Disclaimer: I own Rowena, yes, but no one else.
*Rowena was sitting in the Three Broomsticks in her Third year. She really did not feel like being in Hogsmeade that day. Dumbledore had told her something awful that morning, and watching others have so much fun while she was alone, brooding on what happened, did not make her feel any better. James, Sirius, and Remus were drinking butterbeers at another table, discussing, no doubt, how to cause more trouble. Peter had been sick that day from something he ate, and was most likely with Madam Pomfrey.
Rowena looked over at Sirius, watching those hazel eyes glitter with roguishness. Sometimes, she wished she could cause some trouble with them, get away, do something rebellious. Yet, the Marauders were very keen on keeping the pranks and such between them, and made sure no one else was involved. Sure, Rowena and Sirius were friends, but were more like the kind who share jokes in Gryffindor common room, lend notes, or help each other out with studies.
Suddenly, Rowena caught Sirius's eye, and he flashed her a grin. She couldn't help but smile all of a sudden. Sirius walked over to her table, followed curiously by James and Remus. Rowena looked up at them, wondering what was in their minds.
"Why are you so sad, Flintwood? Does Malfoy have a crush on someone else?"
Rowena's aghast expression must have been priceless, for the three Marauders laughed like the concept of laughter was new to them. Rowena glared at the trio with blatant malice. Finally, the laughter actually stopped, and she thought it was because the joke had become old. However, that was not the case.
Severus had approached the table, holding a book in his hands, and Rowena knew he had wanted to talk to her. Sirius, James, and Remus all glared at him. Severus sneered back. Rowena was the only one who wasn't having any negative feelings. James was about to open his mouth, most likely to insult Snape and make him go away. Rowena cut him off.
"Hey Snape, what's up?", Rowena said bluntly, giving James a look that stated "don't".
"I found this Potions book. . . thought you would find it useful on the essay Virenst assigned, Flintwood.", Snape replied icily, warily eyeing the daring Gryffindor boys. He handed her a heavy, old, royal-blue volume.
"Thanks, Snape. I'll return it to you later."
"See you, Flintwood."
And with that, Severus left the table dramatically, his robes whipping around him.
"I had a good one! Why did you cut me off?", James protested.
"Yeah, what is it with you and Snape anyway?", Sirius added, joining James.
Rowena sighed, "It would have been uncomfortable for me if you had, indeed, insulted him. Honestly, you would only do so because he's a Slytherin. He never said anything to you. He isn't an archenemy of yours. I hate it when you make fun of Snape just because he isn't like you, Mr. I'm-the-best- seeker-ever! And, you, Sirius. . . you have no right to treat him badly, just because many of these stupid girls throw themselves at you. It isn't really honorable at all. Just because he's unpopular? Please. The only reason popularity works in your favor is because of shallow things. And you, Remus! Don't you have any sense to stop them? This isn't right of you all, just because you're Gryffindors."
Rowena was boiling in fury. She wasn't popular; Lily Potter was the only female friend she had, and they barely talked about anything besides school and such. Sirius was one of those "oh, hi!" sort of friends for Rowena. Yeah, they talked, but mostly about insubstantial things. She didn't care much for James, he was way too arrogant. Remus. . . Remus was sometimes the shoulder to cry on, but if he was with the Marauders. . . don't expect much. The fact that Rowena wasn't popular bothered her because if she were a Slytherin, Sirius and Remus, who were friends with her now, would make fun of her.
"Who cares, Rowena? Snape's gonna end up a Death Eater! Do you want to be friends with someone like that?", James said.
"Let me tell you something. You're doing the same thing a Death Eater would: treating someone unfairly for something they can't control. For you, it's popularity and looks, what not. For Death Eaters, it's pure blood, or lack thereof, and it's power. People need to be judged by their character, and so far, Snape's been fair to me, so why should I not be respectful in turn?"
The three gaped at her, obviously stunned by what she said.
"Now if you're going to continue having this bastard mentality, guys, I really have no reason to talk to you. If I were in Slytherin, you would make fun of me too, because, by your standards, I am not worthy of your acceptance.", Rowena said brutally.
Three jaws dropped. Rowena looked fiercely into each pair of eyes, ready to leave them if they acted so foolishly.
"Alright, we won't do it again.", the Marauders said in unison, dejected from her words.
"Fine."
"Now, what were you so sad about before?", Remus asked thoughtfully.
Rowena eyed them all cautiously, especially James. She didn't feel comfortable with him knowing such a personal issue. Sirius and Remus could understand, perhaps even relate, but James. . .well, she had viciously chastised him, so it might be better for him to know as well. If Peter was there, she wouldn't even consider saying a word. She loathed Peter, she knew he wasn't worth trusting, and he leeched off the popularity of James and Sirius. That bothered her the most.
"Alright, but you can't tell Peter, no matter what. He can't know."
The three nodded.
"So tell us.", James said softly.
Rowena leaned in. This was a matter of secrecy, and she was trusting the Marauders. Perhaps she had gone mad.
"Dumbledore asked me to see him this morning. He said it was important. I walked in, sat down. And. . .", she sighed, taking in another breath, "he told me that my father. . .he's. . .he's in Azkaban."
She bit her lip, avoiding the boys' eyes.
"What's he in for?", Sirius asked in whisper.
"H-he's a. . . he's a. .", she gulped, "Death Eater. He killed five muggles, three wizards, and two witches. I don't know who, but the wizards and witches were either muggle-born or half-bloods. He's been charged rather heavily, and in a few months, they might administer the. . . Dementor's kiss. I really couldn't believe it you know, my dad he was so. . . moral, noble. My dad spoke against Voldemort, all the time, but maybe he was scared into serving him. I just. . . there's so much proof against him. They had multiple witnesses. There is no doubt that he committed the murders. His house was taken away by the Ministry, so there's no way I can stay there. I have no uncles, no aunts, no grandparents. My mum was a muggle, may she rest in peace, but her family shunned us. Dumbledore says I can stay at Hogwarts over the summer, but I really don't want to. I guess I have no choice, though."
Rowena's eyes were starting to water, but it was not over her living arrangements. It was because the only man she ever trusted, besides Dumbledore, was a killer, a liar, a coward, one who joined Voldemort. She didn't want to cry. She didn't want to give a damn about her father anymore. She wanted think stuff like, "Well, the bastard deserved it." But she still cared about him. She loved her father, dearly, for he had always treated her like she was a princess, an angel, his daughter. She was his only child, and since her mother died after she gave birth, Rowena was much closer to her father than most bonds between father and child were.
Sirius had the most solemn look on his face. He and Remus scooted close to both sides of her, and enveloped her in an embrace, which gave the warmest comfort of all: friendship. After they had hugged her, James put his arms around her shoulders and held her too, in a brotherly fashion, which Rowena wasn't expecting.
"I've met your dad. It never occurred to me that. . . this would happen. You can stay with us over the summer. Mum and Dad won't mind.", James offered.
"Better yet, you can stay with me, my mother would like that.", Remus put in.
"Well, she might as well stay with me. My mum's a battleaxe, my dad a crackpot fool, and my brother is a git like no other. It will be fun to see Mum lose it. I'll protect you, don't worry.", Sirius said with a grin.
Rowena laughed at this.
"None of this will be necessary. I don't mind staying at Hogwarts, really. It just will feel a tad. . .strange."
"Hey, let me get you a butterbeer.", Remus said.
"No, I'm alright.", Rowena protested.
"I insist. It'll make you feel better."
And so the day went on, with James, Sirius, Remus, and Rowena talking, laughing. For that short amount of time, Rowena felt like a Marauder.*
Rowena woke up.
~**************************~
Rowena and Remus were heading to their Order meeting, which was being held at the Burrow this time. It was evening, towards dinner time. Rowena was wearing one of Sirius's robes, which were a blackish blue. Remus was wearing his forest green robes, heavily patched.
Remus was smiling to himself, shaking his head.
"What?", Rowena said through a short laugh.
"Well, you haven't told Sirius about how you're working with Severus. I was just thinking about what would happen when you did tell him."
"Really, Remus, there isn't anything to think about. Hell will break loose, and Sirius will go mad. We'll ultimately send him to St. Mungo's, where people will send him children's birthday cards, and he will make Gilderoy Lockhart look as sane as Dumbledore."
Remus chortled, which was very unlike him. He never just let loose and laughed in his adult years. Rowena joined him. The thought of Sirius Black in the Senility Ward of St. Mungo's was beyond hysterical.
"But, seriously Rowena, how did you manage to offer Severus to help you out with the Dark Arts job? He was really difficult to deal with when I taught there three years ago. I don't see how he will be any different now, even though you were nice to him at Hogwarts. I am afraid he will criticize you to the bitter end."
"Let him!", Rowena scoffed, "He'll wish he never criticized me. . .that is, if the criticism he gives isn't fair."
"Honestly, you are natural at teaching and you don't even realize it. You were better at that class than I was, and I managed well enough as a teacher. Trust me, Rowena, you don't need Severus's help."
"You know, you ought to have the position! Damn that Umbridge, the old battleaxe, she's caused you so much trouble! You deserve to have the same job opportunities as everyone else. That Ministry of Magic is much too powerful for its own good.", she thought for a second, adding, "You know if Voldemort killed Umbridge, I wouldn't chastise him for it."
"Aren't you taking this a bit far. Though Dolores Umbridge is one of my least liked people in the world, I wouldn't go so far as to talk about how Voldemort could kill her and not mind.", Remus cut in wisely.
Rowena shrugged.
They were quickly approaching the Burrow and did not talk much until they entered the door. You could tell this was a Weasley house, for all the odd attachments to the house, but more so from all the flaming redheads around. She walked into their living room, noticing the old, mismatched furniture and pictures.
"Molly, Arthur, so good to see you!", Rowena said, offering her hand to shake.
"Rowena, where were you all these years?", Molly asked curiously. Arthur was behind his wife, just as eager to hear Rowena reply.
"Nepal.", Rowena answered simply, before being forced into a tight hug by the motherly woman who was several years senior to Rowena.
"Well, Rowena, you definitely don't look a day older than when we saw you years ago!", Arthur said, only to receive an alarming look from Molly. Rowena laughed, but stopped herself when Molly turned to her.
Remus had been extremely quiet at Rowena's side, just nodding and smiling, avoiding any conversation.
Rowena eyed a young woman around the age of twenty with spiky, pink hair. She grinned at the girl, and walked up to her.
"Oh, so you're Rowena Flintwood! Dumbledore told us you were taking the Dark Arts position. Wicked nosering! Never expected that! I'm Tonks, by the way.", the girl said quickly, extending her hand.
Rowena shook it, and said, "I've heard about you from Remus. I hope Kreacher isn't giving you too hard a time."
Tonks rolled her eyes, changing the color from brown to green.
"He's a pain, but it has to be dealt with."
"So you're a morphmagus? Wow. I've never met one."
Tonks smiled, "Well, today's your lucky day!"
Rowena walked around some more meeting other Aurors, like Kingsley and Mad-Eye Moody. Molly quickly grabbed Rowena by the arm, dragging her around to where many of the young redheads were sitting, hanging out much like Rowena did when she was their age.
"That's Bill.", Molly gestured to her twenty-something son with a ponytail. He smiled at Rowena.
"They, Heaven help us, are the twins: Fred and George.", she unenthusiastically pointed to identical boys wearing dragon-skin jackets, both giving the same trouble-making grin that James and Sirius were famous for years ago.
"That's Ginny, the girl of the family.", Molly cocked her head towards a cute girl, mid-teens, with a head of long, flaming, scarlet hair.
"That's . . .", Molly was about to gesture at a gangly boy sitting next to a girl with bushy brown hair, the girl clearly not a Weasely.
"Ron, right?", Rowena said confidently. Molly was obviously happy that Rowena knew.
"Yes! He's a prefect, on the Quidditch team. A wonderful child.", she said in a singsong voice.
Ron's ears went red, and the twins were evilly snickering.
Rowena said, "Being prefect is an honor, Ron. . . if you're a perfectionist."
All the Weasleys, excluding Molly, laughed. The girl with bushy hair was not amused, and Rowena chose to cash on this.
"Oh, so you're also a prefect, Hermione?"
Everyone started laughing heavily, again excluding Molly.
Rowena smiled, "I'm just kidding, no need for a row. Dumbledore speaks highly of you both. I just guessed."
Ron and Hermione were sitting quite close to each other, almost too close. They were clearly an item. They beamed at Rowena.
"Well, if you've heard of both Ron and Hermione, this one won't need an introduction.", Molly said, and was talking of the lanky black-haired boy looking very solemn.
Rowena walked towards the son of James and Lily. He has every reason to be sad and serious. He knew about the Prophecy. He was taking it quite well.
"Wow, you really look like. . ."
"Yeah, James, my dad. . . I know.", Harry said grimly.
No one in the room was surprised. Molly whispered in Rowena's ear, but Rowena could tell Harry knew the content of her words.
"He's been like this since Sirius died."
Rowena ignored this. She felt for Harry. People treating you like a bomb waiting to go off. . . ever since people read the Daily Prophet and saw Rowena's dad was in Azkaban, people were sure she'd take the same path as him.
"Harry, you remind me more of your mum, as far as actions and morals go.", Rowena said without wavering.
Harry looked up at her and softened.
"Yeah, from what Dumbledore tells me about you, Harry, you've got only the best of your mother and father."
Molly announced dinner right after this statement.
"I'm not hungry.", Harry and Rowena said in unison.
"Nonsense, you will eat. . .", Molly put in sternly.
"I'm sorry, Molly, but there are more important things than eating dinner. Harry and I will just get acquainted, and we'll be back soon."
Harry looked relieved. Molly simply nodded, forcing the Weasely children and Hermione to the dinner table.
Harry and Rowena found their way to the back door, to enter the backyard and take a walk.
Once they were far enough from the house, Harry started,
"So, were you a Gryffindor?"
Rowena smiled, "Yes, but that doesn't really matter. I mean, it's fine to have pride within your House, but I find it kind of foolish for that to be the basis of friendship. How can you judge someone just by what House they're in and what walls they put up so you can't see who they really are?"
"You have a point. Since you're the new Dark Arts teacher, you must know about the Occlumency lessons and all, right? Dumbledore must've told you, because he says you're going to train me."
Rowena nodded, "Were you going to say something concerning Occlumency? Did something odd happen?"
Harry continued, "Well, I was having the lessons with Snape, right? So, one day I saw his Pensieve was left out on his desk. Snape was out, dealing with some student. So, I shouldn't have done this but I really wanted to know, I went inside the Pensieve and I saw his worst memory. And I really understood Snape for the first time ever. I saw people I cared about acting. . . differently than I would have thought. But Snape caught me, and I knew I should have never invaded his thoughts. So that was the end of Occlumency."
Harry looked guilty, and not just about the Pensieve.
"Harry, I think I know what happened. I wasn't there. But James, Remus, Peter, and Sirius all gave me a version." Rowena cleared throat angrily
"But Mr. Weasely said you were friends with Snape!"
Rowena shook her head, "Harry, what did I tell you about the Houses? They never mattered to me. Snape and I were top potions students. We got along mostly because of that. And I was friends with Sirius and Remus, not so much your father, he was a little too different from myself. Peter. . .I never trusted him. I was also friends with Lily. About Severus, we had a mutual respect, not so much a friendship, but we could share a joke. I never let your dad or Sirius insult him in my presence. But I couldn't stop what happened when I wasn't around. If I was there that day in Fifth year, Harry, trust me, you would have never seen it in the Pensieve. Did you ever apologize?"
"No.", Harry said bitterly, "When Sirius. . . I didn't care afterwards. Snape can hate me. I don't care anymore."
"I can't blame you. Sirius. . . was great. It was such a shame I could not see him after he broke out. I was in Nepal for many years, because Severus told me the Death Eaters who were not charged knew I was in the Order. I returned almost a month ago. Now, I'm living with Remus."
Harry scoffed.
"What, Harry?"
"He never cared about Sirius dying, that's all. He treats it like it was the inevitable."
"Kid, he can't mourn in public. He has to remain calm in front of everyone. He's the rock everyone depends on, he can't show his weakness. Plus, Sirius went the way he wanted. And it was because of Sirius being gone that Dumbledore told you the truth and that he lets you sit in at Order meetings."
Rowena was perfectly aware that she was lying about some things, but these were benevolent lies. Ones that protected Harry.
"Were you and Sirius only friends, Ms. Flintwood?"
"Honestly, Harry, call me Rowena, unless we're in class. But what do you mean, 'only friends'? Are you asking if we were ever like your Ron and Hermione?"
"How'd you know?!"
"A blind man can tell, Harry."
"Well, I guess that's what I mean.", Harry said uncomfortably.
"To be honest, Harry, sometimes I let my imagination get the better of me, but. . . we never were anything really. I mean, it was nothing beyond. . . infatuation. I didn't want to be like the rest of the girls at Hogwarts who went crazy over Sirius, and Sirius didn't want to treat me the way he treated other girls. It was for the sake of respect and recognizing the uniqueness of each other that we were only friends."
Rowena was surprised she could be so open with someone she just met and who was so much younger than her. Harry had that effect. . .perhaps it was because he was so open about the Pensieve and his opinions.
"Rowena, why didn't you just tell me off for asking about Sirius and you?"
Rowena laughed. "He's your godfather, Harry. You're allowed to know. Had it been someone else. . .they would've lost their head. "
Harry grinned. Rowena thought, "Finally."
"But why are you, Harry, so comfortable in telling me things after such a short amount of time?"
Harry shrugged, "I don't know. . . I don't mean to burden you. I just. . .maybe it's because you knew my parents and Sirius. How could you get along with Snape? I'm still don't get it."
Rowena sighed. "He was kind to me. Well, as kind as he could afford. And he agreed to help me with the Dark Arts class."
"WHAT?!", Harry yelled, looking highly alarmed.
"No, no, no. . . he won't teach you at all. Just with curriculum. Don't be so horrified. I would never let him teach you. He has the flaw of judging students by parentage and House. By that temper, you remind me more of Sirius than anyone."
Rowena smiled at him. Harry's face fell into relief.
"How was my dad too different for you to be friends with?"
"Well, I wouldn't tell you, but you've already looked in Snape's Pensieve, so you must know what I'm talking about. It wasn't till my last year at Hogwarts that I found him easy to get along with. He was arrogant, he didn't respect anyone except Sirius and Remus. And me, sometimes. Your mother and your father weren't on speaking terms until their latter years in Hogwarts. I didn't hate your dad, not at all, but he was just. . . not my type of person. I told him off a lot. But you. . . you're quite different. If it had been you years ago in the Marauders, you wouldn't have done those awful things to Severus. The Marauders would be brilliant. If only that blasted Potions master knew so."
Harry looked pleased somewhat about the comment Rowena made on his character.
"It was bloody awful to see my dad act like such a git. He thought he was so cool, but that was still no reason to treat people the way he did. I'm glad my mum wasn't anything different from what I thought before. Then I would have gone mad and had a row with Remus and Sirius."
Somehow, Rowena knew she wanted to bring Harry and Severus to some sort of understanding, mutual respect. Not friendship, not mentorship. . . these were much too far fetched for now. Just so they will be on speaking terms. This student did not need any more enemies than he had.
"Harry, if there isn't anything else you want to talk about right now, we'd best get inside. It's getting dark, and Molly will be off her rocker if we aren't back soon. She'd think Voldemort had taken you already."
Harry looked at her with some respect when she said "Voldemort".
They made their way back to the house, Rowena now the wise professor and Harry the eager, more normal student, no longer so bleak.
~***********************************~
The Order meeting had begun. Harry was sitting to Rowena's left, and to her right were the infamous Fred and George. Dumbledore, Kingsley, Moody, Remus, Bill, Severus, Arthur, Molly, and Minerva were there. Everyone was aware, however, that this was a low number for the meeting. But the important ones were here.
Kingsley and Arthur were the leak from the Ministry. Bill was working at the Gringotts bank, no doubt useful. Fred and George were great for tactics, despite being something other than Aurors. Severus was helpful because he knew of the Slytherin students who might get the Dark Mark and who to keep an eye on. Moody, a retired Auror, was knowledgeable from the first time Voldemort had appeared. Remus was very calm and contributed some brilliant ideas for the Order. Dumbledore, who was seemingly all-knowing, was the one who started the Order the first time and was one that Voldemort feared, and was necessary. Harry, well Harry was the instrument which would be used someday to destroy Voldemort. He was just as necessary as Dumbledore. Rowena, however, did not know her place yet, but she was determined to prove herself useful to the Order.
Dumbledore was the first to raise question.
"Is anyone aware of Voldemort's whereabouts? What is he up to? How many deaths have there been? Is Bellatrix Lestrange with him still?"
Kingsley interjected, "Well, there have been numerous sightings throughout Europe and some in Asia and the Middle East. Last week, he supposedly was seen in Egypt, Thailand, Scotland near Loch Ness, France, and in London. Some were muggle sightings, others witches and wizards. Many claim to have seen Bellatrix with him. He is recruiting Death Eaters as far as we know, the deaths could be numerous. We've heard of only a few, and muggle news has some mysterious deaths, but that's about it."
"I see.", Dumbledore answered in thought, "I was sure this would be the case."
"What, Albus?", Minerva asked impatiently.
"Voldemort is obviously finding others for his army, rather frantically, though he knows our Aurors are limited in number. Either he is no longer confident in his followers, or he is under the impression we will fight him with wizards and witches other than just Aurors."
"But, Albus, are we to use every able bodied witch and wizard who are no longer at Hogwarts? Will it be like a draft?", Remus asked, concerned.
"Remus, I'm afraid it may be more than that. After the incident at the Department of Mysteries, I believe Voldemort thinks we will use students as well, for they had fought his Death Eaters beyond his expectations."
"Albus, he knows you won't sacrifice students, it is much more blatant than you may think.", Severus said icily, as though Dumbledore were calling Voldemort gullible.
"Severus, there are a few students who will not wait for me to sacrifice them. They sacrifice themselves.", Dumbledore replied, glancing at Harry, who knew that he was one of the students in question.
"If we're talking just about Potter, let's finish this meeting now, Albus. It's not a concern of mine.", Severus coldly uttered. Fred and George turned red with fury. Rowena looked at Snape, who looked her right in the eye. It was difficult to hear Severus talk like this about Harry, who was sitting there, listening to everything.
"I never asked you to be concerned, Professor. Never expected you to be.", Harry answered lazily.
"Harry, please. Severus, I expect you to act more like a teacher, and realize that you will be teaching Harry in N.E.W.T. Potions, and he is just as much a concern of yours as he is of mine. I ask of you to let go of grudges and other matters when it comes to the Order. We all are aware of what the Prophecy says, and that is a weapon against Voldemort. Harry is part of this, and that's why he is a concern of everyone who is a part of the Order, everyone who is present today."
Severus did not talk to Dumbledore for the rest of the meeting.
Finally, when Remus and Rowena Apparated back to the House of Black, they were extremely tired and exhausted from all the discussion. They went straight to sleep, refusing to tell Sirius anything until the next morning.
~*****************************~
A/N: If you think I haven't exactly got the characters' personality right, please inform me so I can make this a better story. Sometimes I doubt myself on some parts and don't know how to change it, so I leave it in. I welcome constructive criticism, so go ahead and give it if you feel the need to do so. Thanks for reading so far, and I promise good chapters are ahead. Keep reviewing! It makes me happy.
*Rowena was sitting in the Three Broomsticks in her Third year. She really did not feel like being in Hogsmeade that day. Dumbledore had told her something awful that morning, and watching others have so much fun while she was alone, brooding on what happened, did not make her feel any better. James, Sirius, and Remus were drinking butterbeers at another table, discussing, no doubt, how to cause more trouble. Peter had been sick that day from something he ate, and was most likely with Madam Pomfrey.
Rowena looked over at Sirius, watching those hazel eyes glitter with roguishness. Sometimes, she wished she could cause some trouble with them, get away, do something rebellious. Yet, the Marauders were very keen on keeping the pranks and such between them, and made sure no one else was involved. Sure, Rowena and Sirius were friends, but were more like the kind who share jokes in Gryffindor common room, lend notes, or help each other out with studies.
Suddenly, Rowena caught Sirius's eye, and he flashed her a grin. She couldn't help but smile all of a sudden. Sirius walked over to her table, followed curiously by James and Remus. Rowena looked up at them, wondering what was in their minds.
"Why are you so sad, Flintwood? Does Malfoy have a crush on someone else?"
Rowena's aghast expression must have been priceless, for the three Marauders laughed like the concept of laughter was new to them. Rowena glared at the trio with blatant malice. Finally, the laughter actually stopped, and she thought it was because the joke had become old. However, that was not the case.
Severus had approached the table, holding a book in his hands, and Rowena knew he had wanted to talk to her. Sirius, James, and Remus all glared at him. Severus sneered back. Rowena was the only one who wasn't having any negative feelings. James was about to open his mouth, most likely to insult Snape and make him go away. Rowena cut him off.
"Hey Snape, what's up?", Rowena said bluntly, giving James a look that stated "don't".
"I found this Potions book. . . thought you would find it useful on the essay Virenst assigned, Flintwood.", Snape replied icily, warily eyeing the daring Gryffindor boys. He handed her a heavy, old, royal-blue volume.
"Thanks, Snape. I'll return it to you later."
"See you, Flintwood."
And with that, Severus left the table dramatically, his robes whipping around him.
"I had a good one! Why did you cut me off?", James protested.
"Yeah, what is it with you and Snape anyway?", Sirius added, joining James.
Rowena sighed, "It would have been uncomfortable for me if you had, indeed, insulted him. Honestly, you would only do so because he's a Slytherin. He never said anything to you. He isn't an archenemy of yours. I hate it when you make fun of Snape just because he isn't like you, Mr. I'm-the-best- seeker-ever! And, you, Sirius. . . you have no right to treat him badly, just because many of these stupid girls throw themselves at you. It isn't really honorable at all. Just because he's unpopular? Please. The only reason popularity works in your favor is because of shallow things. And you, Remus! Don't you have any sense to stop them? This isn't right of you all, just because you're Gryffindors."
Rowena was boiling in fury. She wasn't popular; Lily Potter was the only female friend she had, and they barely talked about anything besides school and such. Sirius was one of those "oh, hi!" sort of friends for Rowena. Yeah, they talked, but mostly about insubstantial things. She didn't care much for James, he was way too arrogant. Remus. . . Remus was sometimes the shoulder to cry on, but if he was with the Marauders. . . don't expect much. The fact that Rowena wasn't popular bothered her because if she were a Slytherin, Sirius and Remus, who were friends with her now, would make fun of her.
"Who cares, Rowena? Snape's gonna end up a Death Eater! Do you want to be friends with someone like that?", James said.
"Let me tell you something. You're doing the same thing a Death Eater would: treating someone unfairly for something they can't control. For you, it's popularity and looks, what not. For Death Eaters, it's pure blood, or lack thereof, and it's power. People need to be judged by their character, and so far, Snape's been fair to me, so why should I not be respectful in turn?"
The three gaped at her, obviously stunned by what she said.
"Now if you're going to continue having this bastard mentality, guys, I really have no reason to talk to you. If I were in Slytherin, you would make fun of me too, because, by your standards, I am not worthy of your acceptance.", Rowena said brutally.
Three jaws dropped. Rowena looked fiercely into each pair of eyes, ready to leave them if they acted so foolishly.
"Alright, we won't do it again.", the Marauders said in unison, dejected from her words.
"Fine."
"Now, what were you so sad about before?", Remus asked thoughtfully.
Rowena eyed them all cautiously, especially James. She didn't feel comfortable with him knowing such a personal issue. Sirius and Remus could understand, perhaps even relate, but James. . .well, she had viciously chastised him, so it might be better for him to know as well. If Peter was there, she wouldn't even consider saying a word. She loathed Peter, she knew he wasn't worth trusting, and he leeched off the popularity of James and Sirius. That bothered her the most.
"Alright, but you can't tell Peter, no matter what. He can't know."
The three nodded.
"So tell us.", James said softly.
Rowena leaned in. This was a matter of secrecy, and she was trusting the Marauders. Perhaps she had gone mad.
"Dumbledore asked me to see him this morning. He said it was important. I walked in, sat down. And. . .", she sighed, taking in another breath, "he told me that my father. . .he's. . .he's in Azkaban."
She bit her lip, avoiding the boys' eyes.
"What's he in for?", Sirius asked in whisper.
"H-he's a. . . he's a. .", she gulped, "Death Eater. He killed five muggles, three wizards, and two witches. I don't know who, but the wizards and witches were either muggle-born or half-bloods. He's been charged rather heavily, and in a few months, they might administer the. . . Dementor's kiss. I really couldn't believe it you know, my dad he was so. . . moral, noble. My dad spoke against Voldemort, all the time, but maybe he was scared into serving him. I just. . . there's so much proof against him. They had multiple witnesses. There is no doubt that he committed the murders. His house was taken away by the Ministry, so there's no way I can stay there. I have no uncles, no aunts, no grandparents. My mum was a muggle, may she rest in peace, but her family shunned us. Dumbledore says I can stay at Hogwarts over the summer, but I really don't want to. I guess I have no choice, though."
Rowena's eyes were starting to water, but it was not over her living arrangements. It was because the only man she ever trusted, besides Dumbledore, was a killer, a liar, a coward, one who joined Voldemort. She didn't want to cry. She didn't want to give a damn about her father anymore. She wanted think stuff like, "Well, the bastard deserved it." But she still cared about him. She loved her father, dearly, for he had always treated her like she was a princess, an angel, his daughter. She was his only child, and since her mother died after she gave birth, Rowena was much closer to her father than most bonds between father and child were.
Sirius had the most solemn look on his face. He and Remus scooted close to both sides of her, and enveloped her in an embrace, which gave the warmest comfort of all: friendship. After they had hugged her, James put his arms around her shoulders and held her too, in a brotherly fashion, which Rowena wasn't expecting.
"I've met your dad. It never occurred to me that. . . this would happen. You can stay with us over the summer. Mum and Dad won't mind.", James offered.
"Better yet, you can stay with me, my mother would like that.", Remus put in.
"Well, she might as well stay with me. My mum's a battleaxe, my dad a crackpot fool, and my brother is a git like no other. It will be fun to see Mum lose it. I'll protect you, don't worry.", Sirius said with a grin.
Rowena laughed at this.
"None of this will be necessary. I don't mind staying at Hogwarts, really. It just will feel a tad. . .strange."
"Hey, let me get you a butterbeer.", Remus said.
"No, I'm alright.", Rowena protested.
"I insist. It'll make you feel better."
And so the day went on, with James, Sirius, Remus, and Rowena talking, laughing. For that short amount of time, Rowena felt like a Marauder.*
Rowena woke up.
~**************************~
Rowena and Remus were heading to their Order meeting, which was being held at the Burrow this time. It was evening, towards dinner time. Rowena was wearing one of Sirius's robes, which were a blackish blue. Remus was wearing his forest green robes, heavily patched.
Remus was smiling to himself, shaking his head.
"What?", Rowena said through a short laugh.
"Well, you haven't told Sirius about how you're working with Severus. I was just thinking about what would happen when you did tell him."
"Really, Remus, there isn't anything to think about. Hell will break loose, and Sirius will go mad. We'll ultimately send him to St. Mungo's, where people will send him children's birthday cards, and he will make Gilderoy Lockhart look as sane as Dumbledore."
Remus chortled, which was very unlike him. He never just let loose and laughed in his adult years. Rowena joined him. The thought of Sirius Black in the Senility Ward of St. Mungo's was beyond hysterical.
"But, seriously Rowena, how did you manage to offer Severus to help you out with the Dark Arts job? He was really difficult to deal with when I taught there three years ago. I don't see how he will be any different now, even though you were nice to him at Hogwarts. I am afraid he will criticize you to the bitter end."
"Let him!", Rowena scoffed, "He'll wish he never criticized me. . .that is, if the criticism he gives isn't fair."
"Honestly, you are natural at teaching and you don't even realize it. You were better at that class than I was, and I managed well enough as a teacher. Trust me, Rowena, you don't need Severus's help."
"You know, you ought to have the position! Damn that Umbridge, the old battleaxe, she's caused you so much trouble! You deserve to have the same job opportunities as everyone else. That Ministry of Magic is much too powerful for its own good.", she thought for a second, adding, "You know if Voldemort killed Umbridge, I wouldn't chastise him for it."
"Aren't you taking this a bit far. Though Dolores Umbridge is one of my least liked people in the world, I wouldn't go so far as to talk about how Voldemort could kill her and not mind.", Remus cut in wisely.
Rowena shrugged.
They were quickly approaching the Burrow and did not talk much until they entered the door. You could tell this was a Weasley house, for all the odd attachments to the house, but more so from all the flaming redheads around. She walked into their living room, noticing the old, mismatched furniture and pictures.
"Molly, Arthur, so good to see you!", Rowena said, offering her hand to shake.
"Rowena, where were you all these years?", Molly asked curiously. Arthur was behind his wife, just as eager to hear Rowena reply.
"Nepal.", Rowena answered simply, before being forced into a tight hug by the motherly woman who was several years senior to Rowena.
"Well, Rowena, you definitely don't look a day older than when we saw you years ago!", Arthur said, only to receive an alarming look from Molly. Rowena laughed, but stopped herself when Molly turned to her.
Remus had been extremely quiet at Rowena's side, just nodding and smiling, avoiding any conversation.
Rowena eyed a young woman around the age of twenty with spiky, pink hair. She grinned at the girl, and walked up to her.
"Oh, so you're Rowena Flintwood! Dumbledore told us you were taking the Dark Arts position. Wicked nosering! Never expected that! I'm Tonks, by the way.", the girl said quickly, extending her hand.
Rowena shook it, and said, "I've heard about you from Remus. I hope Kreacher isn't giving you too hard a time."
Tonks rolled her eyes, changing the color from brown to green.
"He's a pain, but it has to be dealt with."
"So you're a morphmagus? Wow. I've never met one."
Tonks smiled, "Well, today's your lucky day!"
Rowena walked around some more meeting other Aurors, like Kingsley and Mad-Eye Moody. Molly quickly grabbed Rowena by the arm, dragging her around to where many of the young redheads were sitting, hanging out much like Rowena did when she was their age.
"That's Bill.", Molly gestured to her twenty-something son with a ponytail. He smiled at Rowena.
"They, Heaven help us, are the twins: Fred and George.", she unenthusiastically pointed to identical boys wearing dragon-skin jackets, both giving the same trouble-making grin that James and Sirius were famous for years ago.
"That's Ginny, the girl of the family.", Molly cocked her head towards a cute girl, mid-teens, with a head of long, flaming, scarlet hair.
"That's . . .", Molly was about to gesture at a gangly boy sitting next to a girl with bushy brown hair, the girl clearly not a Weasely.
"Ron, right?", Rowena said confidently. Molly was obviously happy that Rowena knew.
"Yes! He's a prefect, on the Quidditch team. A wonderful child.", she said in a singsong voice.
Ron's ears went red, and the twins were evilly snickering.
Rowena said, "Being prefect is an honor, Ron. . . if you're a perfectionist."
All the Weasleys, excluding Molly, laughed. The girl with bushy hair was not amused, and Rowena chose to cash on this.
"Oh, so you're also a prefect, Hermione?"
Everyone started laughing heavily, again excluding Molly.
Rowena smiled, "I'm just kidding, no need for a row. Dumbledore speaks highly of you both. I just guessed."
Ron and Hermione were sitting quite close to each other, almost too close. They were clearly an item. They beamed at Rowena.
"Well, if you've heard of both Ron and Hermione, this one won't need an introduction.", Molly said, and was talking of the lanky black-haired boy looking very solemn.
Rowena walked towards the son of James and Lily. He has every reason to be sad and serious. He knew about the Prophecy. He was taking it quite well.
"Wow, you really look like. . ."
"Yeah, James, my dad. . . I know.", Harry said grimly.
No one in the room was surprised. Molly whispered in Rowena's ear, but Rowena could tell Harry knew the content of her words.
"He's been like this since Sirius died."
Rowena ignored this. She felt for Harry. People treating you like a bomb waiting to go off. . . ever since people read the Daily Prophet and saw Rowena's dad was in Azkaban, people were sure she'd take the same path as him.
"Harry, you remind me more of your mum, as far as actions and morals go.", Rowena said without wavering.
Harry looked up at her and softened.
"Yeah, from what Dumbledore tells me about you, Harry, you've got only the best of your mother and father."
Molly announced dinner right after this statement.
"I'm not hungry.", Harry and Rowena said in unison.
"Nonsense, you will eat. . .", Molly put in sternly.
"I'm sorry, Molly, but there are more important things than eating dinner. Harry and I will just get acquainted, and we'll be back soon."
Harry looked relieved. Molly simply nodded, forcing the Weasely children and Hermione to the dinner table.
Harry and Rowena found their way to the back door, to enter the backyard and take a walk.
Once they were far enough from the house, Harry started,
"So, were you a Gryffindor?"
Rowena smiled, "Yes, but that doesn't really matter. I mean, it's fine to have pride within your House, but I find it kind of foolish for that to be the basis of friendship. How can you judge someone just by what House they're in and what walls they put up so you can't see who they really are?"
"You have a point. Since you're the new Dark Arts teacher, you must know about the Occlumency lessons and all, right? Dumbledore must've told you, because he says you're going to train me."
Rowena nodded, "Were you going to say something concerning Occlumency? Did something odd happen?"
Harry continued, "Well, I was having the lessons with Snape, right? So, one day I saw his Pensieve was left out on his desk. Snape was out, dealing with some student. So, I shouldn't have done this but I really wanted to know, I went inside the Pensieve and I saw his worst memory. And I really understood Snape for the first time ever. I saw people I cared about acting. . . differently than I would have thought. But Snape caught me, and I knew I should have never invaded his thoughts. So that was the end of Occlumency."
Harry looked guilty, and not just about the Pensieve.
"Harry, I think I know what happened. I wasn't there. But James, Remus, Peter, and Sirius all gave me a version." Rowena cleared throat angrily
"But Mr. Weasely said you were friends with Snape!"
Rowena shook her head, "Harry, what did I tell you about the Houses? They never mattered to me. Snape and I were top potions students. We got along mostly because of that. And I was friends with Sirius and Remus, not so much your father, he was a little too different from myself. Peter. . .I never trusted him. I was also friends with Lily. About Severus, we had a mutual respect, not so much a friendship, but we could share a joke. I never let your dad or Sirius insult him in my presence. But I couldn't stop what happened when I wasn't around. If I was there that day in Fifth year, Harry, trust me, you would have never seen it in the Pensieve. Did you ever apologize?"
"No.", Harry said bitterly, "When Sirius. . . I didn't care afterwards. Snape can hate me. I don't care anymore."
"I can't blame you. Sirius. . . was great. It was such a shame I could not see him after he broke out. I was in Nepal for many years, because Severus told me the Death Eaters who were not charged knew I was in the Order. I returned almost a month ago. Now, I'm living with Remus."
Harry scoffed.
"What, Harry?"
"He never cared about Sirius dying, that's all. He treats it like it was the inevitable."
"Kid, he can't mourn in public. He has to remain calm in front of everyone. He's the rock everyone depends on, he can't show his weakness. Plus, Sirius went the way he wanted. And it was because of Sirius being gone that Dumbledore told you the truth and that he lets you sit in at Order meetings."
Rowena was perfectly aware that she was lying about some things, but these were benevolent lies. Ones that protected Harry.
"Were you and Sirius only friends, Ms. Flintwood?"
"Honestly, Harry, call me Rowena, unless we're in class. But what do you mean, 'only friends'? Are you asking if we were ever like your Ron and Hermione?"
"How'd you know?!"
"A blind man can tell, Harry."
"Well, I guess that's what I mean.", Harry said uncomfortably.
"To be honest, Harry, sometimes I let my imagination get the better of me, but. . . we never were anything really. I mean, it was nothing beyond. . . infatuation. I didn't want to be like the rest of the girls at Hogwarts who went crazy over Sirius, and Sirius didn't want to treat me the way he treated other girls. It was for the sake of respect and recognizing the uniqueness of each other that we were only friends."
Rowena was surprised she could be so open with someone she just met and who was so much younger than her. Harry had that effect. . .perhaps it was because he was so open about the Pensieve and his opinions.
"Rowena, why didn't you just tell me off for asking about Sirius and you?"
Rowena laughed. "He's your godfather, Harry. You're allowed to know. Had it been someone else. . .they would've lost their head. "
Harry grinned. Rowena thought, "Finally."
"But why are you, Harry, so comfortable in telling me things after such a short amount of time?"
Harry shrugged, "I don't know. . . I don't mean to burden you. I just. . .maybe it's because you knew my parents and Sirius. How could you get along with Snape? I'm still don't get it."
Rowena sighed. "He was kind to me. Well, as kind as he could afford. And he agreed to help me with the Dark Arts class."
"WHAT?!", Harry yelled, looking highly alarmed.
"No, no, no. . . he won't teach you at all. Just with curriculum. Don't be so horrified. I would never let him teach you. He has the flaw of judging students by parentage and House. By that temper, you remind me more of Sirius than anyone."
Rowena smiled at him. Harry's face fell into relief.
"How was my dad too different for you to be friends with?"
"Well, I wouldn't tell you, but you've already looked in Snape's Pensieve, so you must know what I'm talking about. It wasn't till my last year at Hogwarts that I found him easy to get along with. He was arrogant, he didn't respect anyone except Sirius and Remus. And me, sometimes. Your mother and your father weren't on speaking terms until their latter years in Hogwarts. I didn't hate your dad, not at all, but he was just. . . not my type of person. I told him off a lot. But you. . . you're quite different. If it had been you years ago in the Marauders, you wouldn't have done those awful things to Severus. The Marauders would be brilliant. If only that blasted Potions master knew so."
Harry looked pleased somewhat about the comment Rowena made on his character.
"It was bloody awful to see my dad act like such a git. He thought he was so cool, but that was still no reason to treat people the way he did. I'm glad my mum wasn't anything different from what I thought before. Then I would have gone mad and had a row with Remus and Sirius."
Somehow, Rowena knew she wanted to bring Harry and Severus to some sort of understanding, mutual respect. Not friendship, not mentorship. . . these were much too far fetched for now. Just so they will be on speaking terms. This student did not need any more enemies than he had.
"Harry, if there isn't anything else you want to talk about right now, we'd best get inside. It's getting dark, and Molly will be off her rocker if we aren't back soon. She'd think Voldemort had taken you already."
Harry looked at her with some respect when she said "Voldemort".
They made their way back to the house, Rowena now the wise professor and Harry the eager, more normal student, no longer so bleak.
~***********************************~
The Order meeting had begun. Harry was sitting to Rowena's left, and to her right were the infamous Fred and George. Dumbledore, Kingsley, Moody, Remus, Bill, Severus, Arthur, Molly, and Minerva were there. Everyone was aware, however, that this was a low number for the meeting. But the important ones were here.
Kingsley and Arthur were the leak from the Ministry. Bill was working at the Gringotts bank, no doubt useful. Fred and George were great for tactics, despite being something other than Aurors. Severus was helpful because he knew of the Slytherin students who might get the Dark Mark and who to keep an eye on. Moody, a retired Auror, was knowledgeable from the first time Voldemort had appeared. Remus was very calm and contributed some brilliant ideas for the Order. Dumbledore, who was seemingly all-knowing, was the one who started the Order the first time and was one that Voldemort feared, and was necessary. Harry, well Harry was the instrument which would be used someday to destroy Voldemort. He was just as necessary as Dumbledore. Rowena, however, did not know her place yet, but she was determined to prove herself useful to the Order.
Dumbledore was the first to raise question.
"Is anyone aware of Voldemort's whereabouts? What is he up to? How many deaths have there been? Is Bellatrix Lestrange with him still?"
Kingsley interjected, "Well, there have been numerous sightings throughout Europe and some in Asia and the Middle East. Last week, he supposedly was seen in Egypt, Thailand, Scotland near Loch Ness, France, and in London. Some were muggle sightings, others witches and wizards. Many claim to have seen Bellatrix with him. He is recruiting Death Eaters as far as we know, the deaths could be numerous. We've heard of only a few, and muggle news has some mysterious deaths, but that's about it."
"I see.", Dumbledore answered in thought, "I was sure this would be the case."
"What, Albus?", Minerva asked impatiently.
"Voldemort is obviously finding others for his army, rather frantically, though he knows our Aurors are limited in number. Either he is no longer confident in his followers, or he is under the impression we will fight him with wizards and witches other than just Aurors."
"But, Albus, are we to use every able bodied witch and wizard who are no longer at Hogwarts? Will it be like a draft?", Remus asked, concerned.
"Remus, I'm afraid it may be more than that. After the incident at the Department of Mysteries, I believe Voldemort thinks we will use students as well, for they had fought his Death Eaters beyond his expectations."
"Albus, he knows you won't sacrifice students, it is much more blatant than you may think.", Severus said icily, as though Dumbledore were calling Voldemort gullible.
"Severus, there are a few students who will not wait for me to sacrifice them. They sacrifice themselves.", Dumbledore replied, glancing at Harry, who knew that he was one of the students in question.
"If we're talking just about Potter, let's finish this meeting now, Albus. It's not a concern of mine.", Severus coldly uttered. Fred and George turned red with fury. Rowena looked at Snape, who looked her right in the eye. It was difficult to hear Severus talk like this about Harry, who was sitting there, listening to everything.
"I never asked you to be concerned, Professor. Never expected you to be.", Harry answered lazily.
"Harry, please. Severus, I expect you to act more like a teacher, and realize that you will be teaching Harry in N.E.W.T. Potions, and he is just as much a concern of yours as he is of mine. I ask of you to let go of grudges and other matters when it comes to the Order. We all are aware of what the Prophecy says, and that is a weapon against Voldemort. Harry is part of this, and that's why he is a concern of everyone who is a part of the Order, everyone who is present today."
Severus did not talk to Dumbledore for the rest of the meeting.
Finally, when Remus and Rowena Apparated back to the House of Black, they were extremely tired and exhausted from all the discussion. They went straight to sleep, refusing to tell Sirius anything until the next morning.
~*****************************~
A/N: If you think I haven't exactly got the characters' personality right, please inform me so I can make this a better story. Sometimes I doubt myself on some parts and don't know how to change it, so I leave it in. I welcome constructive criticism, so go ahead and give it if you feel the need to do so. Thanks for reading so far, and I promise good chapters are ahead. Keep reviewing! It makes me happy.