Chapter 4- The curse of the gem
Soon the winter vacation arrivied and the students started to sign up if they were going to stay at Hogwarts. Anaka couldn't wait to see her dad again. Everyday she wore the locket Miffugan had given her and they all admired it. Except Ron.
"Why would he give you something from his child hood?" he grumbled at lunch one day.
"Ron, she showed us two weeks ago. Get over it." Hermione said cross.
"It's really nice." Harry said trying to stop what he thought would turn into a very terrible fight.
"Thanks. Are you all staying for Christmas?" Anaka asked.
"Yeah," Harry answered, "You going to see your dad?" Anaka smiled happily.
"Yeah." She answered. Just then an owl flew through one of the windows. It spun around and dropped. Everyone gasped as it suddenly caught itself and started flying higher. As it flew higher, it hit the ceiling.
"coo.." it said as it fell to the ground. Many of the students screamed wondering what to do. Professor Miffugan stood and watched. Anaka looked over at him just in time to see him transform. He turned into the most beautiful owl she had ever seen and swooped towards the falling bird.
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Hermione watched shocked as Miffugan transformed into the same owl he had on the first day of school. He rose up from the table and quickly grabbed the smaller owl in his talons. Miffugan flapped his wings to slow their decent and landing right on Anaka's food. She gapped, staring at the scene before her. Anaka watched as Miffugan transformed back to his old self and handed the owl to Anaka.
"I saw your name on this letter. It must be for you." He smiled and tickled the smaller birds stomach. It sighed and cooed, glad to be on the ground. Miffugan laughed and returned to the staff table.
"Wow." Hermione said as she watched Miffugan sit down. He acted as if nothing had happened. Ron grew red.
"What a show off." He mumbled as the hall was filled with applause. He was glad to see that he wasn't the only person to not be so happy with Miffugan. Snape also looked quite red and couldn't help but glare at Miffugan.
Anaka gently put the bird on the table and took the letter from his talons. She opened it hoping it was news from her father about Christmas. What she read made her blood run cold and for a moment she hated the world. It read:
My dearest daughter,
I have good news!! A job offer has turned up in Switzerland. I'm going for the interveiw tonight. The bad news is that I won't be home in time for Christmas. I promise to make it up to you for your birthday and that I will explain everything about your mother to you. Yes, Dumbledore told me about your dream. Christmas at Hogwarts should be great. Inclosed is a gift with all my love.
Your loving father
Loving?!, Anaka thought, if he loved me he'd come home for Christmas. For the second time that day Anaka started to feel tears coming to her eyes. Anaka opened the small package that was inside the letter. It was a small statue of two wolves curled up together. Together forever, was ingraved on the bottom.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"My dad can't come for Christmas." She whispered. That night Anaka signed up to remain at Hogwarts.
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A dark figure watched as Anaka returned to the Gryffindor dormitory. He smiled as he checked the list and saw her name. The figure walked back to his room thinking no one had seen him. Little did he know that he was the one being watched by two unlikely people.
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The next day at dinner, Dumbledore annouced that a Christmas dance would be held the night before winter vacation. This was the topic of conversation even in the Gyrffindor girl dormatory when they were supposed to be sleeping.
"What should we wear!" Lavender asked the bunch of girls around her. All the Gyrffindor girls were huddled together.
"We should all go shopping!!" squealed a 1st year. Parvati turned to Anaka.
"Who do you want to go with?" Anaka smiled dreamily and looked at Hermione. She shurgged.
"Might as well tell them. If you don't they'll just annoy you until you do."
"Well, if he wasn't a teacher, I'd go with Miffugan." She blushed and touched her locket as the other girls laughed. They continued to talk until they became to tired to say another word.
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Hermione beamed at Anaka as she came down the stairs. She wore a a shiny silver dress that fit her perfectly. Her long brown hair was pulled in a bun with two long pieces loose on both sides, framing her face. Harry smiled brightly at her and Ron closed his open mouth.
"You look great." He said quietly as she stopped beside him. Anaka took his arm.
"Let's go." She said. Ron smiled and together they walked to the dance.
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The Great Hall looked like a winter wonderland. The tables were moved aside to leave room for dancing and a soft snow was falling. Anaka followed the others to the Gryffindor table. Her eyes wondered and soon fell upon the person she was looking for. Professor Miffugan looked dashing in his black and white tux. A strand of dark green hair was just covering his right eye as he talked to Professor Flitwick.
Ron noticed who she was looking at and felt anger welling inside him. He knew that Miffugan was up to no good and it hurt Ron knowing that she would never believe him. Anaka clutched her locket and looked back at the table. She decided to wander and left the table.
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Anaka was talking to Lavender when the band started to play her favorite song. It was from a muggle movie that she had loved as a child. It was the theme from the Princess Bride. She turned to see who had requested it and saw Professor Miffugan walking towards her and away from the band. Many of the students started to dance and Anaka tensed as he stopped next to her.
"Would you like to dance?" he whispered holding out his hand. Anaka, looking surprised put her hand in his and they started gliding along the floor. Anaka had never felt so warm inside. She put her head on his shoulder and sighed.
"You look beautiful." He whispered in her ear.
"Thank you." She said looking up into his eyes. They smiled at eachother and continued to dance staying close. As the song ended, the pair stopped dancing. They realized they were the only ones left on the dance floor. Miffugan took her hands and they walked off the dance floor as the next song began.
"That was really nice." Miffugan said holding both Anaka's hands and looking into her eyes.
"Thank you, Professor." She said shyly.
"Please, call me John."
Anaka smiled, "Ok, John." They continued to talk and spent the rest of the dance together.
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That night Anaka couldn't sleep. She kept on dreaming about the dance and the time she had spent with Miffugan, or John rather. Is it right for me to be seeing a teacher? She thought, We are only 3 years apart after all. But what would dad say? Anaka sighed. Her dad and Ron would probably gang up and try to kill her. Ron had been steaming the whole dance and had stormed out early. After the dance, he had stopped her in the Gryffindor common room and yelled at her for everything. Anaka had just sat there by the fire letting him get out his anger. She didn't care what he said anyway. John made her feel happy and that's all that mattered. But could she risk losing Ron as a friend?
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Over the next few days the students started to leave and soon only a few ended up staying for Christmas. Anaka also couldn't sleep. Night after night Anaka was up and she didn't know why. Even when she was a werewolf she was restless and couldn't sleep. While Anaka was awake one night she decided that she would have to go to Madame Pomfry in the morning to see what was the matter. Suddenly Anaka sat up in her bed. She looked around. Anaka could feel that something was wrong. She quietly got out of bed and put on her robe. She exited the Gryffindor common room and looked around the empty halls. Something was telling her to go to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Anaka felt as if she couldn't fight it and started down the hall.
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Ron watched as Anaka walked down the hall.
"Where is she going?" asked a voice behind him. Ron turned and saw the one other person who would believe him. Ron scolded.
"It looks like she's going to the Muffin!" The figure nodded and started to run after her.
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Anaka entered the classroom slowly.
"Hello Anaka." Professor Miffugan said from behind his desk. Anaka looked around. When she turned to face him, John was standing right in front of her. Anaka heard the door close behind her.
"What's your secret?" he said grabbing her arms. Anaka started to struggle when he pulled a sea green gem from his pocket. Anaka's locket opened and suddenly they were bathed in green light. She felt as if a person was serching her mind looking for something.
"What is your secret?" she heard over and over again.
"What is it?!" Miffugan said looking into her eyes. She heard the sound of claws on the window and tried to concentrate on that but Anaka couldn't resist anymore.
"I'm a ……" As she started to speak, a figure burst through the door and she heard the window break. Suddenly the figure tackled Miffugan and the spell broke. Anaka collapsed on the floor. She looked up at the figure holding John against the wall. It was Snape. She looked down and saw a giant black dog with Miffugan's legs in his mouth.
"Black?" she whispered so Snape wouldn't hear. The dog looked at her and released John's legs. He walked over and licked her on the face.
"What do you think your doing?" Snape growled. Miffugan raised his hands protectively. Anger glinting in his eyes.
"I was only talking to the girl!" Snape glared at him and growled. Then he spit right in Miffugan's face.
"Talking?! You were using a spell to find something out!!!!! You disgust me!! You don't deserve to be a teacher here!" Snape then hit him right on the head. As Miffugan collapsed, Snape turned to face Anaka and the big dog.
"Hello Sirius." Snape said as he bent down next to Anaka. He hated Sirius a lot but decided that he had to find out what Miffugan did first. The big dog growled.
"Thanks." Anaka whispered.
"What did he do?" Snape asked. Anaka ripped off her locket.
"Something with the gem." She shook her head. Snape looked at the gem. He pratically jumped out of his skin when he saw what it was.
"What is it?" Anaka asked.
"It's called a persuasion gem. It's used to get information out of people. Both people must be carrying a gem." He walked over to Miffugan and took his gem.
"We'd better get to Dumbledore." He helped Anaka up and together all three of them went to Dumbledore's office, locking Miffugan in his room.
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Snape paced in front of Dumbledore's office. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing quietly on the side. Since Dumbledore had wanted to speak to Anaka alone first, Snape had thought that Anaka would like to see friends when she got out. He had woken them up and only told them Anaka needed friends. They must have been surprised that he even cared because they came without questioning him. He looked down at Sirius. Sirius was sitting on a giant sack. Inside the sack was Miffugan, tied and gagged. The passage opened and Anaka came out. She was pale and smiled slightly when she saw Harry and the others.
"He wants to see all three of you." She said her eyes wandering to the sack. Severus nodded. He waited for Sirius to get off the sack and then picked it up. He followed Sirius into Dumbledore's office.
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Snape pointed his wand at the sack and watched as Miffugan came out. Miffugan was untied and the gag was removed. He rubbed his wrists as he sat in the chair facing Dumbledore.
"John, I think you have to explain your actions to us." Dumbledore said looking him straight in the eyes. Miffugan returned the stare.
"That girl is holding a horrible secret. If we don't find out what it is, I fear it will bring harm to Hogwarts and her," he shook his head, "I have reason to believe that she is a werewolf." Dumbledore looked surprised for a moment but quickly recovered. Snape folded his arms and leaned against a nearby wall.
"What makes you think that?" Dumbledore asked calmly.
"Well one night I was out flying as an owl and I saw a werewolf by one of the windows in the Shrieking Shack. It's a reasonable explanation to believe it would be Lupin's daughter." Dumbledore sighed.
"I do not agree with your actions but I believe you had good reasons behind them. You can stay as a teacher as long as you promise not to go any further with this. I promise you that I will look into it." Miffugan nodded and exited Dumbledore's office. Snape shook his head as the door closed and sat in the chair Miffugan had occupied.
"Do you believe him?" he growled. Sirius transformed back to his human self and stood next to Snape's chair.
"No one else must hear of this," Sirius said looking at Dumbledore with concern, "poor Remus will be forced to take Anaka out of Hogwarts!" Snape looked surprised at Sirius.
"You don't mean she is a werewolf?" Sirius, feeling uncomfortable, shifted from foot to foot.
"Of course not." He grumbled looking at the floor. Snape sat up in his chair and leaned forward.
"Dumbledore, is it true? Is she like him?"
"Him?" Sirius snapped suddenly, "Why can't you call him Remus?" They sneered at eachother and Dumbledore shook his head.
"Severus, this matter is extremly volatile and if I tell you something I have to make sure I can trust you to not tell anyone."
"You can't slip it out in front of all the Professors like you did with Remus. Your one of the reasons why Anaka can't see her father for Christmas because he has to find a job!! Because of you Dumbledore had to hire a new teacher and he ended up harming Anaka!!!" Sirius was steaming but stopped when Dumbledore held up a hand.
"It might help having him know." He said quietly looking at Sirius.
"Never!!," Sirius replied, "Remus would never agree to it."
"It's to late now," Snape said shaking his head, "I know she's a werewolf. It explains a lot. She's been sick on all the full moon's and was late to class that day because she fell asleep in the Shreiking Shack. Potter and the others must have figured it out. Hermione figured Lupin out." Sirius and Dumbledore exchanged glances. Sirius nodded.
"I'll go find Harry and the others to see if they know anything." He glared at Severus as he crossed the room, "If you do anything to harm Anaka or Remus I'll get you for it." Then he left.
"I guess I should go too." Snape said standing up.
"Severus, I can trust you right?" Dumbledore asked him.
"Of course Professor." Snape replied.
"Then sit. There is one more thing I must ask you." Snape sat and looked intently at Dumbledore.
"Where could he have gotten these gems? The ministry has baned them for years now."
"I don't know. The one explaination I would not like to say without proof."
"Do you think he's a Death Eater?"
"I've never seen him at any meetings, but I'll take a closer look."
"One more thing Severus," Dumbledore said, "Anaka said that when you saw the gems you looked rather uncomfortable," Snape stiffened and grew tense as Dumbledore continued, "Why?"
"I..I just thought no one could get their hands on these anymore." Dumbledore smiled.
"I trust you so why don't you trust me. I know you well enough to tell if you're lying. What do you know about these gems?" Snape sighed.
"Voldemort once used them. He would use them on Death Eaters he thought were disloyal or on captives who wouldn't speak. Then he would kill them," Snape took a breath before continuning, "but when the ministry banned them Voldemort lost his last pair and only had the truth potion to use which he hated. Then if his victims didn't speak they just died." Dumbledore shook his head.
"A lot of good spies died because of him," Dumbledore paused and looked Severus in the face, "Did he use them on you?" Snape looked surprised but sighed. He slunched over and put his head in his hands.
"Yes," Snape whispered, "it was a few nights before his fall. He was panicking to find James and Lily. He finally decided to try Peter for the secrets instead of searching for Sirius. He knew there were spies amoung us. The ministry was destroying his plans before he could carry them out and that made him mad," Snape shivered, "very mad. He was in one of his fits that night and he decided that I must have been broken down by you," Snape smiled a sad smile at Dumbledore, "little did he know he was right. Suddenly a gem on a chain was thrown around my neck. Instead of betraying you I decided to kill myself. I grabbed one of their daggers but only cut myself slightly. Finally he used the stones. He asked me if I knew who the spy was. I said yes. I couldn't resist. When he asked me who the spy was I tricked the gems. I do know a lot about Defense Against the Dark Arts so I tricked the myself into believing that since he didn't ask if I was a spy I could just give someone elses name. I ended up giving Mike Chandels. He was a spy for the Ministry. Voldemort tried to get stuff out of him but he wouldn't talk and he stabbed himself with his own dagger when Voldemort started to use the stones. It didn't kill him so Voldemort did," Snape put his head in his hands and rocked back and forth, "I'm the reason he killed Chandels. I couldn't give up my own skin so I gave up his," Snape looked at Dumbledore with wet eyes, "Mike had a wife and 3 kids." Dumbledore sat silent for a moment.
"Micheal was a good man. I knew him," he said slowly, "but you can't blame yourself. I'm glad you didn't give yourself up. You've proved that you are a worthy man. But holding yourself accountable for things like this is like holding a bad grudge." Snape avoided Dumbledore's eyes.
"Just keep a look out for Professor Miffugan at your Death Eaters meeting tommorow. Go get some sleep." Snape nodded and left Dumbledore's office.
Poor Severus, Dumbledore thought as he shook his head and petted Fawkes.
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Ron stroked Anaka's hair as she cried softly in his lap. They were sitting on the floor by the fire. Harry and Hermione were on the other side of the room talking quietly. Anaka sat up slowly and looked in Ron's eyes.
"I've been such a jerk. I should have listened to you the whole time. You were right." A tear fell down Anaka's check and Ron brushed it off.
"Don't worry. We've finally got proof against him. Now he can be fired and we can all rest in peace." Anaka smiled and hugged Ron tightly. Ron blushed as he hugged her back. Suddenly they heard barking and the fat lady shouting "shoo". Harry exchanged glances with Hermione.
"It must be him." he whispered and rushed outside.
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"It's ok. I know this dog." Harry explained to the fat lady. She looked down at the mutt licking his hand.
"Ok. But don't mess up the floor!" she called after them.
Sirius was greeted openly when he entered the Gryffindor common room. When he was reasured that no one would hear them, Sirius transformed.
"How are you?" he asked Anaka pulling her into a hug.
"I'm fine. Just shaken up." She smiled at him.
"How about you guys? You all ok?" Sirius looked at the others around him.
"We're fine." Harry said.
"Yeah." replied Hermione.
"At least that slimeball is known for what he truly is. He got fired right?" Ron asked hopefully. Sirius shook his head.
"No. I'm afraid Dumbledore thought he had good reasons for doing it," he looked at Anaka, "He thinks he knows what you are. Did you ever notice an owl pass?" Anaka nodded.
"That was him. Snape knows too. Dumbledore had to tell him." Anaka looked up surprised.
"Him? I guess I'll be kicked out now. He'll definatly slip."
"No. He trusts Dumbledore and he asked Snape not to tell. He won't."
"Do you feel left out or is it just me?" Harry asked Hermione crossly. Hermione's eyes darted from Harry to Sirius to Anaka to Ron.
"Well," she said nervously, "not really. I think I know what they're talking about." Sirius sighed.
"That's what I came here to find out. Dumbledore wants to know how much you've figured out." Anaka had gone white shocked even though she had known eventually Hermione would figure it out.
"I think I know what she is," Hermione said staring at Anaka, "You've been sick on every full moon. And have gone to Madame Pomfry every month to get something. I believe that something to be the Wolfsbane potion."
Now Ron turned white. Anaka saw him take a step back. This always happened when people found out what she was. She'd seen that look on students and headmasters. It always came before they expelled her or never spoke to her again.
"You're a werewolf?" Ron asked wide eyed.
" Yes," Anaka said hanging her head, "I am."
"How? Did your father bite you?" Harry asked.
"No," Anaka said defensively, "He would never bite his own daughter." She looked at Sirius but instead of agreeing with her he looked down at the floor.
"So you don't know how?" Hermione asked.
"No," Anaka said looking at Sirius, "Sirius what happened? How did a werewolf bite me?"
"Your father will tell you when he comes. He'll explain everything then. Even about your mother."
"I don't believe this!" Ron said shocked. His eyes never left Anaka. "What happened tonight?"
"I guess they should know." Sirius said looking at Anaka. They sat by the fire and Anaka and Sirius started to explain what happened.
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"How did you know to go there?" Ron asked after they had explained everything.
"Well, I saw Miffugan look for Anaka's name on the list for people staying at Hogwarts. Then I saw that bright green light coming from his room. I was outside so I came in through the window."
"But what about Snape?" Harry asked.
"I saw him look for her name too. Then Ron told me where she went." They all turned to see Snape standing by the enterance.
"How'd you get in here?" Hermione asked.
"All teachers have the passwords." Snape said and shrugged.
"Thank you. For everything." Anaka said softly. Harry thought he saw a trace of a smile on his face but it soon disappeared.
"It was nothing." He said waving it aside.
"You should all go to bed." Sirius said getting up. Sirius transformed and together they walked out of the room.
"Thanks for your help." Severus grumbled as they parted ways.
Soon the winter vacation arrivied and the students started to sign up if they were going to stay at Hogwarts. Anaka couldn't wait to see her dad again. Everyday she wore the locket Miffugan had given her and they all admired it. Except Ron.
"Why would he give you something from his child hood?" he grumbled at lunch one day.
"Ron, she showed us two weeks ago. Get over it." Hermione said cross.
"It's really nice." Harry said trying to stop what he thought would turn into a very terrible fight.
"Thanks. Are you all staying for Christmas?" Anaka asked.
"Yeah," Harry answered, "You going to see your dad?" Anaka smiled happily.
"Yeah." She answered. Just then an owl flew through one of the windows. It spun around and dropped. Everyone gasped as it suddenly caught itself and started flying higher. As it flew higher, it hit the ceiling.
"coo.." it said as it fell to the ground. Many of the students screamed wondering what to do. Professor Miffugan stood and watched. Anaka looked over at him just in time to see him transform. He turned into the most beautiful owl she had ever seen and swooped towards the falling bird.
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Hermione watched shocked as Miffugan transformed into the same owl he had on the first day of school. He rose up from the table and quickly grabbed the smaller owl in his talons. Miffugan flapped his wings to slow their decent and landing right on Anaka's food. She gapped, staring at the scene before her. Anaka watched as Miffugan transformed back to his old self and handed the owl to Anaka.
"I saw your name on this letter. It must be for you." He smiled and tickled the smaller birds stomach. It sighed and cooed, glad to be on the ground. Miffugan laughed and returned to the staff table.
"Wow." Hermione said as she watched Miffugan sit down. He acted as if nothing had happened. Ron grew red.
"What a show off." He mumbled as the hall was filled with applause. He was glad to see that he wasn't the only person to not be so happy with Miffugan. Snape also looked quite red and couldn't help but glare at Miffugan.
Anaka gently put the bird on the table and took the letter from his talons. She opened it hoping it was news from her father about Christmas. What she read made her blood run cold and for a moment she hated the world. It read:
My dearest daughter,
I have good news!! A job offer has turned up in Switzerland. I'm going for the interveiw tonight. The bad news is that I won't be home in time for Christmas. I promise to make it up to you for your birthday and that I will explain everything about your mother to you. Yes, Dumbledore told me about your dream. Christmas at Hogwarts should be great. Inclosed is a gift with all my love.
Your loving father
Loving?!, Anaka thought, if he loved me he'd come home for Christmas. For the second time that day Anaka started to feel tears coming to her eyes. Anaka opened the small package that was inside the letter. It was a small statue of two wolves curled up together. Together forever, was ingraved on the bottom.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"My dad can't come for Christmas." She whispered. That night Anaka signed up to remain at Hogwarts.
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A dark figure watched as Anaka returned to the Gryffindor dormitory. He smiled as he checked the list and saw her name. The figure walked back to his room thinking no one had seen him. Little did he know that he was the one being watched by two unlikely people.
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The next day at dinner, Dumbledore annouced that a Christmas dance would be held the night before winter vacation. This was the topic of conversation even in the Gyrffindor girl dormatory when they were supposed to be sleeping.
"What should we wear!" Lavender asked the bunch of girls around her. All the Gyrffindor girls were huddled together.
"We should all go shopping!!" squealed a 1st year. Parvati turned to Anaka.
"Who do you want to go with?" Anaka smiled dreamily and looked at Hermione. She shurgged.
"Might as well tell them. If you don't they'll just annoy you until you do."
"Well, if he wasn't a teacher, I'd go with Miffugan." She blushed and touched her locket as the other girls laughed. They continued to talk until they became to tired to say another word.
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Hermione beamed at Anaka as she came down the stairs. She wore a a shiny silver dress that fit her perfectly. Her long brown hair was pulled in a bun with two long pieces loose on both sides, framing her face. Harry smiled brightly at her and Ron closed his open mouth.
"You look great." He said quietly as she stopped beside him. Anaka took his arm.
"Let's go." She said. Ron smiled and together they walked to the dance.
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The Great Hall looked like a winter wonderland. The tables were moved aside to leave room for dancing and a soft snow was falling. Anaka followed the others to the Gryffindor table. Her eyes wondered and soon fell upon the person she was looking for. Professor Miffugan looked dashing in his black and white tux. A strand of dark green hair was just covering his right eye as he talked to Professor Flitwick.
Ron noticed who she was looking at and felt anger welling inside him. He knew that Miffugan was up to no good and it hurt Ron knowing that she would never believe him. Anaka clutched her locket and looked back at the table. She decided to wander and left the table.
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Anaka was talking to Lavender when the band started to play her favorite song. It was from a muggle movie that she had loved as a child. It was the theme from the Princess Bride. She turned to see who had requested it and saw Professor Miffugan walking towards her and away from the band. Many of the students started to dance and Anaka tensed as he stopped next to her.
"Would you like to dance?" he whispered holding out his hand. Anaka, looking surprised put her hand in his and they started gliding along the floor. Anaka had never felt so warm inside. She put her head on his shoulder and sighed.
"You look beautiful." He whispered in her ear.
"Thank you." She said looking up into his eyes. They smiled at eachother and continued to dance staying close. As the song ended, the pair stopped dancing. They realized they were the only ones left on the dance floor. Miffugan took her hands and they walked off the dance floor as the next song began.
"That was really nice." Miffugan said holding both Anaka's hands and looking into her eyes.
"Thank you, Professor." She said shyly.
"Please, call me John."
Anaka smiled, "Ok, John." They continued to talk and spent the rest of the dance together.
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That night Anaka couldn't sleep. She kept on dreaming about the dance and the time she had spent with Miffugan, or John rather. Is it right for me to be seeing a teacher? She thought, We are only 3 years apart after all. But what would dad say? Anaka sighed. Her dad and Ron would probably gang up and try to kill her. Ron had been steaming the whole dance and had stormed out early. After the dance, he had stopped her in the Gryffindor common room and yelled at her for everything. Anaka had just sat there by the fire letting him get out his anger. She didn't care what he said anyway. John made her feel happy and that's all that mattered. But could she risk losing Ron as a friend?
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Over the next few days the students started to leave and soon only a few ended up staying for Christmas. Anaka also couldn't sleep. Night after night Anaka was up and she didn't know why. Even when she was a werewolf she was restless and couldn't sleep. While Anaka was awake one night she decided that she would have to go to Madame Pomfry in the morning to see what was the matter. Suddenly Anaka sat up in her bed. She looked around. Anaka could feel that something was wrong. She quietly got out of bed and put on her robe. She exited the Gryffindor common room and looked around the empty halls. Something was telling her to go to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Anaka felt as if she couldn't fight it and started down the hall.
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Ron watched as Anaka walked down the hall.
"Where is she going?" asked a voice behind him. Ron turned and saw the one other person who would believe him. Ron scolded.
"It looks like she's going to the Muffin!" The figure nodded and started to run after her.
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Anaka entered the classroom slowly.
"Hello Anaka." Professor Miffugan said from behind his desk. Anaka looked around. When she turned to face him, John was standing right in front of her. Anaka heard the door close behind her.
"What's your secret?" he said grabbing her arms. Anaka started to struggle when he pulled a sea green gem from his pocket. Anaka's locket opened and suddenly they were bathed in green light. She felt as if a person was serching her mind looking for something.
"What is your secret?" she heard over and over again.
"What is it?!" Miffugan said looking into her eyes. She heard the sound of claws on the window and tried to concentrate on that but Anaka couldn't resist anymore.
"I'm a ……" As she started to speak, a figure burst through the door and she heard the window break. Suddenly the figure tackled Miffugan and the spell broke. Anaka collapsed on the floor. She looked up at the figure holding John against the wall. It was Snape. She looked down and saw a giant black dog with Miffugan's legs in his mouth.
"Black?" she whispered so Snape wouldn't hear. The dog looked at her and released John's legs. He walked over and licked her on the face.
"What do you think your doing?" Snape growled. Miffugan raised his hands protectively. Anger glinting in his eyes.
"I was only talking to the girl!" Snape glared at him and growled. Then he spit right in Miffugan's face.
"Talking?! You were using a spell to find something out!!!!! You disgust me!! You don't deserve to be a teacher here!" Snape then hit him right on the head. As Miffugan collapsed, Snape turned to face Anaka and the big dog.
"Hello Sirius." Snape said as he bent down next to Anaka. He hated Sirius a lot but decided that he had to find out what Miffugan did first. The big dog growled.
"Thanks." Anaka whispered.
"What did he do?" Snape asked. Anaka ripped off her locket.
"Something with the gem." She shook her head. Snape looked at the gem. He pratically jumped out of his skin when he saw what it was.
"What is it?" Anaka asked.
"It's called a persuasion gem. It's used to get information out of people. Both people must be carrying a gem." He walked over to Miffugan and took his gem.
"We'd better get to Dumbledore." He helped Anaka up and together all three of them went to Dumbledore's office, locking Miffugan in his room.
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Snape paced in front of Dumbledore's office. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing quietly on the side. Since Dumbledore had wanted to speak to Anaka alone first, Snape had thought that Anaka would like to see friends when she got out. He had woken them up and only told them Anaka needed friends. They must have been surprised that he even cared because they came without questioning him. He looked down at Sirius. Sirius was sitting on a giant sack. Inside the sack was Miffugan, tied and gagged. The passage opened and Anaka came out. She was pale and smiled slightly when she saw Harry and the others.
"He wants to see all three of you." She said her eyes wandering to the sack. Severus nodded. He waited for Sirius to get off the sack and then picked it up. He followed Sirius into Dumbledore's office.
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Snape pointed his wand at the sack and watched as Miffugan came out. Miffugan was untied and the gag was removed. He rubbed his wrists as he sat in the chair facing Dumbledore.
"John, I think you have to explain your actions to us." Dumbledore said looking him straight in the eyes. Miffugan returned the stare.
"That girl is holding a horrible secret. If we don't find out what it is, I fear it will bring harm to Hogwarts and her," he shook his head, "I have reason to believe that she is a werewolf." Dumbledore looked surprised for a moment but quickly recovered. Snape folded his arms and leaned against a nearby wall.
"What makes you think that?" Dumbledore asked calmly.
"Well one night I was out flying as an owl and I saw a werewolf by one of the windows in the Shrieking Shack. It's a reasonable explanation to believe it would be Lupin's daughter." Dumbledore sighed.
"I do not agree with your actions but I believe you had good reasons behind them. You can stay as a teacher as long as you promise not to go any further with this. I promise you that I will look into it." Miffugan nodded and exited Dumbledore's office. Snape shook his head as the door closed and sat in the chair Miffugan had occupied.
"Do you believe him?" he growled. Sirius transformed back to his human self and stood next to Snape's chair.
"No one else must hear of this," Sirius said looking at Dumbledore with concern, "poor Remus will be forced to take Anaka out of Hogwarts!" Snape looked surprised at Sirius.
"You don't mean she is a werewolf?" Sirius, feeling uncomfortable, shifted from foot to foot.
"Of course not." He grumbled looking at the floor. Snape sat up in his chair and leaned forward.
"Dumbledore, is it true? Is she like him?"
"Him?" Sirius snapped suddenly, "Why can't you call him Remus?" They sneered at eachother and Dumbledore shook his head.
"Severus, this matter is extremly volatile and if I tell you something I have to make sure I can trust you to not tell anyone."
"You can't slip it out in front of all the Professors like you did with Remus. Your one of the reasons why Anaka can't see her father for Christmas because he has to find a job!! Because of you Dumbledore had to hire a new teacher and he ended up harming Anaka!!!" Sirius was steaming but stopped when Dumbledore held up a hand.
"It might help having him know." He said quietly looking at Sirius.
"Never!!," Sirius replied, "Remus would never agree to it."
"It's to late now," Snape said shaking his head, "I know she's a werewolf. It explains a lot. She's been sick on all the full moon's and was late to class that day because she fell asleep in the Shreiking Shack. Potter and the others must have figured it out. Hermione figured Lupin out." Sirius and Dumbledore exchanged glances. Sirius nodded.
"I'll go find Harry and the others to see if they know anything." He glared at Severus as he crossed the room, "If you do anything to harm Anaka or Remus I'll get you for it." Then he left.
"I guess I should go too." Snape said standing up.
"Severus, I can trust you right?" Dumbledore asked him.
"Of course Professor." Snape replied.
"Then sit. There is one more thing I must ask you." Snape sat and looked intently at Dumbledore.
"Where could he have gotten these gems? The ministry has baned them for years now."
"I don't know. The one explaination I would not like to say without proof."
"Do you think he's a Death Eater?"
"I've never seen him at any meetings, but I'll take a closer look."
"One more thing Severus," Dumbledore said, "Anaka said that when you saw the gems you looked rather uncomfortable," Snape stiffened and grew tense as Dumbledore continued, "Why?"
"I..I just thought no one could get their hands on these anymore." Dumbledore smiled.
"I trust you so why don't you trust me. I know you well enough to tell if you're lying. What do you know about these gems?" Snape sighed.
"Voldemort once used them. He would use them on Death Eaters he thought were disloyal or on captives who wouldn't speak. Then he would kill them," Snape took a breath before continuning, "but when the ministry banned them Voldemort lost his last pair and only had the truth potion to use which he hated. Then if his victims didn't speak they just died." Dumbledore shook his head.
"A lot of good spies died because of him," Dumbledore paused and looked Severus in the face, "Did he use them on you?" Snape looked surprised but sighed. He slunched over and put his head in his hands.
"Yes," Snape whispered, "it was a few nights before his fall. He was panicking to find James and Lily. He finally decided to try Peter for the secrets instead of searching for Sirius. He knew there were spies amoung us. The ministry was destroying his plans before he could carry them out and that made him mad," Snape shivered, "very mad. He was in one of his fits that night and he decided that I must have been broken down by you," Snape smiled a sad smile at Dumbledore, "little did he know he was right. Suddenly a gem on a chain was thrown around my neck. Instead of betraying you I decided to kill myself. I grabbed one of their daggers but only cut myself slightly. Finally he used the stones. He asked me if I knew who the spy was. I said yes. I couldn't resist. When he asked me who the spy was I tricked the gems. I do know a lot about Defense Against the Dark Arts so I tricked the myself into believing that since he didn't ask if I was a spy I could just give someone elses name. I ended up giving Mike Chandels. He was a spy for the Ministry. Voldemort tried to get stuff out of him but he wouldn't talk and he stabbed himself with his own dagger when Voldemort started to use the stones. It didn't kill him so Voldemort did," Snape put his head in his hands and rocked back and forth, "I'm the reason he killed Chandels. I couldn't give up my own skin so I gave up his," Snape looked at Dumbledore with wet eyes, "Mike had a wife and 3 kids." Dumbledore sat silent for a moment.
"Micheal was a good man. I knew him," he said slowly, "but you can't blame yourself. I'm glad you didn't give yourself up. You've proved that you are a worthy man. But holding yourself accountable for things like this is like holding a bad grudge." Snape avoided Dumbledore's eyes.
"Just keep a look out for Professor Miffugan at your Death Eaters meeting tommorow. Go get some sleep." Snape nodded and left Dumbledore's office.
Poor Severus, Dumbledore thought as he shook his head and petted Fawkes.
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Ron stroked Anaka's hair as she cried softly in his lap. They were sitting on the floor by the fire. Harry and Hermione were on the other side of the room talking quietly. Anaka sat up slowly and looked in Ron's eyes.
"I've been such a jerk. I should have listened to you the whole time. You were right." A tear fell down Anaka's check and Ron brushed it off.
"Don't worry. We've finally got proof against him. Now he can be fired and we can all rest in peace." Anaka smiled and hugged Ron tightly. Ron blushed as he hugged her back. Suddenly they heard barking and the fat lady shouting "shoo". Harry exchanged glances with Hermione.
"It must be him." he whispered and rushed outside.
**********************************************
"It's ok. I know this dog." Harry explained to the fat lady. She looked down at the mutt licking his hand.
"Ok. But don't mess up the floor!" she called after them.
Sirius was greeted openly when he entered the Gryffindor common room. When he was reasured that no one would hear them, Sirius transformed.
"How are you?" he asked Anaka pulling her into a hug.
"I'm fine. Just shaken up." She smiled at him.
"How about you guys? You all ok?" Sirius looked at the others around him.
"We're fine." Harry said.
"Yeah." replied Hermione.
"At least that slimeball is known for what he truly is. He got fired right?" Ron asked hopefully. Sirius shook his head.
"No. I'm afraid Dumbledore thought he had good reasons for doing it," he looked at Anaka, "He thinks he knows what you are. Did you ever notice an owl pass?" Anaka nodded.
"That was him. Snape knows too. Dumbledore had to tell him." Anaka looked up surprised.
"Him? I guess I'll be kicked out now. He'll definatly slip."
"No. He trusts Dumbledore and he asked Snape not to tell. He won't."
"Do you feel left out or is it just me?" Harry asked Hermione crossly. Hermione's eyes darted from Harry to Sirius to Anaka to Ron.
"Well," she said nervously, "not really. I think I know what they're talking about." Sirius sighed.
"That's what I came here to find out. Dumbledore wants to know how much you've figured out." Anaka had gone white shocked even though she had known eventually Hermione would figure it out.
"I think I know what she is," Hermione said staring at Anaka, "You've been sick on every full moon. And have gone to Madame Pomfry every month to get something. I believe that something to be the Wolfsbane potion."
Now Ron turned white. Anaka saw him take a step back. This always happened when people found out what she was. She'd seen that look on students and headmasters. It always came before they expelled her or never spoke to her again.
"You're a werewolf?" Ron asked wide eyed.
" Yes," Anaka said hanging her head, "I am."
"How? Did your father bite you?" Harry asked.
"No," Anaka said defensively, "He would never bite his own daughter." She looked at Sirius but instead of agreeing with her he looked down at the floor.
"So you don't know how?" Hermione asked.
"No," Anaka said looking at Sirius, "Sirius what happened? How did a werewolf bite me?"
"Your father will tell you when he comes. He'll explain everything then. Even about your mother."
"I don't believe this!" Ron said shocked. His eyes never left Anaka. "What happened tonight?"
"I guess they should know." Sirius said looking at Anaka. They sat by the fire and Anaka and Sirius started to explain what happened.
***********************************************
"How did you know to go there?" Ron asked after they had explained everything.
"Well, I saw Miffugan look for Anaka's name on the list for people staying at Hogwarts. Then I saw that bright green light coming from his room. I was outside so I came in through the window."
"But what about Snape?" Harry asked.
"I saw him look for her name too. Then Ron told me where she went." They all turned to see Snape standing by the enterance.
"How'd you get in here?" Hermione asked.
"All teachers have the passwords." Snape said and shrugged.
"Thank you. For everything." Anaka said softly. Harry thought he saw a trace of a smile on his face but it soon disappeared.
"It was nothing." He said waving it aside.
"You should all go to bed." Sirius said getting up. Sirius transformed and together they walked out of the room.
"Thanks for your help." Severus grumbled as they parted ways.
