Chapter 29- A jumble of activity

The next morning the Great Hall was full of aurors and professors getting ready to leave. Certain wizards were coming to Hogwarts to clean up the grounds and school. The new school year had to start whether the professors liked it or not. Harry listened vaguely to the conversation John and Anaka were having. Mostly his mind was on what had happened to him, Snape, and Leslie. Something did not seem right with what John's parents had said. Harry got the impression they knew more then they were letting on. As he stared at his food he remembered something else and his eyes widened slightly.
"Harry? Harry?!," Anaka said loudly, trying to get his attention.
"What?" he asked looking up at them.
"I asked you if you were ok but you didn't answer," Anaka replied, giving him a worried look, "Are you ok?"
"I just remembered something," Harry said slowly.
"What?" John asked eagerly.
"Do you have a sister?"
John stared at Harry for a moment, his face blank. Then it paled slightly. Harry looked at him uneasily.
"A sister?" Anaka asked confused, "What made you ask that?"
Harry explained the part of the conversation where Ravenna told them about Zekan children.
"Well, why don't you answer him?" Anaka asked. John looked at Anaka and smiled.
"As far as I know I have no sister. But then again I would not put it past my parents to keep an older sister secret from me."
"Why would they keep her secret?" Anaka mused, "I wonder…"
"Maybe we should change the subject?" John suggested, going back to his breakfast.
"No," Anaka said sternly, her eyes twinkling, "Let's try to find out more about this sister."
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"Parents have been complaining Dumbledore. No one can take the OWLs this year and that ruins the 5th years and the 7th years…" Fudge shook his head, "They want the Ministry to do something and I have an idea."
Dumbledore nodded. He was in the Minister of Magic's office and he knew that something had to be done. The howlers were pouring in from parents of children in all years. Something was going to have to be done.
"I think we should create an 8th year," Fudge said with a smile.
"An 8th year?" Dumbledore asked, surprised.
"I think it may be the only solution. The 5th years will be put into 6th and taught what they missed this year. Then they can take the OWLs at the end of the year. Each year will be taught what they missed this year. You only have to do this until the 1st years from this year meet the 8th year. Teach the new 1st years their usually curriculum."
Dumbledore thought a moment. It was a good idea. It would give all the students a chance to catch up and get their proper scores.
"I guess it is the only way," Dumbledore sighed, "I will inform the teachers and other staff and send out letters immediately."
Dumbledore got up to leave but stopped when Fudge cleared his throat.
"I'm afraid you must give this letter to one student in particular," Fudge said handing Dumbledore a letter. Anaka Lupin's name was written on it in gold letters.
Dumbledore started to reply but Fudge stopped him.
"I gave you a whole month to inform her and her father and you still have not. I let her finish the year because you asked me too but I'm afraid the rest of the Ministry just won't have a werewolf going to Hogwarts. Not when they know about it and can stop it."
Dumbledore nodded and opened the door.
"You are making a mistake Cornelius," he said quietly, "this girl has potentially. She was able to perform the death curse successfully even if it did not kill the creature. You know what can happen if a student like her is led onto the wrong path."
Fudge suddenly seemed older and he sighed.
"I know all to well," he replied. Dumbledore nodded and walked out the door.
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Leslie waited impatiently outside the US Ministry ambassador's door. Snape sat beside her. Leslie glanced at him and noticed he was staring straight ahead. He kept on doing that until finally he turned to face her.
"What?" he asked. Leslie shrugged.
"You have been staring straight ahead for awhile and you have not said a word to me this whole time. Not on the way here or finding his office or just sitting! I thought we were ok again."
"I did not think you wanted to talk," he grumbled and scanned the room they were waiting in. It was full of cubicles and people running around with errands here and there.
"Why not?"
"After the other night…."
"Oh," Leslie answered. She quickly looked down, trying to hide her blushing face.
"I tried to forget that."
"Why?" Severus asked suddenly. Leslie looked up at him with a surprised expression. They stared at each other for a while.
"If I had kissed you when you had first come to Hogwarts would you be trying to forget?"
Leslie blinked a few times. Why was this happening to her? Couldn't everything be simple in at least one area of her life?
"Severus," Leslie stammered when the door to the office opened. A smiling man with dirty blonde hair and sparkling green eyes appeared.
"Leslie Brand I presume?"
Leslie smiled and stood up.
"It's good to see you again Mr. Diqui!" she replied, shaking his hand.
"Please, call me Tom."
"Of course."
Tom ushered Leslie into his office and closed the door, totally ignoring Severus. Severus frowned. He sat there uncomfortably watching the nearby people. Now what?
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"So Leslie, I heard you took a few broken bones and cuts on this mission huh?" Mr. Diqui said sitting behind his desk. Leslie sat in the chair facing him.
"I think I was hurt more times on this mission then in my whole life. England sure has lots of problems to deal with. Especially with You-Know-Who causing trouble."
"Yes Voldemort is stirring things up," Tom sighed. There was a moment of silence and then Leslie cleared her throat.
"Well? Have you received any assignments from the American Ministry about what I should do next?"
"Somehow I do not think you will like it Ms. Brand. They want you to stay here and relax a while. They got word of everything you were through from the Headmaster of Hogwarts. I agree with them when they say you should rest. I read the report. You've been through a lot."
Leslie gripped her hands tightly. Stay here? Relax?! She should be back out in the field where she could be of use instead of staying in jolly old England to have a vacation.
"There must have been a mistake…" she said slowly. Mr. Diqui shook his head.
"The Ministry said to stay alert for any sign of Voldemort and to basically recuperate. They will send you an immediate owl if there are any jobs they need you for."
Leslie nodded and stood up. She shook Mr. Diqui's hand and then walked out of the office. She stood silent; watching the nearby people until she realized Severus was standing beside her.
"What happened?" he asked.
"I have to stay here to recuperate," Leslie snapped, "They will not give me an assignment for awhile."
She pushed past Severus and walked quickly down the hall leading out. Severus ran to catch up with her. As Leslie started to open the door, someone from the other side pushed hard and she stumbled back. Severus helped steady her and groaned inwardly as Lucius and Draco Malfoy walked through the door.
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Anaka, Harry, and John sat in the Miffugan's living room quietly. They watched Rich and Alania bring them snacks from the kitchen and sit.
"Now what did you want to speak about?" Alania asked.
"Have you remembered something?" Rich voiced. Anaka and Harry exchanged looks.
"I did remember one thing," Harry said slowly, "I remembered what Ravenna said about Zekan reproduction. Parents always have one boy and one girl. Does John have a sister?"
Alania and Rich stared at Harry. His blunt question had surprised them.
"Do you think we would not tell John if he had a sister?" Alania laughed nervously.
"I would not put it past you," John said glaring at his parents. Alania's laugh choked off and she looked at her husband with misty eyes.
"Fine," his father sighed, "We'll tell you. You did have an older sister."
"I knew it!" Harry chirped.
"But," Rich said sternly, "she died. She died when you were very young. I believe you were only 4 at the time. Your sister was 7 and she caught a deadly disease. We took her to the doctor but no one knew what she had. We suppressed your memories of her if you had any. We thought it would be to painful for you."
Alania glared daggers at her husband.
"No," she said defiantly, "You will not lie to our son again!"
"What?" Rich asked surprised.
"You know as well as I do what happened! Tell him the truth!"
Rich sighed.
"Fine," he said bitterly, "But when he hates us totally I hope you remember you wanted to tell him. You see son, your sister contracted this disease and none of the doctors knew what it was. That's the truth. The thing is she did not die. She disappeared."
"There's something else," Alania sobbed.
John stared at his parents, his face pale. His whole life was a jumble of secrets and lies. Anaka and Harry sat there uncomfortably.
"When Veronica disappeared she left that ring," Alania said quietly.
"Veronica?" John whispered, "That was her name?"
Anaka looked down at the ring on her finger and shivered. Why would John's sister leave this?
"The other Zekan families believe that Veronica used the ring to find Abaron and that since she was so young and innocent they took her with them. We did supress your memories of her because we thought it would be to painful for you," Rich replied.
"I hope she went to Abaron," Alania said with watery eyes, "My poor baby girl. I never saw her grow up. She would be 21 now. Going on 23 this fall, just like you'll be 19 soon."
"I think we should go," Harry whispered to Anaka. Anaka put a comforting hand on John's arm.
"I think Harry and I should leave you with your parents to sort this out," she whispered. John nodded and watched them leave.
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"How he can put up with his parents I'll never know!" Harry growled, "Talk about a messed up family! His whole life is a jumble of lies."
"Poor John," Anaka said sadly. Her hand fell on the two necklaces hanging around her neck. The one Harry had given her and the one John had given her.
"I know what it is like to be lied to," she said quietly. Harry shook his head.
"Let's get something to eat," he grumbled.
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"Well hello Severus," Malfoy said with a cold smile. His hand rested on his son's shoulder and Leslie frowned.
"Who's your little friend?"
"Little friend?" Leslie snapped, "The name's Leslie Brand. What's it to you?"
"Touchy," Draco snorted. Leslie glared at the child and Severus put a restraining hand on her shoulder.
"What are you doing here Lucius?" he asked calmly. Lucius smiled.
"Just some business. It turns out Hogwarts is adding an 8th year. It's a good thing since half the 5th years would have failed the OWLs. Not to mention the 7th years…"
"An 8th year?" Severus said unbelieving. Now he would have to put up with the same brats for an extra year.
"Perhaps you and your friend would like to join me and my son for a drink once we're done?"
Before Severus could turn down the offer Leslie smiled.
"We'd love to Mr. Malfoy. I've heard so many good things about you and would love to get to know you better."
"We will just be a minute then," he replied walking away with his son.
"Can you tell me why you said yes?" Severus groaned.
"Because," Leslie said excitedly, "I have a feeling he's up to something and I want to find out what it is. I would not be surprised if Voldy got him to do something and just happened to not inform you."
Severus frowned.
"Alright. But let's not stay with them long."
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Harry was surprised to see Dumbledore enter the almost empty Great Hall. He watched the wizard walk towards them, a letter in his hand.
"Dumbledore's coming," Harry whispered to Anaka. Anaka stiffened slightly. Dumbledore smiled and put the letter on the table.
"I got this letter from the Ministry today Anaka. I would like you to show it to your father before you open it."
"Of course Professor," she mumbled picking up the letter.
"Promise me?"
Anaka looked up into Dumbledore's eyes. She suddenly realized he was smiling at her sadly and there was a regretful look in his eyes. She nodded slowly. Dumbledore patted her on the back and then walked away.
"That was strange," Harry said slowly. Anaka started to open the letter and Harry gave her a wide eyed look.
"He made you promise," he stammered.
"I have to know what it is," Anaka said tensely. She took out the piece of parchment and read it slowly. Her face turned pale and she looked at Harry.
"I'm not allowed to attend Hogwarts next year," she whispered.
"Why?" Harry asked confused.
"They know I'm a werewolf. I'm not to go to any school in England."
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Lucius smiled triumphantly to himself as he emptied the small packet of powder into the spies' glass. He stirred it gently and then stuffed the packet into his pocket. He grabbed the other glasses and brought them to the table. Draco smiled at his father as he gave out the drinks. The Three Broomsticks was not as crowded as they had expected it to be but it only worked better for Lucius. Leslie smiled sweetly at him as she took her drink. Severus thanked him but was frowning as usually.
Lucius did not like the fact that Severus was spending so much time with this spy. He took his seat and forced a smile.
"To success," he said raising his glass. Draco raised his and the other's followed.
"To success," Leslie said with a smile. They all took a sip from their glasses and Lucius watched Leslie drink. Voldemort will be happy, he thought as Leslie drained her glass.
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"I don't believe this!" Remus said angrily. He crumpled up the piece of parchment in his hand.
"Dad calm down!" Anaka cried.
"How are you going to get an education!?"
"From you! You've already taught me a lot."
"You can't get a good education from just me."
"I'm sure some of the other professor's will help me!"
Remus sighed. He looked at his daughter.
"Just let me talk me to Dumbledore," he said quietly, "Maybe we can work something out."
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"You know it is out of my hands Remus," Dumbledore said slowly, "I promise to mention Anaka once school starts again. I'll try as best I can to at least get her a tutor. Right now all I can say is you should take your daughter home and rest."
Remus nodded and gave Dumbledore a sad smile.
"I really appreciate all you've done," he said quietly.
"Anytime," Dumbledore replied, "I'll keep in touch."
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"That was the biggest waste of time!" Severus growled as they entered the Gryffindor common room.
"Yeah," Leslie sighed, "He gave nothing away."
She rubbed her aching head and sighed.
"Where am I supposed to go now?" she groaned.
"Leslie!" Anaka cried as she and Harry entered the common room, "Where have you guys been?"
Leslie quickly filled Anaka and Harry in on her situation and got extremely angry when Anaka shared the news of her letter with her.
"Oh well," Anaka sighed, "I know Dumbledore will try the best he can."
"True," Severus said quietly.
"So where are you going to stay?" Harry asked.
"I have no idea," Leslie said shaking her head, "I guess I will just have to try to find an apartment somewhere."
Harry nodded.
"I'm not looking forward to going back to the Dursleys either."
Anaka's eyes lit up suddenly when an idea entered her mind.
"You both need somewhere to stay?" Anaka asked. They nodded.
"I have the perfect place!"
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Remus sighed as he stared at the 6 trunks he had to put in the carriage. One was his, one was Anaka's, one was Harry's and three were Leslie's. How she got so much stuff he would never know.
"Thanks again Remus," Leslie said, giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek.
"Yeah, thanks Professor," Harry said quietly. Remus smiled. He put the trunks in the carriage with the help of Severus and John.
"Let's go," he said happily as they all scrambled into the carriage. John hugged Anaka and then watched her get into the carriage.
"I'll keep in touch!" John cried, waving at Anaka. Anaka waved back and smiled.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Severus whispered to Leslie as she got in the carriage. Remus rolled his eyes as he held open the door.
Leslie laughed.
"Yes Severus. Calm down, I can take care of myself. I'll write to you as soon as I get to the house."
Severus nodded and got out of the way so Remus could enter.
"Good bye Severus," he said with a smile. Severus stared at the carriage as it rode away.
"Bye," he growled. He suddenly felt like letting Leslie go off with Remus was a very bad idea. Especially when Leslie and him had never finished their conversation.