Harry trudged wearily up to his dorm room. Neville, Seamus, Dean, and Ron
were all already there. He glanced around but didn't say anything.
"Where've you been?" Asked Ron as Harry pulled off his shirt. He threw the shirt on the floor and went to his trunk for a pair of pajamas. "Well," repeated Ron.
"Ron, I don't want to get into this now," said Harry tiredly.
"Yeah, I bet. But we haven't seen you all afternoon, you skipped dinner, and Hermione was worried."
"Yeah, well tell Hermione," he said emphasizing Hermione's name, "that I'm a big boy and I can take care of myself."
"So that's it," said Ron. Neville, Seamus, and Dean looked at each other uncomfortably. "I guess I should just tell Hermione that we've been replaced then. Hey, we had a good run, six almost seven good years."
Harry rolled his eyes and said the first thing that popped in his head, "Yeah well, it will give the two of you more time to snog." Ron narrowed his eyes and immediately Harry felt bad. "I'm sorry, forget I said it."
"Right, whatever you want, Harry." Ron turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" Called Harry.
"To make out with my girlfriend," responded Ron sarcastically over his shoulder.
Harry sighed and turned back to the rest of the guys. They all looked away uncomfortably. Without finishing changing, Harry got into bed and pulled the curtains closed. He just wanted to clear his head and get some sleep. The problem was that he has two very pressing matters on his mind, dealing with Ron and Hermione, and making good on his promise to Ann.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Severus Snape waited in front of the entrance to the Slytherin dorms. His daughter hadn't been at dinner and neither had Potter and he was determined to know where she had been. He didn't want to believe that she was defying him, but when it came to Potter, he wasn't going to take a chance.
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle approached jauntily. "Hello sir," drawled Malfoy.
"Evening Malfoy," returned Snape with a curt nod. "Crabbe, Goyle," he nodded acknowledging the other two boys.
"Did you need something, sir," Malfoy asked in interest.
"No," replied Snape.
Malfoy raised his eyebrows slightly and continued. "I had the pleasure of introducing myself to your daughter, sir."
Snape met his gaze, but said nothing so Malfoy continued. "She seems to be settling into life at Hogwarts. Although, if I were you, sir, I would watch who she makes friends with. It's so easy to make friends with the wrong sort. If you know what I mean," he finished pointedly.
Snape was about to respond when he spotted his daughter rounding the corner. He moved toward her without a word to Malfoy or the other boys. Behind his back, Malfoy smirked triumphantly.
"Ann," Snape said.
"Hi," said Ann tiredly.
"Where were you?" He asked trying to keep the anger from his voice.
"Huh," said Ann.
"During dinner. Where were you?" Snape repeated.
"I wasn't hungry," said Ann slowly.
"Do not lie," hissed Snape.
Ann narrowed her eyes at her father and then looked around him at Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, who were staring at them with interest.
Snape turned and saw them. His eyes narrowed and he took Ann by the arm and led her away. After they were out of Malfoy's sight line, Ann wrenched her arm free of her father's grip.
"That was embarrassing," she snapped.
"Were you with Potter," he asked her glaring.
Ann crossed her arms defiantly. "Yes."
"I thought I made it clear that you were not to hang out with him," said Snape. Ann looked down at her feet and Snape relaxed, thinking he had finally gotten through to her. "I hope this will not happen again. Well," he said uncomfortably. "I think you ought to be heading to your dorm."
"Wait a second," said Ann. "This isn't over. You and I haven't spent fifteen minutes alone together since I was sorted and now you're trying to act all parental. Who are you to tell me who I can and can't hang out with?"
"I am your father," Snape said loudly.
"Yeah, well you haven't been acting like it," responded Ann matching his tone and volume.
Snape stared at his daughter. He had been anticipating and fearing this conversation with her since she had come to Hogwarts.
"You know," she began. "I thought about going back to my own school after mom." she broke off. Snape looked down at her with worry filling him. "But," she continued. "I wanted to be with you, to get to know you. I guess it's not working out the way I thought it would." She paused dramatically. "Maybe I should go back to my old school."
"No," said Snape quickly. "That's not necessary. You're right. I haven't been much of a father to you and frankly I don't know how to be one now. But, I don't want you to leave. Not if you want to stay."
"I do want to stay. I like it here."
"Ok, then you'll stay. And I'll make more of an effort to be a father to you."
"Ok," said Ann quietly. She put her arms around her father and gave him a tight hug. "Maybe you and I can spend some time together, alone."
"Yes, I think we should do that," he said releasing her.
"Ok," she said. "I think I'll go to bed now."
"That's a good idea," said Snape.
Ann turned and walked quickly to the entrance to the Slytherin dorms breathing a silent sigh of relief. She knew she had only gotten her father off her back about Harry temporarily. The next time, it was going to be much harder.
As she approached the entrance to the Slytherin dorms she spotted Malfoy and the two oafs he hung out with waiting. Ann looked passed them trying to ignore them.
"You really are a true Slytherin," said Malfoy smirking.
Ann turned dark eyes onto Malfoy. "What's that suppose to mean."
"Hey, don't be offended. I meant it as a compliment."
"I'll bet."
Malfoy sneered. "I've never seen anyone handle Snape so easily."
"Did you have a point, Malfoy?"
"Actually I did. I was just wondering why, with your obvious talent to manipulate, you're hanging out with Saint Potter?"
Ann rolled her eyes and pushed past the boys.
"Do you think you're too good for Slytherin."
"No, just sons of murdering Death Eaters," scoffed Ann. She gave the password and proceeded into the dormitory.
"What about daughters," Malfoy called after her.
Ann paused and turned slowly. "That's the second time you've tried to imply something to me. If you do it again I will make your life miserable." She turned back. "And don't make the mistake of thinking I can't," she called over her shoulder.
Malfoy turned to Crabbe and Goyle and smirked. "She has no idea. I wonder how Professor Snape kept it from her all those years."
"He must have lied to her," said Crabbe slowly.
Malfoy rolled his eyes, "you think, Crabbe. The question is, who's gonna be the person who breaks the news to her."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ann woke early the next morning and was headed for breakfast before most of the other students were awake. She sat alone at the Slytherin table eating slowly.
Harry entered the Great Hall about a half-hour after Ann and immediately made his way toward her. She was uncomfortably aware that her father was watching her. "Morning, Ann," he said.
"Hi," said Ann hesitatingly.
"Ann, I'm sorry about last night..."
"Harry," interrupted Ann. "I can't talk right now. Meet me in the astronomy tower in fifteen minutes."
"What?"
"Just go sit down."
"Why," Harry asked her perplexed.
"My father," said Ann uncomfortably. Harry started to look towards the teacher's table but Ann hissed, "don't look, just meet me in fifteen minutes." Without another word, Ann stood, grabbed her bag and left the Great Hall.
Harry watched her go and then went to join the Gryffindor table.
Ron and Hermione were watching and when he sat Ron said sarcastically, "trouble in paradise?"
"Ron," scolded Hermione. "Stop."
"What is your problem, Ron," asked Harry angrily.
"Harry," began Hermione.
Harry interrupted her. "I might ask you the same question."
"Please," begged Hermione. "Let's not fight."
Ron and Harry stared angrily at each other, but stayed quiet.
"So," said Hermione nervously. "There's a Quidditch game this weekend. Are you guys ready?"
Neither answered her.
"Come on guys. This is stupid."
"Tell that to your boyfriend," said Harry nastily. "I didn't start this."
Nobody said a word. They continued eating their breakfast in silence. As soon as he was finished, Harry stood and left. Hermione and Ron watched him go. "Bet he's off to meet her," said Ron bitterly.
"I hate when we're fighting, Ron," said Hermione sadly.
"I know. But he's being completely blind about that girl. I'm telling you, Hermione, she's trouble."
"Maybe, but if that's the case then shouldn't we, you know, keep the lines of communication with Harry open. If something happens, he may not come to us."
"I guess," grumbled Ron.
"Please try, Ron."
"All right, Hermione," said Ron exasperatedly.
"Thank you," she said sweetly and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. "Should we go find him?"
"Why not," said Ron getting up and reaching for her hand. "Two guesses where he is."
"Ron," said Hermione warningly.
"I was only joking," he said with a smile and the two of them left the Great Hall in search of Harry.
Meanwhile Harry was quickly making his way up to the astronomy tower. "Ann," he called out. He looked around the room, but couldn't see her.
From behind him, Ann reached out and grabbed his side. "What took you so long," she said.
Harry jumped and whirled around and Ann started to laugh. "You scared me half to death," said Harry trying to control his breathing.
"I'm sorry," she chuckled. "I couldn't resist."
"So," said Harry leaning against one wall. "What's with all the secrecy."
Ann rolled her eyes. "It's nothing. My father..."
"Forget I asked," interrupted Harry.
"I'm dealing with it," said Ann. "I just didn't want to get him upset again. He just doesn't want me hanging out with you."
"I don't think there's a person who likes me less in the world than your father. Except maybe Voldemort."
Ann looked at him sharply.
"What?"
"I never heard anyone our age say his name before."
"Sorry," mumbled Harry.
"No, don't apologize. You just took me by surprise. You do that a lot."
Harry smiled. "Listen Ann. I wanted to talk to you about last night."
"Yeah?"
"Uh yeah. It's just that I umm. I wanted... that is I was thinking last night."
Ann smiled widely. "Just spit it out, Harry."
Harry took a deep breath. "I want to be with you too."
Ann stared at him. "I told you that I didn't expect anything from you."
"I know."
"So what are you saying," asked Ann.
"Just that I like being with you and I want to continue being with you."
"Harry, you do realize that we've only known each other less than a week."
"Has it really been that short a time?"
Ann nodded.
"I guess I don't care," said Harry simply.
"Neither do I," said Ann. "I mean, you're the only person here I can talk to. I feel like I've known you a long time. It's weird."
"It is kind of weird," said Harry approaching her. "Too weird?"
Ann smiled, "no."
Harry grinned and leaned in and kissed her gently. Ann wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. "I think I could get use to this," she murmured.
Suddenly a loud bell rang startling them both. "Damn," said Harry. "We're late."
Ann grabbed her bag. "Come on. If we hurry we won't be too late." She took off down the stairs and Harry quickly followed. Ann was going at such a speed that when she reached the bottom of the stairs she ran headlong into a tall imposing figure. Harry was far enough behind her that he was able to stop himself from running into Ann.
Ann looked up at the figure she had nearly bowled over without needing to. She knew it was her father before she saw his face. In hindsight, she wouldn't have looked at his face. It was so full of rage that she was temporarily speechless.
Snape didn't seem to regard his daughter at all. His eyes narrowed on Harry who was now gasping for breath from his brief run and the sudden shock of seeing Snape.
When Snape spoke it was in a dull even tone. "Potter, 100 points from Gryffindor."
Ann found her voice. "Father," she said sharply.
Snape turned on her slowly. "I believe you are late for class, Ann. Go."
"No," said Ann, but shut up quickly at the flash of anger in her father's eyes.
"It's ok, Ann," said Harry eyeing Snape. "Go to class."
Ann hesitated, but picked up her dropped bag. However, this subsequent act of obedience from his daughter seemed to fuel Snape's anger even more. "Detention Potter, report to my office immediately."
"Father, stop it."
"I thought I told you to go to class," said Snape through gritted teeth.
"You can't do this," said Ann angrily. "Harry and I are both late for class. It's not fair if you just punish him."
"I am not going to repeat myself."
Ann lost her temper. "Everything the Gryffindor's say about you is true. You're nothing but a bully."
"Go, before I lose my patience with you."
"Or what? You'll give me detention? You'll take points from my house?"
"I'll ship you straight back to your old school and leave you there for the rest of the year," snarled Snape.
Ann's eyes grew wide and before she could control herself, they filled with tears. "I hate you. I wish I wasn't your daughter."
Snape stared at his daughter feeling the shame of what he had said wash over him.
Ann turned slowly and began to walk away quickly. Harry pushed past Snape and ran after her. Snape could only stare at his daughter and Potter's retreating backs.
"Where've you been?" Asked Ron as Harry pulled off his shirt. He threw the shirt on the floor and went to his trunk for a pair of pajamas. "Well," repeated Ron.
"Ron, I don't want to get into this now," said Harry tiredly.
"Yeah, I bet. But we haven't seen you all afternoon, you skipped dinner, and Hermione was worried."
"Yeah, well tell Hermione," he said emphasizing Hermione's name, "that I'm a big boy and I can take care of myself."
"So that's it," said Ron. Neville, Seamus, and Dean looked at each other uncomfortably. "I guess I should just tell Hermione that we've been replaced then. Hey, we had a good run, six almost seven good years."
Harry rolled his eyes and said the first thing that popped in his head, "Yeah well, it will give the two of you more time to snog." Ron narrowed his eyes and immediately Harry felt bad. "I'm sorry, forget I said it."
"Right, whatever you want, Harry." Ron turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" Called Harry.
"To make out with my girlfriend," responded Ron sarcastically over his shoulder.
Harry sighed and turned back to the rest of the guys. They all looked away uncomfortably. Without finishing changing, Harry got into bed and pulled the curtains closed. He just wanted to clear his head and get some sleep. The problem was that he has two very pressing matters on his mind, dealing with Ron and Hermione, and making good on his promise to Ann.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Severus Snape waited in front of the entrance to the Slytherin dorms. His daughter hadn't been at dinner and neither had Potter and he was determined to know where she had been. He didn't want to believe that she was defying him, but when it came to Potter, he wasn't going to take a chance.
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle approached jauntily. "Hello sir," drawled Malfoy.
"Evening Malfoy," returned Snape with a curt nod. "Crabbe, Goyle," he nodded acknowledging the other two boys.
"Did you need something, sir," Malfoy asked in interest.
"No," replied Snape.
Malfoy raised his eyebrows slightly and continued. "I had the pleasure of introducing myself to your daughter, sir."
Snape met his gaze, but said nothing so Malfoy continued. "She seems to be settling into life at Hogwarts. Although, if I were you, sir, I would watch who she makes friends with. It's so easy to make friends with the wrong sort. If you know what I mean," he finished pointedly.
Snape was about to respond when he spotted his daughter rounding the corner. He moved toward her without a word to Malfoy or the other boys. Behind his back, Malfoy smirked triumphantly.
"Ann," Snape said.
"Hi," said Ann tiredly.
"Where were you?" He asked trying to keep the anger from his voice.
"Huh," said Ann.
"During dinner. Where were you?" Snape repeated.
"I wasn't hungry," said Ann slowly.
"Do not lie," hissed Snape.
Ann narrowed her eyes at her father and then looked around him at Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, who were staring at them with interest.
Snape turned and saw them. His eyes narrowed and he took Ann by the arm and led her away. After they were out of Malfoy's sight line, Ann wrenched her arm free of her father's grip.
"That was embarrassing," she snapped.
"Were you with Potter," he asked her glaring.
Ann crossed her arms defiantly. "Yes."
"I thought I made it clear that you were not to hang out with him," said Snape. Ann looked down at her feet and Snape relaxed, thinking he had finally gotten through to her. "I hope this will not happen again. Well," he said uncomfortably. "I think you ought to be heading to your dorm."
"Wait a second," said Ann. "This isn't over. You and I haven't spent fifteen minutes alone together since I was sorted and now you're trying to act all parental. Who are you to tell me who I can and can't hang out with?"
"I am your father," Snape said loudly.
"Yeah, well you haven't been acting like it," responded Ann matching his tone and volume.
Snape stared at his daughter. He had been anticipating and fearing this conversation with her since she had come to Hogwarts.
"You know," she began. "I thought about going back to my own school after mom." she broke off. Snape looked down at her with worry filling him. "But," she continued. "I wanted to be with you, to get to know you. I guess it's not working out the way I thought it would." She paused dramatically. "Maybe I should go back to my old school."
"No," said Snape quickly. "That's not necessary. You're right. I haven't been much of a father to you and frankly I don't know how to be one now. But, I don't want you to leave. Not if you want to stay."
"I do want to stay. I like it here."
"Ok, then you'll stay. And I'll make more of an effort to be a father to you."
"Ok," said Ann quietly. She put her arms around her father and gave him a tight hug. "Maybe you and I can spend some time together, alone."
"Yes, I think we should do that," he said releasing her.
"Ok," she said. "I think I'll go to bed now."
"That's a good idea," said Snape.
Ann turned and walked quickly to the entrance to the Slytherin dorms breathing a silent sigh of relief. She knew she had only gotten her father off her back about Harry temporarily. The next time, it was going to be much harder.
As she approached the entrance to the Slytherin dorms she spotted Malfoy and the two oafs he hung out with waiting. Ann looked passed them trying to ignore them.
"You really are a true Slytherin," said Malfoy smirking.
Ann turned dark eyes onto Malfoy. "What's that suppose to mean."
"Hey, don't be offended. I meant it as a compliment."
"I'll bet."
Malfoy sneered. "I've never seen anyone handle Snape so easily."
"Did you have a point, Malfoy?"
"Actually I did. I was just wondering why, with your obvious talent to manipulate, you're hanging out with Saint Potter?"
Ann rolled her eyes and pushed past the boys.
"Do you think you're too good for Slytherin."
"No, just sons of murdering Death Eaters," scoffed Ann. She gave the password and proceeded into the dormitory.
"What about daughters," Malfoy called after her.
Ann paused and turned slowly. "That's the second time you've tried to imply something to me. If you do it again I will make your life miserable." She turned back. "And don't make the mistake of thinking I can't," she called over her shoulder.
Malfoy turned to Crabbe and Goyle and smirked. "She has no idea. I wonder how Professor Snape kept it from her all those years."
"He must have lied to her," said Crabbe slowly.
Malfoy rolled his eyes, "you think, Crabbe. The question is, who's gonna be the person who breaks the news to her."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ann woke early the next morning and was headed for breakfast before most of the other students were awake. She sat alone at the Slytherin table eating slowly.
Harry entered the Great Hall about a half-hour after Ann and immediately made his way toward her. She was uncomfortably aware that her father was watching her. "Morning, Ann," he said.
"Hi," said Ann hesitatingly.
"Ann, I'm sorry about last night..."
"Harry," interrupted Ann. "I can't talk right now. Meet me in the astronomy tower in fifteen minutes."
"What?"
"Just go sit down."
"Why," Harry asked her perplexed.
"My father," said Ann uncomfortably. Harry started to look towards the teacher's table but Ann hissed, "don't look, just meet me in fifteen minutes." Without another word, Ann stood, grabbed her bag and left the Great Hall.
Harry watched her go and then went to join the Gryffindor table.
Ron and Hermione were watching and when he sat Ron said sarcastically, "trouble in paradise?"
"Ron," scolded Hermione. "Stop."
"What is your problem, Ron," asked Harry angrily.
"Harry," began Hermione.
Harry interrupted her. "I might ask you the same question."
"Please," begged Hermione. "Let's not fight."
Ron and Harry stared angrily at each other, but stayed quiet.
"So," said Hermione nervously. "There's a Quidditch game this weekend. Are you guys ready?"
Neither answered her.
"Come on guys. This is stupid."
"Tell that to your boyfriend," said Harry nastily. "I didn't start this."
Nobody said a word. They continued eating their breakfast in silence. As soon as he was finished, Harry stood and left. Hermione and Ron watched him go. "Bet he's off to meet her," said Ron bitterly.
"I hate when we're fighting, Ron," said Hermione sadly.
"I know. But he's being completely blind about that girl. I'm telling you, Hermione, she's trouble."
"Maybe, but if that's the case then shouldn't we, you know, keep the lines of communication with Harry open. If something happens, he may not come to us."
"I guess," grumbled Ron.
"Please try, Ron."
"All right, Hermione," said Ron exasperatedly.
"Thank you," she said sweetly and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. "Should we go find him?"
"Why not," said Ron getting up and reaching for her hand. "Two guesses where he is."
"Ron," said Hermione warningly.
"I was only joking," he said with a smile and the two of them left the Great Hall in search of Harry.
Meanwhile Harry was quickly making his way up to the astronomy tower. "Ann," he called out. He looked around the room, but couldn't see her.
From behind him, Ann reached out and grabbed his side. "What took you so long," she said.
Harry jumped and whirled around and Ann started to laugh. "You scared me half to death," said Harry trying to control his breathing.
"I'm sorry," she chuckled. "I couldn't resist."
"So," said Harry leaning against one wall. "What's with all the secrecy."
Ann rolled her eyes. "It's nothing. My father..."
"Forget I asked," interrupted Harry.
"I'm dealing with it," said Ann. "I just didn't want to get him upset again. He just doesn't want me hanging out with you."
"I don't think there's a person who likes me less in the world than your father. Except maybe Voldemort."
Ann looked at him sharply.
"What?"
"I never heard anyone our age say his name before."
"Sorry," mumbled Harry.
"No, don't apologize. You just took me by surprise. You do that a lot."
Harry smiled. "Listen Ann. I wanted to talk to you about last night."
"Yeah?"
"Uh yeah. It's just that I umm. I wanted... that is I was thinking last night."
Ann smiled widely. "Just spit it out, Harry."
Harry took a deep breath. "I want to be with you too."
Ann stared at him. "I told you that I didn't expect anything from you."
"I know."
"So what are you saying," asked Ann.
"Just that I like being with you and I want to continue being with you."
"Harry, you do realize that we've only known each other less than a week."
"Has it really been that short a time?"
Ann nodded.
"I guess I don't care," said Harry simply.
"Neither do I," said Ann. "I mean, you're the only person here I can talk to. I feel like I've known you a long time. It's weird."
"It is kind of weird," said Harry approaching her. "Too weird?"
Ann smiled, "no."
Harry grinned and leaned in and kissed her gently. Ann wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. "I think I could get use to this," she murmured.
Suddenly a loud bell rang startling them both. "Damn," said Harry. "We're late."
Ann grabbed her bag. "Come on. If we hurry we won't be too late." She took off down the stairs and Harry quickly followed. Ann was going at such a speed that when she reached the bottom of the stairs she ran headlong into a tall imposing figure. Harry was far enough behind her that he was able to stop himself from running into Ann.
Ann looked up at the figure she had nearly bowled over without needing to. She knew it was her father before she saw his face. In hindsight, she wouldn't have looked at his face. It was so full of rage that she was temporarily speechless.
Snape didn't seem to regard his daughter at all. His eyes narrowed on Harry who was now gasping for breath from his brief run and the sudden shock of seeing Snape.
When Snape spoke it was in a dull even tone. "Potter, 100 points from Gryffindor."
Ann found her voice. "Father," she said sharply.
Snape turned on her slowly. "I believe you are late for class, Ann. Go."
"No," said Ann, but shut up quickly at the flash of anger in her father's eyes.
"It's ok, Ann," said Harry eyeing Snape. "Go to class."
Ann hesitated, but picked up her dropped bag. However, this subsequent act of obedience from his daughter seemed to fuel Snape's anger even more. "Detention Potter, report to my office immediately."
"Father, stop it."
"I thought I told you to go to class," said Snape through gritted teeth.
"You can't do this," said Ann angrily. "Harry and I are both late for class. It's not fair if you just punish him."
"I am not going to repeat myself."
Ann lost her temper. "Everything the Gryffindor's say about you is true. You're nothing but a bully."
"Go, before I lose my patience with you."
"Or what? You'll give me detention? You'll take points from my house?"
"I'll ship you straight back to your old school and leave you there for the rest of the year," snarled Snape.
Ann's eyes grew wide and before she could control herself, they filled with tears. "I hate you. I wish I wasn't your daughter."
Snape stared at his daughter feeling the shame of what he had said wash over him.
Ann turned slowly and began to walk away quickly. Harry pushed past Snape and ran after her. Snape could only stare at his daughter and Potter's retreating backs.