Chapter two for your pleasure. I've also changed the animal that Kaitlyn changes into from an Eagle to a Hawk as it fits with something later on.

Jezabella: Thank you!!! I'm glad you like it so far!

F75: This soon enough for you?

Love: Hey! Thank you!!! I just want to let you know that I haven't been ignoring you. I've been trying to email you but for some reason it just won't post. I keep getting it sent back to me. Are you having trouble with hotmail? Maybe you have another email I can write you to.

Chapter Two - Nothing Will Ever Be The Same

After staring into the fire for ages without a sound, Kaitlyn soon feel asleep from exhaustion and shock. She slumped sideways, her head soon resting on Snape's shoulder. He looked down at her in stunned silence not knowing what to do about it. Then Alice came back into the room having dealt with her crying child.

"Well it's about time. She was exhausted poor girl." She whispered, looking at Kaitlyn. "And it looks like you're going to be stuck there for a while. Why don't you try and get some sleep yourself - you're always so pale and tired looking!"

Snape gave her one of his now famous glares. She ignored the look and kept on talking.

"I'm going to go and try and get some sleep myself - while Neville's sleeping. Call me when she wakes."

Snape nodded, not looking impressed at having to be stuck in this situation in the first place.

*****

The air was cold and moisture clung to her hair and face. She lowered the wand in her hand and looked down at the two bodies of her dead parents laying on the soft grass under the old Oak tree in the back garden. A burning sensation wrapped around her neck and then a necklace appeared shimmering gold.

Suddenly the full reality of what she had done hit her and she lifted her hands to her ears and screamed out. The windows of the house and greenhouse shattered from the high pitched sound and the wind whipped suddenly in a freak gale throwing her hair back off her face.

She stumbled and fell, rolling onto her back as her body shook violently and she wasn't sure but she thought she heard someone shouting at her above her screams.

She opened her eyes to see her father sitting up and moving towards her, death on his face, his eyes glaring menacingly. The scream died in her throat at the shock and she stared at him as he crawled towards her. He grabbed hold of her shoulders and shook her. The action brought her back and she screamed again and shoved herself backwards with her hands and feet until she hit the trunk of the tree which felt oddly smooth.

"Dad no! No dad please!!!"

She cried out and closed her eyes tightly.

"Kaitlyn! Kaitlyn!! MISS MORGAN!!!"

Something about the voice made her pause. It wasn't her fathers. She opened her eyes to find herself staring straight at Professor Snape, who was kneeling a few feet away near the sofa and staring back with an almost gentle concern on his face as well as the look of someone who'd been jolted awake.

She gasped as the full reality hit her - it hadn't just been a nightmare - it was true. Her parents were dead. Her eyes filled with tears as she gasped out sobs, her quivering hands covering her face.

Before Professor Snape could move Alice darted past him having heard her screams and pulled her into a tight hug. Sobs wracked Kaitlyn's body as she leaned into Alice and cried long and hard.

Snape got up from the floor from where Kaitlyn had fallen off the sofa and moved away to give the girl some privacy in her grieving. Looking over to the door he saw a frightened looking Frank and Kingsley and the grave face of Professor Dumbledore standing just outside. They'd obviously heard the screams and the look on their faces mirrored what Snape was feeling.

He'd been in a light doze when her screams had brought him back with such force he'd fallen off the couch with her. It had taken him a moment to regain his composure before he'd reacted to her. Now though, he was the picture of equanimity.

He headed over to them and they moved away and into the kitchen where Dumbledore brewed up some tea and found a sleeping potion for Kaitlyn to take which helped with dreamless sleeps.

"Has she been like this long?"

Kingsley asked Snape as they sat down around the table, the teapot pouring itself.

"No. You probably heard most of it. She fell asleep after only about half an hour. I must have dozed off too because it was her screams that awoke me. She seemed to think I was her father for a moment before I could get through to her."

"That must have been some nightmare if it followed her out of her dream state."

Frank stated.

"Maybe it was what she needed to get her emotions out in the open. I always find a good cry is the first step towards recovery...and her path is going to be long after what she saw tonight."

Dumbledore spoke.

"And what of this necklace?" Snape asked. "Did you find out what it was?"

"Not completely, but I do have my suspicions. We've hidden it in a safe place because I'm sure Lord Voldemort will want it back if it's that precious to him to want to use it on an auror."

Frank and Kingsley had shuddered at the name but Dumbledore ignored it and carried on.

"It appears to be one of the lost items belonging to Rowena Ravenclaw and is said to hold great power if used correctly. It appears to possess whoever wears it and they are in command of the person who put it on them. It's like the Imperius Curse without needed to cast a spell."

"That necklace must be a lot strong and harder to fight off if Jacob couldn't fight it in time. He was one of the best aurors around and could beat the Imperius Curse like brushing a bug from his clothes."

Kingsley told Dumbledore who nodded.

"And as far as I can remember the necklace can only be worn by descendents of the original owner..."

He let this information sink in.

"Which means Jacob must have been - so Kaitlyn is as well."

Frank said, voicing what every had figured out.

"Which means Kaitlyn's in danger."

Snape surmised. Dumbledore nodded again.

"We have to get her as far away from you-know-who as we can."

Kingsley said.

"Lord Voldemort, Kingsley - fear of a name is fear of the thing itself."

Dumbledore told him. He nodded head down. Snape was about to speak when Alice came into the room.

"How's she doing?"

Dumbledore asked her. Alice's eyes were filled with tears as she moved into the room.

"Not good. She fell asleep crying - could one of you help me get her upstairs?"

She questioned. For some reason they all looked to Snape. He stared back at then, an almost shocked look on his face.

"Me?!"

"Yes you Severus." Dumbledore managed to suppress a smile. "She seems to be trusting you a lot at the moment and it would be best for her not to be around too many people."

Snape rolled his eyes slightly and stood, following Alice who'd grabbed the sleeping potion as well. Entering the living room, he saw Kaitlyn curled up where he'd left her with Alice and he moved over and gently picked her up in his arms. She looked very pale and drawn and her eyes were red rimmed. He carefully manoeuvred out the door and up the stairs into one of the many bedrooms set out for people in the Order to sleep during their shifts for the Order and their everyday work.

Alice pulled back the covers and Snape placed her onto the bed. She stirred and opened her eyes slightly. Snape pulled up the covers as Alice prepared the sleeping potion. Snape looked down at her.

"It's okay. We're going to give you something for dreamless sleeps."

He spoke quietly. She looked back down and nodded, looking too tired to say anything. She drunk the potion quickly and without grimacing at the taste and moments later Snape saw her eyes lose their focus and close. She was asleep properly at last

"She should be out for 12 hours at least."

Snape told Alice. She didn't reply and he looked up at her to see her wiping tears away quickly. Snape looked awkward.

"Sorry. Guess it just got to me as well."

"I'll get Frank."

"No! It's okay. I just need a moment."

Snape half bowed and left her alone. He went back downstairs and joined the other who were sitting quietly drinking their tea. Dumbledore gave him a questioning look.

"She's out. And should be for quite some time. Any ideas what we're gonna do?"

He sat and took a mouthful of his own tea.

"A couple but nothing safe enough. We can't think of anyone she would be completely safe with except people here - and we can't spare any of them to go into hiding with her."

Dumbledore told Snape, who looked thoughtful for a moment.

"I might know someone. A distant cousin - she lives with her Muggle husband and they foster children. Mostly witches and wizards. We could hide her with them, have a secret-keeper..."

He suggested.

"Where do they live?"

"America. Quite close to Salem's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Dumbledore smiled.

"Perfect. Let's hope she's okay with that. Besides she might not have to stay too long."

He said sounding positive.

"And the secret-keeper?"

Frank asked.

"I think we'll let her decide."

Dumbledore told him, he nodded.

*****

Professor Snape leaned back in his seat in the kitchen, the information he'd collected declaimed to the others in the room, who then slowly dispersed at Dumbedore's word until himself, Dumbledore, Frank and Kingsley - who was making tea - were left.

"How is Miss Morgan?"

Severus asked them, then nodded a thanks as Kingsley handed him a cup of tea.

"She's been asleep since you left her." Dumbledore replied. "We've had a few of us taking shifts watching her, Alice is up there now."

Severus stood.

"Then I guess it's my turn to watch her. Excuse me."

He bowed and left the room, taking his tea with him. Kinglsey raised her eyebrows slightly at his leaving.

"He's a strange one him."

He said summing him up, then carried on with the washing up. Dumbledore half smiled, a twinkle in his eye. He was a strange one, but for the most part his heart was in the right place.

Snape carefully opened the door to see Alice looking up at him, the knitting in front of her stopping as she lost concentration. She smiled at him and realised what he was doing, so she stood and left quietly putting a hand on his arm as she passed.

He sat down in the seat she'd vacated and, taking a sip of his tea, sat and watched Kaitlyn's form rising and falling slowly as she breathed.

*****

Kaitlyn felt a presence in the room even before she opened her eyes. She rolled onto her back and looked around. Professor Snape was standing with his back to her in front of the window. He obviously had his arms folded, his cloak wrapped around them. She looked up at the ceiling, remembering all of the past events and she sighed, having no more tears to shed, capturing Professor Snape's attention. He turned and looked towards her, she looked back at him. Noting that it seemed to be around the late evening she asked,

"How long have I been asleep?"

"A day and a half at least."

She sat herself up.

"I hadn't realised how tired I was."

He moved closer, noting another question on her face, but seeing the pain she had to ask it.

"Um...what...what's gonna happen to me? Now? I have...I haven't got anyone else."

Severus sat down beside the bed.

"You've got plenty of people here who'll help you. Believe me when I say you're not going to be left

out in the cold on this. There are people here who'll help you through this. The Longbottom's for one. They were your parents best friends after all."

Kaitlyn drew herself into a ball, hugging her knees, and nodded.

"I guess so. I just...I can't believe this is happening. I feel like I'm stuck in a nightmare and no matter how loud I scream I can't seem to wake up."

"It'll get easier."

She looked up at him.

"How can you know that?"

"Because my parents are dead as well."

"Oh. I didn't know."

"Of course you didn't."

You replied half gently. His face set.

"How do you get over something like this? What did you do to get over it?"

Professor Snape looked away.

"I'm not the right person to ask about that. I was foolish and went out for vengeance which is by far the wrong path."

Kaitlyn suddenly realised what he meant.

"Is...is that why you uh...went into the Dark Arts?"

She tried to put the question carefully and hoped he didn't react badly. His gaze darted to her, but he only looked slightly angry. Then the look vanished when he realised how intelligent this girl was in front of him. He just nodded.

"So what made you come back?"

For a moment he looked like he was going to stand up and not reply to her, but he changed his mind. At first he really didn't want one of his students knowing him more than they should, but then he realised two things. One, she was no longer going to be his pupil, and two, she needed it. She needed to know how to live with something like this.

"Strangely, the same thing that made me turn to them in the first place."

"Your parents."

He nodded calmly.

"I guess that was the moment when I finally faced up to their death and I was able to put it behind me."

"How? How do you deal with it then put it behind you? Please - I need to know."

He paused as he thought about it.

"Time. It takes time. I don't think you can ever really get over something like this, you just managed to live with it. The pain gets bearable after a while. But you have to deal with it first."

She nodded and took a deep breath.

"Thank you."

He half bowed in acknowledgement.

"You know...they're all wrong about you."

"Who?"

He questioned.

"Everyone at school. Everyone one either hates you or is scared of you. But you do care. You just don't ever show it."

"Kindly keep that remark to yourself, Miss Morgan."

He said sternly when he realised what she meant. He had been a lot easier to deal with lately, probably because everything that had happened had hit a little too close to home for him. Plus the fact that he was feeling responsible for not hearing of it sooner.

Kaitlyn once again nodded, a small smile on her face as Professor Snape started to sound like himself again.

"When you're feeling up to it, there are some people that need to talk to you."

"About what?"

"About what's going to transpire now. Possibly about what happened."

She thought for a moment and decided that the sooner she gets it over with the better.

"I'll be ready whenever they need me."

Snape nodded, then silently left as Alice entered the room with a tray in her hands.

*****

The next day Kaitlyn went downstairs and into the kitchen where Dumbledore had called her down to. She was thankful that there weren't many people in the room. Alice and Frank were there as was Professor Snape and of course Dumbledore.

"Miss Morgan. It's good to see you up."

She gave him a small smile as she sat down on one of the couches by the fireplace at the dining end of the long kitchen. Dumbledore told her everything they knew about the necklace and about her being a direct Descendent of Rowena Ravenclaw.

"So, it wasn't Dad. It wasn't him."

She said to herself.

"No. Your father was under a very strong influence. It was miraculous that he managed to overcome it before he killed anyone else."

Dumbledore said carefully.

"You mean me."

She stated. He nodded, then told her that she was still in danger herself.

"But you have the necklace. So he can't possess me, right?"

"We still think that Lord Voldemort will try and come after you anyway. And he's bound to try and come back for the necklace - it's incredibly powerful."

"But what danger could I be to him? I'm a kid. What can I do?"

"You survived. And he probably figures that if he can get to you now, he can use you against us in the future because you're young enough to be influenced. He won't give up until he has the necklace and you're the last descendent of Rowena Ravenclaw. You're the only person it will work on."

She sat and thought about this. Something wasn't exactly right and she felt that he wasn't telling her everything. There was something else about this necklace. But then again why would he? She was only eleven. She decided to try anyway.

"There's something else, right?"

She questioned, staring at him, then around the room at the others who were deliberately avoiding her gaze.

"What is it?"

"We can't hide the necklace. It's such that no spells will work to hide it, or protect it in anyway. If he wants to find it he can, but if he has you it will make it also easier for him because for some reason descendents seem drawn to it. That's how he knew that your father was a descendent. If your father hadn't been caught, then the necklace would have been useless to him."

"What - so this is Dad's fault? If he hadn't been captured then none of this would have happened?"

Her voice grew in volume as she spoke, the anger she'd felt swelling inside her finally coming to the surface.

"Kaitlyn. I didn't mean it like that. You're father was one of the best auror's around. And he was hated by Voldemort almost as much as Moody is. He was a thorn in Voldemort's side and needed to be taken out."

Dumbledore told her.

"Moody's managed to avoid capture."

She looked away and towards the ceiling.

"Miss Morgan, listen to me." Snape spoke for the first time. "If Lord Voldemort sets his sights on someone they don't stand much of a chance no matter how good they are. If he really wants something then he'll get it eventually. The same goes for you and the necklace."

She watched the seriousness and truth wash across his face.

"So, what's going to happen to me?"

"We want to put you in hiding. And you'll have a secret-keeper."

Kaitlyn nodded.

"Where?"

"Professor Snape has a cousin that adopts children with her Muggle husband. She lives near Salem Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry in America."

"America?! You're sending me away? With people I don't know?"

She looked almost hurt.

"I know it's hard, Kaitlyn. But it's not safe enough over here. The further away we can send you the better. And hopefully it won't be for long."

"Miss Morgan. I assure you my cousin will look after you well."

Kaitlyn looked down at the floor as she thought about this. She didn't want to go away so far, but she knew they were only trying to protect her. She wanted to argue, to scream out, to run...But she hadn't the energy. She felt defeated and alone. She nodded her agreement, then felt Alice put an arm around her and gave her a gentle squeeze.

"You won't be alone over there. We'll all keep in touch."

Kaitlyn gave her an appreciative smile.

"Who's going to be my secret-keeper?"

"That's your choice. Whomever you wish."

Dumbledore told her. Kaitlyn nodded again, then hesitated as she went to ask her next question.

"What about um...my parents...?"

"Don't worry about any of that. We've already sorted out funeral arrangements. It will be held at Hogwarts. The school is protected with ancient magic that Voldemort can't penetrate. Your parents left you everything in their Will so that's all up to you when you're ready to face it."

Again, Kaitlyn nodded.

"We'll give you some time to think things over. Alice will take care of you. Severus we must take our leave."

Snape stood and half bowed before following the headmaster out. Kaitlyn watched them leave, then turned to see Frank quietly say something to Alice before pecking her on the cheek and leaving as well. Alice smiled at Kaitlyn and sat down next to her.

"You hungry? I could cook you some lunch if you want."

She asked. Kaitlyn shook her head.

"No thanks. I'm not hungry."

Alice could see she was preoccupied with her thoughts.

"It won't be for long. And when you come back, if you want, you can stay with Frank, Neville and I. I'm sure Neville would love to have someone to be his older sister as he grows up."

Kaitlyn smiled sincerely.

"Thank you. I'd like that."

Alice gave her arm a squeeze, then left her sitting by the fire to think.

*****

Kaitlyn was still sitting by the fire late that evening when Alice started setting the table for dinner. Kaitlyn stood and helped, earning a smile from the older woman.

It wasn't long after that everyone that was joining them for dinner that night arrived. Frank, Kingsley, Arthur Weasley who she'd only met a couple times, and a group of four men who Alice had affectionately called the Marauders. She'd never met them before.

"Will you four be joining us for dinner tonight then?"

She asked them. The handsome one out of the four, with slightly ruffled black hair which was just hanging over his dark eyes, smiled charmingly and took her hand, kissing it with a bow.

"Yes we are, milady. We've come to sample some of your fabulous cooking!"

Alice brushed his hand away, blushing slightly.

"Sirius!"

She laughed, then turned to Kaitlyn.

"Kaitlyn, could you get four more plates and some more cutlery?"

Kaitlyn nodded, noticing the stares she received from the four newcomers as she moved over to the cupboard. The four men conjured up some more chairs out of air and made room on the table for them to sit.

Kaitlyn saw another of the men turn to Alice and speak quietly. He had black hair as well but it was a complete mess, and wore glasses. Alice nodded to his question and the man turned to the other three. Kaitlyn focused her attention away from them and to setting the table.



*****

James turned to the other three.

"That's her."

Remus, Sirius and Peter all glanced at her.

"Poor girl."

Remus said.

"She looks to be holding up well."

Sirius stated.

"Looks can be deceiving, Sirius."

Remus told him. Sirius nodded. Peter just stared at the girl, the smallest hint of a smile on his face.

"Dinner's ready!"

Alice called pulling the four out of their conversation. They all sat down. Sirius and Remus ended up sitting opposite Kaitlyn, who had Alice on one side and Kingsley on the other.

"Oh Kaitlyn, you haven't met the Marauders have you?"

Alice questioned. Kaitlyn shook her head.

"That's Peter Pettigrew on the end, then James Potter, his son Harry is about two months older than Neville, then that's Remus Lupin and finally Sirius Black."

She said gesturing to all of them in turn. She didn't really like the look of Peter, he seemed quite sly, but the other three all smiled at her genuinely and Sirius even went as far as taking her hand and kissing it as he'd done with Alice, causing a small smile to break out on Kaitlyn's face.

The dinner, Kaitlyn found, was actually quite pleasant. Everyone chatted like they had no cares in the world and nobody even mentioned Lord Voldemort or anything to do with him, which Kaitlyn was thankful for. Sirius and James told her all about their days in school and the mischief they used to get up to.

After dinner, they all sat around the fire for a while, a few conversation were struck up but a lot of them sat in silence. Alice was chatted quietly with Frank and Sirius, Arthur with James and the rest of them were quiet. Kaitlyn watched them chatting, then her gaze moved slowly around the room until her eyes fell on Remus. He was staring into the fire, a mug of tea in his hand. He had a young face but his hair was already greying and there were lines of worry just under the surface of his mask as if he'd dealt with a lot in his life. Feeling that someone was watching him Remus turned and looked straight at Kaitlyn. For a moment she saw a sadness in his eyes but before she could work out if it was for him or for her, the look was gone and he gave her a smile. Kaitlyn smiled back at him.

"Isn't that so Remus?"

Remus looked up at James who had spoken. His level gaze leaving Kaitlyn's face.

"Isn't what so?"

"That us four caused the most mischief Hogwarts has ever seen!"

Sirius laughed.

"I'm not sure about us four but you and James certainly caused quite a stir."

"I don't think anyone will ever be able to beat us."

James said smiling.

"Oh I don't know." Arthur said joining in the conversation. "Our Fred and George can certainly cause a mischief when they want. Poor Molly spends more time dealing with them than with little Ron - he's a good little thing he is. Always sleeping - hardly cries. I hope Fred and George don't lead him astray when they grow up."

Arthur finished with a smile of affection for his kids on his face.

Kaitlyn tuned out of the conversation, and looked towards the door. She was hoping that Professor

Snape would be coming back soon because she wanted to ask him something important.

*****

It was quite late when Professor Snape finally showed up. The Marauders had long since left, as had Arthur and Frank for their shifts in the Order.

Kaitlyn was left sitting alone in the kitchen by the fire, when he walked in looking tired. Alice was off changing and feeding Neville.

"You're up late Miss Morgan."

Snape stated as he took a seat.

"I was waiting for you."

"Me? Whatever for?"

"I wanted to ask you...that is...I didn't know who else to trust...Um..."

"Spit it out."

He said, for a moment sounding frustrated and agitated - his old self.

"Would you be my secret-keeper?"

Snape looked speechless. Kaitlyn watched him as he tried to hide the expression behind his mask but by the looks of things she'd caught him completely by surprise.

"Why me?"

He asked finally.

"Because I trust you. And, I don't know, I guess I just thought you'd be the best person."

"I'd have thought you'd have picked Dumbledore for the job. He would have been a better decision."

"He's got too many things to worry about. And besides I'd prefer you. If I can't trust you, who can I trust? Besides Dumbledore trusts you enough so why shouldn't I?"

Snape thought for a moment.

"Then I'm honoured to have been picked."

He half bowed in his seat. Kaitlyn half bowed/nodded in return.

Wow!! That's the longest chapter so far!!! Hope you like. I've been really getting into this story lately so hopefully you shouldn't have to wait too long for the next chapter. And it will be coming out of the past very soon and getting into the present.

I also wasn't going to introduce Remus, Sirius and the others into it yet either. I was going to have it that she'd never met them before but since the loss of our lovable Padfoot I had to have him shown in his prime seeing as the present is set after book 5. Anyway, peace.