Sorry all for such the long wait. I had a death in the famiy (my dad) So i've been dealing with that all this week. The next few chapters may seem really sad/anger orentented. Hope you all enjoy them! And this chapter should clear everything up that may have been confusing you.

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Harry entered the common room where only a few Gryffindors were huddled around the fire about to send off gifts to their family. Harry had a big smile on his face. He knew what was waiting up stairs for him: the most beautiful girl. He hoped to remember their

party this time.

He remembered Dumbledore's conversation with him. He only asked if everything was ok and is anything new. The professor wanted to know if Harry wanted to stay next summer. He was unsure of what the Dudleys would say of this, but he didn't want to be taken away from Lisa. Dumbledore looked a little suspicious of Harry. Like he knew something was wrong.

He climbed up the steps to his dorm room. It was dark. "Lisa must be sleeping," he thought to himself. He muttered a spell and the tourches lit. His curtians were wide open and no one was there. He rushed to look under his bed but he was dissapointed. Sitting on his bed he hoped no one saw her.

***

"I would like to thank you, Ms. Manson, for coming on such late notice." Dumbledore sat down behind his desk.

"It's ok." A young lady with short black hair looked up at him. Her gleaming brown eyes stared back at the old man's blue ones. "I get calls like this all the time."

"As you have been informed from my letter, we have a problem here at Hogwarts." He folded his hands. "I think we should wait for the other teachers to come in. They wanted to meet you and see if you are qualified to be a new teacher here, for the time being."

As the last words came out of Dumbledore's mouth Snape and McGonagall entered the office. Lisa got up and curtsied to them. Her black and ren robes hit the floor again when she stood straight up.

"There is no need for that," McGonagall felt flattered.

Snape wrapped his robes around him and nodded. He turned and sat in a chair. The two girls followed. Lisa was in between the two professors.

"This is Ms. Manson. Ms. Manson this is Professor Snape and McGonagall," He pointed to the teachers in front of him. "Severus, after this I was was wondering if you could escort her to her chambers?"

Snape just nodded and didn't look towards her.

"Ms. Manson I hope you're visit will be short but are welcomed very much here." Dumbledore sat back down.

"Do you have any family, Ms. Manson?" McGonagall asked.

"Call me Lisa. And not anymore. My father died of cancer, brother in a nasty duel, and my mother... lets just say she was my focus for getting people off drugs." She looked down. "So I don't celebrate Christmas or any other holidays much anymore."

"I'm sorry," the professor looked deeply embaraced for bring it up.

"You're father was a muggle?" Snape finally spoke.

"Yes. Nothing cured that cancer. Wizarding medicine was used too." she choked back a small sob, "Nothing worked."

Snape turned away.

"We are sorry to hear you're news." Dumbledore said. "On to pressing matters, we have something wrong going on with the students."

"I heard. Do you know what exactly it is?"

"No, but each house is acting strangely."

"House?" Lisa asked.

"We sort our students into four different houses. I'm sure Severus could fill you in on that and the rest of the school on your walk."

Lisa looked over at Snape and smiled.

"You staying here for awhile will help us all." Concern was in his voice. "I fear for these students."

"After Christmas and the the first of the year could I just wonder around the castle and see what is around here?" Lisa asked.

"You are a guest and a great helper for all of us." Dumbledore nodded.

"What exactly do you do to the students?" Snape had a foul sense about him.

"I put them through rehab. It's like a councling session. We talk about the problem, how to solve it, commitment, and keeping up to our promises. I also do a one month class about drugs and alcohol. Most on the componet that is being abused. If the student fails to comply with the rehab I must report them to you. You may do what you want with that student." She took in a breath. "But first I must know what the students are abusing and where they are getting it."

"Yes, that shall be done first. When the students return from their holiday I shall introduce you them." Dumbledore spoke. "It is getting late. We will meet again tomorrow. Severus could you bring her to her quarters?"

Severus got up and walked toward the door not waiting for the lady. Lisa strode over to him as fast as she could and waved goodbye to the professors.

"A little young isn't she?" McGonagall stated.

"She is all we have."