CHAPTER 16

"Sir, I'm sorry I-" Harry stopped when he saw that Snape's eyes weren't angry, but sad as he looked at the album in Harry's lap. "Was she a relative of yours?" Harry asked instead.

Snape nodded, "My sister, twin sister actually." Harry starred at the floor to cover his astonishment. Snape had a sister?

"What happened?" Harry asked quietly.

Snape's eyes remained on the photograph, but grew clouded and bitter as he thought. When he answered, his voice was quiet, angry and the smallest bit sad. "It was the summer after our third year, and we'd just gotten home—when we found our father waiting for us outside. Somehow, Selena had angered Lucius and he 'let slip' in a letter to his father that Selena was friends with a mudblood, a werewolf, a traitor, and several cowards. Lucius Sr. immediately told our own father. He'd always thought Selena was weak, when she was really the only decent one in the family." He grimaced, "and now he had 'proof', as he called it, that she was weak. After admitting to befriending the people Lucius had mentioned, Selena was given a choice: either we would move, leaving her behind—or banishment from the Snape family." The head Slytherin's voice grew tight, "She chose banishment. And once she left that day, I never heard from her again."

"Why?"

"Our father told Selena that, if she ever talked to, wrote, or was seen with a Snape, he would kill me." The potions master answered, and his eyes and voice returned to normal; complete with the usual sneer, "You will not repeat this discussion to anyone Potter; no students, no Order members, no teachers, no one; understand?"

Harry nodded, gave him the album, then asked one more question as the professor began to leave, "Sir, Are—did your parents die?"

Snape hesitated, "Yes."

Harry lay awake for several more hours in his bed, thinking about Snape and his sister. Why had Snape told Harry anything? Why hadn't the Slytherin lashed out at him for invading his privacy once more? These questions and more swirled mercilessly through his head, and showed no signs of letting up. After remembering the group picture, Harry made up his mind, and fell asleep at last.

Ginny and Hermione appeared in the boys' room early the next morning, eager for more animagus training. Even Ron didn't groan about his lost sleep at this. But instead of helping them reveal their forms, Harry coached them in focusing on their totems quickly. An hour later, most of the others in Grimmauld Place were up, and the four stopped for the day. After a wonderful breakfast of waffles and bacon made by Mrs. Weasley, Harry pulled Remus aside. "I need to talk to you later—in Buckbeak's room, and alone, okay?"

Remus nodded, "I'll be there in ten minutes Tallon." Harry then left his guardian to talk with McGonagall, who'd just come over. He nodded slightly in greeting to Snape as he passed, who barely dipped his head in response, black eyes unreadable. After a brief chat with Tonks, Harry casually made his way upstairs. Once in the room, he greeted Buckbeak, and pet him until Moony arrived. "What is it?"

Harry cast another Jumbling-charm on the room, "Do you remember a girl called Selena?"

Harry noticed that Remus gained a faraway look in his eyes, "yes, nice girl—especially since she was in Slytherin, why do you ask?"

Taking a breath, Harry answered, "I think she's why Professor Snape is so bitter."

Remus blinked in surprise, "What makes you think that?" After making Remus promise not to repeat a word, Harry explained the conversation he'd had with Snape last night. "So, what is it you're wondering?" Lupin asked once Harry finished.

"Well, if you knew anything about where she went after she was banished."

Remus scratched his chin thoughtfully, "I have a few letters from her somewhere, and a couple from her friends—I'll try to dig something up if you like. But, what's the occasion?"

Harry grinned shyly, "Maybe a family reunion would make Potions easier." Remus laughed, and Harry returned to The Hideaway ten minutes later.

He apologized to Hedwig and the founders for being away, and his lessons instantly resumed. By tomorrow he would be able to try his first real apperation, and Harry went to bed content. After his midday lessons with Helga and Rowena, Harry was joined by Remus, who was still having a little trouble teleporting. "I think I've found something," his guardian said.

"Already?" Harry asked, impressed.

Remus nodded, "I think she's at her second school, teaching."

"Where's that?"

"Durmstrang." Moony answered firmly. "One of her friends from Ravenclaw house visited her last year—we can only hope she didn't leave."

Harry thought about it, "Well, would you mind if we went to see tomorrow?" he asked, "I know it's short notice, but-"

"The sooner the better," Remus finished. "I'd like to see her again myself. You know, I think she was one of the few who knew I was a werewolf before James and Sirius did."

Harry nodded in understanding. "I've got to let the founder know we'll be gone tomorrow."

Remus smiled, "I'll pack for both of us, two days should be enough."

The founders were slightly put out that Harry would be leaving again so soon, but once Harry explained his reasons, Salazar quickly convinced the others not to mind it so much. His apperation went well, but he had to go into the woods a ways, and then try—he was only able to apperate ten feet away. Before going to bed at the end of the day, he set out his clothes for the next day. He'd decided to wear his black dragonhide boots; his vest, which would go under his dark blue t-shirt; an everyday, dark blue cloak, and a pair of jeans; along with his two wand holsters and the knife in its sheath. Feeling ready, Harry collapsed onto his bed, and fell into a thankfully dreamless sleep.

He was woken by Remus a little after dawn. "Sorry I overslept." He mumbled.

"Don't worry Tallon, there's no need to rush." Lupin answered. "Breakfast is downstairs, so is your bag."

"Thanks Moony," Harry said with a tired smiled. Remus left, and Harry got dressed. He pulled his hair back once more, trimmed it a little, then joined Lupin in the dining room. They ate, while Remus told a few stories about Selena. "Wonderful beater," he said as they cleaned up, "Great competition for Padfoot. The number of times he swore or cursed her for blocking one of his bludgers were uncountable." After shrinking their bags, Harry got out his broom, and gave it to Remus. "I'll fly," he explained, "But as a phoenix. They've got great endurance and speed—really."

Lupin shrugged, "Alright. But we'll stop if you get even the smallest bit tired. We don't need a phoenix dropping out of the sky and on to an unfortunate muggle's head." Harry laughed, and they went outside to begin their journey to Durmstrang.

Harry warned Remus not to kick off too hard, and Lupin told him he was glad he listened once they were airborne. Harry was able to fly at roughly sixty mph, so Remus made sure to keep an even pace with him. After three hours, Harry perched on the broom behind Moony. "Want to go faster?" Remus asked. Harry trilled a yes. Smiling, Lupin urged the broom to at least 150 mph, much to Harry's enjoyment as he clutched onto the broom with all his might. They rode for five more hours at that speed, and it was enough to make it into an extremely snowy area with hundreds of mountains. They then went down to sixty miles per hour again. 'hey Remus, can you hear me?' Harry asked mentally, a phoenix technique he hoped would work.

"Yes Harry," Remus answered aloud. "You sound like my conscience though—it's rather strange."

Harry laughed, it came out at a cheerful, upbeat song. 'Right, well, were is Durmstrang?'

"I'm sorry to say that I'm 'not allowed' to tell you that it's in Russia." Lupin answered innocently. Harry sang his laughter a second time. After two more hours of flying and sharing stories about anything and everything, Remus sent out a shower of gold sparks as they circled over a mountain near a lake.

A shower of silver sparks answered, and Harry transfigured back to human as Remus ordered, and rode double on the broom with his guardian. Two people appeared on brooms out of nowhere.

"Your name and business?" the gruff-looking wizard asked.

"I am Remus Lupin, come to see Selena Epans." Moony answered.

"Your name and business?" the witch asked Harry.

"I'm Harry Potter, and I also came to see Selena Epans." He answered calmly.

The two inspectors nodded, and shot copper sparks out of their wands. Seconds later, bronze sparks flew out of the mountain, and it vanished, revealing an enormous castle just a tiny bit larger than Hogwarts. Silently, the two inspectors escorted Remus and Harry to the front doors, which were twenty feet tall and made of mahogany and copper.

The doors opened, and the new headmaster was standing in the entryway, waiting for them. He didn't look much like Karkaroff, with his graying-brown hair and intelligent, amber eyes. "I welcome you to Durmstrang, I am Headmaster Ilvgont, and History Professor of this school. How may I help you?"

"I am Remus Lupin, and the guardian of Harry Potter, who is with me. We would like to see Selena Epans, if you would let us." Moony answered, offering a hand to shake.

The headmaster to it, and also shook Harry's hand. "I shall personally take you to her." He replied, "she is currently in the dungeons I believe, getting ready."

"Sir—if I may ask, what's she preparing for?" Tallon asked.

Ilvgont sighed, and led them out of the hall. "Unfortunately, she had resigned from her post of teaching at our school. I believe she is creating one last batch of healing potions as we speak." He explained. "You see, she came here for her fourth year of education, and by the time she graduated, our potions teacher had left. I asked her what she planned to do for a job, and she asked to fill that role, after she took the test that would certify her as a potions mistress. Now, she is leaving, wants to travel. She mentioned Germany, Australia, and the United States I believe."

"Was she going to visit Britain?" Harry asked.

Ilvgont shook his head, "No. She is saddened by it, though not a soul knows why. Ah, here we are." Harry and Remus had been too absorbed in Ilvgont's talking to noticed the well-lit dungeons they'd traveled into. "She prefers quiet when she works, so please don't speak too loud." Ilvgont told them, then knocked on the door.

"Enter," came a woman's voice. The headmaster opened the door, and led them in.

Selena 'Epans' had her back to them, and was stirring a cauldron with one hand while pouring ingredients into her cauldron with the other. She didn't even look at what she picked up, even after hesitating at three vials before deciding on one. "I'll be with you in a moment Headmaster, and guests." She told them. Two ingredients later, she turned the stove down, allowing the potion to cool. Stepping back, she took out the ponytail that kept her shoulder-length ebony hair out of the way.

Selena then turned around, and greeted Ilvgont with a small nod. "Is there something you needed Sir?"

He shook his head, "No actually, besides a new potions teacher." He teased subtly, "But these two gentlemen asked to see you."

She looked thoughtfully, then confusedly, at Lupin's face. "Remus?"

Harry's guardian smiled, "Hello Selena," he said, stepping forward.

She smiled back, and hugged him. "It's good to see you again," she said once they'd released each other.

"Same to you," Lupin replied.

Selena then looked at Harry, and crossed her arms. "I am guessing the most unlikely pair of James Potter and Lily Evans got married?"

Harry couldn't help liking Snape's twin immediately, "Yeah, they were my parents." He answered.

A shadow entered her already dark eyes, "What happened?" she asked as Ilvgont silently exited the room.

"They were murdered by Voldemort," Harry answered quietly.

"And Sirius?" she asked softly, looking at Remus.

"He died too, in a fight against Voldemort's followers." The werewolf answered, voice tight.

She sat down on a stool that was behind her, and covered her face with a hand. "Damn you Tom.." she cursed bitterly, "I take it Peter's alive?"

Remus grimaced, "Unfortunately. He's responsible for James' and Lily's deaths."

"I never could bring myself to believe it when I heard Sirius had betrayed them and murdered Peter," she said, then looked at Harry. "I apologize about Sirius and your parents. I was not friends with James, but we were not enemies either. Your mother though—she was one of my best friends." Selena closed her eyes, "Did—has anything happened to—him?" she whispered.

"Severus is alive," Remus answered, clearly to her relief.
"Has he changed much?"

"He can be a git sometimes," Harry muttered.

"What do you mean by that Mr. Potter?"

Harry's face tinged with color, "Well, after you left Hogwarts, in their fifth year, my dad embarrassed Sna- er, Professor Snape really bad; and now, since I look like my dad, Professor Snape hated me since my first day at Hogwarts."

Selena shook her head, "That doesn't sound like him."

Harry took a nervous breath, "Um, Professor Epans, we came her for another reason too."

She raised an eyebrow, "And what is that?"

"he told me your parents died," Harry said quietly, "That means you can go back, and see your brother." She didn't answer, so Harry pushed on. "I think he needs your help. He ended up becoming a Death Eater, then he became a spy for the Order—a group of people fighting against Voldemort."

"More than half the time he comes back injured," Remus added, "He risks his life at every meeting.—on both sides."

"And I thought I was the reckless one," she muttered at her hands, then looked up, "Alright, I'll leave with you."

The headmaster of Durmstrang was disappointed to see her leave, but cheered up the smallest bit when she said she'd trained a replacement- saving him some work. He still was sorry to see her go. She had only a black leather duffle bag containing her belongings, and she shrunk it as they stepped outside. Remus got Harry's broom, and Harry himself turned into his phoenix form.

Selena told them she need to go to her house first, then transformed into a black, silver eyed thestral and leapt into the air. Tallon and Moony followed her for two hours, and the sun was setting by the time they reached her house. It was a bit smaller than the Dursleys', but bigger then an apartment. "Since it's dark already, you're welcome to stay the night," she told them, opening the door after returning to human form.

"Thank you Selena," Remus answered.

"Thanks Ms. Epans," Harry said, "Or is it Professor?"

Her mouth twitched in a smile, "Professor will be fine." The walls, floor, and trim were blue green and white- respectively. "There are two guest rooms on the right," she told them, "and the washroom is right across. The study is upstairs next to my room. The kitchen and dining rooms are down the left hall." They thanked her again, and went into their rooms.

Harry woke the next morning, and changed into a black robe, another pair of jeans, and a grey t-shirt; he wore the boots and vest again. He found Remus and Selena already in the dining room, talking as they finished their eggs. "Good morning Harry," Lupin greeted.

"'Morning Remus, 'morning Professor." He answered, and sat down across from them.

Selena pushed a plate of eggs towards him. "Hoe you don't mind pepper," she said. He thanked her and said he didn't mind, then began to eat. After he finished, they cleaned up and Selena went upstairs to get her bag. "I've got an idea," Harry said.

"What's that?" Remus asked.

"We could just go back to The Hideaway, then teleport to Headquarters."

"Do you mind taking her there?"

Harry shrugged, "I can do it fast enough that she won't notice we went to two places. I did it with Alex before."

Remus smiled, "Alright, drop us off in the living room would you? I'm still not quite used to teleporting."

Harry nodded as Selena came back down the stairs. "Harry is going to do a spell that will get us there quicker," Remus told her, "It might feel strange, but we'll reach Headquarters in a matter of seconds."

She nodded, "So that's why you're a phoenix Mr. Potter."

"Huh?" Harry asked, confused.

"Phoenixes are masters of transportation." She told him. "They can move faster than any other creature or thing known to the magical and muggle worlds."

"Oh, I get it, thanks." He said, she nodded. Harry put a hand on Remus' arm, and Remus put a hand on Selena's shoulder. Harry counted to three, then teleported all of them. Before their feet even touched the ground at Black Manor, Harry teleported them to the living room in Grimmauld Place. "Can you see it?" Remus asked Selena, who nodded.

"Fideleus Charm?" she asked.

"Yeah," Harry answered. Murmurs came through the door leading to the dining room, drawing the arrivals' gazes to it. "They're probably still at breakfast," Remus said, "It's only seven after all." Selena nodded, silent as she pulled her black robes closer to herself.

"Do you want to go in there Professor?" Harry asked, "Or should I get him?"

"I will go in," she replied, "explanations need to be made only once." Harry nodded, and opened the door, eager to see Snape's reaction.

Coming Up:

When twins meet again

Another chat with Dumbledore

Something unexpected

Then:

Belated Birthday

Friends Meet again

Review Response:

Wytil: I'm not sure what it is you meant by that… (response to review of ch.15)

Dragonic: I know I didn't quite depict it in much detail, but I might later (response to review of ch.15)

Skuld's Sentaro3: You assume correctly. I actually foreshadowed it when Harry first discovered that he was related to the Snape family several chapters ago.

athenakitty: Remus didn't like the cart because it went too fast, it's just something I thought fitted Remus' character. About the Saldumora Potion, Harry had already teleported to The Hideaway when Snape spoke of it; Harry does not know of it just yet.

Again, I would like to thank all of you for reviewing. I know my spelling could use some work, but words like 'another' I learned to spell that way. Thank you for adding your comments, compliments and questions to your reviews. And as always, I hope I do not disappoint you. A.S.Leif