The first day of term wasn't a crazy one, for my year at least. It was our O.W.L.S. this year, so Adrian and Graham quit the quidditch team to focus on studying. They were still working to find some way to save me, so they left me with a whole day of studying with Cedric each week. I think it was also some kind of excuse to leave me alone with him too. I was just happy to have more time to spend with the two of them this year, especially since I rarely had time with both of them at the end of last year.

I did get to hear from Harry and Malfoy at dinner that Weasley had gotten annoyed with Harry's encounter with a hippogriff and insulted the thing. He was in the hospital wing for the rest of the day, something I couldn't help thinking he deserved. You don't insult a hippogriff, ever. Proud creatures never take an insult well. It was the same concept as people. Proud people lash out when they feel insulted, so do proud creatures. Honestly, I think he felt wronged that he didn't get to be friends with Harry.

Friday was the first Defense class of the year, where I realized exactly who the professor for the class was this year. I froze in place when I saw him, Adrian and Graham knocking into my shoulders when I didn't move for them. Lupin barely registered my reaction, and he only paused for a fraction of a second when he got to my name. He was friends with my father's old bullies, so of course he would recognize it. But that was it. He wouldn't know it was me. All those times he tried to defend me, each time he forgave me for scratches and bruises and teeth marks. He was lucky they hadn't started producing venom back then.

I was choking back tears thirty minutes in. Adrian had to keep nudging me to write my notes, and I had to stifle back a few real sobs a couple of times. I didn't think it would be this hard to face one of the only people who cared when I was Amelia Potter. Especially when he didn't know. It was awful. Every second I just wanted to burst out and tell him who I was, that I was alive. Even if I knew it was a bad idea. The moment class was over I rushed to leave, heading straight for the dungeons so I could trade out my books for Charms before lunch.

After the teary class I'd had I just wanted to eat, suffer through another round of spell casting I couldn't actually perform, and then sit by the door to the Hufflepuff common room until Cedric was back from Herbology. I didn't even get that. When I stepped into the Charms room behind my friends Flitwick called me up to his desk to talk to him.

I went to put my bag down by my friends, but he told me not to, so I just approached his desk in confusion "Yes, Professor? Did I do something wrong?"

He shook his head vigorously "Not at all. Nothing you can control." I eyed him warily when he let out a solemn sigh "Unfortunately, your charms work has gotten steadily worse over the years you've been here. At first I thought you just weren't trying very hard, but after last year's news I know that is completely untrue."

My eye twitched at the clear pity in his voice "I've spoken to Headmaster Dumbledore about this, as well as your father. You were unable to perform the last three charms we worked on last term, and it is unlikely you will be able to perform anything else we cover from now on."

Fear clenched tightly at my heart "Sir, there are alternative spells I've been able to cast. I've used them-"

"Yes, and the use of those spells sent you to the hospital wing after your defense of your house mates." He frowned "My dear, I know how hard this must be for you. I understand your wish to continue life as normal as possible until the time comes, but I cannot in good conscience allow you to take part in a class that you will never be able to succeed in."

The tears were back again "Professor-"

"I am sorry, Vanessa. But the Headmaster and I have both decided it's in your best interest that you do not take this class anymore. Your name has been removed from the roster, and you will be exempt from the O.W.L. examination for Charms at the end of the year. Please, use the extra time wisely."

I let out a shaky breath, refusing to break down in front of everyone "Of course. Thank you, Professor."

I couldn't look at him. I couldn't look at my friends either. My shoulder knocked into some Ravenclaw's on my way out the door, his protests dying in my ears as I stormed off. I'd gotten angry plenty of times in my life. I'd gotten beyond furious. Normally, I would just go and brew potions with my father, but this time I wasn't sure he was the safe option. My father had been a part of the discussion that got me thrown out of Charms. I was just thrown out of Charms. Talk about ridiculous. What the hell was that? I'm dying, so I have to be punished for that?

And of course, my day just got worse. I had expected it, just not now, and especially not after I had just been kicked out of Charms. My blood was still boiling, but Nearly Headless Nick was sent to tell me to go to the headmaster's office. So I did. Without a password.

I glared at the gargoyle as I tried to think of a password "Fizzing Whizzbees." Nothing "Acid pops." Nope "Jelly slugs." Nada "Sugar quills." I think the thing was laughing at me now "Chocolate frogs." Still nothing. I groaned in exasperation "I don't know, lemon drop!"

It fueled my ire as the gargoyle stepped aside, allowing me to climb the stairs. I knocked a little harshly, entering at the sound of a faint 'come in' and moving to sit down right away. I was in no mood for games, and the old man was definitely about to play one. He was calm in his stroll down the stairs, and when he stopped in front of his desk he plucked a candy from the bowl in front of him.

With a twinkle in his eye he lifted the candy up "Lemon drop?"

An angry huff escaped me "No, sir."

He shrugged, popping the candy in his mouth and sitting down "Very well. I'm sure you're wondering why I've called you here." I nodded, trying not to speak so much "It is a matter concerning your vault at Gringotts. You see, I was taking care of it to make sure you inherited what you should from your parents, but I've found that someone has sealed off all access to the vault. I wanted to leave it as a surprise to you when you came of age, but unfortunately, the circumstances have removed that possibility."

"I'm sorry, sir, but does what does that matter to you? If it's my vault and I could no longer access it, then I'm sure the goblins at Gringotts would contact me. I've heard they're quite strict when it comes to fraud."

"They do, my dear Amelia, they do." I cringed at his use of my old name, biting my tongue as he continued "But you see, the person who has done this is filing for an inquiry against me at the Ministry."

I raised an eyebrow at him, willingly looking him in the eye "Again, Headmaster, I'm sorry, but I don't see how that's a problem. If you've done nothing wrong, nothing will happen."

His prodding in my head grew harsher, something I had to force myself not to wince at. If I could get him angry enough I might be able to skim the barriers of his mind. But I'd have to get him extremely angry for that. His ire didn't even slip into his tone "This could be a deliberate attack against me."

I tilted my head mockingly, tossing every bit of brainwashing he's thrown at me to the forefront of my mind "What for? Why use my name for it? It's not like you've been using my account for nefarious purposes. The Ministry couldn't do anything."

There, the inner corner of his right eye. The twitch was so slight, so very subtle, that if I wasn't looking for it, I never would have seen it. The twinkle in his eye was gone, a palpable static filtering through the air as he spoke "You are not the only ward I have, Amelia. This could affect all of them."

My father's raising me was such a blessing sometimes. I forced myself not to grin, or smirk, or raise my eyebrow in any way that could indicate that I won. I needed to time this just right. I leaned back in the chair "Well then, Headmaster, it's a good thing the only ward of yours that's been affected is the one who's dying soon anyway."

His hand it hit the desk roughly, and I took the split second that I had to skim the forefront of his head in his distraction. I only got two words, but it was enough. His words were still bone chilling "This is not just about you, Ms. Potter."

I nodded serenely, trying desperately to not spring from my seat and run "See, the thing is, sir, that it kind of is." He seemed speechless, so I continued "I don't really care about any of your other wards, as they're none of my business, but I do care about me. I'll be sure to speak to the goblins at Gringotts myself, as I'm sure they can do a blood test to identify me. No one," I gave him a pointed look "Will have access to my vault but me. And as for the inquiry, unless you've committed an act of fraud, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. The only way it will work is if you've done something wrong." I stood from my seat, nodding to him before I turned to leave "And I'm sure you've never wronged anyone."

He stopped me before I could get out the door "Ms. Potter, I advise you to think carefully about this."

I turned and gave him a sharp glare "I've done a lot of thinking, Headmaster. I am dying, it's the sort of thing that makes someone reflect quite deeply about everything they do. So here's an idea, sir. Instead of asking me to waste my time on an account at Gringotts that will be of no use to me in just over two years, perhaps you should just forget about it."

"Ms. Potter-"

The fury got to me a bit, that was the only explanation for me cutting him off so willingly "Snape." I let out a deep breath, trying to reign myself in "My name is Vanessa Ivory Snape. Nothing else. Now, if you'll excuse me, sir, I have a few newly open periods I have to find a way to fill."

He gave me a stiff nod, allowing me to leave this time. I probably lost some ground on a few fronts there, but I did win in one very important area. The first thing I did was go to the owlery to write a letter to Gringotts. Nadkoff and Gugrak would be very happy to hear about Dumbledore's concern over at least ten other accounts. It did mean they would have to contact the names of people on every account Dumbledore had a hand in, but I had just given them all they needed to legally inquire other account holders.

Once I sent that off to Gringotts I started wandering the halls, trying and failing to let the anger out in some way. Nothing was working. I'd never actually found myself in a place where I couldn't blow off any anger by brewing potions. This time though, my hands were unsteady, and my attention span was too short. I'd lose count of how long I had the cauldron on a low flame or how many times I'd stirred. There was no chance I wouldn't cause myself injury if I tried to brew. Which meant I now needed a new way to blow off some steam. What I wouldn't give to fight a basilisk right now.

Unfortunately, my wandering did me no good. Most students who passed me gave me a wide berth, something I was grateful for. At least I was, until two redheads decided it was a good day to bother me. I wasn't sure which of them spoke first, just that they both had cheeky grins on their faces "Snapette, we heard a little story-"

"-That you're no longer in Charms." I hissed at the reminder, making them both back up a bit "Now now, no need to get-"

"-A temper with us."

This was the closest I'd come to having my body morph without my control in years, and I knew it wouldn't end well if I lost it. My eyes squeezed shut as I clenched my fists "While I'm sure you two are having fun, I need you out of my way." They both just frowned, staring warily at me until I snapped "Move!"

Okay, bad. I had to get out of the castle. The second they were out of my path I made my way down to the entrance hall, pushing out of the doors and hurrying out. My eyes were burning, and my mouth was aching. Panic built up inside of me as I ran, hoping to get out of sight before anyone could notice. The Forbidden Forest was the only place I could think of where no one would come to find me, so I went to it, crashing through the underbrush.

I didn't stop running until I was in deep enough that I couldn't see the grounds anymore. Once I did my breathing was heavy, my chest heaving from the strain of holding myself back. My bag dropped from my shoulder as I allowed my body to change, my fury crashing over the floodgates in my own head. Too much had happened today. Uncle Remus, who had no clue who I was; Flitwick and Dumbledore kicking me out of Charms, my father even agreeing to it; Dumbledore's attempt to get me to reopen my account to him, even his stupid insistence on calling me Amelia Potter.

This wasn't good for me. I'm supposed to be spending my time with my friends, trying to live life as normal. At worst I was just going to get some amusement out of pissing Dumbledore off. It wasn't supposed to bother me, not now that I was dying. But it did. All of it did. I didn't even get to be a normal person anymore. I didn't even get to pretend that I was going to live past the age of sixteen. Angry tears welled in my eyes. I was so sick of being told who I was, what I would become, what I was allowed to do, and what I couldn't be. I wanted control of my own life. I needed to be free.

Before I could think any better, I took off at a sprint through the forest. It probably wasn't the smartest idea, given the fact that dementors could come after me at any moment. Still, the rush of wind through my hair was pleasant, and I couldn't really feel the small branches and leaves slapping against my skin through my scales. I was never going to get to fly, but with this much space to run I was realizing that I was bloody fast. Even with my vision as good as it was, I could never track the things around me if they weren't transformed.

My feet skimmed the ground, a strength I didn't know they had pushing me forward in what felt like small leaps instead of steps. I wasn't sure how long I was running for, but when I stopped the sun was setting. It gave the forest an eerie look, half into the dark of night and half in the light of day. The darker creatures that roamed the forest were beginning to wake, and I had no clue how far in I was. Or where my bag was. That wasn't good. I could only thank my luck that it wasn't the full moon yet. The last thing I needed was Uncle Remus running into me when he's had the wolfsbane potion.

Thankfully, the running did blow off some steam, so I wasn't going to be livid when I returned to the castle. Still, I tried retracing my steps through the forest. I think I just got even more lost than I was. The moon was high in the sky before I could notice, and I was still wandering like a blind cat. I was almost ready to just give up on finding my bag and heading in the direction I thought the grounds was in, but then came the sharp sound of hooves. The thought of centaurs coming near me sent a chill down my spine. They were easy to anger, if you showed them just the slightest sign of disrespect it could mean game over. And I didn't know any of their customs.

Still, I was forced to stand straight as a trio of them came into sight, trotting over to me calmly. I had no clue what I was doing, but the sight of my bag in one of their hands gave me a huge sense of relief, even as he spoke "I believe this belongs to you, girl."

I might have been relieved, but that didn't mean I was excited for this interaction "Thank you."

One of the centaurs stamped his foot, making me nervous "Do not interfere, Magnus."

I flinched back as he ripped my bag from Magnus' hand and tossed it at me. They turned to leave when I reached for it, and in my panic I realized I still wasn't sure how to get back to Hogwarts from here. So, against my better judgement, I called out to them "Wait!"

The one that threw my bag turned to glare at me "What do you want, human girl?"

That made me wince, knowing I messed up "Sorry, um. I just, don't know where I am. Could you point me in the direction of Hogwarts, please?"

The nice one, Magnus, pointed in the complete opposite direction I would have headed "It is a night's gallop in that direction."

I smiled gratefully "Thank you." Of course, then his words registered and my heart stuttered and my smile fell "Wait, a night's gallop?"

The silent one spoke for the first time, raising an eyebrow at me "Is that a problem?"

My head shook frantically "No, no. I just, better get running then." Of course, even if I sprinted the whole way I'd be screwed. How did I get this far out so fas- oh. Right. That was my only way back before sunrise then.

I barely took note of the centaurs still standing to my side, taking a deep breath and willing the second full transformation of the day to take place. I could taste the venom on my tongue as the night grew sharper, moonlight dancing gracefully off my scales. A collective hiss sounded from the centaurs "Desertores."

I looked over in confusion, the term unfamiliar to me "I'm sorry?" Their eyes were wide, frantic even, and I could only register their looks as fearful "Right, I didn't think centaurs would find me scary."

I decided it would be best if I just left them before I gave one of them a heart attack, gripping my bag tightly so I didn't lose it and taking off in the direction I was pointed in. It was much easier to register how fast I was running when I wasn't trying to blow off any anger, which meant it was also much easier to find my speed a little terrifying. The run back to Hogwarts was a good way to clear my head at least, but even then I didn't make it to the grounds until the sky started to lighten. Creeping into the castle was a strange affair, and I still had to dodge Filch on my way to the dungeons, but I made it all the way to the common room without any trouble. When I was finally in bed and my eyes drifted shut, my last thought was of how much trouble I would be in with my friends.