"Ann wait," Harry called out.
"Leave me alone, Harry," said Ann through tears.
Harry caught up to her and reached out to stop her. "Come on. You can't let him get to you like that."
"That's easy for you to say," she snapped. "He isn't your father."
Harry couldn't think of anything to say.
"He's so different here," said Ann softly.
"What do you mean?"
"He's never spoken to me like that. Never." Ann's shoulders sagged and she wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand. "Ever since I got here, he's just been different."
"He seems pretty much the same to me," said Harry bluntly.
Ann took a shuddering breath and began to cry harder. "I want my mother."
Harry watched her feeling completely helpless. He didn't know if he should hold her or leave her be.
"Maybe I should go back," she said quietly. "I don't belong here. Not really."
"No," said Harry quickly. He took a deep breath not actually believing he was about to defend Snape. "It was just a fight. I'm sure Snape didn't mean it."
Ann looked up at him. "You don't mean that."
Harry looked away uncomfortably and Ann turned and continued to her dorm room, where she had been heading.
"Ann," Harry called.
"Just leave me alone, Harry," she said without turning around.
Harry shifted uneasily, not sure if he should pursue her. He watched as she rounded the corner and sighed deeply.
"Harry?"
Harry whirled around to see Professor Dumbledore's imposing figure. "Sir, I was just heading to class," he said quickly.
"It didn't look that way to me," said Dumbledore simply.
Harry didn't quite now how to respond.
"Come with me, Harry," said Dumbledore turning and walking toward his office.
Harry groaned inwardly. This was the second class he was missing in a week. He knew he couldn't escape a detention at this point. He wished Dumbledore would just give it to him right there so he could go after Ann.
Dumbledore led him all the way to his office and motioned for Harry to sit. Harry sat and waited expectantly.
"You look like you have a lot on your mind Harry," began Dumbledore.
Harry felt taken aback. "Sir?"
"I've noticed that you've been hanging out quite a bit with Ann Snape lately."
Harry nodded, not sure where the conversation was heading.
"Your friendship is causing quite a stir around Hogwarts."
"If you mean Snape..."
"Professor Snape," Dumbledore corrected. "And yes, I mean him and quite a few others. Slytherins and Gryffindors don't typically mesh well."
"That's what Hagrid said," said Harry.
Dumbledore regarded Harry.
"I don't care," said Harry defiantly. "Ann and I like each other. Why should either of us let Snape or Lupin or even Ron and Hermione dictate if we should hang out."
"Harry, don't mistake me. I am not suggesting that you shouldn't have a friendship with Ann."
"Then what," snapped Harry. Immediately he felt bad for losing his temper. "Sorry, sir."
"Harry," Dumbledore began. "I'm not going to apologize for interfering in your life. To be honest, I don't think I've interfered enough."
Harry couldn't meet Dumbledore's eyes, knowing he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear.
"You and Ann have gotten close in a very short amount of time," began Dumbledore and Harry couldn't help but turn slightly red. "Harry, she's dealing with a lot right now. She's just lost her mother and her relationship with her father is, well it's shaky at best."
"Yeah I know," said Harry.
"No, Harry. I don't think you know, not completely. There are things Ann doesn't know about, things about her parents. In her present state, I worry about what any sudden revelations could do to her."
"She's already upset," said Harry simply. "And she does know something's up. She knows that her parents were keeping things from her."
"And," prompted Dumbledore.
"And I know what some of those things are," said Harry. "Ann asked me to ask you why her parents split up. Little did she know, that I could answer that question."
"You could? That's surprising considering you were only two at the time."
"Professor, I've picked up enough from Ann to figure out that the most probable reason her mother kicked Snape out was because he joined the Death Eaters. She has no idea what her father is."
"What her father was."
"That's up for debate."
"And you think you're the one who should tell her?"
"I don't know," shrugged Harry. "But someone ought to tell her. She has a right to know."
"Harry, what good will it do?"
Harry's lips went very thin. "Forgive me, sir, but you have no idea what it's like to be lied to for your entire life."
"Harry, you cannot compare yourself to Ann Snape. Your situations are entirely different."
"I don't see how," said Harry.
"Harry, please. I can't stop you from speaking with Ann, but I urge you to use caution." When Harry didn't respond, Dumbledore continued. "It is only natural that you should feel a connection with Ann. The two of you know what it is to lose someone you loved. That said, I wish you would be cautious. Ann is very vulnerable right now."
"I wouldn't hurt her," Harry exclaimed.
Dumbledore put his hands up. "I'm not suggesting that you would. I'm only saying that there is a big void in Ann's life right now and she wants to fill it. Harry, I don't want you to get hurt any more than I want Ann to be hurt."
Harry frowned. He couldn't deny the truth in what Dumbledore was saying. He barely knew Ann and already he felt like he was falling hard for her. It hadn't happened that way with Ron and Hermione. They had been friends for years before they fell in love. "So what should I do."
Dumbledore smiled. "Just take it easy."
Harry waited, but it didn't seem as if Dumbledore had any more to say. He stood. "Thank you, sir."
As he was leaving, Dumbledore spoke up. "Oh and Harry, if you still unsure of what to do, you can always talk to Ron and Hermione.
Harry nodded slightly, fully understanding his meaning. He made his way back to Gryffindor tower and sat in the empty common. The first thing he had to do was make up with Ron and Hermione. He couldn't even remember why they had been fighting in the first place.
Slowly the Gryffindors filtered back to the common room. Harry waited, but Ron and Hermione never came. Harry was about to go up to his room when Ginny entered the common room with a bunch of other sixth years.
"Ginny," Harry called out.
Ginny glanced up and smiled. "Hey, what's up?"
"Have you see Ron and Hermione."
"Yeah actually, just a few minutes ago," she said.
"Where are they?"
"They were downstairs, but I think they were heading out to the lake."
"Thanks Ginny," smiled Harry and he headed out to the lake. Once outside, he practically ran to the lake.
He saw Ron and Hermione walking slowly away from him. "Ron, Hermione," Harry called. "Wait a second."
Ron and Hermione turned in surprise. Harry caught up with them and had to take a few deep breaths to catch his breath.
"Something wrong, Harry," asked Hermione.
"No, I just wanted to talk to you both," said Harry.
"Oh so now you want to talk," said Ron sarcastically.
"Ron," scolded Hermione.
"It's ok, Hermione. I deserved that. Look guys, I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry. I'm sure I said some things that were really out of line."
Ron looked down at his feet not sure how to respond, but Hermione gave him a small smile. "We're sorry too, Harry. We should have been more understanding."
"Thanks Hermione." Harry grinned and looked at Ron. "So?"
Ron frowned, "you should not be forgiven this easily."
"Oh Ron," began Hermione.
Ron laughed, "I'm only kidding." Ron extended his hand to Harry. "It's forgotten, mate."
Harry shook Ron's hand and then was forced to release it when Hermione threw her arms around his neck. "I hate it when we fight," she said.
Harry patted her on the back and rolled his eyes at Ron, who had to stifle a laugh.
Hermione released Harry and blushed slightly. "Well," she said clearing her throat. "I'm glad to see you're both growing up."
"All right, Hermione," said Ron taking her hand again. Ron turned to Harry, "we were thinking of visiting Hagrid's. Want to come?"
"Actually," began Harry. "I was hoping I could talk to you guys."
"About Ann," said Hermione more as a statement than a question.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. I'm in a bit of a jam."
"Why, what happened?" Asked Hermione, concern filling her voice.
"We kind of had a run in with Snape."
"What kind of a run in," asked Ron.
"We were running late for our last class and, of course, we had the lucky fortune to get caught by Snape. He told Ann he didn't want her around me anymore and when he saw us together he kind of lost it."
"What did he do?" Asked Ron.
"Well he took points from Gryffindor," said Harry carefully avoiding telling them exactly how many points he had lost their house. "And then when Ann defended me, he tried to give me a detention."
"What do you mean tried?" Asked Hermione slowly.
"He never actually got a chance to assign me a detention because Ann blew up at him. She definitely gets her temper from him. Anyway, they were shouting at each other and Snape basically threatened to send her back to her old school and she told him she hated him and wished she wasn't his daughter."
"Whoa," said Ron.
"Poor thing," said Hermione sadly.
Harry nodded. "I know. But, that's not the worst of it."
Ron and Hermione looked incredulous. "What could be worse than that," asked Hermione.
"Plenty," said Harry. "Ann's been asking a lot of questions about her father. It turns out that Ann's mum and Lupin used to date back when they were at Hogwarts and then for some reason, Lupin broke it off and her mom went and married Snape."
"Lupin dated a Ann's mother?" Exclaimed Ron and Hermione together and they all had to laugh.
"I know," said Harry. "Trust me, I was just as surprised as you two are."
"Why did they break up?" Asked Ron.
"I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with Lupin being a Gryffindor and Ann's mum being a Slytherin," said Harry.
"That's definitely weird, but how is that worse than Snape threatening to ship Ann off?" Asked Hermione.
"Wait, I'm getting to that," said Harry. "So anyway, Ann thinks that it's Lupin that caused her parents to split up, but from everything I've been able to figure out between what Ann, Hagrid, and Dumbledore have told me, Ann's mum left Snape because he was a Death Eater."
"Whoa," said Ron.
"Wait a minute, Harry. That seems like a bit of a leap. They could have split up for any reason."
"I don't think so," insisted Harry. "Ann told me that neither of her parents were Death Eaters and that her mum hated everything to do with the Dark Arts."
"Do you mean Ann doesn't know that Snape used to be a Death Eater," exclaimed Ron.
"Shh," hissed Hermione.
"What?" Said Ron looking around. "Hermione, no one's out here but us."
"Still," insisted Hermione. "Do you have to be so loud?"
"All right," conceded Ron.
"Anyway," continued Harry. "Ann doesn't know about Snape and she's asked me to see if I can find out the truth from Dumbledore." Harry waited for Ron and Hermione to respond, but neither of them said anything. "So what do you think? Should I tell her?"
"Yes," said Ron.
"No," said Hermione simultaneously.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Great guys, that helps a lot."
"Why not tell her, Hermione," asked Ron.
"Because, you have no idea how that information will affect her."
"But, Hermione, she's asking questions. How long will it be before she figures out the truth."
"I'm sorry Harry, but I don't agree. If she really wants to know these things she should ask her father."
"I told her that," said Harry. "But she says he wouldn't tell her if she asked."
"Then that's it. Harry, no matter how you feel about Snape, he is still her father and he has the right to tell her or not." Hermione paused. "Harry," she began hesitatingly. "Don't take this the wrong way, but maybe..." Hermione paused looking uncomfortable.
"What?" Said Harry.
"Maybe, the reason you want to tell Ann the truth is because you just want to hurt Professor Snape."
Harry's eyes flashed with anger and he was about to speak, but Ron cut him off. "Hermione, that's out of line."
"I'm glad to see how little you think of me," snapped Harry.
"I'm sorry, but you have to at least consider it. It's only natural that you would feel that way after everything that's happened."
"Hermione, don't go there," said Ron warningly.
"Hey, we're his friends, Ron. If we can't be honest with each other then what's the point of even talking." Hermione turned her attention back to Harry. "All I'm saying is that it's possible that deep down, you want to tell Ann because you know that it would hurt Snape."
"So what if I do," shouted Harry. "It's Snape's fault I don't have a godfather anymore. It would serve him right, if Ann never spoke to him again."
Ron and Hermione stared at Harry in shock. Harry held their gazes defiantly for a moment before turning away in shame.
"Harry," began Hermione timidly. "I know you don't mean that. You wouldn't want to hurt Ann."
"No, I don't," admitted Harry grudgingly. There was a long pause. "You're right Hermione," Harry said softly. "I wouldn't be telling her for the right reasons."
After a moment Ron spoke up. "So, what are you going to tell her when she asks again?"
Harry shrugged.
"You don't have to say anything, Harry," Hermione interjected. "If she asks again tell her you don't know anything and you couldn't find anything out."
"So lie to her, in other words," said Harry.
"That or tell her the truth and hurt her," said Hermione directly.
Harry narrowed his eyes, not liking what he was hearing, but at the same time conceding to the truth of her words.
"Harry," said Hermione, putting a hand on his shoulder. "She'll be fine. Parents and kids fight all the time. Remember second year when Mrs. Weasley threatened to send Ron home?"
Ron turned bright red, remembering that awful howler after he and Harry had taken his parent's car.
Hermione tried to hide her laughter at seeing Ron's face. "He's still here. She didn't really mean she was going to send him home."
Ron shot Hermione an incredulous look. "Yeah right. You say that cause she's not your mother."
Hermione raised her eyebrows at Ron and he backed down. Harry couldn't help but laugh at his two friends.
"Let's go in," said Hermione. "I think we've been out here long enough."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione began walking back to the castle. They were nearly inside when Professor Snape came flying out of the front entrance. He advanced on Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "Where is she," he snarled at Harry.
Harry could only stare incredulously at Snape. He looked insane.
"I'm not going to ask you again, Potter," said Snape grabbing hold of the front of Harry's robes.
"Severus," came a booming voice sharply.
Snape dropped Harry's robes and turned to see Professor Dumbledore.
Before Dumbledore could speak, Professor Snape said, almost weakly, "Ann is gone."
"Leave me alone, Harry," said Ann through tears.
Harry caught up to her and reached out to stop her. "Come on. You can't let him get to you like that."
"That's easy for you to say," she snapped. "He isn't your father."
Harry couldn't think of anything to say.
"He's so different here," said Ann softly.
"What do you mean?"
"He's never spoken to me like that. Never." Ann's shoulders sagged and she wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand. "Ever since I got here, he's just been different."
"He seems pretty much the same to me," said Harry bluntly.
Ann took a shuddering breath and began to cry harder. "I want my mother."
Harry watched her feeling completely helpless. He didn't know if he should hold her or leave her be.
"Maybe I should go back," she said quietly. "I don't belong here. Not really."
"No," said Harry quickly. He took a deep breath not actually believing he was about to defend Snape. "It was just a fight. I'm sure Snape didn't mean it."
Ann looked up at him. "You don't mean that."
Harry looked away uncomfortably and Ann turned and continued to her dorm room, where she had been heading.
"Ann," Harry called.
"Just leave me alone, Harry," she said without turning around.
Harry shifted uneasily, not sure if he should pursue her. He watched as she rounded the corner and sighed deeply.
"Harry?"
Harry whirled around to see Professor Dumbledore's imposing figure. "Sir, I was just heading to class," he said quickly.
"It didn't look that way to me," said Dumbledore simply.
Harry didn't quite now how to respond.
"Come with me, Harry," said Dumbledore turning and walking toward his office.
Harry groaned inwardly. This was the second class he was missing in a week. He knew he couldn't escape a detention at this point. He wished Dumbledore would just give it to him right there so he could go after Ann.
Dumbledore led him all the way to his office and motioned for Harry to sit. Harry sat and waited expectantly.
"You look like you have a lot on your mind Harry," began Dumbledore.
Harry felt taken aback. "Sir?"
"I've noticed that you've been hanging out quite a bit with Ann Snape lately."
Harry nodded, not sure where the conversation was heading.
"Your friendship is causing quite a stir around Hogwarts."
"If you mean Snape..."
"Professor Snape," Dumbledore corrected. "And yes, I mean him and quite a few others. Slytherins and Gryffindors don't typically mesh well."
"That's what Hagrid said," said Harry.
Dumbledore regarded Harry.
"I don't care," said Harry defiantly. "Ann and I like each other. Why should either of us let Snape or Lupin or even Ron and Hermione dictate if we should hang out."
"Harry, don't mistake me. I am not suggesting that you shouldn't have a friendship with Ann."
"Then what," snapped Harry. Immediately he felt bad for losing his temper. "Sorry, sir."
"Harry," Dumbledore began. "I'm not going to apologize for interfering in your life. To be honest, I don't think I've interfered enough."
Harry couldn't meet Dumbledore's eyes, knowing he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear.
"You and Ann have gotten close in a very short amount of time," began Dumbledore and Harry couldn't help but turn slightly red. "Harry, she's dealing with a lot right now. She's just lost her mother and her relationship with her father is, well it's shaky at best."
"Yeah I know," said Harry.
"No, Harry. I don't think you know, not completely. There are things Ann doesn't know about, things about her parents. In her present state, I worry about what any sudden revelations could do to her."
"She's already upset," said Harry simply. "And she does know something's up. She knows that her parents were keeping things from her."
"And," prompted Dumbledore.
"And I know what some of those things are," said Harry. "Ann asked me to ask you why her parents split up. Little did she know, that I could answer that question."
"You could? That's surprising considering you were only two at the time."
"Professor, I've picked up enough from Ann to figure out that the most probable reason her mother kicked Snape out was because he joined the Death Eaters. She has no idea what her father is."
"What her father was."
"That's up for debate."
"And you think you're the one who should tell her?"
"I don't know," shrugged Harry. "But someone ought to tell her. She has a right to know."
"Harry, what good will it do?"
Harry's lips went very thin. "Forgive me, sir, but you have no idea what it's like to be lied to for your entire life."
"Harry, you cannot compare yourself to Ann Snape. Your situations are entirely different."
"I don't see how," said Harry.
"Harry, please. I can't stop you from speaking with Ann, but I urge you to use caution." When Harry didn't respond, Dumbledore continued. "It is only natural that you should feel a connection with Ann. The two of you know what it is to lose someone you loved. That said, I wish you would be cautious. Ann is very vulnerable right now."
"I wouldn't hurt her," Harry exclaimed.
Dumbledore put his hands up. "I'm not suggesting that you would. I'm only saying that there is a big void in Ann's life right now and she wants to fill it. Harry, I don't want you to get hurt any more than I want Ann to be hurt."
Harry frowned. He couldn't deny the truth in what Dumbledore was saying. He barely knew Ann and already he felt like he was falling hard for her. It hadn't happened that way with Ron and Hermione. They had been friends for years before they fell in love. "So what should I do."
Dumbledore smiled. "Just take it easy."
Harry waited, but it didn't seem as if Dumbledore had any more to say. He stood. "Thank you, sir."
As he was leaving, Dumbledore spoke up. "Oh and Harry, if you still unsure of what to do, you can always talk to Ron and Hermione.
Harry nodded slightly, fully understanding his meaning. He made his way back to Gryffindor tower and sat in the empty common. The first thing he had to do was make up with Ron and Hermione. He couldn't even remember why they had been fighting in the first place.
Slowly the Gryffindors filtered back to the common room. Harry waited, but Ron and Hermione never came. Harry was about to go up to his room when Ginny entered the common room with a bunch of other sixth years.
"Ginny," Harry called out.
Ginny glanced up and smiled. "Hey, what's up?"
"Have you see Ron and Hermione."
"Yeah actually, just a few minutes ago," she said.
"Where are they?"
"They were downstairs, but I think they were heading out to the lake."
"Thanks Ginny," smiled Harry and he headed out to the lake. Once outside, he practically ran to the lake.
He saw Ron and Hermione walking slowly away from him. "Ron, Hermione," Harry called. "Wait a second."
Ron and Hermione turned in surprise. Harry caught up with them and had to take a few deep breaths to catch his breath.
"Something wrong, Harry," asked Hermione.
"No, I just wanted to talk to you both," said Harry.
"Oh so now you want to talk," said Ron sarcastically.
"Ron," scolded Hermione.
"It's ok, Hermione. I deserved that. Look guys, I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry. I'm sure I said some things that were really out of line."
Ron looked down at his feet not sure how to respond, but Hermione gave him a small smile. "We're sorry too, Harry. We should have been more understanding."
"Thanks Hermione." Harry grinned and looked at Ron. "So?"
Ron frowned, "you should not be forgiven this easily."
"Oh Ron," began Hermione.
Ron laughed, "I'm only kidding." Ron extended his hand to Harry. "It's forgotten, mate."
Harry shook Ron's hand and then was forced to release it when Hermione threw her arms around his neck. "I hate it when we fight," she said.
Harry patted her on the back and rolled his eyes at Ron, who had to stifle a laugh.
Hermione released Harry and blushed slightly. "Well," she said clearing her throat. "I'm glad to see you're both growing up."
"All right, Hermione," said Ron taking her hand again. Ron turned to Harry, "we were thinking of visiting Hagrid's. Want to come?"
"Actually," began Harry. "I was hoping I could talk to you guys."
"About Ann," said Hermione more as a statement than a question.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. I'm in a bit of a jam."
"Why, what happened?" Asked Hermione, concern filling her voice.
"We kind of had a run in with Snape."
"What kind of a run in," asked Ron.
"We were running late for our last class and, of course, we had the lucky fortune to get caught by Snape. He told Ann he didn't want her around me anymore and when he saw us together he kind of lost it."
"What did he do?" Asked Ron.
"Well he took points from Gryffindor," said Harry carefully avoiding telling them exactly how many points he had lost their house. "And then when Ann defended me, he tried to give me a detention."
"What do you mean tried?" Asked Hermione slowly.
"He never actually got a chance to assign me a detention because Ann blew up at him. She definitely gets her temper from him. Anyway, they were shouting at each other and Snape basically threatened to send her back to her old school and she told him she hated him and wished she wasn't his daughter."
"Whoa," said Ron.
"Poor thing," said Hermione sadly.
Harry nodded. "I know. But, that's not the worst of it."
Ron and Hermione looked incredulous. "What could be worse than that," asked Hermione.
"Plenty," said Harry. "Ann's been asking a lot of questions about her father. It turns out that Ann's mum and Lupin used to date back when they were at Hogwarts and then for some reason, Lupin broke it off and her mom went and married Snape."
"Lupin dated a Ann's mother?" Exclaimed Ron and Hermione together and they all had to laugh.
"I know," said Harry. "Trust me, I was just as surprised as you two are."
"Why did they break up?" Asked Ron.
"I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with Lupin being a Gryffindor and Ann's mum being a Slytherin," said Harry.
"That's definitely weird, but how is that worse than Snape threatening to ship Ann off?" Asked Hermione.
"Wait, I'm getting to that," said Harry. "So anyway, Ann thinks that it's Lupin that caused her parents to split up, but from everything I've been able to figure out between what Ann, Hagrid, and Dumbledore have told me, Ann's mum left Snape because he was a Death Eater."
"Whoa," said Ron.
"Wait a minute, Harry. That seems like a bit of a leap. They could have split up for any reason."
"I don't think so," insisted Harry. "Ann told me that neither of her parents were Death Eaters and that her mum hated everything to do with the Dark Arts."
"Do you mean Ann doesn't know that Snape used to be a Death Eater," exclaimed Ron.
"Shh," hissed Hermione.
"What?" Said Ron looking around. "Hermione, no one's out here but us."
"Still," insisted Hermione. "Do you have to be so loud?"
"All right," conceded Ron.
"Anyway," continued Harry. "Ann doesn't know about Snape and she's asked me to see if I can find out the truth from Dumbledore." Harry waited for Ron and Hermione to respond, but neither of them said anything. "So what do you think? Should I tell her?"
"Yes," said Ron.
"No," said Hermione simultaneously.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Great guys, that helps a lot."
"Why not tell her, Hermione," asked Ron.
"Because, you have no idea how that information will affect her."
"But, Hermione, she's asking questions. How long will it be before she figures out the truth."
"I'm sorry Harry, but I don't agree. If she really wants to know these things she should ask her father."
"I told her that," said Harry. "But she says he wouldn't tell her if she asked."
"Then that's it. Harry, no matter how you feel about Snape, he is still her father and he has the right to tell her or not." Hermione paused. "Harry," she began hesitatingly. "Don't take this the wrong way, but maybe..." Hermione paused looking uncomfortable.
"What?" Said Harry.
"Maybe, the reason you want to tell Ann the truth is because you just want to hurt Professor Snape."
Harry's eyes flashed with anger and he was about to speak, but Ron cut him off. "Hermione, that's out of line."
"I'm glad to see how little you think of me," snapped Harry.
"I'm sorry, but you have to at least consider it. It's only natural that you would feel that way after everything that's happened."
"Hermione, don't go there," said Ron warningly.
"Hey, we're his friends, Ron. If we can't be honest with each other then what's the point of even talking." Hermione turned her attention back to Harry. "All I'm saying is that it's possible that deep down, you want to tell Ann because you know that it would hurt Snape."
"So what if I do," shouted Harry. "It's Snape's fault I don't have a godfather anymore. It would serve him right, if Ann never spoke to him again."
Ron and Hermione stared at Harry in shock. Harry held their gazes defiantly for a moment before turning away in shame.
"Harry," began Hermione timidly. "I know you don't mean that. You wouldn't want to hurt Ann."
"No, I don't," admitted Harry grudgingly. There was a long pause. "You're right Hermione," Harry said softly. "I wouldn't be telling her for the right reasons."
After a moment Ron spoke up. "So, what are you going to tell her when she asks again?"
Harry shrugged.
"You don't have to say anything, Harry," Hermione interjected. "If she asks again tell her you don't know anything and you couldn't find anything out."
"So lie to her, in other words," said Harry.
"That or tell her the truth and hurt her," said Hermione directly.
Harry narrowed his eyes, not liking what he was hearing, but at the same time conceding to the truth of her words.
"Harry," said Hermione, putting a hand on his shoulder. "She'll be fine. Parents and kids fight all the time. Remember second year when Mrs. Weasley threatened to send Ron home?"
Ron turned bright red, remembering that awful howler after he and Harry had taken his parent's car.
Hermione tried to hide her laughter at seeing Ron's face. "He's still here. She didn't really mean she was going to send him home."
Ron shot Hermione an incredulous look. "Yeah right. You say that cause she's not your mother."
Hermione raised her eyebrows at Ron and he backed down. Harry couldn't help but laugh at his two friends.
"Let's go in," said Hermione. "I think we've been out here long enough."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione began walking back to the castle. They were nearly inside when Professor Snape came flying out of the front entrance. He advanced on Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "Where is she," he snarled at Harry.
Harry could only stare incredulously at Snape. He looked insane.
"I'm not going to ask you again, Potter," said Snape grabbing hold of the front of Harry's robes.
"Severus," came a booming voice sharply.
Snape dropped Harry's robes and turned to see Professor Dumbledore.
Before Dumbledore could speak, Professor Snape said, almost weakly, "Ann is gone."