"What?" Asked Dumbledore advancing on both Harry and Snape.
"Ann," choked out Snape again. "She's gone. I was just downstairs in the Slytherin dormitories and she's not there. All of her things are gone and the sixth year girls can't tell me anything. They claim not to have seen anything."
Harry watched Snape in astonishment. He had never seen the Potions Master look so unsettled. Harry turned and looked at Hermione and Ron who looked back with expressions of surprise and concern.
"You know where she is," said Snape savagely at Harry.
"I do not," denied Harry.
"Severus, calm down," interrupted Dumbledore. "How long do you think she's been gone?"
"I don't know," said Snape running his hands through his hair. "We had a..." He stopped unable to finish his sentence. He turned accusingly toward Harry. "He was the last one to see her."
Dumbledore turned to Harry. "Do you know where Ann's gone?"
"No sir."
Snape made a low growling noise, which Dumbledore ignored.
"She can't have gotten very far. We'll need to search the castle and the grounds. Severus, do you have any idea where she might have gone?"
"No," he admitted reluctantly.
"Maybe someone should check the astronomy tower," Harry spoke up. "We go up there sometimes."
"We'll go," volunteered Hermione. Dumbledore nodded and she and Ron walked quickly into the castle.
"Severus, why don't you go back to the Slytherin dormitories and see if any of the students saw anything," said Dumbledore.
"Shouldn't we be forming search parties to look for her?" Asked Snape almost frantically.
"One thing at a time, Severus. First, check the dormitories. Then come back here."
Snape looked unsure, but did as Dumbledore suggested.
Harry watched him disappear into the castle and then turned back to Dumbledore. "What can I do?"
"You can go to Hogsmeade station and collect Ann," said Dumbledore simply.
"Sir?" Asked Harry in shock.
"Harry, she's taken all her things with her. It would seem her intentions are to run away. There are only two reliable ways of getting far from Hogwarts quickly. One is to take the train from Hogsmeade station and the other in the Knight Bus, both of which you have to catch at Hogsmeade station. The wards around Hogwarts prevent the Knight Bus from apparating here."
Harry still looked a bit uncertain. Dumbledore smiled. "Harry, this is not the first time a student has tried to run away from Hogwarts and I don't anticipate it will be the last. Go, try to persuade her to return."
Harry nodded.
"Oh, and Harry," Dumbledore began. "Bring her to my office as soon as you get back.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ann shivered slightly on the hard wooden bench she was sitting on and pulled her cloak tighter around her as the evening air began to blow. She had always loved this part of the day, when the sun was low in the sky and everything was pink and orange and purple and blue. Things always seemed clearer to her at this time. It was as if she had spent the whole day with a cloudy film over her eyes and this was her one-hour reprieve before the dark of night clouded her vision again.
Unfortunately, at a time when she most needed to think clearly, the persistent fog in her head remained.
She glanced uneasily at the few witches and wizards waiting at the platform with her. She had been trying all night to send very clear signals that she wanted to be left alone. So far it had worked. They all looked at her from time to time, but none of them approached her or asked uninviting questions.
She had purchased a way one ticket to King's Cross Station, charging her father's Gringott's account. 'Why not,' she thought bitterly. 'It is what he wants, after all.'
Ann was so lost in her own self-pitying thoughts that she didn't notice Harry until he was only a few feet in front of her. She started when she saw him.
"I'm not going back," she said before he even had a chance to open his mouth.
"Then I guess I should just go back to Hogwarts," said Harry nonchalantly.
"I don't care."
"Ok, then I guess you won't care if I sit with you before your train comes."
Ann shrugged and Harry sat.
"You really going to run?" He asked in what he hoped was an unconcerned tone.
"What's it to you?"
"Nothing, I guess. It just would have been nice if you'd said goodbye, is all."
"Goodbye."
"Thanks," he returned sarcastically. He stood. "Have a nice life then."
She watched him as he began to walk away, wondering why he wasn't trying to convince her to stay. "Wait a minute," she called after him.
"Yeah?" He said turning around.
"Is that it? Is that all you have to say to me?"
"What do you want me to say?"
Ann looked at him disgustedly. "Nothing, forget it. Why don't you just run along to school."
"I have plenty to say to you, but I didn't think you wanted to hear it," said Harry. Ann didn't respond so he continued. "First, you're a jerk for leaving without telling anyone or leaving a note. I was really worried about you. Second, you're a real coward for not facing your problems. The Ann I thought I knew would never run away from anything. And third..."
"I'm a coward," Ann interrupted. "I'm a coward?"
"Yes," said Harry simply.
"You have no right," she spit out. "You don't have any idea about how I feel or what I've been through."
"I think I have a pretty good idea," said Harry rejoining her on the bench. "You know, you're not the only person who's lost a parent. There are plenty of people at Hogwarts who know what you're going through."
"No one could possibly know how I feel," said Ann angrily. "She was the only constant thing in my life. We were everything to each other and now..."
"At least you had a constant in your life. I know it wasn't enough, but at least you had sixteen years. I wouldn't have even known what my parents looked like if I hadn't turned out to be a wizard."
Ann took a deep heart wrenching breath. "It's just... not... fair." The tears were falling down her cheeks before she could finish the sentence. Her head dropped onto Harry's shoulder and he put his arm around her.
He let her cry and before she had finished he could hear the sound of the approaching train. "Train's coming," he whispered.
Ann didn't move. Harry held her while the train pulled in and the other passengers began boarding. When the conductor made a move toward Harry and Ann, Harry shook his head almost imperceptibly and the conductor smiled and made his way back onto the train.
Once the train was out of sight Harry said, "you ready to go back then?"
"Considering that I missed my train," said Ann with her familiar sarcastic air. "You don't expect that I'll sit out here all night. Do you?"
"Never know with you," said Harry. He stood and looked down at her, but she didn't join him. "Ready?"
Her brow crinkled and she shrugged. Harry sat and put his arm around her. She leaned in and rested her head on his shoulder again. "We'll go when you're ready."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back at the castle, in Dumbledore's office, Snape was pacing in front of the Headmaster's desk.
"Severus, please sit down," said Dumbledore. "Ann and Harry will be back soon enough."
"Excuse me, Headmaster, but Ann is my daughter and you had no right to keep her whereabouts from me," said Snape angrily.
"I thought it was best," said Dumbledore simply.
Snape placed both hands flat on Dumbledore's desk and leaned in. "You thought it was best to send Potter to collect my daughter," he shouted.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "I did."
"I do not want him near her," Snape yelled.
"Severus," said Dumbledore sharply, standing up. "Enough. Sit down."
Snape stared angrily back at Dumbledore and then slowly lowered himself onto the seat behind him.
Dumbledore sat as well. "It is more than time for you to let this animosity for Harry go." Snape opened his mouth and seemed about to say something, but Dumbledore continued. "If not for you or Harry," he said loudly and Snape closed his mouth. "Then for Ann."
"For Ann?"
"Yes. For whatever reason, Ann has reached out to Harry. And it is apparent to me that all of your efforts to keep them apart have done the exact opposite. Severus, you need to be worried less about who she hangs out with and more about her."
"I am worried about her. I only want what's best for her."
"I know. But she needs more people in her life, not less. I sent Harry to get her because I thought he had the best chance of getting her to return willingly."
"And you didn't think she would come with me," said Snape quietly.
"No, not necessarily," he said. "I think she ran away because she's frustrated and I think part of that frustration is directed at you." Dumbledore could see Snape getting angry. "I only say these things to you because I consider you a friend. I care for you, I cared for Mary and I'm concerned about Ann. I thought she needed some time to cool off." Dumbledore removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Severus, I think it's time that you were honest with Ann."
"That's out of the question," said Snape sharply, standing.
"Severus..."
"No! It's out of the question." Snape walked to the door and threw it open.
"Father," exclaimed a startled Ann. Snape stared at his daughter with a mixture of emotions running through him. She looked exhausted and her eyes were red and puffy. He wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms desperately, but he couldn't seem to make his arms work properly. As he stared down at her he noticed that one of her hands was tucked safely in Potter's, who was standing slightly behind her.
"Why did you do this," asked Snape softly.
Ann looked up uncomfortably at her father.
"Why did you do this," he asked again, this time a bit more loudly.
"I'm sor..."
"Ann, you are never to do that again. Do you understand?"
Ann, who had been looking very repentant, set her jaw and fixed her eyes on her father. "Excuse me?"
"I think I've made myself clear."
"Well then let me make myself equally clear," began Ann.
"Ann," whispered Harry.
Ann glanced at Harry and shut her mouth. She looked back to her father and through gritted teeth said, "it won't happen again."
"Good," said Snape.
"Can I go now?"
"Ann," began Snape.
"Look," said Ann holding up her hand. "I'm really not in the mood to get into this with you tonight." And then, because she was angry and she knew it would hurt him she said, "Harry and I talked things over and I feel better now."
Snape nodded silently and glanced at Harry. "Well I'm famished," continued Ann with a breezy air. "Hungry?" She asked Harry.
He nodded slowly and allowed himself to be led back downstairs. Snape gave them a few minutes head start and then followed down the stairs without another word to Dumbledore.
Downstairs, Ann was fuming. "I should have gotten on that train."
"Ann."
"Don't even try to defend him. He doesn't want me here. Why did I think I could make this work?"
"I'm not defending him."
"Harry, would you just leave me alone," said Ann angrily. "Just leave me alone."
"Sure," said Harry throwing up his hands. "I just can't win with you today. Do me a favor, will you? When the real Ann comes back, tell her that I'm looking for her." He turned and walked off.
Ann watched him go, silently berating herself for losing her temper again. She was just making up her mind to go after him when...
"Well well well. I guess the rumors of your sudden departure were greatly exaggerated," drawled Draco Malfoy.
Ann turned toward him. "Shove off Malfoy," she snapped.
"I see you're still hanging out with Saint Potter," he said ignoring her.
"God Malfoy. You're like mold on the walls. Don't you ever go away?"
"What I still can't figure out," continued Malfoy. "Is if you're really this clueless or if it's just a cover."
"What are you on about Malfoy. Just spit it out once and for all."
Malfoy stepped closer to her and in a low voice said. "I think you really are this stupid. You don't have any idea."
Ann narrowed her eyes and he continued. "Unless you think being involved and seen with Potter will give your father a better cover than the one he already has."
"What?"
"You really don't have to bother. My father says that Snape's never been in better graces with Dumbledore than he is now. The Dark Lord is very impressed by him." Draco smiled. "Of course, no one's in better standing with the Dark Lord than my father. Not even his most important spy."
Ann could taste the acid from her stomach burning her throat and she couldn't bring herself to speak.
"Until my father's unfortunate incarceration, he was able to pass information to the Dark Lord straight from the Minister of Magic. Now we have to rely on what your father brings to our side." Draco was about to continue when they both heard footsteps behind them. "Shh," he hissed unnecessarily.
Snape emerged from entrance to Dumbledore's office and immediately spotted Draco and Ann. He walked toward them and Ann willed herself not to shake.
Draco broke into a large smile. "Evening sir," he simpered. "I was just welcoming your daughter back."
Snape half-smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. I'm sure Ann appreciates the kindness of her fellow Slytherins."
"You're welcome, sir," he said and flashed a smile back at Ann before leaving father and daughter alone.
"Ann," Snape began once Draco had left. "Things didn't go well up there. I hope you know that I am glad you came back."
Ann nodded trying to keep her breathing slow and even.
Snape reached out and gently squeezed Ann's shoulder. "I was worried. I am still worried about you."
"I'm fine, really," said Ann hoarsely.
"I don't feel like I've been there for you, the way I should have been. I want to try to fix that. If you'll let me."
"I'm... I'm really tired. Can we talk about this tomorrow?"
Snape released his hold on her slowly. "Of course. You've had a long day."
Ann turned and began walking away.
"Goodnight Ann," Snape called after her.
She turned and looked at him and then slowly continued walking. Once she had turned the corner and was no longer visible to him, she broke out into a run. She barely made it to the bathroom in time and she kneeled in the stall, throwing up long after there was anything left to throw up.
"Ann," choked out Snape again. "She's gone. I was just downstairs in the Slytherin dormitories and she's not there. All of her things are gone and the sixth year girls can't tell me anything. They claim not to have seen anything."
Harry watched Snape in astonishment. He had never seen the Potions Master look so unsettled. Harry turned and looked at Hermione and Ron who looked back with expressions of surprise and concern.
"You know where she is," said Snape savagely at Harry.
"I do not," denied Harry.
"Severus, calm down," interrupted Dumbledore. "How long do you think she's been gone?"
"I don't know," said Snape running his hands through his hair. "We had a..." He stopped unable to finish his sentence. He turned accusingly toward Harry. "He was the last one to see her."
Dumbledore turned to Harry. "Do you know where Ann's gone?"
"No sir."
Snape made a low growling noise, which Dumbledore ignored.
"She can't have gotten very far. We'll need to search the castle and the grounds. Severus, do you have any idea where she might have gone?"
"No," he admitted reluctantly.
"Maybe someone should check the astronomy tower," Harry spoke up. "We go up there sometimes."
"We'll go," volunteered Hermione. Dumbledore nodded and she and Ron walked quickly into the castle.
"Severus, why don't you go back to the Slytherin dormitories and see if any of the students saw anything," said Dumbledore.
"Shouldn't we be forming search parties to look for her?" Asked Snape almost frantically.
"One thing at a time, Severus. First, check the dormitories. Then come back here."
Snape looked unsure, but did as Dumbledore suggested.
Harry watched him disappear into the castle and then turned back to Dumbledore. "What can I do?"
"You can go to Hogsmeade station and collect Ann," said Dumbledore simply.
"Sir?" Asked Harry in shock.
"Harry, she's taken all her things with her. It would seem her intentions are to run away. There are only two reliable ways of getting far from Hogwarts quickly. One is to take the train from Hogsmeade station and the other in the Knight Bus, both of which you have to catch at Hogsmeade station. The wards around Hogwarts prevent the Knight Bus from apparating here."
Harry still looked a bit uncertain. Dumbledore smiled. "Harry, this is not the first time a student has tried to run away from Hogwarts and I don't anticipate it will be the last. Go, try to persuade her to return."
Harry nodded.
"Oh, and Harry," Dumbledore began. "Bring her to my office as soon as you get back.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ann shivered slightly on the hard wooden bench she was sitting on and pulled her cloak tighter around her as the evening air began to blow. She had always loved this part of the day, when the sun was low in the sky and everything was pink and orange and purple and blue. Things always seemed clearer to her at this time. It was as if she had spent the whole day with a cloudy film over her eyes and this was her one-hour reprieve before the dark of night clouded her vision again.
Unfortunately, at a time when she most needed to think clearly, the persistent fog in her head remained.
She glanced uneasily at the few witches and wizards waiting at the platform with her. She had been trying all night to send very clear signals that she wanted to be left alone. So far it had worked. They all looked at her from time to time, but none of them approached her or asked uninviting questions.
She had purchased a way one ticket to King's Cross Station, charging her father's Gringott's account. 'Why not,' she thought bitterly. 'It is what he wants, after all.'
Ann was so lost in her own self-pitying thoughts that she didn't notice Harry until he was only a few feet in front of her. She started when she saw him.
"I'm not going back," she said before he even had a chance to open his mouth.
"Then I guess I should just go back to Hogwarts," said Harry nonchalantly.
"I don't care."
"Ok, then I guess you won't care if I sit with you before your train comes."
Ann shrugged and Harry sat.
"You really going to run?" He asked in what he hoped was an unconcerned tone.
"What's it to you?"
"Nothing, I guess. It just would have been nice if you'd said goodbye, is all."
"Goodbye."
"Thanks," he returned sarcastically. He stood. "Have a nice life then."
She watched him as he began to walk away, wondering why he wasn't trying to convince her to stay. "Wait a minute," she called after him.
"Yeah?" He said turning around.
"Is that it? Is that all you have to say to me?"
"What do you want me to say?"
Ann looked at him disgustedly. "Nothing, forget it. Why don't you just run along to school."
"I have plenty to say to you, but I didn't think you wanted to hear it," said Harry. Ann didn't respond so he continued. "First, you're a jerk for leaving without telling anyone or leaving a note. I was really worried about you. Second, you're a real coward for not facing your problems. The Ann I thought I knew would never run away from anything. And third..."
"I'm a coward," Ann interrupted. "I'm a coward?"
"Yes," said Harry simply.
"You have no right," she spit out. "You don't have any idea about how I feel or what I've been through."
"I think I have a pretty good idea," said Harry rejoining her on the bench. "You know, you're not the only person who's lost a parent. There are plenty of people at Hogwarts who know what you're going through."
"No one could possibly know how I feel," said Ann angrily. "She was the only constant thing in my life. We were everything to each other and now..."
"At least you had a constant in your life. I know it wasn't enough, but at least you had sixteen years. I wouldn't have even known what my parents looked like if I hadn't turned out to be a wizard."
Ann took a deep heart wrenching breath. "It's just... not... fair." The tears were falling down her cheeks before she could finish the sentence. Her head dropped onto Harry's shoulder and he put his arm around her.
He let her cry and before she had finished he could hear the sound of the approaching train. "Train's coming," he whispered.
Ann didn't move. Harry held her while the train pulled in and the other passengers began boarding. When the conductor made a move toward Harry and Ann, Harry shook his head almost imperceptibly and the conductor smiled and made his way back onto the train.
Once the train was out of sight Harry said, "you ready to go back then?"
"Considering that I missed my train," said Ann with her familiar sarcastic air. "You don't expect that I'll sit out here all night. Do you?"
"Never know with you," said Harry. He stood and looked down at her, but she didn't join him. "Ready?"
Her brow crinkled and she shrugged. Harry sat and put his arm around her. She leaned in and rested her head on his shoulder again. "We'll go when you're ready."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back at the castle, in Dumbledore's office, Snape was pacing in front of the Headmaster's desk.
"Severus, please sit down," said Dumbledore. "Ann and Harry will be back soon enough."
"Excuse me, Headmaster, but Ann is my daughter and you had no right to keep her whereabouts from me," said Snape angrily.
"I thought it was best," said Dumbledore simply.
Snape placed both hands flat on Dumbledore's desk and leaned in. "You thought it was best to send Potter to collect my daughter," he shouted.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "I did."
"I do not want him near her," Snape yelled.
"Severus," said Dumbledore sharply, standing up. "Enough. Sit down."
Snape stared angrily back at Dumbledore and then slowly lowered himself onto the seat behind him.
Dumbledore sat as well. "It is more than time for you to let this animosity for Harry go." Snape opened his mouth and seemed about to say something, but Dumbledore continued. "If not for you or Harry," he said loudly and Snape closed his mouth. "Then for Ann."
"For Ann?"
"Yes. For whatever reason, Ann has reached out to Harry. And it is apparent to me that all of your efforts to keep them apart have done the exact opposite. Severus, you need to be worried less about who she hangs out with and more about her."
"I am worried about her. I only want what's best for her."
"I know. But she needs more people in her life, not less. I sent Harry to get her because I thought he had the best chance of getting her to return willingly."
"And you didn't think she would come with me," said Snape quietly.
"No, not necessarily," he said. "I think she ran away because she's frustrated and I think part of that frustration is directed at you." Dumbledore could see Snape getting angry. "I only say these things to you because I consider you a friend. I care for you, I cared for Mary and I'm concerned about Ann. I thought she needed some time to cool off." Dumbledore removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Severus, I think it's time that you were honest with Ann."
"That's out of the question," said Snape sharply, standing.
"Severus..."
"No! It's out of the question." Snape walked to the door and threw it open.
"Father," exclaimed a startled Ann. Snape stared at his daughter with a mixture of emotions running through him. She looked exhausted and her eyes were red and puffy. He wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms desperately, but he couldn't seem to make his arms work properly. As he stared down at her he noticed that one of her hands was tucked safely in Potter's, who was standing slightly behind her.
"Why did you do this," asked Snape softly.
Ann looked up uncomfortably at her father.
"Why did you do this," he asked again, this time a bit more loudly.
"I'm sor..."
"Ann, you are never to do that again. Do you understand?"
Ann, who had been looking very repentant, set her jaw and fixed her eyes on her father. "Excuse me?"
"I think I've made myself clear."
"Well then let me make myself equally clear," began Ann.
"Ann," whispered Harry.
Ann glanced at Harry and shut her mouth. She looked back to her father and through gritted teeth said, "it won't happen again."
"Good," said Snape.
"Can I go now?"
"Ann," began Snape.
"Look," said Ann holding up her hand. "I'm really not in the mood to get into this with you tonight." And then, because she was angry and she knew it would hurt him she said, "Harry and I talked things over and I feel better now."
Snape nodded silently and glanced at Harry. "Well I'm famished," continued Ann with a breezy air. "Hungry?" She asked Harry.
He nodded slowly and allowed himself to be led back downstairs. Snape gave them a few minutes head start and then followed down the stairs without another word to Dumbledore.
Downstairs, Ann was fuming. "I should have gotten on that train."
"Ann."
"Don't even try to defend him. He doesn't want me here. Why did I think I could make this work?"
"I'm not defending him."
"Harry, would you just leave me alone," said Ann angrily. "Just leave me alone."
"Sure," said Harry throwing up his hands. "I just can't win with you today. Do me a favor, will you? When the real Ann comes back, tell her that I'm looking for her." He turned and walked off.
Ann watched him go, silently berating herself for losing her temper again. She was just making up her mind to go after him when...
"Well well well. I guess the rumors of your sudden departure were greatly exaggerated," drawled Draco Malfoy.
Ann turned toward him. "Shove off Malfoy," she snapped.
"I see you're still hanging out with Saint Potter," he said ignoring her.
"God Malfoy. You're like mold on the walls. Don't you ever go away?"
"What I still can't figure out," continued Malfoy. "Is if you're really this clueless or if it's just a cover."
"What are you on about Malfoy. Just spit it out once and for all."
Malfoy stepped closer to her and in a low voice said. "I think you really are this stupid. You don't have any idea."
Ann narrowed her eyes and he continued. "Unless you think being involved and seen with Potter will give your father a better cover than the one he already has."
"What?"
"You really don't have to bother. My father says that Snape's never been in better graces with Dumbledore than he is now. The Dark Lord is very impressed by him." Draco smiled. "Of course, no one's in better standing with the Dark Lord than my father. Not even his most important spy."
Ann could taste the acid from her stomach burning her throat and she couldn't bring herself to speak.
"Until my father's unfortunate incarceration, he was able to pass information to the Dark Lord straight from the Minister of Magic. Now we have to rely on what your father brings to our side." Draco was about to continue when they both heard footsteps behind them. "Shh," he hissed unnecessarily.
Snape emerged from entrance to Dumbledore's office and immediately spotted Draco and Ann. He walked toward them and Ann willed herself not to shake.
Draco broke into a large smile. "Evening sir," he simpered. "I was just welcoming your daughter back."
Snape half-smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. I'm sure Ann appreciates the kindness of her fellow Slytherins."
"You're welcome, sir," he said and flashed a smile back at Ann before leaving father and daughter alone.
"Ann," Snape began once Draco had left. "Things didn't go well up there. I hope you know that I am glad you came back."
Ann nodded trying to keep her breathing slow and even.
Snape reached out and gently squeezed Ann's shoulder. "I was worried. I am still worried about you."
"I'm fine, really," said Ann hoarsely.
"I don't feel like I've been there for you, the way I should have been. I want to try to fix that. If you'll let me."
"I'm... I'm really tired. Can we talk about this tomorrow?"
Snape released his hold on her slowly. "Of course. You've had a long day."
Ann turned and began walking away.
"Goodnight Ann," Snape called after her.
She turned and looked at him and then slowly continued walking. Once she had turned the corner and was no longer visible to him, she broke out into a run. She barely made it to the bathroom in time and she kneeled in the stall, throwing up long after there was anything left to throw up.