Farewell by: Europe

Don´t know where I´m going
But I know it feels right
And though my feelings are showing
I´m not afraid, it´s alright

So long, farewell
I´ve got to go
Be strong, be well
I want you to know
That maybe we´ll meet someday

Should I stay or should I go
It was not easy to decide
But you told me: "I already know"
I guess you wondered why I lied

The school was decorated for Halloween but for some reason Kaiya couldn't find the heart to join them. Her heart was with her mind hidden somewhere with her father. Instead, she hid in the dungeons, in one of the armories. She picked up one of the swords on display, one to her liking that was slender, cool and defined. She swung it through the air, holding up her opposite hand in the classic fencing stance. She had wrapped her black hair into a bun away from her face. She was wearing a red tunic, Asian style with a high collar, gold inlay and frog knots.

"You look like your mother."

Kaiya swung around. Severus Snape walked down the stairs into the large dungeon, picking up a sword as he entered. She brought up her sword to his face, in defense. He laughed.

"Yes, very much like your mother." He smirked softly. "But she couldn't fight to save her life." He moved quickly, bringing the sword against hers. She was quick to defend herself. "But I taught you how to fight."

He brought his sword around. She rebutted with her own moves. Together the two blades met and clashed, the sounds echoing loudly keeping tempo to the dance. The tempo guided the footwork that in turn determined the battle plans. Steel against steel, meeting par for par and move for move, each one fighting at that moment their opponent and everything else. And suddenly the battle meant more; Severus was fighting against his history- a painful past that included lost loves, missing friends and Kaiya. He fought her because it was all he could do.

In that same instance, he was fighting Melanie Reyes. He was fighting against the woman called Madame de Noche by the Death Eaters who feared her because she was Voldemort's lover and bodyguard. They hated her because she was the untouchable Melanie, the goddess, the diamond and the paragon. She was the Madame, the woman who could kill with a whim and a swish of her wand. They hated her because they wanted her. Everyone wanted her. Severus had wanted her too. But unlike the others, she had loved Severus in return.

And the proof of their love was fighting for her life against the only thing she had wanted in her life. She was fighting against her father, the only true family that like so many things was entwined with Voldemort. Darkness was as much a part of her as the color of her eyes. And she hated Severus for that. All at once she was fighting against a destiny she didn't want. She was fighting against the life of hurt she knew she had to endure. She would have given anything for just a life- as a wife, perhaps.

She swung her blade and tripped him. Before Severus recovered, she had her sword to his throat with a cold, unforgiving stare. "No, father. You taught me to kill."

Somewhere above her in the main hall, someone screamed. Severus looked up and smiled at her. "Now here's the predicament: kill me or save the miracle boy. You can't do both."

She glared at him and moved her blade ever so slightly as she pulled it away. The fine edge of her sword that she cut his cheek, just enough for to draw blood.

"You know Kaiya, I noticed something." He said as he stood slowly. "You never called out." His features softened. "Will you not come with me? My daughter, will you…"

"You are not my father. He would have died rather then take the cowards way out."

"Dear Alchemy have I taught you nothing? It is lonely road you take and one riddled with pain." He quickly kissed her. "Qui Nullus Intereo."

Ron Weasley had been walking alone outside in the gardens while the others celebrated Halloween. He didn't know how long it had been since he felt so alone. Harry was inside with Hermione and they were eating and laughing with the others. Always laughing, and always the three of them and Ron hated that. For what wasn't certainly the first time he wished that Hermione were with him. Lately he enjoyed her being near. His hand went to his shoulder where she had laid her head. He felt himself blushing. Hermione, of all people, going to him for comfort. He liked that idea.

"Weasley?"

Ron knew whom the voice belonged to before he saw the face. But before he could cry out, someone had taken him from behind and held an cool hand over his mouth. Snape had stepped out into the pale moonlight and begged him to be silent. It took a second for Ron to recognize the unmoving lump Snape was carrying as Igor Karkaroff.

"Why aren't you inside?" Snape demanded in all too familiar voice. "No matter, its better that you're here anyways. Help me."

"Why should I?"

"Because if you don't he'll die."

Ron's instincts screamed for him to go get Harry and a second later he rebuked himself. He could do anything Harry could after all. He went Snape's side and eased the man unto the floor. Igor had a large gash through his chest and when the man breathed it made a gurgling noise. The person who had restrained him was a woman as ravishing as Kaiya and twice as beautiful. This woman made Kaiya look homely.

"They call me Jackie." She said slowly. "Who teaches Potions now?"

Ron looked up. "Your daughter."

Severus paled. "Kaiya?" He looked up at the castle. "Stay here, Jacqueline." Their eyes met. She smiled and nodded and he disappeared into the castle.

"You don't like Severus do you?" She asked. When he said no, she laughed. "A lot of people don't. That's why he acts so sure of himself. But he isn't and it's dangerous game he plays now. He's working as spy, you know. For Dumbledore."

"How do you know?"

She leaned close to him. "Because I work for him too. But please, I must ask you not to tell Harry, it could complicate things. In fact I could use your help. Severus is far too sure of himself. And if I could have someone help me keep an eye on things here, I'd be grateful. Please, Severus is my only contact to Dumbledore and if something happens to him- I'm stranded."

"Maybe you should take to Harry."

"Harry would be too obvious, besides I don't trust him." She took his hands into hers. "Aren't you tired of Harry getting all the credit? I know you could do this for me. I know you could help me."

Ron looked deep into her eyes and knew she was offering him the chance to prove himself. "I will."

"Good, now help me get him inside." She walked with him until they had entered before a sound caught her attention. She told Ron to take Karkaroff to the Grand Hall while she investigated.

It took her only a moment to discover the Snape family. Smiling sinisterly, she pulled her wand and was about to mutter a curse.

Somebody tried to stop her. It was Remus Lupin. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" He demanded in a voice that was harsh and demanding and terrified at the same time. It was the panicking voice of a person in love. She knew that pathetic voice well.

"Same as you." She said. "Saving the person I love."

"No father, you taught me to kill."

Jacqueline and Remus both heard the words and acted. Jackie pushed Remus away just in time to scream. "Stupefy!" She was about to finish Remus off but Severus intervened. "Come, we're going."

He was bleeding.

She stared at the unconscious body, knowing the noise she caused would call Dumbledore and the others. She obeyed. After all, there were times to fight and times to flee.

And soon enough Hogwarts would be a rumor.