Ok, you guys know the drill...


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My loyal servants. a sinister voice boomed. I have discovered new opposition.
Whispers commenced as the Death Eaters looked around nervously.
Silence! About a month ago, the stars aligned themselves. Ten of them, as a matter of fact. They foretell of an ancient prophecy that I never thought to be true - until now.
Severus remembered hearing Sinistra talking excitedly about it one day. He hadn't realized that they foretold a prophecy. If only Sinistra had known....He thought wryly.
The stars represent ten enemies who have bonded themselves against me. Together, they are the most powerful wizards that have ever come into existence. They all will be the worst enemies we have ever faced. The voice continued.
There was a stillness in the group of followers that Severus had never felt before. It took a moment before he could distinguish what it was: fear.
Your newest task is to find these ten, and destroy them separately. Snape, you are in charge of the situation in Hogwarts. Surely Dumbledore will know who they are, if he isn't one already. I also would appreciate ten vials of your most deadly potion. The Dark Lord smiled thinly. Malfoy, you are to infiltrate the Ministry. And you.... the orders went on.
Finally, Voldemort stopped and looked around at his followers. We haven't much time. Hurry. And with that, they were dismissed.
Before Severus could disapparate, the Dark Lord called to him.
My Lord. he said in false reverence.
Ah, Snape. I have yet another task for you.
He waited to hear Voldemort's instructions.
About a month ago, an attack I ordered on Potter was foiled by none less than a muggle. Voldemort spat. I want you to find out who that muggle is, and bring her to me. The man responsible for her intervening has already faced his punishment.
Yes, Master. he bowed.
You are dismissed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Miss Montoya, the headmaster wishes to see you in his office. Minerva informed Noa in the hallway a few hours later.
All right. she replied, walking to Dumbledore's office.
Ah, there you are. the Headmaster said as she walked in. I have some news for you.
Noa waited for him to continue.
First, before I tell you anything, I need to explain something to you. Professor Snape is a spy for our side. He has infiltrated many Death Eater meetings and has passed on valuable information to me.
She looked at Severus, who nodded silently in confirmation.
Lord Voldemort has specifically planned for revenge against you today. Dumbledore revealed.
Voldemort? That's the bad guy who's after Harry, right? she asked calmly.
Yes, it is. he confirmed.
What are you going to do? She asked quietly.
Well, we certainly will not send you to endure the Dark Lord's wrath. Severus said sardonically.
But we must ask you to be extremely careful from now on, especially when you go back to Spain for your dancing. Voldemort doesn't know your name, but he can certainly find out. And he will. Dumbledore warned her.
Thank you for your concern, Headmaster. I certainly will be looking over my shoulder more often. she left.
I don't think she realizes the full extent of the danger she is in. Dumbledore said thoughtfully.
Then again, she has never before encountered the Dark Lord. he replied.
True. Severus, I want you to keep close watch on her this week, until she leaves for Spain. Especially when she traipses into the Forest. I don't know how strong she is, but she certainly cannot hope to take Lord Voldemort down.
I know - she is a muggle, after all. Severus agreed.
A very important muggle. Dumbledore chastised.
How? How is a mere muggle important to the fight against Voldemort? he challenged.
You'd be amazed at what power that a mere muggle can wield. the Headmaster said quietly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dumbledore? What's this about? Collette demanded. Why are we having a meeting behind my best friend's back?
If everyone would just sit down and hush up, I would explain it. Dumbledore reprimanded loudly. Thank you. he said after everyone had taken a seat.
Today, we discovered that Noelle is the daughter of Diego Montoya, son of Juan Montoya.
Several gasps filled the room. Dumbledore held his hands up for silence.
She does not know the truth behind her family history, and it is not our place to enlighten her on the subject. However, her lineage may cause problems for both her and us in the future.
Collette raised her hand. Excuse me, Headmaster, but I don't know the truth either. I just recently met her while assisting at a summer dance camp.
Very well then. For those of you who don't know, Juan Montoya was once a very powerful and very evil man. He was once the equivalent of Voldemort at the time of his greatest power.
Collette gasped.
Fortunately, he passed away in the nineteen seventies. His son was once known for following in his father's footsteps. However, Noelle's father never did rise to the power that his father did. Diego Montoya eventually disappeared in the early nineteen eighties. Dumbledore revealed.
What does this have to do with Noa? She's certainly not an evil witch trying to take over the world. Collette pointed out.
No, she certainly isn't. She wouldn't have brought Harry all the way here if she was. Sirius said quietly.
You didn't bring us all here just to tell us about her lineage, did you? Harry asked.
No, I didn't. Dumbledore looked straight at him. You both have much more in common than either of you realize.
We do? Harry asked, confused.
Yes. You see, Harry, Noelle's father made quite a few enemies in his time. One of them is Voldemort. Dumbledore said quietly.
Severus' head shot up. The Dark Lord already hates her for saving Harry. When he finds out who her father is..... he trailed off.
He'll use her to find out where her family lives, and then annihilate them all. the boy realized.
Dumbledore nodded soberly. Which is why we must be on a higher alert.
The room was silent as they all realized just how much danger their fellow member was in.
Wow, imagine that. Collette said bitterly. She discovers that her best friend and ex-fiancée are wizards. Wait until she discovers the truth about her family.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Noa was walking down the hallway by Dumbledore's office, looking for her best friend, when she suddenly saw Armstrong coming from the opposite direction. She quickly ran behind a stone pillar, hoping he didn't see her. Suddenly, she heard voices.
Professor McGonagall, I completely disagree with you. She's a muggle; she'll never be able to face him. Why Dumbledore included her within our pact is beyond me. And now, with this new problem arising -
Now, Severus, stop that! You know it isn't her fault. And as much as I don't like seeing muggles in such a high place in wizardry, she's the exception. The Headmaster has a very high opinion of her. I just hope that we don't have to have another meeting without her. Minerva said sternly.
They had a meeting without me?
She doesn't deserve this. he said abruptly. It's too much. he walked past Noa's pillar, not looking back.
Noa felt sick. She hadn't heard anything after Severus' comment about not deserving to be in the group. She watched his back as he walked towards the dungeons, disappearing in a hallway.
Once she was sure the coast was clear, she ran back to her rooms without being noticed. She sat on the window seat, trying her hardest not to cry. A few weeks ago, what he thought of her wouldn't have mattered, but now....it hurt her badly to hear his low opinion of her.
Suddenly, she ran to her bedroom, flinging open her closet door and grabbing her bag. Stuffing all her clothes into it, she walked out of her room and down the entrance way.
Startled, she saw her car waiting for her. Wondering briefly how it knew she needed it, she threw her bag in and drove away without a second thought.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Noa's late to breakfast again. Minerva noted almost casually.
Shall I go check on her? Collette asked.
Dumbledore shook his head. Give her a little more time.
Ten minutes later, she excused herself and walked to her friend's room. Ok, I know she's not a morning person, but this is ridiculous.
She let herself into Noa's room, walking straight to the bedroom. Wake up, sleepyhead! she called out cheerfully. She stopped short when she saw the bed was neatly made. As she stepped closer, she realized it was never slept in. Turning, she opened another door.
Which revealed an empty closet.
She ran back into the sitting room. For the the first time, she noticed a letter on the table. Picking it up, she realized that it was addressed to her.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Collette ran back to the staff table. She's gone.
What do you mean, gone? Severus snapped.
Her things. Dance, sparring, and all of her clothes. She's left. Collette panted, holding a hand to her side.
Why would she leave? Jack wondered.
Did she leave any sort of note or explanation? Minerva asked gently.
Yes, she did.
Well? What did it say? Minerva asked, taken aback by the sudden coolness in Collette's voice.
Just that she was leaving. Something came up, but she didn't say what. she replied.
She didn't have any contact with the outside world. Remus pointed out.
It doesn't matter. She had a right to leave Hogwarts if she wanted to. Dumbledore cut in. Whatever her reasoning, we can't force her to come back here. It's her decision alone. Besides, she would have been leaving at the end of the week. He sent pointed looks at several members of the staff. So no searching, got it?
They all nodded back. Well, almost all.
Dumbledore dismissed those who had nodded to their classes. Severus, despite what I have just said, I would like to know where she is. After the pact we all made, we need to be sure of her complete safety. We cannot afford to lose her.
The Potions Master nodded.
You will go to Madrid the weekend after she begins her lessons in dance. It shouldn't be too hard to find her. Make sure she understands that I need to know where she is at all times, in case of an emergency. Then return here, and report to me.
Very well. Oh, and I almost forgot. Céline, her room guardian, said that she left sometime around nine o'clock last night.
She's got quite a head start.
She never even arrived to her room after dinner until eight o'clock that even. She returned for the last time at eight thirty.
Severus remarked.
In tears.
Did Céline say why?
I was wondering if you knew. Dumbledore said quietly.
Why would I know?
Because you two are constantly bickering, and I thought maybe... the headmaster shrugged.
For your information, I haven't spoken to her since our meeting about the Dark Wizard's plans. Severus said coldly.
Her timing is rather coincidental, isn't it? I dismissed you all last night at about eight fifteen.
You think she knew about the meeting?
It would explain why she left.
Oh, come now, she's better than that! Severus said impatiently. It may have upset her, but it wouldn't have caused her to leave.
Something happened between eight and eight thirty to influence upon her that Hogwarts isn't the safe haven it truly is for her. I'd like to know what it was. Dumbledore said mildly, signaling that the discussion was over.
Severus nodded before leaving the office, thoughts swirling in his head. Suddenly, he stopped. I wonder if Sir Brosmed would know anything?
Excuse me? Sir Brosmed? he walked over to the painting across the hall. Would you know anything about Miss Montoya's sudden departure?
Who's Miss Montoya? Is she the one that you were talking about last night with Professor McGonagall? the knight asked.
he snapped.
She was here around eight fifteen.
Oh, really? he feigned boredom.
Yes, she was looking for Collette, as I recall. She asked me if I knew, and I pointed towards the phoenix statue. Sir Brosmed said haughtily.
What happened after that? Severus was losing his patience.
Sir Brosmed furrowed his brow. The strangest thing. he said slowly.
the Professor was about to explode.
Well, she saw Professor Armstrong and hid behind a pillar. That one. he pointed towards one a good distance from where Severus and Minerva had conversed.
Severus breathed in relief.
Armstrong saw her and hid behind that one. the knight pointed to a pillar much closer to their conversation point.
So he heard everything Minerva and I said? Severus was dismayed.
Yes. He must have known that what had been said would upset her, for he cast the eavesdropping spell on her.
How much did she hear?
Armstrong cast the spell on her after you mentioned her lineage, and the counter curse on before you mentioned something about it being too much. Just out of curiosity, what did you mean by that?
Severus only whirled about and stalked to Armstrong's office angrily.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Noelle Montoya. Noa stood up and walked to the door, passing the smiling nurse into a private room.
As you know, these checkups are required before you can officially start lessons at the Academy. the nurse reminded her. Her name tag said Aña. Please step on the scale.
Noa gasped when reading the number, but Aña just frowned and indicated for her to follow.
The doctor will be in shortly. After putting the folder on a counter, the nurse left the room, softly closing the door behind her.
It was a full thirty minutes before it was opened again.
said a cheery woman. I'm Doctor Ramirez, nice to meet you. You are Señora Montoya, si?
Noa nodded.
the doctor proceeded to give her a routine physical.
After a few hems and haws, the doctor frowned. Your knee is swollen to twice it's normal size. she said bluntly.
It hasn't been bothering me or anything. Noa said quickly.
Uh huh. Doctor Ramirez said dryly. I've heard better than that before. Off to your x-rays, Señora.
After the results came in, Noa sat in a chair in the doctor's office. The lady scoured the results before speaking. Have you ever broken your leg before?
Noa admitted reluctantly.

Car accident. I was nineteen.
The doctor that treated this knee had no idea what he was doing. It didn't heal properly. Dr. Ramirez announced I'm going to give you a brace and prescribe medication for the pain, but there's not much else I can do. And I'd suggest you find a new hobby. Unless you plan on it just plain giving out.
Noa nodded and stood up, shaking the good doctor's hand. She had no intention of quitting dance.
Also, I'd change my diet. the doctor added. You're underweight. I'm not surprised, what with you being in ballet. It's programmed into every dancer's brain. Or at least every dancer that I've met. But you don't need to worry about that anymore.
Thank you. Noa replied. She was willing to switch her diet, but only to healthier foods. Underweight? I gained five pounds! She thought frantically.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

He was in a forest of some kind. Not the Forbidden Forest, but a different one. The sun shone brightly through the trees, as birds chirped pleasantly. Suddenly, he came to a small opening in the tree line. It formed a circle, where a small field of flowers was growing.
He drew his breath. In the center of it all, she was there. She was sitting in the midst of the flowers, a miniature bouquet in her hand. She was wearing a long white dress that matched the flowers perfectly. As she reached to pluck another flower, the sunlight caught her hair, giving her the illusion of having a halo over her head. She smiled as she smelled the flowers, raising her eyes to look at him. She stood, beckoning for him to join her.
But the moment that he took a step, she was suddenly pulled by some unseen force into the forest beyond. No sunlight shone through there. She screamed his name in panic, but he couldn't reach her. He kept running, but he could never get quite close enough to grab her outstretched hand.
The last thing he saw before she disappeared was the look of pure terror on her face.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


He sat straight up in bed, panicking. It was just a dream.... he told himself over and over. Just a dream...
He looked at his clock on the night stand. Five thirty a.m. It was too early to check on her.
He laid back down on the bed, wide awake. He didn't dare close his eyes, for fear of seeing the fear on her face and hearing that scream again.
It was a long time before he fell asleep again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Noelle, could you see me in my office after lunch please? Thank you. Rodrigo, the director of her dance academy, approached her after class.
She nodded before grabbing her bag and heading to the lunch room. Wonder what that's about? Ok, I know I messed up yesterday, but it wasn't that bad. She assured herself.
What if it was?
Hey, what did Rodrigo want? A fellow student asked.
I don't know. He just said to come see him in his office after lunch. A puzzled Noa said.
Forty five minutes later, she knocked at the director's door.
Come in. he called.
She walked into his office, nervously sitting in a chair across from his desk. If this is about that mistake I made yesterday, I just wasn't concentrating. I promise I'll do better -
Everybody makes mistakes, Noaandra. Even directors. he said solemnly.
Noa stared. You think it was a mistake bringing me here?
No, I don't think it was a mistake. You are an amazing dancer. You have talent that I haven't seen the likes of in years. Not to mention an incredible amount of endurance and stamina.
Noa suddenly didn't like where this conversation was going.
Unfortunately, those same qualities can hurt you. I was just going over the student's medical reports last night. It's something I should have done at the beginning of this term. he said gently. I think you know what I'm talking about.
Her heart sank. If it's about what the doctor said, she's wrong. My knee doesn't hurt and it's fine and there is nothing wrong with it! she burst out.
I've been teaching long enough to know when something hurts. Trust me, I've seen more than enough masks.
So what are you doing? Are you expelling me?
No. You are more than welcome to attend classes. However, he said at Noa's hopeful expression,You are not to participate in the lessons. I will reserve a seat for you, free of charge, at the end of year recital.
But...you can't! Tears brimmed. I've wanted this all my life. I've waited years to be accepted to this school, and now that I'm here, I'm not allowed to dance?
I'm sorry. he looked at his watch. You don't have to come to lessons if you don't want to. I completely understand. But I will still reserve a seat for you, if you like.
She numbly stood up.
Your welcome.
She walked slowly out the door as her classmates rushed around her.
What happened?
Are you ok?
What's wrong?
She just pushed past them as she walked to her dorm room. She shut the door on them all, except for her room mate, Allison.
What did he say to you? she asked, concerned.
Noa pulled her suitcase from under her bunk without saying a word.
He's kicking you out?
She nodded.
Why? You're the best dancer here! her room mate was shocked.
Let's just say that I have an injury from years before that never healed properly. When I went to the doctor for the physical, she spotted it and told me I wasn't supposed to dance anymore. Anyways, he just checked the records last night and saw what she wrote on my section, and... Noa sobbed.
Where are you going to go?
I have a place here in town. I'm going to go there. Allie, promise you'll visit and tell me everything that's going on here while I'm gone. she folded the last sweater and closed the suitcase.
Of course!
Noa grabbed her dance bag and made sure everything else was set. She then immediately began folding her bed linens. Can you help me get some of this to the car?
Sure, no problem. I'll get Dmitri to distract the crowd first. Allie grabbed her cell phone. Hello? Hey, what's up? No, I'm not saying a word. But I need you to do me a favor.
She paused. Look, I'll buy you a coffee or something, ok? she sighed. Thank you. Now, there's this huge crowd outside our room....thank you so much....you rock, Dmitri. she turned to Noa. Ok, give him about five minutes...
High pitched giggles could suddenly be heard. Oh, hi, Dmitri! a loud voice said outside the room.
The noise eventually moved away. Two minutes later, Allie stuck her head out the door. Ok, coast is clear. Let's go.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A week later, Noa was pouring herself a glass of water when her doorbell rang. I haven't told my family that I'm here, Allie and Dmitri should be in lessons, and nobody at Hogwarts knows where I live. Who could it be? She wondered.
She hobbled to the door. Her knee had steadily worsened, although she hadn't danced in a week. She fiddled with the lock before opening the door.
What are you doing here? she said, astonished.
Are you going to let me in or not? the Hogwarts Potions Master said impatiently. It had taken a long time to find this place, and he didn't intend to let all that time go to waste.
She regained her composure. Not if you're going to drag me back to Hogwarts. she stated defiantly.
Even if my intentions were to take you back, I wouldn't have to resort to dragging, trust me. Severus pushed past her to her impeccably neat living room. He began examining the pictures on the mantle.
Alej shut the door and hobbled after him, trying not to make it look like hobbling.
What's wrong with your leg?
It's just a little sore, is all. she winced as she sat down.
Does it have anything to do with whatever Armstrong meant when he kept mentioning your knee? he inquired.
There was a long pause. I'd rather not talk about it. she said finally.
Very well, then. Why did you leave Hogwarts? he changed the subject.
Why are you here? she challenged.
I asked you first. he shot back.
I'm a grown woman with the right to make her own decisions. I don't have to answer your questions if I don't want to. she stood up, limping in the general direction of the door.
Before she knew what was happening, she was flying through the air and plunked onto the couch. He quickly sat next to her so that she had no option of getting up again.
You're not going anywhere until you answer the question. he said calmly.
I left because I wanted to. she said stubbornly.

Im not that stupid, Severus. Just because I'm a muggle, it doesn't mean I'm completely dense to everything that's going on around me.
Explain yourself. he frowned.
Well, I know you guys had a group meeting behind my back, and.... she suddenly became preoccupied with the pattern on her couch.
Daniel was really getting to me. I just couldn't stand being around him anymore. she said quickly.
Is that all? he asked softly
She looked up into his eyes. They're like dark pools. I wonder what he's thinking behind them.
she hesitated. Suddenly, the door burst open and a cloaked figure rushed in.
Come out, come out, wherever you are! the figure called before it saw them.
Ah, Noelle. Every time I see you, you are more lovely than the last. And what do we have here? It's our very own Potions Master. Professor Daniel Armstrong smirked. I wonder what the Dark Lord would say...
Petrificus totalus! Severus shouted.
Before Armstrong could do anything about it, he was stone. Severus quickly grabbed a vial out of his cloak pocket, pouring the powdery contents in his hand. Magically casting a spell on the fireplace, he enlarged it just enough for them to stand under. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into it.
Holding her tightly to him, he exclaimed, The Shrieking Shack! before throwing the powder down.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


They arrived in the shack a few moments later, coughing and dusting themselves off.
Come on! Severus pulled her along with him.
Severus, my knee! she protested.
He cast a temporary healing spell on her knee, and they ran through the secret passage together as fast as they could.
They stumbled into Dumbledore's office a few moments later.
Dumbledore! There was an attack on Noelle in Madrid! Severus cried out.
Make that attempted attack. Noa said behind him.
Sit down, both of you, and explain yourselves. the Headmaster replied.
None other that Professor Armstrong burst into her home. I've long suspected him of being a Death Eater, although I've never seen him at a meeting. Now, I know it for sure.
He's also currently petrified on my living room floor. Noa added.
Well, you are safe here. Dumbledore rose, writing something on an envelope before handing it to Fawkes.
Severus, you have the rest of the day off, considering that you've already missed most of your classes. As for now, I have a meeting with a student's parents. Noelle, your rooms will still open to your previous password.
And with that, they were dismissed. What's going to happen to Daniel? Noa asked.
Frowning, Severus said, Dumbledore will send a letter to the Ministry, and they will take care of him. he steered her down an empty hall.
Where are we going? she was suddenly suspicious.
To see Madam Pomfrey. he said as they entered the hospital wing.
Before she could reply, her knee buckled. Guess that spell wore off. she said weakly. He carried her to one of the cots before summoning Madam Pomfrey.
That spell should have lasted much longer. he frowned as they walked back to her.
Hello, Noelle, how are you? Obviously not well, or you wouldn't be here. the witch teased. Let me see that knee.
She examined Noa's knee while Severus suddenly found the painting on the wall behind him fascinating.
Hmm, what happened? Madam Pomfrey asked.
Uh, I fell out of a tree and broke it. It just didn't heal properly.
Severus whirled around. She was a horrible liar. Madam Pomfrey, however, took no notice.
I'm going to give you a potion. Should heal that knee in no time. the mediwitch assured her as she went to collect the medicine.
What really happened? Severus asked quietly, staring at her now huge knee.
You really don't want to know. she looked away.
Try me. he replied.
Here we are! the Matron bustled in. Drink this. she shoved a cup under Noa's nose.
The muggle sniffed it cautiously before making a face. What is this stuff? she grimaced.
Drink it. Severus glared menacingly.
In defiance, she downed the whole thing. That was the single most disgusting thing I have ever tasted in my entire life. she said, extremely grossed out.
Well, it takes an hour to work. I'd lie back and rest if I were you. Madam Pomfrey advised.
I'm going to my classroom to see what havoc the substitute has reached. I'll be back in an hour. Severus strolled out of the hospital wing, his robes billowing behind him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Well? Are you going to answer my question? Sirius asked. He had substituted Snape's class.

Oh, come on. What was so important that I, of all people, had to substitute your potions class for? Sirius persisted.
I nearly leaned over and kissed her. He thought. And if I hadn't been there, I might not have been able to save her.
He didn't even want to think about what would have happened if the Dark Lord had gotten her.

He refused to let his mind wander in that direction. Suddenly, he wondered what would have happened if Armstrong hadn't interrupted. What would have been said.
Sirius was exasperated. I'm just going to find out anyway.
Severus responded by looking out of his watch and leaving the room. Sirius threw up his arms and followed him to the hospital wing.
Where is she? he asked Pomfrey.
Do you want the good news or bad news first? she asked.
At the same time that Severus said, Sirius had chorused,
The witch smiled. She managed to keep it down long enough to completely heal her knee.
What's the bad part? Severus asked apprehensively.
She had a rather strong allergic reaction to one of the key ingredients. If she breaks another bone, she'll have to heal the muggle way.
What about spells? Sirius asked.
It didn't work when Severus tried it. The spell didn't last anywhere near as long as it should have.
Where is she? Severus snapped.
In her rooms. the Matron sniffed and tended to another student.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Noa was sitting at her window seat when Severus entered. How'd you get in? she looked startled.
You still have the same password you said last time I came here. he replied.
She made a mental note to change it the next day.
You still haven't answered my question.
What question? she said innocently.
You know which one. he growled.
She hesitated. Well, it's a long story.... At the look on his face, however, she hurried on. It all started a few years ago. I was still seeing Daniel. He had just proposed to me. My family still lived in America. Anyways, about a month into the engagement, I mentioned upcoming auditions to an American ballet school. You know, just like the one in Madrid. she paused.
Daniel was furious. Apparently, now that we were engaged, he expected me to quit ballet and stay home, and be a perfect little housewife. He didn't consider that I'd always dreamed of being a prima ballerina. He wanted to settle down and start a family. It's not that I didn't want to settle down or have a family of my own. It's just that you only get to dance for about ten years, you see. she paused again, taking a deep breath.
The next day he brought flowers and apologized. It was all very elaborate. I should have been suspicious right then and there. she berated herself.
Go on. he said quietly.
Later on that day, I was driving home, right after dance practice. she recalled. It was a hit and run driver. They just crashed into my car and took off. The worst part is that I was on a country road - dad lived miles outside of Sacramento - and I was stranded in cell phone dead zone for hours. It wasn't until several hours later, when my sister was on her way over, that I was found.
Severus waited noiselessly for her to continue.
I woke up the next day with broken bones and ribs. It was a very long time before I could walk, let alone dance. she said bitterly.
She hesitated before stating her next words. I found out from a friend of Daniel's that he had bragged about orchestrating the hit.
He was outraged. He began to pace the room in long, angry strides.
When my father found out, he moved my family back to his homeland of Spain. He had been planning to wait until after the wedding, but obviously it wasn't going to happen. I haven't told him about Hogwarts, or about Daniel being here.
You know what? The worst part is that prior to auditioning to the school in Madrid, I was required to take a physical. she paused. Rodrigo, the director, called me into his office about a week before you came.
Tears pooled in her eyes. I'm not allowed to dance anymore. I can't ever make a career of it because of this stupid knee.
But it's healed now, isn't it? he sat beside her on the window seat.
It doesn't matter. That school is run by muggles. I can't just walk in with a miraculously healed knee. she lowered her head in defeat.
I guess he won after all. she whispered.

She looked up.
he repeated. He's in Azkaban by now. He's lost.
But I'll never dance again. a tear finally fell. She hastily cleared it off.
Yes, you will. Severus said firmly. Now dry your tears. Dinner will be served in ten minutes.
I'm not hungry. she protested.
Yes, you are. he replied. Now, get going.
Aren't you coming? she asked, puzzled.
No, I'll catch up in a moment.
She nodded before opening the door.
she turned.

Thank you. she said before closing the door behind her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Noelle! Where were you? Why did you leave? questions were thrown at her as she took her place at the table.
I'd rather not talk about it. she said as she picked at her salad.
Well, what about your dance lessons? Rolanda asked, concerned. Aren't you missing them?
I'm not doing ballet anymore. Alej said matter of factly.
What happened? Minerva gasped.
Let's just say an old wound came back to haunt me. she grimaced.
So you aren't going back? Dumbledore asked.
she bit her lip.
Well, then, how would you like to extend your stay for another few months? he asked.
Just then, Professor Snape swept in, glaring at everybody.
I'd love to. she took a bite of salad.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Madam Pomfrey? Noa strolled into the hospital wing a week later.
The mediwitch came through a door Noa hadn't noticed before. Noelle! Is your knee bothering you? she asked.
No, but...Noa hesitated. I was wondering if you had any sleeping pills...I mean, potions. she corrected herself.
I just gave my last bottle to Remus. Perhaps Professor Snape has some?
Thank you. Noa turned to leave.
While you are there, could you ask him to send some bottles up for me? the Matron shouted.
Noa yelled back. A few minutes later, she reached the dungeons. Just as she was about to turn the corner, she bumped into a tall man with long blonde hair and cold eyes.
Excuse me. she apologized.
The man was obviously about to snap back when he did a double take. Hmm. Long, dark hair. Short and thin. No wand. You must be Señora Montoya.
Yes. How did you know? she asked nervously.
My son has mentioned a new face at the staff table. he said sinisterly. It makes one wonder what one could have possibly done to deserve such a high position in Hogwarts. Especially when that one is a muggle.
Oh? And, pray tell, who is your son? she began to walk down the hallway.
You don't know? he caught up to her.
When your son mentioned a new face, he did mean new. I still don't know the names of half the student body.
I thought you were leaving. they had finally reached the Potions classroom. Professor Snape stepped out, frowning.
I was, but I met this lovely young lady along the way, and couldn't resist getting to know her a bit. the man said calmly. However, I must be leaving. It was a pleasure meeting you, Señora. he kissed her hand.
Noa smiled. Señor, uh -
Malfoy. Lucius Malfoy. He bowed before leaving.
Wow. Charming man. she commented after he disappeared around the corner.
What did he say to you? Severus snapped. He pulled her into the classroom and shut the door behind them.
Nothing much. she shrugged as she walked towards his desk. Just that his son had mentioned me in a letter home, and that was how he knew who I was.
So he knows your name?
He knew it the moment he saw me. she perched on his desk. Severus, what's the what? Is there something I should know here?
Lucius Malfoy is a Death Eater. he folded his arms.
Her eyes widened. So now they know where I am.
He nodded. Suddenly, her face paled.
Severus! Your cover! she panicked. I'm so sorry.
Actually, he already knew you were here, remember? Draco's letters to him proved it. When he came to ask about it, I informed him that Dumbledore never let you out of his sight, which explains why I haven't yet kidnapped you and to Voldemort.
She breathed a sigh of relief.
Why did you come down here? he began to pick up some papers and moved through a door in the back to his office.
Oh, that. Well, Madam Pomfrey wanted me to bring her some more Sleeping Potions.
Oh? She usually sends an elf for them. he dropped the papers on his desk and picked up another set.
Uh, there weren't any elves around.
He leaned against his desk, next to his chair. Are you sure? he raised his eyebrows.
Noa threw her hands up in mock surrender. Ok, the potions are for me. But she really does want some sent up. Happy now?
He put the papers back on his desk and strode into another room that adjoined his office. She followed him through, gasping at the large storage room. Row upon row of potion ingredients lined the shelves. She walked past the first few aisles to the ones in the back, reading the labels.
Don't touch anything. Severus said from somewhere on the other side of the room.
she said distractedly. Suddenly, something small ran past her. She jumped, squeaking in surprise.
What's wrong? the Potions Master called from wherever he was.
Oh, something just startled me is all. she answered before traveling further back in the room. It was darker the further back she went. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something scurry to her left. She followed it, stopping every now and then to check for movement. Each time, she spotted it just out of the corner of her eyes.
Does it want me to follow? She wondered. With this kind of world, I wouldn't be surprised if pigs flew. she reasoned. Suddenly, she came upon a dead end. Whatever it was, it was gone.
She leaned back against the wall, when suddenly someone grabbed her from behind. The portion of wall to her left was gone, and she screamed as she was pulled into it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*