Ann never made it back to her dorm room that night. She couldn't face
anyone. She stayed in the bathroom for hours alternating between crying
and being sick. When she was sure she wouldn't run into anyone, Ann left
the bathroom.
The castle was quiet. She began walking slowly down the hallway, but her shoes clacked against the stone floor, so she bent over and removed them.
Without realizing where she was heading, she found herself at the bottom of the stairway leading to the astronomy tower. She climbed slowly, each step becoming more labored. When she reached the top, she sunk down in front of a long window and rested her cheek on the sill.
Ann had never felt more betrayed or alone. The tears coursed down her cheeks as she sat staring into the open air. She fell asleep, before she was even aware of how tired she was.
The next morning, Ann woke up with an extremely stiff neck. She had ended up on the floor of the astronomy tower with her head pillowed on her hands and her robes tucked around her. She stretched and winced at the pain in her muscles.
She pushed herself onto her feet with her hands, rising slowly. Not knowing what time it was and still not ready to see anyone, Ann walked quietly down to the first floor. She couldn't hear or see anyone, so she quickly made her way to her dorm room, wanting to shower and change desperately.
"Ann?"
Ann whirled around and was shocked to see Hermione staring back at her.
"Hermione. You scared me," said Ann.
"Sorry," said Hermione quickly. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing. Do you know what time it is?" Asked Ann.
"Quarter to ten," said Hermione. "Shouldn't you be in class?"
"Shouldn't you," returned Ann.
"Arithmancy was cancelled, so I was heading to the library."
"Maybe you should keep going then," said Ann turning her back to Hermione and proceeding down the hall.
"You feeling better?" Called Hermione in a hard tone.
Ann turned halfway around. "Never better," she said sarcastically.
"Harry was looking for you this morning," said Hermione, moving closer to her.
"Thanks," said Ann rolling her eyes. She continued to walk away.
"Hey," said Hermione catching up to her, grabbing Ann's arm and pulling her around. "Don't you even care?"
Ann pulled free of her grasp. "Care about what?"
"Harry," said Hermione incredulously.
"Oh God. I don't have time to do this with you?"
"I don't care. I care more about Harry than almost anyone in this world. And if you're just playing some kind of game, then have the decency to be honest with him."
For the third time, Ann tried to walk away.
"I've never seen him this way before," Hermione yelled at her retreating back. "If you're not serious, then do the decent thing and cut him loose."
Ann pressed her hands over her ears as she picked up her speed and rounded the corner.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ann had never remembered feeling more isolated in her life. In the week after she discovered her father was a spy and traitor, she went through more emotions than she had ever thought even existed. Of course to the rest of Hogwarts she was just a moody teenager, going through a rough time.
Most of the teachers tried to treat her like the other students and most of the students just plain avoided her. Ann much preferred the student's way of treating her than the teachers. She was forced to participate in practical lessons and answer questions. She had lost about thirty points for her house for various offenses such as being late or failing to turn in homework, or just not paying attention in class.
The only professors who left her to her own thoughts in class were Professor Lupin and her own father. If she had been paying any attention, she would have noticed the deep looks of concern they threw at her their entire lessons.
Most of the teachers believed that Ann was falling into a heavy depression and in whispered conversations in the staff lounge, they discussed everything from talking to Professor Snape about it to going to the Headmaster.
Little did any of them know that Ann was as far from depressed as anyone could get. Ann was doing what Ann did best, thinking and planning. And by the end of the first week Ann knew what she had to do.
Harry had been equally moody all week. Ann wasn't exactly giving him the silent treatment. They spoke briefly in the halls and had even managed to take a walk around the lake one evening, but their friendship seemed strained and Harry definitely felt the change in her.
As a way to release all of his pent-up frustration, Harry had gotten into the wonderfully delightful habit of bashing the opposite sex every night in their common room, which Ron joined him in with great zeal. Hermione, knowing Harry was hurting, let them go on keeping her face buried in her books so they wouldn't see her frowns and rolled eyes.
Hermione was the only one not fooled into thinking Ann was suffering from any kind of depression. Since their talk in the hall the day after Ann ran away, Hermione had been watching her and she recognized the look in her eyes. She could tell that Ann was working something out in her mind and in her gut she had a very bad feeling that Ann was heading for some serious trouble.
Exactly one week after Malfoy had enlightened Ann about her father's real occupation Ann sought him out.
"Hey Malfoy," she called out.
He turned around a bit surprised, but smiled when she trotted up to him, Crabbe, and Goyle.
"Hi," she smiled.
He raised his eyebrows at her. "Do you need something, Snape?"
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you," she said. "Alone."
He looked at Crabbe and Goyle who immediately shuffled off.
"What's up," he asked in a bored tone.
"Not here," she said taking his arm. "Let's go outside."
She led Draco outside and they walked for several minutes in silence.
"All right, Snape. What do you want? I don't have all day, you know," said Draco.
"Fine. I'll go straight to it then. I've been thinking about what you said to me last week."
"Yeah?" Questioned Draco. The interest was clear in his voice.
"How my father doesn't need a better cover than the one he has."
"Right."
"Well, that got me thinking that maybe what my father needs is another pair of eyes."
Draco gazed steadily at Ann, but didn't say anything.
"I've already got an advantage. I'm in with Potter. He trusts me completely."
"Right," said Draco. "I'm supposed to believe that's all been an act."
"Fooled you," she said simply.
"I don't buy it," said Draco.
"What's not to buy? I've just done what you should have done in your first year."
"And what's that," he asked angrily.
"What good have all your petty little skirmishes with Potter done anyone. You've had six years to do what I've done in less than a month. I had him cutting class the first day we met."
"And that proves what exactly?"
"It proves that I can get him to do anything I ask him. I can be useful. But I want to be even more useful," she paused. "For our side."
"So why don't you just go talk to your father, then. Why come to me?"
"Because, you know how father's are. He would never think I could handle anything this important."
Draco nodded. "My father's the same way. I'm always telling him I could do so much to help our side, but all he ever says is 'Draco keep your nose down and let the rest of us do the work.' I hate that," he said bitterly.
Ann smiled. "So maybe together we can prove both our father's wrong."
Draco smiled back. "And how do you propose we do that?"
Ann took a deep breath. "By going straight to the Dark Lord and offering him our services."
Draco paled. "Are you mad? No one goes straight to the Dark Lord. Not unless they carry his mark."
"Come on, Draco," said Ann impatiently. "Your family's deep into this. Are you telling me that there's no way you can get in to see him."
"It's just not that simple."
"Well forget it then," said Ann. "I came to you because out of everyone at Hogwarts, I thought you could help me," she turned away. "If you're too scared, then I'll find another way."
Draco ran and caught up with her. "Wait a minute. I didn't say I wouldn't help."
Ann crossed her arms and waited.
"Look, I just don't think my father will allow it."
"Then don't go through your father. I'm not going through mine."
"Then how?" Asked Draco, more to himself than to Ann.
"What about one of those two geniuses you hang out with," Ann suggested slyly. "Their father's are Death Eaters."
Draco considered this.
"And it wouldn't seem at all suspicious if you were seen talking to them."
"Yeah," Draco agreed. "That could work."
"Good," Ann said. "Then it's settled. How soon can you arrange this?"
"I'm not sure. I'll have to think about it. We can't be too obvious."
"Just don't think too long." Ann turned and began walking back to the castle.
"Where you going?" Draco called after her.
"To go make nice with Potter," said Ann. "He's been a bit put out lately. But I'll fix that. You boys are so easy to manipulate."
Ann continued walking and Draco began to follow her. When they were almost at the castle, Ann stopped and turned to Draco. "Oh and Draco. Be sure and let your friend's father know that I am willing to commit totally and completely, if you catch my meaning."
Draco nodded and they parted ways.
The castle was quiet. She began walking slowly down the hallway, but her shoes clacked against the stone floor, so she bent over and removed them.
Without realizing where she was heading, she found herself at the bottom of the stairway leading to the astronomy tower. She climbed slowly, each step becoming more labored. When she reached the top, she sunk down in front of a long window and rested her cheek on the sill.
Ann had never felt more betrayed or alone. The tears coursed down her cheeks as she sat staring into the open air. She fell asleep, before she was even aware of how tired she was.
The next morning, Ann woke up with an extremely stiff neck. She had ended up on the floor of the astronomy tower with her head pillowed on her hands and her robes tucked around her. She stretched and winced at the pain in her muscles.
She pushed herself onto her feet with her hands, rising slowly. Not knowing what time it was and still not ready to see anyone, Ann walked quietly down to the first floor. She couldn't hear or see anyone, so she quickly made her way to her dorm room, wanting to shower and change desperately.
"Ann?"
Ann whirled around and was shocked to see Hermione staring back at her.
"Hermione. You scared me," said Ann.
"Sorry," said Hermione quickly. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing. Do you know what time it is?" Asked Ann.
"Quarter to ten," said Hermione. "Shouldn't you be in class?"
"Shouldn't you," returned Ann.
"Arithmancy was cancelled, so I was heading to the library."
"Maybe you should keep going then," said Ann turning her back to Hermione and proceeding down the hall.
"You feeling better?" Called Hermione in a hard tone.
Ann turned halfway around. "Never better," she said sarcastically.
"Harry was looking for you this morning," said Hermione, moving closer to her.
"Thanks," said Ann rolling her eyes. She continued to walk away.
"Hey," said Hermione catching up to her, grabbing Ann's arm and pulling her around. "Don't you even care?"
Ann pulled free of her grasp. "Care about what?"
"Harry," said Hermione incredulously.
"Oh God. I don't have time to do this with you?"
"I don't care. I care more about Harry than almost anyone in this world. And if you're just playing some kind of game, then have the decency to be honest with him."
For the third time, Ann tried to walk away.
"I've never seen him this way before," Hermione yelled at her retreating back. "If you're not serious, then do the decent thing and cut him loose."
Ann pressed her hands over her ears as she picked up her speed and rounded the corner.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ann had never remembered feeling more isolated in her life. In the week after she discovered her father was a spy and traitor, she went through more emotions than she had ever thought even existed. Of course to the rest of Hogwarts she was just a moody teenager, going through a rough time.
Most of the teachers tried to treat her like the other students and most of the students just plain avoided her. Ann much preferred the student's way of treating her than the teachers. She was forced to participate in practical lessons and answer questions. She had lost about thirty points for her house for various offenses such as being late or failing to turn in homework, or just not paying attention in class.
The only professors who left her to her own thoughts in class were Professor Lupin and her own father. If she had been paying any attention, she would have noticed the deep looks of concern they threw at her their entire lessons.
Most of the teachers believed that Ann was falling into a heavy depression and in whispered conversations in the staff lounge, they discussed everything from talking to Professor Snape about it to going to the Headmaster.
Little did any of them know that Ann was as far from depressed as anyone could get. Ann was doing what Ann did best, thinking and planning. And by the end of the first week Ann knew what she had to do.
Harry had been equally moody all week. Ann wasn't exactly giving him the silent treatment. They spoke briefly in the halls and had even managed to take a walk around the lake one evening, but their friendship seemed strained and Harry definitely felt the change in her.
As a way to release all of his pent-up frustration, Harry had gotten into the wonderfully delightful habit of bashing the opposite sex every night in their common room, which Ron joined him in with great zeal. Hermione, knowing Harry was hurting, let them go on keeping her face buried in her books so they wouldn't see her frowns and rolled eyes.
Hermione was the only one not fooled into thinking Ann was suffering from any kind of depression. Since their talk in the hall the day after Ann ran away, Hermione had been watching her and she recognized the look in her eyes. She could tell that Ann was working something out in her mind and in her gut she had a very bad feeling that Ann was heading for some serious trouble.
Exactly one week after Malfoy had enlightened Ann about her father's real occupation Ann sought him out.
"Hey Malfoy," she called out.
He turned around a bit surprised, but smiled when she trotted up to him, Crabbe, and Goyle.
"Hi," she smiled.
He raised his eyebrows at her. "Do you need something, Snape?"
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you," she said. "Alone."
He looked at Crabbe and Goyle who immediately shuffled off.
"What's up," he asked in a bored tone.
"Not here," she said taking his arm. "Let's go outside."
She led Draco outside and they walked for several minutes in silence.
"All right, Snape. What do you want? I don't have all day, you know," said Draco.
"Fine. I'll go straight to it then. I've been thinking about what you said to me last week."
"Yeah?" Questioned Draco. The interest was clear in his voice.
"How my father doesn't need a better cover than the one he has."
"Right."
"Well, that got me thinking that maybe what my father needs is another pair of eyes."
Draco gazed steadily at Ann, but didn't say anything.
"I've already got an advantage. I'm in with Potter. He trusts me completely."
"Right," said Draco. "I'm supposed to believe that's all been an act."
"Fooled you," she said simply.
"I don't buy it," said Draco.
"What's not to buy? I've just done what you should have done in your first year."
"And what's that," he asked angrily.
"What good have all your petty little skirmishes with Potter done anyone. You've had six years to do what I've done in less than a month. I had him cutting class the first day we met."
"And that proves what exactly?"
"It proves that I can get him to do anything I ask him. I can be useful. But I want to be even more useful," she paused. "For our side."
"So why don't you just go talk to your father, then. Why come to me?"
"Because, you know how father's are. He would never think I could handle anything this important."
Draco nodded. "My father's the same way. I'm always telling him I could do so much to help our side, but all he ever says is 'Draco keep your nose down and let the rest of us do the work.' I hate that," he said bitterly.
Ann smiled. "So maybe together we can prove both our father's wrong."
Draco smiled back. "And how do you propose we do that?"
Ann took a deep breath. "By going straight to the Dark Lord and offering him our services."
Draco paled. "Are you mad? No one goes straight to the Dark Lord. Not unless they carry his mark."
"Come on, Draco," said Ann impatiently. "Your family's deep into this. Are you telling me that there's no way you can get in to see him."
"It's just not that simple."
"Well forget it then," said Ann. "I came to you because out of everyone at Hogwarts, I thought you could help me," she turned away. "If you're too scared, then I'll find another way."
Draco ran and caught up with her. "Wait a minute. I didn't say I wouldn't help."
Ann crossed her arms and waited.
"Look, I just don't think my father will allow it."
"Then don't go through your father. I'm not going through mine."
"Then how?" Asked Draco, more to himself than to Ann.
"What about one of those two geniuses you hang out with," Ann suggested slyly. "Their father's are Death Eaters."
Draco considered this.
"And it wouldn't seem at all suspicious if you were seen talking to them."
"Yeah," Draco agreed. "That could work."
"Good," Ann said. "Then it's settled. How soon can you arrange this?"
"I'm not sure. I'll have to think about it. We can't be too obvious."
"Just don't think too long." Ann turned and began walking back to the castle.
"Where you going?" Draco called after her.
"To go make nice with Potter," said Ann. "He's been a bit put out lately. But I'll fix that. You boys are so easy to manipulate."
Ann continued walking and Draco began to follow her. When they were almost at the castle, Ann stopped and turned to Draco. "Oh and Draco. Be sure and let your friend's father know that I am willing to commit totally and completely, if you catch my meaning."
Draco nodded and they parted ways.