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

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.

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

Severus was puzzling over the misplacement of a key Sleeping Potion ingredient when he her her scream.
Whirling around, he ran towards the direction of the sound. He searched the entire storage room frantically, but he could not find her.
Panicking, he ran to Dumbledore's office, slamming the door into the wall. She's gone! he shouted.
Minerva rolled her eyes.
No! I heard her scream, but I couldn't find her. he said angrily.
What happened? Dumbledore asked, concerned.
She came to ask for Sleeping Potion. We went into the storage room. While I was looking for ingredients, she explored the room. I heard her shout, then she said that something had startled her. I assumed that it was one of the creatures in the jars. A few minutes later, I heard her scream. I searched the whole room. She was just gone. he gradually went from a bellow to a whisper.
Minerva, organize the staff and have them search the entire school. Severus and I will take the dungeons. Oh, and do pass word along to the ghosts. Send at least one of them down with us. Dumbledore rose and followed Severus down to the dungeons.
Where were you when you hear her scream? he asked gently.
Over here. Severus led the headmaster to he place where he had been standing.
Where did the screaming come from?
The Potions Master pointed towards the back of the room.
All right. I'll start from this side and work my way back. You start on that side and do the same. I'll meet you down there. Keep your eyes peeled for clues. Dumbledore advised.
He was in the second to last aisle from the back when he felt a crunch beneath his feet. Bending down, he picked up an earring she had been wearing before she disappeared. He felt a lump in his throat as he straightened, putting the earring in his pocket. He was investigating the back wall when he heard her shout.
He rushed to the other end, where a small hallway was located.
he shouted. The headmaster came up quickly behind him. He put his hands on a section of wall as he heard her shout again.
She's here. he said quietly. He looked around for some kind of mechanism to get past in, but he couldn't find anything.
What's going on? The Bloody Baron suddenly appeared behind him.
Go through this wall and tell me what you see. Dumbledore commanded.
The spirit obeyed, coming back a few moments later. Señora Montoya is in there. Alone. the Baron said quietly.
Are you sure? Dumbledore asked.
the Baron replied.
Can you get to her?
The Baron shifted his weight. She's unconscious.
Then can you wake her?
I can try. he disappeared through the wall again.
A few moments later, they heard her voice. Severus? Dumbledore? she cried.
Severus leaned against the wall. Can you hear me?
Yes. Where am I?
I don't know. Neither of us know how to get to you. We never knew of the existence of that room before.
Do you know how to get back out? Dumbledore asked.
she replied.
How did you get in?
There was a pause. I don't know. The whole wall was as solid as it is now, and I was leaning against it. Before I knew what was happening, someone grabbed from behind and to the left of me. That whole section of the wall was gone, and I was pulled back here.
Severus searched the part of the wall she was talking about, until he found what he was looking for.
Headmaster, look. he said angrily.
The headmaster looked at a small hole in the wall that was hidden behind a statue. I just received a post in the mail. A certain prisoner escaped from Azkaban last night. he said quietly.
Severus could feel the rage inside of him, as he thought about the revenge he would get at the rat who had caused all this.
Dumbledore called. I think that the mechanism needed to get you out is located on your side. I need you to look everywhere.
All right, here goes. she replied.
Baron, could you help her? Severus asked.
The Bloody Baron nodded before turning away.
After what seemed to be an eternity, Severus finally heard a shout.
We found it! Noa yelled. Suddenly, the wall began to fade and a small room could be seen beyond it.
Noa walked through, holding her right wrist limply to her side. Severus stepped forward and held her in a tight embrace, mindful of her injured wrist.
We'll take over from here. Dumbledore said quietly. Why don't you two go to the hospital wing?
They nodded wordlessly, walking out of the storage room. Are you all right? Severus asked gently. His hand was still on her back.
she responded quietly. I tried to fight back, but I couldn't! He and his friend were too strong. After all that training Jack put me through, and I couldn't do a thing.
Don't worry. Dumbledore will take care of them. he soothed.
I managed to get a little damage onto the bald one, though. she said satisfactorily, showing off bloody knuckles.
Goodness gracious, my child! We've all been worried sick! Let me see that arm. Madam Pomfrey bustled over the moment they entered the hospital wing.
Your lucky it's just a sprain. How did it happen? she asked.
I fell. Noa said simply.
And held your hand out to break your fall, didn't you? Well, it doesn't seem to be too bad. It'll be bit until it heals, since you have to do it the muggle way, but you'll survive. I do have a mild potion that doesn't have the ingredient you are allergic to, but it's for the pain only. Let me get it for you. After wrapping Noa's arm in a bandage, the nurse went in search of her private stock of medicine.
You'll stay here tonight. Severus told her.
Absolutely not! Noa was indignant. I'll stay in my own room, thank you very much.
Madam Pomfrey can get to you much more quickly this way. he argued.
So could they. she said quietly.
What happened? he was almost fearful of what she would say.
I got in this huge fight with this bald guy and his buddy. I don't know who either were. Anyways, it was easy to fight the older guy, but his friend was obviously a trained fighter. We were at a stalemate for awhile, and then the bald dude pulled out a wand and cast the Stupefy spell on me. When I woke up, the Bloody Baron was the first thing I saw. They were gone, though.
All right, here you go, drink up. the Matron pushed a goblet with something rather vile-looking in it under her nose.
If this is anything worse then last time's potion, then I'm gonna hurt somebody. Noa threatened before swallowing. she gagged.
Slowly, Noa walked to her room, although not unescorted.
Thanks for saving me tonight, Severus. she said meaningfully.
You're welcome. he guided her to the couch. I'm not leaving. Someone could easily break in.
She nodded, opening a closet door and grabbing an extra pillow and blanket. Putting them on the couch, she sat next him. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause all this trouble. I never should have followed him there -
Oh, come now, it wasn't your fault and you know it. he framed her face with his hands as he touched his forehead to hers. I thought I'd never see you again. his throat tightened.
He brushed a single runaway tear off her cheek as she leaned in and kissed him. It started as a soft kiss before it changed, became more passionate. Goodnight, Severus. she gave him one last kiss before she went to her room, leaving him to his thoughts.
It was hours before he finally fell asleep.

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

A few weeks later...

Ok, the students simply do not understand the importance of having all the necessary products to clean. For some strange reason, they cannot get it through their thick heads that you can't always just wave a wand and be done with it. Or have house elves, for that matter. Collette said, frustrated. She had come back to Hogwarts after the second week of her dance school. According to her, she had simply burned out. After flying lessons with Sirius, her dance career was spoiled, and she couldn't think of anything else throughout lessons. It eventually got to the point where the director called her into her office and lectured her on her poor concentration. It was then that Collette decided she didn't want to be a dancer anymore. Now, she was taking over Armstrong's muggle studies class for the rest of the year.
I have an idea. Noa announced.
Collette asked.
Well, first we need a ghost...ah, there's the Gray Lady. Come on. Noa pulled her friend over to her.
Excuse, but could I ask you a few questions? Noa called out to her.
The lady turned and floated to where Noa and Collette stood. You're a muggle. she said bluntly.
Who better to assist the muggle studies professor? Noa reasoned.
The Lady smiled. What questions do you have?
Well, Collette...Professor Devereux here is having trouble explaining the concept of muggle cleaning. The students can't understand why muggles just don't have elves do it, or just wave a wand or something. Noa rolled her eyes. So I thought, what better way to explain the uses of muggle cleaning products than by having them clean with them? a mischievous smile crept on her lips.
The Lady laughed. Why are you telling me this?
Noa smiled sweetly. Because I was hoping that you could help us put an extremely thick layer of dust around the room, make the floor dirty, and maybe add a cobweb here and there. Oh, and move a few things out of the way. Put in a few things in hard-to-clean places.
I'll ask Peeves to do it. the Gray Lady decided. He's the best at this sort of thing.
Well, could you ask him not to mess with my desk and chair? Collette put in, grinning.
I can't guarantee anything. the Gray Lady warned.
Thank you so much! Noa beamed.
The ghost curtsied before leaving in search of the infamous poltergeist.

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

All we have to do is go to the nearest muggle store and get a ton of cleaning supplies. Noa thought smugly as she made her way down the dungeons. She walked into the empty potions classroom. She looked around for the Potions Master when she noticed the storage room was open.
she called out. Tentatively, she took a step inside. Are you in here? she walked through the room. She stopped in the middle aisle, staring at the darkness that gathered at the back of the room.
She quickly backed up and left the storage room. Instead, she went to his office and sat at his desk, waiting. Ten minutes later, she was rewarded for her patience when he walked in, carrying yet another stack of papers.
What's that? Noa asked curiously.
Papers to grade. he replied. She stood up and moved so that he could sit at the desk.
Do you have to grade them now? she asked as he grabbed a quill and reached for the one at the top.
If I don't do them now, Miss Granger will, without a doubt, be pestering me about her grade throughout the entire class period tomorrow. he responded.
Good point. she chuckled. She walked over to him and began to massage his shoulders.
Look at this! He can't even put proper grammar into it. he said disgustedly as he marked a scandalously low score on one.
Well, I suppose I should go, then. she leaned down and pecked him on the cheek. I just might come back when you are done.
What did you come here for? he asked.
She leaned down again. For this. she kissed him again, taking him by surprise. This one lasted much longer.
Abruptly, she let go. But you have papers to grade. she backed towards the door. And I have some shopping to do with Collette.
So maybe I'll come back when I'm done. she opened the door.
You'd better. he growled.

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

Here goes nothing. Collette muttered as she strolled up to the small cabin Sirius occupied. She knocked rapidly three times before the door opened.
a rumpled Remus asked.
Is Sirius here?
No, he went to Hogsmeade ten minutes ago. Can I help you? he asked politely.
Before she could answer a female voice called out impatiently, Who is it, Remus?
Just someone looking for Sirius. he shouted back.
Collette's mouth had formed an O. Well, I should be going. she said hastily.
I'll let him know you stopped by. he promised before shutting the door.
She sighed and turned around. Everybody's coupling up. she thought grumpily.
Twenty minutes later, she met Noa at the entranceway.
You ready? Noa asked happily.
Collette nodded in response.

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

Several hours later, they walked into her classroom.
Peeves hasn't hit it yet. Collette observed as she put bottles of Windex, Lysol, and Pine Sol into one of her drawers.
Have fun. Noa stored a broom, mop, and mop bucket in a closet.
Oh, believe me, I will. Collette snickered as she closed and locked her classroom door.
Walking down the hall, her stomach rumbled. Let's raid the kitchen. she suggested.
We've already missed dinner, anyways.
I already have a ton of muggle candy in my room, so don't get too much stuff, ok? Noa warned.
After grabbing enough food to feed them both (and then some), they walked to Noa's rooms, precariously balancing candy wrappers and other munchables.
Ok, throw it all on the table. Noa began, then stopped short when she saw Severus pacing in front of her fireplace.
Where have you been? he exploded as they loaded their stash onto the table.
Um, I'm going to grab something from my room. Collette mentioned before hurriedly leaving.
Dumbledore said that you had left the castle. Alone. his eyes flashed angrily. I came to wait here. It's been two hours -
Hey, I'm here, ok? Nothing happened. Besides, it's not as if I didn't ask permission -
Why didn't you tell me? he interrupted.
Would you have let me go? she retorted.
He paused, but only for a moment. That's beside the point! You went alone!
No, I didn't! I went with Collette. And it's not like I was in any danger -
Of course you were! Voldemort, Armstrong, Pettigrew, and his mysterious friend all have it out for you!
Collette's a pretty strong witch, and I can take care of myself!
For all I know, you could have been hurt, or worse!
She softened. I'm not. she walked towards him.But I had to get out. It's not being easy being the only muggle here. I needed to do muggle things. Collette was the perfect companion to accompany me. She's my best friend, and she knows the muggle world better than most other people here at Hogwarts. she snuggled into his tight embrace.
He sighed. Next time, warn me, all right? That way I don't have to spend my evenings pacing in front of the fireplace.
Collette chose that moment to walk in. Hey, is the moment over now, or do I need to go someplace else to munch my food? she gestured at the table.
Go find someplace else. Severus suggested.
No, stay. Severus was just leaving. Noa said meaningfully as she dragged him to the hallway between the sitting room and the painting. She gave him a quick kiss before shoving him out the door. she said firmly.

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

I never thought I'd see the day. Collette chuckled as Noa came back in.
Noa blushed. Well, what about you? Have you seen Sirius yet?
Nope. He was in Hogsmeade when we left. She popped a peppermint into her mouth. They had mostly gotten candy that didn't move (i.e., no chocolate frogs), so that they wouldn't have to spend their time chasing the things all over the room.
Want me to drop a line or two? Noa fumbled with a candy wrapper.
Nah. It's my problem. I'll fix it.
Noa finally opened the wrapper, only to have dozens of M & M's fly across the room. Dang it. she muttered.
Are you going to go back to that dance school next year? Collette bent down to help pick up the mess her friend had mad.
No. That school's run by muggles, remember? I'm sentenced to a life without dancing. Besides, I really like it here. Noa hugged her knees. What about you?
I'm going to learn how to fly and play Quidditch before I make any decisions about my future. Collette announced.
I wish I could learn. Noa said wistfully. I can't do anything around here.
What do you mean? Collette asked, surprised.
I mean, this whole school is all about magic. Everyone here has some sort of magical experience or knowledge. I can't even do the simplest spell. she ran her fingers through her hair. I'm useless.
Oh, come on, you know that's not true. Collette protested.
All I do is help you come up with ideas to help teach a class that the school was already doing well without. Noa lamented.
You saved the life of one of the most important wizards in the world. Collette pointed out.
I did what anyone would have done! Noa protested.
Noa, you are one of the strongest people I know. What's gotten into you?
I don't know. Ever since I followed Pettigrew into that room, I've been on a down trip. she admitted.
I understand. They were quiet for a while, before Noa stretched and yawned.
It's been a long day. I'm going to sleep. she said. They hugged before Collette went to her own chambers.
Noa opened a wrapper thoughtfully, munching on the candy inside and thinking about all that had happened since that fateful day.
I wouldn't change a thing. She realized.
She walked to the window seat, sitting on the cushions.
Snow was falling outside. After looking towards the large, frozen lake, she decided that ice skating was a must. First thing tomorrow. she vowed silently.

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

Sirius stepped out of the shadows by her door. Didn't mean to frighten you. he said when she jumped.
No, it's ok. she sighed in relief when she realized it was Sirius, and not the boogeyman she had been visualizing.
When did you arrive? he asked.
About an hour ago. she informed him.
Remus said you stopped by while I was out. he followed her through the door. Where were you?
Alej and I had a little shopping to do. she grinned.
Uh oh, I know that look. he sat in a chair close to the warm fire. What did you get?
We're going to teach the meaning of muggle cleaning concepts to my students. she sat on the floor in front of him.
By making them clean the muggle way. Realization dawned upon him. He chuckled as he began to knead her shoulders.
Yep. Oh, and by the way, you and Remus are teaching me how to play Quidditch tomorrow.
We are? he concentrated on a tense spot on her shoulder blades.
Yes, you are. she said firmly.
He moved to he ground behind her as his hands moved down, massaging her lower back. Does Remus know?
Not yet. she closed her eyes.
He laughed. He won't say no anyways. Not to Quidditch. He suddenly became serious. What are you going to do over the Christmas holidays? he asked.
I'm staying here. she replied.
Well, since Harry will be here, I just may stay.
You have to. Who else am I going to pick on? she grinned as she poked him in the ribs. He laughed helplessly, poking her back. She shrieked before jumping up and running behind the chair.
You can't catch me! she grinned.
Would you like to bet on that? he said mischievously, before jumping up after her. She stuck her tongue out, and ran to the other side of the room, cackling evilly.
She quickly dived under the table just as he ran towards her. she shrieked, grabbing a table leg.
He crawled under the table, tickling her until she begged for mercy. What was that you were saying about me not being able to catch you? he crowed in triumph.
Would you like a cookie? she grinned, propping herself up on her elbows.
No, but I can think of a far better prize. he said quietly.
she raised her eyebrows. And, pray tell, what is that?
A kiss. he said simply before leaning in.

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

The Christmas holidays came quickly, and soon Hogwarts was empty, save for a few students and what remaining staff members there were.
Noa packed her bag into her car as Collette rushed down for a quick hug. They were both in muggle clothes.
You know, I'm not leaving for another twenty minutes. Noa laughed.
I know. But you'll probably end up spending them with your boyfriend, so I figured that this was the only chance I'd get to say goodbye. Collette grinned before dashing off to the Quidditch fields.
Chuckling, Noa walked back into the castle. After checking the dungeons, she frowned. Where's Severus?
Excuse me. she walked up to a painting of two gossiping women. But I was wondering if you knew where Professor Snape is.
The women looked down at her before ignoring her and striking up a conversation between themselves.
He's in his chambers. the Gray Lady came up behind her.
Could you show me to them? Noa asked.
The ghost nodded before turning down the hallway, leading Noa through several twists and turns before finally stopping at the end of another long hallway.
He's in there. The Lady pointed at a large painting of a snake.
Thank you. the dancer said gracefully before walking towards the painting. Now how to get in?
The snakes glared at her, hissing angrily. She took a step back apprehensively. Suddenly, the wall swung open.
What are you doing here? the professor asked, startled.
I came to say goodbye. she blinked at the tone in his voice. I'm about to leave, and since you can't come -
Who led you here? he interrupted.
One of the ghosts. I don't know her name. Noa said defensively.
Well, you shouldn't have come. he said angrily.
She looked at him incredulously. Severus, what's wrong? You've been in my chambers before.
That's not the point. he snapped.
Yeah? What is the point? She crossed her arms defiantly.
That you shouldn't have come here. If one of Voldemort's men knew that you and I -
Practically nobody is here! It's perfectly safe!
No, it's not! We'll do this on my terms, and my terms only!
Fine. Next time I leave, don't expect a goodbye kiss. As a matter of fact, don't expect anymore kisses at all! she stalked off angrily.
He cursed and started after her, but Peeves suddenly appeared and blocked his way. The poltergeist had taken to her she had let him make a mess of Collette's classroom. He didn't move until the Baron finally came to retrieve him. By the time Severus reached the entranceway, her car was gone.

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

A few weeks later, Noa moved back into Hogwarts. She changed the password to her room before entering it.
She unpacked her things before heading to dinner in the Great Hall, still in her muggle clothes. Student's didn't arrive until the next day. Wearing a fitted tee and her favorite pair of comfy jeans, she strolled into the dining room.
she said cheerfully. She took her seat and, as usual, picked at a salad before taking small bites.
Noa, you aren't taking dance now. You don't have to diet anymore. Collette chastised before taking a bite of spaghetti.
Old habits die hard. she muttered.
Suddenly, Severus strolled in. Dumbledore, I need to speak with you, privately. he said, glancing at Noa. She refused to meet his eyes. He turned and followed the great wizard out of the hall.
The following weeks she managed to avoid him. She ducked into other hallways and empty classrooms when she saw him, and ate less of her food during meal times, just so she could get away quicker. Sometimes, she would simply have a tray sent up to her room so that she didn't have to go at all.
In late March, there was another meeting between the sworn Ten.
The Dark Lord is getting impatient. There'll be an attack any day now. Severus announced.
On Hogwarts? Dumbledore asked.
Severus nodded the affirmative.
Oh, dear... Minerva said, dismayed.
We must all stay close together. If a battle begins...
What about Noa? Remus asked.
We could send her somewhere where she would be safe. Arthur suggested.
Hello? I'm right here. Noa waved her arms.
After all, she is a muggle. Arthur continued. She won't be able to face him -
She slammed the cup she had previously been drinking out of down with such force that water sloshed over the rim.
That's it! I'm sick of being a helpless muggle! she shouted before storming out of the office.
Collette, would you please bring her back? Dumbledore sighed.
Nodding, Collette hurried after her friend.
Arthur, you musn't underestimate her -
I'm sorry, Dumbledore, but what could she do? Arthur insisted.
You'd be amazed at what she's capable of doing. Severus said quietly.
Arthur looked at him, openmouthed, as Dumbledore nodded wisely at the Potions Master.
Severus had a haunted expression on his face. He thought about the hurt expression that had been on her face before she had left for Spain. That face alone had been keeping him up at night ever since.
Even the dreamless Sleeping Potions didn't work.
Collette rushed in, holding her arm. With a start, he realized blood was seeping through. Sirius jumped up and examined it, cursing under his breath.
Malfoy and Pettigrew - tons of them - marched in. He stabbed me - then Armstrong -
Slow down. Where's Noelle? Dumbledore asked.
Armstrong grabbed her. She tried to put up a fight, but -
Severus snapped, rushing out of the room.
The battle's begun sooner than we thought it would. Minerva, Rolanda, get the students to their dormitories immediately. Hagrid, Remus, organize the staff. The rest of you must do what you can to keep them back until help arrives. Oh, and would someone please get word out to the ghosts? Thank you. Dumbledore ordered.
Severus frantically searched the halls for his beloved. He stopped short at a window. The enemies were outside. He could see her being dragged to Voldemort's side.
He ran out to the mass of Death Eaters as quickly as he could.
Ah, Severus. I got tired of waiting for you to bring her to me. Thought I'd take her myself. The Dark Wizard said viciously.
Severus tried not to show the extreme loathing he felt towards Voldemort on his face.
Yes, Master. he bowed. His eyes looked for Noa, but he couldn't find her anywhere.
She'll be dead any moment now. Voldemort said triumphantly. He stepped aside to reveal her body. She was pale and thing, nowhere near what she had been in life.
Severus could barely breathe. He couldn't move as his eyes denied what he saw. he whispered.

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

A/N - Ok, this is the part where you review. Honestly, what did you think of this story? I could use some constructive criticism. This isn't the end. I have the end of this part and part of the sequel written down. It'll be transferred into computer mode soon - depending on the amount of reviews this gets, anyways.