Anastasia sighed and ran her fingers through her long blonde hair. Never in a million years had she thought the day would come where she would be asked to reveal the secrets she had been sworn to keep secrets that outlined her future and very life. "Well, I suppose I don't really remember when it all started. I became aware of their dealings with their fellow death eaters in my first few years at A.S.M.S. That's when I first learned about Harry. My aunt and uncle were constantly having people over, particularly I remember the Malfoy's my aunt and uncle were very close to Narcissa and Lucius. Recently the meetings have become more and more frequent. The conversation centered for the most part around killing Harry and you, and helping the Dark Lord rise to power."

"I see." Dumbledore replied softly as he folded his hands on his desk. "Tell me dear, where did you fit in to all this."

"Well, I didn't really. I was never allowed near the meetings. I met Narcissa and Lucius as friends of my aunt and uncle's. I was never told about anything, all I know is what I picked up along the way. In my third year, my aunt and uncle started discussing what they called 'a suitable match' for me. Originally my uncle and Lucius wanted to arrange the marriage of Lucius's son and me. For some reason that idea was thrown out and a year ago I was promised to Bret Xavier Anderson, son of Maddox Anderson, I'm sure you know who he is."

"Yes, he is powerful in your ministry isn't he?"

"Yes, very. According to my uncle and Maddox it is only a matter of time before the American ministry is overrun with Voldermort's supporters."

"As I expected. Tell me Anastasia, how far into this are you, what roll do you play?"

"Sir it depends on the way you look at it. For the most part I know nothing, but what little I do know isn't pleasant." She sighed.

"Well my dear, what do you know?"

"Well, I know that my aunt and uncle are responsible for a number of deaths. Mostly those of American wizards and witches, but some muggles also. I know that Bret's family is exactly the same. Furthermore, I know Bret is exactly like his parents. He murdered some one last year, another wizard, Alexander Lawry, from an American family that strongly opposes Voldermort. He was Bret's age, and went to our school." Anastasia said as she started to cry. "I saw him do it, he doesn't know I saw him but I did. I came over to see him and they were fighting and then . . .h-h-h-e . . . killed him. No one knows except his family and mine."

Dumbledore looked at the young girl over his half-moon glasses; she had obviously been through more than he thought. While her information had not been very informative it did help him understand the situation she was in; it was only a matter of time before Cecile and Brian realized their niece's brother was James Potter's best friend, which would put Anastasia in a horrid situation.

"My dear what I am about to ask you to decide is not easy but it must be done. I need you to either sever ties with your aunt and uncle or Sirius. This means, you will have no contact with this person."

"My aunt and uncle, I'll cut ties with them." Anastasia said in one breath.

"Alright my dear, if that is what you want. I will arrange it all, I will also be writing to your brother. I will be telling him what you have told me, I dare say you will hear from him soon after. Also your relationship with Bret must end, if you encounter and trouble in this let me know." Dumbledore said.

"Alright sir."

"Let me know how that goes, but until then off to class with you." He said smiling.

As Anastasia exited the Headmaster's office she looked over her schedule, she was scheduled to be in potions. Sighing she made her way down the long dark corridor that lead to the dungeons. As she entered the classroom, which was a equally as dark and dreary as the hallway she was greeted by a very unpleasant voice.

"You're late! Ten points from Gryffindor, who are you?"

"I'm very sorry sir." Anastasia apologized. "I was talking with the headmaster. I'm Anastasia Black."

"Ahh, Miss. Black, I know your brother well. Tell him I'm keeping my eye on you. Now kindly take you seat." The professor said with a sinister smile.

Anastasia cringed as she took her seat next to Hermione. Hermione gave her friend a quizzical glance but Anastasia simply shook her head. Her first class at the school she had wanted to come to her entire life seamed to drag on like molasses. It finally ended with an assignment for two rolls of parchment on the properties of the Hullender potion.

Much to her disappointment the rest of the day went in about the same, although the other teachers seamed much kinder than the potions master. Anastasia was glad when she was finally able to sit in the inviting chairs of the common room with Ron, Harry, and Hermione. She recounted her conversation with Dumbledore to them and they were as shocked as Anastasia had been.

"Anastasia, write to Bret now, don't put it off. You should probably write to Sirius too." Hermione said handing her friend parchment and a quill.

Anastasia leaned over the parchment and began her letter to Bret.

Dear Bret,
There is really no easy way to say this in a letter of face to face so
I will try and do my very best. I think it would be better for both of us if we decided to see other people. The distance is already taking a strain on me and it isn't fair to either one of us. I hope you understand.

My very best to you,
Anastasia

"Does anyone have an owl I could borrow?" Anastasia asked as she folded the letter.

"Here use Hedwig." Harry said motioning to his owl.

"Thanks Harry." Anastasia replied smiling at him as she tied her letter on to Hedwig's leg.

Again Anastasia bent over a piece of parchment to compose a letter to her brother.

Dear Sirius,
I am sure by this point Professor Dumbledore has already contacted you
and told you about our conversation. Please don't worry I am sure everything will be alright. The potions master told me to tell you 'he's keeping his eye on me'. Just thought I should pass it along. School is going well, Ron, Harry, and Hermione are wonderful. Also thought you would like to know I broke up with Bret today on professor Dumbledore's request, I'm sure he probably told you that too. That's about all that's going on around here. Hope you and Remus are doing well. I miss you!
Love,
Anastasia

As Letty flew out the window Anastasia ran her fingers through her long hair. She could already feel that this would be a sleepless night.

"Hey, Anastasia, wanna go for a walk or something." Harry asked as though he had read her mind.

"Sure, Harry I'd love to." Anastasia said as she stood up and followed Harry toward the portal.