Chapter 4 the truth shall set you free.
Harry woke with a start. He looked out the window and saw that they were already half way to Hogwarts. He looked at his wife, and smiled, 'I'm so lucky' he thought to himself as he watched her sleep. He looked at the seat across and saw Dryden and Christie sleeping. At 5 they were the two youngest at least till the next one was born. He looked further over and saw Alexa reading, "What you reading Alexa?" Alexa held her book out for her dad to see the engraving, "Quidditch through the ages" "I should have known" he said laughing Alexa stuck her tongue out "I'm going to stretch my legs you stay in her till your mother wakes up." "Got it. Hey well your walking see if you can find Jade, she wondered off a little while ago." Harry rolled his eyes, "wasn't it your responsibility to watch her?" "Well, umm ya but she just has too much energy." "Your how old?" "18" "And where is the rest of the brood?" "Alexa smiled, "Somewhere, they are all old enough to look after themselves dad." Harry laughed, "Your right sweetheart go back to your book, and I'll keep an eye out for them." He kissed her on the forehead. As he left the train car and went of in search for the other 3 kids it brought him back to his ride to platform 93/4 and the train ride to school.
"Harry hurry up, if we miss the train I swear." "No need Gwen I'm ready to go" Harry said tossing his bag over the banister. "I had to make sure that I grabbed everything." "For being the Heir of Gryffindor you sure are slow" Gwen said shaking her head.
They had gotten on well in the last month, it was as thought they had always been family. Even she and Sirius had been getting along in the last two weeks he wasn't sure what had gone on, but they had fought a lot every time they had thought he wasn't near by, putting on a display of politeness and respect when he was. Now though it seemed they had practiced it so much that it had finally started believing it. "Hey Gwen on the way maybe you'll tell me about you and Sirius fighting and why." "Alright Harry, since you asked and because I think that since you have known me for a month it is time. Let's get into the car that Arthur sent and we will be off." Harry nodded, grabbed Hedwig and headed for the door. Gwen took a deep breath, rubbing her arm again; she closed the door set the locking charm and got into the car. "This is a long story Harry so you might as well sit back. Please try not to ask questions till I get it all out okay." Harry nodded and kept silent waiting for his aunt to speak.
"Well as you know I'm 2 years younger then your dad, we were close while we were growing up. When he left for Hogwarts we started to grow apart and when he started bringing Sirius and Remus home for the holidays I was teased unmercifully. We grew further apart and even became somewhat of enemies, we didn't hate each other, but there were times when it was close. The two years before I received my acceptance letter were to of the longest I had ever had up till then. Mom and dad had been supportive but as always James was their favorite, I had always been okay with that because he was always my favorite." Gwen stopped for a sec and took a sip of water from the bottle that she was holding. "When I finally received it I was so thrilled, that James wasn't anymore special. That summer he kept teasing me about the sorting and all the stuff that is so new and different at Hogwarts that by the time I was ready to step on the train I was terrified, But being who I was, I wasn't going to let that stop me I got on the train, sat down next to the first person I could find and sat there shaking like a leaf for most of the ride. It was just about time to get off when a third year Slytherin walked up to me and told me to hurry into my robes so that I wouldn't get into trouble. I thanked him and quickly headed towards the girls lavatory car. I had just about made it there, but James decided that he couldn't let his little sister off with out a hook, he and Sirius switched the signs I walked into a crowd of boys. That had to be one of the worst days of my life. The marauders had stuck again and this time it was at his sister's expense" Harry sat there stone faced not believing what was coming out of his aunt's mouth. Sirius and everyone always talked so kindly about his father. "Thank heavens lily was there to yank me out get me into the girls lavatory. If it hadn't been for her I might not have survived my first day." Gwen laughed, she could now that it was 20 years later, but what Harry didn't know what she had cried about it for months afterward. She smiled reassuringly, "So I got ready with lily's help and finally it was time to disembark. There was Hagrid calling for the first years just like he does now. I took an instant liking to him and was thrilled when he picked me out of the crowd knowing exactly who I was. He said James had shown him a picture and told him to be extra kind to me. I thought Hagrid made it up after all James had just played that prank on me, but when I tried to trip him up later I found out that James had asked him to do it. Anyways I'm rambling, I got to the welcome feast calmed and not so upset, although I was already plotting revenge, lily had got me on that train of thought. I think it was so that I would stop crying. They called my name and everybody went silent, James had made a name for himself in those two years and with the publicity dad had on a regular basis it wasn't a surprise we were like the bloody royal family. I sat down, McGonagall put the hat on my head and immediately it started debating with itself, You know, have the pride to be here, the loyalty to be here, but what's this a plot for revenge you would do great in this house. The sorting hat had me narrowed to two houses Gryffindor and Slytherin, I was so angry with James I didn't want near Gryffindor so I asked it to put me into Slytherin, and that is really where my story picks up. However, it seems we are at the train station so we will have to finish when we get on the train, save a spot for me and we'll finish okay." Gwen took a deep breath, so far so good. She thought Harry just sat there for a moment as he tried to absorb everything she had said. Finally, he was able to wrap his head around it, so his father wasn't a saint he kind of already knew that so it didn't seem to big a thing. He got out of the car and fallowed his aunt who had gotten the driver to load the trolleys and push them to the entrance, "Here Harry take yours I'll meet you on the other side." Harry smiled and pushed his trolley through the barrier and onto platform 9 ¾. He immediately started looking for his friends and was happy to discover Ron and Ginny already there. "Hey guys, normally I'm here before you. Must be a change not to have so many people to get ready huh." Ron smiled, "You have no idea, I even got to eat an actual breakfast, and mom made an actual lunch. And even had some cash to give for the trolley latter. I gave it to Ginny though since I have cash from my checks." "Sorry I missed you guys for Diagon, but with Gwen here I just needed time to get to know her." "No worries mate." Ron smiled it was good to have his world seeming to make sense again, Hermione had been just about rude in her last posts, and Harry had been rather tight lipped about everything that had gone on. "Hermione show up yet?" "Not yet, but we still have a good half hour before the train leaves so she will probably be here soon." Ron turned then and saw her come through the barrier, "Speak of the devil there she is." He said nudging Harry.
Harry looked up, and became breathless it had been only a week since he had last seen her and she seemed to be more beautiful then before. Ron shook his head, "I think I'll actually ask her out this year." He said just before she got to them. Before Harry could react though Hermione had gotten to them. "Harry, Ron." She said smiling, "all ready for a new year?" "I'm ready for the New Year, but I'm not sure I'm ready for Voldermorts new tricks." Harry said frowning. "It will be okay Harry; we're there for you along with the order." "Your right, but I just have such a bad feeling." "Harry how can you not every year he has tried to kill you it's only natural that you would think something bad would happen again this year." Ron said as he helped put Hermione's trunk in the storage hold, " Geeze Hermione what did you do pack half the library?" Hermione giggled, "I only packed the books that they don't have at the library at School." "Sure you did," Ron piped in rolling his eyes, "You do know that Newts are a year away right." Hermione stuck her tongue out; she had just gotten up on the train when she felt her stomach heave, running to the girl's lavatory she got there just in time. "What's wrong with her?" "Probably too much health food." Harry suggested as he grabbed Hedwig's cage.
"Well well if it isn't Harry potter the boy who will die." "Shove off Malfoy and while you're at it take those gits with you." Ron said turning around to face the tall good looking blonde boy. "Weasel, when are you going to learn, don't speak to your betters that way." "Malfoy, why don't you go count your fathers money and leave us alone." "Potter don't talk about money that way in front of the one who had none how insensitive of you." "Sod off and go shag your friends and leave us alone." Ron said getting ready to pound Draco into dust. Draco took a step towards Ron ready to take a shot when Ginny walked up. "Boys when will you learn that violence isn't what we need right now." She said softly as she stepped between them. Draco looked as though he had just swallowed an exploding canary cream. He looked Ginny up and down and finally taking a deep breath, "You new around here, names Malfoy." Ginny held in her laughter as she looked at Draco, "Virginia, Virginia Weasley in fact." She said laughing. Draco turned bright red, "if it wasn't for your lack of money, and being a Gryffindor, you would be a perfect mate for me." "If it wasn't for your lack of class, dignity and strength of character you might be the perfect mate for me." Ginny retorted with a look at Harry she smiled, "But since you are so obviously out done I need not say more." Harry and Ron snickered at the duel of words that were being exchanged. Draco's eyes widened as he knew he had been out done, turning to Crabbe and Goyle, he jerked his head, "We're out of here, don't want people to get the wrong idea." He said leading the way out of the ring of Gryffindors that had encircled them. "They'll pay for this. I swear it." Draco said punching his palm as he got on the train. Soon it was time for everyone to get aboard, having said goodbye to all friends and family that weren't getting on the students of Hogwarts boarded the train for another year.
Gwen sighed as she sat down in the compartment Harry and his friends had saved. She picked up her water bottle and took a long drink. Snapping her fingers she remembered she had forgotten to take her potion that morning. She picked up her bag and headed towards the lavatory that was in each train car, getting there she heard the awful retching. "Hello? You okay in there?" she said knocking on the door. "Just a moment" She heard the voice say, Recognizing it as Hermione's she knocked again, "Let me in. it's Gwen." She heard a click as the door was unlocked. "What's the matter?" Hermione shook as she sat down on the floor. "I'm pregnant." The blood drained from Gwen's face, she had seen that her and Harry would have pain, but she hadn't seen this coming. "Are you sure?" Hermione looked up at Gwen as though she had grown a second head, "Positive took the test yesterday." Gwen sighed and then took Hermione in her arms, "have you told Harry yet?" "No, and I'm not going to." "Hermione." "No if I tell him, he'll want to marry me and we both know that he can't do that." "This changed everything you know." "It doesn't I'm going to have the baby, it won't be born till around Easter break of school." "It will be cutting it pretty close Hermione. What happens if you deliver early or late?" "I'll think of that later, I will book an appointment with professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey. I want this baby Gwen, I can't have him but I can have this child." "And your studies? I know how important that is to you. I could give you a potion Hermione" Hermione's eyes widened. "No! No I will not take some potion to get rid of this child. I can do both, It's not like I have a scandal like I did in my third year, I'm always ahead, I'm sure that I can have a baby as well as my classes." Gwen nodded, "Talk to Harry please he deserves to know. You both together can figure out what to do." Gwen waited till Hermione had turned her back before taking the potion out of her purse and drinking a quarter of what was in the bottle. "I'm here if you want to talk Hermione, but I still think you should talk to Harry. Do it soon but take your time and think this through." Gwen left Hermione with those words and went back to the cabin that held Ron and Harry. "Hey guys, what you talking about?" she asked settling her self back down. "Not much just waiting till you got back." "Oh yes I'm sure you want to here the rest don't you." Gwen sighed and picked up her bottle of water and took a sip getting rid of the potion she had swallowed. "Where I leave off?" "You were just placed into Slytherin. Gwen nodded, "Well after that James wanted absolutely nothing to do with me as far as he was concerned I was betraying the family by even being in the house that had been causing him trouble, it was like he knew I had asked the hat to put me in. I got to the common room that night and there was a lot of bugging, finally having enough, I hexed three of the 3rd years told them to shut up and leave me alone went into my room and cried. The first two months of school were the worst James, And the rest of the marauders were hassling me every time they got a chance and my own house was having troubles accepting me. But, time passed James began to forgive. During that time I stuck to myself, I don't even remember having a friend. I remember regretting not getting into Gryffindor. I thought that I would have had instant friendships if I would have gotten in." Gwen stopped as Hermione came into the car. "Mind if there is one more listening in?" "No Hermione come on in." Hermione sat down next to the door. Next to Harry, Ron already having clamed the seat next to Gwen. "So where you been Hermione?" "No where important." "If I may continue, Harry needs to know this." The group quietened down and listened as Gwen told her tale of her first school years. She had just finished talking about her 3 and 4th years when the lunch trolley pulled to a stop. Gwen decided to take a break then "I'll be back guys I need to see how the rest of the train is holding up. Be back in a half hour or so." Harry, Ron and Hermione ate as they talked about what they had learned, "Can you believe that my dad could be such a prat?" "Well you have to remember Harry that it was his sisters I mean all brothers are mean to their sisters." Ron said as he chewed on a chocolate frog. "Maybe, but it just seems so wrong." "It's not wrong Harry it's just the way we were." Gwen said coming back in, "You have to understand that James and I loved each other and a lot of the time we were inseparable when no one was around. Don't ever think that your dad wasn't a good person. He was great; he made mistakes like everyone else." Gwen wiped her eyes. "Your dad despite his flaws was a wonderful man, He loved his family, he cared for his friends, and he always looked out for those that were weaker then him, even me. The summer before my 5th year I got myself into trouble big enough that mom and dad would have grounded me for the full term from going to hogshead; James took the blame knowing that dad would be disappointed. Dad didn't talk to James for 3 months because of something I did. That is the kind of man your father was." Harry nodded as he handed his aunt a handkerchief. "What you do?" "I caught mom's greenhouses on fire, ended up burning most of her plants to a crisp. Poor James ended up helping mom replant every single one. I think the only reason dad didn't talk to James for that long is because mom kept yelling about his son smoking in the greenhouses to begin with." Gwen laughed through her tears as she remembered the event. "So go one, you still have 2 years of school and 17 years to fill us in on." Gwen laughed, "I can't be that interesting, but alright," "So I get on the train my 5th year back and was surprised to see the boy that I had a crush in all through school was there. He graduated with James so I was curious, I went up to him and asked in a polite voice, "What are you doing back here? Fail the N.E.W.T.S?" He promptly looks at me and says, "Ms. Potter you have just lost your house 2 points." I could have died, turned out that my crush was the new assistant professor in potions." Gwen paused as she waited for the kids to figure it out. "You mean you had a crush on Snape? That greasy git?" Harry exclaimed his eyes ready to pop out of his head. "Oh don't look so shocked, he is quite attractive, in that dark, brooding sort of way." Hermione said offhandedly as she took a sip of water. "Traitor" Ron said still having trouble comprehending that the beautiful aunt of Harry potters had had a crush on Snape. Gwen laughed, "Needless to say I immediately apologized went to my seat and prayed that he would forget he had ever meet me." She said continuing on. "It wasn't long though after that, that I started getting mystery gifts from a secret admirer, it took me months to figure out who would send me my favorite vanilla perfume, or smuggle in the muggle candy I liked. I'll never forget it, I had just turned 16 and instead of the usual small trinket I got a card, I still remember it said, It is time to stop the charades, meet me for a masquerade, I'll be waiting at the astronomy tower at 9:00 tonight. Attached was this beautiful silver mask with green stones attached at the coroner of the eyes." Gwen shivered at the memory. "I was so nervous, I think I must have tried on every piece of clothing and every piece Narcissa had too before I finally found it the perfect set of robes, they were Dark Green with silver detailing, I remember that after I finished getting ready I said I wasn't going. Narcissa looked at me as if I was nuts." "Wait a minute you were friends with Malfoy Mom?" "Yes we went to school together. We were best friends. I've still kept some contact with her, although she isn't nearly how she was then." " Why would you hang out with her, I mean we all know that she is married to that git Malfoy and that they fallow Voldemort." Harry exclaimed "Harry sit down, please, calm down. I'll get there okay." Getting order back in the tiny car she finished telling them about her years at school, Severus courting her and eventually asking her to marry him. "You tuned him down right?" Harry asked. "No Harry I did not I loved him and wanted to marry him I said yes." Harry let out something of a cross between a moan and a scream. "Harry stops it" Gwenyver said sternly. "I expect you to behave better then that, Mr. I can take care of myself, I'm not a child, and I do a dangerous job to boot too." "Sorry but I mean to be associated with that slimy git is almost like how it would be to find out that old voldy was my father." "Don't ever say that Harry, Severus is nothing like that monster. And I will not have you talking about him that way." Harry backed up in the seat as he saw Gwen inch forward. "I'm sorry Gwen" Gwen leaned back and took a deep breath, "its bad enough the Sirius talks about him that way, but you shouldn't he is your professor and your uncle Harry and he deserves your respect if nothing else.
"Wait a minute you just said uncle does that mean." "Yes I'm still married to him." "But." "I thought he would have divorced me by now. We had gotten married right after I finished Hogwarts. By then Voldemort had started gaining a foot hold. Severus had already started going to the meetings. I wasn't aware of it and he didn't tell me. We had been married about a two years when Narcissa came to me; she had seen Severus at a rival that she had been made to attend with Lucius. She was so upset by what she had witnessed that she could barely tell me about it. She was quick to reassure me that he hadn't participated but that he had watched. She said that he left soon after. I found out later it was Lucius who put her up to telling me. Figuring then I would take one look at my husband and run. Lucius never had warm feelings for me not since I had hexed him first year and made him look like a complete idiot." "SO what you do then?" "It took a long time for us to decide. I loved him, but I wasn't happy with what he was doing. More because he was lying to me while he did it. Finally, we came to a decision we thought we both could live with. " And??"
"We decided that since I loved him and wanted to help in what ever it was, that I would join him." "What do you mean join him? " I'm what you would consider a deatheater Harry." With that Gwen pulled her sleeve up and revealed the small but still there Dark mark. Hermione, Ron and Harry all let out a gasp as they looked at the mark of their most hated enemy.
Harry woke with a start. He looked out the window and saw that they were already half way to Hogwarts. He looked at his wife, and smiled, 'I'm so lucky' he thought to himself as he watched her sleep. He looked at the seat across and saw Dryden and Christie sleeping. At 5 they were the two youngest at least till the next one was born. He looked further over and saw Alexa reading, "What you reading Alexa?" Alexa held her book out for her dad to see the engraving, "Quidditch through the ages" "I should have known" he said laughing Alexa stuck her tongue out "I'm going to stretch my legs you stay in her till your mother wakes up." "Got it. Hey well your walking see if you can find Jade, she wondered off a little while ago." Harry rolled his eyes, "wasn't it your responsibility to watch her?" "Well, umm ya but she just has too much energy." "Your how old?" "18" "And where is the rest of the brood?" "Alexa smiled, "Somewhere, they are all old enough to look after themselves dad." Harry laughed, "Your right sweetheart go back to your book, and I'll keep an eye out for them." He kissed her on the forehead. As he left the train car and went of in search for the other 3 kids it brought him back to his ride to platform 93/4 and the train ride to school.
"Harry hurry up, if we miss the train I swear." "No need Gwen I'm ready to go" Harry said tossing his bag over the banister. "I had to make sure that I grabbed everything." "For being the Heir of Gryffindor you sure are slow" Gwen said shaking her head.
They had gotten on well in the last month, it was as thought they had always been family. Even she and Sirius had been getting along in the last two weeks he wasn't sure what had gone on, but they had fought a lot every time they had thought he wasn't near by, putting on a display of politeness and respect when he was. Now though it seemed they had practiced it so much that it had finally started believing it. "Hey Gwen on the way maybe you'll tell me about you and Sirius fighting and why." "Alright Harry, since you asked and because I think that since you have known me for a month it is time. Let's get into the car that Arthur sent and we will be off." Harry nodded, grabbed Hedwig and headed for the door. Gwen took a deep breath, rubbing her arm again; she closed the door set the locking charm and got into the car. "This is a long story Harry so you might as well sit back. Please try not to ask questions till I get it all out okay." Harry nodded and kept silent waiting for his aunt to speak.
"Well as you know I'm 2 years younger then your dad, we were close while we were growing up. When he left for Hogwarts we started to grow apart and when he started bringing Sirius and Remus home for the holidays I was teased unmercifully. We grew further apart and even became somewhat of enemies, we didn't hate each other, but there were times when it was close. The two years before I received my acceptance letter were to of the longest I had ever had up till then. Mom and dad had been supportive but as always James was their favorite, I had always been okay with that because he was always my favorite." Gwen stopped for a sec and took a sip of water from the bottle that she was holding. "When I finally received it I was so thrilled, that James wasn't anymore special. That summer he kept teasing me about the sorting and all the stuff that is so new and different at Hogwarts that by the time I was ready to step on the train I was terrified, But being who I was, I wasn't going to let that stop me I got on the train, sat down next to the first person I could find and sat there shaking like a leaf for most of the ride. It was just about time to get off when a third year Slytherin walked up to me and told me to hurry into my robes so that I wouldn't get into trouble. I thanked him and quickly headed towards the girls lavatory car. I had just about made it there, but James decided that he couldn't let his little sister off with out a hook, he and Sirius switched the signs I walked into a crowd of boys. That had to be one of the worst days of my life. The marauders had stuck again and this time it was at his sister's expense" Harry sat there stone faced not believing what was coming out of his aunt's mouth. Sirius and everyone always talked so kindly about his father. "Thank heavens lily was there to yank me out get me into the girls lavatory. If it hadn't been for her I might not have survived my first day." Gwen laughed, she could now that it was 20 years later, but what Harry didn't know what she had cried about it for months afterward. She smiled reassuringly, "So I got ready with lily's help and finally it was time to disembark. There was Hagrid calling for the first years just like he does now. I took an instant liking to him and was thrilled when he picked me out of the crowd knowing exactly who I was. He said James had shown him a picture and told him to be extra kind to me. I thought Hagrid made it up after all James had just played that prank on me, but when I tried to trip him up later I found out that James had asked him to do it. Anyways I'm rambling, I got to the welcome feast calmed and not so upset, although I was already plotting revenge, lily had got me on that train of thought. I think it was so that I would stop crying. They called my name and everybody went silent, James had made a name for himself in those two years and with the publicity dad had on a regular basis it wasn't a surprise we were like the bloody royal family. I sat down, McGonagall put the hat on my head and immediately it started debating with itself, You know, have the pride to be here, the loyalty to be here, but what's this a plot for revenge you would do great in this house. The sorting hat had me narrowed to two houses Gryffindor and Slytherin, I was so angry with James I didn't want near Gryffindor so I asked it to put me into Slytherin, and that is really where my story picks up. However, it seems we are at the train station so we will have to finish when we get on the train, save a spot for me and we'll finish okay." Gwen took a deep breath, so far so good. She thought Harry just sat there for a moment as he tried to absorb everything she had said. Finally, he was able to wrap his head around it, so his father wasn't a saint he kind of already knew that so it didn't seem to big a thing. He got out of the car and fallowed his aunt who had gotten the driver to load the trolleys and push them to the entrance, "Here Harry take yours I'll meet you on the other side." Harry smiled and pushed his trolley through the barrier and onto platform 9 ¾. He immediately started looking for his friends and was happy to discover Ron and Ginny already there. "Hey guys, normally I'm here before you. Must be a change not to have so many people to get ready huh." Ron smiled, "You have no idea, I even got to eat an actual breakfast, and mom made an actual lunch. And even had some cash to give for the trolley latter. I gave it to Ginny though since I have cash from my checks." "Sorry I missed you guys for Diagon, but with Gwen here I just needed time to get to know her." "No worries mate." Ron smiled it was good to have his world seeming to make sense again, Hermione had been just about rude in her last posts, and Harry had been rather tight lipped about everything that had gone on. "Hermione show up yet?" "Not yet, but we still have a good half hour before the train leaves so she will probably be here soon." Ron turned then and saw her come through the barrier, "Speak of the devil there she is." He said nudging Harry.
Harry looked up, and became breathless it had been only a week since he had last seen her and she seemed to be more beautiful then before. Ron shook his head, "I think I'll actually ask her out this year." He said just before she got to them. Before Harry could react though Hermione had gotten to them. "Harry, Ron." She said smiling, "all ready for a new year?" "I'm ready for the New Year, but I'm not sure I'm ready for Voldermorts new tricks." Harry said frowning. "It will be okay Harry; we're there for you along with the order." "Your right, but I just have such a bad feeling." "Harry how can you not every year he has tried to kill you it's only natural that you would think something bad would happen again this year." Ron said as he helped put Hermione's trunk in the storage hold, " Geeze Hermione what did you do pack half the library?" Hermione giggled, "I only packed the books that they don't have at the library at School." "Sure you did," Ron piped in rolling his eyes, "You do know that Newts are a year away right." Hermione stuck her tongue out; she had just gotten up on the train when she felt her stomach heave, running to the girl's lavatory she got there just in time. "What's wrong with her?" "Probably too much health food." Harry suggested as he grabbed Hedwig's cage.
"Well well if it isn't Harry potter the boy who will die." "Shove off Malfoy and while you're at it take those gits with you." Ron said turning around to face the tall good looking blonde boy. "Weasel, when are you going to learn, don't speak to your betters that way." "Malfoy, why don't you go count your fathers money and leave us alone." "Potter don't talk about money that way in front of the one who had none how insensitive of you." "Sod off and go shag your friends and leave us alone." Ron said getting ready to pound Draco into dust. Draco took a step towards Ron ready to take a shot when Ginny walked up. "Boys when will you learn that violence isn't what we need right now." She said softly as she stepped between them. Draco looked as though he had just swallowed an exploding canary cream. He looked Ginny up and down and finally taking a deep breath, "You new around here, names Malfoy." Ginny held in her laughter as she looked at Draco, "Virginia, Virginia Weasley in fact." She said laughing. Draco turned bright red, "if it wasn't for your lack of money, and being a Gryffindor, you would be a perfect mate for me." "If it wasn't for your lack of class, dignity and strength of character you might be the perfect mate for me." Ginny retorted with a look at Harry she smiled, "But since you are so obviously out done I need not say more." Harry and Ron snickered at the duel of words that were being exchanged. Draco's eyes widened as he knew he had been out done, turning to Crabbe and Goyle, he jerked his head, "We're out of here, don't want people to get the wrong idea." He said leading the way out of the ring of Gryffindors that had encircled them. "They'll pay for this. I swear it." Draco said punching his palm as he got on the train. Soon it was time for everyone to get aboard, having said goodbye to all friends and family that weren't getting on the students of Hogwarts boarded the train for another year.
Gwen sighed as she sat down in the compartment Harry and his friends had saved. She picked up her water bottle and took a long drink. Snapping her fingers she remembered she had forgotten to take her potion that morning. She picked up her bag and headed towards the lavatory that was in each train car, getting there she heard the awful retching. "Hello? You okay in there?" she said knocking on the door. "Just a moment" She heard the voice say, Recognizing it as Hermione's she knocked again, "Let me in. it's Gwen." She heard a click as the door was unlocked. "What's the matter?" Hermione shook as she sat down on the floor. "I'm pregnant." The blood drained from Gwen's face, she had seen that her and Harry would have pain, but she hadn't seen this coming. "Are you sure?" Hermione looked up at Gwen as though she had grown a second head, "Positive took the test yesterday." Gwen sighed and then took Hermione in her arms, "have you told Harry yet?" "No, and I'm not going to." "Hermione." "No if I tell him, he'll want to marry me and we both know that he can't do that." "This changed everything you know." "It doesn't I'm going to have the baby, it won't be born till around Easter break of school." "It will be cutting it pretty close Hermione. What happens if you deliver early or late?" "I'll think of that later, I will book an appointment with professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey. I want this baby Gwen, I can't have him but I can have this child." "And your studies? I know how important that is to you. I could give you a potion Hermione" Hermione's eyes widened. "No! No I will not take some potion to get rid of this child. I can do both, It's not like I have a scandal like I did in my third year, I'm always ahead, I'm sure that I can have a baby as well as my classes." Gwen nodded, "Talk to Harry please he deserves to know. You both together can figure out what to do." Gwen waited till Hermione had turned her back before taking the potion out of her purse and drinking a quarter of what was in the bottle. "I'm here if you want to talk Hermione, but I still think you should talk to Harry. Do it soon but take your time and think this through." Gwen left Hermione with those words and went back to the cabin that held Ron and Harry. "Hey guys, what you talking about?" she asked settling her self back down. "Not much just waiting till you got back." "Oh yes I'm sure you want to here the rest don't you." Gwen sighed and picked up her bottle of water and took a sip getting rid of the potion she had swallowed. "Where I leave off?" "You were just placed into Slytherin. Gwen nodded, "Well after that James wanted absolutely nothing to do with me as far as he was concerned I was betraying the family by even being in the house that had been causing him trouble, it was like he knew I had asked the hat to put me in. I got to the common room that night and there was a lot of bugging, finally having enough, I hexed three of the 3rd years told them to shut up and leave me alone went into my room and cried. The first two months of school were the worst James, And the rest of the marauders were hassling me every time they got a chance and my own house was having troubles accepting me. But, time passed James began to forgive. During that time I stuck to myself, I don't even remember having a friend. I remember regretting not getting into Gryffindor. I thought that I would have had instant friendships if I would have gotten in." Gwen stopped as Hermione came into the car. "Mind if there is one more listening in?" "No Hermione come on in." Hermione sat down next to the door. Next to Harry, Ron already having clamed the seat next to Gwen. "So where you been Hermione?" "No where important." "If I may continue, Harry needs to know this." The group quietened down and listened as Gwen told her tale of her first school years. She had just finished talking about her 3 and 4th years when the lunch trolley pulled to a stop. Gwen decided to take a break then "I'll be back guys I need to see how the rest of the train is holding up. Be back in a half hour or so." Harry, Ron and Hermione ate as they talked about what they had learned, "Can you believe that my dad could be such a prat?" "Well you have to remember Harry that it was his sisters I mean all brothers are mean to their sisters." Ron said as he chewed on a chocolate frog. "Maybe, but it just seems so wrong." "It's not wrong Harry it's just the way we were." Gwen said coming back in, "You have to understand that James and I loved each other and a lot of the time we were inseparable when no one was around. Don't ever think that your dad wasn't a good person. He was great; he made mistakes like everyone else." Gwen wiped her eyes. "Your dad despite his flaws was a wonderful man, He loved his family, he cared for his friends, and he always looked out for those that were weaker then him, even me. The summer before my 5th year I got myself into trouble big enough that mom and dad would have grounded me for the full term from going to hogshead; James took the blame knowing that dad would be disappointed. Dad didn't talk to James for 3 months because of something I did. That is the kind of man your father was." Harry nodded as he handed his aunt a handkerchief. "What you do?" "I caught mom's greenhouses on fire, ended up burning most of her plants to a crisp. Poor James ended up helping mom replant every single one. I think the only reason dad didn't talk to James for that long is because mom kept yelling about his son smoking in the greenhouses to begin with." Gwen laughed through her tears as she remembered the event. "So go one, you still have 2 years of school and 17 years to fill us in on." Gwen laughed, "I can't be that interesting, but alright," "So I get on the train my 5th year back and was surprised to see the boy that I had a crush in all through school was there. He graduated with James so I was curious, I went up to him and asked in a polite voice, "What are you doing back here? Fail the N.E.W.T.S?" He promptly looks at me and says, "Ms. Potter you have just lost your house 2 points." I could have died, turned out that my crush was the new assistant professor in potions." Gwen paused as she waited for the kids to figure it out. "You mean you had a crush on Snape? That greasy git?" Harry exclaimed his eyes ready to pop out of his head. "Oh don't look so shocked, he is quite attractive, in that dark, brooding sort of way." Hermione said offhandedly as she took a sip of water. "Traitor" Ron said still having trouble comprehending that the beautiful aunt of Harry potters had had a crush on Snape. Gwen laughed, "Needless to say I immediately apologized went to my seat and prayed that he would forget he had ever meet me." She said continuing on. "It wasn't long though after that, that I started getting mystery gifts from a secret admirer, it took me months to figure out who would send me my favorite vanilla perfume, or smuggle in the muggle candy I liked. I'll never forget it, I had just turned 16 and instead of the usual small trinket I got a card, I still remember it said, It is time to stop the charades, meet me for a masquerade, I'll be waiting at the astronomy tower at 9:00 tonight. Attached was this beautiful silver mask with green stones attached at the coroner of the eyes." Gwen shivered at the memory. "I was so nervous, I think I must have tried on every piece of clothing and every piece Narcissa had too before I finally found it the perfect set of robes, they were Dark Green with silver detailing, I remember that after I finished getting ready I said I wasn't going. Narcissa looked at me as if I was nuts." "Wait a minute you were friends with Malfoy Mom?" "Yes we went to school together. We were best friends. I've still kept some contact with her, although she isn't nearly how she was then." " Why would you hang out with her, I mean we all know that she is married to that git Malfoy and that they fallow Voldemort." Harry exclaimed "Harry sit down, please, calm down. I'll get there okay." Getting order back in the tiny car she finished telling them about her years at school, Severus courting her and eventually asking her to marry him. "You tuned him down right?" Harry asked. "No Harry I did not I loved him and wanted to marry him I said yes." Harry let out something of a cross between a moan and a scream. "Harry stops it" Gwenyver said sternly. "I expect you to behave better then that, Mr. I can take care of myself, I'm not a child, and I do a dangerous job to boot too." "Sorry but I mean to be associated with that slimy git is almost like how it would be to find out that old voldy was my father." "Don't ever say that Harry, Severus is nothing like that monster. And I will not have you talking about him that way." Harry backed up in the seat as he saw Gwen inch forward. "I'm sorry Gwen" Gwen leaned back and took a deep breath, "its bad enough the Sirius talks about him that way, but you shouldn't he is your professor and your uncle Harry and he deserves your respect if nothing else.
"Wait a minute you just said uncle does that mean." "Yes I'm still married to him." "But." "I thought he would have divorced me by now. We had gotten married right after I finished Hogwarts. By then Voldemort had started gaining a foot hold. Severus had already started going to the meetings. I wasn't aware of it and he didn't tell me. We had been married about a two years when Narcissa came to me; she had seen Severus at a rival that she had been made to attend with Lucius. She was so upset by what she had witnessed that she could barely tell me about it. She was quick to reassure me that he hadn't participated but that he had watched. She said that he left soon after. I found out later it was Lucius who put her up to telling me. Figuring then I would take one look at my husband and run. Lucius never had warm feelings for me not since I had hexed him first year and made him look like a complete idiot." "SO what you do then?" "It took a long time for us to decide. I loved him, but I wasn't happy with what he was doing. More because he was lying to me while he did it. Finally, we came to a decision we thought we both could live with. " And??"
"We decided that since I loved him and wanted to help in what ever it was, that I would join him." "What do you mean join him? " I'm what you would consider a deatheater Harry." With that Gwen pulled her sleeve up and revealed the small but still there Dark mark. Hermione, Ron and Harry all let out a gasp as they looked at the mark of their most hated enemy.