Note to Reader's, The Full Title is:

When It's Time to Change, You've Got to Re-Arrange, Who You Are and What You're Gonna Be 

(The title also end's with a lot of Sha na na's, and if you understand this, you've must be as old as I am.  LOL)

A/N:  THANK YOU!!  THANK YOU!!  THANK YOU!!  All of you who reviewed are absolutely the BEST!!  I was extremely shocked to receive over 30 reviews within the first 24 hours of posting.  I feel so loved.  :)

I normally try to avoid comments to individual reviewers, since they take up too much time (writing time, that is), but there were a few of posts that I believe I should respond to, as they made excellent points and/or comments.

Frolicking_Nomad – Thanks for the correction on which grade level the Golden Trio are in for my story.  If you saw my A/N in the reposting of the last chapter, you will know that I've fixed the error.  Thanks again!  I love your suggestion for the Draco vs. House-elves!  And, while I don't think it would be allowed, it does scream a "Snape Sarcasm Moment", doesn't it?  Heehee!  Hmmm…I'll have to think about it.  :)

mc2rpg – I originally planned on having Winky "blast" Crabbe and Goyle, but realized that they still had a firm grip on Buffy/Elizabeth.  If I had Winky blast them, they would have taken her with them, which would have been a major owwie for Buffy/Elizabeth.  So, I changed it to the tried and true "if you don't let her go, I'll bite you and make you let her go"…I hope that clears things up.

Lord Schmodder – I'm sorry you didn't discover this story later, too, 'cuz guess what…I plan on it being 100 chapters long, so you still have 93 left to go!  MWAHAHAHAHA!!

*cough* *snurt* *choke*  Just kidding.  LOL  I have absolutely NO idea how long it's going to be, but it will be long.  (yeah, updating hourly, riiiiiiiiiight.)

Alexis-Lee – You're right, it does sound weird, but hey, we're all allowed a little weirdness now and then.  If not, I don't know what I'll do…I can't return mine because I lost the receipt.  ;P  One question though…which one is Andrew?  Bahahahahaha!  ;)

Rose Williams – Welcome to "Picky Bastard/Bicta Central".  Please remove your shoes at the door, put on a pair of matching Grim/Sirius Werewolf/Remus guest slippers (hint the Grim one goes on the left foot), and take your leisure on the smooshy couch (beware, it tends to suck you between the cushions if you don't stroke the arm rest every once in a while).  I know what you mean about being picky, and hope that, even if my story isn't one of your favorites, it will at least entertain you. :)   By the way, boring parts?…skipping, skipping…or at least trying to (I almost did it with the last chapter again, but said "uh, why do I need this here?" several times until I got the point across).  I haven't decided what to do with each member of the Golden Trio yet (in regards to pairings), but am entertaining the idea of just leaving it – they're only 14-ish right now, and the story will end when they're 15-ish…I figure they will just begin to show interest in dating, or maybe not, they're still young.  I do have to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with the character of Ron, and haven't decided which way I'm going to go with him yet – I probably won't know until I reach that chapter. 

For everyone else, thank you, thank you, thank you!  I wish I could individual give you a note of thanks, but I'm sure that you are so ready to start reading the story…so onward!  Mush!  Mush! 

Btw – doesn't it frustrate you when the Author's Notes is longer than the actual chapter you read?

One last thing…is it just me, or are there a God-awful amount of Willow-central fics coming out these days?  Nothing wrong with them, I'm just getting tired of seeing so many.

Onward…Mush!

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Past Horrors – Brought to you by your friendly neighborhood Hippocampus and Cerebral Cortex

Nothing fixes a thing so intensely in the memory as the wish to forget it.  ~ Michel de Montaigne (1533 - 1592)

[Memory is] a man's real possession...In nothing else is he rich, in nothing else is he poor.  ~ Alexander Smith (1830 - 1867)

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A long scream broke through Snape's concentration, but it only took him a moment to recognize Elizabeth's voice.  Dropping the empty vials he carried onto his desk, he rushed through the door the young woman had previously exited, the sound of breaking glass echoing behind him.

The potions master hadn't gone but a few steps before he was halted by the sheer number of house-elves blocking the hallway.  They radiated a furious anger, and were looking at something further down the hall.

Before he could think of how to get through the angry mass of small bodies, pounding footsteps came from behind.  The dark-haired man turned to see several students from both his previous and next class, the Golden Trio among them, and both the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress quickly weaving between the gob-smacked students.

"Severus!  What happened?!" the Headmaster said as he approached his potions master.

"Something has happened to Elizabeth, but, as you see, I can't get to her," Snape snapped, waving his hand at the horde of enraged house-elves.

"Call for Dobby, Professor.  I'm sure he's somewhere close to where Elizabeth is," Harry whispered, careful to avoid having the other students overhear.

The snarky man glared at him, then abruptly turned towards the mass of elves.

"Dobby!  Let me through!"

With subtle shifts, a path was cleared, and the dark-haired man stalked through.

Dumbledore and McGonagall went to follow, but Harry and Hermione quickly grabbed at them.

"No!  Don't!" Harry said frantically, then dropping his voice back to a whisper.  "You'll hurt her."

The Headmaster looked startled for a moment, then a look of realization crossed his face.

"I had forgotten for a moment, Mr. Potter.  Thank you for the reminder."

They stood waiting for a few minutes, then heard Professor Snape's voice rise in anger, though his words were unintelligible to them.  There was a short period of silence, after which, most of the house-elves quietly disappeared.  A moment later, three pale, shaking students walked towards them.

Harry was angry to note that it was Malfoy and his two goons, and hoped Elizabeth wasn't hurt too badly from their arrogant stupidity.

"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Crabbe, Mr. Goyle.  May we presume that this is your doing?" Professor McGonagall asked stiffly.

The three students looked away, nodding their heads.

"I believe you were in attendance when I gave my announcement about Miss Elizabeth's condition, and can only assume that you chose to ignore my warnings."  The Headmaster's face looked grim.  "I will confer with your Head of House on an appropriate punishment and point deduction for your transgressions, though I am sure Professor Snape may have already done so.  Be that as it may, you three will return to your dormitory until further notice, and all Hogsmead privileges are revoked indefinitely."

The three students winced, though Malfoy looked a little angry.

"You are dismissed."

The Slytherins shuffled away, taking a different, and longer, route back to their rooms.  The closest course lay in the direction they just came from, but there was no way they were going to go anywhere near the young woman…at least until the house-elves and Professor Snape calmed down.

At this point, they were lucky to have gotten off with their heads still attached.  They weren't going to press the situation.

The Headmaster shooed off the remaining students to their classes, which cleared the hallway.

Turning towards Harry and his two friends, Dumbledore said, "Harry, please ask Professor Snape to contact me once his classes have ended for the day."

With that, the Headmaster gave the trio a pass to their next class, and he and the Deputy Headmistress removed themselves from the area, just in case their presence at that distance was harmful to the young woman.

*********************************************************

Snape followed the narrow path created by the house-elves to where it abruptly ended in the middle of the angry horde, which was focused on three cowering students…from his house.

'I should have known Malfoy would be at the center of this.  The arrogant boy doesn't know when to leave things alone,' he thought.

"What…did…you…do?!" Snape ground out through gritted teeth, eyes flashing dangerously.

The three students stared at him blankly, too much in shock from being surrounded by hundreds of livid creatures they had originally thought of as meek.

"They's touched her…they's grabbed her…they's hurt her," a small voice hissed, growling at the three students, who winced.

Several of the house-elves shifted, angrily hissing.  Waves of angry magic could be felt wafting in the air around them, with the feeling that one small spark could set it off.

Snape looked at the one who spoke, Winky, then his eyes drifted to where Elizabeth sat quietly on the ground, still a little pale from pain.

Turning back to the three Slytherins, he growled, "You are lucky if I don't leave you here for the house-elves to deal out their own brand of punishment.  What were you thinking?!"

Malfoy and his two goons cowered even further.

"Were you not listening to the Headmaster's announcement, or are you just too dim-witted to understand the words physical ailments?!  If I find that you have injured Miss Elizabeth further, don't even worry about winning the house cup…because you won't even be here!!  And no amount of money will allow you back into Hogwarts if I have anything to say about it.  Pray that she is unharmed…for your sake."

Malfoy paled even further, disbelief shown from his face, as if he couldn't believe his Head of House would actually threaten to expel him…him…a Malfoy!

Snape turned to an oddly dressed house-elf, and dropped his voice to a low murmer.  The elf gave him a dubious look, glancing at the three students who had their backs to the wall.  After a moment, he nodded his head reluctantly.  Waving a small hand at the multitude of house-elves behind him, he silently dismissed them, but stayed himself, and took up a protective position in front of the young woman. 

The potions master nodded at the elf before turning his angry gaze back at the three Slytherins.

"One hundred points each will be deducted for your stupidity, and another two hundred for acting on it!!  I will inform you of what your punishment will be at a later date, and you'd better pray that I don't allow Filch to reinstate the old forms.  Now get out of my sight!!"

The three boys scrambled away, heading down the hall where Snape saw several of students were observing the scene in various states of shock and fear.

Unconcerned with anyone else, Snape silently helped Elizabeth to stand, then led her to his quarters, followed by the two remaining house-elves.  Their trek was briefly halted when Potter passed on the Headmaster's message, which was received with a sharp nod by the angry man.

The students in his next class were abnormally quiet, giving Snape a lot of time to come up with some really nasty detentions for the three Slytherins…he just had to choose which one to inflict on them.

*****************************************************

It must be said that fear can quickly turn into anger…especially for a Slytherin.  The further the fair-haired boy was from the frightening situation, the angrier he became.

'How DARE he!!'

Draco was fuming.  No one…NO one threatened a Malfoy and got away with it!

'Five hundred points!'

Their Head of House never took large amounts of points from his own house, no matter what they did! 

'Detention with FILCH!'

Snape always handled the Slytherin detentions whenever he gave them out!

This situation stank of secrets.

Abruptly changing direction, the blonde youth headed back in the direction he just came from, his two goons taking several seconds to realize that their leader was no longer with them. 

Looking confused for several moments, the two large boys looked over their shoulders just in time to see the flicker of their dorm mate's cloak as he whipped around a corner.  They rushed to catch up.

It was just as they were about to reach their destination that the larger youths realized that their leader was heading towards the owlry.

Several minutes later, one of the school owls was on its way, a lengthy, but curtly written letter attached to its leg.

'We'll see what father has to say about this!'

**************************************************************

"Five hundred points, Severus?  Isn't that…excessive, even for you?" McGonagall asked curiously, leaning forward in her regular chair in the Headmaster's office.  "Not that I'm complaining, mind you…it will ensure that Slytherin won't have a chance at winning the House Cup this year."

"I'm sure you're crying buckets of tears, Minerva," Snape smirked.  "I hate to disappoint you, but the point removal will be reduced to a less extreme level."

The Deputy Headmistress lifted an eyebrow.  "Might I ask why?  It's not like you to change your mind without good reason.

Snape squirmed uncomfortably, not wanting to answer.

"Severus?" Dumbledore questioned, his own curiosity being niggled by the out-of-character back-peddling his potions master seemed to be doing.

"Elizabeth asked me to," Snape reluctantly said.

Dumbledore and McGonagall exchanged amused glances, but didn't press the issue.

"So, Severus, have you thought of an appropriate punishment for your students?  I have already removed all Hogsmeade privileges and sent them to their dorms until further notice, and let it be known that they would be notified of the details of their detention at a later time."

"They will be cleaning a certain room on the third floor that has remnants of the previous tenants' stay… without magic," the potions master smirked evilly.  "And the detention will last for however many days it takes to make that room sparkle!"

"Severus!" McGonagall looked stunned.  "I would have thought you would save that for the students of my house!"

"I was, but it seemed appropriate that Mr. Malfoy be required to dirty his hands as punishment.  You know how fastidiously clean he is," Snape replied sneered.  "Besides, there is still the Devil Snare to transplant, hundreds of flying keys to catch and de-charm, and remnants of large chess pieces to clean up.  I believe those will take care of your miscreants for the next five years, Minerva."

McGonagall's lips thinned in disapproval.  "And do any of those have Mr. Potter's name on it, Severus?"

"Oh, no…I have a special one, just for Mr. Potter, my dear Minerva," Snape mocked.  "Should your golden boy ever go too far, there is a lovely Basilisk corpse that needs to be harvested."

"You wouldn't!"

"Try me."

"That will be enough from both of you.  As amusing as it is to see two adults degenerate into a childish house war, we still have a situation to remedy," Dumbledore interrupted, eyes twinkling.  "Severus, your proposal for their detention is approved.  Shall we now discuss Hogsmeade privileges for the three students, and a suitable point deduction for Slytherin house?"

The three haggled for several minutes, the potions master uncharacteristically taking a high point reduction stance.

Snape was oblivious to the other two exchanging amused, knowing glances.

************************************************************

*Tink* *Tink* *Tink*

"May I have your attention please.  The Headmaster has an announcement to make." 

Dumbledore stood, letting his gaze briefly roam over the children eating their evening meal.

"As most of you may have heard by now, our guest, Miss Elizabeth, was accosted on the way back to her quarters by a few students, who inadvertently harmed her.  I feel that I may, in some small way, be responsible for the outcome of this situation, as I did not clarify the delicacy of her condition.  Your Heads of House have been informed as to Miss Elizabeth's current condition, and will advise you as to how you may avoid harming her in the future.

"You should also know that the house-elves have taken our guest under their protection, and it would be advisable that you do not attempt to intentionally harm her in any way.

Now, Professor Snape has a few words to convey to you."

The Headmaster returned to his seat, gesturing for his potions master to take over the announcement.

Snape stood, sneering at the room full of students, unrolling the scroll in his hands.

"It is unusual that details of detentions and revoked privileges are announced to the entire school body, but it is felt that the seriousness of this transgression must be understood by all.  Therefore, let it be known that the three transgressors will be required to clean and disinfect, without magic and to my satisfaction, the room on the third floor previously occupied by 'Fluffy', the three-headed dog…"

The room burst into shocked chattering.

"Furthermore…the same three students will have all Hogsmeade privileges revoked through the remainder of this term."

There were several gasps in the room, and looks of pity at Malfoy and his two goons, who were hunching over, trying to make themselves disappear as much as possible.

"As for point reduction, the original 500 points…"

A loud uproar burst out among the students, never in Hogwarts history had 500 points been taken at one time.

Snape raised his voice to be heard over the students' voices, "The original 500 points have, by the request of Miss Elizabeth, been reduced to a total of 140 points.  Forty each from the two who grabbed her, and 60 points from the one who instigated the situation."

The dark-haired professor rolled the parchment up as he glared out over the shocked room.

"But let it be known that, from this point forward, if anyone…anyone intentionally harms Miss Elizabeth again, that student's house will be docked 100 points for each person involved, and they will face permanent expulsion from Hogwarts."

As Snape spun around, returning to his seat, the stunned students whispered among themselves.

No one noticed when Draco Malfoy slunk out of the room, pale with worry.

******************************************************

Snape was on his way back to his quarters from the Slytherin common room, where he had just informed his house of Elizabeth's condition.  He was still livid with the three students who had harmed the young woman.

"Sir?"

"Mr. Malfoy," Snape said icily.

"C-could I speak with you, sir?" Draco asked nervously, trying to keep a neutral expression, but not really succeeding.

"I don't believe we have anything to say to each other, Mr. Malfoy."

"Please, sir," the blonde haired youth paled at his Head of House's anger.

Snape pinned him with his gaze, noticing the uncomfortable shuffling of his, normally, unflappable student.  With a sharp nod, he gestured the (now) somewhat relieved student to his office.

Upon entering his domain, otherwise known as his office, the potions master took a seat, positioning himself in a way that both intimidated Draco and made it clear that Snape was still furious with him.

Closing the door behind him, the blonde boy then hesitantly took a seat in front of the Professor's desk.  Not knowing how to start, he shifted uneasily in his chair.

"I owled my father, sir," Draco blurted out.

"Indeed, Mr. Malfoy?" Snape's voice bit out.  "And when did you do this?  Before or after the announcement at supper?"

"B-before, sir," he stuttered.  "I-I was angry after what happened in the hallway, sir."

The blonde-haired boy looked down, away from the furious gaze of his Head.

"You do realize that it will provoke him into coming here unannounced, do you not, Mr. Malfoy?"

"I-I do, sir."

After a long silence, Draco looked up to see that Snape was thinking, hands steepled over his mouth, elbows on the arms of his chair.

"Sir?" Draco hesitantly said.  "I-I didn't want you to think I was intentionally harming Miss Elizabeth again."

Snape looked expressionlessly at him.  "Very well, Mr. Malfoy.  I will do what I can to prepare for your father's arrival.  You may go."

Relieved that he wasn't going to be docked further points…or expelled, Draco stood to leave.  Turning back, he hesitantly addressed his distracted professor.

"Sir?  Why did Miss Elizabeth ask that the removal of house points be lowered?"

The dark-haired professor looked at the young boy blankly.

"Because you didn't know."

Draco nodded his head in understanding.

"Um…thank you, sir.  I mean…can you tell her thank you?" Draco stuttered in embarrassment.  "And…and…um…that…um…I'm sorry."

The blonde haired boy was relieved to notice that, at his apology, his Head of House relaxed his tense posture.  Maybe he would get out of the proverbial 'dog house' at some point.

"I will pass on your message, Mr. Malfoy."

Draco nodded his head, then made his escape as quickly as possible.

Snape sat there in silence after his student left, rapidly thinking of ways to prevent one Mr. Malfoy Sr. from invading his private quarters.  He was, by no means, deceived into thinking that Lucius Malfoy wouldn't be able to break through his wards, given time. 

He just needed to make sure they delayed the man enough for him to arrive and prevent a 'house-elf-shaped' catastrophe from happening.

*************************************************************

Elizabeth was quietly reading in her usual place in front of the fireplace when she heard a loud commotion at the door.  A voice could be heard speaking, and whatever he was saying was making the door shudder on its hinges.

Dobby popped into the room, quickly disappearing into Elizabeth's quarters for a moment, then re-appearing with one of her cloaks.  Several other elves had popped into the room in the mean time, quickly surrounding the young woman in a protective circle.

"A bads man is here, Miss Elizabeth.  He must nots see you."

The young woman quickly stood, dawned the cloak, and had just finished adjusting it, and her veil, to fully cover her features when the door was flung open, crashing into the wall.

A tall man entered, his pale hair seeming to glow in the dimly lit room.  With a growled 'lumos', he quickly took in the sight of a diminutive figure standing by the fireplace, and the various elves around her. 

Unaffected by the small creatures' acts of aggression, he disregarded them as he advanced, wand in hand, upon where the young woman stood.

"Who are you?!" he growled, pointing the wand at her, the tip just inches from her face.

The young woman silently stood there, her body tense.  The house-elves growled, their magic beginning to make them glow and giving off such large vibes it was almost as if it was another presence in itself.  Elizabeth hoped that Severus showed up before the house-elves felt threatened enough to attack.  She couldn't hold them back much longer…Dobby's hatred of the man who stood before her was too great.

"Answer me!"

His demand was interrupted by another voice.

"Do you have a death-wish Lucius, or are you just so arrogant that you don't see the danger you're in?"

The cavalry had arrived.

***************************************************************

"Mr. Longbottom, how many times must I tell you to slice the salamander tails, not mutilate them!  Your incompetence is growing leaps and…" Snape broke off, tilting his head as if listening to something.  He swore.

Striding to door, he bit out, "Ms. Granger, take over the class, and ensure that no one kills themselves in my absence."

Before exiting, he pinned Draco with his gaze.  "Mr. Malfoy, notify the Headmaster that we have an uninvited guest at Hogwarts."

The potions professor left before seeing the Slytherin pale in understanding.

Once he was out of sight of the classroom, Snape broke into a run towards his quarters, hoping against hope that he would make it in time to keep the house-elves from tearing the intruder to shreds.  Not that he would miss Lucius Malfoy, mind you.  It was just that blood was so hard to get out of the carpets.

He arrived moments later to see that the house-elves were just about ready to attack the blonde-haired man.  He never took Lucius to be stupid, but there was always a first time.

"Do you have a death-wish Lucius, or are you just so arrogant that you don't see the danger you're in?"

At his words, the house-elves calmed a bit, their magic retracting somewhat, as they waited to see what Miss Elizabeth's human protector would do.

Lucius Malfoy's head whipped around at the intruding voice, "This is none of your concern, Severus."

"Elizabeth is my patient, Lucius, of course it's my concern.  And in case it has slipped your notice, there are 20 angry house-elves surrounding you, ready to attack at one wrong move.  They have their own magic, and if they are angry enough, they will use…it would do you well to remember that."

Lucius looked around, just then noticing the small creatures baring their teeth at him, and the feel of strong magic being held back.

Elizabeth took advantage of his distraction, snatching the wand out of his hand then retreating further into the protective circle of house-elves.

"Hey!" Lucius made to retrieve his wand, but stepped back hurriedly when the house-elves growled at him loudly, their ears strangely quivering.

Snape chuckled, not showing his own surprise at Elizabeth's actions – he'd never seen someone move so fast.  And though it concerned him that the young woman could so easily disarm someone like Lucius Malfoy, he had no qualms about enjoying the arrogant man's dilemma.

Elizabeth was curiously looking over the stolen wand, turning it over an over in her hands as the pale-haired man glared at her angrily.

"Tell her to give it back, Severus," Lucius bit out, gritting his teeth as he turned to glare at the potions master.

"Sorry, Lucius, you created this situation, you have to deal with it."  Snape leaned back against the wall next to the doorway, his arms crossed, and an amused expression on his face.

"Just who is she, Severus?  And why is the Headmaster allowing her to stay at Hogwarts?"

"That is none of your concern."

Lucius' face tightened in anger as he turned back to the young woman who held his wand.

"Give me my wand woman!"

The blonde-haired man couldn't see through her veil, and therefore didn't see her arch an eyebrow at his rudeness.  He did, of course, see her hand when she flipped him off. 

Snape barked out a laugh.

"I think you have to be a little more polite, Lucius.  Or did you leave the highly acclaimed Malfoy manners at home today?"

Lucius snarled in response.

"May I have my wand back?"

Elizabeth crossed her arms and tapped her foot.

"Please," the man bit out.

In response to his blatantly false manners, the young woman lifted the hand that held the wand, looked at it a moment, then threw it out the door.

Snape laughed again, clearly enjoying the show.

As Lucius stalked towards the door to retrieve his wand, he growled at the potions master, "This isn't over, Severus."

"Leave it alone if you know what's good for you, Lucius."

The potions master slammed the door in the furious man's face, chuckling at the swearing he could hear on the other side.

Turning to where Elizabeth stood looking pleased with herself, he said, "Elizabeth, you have just made my day an extremely enjoyable one."

She smiled at him, responding, "Want me to make it better?"

Snape arched a questioning eyebrow at her.

Elizabeth slowly sashayed up to him, giving the man a mischievous grin.  She stopped about a foot away, lifting her hand to dangle something in front of his face.

"Need this for a potion?"

Snape looked at the object, then took a closer look. 

Giving her a look of disblief, he said, "Is that…?  Where did you…?"

The dark-haired man broke off, making the connection.

"You didn't?!"

At her grin, he burst out laughing.

…and laughing.

…and laughing.

As he struggled for breath, all he could think was that he would never let Lucius live this one down.

**********************************************************

After resetting his wards and locks, Severus set out to find the Headmaster, an envelope in his hands.  He kept looking at it and chuckling.

He found the older man, Draco standing quietly by his side, at the main doors where Mr. Malfoy Sr. had just been politely, but firmly, escorted out of Hogwarts.

"Ah, Professor Snape, how is our guest?  I hope Mr. Malfoy Sr. didn't cause her any harm."

"No, Headmaster.  I arrived before anything could happen…at least, to her," Snape responded, lips twitching.

"Might I ask what has you so amused, Severus?"

The dark-haired man silently handed the envelope to Dumbledore who, after a curious look at him, opened it and observed its contents.

"It's a dragon heart-string," Dumbledore stated, eyes sparkling.  "Doesn't Mr. Malfoy Sr. have a dragon heart-string for a wand core, Severus?"

"Not anymore," Snape snorted in amusement.

"You stole my father's wand core?!" Draco exclaimed, stunned.

"Not I, Mr. Malfoy," Snape chuckled.  Turning back to the Headmaster, he smirked, "Apparently Miss Elizabeth's fingers are both quick and nimble.  Could you please see that this is returned to Lucius, Headmaster?"

"Dare I even ask how she got a hold of Mr. Malfoy's wand?"

"A moment's distraction and a quick hand…nothing more, Albus."

The two men exchanged amused looks.  The Headmaster turned to the blonde-haired youth at his side, chuckling at his gob-smacked look.

"Draco, would you care to return this to your father?" Dumbledore held out the envelope to the young boy.

Shaking his head emphatically, Draco held up his hands, warding off the Headmaster.

"No!  No!  I'd like to keep my head, thank you very much!  It will be bad enough knowing that my father was so easily disarmed, without him knowing that I know."

"Very well, Mr. Malfoy.  Why don't you return to class before your father figures out why he can't apparate, and returns here."

It didn't take another word for the blonde-haired boy to hightail it away from them, leaving the two men to chuckle at his retreating form.

"I dare say that Miss Elizabeth has already made an interesting addition to Hogwarts, Severus.  What do you think?"

"Most interesting, Albus," Snape responded, lips twitching again.

And the Headmaster could swear that he saw his potions master's eyes twinkling.

'Most interesting indeed.'

***********************************************************

Elizabeth's other lessons began a few days later. 

It was with great trepidation that Snape allowed the three Gryffindors into the special room, created by the castle, which was attached to Elizabeth's room.

The room was special in that it could be accessed from wherever the three students happened to be – a door to the room would appear near them at the appropriate time.  This would keep curious Slytherins from knowing of the arrangement, by keeping the Golden Trio out of the dungeons, per se.

"Good Evening, Sir," Hermione said quietly, a look of nervousness on her face.

"Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley."

"Um…I brought a lesson plan for you to look over, sir.  I thought you could maybe…uh…let us know if it's adequate for what you want Elizabeth to learn."

Hermione handed a few rolled parchments to the dour looking man.

After unrolling them, he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Very…colorful, Ms. Granger."

The bushy-haired girl blushed, and stammered out an explanation for the mutli-colored dots.  The two boys shifted uncomfortably behind her.

"It is acceptable, but I must warn you not to pressure Miss Elizabeth into doing anything she is not ready for, Ms. Granger.  Furthermore, I would have you spend most of your time on DADA for the time being, with a heavy focus on defensive spells.  Most beginner Charms and Transfiguration can be self-taught, and if you just show Miss Elizabeth how to do the wand movements, she can practice on her own time."

"Y-yes, Sir."

"Now, as you may or may not know, Miss Elizabeth has just gotten her first wand.  I will be attending your first few lessons, in order to make sure there is no difficulty with the use of her wand, and also to see that she does not over-extend herself.  From there, we will assign a time-frame for her lessons, according to each of your schedules."

"Yes, Sir."

"Under no circumstances are you to ask any personal questions, nor will you ask her to remove her veil.  You will just have to deal with not knowing many things about her.  If you break these rules, the lessons will end.  Are we clear?!"

All three students nodded.

Snape stalked to another door, opening it to allow Elizabeth to enter the room.  Escorting her to where the three Gryffindors silently stood, he made introductions…as politely as he could, given the circumstances.

Nodding her head in greeting, Elizabeth gestured towards a long table that had several chairs around it, and gracefully sat at one end, Snape sitting beside her.  The three students quickly took their seats, Hermione in the closest one to the young woman. 

"H-hello, Miss Elizabeth," Hermione gave her a shy smile.  "I'll be doing most of your teaching, until we get to more advance spells – Harry will probably be able to help you out more with DADA at that point."

"And Mr. Weasley?" Elizabeth hesitantly asked.

The three students smiled to hear the young woman speak clearly, though a little slower than what was normal.

"I'm here mostly for moral support…and to dumb things down when Hermione gets too technical."  Ron winked at her cheekily.

"Ron!" Hermione blushed as the two boys laughed.

Elizabeth chuckled.  "I will let you know if I don't understand, Ms. Granger."

The young girl gave her another shy smile, then began the first lesson.

.

.

.

"…so, it's swish as you say 'Wingardium, then flick on the 'O' of 'Leviosa.'  The motions must flow together for it to work.  Watch…Windgardium Leviosa."

Hermione waved her wand as she spoke the words, making the feather on the table float upwards.

Elizabeth clapped her hands, causing Hermione to blush as she ended the spell, and the feather floated back down to the table.

"Now it's your turn, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth took a deep breath.  Holding out her wand, she swished and flicked, speaking the words.

Nothing happened.

She prodded the feather with her wand.

"Float dammit."

The three Gryffindors laughed at that, and even Snape smirked.

"I think you spoke the words wrong, Miss Elizabeth," Hermione said, giggling.

"Yeah…it's Wingardium Levi…O…sa, not Levio…SA," Ron laughed, sharing an amused glance with Harry, who laughed even harder at their shared memory of the time before they had become friends with the bushy-haired girl.

Hermione quickly pointed her wand at the two cackling boys.

"Unlike before, I have two friends now.  But if they don't knock it off, they're going to be two small furry animals that will be fed to Hedwig.  I do know more hexes than you do, you know."

The two boys quieted down to mild snorts of amusement.

Hermione turned back to Elizabeth, saying, "As much as I hate to say it, the two cackling idiots are correct…it's Levi…O…sa.  But don't worry, Ron and Harry didn't get it right the first time either…or the second time…or the third time…"

"Hey!"

"…and to be honest, I don't know if they ever got it right."

Elizabeth laughed at the two boys' affronted looks.  Snape smirked again.

Hermione assured her that her wand movements were correct, so Elizabeth practiced the words a few times before trying again.

Executing a beautiful 'swish and flick', Elizabeth properly intoned, "Wingardium Leviosa."

The feather shot up, and punched a hole into the ceiling.

With a startled 'Eep!' Elizabeth almost dropped her wand, fumbling with it, before both hands grabbed hold and clutched it to her chest.

The three Gryffindors looked at the ceiling in shock.

"Well, that was…unexpected." Snape drawled blandly, as pieces of rock crumbled down onto the table.

*****************************************************************

It took Elizabeth a couple of days to get used to her wand.  Snape was thankful that they were having Elizabeth's lessons in another room, as her first few spells went awry in a big way.

With 'Lumos', she nearly blinded them all, with 'Lecarnum Inflamaré' she had completely melted the candle and set the table on fire, with 'Alohamora', she blew a hole in the door, and her first transfiguration attacked Ron.  Elizabeth was upset until both Hermione and Snape explained that this was normal during the adjustment period of getting a new wand.

Needless to say, Elizabeth was ecstatic when her first spell went right.  This happened to be during Harry's lesson, and they both happily watched as several small balls floated drunkenly in the air, bouncing off the ceiling.

Taking a break, Harry transfigured his chair into a bean-bag, and sprawled on it.  As Elizabeth continued to watch the floating items, Harry pulled an object out of his pocket, and began to fiddle with it.  He accidentally opened it, which made it let out loud and screechy wailing.

Elizabeth clapped her hands over her ears as she whipped her head around to where Harry was sitting.

"W-what was that?!" she stuttered with a pained voice.

"I'm sorry!  I'm sorry!  I didn't mean to open it!" Harry apologized frantically, having closed the lid of the egg immediately.

"It's…it's OK, Harry.  My hearing is much better, though I wouldn't want to test it with that again for a while."

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth.  I really didn't mean to open it.  It's…it's something to do with the Tri-wizard tournament…my second task in it, I mean.  I just don't know what I'm supposed to do with it."  Harry looked at the egg in frustration.

Elizabeth held out her hand, gesturing for the young boy to hand it to her.  After he placed it in her hand, she held it up to her face, turning it over and around, looking at it closely.  Harry assumed she could see through the veil, even though he couldn't see her.

Cocking her head at him, Elizabeth said, "You should take your friend's advice, Harry…take a bath."

"Wha…who…how?" Harry gaped at her before blurting out, "Are you psychic?"

Elizabeth chuckled, handing the egg back as she said, "No…no…I just know a house-elf who happened to overhear your conversation with that Hufflepuff boy."

"Oh."

"I don't know if taking a bath will work, but what have you got to lose?"

"Nothing, I guess," Harry gave a half-laugh.

"So, take a bath.  Now."

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" the dark-haired boy gave her a fake hurt look.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because you need a bath, stinky."  Elizabeth laughed at him.

Harry stuck his tongue out at her.

"I would be careful who you stick that out at, Mr. Potter," a voice said from across the room.  "Someone might want to cut it off and use it in a potion."

The young boy whipped his head around, and blushed when he saw his potions professor.

"And Elizabeth is correct…you do need a bath…and a haircut…and new clothes…and a new personality…and…"

"Severus!" Elizabeth gave him a look of disapproval.

"My apologies for speaking the truth, Mr. Potter."

"Severus!" Elizabeth's voice took on a hard tone.

"It's OK, Elizabeth," Harry said, standing up and looking embarrassed.

"No it's not, Harry," the young woman said.  She adjusted her veil to expose her eyes, and reaching out a hand to cup his cheek, she looked into his with a warm expression.  "It is not OK for someone to criticize you, especially when it's done with the intent to hurt."

Harry dropped his gaze from hers, flustered at her words.

Stroking his cheek with her thumb, Elizabeth continued softly, "Harry, you are a handsome and delightful young man, and I enjoy your company immensely.  Never think you are less than you are, and never believe it when someone says that.  Got it?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

Harry peeked back up to see her eyes smiling at him.

"But you still need a bath," Elizabeth said with a laugh in her voice.

Harry laughed.

"Yes, Ma'am!  Right away Ma'am!"  Harry gave her a cheeky grin and salute, and said his goodbyes.

Elizabeth re-adjusted her veil before turning towards the dark-haired man, an angry look on her face. 

"And just what has he done to you to deserve your sharp tongue, Severus!"

"He has been the bane of my existence for the past four-and-a-half years!"

"He is just a child!  Because of the dangerous aspects of creating potions, your acidic remarks may be well deserved to keep the children in line in your classroom, but no child deserves to be ridiculed like that!  Not for who he is!  Not for what he looks like!  That was deliberately cruel, Severus!" Elizabeth was glorious in her fury.  "I ask again…what has he done to you?!"

Snape was at a loss for words…he had no reason to give her.

She said nothing, and, giving him one last glare, moved towards the door leading to her room.  Pointing her wand over her shoulder, she yelled, "Finite Incantatum!"

The balls floating on the ceiling didn't just drop…they shot down towards the ground, several hitting the dark-haired man, who covered his head with his arms.

After the balls had all fallen to the ground, Snape noticed they still vibrated with magic.

Damn…he was going to have to apologize to Potter if he wanted to make things right with Elizabeth.

He hated apologizing.

***************************************************************

It had been a week, but Harry was still shaken over the second task.  Though he successfully completed the task, he never really knew how much his friends meant to him until he saw them tied up, helpless, under the lake.  He was quiet as he followed his two friends on their trip to Hogsmeade.  But as he drew closer to the small town, he inevitably became excited at the prospect of seeing his godfather again.

Their visit with Sirius was all too brief, though…and somewhat depressing.  There were so many things to think about now…Death Eaters, Dark Marks, Fathers turning their backs on their sons, and why Harry was involved in the Tri-Wizard Tournament.  It was enough to make anyone crazy, much less a teenage boy.

The only funny thing about their visit, though, was Sirius' flustered expression at their teasing.  But, hey, if you had a bag full of letters to a young beautiful woman foisted on you by a smitten suitor, what would you do?  The teasing could have been much worse.

"Well, Dumbledore said I couldn't owl the letters, but that I could still write them.  He said he would make arrangements for someone to pick them up every once in a while," Sirius said, pink cheeked.  He ran a hand through his matted hair as he said in frustration, "It's been over two months, and he hasn't sent anyone yet, so I thought I'd have you bring them back with you.  I just want to make sure she doesn't forget who I am."

"Uh-huh…so…when's the wedding?" Harry grinned cheekily.

"Prat!" Sirius swatted at him, cheeks flaming again.

The three students laughed at the flustered man, Harry humming the wedding march as he avoided Sirius' hands.

It was a good ending to their visit, and after transforming into his animagus form, Sirius escorted the children to the edge of the small village.

Yelling out their good-byes, the three Gryffindor students made their way to back to Hogsmead, then on to Hogwarts.

Harry wondered if, when he gave the sack of letters to Elizabeth, he should warn her of the rivalry between his godfather and Professor Snape.

'Hmmm…I'd better.  If I don't, Snape will inevitably blame me for it, somehow.  It doesn't matter that he apologized the last time – in a round-a-bout way, with a lot of large words – he'd find some way to make it my fault, and rip me a new one when Elizabeth wasn't there to stop him.'

He'd give the letters to her in a few days, when he was alone with her.

Decision made, Harry swung the sack on to his shoulder and caught up to his friends. 

**************************************************************

'It is time.  She must remembers.'

'Now?'

'Now.'

A brightly dressed house-elf placed an object on a platter, covering it with the matching dome lid, and placed it in the middle of the tea tray.  Surrounding it with the pot and two teacups, he snapped his fingers, causing the entire tray to disappear from the kitchen and appear to the one who ordered it.

The house-elves sat quietly for a moment before returning to their tasks.  Their job was over.  They would still protect her until her body was completely healed, but the time for protecting her memory was over.

It was time she remembered who and what she was.

**********************************************************************

Snape entered his private quarters to see Elizabeth ensconced on her settee, a large sack sitting next to her, and several pieces of parchment and envelopes scattered across her lap and on the side-table next to where she sat.  She had look of puzzlement on her face, as she read the parchment in her hands.

"Elizabeth?  What is all this?"

The young woman raised her confused eyes to his, but hesitated in answering.

"Elizabeth?"

"It's…they're…" she waived her hands in confusion, but stopped for a moment to give him a hard look.  "Promise you won't get mad?"

"Why would I be mad?"

"Because all these are from someone named Sirius, and Harry told me that you absolutely loathe him," Elizabeth burst out, waiving her hands at the scattered letters.

Snapes jaw tightened.

"I just…I don't know who he is, or why he's writing me so many letters," Elizabeth continued, confused, "but Harry said that he was part of the group that...uh…helped me come back, and that he was there when I woke up.  I just don't remember much before you found me."

Snape continued to be silent, a muscle ticking in his cheek. 

"Oh, don't be like that, Severus," Elizabeth gave him a look of reproach at his silent anger.  "Just by reading a few of these, I get the impression that you used to be school rivals.  I just don't see why you've continued this…this…feud for so long.  It's been, what, fifteen, twenty years?"

He crossed his arms, giving her a sharp nod.

Elizabeth sighed, shaking her head.  "I don't see how someone can hold a grudge for that long.  What happened?"

"He tried to get me killed," Snape said abruptly.

"Ahhh…well, yes…that would be understandable…sort of.  I haven't gotten to that letter yet, I guess."

"I doubt Mr. Black will have written about that incident, Elizabeth.  It would put him in a very bad light with you, which I'm sure he is trying to do with me.  Am I correct?"

"You know him so well, Severus.  Though I find his views of you to be quite…amusing.  I never knew you were the vindictive sort, and some of your actions were very…creative."  Elizabeth smirked.  "I like that."

Snape snorted in amusement.  "You would."

Elizabeth laughed.

"As amusing as the thought of that mutt courting you is, I would appreciate it if you would keep that…rubbish out of my private quarters, Elizabeth."

"Courting me?  He doesn't even know me!"

"You didn't see him giving you moon-eyes while you were unconscious.  He was quite taken with you, Elizabeth.  Though, if he got to know you as I have, he would run in the other direction," Snape smirked at her.

Elizabeth stuck her tongue out at him.

"Potions, my dear.  Potions."

She laughed at his threat.

Shaking his head in amusement, he asked if she wanted some tea.  Elizabeth nodded, then collected the strewn letters, returning them to the sack.  She took the sack to her private quarters while Snape called up a house-elf to order the tea.

On her return, she heard Snape give an exclamation of surprise.

"What is it, Severus?"

Snape turned towards her, a domed lid in one hand, and an odd shaped object in the other.  He looked confused.

It was long piece of wood.  Thick on one end, where the dark-haired man clasped it, but tapering off to a sharp point at the other end.  It was a…a...

Elizabeth collapsed.  She barely heard Snape's panicked 'Elizabeth', as she was bombarded by memories…one after another.

She remembered. 

She remembered…everything.

**************************************************************

Snape looked at the platter in confusion.  He hadn't ordered anything to eat.

Lifting the lid only confused him even further.  On the platter lay a long piece of wood, tapered to a point.  But its purpose was beyond him.

He gave out a sound of surprise as he grasped the thicker end with one hand, lifting it just as he heard Elizabeth re-enter the room.  Turning towards her as she called out a question to him, he saw her look at what he carried in his hands.  When her eyes fell upon the piece of wood, she paled, then collapsed.

"Elizabeth!"

Snape dropped the objects in his hands as he rushed to where Elizabeth lay on the floor, body shaking, and eyes darting around as if she was watching a snitch dart around in front of her face.

He gently gathered her in his arms, and, removing her veil, stroked her hair while calling out her name again and again.

Snape didn't know how long they were in that pose before Elizabeth's body finally relaxed, but it felt like an eternity.

"Elizabeth?"

"S-Severus?"

"What happened, Elizabeth?"

"I-I remember."

"Remember what?"

"Everything."

With that, Elizabeth burst into tears.

Snape clutched the young woman to him, rocking her gently as she wept into his robes.

Elizabeth cried for a long time.  At some point, Snape took her to her room, laying her upon the bed, but continued to hold her.

Just before she fell asleep, she whispered, "I wish you could make me forget again, Severus."

***********************************************************

Snape, thankful it was a weekend, cancelled Elizabeth's lessons with the Golden Trio, stating that Elizabeth was feeling unwell.  The three Gryffindors took it in stride, Hermione taking advantage of the freed-up time to get in her own extra studying.

Elizabeth hadn't emerged from her room yet, though he could hear her rustling around.

Knowing she would appear soon, Snape ordered breakfast for both of them, choosing not to attend the meal in the Great Hall, as he felt that Elizabeth may need him.

As he was setting the plates of food on a small two-person table, transfigured from his desk, he heard her enter the room.  Looking up, he saw her standing there hesitantly; face pale, eyes red-rimmed.  She had foregone the veil, and her hair delicately framed her face.

Silently gesturing her towards the table, he held out a chair for her.

As she gracefully sat, Snape placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"I've taken the liberty of canceling your lessons for the day," he said, then hesitated before continuing, "If you wish to…talk, I will be here."

Elizabeth looked down at her plate, hands folded in her lap.  When Snape sat across from her, she took a deep breath then looked at him.

"I-I will tell you.  I…need to tell you," she began quietly, "but only you."

"But…"

"I still cannot be his tool yet, Severus.  You will understand once I tell you."

"Very well, Elizabeth," Snape said reluctantly.

The two quietly ate their meal.  Once they were done, Snape called for a house-elf to take the dishes away.  Dobby answered personally, bringing a rolled up paper with him, which he handed to Elizabeth with a sad smile.

The blonde-woman unrolled it, looked at the cover page, then returned Dobby's sad smile with one of her own.  Thanking the small elf, she gestured that he could go, which he did, quietly.

Snape looked on curiously, wondering what was written to make her look so sad.  When Elizabeth held it out to him, he eagerly took it, and read the headline.

.

                               Slayer Defeats Hellgoddess, Then Dies In Portal

                                                        By Daniel Sideburn

.

When he saw the unmoving picture of his very own Elizabeth on the bottom left-hand corner, he gasped, whipping his wide-eyed gaze up to look at her.

"You…you're her!"

When Elizabeth nodded in confirmation, Snape staggered over to his chair by the fire, and fell heavily into it, dropping his hand that held the paper into his lap.  He gaped at her.

"I take it you know what a Slayer is?"

"Most of the wizarding world now thinks she is a myth, but knowledge of Slayers is a well-kept secret within the ministry."

Elizabeth gave him a curious look, so he continued.

"Over a thousand years ago, the Ministry broke off a long and close association with an organization within the Muggle world…the organization that was in charge of the Slayer line.  I believe it was called the Watcher's Council," Snape explained.

The young woman stiffened at that, but gestured for him to continue.

"At that time, it was a well-known fact that the young girls who were slated as possible Slayers came from wizarding families.  Since Slayer's were called at such a young age, these girls were taught magic at an earlier age than normal, in order to give them a greater advantage for their survival," Snape said with a far-off expression, as he tried to remember the details.  "If I recall, the reason the Ministry broke off contact was due to the Head of the Watcher's Council's decision to have the potential Slayers focus on the physical aspects of their training, feeling that the girls relied too much on magic to fulfill their duties.  The Ministry of Magic disagreed, but as the young girls were under the Watcher's Council's guardianship, they had no say in the matter."

Elizabeth made a sound of dismay, and sat heavily on the settee across from him, her face even paler than before.

"Elizabeth?"

"All those girls…they needlessly died when it might have been prevented!"

"What do you mean?"

The young woman dragged her gaze to the dark-haired man's as she asked, "How long did the Slayer's survive when they were using magic, Severus?"

"Survive?  I don't remember if it mentioned how many died, but I believe most of them lasted about 10 to 15 years before they were retired."

Elizabeth let out a choked sob, asking, "Retired?"

"Yes…from what I remember reading, the Watcher's Council had a way of passing on the Slayer line to the next girl, without their death, once it was deemed that the current Slayer had fulfilled her duties.  Why are you so surprised?"

Turning her face towards the fire, Elizabeth responded in a pained voice, "Because the current average life-span of a Slayer is less than one year, Severus.  I'm the oldest Slayer on record for the last thousand years…and I've only been active for 5 years!"

"Less than a year?!" Snape sputtered in shock.

"The only reason that I've lasted this long is because they didn't discover me until I was actually activated.  I grew up as a normal child…I had a life, I had parents, I had friends.  I wasn't some Council-trained drone, taken from my family at birth, and taught only think about how to kill the monsters."  Elizabeth stood, and paced in front of the fireplace, agitated.  "When I became the Slayer, they sent a Watcher to train me, and it was only by some miracle that Merrick, my first Watcher, didn't believe in the rules they had been forcing Slayers to live by.  Giles, his replacement, was just as adamant in that belief.  I refused to let them isolate me, and they didn't.  I demanded that I was allowed to have a life, and they let me have one.  When my friends wanted to join the fight, they let them join."

Halting her pacing, she turned to look at him, giving him a fierce look of conviction, "My friends and family were the only reason I survived.  They gave me something to live for."

"Tell me," Snape said softly, holding out a strong hand to her, which she clasped gratefully.

Kneeling before him, she laid her head against his knee, and spoke of the past five years, leaving no details out, and grasping his hand like it was a life-line.

And Snape listened to her stories, stroked her hair when she cried, held her hand strongly when she spoke of her hardships.  He shared her pain.

And it hurt.

*****************************************************

He sat in front of the fireplace, glass of fire-whiskey in his hand.  He took a sip.

Nothing good he had done in his life could compare to what she has done.

Nothing bad he had done in his life could compare to what they did to all those girls.

He swirled the contents of his glass then took another sip.

How had she survived such a life?

Sip.

That damn council!

Sip.

Letting children fight…

Sip.

…without being fully armed...

Sip.

….in magic!

Sip.

Survival rate of less than a year…

Sip.

…for a thousand years…

Sip.

…that's one thousand needless deaths!  Of children!

He threw his half-full glass into the fireplace, watching as the flames burned higher for a moment. 

A thought passed through his mind, and he froze.  His eyes widening, he swiftly stood, grabbing a small canister on the mantle.  Opening it, he took a small handful and threw it into the fire.

When the fire turned green, he barked out, "Headmaster Dumbledore."

The familiar visage of the old man appeared in Snape's fireplace, asking, "What may I do for you Severus?"

"I need to speak with you, Albus.  May I enter?"

"Of course, of course."

The Headmaster's head disappeared, and Snape grabbed another small handful of floo powder.  Stepping into the green flames, he tossed the powder at his feet and clearly stated, "Headmaster's office," and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Exiting gracefully on the other end, the dark-haired man took a seat in front of Dumbledore's desk and pinned him with his gaze.

"Elizabeth has remembered."

The old man looked pleased.

"And what can you tell me about our guest?"

"Only that Elizabeth is, without a doubt, on the side of light.  She is trustworthy, Albus.  That is all I can say."

"Nothing more, such as why she is here?"

"For right now, only to heal.  She believes that, when the time is right, she will be told her purpose here.  But that is not why I needed to see you, Albus."

Dumbledore arched an eyebrow at the potions master, gesturing him to continue.

"I need to borrow the Hogwarts Book of Wizards and Witches."

"Severus!  You know that book is sacrosanct, only to be viewed by the current Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress!" The Headmaster gave him a serious look.

"I know, Albus, but it is imperative that I see it."

"Might I ask why?"

"It was something Elizabeth said," Snape responded, running an agitated hand through his hair.  "I can't go into details, Albus, but it has to do with a thousand needless deaths, and the possible prevention of more."

"Who died, Severus.  Can you tell me that much?"

"Children, Albus…children," Snape said softly.

The Headmaster stood.  Walking over to a pedestal next to Fawkes, he picked up a large tome.  Returning to his desk, he placed it gently before the troubled man.

"Take as long as you need, Severus, but do not let the book leave Hogwarts."

"Yes, Sir," he said gratefully.

Gathering the book in his arms, he returned to his quarters.  And, for the remainder of the night, he copied names and addresses of all the students, for the last 50 years, who rejected their Hogwarts acceptance letter.

In the wee hours of morning, Snape rubbed a hand over his eyes, then continued to run his finger down the names listed on the page he was currently reviewing.  As his finger stopped on the next name that had 'rejected' next to it, he dropped his quill in shock.  It read:

Rupert Giles

*********************************************************

Although he didn't want to leave Elizabeth alone, Snape felt that he should make an appearance in the hall for lunch…if only to dispel any rumors that he was on his deathbed.  Couldn't let the children begin their celebration too early…he planned to make their lives miserable for a long time.

Not bothering to become involved in any of the conversations that flowed around him, he ate quickly.  Once finished, he pushed his chair back, and made his exit out the professor's door, and swiftly walked down the corridors that eventually led him to the entrance to the dungeons.

"Professor!  Professor!"

Snape halted his long stride, and turned to see his favorite (not!) trio of students.

Giving them a sneer, he snapped, "What is it?  Lost your way to the Golden Tower?"

"Um…no, sir.  We just wanted to find out when Elizabeth's lessons were going to start again, Sir."

"I will inform you as soon as I know," Snape growled, turning to leave.

His escape was halted by a wispy voice calling out to him.

"Ahhh…my dear Professor Snape.  How are you this day, my dear?  And how is your patient?" the colorfully dressed woman

Snape sighed heavily in resignation, shoulders drooping.  He glared at the three children, who were almost failing to hold back their giggles.

"Good afternoon, Sybil.  As well as can be expected.  And none of your business," Snape barked out.  "If you will excuse me, your perfume is beginning to give me a headache.

Before he could stalk off, the annoying professor of Divinations, also known as Sybil Trelawney, placed a hand on his arm to catch his attention again.  On contact with the potions master's arm, she immediately stiffened, her eyes rolled back, and her voice deepened to a harsh one they had never heard from her before.

"Beware the Ides of March.  Through an ancient God of the Undead, a dark magic will call for the warrior of the people.  The warrior must not be taken by the dark force, or all is lost.  Make your claim to the dead god.  Break the crook and flail, and crush the urn.  The warrior has already been returned.  Beware the Ides of March.  The warrior must not be taken by the dark force, or all is lost."

The three students and one adult gaped at the Divinations professor as she shook her head, eyes fluttering.

"What was I saying.  Oh…yes…if you should ever want your tea leaves read, my dear, come to my tower." 

She pat the dark-haired man's arm, then turned towards the Great Hall, leaving four confused people in her wake.

Snape shook off the icy finger of dread that had crept up his spine.  Turning sharply towards the three gawking students, he growled, "Come with me….NOW!"

Stalking down to the dungeons, the potions master headed towards his office, the three students scrambling behind him.

Upon reaching the door, he flung it opened, and sharply gestured the three Gryffindors to enter, shutting the door firmly behind him.  Pulling his wand out, he intoned several locking and silencing charms, then made his way to the chair behind his desk.

"Sit!"

They sat, looking uncertainly at each other.

Snape leaned forward pinning the three students with his sharp gaze.

"It has been known, by very few people, that Professor Trelawney occasionally has true predictions.  I believe we have just witnessed one, of which, none of you will speak of to anyone.  Is that understood?!"

"But…"

"No one…not even the Headmaster, Mr. Potter!"

Harry quailed at the fierce look on his professor's face, and it was Hermione who scraped up the courage to question him.

"Why, Sir?  Shouldn't the Headmaster know about this?"

"I will allow your impertinence just this one time Ms. Granger, since you don't know of the latest developments."

Snape stood and, turning, walked to the space behind his chair.  Clasping his hands behind his back, he took a moment to think, before turning back to the three unusually silent Gryffindors.

"Miss Elizabeth has not been ill, Ms. Granger.  She regained her memories the day before yesterday, which caused her some…distress.  She revealed her identity to me, and we spoke at length.  And before you ask…no, I cannot tell you…nor can I tell anyone, and that includes the Headmaster."

"But…"

"No, Ms. Granger.  Knowing what I know now, I understand.  She is still in a vulnerable stage, and could be easily overcome by those who would use her, including the Headmaster."

"Professor Dumbledore wouldn't do that!" Hermione exclaimed, affronted at the thought.

"The Albus Dumbledore you know, and the one that I know are two different people, Ms. Granger.  To you, he is a kind and benevolent old man.  To me, he is a manipulative old coot, of which even Mr. Potter can attest to some degree."

Harry rolled his eyes, nodding his head in agreement.

"Now, I'm sure Miss Elizabeth would appreciate it if you would keep quiet about what just happened.  Understood?"

Hermione reluctantly agreed.  Ron just nodded his head emphatically, eyes wide with fear of the snarky man.

"You are dismissed," Snape said, waving his wand to unlock the door.  "And, Ms. Granger…leave the prediction alone.  I will take care of interpreting it."

Ron and Harry almost ran out the door, but Hermione hesitated for a moment.  Making a quick decision, she shut the door and turned back to the scowling man.

"Sir.  I don't know who the 'warrior of the people' is, but the Ides of March has to do with an old Roman calendar…it means the date of March 15th, which is coming up in a few days.  And though there may not be any connection, the only reference I know of is in a muggle book by William Shakespeare called Julius Caesar."  Hermione made to open the door again, but stopped again.  "Oh!  And…um…the crook and flail is a symbol of authority when carried by an ancient Egyptian king.  It looks like a small scepter crossed by a whip.  I believe it's usually associated with the god Osiris, who is also known as the God of the Undead.  I-I hope that helps, Sir."

Snape sighed in resignation.

"Twenty points to Gryffindor, Ms. Granger.  Now go, before I beat my head against my desk for awarding points to your house again."

Hermione blushed and quickly exited the office.

The bushy haired girl leaned against the door she had just closed behind her.  Her eyes sparkled in delight.  She gave a soft squeal of excitement over receiving more points from the reticent Slytherin professor.  This was the second time!

She was on a roll!

*************************************************************

Elizabeth traced her fingers over and over the words, as if by touching them, she could become closer to the person it described.

.

Rupert Giles

DOB 08/07/52

Guardian:  Aiden Quinn, CoW

Hogwarts First Year, 1963

Acceptance Letter:  REJECTED

.

He would have loved this world, with all the magic and magical creatures that abound in it.  She could even see him owning a kneazle.  She smiled at that thought, which turned into a sad expression.  He was denied this world, by overbearing, power-hungry control freaks…and so were thousands of young girls and boys.  Snape had given her a list that said so.

Giles thought she was dead, and she couldn't tell him otherwise.  It wasn't safe for her to return to her home, and she didn't know if that was what the Powers That Be had in store for her.

Until she was told otherwise, she had to stay where she was…and let her friends and sister believe she had perished in the last fight.

A tear trickled down her flushed face.

God…she missed them!

********************************************************************

"…it's time," a female voice said firmly.
"It's time? Like, *time* time? With the...timeliness?" a panicked male voice responded.

"Are you sure?" a second female voice questioned.

"I am," the first female voice said confidently.

"Mercury's in retrograde, and we have..." a soft third female voice stopped for a moment, then addressed the first female.  "Do we have everything?"

The first female confirmed, "Just about."

Still flustered, the male voice said, "But why the sudden rushy-rush? I mean, did the bot blow our cover at school?"

"No, she did great, she impressed all the teachers," the third female responded with a smile in her voice.

"And they still thought it was Buffy?" the male voiced responded, amazed.

From a short distance away, the first female said, "Tomorrow night, we'll meet back here."
The male exclaimed in alarm, "Whoa! Let's apply the brakes and check the rear- and side-view mirrors here."

They all look at him silently.

The male, in a much calmer voice said, "This is deep stuff, Willow. We're talking about raising the dead."

In a no-nonsense voice, Willow responded, "It's time we stop talking. Tomorrow night ... we're bringing Buffy back."

"Oy, Harry!  Wake up!  You're going to miss breakfast!  And we have early potions class today!"

Harry shot up to a sitting position, rubbing his eyes before glaring at his read-headed friend.

Ron smirked at him, tapping his watch, showing Harry that he had less than thirty minutes to get dressed and down to breakfast in the Great Hall before he was due in class.

The messy-haired teen cursed under his breath as he jumped out of bed, grabbed his clothes, and high-tailed it to the boys shower.

The remnants of the dream lingered, and Harry wondered who Willow and Buffy were.  Pushing it to the back of his mind, Harry hurriedly got dressed, and concentrated on more important current issues…Food.

He never noticed that his scar had a fading white glow.

************************************************************

Snape was eerily silent, making the students shift fearfully in their seats.  It was the Gryffindor/Slytherin fourth year morning potions class…Snape was never silent in this class – Harry was in it, and that was enough to usually make Snape snarkier than usual.

But, after giving the students instructions to read several chapters of their potions text, the dark-haired man hovered over the mysterious Hogwarts guest as she brewed a simple potion.

The Gryffindor Trio exchanged concerned glances.  It was March 15th…the Ides of March.  Whatever Trelawney predicted was going to happen today…if it really was a true prediction.

Five minutes into class, Malfoy, arrogant prick that he was, decided that his Head of House's distraction was a good opportunity to aggravate the Gryffindors at the desk next to him, which happened to be Harry and Ron.

Extracting his wand, he quickly transfigured their chairs into pin-cushions, making the two boys yell out in pain, causing all heads to turn in their direction.

"Mr. Malfoy!  Don't think I didn't notice what you're doing."

Snape stalked up to where the blonde-haired youth was gaping, and leaned forward to glare at him.

"Do not toy with my patience, boy!" Snape snarled at him, causing the teen to recoil.  "Twenty points from Slytherin and detention with Mr. Filch for 3 days.  This, of course, will be after your current detention…and just be thankful that I don't have you cleaning under that room!"

A gasp distracted him, and he looked to where the sound came from…back at his desk.

Elizabeth was swaying on her feet, and she called out weakly, "S-Severus," before collapsing to the ground, arching her back in pain.

Screams were heard as Snape yelled for everyone to get out.  He rushed to the young woman's side as the students scrambled to follow his order.

Gathering the young woman in his arms, he called her name.

Elizabeth grasped the front of his robes as she gasped out, "Trying to…take me…back…Willow…"

Harry, having just taken his first step away from his desk when he heard Elizabeth say a name from his dream, rushed to where the two adults were, and dropped to his knees.

"Sir!"

"I said to get out, Mr. Potter!" Snape snarled.

"But Sir…I had a dream this morning that mentioned the name Elizabeth just said…Willow.  I-I don't know what it was about, but they also mentioned someone by the name of Buffy, and they were talking about raising the dead!  Does that mean anything to you?"

Snape swore.

"Get the Headmaster, Mr. Potter!  And have someone get Professor McGonagall!  Now!"

Harry rushed to comply, only pausing when Snape called out to him again.

"Once they get here, Mr. Potter, I need you and Ms. Granger to cordon of the hallway to this classroom.  No one is to get near this room.  Do you understand!"

"Yes Sir!"

Harry ran out of the room, grabbing Ron as he shouted for Hermione to block the door.

The two boys ran through the line of students, yelling at them to get out of the way.  Harry quickly told Ron to tell McGonagall to go to the potions room asap, and the two parted ways at the top of the main level stairs.

Both parties took the short way back…through the inter-school floo system, meeting in the potions room in less than five minutes.  The two boys were quickly shooed out of the room, with instructions to tell the students to return to their common rooms until their next class, then to barricade the door and hallway.

"Severus!  What's happening?!" McGonagall exclaimed, flustered to see their guest writhing in pain in the potions master's arms.  "Aren't we hurting her more by being here?"

"It's beyond that, Minerva.  Elizabeth's friends are trying to take her back…trying to raise the friend they believe is dead!  They're attempting to call back her soul…to put it into that body you transfigured from a bench!" Snape yelled.  "And they're succeeding!"

"Oh Merciful Heavens!" McGonagall fluttered her hands in shock.  "That shouldn't be possible!  That transfiguration should have ended long ago!"

"Well it didn't, and now they're trying to put her in there!"

"What can we do, Severus?" Dumbledore said calmly.  "Tell us, and we'll do it."

Snape clutched the young woman to him as he addressed the Headmaster.  "I have to go in, Albus.  I have to follow the magic back to its source and break the connection, but I don't have the power to do both."

"But that's too dangerous, Severus!  You know what will happen if the power at the other end is stronger than you are…we could lose you too!" McGonagall exclaimed in fear.

"If she dies, we die, Minerva," Snape said calmly, giving the Deputy Headmistress a fierce look.

"I will share my power with you, my dear boy.  Do what you need to do," Dumbledore interrupted the two other professors with his soothing voice.

McGonagall hesitated a moment before she also agreed to share her power.

"Minerva, I need to break the transfiguration.  You know what that will do to you," Snape said softly.

McGonagall looked pained for a moment before responding, "It will back-lash.  I understand, Severus.  I will only be able to give you a portion of my power then, as I will need to set up barriers so the recoil doesn't kill me.  Will that be sufficient?"

The dark-haired man nodded sharply.  "We must hurry, or we'll lose her!"

The Deputy Headmistress quickly set up several shielding spells, then both she and the Headmaster raised their wands and incanted a spell.

Snape gathered their offered power then, wrapping his own around it, he whispered a spell.  His essence jumped into Elizabeth, quickly finding the line of power and began to follow it to its source.

Back in the potions room, his body slumped over the form it held.

***********************************************************

"Osiris! Here lies the warrior of the people. Let her cross over."

Willow winces in pain, blood running from the cuts on her arms, and round shapes moving under her skin. She gives a little moan of pain.

The round things move up her arms and over her chest toward her neck.

"She needs help!" Xander yelled.

"Xander, she's strong! She said not to stop, no matter what. If we break the cycle now, it's over," Tara pleaded with the dark-haired man.

They all watch anxiously as Willow continued to breathe heavily.

"Osiris, let her cross over! Aah..."

Willow makes choking noises, the round things under her skin moving up her neck.

"Oh my god, oh my god," Tara said in a panicked voice.

Willow leans forward putting her hands on the ground, gagging.  A snake head appears in her open mouth. As her fingers clutch the grass, the snake slithers out her mouth and onto the ground. The others look horrified.

Tara tries to calm herself as she softly chants to herself, "It's a test. It's a test. Willow..."

Willow is leaning over the ground with her mouth still open as a swirl of mist forms, unnoticed by the others, at the foot of Buffy's grave.

Anya, Xander, and Tara continue staring as orange light swirls around Willow, who is kneeling up again, panting loudly.

"Osiris, release her!" Willow yells out.

A deep voice cut in sharply, "Osiris!  Hear me!"

The four young adults look towards where the voice was coming from.  A dense mist swirled at the foot of Buffy's grave.  As the two men and two women watched, the mist quickly formed into the shape of a man with prominent features, colors eventually settling to show that he had long dark hair, and black eyes.

The man ignored them as he shouted out again, "Osiris!  Hear me!  I make claim to the soul of Buffy Summers!"

"No!" Willow screamed.

"The warrior has found her place at my side!  I claim her as mine!" the man roared.

"Osiris!  Hear me!  Release the warrior of the people!  Let her cross over!"

While the red-head was distracted in making her own plea, Snape waved his hand at the object in front of her, calling it to him.  It was the snake, which had, unnoticed by the others, changed into a crook and flail.  As soon as it hit his hand, Snape raised it above his head.

"Osiris!  By the symbol of authority I hold, I make my claim!  The warrior has found her place at my side!  I claim her as mine!  Hear me!"

Thunder crashed in the sky and wind whipped around the five people fighting for one soul.

The two supplicants were interrupted by another person.  Snape's eyes widen as he sees Elizabeth running up to them.  But, as he took a closer look, he could see that it, whatever it was, wasn't as graceful as his Elizabeth.  It looked fake…unreal.

"Willow! I need service!" the thing said to the red-head, who, apparently, was Willow.

At a loud growling sound, the Elizabeth-shaped thing looked behind her and ran off just as several demons on motorcycles rode up.

The four adults jump up as the motorcycles raced past them, chasing the blonde-haired form.

Willow turned towards the dark-haired man, locking her gaze with his.

"Who are you?!" she demanded.

Giving her a smirk, he just waived his hand, causing one of the motorcycles to whip around and return in their direction.

Willow jumped out of the way, but was then forced to watch in horror as demon ran his bike over the Urn of Osiris, shattering it.

"Nooooooooo!" the red-head screamed, falling to her knees, scrambling to gather the pieces together.

Willow's gaze whipped up in anger towards the ethereal form that had caused the destruction of the only object that would have brought her best friend back to them.  Her eyes begin to turn dark.

The man looked at her with derision.  "Foolish child!  You should not have sought to return that which has already been restored."

With those last words, the dark-haired man broke the crook and flail over his knees and dropped the pieces to the ground.

With a last gesture at the grave, the man's shape became misty again, and quickly disappeared.

***********************************************************

Snape came back to his body with a deeply-felt snap.  He gasped heavily, falling onto his back, clasping the unconscious form of Elizabeth to him.

Dumbledore looked over at him from where he was gently cradling the limp form of his Deputy Headmistress.

"Is everything all right now, Severus?" the Headmaster asked softly.

Snape slowly sat up, lifting Elizabeth with him.

"Everything is as it should be, Albus.  The danger has been permanently…terminated."

"I hope you didn't have to harm anyone."

"No…just their ego," Snape responded with a smirk.

Both men stood, bringing their charges up with them…one with the strength of his arms, the other with the strength of his magic.

Nodding their heads at each other, they made their way out of the room, each to take care of the woman they held.

.

.

.

And back in Sunnydale, a powerful red-haired witch screamed in fury.

.

.

.

.

A/N:  Well….I have to say that this chapter was very…satisfying. grin  I didn't want to rush it, but the words just kept flowing out.  I hope I did it justice.

I know, I know…many of you were hoping for a more violent scene between Malfoy and the house-elves…blood-thirsty little buggers that you are.  Sorry to disappoint you, but it's my story, so there!  :P  I have plans for young Malfoy. (Shay strokes his blonde locks, the boy's head firmly squished between her arm and her ample breast – Malfoy squeaks out a weak 'help me', as he struggles to break free.)

Now…reviewers...I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU GUYS!! grin  Can you tell that I absolutely adore all the reviewers who left me a note about the last chapter?  Can you do it again?  Pleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaseee?  To those who read this at Twisting the Hellmouth…I'd like to make the list of "Top Fics" at least once, and the only way I can do that is if at least 15 of you review this chapter.  Please?  I got this chapter out in a little over 1 month…much faster than my last updates…isn't that worth something?  Like a review?  grin  That doesn't mean that those of you who are reading this a Fanfiction.net can slack off!  Go on…press that button!  Do it…you know you wanna!

I'm ecstatic that this chapter came out so quickly.  I was worried that I would crash into that writer's block wall, but I guess the "resolve face" worked really well to keep it at bay.  I hope to get the next chapter out as quickly, but can't guarantee it since I just started classes again…and Chemistry is already kicking my butt after only two weeks.  *sigh*  Friggin' chemicals…my philosophy is that…if I can't see it with the naked eye, it doesn't exist in my vocabulary…unfortunately, that doesn't fly with my Chem teacher.  Grrrr

On a different and less aggravating note…what am I missing?  So many things are going on with this story, and I could use all you readers to remind me of what still needs to be explained at this point (but if anyone says "the plot", I'm gonna waive my fist at you!).  I know that Elizabeth/Buffy's connection to the elves still needs to be explained, and her eventual "meeting" with Aragog still needs to happen.  Other than that, I've lost track of things, and will need to go back and read through the previous chapters to remember.  If you can help out, I would appreciate it!

To those who have sent me email and plan on sending it via that route again, please note that my email has changed.

And remember REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!!