridges.

Harry tapped my shoulder as we walked, " Hey, Anne . . . race ya'!" Harry broke out into a full sprint. We raced until I reached the back door of the castle. He tried to continue running past me, but I warned him of the consequences of running inside. He understood the punishment I was warning him of and immediately slowed to a walk. I grabbed his hand in an attempt to comfort him. He smiled brightly at me. He appreciated that I knew the way to the Hospital Wing as he was unconscious one of the two times we visited there. When we arrived we noticed curtains surrounding a bed and I wondered who that might be. I pulled Harry along behind me to Poppy's office.

I stopped in my tracks. I peered into the office to find Poppy crying silently at her desk. Quickly, I released Harry's hand and stepped forward to grab hold of her's. She seemed shocked at first, but then calmed. She let the tears flow for another couple of seconds before finding her composure and erasing any sign that the salty liquid had ever infected her joyful face. I wonder what was wrong. Maybe it's the same personal matter Severus dealt with this morning.

" Poppy . . . What's wrong?" I looked at her intently looking for a sign of dishonesty.

" Nothing that you children need to hear about. I was just . . . thinking over some important aspects of . . . a close friend of mine's life." I didn't entirely comprehend what she was explaining, but I nodded non the less. If she wasn't going to tell me the entire truth I would find it from someone else. I think she told me a piece of the truth, but not the whole story. Maybe it wasn't any of my business, but I felt this had something to do with Harry and I. Harry decided to speak from the doorway.

" Where is Severus?" Poppy was deep in thought for a moment, " I told you . . . he's dealing with a personal matter at the moment." Harry looked about ready to roll his eyes. " Yeah, I know you said that. But we haven't seen him since this morning and it's already 5 o'clock . . . I'm not trying to be a burden, but we're just worried about him." I showed my agreement. She sighed deeply and shook her head.

" He just . . . he's going through a tough time right now. A long time ago, he made someone a promise. He's convinced himself he broke that promise. There wasn't anything he could have done about it, but he is adamant that it's his fault." I narrowed my eyes in thought.

" Is the person that he made the promise to mad at him?" I curiously blurted out. Poppy's face saddened more, if that was even possible. " The a . . . the person he made the promise to, passed away, a few years ago. I think maybe the past caught up to him. This person was really close to him." She nodded as if she explained the right way. " Who was it?" At this she stood up and wiped any trace of sorrow away.

" Now then, let's head down to dinner. No more questions. This isn't my matter to speak of . . . alright, dears? Time for dinner." She marched with purpose out of the office as we trailed behind her. We passed by the curtains that surrounded one of the hospital beds and my curiosity peaked, but I wasn't about to get in trouble by invading someone's privacy. I had a feeling though, that I knew who was behind the thin piece of hanging fabric. We arrived in the Great Hall once more with only Poppy and . . . no Severus.

All the teachers looked up and stared, but went back to their meals quicker than last night and this morning. Albus was perched in his tall oak chair like normal, but had lost the merry smile that typically dominated his face. He finally looked like the oldened man he was. As we sat beside him, he grimly smiled at us. I could tell that his mood wasn't a normal thing as the staff glanced curiously at him.

What was wrong with everyone today? Is it us? Have they finally realized the burden we are? Probably. I picked at my dinner having lost my appetite. I looked up from my still full plate to spot Poppy glaring daggers at Albus. And Albus, he just took the cold stare. What did he do to deserve that? Poppy caught me in the midst of her glare looking at her and immediately stopped as if nothing had happened.

" Poppy, I was wondering, could I go to the library?" Poppy sighed, " Yes, but you and Harry behave yourselves." Harry looked up from his meal at that.

" I don't want to go." I was glad he didn't, I needed to be alone for this. " Well, 'e can come on down to me home! Fang 'as taken a likin' to 'em." Hagrid smiled at Harry. And Harry nodded ecstatically. " Alright then you two. Just come back to the Hospital Wing before it gets too late. Hagrid if you wouldn't mind just walking Harry up to the castle doors, that would be great." Hagrid nodded merrily. I motioned to the door asking silently, but politely if I could leave. Poppy silently agreed. I hopped off my chair and walked casually towards the door to begin my mission.

As I walked in the corridor my walk turned to sprint. I quickly found the entrance to the dungeons. I sprinted through the intricate maze of corridors until I reached the portrait I was looking for. I quickly muttered the password and scrambled through the portrait hole. The room was dimly lit, exactly as we left it this morning. I trailed into the living room and saw what I wanted just this morning. I reached for the paper and learned just why Severus refused to give us the paper.

It was about us. Harry and I.

The Twins Who Lived Disappearances

By Rita Skeeter

Terror strikes the magical community! The Twins Who Lived have disappeared from their relatives home in Little Whinging. Harry and Anne Potter both are unaccounted for. The Ministry of Magic's Cornelius Fudge refuses to give answers. Where are the twins? Where will they go once found? Are there any leads? What is being done to find them? Why did they leave in the first place or were they taken?

Questions from all walks of magical life have come to the Ministry, but no one is willing to deliver an answer. Some believe the children were abducted by Death Eaters. The only issue with this theory is there are no known Death Eaters still roaming about.

One theory, from one Lucius Malfoy, a Ministry employee, is that Albus Dumbledore is behind the disappearance. Not many believe this theory, but other Ministry employees such as Mr. Caius, Mr. Yaxley, and Senior Undersecretary Umbridge.

My own personal theory is that the twins wanted a bout of spotlight shined down on them before they officially entered our world. We will never know what truly happened to them until we find them or Minister Cornelius Fudge speaks the truth.

It is asked of the wizarding community to speak up if they know of the whereabouts of the twins. If you the public want the truth, send your tips to the editorial station and not the Ministry.

I stood astounded. Why didn't they tell us we were 'missing'? Well, it doesn't matter right now. Severus wasn't here. I dropped the paper back on the table and sprinted for the door. I ran back towards the Great Hall and discreetly peeked inside. Everyone was still enjoying their dinner, Poppy was still seated at the table. I took off in the direction I needed to go, I knew where he was.

I came to a sudden halt just outside the Hospital Wing does, inside was loud sobbing. I tipped through the Wing, stepping closer and closer to my destination. The place where the sobbing erupted from. I stood on the other side of the thin fabric trying to will myself to go in. But I just stood there. Listening . . .

That's when the sobbing came to a halt. I heard a rustling from behind the curtain and suddenly the curtain wasn't in front of my face anymore. Severus stood there looking drained and in pain. He looked both shocked and unsurprised that it was me standing there. He looked as if he were straining him to keep his composure. I looked at him intently, questioning him with my eyes. He looked me straight in the eye, then erupted into tears. He collapsed back on the bed and held his head in his hands in a desperate attempt to calm himself.

I don't know what took over me, but I slowly walked to him. Trying to appear calm, like I was approaching a wild animal. I placed my hand on his shoulder and he looked up, desperately. And I embraced him, allowing him to spill all his tears. He seemed uncomfortable at first, but then fell back into a rhythm of uncontrollable sobs. I don't know how long this went on, but I comforted him to the best of my ability. I comforted him like I would comfort Harry after a bad dream. Silent, but present, just there. I didn't know how else to be of service. I felt eyes on us, but I didn't turn to see who. I didn't care. I thought they left. I just sat there, being present.

" Anne?" The sobbing slowed to a stop. " Anne, why aren't you with Poppy? Where's your brother?" Questions and questions. He gets to ask them, but never answer them.

" They're eating dinner. I kinda snuck away." I admitted suddenly bashful, " They think I'm in the library." He chuckled at that.

" And why would you want to sneak here?" He asked me genuinely curious. I thought for a moment, " Poppy, told us you were upset about something. I just wanted to see if you were alright. She wouldn't tell us where you were, but it wasn't that hard to figure out." He smiled at me. " You will be the brightest witch of your age." I smiled brightly, never knowing the feeling of having a parental figure be proud of me before. " Did Poppy happen to say what I was upset about?"

" Not exactly. She was very vague. She said you had convinced yourself that you broke a promise to someone. An old friend. She said you didn't break any promise though because there was nothing you could have done." I told him this hoping he would believe the words I spoke and save himself the guilt. He shook his head, shooting down my attempt.

" No, I did break her promise. I . . . did." My curiosity once again peaked and this time I decided not to suppress it, " Whose promise?" He looked pained to hear me ask this. " I don't think I should-" I flared my eyes at him letting him know I needed the truth, " it was . . . a promise I made to your mother." I stiffened, " What promise? What did you promise her? Please . . ." He looked torn between giving me the answers I desperately needed and keeping his pain of the past hidden from everyone.

" I can't tell you how I failed your mother, because you already know." What did he mean? He seemed to read my confusion. " I promised her that . . . I promised your mother that I would protect you and your brother if it was the last thing I did. But I didn't." I didn't understand.

" How have you failed? You haven't brought us into harm's way?" He nodded his head,

" Yes, I have. The night your parents passed, I was the one who went to go retrieve you and your brother. I brought you to Albus, who thought you'd be safe with your relatives. I should have taken you both in right then. Never have let you go to those people's home. I failed your mother and I failed you. I should have protected you when I had the chance." I felt my cheeks burn, almost as red as my hair. " My aunt and uncle weren't that bad. You didn't fail anyone, I promise." He scoffed at what I said.

" I did fail you. Don't lie that your aunt and uncle weren't that bad. I know they were. I know." I swallowed nervously, " Know what?" He looked at me as if it pained him to say it.

" Your Uncle . . . he . . . he didn't just hit you, did he? He did other things. Painful things." I sat quietly awaiting him to say it. Maybe it was a trick to get me to admit something he doesn't know. But I was wrong.

" Anne . . . he raped you, didn't he? And Harry. I know, Poppy and I. That's what the test was for this morning. Not internal injuries. I'm we lied to you, Anne. I failed you, I couldn't protect you from a bloody, overweight muggle." As he spoke the tears silently found their escape from my eyes. One tear turned into two. And two into ten. They just multiplied and now I was the one sobbing uncontrollably, being embraced, in silence. I just thought until I realized it was better not to think. Not to remember those awful nights in the cupboard when Harry was nowhere to be found. I couldn't stop the rivers that exploded from my eyes in a childish manner. All the memories flowed with the river. I remembered everything . . .

" Anne, I'm so sorry." My weeping came to a stop, I shook my head. " It's not your fault." He shuddered and nodded, " Yes, yes it is." I turned to face him automatically.

" No, it's not. I said it's not your fault and that should be enough. I . . . I have something for you. From my mother. When we first saw the letter, Harry and I, we didn't know who it was for. We never opened it. She left a letter for us and inside the envelope was a letter for you, too." He looked shocked. Apprehensive. Terrified. " I have it. Here in my pocket." I reached into the folds of my dress and pulled out the tattered envelope. First, I retrieved the letter addressed to Harry and I. I looked to Severus and asked him if he wanted me to read it. He nodded.

My Dearest Harry & Anne,

I hope you know how much I love you. Even if I don't make it, your father will take care of you. I promise. I love you both. And would do anything to protect you. I'm sorry that you had to grow up without me. I'm sorry that we had so little time together, my dears.

Anne, your father picked your name. He always loved it. Your middle name is from a woman I wish you could meet. Eileen. She was kind and loving even if she didn't always make the right choices. You are so loved, my daughter. I will forever have you in my heart. You were the spitting image of me. Green eyes, fiery red hair. A little Lily. I know you will be a brilliant little girl. Good luck with your life. I know you will do wonderful things, my dear.

Harry, my sweet little boy. You were so small, but you will grow to do big things. I know it. You look just like your father with my eyes. Your father may not agree that you are the spitting image of him, you are. You will be wonderful and protect your sister. She will protect you, too.

I love you both. My angels. Forever, I will look after you. Protect you. You won't need that protection I don't think. You'll have your father. You'll find him someday, I hope. And I truly believe that he'll love you with all his heart, even if I'm not here with you all. I have one more thing to tell you. Something you know to be true is a lie. You will figure it out, I promise. The other letter in the envelope, don't open it. It's for someone who will grow to be important to you. His name is Severus. He's a good man, trust him.

I love you both, so much. My Harry and Anne.

Sincerely,

Your mother, Lily Potter

Severus silently cried the whole time that I read the letter. My eyes were also watery.

" Can I read the other letter?" I asked him, wanting to hold something else I knew my mother once held. He nodded, unsure. I reached in the envelope and retrieved the second letter. I have been anticipating this moment for a long time.

Hello everyone! Tell me in the comments if you like having more dialogue or less. Thank you for reading!