Chapter 15
Hermione raced back through the halls of Hogwarts desperate to find Ron and Harry. She finally caught up with the boys as they were exiting the Great Hall.
"Hermione, what's wrong," asked Ron in concern as she reached them. She was panting heavily from her sprint and was shaking from the conversation she had overheard between Ann and Draco.
"Is it Ann?" Asked Harry in alarm.
Hermione could only nod, trying to control her breathing.
"Is she ok?" Harry pressed.
"She... She set you up," stuttered Hermione.
"What?"
"The pictures, the prophet, she was in on it, with Malfoy. She set you up." Hermione felt heartbroken at the look on Harry's face.
"That can't be true. Why would you say that," demanded Harry.
"I heard them," she insisted.
"What did you hear?" Asked Ron.
"She and Malfoy were talking in an empty classroom," began Hermione. "He was laughing about the Daily Prophet article and she said she couldn't do this anymore and then he said that she couldn't back out now because they were almost in."
"Almost in what," questioned Ron.
Hermione couldn't bring herself to say it.
"Almost in what," repeated Harry angrily.
"In with him," she whispered. "Vol... Voldemort."
Ron blanched and paled visibly and Harry's eyes widened with shock and he took a step away from his friends.
"I'm so sorry, Harry."
Harry shook his head angrily, turned on his heel, and took off down the hall.
"Wait," called Ron and Hermione, taking off after him. "Where are you going?"
"To find Ann," he said through gritted teeth.
"You can't," said Hermione in panic, catching up to him and grabbing his arm. "We have to go to Dumbledore right now."
"No, not yet. I want to talk to her first."
"No way," said Ron catching up and forcing Harry to stop. He stepped in front of Harry and put both hands on his chest. "You're not going anywhere near that girl and I mean it. Hermione's right. We have to go to Dumbledore."
"We can't," said Harry hanging his head. "There has to be a mistake."
Hermione shook her head sadly. "I know what I heard."
Harry wrenched away from his two best friends. "Just leave me the hell alone. Both of you," he shouted and then ran down the hall.
Ron and Hermione watched helplessly as Harry disappeared down the hall. "We have to tell someone," said Hermione softly.
"I know," agreed Ron, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Hermione turned to him. "Ann told Malfoy that she didn't want to do it anymore. But he said she couldn't back out now. Maybe it's not too late. Maybe we could help her."
"Help her," spat Ron. "The sooner we tell Dumbledore, the sooner she'll be expelled. Why would we want to help her?"
"For Harry," said Hermione. "Come on, Ron. You saw his face."
"If she's joining ranks with you-know-who, then the best way to help Harry is to get her as far away from him as possible."
"But what about her? What happens to Ann if she's expelled?"
"I could care less," said Ron coldly.
"Ron."
"I'm done talking about this. I'm going to see Dumbledore," Ron said angrily walking toward Dumbledore's office.
Hermione fell easily into stride with him. "You're right," she agreed. "Let's go tell Dumbledore."
She and Ron made their way to Dumbledore's office and waited by the closed entrance. "I hate this," muttered Ron. "You would think that as many times as we've had to see Dumbledore these past seven years, they would have given us the password by now."
"We could just wait. Someone's bound to come by," said Hermione. As if she had uttered a spell, Professor Lupin rounded the corner.
"Ron, Hermione," he began. "Is everything ok?"
Ron looked down at Hermione uncertainly and she returned his gaze shrugging. "We need to see Professor Dumbledore," began Ron. "It's important."
"I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore isn't here. He's taking care of some important business, for our friends." Remus gave them a knowing look and neither questioned any further. "Can I help you?"
Hermione shook her head, but Ron disregarded her. "This can't wait, Hermione. Professor, we need to talk to you about Ann Snape."
Professor Lupin regarded them quizzically. "Why don't we go to my office," he said slowly. Ron and Hermione nodded and followed him. Lupin opened his office door and ushered them inside. "Have a seat," he said. He walked behind his desk and sat and Hermione and Ron followed his example.
They stared at each other for several seconds before Lupin spoke. "You had something to say about Ann Snape?"
"Right," began Hermione. "Ann and the article in the Daily Prophet this morning."
"What about it?"
"It's just that Hermione overheard something between Ann and Draco Malfoy this morning," Ron tried to explain.
"What did you overhear, Hermione," asked Lupin.
"Ann and Draco were talking about how they had set Harry up."
"I see," said Lupin.
Hermione hesitated. "Um... And Ann said she wanted out, but Draco said it was too late to stop and that they were almost in."
"In?"
"Yes, in with the Dark Lord. Draco said they would be his most important servants. More important than even their fathers were."
"I see," said Lupin.
Ron looked incredulously at Remus. "What do you mean, you see? We have to get Dumbledore back and tell him. We have to keep her away from Harry."
"That's what this is all about isn't it," said Lupin slowly. He raised his hand and kneaded his forehead as if he had a headache. "Keeping Ann away from Harry."
Ron and Hermione glanced sideways at each other.
"Look," continued Lupin. "I'm sure that you think you're doing the right thing here, but you're not. Trust me."
Hermione made a noise of protest, but Lupin silenced her.
"I've watched them both and they seem very happy together. You should be happy for Harry, not threatened. He's not going to forget about the two of you just because there's someone new in his life."
"We're not," protested Ron.
Hermione nodded emphatically. "We're not only worried about him. She could be in serious trouble right now."
"Ron, Hermione," said Lupin more sharply this time. "I think it's best you drop this. You could ruin a lot of lives if you persist in pursuing these false accusations."
"They're not false," shouted Hermione.
"We're not lying," said Ron over Hermione.
"Enough, both of you," said Remus standing and both Ron and Hermione jumped in shock. "Mary is not a Death Eater. She's just a Slytherin."
"What?" Said Ron.
"I said Ann is not a Death Eater," said Lupin.
"No you didn't, you said Mary," said Ron.
Lupin blushed visibly. Hermione glanced at him uncomfortably. Then began hesitatingly. "Sir, we are not James and Sirius. And this is not twenty years ago."
"I am aware of that," he said uncomfortably.
"Good," said Hermione. "Then please listen to me. Draco said they were almost in or something like that. Ann said she wanted out. I don't think it's too late to help her. But I won't lie to you, sir. My number one priority is making sure she can't hurt Harry."
Lupin nodded, silently chastising himself. "You're right and I'm sorry for not believing you."
Ron stared stonily, but Hermione nodded. "That's ok. I don't care about that. I only care about figuring this out. Do you think that maybe we should tell her father?"
"He wouldn't listen," said Lupin.
"You'll have to make him listen then," said Ron angrily.
"She has to be told the truth now. That much is obvious. And I think her father should be the one to do it," said Hermione.
"He won't," insisted Lupin.
"We have to try," said Hermione sharply losing her temper.
Lupin sat back in his chair covering his mouth with his hand. His eyes were cast downward and he looked thoughtful. "I'll talk to Ann," he said from behind his hand. "You two talk to Harry."
Ron nodded and stood. Hermione also stood slowly. "What about Draco Malfoy," she asked.
"I don't know," said Lupin. "Let's take care of Harry and Ann first. Then we'll figure out how to deal with Mr. Malfoy."
Ron and Hermione nodded and left the room.
Lupin waited for a few minutes until he was certain they were out of sight and left his office. He made his way to the Slytherin common room. The Slytherins sitting in their common room were a bit surprised to see him. It was rare for any of the Professors, other than Snape, to visit their domain.
"Miss Parkinson," said Lupin firmly. "Can you please go downstairs and tell Ann Snape that I need to speak with her immediately."
Pansy Parkinson stood up sullenly and went to the girl's dormitories. In less than five minutes, Pansy reappeared with Ann at her heels.
"Miss Snape, will you please accompany me to my office?"
Ann looked at Lupin suspiciously, but without a word, she stepped ahead of him and left the common room. Resisting the urge to glance back at the other students, Lupin followed Ann out.
If the situation hadn't been so serious Lupin might have smiled. Ann was clearly trying to maintain control of the situation by leading Lupin to his office. It was almost scary to him how much she was like her mother. Mary had never liked to give up the illusion of control either. It was one of the first things he loved about her. So much of his own life was out of control that he enjoyed the sense of control he felt from her.
The two of them reached Lupin's office and he pulled out a chair for Ann. She sat never taking her eyes off him.
Instead of sitting behind his desk, Lupin opted to take the seat next to Ann. "I wanted to talk to you about something important," began Lupin.
Ann sat back in her chair and folded her arms over her chest.
"It's about what happened yesterday."
Ann flushed slightly and averted her eyes.
Lupin waited and when she didn't speak he continued. "Do you want to say anything about what happened yesterday?"
Ann shook her head slowly.
Lupin sighed. "I'm not going to run around in circles with you. I know what you and Draco Malfoy did."
Ann paled and stood shakily.
"Ann?"
Ann turned on her heel and fled the room.
"Ann, wait," called Lupin jumping to his feet. He charged down the hall after her. He caught up quickly and stopped her.
"Let go of me," she shouted struggling against his grasp.
"No Ann. You need to come back with me."
"No, I haven't done anything."
"If that's true," he said holding her tighter. "Then you have nothing to worry about." Ann continued to struggle as tears of frustration welled up in her eyes. "Or do I have to get your father," Lupin shouted.
Ann stilled. "God I hate you," she said softly.
"That may be, but right now I am your best bet to get out of the mess I imagine you've put yourself in."
"You know nothing," spat Ann.
"I know that you and Draco set Harry up yesterday. And I know you regret what you did. And I know that you're in panic mode right now because of it."
Without her permission, angry tears fell down her cheeks and she wiped them away angrily.
"I know you don't believe it. But you can trust me." Lupin released his hold on her and was grateful to see that she didn't bolt. He took a step away from her wanting her to come with him voluntarily. "Come back to my office. Let's talk about this."
Ann hesitated.
"Come on," he insisted. Turning and moving back toward his office.
He reached his door and held it open. Ann was still at the end of the hall. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Ann slowly made her way down the hall and stepped into Lupin's office.
"Ok," began Lupin. "Now suppose you tell me exactly how far into this mess you are."
Ann looked at him warily, but didn't speak.
"I can't help you if you don't talk to me."
"I don't need your help," said Ann. "I can take care of this myself."
"If that we're true," continued Lupin. "Then you wouldn't have come back to my office."
Ann looked down at her hands. "It's all his fault," she whispered.
"Whose fault?" Questioned Lupin.
"My father's. You knew all along didn't you," she said softly. "That's why my mother left him. It wasn't because of you. It was because my father is a Death Eater."
"Ann," began Lupin.
"Don't bother denying it, because I know it's true," said Ann cutting him off. "My father," she spat out angrily, but her throat constricted and she couldn't continue.
Lupin's heart gave a wrench at the pain etched into her young face.
"Did you love my mother," Ann asked suddenly.
Lupin was slightly taken aback by the question, but felt he had to be honest with Ann if she was going to trust him. "Very much."
"Then why did you leave?"
"It's complicated, Ann. It was a very long time ago."
Ann sucked her teeth impatiently. "I am not a child. Can't any of you just be honest with me?"
Lupin held up his hand. "You're right. You deserve to know the truth. But I shouldn't be the one to tell you."
"You're right," agreed Ann. "My mother and father should have told me the truth. But she's dead and he's a liar, so I'll settle for the truth from you."
Lupin hesitated. He needed her to be honest about what she'd done and he knew that if he was honest she might open up to him. In the end it was her safety he needed to worry about, not his privacy. "Ok," said Lupin nodded. "You can ask me anything you like."
Ann hadn't expected him to allow her complete freedom to ask anything she wanted to, but she seized at the chance. "Why did you leave my mother," she repeated firmly.
Lupin sighed. "You have to understand that I tried to make things right with her. But what I'd done was unforgivable."
"What did you do?"
"I believed something about your mother that wasn't true. I believed my best friends when they told me she was a Death Eater."
"Wow," said Ann. "I didn't think you'd admit that."
"What?"
"I already knew that. I just wanted to see if you'd be honest with me."
Lupin flushed with anger, but took a deep breath so as not to reveal it to her.
"I'm glad it happened," said Ann spitefully. "You weren't good enough for her."
"You're right," agreed Lupin. "I wasn't. But not for the reasons you think. Your mother was one of the best people I've ever known. No one was good enough for her."
"You're right," said Ann tearing up. "You weren't, my father wasn't, and neither was I."
"Ann," said Lupin reaching out to touch her.
Ann jerked away. "She would be so ashamed of me," she cried.
"No," protested Lupin.
"You don't know what I've done."
"Then tell me. We can fix it. It's not too late."
"It is too late. I've gone too far. I have to make him pay for what he did," she said with an odd glint in her eye.
"Who?" Asked Lupin.
"My father," she spat. "He betrayed her ten times more then you ever could have. He betrayed us both."
"Ann your father made mistakes, but he's atoned for them. I know your mother forgave him. It was in her nature. I think you should too."
"You wouldn't say that if you knew everything I knew."
"About that, Ann," interrupted Lupin.
"It doesn't matter now."
"But it does," Lupin said forcefully pushing the conversation forward. "You said that you're father is a Death Eater. That's not true."
"It is. I know it is. He's a spy."
"Yes, he's a spy. But not for Voldemort, your father is a spy for our side."
"No, Draco Malfoy told me. He said our father's were friends from the old days."
"Ann think logically. It isn't likely that Draco Malfoy would know the truth. Severus must maintain his illusion. He walks a very tight line that is full of danger every minute of every day."
"It can't be true," breathed Ann.
"If you believe anything that I say, believe this."
"Oh my God. What have I done," said Ann shaking. "Why didn't he ever tell me? Why?"
"I don't know," said Lupin putting his hands on her shoulders. "But it'll be ok."
Tears fell down her face and she wiped them away, but they kept coming. She started breathing fast with panic and her eyes got very wide. "You don't understand," she said shakily. "You don't know what I've done."
"What have you done," said a quiet voice from the doorway.
Ann whirled around to see Harry staring at her with a hard expression on his face.
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Author's note: Hi all. Just wanted to say thanks for reading and reviewing. It inspires me more than you know. Think how much faster I would write if I got even more reviews. (I know. That was a shameless plug.) Anyway, just wanted to take the time to thank everyone out there.
Hermione raced back through the halls of Hogwarts desperate to find Ron and Harry. She finally caught up with the boys as they were exiting the Great Hall.
"Hermione, what's wrong," asked Ron in concern as she reached them. She was panting heavily from her sprint and was shaking from the conversation she had overheard between Ann and Draco.
"Is it Ann?" Asked Harry in alarm.
Hermione could only nod, trying to control her breathing.
"Is she ok?" Harry pressed.
"She... She set you up," stuttered Hermione.
"What?"
"The pictures, the prophet, she was in on it, with Malfoy. She set you up." Hermione felt heartbroken at the look on Harry's face.
"That can't be true. Why would you say that," demanded Harry.
"I heard them," she insisted.
"What did you hear?" Asked Ron.
"She and Malfoy were talking in an empty classroom," began Hermione. "He was laughing about the Daily Prophet article and she said she couldn't do this anymore and then he said that she couldn't back out now because they were almost in."
"Almost in what," questioned Ron.
Hermione couldn't bring herself to say it.
"Almost in what," repeated Harry angrily.
"In with him," she whispered. "Vol... Voldemort."
Ron blanched and paled visibly and Harry's eyes widened with shock and he took a step away from his friends.
"I'm so sorry, Harry."
Harry shook his head angrily, turned on his heel, and took off down the hall.
"Wait," called Ron and Hermione, taking off after him. "Where are you going?"
"To find Ann," he said through gritted teeth.
"You can't," said Hermione in panic, catching up to him and grabbing his arm. "We have to go to Dumbledore right now."
"No, not yet. I want to talk to her first."
"No way," said Ron catching up and forcing Harry to stop. He stepped in front of Harry and put both hands on his chest. "You're not going anywhere near that girl and I mean it. Hermione's right. We have to go to Dumbledore."
"We can't," said Harry hanging his head. "There has to be a mistake."
Hermione shook her head sadly. "I know what I heard."
Harry wrenched away from his two best friends. "Just leave me the hell alone. Both of you," he shouted and then ran down the hall.
Ron and Hermione watched helplessly as Harry disappeared down the hall. "We have to tell someone," said Hermione softly.
"I know," agreed Ron, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Hermione turned to him. "Ann told Malfoy that she didn't want to do it anymore. But he said she couldn't back out now. Maybe it's not too late. Maybe we could help her."
"Help her," spat Ron. "The sooner we tell Dumbledore, the sooner she'll be expelled. Why would we want to help her?"
"For Harry," said Hermione. "Come on, Ron. You saw his face."
"If she's joining ranks with you-know-who, then the best way to help Harry is to get her as far away from him as possible."
"But what about her? What happens to Ann if she's expelled?"
"I could care less," said Ron coldly.
"Ron."
"I'm done talking about this. I'm going to see Dumbledore," Ron said angrily walking toward Dumbledore's office.
Hermione fell easily into stride with him. "You're right," she agreed. "Let's go tell Dumbledore."
She and Ron made their way to Dumbledore's office and waited by the closed entrance. "I hate this," muttered Ron. "You would think that as many times as we've had to see Dumbledore these past seven years, they would have given us the password by now."
"We could just wait. Someone's bound to come by," said Hermione. As if she had uttered a spell, Professor Lupin rounded the corner.
"Ron, Hermione," he began. "Is everything ok?"
Ron looked down at Hermione uncertainly and she returned his gaze shrugging. "We need to see Professor Dumbledore," began Ron. "It's important."
"I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore isn't here. He's taking care of some important business, for our friends." Remus gave them a knowing look and neither questioned any further. "Can I help you?"
Hermione shook her head, but Ron disregarded her. "This can't wait, Hermione. Professor, we need to talk to you about Ann Snape."
Professor Lupin regarded them quizzically. "Why don't we go to my office," he said slowly. Ron and Hermione nodded and followed him. Lupin opened his office door and ushered them inside. "Have a seat," he said. He walked behind his desk and sat and Hermione and Ron followed his example.
They stared at each other for several seconds before Lupin spoke. "You had something to say about Ann Snape?"
"Right," began Hermione. "Ann and the article in the Daily Prophet this morning."
"What about it?"
"It's just that Hermione overheard something between Ann and Draco Malfoy this morning," Ron tried to explain.
"What did you overhear, Hermione," asked Lupin.
"Ann and Draco were talking about how they had set Harry up."
"I see," said Lupin.
Hermione hesitated. "Um... And Ann said she wanted out, but Draco said it was too late to stop and that they were almost in."
"In?"
"Yes, in with the Dark Lord. Draco said they would be his most important servants. More important than even their fathers were."
"I see," said Lupin.
Ron looked incredulously at Remus. "What do you mean, you see? We have to get Dumbledore back and tell him. We have to keep her away from Harry."
"That's what this is all about isn't it," said Lupin slowly. He raised his hand and kneaded his forehead as if he had a headache. "Keeping Ann away from Harry."
Ron and Hermione glanced sideways at each other.
"Look," continued Lupin. "I'm sure that you think you're doing the right thing here, but you're not. Trust me."
Hermione made a noise of protest, but Lupin silenced her.
"I've watched them both and they seem very happy together. You should be happy for Harry, not threatened. He's not going to forget about the two of you just because there's someone new in his life."
"We're not," protested Ron.
Hermione nodded emphatically. "We're not only worried about him. She could be in serious trouble right now."
"Ron, Hermione," said Lupin more sharply this time. "I think it's best you drop this. You could ruin a lot of lives if you persist in pursuing these false accusations."
"They're not false," shouted Hermione.
"We're not lying," said Ron over Hermione.
"Enough, both of you," said Remus standing and both Ron and Hermione jumped in shock. "Mary is not a Death Eater. She's just a Slytherin."
"What?" Said Ron.
"I said Ann is not a Death Eater," said Lupin.
"No you didn't, you said Mary," said Ron.
Lupin blushed visibly. Hermione glanced at him uncomfortably. Then began hesitatingly. "Sir, we are not James and Sirius. And this is not twenty years ago."
"I am aware of that," he said uncomfortably.
"Good," said Hermione. "Then please listen to me. Draco said they were almost in or something like that. Ann said she wanted out. I don't think it's too late to help her. But I won't lie to you, sir. My number one priority is making sure she can't hurt Harry."
Lupin nodded, silently chastising himself. "You're right and I'm sorry for not believing you."
Ron stared stonily, but Hermione nodded. "That's ok. I don't care about that. I only care about figuring this out. Do you think that maybe we should tell her father?"
"He wouldn't listen," said Lupin.
"You'll have to make him listen then," said Ron angrily.
"She has to be told the truth now. That much is obvious. And I think her father should be the one to do it," said Hermione.
"He won't," insisted Lupin.
"We have to try," said Hermione sharply losing her temper.
Lupin sat back in his chair covering his mouth with his hand. His eyes were cast downward and he looked thoughtful. "I'll talk to Ann," he said from behind his hand. "You two talk to Harry."
Ron nodded and stood. Hermione also stood slowly. "What about Draco Malfoy," she asked.
"I don't know," said Lupin. "Let's take care of Harry and Ann first. Then we'll figure out how to deal with Mr. Malfoy."
Ron and Hermione nodded and left the room.
Lupin waited for a few minutes until he was certain they were out of sight and left his office. He made his way to the Slytherin common room. The Slytherins sitting in their common room were a bit surprised to see him. It was rare for any of the Professors, other than Snape, to visit their domain.
"Miss Parkinson," said Lupin firmly. "Can you please go downstairs and tell Ann Snape that I need to speak with her immediately."
Pansy Parkinson stood up sullenly and went to the girl's dormitories. In less than five minutes, Pansy reappeared with Ann at her heels.
"Miss Snape, will you please accompany me to my office?"
Ann looked at Lupin suspiciously, but without a word, she stepped ahead of him and left the common room. Resisting the urge to glance back at the other students, Lupin followed Ann out.
If the situation hadn't been so serious Lupin might have smiled. Ann was clearly trying to maintain control of the situation by leading Lupin to his office. It was almost scary to him how much she was like her mother. Mary had never liked to give up the illusion of control either. It was one of the first things he loved about her. So much of his own life was out of control that he enjoyed the sense of control he felt from her.
The two of them reached Lupin's office and he pulled out a chair for Ann. She sat never taking her eyes off him.
Instead of sitting behind his desk, Lupin opted to take the seat next to Ann. "I wanted to talk to you about something important," began Lupin.
Ann sat back in her chair and folded her arms over her chest.
"It's about what happened yesterday."
Ann flushed slightly and averted her eyes.
Lupin waited and when she didn't speak he continued. "Do you want to say anything about what happened yesterday?"
Ann shook her head slowly.
Lupin sighed. "I'm not going to run around in circles with you. I know what you and Draco Malfoy did."
Ann paled and stood shakily.
"Ann?"
Ann turned on her heel and fled the room.
"Ann, wait," called Lupin jumping to his feet. He charged down the hall after her. He caught up quickly and stopped her.
"Let go of me," she shouted struggling against his grasp.
"No Ann. You need to come back with me."
"No, I haven't done anything."
"If that's true," he said holding her tighter. "Then you have nothing to worry about." Ann continued to struggle as tears of frustration welled up in her eyes. "Or do I have to get your father," Lupin shouted.
Ann stilled. "God I hate you," she said softly.
"That may be, but right now I am your best bet to get out of the mess I imagine you've put yourself in."
"You know nothing," spat Ann.
"I know that you and Draco set Harry up yesterday. And I know you regret what you did. And I know that you're in panic mode right now because of it."
Without her permission, angry tears fell down her cheeks and she wiped them away angrily.
"I know you don't believe it. But you can trust me." Lupin released his hold on her and was grateful to see that she didn't bolt. He took a step away from her wanting her to come with him voluntarily. "Come back to my office. Let's talk about this."
Ann hesitated.
"Come on," he insisted. Turning and moving back toward his office.
He reached his door and held it open. Ann was still at the end of the hall. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Ann slowly made her way down the hall and stepped into Lupin's office.
"Ok," began Lupin. "Now suppose you tell me exactly how far into this mess you are."
Ann looked at him warily, but didn't speak.
"I can't help you if you don't talk to me."
"I don't need your help," said Ann. "I can take care of this myself."
"If that we're true," continued Lupin. "Then you wouldn't have come back to my office."
Ann looked down at her hands. "It's all his fault," she whispered.
"Whose fault?" Questioned Lupin.
"My father's. You knew all along didn't you," she said softly. "That's why my mother left him. It wasn't because of you. It was because my father is a Death Eater."
"Ann," began Lupin.
"Don't bother denying it, because I know it's true," said Ann cutting him off. "My father," she spat out angrily, but her throat constricted and she couldn't continue.
Lupin's heart gave a wrench at the pain etched into her young face.
"Did you love my mother," Ann asked suddenly.
Lupin was slightly taken aback by the question, but felt he had to be honest with Ann if she was going to trust him. "Very much."
"Then why did you leave?"
"It's complicated, Ann. It was a very long time ago."
Ann sucked her teeth impatiently. "I am not a child. Can't any of you just be honest with me?"
Lupin held up his hand. "You're right. You deserve to know the truth. But I shouldn't be the one to tell you."
"You're right," agreed Ann. "My mother and father should have told me the truth. But she's dead and he's a liar, so I'll settle for the truth from you."
Lupin hesitated. He needed her to be honest about what she'd done and he knew that if he was honest she might open up to him. In the end it was her safety he needed to worry about, not his privacy. "Ok," said Lupin nodded. "You can ask me anything you like."
Ann hadn't expected him to allow her complete freedom to ask anything she wanted to, but she seized at the chance. "Why did you leave my mother," she repeated firmly.
Lupin sighed. "You have to understand that I tried to make things right with her. But what I'd done was unforgivable."
"What did you do?"
"I believed something about your mother that wasn't true. I believed my best friends when they told me she was a Death Eater."
"Wow," said Ann. "I didn't think you'd admit that."
"What?"
"I already knew that. I just wanted to see if you'd be honest with me."
Lupin flushed with anger, but took a deep breath so as not to reveal it to her.
"I'm glad it happened," said Ann spitefully. "You weren't good enough for her."
"You're right," agreed Lupin. "I wasn't. But not for the reasons you think. Your mother was one of the best people I've ever known. No one was good enough for her."
"You're right," said Ann tearing up. "You weren't, my father wasn't, and neither was I."
"Ann," said Lupin reaching out to touch her.
Ann jerked away. "She would be so ashamed of me," she cried.
"No," protested Lupin.
"You don't know what I've done."
"Then tell me. We can fix it. It's not too late."
"It is too late. I've gone too far. I have to make him pay for what he did," she said with an odd glint in her eye.
"Who?" Asked Lupin.
"My father," she spat. "He betrayed her ten times more then you ever could have. He betrayed us both."
"Ann your father made mistakes, but he's atoned for them. I know your mother forgave him. It was in her nature. I think you should too."
"You wouldn't say that if you knew everything I knew."
"About that, Ann," interrupted Lupin.
"It doesn't matter now."
"But it does," Lupin said forcefully pushing the conversation forward. "You said that you're father is a Death Eater. That's not true."
"It is. I know it is. He's a spy."
"Yes, he's a spy. But not for Voldemort, your father is a spy for our side."
"No, Draco Malfoy told me. He said our father's were friends from the old days."
"Ann think logically. It isn't likely that Draco Malfoy would know the truth. Severus must maintain his illusion. He walks a very tight line that is full of danger every minute of every day."
"It can't be true," breathed Ann.
"If you believe anything that I say, believe this."
"Oh my God. What have I done," said Ann shaking. "Why didn't he ever tell me? Why?"
"I don't know," said Lupin putting his hands on her shoulders. "But it'll be ok."
Tears fell down her face and she wiped them away, but they kept coming. She started breathing fast with panic and her eyes got very wide. "You don't understand," she said shakily. "You don't know what I've done."
"What have you done," said a quiet voice from the doorway.
Ann whirled around to see Harry staring at her with a hard expression on his face.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Author's note: Hi all. Just wanted to say thanks for reading and reviewing. It inspires me more than you know. Think how much faster I would write if I got even more reviews. (I know. That was a shameless plug.) Anyway, just wanted to take the time to thank everyone out there.