Disclaimer: J K Rowling owns the rights and likenesses of all the characters in the Harry Potter series. This story is meant to add to the world she created. Any conflicts are accidental and they yield to her reality (canon).

14. A Secret

Dumbledore was the only one who seemed to have understood what Harry meant. "Harry, I believe Samantha needs you right now. We will take care of this."

Hermione was looking through the shield searching for any signs of movement. Fawkes adjusted his footing slightly as Harry strode quickly back to his daughter. When he was within a few feet, he waved his wand and both golden spheres faded away. He knelt beside her checking for a pulse and upon finding one he let out his collected breath.

"She is still alive," Harry simpered, fighting the tears clutching her hand. "Fawkes, to the infirmary, now."

Fawkes jumped upon Samantha's side and with a burst of flame the three of them vanished. Madam Quince was staring out of the window eyeing the smoke rising from Hogsmeade when she heard the sudden presence of a ball of flame. She turned to find Samantha lying in a bed with Harry holding her onto her hand daring not to let go. Fawkes took flight and soared around the room settling on the head rail of Samantha's bed.

"What happened?" Cried Madam Quince as she rushed to the fallen student.

"I do not know," Harry replied fearing the worse. "There were Death Eaters, but I can't describe what she was hit with. Can you help her?"

"I will do what I can, but until I know what she was hit by, it will be guesswork."

The minutes passed as Madam Quince worked on Samantha. Harry refused to give in to the images of his baby dying. When the doors to the hospital wing opened, Harry hardly took notice. Only when Hermione's hand came to rest on his shoulder, did Harry look upon the visitors.

"Madam Quince," Dumbledore began. "From the reports, I believe she was hit by the Sopio curse."

Madam Quince nodded and changed the treatment she was performing. Sirius, Alex, and Mira were also in the room. They still looked scared and frightened by the incident, but they wouldn't look Harry in the eyes. They had never seen a rage like that from Harry's eyes as he had risen from Samantha's body.

"Mr. Weasley, would you tell us what happened in the village?" No trace of concern remained on Dumbledore's face.

"Sir," Sirius started to explain. "We had just left the Three Broomsticks and were heading back to the castle to finish some work when they started appearing around town. There were ten of them by the time they stop showing up. Two of them began attacking us since we were standing on the road. Samantha ran ahead of us and when we tried to join her she cast her shield charm on us." Alex and Mira nodded as Sirius continued his description. "Samantha fought with the two Death Eaters. She knocked one down with that Evinco Charm and the other dodged it. He managed to shoot the Avada Kedavra curse at her.

"Thankfully she avoided that too and hit him with a bright white spell. It was then that three others attacked hitting her with the blue jet. She didn't get up after that. It was then that Professor Potter appeared and ran to her. The phoenix landed near her as if he was protecting her. And you know the rest from there, sir."

"Thank you, Sirius," Dumbledore said. "Do either of you have anything to add?"

"No, Sir," Alex and Mira stated at the same time.

"Very well," said the old headmaster. "I would tell you to go back to your house, but I do not believe you would listen. Please sit and stay out of the way."

The group of friends sat on an empty bed watching their injured friend. Mira was replaying the scene in her head and she just couldn't get over the despair that the attack left in her. Alex was looking on as Harry lightly rubbed Samantha's hand as if calming her. A noise was growing in the hallway and Hermione directed her gaze towards the doors not hiding her annoyance.

Arthur Weasley entered the room followed by Kingsley and a group of anxious reporters. Arthur raised his hand quieting them instantly. "You will wait outside until I have time to speak with you."

At the sound of their protests, Hermione left Harry's side. "Get out now!" Said Hermione as sternly as she could. "Do not make me remove you."

The group of reporters left the room under the angry stare of Hermione but not without taking notice of Harry sitting by Samantha's bed caring for her. Once the doors closed, Kingsley took up a position just inside the doors as if he was a guard. Arthur walked over to Hermione and asked about Samantha's condition. After learning of it, he spoke to Harry.

"Harry, everything has been taken care of," Arthur explained. "Those Death Eaters will not be free again I assure you of that."

Harry barely registered what Arthur had said when a splitting pain seared across his forehead. The pain blinded him for a few seconds and then subsided. Albus, Arthur, and Hermione gasped at Harry's reaction, but the children only sat not knowing what to do.

"He is back," Harry said with an aura of prediction to his voice. "He is mad about their failure today."

"I fear our suspicions have been warranted, Minister," Dumbledore said with a tried frown. "How strong is he, Harry?"

"Not very, maybe no more than a strong spirit like before."

"I will set our plans in motion, Albus," Arthur announced. "We will not be unprepared this time." Arthur turned and left the room. The noise outside in the hall rose to a fever pitch before silencing completely.

Minutes ticked by as Madam Quince worked on Samantha. She was trying to counter the curse before any permanent damage could be done. The cut above Samantha's eye had been healed leaving behind only a slight reddish mark.

"How did he disappear from your office, Albus?" Asked Hermione. "It was as if he…"

"Disapparated." Dumbledore said calmly. "Yes, he did just that."

"But how," Hermione questioned. "No one can apparate inside Hogwarts."

"Ah," Dumbledore began. "That is the accepted rule, but it is not completely accurate." Hermione was beside herself. A fact she had held true her entire magical life was being refuted. "A little known ability every headmaster has possessed since the days of Godric himself. When you are made the headmaster of Hogwarts, you are no longer bound by the anti-apparation charm that protects this school. It would appear that another exception might have also been made. The charm might allow someone to disapparate when his or her needs are true in heart and the purpose is for a good cause, but I cannot say for sure since many of the mysteries of this castle are still unknown to me."

Hermione seemed to take the news well considering a tenet she had fatefully believed in was now destroyed. "Well then," Hermione stammered. "What about Fawkes's behavior?"

"It is commonly believed that Fawkes is my pet," Dumbledore said with a smile. "The truth be known, I have merely been Fawkes's companion until his real owner was ready for him. It appears that Fawkes has decided Harry is ready. I will miss the companionship." The silence in the room was deafening. Harry looked at Fawkes in utter amazement. Hermione was dumbstruck as well. With a small sniff, Dumbledore turned and left the room.

Fawkes remained watching over Samantha as her legs began to move slowly. The mood of shock and fear gave way to hope and flashes of happiness. It was evening before Samantha opened her eyes. Above her head, a crimson-bodied bird sat staring at her almost glowing in the pale light of the room. The golden tail feathers encircled her pillow creating an almost shrine-like structure. Samantha felt no fear and was almost at peace with the world when she felt a hand gripping hers tightly. Her father sat in a chair watching his daughter look at the beautiful creature. She looked around the room and sighed, "I hate this room."

"So did I when I was your age," Harry said softly. "This is Fawkes, Honey. He helped protect you today and I am sure he assisted in your recovery as well."

"He is so pretty, dad," Samantha cooed. "But isn't he Dumbledore's?"

"We haven't figured that out yet, but I will let you know when we do." Harry paused giving himself time to sort out his questions. "Do you remember what happened?"

Samantha told her father what had happened. The account was the same as the one Sirius had given. Samantha took the news of Voldemort's probable return better than Harry had expected. Only when her friends returned from dinner did Samantha feel guilty of the day's events.

"You are awake," squeaked Mira as she ran over and hugged Samantha trying to hide her head and avoid eye contact. Alex was the next one to show her concern giving Samantha a hug as well. Sirius stood back not wanting to get emotional, but Samantha pulled him into a hug as well.

"You won't believe the questions people are asking us or the rumors they have dreamed up," Alex said scoffing at the thought of them. "Even those who were there didn't have things straight."

"Talk about it or don't, it doesn't matter," Harry said to the group. He gave his daughter a quick hug before standing up. "Samantha, you are cleared to leave the hospital when you feel up to it."

"Good," said a relieved Samantha. "I am tired of spending time here."

"I know the feeling," Harry said. "Kingsley will accompany you back to the common room."

"I don't need a protector, Dad," Samantha stated not liking the fact that she had just been given a minder. "I can take care of myself."

"This was not my idea, Honey," Harry admitted. "Professor Dumbledore and Minister Weasley arranged the guard. They refused to hear out my complaints so take it up with them if you would like."

"If I see them, I will do just that, Father." Samantha had a defiant look on her face. She was used to being hidden from all the attention not the center of it. "Let's go," Samantha told her friends as she was getting out of bed. "I have work to get done for this week."

"You will need more than luck to get anything done," Sirius said sighing. "I doubt you will be left alone for a few weeks. It is all anyone is talking about."

"We will see about that," said a still defiant Samantha.

As they walked back to the common room, anyone they passed in the hallway stopped and stared at Samantha. Once she entered the common room, all talking ceased instantly. Everyone was hesitant to move or speak until Samantha went up to her room to fetch her books. When she joined her friends at a table and began working on her assignments, her teammates came over for a visit. They asked about what had happened and Mark could only laugh.

"I knew what Stuart had said wasn't true," Mark shook his head. "There was never a dragon. What a git."

The night continued on with more Gryffindors asking about the battle. There were a few wild stories. One involved Dementors while another seemed to refer to vampires. Samantha's friends did their best to shield her from some of the more annoying stories, but she heard them nonetheless.

When morning came, a copy of the Daily Prophet was sitting on her nightstand accompanied by a letter. Samantha opened the letter and read it.

Samantha,

I am sorry about all of this. Everyone will know within a few hours of when you read this. Sadly, you will see what it is like to be a Potter and have to live with all of the stories.

I am sorry, Honey.

Samantha unrolled the paper and nearly passed out.

"Death Eaters Attack Hogsmeade.

"A report of ten Death Eaters attacked the village of Hogsmeade yesterday afternoon. Some damage was done, but no innocents were hurt severely. One Samantha Brooks, student, reportedly fought off two Death Eaters, before being knocked down."

The article continued giving a blow-by-blow account of the battle and destruction. They captured Harry's appearance and subsequent attack on the remaining Death Eaters. The next article is what caused Samantha the most distress.

"Samantha Brooks, Really A Potter.

"Samantha Brooks, the student who fought to protect her friends from the attack by evil forces, seems similar to none other than Harry Potter himself. Harry was seen yelling her name in the village before he successfully defeated seven Death Eaters. He was also seen holding her hand while she was being treated for her injuries at Hogwarts. An investigation revealed that her mother was killed in Africa in an attack led by Bellatrix Lestrange, captured Death Eater. Further information has only lent to the belief that she could only be the daughter of Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived.

"All attempts to confirm this story have went unanswered by Professor Potter and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Minister Weasley would only say that he couldn't comment on our story at that time."

"No," yelled Samantha. "Not now."

Alex and Mira jumped out of bed while Rachel raised herself up on her elbow. Alex asked Samantha what was wrong. She held the paper out and the three women read the articles.

"They know," Samantha cried in her hands. "Everybody knows now."

"You knew this would happen," Alex said trying to sooth Samantha. "Just do what you would do regardless of people knowing who you are. There is nothing you can do about it now, so make the best of it."

Rachel was shocked to hear what was said. Alex explained the situation to her roommate and after a few minutes, she understood the reasons behind the cover-up.

"We worked so hard to hide it and now everyone knows," Samantha sobbed as she pounded her fists into her bed.

"Come on, Samantha," Alex urged her. "Let's just get going and forget about all of this."

After Samantha decided she should listen to her friends, they got ready and headed down to the common room where no one seemed to know about the story yet. Sirius was waiting for them by the exit. After they left the common room, Samantha handed Sirius the paper and told him to read it. Mr. Marrows was waiting on the other side of the portrait hidden near a pillar. He fell into step behind the group trying not to be noticed. Samantha, having noticed him following her, sighed at the realization that she was going to be followed for a while. On the journey to the Great Hall, Sirius read the articles swearing every now and then. The hall fell mostly quiet when Samantha entered. It was obvious that some people here had read the story.

The only people who would sit with Samantha were her friends and the quidditch team. They didn't seem to care about the story or at least they didn't let it bother them. They talked and joked as best they could until they had to get to their classes. As she walked to Herbology, Samantha noticed everyone turned and looked at her. Alex, in an attempt to defend her friend, returned the favor by giving menacing looks and Sirius was poised ready for a fight. Class carried on with minor annoyances. Professor Longbottom avoided asking Samantha any questions or drawing more attention to her. When class was called, he smiled at her as she left the greenhouse.

Defense class was more interesting than it had been at any other time that year. Samantha found that being in the same room with her father was actually a blessing even if a few people had noticed that an auror had followed her in to the room. Before class started, everyone had their turn staring at Samantha and then at her father trying to see the similarities. Once everyone had made up their minds about Samantha's identity, all eyes were on Harry. The article in the Daily Prophet had very detailed descriptions of the fight proving to all that Harry knew what he was teaching and many of the stories they had heard weren't false. Her housemates whispered between themselves discussing the article. Only the Slytherins hid their opinions about the events. Some of them had known the captured Death Eaters and didn't dare say a word for fear of retribution.

Harry continued with class ignoring the occasional whisper. The day's topic was defending against multiple attackers. Some people turned to Samantha when the topic was announced. And only when Harry asked Marrows to assist, did the class turn their attention away from Samantha.

"Mr. Marrows will be assisting me for the period," Harry said. "I assure you he is quite skilled so I don't want anyone to hold back for fear of hurting him." Little did Harry know, the class was more worried about angering him and the defensive attack that would most assuredly follow.

Marrows looked at Harry then Samantha and replied, "Thanks, Professor."

"Let us begin," Harry said calling the first person to the front.

Slytherins and Gryffindors alternated taking turns. A few Gryffindors managed to land their very weakened group stunner spell on Marrows. Sirius actually got Harry hard enough to cause a slight delay in class before they continued. Malfoy's attempt was pitiful. His shot was so far off target that Marrows had to drop his shield to avoid deflecting the spell back on the class allowing the spell to harmlessly strike the wall. Alex and Mira did better than most, but Sirius still had the best showing.

"Samantha, you are last," Harry called. The class inhaled as one as the Gryffindors waited to see Samantha show her skills as she did in the village.

"Professor," Samantha said. "I don't think I should participate in this exercise."

"Please, complete the spell that is assigned," Harry told her.

Samantha looked at the pair readying herself to use the spell. Upon command, she sent the stunner at her father and Marrows. Their shields absorbed some of the spell but not enough. Marrows was knocked down and Harry staggered a bit. The Gryffindors looked on surprised at what she had accomplished.

"Very good, Miss Potter," Harry said shaking his head. "If there are no more questions, class is dismissed for the day. Please read the next chapter before class." Harry walked slowly over to his desk and sat down while Marrows pulled himself into another chair.

Samantha urged her friends to hurry out of the classroom. She was going to take advantage of the opportunity to ditch Mr. Marrows. They walked to the Great Hall for lunch noticing that less people stopped talking as Samantha walked by. They ate their lunch and walked slowly down to Potions.

"I hope he isn't too unbearable towards me," Samantha said. "He is not exactly a fan of Potters."

Snape swooped into the classroom wearing a sneer. "We will continue with our work from last time."

Most of the class Snape hovered around the room spreading fear and tension. Samantha was more aware of his actions now that she would most likely be a direct target of his aggression. As class neared its end, Samantha thought she might get out of the class without an encounter. She was proved wrong as the last 5 minutes ran down.

"Miss Potter," Snape called from the front. "Would you stay behind when class ends?"

Samantha looked around and saw my faces staring at her. She only nodded accepting his request. The class left and her friends waited in the hallway. Snape loomed over Samantha waiting for the right moment to begin with a look of disgust on his face. "Miss Potter. I would like to inform you that even though I now know who you really are, I will not treat you differently. Unlike your father, you have shown to be quite capable in this class. I trust that popularity will not go to your head like it did your father."

"Yes, Professor," Samantha replied hiding her anger at Snape's harsh words about her father.

"You are dismissed." Snape turned and left the dungeon looking more ill-tempered than he had when he entered.

"That was weird," Samantha told her friends as they walked to Care of Magical Creatures. "I figured on him threatening me or docking points for no reason."

"I am glad he didn't do anything this time," Sirius said. "But we should be really careful of him in the future. I doubt his goodwill will last very long."

Harry slid around the corner of the doorway and slipped into the potion's classroom. He cleared his throat and waited for Snape to meet his eyes.

"Wise choice, Severus," Harry said putting some strength behind his words. "I trust I will not have to remind you to treat her fairly again?"

"And what of it, Potter," Snape said snidely.

"Is your Dark Mark still visible?" Harry offered. "I could dump you off in the auror office or Azkaban and no one would waste anytime getting all the information they could from you. I rarely make threats, but when it concerns my daughter they are promises. Treat her like you treated me and your life will be an exercise in suffering. Thank you for seeing things my way, Severus."

Harry turned and left the dungeons never seeing the pained look on Snape's face. The cause of the look was more carefully hidden. Severus knew he had to heed Harry's warning. This Harry Potter didn't hold back anything when his daughter was concerned. He saw the battle in Hogsmeade from a hidden corner. He still had the bump on his head from when he was thrown to his feet. He had used his strongest shield and still he was thrown ten feet. This Harry Potter fought to win and fought to injure.

Severus swallowed his pride and decided to keep his hatred fixed on the man Harry had become. If he started hating the girl, his life would become very complicated very quickly. He readied himself for the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws who were next. At least he could vent some of his anger before dinner.

When they left the school, Marrows caught up with them resuming his normal, distant position. They also noticed Tonks wandering around the grounds as if she was looking for something.

"Did you guys know there were two aurors guarding Hogwarts?" Samantha asked the others.

"No, I didn't," Sirius replied. "I guess Dumbledore and Grandpa didn't want to take any chances. Still, we are safe on the grounds. No one would dare attack the school. Almost every teacher was involved in the war and they know how to fight. "

"Regardless," Mira chimed in. "I don't like the idea of them being here. It's just a reminder of last time." Mira looked down at her feet as they walked through the grass. "I am sorry I didn't help you, Samantha. I really wanted to, but I just wasn't fast enough."

"What?" Samantha asked not believing her ears and coming to a complete stop. "Where did that come from?"

Mira's gaze shifted everywhere but towards Samantha. "I just wanted to apologize for not helping you and letting you get hurt. If I hadn't been so surprised, I could have helped you."

"Miranda," Samantha said grabbing Mira's shoulders. "You have nothing to be sorry for. I don't blame you for anything." Mira finally looked up at Samantha seeing her look of acceptance. They silently came to an agreement about the situation and Mira showed an embarrassed smile. "If anything, I blame Sirius for what happened."

Sirius turned staring at Samantha shocked by her comment. Samantha laughed and continued walking to class. Mira joined her giggling as well. Sirius followed them with his eyes not saying anything as he processed what had just happened. Alex gave a quick laugh and hurried to catch up with the others leaving Sirius alone with his thoughts.

As they joined the other Gryffindors waiting for Hagrid to arrive, Sirius came up to Samantha. "I see your sense of humor hasn't suffered."

"I see your ability to think on your feet has," Samantha said with a big smile as Hagrid began class.