Warning: The content of this chapter involves a slightly strong scene. Those who do not want to read about a dark magic ritual (nothing true or to be done at home. Purely fictional and harmless) do not continue. Not even the characters get hurt, but I needed to warn you.

Chapter Nine

Like Day and Night

An insisting and loud knocking on Moira's door made her wake up in a very foul mood. She got out of bed, pulled her black satin robe over herself and went to open it.

"What do you want?" she asked firmly and frowning.

"First I want you to brush your teeth" Sirius said as he got her shoulders, turned her around and pushed Moira back into her room, closing the door behind them "Then I want you to shower and get ready for breakfast".

"It is early, Sirius, just let me sleep" Moira said as she was getting back to bed, but his arm went around her waist and raised her up from it.

"You slept enough" he said as he carried her to the bathroom, ignoring her grunting "Now, you get ready and I'll wait here. If you are not out of this bathroom ready for breakfast in ten minutes, I'm coming inside".

"Like hell you will" Moira grunted as she turned on the taps of her shower "Now go away" she pushed him by his stomach out of the bathroom and closed the door.

In a few minutes, the door unlocked and Moira came out. Dressed in her usual well-fitted canoe cut black dress and robes, Moira began to put her hair up. As she worked on her hair, she found Sirius lost in thought.

"What is up with you today?" Moira asked as she turned to him.

"What? Nothing" Sirius said smiling and walked over to her "I just thought that since it is Sunday and your family is coming over, you should be enjoying your day since, well, now"

Moira's right eyebrow rose and her eyes narrowed.

"What are you up to Sirius Black?" she asked, her voice menacing.

"I'm not up to anything" he replied, looking and sounding outraged "Why do you always put your hair up? You should wear it down. I like it when you do that".

"Sirius ... you are not thinking about that marriage business are you?" she hissed.

"Of course not" Sirius scoffed "Remember what we said yesterday? We would kill each other in a week. Now, can we go eat? I'm starving" he asked and offered her his arm.

Moira took it, still not trusting him entirely and they left her room.

"Oh please…that is just nasty" a fifth year Ravenclaw girl said as she looked over a piece of paper Fred and George were reading.

In an empty classroom, a handful of students were gathered around in a huddle. In the center was a table where a seventh year Hufflepuff called Oswald was counting money and writing things down on pieces of parchment.

"Shhhh…be quiet" Oswald said in barely more than a whisper "If a teacher finds out about this we're dead"

Fred and George exchanged glances but didn't say anything. Coins of every type were being counted and put in a purple velvet bag that Oswald watched over very carefully. His big gray eyes followed everyone's movements. The young wizards and witches talked amongst themselves and exchanged opinions.

"I think he is the one" a Slytherin boy said pointing to a name on a parchment and handing a few coins to Oswald "I know I shouldn't be doing this, but that is what I think. He is the one"

"Why don't you choose your own?" George asked "If Snape finds out you are betting against him, he'll go mental"

"Are you joking if he finds out at all about this, we are all as good as dead" the Slytherin boy replied.

"Then start praying" came a deep voice from behind them. Severus Snape was standing by the door, arms by his side and a murderous look on his face.

All of the students in the room turned as pale as death itself. Standing like a barricade in front of the desk Oswald was sitting at they silently started to pray as Snape made his way around the room. George was at the back and tried desperately to put away the pieces of parchment.

"What are you hiding from me Mr. Burns. With that look on your face, you are already pleading guilty before accused" Snape said and the whole class gulped "The Weasley twins together…that can't be good…What are you up to?"

"We were betting, sir" Fred said and everyone simply stopped breathing "We are betting on who is going to win the Quidditch cup this year"

"And Burns here bet on Ravenclaw, sir. That is why he was concerned" George finished.

Snape's cold black eyes traveled around the room, sending shivers down everyone's spine. The students had their backs rigid; waiting for how many points they were going to lose when that lie was discovered.

"You are insulting my intelligence" Snape said in his most venomous voice "Betting on Quidditch wouldn't get you so afraid of getting caught" Snape reached out his hand "Hand me that piece of parchment" he demanded.

"Wha…what piece, sir?" Burns asked.

"The one you are hiding inside your robes" Snape said.

The room held it's breath as Burns took out the paper from his robe and handed it with a shaky hand to the head of his house. In only a few seconds, Snape's face had contorted into a very angry one. He was fuming with rage and by the murderous look in his eyes, the students weren't only going to lose points; they were going to die.

"Please, don't expel me, sir. It was all their fault" Burns said, pointing to the other students.

"It was not. You came in of your own accord!" yelled a Ravenclaw girl.

"SILENCE!" Snape yelled as his hand gripped the paper. The students put their hands to their necks, imagining those were going to be the next target "Wait outside the Headmaster's office. I'll see that this is going to be your last stunt in this school" he hissed and he stormed out of the room.

Inside the teacher's lounge, McGonagall was talking to Sprout. Sirius was leaning against a wall, watching the entrance, waiting for something.

"Good morning Sirius" McGonagal said in a cheery voice "What is the occasion for such elegance?"

Sirius was dressed in a dark blue suit and robes, and dark brown leather shoes. Looking like a Victorian gentleman, Sirius smiled and took Minerva's hand in his.

"I thought I might run into you, so I thought I should dress for the occasion" and he kissed her hand, making the Transfiguration teacher giggle and blush.

"You haven't changed at all" Sprout said smiling.

Suddenly, the door of the lounge broke open. Severus Snape came inside, holding firmly a piece of parchment in his hand.

"Where's the Headmaster?" he asked urgently.

"He is in Hogsmeade for the morning. Is there something I can help you with, Severus?" McGonagal asked, in a tone that told everyone how often Snape acted this way.

"I think you should take a look at this" he hissed at her, handing her the crumpled piece of parchment "The ones responsible for this are waiting to be punished" he said to Minerva and turned to Sirius "I thought you regarded her in a higher manner than this" he hissed and walked to the door.

"What happened Snape? Your numbers aren't high enough?" Sirius spat back.

Snape pursed his lips and left the room. His formal and elegant way of walking was replaced by a strong stride. A few moments after he had left, Lupin came inside.

"What is the matter with him?" he asked as he came in.

"Oh my goodness" McGonagall laughed and blushed as she read the piece of parchment "and it's not even mid September yet".

"What is it?" Lupin asked as he got closer to the teacher.

"Now, you must understand, Remus" McGonagall said, "You are young and kids tend to have ideas" and she gave Lupin the piece of parchment.

It was a bet sheet. The students were betting on who would take Moira to the Halloween ball. Her name was written beside two other names: Lupin and Sirius and the numbers were quite high on both of them.

"You knew didn't you?" asked Lupin.

"I heard some students talk about it, yes" Sirius confessed, smiling "But I swear, I didn't start it"

"Does Moira know of this?" Lupin asked.

"I don't think so, but she will probably find out soon"

"Oh Merlin, Severus was in this too" Sprout said as she examined the piece of parchment "See? It's torn" she showed the other teachers.

The staff that was present in the room burst out laughing.

"Someone placed a bet that Severus would take Moira to the Halloween ball? Where in Merlin's name did they get that from?" Hooch said as she closed the newest edition of Quidditch Challenge.

"I think that a rumor about her winning a sword fight against him might have started those thoughts" said Minerva.

"That was no rumor, Minerva" Sirius said.

Minerva stopped smiling and looked at Sirius. The room went really quiet all of a sudden.

"How did that happen?" Minerva asked, her voice firm.

"It is a long story. What's important is that they are both fine and there's no need to keep talking about it, right?" Lupin said, elbowing Sirius.

"Right" Sirius responded with no enthusiasm "Everything's fine"

McGonagall took the piece of parchment and left the room, leaving the two young professors feeling like they were students in trouble again. Sirius sat down opposite to Lupin in a corner of the room so no one could hear them.

"You know that this ball is just for fun right? I'm not trying to steal your..." Sirius said.

"She is not my girl, Sirius" Remus said "I don't think we were meant to be together. I'll always be the best friend and you the brother. I don't mind at all that you take her to the dance. You or Snape"

"Excuse me?" Sirius said standing up "I'm not letting him go near her. Not ever again"

"Well, do what you like but don't get in trouble again" Lupin said as he got up from his seat "Concentrate on getting her to the ball instead of him out of it. Although I must admit I don't know which one will be the hardest" Lupin smiled, patted Sirius on the back and left the lounge.

"I think they should be expelled, Headmaster" said Snape in front of Dumbledore's desk "They clearly have no respect for the professors in this school"

"Severus, Severus, they are just children" Dumbledore said as he looked from the parchment to the irate teacher standing in front of them "This is fantasy not lack of respect. She is a young woman and you are all young men, it is natural for them to have ideas...romantic ones"

Snape raised his head, refusing to take it lightly. How could the Headmaster stand this scandal against his own daughter? Students having romantic ideas between the two of them? That was just unacceptable! He had a reputation to maintain and so did she.

"Take reasonable points away if you wish, but I'm not expelling them" Dumbledore said, clearly amused by it all. Snape bowed his head slightly and turned to address the kids that were outside "Oh, would you please show Oswald inside? I need a word with him"

In a few seconds the young wizard with gray eyes had entered the Headmaster's office, shaking like mad.

"No need to be afraid, child. I am not expelling you" Dumbledore said and instantly, the boys shoulders relaxed.

"I am very sorry, sir" he started "I never meant to be disrespectful. We just wanted to have fun and..."

Dumbledore smiled and waved his hand at the boy, showing him there was no reason to worry.

"I know, Oswald, I know" Dumbledore said "Once, when I was a student here, we made a bet like that. The girl in question was the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher's daughter. He didn't mind that much, but she was furious" Dumbledore smiled "But she got over it. I am sure Professor Crane will not mind"

Oswald swallowed down hard.

"Do you really think so? Cause, I really don't want her mad at me" he said, his gray eyes wide.

Dumbledore laughed again as he saw the effect his daughter has on her students.

"I can assure you she will not be mad" he said "But she might want have some fun of her own and get even, so be aware of that" Oswald swallowed again and nodded "But I need to ask you to keep this betting activity quiet so incidents like this one don't happen again. You may go, Oswald" he said in his firm but casual manner and the boy turned to leave "Oh, and Oswald, put one Galleon for me, will you"

The boy turned smiling.

"Who are you betting on, sir?"

"Who do you think?"

They both smiled and Oswald left. Dumbledore turned to Fawkes, who has been observing everything that was taking place.

"What do you say Fawkes? Will he be brave enough for the task?" he asked the bird who turned his head sideways, considering the question "It is no good to spend a lifetime alone. I just hope they both realize that"

By lunch time, the numbers got even higher. Everyone was discussing the matter and the female population was already fantasizing who they would want to go with to the ball.

"Who did you bet on?" Ron asked.

"Lupin" George answered, "I like him"

"I went with Snape" Lee Jordan said as everyone present made a face as if they had sucked a rotten lemon "If there's a woman who can put him where he belongs it's Professor Crane"

"Who did you bet on, Harry?" Ginny said as she sat next to Harry.

Harry was still a bit shaken up because of the dream he had had the night before. He was so sure he recognized that voice. When he heard his mother pleading for his life in his third year, Harry had thought it would be the worst thing that could happen to him, but he was wrong. Seeing her lifeless body on the ground was worse. The image was still vivid in his mind.

"Harry?" Hermione called "Are you all right?"

"Sorry" he looked around "I...I have to go" and he left, not looking back.

"What's wrong with him?" Hermione asked Ron.

"He had a nightmare. A very bad one" Ron replied.

"I hope he feels better soon" Ginny said and Fred and George impersonated her voice, making her blush and leave to Hagrid's. The other Gryffindors talked about the huge amount of points Snape had taken away from them and didn't notice that Ron had gotten near to Hermione, who was checking her schedule, making sure she had done all of her homework for tomorrow.

"Er...Hermione..." Ron stuttered, blushing.

Hermione looked up at him and smiled.

"I was wondering if...well...it is quite early but...Halloween is just around the corner...and"

"Are you asking me to go to the ball with you?" Hermione said, blushing herself.

"Well...yeah" Ron whispered, looking at the floor.

"Are you sure? Don't you prefer to take one of your many admirers?"

Ron looked at her and felt kind of guilty to have acted the way he did toward the Ravenclaw twins.

"No" he whispered again "I want to take my friend to the ball"

Hermione felt the word "friend" burn in her heart. It was true though; they were friends above all things. Although she was kind of sad he asked her like that, the fact that he chose her over two of the most beautiful students in Hogwarts was quite flattering.

"Okay. I'll go with you" she said "But, Ron, learn how to dance will you? I don't want you stepping on my foot like Viktor did" and she left.

"Women" Ron muttered, "I'll never understand them"

"Forget it"

"Come on, Moira? It's just one night" Sirius pleaded "Gryffindors are betting on us. You can go with Remus" he added, smiling all the same.

"Don't put him in the middle of this" Moira said firmly "He has a lot on his mind already" she added to herself.

"So, will you go with me?" Sirius asked.

Moira looked at him, raising her left eyebrow. She smiled at him and left without another word.

"I hate it when you do that!" Sirius said, following her "Merlin, woman! What does it take to simply take you out dancing?" Sirius asked a bit too loudly.

Moira stopped and turned to him, smiling.

"Just give up Sirius. I'm not going with you"

"Who are you going to go with then? If Remus is out of the picture..." Sirius's eyes went wide "I will not let you go with that backstabbing old snake"

"If it's Snape you mean, you are just insane to consider it" Moira kept on walking toward the staircases, Sirius beside her "I don't believe he will attend the ball anyway. What I mean was that I am not going, period"

"Why?" Sirius asked and Moira stopped again as the stairs changed places.

"Halloween might be my birthday but I lost more than I have ever gained on that day. I don't think it's worth celebrating" Moira said softly.

Sirius bowed his head and looked into her eyes. Fifteen years ago, Moira lost her mother on the same night as Harry lost his parents and by the hands of the same wizard.

"I'm so sorry...I" Sirius said "I just thought you should have some fun. She wouldn't want you to be sad. Neither would James or Lily. Don't mourn their death anymore but celebrate their life... with me" Sirius said.

"Will you stop chasing me if I say I might think about it?" Moira said.

"Tell me and we'll see" Sirius said.

Moira let go a long sigh and smiled at Sirius. He was right. She should let the past go, honor it but not relive it.

"It feels like fifth year all over again" she said, looking at him "Fine, I'll think about it" she whispered "But you better start behaving more like a gentleman. I'm expecting to be convinced"

Sirius smiled and kissed her cheek.

"Oh...Hello" Harry said as the flight of stairs that Moira and Sirius were on came to a stop in front of the young boy.

"Mr. Potter" Moira said smiling, taking back her teacher posture "Just the one I needed to see. Keep an eye on your godfather on a leash will you? He's impossible today" and she left to the gardens.

"On a leash?" Harry asked, frowning.

"They all want that, but they won't have it" Sirius teased, speaking up so that Moira could hear him "So, did you bet on me?".

"Huh? No...I ...can I talk to you? It's important" Harry asked.

The boys face was filled with questions and by the look in his eyes, they weren't light ones. Sirius took Harry to his office, where he told him about his nightmare amongst other things. It felt good to have someone to talk to about these things. Sirius wasn't his father but even when he was a fugitive, he had been there for him.

"I heard you come in the house. I saw her dead, and there was somebody else...a woman, holding me in her arms, singing" Harry concluded.

Sirius frowned as he remembered the awful events of that night. When he had gotten to the house, Lily and James were dead and there was no sign of Voldemort or any woman and Harry was asleep in his cradle.

"When I got there, Harry, there was no woman" Sirius said as he remembered the events of that terrible night.

"No, no, when you got there she had just left"

"But that's impossible. I went up the stairs and those were the only way out of the second floor of the house"

"Then how did I see her? Who is she?" Harry asked "Could Professor Crane have been there? On the night my parents were killed?" Harry asked almost in a whisper.

He could not believe he was saying that but he had no choice but to ask. Sirius and Moira were good friends and if she had been there he should know about it.

"Well, maybe you put her in your dream. Maybe the events of last night got inside your head and you mixed them up, putting her in a dream, even if she wasn't there"

"It looked like her...well...it felt like her...are you sure she couldn't have been there? She gave me my parents' spell book, she knew where we were living"

Sirius let go a long sigh as his face turned from worried to sad.

"It couldn't be her...she was losing her own mother on the very same night, only hours before you lost your parents" Sirius said softly.

Harry felt his breath escape him. He had forgotten Voldemort had killed Moira's mother, well, actually he didn't know it happened in the same night his parents died. But he wasn't convinced. He knew that woman in his dream. If it wasn't Professor Crane, then who was it?

"Harry, don't mention this to her alright?" Sirius asked in a hushed voice.

Harry nodded.

"Tell me if you have other nightmares. I'll give you a bit of floopowder and you can call me from the fireplace in the common room if you need to talk"

Harry thanked him and left for the common room, looking to tell Ron what had happened.

"Ah...Snigles...good for tea" Hagrid said as he approached Moira by the edge of the forest.

The young professor was seating down in the grass in the middle of a bunch of yellow flowers called Snigles. The wind was blowing softly and every now and then Moira would sneeze. The acute sense of smell was against her now that she found her self surrounded by flowers.

"Hello Hagrid" she greeted and sneezed again, complaining after it.

Every now and then, Moira would rise up the leaves of the flowers and place them against the sunlight, examining them. She would choose the ones she wanted and separate them on a small basket.

"I heard your family is coming over today" Hagrid said.

"Yes, they are" Moira replied "You look just like your mother. Why don't you wear lighter colors? When will you get married?" Moira said and let out a sigh.

Hagrid let out a very low and deep laughter. He knew the Dumbledores for as long as he could remember and Moira had all the reason to "fear" them in that way.

"Yes, I'm afraid they will ask all that"

"Do you think I'll survive them?" Moira asked, looking at the sweet eyes of the half giant.

"You survive everything" Hagrid said, smiling.

"Not everything" Moira whispered but Hagrid didn't hear her.

"Besides, you do look remarkably like your mother, no need for lighter colors and who cares when you will get married?" Hagrid said in his unique accent "I just hope to be invited when you do".

"If that miracle ever occurs, you will be seating on the front row" Moira said with a smile on her face, something that faded when she sneezed again.

"Hello Ginny" he said as the young red-haired approached the two of them "Come to check on Sally?"

Ginny stopped dead in her tracks and widened her eyes at Hagrid.

"It's ok Miss Weasley, I know you have a salamander" Moira said without looking at the girl "As a matter of fact, I think Sally could help me" Moira said as she got up from the grass. Her black dress had a lot of little yellow petals stuck to it, as did her hair.

"With what Professor Crane?" asked a quite frightened Ginny.

"I need a couple of drops of her blood" Moira said softly "But don't worry, it won't hurt"

Ginny looked from Moira to Hagrid, who gave her a reassuring nod. The three of them went inside Hagrid's hut. In the back of it, lying inside a small fire was Sally, her strong colors making a great contrast with the flames around her. Hagrid stood aside while Moira put her basket down and moved toward Sally.

"Can you...well...talk to her? Let her know it won't hurt?" asked Ginny.

"I'm afraid not. Only snakes can hear me" Moira said as she placed her hand above the flames and floated the small animal into her palm.

"That was what Harry said" Ginny said, mindlessly.

"He did, did he?" asked Moira as she placed the small salamander on the wooden table.

"Yes. We were traveling over here when he tried to talk to Sally, but it didn't work" Ginny said, getting closer to the teacher "When did you find out you were a Parselmouth?"

"Ginny!"

"It's ok Hagrid" Moira said, looking at the red head curious Gryffindor "You are as curious as your father"

"You know my father?" Ginny asked, widening her eyes in surprise.

"Who doesn't? He is a great man, Miss Weasley. You should be very proud of him" Moira said as she fed Sally a pepper.

"He is a big fan of yours Professor Crane" Ginny said and watched Moira's eyes fall upon her "He said you helped a lot battling You – Know – Who".

The room fell silent and Ginny felt the weight of Moira's eyes into hers. She should have been quiet.

"What do you want to do after you graduate, Miss Weasley?" Moira asked but didn't wait for the answer "You should take up the job as a reporter for the Daily Prophet. You certainly have the talent" she said bitterly as she conjured a small knife. The silver blade was soon stained with crimson as a tiny incision was made on the side of the animal's belly.

"I'm sorry Professor. I shouldn't have said that" Ginny said, lowering her head.

Moira regarded the girl. Poor thing…snatched by Voldemort pretending to be Tom Riddle…she could relate.

"Tom was quite persuasive wasn't he?" Moira asked.

The blood flowed to the little flask Moira had put under the wound. The young teacher raised her eyes to find Ginny's. The girl felt her blood freeze for a moment. Just like it did when Professor Snape looked at her. Her lips parted but no sound came out.

"You still have nightmares about him and the Chamber, don't you?" Moira asked. Ginny slowly shook her head yes. Moira put Sally back in the fire and the little flask inside her robes.

"What happens in the dreams" Moira asked, her voice smooth and understanding.

"Harry doesn't get there in time" her voice was weak "I die".

Moira walked slowly toward the young girl and took hold of her chin, raising it so she could face her. Moira's hand was cold but her eyes had kindness and a familiar twinkle. Ginny looked up at her and couldn't help but shiver.

"Sleep well, Miss Weasley" Moira put her hand on the top of her head and Ginny felt a shiver down her spine "He won't haunt you anymore" she whispered and left the hut, her dark robes framing her steps.

Ginny stood there, frozen on the spot. She was feeling so weird, as if something had been lifted from her shoulders. She snapped back to reality when she heard Professor Lupin's voice on the outside, talking to Hagrid and Moira. She opened the door to Hagrid's hut.

"Hello Ginny" smiled Lupin and was returned by Ginny's smile.

"Go up and I'll be there in a moment" Hagrid replied to the professors and went into the house, followed by Ginny "Now, do you want to feed her, Ginny" Moira heard Hagrid ask from inside the hut.

"A meeting on Sunday. Is something wrong?" Moira whispered to Lupin as she walked beside him toward the castle.

"I don't know. Bless you" Lupin said as Moira sneezed again.

"Damn petals" Moira complained.

The two teachers went up to the castle. Lupin carried the basket with the petals and leaves as Moira impatiently tried to take them away from her hair and dress. He couldn't help but smile as he heard her complaining under her breath and sneezing in between.

When they got to Dumbledore's office, all of the teachers were present and most were seated at the conference table. Snape, as usual was standing, leaning against a wall by the door, in the shadows. Sirius was opposite from him, also standing and near a window, behind Dumbledore's chair. The light coming from the window reflected on Sirius' dark hair and thin features, making him look younger, as if he had back the youth he had lost in Azkaban.

"Hagrid is coming up" Lupin said as he went in and put the basket on the table.

Moira came in after him and closed the door behind her. When she turned, she found herself face to face with Snape. Her chest contracted, but she gave no indication that anything prior to that moment had happened between them. She simply acknowledged his presence as any other in the room.

There was a knock on the door and Moira opened it and in doing so, got closer to Snape. The smell of her together with the smell of the few remaining petals on her hair made Snape close his eyes as the images of his dream filled his mind. He moved away from her as soon as she closed the door, going to stand opposite Minerva.

"Thank you all for attending this meeting so promptly" Dumbledore said "As you all know, my brother, my sister in law and my niece and nephew are coming over today"

"I didn't know that" whispered Trelawney.

"Why am I not surprised?" replied Moira under her breath as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"My nephew, Nicholas, is married to a young girl called Sophie and they have a baby, Henry. The boy is suffering from some sort of curse and he will be looked after here at Hogwarts by Moira and Remus. The reason for this meeting is that Henry's mother is a Muggle"

Whispering filled the room.

"Albus, do you think it is safe to have a Muggle here at Hogwarts?"

"Yes, Sinistra. She won't know the way here and besides, she is family now. We should welcome her here as such" and a slight glance was shot in Snape's direction "My fear is not if it is safe for us, but for her"

"How so, Albus?" asked Sprout.

"You see, all of my family is pure blooded, up until Moira's generation. By my nephew marrying a Muggle, the baby's blood became mixed. My suspicion is that this was probably the reason behind cursing the baby" Dumbledore looked over to Moira.

"By mixing the blood, in a few generations, Dumbledores will no longer have the powers we do…something that the Dark Side would enjoy" Moira concluded.

"But why curse the baby if he could mean a good thing for them?" Sirius asked.

"Dark magic was used but I don't think the spell was performed by a Dark wizard. Someone wants to protect our bloodline" Moira finished.

"But there's still hope. I mean, neither you or Abigail are married. By marrying pureblooded wizards, future Dumbledores will still have a chance" Sinistra said innocently.

Moira looked at her hands that held each other under the table. They all started to discuss the possibilities of the curse, how they would handle a Muggle in Hogwarts and Albus made his point clear that he didn't mind the mixing of Dumbledore blood. Snape watched everything very carefully from across the room, including Moira.

"I think my family's fate lies with Abby then" Moira whispered to herself, not noticing Lupin had heard her.

Dumbledore asked for silence and was immediately obeyed. He looked over at Moira, who nodded slightly, still holding her hands together under the table.

"There's more. I don't know if you already heard but yesterday morning a loyal Death Eater has asked Moira to join them"

Loud whispering filled the room.

"Oh child! I can't believe it" Minerva said.

"I know who did it! It was that evil character…"

"Now, Hagrid, it doesn't matter who did the invitation, but that it was made" Dumbledore said "Severus also gave me information that Voldemort himself asked him about her"

More whispering. Moira's eyes found Snape's as the events of the previous night came back to them. The hissing word my echoed in Snape's mind, making his hands turn into fists. Malfoy's cold eyes and his thin lips saying Come back to us, came back to haunt Moira. Uncomfortable was everything she was feeling right now.

"Yes, yes...I'm afraid he did" continued Dumbledore "Although it would be safer for Moira to leave Hogwarts once more, she has decided to stay and help us fight him"

"Well done, child" Flitwick said with an encouraging smile.

Snape moved from his place and Moira heard him snort softly. Discomfort turned into disappointment. She didn't know he was so inclined into getting rid of her presence.

"Anyway, I called you all here today because I think that by tonight, problems might arise and we should be prepared. I trust you will all make my new family members as welcome as possible" Snape snorted again "And that if anything suspicious happen, come to me. That is all"

From that, the faculty was dismissed. Some still stayed behind and discussed everything that was said. Trelawney left, avoiding Moira's glance as best as she could. Snape got closer to the Dumbledore and spoke in barely more than a whisper, making it very hard for Moira to catch a single word. It was as if she was out of the room, watching the scene unfold in front of her. The horrible feeling that people were too much afraid of her to get near her was back and she hated it.

Sirius and Lupin were side by side and apparently Lupin was saying something to Sirius that didn't please him very much. Finally, Moira decided it was too much for her to bear any longer and took her leave. No one noticed it.

On the outside of the doors, Moira walked slowly, raising her head up, trying to get some air. She kept on going through the long corridor in front of her father's office. There were no more petals stuck to her and her dress and hair were back to their usual dark colors.

"Oh my... Tsarina?" a sweet feminine voice asked.

Moira raised her face to find her Aunt Chloe standing by the end of the corridor. Chloe was her mother's sister, married to Aberforth, Albus brother, and mother of Abby and Nicholas. She was very different from Tsarina. Never could two sisters be so different from each other. When Moira's mother looked just like her, with dark hair and eyes and very pale skin, Chloe was the opposite. She was a middle aged woman, very elegant and a bit shorter than Moira. With shoulder length dirty blond hair, her skin was white and she had blue eyes. The only thing in common between the two was the few very light freckles they had on their faces and shoulders. A very light tone of beige was the color of her dress and robes.

"Aunt Chloe" Moira said smiling, and went to embrace her mother's sister.

"Oh my...look at you" Chloe said taking Moira's hands and looking at her from head to toe "You look just like your mother when she was your age. Except for the twinkle in your eyes; that's your father's" Chloe said smiling and hugging Moira again. She let a few tears escape her eyes.

"Don't cry, please don't cry" Moira said still holding her aunt.

"Oh, child...you've been through so much. I thought I would never see you again" Chloe let go of Moira and pulled a little handkerchief from her small purse "Look at you; a Hogwarts Professor. Your mother would have been so proud" she said smiling and putting her tissue to her eyes.

"I hope so" Moira said "Where's uncle Aberforth?" Moira asked.

"He is taking care of the horse" Chloe said with a sly smile.

"You didn't?" Moira smiled broadly "You brought Mavros?"

"We couldn't have left him. He missed you so much you know?"

Moira moved to the arches and saw the pitch-black horse running around the lawn and her uncle trying to stop him, yelling 'behave' once in a while. From there, inside the carriage, came Nicholas and his wife, holding protectively in her arms the very petite Henry.

"Does she know about us?" Moira asked firmly as her eyes watched the couple come toward the castle.

"Nick told her. Poor girl had no idea he was a wizard before falling in love with him. She is a nice girl, Moira. Very eager to understand our ways"

"That's what I'm afraid of" Moira whispered.

"MOIRA!" screamed another feminine voice, making Moira turn around in surprise.

Abby came running toward her cousin. Abby and Moira were like day and night. Abigail Crane Dumbledore was also a bit shorter than Moira, but very slim. Pale skin with rouge cheeks and pouty rosy lips, Abby had the sky in her eyes. Her golden locks fell to her waist and her baby blue long dress made her look like a princess right out from a fairy tale.

"I missed you so much!" said Abby as she hugged Moira.

"I missed you too, cousin" Moira replied, returning the embrace.

"I thought I would never see this again" and Chloe went back to crying "You girls catch up, I will go look after Sophie" and Chloe left the two.

"Did she try to get you married already?" Abby whispered by Moira's ear.

"Not yet" the dark-haired responded.

"She will" and they parted the embrace "So, how have you been? I want to hear all about it"

"I thought you True Seers already knew all about ones future, past and present" Moira teased.

"I do, but since you blocked yours from my view, I have to hear them from you"

As they were catching up on what they have been doing (Abby did most of the talking) the door to Dumbledore's office opened and Remus and Sirius got out. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw the two young witches. Lupin stopped breathing. Literally.

"ABBY!" Sirius said smiling and caught the blond dame in his arms, swooping her from the floor and twirling her around. Abby laughed. Remus couldn't move. "Tell me my future" he said as he put her down and extended his hand towards her.

"A lady will put you on a leash" she said mockingly.

Sirius arched his eyebrows and snapped his hand away from Abby.

"Not funny" he said, looking from Abby to Moira.

"Now you know why I blocked mine" Moira said smiling, accompanied by Abby's sweet laughter.

Moira gestured for Sirius to follow her, leaving Abby and Remus alone. They moved to the arches as Moira pointed down at Mavros who was still running around with her uncle trying to calm him down.

"Hello Remus" Abby said softly, taking a few steps toward him. Her small hand twisting the fabric of her dress as her cheeks went from blushed to scarlet.

"Hey, Abby" he said, blushing as well. His eyes traveled from her to the couple of wizards whispering behind her.

Lupins eyes found Abby's. She had smiling eyes. They weren't mysterious like Moira's, but showed to the fullest everything she was feeling and right now they were quite curious and worried.

"Is everything all right?" Abby asked as she frowned at him.

Lupin took in the question. She probably knew the answer but wanted to hear it from him. No it wasn't all right…but it would be. His eyes traveled from Abby to Moira and Sirius and back to Abby again. Lupin let out a sigh and took Abby by surprise as his arms went around her body, hugging her protectively.

"I'm so glad you're here" Lupin whispered, closing his eyes letting the weak scent of vanilla coming from her hair capture him.

Abby smiled and hugged him back, passing her hand across his back.

"I missed you" she whispered relieved.

Lupin opened his eyes to find an empty hall in front of him. Sirius and Moira were nowhere to be seen. The smell of vanilla coming from her hair caught his senses and he remembered how much he had truly missed Abby. They parted the embrace as the door to Dumbledore's office opened.

"Abigail" Albus said as he left the room with opened arms "Let me take a look at my beautiful niece"

"Hello uncle" Abby said as she embraced the tall wizard "I trust you are well" Dumbledore smiled "Well but worried" her sky blue eyes sparkled.

"When one is a parent one always worries" he said smiling as he took Abby's arm "I see your clairvoyance abilities are intact"

"They are getting better, uncle, although there are some things I am not allowed to see yet"

"Like what?" Lupin asked as the two Dumbledores approached him near the arches that overlooked the garden.

"Like the length of life, and love" she said, her voice soft.

Lupin looked at her. Clearly she had seen that something was wrong. Abby looked straight at Lupin's eyes and let out a sigh. Her smile was almost an apologetically one. Lupin didn't say anything, not because he didn't want to, but because he didn't know what to say. He often found himself in that position around her whenever she looked into his eyes, peeking at his very soul.

"Well, why don't you take me to see that old fool that calls himself your father" Albus said smiling.

The three of them went down to the entrance to the castle to find Chloe laughing as Sirius was putting her down. By the blush on her cheeks, he had twirled her off the ground as well.

"Stop it, Sirius. I'm too old for that" she said smiling.

"You are not old. Dumbledores don't get old, they get better" Sirius said smiling and turned to shake hands with Aberforth.

Albus brother was quite different from him and yet quite alike. He was shorter and chubbier, with a bald spot on his head and shorter beard. His hair and beard were as silver as Albus' and his eyes had the same twinkle. His dark red robes matched his cheek, having finally given up on chasing Mavros. Moira had taken him for a ride to calm him down.

"How are you brother?" Aberforth greeted Albus as did Chloe.

"I'm better now that you are here" Albus said smiling "I see your children are growing up quickly" Albus said, observing how Nicholas led Sophie toward the castle.

"Mine? What about yours? Moira is a carbon copy of your wife" Aberforth said with a kind smile upon his face.

"She really is isn't she?" Albus said, his eyes twinkling with pride.

The Dumbledores, Lupin and Sirius were by the entrance when Nicholas and Sophie reached them. Nicholas had shoulder-length ash blond hair that was tied in a messy ponytail. He was a strong looking man, much like Sirius, but with a kinder look upon him. The deep gray of his clothes and robes made his blue eyes stand out. Sophie on the other hand was petite and fragile looking. She had light brown hair that fell in curls on the top of her shoulders, and greenish eyes that were surrounded by gray marks from sleepless nights, caring for her only child. She was wearing a feminine beige suit with a white shirt underneath. Henry was asleep in her arms.

"Hello uncle" Nicholas said as he embraced Dumbledore "Remus, Sirius" he shook hands with them "I would like you all to meet my wife Sophie and my son Henry"

Sophie took a step closer and gave Henry to Nicholas to hold.

"Nicholas has told me a great deal about you" she told them "I'm really pleased to finally meet you"

"Likewise dear" Albus said.

"I could only imagine Hogwarts, but I never thought it was so beautiful" Sophie said, looking up and back down again. Her eyes met Lupins. "Kind eyes and nice smile. You must be Remus Lupin" she said as she approached Lupin to shake hands with him "Abby told me about you"

"I hope it was all good" Lupin said, shaking Sohies hand.

"I don't have reasons for it to be otherwise" Abby said.

"And won't ever have" he said as he took her hand in his. Abby smiled relieved.

"Dark hair and penetrating eyes. You have to be Sirius Black. Nicholas warned me about you" Sophie said smiling as Sirius shook her hand.

"I have to look after my wife, you know" Nicholas smiled at Sirius.

"Calm down, mate. I can be a lot of things but never a girl stealer" he smiled at the blond gentleman.

"Why don't we get settled down? We should all be rested for tonight, right?" asked Abby.

Aberforth and Chloe were in the guest room close to their former Hufflepuff common room. The few Hufflepuffs students they encountered on the hallway were quite pleased that members of the Headmaster's family have belonged to their house. Aberforth was talking in what seemed to be for ages about his school days when Chloes finally had to drag him to their room, getting kind smiles from the students. Abby was placed on the same floor as Lupin's and Sirius' chamber as did Nicholas, Sophie and little Henry. As they passed Chloe on her way to her room, some students frowned, clearly noticing she didn't quite belong there.

"So, when will I get to meet that mysterious cousin of yours?" Sophie asked as she unpacked.

"She should be back soon" he looked at his wife "Is everything all right?"

Sophie stopped her movements and looked over to Henry, who was still fast asleep.

"Nick…do you think it was my fault?" her voice trembled.

"What? Of course not! How can you even think that?" Nicholas replied, holding his wife's shoulders.

"If I was a witch this wouldn't have happened" Sophie said as she felt her vision get unfocused due to the tears forming in her eyes.

"I fell in love with you, witch or not. We'll get through this together, Sophie"

Sophie nodded. She turned her head to look at her precious baby.

"How can someone curse a child?" she whispered, passing her hand through Henry's soft light brown hair.

Nicholas took that in. Of course he knew all about Harry Potter and he started to fear his son would walk the same steps. He wanted his son to have a normal life, be it as a muggle or as a wizard, but nothing like Harry's or Moira's. He saw how worried his aunt and uncle had been about Moira and heard how Lily and James had to hide too protect Harry. He didn't want that for Henry, but if it was to be, he would do it, just like any parent would.

"Do you think your cousin can help him?"

"I'm sure of it. And whoever did this to our son will be very sorry" Nicholas looked into his wife's teary eyes and embraced her, kissing her softly on the lips "We'll get through this" he whispered in her ear.

The sky had the mixture of red and purple as the evening approached. Snape was coming back from the Forest when he heard the sounds of hoofs on the grass. The tall black stallion with clear blue eyes approached bringing his owner on his back. He came to a halt before Hagrid's hut. If only Tsarina could see her daughter now. Moira's black dress and robes could barely be distinguished from the black of the animal she was riding. Her dark hair cascaded down her back and her pale skin had a faint blush. Moira Crane Dumbledore, also called Lady Crane by some followers of the Dark Side was, right now, the very definition of beauty. Imposing posture, deep eyes and a voice that can tell you to go to hell and back, and you would do it gladly. Moira had been a lady all her life and didn't need a Lord by her side to earn the title. Maybe that was why Voldemort was so concerned about her.

Smiling, Moira came down from Mavros' back and led the horse to Hagrid. Mavros had been a present from Moira's mother to her on her birthday, when she was still a student. Horses like him were quite faithful to their owners and didn't like to be parted from them. Temperamental as unicorns, winged horses had very long life spans.

Snape found his way into the shadows, observing Moira as she talked to Hagrid. The half giant had a great smile upon his face and was glad he could look after Mavros. Moira had even agreed to let him be the subject of one of Hagrid's classes. Mavros let his long and dark wings come out from each side of him and he opened them up as if showing off to Hagrid. The ground keeper laughed soundly and told the stallion that he was indeed still in shape. Moira caressed the long crane of her horse before starting her way back to the castle. Snape noticed the sweet and discrete smile upon her face, something that faded when she saw him. Instead, she crossed her arms over her chest and her left eyebrow was raised.

"Old habits die hard, I see" she said as she approached him.

Snape turned away from her and started his own way toward the castle. Moira ran a bit too reach him.

"Since you didn't convince my father to send me away again, I see that you have been summoned to follow me around" she whispered before she could see the herbs he was carrying in his hands "Wolfsbane?".

"It is time for him to take his dose" Snape said without stopping his walk "I don't think Hogwarts needs another rabid animal, do you?" he said without looking at her. He clearly was talking about Sirius on purpose.

Snape stopped when he felt Moira touch his arm, pulling him gently into a halt.

"Look, I don't want to fight anymore" she said, looking into his eyes.

Snape's insides felt weaker when the words she had spoken in his dream were repeated by her so kissable lips. He felt it but didn't show a thing. Instead, his face remained as blank as it had been. He simply refused to give her that power over him.

"Too much is going on and though I wish I could, I don't think I can go through this without your help" her eyes didn't leave his for a single moment and he saw how hard it was for her to be saying all of that "But I need to know whose side you are on"

Snape didn't answer but kept on walking, holding the Wolfsbane herbs in his hands. Moira didn't need an answer. She knew he wouldn't lie about that. Not again. He also probably had his ego massaged by what she had just said but she had to say it. She had trusted him before and now, more than ever, she needed him by her side, even if he didn't want her around. Only he could walk her though the changes she was undergoing. She needed him beside her even if it was just as a friend.

They continued their walk up to the castle in silence. The breeze brushed against Snape's skin, making the strands of his raven black hair blow away from his pale face. From a distance, Moira saw that a couple of students were whispering to each other and looking their way. When Snape looked at them, the group scattered. Moira couldn't help but smile, and Snape noticed. He knew the kids still had the betting going around as well as he knew that whoever betted on him would loose a considerable amount of money. He couldn't think of anything worse than having to attend a school ball, but then, why was he caring? He heard Moira's heels come in contact with the ground next to him and by the corner of his eye; he watched her go up the steps. By the look upon her face, Snape could say she was thinking about something else other than tonight for her sweet smile appeared on her lips again. The same smile that takes hold of her face whenever Black is around. The vague thought of Black being close to Moira made Snape's lips curl in anger. Lupin didn't bother him that much since Abigail had returned. He could see something was troubling him though. Maybe the fact that he couldn't decide between day and night had the head of the werewolf turning. The warm smile of the day or the cold mystery of the night. Snape would choose the night. The cold, untouchable darkness that longs to be discovered, unleashed. Even the apparently cold can be warm and that was something that he longed to accomplish but could not. Although Snape was doomed to dwell in darkness, he could not have the night.

"There's no reason for so many chaperones and I'm sure you do have better things planed than a school ball filled with noisy students" Moira asked, bringing Snape back from his thoughts.

"Indeed" he answered dryly, noting she already had dismissed him as a potential partner for the stupid dance. He knew he wouldn't ask her. She knew he wouldn't ask her, and yet, the idea of her going with anyone else didn't please him one bit.

Moira nodded and continued her walk. That was the answer she was waiting for, but not the one she wanted to hear. Besides, why should she care? Her friends will be there and it was about time she celebrated her birthday with her father. Even if that meant to be surrounded by people and still feel lonely.

"You'll be lifting the boy's curse tonight?" he asked with a blank expression on his face. Moira nodded "I'll go get things ready then" Moira frowned "Please, Crane, potions was never your field of expertise. The boy will be fifteen before you get the elixirs you need ready"

Moira narrowed her eyes at him.

"For your information, I brew potions fine, thank you very much" Moira said and Snape raised his eyebrow. She realized what he meant "But I need a man's hand to brew the last one. Thanks for so nicely reminding me" Moira said "But I could brew that one with Remus' help, you know"

Snape snorted. Moira knew there was no point in arguing. Snape was right this time.

"I'll meet you at the Dungeons after I meet Nicholas wife" she said and Snape nodded and left for the dungeons.

She stood there for a moment, watching his robe frame his steps, his broad back move into the darkness. Moira shook her head and turned the other way, walking to the teacher's lounge.

"This is Professor Flitwick, he was the head of my house and Professor of Charms" Nicholas told Sophie who bowed down to shake hands with the little professor "And these are Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout. They are heads of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff respectively"

"Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration Professor and Herbology. Oh my, I could never look after common roses, let alone magical plants" said Sophie with a sweet smile on her thin rosy lips.

"Oh Nicholas… she is just a dear" Sprout said as she softly pinched Sophie's small face.

"It really is great to meet all of you. Now I can put faces to the names" she said as she looked around the room.

"Are you all right?" Sirius asked Lupin as the young werewolf looked at Abby from across the room.

"Yes, I suppose" he said in barely more than a murmur "I can't hurt her Sirius. I just can't"

"Then don't" Sirius said "Although I would love to see you and Moira together, I don't think it would be the best choice"

Lupin nodded in silence. Sirius was right. It wasn't right for them to be together even if it felt that way. It wouldn't work anyway for Moira had feelings toward another teacher, even if she denied it. Lupin looked at Sirius and found worry in his friend's eyes. The young Defense Professor smiled.

"I would like to see the two of you get together as well" Lupin said "Although I don't see that happening either"

"Nope. Can't kiss a sister, Remus. As beautiful and nice as she is, it is not going to happen. No sparks at all"

"Then why are you insisting on taking her to the ball?"

"She needs to lighten up" Sirius said, looking around the room. A cunning smile grew on his lips.

"Please don't tell me you are doing this to make Severus jealous" Lupin asked.

"Why should he be jealous?" Sirius asked, looking at Lupin "All right, I'll admit it, but he shouldn't have to worry. It's not like he has a heart anyway"

"Don't count on that" Lupin said to himself and moved toward Abby, who was engaged in conversation with Trelawney, leaving the wheels in Sirius' head turning.

"How I've missed my most talented student" the big glassed teacher said "You should attend one of the classes as a guest speaker"

"Or maybe she could teach it" a deep voice came from the door "Show the students the true gift of Divination"

Moira said mockingly as she slithered inside the room, her long and dark robes framing her steps. Her rigid posture was back in place and her intense brown eyes were locked on Trelawney. The thin professor almost jumped out of her skin when she heard Moira's voice. She gave a weak excuse to leave and did it quickly.

"That wasn't nice Moira" Abby said reprimanding her cousin.

"I'm not nice. Not to her anyway" and her eyes met the Muggle standing next to her husband.

"And the evil queen arrives" Nicholas said as he came toward his cousin.

"What news does my prince bring me?" Moira said in her deep, pleasant voice.

"The prince has a princess and an heir" he said as he embraced her and gestured for Sophie to move closer "This is Sophie"

Sophie found herself frozen in place. Her eyes were locked with Moira's and what she had discussed with Nicholas came back to her. The one who did this will be sorry. It was the truth and she saw it in the depth of this witch's eyes.

"By Merlin, Abby, what did you tell her?" Moira asked, her eyes searching Sophie's.

Sophie blinked a few times and blushed.

"I'm so sorry...I just..." Sophie stuttered as she managed to reach out her hand and shake Moira's cool one. She couldn't look Moira in the eye. It felt as if she was reading her thoughts.

"Now you see why I used to call her evil queen" Nicholas said.

"I do believe you talk too much, Nicholas" Moira said "Besides, I was right about Trelawney. Our dear Abigail could teach her class easily"

Abby blushed. Lupin, who was standing beside her, pulled her by the hand and whispered in her ear the word "true" making Abby blush even more.

"And besides being called evil queen, I go by the name of Moira" she said with a tiny smile that didn't reach her eyes as she addressed Sophie once more.

"Oh, I figured. And you are head of Slytherin?"

Sirius busted out laughing.

"No, no dear. Moira is the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, as is Remus. The head of Slytherin is Professor Severus Snape" Minerva explained "He is also our Potions Master".

"I don't believe I met him"

"Lucky you" Sirius said close to Sophie's ear.

Sophie frowned and looked at Nicholas for an explanation. The charming wizard just waved his hand, indicating it was a long story.

On the outside, the climate was harsher and the wind blew stronger against the trees. The teachers and guests were finishing their tea wen Sophie left the room. She lowered her head as hot tears flooded her eyes. It was too much for one tiny muggle to bear. She had always wanted to come to Hogwarts, ever since she had learned that her husband was a wizard. Everything about it was so interesting, the names, the outfits, everything. At first she had no problem about being part of a magical family, but now, after meeting them, she felt a pinch of jealousy. She knew she would never have magical powers, the only Dumbledore not to have them. They all seemed fine about the fact of having a Muggle, as they call it, in their family, but even so, she felt diminished. Nicholas' cousin didn't help either. Moira didn't seem to like her although she faked it well. It was in her eyes that Sophie found the difference between them. There was something else besides the trademark Dumbledore twinkle; there was wisdom, power, and confidence. Abby had powerful eyes as well but they were kind ones, warm and nothing like Moira's. She envied them. The difference between a Muggle and a wizard can simply be set on what their eyes show and it doesn't matter how much Sophie wanted, she would never have that degree of depth in her greenish eyes. People say the eyes are the window to the soul and if that was true, she had a very plain one.

"Hello" a young voice said, bringing Sophie back to reality and making her turn around quickly.

A young man dressed in black robes and in what appeared to be the school uniform was standing in front of her. His round glasses reflected the dim light of the corridor and he had an odd looking scar on his forehead, half hidden by his jet-black hair.

"Hello there" she replied, holding back her tears.

The boy smiled and went right by her, apparently looking for something or someone. Sophie smiled to herself as she noticed how silly she was being. The boy was a wizard and he didn't mind that she, the Muggle, was there. Then she heard footsteps…hushed ones.

"Harry, I'm here" another young man came running by.

This one had bright red hair and his robes looked older than the dark-haired boy called Harry was wearing.

"Oh, hello" the red head said as he went by her to meet his friend. Sophie smiled back. This one had kind eyes as well.

Sophie was beginning to freeze. Suddenly, she felt something warm and heavy around her shoulders.

"This will help to keep you warm" a soft voice said as a brown heavy cloak hugged Sophie's body.

The Muggle couldn't help but to widened her eyes. She looked behind her to find a young girl pointing her wand at her. She had a sweet smile and bushy brown hair.

"Thank you" Sophie said and the girl gave her a quick smile in return "Are you a student here?"

"Yes. I'm Hermione Granger" the girl said as she reached her hand to shake Sophie's.

"You had to show off, didn't you?" asked the red-haired boy "I'm Ron Weasley" he shook hands with Sophie as well and then the dark-haired boy did the same.

"I'm Harry Potter"

Why did that name ring a bell?

"I'm Sophie Dumbledore" she said, almost whispering her last name.

The two students widened their eyes as the girl didn't act surprised. She probably already knew Sophie was a Muggle. Her "normal" outfit did that for her.

"You are the Muggle one, aren't you?" asked a very excited Ron.

"Ron" Hermione said as she elbowed him.

"It's all right. Yes I'm the Muggle one" Sophie said half smiling.

"We hope your son gets better soon" said Harry.

"Thank you" Sophie said. She couldn't resist the urge to ask "Your professor, Moira Crane, is supposed to lift the curse. Is she any good at these things?"

"Good? She is the best there is!" Ron said, still enthusiastic.

"She is very gifted in the Dark Arts and will for sure heal your son in no time" said Hermione.

"I'm so glad to hear this" Sophie said with a sigh, although the part of her being gifted in the Dark Arts didn't please her very much.

Then, her eyes focused on a tall dark shadow that was moving toward them. It looked like a gigantic bat and made no noise whatsoever as it approached them. Sophie's breath was caught in her throat as a very pale face emerged from the dark. It was a tall man with a long crooked nose, thin lips and a pair of deep black eyes that made her think of dark tunnels. If she had a plain soul, this man had none. The expression on his face was not at all pleasant and without feeling it, Sophie's body began to tremble. Before she could speak, the man's eyes fell on the three students and an evil grin appeared on his thin lips.

"Detention" his baritone voice said in barely more than a whisper. Without looking back, the three students appeared to know who was the man "Why wait for tomorrow for things one can do today?" he said again in a most elegant manner.

The three kids slowly turned to face the tall man, that now, Sophie figured should be a Professor. Harry's eyes didn't look so pleased but angry instead.

"I think the Trophy Room needs some cleaning. Some non magical cleaning. Filch is waiting. And Mr. Potter, I think that some ingredients need chopping. In my office after you finish" he said

"Yes" Harry said.

"Excuse me?" the tall man asked, frowning.

"Yes, sir" Harry completed.

"Good. Go." he commanded and the three of them left.

The man's eyes were on Sophie now. He came a step closer but kept a certain distance between them. The look on his face besides being cold, was arrogant, as if he thought of him as superior to her. Before she had a chance to introduce herself, the door to the lounge opened and Moira came out. Her eyes traveled quickly from Sophie to the tall man and her left eyebrow went up slightly. Moira came out of the room and the tall man's eyes were cast upon her.

"This is the Head of Slytherin, Sophie. Professor Snape" Moira said as she approached them.

"Oh…hello" Sophie said but before she could reach out her hand, she saw Moira wide her eyes slightly and shake her head subtly. Sophie decided to keep her limbs to herself.

The door opened once more and Lupin came out. Sophie felt better now. She knew that Remus Lupin was a werewolf but his presence was reassuring, especially now, after being alone for what seemed to be an eternity with the two sinister teachers. A werewolf. What is real and what is not in the world? She thought she knew. She was wrong.

"A private gathering?" he asked as he closed the door behind him.

"Wolfsbane is in your office" the man now identified as Snape said.

"Thank you Severus" Lupin replied with a sweet smile on his face "So Sophie, how do you like our harsh weather?"

"Oh it is a bit cold, but this young girl conjured a cloak for me" she said, indicating the long and warm piece of clothing.

"Miss Granger" Moira said softly and her eyebrows raised "Was she here?" she asked and Sophie nodded.

"Yes, also a red-haired boy called Ron and a dark-haired young man called Harry. Very nice kids" Sophie said and her eyes stole a glance in Snape's direction. Moira saw it and crossed her arms in front of her. As he noticed what had transpired, Lupin's eyebrows shot up.

"You had them due detention today, haven't you?" Lupin asked, "I guess I'll have to tell Mr. Malfoy that his detention has been changed" he said as he looked at Moira.

"You do that, Remus. We'll get the rest of the potions ready. You know where to meet us?" Moira said and Lupin nodded and the two dark professors left for the dungeons.

"Is it me or did it just get colder?" Sophie asked.

Lupin's eyes found Sophie's quizzical ones

"It's a long story. Now, here is what is going to happen" and he lead her back to the lounge, explaining what was going to take place for her son to get healed.

The way to the dungeons was a cold and dark one, nothing that Moira wasn't used to. She went down the steps beside Snape in silence. They went by his classroom into his private study where a long table was filled with bottles of every kind and shape. The smell was strong coming from the cauldron by the fire. Moira recognized it as being Wolfsbane that he had prepared for Lupin. She stood in a corner, not touching anything. She knew how territorial Snape was and there was no reason for her to interfere with that. She chose to stand by, out of his way, and watch as he prepared the last ingredients.

His long fingers traveled by the bottles on the endless cabinets and the sound of the blobbing on the cauldron and of the bottles coming in contact with each other was mesmerizing. The ceiling wasn't so high, making Snape look even taller. His movements were calculated as were her own. Moira had always liked to watch him work, pay attention to his hands and how his eyes were dutiful. Of course she had never said anything to him about it, but watching him calmed her in a certain way.

Snape looked in her direction and his back stiffened. It was time. Moira came closer to him and glanced at the table. Everything had been set methodically so no mistake should occur. Since the last potion had to be done with them holding hands, the work space had to be clear and organized. Snape reached out is right hand to Moira as if he was asking her to dance and she put hers on his, accepting his offer. Instantly she felt the energy flowing from him to her and vice-versa.

"Herbs first, right?" she said as she walked with him closer to the table.

Snape would get the ingredients with his left hand and Moira would chop, slice and add them to the other caldron in front of them. Snape feared she would sneeze and compromise the potion so he handled the petals and leaves she had collected this morning.

Hours passed with them only exchanging words that were related to the work. Ever since they could remember, Moira and Snape had argued but everything was put aside when they were working together…everything.

"Where's the salamander's blood?" he asked, his voice low.

"Inside my robes" Moira said as she held the right side of her robes opened for him to get the flask from her inside pocket.

He reached for it, trying to ignore the tiny waist underneath the robes, begging to be taken into his arms. He stole a glimpse a Moira's face and she didn't seem to mind his touch. When he pulled the flask out of her robes, he held it for her to open it and he poured it on the potion. His head snapped in her direction as he felt her squeeze his hand.

"What's the matter?" he asked, frowning.

Moira had felt her shoulder blade sting slightly but it faded away. She hadn't realized she had squeezed Snape's hand.

"Nothing" she lied, feeling uncomfortable for getting this close to him without noticing.

They continued to brew the potion. As he was holding a long piece of Grynth, an ingredient that looked like a gray carrot, for Moira to slice, he was the one that squeezed her hand. They looked at each other and she knew what had caused him to do that: his Dark Mark was burning. Snape felt Moira squeeze his hand in return but it felt different. She wasn't in pain, she was supporting him.

"Don't answer him" she whispered, holding his hand firmly in hers.

"You know I have to" he said back.

Moira dropped the knife she was holding and placed her hand above theirs.

"Don't let go of me" she whispered and felt him squeeze her hand tighter.

Never he thought. Snape's face didn't show a glimpse of the pain he was feeling. Instead, it was blank and indifferent. He wasn't squeezing her hand anymore, but only holding it.

It felt terrible not to able to help him. She couldn't do anything to lessen the pain for Voldemort would know she was the one that did it and that would compromise Snape's role. They couldn't let go of each other or the potion would have to be restarted. No matter what happened, they couldn't let theirs hands get separated and neither of them wanted to.

"He won't ever leave us alone will he?" she asked without looking at him but moving back to the table. The word "us" and the way she said it made Snape's chest tighten.

"Not until he gets what he wants" he said and Snape saw Moira abruptly stop her movements. She snapped her head at him.

"What is that suppose to mean? Do not play games with me Severus Snape" she said defiantly but not letting go of his hand "I know you don't want me around so why don't we just let go of this charade and you tell me with all the letters that you want me to marry him?"

"Because I don't" he said simply.

"Then why have you been insisting into driving me into his arms?" she said, putting her free hand on her hip.

"Because I need to know you don't want to go" he said, looking in to her eyes "I need to know he is not a temptation to you, Crane" Snape said.

Moira was at a loss for words.

"You know how persuasive he can be" Snape said and made a move to go back to work.

"By the way you've been acting I thought you wanted me to leave Hogwarts" she said as she too went back to work.

Snape didn't say a word.

"Please say something" she whispered to herself, but he heard it.

Snape stopped and turned to her. Since they were holding hands, Moira didn't have much choice but to face him.

"For Merlin's sake, Crane, what do you want me to say?" he asked angrily "I am not Black or Lupin"

"Nor do I want you to be" she replied in the same tone.

"You want me to tell you I don't want you to leave? Well I can't, because I do"

Moira felt the ground move away from her feet.

"You can deny it as long as you want to but you are not safe when you're near him" Snape said, his voice controlled "You know this. He can hurt you and he can make you hurt other people"

"I'm not under his spell anymore"

"He doesn't need to cast a spell upon you. The Dark Magic in your blood is enough for him to claim you" Snape turned around "and I won't have that again" the words escaped his lips before he could stop them.

"Why won't you Snape?" she spat at him "Just yesterday you told me if I had married him all of this wouldn't have happened and now you want to keep me away from him. You are a bloody oxymoron. Make up your mind!"

Snape turned around fast and took Moira into his arms. His right hand didn't let go of her left one, but they were now located on her back, their faces inches from each other. Moira's free hand instantly went to Snape's chest, slightly pushing him away, and his other hand found its way around her waist. He knew she was taken by surprise for her breathing was heaving. Their eyes locked on each other but this time he didn't see fear in her eyes.

"I want you…" he whispered "to be safe for your father's sake"

"Your loyalty to him amazes me" her voice was as cold as her eyes "Especially since you were the one who led me to Voldemort in the first place"

Snape let go of her. Voldemort knew about Moira and it was Snape's job to get her to him, informing him of her every move, need and ambition. The loyal Death Eater did the job perfectly and had regretted it ever since. She had found out about what he did, but not the part that he didn't.

"No need to hide it anymore" Moira said, her voice low, turning to finish the potion.

As soon as they had finished, Moira let go of Snape's hand and walked away from him, without another word or glance.

"Crane" he called and heard her footsteps stop in the dark "Careful with it. The potion came out stronger" and her footsteps continued.

The wind blew harder as the mid of the night approached. Sophie was standing by the steps that led to the front of the castle, Henry in her arms. The boy had his eyes opened, watching closely everything that was going on. Abby was at the edge of the forest. She had her eyes closed and her palms facing upward. Her lips moved discreetly but no sound came out from them. Henry moved in Sophie's arms. Abby opened her eyes and put the tips of her fingers to her temples as the pain washed through her again.

"It's getting stronger" she murmured "We must end this tonight, Nicholas" she said.

"We will" Nicholas whispered, standing by his wife, near the stairs to the castle.

Toc, toc, toc…Moira's heels came in hard contact with the floor as she walked toward Sophie. Her eyes were cold and her eyebrows put together in a frown. Between her long fingers she held tightly the flask with the potion.

"Is she ready?" she asked Nicholas and he nodded "Then let get this over with so I can get some sleep" her voice was cold as the wind blowing.

She turned to Sophie and extended her arms toward her, indicating to hand over the child. Sophie looked at Nicholas and back at Moira. Reluctantly, she handed Henry over and was surprised at how Moira held the child with extreme care. Her comfort vanished when she saw Henry's reaction to Moira. The boy widened his eyes and opened his mouth, but no sound came out. When he turned his head, Lupin was coming toward them, and fear turned into desperation. Moira noted the change and exchanged looks with Remus.

"No matter what you see or hear, don't come find us" she told the couple and turned to where Abby was standing.

It will be all right" Lupin said and left.

On the depths of the Forbidden Forest was a clearing where a stone altar stood alone. The animals that reside inside were nowhere to be seen tonight and even the Centaurs dared not to come close to where the three young wizards were. Lupin put white soft fabrics on top of the altar. Abby walked slowly, feeling her head hurt tremendously. She came to a halt near the altar and conjured up candles, putting a simple spell on them so they wouldn't be blown off by the wind. From the darkness came Moira, holding Henry in her arms. The baby still had his eyes fixed on her.

"I'm afraid this is going to hurt. A lot" she whispered to Henry as her eyes met his. Her pupils dilated.

Moira put the baby lying down on his back on the top of the altar, and took a dagger from inside her robes.

"Will this hurt?" Abby asked, her voice trembling.

"So very much" Moira replied.

"And Henry?"

"He won't feel a thing" Moira said "But the person who did this will go through hell" she raised the dagger to the sky "By the moon and night. By the shadows and darkness" the wind got stronger "By the blood of the innocent" she put the tip of the dagger between the baby's eyes but not touching it "And by the souls of the damned I reveal you"

Abby's knees started to get weak. As Moira repeated the incantation, the winds got stronger and Abby weaker. Lupin came toward Abby and handed her a clean and shinning silver goblet. With the tip of his wand he removed the tears that were streaming down her face and put them inside the goblet. He then walked toward the altar where Henry was and added the potion to the tears. Dipping his finger on the now crimson red liquid, he drew a five-pointed star on the child's forehead. Henry's eyes were clearly not his, for they showed more years and fear than a two year old could ever have.

"Lift the Veil" Moira said, pointing the dagger to the sky. Her eyes looked black, her pupils were so dilated. Abby fell to the ground. "As the wind does to leaves, release him" she called, her voice loud and firm "As day does to night, release him" she said it again "As I do to you, release him" and with an incredibly fast movement, Moira stabbed the stone altar, right above Henry's head.

Abby arched her back as she gasped for air and little Henry started to cry. Moira closed her eyes and kneeled down to the ground. Lupin ran toward Abby, helping her up and moved to get Henry.

"Clean him up and take him away from here" Moira said, her voice low and controlled. They didn't move "I'll be right behind you" she repeated and heard the footsteps move away from her.

"I'm here, sir" Harry said as he entered the Dungeons. Snape had his back to him, and was looking out a very small and round window. The room was darker than usual and the figure of Snape in the shadows made Harry have this incredible urge to turn around and run the other way. He knew why he was there and that he was about to get some major nagging from him.

It was past midnight and he was pretty tired from scrubbing the trophies. Malfoy hadn't been much help either. He wasn't too happy that Lupin had gotten him into serving detention with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Ron and Hermione had gone back to the common room already but not Harry. Oh, no, he was still to be punished by what he had seen the night he encountered Snape and Moira on the hall outside Dumbledore's office.

Snape turned around in the dark and Harry could see the two gleaming dots coming from the forest of dark hair. He swallowed down hard. This was going to get ugly.

"On the table" Snape said, his voice low "Chop and shred"

"Yes, sir" Harry whispered and moved toward the table. There was about a year's supply of ingredients there for Harry to organize. Wasting no time, Harry started on his task, cursing Snape in his mind both for doing this to him and for hurting Moira then.

He thought he was going to be questioned and bullied but he wasn't. For the whole time Harry had been there, Snape didn't say a word. All he did was read and eventually peek out the window. Of course some snorts came his way and instructions on how to organize the ingredients, but that was it. Harry finished up a couple of minutes after midnight, silently thanking that his first class tomorrow was History of Magic, the perfect time to get some sleep. He left Snape's office and headed straight to the common room, half thanking that it hadn't been that bad and half not understanding why that was so.

"Oh thank God!" Sophie said as she ran toward Lupin and Abby.

Henry had stopped crying as soon as Abby had picked him up. He rested his head against her and quieted down. As soon as he saw his mother, his little greenish eyes twinkled and he reached out his small arms. Sophie took him into her arms and held him protectively as she cried. Abby leaned on Lupin as they continued their walk to the castle. Nicholas embraced his wife.

"Thank you" he whispered to the night.

The wind stopped blowing so hard and Moira saw a raven fly above her head and into the forest. She got up from the floor slowly and with a wave of her hand, everything that had been set up for the ritual had vanished. Her eyes were still dilated and her mind kept repeating the scene she had seen only seconds ago, during the spell. With a handkerchief she pulled out from her robes, Moira dried the blood that fell from her nose. Her breath was strong but she made an effort to control it, to control the force coming from inside that was asking for more. The feeling was amazing. She got up slowly and looked at the dagger, narrowing her eyes. With a swift motion, she took it out from the stone. The blade that had once been silver was now crimson.

"You better hide" she said into the night as she started her way toward the castle, putting the dagger inside her robes.

Inside the teachers lounge, Chloe dried up the tears on a handkerchief offered to her by Aberforth. Henry was sucking on his pacifier, all curled up in his mother's lap. Abby was seated in an armchair and had her hair being caressed by Lupin who was seating at the armrest. Sirius paced across the room.

"Sit down before you make a hole in the floor" Nicholas said but Sirius ignored him.

"It was too strong" Abby said, her eyes wide "I thought I wouldn't get through" she felt Lupin kiss the top of her head "How does she do it?"

A silence filled the room. Albus, who had been quiet through the whole time regarded his niece from the top of his half-moon spectacles. He smiled at her.

The warm lights from the castle made Moira put her hand to her eyes. Still going back to normal, the light was too much for her to bear right now. She went up the stone steps and slowly made her way to the teacher's lounge. She didn't feel tired, much on the contrary. It was then she understood why Snape had said those things. She had always felt the darkness in her blood but nothing like tonight. As she was receiving her mother's powers, the darkness grew stronger as did her control of it. She fainted before and now, only a few days later, all she got was a nosebleed. It was getting easier to control her new abilities and Snape's words haunted her. Was it supposed to be easy?

Moira came to a halt when she reached the lounge's door, hearing the voices coming from the inside. She looked at the white handkerchief stained with blood in her hand. Her eyes were fixed on it when anger filled her heart again. That excuse of a man better hide if he values his life. She gripped the cloth in her hand and pushed open the door. The faces looked at her but none said a word. Moira knew that the reaction would be that: fear, wonder and appreciation. The exact combination that Dark Magic has on wizards.

"How is he?" Moira asked.

The silent faces turned to Henry who was sitting on Sophie's lap. For everyone's surprise he had a big smile on his face and was reaching his arms for Moira to hold him. Sophie got up, moved toward Moira and put Henry in her arms. The young witch held Henry in her arms with care and the boy, still smiling, put his little hand on her pale face. His greenish eyes looked in the depth of her brown ones as if he was looking for something. He giggled.

"Thank you Moira" Sophie said, looking at the young witch "I know it must have been hard for you to do that kind of magic"

"That was nothing" Moira said, not leaving the boy's eyes "This is magic" and the boy giggled again resting his head against Moira's neck.

"So...is it over?" Abby asked "Who did it?"

Moira's face was firm as she looked around the room.

"Let's talk about it tomorrow" Albus said as he got up.

It was pretty late when Moira had finally got to bed. The anger in her hadn't vanished but got stronger when she remembered Henry's laughter. She could not prevent what happened to Harry and she was not about to let the past repeat itself over Henry.

Dressed in a midnight blue pajamas, Moira was getting in the bed when she gasped for air and her hand gripped the headboard. Her back turned rigid as the pain washed over her. She closed her eyes tightly as the visions hit her. A man being thrown against a wall. Pain. Hissing. Red eyes she knew only too well. She tried to suppress the pain; her knuckles were white she was gripping the headboard so hard. The pain in her left shoulder blade was getting stronger and it was getting harder to breathe. Moira let go of the headboard when she felt the pain diminish, but it came back harder and she fell on the floor. She saw the man again, being punished, tortured. Silence. The pain diminished and she found herself against a wall, sweating and heaving.

"Are you sure you'll be all right on your own?" asked Lupin.

"I'm fine all ready" Abby replied, a tired look in her eyes and her shoulders were sagged from their usually upright position "Don't worry about me, Remus" she said sweetly.

"That is not going to happen" he smiled at her.

Abby had been through a tough time at the forest. It broke Lupin's heart when he had to take her tears for the potion. All he wanted to do was to hold her and tell her everything was going to be all right. He couldn't think about if something ever happened to her.

"Go drink your potion, Remus" Abby said softly "I'll see you in the morning" she placed her soft hand on his face and kissed him softly on his lips. Her eyes searched his and a faint smile took hold of her lips "Thank you for staying with me" she whispered "Good night" and she vanished on the other side of the door.

Lupin smiled to himself as he felt his cheeks get warm. He had forgotten how good it felt to kiss Abby. He smiled again and walked to his room, where a goblet full of Wolfsbane was waiting for him. He already had the moon, so he decided to stay with the day.

A knock on the door woke Sirius up fast. Not being used to the luxury of heavy sleep, he frowned and walked to the door. The twilight was showing through his window. His frown intensified when he saw Moira on the other side, not looking very happy.

"Remember when I told you the wizard responsible was probably trying to protect my family's bloodline? I was wrong" Moira said, anger in her voice.

"Get in here" Sirius said and Moira got inside.

"The wizard who did this was indeed following orders and is not very talented but his reason was a very different one" Sirius captured the slightest tone of fear in her voice.

"Who did it?" he asked.

"Peter Pettigrew" she said between clenched teeth.

"That slimy worm!" Sirius said as he punched the wall. Moira didn't move.

"And he didn't do it to protect my bloodline" she said softly but firmly. Sirius looked over at her, waiting to hear the rest as anger washed over him. Moira blinked and licked her lips with the tip of her tongue, managing the strength to say the words "Someone doesn't want any other heir in my family but his own" she whispered.

Anger turned to surprise. Sirius lips were able to form one single word as fear washed over him.

"Voldemort"

Moira nodded as they both sat down on the bed.

"Are you sure?" Sirius asked.

Moira nodded. After all the pain and visions, she was sure. She only hoped Harry hadn't felt it.

"We have to tell Remus and Albus" Sirius said and got up.

He was putting on his cloak when he turned to Moira. She was still seated on the bed, looking at the fireplace, lost in thought. Then the meaning of her words hit him. He came toward her, knelt down in front of her and took her hands in his.

"I won't let him touch you, do you understand?" he whispered.

Moira nodded. Her breathing was controlled and she tried to hide the fear she was feeling. She embraced Sirius.

"I won't let anyone hurt you, Moira. I promise" he whispered to her.

Snape was right again. He won't ever leave her alone until she was his again. If it didn't imply on hurting the ones she loved, she would go back to him freely, just to end all of this, but she couldn't. With or without her, her friends and family were in danger and there was nothing else she could do about it but to fight him. Yet, she was afraid. She knew him well and he would come after her. He did it before and he would do it again.

"Maybe I should leave" she whispered to Sirius.

"You are not going anywhere" he said, holding her shoulders "It won't do any good, Moira. We can fight him together now"

"I can't let him hurt anyone else, Sirius" she said, sitting down again "We have to protect Harry"

"And we will, but I can't do this without you" he sat down next to her "Don't leave" he pleaded "Don't let him frighten you away"

Moira looked into his eyes. So changed by the years in Azkaban and yet he managed to regain his soul. It showed in his eyes, the deep concern, the strong and true personality, the loyalty to friends. Moira managed a soft chuckle.

"Sending Peter against me...that was low...and insufficient" she said.

Sirius regarded her. She wasn't a young witch in training anymore but her eyes, even when she lowered them down, showed how vulnerable she was. It was hard to see it for she was very good at hiding it, but now, it was evident: Moira was very afraid.

"I think there's more to it than just that" Moira said, looking back at Sirius "Henry can have a Muggle mother but that doesn't imply he will get the bloodline weaker. Lily was Muggle born" Moira said.

Sirius' eyebrows shot up in his face. Harry was powerful, he fought and won battles over Voldemort and he wasn't pure blooded.

"We must keep them here until we know more" Moira said and got up, moving to the door "I'll see you at breakfast"

"Moira" Sirius called "Don't think about leaving us again"

"I won't" she said and left "But if it comes to it, I'll have no choice" she whispered to the empty and cold corridors. Her vulnerability gone only to be replaced by an icy cold look in her eyes; a look of vengeance "I'll have no choice but to face you again...dearest" she hissed under her breath.

As the night was slowly leaving Hogwarts to give day a chance, Moira walked through the still empty corridors, into the emptiness of her room, into the darkness of her mind.

A/N: I really hope you have enjoyed this one. How do you like Abby? She finally made an appearance! Please, let me know your thoughts, questions and opinions. See you all on the next one!

To Ruth: I usually thank you for being there and for correcting my mistakes. Here I go again: thanks! You are the best! I hope you like Abby!

To Trisha: The greatest Snape writer ever! I hope I can one day write him like you do! Thanks for always answering my questions!

To Kathi: The most thorough reviewer I've got! I love the way you scrutinize the fic! It opens my eyes to things I haven't noticed before! THE HOURS Rules!

To Robin, Belinda, Samson, Windflower, Staygold and RivanKnight: I don't know how you found this fic and had the patience and interest to read it, but I'm really glad you did. It is great to hear from you. Thanks for keeping with me.

To Flora: Valeu pela review! Por sua causa, tive que repensar todo o papel do Draco e da Ginny nessa história! Espeo que dê certo...

To Mez and a bunch of other people who have read the fic up to now: Thanks ! I love you!